T is for Tags

If you've been keeping up with my posts as of late, you have probably read about my latest business venture with Creative Memories. *happy sigh* I think I love them even more now as a Consultant, than before when I was just a customer. I really don't want this blog to turn into a plug for my business, so I will try and limit the amount of posts I have about them.


In this case, I couldn't let this go without sharing it with my fellow money-savers, penny-pinchers, new uses for old thing-ers? ;)


There is this gadget called the TAG MAKER. Oh my word... let me show you how it works and then I promise to explain how it will be a blessing to you all.

Obviously, it's a shape maker that.... makes tags. You insert some heavy cardstock, or scrapbook paper, and out comes a cute tag.

Then, you insert the top of the tag into another slot, and you've got a hole to string ribbon, jute, twine, or whatever you want through it. Simple, right?

Well, this little guy usually goes for $27. BUT, through the month of July (and that is ending very soon) it has been marked at 15% off. That's $20.25 for this tag-for-all-occasions maker!!


For some of you who are thinking, "why do I need a tag maker?" Let me give you some insight into how this will help you save $. You can use it to create tags for:


1) kids' presents (because children don't appreciate a $3 card anyway)
2) CHRISTMAS TAGS (hello! no more itty bitty tiny little stickers. Now the whole families name can fit on there)
3) labels for your herbs/cleaning products/etc.
4) backpack IDs (once you laminate them)
5) VALENTINES DAY exchange cards for kids 
6) and of course, scrapbooking!


Honestly, I know you clever bloggers can come up with more uses. The possibilities are endless once you have the perfect paper to fit the occasion. Personally, when I think of all the kid birthdays we are invited to (church, neighbors, school, family, friends), this gadget pays for itself in one month. Just look at what a friend of mine did with the tag maker:

She created an advent calender for her kids! This tag maker has been a huge hit at my home parties and after purchasing one for myself, I knew I had to share it with you. I'm sorry I took so long to do so. The 15% off sale ends this weekend!  

As an added bonus, just because I love my bloggers so much, I'll throw in an extra gift to the first 3 people who purchase one through my site:


http://www.mycmsite.com/sites/amandarodriguez1


Here is the link to get straight to the shape maker:
http://www.mycmsite.com/sites/amandarodriguez1/Content/Shop/Product.aspx?sku=637571&path=/Hierarchy/Paper%20Scrapbooking/Tools/Cropping%20Tools/Makers%20and%20Punches

Please send me a message too, telling me you processed the order, just in case they come in, out of order. Remember, the first 3 who purchase a tag maker 1) through my site and 2) before July is over, will get an EXTRA GIFT from me. 

OK, there's my small plug. :) Have a great weekend! I've got a home party and then, nothing but home projects. WooHoo!

Organizing My Craft Area: The Frugal Way

May I just say:

GO PACKERS!!!

That has been my team since I was a little girl and I feel like a proud Mama right now.

WOO HOO! SUPER BOWL BABY!

Okay, I'm done. Glad I got that out.

I have been having so much fun reading about the projects bloggers did during the MLK weekend. I really wish I had some fantastic craft to share, but in truth, I spent that weekend cleaning and organizing.

Our three bedroom home is maxed out with four occupants, so I don't have the luxury of having an office or craft room, like some of my lucky blog buddies. No, my craft room is downsized to compartments on wheels that I push into whichever room the kids aren't climbing over me in I feel like working in.

Observe, my craft drawers:

and...

and in the end, I counted 42 of these:

Do these things annoy anyone else? I mean, you spill half the paint by just opening and closing them. Then, you can't pour any of it onto a plate for little hands, because what's the point?! I really didn't want to designate a spot for these, so I opened them all and with a stack of papers let these two go to town:

 Monday morning, painting before breakfast: a treat for them

Getting rid of those pointless drops of paint: a treat for me

While the little ones were occupied, I was able to organize and label my craft drawers:

I printed my labels and taped them to the inside (frugal way)

Inside the drawers, I separated all my markers, pens, pencils, highlighters, sharpies, and crayons with freezer bags (this post is called "The Frugal Way" after all, people).

I prefer this method because boxes take up too much room. I had all our crayons in 3 empty wipe boxes. There was always a box in the kitchen, the living room, and in my older daughter's room. Now, they are all together in ONE location so they can be found easier. By the way, the OCD in me went and threw out all the crayons that were broken or missing the paper. ;)

I did use a couple of boxes though. Office Depot was having a buy one, get one free sale. So, I grabbed two small boxes ($2.99) for my ribbon and paint (the real kind).

Then, I grabbed two file folder boxes, $5.99, that were also buy one get one free. One I really needed for files and the other one will probably be used to store all my spray paint.

Total Project Cost: less than $10

Linking up with: Thrifty Decor Chick, Organize with Sandy