Christmas in July in Cricut

*This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

It's only July and it's still 5 months away until Christmas. Usually, crafters like myself start preparing holiday crafts by October or November so there's enough time to make handmade cards, holiday decors and handmade and personalised gifts. However, starting your very own holiday craft as early July will be ideal and achievable. Do you know why? Well, Cricut is having a blast of Christmas stuff in July!

It's never to early to start with your holiday crafts and you can do that now in July with Cricut. Cricut is offering plenty of resources you can use for you holiday projects, be it holiday box-making, embellishments for your cards and crafts and even Christmas ornaments.

Where do you begin with your holiday projects? Well, you can get inspiration from Cricut's Christmas category. From there, you can choose which one appeals you and make plenty so you don't run out of holiday stuff to go around.

You can download cutting shapes and kits from Cricut too for your projects. And these are just few of the many things you can do as early as now. So, take advantage of this fabulous offer and Celebrate Christmas in July with great deals at Cricut!

Learn More About the Cricut Access

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

If you are a crafter like myself, you probably have tons and tons of images or cutting files you use for your projects. You may also have endless ideas on where to use those images and cutting files whether it is for scrapbooking, card making, party supplies, presentations and art classes. There are just many ways to use them.

Crafters also has tons of supplies and tools that they use to make beautiful and creative stuff. One of the staple in crafting (and if you really want to have plenty of intricate shapes and designs on a certain project) is a paper cutting machine. Cricut is one of the leading cutting machine available in the market. Many crafters use this machine to cut files to add to their crafts. 

Cricut has a new subscription plan for Circut machine owners and users. And because Cricut knows how important it is for crafters like us to have tons of images, designs, fonts, and project ideas readily available for access, it created Cricut Access!

Cricut Access is a subscription plan for Cricut owners and users. It is a great place to get those fancy fonts, images, designs, and even project ideas you can use.  It is currently offering 10% off* on orders. You can sign up for Cricut Access™ and get 10% off all orders on Cricut.com and in Cricut Design Space™

So, if you want to get hold of those beautiful images, fonts, designs and other stuff you can use for any of your projects, now's the right time to sign up for Cricut Access™ and get unlimited access to images, fonts and projects.
 Happy crafting!


*Terms and conditions apply.

What's Inside Cricut's Mysterious January Mystery Box?

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links.





The holidays are over! Is your creative juice brimming with lots of ideas and projects to create? Start the year right with wonderful creative insights with Cricut's January Mystery Box. But what could be inside the Cricut's January Mystery Box? I would love to tell you, but that would ruin the surprise! However ... I am willing to divulge a few bits of information:

• While it's valued at $139.95, you're able to purchase it for only $39.99!
• It includes 5 cartridges

  And that's all I'm sharing because I don't want to spoil the surprise contained in this wondrous January Mystery Box! Purchase it for yourself or as a gift and solve the mystery of what's inside! With Cricut, you know you won't be disappointed. Plus, you'll get Free shipping on orders over $50 with code JANUARYSHIP at Cricut.com!

Christmas Craft With Cricut

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

It's the season of festivities and merriment! It's also the time where it is very nice to make DIY Christmas crafts to save money on decoration purchases.

Cricut is your buddy this time around when you make your own Christmas decors. Check the many designs and ideas you can make for your Christmas decor projects. You can make holiday tags, buntings, party supplies for the Christmas gathering, stocking fillers, banners, cards, and many more!

If you don't have any paper cutter, you may choose from the many styles and series that Cricut has to offer:

Cricut Explore Air™ Machine
$299.99
$249.99

Cricut Explore Air™ Machine + Deluxe Starter Set $399.94 $269.99

Cricut Explore Air™ Machine + Ultimate    Machine Set $418.93 $279.99

Cricut Explore Air™ Machine + Tools & Mats Set $359.97 $279.99

Cricut Explore Air™ Machine + EVERYTHING Starter Set $595.76 $359.99

And when you're done choosing which machine is perfect for you, you can also enjoy Cricut's FREE SHIPPING offer!

Get free shipping on all orders at Cricut with code FREESHIPNOV

Some project ideas to get you started with Cricut:

Christmas Ornament

Christmas box

Happy crafting with Cricut Explore Air™!

Paper Clip Bookmarks in My Etsy Shop

Hello! Hello! Hello!!!

I have been busy making some paper clip bookmarks for my Etsy shop. So far, I have managed to make 3 sets:

Inside Out
Doggies
Princesses

While the Inside Out characters will be sold as a set, the rest can be bought individually.

I also have this discount code to offer to all of you: PLAN15. You can use them without minimum purchase so feel free to use them upon check out.

Inside Out clips will be out this week and the others soon!

Please support handmade stuff and artisans.
GO HANDMADE!!!

Visit my Etsy shop for more planner sticker stuff.

More Handmade Cards Created

Update (25Jul2014) - I no longer make handmade cards. Thank you to all those who believed in my ability to create beautiful and special cards.

