Monday, September 6, 2010

Tinkerbell Cartridge Giveaway Winner

Good Morning Everyone!

I wanted to post the winner from the Tinkerbell Cartridge Giveaway this morning-- before I head out and have to leave you all wondering!

It was:

Love your blog!! ..and all the others on the blog hop, so much fun!! Thanks for sharing and the chance at winning :) Ashley
Ashley, thanks for commenting on all the blogs along the hop, and I will get an email out to you this morning!
Congrats Ashley!
and Thank you everyone who stopped by!
Dawn

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Cricut Card Fairies 2nd Blog Hop-- and a Cricut Cartridge Giveaway!

Welcome to Dawn's Addiction!


You should have gotten here from Katz Designs. I hope you've enjoyed the hop so far, and I'm so glad you are here! I have some really exciting stuff here for you all... one of which is a Tinkerbell & Friends Cricut Cartridge to giveaway! I've got a little information for you before I get to that!

I know that you all have to have been enjoying the hop so far! Our second blog hop is sponsored by the very talented and generous Regina from CUTTING CAFE. She cranks out amazing designs almost daily. For my project today, I've used her Lined Note Paper Pad Set that she so graciously donated for me to use!




I started this blog years ago before I had my daugter, with the intention of it being to keep family, near and far up to date. Since then, we've added another; lost another, gotten married and built quite the life for ourselves. During this time; I got a Sixxix System, moved into the Cricut System at Christmas 2009, added lots of cartridges, a Gypsy and taken over the 'spare' room of our house to make it my scrap area (you can click the 'scrap area' for a video tour, or here for stills). I do lots of scraping, cardmaking and general altered items and have been lucky enough to design for Lila's Scrapbooking, a local shop as well as Papercraft Star, an online challenge blog and community. I am technically a stay at home mom, but do sales out of my scraproom- (thanks to a good friend....)I have amazingly low prices on many Provo Craft Items and Gypsys; all of my sale items are in stock and ready to go out.

As soon as I got my Cricut, I got on the message boards and got to know the fairies you all are meeting today! I couldn't wait to become a member of the Cricut Card Fairies, after losing so much of myself with the death of my son, I know how important it is to feel like the world remembers you; and things can get better, I knew I wanted to help cheer the world up; one card at a time! This journey began when Crystal, our Commander started this group over two years ago and we are so happy to announce that we have sent over 650 missions (card requests) all over the world to those that need a smile or good thought. In the last year or so, that I've been a part of this, the most touching card I ever sent was mailed to a family who lost their infant son. I mailed them a package with books, cards and letters from my husband and I to the mom and dad who lost their son. It touched me so deeply, not to know that someone else lost their precious child, but that I could impact them during their darkest time and maybe, help them walk out of the tragedy feeling a tiny bit better.

The Cricut Card Fairies are some of the most kind, generous, and talented woman with Cricuts!Some of the fairies have been in the army for the entire two years and we are so happy to welcome anyone that wants to join our ranks. To do so please send Crystal an email at cricutcardfairyarmy at gmail dot com with your Cricut Messageboard name and email. She will get you added to our great ranks and you can start cheering up people around the world.

Today I have a project to share with you that is not really back to school but could easily be adapted to serve that purpose. Being that I have no kids going into school yet; I have a tough time making things that would be for them. I thought that the Lined Paper Note Pad Set that Regina graciously gave to some of the designers would be perfect for this project. I made myself a little notebook using the PDF File. I used the lime green pages, as well as the templates to create my notebook and envelopes. I adore how it turned out, and had a hard time choosing which file I was going to create with; I highly recommend you jump over the The Cutting Cafe; and see what she has there! You could make this a mini noteboook, or a journal to record something that your child or yourself learn everyday for a month or more! Also, a HUGE--- THANK YOU to Regina for sponsoring this blog hop! Now; onto the giveaway, I know you've all been waiting. I wanted to stick with a Fairy Theme, since it IS the Cricut Fairy Bloghop-- so, I've chosen to giveaway 1 Brand New, Disney Tinkerbell & Friends Cricut Cartridge. There isn't a whole lot you have to do to win this. I'm not going to require that you follow my blog; but by all means, if you like it-- follow! But the one thing I am going to require is that you hop through and comment on at least 7 of the 15 blogs. I'm not going to require which ones, or anything else... but when I contact you and you've won; I will be checking to see that you DID infact, visit them and comment! :-) I've gotta make you do a LITTLE work, right? ;-) Please leave a comment on THIS posting to enter yourself, with a way for me to contact you when you win! I'm going to use random.org bright and early, Monday September 6th to draw my winner! GOOD LUCK!

