Sunday, November 30, 2014

Gift in a Jar

The title says it all!  A trend: gift in a jar.  A creative use for mason jars.  These glass jars don't hold just jelly anymore!  And who ever got us hooked, I thank you!  I can.  Yeah, I have a little farm girl inside of me.  I can blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, and peaches.  I make Blueberry Spoon fruit, Christmas Cranberry Relish, Low Sugar Strawberry Jam, and Vanilla-Spice Peaches.  I love the whole process.  It's not hard, but you do need to pay attention to what you are doing.  And you get to enjoy the ripe fruit through out the year.  Oh, and I buy from local farmers.
Anyways, I have canning jars.  All sizes: 4 oz, 8 oz, and 16 oz.  Wide mouth, and regular.  But, back in Sept. I saw these super cute jar toppers.  A creative person, Betsy Veldman, created a die and stamp set, so you could create snow globes to put on your canning jar lids.  These were a limited edition, so only a few were made.  And so I placed my order on Oct. 2.  Well, they were already sold out (sales started Oct 1).  Do to the high demand, they did one more production and my order was finally filled Nov. 2.  But once I received them, I have been making little houses, tiny deer, and tiny snowman.  
I had created a few for the last craft fair.  (My order arrived the night before the craft fair.) and they were a hit.  So, I started making more.  The selling point: they are just too cute! and creative!  So, without further ado, here is a close-up of my favorite house color combination:


When I crafted these, I thought it was obvious what to put inside.  And to some shoppers, it wasn't so obvious.  So, for next Saturday's craft fair, I have added an idea list to each jar:


This is a finished jar.  To the outside of the jar, I added a trim around the lid, a 'Merry Christmas' banner, and a bow.  And yeah, no two are alike!  Inside the jar I have added an idea list of what to put inside the jar, and a tag.  These are actually a lot of fun to create!  But I imagine that they will sell fast, so let me get back into my craft room, and whip up some more!
Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  To see more of my crafts in person, visit my booth at this years La Cueva High School Craft Show!  I am @ booth B-34.


Sunday, November 23, 2014

Magnetic 'A'

Howdy! and yeah, I have been crafting more {smile}.  It's really a joy and not a job.  I sometimes wonder what my dear husband thinks.  Hummmm.
Anyways, one of the items that I make and sell at the Arts and Craft Fairs that I attend are magnetic letters.  The letters measure approximately 4" tall, and anywhere between 3 1/2" to 4" wide.  I make them with the intention to be a monogram of sorts.  But really, after you make your purchase, you can use them in any fashion you desire.  {smile}
Each letter is uniquely decorated, and the back and sides are painted.  I adhere two very strong magnets to the back.  They cling to most metal surfaces: locker, metal message board, refrigerator, and such.
Now, from my style (shabby chic), you would think that my customer base is women.  Well, that isn't exactly true.  My youngest recipient has been a 5 year old boy.  And I sell almost half my letters to teenage girls.  Who would have thought?  But, if truth be told, I don't have a customer in mind when I create them.  I just love to craft.  So any (and all) sale is a good one!
Here is my latest addition to my supple:


To craft these letters, the easiest way for me to do these, is to think of someone whose name starts with that particular letter, and craft for 'them'.  I know, it's not very scientific, or easy to duplicate, but that is my process. {smile}  
And here is a little more truth: I crafted this letter with Rachel Ashwell in mind.  She is the creative mind behind the shabby chic couture collections at Target: yeah, the store.  I don't know her, but I was inspired by her 'work'.  
I do take special orders on magnetic letters.  Just convo me as to what letter, and what your likes and dislikes are.  For example:  'F' - love florals, polka dots, buttons, keys, pale purples, and silver.  dislikes are birds, hearts, and pinks.   I sell these letters for $8 each.  There isn't an extra fee for special orders.  Just a time frame.  I can easily create one in a two week time period.  But, I have done a special order in a week.  
So, if you are looking for an unique gift during this holiday season, for someone special: mother, grandmother, sister, bff, teacher, baby sitter, or a great co-worker, these make wonderfully personal gifts.  {smile}
I'm heading back into my craft room, to craft a few more! {smile}  On a crazy side note, I can't find any 'Z' letters.  {frown}.  I think that's odd.
Anyways, have a great day, and enjoy the last of your weekend!  


Saturday, November 22, 2014

Pink Tree

~ second post for the day ~


Whew, I think I am on a roll!  I need to get a few more holiday crafts complete for another upcoming arts and craft fair.  So, I have visited a few of my favorite craft challenge blog sites and here is what I have been inspired by!
Festive Friday. has a wonderful nontraditional holiday inspirational photo:


Just look at this!  How great is that?  pinks, kraft, gold, silver, green, glass, warm wood, and a tree!
Now, I need a sketch, so I headed over to Mojo Monday.  Let's face it, I need a sketch, and this is one of my favorite go to places.  here is their sketch this week:

And for good measure, lets swing by a favorite shabby challenge site, and see what they have.  Sugar Creek Hollow.  They want a vintage/shabby Christmas card with a twist: non traditional colors.

Here is what I created:


Here is the recipe:  The card base is made from Kraft card stock by Paper Trey Ink.  The pink polka dot pattern paper is actually from a baby girl collection.  The text paper is 'twas the night before christmas' by Amuse Studio.  The blue and pink floral paper is from Maja Road spring collection I believe.  I matted the text and floral papers onto kraft card stock by Recollections.  
I wrapped a piece of cream satin ribbon by Paper Trey Ink around the floral paper.  I then added a piece of white silk ribbon by Paper Trey Ink.  I tied a multi-loop bow with the silk ribbon.  I tied a clear button to the center of the multi-loop bow with thin silver twine.  
I added three pinkish pebbles and three half faux pearls to the card front.
My focal piece is made with a glitter paper die cut snowflake and a 'painted' bottle brush tree.  I spritz a 'white' bottle brush tree with ink and then painted white arcrylic paint on the tips of the branches.
I stamped the sentiment and matted it with kraft paper.  I adhered and stapled the sentiment to the card front.
due to the bulk of the tree, I decorated a glassine bag to use as an envelope:


thank you for stopping by!  I hope you have been inspired to craft something beautiful and non traditional!  


Blessings

The holidays are quickly approaching! and I have been a little busy getting some crafts complete.  To be efficient, I have combined some challenges.  I know, I could probably make more stuff if I separated the challenges, but I am in a pinch for time.
We are hosting Thanksgiving dinner at our house this year.  And, well, I always do more than I have to, and I really like everything to 'belong'.  So, I do a place setting, a Thanksgiving trivia card, and of course a little 'party' favor.  So, I sent out to find some inspiration to get my decorations in order.
I went to some favorite challenge sites, and found some great inspiration!  First stop:  the Shabby Tea Room.  They have a great fall inspired photo to help get those creative juices flowing! oh, and a requirement: burlap and/or twine.  How country/shabby is that?  Awesome!
Here is their inspiration photo:


and then I headed over to Word Art Wednesday.  Their challenge this week is: Anything Goes!  They always include a wonderful scripture, and this week, it fits perfectly with the above inspiration photo.


here is what I made:


I needed to make 5 cards,  and well, the only 'thanksgiving' pattern paper I had, that had colors in it like the inspirational photo, were only scraps (Authentique).  So, that is what dictated the card layout.  I used Scarlet card stock for the card base, by Paper Trey Ink.  I matted the two pattern papers onto Linen card stock, by Paper Trey Ink.  [it is very close to River Rock card stock by Stampin' Up!]
I machine stitched a purposeful 'sloppy' border stitch around the card twice.  I just love how random, and home-y it looks. {smile}
I cut a large scallop trim piece from kraft card stock, by Recollections.  I used this piece to hide the seam where the two pattern papers meet.  
I wrapped a piece of Scarlet satin ribbon, by Paper Trey Ink around the scallop trim.  Then I wrapped kraft twine by Paper Trey Ink, around the ribbon and tied on a wooden button.  (I used glue dots to hold the button in place, so it wouldn't flop around.)
I printed the scripture onto very vanilla card stock, by Stampin' Up!.  Then I did a double matt: scarlet and kraft.
Easy peasy, and pretty plain for me.  But, I do love it!  
Thank you for stopping by! I hope you have been inspired to play along with both of these fabulous challenge sites!


Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Next Holiday Craft Fair

Howdy!  I hope this post finds you well.  
I am getting ready for another holiday arts and craft fair.  This one is at a local high school:  La Cueva High School, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  It is on the first Saturday of December, so please mark your calendars and I hope to see you there!  


The craft fair is on Saturday, December 6th, 2014.  From 8a - 5p.  and I will be located @ B-34.


Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Light Bubbles: bokeh

Howdy!  I hope you are well.  Me, yes.  Thank you.  I had another arts and craft fair this past weekend (Friday and Saturday) at one of my favorite places:  Tramway Community Church.  The folks there are so nice, helpful, and just a joy to be with.  {smile}
Anyways, my mom came up to spend some time with me, and help me sell my paper crafts.  And let me just say, that it was pure joy!  We talked, and sold, and talked some more.  It was really wonderful to spend some time with her, and just hang out!  I made a little money, which is always sweet, especially during this time of year.  So, pluses all around!
For those who don't know, I live in the east mountains of Albuquerque, New Mexico.  And well, we are just below 7500 feet.  Sunday it snowed like crazy.  So my husband got a chance to use his snow plow for the first time this winter season.  And the weather created a delay in my mom getting back on the road to head home.  It did give us a little more time together, but just not the same.  It's kinda like be held hostage at the airport.  You have food, a bathroom, and the people you are traveling with, but all you really want to do is leave.  [No hard feelings mom {smile}]
I wanted to make my mom a card, to say 'thank you' for her help, and let her know that I really enjoyed the time we spent together.  So, I went looking on the internet, and wanted to see if anything out there inspired me.  Well, of course I found something!  
I ran across this photography technique called: bokeh.  It's when parts of the image and/or light are out of the field of focus.  So, when you are photographing something and there is light in the background or side portion, and this part of the image just isn't in focus.  Looks pretty.  And so I ran with it!  

gold, is the accent color

silver, is the accent color
So, both cards are made with soft suede card stock as the base.  The 'blue' piece is aqua mist card stock.  I cut 3-4 branches from a Memory Box die.  I punched 1", 3/4", and 1/2" circles and a trio of snowflakes from vellum card stock.  I added several clear faceted sequins, and then added gold/silver sequins.  
I die cut the letters for 'JOY' out of gold glitter paper.  For the silver version, I heat embossed 'noel' in silver and then stamped 'JOYEUX' in soft suede classic ink.  
The final touch, was a spritz or two with iridescent spray.
But now, that I am writing this post, I think, why did I make my mom a holiday card to say 'Thank You'???  Ugh, sometimes my mind just gets stuck.  As I am preparing for yet another holiday craft show, my mind is stuck in holiday mode.  Sorry mom.  Let me get back into my craft room, and make something a little more appropriate. 
Anyways, I hope you like these, and I hope I have inspired you to create something unique and wonderful!

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Red & Green Christmas

Oh my goodness.  I forgot to photograph my red and green Christmas card today.  Sorry, I had to take a few photo real quick, and edit.  I'm super proud of myself for creating a red and green card.  I don't typically make holiday cards with these colors.  Not that they aren't pretty.  It's just not my comfort zone, and so it takes a bit of time.


The pattern paper is from Yellow Bicycle.  And probably about 2 years old.  So, I don't know if you can still find this pattern paper at your local scrap book store.  The tree was purchased from a big box craft store about 3years ago.  The red ribbon is actually new!  Its the current real red ribbon from Stampin' Up!.  The sentiment is heat embossed in early espresso powder by Stampin' Up!.  The stamp set used is Love Lives Here Holiday, by Paper Trey Ink.
Thank you for stopping by!  I am finishing a few more items for the craft fair tomorrow.  If you are in the area (Albuquerque, New Mexico) please stop by Tramway Community Church on Manitoba & Montgomery, from 10a to 4p.  


Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Love Pink

Howdy.  Yeah, busy crafting.  {smile} I have to admit it, I really love it!  I enjoy the whole creative process.  But, I did want to take a break and share with you what I made.  It's small, and very sweet.  It is a magnetic wallet-size photo holder.  Before you say anything, let me explain.  You know those very unique and memorable school photos you have of your children?   You probably have a hundred.  You order enough for grandparents, neighbors, friends, and your children's friends.  But some how you always have extras.  Right?  Well, why not display them with pizzazz!  Either on your locker at work, or your frig, or how about providing a way for your child to 'frame' her BBF's pic?
And look!  I made a few.  And the others I made,  aren't so shabby chic, feminine, girly.  But, I really love this one {smile}.


I used Camilla pattern paper by Anna Griffin.  I just love how beautiful and elegant this paper collection is.  I cut a scallop trim piece from Silver glitter paper.  (Love the sparkles.)  And I took some pale pink scrunched seam binding and machine stitched them together (seam binding and glitter paper).  I also made a multi-loop bow from the seam binding.  
I made a blossom out of white sparkle clay, and distressed it with white paint and dazzling diamond glitter.  I also did the same distressing on the two white pearl vintage buttons.  
I added a little hand-stamped sentiment piece.  I stamped the sentiment onto a scrap piece of digital pattern paper in basic black classic ink.  Matted the sentiment circle with the same pale pink cardstock as the photo matt.  The sentiment is sweet, and fancy {smile} 'Absolutely Fabulous'.  Basically to 'match' the design and feel of the pattern paper.
Oh, I almost forgot.  The finished size of these little gems is 4" x 4".  Small and very sweet.

