Where have I been?

You are probably wondering where I have been? LOL

Well we were gone for a couple of weeks on vacation to the happiest place on earth...Disney World. Then of course throw Thanksgiving in there......well, you know how it goes. So here I am, finally posting on my very neglected blog!

I thought I would start by posting a couple of pictures from our vacation. I just love going to Disney! The first picture is right after our daughter got a make over in the Bippidy Boppidy Boo boutique.  We normally do something really special like a character meal.  This year we decided if she wanted to do the princess make over we would do that instead and she did. 

The second photo is from our day at Cocoa beach.  Warm and sunny and so relaxing.  Honestly I think I'd love to live by the Ocean, and when I say that I mean right on the Ocean!  I'm not a big swimmer, but I sure love to sit for hours and just look at the enormity of all that water.  Something so peaceful and calming to me. Anyway, my daughter wanted to be buried in the sand and her wish came true!

The third photo is from Universal Studios Island of Adventure and the new Harry Potter section.  Let me tell you that this is fantastic!  Very much how it looks in the movie.  Although I have to admit there wasn't a ton to do in this section.  We did the ride of course.  The wand shop was down do to technical difficulties and by the time it opened it was swamped.  The candy store had a line a mile long.  It was cool to see but they need to seriously add more attractions to this area to make it really cool.

Let me know if you have gone to the Orlando area and what your favorite thing is to do there.....

Family Fun

Today I thought I would share some pictures of our family trip to the pumpkin patch. We go each year and try to do something a little different. There is a haunted house, hay ride, pumpkin launch, corn maze, hay bale maze, petting zoo, mock graveyard, etc. It is a lot of fun!

Patterns.....

Ok, so like I said, the Cricut Imagine is cool. I talked in my previous post about how it can print and cut. I also shared how it can print and cut layers that you can build to create dimension.

Well to even make things more cool, did you know you can add different colors and patterns to your designs before you print and cut? That's right! In addition to the art cartridges there are also pattern cartridges with colors and patterns! Also if you know the RBG color of a particular paper and want to match it up, you can do that too!

Nope, don't know how to do all of that yet. Like I said I need some time to really sit down and learn my new machine. I will get time and then I will share more with you.

A Girl......

Simply cannot get a new toy without getting some fun accessories, right? I mean really.....you have to get the bells and whistles too!

Above are a couple of art cartridges I have to go with my new Imagine. I was surprised at how many cartridges have already been released for the Imagine. Really cool stuff! I love how not only can you print and cut, but you can also print and cut layers and then build dimensional pieces. That is awesome because I love dimension!

So if you got the Imagine, what would you create first?

Newest Crafting Toy!

Hey there!

I thought today I would share my latest crafting toy with all of you! I was thrilled to received a brand new Cricut Imagine machine a couple of weeks ago from Provo Craft. I am really excited because I get to use my Imagine in my design work with the Cricut Circle. I have been playing with it a bit and so far I am really enjoying it.

This machine prints designs using HP inkjet technology. Once you have printed an item out the machine then cuts it around the edge. Very cool! I've done a few simple cuts and really need a good block of time to sit down and really learn to use the Imagine. Once I do, I will create something really cool to share with you here on the blog, so stay tuned for the coming in the near future!

So, is this on your christmas list?

Elmer's Goodies!!!

So I am a Buzz Agent. If you don't know what that is, it is a really cool site where you get to be part of campaigns to try products or services and then give feedback. I've been doing it for a couple of years now and it is fun. You give honest and open feedback about the products on surveys, facebook, and now my blog. Why my blog? Well, because the latest campaign is scrapbook related, that's why!

I got this pile of Elmer's and Xacto products as part of the campaign to try.  Well I have to say that I am really liking everything!  The adhesives work great and the tools are also working very well.  Have any of you tried any of these product?  I'd love to hear what you think. 

I've seen most of the items pictured at my local Wal-Mart store in the crafts section.  I would love to get your feedback if you have tried any of the items so just feel free to post a comment below!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.....

Well, over on Craft Test Dummies that is!  Check out my latest Christmas project using product from Tada Studios!  Follow the link below to check it out!

Gingerbread House

Have you started any crafting projects yet for Christmas?

