Not counting the tools, the supplies for this project cost me less than $5. Score.

SUPPLIES:

old wire clothes hanger or wire long enough to make a large circle

fleece remnants in multiple colors–I used 5 different colors using 1/4 yd. each of 4 of the colors and 1/2 yd. of the light blue (my main color)

Sizzix Big Kick (or other die cutting machine)

Circles #2 die

Crop a dile

You’ll want to cut your fleece into pieces to fit on your die (approximately 5″ x 5″). I found that having two layers of fabric go through at a time worked the best.

Turn on Pandora and start cutting your circles.  Lots and lots of circles.

I put them all on a tray and mixed up the colors. I wanted them to be as random as possible. You’ll have five different colors and four different sizes.

I had an old wire clothes hanger that I wanted to use for this project. I just twisted it apart and bent it into a circle. You can use any type of wire form for this project. As long as you can string on the circles, it should work just fine.

The crop-a-dile cuts through that fleece like butter. Make small holes in the middle of the circles. As soon as I added the holes, I’d string them onto the wire. The crop-a-dile could cut through 2-3 layers at a time.

Don’t pay too much attention to colors or sizes. Random works out well. I had my daughter help me with this part because I kept wanting to pick out specific colors. She would hand me a few circles at a time, I’d punch them, and then she’d string them up. It was a fun little activity to do while watching a movie together. Now we have a nice little wreath to show for it!

Snow Ice Cream Recipe

I live in Nebraska and expect to have the ground covered in snow for most of the winter. So far we haven’t had too much and even my kids are starting to ask me when winter will get here. We’ve got snow in the forecast but I thought we could cut out some snowflakes to get in the mood.

Here are some of my favorite tutorials for some really beautiful and unique cut paper snowflakes.

Origami-style snowflake

Elegant  paper snowflakes

I actually get asked this question a lot and the answer really depends on what you are going to use it for. I’m going to do some pros and cons on what I consider to be the top 3 personal cutting machines (Cricut Expression, Silhouette, and eCraft) and I hope that will help Lisa (or you!) make an educated decision on which one might be best.

When you’re looking for a machine there are a few things you want to consider:

• Price-not just the initial cost of the machine, but what will it take to continue to use your machine.
• Size
• Images-can you use your own images or are you bound to pre-selected images or fonts?
• Computer compatibility-do you need other equipment to make the machine work?

The Big 3

Cricut Expression

This is the machine that I have the most experience with. I’ve used all of them but this is the one I have in my home (disclosure: I did not have to purchase this machine). You can find other Cricut machines that are bigger or smaller, more expensive or less, but the Expression (in my opinion) is the most versatile and user-friendly of their line.

Silhouette

The Silhouette cutting tool is one that I have used just a few times while attending the Craft & Hobby Trade Show. While I won’t be able to attest to all of its features, I can give you a good run down of what it is like and the basic features.

eCraft by Craftwell

I’ve been following this machine since it first debuted at the CHA trade show in 2009. In fact, I’ve already written a few blog posts about it which you can find here and here. Now that they’ve hit the market, there are a lot of improvements and I got to mess around with their latest version last summer. Again, I don’t own one of these machines so all of my comments are from minimal usage and general knowledge of the genre of machines.

Price

The price varies greatly and the thing to look for are bundles. The more extras, the more it will cost. Usually these bundles can save you a lot of money. However, make sure they are things you would actually use (like images, extra mats, blades, etc…).

Expression $200+

Silhouette $189+

eCraft $289+

Ongoing Costs $$$

Mats

The Cricut Expression and Silhouette use mats. These mats don’t last forever. You can find packs of 2 (Cricut)on sale regularly at craft stores or online for $6-7 (great sale price) on up.  The mats come in two sizes: 12 X 12 or 12 X 24. The larger sizes cost double. Silhouette mats are smaller and more expensive ($20 for 2). I’ve heard some people cut down the Cricut mats to use in their machines.

The eCraft does not need a mat.

Blades

Each machine needs blades. For the Cricut, the cost isn’t too bad (around $5 for 2) and they don’t need to be replaced too often if you’re not cutting out super thick items like chipboard or fabrics. The Silhouette blades are more expensive to replace ($30). eCraft packages their replacement blades in 10 packs that cost around $15.

Images

Cartridges are a big expense for the Cricut. You can find some for around $25 but most will be in the $40-$80 range. I discuss cartridges and other image options more in detail below, but know that they can add a major expense.

Silhouette uses downloadable images (free or small fee) or you can design your own.

eCraft uses SD cards that are pre-loaded with images and can be anywhere from $25-$40. They also have downloadable images available for a small fee.

I go more in depth on the images in that section below.

Raw Materials (paper, vinyl, chipboard, etc…)

Those costs will vary. However, because Lisa is specifically looking to cut vinyl, I will say that not all vinyl is created equal. There will be some trial and error involved. I’ve always had good luck with the Provo Craft vinyl but it is one of the most expensive. It comes in two 12 X 24 sheets (convenient to use with the Cricut mats) but the color selection isn’t that great. I have a hard time finding it in stock at my local craft store. It retails for around $10. You’ll also need vinyl transfer tape which also costs around $10 for four 12 X 24 sheets.

The Silhouette is a smaller machine so any 12X12 paper or vinyl will be too large and need to be trimmed. They do sell their own vinyl and heat transfer (9″ X 10′) but it isn’t always available in the larger craft stores. However, they have an amazing selection of colors and features (flocked vinyl!) at their online store.

The eCraft isn’t held back by a mat so it can cut any length. They sell long rolls of paper and vinyl (12″ X 10′) for around $16.

Size

Expression 21″ X 7″ X 7 3/4″  You will also need an open space of approximately 2 1/2 feet so the mat (more for the 12X24 mats) can go in and out of the machine during use.

Silhouette 16 inches long by 5.5 inches deep and 4.5 inches tall This machine is small but it has to be connected to a computer to work. Keep that in mind!

eCraft 24″ wide by 8.5″ deep by 2.5″ high (18″ deep with paper tray) The thing I love about this one is that it is flat.  Even though the overall footprint is the largest of the machines, the fact that it is “short” makes it seem more sleek.

Images

Expression

The Expression is a cartridge based system. You buy preloaded cartridges full of images and/or fonts. Cricut has some really talented designers because their cartridges are full of great images for a variety of different styles and occasions. For someone that doesn’t want to worry about designing their own images, they most definitely have the best selection.

If you like to work with your own images and custom fonts, you aren’t totally left out if you have a Cricut. There are a few software programs you can buy that will allow you to cut images and fonts not found on Cricut cartridges. The most popular is Sure Cuts A Lot. It retails for around $75 and you need a computer to be able to use it with your Cricut. You also need to be able to hook up your computer to your Cricut to cut the images. If you use software like this, consider your Cricut warranty null and void. This is 3rd party software so consider yourself warned. However, I know a lot of people that use this program and have had no issues.

Silhouette

The machine comes with computer software that you can use to access their online store. You can download designs there iTunes style or use your own fonts and images from your computer. If you’re computer savvy, this could be a great way to get images. With the plethora of free fonts and images to be found, you can get a lot of bang for your buck using this machine.

eCraft

eCraft images come pre-loaded on SD cards (like you probably have in your digital camera). In my opinion, they have the worst selection out of the three and their images aren’t that great. But, they are a newer company and I’m sure they’ll be adding more designs in the future.  One thing I do like is that they test all of their images. It won’t let you cut an image too small for it not to work.

If you want to use your own designs, you need to use their software.  It seems fairly easy to use and they are also coming out with a mobile app soon so you can even design on the go!

Computer Compatibility

The Expression is designed to be a stand-alone cutter. You need a plug and a tabletop. Should you want to use the 3rd party software, you will need to hook up your computer to your Cricut (it has a usb port).

You need to have a computer to use your Silhouette. From their website, here are their specific requirements:
- Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7
NOTE: The Silhouette software is not compatible with Windows 98, Windows ME, or Windows versions earlier than Windows 2000
- Pentium III 600 MHz or faster
- 128 MB of RAM (256 MB recommended)
- USB 1.1 Port (or higher)
- Approx 186 MB of memory (not counting additionally purchased images)

If you don’t have a laptop, you’ll also need space near your computer for your machine.

The eCraft doesn’t need a computer unless you want to use the software to add your own images. It is similar to the Cricut in that regard. One added feature is that they are adding a rechargeable battery so if you want it to be even more portable (crops, ease of use at home), you can add that.

Recommendations

I commend you all for reading this far! Phew. That’s a lot of info. You can see that they each have their pros and cons. Here are my quick and dirty recommendations.

Get the Expression if:

• you aren’t very computer literate
• you don’t want to design your own images
• you want products and ideas readily available

Get the Silhouette if:

• you are good with a computer
• love to design your own images
• will be doing a lot of custom work
• you don’t mind that it only cuts up to 8″ wide

Get the eCraft if:

• you hate cutting mats
• you don’t mind shopping online for accessories and images
• you are computer literate enough to use their software
• love the idea of unlimited cutting length

Which one would you get? Or, would you use one of the other options available? I’d love to hear your comments on the subject.  If I didn’t already have a machine, can you guess which one I would buy?

