For the past few weeks, we've been raising Painted Lady butterflies. It's been an adventure watching them transform. The kids got a big laugh when the caterpillar heads fell off as they turned into chrysalis. Ugh. Our butterflies even visited preschool where they were treated very gently by Andrew and his classmates. But the time has come for them to fly so today we'll be releasing them to go and be free.
And speaking of butterflies and being free, my Andrew must have thought he was a butterfly yesterday. We were leaving my Mom's group and as I turned to collect his belongings, he bolted down the long winding hall to the entrance way and out the door. I didn't realize he'd left the building, I never thought he would go that far alone and spent the next minutes (seemed like forever) frantically looking for him. One of the other moms happened to spot him outside happily jumping in puddles with his bright green frog boots. Free as a butterfly he was. Enjoy your day, be free and fly.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Giveaways from my EtsyGreetings Team Friends
I love that the warmer weather is here. I don't know about you but there seems to be much more to do with the added daylight. I'm not complaining! A few custom orders came in backing me up on the other projects I was working on so my blog, Facebook, etc is what gets neglected. What can I say, the kids want to play outside, yay. Unfortunately, my little one ended up having a severe allergy attack from all the pollen in the air. He'll probably be much better today since we have rain. Let's hope because he's been so cranky!
Two of my EtsyGreetings teammates are having giveaway and we all love freebies so check these blogs out:
Cinnamon and Honey is having a great giveaway at their blog to celebrate their 200th post, wow! They are giving away a beautiful hand-stamped necklace from fellow Etsy artist Kristen's Custom Creations. Stop by Cinnamon and Honey's blog to say hello and enter!
Then head over to PnkGeeni's blog for her fantastic giveaway! Two prizes! Two winners! One person will win a $10.00 coupon code and another person will win a $5.00 coupon code! All the details are posted at her blog site.
Have fun!
Two of my EtsyGreetings teammates are having giveaway and we all love freebies so check these blogs out:
Cinnamon and Honey is having a great giveaway at their blog to celebrate their 200th post, wow! They are giving away a beautiful hand-stamped necklace from fellow Etsy artist Kristen's Custom Creations. Stop by Cinnamon and Honey's blog to say hello and enter!
Then head over to PnkGeeni's blog for her fantastic giveaway! Two prizes! Two winners! One person will win a $10.00 coupon code and another person will win a $5.00 coupon code! All the details are posted at her blog site.
Have fun!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Etsy Day
I just read that today is officially unofficially* a day to celebrate all that is Etsy.com. What is Etsy? It’s the best place on earth to find all things handmade. Art, woodworking, jewelry, ceramics… you name it, they have it for sale. Over two million people use Etsy everyday! Etsy has grown exponentially in the last few years. Exposure from The Martha Stewart Show and other traditional and online media has made Etsy’s numbers explode.
So how does Etsy work? Artists open their own shops with their own shop names. Shops can carry all handmade items, vintage items, craft supplies, or a mixture of all three. The individual artist runs his or her own shop. When you buy an item, you are paying the artist directly. It’s like a big craft show that you can go to anytime!
Many ways exist to interact with the artists and shops on the site.
Shop by Categories: Etsy is divided up into many categories such as paper goods, jewelry, bath & body, knitting, housewares, clothing, ceramics, weddings, glass, and many more. Subcategories are listed within the main categories to help you narrow down your search such as “necklace” under jewelry and “teapots” under ceramics.
Shop Local: If you are a fan of shopping local you can do that, too, on Etsy! Just type in your location and up pops shops listed for your region. If you are sending a gift to another place, you can also use this feature to shop local for your gift’s destination.
Shop by Color: The color interface on this part is really neat. You can get very specific shades of any color you want. Click on a color bubble and you’ll see listings tagged with that color. Shopping for someone who collects blue bowls? This feature will help you find just the right color.
Pounce: This feature lets you discover undiscovered shops that have had few sales or peruse through shops that recently had a sale. Just keep clicking “Pounce” and more items come up. It’s kind of addicting watching all this beautiful artwork pop up!
Treasuries: The Treasury feature is one of my personal favorites. Etsy users can curate a mini exhibit of items. Many are created with a theme like a specific color or style. Random selections of Treasuries eventually reach the front page of Etsy. Getting a treasury can be difficult but worth the wait.
Custom: Formerly known as “Alchemy”, the Custom section lets you place a request for a custom item. This can be anything you dream up! Maybe your sister loves angels and you want to have an angel painting created just for her. This is the place to ask for it. Artists will place bids on your request, and you get to choose who will make your item.
The Storque: This is Etsy’s blog. Find all kinds of articles here about Etsy shops, technical issues, and the handmade movement. Really worth a read as you will discover new shops and really good information about running a shop or buying handmade, vintage, or supply items.
Showcases and Gift Guides: Artists can purchase advertising spots in the Showcase. Etsy creates Gift Guides for holidays, for certain people, or for items like “A Cozy Home” and “Spring”.
Virtual Labs: This is where Etsy holds live workshops and classes. Etsy teams can hold meetings and trunk shows here. I love the Labs. I have learned so much from attending workshops.
Forums and Chat: Here is where you can pose site help questions, business topics, or look for sales and promotions. Etsy also has chat rooms.
So get on over to Etsy, sign up, and support handmade art and hardworking artists! Tell them CarasScrapNStampArt sent you! (Seriously – there is a referral box to fill in when you join. I could win something!)
Many thanks to Vicky of the Etsy Twitter Team for sharing this information.
* This promotion is being sponsored by independent Etsy shop owners, not Etsy.com. but Etsy is excited about it!!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Come check out Etsy.com!
Hello! I'd like to invite you to check out a great website that I know about called Etsy (http://www.etsy.com/). Etsy is an online marketplace for buying and selling all things handmade. You'll find a creative community of independent artists and designers and the very best in handmade goods, craft supplies and vintage. It's an excellent place to find one of a kind items, to give as gifts - or as gifts for yourself! Since you're buying directly from artists on Etsy, you have the special opportunity to form personal connections with the people who create your treasures like the bride to be card shown here.
Signing up is free and easy! Just click here:
http://www.etsy.com/register.php?referral=CarasScrapNStampArt
Enjoy!
Cara' s Scrap 'N Stamp Art
http://carasscrapnstampart.etsy.com/
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Etsy Obsessions and Puppy Love
I'm reposting this on Sunday since the photo disappeared. The outcome of the dog mentioned below was he may not be good with small children so he's not for us.
While in the bookstore with my favorite 4 year old who is sometimes (ok, most of the time) too noisy for the library (that doesn't stop us from going), I took a peek in a magazine, Scrapbooks, Etc. The editor has a column listing her favorite obsessions one of which was a camera strap slipcover that was found on Etsy. Etsy just enhanced their seach features and you can find out more here. Check it out and maybe you'll find your own handmade favorite obsession.
Some of you may know that we suddenly lost our beloved dog, Comanche, last month. The boys talk nonstop about getting a new dog. We all have our own idea of what kind of dog should be our next dog. The list includes Pug, Golden Retriever, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Samoyed, and on and on. We found a Samoyed/Labrador mix yesterday and we're considering the drive this weekend to meet him. We'll see. So today our Etsy obsession would be this peaceful, sleepy Samoyed from Dogartstudio on Etsy. Let's see if Polo turns out to be this sweet! Happy Friday!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Does your mom have purse - onality?
Oh, what a bad pun, but what a sweet card for your momma!
The EtsyGreetings team has the handmade selection for you. You can see over 208 Mother's Day choices here. There are over 50 shops participating and all are offering some sort of free shipping. See each individual shop for their special offer. I'm offering free shipping when you purchase 2 or more cards. The promotion ends on May 5th.
