Paper Majik

Here is My Secret!!

2012-02-12T20:15:00.004-05:00

Take a look at this--my night light series. This is just the first in my limited edition. Tell me what you would like to see.

Click below to go to the listing:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/92872591/cedar-bark-hand-made-paper-night-light

Id love to know what you would like to see...

Also, blog readers, use the code--blog15 for 15 % off this new edition lamp....YAY

a Small hint!!

2012-01-30T19:40:00.002-05:00

Are you curious as to my new creation? It will be smaller than my current items. It will involve light. It will include paper and flora of all kinds....The parts are on the way from the manufacturer..

Well, I think I gave 3 hints... more tomorrow

I went hiking today!

2012-01-29T21:08:00.002-05:00

Now for something completely different!!

I went hiking in my Christmas present--hiking boots. It was a beautiful, sunny day and a warm 50ish degrees. We, my husband and I, went to the Green River Gorge. The water was green, of course, and the hemlocks, dog hobble, ferns were all a lusicous green as well. The hiking cleared my mind of clutter and I want to build up my hiking legs so that we can do longer hikes. I did pretty well--we completed 5 miles. I am learning my boots, and now I have 2 blisters on my heels. While we were out, I was thinking about my store and I saw some Christmas tree ferns. Remember the lamps with those leaves? Well, some of the leaves came home with me....the roots are in tact and can grow more leaves.

Also, I have hit upon an idea that I think will be fabulous and fun..Everyone will want one and will be able to afford it. This idea will be a spring selling point or maybe next month when I can get a few made...oh, the mystery!!

Vacations!!! Now is the time to plan~~~

2012-01-21T20:37:00.003-05:00

Where are you thinking about going on vacation?? Now is the time to plan. And I am trying to plan my vacation for the summer to the Pacific Northwest, but everything I try is not working out. The timing is not right!!!

Well, your timing is perfect to snag this North Carolina Coastline Journal.

A brown paper bag is recycled as the handmade paper base for the journal. Map pieces were also blended into the pulp to give a unique appearance to the paper.

The bead dangle has a shell with drilled hole, quartz bead, flat red glass and complementary small beads.

The theme of this journal is a North Carolina vacation as the coast of my state is stitched into the spine.

Who doesn't love a vacation on a coast line??

Do you have a different vacation planned? Well, click below for a custom journal for your personal vacation.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/64138774/hand-made-paper-custom-travel-journal

Golden Journal

2012-01-08T17:51:00.004-05:00

Using my son's favorite hand made paper with gold leaf scraps blended into the pulp, I created a journal with 6 signatures and front and back hard cover for this exquisite coptic bound journal. Every part of this journal is hand made, except of course the inside pages.

Visit my store for more information about my new journal!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/90068672/golden-coptic-stitched-journal-with

Happy New Year 2012!!

2012-01-01T12:47:00.003-05:00

November and December were really crazy, so I had few blog posts. No promise about the new year.

My newest lamp is an upcycled lamp from a yard sale. I unassembled the lamp, tore off the paper, repainted the wood and on my handmade paper, painted 4 different Chinese symbols.

The next lamp in my series is bold, black Chinese symbols painted on white abaca hand made paper.

I chose and painted the symbols for destiny, happiness, harmony, and peace.

I feel these symbols are universal in meaning for the start of the new year.

Check out my store here.

Brand New Coptic Stitch Journal with Hand Made Paper

2011-12-27T15:23:00.003-05:00

My hardbound journal has hand made paper covering the front and back covers for an elegant recycled feel.

The vintage chocolate button and soft tan color of handmade paper make this journal a gift for the new year.

A vintage stamp is hand stamped asymmetrically on the left.

Mottled taupe hand made paper covers each signature and and there is a slight difference between signatures combining for a pattern.

My friend, Erin Keane, at Artistry Studio, has helped me learn the coptic stitch and here is the result of that learning!

Check out my store for more journals by clicking this link.

Five Hand Marbled and Hand Made Paper Thank You Cards

2011-11-11T20:21:00.004-05:00

Whoa, Has it really been 2 months since I blogged? Spank me!!

Oh well, life gets in the way. I have been creating new products and going to craft shows which wipe me out.

Here's a new set of Thank You cards.

These five Thank You cards are special because they are totally handmade, they are bright, colorful and very personal.

First, the main paper is hand made abaca paper with sizing.

Second, the front covers have been marbled. Marbling is the 17th Century technique of floating paint on a thickened water surface and drawing a design.

When the paper is dry, the sizing prevents any ink pen from bleeding or feathering when you write your message.

Use these cards as thank you's during your busy holiday season! Visit my store for more special cards for the season!

Modern Natural Hand Made Paper Light with Scarlet Red Oak Leaves Series 200

2011-09-16T20:13:00.003-04:00

Here is my next lamp. Modern Natural Hand Made Paper Light with Scarlet Red Oak Leaves Series 200. I found that this lamp was much easier to make, (Thanks, Ashby for helping with the sawing and drilling!)

My earthy handmade paper light with scarlet red oak leaves on three sides is a modern addition to a small table or night stand.

I am excited about this light because of all the recycling, upcycling and natural items I have incorporated. The pine wood base is salvaged from old shelving, the stick supports are from the forest, and the electrical cord is upcycled from an old lamp.

Take a look around my shop for other exciting paper products here.

Ivory Hand Made Paper Chinese Good Luck Symbol Journal

2011-09-06T16:59:00.003-04:00

This ivory handmade paper Chinese good luck symbol is a beautifully made and constructed journal.

The unusual spine is real bamboo that has dried to a light green color.

The bamboo spine makes this so cover journal sturdier.

The ivory handmade paper cover is acid free and has sizing which allowed the painting of the Chinese symbol for "Good Luck".

My unique spine of green bamboo is included in the Japanese stab binding which holds 30 blank pages (60 front and back). The bamboo will change colors while you live your life as a work of art!

Visit PaperMajik to find this journal and many more!!

What kind of symbol would you like painted on the cover??

HandMade Paper Rosh Hashanah Card

2011-09-03T19:34:00.002-04:00

Celebrate Jewish New Year with my Hand Made Paper Rosh Hashanah Card and Abstract Ram's Horn.

I talked to my friend to make sure this is appropriate for the season and he said yes!

Rosh Hashanah is coming up on September 29. Why not send a hand made paper card this year! I have extras, just let me know.

Handmade Paper Journal Cover with Vintage Photo Of Couple and Vintage Patriotic Stamps

2011-08-07T17:14:00.003-04:00

I started thinking about the up coming Labor Day holiday and our Soldiers. We are so lucky to live in the US and I am very proud of all of the military. So to honor the soldiers and their families who have sacrificed, I created this journal with a vintage photo of a couple, 2 vintage stamps supporting the military and the steel industry and vintage navy blue beads from West Germany.

The vintage photo of a couple is glued in the upper right hand corner and the words Proud To Be American individual hand stamped letters.

An american flag decal is placed over the photo to add mystery and drama.

The theme of the journal is Patriotism and American.

I'm pleased with the white stitching along the spine and the beads--4 navy blue vintage West Germany interlocking, five letter beads spelling P-E-A-C-E.

Do you know some one in the military? Share your stories.

Nature Loving Scrapbooking paper

2011-08-05T19:32:00.002-04:00

Hand Made Paper Scrapbooking Collection 8--3 Woodland Green and 3 Rustic Ochre Papers are muted colors that will fit into the nature lovers memory books.
Irregularities are a feature of the hand papermaking process because no two pieces of paper catch the fibers in the same manner.

You will receive 3 each 5" x 7"--woodland green with darker green specks, and rustic yellow ochre with ground leaf matter.

Each paper has a deckle edge.

A deckle edge is created when the pulp is caught in the mould and deckle frame set.

Visit my store here for more papers.

Brand New!!

2011-07-30T19:17:00.005-04:00

Hand Made Paper Journal With Coptic Stitch Binding--broomsedge tan paper around 5 signatures and recycled brown bag as the end papers.
This journal has a great feel because the five signatures are stitched into the spine and the 5 3/4" x 4 3/8" inch size. It is perfect for holding.

Each signature has ten pages 5 1/4" x 4 1/4" of artic white paper stitched in the center. When folded that is 20 pages.

The total pages in this limited edition journal is 100 pages.

My coptic stitch journal is unique because my handmade paper separates each section of papers.

I showed this to my son and he likes the weight and feel of the journal.
Then I showed it to my sister and she said, "wow, this would be great for grandmothers. Each signature would be for each grand child. You could customize the number of signatures that the grandmother needed!" What a great idea, Sis!!! I love you!

So folks, who would like a customized, handmade paper covered, coptic stitch journal?? Even if you are not a grandmother, I can customize a journal for you!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-27T17:09:00.002-04:00

Where do you think this waterfall is located?

What inspires Me?

2011-07-26T20:18:00.005-04:00

My husband and I went on a trip with a couple of very dear friends to the Great Smoky Mountains this weekend. We went hiking for three days when it dawned on me that maybe my readers would be interested in what inspires me. So I will show you a couple of pictures which I took and then show you one of my newest cards.

I love to look at the mountains and the different layers for a vista or wide view. Then when we are walking in the woods and I see the ferns, leaves, flowers, etc close-up, I want to combine all into one small card front. I may put in a color for a sun or a moon-(Gee, that's a good idea), blue for the hint of sky and then a plant close-up for perspective.

I really am creating a quality card that my customers will be proud to send. It's important when, if you are like me, a person only sends a card occassionally to a very good friend or relative.

What are your thoughts on who you would send a very special card?

Hand Made Paper Card--Fly Away Love--Anniversary, Wedding, Mother's Day

2011-07-20T11:35:00.002-04:00

Wordless Wednesday Card

PaperMajik Reveals New Project!!

2011-07-19T21:24:00.007-04:00

Papermajik reveals new project, soon to be in her store..

Do you remember a few posts ago when I had a picture of what looked like a pile of sticks?

Well, as promised, you get the first look at what I created--a paper lamp. This is my paper with gingko leaves pressed into the paper. The lamp is constructed of basswood which I cut, stained, glued and screwed together to hold a small light bulb (night light size).

I wanted to create this as an accessory to one's home.

This is a proto-type as I was learning while I created. What should I charge for the lamp? I really need your input--$30, $60, ???

Thanks for looking and giving your help.

Hand Made Paper Journal Cover--Florida Vacation

2011-07-17T11:29:00.003-04:00

It's vacation time!!! How many of you are going on a vacation? Where are you going? Tell me all about your vacation plans!!

My plans this summer are to renovate my kitchen. I will be painting, a plumber is coming in to fix a leak, the cabinets have to be moved, the floor fixed and then the cabinets will be replaced. This all sounds simple, but I have been stressing out about the coordinating. I'll show some pictures later on.

