Free Printables + b.box review & GIVEAWAY!

Whew!  The "construction" going on here at Cut, Craft, Create is (for the most part) complete and things are finally getting back into their normal patterns.  After you're finished with this post, please take a look around and let me know what you think.  We now have tabs to help you find what you are looking for faster and easier (excuse the "About Me" tab, it seems to have a glitch- I'm still working on it!).  I also need to go through all my old posts and re-label them to sort them in these tabs.  Because of this, check back over the next week or so to make sure you catch all the projects that are supposed to fall in those categories.  We also have a new design/color scheme.  What are your thoughts?

Now... onto the good stuff.  Thanks for letting me destroy and rebuild the blog over this last week and for being patient with me.  While working on this, I didn't work on a new craft but did want to offer you some FREE Printables and a GIVEAWAY of one of my new favorite companies.

[Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products mentioned in this post for free from the b.box company to try out.  However, all opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.  Giveaway items are from the b.box company and are not in exchange for a positive review.]

b.box 
I was recently introduced to this company and I asked to revue the following products:
1. Sippy cup
2.Snack Pack

Sippy Cup
I'm always on the hunt for a good sippy cup.  My son is so rough with his cups and it's hard to find one that doesn't leak/spill, is easy to hold, and doesn't restrict the flow of water too much (he loves to take big drinks and some cups are frustrating!)

This {award winning!} cup is made with an innovative weighted straw so that babe can drink to the very last drop!  I hadn't even thought about that but looking back at our other straw cups, there was always water in the bottom that the straw couldn't reach.  Better reach means having to fill the cup less!  I've had friends with kids ask me about this cup and comment about how they've never seen anything like it!  The weighted end falls to the bottom no matter what direction the cup is tilted- cool huh?

{I realize that it looks like the cup is tilted to the right and the straw isn't.  That's my "creative" photo skills- ha!  The cup is flat.}

The top of the straw has a + shaped opening which closes back up when babe isn't drinking from it.  That means less spill (especially when your kiddo likes to turn it upside down and shake it... go ahead, ask me how I know).  Even though the straw is skinny, my son has no trouble getting enough water out of it when he drinks, which makes my water-loving-babe very happy.

My only concern is proper cleaning.  Straw cups always make me nervous because it's hard to really get in there and clean it.  Right now we only put water in it but I still wonder.  The great thing about this cup is that it's dishwasher safe and the company makes replacement straws & cleaning tool so I feel a whole lot better about it than I do with most other sippy cups!

The last part that I love love love is the lid.  It screws onto the cup so it STAYS ON (!!!) Oh, pardon my excitement.  My little guy is super into throwing things.  It's our one real battle right now (well, that and sitting during meals) and I can't count the number of times he has thrown a cup and the lid pops right off- spilling water everywhere.  That doesn't happen with this cup.  The lid also slides closed so I can easily shut it and toss it into the diaper bag or my son can slide it open to pop the straw out.  Lastly, the lid has 2 handles that stick out the side, making it easy for little ones to hold while drinking or while walking around.  That's important you know, because we must be able to hold our teddy bear and our sippy cup and scoot around on our tractor all at the same time.

Snack Pack
Now onto this little helper!  Kids (or adults if you are like me) always seem to be snacking.  It's hard to be "out and about" without stopping for a snack break between meals. It can get expensive (and often results in unhealthy options) to always run through a drive through for a snack.  This little snack container is awesome.  Since I've received this product, I have used it literally every time we've gone out, and many times at home!

Here's why I like it:
First, it has two separate compartments.  I like to bring a couple different snacks for a little variety and let's be fair- toddlers can be picky every now and then. (ha!) I used to pack several mini-containers but this is way easier.  The two compartments are connected and the lid covers both sections at the same time.

{This was ours the other day as we were waiting on lunch.  Yes, Mr. Alligator had to come along}

Secondly, it has a silicone bottom that prevents it from slipping around.  Oh, and it's also just really neat looking... but I'm sure the no-slipping thing is more important.  I love the green color on ours!