Now head off to the next stop: Karel aka My Life in Pink. If you get lost please come back here, or start at the beginning and follow the links listed below. Happy hopping!

Here is the order:
Caitlynsmommy
GRKIDDO

LYNNE
ScrappyJess
Kat/Bluerose
Dawn's Addiction
(You are HERE!)
KarelJCreations
SherylGreene
LarelynSartini
Kisatrtle
AJoy713
BeeJay
Pamela

Cricut Card Fairy Blog Hop this weekend... and a Cartridge Giveaway!

Hey Everyone! I wanted to remind ya'll that there is a blog hop this weekend that I am a part of!

Also, I will be giving away a Disney, Tinkerbell and Friends Cricut Cartridge! :-) So, make sure you come back by and check it out! It will start at 9:01pm, PST over here at Dawn's Addiction!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Papercraft Star, Challenge #11-- Back 2 School


Over at Papercraft Star, we are in the midst of a Back to School themed challenge. The goal was to use a die cut system of some sort. I used my Cricut Expressions & Stretch Your Imagination Cartridge for the adorable, yet whimsical little bus.
Supplies:
Cricut Machine
Stretch Your Imagination Cartridge
Blue Metallic Cardstock (I used TPC Studios Royal Blue Shimmer, since once side is darker (base) and one is lighter (embossed layer)
Kraft Cardstock
Sakura White Gelly Roll Pen
Hemp Twine
Black Pen
Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Circles
Directions:
1. Cut your metallic dark blue cardstock to 8.5X 5.5. Fold in half, hamburger style.
2. Cut a yellow mat at 4X5.25. Stick down.
3. Cut a lighter blue metallic layer at 3.75X5 and emboss using the 'circles 'Cuttlebug Folder. on one side, wrap a few times with natural twine (I used hemp twine), and double knot to hold. Then adhere onto yellow mat.
4. Using the Stretch Your Imagine Cricut cartridge, cut each layer of the schoolbus, in the colors you choose. I usedmy Gypsy and hid all the contours of the shadow cut, and cut in Kraft Cardstock.
5. Glue layers together, and using pop dots, adhere to the card front.
6. Cut the tag @ 2". Add a white square- and scribble your note on.
7. String the tag through one of sides of cording, and tie it on loosely.
Embellish as you wish. You could easily add some glitter, I added white dots with a gelly pen, as well as colored where the hubcabs on the bus would be silver. I hope you can come over and play along! Entries can be linked until Friday @ Midnight EST.

And voting starts bright and early Saturday Morning, and goes through Monday.
Winners will be announced Tuesday.
Enjoy!
Dawn

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Zoe's Cardboard Cow @ Evergreen State Fair


Today, we spent almost the whole day at the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe. I got to do some judging on herdsmanship for the 4H Cattle Clubs and Man, it was tough! All those kids are good. They did an amazing job of cleaning up after their animals, taking great care of them and keeping the beef barn clean for their guests. Great looking bovine.
Now, onto the cardboard bovine show. For insurance and safety reasons, kids under 9 years old, and not in the third grade cannot show live bovine (and I doubt they want to show dead ones) so they have a little show for the younger crowd of cardboard cows, that the kids decorate and then show. Zoe got to do this.
This is her with her cow on display, before the show. You may notice some Cricut 'tattoos' that she insisted we add.




Here she is in the show ring, walking her cow around to show the judges.

And, there it is: here 1st ribbon!

Growing up, I was the little girl who always wanted a pony, and once I was old enough bought one with my mom. We still have her to this day (7 years later) and although my mom does majority of the care, it is nice to know that as Zoe gets older she will have the chance to do 4-H with Latte. I'm not sure we have much of a cow future, since we don't have the space in our little suburban rental; but it's always possible.

