Thank you Cards

 If you have been here for any length of time, you know I'm a big believer in gratitude and telling people when I think they've done a good job! 

Last year, in October, I did a walking challenge to raise money for the Black Dog Institute. They are a not for profit organisation in NSW, Australia, which offers support programs for people who are struggling with their mental health. They have lots of resources on their website too. 

While I walked... a challenge for me... my friends and family 'sponsored' me, by donating to the Black Dog Institute One Foot Forward Campaign. Of course, when my team managed to raise over $1000 for mental health awareness and support programs, I had to send all my donors a thank you card! 

I made two batches of cards. 

One set of cards was a little play on the "black dog" title. 

"Black Dog" was an Aussie slang word for having depression. 
"He's been bitten by the black dog" or "She's got the black dog". 

Everyone knows how much I love a good pun!
I got a stamp set from Gina K Designs of fruit puns. 
The shapes layer together to make fruits
and have matching 'punny' greetings.
"Thanks a Melon"  Get it?  Hahaha. 
There is also, "I love you BERRY much"
and "ORANGE you the cutest"
Hilarious! 

Now, we have to have a rainbow!!!

A bit of paper tearing and some ink blending makes this gorgeous background for a big "Thank you" sentiment and a butterfly die cut. I made this card for my Aunty.  

I love when I can combine sentiments from different stamp sets. 

That's that then. 

It's a small thing, but saying thank you can mean a lot.  It could change someone's day, just to be acknowledged for their effort.  You don't have to send a card... although you could... just say it. 

Thank you for visiting today!  I really do appreciate it. 

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!

Top 10 Gifts for your Crafty Friend - a Guide for the Non-Crafter

Do you have a friend or family member who loves to make cards or do craft?
Do you have trouble buying gifts for them?
Does the craft store overwhelm you?
Look no further.... this list of great gifts can all be purchased at your local hardware store, discount variety shop, or department store.

My sister recently took my nieces and nephews shopping at Kmart and the Reject Shop (like Dollar Tree).  Their goal was for each of them to buy me a gift.  They wanted to be helpful and I received several things that they thought I could use in my craft room.  Some items were huge winners!  A few were not so useful.  This got me thinking.  It must be so hard for non-crafters to buy the right gifts for their crafty loved ones.  Us crafters have high standards when it comes to our supplies, right?  We know what things you can buy for cheap and what needs to be quality.  So, this list is crafter approved.  You can buy most of these items for less than $20 and you are almost guaranteed to put a grin on your crafty friend's face!

1. Adhesive: 

While many crafters have a favourite glue and a bunch of different glues depending on the different purpose.  Cheap adhesive can be very frustrating for a good crafter.  So, don't buy cheap adhesive or try to guess at what works.  Go to your local hardware store,  I go to Bunnings, and get the largest roll of double sided foam tape you can find.  These can range in price from $10 to $100. I have used the $10 tape and the $100 tape. The $10 tape works well enough.  If you are paying much less than that, don't bother, it will only frustrate the crafter.   You can also find liquid adhesive at the local hardware store, Elmer's glue all and Boyle's craft glue are both good quality. Mod Podge is another quality brand that any crafter would be happy to receive! Glue Dots are also a great addition to any craft room (especially the repositionable kind).

2. Clean Erasers

I am always looking for my eraser and I need a clean one! Some good quality, white erasers would be a great gift for the crafter in your life. 

3. Post-it tape

Full back sicky notes, post-it tape, and even low-tack painters tape are all great supplies for the craft room.  Painter's tape can be purchased at your local discount store or hardware store.  Sticky notes and post-it tape can be purchased at most department stores, or office/ stationery stores. These are consumable and no crafter can have too much of it.  They will always be able to use it! These repositionable sheets of paper can be used for masking off areas on a project, holding things in place temporarily and making templates.  

4. Fine tip pens in various colours

I have a set of these, however I wouldn't say no to another one.  In fact, one really great fine tip pen would be so appreciated! Unless you think your crafty mate has too many pens... although I don't think that is possible! 

5. Postage Stamps

It might sound crazy.  Okay, it sounds crazy.  I make loads of cards.  There are literally heaps of cards in my craft room. Why don't I send them out more, you ask?  There are several reasons for this, however the main one is that I can never find enough postage stamps.  It costs more money to post cards and I would rather spend my money on stamps, inks and tools.  A book of postage stamps can be purchased for as little as $5 or if you want to go really crazy, buy $20 or $30 worth of stamps and make it possible for me to send my artwork instead of piling it up in my craft space. That's how I see it anyway. 

6. Sequins, Gems and Stickers

You can find the cutest embellishments at the discount store (dollar tree/ reject shop/ bargain centre) if you know what to look for.  You would be surprised at how many of these things us crafters go through.  You might think a bag of sequins is not a useful gift, but we will go crazy over them.  You will be the new favourite.  I promise! 

7. A self-healing cutting mat/ Oven liner/ Silicone Mat

Again, these can be purchased for around $10 and while I have lots of these, I could use another one!  I wouldn't be able to justify the purchase using my own money.  Remember, I want to spend my money on stamps, inks and card stock.  Oven liners are a non-stick mat that can be used as a craft mat for ink blending or other crafts that work best on a slick surface.  They can protect a work surface from messy crafts such as paint, ink or even glue.  Silicone Mats are usually used for welding, but they can be used for mirror stamping, as a water colouring surface, and a protective surface for heat embossing, gluing and using alcohol inks.  

8. Magnetic Sheets

I have found magnetic sheets for about $2 each.  These are perfect for holding dies in place in the die cutting machine or storage of your metal tools.  You could even use some magnetic sheets to make this awesome Craft room accessory! 

That's that then.  Plenty of options for the non-crafter to purchase for a crafting friend.  Now get shopping! ;)

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! 

A Great GIft I didn't want OR Tips for Journalling

Last year, I was given a thoughtful gift.  This sensible, practical and beautiful gift was given to me by a dear friend.  It was one of those, "thank you" gifts that was such a kind gesture and so kind, it just isn't working so well for me.  You see, it was the most beautiful journal.  It's a blush pink colour with a silver embossed peacock on it.  It's stunning.  It's almost too nice to write in.  

Anyone who knows me, would think this was the perfect gift. It's true that I LOVE stationery.  I especially love pretty stationery.  I love buying these things and having them on my shelves.  Unfortunately, I'm not so good at using pretty stationery.  It's too pretty to use.  Okay, I've gotten over that hurdle.  The purpose of this journal was to write down blessings, and prayers, and answers to prayer, and things I have learned by living God's word. Only, I'm not good at journaling in a book.  

I like to share my experiences with strangers on the internet.  I can write to a schedule because I think people will be reading it.  When I have to pull out a pretty journal to write in, I feel the need to write neatly! I'm too tired to write neatly, ever.  I also feel like I need to write something profound.  I forget to write in the journal.  When I do remember to write in the journal, I realise it's been a few weeks since I wrote in the journal and then I feel bad that I haven't written in my journal.  

So, thanks for the guilt trip, my dear friend!! 

If you want to keep a journal I recommend: 

1. Write in it whenever you can, but don't beat yourself up if it's not everyday. 
2. Journals don't have to be made of paper. A private blog or journaling app are just as good. 
3. When you don't know what to write, use journaling prompts. 
4. Write anything- your journal can be a mish mash of lists, poetry, quotes, stories, captions, ideas, memories and dreams. 
5. Break the rules because your journal is yours and that means there are no rules.  You can write whatever you want, whenever and however you want too. 

If you are going to have a journal, make it work for you.  It's a good idea to make a regular time each day (or week) to write in it, but if you can't manage that, just do it when you can.  Don't let anything scare you or stop you.  Your journal is for you, so just do it.

Happy Journaling, my friends!

A Great Day to Be Kind

I'm publishing a day early this week, to celebrate Valentine's Day!!

I used to think Valentine's Day was really important.  It was a wonderful opportunity to be told I was loved.  After I separated from my husband I found Valentine's Day difficult.  When in another relationship, I didn't want to make too much of a fuss on Valentine's Day.  By the following Valentine's Day, I was alone, yet again. I was back to thinking that Valentine's Day was a silly waste of everyone's time.

The commercialisation of the day irks me a little. Today, I'm not going to go on a rant about the ridiculous behaviour and amount of spending that people indulge in on this particular day.  Instead, I have something else to say...

True Love can not be expressed in a greeting card 

or the purchase of chocolates and flowers.  

