Sarah's Christmas List... are you reading Santa???

Attention Craft Critique readers!!! Be sure to read all the way to the end of this post for a fun holiday giveaway!

Reported by Sarah Moore

Five things I would like Santa to leave under my tree... I mean besides Nestabilities Dies from Spellbinder, more Copic Markers, and the Clip-it-Up. We ALL want those products! :)

1. Spica Glitter Markers: I hear the shades/colors are wonderful and that the glitter effect is like nothing else! Ellen Hutson's Shop has a great deal on a set of 13 with a little travel pouch for $32.49 US.


2. Simply Swank Simply Solder Creative Art Kit: I saw this product at Summer CHA... it looks so easy to use and the price seems great for what you get. The projects they had on display at CHA were wonderful. They also have a gallery on their website you can check out. This looks like a fantastic way to get back to using some of the techniques I am familiar with from my art school days without requiring me to have an acetylene torch in my basement! It also looks like a nice product for crafters with absolutely NO metal/soldering experience. Retails for $54.95 US.

3. Cricut Expressions: I had the fortune to use one of these machines for a weekend at a recent scrapbook retreat... and I love everything about it. It worked great, it was easy to use, and it has a USB port which leads me to believe there will eventually be a way to hook this baby up to my computer to use true type fonts (no confirmation yet from ProvoCraft on this). Unlike the standard Cricut, this baby cuts 12X12 papers. Retails for $499.99 US, but look for deals on Ebay or Froogle.

4. Anything By Hambly Screen Prints: Especially the Clearly Heavy Overlays. Perfect for creating album covers and home decor items. Clearly Heavy Overlays retail for $3.99 US per sheet.



5. Basic Grey Precision File Set: Reviewed HERE by our own Lexi Daly. Every time I try to cover a chipboard letter with paper I think, "why the heck didn't I listen to Lexi?" For goodness sake, the product is only $6.99... it'd be a great stocking stuffer (hint to my husband). Our friends at Eclectic Paperie have them available HERE.


Five things I want to GIVE for Christmas:

1. Grungeboard by Tim Holtz: The latest in coolness... Grungeboard! it's an almost leather-like, bendable, indestructible, chipboard like material. It comes in basic shapes or alphabets... you can get it without texture or with swirls, dots, stripes or a harlequin pattern... it has endless possibilities for embellishing... it takes ink and paints... totally stampable, sewable, scrapable... heck, it might just put a man on the moon. Retail price is between $7.99-19.99 US

2. Paper and Stamps by Bam Pop: Ok... these images aren't for everyone, but personally, I adore them. They have the coolest designs... like nothing else out there. They even came out with an uber-cute little robot plush ($15 US) in time for Christmas (which my 3 year old is getting in his stocking) All of this could go on my own wish list too! Prices vary.

3. Teflon Bone Folder: What would I do without mine! It feels so good to use, leaves no shiny marks on your cards, and works great to burnish on rub-on's. I bought mine from Paper Source. Retails for $15.00

4. Anything bought on Etsy: Heck, if you don't have time to make gifts yourself this year, why not buy some handmade gifts made by others! Etsy has something for everyone on your list. They even have a handy gift guide to help you out!

5. PictureItPostage: What a perfect gift for a card maker... personalized postage! Make custom US postage stamps with your own photos. A perfect gift for a grandparent, college student, new mom, or a fellow card maker! Retails for $17.95 for 20 stamps.

AND... as a fun holiday giveaway, PictureItPostage has generously given us 10 gift codes to give to 10 lucky readers! Just leave a comment on this post and let us know your favorite craft product/tool of 2007. We will select 10 winners at random to receive a gift code from PictureItPostage for a free sheet of US stamps and free postage ($21.95 value). Sorry... US residents only please. Winners will be sellected on Sunday, December 16th at midnight central time.

Edited to add: this contest is closed... please check back tomorrow night to see the winners!

Dear Santa...a papercrafter's list

Reported by Julia Stainton

Dear Santa,

This year I've been a very good girl. Busy crafting all year long, sharing my creativity with my family, friends. You didn't notice the occasional cobweb or dishes in the sink while I was oh so busy, right?

And so...I'd like to ask for a few small items just for me... {wink} OK... I don't expect it all for Christmas. I won't be greedy. But this is called a wish list, not an "I'm actually going to get it" List, right?

