2014 New Home Finance Binder

While sitting here preparing my bills one day I saw that it was easy for me to do, because I made it up.  But if something happened and I needed someone to take over that job for me, it would be alittle difficult.  So I decided to make up a new system that would be super easy to follow.  I wanted to keep this process simple but effective so I only used three main sections.  The calendar, the checkbook and the utilities (all bills).  I also included a pocket to all things mailing, another section for reciepts, a flyleaf full of assorted sticky notes, and the final sections for "Bills to be paid", "Bills Paid".  I started using this system this month and can not believe how easy it flows.  I have also showed my husband and sons where I keep the binder and how it works.  I listed the supplies that I used to make this binder below.



Supplies:
Binder - (Walmarts) PlanAhead 11 X 13.25 Binder
Pencil Holder - (Target) I used 2
Sticky Notes - (Staples) Martha Stewart assorted styles
Page Protectors - (Staples) Heavy Duty
Dividers - (Deals) File Folder 3 pack
2 Pocket Folder - (Staples) Oxford
Calendar - www.calendarlabs.com
Check Register - Family Life Credit Services Check Register Template

Margaret

Cuttlebug - Helpful Hints and Tricks

I wanted to share with you all the different ways that I use my Cuttlebug, from cutting the wafer thin dies to cutting the Sizziz Bigz dies.  There are so many different materials that you can cut depending on the dies you are using. There may be slight  differences depending on the weight of the material used.  But here is the general guideline.
Spellbinder Nestabilities (Sizzix Thinlite and QuicKutz to cut):
   Cut - (always cut before embossing)
             A - B - die (ridge side down) - C
   Emboss -
             A - B - die (ridge side up with cardstock (CS)in place) - rubber mat - shim - B

Sizzix:
   Regular or Bigz ( if using the long Bigz you need the long B plates only)-  B - B - CS - die
   Long Sizzlites - (use extended spacer plates) A - B - CS - die - B

Embossing:
   Cuttlebug Folder - A - B - folder with CS - B



Margaret

2014 Easy Valentine's Day Card

I wanted to share with you a really easy Valentine's Day card using only a few items. I started out with a premade card base that I purchased from Michael's last year after Valentine's Day.  I already had the "hugs and kisses" 3D stickers in my stash but you could use a stamp instead.  All that I purchased were the multi heart sticker pack from a local dollar store.  I also used adhesive foam dots to the back of the two small pink hearts before I applied the powder to make them non sticky.  I plan to stamp my sentiment on the inside of the card.

Margaret

How To: Purse Charms

I wanted to share with you how I made my purse charms.  I am in no way an expert, this is just how I made mine.

Tools Needed:

     Chain Nose Pliers

     Round Nose Pliers

     Flush Cutters

     Micro Crimping (you don't need these just another tool to help twist the jump rings open) 

Supplies Needed:
     Jump Rings
     Head Pins
     Eye Pins
     Chain
     Lobster Clasps

This is the way to start off your purse charm.  I use one or three chains.  If you want more chains just add another jump ring with a chain.  Different length chains work best.

This is how I made each charm, then I used jump rings to add them to my chain.

Margaret

My Online Binder 2014

I just wanted to share with you how I am organizing my binder for my online activity.  My new inserts that I am adding are my "Monthly Task Tracker", "Monthly Goals", "Blog Post Planner", and my "Youtube Video Planner".  I am hoping that this will keep me a little more productive.  I got the idea for my Monthly Task Tracker from a sheet that I saw from "DIYfish".  Hers are different and so much more detailed I just used a part of it as a base for mine.  The new calendar pages are different from the ones I had in 2013, these have more space.  Decorating them are so much fun, I just have to remember to use flat embellishments, don't want to add any extra bulk.  Please feel free to use any of my ideas and please share anything exciting you come up with.




Margaret