BRAND NEW Workshop: Creativity 365

Do you love planners?  I know....dumb question, right?!  OK, maybe not everyone loves planners, but I do. :)  Check out this brand new workshop from Shirley Pando.  Learn how to create a custom planner and add a little creativity to all of 2015.

Dec.5th: Button, Button, Who's Got the Button?

Hey Crafter's, Shirley Pando here. Did you join me this week for the 4 Product Challenge? This week it is all about buttons. We've got to use up all those products we have hoarded collected throughout the years, right??

Check out the projects, below, I made using buttons.

Dec 1st 4 Product Challenge: Buttons

Hey Crafters! Shirley, here!

Button, button...who's got the button? Ever play that game when you were younger? It was one of my favorites to play with my three sisters while my mom was busy sewing. Grab the biggest button from the button box and hide it! When they come looking for it you lead them to it by saying, "Warmer" or "Colder" as they walked toward or away from it's hiding place. We could play it for hours, and probably did! Oh such wonderful memories!

I do have a "few" buttons...how about you? Let's get those buttons out and create with them this week. They are one of the products we will use in our 4 Product Challenge.

Check out the short video, below, to see what other products I'll be using.

Nov 7th 4 Product Challenge: Embossing Folders Projects

This week's challenge is all about embossing folders. I don't have too many, or so I think! I store mine in a basket still in their original packaging, but I've seen some great storage ideas on Pinterest.

Check out my projects, below.

Cricut: Crafting with Fabric starts today!

Have you been secretly longing to use your Cricut machine to cut fabric but are afraid to try? Maybe you've tried, but gave up in frustration. There are some limitations, but with just a little know-how, you, too, can successfully cut fabric with your Cricut. Create fun little shapes for cards, T-shirts, pillows, tote bags, aprons, quilts, and more! Take your crafting to a whole new level!

Nov 3rd 4 Product Challenge: Embossing Folders

Hi Crafters, Shirley Pando here! 

It's Monday and time for another challenge.  It's time to FALL BACK in love with your embossing folders. Get it?...Fall back? (For those of you viewing this at a later date, this past weekend was Daylight Savings.)

A Crafter's Guide to Social Media Marketing

Everyone is using social media to connect with others these days. And that's exactly where you should be marketing your craft business, too! But with new social media platforms popping up all the time, how do you choose which ones to use? Where do you start? What should you post? And how do you fit this into your already busy day? Come join us for this jam-packed 4-week, 8-lesson workshop where Shirley and Jeri's will help you wade through the social media waters so you'll be ready to jump in the deep end with both feet!

4 Product Challenge: Cricut - Projects

Hello again! Shirley Pando here. Did you join me this week in the 4-Product Challenge using your Cricut (or other die cut machine)? If you missed the challenge, check out my post from Monday, HERE.

Here is a list of the products I used:

1. Cricut "Lite Bloom" cartridge
2. Scrap papers in various pink colors
3. Vintage music papers
4. Trim

Sept. 22nd Topic: Cricut - Getting the Best Use From Your Die Cut Machine

Hello! Shirley Pando here! I'd like to welcome you back to the My Creative Life 2014 challenge blog, the official blog of Craft Classes Online. We've taken a little hiatus to change gears and reorganize but we are now ready to bring you the best in crafting and creativity. We have a new website, new projects, new workshops, and, of course, new blog posts! :-)



Jeri's original mission for this blog is pretty simple:

1. To inspire you to make creativity a daily priority...or weekly or monthly...whatever works best for you.
2. To motivate you to use all of the supplies you have collected over the years. (Oh, goodness, I have so much it's embarrassing!!)
3. To explore the concept of creativity and practical ways for adding more creativity to our lives.
4. To find ways to lose the perfectionism, comparison, and pressure that are creativity killers. (I resemble that remark and I feel a new blog post coming on!)
5. Oh, yes, we will also offer a few online workshops along the way.

Now, let's get on with the show!

Cricut: Getting the Best Use From Your Die Cut Machine

So you made that big purchase of a die cutting machine. It can do some amazing things. And you are a crafter, so you tell yourself that it will make your life much easier, right? You may have purchased it many years ago or just a few months ago. You bought (most all of) your favorite cartridges with the adorable little characters and/or lovely fonts. Life is sweet!

