10 Things You Must Buy Next Time You Go to Michael's

For crafters and DIYers, Michael's Craft Store is the happiest place on earth. It's also the happiest place on earth for artists, seamstresses, bakers, photographers, etc. They have pretty much everything, which is why it's hard to find what exactly you should buy and what you should use it for. 

1. A roll of magnet tape!

This one is essential for locker decor. You could make an entire seasonal line of locker decor, with just this roll of magnet tape! Most lockers are metal, so this magnet tape will adhere nicely, allowing you to make your own Instagram magnets, pen holders, phone holders, to-do lists, etc. The possibilities are endless~ (you can also get a sheet of magnet paper)

2. A sheet of cork board

Ah, cork board. A crafter's workspace. Do you even know all that these can be used for? Nooooo, not just a snazzy office bulletin board. Even better- coasters. Okay, that sounded a lot less weird in my head, but did you know that you can make some really cute coasters with just a sheet of cork board and some acrylic paint & painters tape? (photo courtesy of My Paridissi)

3. Faux flowers and succulents

Flowers (and sometimes succulents even) are kind of hard to care for. You need to water them, give them sunlight, spray them with pesticide, etc. only to have them die on you two weeks later. But Michaels' faux succulents and flowers are extremely realistic, and I mean realllyyy realistic, so go there for all of your fake plant needs. You can use them to make a little terrarium, or even a little bouquet to keep in a guest room that you don't go into often so they're less likely to be watered. 

4. Cheap acrylic paint 

Cheap acrylic paint is really good to have on hand. Craftsmart bottles are only $0.67 for 2 oz, but it doesn't get used up super quickly so this could last you a little while, depending on what you're using it for and how often. Like I said above with the cork board, you can use this to decorate coasters, or buy a little wooden plaque (less than a dollar, trust me) and write something cute and inspirational on it. There are sooo many colors, some are shimmery, etc. 

5. Stickers... all of them

You never know when or why you might need stickers- DIY bookmarks, binder decor, something to spice up your plain white phone case, etc. I got some super pretty gold calligraphy letters, and though I'm not sure what I'll use them for yet, I know I'll find some use for them. 

6. Washi/masking tape

I got two really cute masking tapes from Michael's which I use for painting and other decor, and I love the patterns. I got one that's turquoise chevron patterned and a really cute purple and pink floral one. These can help you out in so many ways, and they're only, like, a dollar each. 

7. A monogrammed mug 

I love these, and Michael's has a lot of cute ones. I love monogrammed things because they're really personalized, and for a couple dollars you can get one with your initial on it and they're super cute with tons of different colors and patterns. My mum has one and she loves it- the only downside is that they're not dishwasher safe!

8. A wooden crate & some paint 

Okay, those wooden crates I see every time I go there are to die for. With a little bit of paint and a couple of magazines, you've got an instant magazine holder and cute room decor!! They're about $20 which is why I haven't gotten one yet, but compared to some of the stuff I see at Anthropology, that's cheap.

9. Scrapbook + supplies

Every time I go to Michaels, I head straight for the scrapbooking section because oh my god scrapbooking is a world of dreams. ABM has made me want to start scrapbooking really bad, all I have to do is figure out how to print out my Instagram photos then I'm all set. They have little ones for about $10 in a bunch of different colors and patterns, so if you grab a couple you could go to town with that- now all you need to do is subscribe to ABM's Messy Box service~

10. GRUMPY CAT!

Finally, I've saved the best for last- Grumpy Cat. No, don't worry, not the actual cat (though you could do that too, just probably not at Michaels), but they have a little stuffed grumpy cat there for $20, but when I was there I got a discount so it was half off. She is really soft and cuddly, and a great snuggling companion at night!

Great, now I want to go back to Michaels and stock up on craft supplies. Do I smell a haul coming up?

xo Savannah

Michael's CRAFT HAUL!!

Last Saturday, I finally got the birthday shopping trip that I've been waiting for, and I didn't go to a clothing store- I got CRAFT SUPPLIES! I have been waiting for this shopping trip for so long, and once I got there, I didn't even know what to get first. Well, besides the cart, which my sister and I shared. I had a list on my phone, but that was the least of my worries once I stepped inside that store. It smelled like sketchbooks and opportunities. My sister and I went aisle by aisle, picking things up as we went, and I think the place we spent the most time in was with the duct tape. We are both collectors, and seeing all of it made us grab every pattern we had ever dreamed of! I spent a considerable amount of time looking for chalkboard paint, but didn't find ANY. That was a disappointment, but oh well, I didn't really need it. I am so sad to have not discovered the scrapbooking aisle until checkout- I hurriedly grabbed one last item from there that I'd been searching for. Anyway, here's what I got!~

-Bead Landing Neon Cording
-Gold Metallic Sharpie
-Bronze Metallic Sharpie
-Silver Metallic Sharpie
-5-Pack of Neon Sharpies
-UCreate Premium Drawing Paper Sketchbook
-Mini Wooden Crate
-Small Wooden Latched Box (that I painted neon pink)
-Small Ghost-shaped Chalkboard
-Recollections Sassy Mini Cardstock Paper
-16 oz of Matte Mod Podge
-Craft Smart Neon Chalk Markers 4-Pack
-Turquoise Metal Basket
-Purple & Pink Floral Masking Tape
-Turquoise Diamonds Masking Tape
-Mini Colorful Geometric Metal Bucket
-Mr. Sketch Scented Markers 12-Pack
-Galaxy Duck Tape
-Pineapple Duck Tape
-Blue & Purple Tie Dye Duck Tape
-Sugar Skull Duck Tape
-Colorful Chevron Stripes Duct Tape
-Mint Green Duck Tape

I cannot believe all that stuff was under $100, and I can't believe it all fit in my room. We also got paper masks made for decorating, which my mum, my sister and I are going to do with my aunt once she comes in the next few weeks. I love my Mr. Sketch Markers, they smell AMAZING and I'm glad I finally have some of my own because I used to color with them all the time in elementary school. This was all purchased at Michael's, and I think there was some sort of sale going on at the time- I suggest you get some of this stuff for yourself on your next craft haul trip. Thanks for reading!

xx Savannah

3 Different Types of Notebooks for Different Types of Journaling

Having the right notebook that fits your style and needs is half of the trick to journaling. When starting a journal or buying a new journal, you should buy one that is practical for your specific needs. For example, if you're buying one to use as a to-do list or bullet journal, one that is small and easy to fit in your pocket or bag would be ideal. But, if it's a research or writing journal that will probably not be leaving your office, a large but sturdy one would be better. Overall, be sure to buy one that YOU like to look at and use because you will likely be looking at and using it every single day. Here are a few that are ideal for certain types of journaling:

1. The Moleskine journal is perfect for bullet journaling, is light and sturdy, and fairly cheap. You can get a set of 3 large moleskin Cahier journals on Amazon for only $12.56 and it's Prime! Moleskines can also be used as Midori traveler's journals and are easily customizable with pockets and inserts all over Pinterest. These are very strong and easy to just throw in a bag to go; order a few today!

2. The plain old composition notebook is ever so simple and old school, but the ideas and possibilities are endless. Personally, I covered mine in duct tape and now use it for creative writing. They're easy to grab and go, and the pages won't ever fall out, but are easy to tear. If you're a student and are looking for something for a research project or are simply studying, this is the book for you; lined pages and super cheap. You can usually get them for a quarter at Wal-Mart during Back-to-School season and I picked up a leather one at Fred Meyer's for only $1.99; they're cheap and practical.

3. If you're more of a professional at journaling and are looking for something sort of pricey (as a planner, that is), then maybe you should consider a Filofax. It's great for long-term and short-term planning, and you customize it to fit your needs (like any journal). You can order them off of Amazon for prices ranging from $50-100, and they even come in a variety of colors, designs and sizes. For someone who is very busy and has a lot on their mind, this is what you need. 

Those are the top 3 that I recommend for those types of journals. Leave a comment below if you want more on this subject, but for now, thanks for reading!

xx Savannah

My Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Wishlist

As a crafty and organized person, craft stores are the best thing ever. And, since a new Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft store recently opened up nearby, I don't have to go as far to get to a fun craft store. I even have a list for when I find time to go- and I don't even think I need this stuff, I just want it. c:
 
-Acrylic paint (light blue)
-Wooden box (so I can paint it)
-Pretty fabrics (2-3, for sewing with)
-Paint brushes
-Travel pallet (paint pallet)
-Colored felt
-Washi Tape
-Office clips (I don't know why I want this)
-Clothes pins (I'll put washi tape on them)
-Moleskine journal? (if they have them)

I now realize that you can't find a lot of this stuff at Jo-Ann.. And I should just get it at the Michaels.. Right next to Old Navy. SHOPPING!!!