True Love is more than words and money.  

True Love is rare.  True Love is more than sex or romance. 

True Love is a thousand acts of kindness, a million choices 

to serve or sacrifice or simply be second.  

True Love is yours if only you will share it.  

Okay, one last thing...

Today, by all means, celebrate the ones you love and show them what they mean to you, but more importantly, Be Kind.

It's quite simple really, so simple that you can do it everyday! Be Kind. 

Just, Be Kind.  

You can be Kind.  I know you can.  Just do it.

Be Kind Everyday!

Gift Guide Round Up

Ever since the beginning of AGT, I have enjoyed bossing you all around when it comes to gift giving.  That is, I love giving gifts to others and I think I'm good at it.  In fact, most of the time, I'm great at it.  No apologies for truth telling.  It's almost the end of NOVEMBER!! (can you believe it?) If you haven't started thinking about Christmas, you might want to get yourself sorted.
Today, I'm sharing with you a bunch of posts from the last 8 years.. yep... 8 YEARS.. all about gifts and giving them.

Gifts for 0-5 year old kids

Gifts for 6-12 year old kids

Gifts for Mum

Gifts for the Cat!  (Shelly insisted)

Gifts for Everyone.... check out this one too.

Gifts for NO ONE! 

Gifts for Teachers


I'm really looking forward to December, when I have some fun stuff planned for all of us.    You might want to tune in for some of my suggestions for not just "surviving" the holidays, but enjoying them too!

There might even be a couple of bonus posts... we'll see!

The Patterned Paper Challenge: Part 2

A few months ago I decided I needed to use up my Paper Pattern stash.  Two weeks ago, I showed you a few cards using patterned paper.  Today, I have more for you. 

Angled Card Fronts always look so clever to me.  You really don't have to do anything much different, just stick your panel on crooked.  I do that even when I don't want to!  If you mat your panel and use the white space to add to your sentiment or for extra embellishment, you can come up with something quite special.  Check out these cards using angled card fronts.  

The sentiments are from 

My Favorite Things: Kind Thanks stamp set

"Hello" die is from 

Catherine Pooler Designs

Sentiment stamp is from the

 For Everything stamp set by Catherine Pooler. 

There are some simple ways to make your patterned paper cards look like so much more than just paper stuck on card.  On these cards, I used an ink blending tool to add colour around the edge of these cards which gives the paper more depth. Looks fancy, right?  I stacked several die cut words which I coloured using the same ink blending technique.  I love these cards and they are perfect for a gift set I am putting together for a friend.  

The Sweet die and inks were all from Catherine Pooler Designs which was part 

of the Celebrate Friends Stamp of Approval Collection, not currently available. 

Ink Colors: Party Dress (pink), Flirty Fuchsia (purple) and Tiara (yellow) 

which are all part of the Life of the Party collection.

I used the same technique on this card! 

The sentiment "painted thanks" was created by Neat and Tangled for

one of  Catherine Pooler's Stamp of Approval Collections and is available 

for purchase if you click the link.

This card uses the paper tearing technique.  Check out this video (skip to 12:20) to see how you can control which edges have the white torn part and to see the card that inspired my card.  Shout out to Desiree from Include a Thank You for inspiring me.  

The sentiment is from Lawn Fawn Chit Chat stamp set 

and I used the co-ordinating die to cut it out. 

Here are a few more that I have made in the last few weeks.  

I still have a big pile of patterned paper on my craft table, so I daresay there are even more coming before the year's end.  I really need to get cracking on some Christmas cards! 

Happy crafting!  See you next week! 

Mothers' Day Gift Guide (part 2)

Hey Everyone,
It's 9 days until Mothers' Day!
Are you organised? Do you have a card and gift? Have you arranged to see your mother that day?  Want to give your mum an awesome gift this year? Stay Tuned!

If you want to make your own card, or you make cards and need some inspiration, check out Part 1 in this series.  You can also check out my Pinterest board of home made cards.  Here are some gift ideas and gift giving tips to make you the "favourite" this Mothers' Day.

A REST!