1. Bamboo Fun Med digital Drawing Tablet: I've had one of these tablets on my wishlist for months now. So cool...you can use them as a mouse, for drawing, adding notes, just about anything. I'm really looking forward to trying out drawing some images and doing a little digital scrapbooking. It looks like so much fun! This medium sized tablet is priced at $199.0 and you can also purchase the smaller sized version for $99.99. The Bamboo Fun Medium tablet comes with software including Adobe Photoshop Elements, Corel Painter Essentials and Nik Color Efex Pro making it a great value for your money.


2. Spellbinders Nestabilities - I love these Spellbinders Nestabilities dies. The Spellbinders Wizard is a die cutting machine, perfect for crafting. My favorite dies are the scalloped shapes. I have the ovals and squares but I'd really love a set of the circle dies and the rectangle sets as well. These Nestabilities dies are perfectly scaled to fit within each other and come as scalloped and plain shapes that work together. Matting is simple and easy. To make it even better, you can also emboss with these dies making them oh so wonderful! I love circle and scalloped punches but they have their limitations. The Nestabilities take up less space and you can die cut your shape into the design wherever you wish, as long as your surface will fit through your die cut machine. Another wonderful thing is the flexibility of these dies. They work really well with other die-cutting systems if you already own one. Sets retail starting at $24.99

3. True Color Ott Light - I love designing and crafting but oft-times, it can be late at night. Poor lighting can make matching colors difficult...not to mention the strain on your eyes. Ott lights are fabulous lamps that really limit eye strain and the colors stay true as in daylight hours. I'm really hoping Santa will see this list and bring me one for Christmas! Available online, as well as craft stores, these lamps come in a wide variety of styles to choose from. The portable version starts at $79.95 and is easy to take with you. One of these lamps should keep my colors true and keep me designing well into the night.



4. Robin's Nest Dew Drops - I just came across these darling little embellishments a few weeks ago. They are a beautiful embellishments and come in a wide array of colors. This would be a fabulous stocking stuffer and I can think of so many projects I could use these on. I think my biggest problem with these little beauties is which ones to choose! The Robin's Nest Dew Drops are tiny little transparent "pebbles" that are sooooooo pretty. They can be added to flower centers, adhered to a design and used in the same instances you would use brads or eyelets or used as water droplets on design. The Dew Drops are packaged in nail-polish style bottles and are easy to attach to your design with clear adhesive. My friend Ellen actually counted them for me. At more than 560 dew drops per bottle, this is a seriously fabulous and inexpensive embellishment at $4.99 a bottle.


5. May Arts ribbon - OK yes...I have lots of this. I'll admit it. But for a ribbon addict like me, you can never have enough! The wide variety of ribbons available from May Arts just keeps me coming back for more. May Arts ribbon is available for purchase from many on-line and retail stores and retails at $1.50 for 3 yards and up.Beautiful rich colors, velvets, double-sided ribbons, irridescent, ric rak...a stocking full of this ribbon would be absolutely fabulous for Christmas this year. Hmmmm...I wonder just how much ribbon you can get in one stocking....


Things to give...

I'm sharing some of my favorite items that would make super gifts if you still have some shopping to do. Ranging from rather expensive to perfect for the stocking...these items come highly recommended by me. :) Products I use almost daily and would not want to be without.

1. Rebel XT digital SLR camera - I just adore this camera. I honestly don't know where to begin. This camera has so many fabulous features. I love the digital SLR version, the lenses and accessories perfectly work together with my original Rebel SLR camera. I love the flexibility. I can change my lenses, my settings, the camera can work in a total automatic mode or if I want to take it up a bit, use a variety of manual settings. If you've never used a digital SLR camera, you will be amazed at the speed you can take photos at. My original digital camera was quite an expensive point and shoot style camera. I was so frustrated with it. I have small children and just could never get the hang of getting it to focus before they were off doing something else. You know how fast those little ones move! My suggestion is...visit your local camera store and try it out. They can explain all the features to you.


