Saturday, February 28, 2009

Playing with the Sassafras Lass!!!

Shine 12x12 Layout
I couldnt wait to get my hands on this paper and start playing with it. I actually combined a couple of the new lines to come up with this creation. The colors and patterns are so much fun to work with. I have no problem with motivation and inspiration when it comes to Sassafras Lass products.


I enjoy being a Girl 12x12 Layout
This is the Vintage Yummy collection. It's cute, fun and playful. Another great line from the company. Both of these layouts are coming soon (in the next couple days) to my etsy shop. Keep an eye out ;)

Featured Seller - Grandma62


It's been a while since I've featured anyone. So I'd say it's about time! I stumbled upon Grandma62 in the etsy chat. What a treat her shop is. I'm a huge fan of antiques or anything that looks old. She has a large selection of post cards in many catagories. If you're a collector you'll want to check them out.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Pretty Pretty Cupcakes


Yay! It's a double batch. I couldnt decide on a scent, so I made both!!! The cupcakes with the big circle sprinkles are Pink Sugar scented. I LOVE pink sugar and I was so thrilled when my fragrance oil arrived yesterday. The cakes with the small circular sprinkles are Creme Brulee. YUM! See why I coudlnt choose just one :) These ones also have a little skin loving oil in them. I'm waiting in anticipation to try these ones out!!!

Featured again!!!


Yay! I've been featured again by Theeverydayscrapper on her personal website! As always it's such an honor and she did a great job with the feature.



Monday, February 23, 2009

It's here! Sassafras Lass!!!!



Fresh from the UPS man :) Sassafras Lass is one of my favorite scrapbook companies. I'm always thrilled to find out about a new line coming out. I stalk all my favorite on line stores till they are in stock, then I grab them up! As always these colors are as bright and vibrant as always. The patterns are cute and unique. I couldnt wait to get my hands on them.

I cant wait to get creating with them!

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Another bath product - Bath Salts

Another bath creation! I'm starting to like this type of "cooking"! It's so much fun to make your own bath goodies. I made these bath salts this evening. They smell sooooo good, another Orange Creamsicle scent. One of my favorite scents in my collection right now.

I think it's time for a nice long soak...

YAY!!! New Supplies

So finally the new items CHA convention are rolling in! I have sooo much stuff on pre-order and I'm just so excited to get it all. These are new 12x12 papers from My Minds Eye and a new company that I've never worked with before, Bella Blvd. The colors and patterns are great and I'm so excited to play around with them.

and a New Layout

Today I also got a chance to work on another layout for myself. When I create for my own books, I like to work in the 8x8 size. I think it's just enough room to show case a single picture, some embellishments and a bit of journaling. This picture was taken this summer. My son had spotted this newly hatched (if that's what they do) butterfly right next to our back door. Of course, being a scrapbooker, I had to grab the camera... You know what they say, If it's not in the scrapbook, then it didnt happen!

A New Do x 2


Yesterday I was so excited to get my hair done. It had been since October since I had my high lights. So it definitely was time to get them re-done. I also got a new style hair cut. It's a bit similar to my usual style, except I can wear it straight or flipped out. I'm really thrilled with how everything turned out.

My little guy also got a hair cut too. It's rare to see him with short hair as we/he likes it longer. But after his last hair cut (bad hair cut... they always seem to come out bad) we decided to cut it short again and let it grow out.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

A Couple Thank You's

I wanted to say thank you to a couple of people who have featured my albums on their blogs.

Grandma62 at Granny's Postcards featured my So You 6x6 Mini Album yesterday. You can see it here. http://grannyspostcards.blogspot.com/2009/02/so-you-6x6-mini-album-deer-fawn-boy-by.html

Then Stephanie at Crafty Hangover was doing a Valentine Feature. She posted one item a day in a Valentines theme. She was kind enough to include my Valentines 6x6 Mini Album on day 12. You can see it here. http://craftyhangover.blogspot.com/2009/02/valentines-day-count-down-12.html

Big hugs to both ladies for the features.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Another Batch, Cream Sickle and Coconut

But the coconut doesnt really smell like coconut. Not sure what it smells like. Hopefully the smell will come through better as these harden.

My second batch of these are finally ready to try out. I'll be throwing one in the tub with me tonight. These guys are my 3rd batch. I scented the frosting this time, coconut for a little extra fun.

I used up the last of my citric acid last night, so no more cupcakes till my order arrives. Next on my list, bath salts and sugar scrubs. Yum! I cant wait.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Finding my Groove, again...


I really dont like when I've been away from scrapbooking for more than a couple of days. It takes me a while to get back into the swing of things and find my creativity again. My layouts tend to be bland and forced, rather than flowing out like they usually do.

So after being sick (and everyone else here too) for about a week, I'm finally feeling well enough to craft again. This time I was lucky and found my motivation very quickly.

These are my newest creations from today! I started with the white 12x12. After manipulating it a bit, I finally got it just the way I wanted it. Then it was on to the light weight chipboard layout. I wanted to offer this layout in both sizes as well so I made an 8x8 version.

Coming soon in the next few days to my etsy shop.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Bath Cupcakes

I gave these guys another try today! The last ones turned out fine, but after being sick all week, the scent was no longer appealing to me. So I gave them all away... except for one, that my son used. I needed the observation anyway.

So this time I tweaked the recipe just a little. Added more sugar to the frosting (which worked like a charm). I created two scents this time. Ice cream, which are the ones with the tall frosting and hearts and Cream sickle with the spiky frosting and orange sugar. Orange is one of my favorite scents, right up there with Pink Sugar. I'm kinda wishing I had made them all cream sickle now.

I also discovered my blue colorant is not a shade of blue at all really. It's more green or grayish. Oh well...

2 more days and I can jump into the tub with one of these!


Sunday, February 15, 2009

Hmmmm...A Lil Stinker?

Who doesnt have one?
I'm glad I have a stash of layouts and other projects still to list on etsy. Since we were all sick last week I didnt do much but lay around on the couch and make some ER visits. I dont think I set foot in my craft room at all... now that's something that doesnt happen very often.

I'm still not fully recovered, but feeling well enough to get on a computer again. I got my Lil Stinker layout listed on etsy yesterday evening. I love these little fur ball animals. Why is a skunk so cute and appealing?

This 12x12 scrapbooking page layout is now available in my etsy shop.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

He Liked His Valentine!!!

I had to hold myself back from giving my husband his Valentine's gift early. Funny thing is, yesterday I was reminding him to pick up a bear for our son... he replied, well Valentine's Day isnt for another 2 weeks... I couldnt help but laugh!

He did love his gift though. He checked out each item and then smelled them all one by one saving the lotion for last. I think he might have been the most happy about that lotion, since he has just about emptied my trial sized one. He's already got the tarts melting. It smells like candy in my house! I'm pretty sure the soap will make its way to the shower by the end of the night.

On another note, we've all been sick here for the past week. My son brought it home Friday (last week) and it was only a matter of time before we all had it. My little guy was just about over it when I came down with it Tuesday night. I've never had a virus that has made my body feel as horrible as this one has. I ended up making 2 ER visits in 24 hours. I guess that's a record or something. My husband came home from work slightly early Wednesday with the virus. But being in the army, he is forced to work when he's sick. Now here it is Saturday evening, my son and husband have fully recovered and I'm still sick!!! How is that possible?

Hopefully tomorrow I'll be feeling more like myself and spending less time on the couch...

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

My Husband is in for a Treat!!!

Look at all these body treats I found on etsy for my husband for Valentine's Day! I had to come back for more of CozyMoments's luscious items after receiving a sample of her body butter. I'm hooked. An new addiction for me. I cant even begin to describe how the Pink Sugared Coconut Cream body butter smells. Wow... that's all! You may be wondering why I picked this scent for my hubby, but it's simple. I caught him sneaking away with my sample. I also picked up a couple bars of soap while I was shopping. www.CozyMoments.etsy.com

My husband puts in long hours at work, being a Drill Sergeant for the US Army. So I was thrilled when I found this Manly Muscle Stuff body oil by OrionStars. This is just what he needs to relax away the stress of the day. www.OrionStars.etsy.com

Finally, sticking to my pink sugar theme, I got a package of tarts from AuntieDis. These smell just like candy. www.AuntieDis.etsy.com

I cant wait to surprise him with these treats!

Monday, February 9, 2009

Just for Fun

Well the final ingredient to make these little cupcake bath bombs arrived today! I was so excited. Now this is the FIRST time ever that I have attempted anything to do with bath products. Still not sure how they have turned out as they take 2 days to completely harden. I'll let you know more then!

As I mentioned, this was my first time... lets just say it totally justifies paying the 6-10 dollars each! I have some serious respect for anyone who makes these kinds of products. I got some colorant here and there, and I didnt have an easy time with the fragrance oil (of course I didnt think to wear an apron or something old). I probably needed a bit more confectioners sugar in the frosting too. But it's a learning experience and I really enjoyed trying something new.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

A Handmade Valentine

It all started with a little paper and glue... well actually, that's how everything starts around here!

My son will be celebrating Valentine's Day next week at school. Anyone who knows me knows that I love looking for ways to be creative with my son. So I got out the cricut and let the fun begin.
He had a great time assembling the pieces. It's an event to work with him. He is so focused on what he is doing and getting that task completed, that he gets a little off track sometimes. I think they turned out pretty cute.

Here is the finished product. Pretty basic, but it got the job done. I doodled around the edges just to add a little extra interest to them. Tomorrow I'll buy some candy to staple to the back of them. A perfect little treat for his class mates.
Later this week I'll make one of my goodie jars for his teacher. Something pretty, to sit on her desk, or take home, filled with yummy candy!

