It's All About the Green Blog Hop Day #1

It's All About the Green Blog Hop

Day #1

You should have arrived from Melissa's page at http://disneydreamerdesigns.blogspot.com/  If not, please go back to the beginning at Kathryn's page  http://wamfamily.blogspot.com/ and enjoy all the great projects!

I knew with St. Patrick's Day approaching that I wanted to a make a St. Patrick's Day decoration for my house, especially since I'm partially Irish! :)  After searching through my Cricut cartridges, I realized I really didn't have any St. Patrick's Day items on my cartridges, so I had to make due.  In the end this project turned out really cute, and it's one of my favorite things I've created! 

Be sure to read to the bottom for a chance to win blog candy!

Everything seen here was cut by the Cricut! :)  I love my gypsy for this type of project!

First, since I didn't have any cartridges that had a four leaf clover, I used George and Basic shapes to layer 4 hearts, a rectangle and a circle (for the base of the stem) to create a four leaf clover.  I rotated the hearts and lined everything up to make it look like I wanted.  I cut it first in dark green.

Then I raided my recycling and I used a granola bar box to make some thin chipboard.  I wanted to have a stronger backing for the 4 leaf clover.  I broke open the box, removed any sticky areas and then made sure I stuck it to my mat really well.  I then changed the blade depth to 6, and put pressure on maximum.  I cut the 4 leaf clover again.  I then mounted the green cardstock clover to the cardboard clover to make it stiffer and stronger.

Next, I cut a banner from the Christmas Cartridge.  I stretched it larger than 12 inches and cut it once in the same dark green.  Then I scooted the banner to each edge of the mat so only the bows showed (There wasn't a layer for the bows alone.)  and then I cut the bows in light green.   

 I had hand cut the edges connecting to the banner to make the bows stand alone.  I used a green gel pen to add detail lines.  I then cut "A Wee Bit Irish" in white with the same light green as a shadow.  I used the Simply Sweet font.  I also found a 3 leaf clover on Indie Art.  I cut it out in a matching pattern paper and inked the edges green.

Next, I made a leprechaun using bits and pieces from Every Day paper dolls.  Paper Doll Dress Up has a leprechaun, but of course, I don't have that cartridge.  First, I cut about a 6 inch body out of tan paper.  I then used the baseball players shirt and pants to cut the light green shirt and the striped pants. 

 I then cut the fisherman's vest and hat in dark green.  I unlocked the ratio lock on the hat and stretched it taller so it would look more like a top hat.  I hand cut the light green stripe across the hat and used the same Indie art 3 leaf clover for an accent.  On the vest I added 2 large orange brads at the pockets.  I popped the 3 leaf clover and the vest up with popdots for added dimension.  I used George and Basic Shapes to make the buckles for the hat and his boots.  I cut 3 rounded corner squares with the center removed.  I had gold seed beads, so I applied Zig pen glue and stick the seed beads to it.  (The are really cute in person!)  I cut the hair and bow tie in orange and adding orange ink to the edges and gel pen accents.  Lastly, I added two googly eyes and drew the smile on in black Zig marker.  Lastly, I stuck my finger in a red ink pad and used it to make cute little cheeks.  I love him!

Next, I used copper wire to attach the 4 leaf clover to the banner.  I was sure to punch the holes through the cardboard as well.  (I even added some small cardboard squares to the back of the banner to reinforce it as well!)  I also added copper wire to the top to make a hanger.

Here it is hanging on my front door!

Now, for BLOG CANDY! 

To qualify for blog candy:

1.  become a follower

2.  leave a comment on this project

3.  leave a way I can get in contact with you

4.  If you visit both days, and leave 2 comments, you will double your chances of winning!

I will choose a Blog Candy winner on Monday, March 7th.  

May the luck of the Irish be with you! 

Next Stop: 

Lisa's page at  http://www.cricutingwithlisa.blogspot.com/