2. Tonic Paper Trimmer: My Tonic Paper Cutter is probably my most used tool. I love it! Clean, professional cuts, this paper cutter is easy to use and is portable to boot! If you hate continually purchasing refill blades or getting raggedy looking edges, this cutter is for you. I was so impressed to find that this trimmer can slice off just the slightest sliver of paper if you need the smallest of changes to the size of your layer. To be honest...when trying out this paper trimmer, I was a little concerned with how sharp it would be. I have small children in the house and craft near their play area. While this trimmer cuts cleanly, it is not sharp. I actually tried it out on my finger and was really pleased that it was very safe. Additional features of comfort grip handles, safety guards, a handle, convenient storage on the reverse side and even a 13" cutting surface that makes this trimmer friendly for those scrapbooking papers with a title on the edge. This trimmer is exceptionally well engineered. Smaller and larger versions of this trimmer are available as well. This portable 12" trimmer sells for approximately $38.99

3. Crop-a-dile: This We R Memory Keepers tool took the crafting industry by storm a few seasons ago. It's bright pink comfort grip handles and super heavy duty construction have papercrafters dusting off their eyelets and snaps and putting them back into their designs. I just love the flexibility of the tool. It is so easy to set eyelets and snaps in various sizes silently without strain. I have quite a few friends with wrist and hand difficulties and they have all had great success in using this product. The Crop-a-dile is now also available in green with a case for storage and portability. The Crop-a-dile is available on-line and in craft stores everywhere and retails at approximately $29.99 If you decide to purchase this tool, you won't want to miss the We R Memory Keepers Designer Eyelets and Snaps that are gorgeous embellishments and will make this present extra special.

4. Autumn Leaves Buttons - Buttons are so hot right now and so easy to add to crafting projects. Scrapbooking, cards, altered items, sewing projects...you name it, you'll find buttons. I love the texture and color they add to a design and buttons are super easy to group together for a bold look. Paired up with stitching, real or faux, buttons look fabulous. One of my recent favorite finds is this great Bag-O-Buttons from the foof-a-la line by Autumn Leaves. Each bag contains 6 oz. of beautiful buttons in coordinating colors in large variety of sizes. They come in a convenient little plastic bag that is resealable, very portable and easy to store. These buttons are sold in three color lines for $6.00 each. Mini versions of these packages are also available in other color lines at a lower price making it easy to fill in those little spaces in a Christmas stocking.

5. Rhinestone Singles: Bling, bling, bling...what is Christmas without a little sparkle?! I love these little packages of rhinestones. Perfect for adding to projects, they add just the right touch of sparkle. Easy to apply, these rhinestone Singles by Me and My Big Ideas, come in single color packs of varying sizes. In fact, each package contains ninety-six rhinestones. These embellishments are high quality, have a great sparkle and their multi-faceted shape is still slim enough to use on scrapbooks and card designs without adding a lot of bulk. With names like Fern, Poppy, Iris, Freesia, Hibiscus... I just couldn't resist buying one of each. These Rhinestone Singles packages retail for $3.99 and can be found in crafting stores or on-line. If Santa needs a little extra something to slide right into a stocking, this is a great little product to fill that hole.

Whatever you decide to buy and whatever Santa brings you this year...I wish you all the merriest of Christmases!

My Crafty Christmas List

Reported by Melissa Norris

Here are some of the crafty things I would love to see under my tree this year.

1. Copic Markers: Yes, I want on that band wagon. Actually after trying them out at CHA this summer I knew I needed to have them. I don't really know what's not to love about them. The things I love most; non-toxic (good when you have a 2 year old running around), refillable (less waste in our landfills), replaceable nibs (which can get smushed over time), and double ended. They dry super fast, blend easily, and don't cause your paper to pill as you layer the colors. There are 3 types of marker and tons of colors, so your bound to find what you need. Individual Ciao markers retail for $3.95 and Sketch for $5.95. There are also many types of sets to help you get a variety of colors.

2. Nestabilities: Another bandwagon here. But these wonderful dies really are a great example about how this industry is constantly changing and improving. For crafters like me, who have an issue with space in their home, these are a must. They are affordable, compact, and come in a great variety of shapes and styles. Sets start at $24.99

3. Bind it All: This is another product that I got to try out a CHA and loved. I've actually been making my own books, of sorts, since college. I worked in the campus copy center and we had several binding machines so I would make notebooks, address books, and more. To be able to do this in my own home would be a joy for me. It would definitely get lots of use, and it doesn't take up much space, which is a definite plus. The Bind It All retails for $59.99

4. Prismacolor Pencil Sharpener: I love using my Prismacolor colored pencils to color my stamped images, but unfortunately, I don't have a good artist quality sharpener and the tips on my pencils break a lot. Which basically means, I'm going to have to buy more pencils. But the Prismacolor sharpener is designed to work with the soft cores of the Prismacolor pencils. And it's small, so it will fit perfectly in my bag. And with a retail price of $3.99, it's the perfect stocking stuffer (a long with a few more pencils, if anyone is asking).