The EtsyGreetings team has the handmade selection for you. You can see over 208 Mother's Day choices here. There are over 50 shops participating and all are offering some sort of free shipping. See each individual shop for their special offer. I'm offering free shipping when you purchase 2 or more cards. The promotion ends on May 5th.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Happy Mother's Day...already?
I hope you all had a Happy Passover and Happy Easter! We celebrate Easter and it's my favorite time of year. I love the Easter message of hope, joy and new life. I love the flowers and the trees coming into bloom. I love that the days are filled with warm sunshine. I love that we can spend more time outside laying on the hammock watching the clouds go by. Wishing you joy in the simple things today.
Mother's Day is May 10th and a handmade card is the perfect way to let Mom know just how special she is! From April 13 until May 5, I'm offering free shipping when you purchase 2 or more cards. See my Etsy shop announcement for more details. Have a great day!
Mother's Day is May 10th and a handmade card is the perfect way to let Mom know just how special she is! From April 13 until May 5, I'm offering free shipping when you purchase 2 or more cards. See my Etsy shop announcement for more details. Have a great day!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
EtsyGreetings Giveaway Winner and Spring Layout Class atJo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts
Good morning! I assigned numbers and used the Random Generator to determine a winner...Genelle, congratulations, you win! Woo hoo! Thanks to all for playing and thanks for the compliments and helpful suggestions!!
I'm posting one more Spring Layout for the class I'm teaching at Jo-Ann's. The choice is between this layout and the one I posted yesterday. If you haven't seen Heidi Grace's Reagan's Closet Collection, it's absolutely beautiful and includes double sided paper, epoxy raised flowers, punch board add-ons, fabric glitter flowers and chipboard alphabet stickers all of which I used in the layouts.
Wishing you a blessed Easter!
I'm posting one more Spring Layout for the class I'm teaching at Jo-Ann's. The choice is between this layout and the one I posted yesterday. If you haven't seen Heidi Grace's Reagan's Closet Collection, it's absolutely beautiful and includes double sided paper, epoxy raised flowers, punch board add-ons, fabric glitter flowers and chipboard alphabet stickers all of which I used in the layouts.
Wishing you a blessed Easter!
Friday, April 10, 2009
My Spring Layout Class at Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts
I'll be teaching a Spring Layout class Wednesday, April 29, 2009 from 6:30-8:30PM at Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft, 66 Centerton Road, Mount Laurel, NJ. You will create your choice of 2 12X12 scrapbook page Spring Layouts using the new adorable Heidi Grace Reagan's Closet collection and Fiskars scalloped punches. Click on the "Be You" layout and you'll be taken to my Flickr photos where you can view the other layout you can make at the class. You can register with Guest Services in store or by phone (856) 608-7490. I'm happy to answer any questions you might have, just e-mail me.
Also available Scrapbooking 101 classes, a 2 1/2 hour session to teach you all there is to know about scrapbooking and how to use all the necessary tools. This Sat. April 11, from 1-3PM you can register for the Scrapbooking 101 class at 1/2 price! Come on by the store or call Guest Services!
I'll be picking a winner for the EtsyGreetings Giveaway later today. The winner will be posted on my blog and the EtsyGreetings blog. Enjoy the day!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Easter's on it's way...
Oh the start of spring break has begun for one of my boys. Hard to believe since it's been so chilly. Summer is just around the bend.
My Etsy favorites today include Psyanky from a variety of artists on Etsy. Click on the egg you like and you'll be taken directly to their shop. I was going to post it Friday but in choosing my favorites yesterday I hadn't realized they were already appearing on the blog. Oops!
For those who don't know about Psyanky, it is a Ukrainian Easter egg decorated using a wax resist method. The designs aren't painted on but written in beeswax. All the egg yolk is blown out so that you're working with a hollow egg. Many other Eastern European groups decorate eggs in a similar manner for Easter. It's a long process I have enjoyed making with family members over the years. Wishing you all a Blessed Easter! And peace and joy to my Jewish friends who are celebrating Passover.
