Best scrap booking cutter there is

The latest version of Bosskut gazelle cutter is currently on preorder sale for only $419 at www.Bosskut.com and comes with extras like extra blades and vinyl cutting blades plus an extra cutting mat.  They don't stop their either.  I spoke with Terri at Bosskut today (yep you can actually talk to a live person) she said this version also comes with $100 worth of Bosskut designs that they sell on the web site, this is in addition to the 700 designs that come with the software Funtime III.

Now you can't sell the digital design, they are copyrighted, but you can cut them and lay them out any way you choose and sell the work you did with this machine.  You can't do that with Winnie the Pooh characters, they are totally protected and you would have to buy an expensive license to sell any work featuring those characters.

BossKut extended the pre order sale, but it probably won't go on for more than a few days. Then the bonus package goes away and the price goes up. The capabilities of the latest version of the gazelle are second to none, toptenreviews.com rated them in the number two spot, but there is no comparing this machine to the number one cutter because the price of the number one cutter is much higher.

The black cat cougar has been called the gold standard of electronic die cutting machines but the price I saw was $740) plus their customer service is not rated as highly as Bosskut's, so if you need a machine that doesn't have a few of the bells and whistles that the cougar does, buy the Bosskut gazelle. I highly recommend it from spending hours on the web doing research into forums and reading what scrap booking enthusiast have to say.

You can read the top ten article on cutting machines at toptenreviews.

I was so impressed by what I have read and learned that my boyfriend will be buying me one as a Christmas present. I tried my best to convince him to buy it on the pre-order sale, but he is kind of funny about money. I would buy it myself but I have invested all of my money in a vegan skin care business. Selling online is tough especially for hand made artisans.

I asked Terri what were all of the materials were that the BossKut gazelle could cut and she said she wasn't sure because they haven't tested the machine on every material it might be able to cut. I just sort of laughed and said okay, what materials do you know it can cut. Of course it can cut cardstock and vinyl, in addition it can cut chip board, thin acrylic (thin means less than 1 mm thick), magnet sheets, shrink dink (never heard of that one before), it can also engrave thin metals.

It is a printer, cutter, engraver and embossing machine all in one. I probably have missed some features. I will be encouraging Terri to add any comments about anything that I may have missed.

Christmas in July collections

Here are some really gorgeous collections of item to help you celebrate Christmas in July. The best part is that you can buy these right now and many of them are at sale prices on Artfire.com search for coupon code CIJ2012.

Great gifts from bath and beauty
My leave the stuffing alone collection
Christmas Decor collection
Christmas in July Specials
Christmas in July reds
Wonderful Christmas in July gifts
Beautiful handcrafted gift ideas
Christmas in July treats and treasures
Christmas in July treats
Christmas in July ideas
Off to Grandmas for Christmas In July
Christmas in July specials
Dreaming of a white Christmas
More Christmas in July gift ideas
One more Christmas in July collection
July the 4th collection
Great deals on July the 5th
More wonderful gift ideas
Handmade Earrings
Have you red about Christmas in July?
Adorable Christmas in July Treasures
Don't forget the stocking stuffers
A gift for everyone
I red about Christmas in July

More will be added over the next week or so. Most sales are from July 1st  through July 31st.

Christmas In July Coupon Bash at Artfire.com

Most shops are starting their participation in this event on July 1, 2012.  The coupon code agreed upon by all participants is CIJ2012.  The value of the coupon code varies from shop to shop as well as the items the coupon code is good for.  Each coupon code is unique to that particular shop.

All participants are handmade artisans.  Following is a list of shops that have currently agreed to be part of this Christmas in July bash, the list includes the main types of items you can find at these shops.

kraftylady - hats, handbags, Christmas decorations and other items, plus some knitted wire jewelry

bohowirewrapped - specializing in wire wrapped jewelry, pendants, braclets, earrings, necklaces

Botanicalsforbeauty - vegan skin care products, essential oils for your pleasure

Clearwater Creations - oven mitts, place mats, pot holders, baby items, wedding items, plus Christmas and winter items

Angela's adornments-necklaces, pendants, bracelets, rings, earrings, fiber and polymer jewelry

