Cosmo Cricket

The Blog Has Moved

2009-02-24T10:45:00.002-07:00

Hey,

Didn't you hear, the blog is here now! Head on over for more fun Cosmo Cricket stuff!

This Blog Has Moved!

2009-02-18T09:53:00.001-07:00

Hi there! Haven't you heard, this blog has moved to typepad! Hurry over there now, there is a prize giveaway going on this very second!!!

Don't forget to update your links and blog readers!

www.cosmocricket.typepad.com

The New Blog

2009-02-17T10:26:00.003-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Let's start with a project. Emilie Ahern sent me this beautiful layout. I wanted to show it because I read a thread the other day about people hating to use the color yellow. This isn't a strong yellow, or too much of the color, but I love yellow (even bright, loud yellows). I want to paint my whole house yellow, but Eric has different ideas!

The color is so fresh, happy and sunny. It is the opposite of the constantly grey sky outside my window! So, don't be afraid of yellow. Start with subtler tones. Pair it with a nuetral color like grey, black, white or chocolate. You might just be amazed at the results!

On another note, as far as I know there were only two problems with the new blog. Erin Glee cannot leave comments on typepad and so Erin, I will be your personal comment leaver if you wish. Leave a comment here letting me know if that's agreeable to you.

One other person commented on having to enter those funny looking numbers/letters. I will look into that. I want to have the blog as easy to use for as many people as possible. At the same time, I don't want tons of spam comments. So, I'll see what options typepad offers, but I can't make any promises that the funny letters will go away.

To celebrate the new blog, we will have a SPECTACULAR prize offering over there tomorrow. I would have put it up today, but we're in the middle of a snowstorm and some of the things I want on the giveaway are only at the office.......... namely fabric!!! So, be sure to check back tomorrow. You won't want to miss it!

Valentine's Day Recap

2009-02-16T09:18:00.005-07:00

Some of you asked to see the previously mentioned Valentine's Day box. Well, here it is. The girl is well on her way to becoming a scrapper!

This same child wrote me a Valentine's Day song, complete with piano accompaniment. I hope you're not too bored with all my stories about my kids, but I just have to share. It's one of my proudest moments!

My mom, she's my best friend.
My mom, until the end.
My mom, she's a queen.
My mom, she's not at all mean.
My mom, she's as cute as a cherry.
My mom, she's very merry.
My mom, I love my mom.

I read this to my mom and she said, "Julie, you never wrote me a song a like that." I told her it was because she wasn't as "cute as a cherry." We had a good laugh about that!

Now, one more thing. I made my first blinkie. Here it is. Don't you think it's cute! If you would like to use this to show your love for all things Cosmo Cricket, you are totally welcome too. In fact, I would love it if you did!!

Wait, I have one MORE thing to add. I have posted some entries on my typepad trial bog. I am leaning towards moving this blog there, but before I do I want to make sure it works for everyone. Will you all check and see if the feed comes through on your blog reader, if you can leave comments and all that other good stuff that's important to you. If you have problems with it, let me know by posting on this entry or its twin on the other blog and I'll try to address them.
Thanks!!

Completely Random Thoughts

2009-02-13T08:43:00.007-07:00

Happy Friday the 13th and almost Valentine's Day everyone!

Completely Random Thought #1.
Do you remember the candles I did last Halloween with the rub-ons? Well, I was at the local dollar store and they had some candles. I never resist a thrifty bargain, so I snatched one up that would match with a nicer candle I already owned. Then I took these two candles, dressed them up with ribbons, a rub-on and an element and ta-da, the perfect centerpiece for a bridal shower!

Completely Random Thought #2.
My daughter needed to make a Valentine box for school Wednesday evening. I got her tons of Hey Sugar and Chemistry paper, die-cuts and stickers. She was so excited about how her box was turning out as she completely plastered every inch of it and was certain that her's was going to be the best in the entire class. Well, when she got home I asked her how her friends liked the box. She said that they all liked it except for one girl (her rival) who told her it was "stupid." I asked her what she said to that...... insert here that I have THEEEEEE best kids....... she said, "I told her it couldn't be stupid, it's made with Cosmo Cricket products!"

Completely Random Thought #3.
So, I was filling out a yes/no quiz about myself for fun this morning. I came to a question that read, "Have you ever tripped over mushrooms." My answer, "No, how can you trip over a mushroom? Even I'm not that clumsy." I just want you all to know that the true meaning of tripping over mushrooms has been brought to my attention and I am now just a tiny bit less sheltered than I was before.

What do you Think?

2009-02-12T10:13:00.006-07:00

I am considering moving this blog to Typepad. Here's why:

1. Typepad blogs just look nicer. I don't know html, or have the time or interest to learn html and so, this blog looks yucky. I have always hated it, but without more time and knowledge, I am stuck with what blogger offers.

2. Typepad makes it easier to share the blog through social networks.

3. Did I mention Typepad looks nicer.

What do you think? Will you be sad if I switch, or will you get used to it quickly? How do you arrive at the blog? Do you link through our home page, another page, or type in the address?

Have you used Typepad and Blogger? Which do you like better? I have a week and a half left of my free trial and I just need a bit of help making up my mind.

On another note, I have always loved this project by Natasja.

I think it's so great how she used the matrix as a background. When I first saw it, I wanted to make a mini album using matrices as pages. Well, I never got around to that, but I did get around to this:

Meet Lindsay.... I Mean MR. Lindsay!

2009-02-11T06:41:00.009-07:00

Maybe people mistake me for Lindsay's wife because we are like family. He teases me more than my older brother. Gives me almost as good of advice as my dad. Spoils my kids more than my mom. And, my sisters can rest assured that every outfit, hair style and make-up choice I make is thoroughly critiqued...... he even tells me if something makes me look fat!

So, without further ado, meet the man of the hour....... the center of attention....... the one and only...... Mr. Lindsay! Here's what he had to say in his own words:

Because of numerous requests and some brow beating, here are 25 random things about me:

1- In High School I went by my middle name which is Dean. Why did I go back to Lindsay. I moved my senior year and didn't want to go the trouble. I know......Lindsay's a girls name!
2- I once won a "Fonzie" Look-a-like Contest.

(I think he looks more like Mitt Romney than The Fonz!)
3- I like growing Garlic and Grapes. I think it has something to do with the letter "G".
4- I have actually met someone else with my same name. I didn't believe it until "SHE" showed me her Drivers License.
5- When staying at a hotel, I make the bed, empty the garbages, put everything in order. See OCD.
6-I am very easy going but.... I do not tolerate arrogance or disrespect. If someone is that way I have this habit of "mocking" them to their face. Were all just people folks!
7- I once hired a singing group to go to the bowling alley where my wife was on a league team bowling to deliver a dozen roses and have them sing to her. Needless to say, every other husband from the league couldn't top that.
8- I lived in Italy as a child.
9- My wife and I once had a Jam and Jelly Business where we made flavors like, Huckleberry Raspberry, Elderberry, ChokeCherry, Dandelion, Rose and many, many more.
10- I was named after one of Bing Crosby's sons. Now my age is telling.
11- I am ADD and OCD and would not have it any other way.
12- I love mowing my lawn and washing clothes. I like folding towels, but that's it. See the OCD above.
13- I'm good at predicting early on the winner of American Idol. I call it a "Super Power".
14- When my wife and I first got married we rented a home on a ranch and I raised two bum lambs in our unfinished basement. I would get up in the middle of the night and feed them two or three times. My wife kids me that I didn't even do that with any of our children. Needlless to say, after insuring that they would live, and raising them to be quite large animals. While out of town- my in-laws had them both slaughtered and ate them. Tina and Charlie......... boy do I miss them! I hear they were tasty though!
15- My bed has to be made before I will sleep in it. I can't sleep in an unmade bed.
16- I'm allergic to shellfish. It looks rather tasty, but have you seen "Hitch?"
17- I collect Baseball Cards and Memorabilla.
18- I was the shyest kid in High School. I don't know what happened. Now you can't shut me up.
19- I can sing all of the words to "Back in Black" by AC/DC. No - not the worlds next "American Idol."
20- The town i grew up in CA is the where they filmed the movie American Graffiti, Peggy Sue got married, and is where Mrs. Grossman's is located.

21- I like learning about people. The books I read, the shows I watch, or just talking to them.
22- I like simple things. Riding bikes, going for a hike, being around people.
23- I love Chocolate dipped Ice Cream cones. They are yummy and reminds me of when I was a kid. My mom used to buy them for us after a trip to the park. I also love the smell of Eucaliptus Tree's and the Golden Gate Bridge.
24- I do comedy and don't do drama
25- I went to 11 different schools growing up.

Congratulations Wendy @ 8:14. You are today's lucky winner. Send your address to kristen@cosmocricket.com and let her know what Paper Crafting Kit you would like.

Meet Me

2009-02-10T06:37:00.009-07:00

I wanted to write an entry with 25 random things about Lindsay, but so far, he has refused to write his list. Something about being too busy?!?! I mean really, CHA was ages ago. Surely he's caught up by now. It's not like he and I are leaving for a huge event in a couple days or something. We have a whole week and a half! That's oodles of time to take care of all our stores, get everything ready for an event and write 25 random, little things. But men, they just can't multi-task as well as us women! So, try to be understanding.

OK, enough teasing for Lindsay, you'll just have to meet me. Here are 25 random things (those of you who are friends with me on facebook, might know these already):

1. I love fake eyelashes. I think they are super fun and flirty. My faves are Mac #20's.
2. My favorite treat ever is Hot Chocolate.
3. I use to be on the board of directors for the Utah Branch of the International Dyslexia Association (that is my dyslexic son on their home page). I am a certified reading instructor and huge advocate for people with reading disabilities. I am also or have been an art director, freelance copywriter and mom of four.
4. I love playing Dance Dance Revolution and Guitar Hero, but I'm not any good at either.
5. My good friend, Lindsay, says I'm way too practical, logical and direct for a girl. This does make it hard for me to become close friends with girls. Almost all my close friends are male and have been since I was 12.
6. I haven't had any treats or junk food for more than five weeks.
7. I have lots of phobias including spiders, lightening, airports and fire. It's amazing I function as normally as I do. I once threatened to fire Lindsay (in front of his mother) for teasing me with a spider.
8. I didn't light a match until my twenties and I have never lit a lighter.... see number seven.
9. I have a neurological disorder. And, the best part about it is the shock value in that statement! It's called CMT and I am on the very mild side of the spectrum.
10. I love to sew and design most of my skirts.
11. I married Eric when I was 19.
12. My feet are different sizes.... we are talking about two-three inches difference.
13. I was/am an academic nerd graduating with honors from High School and College.
14. I color my hair myself with the Loreal highlighting kit. I like the color Ginger Twist. My natural haircolor is Baby Blonde...... you know super-white. It never went any darker than when I was little, although people always promised it would. I gave up waiting at 32.
15. If I find a song I like, I will listen to it on repeat for days and days until another one comes along and takes its place.
16. I spend almost every minute of every day with my hubby. We work less than three feet from each other.
17. My favorite movie is Man of La Mancha.
18. I love my kids. I have the best kids!
19. I use to play the violin and was even a member of the Utah Old Time Fiddlers when I was young.
20. I am the middle child of 5. One brother and three sisters.
21. I have been on the cereal aisle of the super market with Karl Malone from the Utah Jazz.... he is HUGE!
22. I love childhood poems, rhyming, writing funny little things and daydreaming.
23. I lived with a family in Spain for the summer when I was 15.
24. I love going on evening walks with Eric.
25. I sleep on my tummy using less than an inch of the edge of my pillow.

Tell us a random, little thing about yourself and you could win a prize. And what's more, I'll let you pick! The winner will get to choose a Paper Crafting Kit from any of our lines.

Hey, one more thing about me...... I am not a spectacular scrapbooker. Ok, I know, you already know that. So here is another project by Tami Comstock. This is an inexpensive, simple way to create a beautiful photo display in your home. I love it!

Thrifty Gifty Revisited!

2009-02-09T07:57:00.003-07:00

Hi everyone,

I just got this super-cute email from my sister-in-law, Tami Comstock.

Hey Guys! Considering we are now 'officially' in the middle of a recession, I thought I'd apply the principles of the "Thrifty Gifty" Christmas projects to my Valentine gift giving. I crafted these two treat cartons out of the coveted Hot Chocolate container (big one) and an emptied-since-Christmas Almond Roca container (smaller one) to send as care packages to my loved ones that are living far away. I am filling them with treats and sweet little cards to brighten their day! As you can see, Chemistry did a lovely job of creating a rich and romantic palette and had just the right sentiments to express my love and fondness for them.

My only problem with Tami's awesome thrifty gifty is that since I started the Five Dollar Diet with Lindsay, my supply of Hot Chocolate and Candy containers has greatly diminished. Healthy food just doesn't come in as cute of packaging! Why is that, I wonder? Couldn't they sell Soy Chips in cute little canisters instead of potato chip bags? How about a heart shaped box of clementines or a decorative tin of oatmeal? What do you think?

Warning: Rated GR for GROSS!

2009-02-07T12:08:00.002-07:00

I don't usually blog on Saturday's, but this hysterically, gross thing just happened. Are you ready?

Eric and I had just left our kids at home to run to the grocery store when we got a call from Ethan, our oldest. He explained that he had been eating some corn chips and thought he had chipped a tooth. Eric and I both wondered how one could possibly chip a tooth on corn chips. Ethan explained that he had the part of tooth that had chipped off and he thought it was from a baby tooth. We told him we would look at it when we got home.

So, when I get home, Ethan shows me the tooth part that had chipped off. As I am looking at it, I am amazed at what a big piece of tooth it is. It looks like he must have broken his tooth in half. I asked him to show me which tooth in his mouth was broken. He explained that he couldn't tell for sure. This is where the "spidey senses" started to kick in. How could he not feel a difference in his mouth with this much tooth missing, I wondered. It just didn't make sense!

I looked in his mouth and couldn't see a chipped tooth. At this point Eric came in and asked me what I thought. I told him I didn't think he had chipped a tooth, but somehow, this tooth part got into his mouth. Eric said, "Whose teeth are you eating Ethan?" And that's when all the dots connected.

Kate had lost a tooth earlier this week. She had placed it in a baggie for safe keeping until the tooth fairy came to pick it up. Eric was home with the kids yesterday and had given Jack and Abby some corn chips in a baggie to eat while they watched TV. Ethan found this bag and finished off the crumbs. And, another adventure in parenting was born....... I told you GROSS!

Spring Will Come Eventually

2009-02-06T09:22:00.005-07:00

I am downstairs in my office looking out at the dark, grey sky and telling myself that spring will come. There is rain drizzling down the window and it's cold, but spring will come! Last year, our spring was very, very late...... it even snowed in June. One day, my daughter came to me, in tears, worried that we were going to miss all of spring. I told her what I'm telling myself now........ spring will come!

The above layout is of said daughter last year when spring finally came. I have used this photo before, but I just love it! I saw a project in Simply Handmade by Pamella Brown, that I used as inspiration (I love that magazine!).

I've included directions for my layout. You are free to download these and use them for yourself. If you own a store, feel free to make kits and or teach classes with them. The only thing I don't want you to feel free to do is charge anyone just for the instructions! Thanks!

Meet Kristen, Our Girl Friday

2009-02-05T09:25:00.003-07:00

Since we have been making introductions, I thought we should introduce you to Kristen. This is the girl that Lindsay refers to as Radar O'Reilly because whenever you ask Kristen to do something, she almost always tells you that it's already done. She is the most organized person at Cosmo Cricket, definitely the most polite and just a fabulous employee....... although she is not my daughter as one gal at the trade show thought...... I would have been 14 people!!!

(I'm waiting for a photo of Kristen, but you may remember her as the young blonde with the Mickey Mouse ears from our videos.)

Anyway, here are 25 random things about her, by her:
1. I have an amazing husband and we have been married for almost one
year!
2. I have a birth mark in a shape of a football on the bottom of my
foot.
3. I love to dance! I started dancing at the age of four.
4. I played basketball in the 7th -8th grade. I was horrible and I
always got yelled at for dancing during b-ball practice.
5. My mom never spanked me- at least that's what she tells me. And I can
only remember one time when my dad was upset with me. I hope my kids will
be well behaved!
6. I'm the youngest of four children in my family.
7. I love running! My sister runs with me but she's super fast. The only
time I was able to keep up with her was a month after she had her 3rd
baby!
8. I love Thai Food
9. The only meat I eat is chicken and fish.
10. I have 2 nieces and 5 nephews
11. There is nothing better than reading a good book! My husband doesn't
share the same enthusiasm. He tends to get ignored while I read.
12. I grew up on a ranch in Idaho
13. My house is always clean. I'm a little OCD.
14. I wish I could play the piano but I'll learn someday.
15. I hate fire.
16. I've never broken any bones.
17. My husband taught me how to ride a dirt bike.
18. I enjoy going to Lake Powell with my family.
19. I hate grocery shopping.
20. My husband is a better cook than me.
21. My favorite TV show is Gilmore Girls and Jon & Kate plus 8
22. I'm always cold.
23. I took gymnastics when I was young but I stopped going after I did a
back flip and landed on my head. I was fine but it was a traumatic
experience!
24. I would love to have four children with my husband someday.
25. My favorite season is Summer- I love the heat!

Congrats Rebecca at 9:09 this morning, you are today's luck winner. It's a good thing I didn't post earlier, you barely squeaked into that drawing! By the way, for those that wonder how we choose the winners, I use a random number generator.

Tim Tam Temptation

2009-02-04T06:58:00.006-07:00

We haven't given away a prize for a while, so I think we should do that today. But first, a Five Dollar Diet update.

Lindsay and I were strong all through CHA. We did not order cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory...... although others did. We did not eat any junk at Disneyland...... even as I watched my sister-in-law eating a chocolate-covered, frozen banana. We didn't even eat any of the Tim Tams that Cheryl from Aussie Scrap Source brought for us all the way from Australia (and that is saying something!). The $5 donation jar has only collected the one time donation from Lindsay's slipped profanity.

(Lindsay and I with our Tim Tams. This is the only photo I had, so please don't tease Lindsay too much for being caught in the middle of saying something! Oh and for those who don't know, Tim Tams are these super-yummy, chocolate-covered cookies.)

Eric and Lindsay both say that I am getting skinnier. I am starting to believe them since my pants are looser and I'm fitting into some that didn't fit before. I don't know what I weigh because Lindsay and I agreed not to weigh ourselves until April 1. But, Eric thinks I'm looking so great that he has decided to join us. It's nearly killing him!!! He has been "clean" for two days. GO ERIC!

How are your healthy efforts going? Let us know and you could win:
One package of Tim Tams
A Super Sweet Chemistry Paper Crafting Kit
A Scrumptios Snorkel Sampling
A Tasty Scarlet Blackboard Album

Now to hold you over until we find out the winner, feast your eyes on these fun projects by design team member Yukari.

Holding Down the Homefront

2009-02-03T07:56:00.005-07:00

When Eric and I have to leave for trade shows, it is my sister, Becky, that usually watches our kids. Becky is Jon the Warehouse Guy's wife, professional photographer and a super baby sitter. My kids love it when she comes..... especially if she brings Jon who always takes them fishing. Unfortunately, this last trip was a bit rough since her little baby was sick. I checked her blog yesterday (she takes beautiful photographs!) and found the following entry, titled "Mary's So Sad."

I've been helping out my sister by babysitting her four kids. And with Mary that makes five total kids! I'm not so sure I'm cut out to be a mother anymore. Jon couldn't miss law school so I've been here since Friday by myself. Last night went something like this.

10:00-11:30pm Mary laughed and giggled (I have no clue what was so funny in the dark)
1:00-2:00 am Jack woke up and cried for his parents (I layed on his flour until he feel asleep)
2:00am Mary woke up
3:30 Abby woke up sick and then woke the whole house up (gave her some children's Tylenol mostly to drug her back to sleep)
4:00 Mary woke up
6:00 Ethan woke up to go to school
7:00 helped the girls off to school

And if you think Mary looked sad you should see me!

Becky has fully recovered and so has Mary. However, my kids are now sick and so Becky has her revenge!

Meet Eric..... The Man Behind the Camera

2009-02-02T07:11:00.005-07:00

Now that we have established that I am not married to Lindsay, I thought I would introduce you to the man I am married to, Eric.

Here are 25 random things about him, by him:
1. The first record I ever bought was Bruce Springsteen, Born in the USA.
2. I need to have my desk or work area organized before I can start working.
3. I am a huge procrastinator.
4. I don’t like change. That’s why I am on my 5th pair of Black Chuck Taylors.
5. I did not enjoy reading until I was 18 when I read the book My Name Is Asher Lev.
6. I am 6.6 although I always tell everyone I am 6.5
7. I like to shop from J Crew because they sell tall clothing.
8. The one thing I really want to own is an Eames Lounge Chair.
9. I knew, when I was 14, that I wanted to be an art director in Advertising.
10. When I was an art director I worked on accounts like Intel, Iomega and Extensis.
11. When I go to the movies, I love watching the previews almost as much as the movie.
12. I started listening to Elvis Costello when I was 12. My older sister had sent me home a mixed tape of his music and I’ve been hooked ever since.
13. I think vacuuming is relaxing.
14. I have 3 older sisters and 4 younger brothers.
15. My favorite foods are sweet potatoes in the winter time and Pesto and Mozzerella in the summertime.
16. I love typography.
17. My favorite color is blue.
18. I am a compulsive doodler. Without thinking I have doodled on my kids homework assignments, bills, insurance papers...
19. I don’t like crowds.
20. Unlike Lindsay or Julie I do not need or want to be the center of attention.
21. I cannot sing. It has been confirmed by several people.
22. My favorite radio show is This American Life. You can usually find it on a public radio station or you can download their podcast. Make sure to donate when they ask for your help.
23. I have four fabulous kids.
24. I work with my best friend everyday.
25. I’ve loved being part of building up Cosmo Cricket and can’t wait to see what happens next.

So, what do you think? Did I make a good catch? I think so and wanted to capture it in this fun album I made out of our new spinner cards. Since they are only a $1.49 retail, it's not too expensive to use them as pages...... or at least covers, although any one of these pages would be cute on a layout as well!

We're Back

2009-01-30T07:50:00.004-07:00

Good morning! We had a safe trip back and after sleeping most of the day yesterday, I feel almost like my old self again.

I wanted to post this project by Natasja Verbeek, because Lindsay showed it in a video and gave credit to a fictitious person named Martina...... although he did get the country right. I absolutely love this project. I emailed the photos of my son, Jack, over to Holland where Natasja made this book. She bound it with ribbon for the show and it was a big hit! I'm not sure what she used as the pages, but you could used chipboard, bookboard, old game boards, old book covers, etc.

Many of you want to know which line sold the best. Well, I would tell you if I knew, but it is too close to call. To be honest, we cannot, at this point, even rule out Lil' Men and Everafter. Even when the orders are entered, Lindsay and I will continue the debate until the lines are dead...... and I mean dead, dead, dead. We are still arguing over whether Halfway Cafe will ever be able to sell more than Dutch Girl. I picked Dutch Girl which was number one, but now there is a chance Halfway Cafe could be picked up by another account giving Lindsay his bragging rights two years later.

AHhhhhhhh Photos!

2009-01-28T07:54:00.004-07:00

It really is a miracle........ we remembered the camera. Here's some pics from the show. Now, you know, we never leave our booth, so when I say from the show I really mean from one little corner of the show.

Here come the attendees, checking out the gallery wall.

The booth was hoppin'.

Here's Lindsay filling in our sale's reps.

Product displays......... they always look so nice in the mornings.

I think this customer was telling Lindsay that if he said Snorkel was going to sell better than Girl Friday one more time that she was going to hit him.

Here's Lindsay....... charmin' the customers.

Let's Set the Record Straight!

2009-01-27T06:54:00.004-07:00

Hi Everyone! First I have to apologize for being a right brained, highly creative, but organizationally challenged person. The camera is still at the booth! However, Maren did email this photo from dinner to me.

Now, to clear up a few issues that have been brought to my attention repeatedly on the show floor. Mr. Lindsay is NOT my husband! I had one gal come into the booth and ask to speak to my husband and so I directed her to Eric. She said to me, "That is not your husband." I assured her he was and then found Lindsay for her. Over and over again people are referring to me as Lindsay's wife...... and all I can say is .......... he should be so lucky! (I'm just kidding Tehawna.)

And one other thing. He is not by boss either! I had another customer tell me it must be so fun to have Lindsay be my boss. I replied to her that I was actually his boss. She said, "Oh, because your his wife." And so it goes!!!

The First Day at CHA

2009-01-26T09:01:00.003-07:00

Good Morning!

We had a fabulous first day at CHA.

With every release, Lindsay and I have a competition to see who can pick the number one selling line. This show I am predicting Girl Friday and Lindsay is predicting Snorkel. Right now they are running neck and neck, although we keep hearing from our design team that Lil' Man and Everafter are the easiest to work with. So, it's still completely up in the air. What's your guess?

I have to tell you, with our summer releases, we were both dead wrong on our predictions. I picked Jack's World and Lindsay picked Haunted. But as you know...... Mr. Campy was one popular marshmallow.

One more thing, we had a blast at dinner with all our guests and wanted to give them a special thanks for joining us! We enjoyed getting to know all of you!

PS: We'll post more photos, but we left the camera at the booth......... stay tuned....... more to come!

Hello From Anaheim

2009-01-25T08:14:00.003-07:00

Hi Everyone,

We got to Anaheim safely, put up our booth on Friday and spent the day yesterday at Disneyland.

Here's some pics. Stay tuned for more from the show!

This is what the show floor looks like when you get there.

After a couple hours the booth is up and almost stocked.

Uh, Oh...... we forgot to send any Paper Crafting Kits...... Hello, UPS, can you do a Saturday delivery.

Disney Land! Can you guess whose family is behind us?

Hey Eric, I think these glasses need some embellishments.
Hey Julie, I think we should sell embellishable glasses!
And another product idea is born........ I think that means we can now deduct this Disneytrip as a business expense!

Booth 1345 and Dinner Winners

2009-01-22T11:09:00.004-07:00

You may have noticed that we don't take ourselves too seriously at Cosmo Cricket. So, if you want to find the most fun booth at the CHA, be sure to stop by. This year, our back wall will be a gallery of paper patterns, hilarious old family photos (these are legit..... well, except for the captions, the one above is Eric's grandpa and friends) and some irreverent treatments of classical art. When we made the gallery for the back wall, we printed a few extra pieces, and you could possibly win one!

Now, onto the dinner winners. We decided to have three random winners instead of just one. Here they are:
Mary T...... it looks like your husband will have a chance to wear his Buffalo Bill tie.
Memories Galore..... I'll tell Lindsay to try and remember his manners.
LaCoe...... Don't trip and fall as you're running to our booth!

For everyone else, we are so glad you like us enough to want to join us for dinner. We hate that everyone couldn't win!

Down to the Wire!

2009-01-21T11:34:00.003-07:00

Are you all ready for CHA? I am so super busy with the final preparations, that this is just a short and simple entry. I will announce the Cosmo Cricket Dinner Winner tomorrow morning. If you have not had a chance to get entered into this contest, read this entry for all the info.

Check back here for updates from CHA. I'll be posting everday on the road.

One more thing. we have our first $5.00 charity contribution on our Health Nut contest (if you don't know about this contest, get filled in here). It seems that on Lindsay's and Eric's trip, Lindsay used a taboo word. Although I'm holding him to his $5 donation, I will say that what we are referring to as the $5.00 diet, has not been cheated on....... we are almost 4 weeks free from all junk food. That's 4 weeks with absolutely no chocolate of any kind! Somehow I have not died yet.

Paper Flower Tutorial

2009-01-20T09:11:00.004-07:00

First let me say, that the Dinner with Cosmo Cricket contest is still open. Read my previous post for your chance to win.

Now, onto today's business. Natasja Verbeek, one of our design team members, makes these absolutely beautiful paper flowers. I asked her if she could teach me how to make them...... I need all the scrappy help I can get..... she told me she learned it on the internet and that she would find me the link. Well, she couldn't find the link. Instead, she went above and beyond the call of duty and made me a personal youtube tutorial. I am so in love with these flowers, that I thought you might like to learn to make them too. So, I asked Natasja if I could post her video. It took a fair bit of coercion (she did not intend for it to be public) but she is a really good sport and agreed. And, I am so glad she did...... I just love her!

Now I have started making my own flowers. Here is a layout I am working on with my first paper flower. I wanted my flower to be made from our printed cardstock, but the paper seemed a bit thick so I peeled the top layer away from the bottom layer. I love this look. It makes very delicate looking petals.

