I am currently re-vamping my blog and website

New posts and items are coming for 2010 to be sure to check back.

Inheriting the Blue Buggy

Well technically its a van.

Originally my grandpa bought the van in 1997.  When he passed in 2000, my aunt took over driving it.  Over the years, the Blue Buggy has made many family trips between NJ and NY and beyond.  And over the past four years since I started my business, my aunt has served as my personal driver for craft shows and runs to the art supply store.

I shouldn't have been surprised that she offered me the van when she bought a new car last week, but I was and incredibly humbled by how special my family is.  Although there were others who asked about the van, she felt that I needed it most between my daughter, work, school, and my business.

Though I've had a license for over 10 years, there has always been some reason or another why I haven't been able to buy a car.  I got my license at 24.  Not because I was uninterested or scared but because I never had time to practice.  I took all the required classes in high school, written test, simulator, behind the wheel, but with the demands of college, I never got around to taking my road test.

After college, I made up my mind to get a car, signed up for lessons, passed the road test my first time around and started saving money for a brand new car.  Then I moved out on my own...savings gone. **sigh**  Saved the money again...got a job in NYC...who was driving into NYC and paying tolls and parking.  **sigh** Had my daughter...lost my job...savings gone again.  And once I got back on my feet, though I had savings and the need for a car...I found that a car payment AND insurance wasn't in the cards. **sigh**  So I figured I'd have to wait a little longer for my own car.

And then this happened...

I inherited the Blue Buggy.  Yes she's a bit old and this first week of driving has been filled with drama...almost ran out of gas Monday...had a slight fender bender Tuesday...need transmission fluid so its been parked since Tuesday...and I got a parking ticket today because it was parked. **sigh** But its okay.

I see this gift opening a lot of possibilities for myself, my daughter, my business, and my education.  And I can't wait to get on the road to start the journey. And I thank my Auntie so much for giving me something that's so much bigger than the Blue Buggy. Thanks Laraine, enjoy your new truck!!!

Is there a local chapter of Stickers Anonymous?

My beau says I have an addiction to art supplies but really...I have an addiction to paper and STICKERS!!!! I love stickers and hands down my favorites are EK Success.  So imagine my absolute joy to find out they're on sale at CreateforLess.com.  I have to calm down and breathe.  Must...not...get..carried...away.

Is there a local chapter of Stickers Anonymous?

My beau says I have an addiction to art supplies but really...I have an addiction to paper and STICKERS!!!! I love stickers and hands down my favorites are EK Success.  So imagine my absolute joy to find out they're on sale at CreateforLess.com.  I have to calm down and breathe.  Must...not...get..carried...away.

Happy Halloween, lil devils!!!

Costume finished and she's a happy Storm!

Costume finished and she's a happy Storm!

Busy being a busy bee

Sorry for my lack of posting...busy with being busy as usual.  The semester is going okay.  I had my mid-term this past Saturday and though I don't think I did as well as I had hoped, I know where I went wrong.  I spent too much time worrying about diagrams vs. definitions.  Most of the test was definitions.  I will be ready for the final and my projects have all been either A's or B+s. 

 

Also, I was letting the blog get a little away from me so I started to separate blogs:

 

• Project Danielle -- which I would kinda describe as a beauty/fashion blog.  Basically its a journal of finding my own personal style again.  When you're juggling as many balls as I am, you tend to neglect yourself.  I'm trying to get back on the right path.

and

• Notes 2 Live By -- instead of posting my favorite music vids here, I'm posting to a separate blog.

 

So know we can re-focus this blog on paper and the business of Collective Elements and other crafty things I do. :)  If you want to check out the other blogs, please do. It won't cost you a thing. :)

 

Speaking of other crafty things:

 

My daughter's Storm costume is almost complete.  Hopefully, I can post a picture tomorrow.

 

And Christmas is around the corner so I will be posting new cards for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the New Year.

 

I'll be back!

Busy being a busy bee

Sorry for my lack of posting...busy with being busy as usual.  The semester is going okay.  I had my mid-term this past Saturday and though I don't think I did as well as I had hoped, I know where I went wrong.  I spent too much time worrying about diagrams vs. definitions.  Most of the test was definitions.  I will be ready for the final and my projects have all been either A's or B+s. 

