Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Is it 2009 yet?


Ugh!! The past few days have been eeking by. I've had the nastiest upper respiratory thingie. Why is it everytime the kid is sick for two days, I'm sick for two weeks? Oh she's such alittle Germinator!!!

Christmas was great! She was very pleased by her presents. She got the Tini Puppini (see above) that she slyly kept hinting that she wanted. Of course she played with it for a half hour and forgot about it. **sigh**

I know my child. She was more interested in the art supplies and Polly Pockets. I'm glad her taste runs to toys that stimulate her imagination. Makes me feel like I'm doing something right.

She's visiting her auntie for the week now. It's so quiet when she isn't here. I know I should take advantage of the time alone but honestly I miss her when she's gone. Alright enough of the sappy mommy bit.

I have alot planned for the next few weeks so I'm trying to sort out the details. I'll try to keep everyone in the loop.

Okay I'm not trying to brag but...

Guess who scored a 3.75 GPA?










Me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not bad for a person who started grad school 10 years after graduating undergrad plus changed fields.

**Does happy dance**

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

It's Your LAST CHANCE to see me in person in 2008!


This Saturday and Sunday, I will be vending with my buddy Yania of Yania Creations at the Brooklyn Lyceum.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Brooklyn Lyceum's 1st (of many) Artisans' Craft Market, falls right before the BIG OLE HOLIDAY that everyone must SHOP for. But this ain't the MALL. Here you'll vendors selling wonderful wares, all handcrafted in and around New York City.
SHOP LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY AND FOREVER!
DATES: SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20 AND 21, 2008
TIMES: 11:00 AM until 7:00 PM
LOCATION: BROOKLYN LYCEUM + CAFE
227 4th Avenue, between Union and President Streets, Park Slope
Click here for a street map, showing subway station too.
TRAIN: R train at Union St, in Park Slope. We are right atop the station.
15 minutes from Lower Manhattan! So easy.
Click here for a subway map
SPECIAL SHOPPING PROMOTION: Shoppers, spend $100 or more at the market, and receive 2 comp tickets to one of a choice of future Lyceum events. Grab a coupon when you enter the market.
VENDORS: At last count there were 65 other vendors besides Yania and me. Wares will be wide ranging: accessories, jewelry, art, clothing, cards, home goods, and other great stuff
LYCEUM: They'll be selling coffee, beer and wine and a DJ will keep the crowd moving. This is an indoor show so they have the necessities such as bathrooms and heat!!!
Hope to see you there!!!

What's on my desk Wednesday

Saturday and Sunday, I have my final show for the season at the Brooklyn Lyceum (details in next post). So I'm trying to finish up some new projects. I've been playing alot of iris folding and tea bag folding for my cards.


I love how it gives the cards dimension. I'll still have my old cards too but I can sense that I am moving in a different direction design wise.

Vote for me in the Etsy Greetings December Challenge!


I'm taking part in this month's design challenge for the Etsy Greetings Team. The theme is snow and my entry is #15. Check it out and vote for some lovely cards!

Friday, December 12, 2008

The {NewNew} York Street team's select members will be offering 10% off Saturday December 13 and Sunday December 14th.

For participating shops see our blog:
http://thenewnew.blogspot.com/2008/12/weekend-sales-10-off-these-shops.html

Accessories:
Thirdfloor.etsy.com
thesorceress770.etsy.com
Groundsel.etsy.com

Art:
ArtByIris.Etsy.com

Jeweley:
Jantar.etsy.com
WishbyFelicity.etsy.com
LinguaNigra.etsy.com

Clothing:
Kimmchi.Etsy.com

Housewares:
Cakehouse.etsy.com
Luckx4.etsy.com
loveforever.etsy.com
redbridge.etsy.com

Papergoods:
Bluestitchbooks.etsy.com
Collectiveelements.etsy.com
Fubabee.etsy.com

Toys:
Karenmonsters.etsy.com

Sites of the past two weeks

I've been slacking...finals and papers due. Sorry.

  1. Milk Chocolate Chip Buttermilk Pancakes - http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/archives/258
  2. Skull Cupcakes - http://cupcakestakethecake.blogspot.com/2008/12/skull-cupcakes-not-scary-but-delicious.html
  3. Caroline Swift's Holiday Treats - http://www.designspongeonline.com/2008/12/in-the-kitchen-with-caroline-swifts-holiday-treats.html
  4. Stitched Christmas Cards - http://craftblog.com.au/2008/12/11/stitched-christmas-cards-tutorial/
  5. Bird Ornament Tutorial - http://portabellopixie.typepad.com/portabellopixie/2008/12/birds-of-a-feather.html
  6. Nearly instant apple tart - http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/dessert/recipe-nearlyinstant-apple-cinnamon-minitarts-068904
  7. Easy Paper Wreath - http://www.craftstylish.com/item/13737/how-to-make-a-surprisingly-simple-paper-wreath
  8. Chinese Papercut Spice Jars - http://www.designspongeonline.com/2008/12/diy-project-chinese-papercut-spice-jars.html
  9. Fabric Flower Garland - http://creaturecomforts.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/12/diy-fabric-flower-garland.html
  10. Snowflake curtain - http://paperandstitch.wordpress.com/2008/12/10/snowflakes/#comment-1201
  11. Eco-Chic Gift Topper - http://creaturecomforts.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/11/diy-eco-happy-pom-pom-gift-topper.html
  12. Snowman Treats - http://www.hostessblog.com/2008/12/super-cute-snowmen-treats/
  13. Snow Curtains - http://www.craftstylish.com/item/28838/how-to-make-a-snowstorm
  14. Tremendous List of Whimsical Tutorials - http://whipup.net/2008/11/23/tremendous-list-of-whimsical-tutorials-for-kids-grownups/
  15. Mammouth List of Festive Tutorials - http://whipup.net/2008/11/28/mammoth-list-of-festive-tutorials/
  16. How stars are made - http://orangeyoulucky.blogspot.com/2008/12/how-stars-made.html
  17. Colossal list of tutorials - http://whipup.net/2008/11/18/colossal-list-of-tutorials-boxes-containers-baskets-buckets/
  18. Paper Flower Ornaments - http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/2008/12/paper-flower-ornaments.html

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Etsy Blogger of the Month: Spotted Cow Soaps




Can I say Wow!!

It looks so yummy but don't eat it. It's Cranberry Garland Whipped Sugar Scrub from Spotted Cow Soap. Spotted Cow features a variety of bath and body products that will make your senses hum with bliss. Handcrafted in Vermont, she also sells washcloth and bath sponges from organic materials.

Check out her Etsy shop and read more about her at her blog: http://spottedcowsoaps.blogspot.com/.


Monday, December 1, 2008

EtsyNJ's Cyber Monday


EtsyNJ is hosting its first ever team wide sale and what better day than Cyber Monday!! With all the great EtsyNJ shops that are participating, you can easily finish all your holiday shopping without even leaving your seat!

See the list below for participating shops. Please be sure to enter “EtsyNJ Cyber Monday” in the notes to seller at checkout in order to receive your sale. Sale code is valid Monday, December 1, 2008 only.

AbbieRoad Artful Designs - AbbieRoad.etsy.com
Screenprinted Clothing, Art Prints & Accessories
Free Mirror or Magnet (you pick) w/ any $20 purchase

Abelee’s Handcrafted - http://abeleeshandcrafted.etsy.com/
handcrafted earrings made from sterling silver, gemstones, antiqued brass, and unusual glass beads.
Free shipping, and 10% off any item made with pearls (glass or natural), refund via PayPal.

AJK Artistry - http://www.ajkartistry.etsy.com/
Greeting Cards, Custom Invites, Fine Art and more!
Free shipping on every item in both of my shops! Shipping fees will be refunded through paypal.

amarie by andrea maiolano - http://www.loveamarie.etsy.com/
handbags made of beautiful fabrics - hobo totes, wristlets, clutches, keychain wristlets and more!
Buy ANY 2 items and receive free domestic shipping and a FREE WRISTLET KEYCHAIN!

Azaiez Designs - http://www.azaiez.etsy.com/
Jewelry
Buy two or more items and get free shipping on the entire purchase!


Baobab Love - http://baobablove.etsy.com/
Jewelry that brings Joy - Timeless, Unique, Hand crafted
Free Earrings custom earrings with any purchase of $50 or more.

Bella Mental - http://BellaMental.etsy.com
15% off all items, excluding custom orders

Beachchiik - http://beachchik.etsy.com/
Beachy Art & Gifts, Accessories for your home. Seashell Dining Accessories. Goodies for your Gromets (aka- your little surfer kids) and Custom Kids Tote Bags for all occasions.
10% off Your Total Purchase and Free Shipping in the US .