111 Layouts and 1 Free Meal

2009-01-19T08:49:00.006-07:00

If you do anything less than 25 layouts in a day you are a complete slacker! OK, I'm just kidding, but Krista, Kristen, Kathy and I started making layouts at 11:00 on Friday and by 5:00 we had completed 111 layouts. Why would we be so obsessed you ask? Well, sometimes we do a "make and take" at our booth sometimes we kit product together and do a "take and make", but this year we are just doing a "take".

You see, I wanted customers that place orders with us to have a layout to help merchandise the product in their stores. Our booth really isn't big enough to allow several people to be making layouts and if I give a kit, the store owner still has to take her time or pay someone else their time to put the layout together....... as a small business owner myself, I know there is never enough help or enough time. So, right now we have a free layout for the first 111 stores that place their order (I said right now, because we might find time to complete even more).

I was going to photograph some of them to show you all, but my sweet hubby boxed them up and put them in the crate before I got a chance! I guess you'll just have to get over to Booth 1345 to see them in person.

On another note, if there's no such thing as a free lunch....... maybe there is such a thing as a free dinner. That's right, we want to take you and your friend to dinner with us the first night of the show. What will this cost you? First you need to leave a comment telling us why you want to come to dinner with us and why we should pick you. Then, you have to get yourself to CHA. Finally, you have to be willing to endure an evening with the infamous Lindsay Moore...... the man with the cute shirt, Julie Comstock..... that's me, the girl with the whitest skin, Eric Comstock...... the luckiest man on earth, Kristen........ the smartest blonde at the office and hopefully Maren Benedict and Debbie Olsen..... two of thee most talented designers. If you won't be at CHA, but you know people who will, let them know about this contest. We'll leave it open until Wednesday @ midnight and announce the winner Thursday morning.

One last thing, congratulations Angela @ 10:02, you are today's winner. Send your address to kristen@cosmocricket.com and she'll get you your prize.

Congratulations and More Prizes

2009-01-16T08:51:00.004-07:00

Isn't this just a lovely card by Krista! It's so beautiful and simple to make.

Now, I have to apologize that I don't have a free download for you today. But, you know, if I give you one everyday you might become spoiled and demanding. We wouldn't want that to happen now, would we? Of course not..... I am glad you agree. :)

However, I do have some potentially exciting news for anyone who's going to be at CHA. Whether you are a fan, product designer, paper artist, store owner, design team hopeful, whatever...... if you are going to be at CHA, you could win dinner for you and a friend with Cosmo Cricket (I told you it was only "potentially" exciting). If you are not going to be at CHA, let your local store know about this opportunity and have them come to our blog next week for their chance to win.

But wait........ there's more......... You could win today!!! Tell us your favorite thing about your special someone and be entered into a drawing to win the Element Cards and Borders from all four of the new lines.

Congrats Tigger and Scrapaddict21! You both have won the Lil' Man Paper Crafting Kit. Send us your address and we'll send you your prize.

All Stars, Happy Days & A Lucky Girl

2009-01-15T08:49:00.004-07:00

Another project by the talented Krista. Can I tell you I love the plaids and stripes in this line. They remind me of vintage shirting or quilting fabric. So nostalgic!

For today's game we will be giving away a Little Man Paper Crafting Kit, but we're going to be a little tricky. You can enter your name into a drawing by leaving a comment, but you can increase your odds of winning by having your friends come to our blog and leave a comment. Tell them to say who sent them and if they win, the friend who sent them will win also.

Here's another download for you. After reading the wishes yesterday, I thought of the song "Happy Days are Here Again." I hope all of you looking for jobs (or having husbands looking for jobs) find them. And, like so many of you, I also wish for warm sunny weather. I hate winter. I miss the sunshine. Hopefully, it won't be too long until we get to use this happy little sunshine on our layouts! The same rules apply. Please use it as much as you like, as long as you're not selling it or using it for commercial purposes.

Oh, and today's winner is delaina@teleclipse.net. Delaina send us your address so we can get you your prize.

A Winner, A Freebie, Another Prize

2009-01-14T09:21:00.006-07:00

For today's game, tell us a wish and be entered into a drawing to win the Snorkel Ready Set Chipboard (which won't be in stores until mid February) and stickers (shipping Jan 26).

I noticed yesterday that several people thought the title of "Me, Myself and I" would be fun for their layout. So, I made this printable download (click on it to make it larger) that you are welcome to have. Please do not sell it in anyway and we will still be good friends.

Congratulations Fourguysandagirl you are the lucky winner of yesterday's Spinner Card prize. Send your address to kristen@cosmocricket.com.

Spinner Card Layout

2009-01-13T08:10:00.004-07:00

The full sneak peek is in the post below.

Look how fun these can be on your layouts! I sparkled the spinner on the card and left it free (so it can spin still). I have found that being in my mid-thirties, some days I feel like a completely different girl and other days I still feel like an 18 year old. I did this layout to try and show that. Maybe when my girls hit thirty they'll look back at this and relate.

You could win a set of spinner cards. Tell us a title for a layout all about you and we'll enter you into a drawing to win the new spinner cards..... they won't even ship until February 10th.

The Card Has Spoken!

2009-01-12T10:37:00.014-07:00

**** Be sure to check the blog tomorrow for more great projects featuring our new releases!****

Have you been on the edge of your seats?

We'll begin our Sneak Peek this morning with one of our four new lines...... Girl Friday. She's cute, she's hip, she's totally down to earth. You have to check out her "Elements." I am so excited about these!

The second line for today is Everafter. Much more formal than Girl Friday, Everafter is beautiful for weddings, engagements, mother's day and heritage pages.

For all of you worried about all this girly stuff, relax, we have your boys covered...... even those really big ones you call hubby. Check out Lil' Man below..... I really love the "Ready, Set, Chip" chipboard stickers!

And finally, meet Snorkel. To introduce this collection, I think a song is appropriate.

Summer scrappin’ had me a Blast. Summer scrappin’ happened so fast! I found a line, perfect for me. I found a photo cute as could be. Summer days, driftin’ away to, uh, oh, those summer night crops. A well, a well, a well, uh huh. Tell me more, tell me more, did you get very far? Tell me more, tell me more, was your layout the star? When you see my layout, you’ll start to drool. ‘Cause stuff with Snorkel ends up so cool. Summer days, driftin’ away to, uh, oh, those summer night crops.

PS: As you probably know, you can click on the images to see them larger.

Oh, and for the girl who really does want to die with the most paper, you have two options. Our new Double Decks come with 48 papers (24 from two different Cosmo Cricket collections) or grab our new Paper Crafting Kits that have 12 papers, plus the Elements, Borders and Cardstock Stickers.

And of course, new Blackboard!

Larry the Temp Grants A Wish

2009-01-09T10:16:00.003-07:00

Hi Everyone! After yesterday's movie, Lindsay is threatening my life. So, in fairness, I need to let you all know that his favorite food is garlic. In fact, on one trip, I was flipping through the SkyMall magazine and came across a counter top garlic roaster. I told Lindsay I had found the perfect gift for his birthday. He replied, "Don't bother, I already own it." True Story!

I have even more garlic stories, but I'm already in enough trouble!! So, let's just move on to today's episode of Larry the Temp.

Larry the Temp Gives Risky Advice

2009-01-08T07:18:00.004-07:00

We hope you are enjoying our light-hearted approach to this year's sneak peek. These movies are intended in good fun and nobody is safe. In fact, you might find yourself in the middle of a joke....... just ask Kristen! So, grab your popcorn, sit back and relax for the next two minutes and 23 seconds.

Oh, and be sure to tune in tomorrow to see Larry the Temp make a wish come true. You won't want to miss it.

Larry The Temp Spins Again!

2009-01-07T08:44:00.005-07:00

As you could probably tell, no actors were harmed, or even used, in the making of these movies. Also, a special thanks to Anthony, our UPS man, for going well above the call of duty!

Here's more Spinner Cards and more from Larry the Temp.

Larry the Temp and the Things To Be Spinner Card

2009-01-06T08:53:00.008-07:00

This morning we would like to congratulate our prize winners:
Indigo Wings 5:49
RobinDiane 8:23
Queen of her Castle 7:21
Close to Home 5:03
Send your addresses to kristen@cosmocricket.com and she'll get you your prizes.

Now, I'd like to introduce you to Larry the Temp and our brand-spankin' new Things To Be Spinner Card. We'll show another Spinner Card tomorrow along with more from Larry.

If You Think You Can, You Can

2009-01-05T08:04:00.004-07:00

Apparently Lindsay and I think we can. The collection jar at Cosmo Cricket is empty....... those poor charities. (If you don't know what I'm talking about, read this entry.)

It has taken it's toll...... at least on me. I had a dream Saturday night. I was at a party and someone offered me a treat. It looked like a Reese's Peanut Butter cup, but it was white chocolate on the outside and had gooey milk chocolate on the inside (I think this was inspired by a bag of candy Lindsay's wife gave my husband...... it's a conspiracy I tell you). Anyway, in my dream I temporarily forgot our challenge and I took the candy....... opened it...... scooped the gooey chocolate off the wrapper and put it in my mouth. As soon as I had done this, I see Lindsay coming over to talk to me. Suddenly I remember the challenge and realize he is going to find me with chocolate in my mouth. I swallow quickly. Put my head down and try to get away. I remember being so worried he would be able to smell chocolate on my breath. It turned into one of those panic dreams where you have to get away or it will be bad.

Then, last night, I had to close myself in my office while my husband made chocolate chip cookies with my kids. But, while I was there I started this journal of my "Health Nut" experience. It is fun to do, has me motivated to keep my goal and will be fun to look back on. I thought I'd share it in hopes of inspiring the rest of you hopefuls into documenting your progress toward better things! If you think you can, you can!!

PS: The prize drawing below is still open. The winner will be announced tomorrow morning...... but maybe even more exciting...... you'll get to meet Larry the Temp.

PPS: I asked Eric to photograph these for me. He thought it would be funny to use a fork to hold the journal open. Ha ha ha.

The Girl Who Dies With The Most Paper Wins

2009-01-02T11:38:00.005-07:00

Happy New Year everyone! Are you loving 2009 yet? Well, I am. I had this total rush of energy yesterday. Maybe it was my new diet challenge with Lindsay (see entry below). Maybe it was getting the high score on Dance Dance Revolution. Maybe it was just having a fresh, new year with no mistakes in it.

Whatever it was, I went into my office. Looked at all my piles of creativity sitting around and got inspired to clean things out. If you're like me, you know that managing all your paper and scrapbooking supplies can be a tricky thing. Now imagine that each time you need a sheet of paper, your helpful business partner brings you three or four kits of paper from that line....... so that he won't have to run paper to your house as often. I'm not complaining, I'm just saying it really starts to add up.

But, lucky for you because I have lots of paper that I don't need. Some of it is cut, some packages are opened and no longer complete. Some are just like they'd be off the store shelf. The thing is, CHA is right around the corner and I'll have lots more packages of paper delivered to my house. And, although I love lines like Gretel, Dutch Girl and Hello Sunshine, I have to move to the new lines and the older ones, will be lonely, just sitting on the shelf.

So, I've put together four sets of leftovers. There are complete paper crafting kits from Dutch Girl and Halfway Cafe. There is leftover Blackboard, Buck Naked Chipboard, Ready Set Chipboard, Die-cuts, stickers, paper pads and loads and loads of paper and scraps. There has to be over $100 of product, maybe even $200, in each set. All you have to do is tell us your plans for the new year whether it's a resolution or goal or just something good you hope will happen. We'll enter all names into a drawing. The lucky winner will be announced on Tuesday morning when Larry the Temp will have his debut....... I wonder what he knows about our new releases?

****UPDATE**** There seems to be some confusion. The picture above will be one person's prize. I have three other sets similar in product and amount that will be the other three people's prizes. Yes, I do have A LOT of stuff. I think it's safe to say that I might be the girl with the most paper.

New Year's Resolutions

2008-12-31T08:09:00.003-07:00

Before we get started, I'd like to say that the free download pattern in the entry below is a quilt designed by Cherri House of Cherry House Quilts. I'd feel badly if she didn't get credit for that beautiful work!

Now, for today's post, I'm not really the type to make New Year's Resolutions. And, I'm definitely not the type to keep them! However, when Lindsay dare's me to do something I almost always fall for it, especially if it's at all competitive.

As you long time followers know, I have been trying to lose a bit of weight, be healthier and get in shape. Well, I've been a little bit successful, but then I hit that dreaded plateau. Lindsay has been trying to do the same thing, off and on, since I've known him. In the past we have had little competitions, along with support and encouragement from each other when we're being nice, or taunting and teasing from each other the rest of the time. Maybe you remember this photo?

So, I was on the phone with the infamous Lindsay Moore yesterday. We were relaying how well we've been doing with our current workouts when we both admitted we'd been eating horribly. With this admission, a new competition was made and we thought it would be fun if you joined us!

Here's the rules:

You cannot eat the following items (and just for Lindsay, you cannot swear), if you do, you have to donate $5 to charity (we have a pot down at HQ that will be donated each time it gets full). This is a strictly "On Your Honor" competition. No cheating, your honor is worth more than 5 bucks!

No white bread
Butter
Crackers
Sugar Cereals
Movie Popcorn
Candy
Cake
Ice Cream
Cookies
Brownies
Hot Cocoa
Hot Chocolate
Chocolate latte’s
Chocolate anything
Potato chips
Unhealthy Fast foods
Soda pop
Swearing

Instead of weighing in every Wednesday, we will give you our current total and of course have a prize giveaway! If you would like to edit this list by adding your particular weakness (you'll notice Lindsay has my chocolate addiction covered) feel free. If you would like to remove anything from this list you are cheating!

Sugar Snap Quilt Free Pattern Download

2008-12-30T09:40:00.003-07:00

Hi everyone... I got an email this morning telling me about this awesome quilt pattern using our Hey Sugar fabrics. The quilt pattern is called Sugar Snap and you can download it for free using the link at the bottom.

Need some sources for the fabric...on Quiltshops.com I found that several shops are carrying Cosmo Cricket's Hey Sugar fabric line. They are also carrying the fabric line at Fabrics.com, as well as at Equilter.com. Lots of great fabric, and lots of great places to purchase the Hey Sugar Collection.

I hope you will enjoy this free pattern, it is so quick & easy, you could easily cut out the fabric one evening, and sew the top the next. Not only would this quilt be perfect for some sweet little one, but it would also make a great charity quilt pattern.
Download Sugar Snap Quilt

Enjoy!! -Krista

A Great Kit...

2008-12-29T10:59:00.004-07:00

Hello everyone! Krista here... Julie is on vacation and I hope she is getting some well deserved R & R.