16 things your Cricut can do...besides cut paper!

Did you know that your Cricut machine can do much more than cut little paper die cuts? Oh yes, my friend, it's true. Of course, there are some limitations, but don't let that worry you. ;-) The more you learn about your Cricut, the more you will come to love it!

We have a winner!

The winner of the free seat to "Cricut: Crafting with Fabric" with Shirley Pando goes to...

GinaAApril 12, 2014 at 4:23 AM

It would be very useful to know what fabric to use and the best way to prepare it. 

Congrats, Gina! Email us at support.mcc@gmail.com so we can get you all set for class.

If you didn't win, there's plenty of time to register. Click here to register!

 

 

Course Description

Have you been secretly longing to use your Cricut machine to cut fabric but are afraid to try? Maybe you tried, but gave up in frustration. There are some limitations, but with just a little know-how, you, too, can successfully cut fabric with your Cricut. Create fun little fabric shapes for cards, T-shirts, pillows, tote bags, aprons, quilts and more. Take your crafting to a whole new level!

In this class students will:

• Learn which fabrics and Cricut images will work the best
• Learn how to prepare and cut fabric with their Cricut
• Create several projects of their choice using the fabric appliques

In this class students can create projects which require absolutely no stitching or finish off the projects with hand stitching or your sewing machine.Please see Supply List for specific lesson projects.
Students will receive two downloadable Cricut Craft Room file for the various projects. Use any Cricut machine and any cartridge you own. Students must have basic knowledge of their Cricut machine and the Cricut Craft Room (CCR) if they will be using it in class.

The course materials and projects in this class are totally new and different from the lessons in "Crafting with the Cricut: Beyond Paper".

Click here to register for class!

Online class giveaway!

Hi, I'm Shirley Pando, instructor at My Creative Classroom and part of the website support team. In fact, if you email the MCC help desk (support.mcc@gmail.com), I'm the person you'll hear back from. :-)

For each of the first four months of 2014 I've introduced another brand new online Cricut class:

• January - "Cricut: Crafting with Stencils" - Register now for immediate access!
• February - "Cricut: Crafting with Coloring Tools" - Register now for immediate access!
• March - "Cricut: Crafting with Vinyl" - Register now for immediate access!
• April - "Cricut: Crafting with Fabric"  - Class begins Monday April 21st!

I call these mini classes, but if you  know me you know I don't do anything in a "mini" way. All my classes are packed to the gills, and these will be no different. A lesser price, sure, but no less info and projects. You just can't lose! :-)

****************

Our fourth and last class in the series, "Cricut: Crafting with Fabric", begins on Monday April 21st and I'd love for you to join me.

 

Course Description

Have you been secretly longing to use your Cricut machine to cut fabric but are afraid to try? Maybe you tried, but gave up in frustration. There are some limitations, but with just a little know-how, you, too, can successfully cut fabric with your Cricut. Create fun little fabric shapes for cards, T-shirts, pillows, tote bags, aprons, quilts and more. Take your crafting to a whole new level!

In this class students will:

• Learn which fabrics and Cricut images will work the best
• Learn how to prepare and cut fabric with their Cricut
• Create several projects of their choice using the fabric appliques

In this class students can create projects which require absolutely no stitching or finish off the projects with hand stitching or your sewing machine.Please see Supply List for specific lesson projects. Students will receive two downloadable Cricut Craft Room file for the various projects. Use any Cricut machine and any cartridge you own. Students must have basic knowledge of their Cricut machine and the Cricut Craft Room (CCR) if they will be using it in class.

The course materials and projects in this class are totally new and different from the lessons in "Crafting with the Cricut: Beyond Paper".

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS CLASS!

****************

GIVEAWAY!!
Enter for your chance to win a FREE seat to the brand new class, "Cricut: Crafting with Fabric".  There are three ways to participate in the Giveaway. Do all three and increase your chance of winning!

1. Leave a comment on this post below and let me know if you've used your Cricut to create with fabric before.
2. For another chance to win, head to MY BLOG and follow me. Just click the little blue "Join This Site" button on the left column. If I see you in my list of followers, your name goes into the hat another time.
3. Comment on ANY POST on my blog and get another chance...your name goes into the hat once again!

