Confessions of a Craftaholic...

To all my crafty friends out there...

I have a confession...

I have not crafted lately because my craft room is a disaster!  Yes!  DISASTER!!!  We had to move some furniture into my craft room; which I can maneuver around to get to my crafty area. However, once you weave your way through the maze of furniture you are then confronted with a serious mess of ribbon, paper, glue, fabric, flowers, scissors, markers, stamps, and all other matters of craftiness.  It seriously looks like some kind of ravenous crafting beast went on a rampage through my craft room.  It's such a joke how messy it is!  It almost make me think of that hoarders show; my room is that bad.  I am not even sure how that mess was accomplished! 

My confession is: I cannot create in a cluttered mess!  I just cannot bring myself to do it!  All my crafty juices cease to flow through my crafty brain...  And, apparently I do not want to deal with the mess either...  What is a crafty girl to do?  I guess I will have to suck it up and clean my room so that I can craft away.  Yuck!  I hate cleaning sometimes...

So once I clean I promise there will be some projects being posted. 

Don't hold your breath though... (hee hee)

Super Saturday Craft

First off... let me explain Super Saturday to those who may not know what they are.  I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and a lot of wards in our church have what is called Super Saturday.  Basically it is where a whole bunch of women get together to do crafts on a certain Saturday of the year.  It involves lots of crafting, eating, and chatting.  It is a lot of fun!  You do not even need to be a member to come join in on the fun so if you know a member ask them about it and I am sure they would be happy to invite you to one!

So a couple Saturdays ago my Mom asked if I wanted to come to her ward's Super Saturday.  Of coarse I told her I would love to and signed up for my craft.  I must say that I had a lot of fun!  It was really quite enjoyable and I liked how my project turned out.  Mind you, I still need to put a couple finishing touches on but I think you will get the gist of what it should look like.

So basically it is a Welcome sign you hang by ribbon on your door and you have different tiles for each season, holiday, etc.  Cute right?  All it took for this project was wood, hooks, vinyl, and paint.  Which got me thinking that it would be super easy for all you crafters out there to accomplish something like this of your own.  If you own a Cricut or a Silhouette then you could easily do it!  I hope it adds some inspiration.  I sure had fun putting it together!

1st EVER project with Cam!!!

Oh, Cam, you are my little gentleman. I'll take you to foggy London town 'cause you are my little gentleman... (for some reason Anchorman was in my head)  ha ha!  I know... I am a little crazy sometimes but everyone has some crazy in them right?... says the crazy girl.

Anywhosie... like I said in my previous post, the first project I did was for the hubs.  I feel really bad that I cannot rememeber the name of the font I used on my Mac.  My husband picked it out and I was not paying very close attention as he decided.

**** Pssst:  I think I was secretly letting my brain wander onto what project I wanted to try next.  Shhhh!  Don't tell.  As far as he knows I was giving him my  full attention.  ;o) tee hee!***

Well that is enough rambling from me.  Time to start showing the project I did using Cam.

*** Correction:  Thanks to Krafting Kelly, I now know the name of the font I used.  It is Copperplate Gothic Bold and we made it eight inches wide.  Thank you Krafting Kelly!

We used freezer paper and fabric paint.  There are many you tube videos with freezer paper if you are interested on how to do it.

Well... that is all for today.  Thank you so much for stopping by!

Sigh... LOVE!!!

Well, the news is in folks!

I am completely head over heals in love with Cam!

I do not know how I made it through my crafting life without him!

It has been rather regretful that I have not had more time to craft.  Life just seems to keep going on cruise control with no hope of pit stops or slowing down.  (insert long sigh)  Oh well...  I have much to be thankful for so I guess I really have no room to complain.  I will deal with the little crafting time I have because at least I can fit in some crafts!

I whipped up a quick card while I had a free second in between dinner, laundry, grocery shopping, and dishes.  (Yuck, I know... most of you probably just got that instant feeling of... blllaaaahhhh just thinking the words!)

Anywho... I am sure happy I was able to get a free second to cook up this cute little card.  Tell me to stop talking and start showing already!  ha ha!

It was really simple.  I just used the cute little weather girl and rain cloud from the Lettering Delights website.  I used the print and cut feature on the Silhouette Cameo.  I am quite impressed how simple it makes crafting in a pinch.  When you don't have a ton of time it is nice to know you can still create something so cute!  The cute little sentiment was typed using a free font called, just realize.  Throw in some Paper Trey Ink Paper, Bakers Twine, and cute patterned paper and what you have is a super cute card in less than 20 minutes!

