Origami Flowers Oh My

I decided to play around with some paper folding this weekend. I saw some really cute flowers made out of folded circles so decided I would give it a go...I got a going and just couldn't stop. These flowers are just SO much fun to make!

The first project was a card...using the folded flowers. I took the blue cardstock and sponged around the edges using Palette Starry Night ink, then I took a scrap of green cardstock and cut down the 1/2" strip to make grass (I wish our lawn looked this good). The flower was actually pretty easy to make, but of course folding all the little circles was time consuming and then I decided I didn't like the white edges against the pink polka dot paper...so I sponged Palette Belle Rose on each exposed edge to add depth. The pink polka dot paper is from DCWV Stack 5. Then came the fun assembly...I gathered 3 petals and glued them together using a third green petal (made out of a slightly smaller plain circle). I then glued the whole shebang onto the blue cardstock and handstamped "Happy Mother's Day" with Palette Noir ink using my trusty TAC Trendy Greetings. Then I made another one!



Now I couldn't stop right there...I needed a pretty gift to GIVE along with my card. So I whipped up some nuggets in DCWV grass paper and the same polka dot paper. The belly band was made out of the same pastel blue but the flower was made using smaller plain (cuz I don't have a smaller scallop circle punch) to fit on the belly band.

Now all I need to do is gather up all the scraps and make a paper bracelet, earrings or a necklace! Yay!

Mother's Day Weekend

I am soo completely proud of myself. Like always...a holiday is creeping up and I have NOTHING done. But I saw some really inspiring things this week...and well thanks to them was SUPER productive.


The first thing that inspired me is Wanda over at My Creative Corner she is just super talented...and tends to do REALLY fun projects. So run over there check her out...and then perhaps come back. I do have a lot to show you...


Well Wanda had these Weekend Project Tutorials...I couldn't help but try them out. The first one I tried was the Nugget Ladies Luncheon Hat. It is completely adorable. A lot of punching but well that is TV time busy work...

I did an okay job with my CM punch (1.25") and the 1/2" punch I had...but looking a little closer at Wanda's if I try this again...I will punch more circles and definitely add the paper strip band around the base. I do like my little paper flower with 1/8" punched circle in the middle though.

I hope to make a few more of these to surprise my mom with for a Tea I am going to have here in the Near future! I think it would make the perfect little place setting...perhaps with the name printed on the top.

What else did I accomplish?

Graduation Nuggets

Dahlia Fold Mother's Day Card and Matching Nugget Tin

Coaster Sticky Note Pad and Clip
...and the weekend isn't quite finished...who knows what I might get to tonight!

Congrats Grad!!

Here are a couple of classic elegant graduation cards...monochromatic, ready to grad to send out when all those kids start graduating. I always seem to be caught out with no cards for this particular occasion so I'm happy I'm ahead of the game this year!

You probaby won't believe it but...these adorable images are from the All Night Media $1 stamps bin! I didn't have an grad stamps so I bought these...and they work reasonably well...as long as you don't over ink or press down too hard!

The sentiment is from the TAC Tag Tidbits and is a very versative set of 36 sayings for get this...$10.95!!

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"

Oh where, oh where am I?

Just in cast you are wondering...most of your probably didn't even notice...but I am on vaction! I am being a VERY young snowbird! Since my son was born we have spent some time in FL with his grandparents...now it has become quite the tradition. That and well, he hates the cold...he was ready to leave a week ahead of when we had our apartment!!!

Anyway, I have been working hard...have been making jewelry (the most portable craft...although I never seem to have the right beads...and of course need to go buy more!!!)...and collecting shells. I would like to incoporate a few shells into the work but haven't quite figured that out yet.

I do plan to post quite a bit when I get home! I miss blogging...and reading them most of all...here I am limited to 30 minutes on the library computer...but thankful for that!!!

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!!!

Contest #5

PRIZE DRAWING Saturday, Feb. 9th 8p.m. EtsyTime (EST)



THE PRIZE:

The prize for contest #5 is
20 items
Christmas Card with Tag
Christmas/Holiday Card
Animal/Any Occasion Card
Flower/Any Occasion Card
Happy Birthday Card
Happy Birthday Card
Dog Any Occasion Card
Coffee Photo Card
Valentine Poodles Card
I Love You Card
Poodle Any Occasion Card
Thank You Card
Baby CardLove/Swans Card
Just for You Card
Any Occasion/Dress Card
Any Occasion/ACEO Card
Thinking of You Card
Dog/Any Occasion Card
Flower Photo Card ...WOW!!

Donated by various generous EtsyGreetings Members!!!

HOW TO PLAY: Goto the EtsyGreetings Blog

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!

All Night Crafting Session Results

Alright, I had planned to post the results on Sunday, but was soo completely wiped (tired) I couldn't muster the energy. I haven't pulled an 'All-Nighter' since college and let just say that was a 'little' while ago!

Final Tally
3 scrapbooks in a tin
5 Baby Onesie Cards
1 Paper Shoe
3 One Layer Cards
2 Cocoa Packet Pixie Pouch
4 Cupid Poop Cards

Wow did I get a lot done! Although I did have some trouble cutting things later the second day...adding just wasn't working.

Some of those items are going to the ladies that invited me to this wonderful event! It was sponsored by their church and while I am not a super religious person it was a pleasure to be surrounded by such kind and upbeat women!

I now have plenty to share this week! And will be posting these items on my Etsy site as well. I even picked up some burp cloths at WalMart to hand stamp and match to the onesies!

Thanks for looking!
Lisa.

EtsyGreetings Contest #2

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 big day, February 14th.

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To view the winner of Contest #1 click here
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CONTEST #2

PRIZE DRAWING Saturday, Jan. 26th 8p.m. EtsyTime (EST)



THE PRIZE:This prize is from EtsyGreetings Member GreenWillow. GreenWillow is a 65 year old grandmother that enjoys crafts of all kinds. She carries both the styles featured here as well as gorgeous photo notecards in her shop. She aims to please and is open to custom orders.



HOW TO PLAY:

Goto ETSYGREETINGS blog...and leave a comment! If you buy from an Etsygreetings member (me) you can enter a second time.

I'm Off!!!

I am participating in an OverNight Scrapbooking party!!! I am so excited. I got invited by a friend...best part...it is FREE!!

I feel very honored because I have to be about the WORST scrapbooker. I did one scrapbook of my daughter (digitally), my poor son the first child...too much ground to cover never got started. I did a really nice one for a friend that got married...if they aren't my pictures...simple to do! And I am pretty good at making blank mini-scrapbooks (wedding one & two I did . See mini-scrapbooks are totally my speed! And well that about sums up my scrapbooking experience.

So I am taking along a ton of projects and I'm hoping no one noticed that I'm not exactly 'scrapbooking'.

I'm bringing a ton of homemade bread...so that should put me in good standing...hee, hee.

A little Pop

I made these quick lollipops to have on hand to give out...to anyone and everyone! Unfortunately I really don't like the way they came out...something isn't working. I think it is too white! I think I will try again with a red base....and see if that spices things up a bit!

But the recipients were thrilled! And we had a great time at the play date! And I didn't mention this before, but the reason for this was grandparents gave my son (who dislikes chocolate) a WHOLE bag of pops...which well he was never going to get...hence the giveaways. But then again he really likes being 'generous' with 'his' pops!

Note: I used Jolly Rancher Pops (ie flat pops) to do these. My measurements were 6.25, scored 3" from each end. Very simple.