It also comes with a spoon in case you are traveling with a snack like applesauce or leftovers.  The spoon fits right into the lid so you wont lose it- what a neat design!

Some of our favorite combinations are:
Quesadilla bites + Grapes
Cheese + fruit (blueberries, strawberries and apples taste great with cheese!)
Dip (like hummus) + strips of toast or veggies

Everything I've shared is dishwasher safe.  That's a biggie for me because if I can't wash it in the dishwasher then it's probably going to stay dirty somewhere in our house (gross but true).

New Stuff

I'm so glad I've been introduced to this company- they have such neat innovative products!  At the end of this month (February) they have three new items coming out: (1) bowl & straw (2) divided plate (3) cutlery set.

This bowl & straw is made so that little ones can drink up liquids (such as soup) and then use the spoon to finish what's left at the bottom.  It also comes with a "snack" lid so that you can use the same container to carry snacks around on-the-go!  Lastly, it comes with a closed lid so that you can store any leftovers without getting a new container.  3-in-1 means less dishes.  That = great for busy mamas and papas.

The divided plates are made with silicone sides for easy grip and three compartments to keep food separate.  My kid dips everything into everything else, but I know some kiddos who hate having their food touch- this would be perfect for them!  I think this would be great for teaching portions as well.

I'm most excited about this cutlery set.  The fork is made with 3 prongs sort of in a circle and the spoon is made to not only use as a spoon but to help babe scoop food onto the fork as well.  I love how this company comes up with such unique designs for their products.  I will definitely be trying these out soon!

Stay tuned for these items to go live on their website.  Click the individual links above to see more or just head over to bboxbaby.com to check out all their products.


Want Your Own?
Of course you do... these products are so cool!  Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win your very own sippy cup & snack pack.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Free Printables Too!
Thanks for hanging tight while I revamped the blog.  As a special thanks, here is a quote that struck me this week in a few different designs.  Sized to fit in an 8x10 frame.  Enjoy!

Click HERE to download

Click HERE to download (white background)

Click HERE to download (white background)

Click HERE to download (transparent background- print on any color paper)

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann

About Me

Hi there!  My name is Kelsie Ann and I'm the author of Cut, Craft, Create.  I'm a full time Domestic Operations Engineer (i.e. Stay at home mama!) and love every minute of it.  My days are spent with my punny-funny husband and my *almost* always smiling, what-a-total-ham toddler son.  I LOVE to do all sorts of crafts- from sewing to scrapbooking to home decor and holiday and just as much, I love to share them with you!  I also love chocolate (dark is the best!) and coffee because- well... it's amazing.

I believe that everyone has the "crafty gene" (it's true!) and work to bring you a variety of crafts for all- from the first time crafter to the expert.  As a new mama, I am also getting more involved in kids projects- either with them or for them.  Now those are fun!

I love hearing about you and your crafty adventures so please don't hesitate to send me a message letting me know what you like (what you don't!), what you are working on or if you want my input on a project.  I certainly don't have all the answers but that's what creativity is all about- working with one another to inspire new ideas out of old ones.

As a new portion of the blog, I have added a Giveaways tab!  After taking over a year off from the blog and finding that you all stuck with me, I want to say "thank you" by giving you free stuff!  As a new mother and ever-learning crafter I also want to share with you products that I use and trust. I've often been asked what products I prefer for certain projects so I thought a full review would be helpful for those searching.  Since children's products are so vast and my mama {daddy/grandparent/etc.} following is growing, I also wanted to give you the opportunity to review and hear about my favorites there as well.  Check out that tab for updates and freebies!


Thanks for taking the time to get to know me a little better.  I would love to learn more about you!

Kelsie Ann

Decorating Tip #5 {Vintage Clothesline Frame}

Welcome back friends!  For those of you who are new to Cut, Craft, Create- thanks for joining me!  Besides a few breaks for giveaways (because, how fun is giving away awesome stuff?!), I have spent each week of 2016 thus far showing off details from my son's nursery.  I hope these tips and tricks have inspired you not only to create a precious nursery but to use the ideas throughout your home.

If you have missed it so far, catch up on tips 1, 2,3 and 4 by clicking the links.