Whether it's her first Mothers' Day or her 50th Mothers' Day, this gift is perfect! There are so many ways you can give ya Mum a rest on Mothers' Day.  You could do any or all of the following:

• Take over the kitchen for the day - cooking AND clean up.  
• Get the washing done for the week! 
• Make some coupons for Mum to use when she needs a break e.g.  "This coupon entitles Mum to a 30 minute nap at a time of her choosing!" (click here for downloads and here for a second option)
• Give Mum a night out with her Mum.  Let them rest together.  
• Take Mum out of the house and let her enjoy time with her kids. 

A Spa Day

I know we all can't afford to send Mum off to the spa for a full day of pampering.  Some of us can't even afford to get our toe nails clipped!  There are lots of options though.  It doesn't have to be the whole day.  Choose a treatment you think she will like and book her in.  If you can't manage that, give Mum a voucher for dollar value you can afford and she can book a treatment she wants.  

Is the Spa totally out of the financial question?!  You can do it at home click here for some great ideas for pampering your Mum at home! 

Experience! 

Most mums I know always put their kids first.  They often give up time, money/ a career, little luxuries and Bucket List experiences for the privilege of motherhood.  So, if you can manage to stretch the budget... (or you have siblings who can chip in), the perfect gift is an experience Mum has always wanted.  Check out Redballoon.com and Adrenaline.com for some awesome deals on experience gifts.  

Some ideas:

• High Tea at a fancy restaurant (this one would be great fun for you to invite friends and their mothers to join you).
• A guided tour of the closest city.
• A night at the Theatre - see what's playing at your local performing arts centre or theatre (not the cinema).
• A Gold Class Cinema experience
• A ride in a limousine
• A personalised shopping experience with a stylist and voucher to purchase clothes she loves.

You can find cheaper options... like creating a Drive-in Theatre in your driveway or preparing all the fixin's for high tea at home.  Click Here for more ideas. 

REAL Photos! 

When I say Real Photos... I don't mean digital.  Get yourself organised and print those puppies out.  If you really want to win the gift giving competition you are having with your siblings, you should get them framed or put them in an album (with labels).  Even if you don't talk about it, you are competing with your siblings for 'favourite'... yes you are.  

TIME

If you are an adult, I am about to drop some science on you here.  This might just change your life!  There is nothing your mother wants from you more than your time.  She wants your undivided attention.  Think back to when you were a kid and all you ever really wanted was some time with your Mama!  Time when you could just enjoy being together was golden.  Reading a story before bed, playing a board game, going to the movies, painting each others' nails or playing with your trucks were the best things ever.  

Now that you are all grown up, your mother remembers those moments with fondness and wishes she gave you more of them.  Don't be too busy for your Mum this Mothers Day.  You don't have to break the bank to give your Mum what she really wants this Mothers Day.  You just have to devote some time to being with her.  Give your Mum some undivided attention this Mothers' Day and you will be the favourite, for sure! 

Now, Get scheduling, Get reading or printing or creating or whatever, but Get to it! 

I hope your Mothers Day is Magical.  

Mothers' Day Cards (part 1)

Welcome to the first of a two part series celebrating Mothers' Day 2018.

Part One: Mothers' Day Cards

Part Two: Mothers' Day Gift Guide

I have four cards to show you today. I am planning to give one to my mum, and one to each of my grandmothers.  The fourth card is also for my nieces and nephews to give to my mum, so it's a Grandma card.  I am so lucky that both of my grandmothers are still alive and they are both still teaching me in their own way.  Don't forget your grandmother/s this Mothers' Day.  Even if they are no longer living, take some time to remember them and their contribution to your life.

You will notice that none of my cards have "Happy Mothers' Day" on them.  These cards are versatile. A Mothers' Day card is essentially a Thank you card.  You could even use them as "just because" cards or even a "love you" card.  The main things with Mothers' Day cards is that they are usually feminine.

Let's get into these Cards.

A Card for my Mum

I stamped the Doodle Background Stamp from Catherine Pooler Designs in black ink on white card stock. After trimming this down, I mounted it on a strip of black card stock that was 1/8th of an inch larger.  Then, I put this on a piece of red textured paper that was the same size as the front of my card.  I stamped the sentiment in Versamark ink and heat set with white embossing powder.  Then I used the emboss resist technique to colour the paper with Rockin' Red ink from Catherine Pooler.  This came out a bit pink!  I am new at the emboss resist technique so I need a bit more practise. A couple of adhesive backed pearls and that was that. Check out this video to learn more about emboss resist and see the doodle background stamp in action! 

A Card for Nanny

I used a gorgeous Plaid Flower stamp set (by Penny Black) to make this card and paired it with a sentiment from the Lovely Flowers stamp set (by Catherine Pooler).  I used Flirty Fuchsia ink (also by Catherine Pooler) to stamp the flower and Cottage Green (by Memento) to stamp the leaves.  I borrowed some green twine from a friend to finish this card off. Then I decided that it NEEDED to have some iridescent sequins too.  I love the clean and simple design of this card.  

A Card for Grandma

I used the Bloomin' Bouquet stamp set and the Lovely Flowers stamp set by Catherine Pooler to make this card.  Inks were from Memento and Catherine Pooler.  I don't remember which colours!  Sorry.  You might notice that I didn't use any twine, sequins or stickers on this card.  It's also (almost) a one layer card.   I purposely did this because my Grandma gets a bit confused these days.  If I had used twine wrapped around a card panel, she may have tried to untie it and remove it from the card and that would have made a big mess.  I also didn't want any stick on pearls or gems to fall off and possibly be mistaken for tablets that need to be swallowed.  Neither my grandmother or grandfather have great eyesight. Sometimes we need to think about these things! 

Best Grandma Card

My last card (but certainly not the least) for today is the one I will give my nieces and nephews to give to my mum.  My mum loves red and black and white.  So, this card has the same colour palette as my first card.  I wanted it to be light and fun.  Using Rockin' Red ink (Catherine Pooler) and  a polka dot stamp (Love is in the Air SOA), I made some red with white polka dot patterned paper.  Then I went a bit crazy with my Cuttle Bug and die cut a bunch of flowers in different sizes using Eva's Favourite Flowers (by Winnie and Walter).  I used my polka dot paper, black and white card.  Then I layered them and played around with the arrangement until I landed on the one you see here.  

Stamping the sentiment took a little while, as I used the Simply the Best stamp set (Catherine Pooler) and an alpha stamp set for the word "Grandma" which I needed to stamp one letter at a time.  I stamped on white card and then glued them onto black card and cut them out with scissors.  I didn't worry about making it perfect as I wanted it to look like the kids may have made it.  Before adhering the panel to the card base, I added some black glitter washi tape to each long side of the card front so it has a frame.  A few black gems in the centre of the flowers and I was done! 

If you want to purchase any of the products you see here, check out: 

https://shop.catherinepooler.com/

www.craftonline.com.au

https://shop.pennyblackinc.com/

Next Week:  I will give you a few tips with plenty of time to get you organised for Mothers' Day!

Love

Cards for 2018 and planning ahead

I have been hand-making cards for a few years and I got very serious about it in 2017.  I started buying good quality stamps and dies.  I also started blog hopping and watching videos on YouTube so I could learn new techniques.  This year, I want to continue sharing my creations with you and in order to do this, I have big plans.  You ready?

Each month, I will publish at least one post about cards and card making.  You will get to see cards I have made and I will let you know where I learned things and where to find more inspiration.  I hope you enjoy it.  Leave comments to tell me what type of cards you want to see.  

We all need birthday cards, right? Birthday cards and Thank you cards are the ones I make the most! Last year, I tried to stay ahead of the curve by making all the cards I would need at the beginning of each month.  This was a bit tricky in the first half of the year, as there are lots of birthdays in our family between January and June!  This year, I have a plan. Every month, here at AGT, I will post at least one birthday card, along with the other cards that I have made.  

So, let's get into it... My favourite Birthday cards for January! 

Card #1: Balloon Hooray for you

This card used a sneaky technique for the background.  I tried masking! This is done by using masking paper.  You can purchase masking paper online or make your own from copy paper and two-way glue or temporary adhesive.  In a pinch (if you are really careful) it's possible to do the masking technique without the adhesive, just use the copy paper and when blending or stamping hold down your paper very carefully! I die cut the copy paper with my largest stitched rectangle die and, working with the negative (the frame that is created when you cut out a rectangle), used a 2 way glue pen to make it sticky on one side.  Then I stuck it on my card panel and blended "Summer Sky" Memento ink into the rectangle space.  Doesn't it look like a pretty blue sky behind those balloons.  If you don't have ink blending tools or you want to save time, you could simply die cut a rectangle from some light blue card stock to create a similar look.  By blending, I had more control over the background colour and it reduced the bulk of the card, which was important with all the other elements that were stuck on instead of stamped.  I used a 1.5" circle punch to make the balloons out of textured card stock.  I made another card like this, but  I used a bigger circle punch and used embossing folders on some of the balloons to add interest.  The bakers twine that I used was a bit thick and if I did another card, I would use thinner twine or string.  The sentiment came from a set by Avery Elle called "Simply Said".

Card #2 You're Pawsome!

I love this card so much I almost don't want to give it away!  This was my first attempt at water colouring a stamped image on watercolour paper and die cutting it using a stitched circle die.  I stamped it a little close to the edge of the paper, so it didn't quite make a full circle.  The way the circle goes off the page works though!  :) I mixed the sentiment by using stamps from some random stamp sets.  I don't know what they were called.  SORRY!  The cat is a Sullivans Clear Stamps- Cat stamp.  I embellished with clear sequins (which look pink!) and pink bakers twine.  This twine is a much better thickness.  :) Did I mention that I love this card!?!! I'm so happy with how it turned out!!

Card #3: Messy Happy Birthday

I stamped the Texture Retro stamp by Kaisercraft twice to create the background on the card panel (Rich Cocoa Memento ink).  The Sentiment was stamped using Tuxedo Black Memento ink.  The sentiment stamp was from a random $2 set I found in a discount store.  It had no name.  After stamping the sentiment on scrap paper, I used an ink blending tool and green ink from Kaiser craft to add some subtle colour and then tore around the edge. I found the white edges looked strange against the creamy coloured card stock the background was stamped on, so I blended some black ink around the edges.  I used the Texture Stains clear stamp set from Kaisercraft and stamped it repeatedly around the edge of the card base, using second generation stamping as well.  I used Memento colours: Rich Cocoa, Potters Clay and Tuxedo Black.  I then added a few third generation impressions of the grunge spots stamp on the sentiment strip as well before assembling the card.  Check out the products by clicking the links above.  

Card #4 Happy Birthday Circle Striped

This card was so simple and could be mass produced really easily.  I cut the striped patterned paper to 3.5" x 4.5" and die cut a strip of blue card stock with the tiny scallop edge.  The sentiment from HB2U from Sugar Pea Designs, was stamped in Memento: Tuxedo Black Ink.  The star stamps were from the You Did It stamp set by Catherine Pooler Designs.  Aren't they cute?! Then I die cut around the sentiment using a stitched circle die.  See what I mean about easily mass producible.  I will have to make some more of these, I think!

That's all from me today!  I hope that seeing these cards gives you ideas for your own handmade creations.  I want to encourage you to look at what you have at home and see what you can make or do with what you have.  :)

FYI: Where products have been linked to, I don't get any gifts or compensation based on your purchases or my comments.  These are simply products I have purchased and have used and I want to acknowledge the creators.  

Next Week: a flashback post for Back to School!
Love

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! 

Gift Shopping 11 top tips! (updated)

I first published a list of tips for gift shopping in 2011 and I reposted it in 2015.  Now, I'm updating the list.  I have fixed the typos, and a bit of the grammar.  Some of my references are a bit more relevant and I have added some links to other articles that might help you along the way.  Thanks for visiting AGT to meet your need for Christmas Survival Tips. Remember to leave a comment if you have any questions about gift shopping! 

Gift shopping is one of those exhausting, sometimes terrifying, activities that could be classed as an extreme sport! 

Here are some tips to survive the Gift Shopping Gauntlet! 

