Crafts & Hobbies #65: Coin Collecting

I am not a collector of any kind. It happens I just love old things. Coins are easy, small and exchangeable. It is not a lot of money to tuck away, so every time I run accross a different, unique one, I usually put it away, not thinking of the value of it thenor someday.

After reading this exercise and checked some of dealer web sites. I went home and took out the tin can contained my coin I have "collected" since I started earning. All the state quarters, dollar silver, Kennedy half dollar, nickels and dimes ... the oldest one I found is just a penny dated 1946. Hold it in my hand, think of what’s going on in that year. I can feel the history run in my head. I can see the small coin changed hand, from a woman tried to get some groceries, then a young boy paid for an ice cream to a man played with it by tossing it in the air while waiting for the bus one evening …

Pick another one, 1963, what's a year for the world we were living in .... Things happened here, the United States of America, or in my country, Viet Nam, half the world away but so closed, so linked to each other, so sad and so proud of each other in some way too.

That’s how I enjoyed them and became an casual coin "collector."

Crafts & Hobbies #64: Zines

I would not make my own zine. First I have no intend or subject to. Second, who does have that much time to spend, cheeeeeeez. I could understand if someone really like the subject, have a special interest, otherwise who would want to read on a continuing basis. I don't think it apply to me at this time.

Do zines have a place in the library? Surely it does. Libraries are about providing and sharing information. It would take a lot of time and effort involved, if a large collection is set. But if the customers are interest reading it, I don’t see why not have it in the Library.

Crafts & Hobbies #63: Digital Scrapbooking

I like the digital scrapbooking ideas after reviewing the video tutorial, then I created a lay out using their free on line program on Scapblog.com. I don’t have to register to do that but to be able saving my work, I had to register to do so. I haven't done it before but i don't think it's hard, just follow the instruction. The hard part was to find the free backgrounds and stickers.

I like the ideas of making greeting,recipe cards or invitations ...

I have tried Crop Mom or Scrapbook Flair, it was a lot of fun to play around.

My thoughts on digital scrapbooking: It is fun and I really like it. I like the idea of keeping stuff stored online, you can open it when and wherever you go and want to.

Crafts & Hobbies #62: Decoupage

I have done some decoupage projects before. At the Sunday School I used to be a part, we make lanterns for special occasions like August Full Moon Festival or X'mas. I use this technique to separate images I want to show. Another time I put all of the grandchildren pictures into one picture and framed it as a gift for my mother on the Mother Day. I was very pleased with this project but nothing as fancy as they show on Flikr. It's amazing! I like the work they have done on stones, plates, boxes ... (somethings you always have extra lay aroud the house.) Then comes to personal things as key chains, picture frames, pen holders or jewelry as ear rings, pendants ... well, the sky is the limited.

I like Etsy site, it's where you can buy and sell the finished products. It does have a blog too where you can learn and share how to do … things.

Last but not least, HGTV is a very popular TV channel and a website with all great ideas and projects in the world. Believe me, you never run out of things to do, only time and money you will be running out before you know it. Been there and done that.

Crafts & Hobbies #61: Craftspiration!

1) I am not a scraftbooking person even I have always enjoyed creating things. I have checked out a few websites listed. Some is very interested.

Pimp Stich: I like to try thr Add fabric to an Embroidery Pattern or Crochet an ornament (they do have some X'mas pattern I really like.

Instructables is not a craft site ideas but it has the most appealing thing to me. It is a DIY, Do It Yourself, for both men and women. Things like how to make jewelry out of a flash drive or brew your own beer...

Repurposeful is a forum (to me) where we can share craft ides, tips of making a new from old things (recycling) such as old clothe to new apron, using pillow case to clean ceiling fan or extra marsmallow for impromtu cupcake icing ...

2) Looked at the websites in the multimedia section, learning a craft by watching a video would be a lot easier to me. Writen instructions, they are confusing and hard to follow in my opinion.

3) Overall, this crafting section was very interesting. I personally don't use much but I think it can be a great, helpful tool for many "scraftbookers" out there.

Money & Finance #59: Credit, Money Management, and Saving

1) After reading "How credit scores work" and taking the quiz ( my score was 90%,) even I already know it's affected everything in life, but it's still surprise how much what is linked to the score. Recently I put a new car loan application at my bank and learn about my score in the low 800/850. I got the best interest rate available. I guess all careful planning and on time paying bill are really paid off.

2) I created an Excel spread sheet to record all daily and monthly expenses. I found it easy to track down how much money in and where does it go. Having my mortgage, emergency, retirement and investment funds automatic draft, it leaves me.... what I have to work with. I don't have any problem with it at all.

3) I am not a county employee so I cannot participate in the TCDRS. Read thru it, I think it's a good plan, it guarantees 7% on return no matter how up or down market is. Very steady! This will make a lot easier when you sit down and plan your retirement.

Money & Finance #58: Banking, Budgeting, and Spending

1) I have used banking on line for a while now and I like it very much. At my bank, Houston Federal Credit Union, I get it free of charge because I have an automatic directly deposited. With banking on line, I can check my account and pay my bill at anytime and anywhere I want. I even can set up a routine bank draft such as an investment or mortgage. I believe the bank has a way to keep us safe and secure. I feel ok with banking on line.

2) I used Mint.com to plan a budget and checked on my credit report for a few years. I even used Mint.com to keep track with my investment, it let me know am I on track with my plan or I need to diversify more. I created an Excel spread sheet for my every day spending or compare month to month utilities. So far everything works fine and I am on top of it. I have checked some of the recommended web site but I get used to with what I do, I understand the concept so it saves me time.

3) I understand we need to save but don’t be too greedy, it make life no fun. As long as I am not going over budget, I am ok. I think if I am willing to work for what i want, I deserve it. I am not in debt and still have extra to give away, a healthy and comfy life style, it’s acceptable.