Scrapbook Completed

Christmas Cards 2011 ~ Very Few!

2012-01-08T16:24:00.000-07:00

Each year I enjoy making and sending Christmas cards. It's unfortunate, & due to the advances in technology, that more and more people don't send actual cards. A holiday hello is most likely found in an e-mail or on Facebook. Well, I like to actually receive a card in the mail and hold it in my hands! I like to display it for all of my visitors to see!

This year I planned early by buying card-making supplies in Oct. or early November. I work in retail and after decorating 4 or 5 trees for the store, I kind of got burnt out early on the festivities! So there I sat at the beginning, then the middle, then the end of Dec. working on Christmas cards. I didn't make many but I was able to send them out to family and a few friends (sorry if you didn't receive a card this year!). Maybe next year will be different!

More Halloween Goodie Packets Available in My Etsy Shop!

2011-08-27T17:08:00.000-06:00

These are so fun to create! Remember to make a comment because I'm giving away some Halloween-themed packets in September! (See previous post.)

Halloween GIVEAWAY coming soon!

2011-08-12T16:51:00.000-06:00

Okay, so it's only the middle of August.... but I'm making my Halloween stuff! As I posted my "treat packets" in my Etsy store (see sidebar) I started to thing "It's time for a giveaway!" So leave a comment and YOU COULD WIN 6 TREAT PACKETS!!! Here's an example of one of the Halloween-themed packets (yours will be Halloween-themed too, but you'll receive a special bunch, different than these!)!

Drawing will be held at Sept. 17th. Winner will be announced shortly thereafter!

Head on over to my store and see a variety of other goodies!

Fawn & Magpie

2011-08-06T14:14:00.000-06:00

As a retired photographer, my dad continues to take awesome pictures. I think this was an example of good timing and patience!

Awwww

Tapeswell Decorative Packaging Tape -- It's Swell!

2011-08-06T13:26:00.000-06:00

Here's my first attempt at using Tapeswell packaging tape to decorate a package. One thing's for sure, once you get started there's no going back! I even made a gift tag! Hope my mom likes it! Happy Birthday Mom!

Sold one of my favorite cards

2011-08-06T12:53:00.000-06:00

Sometimes you make a card and fall in love with it. This is one of those cards! Thanks to Jennifer for purchasing it recently! Enjoy!

Blue Ribbon!

2011-07-30T12:26:00.000-06:00

At the end of last year, I posted pictures of a small metal pail that my mother handpainted. Recently she entered it in the local fair. She won a blue ribbon! How exciting! Congrats mom!

My cards are on the shelf in Helena, MT!

2011-07-03T19:04:00.003-06:00

Recently I told you about a store, Birds & Beasleys, wanting to buy my cards! Well, they did (just got the check!) and I can't wait to see what the future holds! My mom sent me a recent article, "Hitched to a Train", featuring Birds & Beasleys. It was so fun to see the store featured and to know that they are doing well in this recession. Hope you have a chance to read it!

One of my photo cards

Birds & Beasleys is a unique art gallery and gift shop featuring numerous Montana artists and a variety of fun gifts! If you're ever in Helena, take the tour train and check out the fun Made in Montana items including my cards!

My great-grandfather gets his 15 minutes of fame!

2011-06-12T14:40:00.001-06:00

I LOVE old photos especially if they're from my ancestors. I decided that this photo deserved to be on a card. Don't know why but the expression on my great-grandfather's face suggested he was thinking, "Was that a gnome???". Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Lilacs in bloom!

2011-06-05T13:27:00.001-06:00

Spring, and almost summer, is in full bloom! Had to snap a few shots of my lilac bushes! Hope to make some cards soon! Check my Etsy shop soon...

New 5 x 7 Scrapbook For Sale... with water spots... aahhh

2011-04-24T14:46:00.000-06:00

So I just got back from Seattle and was inspired by the flowering trees! This album was a result of that inspiration:

Front of album when folded.

After I made it and took pictures, I layed it on the dining table. I picked it up to find some water spots on it. Dang! So I reduced the price from $6.50 to $5.00. Quite a deal!

Here are the water spots (hard to capture on film). You won't see them once you add pictures.

Anyway... here's what it looks like hanging, with and without pictures:

Hope it finds a good home! Makes a great birthday, graduation or Mother's Day gift.

Great News! Coming soon: my cards will be sold in a gift store!

2011-04-23T18:50:00.000-06:00

I'm so excited to share my good news! A store specializing in bird feeders and wild bird supplies is going to sell my bird cards!!! It's all due to my family. I gave each of them a packet of bird cards and my mom suggested that I show them to the bird store. Since the store is located a couple hundred miles away, where my mom & dad live, my mom offered to take them in to the store. Long story short, the owner agreed to buy some of my cards!!! I'm using photos taken by my father, a retired pro photographer. I feel very fortunate!

An example of one of the many photos used on my cards.

Thanks Katie!

2011-04-23T18:41:00.000-06:00

I have to be honest, it has been awhile since I've sold something in my Etsy shop. So... I wanted to send out a special thank you to Katie for her recent order! The "Enjoy The Moments That Make You Smile" card has always been one of my favorites! Now it goes to a law school graduate! Sounds great!

New Record! I sold my Valentine's Day album!

2011-02-07T14:24:00.000-07:00

I sold the album that I just listed yesterday! Goes to show, you never know what or when you'll sell something! Thanks Rosana! I know you'll enjoy it!

Valentine's Day Album For Sale!

2011-02-06T12:34:00.000-07:00

Although I had hoped to get this album posted in my Etsy shop long before now, at least I got it done before Valentine's Day! Check out my Etsy store to see more details on this 5" x 7" album.

The Nicest Gifts Are Handmade! Thanks Mom!