5. Paper Crafts Magazine Subscription: I already get quite a few magazines in the mail, but none are crafty. I would love to get a magazine full of crafty inspiration in my mailbox. This definitely seems like a good place to start, especially since it's the one I find myself being drawn to most when I visit Barnes & Noble. A year subscription (8 issues) is $15.97.

These things rock and would be a great gift for the crafter in your life!

1. Gelly Roll Stardust Clear pen by Sakura: I'm pretty sure I use this pen on every project I make. I'm definitely a glitter girl and this pen adds that little touch of sparkle wherever you need it. And they come in a two pack, so keep one on your desk, and one in your tote. Or keep one for yourself and give one two a friend. Two pack retails for $3.99.

2. ProvoCraft Acrylic Block Set: With unmounted rubber and acrylic stamps becoming so popular, everyone needs a set of acrylic blocks to mount them on. This set by ProvoCraft is a good starter. It contains 4 blocks in a variety of sizes and comes in a neat little case to store them all in. It's a perfect set for taking to a crop or swap. They are a good size thickness too, very easy to hold. Retails around $15.99.

3. Cuttlebug-Yes, you really do need the Cuttlebug. The ability to use other brands dies as well as it's own, do a great job embossing, and a small cute design, makes this affordable product on every crafters wish or favorite tool list. But hey, you already know all the reasons you need it, if you don't own it already. Retails for $69.99

4. Martha Stewart Glitter: I am falling even more in love with this stuff. This is a top notch product from the Martha Stewart Crafts line. With a ton of colors and retailing for $4.99, this glitter should be in everyones craft room. It comes in coarse and fine varieties, and even comes in sets with glittering glue. And one bottle can last a long time. It can be purchased at Michael's stores or MarthaStewartCrafts.com

5. Paper Pretties Subscription: Paper Pretties is a subcription kit club. Featuring stamps from Stamping Bella, My Favorite Things, and Rubber Romance, the Paper Pretties kits come with all you need to make 6 cards (and usually several more). You get cardstock, designer papers, embellishments, and more, plus a design to follow. The monthly kit retails for $39.95. They also feature a Copic Marker club featuring 6 markers a month for $36.00 or a Nestabilities club featuring 1 set of dies (5-7 dies) a month for $30.00. All kits require a 6 month subscription. Your membership also includes access to members only sales, swaps, and contests, a discount at the corner store, access to the clubs Yahoo Group, a gallery to display your work in, and a RAK club. All the details are on the website, you won't be disappointed.

Well, that's what I want, and what I have. I hope everyone has a happy holidays!

It's All About the Presents!

Reported by Lexi Daly

Well, not really. But they are an added bonus! It's so much fun to give and receive this time of year, especially when paper crafting supplies are involved. Here are my top five wishes...

1. Scor-Pal. So many people love it and anything that makes card making and paper crafting easier is perfect for me! There are several pre-measured grooves to help score any project. Price: $39.95






2. Paper Crafts subscription. Lots of fresh new ideas at my fingertips. I pick it up all the time, so how cool would it be to get it in my mailbox automatically--a gift that keeps on giving! Price: $15.97











3. Nestabilities Dies. I've tested them out with just one set and now I need the rest! These little dies pack a huge punch and I know every stamper wants them. Price: $24.99 and up









4. Stamp & Cruise 2008. I would love to be able to post this image on my blog--and have a spot on the cruise. How much fun would it be to rub shoulders with the Nichole Heady, Gina K and Emmabella--not to mention all the other blogging stampers already sporting the logo! Just think of the creative energy floating around on that ship. Price: $100 deposit, $859 and up

5. New stamps! Yes, I have a lot of stamps, but there are always fresh, new images that I don't have. A Muse, Elzybells, Papertrey Ink, Bellas, Gina K--so many stamps, so little time! Stamps or gift certificates for stamps would be a perfect gift for any stamper! prices to fit any budget!


It really *is* all about the giving. And giving something you love makes it even more fun. Here are a few of my tried and true faves...

