Fun and Friendship

Well it was another Fun, and Furious Crafting weekend...I attended by 2nd All Night Scrap...but I was MUCH smarter this time...I went home to bed early then came back refreshed and worked all day.

Now THEY (the wonderful ladies that invited me) scrapbook...I'm working up the nerve to actually do a 12X12 page...but in the meantime I craft alot.

So the tally for this session...

8 BD invites (2 are pop-ups)
2 Birthday Cards
1 Musical Notes Card
4 Popsicle Cards
2 Wedding/Anniversary Cards
2 Sets of Paper Jewelry

I also got a crack at the Cricut and I REALLY, REALLY want one...but they are REALLY, REALLY expensive (cuz of course I want a bunch of cartridges...LOL).

Here is a little tease...something you've seen before, but didn't they come out beautiful?

Nugget Tin

Well I am alive and well...I guess the accident curse HAS been broken. Well at least I hope it is. So this is another adorable item I made...during my down time. I am pretty hooked on these origami flowers! They are so much fun and something I can do in front of the TV.





So I made this tin using a wonderful pad of My Mind's Eye Paper, Wild Asparagus Collection. I have a HUGE stack of this (thank god) and with my little paper fetish I hope I may never get through the WHOLE stack.


I know it gets a little boring seeing the same colors and style. But I'll share a little secret...with you...I try to use up the paper that I start. I used to try and 'file' the scraps but found that was taking longer to do than just using them up! So I make the major items...then find uses for the progressively smaller scraps. The smallest scraps are used in my paper bead bracelets and I've even started using my punches to punch away...then store each shape in a box ready for accenting!


Here is another picture with the tin open.

Again these tins are just simple and fun to make! And paired with a card...or perhaps a piece of jewelry they make an even nicer gift! One of the things that makes blog reading so much fun for me are the ideas everyone comes up with and how they gift their items. I try to be a thoughtful person but often I am stumped as to what would be appropriate to give or embarrassed if I hand some one something. Especially if it isn't their style. And I really do believe in Random Acts of Kindness...one of my favorite memories was sitting in the Milan train station waiting for my train to Parma when a gorgeous Italian guy comes up, says 'Ciao Bella' and hands me a flower! Well it was like 15 years ago and that memory STILL makes me smile!

More Drama...

Okay if you don't hear from me for a while...well I might be dead. This past weekend, the sprained foot gave way and I fell down a flight of stairs so now I have a bruised tail bone...which of course I can't do anything about! So now sitting IS hard...but I have managed to get a few things done!

Here is a little teaser...

Thanks for looking and hoping this is the end of my mishaps!

Paper Bead Necklaces!!!

Well like all good things they started out as something else and evolved into the final product. As you know, I was down in Florida surrounded by grandmother's and grandfather's...including my parents. I brought a variety of things to do...and pretty much made bracelets the whole time...well my mom spotted the Little Bit of Luck Bracelet and loved it...except she wanted it as an eyeglass holder. So I bought some eyeglass holder ends (not from my normal store...it was hard to find craft stores where we were)...and they turned out to be useless!!! I mean what is the point if they LET the glasses fall on the floor. I was steamed...but then looked at the long length of beads and was like...duh necklace.

The only change I made was to use shorter paper beads (like the bracelet size) around the base and a larger 6mm bicone bead in the center to act like an accent. Tip to anyone making jewelry...USE easy to open findings...this one is a large lobster claw type...recommended by my mom as plenty of ladies have to put these things on themselves...even if they DO have husbands!

Another thing I did while I was there was walk on the beach...where we were it is famous for shells and prehistoric sharks teeth. Every morning you see the 'regulars' combing the beach (literally) for these sharks teeth and shells. The past few years we have collected several. My son is a bit like St. Anthony or something in that he can find anything...once we showed him what we were looking for he found them every few feet. Although the largest tooth he found he gave to a lady we met one day while walking. She was so frustrated because she had been looking for a week and hadn't found any and was leaving the next day (I think like many of the 60+ crowd they have a little trouble seeing them). I was really proud of how thoughtful he was (he is only 4) when he handed over cache of the day.

