Bella Carta

Oh baby!

I've been taking some time off, but I've taken the time to refresh and just really give myself a break.  I've been blogging for years, at time the pace was hectic and while I kept up - it was really nice to get away.  I actually took some time to stamp today and came away with four cards! I felt a bit rusty, and truth be told - had a hard time getting started, but once I got going - I had some nice relaxing time in my studio. 

And speaking of getting away, I went to Stampfest Orlando over the weekend with one of my friends and had a great time. Bought way to much stuff, like this set of Faber Castell Gelatos:

 

And fell in love with stamps from Motivet, like this sweet Newborn: 

The image is embossed in black ep, then water colored.  It will be sent on its way to Arizona for my cousin and his wife, and their new baby girl 

If you're interested in the stamp, you can buy them online:
http://www.motivet.com/webshop/product_info.php/products_id/1553

 

its a *SCARLET* cupcake type of day!

I am the proud new owner of a Cricut machine courtesy of Paper Crafts Magazine and while I seem to have mastered my manual style die cut machine like the Cuttlebug and Big Shot, I have been working on the "ins and outs" of an electronic die cutter.  While it has some learning curve, I think I'm picking up on it quickly. Its quite easy to use and I haven't cut my fingers off *so far* so that's a big bonus.

I needed a baby gift and today I found this video tutorial on how to cut fabric <---you can click to watch it.  I decided to try it for myself AND make a baby onesie.  The video tutorial recommended "Steam a Seam" which I found at the fabric store - but I found it a bit tricky.  Waaaaaaaaay easier (and I do mean much, much easier) to use was the Stampin' Up Fabric Adhesive sold on a roll as a Big Shot Accessory.  I'm not sure why, but I think it had to do with the paper backing on the Fabric Adhesive was much sturdier.  I used the blue painters tape, too to hold it in place and my tip there is:  don't be chintzy with it!  this tape is your friend!  I had better results using lots of i than just using little pieces.  (On a related note, does anyone know who manufactures the SU Fabric Adhesive or sources for it other than Stampin' Up?) 

I used the "Simply Charmed" cartridge and selected the cupcake (its image #2 on the cupcake button: the first one is a cupcake with a candle - this one has a cherry on top).

P.S. This is a present for the new baby Scarlet!  Welcome to the world Scarlet, I know your mom (Alice) and your dad (Stu) and your brother (Archer) are very glad you're here!

And this one uses an ornament die cut from Simply Charmed: