Weddings...oh, that dress
On a recent trip to Chicago, toward the end of the flight, I struck up a conversation with the gal seated next to me. She was on her way to attend her dear friend's June wedding. Ah June. The month of all things wedding. Not all, but many nuptial couples have tied the knot in June for...well, a long time. In fact, this tradition dates back to the days of the Romans. According to Wikipedia, the word tradition "comes from the Latin traditionem, acc. of traditio which means 'handing over, passing on'".
So here's the deal...the Romans kinda liked June weddings because that was the month dedicated to Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage. June weddings were also influenced by agricultural seasons and events. For instance, if a couple was married in June, the wife wouldn't be too pregnant not to help out during fall harvest, aaand she would be in shape for the next harvest. Hmm. That doesn't sound so romantic. However, this beloved tradition of June nuptials has continued through the millennia. I love traditions.
It is not uncommon to hear the following conversation amongst those attending a wedding: "Did you see the bride? Wasn't she just so beautiful!" "Yes, and did you see the bride's maids?" (Silence) I wonder if there is a practical "Roman inspiration" for the tradition of ugly bride's maid dresses in today's advanced civilization. Now there's one for us to think about. I wonder.
Consider this: at every beautiful bride's side there are several atrociously dressed individuals. Each one of these fair maids endures the view of hundreds in the congregation. It would be safe to say that each of those individuals attends a bushel full of marriage ceremonies and festivities during their lifetime. So it is impossible that anyone could not have witnessed poor damsels standing next to the bride in a gown from the clown. Photos have been documented this tradition for ages. I'm positive we all have plenty of material (no pun intended) to inspire the crafting of a page...or two.
Happy Cricuting :-)
Lonna Joy Smoot- Editor, Cricut CHIRP!
ANNOUNCEMENT: Cricut Rewards - It's officially here!
During the past few months we've been working on Cricut Rewards--a program designed to give back to all our great Cricuteers! We've experienced a few bumps along the way as we've refined the program. Now we're excited to officially send out word about the chance to get back when you buy Cricut Cartridges.
Inside each new cartridge package bought at your favorite stores you should find a Cricut Rewards certificate. The number on the certificate entitles you to points. Accumulate points and then redeem them for select Circut cartridges or apparel. It's that easy!
So, if you haven't already signed up for
Cricut Rewards make sure move that to the top your to-do list. You'll be glad you did.
PROJECT CORNER AND SPOTLIGHT
More Winners |
Name: |
| Nancy Roderick |
| About: |
| I have been crafting for many years and always love to be introduced to new methods and media. I have tried a long list of crafts since I was in high school as trends came and went. One of my new long-standing favorites is acid etching on all sorts of glass products. I originally hand cut every image and letter I used in my creations, which was so tedious. The Cricut Expression machine has made it so much easier, quicker, and fun to create personalized items of all kinds. |
Nancy's Project: Etching |
| Picture: |
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Cartridges Used: |
Celebrations, Paper Pups, Walk in My Garden, Zooballoo |
| Instructions: |
Materials required:
glassware or mirror, cleaned sticky-backed shelf vinyl Cricut Expression and cartridges of choice Scissors or craft knife large art brush (acid resistant) acid etch cream (available at major craft stores) gloves
1. Create a mask by placing sticky-backed shelf vinyl right side up on the cutting surface and cut design or lettering as desired.
2. After cutting, peel away the backing from the vinyl and stick to the glass or mirror, being sure that the material sticks well, especially around the open areas so you will get a sharp design with no 'leaking' of the acid under the vinyl. You may also need to replace interior sections of the design (e.g. the inner circle for the letter 'o'.) Cover any remaining glass with vinyl to be sure that the acid cream does not touch areas other than the design. Also cover any areas over which the water will run when the piece is rinsed.
3. While wearing gloves, use the brush to spread the acid etch cream liberally over the open design area. Allow to sit approximately 5 minutes. Rinse off the cream and remove the vinyl to see your design! The area exposed to the acid cream will appear frosted. It is a permanent design and is dishwasher safe.
Tips:
Before rinsing, you may use the brush to carefully remove excess cream and place back in the jar for re-use as the cream is a bit expensive. For maximum etching the exposed glass must be very clean so before applying the cream I use a piece of regular tape to 'pick up' any fingerprints in the design area, being careful not to remove any small pieces of vinyl which are part of the design. You also have to think about what part of the design you want frosted. The cut vinyl can be used as a 'positive' or 'negative'. To make a positive image, remove the letters or shapes from the vinyl (and save for later use) and place the remaining vinyl material on the glass. This method produces a design that appears frosted on the glass or mirror. To create a negative image, place the letters or design on the glass and cover with the cream. The design on the mirror will be clear with frosting around it. I use the negative method with mirrors a lot because I think the lettering shows up more that way and also gives a frame effect. The downside is that it requires carefully putting each letter into place. Plain tape may be used to cover or fix small areas. For small dots, if necessary, use white glue and allow to dry before applying the cream. Practice with inexpensive glass items from discount stores. |
CRICUT BOARD
This week's highlighted threads are:
TIPS TREASURE CHEST
Q. Has anyone made a calla lilly with the cricut? If you have one I would like to see a picture of it.
A. You will find a calla lilly in the Wedding Solutions Cartidge.
Click here to view the contents of the cartridge.
CARTRIDGE EXPLORATION - Lyrical Letters
I hope everyone is having a blast exploring what they can do with the Cricut. I love playing with mine and discovering everything that is on all the wonderful cartridges. In this exploration I will go over some of the great fonts that come with
Lyrical Letters. To review the creative features, they are: Capital, Connected, Loop Dee Loo, Jack Sprat, Jumbo, and Italic Monoline. You also receive a bunch of different sayings and phrases, a full upper and lower case letters plus numbers. Symbols are included and you get some shapes too, there is so much that comes with this cartridge that it's hard to describe, but it is a must for any avid Cricut crafter. This cartridge will make a wonderful addition to the Cricut family.
Today I will explore the font Jumbo. I know that school just got out for most of the state, or will be ending within the next few weeks. I thought this font would make a great font for posters or presentations, because the style is fatter and anyone from a distance would be able to read the presentation well. Just think you are part of a club and need to make your club stand out, this font would help you get our point across and make your ideas standout. The shapes that come with this font are a circle outline and a diamond. The images are a leaf or swirls and flowers in a box; these would make nice quick cards if you don't have time to be really creative. The holiday phrases that come with this cartridge are "Happy Thanksgiving" and an acorn with leaf. You also get: "you're the best" with bird, "yippee!", "add another candle" with birthday cake, "Hugs & Kisses" with accents on the "&" sign and the heart. Addition phrases are: "you're invited", "It's all good", "Cherry Good Wishes", and "Feeling Punny". For a complete listing of this font you can look at the back of the handbook on page 82. I love all the different styles and sayings that come with this cartridge.
Check back next week as I continue exploring this wonderful cartridge, Happy Cricuting everyone.
TECH SUPPORT NOOK - Q: I've put a smaller sized paper on the matt (i.e. 5x5) and navigated to the upper right corner. But when I cut a line of letters, the Cricut returns and starts cutting way back at the top of the mat.
A: After you've navigated to the upper right corner prior to cutting, you need to select the "Set Paper Size" button. This will tell the Cricut that you have selected a smaller paper size. Otherwise it still "thinks" that a 6x12 paper is loaded.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
| "There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved." ~ George Sands |
| "Spread love everywhere you go: first of all in your own house. Give love to your children, to your wife or husband, to a next door neighbor... Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting." ~ Mother Theresa |