Catluff-handmade bags, Indian beads and spices, appliques and handmade meows

Lindab142 -bridal jewelry, Jewish jewelry, keychains, madhatsandmore-vintage as in jewelry, purses, hats and decor

glittercritter -charms, wire wrapped gemstones, sterling silver earrings

Seabreezejewels -pedants, bracelets, necklaces, anklets, rings, hair
accessories, and bookmarks

Cedarcreek soaps -handmade soaps, lip balms, body butter, bath salts and teas, body scrubs, bath bomb cupcakes and gift sets

Ginger's Garden - some of the most beautiful soaps and soap flowers, lotions, lip balms, fragrances and body sprays

JRs pillows and bags-pillows, pillow covers, tote bags, purses and Christmas stockings

Christie Cottage-patterns, pin cushions, headbands, holiday items, coasters, cards, magnets, decor

luvncrafts-afghans, bookmarks, cross stitch, gift tags, hats, jewelry, note cards, scarfs and more

TundraStuff-embroidered Mittens featuring the Badgers, Vikings and Packers

Thesingingbeader-necklaces and chokers, jewelry sets, anklets, swarovski crystals and pearls, musical instrument jewelry

GieseDeseigns-baby hats and booties, slippers, scarves, hats and head bands, gloves and mitten

Myeuropeantouch-handmade mosiac art decor, vintage and upscale dress you can find things like a wall hanging, a side table, decanters, rings, dishes, and even a tea pot

pamspretties-Christmas pins and ornaments and other home decor items

BellaSweet-Jewlery and perfumatory

icehousecrafts- several categories of signage, plus you can get a personalized one as well, and sitter blocks

auntiechrisquiltfabric-patterns and several categories of quilting fabrics

ViaDellaRosa-necklaces, rosaries, glass tile pendants, inspiration jewelry

QuiltTops-aprons, pin cushions, quilt trops, bags and totes, quilts, patterns, vintage fabric and vintage glass

KallieJosCottonPatch-blankets, bathroom towels, burp clothes, knitted
scarves, children's clothes, baby shower gifts and purses and bags

Crescent moon creations-jewelry in the categories of the ares project, bells and shells and soulstones

LazHCreations LazyHCreations- scarves, gloves, key chains, crocheted bookmarks, baby and youth items, kitchen dish clothes and towels, hair bows and coaster sets.

KnottyQuilts knottyquilts-quilts for cribs, baby dolls or full size and queen size beds, pillows, throws and comforters

PolkadotOrchid PolkadotOrchid-from aprons to bags, baby and children clothing, bibs and blankets, to bookmarks and slippers

Mylingy-tea lights, votives, and tarts with scents ranging from floral to bakery to Gothic and berries and fruit.

madhatsandmore-vintage hats, jewelry and purses.

TracysDesigns1-themed hats and doll fashions

AmeliaOriginals - I specialize in one of a kind handmade jewelry utilizing beading and wire wrapping techniques.


HCLTreausres-macrame bracelets, metallic pendants, gemstone necklaces, cartoon pendants, swarovski key chains, custom photos and more.

hillsidebakery-fudges, gift sets, candies, spices, lavender eye pillows and more surprises.

Sewnfromtheheartbags, cell phone cases, aprons, Christmas stockings, pillow cases and adult bibs.

SecondHandnel-all kinds of vintage items including lace, embroidery, towels, linens, hats, gloves, costume jewelry and some items geared towards babies, children and men.

dogwoodrose - handmade soaps and bags and totes.

RoxAndThings - all types of jewelry from upcycled vintage redesigns to custom designs, hair acessories, earring, necklaces, ring and of course bracelets.

kathiesewnsew - bags, purses, totes pin cushions, Boho fabric jewelry, various niche books plus wallets, cosmetic bags and wristlets.

ForYourHome - kitchen ware and decor items.

TheSpecialOccasionShop - favors for all occasions including wedding and baby showers, bridal jewelry, wedding center pieces and cherubs.

MyMiniatureWorld - all kinds of miniatures from a balance scale to bags to furniture, lighting items and shingle kits for doll houses

RefinedVintage - handmade floral vintage, kitchen and glassware, vintage button magnets, jewelry, home decor, bar ware and collectibles.

Patato Blossom Studio-purses, aprons and quilts

Little Brit Knits-every kind of knitted item you can think of and some you probably never have thought of.

MaggieMays-all kinds of gemstone jewelry

PetitPoulailler-almost 2400 items of art and decor.