We had a great day; ate wayyyyy too much fair food (like a bloomin' onion for lunch; funnel cake for dinner) and did lots of walking so we're all exhausted tonight... I'm still waiting for Zoe to crash (and it's 8:30pm, with no nap!) but I think she's still running on sugar.

Be sure you hop over to Papercraft Star and vote for your favorite project. Voting ends tonight at midnight EST.

Enjoy!

Dawn

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Papercraft Star, challenge 11 Teaser


The challenge at Papercraft Star this week is back to school using a die cut system of some sort.
Here is your teaser! :-)
Make sure you stop by Papercraft Star Thursday, Sept 2nd when my project will be featured so you can see it as well as lots of other inspiration. I will also have my directions posted of this project on Thursday here.
I hope you'll join us in the challenge!
Enjoy!
Dawn

Fred, She Said Free Download

Hi Everyone!

I'm out and about, working at an estate sale for a friend today; but didn't want to leave anyone bored!

I noticed yesterday, while surfing around, that over at Fred, She Said there is a download for these flowers in a PDF. They are already patterned, I did a little distressing also with my Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Tea Dye. I'm not usually a fan of downloads and printables, but this definetly gave me a good taste for them, and makes me want more!

I made the outside pretty simple, with the flowers as the focal point, and on the inside stamped the sentiment below.

I think this will make a great encouragement card for someone going through a tough time. I think the sentiment is supposed to be for Christmas time, but I like it better for encouragement throughout the year.

Did you see all the more recent promo type deals I have going on right now? Or, how about the brand new Gypsy's for $153.00?

Today, Adam is heading to Sumner, WA with Zoe to go to an RC Helicopter Fun Fly with Zoe. I think they'll have lots of fun! They are dropping me off in an upscale city called Newcastle, WA for the estate sale. All week Zoe's been telling people that 'On Saturday, we are building mommy a new sand castle' I just think it's adorable! :-)

Also, in Newcastle there are some spectacular viewpoints of Seattle and the Surrounding areas so you can bet your bottoms that I will have photos to show off!

Can't wait to get them up! I hope you all have a great day!

Also, head over to Papercraft Star today, and vote for your favorite card this past week!

Friday, August 27, 2010

A few special deals....

Hi Everyone!

I know there are many of you who are here for the Cricut Cartridge Deals or maybe the Brand New Gypsys I have for $153.00, and I have all those that are listed still!

I wanted to let you guys know... that I have a few really special prices on cartridges also for those of you who are thinking about it, I hope this helps put you over the edge!

These are only 1 cartridge at the price... so once it's gone, it's gone and I'm offering these first to people who are purchasing other cartridges as well.

So... if you buy ANY cartridge at the price listed on this page, or a Brand New Gypsy I am going to offer you these special deals to 'add on' to your purchase:

With any purchase you make of Cartridges or a Gypsy... for $22 Dollars more you can get Graphically Speaking or Stretch Your Imagination. For $25 Dollars more you can get Hello Kitty or Christmas Cheer.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Gypsy & Accessories SALES!

Only 4 Available!
Brand new, sealed in original box w/ all stock accessories
Gypsy Handheld Design Studio
(does not include carrying case or Destinations Cartridge)
Included:
Gypsy Itself
Pink & Black Neoprene holder
Silver Stylus
2 Preloaded Cartridges (Gypsy Font & Gypsy Wanderings)
Gypsy to Cricut Cord
Gypsy to USB Cord
Gypsy to Cartridge Linking Cord
Gypsy Wall Charger
When you register it online, you will recieve your Cricut Reward Points
$153.00


I do recommend insurance & delivery confirmation on Gypsy Shipping, for both our safety!
Gypsy Accessories:
Gypsy Silicone Starter Sleeve Sets:
Black $12.00
Gold/Black $12.00
Green $12.00

Pink Bling $13.00
Cherry Blossom $13.00



Stylus Set 3pk - $10

Car Charger $8

Wall Charger $8 (exactly the same as it comes with!)

Let me know if you are interested and ready to purchase any of these!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Papercraft Star Challenge #10- Always Drink Upstream From the Herd Card

I know you've all been waiting for this one, I've been anxious to show you!


