topic Re: Oct. 7 Purchases and Reviews - What Are You Excited About Getting? in Community Chat

Oct. 7 Purchases and Reviews - What Are You Excited About Getting?

mewsmomtoo — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 09:40:22 GMT

Hi all, well, I only purchased one item and it wasn't even AG. I actually had no intention of purchasing anything because I bought Kirks Folly jewelry (they are going out of business and had an incredible sale)

I made it all through the day with no problem, then I just went over to the HSN site to check their community pages and had an alert that said there were still 6 sets of the Martha Stewart 10-piece Doily Loop Punch Set. I have waffled over this set for a while and they said it sold out when it was one of the "5 in 5" in the early morning MS show, but I guess not everyone completed their purchase because I was able to get one just now.

I am really excited to add this punch set to my small collection. I just recently bought some other MS punches and they are so good. I love using them for cards and I intend to create ribbon for my Christmas gifts using these punches. There are so many other decorative uses for them too. Guess the scrapbooking addiction goes on...

If you want to, tell us what you purchased, what you are excited about and what you think about the item once you have it in your hands. I know a lot of AG things were on extended delivery before the day even began so it may be a while before we get your reviews. Hope everyone had fun!

Re: Oct. 7 Purchases and Reviews - What Are You Excited About Getting?

Krimpette — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 12:01:15 GMT

I ordered the AG Christmas Card kit (which is in "packaging" status as I write this, despite the earlier indications of Extended Delivery showing yesterday). Also ordered her Christmas ink pad set, the bow die set, another AG card kit (garden), and the Xyron 3" set.

Of all I purchased, I think I'm most excited about the bow die set. I can use that all year long. And I do love her Christmas card sets.

Re: Oct. 7 Purchases and Reviews - What Are You Excited About Getting?

Lu12jm — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 12:48:36 GMT

I swore I was going to buy nothing. I mean nothing. Well.... I ended up with 2 hot off the press kits and their card templates with dvd. I got 2 sets of Martha Stewart punches on clearance - gerber daisy and daisy, 3 birds quilling set, Anna's cricut cartridge and 2 sets of the embossibilites stickers. I wanted the Anna bow and Christmas ornament die cuts but I have such a hard time using her dies for some reason. I just can't get a clean cut. I went from nothing to all of that. I still have Anna Christmas card kits from before ( as well as others). I only make the cards I will hand deliver because they cost so much to mail. Learned that the hard way. I do like Martha Stewarts punches. They are always pretty, have intricate designs and are always easy to use. Wanted the Cricut but have 2 - one small one bigger. Figured I would save to and see the reviews on the Brother Scan and cut. That looks pretty interesting. But with all the cartridges I have probably not in my future. I do love my cricut. SO there you have it. Hopefully reviews will be posted when purchases arrive.

Re: Oct. 7 Purchases and Reviews - What Are You Excited About Getting?

Krimpette — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 12:53:28 GMT

Hi Janet! Just wondering if you've tried waxed paper with difficult cutting dies? (You put the piece of waxed paper on top of the cutting die which is already face up). Just wondering. I know it's help me a lot with some intricate dies (though I don't have any AG intricate dies yet). Just a thought, in case you haven't tried it.

Re: Oct. 7 Purchases and Reviews - What Are You Excited About Getting?

mewsmomtoo — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 17:39:44 GMT

Hi Krimpette, You got some really nice things. I did want the Christmas card kit, but since I am doing a lot fewer cards this year, I'm sure I can cobble together some really nice cards without a new kit. Her ink colors are great and you can't go wrong with Xyron! It's my go-to adhesive for cards When I saw the bow die fully demonstrated, I felt like Rachel Zoe viewing a new piece of Chanel: "I,,,die..." Where can't you use a bow?! I would even put flocked paper bows on my Christmas tree. Just another thing to add to the list

Janet, I certainly can sympathize with your desire to cut back on purchases and then making purchases anyway. I think one of the main reasons I was able to hold back, (except for the not-inexpensive MS punch set!) is because I actually bought quite a lot in September! I have one of those HOTP kits marked as a favorite and I did a little quilling in the past, but used a pencil - did you get the automatic winder? That's the way to go I'm not familiar with the embossibilities stickers.

I didn't know Brother made a cutting machine until I saw the posts over here, will be interesting to see if they can get a foothold esp. with HSN so strongly pushing the Cricut. I finally decided that I am not going to get an electronic cutting machine even though I think they are amazing. You can create some beautiful things with them and they tempt me, but I think they are beyond my skill level. I admire those of you who use one.

Krimpette had a good idea with the wax paper. If that doesn't work, you can go the opposite direction and try to sharpen them by punching them through aluminum foil.

I hope you both enjoy your purchases!

(edited by me to correct spelling)

Re: Oct. 7 Purchases and Reviews - What Are You Excited About Getting?

Kati — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 20:38:23 GMT

I got the holiday card kit, Christmas tags, angel toppers, foil die cut borders and the Lace Trimmings embossing folders and dies, all Anna stuff. Then I got a Martha country doily embellishment kit at her 50% off sale.

I actually spent less than I thought I would! Go figure...I think all the easy pay offers has given me a false sense of security! haha

I'm most excited about using the card kit, angels, borders and tags all together to make some awesome holiday cards....plus the fact there's some Hannukah cards in there as well. My Jewish girlfriend will faint dead away when she gets a Hannukah card from me!

I mailed a couple of Anna sympathy cards yesterday. They had a few embellishments but not over the top: cost to mail 91 cents each. Gulp...

Re: Oct. 7 Purchases and Reviews - What Are You Excited About Getting?

Lu12jm — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 22:33:42 GMT

Mewsmomtoo and krimpette thanks for the info on the wax paper. I will give it a try. I have been very frustrated with the dies up to this point. I love all things Anna but had to refrain on the newest card kit. And the new ink. I have so many of her inks I had to put a stop to buying them. As for the brother scan and cut machine I won't be buying. It is a dream to have it but I have one of the older cricut machine that I love. I have so many cartridges that i don't need to use the computer to cut items. I will report back on my items when they arrive. I am excited over the Martha Stewart punches. They really are the best. Thanks for the advice on the wax paper.

Re: Oct. 7 Purchases and Reviews - What Are You Excited About Getting?

mewsmomtoo — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 22:48:19 GMT

Hi Kati - you are going to be able to make some spectacular cards! I wanted those angel toppers, they are beautiful!! I hope they will be available next year. I have AG's regular tag set and it is great. I saw the Christmas tags on the website and they are oh so nice.

I run out of words to describe AG's products because they are always beautiful and of high quality. I got on autoship for her dies and embossing folders and I always love them. She and Martha Stewart really tapped into a need out there - or at least a want: high quality, beautiful items for scrapping and card making. I used to just make do with what I collected on the trip or at an event - postcards, brochures, tickets, printed napkins etc. Now we have so many wonderful things to create with that we, or at least I, couldn't have imagined 20 years ago, especially paper.

I saw that MS Country Doily Embellishment set when they presented it - very nice and a good price! It's also one of my "favorites" over on the HSN site. I have 36 things marked as favorites and 32 of them are scrapbooking items.

Please keep sharing, everyone!

Re: Oct. 7 Purchases and Reviews - What Are You Excited About Getting?

Kati — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 23:59:42 GMT

Mewsmomtoo, I've only been into Anna (and a bit of Martha) for just a year or so. Now I'm obsessed with Anna's papers and folders and embellishments and card kits. My first purchases were her Halloween paper kit and Christmas card kit from last year.

Before that, I was big on Donna Dewberry and one stroke painting for many years.

I read your Anna product reviews and made a comment your other thread. I enjoy reading other's reviews on products I'm also interested in.

Re: Oct. 7 Purchases and Reviews - What Are You Excited About Getting?

Lu12jm — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 13:08:47 GMT

Kati I too was big on Donna Dewberry and One Stroke painting.I actually got certified in the technique. still watch her occasionally on PBS station here in Mass. I have moved on to other forms of decorative painting but occasionally go back to the one stroke. I did find that one stroke did bring out my creative side which I am very grateful for. I have been using Anna Griffin products since before she was on QVC many many years ago. You used to be able to purchase her items at Michaels but no longer. At least not in my neck of the woods. I find her stuff so addictive =the clors - designs - florals - layouts - stickers etc. all of the highest quality. They really do add zing to your card making or scrapbooking. I do think that HSN has the best prices on her kits as well as most kits they sell. I just wanted to reach out to a fellow one stroker. Hope you enjoy your Anna products.

Re: Oct. 7 Purchases and Reviews - What Are You Excited About Getting?

Kati — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 20:57:06 GMT

Janet, nice to hear from you! I was gung-ho One Stroke for a long time. Wish I'd had a certified instructor like you to help me. But I did pretty well with her DVD's and teaching guides. I was best at wildflowers and sunflowers and leaves, but never did get the knack of animals or her famous roses! I had a lot of fun with it, and still occasionally pick up a brush and play.

I haven't seen Donna on TV for years. I'm on her One Stroke email list but only get info on products and sales. Did you ever do Gallery Glass with Carol Smith? I did a lot of suncatchers and window clings for the holidays and still enjoy dabbling in it.

Oh, BTW, 'addictive' is the perfect word for my Anna Griffin obsession, too!