Random Winner of the 2nd Gypsy Giveaway!!!

Well this has been a blast to host another Gyspy giveaway on my blog! I love reading each and every comment as they come in to my inbox! It is so much fun to hear all the creative things that would happen if you were to get a Gypsy! Did you see the latest promotion by Provo Craft if you register a Gypsy by Oct 31st?  This is also for current Gypsy owners who have registered a Gypsy!  Check out the link below to view the promotion. It is an awesome deal!  So if you have been on the fence about getting a Gypsy, the below promotion is a great incentive!

Gypsy Promotion

Now on to the random winner! 

Sandy said...



I would like to make cards for the troops! Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to win something I want so much!


October 20, 2010 10:17 AM

Congratulations Sandy!  Hurry and get me your mailing address so you get your Gypsy in time to register and take advantage of the special promotion!  Send me an e-mail at lfalduto at charter dot net
I will get this in the mail to you on Monday if I have your mailing address!

Thanks to each of you who visited and posted a comment on my blog! 

Another Gypsy Giveaway!!!

I told you there would be another Gyspy giveaway coming soon, didn't I?

Today is the day! This time you don't have to work so hard for your entries. Follow the instructions below for your random chance to win.

1. Post a comment below this post explaining to me what the first thing is that you will make if you win the Gypsy.
2. Send everyone you know over to enter! Because I will not draw a winner until we hit 400 comments. (one comment per person)

Once we hit 400 entries I will draw a winner! Let's see how fast we can get to 400 comments!!!!!!!!!!!

Class Kits! (discount for my blog readers)

So does anyone like taking classes to make layouts, mini albums, cards, or altered items? If you do, check out my project kit website and check out what kits I have available for purchase!

Paper Fashions Boutique

Get them while they are still in stock!  Special for my blog readers-  Purchase one or more kits from Paper Fashions Boutique and get a 25% discount on your entire order.  (not including shipping)  Place your order and then send me an e-mail at info@paperfashionsboutique.com telling me the coupon code "Falldiscount" and I will refund 25% of your order back to you through paypal.  I can't use a coupon code on the paypal site so this is the only way I can get you your refund. 

1.  Place your order on my website
2.  Send me an e-mail with "Falldiscount"  info@paperfashionsboutique.com
3.  I will refund you 25% of your kit cost from the site

This includes all kits still in stock!  Hurry, this offer expires on Friday October 22, 2010.

Winner of the Gypsy!!!

First of all I want to say...........if you did not win, please stay tuned to this blog channel. I think I have, oh wait, let me look...........

Oh yes, I see another Gypsy sitting on my prize table! So if you are not the winner this time, you better stalk my blog for another chance to win! As a member of the Cricut Circle Design Team sometimes they give me some cool stuff to giveaway. Provo Craft is so generous! Plus those who are members of the Cricut Circle get exclusive cartridges, events, private blog and message board, online magazine, and so much more! It is such a blast to be part of the Cricut Circle!

Now for the winner-----randomly chosen from all entries received--------

Rhonda V. said...


I would like to win a Gypsy so I can give as a gift.
I have a very dear friend who has been nothing but amazing to everyone else (including me) and has had the worst time lately. I'd love to brighten her holidays!
P.S. CONGRATULATIONS on becoming part of the Cricut Circle DT!!! WOOO HOOO!!!

Rhonda V----send me your mailing address at LFALDUTO at charter dot net.  I will get your Gypsy in the mail to you!

As for everyone else......watch my blog for another chance to win!

Want to win?????

So I promised a huge giveaway on my blog and it starts today!

See the photos above? Well this is the prize folks...a brand spankin' new Gypsy by Provo Craft! Yes, you have a chance to win this wonderful prize. Read on to find out exactly what you need to do to be entered to win!

1. Leave a comment and tell me why you would like to win a Gypsy. One entry.
2. Become a follower of my blog. Second entry.
3. Send 5 friends over to enter and have them list you as the person who referred them. Third entry
4. Current Cricut Circle member? Fourth entry

When will I draw a winner for the Gypsy? I think I will draw from all entries received on Monday October 18th.

Time and.........BIG NEWS!!!!!