So, I am dreaming of a summer vacation. That's why I created this journal.

My Hand Made Paper Journal Cover--Florida Vacation is ready to go with you and capture your memories of a fast fleeting time-off from work.

A brown paper bag is recycled as the handmade paper base for the journal. Map pieces were also blended into the pulp to give a unique appearance to the paper.

The bead dangle has a shell, green pearl and black triangular bead.

Can't wait to hear about your vacation plans!

Hand Made Paper Scrapbooking Collection 3--Orange, Mauve, Light Green, Yellow-Orange and Tan

2011-07-15T13:30:00.003-04:00

After a flurry of sales of my handmade paper for scrapbooking, I have decided to try a few more series or collections of my papers for sale. Here is the next collection.

Hand Made Paper Scrapbooking Collection-Orange, Mauve, Light Green, Yellow-Orange and Tan Paper are a group of unique papers which I have made over the year and are perfect for your scrapbooking needs.

Irregularities are a feature of the hand papermaking process because no two pieces of paper catch the fibers in the same manner.

You will receive 1 each 5" x 7"--bright orange with black and confetti, muted mauve with fabric shreds, light green with darker green pulp yellow-ornage with blue and gold glitter and one oure abaca piece measuring 5 3/4 x 8 1/4.

Black Hand Made Paper Journal--Classic and Natural

2011-07-13T17:22:00.004-04:00

I have ONLY one big black handmade paper journal with green raffia and blue sparkles!! It is classic and natural!

Is it going to be yours?

You can carry it around to jot down thoughts as they come in your mind.

A soft, handmade paper cover sparkles with glitter and confetti, like ideas, covering 30 pages of Classic Laid White Frost machined paper for easy writing.

The cover is japanese stab stitched with green raffia, binding all the pages together.

The size is 7" x 9".

Small Red Heart Hand Made Paper Journal with Feathery Fabric

2011-07-11T17:09:00.002-04:00

Paper Majik is pleased to offer this Small Red Heart Hand Made Paper Journal with Feathery Fabric. The handmade paper cover is stitched to bind 20 blank pages for your creative thoughts. (Counting front and back of the paper, you will have 40 pages for creative inspiration.)

Notice the deckle edges of the handmade paper.

In all the photos, look for flecks of fabric. I cut up fabric and blended the pieces to add texture to my paper.

I'm inspired to relist this journal because I had a fabulous sale of 3 journals today!!

More pictures of a what is it tomorrow!!

What is It??

2011-07-08T10:50:00.005-04:00

Ok, folks, I 'm starting to work a little harder on my blog. So here is a photo or two of a project that I am working on right now. I would like for you to guess what it is.

I'll give more photos as this work progresses and you will be the first to see the finished project.

So leave me a comment/guess.

Hand Made Single Recycled School Paper Herb Seed Card--Oregano

2011-07-07T20:27:00.002-04:00

A single hand made recycled school paper herb seed card with a red heart has tiny oregano seeds!! Making paper cards and recycling school paper is even better with hearts and bumpy earth ready seeds!

The small bumps under each heart are seeds. Did I say small? These seeds are as tiny as the periods on this page! I had to wet my pinky finger to place the seeds on the card!

The paper is recycled school paper, so you will be saving the earth too.

IMPORTANT NOTE-- No school children were harmed in the production of these cards, only their school work!

Happy Fourth of July

2011-07-03T21:05:00.003-04:00

I wish everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July!! Enjoy what you are doing, enjoy who you are with and remember how we acquired this freedom. Many people, who are braver than I am, go and fight in another land, or on our soil to preserve our freedom.

THANK YOU!!

2011-07-01T20:50:00.003-04:00

By the way, I have had computer issues--monitor was turning yellow and making it hard to read. I now have a flat screen and wireless keyboard and mouse!! I'll be blogging more now!!

Check out my musician friend who is preparing to produce his first album!! I work with his talented wife who is an art teacher like myself. The album is named The World As I See it. Check him out!!

Support talented musicians!!

Plantable Hand Made Card

2011-06-28T13:24:00.007-04:00

This plantable handmade card is loaded with Yellow Coreopsis seeds to wish a special Happy Birthday!!

Do you love to save the earth? Do you love gardening? Do you love flowers? Do you love to send notes to friends? Well, this yellow coreopsis flower card with seeds is for you!!

I am enjoying creating this line of plantable cards. At last weekend's craft fair, majik seed bombs, and plantable cards were my top sellers.

Here's the link to my earlier blog post about starting out with specific seeds behind a paper heart.

http://paintingpam.blogspot.com/2011/02/great-deal-for-my-blog-friends.html

What seeds would you like to find in a plantable card? Vegetable, herb, flowers? I love to get new ideas from you!

Proud Parents!

2011-06-18T18:51:00.002-04:00

Baby Birds Fledge!!

Hi, nature is so amazing!! I spent the better part of yesterday watching a nest of carolina wren babies fledge!! I felt like I was the mother. At about 11 am, my husband and son called me to the back porch to watch the nest. The bird parents were feeding the babies constantly. Everytime the parent would come with food, they would not get close so the babies had to stretch to reach the worm or insect. Wings would flutter out but the babies would climb back in the birdhouse. One fell out of the birdhouse and we proceeded to be worried about it. It hopped and found it's way up the tree trunk where the house was, not once but 3 times!! It did not climb in. The parents continued feeding the remaining babies until all had fallen out of the nest.

Three babies made it up the tree trunk where home was but the last two babies stuck together and hopped all over our backyard away from where daddy was wanting them to go. He kept watching, while mom was in the holly trees with the 3 other babies. These last two were independent thinkers and doers and did not follow the brothers and sisters! :-)

We left them last night and hoped that they made it through the night safely, but I was plumb worn out!! I felt like I had taught those little creatures myself!!

Custom Wedding Scrapbook

2011-06-12T19:01:00.005-04:00

Hey, Blog Friends!!

I have been so busy on a special project and now it is finished! I want to share it with you!!

This is a custom journal/scrapbook with every part--pages and covers--using handmade paper!! The bride and groom wanted the colors of their wedding included in the pulp--mint green and red violet fabric. The couple wanted natural materials included aas well.

'>Take a look at the slide show here.

I am very pleased with the results~!

4 Treasuries in One Day--WOW

2011-05-19T19:48:00.004-04:00

Hi, Friends,

I am in total shock! Four beautiful treasuries in one day!! and Here's the most amazing fact--three T's feature the same item!! Thank you to the wonderful stores that found me and my items.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4dd4ba7cdc736d913e118de4/going-to-the-south-west

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4dd51fce8f6b6d91ea0f4637/sharing-the-latest-and-greatest-from

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4dd5170558988eef80616770/follow-the-pointers

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4dd5a42d9a398eef4af7d16d/light-in-the-end-of-the-tunnel

The wonderful stores are
sparksoffire
Vital Temptations
SusanEknits
AngelaDesigns

Check out each of their stores--the name is linked!!

It's been a LONG, LONG time, friends!

2011-05-07T19:06:00.003-04:00

Thank you for all the comments and inquiries into my whereabouts---just joking!! I really hope that many of you have wondered where I was.

I had an exptremely busy April with lots of up and downs at work and then the last week in April was my spring break. My husband and I celebrated our 26th anniversary at our faovrite beach--Edisto in South Carolina. I came back very relaxed!!

Today, my son, Ashby, and I went yard saleing--is that the correct usage of -ing??:-)

Above is one of my many purchases. I like to stamp greetings on my handmade paper cards and I found, with my son's help, 2 different Thank You's, With Sympathy, Get Well Soon a postage stamp and a plant and 3 different stamp pads. Ashby reminded me that the price of stamps can be as high as $6 each and then the ink stamp pads can be $4 so I was armed and ready to negotiate. The lady saw what I had and counted 50 cents a stamp and $1 each for the ink pads and said, how about $5 for all. I said Yes, without any negotiating!!

I love yard sales!! There's another big one next weekend and we are going!

Looking Forward to Saturday!

2011-04-15T17:03:00.002-04:00

In case anyone is interested, after a long agonizing week babying my left forefinger, I think I am going to Live hahaha. Well, it really is not as bad as I thought at the time, but I am still not typing with it because of the pressure hurts my finger tip, and it makes interesting to type without one finger. Tomorrow, I will finish making the paper for the custom journal. I couldn't make it all last week because the paper is big--13 x 19, just fitting in my hydraulic press, I didn't have lots of blankets to press on (only 10) and I didn't have enough cardboard. But I'll finish this weekend. If you would like to watch a video about papermaking, click on this link and you will see a nice video that my son helped me make when I had my paintingpam etsy store. http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1060147998712&ref=mf

Featured Artist Sunday!!

2011-04-10T15:50:00.004-04:00

My featured artist today is all the way from Istanbul, Turkey!! Welcome to Acya!! She was very eager to share information about her talent and personal life.

She is 35 years old, has been married nearly 8 years and has an almost 3 year old daughter.

She learned to knit and crochet from my mother when I was 6 or 7 years old.. That's often how the skill is passed down. Therefore, I have nearly 29 years of experience in knit & crochet work.

Professionally, also known as making money, she has been knitting and crocheting the last 2 1/2 years..

Before that I was knitting & crocheting for myself, and my friends as a gifts.

After Oyku, my daughter, was born and to get rid of postpartum depression; I started to search for an online shop and I met with Etsy :)

My first favorite part for knit & crochet "go-off"part because it means my creative design is finished. "When I am working the design is in my mind. I don't use pattern ( usually )."

Therefore when I started my etsy shop, only my dreams, my love, and enthusiasm for knitting helped me become better at my skill.

My second favorite part is "feedback" from customers.

"I design an item with LOVE and care + best quality materials + excellent customer service = HAPPY & returning customer." Well said Ayca!!

In five years, I plan to still be a good mom, to still be a good wife and to still be a healthy female!!

Great Plan! Meanwhile in my store, I will spread my name and designs worldwide--WATCH out world!! Here comes Acya. Now ladies and gentlemen, Help boost Acya's worldwide reach by going to her shop and finding your favorite item!!

I learned how to cut fabric fast...and a whole lot more!!

2011-04-09T17:16:00.004-04:00

I am working on a custom order journal. The customer wants fabric chips which I agree I can add.

Well, I'm feeling a little rushed as I have just about a month to complete the job. So I remember that I can use a rotary cutter to chop the fabric up fast.

However, I haven't used it for 10 years and it's harder than I think, so I go and buy a new blade at a fabric shop. That works like a charm. I am whizzing through the fabric and within a square foot of finishing, when I roll over my finger. I say ouch and start to continue cutting when I see red at the end of my finger.

I cut a huge chunk of my finger tip off (It was left in the blade, ewww!) I spent the next 15 minutes trying to get the bleeding to stop.

After about 8 different kinds of bandaids and lots of Kleenex, the bleeding did stop. Now I have a peg for my pointer finger to type with.:=)

And you can see that I finished cutting all the fabric, and I maght add that there is no red on the pieces.

Featured Artist Sunday!!

2011-03-26T20:20:00.004-04:00

Hi, I am back in the swing of my features now and I had a quick reply to my surprise convo, sooooo the featured artist is Whysper Fairy! It is fun to do this feature because I find out about artists who have hearted my shop and learn that they also read my blog. When you think no one is around...watch out. Two eyes are looking and reading. Such is the case with Whysper Fairy.

Now on to the interview:

how I got started crafting?

I don't really remember. I have been crafting different things for over 30 years. I love garage sales and find a lot of things to re-purpose or use in my crafts on the weekends at those. That is the best way to find goodies!!

I hoard....I mean collect everything if I think I will use it in crafting some day. I have an entire closet filled with "stuff I'm going to use one day!" I have four stores on Etsy due to my varied interests. Wow, I can't imagine managing 4 stores, I have a hard time with one. I love making soap. Decorative Victorian pretty soap is my favorite. Although I also love the look of organic brown square goats milk soaps too. :)

I sell soap in Julies Sparkly Bits although it started as a vintage shop as I love vintage too. Lol

I love finding vintage and antique jewelry. If it is a good piece I'll sell it as is. If it is broken I'll tear it up more and use pieces to make beautiful Victorian themed brooches. I also love hippie beads, findings and the hemp jewelry. I love buttons and ribbons and bows, cute findings and sparkly things. These things you will find in my shop Dinkalulu here on Etsy and Julies Little Bits.

My latest shop Whysper Fairy was born of trying to find a good inexpensive soap mold. It was hard to find what I wanted and for a reasonable price so......I figured out how to make molds and made it myself. I loved making molds and just never stopped. Now I have this store selling my molds so other people can make great soaps, fondant pieces, resin and PMC and clay jewelry!

Favorite part of what I do is working completely from home. That's is Great!!

I love what I do. After 30 years of working for someone else I am finally able to work solely in my shops and sell online. My dream has finally come true! Congratulations, it can be done!

In 5 years I see myself still crafting and making beautiful things. Hope to have some Grandchildren to visit by then too! Your children must be a little older than my son:-)

Thank you for this wonderfully inspiring interview!!

OK, Check out her shop, Whysper Fairy through the name or any picture!! Tell us what you like best from her shop. Have anyone bought from Whysper already?

iPhone vs. Droid

2011-03-26T08:34:00.004-04:00

I am excitedly looking into to buying a new phone. I currently have a flip phone, which I love, but it's time to upgrade. I have had in mind buying a droid because I have several friends who have one and totally love it. The reason I want to upgrade is to take credit cards at craft fairs.

So yesterday, I went shopping with my college son. I let the salesman walk me through all the the different phones and talk about the pros and cons of each. (I didn't let him know I was interested in a droid) So he showed me the thunderbolt , Droid x, and the iPhone.

Wow, they are all impressive!! Price wise, the iPhone is the best bargain. I never thought I would want an apple product, but after seeing how it works...how could you want anything else.

What are your experiences with either the droid or the iPhone? Are they equal? Easy to use? Easy to use with etsy?

Thanks for your comments?

Wordless Wednesdays

2011-03-23T18:17:00.001-04:00

Featured Artist Sunday, but wait, Today is Monday!!

2011-03-21T17:05:00.005-04:00

My features have taken a spring break, but now I am back, although one day late, to posting about fabulous shops who have hearted me. This week's winner is ... drumroll...flowersbyljp!

Read on for her fascinating story-
I got started pressing flowers about four years ago. I had quit my job to care for my elderly mother full-time and had lots of time to get creative. We both loved gardening and flowers so she would help me start plants from seeds.

I was browsing the crafting section of books at the library and found one on how to press flowers. So I began pressing flowers from my garden in phone books, then using them to create cards and bookmarks or to decorate picture frames.

My favorite part is that I've tried several types of crafting and keep looking for new ways to be creative.

I've done French beading (making flowers by stringing tiny seed beads onto wire and twisting the wire into flower shapes), make beaded jewelry, beaded bobby hair pins, and vintage postage stamp magnets.

In five years, I'd like to be done de-stashing the vintage postage stamps, linens, and purses that I inherited from my parents and aunt and be listing only my crafts on my Etsy shop!

And hold on to your hats: Laurie, wants to give some lucky person a choice of one item FREE from her shop.

Now that deserves a round of applause!! Check back here on Friday to see who wins a free trip to flowersbyljp!!

Click on any picture or Laurie's store name to go and visit her wonderful store!!

MIA since the first of the month!

2011-03-17T19:34:00.003-04:00

Wow, Have I really been missing in action since the last of February? Well, here's the story.

My husband and I were driving to celebrate his 60th birthday at a resaurant when I received a call from a doctor where my son is attending college. The doctor recommended that we come and pick him up because he had such a high fever (102-104) for five days and he and other doctors couldn't figure out why. He thought it might be a blood infection, gave me all this other scary talk, too. The university is 2 hours away.

So after Bob's dinner, we were on the road by 7:30pm. I was driving and it was a panicked mom trying to get to her son as quick as possible. A long the way, Ashby called and we coordinated a midway pick-up-transfer point. We drove him home and was at the house by 10:30. I called my school to tell them I would be out taking him to the doctor and ended up staying out 3 days. The bottom line was he had mono. It was a scary time for us. Spring break was the next week, so he was home recouperating.

We went to a gem mine to dig for sapphires as a fun thing do to before he went back to school.
He found 50 sapphires totally 45 carats in weight.

Enough of the my sad story, loyal bloggers, Couponcode Blog15 will earn you 15% off in my etsy store!! Come visit and find loads of spring items!!

Great Deal For My Blog Friends!!

2011-02-28T20:31:00.004-05:00

They are finished!! My plantable basil seed cards and zinnia seed cards!! The green hearts are basil, the coral pink are zinnia.

Both types of seeds you chose right here on my blog!

So you get the first deal!!

Buy a pack of four cards for $15 and tell me not only which kind of cards you want but you will get a fifth card FREE!!

That's $3 per card!!!

WOWIE! Can you find a deal like that in a store??

Here's the link to the cards in my store: click here or on either picture.

In the notes to seller tell me you are a blog friend and which type of card!

Featured Artist Sunday--Crystal Celebration

2011-02-26T22:32:00.004-05:00

Today's Featured Artist is CrystalCelebration. Let's read and learn about her fabulous craft!

When did you get started in your craft?

I started a little over a year ago when I left my job to stay home with my two children. I love spending my days reading and playing with my boys. After they went to sleep I would remove the play dough from under my nails ( which is a skill in itself) and enjoy some adult craft time.

I started trying different crafts with different materials. I worked with card stock, vinyl, etching creams, and swarovski crystals. I love them all but there is something about the crystals that just puts a smile on my face. There is nothing more adult than hundreds of glistening Swarovski crystals.

What is your favorite part of your chosen craft?

I love knowing the pieces I create will be part of such an important day for my customer. My sand ceremony sets represent unity in couples and newly combined families. My cake toppers will be present in photos of the bride and groom's first bite of cake. I always hope they will look at the items I made for their wedding years from now and remember how happy they were on that special day.

In five years, what would you like to be doing?

I hope in 5 years to have expanded my company and be able to employ other mothers looking for a way to earn an income while staying home with their children. I am currently holding a giveaway on my facebook fanpage www.facebook.com/CrystalCelebration .

Once I hit 200 fans I will randomly choose a winner who will receive a 5 inch tall metal monogram cake topper covered in Crystal Swarovski crystals.

Wow, what an amazing craft!! It really is a special memento for brides and grooms to have at their special day. Show Jocelyn's shop some love.

And the seed winners....

2011-02-25T20:30:00.002-05:00

are Basil and Zinnia!! I will be making zinnia seed cards tomorrow out of recycled school paper!!
Last weekend, I made basil paper mainly because I love basil pesto and I was gambling that basil would win!

So by Monday or Tuesday, I will have a special offer for blog followers of the brand new seed cards for 2011!! Come back and be the first to buy these cards that keep on growing!

Don't forget about the survey--2 days!!

2011-02-23T17:59:00.002-05:00

I am planning on a special product sale once the votes are in for your favorite seeds to be included in a paper notecard!! Stay tuned for more information!! The early bird gets the seed!

Featured Artist Sunday--Paper, Paper, Paper and a GiveAway!

2011-02-19T21:42:00.005-05:00

The randomly selected store from my hearts on etsy happens to be another store which loves paper! Congratulations to paperplanet!!

>>>When did you get started in your craft?
I‘ve always Loved “making things”...even as a child. For as long as I can remember I’ve enjoyed giving one or two of my ‘handmades’ as gifts for family and friends. So every year it’s still an enjoyable challenge to come up with something new and different to give. There’s something very rewarding and meaningful about working on something special and presenting it to a relative or friend as a birthday or holiday gift.
I love Nature, being outdoors and gardening. The art of flower pressing has always intrigued me so it was a natural progression for me to combine my naturals from my gardens with handmade papers to create my Earth Lights and Luminaries, Earth Bookmarks, and Jewelry.

>>>What is your favorite part of your chosen craft?
I’m inspired by Nature nearly every day and I love to experiment with all kinds of flowers, leaves, and naturals. My gardens and container plants are a constant inspiration. It’s a joy to see flowers in full bloom and abundant with color. I enjoy growing flowers from seed and I also purchase additional garden plants, flowers, herbs, and bouquets. Gardening is one of my passions and I love learning about the flowers I grow and use. I depend on the success of my gardens in the Spring and Summer to provide me with enough pressed flowers and greenery for my projects to last until the next growing season. (Wow, that seems like a daunting task!)
One of my favorite things to do is work with lots of pressed flowers from Summer on a freezing cold Winter day. (That does sound fun!)

>>>In five years, what would you like to be doing?
I love what I’m doing right now so in five years I hope I’m still working with flowers and handmade papers, discovering more ways to make use of my materials, continuing to experiment, and always learning more. There are so many other areas of art I’d like to pursue (weaving, jewelry, ceramics, I could go on and on) I know I’ll still be expressing myself creatively!

And I also enjoy writing and have shared many of my projects, techniques and art experiences in over 50 published articles for a variety of national art/craft magazines such as: Better Homes & Gardens Special Interest Holiday issues, Crafting Traditions, Crafts ‘N Things to name a few.

PaperPlanet is an active environmentalist, and views her art as a unique opportunity to bring the wonders of nature to those who enjoy embellishing their lives in peaceful, beautiful, fulfilling, and Earth-honoring ways.

Now PaperPlanet wants to offer a free Earth Light to one lucky person who comments on her shop. Go to PaperPlanet and find your favorite item and post your comment here!! Next Saturday, Febraury 26, I'll announce the winner.

Wordless Wednesday Favorites

2011-02-16T19:37:00.001-05:00

Featured Artist Sunday

2011-02-13T12:24:00.004-05:00

Featured artist Sunday is here again and the lucky winner is grimmlynn.

Here is Jeni's story.

When did you get started in your craft?

Well, it's not really a craft. I have a shop full of supplies that are still looking for their purpose. Many of my items are vintage while some are only a decade (or less) old. I never intended to be a supply shop. I really didn't. Then one day about 2 years ago I discovered the beauty of estate sales and thrift stores. The next thing I know I had nearly filled my studio full with fabric, lace and buttons. I started looking for vintage sheets with cool patterns that were damaged. I would cut them up so they were still usable as fabric pieces. I realized all these items still had a lot of life in them. I knew these treasures had been locked away for far too long. I wanted to showcase them and let others see their true potential. I wanted people who were looking for unique supplies to be able to come see my items and purchase things that aren’t available at their local fabric or craft shop.

What is your favorite part of your chosen craft?

I am a very sentimental person. When I send off a yard of fabric or button collection it gives me a real sense of satisfaction knowing these things are finally out in the creative world perhaps meeting their destiny as a scarf, accessory or button jewelry. I know that must sound so corny, but it's true. I also love seeing what people have created with supplies from my shop. That absolutely makes my day!

In five years, what would you like to be doing?

In 5 years, I hope to find time to open a shop for my other true passion, needle felting. I am certain I will still be looking for amazing supplies for my shop, too.

Wow, that is so sweet, Jeni, giving vintage items a new life. Thanks for sharing.
Now let's give her shop some love!! How many of you need special, well-loved, and previously hidden items?

Comment here if you like using supplies like what grimmlynn offers!

Wordless Wednesday Favorites

2011-02-09T19:47:00.001-05:00

Super Featured Artist Sunday!!

2011-02-06T13:36:00.006-05:00

Today you are in for a Super Featured Artist Sunday with one of my newest followers of my etsy shop---love4rocks. My email caught her off guard and Nicole, the owner of love4rocks, was speechless!!

When she regained her voice, she told an interesting story. I am Nicole and I am originally from a tiny village in the Swiss Alps. Today I call the Pacific Northwest my home. I live with my hubby in a charming little apartment in Portland, OR. I do spend most of the year on the road, due to my work, but when I am home I call a corner in our office my artisan jewelry workshop.

1. When did you get started in your craft?

I have been crafting forever. I studied architecture, so I was involved with Art for a long time. I spent years with watercolor painting, went to scrap-booking, and found a couple of years ago my newest destiny – jewelry making.

My passion for jewelry comes from my fascination with gemstones, rocks and raw minerals. I try to let each stone tell me a story and then I try to showcase its simplicity and unique beauty. The inspiration and passion for my jewelry comes from my travels, from different cultures, from nature, from colors, and from the stone itself.

2. What is your favorite part of your chosen craft?

Often I find my inspiration in nature as I travel by foot, by air, or on the water. I always have a little notebook with me to write down any idea or inspiration that comes to me.

3. In five years, what would you like to be doing?

In a few years from now, I hope my shop has expanded and I am still as creative as I am now. I hope my unique style will develop and evolve with me. My dream is to do more metalsmithing art, as well as more wire wrapped pendants and rings. I will have a larger space :)

4. Is there anything else you would like to share?

I have just celebrated my 1 year anniversary on etsy. I have loved my time here and I am still overwhelmed with joy if one of my creations finds a new owner. I just created a special coupon code for this blog, please feel free to use BLOG10 and get 10% off. A simple way to get to my shop www.etsy.com/shop/love4rocks. or click on any picture!

Thank You, Nicole for sharing your story with us. Now it's our turn to share and show Nicole and love4rocks some love. Find your favorite items in her story, come back and share here. Since it is Super Bowl Sunday, some lucky post will win a pack of fern stationery from my store like this:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/51604010/exclusive-seeds-and-fern-handmade-paper

Thanks again, Nicole!

Featured Artist Sunday

2011-01-30T11:12:00.005-05:00

Welcome to Featured Artist Sunday--and today's winner is Lucy Ingels !!! Round of Applause!!!

Lucy tells me that she have been crafting forever it seems and her style has evolved over the years.

"My favorite part of creating is the brainstorming process that precedes every piece I do. So much thought goes into each piece because I create the art around a saying or proverb that has inspired me."

Words are so important to me because they truly have the power to give hope.

I also love bringing together all of the various elements I use.

There are so many beautiful materials available, both new and vintage, and it gives me great pleasure to figure out how to make them work cohesively.

I work on canvas paper and watercolor paper in a variety of mediums that include acrylic, watercolor, colored pencil, watercolor pencil, ink and anything else that intrigues me.

Whimsical embellishments and doo-dads are added to make each one of a kind piece.

In five years, I hope to be a published author/illustrator who continues to live a creative life! And Lucy, you are off to a great start with your fabulous artwork!

Let's give Lucy's shop some love! Post your favorite here and/or choose a saying that has inspired you and tell me about it!

Featured Artist Sunday

2011-01-23T16:43:00.004-05:00

Today's featured artist is a real treat to introduce--CLKConcepts. Cheryl is a true artist and has created an original useful product. The Fry Pan Cozy keeps your fry pans from becoming scratched. Read on for how this was discovered!

A few years ago, I heard about the dangers of using damaged nonstick cookware; and that it is advised to replace nonstick cookware which is scratched because the nonstick finish can flake off and be incorporated into food during the cooking process. (Also, you should never heat a nonstick pan to a high heat, the fumes can be toxic!)

I always used wooden utensils and couldn't figure our why my pans were gettng scratched up. I realized that my pans were getting damaged when storing them stacked one on top of the other in order to save on cabinet space. The pan manufactures recommend placing paper towels between pans during storage, but I came up with a better solution that I call the Fry Pan Cozy.

Since this is a new product that no one would be searching for, I started to make other products such as aprons, placemats, table runners, etc. in order to draw people to my Esty store (which I started in May 2010). Then, customers would discover my Fry Pan Cozys. I have gotten great feedback from people who have purchased the Fry Pan Cozys, and I am now also having fun making the aprons and other items.

It's such a great feeling to have someone purchase an item that you crated and made yourself.

I've been a health insurance agent for many years, and with my Etsy store I've been able to use my creative side that had been put on the back burner for too long, (so to speak--great pun!) and it gets me away from all the paperwork with insurance!

In five years I would love to be able to grow my Etsy business to the point where I could do it on a fulltime basis. (Yes!)

Visit CLKConcepts and find your favorite item. Post it here to share. Better yet, how many of my readers knew about the dangers that Cheryl mentioned? Buy your Fry Pan Cozys today!

Thank you, Cheryl, for talking with me today.

Sale Weekend for Followers!

2011-01-21T17:47:00.005-05:00

Having difficulty deciding what I should write about, I decided to have a blog weekend sale, just for my followers!!

Coupon Code blog15 will get you 15% off anything in my store from today until January 23 at midnight.

You may get to my store here!

Valuable cards for Valentines--all original!

Journals for memories.

Clocks for time.

Featured Artist Sunday

2011-01-16T15:53:00.004-05:00

Today's featured artist is a friend that I met on the More Meaningful Gift Thread, PaperUlixis. I have known her as Uli as we often call each other by store names. I learned her real name is Amanda.

Now for some information about my friend, Amanda or Uli:

She is a completely self-taught artist & crafter, as well as a trained scientist. She enjoys reading, writing, cooking, collecting things. She loves anything handmade or with a bit of history.

Amanda started out making notebooks because of her love writing, journaling & sketching. To be cost effective, she made her own journals. With 3 completed journals what was she to do with them?... enter Etsy!

Meanwhile, she was collecting buttons as embellishments to her notebooks and soon she was wearing them on her wrists! The idea to make jewelry out of buttons came from Etsy (where else?)

So she opened my Ulixis shop with a few notebooks & some button bracelets. Amanda even sold a bracelet within that first week and she was hooked! (Who wouldn't be?)

What is your favorite part of your chosen craft?

Starting new projects - deciding on colours, designs, paper, fabric, etc - & seeing finished projects, holding them in my hands & being able to say "I made this".

In five years, what would you like to be doing?

More of the same - but I particularly want to delve into my mixed-media artwork & explore some more with paint & new techniques.

Uli has a blog also that ties all her creative energy and thought process together.

Visit her shop through any of the pictures and you will see the fun loving paperulixis that I know from the More Meaningful Gift Thread. In fact come visit us at the link on the words. We like to have new friends join us on the thread.

Post your favorite item from her shop.

New Journal--New Mexico

2011-01-14T20:08:00.003-05:00

I just photographed and posted this new journal to my etsy store. From a trip to the southwest, I was inspired by the beauty of the landscape which is so different from here in NC. So using a brown abaca base handmade paper, I drew with prismacolor pencils two landforms that fit in with the map piece which I bound in the spine.

What do you think?

Would you buy a custom journal with the state/cities or country you were visiting?

Thanks for your feedback!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-12T15:48:00.001-05:00

New Featured Etsy Shop

2011-01-09T17:57:00.005-05:00

My featured shop today is SOiNTOiT.

Take a look at just a few of the items in her shop and you will see an excitement and enthusiasm that matches her profile below.

My name is Pam and I'm a recently retired public school music teacher and band director. Christmas programs, parades, musicals, chorus, orchestras, community band; I've directed and participated in them all and taught children for years. (Yes, I can play all those band instruments!) Half time field shows with the band; lots of singing. LOTS of excited little children ready to tromp on stage with even more excited parents in the audience. Great memories. Recitals full of squawks and squeaks and missed cues and triumph! And now there's time for other creativity.

I love to travel, snorkel and scuba dive, snow ski, camp, hike and garden.

I spin and weave, quilt and crochet.

I love bird watching.

I'm a mom and gramma and wife.

I am pleased to be able to say that one of my CarveBoardArt pieces has been chosen for the Exemplar feature in the May/June 2010 issue of Somerset Studio Magazine. Who woulda thunk?http://www.etsy.com/listing/42087753/abc-etude-fine-art-alphabet-giclee-11x14

Check out her store and leave a message of your favorite piece, if you can choose.

Ideas for Posts

2011-01-07T20:26:00.002-05:00

Thanks for your support of my Friend, Diana! Click to visit her store.

What kinds of posts would you like to see from me? I work full time as an elementary school teacher and then I love paper and journals and making paper.

Would you like to read about teaching stories, my paper products and their creation, cooking escapades?

The sky is the limit!!

Start Your New Year off right with Jewelry!

2011-01-02T16:10:00.008-05:00

Happy New Year Friends!!

I'm starting off my blog posts with a feature on my good friend, Diana. She opened up her etsy store in 2010.

Let me give you some background on our friendship. We met in a papermaking class at Penland, NC many years ago. Diana lives in California and I now live in NC. We were instant friends and remained in contact through Christmas cards.

Diana opened her business "Treasures" in 1992 which featured her embellishments on handmade paper books. She has sold online for 10 years. She ventured into the Etsy world in 2010.

"My customers know me best for my pearl necklaces", Diana says, "however, for the last couple of years my metalsmithing has become more prominent." She loves exploring textures, copper and patinaes. You will find that her work is more individual, one-of-a-kind pieces. Four years ago, her best decision was moving her studio to an active neighborhood business oriented street.

So I wanted to feature her store treasuresbydiana . At first look, you will see the gorgeous pearl necklace and earring sets and then the metal shaped earrings. She is placing more items in her store frequently, so come back and visit often!

Visit her store and choose your favorite item. Post a link here. Let's give her store lots of love.

Merry Christmas!!

2010-12-24T21:25:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas to all my blog followers!! Enjoy your time with family and friends, they love and support you in everything you do!!

After the new year begins, I'll go back to featuring a new store each week.

2010-12-12T20:34:00.003-05:00

Gee, I am sorry for the lack of communication! I took an intermediate papermaking class last weekend and was totally wiped out. Asheville Bookworks is an incredible place to learn papermaking, printmaking, bookmaking, letterpress and a lot more. Check out this website
www.ashevillebookworks.com.

It is amazing.

New Feature Store

2010-11-28T19:18:00.009-05:00

Sunday night random number generator--selecting the new featured store

Here are your random numbers:44
Timestamp: 2010-11-29 00:17:08 UTC

And the winning store is: equale!!

From the shop announcement:

I'm =e (pronounced: equally). i'm an artist who believes equality is not only a right, but an essential for life. here you will find an array of art, from bottle-cap jewelry/keychains, etc... to original design screen-printed t-shirts, and prints of some of my designs, paintings and drawings!to get to know more about my shop as well as a little bit about me, be sure to check out all the info in the shop policies section. customer service is very important to me, so you can be sure to shop with confidence!thanks for stopping by, and please check back for updates and new, cool and unique items!=e[because not all art is created equally, but all people should be]

What a fantastic motto for life!!

And look at the art work! From bottle caps to T-shirts to mixed media computer art, equale has the taste of a modern generation. Thank you for hearting my store and in return, I am featuring you.

Now, blog followers, click on any picture and give equalle love also!

New Featured Shop from my Hearts

2010-11-21T19:46:00.005-05:00

My idea to feature a shop by using the random number generator has made one store owner very happy. Here is this week's winner

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:41
Timestamp: 2010-11-22 00:45:16 UTC

And the winner is Pandyamy!!

Her shop announcement reads: Unique Handmade Jewelry for Her. A selection of rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces crafted with silver sterling, 14 kt gold filled, copper and vintaj wire.

Here I am too in Etsyland. I'm an Australian born who is living in Greece. A mum of two beautiful young boys and former EFL Teacher who gave it up to take care of my sons full time. While I love taking care and being there for my sons, it can be very overwhelming. Involving myself in creative work was the only outlet to keep me sane :) I first started out by crafting with casting powder and molds for decorative items. I later began jewelry making and it's been an amazing experience since, learning about it and creating many wonderful pieces of jewelry. It's something I will always enjoy and never give up on.

And that is right!! Look at the beautiful jewelry items she has--

Click on each picture to go to her store.

Come back and comment on your favorite item!

A new Idea

2010-11-14T20:04:00.004-05:00

I want to feature etsy stores who heart me but I've had a problem with thinking of how to feature them. So I went to the random number generator and I have the random number

Here is your random number:18
Timestamp: 2010-11-15 01:01:59 UTC

Now I am off to find who I am promoting tonight!!

FlowersforRealJewelr is the winner!!

From her shop announcement:

Pressed Flowers in Resin are my passion, using as great a variety of flowers as possible. Victorian-style pendants and earrings are my specialty, but I design a variety of real flower jewelry.

Custom pendants made of flowers from weddings, funerals and other special occasions are one of my favorite things to make.

I'd love you to contact me about the flowers from your special event.

No dyes or coloring are used on the flowers in my jewelry.

All the colors in my pressed flower jewelry are Mother Nature's. All flowers will fade over time, no matter in what format they are presented.

Keeping the jewelry in a jewelry box or other dark, dry place will greatly delay the natural aging.

Now look at some of her creations!

Making Custom paper for my watercolorist/pastel friend

2010-11-11T19:24:00.004-05:00

My friend, Karen, has pushed me into making custom paper for her. She is a watercolorist and pastel artist. Together, we are going to make some awesome paper for her to create waterolors and pastel work. Her website is karenchambers.com

I thought I would give you a few of our conversations to show how this works:

Karen--I'm building my papermaking contacts so that special orders like yours will be a main stay of my business.

The paper I made yesterday is 9 x 14. I really want you to try it and all the different ways you listed. It is 100% cotton, with calcium carbonate to maintain acid free and has a sizing in the pulp which helps prevent water absorbancy.

Let's get together one day this week and I can show you what I have made.
Pam

Karen came and picked up 8 sheets of paper.

Pam,
I have used two sheets of the paper for pen and ink drawings. I think the images would show up better if there was about half as much plant fiber inclusions. Also, the paper responds even to the moisture in the ink of my drawing pens. It doesn't bleed but it picks up and shreds as if it were wet. A little smoother surface might work better. Other than that it works really well for drawing. I'll try pastels next. Since there is no moisture involved, we shoud get different results. I still think a little less plant fiber is better as it is also distracting for the design. I am having fun, however. Karen

Karen
Great info! I will adjust the plant fibers and the sizing which prevents the ink bleeding. I know I can correct the bleeding. Pam

Pam,
It is not exactly bleeding. It just disintegrates if it get damp and sticks to the felt nib of my pen. Sometime soon, before I send these to the Atlanta gallery, I want to let you see what I have done with it as far as drawings. It works great for botanicals. Your paper gives it a personality it would not have with any storebought stuff. We may have a great partnership here! Karen

Check out Karen's website!! She's extremely talented and busy!!

Would you like custom made paper? Contact me at http://www.papermajik.etsy.com/

More posts to come showing how she used my paper!

Feast Day--An Accidental Happening

2010-11-07T19:13:00.002-05:00

It all started out with a beef roast that I had thawed all day yesterday. I had planned on putting it the crock pot to cook all day. When I unwrapped the roast and found rib bones and t bones that wouldn't move, I enlisted the help and knowledge of my husband, who is an accomplished chef. We decided to cook it like a turkey in the oven. I had already chopped up garlic before this decision was made. We pasted the garlic on all sides of the roast, draped sliced onions on toothpicks and salt & peppered it. Then it was cooked with an aluminum foil tent for 3 1/2 hours. (While the oven was hot, I baked cookies for my son at college. ) Then for supper, I cooked acorn squash with butter, brown sugar, nutmeg, walnuts and cracker crumbs. I cooked brown rice.

Whew!! IT was a ton of work, but now we are set for meals during the week. I wish you could have stopped by for a plate!

2010-11-03T21:08:00.002-04:00

Well, Here I am again at a late notice at updating my blog!

I am offereing some of my Christmas cards on early sale.

Check them out:
http://www.etsyonsale.com/shop/papermajik

A Long Overdue Thank You

2010-10-13T19:43:00.004-04:00

OK, I've already punished myself for not thanking my new friends on the thirty minutes of fame last month, so I feel like it's always better to Thank them late than not at all. So here is a short promo of the shops who brought me out of the newbie stage!! Thank You, Thank You!!

Here goes--
First, there's Angela of Angela's Paper Art. Her art form is quilling as well as many other paper styles.

Next, the curious cupcake who creates swarovski jewelry, chainmaille, and beaded flowers.

Turtle XIII features jewelry with sterling silver chains, wire, & findings along with swarovski crystals and other beads she can find!

Prendasbyenid specializes in jewelry, hair accessories, recycled, eco envelopes and eco friendly jewelry.

AbsintheDragonfly specializes in handmade natural perfumes.

Galla15 is a wonderful seller which specializes in handcrafted Czech glass button rings and swarvorski rings as well as bracelets, necklaces and earrings.

After reading, please check out these shops. There are many more special friends on the thirty minutes of fame thread.
Click here to go to the thread.

FAME--Thirty Minutes of Fame!!

2010-09-02T17:19:00.003-04:00

Andy Warhol said:
"...my prediction from the sixties finally came true: In the future everyone will be famous for 15 minutes."

Well, tomorrow night I have my chance at Fame on the etsy thread 30 minutes, 1 Sale...Make new Friends.

I have been on this thread for over two months and the artists are really nice and helpful. We each want success for the other. I hope you can make! You are also welcome to join the thread. Read the rules on page one

30 minutes of FAME!!!
Friday September 3th at 9:00pm(etsy time)
Visit,Chat,Buy,Sell.....You could be next!
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6614993
Famous Shop: papermajik.etsy.com

A special surprise will be offered for buyers during this thirty minute time period. (9:00-9:30 etsy time)

See Ya Soon!

Neighbor Crafter in the Same City~

2010-07-13T17:36:00.005-04:00

Well, as I was looking around crafters who hearted me on etsy, I found a person who lives in Asheville, where I live. Meet Linda aka BeckLeeCottage! She is a jeweler extraordinaire!! She not only takes new materials to create fantastic necklaces, bracelets and earrings, she also takes vintage jewelry to create new art pieces.

Tell me something about yourself.

All of my crafts started with some kind of

leftovers, fabric, clay, beads, or wood. My imagination would kick in and I would figure out some way to use the items. Also, I am a writer and co-authored a book in the 90’s (the Soul of A Writer)and have had some poetry published. I write ebooks and currently working on a murder mystery. I hand knot gems and pearls for a national design firm.

Wow--You are multi-talented!

How did you start with your current craft?

A friend gave me some wire and beads and I thought I should make something from it.

What do you like about your craft?

I love that you can take wire and beads and turn them into something fun or pretty.

Do you have a full time job?

Yes, I work full time at University of North Carolina at Asheville.

Would you like to be a full time crafter?

For sure, I would love to create from home.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us.

I love Etsy and selling is an education and I am slowly learning how to mix crafting with business.

Now take a look at some of her creations. Visit her shop and come back and tell us what your favorite items are from her shop. I'll give away 2 cards from my store using a random number generator!

I'll draw on Monday July 19 at 8 pm for the winner. Make and leave me a way to contact you!

Shopping on the Net!!

2010-07-09T19:50:00.003-04:00

I never thought I would do it, but I ordered a dress on etsy from a wonderful seller, The Mayflower. Check out her shop here! Well, I am going to a wedding in New Mexico the end of July and saw this dress. I liked it and thought, "I wonder if this would look good on me?" I asked my son, Ashby, and my husband, Bob. They said YES.

So I bought it. The owner, Mai is wonderful! She asked me measurement questions and color preference and I sent her all the info. She had the dress made, packaged and shipped to me in record time. I ordered on Wednesday night, 6-30 and it was at my home by July 6. Talk about customer service!!

Here are some pictures of me in the dress.

Don't forget to check out her shop. She has jewelry as well as chic clothing.

Well, Hope you had a Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-05T21:12:00.003-04:00

Gee, where has time gone?? It has been a month since I posted. I have broken my new year's resolutions to post more. Does anyone remember any of their New Year's resolutions?

Well, I have great news today--I'm featured in 2 treasuries!! I have 3 products listed between the 2. Hope you can take some time and give each treasury a visit.

I’m in two Treasuries—Check them out!
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c2fd7182a838eefc371f717/book-it
This treasury has 2 of my items:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c31fd010a006d916f31716f/serendipity

Leave a comment there and one here as well. I promise to come back and visit often.

Craft Fair Booth Ready!

2010-06-01T20:23:00.004-04:00

I'm ready for the craft fair season. I talked about buying an easy-up type tent from Walmart earlier. Then I went to yard sales and found my drapes and table cloths. My son, Ashby, made the table toppers out of paper and I already had the different displays.

Here my son and best friend, Gail, are clowning around in my booth. They will be the first to sell in my booth this Saturday.

Next, picture is me.

For 3 weekends in June (12, 19, 26), I'll be set up in downtown Asheville Art in the Park!

Check out the website for all the details!

http://ashevilleartinthepark.com/index_09.htm

Collage Artist and Fabulous Work!

2010-05-18T18:17:00.008-04:00

As I was wandering around etsy the other day, I ran across this new shop which I absolutely fell in love with. She incorporates everything that I love--paper, photos, and other collage elements into fabulous notecards!

The store is The Collagebox by artchicnj. Check out her fabulous cards and hang tags!

Carole Gernett is the owner of this shop.

So Carole, Tell me something about yourself and how did you start with your current craft?

I have always painted. At one time I did only decorative painting on wood, tin and old furniture. I began my collage work when I needed to try something new. I still work on canvas and furniture but not as much. The thing I like about mixed media and collage is that I can combine different mediums including old photos (which I LOVE!) and ephemera. Then I can add my own drawings and 3D embellishments.....I never know what I'm going to end up with and that's half the fun! I don't usually plan out my work unless its for a specific theme or has to meet guidelines.

Do you have a full time job? If yes, what is it?

I do work F/T as a Beauty Advisor for Elizabeth Arden Cosmetics. Being an artist, I love to work with make-up.

Would you like to be a full time crafter?

Yes!! I would love to be a F/T crafter However, I do need a weekly salary and being a crafter does not guarantee that.

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to share a little of my self and my work.

You are very welcome, Carole. Now, go check out her shop and find your favorite items!!

Look at the Match!

2010-05-11T18:44:00.004-04:00

Jeepers!!! I can't believe that I haven't posted in nearly 3 weeks!! Shame on me!! Lots has been happening, but that should not be an excuse!!

Last week was the first week my son has been home from college, so my husband & I are adjusting to having an extra person in the house. I have to cook more and be on schedule detail.

The good thing about him being home is that he has boundless energy, so he was eager to go and help me buy my easy-up type tent for the crafting season. It is a light brown ochre color. From reading in forums on etsy, I knew I needed a backdrop or sheer curtains. So, luckily, a neighborhood was having a yard sale on Saturday. Ashby, my son, and I went and I was looking for curtains and cookie cutters for papermaking.

I found some natural color curtains for $3 but only 2. We kept stopping and looking and later on, I found the perfect match and with 6- 5 foot panels. There was no price and I asked--$3!! I was estatic. Look at the picture--Can you believe it?

Now I'm thinking that I will use the neutral color curtains as table cloths and then on Sunday, we were in a craft store and I saw the perfect color splash!! A large piece of handmade paper for the table. Those could be changed with the seasons!!!

Wow, I'm really excited about the coming craft season. When I set up I'll post some pictures!

Carry Art With You!!

2010-04-19T17:27:00.005-04:00

As I was looking through my hearts and saw a new-to-me shop named mmsomewhere. As I was looking through the shop I found photo wallets! What a clever idea! marybeth is the owner of this shop and I asked her a few questions to find out more. As I was looking through the store, I found myself drawn to the wallets with pictures of where I had been, but the Seoul series is excellent.

Tell me something about yourself:

Being aware of my immediate surroundings and place in time is captured with a camera constantly. Moving and traveling keep me constantly inspired and seeing the world with fresh eyes. When I am not gathering eye candy, I can be found in my studio.

I don't like the idea of wasted time so I keep busy constantly.

How did you start with your current craft?

The photography market is very difficult for me to crack, so I needed a different way to get it out to the public. I really enjoy public art and because the wallets are utilitarian, people bring them out into the world with them.

Not only do they have art in their pockets, but it is being seen by a larger audience than the possible photo in a private living room.

What do you like about your craft?

I like having the final say in my designs and that people buy my work because they like how I interpret the world around me.

Do you have a full time job? If yes, what is it?

This is my full time job at the moment.

I will be doing the renegade fairs throughout this spring and summer. The first one is in Austin, May 15th, followed by Brooklyn in June and so on.

I also do some design work on the side for cd's, websites, etc.

Thanks for talking with me marybeth!! I enjoy your philosophy of having art to carry around with you. She has passport covers, checkbook covers, bike wallets and card wallets!

I'll be coming back to buy my favorite item, soon.

Check out mmsomewhere to find your favorite item!!

Happy Easter!!

2010-04-03T16:30:00.003-04:00

It's so great to see spring and all the flowers! I'm looking forward to using them in my paper real soon. We are hosting my cousin, Terry and her husband Rych at our house tomorrow. We are having grilled chicken, brown rice, asparagus, guacamole, potatoes onions and peppers and a strawberry dessert tart/pie. We always have a good time, although my sister and her husband won't be here because they had already made plans.

What are you doing or did you do on Easter? Sharing time together is important.

2010-03-21T15:05:00.003-04:00

I enjoy finding new shops in the big etsy world, and one easy way to find new shops is to look through the shops who heart you. PrairieStarJewels is one of those shops. When you visit her shop, you see a variety of stones, techniques, groupings and word pendant necklaces.

Tell me something about yourself.
I was born and raised in a small town in Iowa. I was introduced to crafting at a young age. Dad did fantastic woodworking and Mom did many crafts during the years, going back to her love of sewing and quilting. I myself have tole painted, macramé , painted on wood, and made and antiqued picture frames for years. After so many years with successful craft shows with the frames, I had to turn to something a little more creative and it became jewelry. My husband and I love to travel and I am always bringing rocks, shells, crystals, and all kinds of things home in the hope that I might be able to make something someday from it!

How did you start with your current craft?
Back in the good old 70’s, my best friend and I made and sold earring with colorful little feathers on them. They were fun and easy. After a 30 year hiatus from jewelry and all the other crafting I had done, my love of jewelry and being creative was awakened in me again. I went on a trip to Arizona and bought way to much in supplies, took some classes and started creating. My first show was a Mystical show in Des Moines. I learned more about the meaning of stones than I ever thought I would. People were buying my semi precious stone necklaces by feel instead of by looks!

What do you like about your craft?
What I like about jewelry making is that I can make a piece that says something or depicts a mood. I love metals and stones and the message you can give in each piece. I have always been a creative person and jewelry making fulfills me. Plus, I can take projects anywhere I go.

Do you have a full time job?
If yes, what is it?I have been laid off since July. I worked for an insurance company for 11 years before my job was eliminated. I worked in a training department, helping to create and monitor training. I am still looking for a job but am hoping it is a little less than full time.

Would you like to be full time at crafting?
Yes, yes, yes!!! I would love to craft full time. My mind is so full of ideas there seems to be no room for much else. My Etsy business is just getting started and I need to find some other avenues of marketing. The thing with jewelry is that the sky is the limit. I love mixing metals and stones. I also want to take some more metal smithing classes.

Please visit her store, come back and list your favorite item in her shop. I will giveaway a FREE business card holder similar to this one:

Walk The Line

2010-03-18T20:05:00.002-04:00

We are slow to watch movies, but we saw Walk The Line on Saturday about Johnny Cash and how he struggled to become famous. I love Reese Witherspoon!! She played the part of June Carter so well. I love her chipper, fun loving stage presence! The real June Carter worked really hard and loved Johnny even when his family didn't support him, give him encouragement or love. Those three things are (I believe) crucial to every human's being. After watching the movie, I have a new appreciation of Johnny Cash's music. And, I have a few songs of his on a zen(mp3) that I bought over ebay. His voice is amazing and the actor (can't spell it) was fabulous too.

I have got to do better about posting!!

Wow, is it March already?

2010-03-04T09:50:00.003-05:00

I blinked and time has flown by. It snowed again, my husband has been sick (on his birthday :-(
and now I have been sick:-(. A stomach flu is the worst.

I'm trying to get back in the groove. Making, photog'ing products, uploading pics. etc, etc. As I am typing I know I am not better and I keep backspacing to correct major errors.

Things that are coming up:

News Flash---My plantable card is featured on this blog Simply Said. Go and visit and see all the wonderful recycled, repurposed products.

Later this month, I'll be organizing a craft show at my school.

In April, I'm sending my paper to a show in Georgia.

This summer I'll be involved with Asheville Art in the Park. Click for information.

So lots happening. What are you up to?

Can you think of 105 things?

2010-02-24T19:47:00.002-05:00

Can you think of anything with 105 things or parts? Can you name 105 movies you have seen? Do you have 105 friends--probably yes with facebook and blog friends-and more probably more. My fantastic, amazing grandmother is 105!! Think back to 1905 and think of al lthe changes, innovations, and things that have become obsolete. My grandmother has seen them.
So I am in the prime of my life with lots more living to do!!

Chatting after Having Made Paper

2010-02-20T18:32:00.003-05:00

Well, today was Saturday School in the county where I teach to make up for one of the many snow days we have taken....I was bummed about going to work and missing my grandmother's 105th birthday party, but school was only until 12:30. So I got to come home early and make paper in 53 degree weather!! The garage door was open and I had a blast. Seeing the paper I was making for a gallery put me in a great mood!!

Now I'm online, chatting for the SNS--Saturday Night Specials on Etsy!! Click on the link and find good buys all night long!!

Thinking of Spring

2010-02-16T09:50:00.004-05:00

While I am home on another snow day, I am thinking of spring and the break that I will not see this year!! I am an elementary art teacher. We have had the most incredible winter with more snow, flurries and cold weather than I can ever remember!!

Over the weekend, I went into my studio and made some greeting cards with wildflower seeds in the pulp. Check them out! I think that it would be a fabulous eco friendly way to communicate! What do you think? What do you think of the words/greetings?

Thanks for your comments. I have been slack in commenting on your posts. Going to correct that now!

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-11T19:57:00.002-05:00

I just want to wish my blog friends a Happy Valentine's Day on the weekend. I hope you found just the right things for your sweetheart. I have the necessary chocolate--chocolate spoons from an etsy seller, Ghiradelli choco squares and a gift card to Barnes and Noble. For my 18 year old college student, basically the same with an Earth Fare gift card instead.

Then, here is the ironic thing I did--I went to Hallmark and spent $20 on cards!! As I was driving away, I was wondering why shoppers don't drop $20 on my handmade cards? Any thoughts?

Another Snow Day

2010-02-05T16:30:00.003-05:00

Well, I've had another snow day from school. I'll be teaching well into the summer, it looks like. So I've tried to make good use of my time and totally feel like the opposite has happened. I started my day ordering envelopes for when I start production of stationery again, I've listed a new product on etsy and prepared 3 more for immediate download or upload (which ever you call it) for the future. I did stitch some gift/business card holders and am thinking about making some books.

What did you do today?

Photography Tips

2010-02-01T10:26:00.004-05:00

As promised, I will share some of the tips I learned from my friend, Bruce, who helped me take pictures of my products for etsy. The one thing I know for sure is this: The more I know about taking pictures, the less I know about taking pictures!

1. You need a neutral background and/or a light box.

2. You need two good lights, daylight photo bulbs, preferred. I used one compact flourescent, one incandescent bulb and the natural light from my window. One light is directed at a 45 degree angle to the product to cast shadows and the other is for ambient light, but not to overpower the first light.

3. You need to experiment with your camera, learn the settings, how to change them and what they mean. You also need to use the timer to take the pictures, otherwise you(me, too) will shake the camera and make the picture blurry.

4. You need a tripod!!!!!

That's the equipment.

Camera settings: Go to menu, and click through the different settings. Each camera will be different, some are definitely the same.

You should have aperture which is how wide the lens opens. In simple terms, 2.8 is the widest, 8 and above are small openings.

Make sure you have your camera set to the best picture taking pixels available. This will allow for better quality.

Photometry is whether you are using one spot light or more.

White Balance allows for the camera to automatically balance between values.

Focus--Put on auto focus.

Sharpness or clarity is set for hard. (Two other settings are normal and soft.)

Flash is set at zero.

My camera allows for manual selection of aperture settings, shutter speed and manual setting of both on a small round dial.

As I was taking photos yesterday, I paid attention to the background, the position of my lights, and I played with reflecting more light onto my product with foamcore. I learned to make sure that my shutter speed was 100 or above for the light I was receiving yesterday.

Next, you need to use a photo editing software of your choice. I crop my photos, I adjust the color, and whiteness of the picture so that it closely matchs the product color. Did I say that I dumped a bunch of photos that I had taken because they didn't match my products? Well, I did and so will you. If you have questions, leave a comment. Other people may have the same question.

I don't profess to know it all, but I am determined to take the best photos of my paper as I can so that maybe one day my paper will be on the Front Page of Etsy!!

Giveaway!!

2010-01-29T16:03:00.004-05:00

Jack be quick, Jack be nimble, Jack and Jill better hurry to the ihearthandmade site to enter a giveaway with one of my Valentine Journals! And then the same journal is featured in a Treasury!

Wow!!

Don't forget to read the inspiring stories for Haiti relief down below!!!

Haiti Relief Efforts in 2 Etsy Stores!!

2010-01-27T19:44:00.003-05:00

As I was perusing etsy stores and the forums I ran into to 2 stores who are offering a portion of their sales to go to the Haiti Relief effort. Please read their inspiring stories, visit and buy from them to help the Haitian people in the process. Fiberpuppy and Angelpupscreations are 2 very special stores!

Fiberpuppy is the first store.
Tell me something about yourself.
I live in Northern California with my husband and elderly dog. I tend to think outside the box. I am of the firm opinion that almost anything can be fixed with duct tape. Too bad my husband doesn't share this sentiment.
How did you start with your current craft?
At age 33, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. With Chemo and hairloss impending I did what all crazy people do. I had a party and had my friends dye my hair blue. (my mom even bought the dye). At the party, my friend gave me a hat that she had knit. Since it was looking like I was going to have a lot of stressful time on my hands I asked her to teach me to knit.I had so little to do and so little energy, I began to pass time in rows, feeling proud that I had at least something to show for my time. Then I discovered my local yarn store. They offered free drop in knitting classes every day. The woman who ran the classes was known (behind her back) as the knitting nazi. She was very proper and I think I sent her into heart failure when I presented my half knit socks which were knit inside out. But who can be too angry with someone so obviously going through cancer so I got a pass. I did not go out much but I pretty much went to the yarn store every day.Then I discovered felting and I was hooked. It was like a blow up version of shrinky dinks.

What do you like about your craft?
There's something magical about felt. It always comes out a little different than you thought. Perhaps the yarn dye makes it shrink a little less or a little more. It's always a surprise (hopefully a good one) when you open the washing machine.

Why did I choose to help with the Haiti Relief effort?
I guess I'm human and it is so hard to see the suffering going on in Haiti. I chose Doctors without Borders because they already had people on the ground and I thought the money would be well spent.

The next store is angelpupscreations.

Tell me something about yourself
I have three wonderful children aged 19, 21, and 23. Since they've grown, I've acquired two more children, my "angel pups" Big Mac and Molly, beautiful light-colored cockapoos. You can see them in my Etsy avatar ;-) Being winter in Massachusetts, we don't get out as much, but in the nicer weather we like to walk and hike in the area woods and parks. I also volunteer for a ministry at my church called "AngelFoodMinistries" (angelfoodministries.com) which I truly enjoy. It allows me to meet many wonderful people.

How did you start your current craft?
I have been drawing and painting since I was a kid. Years ago I owned a house with a slate roof which had stacks of slate in the backyard. That's when I discovered painting on slate. For years I painted Christmas, birthday, and odds and ends gifts, but never considered selling them. I have been out of work for a bit and although I painted quite a bit over the holidays and colder months, during the summer I wanted to be outside instead of inside painting. That is when I started making simple jewelry items while sitting out on the deck! In November I saw an article about Etsy in a magazine and by then had plenty of "stock". So, I decided to give it a shot!

What do you like about your craft?
I really enjoy painting and find it relaxing and very satisfying to start with a blank gray piece of slate and work with it until it is a meaningful piece of art or something that brings a smile to someone's face. I find doing custom paintings very rewarding. It is wonderful to have someone ask you to paint a pet, or an image that is important to them and then experience their joy when they receive it.

Why did you choose to help with Haiti Relief Effort?
I am a regular supporter of the Samaritan's Purse organization, as well as other charities who provide relief around the world. On the morning of the earthquake, I logged onto the computer and read the headline about the event. I immediately said a prayer, saying "I don't know how I could help in this tragedy, but if there is a way, God please show me what it is." Then I opened my email and the first one was from Samaritan's Purse stating they had already dispatched emergency relief teams and asking for emergency donations.

Please help these 2 etsy stores help Haiti get much needed relief.

Learning Photography!!

2010-01-24T16:00:00.004-05:00

I will be learning to make my product photography better this afternoon with my good friend, Bruce. He's going to help me using my camera, tripod, light box and my desk lamps. I'm excited to learn THE tricks of the trade. I'll share with my blog friends later in the week.

In the meantime, check out my featured artist--DiamondIsis. She has wonderful photographs of nature and wildlife. The two above photos are samples of her work.

Featured Artist--DiamondIsis

2010-01-21T17:22:00.003-05:00

I am pleased to feature a brand new artist/photographer on etsy. Lena of DiamondIsis is a fabulous photographer with a humorous take on life with shore birds, tender moments with horses and classic black and white photography. She has full color prints as well.

When I was chatting with her, she gave me interesting information.

Tell me something about yourself.
I am excited to be a part of the Etsy community and plan to keep adding onto my storefront! I live in a town outside of Richmond, VA with my Fiancee' and our four legged daughter, Isis Diamond (my store name is her name backwards).

How did you start with your current craft?
Photography is my passion and what started as a hobby when I was a teenager became a staple in my life! I would visit wildlife refuges with my parents and I got to where I would always take my camera. Then I went to school at the Academy of Art to study photography for two years; it was nice to learn formally as I had been self taught up to that point.

Do you have a full time job? If yes, what is it? Would you like to be full time at crafting?

I would love to be able to pursue photography full time; but for now I work full time as an Accounts Receivable Specialist for a local company in Richmond, VA. But I keep up with my photography in all the spare time I can spare, lol.

What do you like about your craft?
What I love about photography is being able to capture a moment that is beautiful; and being able to share that for everyone to enjoy! My hope is that people will enjoy my work as much as I enjoy going out and finding those moments to share! :)

Let's welcome Lena to the world of online sales and encourage her. Check out her etsy store, DiamondIsis. PS I also hyperlinked my favorite photos from her store.

2010-01-20T19:16:00.005-05:00

I'll be finishing up some new paper bowls tonight by applying the glue coat to harden the surface for everyday wear. I'm letting you see a bowl that I have not listed yet on etsy. What do you think about it? Thanks for any input.

I am the yearbook editor for my elementary school. It is always amazing how the teachers react when you ask them for 2 photos of their class. 80% are just great, 10% are forgetful, 5% are slow and 1% are rude.(I don't think that they mean to be, but they don't understand my deadline.) The remaining 4% are clueless. Oh, well, it will be finished by Friday.

And the Winner is ......

2010-01-17T20:04:00.003-05:00

And the winner of the $25 gift Certificate is...................(drum roll, please)

WINDY CINDY!!!! Congratulations!! I'll be contacting you with information about your gift certificate!!

I want to thank you all for the valuable suggestions. I am working on each and every one. Keep checking back to watch for the improvements.