1. Atyou Spica Glitter Pens. Every project could use a little sparkle and these add the perfect amount--in color! Pair them with Copic markers and your coloring will be top notch. Price: $2.99 each, $32.49 for the set

2. Swarovski Flat Back Crystals. My "mini jewel" of choice. They are so very sparkly and come in a variety of sizes and colors, although clear is my personal favorite and matches everything! Price: $4.99





3. Sizzix BIGkick. I love my die cutting machine. It's sturdy, easy to use and always at the ready! (Of course, I can always use new dies to roll through--see above!) Price: $129.99










4. Ott-Lite. I am a midnight crafter, so my "lite" gets a lot of use. The more natural glow helps me pick colors that won't look totally different by day. Price: $79.95 (often on sale!)









5. A Muse 2008 calendar. Proceeds benefit scleroderma research and you can download it right to your computer and print it as many times as you want. Create one for yourself and a lot more for gifts and know that your gift is reaching someone else at the same time! Price: $3.00 donation

Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas!
:) Lexi

Just What I Wanted!

Reported by Donna Lannerd

OK, is it really wrong to want a super expensive sewing machine over a pair of 2 carat diamond earrings? Of course, I wouldn't really want my husband to pick out the sewing machine. I'm much too picky for that to go well. Plus, it's a personal test-driving product that is best done by yourself or at least with one of your creative friends who shares that same crafting personality trait with you. Therefore, I won't put the super-charged, it-can-do-everything sewing machine on my list but I will tell you about 5 other items that I would love to have under the tree.

5 Things I Need (yes need!)

The Cuttlebug: You've seen it discussed here at Craft Critique and I've seen it in action thanks to friends and I can't stop thinking about it. It die-cuts and it embosses and it's easy to use. I just know I would make all my holiday cards if I had this little puppy helping me out. I would, I really would...well at least most of them.

TrueColor™ 18 Watt Lexington Floor Lamp: I already have the small task lamp but would love to have this beautiful floor size for the living room to help me to see what I'm working on while spending time with the family. It is so nice that they make these to be beautiful as well as functional. $269.95

Quilting Arts Magazine Subscription: I buy this on the newsstand for almost every issue and I sometimes will order back issues if I miss one. Not really all that economical. The photography in this magazine is amazing and I love the ideas that burst from the pages. $32.95 1 year/6 issues (single issue newsstand price $7.99)

Jane's Hothouse Garden fabric collection from Jane Sassaman: This newly released cotton fabric collection oozes with vibrant colors and contemporary images of the artist's work. Yes, I want the whole collection. Approximately $8-10/yard

Electric Quilt Six: Even if you don't quilt you would have a hard time stop making virtual quilts. There are even some Internet groups out there that just make virtual quilts from EQ6. I used to have EQ5 but it didn't like my new computer. I made lots of those virtual quilts but I did design and finish a real one. Even paper crafters can use this to come up with interesting designs using their papers instead of fabric. $149.95

Now here are a few things that I have that would be great to give to others.

Beading on Fabric, Encyclopedia of Bead Stitch Techniques by Larkin Jean Van Horn: I love this book! A great place to start if you want to begin adding beads to fabric. The photography and diagrams are first-rate. The big plus on this book is it is spiral bound and will lie flat while you are using it to learn those new techniques. $21.95

Ott True Color Task Lamp: I've written about this lamp here at Craft Critique before as one item I can't live without and if you can't afford the bigger models yet this is a great one to start with and you can find them on sale for around $40-$50. Suggested retail is $79.95.

Quilters Cut N Press II. This is the large of the Cut N Press models. It is 12" x 18" and has a convenient handle for portability and is great for small spaces. I use this all the time. It is a cutting mat on one side and pressing surface on the other. You can take it anywhere. I've even pressed small items of clothing on this instead of getting out the big ironing board. $32.99

Colorfast Inkjet Fabric Sheets: Another great product from June Tailor. These are 8 1/2" x 11" paper-backed fabric sheets that you insert into your printer just like regular paper. They come in white and cream. They allow you to print your photos directly to fabric and sew them into your projects. They also now have ones that you print on and then fuse to your ready-made item if you don't sew. I haven't tried these ones out yet but I will. 3 pak $12.99

Bead & Button, Ribbon & Felt Jewelry: I just got this yummy book a couple of weeks ago so I haven't made anything out of it yet but the projects seem simple to master but look gorgeous just like the photography though out the pages. The diagrams are also great by integrating color for easier instruction. $19.95

Holiday Gift Giving Ideas

Reported By: Colleen Schaan

I have a love/hate relationship with the holidays. I LOVE to give gifts...I love to see someone get really excited about finding something cool inside a beautifully wrapped package. But I HATE the struggle of finding that something cool that would be the perfect gift.

