Day 2 of the 25 Days of Christmas 2011

Today is my Dad's birthday! Happy Birthday Dad. This week's prize is this stamp set called Cute by the Inch from SU. To win just leave a comment on this post and I will post the winner next Friday.

Today's card uses all CTMH products. The stamp sets and ornaments were stamped with SU inks and I used a gem in the middle of each star. The card base was cut using the Cricut CTMH Art Philosophy cartridge. The dp is also CTMH, a simple card but I like how it all came together.

Today, I am sharing crafty gifts. The first is a Cricut Expression. It runs about 200.00 but it is so versatile and with just a couple of smart cartridge purchases there is endless possibilities. The new E2 model has a few extra features including a WI FI port and a light and an internal memory so you don't need to use overlays, about 250.00

#2 is a Cuttlebug or a Bigshot but I much prefer the Cuttlebug - it's super easy to use and folds up very nicely for a small footprint, plus it's light, my Bigshot is really heavy. The new model has a wider entry so it can fit the larger Sizzix dies as well. I use mine for the metal dies that are now showing up at places like Papertreyink and MFT but I also use it for the embossing folders.

#3 is an Ott-Lite. I have had mine for years. I bought it with a coupon at Joanns and gives wonderful light for your craft table, especially if you are night time crafter like me. They are not cheap but I have had mine for a very long time and have not had to change the light bulb yet. This is the multi task light and it's list price is $79.99.

#4 For budget minded people and those without a lot of time (also a great idea for a teen), consider the smash book and it's related products. It's fun and easy and with this product anyone can scrapbook. It comes with a pen on one side and a glue stick on the other so you can smash and go! Think of all the uses, a journal, an inspiration book, a snapshot of your everyday life. It's from EK Success, $1.99-12.99.

#5 Everyone needs a Scoreboard! There are lots of options and I have a couple here.

First is Stampin' UP's Simply Scored board, what's unique about this one is that is comes with little markers so if you are scoring a lot of items it's easy to find your place., $29.99.

Next, is what I consider the OG Scoreboard the Scor-Pal. Nothing fancy but it changed the way I craft, crisp lines and so easy to score cardstock for cards, $29.99

Also, Martha Stewart has a Scoreboard and you can use your Michael's coupon for it. $29.95

#6 is a binding system. The first is a Yourstory which is a laminator and a binding system that uses heat to bind the books. I have seen bundles that come with covers, laminating pouches and papercutters for around $30-$50 so be sure to shop around.

There is also the Binditall - I have the original blue one but I do love mine - I really should use it more. It's easy to use - you use spiral wire for this system but you can bind many different projects with this system. This runs about $59.99.

I also wanted to mention the Cinch - I have seen quite a few people using this sytem but it looks complicated to me and frankly I am very happy with my Binditall. However, many people swear by The cinch, so it just depends on what you are comfortable with.


#7 is a subscription to a magazine. Papercrafts is a good one and runs about $19.00, Northridge Publishing have some beautiful magazines which are more like books than a magazine but they are very costly and run about $40.00 for a year. Some of their publications including Cards, Cricut, Bead, Sewing and they also have special editions too. Another standby is Martha Stewart Living which I love!

#8 is a Clipit Up. You can use this thing for just about anything. I use mine for my acrylic stamps that come on sheets like from MFT but I have seen people use it for Thickers and stickers, embellishments, ribbon, cards, tons of uses, it has a small footprint and can hold a ton of stuff so it is really a practical organizational tool! It runs about $65.00.

#8 are cool tools. I love punches so they are always nice but something really fun that I came across are these YoYo Makers from Clover. They also sell Kanzashi Flower maker templates too. I have seen Yo Yo's all over the blogs, many people are making them and selling them but with this simple template you can make your own. At only $5.50 these are a wonderful and inexpensive crafting gift. I wouldn't mind having one myself :)

9. Copic Airbrush System, $60.00. I want one! I have seen so many awesome projects using this fun tool - it creates airbrush effects that look uber professional!

#10 is a copout but it's paper! Paperpacks, 6x6 paper pads are wonderful for scrapbookers and cardmakers. It's wonderful to give paper, because we can all use it, even if we have a ton anyway. I like to give paperpads that are not found in stores - when I order online - I always order extras to use as giveaways - because they might be difficult to find for some people if they are not the common variety found in retail stores.


Thanks for hanging out today.

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