CC MAY Magazine Challenge #2: Make It Your Way Contest

It's funny how you start a project one way and then go in a completely different direction. Just goes to show that often inspiration can be found anywhere! This is one of the reasons why I love the Cricut Circle magazine. Every single project inspires me to recreate it, although often with my own twist! And, they photograph everything so beautifully that at times even the background pieces used to compliment the projects inspire me. Using the ideas in the magazine, I made all the decorations for Stephen's graduation party. I've listed all the cartridges and equipment needed at the end.

What graduate doesn't like gifts of money? I certainly don't know any! I wanted Stephen to get a little extra cash for his graduation so when I saw the projects for "In the Neighborhood", the topiary used as an accent piece immediate brought to mind a $ tree. Of course, my initial effort didn't turn out well and after mulling the idea around, I turned the topiary into a "dough"ploma wreath! I bought a $3 straw wreath from ACMoore and covered it with inexpensive $1 ribbon. I used the silhouette feature from Hello Kitty for the scrolled banners and Doodletype for the font. For the "doughplomas", I simply rolled bills then tied them with ribbon. I then attached them to the wreath using floral pins. I placed the wreath at the entrance next to his pictures and scrapbook. It was  a hit!!!

The wine bottle container in "Neighborhood Housewarming Gift" was long and slender and had a cute tag. I wanted to do something similar but didn't want wine as a memento. So, I went with pretzels dipped in chocolate and then accented with a tag! The tag with the cap is from All Wrapped Up. Fast, easy, and too cute!

Lastly, the clear containers used to accent the "Sprinkled with Fun" projects reminded me how important it is to have color and texture in your decorations. I opted to fill clear containers with various nuts then created a very elegant table piece with a monogram. The ovals are from mini monograms and I welded the "S" inside the top layer using my Gypsy and Gypsy Font. I also embossed the top layer with the cuttlebug. It's simple but effective and not too girly. I did want a little elegance so I sprinkled some pillow boxes filled with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (Stephen's favorite candy) and added the monogram.

Cartridges and machines:
Cricut (any of the bugs will work with these sizes)
Gypsy
Cuttlebug
Cuttlebug folder: Herringbone
Cartridges: Hello Kitty, Doodletype, All Wrapped Up, Mini Monograms, and Gypsy Font