Makeover Monday: You Can Make This

It’s that time of year!  Actually, for me it’s a little late.  I’m normally done with my Christmas shopping by this time, but I’m running behind this year and I’m only partway there.

Today I am starting on the first of many sewing projects which will become Christmas presents.  I like to give handmade gifts.  Do you?  Would you like to start?

Starting this week and running for the next several, I am going to be featuring projects from the website You Can Make This, owned by my friend Kim.  I knew her before she hit the big time and I couldn’t be happier about all of her success.  This website has patterns and tutorials for making hundreds of different projects, from Digital Scrapbooking to Jewelry Making, Sewing to Woodworking, Printable Paper Crafts to Painting.  There is a section of patterns designed specifically for kids to do (what a great present for Grandma that would be!), and even a large group of free downloads!

Who doesn’t love free?

So check out the website, explore some of the great designs, and pick out a project for you (or your kids!) to do today!  To make the deal even sweeter, YCMT is offering my readers a coupon for 15% off ALL orders placed from now through November 18, 2010.  Just enter code

BlogThisFall

at checkout to receive your discount!

And be sure to come back in the weeks to come for more great ideas from YCMT.  I will be making several projects from the website for Christmas gifts, and I will be featuring them on the blog every week.  I will also be giving away a very valuable prize package (over $100!) that you can use to create your own handmade Christmas gifts.  No experience necessary!

And be sure to click the button below and sign up for the newsletter, too!  You’ll get $75 worth of free patterns and ebooks, perfect for getting started!

*So that I don’t get hauled off to FTC prison, I must tell you that the opinions posted on this website are all 100% my own.  I receive no financial compensation for stating these honest opinions.  I will be given a pattern to facilitate my review.  It’s not valuable enough for me to lie to you.  Trust me, if I endorse it, it’s because I mean it.  It takes more than an ebook to buy me.

Fa-la-la-la free

I am going to tell you something that will make you pea-green with envy.

I have my Christmas cards done already.

Completely.  Photo taken, design chosen, cards ordered, envelopes stamped – totally ready.  And if you have a calendar handy you might notice that Thanksgiving is still a week away.

Impressive, right?

At least something about me should be super-organized.  Back in my pre-kids days I was always this prompt, but now it’s nothing short of a miracle.

I’m not just bragging though – I’m here to help.

Wanna know the secret for my motivation?

Free. Stuff.

Sucks me in every time.

I got our Christmas cards totally free this year.  And they aren’t chinsy, paper-thin, paint-by-numbers done by a handless artist with their feet, either (anyone else remember those cards?)

These are the real deal, 5×7 glossy photo cards, designed completely by yours truly.  The kind I paid over a hundred dollars for last year.  (I can say this here because my husband doesn’t read my blog.  If he knew how much Christmas cards cost, you’d all be getting an email greeting from us.  He doesn’t love you like I do, friends.)

Wanna hear the best part?  You can get yours free too.

Check this out:

Use the site to order 50 cards of your choice, 4×8 OR 5×7, and enter promo code ‘newbaby’ at checkout. Voila!  Free cards, AND free shipping.  And they’re fast, too.  I placed my order at 2 am, received shipping notice at 9 am, and the cards arrived via FedEx the next day.  What more could you ask for?

More cards you say?  Ok, I can do that.  You can also use promo code ‘freebies4mom-1109′ for 50 free 4×8 cards. 

Want even more?  (Greedy!)

Ok, how about 100 free prints?  If this is your first time using the new Fuji site, you will get a code good for 100 free prints when you place your first order.  And yes, the free cards count as that order!  You’ll have to pony up a couple of bucks for shipping on these, but they’re still a great deal.

Ok, ok – one more thing.  Right after free stuff comes my love of a great sale. Like this one:

But pay attention, because that awesome 50% off sale is only good for 2 days, this coming Sunday and Monday.

Now how’s that for an early Christmas present?

You’re welcome.

Oh, and I’d love to share our Christmas card here, but since most of you are probably already on my mailing list, I hate to ruin the surprise.  (Since I know you’re sitting there in suspense, wondering what our Christmas card will be this year.)

*And now the annoying blurb, to keep from going to FCC prison.  Fuji did not ask me to write this, or bribe me, or threaten me with bodily harm.  They did give me free photos, just like they will do for you.  They don’t know I am writing this.  I wrote it just ’cause I’m cool like that, and I like to share a good bargain.  And if you click this link from my site, I will get a huge fat paycheck from Fuji, which will allow my family to take that lavish transatlantic cruise we’ve always dreamed about.  Oh wait, that’s not true.  But I might get a dollar. Which is also cool.

-Some of you are reporting that you’re not receiving free shipping.  I’m really sorry – I don’t know why that would be!  I used code ‘newbaby’ and was not charged a penny.  If the promo has changed I do apologize, but it seems to still be working on my end.  Even if you have to pay shipping, I still think this is a good deal.

Second, note that the free cards promo ends on 11/30, so order soon!

And lastly, Monday 11/23 is your last chance to order photo gifts for 50% off.  Happy shopping!