'N' is for . . .

I wanted to share a quirky little side note with you.  But, before we get to that, a little back story.

I am a fan of monograms.  I actually do like them.  Not the weird, misplaced ones of yester-year.  The one's of today.  With scrolling beautiful fonts, and clever ways of incorporating them into our everyday lives.  And with this notion, I started altering chipboards letters.  I adhered strong magnets to the backs, and use them for decoration.  Ok, so the first one I made was for my locker at work.  But, I digress.  I loved the whole process, picking out the papers, collecting little embellishments, and decorating these stark, life-less letters into works of art.  My friends loved them, too.  So, I started making some for the various craft shows I sell my products at.  And what a hit!  These little gems do take quite a bit of time. But, they sure do end up very pretty to look at.  

Anyways, one of my good friends, Nichole, just loved the first 'N' that I ever made.  And boy, does she have an eye for pretty.  That letter 'N' was the first altered monogram magnet I ever sold.  And Nichole has loved every 'N' I have made since.  I typically create 'N's in black and white color combos with splashes of bright yellow.  But this year, I went another route. Cream and black with a pop of lavender. And it sold at my first arts and craft fair this holiday season!

packaged, and displayed on a framed metal sheet

So, my quirky little side note is this:  out of all the altered magnetic monograms I have created, the letter 'N' is my top seller!  I have sold more 'N's than any other letter, I have created.  Isn't that just funny?  And do you wanna guess what letter I am crafting again this week, for the upcoming craft fair?  Ding, ding, ding! We have a winner!  'N'

Thank you, Nichole for all your love, support, and encouragement!

Altered 'V'

Ok, so I have uploaded my new blog header.  I don't know if I'm totally happy with it.  So, if you come back another day, and it has changed a bit, you'll know my answer to that question.  I thought I already had the codes for the blog background.  Appearently not.  I'll be working on that, too.  In the meantime, here is something new and pretty for you to see!

Have you ever set out to create a few different paper crafts, because you saw these wonderful challenges?  You know what you want to make.  Now, all you have to do is find some crafting time?  That happens to me, more than I would like to admit.  I found a few several challenge sites that have beautiful vintage/shabby chic challenges this week.  The design team really has inspired me to play along.  Now, all I have to do is find the time.  And that obstacle is looking more and more impossible, as this week moves on. {frown}.

So, I'm pulling up my boot straps, and tackling what I can.  (time wise).  Because I don't have any extra free minutes here and there that I can shave off.  You see, I have a few extra requirements placed on me this week.  I know that I will be able to play along in a challenge tomorrow.  And that's about the best I can do this week.

I did want to share a little surprise I have been working on behind the scenes.  I have altered another chipboard letter.  It is for sale in my Etsy shop here.  Here are a few photos:

I used some beautiful pattern paper from Authentique, Grace.  This pattern paper reminds me of my grandmother.  I know that sounds kinda crazy.  But it does.  This small floral print reminds me of her wallpaper.  And the other papers encourage other memories.  So, I went with it.  My grandmother's name was Vivian.  It's easier for me to alter a letter if I know someone who has the same first initial.  And then I create/alter the letter with them in mind.  It's a little weird.  But, its my process.  And I have been quite happy with my results.  

I added a rectangle rhinestone buckle ribbon slide to the front, and weaved my mint green seam binding through it.  I tied the seam binding into a multi-loop bow.  I added some pearls, a button, and a butterfly brad.  I loved how the butterfly had the same colors as the tiny blossoms in the print.

For the paper blosssom.  I started with one of those 'naked' blossoms.  It was white.  So, I sprayed some peach Tattered Angels shimmer mist on the paper blossom, until I was happy with the shade.  I used my picket fence distress paint to the tips of the petals and dunked the whole blossom in my tub of dazzling diamond glitter.  I added a scrap piece of crochet trim.  The leaves I punched with my Build-a-Blossom punch.  I distressed the edges in the same manner as the blossom.  I added a few drops of crystal effects, to give the illusion of dew drops.

Thank you for stopping by.  I hope you get a chance to carve out some crafting time for yourself, and enter a challenge or two.  It really feels good to create something you love and share it with other paper crafters.  Have a good week, and happy crafting! 

~stop by Sunday, May 12th, for your chance to win some blog candy~

craft fair sneak peak #2

Thank you for stopping by today.  I have a few photos of some of the other things that I am selling at the various arts & crafts fairs.

The letter, is an 'F'.  It's made from chipboard.  I painted it, and then adhered some beautiful pattern paper, London Market, by Pink Paisley.  I adhered various items to the letter; a metal medallion with a bird cameo, a strip of crochet trim.  I added a pink paper blossom.  I created the leaves from some text paper.  I added a loop of pearls, and a rhinestone button.

This is a magnetic letter.  So, you can stick it to your refrigerator, your locker at work/school, or any other metal surface.

I had to alter some more letters, because I sold out at my craft fair @ the Tramway Community Church.  So, I have altered the following letters: A, B, C, D, F, L, M, N, and S.

These letters were a blast altering, so I will be adding some to my Etsy shop.

This is a gift card holder.  You open the top flap, and I have a holiday greeting heat embossed in white.  And there is a pocket to tuck a gift card in.  Or, if you prefer, you can add cash or a personal check.  Just hold either of those options in half, and they will fit in the pocket.  These were a blast to make.  I could use my holiday scraps.

I used some Bo Bunny holiday pattern paper, that is probably 2-3 years old.  I created a 'fancy' square from a coffee cuff.  I distressed the edge with some picket fence paint and then dumped it in some glitter.  I added a mirror snowflake.  For the greeting, I stamped and punched 'Winter Frost' and then attached the modern label punch with some tiny silver brads.

These are two different size altered notepads that I have decorated.  I have two different styles and two different sizes.  I have Christmas/Holiday themed altered notepads, and girly/feminine themed altered notepads.  Each pad has 25 pages of lined paper.

The larger one, is 5" x 8", and the smaller one, is 2 1/2" x 8".

I used pattern paper that I had on hand.  The smaller pad uses pattern paper from City Sidewalks.  The larger pad used pattern paper, the Sweetest Thing by My Minds Eye.

Each of the altered notepads that I have created, have an altered silver clip.  The clip holds the notepad closed.  You know, just in case you throw the pad in a bag.  But, if you have a message board, put the clip at the top, and hold the legs back.  This will allow the notepad to hang from a push pin.

Thank you for looking.  Remember, if you want to shift through the best selection, shop early @ my booth/table.  And after these shopping opportunities, I will have the 'left overs' on sale at my Etsy shop.

I hope I have inspired you to play along, or if nothing else, to hand-craft a holiday gift or two {smile}.