CHA Summer Report: DinoTalk Talking Envelopes

I was sent a few of these recordable gift card holders to check out after I saw them at CHA and I must say, I love them!  A few months ago I was looking for a recordable card to give to my daughter's teacher.  She loves to hear my daughter's laugh so I though it would be fun to record that for her.  The recordable cards I found in the stores (if they had any!) were expensive ($6-$8) and weren't appropriate for our occasion.  I wish I had known about these back then!  They have a whole line of recordable products so you can even make your own recordable cards with their paper! 

Check out this video I made (with my daughter's help) featuring this product and what I did with it. 

This is a brand new product and I'm still waiting to hear back on where it will be available.  I'll keep you all posted!  In the meantime, I've got an extra one that I'll send to a facebook fan.  Become a fan before Sept. 23rd to enter!

CHA Summer Report: eCraft from Craftwell Inc.

My name is Christy and for years I lived a perfectly happy existence without a personal cutting system.  One trip to CHA and that has all changed.  I'm starting to question whether or not I've been truly happy without one.  Or, maybe I'm lucky because this brand new product from Craftwell is going to make the wait worth it! 

Here are the details for their product, the eCraft Personal Cutting System:

• no cutting mats!
• no cartridges!  It uses an SD card with pre-loaded images
• automatic paper feeder!  You can set down a bunch of paper and let it go to town! 
• no limit to the length of the paper!  They had it set up with a roll of paper 150 feet long and it would just feed through the paper.  How about that?  Think of all the super long banners you could make!
• with the eCraft Pro software you can USE YOUR OWN DESIGNS! 
• should be available in the stores before the holidays.
• cuts paper, cardstock, and vinyl
• depending on the model this will cost anywhere from $249 to $399 (suggested retail).  SD cards will retail for around $39. 
• it can draw and cut!

Here is a video from the company that shows some of the things it can do.

I'm sure this won't be the last you hear of the eCraft on this blog.  They are going to need some craft bloggers to test this out when it is ready to come out and I've already got my hand raised high!

CHA Summer Report: I Love to Create and the Crafty Chica

I spent a fair amount of time doing some make and takes at the I Love to Create booth at CHA.  Apart from wishing they would hire me to play with their products all day, I had a great time chatting with Kathy Cano-Murillo (THE Crafty Chica), her daughter Maya (so talented--she is going to be a HUGE star someday!),  and Traci Bautista. 

Here is Maya helping us cover our canvases with Crafty Chica glitter!  The glitter colors are amazing and they were really great to work with.  Want to see what I made?

I was going to stop before I put the silver glitter on.  But then I remembered where I was and who I was crafting with.  I could leave no part un-glittered!  I'm not so great at writing with puffy paint, but I think you get the point. 

I also had Kathy take my picture at the shrine she made.  How cool is this?  I also spent some time with Tracy making a wristlet using their new fabric graffiti paint and some fabric markers.  Yeah, I kind of messed it up.  But it was fun!  On the back I made sure to be self promoting at all times!    Before I left the booth I made sure to ask Kathy a very important question.  With all that glittering going on in her house, she has got to have some kind of super vacuum to keep it all clean.  Turns out, she could use our advice.  Check out the video and leave your advice in the comments!

CHA Summer Report: PLAID Simply Screen

I've gone on and on about the YUDU.  I know.  Sorry.  But, frankly, if I hadn't have won it it would have been very hard to justify shelling out the money for one.  Not to mention the space it is going to take up. 

PLAID came up with something really great (and AFFORDABLE!) for those of us that would like to try silkscreening but don't want to invest in a machine.  The only limitations, as far as I can tell, would be that you can't make up your own designs.  You just have to go with what they provide.

In the package you get an already designed stencil and a squeegee.  It retails for $9.99 and you can use the stencil over and over.  It is tacky on the back and that will eventually wear off but you can still use the stencil if you tape it down.  They can be cleaned off with cold water. 

The paints cost $2.99 (this is from memory) and come in a variety of colors including some metallic shades. 

Basically, all you do is lay down your stencil, pull your paint across the top, lift off the stencil, and you're done!

This product will be available later this year and I have a feeling it is going to be a huge hit! 

CHA Summer Report: Provo Craft

I spent my fair share of time at the Provo Craft booth at CHA. It was the first booth I went to on Tuesday morning. I showed up because I wanted to play some more with a YUDU. Little did I know I'd be invited to attend their gala that night. It was the party to launch the Gypsy. I had seen the Donnie K videos before the event and I give Provo Craft an A+ for a very clever social media campaign.

Here is a quick video I filmed of Jim from Provo Craft demonstrating the Gypsy for me. It looks really exciting and I like the fact that you can just load your cartridges on there and they're good to go!

I was super excited to get a Gypsy (oh, the benefits of being a craft blogger!). The only problem? I don't have a Cricut.

Here you can see a picture of one. However, I'm pretty sure I'm going to want the Cricut Expression. I would be using it more for home decor, fabric, and vinyl so I can only imagine I'll want a bigger size. They're on sale this weekend at Joann's so I may have to go and check them out. Do you have one? What would you recommend?

Who wouldn't want to make this? This sold me on the Cricut right then and there.

Back to the YUDU. I wanted to play with this machine as much as possible to see if I should make the investment. Lucky for me, I waited because I found out last Friday that I won one at BlogHer!

Here is an attendee using the YUDU to print on a picture frame. The Provo Craft had some really great make and take projects that allowed us to use a variety of different products in a multitude of ways. We used the Yudu on paper, picture frames, and shirts. We used the Cricut for embellishments and glass etching.

Here was one of the finished make and take projects.

By this time, I was glad I brought an extra suitcase. The projects were so fun that I spent a lot of time doing those. It was a great way to get hands on practice and chat with the reps they had there.

Keep your eye out on Provo Craft. They are doing some amazing things with technology and anything that combines technology with crafting- I love it!

Want to know what else I love? Meeting up with some of the Craft Critique gals at the Provo Craft Gala. Not the most flattering picture of us but it was all I got!

Speaking of the Craft Critique, they did an excellent review on the Provo Craft booth as well (I told you that bird pillow was great!). You'll also want to get your September craft challenge packets NOW! Craft Critique is the sponsor and you'll be sure the prize is amazing. I'll give you more details on that in a separate post.

CHA Summer Report. Letterpress Starter Kit

As most of you know, I've been at the Craft and Hobby Trade Show this past week checking out all of the new and exciting craft products about to hit the market. Over the next few weeks, I'll be featuring some of my favorites.

The first is the Letterpress Starter Kit from Lifestylecraft.com. This comes from the QuicKutz company and is the best (maybe only?) portable letterpress system I have seen.

They offer a wide range of plates in a few different categories: Everyday, Wedding, Baby, Holiday, and Celebrations.

I love this plate in particular. This one is from the wedding collection but really fits a whole multitude of occasions and is very versatile.

Would you like to see how it works? Amy from QuicKutz gave me a quick demo.

If you watched through the whole video you know that this product will retail for $149.99 including the Epic 6 Tool or will be $69.99 without. The plates will fit in similar machines (Big Kick, Cuttlebug). It won't be available for a couple of months but I spoke with a representative from the company and I should have one to test out for myself soon. I'm sure the Lincoln Handmade Etsy Team will put it through its paces and give you all a fair assessment of the product. I'm pretty sure you'll want to put this one on your Christmas list now.

Sponsor Spotlight. Comfy Creations

Back in May I did a Stuff I Like post on travel related items.  One of the items I featured was a therapeutic combo pack from Comfy Creations.  When I'm traveling I always wish I had something like that so I made sure to put it in my feature. 

I have since been in contact with Kathleen over the past few weeks and she sent me her mid size back relief pack to review on my blog*.  I don't know whether to blame Comfy Creations or not but the day before her product arrived, I got a massive crick in my neck and I couldn't move my head to one side.  How's that for ideal testing conditions?  Because my neck was hurting, the rest of my muscles felt strained as well from taking up the slack. 

Let's just get straight to the pros and cons, shall we?

Pros:

What drew me to these products in the first place were the fabric choices.  When you're in pain, it sure helps to have something extra pretty to rely on. 

They smell great!  I didn't even have to see who the package was from when I got it out of the mailbox.  It is a soothing lavender smell that is not too strong, but just enough.   They are also available unscented or peppermint. 

There are four pockets in the back relief pack.  This helps for even distribution of the heat.  It was nice to not have all of the warmth sink down to the bottom of the pack when I would put it on.

I used this a lot on my belly during a recent not uncommon female condition and it was particularly helpful.

Cons:

I wish it had ribbons attached to it so I could tie it on and wear it while doing stuff around the house.  I realize that this is probably not the point of this therapeutic wrap but I couldn't help but wish for it.

I found myself wanting the eye pillow to be a little longer so it would cover my temples.  As it is, it goes to the far edge of my eyes but when I have a headache I like to have the warmth cover my temples. 

So, there you have it!  Comfy Creations is one of the sponsors** here at ChristyNelson.net so I hope you'll take a moment to go and visit the shop.  You can click on their ad in the sidebar. She carries a wide range of products including keyboard and mouse wrist rests that I could certainly use after a long day of blogging!  Check them out.

*Product provided by sponsor

**Sponsor information available

Stuff I Like. Chalkboard Vinyl and Chalk Markers.

When I was in Kansas City this past weekend, I went to Paper Source.  I love that store.  I have been on the lookout for some chalkboard vinyl but haven't been able to find something that I like that can be repositioned.  I found some vinyl chalkboard tiles at Paper Source that fit the bill and were in the price range I was expecting (around $20). 

The package included 4 squares (9" x 12" each).  I used two of those for my kitchen menu (still a work in progress).  The kids love this and helped me fill in the first few days.  They picked out their breakfast choices and threw out some dinner ideas. 

The salesperson at Paper Source was a pro.  She totally used her powers of persuasion to sell me some Marvy Bistro Chalk Markers.  I paid $12.95 for them and even though I found them cheaper online later, I don't care!  I'm so glad I got them.  They write like a dream and don't leave that chalky dust all over the place.  You can use them on windows, mirrors, and whiteboards, too.  They go on smoothly and wipe off well.  They also have a myriad of craft applications!  I can cover chipboard or use them on other kinds of embellishments.  I'm really looking forward to seeing what kinds of things I can come up with for these markers. 

I also still need to decide where to put the other two chalkboard tiles.  Good thing I can reposition them if I change my mind!

Make. Miniature Garden

I'll admit that I'm pretty good at crafting.  Even with the occasional FAIL here or there, I can hold my own.  Gardening?  Not so much.   I'd love to be the kind of person that can garden.  I've had a container garden in the past.  In fact, I might even try it again.  I'll just have lower expectations. 

Janit is the owner of Two Green Thumbs Miniature Garden Center.  Her product got me so excited that I knew I had to try it*.  It's a crafty garden so I thought I might be able to handle it.  I was mostly right. 

Here is one of the kits all decked out (photo from twogreenthumbs.com) and ready to go.  The product arrives ready to be planted in a container (or the ground).  There is everything you need to make your little garden paradise.  What really drew me in was the ability to add on cute little accessories.  You can add mini garden gnomes, patio furniture, or even ponds!

As you can see from the first picture in this post, my garden doesn't look as good as it could. I feel kind of bad posting this review because my execution was lacking.  I have nothing but great things to say about the product.  I just wish I had been able to make mine a little more cute. 

Having said that, it really didn't turn out too badly.  I love looking at it and the kids really enjoy taking care of it.  My daughter takes some of her little toys out there to play on the miniature patio. 

From start to finish, the garden takes a couple of weeks.  You need to plant your mini shrubs and then you'll want to make your patio.  The actual work doesn't take too long (and is quite therapeutic) but the concrete needs to cure so you'll need to let that happen for some time.   I had some ill-timed rainy weather so I needed to make sure my patio was covered and safe from the elements.  I think this had something to do with the dead spot you might have noticed on the very top of one of my little shrubs.   I also messed a little too much with my patio and it turned out bumpy.  I do have enough materials that I can rip it out and try again.

At any rate, I totally recommend the miniature gardens and hope that some of you will try one out.  I'd love to see some pictures of them if you do. 

*product provided

More Craft Room Storage Ideas

Remember the Q & A post I did about formula cans?  I've got another idea for you.  I used the same technique as before to cover my cans and then we attached them to the wall.  Now I have some little cubbies on the wall next to my sewing machine where I can put notions or snacks.  

I must admit that I did none of the work on these formula cans.  I have staff for that (ha ha)!  I had a helper come over and she did a few tasks for me.  I've never felt so much like Martha Stewart.  She did a great job!   She's also helped me pack up craft challenge packets a few months ago.

 

This next storage idea comes from the people at Univenture.  I was sent some UniKeep binders to try out.    This was another one of those products that my husband wants to steal.  They have so many great applications—not just related to crafting.   I was sent a couple of them and I found so many great uses for them.  This one I used to keep track of my die cut alphabet letters.  Before I had them in one page protector and searching for the right letter was quite the task. 

I like the way this binder lays flat and is able to be closed all the way.  My kids can drop it or turn it upside down and they don't go flying everywhere. 

They are made of 100% recyclable material and are water resistant.  They also come in a variety of sizes and colors.

I already have big plans for one of the other ones I received.  It is going to be for an embroidery project.  I can have my floss, needles, pattern, hoop, etc… all inside one of the binders ready to go!  I can toss it into a bag or just have it sitting next to my favorite chair ready for a quiet evening of crafting. 

I wasn't creative enough to decorate the outside but there are sleeves that you can place paper inside so you can label them and personalize them however you see fit.

They cost not much more than a standard binder, but the convenience of having them close and stack flat are worth the extra money, in my opinion.  Maybe I'll buy some in bulk and my husband can get his office organized as well!  While you're there, check out some of there other great organizational products.

Q & A Formula Can Crafts

A while ago, Kristi from The Perkins Clan asked me a question for me to answer here on Q & A.  By the time I had gathered some formula cans and started to work on some projects, she had her own flash of inspiration and used some to keep puzzle pieces and toys organized.  I had a few ideas myself and today I'll show you one of the options I came up with.

My kids are of the age now where they are getting the concept of money.  They like to go to the store and buy things.  We're trying to teach them how to save for things and in our family, we tithe 10% of our income.  I wanted a way for them to be able to have a piggy bank where they can divide their money between what they can spend and what they should tithe. 

  The bank I made for my son is beaded.  To help me with the beading, I used the Tool-Light.  More about that later…

I used 12.9 oz formula cans.  You'll want to make sure they are cleaned out and you can rip off the outer paper. 

Cut a strip of paper 4 3/8" X 13 1/2".  This will wrap all the way around.  I didn't have any paper that length so I used a 12 X 12 inch piece and cut an extra 1 1/2 inches to cover the seam.   Just add glue to the wrong side of the paper and then roll the can over the top of it.  Press to get out any air bubbles.  Set aside to dry.

I added a double-sided sticky shape to the can.  Attach one side but leave the red backing on until you're ready to cover it with beads or glitter.  Once you take  it off, you can start placing the beads. 

I used the tool-light to help me with this.  It did an okay job of picking up the beads but it wasn't as easy as I thought it would be.  I actually did a better job using my fingers.  I'm going to give tool-light the benefit of the doubt and think that maybe I didn't choose the right project.  However, I don't know if I'll be able to use it again because my husband wants it for his own tool box.  They are well made and come with plenty of batteries so you don't have to worry about the lights going out anytime soon.  If you are a jeweler or are in need of tweezer type tools for your craft, they are worth a look.  The light is such a great bonus!

I made another one for my daughter.  She picked out the paper herself.  I used scissors to cut the coin slots in the lid.  We glued a piece of paper inside the can to separate the two areas.

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I had some pom-pom fringe leftover from the February Craft Challenge.  I think it turned out really well.  I used a ribbon instead of another strip of paper to cover the seam on this bank.

I have a lot more ideas (and cans!) for this Q & A so you'll be seeing more formula can crafts here over the next several days.  Do you have a favorite way to use your leftover cans? 

You have a little while longer to get in on the Martha Stewart book giveaway.  Comment here. 

Digital Scrapbook Artist Review

I received several products to review for National Craft Month and this was the only one I was really nervous about reviewing. You see, I'm not a scrapbooker. Everyone assumes I scrapbook. But, I don't. I blog. I haven't done a scrapbook since 2000 and it isn't a hobby I think I'll be picking up again anytime soon. However, digital scrapbooking has always intrigued me. My pictures are digital. I share all of our family information via the internet now. Why not do a digital scrapbook? So, I agreed to review the product.

The Digital Scrapbook Artist is from Serif and it has been out since October 2008. Serif is based in the UK and as of right now, the prices on the website are listed in Euros. However, you can click on that to purchase and you will be able to pay the US price ($39.99). As soon as I installed it, I thought I would try to make a scrapbook page without reading any of the instructions. I wanted to see how intuitive it was for a digiscrap newbie like myself. Here is my out of the box creation.

That's pretty good, isn't it? I was certainly impressed. I remember calling to my husband and having him come to the computer so I could show him how I made this page in less than 5 minutes. The software comes with a few themes already installed and they are full of embellishments, backgrounds, alphabets, you name it. This one is called Dollhouse. On top of that, you can register at Daisy Trail and download two free digikits and a lot more to use with the program. I got to try out the other two collections currently available for sale (2 and 3). They have such a wide range of themes that I can imagine myself being able to use these for years.

The theme used in this layout is called Berry Pie and is available on Digikit Collection 3. Those kits are available for $39.99 US. For a beginner like me, these kits are a lifesaver. Everything is already coordinated and all I need to do is drag and drop things around.

There are so many features I haven't had a chance to really work with yet but are worth mentioning.

• You can make your scrapbooks in a variety of sizes including the standard page size of A4 so you can easily print from your own printer.
• Built-in photo editing includes retouching and a cutout studio.
• Crafting tools so you can "cut" digital items with decorative edges or "punch" out paper.

Here's a video produced by the company to show you just how easy it is to use.

Martha Stewart Giveaway here.

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