I splurged last November and bought myself a "Cricut" cutter. It's a self-contained, computerized cutting machine. I've been having so much fun learning how to use it. Here are some blocks I made from scrap wood and some white vinyl I ordered.
Here is a plaque I made to go by my front door.
This is a wall trio that I hung just inside my front door. It is all made from paper.
The Cricut has dozens of extra cartridges (for sale separately, of course). This was made by my Beehive girls as a New Beginnings invitation. The cartridge "Bags, Tags, Boxes and More" cuts out the shape of the bag and the tag. Then you score on the marks, fold and assemble. We received lots of compliments on them. Didn't my girls do a great job!!
This was my first attempt at using vinyl to make a message on my wall.

Here is a bulletin board that I made for my classroom. It says, "Happy Birthday---George Washington---Abraham Lincoln." All made on my Cricut!

You can also make stencils for glass etching. Here are some casserole dishes I did for my kids. Can you read Cylena and John's last name on the front? No more masking tape when you have to take a dish to RS or your neighbor. And no more guessing who brought what to the ward party!!
Everyone has asked about the Bunnies. This year, I was going to remember to take a picture of them everytime they changed outfits. (It's kind of funny. They have almost taken on a life of their own.) Here they are at Thanksgiving. But I was having too much fun playing with my Cricut, and I didn't get a picture taken at Christmas. Next year..........

After Christmas, we study the water cycle. We learn first about snow. So here are the Snowbunnies.
Now it is February and we will talk about our first president, George Washington. His companion is not Martha, but Betsy Ross. What a scandal!!! Yes, George does have a real vest, trousers, cut-away coat and a powdered wig. What else would he have??? Betsy just got to wear her old pilgrim dress and apron from Thanksgiving. She did get a new shawl and hat, though.

Before I go, I need everyone to know that I turned off my land line to save some money. (I gotta figure out how to support this Cricut habit somehow.) I only have my cell phone now. The number is in the Allen Family Phone Book. If you need me, call after 9PM (my time) or on the weekends. That is when my minutes are free. It's a pain, I know. But that's how it is. You can still email me. I check my emails about 2-3 times a day, unless I'm out of town.

Well, that's about all I have time to do this go around. Hope all is well with you and yours.

Peggy Parkes