This week I wanted to show off one of my favorite elements from the nursery.  It is so simple to do but makes a huge statement!

Seriously, you need 4 items (and they are so easy to get!)
- Large Frame
- Twine
- Clothespins
- Romper/Onesie/ Dress, etc.

Funny story about the frame.  My husband was cleaning out one of our buildings that is full of junk from the previous owners.  I happened to walk past the truck and see this BEAUTIFUL frame tossed into the truck bed.  Not only was it a big frame but it is such a pretty off white/ivory color (it's hard to see in these photos because the lighting in the nursery is poor) and is naturally distressed.  My husband thought it looked like it needed cleaned up, I thought it was perfect.

All I had to do was grab some twine, tie it to the frame (nothing fancy, look closely, you can see it wrapped around the frame!) and voila!

When I first hung this up, I wasn't sure what outfit was going to hang in it.  I thought maybe the hospital outfit or one of his first little onesies.  However, at the baby shower my mom hosted, I met this handmade Peter Rabbit romper and it was love at first sight!  My mom purchased it from etsy for my son to wear and never thought it would become a staple in the nursery decor. (Because it's a non stretchy material and my son has one giant head, he never actually fit into it. *boo hoo hoo*  By the time he was tall enough his head was too big.  I think it would probably  have fit a more "average" sized baby.  The seller offered to return it but I love it hanging!)  I'm just glad we were able to display it this way so that such a beautiful piece was used in one way or another.

{Photo from my baby shower.  My mom made that personalized onesie and bib!}

Finish by hanging your outfit up using a couple clothespins.  You can buy a whole pack of them for $1 at the dollar store.  I painted these green to match the nursery decor.

{Loving this romper?  Head over to Cornflower Creations on etsy to see all of her designs for purchase.}

Want to make some super cute decorative clothespins out of the blank dollar store ones?  Check out this post from our wedding!

I positioned this lovely piece of artwork above the changing station (check back in future weeks for a tutorial on how to make your own!) and it's perfect!  Because of it's large frame it draws your attention and takes up a good amount of wall space.  However, because it doesn't weigh much, I feel comfortable hanging it above something that my baby is laying on!

There you have it.  Told you it was simple... and oh so lovely.  I only wish the photos did that old frame justice!

This would be a great decorating idea for another child's room or a "man-cave" (think favorite player's jersey!) as well as any other themed nursery.

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann

Valentine's Hack + GIVEAWAY! {Freshly Picked + Chubby Bunny, Happy Home}

Today I want to take a break from the decorating series that we have been working on (Haven't been following along?  Catch up on tips from posts 1, 2,3 and 4!) to share a quick Valentine's tip for you.  If you're like me, you might want to do a little something for the kiddos in your life (be it your own, friend's kids or nieces and nephews) but you are JUST. SO. BUSY.

Seriously, is it possible that I spend an entire day making meals, cleaning up meals and going up and down the stairs (my son loves the stairs so we spend a lot of time there)?  I know that there is no way I'm going to get some adorable Valentine's craft made for all of my nieces and nephews.

... in steps Target's Dollar Bins.  Come on ladies- you know what I'm talking about here.  The mecca of adorable stuff priced at $1 (or sometimes just a dollar or two more).  This year it was my saving grace and I want to share with you how I put together really cute Valentines for $4 a kid.

{Paw Patrol?  Frozen?  For a DOLLAR? I seriously love this store.}

Step 1:  Check out your local Target store and see what goodies you can find.  If yours has these envelopes, get one for each child.  I can't get over how sweet they are and it makes such a neat presentation.  All of mine are getting mailed out so having something like this seems more fun that just having a bunch of random things shoved in a paper mailer (plus it keeps the items separate for each child if going to siblings!)

Step 2: Buy the stuff and GET OUT OF THE STORE before you spend 10 million dollars.  You know what I mean....

Step 3: Include a card (I made these in just a few minutes at home) and write a message for your little loved one.

