Elf on the Shelf Arrival Ideas with Oriental Trading

Disclosure: As a member of the Oriental Trading Fun Squad, I received compensation and/or products in exchange for my styling and crafting services. This post contains affiliate links.


The elves will be arriving soon! Ours come the first weekend in December and I always love thinking up of silly new ways for them to arrive.  Head over to the Oriental Trading FUN365 site to check out these  7 FUN AND EASY ELF ON THE SHELF ARRIVAL IDEAS with free printables!

Make It Personal for the Holidays with Cricut Explore Air 2

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.

This post contains affiliate links.

Christmas is such a magical time and I'm holding onto these precious years while our daughter is young and still believes in Santa and his elves with all my might. I love creating projects for her and this holiday season I'm creating little gifts from the elves especially for our daughter. 

The first Saturday in December, we have a North Pole Breakfast where the elves come all the way from the North Pole to bring us yummy food as well as a few little goodies for our daughter. They always bring new Christmas pajamas and this year the pajamas will arrive in a personalized bag straight from Santa himself! 

You can easily create your own personalized pajama bag by heading over to Cricut Design Space and clicking on this North Pole Express design. Just add the name you'd like on the project and you're all set! I love the look that layering iron-on vinyl creates and you can do the same technique on your bag or just leave it all one color. If you're not sure how to layer vinyl, click HERE  for a quick tutorial on the Cricut YouTube channel.

The elves brought a tiny letter inside a tiny bag. Aren't miniature things just the cutest? I used my Cricut Explore Air 2 machine to cut out the images for the bag as well as the tiny envelope. The Cricut Explore Air 2 also writes so I used it to write a tiny letter from the elves. So cute!

Create a festive scene around the North Pole breakfast table with this darling mini Christmas town. I know our daughter will love all these miniature pieces that came all the way from Santa's workshop. She'll have so much fun playing with them throughout the holiday season.

I hope you've enjoyed these little goodies created by Santa's elves! If you're looking to make a sweet, personalized gift for a loved one, Cricut Explore Air 2 is exactly what you need to make those wishes come true! 

The Cricut Explore Air 2  can cut and write up to 2X faster than previous Cricut Explore models, and cuts more than 100 materials — everything from cardstock, vinyl and iron-on to specialty materials like glitter paper, cork, and bonded fabric. From cards to custom T-shirts to home decor, Explore Air 2 makes it easy to realize your creative vision. Design on the go on your laptop, iPad or iPhone. Browse and play with thousands of images, fonts, and ready-to-make projects. Or create your own design from scratch!

Here are some key features that make the Cricut Explore Air 2 SO amazing! 

• This DIY speed machine combines time-saving performance and class-leading simplicity 
• Cuts 100 materials – everything from cardstock, vinyl, and iron-on to a range of specialty materials 
• Fine-Point Blade for cutting a wide variety of popular craft materials 
• Fast Mode for up to 2X faster cutting and writing(1) 
• Bluetooth® wireless technology 
• Compatible with Scoring Stylus and Deep-Point Blade (sold separately) 
• Double tool holder to keep blade and pen always at the ready 
• Design Space® software for iOS, Android™, Windows®, and Mac® 
• Upload and use your own images and fonts for free 
• Compatible with Cricut cartridges 

Thanks so much for stopping by!

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Cricut Explore Air 2

Cardstock Sampler, Holiday - 12" x 12"

Cricut EasyPress 2

Everyday Iron-On in Turquoise and Red

Holiday Gift Guide with Cricut

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.

I could not live without my Cricut Explore Air 2... especially during the holidays! From creating one of a kind gifts for friends and neighbors to creating personalized gifts for family, my Cricut does it all and then some!

Check out my top 10 Cricut must haves for the holiday crafter!

    

Cricut Access

A yearly subscription to Cricut Access is a must! There are thousands and thousands of images and fonts to choose from.



Cricut Explore Air 2 Machine

Of course you're going to need a Cricut Explore Air 2 machine to help with all the creating. I remember the days before I had my Cricut machine and I felt like I was spending hours and hours cutting out projects. Now I can make party decor, Christmas gifts and home decor in a matter of minutes! One of my favorite projects to make for kids is their own book tote that has their name on it and then I fill it with lots of fun books to read! This would make a perfect Christmas gift for kids of any age. I love my Cricut Explore Air 2 because of all the personalized gifts I can create like the book bag for all my friends and family for Christmas.

