Random Acts of Kindness - Thank you my Friends!!!

After I lost my job, I set up a shop on Etsy.com to start something that I was passionate about! Making paper goods, stationary, party invitations, etc. One big part of Etsy that a lot of people don't understand is that it is not only an online marketplace for people who sell handmade goods - it is also a community! I found this out right away as I discovered a group of people who devote themselves to something called a "Sneak Attack". I was fascinated by the concept - every Monday and Thursday night several new Etsy shops (with 0-4) sales are selected and announced on a website (www.handmademovement.com). The shops would then get many visits, item hearts and purchases. What an amazing thing to do for someone else who is just starting out! I was hooked from the beginning!! 

The thing about this group is that they are the kindest, dedicated, open hearted, caring, creative and loving group of people I have never met! We have established a great friendship and support system and I've never met any of them in person. Modern day technology is amazing this way!!! 

That being said, my friends, sent me a virtual baby shower in a box today! I am so thankful for such thoughtful, loving and talented friends. I can't thank you enough for all of the gifts as well as the kindness, support and friendship you have all blessed me with!  I love every single item each and every one of you has sent.

Since you all couldn't be here in person to see me open the gifts, I took photos with my laptop, the lighting is great and some things are backwards - but I hope you enjoy as much as I did! 

Oh and PS: there were a few things for Emma, she is sleeping right now but will enjoy her gifts when she wakes up and I will share her photos too! Blogger Templates

Awesome book for Emma to read to baby from Stock.


Sweet cloth book and a New Baby book for Emma from Joy.


Handprint kit from Bitty


Owl hat from Bitty - Bitty did you make?? Emma got the most adorable froggy one from Bitty too - I have to post pics.


Super soft and adorable hat from Summer.


Knit hat from ET!


Lollypop - the candy part is a bib and the stick is a spoon - from Ros!


Bouquet of washcloths from Ros!



Cute little Ducky gift bag with booties and a little blankie inside from Lorkey!




Gorgeous blanket from Virginia!!!


One of UU's super soft receiving blankets!!



Ipood from Ros! :)



Set of 3 burp clothes, super fluffy and soft!!



Cute ones with bib from Shell (if it's a girl)



Sweet book for Baby and a new baby book for Emma.



Sweet upcycled sweatshirt bags - Snail for me and owl for Emma! From Sandi


Custom Pendant from Bead - with Baby details! :)


I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE everything thank you all so very much!!!!!!!

The island of misfit designs.....

As I was sorting my photos the other day, I came across many photos of things I made but never got a chance to list for sale in my Etsy shop.  I really loved some of the items and really need to sit down and make some to photograph or fine tune the design so that it can be mass produced. Anyway....I thought I'd share some of my favorites here and perhaps you'll see these in the future as a regular store item. Of course, if you love something just contact me and I'd be happy to make it for you.

The above two invitations were designs for a butterfly themed baby shower. The theme was Butterflies and the color was peach. Love these! 

Baby Shower - Baseball Theme

A client contacted me and wanted wedding invitations with a Tiger Lily design. Her colors were orange and brown. It never worked out but I would have loved to fine tune these designs.

The above to designs were for a Baby Shower Luau! 

A sushi and sake party! 3-D Sushi!! 

Baby Jungle Animal Theme dolled up! 

I am sure I can find more if I dig around, it's amazing how many things go through the design phase but never make it to production. Many of the above items, were produced for the customer who requested the custom item and I just haven't had a moment to list the design for sale in my shop! 

Inspired by Lambs and Ivy Jake Bedding......

Good Morning!
I'm excited about this post!! My sister in law is expecting her first baby at the end of May which means I am expecting my first nephew!! I was overjoyed to design her baby shower invitations and matching elements for her baby shower.

She selected "Jake" bedding by Lambs and Ivy.

And I had a wonderful time designing the following:

Invitation

Matching Thank You Cards

Place Cards

 Advice Cards

"Welcome Baby" Banner

Centerpieces

Favor Box Tags

Congratulations Mechelle and Kurt

Mechelle and Kurt were married this past weekend and I had the pleasure of doing their wedding programs.

They picked this simple and straightforward style in a Tiffany blue to match their wedding colors:

A big ole pile of SCRAP!!

Okay, I have to admit I am a craft Hoarder!!

I stockpile paper, ribbon and other supplies!
 I can't go into a craft store without buying several things I don't need at the moment just because they are on sale and I might need them someday.
I even save the scraps of paper from other projects because you never know when I am going to need it.
My intention is to make something with all of the extra paper and ribbon - I just haven't gotten around to it - Until now!!!
I have decided that I can't allow myself to buy anything new until I deal with the pile of scrap that has become my craft room!!

First things first -  assemble piles of like paper

Next step - use the pile of scrap to make new beautiful things!!
Let's start with this pretty paper that I used to make these cards several years ago!!

Pretty little pile of scrap:

So I took this paper and some matching solid bluish turquoise paper and I made these:

And I really used up as much of the paper as I possibly could:

So what the heck is it you might ask!?

They are small sets of stationary - perfect for Etsy shop owners!!! 

Set includes:

Business Card Sized envelopes 

Matching little Cards for inside the envelopes

Matching Sticker Seals to close up the envelope

The little envelopes can hold business cards, the little matching notes and more:

Matching Notes: 

Matching Sticker Seals:

I LOVE the way these turned out and I love that I am FINALLY using up all of the scraps that I have been meaning to do something with!!!! 

I made a black and white set too and have tons more coming!!

Stay tuned for more Piles of SCRAP!!!