If you have a crafter on your gift list this holiday...here are some things that might be appreciated. (The first five are things that I really want this year...and the last five are things that I already own and highly recommend.)

I would LOVE these things...
1. Copic Markers - Copic markers are the latest craze in the stamping world. They are artist grade markers that come in over 300 colors. If you are a coloring fanatic, you NEED these markers. Set of 12 approx $72

2. Spellbinders Nestabilities - Another huge craze taking the paper crafting world by storm. (Can you say...jumping on the bandwagon?) Spellbinders embossing and cutting dies come in a variety of shapes and sized...and the cool thing...they work in most cutting/embossing systems. Approx. $24 for a set of 7 dies - get a discount for buying in grouped sets.

3. Clip It Up - A cool new storage system for organizing just about anything! Get those embellishments out of your drawers and into plain site! Approx. $60 for the base tier.

4. Basic Grey 6x6 Paper Pads - Fresh and funky designs from Basic Grey sized down to 6x6 specifically for card making. There's nothing basic or gray about Basic Grey! Approx. $5.99 per pack.

5. One Stroke Painting Kit - Learn Donna Dewberry's revolutionary One Stroke painting technique with any of these cool kits...all the supplies you need to create beautiful tole paintings. Approx. $40.

I already LOVE these things...
1. Big Shot - Since Ellison Designs merged with Sizzix, the Big Shot is now called the Big Kick... This die cutting and embossing machine is quick and easy to use! (Read my review of the Big Shot HERE) Approx $50

2. Prismacolor Pencils - Artist quality colored pencils that have pigment cores. Lays down color smoothly and easily. Blends beautifully! Sold individually or in sets. Set of 24 approx $25 - $30.

3. Watercolor Crayons - Stampin' Up! offers a set of 48 watercolor crayons to coordinate with their exclusive color families. Soft, rich color that is blendable with water or blender pens. Create gorgeous watercolor effects! Sets of 12 approx. $20.

4. Fiskars Office Rotary Cutter - A 12 inch rotary cutter that has interchangable blades and corner pockets for blade storage. A cut above the rest! Read my review HERE. Approx. $40.

5. Draw Today Drawing Kit - A complete kit by Art Skills that will teach how to look at things in a totally different way to be able to see what is really there...and then teach you how to draw it! Approx. $50.

There are so many great crafting products out there...it is sometimes hard to know what to get. I hope MY wish list was able to help a bit. Happy Holidays!

My holiday gift picks

Reported by Heather Strenzwilk

Ah the holidays- a time for gathering and making memories... By the time the first gift is unwrapped, most crafters have already spent numerous hours making gifts, wrapping/ packaging gifts and designing holiday cards, invitations and thank you notes. No wonder we are so tired after the holidays!

On my wish list:

1) Texture Effects for Rubber Stamping by Nancy Curry- this is my favorite rubber stamping book hands down. The reason- Nancy clearly explains multiple techniques that employ supplies that you probably already own (or can easily find at a chain craft store.) I was able to get many of the techniques to work on the first try (immediate gratification!) MSRP: $22.99

2) Clever Lever Giga Craft Punch by Marvy- the scallop edge punches have taken the crafting world by storm! The oval is a must have so if you give this at a gift exchange, prepare for a riot! MSRP: $17.99

3) Twinkling H2O's- these sparkling watercolors have been around for a while but they are still a great way to add a little sparkling color to your project. The metallic set is my favorite because it works well with any color scheme plus the names are so unique (Scarab Beetle, Indian Copper, etc). MSRP: 6pack- $19.20

4) Bind-it-All by Zutter- this machine has intrigued me since its debut. I am crazy about handmade journals and the wire bound journals I have seen made by this machine are stunning. MSRP: $59.99

5) Technique Junkie Newsletter subscription- Pat Huntoon's bi-monthly color newsletter is full of new and exciting techniques for stampers and scrappers. Subscribers also get access to an online discussion group and private gallery. 7 issues $19.95


