DIY WEDDING: BRIDAL SHOWERS

April showers bring May flowers?and June brides! The bridal shower, as we know it today, has its roots in a long and rich tradition as a party for the bride-to-be in anticipation of her wedding. Typically bridal showers include food, favors, and games. Sometimes favors or small gifts are given to the guests attending the shower as a token of the host?s appreciation. Whether you?re making decorations for the party or gifts for the guests, Cricut^® products have the ability to help you add that something special to any event.

Be sure to check out Crafty Kimber's excellent exploration of the Bridal Shower cartridge in today?s Chirp. You?ll also glean great crafting ideas from Cricut^® message board members in this week?s newsletter.

As always, I wish you success in your crafting adventures!

Lonna Joy Smoot
Editor, Cricut^® CHIRP!

CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT

Name: Crystal Wooten

About Me: I?m 53 years young and a grandma who loves crafting and flower gardening.

Instructions:

• Cut three 6" x 18" blocks of solid cardstock. Round corners on just one narrow end. Cut three 5 =BD" x 17" blocks of patterned cardstock. Round corners on just one narrow end. Layer together so there are three layered blocks.
• Take each layered block and, measuring from the end with square corners, score the back of the block at the 3 =BD", 6 =BC", 9 =BD", and 12" marks. These are the bases for the purses. Set aside.
• Cut six 4" x 10" blocks of solid cardstock. Cut six 3 =BD" x 10" blocks of patterned cardstock. Layer together so there are six layered blocks.
• Take each layered block and score the back of the block at every inch. Accordion fold the blocks. These are the sides for the purses. Set aside.

• Cut three 1 =BD" x 11" strips of solid cardstock. Cut three 1" x 11" strips of patterned cardstock. Layer together. These are the handles for the purses. Set aside.
• Using double stick tape or glue of choice, assemble purses. Secure the sides to the front and back of the purses, making sure that the purses will be able to open. Adhere the purse handles as shown, either tucking the ends between the base layers or underneath the top flap.
• Using the Lacey Labels cartridge, cut three 3" scalloped circles. Emboss the scalloped circle using the Swiss Dots folder.
• Using the Walk in My Garden^® cartridge, cut three 2" and three 1 =BD" flowers. Emboss flowers with desired Cricut Cuttlebug? folders.

• Layer scalloped circles and flowers together using glue dots and pop dots. There should be one flower for each purse. Embellish flowers with pearl pins or other accents. Adhere to purses as shown.
• Attach magnets or Velcro to the purses so the flaps with the flower on them can be kept closed.

Cartridge Used: Walk in My Garden^®, Lacy Labels

MESSAGE BOARD HIGHLIGHTS

This week's highlighted threads are:

• Bridal Shower Invitation
• Congratulations Wedding Card
• I Heart U Banner
• My First Flowers

CARTRIDGE EXPLORATION

A friend of mine is getting married, and I volunteered to help with the bachelorette party. Everyone knows I have a Cricut^® machine, so the pressure is on to create something adorable for my friend?s party. Thank goodness the Bridal Shower cartridge is out now?it?s going to help me get ready for the bachelorette party. This cartridge is part of the Cricut^® Events cartridge line and has tons of 3D projects that work with both a bridal shower and a bachelorette party. The handbook comes with instructions on how to assemble the 3D projects.

This cartridge has a diamond ring, a crown, a wedding dress, an umbrella, lingerie, a corset, and other images. There are several 3D projects: a square favor box, a purse favor box, a diamond box, and a crown. You can also create cards, nametags, diamond place cards, a banner, a diamond ring napkin holder, a gift tag with envelope, a cupcake holder, cupcake toothpick banners, a rosette, and a corset card. You can also cut six phrases: Bachelorette Party, Bridal Shower, Bride 2 Be, I Do, Thank You, and Bride.

As you can see, this cartridge has tons of options for table settings, party favors, invitations, and signs. I think I will use the banner with the shoe for my sign, the corset card for my invitation, and the diamond favor box as the thank you gift. Check out my photos to see what I?m doing for the big party. Thank goodness the bachelorette party is still three weeks away so I will have time to start a major project this weekend. Bridal Shower is the cutest cartridge, and I?m so glad that I decided to explore it this week. Now I feel really prepared for the party!

Check back next week when I pick another cartridge and explore it. Happy Crafting!

Happy Crafting!

Crafty Kimber

HELP FROM THE EXPERTS

Need some help? Provo Craft^® Customer Support is here for you! Never hesitate to call in (1-888-922-4725 or 1-888-92ccircle for Cricut Circle™ questions); we have people ready to help you! We are currently open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mountain Time. If these hours do not work with your schedule, please send an email to support@provocraft.com.

Have a great week!
Customer Support

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking together in the same direction.”
—Antoine de Saint-Exupery