Well, I hope this was fun for you!  I promise there will be more details with Cam and many more projects to come!

P.S. for all you Cricut users that expressed interest in my cartridges last month they are now posted on my etsy shop.  Please stop by and check it out.  The carts are priced at $12 - $15 since they are linked to a Gypsy.  I had too hard of a time trying to sell it all together.

My Cricut Supplies - ON SALE!!!

Alright ladies...

I think I got a little too ambitious and hopeful about how much I could sale all my carts for...

I lowered the prices so please head on over to my Etsy Shop and take a look.  It is a great time to start spoiling yourselves for Christmas!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/GettinCraftyStarkie?ref=si_shop

Thanks,

Crafty Starkie

Cricut Cart Sale - It's On!!!

Well ladies,

I am selling my Cricut supplies!  If you are interested head on over to my Etsy Shop.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/GettinCraftyStarkie?ref=si_shop

Thank you for expressing interest!

Blythe Starkie

SURPRISE!!!

I got quite the surprise...

AND...

Surprise it was...

Many of you know that I have been swooning over a certain sleek, tall, and smooth man.  I have been waiting since August for him to come into my life.  After a couple of months the day finally came where I was able to set up a time and place for our first meeting.  I made all arrangements for our first date and put down a deposit on our reservation.  I was anxiously awaiting the approaching date that was set for the second week of November.  Well, when I opened my email yesterday morning there was quite the surprise.  I noticed that I received an email from Cam the night before saying that he would be meeting me the next day.  Imagine my face as I read these words.  Delight overcame me just knowing I did not have to wait three more weeks!  I instantly got sooooo excited!  I could not wait to meet this new love of my life.  Only a short hour later my love arrived! 

Oh Cam!  I love you so!

(Don't worry ladies, I have admitted to my husband of my strong feelings to my new man.  He may get a little jealous at times but he is a good sport about the situation).

It was absolute torture the rest of the day.  I was at work and for some reason had to work the whole seven hours left in my day.  I don't understand why I had to work; I should be able to leave with such an important life changing event (maybe I am over exaggerating... but only a little bit).  I was looking forward to getting to spend some quality one-on-one time with my new beau!  Knowing that my love was finally in my arms but just out of reach drove me crazy!  And I will tell you right now... Not being able to spend time with him made seven hours D-R-A-G!!! 

Finally, after a very long wait, I was able to make my journey home and start on our relationship by getting to know one another.  Let me just tell you that Cam looks even better in person!  He knows all the right words to say and I know that we are going to have a beautiful relationship!  I look forward to some serious hours spent together as he helps me create beautiful projects!

(Picture of opened box and all inside to come)

I still can't believe he is here!  Yay!

I love you Cam!

Also, I should thank my cute hubby.  I love my husband for supporting my hobbies and letting me get Cam.  He is such a wonderful husband and I really do love him a whole bunch.  Which is why my first little project I did last night was for him.  :)

Pinning and Swooning

That's right... I have been on a "pinning" spree thanks to Pinterest!  Two words: Holy Moly!!!  There are tons and tons of creative ideas flowing on there!  I seriously can't even handle the excitement I feel when looking for inspiration.  There are so many great ideas and crafters in the world.  I am so thankful to live in a time that I am able to learn how to do a craft by reading someone's blog or by watching a You Tube video.  We are so blessed with so much free imformation on the internet and I am really thankful for that. 

Here are two Pinterest inspired projects I added to my fall decor.  I must say that I am rather pleased with how they have turned out.  I am anxious to get going on some other projects for my home.  I just love the holidays!

 This wreath was SOOOO easy to make.  Seriously... if you think it is cute I promise you can do it.  I bought a wire wreath frame from Hobby Lobby and some floral wire.  I also bought some cute orange wired ribbon and two costume boa's.  You just attach the two boa's to the wreath frame with the floral wire.  Add then you add the ribbon and ta-da!  You are have yourself an inexpensive and pretty feather wreath!  Super cute, easy, and inexpensive, gotta love it! :o)

This little autumn arrangment was also really simple and I think it is quite pretty.  I do not know why I have been so afraid of arrangments all this time.  I think my problem was that I thought everything had to match and it had to be flowers.  (Do not ask my why I thought this)  It turned out so cool with a variety of things together.  Sticks, leaves, berries, feathers, and lots of color.  I think that it gives it great texture and catches the eye.  I love it and already have plans for my winter one.

I have been going crazy without paper crafting... It just doesn't feel right to use all my Cricut stuff since I am planning on selling it all.  As long as I have Pinterest type projects to do when I get a creative "sweet tooth"  then I think I might be okay.  I just wish life could slow down just enough so I can focus on selling all things Cricut.