Oh my, where does the time go? It appears it has been a couple of weeks since I posted! I have been so very busy and hopefully by the second week in November things will slow down. I have a huge project undertaking at my daughter's school that is taking 30-40 hours of my time per week, but it is temporary until mid-November. Then hopefully things will be back to normal.

Now for big news....many of you already know that I am part of the Cricut Circle Design Team. For those of you who didn't know, well, now you do! I am so lucky to get the chance to create on a regular basis using my very favorite piece of equipment called the Cricut Expression. I love, love, love my machine! Now I get to use it to inspire Cricut Circle members in the monthly online magazine! So what news do I have for you.......how will it benefit you???????

Let me just say that you will want to keep a very close eye on my blog for the next couple of days. I am going to be doing a big giveaway.....I mean BIG! Let's just say it has to do with a wonderful Provo Craft product as well.......

Feel free to guess while you wait......

Own a Cricut? Wish you did?

Do you own a Cricut? Maybe you don't own one yet, but it's on your Christmas wish list. Everyone who owns, or wants to own one, should attend this event. First, because what you'll gain from the education is worth so much! And second, an insider source tells me the GOODIE BAGS alone will include product valued over $300...because it includes a GYPSY and so much more!!

It will be WORTH the price of your ticket to attend and you get TWO free meals!!

Come join in as we learn about all the great Cricut products AND learn about other "hot tools" in the industry. I also hear other great manufacturer's and their tools will be there to share as well.
Date October 9, 2010
Time 9am to 9pm...12 hours of cropping goodness!!
Location The Grand Hall at the Gateway (open air shopping mall...yummy location), 29 South Rio Grande Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Cost $135.00 Buy Now!

Provo Craft is proud to host the inaugural Swarm! What is a swarm? A place for Provo Craft enthusiasts to gather and work on cards, layouts and mixed media projects while enjoying the company of other passionate crafters. Provo Craft will have Cricut Imagines, Expressions, Cuttlebugs, and Yudus available during the event for everyone to use.

Awesome Giveaways
And we have amazing give aways—2 Scrapbox Storage Systems, 4 Cricut Imagines, Martha Stewart Cake Machines, Cricut Cake Machines, Cartridges and more!

Everyone will be taking all four classes during the crop. The classes are:

Yudu
Provo Craft will be demystifying the Yudu Process. We will be showing everyone how to apply emulsion, burn a screen, rinse a screen, what ‘spidering’ is, the correct way to transfer an image to a transparency, using the new foil and flocking, the toddler platen, the sleeve platen, why you need a registration panel, and of course, screen print! We will have over 7 spooky Halloween images to pull on an item that you bring. Imaginisce will be on hand to blink out your pulled image with their i-rock tool!

Gypsy with Jennifer
Jennifer is the master at the Gypsy! She will be educating all on how to link a cartridge, updating your gypsy, how to delete a layer, converting a CDS file to a gypsy file, uploading a gypsy file, welding, and more! Jennifer will be providing Gypsy files after the class for all to upload! Oh, and if you do not have a gypsy, no worries—you will be getting one in your Swag Bag!

Cricut Imagine
Provo Craft will have Imagines set up for everyone to use during the swarm to enhance their cards, scrapbook pages, etc. We will have all the cartridges for you to play with during the event. The class will review all the facets of the Imagine product, especially how to incorporate regular cartridges with the Imagine!

Cricut Expression
Ever wonder what the Center Point key is? How about the Line Return? Multicut? Autofill? Mix and Match? Portrait? Well this is the class for you! We will be reviewing all the keys on the Expression to enable you to use your Expression to its full capacity. We will also show you how to UPDATE your Cricut Expression!

Provo Craft will provide lunch and dinner at the Swarm from Le Croissant (YUMMY!)
Our Swag Bags are stuffed to the gills with a Gypsy, Custom Cuttlebug Folders and fun products from our partners.
Creative Xpress will have their store on-site for all your last minute needs and products for purchase.

Purchase your tickets by clicing here

Fall Journal

Head over to Crafts Unleashed to see how I made this cute fall journal!

Cricut Circle Swarm!!!!

For more information about registration go to http://www.cricut.com/ or post a comment and I will be happy to help you out!  This is going to be a fun and amazing event!