 

Also, I was letting the blog get a little away from me so I started to separate blogs:

 

• Project Danielle -- which I would kinda describe as a beauty/fashion blog.  Basically its a journal of finding my own personal style again.  When you're juggling as many balls as I am, you tend to neglect yourself.  I'm trying to get back on the right path.

and

• Notes 2 Live By -- instead of posting my favorite music vids here, I'm posting to a separate blog.

 

So know we can re-focus this blog on paper and the business of Collective Elements and other crafty things I do. :)  If you want to check out the other blogs, please do. It won't cost you a thing. :)

 

Speaking of other crafty things:

 

My daughter's Storm costume is almost complete.  Hopefully, I can post a picture tomorrow.

 

And Christmas is around the corner so I will be posting new cards for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the New Year.

 

I'll be back!

November 2009 Shows

It's that time of year...holiday shopping.  Would love to see you at some local events!

 

Sunday, November 1, 2009, 11 am to 6 pm

Union Square Broadway Festival

Union Square/Broadway 17th - 23rd Street New York, NY

Vending with Yania Creations

 

Saturday, November 7, 2009, 10 am to 5 pm

Brooklyn Flea Market

The Fort Greene Flea is outdoors at Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, on Lafayette Ave. between Clermont and Vanderbilt Ave., and features 150+ vendors of vintage furniture, clothing, collectibles and antiques, as well as new jewelry, art and crafts by local artisans, plus delicious food. It is open from 10am to 5pm—rain or shine—every Saturday.
Vending with Yania Creations and fellow members of the fabulous {NewNew} Etsy Team

 

Saturday, November 14, 2009 and Sunday, November 15, 2009, 11 am to 7 pm

The {NewNew} Day at Brooklyn Indie Market

Take the F/G train to the Carroll Street Station.

November 14 and 15, from 11am to 7pm, a curated selection of independent artists, designers, makers, and crafters from the {NewNew} will showcase their handmade goodness at Brooklyn Indie Market, circumventing the mainstream holiday shopping madness and offering a SALE.  Download your 10% off coupon to take advantage of the sale at participating vendors.

Get your coupon here!

 

November 2009 Shows

It's that time of year...holiday shopping.  Would love to see you at some local events!

 

Sunday, November 1, 2009, 11 am to 6 pm

Union Square Broadway Festival

Union Square/Broadway 17th - 23rd Street New York, NY

Vending with Yania Creations

 

Saturday, November 7, 2009, 10 am to 5 pm

Brooklyn Flea Market

The Fort Greene Flea is outdoors at Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, on Lafayette Ave. between Clermont and Vanderbilt Ave., and features 150+ vendors of vintage furniture, clothing, collectibles and antiques, as well as new jewelry, art and crafts by local artisans, plus delicious food. It is open from 10am to 5pm—rain or shine—every Saturday.
Vending with Yania Creations and fellow members of the fabulous {NewNew} Etsy Team

 

Saturday, November 14, 2009 and Sunday, November 15, 2009, 11 am to 7 pm

The {NewNew} Day at Brooklyn Indie Market

Take the F/G train to the Carroll Street Station.

November 14 and 15, from 11am to 7pm, a curated selection of independent artists, designers, makers, and crafters from the {NewNew} will showcase their handmade goodness at Brooklyn Indie Market, circumventing the mainstream holiday shopping madness and offering a SALE.  Download your 10% off coupon to take advantage of the sale at participating vendors.

Get your coupon here!

 

The NewNew returns to the BIM November 14 & 15. http://ping.fm/Ti9pW

The NewNew returns to the BIM November 14 & 15. http://ping.fm/Ti9pW

Weekend Deals Galore!!

Need to get a jump on holiday shopping?  I'm offering 25% off my entire shop.  This weekend only from today until Sunday, 11:59 p.m. EST. Just enter the code "Weekend Deals" when checking out.

 

http://collectiveelements.etsy.com

 

And wait a minute...

 

There's a whole bunch of sales going on within the NewNew.

 

Participating team shops below are offering a % off items in their store for the weekend Oct 10/23-10/25 with code "weekend deals" in message to seller

Weekend Deals Sale on Etsy!

Note: %'s off include all items in store/total order, excluding shipping, unless otherwise noted.

