Showing posts with label diy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label diy. Show all posts

September 14, 2026

DIY Scratch Pad Using We R Makers Cinch Stack Cutter

My husband gave me birthday cash last month, and I didn't spend it right away. 

I actually spent quite a bit of time thinking about what to buy. I had a few crafting tools in my shopping cart, and one of the things that had been sitting there for the longest time was the We R Makers Cinch Stack Cutter.
 
I had been wanting one for quite a while, but I kept asking myself: Do I really need it? After all, I already have a We R Makers Guillotine.
 
But you know how it is when you're into crafting. Sometimes there's a tool that you don't necessarily need, but you know it would make your crafting life easier. That was exactly how I felt about the Cinch Stack Cutter.

 
Finally Buying the Cinch Stack Cutter
 
When September came, I noticed that there were vouchers available from Bee Happy Crafts and Shopee. That got my attention.
 
The Cinch Stack Cutter was originally listed at PHP 9,450 in the Bee Happy Crafts Shopee store. With Shopee vouchers, the price went down to PHP 7,450.
 
I also checked the Bee Happy Crafts website, where the price was around PHP 9,000, and it was discounted to PHP 7,499.
 
I was able to get mine for PHP 6,785 after using Bee Happy Crafts and Shopee vouchers. That was the final push I needed.
 
So I decided to use the birthday cash gift my husband gave me and finally buy the We R Makers Cinch Stack Cutter. After keeping it in my cart for so long, I finally checked out! And honestly, I'm glad I did.
 
I Didn't Let It Sit in the Box
 
When my Cinch Stack Cutter arrived, I wanted to use it right away. I actually used it within the first week.
 
Aside from being excited to try it, I also wanted to make sure that everything was working properly. Since it was an expensive crafting tool, I didn't want to wait too long before checking it. If there was a problem, I wanted to be able to report it immediately.

Thankfully, my Cinch Stack Cutter was working properly.
 
And what better first project than something I make regularly: scratch pads?
 
Why I Make DIY Scratch Pads
 
If you've been reading my blog, you probably know that I've been making scratch pads since my son started preschool. It started as a simple way to save paper. You can also read about my previous DIY scratch pad project here.
 
Instead of throwing away papers that are printed on only one side, I keep them in a pile. I save my son's old test papers and worksheets, my husband's office papers, and even some of my own printouts.
 
These include things like flight tickets, hotel confirmations, travel insurance documents, travel itineraries, and other papers that I no longer need but can still use as scratch paper. I just keep collecting them.
 
Then, whenever I have extra time, I turn them into DIY scratch pads or notebooks. It's a small thing, but I like knowing that I'm giving these papers another use before they eventually get recycled.
 
Making Scratch Pads with the Cinch Stack Cutter
 
For my first project with the Cinch Stack Cutter, I decided to make several scratch pads from my stash of saved papers.
 
I used:
· We R Makers Cinch Stack Cutter
· Binding C-Clamp Pad Press
· Padding glue
· Recycled paper that had been used on one side




I was able to make eight 1/4-size scratch pads and four 1/2-size scratch pads. And the best part? I didn't have to spend so much time cutting. That's probably the biggest difference I've noticed.
 
Before, I started with a regular cutter. Eventually, I got a guillotine. Now I have a stack cutter. Little by little, my scratch-pad-making tools have evolved.
 
What I Like About the Cinch Stack Cutter
 
The biggest thing I appreciate about the Cinch Stack Cutter is how much easier it makes cutting multiple sheets of paper.
 
Since I usually save a lot of paper before making my scratch pads, cutting them individually can take quite a bit of time. With the stack cutter, I can work with a stack instead. That means less repetitive cutting and more time actually enjoying the crafting part.

It's also nice knowing that I can use it for more than just scratch pads. I can see myself using it for future DIY notebooks, paper projects, and other crafts.
 
Is the Cinch Stack Cutter Worth It?
 
Now for the question I kept asking myself before buying it:
 
Was it worth it?
 
Honestly, it depends on what you plan to use it for.
 
If you're only planning to make an occasional scratch pad, I don't think you need a Cinch Stack Cutter. It is definitely more expensive than simply buying a ready-made scratch pad.
 
For me, though, I think it was worth buying because I already make scratch pads regularly, and I have plenty of paper waiting to be turned into something useful.

I also enjoy making my own notebooks and other paper projects, so I know I'll be using the tool beyond this first project.
 
It's one of those purchases that isn't necessarily a need, but it makes a hobby that I already enjoy much easier.
 
And let's be honest, sometimes it's okay to use our birthday money for something that simply makes us happy.
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September 10, 2026

A Little Paper Craft Catch-Up: Gift Cards, Invitations & More

Yesterday, we had no internet connection, so I took the opportunity to do something I had been putting off: declutter my digital files.
 
As I went through folders and photos, I came across several paper craft projects that I had made but never shared here. Looking through them brought back so many memories, and I thought it was finally time to give these projects their moment.
 
From practical gift card holders to a sweet baby shower invitation and a sentimental mini album, each project has its own little story. So, here are a few paper crafts I’ve been meaning to share.
 
New Home Gift Card Holder
 
This housewarming gift card holder was my final Summer–Fall Design Team project as a guest designer for Printable Cuttable Creatables.
 
The design is a ready-to-cut New Home Gift Card Holder SVG File, which I cut using my Cricut Maker 3. To add a little extra sparkle, I added Sizzix Pearlescent Medium for a soft, subtle shimmer.


I love how a gift card can feel so much more personal when it comes with a handmade holder. This housewarming gift card holder adds a thoughtful touch to a practical gift; simple, heartfelt, and made with love.
 
Floral Gift Card
 
This simple yet elegant 3×3 gift card features delicate floral details created with the Spellbinders Four Petal Floral Embossing Folder.

 
I brushed Sizzix Pearlescent Medium over the raised blooms to bring out a beautiful, subtle shimmer, then layered the embossed piece over gold foil cardstock. I love how the soft, neutral colors work with the touch of gold.

Baby Shower Invitation
 

This sweet baby shower invitation was my entry for Bee Happy Craft Weeklies.

I created the invitation using my Cricut machine along with blue and pink cardstock. The adorable stork design gives it that classic “special delivery” feel and makes the invitation extra special. The Baby Shower Invitation design is from Dreaming Tree.
 
Grandma’s Garden Mini Album
 
This project may look like a simple mason jar filled with flowers, but behind every cut and every page is something much more meaningful: a gift for my Mom for Grandparents’ Day.


 
I created this mini album to fill each page with a photo of one of her six grandchildren. Each page will hold a little piece of the faces she loves, the memories she helps create, and the beautiful blessing of being a grandmother.
 
I hope that whenever she flips through these pages, she’ll see more than just photographs. I hope she sees the love, laughter, and precious memories shared by her family.
 
Because grandmas deserve to be reminded just how loved and cherished they are. Handmade with love, one page and one memory at a time. The SVG file is from 12x12 Cardstock.
 
A Little Crafting Catch-Up
 
It’s funny how rediscovering old photos can bring back the feelings and memories behind a project. Some of these crafts were made for design challenges, some for special occasions, and one was made especially for someone I love.
 
They may have been sitting quietly in a folder on my computer, but each project still tells a little story.
 
And sometimes, all it takes is a day without internet to remind me to slow down, look back, and finally share the things I’ve created along the way.
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September 01, 2026

Birthday Craft Projects: Handmade Cards & a DIY Cake Topper

I’m sharing a few birthday craft projects I made last month, including handmade birthday cards and a fun DIY cake topper. I had so much fun experimenting with different inks, stencils, pastes, and other crafting supplies to create these birthday projects!
 
Bee Birthday Card
 
This Happy Bee Day card was such a fun project to create! I used bee stamps, stencils, and cutting dies, then colored the images with Ohuhu Markers.

 
For the honeycomb background, I blended Brilliance Archival Ink through a stencil to create a fun, layered design. I also added a second background using Lindy’s Gang Magical Summer Break, which added a beautiful touch of shimmer.
 
This was my first time using both the Lindy’s Gang Magical Summer Break set and the Brilliance Archival Ink Pad, so I really enjoyed experimenting with them. I’m so happy with how these products came together to bring this cheerful bee-themed birthday card to life!
 
Birthday Cake Card
 
I had so much fun creating this sweet birthday cake card! SVG file is from Bearly Art. 
 
For the cake icing, I used Aleene’s True Snow combined with Lunar Paste to create a fun, dimensional texture that almost looks good enough to eat!


I paired the cake with a shimmery embossed background made using Lindy’s Gang Magical Powder. The combination of texture and sparkle added a festive touch to the design.
 
Simple Birthday Card
 
For this card, I kept things simple with a Distress Oxide background and stamps featuring cute animal designs.


Sometimes a simple design is all you need, and I really enjoyed coloring the stamped images and seeing the card come together.
 
Happy Birthday Cake Topper
 
To finish off my birthday projects, I made my own Happy Birthday cake topper using an SVG file from Craft with Sarah.


It was a fun and easy project, and I love how a handmade cake topper can add a personal touch to a birthday celebration!
 
Final Thoughts
 
I really enjoyed making these birthday projects and experimenting with different crafting products and techniques. Each project gave me the opportunity to try something different, and I’m looking forward to using these techniques and supplies again in future projects!
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June 17, 2026

Birthday Celebration at Butchers Steaks and Grill Tagaytay: A Family Feast with a View

My husband celebrated his birthday at Butchers Steaks and Grill, a restaurant he discovered while looking for new dining spots in Tagaytay. Located at Cliffhouse Tagaytay, this relatively new steakhouse offers quality steaks, seafood dishes, and a beautiful dining atmosphere that makes it ideal for family gatherings and special occasions. 

The restaurant is led by Chef Ariel Manuel and is known for combining premium cuts of meat with international flavors while taking advantage of Tagaytay’s cool weather and scenic surroundings. The restaurant is open daily from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.




For my husband's birthday, we booked an early dinner. Before arriving, I was already planning to order from their Bar Bites menu because that was what I had seen on their Facebook page. However, upon arrival, the staff introduced us to their Family Style Menu.


The Family Style Menu is priced at PHP 3,900 plus service charge and is designed for 4 to 5 persons. Since we were only a family of three, the staff kindly adjusted the package and offered it to us for PHP 2,900 plus service charge. We immediately took the offer because it seemed like the perfect way to sample several of their signature dishes without ordering individually.

Family Style Menu

Starters
· Beef Bouillon with Green Onions & Sherry
· Deep Fried Vegetable Roll with Asian Mango Dip
· Tiradito Style Spanish Mackerel Carpaccio Ceviche
· Chilean Mussels in Cilantro, Garlic and Olive Oil
· Highland Greens with Anchovy & Garlic Dressing

Mains
· Grilled US Ribeye Steak
· Roast US Angus Beef Rump (Picanha)
· Boneless Chicken Anticucho
· Arroz de Mariscos

Desserts
· Baked Cheesecake
· Baked Peanut Butter Churros with Dark Chocolate Ganache Dip

The package also included one round of their mocktail of the day.

During our first visit, the featured drink was the Honey Fizzer, a refreshing combination of fresh lemon, golden honey, and soda bubbles. It paired well with the rich and savory dishes that followed.


What I liked about the Family Style Menu was the variety. We were able to enjoy seafood, steak, chicken, rice, and dessert in one meal. The Grilled US Ribeye Steak and Roast US Angus Beef Rump were the stars of the table, while the ceviche and mussels provided a fresh contrast to the hearty mains.






To make my husband's birthday celebration even more memorable, the restaurant surprised us with a complimentary dessert complete with a birthday candle. It was a thoughtful gesture that we did not expect and one that made the occasion feel extra special. We appreciated the effort of the staff in helping us celebrate his birthday, and it added a warm personal touch to our dining experience.


For a group of three, the serving sizes were generous yet manageable. We finished everything on the table and felt completely satisfied by the end of the meal. Service was also efficient, with dishes arriving at a comfortable pace and without long waiting times.

Back for Another Celebration

After hearing about our experience, my mom became curious about the restaurant and wanted to try it herself. When the time came for her despedida, we decided to return to Butchers Steaks and Grill.

This time, we were a group of 11 people. Since it was a larger reservation, the restaurant required a PHP 2,000 down payment to secure the booking, which we conveniently paid through bank transfer.

We ordered two Family Style Menu packages at PHP 3,900 each, which gave us a better appreciation of the serving sizes intended for bigger groups.

One noticeable difference during our second visit was the rice dish. During our first visit, we were served Arroz de Mariscos. On our return, we were told the dish would be Arroz con Salchichas. However, I did not notice any sausages in the serving. To me, it looked similar to the previous arroz dish, except without the seafood toppings.









The Honey Fizzer was also different from what I remembered. I enjoyed it during our first visit because it had a balanced blend of honey and citrus flavors, but on our second visit, it tasted a little watered down and no dried lemon either.

Aside from the set menus, we ordered a few additional items:

· Essence of Beef Bulalo (PHP 255) x 2
· Plain Rice x 3
· Mashed Potato
· Cucumber Splash (PHP 210)



The Essence of Beef Bulalo was a comforting addition, especially with Tagaytay’s cool weather. It offered a rich beef flavor that complemented the grilled meats on the table.

Final Thoughts

Both visits to Butchers Steaks and Grill were enjoyable dining experiences. The Family Style Menu offers excellent value for families and groups who want to sample a variety of dishes without the hassle of ordering individually. The combination of steaks, seafood, appetizers, and desserts makes it a satisfying feast, especially for celebrations.


While there were a few inconsistencies between our two visits, particularly with the drinks and rice dish, the overall experience remained positive. The food was filling, the portions were generous, and the restaurant's welcoming atmosphere made our celebrations memorable.

Whether you're planning a birthday dinner, a family gathering, or simply looking for a new restaurant to try in Tagaytay, Butchers Steaks and Grill is worth considering for its hearty meals, family-style dining options, and relaxing Cliffhouse Tagaytay setting.

Butchers Steaks and Grill
Km 58 Gen., Aguinaldo Hwy,
Tagaytay City, 4120 Cavite
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