What I recommend as great gifts to give:

1) Softouch Scissors by Fiskars- quite simply these are my favorite scissors (and my family's favorites)- we own 5 pairs! MSRP: $9.99-17.99

2) The Nick Bantock Ink collection by Ranger- this special collection of 12 signature color ink pads come in unique square tin cases. MSRP: $3.49 pad/ $2.99 reinker

3) ColorBox Fluid Chalk Cat's Eyes Ink Pads by Clearsnap- these are my favorite inks because of their wide color selection and chalk-like finish. Matching reinkers would be a great gift too! MSRP: $2.19 pad/ $3.49 reinker

4) A Japanese Book Drill is a must have tool in my craft area- able to make clean holes in a variety of surfaces including chipboard, shrink plastic and leather. Check the archives for my review of the tool here. MSRP: $49.99 (includes 5 bits)

5) Kai Scissors (especially the 4 inch size) are very handy for trimming unmounted rubber stamps or other detail work. These would be a great stocking stuffer or secret sis gift. MSRP: $12.99 and up (various sizes available)


That wraps up my gift picks for 2007- and when in doubt there are always gift certificates!

All I want for Christmas is...

Reported by Heidi Kingery

Although I am up to ears in wonderful stamps, paper, do dads, ink, and way too many other things to mention, there are still a few things that are calling my name this season!!! So, here is my top 5 list!

5. More Palette Hybrid inks! I have a few and love being able to stamp on anything! There are 36 basic colors available and they retail for $6.

4. A million dollar gift certificate to Papertrey Ink so I can buy Nicole's new stamp sets every month until I die! Man, can that woman please the people with her designs. The stamps are made from the highest quality acrylic and stored in CD cases. A win on every level!

3. Bind it All! Do I really need it? No, but do I want it? Yes! The Bind it All retails for $59 and does all the punching and binding for any project. And has a lifetime warranty!

2. New Cuttlebug embossing folders and dies. There are tons of new styles out and I need them! They retail for $4.99 and are a must have for cardmakers like me!

1. Spellbinders Nestabilities dies! MUST HAVE! I know you've seen the reviews and know what they do! The small sets retail for $24.99 and the large combo sets for $79.99. Just imagine being able to get rid of all those punches!

Like I mentioned previously, I love all of the goodies that are stacked up on my desk! Some are used a little, some are used a lot. This next list are my favorites! Don't know what I'd do without 'em, gotta have 'em, if I can't find 'em I'll cry favorites. Read with caution!

5. Stamps!! With individual stamps and sets ranging from $1.00 to...well as high as you want to go, stamps are a perfect gift. And don't forget to save the scraps from trimming them, you can use those for your pop dots! 2 for 1 deal!

4. Titanium Cutter Bee scissors. Pink to be exact. The smooth operators are just what the doctor ordered for those hard to reach corners and I think this is the first pair of scissors (other than the previous Cutter Bee's I owned) that actually cut with the entire length of the scissors. Yes, it's true. If you don't believe me, go buy a pair and try them out yourself! These retail for $9.99 and are the perfect size to fit in a stocking!

3. My Crop-a-Dile! I still wonder how I ever survived without my Crop-a-Dile. I sit and stare at my eyelets wondering how lonely and useless they felt before my pink handled pal came along. Oh, and did I mention it can punch holes in just about anything? Trust me, I've tried! It's available in pink, green, purple (through HSN) or black (through Stampin' Up) and can also now be purchased with a matching case with 400 eyelets included. The individual Crop-a-Dile retails for $26.99 and the green with a case for $34.99. And if you know someone who already owns the Crop-a-Dile, you can buy just the matching case and eyelets for the pink one for $11.99.

2. Tombow glue! How can I describe my love for this glue and adhesive? I just simply can't! I have tried about every adhesive on the market and while some are very nice, nothing compares to the strong hold and ease of use as the Tombow! Available in a varitety of styles, from tape runners to glue sticks, to liquid glue, you are sure to find the right one for you.

1. My Sizzix. Although she's older, I still love her just the same. I love how you can use the thick dies all the way down to the paper thin Quickutz! Yes, she's heavy, but she's my machine!

So, there you have it. A little peek inside my mind. And believe me, more than a peek could be harmful to your health! Make a list of what you want for Christmas! Just make sure everything I mentioned is on it! {wink}