Sneak peek of October Kits

I always love giving a sneak peek of my upcoming kits for Paper Fashions Boutique so you can see what line I've been working with.  So there is a peek photo above....leave me a comment and guess what company and what line this is for October!

Come and See Me, and a Winner!

First of all I wanted to let all of you know that this coming Saturday September 18th I will have a booth set up for Paper Fashions Boutique in Rhinelander, Wisconsin.  This is the 6th annual Northwoods fall convention hosted by Nosser's Stamp and Scrap.  This year there will be over 17 vendors set up and lots of fun make and takes.  The event will be held at Rhinelander High School from 9:00-3:00.  I've got some fabulous make and takes planned so I hope you will stop by my booth at the show!

Now for the random winner of the halloween goodies! 

karenvonbaron said...

Okay, so what's not to like about your boutique. I signed up for the email subscription. AND NOW I want to buy that travel photo book kit from August. Too cute! You always do such nice work. Thanks for your inspiration.
Karen #4500

Please send me an e-mail with your mailing address so I can get your goodies out to you!  lfalduto at charter dot net

"Orange" you glad you stopped by?

Welcome to my blog and thanks for following along on the Fiskateer Orange blog hop! If you are arriving at my blog from Jennifer's blog then you are on course!  If you have arrived from anywhere else you can start the blog hop at the beginning by using the following link-

Fiskateer blog

So I've created several projects that include the color orange.  How fitting since Halloween is right around the corner!  Would you like to win this collection?  Continue reading this post to find out how!

In the above project I used many tools.  One of my favorite is the Fiskars XL Seal of Approval Squeeze punch.  I use this on so many projects!  In addtion to this tool I've used some other border punches and my Cricut machine.  I sure love paper crafting and have been involved in paper crafting for years!  My latest venture is Paper Fashions Boutique so be sure to stop by a browse my website!

Now if you would like to win this entire Halloween collection leave me a comment below telling me what you like best about my boutique that I've linked to above.  I will draw a random winner on Monday to receive this entire collection! 

To continue on the blog hop you will want to click below where you will be taken to Keely's blog.  Have fun as you continue on the hop!

Keely's blog

New Kits!

In case you have not visited Paper Fashions Boutique lately there are a couple of new items for September!

First of all, I've gotten many requests from folks who want instructions right away.  So this month I created a mini book and am offering the instructions right away!  I did not create a kit for this one because I wanted to give instructions alone a try!

The second kit is a beautiful vintage style frame that would be perfect for grandma!  This kit is completely pre-cut for you so all you have to do is assemble it.  What a great project for a tween to make for grandma for Christmas! 

Head over to Paper Fashions Boutique and check out the latest kits in stock!

Smooch!

Have you heard of Smooch? It is a fun product by ClearSnap that you can use in your paper crafting.  I took a few bottles for a test drive over at Craft Test Dummies so head on over and check it out there to see what I made!

Want to join?

Back at the end of June I joined the Cricut Circle. What is the Cricut Circle? It is a group of Cricut enthusiasts who chat on a message board for members only,  attend events in their area and around the country sponsored by Provo Craft, have an opportunity to enter/win contests, have an inspiring monthly magazine in PDF format, chances to win weekly prizes, you get 4 exclusive member only Cricut cartridges per year, etc.  That is a brief summary and more is coming I've heard!  But let me tell you what my experience has been like in the past two months.

I joined the Cricut Circle at the end of June.  It started July 1st.  I received my welcome package about the 3rd week in July containing the first exclusive members only Cricut Cartridge called French Manor.  I also was invited to the special Provo Craft gala event at CHA in Chicago as a Circle Member.  I attended and as a result was given a new Cricut Imagine ($599 retail value).  I also got a brand new cartridge ($89 retail value) Next I attended a larger event a couple of days later at the CHA consumer show where there were over 100 members in attendance.  Not only was it fun talking with fellow Cricut members, but hearing about all the upcoming Cricut stuff from Provo Craft was also awesome!  At the end of this event I won a Cricut Cake! ($299 retail value) Yeah!

Then there was a Wisconsin meet up event scheduled for about a week later in the Milwaukee area and I drove down for that.  About 40 other Circle members came from Wi and neighboring states.  It was so much fun and we got to Yudu and item we brought.  I did a tote bag, others did T'shirt, scrapbook albums, etc.  I won a T-shirt at this event.  Everyone in attendance got a goodie bag with Cricut product. 