Beeb Designs - http://beebdesigns.etsy.com/
Beaded jewelry and ornaments
10% off Your Total Purchase
FREE Gift with purchases of $30 or more

Berd & Bee - http://jtatmusic.etsy.com/
Handmade Candles, Handpainted Mugs and Unique Gifts
20% off any Cyber Monday purchase

Capital City Crafts - http://capitalcitycrafts.etsy.com/
Sterling silver jewelry with freshwater pearls & semiprecious stones
All orders in the shop are discounted as follows:
$50 to $99 -10% discount
$100 to $199 - 15% discount
over $200 - 20% discount
Cyber Monday- bonus gift with purchase of $50 of more.

Collective Elements - http://collectiveelements.etsy.com/
Ultimate Paper Love! Cards, Journals, Bookmarks, and more Paper Goodness!
Buy 2, get 1 free (lowest priced item) Will receive refund via Paypal.

Copabananas- http://copabananas.etsy.com/
Sock monkeys, repurposed products, holiday items, and more!
Free gift with any purchase.

CreationsByRobin - http://creationsbyrobin.etsy.com/
Handmade Jewelry, Inspired by Nature
CYBER MONDAY SALE- Free shipping (refunded via Paypal) & Gift w/ Purchase

Deirdre Ryan Photography - http://blackbird72.etsy.com/
Fine Art Photography and Gifts
Buy any 5×7 Set of Prints and receive 2 FREE 4×6 of Your choice from any 4×6 listed!

DesignDolcezza - http://designdolcezza.etsy.com/
Scrapbook, cards and so much more!
Free Domestic Shipping!

Dhara Holistics - http://dharaholistics.com/
Free Shipping on all orders

Dictioncanary - http://dictioncanary.etsy.com/
Free shipping on all orders

EmptyHeartCreations - http://emptyheartcreations.etsy.com/
Pendants, Handmade Guitar Straps, Jewelry
Free holiday gift bag and tissue paper with your purchase

Fisheye & Fishlegs - Fisheye.etsy.com & fishlegs.etsy.com
Unique Accessories and Vintage Finds.
10% off all orders, refund via PayPal

Happiknits - http://www.happiknits.etsy.com/
funky handknit accessories.
FREE US shipping with purchase of 2 or more items.

Heart of Nature - http://heartofnature.etsy.com/
Fine art photography, greeting cards, and other nature inspired creations by Kitty Wilkin
5% off all greeting cards and sets & 20% off all matted fine art prints!!
Free recyclable greeting card for all orders over $50!!

Jtat Music - http://jtatmusic.etsy.com/
Hair clips, Hair Clip organizers, and more!
1 FREE Hair Clip (of my choice) with any Cyber Monday purchase!

Jewelry Designs By Me - http://www.jewelrydesignsbyme.etsy.com/
Eclectic jewelry designed with glass, shell, wood, acrylic, resin, metal beads, & semiprecious stones beads matched with Swarovski.
20% off ALL ITEMS + FREE SHIPPING. Please convo me for a revised PayPal invoice

KameKnits - http://kameknits.etsy.com/
Crocheted and knitted items - blankets, scarves, hats, and custom items!
10% all items and free shipping in the US for purchases of 2 or more items

Lil Dab Designs - http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6116978
Swarovski Bracelets,Holiday Cards,6×6 Themed paperbag Albums all Handmade .
Free Shipping in U.S.A only, on every item in shop , plus free gift with purchase

Little Bit Crafts - http://littlebitcrafts.etsy.com/
Crafty creations made with a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Great holiday decor & gift items!!!!
FREE Gift with each order and 10% Off Total Order of $40 or more!!!

LizArti - http://www.lizarti.etsy.com/
Fun Selection of Handmade Jewelry at Reasonable Prices
20% off anything in the shop!

Made By Melissa - http://madebymelissa.etsy.com/
Beaded Jewelry, Crochet, Vintage, Destash
Buy any 2 items and get the 3rd half off (refund issued via PayPal)

Marjorie’s Cracked Plate Jewelry - http://www.marjoriescracked.etsy.com/
Broken china jewelry, sea glass jewelry, shell jewelry
Free shipping on both US & International orders

Melia's Creations - meliascreations.etsy.com
FREE Gift with any purchase of $5 or more

Meribella - http://meribella.etsy.com/
One of a kind fine silver and sterling silver jewelry made to love.
FREE SHIPPING. (shipping will be refunded via Paypal.)