And, I am swooning because I am going to be the owner of a Sihouette Cameo at the end of the month! (sigh)  I am so excited for her to get here so we can play and build a great relationship.  I have a feeling we will be instant BFF's! :o)

Well, thank you for reading this really long post about my random thoughts and projects.  I will leave you with this cute picture of my dog Cooper.  I was working on cleaning the house - yucky yucky house work - and I opened our ottoman to fill it with blankets and he just decided to make that his bed.  Silly boy!

Non-Cricut Post

Hello beautiful crafty friends out there!

What a crazy couple of weeks I have had.  Work has kept me rather busy and when I get home the hustle and bustle just keeps on coming.  Sorry for those of you that have been waiting patiently for more information on the sale of my Cricut supplies.  I promise that will be coming soon.  I just have to wait for my schedule to smooth out and calm down a little bit.

A couple of weeks ago my Mom and I were trying to think of some cute neighbor gifts for the upcoming holidays.  We came across a super cute idea for a cupcake tote.  We gave it a try and for our first time doing them they turned out pretty cute.  I would perfect the final projects more but live and learn.  You always have to try to end up with the results you love.

This cute little tote was found at Paper Trey Ink and it is SOOOOO cute!  Seriously!  You need to go and try one.  Like now!

Here is the original idea.  I think it is way perfect and cute so good thing I practiced so next time I may have success like this!  Check it out!  Super Cute!

Cupcake Take Along Tote

Selling

The following blog is purely my opinion.  I do not want anyone to take offense to what I say or how I feel as they are my own thoughts and feelings.

I feel like a lot of people are confused as to why I am selling my Cricut stuff.  This really is a hard one to explain as it has a lot to do with my own personal feelings and opinions.  I do love my Cricut in a lot of ways but I have been getting really frustrated with several things.  Examples; cutting quality, expensive carts, limited image choices, etc.

Recently, I decided that I really wanted a machine that would give me the option to cut and print which made me hopeful I would find what I was looking for in the Imagine.  When I started to research the Cricut Imagine I found a lot of negative feedback.  This made me hesitant to spend my money on something that was going to be quite spendy when there were such awful reviews.

So I started searching the Internet for other machines that offer print and cut capabilities.  Recently I have found many of my favorite blogs use svg files and programs like SCAL.  I did not really understand all of it until I found one blog that was particularly helpful at answering all of my questions.  Please give her blog a visit if you are curious.  Under a Cherry Tree  Jin was extremely helpful for me and she is so informative about exactly what I have been looking for.  She use to be a huge fan of Cricut crafting and she switched to the Silhouette machine.  I had never heard of the Silhouette before and I am so sad I didn't because I feel I would not be in the position I am in now.

I would like to make it clear that the Silhouette is not the sole reason I came to the decision to sell my Cricut stuff.  When I first talked about it with my husband we discussed keeping both.  After some more time of thinking he asked me a question that really made me think.  He asked, "If you get the Silhouette will you still use your Cricut stuff?"  At first my response was, "Yeah!  Of coarse I will!"  Unfortunately, after some time thinking about it I am just not so sure of my initial response.  (I hate when husband's are right)  The truth is I am so frustrated with some of the things my Cricut struggles to cut out and how much money I have put into it.  So then I am left to think if I keep it, and it just sits there, it is a waste of money.  If I try to sell it all, yes I will lose some money, but at least I would get some kind of payback for it instead of it sitting untouched and unloved.  There are so many Cricut lovers out there that would love what I have and I want to give them the opportunity to spend less money for something they love and are passionate about.

I go back and forth a lot because I really do love the Cricut and some of the carts I have I will have a hard time parting ways with.  However, in the end I know it will get pushed aside and forgotten about and I do not have that kind of money to lose.    I have loved my Cricut and it is hard to part ways but it is for the best.

The Silhouette provides a lot more of what I am looking for in a die cutting machine.  I just feel it is a better fit for me and my life.  And in the end I could use the money I will make from selling my Cricut stuff and the money I will save from not having to buy expensive carts.  That is where my conclusion lies as sad as it may be.

Saddest Post EVER!!!

There are going to be many of you that read this post and will be left looking shocked!  This is going to sound so awful to so many, that I am nervous to even post such a thing but I am at a loss of what to do. 

I need to sell my Cricut Expression, Gypsy, and ALL my carts (which are linked to the gypsy).
I would love it if someone wanted the gypsy and all the carts but it will be pretty spendy and I am not even sure what I would charge.

