My Favorite Things

A Christmas Wish list of sorts. :)

2010-11-17T12:02:00.001-08:00

Click here for links to each item:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4ce3dfc9a9958eef40cd68f0/hello-santa-dear

Craft Room Completion

2010-11-16T06:30:00.000-08:00

You may remember and old blog post showing off my craft room.

http://aliciasfavoritethings.blogspot.com/2009/07/craft-room-tour.html

Well, it was nice but a little cluttered (and visable from my living room and dining room) and didn't quite flow with the rest of my house. My biggest hate of the room was the pink tile. The walls were pink when we moved in too but that was the first room I painted.

I finally saved up enough pennies to buy the tile to match the rest of our house and that sparked my motivation to make this room up to par with the rest of our home.

Without further rambling:

This is the "work" side of the room. For a reminder here is the old cluttered look with lots of unmatched and too open storage:

Now I have lovely matching cabinets. Insider secret, if you stalk Lowes clearance section you can find cabinets for $10-$20 each, marked down from regular prices of $140-$180. There are always some there, it's just a matter of waiting patiently for the color and sizes you want. Another secret for paper people, a 18" cabinet is perfect for holding the sterlite paper storage you see in the above photo.

One thing you may be surprised about is the lack of "nice" leather desk chairs. My back hated those and for the amount of time I spend sitting there my eyes can handle looking at a task chair instead of pretty (but uncomforatable) chairs.

Next we move onto the "comfy" side of the room. Here is the photo of the last before view. Again, to much open cluttered storage.

Now it's warm and welcoming and contained clutter :)

I would love to make that white cube shelf black to better match the rest of the room but I have to decide if I'm going to try and paint it or just wait for a good sale and buy a new one. It's not horrible but I think it would match the rest of the room better in a darker tone.

Thanks for looking :)

Front Page Alert

2010-07-27T10:08:00.001-07:00

I was an alternate in this lovely treasury and got to sit on the front page for a little bit today

BABY SHOWER

2010-07-26T18:53:00.000-07:00

Since I've been MIA from bloggertown I've thrown a few par-tay's :) Yeah I'ma dork. First up is a baby shower for a great friends and coworker.

From this little event I think I am most proud of this banner I made. I put my little cricut to work :)

Next I made some frames (gifts to mom to be, matched her nursery) and included the ultrasound photos of Ms Ava. Another friend made that awesome diaper cake. One of the best I've ever seen!

I made little birdhouses filled with M&M's for the take home favors (and there are currently a couple of them hanging from Ms. Ava's ceiling in her nursey. You will also notice the larger centerpiece birdhouses.

It was a great day in celebration of an wonderful and amazing friend. I'm so happy she is a mommy now!

It's been a really long couple of months.

2010-07-26T13:27:00.000-07:00

I've been a very bad blogger. I've made the commitment to myself today to start back up on a fairly regular basis :). Thanks to everyone who remained a "follower" to a lifeless for months blog.

I'll be starting short and simple today. Showing off one of my latest and possible all time favorite treasury.

Isn't it just lovely and soothing. To view the treasury on etsy and visit some of the included shops CLICK HERE

Now, I've been a busy bee in my craft room preparing a ton of new stuff for my shop. I just need to stop creating and take an evening to photograph and list.

Happy Monday and welcome back to my blog :)

Happy Hump Day.

2010-04-07T05:41:00.001-07:00

Front Page Alert

2010-04-02T05:56:00.000-07:00

Thank so much to my awesome friend PA http://www.pacountrycrafts.etsy.com/ for putting together this beautiful collection of spring greens.

Thanks so much and congrats to all my other team members who were included. Front page exposure is always exciting.

Feel in love with a wonderful blog this morning.

2010-03-30T11:09:00.000-07:00

A friend sent me this cute little email this morning and I thought it was so cute I had to look at the blog it came from. I am in love with it, such a wonderful blog and a great way to start the day.

How cute are they?!?!

Head over to become a blog follower and get these to find these wonderful posts everyday.

http://nubiagroup.blogspot.com/

Fabric Flowers

2010-03-24T06:23:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been a little obsessed with fabric flowers and all the things that people do with them. I decided I would share a few of my recent favorite finds here for you to see too.

One of my favorite bloggers lollychops made this purdyiness. Check out her tutorial here: http://www.lollychops.com/lollychops/2010/03/wall-flowers-week-yellow-wednesday.html

She also made this:

and this:

so be sure to check out the rest of her blog this week for all the awesome flower (it's wallflower week) tutorials.

Moving on to another blogger http://alisaburke.blogspot.com/2010/03/recycled-roses-pillow-tutorial.html you can make this BEAUTIFUL rose pillow.

and one more before I close. These are so not something I think I could make, but they are really beautiful! Be sure to visit the tutorial and see if you can do it. http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=5627

Happy Hump Day!

An early morning Front Page.

2010-03-22T06:42:00.000-07:00

I'm in a lovely treasury curated by:

and it made it to the Front Page this morning at 5:00am, not sure who was awake to see it then, but I got lots of views and hearts! WAHOO.

Isn't it purdy. :)

Adorable!

2010-03-15T08:39:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful idea for a baby nursery or child room!

learn how here:
http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/2010/03/pam-from-bibbidi-bobbidi-beautiful.html

Second Awesome post for the day. Awesome makeover

2010-03-10T05:24:00.000-08:00

Not sure why I feel the need to use the word awesome today, 80's flashback. hehe.

Brought to you from http://enchantresses3.blogspot.com/

Before:

After

Awesome Giveaway from an Awesome Shop.

2010-03-10T05:19:00.000-08:00

http://www.studiojru.com/2010/03/my-first-giveaway.html

just a few items from her etsy shop that you could win so go check it out!

http://www.studiojru.com/2010/03/my-first-giveaway.html

1000th heart feature.

2010-03-09T13:29:00.000-08:00

Today I reached a huge milestone (at least in my eyes) 1000 people have hearted my shop. It makes me so happy to know that many people have browsed my shop and found something they liked. I wanted to give a little love back to my 1000th, who actually turned out to be a dear teamcac friend. inspiredbymarie.etsy.com.

Bobbie makes some of the most beautiful wood burning art I have seen in my entire life. One of my favorite pieces is the sailboat piece in the banner above.

Here are a few more of my fav's.

and this one is favorite because hummingbirds always remind me of my grandmother.

Bobbie makes some beautiful wedding pieces from signature mattes to guest books and card boxes. Please take a minute to stop by her shop and show her some love!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/inspiredbymarie

Front Page! I'm loving the recent FP excitement.

2010-03-05T08:12:00.000-08:00

I actually had another one of my treasuries make it last Sunday and I never made it here to post, but now one of my items is on the FP thanks to an awesome treasury made by zaperoco

Want

2010-03-04T13:35:00.000-08:00

A girl can WANT a lot of things, no one says I'll get them all...or any :) but it's still fun to look around.

Starting an awesome shelf from PB teens

this bag from anthropologie

this dress from banana (and while we are at WANTS, I want it 6 inches longer)

this art from geministudio

and these dog bowls from BellaVitaPet

Got another treasury on the front page of etsy yesterday.

2010-02-26T11:17:00.000-08:00

What do you think of some of the items included?

Found a Funtastic Shop

2010-02-23T10:25:00.000-08:00

You will quickly understand why I was initally drawn to it:

Isn't that ADORABLE?? and you know I love my doxies.

