As I've said before, it's always interesting to revisit your stash. you find stuff you forgot you even had, or inspiration will strike with something you were previously at a loss to use.
I've had plenty of magazines in the past, including two subscriptions. The one thing that you will get with craft mags, is a free gift on the front. With cross stitching mags it is usually a chart or mini kit, like the bird kit that started my cross stitch obsession. Papercraft mags have a wider range, from stamps to bowmakers, papers to charms (though not many of those anymore for some reason), embossing folders, dies, scoring boards, the list is almost endless. So, if like me you buy a lot of the magazines, you amass a lot of these freebies. I tend to be slightly more selective now, though if a free gift catches my eye it still ends up in my stash.
Today's post illustrates some of the freebies I've had. These have been in my stash for over a year now (shame). The first selection was accompanied by a paper bow template, which I have used on many an occasion. With this they had some card bases, some pop out toppers, some co-ordinating papers, and some pegs.
You can obviously guess what theme i'm going for here.
There would ordinarily be an update with the stitch here. There has been some progress, but I forgot to take a picture of it and unfortunately now the lighting is poor. On the writing front I've stuck to writing every day during November. I'm not totally happy with it still, but I'm persevering.
I've had plenty of magazines in the past, including two subscriptions. The one thing that you will get with craft mags, is a free gift on the front. With cross stitching mags it is usually a chart or mini kit, like the bird kit that started my cross stitch obsession. Papercraft mags have a wider range, from stamps to bowmakers, papers to charms (though not many of those anymore for some reason), embossing folders, dies, scoring boards, the list is almost endless. So, if like me you buy a lot of the magazines, you amass a lot of these freebies. I tend to be slightly more selective now, though if a free gift catches my eye it still ends up in my stash.
Today's post illustrates some of the freebies I've had. These have been in my stash for over a year now (shame). The first selection was accompanied by a paper bow template, which I have used on many an occasion. With this they had some card bases, some pop out toppers, some co-ordinating papers, and some pegs.
Simple, effective, very quick to prepare. The only thing extra needed was foam pads, which every crafter worth their salt have in their stash. It just shows the quality of the freebies really; the patterns make really striking cards.
The second set of freebies was a load of toppers and co-ordinating papers. I used the bow template from the other freebie, but aside from that (and having to use a plain card) it's all from this magazine freebie.
Definitely a more child orientated set of papers, but none the less effective for a Christmas card. I especially like using foam pads to make it look like there is a present of candy canes.
Next is a sneak peak of the jewellery holder I'm making for myself.
You can obviously guess what theme i'm going for here.
There would ordinarily be an update with the stitch here. There has been some progress, but I forgot to take a picture of it and unfortunately now the lighting is poor. On the writing front I've stuck to writing every day during November. I'm not totally happy with it still, but I'm persevering.
End of the year I will be posting a review of how well my frugal year has been. There have been some highs and some lows, and I've figured out that I still need to distract myself, or my bad habits come out in other ways (eating too much at the moment for example) I think next year I need to work harder on developing good habits, but there is time for that.
Finally, I found these photo frames in Poundland.
Isn't it lovely? And perfect for altering. It's a great example of not having to fork out tons of money to get something to alter. Some of the best things I've altered have been cheap or free (for example, the cutlery drawer given to me or the vodka bottles found at work) Always keep an eye out for a bargain!
Till next time
Ems
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