Where were the holiday deals and steals?

As a crafter, I expect to have holiday deals dangled in front of my crafty face from a sales flyer. The flyer is gleaming with offers of 'buy one, get one FREE' or 40% off or FREE just for Radiogirl ... ;-)

The top craft stores did not even entice me this year and I am sad-faced about it. The coupons were paltry (most of which I did not even use and they are still taking up valuable space in my purse/carry on bag).

I even went to one store where they said - paraphrase ... we don't have much on sale today. We had some paper on sale for a few hours this morning ... Are you kidding me? Why? Why would I set my alarm for say, 4 a.m. to drive 20 minutes on the highway to go to a craft store to purchase some paper...? Is there breakfast with that discounted paper? Doesn't matter...that sell just gave me another reason to sleep in.

I'm not too sad though because it is more money in my pocket and more time to actually make crafts with the many items that I already own. I mean, it is the holiday season and holiday cards still need to be made ... right?

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

I made these last night. It was tons of fun - actually, I made one last night and finished off the other three today.

I really like the Basic Grey papers. I hope that I can still find them. They have a new line called Dasher that is supposed to match Blitzen, the patterned paper used on these cards.

I had fun making the circle sentiments. I used WordArt in Microsoft Word. It was pretty easy. You can manipulate the fonts in a number of ways including style, size and color. Then I just purchased this super large circle cutter - I think it is a little more than 2 inches and I can't remember the manufacturer off the top of my head. I just need to use a different type of paper because I thought that the ink bled a little on the paper. I am particular like that.

I also like the zig zag stamp that I used. I have one of those mini sewing machines, but I rarely use it. I often see scrapbooking layouts and cards that use stitching and I love it. So using the stamp from Hero Arts is one way to achieve the look with out the equipment.

Lastly, I like the embellishments - the American Crafts ribbon is just the right touch (though not all of it is AC); the Making Memories charm - the present; and isn't the red felt heart adorable? From Joann's, no doubt.

I don't know if I will send them off for someone else to admire or if I will sell them for $3 apiece ... I hope that you like.

It's fast approaching ...

... not just the weekend, when I have not one, but two scrapbooking related classes to teach. Good stuff, huh?

But the holidays. I am almost skipping over Thanksgiving because I have some many Christmas related crafts to make. I have cards to make to send out, cards to make to sell. Then there are some projects like making a wreath to hang the door @ my house. I've even considered making an advent calendar because they seem so fun. Oh, I almost forgot that I am making a gift for a gift exchange. Besides, I purchased a new Christmas tree - on sale at the end of the last holiday season for $5, AND it is pre-lit.

I want to enjoy this holiday season. So I need to take a deep breath and do just that. You should do the same.