The shop is http://www.etsy.com/shop/FuzzyMug

If you take some time and browse around there is tons of cuteness to be found.

This is only a very small assortment of what this great shop has to offer, so head on over to browse around and buy yourself something. While you are there feel free to buy me a few things too :).

Etsy Front Page Fun

2010-02-22T10:40:00.000-08:00

So on Saturday afternoon a treasury that I curated appeared on the front page of etsy.

Then later on that evening, one of my items was choosen to appear on the front page.

My attempt at being a potter.

2010-02-17T18:34:00.000-08:00

'The City of Orlando has a pottery studio that is VERY affordable to use and learn at. They provide everything you need and even do the firing for you. I forced the hubs to come to a session with me and here is what we came up with.

I had a blast making these bowls, ended up with an entire set.

and then an extra one for some reason. Well, the reason was to use up our clay. However, I LOVE the coloring on this one.

and for fun I made a cupcake. It had a candle that got lost in the somewhere in the shuffle at the studio.

Then my husband, bless his heart for trying, made these adorable little vase looking things.

and to close, this is the wierd look Yota gives me when I take pictures of pottery outside.

A funny little email I read today

2010-02-16T05:57:00.000-08:00

1. When you are sad,

I will jump on the person

who made you sad

like a spider monkey

jacked up on Mountain Dew!!!

2. When you are blue,

I will try to dislodge

whatever is choking you.

3. When you smile,

I will know you are

plotting something

that I must be involved in.

4. When you're scared,

we will high tail it out of here.

5. When you are worried,

I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse

it could be until you

quit whining, ya big baby!!!!

6. When you are confused,

I will use little words.

7. When you are sick,

Stay away from me

until you are well again.

I don't want whatever you have....

8. When you fall,

I'll pick you up

and dust you off--

After I laugh my rear off!!

9. This is my oath....

I pledge it to the end.

'Why?' you may ask;

-- because you are my FRIEND!

Color of the Day.....

2010-02-12T06:10:00.000-08:00

Mustard! Isn't it a beautiful color.

Number 3 as promised

2009-12-07T19:00:00.000-08:00

And a funny second shot of my Yota.

Christmas Decor Idea

2009-12-07T06:55:00.000-08:00

These trees look so cute and then I realized how easy they would be to make and I like them even more.

http://pretty-ditty.blogspot.com/2009/12/yarn-christmas-trees-tutorial.html

Next, this little wreath looks hard, but it actually seems to be pretty easy as well, just more steps to take

http://www.domestifluff.com/2009/11/how-to-make-a-ruffly-felt-rosette-wreath/

Onto the topiary. I realized this is probably pretty easy, but I made ornament trees last year and there where a bit of a pain. I LOVE the finished product, but I doubt I will make more. I wonder if the ball will be easier than the tree though.

http://www.bhg.com/holidays/christmas/crafts/glass-ornament-topiary/

And again, VERY easy, but going to require ALOT of patience. I bet a little forest of these on your dining room table would look fab!

http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2009/11/a-sequined-tree-by-lindsay/

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas :)

2009-12-04T14:00:00.000-08:00

hehe, got these last year at Petco for .50 cents each sometime after Christmas. I forgot about them until I pulled down the christmas decor. hehehe, I don't think they are happy. I should also add, there is a 3 doggy missing from the action. She had her photo op yesterday and will be posted this week :)

KNETTEAM 12 days of Christmas Sale.

2009-11-30T08:52:00.000-08:00

I'm apart of another team that I don't think I've mentioned often here, though I should because it's really a great team and full of wonderful shops. Anywho, we are doing a 12 days of Christmas sale right now through Dec 8th.

Here is our blog with a full list of details

http://knetetsyteam.blogspot.com/

http://www.etsy.com/shop/EmbellishedBayou is offering BOGO 25% off. Isn't this frame lovely?

http://www.etsy.com/shop/marymule is offering BOGO 50% off. What a deal!!! and this bag...LOVE IT!

Last but not least, a photography shop I have admired for a long time. Her images are beyond beautiful. I wish I had a need for one of them but maybe one of my readers will. I'm having a hard time picking which ones to share here cause I want to show them all.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/kristinseyes

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving break. I will be posting pictures from our weekend sometime this week as well.

Happy Cyber Monday!

Thanksgiving.

2009-11-23T05:47:00.000-08:00

I know I've become such a slacker in the blogging department lately. It just seems like life gets in the way of everything I have on my to-do list. However, being Thanksgiving week, I wanted to get one special post out and I promise to try and make a better effort in December to keep up with the blog.

I'll start with a few beautiful Thanksgiving treats (in case you are up for some last minute shopping)

The first is a cute little bib coming from krispybananakids. She actaully has lots of great holiday cuties for your cuties. Perfect baby accessory for that big Turkey (or tofurkey) dinner.

Next is a beautiful serving dish from LadyMaysFabritique. She makes some of the most beautiful dishes and bowls. I invision this displaying a yummy pumpkin roll.

Now, how about something warm and fuzzy to wear yourself during the early morning black friday shopping? Well then head on over to KnitBlitz for a whole selection of pretties like this scarf

I'll end this segment with an item from my own shop. It's a new personal favorite. I found some keepsake boxes at a thrift store and gave them a facelift. I really like how this one turned out.

Now, the real reason for this holiday is not to eat Turkey, but to to spend time with family and friends in thanksgiving for everything we have been blessed with. I want to say that I am thankful for my loving husband, my 3 amazing dogs, family that loves and supports me unconditionally and friends I can count on to always be there.

"Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power

and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,

for everything in heaven and earth is yours.

Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom;

you are exalted as head over all.

Wealth and honor come from you;

you are the ruler of all things.

In your hands are strength and power

to exalt and give strength to all.

Now, our God, we give you thanks,

and praise your glorious name."

1 Chronicles 29:11-13 (KJV)

Happy Thanksgiving!

P.S Don't forget to enter the big giveaway, it's the last week.

Reminder, HUGE giveaway alert.

2009-11-17T06:10:00.000-08:00

You have already missed two great prizes, but enter now for a chance to win the remaining small gifts OR the grand prize, big daddy basket.

My amazing etsy team CAC (Christian Artists and Crafters) are going to be doing a HUGE giveaway on Cyper Monday. We have over 40 shops donating (some donating multiple items) and many many ways you can enter to win. All you need to do is visit our team blog by clicking on the above button Also, take some time to browse the rest of the blog entries to see some of the great items that are going to be included in the giveaway.

Lots of boxes.

2009-11-16T19:11:00.000-08:00

I had a big order for my small trinket boxes. They are going to be given away as Christmas gifts and I had so much fun making them. I wanted to share photos of them before packing them up for delivery.

Aren't they fun, and how do you like my new photo background?

Cranapple Cobbler. yummy!

2009-11-14T14:16:00.000-08:00

You all know by now I love my craft and my furbabies, but I bet you didn't know I love to bake. Every year around this time my husband starts bugging me to make this particular dessert. I caved yesterday and decided I bake it just for him (and the rest of our bible study group). Took that opportunity to photograph the results and share the recipe to all of you.