Re: Oct. 7 Purchases and Reviews - What Are You Excited About Getting?

upallnightagain — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 22:25:56 GMT

I received my Anna Griffin angel topper set and my Martha Stewart Birthday punch set yesterday. I am so glad I ordered the angel set at midnight. I love them! I canceled the card set because it was on advanced order. I'm glad I did, because when I did inventory of my Christmas card supplies, I had more than enough to make cards for this year and then some. I was just missing the beautiful angels. I used all of them that came in last year's kit. I also used all the paper with the musical notes and words, and the angel topper kit came with lots of shaped paper with both, especially musical notes. I hadn't realized how many friends and family members I had who were musical until I started making last year's cards.

I haven't tried the MS birthday punch set, but they look great, especially for the price. Today my Xyron tape runner came. The rest of my order left California for our house today. I expect them tomorrow or Thursday. That will be a big box! The AG garden cutting card kit is in it. I had passed it up before. Even though I have so many of Anna's card kits, they are too beautiful AND easy to resist, and this one was $10 off!!!

I wish I didn't cancel Anna's Christmas tags. I had spent too much $$ and had to make some brutal cuts. I have enough beautiful stamps, paper, embellishments, glitter, and blank tags to make my own. Now I just need to DO it!

Re: Oct. 7 Purchases and Reviews - What Are You Excited About Getting?

mousiegirl — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 00:44:33 GMT

I just received Anna's Christmas card kit, and it is beautiful, as always. Now I have three that I havn't done anything with yet, but I will, one day.

Re: Oct. 7 Purchases and Reviews - What Are You Excited About Getting?

mewsmomtoo — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 03:43:03 GMT

Hi Upallnightagain, I wanted that Angel Topper set so badly, but I just couldn't. It is so beautiful - I hope it is back next year! I just watched her present the tags on QVC UK and they sold out just like in the U.S. I have the regular ones and I will tell you that these tags are just typical AG - beautiful, high quality and you will love them so if you can order either set next year, you should do so. I plan to get the Christmas tags next year!

Love Xyron, have several sizes and runners, so easy to use! And you cannot go wrong with MS punches. The one thing I did order that day was the 10-piece Doily Loop Punch set. I think her punches add something whether you are making a card or a scrapbook page. I just started using the ones I bought this summer and am in love! I haven't yet received the ones I ordered last week.

The garden cutting card kit looks totally amazing on TV. I can only imagine what it will look like in person. Let us know if you think it is easy to use. I love the window aspect.

Hi Mousiegirl, you have to use your kits!!! It is so fun to watch a card "come to life" in such a short time. If you want guidance or inspiration, her blogs have lots of card examples on them and there are tutorials and examples on YouTube. You will be amazed at what you can create in a very short time.

My family and friends love the cards they receive and my mom even hangs them on the wall. Just open up one of the kits and see how much fun you have! I am going to make Halloween cards this week using her Bat-tastic embellishments - they are going to be great

Looking forward to more reviews as items roll in over the next couple of weeks!

Re: Oct. 7 Purchases and Reviews - What Are You Excited About Getting?

Krimpette — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 12:11:37 GMT

I received some of my recent purchases, but I'm due to receive the rest today (the garden card kit and the bow die set). The Christmas card kit is, of course, as gorgeous as always. However, I'm diligently trying to use up the stuff from the kit of the year before last. I'm thinking I'll save this new kit and perhaps make some cards during next year. (Fat chance, I'm sure!!!) The Christmas borders are beautiful and will probably tap into a couple for my card making.

I truly wish I had a real craft room. My space is so limited in my townhouse. But this week I made the decision that I'm going to spread out on my dining room table to make my Christmas cards, and it will remain a mess until I've finished!!!!! (Fortunately, it's only me and no immediate plans for guests). It's so much easier to do things when you can spread out. I've been laying out 3 or 4 cards with embellishments sort of in place. Whenever I walk by, I tweak things a bit until I'm ready to glue everything down. The cards sure do turn out beautifully. I've always received lots of compliments on my AG cards.

Re: Oct. 7 Purchases and Reviews - What Are You Excited About Getting?

Lu12jm — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 17:37:08 GMT

I received all of my goodies.

I did not realize that I ordered 4 of Martha Stewarts punches that were on clearance. I have no tried them yet but Martha's punches never disappoint. I also got a set of Martha's stickers on clearance that are really nice. The computer picture doesn't do them justice. Ferns and Butterflies.

I got the embosssbilty (that is spelled wrong) stickers. Well I thought I ordered 2 sets and got 3. Anyway they look ok. Not as good as the dazzle stickers but they will do. There are a lot of them for the price. I can't tell if they look embossed on a project as I haven't used them yet.

The quilling kit looks good with lots of supplies. 3 birds usually has a good product and there are instructions! Yipeee.

The Anna cricut cartridge looks like a winner but haven't used it yet. Her other cartridge was so I will assume this one is as well.