Orange Slice Art - http://www.orangesliceart.etsy.com/
Paintings , pillows, bags, coasters, tiles, dolls, prints
Free shipping on any order over $50

Quizzlebob - http://quizzlebob.etsy.com/
Affordable and fun novelty and geek accessories, plus a little bit of everything else
FREE Shipping on any purchase $10 or more
Buy two keychains, get the third one FREE
Buy an item for charity, get a keychain or piece of jewelry half off
Refunds issued via PayPal

PurpleLicious Designs - http://purplelicious.etsy.com/
Handmade Fabric Headbands, Ribbon Belts and More!
Free Shipping on all US orders and special sale section.

Seahorse Designs - http://seahorsedesigns.etsy.com/
Fun Knitted Scarves, Neckwarmers, Fingerless Gloves, Jewelry and Beaded Accessories.
10% off Your Total Purchase of $25 or more
FREE Gift with purchases of $30 or more
FREE Shipping to US, Canada and UK on purchases that total $50 or more
Shipping and the 10% discount will be will be credited back via Pay Pal.

ShutterKate - http://shutterkate.etsy.com/
Original Knitted and Crocheted Accessories
Every purchase gets you a free knitted key fob as a gift!

Strand and Toggle - http://strandandtoggle.etsy.com/
Beaded jewelry that’s fun and fancy
Free icicle earrings with the purchase of any necklace

Suebeebuzz - http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=110805
Free comfrey lip balm with every order

SusanItkinBatik - http://www.susanitkinbatik.etsy.com/
Batik clothing, wall art, home decor and greeting cards.
20% off all items.

The Spinning Hand - http://thespinninghand.etsy.com/
Handmade knitted delights for women and children; unique vintage finds.
Free knitted gift with any purchase of $20 or more

Third Floor Designs - http://thirdfloor.etsy.com/
Unique accessories for your every mood
20% off all orders (excluding shipping) and free US shipping for orders over $50

Yinsouciant - http://yinsouciant.etsy.com/
Go green and get free shipping with every custom order!
Just for Cyber Monday all buyers will receive a pair of X’mas gift tags free, handmade from vintage song sheets

Enter "EtsyNJ Cyber Monday" in the notes to seller to get your sale or send a convo to the seller if you have any questions.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Great sale at Shnury!


Got this great bag from Shnury. Himi's having a great 50% off closing sale. I got a FABULOUS deal and you should too.

More holiday discounts from DistinQue!!!





My buddy, Genie, at DistinQue Jewelry is having a great holiday sale. Her entire Stock is on 25% off plus she's offering FREE SHIPPING on domestic orders (international shipping : $1-$2). If that isn't enough she's tossing in FREE GIFT WRAPPING!!! Wow!!

The sale is ongoing till January 5, 2009 but I'd catch her now to wrap up holiday shopping. Just remember to use the code "holiday2008" during checkout.

Friday, November 28, 2008

More Black Friday Finds








Free Shipping

Etsy Black Friday Purchases!!!


From Enchanted Beas
A special SALE is running in my SHOP between Friday, November 28th 12:01 am and Monday, December 1st, 2008, 11:59 pm ETSY TIME !!!Buy 1 item, get 10% off. Buy 2 items, get 15% off. Buy 3 or more items, get 20% off! FREE Gift Wrapping !



Free Shipping

Sites of the week...alittle late but with goodies

Um my apologies for being late posting so I bring you Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. I'll be updating throughout the weekend so check back in!

Etsy Bloggers are having sales!
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5737361

EtsyCrest sales
http://etsycrest.blogspot.com/2008/11/m-l-l-is-4-letter-word.html

Various Etsy Sales
http://www.etsy.com/storque/spotlight/black-friday-through-cyber-monday-find-the-best-holiday-deal-2971/

More Black Friday at the Card Goddess' blog

http://theartsandcrafts.blogspot.com/2008/11/black-friday-sales-list-handmade.html

Saturday, November 22, 2008

And $160 later...it's ordered...


My first Blackberry...The Storm. I really really really hope this is not a waste of my time. I've needed a PDA for awhile and everyone and their mother has been suggesting I buy a Blackberry. I'm not a big fan of touch screen and I hate to buy anything when it first comes out but everyone was saying it was impressive so...I will update when I get it in three to five days.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

This book looks pretty interesting....


Wrapped in Crochet:
Scarves, Wraps, and Shawls
by Kristin Omdahl

I have to check it out in the bookstore. I've been meaning to work on more crocheted items but I need to know if the patterns with adapt to plus sizes like me. It can be hard being a full size diva!

Quizzes of the Day

Your fairy is called Oak Goblindancer
She is a bringer of riches and wealth.
She lives in forests of oak and lime trees.
She is only seen when the bees swarm and the crickets chirrup.
She decorates herself with leaves and berries. She has gentle green wings like a butterfly.



