MPS LoveALicious - WINNER!!!

Please forgive this really quick post, I have a very busy day ahead of me.  I just wanted to stop in to post the winner from my My Pink Designer Pink & Love Challenge.

I used Random.org and it chose #41.

The winner of the MPS LoveALicious stamp set is:

Heather from Heather's Krafty Korner.
Heather said... This is soooo cute! I love the pink panda and zebra! TFS!
ra6352 (at) gmail (dot) com

Congratulations Heather!!!  I will be emailing you to get your mailing information.


Thanks for looking. Questions & comments are always welcomed. Lori

My Pink Designers: Pink & Love Theme & Giveaway

Welcome to our My Pink Designers Design Challenge!!  Robyn gave us designers the challenge to use the color Pink and the theme is Love this month.  I decided to make a Love Notes Box.  I decorated the box an made 4 coordinating cards to fit in the box.

The box is one of the recipe boxes from Michaels in the dollar bins.  I just covered it with red & pink card stock & did a little pen stitching just to add a little something.  I added some pink & white polka dot ribbon around the cover with a faux bow & added a heart button to the center of the bow.
The cupid is from Celebrate with Flourish, cut @ 3" in pink, dk pink, & white.  I added some doodle dots to it too.
For the front of the box, I welded the hearts & blocks with letters to spell out Love Notes from Simply Sweet.  I cut  them again, hiding the letters for the coordinating color to show through.  I also cut them twice out of cereal boxes & layered them to give some dimension.

 The cards are all basically the same except for the image.  The base of the cards are pink (embossed using the Cuttlebug & Duff's (The Ace of Cakes) Texture Tiles.  The red strip is  embossed using the Cuttlebug & the Polka Dots (5x7) embossing folder.  I added the ribbon with 2 knot bows.  The pink & red hearts are from Simply Sweet.  I used My Pink Stamper's "Happiest Moments"  Stamp Set.

I will be giving away 1 set of My Pink Stamper's "Love A Licious" Stamp Set. This is the other set we are highlighting for this challenge.  (Continental U.S. mailing only).  All you have to do is leave a comment on this post with a way for me to contact you.  I comment please.  I will post the winner on Saturday.

Snail:  Create A Critter

 Squirrel:  Create A Critter

 Panda:  Pagoda

 Zebra:  Create A Critter

Thanks for joining or visiting our challenge.  You can go to My Pink Stamper to see all of our designer's work & visit their blogs.
Thanks for looking. Questions & comments are always welcomed. Lori

Winner: My Pink Stamper Blog Hop

I used Random.org to pick the winner.  (I could not get it to copy a pic of the drawing - sorry)
We had 209 comments and Random.org chose # 150.
So congratulations goes to :
*Star said:
                Super cute card! Tfs and have a great day .:)
                star24601 at gmail dot com
                starspaperpassion.blogspot.com

Star, I am emailing you now to let you know & to get your mailing information!!
Congratulations to *Star & thanks to everyone that played along & hopped with us on our first blog hop.


Thanks for looking. Questions & comments are always welcomed. Lori

One more day to comment!

For those of you (Continental U.S. Residents) that want to be in for the Blog Candy:  My pink Stamper Blog Hop
Please comment HERE.  The cut off time will be Wed. Jan. 19 @ 5pm Central.  I have to have time to check the entries & do the drawing.  Remember, please only 1 comment per person.  I will be announcing the winner on Thursday.

Thanks for looking. Questions & comments are always welcomed. Lori

Owl B-Day Card

This card was for my husband's step mother.  She loves owls & I wanted to used this stamp from My Pink Stamper Tweetie Hoo Puns.  I thought they went very well together.  This is also the first card that I have made using the new Action Wobbles.    They are for sale now, YAY!!!!  The entire branch & owl wobble on the front of the card. 

Recipe:
Hoot and Hollar Cart. - Owl & Branch
Lacy Labels Cart - Label for stamp
MPS Stamps Tweetie Hoo Puns
Cuttlebug - Polka Dots 5x7 embossing folder
Imagine - Colors for Branch & Leaves - used custom colors
Nursery Tails Cart - Color for Owl & Label
Action Wobble for dimension & movement

I used my Gypsy & Imagine to design & create this card.
(Gypsy used to design - not used to cut w/ imagine - still need update)
Thanks for looking. Questions & comments are always welcomed. Lori

Imagine Update

OK, so Friday my new Imagine was returned to me.  At first I thought I was going to have problems.  After turning on the machine, I was supposed to insert the Imagine More Cart & it was supposed to do an update.  Nothing happened.  I turned off the machine & entered in the cart 3 times.  It still did no update, it never even prompted me (like the instructions said that it would) to enter the cartI tested everything that was going wrong with my original one.  I even tried the Nursery Tails Cart (That came w/ my original) & that did not work either.  The 3rd time that I entered in the IM Cart the black bar that blocks the ink carts finally moved, but that's it.  I put in the ink carts - all fine.  It never did prompt me to do the calibration.  So I just decided to plug it into my computer & do the sync w/ Cricut Sync.  All worked fine.  I have the latest version.  I tested everything that was going wrong with my original machine.  It worked with the Cut Only, Print & Cut w/ an Imagine Cart, Print & Cut w/ a regular cart, & cut w/ my Gypsy.  All was great.  I used my I Saturday to make a card (I'll post after this one).  It worked like a charm.  Sunday i showed my Sister in Law my new toy.  Again it worked.  YAY!!  All is wonderful!!

Yesterday I tried to cut something that I had in my Gypsy.  Now nothing happens.  Gypsy & Imagine do not connect.  Nothing was changed on either my Gypsy or my Imagine since the last time they were used together.  The only thing I did was use my G with my E on Sunday.  Then on Monday it does not connect with my I.  So what I needed to cut, I did on my E.  It worked!  So it is not my Gypsy that is not working.

I asked Chris about this on the Provo Craft MB.  (He has been a doll.  He is doing so much for so many with technical difficulties.)  BUT, I did not like the answer that I got about this.  Here is my post & his answer:

Me: "My I was working great until today.  I have not tested everything again, but I tried to cut something using my Gypsy and they would not connect.  Nothing had changed with my I or my G since Friday when I received it.  The only thing that I did differently was that yesterday (Sunday) was use my G with my Expression.  Now it will not connect to my Imagine.  Will keep you posted as to if anything else is not working."

Chris: "Sometimes the G and the I don't see each other. I'm not sure why that is but it usually just requires disconnecting the cable and reinserting it or turning the Imagine off and back on again."

Well this has been done numerous times in many different combinations.  I know PC is working hard to satisfy all of us.  But a $300 Gypsy & a $500 Imagine should communicate when the update is done to allow it.  It worked & then it didn't.  I need a solution or even "This is something we are aware of & are working on it." Not, "Sometimes they don't communicate & we don't know why."

Sorry, but I needed to vent a little.  Hopefully, this little matter will be addressed soon.  I really do love all of my machines.  I'm just hoping this is a little glitch.

**  Ok I just got an update:  The big update that will happen either later this week or next week, will improve compatibility with the G & the I.  So hopefully this will correct this problem.**

**Even another update:  Chris is sending me out a new cable that connects my G to the Cricuts.  I was having trouble before Christmas with my G being connected to my Expression.  it would cut them in the middle stop & say that they were not connected.  Hopefully either the new cable or the update will help.  I really don't want to send it back again.  I want to get to know it, especially with everything that is in store for it.**

Thanks for looking. Questions & comments are always welcomed. Lori

My Pink Stamper Blog Hop

Welcome to the My Pink Designers' first blog hop.  If you are coming to my blog from Edna's (Pinke) Blog then you are right on track.  If you stumbled through blog land and came across my blog, by all means welcome.  But to do the entire blog hop, you will want to start with Robyn - My Pink Stamper.
This blog hop is going to be so much fun for both the designers and you.  We were given a secret challenge that we can't tell you about.  But if you do the hop with all of us, you will be given the directions of the challenge.  That way you can do the challenge with us, submit it on Robyn's blog to be entered for a prize!

My name is Lori aka LiveLaughScrap.  I have been married to my husband for almost 17 years.  We have 2 beautiful children:  DJ 14 and Alexis 10.

