My first take...

Last December, I decided to go ahead and pay for the exclusive membership for Cricut Circle. Yeah, I am now an official Circlet! I got my kit for almost a month now and I've actually used already the Shall We Dance cartridge that came with it. Being a charter member, I have the access to the Cricut Circle blog and so far I've been browsing and reading it and so far so good.  I was actually overwhelmed with gorgeous creations from the DT as well as the members. Last month, I was thinking of joining the monthly challenge but because of the holidays, it was just impossible. Since departure for Europe will be set for next fall, I now have all the time in the world to do crafting after one project to another. Yehey for that, although I know it makes my DH sad.

I decided to take my first plunge on the Cricut Circle Monthly Challenge - Scraplift. There is a bit of few rules that requires from every participants. The fun part is they are giving away these awesome prizes:

1.) Cricut Cake machine
2.) Cricut Cake Chef Hat and Apron
3.) Creative Memories Seasons Cartdige
4.) Creative Memories Reminisce Cartridge

Rules are as follows:
1.) Scraplift a project seen in the Cricut Circle blog.
2.) Use two or more cuts in the project
3.) Use products from at least two of their sponsors.
4.) Challenge is open ONLY to Cricut Circle members.
5.) Deadline for entries will be on Jan 30th 2011, Sundat at 1159 MST.

As I was browsing the blog, the cookie pops of Nancy Damiano had caught my fancy. She posted the project in December 18 and she used Cricut Cake machine for the project. Here's a picture of what she made:

I didn't make cookie-pops but I hope my entry will be close enough to hers.  BTW, she makes awesome scrapbook LO's and love them!  She puts so much details into her work...

Here's my take for this challenge:

 I die-cut 3 circle shapes, from George Cartridge then dry embossed them using Cuttlebug machine and embossing folders.  Then I cut another 3 circle shaped with the dimention of 5 1/2 using George cartridge and then punched around the edges using MS corner craft punch. After which, I started die-cutting my heart images and its layer pieces using Love Struck 2010.  I matted them the hearts in a red foil doilies just to add some sparkle.  Once done, I adhered the replica cookies in a skewer.

I start looking for jars in the house and the next best thing I found are three empty clean mushroom jars. 

I was debating if I should use the lid or if I would just drill a hole or just let it be open like what Nancy did with her project.  In the end, I opted for the latter. 

Then I found some nice pink/purple Daisy D patterned paper that I used to dress-up the jars. Adhered it, added square diecut with "Dad" word on it and embellished it.   Next, I look for my clear goody bags, shoved it inside the jars, trimmed the excess using pinking scissors then filled it up with red M & M chocolate coated peanuts.  I used M & M's in replacement of the pebbles then I tied the bags with red twisty ties,

inserted the skewers with fake cookie-pop and added some curling ribbon.  Presto, I got myself an entry and sweet treat to send for my DH who misses his family so much.  But boy, I worked on this project all night.

 

BTW, I am also using this project too as an entry to Emma's Throwback Thursday Challenge - HEARTS. 

Please check her site and join in the fun. As an added note, I got a notice this morning informing me that my Creative Time stamps were already mailed!  Woot!  Woot! I can't wait to play with them..

This treat will be mailed to DH soon and it will come with this awesome gift that I'm sure he would love while killing time.

 

 

Happy Valentines Day in advance Hon!  Hope you like your gifts...

RECIPE:
PAPER: American Craft, Bazzill Basic Paper, Daisy D's, GP 110 white and PTI
TOOLS: Cricut Expression, Gypsy, Cuttlebug machine, embossing folder, MS Edge craft corner punch, PC paper trimmer, Making Memories acrylic paint, paintbrush, ATG, and Zig 2-way glue pen

CARTRIDGE: George (circles & squares) and Love Struck (hearts)

EMBELLISHMENT: Lace, curling ribbons, Recollection flat-back pearls, Recollection acrylic shapes and Heidi Swapp bare chipboards 

OTHERS: Skewers, clear goody bags, twisty ties and M & M's chocolate coated peanuts

Goodluck to everyone and if you are still not a member of the Cricut circle, I suggest you think about it really good.