Quick Tip Tuesday - Purchasing Supplies


 Never pay full price for supplies!  

Hobby Lobby has crafting supplies on sale at least every other week, anywhere from 40-50% off.  Michaels has coupons and a rewards program.  

dickblick.com

If you are buying art supplies online, I suggest Blick.  Where I live, we don't have Blick in a brick and mortar store, so I have to purchase online.  But that's okay because EVERYTHING is discounted to near wholesale prices.  Their prices can't be beat whether you want canvases, alcohol markers, cardstock, watercolors, adhesive, and so on.  Check them out!

Another website I like is A Cherry on Top.  They have an incredible deal every day, and even if you don't want that deal, they have sales and coupons.  Sign up for emails and get 20% off your first order!

To repeat: Today's tip is to avoid paying full price for supplies!
Happy Crafting!

Easter Treat Boxes

 I have two granddaughters, one who is 4, and one who is 18 months, so I had to do something homemade for them!


I made these mini Easter baskets from cardstock, but they seem rather sturdy, probably due to layering.  The creator of the file that I used is Lucy from Paper Glitter Glue.

I put some Easter grass and a few treats in each basket and plan to drop them off when we are visiting Austin this week.  I'm sure our daughter won't mind keeping them hidden until Easter because we won't see them again before then. I love being a Grammy!  Just wish they lived closer.


I've also been writing more Escape Room games for kids as well as scrapbook layouts and card kits.  They can be found in my shop on Etsy.

Quick Tip Tuesday-Paper Crafts


For scrapbooking or card-making, my tip today is to try a new technique.  I tried inlaid die cutting this week, and I liked the results. I prefer the card on the left, though,

I also did some watercoloring on a stamped image.  I'm pleased with the look but not the way the sentiments turned out.  But I remind myself, "It's only paper!  I can do it again!" I like the lettering on the one on the left, but I prefer the background on the right. My point, though, is try something new!  You've got nothing to lose!

You could try stamping, embossing, die-cutting, watercoloring, brads, eyelets, adding ribbon or other ephemera.  Choose one new thing to try before the month ends.  Go for progress, not perfection!  Good luck and have a crafty week!

Visit Happiness is Homemade and Pinterest for inspiration.

Crafts For All!

 I would like to invite you to join the Crafts for All Facebook group!  You can share projects, ask questions, post pictures.  Whatever you want.  Whether you are a beginner or seasoned pro at whatever craft you enjoy, you are welcome.  Come join us!



Printable Escape Rooms!

 


Escape rooms are all the rage right now, but they are not always a good idea for younger chidren, depending on the theme, and they can get expensive, too.  If you have kids or grandkids, I think you're going to love these Escape Room Printables.  Have an Escape Room experience at home by solving challenging puzzles and ciphers to unlock the secret code.  You even get to see if your secret code is correct which will give you the ending to the secret mission.  

At the Zoo


Into the Great Wide Ocean



Out of the World!

Check these out on Etsy, and please forward this email to someone you know who would also love this product. Super easy to set up.  Print, cut in half, play.  It's that easy!  And the price is amazing!  Baseball and birthday editions coming this weekend!

P. S.  All printables from Crafteverly are 25% off until Saint Patrick's Day!

Don't forget to visit Happiness is Homemade!

Quick Tip Tuesday - Cardstock Weights


When making a cardstock project, shadow box, scrapbook page, card, or other papercraft, weight matters.   The most common weights in the U.S. are 65# (light), 80# (medium), 100# and 110# (heavy).


65# is thin and a little floppy. It is good for the top parts of layering projects, die cutting, and making paper flowers.

80# is heavier and is good for scrapbook pages, handmade cards, die cutting, and cake toppers.

100# and 110# are good for invitations, card bases, scrapbook pages, business cards, the base of layered projects, cake toppers, and party favors.  It is also great for stamping and embossing.

Heavyweight for the base.  Ligjtweight for the two top layers.

Choose your cardstock based on the type of project you want to do. Make sure you choose a quality product that is acid and lignin free (as mentioned in a previous tip).

I hope this tips helps you get crafty!

Quick Tip Tuesday - Choosing Cardstock


 Most cardstocks and craft papers available now are lignin  and acid free, but, you want to double check. 

Why?  Lignin is a wood product that is often found in unpurified wood-pulp paper.  Over time, lignin will cause discoloration of photos and papers.  Acid will cause your cards or scrapbook papers to disintegrate over time.  Always opt for archival paper that won't discolor or break down.

I hope today's tip helps you get crafty!  Join me on my free facebook crafty group and invite your friends!