I am a
Violet


What Flower
Are You?


I think I'm making progress with my other addiction

74%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Featured EtsyBlogger: Storybeader


Storybeader combines her love of writing with her love of jewelry making. Each one of a kind piece comes with a haiku to further illustrate the piece. The beads on these earring are lovely.


Friday, November 14, 2008

Collective Elements @ Hillside Catholic Academy 2nd Annual Holiday Market


There's been a small change in address. The Market is being held at Christ The King Church behind the school located at 411 Rutgers Avenue in Hillside, NJ. Don't let the rain keep you away!!

Sites of the week...

  1. Make Your Own Winter Berry Wreath - http://littlewindowshoppe.com/make-your-own-winter-berry-wreath
  2. DIY: Fabric-Covered Knobs -http://www.cookiemag.com/magazine/blogs/nesting/2008/11/diy-fabric-cove.html
  3. cute storage idea - http://whipup.net/2008/11/10/cute-storage-idea/
  4. Own the Hour - Etsy Advertising - http://etsy.ownthehour.com/
  5. IndieSmiles - http://indiesmiles.com/
  6. Homemade Christmas Ornaments - http://www.astorybooklife.com/how-to/homemade-christmas-ornaments/
  7. How To Tell If Your Cat Is Plotting to Kill You - http://www.catswhothrowupgrass.com/kill.php
  8. Kids Craft Weekly - Fun With Paint - http://www.kidscraftweekly.com/paint_issue.html
  9. Sewing Tutorials - http://theprincessandthemonkey.blogspot.com/2008/06/tutorials.html
  10. Print A Day - http://aprintaday.blogspot.com/2008/11/downloads-12x12-holiday.html

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

What's On My Desk - Getting ready for weekend craft shows




This weekend I'll be at the Holiday Craft Show at Hillside Catholic Academy and the {NewNew} Day at BIM. So I'm beefing up my card inventory.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

What I'm Working On: Your Nature - Take One

When my boyfriend and I first started dating, he wrote about a poem about me, for me. Out of the blue. Yes he's an excellent writer but I was quite surprised. He asked me a few months ago to incorporate the poem into some of my artwork but I haven't quite hit on where I wanted to go. The following piece was my intial idea. My boyfriend smokes cigars so the canvas is actually the wood top of a sliding cigar box.

First I sketched out the drawing with pencil.

Then I wasn't sure how I wanted to color it. So first I went with pencils. I happen to love working with pencils cause I can easily create texture.

I wasn't completely happy so I remembered I had oil pastels and went back in with those.

While I'm mostly happy with the end result (the jaw got messed up), it doesn't quite fit with the poem. So I guess its back to the drawing board.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Paper Love: Tinkering Ink

Okay this is a blog about a paper addict crafter and I hardly mention paper so that's got to change so I present Paper Love posts:


My first post is about paper goodies from Tinkering Ink







Penny Sale on Makeup!!!

If you are a fan of bright, fun colors than check out this sale. Paint
Cosmetics
has crazy, I'm talking insanely pigmented eyeshadows. With every
full sized shadow purchased, you also receive a free sample shadow of your
choice! Now that's a deal! Check out the penny sale here.

I checked it out and purchased a few colors. Most of the colors are not for the faint of heart but they are some muted colors too. I took advantage of the penny pigment samples since I'm all about the eyes.

Emote

Hail Stone

Intoxicant



Brownie

I voted. Did you?

Monday, November 3, 2008

Thoroughly Modish shopping!!!

Another great shopping jumpoff is the Modish Marketplace. You can find me in paper goods again!

Thoroughly Modish shopping!!!

Another great shopping jumpoff is the Modish Marketplace. You can find me in paper goods again!

Vintage & Indie... a perfect holiday combination!!

Be sure to check out the Vintage Indie Market. Indie shopping with a vintage twist. Yours truly is one of the featured artists in the Paper Goods section.

Vintage & Indie... a perfect holiday combination!!

Be sure to check out the Vintage Indie Market. Indie shopping with a vintage twist. Yours truly is one of the featured artists in the Paper Goods section.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Barbara and Ryan - Aww Memories




Long before the drug bust and the expensive concert tickets, Ryan O'Neal and Barbra Streisand made two comedy romance movies that I absolutely fell in LOVE with. Imagine my surprise and delight to find "What's Up, Doc?" on PBS this evening. I actually saw both of these in the theatre as a child. My mother was (and still is) a HUGE Streisand fan. I still love watching "Funny Girl" and "Funny Lady".