The best day was when he almost killed my mother...she wasn't feeling too well so decided she would take a slow walk on the beach with my son...figuring he wouldn't go fast (a slug could beat him walking) or far (big mistake)...he walks slow but can walk all day long...and so he took her on a 2 mile trek in deep sand to see the painted houses! Quote of the day "Just a bit more nana"

Still More Cards!!! Have you won yet?

It is the Final countdown and EtsyGreetings will be featuring giveaways EVERY Day, so go here everyday and leave a comment!!!

CONTEST #8 (which is MY lucky number!)

PRIZE DRAWING Wednesday, February 13th 8p.m. EtsyTime (EST)

THE PRIZE:
The prize is 8 items
Christmas/Holiday Card
Christmas/Holiday Card
Any Occasion/Animal Card
Thank You Card
Any Occasion/Flower Card
Any Occasion 2 pk
Any Occasion/Friendship

More Free Cards!!

It is the Final countdown and EtsyGreetings will be featuring giveaways EVERY Day, so go here everyday and leave a comment!!!

CONTEST #7

PRIZE DRAWING Tuesday, February 12th 8p.m. EtsyTime (EST)

THE PRIZE:
The prize is 8 items
Friendship Card
Love/Flower Card
Snowman Card
Any Occasion/Americana Card
Any Occasion/Animals Card 4 pk

Been Creating...Not Posting

Things have been a whirlwind here in LisaTown. Thanks for being loyal...I really appreciate it! I HAVE been making things but just haven't had time to post. Why? You ask...well...


I am running that EtsyGreetings Contest...and due to that (and good karma) I have been making a number of sales in my shop....so packing (customizing) and shipping orders. And then because I always feel like I'm not doing enough I decided to give the push to get the EtsyCrest Blog off the ground...LOL.


Oh yeah and I'm leaving for vacation in like 3 days and haven't even started packing...how about them apples. So what have I been making...let' see. Gifts, lots of gifts...I'm still behind from Christmas!


Here are a few bracelets I 'threw' together this morning. I didn't plan on it until after they were finished, I basically was using up scraps around the table (cuz my craft area needs to be neat before I go...well neater)...but they could be used for the next three holidays: Valentines Day, St. Patricks Day and Easter!!!





I've also finally got a reasonable set-up to take pictures in natural light!! Unfortunately once I redo that room the piece of furniture by the window is gone...but I'll take it for now. What do you think of my new picture style?


Some of you may recognize this box from this post. Well the candy has long ago been eaten and the gorgeous box was just hanging around...what a wonderful Gift Box I thought! So this is my own personal form of upcycling! And the colors match perfectly! I'll stuff the box with a bit of pale pink tissue and lay the bracelet out...ready for the recipient to open!

Daily Contest Starts!!

It is the Final countdown and EtsyGreetings will be featuring giveaways EVERY Day, so go here everyday and leave a comment!!!

CONTEST #6

PRIZE DRAWING Monday, February 11th 8p.m. EtsyTime (EST)

THE PRIZE:
The prize is 8 items
Holiday/Christmas Card
Holiday/Christmas Card\
Any Occasion/Americana Card
Any Occasion/Animal Card
Any Occasion/Flower Card
Friendship CardPhoto/Flowers Card
Thank You Card

Donated by various generous EtsyGreetings Members!!!

One Layer Love and Joy Card

I really wish you could see the sparkle in this card! It is really something spectacular. One Layer cards are always a challenge...but this one is pretty quick and simple! I cut an oval template (but it could be any shape) that fit my image.


Then I sponged around the edges with Dew Drops...a must for this project!!! The fact that this chalk ink doesn't dry quicky is important! At first I sponged too lightly, in reality...this card I was NOT happy with because the sponging was too dark and when I stamped the flowers they sort of blended...but then....remember that part about chalk ink not drying? Well I used my glitter chalk to accent the flowers in a darker complementary color!!! It added depth and shimmer (once you go glitter regular chalks just don't have any appeal...at least for me).

So I stamped the flowers using my TAC Love and Joy set...the flowers in pastel purple (like the surrounding background) but accented them in a brighter purple! I stamped the stems in Pastel Green...and well heck went to town on the stems with green glitter chalk...


Then I got wild and used the white (clear) glitter chalk all over the place!!! This card really sparkles and it totally bums me out that I can't get a good picture showing this! And finally I stamped "Love and Joy..." sentiment with Palette Noir (no it doesn't sparkle).

Baby Girl Scrapbook in a Tin

Here is another of those Scrapbook in a Tin...this one for a Baby Girl! I recently got into these and am now addicted! I plan to make one for every occasion. I'm so excited! I enjoy finding the right papers and matte colors. This scrapbook uses a great DCWV paper that has Pink Baby Blocks all over it with big letters. The matte is from my trusy collection of Bazzil...I love the texture...it add such a touch of elegance and looks rich. Sometimes Textured Cardstock can be a challenge to stamp on but I like to use Pallette Noir (well inked) and just press firmly long enough for the ink to soak in...works like a charm!

Finally I used two little flowers, layered and secured with a silver brad. I really like how the two tone flower complements the colors in the background paper!

EtsyGreetings Contest #4

Well the prizes are just getting bigger and better...we are now in the final part of our countdown.

Click here to enter!!!
PRIZE DRAWING Wednesday, Feb. 6th 8p.m. EtsyTime (EST)
THE PRIZE:The prize for contest #4 is 15 items
2 Christmas
2 Animal
2 Flower
1 Baby
1 Birthday
2 Love
1 Thank You
4 Friends

WOW, what a great selection!!
Donated by various generous EtsyGreetings Members!!!

Kiss Me I Am Irish Scrapbook In a Tin

This is my latest scrapbook in a tin for St. Patrick's Day. I guess I am finally done with Valentines...at least for a little while! There is no stamping on this item....I almost feel guilty! Well not too guilty.

I used the DCWV Spring Stack...which has this fun green Celtic patter interspersed with little shamrocks. I actually didn't have a stamp that was working, so I cut out one of them for the front. I really like how the square accents the circle.

For the mats I used DCWV textured cardstock...it was a little difficult to match at first but I finally decided on using both colors, dark and light green. All that this little scrapbook need is pictures!!!

EtsyGreetings Contest #3

More Free cards...this time a set of 6 Photo Cards by The Eclectic Studio!

PRIZE DRAWING Wednesday, Jan. 30th 8p.m. EtsyTime (EST)



THE PRIZE:The prize for contest #3 is a set of four of these beautiful greeting cards from EtsyGreetings Member The Eclectic Studio. With a recent move from NY to NC, The Eclectic Studio is back offering beautiful photo cards, jewelry, dichronic glass and hand knit creations. Her true passion is to mix colors and textures and create fun, funky and unique items and another passion is the son with whom she shares her BD.

So go on over to EtsyGreetings and enter to win!!

Cupid Poop

I decided to do a Cupid version of the Poop Card...I think it came out really well. the Cupid Stamp was a Target $ Spot stamp...and was graciously given to me by one of the ladies at the All Night Scrap! How kind was that! So of course a couple of these cards NEED to go to her.

I had planned to give her a card or two there...brought my Cuttlebug to emboss the paper and everything...but didn't realize that the lady that brought the Sizzix...didn't have a converter on it. Totally missed that...oh well...it is still in plenty of time for Valentine's Day!

Now about the card itself...the sentiment on the front is a custom stamp...that was ordered on-line at The Angel Company. Inside I printed "Cupid Poop" onto cardstock...and put these adorable heart shaped mint candies inside of a little cello bag. Don't they look perfect against the embossed heart background!

Funny that I actually regretted purchasing this particular CB folder...wasn't sure it was worth it...but then of course I fell in love with it!

EtsyGreetings Anniversary: Contest #1

EtsyGreetings is an Etsy (place to buy handmade items) StreetTeam (you know get on the Street and get the word out).

To commemorate the 1 year anniversary of the EtsyGreetings Team, we are hosting a countdown contest. New contest activities will be posted a couple of times each week leading up to a GRAND PRIZE contest on our 1 year anniversary, February 14th.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CONTEST #1
PRIZE DRAWING Wednesday, Jan. 23rd 8p.m. EtsyTime (EST)





Click here to play!













THE PRIZE:
The prize is from EtsyGreetings Member BeadKiss. BeadKiss is a stay at home mom who has turned her hobby into a business. She is known for these lovely and intricate Iris Fold cards.

