The Challenges of ALL Challenges

Hi Scrappers!  Danielle a.k.a. FitterTwit here with another fun design team challenge this week!!!  I gotta tell you.... THIS ONE WAS TOUGH!  The entire design team had a hard time staying on task just to bring you this inspiration.  The challenge:  Design an original project with a gambling/bunco theme using Sizzix products... no other company's die cut/embossing products allowed.

Pam, who stayed on task, used Sizzix Flourish with Hearts to create this WONDERFUL layout of her and her card club... so fun Pam!!!  She also used Bazzill cardstock, Anna Griffin Chipboard Alpha Stickers, Kaiser Craft rhinestones, Copic multiliner, Sukura white gel pen and beautiful red ribbon to finish out her design.  

 Marijo, who swears she stayed on task (we know how hard it is for this Cricut Queen), used the Sizzix cards embossing folders with Sharpie markers on lightweight metal sheets from Quickuts (you might also try this on heavy-grade aluminum foil).  She says that the keno balls and dice were hand cut, but I couldn't fault her if she ended up breaking out her beloved Cricut!!!  You'll want to make sure you swing by Paper Vineyard for super fun titles and embellishments for a fun Las Vegas themed layout!!!

Here is a close up of Marijo's embossed card.... I LOVE those Sizzix/Tim Holtz Alterations Cards embossing folders!!!

Next up is Gayl's Gamble project.  She actually went in a completely brilliant and different direction with our challenge theme.  This is just WONDERFUL!!!  As can always be expected from our oh-so-artistic Gayl, she managed to touch on life with this inspiring work of art and the definition of a true gamble.  She used Sizzix/Tim Holtz tattered flower, Sizzix/Tim Holtz Movers and Shapers Large Cabinet and We R Memory Keepers Travel Light Paper.  It seems that last week's We R Memory Keepers Travel Light challenge really got her going....

This is the cover to her All In album also featuring We R Memory Keepers Travel Light as well as Sizzix!!!  GORGEOUS!!!
And now for MINE.....

YES, OK, so I failed this challenge miserably!!!  I CANNOT NOT play with all my toys!!!  So, while I did use Sizzix quite a bit in this project, I just couldn't follow the rules!!!  So featured in my project are the Sizzix Mini Paper Rosettes (I only used one of the two that come on this die) using the Sizzix Big Shot.... my FAVORITE die cut/embossing machine.  But then I used the Cuttlebug Clockworks embossing folder in my Big Shot along with Spellbinders dies!  It is NOT my fault!!!  First, the Tim Holtz Gears embossing folder was sold out within something like 48 hours of arrival at the store last week.  AND THEN.... is it MY FAULT that the Sizzix Big Shot is compatible with just about every die on the market???  With the Big Shot, I don't HAVE to buy Sizzix dies exclusively!!!  That is just a fantastic feature of owning one, I gotta say. 
I also used my new DCWV papers and embellishments from the Immortal Love line, the Martha Stewart Circle Cutter for the photo mat,  my EK Success card suit punch, Creative Impressions Red Swirl ribbon, washi tape and Bazzill Basics bling to finish this off.  I just gotta say a special "Thank You" to my friend Cindy S. who inspired those SUPER FUN ribbon stitches on my photo mat (check out yesterday's post)!

And finally, here is my FIRST attempt at this challenge which didn't even turn out to be part of the gambling theme at all!!!  Again, I used my Sizzix Big Shot to emboss the Cuttlebug Clockworks folder and cut the Spellbinders Nestability dies as well as the Sizzix/Tim Holtz Alterations Gears die.  I was just so inspired by the new Technique Tuesday stamps that arrived at Paper Vineyard last week, that when I pulled out everything to get started on this week's challenge, well.... the project above is what came out!!!  hahahahhaahhahahhahaha!  I thought it turned out beautifully using the Cosmo Cricut scraps from a previous challenge, so I wanted to share it with you. 