2010-12-31T15:35:00.000-07:00

In my world, Christmas isn't quite what it used to be. It has become so commercial that I rebel at times. I still make my own cards (see previous post) and many of my gifts (lots of homemade vanilla!). Then along come this wonderful gift, handmade by my mom! She took a small aluminum garbage can and tole painted it. She uses hers for birdseed -- I might do the same! Check out the picture of the painted scoop! Yes, she painted that too! Thanks Mom for making Christmas what it should be -- handmade!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-28T19:55:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that another Christmas has come and gone! I was thrilled to finally get into the spirit of creating digital cards! Maybe I spent less time creating them digitally than I normally do with cutting and piecing by hand -- maybe not! I just know that I had a great time making the Christmas card with lots of "stamped" layers. Loved using blue as the base. Also, the thank you card was something I decided to do at the last minute to thank family and friends. Hopefully everyone appreciated them!

Fun with new stamps - Birthday Card!

2010-10-09T11:45:00.000-06:00

Okay, so if you saw my last post you know my sister's birthday is coming up soon. So, I had to make a card! It started with a collection of stamps that I bought from "Stamps of Life" (THANKS Stephanie!). They are so much fun!!! So the card started with this photo of horse tack (my sis loves "country" anything):

Thanks for taking this photo Teresa!

I used PINK woodgrain paper on the inside and stamped a "Stamps of Life" calendar to decorate the inside (along with some other fun items!):

I even added a fun quote from The Beatles (Dang, I spelled it wrong! Too late now!)

And I had to decorate the envelope (one of my faves!)! I used a "Stamps of Life" birthday circle stamp and added some bling and adhesive ribbon! Yippy! Time to deliver it!

Halloween Cupcake Toppers!

2010-10-02T14:04:00.001-06:00

My sister's birthday is at the end of October so.... in addition to her b'day gift, I'm giving her something fun for Halloween! I made some Halloween toothpicks for her to insert in her cupcakes! So fun to make! One dozen. Plus, I'm sending her some "batty" cupcake wrappers from a local craft store. She will have a great time putting everything together. I'll have to ask her send a few pictures of the completed project!

New Card, Newly Inspired!

2010-09-27T21:18:00.000-06:00

Although I've made some cards for my Etsy shop recently, I haven't posted them in my blog! I needed some inspiration to make something new so I surfed random, crafty blogs and I was off and running! Thank goodness! Things were feeling a bit stale.

So this card is the result of my efforts over the weekend. What do you think? It was fun to make as I layered a lot of elements. I even dug up some supplies I haven't used in years!

Quadfold Accordian Album For Sale on Etsy

2010-05-30T17:36:00.004-06:00

Check out my latest scrapbook album! So fun! It's compact yet can hold a lot of pictures. Plenty of room for journaling too! When it's folded it measures 12" x 6". When opened it measures 24" x 12" (see fully opened album below: 24" x 18"!). Check it out in my Etsy store: http://www.scrapbookcompleted.etsy.com/

Inside unfolded: pockets are decorated and some can be used for journaling.

Front and back of folded album

Inside of fully unfolded album (pocket fronts are face down). 24" x 18".

Back of unfolded album (front of album is on the right)

Scrapbook For Sale -- Just Add Your Photos!

2010-05-30T16:41:00.000-06:00

Just posted this album on Etsy! It's a 12 x 12 scrapbook album ready for your pictures! I even left a few empty page protectors at the back of the album for you to add more extras! Please visit my Etsy store to view and perhaps purchase: http://www.scrapbookcompleted.etsy.com/

Birthday Shoebox

2010-04-10T17:12:00.001-06:00

My niece's birthday is tomorrow so I decided to do something different for a gift box. This idea started out as something completely different (a gift bag) and ended up as this:

This is a recycled shoe box! I decorated it with a coordinating paper, added "Happy Birthday" (thanks Cricut!), brads, and some ribbon. I laced it up like a corset and there you have it! Hopefully my niece will appreciate it! I know she will appreciate what's inside! Happy Birthday Bre!

Custom Portrait Drawing from Fiverr!

2010-03-15T15:03:00.001-06:00

Have you heard of fiverr.com? Me either until I saw it posted on Junkmail Greetings blog. Go there and you can get all kinds of wonderful (some goofy) services for $5! Check out the drawing I got from abbygailmpls:

And here's the picture I sent her:

AMAZING, HUH!?!

I love it and hope to use it in an Easter gift!

http://www.fiverr.com/

New mini cards for Easter!

2010-03-15T14:55:00.000-06:00

Don't you just love the beautiful green colors this time of year!? I designed a couple of fun mini cards just in time for Spring and Easter. Great to add to gifts, use as name cards, or even at a buffet for labeling food items. Check 'em out on etsy.com and enjoy!

http://www.scrapbookcompleted.etsy.com/

Incredible handdrawn portraits by Drawworm!

2010-03-06T16:55:00.001-07:00

You've got to check out Drawworm's beautiful handdrawn portraits by following this link! I saw Kelley's work on Craftgawker.com and was blown away!

http://drawworm.blogspot.com/2010/02/self-portrait-finished.html

Enter this giveaway!

2010-03-04T13:50:00.000-07:00

http://gen-gensscrapbookkitchen.blogspot.com/2010/02/spring-scrapbook-giveaway.html

Use this link to be entered in a drawing for a bunch of great scrapbook supplies. Thanks Genevieve and Gen's Scrapbook Kitchen!

New Blog by Genevieve!

2010-02-13T10:48:00.000-07:00

I'm a member of Etsy Greetings Group. I just received an e-mail indicating that one of our members started her own blog, Gen's Scrapbook Kitchen. Check it out 'cause she's doing a giveaway!

http://gen-gensscrapbookkitchen.blogspot.com/

You have a chance of winning scrapbook paper, embellishments and more!!!

Spring is on its way!

2010-02-08T14:12:00.000-07:00

As I'm looking at my favorite blogs and watching the weather, I realize that Sprink is on its way! I love Spring but I'm not ready for Winter to end! I love the cool weather and snow!

Back to Spring... I just looked at the decor8 blog http://decor8blog.com/ and went gaga for the beautiful photos she posted today. I hadn't heard of Bloomsville but now that I have... I love the look! Hope you have a few minutes to check it out!

Here's a little something to push us towards Spring, my Vellum Blooms recently posted on Etsy.

I won another giveaway!

2010-02-03T20:05:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I won another giveaway! Recently I posted a giveaway from A & R Design Studio. I was notified today that I won! Wowee!!! I feel so lucky and fortunate! I needed a pick-me-up and this is just what the doctor ordered! Thanks A & R!!!

Giveaway offered by A & R Design!!!

2010-01-27T21:28:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love a giveaway!?! A & R Design studio is giving away the card and bookmarks you see here. Hopefully one of us will win! Please check it out and enter by 2/2/10!
http://tinyurl.com/yfplmhs

I own a CRICUT!!!!

2010-01-23T13:20:00.000-07:00

So I just celebrated my 30th birthday... again. My husband TOTALLY surprised me with a CRICUT!!! Can't believe it!!! I feel so lucky to have a husband that really thinks about what I would like for a gift. He's the best!

I'm looking forward to posting more cards in my Etsy store now that I've got a Cricut. I haven't been doing anything with my store (no don't look... it's still Christmas-y). Now I'm motivated to create, create, create! I even made a couple of thank you cards on my Cricut and sent them off to my family. Watch for my latest creations! Yippy!

I won another giveaway!

2010-01-04T14:15:00.006-07:00

What's better than Christmas and the New Year? Winning a giveaway!!! Yes, that's right! I won a giveaway from Bliss Think Ink!!! I was so excited when I got the news and then... I received THE package! Wowee! Check it out!

I received a bunch of beautiful handmade cards and a "kit". The kit was a nice surprise because Tia hadn't indicated that she would be sending it as part of the "mini correspondence kit". It has all kinds of embellishments like felt buttons, ovals and gingerbread men! There are bows and squares and so much more! I feel so lucky!

Happy New Year 2010!

2010-01-04T14:08:00.002-07:00

Happy New Year to everyone! I hope that you celebrated in style and had a safe holiday! I'm not much of a partier so I treated it like any other night -- went to bed by 10:30pm. I know, so exciting...

Any New Year's resolutions? I always make the same ones year after year, with a few new ones added in once in awhile. Typically my top goal is to get in the best physically shape of my life. Well, it's still a goal and especially important to me this year. I'm officially in the worst shape of my life AND in November I found out that my cholesterol is elevated. Cholesterol levels are a good motivator for me!

I'm also working with a life coach nowadays. She has been instrumental is opening my eyes in helping me think broader and with a different perspective. With her help, I hope to keep my New Year's resolution of great physical health but also to improve in many other areas of my life. If you don't know what life coaching is, I strongly recommend that you research it online. It isn't counseling (been there, done that). It's a way to move forward FROM TODAY. Yes, you refer to your past now and then, but it's most important to deal with the here and now. I'm thoroughly enjoying it and looking forward to what my future holds!

Card Contest Entry

2009-11-24T12:42:00.003-07:00

This is my entry for Sarah Bertein's Christmas Card Contest. I was thrilled that she created the contest and couldn't wait to receive my "kit"! She sends a blank white card, couple of circles and scallop-circles and 2 pieces of decorative paper. That's it; so simple.

This contest made me step out of my routine of Christmas-card-making and try some different elements. I've never made a card like this one and it inspired me to create others that are similar -- love that!

If you get a chance, hop over the facebook.com/sarahcrafts today and put in a good word for my card! Check out the other entries too! Lots of good ones!

Chipboard Scrapbook Makes a Great Gift

2009-11-14T13:48:00.007-07:00

Chipboard Album

This was a fun album to make! I was really in a creative groove when I put it together. I just love it when things flow and new ideas come together! Created from sturdy chipboard and covered in warm colored paper, this album has many surfaces ready to be decorated. Add your own pictures and journal and you've got a keepsake. Makes an unforgettable gift!

3 Rings on both sides of album are embellished with fun ribbons. The front leaves room for a title, picture, or date.

The first panel on the inside has plenty of room for journaling. The middle section has a file folder with pockets, tags and more room for pictures. The panel on the right has multiple flaps, hinged at the top. Add photos and journal on both sides of each flap and you can add LOTS of greatness to this album!

The back is blank along with one other back panel. Add a great photo or leave it blank, you decide!

Please visit my Etsy store for more information on this product and others.

Finished My Etsy Christmas Albums!

2009-11-08T16:20:00.008-07:00

cow, cat & goat

birds

more farm animals

The finished album!

At the end of October I posted a sneak peak of my "repurposed" Christmas tag album. Well... drum roll... I finished it! Yea! It's a terrific reflection of the tradition of Christmas with its rich colors and images. I bound it with a fun, silver, twisty wire -- make it any shape you like! I aged the tags with a little bit of watercolor spotting and it really brought the whole thing together.

This is a 4-fold Christmas album from my past. I used to love to make these and then I stopped for one reason or another. I had never completed this one so I decided to make it happen! I added ribbons, a buckle, the letter "C" and presto... Scrapbook Completed!!! Makes a great gift!

New Christmas products listed on Etsy!

2009-11-01T16:58:00.005-07:00

I'm proud of myself for getting my Christmas tags listed today in my Etsy shop! I'm working on a cellophane gift bag for each listing too -- that way they can be given as a gift. So fun!

Getting ready for the crafty holidays!

2009-10-31T13:48:00.006-06:00

It's hard to make Christmas crafts when we're celebrating Halloween, but it must be done! Don't want to get too far behind the other crafters!

