I don't have any Christmas Supplies! Make Christmas Cards using what you have.

 Christmas Stamps and Dies are beautiful and we want them all, right? I know I do. 

When you are just starting out as a crafter, you have limited space or limited cash, it is hard to justify spending money on a stamp set you only use 'once a year'.  Also, many of the specifically Christmas stamp sets, only make one thing or one way. We want supplies that can pull double duty. 

If you don't have any Christmas stamps or dies, you can still make beautiful Christmas Cards.  If you want to invest in something for Christmas I would choose a simple sentiment such as Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Joy to the World.  Something like that. Let's dive in.  

These two cards were made with not one Christmas item! 

The And Sentiments from Catherine Pooler has these three words in it. 
So good, right. I just did some simple ink blending and splattered some 
shimmer spray on the back ground. All of these supplies can be used for other occasions, but when put together, they make a beautiful Christmas Card. Admittedly, I probably wouldn't want to mass produce this card. 

I used a green re-inker in a spray bottle and some gold pigment powder
to spray through a mandala stencil for this background. An alphabet stamp or die set, 
means you can make the Christmas sentiment whatever you want it to be. 
Using the traditional Christmas Colours transforms your everyday crafty stash into Christmas Perfection. 

A simple and elegant embossing folder just needs a lovely gold ink blending over it. 
The lovely "Joy" word from 'And Sentiments'. 

Triangle stamp and a star.  Slap a Christmas sentiment on there and you're good to go. 

One of these cards uses Christmas themed pattern paper, but the other one is just Green cardstock. 
I stamped stars and other patterns to add some interest. But there wasn't a Christmas stamp in sight! 

If you invest in one or two Christmas greetings, the possibilities become almost endless. Check out the first batch of Christmas cards I made with some washi tape and only one Christmas Sentiment. 

The circles look like ornaments on the tree, right?

Circle stamps and a Christmas sentiment. Too easy! 

I used some stars out of a birthday stamp set, for this card. 
It is a bit rough and ready, but cute, right. 

This card is just beautiful. The photo doesn't do it justice. This card is so shiny! 
As Lauren Bassen says, "you got a leaf, make a wreath".
A simple Christmas sentiment, turns these leaf die cuts into a stunning Christmas Card. 
I just love those sequins too. 

There you have it.  9 Christmas Cards that you can make with no Christmas supplies, or just a simple Christmas sentiment. The first year I decided to make Christmas cards, the only Christmas stamp I owned was a "Merry Christmas".  That's it.  I have slowly accumulated more Christmas stamps, one stamp set a year - only if it's on sale! 

Best of AGT- One of my Favourite Things!

 Okay, we need to revisit this little treasure AGAIN! 

In 2011, I wrote about the humble Bobbi Pin. 

In 2016, I included that post in the Best of AGT, with a bit of an update. 

It's 2022 and now, it's time.  Let's look back to my 2011 thoughts on this mordern marvel. 

A favourite accessory of mine!  Earlier this week, I was doing my hair and I just wanted to get it off my face and my neck and I wanted to look cute and effortless.  A few well placed bobby pins and I was done!  Although there is also something to be said for good quality hairspray.  

The humble bobby pin has been around for a long time and has been credited for many famous hairdos.  It has been portrayed in films as the magic item that can hold an entire bun in place for 5 days then break-in to the back door in seconds.  One can only imagine what MacGyver could do with one.

I wonder if you really can pick a lock with a hair pin?

Whether it's a glam-do for a night out on the town, a messy bun for work or holding back the locks while you are touching up the make up, a good quality bobby pin (and maybe a few of its mates) are a girl's best friend!

But Be Warned:
1. Don't skimp or you might as well put twigs in your hair! This is one item where, even I (cheapskate queen), must purchase quality.
2. They are precious and have a habit of "disappearing" under the bed, between the couch cushions and at the bottom of your hand bag.  You paid good money for these magical little treasures, take care of them.  
3. A single Bobby Pin can't hold all your hair in place for a week of Kung Fu fighting.  Bobby Pins work best in groups. 

11 years later, let's take a look at how the 'kids' are using bobbi pins. 

3 ways to add bobbi pins to your hair - tips from Brit Co  - includes dressing up a braid with pins and some simple twists.  There are even some for short hair! 

All Women's Talk has a bunch of different hair dos using bobby pins.  These two have to be My Favourites!

It's an Arrow! 

It's a triangle!

Brit Co also shows how to "trick out" your bobbi pins too. 

Now, let me leave you with this awesome tip.... 

Sticky Pins- lay all your bobby pins on a tissue or paper towel and spray them with hair spray.  This way, they will stick to your hair when you slide them in to your latest "up-do". 

Source

What is your favourite hair accessory? Let me know in the comments. 

Okay, Stick a Pin in it and See you next time! ;)

Happy Valentine's Day! and Best of AGT

The Hallmark Holiday has come around again.  Instead of being guilted into buying flowers or chocolate OR feeling sad because you have no one to buy for, take the choice to enjoy the love you do have.