This recipe is for a 9x9 dish, you will notice my photos are of a 9x13. I don't have a recipe for a 9x13, I just add extra of everything until it looks right. So if you are a recipe follower, use the 9x9 pan :)

Cranapple Cobbler

ingredents:
1 large granny smith apple
1 bag of cranberries (or about 3/4 lb of fresh)
1/4 c orange juice
1 c flour
1 3/4 c brown sugar (no one said this was a healthy dish)
1 1/2 c oatmeal, not quick bake
2 sticks butter

peel apple and slice very thin.
mix apple slices with cranberries in a bowl along with 1/2 cup of the brown sugar and all the orange juice.
pour into a greased 9x9 pan

in another bowl combine flour, remaing brown sugar (1 and 1/4 c), butter and oatmeal. cut together until it is a lumpy mess. sprinkle on top of the fruit mixture.

bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes or until the top is golden and the fruit is just bubbling out.

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for extra yumminess.

and don't forget to enter the teamcac giveaway if you haven't already. TONS of awesome things waiting to be won!. See the post right under this one for details.

HUGE Giveaway

2009-11-02T05:21:00.000-08:00

My amazing etsy team CAC (Christian Artists and Crafters) are going to be doing a HUGE giveaway on Cyper Monday. We have over 40 shops donating (some donating multiple items) and many many ways you can enter to win. All you need to do is visit our team blog by clicking on the above button Also, take some time to browse the rest of the blog entries to see some of the great items that are going to be included in the giveaway.

A great giveaway (but not here)

2009-10-23T05:47:00.000-07:00

Something you might not know: I LOVE creekbedthreads.etsy.com shop. Today she is doing a giveaway on another blog and I suggest you head over and enter this cute make-up bag.

http://www.hersouthernheart.com/

You'll have to visit creek's shop so you will see some of my favorite things and can pick your own. But something you might not know is that she also owns this shop: http://www.auntesthings.etsy.com/ and here is one of my favorites from it:

So head on over to http://www.hersouthernheart.com/ and get yourself entered!

This week I made bouquets

2009-10-22T05:36:00.000-07:00

This is the last wedding I did. I LOVED the guys bout's.

And this is what I have been working on this week:

I'm very happy with them, especially considering we didn't really have time to shop around for favorite flowers. We had to use what is out right now in the right colors.

Do you need a snazzy new handbag?

2009-10-14T08:03:00.000-07:00

Look at this beauty from Imperfections Unqiue

or how about this one from AMKreations

Have a happy day!
There are many more to choose from here

To sell or not to sell (and keep for myself)

2009-10-06T15:33:00.000-07:00

This would be my newest poppy piece and I am in complete love with it. I haven't yet made a poppy piece to keep for myself. I have made them for my mom, my husband's office, my friends and sold them to a handful of people on etsy. Maybe it's time to keep one?

It's my largest one yet and even better, it's upcycled. It was an ugly canvas painting of a beach chair that I found at a thrift store for $3. I LOVE cheap canvases :)...especially old ugly ones that need some love.

So, should I keep it, or sell it?

Happy Dogs

2009-10-02T07:07:00.000-07:00

Another great seller to feature today.

Janet at crittersandcrafts is a wonderful person to work with. I recently ordered a custom collar (picture to come at a later date as the collar is a gift to the husband) and a pet bed. I paid for the items on Monday and they arrived on my doorstep yesterday.

The second I opened the box my little Oscar came running. He has a thing for blankets (as all doxies do) and at first the bed looks like a folded blanket. For those who haven't seen or heard of snuggle beds, they basically look like big warm pillowcases. It allows smaller dogs (who like to burrow) to bury themselve inside and keep warm.

Anyway, after opening the box up, I threw the bed on the chair in our office and Oscar went to investigating. Sniffed it all over and decided it was burrow-able. However, he kept ending up UNDER the entire bed instead of in the middle. After a few minutes and my help he found the opening and buried himself inside for the night. He didn't want to leave it's warmth.

So, if you are in the need for any pet items I suggest visiting http://www.crittersandcrafts.etsy.com/

It's been a while, and a shop feature.

2009-09-30T07:08:00.000-07:00

I love family, but lots of family visiting right around the same time wears me out. This past few days have been spent with my sister in law (pictures coming soon) and the next few days will be spent with my aunts and parents. So my excuse for no bloggin in a week is that my family is taking all my time :)

I wanted to squeeze in a shop feature though. Uniquelyyourscrafter is an awesome teammember on teamCAC (christian artists and crafters) and I am happy to show off her lovely shop today starting with a treasury dedicated to her.

So, if you have a moment today, please browse her lovely shop at:

http://www.uniquelyyourscrafter.etsy.com/

you can find all of these items and many more.

A special shop feature.

2009-09-23T06:41:00.000-07:00

Today I want to feature something a little different. These baskets made by http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5362944 are super cute and very unique. Even with an etsy search i wasn't able to find too many. From what I understand theses baskets take MANY hours to make and the end results is amazing. I have no idea how she does it.

This first one is very unique and super girly.

Then a pretty lavendar bowl.

Autumn Harvest Basket (see how cool the bottom looks)And the Christmas collection.

Look closely.Stop by her shop today and give her some love.

The treasury that never was

2009-09-18T07:01:00.000-07:00

I created this is honor of http://www.imperfectionsunique.etsy.com/ She is running an awesome sale this weekend (BOGO) and I'm super tempted to buy that pink damask bag.

New things.

2009-09-17T11:08:00.000-07:00

I've recently had several requests for a couple of larger box options to store bigger things in. The second picture really shows it's size (and my Bailey girl) by me throwing in a few common items (those are 4 x6 photos).

And then I found this wonderful paper and was so happy with what came of it.

All of the above can be found in my etsy store (or by clicking on any of the photos above).

Happy Thursday, the week is almost over.

Featured Seller of the Day

2009-09-16T07:04:00.001-07:00

I'm not a big jewelry wearer but the shop of today's featured seller ALWAYS catches my eye. Her items are BEAUTIFUL and she capture them so well with pictures.

Without any further feather fluffing (we don't want to fluff her up too much or she might float away)......I present http://www.fallingstarlane.etsy.com/

And now a few of my personal favorites: (click on any to see the listing)

Birds!

2009-09-14T08:18:00.000-07:00

You may or may not know that I LOVE bird things. Bird prints, bird sculptures, bird pictures. I have made several "bird" things in my shop. My recent favorite bird creation just sold, so I want to pay it one more tribute as it heads out of my shop to California today. I hope the new owner loves it as much as I do.

So then I went searching for some fun bird things on etsy and found these:

At http://www.amongthezinnias.etsy.com/ sits this adorable little stuffed bird. He is SO cute.

Then over in www.adriennekinsella.etsy.com is a itty bity baby hat
http://www.peekabooproductions.etsy.com/ has this cute journal
and http://www.wallabybagco.etsy.com/ has this great ipod cover (which I am very tempted to buy myself).

Awesome Etsy Shop

2009-09-10T11:51:00.000-07:00

I have been admiring all the great handstamped personalized necklaces on etsy lately. I decided I wanted one and since I didn't have kids, I would need to put my dogs names on it :).

Thankfully I found www.one9designs.etsy.com and she worked with me to create the perfect necklace. Even found the cutest little bone charm to tie it all together.

Wanna see?

Isn't it just beautiful! I've been wearing it since the second it arrived in the mail. I love when I am at work, feeling stressed and I hear the charms giggle together. I instantly think of my furbabies, sitting at home counting down the second until I arrive.

If you are looking for a similar necklace, I recommend heading directly to her shop to snatch your own up in one of these great styles.

Labor Day Weekend Sale.