RULES and DETAILS:
1. Anyone is allowed to enter and win, including EtysGreetings members. BellaRoseCreations (Contest Coordinator), Lucky Duck Designs (Blog Queen) and Pegg Macko Designs (Prize Coordinator) are all exempt from winning.
2. Each contest winner will be selected by a random number generator and announced on EtsyGreetings blog. The winner must contact Pegg Macko (our Prize Coordinator) with their snail mail address within 3 days or a new winner will be selected.
3. EtsyGreetings will pay for shipping of the prize to anyone in the world!

Happy Playing!!!

I completed my first REAL Craft Show. I didn't sell much but I covered my table fee...and had an absolutely awesome time!

Here is my busy little section...I know, I know your eyes are about to explode...I did spread it out a little later when I realized I was being overly generous with my half. ShelbyB looked over and said...why are crowded into that corner?






So here are a few things I will be listing on Etsy as soon as I can.

Journals with matching pen, paperclips, and two notecards, Christmas PopCorn Pull-ups, ToothFairy Tins, Baby Journaling notebook, Gift Tag Tins, Scrapbook Ornaments and my glass and paper bead bracelets. See I thought the case would be a good way to showcase them, but I think people were afraid to touch and try :-(

Close-up of my Gift Tag Tins and ToothFairy Tins...aren't the adorable?



So opinions on the black and white on red table covering? Too much? We are going to try plain black next time see if it is a little less busy...and maybe reduce the black and white portion to just a strip down the middle.






ShelbyB

And her gorgeous handpainted yarn and stitch markers...she finally made some into earrings...people kept asking!

Canale Creations




She sells gorgeous memory frames, ToothFairy Pillows and chalkboard mats. I've used them for gifts...trust me they are awesome!










And finally I'm so embarrassed I didn't get ANY pictures of One Girlie Girl and Polpette Clay! I went over there and there were customers so I didn't want to interrupt...then forgot to go back! Bad me. And Lisa (One Girlie Girl is just SO much fun!)

So here are pictures of my favorite item from their stores.

One Girlie Girl's Signature Felt Toddler Hair Barrette

Polpette Clay

Polpette Clay's beautiful polymer clay alphabet magnets!

Made the Etsy Front Page!!!

I can't believe it my Falling Leaves Card Set made the Etsy FrontPage!!!

Yup those little red cards in the upper left corner are MINE!! And this beautiful treasury was selected by Miscelena an Etsy newbie...not bad for her first month on Etsy!

So proud. And shmizz bought them (thanks so much!!!)...it doesn't matter how many things I sell, I am so excited when I make a sale and happy that someone liked my creations!

And thank you PlayingWithPaper for sending me a screen shot! You should check out her store...it has wonderful Amy Butler creations! Shmizz carries wonderful blank paperbag albums...predrilled and sewn!!

Magnolia Monogram Madness

Monograms are my favorite things! I don't know I always think they lend just that extra little bit of class. And I just got this new AlphaBet set...so just HAD to use it! So thrilled with it worth every penny!

This set of note cards was made for friends that are hosting a 4th of July party...and I thought they would make the perfect hostess gift! I even decorated the envelopes!

So they are pretty simple, Magnolia Pink Paisley and blue dot paper mounted on my white cardstock, with coordinating ribbon...don't you just LOVE that paisley ribbon? Wish I had bought more! Then a Scalloped Square...stay tuned for more scallops...I found a source! The square was punched with a mega (pink) scallop square punch and the stamp is the TAC All Occasion Uppers Alphabet...using Palette Noir.

I cut a lovely strip of paper for each enveleope to make them coordinating...I have illusions that someday I will learn how to line the envelopes...but this is quicker and has the same effect!

Here are some close-ups!

Got a Treasury

Well I nabbed a Treasury...what? It is a handpicked collection of items for sale on Etsy...but this one is so much more fun...to get in you play I Spy the game.

Too much fun...come play with us! Tomorrow morning I will post the time we will be playing.
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=1448

At a minimum take a look, it is beautiful and so NOT hand selected!

Fraternal Twin Friday - Blue Daisy Dress

This gorgeous handmade and appliqued Blue Daisy Dress from CottagePrimrose just looks so cool and breezy just what you want to wear on a hot summer day! And that would work as CottagePrimrose lives in the Mojave desert in California...so I'm sure she knows.

What little girl wouldn't like to get this as a BD present...and my Blue Daisy Dress card would make the gift complete. Currently it is blank, but I could easily personalize it with whatever occasion you needed.