Bath & Body:

Dirty Loves Clean- Vegan
dirtylovesclean.etsy.com
25% off

Home Goods:

LuCrafts- Utilitarian Made Beautiful
LuCrafts.etsy.com
20% off

LuCrafts Candles- Soy Candles in Unique Containers
LuCraftsCandles.etsy.com
20% off

Peppersprouts
peppersprouts.etsy.com
15% off

Paper Goods:

Collective Elements - Ultimate Paper Love
collectiveelements.etsy.com
25% off

Alton Weekes
altonweekes.etsy.com
20% off

Waisze
waisze.etsy.com
20% off

prismPOP- Eco-friendly paper goods
prismpop.etsy.com
15% off

Plush/Fabric Goods:

Curious Urchin
curiousurchin.etsy.com
25% off

Alexandra Ferguson
alexandraferguson.etsy.com
20% off

Underground Crafter
undergroundcrafter.etsy.com
20% off

Jewelry:

Thistle Pixie
thistlepixie.etsy.com
25% off

Caja Jewelry
cajajewelry.etsy.com
25% off (excluding custom pieces)

Pulp Sushi
pulpsushi.etsy.com
20% off non-sale items

ThePeachTree
thepeachtree.etsy.com
20% off

p*Charming
pcharming.etsy.com
20% off

Sarah Kathleen Warner
sarahkathleenwarner.etsy.com
20% off (Bone Jewelry Only)

Jenny Topolski
jtopolski.etsy.com
15% off

l'atelier des bijoux
latelierdesbijoux.etsy.com
15% off 

Wish by Felicity
wishbyfelicity.etsy.com
20% off

Art:

Art By Iris
artbyiris.etsy.com
20% off

Etc:

CLineCreations- Chinese Paintings & Knottings
CLineCreations.etsy.com
15% off

Third Floor- Fabric Goods & Accessories
thirdfloor.etsy.com
15% off

 

Weekend Deals Galore!!

Need to get a jump on holiday shopping?  I'm offering 25% off my entire shop.  This weekend only from today until Sunday, 11:59 p.m. EST. Just enter the code "Weekend Deals" when checking out.

 

http://collectiveelements.etsy.com

 

And wait a minute...

 

There's a whole bunch of sales going on within the NewNew.

 

Participating team shops below are offering a % off items in their store for the weekend Oct 10/23-10/25 with code "weekend deals" in message to seller

Weekend Deals Sale on Etsy!

Note: %'s off include all items in store/total order, excluding shipping, unless otherwise noted.

Bath & Body:

Dirty Loves Clean- Vegan
dirtylovesclean.etsy.com
25% off

Home Goods:

LuCrafts- Utilitarian Made Beautiful
LuCrafts.etsy.com
20% off

LuCrafts Candles- Soy Candles in Unique Containers
LuCraftsCandles.etsy.com
20% off

Peppersprouts
peppersprouts.etsy.com
15% off

Paper Goods:

Collective Elements - Ultimate Paper Love
collectiveelements.etsy.com
25% off

Alton Weekes
altonweekes.etsy.com
20% off

Waisze
waisze.etsy.com
20% off

prismPOP- Eco-friendly paper goods
prismpop.etsy.com
15% off

Plush/Fabric Goods:

Curious Urchin
curiousurchin.etsy.com
25% off

Alexandra Ferguson
alexandraferguson.etsy.com
20% off

Underground Crafter
undergroundcrafter.etsy.com
20% off

Jewelry:

Thistle Pixie
thistlepixie.etsy.com
25% off

Caja Jewelry
cajajewelry.etsy.com
25% off (excluding custom pieces)

Pulp Sushi
pulpsushi.etsy.com
20% off non-sale items

ThePeachTree
thepeachtree.etsy.com
20% off

p*Charming
pcharming.etsy.com
20% off

Sarah Kathleen Warner
sarahkathleenwarner.etsy.com
20% off (Bone Jewelry Only)

Jenny Topolski
jtopolski.etsy.com
15% off

l'atelier des bijoux
latelierdesbijoux.etsy.com
15% off 

Wish by Felicity
wishbyfelicity.etsy.com
20% off

Art:

Art By Iris
artbyiris.etsy.com
20% off

Etc:

CLineCreations- Chinese Paintings & Knottings
CLineCreations.etsy.com
15% off

Third Floor- Fabric Goods & Accessories
thirdfloor.etsy.com
15% off

 

Sunday Slow Jam: Forever, For Always, For Love

Oh my!!!

My Halloween Shadowbox

Mailed out today to Germany.  I'm a few weeks late partly because I was holding it because I hadn't heard from my partner but in the spirit of the swap I shouldn't have done that.  I hope she enjoys it.