2009-09-04T06:59:00.000-07:00

You can find me here this weekend:

http://www.etsy.com/gift-guides/labor-day-weekend-sale/207?page=7

I'll be offering 15% off my entire shop all weekend long (through Monday cause it's a long weekend, wahoo).

A few other great items featured in this weekends sale:

http://www.creekbedthreads.etsy.com/ will be offering 15% off her shop as well.

http://www.fallingstarlane.etsy.com/ will be offering 10% off her shop

http://www.uniquelyyourscrafter.etsy.com/ is offering 15% off her shop

Be sure to check out each of their shops for the full details of their sales.

Happy a wonderful weekend everyone.

The Wonders of What can be done with paper.

2009-09-02T12:51:00.001-07:00

Can I just say WOW.

This is a collection of some things I have stumbled across recently. AMAZING things.

From http://www.simplejoyspaperie.etsy.com/

next into http://www.lifeinmichigan.etsy.com/

then onto quilling with http://www.enchantedquilling.etsy.com/

Found this on craftgawker. Check out the blog: http://nitsarts.blogspot.com/2009/07/swan.html

and last but not least, another lovely etsy seller. I wish I could work these into my home decor.

http://www.tangleandfold.etsy.com/

and these too (even more tempting than the first):

Thanks for looking, be sure to check out the shops of the amazing artists featured today.

Birthday

2009-08-27T12:33:00.001-07:00

Warning: lots and lots of pictures to follow:

For those of you who don't know, my birthday was yesterday. My hubby and I took the day off work and ventured to a little place a couple hours from the house. It's called Silver Springs "natures theme park" and I recommend seeing it if you are ever in the area.

The first exhibits we checked out were the gators. Being in Florida, there are ALWAYS gators to be seen.
They are known for being one of the few places that house albino gators, which are VERY rare.

And they have cute baby gators.
And big UGLY ones too.

Next we took one of their glass bottom boat rides into the wilderness. They have alot of historic info there and it's was very interesting to learn about the history.

and to see lots of nature.

After that boat ride we saw a few more animals

Next we hopped on the (what they claim to be) the world's famous glass bottom boats

and I have to admit, it was really amazing. The water was so perfectly clear you could see down so far. At one point we were 84 feet above the springs and we could see the bottom without problem.

Then to the air lift, where you can see the entire park from the air. I got to be honest, this ride made me a little nervous.
And then, off to the petting zoo :).
Baby the donkey wasn't too sure of me until I got my arm, once she warmed up to me she LOVED having her ears scratched.

Jason feed an Emu, they freak me out.
This is what I am laughing at:

One last boat ride of the day took us 30 minutes into the beautiful national forest. This is were many movies and TV shows have been filmed including the original Tarzan and Smokey and the Bandit.

We stopped at a animal rehab facility and met sugar. A screech owl who has lost a wing.

Next we got to a very populated area. Populated with what you ask, MONKIES. Apparently in the 50's some crazy guy wanted a bunch of pet monkeys. HE bought them and put them on and island in the middle of this area thinking they would live there forever. Well, monkies swim and mate. Now there are hundreds to thousands or monkies surrounding the area and have been found as far as two hours away.
Before leaving we visited the rest of the animals:
and I got to feed a giraffe.

We got some ice cream and hit the road.

Thanks for sharing in the photos from my day.

Busy Weekend

2009-08-24T08:27:00.000-07:00

I had a super busy weekend but was able to squeeze out one card set that I am super happy with.

Used mostly papertrey ink supplies.

Also stumbled across these great christmas ideas today on http://jillibeansoup.typepad.com/my_weblog/

Happy Week! (birthday week to me)

And I'm featured on another blog today.

2009-08-18T07:02:00.000-07:00

What fun. A fellow team CAC member gave me a little (lovely) shout out today. Please go give her blog so love. She makes some beautiful things, starting with the felt tree pillow, you will see it right under the post all about me :).

http://auntesthings.blogspot.com/

Craft Room Organization and first custom art.

2009-08-17T19:14:00.001-07:00

First of all this is what took my entire Sunday. Ok, not the entire thing since today is my mom's birthday, Jason and I spent a little time yesterday celebrating with her and showering her with new craft toys, some coffee, and a few candles. I didn't know what to get her, so she got a hodge podge gift basket full of little things I knew she would enjoy.

So, back to what took MOST of my Sunday. First I had to go to Target and find this bad boy. They are on sale cheaper than they have ever been before, so it was slim pickins when we got there. Thankfully, black seemed more popular than white, so there were two white ones remaining:Cute huh? It TOOK forever and multiple mistakes for us to get this darn thing together. Why oh WHY can't they come at least 1/2 way assembled. Seriously, the directions were uber confusing and after finally getting it together I had to nail 64 tiny nails into the back panels to attach them onto the shelf itself. A hot glue gun would have been so much easier, but in the stressful moment I didn't think of that. My husband made fun of me with my making memories hammer, but it did the job without me having to walk to the garage (did you know I'm lazy?)

So now, the part of the craft room you didn't see before in this post http://aliciasfavoritethings.blogspot.com/2009/07/craft-room-tour.html. You see, there was a BIG ugly (like from the 80's) treadmill that took up WAY too much space. We moved it into a closet (still useable) in another room and gave me more space.

So now, instead of an ugly fold up card table, I have a nice place to store all my junk without it looking so messy. I do have some craft books in another room that will go on one or two of the shelves but the rest will be useful for nicely organizing unstarted pieces, drying pieces, completed pieces and my idog (do you see him, I love him). Oh and that light is AWESOME. It's in the target back to college section for $10. It gives off so much light I can finally see everything in my room at night. It used to always be so dreary in the evenings/night.

Now the craft of the night.

I was asked to create a custom art of sorts. Basically one of my cards designs, tweaked and able to be framed and hung. Here is the result. I'm sending her here to approve it, so let's all hope she loves it. If she doesn't, I already know where I want to hang it. If she loves it, I guess I'll have to make another one for myself :)

The colors are off just a touch since it's 10:30 at night and I had to use the flash. We all know what flash does to our products.

If you like it too, head to my etsy shop. I'd be happy to create one for you, words and colors of your choice.

Happy Monday everyone! (and Happy Birthday mamma).

Friday Favorites

2009-08-14T06:26:00.000-07:00

For those just tuning in, I have no order of what days I post what things. I blog when I feel like it and about whatever I feel about at that time :) It's been a while since I posted favorites so here we go...

Etsy Seller http://www.one9designs.etsy.com/ offers personalized jewerly.

Etsy Seller http://www.inspiredbymarie.etsy.com/ offers beautiful woodburned items. This is my current fav, she she seems to list something new everyday so my "current fav" changes often.

etsy seller http://www.prissdesigns.etsy.com/ has some great art.

Etsy Seller http://www.jodiemo.etsy.com/ has this adorable handbag.
And last but certainly not least www.wandaoconnor.etsy.com has some paintings that look just like my little doxie. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Anycards SALE

2009-08-12T06:04:00.001-07:00

All my greeting cards currently listed on etsy are on sale. I want to make more, but need to sell these ones first :)

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5869477§ion_id=6221002

and I'm being featured on another blog. SO exciting, my first feature I believe. Please go check it out and give the blogger some love.

http://christiecottage.blogspot.com/2009/08/featured-shop-today-anycards.html

Tuesday Card Inspiration

2009-08-11T11:55:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted any card inspirtion in a while and I stumbled upon some good ones today. First on the Bean Talk blog http://jillibeansoup.typepad.com/my_weblog/ I found these two.
Next over on my FAVORITE blog http://dawnmcvey.typepad.com/ I found this (using some of the August release papertrey stamps). I love the colors and overall design of this little card.

I'm also apart of a EtsyPaper Street Team. Fellow team member recently posted this photo which cause my eye. Beautiful colors and overall appealing design. To see more of her work visit her blog here http://jujucreations.blogspot.com/

Last, as previously mentioned, papertreyink.com is coming out with new stamps on august 15th. They always give sneak peaks and I'm thinking my favorite this month is going to be sign language. Here is one card made using them. You can visit Melissa's blog for more info and details (and lots more cards) http://justdandy.typepad.com/just_dandy/

Happy Tuesday!

Lazy Saturday Afternoon

2009-08-08T16:26:00.000-07:00

Today I was hanging out in my craft room and I turned around to see this.

I love it when I little Oscar lays like this, he's such a little cutie.
Yota got a little curious when I got down to his level
and my Bailey girl just remained relaxed.
This might be their first appearance on my blog, so hope you enjoyed meeting my "kids".

Look what I can do :)

2009-08-07T15:23:00.000-07:00

I found these uglies (no offense if you like them) today:and turned them into these:

even my hubs was impressed.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Tuesday Favorites.

2009-08-04T06:10:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted any etsy favorites in a while and a few things have caught my attention recently. As always, click on any picture to see more.

The first seller makes beautiful crosses. This on in particular caught my eye. My grandmother and great aunt loved Turquoise and the second I saw this I though of them.

***Something extra special, this seller is having a BIG sale all day today (click on picture to learn more).***

Next, I stumbled across these and wished I were planning my wedding again. What a wonderful (earth friendly) party favor.

This last shop is super special. All of her proceeds go to a wonderful charity.

The profit from this sale goes directly to For the Silent ("a non-profit organization contending – through advocacy, prayer, and fundraising initiatives – for children silenced by sexual exploitation and trafficking.") Learn more at: http://www.forthesilent.org/

Hope you find something you love. Happy Tuesday!

CHA 2009

2009-08-03T06:14:00.000-07:00

This weekend mom and I were able to attend the CHA event here in Orlando. Oh my goodness, it was so much fun! I was a little bummed to see many of the companies who were there for the trade days left for the consumer days. I had been looking forward to seeing a lot of thing in person and then their booth wasn't there :(.

There were lots of stores with goods for sale, but also lots of vendors showing off their new goods. Some selling goods. There were also lots of celeb crafters and free make and take sessions.

The highlight of my day there was the Papertrey booth. I have loved papertrey stamps for a while now, but always feared buying without being able to see and hold. We waited in line for nearly an hour just to get into the little booth, but I spend my fair share of stamps and will be back to their online store http://www.papertreyink.com/, probably too soon in the future.

Here are the stamp sets I got:

1. cupcakes, you all know my love of all things cupcakes so this one I couldn't resist.

2. Second thing I can't resist, buttons. These are far better for my hips too. However, this stamp set lead me to the horrid task of dividing my buttons out by color. That took 1/2 of the afternoon but now I will have a much easier time finding those I want to use.

3. Fancy Flourishes. I see these used often on a blog I love (stalk) http://dawnmcvey.typepad.com/ (I got to meet Dawn this weekend and I have a picture, but due to the horrible closeness and poor lighting of it, I won't be posting for both our sakes.). Since seeing the first card she used them on, I wanted them. I bought a cheapy version at Michaels, only to be disappointed in it's stamping outcome. Now I'm SO happy to have the real thing.

I also got a free stamp set used in two of the cards I'm about to show you. It's an exclusive set that was only available at CHA and you only got it if you spent too much moola. :). I'm wishing I had spent a little more and gotten a second set because I'm seeing the "free" set on ebay for as much as $60. CRAZY.

Due to the convention itself and the time spent dividing my buttons, I wasn't left with too much time to actually play with the stamps. However, here are a few quick cards I made up. The second one is a duplicate of one the papertrey girls taught us how to make during one of the free make and take sessions on Friday.

Happy Monday!

My frames in someone else's home.

2009-07-29T05:26:00.001-07:00

I got an email from my first frame purchaser yesterday. She included a photo of my frames up in her house, in her baby's room :). It's so exciting to see them hanging somewhere.

I wish every person who bought from me would send a picture, but I know that's an unreasonable thing to ask. It's just so fun to see where things end up.

The craft room tour

2009-07-26T18:56:00.000-07:00

I figured it was time to give a tour of the space where I do all my work. This room used to be a porch and the previous owners of our house remodeled it into a sunroom. The idea of another room was nice, but it was really almost useless because you can't put furniture into it without blocking vital walkways or doors. So after 2 years of staring at an ugly empty room I decided to make it into something I could use.

My husband installed a regular kitchen counter from Lowes ($79) by screwing 2x2's into the studs on both sides and just setting the counter on top. If you look really closely in a couple pics you can see the 2x2 but I don't mind. Then we looked for something to support the center. I found that cabinet on the clearance at Lowe's because it was a special or kitchen wall cabinet that was sent in the wrong color. It was marked $25. The blinds also came from Lowes. The large window was $28 and the two smaller windows were $16. The chairs were found on clearance at Steinmart for $35 each. The wall shelves were $4 each. So the total amount spent in my room makeover was around $230. Everything else in the room from curtains to baskets and pictures were all old un-used items pulled from the garage or other rooms in my house.

I realize the papasan chair is old and outdated, but I LOVE that thing. I keep looking for a new one to replace it with, but i have yet to find a chair as comfy as that thing.
This is where I normally sit down and work. That desk light came from IKEA (thanks mom) and is AWESOME for evening and night work. I keep my favorite stamps, my embossing powders and a few punches handy on the shelves right over my workspace. I keep my favorite inspiration magazines handy and a little desk organizer with most used tools and supplies like hole poker, glue dots, tape, exacto knife, pencil and a few other small things. The jars of flowers in the window where a clearance buy that I haven't figured out where to store yet. I keep whatever paint colors I am currently working with in the window as well for easy touch up access.
Underneath my side of the desk I have lots of storage options. I realize none of them match but oh well :). This little caddy came from Brylane Home for $19. It's supposed to be a shoe caddy but holds all my embellishements, punches, inks and other tools handy. It has wheels so I can roll it out when I am working and then roll it away to clean up.
Also under my workspace side of the desk is a little 3 shelf closet organizer with baskets. Each basket holds more stuff. One holds all my dies, another one embossing folders and the top is misc junk :).
Onto the other side of the desk. I usually stand when I work over here. My cricut is used here, as is the cuttlebug and papercutter. I keep a few more stamps here, these are less used but still loved. I hope to fill up that middle shelf with lots of cricut cart boxes. :)
On the countertop I have my markers, paintbrushes, small pieces of ribbon and buttons. Scrapbooks I am currently working on are stored here and the basket holds small paper pads.
Underneath is mypaper storage and hidden behind paper storage is another little cabinets. It mostly holds paint supplies. Now, the center cabinet. I try really hard to keep this tidy and organized, but it's impossible. I keep all my eyelets, brads and tools in here. Ribbon is all on the second shelf, bottom shelf is odds and ends from gitter and beads to my mini paper sewing machine.
One thing I didn't take a photo of, is behind this cabinet I have a sterilite 3 drawer organizer that holds all my yarn and knitting/crocheting stuff. I don't do yarn work as much so I keep it hidden away and only pull it out as needed.

Here is the view behind the desk. That cabinet stores my envelops, mailing supplies, ready to start wood pieces and lots more.

Last but not least, my view. Part of the reason I love my room. Lots of natural light and good scenery. The only negative I have about my room is that is it very small (8x10) and is a major walkway. The dining room leads through here to go outside as does the living room, both by windowed patio doors. It's my dream one day to change the doorways into something else and remodel this room to be more useful and pretty but for now it's nice and serves it's purpose.

Thanks for visiting my room!

Baby Birdie Check in.

2009-07-23T17:28:00.001-07:00

I left a cup of water and a little bird seed our for the mamma bird. It has just been so hot here, I want to make her food hunting as easy as possible for these little guys. I love peeking in on them each time I go in and out of the house. All I have to do is stand on my tiptoes on my welcome mat and I see them resting. I'm a little worried because I haven't see a forth beak since yesterday. Maybe he is just really smart and learned I'm human and not going to feed him.

Craftgawker.com

2009-07-23T06:46:00.000-07:00

I finally got a couple of my items choosen for display at craftgawker.com,an awesome eye candy site.

Two view my entries, click on either photo (once you get to the craftgawker site feel free to click on either photo to see more).

While you there, a few friends of mine are also showing off their work. Click on either picture to view their items.

Have a wonderful Thursday everyone!

And the winner is.....

2009-07-22T05:43:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was the final day to enter the giveaway for this adorable pin cushion from etsy seller: francesca82 . I want to thank her for offering up an item to giveaway and I hope a few of my blog visitors will think of her for further shopping. I used 12 because one commenter left 2 comments and to be fair to all, only counted it as one entry.
#9 was....

swedish fishie said...
My favorite thing is the laundry organizer, but everything else is really cute too!

Thank you everyone for your entries. SwedishFishie, Francesca is out of town through thte 27th, but will contact you as soon as she returns to arrange shipping. I hope to do another giveway soon. If you are interested if offering something for a giveaway just let me know.

Birdie Update

2009-07-20T18:16:00.001-07:00

For those who have been waiting, the bird eggs hatched. They are SO cute. We aren't sure if they hatched yesterday or Saturday but I got out there with my camera tonight.

(see previous photos of eggs here http://aliciasfavoritethings.blogspot.com/2009/07/update-on-birdies-and-new-ideas.html)

Sorry the photos aren't too clear. I didn't want to get any closer to the nest and my poor camera couldn't figure out what the heck to focus in on.

And, I'm going to extend my give away for one more day. Francesca is actually away helping do some volunteer work in an area hit by natural disaster so she will not be able to contact the winner about shipment until the 27th. SO why not extend the giveaway till tomorrow? Give a few more people the chance ot enter.

http://aliciasfavoritethings.blogspot.com/2009/07/i-have-giveaway.html

Inspiration Time!

2009-07-15T08:23:00.001-07:00

I joined a paper team and wanted to show off some of the beautiful work they can do, I get filled with creative ideas looking at their work. Click on any photo to view the owners blog.

What do they all have in common? BUTTONS! I love buttons!

Happy Wednesday and don't forget to see Monday's post to enter the giveaway!

I have a GIVEAWAY

2009-07-13T05:30:00.000-07:00

I love participating in giveaways on other blogs so I am excited to offer one on my own.

Fellow etsian francesca82 has offered one of her awesome items for my blog readers. She makes these cute little pin cushions. To me they look like perfect little hamster pillows (maybe cause I'm not a seamstress). The best part is that if you look around her shop there are several matching items from tote bags to pot holders.

To enter the giveaway you need to do 2 things.

1. be a follower of my blog.

2. go to francesca82's shop http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6411584. Come back here and leave a comment telling everyone what your favorite item from her shop is. If you like her stuff feel free to heart her shop :) Make sure to leave an email address in your comment so francesca can contact you about shipment if you are the winner.

I will accept entries for the drawing through Monday 7/20. A winner will be randomly selected and annouced on Tuesday 7/21.

Good Luck to everyone and HAPPY Monday.

Things that match.

2009-07-09T07:26:00.001-07:00

I was browsing my shop today and kept looking at my current favorite photo frame. I decided to check out other sellers and see what I could find to match my frame. I think it made a pretty mini so here it is.

My framethe matching begins...

picked by:anycards

Update on the birdies and new ideas

2009-07-07T14:50:00.001-07:00

I checked in on the bird eggs today when I watered the plant and found no birdies, but that the eggs had multiplied. So I'm expecting 4 baby birdies :)

I also went shopping today and spent too much money :) BUT I got some new craft ideas brewing in my head. Here are the items I bought.

I'm sure you can guess what I plan to do with one, but what do you think I will create with the other? Stay tuned to see.

NON paper favorites

2009-07-06T07:42:00.000-07:00

As always, click on any photo for more info/details (will take you to an etsy shop).

#1. Yo-Yo's pillow. I love these because they remind me of my canvas tree art.

#2. Adorable birdie bib. It looks SO soft and cozy.

#3. Bible covers. I love these because part of the proceeds go to a wonderful cause, and cause they are a super cute way to carry your bible to church.

and one of my shop's newly added favorites. (and yes, I realize it's paper but I love it so much, something about cupcakes always does it)

Happy Monday!

Inspiration Time

2009-07-01T06:02:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted any inspiration photos in a while so I decided to do that today. I have lots of new projects of my own to post, but the rain won't stop long enough for me to take everything outside and photograph it.

Click on any photo to see more.

I love this owl. Something about bird in general usually catch my eye. and the color of the card is beautiful.

This set is so simple yet, just beautiful. The bright colors mixed with the elegant pattern. LOVE it.

In animal news

2009-06-29T18:09:00.000-07:00

I found this today. I'll be keeping my eye out for baby birdies. (and don't worry folks, I didn't touch the nest or even get too close to it.).

Back to my regular crafting schedule: I finished a custom order today. These will be going in a nursery with a mixture of other square frames and art above the baby's crib.

Monday's almost over :)

Etsy Treasury.

2009-06-29T12:03:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to be around at just the right time to create a treasury for etsy. I'm hoping this baby makes it to the front page (especially because I plugged my favorite poppy art, can you find it). In the meantime click on the photo and leave a comment!
Hope everyone had a great weekend and Monday isn't hurting too much.

Another new project of mine.

2009-06-26T05:01:00.000-07:00

I always see these cute little wooden frames at Michaels. I have used them for simple projects with Children's Church but never thought of their true potential (the frames, not the kids). I had a few laying around and I decided to play with them. Here is what I came up with.

I love that with the middle piece decorated they could really stand alone as a little piece of art OR I could choose to add a photo to display. Either way, I love them!

I also made several cards last night. Rarely do I make more than a couple in one sitting, but my creativity level has been through the roof recently. As long as I'm feeling it, I keep making stuff :)

Happy Friday Everyone.

New entries: fellow etsy features.

2009-06-25T05:59:00.000-07:00

I want to start featuring other artists on a regular basis. I hope I can MAKE time each Thursday to show off other handywork I love.

Today's (and my first ever) feature artist is: ARTBOXDESIGNS. She showed me this beautiful piece and I instantly loved it. The colors and arrangement are just beautiful!

Take a minute out of your day to look at the other beautiful work she has to offer in her shop.

And because I had a hard time choosing who to feature today, I'm featuring two shops. Second up with some amazing digital prints: Laura Caswell Studios
Some other fun things to check out. Click on any picture for more info.
Happy Thursday everyone!

New creation

2009-06-24T07:51:00.000-07:00

I've been toying with ideas for a while. I wanted to get into something other than cards. To be hoenst, something I could possibly sell and make a little profit on.

The other day I was bored, had a few ugly canvas prints I had picked up at the thrift store (a couple years ago with the intention to repurpose). Something sparked and my creativity level went throught the roof. I ended up spending the entire weekend making these.

I am super excited about listing these in my etsy shop. When I step back and look at my final product I am really so happy with them.

Here's to hoping a make some sales and someone else is very happy with them :)

Daily Inspiration

2009-06-18T08:05:00.001-07:00

Even though I don't get to work on my cards everyday, I always take a few minutes and look around some of my favorite blogs for inspiration.

Here are today's finds.

and from http://dannisdoodles.typepad.com/dannisdoodles/

Blog Twin idea

2009-06-15T05:39:00.000-07:00

I have found a new blog. http://dawnmcvey.typepad.com/these_are_a_few_of_my_fav/ Her style is SO close to mine it's scary, she even has the same blog name as me. She has some awesome ideas and as I browse through her galleries I'm realizing I've seen several of her cards in my favorite magazine "Scrapbooking Trends CARDS"

I was looking through her project gallery tonight and found these name frames. They could be great for so many things. I'm seeing them in kids room, baby rooms, on co-workers desks. It would be so fun to make a few of these.

How to make your own paper flowers.

2009-06-13T16:02:00.000-07:00

In this blog:

http://dawnmcvey.typepad.com/these_are_a_few_of_my_fav/2009/06/distressed-flowers-101.html

I learned how to make these:

NCR: (Not Craft Related): Dog Rescue Transport

2009-06-10T15:29:00.001-07:00

I have always wanted to get involved with dog rescue and one need out there is transports (getting a dog(s) from one place to another). Unfortunately I live in the panhandle of the country and there aren't many places that require transports. However, this past week we were headed up to Tennessee for vacation and it just so happened there was a need for help with a transport and about 4 hours of the trip was right on our way.

To read more about the rescuees and their stories check out their blog here: http://www.scoutandmolly.blogspot.com/ . I will share LOTS of pictures though cause we loved them so.

When we first picked them up, Molly had been away at the vet for surgery on her eye. These two were apparently very close prior to landing at the shelter and they were SO excited to see each other. We were all laughing at how happy they were.

Then they calmed down enough to pose for a good-bye picture for the shelter.When we got in the car they were goofy and couldn't seem to grasp laying down and getting comfy. (I love Molly's look)
So I decided to join them in the backseat until they got settled. However, Scout wanted to cover me in kisses so I had to hold him back.

Molly calmed down first and started to enjoy the car ride.
and finally relaxed and snuggled down next to me to rest.
Then Scout started to look sleepy so I moved back to my passenger seat position and let them have their space to relax and take a nap.

Once they woke up

We decided to stop for a potty break

And to pose for a picture of course

When we arrived in Atlanta, they were more than ready to get out of the car. So we said our good-bye (with Scout again trying to kiss me)

Finally, we handed them off to Vicki who would be driving them another 1.5 hours.

CARDS.

2009-05-20T06:06:00.001-07:00

I got a huge card order from a past customer so I have been busy these last few days. I thought I would post a couple of my favorites.

And this one is my most favorite. It's so bright and fun. I made it with a little girls birthday in mind, but it could work for adults too.

Photography

2009-05-14T05:52:00.000-07:00

You may or may not know another hobby of mine, besides papercrafting, is photography. I would do photography full time if I could. I don't know that I would enjoy papercrafting full time. I'm afraid I would get tired of it. Photography though, would never bore me. There is always something new and exciting to take photos of. Many times without even leaving my back yard.

Anyways, I entered a little photo contest at my work and three of my photos where selected to be displayed. I was really excited because honestly, from the ones I have seen displayed before and the number of people who enter, I wasn't really expecting to get picked.

So, here are the ones they picked and will be up for the world to see soon.

And here are a couple others that I entered and where not picked. I still like them.

Felt Embellishments

2009-05-04T05:47:00.001-07:00

I want to learn to make some felt embellishments. I keep seeing cards and scrapbook pager with little felt flowers and birdies. I want my own.

Etsy Seller evalicious makes some beautiful ones. Which her shop here: http://www.evalicious.etsy.com/ . One example:

One of my "favorite" etsy sellers takes the cake in this department though. Between her adorable felts to her beautiful handstitching, I just can't drool over her cards enough. Here are just a few of my favorites.

She is currently having a sale in her shop and I might just have to make a purchase. Visit her at http://www.adorebynat.etsy.com/.

Happy Monday!

Today featured new favorite of mine

2009-04-15T07:07:00.000-07:00

Regina Easter: http://reginaeaster.blogspot.com/. I honestly can't find a thing on her blog I don't like. Her choice of colors and patterns are exactly my style. She has some crazy talent.

A few of my favorites:

Have a happy hump day!

Added new blogs to my favorites list.

2009-04-14T05:38:00.000-07:00

In poking around my current favorite blogs, I found some NEW favorite blogs. I guess I will feature one of them for the next couple days along the photos that made me decide they were favorites.

http://carolejansons.blogspot.com/- she makes some amazing things outta paper. If you go to her blog make sure to find some of her birdcages. Not my style, but really beautiful work!

That's all for today. Come back tomorrow for another new favorite blogger.

more cuteness

2009-04-01T07:18:00.000-07:00

Twice in one day will make up for my recent lack of posts, but with a little time to check up on some blogs I found so adorable cards.

The first two come from http://danielleflanders.blogspot.com/

Then an cute chick from http://jenniferssweettreatdesigns.blogspot.com/

I promise, no more for today.

I'm not meant for everyday blogging.

2009-04-01T05:57:00.000-07:00

I thought I could do it but I'm learning I don't have the time. These last two weeks have been horrible busy for me at work leaving me completely worn out in the evenings. I've been lucky to cook my husband dinner before crashing on the couch. Thankfully this weekend is the end of my crazy time and hopefully next week will get back to normal at a little R&R this weekend.

So today I did find a few fun cards on hgtv.com.

I love this ribbon cake, don't really like the card they put it on but that is easily change-able.

I like the shabby chic style of this card. I love the stiching and the coloring of the entire card.

Sorry for the mini break

2009-03-23T19:21:00.000-07:00

I hurt my wrist (doc says from too much crafting) so I had to take a break and let it heal. In the meantime I did some crazy cleaning/organizing of the craft space. Here are a couple picture of my new shelves :) Finally a place to put my stamps. Yes, there is one shelf missing. Stupid packaging was backwards so it ruined the front of the shelf, I need to go exchange it.

You may recognize most of my stamps for the Michael's $1 section. I LOVE that spot and I can't pass up $1 cute stamps.

After organizing I decided to do an easy scrapbook layout and then I needed a birthday card for a friend. FINALLY I successfully used my cricut in a design instead of cutting out more items for my scrap pile.

Now the newest problem to tackle is that all the outlets in my craft room aren't working. I had to transport my supplies to the living room and ended up working on the fireplace ledge thing that I have. I need my outlets to work!

A day late...

2009-03-15T17:41:00.000-07:00

I promised photos of my personal iris folding project and here they are. Sorry the pictures aren't great, I waited until night to take them for some reason.

This is honestly a fairly easy craft to learn. The trick is using the right paper (don't try this with good cardstock) and finding a pattern you love online.

I didn't get much crafting done today as I'm still obsessing with organizing. I got some new wall shelves to display all my stamps on. I think these will make my life easier because I will be able to see everything I have. It will also motivate me to clean my stamps after use so I don't ruin my wall paint. :)

today I share a funny email

2009-03-13T07:29:00.001-07:00

If you are an owner of a dog that belongs to a 'dangerous breed' category and you also have a small child please take this as a warning. Don't leave your dog with the child unattended under any circumstances.

Only a little moment was enough for the following to happen. See the photo attached .....

Iris Folding

2009-03-12T06:31:00.001-07:00

I taught myself something new. It's called Iris Folding and I think it's great. Basically you fold several strips of paper and then layer then down on a pattern to create a great final look. I did take pictures but didn't have time to download them onto the computer (I will do it tonight) so in the meantime here is a sample so you get the idea.

Here is a sample of the pattern. There are hundreds of free patterns out there (just google iris folding pattern) or you can buy books with them. I personally printed and lamited several patterns (in different sizes) so that I can use them over and over again.

And here is the final product.

I will admit u-tube was a great help on this. Lots of ladies share their how-to videos.

A completed project, it's been so long.

2009-03-09T15:55:00.000-07:00

and I do believe these will be my first photos of a craft I have made (even though I stole the idea).

I am amazed at how this turned out. I cannot wait to make more, and thankfully I have three more of these picture frames sitting around from a target clearance shelf

From the side: you can see the different heights I used. I only had one size foamies so I would just double them up for the tallest height. I also colored the foam black with a sharpie so the white foam wouldn't stick out like a sore thumb when viewing from the sides. That's a little trick I started doing a while back with my 3-d cards.

The creation sticker was an needed add on. I could have done something else but it worked. The matte had some tears on it. I believe this frame was a graduation frame and I torn the graduation embellishments off it some time ago.

All framed up (but I haven't cleaned the glass yet)Cleaned up and on the wall. I love it!

More in line with the season...butterflys

2009-03-06T06:25:00.001-08:00

This favorite was found on craftzine's blog. Created by http://www.lollychops.com. This is such a simple and beautiful idea. I may be making one this weekend for my friend's new nursery.

To view the entire creative process follow this link:
http://www.lollychops.com/lollychops/2009/02/the-butterfly-project.html

Happy Friday!

For the love of christmas decor

2009-03-03T11:54:00.001-08:00

Okay, so it's not really the right time for this post but OMGosh I'm in love with this

I love love love this great idea from http://lauravegas.typepad.com/. I love me some buttons and cannot wait to make one for myself.

I have a new etsy shop in my favorites

2009-02-24T06:25:00.000-08:00

Mariaspieces.etsy.com

This etsy seller makes the cutest paper embellishments. I've picked my two favorites to show here but I suggest you looking at her whole store. I would buy her out if I could.

Now, as far as my own crafting I got myself into an organizing rut. My paper filing system was falling apart. I had purchased cheap 12x12 drawers at Target a few years back and could barely open the drawers anymore. Made looking for paper too much of a challenge. Joann's has their storage units on sale so I purchased the sterilite 12x12 3 drawer sets and 3 sets stacked ended up fitting PERFECTLY under my desk area. I spent a couple hours last night sorting my paper into similar stacks. Tonight I will play with the label maker so I can remember what is in each drawer. I'm hoping after my paper is all happily organized that I can sit down and make a scrapbook page.

I suppose I should start posting pictures of my own stuff huh?

Missed a day

2009-02-19T12:12:00.001-08:00

I was to busy playing with my new toy last night (the cricut create) to take a minute to write anything. Since I know I will be playing with it tonight I was poking around online to find some ideas. I found a blog I love.

http://regina-bittenbythebug.blogspot.com/

and from this blog I found these great ideas to work with:

If something turns out I promise to post photos :)

I wish I could make these

2009-02-17T06:07:00.000-08:00

But I have no idea how to start...

and I believe I would need a sewing machine. Oh how I wish I had a sewing machine.

Anyways, I keep seeing these types of fabric pieced flowers and love the look of them on cards, scrapbooks pages and much more. I also can't find anyone on etsy who makes them or I would be buying some in a heartbeat.

Oh a happy personal note, the car is fixed. Apparently I was driving around with a completely shredded belt in tow. Said belt was supposed to make the alternater work, which would keep the battery charged. That explained the total system failure I experience yesterday morning. Thank God for good friends who can come and work on my car.

WANT TO MAKE

2009-02-16T12:57:00.000-08:00

I just stumbled across this on the Making Memories website. I have the same paper pad at home and I think I just might need to make this tonight.

Scrapbooking layouts make me drool

2009-02-16T08:31:00.000-08:00

Browsing through some of my favorite blogs landed me on this wonderful layout. The flowers caught my eye and I am going to try my best to recreate them.

Credit goes to blogger: http://lifeaslou.blogsome.com/.

On a personal note I woke up to a broken car. I barely made it to work and my mechanic friend laughed at me because the problem was a completely shredded belt that a drug on the ground....probably the whole way to work. Scrapbooking budget for this month has gone to car repair. I guess I will be digging out the old stuff and trying to use it up :)

Cricut

2009-02-13T13:51:00.000-08:00

Today I was home sick with a little stomach bug or sorts. That left me with way to much time to play on ebay and I ending up buying myself a cricut. Now I'm stuck cause I really want to go scrapbook but then I really want to wait until the cricut comes so I can use it with my page.

I also found a great card that caught my attention on etsy. It's perfect for Valentine's day and I love that the seller used button's to create. I'm a huge fan of buttons.

Seller for this card is www.cozyshoppe.etsy.com

Valentine's Gift

2009-02-11T11:02:00.001-08:00

For Valentine's Day I found a seller on etsy (www.shelleyroze.etsy.com) who makes these beautifully hand painted sweetheart trees. I couldn't wait for the package of my custom piece to arrive and when I did I was so happy. The coloring was beautiful and the piece looks so great.

First "real" Etsy Sale

2009-02-11T05:33:00.000-08:00

FINALLY. I joined the etsy team a little over 6 months ago and aside from an excited co-worker buying my entire stock on my first day I haven't made any sales. I was feeling kinda bummed about it yesterday and then got a message that 4 of my cards sold. Two of them were my favorites. So they won't be forgotten here they are for all to see. I'm gonna miss the red bird.

And just because she made me so happy, I want to share her adorable owl themed shop and of course my favorite item from it.

http://www.owlatthemoon.etsy.com/

First Post and Scrolls

2009-02-11T05:30:00.000-08:00

I enjoy looking at other blogs and finding interesting, creative, amazing or just plain odd things. So I decided I would start my blog with my latest favorite find.

Scrolls. A poster on etsy caught my eye and I cannot stop looking at her shop. She is a graphic designer who designs all of her items herself. I am just in awe. Take a minute to visit her blog http://niklin1225.blogspot.com/ or her etsy shop http://www.niklindesigns1225.etsy.com/

Enjoy! I can't wait to finally narrow down my top 100 choices and purchase a few for my own scrapbooking.