So what are you waiting for? It's as easy as 1, 2, 3! ;-)

This giveaway ends on Sunday April 13th at midnight. I will post the winner on Monday April 14th. Already enrolled in class? No worries! If you are the lucky winner we'll refund your tuition.

Good Luck!

And the winner is....

And now, the winner of a free seat to the brand new online class, "Cricut: Crafting with Vinyl" with Shirley Pando is.....

TigerberryMarch 15, 2014 at 9:29 AM

I have tried using chipboard on my Cricut and have not been successful. I even used the heavy duty blade. I would love to be able to do more with chipboard.

Congratulations, Tigerberry, please email us at support.mcc@gmail.com so we can get you into class right away.

If you didn't win, there's plenty of time to register for class. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.  I hope to "see" you there! ;-)

Remember that during the month of March at My Creative Classroom we are celebrating National Craft Month where you can earn free seat(s) to our online classes. Click here to find out about National Craft Month

This week's projects and a mini blog hop!

Did you get a chance to make anything using tags this week? I have a few things to share.

Check out my blog:

  Creative Arts with Shirley Pando
for a few cards I made this week...one using a tag

******************************************

and a second one here on a different post

Creative Arts with Shirley Pando

make sure to help me with this card...head to my blog and you'll understand.;-)

****************************************

Here's a super elegant tag by MCC instructor, Donna Maligno. I just love that black lace and I'm a sucker for a postage stamp!

Craft-Dee BowZ

*****************************************

I also want to share a scrapbook layout that includes tags that I made for one of my online classes at My Creative Classroom, Cricut: Scrapbooking Through the Year, that I teach with Cara Miller and Karen Hunter.

My photo will go in the yellow area with the green frame and "Mom" title on top. The tags below can house journaling, more photos, or embellishments.

***********************************************

Don't forget about my online class giveaway...comment ON THIS POST. Giveaway ends Monday March 17th at midnight and winner is announced Tuesday March 18th.

Have a great weekend!

Mission: Organization!

Hello Wednesday, Shirley here! Today we talk about organization.  Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to organize those tags.

Some of you may want to keep them visible so you'll remember to use them. (Out of sight, out of mind, right?) Others, like me, have way too much stuff to have everything visible all the time. Maybe you store them in boxes, or pockets , or trays, or on a book ring.


Check out our Pinterest Organization Board. Below I share two organization photos from the board that are my favorite. 

This is such a cute tray storage idea, below. It makes me want to collect pretty tags like this! I like the cellophane wrappings, too!

This adorable dress form is from an ETSY seller, BlissfulElements. But of course it is sold already. I think I may "need" one of these!

************************************

My storage is no way as cute as the ones above, but I'll have to be grateful that I have stuff and a space to put it all, right? ;-)  I store my tags in a frosted clear lidded box that measures 10.5" x 9" x 8" deep on a shelf in my art studio. I feel more like an artist if I call it a studio! ;-)

Inside the big box are tags in bags and boxes and some loose tags. I will admit to reorganizing the box before taking photos! There are Avery brand manila tags I've purchased, cork tags, wood tags, die cut tags, tags I've distressed with tea and walnut ink and many more. I even have tags from clothing that were just too darn cool to throw away. I'll use them someday, I really will! :-)

Also in that box is another little box with little tags...round, oval, long and skinny ones, too. Again, I do admit to a little organizing before taking the photo!

How do you store your tags? Do you have a super cute way. Please let us know so we can be cute AND functional, too. :-)


Shirley

Online class giveaway!

Hi, I'm Shirley Pando, instructor at My Creative Classroom and part of the website support team. In fact, if you email the MCC help desk (support.mcc@gmail.com), I'm the person you'll hear back from. :-)

For each of the first four months of 2014 I'm introducing another brand new online Cricut class:

• January - "Cricut: Crafting with Stencils" - Register now for immediate access!
• February - "Cricut: Crafting with Coloring Tools" - Register now for immediate access!
• March - "Cricut: Crafting with Vinyl" - Class begins March 24th
• April - "Cricut: Crafting with Fabric" (opening for registrations soon!)