I have posted a few cards in my Etsy shop, some new, some old. I made some Christmas tags today too! Can't wait to add ribbons and package them in cellophane! I'll bundle them by the dozen!

Tags glimmer with the addition of glitter!

I'm almost finished with a repurposed calendar/new scrapbook! It's an experimental scrapbook but I'm thrilled with the way it's turning out! I've had this old calendar for YEARS and finally decided to do something with it! Hope you like it! I will most likely post it in my Etsy shop.

Cover: hasn't been bound yet.

One of the inside pockets; each have a removable tag.

Giveaway from Off Switch!

2009-10-04T12:37:00.002-06:00

Check out this great giveaway from Off Switch: Roadside Photographs! You could win the "instant roadtrip: 6 postcard set". Jen will pick a winner on 10/8, so hurry and enter (3 ways to win!).

http://tinyurl.com/y8qdqgm

She's also offering free shipping from her Etsy shop, Roadside Photographs. Does it get any better than that!?

http://tinyurl.com/qj8d59

Back from vacation!

2009-09-21T13:36:00.004-06:00

Having a week off is always refreshing -- although I'm a bit tired! A trip to Seattle followed by a few days in Leavenworth. Leavenworth is such a fun little Bavarian town! Lot of fun shops and great German food! I would recommend spending a day there (2 days was too much).

When we returned to home, we spent one night in our own bed

(thank goodness!) and then we headed to Bozeman to see my cousin get married. I haven't seen her since she was a child so it was exciting to see her all grown up. Beautiful outdoor wedding! It was actually a lot like ours -- I was thrilled! It was fun seeing other relatives I haven't seen in years including the parents of the bride.

New Cards (and I'm ready for Fall!)

2009-09-07T10:17:00.003-06:00

I've been in my craftroom more and more and I was able to produce a couple of Fall inspired cards. The first one is a collage and although I don't collage much, I really enjoyed making this card.

The second one, "Discover Fall", is simple and just a nice way to send a note to your favorite person. I find it so much more meaningful to receive a handmade card from someone vs. a store-bought version. Also, I would much rather receive snail mail than e-mail. I know it's a lost art but I hope you will do your best to keep it alive -- send a handmade card to a loved one or friend today!

New Cards!

2009-08-25T12:22:00.004-06:00

Okay, so I haven't been tending to my Etsy shop AND it shows! I recently added these floral cards as a kick start. The floral image is hand-drawn then watercolored and I've used it on many cards because it brings me pleasure. Each card has a 3-D element to it to bring up the oomph factor. Check out my shop sometime and pick out your favorites!

I also posted some "destash" bridal items. I thought I was done with that area of inventory and then my parents call. "We're bringing over some of your things." Okay. I listed some bolts of bridal veiling and sold them immediately -- THANKS CHARLOTTE! I also listed a beautiful bouquet that I used for my bridal displays years ago. It still looks as beautiful today as it did back then!

Beautiful Card by "1 Card Creator"

2009-08-11T11:49:00.004-06:00

Isn't this a beautiful card? And it has moving parts! The bottom butterfly spins when you tilt the card!

Check out Diane's Etsy shop: http://www.1cardcreator.etsy.com/

She has a lot of great cards!

Craft Room Makeover

2009-08-11T11:41:00.001-06:00

I realized that I never posted a picture of this! I used the recycled board with hooks to create a hanging jar organizer. I'm always saving jars so I was very proud of myself for actually creating something with them! Adds a little "art" to the wall and it's functional!

Trip to Glacier National Park

2009-08-10T14:49:00.002-06:00

St. Mary's Falls

Mountain Goat

Lake McDonald

We just got back from a trip to Glacier National Park. What an incredible place! So much to see! It was unbelievable! We camped the night we were there, and I thought we were going to get blown away by a wind storm! We hiked and shot lots of pictures (more to share in the future). We saw mountain goats, big horn sheep, a coyote, deer and all of the magnificent glaciers and some waterfalls! You've gotta go!

Lovely Gift from Croatia

2009-08-10T14:39:00.002-06:00

A friend of mine just returned from a trip to Croatia. Look what she brought me! The BEST olive oil I've ever tasted and a sachel of lavendar! Thoughtful, eh!? The olive oil tastes like OLIVES not just oil. Such a rich flavor! The lavendar is unlike any I've smelled before. Really sweet and yummy!

Craft Room Makeover

2009-07-22T20:02:00.004-06:00

My new craft corner!

Oh joy! My craftroom is starting to come together! Here's a picture of the corner of my new desk (made from 2 doors). My desk features the following:

Fun pink & brown photo album I found for a steal!

Fun vase from my Mom.

"Happeez" clips that I'll eventually stick to the wall, or something, to display projects. Found 'em at a local store, Noteworthy (AKA: http://www.nightowlpapergoods.com/).

Green suitcases from http://www.pinklovesbrown.com/

The "Organized & Inspired Scrapbooker" that has helped me organize my space.

Flowers from my wedding.

I'll keep you updated with more pictures!

Craft Room Makeover

2009-07-18T12:31:00.003-06:00

The desk legs - white dowels

For those of you following my craftroom makeover, I haven't stopped working on it. I painted a second door/desktop and I just painted the second coat on the legs. These legs were recycled from a desktop we put in our office -- we didn't end up needing the legs.

I went to the hardware store today to purchase brackets/supports to secure the desktop to the wall. I was shocked to learn I would be paying $7/each! $7 x 6 = $42! Ugh! Oh well, it will be worth it in the end. Besides, that's the most money I've had to spend so far because I have been recycling pieces that I already had. I hope to assemble the desk tomorrow with my husband's help. I want my craftroom back in order! I haven't made a greeting card or scrapbooked in a month!

Great Summer Necklace from Beadup!

2009-07-17T17:06:00.003-06:00

I just notice this beautiful necklace on www.beadup.etsy.com. Would this be beautiful to wear to a wedding with a linen dress? Lovely work!

Craft Room Makeover

2009-06-28T19:55:00.002-06:00

The desk! I finished my second layer of paint and moved each piece into my craftroom. This wasn't what I had in mind when I first designed my space (a few years ago...). I had planned on using 2 doors in an L-shape for my desk. Well... now that I've got the 3 pieces in the room, I want the second door/desktop. So I will be sanding, priming, and painting AGAIN. I'm not looking forward to the whole process but know it will be worth it in the end. Working 2, 12 hour shift over the next 2 days, this project will have to wait awhile!

Craft Room Makeover

2009-06-23T20:50:00.003-06:00

I was so proud of myself for finding these 12 x 12 storage bins on sale! I just happened to wander into Michael's Craft Store and bingo, there they were! I like the idea of storing current projects in them instead of leaving everything out on my desk. Kind of like in my early school days when we had to keep everything in our pencil box or desk. =0)

I got some good ideas from Molly when I read her comments on one of my recent posts. We are similar in that we don't keep things neat and tidy all of the time. Finding ways to get things off our desks and organized is a must!

Craft Room Makeover

2009-06-23T20:43:00.002-06:00

I'm not sure what I'm going to do with these boards but I'm going to figure something out! I inherited them when I moved into our current house. They were too nice to throw away and I thought I might use them "someday". I considered using them to hang glass jars. What do you think? I was going to wrap wire around the neck of the jar, put ribbon and such in the jars, and hang them from the hooks near my scrapbook desk. I bought wire from our local hardware store but when I got it home I realized it had a cancer warning on it. I'm a freak about that kind of warning so I put it in a plastic bag and my husband returned it. I'm going to look for another type of wire and go from there.

Craft Room Makeover

2009-06-21T20:48:00.006-06:00

I'm back! Per usual, I know it has been awhile since I've reported on the progress of my craftroom makeover. Well, here's what I've been working on. I primed and painted(1st coat) the door/desk and I painted the 1st coat on the bookshelves. This is a big deal for me to have gotten this far! I'm thrilled! Without this challenge, the door and shelves would still be gathering dust!

Oh and I spray painted my pink magazine rack! You might remember this from an earlier post. I got a steal of a deal on it at Joann's Fabric: $34.99 reduced to $9!!! One can of spray paint and I've got a great magazine organizer! I've got a few runs in the paint but I'm going to try to avoid going into panic mode. My goal is to organize the room NOT make it perfect.

Craft Room Makeover Aid

2009-06-15T20:51:00.005-06:00

As a move forward with the makeover, I continue to refer to my copy of "The Organized & Inspired Scrapbooker". I'm glad that I made it through the book & "homework" before I started this makeover because I don't think I would have been able to do both in 4 weeks. I put a lot of time and thought into each chapter and I'm still refering to the 1st chapter on organization as I plan my space.

This part of the book reads "if you aren't naturally inclined to tidy up your space...". That's me! I'm glad that was included in the book because as I look at my handwritten entries/answers, I realize how I need to organize my work table. I need to get ahold of some type of 12x12 bin that isn't very deep and will provide storage for a single page/project.

I'm visual so I like to SEE what I have. Well, that's impossible as a scrapbooker! We accumulate so much stuff! I've got some great ideas for displaying/storing embellishments in clear containers -- I can see them but they're contained! I am also going to use a basket to hold my "new" embellishments. You know the items that you just have to buy at the scrapbook store?! I buy them and then they get shuffled around and I forget about them. I figure I'll leave them in the new basket for a month or so and then put them away. My mind is spinning with ideas! I've got to get some work done in that room! I'll post again real soon!

Craft Room Makeover

2009-06-15T20:40:00.006-06:00

I am slowly, but surely, making my way through the craftroom makeover. This weekend I pulled out 2 bookcases that I've had in my possession for... maybe 3 YEARS! My neighbor was getting rid of these and I knew I could find a use for them... eventually. Thanks to this challenge & Molly, I am FINALLY doing something with them! I sanded them and wiped them down and had hoped to paint them last weekend. It rained and I used that as an excuse (too humid). I'll get them painted when we have warmer weather and less rain. Soon!!!

Craft Room Makeover

2009-06-12T14:34:00.002-06:00

I was thrilled to see all of the conversations buzzing around the makeover challenge! Here are the links to all of the Etsy Greetings participants:

http://mollyleecards.blogspot.com
http://lifeinsunset.blogspot.com
http://www.lavendergreetings.blogspot.com/
http://www.aprilink.blogspot.com/
http://www.intertwingle.etsy.com

Hope you get a chance to check out their pictures!

I hope to get more done in my craft room tonight. Looking forward to painting the "desk" and bookshelves this weekend. Installing them will make a HUGE difference in the efficiency of my craft space! Check in with me this weekend as I hope to have an update and new photos posted!

Craft Room Makeover Aid

2009-06-11T12:13:00.006-06:00

No, I'm not raising money for the "Craft Room Makeover Aid" foundation but I have a little something to help me get organized. Have you seen this book before? If not, it's a good investment.

I bought it with the intension of APPLYING it to my makeover (that should have happened long before now!). Each chapter gave me something to think about and apply to my space.

This chapter on "organization" is the basis of creating a room that will work with my needs and personality. Needless to say, I learned a lot as I went through the book -NOW is the time to apply it.

As I go through this makeover for the next 3 weeks, I will let you in on my entries and notes so you can get a glimpse of my goal.

I sure hope I can get this done in 3 more weeks! It will feel SO GOOD to get this room in order!

Craft Room Makeover

2009-06-11T12:05:00.003-06:00

Alright, I know it may not look like I've done a lot with the craft room makeover but I'm trying. I cleaned off the wicker shelves (for the most part) and put away a few things. I cleaned up the corner where the iron board was acting as a table. I've even thrown a few things away!

Tonight I hope to box up a few more things and get rid of the wicker shelves.

This weekend I hope to paint and prime the desk/door-acting-as-a-desk and the shelves that will go underneath it. If I get that much done, I will have made a lot of headway!

Craft Room Makeover

2009-06-08T20:35:00.002-06:00

If you're following my craft room makeover, I just wanted you to know that I haven't done anything with the space yet. I know... I'm bad. I WILL work on it because I love being challenged (thanks again Molly Lee!)! I going to pack up a few things right now... Get ready for new pictures tomorrow. Really.

Craft Room Before Photos... BRACE YOURSELF

2009-06-07T15:53:00.005-06:00

Closet-O-Crafts, Computer Station, Ironing Area, Craft Table

Alrighty... this is so embarrassing. BUT it's good for me too. I have been packing way too much into this room for too long and it's time to thin it out! You must wonder how I get anything done in here. Right? Well, I don't mind the clutter because I'm the type of person who likes to SEE EVERYTHING. Yes, very visual. Well, I've learned some tricks along the way that I'll apply to this room within the next 4 weeks (doesn't sound like much time, does it?). Wish me luck. Oh and by the way, thanks Molly. I needed the push.

Check out Molly's progress on her craft room makeover:
http://mollyleecards.blogspot.com

Craft Room Redo... Coming Soon

2009-06-07T15:47:00.003-06:00

Okay, so Molly Lee from Etsy.com wants to redo her craft space and wanted to know if anyone else wanted to join her. Here's where it gets interesting... I said YES. OMG. My space is an entire room and it seems to get messier by the day. It's embarrassing! I've got 4 weeks to redo it -- sounds like a long time... until you see the "before" pictures I'm going to post.

I've been talking about making over my craft room for a LONG TIME. No more procrastinating. I've done a few things along the way to push myself in the right direction, like make a padded bench (posted awhile back on my blog), but I've never jumped in with both feet.

I've decided that I can't wait any longer because it's really a mess and no matter what I do to it, it will be an improvement. I'm the type that spends a lot of time dreaming up all of these fantastic plans but it never comes together because it's never enough. It's never just right. I would love to have someone else do it for me. Enough already! I'm doing it!

Taking the "before" photos was painful, really painful. After the 10-Card Challenge, I found myself leaving stacks of stuff EVERYWHERE! You'll see what I mean when I post the pictures...

In the meantime, please check out Molly's Etsy shop and her blog photos.

mollylee on Etsy - Extraordinary pop-up and mechanical cards

http://mollyleecards.blogspot.com/

OMG! I just checked out her blog, and she has already finished a project for her craft space. AND she made it affordable. I better get moving!!!

Pinky Creations - Featured on Blog

2009-06-06T11:44:00.000-06:00

Pinky Creations

Once again, thank you to all of the 10-Card challenge participants for featuring my cards on their blogs. I'm not going to be able to list every blog but I'm grateful to all of you!

Blog Feature: Thanks TerrBear!

2009-06-06T11:24:00.000-06:00

Life With Terri

As you know, I had fun with the 10-Card challenge. I enjoyed featuring other artists and I'm grateful to have been featured on other blogs. Check out TerrBear's blog! Great!

My Blog was featured in the Etsy newsletter! Yippy!

2009-06-04T13:48:00.000-06:00

I was so excited to see the 10-day card challenge featured in the Etsy.com newsletter! And, as I mentioned before, I'm thrilled that the link went straight to my blog! What an honor! This is the best I could do for cut and paste. Thought I could make it bigger but... I'm not well versed in this type of thing. I'll keep working on it because I would like to be able to use this option again.

10-Cards-In-10-Days Challenge: New card!

2009-06-03T19:39:00.001-06:00

www.scrapbookcompleted.etsy.com

This is the final day of the 10-Card Challenge! Yeah! I've enjoyed it and look forward to doing it again. This is the most motivated I've been in a long time! I really enjoyed the comradery amongst the participants and will miss all of the e-mails sharing posts and such. It's great having so much in common with the other artists and getting a glimpse into their world. I loved featuring artists and being featured on other blogs. I think I will continue to feature random artists even if I'm not doing the challenge.

One of the BEST things that came out of the challenge was being featured in the Etsy newsletter!!! Good job ladies! I was fortunate enough to have the newsletter linked directly to my blog! Wowee! I feel so fortunate! When I figure out how to post the article to my blog, you'll get a chance to check it out for yourself. Thanks again to everyone that contributed!

10-Cards-In-10-Days Challenge: New card!

2009-06-02T13:12:00.001-06:00

www.scrapbookcompleted.etsy.com

These are the latest cards I've posted in the 10-Day Challenge. Archived photos from my family. These feature my Great Aunt and her friends. Wow, have swimsuits changed!

10-Cards-In-10-Days Featured Etsy Artist

2009-06-02T13:09:00.001-06:00

www.percivalroad.etsy.com

Oh does this bring back memories of my Grandma. She used to send me her old cards so that I could recycle them into my latest creations. Percival Road's website inspires me to dig out those old cards and bring 'em to life!

10-Cards-In-10-Days Featured Etsy Artist

2009-06-02T13:03:00.001-06:00

www.lwhelan.etsy.com

Check out these fun tags from lwhelan, my featured artist. This is the "Lilly and Swiss Dot Collaged Tags, Set of 2" listing and I just love it! We're near the end of the 10-Card challenge so please take the time to check out all of the artist's shops featured in my blog.

10-Cards-In-10-Days Featured Etsy Artist

2009-05-31T13:18:00.001-06:00

www.thepaperflowershop.etsy.com

Oh that's right, Father's Day is approaching.... how about this great card from thepaperflowershop.etsy.com!? My featured artist for the 10-Card Challenge created an incredible card with wonderful colors for Dad's Day. Please check out her shop!

10-Cards-In-10-Days Challenge: New cards!

2009-05-31T13:09:00.000-06:00

4x4x4 Daisy Cards = $4.00

Vellum envelopes included

My latest contribution to the 10-Card Challenge. I meant to post them last night but got home late from a birthday party (it was a beautiful night! Glad I went!). Hope to post another card tonight... when I get around to making another card...

10-Cards-In-10-Days Featured Etsy Artist

2009-05-29T20:56:00.001-06:00

CarasScrapNStampArt.etsy.com

Check out these fun cupcake cards from CarasScrapNStamp! I'm really into the cupcake trend -- I haven't baked any but I'm addicted to the idea of them! I would love to bake some...

She's got a lot of great things in her Etsy shop, and she has a great blog too (http://www.carasscrapnstampart.blogspot.com/). Take a minute to visit her shop!

10-Cards-In-10-Days Challenge: New card!

2009-05-29T20:49:00.001-06:00

scrapbookcompleted.etsy.com

"Something Borrowed, Something Blue..."

Here's my latest creation for the 10-Day card challenge! I love working with the tulle and using it as a "ribbon" was especially fun! I hope you get a chance to visit my shop and the shops of artists I've featured over the last 5 days.

2009-05-28T20:51:00.000-06:00

scrapbookcompleted.etsy.com

I think it's day 4 of the 10-day challenge... It has been a long week and I'm losing track of the days! Tomorrow's Friday, right?!

This card was inspired by my dogs, a lab and a golden retriever. The lab is suffering from some sort of nerve or bone degenerative problem and I needed a little pick me up. This card did it! I've got many pictures of him tearing up stuffed animals, and the floor is covered with white batting/stuffing. He loves it so I keep buying him used stuffed animals! Thank goodness he hasn't torn up a seat cushion!

10-Cards-In-10-Days Featured Etsy Artist

2009-05-28T13:42:00.001-06:00

littlebbunny.etsy.com

I've selected littlebbunny as my featured artist today. Love this simple card -- looks like a formal, wrapped gift. No envelop needed! Just give it as the gift with a gift card and don't worry about wrapping anything!

Please check out her shop during this 10-Day Challenge.

I'm a featured artist on AJ's Designs Blog!

2009-05-28T13:22:00.000-06:00

As a member of the Etsy Greetings Group, I was given the opportunity to be featured on a blog by AJ's Designs. Well, I got the e-mail today indicating that my interview had been posted! Check it out: ajsdesigns.blogspot.com/. What an honor!

Please take a moment to check out Aletha's shops:

http://ajsdesigns.etsy.com/

http://ajsdesigns.artfire.com/

http://ajsdesigns.1000markets.com/

http://flickr.com/photos/ajwsdesigns

<---- One of her cards - beautiful!

10-Cards-In-10-Days Challenge: New card!

2009-05-27T22:43:00.001-06:00

scrapbookcompleted.etsy.com

Okay, I have to admit this was a tough day for creating and posting a new card for the 10 day challenge! It's WAY past my bedtime and here I am photographing and posting my card! Hopefully tomorrow will be easier...

10-Cards-In-10-Days Featured Etsy Artist

2009-05-27T12:53:00.000-06:00

jemily.etsy.com

Jemily is my choice for a featured Etsy artist. Love the simplicity of this card! And the colors are refreshing. Please check out her Etsy shop during this 10-day challenge!

10-Cards-In-10-Days Challenge: New cards!

2009-05-26T21:34:00.000-06:00

scrapbookcompleted.etsy.com

For my 10 card challenge, I decided to feature a 2-pack of coffee cards. I had originally listed this as a 3-pack but someone wanted 1 of them so I gave 'em what they wanted! These 2 cards are great as a gift or to leave on a co-workers desk just to say thanks.

I hope you'll take the time to visit my shop. Look forward to more cards from me and the other artists!

10-Cards-In-10-Days Featured Etsy Artist

2009-05-26T21:31:00.000-06:00

terrbear37.etsy.com

Another wonderful artist! Terrbear37 is part of the 10 day card challenge I have been blogging about for the last couple of days. Isn't this a fun card!? Owls are IN this year!

10-Cards-In-10-Days Featured Etsy Artist

2009-05-26T12:33:00.000-06:00

Pinkycreations on Etsy.com

Check out this precious card from featured Etsy seller pinkycreations.etsy.com! I wish I had a little girl to give it to! Pinkycreations is participating in the 10-Cards-In-10-Days Challenge on Etsy. Do some shopping with her! Love her stuff!

10-Cards-In-10-Days Featured Etsy Artist

2009-05-25T20:28:00.000-06:00

As part of the 10-Cards-In-10-Days challenge with other Etsy cardmakers, I have decided to feature each shop that's participating. Today I'm featuring Isabella Flora's shop. I especially love this shop because the artist uses such beautiful colors in her watercolor cards and her photos show so much detail. The beautiful watercolor card, shown above, is one of my favorites. Please visit her at IsabellaFlora.etsy.com.

Etsy 10-Cards-In-10-Days Challenge

2009-05-25T20:23:00.001-06:00

Starting today, May 25th, I'm part of a challenge to post 1 new card per day for 10 days in my Etsy shop. I need the motivation! Believe it or not, the stress of having to produce 1 card per day increases my level of creativity! Love that!

I'm participating in this challenge with the following shops, please visit them and pick out a card:

isabellaflora.etsy.com
pinkycreations.etsy.com
terrbear37.etsy.com
jemily.etsy.com
littlebbunny.etsy.com
carasscrapnstampart.etsy.com
thepaperflowershop.etsy.com
lwhelan.etsy.com
percivalroad.etsy.com

Giveaway Items for Little B Bunny

2009-05-19T13:24:00.000-06:00

Once again, thanks to everyone

who participated in my giveaway!

Here are the items that Little B Bunny won!
2 greeting cards with matching gift cards.

Congrat Little B Bunny! You won the giveaway!!!

2009-05-18T13:16:00.000-06:00

Congratulations Little B Bunny! You won the card giveaway! I will send your cards soon! Thank you for commenting on my blog!

I encourage everyone to check out her etsy shop, littlebbunny.etsy.com, and her blog, littlebbunny.blogspot.com.

Check out one of her birthday cards (see below)! Charming!

Etsy Greetings Members Giveaway!

2009-05-12T21:30:00.000-06:00

Etsy Greetings Members Only... Thank you for visiting my blog and entering to win a surprise giveaway! You will win 2 of my latest card creations (they haven't even hit my shop yet) and a few surprises! Please leave a comment below with your etsy shop address or e-mail, and you may become the winner!

I will take comments until midnight on May 17th and will announce the winner on the 18th! I look forward to spoiling someone!

More Wedding Cards

2009-05-11T20:31:00.000-06:00

'Tis the season for weddings! Here are a few of my latest creations: 5x7 wedding cards. They come with a free gift tag too! TIP: When wrapping your wedding gift, include the card IN the package. Tie the gift tag to the bow. Cards are always getting lost and shuffled at weddings. If your card's in the package, it won't get lost!

Check out this giveaway!

2009-05-04T13:11:00.000-06:00

Giveaways are great but this one is ESPECIALLY GREAT! It's a beautiful "Follow Your Heart" necklace from Cinnamon & Honey's blog. Yummy!

Use the link below to enter the Cinnamon & Honey giveaway.

http://cinnamonandhoney.blogspot.com/2009/04/cinnamon-honeys-follow-your-heart.html

Beautiful Lace Brooch/Corsage

2009-04-29T22:05:00.000-06:00

I fell in love with this beautiful lace brooch on Etsy.com. It comes from a gal named Marianna in Hungary. Lots of beautiful things in her Etsy store:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=fp_feat_6&listing_id=24269025

Happy Wedding Season!

2009-04-26T15:04:00.000-06:00

Happy wedding season! Yes, it's upon us! The time to find a wedding gift, card, dress, shoes, etc. for the upcoming wedding! Although I am older and only a few of my friends are single, I still find myself getting invited to weddings. I am planning on going to my cousin's wedding late in the summer. I haven't seen her since we were kids and I know little about her now that she's all grown up! What to buy her??? I'll figure something out! Maybe a small bridal wedding album (yes... handmade!) and one of these simple bridal cards. Check it out in my Etsy shop: scrapbookcompleted.etsy.com.

I won a giveaway!

2009-04-20T20:32:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Cara from Cara's Scrap 'N Stamp Art I won 6 mini cards! I love 'em and can't wait to share them! They are more beautiful in person but you can see from the picture that they are so cute!

Please visit her website when you get a chance: carasscrapnstampart.etsy.com

More Mother's Day Cards!

2009-04-18T17:04:00.000-06:00

Remember, Mother's Day is on May 10th! Right around the corner! Check out Etsy.com for lots of handmade cards. Enter "egmom" as a "search" and you'll get all of the cards created by Etsy Greetings members. Buy handmade!

Packaging tape. Yes, I said packaging tape!

2009-04-18T16:54:00.000-06:00

I hope that you had a chance to visit the Etsy treasury that featured my Mother's Day card (now it has expired...).

What do you think of these packaging tapes?

The pink and brown is used on envelopes. It wraps around the edge of the envelop (hard to describe). I may have to purchase it because I've never seen anything like it and I would use it! The birds and floral packaging tape is from tapeswell.com. I want it too!!! Too much fun! Who comes up with these things!?

My Mother's Day card was featured on Etsy.com!!!

2009-04-15T20:27:00.000-06:00

Okay... I don't mean to brag, but my Mother's Day card was featured in a treasury on Etsy.com!!! The treasury is a selection of handmade items that members love and post as a feature (does that make sense?!). I'm so happy!!! Try the link below to check it out (it's a green card with a big, pink "M"). Thanks romanmccall!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=52934&show_panel=true

Also, check out the shop that nominated me: www.romanmccall.etsy.com

Happy Easter

2009-04-13T20:41:00.000-06:00

I hope everyone had a happy Easter! Time to get ready for Mother's Day! I will post a few Mother's Day cards this week and give discounts to Etsy Greetings members. Take a peak at my shop and let me know what you think.

New Birthday Cards

2009-04-05T17:21:00.003-06:00

I just posted a few birthday cards in my shop: scrapbookcompleted.etsy.com. Take a look! I also added a scrapbook!

More bridal items up for grabs

2009-03-26T12:22:00.000-06:00

I'm continuing to list more bridal items and have been thrilled with the responses from Etsy.com buyers. Thanks to Sherry for purchasing a bunch of the combs you see at the left. There was a lot of interest in this listing as the item is hard to find (didn't know that 'til I listed it). If you know where I can find more (with the metal "H" piece on it), let me know and I'll pass the info on to my buyers.

Another bridal accessory sale!

2009-03-22T19:45:00.000-06:00

I was so excited to sell more of my bridal accessories on Etsy. These teardrop pearls are still available in a couple of other listings in my shop if you're interested. In the meantime, thanks for your order Ellen!

Love this Etsy Cupcake!

2009-03-21T18:03:00.000-06:00

Don't you love this cupcake by Emmaleesboutique.etsy.com!? It's simply a little 2" embellishment that could be clipped in a little girl's hair. LOVE IT!

EBay item caught my eye

2009-03-21T16:06:00.000-06:00

I have only been on Ebay a handful of times in my life. Today I was looking for pinking shears and ran across this listing for 50 pair of scissors. Yeah, 50! It gets better... they "...were collected from NTSA Airport Confiscation Lots". What a strange world we live in. Hopefully a school teacher (home ec?) could use these. Great savings at only $6.50(starting bid) + $11 s&h.