Thursday, December 25, 2014

Merry Christmas!




Enjoy this day with friends and family. 


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Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Musical Cast Guest Book Album



You can use a guest book for so many special occasions in your life. I always feel like I'm apart of those when I get to work with you and create special books for just the occasion.

One of the things I love most about where we live is our local community theater. A few Christmas's ago, my husband got two tickets and we went to a holiday orchestra concert.  I loved it. Not only did I get to dress up for the night, but I got to sit up in a balcony with my program in hand and enjoy the music.

I love music and I enjoy musicals.

Which brings me to the special book I wanted to share with you today, this one for a high school musical being put on this month.

Hot off my crafting table....
"A Day in Hollywood, A night in the Ukraine"

Doesn't that sound like an awesome musical? 



The inside pages are lined with "From the Cast" on the top for the members to sign and give to the director/teacher afterwards as a gift.

I used left over scraps from the book to make this blank music note card to go along with it.

The red on black looks amazing.

Go break a leg! or so they say in the Theater I'm told.
Wishing them a full house and wonderful night for their show.

And, in the meantime, I'm off to bake cookies and sing a few carols with the kiddos.

It's getting close to Christmas, what's left on your list?


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Thursday, December 18, 2014

A Special Coupon Book For A Special Little Girl






I love custom orders and making things especially for you.

Last week's request really got my creative brain working as I created this custom coupon book for a special little girl.

The criteria:

pink and purple
custom printed coupons
It's for Christmas.

This is what I came up with.

 I used two stamp sets on the cover. First one was the stockings that I used purple mulberry ink and the second came from the sledding "Let it snow" set I have and I stamped the snowflakes.

Since this was for a girl, I thought, what girl doesn't like a little sparkle? So, I used silver, gold, and purple gel pens to outline the stockings and added irridescent glittler to the top of the stockings and snowflakes.

While it sat and dried, I worked on the coupons.


Using some pink paper in my stash, I pulled up my coupon file and personalized each coupon upon the request of the customer.

Hairstyles, breakfast, mani & pedi, shopping, and even movie night, this little girl is one special little lady!

I just adore how this came out!
I can't wait to make more, and I'll be happy to make a personalized coupon book for you, too!
Just contact me and I'll set it up through the shop.

How are those Christmas preparations coming?
Did you remember those stocking stuffers?

I've got a book coming out soon just for Christmas, if you have a moment, hope over to my author page and check it out! 
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Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Fisker Cutter Paper Tool Review



My paper cutter is probably my most used tool on my crafting table. I've had it a long time, like as old as my youngest child, who is in second grade now!

I love my cutter, but over the years, the numbers have started to fade. (Yeah - I've used it THAT much!)


Sadly, after all these years, the blade has gone dull, but hey 7 years of use is pretty good for a blade, wouldn't you say? But it doesn't do me much good trying to cut pages for inside my books and most the time now, they tear. When I want torn sheets, I tear them myself, not from my cutter though....

While onlines shopping during the Black Friday sales, I indulged myself in a tool this year. My husband encouraged me when I asked him if I should, he said, "Go for it" and I did.

I got a new Fisker's Paper Cutter.

I choose this one for a couple of reasons:

1. Self sharpening blade
2. Size - cuts 12 x 12 papers
3. Density - cuts up to 10 sheets at a time (although I usually only cut 5 so I haven't tested the full 10 pages yet)
4. Blade lock (with kiddos in the house getting into stuff when I turn my back for minute, this is a must)
5. The price. very reasonable.




You can see the new vs the old here on my crafting table.

While my new cutter doesn't have the second slide cutter like my old Purple Cow Cutter did, I honestly never used that second cutter so I'm not really not going to miss that extra feature I never used. 

Also, my old Purple cow had a metal paper holder there by the blade, my new Fisker's paper cutter has a plastic one, put it puts a tighter hold on the paper so you don't have to hold down as hard as the metal one.

And the feature I didn't realize it had and am really getting used to (in a good way) is the blade holds itself up. It used to be I had to lean forward so the blade handle would rest on my shoulder to hold it up while I rearranged my paper to cut, the new Fisker blade stays up one you push the blade up to position your paper. 

And so, after a week of cutting, I'm pretty pleased so far with the use of this cutter. 



Now to see if this cutter can last as long or out last my old one.

I got this cutter from Amazon.com, you can find it here.

Happy Crafting! I'm off to make some books. :)

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Thursday, December 11, 2014

Christmas Coupon Books Are Back






I've almost finished all my shopping, but there is always one or two on my list that either has everything or needs nothing. Do you know who I mean? Do you have someone like that, too?

Last year, I made up these Christmas Coupon books, I've since made up ones for Birthdays and Valentine's Day, they're great for just that kind of person on your list.

I've cut out and assembled some new designs for this year, keeping a few for those on my list, too.






There are 12 coupons in each book in three different colors. 4 red, 4 white, and 4 green.
My little Bug helped hand stamp the santa on the red, the candy cane on the white, and the present on the green. Each coupon is also perferated for easy tear out.

My husband surprised me last year and give me one of these for Christmas, even though I made it, he pulled it from my stash and personalized each coupon to last throughout the year!

Babysitting, Dinner, Lunch, Massage, mowing the grass, taking the kids to clubs, there are just some many things you can do for someone that may mean a lot to them.

If you'd like to make you're own, the tutorial for these comes from Split Coast Stampers, I've modified mine a bit, but you can find it here.

Or check out the ones I've got in the shop this month.

Don't forget, you'll receive a free gift with any purchase from the shop this month and orders over $50 receive free shipping with coupon code that you'll find below my shop banner here.

Did you check your list twice? Don't forget anyone!

Now, I'm off to write. That Christmas story won't type the words itself and I've got a fruitcake bride waiting for her groom. For updates on my latest book project don't forget to head over to my author site and stayed tuned. 


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Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Don't Forget to Feed the Reindeer.





Do your kids believe in Santa?

While we bake a cake each year on Christmas... a birthday cake for Christ's birth, we also enjoy the fun of Santa in our home.

While our older children have developed doubts of Santa's existance, our youngest fully is in belief.

And so it wouldn't be fair to leave cookies out for Santa, if we don't also feed the reindeer.


Bug made up these treat pouches, they're 100% edible so they're safe for animals and children.

The ideas for these came from the 12 days of Christmas over at ChicnScratch, you can find the video tutorial here on how to make them.

I used, green and red sprinkles along with clear sugar sprinkles in with the oatmeal mix.

As a special treat, whenever you make any purchase from my Etsy shop this month, you'll receive a packet of reindeer food as my gift.

I'm off to bake some Christmas cookies, how about you? Are you baking up something good today? 

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Friday, December 5, 2014

Warm Wishes this Christmas Season


 It's Christmas!
Almost...
Where did the time go?

After many months of helping out on the family farm, it's time to get back into gear!

It's been so cold out lately and hot chocolate has been in high demand after school at our house.

The kids walk a few blocks between bus stops and schools, so they need something warm to help get them going when they open those books for homework.

I got to thinking how nice it would be to share that warmth and so I've been creating these cozy little hot chocolate pocket cards. They almost remind me of a book, just tied such with something yummy inside.







If you want the recipe for making these hot cocoa cards, let me know. I'll be happy to share.

I just made up a new batch of them in a variety of patterns that you can check out in the shop as well. You can't go wrong with chocolate, right? 

I'm thinking this year, the kids teacher, bus driver, and the mail man will all love this Christmas treat, what do you think?



I'm off to work on my Christmas story for the local paper today, if you haven't already, sign up for my newsletter over at my author site and download my story Emma's Dilemma free or now available on kindle through Amazon.

Here's to staying warm!



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Sunday, June 22, 2014

The Passage of Summer

Recently, one of the online venues I wrote articles for has released my articles back to me. Since I don't want let you all sitting idle while I work at getting the studio back together, I'll be posting some of those articles over the coming weeks.

Since the studio is all torn up, I thought it was a good time to re-evaluate and update some of my equipment. I'm in the process of getting some new book cover presses and once they are built and the studio back together I will be able to offer more hard bound books.

Making books is both a joy and a therapy for me.

I'll keep you posted on updates of the studio re-do, but in the meantime I hope you'll enjoy the articles I have for you as we pass the summer days until I can craft again.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Sorry, No Custom Orders for the Summer


It rained last week. 

It's raining today, and although I'm grateful we're not having floods in this area like we did several years ago, I'm sad to say, my basement studio has accumulated water and is still drying. 

The rain today, doesn't help. 

I've had to tear up the mat flooring and it looks like we're going to have to reseal the basement and waterproof it. It's an old house, we've lived here for nearly seven years, I suppose this is just one of those every 10 - 20 year maintenance things for houses. 



It however, has put a big damper on book making. As you can see, everything has had to be packed up and moved to higher ground. Aka, my dining room and laundry room. 

It'll will be a few weeks before everything is dry and sealed and I'm able to work again. With that being said, I'll be traveling for a few writing conferences in the following weeks and the family vacation is around the corner. 

What does this all mean? 

Due to current circumstances, I will not be accepting any custom orders from now until June 4th. I have reduced the number of the listing in my etsy shop to the books and cards that are pre-made and ready to ship out. 

If you have placed a custom order in shop within the last week, don't worry, I'll have them shipped out shortly and within time of your event dates. 

My etsy shop will is going into vacation mode from June 7th through July 8th. 

Hopefully within this time our basement will be finished and / or I will have found a new place to set up my book studio again. 

I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. 

Thank you for your understanding.



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Thursday, February 20, 2014

I'm in The Mother's Heart Magazine this month

 



I'm excited today to share with you my article that was published in THE MOTHER'S HEART Magazine that just came out this month.  You'll find my article on page 84, called A Mother's Intuition. 

