New Download Shop

Smart Buy Gal is pleased to announce the opening of our digital downloads shop! This is very much in the infancy stages with just a couple dozen designs as we open, but a few more designers are in the process of uploading their files...and we are always looking for more folks who would like to share their great designs! Click the button below to check us out, and visit often as new files will be uploaded frequently. It's kind of a "plain jane" site compared to others, but I think it will get us started and we can build from there. There is also a loyalty program in place so you can earn cash towards your future purchases.

What A Great Idea!

Check out this awesome soap dispenser created from a Mason jar! I found it while checking out some blogs this morning and you can get all the details along with directions at A Pretty Life in the Suburbs. Browse around while you are there for lots more great projects and recipes as well!

Price Increase

I received word today that Provo Craft is raising the prices on all the Cricut cartridges, including the older ones! I wasn't given an exact date or dollar amount for the increases, but I was told they would start this week, and some increases could be significant. I sure don't understand the reasoning, or timing, of raising prices.....but looks like they are doing it anyway. I'm sad to have to report this, but wanted to let everyone know as much ahead of time as I could. If you are thinking of purchasing some cartridges....I'd try to do it soon while the prices are still low.

Big Dog Is In The House...

and this time I'm not talking about my dog! A friend recently had a birthday, and his nickname is Big Dog...so I made this double-walled acrylic tumbler for him. I got the tumbler through one of the shares we have done on Smart Buy Gal's message board, which was purchased at www.silkletter.com. The design was a coloring book image cut using SCAL2.

You'll Never Believe What This Is Made Of...

I have discovered one of THE most wonderful crafting blogs. It is everything crafty, not just paper crafts or vinyl.....and such awesome projects and ideas!

This gorgeous rose was created from plastic spoons....yes, plastic spoons! You can find complete directions at CAN'T STOP MAKING THINGS . Be sure to browse around while you are there....tons and tons of creativity!

Isn't this a very clever and creative project? I know it's last minute for Valentine's, but if you are still looking for something to give hubby, this would be perfect! Complete directions can be found at I'm a Mom not a Professional.

While you are there, be sure to check out the post on Valentine Sun Catchers also. Adding that to my list for next year! TONS of great stuff on this blog, along with some yummy sounding recipes.

Can You Dig This?

Wow....here is one more really cute Valentine idea I found while blog hopping! Isn't this an adorable idea?!!! You can find complete instructions at Jean's Crafty Corner.

Doesn't This Look Yummy?

I was blog hopping a bit today and boy am I finding all kinds of new and terrific blogs! Came across this scrumptious looking treat and I thought I would share it so you all can check it out. You'll find the post here: Your Home Based Mom.com. Lots of great stuff there.

Isn't This Adorable?

With subway art being all the rage, thought I would share this great printable that I found just in time for Valentine's Day. You can get it by visiting this awesome blog: Eighteen25.

I just love finding such great creations!

Meet Herbie and Henry Heart

Herbie and Henry are just a small part of the "Heart Faces" svg file set that I recently created. There are 12 images total and you could do so many cute things with these fellas.

Henry was created using the cut and print technique in SCAL2. I printed his facial features onto red card stock, then used my Cricut to cut the heart shape around his face. I cut the whites of his eyes, his nose, and his teeth from white card stock and layered him all together. I also used the cut and print method for his cute little baseball cap which was just a clip art image I found. If you are not familiar with the cut and print technique, this section of our forum has a great written and video tutorial to help you learn: http://www.smartbuygal.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=105.

Herbie was created by breaking apart the file and cutting the various colors out of glossy vinyl purchased from Nick at www.craftvinyl.com. Then I just layered up my design, and applied it to this awesome coffee sleeve!

If you are interested in the files for Herbie and Henry and the rest of the gang, please check out the "files" tab at the top of the page.....many thanks!

Live Chat!

That's right! Live Chat! I'm so excited to announce that we now have a live chat window available for your use while browsing the forum! Click on that forum button over in the right column to check it all out!

Under Construction

Hi everyone....welcome to my construction zone! I'm in the process of reformatting my blog, so please check back soon and hopefully I'll have it all done and looking pretty!

In the meantime feel free to visit us on Smart Buy Gal's message board (click that forum button over in the right column), and don't forget to check out the great prices in the store for all your Cricut cartridges and accessories. Hope to see you there!

Kathy