My Papercraft Star Challenge 10 inspiration entry went live today

Over at Papercraft Star, the challenge is a clean and simple sketch for a card (see lower). The prize for this challenge is a blog button, letting everyonek now you were voted the people's choice winner and sometimes even an extra special surprise gift (last week was a $10 Paper Trey Ink Gift Card!). Laugh away! I thought it was the perfect opportunity to use my Rusty Pickle Stickers, and this horse print paper I had laying around. :-)

Head over to Papercraft Star and see what all the designers have come up with.


The name of the challenge this week is 'Clean and Simple Card'.
Here is the Sketch: I hope you can come over and play along! Entries can be linked until Friday @ Midnight EST.

And voting starts bright and early Saturday Morning, and goes through Monday. Winners will be announced Tuesday.

Enjoy,
Dawn
Supplies List:
Kraft Cardstock, cut to 11X4.25, and scored at 5.5
Medium Brown Paper, cut to 5X3.75.
Horse Bottom is from 'Horse Words' by Flair Design Inc roughly 1X2
Saying is a sticker from Rusty Pickle
Brown Cardstock for matting
Jute Twine for under the horse w/matting & Rusty Pickle Sticker w/matting
Pop Dots for lifting
white Sakura Jelly Pen for white dots
Walnut Stain, Tim Holtz Distress Ink for edges

Zebra Print 'Life is a Journey' Packaged Card Set

This evening, I quickly whipped up some cards.

I had no real reason, other than to gain some sanity in my quiet scraproom (which didn't happen anyways, since wee one followed me in, and whined the wholllleeeeee time) so I ended up making them r-e-a-l quick, to be done and get her out of my hair.

I knew I wanted to use Zebra Print, Black & White and the life is a journey stamps, so it wasn't real hard to throw together.


This is them, packaged up, ready for sale or to giveaway.
Supplies (for four cards)
2 sheets of 8.5X11 Vellum, cut to 8.5"X5.5, and scored at 4.25"
2 sheets of Paper Trey Ink Card stock, in True Black cut to 8.5"X5.5" and scored at 4.25"
Zebra Patterned Paper 4 pieces 5"X4"
White Card stock 5.25"X just between 4" & 4.25"
Black & Silver Kaisercraft Rhinestones
Studio G Stamps
Staz On Ink
On Black Base Card, adhere white card stock. Layer with Zebra Paper. Using Vellum Adhesive, or Glue Dots; adhere vellum card OVER front and back cover of card. On the front, stamp 'life is good' with Staz On Ink--- LET DRY, or it will smear. Add Rhinestones as you see fit.

I hope you have a great evening! Enjoy!
Dawn

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Zoe photos and Clothespins

I can say, the title doesn't sound ALL that exciting, but it is a 'cute' day in my house.

This morning, it was perfect to go outside and do a mini shoot with my daughter, Zoe. Of course, since her and the dog (Sophie) are inseparable, the dog joined us in the front yard. This is a little teaser of the quick (literally 15 minutes) shoot!
On a crafty note; I made these little goodies today.


Not the tin holder itself... but the clothes pins.

This is a closer look at them, also remember that you can click the photo and see them larger as well. I made a gypsy cut, to do twenty cuts (for the sides) at a time, and then adhered them with liquid glue, pressing the extra out the sides and ends. After that, I was thinking about Modge Podging them, to make them glossy, but decided to save the time, and add little prima flowers instead.



Supplies:
10 Wooden Clothes Pins
Patterned Paper of your choice
(mine is from the DCWV Summer Dream Stack)
Tacky Glue
(I used Scotch Quick Dry Tacky Adhesive because it was closest)
Prima Flowers
Mini Brads
Glue Dots


Directions
1. With your Gypsy, or design studio- make a rectangle that is 9mm wide, and 72mm long.
2. Cut twenty of these
3. Adhere by lightly gluing to the wooden clothespins
4. If you'd like, now would be the time to Modge Podge these.
5. Stick the brads into the prima flowers, and with scissors, cut off any of the brad 'neck' that is sticking out of the sides, so it doesn't show.
5. Using a small glue dot, adhere these to the clothespin as desired

Viola! Done.

Have a great evening!

