Crafting with Cricut

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. 

If you're new to the wonderful world of crafting -- or even if you consider yourself to be more of a "basic" crafter -- then Cricut's brand new machine is just for you! This nifty new machine is called the Cricut Explore One™ and it's perfect for crafing beginners and basic crafters because it offers a simplified design-and-cut system that is incredibly user-friendly. The Explore One™ actually offers most of the same features as Cricut's other Explore machines, it's just priced lower!

In addition to its affordable price, here are a few other things about the Cricut Explore One™ that you're sure to love:

• It can cut over 60 different materials, from the most delicate materials like vellum to thicker things like leather. It can also cut cardstock, vinyl, fabric, balsa wood, leather, and more…without complicated settings.
• You'll have free access to Cricut's Design Space™ online software and iPad® app so you'll able to design on your computer or your Pad®. You'll also be able to use a Bluetooth® adapter for wireless cutting.
• The Explore One allows you to cut a wide range of shapes and sizes with exceptional precision, from ¼" tall up to 11½" wide x 23½" tall. You just select the material that you're using on the Smart Set® dial. From there, the machine's Cut Smart® technology will deliver a clean, professional cut.
• You can upload your own images and use your own fonts -- for free!
• Each machine comes with over 25 free 1-click projects and 50+ free images to get them started right away.
• If you want to use the machine to write or score, you can easily swap out the cutting cartridge with the Cricut Explore One™ Accessory Adapter and Pen.

The Cricut Explore One™ makes it easy, fast, and affordable for you to explore your creativity and delight your loved ones with personal handmade projects and gifts! And if you purchase your very own Cricut Explore One™ before the end of May - you'll get free shipping when you use code MAYSHIP!

Spring into Modern Accessories

Spring is the perfect time to add some new jewelry pieces to your collection. And these aren’t just any pieces. They are cool, modern, unique pieces that will have your feeling like a million bucks – without spending a fortune.

VisibleInterest.com is a wonderland for modern jewelry and like the jewelry itself boasts a clean, sleek appearance. It’s uncluttered and looks like a good friend (one that happens to have super great, stylish taste).

The careful curation of jewelry with a modern aesthetic is comprised of amazing necklaces, bracelets, rings and more crafted by independent jewelry designers in a range of price points.

Being able to shop by jewelry type, look, price, designer, etc. makes it simple to find just the right selection for your individual style

The modern look of all the pieces make a bold statement while seeming to say less is more. The pieces may speak for themselves, but naturally you’re going to get all compliments.

The jewelry shown below is all beautiful, but I keep going back to the Nico Ring with the chant, “Want. Want. Want” in my head. I’ve also been on the hunt for a standout cuff bracelet (which is a very hot trend) and just may have found it. Here are my top ten favorites for spring.

1. Labradorite Cuff - This 7 inch open cuff is hand cast in Bronze with 6mm hand-picked Labradorite stones at each end.
2. Nico Ring is Sterling Silver- This is a unique, minimalist double ring with a vertical bar that is made in White Gold plate over Sterling Silver.
3. Tiny Pearl Earrings - A cool, modern twist on freshwater cultured pearls on dainty solid 14K Gold hoop earrings that are designed to hug the earlobe.
4. Cracked Earth Ring in Brass - This stunning, tall, 2 inch ring is a free form open weave ring in Brass and extends beyond knuckle to knuckle.
5. Golden Petite Starburst Pendant Necklace - A statement piece that features signature detail with 18k Gold Plate over solid Sterling Silver and a contrasting 18K White Gold ball artistically incorporated into the sunburst design. The chain is adjustable to 16-17-18 inches.
6. Bold Cactus Cuff in Silver - This amazing wide (1 ½ inch) solid Sterling Silver open weave cuff bracelet is crafted from the honeycomb skeleton of a prickly pear cactus and features contoured, organic edges and a shiny finish.
7. Gemstone Lariat- This casual, stylish Lariat Gold fill chain necklace measures 16 inches with a 1 1/2 inch drop and is available in Sapphire, Turquoise, Ruby and Carnelian
8. Herkimer Diamond Earrings - The diamond earring studs are an affordable modern take on diamond stud earrings.
9. Bound Ring in Gold - Each Bound Ring is one of a kind. The material is shaped by the artist's hand and can display slightly different shapes. The ring, which is 14K Yellow Gold wrapped with an 18K Yellow Gold setting and has a 2mm White Diamond, can be slightly altered by gently splaying the layers of Gold wire apart or pushing them closer together.
10. Prayer Stick Choker - This 2 ½ inch indented Sterling Silver bar pendant dangles on a naturally dyed leather choker that is available with black or brown leather.

Campus Book Rentals

I know first hand, that as a college student we all need to save money. Especially on our textbooks, which can get pricey. I love that there is an alternative to purchasing textbooks now!

Campusbookrentals.com has a solution for you all! They have rented over 1 million textbooks, providing to almost every campus in the USA. With campusbookrentals.com you will be sure to save between 40-90% on your textbooks! Another great thing, is that you will receive FREE shipping!! You are even allowed to highlight in your book. I know highlighting in my book was important to me and my studying skills! Another exciting thing is that Campus Book Rentals provides a portion of their fees to Operation Smile. Which is a volunteer based children's medical charity that provides free cleft surgeries. So not only will you be saving money but you will be helping a small child!

So check out this amazing site today, so you can save money to use towards fun on your summer break!