Easy Peasy.  If you have magically found some free time and want to create a Valentine's gift, check out some of my other posts:

- Personalized Valentine's Shirt
- Heart Shaped Pincushion
- "Love Note" Cup Cozie
- Personalized Photo Map (my most popular post)

Want something even better?  How about a GIVEAWAY?
Buying is easier than making- sure, but winning is even better than buying!  Cut, Craft, Create has teamed up with Freshly Picked and Chubby Bunny, Happy Home to bring you some awesome goodies for your lovely little one!

Freshly Picked

Freshly Picked is this amazing little company that makes beautiful moccasins for your babe's feet.  (Okay, they actually have apparel, soft and hard sole shoes, women's shoes and "Bringing Home Baby Bundles") but they got started by making the soft sole moccs we all know and love.

You might have seen them on ABC's Shark Tank or have heard about them from one of their every-growing list of followers.  I've been obsessed with the company for several months now and I just can't get over how great these shoes are.

Here's why:
1. They are adorable.  Let's be fair, cute baby stuff is the best. Here are some of my favorites:

{Colors are as pictured L-R
Heirloom in Creme and Gold, Weathered Brown, Blush, 

Glacier, Born in the USA, Starry Night}

-Check out their website for more-

2. They stay ON BABE's FEET!  They are brilliant and have created a shoe that doesn't fall off.  My son even has trouble pulling them off his feet and he is Houdini when it comes to that.

{These sweet little moccs will always hold a special place in my heart.  Because of their soft sole they were the perfect "first shoe" for my bare-foot loving kid.  He took some of his first steps in these}

3. They last a long time.  Ask anyone who has owned a pair and they will tell you that these are some good quality shoes.  They are made with a thicker leather that supports rough play and day to day kid life.  Even when they start to look a little roughed up an easy "wipe clean" seems to magically restore them to new.  (I wasn't so sure about this after my son tore them all up over Thanksgiving but see for yourselves...)

{These are my son's FP moccs before and after.  I expected them to get cleaner but was surprised at how the "wrinkles" even cleared.  They are like new shoes again!}

This giveaway portion is for (1) pair of soft-soled moccasins in the design and size of your choice (a $60 value!) and is open to residents of the United States.


Chubby Bunny, Happy Home
CBHH is actually a small business that my mom and I started and own.  We create hand-crafted items for your home and baby.  We are big believers in supporting small business and in the quality of items created by hand.

{You could win one of these bandana bibs in the pattern of your choice!  Perfect for a teething baby to catch that drool, as a fashion statement or- in this case in the picture- as a bib for food!}

-See available patterns HERE-

We thought that your little one needed even more this Valentine's Day because... why not?  That's the fun of a giveaway!  We love sharing the items we make with little ones from all around.

{Machine washable, vinyl lined (for wet snacks such as grapes or apple slices!) and oh-so-cute this bag travels anywhere and stays closed with an easy to use velcro flap}

What?  One more item?  You lucky thing, you.

{Get this "I'm acute kid" design in any onesie sizes 0-3 month through 12 month or in children's T-shirt size of your choice.  Made with professional grade heat press, the design lasts wash after wash}

This portion of the giveaway is for (1) Reversable Bandana Bib in fabrics of your choice, (1) Vinyl-Lined Reusable Snack Bag and (1) "I'm acute kid" onesie or t-shirt in the size of your choice (a $25 value!) and is open to residents of the United States.

Enter to win the prize package of:
FP moccasins + CBHH bandana bib, reusable snack bag and onesie/t-shirt!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for stopping by and good luck!

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann

[Disclosure: I have received product to revue and/or products are from my own company.  All opinions are my own and in no way were shaped from receiving the product.]

Decorating Tip #4 {Wall Collage with SIX fun ideas!}

If you've been following along with us over the last couple of weeks you know that I have been sharing design elements that I used in decorating my son's nursery.  If you are new to Cut, Craft, Create, don't forget to catch up on the first and second posts.  Don't worry if you aren't decorating a baby's room- these tips can be used in all rooms of your home or even in your office!

Today's decorating tip is a wall art collage that takes common design elements and fills it with some unexpected details.

