I Love School....

....Yes, it's true, I have always been one of those people who enjoyed school.   I never complained to my parents, went every day and always was a pretty good student.    Of course, it's been years since I have been in any formal type of school, but I have quickly learned in the past year, just how much I love taking craft-related classes and this is another week I'm loving my latest class.

    As you probably know, I'm currently taking the A Cut Above class, with Jennifer McGuire, Kristina Werner and Nichol Magouirk and it's fabulous.   We have now completed the first section of the class which was all about die-cutting and embossing - it was awesome.   I learned so many cool new tips and hints and will continue to be inspired to create new designs with all that I have learned.   And if that was not enough, yesterday was Day One in the second portion of the class, which is all about using a Silhouette Electronic Die Cut Machine, namely the SD or Cameo.  I own the Cameo, which is the newest version and to me is by far, the best electronic die cut machine I have ever used!  I LOVE it!!

      I knew as soon as this class was announced that it would be awesome and another great way to me to learn even more about what I can do with my Cameo.  I've been really excited about this part of this class and can already tell you, it ROCKS!!   Today, I'm excited to share some of my newest cards, all created and inspired in one way or another from the class.

      Let's start with this adorable "Hugs" card, which is one I 'cased' by following along with a fabulous Video that Kristina shared in class yesterday.  Note:  A special Thank You to Ali Edwards to created and gave us a wonderful selection of sentiment boxes, including this Hugs one - which has always been my favorite Sentiment.  This card was so fun to make and it's very easy when you have the right teachers and tools and you can follow along step by step.   I know I will make more like this and I think they will be awesome card to create for Operation Write Home.

    My second card is another one I created yesterday and this one was inspired by a card that Lisa Dickinson (A class Guest Designer), had created and shared with us.    I started by taking a Butterfly image, (by Jenni Bowen) that I had previously purchased at the Silhouette Store.   To make it an easy cut, I edit the shape and deleted all the details and kept only the outline and cut out three.  Two with Hero Arts Patterned papers and one in blue, with I then embossed in my Cuttlebug!  I then cut my "smile" sentiment (also from the Silhouette Store) and a large black circle frame to use as a mat for my card.   After I accidentally cut off my butterflies antennas (oops), I decided to re-created them using black twine.  I then used a black Pearl Pen to create the body and glue the twine under the bottom.  I put it all together and had this fun little card!

   And while I still had my machine out,  I cut out a few more circles to use for my next card, which was created for this week's Sketch Challenge over at The Outlawz.

    

    

     Today's class is also starting out wonderful and I have one new card to share that was totally inspired by a card that Nichol created to teach us new ways to 'group and ungroup' shapes and elements of designs from the store.    The design is all hers, but I wanted to try all the steps, so I have pretty much re-created the card she designed, only I used different colors and cardstock.   I give Nichol ALL the credit and actually prefer the wonderful colors and papers she used for her card.     

  This next card was one I made up with a variety of shapes that I had in my Silhouette Library.   It was inspired by another video in class today, where our challenge was to take some random shape or image and turn it into a card.   I  chose this set of shapes that I had purchased when I first bought my Cameo.  It's a combination of a circle, a some smaller circles, a scalloped circle and a heart.  I broke apart the image and then created a second large circle that I then welded together to make my card base.  I then cut the other elements in a variety of Basic Grey papers.  I put them all together to make this very easy and fun little circle-shape card!

  This card is being submitted to the "Anything Goes" challenge being hosted this week at Simon Says Stamp, which also happens to be one of my favorite places to shop!!

  Now, I am heading back to class again to watch more of today's videos!   I just LOVE having them to look at time and time again.   Another bonus for me is being able to watch them on my iPad, which I keep on my craft desk while I'm working on a project.  That way, if I have a question or want to see something again, I can quickly view the video or the website that has what I need!   Oh and speaking of videos,  Jennifer made the most adorable little card today and I wish I could share it with you, but  I can't -- !   I guess you'll need to take the class to see it and it's very sweet!    I loved her idea and I'm sure I'll use it as inspiration for another card soon!    I sure WISH I had the wonderful talent that each of these gals to to come up with their fabulous designs.   They make everything look soooo easy and the cards are ALL awesome!     It's a JOY to be a part of each of these classes and like I said at the beginning - I Love School!