Each post currently is adding on to my ebook... ways to save so much money this Christmas (and all Christmases from now on!) by getting started early and identifying both your own abilities and talents as well as gifts that are suited to the people you are giving to.
This can be found on my blog page and in my Facebook shop.If you have face book following Bluebirds there you will often get little updates and funny photos that I pop on when I have a few minutes! Also on face book we can chat!
This week I went on with cards and got onto Christmas cards and gift tags. Now I am working on gift bags, boxes and ribbons which I will post next week.
Making your own cards can be very inexpensive. I get my blank cards from cheap shops, here we have Cheap as Chips and Browse and Save but I think most larger towns have some kind of cheap shop.
Each year I have a theme... that also saves money as I can use the same things over and over.
My stamps I have had several years and bought on ETSY. They are wonderful. So much choice! And I always use glitter and glitter glue!
When the girls were little I would set them up on a table with all kinds of supplies and let them loose. In school holidays this would keep them busy for several days and it was wonderful. Lots of crafts really helped establish "being busy at home" and they were so content and happy. I have always saved every bit of ribbon, trim, interesting things and then added glue, glitter, cards and so on.
I find tags really useful. I notice even tiny tags in the shops are at least $1 each.
Just making these cards did a lot for my Christmas Spirit. It helped me get into the mood! As I make them I am thinking of who will get which card... and I make loads of spares. I think Christmas time is the perfect time to write people thank you/appreciation letters....
I have a lot of friends who I mail. The problem is postage so I am always thinking of gifts that will fit into an envelope. The trouble is I want to give presents to everyone... at least making things I can to some extent send something little to all the people I want to. I am making little note books that will fit into these cards and be flat enough to post this way... I'll post pictures of them next week I hope!
When using glitter it is helpful to work over a tray of some kind... it confines the glitter somewhat and you can scoop up the left overs and re use them. You will always end up with glitter around the place but these accidents are happy ones to me... I don't mind them!
If I make enough cards I usually wrap some in cellophane bags, in sets of six or so and tie them up with ribbon. A set of cards you have made make a really good gift and save someone else a lot of money too. This is a really thoughtful gift. The pink cards I posted last gave me a few sets for gifts. Then I just add a pretty pen or even some stamps and present them in a pretty way. At least I know it is a really useful gift and they look pretty. I love stationary so all of this fills my stationary cravings somewhat!
Browsing cards online, on Pinterest, in the stationary shop can give you ideas. Choose a style you love or a colour scheme you like or possibly choose these from the supplies you might have on hand. Often it will take me a while to come up with one card I really like. Then I'm right, I will go on and make heaps.
Gathering a few supplies and recycling lots of things gives us materials to go on and make other things as well... ribbons, boxes, gift bags, gift wrap... we will get to those coming up!
Have a wonderful weekend. Keep your eyes out for pretty things that can be used. I mentioned to save or rescue an old Christmas tree for something I have coming up... add to that an old or cheap hoola hoop and pine cones and gum nuts! There are so many things to make for next to nothing that just now are featured in home ware stores and gift shops for a fortune! Well, we can do better than that!
xxx
Lovely pretty ideas as usual Annabel :)
ReplyDeleteWe have Cheap as Chips and The Reject Shop here so I have been grabbing some great specials lately. I am still not quite sure what I am doing but I will get there lol!
Wishing you a blessed weekend,
x
Happy weekend to you too Tania. Those stores are really handy. I honestly find it so helpful to find a card I really love and pinch ideas then use what I have to adapt them... I am not that artistic, I need direction first! I would love to see what you make.xxx
DeleteLoved seeing these Annabel...quite unexpected but delightful designs...thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMrs Tiggywinkle
Thank you Mrs. Tiggywinkle! I have been through a pink Christmas and a pale blue and white Christmas and several other combinations... so this year is white and silver! Have a lovely weekend.xxxx
DeleteAnnabel, they are lovely cards you are making! So very pretty and expensive looking. Thanks for the ideas.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nanna Chel. I like that you think they look expensive! Nice cards are a huge price so this is good! They have worked out at about 30c each since I already had the stamps and glitter etc. Have a nice weekend! xxx
DeleteThese are stunning Annabel. I love the simple colours and the glitter. So stylish! Mimi xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks Mimi. I am thinking of doing this around chocolates as you showed me how to do... I thought that would look lovely and the cards would match... or soaps! Have a lovely week! xxx
DeleteOh either chocolates or soaps would be gorgeous! I'm experimenting with chunky soaps wrapped with marbled butchers paper and double satin ribbon. Japanese tissue is gorgeous too. I can just see soaps and chocolates a la Annabel. Very pretty indeed :)
DeleteAnnabel, your cards are beautiful. Very elegant !!!! I saw blank cards in a discount store today and I'm sure I can scrounge up some bits of lace and ribbon ( nothing fancy ) What is the best glue to use ? I find PVA glue buckles the card. I have very little in the way of stamps and ink ( might be dry ) Where do you suggest I buy them from a a cheap price ?
ReplyDeleteWendy sorry for my slow reply I have been away for a couple of days. I use craft glue which is clear and use it not too thick, this works for lace, braids etc well and cheap shops mostly sell it. With the stamps I mainly use a plain colour like black and that is cheaper to buy as office supplies than as craft supplies so at Office works on a good price rather than from a crafts, scrap booking store. If you have a pad buy a refill to re ink it in an office store or newsagents. Plus that will last for so long! Also after gluing a card with textured things like lace lay a bit of something like non stick baking paper over it and lay a heavy book on it while it dries. This keeps it flat when drying really well. Once dry keep them flat in a box and they should keep well. As for stamps take at look at this tutorial for inspiration of what you can do to create your own...
Deletehttp://www.thislittlemiggy.com/2012/06/gauze-baby-blanket-tutorial.html as you have teenage girls you might have creative hands that can make up some lovely stamps! (plus its a good fun project) I hope this helps! Thank you for your comment Wendy xx