Busy as a Bee

2010-01-14T18:20:00.002-05:00

Hi, blog friends!

I'm as busy as a bee!! I have a couple of new things going on. The music being played right now is on the music player to your right. Now You See Them is a great local group trying for national exposure and much needed money as you know musicians and artists always need! Click on this link to vote for them by downloading their new song--"Growing Older". You need to have a facebook account and friend Windows 7.

Next, I've finished setting up a shop with I Heart Handmade. The shop will be live on Saturday!! I'l post the link for that over the weekend.

And finally, don't forget to enter my BIG giveaway--$25.00 in my store. This will be ending on January 17 th at 8:00pm eastern standard time.

Corn Starch

2010-01-09T19:19:00.007-05:00

Hi, I found these boxes of corn starch in my mom's house several years ago. HOw many of you used corn starch over the holidays? The Cream Corn Starch box fascinated me as it looked really old, so I did some research on both brands. Hope you enjoy the comparision. (Check out the price on the Cream Corn Starch box top)

The A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company (referred to henceforth as "Staley") was the first major company existing today to begin crushing soybeans to yield oil and meal; they started in 1922. Indeed Mr. A.E. Staley was one of the first Americans to see the great potential of the soybean as a source of oil, meal, and flour.

Augustus Eugene (Gene) Staley was born on 25 February 1867 in a log cabin in Randolph County near Julian, North Carolina, on his father's 265-acre red clay farm.

Busy with farm work, Gene dropped out of primary school after a few years. At age 14 he successfully sold a wagon load of his father's produce in the nearest town. Soon he decided he liked selling better than farming, so he left the farm in 1883 (at age 16) and went on the road selling food products, including starch, for various companies. In 1898 he founded his own company, A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company?? in Baltimore, Maryland, and began packaging and selling "Cream" corn starch.

In 1906 he incorporated the company in Baltimore. In 1909, wanting to manufacture his own corn starch, he bought a plant in Decatur, Illinois.

1892--Argo corn starch is launched. The name, Argo, continues to be a source of much conjecture even to the present. It may have derived from the fact that customer price lists were printed in alphabetical order, and the name Argo would appear above then-competitor Kingsford's.

1899--Argo, Kingsford's and two other starch companies merge to form the United Starch Company, a forerunner of The Corn Products Refining Co.

1940’s--A 1940s Argo Corn Starch label features a recipe for corn-starch based Creative Clay, a homemade moldable material that children can use to fashion ornaments and gifts.

1964--A new corn maiden appears on the Argo corn starch package.

Information from http://www.soyinfocenter.com/HSS/ae_staley_manufacturing.php and http://cornstarch.com/about_us.html

Giveaway--Giveaway--Giveaway

2010-01-01T23:43:00.006-05:00

I am starting the new year off with a super dooper giveaway to celebrate one year of blogging!! On January 17, 2009 I came into this world of blogging. I will be giving a $25 gift certificate to my store to one lucky person who posts here on my blog.

The Rules:

Go to my store. Find your favorite product. Post the link in a comment. (1 entry)
Post a suggestion for me to improve my store. (1 entry)
Follow my blog--tell me in a separate entry. (1 entry)

I will use a random number generator to select the winner on January 17, 2010 at 8 pm. Make sure you leave a way for me to contact you in your entries.

This is open to all participants on etsy and my blog.

New Year's Resolutions

2009-12-30T19:14:00.003-05:00

I can't believe that 2009 is close to the end. When I was younger, time stood still--at least that's how I tought it was. Now that I'm older, the days and weeks just seem to fly by and before I know it a year is gone.

Here are some of my New Year's Resolutions for 2010:
*Take excellent photos in my new light box.
*Promote on Etsy via the forums and chat at least 30 minutes a day.
*Blog 2-3 times a week.
*Feature a new shop on my blog once a month.
*Make one new treasury once a month.
*Offer giveaways more frequently.
*Set sales goals.

What are your New Year's Resolutions?

Merry Christmas

2009-12-23T20:02:00.007-05:00

We all experienced our share of the economic downturn this year...

Merry Christmas from the Hills!

...but after a few phone calls to our stock brokers,

things started looking better!

Igloo Building Day

2009-12-19T19:47:00.006-05:00

An igloo (Inuit language: iglu, Inuktitut syllabics: ᐃᒡᓗ, "house", plural: iglooit or igluit, but in English commonly igloos), or snowhouse, is a type of shelter built out of snow, originally built by the Inuit. Iglu is the Inuit word for a house or home built out of any material,[1] and is not restricted exclusively to snowhouses but includes traditional tents, sod houses, homes constructed of driftwood and modern buildings.[2][3]When referring to a snowhouse, igloos are shelters constructed from blocks of snow, generally in the form of a dome. Although igloos are usually associated with all Inuit, they were predominantly constructed by people of Canada's Central Arctic and Greenland's Thule area.(Information courtesy of Wikipedia)

The Gale family made a successful igloo with the 12" of snow that fell in NC yesterday. We spent about 6 hours total shoveling snow, patting and forming the shape. As it got bigger and more like a dome, we had to drop out and leave fewer workers on the inside. Here are some pictures of our effort. The last picture was taken on the inside. Enjoy!

SNOW, SNOW AND MORE SNOW!

2009-12-18T16:52:00.005-05:00

YEEHAW...IT's snowing to beat the band!!Five O'clock and it's still coming down. My wish was granted and there was no school. I have made put finishing touches on gifts, wrapped them and mailed some Christmas Cards.

Facts about snow:

Snowflakes start as ice crystals that are the size of a speck of dust. When the crystals fall they join up with other crystals to form a snowflake. The size of the snowflake depends on how many crystals hook together. Snowflakes usually have six sides. Here are the different kinds of snowflake shapes.
For it to snow the tops of the clouds must be below 0 degrees Celsius, or 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Snow can come from any cloud that is layered.

Sometimes the snow can be feet deep in one place while it is bare in another because the wind has blown all the snow off that spot.

As snow falls snowflakes connect to make bigger snowflakes.

Snow at the North and South Pole reflect heat into space!! That happens because the ice acts like a mirror with the heat of the sun, and the heat bounces off the ice and into space.

Three More Days of School

2009-12-17T19:47:00.002-05:00

Here I sit wanting it to snow real deep so that I don't have to go to school tomorrow. I would love to stay home and do more wrapping of presents, printing Christmas cards and mailing them out. I'll just have to see how the weather goes tonight.

Whimsical Wine Stoppers

2009-12-10T19:25:00.003-05:00

I have just had a blast creating these wine/bottle stoppers for my presents of kahlua for family and friends!! Teaching elementary art allows me to experiment with all art forms and I was fooling around with clay. As I was winding up my firing of the kiln at school, I came upon this idea of animal heads for the tops of corks. I made ten heads and then glazed.

What do you think?

Online Shopping!!

2009-12-05T19:45:00.007-05:00

I just completed some online shopping for Christmas gifts. I wanted to share with you the wonderful stores where I went shopping.

First, I bought some wonderful soaps from aBreathofFrenchair. Her soaps are small gorgeous artworks. Take a look--

Next, I found the perfect soap for the men--Beer Soap. There are different flavors if you will, made from different brands of beer. The beersoapcompany has many styles of manly soaps to choose from and I suggest you go and visit them.

Next, I found more soap with a peppermint flavor. I think this is perfect for the holiday spirit.

The LostRiverRags has many, many soaps with a wide variety of scents. And the whole store is having a sale!! Definitely check them out!!

Finally, I needed to give a nice soap dish with all these exquisite soaps so I found crochetgal and bought this set of dishes from this fine store.

There are many more wonderful stores with handmade items. Check them out and shop the handmade way!!

Paper Majik

Here is My Secret!!

a Small hint!!

I went hiking today!

Vacations!!! Now is the time to plan~~~

Golden Journal

Happy New Year 2012!!

Brand New Coptic Stitch Journal with Hand Made Paper

Five Hand Marbled and Hand Made Paper Thank You Cards

Modern Natural Hand Made Paper Light with Scarlet Red Oak Leaves Series 200

Ivory Hand Made Paper Chinese Good Luck Symbol Journal

HandMade Paper Rosh Hashanah Card

Handmade Paper Journal Cover with Vintage Photo Of Couple and Vintage Patriotic Stamps

Nature Loving Scrapbooking paper

Brand New!!

Wordless Wednesday

What inspires Me?

Hand Made Paper Card--Fly Away Love--Anniversary, Wedding, Mother's Day

PaperMajik Reveals New Project!!

Hand Made Paper Journal Cover--Florida Vacation

Hand Made Paper Scrapbooking Collection 3--Orange, Mauve, Light Green, Yellow-Orange and Tan

Black Hand Made Paper Journal--Classic and Natural

Small Red Heart Hand Made Paper Journal with Feathery Fabric

What is It??

Hand Made Single Recycled School Paper Herb Seed Card--Oregano

Happy Fourth of July

Plantable Hand Made Card

Proud Parents!

Custom Wedding Scrapbook

4 Treasuries in One Day--WOW

It's been a LONG, LONG time, friends!

Looking Forward to Saturday!

Featured Artist Sunday!!

I learned how to cut fabric fast...and a whole lot more!!

Featured Artist Sunday!!

iPhone vs. Droid

Wordless Wednesdays

Featured Artist Sunday, but wait, Today is Monday!!

MIA since the first of the month!

Great Deal For My Blog Friends!!

Featured Artist Sunday--Crystal Celebration

And the seed winners....

Don't forget about the survey--2 days!!

Featured Artist Sunday--Paper, Paper, Paper and a GiveAway!

Wordless Wednesday Favorites

~~Featured Artist Sunday~~

Wordless Wednesday Favorites

Super Featured Artist Sunday!!

Featured Artist Sunday

Featured Artist Sunday

Sale Weekend for Followers!

Featured Artist Sunday

New Journal--New Mexico

Wordless Wednesday

New Featured Etsy Shop

Ideas for Posts

Start Your New Year off right with Jewelry!

Merry Christmas!!

New Feature Store

New Featured Shop from my Hearts

A new Idea

Making Custom paper for my watercolorist/pastel friend

Feast Day--An Accidental Happening

A Long Overdue Thank You

FAME--Thirty Minutes of Fame!!

Neighbor Crafter in the Same City~

Shopping on the Net!!

Well, Hope you had a Happy 4th of July!

Craft Fair Booth Ready!

Collage Artist and Fabulous Work!

Look at the Match!

Carry Art With You!!

Happy Easter!!

Walk The Line

Wow, is it March already?

Can you think of 105 things?

Chatting after Having Made Paper

Thinking of Spring

Happy Valentine's Day

Another Snow Day

Featured Artist Sunday