U R So Sweet Blog Hop Continued

Hello again!
I hope you are enjoying the "U R So Sweet Valentine Blog Hop" over at Getting Cricky.  If you want to see my original project post for the hop, CLICK HERE.  If you want the recipe for the altered Cricut Cartridge box, you are in the right place.
I started altering the boxes as a way for my husband to never know just how many cartridges I really own :D  Just kidding (well kind of...)  I fell in love with the idea of reusing the boxes and this will be my 4th one to do and I have ideas for many more.
I have been through quite a bit of trial and error to get to this point and I am sure I will find more things to improve but in the mean time I hope I can save you some trouble, time and paper with this little tutorial.

First purchase some of this spray paint or a brand that is made for painting on plastic.  There used to be a kind with the word "fusion" in it but I can't find it anymore.  This brand didn't have many color choices so I decided I would buy black and this brownish taupe color.  They are pretty generic and could be used with most projects.  I tried regular spray paints and it peels, even after I sanded the entire box.  It makes it rough and icky!  I also tried painting it with a variety of paints but it took several coats and sometimes the color from the boxes still showed through.

I spray all of the edges that will show and even the flat panels if I plan on using a light colored or thin paper to cover it.  I lay a piece of paper on the inside so I don't have to mess with painting the inside.  I tried spraying the inside and I didn't care for it.

Confession--I painted this box the "old fashion" not so good way by sanding it and then using a non-plastic paint.  So it is fuzzy from sanding and has some peeled spots.  (what not to do).  I didn't have time to get another painted to show you today.
While you paint is drying you can go in and plan our your box and cut your papers.  This is the fun and easy part I think.I have found that not every box is exactly the same measurement, it varies a bit but these are the measurements I have used on all of mine and they have turned out well.  Here are the dimensions for the cuts. I like to use a contrasting paper on the sides but that is up to you.

Outside pieces:
Top panel - 7 3/8" x 3 3/4"
Bottom panel - 7 3/8" x 3 7/8 - You don't have to cover the bottom but it does look nicer with it covered.
2 long sides - (this is like the spine on the back of the box and then the flap that closes down) 7 3/8" x 1 1/4"
2 short sides - (the ends) 3 3/4" x 1 1/4"
Here are the outside pieces but and laid out the way they are to be glued on.  I do not show the bottom piece in the picture.

Inside pieces;
Long notched side - 7 1/8" x 1 1/4" - then you can use a 3/4" round punch to cut the notch with
Long flap the "magnets" down - 7 3/8" x 1 1/4"
Inside top - 7 3/8" x 3 7/8"
Here are the 3 inside pieces along with the type of glue I like to use.  I use this Tombow glue because it does not saturate the paper and cause it to wrinkle and it has a wide applicator to lay down a smooth stream of glue.

You could cover the inside box if you wanted to but there is only a need if it is dirty or paint gets in it.  Otherwise I don't paper it. As you can see if this picture, I have some over spray inside the box.  I might paper it.

For the note cards I cut cardstock 3 1/2 x 6 3/4", score in the center and fold.  Then I decorate then with scraps, cricut cut flowers or stamps.  Or all of those things :)

To make matching envelopes I use the <carrot> card on page 72 from the Just Because Cards cartridge and cut it at 3 1/2 out of paper that matches the box.

I don't have pictures of the cards and envelopes but you can look at my labels on the side bar under altered Cricut boxes and see some of the cards and envelopes that I have made for these boxes

I hope you will find this project fun and the measurements time-saving.  These make cute and inexpensive gifts for people or great boxes to put Valentine treats in. To continue the hop or start from the beginning you can click on the links below and leave some love for my design team sisters from Getting Cricky.  For a chance to win a prize leave a comment on this post then check back tomorrow night to see who wins a free set of K. Andrew Designs stamp set of their choice!
Enjoy your blessings,
Jana

Getting Cricky U R So Sweet Blog Hop

Welcome to the "U R SO SWEET" Getting Cricky Blog Hop!!

We're so happy you could join us for this month's Getting Cricky Design Team Blog Hop!!  We have an EXTRA SPECIAL hop for you this month -- All week long, the Design Team has been featuring many of Kristal's stamp sets in anticipation of the hop...  If you've missed out on any of the week, be sure to check out our previous posts for MORE THAN 100 CREATIVE IDEAS and PROJECTS using Kristal's stamps as well as giveaways, promotions, tips, and tutorials!!

If you've hopped along from Heather then you are in the right place!! If you are just joining me from your dashboard, or reading this via email, please be sure to CLICK HERE to start at the beginning with Kristal's blog (you'll want to catch up on all the FUN!!)...

Each of Kristal's stamp sets benefit charity. At least $1 per stamp set goes to benefit the charity noted on the stamp set package. Kristal is donating to the following charities: Cancer Angels, Storefront Shelter for Homeless Children, Intrepid & Fallen Heroes, E. Glaser Pediatric AIDS  Foundation, Doorways Shelter for Women & Children (Domestic Violence), Wayside House for Women, Camp Good Days & Special Times, Adopt a Classroom, and Autism Research Institute. Kristal will donate $1 for every stamp set sold, retail or wholesale to the charity noted; and over time believes this will add up to some wonderful miracles for these special people. So you can feel good that each time you purchase a K Andrew Designs art stamp set, someone around the country is receiving some good help!

K Andrew's stamps are all made and assembled here in the USA, which is very important to Kristal. This ensures all product materials are safe and that jobs are being provided and maintained here in America.  You can learn even more about Kristal's stamps (and pick some up for yourself) by visiting her online store: K Andrew Designs:





Kristal's stamp sets are perfect for cards, layouts, and so much more...

For my project, I'm featuring the Owly Hoo sentiments and you will also notice I could not resist using the new It's Valentines set also. For more details or to make this set YOURS, please click on the preview:





It's Valentines




Soooo....Here is my project.  It is an altered Cricut Cartridge Box.  I just LOVE doing these.  It is cheap and EASY!!!  If you will tune in here on Saturday, I will give you the cutting dimensions for the paper to make it even easier!

I used the Owly Hoo Art Image set and the sentiment "A Love Note" is from the new It's Valentine sentiment set pictured above.

For those of you that are curious.  I spray painted the box with black first.  I either use black or a light brown on all of them before I cover them with paper.  Buy the kind of spray paint that is made to paint on plastic other wise it will peel off the edges and look yucky!  The flower is from the Flower Shoppe project cartridge.  Love that one!

Here is a close up of the layered pile-o-hearts.  I stamped them, colored with copics, cut them out and popped them up.  I don't normally like tedious cutting out of things, I mean duh! isn't that what the Cricut is for, but it was worth the time, these are so cute!

Here is a close up of the note cards that I made with the scraps from the paper I covered the box with and stamped with the It's Valentine sentiment.  I hope you like this and feel inspired.  Don't for get to return Sunday to see who wins the free K. Andrew stamp sets.  There will be 5 winners!!!  Comment on this post to be entered and go to my older posts from this week to see how to get entered more times.

Don't forget...if you go to K. Andrew Designs and purchase $25 or more you get this cute mini set for free.  Use the code JANAFREESHIP and you get free shipping.  What a deal! The free shipping is for any order no matter how big or small!





If you played along during preview week I have blog candy to give away.  If you didn't, that's OK, just leave a nice comment, become a follower and I will enter your name in the drawing as well.  There will be 5 winners announced Sunday evening, January 22.  Each lucky winner will get to choose a set of K. Andrew Stamps!

Now you can hop on over to your next stop: Jennie ......

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Dash and Friends Altered Cricut Box

Today is new release day at Jen's Digi Stamps.  These digis are so cute.  They feature a cutie pie named "Dash" and a few of his buggy friends.  Check out the other projects from the design team at Jen's Digi Stamps Blog.