Today we are featuring a great kit from Studio Calico featuring our Jack's World paper, die cuts and black board shapes. What an awesome kit!
Here are a few examples of what can be done with this kit. I love the little monkey!

You can get more information about this kit by visiting www.studiocalico.com

Also, if any of our other customers out there are featuring our products in an upcoming kit or project, we would love to hear about it. Please email me at krista@cosmocricket.com and we may feature your projects on the blog!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2008-12-24T10:28:00.003-07:00

Well, it is finally Christmas Eve. I am still putting the finishing touches on some very large scale thrifty gifty projects. I have three stockings left to sew. About 5 or 6 presents left to wrap. A gingerbread cake to make and then I'm all done!

After the big day, our family is taking a bit of a break from all things other than family, so Lindsay and Krista will have to entertain you all. If you know Lindsay, this means prizes. And, if you know Krista, this means better projects than I would ever make! Really, as I think about it, I think they have ulterior motives encouraging me to do the blog. I suspect they think they are keeping me out of trouble or something.

Oh well, today you're stuck with me! So, here is my Christmas newsletter reviewing the major events in our family last year. It is meant to be sung to the William Tell Overture. But, I won't torture you with my rendition, you'll have to sing it yourself.

Let's start with December of last year,
We had a great Christmas with lots of cheer.
I got a road bike for my hubby dear.
He got me a necklace that I always wear.

Then came January, it was so very cold.
It snowed everyday which got very old.
Eric borrowed Lindsay's car and almost rolled.
But he's safe and sound, I don't think he told.

February was the same as the month before.
More snow and cold it had in store.
We went to CHA on the western shore.
Our new lines sold even more and more.

You'd think in March the sky might turn blue,
But in Providence that would not be true.
My mood declined which was something new.
Vitamins made it better...... after a few.

Then April came and my Jack turned three.
He refused in the potty to poop or pee.
I thought I would lose my sanity,
And the temperature was about 23.

There was one day in the mid of May
When the sun was out and the kids could play.
Abby rode her bike the entire day
Till she split her chin and chipped three teeth away.

We took her to the doctor, I got a little sick
When they stitched her up, though they were quick.
In the middle of the chaos I forgot to get
To Ethan's class for his maturation clinic.

In June Ethan and Abby's birthdays were a go
The wading pool was a flop due to more snow.
So school was out, and the house was full,
In need of a diversion we went to bowl.

In July we found out Abby could not see
Through her left eye, since she was a baby.
We patched it for what seemed an eternity,
And Jack finally learned to use the potty.

In August, Kate went from eight to nine.
Everything in her life is going fine.
She has more friends than were ever mine.
When she turns sixteen, the boys will get in line.

With September, the kids went back to school.
15 years of marriage seems pretty cool.
With Cosmopolitan magazine we had a duel.
They told us that we were breaking their rule.

October came, along with Halloween.
We had the cutest kids that you've ever seen.
Nancy Drew, Winnie the pooh and a Vampire queen
And the Grim Reeper wasn't even a little mean.

With November we will end our song.
I'm sorry it's gotten just a little long.
Our turkey was delicious, I didn't cook it wrong.
We served it up, not even owning a tong.

We have been very blessed as you can hear.
Each and every one, throughout the year.
We wish you the same and some holiday cheer,
Merry Christmas to you and a happy new year.

Extra Special Gift Wrap

2008-12-23T09:39:00.003-07:00

Do you ever just want to make a wrapped package so special that the person getting it knows even before they open it that they are special to you? Well, I have a hard time spending money on expensive papers and bows, although I do love them. So, I decided to borrow my friend Melanie's idea.

Here's what to do. Go to your photos and find the perfect one. In my mind this means it is an embarrassing photo, a photo that the recipient has never seen before, a photo that is a clue to what's inside or a special photo that you love of the person. Take these photos and either scan and print or go have color copies made. Then add them to your inexpensively wrapped gifts. I like to add a little sentiment to make the lucky gift getter smile!

A Project...

2008-12-22T14:13:00.003-07:00

Hello everyone! Its me, Krista. Julie is super, duper busy today so she asked me to do the blog and post a project on here so here ya go.... This chore chart was extremely easy to do using "Jack's World" black board shapes and die cuts. here are some simple instructions...

1. cut a circle about 8 inches in diameter and ink edges
2. cut another circle about 1/2 inch smaller than that and ink edges
3. Now you need to cut pie pieces out of different patterned paper to make up the chore part of the circle. (I cut a sample circle and cut it into 6 pieces and then traced those on the paper I wanted to use)
4. Glue the pie pieces together on the #2 circle and draw stitches on them. Print off chores on white cardstock, cut out and glue on... I also used Jacks World rub-ons around the circle.
5. Cut an arrow out of cardstock or chipboard, using a brad put it in the center of your chart.
6. Adhere the "Chore" circle on the largest circle and glue both of them to the background paper.
7. Choose your blackboard shapes and adhere the die-cuts to them.
8. Glue them around your Chore circle.
9. Cut out "CHORES" and adhere them to the top.
10. You are finished!

I hope these instructions make sense. I should have done a tutorial with pictures but I wasnt on the ball and I didnt take pictures as I was creating. You will just have to try to figure out my instructions by looking at the picture!

The Kate Update

2008-12-19T09:57:00.002-07:00

The question on everyone's mind when Kate got home yesterday was, "Did you give Zac your note?"

We all waited in anticipation, but to our surprise, she said, "No, and it's too late now."

I guess when she got to school, before she could give Zac her note, he came right up to her and asked if they could "hang out." She said that she would sit by him at lunch. (All the while, I am thinking to myself, "aren't you too young for this?") Anyway, at lunch Zac asked her if they could hang out at recess and she agreed. I asked her what they did and she told me they swung on the swings together. :)

Then, she says, completely seriously, "Mom, he has a BIG crush on me." I asked her if she had a big crush on him and she replied, "I think I have a small crush on him."

So there you go. She just isn't committing yet. He can't win her with one cute poem. He's going to have to work at it to steal her heart completely.

Buckle Up Mom and Dad....

2008-12-18T08:30:00.009-07:00

it's going to be a roller coaster!

Yesterday, I was at the warehouse fumigating all our employees with the smell of spray paint as I worked on some Christmas projects for my kids. When I got home, Kate was very excited to see me. Kate is my oldest daughter and the child who's personality is most like my own. She says, "Guess what Mom! Zack left another note in my desk today."

Let's back up here for one quick second. Zac, a poor, apparently smitten boy has come up in conversation in our home before. A few months back he left a secret note in Kate's desk telling her that he loved her. Of course, the rest of the class let Kate in on who her secret admirer was. And, not being a shy girl, Kate walked right up to him, note in hand and said, "Please explain." Zac, not knowing what to do ran away. I hadn't heard about him since until yesterday.

So, back to the story. Kate continued, telling me what the note said. "Roses are red, Violets are blue, Do you like me? Because I like you!" It was signed "Your Secret Writer." This time Kate didn't do anything to embarrass Zac, which I was glad for since we had talked at length about how she had probably humiliated him the last time. But, after lunch there was a second note that said, "Are you going to respond? Your Secret Writer."

Then, Kate proceeded to read me the following letter, which I have scanned for you amusement.

You can click on it to see it larger, but it says, "Dear Zac, I know you are the one who's been writing to me. I will respond now. You are a really good friend. I love romance (try to keep a straight face when your child reads that to you). I personally think that romance is the best type of story on earth. I don't think you're crazy (I'm not sure why she thought it was important to include this observation). Zac, you are a really nice boy. I think you have WONDERFUL talents. My three favorite sports are ballet, basketball and rollerblading. What are your favorite sports? I really think you have good talents. Sincerely, Kate C.

What's almost as funny as the letter, is Eric's take on it. He doesn't think Kate is very clear at all about how she feels about Zac. He thinks this is the beginning of man's misunderstanding of women. Why, he wants to know, does Kate not just directly say exactly what she feels. "What is Zac suppose to make of this," he asked me, "It's like she's given him a little bit of hope just so she can toy with him some more."

Maybe looking into Kate's world, Eric will learn to understand all women better. Is Kate in love? Is she trying to let Zac down gently? Is she afraid of admitting she likes him too? What do you think?

Cosmo Cricket is Moxie Fab

2008-12-17T09:03:00.003-07:00

Well, according to Cath Edvalson anyway. Cath is not only a really nice person, but the creative editor for Paper Crafts magazine. I love her! Anyway, she has a blog called Moxie Fab World where she features products and designers she thinks are Moxie Fab.

Last week, she emailed and asked if she could interview Eric and myself. Being totally flattered, I said, of course....... who doesn't want more publicity, right? And, Cath is so nice, you'd do just about anything for her anyway. So, pop on over if you'd like to read more about us and our creative process. Oh, there is a giveaway if you leave a comment there, too!

PS: In reference to yesterday's post, I was asked if melting vinyl records gave off any fumes. I can tell you there is a slight smell when you open the oven, but it isn't strong at all and disepates quickly. I didn't even get a little high! One more thing, when vinyl is warm and flexible, you can cut it with scissors. In the past I have even made bracelets out of it.

Thrifty Gifty #7, I think

2008-12-16T11:39:00.005-07:00

From this

To this

For .25¢ (at my thrift store all albums are .25$, even the ones with two records in them).

If you are as old as I am, you know that leaving a record out in the sun makes it warp. Well, take that knowledge one step further and you can make really funky, artsy, hip gifts for friends and family. These are fabulous for treat bowls, New Years party decor, catch-alls for your teen's rooms, etc.

Here's what to do:
1. Go to your local thrift store and pick up some old records. WARNING: If, by luck, you happen to find one labeled Blue Note, do not melt it.
2. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees.
3. You have a couple options now, for more artsy, funky shapes, take a small salad bowl (all bowls need to be over proof), place it upside down on a cookie sheet. Then, put the record over it, put it in the oven and wait for it to melt. When you take it out, the record will be pliable and you can play with the design a bit. However, if you want a more uniform, perfectly round bowl, take a large salad bowl and keeping it right side up, place a record over it. Put this in the oven with the smaller salad bowl. Wait for it to get hot. Take them out and before they cool, push the record down into the large bowl with the smaller bowl. Wait for them to cool before handeling..... not just so you don't burn yourself, but because the record will reshape as long as it is hot.
4. Decorate the label as desired. If my records had really cool labels, I would have left them. But, at .25¢ a piece, you can't expect great design. So, I used our Get Happy papers and stickers to make fun little lables.

You really shouldn't have............Anyone taking credit?

2008-12-15T11:41:00.008-07:00

I hope each of you are having fun with our "Thrifty Gifty" approach to the holidays. Some are having maybe a little too much fun!

Last week, I was out of the office on business. I stopped in on Friday, and there was a small shipping box, with no return address on the outside label.

I thought to myself, someone sent me a gift. I very seldom receive gifts, so this was a treat. My mind had several ideas of what it could be.

Maybe a new tie, a nice new shirt from Banana Republic, or maybe some DVDs. Not knowing where or wince it came, only peeked my curiosity more.

I know that the girls in the office were probably jealous, because I received something and they didn't.

Someone had went to a lot of trouble to make sure that there present to me, wouldn't get damaged.

They took great care in taping the outside of the box, and packed the gift like it was porcelain China or something.

I hurried, ripped open the box, to find a cute little wooden box altered with our Wonderland Christmas paper.

It was a cute little box. Very cute. I think I even caught myself cooing the words "ahhhhhh. There are just so many wonderful people in the world. I think I shed a tear.

This beautiful, cute, fun, little box had a homemade very thoughtful tag attached ( with string and buttons) that said "slide open" here. Once again, no name attached.

In all of my excitement, I did as I was instructed~

No!- You really shouldn't have............... Anyone taking credit?

P.S. I think this is one present that I will be re-gifting

A Winner and a Thrifty Gifty

2008-12-11T14:40:00.005-07:00

Congratulations Margie @ 11:16 you have undergone the humiliation of posting your teen memory to win a great prize. Send us your address and we will send you the five lines...... which no one guessed correctly by the way. They are Dutch Girl, Halfway Cafe, Mr. Campy, Hey Sugar and Gretel.

Now for the Thrifty Gifty. For the cost of your time plus a blank DVD and iMovie, you can make a gift that will be remembered and cherished for years to come. Eric and I helped Lindsay make this for his wife for Christmas last year. It was fun to see all their old photos and his wife said it was her favorite present.

After you make your movie, decorate a CD cover to go with it using your stash of supplies.

Thrifty Gifty #5

2008-12-10T08:55:00.004-07:00

Good morning! My teeth are killing me, but Krista was so sweet and made a fabulous Thrifty Gifty for you all!

From this

To this

I purchased this old metal recipe box at my local thrift store for .75¢. Krista made it into a card organizer. My sister in law made me a birthday calendar for Christmas last year and I think it would be great to combine these two gift ideas! All you would need to do is have 12 dividers (one for each month) with a space for writing names and birthdays on them. You might never forget to send a card again!

The other really thrifty thing that Krista did was to use leftover scraps. She has managed to take 5 Cosmo Cricket lines and coordinate them together. Can you find the 5 she used? (I feel a little like a pre-school teacher saying that!)

To celebrate my new braces, post a teenage memory you'd rather forget and be entered into a drawing to win a Paper Crafting Kit from each of the lines Krista used!

My Nerdy Teen Years Re-visited

2008-12-09T14:12:00.004-07:00

OK, here it is. My newly tinseled smile.

The close up below is probably too much information, but if you look at those bottom front teeth, you can see why I had to do this. I had dentists talking about pulling the one that is in a new row all by itself. I had other dentists say I might lose the two that have been pushed too far forward. So, I just tell myself it will all be worth it. I like my teeth. I want to keep them!

And yes, that is a little spring between two of my teeth. We are separating them. They were not meant to be close friends. They should never have pushed that little tooth away. Shame on them for being so clique-ish!

Now, if you would like to take your orthodontic work to a newly fashionable level, my orthodontist gives every patient a hoodie of their choice. All I can say is........ "Go Dr. Willis! Go Ortho Team!! Braces Forever!!!

PS: Because it took a couple hours longer than planned to get all this hardware in my mouth, I'll be foregoing the Thrifty Gifty in place of making soup and other food that doesn't require chewing. Thanks for your understanding!

Julie, Say Cheese!

2008-12-09T08:16:00.003-07:00

The Thrifty Gifty will be delayed today. I have an appointment. Not just any appointment, but one at the orthodontist. Yes, ladies..... and any gentlemen out there........ I am getting braces!