EasyPress

Whether you're making personalized Christmas pajamas for the kids or matching holiday shirts for the family, ( I always love making matching Disney shirts when we go to Disneyland!) you'll definitely want an EasyPress. There are different sizes to choose from so pick the one that works best for your projects. I love the EasyPress 9" x 9" size because it's perfect for the projects that I make the most, which is tshirts and tote bags. This is the perfect size for those projects and I make A LOT of these items during the holidays.

Ultimate Fine Point Pen Set

I love using my fine point pen set to address envelopes for all the holiday cards we send out. I especially love that my Cricut Explore Air 2 can do all the writing for me! Having my Explore Air 2 do all the writing and addressing for me is such a huge time saver during the hustle and bustle of the holidays. There are SO many other things I'd rather be doing that addressing Christmas cards and I'm sure we can all  agree with that!

Patterned Iron-on

I love the patterns from this iron on collection. They'd be so cute as a "visions of sugarplums" theme for Christmas pajamas for the kids or adorable Christmas tshirts to wear during all the festive parties and outings.

Here are some more sweet iron-on images that would be darling for matching Christmas shirts or pajamas. You could also iron on these images onto a reusable holiday tote for all your holiday shopping!

Cricut Premium Vinyl

Vinyl is my go-to when making projects for neighbor gifts. I love to personalize a plate with the neighbor's last name on it using vinyl and stack delicious homemade cookies on the plate. Then I wrap it all up, add a tag and a bow and I'm all set! You can whip up gifts like this in no time using vinyl and Cricut has a beautiful array of colors to choose from!

Cricut BrightPad

The lightweight, low-profile BrightPad makes crafting easier while reducing eye strain. It illuminates fine lines for tracing, cut lines for weeding, and more. 
This tool is a must, especially if you're working with a lot of vinyl and iron-on making holiday gifts. 

Basic Tool Set

I'm a part of a Christmas countdown group where 24 members create 24 projects. Then we collect everyone's items and assemble them into kits with 24 different handmade creations. Each member recieves 24 gifts to open throughout the month December. This year I'm making vintage Santa banners ( they're ADORABLE and I'll have to post a pic when I'm finished making them) and I'll be doing a ton of weeding ( removing all the excess material, in case you weren't sure what that meant!) so this basic tool kit is a must have for all that weeding and scraping off the excess vinyl from the mat.

Holiday Scrapbook Paper

Creating your own Christmas cards sounds time consuming and a bit daunting, right? With the Cricut Explore Air 2 you can whip out dozens of cards in no time and with this beautiful Christmas paper, you'll have the cutest cards on the block! Be sure to check out all of the darling scrapbook paper Cricut has to offer!

Printable Sticker Paper

Printable sticker paper sure comes in handy when you are creating your own return address labels or making cute stickers to add to gifts. Simply pick out your favorite Christmas design in Cricut Access and print it out onto the sticker paper. You can make so many different stickers and labels to coordinate with any gift package!

I hope you've enjoyed my holiday gift guide with Cricut! Whether you're a seasoned crafter or you have just pulled your Cricut machine out of the box, these holiday essentials will make your Christmas season run smooth!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Nutcracker Tea Party with Oriental Trading

Disclosure: As a member of the Oriental Trading Fun Squad, I received compensation and/or products in exchange for my styling and crafting services. This post contains affiliate links.

One of our favorite activites during the holiday season is attending The Nutcracker. I always love putting together a party for my daughter and her little friends before we head out to the ballet. 

Check out the entire tea party plus some adorable DIYs including ballerina necklaces on the Oriental Trading FUN365 site!

5 Things I Love About My Cricut Explore Air 2

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.

There are SO many reasons I'm madly in love with my Cricut Explore Air 2.  I whittled them down to my top 5 reasons why I can't live without my Cricut Explore Air 2. Let me just honestly tell you that I don't know how I got along without my Cricut machine before I received it. I remember spending SO much time cutting out things by hand. It was such a pain and I was so limited in what I could do. 