I call these mini classes, but if you  know me you know I don't do anything in a "mini" way. All my classes are packed to the gills, and these will be no different. A lesser price, sure, but no less info and projects. You just can't lose! :-)

****************

Our third class in the series, "Cricut: Crafting with Vinyl", begins on Monday March 24th. and I'd love for you to join me.

Cricut: Crafting with Vinyl

---

Course Description

There are loads of ways you can use your Cricut machine to create projects with vinyl and vinyl-like materials. Choose a self-adhesive product in just about any color or pattern. Put it on your walls, a glass votive, or an artist canvas. You can even cut an image with heat transfer vinyl in either a matte or fuzzy texture and iron it onto a fabric item like a T-shirt or tote bag. The possibilities are almost endless.

In this class, students will learn how to cut adhesive vinyl, contact paper, heat transfer vinyl, and flocked heat transfer vinyl and create a project with each of these materials. Students will receive downloadable Cricut Craft Room files for the various projects, but I'll also share tips on how I create my files. Lessons offer several project options!

Use any Cricut machine and any cartridge you own. Students must have basic knowledge of their Cricut machine and the Cricut Craft Room (CCR).

Lessons Include:

• Lesson 1: Introduction to Vinyl and Other Vinyl-Like Materials
• Lesson 2: Adhesive Vinyl/Cricut Vinyl/Oracal 631 - Project #1: Subway Art Canvas (several options)
• Lesson 3: Contact Paper - Project #2: Refrigerator Chalkboard/Menu Board
• Lesson 4: Heat Transfer Vinyl and Flocked Heat Transfer Vinyl - Project #3: Your choice T-shirt, tote, etc.

The course materials and projects in this class are totally new and different from "Crafting with the Cricut: Beyond Paper".

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS CLASS!

****************

GIVEAWAY!!
Enter for your chance to win a FREE seat to the brand new class, "Cricut: Crafting with Vinyl".  There are three ways to participate in the Giveaway. Do all three and increase your chance of winning!

1. Leave a comment on this post below and let me know what other type of materials you like to use with your Cricut...besides paper. Is there a super project you've made with fabric or chipboard? Let me know.
2. For another chance to win, head to MY BLOG and follow me. Just click the little blue "Join This Site" button on the left column. If I see you in my list of followers, your name goes into the hat another time.
3. Comment on ANY POST on my blog and get another chance...your name goes into the hat once again!

So what are you waiting for? It's as easy as 1, 2, 3! ;-)

This giveaway ends on Monday March 17th at midnight. I will post the winner on Tuesday March 18th...in plenty of time for class, March 24th! Already enrolled in class? No worries! If you are the lucky winner we'll refund your tuition.

Good Luck!

March 10th Topic: Tags!

Happy Monday!

Hi, I'm Shirley Pando, instructor at My Creative Classroom and part of the website support team. In fact, if you email the MCC help desk (support.mcc@gmail.com), I'm the person you'll hear back from. :-)

 Jeri' is on vacation this week, spending a little more time with her son while he's on Spring Break from school, so I'll be filling in for her.

We have a brand new topic.  This week we will be exploring tags.

I love tags but it seems that I don't use them as often as I'd like. Once I pull them out, I remember how great they are. You can distress them, color them, stamp on them. They come in great shapes and color. You can make them or buy them. They are just so versatile.

Most all of us know about Tim Holtz's 12 tags of Christmas. Now he also does 12 tags of (fill in the holiday!) and 12 tags of (fill in the year!). Check out his blog and look at the categories list on the right hand side bar for loads of inspiration!

So come along and create with me this week using tags. What are some of your favorite ways to use tags?

Shirley

We have a winner!

And now, the winner of a free seat to "Cricut: Crafting with Coloring Tools" with Shirley Pando.....drumroll,  please...

 

Girl_Scout_Belle February 20, 2014 at 11:05 PM

"Best Wishes on your Birthday Shirley! Appreciate this chance to win a FREE seat to "Cricut: Crafting with Coloring Tools". Would like to learn how to cut fabric with my Cricut Expression."

 

Congratulations, Girl Scout Belle, please email us at support.mcc@gmail.com so we can get you into class right away.