This is my self-named scarf. It is my first finished object of 2011 and I really love the way it turned out. This is going to be my donation to the Helping Hands auction.  I hope it goes for a lot of money! If I were to put this in my Etsy shop it would retail for $125.

Yarn: Tilli Tomas Rockstar– 100% spun silk studded with European glass beads.  I used the Atmosphere colorway. Needless to say, this was the most expensive skein of yarn I’ve ever purchased. But, I got it on sale during the year-end clearance at Personal Threads Boutique in Omaha.

Pattern: I used the drop-stitch scarf pattern found here. It is based on the Seafoam stitch from one of Barbara Walker’s Treasury books.  My one skein of yarn (150 yds) made a scarf approximately 58″ inches long.

My pictures really don’t do this yarn or scarf justice. The color is a beautiful silver and the feel of the silk is really beyond compare! You can’t forget about the shimmer from the glass beads. It is an absolutely gorgeous scarf and I can’t wait for it to go to a good home for a good cause!

image via flickr, copyright thebittenword.com

Do you ever make a vision board? A vision board can be a lot of different things but most commonly it is a poster board filled with images that inspire or motivate and show your intentions for the coming year (or other length of time). I’ve been taking some time this week to gather some images to put in my creative space.

Here are a few images that I really liked. The thing with a vision board is that you shouldn’t really think too much about it. When you see something that sparks an emotion…save it.  I put together this using the Mosaic Maker from Big Huge Labs.

Looks like I have a thing for bright colors and circles. Are you taking some time to look toward the next year and set some goals?

How do you organize your thoughts and dreams?

The kit comes with everything to make a suitable gingerbread man but you could certainly add your own candies and sprinkles to make it a little more special. My kids were perfectly happy with what came in the box so I didn’t even bother bringing out more candy!

I’ve been having a lot of fun so far this Christmas. The kids are 7 and 5 and are really getting into the holiday. I hope they’ve been good this year so Santa will make a visit to our house!

Today I have a quick and simple craft that makes a great stocking-stuffer or gift for a teacher or bus driver.  I’m going to package these up with some treats and hot chocolate for all of the para-educators, bus drivers, and teachers that work with my children.

Supplies:

Felt

Pinking Shears

Thread

Rice

Lavender (optional)

Cut 2 pieces of felt into 2 1/2″ X 3 1/2″ rectangles. I used embossed felt from Eco-Fi.  I mixed two different shades of brown but you can really use any mix of colors or type of felt.

With right sides out, sew around three sides. Place a few spoonfuls of uncooked rice inside. If you have any lavender or potpourri lying around, you can add a bit of that as well.

Sew up the open side. Trim thread. These are also small enough that they can be sewn completely by hand. Maybe add an initial or decorative stitch before seaming it up.

Finish it off by cutting around each edge with pinking shears.

There you have it! What are you making for the teachers this year?

I was determined to make my kids some super warm hats and mittens before the weather turned cold. I managed to do all the knitting over a couple of nights in September. I didn’t manage to sew on the button until after the first snow. Small victories.

The hat is from this pattern.  I used Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick. I chose that yarn because it is machine washable but still has the warmth and water repelling qualities of wool.

For the mittens, I didn’t want to go out and buy some larger double-pointed needles. So, I used what I had and made up my own pattern. These are knit flat and then seamed up the sides. It really isn’t my first choice but, I was too cheap. Below you’ll find the pattern for the mittens. They are easily adapted to accommodate larger sizes of hands if you’d like to make some for yourself!

Thick and Quick Mittens Pattern

1 skein Lion Brand Thick and Quick yarn (you’ll use approx. 1/2 the skein) or other bulky weight yarn

Size 11 needles

Stitch markers, stitch holder or spare yarn

Plastic needle for seaming

Size small (my daughter is 5) as written. Larger sizes (M, L) written in parentheses.

k= knit

p=purl

pm= place marker

m1= make 1 stitch

k2tog= knit 2 together

Cast on 21 (23, 23) stitches.

Starting with a knit stitch, work k1 p1 rib for 7 (9, 11) rows.

Work in stockinette stitch (k 1 row, p 1 row) for 5 (7, 9) rows.

Next row: Knit 10  (11, 11) stitches, pm, m1,  k1, m1, pm, knit to end (3 sts between markers)

Next row: purl all stitches

Next row: Knit to marker, m1, k3, m1, knit to end (5 sts between markers)

Next row: purl all stitches

Next row: Knit to marker, m1, k5, m1, knit to end (7 sts between markers)

Next row: purl

MEDIUM AND LARGE SIZES ONLY:

Next row: Knit to marker, m1, k7, m1, knit to end (9 sts between markers)

Next row: purl

Next row: Knit to marker, m1, k9, m1, knit to end (11 sts between markers)

Next row: purl

ALL SIZES:

Next row: Knit to marker, place sts between markers on a stitch holder or a spare piece of yarn, knit remaining stitches.

The stitches on the the holder are your thumb stitches. Just leave them be for now.

Next row: purl

Continue in stockinette stitch for 2 (4, 6) more rows.

Next row (right side): *K2tog, knit 6 (7, 7), k2tog* repeat to end

Next row: purl

Next row: Knit all stitches

Next row: purl

Next row: *k2tog, k 4 (5, 5) k2tog* repeat to end

Next 3 rows: stockinette stitch

Next row: *k2tog, k2 (3, 3) k2tog* repeat to end

Next row: purl

MEDIUM and LARGE SIZES:

Next two rows: stockinette stitch

ALL SIZES:

Next row: *k2 tog, (k 1, k 1) k2 tog* repeat to end

Cut yarn leaving a tail of approximately 12 inches. Place on seaming needle and thread the yarn through each of the remaining stitches on the knitting needle. Pull taught and leave until you’re ready to seam up the mitten.

THUMB:

Place all stitches from stitch holder onto knitting needles.

Knit in stockinette stitch for 7 (9, 11) rows.

Next row: k2tog across all sts

Cut yarn leaving a tail of approximately 10 inches. Place on seaming needle and thread the yarn through each of the remaining stitches on the knitting needle. Pull taught. Using the mattress stitch, seam the thumb to the edge of the mitten.

Using the tail from the main mitten, finish seaming the side of the mitten using the mattress stitch.  Hide all yarn ends.

Repeat for second mitten.

This project was made for the Elmer’s Can You Top This contest #CanYouTopThis. A couple of weeks ago I was prepared to go in a whole different direction and even had many of the elements completed (nativity puppet show). However, a few days ago I realized that this could solve a major problem in my household.

I have two school-aged children (one with autism) and when they sit at the kitchen table to do their work, they are easily distracted–by each other. I decided to come up with this system to give them their own space at the kitchen table that can allow them to focus on their own work.

SUPPLIES:

Elmer’s Tri-Fold Board

Chalkboard paint

Tempera paint

Elmer’s Multi-Purpose Spray adhesive

scrap cardboard

Clothespins

Velcro

Small boxes (I use these)

Paintbrushes

Box cutter

Bone folder

Step 1: Cut your tri-fold board in half. You’ll be using the 35.5″ side so measure in 17.75″ and cut with your box cutter. This is probably the most difficult step in the whole process–which should assure you that this project is easy peasy.

Step 2: Measure in 2.5″ from the fold. Score (using a bone folder) the board parallel to the existing fold. Repeat this step for the other fold. The following picture shows you what you are trying to achieve. You want some space when you fold up the board.

Step 3: Mark off a space in the middle of the board for the chalkboard paint. I used a box I had lying around that measured around 10″ X 12″.

Step 4: Apply chalkboard paint. Use instructions on bottle. Mine said to paint one coat in one direction and the second coat the opposite. It also needed to cure for 24 hours. You can complete the rest of the steps while that is happening.

Step 5: Paint the front of the board. I used tempera paint (pink on the sides and black surrounding the chalkboard paint) but you can really decorate the front however you want (decoupage, anyone?). You can also see the second homework station I have in the background. This is a 2 for 1 project!

Step 6: These directions will be intentionally vague. You can put whatever you want on your homework station. Customize it for your child and their age. I’m showing you how to make a box using spare cardboard. This one is for an eraser. Wrap your cardboard around to make sure it fits. Fold up a small piece at the bottom.

Cut slits in the bottom so you can fold it around to form your open-topped box. Using the Elmer’s Spray Adhesive (or other strong adhesive), glue the box together.

Once the glue is dry, paint the box. When it is completely dry, attach it to your board using the Elmer’s Spray Adhesive.

Step 7: This step involves the rest of the little things you can attach to your station. I used velcro strips to attach boxes of chalk.

I always have a few of these boxes on hand. I save them because they are great sizes and fun colors. I attached these to the board using Elmer’s Spray Adhesive.

I also attached 4 white clothespins across the top of the board (2 on each side) using the spray adhesive.

My daughter loves her finished board! She is going to decorate it more in the coming days. Really, the sky’s the limit! For my son’s board I will probably add a magnetic strip along one side to hold some magnets, scissors, etc… and a pouch for papers (instead of the clothespins).

This was a fun project to make and I’m glad I had the contest to motivate me to get it done!

Speaking of contests… November challenge entries are due tonight! There will not be a challenge in December so you have a few more weeks to purchase your packet for January! Happy crafting!