I am getting sick just thinking about it. 

I really need some input from all you wonderful cricut lovers because all my cricky stuff needs a great home where it will be loved.

I have loved every second over the last year with all my cricut goodness but times have changed and I need to sell them now.

Carts:
Flower Shoppe
Word Collage
Paper Lace 2
Cricut Car Decals
Four Legged Friends
Nifty Fifites
Birthday Bash
Winter Frolic
Rock Princess
Simply Charmed
Country Life
B is for Boy
Block Party
Hoot 'n' Hollar
Cindy Loo
Mini Monsters
Create a Critter
Just Because Cards
Once Upon a Princess
Sweet Treats
Sentimentals
From my Kitchen
Everyday Paper Dolls
Winter Woodland
Sweethearts
Life's a Beach
Hello Kitty Greeetings
Storybook
Accent Essentials
Paper Doll Dress Up
Zooballoo
Opposites Attract
Mother's Day Bouquet
Nate's ABC's
Wrap it Up
Life's a Party
Everyday Pop-Up Cart
Kate's ABC's
Campin' Critters
Summer in Paris
Plantin School Book
Gypsy Carts:
Smily Cards
Bags, Tags, Boxes and More
Blackletter
Indie Art
Christmas
Gypsy Font
Gypsy Wanderings

That is 48 carts total with the gypsy... (sigh)

I am way in over my head at the thought of selling but, I need to.  Please give me any input on the best way to sell. If ANYONE would be interested... What to do... what to do????

Baby Girl

I was asked by my sweet mother-in-law to make a diaper cake for a baby shower.  I, of coarse, was excited to do so.  I had made one before and was excited to improve on some of my ideas.  My mother-in-law helped out a ton by paying for a lot of the stuff.  I am super happy with how it turned out and it was a hit at the shower.

I of coarse had to add some cute paper cut outs.

 Lots of cute fabric and ribbon were involved.

 Add some cute baby essentials that make it cute and decorative.  I used baby wash clothes for some rolled roses.  CUTE!!!  I know you love those little boot slippers too huh?

 I am really happy with how it turned out!  I love the colors and everything.  

Matching card!  Wa-Hoo!

Cute huh?  I really enjoy making diaper cakes because the end result is always so cute!  I urge each of you to try one when you have a baby shower.  You will not regret it!

Card Recipe:

Standard A2 Card 

Two Mat Layers

Mat Layer 1: 4" x 5 1/4"

Mat Layer 2: 3 3/4" x 5"

Simply Charmed Cart - Binkie: 4"

Ribbon - Michaels

Kraft Paper - Papertrey Ink

Scrap Paper

MPS - Everyday Sentiments

Paper cut outs on cake:

Simply Charmed Cart

baby and bottle - 4"

Scrap paper

irock tool

peachy keen face stamps

Diaper Cake Materials:

1/2 yard fabric

Ribbon

59 total diapers - size one or two

Assorted Rubber Band pack

pins

hot glue

cardboard cake board - Michaels

Lots of cute baby essentials

Cake:

Base - 34 diapers

Second Layer - 18 diapers

Third Layer - 7 diapers

Balloon Card

Still working on those cards with lots of scrap paper.  I wanted to do a cute simple balloon card and I think I pulled it off with this one.  I have been trying to use pretty vague sentiments so the cards can be used for different things. 

 Aren't thos cute little embossed polka dots cute?

 I also love all the bling on the balloons.

Recipe:

Birthday Bash Cart

                Balloons – 3.95” x 4.88”

Card Base – 4 ¼” x 5 ¼”

Mat Layer – 4” x 5”

Polka Dot Embossing Folder

iRock Tool

Michael’s Stamp (sentiment)

Papertrey Ink Kraft Paper

Floss

Scrap Paper

Sakura White Gelly Roll Pen

Memento Tuxedo Black Ink

Pop Dots

Rainy Day Card

Have any of you had those rainy days that are a little bit rough?  I thought this would be a great card for those that have a tough day and need some cheering up.

I really love how this card turned out.  I used blue chalk and chalked up the edges of the clouds which gives them a fluffy/soft look.

 I also sewed lines from the clouds to my rain drops to make it look like they were falling.  You can really tell when you look up close but it is harder to tell from further away.

I really like this card.  Simple but detailed.

Recipe:

Create a Critter Cart

                Large Cloud – 2.53” x  1.82”

                Small Cloud – 2.20” x 1.59”

Everyday Pop-Up Cart

                Umbrella – 2.78” x 3.00”

Simply Charmed Cart

                Popsicle Drip (used for rain drop) – 1.96” x 3.94”

Card Base (A2) – 4 ¼” x 5 ½”

Mat Layer – 4” x 5 ¼”

Sewing Machine

Blue Chalk

Michael’s Stamp (sentiment)

Sakura White Gelly Roll Pen

Memento Tuxedo Black Ink

Scrap Paper

Pop Dots

Paper Lace Card

Today's card is really simple and different from my usual style but I LOVE it!

Usually I love layers and mats and doodles but this is so adorable!

 Just simple paper lace and buttons.  Isn't is adorable?

Super easy and super cute!  I love it!

Recipe:

Paper Lace 2 Cart

                Lace – 4.25” x 4.06”

Card Base (A2) – 4 ¼” x 5 ½”

My Pink Stamper Stamp – Everyday Life

Buttons (Michael’s) (Robert’s)

Papertrey Ink Kraft Paper

Scrap Paper

Memento Tuxedo Black Ink

All I want for Christmas...

Seriously, I am going to have such a hard time waiting until Christmas for this awesome toy!  OH MY!!! I am seriously in LOVE!!!  This is going to sound like blasphomy for Cricut users out there but I CANNOT get over how cool this is.

My huband and I celebrated our four year anniversary on August 3rd and he told me that I could spend $500 on whatever I wanted.  I looked at him like he was nuts!  (We have been trying to save for a house)  Anywho, I was really tempted at first to spend that money on a new Provo Craft machine.  I could not decide between the E2 and the Imagine.  I started looking around online at reviews, pricing, etc. when I came across this beauty!

The Silhouette Cameo!!! (sigh!)

This will be making it's debut into the market in October. Right in time for the holidays.  So, I told the hubs to hold off on the anniversary gift and Santa can bring me this sweet machine to stick under the Christmas tree.  OOOOOoooooo!!!!  I cannot wait!!!

If you want to check it out you should visit the official blog.  silhouette

Super cool!



Plant Seeds of Kindness

Hello Crafters!

As I mentioned before in my previous post.  My Mom asked me to make her some cards for the women in her church.  So, for the next several weeks I will be posting pictures of the cards I am making. 

My goal is to use up some of my scrap papers I have collected over the last year.  I hope you enjoy my projects.

 I think this is a pretty cute card.  I personally like the sentiment on the flower pot.  Baker's twine is also really cute!

I wanted to show a close up of the stiching I did around the edges since it is hard to see in the pictures above.  I used my sewing machine and I think it looks pretty cute.

Recipe:

Just Because Cart

                Flower cut @ 2.13” x 3.94”

Card Base (A2) – 4 ¼” x 5 ½”

Mat Layer One – 4” x 5 ¼”

Mat Layer Two – 3 ¾” x 5”

Sewing Machine

Baker’s Twine

Papertrey Ink Kraft Paper

DCWV Playtime Paper

Pink Stamper Stamps – Everyday Life

Scallop Punch

Tim Holtz Distress Ink

Sakura White Gelly Roll Pen

Memento Tuxedo Black Ink

Button – Michael’sScrap Paper

Pop Dots

Practice practice practice

I have so many ideas with these flowers so I have to practice. I am finally catching on more and more.

Stay tuned...







I love them!!!! Flower Shoppe Cart is awesome!

I scream... You scream...

We all scream for ice cream!!!

Elizabeth Mae's blog is having a Birthday themed challenge and thanks to a crafty friend, Karen, who told me about it and encouraged me to take part, I did so.

There are just SOOO many summer Birthdays and I am running out of my card supply quickly so I am afraid you will be seeing quite a few Birthday cards coming up here.  My sweet Mom is also gionig to pay me to make some cards for the women in her ward (church).  So, I should have other cards besides Birthday cards coming up.  Until then... enjoy another Birthday card!

I really like the bright cheery colors!  I also love my bow easy!

I love doodling.

I used the crystal accents on the cherry and sprinkles to make them look a little more real.

Recipe:

-Birthday Bash Cart

   -Ice Cream Sundae (3.75")

- Card Base - A2 (4 1/4" x 5 1/2")

- Base Layer (4" x 5 1/4")

- Mat Layer One (2 1/2" x 3 1/2")

- Mat Layer Two (2 1/4" x 3 1/4")

- Happy Birthday Embossing Folder

- Divine Swirls Embossing Folder

- Bow Easy

- Papertrey Ink Ribbon

- Papertrey Ink Demask Paper

- Papertrey Ink Kraft Paper

- Scrap Paper

- Crystal Accents

- Stickles

- Sakura White Gelly Roll Pen