---- o O o ----

I voiced my passion to create a mini-biz selling my handmade cards, tags and plushies before. And I have actually put the plan in motion. I have been making my projects every weekend. I built a decent stock to feature in my Facebook fan page so everyone can take a look, admire and even purchase. Of course, the purchase part will be my favorite because engaging in handmade card making is a very expensive hobby. I want to be able to at least enjoy the fruits of my labor of love.

I would like to invite everyone to check out my handmade cards in my Handmade with Love Facebook page and I hope that someone out there will be my lucky first buyer who will open the doors for more repeat and new business. Contact details are in the FB page, same as the shipping costs and prices.

And here are some of my cards for sale. 

I hope you'll consider purchasing some of my work. They are all Handmade with love.

Simple Card Tutorial With Flat-Back Pearl Embellishment

Hi everyone! This is my very first tutorial. I am going to show you how to make a simple blank handmade card for any occasion using easy to find materials and one of my favorite embellishments to use in my projects - flat-back pearls.

What you need:

• Plain card stock for the card, I used 4 x 6 inches cardstock
• Patterned papers cut in various sizes (my favorite brand is Bo Bunny and K & Company but there are a lot more with fancy designs in the craft mart)
• Matting papers (any solid or block colored card stock or art paper will do) for background and framing
• Cut-out letters - H E L L O or any greetings or sentiments you want to use
• Scissors
• Glue for the flat-back pearls
• Fine tip tweezers to pick up the small flat-back pearls
• Double-sided tape or roller adhesive tape
• 3-d foam with double adhesive
• Ribbon, about 8 to 10 inches long and folded for double-ribbon effect
• Embellishments: butterfly chipboard and flat-back pearls (about 3mm diameter) in pink and cream. I got the flat back pearls from Qrhinestones of Etsy. (You should check Emily's Qrhinestones for more beads and fancy gems to use on your projects. She ships very promptly too!)
• Optional: Pigment inkpads for side-inking effect (I used a pigment-based ink to ink the edge of the yellow matting paper)

(This project can be done in less than 15 minutes as long as you have everything you need within your reach.)

And here's how you do it:

1. Gather your materials.
2. Apply adhesive at the back of the matting and patterned paper .
3. Layer the papers together, arranging them in gradual decrease in size. Do not stick the papers on the cardstock yet at this point as we will add ribbon later. I always tuck the edge of my ribbon beneath the matting papers for a clean finish. I also inked the side of the yellow paper for some drama and emphasis.
4. Cut out some small strips of 3-D foam with adhesives and adhere to the cut-out letters.
5. Fold the ribbon in half and make a bow. This method will create a double ribbon in one knot. Tuck the edges under the biggest matting paper. Now, apply double-adhesive tape on the biggest matting. Peel off the protective film of the adhesive.
6. Stick the matting papers which is now your card topper on the card stock.
7. Stick a butterfly embellishment at the edge and dot some glue to stick the cream flat-back pearls.
8. Now dot an undulating line on top of the letters and stick the pink flat-back pearls.
9. And now,  you have your simple card done!

Easy, right?

Busy Making Cards

I didn't feel the long weekend at all. It's already Saturday and I'm back to work tomorrow when I still have plenty of things to do in my craft zone. I have been busy making cards.

I started making cards but not in full swing as I don't have that much materials. I have to buy more flowers, ribbons, laces and other patterned papers with shabby and vintage designs. I'm getting my hands on making shabby inspired and vintage looking handmade cards with lots of paper distressing to give it that old feel. I'm still learning the process and I have made 3 cards this week. It took me approximately 1 - 2 hours for each project only because I didn't want to force my brain to think hard. I didn't want my project to turn out "forced." I am happy I took my time developing the design in my head and executing it longer than usual. Hey, my creative mojo has been gone for more than a year so it's hard cranking up this rusty engine.

I am starting from square one again. I kept my old notebook of inspirations and started with a fresh one for 2013.  I have also been learning some tips and techniques to better my craft as I really intend to sell them. I want someone to have the cards I made with love. Isn't that a great thing to give to someone special?

Anyway, I wish the days are longer when I am at home so I can achieve so much. I am looking into sewing as well. I am keen to do this small online business on handmade stuff and promote everything handmade. It's like being organic - in a material way.

So, I hope next week, I'll be able to make few cards again and build up my stock until my Silhouette Cameo arrives. I want to make at least 50 cards before I decide to open my small handmade cards business. I also need to buy commercial license from other designers because I plan to incorporate their designs in my limited number of handmade cards.

 This is me, following my dream. I know one cannot make mega millions just by making handmade cards but the feeling of seeing something I created out of love is I think and feel, worth more than a million.

MyMemories Suite Project - Bow Tie

Summer is officially here and kids will be off from school any time soon! So, parents, what do you have in store for your kids this long summer months? Summer camp? Travel out of town? Perhaps lessons to learn new skills? Have you considered engaging them in arts and craft to develop their creativity and love for arts? Well now, this post is for you!

MyMemories.com regularly offers paper projects for everyone out there to enjoy.  I have already posted many paper projects in the past courtesy of MyMemories.com and this week's project is fairly easy and great as gift toppers - Bow Tie.  And since Father's Day is just around the corner, this cute little bow tie will be a great gift topper and even a card topper for the best Dad in the world!

If you don't have the MyMemories Suite Digital Software, you can get the software from http://www.mymemories.com/digital_scrapbooking_software and use this 10% discount code for your purchase: STMMMS30652

The free template can be downloaded for your personal use only. Please do not redistribute or resell. You may get the template from my blog's side bar at the right with the heading Freebies. Enjoy!

The free templates are valid until 16th of June only so save them now.

MyMemories Suite Project - Fry Boxes

It's time again for another fantastic paper craft project from MyMemories Suite! I like this project it's great for parties and you can use it as favor or giveaway boxes too just like the recent project I posted which is the Fairy box. You can download the free template from this blog, just proceed at the right side of the bar with Freebies. Please do not re-sell the templates and save them for your personal use only. The templates will be available until Feb. 25, 2013 only. So grab them now.

This project can be done using MyMemories Suite Digital Software. If you don't have the software yet, you can get the it from http://www.mymemories.com/digital_scrapbooking_software and use my 10% discount code for your purchase: STMMMS30652

All photos are courtesy of MyMemories.com.

MyMemory Suite Project - 3D Stars For Christmas

This is an excellent paper project just in time for Christmas. So, gather your kids, nephews, nieces and the young at hearts around to make this 3D Star project to hang or put on your Christmas Tree.

If you don't have the MyMemory Suite Digital Scrapbook Software, you can purchase it here (http://www.mymemories.com/digital_scrapbooking_software) by using my 10% discount code. Yes, 10% off the price! So grab my code now and use it for your wonderful paper, printable projects with MyMemory Suite.

10% discount code ----  >   STMMMS30652

 

http://www.mymemories.com/store/share_the_memories_kit_1

 

http://www.mymemories.com/store/share_the_memories_kit_2

http://www.mymemories.com/store/share_the_memories_kit_3

These stars are super cute when they are done! Check out the tutorial found online at
www.mymemories.com/craftables/3dstar

You can find the free template on the right side of my blog bar entitled "Freebies."

The links will only be available until Dec. 10 so hurry and download your free template for this 3D Star project brought to you by MyMemories Suite. Pls. do not sell the free template. It is for your personal use only. Thanks!

My Memories - Halloween or Masquerade Mask Free Templates

Halloween is just around the corner and this is one the first paper craft projects offered by MyMemories.com for the spooky occasion. You can also use this on masquerade balls with themes.

The free templates link are located on my blogs side bar with the heading "Freebies." Please feel free to download them and they will be available on a limited time only.

If you want to have access to more great free paper crafts and printable digital scrapbook projects, go to MyMemories.com to purchase the software with a 10% discount using this code: 

STMMMS30652

Follow the instructions listed below to make this simple and funky Halloween and masquerade masks. You can add embellishments on it to make it more funky and scary.

Freebie 1

 

Freebie 2

 

Freebie 3

 

Using MyMemories Software to Customize your Masks

• Download template file and install it into your software
• Using MyMemories Suite, choose Create Album From Designer Template and find your project
• Now you can print and enjoy the provided template, or customize it with your own papers and embellishments.

TIP:
You can right-click on the white guide and lock it in place to keep it from moving while you are working. Make sure this is the top layer of your project before printing.

Just SAVE and PRINT on cardstock and you're done with your mask!

My Memories Party Bag Project And Free Templates

Another great free and easy to do paper craft is being offered to you courtesy of MyMemories.com! This party bag project is great for birthday parties and other events where you can put small goodies as souvenir or favors. You can also use these bags for gift giving and there are many ways to use these bags too.

You can get the free template here. If you don't have the digital software from MyMemories.com, you may purchase it here and use my discount code STMMMS30652  for a 10% off your purchase.

Click this link to buy the software and use my discount stated above: digital MyMemories Suite software

Free party bags template:

Template 1

Template 2

Party Bags Tutorial
1. Print your Purse Card templates on cardstock and gather supplies. 

Be sure to set your margins as close to 0 as possible.
(Recommended supplies: small craft scissors, bone folder, glue runner)



2. Using the scissors cut along inside of handles.



3. Fold bag at fold lines.
There should be a total of 6 folds.
TIP: Using a bone folder will help you get crisp edges on your project.


4. Using scissors, cut along outside edge.



5. Lay the bag flat, printed side down.
Fold up the tabs at the bottom of the bag, so that you can see the printing.
Apply Glue to the tabs on the printed side



6. Bring the side of the bag up and adhere the tab to the bottom of the bag.



7. Repeat on other side.



8. Lay the bag down, and apply glue to the last tab.



9. Attach the remaining side.
TIP: Insert your hand into the bag to ensure that all the tabs are securely attached.



10. Enjoy your Bag! You can fill it with all kinds of goodies or treats.
TIP: You can take the front and back and press them together to make side seams.




Share this info to you friends as well and enjoy making this very easy-to-do party bags!