That does it for today's design team projects.  Be sure to swing by Paper Vineyard to check out all the new stuff that has arrived... it's all pretty great!

Puttin On The Ritz

Hey Gang, Danielle a.k.a. FitterTwit here with today's SUPER FUN post!

So, do we really need a reason to dress up? And really, what would life be without a little shimmer and shine? So for those out there who, we KNOW, have glitter running through your veins, here's some blingy projects to brighten your day.

First up is Gayl's BREATHTAKING creation... Introducing Venetian Lace!!! She used SookWang double adhesive paper, ultra fine glitter, Petaloo flowers, Bazzill gems and Shimmerz available now at Paper Vineyard. Gayl, this project ROCKS MY SOCKS!!! I cannot believe how imaginative you are and the color scheme of this project is perfect in preparation for the spring season! I love it!!!

MY project features Elizabeth Crafts Glitter Ritz, Copic markers (of course... you KNOW how I loves me them Copics!), pearls that originally started out as aqua before receiving a much needed Copic marker treatment and Cosmo Cricket Valentines paper. Everything seen here is also available in-store now, so hurry.... while supplies last. OH! I almost forgot... also making an appearance is our new Copic Spica pens offering a little sparkle to this little girl's dress, socks and the roses she's holding. This project just makes me smile; come on, can you look at all this sparkle and not smile??? :)

Ok sparkle freaks, that's it for you! For those today who are a little more subdued, I've got another great project completed by the OH-SO-TALENTED Emily!!!

Emily created this AWESOME project featuring the upcoming Cosmo Cricket Circa 1934 line that's soon to be in-store.... anyone else as excited as I am?!? Thanx for this Emily, you did an AMAZING job on this project. GIRL POWER!!! LOL!

Ok, that about does it for this week. We'd love to see what you create! Feel free to bring your own awesome projects in to Paper Vineyard. We have a new and improved (with tons of space I might add) crop area that's $5.00 A DAY to use with access to our Accucut machine and a whole store right there to shop... call for availability and we'd love to see you there, 480-656-2058. Psst: We're a ton of fun too! Feel free to check out our website at PaperVineyard.com for upcoming classes and events also! Have a great one folks.... keep on crafting!

Take Me Out Of This World

Cosmo Cricket is just one of those dependably wonderful lines of scrapbooking products... and "out of this world" only BEGINS to describe the awesome projects the design team is showing you today featuring Cosmos Cricket!

First up is Emily's GORGEOUS Birthday card. Emily went WILD with some of our favorite products! This card features Cosmo Cricket's borders paper from the Circa 1934 line (coming soon to Paper Vineyard) as well as the tiny type letters. Seen here is also a clear doily and trinket pin from Maya Road, Prima pearl embellishments and red twine. I'm lovin this Emily!!!Next up is Gayls AWESOME tag book using the Cosmo Cricket Boyfriend line. Such a wonderful mini album! I love the details on this one!!!

Here is the inside of Gayl's tag book. Gayl says, "used SookWang double sided adhesive paper and ultra fine glitter. This should be a must have for everyone who loves to scrap." Well, we agree Gayl! Life without BLING is no life at all!!! LOL! Great job on this Gayl!

And finally, MY project is TRULY out of this world!!! I, too, featured Cosmo Cricket paper as well as Glitter Ritz Glitter and twine. I also used the in-store Accucut to cut the pyramid box. The Accucut die cutter is available at $2.50/half hour, so feel free to come on by and check out the catalog showing all the shapes available to cut (psssst... there are quite a few cute goodie boxes you can cut like the one shown here). It's a wonderfully economic way to complete any project you are working on since the Accucut will cut in multiples!

Ok, that's all for today. "Thanks" to our AWESOME design team for the wonderful projects they shared! Come on in and check out all the Cosmo Cricket we have to offer and stay tuned for the new Cosmo Cricket that is on it's way! Also, Paper Vineyard has an incredible Anniversary Raffle going on. Details will be posted here later in the week, but feel free to call us anytime for more details: 480-656-2058.