how does one make their own stamps?

I want to eventually design my own stamps, but do not really know how to go about doing that. Can anyone enlighten me? Do I need to spend a ton of money on machinery to allow me to make my own stamps or is there a better way?

Cricut!

So, my Cricut Expression came in yesterday and I haven't even gotten it out of the box yet. I know, how horrible!! LOL I need to clean out my craft closet, make cookies, look for a job, do laundry, you get the idea... then I can have some time to play with it.

I am intrigued by the Sure Cuts a Lot software for the Cricut though. I am thinking I NEED it, because it allows you to cut ANY truetype font that you have, and do I have fonts!! I am downloading the trial version to see if I like it, and then when I get a job, I will probably buy it!

Meeting with Career Counselor

I have a meeting with my career counselor from Keller today to help me find a job. Yesterday, I hosted Stamp Club at my place, it was a lot of fun. We made cards and since I was the hostess, I got the Stampin' Up hostess credit! I ordered Owl Together Now as my club order, and for free I got the Top Note die cutter for the Sizzix and a stamp set, can't remember the name of it right now, but it is a level 1 hostess set with a bunch of different little sayings.

I ordered the Cricut Expression, which I am anxiously, and not very patiently waiting on, before I remembered I had a bid on eBay for a Sizzix BigKick, so I had to buy the Top Note die! I can't wait to be able to play with this new stuff!:) Lucky I had money in PayPal from selling some stuff, so I could get some new goodies!:)

Christmas Presents

Well, since I am out of work, I need to be making gifts this year, so I ordered a kit from ArtChix Studio to make my Grandma a necklace. I made one with a picture of her and my grandpa at their wedding, and on the back of the necklace is artwork for ArtChix.
























Also, as promised, here are pictures of things I made for the Holiday Mart: Sereni-Tea Cards, Cocoa Loco Cards, Snowman Soup, & Magic Reindeer Food.

Stuff

So, I have the Holiday Mart tomorrow, so I am frantically trying to get stuff made for it! lol Ok, so right now I am taking a break! I will post pictures in a bit, but I am making Snowman Soup, Reindeer Food, Matchbox cards with tea bags or cocoa inside, tag sets, boxed card sets, CD calendars, etc.

Cheeky Monkey Giveaway

Cheeky Monkey is giving away this stamp set!


So, go check it out on her blog!

Monthly Crop Club

We had our monthly Crop Club tonight. Usually it is the first Tuesday of the month, but since that was election day, we decided to have it tonight. It was a lot of fun. We made matchbook cards, a project from the Creative Memories site. I think everyone enjoyed it! Including me, there were 5 of us! I used this card design to make the cards for the swap at Stamp Club, which is November 23rd at my house. Here are some pictures of the stuff I made tonight: