About Me

How did I start crafting?

I've always loved being creative and adding unique touches to all my work. I am a visual learner and all through school I enjoyed and preferred using visual aids to help me present information.  Crafting (specifically making cards) started off as small mini projects here and there, making cards for baby showers and birthdays when needed. Then just last year in 2013 I started crafting more and eventually started buying more supplies. I attended a variety of craft classes and followed other crafters online through their blogs and YouTube channels to find inspiration. Next you know it, I turned our "office" into a crafting space.

Crafting to me is also a way to relax and get away from reality. It is something that gives me the "me time" I need.


Where do my supplies come from?

A lot of my crafting supplies comes from Michael's Arts and Crafts and these two online stores Simon Says Stamp and Scrapbookpal.com

Michael's is a great place to pick up supplies right away when needed and there are great coupons to use. However, the selection is very limited from store to store. You might find yourself going to multiple Michael's to find what you need.

The two online resources, Simon Says Stamp and Scrapbook Pal, are great sites with loads of supplies available. The only down sides are all prices are in USD, there are shipping fees to consider and wait time for delivery can be long. Sometimes the cost of the product online is cheaper but when you factor in shipping it can get a little expensive, more expensive then going to Michaels (but then you run into the problem where Michael's doesn't even carry it).

I am still trying to find more places and online stores that offer great prices and promotions for supplies (To Be Determined......)


What is my favorite product to use?

I love my Fiskar Compact Stamp Press.

Do I plan to post Video Recording on the blog?

Maybe......


How much do you usually spend on craft supplies? & When do you purchase supplies?


My husband gringes at this question. I actually try not to spend too much on my supplies. Before every purchase I do a lot my research. I look at prices both in store and online to make sure I'm saving every time I shop. When picking out supplies to buy I usually like to look at the versatility of product. For example a stamp set that I can use for different occasions. I would look at the sentiments included in the set to see if they can be used anytime of the year. However, sometimes I do purchase specific products relating to that season.

I utilize Michael's 40-50% coupons whenever possible and keep an eye out for sales on products I have on my wish list. For the online purchases I take advantage of free shipping promotions. A lot of products are from the states and shipping to Canada can get expensive.

I usually buy new supplies every 2-3 months. However, I never stop visiting researching and looking around.


What do I recommend to start off a crafting supply collection?

When I first started crafting and looking at what to do I wish I had this information available. I found it overwhelming because there are so many product out there to get and I didn't want to waste my money on things I wouldn't necessarily use all the time.

Here are the first few items I purchased to start my crafting supply collection:

Versamark Embossing Ink Pad

White & Clear Embossing Powder

Embossing heat tool

Cardstock (I went a bought a variety pack from Staples)
**

 Black Ink Pad

Pigment Inks (I picked out 3-4 of my favorite colors to have) 

**Pigment inks take a while to dry and are great to use for embossing 

Sentiment Stamp Set

Stamp Press or Clear Stamp Blocks 

Pattern Paper
Cutting Mat
Adhesive

I probably spent roughly $80 dollars (using coupons and looking for sales) to get my collection going and I didn't buy more supplies until had created a few designs using what I already had. 

Happy Crafting!!

I hope this helps :)