Everyday Paper

There are some projects that don't justify printing on photo paper, but I would still like printed on something better than copy paper. That's when I turn to HP Everyday Matte Photo Paper (I used to use PrintWorks Everyday Matte Photo Paper, but haven't been able to find it lately).

They are both a little thicker than your normal paper, and the print is much better, and the cost (because I am super cheap) is pretty reasonable too! You can print on both sides, and I find it is perfect for calenders, invites, handouts--basically anything others will be seeing. The prints are clear and crisp and the matte finish is unpretentious, so others will notice the awesomeness of your work and not be distracted by the shininess!

Paper Globes

How cute are these by Heather Bailey? They are fairly simple to make too!

Christmas Wishes

Card from last year

As soon as your fork is sat down on Thanksgiving Day it will be time to start thinking of your Christmas card for the year.

Winkflash is offering 40% off cards with this coupon code "G3F8E7W4." Good through Dec. 15th.

With the coupon notecards are 77¢ (compared to $1.29) and 4x8 photo cards are 23¢ (regularly 39¢).

Martha Stewart: Crafts

I have a love-hate relationship with Martha. When I heard that her new line of craft products had hit the shelves at Michaels I thought I should take a look to see what all the fuss was about. There were different reviews, some thought it was fantastic, others thought it was nervy of her to waltz into the crafting scene with her own line. I wanted to form my own opinion.

Her stuff is great. It is stuff that is rarely found in small-ish towns. These towns have very limited resources, but are lucky enough to have a Michael's. The products on the shelves were (I'm speculating) products that were developed to match ideas shown in her magazines and TV show. Her cute labels, boxes, adorable ribbon, and punches make it easier for the common person to pull off a "Martha" project. The price you pay for "Martha" does cost a little more.

Does this take the crafting out of Martha Stewart:Crafts? There are kits you can buy to make featured products. For $19.99 you can buy the materials (tissue paper and wire) to make 7 (3 large and 4 medium sized) of Martha's pom poms. Each pom pom requires 8 sheets of tissue paper.Being the cheap person I am, I am think, "I can buy tissue paper and wire for less than that". So I start on my hunt for tissue paper.

Conveniently located just below the pom pom kits are packages of Martha tissue paper. 6 sheets for $2.99, hmm 6 sheets? That means I will have to buy about 2 packs for every pom pom I intend to make. Or, for 7 pom poms I will need to buy 10 packs of her tissue paper (10x6=60, 10x 2.99=$29.90).

Not satisfied with that I keep looking.

My looking takes me to Target. At Target I find packs of tissue paper with 20 sheets per pack, for $1.99. I buy 3.

Here's the math:
3x1.99=$5.97
3x30=60 sheets

Now that is more like it! I am planning on using wire twist ties (which I already have) for the wire part of the pom poms.

Martha's stuff is wonderful, but I found comparable stuff--located in the same store for less money.

Stick to using her ideas, but you may want to shop around for the materials!

Fabric and Etsy

I have been on a fabric buying craze lately. Most of these fabrics are by either Amy Butler or Heather Bailey. Told you I loved them.

I just added another item the Etsy store and need to get a couple more added before the day is over. Maybe if I have time I will play with some of that black and white fabric this afternoon.