Cards That Wow With Sizzix

Techniques and Ideas for Using Die-Cutting and Embossing Machines
by Sizzix, Featuring licensed artist Stephanie Barnard

received for review

4 stars
idea book

A good idea book with large photos, lists of (some) supplies used, and some tips and tricks.

I wish it had a bit more by way of cards that could go through the mail easily... many included so many layers and shapes and pop-up options that they would definitely require extra postage.  I also wish some of the sections were organized a bit better-- the holiday section felt like a few random other holidays, a whole ton of Christmas, a couple of Halloween (which there had already been earlier), then more Christmas.  Grouping holidays would have been nice.  (I realize this is a nit-picky OCD complaint, but I seriously had to go back through trying to decide if I'd missed a page somewhere.)

Some of the tips and tricks are awesome! :)  And I really love some of cards.  (I wish I knew what brand and such the paper was!  It's all so cute... but I didn't see any info on it.)

There's a good coverage for different occasions-- celebrations (mostly birthday), holidays, thinking of you, miss you, hello friend, thank you, etc.

Really though, any of the card designs could be adapted to any occasion.  There are also some ideas for using cards in other projects-- decor, boxes, etc.

I really love how large the photos are-- crisp and detailed.  :)

LuLu would also like to (excitedly) point out that there are "polkanuts".  That girl sure loves "polkanuts".

When I'm Not Reading... Part 2

So if you make an owl hat.... but leave off the beak...





You get a robot. lol

Newborn hats are fun.

Crochet is my main form of nesting.

:D

(Owl hat pattern at Repeat Crafter Me)

Crochet Books

I haven't been reading much lately.  Big surprise, right? 

Since most waking hours are being devoted to projects like the one I posted Saturday. (Saturday with Baby J)

So I thought, for those with crafty inclinations, that I would post some favorite crochet books.

Candi Jensen is awesome!  She has multiple books of patterns for babies and toddlers.  Now there IS some overlap from one book to the next.  Candy Crochet, for example, is basically a collection of patterns from other books.

But seriously, who could resist those cute kids on the cover?  :D

There's a pretty good variety in her books, stuff for boys and girls.  Not all of the patterns are outfits I'd call practical, but they're pretty much all cute.  :D

Where do you find project ideas?

Saturday with Boo and Mister-- Christmasy Crafts

We're making an ornament a day until Christmas. Crazy? Probably. But they're enjoying it. For the most part.

So today, I thought I'd give you some links where we're getting our ornament projects...

HarperCollins Printable Stuff



Playhouse Disney



Nick Jr Seasonal Crafts



Nick Jr Seasonal Printables

Now the question is, do YOU know of more places? 'Cause really... I need 24 ideas total.