My Halloween Shadowbox

Mailed out today to Germany.  I'm a few weeks late partly because I was holding it because I hadn't heard from my partner but in the spirit of the swap I shouldn't have done that.  I hope she enjoys it.

Crafts in Chelsea is still going down today!! 10am to 5 pm. http://ping.fm/LJQrm

Crafts in Chelsea is still going down today!! 10am to 5 pm. http://ping.fm/LJQrm

Rain or shine, Crafts in Chelsea is still going down, 10 to 5 today!!!

Today I was supposed to be selling at an art fair, Crafts in Chelsea, but rainy weather and paper don't mix.  My main product is handcrafted stationery and I learned from experience that moisture and paper are a bad combo.  I was looking forward to not just selling but shopping.  So many artists in my group are highly talented.  If you're in NY, you should check it out.  There's still 50 vendors selling in the rain. :)

Rain or shine, Crafts in Chelsea is still going down, 10 to 5 today!!!

Today I was supposed to be selling at an art fair, Crafts in Chelsea, but rainy weather and paper don't mix.  My main product is handcrafted stationery and I learned from experience that moisture and paper are a bad combo.  I was looking forward to not just selling but shopping.  So many artists in my group are highly talented.  If you're in NY, you should check it out.  There's still 50 vendors selling in the rain. :)

Finally ordered a Fastenater!!

Some projects require staples for better fold but they are so ugly. I've been looking at the Fastenater for a while so today I finally ordered a hot pink one!!! Now I can have fancy staples to jazz things up.

Finally ordered a Fastenater!!

Some projects require staples for better fold but they are so ugly. I've been looking at the Fastenater for a while so today I finally ordered a hot pink one!!! Now I can have fancy staples to jazz things up.

Monday Motivation: Chief Rocka

Yeah its late again. sue me

What I love is that Malia is such an original...

My daughter is a free spirit with a strong sense of personal style and I love that about the eldest Obama daughter.  Four different colors but still fun, pretty, and age appropriate.

Busy busy busy as usual...need a serious nap...seriously we need cots at work...and snack time with graham crackers and milk...that was good kindergarten eating

Crafts In Chelsea! Saturday, October 17, 2009, 10am to 5pm

21st street between 8-9 Avenues, Chelsea

I'll be there selling my holiday cards and ornaments, with my brand new tent!!!

PS 11 is partnering with The {NewNew} - a local NY Metro group of Etsy Sellers, to close 21st Street between 8th and 9th Avenues, to host Crafts in Chelsea. A fall handmade delight of the finest handmade arts and crafts the New York Metro are has to offer. From elegant jewelry to unique upcycled handbags, to cutting edge fashions, artwork, and more! All handmade within the New York Tri-state region.

There will be something for everyone with free food for kids, games, bouncy castles and a petting zoo inside the school - all to occupy the children, leaving the parents free to shop the best handmade goods in the Metro New York area!

Chelsea is a mecca for a fine design aesthetic, attracting much of the demographic that at one time made the West Village the trendiest neighborhood in town. Some of New York’s finest dining can be found on Eigth Avenue, and numerous upscale hotels have opened in the area this year. It is a family friendly neighborhood with a cutting edge night life–a stone’s throw from the Empire State Building and Times Square.

Crafts In Chelsea! Saturday, October 17, 2009, 10am to 5pm

21st street between 8-9 Avenues, Chelsea

I'll be there selling my holiday cards and ornaments, with my brand new tent!!!

PS 11 is partnering with The {NewNew} - a local NY Metro group of Etsy Sellers, to close 21st Street between 8th and 9th Avenues, to host Crafts in Chelsea. A fall handmade delight of the finest handmade arts and crafts the New York Metro are has to offer. From elegant jewelry to unique upcycled handbags, to cutting edge fashions, artwork, and more! All handmade within the New York Tri-state region.

There will be something for everyone with free food for kids, games, bouncy castles and a petting zoo inside the school - all to occupy the children, leaving the parents free to shop the best handmade goods in the Metro New York area!

Chelsea is a mecca for a fine design aesthetic, attracting much of the demographic that at one time made the West Village the trendiest neighborhood in town. Some of New York’s finest dining can be found on Eigth Avenue, and numerous upscale hotels have opened in the area this year. It is a family friendly neighborhood with a cutting edge night life–a stone’s throw from the Empire State Building and Times Square.