In July there was also an online promotion where you could nominate your school for a Cricut Expression which I did.  So my school is getting a Cricut expression free of charge.  ($299 retail value) How cool is that? 

In the short two months I've been a member I feel my membership has been paid 3 times over!  I know there is so much more to come as well....a swarm (400 Circle members) out in Utah in October and it was just announced there will be a Cruise in 2011! 

Anyway, I can refer others to become Cricut Circle members.  If you are interested please send me an e-mail with your e-mail address and I will make sure you get an invitation to join the Circle so you can be part of the fun!  Remember, just by joining you automatically get 4 exclusive cartridges in a year not availalbe to non-circle members so that alone pays for your membership!  If you are interested please send me an e-mail message that contains your e-mail address to LFALDUTO at charter dot net

Prima Flowers

Today I have another post up over at Craft Test Dummies all about Prima flowers.  I love Prima flowers and I really like reflecting back on where Prima flowers started several years ago and where they are today. 

Make sure you follow the link above to read my article over at Craft Test Dummies and then below you will find step by step instructions for creating your own copies of these designs!

1. I painted my wooden block ivory using acrylic paint.

2. Next I took a glue pen and glitter and added some sparkle all the way around to each edge so once I had mounted paper on the block you would have a sparkled edge.

3. Then I took and cut patterned paper squares that coordinated with my flowers to fit on each side of my block and attached them with a liquid glue. You will need to unscrew the paper clip to cover the top.

4. Then I attached one flower to each of the 4 sides.

5. Then I added my photos and to finish it off, tied a neat wired bow at the bottom of the paper clip.

1. Cut patterned cardstock to fit around the base.

2. Cut a coordinating color cardstock to fit behind the patterned cardstock so a bit is showing for contrast.

3. Stick both strips around the jar.

4. Tie a bow using a coordinating piece of ribbon to the neck of the jar.

5. Place a Prima Kalanchoe Watermelon flower right on the front of the patterned cardstock. The pearl is already in the center of the flower for you!

Prima Say it in Crystals

Those of you who know me, know how much I love bling!   Well Prima Marketing Say it in Crystals has to be one of my all time favorite bling related companies!  I just love the crystal flourishes and they keep coming out with such wonderful designs and have included pearls as well!

I recently did a review of Prima's Say it in Crystals over at Craft Test Dumies all about Prima bling and it is the brand new release from CHA Summer.  I want to make sure that I put the step by step instructions for the designs on my blog so you would know how to recreate the designs that I made if you desire.  That information is below. 

Before you begin, make sure you head over to Craft Test Dummies and read the review post first since it has so much information you will want to read!

I have two projects here and the first I will list step by steps for will be the canvas project you see above.

1. Start with an 8"x10" canvas
2. Use a border and corner punch to create a decorative frame that fits your photo.
3. Cut a strip of purple cardstock wide enough to hold the Crystal Swirl piece. I used a flourish stamp and watermark stamp pad to create a light pattern to my purple cardstock. Then I added a thin border of darker purple cardstock that coordinates with my frame behind the crystal panel.
4. Next place the Crystal swirl at the top of the purple panel.
5. Add your Cottage Blossoms to the swirl.
6. Next add some silver glitter to the Prima Craftable flower in a scattered manner.
7. Plade the Prima Love Letter Rose on top of the glittered flower and attach at the bottom of your Crystal swirl.
8. Last I added some glittered chipboard letters to spell "mom" at the bottom.

The next project is an easy birthday card.

1. First I cut apart two of the Say it in Crystal Colorful Lines to use on this card. Then I traced along the edge of my brown paper and cut along the line so the crystals would be a perfect fit.
2. I covered my card blank with striped paper and then attached the brown curved cut paper on the top.
3. Then I attached my Prima Say it in Crystal Colorful Lines along the edge as shown.
4. Next I took one flower from each of the 3 packages and attached on top of the Crystal strips in a cluster
5. On my computer I printed out Happy Birthday strips in blue ink, cut them and placed them under the edge of the flowers. You could also stamp the words and cut them out as well.