Back To School Challenge By Chriss Hird

"Its the most wonderful time of the year!" I can hear the commercial in my head now! We've had a lovely summer, but by this time both my kids and myself are ready for structure again. They can't wait to get back to school, soccer, dance and all other scheduled events that September brings!

So my eldest daughter is off to Grade Four this year! She's no longer a Primary, but an Intermediate now! She's very excited, and one of the things she's looking forward to is her new array of school supplies. Gone are the crayons and paint discs, in with the calculators and math sets! Oh, and of course...BINDERS!


But of course she doesn't want just an ordinary blue or red binder. No! She needs fancy binders! I so understand this need, I think its a girl thing! So off I go to Walmart to buy her binders, only to find they cost anywhere between $10 - $20...EACH! Um, yeah...I don't think so. So whats a penny-pinching, scrappy mama to do? That's right, she's now got custom made fancy binders!

I so enjoyed making these for her, I kinda want one for myself now! Again, I pulled out my trusty Cricut to make the cute images and titles. This one uses the Once Upon A Princess cartridge.

Isn't she cute?! I used Bazzil Basics Swiss Dot Cardstock, My Mind's Eye Quite Contrary Collection, Maya Road Ribbon, in addition to some miscellaneous ribbon, and Queen & Co. buttons.


These sweet BFF's are my fave! They're so adorable! Cricut's Create-A-Critter cartridge provides you with these little cuties, plus many many more.

This binder also uses My Mind's Eye Quite Contrary paper in addition to October Afternoon's Hometown Line. So last year, I know, but it totally works! I added a little bling..and presto!

The backs of the binders are personalized with a little message for my daughter.


...and of course the close-up...


So if you don't really want to spend the big bucks but are prepared to spend a little time, you can create fabulous, unique school supplies for your kids too. I hope I've inspired you to pull out your stash and send a little something special along in the backpacks this September!

"All Things Animal" by Cari Locken

Hi there!

Hope you've had a great week. I admit that I'm thankful that it's Friday because I love the weekends. I like all of us being together especially after a busy weekend.

My challenge this month was to create a project about animals. So as I was tidying up the boys' bedroom and making their beds I came across a gazillion stuff animals everywhere and thought that I would document on a layout about just a few of them.

Here's my layout about my youngest child's 1st stuffed animals and how he has become very fond of one in particular. (and believe me, it shows!!!)

Supplies used: October Afternoon papers, Core'dinations Cardstock, Basic Grey chipboard alpha, other chipboard (flowers, large label & heart) by Fancy Pants, buttons (Chatterbox), Fiskars border punch, corner rounded punch (EK Success)

I'd love to see what you come up with using the theme of animals. The possibilities are truly endless so have fun!! And ... have a great long weekend!!!