Dawn






Monday, August 23, 2010

Maui Memories Embellished Box :: Box cut w/ Gypsy

Before I get going here... I want to say that I rarely require anything from readers.

This is my one request before you continue reading any further about my project for the day.

Go to whatever music program you use; be it playlist.com (which is great for streaming music of your choice, free) or some search engine... I need you to turn on the song called 'Toes' by The Zac Brown Band. I hope that this will help you all to get into the mood I'm trying to set here.

Done? Alright, you may read on.

One day last week, I was blog hopping (in my own fashion, not on anything formal) and found Cross My Heart Papercrafts by Giselle Varela. She makes boxes. She does this with her Gypsy. Generally she is inspired by something, and then creates cuttable boxes, which then can be assembled and embellished.

I found her Shrek Box and the pure simplicity of it; requesting the file, getting the file, uploading it to my Gypsy, cutting, then embellishing, made me so happy, I knew I must try at least one.



I've always LOVED little bags, but don't make them because basically; they're useless. I can't make a small paper bag and embellish it to give to my daughter. Come on, she's two (two and a half if you ask her) but regardless, two or three- she'd rip it to shreds in minutes. Therefore washing all my little box and bag hopes and dreams down the chute. I don't make them for myself either, because it's just another 'thing' to store for a purpose down the road, that won't come. So, if I make it for something right now- it will be used, and given away. Maybe then it will be trashed and garbaged; but at least I won't see it happen. :-)

The file I used was her Shrek Nuggets Box- you can see it on her blog here and then request the file from Giselle. She will send it when she can, and voila! you can make your own.

I made my little box here for storing trinkets and papers from our Maui Honeymoon in July.

Since I'm like 2 years behind on scrapbooking, and haven't had a scrappin' bone in my body lately (just cardmaking) I figured I may as well store these cutely (is that a word?)

In the box is a mix of boarding passes, luggage tags, parking passes, rental car stuff, postcards I mailed home to Zoe while we were there, and just other crap I want to keep (I'm like a minor hoarder, since things can always be used for something....).
SUPPLIES:
Shrek Box File from Cross My Heart Papercrafts
DCWV Textured Yellow Cardstock
DCWV Summer Dream Paperstack for the blue floral print paper
Life's A Beach Cricut Cartridge
Rhinestones by Kaisercrafts
Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Spiced Marmalade
Notes about Cricut Cuts:
1. The Phrase 'Maui Memories' I made, and welded with my Gypsy.
2. With the Flamingo Cut, I wanted to not show the blue patterned paper through the black beak, so I used my Gypsy to hide the contours of the beak, and made a 'blackout' Flamingo cut in light pink.
3. The waves border is stretched to 6.5" long, and 1" in height (again, on my Gypsy)
Enjoy!
Dawn



Saturday, August 21, 2010

Papercraft Star, Challenge #10 Sneak Peek!

It's time for another sneak peek for challenge #10 over at Papercraft Star! That's right... you ARE looking at a horses rear. :-) I can't wait to show this card, I absolutely think it is a kick in the pants! :-)

Enjoy!

Dawn

Friday, August 20, 2010

ROCK PRINCESS!

Hey Everyone! I just got in 1 Rock Princess Cartridge for $38 if anyone would like it! I'm going to add it to the sale list as well, and the first person I heard from gets it! :-)

Dawn

Published Writing of Mine

Many of you know, this month is a hard one for me. It is the first anniversary of Knox's death, and I have been struggling with the anxiety of how I am going to feel about it. I know, a weird thing to be anxious about, but I'm doing okay- and I know I'll be okay now. I can say, up to this point, second from those first two days, of find and losing him- August 18th was definetely the most difficult.

NW Sids Alliance & Infant Survival asked me to write a small bit for their newsletter about this first year. I was happy to do so, even if it makes me cry just to read it (still).

I wanted to share the link.

Go ahead, and click here- it will open a PDF of the August Newsletter.

Thanks so much to everyone who reads my posts about Knox. I know it's a really difficult topic for most people, and a lot of people don't know how to react or what to say. My little story for NW SIDS should help you all to know how SIDS parents feel in regards to their lost children.

:-) Enjoy and Thank You to NWSIDS for allowing me to do this. I think it's really helping me heal and grow as a person!