You are an amazing being of light and you are worthy of love.  You don't need chocolate or flowers to know that there is someone in the world who loves you.

If you are desperate to give a gift this Valentine's Day, make it original and special by following the advice I have given in the past, with this little selection from the Best of AGT collection.

Valentine's Day 2019

Valentine's for your Cat

Love Languages: Gifts

Ten Gifts for your Crafty Friend

Gift Guide Round up

Have an Awesome Day!
Love You!

AGT 2020

Hey Everyone,
AGT will be a different place this year, so I wanted to let you in on the plan.

I will be posting here fortnightly, that's every two weeks, on different topics. As I am starting a new job this year, I will be really busy, so I am hoping you can all forgive me for fewer posts this year.  Check out what we are planning to cover this year.

Craft and making cards will continue to be part of the rotation, of course.

I will keep you updated on how I'm going with my 2020 goals, as I have in recent years. Keeping you in the loop really helps me to stay on track, so thanks everyone! I also love this habit tracking app.

We will celebrate some special events like Aunties' Day, Mothers' Day, Harry Potter's Birthday and of course, MY Birthday! There will probably be a few other fun things to celebrate too.

I'm going to share some games and activities that you can play with children and young people.  Click here if you are interested in my past posts about Bible based activities for children.

We're bringing back the Best of AGT, so stay tuned to relive some of the best posts from the last 10 years.. That's right.... I started AGT near the end of 2010, can you believe it?!  Let me know about your favourite posts in the comments!

I'm looking forward to the fun we are going to have this year.

#2019 #awesome

Let's look at what happened here at AGT (and in my world), this year!

Crafting
We began the year with a Scrap/ Pattern Paper Challenge and created some great cards in the process. I tried out some ink dragging with embossing folders and stamping on cork.  Making this magnetic frame was really helpful (thanks Simon Hurley) for holding my most used dies.  In April and May, I took some craft supplies on vacation and had lots of fun making cards with my nieces.  This year, I invested in some card classes, background stamps, an electric die cutting machine, texture pastes and perfect pearls.  As far as craft is concerned, 2019 was one of trying lots of new things.  Check out some of my favourite cards of 2019.

This is only a few of the cards I made this year! Wow, I've been busy. 

Travel
You got some postcards from me this year.  My first road trip in a long time, took me to Biloela (a small mining town west of Rockhampton in Queensland, Australia).  My sister moved her tribe to "Bilo" in January 2019, so in April, my Mum and I headed there for a visit. We celebrated my sister's 40th birthday and my niece's 5th birthday.  It was hot. If you want to read about how I handled the long drive with my chronic illness, click here.

In August, my Mum and I took a whirlwind tour of our nation's capital, Canberra.  Now I can tick Canberra off my list of Australian state capitals that I want to visit.  It was busy and exhausting and oh, so much FUN!  Check out my postcards here.

Other Stuff
This year, I also shared some Apps, websites and Youtube channels, that I have found useful as well as some other favourite things including some flashbacks to posts from previous years. Professionally, 2019 was amazing.  I enjoyed teaching new subjects and spent more time working with different students.  I got a new job at a new school, which meant packing up 10 years worth of teaching resources and bringing them home.  I still have piles of books, posters and stationery littering my craft studio/ home office.  I enjoyed helping out at Sunday School at church too.

I lived out the word "Pause" and I truly feel this has helped me reach goals and make changes to my life style for the better and forever.  I am looking and feeling better.  I can't wait to see what 2020 brings. :D  I will be spending New Year's Eve with my family and having an early night.  

This year was good, this year was fun!  
Tomorrow is another one!  (apologies to Dr Seuss)

How was your 2019? What are your plans for New Year's Eve? 

May you all have a happy and safe New Year! 

World Teachers' Day Australia!

Today is the day that Australia celebrates World Teachers' Day!  

I slept in to celebrate.  I hope you celebrated by loving all the teachers in your life!  Be sure to tell them they are awesome! 

As I'm officially having a quiet day, I decided to simply show you other people's brilliance.  

Hey, we're honest. 

Armed and Dangerous

Only the Best Teachers

Emotional Labour isn't counted in the EB agreement.

It's hard to believe when they are licking the desk, but I'm sure it's true. 

Progress is the best goal. 

For the Teachers... I don't know what job you have. 

Good advice for anyone.

Love Your Teachers.... Tell us about your favourite teacher in the comments. 

Nap time! 

It's Almost Mothers' Day!

This Sunday is Mothers' Day.  

If you need some ideas for the perfect Mothers' Day gift, check out my gift guide published in 2018.  

I love my Mum and I always will.  
I'm so grateful for her and everything she has done for me .  

This year we will go to church and have lunch together (as we do on most Sundays) and I will pay.  I can't wait. 

Look at the pretty card I made for her.  

Don't Forget to tell your Mum she's awesome! 