Now, I have had braces before. My parents paid lots of good money to straighten out my teeth when I was young. I have already gone through the humiliation of braces, elastics, a variety of retainers..... although I never had to wear a headgear. But, it was in the day, when they thought a few years with a retainer would keep everything straight. Unfortunately for me, everything is crooked again and getting worse each year.

So, just in time for my family Christmas party this weekend, I get to re-live my childhood and show up with a smile that truly sparkles...... like tinsel! I'll post photos along with the Thrifty Gifty later today.

HMmmmm, I wonder if Eric has ever kissed a girl with braces? I'll have to ask!

The Cosmo Cricket Christmas Party

2008-12-08T18:58:00.003-07:00

Today was our Christmas party and as those of you who have followed our blog know, we have a tradition. It is the Cosmo Cricket Christmas Party Poem. Lindsay is always the author (it seems I have gotten him hooked on the pleasures of rhyming). Here is an edited version of this years poem (the edited parts required a level three security clearance, sorry).

Another year past
And no chapter 11!!
Carrie came back
And we hired Krista and Devin.

We produced some very cute products,
Mr. Campy, the best!
But, Cosmopolitan, the magazine,
Our will, they would test.

All that's now behind us
It's time to move on.
Jodie, left and
The warehouse is without Jon.

Kathie's still here
And Kristen is great.
I'm still here too,
It must be my fate.

Eric and Julie
Are working at home,
While I sit in the office
Writing cute little poems.

We love all our people,
And love what they do.
We just couldn't ask
For a more spectacular crew!

Thank you so much!
You're just what we need
To insure in the future
That Cosmo Cricket suceeds.

Thrifty Gifty #4

2008-12-08T10:57:00.002-07:00

Hello Everyone. Hope you had a great weekend!

I love the idea behind this project. I can't take credit for it though. A friend of mine, Laurie Hahn, told it to me. It is a book on tape. What is fabulous about the idea though, is that you either read a book onto tape for someone you know (child, nephew or niece, grandchild, grandparent, etc) or you send a book and tape to someone (grandparent, aunt, uncle, etc.) and have them read it onto tape and send back to you. It's a great way for long distance relatives to stay connected, which I really appreciate since I don't live close to mine or Eric's parents.

You'll notice that the book in my photo is not new. You don't need to purchase a new book, it's also really a special gift to just have someone close to a child read their favorite story on tape for them.

Thrifty Gifty #3

2008-12-05T09:43:00.008-07:00

If you have kids in elementary school, chances are you need to come up with a few teacher gifts. For me it's two this year. So, I love these decorative magnets. They turn out really cute (much nicer in real life..... I had trouble photographing them with so much reflection off the glass) and the white boards that have replaced chalkboards in schools are magnetic so teachers have more need for magnets. Whats even better is that your kids can help you giving them a sense of pride and ownership for the gift.

To make these, you need glass pebbles. These can be found at craft stores, but less expensively at dollar stores. You'll also need magnets. In my case, these were found in an 11 year old's bedroom amongst rubber bands, paperclips and more mini-flashlights than I can ever remember purchasing.

To make them, simply place the pebble over the area of paper you want to cut (I thought the Jack's World line was perfect for teachers!) and pencil around it. Cut on the inside of your pencil line so that your paper is slightly smaller than the pebble. Using a clear drying adhesive, coat the right side of the paper and press onto pebble. I usually hot glue the magnets on, but I ran out of glue sticks and I'm not the type to run to the store for such a situation. I simply used super glue, which I actually found to work better.

Now, for the packaging. I had to think about this for a bit. The magnets are heavy enough that I was worried I would have to use so much glue to hold them onto the card that the recipient might never get them off. What I did was to use a lower tack adhesive just so that they wouldn't slip. Then, I punched holes in a band of cardstock and wrapped it over the top and around the back. The pressure from the band, with the help of a little adhesive keeps the magnets in place, while still making them removable.

Thrifty Gifty #2

2008-12-04T09:05:00.005-07:00

From this

To this

Those of you who know me, know that my favorite treat of all is Hot Chocolate. There is something about the warm, dark, not too sweet, chocolaty flavor mixed with the smell of warm milk that makes me feel like all is right in the world. I don't even have to drink it, although I always do, but just holding a warm cup in my hands and smelling it makes me feel safe and secure.

So, I happen to have an abundance of empty Hot Chocolate containers floating around my house. If you don't you can pick up tins at dollar stores and even less expensively at thrift stores.

Now, I am too cheap to buy really good Hot Chocolate. I can be content with Nestles mixed with milk and warmed up in the microwave. But, many of my friends, knowing my obsession, give me cocoa mixes for gifts....... which I truly love, by the way! Once, Mike Bellande (some of you might know him) gave me a tin of Bellagio Italian Hot Chocolate. It was like drinking a brownie. It was so good in fact, that I looked for it online. As soon as I saw the price, my "frugal factor" kicked in and I went back to my Nestles! When you drink at least one cup a day you have to consider the expense!

So, here's how to give your friends a tin of hot cocoa without breaking the bank!

When I am not being lazy and using Nestles, I use variations of this simple recipe. CAUTION: It cannot be mixed with water! Only milk, as all hot chocolate should be made, in my opinion.

1 Cup Cocoa (I like a good Dutch Cocoa)
1 Cup Sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt

Mix it together. For one serving, warm one cup of milk and add 2T of mix.

Here is a popular recipe from allrecipes.com that I might try too. This one can be mixed in water, but trust me, they always taste better mixed in milk.

6 1/2 cups powdered milk
1 (5 ounce) package non-instant chocolate pudding mix
1 cup powdered chocolate drink mix
1/2 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Mix it together. Dissolve 1/3 cup cocoa mix in 1 cup boiling water.

Some fun things to try when making cocoa mixes are replacing part of the sugar with candy canes or Werther's Originals that have been chopped finely in your blender or food processor. For the second recipe, you could replace the creamer with flavored varieties like hazelnut or vanilla.

To make the tin, I covered it in Be Good "Ribbons" paper. Then I added the strip of Yultide from the Oh Joy collection around the middle. I covered the edges of the Yultide paper with a bead of glue coated in silver glitter. The tag is cut from the Oh Joy journaling cards. I love the chocolate and mint colored ribbons to go along with the cocoa theme! My canister has a set in lid that was perfect for decorating. I added a bit of glitter to it too, just for good measure!

So get mixing and while you're at it, make yourself a cup. It is the closest thing to peace on earth!

Thrifty Gifty #1

2008-12-03T11:37:00.010-07:00

From this

To this

For this (.50¢ plus some scrappy stuff)

Hi Ladies!

I am really excited about our Thrifty Gifty ideas. Here is the first one. If you don't have a little one to make this for, don't worry. We have ideas for almost everyone on your list! Or, if you want to do something nice, these are great for donating to Women's Shelters, children's hospitals and humanitarian organizations that send educational supplies to third world countries.

This is a fun and simple to make counting book. I tried to keep the design quick and easy so that if you decide to make these for groups of children like grandkids or nieces and nephews, they could be assembled in a jiffy! If, however, you would like a more elaborate counting book, for a little girl, check out Maren's blog (it's the Zany Not Crazy link in the right side bar). She has a super cute one!

Around your house, you might have old board books that your kids no longer read. But if you're like me, you might not. So, in my case, I went to the local thrift store and picked one up for .50¢....... pretty steep, I know! Now a few things to keep in mind. Your book may have a different number of pages than mine. No problem. You can count higher by adding a scarf with 5 stripes, 6 snowflakes, etc. Or, you can do what I did. My book actually had one more page. I just glued it to the page in front making it have one less. It was easier!!

Some other Christmas counting themes that are fun include:
The Christmas Tree:
One star
Two presents
Three ornaments
Four lights

The Nativity:
One Baby
Two parents
Three Wisemen
Four sheep

I have included a pattern for the numbers and text on the back cover. The way I did the numbers was to enlarge them to the size I liked on my computer screen. Then I used the screen as a light table, placing my cardstock over the top and tracing it right off the screen. Easy as pie! You are welcome to use my template, make copies, teach classes, whatever. Just don't make copies for sale and we will continue to be good friends!

For the snowman and parts, I used the Oh Joy diecut sheet. I traced the snowman onto the backside of the Mitten Mitten paper and made four total. Use one of the snowman that you traced for the first snowman since its eyes won't be diecut. Do the same thing with the buttons and noses. For the mouth I used a hole punch.

$359 for Kid's Shoes!

2008-12-02T17:04:00.003-07:00

Congratulations everyone!

We will be sending a check to Quarter's for Christmas for $359 to help buy shoes for children in need this holiday season. We hope you all had fun and that those of you who were first time posters on our blog found it to be a fun and friendly place. We appreciate all your support and wish you the best in the coming new year.

I want to give a special thanks to Lindsay who thought up this fabulous idea!

Check back tomorrow for the first Thrifty Gifty project and let the Holiday Spirit begin!!!

Cosmo Cricket Christmas Shoes

2008-12-01T14:04:00.004-07:00

At our church, Julie has the responsibility of spending one hour each Sunday teaching children ages 3-12 how to sing.

It's actually kind of interesting, since Julie, and she would admit this, doesn't sing. She is however creative in her approach. Yesterday she put stickers all over her face, and explained to each of the children, that she had caught the Christmas spirit and warned them that it was contagious!

She proceeded going around and putting stickers on the faces of all those who were singing. When church let out, the halls were filled with sticker -faced children proclaiming "That they too had caught the Christmas spirit."

We decided that we wanted to kick off December right by helping each of you catch what Julie and the children had caught.

Oh, don't worry, no singing required.

Here's what you have to do-

We are asking that you and your friends leave a comment on our site. It doesn't need to be anything lengthy. It might just say "Merry Christmas", Or "this one's for the kids." It may contain a Christmas wish.

For every person who comments between now and 5:00PM MST December 2nd, Cosmo Cricket will donate $1.00 to "Quarters for Christmas" a non-profit organization, that provides shoes for needy children.

During the rest of the month we will be showing on our blog, great gifts that you can make from recycled, inexpensive items, that you might have laying around your house, or that you could find at your local thrift store.

Were calling this "Thrifty Gifty". It should be fun and give you some terrific ideas for great gifts that you don't have to spend a ton of money on.

The clock started ticking................................................................................ now!

Thanksgiving and Tom Hanks..............

2008-11-26T09:28:00.007-07:00

Well I had no idea what to blog today, and Julie recommended that I say the things I'm thankful for. Instead of doing a list, I decided to write it in poem form.

Here's your Thanksgiving Eve Poem:
Thanksgiving is coming
is the shopping all done?
Or in the morning,
Will you be making.........
another store run?

And did you remember to invite
your priest and your nun

Scratch that last line,
It might not make it much fun

I love Thanksgiving, it's a time to
give thanks
I'm thankful for Family, Friends,
Freedom,
and also Tom Hanks!

Tom Hanks you might ask?
What's does that mean?
You remember "Castaway"
He had nothing to live off
You may recall that movie, that scene?

He was alone and a mess,
and
really, not very clean

We have hot water and food,
people who care about us
We have planes, trains, and automobiles,
not to mention the bus.

We should remember these things,
When we put up a fuss.

We have Hi-Def TV
With 300 channels or more
Instead of sand on an island
We have hard-wooden floors

Do I need to go on?,
Do I need to say more?

Our Cell phones, our Wii's
our Computers with Ram
Our IPODS, Our Blackberries,
Our Digital Cams

Our Potatoes with gravy
not to mention our...........
Thanksgiving Day Yams

We are blessed in our lives,
by everyday things
The flowers that grow,
children
that sing,

People that smile,
Even bee's that may sting

For pictures and memories
of times that have past
The days that we have
and the years that go fast

And those pains we experience
are temporary, they will fade
and not last

Tom Hanks, well he had
"Wilson",
that the waters did send
A beat up old Volleyball,
His only true friend

Do you see what I'm saying,
Are you seeing a trend?

We have so much to appreciate
We are blessed everyday
I know we have trials,
They surely won't stay,

Let us all be thankful
On Thanksgiving day!

All of us at Cosmo Cricket sincerely wish each of you the great things in life and a very happy Thanksgiving! You are our friends and mean so much to us. We love reading the funny things you say, the experiences you have, even learning about your crazy relatives.

God Bless!!!!

Update on the Lindsay Giveaway

2008-11-25T12:37:00.003-07:00

I saw some of you ask if Lindsay was handy around the house. Well, I can tell you that this is not his strength. The only power tool I've known him to use is a lawn mower.

However, others asked if Lindsay does dishes. I can tell you that he does. In fact once, he and his wife were watching my kids for me. I was later getting home than I thought I would be so Lindsay brought the kids over to my house for bedtime. He got them to clean up their rooms (he always has bribes) while he cleaned up the rest of my house (humiliating to be sure, but nice at the same time). Then he put them all to bed.

So, I guess I really can't give him away. My kids would be devastated. They think he is cooler than Superman, funnier than bodily noises and nicer than grandma. Besides that, I can't find a shipping company that will transport him. Something about it being inhumane?!?!?

Anyway, he is definitely the craziest family member, albeit adopted in, that I will spend time with this holiday season. And, he will post the winners for yesterdays contest this afternoon.

I'm kind of feeling like Cousin Eddie from National Lampoon's Vacation

2008-11-25T12:24:00.004-07:00

First, I need to thank everyone for sharing their Thanksgiving memories!

I must say, I have been astonished by everyone that has posted concerning the giveaway that Eric and Julie posted early today.

I will try to respond:

Ria, I'm not handy at all, but Lulu I do do (oops) dishes.

Jennie, please no pet rats.

JJ, what do you mean by "can we draw for Jon the Warehouse Guy?"

Colleen, I don't think your husband would be jealous. i can see he and I enjoying a football game, stuffing our faces, and falling asleep on the couch!

Jean, Nebraska? I hear the wind blows there? Is that true?

Patti B., sorry basements, Lindsay's, and Mice, well that isn't my idea of a really good time.

Carol, you guys are never going to let me live the mouse thing down. Do they have therapists that can help me?

BishopsMommie, my wife would say "no trade backs."

Donna, how did you know that I like trivia?

Christine, I am certifiable crazy! Have you seen "The Shining?" Am I scaring you?

And last Beverly....... If you won my weight in Cosmo goodies, it would fill up a U-Haul. Well almost.

And speaking of winning, Colette, AmyR., and Carolyn King, no you're not going to Disney World, but you have won fabulous Cosmo Cricket products selected just for you!

All you have to do is email krista@cosmocricket.com you're address and then start stalking the UPS man!

Have a great day!