Sunday Slow Jam: Juicy

Jenni Bowlin Wish List

I discovered these Jenni Bowlin pretties on Moxie Fab World about a month ago.

I have to limit myself to just a few for my first order.

Town Square Paper Pack

Front Porch Paper Pack

Farmer's Wife Paper Pack

Red/Black Line Extension Paper Pack

Victoria Paper Pack

Trendy Paper Pack (purchased today)

Vintage Red Paper Pack (purchased today)

Black Line Pattern Papers

Tangerine Dream Paper Pack (purchased today)

Varsity Paper Pack

Jenni Bowlin Wish List

I discovered these Jenni Bowlin pretties on Moxie Fab World about a month ago.

I have to limit myself to just a few for my first order.

Town Square Paper Pack

Front Porch Paper Pack

Farmer's Wife Paper Pack

Red/Black Line Extension Paper Pack

Victoria Paper Pack

Trendy Paper Pack (purchased today)

Vintage Red Paper Pack (purchased today)

Black Line Pattern Papers

Tangerine Dream Paper Pack (purchased today)

Varsity Paper Pack

Projects: Halloween Pinkeep Swap

Mine came out a bit more like a pincushion but I'm really happy with it.  I'm not a seamstress.

Projects: Halloween Pinkeep Swap

Mine came out a bit more like a pincushion but I'm really happy with it.  I'm not a seamstress.

I really need to get cracking on this Storm costume.

Some ideas

Uh no we will not be doing the mohawk version of Storm, the kid is only seven.

I really need to get cracking on this Storm costume.

Some ideas

Uh no we will not be doing the mohawk version of Storm, the kid is only seven.

You can find old classmates on Youtube too!

If you went to Lincoln School or Vernon L. Davey Jr. High then you are definitely familiar with this guy.  Wow! How could I forget how blessed his voice really is?

Origami Documentary: Between The Folds

Origami Documentary: Between The Folds

Monday Motivation: Loungin'

Sunday Slow Jam - Sweet Taste of Love

This Wednesday is Bonus Day!!!

It seems that my scheduled posts have not been posting so today you'll get your Sunday Slow Jam, Monday Motivation, and Tuesday Tutorials...better late than never right?

Just a few of the artists you'll meet at Crafts on Chelsea, Oct 17 http://ping.fm/hON6M

Just a few of the artists you'll meet at Crafts on Chelsea, Oct 17 http://ping.fm/hON6M

Never ever let someone borrow your show tent. after watching it sink for the past 4 hours I admitted defeat and took it down. I can't believe that jerk broke it

Never ever let someone borrow your show tent. after watching it sink for the past 4 hours I admitted defeat and took it down. I can't believe that jerk broke it

Antic hasn't even started and some random bug has bitten me

Antic hasn't even started and some random bug has bitten me

No Artmart today but tomorrow you can see me at the 35th annual Atlantic Antic between Henry and Hicks on Atlantic Ave in Brooklyn NY!

No Artmart today but tomorrow you can see me at the 35th annual Atlantic Antic between Henry and Hicks on Atlantic Ave in Brooklyn NY!

So you're not an Etsy fan?

You can still shop with me on ArtFire.com

Visit collectiveelements's ArtFire Shop

So you're not an Etsy fan?

You can still shop with me on ArtFire.com

Visit collectiveelements's ArtFire Shop

How could I not leave money?

How could I not leave money?

Tutorial Tuesday: Is it Fall Yet?

1. Altered Journal on Paper Imagery Designs
2. Mini Drawstring Bag by Jessica Gonacha on Indie Fixx
3. Crochet Crown for Children on Craft Magazine
4. Paper Wine Bag on Daisy Jaine
5. Koi Fish Kites on The Toymaker

 

 

Tutorial Tuesday: Is it Fall Yet?

1. Altered Journal on Paper Imagery Designs
2. Mini Drawstring Bag by Jessica Gonacha on Indie Fixx
3. Crochet Crown for Children on Craft Magazine
4. Paper Wine Bag on Daisy Jaine
5. Koi Fish Kites on The Toymaker

 

 

Monday Motivation: Yeah

Sunday Slow Jam: Say Yes (Nehemie's Rendition)

I'm alittle late with the Sunday Slow Jam so I'm posting something a bit different. I love Floetry's Say Yes and I came across this girl singing her own interpretation that puts a hot new spin on an already hot song.

Practicing Those Christmas Ornaments

Excuse the messy house, lol.