Dawn

Thursday, August 19, 2010

The list is out!

I've teamed up with a good friend of mine, who is a master at getting amazing prices. I am doing her sales now, and we are offering amazing prices on Cricut Cartridges. Check out my Cricut Cartridges for Sale page!
There is no funny business here: really just two woman who want to help other crafters out. Being a stay at home mom, I know exactly how expensive it can be to keep up with the growing library of Cricut Cartridges and what it's like to want one so bad it hurts! Deb has let me, offer to all my bloggie friends the prices she sells them for to her friends. (Lucky you!)


If you have questions, or need some info, or want to see a project done with any of the listed cartridges, let me know and I'll see if I can't create something to highlight the cartridge for you.

Thanks for stopping by, and make sure you scroll alllllll the way to the bottom to see other great deals and stuff we are selling.
The photo is just a TINY piece (probably not a 10th) of what is stored and not photographable at the moment!
As you can see from the photo, there are also Blue CuttleBug Packages, Cricut Stamping (creation) Sets, A Slice Cartridge and Jukeboxes.
Enjoy!

Dawn

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Lila's Scrapbooking, Designer Project #2

As you can see on the left sidebar, I am also a designer for a local scrapstore here in Washington State, Lila's Scrapbooking. I've been a big fan of Lila's since she opened for business in 2008, and almost always has exactly what I want or need, and if she doesn't- she gets it! I have been lucky enough to get to know some of the other ladies who frequent the store- one of them being an original Lila's Designer, Elisa. I love her shabby chic stying with lots of vintage flair. When they held a designer call a few weeks ago, I jumped on the chance! Then, I was chosen!

Anywhoo, this is the second batch of things I've gotten to do for them. the first was with the new Little Yellow Bicycle Boardwalk Line. I'll see if I can find my photos for those as well.

I hope you like them! I invite you to stop in the store, and check them out in person as well.




(inside of upper card)
Enjoy!
Dawn

Papercraft Star Challenge #9

Here it is, Ladies and Gents-- my card for challenge #9 over at Papercraft Star! Hurry over and enter your projects! You have until Friday at Midnight (EST) to get your entries in, and voting will begin Saturday Morning.

Supplies I used are:
The paper is from My Little Yellow Bicycle.

All lace is Rusty Pickle
Letter stickers are flexible and adhesive plastic purchased from Joannes, but I'm not sure the brand.
The vintage image, is from a sticker set I picked up at Lila's Scrapbooking.

Enjoy!!!

Dawn

It's been one year now, since I held my baby.

Knox,

If I could talk to you, and tell you how I feel I would tell you all the things I miss seeing you do. Laughing, feeding you, laying on the floor with you taking pictures of you, feeling you snuggle up to me and being content not knowing what it's like it miss a child.

Today, you've been gone for one year. It's been 365 days since I smelled your skin, kissed your nose and rubbed your feet. It's been 12 months since I got to see your smile. It's been a long road buddy, and I wish that SIDS never stole you. I wish I would have walked into that room 5 minutes earlier and woken you up from your nap instead of getting your sister down for her nap before checking on you. I wish we'd chosen to head to grandma's for the day to cool off and hang out there. Maybe you'd still be alive. I know I can't change anything, and I know that dwelling on things will only make my missing you hurt more.

I know I'm going to make it, since I'm not bawling while I type away. Your sister is still sleeping, and we're going to pick blueberries today with friends. I know I'll be thinking about you all day long; and missing you never stops hurting. I know you are watching over all of us, I feel like I've seen you around me, and I've surely felt you around me, especially in the past few weeks. If you were still around, you wouldn't be so little anymore. You'd be walking, talking and running along with your sister, you would probably still sleeping and mommy would too. I don't think I'd be up yet, if I wasn't thinking so much about you today.

Last week, at Michaels (thats that craft store you went to a million times) I saw a woman with a baby who looked identical to you when you were itsy bitsy. It took every ounce of strength I had not to start crying when I saw him. She was such a good mom, so loving with him and talking to him through each step she made of shopping. He was beautiful. The same blue eyes, and I swear to you- the same nose exactly. For just a minute, I saw myself talking to you when we got to take a rare lone trip anywhere, just Mommy and Knox. I really miss those trips.