Lori's Garden Birdcage.

Ever since I got my Imagine in June I had been wanting the Lori's Garden cartridge.  It was one that people got at launch but since then you were able to purchase it however it is usually pretty pricey even on Ebay it was $50+ which I think it too much for a cartridge.  So I waited patiently and two weeks ago CricutMachine.com had a sale and it was just $19.95.  I almost fell off my chair when I saw that this was one of the ones on this special.  It arrived  last week and I love everything one it, even the papers are pretty.  So this week at Mojo Monday  I thought the sketch would be perfect for using this cartridge and the birdcage.  Here is the sketch I had to follow, and be sure and go over there and join in as this week there is prizes.

Mojo Monday is such a great place for inspiration and they release a new sketch every Monday.
So here is the card I made following this sketch.  Plus there is a challenge over at the Cricut Circle blog to make something using your Imagine papers and print out layers, I think this card fits that challenge perfectly.

I am so over the top happy with how this came out.  I even think it might qualify as being a Bobby card from the Cricut Couple.  After all it was his cards using this cartridge that made me want it so so bad.  If you are not familiar with him or the Cricut Couple blog you really need to go check it out both Bobby and his wife Jill are amazing card makers, one of the most talented in blogland   Well one of the things that makes it a Bobby card is the size, it is a 8.5 x 11 size of paper folded in half, I am really liking making cards this size as it is easier to get what you want on them and also your cuts do not have to be so small that they are hard to get off your mat.

So on to my card, I used Lori's Garden for the entire card, papers and all.  I printed the papers on Cryogen White paper that has a mica like sparkle to it, and it shows through when you print on it.   There are several places on line that you can buy it one of them is Paper Temptress, she has a lot of other great papers also.
The Imagine really helps me to put colors and patterns together which is something I struggle with now and then.
Over all the birdcage is cut at 3 1/2 inches and I cut each layer that comes for the design and pop dotted then as I stacked them.  Added some pearls to the centers of the flowers and along the bottom of the cage.  Then after I get it all put together and even mounted on the scalloped circle and onto the card, I decide I should cut out a bird for in the cage, well it did not look right for the bird to be "outside" the cage, but my design was all assembled already :(..................Hmmm what to do, then I have one of those moments and it pops in my head to print the top layer of the cage on vellum paper and put the bird behind it.  Well that meant I had to take all the layers apart, being the anal person I am sometimes I went ahead tackled it and gave it shot.  I risked ruining my whole card, Yikes!   So carefully using one of my Cricut tools I pried each piece off and set it aside to put it back.  So here is it is, all re-assembled.

 with my little birdie properly place "inside" the cage.  I took a huge chance but I am very very happy I did as it worked out great.  What do you think, even in the close up it looks good or not redone?
So would you or do you do things like this or am I just crazy?  LOL
I am so glad you stopped by to take a look, leave me a comment so that I know you were here and sure hope you decide to follow me or come back again for another look some day.

Challenges for this card
CES Challenge   TotallyGorguss/Girlie   ends  - 10/7
Simon Says Stamp  Sparkle & Bling   ends  -  10/11
Make it Monday   Always anything goes   end - 10/9
Crafty Cardmakers  Anything goes   ends - 10/16