ANZAC Day 2019

Today is ANZAC day.  This is when Australians and New Zealanders commemorate the landing of our soldiers on the beaches of Gallipoli (Turkey) on 25 April, 1915.  Many Aussie's will find themselves at a March today.  Whether they are marching with an organisation, wearing medals earned by their grandfather's or waving a flag at the side, it's all important.  It's an important part of our culture because we remember a significant day in our Nation's history.  Many will also find themselves at the pub today, especially those who have been to war.  You see, today they go to the pub with mates who went with them.  They drink to peace and have another one for their fallen brothers.  Then, they have another.  

I don't know what it's like to face an enemy, watch a friend die beside you, endure torture, come home to a different world and start life again.  I don't know anything about it.  I just know that I'm very grateful for those soldiers who went to war on my behalf. I have tremendous respect for the men and women who serve their country as part of our defence forces today.  I am in awe of them.  

Today, I won't be marching.  I won't be waving a flag.  Today, I will be praying for peace.  

Below, the poem written in 2013 and edited in 2016 is republished, so it's about time we revisit it. Take a moment to "remember them" today.   

Image Source

Thank you for the ANZAC 

(ANZAC DAY 2013)

Thank you for the ANZAC

Thank you for the boys

Who bravely disembarked the ships-

Ambushed on Turkey's shores.

Thank you for the soldiers 

Thank you for those kids

They volunteered, to us defend

Our freedom-never stripped.

Thank you for their courage

Thank you for those men

Fighting for freedom and for peace

Their stories ended then.

Thank you for Survivors

Thank you for their safe return

They tell us of their hell on earth

From this, we hope to learn

We are very lucky

We never will forget

The sacrifice of millions

For Peace - we don't have yet!

Lest We Forget

Best of AGT: The Light Bulb (a poem)

This poem was first published on 4 February in 2011 here at AGT.  In honour of my two 'happy' lists last week, I thought it was time to revisit this poem.  Enjoy

 

The Light Bulb

Today I saw a Light Bulb

In all its shining glory.

Before you scoff, remember,

Every Light Bulb has a story.

It begins with doubt and darkness,

A task that is unclear.

There might be tears or anger,

Confusion mixed with fear.

This child doesn't get it

It makes no sense up there

'What is the point?' she questions

'I don't even care!'

The teacher frowns, uncertain

Into a smile her lips then curl,

"I'll show you a trick," she says

As she sits beside the girl.

Sometimes a child just can't see.

They think a different way.

This girl feels very lonely, 

The worksheet's suddenly "mislaid."

The teacher talks to others.

She tries lots of games.

She even gives the topic, 

A bunch of other names.

One day the teacher gets it right,

She breaks right through the wall.

The little girl before her

No longer slips or falls

Instead she gets the concept.

Something up there clicks.

This little girl is smiling,

She's finally found the switch!

Then we see the Light Bulb,

It comes on behind her eyes.

Her hand shoots up into the air,

'I know, I know,' she cries.

Today I saw a Light Bulb,

In all its shining glory.

I smile because I'm so privileged,

A character in its story.

 

 



Best of AGT: Flashback to a Funny Story

I was perusing the archives in search of a blog post from way back in 2011. While doing that, I stumbled upon the story below... it made me giggle.  The kid in the story is 17 now!!!

This was originally published on A Great Title on May 21, 2011.  I hope you get a grin out of it too.


Mr 11 came over to our place.  I was helping him with a project.  As we were sitting at the table colouring in or cutting out (I can't remember), Mr 11 politely asked, "can I please have a soda?"  He has apparently decided that he is American... an unfortunate illness I am trying to cure. "Sorry, no,  there is no soft drink in the house at all" I said simply.  He stared at me in surprise, his accusing eyes shifted towards the fridge as if he thought I was lying.  I looked at the BFF then back at 11 and said, "I'm telling the truth.  There is no soft drink in the house at all."
"Oh," he conceded, "what about some chocolate?"
"No, there is no chocolate either," I replied.  At this; the poor kid looked up at me and I thought his eyes were going to fall out of his head as he asked, "why?"
The BFF and I looked at each other and she said, "I am too lazy to go grocery shopping."
I followed this up with, "and I'm poor because I haven't been paid."
Mr 11 considered this for a moment, then, with great concern he asked, "if there is no chocolate and no soda, how have you been surviving?"
LOL :)

Next Week: cards!!! :) 

Gift Guides Galore

Over the years I have posted a few gift guides and I couldn't decide which was the best.  So, I decided to share all of them with you.  All the guidelines you could ever need for conquering the gift giving gauntlet! Click the links.  

Gifts for Kids (0-5 years old)

More Gifts for Kids (6-12 years old)

Gift guide for teenagers: save yourself the heartache and give 'em some cash!!

What NOT to give this Christmas... Any Christmas

I have given lots more of advice regarding gifts.  Let's get rid of all the noise for you, though.  The most important piece of advice I can give you (and I have said it many times before):

"Consider the individual recipient of the gift.

Imagine them using or enjoying your gift. 

Be thoughtful, practical and fun." 

That's that then. Everything you need to know to Win at gift giving!