My First Time

No, not that. This is a crafting blog people!! :) "Layering items cut on the Cricut Expresion Mike got me for Christmas" is the correct answer.

Yes, after more than a year of saying I didn't need or want it...I caved. Mike also thought the Expression was a good idea since I could to more with it than the original I had and barely used unless the girls were over - I know, I am a very spoiled and lucky girl!!

I cut out letters for a welcome back sign last week, but you-know-who wasn't all that impressed with that. Last night, my pal Debbie graciously let me borrow her Disney cartridge and - wait for it - I made several Mickey's. I think it might have gone faster and more smoothly if my Diet Coke had a little something added to it, but I finally caught on after the first 3 attempts.

Now, if you know me you know I can't stand Disney and find it to be my own personal hell, not the "happiest place on earth." However, a colleague's family is taking a very special trip to Disney next week and I wanted to do something a little extra for the trip. After some thought and input from other fantastic colleagues (thanks Marilyn!) I decided to make autograph books. Here's the first one I did:

I used 5.5 x 8.5 chipboard, card bases pre-cut to that exact size (go figure!), bought some official Disney paper, cut Mickey on the Cricut and layered, layered, layered using CTMH paper. The words were cut out on my Wishblade using a Walt Disney font I downloaded, and used the Bind It All to finish it off. I'll be heading out today to get some red, black, and white ribbon to finish off those coils. I have a second book I'm getting together right now, the cover paper is the only difference, done on purpose so the girls know which book belongs to whom by sight. I also precut their names in the Disney font for the first page. There are black mats on each left page for photos of the girls with the respective autographs. I hope they like it.

How's my Mickey, Disney people? If it isn't quite right, please lie to me. I'm bringing the books to work Monday and have taken it apart 17 times already to get it "just right." I think I'm there (in my own mind, anyway!)

As always, thanks for looking!


PS - Since my computer fizzled I no longer have any blog addys...if you can leave yours with your comment so I can visit you and return the love I'd appreciate it!!