ResetarGlassArt-Many pieces of jewelry plus night lights, vases and candle holders and plates and bowls.

TresChicDesigns-Limited edition jewelry, one of a kind jewelry plus bracelets and earrings.

TwoOakesSoapworks-soaps, wax melts, body sprays and hand sanitizers.

Allisuns-Swsarovski, gemstones, wire working, earrings, braclets necklaces and faux pearls, custom jewelry with semi precious stones and Swarvorski.

Getting to know Blue - Symbolism and Personality of Color ~ Randam Artists' Random Blog

Here is an article discussing the color blue in depth.  What it represents and how it can affect our moods and the history of the color blue.  There is such a thing as color therapy and it does help many people.  Randam Art is an extremely talented and versatile woman.  She is originally from Australia and now resides in the US.  I have purchased 4 of her one of kind bottles and they are so cute that when I received them I regretted that I was intending on selling them with my bath oils.

Not only does she work with glass to create very unique and colorful bottles, she also makes pendants and she sent me a beautiful butterfly card with my order and she also creates web sites.  She works with different charities and truly loves animals.  She has 3 dogs and likes to do volunteer work for animal charities.

Getting to know Blue - Symbolism and Personality of Color ~ Randam Artists' Random Blog

Feature Article on Hopes and Dreams Studio

The woman behind Hopes and Dreams studio (on Artfire.com) lives in Okalhoma with her husband and two children.  Her studio includes items like hello kitty earrings, a pair of feather earrings and several charms.

She is very passionate about handmade and her interests are varied.  They include jewelry creating, crochet, knitting, costume creation, candle making, Scentsies and eco friendly to name some.  She also blogs and features various artisans and themes on her blogspot.

Her blog includes some really cool things like free printables and free widgets.  Each month she features different themes pictorially with items that fit the theme many of which are holidays and occasions.  She is currently featuring a different artisan on a weekly basis.  The number of themes covered vary with the month and looking back into her archives most months contain 3 or 4 themes.  A few months are up to 6 themes.  So it's a great blog to visit for themed handmade items that you may wish to purchase as a gift.

Why does anyone buy handmade?

People who take the time to create items with their own two hands often spend a great deal of time learning what quality means.  Handmade can not and does not compete with manufactured goods.  Handmade items are unique and often one of kind.  Many handmade items are also part of recycling, meaning they are eco friendly.

You can find handmade artisans all over the web.  As a group, handmade artisans can be found on Facebook, by searching blogs, and many even have their own web sites.  Of course you can find handmade items at various venues as well, such as Artfire, Etsy, Storenvy, Supa Dupa, Zibbett and there are other new sites in progress.  There is even a site that is strictly handmade artisans and their suppliers.

The types of items you may find from those involved in crafts made by hand include:  jewelry, wooden items such as salt and pepper shakes and yes even chairs, bath and beauty items, some paint glass, then those that sew, knit or crochet create many items such as leg warmers, wash clothes, wall hangings, rugs and all types of decor.  Certainly let's not forget things like custom embroidery,   and the more ordinary items such as belts, soap, bags and purses, clothing , candles baskets, just about anything you can think of and some things I never even knew existed until I became interested in handmade bath and beauty items.

To see just a few of the wonderful artisans and the items they can create, visit the FB fan page: It's Better Handmade

How Easy is Crafting

There are always different types of crafts that go in and out of popularity.  I remember (yes I am revealing my age partially) a craft called tufting.  It involved using a tool to push yarn through a stretch out template (can't remember what it was made of, it was so long ago).  You could make rugs or wall hangings that looked like animals or butterflies or almost anything.

I know creating soaps and lip balms have been really big but I think the hottest craft is scrap booking.  Of course there has also been sewing and crocheting or knitting.  Felting is a type of sewing that is done with felt materials.

There are also many who like to create jewelry and try to sell it online, same with soaps, and most of the above stated crafts.  So what is going to be the next hottest thing in crafting?  There are also many who handcraft bath and beauty products. 
Even though this may not be a hobby for many there are still artists out there who do wood working, wire wrapping, and work with all kinds of metals and even some who sell unique looking painting, plus I have found a few who work with glass and who create beads.  Is creating beads going out of style?

Leave me a comment and tell me what you think or know.