The hot off the press two kits and templates are always a great purchase. The card kits are very pretty and come with everything you will need to make a lot of cards. Just wish there was some sort of directions with the two card kits but the templates have a dvd so that is a plus. I like their templates even though I don't think they are always the easiest to use.

Not much or a review as I really haven't used any of the items yet but I am pleased with the purchases. Now if I can stay away from the clearance section and Anna Griffin products I should be good.

Re: Oct. 7 Purchases and Reviews - What Are You Excited About Getting?

mousiegirl — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 20:13:50 GMT

On 10/14/2014 mewsmomtoo said:
Hi Upallnightagain, I wanted that Angel Topper set so badly, but I just couldn't. It is so beautiful - I hope it is back next year! I just watched her present the tags on QVC UK and they sold out just like in the U.S. I have the regular ones and I will tell you that these tags are just typical AG - beautiful, high quality and you will love them so if you can order either set next year, you should do so. I plan to get the Christmas tags next year!

Love Xyron, have several sizes and runners, so easy to use! And you cannot go wrong with MS punches. The one thing I did order that day was the 10-piece Doily Loop Punch set. I think her punches add something whether you are making a card or a scrapbook page. I just started using the ones I bought this summer and am in love! I haven't yet received the ones I ordered last week.

The garden cutting card kit looks totally amazing on TV. I can only imagine what it will look like in person. Let us know if you think it is easy to use. I love the window aspect.

Hi Mousiegirl, you have to use your kits!!! It is so fun to watch a card "come to life" in such a short time. If you want guidance or inspiration, her blogs have lots of card examples on them and there are tutorials and examples on YouTube. You will be amazed at what you can create in a very short time.

My family and friends love the cards they receive and my mom even hangs them on the wall. Just open up one of the kits and see how much fun you have! I am going to make Halloween cards this week using her Bat-tastic embellishments - they are going to be great

Looking forward to more reviews as items roll in over the next couple of weeks!

mewsmomtoo, ya think, lol. I will use them for scrapbooking, not cards, as I love Anna's die cuts, bows, and tags, just have to get organized again and sit down and get at it.

Re: Oct. 7 Purchases and Reviews - What Are You Excited About Getting?

Lu12jm — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 00:07:59 GMT

Kati - I was fortunate to have a one stroke instructor. A great technique and lots of fun. I get the same emails for sale items. Don't buy any more as I have one stroke supplies to last several lifetimes. I am addicted to most crafts. Love crafting. All my new goodies are a good addition to my current stash. I do think you get a better deal on hsn then any where else. Hard to resist great products at great prices. Nice that you still pick up a paint brush. I have a pbs create tv station that she is on occasionally. However all the shows are from 2009. Hope you enjoy all your new stuff.

Re: Oct. 7 Purchases and Reviews - What Are You Excited About Getting?

mewsmomtoo — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 02:07:51 GMT

Hi Krimpette, did everything else come in? Like I told UpAllNightAgain, I think that garden card kit is just so prettyi - I wish I had it, maybe some day! And the bow dies are great. Think how pretty the bows will be if they are embossed as well! Her Christmas card kits are always outstanding and those borders are really nice. You can't really go wrong with any of her products

I too live in a townhouse and am turning my dining room into a sort of crafting room. I might have books in it too and the cats own the corner with the window. My former office/2nd bedroom will be set up more for the cats since they spend a lot of time in there and it has a tile floor v. the nice parquet floor in my dining room. I'd prefer to reverse these, but I just can't risk kitty accidents on wood floor.

Hi Janet M, You are right about Martha S punches! My 10-piece Doily Loop punches are being delivered tomorrow. Can't wait to try them out. Let us know how you enjoy the quilling - 3Birds kits are always well thought out. They are usually excellent and my favorite feature is that is comes with a "nest" for everything so they are easy to put away and store. I have favorited the HOTP kits, but haven't bought yet. My kitties insist on eating!

I know what you mean about staying away from the clearance section My favorite and least favorite thing is when I open HSN and there is a little red dot telling me something I favorited has been reduced or is about to run out

Enjoy your treasures, everyone!

Re: Oct. 7 Purchases and Reviews - What Are You Excited About Getting?

Krimpette — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 12:16:37 GMT

Well, everything has arrived. Wow, that garden card kit is gorgeous! I had forgotten that it makes 48 cards!!!!! I also got the bow dies, but haven't had a chance to try them out yet. I'm sure they'll work very well, especially since they're not as intricate as some other dies that I have.

I have finally managed to make all the cards from my Christmas kit of two years ago. Plenty of embellishments left, but I've used all the cards and envelopes. The remainder of the cards I make for this year will be from last year's kit. I'm definitely going to keep the new kit untouched (other than to look at it!)…at least for now! The one thing I miss that was present from the card kit of two years ago….the envelopes then were lined with either red, silver or gold. No more lined envelopes. Minor, for sure, but it was a nice touch.