There are 6 parts to this design.  You can replace each of these details to fit your room/theme in particular to make it your own.


#1- Word Art (With AMAZING frame!)

I typed up words that I think of when imagining my sweet little boy growing up and experiencing life.  Some of these words were: run, play, dirt, curious, joy, adventure, and explore (my favorite word on there).  I want my child to experience life in all it's messiness.  I want him to explore his world and play in the dirt.  I also included his name to be positioned in the very center of the word collage (For the sake of not having his full name plastered across the internet, I changed it above to "Baby Thumper!"  Thanks photo editing!)

After typing up several of each word in different fonts and sizes, I printed it out on regular paper and cut into strips.  I chose to then tea-stain the paper strips (make unsweetened tea or coffee and then "blot" the paper with a sponge).  This is optional, I just like the look.  Let the paper dry before continuing.

To put it all together I made a backing that fit just inside the frame from a heavier cardstock.  Then using a basic glue stick (found in the scrapbooking or adhesive sections of any store) I stuck all those tiny little paper strips on to the backing.  Put it all together, hang and enjoy!

(Note:  Check out your local thrift stores, flea markets, antique shops, etc for inexpensive but beautiful frames such as this one!)


#2- Detail Memorabilia

For my son's Peter Rabbit nursery I opted to hang a "vintage" copy of the Peter Rabbit story with a crisp black frame around it.  The two pieces are not connected in any way.  The frame was hung as usual and the book was hung with a nail just inside the front cover.  I then stuck the front cover to the first page with a few Zots (glue dots) so that the cover didn't swing open but the nail is still "hidden".

For another room, you could use this idea to hang up your grandmother's necklace, a family crest, special ribbons, etc. The possibilities are endless!


#3- Large Focal Picture

I'm not going to say much about this because there are so many examples of this photo on Pinterest- such as this one, this one, and this one (which is a little different but I love just the same).  I wish I would have had my letter blocks to spell out his name across the bottom but ended up using large chipboard letters from my scrapbooking supply (again, I covered his name in this photo)

For a room other than a nursery, make a large print of a favorite family photo, an aerial photo of your home or even just something you like (think: stunning photo of the Grand Canyon, etc).  I recommend Shutterfly for photo prints and they have deals all the time where you can get a 16x20 print for free (just pay shipping).


#4- Inspirational Quote

I made this out of extra foam board I had from my anniversary map (never throw anything away- ha!), cut it to the shape I wanted, painted it with acrylic paint and put vinyl lettering on top.  We actually made this as a prop for one of our maternity photos and loved it so much it became a part of the nursery.

{Photo via J. Hendon Photography}

You could make your favorite quote, phrase or just something fun (like "whip it good" in the kitchen!) in the same way I did, or by creating a wood sign, painting a canvas or even printing on paper!   This one is so easy to personalize and if you find a sign in a store you like, even easier!


#5- Monogram Piece

We've all seen the different ways that these craft letters can be decorated and used.  Many times they are displayed in a nursery to spell out baby's name.  I suggest using only the first letter in a larger collage like this.  It's personalized and sweet without having their name everywhere (especially since his name was already present in a few other design elements shown already).

For another room, simply use the initial of your family's last name.  The year that you got married or some other significant date could be used as well.

{Love the engraved button with our last name? My mom ordered these for me from Pick Your Plum.  It's a company that features a few different items on super sale each day.  They probably wont have these buttons again *maybe!*, but it's definitely worth checking them out!}


#6- Smaller Photo Frame Set

Using some extra 4x6 frames I had on hand, I hung them in a horizontal-vertical-horizontal-vertical pattern along the right side of the collage.  These were all photos from the first few days of our son's life while still in the hospital.  One of just him, one each of him with mommy/daddy and our first family photo (which I looooove!)

It's easy to use this idea in any layout to make a "line" along an edge and bring together all the separate pieces a little better.

{Your Turn!}
Which design element is your favorite?  My son loves looking at the photos of him (#3 and #6) and touching all of the different textures on the wall.  This would be a great project for a large open space in a living room- personalize with family initials, special photos and important family mementos!

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann