scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,114 
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Post by scrapnnana on Nov 11, 2022 17:54:40 GMT
… the company where I have little resistance is Queen & Co. I have no affiliation with them, but I do love their stitched dies, especially their Foundation dies. I use them mostly for card making, but they can also be used for scrapbooking. I also love their shaker kits. I don’t make shakers that much, but they just have really cute stuff, and you can use a shaker set without making it a shaker. I have learned that if you don’t buy their new kits when first released, sometimes they sell out before I decide I really do want it. …More recently, they’ve had a lot of really great releases. Their Christmas baking shaker set is absolutely adorable. I was stalking the mail carrier for that one. Oh my gosh, I just peeked at that site (I’m not sure if I’ve heard of them before) but that Baking set if just adorable. I hope you’ll consider sharing some photos of the cards you make with it, so cute! Off to take a deeper dive… , I did post one recently that I made with the baking kit, under the Oct. 31st CARDtober Challenge. Since I didn’t post it till Nov. 7th, I think few here even noticed it. Everyone was burned out by that time. I just noticed an almost hour long video by their demonstrator (a.k.a. “Demo Donna”), showing her making several cards with the new baking kit. She did a great job. Here is the link if you are interested: Card Ideas with new Queen & Co. Baking Shaker Kit |
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Post by MichyM on Nov 11, 2022 19:27:28 GMT
I just took a peek, your card is adorable! Thanks for sharing it. Off to check out your link too  |
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peasquared
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,432
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Post by peasquared on Nov 11, 2022 20:05:43 GMT
Thanks azcrafty for posting that. I never thought I wanted an Advent Calendar, but I sure do now! Both are very cute, but the Spellbinders will be the one I try to get before it's sold-out next year. |
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,114
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Post by scrapnnana on Nov 11, 2022 21:57:37 GMT
MDscrapaholic - I know the Spellbinders Advent calendar is sold out, but have you looked at the Crafters Companion calendar? I saw it after I ordered the Spellbinders one, or I might have gotten the CC one instead! I think it's still for sale on HSN.
Edited to add - and I think the price of the CC will be cheaper than the TE one.
Oh, that does look fun! I may hate myself for not buying it, but I don’t like buying products sight unseen. I’m also wondering if the quality of the stamps is anything like what I used to get with the craft magazines. They had cute stuff, but the stamp quality left a bit to be desired. Spellbinders products tend to be good quality. |
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Post by Embri on Nov 11, 2022 23:37:25 GMT
Putting these under spoiler tags since they're this years offering. WARNING: If you click on or quote the spoilers below, you'll see a detailed list of everything that calendar contains including a description and sizes! Proceed with caution if you own these products or anticipate getting them.
Crafter's Companion:
Clear stamp set (festive mug, 6 stamps, ~2.5x2") and all the coordinating dies.
Snowflake die, 1.5"
Winter wear stamps x3 (2" square) & coordinating dies.
Flower cluster (~2x1.5") & coordinating die.
2.75" square mistletoe pattern embossing folder.
Pumpkin(?) filled with flowers stamp. ~2" square
Gingerbread house stamp. ~2" square.
Happy birthday stencil ~2.25" square.
Butterfly border edge die, 4" long.
Wood grain embossing folder. 2.75" square.
Bow Stamp & coordinating die. 1.5x1.25"
Hello word die, 2" long.
Clear season word stamps in cursive.
Flower stencil. ~2.5" square.
Clear tree stamp & coordinating die. ~2" square.
Butterfly & flowers corner die, ~2" (matches edge die)
Lattice embossing folder. ~2.75" square.
Clear basket w/food & wine stamp. 1.5x2"
2x Acorn & 2x oak leaves dies. Overall maybe 2" square.
Words x4 & matching flower heart clear stamp sets. ~2"x2.5"
Flower embossing folder, 2.75" square.
Lacy reindeer die. 2.75 x 1.5"
Candy canes & bow clear stamps & coordinating dies. ~1.5x2"
6x6 paper pad, spring/fall/winter mixed patterns.
Spellbinders:
Mailbox paper piecing die. 2.25x1.5"
Clear flower stamp set w/"thinking of you" (~2x3"?)
(rope?) border die & edge die. 4" long
Happy Birthday & shadow dies, 4 pieces. 2.5 & 1.5 long.
Diagonal stripe embossing folder. ~5.25 x 1.5"
Gnome layering die w/balloon, 7 pieces. ~2.5" tall.
Dot stencil set x3. 3.5" square each.
Sunrise heart die & outline. ~2.5" square
Cream iridescent sequin pack. (~1 shaker's worth?)
Small flower & leaves set. Biggest pieces 1.5-1"
Wavy banner outline dies & 3x word lines. ~2.5"long?
Layering bird & flower, 9x pieces. Body ~1x1.5"
Sentiment set x4 stamps. 2.25" long
Layering flower springs (left,right & flowers) x3 dies. ~2" long each.
Embossing folder circular dot pattern. ~5.25 x 1.5"
Lowercase "For You" chunky word dies & outlines. 4x pieces. ~1" tall words.
Nesting Arch dies x7 pieces. 2.75 x 2.5 largest, 1 1/8th smallest height.
Pastel blue iridescent sequin pack. ~1 large shaker's worth.
Sentiment set x4 stamps. 2.5" long
x3 Layering stencil set, symmetrical leaf/flower pattern. 4x2.5" each
Flower petal mandala(?) die, 4x pieces, solids & outlines. Biggest piece ~1.5" long(?)
Pink/coral iridescent sequin pack, same size as others.
Thank You Word dies & shadow outlines. ~2" long biggest word.
Pickup truck layering die w/gift box. 5x pieces. 3x1.25"
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Post by MichyM on Nov 12, 2022 2:24:32 GMT
I went to quote the above post, and just so y’all know, the spoilers show up if you do that, even if you haven’t looked at them in the OP. I quickly backed out without reading.
Just a heads up to everyone else!
Anyhow, I was going to say that I think that it’s a shame that people are already posting spoilers. Serves me right? 😆
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Post by Embri on Nov 12, 2022 3:50:22 GMT
If you're in it for the surprise I can see spoilers being - well, spoilery! Personally I wouldn't buy something like this without knowing at least a general idea of what I'm getting. Mostly because there's a very broad range of possibilities for a 'crafting' advent calendar and some of them will be of very low value. Think small sequin packs, or note paper, that kind of stuff. Technically it's a crafting supply.
If anyone wants that kind of summary, I'd be happy to provide.
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,114
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Post by scrapnnana on Nov 12, 2022 4:20:18 GMT
If you're in it for the surprise I can see spoilers being - well, spoilery! Personally I wouldn't buy something like this without knowing at least a general idea of what I'm getting. Mostly because there's a very broad range of possibilities for a 'crafting' advent calendar and some of them will be of very low value. Think small sequin packs, or note paper, that kind of stuff. Technically it's a crafting supply. If anyone wants that kind of summary, I'd be happy to provide. Thank you, Embri, those spoilers were actually very, very helpful to me! I prefer to know what I am getting for my money. Some would clearly be very similar items to things that I already have, especially from Crafter’s Companion. As for the Spellbinder’s one, I used to get their small monthly die subscription each month. The ones that I was delighted to get were in the minority, so I ended my subscription. I prefer to know what I am getting, and I get things that I expect to really enjoy. |
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Post by Embri on Nov 12, 2022 6:15:25 GMT
Thank you, Embri, those spoilers were actually very, very helpful to me! I prefer to know what I am getting for my money. Some would clearly be very similar items to things that I already have, especially from Crafter’s Companion. As for the Spellbinder’s one, I used to get their small monthly die subscription each month. The ones that I was delighted to get were in the minority, so I ended my subscription. I prefer to know what I am getting, and I get things that I expect to really enjoy. That's me too. I strongly dislike random picks; give me the sure thing any day of the week. I've added a more obvious warning to the spoilers above, thanks for the info MichyM! |
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azcrafty
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,764
Jun 28, 2019 20:24:21 GMT
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Post by azcrafty on Nov 14, 2022 23:04:15 GMT
Thanks azcrafty for posting that. I never thought I wanted an Advent Calendar, but I sure do now! Both are very cute, but the Spellbinders will be the one I try to get before it's sold-out next year. Me too! I past on it this year because what I have seen from other companies i was never impressed by them. Good luck to both of us 😂 |
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Post by Linda on Nov 14, 2022 23:12:04 GMT
I keep saying I need to freeze and that I'm frozen but I REALLY REALLY need to freeze except for replenishing consumables (and only as needed). I truly have more than enough stash and I'm a fairly minimalistic creater so it takes a while (a long while) to use up anything.
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Post by Shakti on Nov 25, 2022 21:10:31 GMT
Sigh. I had no idea that there were crafty advent calendars. And now Spellbinders is sold out. It does look like TE is a bad deal based on last year's videos, as someone already noted. Not sure the CC one is for me...PHEW.
But just wait 'til next year!
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Post by Shakti on Dec 8, 2022 19:03:30 GMT
I was all set to stop spending. Well, except for that shopping cart at SSS where I'm waiting a bit to check out for a bit longer to see if I add or substract anything (since my coupon is good 'til the end of the year).
Then I got email from Jennifer McGuire and the next thing you know a Hero Arts factory clearance grab bag thingy is on its way to me.
Now I understand why her sales and deals email is on a separate list...it's for people like me who can't handle it. I guess I should unsubscribe to that one, at least for a bit....
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Post by marg on Dec 9, 2022 20:42:51 GMT
I was all set to stop spending. Well, except for that shopping cart at SSS where I'm waiting a bit to check out for a bit longer to see if I add or substract anything (since my coupon is good 'til the end of the year). Then I got email from Jennifer McGuire and the next thing you know a Hero Arts factory clearance grab bag thingy is on its way to me. Now I understand why her sales and deals email is on a separate list...it's for people like me who can't handle it. I guess I should unsubscribe to that one, at least for a bit.... Please share what you get in the grab bag! I have got to stop spending. I feel like I bought a lot the past 2 years to deal with all of the stress and anxiety of not only the world happenings but my personal life. I have to stop coping this way, I'm building up too much of a collection without using enough of it. So 2023 will be the year of using my supplies! You're right about the email lists, they're what always prompts me to want stuff. I need to unsubscribe, too (but its so hard to miss out)... |
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amysolovay
Full Member
Posts: 257
Sept 4, 2022 6:25:20 GMT
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Post by amysolovay on Dec 10, 2022 15:33:16 GMT
I am glad to see everybody boosting the economy.  Loved this post, Don! I have definitely done my share this past year to boost the economy...Is there any room left in the doghouse for me to squeeze in? 'Cause I'm definitely in the doghouse with all of you. I told myself I was done spending. But then I had some ideas for things I could do to save money on my usual process. Of course, the easiest way to do that would be to invest in some new supplies to facilitate the new process. So I am thinking that over, but it appears I'm not quite finished spending yet. I think upfront purchases that will save money in the long term are generally a good idea. |
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amysolovay
Full Member
Posts: 257
Sept 4, 2022 6:25:20 GMT
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Post by amysolovay on Dec 10, 2022 15:35:48 GMT
I feel your pain. I am on a spending freeze through the end of the year (at least), but if I can find a BF sale on a glimmer I may succumb. That said, between signing up for Crop and Create, and Create and Connect, I’ve done a lot of damage this month. I’ve had over 8k in vet bills since early August. I’m trying to “pay myself back” and this hobby is not helping. At all 🙄 You’re gonna cave to the foiling trend? 😆 I’m trying to stay strong, although I do have a few foil dies…almost all purchased in error. To the Pea with the 8K in vet bills: Oh, how awful! I am so sorry, and I hope your poor animal is doing better! re the foiling trend: I am NOT CAVING!! I am notcavingnotcavingnotcavingnotcaving... |
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Post by Shakti on Dec 11, 2022 2:19:40 GMT
Please share what you get in the grab bag! It arrived today and I have to say I'm pretty pleased! I got a full-size hybrid ink pad in summer sky, floral rose stamp and cut set, happy message die, flower bouquet pieces stamp set and die set (two items), ombre sequins in some sort of yellow/orange/warm color way (3 sizes, three related colors, I think -- but they have holes), a thank you cover plate die -- I think that's it, but I might be forgetting something. Given the $20 price, I'm pretty thrilled. It was mostly dies, honestly, which are pricier in general. The bouquet pieces sets were really a mystery to me -- I looked at them and couldn't imagine how I'd use them. But searching Hero Arts blogs for them turned up some great ideas -- some used other HA products either in some of my kits from Joann or similar enough that I can use what I have. Another used the Gina K wreath builder thingy, sending me on a search to find a DIY version: successful! |
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Post by Shakti on Dec 11, 2022 2:29:05 GMT
I did forget something -- the cloudy moon die. This looks awesome, though I have to say I'm not quite sure how to actualize its potential  |
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amysolovay
Full Member
Posts: 257
Sept 4, 2022 6:25:20 GMT
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Post by amysolovay on Dec 13, 2022 1:36:18 GMT
Please share what you get in the grab bag! It arrived today and I have to say I'm pretty pleased! I got a full-size hybrid ink pad in summer sky, floral rose stamp and cut set, happy message die, flower bouquet pieces stamp set and die set (two items), ombre sequins in some sort of yellow/orange/warm color way (3 sizes, three related colors, I think -- but they have holes), a thank you cover plate die -- I think that's it, but I might be forgetting something. Given the $20 price, I'm pretty thrilled. It was mostly dies, honestly, which are pricier in general. The bouquet pieces sets were really a mystery to me -- I looked at them and couldn't imagine how I'd use them. But searching Hero Arts blogs for them turned up some great ideas -- some used other HA products either in some of my kits from Joann or similar enough that I can use what I have. Another used the Gina K wreath builder thingy, sending me on a search to find a DIY version: successful! Sounds like an amazing grab bag! I LOVE Hero Arts, but they have such a broad diversity of supplies that I would have been scared to buy a sight-unseen grab bag. But it sounds like you really scored! Awesome! |
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Post by Shakti on Dec 13, 2022 11:00:06 GMT
I love them too. And I didn’t think I could do too badly given low price point. If half of what I received ended in the bin to swap/donate/whatever, it would still be a deal and a fun surprise.
In good “stop spending” news, Altenew’s sale this week is completely resistible to me!
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amysolovay
Full Member
Posts: 257
Sept 4, 2022 6:25:20 GMT
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Post by amysolovay on Dec 17, 2022 17:35:10 GMT
I love them too. And I didn’t think I could do too badly given low price point. If half of what I received ended in the bin to swap/donate/whatever, it would still be a deal and a fun surprise. In good “stop spending” news, Altenew’s sale this week is completely resistible to me! That is good news indeed!  I love Altenew, so I shouldn't even look at their sale. I recently bought a bunch of their stuff that I am so, so happy with -- my plan is to quit shopping and get to work scrapping all the things for the next few months. Hopefully no more purchases unless I run out of something essential and need to resupply... |
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Post by grammadee on Dec 18, 2022 0:47:46 GMT
Hadn't spent anything on me this month, but Jaded Blossom's new release got me. Ordered the new release: Somehow I had to have the snowman hat and the earmuffs and toque, and while I was at it, grabbed the gingerbread add on's too... |
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Post by Shakti on Dec 18, 2022 1:26:20 GMT
Two days after my happy post about resisting Altenew, I was back in the spending doghouse  |
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amysolovay
Full Member
Posts: 257
Sept 4, 2022 6:25:20 GMT
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Post by amysolovay on Dec 21, 2022 4:31:12 GMT
Two days after my happy post about resisting Altenew, I was back in the spending doghouse What did you end up getting? (And why am I even asking, because I shouldn't look?! Whatever it is, I am not getting one! But curiosity is getting the better of me.) The last thing I bought was a We R Memory Keepers bookbinding tool. Amazon had it for only $15 and change. I decided it was worth the money because if I can make mini books for only the cost of chipboard and paper, that'll be a lot less expensive than buying binders at $17+ each plus $3-5 per pack for the page protectors. The mini books won't be as nice as those binders, but at least my pics will have "homes" in them. I tried the tool and think it's pretty easy to use. So far so good. But now I really am finished shopping for awhile (I hope). Still gotta spend some cash printing pics, though. |
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Post by Shakti on Dec 21, 2022 10:57:10 GMT
There was a last-minute Stampin’ Up free shipping day. By way of posting in the “Share Your Creations” I was very aware of how much my long-distance demonstrator has been inspiring me, but I’d been ordering recently from my local one.
So I placed an order just big enough to qualify for free shipping with all sale or discontinuing products: 3 ribbons (all 3/8 width — denim blue, evergreen & peacock/olive), a punch (tailored tag), a stamp/die bundle (splendid thoughts), and a 12x12 designer paper pack (symbols of fortune).
I thought it was a good haul for about $75. I’ve been really enjoying working with ribbon, particularly that width, in my Christmas card and my Club Scap kits, but virtually none in my stash. I recently watched one of her videos about making and stashing basic sentiments and that tag punch is one she used. The stamp and die set has some lovely foliage and somewhere recently I saw a video on ink blending on die cut foliage to create a more natural look. And the paper has an Asian motif — cranes, ginkgo leaves, etc — unusual and very attractive.
So all things I’m looking forward to using and I feel good throwing some business her way.
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amysolovay
Full Member
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Sept 4, 2022 6:25:20 GMT
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Post by amysolovay on Dec 21, 2022 12:22:56 GMT
Sounds like a fantastic haul! Thanks for the info. Good to know that SU is still making ribbon and punches, which can be a little hard to find these days. I used to use so much ribbon on my pages, back in the day. I have largely replaced that with washi tape, lately, because it's easier, but I do miss the ribbon!
That's a great tip, about ink blending on die cut foliage. Love that idea! I recently got the Pinkfresh Studio Curvy Leaves die set -- will definitely be ink blending some of those die cuts to use in future projects.
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I love Altenew, so I shouldn't even look at their sale. I recently bought a bunch of their stuff that I am so, so happy with -- my plan is to quit shopping and get to work scrapping all the things for the next few months. Hopefully no more purchases unless I run out of something essential and need to resupply...