Friday, February 6, 2009

Some New 12x12 Layouts

This one is kinda out of my norm, being its dark. I generally work with bright, vibrant colors. Actually while I was making it, I wasnt too thrilled with how it was turning out. Sometimes I think it helps to walk away and come back to it, because now I love it. (I guess we can get over critical of ourselves) It reminds me of the fall school days for some reason. Maybe it's the apple, or the people...

I fell in love with this paper as soon as I saw it. It's a new collection from Imaginisce called Twitterpated. These little animals are just darling. Probably the first collection of paper that I've wanted to cuddle with!

Both of these scrapbook layouts are now available in my shop.

40% Off and FREE Cards

There are still 3 FREE cards available for the taking. The next 3 orders will be receiving a card of their choice from my shop.

Help me celebrate today! It's my one year anniversary on etsy. I started my day off with strawberry short cake... YUM! You can start yours off with a shopping spree... Buy 1 regular priced item in my shop and get another item in the SAME category for 40% off. Offer is good for today only!

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Help me Celebrate with 40% Off

Tomorrow, February 6th is my one year ETSY anniversary. Yay! It doesnt feel like it's been that long, but then again, it seems like etsy has always been my home. I couldnt imagine my life without it now. Kinda like a second child... maybe lol.

Thank you to all my customers who have supported me. You have allowed me to continue to offer my layouts, cards and albums on etsy. I am grateful to each of you!!!

So help me celebrate! For the entire day of Feb 6th I'm running a 40% off sale. What's on sale? Anything you want :) Here is how to get an item at 40% off. Buy any regular priced item and your second item from the SAME category will be 40% off. There is a limit of one 40% discount per person and this offer can not be combined with any other offer.

In addition to the 40% off sale, as an extra thank you, the first 5 orders tomorrow from my shop will also receive a FREE card of their choice.

One day only, Feb 6th 2009!

My Shop Gets a Make Over

Today I worked long and hard on taking better pictures of my layouts and cards, for my shop. I'm afraid I've worked myself into another headache!!! However, I do love the results. I have photographed everything on a simple white background. Nothing in the distance to cause a distraction (I know I change my mind a lot!). This background really brightens my colors and allows them to pop! So much more visually appealing than before.

So check it out if you get a chance and tell me what you think.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

More Etsy Goodness - Cupcake Bathboms!!!

They look good enough to eat, but you probably shouldnt. I got these adorable little bath treats from SweetTushies on etsy. I've tried a few of these kinds of bath bombs from other sellers, but these are my favorite. They smell delicious, wont stain your tub and are perfectly scented, not to strong, not too weak... you'll even smell a hint of the scent on your skin long after you're out of the tub.

So give your skin a treat! You can check out her fabulous shop www.SweetTushies.etsy.com There you can find plenty of these cupcake bath bombs. She also has a scent list so you can customize the perfect bath treat for you. She also has a nice selection of handmade soaps, lotions, bath salts and scrubs.




Tuesday, February 3, 2009

It's Been a Lazy Kinda Day

It's been one of those days when I just havent felt like doing much of anything. I've been overly tired, more so than usual...

The creativity just wasnt flowing today. I like to wake up, get the coffee going and get my son off to school. Then I enjoy that coffee as I chat for an hour or so in the etsy chat rooms. Then its off to the scrap room to start the first of my layouts. I like to average 2 a day, and today I did. But the first wasnt up to my standards. I wasnt too thrilled about the paper choices I used and if I'm not excited about the paper, I'm usually not excited about the end product.

Then my second one was this cute piece, of course, it's to keep for myself.


Happy 8x8 Layout
This layout is a version of the ones I posted yesterday. I love the clouds and all the whimsical elements. I just couldnt help but make one for myself. The hard part was choosing which picture to use. I had a couple that were a perfect fit. This one of my son playing at his school playground. I had another one of him pushing around his best friend in a dump truck and then a 3rd of my sister (who was 19 or so at the time) also playing on a playground.

Usually making layouts for myself motivates me and brings out my creativity. Just wasnt so today. Lets hope tomorrow is a more inspiring day for me.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Now You've Got Options

I created these cute whimsical layouts today. This is the first time I've offered similar layouts in both sizes. I would have gone on to make a 3rd for myself, had my headache prone head co-operated with me. Ah well, there's always tomorrow...

I will be adding these layouts to my etsy shop through out the week.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

February Sale -- 10% off

It's time for the February Sale. I've given this one a lot of thought, and I wanted to offer something different than I usually do. This is the first time I'm having a percent off sale for an entire month.

10% off your entire order when you purchase 3 or more 12x12 layouts at regular price. This sale will run for the duration of February.

I will also be running a special during the week of the 14th to celebrate the Valentine's Day Holiday. Check back later for that sale announcement.

Here is one of my favorite layouts currently in my shop. Several more like it can be found there as well.