Welcome to the 2011 My Pink Stamper Design Team Blog Hop

I am extremely excited to be one of Robyn's My Pink Designers.  When I first joined the Cricut MB, her blog & videos were the first that I visited & watched.  I have learned so much from her.  For Robyn to have picked me to be on her design team is such an honor.  I look forward to working beside my fellow design team members.

My crafting style is pretty simple.  Whenever I make a card, wall letter, gift bag, or any project for someone I try to make it as personal as can be.  I used to scrapbook years ago when my son was a baby, but got away from it.

My Cricut Story:
Enter in the Cricut baby bug in January 2008 (a belated Christmas gift from my parents).  This began the Cricut obsession (addiction) that became LiveLaughScrap.  I still don't really scrapbook, but I do make cards & other projects.  The project that I make most are my Wall Letters.  My friends keep me busy with those.  I was given my Expression as an early birthday/Christmas present from my parents in 2009.  Then Provo Craft came out with the Gypsy.  I finally broke down & got it when Michaels had it on sale.  I don't know what I did before then.  It seems like I can't even make the easiest of cards or projects without using my Gypsy.  When I found out that the Imagine was going to be launched on HSN in September of 2010, I jokingly mentioned it to my dad.  He just laughed it off saying that he has fed this addition enough, LOL. My dad passed away on September 27, 2010.  On Christmas morning, my mom presented me with a huge box.  As soon as I saw it I knew what it was - it was the perfect size.  It was an IMAGINE!!!  When I opened it, she told me that my dad had called in to HSN to order it during the 1st airing (11pm CST) of the launch before he went to bed.  Since then, I have had to send it back.  It was not working properly.  I am trying to patiently wait for my replacement.  Provo Craft is taking care of me, it's just my patience that I am having trouble with - LOL!!

Here is the card that I made for this blog hop.

This is an A2 (5.5" x 4.25") size card. The easiest way to make this card size is to start with a 8.5" x 11" card stock and cut it in half.  Fold that card stock in half & you have an A2 size card. 
I find it easier to make card front then add them to a card base.
I started with card stock sizes: craft color 4.25" x 5.5" & 4.25" x 1  5/8"; pink 4.25" x 2.5"

I used my Cuttlebug to emboss the different layers.

5.5" x 4.25" embossed with the typeset 5x7 embossing folder

4.25" x 2.5" embossed with the polka dots  5x7 embossing folder

1 5/8" x 4.25 embossed with the swiss dots A2 embossing folder

I cut the cupcake from the Celebrations Cricut Cartridge.  I cut the blackout layer in brown @ 3.5".  Then I cut the layers out  @ 3.5" in some pattern papers that I had in my stash (sorry I don't know the stacks or makers).

Instead of cutting the layer twice in both colors, I used my Gypsy to hide the wrapper that I did not want pink.  I did the same for the topper so that it would not cut in the floral print.

I used a brown marker to put in sprinkles on the top of the cupcake & to color in the lined on the wrapper.

I added some green & pink rhinestones along the bottom of the card to add some sparkle & draw in the green in the wrapper.

I inked all of the embossed pieces with vintage photo distress ink.  I also used this same ink to edge the assembled cupcake and card.

I popped up the cupcake on the card with some pieces of cardboard (double thick). (I couldn't find my pop dots & had to improvise.)

The stamp is from My Pink Stamper's Everyday Occasions Set.  It too was stamped in vintage photo distress ink.

I used my Gypsy and Cricut to design & create this card.

To continue on with the Blog Hop & to figure out what our challenge is my key word & Blog Hop order is below.

My Key Word Is: US

Blog Hop Order:

Robyn

CarrieAnn

Court’s Crafts

Sonia

Julie-readysetstamp

Pinke

Lori LiveLaughScrap (You Are Here)

Helen (Next My Pink Designer To Visit)

Agnes-Flowerdisco

Craft Junkie Too

Angela’s Simple Creations

Kassidy

Cristi

Bling Queen Wendy

Shauna at Craftee She

Andrea

Raechel

Meesh’s Pieces

Pam

Shelley

Tammy

Karlee

Maria

If you are still here after all of that, you  deserve a little something.

Give Away:  Continental U.S. Only.  All you have to do to qualify is leave a comment with contact information.  Please leave only 1 comment.  Deadline to enter is Wed. Jan. 19.  I will announce the winner on Thursday.