A New Lindsay Giveaway!

2008-11-25T08:19:00.003-07:00

Today, I think I'd like to be the one to give away a really big prize. How about Lindsay? To be entered into the drawing for this one, leave a comment about a crazy family member you'll be spending time with this holiday season.

PS: Winner will have to pay shipping and handling....... The handling charge could be a little steep since I think I'll have to higher two large men to stuff him in the box.

It's Julie's Gig............

2008-11-24T10:34:00.008-07:00

But she asked if I would "Guest Host" the blog this week! I have super powers, but I will admit, when it comes to blogging, Julie's far outweigh mine.

I feel kind of like, maybe how a warm-up band might feel. Or maybe, how you might feel when you turn on the Today Show, and find out that Lester Holt is next to Meredith Vierra, instead of Matt Lauer.

Where's Julie you ask? She's a busy, busy girl. Being mom, wife, designer, owner of a company, church go-er, world traveler, has it demands, and sometimes, some of those things that needed "fixin" or paint'n" get neglected. This week she's doing a little of both.

This week is Thanksgiving. Those who know me, know that I have an affinity for memories and I'm pathetically nostalgic.
Being with family, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Dallas and Detroit playing football every year, Turkey, mashed potatoes, little smokies, and all of the Christmas movies that they start playing. Does it get any better than that?

I have a challenge for you. And what would a challenge be without prizes.
Simple-Post and let me know you're favorite Thanksgiving when you were a child. Pretty simple stuff!

Everyone who posts will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win, 2 paper crafting kits of their choice, and like the Turkey at Thanksgiving, we will throw in all of the "trimmings."

Did I mention that we will draw three winners?

Remember I love nostalgia!

Paper Tree Tutorial

2008-11-21T09:23:00.009-07:00

Remember that darling paper tree sent to us by Sarah the other day? Well, some of you asked me how it was made and I said that I would look for instructions. I didn't find any. But, after looking closely at Sarah's tree, I thought I'd give it a go. Mine did turn out a bit differently. I think these are not only great for decorating, but also for holding a gift for a friend.

PS: I apologize for the dark photos. I did this last night by the light of a lamp. Not great for photography!

Here's what you'll need:
1. Two sheets of green cardstock. I used "Wrapping Paper" from our Oh Joy Collection.
2. Brown cardstock for the trunk. Mine is 4x6", but depending on your cylinder, you might need to adjust the measurements.
3. A cylinder. I would have used a tube from a roll of paper towels, but I didn't have one. Funny, but I'm more likely to have a cylindrical Hot Chocolate container than a paper roll tube.
4. Something cute for the top. I used a star from the Oh Joy die cut sheet and matched it up with the chipboard star from our Buck Naked Ornaments.

Here's what to do:
1. Cover lower section of tube to make the trunk of the tree.

2. Cut a bunch of long triangles for the tree. Mine start out 2" wide at the top, tapering to a point and they are 4" long. It looks to me like Sarah's are skinnier than mine. I cut them smaller as I went up the tree. By the time I was up to the top of the tree, the triangles were 1" wide at the top, still 4" long and still tapering to a point.

3. Use a paintbrush or smooth pencil to curl the ends of the triangles and adhere to the tube.

4. Go all the way around the tube, one layer at a time.

5. Continue all the way up the tree, using smaller triangles as you get towards the top.

6. Now for the tricky part! Make a cone for the top of the tree. To do this, I took my second piece of cardstock, flipped it to the backside and measuring from one of the corners, I made a mark 6" down from the corner. Then, I made a mark 6" across the top from the same corner. Continue measuring from that corner down, in between the first two marks until you have enough points to help you draw a smooth curve. Cut out along this curve. Run double stick adhesive down the first edge and roll into a cone. It helps to cut the corner off the top of the cone. It also helps to fold up the edge of the cone with the adhesive on it (before the adhesive is on it) about 1/4" in from the edge. I used the end of a paintbrush inside of the cone to put counter pressure against my hand as I pressed the seam down tight.

7. After the cone part is made, cut the lower edge into a pointed fringe so that you can curl it up and mimmick the layers on the rest of the tree. I cut as far as 2" up from the bottom edge. (I neglected to get photos of the cone as I made it, but you can do it! Give it a try, you'll see.)

Fill your cylindar with goodies to give as a gift, or just place it out as a cute accent piece in your home. If using a paper towel tube, you can make a bottom for it out of cardstock if you want to fill it with treats.

A Winner and Something Funny!

2008-11-20T09:31:00.005-07:00

Congratulations Liz @ 2:36. You are lucky today! Send us your email and we'll send you your prize.

Now for some fun. Lindsay sent me the following idea in an email this morning. It doesn't actually use any Cosmo Cricket products, but with the economy being so tight I thought it was worth sharing. I know many of you, like me, enjoy making home-made gifts. Well, every year I purchase pajamas and slippers for members of my family. This year, though, I think I can save the expense of purchased slippers and make them instead with items I'm sure most of us gals have on hand.

WARNING: This is not meant to be taken seriously. Do not read any further if you are among the faint of heart!

What you'll need:
•Four pairs of maxi pads per pair of slippers. Depending on the size of foot, choose light, regular or night protection.
•Some cute embellishments for the toe area.

What you'll do:
1. Take two of the pads (one for each foot) and lay them out flat.
2. Take the other two pads and wrap them around the toe area to form the top. (refer to photo below)
3. Tape or glue each side of the top pieces to the bottom of the foot part. It's best not to expose the adhesive strip since that will make the whole thing sticky, not just the part you want sticky.
4. Decorate the tops with whatever you desire, silk flowers (this is most aesthetically appealing), etc.

These slippers are:
* Soft and Hygienic
* Non-slip grip strips on the soles
* Built in deodorant feature keeps feet smelling fresh
* No more bending over to mop up spills
* Disposable and biodegradable
* Environmentally safe

Seriously though, wouldn't that be the most hilarious joke gift ever?

One more funny email from Lindsay. I think after a weigh in day, we can all appreciate this one!

Weigh in Wednesday!

2008-11-19T10:10:00.004-07:00

Hi ladies,

First I would like to point out that nobody gave me a heads up yesterday as we discussed last week. I am remembering this Weigh in Wednesday all on my own! As has been the case for quite some time now, I did not lose or gain. But, since it's only been a few days since my last weigh in, I'm not surprised. How did you do? Or, is it too early to ask?

Most of you know the game, but if you're new leave a comment today and you can be entered to win our prize. What will we give away this week. HMmmmmm. How about a Be Good Paper crafting kit to make this fun project sent to us by Sarah Hodgkinson. Be Good was last years Christmas line, but it's still super cute! Then, I think the winner will also need Buck Naked Alphabuttons and Ornaments and something new to get excited about. I think maybe a Chemistry Paper Crafting kit would do the trick!

A Cogsmo Christmas

2008-11-18T08:50:00.007-07:00

OK, here is the project I told you about yesterday. I have been dreaming about this idea for months! And, have just been waiting until it was closer to Christmas to give it a try. It worked even better than I'd imagined, and looks even better in real life. I think a little Christmas tree, in Jack's room, decorated in robots and gears is sure to have him on his best behavior while awaiting the big day!

If you would like to make these cog ornaments, here's what to do.
1. Get some Cogsmo Blackboard.
2. Coat one section at a time in glue and then glitter.
3. Assemble cogs. I didn't even use glue! If you look closely at the circles within the cogs, you'll notice that they aren't perfect; they are squished. So, what you want to do is create pressure to hold them in place. I started from the outside in. Take the outermost section of the cog. Look at the hole in the center of it to determine where that hole is the narrowest. Then take the next section of cog and determine where it is widest across. Now, wedge the widest section of the inside cog into the narrowest section of the outer cog.
4. Repeat with each cog section.
5. String with thread and you're done!

You can get 2 large cogs, 3 different robots and one dogbot from one set of Cogsmo Blackboard. There are also lots of little cogs that are cute on smaller Christmas trees.

And the Lucky Girl Is.....

2008-11-17T13:31:00.002-07:00

Julie at 7:00 AM! Congratulations Julie!!! On your weight loss and on winning our prize. Send us your address and we'll send it out to you.

I have been working on a fun project this weekend. If I get a chance I will post it later today.... if not, tomorrow morning. Be sure to check back...... especially if you'll have little boys around at Christmas time!

Farewell Forever Fat Friday!

2008-11-14T13:25:00.002-07:00

Did you think I forgot?

I didn't, it's just been a crazy morning. Anyway, I didn't get to say farewell to anymore fat. It's like a guest that has overstayed it's visit. I really want it to leave, but I think I've made the accommodations to comfortable! Or maybe it's just my charming personality. I think it might be lonely without me. Although, I did draw the line at letting any of its friends come crash our party. In other words, I didn't gain any and I didn't lose any either.

How did you do? Up or down. Happy or sad. Let us know and you could win a Gretel Collection with the Buck Naked Alphabuttons to make Krista's cute project below. Along with a Jack's World set, just for the fun of it.

PS: You don't have to post your weight, weight loss or gain, just give us some encouragement and you can be entered to win the prize too!

Give Thanks!

2008-11-13T09:59:00.005-07:00

Before we talk about this fun project and what we're thankful for. Let me just say, that you know you are in over your head when you don't realize it's Wednesday..... the entire day. And then, when you realize it's Thursday, it still doesn't register that you missed Weigh in Wednesday. I think that from now on, someone needs to post a comment on Tuesday reminding me that the next day is Wednesday. I guess my mom was right all those times she told me that I'd forget my head if it weren't attached!!

Maybe I'll just pretend that these slip ups are intentional to keep you on your toes. You know, so you don't just show up on Wednesday hoping to win a prize. Maybe if Weigh in Wednesday was on some random day of the week you'd visit even more. HMMmmmm, I might have to think about that:)

Anyway, I'll make it up to you. Visit the blog tomorrow for Farewell Forever Fat Friday. We'll play the same game as usual.

OK, so today I am thankful for Krista! Krista works in our office and helps me with everything. Just a side note here, that all our employees are fabulous, not just Krista! But, today Krista is helping me with the blog and she doesn't even know it. Last week she sent me photos of this cute project she made for her home. I thought I'd share it with you! She used all products from our Gretel collection with Mr. Campy ribbon and our Buck Naked Alpha-buttons.

Paper Flowers

2008-11-12T13:34:00.005-07:00

OK, I know that many, if not all, of you have already made these super-cute flowers. I see them on layouts and cards all over. But, until last night, I had never made one myself. These little cuties don't take up much time or paper at all. In fact, you probably have scraps big enough for these and too little for much else....... what a great way to use them!

Here are my first three attempts. To start, I used a circle punch (around 2") and cut all the circles for each flower. You could use even less paper by cutting each circle with nesting punches, or if you're really good, hand cutting diminishing sizes. I am not really good, so I started with four-five 2" circles. I picked the pattern I wanted to be the largest. Then, holding all three-four of the remaining circles, I hand trimmed them all one size smaller. I choose the next largest and repeated. Does that make sense? Doing it this way made it easiest for me to get the sizes of each circle right. Anyway, in a nutshell, you need to get 4-5 circles each smaller than the one before.

After you have your circles, you can try some different techniques. I only had time to try three, but have some other ideas in mind I'd like to try later.

For my first flower, I cut the circles and then sprayed them with a water bottle. When they were wet, I tore the edges and crumpled them up. I flattened them slightly and let them air dry.

For my next flower, I cut the circles and then fringed the edges. I think next time I might spray and crumple these too. And, I think a larger brad or maybe a button would work better in the center here. I'll have to see what I can find.

My final flower was simply cut with decorative edge scissors. Then I inked the edges and used a cute button for the center. It seemed to be the homey-est of all the flowers and so I picked it for the one on my house warming card. Now, to bake up a plate of cookies and welcome the new neighbors!

Update 2:39PM-- I thought I would let you know what I used on my card just in case you wanted to replicate it. The base is Prism cream colored cardstock (I don't know the color, sorry). Then, I used a journaling card from Chemistry for the background. The flower was cut from Flirt cardstock and the brown border from Forget Me Not (both Chemistry). I added a random button from my jar. The stitching is all done with embroidery floss, using all six strands. The tag was made with Flirt and Prism cardstock with a rub-on from Jack's World. I used Making Memories red string to tie on the tag. The crochet trim was just something I happen to have an entire bolt of. I found it at a tag sale years ago...... almost evey article of clothing I have ever sewn for my girls features it and I still have tons!

Japanese Friends & Class Instructions

2008-11-11T14:22:00.006-07:00

Here are some of the friends we met in Japan. There were many others including Rei who gave us a lovely gift and Yoko who made this album using photos and entries from our blog.

Sorry about the poor photos. It's very overcast today, and I don't have enough light to shoot these. But, don't you just love this album! I will treasure it. So many great memories! I especially love that she took stills from the videos and placed them in as film strips.

On another note, here are the instructions for the classes I taught in Japan. I wasn't sure how to save these for the blog. Hopefully they work for you (click on them for the full size sheet). If they don't, email us and we'll send them to you. You are free to use these for yourself or for classes or anything else you have in mind. We just ask that you credit Cosmo Cricket. Enjoy!

My Kids are Turning Japanese.... I Really Think So!

2008-11-10T20:49:00.002-07:00

I just had to share this because I think it is pretty cute and I think our friends in Japan will get a giggle out of it!

Of course, I brought back little prizes for my kids. For the girls I got hair clips and fans (I got them Kimonos too, but I'm saving these for Christmas, shhhhhhhh). My daughter, Kate, was particularly curious about the Japanese culture. I showed her the photos from our trip, answered lots of questions and tried to explain things on her level.

This afternoon Kate and Abby developed a new game of pretend. Kate is now going by the name Yoko and Abby is going by Naomi. As they walked through my kitchen this afternoon, hair in clips, hands waving fans, I overheard Kate say to Abby, "Naomi, lets walk through the village to get some sushi."

A little later they had set up a pretend picnic on my bed and Kate was saying, "Naomi, would you like some yoshana?" I asked her what "yoshana" was. She replied that they thought it sounded like a good Japanese dessert. She is inventing other "Japanese" terms and soon should have her own language! I think we'll call it Katenese.

Photos From Japan!

2008-11-10T11:15:00.011-07:00

We're back! We had a spectacular time in Japan. Becky and all my kids survived too!
The Japanese people are so kind and polite. We would love to go back sometime!

Day Number One: Seeing the sights around Shibuya!

Eric loved the modern art. We found a MOMA store and he got to sit in his favorite chair.... the Eames molded plastic chair. We found the city to be a lot like New York, except much cleaner, safer and full of smaller people.

