Yup

I haven't talked much about my addiction publicly, but I am ABSOLUTELY OBSESSED with my Cricut. Seriously, it's like the best thing ever. When I had to make about 80 cards for assorted occasions that were all coinciding in the same two-week period, it was there for me, happily humming its way through each cut while I became a one-woman tornado of cardstock, glue, and paper scraps. Ok, so it was more like 6 cards, but you get the idea. My favorite cartridge at the moment is the funky, retro-esque Something to Celebrate, which has everything from quirky pillow-box templates to bunting. Love it! And because I'm in the midst of a major Cricut love-fest, I have decided to add a new category called "Cricut-ing Loose" to my blog, which will be dedicated to projects made with my beloved gizmo. And without further delay, I present my first entry in Cricut-ing Loose - the 8 It Great Birthday Card!

8 It Great Birthday Card

Supplies

• Blank 6" x 6" square greeting card (or 12" x 12" cardstock in solid color to make card from)
• Cricut
• Something to Celebrate Cartridge
• Patterned papers
• Glue
• Craft knife

Start by cutting the four layers of Cake 3 at 4". I used an orange paper for the first layer (which comprises the flames on the candles) and a textured white paper for the third layer (which creates the cake). The candles and decorative frosting elements (layers two and three, respectively) can be any colors that work with the overall palette of your card. Glue all four layers together and set under a book to dry. Next, cut three curly ribbons from the "Decor" option on the Sundae design at 1" (use the Real Size setting). I recommend using a paper that is similar to the color of your card to avoid making it too busy. Affix them onto the front of your card so that the loops are staggered. Allow to dry and trim off any excess using a sharp craft knife. Cut an 8 candle from the "Font 2" option of the Pie design at 3" (use the Real Size setting). Carefully cut the four candles from the middle of the cake with your craft knife. Adhere the cake to the front of the card, then glue the 8 candle in place between the remaining candles.

Happy Cricut-ing!