 

 

 

If you didn't win, there's still time to get in on this fun class. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Online class giveaway!!

Hi, I'm Shirley Pando, instructor at My Creative Classroom and part of the website support team. In fact, if you email the MCC help desk (support.mcc@gmail.com), I'm the person you'll hear back from. :-)

 

 

 

Do you own a Cricut machine? Maybe you are looking for more to do with it...or maybe it's gathering dust...gasp! Well, no more, I say. Come join me on a journey to discover what your Cricut machine can do for you. It's more than just little die cuts. :-)

For each of the first four months of 2014 I'm introducing another brand new online Cricut class:

• January - "Cricut: Crafting with Stencils" - Register now for immediate access!
• February - "Cricut: Crafting with Coloring Tools" - Class begins Feb 24th
• March - "Cricut: Crafting with Vinyl" - Class begins March 24th
• April - "Cricut: Crafting with Fabric" (opening for registrations soon!)

I call these mini classes, but if you  know me you know I don't do anything in a "mini" way. All my classes are packed to the gills, and these will be no different. A lesser price, sure, but no less info and projects. You just can't lose! :-)

****************

 

Our second class, "Cricut: Crafting with Coloring Tools" begins on Monday February 24th, my birthday! So let's have a giveaway!

Cricut: Crafting with Coloring Tools

---

Course Description

Using coloring tools with a die cut machine sounds like such an oxymoron to me. They don't seem like they should go together. But, oh, they do! Maybe you received Cricut Color Markers with the purchase of your Cricut machine and are stumped as to what exactly to do with them. If you need a little inspiration, then this class is for you. Join me in this 4-lesson class to learn how to use Cricut Color Markers, mini gel pens, and mini Sharpie markers with your Cricut machine while making several cards and other projects. Take your crafting to a whole new level!

Students will receive downloadable CCR files to use in class projects PLUS I will show you tips for creating your own files. Use any Cricut machine and any cartridge you own. Students must have basic knowledge of their Cricut machine and the Cricut Craft Room (CCR).

Lessons Include:

• Lesson 1: Introduction to Coloring Tools
• Lesson 2: Basic Use of Coloring Tools
• Lesson 3: Four Cards - Borders, Backgrounds, and Images
• Lesson 4: Lots of "Little Extras"

The course materials and projects in this class are totally new and different from "Crafting with the Cricut: Beyond Paper".

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS CLASS

****************

GIVEAWAY!!
Enter for your chance to win a FREE seat to "Cricut: Crafting with Coloring Tools".  There are three ways to participate in the Giveaway. Do all three and increase your chance of winning!

1. Leave a comment on this post and let me know what type of Cricut class interests you. Have you secretly wanted to cut fabric? Markers? Vinyl looks like fun? Let me know.
2. For another chance to win, head to MY BLOG and follow me. Just click the little blue "Join This Site" button on the left column. If I see you in my list of followers, your name goes into the hat another time.
3. Comment on any post on my blog and get another chance...your name goes into the hat once again!

So what are you waiting for? It's as easy as 1, 2, 3! ;-)

This giveaway ends on Sunday Feb 23rd at midnight. I will post the winner on Monday February 24th...just in time for class! Already enrolled in class? No worries! If you are the lucky winner we'll refund your tuition.

Good Luck!

We have a winner!

Announcing the winner for a free seat in the brand new class, "Cricut Crafting with Stencils"  with Shirley Pando is...ladynurse4.

Congratulations! I've emailed you already and can't wait to "see" you in class. :-) If you didn't win, there's still time to register for class.

Cricut: Crafting with Stencils

---

Course Description

I love to create art with stencils, especially ones I can make myself using my Cricut machine! Come join me for this 5-lesson class to learn how to design Cricut Craft Room files and cut stencils using Cricut Cuttables Stencil Material, cardstock, and freezer paper. Students will create astenciled artist canvas, stenciled card backgrounds, and a stenciled fabric item of their choice. Take your crafting to a whole new level!
Students will learn about other stencil materials you can use with your Cricut and will will receive nine CCR files to download and use in class projects. Use any Cricut machine and any cartridge you own. Students must have basic knowledge of their Cricut machine and the Cricut Craft Room (CCR).

Click here for more information and to register for this class