Eric in the Eames chair.

Julie at Starbucks. It is just as good in Japan, only a little more difficult to order.

After walking around the shopping areas, we went to Meiji Jingu Shrine. This was amazingly beautiful! Here are some photos from inside.

After a fun day of seeing the sites, it was Shibuya at night. I think it's even busier than Time Square.

OK, now for the part you are all waiting for....... Giant Eric in Japan!

This is Eric on the subway. Notice the top of the door is almost below his ear.

Eric in the shower.

Eric in the bathroom doorway.

Eric in bed.

Eric walking down a service hallway. Even I had to duck in some parts.

Being in a place where they not only speak a foreign language, but you can't read the symbols either, you really appreciate anything in English. And we love the icons they used all around town..... I wish we thought to take more photos of them!

These are the instructions for our hotel bathroom toilet. I had to ask a Japanese woman to show me how to flush the toilet in the mall. She was very kind, although I wonder what she must have thought!

We did actually teach some scrapbooking while we were there, too!

Eric taught some hand lettering techniques..... although this photo makes it look like it was me :)

The Japanese were very brave and their hand lettering turned out AWESOME!

On the last day of our trip, we took the subway (by ourselves..... a little scary!) to Asakusa. This is a fun little tourist spot.

Us on the subway.

Did you know, Eric's arms are long enough to take photos of the two of us.

Are you hungry?

There were a lot of options in the seafood category.

This is a pancake doll maker. It makes little treats that look like, well, pancake dolls.

Hello Again From Shibuya

2008-11-07T02:39:00.003-07:00

We just finished our first day of classes here. The Japanese people are so nice! Some have traveled for more than 10 hours to come to our class. Some flew in from other islands, some came by bullet train and some came on buses. We are very honored to say the least!

We have had our photo taken so many times and Eric and I look even taller than we really are.

Tonight we are going to try Sushi..... I'm a little nervous about this.

I can't wait to post some photos, especially of Eric in our hotel room (think Alice in Wonderland, when she eats the cookie and grows too large for the house).

Hang in there Becky, we'll be back soon!

Hello From Shibuya

2008-11-05T20:35:00.003-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I am posting from Japan, where it is around lunchtime. We had a safe trip here, but would like you all to know that our computer is not working. Our cell phones are not working. We are completely cut off from all communications!

So, this is the only way I know to tell my kids I love them and I:ll see you on Sunday afternoon!

Be good for Becky.

Any blog readers that know Becky:s email address, please update her with this information. We can:t email because the cosmo cricket server won:t work from this computer :(

Any blog readers that want to contact Lindsay and let him know why I:ve not replied to his email or started up any video chats that would be great too........... although I:m sure he:ll figure it out when he goes to update the blog again.

By the way, Eric has got to be the tallest person in Japan right now. I almost hit my own head on the ceiling of the shower this morning!

I:d update with photos, but again, technical issues!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sarah Smile....

2008-11-05T14:52:00.038-07:00

Because you Sarah, who has a fear of clowns,who has a dog named Riley, who's husband hates spiders, have just won $100.00 worth of Cosmo Cricket products of your choice.

Simply email krista@cosmocricket.com with your wish list of the goods, and she will take good care of you.We want to thank all of you for sharing your "phobias" and in time, maybe with a little counseling, okay, allot of counseling, you will be able to overcome them.

With me....... I can't see that happening anytime soon!

OK, Julie's out of town and I'm not the most creative guy in the world, so I asked Krista to create a candy box using our "Oh Joy" Christmas collection and our Black Memory Box.

I love what she created! This is something that you can make and fill with homemade candies, dried fruit, or fresh baked cookies.
Every year at my house we struggle on what we should do for "neighbor gifts."

Helpful "safety tip":

Every year there are those neighbors, that aren't really neighbors, that live beyond the "neighbor zone", that bring you something and you have nothing for them. Make a few extra, just in case....

They will be shocked that you spent all of your time on them and may even begin humming the theme song to Mr. Rogers!

Enough of that, let the project begin:

Start out with Cosmo Cricket Memory Box and 3 patterned papers. I used Merry & Bright, Wrapping Paper and Reindeer Games, I also used the Oh Joy Strip Tease.

Decide which paper you would like to go on the lid and trace the lid onto the paper. Cut out. Once you have cut it out, ink around the edges.

Then Glue the top onto the box, I use Quick dry adhesive but spray adhesive or modge podge would work as well

Once you have the top glued on, decide which paper you would like on the sides. I used Wrapping Paper. Trace the side of the box onto the paper to get the length and width and cut 4 strips out. Ink the edges.

Adhere the strips to the edges.

Next, choose some ribbon to go around the bottom edge. I chose a scalloped velvet ribbon and I adhered it with scrapbook adhesive. Regular glue or hot glue would work well also.

Adhere the ribbon all the way around the box.

Now, lets do the inside (optional) I chose Reindeer Games. Trim the paper to fit the inside and adhere. I used Quick Dry adhesive.

For the ornament on the front I used our Buck Naked ornaments with the Ornament Fashions. Easy, glue the fashions on the ornament and ink around the edges, done!

Now I took the Journaling Cards and I cut out “Happy Holidays” ink around the edges and glue onto the box.

Now, I attached the ornament to a brown piece of ribbon, already tied in a bow. I ran scrapbook adhesive along where I wanted the ribbon to go and adhere. Trim the edges of the ribbon to fit.

Now, we need to fill the cut-out window. I took a piece of white cardstock and using our Jolly rub-ons I placed the rub-on where I wanted it, rubbed and done!

Glue it to the underside of the lid and you have a finished project!!

Have fun and remember, it's a beautiful day in the neighborhood!

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's.........................

2008-11-04T13:12:00.011-07:00

If you saw yesterdays video and blog, the picture to the left is what he looked like- Okay, Except for the super hero outfit of course.

No really, he possessed super powers, as our office can attest to.

There are very few things that I'm afraid of, and for the life of me, I can't figure out why it's mice.

My wife reminds me and all of her friends, quite often about when we first got married, and we had a mouse in our house. She re-tells with great detail how her strong brave new husband jumped, okay leaped up onto our couch, to avoid one of those cute, sweet, dirty, disgusting, dreadful, field varmints.

That being said, I do like Mighty Mouse, Tom, Jerry, Mickey, and Minnie. Does that count?

I have what's referred to as Musophobia. I fear mice, not so much rats, but mice. I get hives when I see them and start coughing like I'm going to throw-up. ( see the video)
My body was once covered completly in hives after seeing a large group of them in my wood shed.

What I'm not is Agrizoophobic- I love wild animals and like being out and around them. Nor am I Arachnephobiac. When I was a kid I would let them crawl on my arm or play with them like a yo-yo by grabbing part of their web.

I love heights, chopsticks and clowns. So I'm neither Acrophobiac, Consecotaleophobiac, nor Coulrophobiac!

I'm guessing if you went to the link below, you might find something that bothers you like mice bother me.
http://phobialist.com/

When you get a second.......Take a look and get back to me!

P.S. Did I mention that those who we here back from, there names will be entered in a drawing for $100.00 retail value of free Cosmo Cricket products of there choice.

A Mouse in the House

2008-11-03T11:44:00.003-07:00

Since Eric and I work from home...... on Macs........ we sometimes video conference in on the Monday morning meetings. Have you ever wondered what goes on in a Cosmo Cricket meeting? Well, this morning we just had to tape part. Unfortunately, we missed most of the good stuff. But, it's still pretty fun!

The Bird Holder Tutorial

2008-10-31T10:49:00.008-06:00

Ok ladies, I have had many requests for this tutorial. But first, today's winner is.......Rachel @ 11:07am. Congratulations Rachel, send your address to Krista@cosmocricket.com and we'll send you your prize!

And Second, did you know that Monday is Digital Scrapbooking Day? Well, according to scrapblog.com and Digital Scrapbooking magazine it is. So, how many of you do the digital thing? How many of you do hybrid stuff? How many of you have never tried anything digital?

I guess you could say that I am a hybrid girl, but only because I design all the paper and stuff I'm using on my mac before I use it. And, I guess I also take all my photos digitally, import them into Photoshop, play with them a bit and then print myself. But, I have never really done a digital layout. How about you?

If you are into the digital thing or would just like to give it a try, here is a contest that might interest you! Now through Nov. 1, users that log in or sign up on scrapblog.com and design their digital holiday greeting cards, tagging them as “DSD” will be entered in a contest for 50 printed Scrapblog greeting cards featuring their designs and a free one-year subscription to Digital Scrapbooking Magazine. There is no cost to participate and users can enter as many holiday card designs as they’d like. There will be five winners.

Now, for the tutorial!!! Hopefully it makes sense and you can tell what I was doing in these photos..... they're not the best. Oh well...... wire is hard to photograph........ especially in a basement!

Start with some sturdy wire (I'm sorry, I don't know what gauge this is) and needle nose pliers. Pinch about one inch in from end.

Twist wire around like in photo.

Squeeze together as shown.

Bend wire so that you can repeat the process.

Like this! Make three front toes by repeating these instructions.

Once you have your three toes, pinch the wire about 1 1/2" away from what will be the center of the foot, as shown.

Bend the wire around to make the back toe.

Pinch it together, like with the other toes.

You'll notice that your back toe is wider closer to the foot. If that doesn't bother you, continue, but if you like, bring your wire up between two of the front toes to finish the first foot.

You'll want the wire to be about twice as long as your finished leg length. Estimating that length, fold the wire down to make the second leg.

Following the same steps as before...... even in the same order, make the second foot. Then clip wire.

Pinch leg at about center point (this depends slightly on how long you want the leg to be).

Fold foot up as shown. Then, repeat on other side.

After you bend both legs, flip it over and you should have this. (Are you still with me?)

Pinch in center of the front part, as shown.

Bend it up and then repeat on other side. (If this looks confusing, skip down to the next photo, and I think you'll get the idea).

TaDaaa. You should now have a completed wire holder that looks like little chicken legs! Make some cute cards to fit in there and enjoy!!

The Flock, The Day and The Game

2008-10-30T08:29:00.004-06:00

Good Morning,

Let's start with the game. No weight change this morning. That's two weeks for me on this little plateau. And, this is the last weigh in before Japan (I leave on Tuesday). I will be 12 pounds lighter than when I started my quest!! So, even though I didn't lose any this week, I am still proud of myself.

Regulars to the blog know that if they post a comment today, they will be entered into a drawing for a prize. I never really say what they will win, because I usually haven't decided that yet. Usually it's a new line of paper, and older line of paper and something fun to go with it. Today I am thinking of Fleuriste and Oh Joy with the Buck Naked ornaments so that the winner can make these cute birds if they wish.

The instructions are in the post below, if you didn't see that yesterday. And, I will do the wire holder tutorial, but probably not today.

Why, you ask?

I have kids home from school because of parent teacher conferences...... mine are in 30 minutes. Abby has a doctor's appointment at 10:30. I have a hair appointment at 1:30, but it's a two hour drive (that's a long story, I might have to share it sometime). Anyway, I don't expect to be able to breath all morning!

Birdie Card and Holder

2008-10-29T11:02:00.005-06:00

Hi Ladies,

OK, I wanted to make an entire flock of these cards and maybe I still will. It took me a little longer this morning to figure out how to make the wire holder than I had planned (the feet need to be bigger than expected to get him to stand up!).

If I find the time, I'll do a photo tutorial of how to make the holder, but for now, here is how to make the bird.

1. Start with a square of paper. I used a 5"square, but I've also made these with 6" and 4" squares. They are really cute as page embellishments done tiny!
2. Fold that square in half, corner to corner. I used a piece of yellow Prism cardstock as a base, but it's not necessary..... just depends on what you want. If you do use a base, and you want the patterned paper to set inside a tad, instead of folding along the center, cut just 1/8-1/4" off center and use the smaller side.
3. For wing, cut a square half the size of the body. So, my wing was 2 1/2" square. Then cut in half, corner to corner.
4. Adhere to body along top edge only. I have done these with just a bead of glue, but sewing is too cute. One tip, I always thread my sewing machine with two spools of thread (sometimes the same color, sometimes different) when sewing on paper. If you do this and set your stitch length to the longest stitch you'll get a fairly hand-done effect.
5. For the beak and tail, I use a 1" square for most sizes. If you are making a really tiny one, you'll want to adjust, but usually 1" works. Cut these along the center like with wing. The only difference between the beak and tail is the way they are turned and the paper they are cut from.
6. Adhere as shown.
7. Find a cute button or brad to use for his little eye.
8. You can make a stand if desired by bending wire. I have also sewn them closed along the front body edge to make a pocket in which to place a special note. Maybe I'll make one of those next to show you.
9. Watch him fly right to the heart of a friend. (OK, was that too corny?)

Update:
I just realized it's suppose to be Weigh in Wednesday. I thought today was Tuesday!!! Yes, I am losing it. Anyway, since I've already eaten and stuff I don't want to weigh myself. So, we will play Theigh in Thursday this week! :) Be sure to check back tomorrow!

Oh JOY, Home Decor

2008-10-28T11:25:00.005-06:00

Here is a project done by my friend, Lisa Falduto. Don't you think it's cute. I love the "old" looking jingle bells. So, I said, "Lisa, you have to tell me where you got the letters and the jingle bells, my blog readers will want to know." She said that they came already put together and she got them at Michaels. She said that the letters are wooden and had some other items glued to them. She used adhesive dissolver to get them off and then sanded the whole thing, decorated it up, re-attached the jingle bells (they were already on the wire) and TADAAAA, one fabulous home decor project.

This got me thinking. There are probably lots of Halloween and other craft items on sale right now for one reason or another. They are either ugly, out of season or overstocks. The next time I am at my craft store I am going to walk the aisles with Lisa in mind, saying to myself things like:
1. Does the shape work? If so, can you easily change the color by covering it in paper or repainting.
2. Would this work for fall or Thanksgiving rather than Halloween if I altered it. (Think pumpkins, leaves and bare trees!)
3. Why is this ugly and can you change that part of it?

If you find a bargain craft item and turn it into a work of art, send it to krista@cosmocricket.com and maybe we'll feature your creativity on our blog and/or inspiration gallery on our site.

A Winner, a Traveler & a Blog Run a Muck

2008-10-27T09:48:00.002-06:00

Hi everyone,

It's me, Julie, back in the saddle again. I see that Lindsay and Eric got "creative" in my absence. I hope you all had fun and aren't too disappointed by my return (the men can post at any time, they just don't for some reason).

I have to say, that if I were a participant in Lindsay's contest, I would have failed miserably. In fact, the whole idea of needing to be popular reminds me of horrible junior high school memories (did you see Chuck last week). You might never guess it, but I was terribly shy and socially awkward (well, maybe you could still guess that part!).

Anyway, when I travel alone, this shy tendency re-emerges. I just don't know what to do with myself..... how to break into a crowd of people I don't know...... etc. So, what did I do with all my free time in Texas? I used Photobooth to take silly pictures in my hotel room. (Just a note, I was there before the show opened, so it's not like I could walk the floor or anything.) I wanted to post them here, but I'm having technical difficulties with the laptop. If I get it to work, I'll update you.

Ok, so, the winner of the "How Many People Can You Fit Into Cosmo Cricket's Blog" contest is..... Pinky with 84 friends commenting on her behalf! She is one popular girl..... maybe she can give me some tips!

Pinky, send us your address and we'll send you your prize.

Wow! What a response to our little game.

2008-10-25T09:06:00.005-06:00

The game ended yesterday, Friday at 5pm mst and we just want to thank all of you for a great turn out. We will post the winner on Monday.

Stay tuned because maybe the next time Julie goes out of town we’ll play this game again.

How many people can you fit into Cosmo Cricket’s Blog

2008-10-23T16:28:00.008-06:00

First of all don’t forget to look at the previous post to see who won ‘Weigh in Wednesday’.

Okay- Here's the game,whoever brings the most people to our blog, I will send out to them a Chemistry Paper Crafting Kit, with all of the trimmings, an Oh Joy" Paper Crafting Kit, with all of the trimmings, and a Haunted Paper Crafting Kit, with all of the trimmings. Retail value= over $150.00.

This is how it works.You're friends need to say in their blog comment, that they are commenting on behalf of "your name". Thats all that they really need to say.

The contest will go until 5pm mst tomorrow. If there is a tie, we will have the most honest person in our office, Kristen,put those who have tied names into a hat and draw a winner.

It's kind of like a geneology of friends.

(When Julie’s away the boys will play)

Everyone understand? Game starts now!

I know, I'm such a trouble maker.... (cause when Julie’s away the boys will play)

Weigh in Wednesday Winner

2008-10-23T14:33:00.004-06:00

Today’s post is coming from me, Eric. Julie is gone today for Quilt Market in Houston. We thought she was going to Houston tomorrow but yesterday afternoon she got an email from the airline reminding her that her flight would be leaving the next morning (this morning) at 6 am. I was upstairs when she got the email but she yelled loud enough the whole neighborhood could hear her. After she calmed down we got all of the work done that we thought we would get done today. Julie will be back on Monday.

Ok so todays winner is Kristin who said “I probably gained about 5 lbs in scrapbooking supplies this week, but fortunately managed to lose one pound in body weight.”

Kristin send us your address and we’ll get you out your goodies. Send your address to kristen@cosmocricket.com

Spreadin' the Cosmo Cricket Love

2008-10-22T08:21:00.004-06:00

Good morning everyone! Are you feeling LUCKY?

We decided that it wasn't fair for just one person to win a Chemistry set because honestly, evey girl should have one! And so, we have picked not one......... not two........ but FIVE lucky winners!!!

But, before we get to that, check out what Cherri House did with our Hey Sugar fabric. Cherri is a quilt designer for Andover. It's kind of funny because after Eric and I had decided to license our artwork through them, Cherri, Eric's cousin, contacted us and said she'd be making our quilt for their trade show. Then, Cherri's daughter, Lizzy, also began designing fabric for them. So, it's kind of like a little family reunion at every textile show. You could say only in Utah.... as the joke goes, but Cherri and Lizzy don't live in Utah and Andover is based out of New York. And, before Andover, I had never met either of them. I guess it's just a small world!

Cherri's quilt she is calling Sugar Snap.

Lizzy's fabric line called Lizzy Dish.

And now, for todays winners, in random order, and everything. Send us your address and we'll send you your prize.
1. Kristina 11:39.
2. Gail C 12:09.
3. Charmaine 5:58.
4. Tonya 11:30.
5. Jody 7:14.

Congratulations. And, for those that are new to our blog you're in for another treat. Today is Wednesday. Loyal followers know that this means Weigh in Wednesday (yes, I stole that from Donna). Anyway, no pounds lost, no pounds gained. Tell us how you did, or leave us some encouragement and you could be our next prize winner.

Thanks for stopping by and check back tomorrow to see if you won!

Get a little Chemistry

2008-10-21T10:10:00.006-06:00

PS: We'll be making another stop to Kmart for more photos...... now that I know $2 is such a deal, I think I'll stock up.
PSS: I used nail polish to paint the Blackboard pieces. All letters are from the Get Happy Blackboard Shapes, the numbers are from the Retro Mix Alphabet.
PSS: You could win a Chemistry paper crafting kit. Tell us what you think of the new line to be entered into our drawing.
PSSS: Just if you didn't know...... you can click on the images to see them larger. Have a great day!

Two Winners

2008-10-20T09:15:00.006-06:00

Good morning everyone (I can't say ladies anymore since we had our first male comment...... Hi Jon!), anyway talk about a hard choice. Everyone had fabulous ideas and I can't wait to try some of them myself...... and to see what you do with fabric whether you're one of the winners or not!

OK, so to the matter at hand. I said I would pick my favorites and the first is lynzei who said, "I'd make yo-yos, ruched flowers, die cuts, little stuffed creatures, backgrounds for name frames, oh and I'd need to fashion a nifty retro apron to wear while I make all my pretty projects. I'd craft and sing, "I feel pretty, oh so pretty..."

I just had to pick this entry because I love the ideas and I love the song! Actually, this was the theme movie for Cosmo Cricket heading up to CHA winter. I sent it to everyone in the office.

For the second pick, I choose Shari who said, "I'm so excited to see another line of Fabric from Cosmo Cricket!!! Sewing was my first love before stamps and paper! I love working on projects that combine the three. This fabric would be great for fabric postcards!" I picked her because I would love to see fabric postcards!

Other ideas that I thought were fabulous included running it through a die-cutting machine, using it to reinforce the spines of paper albums and printing on it.... of course!

I continue to play with it myself. Look at my album so far!

And that's not the best part! Eric and I went to the local Kmart Photo Booth (they have doubled the price to $2!) and got these super fun photos that I plan to use. Don't they just crack you up! I highly recommend this. Even at double the price it is a fun and inexpensive date!

Finally, if you are one of the lucky winners, email your address to kristen@cosmocricket.com and we'll send you your prize! But, if you're not one of the winners, don't worry because tomorrow you'll have a chance to see a sneak peek of our newest line and maybe even win some of it!!

What's A Scrapbooker Like You Want With Fabric Like This?

2008-10-17T08:51:00.005-06:00

So, you think you would like to win a bundle of Hey Sugar Fat Quarters do you? We'll we think we would like to give a couple away. Here's what to do. Tell us how you would use your fabric to enhance your paper crafting projects by posting a comment on this entry.

That's right, whether you're a card maker, scrapbooker, altered works artist, etc. We are looking for fun, creative ideas on how to incorporate fabric into the world of paper crafting. We will choose our two favorites on Monday, so put those thinking caps on.

Here is a little experiment I tried late last night. I took some really thick, stiff interfacing that I had purchased earlier at my local fabric shop. I fused it to some Hey Sugar fabric, cut it out to match our Jack's Blackboard Album, decorated it up and will use it as the cover of a fun little album about Eric and me falling in love.......... that's why it says censored........ we have a very passionate relationship. :)

Oh, and don't you like my little additions to the blog. I thought it was about time I spruced it up a bit (I'm not technically savvy, so it's a bit of a challenge for me). You'll notice on the side bar, I added our followers with a link for you to become one. You can also subscribe to the blog (although I have no idea how these things work). Oh, and I added links to our design team member's blogs because they always have fun things going on too!

Have a great day!

Hey Sugar! It's Fabric!

2008-10-16T12:38:00.005-06:00

Sorry about the no posting yesterday and no Weigh in Wednesday game this week. I have been so busy with product deadlines......... wait until you see what we're up to....... that I haven't even had time to eat or sleep. But, this Hey Sugar fabric just woke me right up! Look how cute. I love it!

There are three colorways. The traditional colors from the coordinating paper line, a red and navy color pallet and a springy-citrus-ee color pallet. I love them all!

If you're interested in purchasing our lines of fabric for resale, it is distributed through Andover Fabrics in New York. If you're interested in purchasing our fabric for yourself, check with your local, independent quilting store. Hey Sugar, will be debuted at the quilt market in Texas next weekend, so it will take a little while for it to show up in your local stores.

If you're interested in winning some free Hey Sugar fabric, check back here tomorrow for details!

Gingerbread House

2008-10-14T10:46:00.005-06:00

It did snow, so I feel justified in posting a Christmas project. I didn't have any holiday photos on hand, but I plan to add them! I used the Oh Joy papers of course, including the ornament covers and strip tease sheet. I also used the Buck Naked Chipboard Ornaments and the green velvet ribbon from Mr. Campy.

Fall! Brrrrrrr!

2008-10-13T09:22:00.007-06:00

I live up in the very most northern part of Utah, in the mouth of a canyon, on a mountain. It gets really cold here. It snowed all day yesterday! I was soooooooo not ready for that. We had some flurries on Saturday, but yesterday we actually had a winter storm warning and SNOW. It wasn't so much snow that it really stuck, but when I woke up this morning the trampoline and grass were covered with white. I'm telling you this so that if I go into a deep depression, quit making happy posts to the blog, gain about 30 pounds and refuse to get dressed anymore you'll know why. Those of you that are loyal blog followers, might remember my "crisis" entry last April, when I was in my 7th month of snow falling (it also snowed in May and June). Why do I live here? I'm really not asking you all, I'm asking Lindsay Moore!!!

OK, enough ranting about things I can't control. Here is a layout I lifted from my sister in law Amy Combs. I thought I had a photo of her's, but I can't find it currently. Suffice it to say, they are about the same, but she used Skipping Stones (the polka dot paper) as her background and her title was handwritten (mine was made from the Holiday Just Your Type sticker book). Also, she took the time to cut out her leaves from the Nature Walk paper. I took the lazy route and used the adhesive die-cut leaves. It's so fast and easy!

This is my nine year old Kate and her best friend Kalle.

Products Used:

Keep Out Box

2008-10-10T11:09:00.005-06:00

Good morning Ladies,
I am totally in love with this project. It was inspired by this Halloween box from Maren Benedict.

I will be teaching this box, but I plan to make several variations for myself..... because....... it's just so dang cute!

If you'd like to make a Keep Out! Box of your own, here's what to do:
1. Cover lid of box. The top piece is 2" x 4.5". The Sides are 4.5" 1". After you adhere the paper, tie with matching ribbon.
2. Cover body of box. The side pieces measure 5.5" x 1.75". The front and back measure 5.5" x 4.5". For the front of the box, use double-stick adhesive around the perimeter of the paper. Before placing the paper down, run a bead of glue around the window of the box. Then place paper.
3. Use a craft knife to make two perpendicular (+) slits in the window of the box. Then tear and roll paper outward.
4. Cover Grumpy Ol' Bear with matching diecut. Cut paper for belly and hand write "Keep Out".
5. Use a liquid adhesive on the legs of the bear, then with lid removed, place the bear's legs down through the window, using other hand inside box to press it into place.
6. Make up some cute cards using these examples from Debbie Olson and myself, or invent your own. Or, forget the cards and fill with chocolate or other important belongings!

This Week's Winner

2008-10-09T12:37:00.006-06:00

Congratulations Cass! Send us your address and we'll send you a prize!

Below is a photo of one of the layouts I'll be teaching in Japan. If this November you will be in the Tokyo area and would like to take this or another fabulous class, click here...... they are updating the images as we speak!

PS: Sorry for the horrible photo. I shot this outside on my deck and the shadows are a bit heavy!

Weigh in Wednesday

2008-10-08T10:38:00.005-06:00

Hallelujah! Those two pesky pounds that re-visited last week have left the premises! WAHOOoooooo! I'm back ladies. Recommitted, more determined and slightly thinner. How did you do. Let us know or give us some encouragement and you might win a prize!

And, just for fun. Here is a great way to get rid of all the candy in your house. Make a cute gift and give it to your neighbors. Maybe there's a really skinny girl in your neighborhood that could use a few pounds!

Even More Haunted

2008-10-07T09:49:00.003-06:00

We have posted a lot of Haunted projects recently, but if you're looking for even more ideas, check out Maren Benedict's blog. She is posting Haunted projects all week long (I'm really trying not to make a "so fun, it's scary" comment). This is just one example, but the two from yesterday were darling as well. I can't wait to see what else she comes up with!

Rub-ons and Candles

2008-10-06T10:42:00.003-06:00

Here is a super fun idea I would love to take credit for. But actually, my little sister had the idea to try rub-ons on candles. They work amazingly. My tip is just to start at one end and go all the way to the other. Don't start in the middle and work out because it's a little tricky to hold the rub-on onto the candle since it has to curve. If you start on one end, you only have to hold down that part until you see the color change letting you know it's adhered to the candle.

Just a note. We also tried rubbing them onto our little pumpkins. Rub-ons don't like to stick to pumpkins! So, don't waste your time or your rub-ons with that. We have plans to try painting the pumpkins or coating with a clear coat and seeing if that works. We also have plans to try rubbing them onto glasses for a Halloween party. Before I decorate all my glasses though, I want to make sure they will eventually wash off!

Look What our Friends Can Do

2008-10-03T10:15:00.004-06:00

We receive several emails each day from Cosmo Cricket fans showing us what they've made with our product. They're are some amazingly talented people out there. It's a shame that there aren't more publication opportunities for everyone! Here are a couple though that really stood out to me. The first was sent to us from Shellye. She took our Buck Naked Ornaments and Oh Joy Die-cuts to the next level! Look how cute this is!

Then, an idea I personally haven't seen before. Stacey Daubenberger took a game board and our Oh Joy collection and made this amazing home decor piece. I think this is such a fun idea. Games with missing pieces are always available really inexpensively at local thrift stores and tag sales. She just really got me thinking about the possibilities!

A Treat and A Trick

2008-10-02T08:16:00.006-06:00

Congratulations Scrapmomof2, send us your address and we'll send you a treat.

Now, for a slick trick. Jenni Bowlin sent us this fabulous project using our Haunted Diecuts and matching Blackboard. I think these would be perfect for party favors, stuck in cupcakes. Hmmmmm, did I just mention cupcakes?