I've written a lot of personal experience stories in the past, but this one is most dear to me, and I hope you'll download this free magazine and read why. 

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Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Photography Print Giveaway.



Hey all,

I'd a guest over on my writing blog this week, and though you all would like to hop on over and say hello to Kadi and find out more about her new Photography etsy shop. While you're there, vote on your favorite photo and like her facebook page for a chance to win the print you voted for!

You can check it out and vote here

http://susanlower.com/2014/02/14/for-the-love-of-photography-and-giveaway/


I'm working on some new things and will catch up with back here later!
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Monday, February 10, 2014

Vintage Train Party Theme







I loved the way this book looked with I just stamped the cover. It reminded me of those historical railroads and a little of the old west. 

In my previous post, I shared the matching train invitations and thank you cards. Today, here is the matching guest book sign. 

These are food label cards or can also be used for name cards for a historic society event or train themed event. 

These tags are great for attaching to favors. 

I made a few with just "Choo Choo" on them.


 I've ordered some brown and white striped baker's twine to include with the tags, I think it really adds to the old west / vintage feel, don't you? 



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Saturday, February 8, 2014

Vintage Train Party Invitations

I had a special request for matching invitations, thank you cards, and food label cards to go with my vintage train guest book album in the shop this past week.


 I came up with two different types of invitations. One is a side opening invitation with pocket and a ticket inside with the party info.


  I stamped the entire card with the railroad track, including the back of the invitation.

The second one is a top opening card with the party information on the inside as seen here. 

And of course the Thank you cards. I also stamped all the envelopes with a railroad sign. 

Stay tuned for the rest of the matching vintage train book and table settings.


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Thursday, February 6, 2014

February Specials in the Shop


I've been crafting up as storm lately, and decided this month to share a few special deals with everyone. 



I couldn't help myself, I've made a bunch of those sweet Hershey Kiss Favors from the other day's post. This month, I'll be including one as my gift to you with any order from my Etsy shop. 

I'll also be including a FREE sampler pack of Thank You Cards with any order over $25.  


All orders over $50 can use the code 50FREESHIP and receive free shipping on your order, plus all the other great stuff mentioned above. 

 And.... yes... there is more.... 

Come hang out with me on my facebook page this month for random opportunities to grab some free samples of new products!

Love this month!

 
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Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Valentine's Day Hershey Kiss Favor

Burr.. it's been so cold I haven't wanted to leave the house! I'm so glad to see it has warmed up these past few days despite the snow. I guess it's all apart of living in Pennsylvania. I can't honestly remember it being this cold, although I'm sure it was and as a kid it didn't bother me as much. 

I just finished up a writing project and decided I'd better high-tail-it to start on some Valentine's for the kiddos. I got this idea from a YouTube video that you can see below. 



Our church is getting ready to host their 2nd annual Valentine's dinner next week, and it made me think how these would make a great favor for the dinner and even for a wedding. 

They have four Hershey kisses inside and are tied together with ribbon. 

I've had so much fun making them. I'll probably put a few kits in my Etsy shop, but I've also created some downloadable instructions here to create them. 


Stay Warm! 


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Sunday, February 2, 2014

DIY Book Stickers

This week, I was presented with a challenge. A sticker challenge! I never realized you could make your own stickers. I can hear the kids saying, "Dah Mom!"

I recently had a request from my Etsy shop to turn my advice cards into book plates for a baby shower. Due to the design and type, I couldn't just buy sticker paper or white labels and print them.

After doing some searching I found this YouTube video from Sophie's world that taught me how to make a sticker using packaging tape and paper. This perked my tween's interest.


 
 Here is my sticker after watching this video:


 I'm thinking the gloss on this would not be easy to write on for people to sign names. So, I also found this recipe for adhesive for making lick-able stickers from Skip to my Lou.

I've got non-flavored gelatin on my shopping list this weekend. Brrr.. I'm totally not looking forward to going out side in this freezing weather.

If any of you have made stickers before, advice is welcome.

See you soon with a new project!
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Thursday, January 30, 2014

Wedding Advice Card Dove Designs

I just got a new stamp set and have been working on these advice card designs. I love the elegance of these dove and olive branch advice cards. The olive green ink and ivory card stock is so pretty.

I also picked up this woodland stamp, another Studio G find, and made these woodland wishes or welcome little one advice cards. I used cocoa ink and colored the leaves and trees with a green colored pencil.


I'm working on some new covers and book designs for putting together the advice cards when the event is done. I've seen boxes for the cards, but I'm thinking a front and back cover with either book rings or pre punched and tied inside as a book will look nice, too.

What do you think?

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Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Valentine Card from Scraps

The kiddos wanted to make cards over the weekend so we pulled out a lot of Mom's pink, red, and white scraps from the scrap bin.

The inside is blank, still thinking of what to write inside it.

Any ideas?
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