Thank you for looking.  Just a heads up, tomorrow I will post a few photos of a few crafts I created using red and green.  Yep, no kidding.  Traditional Christmas colors.  Real red and garden green.  See you tomorrow.


Sunday, November 9, 2014

Pink and Gold Glitter

Howdy.  Sorry I have been absent.  I have been busy crafting for an upcoming Arts and Crafts Fair.  I purchased some gold glitter paper from Stampin' Up! recently.  And well, a friend had asked what I was creating with it.  Because this glitter paper is really sparkle-y and yellow.  I was actually surprised of the color.  But, I had some crafts I wanted to create with it, so, I set out to my craft room.
I made a greeting card, a gift card holder, and a card-box combo.  Now, the photos don't really do these crafts justice.  Please look with a kind eye.

greeting card
card-box combo - closed

card-box combo - opened
gift card holder

The pink pattern paper is from Echo Park.  I used both sides.  The cream and white pattern paper is from Anna Griffin.  The white portion of the pattern paper is actually flocked.   Its easily 4/+ years old.  I had been hoarding saving this paper for a special project.  {smile}  The card bases are pink pirouette yardstick.  The ribbons are white seam binding, think gold ribbon, gold bakers twine, and the new gold sating ribbon from Stampin' Up!  The buttons are blush by Amuse Studios.  The glitter paper is actually gold.  It looks way better in person.
The snowflake die is from Paper Trey Ink.  The scallop trim die and the leaf punch are both from Stampin' Up!  The poinsettia die is from Heartfelt Creations.  The sentiments are a mix of different stamps I had on hand.
Thank you for stopping by.  I'll post some more of what I have been creating soon.   Oh, I will have some of those flip desk top calendars for sale at my next arts and craft fairs.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Watercolor Wreath

~ photo heavy post ~
Howdy!  and welcome to my little piece of blog-land.  A place where I craft, cook, and share.  Ok, I share more crafts than baked goods here, but I do both!  (I post more food photos on Instagram.  Don't really know why, but I do.)
Anyways, I want to share with you a card I made.  It's a Christmas/Holiday card.  I know, you aren't really surprised, are you?  I wanted to try a technique I saw on Michelle Wooderson's blog: Mish Mash.  She calls it 'embossing + watercoloring'.  I think it's beautiful in a eclectic way.  It's basically emboss resist but instead of sponging color (ink) onto your paper, you use water colors.  Now, how gorgeous and fun does that sound?  So, I wanted to give it a try.  But first, I need a challenge to play along with.  So, I set out into the vast 'land' of the blog world and found TWO great challenges to play along with:  Just Us GirlS and Divas by Design .
So, the lovely ladies over @ JUGS, have a wonderful holiday theme challenge:  Wreaths!  Oh boy! right up my alley!  Here is there inspiration board:


For those of you who have not been to the JUGS site, they have changed their challenges.  So, this week, it is a word challenge.  I love the different format they have adopted.  It keeps their site fresh and new!  So, join them this week.  Make something with a wreath.  Have fun.  Craft.  and share!
The wonderful ladies over @ Divas by Design, have a fun and easy challenge: anything goes.  So, craft something that makes your heart happy! and share it with us!
Ok, here is what I made!


Recipe:  I used Aqua Mist cardstock for the card base.  I used the pattern papers from the Library Ledger paper pack, by Paper Trey Ink.  I used the Tasteful Trims die by Stampin' Up! to cut the scallop trim.  I did some machine stitching along the edges of the top panels.  I tied some gold bakers twine from Stampin' Up!, around the middle of the card.  I used a vintage button to add a little something to the bow.  (Aqua Mist button by Paper Trey Ink)
The ticket at the top is a digital download.  Love those little things: tickets and digital downloads. {smile}  The sentiment was hand stamped in Soft Suede classic ink by Stampin' Up!.  It paired very nicely with the rich chocolate browns in the ledger paper.
I stamped the wreath in versa mark ink onto the pattern paper.  I heat embossed antique gold embossing powder, for the wreath.  Love the subtle shine.  I used my aqua painter for the water coloring.  First, I just 'painted' plain water over the embossed areas.  It's like prepping your work surface.  This allows the paint to 'move' over the area.  For the 'paint' I used a few drops of the Pool Party classic re-inker by Stampin' Up!.  I dipped the tip of the brush into the 'color' and simply washed the embossed wreath with paint (aka: re-inker).  To add a little more depth, I splattered some more color onto the painted wreath.  I used crumb cake and pool party for the splattered colors.
I had some much fun making this card, I made some gift card holders with the same technique:






I had a lot of fun making these.  But as you can tell, once I start something it kinda becomes what I do.  And I want a variety of items at my craft fairs, so I stopped at 4 gift cards.  I don't want everything to look the same.  {smile}  Making these gift card holders really allows me to use my scraps in a fun, and festive way!  
Sidetone:  I had so much fun with this technique that I didn't (couldn't) stop to take a photo.  That's why these gift card holders are already packaged for sale.  Sorry for the glare of the clear bag.
Thank you for looking.  I hope I have inspired you to create something new, and challenging!  Why not try emboss resist but with watercolors!


Monday, November 3, 2014

Holiday Craft Fair

my next holiday craft fair!  hope to see you there!



I am busy working on some more gift card holders, gift bags, desk top calendars, a few houses, and hopefully more banners. 


Sunday, November 2, 2014

Baby Girl Cube

~ photo heavy post ~

Welcome!  I hope you are enjoying your weekend!  I am!  I had my first arts and craft fair yesterday @ Grace Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and boy was it a good time!  I met a lot of super nice folks and I had the chance to chat with a few return shoppers and friends!  YAHOO!  what a great day!  
I sold out of a few crafts, so today, I am back in my craft room.  My task (originally) was to finish some baptism cards.  I picked up some metal cross charms, to get those on the cards, and well, my crafting took a different turn!  I started distressing some paper flowers, which lead me to a wooden block I had been working on.  And my focus went elsewhere! If you are a fellow crafter, you know you can get side tracked.  (I don't force myself to craft something I just don't have the mojo for, because it never turns out right. So, I typically work on something else, or take a break to change my focus.)  And well, my original task turned into this!  
An altered wooden block: for a baby girl

gentle wash
a fabric tag and brad
an acrylic piece
fabric blossom and fabric tag
top of the block
a drawer pull for a topper
a clay blossom to conceal the push pin
and acrylic pacifier tied with silver bakers twine
close - up of my push pin creation
Ok, here are the details!  Everything I used to make this decorative piece is from my stash.  My husband refers to my stash as a 'store'.  But, he really means 'collection'.  {smile}  I painted the wooden block with gesso and then white paint.  I sanded the block to make sure it was sooth.  I also knocked off the tips, so it would have rounded corners.  I think it adds a worn look.  I adhered the pattern papers to each side and sealed them with Mod Podge.  Yes, the bottom of the block is also finished.  The papers are from Teresa Collins, Authentique, and My Mind's Eye; scraps in my stash.
I used white, and pink pirouette seam binding, along with crochet trim from Stampin' Up! to make my shabby bow.  
The drawer pull is from the hardware section of a big box craft store.  Yeah, I had a different project in mind when I made this purchase almost 2 years ago.  (told you I hoard collect) {smile}  
The acrylic pacifier is from a craft show that my daughter and I attended 9 years ago.  We originally purchased the pacifiers for baby shower party favors, when she was expecting her first child.  But never used them, because we just couldn't get them to work.  The silver bakers twine is from Stampin' Up!.  The clay rose I made with white sparkle clay and a mold I purchased earlier this summer.
The push pin is from Maya Road.  The beads are a collection from the jewelry section of any big box craft store: crystal bead, pearl, and rhinestone spacer.
The fabric tags I purchased almost 7/+ years ago, when that was all the rage.  I keep a lot of old retired stuff.  That's one of the ways that my crafts are unique, and very personable.  You can't simply go out and copy them exactly, or mass produce them.
The pink brad with the fabric tag, is retired from Stampin' Up! (3/+ years).  I simply cut the legs off and used hot glue to glue it on.  
The acrylic sentiment piece was purchased from a big box craft store a few years ago, too.  I originally purchased the set with a different craft in mind, too.  Oh boy, I think I see a pattern!  Yikes!
The only hand stamping on this little cutie, is the tags.  I used a retired stamp set from Stampin' Up! and a mini stamp set from Paper Trey Ink.  I used the jewelry punch from Stampin' Up! (yeah, retired) to create the tag shape.
So, look for this at my next craft fair on November 14th and 15th @ Tramway Community Church Holiday Craft Fair, in Albuquerque, New Mexico!
Now, I really need to head make into my craft room and see if I can finish those Baptism cards.  Enjoy your extra hour today, and do something that makes you happy: crafting, baking, sewing, visiting with a friend, read to your child, whatever makes you HAPPY!