Tuesday, August 14, 2012

FREE STUFF!! 
Now that I have your attention - 
Yes!! This blog post will address just that, things that you can get for FREE! 


Who doesn't love getting stuff for free?? I receive free samples in the mail every week, because I am signed-up to receive notifications from several different online groups who give you links to request free samples. I've gotten lots of great things over the past few years; Atkins starter kits, razors, glass mugs and glasses, prescription eye glasses (yes!), perfume, coffee, cat food, and much more!

 First, since this is a *craft* related blog, I am going to give you links to things you can get that would be just that, craft related. Then, I will give you some links to places you can go to get free samples.

 This site, DailyCraft, has several links to free ebooks - patterns, downloads, etc. that you can use for sewing, embroidery, cards, and more!

I particularly love this site because it is created by the Dollar Store (cheap craft ideas) and I'v made several of them too!

This is a wonderful site, AllCrafts.net; They continually offer free craft ideas, downloads, patterns, and even fonts!

Country Living offers some wonderful craft and gift ideas to make from things you might already have:

Here's a link where you can request free mis-printed tshirts. You can always embroider or applique something over the logo....

Here you can get a sample of free thread, just send a SASE:

Here, you can get a free paper/mailing/storage tube:

This one is really great! Distinctive Fabric will send you 5 free fabric swatches - no shipping charges either! Just register and select your 5 free pieces! 

And for the general "free samples" and other free stuff, register on these sites:
http://startsampling.com/
http://womanfreebies.com/
http://itsallfreeonline.com/


And, for the finale', I am offering a FREE giveaway too! 
The winner will receive a set of 2, 
multicolor-tie dyed pillow cases. 

Here's how to enter; Go to my Facebook shop page, https://www.facebook.com/TheCatsMeowShop, and "Like" it, then leave a comment on the page, letting me know you were there. For additional entries, share my page on your FB wall, and then message me with a copy of the url where you shared it.
I will compile on the entries submitted by noon on Saturday, August 18, and then enter them into RandomPicker. The winner will be notified that evening. 

Thanks for reading and I hope you were able to learn about some new ideas, and most importantly, get some free stuff! Please feel free to leave a comment below if you'd like to share any other free sites or resources!

Happy Creating!
Kim

posted by Kim (Freese) Taylor @ 1:04 PM   2 Comments

Sunday, August 12, 2012

August 2012 - 
New Experiences and New Beginnings!

 I had almost forgotten about my blog! But I think it's time to get back, update some things that have been happening, and open up the forum to new ideas and make this a place to start sharing stuff again!

 Before the summer, I was subbing pretty regularly for Knox County Schools. Not the most fun or fulfilling thing to do, but at least I was "paying my dues" (or so I thought) and keeping myself in the education system in order to "help" me get into full time work with the district. Well, I have now applied for over 160 positions with the district, ranging from custodial work, to secretarial, to teaching assistants, to what I was meant to do - art teacher positions. But, somehow, I keep getting turned down for work. I have finally decided to make an appointment with the administration and review my personnel file and speak to them about why this might be happening. I have a pretty good idea that it is because my years of experience transfer into the district, and put me on the payscale making $10,000 more than what they would have to pay a new graduate. Never mind the whole "no child left behind", seeking quality educators who are "highly qualified" (as they say they seek to hire), ... no, they would rather pay someone much less with no experience. Not that I'm bitter or anything. :) Within the last 2 days, I have interviewed for a position as a teaching assistant in a pre-k room (which pays $14,055) and a position as a receptionist (which pays $16,745) ... So, one gets paid more to do paperwork than to work with children? The disparity is ridiculous. I am really so sick of public schools, and the American education system. We suck. That's all there is to it.

 Now to get back to arts and crafts!
I worked the summer as an arts and crafts counselor at Tate's Day Camp. Best.job.ever.!!!! We had themed weeks so the projects went along with the themes - Pirate, CSI, Carnival, Star Wars, Water Week, Animal Week..... I got to pick all of the projects and I taught elementary and middle school options. I have already been invited back for next summer and I am looking forward to it!

 As far as my own arts and crafts endeavors, I have been doing a few things - some tie-dying, a few new jewelry pieces with sorority names (gonna do some school/college 



themes soon too), and new duct tape designs for wallets for Christmas gifts! A coworker even showed me this neat project using canvas and crayons - she makes them for people as gifts with their names and initials, which is something else I plan to do for the holidays!



I am also contemplating offering some arts and crafts happenings at Ijams Nature Center on the weekends. They allow people to use their indoor space for a 20% donation of what one charges for the classes. 

 My husband recently wrote a book for beginning runners, and it has been quite popular! He even has some signed copies available for only $6! If you would like one, let me know - we can ship too (shipping charges apply).



I would love to see what kinds of things others are working on, new ideas, etc., so please contact me and I can post links or photos on here too!

 Please visit my Facebook page/store - The Cat's Meow, for unique jewelry and artwork!

Happy Crafting!

posted by Kim (Freese) Taylor @ 9:05 AM   0 Comments