#Spellbinders Celebra'tions Review

The Spellbinders brand provided me with a sample of Spellbinders Celebra'tions Collection for review however all opinions are my own .

Last year I started to make my own cards.  I wanted to save money and I had all the supplies (paper, punches etc...).  So chances are if you know me in real life that you've been given a handmade card.  

When I had the opportunity to review some card making supplies and craft kits I knew it was perfect.  Richard Garay has a line to help create easy beautiful products.

I was sent supplies to make a party hat card and a treat bag.  

I made mine slightly different- I had the card open from the bottom instead of side, and didn't include the string and attached the celebration banner differently, but otherwise it was so easy to make.  I made it in 15 minutes maybe.  There are directions included but it was basically a layering process. Fold the blue cardstock, attach the white, attach the pink then fold and attach the hat shape.  After that it was layer the flower pieces, add the center and then the celebration banner.  You can see in the video above how easy it was.  

The only thing I didn't like was there were not enough foam stickers included.  I didn't even have enough for the first project (used school glue) and I was supposed to have enough for both.  I'm not sure how many are usually included.

I didn't make the treat bag but I'm sure it will be just as easy when I do. 

For more ideas and products visit Spellbinders.

SendOutCards.com Review

SendOutCards.com allows you to send card and postcards for any occasion without ever leaving your house. 

I was happy when I was given the chance to do this review because this would be so convenient for me with a newborn.

The site is easy to use.  You pick the category of card you are looking for (birthday, holiday, baby etc...)

Then you decide if you want a card or postcard format, write your message and add a picture if you want.

After that you add to cart and then fill out the return address (yours) and the address you are sending it to. 

You can save addresses using the contact manager tool, and can choose to send out the same card to one person or to everyone in your contacts.

This is a great tool for businesses as well as individual users as there is even a reminder system so you don't forget birthdays, anniversary's and other important dates.

The site works on a point based system.  The customers pays for a certain amount of points a month, and unused points do roll over.

For example one plan costs about $10 a month & you get 20 points (additional points are .49).  A 2 panel card costs 2 points, and adding a picture is an additional point.  When you factor in the cost of a stamp, a card can costs between $1.40 and $2 on average.

I couldn't drive to the store, using gas, buy a card, buy a stamp, and send it out for cheaper.  And even if doing that was cheaper, it certainly isn't convenient.  I'd prefer to do it from my nice warm house, especially with winter coming up.

If you want to send a gift Send Out Cards also has a gift catalog where you can choose from gifts such as food gifts, gift cards, books and much more. Your points can be used towards this as well.

I think the concept behind this site is awesome and would recommend it especially since they also have a pay as you go plan which would be perfect for someone who just sends out occasional cards.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using <a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOMd26f5b3c77458adeb617aa87a4f81ec8" rel="nofollow">Tomoson.com</a>. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.