1. BE PREPARED  Make a list of people you want to buy gifts for and what you are planning to buy them.  Have alternative gift ideas just in case your plan goes awry.  Consider all possibilities.  There are several apps available to help with this tip, click here to check out a list of them.  If you prefer paper and pencil, check out these printable lists from Amanda (meandmybigideas.com) and Organised Christmas.  
2. HAVE A PLAN This may sound the same as the first tip, but it isn’t.  Before you go anywhere, answer the following questions and decide on the best plan for your circumstances.
• Is there a shopping centre or mall that will have all the shops you need?
• Or will you need to go to various locations?
• How much time do you have to shop, the whole day, a few hours, no time at all?
• How big are the gifts? Will they all fit in the car? Do you need to catch the bus?
• Can you purchase everything online and get it delivered? 
• How long will it take for online purchases to be delivered? Do you have time for that? 
3. BE SPECIFIC While bulk gift giving sounds quicker and easier, you definitely run the risk of missing someone (or a bunch of someones).  A personal gift that considers each person will be more appreciated. The apps and printables linked above will help you with this too. 
4. TAKE TIME Don’t wait until Christmas Eve!  Purchase some items as you see them (another reason it's good to have a list going).  Allow extra time, so if you can’t find something you are not stuck in a gift giving disaster! This is also important if you need to purchase some gifts online. 
5. EAT FIRST When we are shopping we spend far too much time in the food court.  We are also likely to spend money purchasing unnecessary snack foods or drinks while shopping for gifts.  So eat a proper meal and take some crackers in the handbag.  This applies to the online shoppers as well.  Don't get distracted by hunger when you're browsing amazon for perfect gifts. Nobody want to spill Diet Coke on their keyboard and accidentally purchase 15 identical sets of gold earrings! 
6. STAY HYDRATED If there is a time you are likely to get a headache, Christmas Shopping is one of them.  Crowds, Christmas Music, Children, Sales, long queues!  AAAHHHH! Take some bottled water along with your list.  Dehydration is one of the most common causes of headache and prevention is better than cure!
7. DITCH THE KIDS If this is one time a babysitter is worth it, it is now.  If you can't get a babysitter, then online shopping might be the way to go. :) 
8. STAY FOCUSED You are shopping for gifts, not for clothes or shoes or hats or jewellery or craft supplies!  You are not shopping for yourself!  The quicker you get in and tick each item off the list, the quicker you can get home and relax.
9. SMILE and RELAX Don’t let yourself be sucked into the stress of Christmas Shopping.  Yes, you have set goals and you want to get in and out as quickly as possible, but you can do all this without turning into a Grinch! You have done the hard work by making a list of people and gifts, planning which shops, where and when.  You can afford to relax and enjoy the experience.  Smile at shop assistants and thank them for their help. Be polite to fellow shoppers, no matter how greedy and cranky they may seem.  Remember that Christmas is a time of goodwill and peace on earth. 
10. WRAP IT UP Know when to call it a day.  If you are starting to get Grinchy, it might be time for a break.  You might even need to go home and save the rest of the list for another day.  It isn't much fun shopping for gifts if all you can think about it your sore feet and aching arms.  
11. LET IT GO Most importantly... take the stress out of the season by letting go of obligation!  When you make that all important list, cut it in half.  Don't buy gifts for anyone because you feel you have to.  Think carefully about the people in your life who are worth your hard earned money, time, effort and attention.  Many of us have more than enough of what we need.  We even have plenty of what we want.  If you want to show your love and appreciation to someone, some well chosen words are much more appreciated than a silly gift we don't need. Buy gifts for people because you think they will love what you have found for them, don't do it because you think you should. 

More next week. 

HOLIDAYS!!! 

What is CASEing Anyway?

Hi everyone,
Late again... for good reason.  I was spending time with my uncle this week.  Family comes first.

A few weeks ago, when I shared my latest cards with you (Check it out here), I mentioned that I had CASEd a card.  I promised that I would explain, so here I am, ready to fill you in.  CASE stands for Copy And Share Everything.  CASEing is when you see a card (or a photo of a card) and you use it to inspire your own creations.  The important part of this is that you acknowledge the original card creator.  If you publish your card on a blog or in a video, link to the original card.  Share the love as well as the ideas.  If you want to watch how a stamping expert CASEs a card, check out this video by Catherine Pooler and check out her blog post here.

When CASEing, you can copy anything about a card, copy most of it or just one element.  Change it up using whatever you already have in your stash.  Here are some cards that I have CASEd recently.

My Birthday KISS cards based on some Thank you KISS cards made by Catherine Pooler.  Click here to see her blog post and video.

Catherine's Cards

I love these Birthday Cards...

This next set of cards was CASEd from a card I saw on Pinterest.  I LOVE Pinterest!

Pinterest Card from the Singing Scrapper (click to see her blog)

I made a set of these that I am planning to give as a gift set.

Christmas is coming.... School is nearly finished for the year.  It's a busy time.  Take some time to breathe and look after yourself.  Relax.  

See ya next week...