The Cricut Explore Air 2 can cut and write up to 2X faster than previous Cricut Explore models, and cuts more than 100 materials — everything from cardstock, vinyl and iron-on to specialty materials like glitter paper, cork, and bonded fabric. From cards to custom T-shirts to home decor, Explore Air 2 makes it easy to realize your creative vision. Design on the go on your laptop, iPad or iPhone. Browse and play with thousands of images, fonts, and ready-to-make projects. Or create your own design from scratch!

Here are some key features that make the Cricut Explore Air 2 SO amazing! 

• This DIY speed machine combines time-saving performance and class-leading simplicity 
• Cuts 100 materials – everything from cardstock, vinyl, and iron-on to a range of specialty materials 
• Fine-Point Blade for cutting a wide variety of popular craft materials 
• Fast Mode for up to 2X faster cutting and writing(1) 
• Bluetooth® wireless technology 
• Compatible with Scoring Stylus and Deep-Point Blade (sold separately) 
• Double tool holder to keep blade and pen always at the ready 
• Design Space® software for iOS, Android™, Windows®, and Mac® 
• Upload and use your own images and fonts for free 
• Compatible with Cricut cartridges 

Check out the top 5 reasons of why I'm crazy in love my Cricut Explore Air 2! 


1. Create Unique Cards You Can't Find in Stores

I mean really, where are you going to find Russian stacking doll cards in the colors of your choice? My best friend collects Russian stacking dolls and what better birthday card to give her than one of her favorite collectibles? These darling cards are handmade and one of a kind. I know I won't find these anywhere else and my bestie will have a sweet birthday keepsake. 

2. Writing Addresses on Envelopes

I love the writing feature on the Cricut Explore Air 2  and during the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it makes my life SO much easier. Instead of handwriting tons of Christmas cards, I simply plug all the addresses into Cricut Design Space and my Cricut does all the work! The writing comes out absolutely beautiful and my hand isn't cramping! Oh, and I have a dirty secret to share with you. I brought a package to my local post office with an address label that had been written with my Cricut Explore Air 2. The postal worker told me that my handwriting was impeccable....aaaaaand I didn't correct him. Don't tell anyone! 

3.Custom Party Supplies

If you're throwing a party and you can't find party supplies in your color scheme, make them yourself! The Cricut Explore Air 2   makes it so easy to create custom party supplies and decor in any color or style. I made an entire Black Cat Halloween party one year out of mint  and black paper because I wouldn't find mint colored Halloween decor anywhere. It was so easy to whip up party hats, favor bags, banners and so much more with the help of my Cricut Explore Air 2.

4. Quick and Easy Personalized Christmas Gifts For Neighbors

When you have a ton of neighbors but don't want to break the bank this holiday season, simply create your own sweet gifts! I love using small jars to place treats and gifts inside for neighbors. Jars are the perfect thing to personalize with vinyl and with over 100,000 images and counting in Cricut Design Space, you're bound to find the perfect sentiment for your neighbor gifts this year. 

5. Handmade Holiday Decor

As much as I love to craft, I don't want to spend a lot of time making things. I can't imagine how long this adorable Christmas village would take to cut out by hand. With my Cricut Explore Air 2, I had this village cut out in minutes and I can't wait to decorate my mantle with it! With the Cricut Explore Air 2, you can create beautiful, handmade Christmas decor in no time at all!  

So now you know a little bit as to why I'm so obsessed with my Cricut Explore Air 2. Put it on your Christmas list and who knows, maybe Santa will surprise you! 

Thanks for stopping by! 

GOLDEN CHRISTMAS CRACKER TREASURE HUNT with COST PLUS WORLD MARKET

This post is in partnership with Cost Plus World Market, a brand I love. All opinions are my own.

Are you ready for some fun holiday adventure? Cost Plus World Market is giving away 1.7 million dollars in rewards!

Find a Golden Christmas Cracker in store and you could receive a $20, $50 or $100 reward! Join in the fun with the GOLDEN CHRISTMAS CRACKER TREASURE HUNT and you could win up to $100 in rewards instantly!

Christmas crackers are used as decorative party favors to celebrate a variety of other special occasions and festive events. Cost Plus World Market is known for having the largest collection of Christmas Crackers available during the holiday season. The tradition of pulling the crackers and donning of the party hats has created a relaxed, festive atmosphere certain to get any party function off the ground. Their Golden Christmas Cracker not only consists of a $20, 50 or $100 reward, but once a winner pops open the Christmas Cracker, they will also receive a paper crown (tissue party hat), a motto (joke or riddle), a snap (friction activated popping device), and a small gift or novelty item.

Who doesn't love a good scavenger hunt? Especially one with fantastic prizes and fun Golden Christmas Crackers!

Sound like fun? Here's how to play:

Every day beginning Friday, November 1st  through Wednesday, November 27th  your local Cost Plus World Market store will hide 8 Golden Christmas Crackers pieces throughout the store.

Play in stores November 1  – November 27

Game 1:   Store Opening to 3pm

Game 2:   4pm to Store Closing

Each day, they'll share a daily clue in store, via email, and on our social media channels. Use the clue to help you find a Golden Christmas Cracker piece and you could receive a reward.

Find (1) Golden Christmas Cracker piece and bring it to the nearest store associate to exchange for a reward coupon worth $20, $50 or $100. Reward is valid only on the day it is awarded.

Each day, I will be sharing Cost Plus World Market’s Golden Christmas Cracker Treasure Hunt daily joke and CLUE for your chance to win. Be sure to follow me on INSTAGRAM for your daily clues. Today’s joke and clue are below

Limit one (1) reward per person throughout the Promotion Period (11/1/19 – 11/27/19), regardless of store location(s) visited. EMPLOYEES AND DESIGNATED SHOPPER NOT ELIGIBLE. See Terms of Participation for complete details.

See Rules

Dress up your home this holiday season wit  for all of those fabulous get-togethers and parties. From beautiful table settings for all your CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINING to adorable CHRISTMAS DECOR for your home, Cost Plus World Market has everything you need to make your holidays merry and bright!

I wanted to share a few of my favorite things this holiday season from Cost Plus World Market. 

Don't you love the mix of aqua and red for the holiday season? Check out all these darling essentials for all your holiday entertaining needs. 

From a Scandinavian Gnome Cookie Jar to Retro Santa Mugs (how adorable are those?!) you're bound to find a treasure for your holiday home!

I love shopping at my local Cost Plus World Market in Cottonwood Heights, UT and you can check out your local Cost Plus World Market by searching for Participating Stores in you area!

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1.Retro Santa Merry Christmas Mugs Set of 4
2.Metal Nordic Heart With Bell Ornaments Set Of 3
3.Red Jolly Hearts Plates Set Of 4
4.Red And Ivory Retro Felt Pom Pom Garland
5. Rustic Christmas Sign Ornaments Set Of 2
6.Icy White Faux Bottlebrush Tree Tabletop Decor
7.Medium Silver Gnome Musical Crackers 8 Count
8.Scandinavian Gnome Ceramic Cookie Jar
9.Wood Gnome Winter Scene Ornaments Set Of 2

Happy HoliYAY Day with Oriental Trading

Disclosure: As a member of the Oriental Trading Fun Squad, I received compensation and/or products in exchange for my styling and crafting services. This post contains affiliate links.

Happy HOLIYAY Day! 

I'd love to share with you a few of my favorite things, and yes, brown paper packages tied up with string is one of them! I love to wrap pretty packages and I believe that it becomes an extension of the gift, just like icing on the cake!  It completes the gift and gives it that WOW factor. Create beautiful packages this holiday season with Oriental Trading and all of their fabulous ribbon, ornaments and wrapping paper. 

I like to start with a solid color of gift wrap and this KRAFT PAPER ROLL and WHITE PAPER ROLL are perfect to wrap your gifts in. 

Next, wrap the packages with pretty RIBBON  or Baker's Twine and simply attach the ornament of your choice! So quick and easy yet so beautiful. Check out below to see all of my favorite ornaments from ORIENTAL TRADING.

Use the code SQUAD 19 for FREE SHIPPING at checkout! This offer is valid Friday, November 1st through Monday, November 4th at midnight CST. Now is the time to stock up on all of your holiday gift wrapping needs!

SHOP THIS POST:

Holiday Handicraft Ornaments

Rocking Horse Ornaments

Carved Wood Candy Canes

Mason Jar Lid Nostalgic Camper and Truck Ornaments

Home for the Holidays Christmas Ornaments

Green Sisal Trees

Snowy Pine Picks

Red and White Striped Satin Ribbon