As we all know Robyn has been working with Mike "The Glueologist" from Beacon.

Well, I discovered their 3 in 1 Advanced Craft Glue just a little before her first video with him.  I just love this stuff.  I use it for everything.  For more information about it click on the picture.  Like their Zip Dry, it does not make your paper wrinkle & I find that it does not clog in the applicator as quickly or easily.  Although, I do love Zip Dry too.  Do we not all love adhesive?

 Thanks for looking. Questions & comments are always welcomed. Lori

Teaser Alert!!! My Pink Stamper's 1st Ever Blog Hop

That's right!  Robyn, My Pink Stamper is having her first ever blog hop at 8pm tonight.  She is doing it to introduce her new (3rd) design team.  We are having a challenge that you can be a part of.  All you have to do is go My Pink Stamper for your instructions.  She will also be having a giveaway along with some or maybe even ALL of the My Pink Designers.

We are all so excited to be a part of Robyn's design team.  This hop is so different than any others that I have seen.  It is going to be so much fun.  So please join us at 8pm (CENTRAL) TONIGHT!!!

Thanks for looking. Questions & comments are always welcomed. Lori

My Pink Stamper Design Team

I am so very excited to make this announcement.  I have been asked by Robyn, My Pink Stamper to be on her design team.  I am excited to work with the rest of the design team.  Tune in on Friday for our first blog hop.
Here are the rest of My Pink Designers:  Click their names to get to their blogs

Carrie Anne Deloach

Courtney (Courts Crafts)

Sonia (Scraps 4 Fun)

Julie Ann Weise

Edna McGreevy

Helen Bisesi

Agnes (Flowerdisco)

Tracy Wellman (Craft Junkie Too)

Angela Scieska

Head Designer - Maria McGuire

Kassidy Thomas

Cristi Burton

Wendy Lawrence

Shauna (crafteeshe)

Andrea (Divine Domestic)

Raechel (Raechel's Cards)

Michelle Lee

Pam Nisson

Shelley (Cricut Cuteness)

Thanks for looking. Questions & comments are always welcomed. Lori

Cricut Imagine: Said Goodbye Today

OK, so my disfunctional Cricut Imagine is on it's way back to Provo Craft.  I packed it up along with the Imagine More Cart & all the other doo dads that go along with it.  Hopefully, it won't be long before I have my new replacement.
I'll keep you posted on the progress.

Thanks for looking. Questions & comments are always welcomed. Lori

Provo Craft Customer Service: Cricut Imagine

I was able to get in touch with Provo Craft this morning.  There was a little hold time, but all in all it was not too bad.  (I have learned to call as soon as they open.)  My customer service rep. was Jenny.  She was very courteous, nice, & helpful.  She listened to my entire problem & concerns, asked me a few questions.  She put me on hold to check with a technical representative & came back to tell me that with what I am experiencing they will have to replace it.  She did ensure me that it would be a brand new Imagine, not a refurbished one.
I had to return my original baby bug (at that time - they would send out a new one w/ a return label & you would return the broken one after you received the new one.)  My experience then was very good.  Now they are emailing me a label to send this one back first.  She said turn around time is about 2 wks.  Hopefully this goes smoothly & my next Imagine will not be sick.
Thank you Provo Craft & Jenny for very professional customer service.

Thanks for looking. Questions & comments are always welcomed. Lori

Sad Day: Cricut Imagine

I have not had much time to play with my new toy or get to know it much.  I made the one card, & made some cuts with my Gypsy on the Imagine, but that's about it.  I did not touch it for the past 2 days - too busy w/ family & holiday stuff.
 I tried to test some things on it tonight & it will not cut at all.  It will print, but not go through to the cutting system.  When I cut only, it pulles the mat in, stops, & the screen goes back to the mat image.  It will not release the mat.  It just prints & sticks out of the back of the machine.  I have to manually pull it out & turn off the machine.  I also cannot get my G to attach to the I. The I says that it is connected, but the G says that it is not connected to a Cricut. It does however connect to my E & cut.
I have faith in Provo Craft.  Hopefully this will be taken care of quickly & painlessly.  Well, as painless as it can be when I have to ship it back to them.  I will be calling PC Monday.

Thanks for looking. Questions & comments are always welcomed. Lori