Today I am posting the second altered Cricut box that I have made as a gift.  I have no idea who this one is for, it would have to be someone that is fun and has a sense of humor, don't you think?  If you want directions on how to cover these boxes, check my previous post, I have the measurements and everything to make your job easier.

 Here is the view from the top of the box.  Isn't Dash adorable!  He made me smile.  That is why the flower in the top right corner is stamped with a cute little "smile" stamp from K. Andrew Designs.  Her stamps are great!  You can link to her blog "Getting Crickiy" from her stamp store.

 Here is a close up of the handsome Dash.  I used some craft wire to give him some green antennae.  He just makes me want to giggle :)

 Most of the flowers were cut with my Flower Shoppe cartridge.  Love it!!!  The others were just from my paper flower stash.  I love using lots of flowers.  Can you tell?

Here are the note cards and matching envelopes.  The envelopes are cut from Just Because Cards and the flowers on the cards from Mother's Day Bouquet.  I hope you enjoyed the project for today and stop on over at Jen's a pick up a few designs of your own!
Blessings,
Jana

Altered Cricut Cartridge Box

Hi Everyone!
Thanks for stopping by today.  Last Saturday, me, my mom, my sister-in-law and my bestie Cindy spent the day together crafting.  The idea was that we would make Christmas presents.  Tonya, my SSIL made the CUTEST mini album from black envelopes (I should have her teach you how :)  Are you reading this Tonya!!!  My mom made cards, which she does a LOT and Cindy worked on the prettiest magnetic calendars made using the flat floral marbles.  Maybe I can get her to share a picture with us sometime.  Well, I decided it was time to learn how to alter Cricut boxes.  I have enough to give to people for years in one form or another!!!!  It took all day to figure it out and work out the details but here is the one that I completed.

The papers are from a Leaving Prints kit and the stamp is from K. Andrew Designs, Positive Thoughts set. I like her stamps because she donates to charities on every set she sells.  Nice girl! 

Before I started I sanded all of the edges because the cover of the box is slick.  I read on another blog that this is important, and IT IS!!!  Then I just used brown acrylic paint to paint all of the edges.  This is messy and time consuming but necessary.  I have made a lot of altered things that I wrap the paper around the edges and it is not always pretty so this time I tried this and I like the way it looks. 

 I made all of the flowers with the Flower Shoppe cartridge.  It was the first time using this cartridge and I love it.  The only thing is you have to experiment a lot to get the layers to all fit together nicely.  Not sure I like all of these but the paper makes them really cute.

 This black one actually turned out to be my favorite.  I got the sizing down by the time I made this one.  Then I used crystal glaze to add dew drops and used stickles on the flourish that I cut from Cindy Loo.  Love, love that cartridge. The tag was cut from Tags, Bags, Boxes and More.  Easy peasy!

So on the inside, I put 6 cards and matching envelopes cut from Just Because Cards.  It is the "carrot" card on page 72 cut at 3 1/2 inches.  I learned that if you want the finished envelope to measure 3 1/2 square then that is what you set your cut size at.  Then I just cut white cardstock at 3 1/2 x 6 3/4 to fold in half for the note cards.  The flowers were cut from the Mother's Day Bouquet cartridge.

I will be making more and sharing with you.  These will be gifts for teachers and co-workers.  Here are the dimensions I cut my papers.  It will save you a full day of experimenting if you use these :)

Outside of the Box:
Top 7 3/8 x 3 3/4
Bottom 7 3/8 x 3 7/8
2 long sides (this is the pink polka dot paper) 7 3/8 x 1 1/4
2 short sides 3 3/4 x 1 1/4

Inside of the Box
Long notched side (use the same pink polka dot to match the sides) 7 1/8 x 1 1/4
Long magnetic strip (covered to match inside of the lid) 7 3/8 x 1 1/4
Inside top 7 3/8 x 3 7/8

I hope this helps!