My Etsy favorites today include Psyanky from a variety of artists on Etsy. Click on the egg you like and you'll be taken directly to their shop. I was going to post it Friday but in choosing my favorites yesterday I hadn't realized they were already appearing on the blog. Oops!
For those who don't know about Psyanky, it is a Ukrainian Easter egg decorated using a wax resist method. The designs aren't painted on but written in beeswax. All the egg yolk is blown out so that you're working with a hollow egg. Many other Eastern European groups decorate eggs in a similar manner for Easter. It's a long process I have enjoyed making with family members over the years. Wishing you all a Blessed Easter! And peace and joy to my Jewish friends who are celebrating Passover.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Happy Cupcakes and an EtsyGreetings Giveaway
Dress up your boring gift cards with a fun set of Happy Cupcake Gift Card Holders. Check the "Miscellaneous Section" of my shop for more gift card holders. There's even a set with Sock Monkeys and they are just too cute! A special thank you to fellow Etsyian, JellybeanLab for the digital collage sheet with the happy cupcakes.
Now onto the giveaway...
Cara's Scrap 'N Stamp Art is sponsoring a "Hello Spring" Giveaway. No need to wait til May for flowers, celebrate the season of rebirth or brighten up the rainy day gloom with a set of spring floral note cards! You will receive 6 3x3 note cards with "Hello Spring" stamped inside. Perfect for a spring birthday, Easter, a thank you note, thinking of you card or just because!
To enter this giveaway, visit my shop CarasScrapNStampArt and then go to the EtsyGreetings blog to comment on your favorite item and any items you'd like to see in the future. If you sign on as a follower to my blog you'll be the first to know of upcoming sales, new items, future giveaways and you'll be entered twice to win.
One winner will be randomly selected from all comments posted at the EtsyGreetings blog on the evening of April 10, 2009. Thanks for entering!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Spring Flowers
April showers are here again today but we did have sunshine over the weekend. The cherry blossoms are in bloom in Washington D.C. What a sight and what a crowd! The only flowers around here are the floral notecards I've been making for a friend. I need to give my yard some attention soon. Any suggestions on how to keep the deer away?
It's going to be a busy week with school vacation starting and Easter Sunday coming up. Hippity hoppity Easter's on it's way. I know of two little boys who are eagerly awaiting candy and a well deserved break from school.
Stop back on Wednesday for details on my giveaway at the blog of my street team Etsy Greetings.
It's going to be a busy week with school vacation starting and Easter Sunday coming up. Hippity hoppity Easter's on it's way. I know of two little boys who are eagerly awaiting candy and a well deserved break from school.
Stop back on Wednesday for details on my giveaway at the blog of my street team Etsy Greetings.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Friday's Favorites
Another rainy day...I hope it clears up for the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. this weekend. Can you imagine over 3,700 cherry trees all in bloom? Gorgeous, I'm sure.
To brighten this dreary day, I've posted a few of my favorites on Etsy and they're listed on the right side. Visit their shops and I'm sure you'll find some favorites too. Have a great weekend!
To brighten this dreary day, I've posted a few of my favorites on Etsy and they're listed on the right side. Visit their shops and I'm sure you'll find some favorites too. Have a great weekend!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Etsy Greetings April Giveaway
My giveaway this month is being sponsored by Etsy Greetings and begins on Wednesday, April 8. Here's a sneak peek of what you can win but you'll have to go to their blog to enter. Good luck and enjoy the day!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Itsy Bitsy Baby on the Way?
There's no itsy bitsy baby on the way for us but this card is so cute for an upcoming baby shower, to announce baby's birth or for use as baby thank you cards. Babies are the best!
Thank you for the kind words after losing our beloved dog, Comanche. The boys talk about a new dog daily. I'm not ready but I'm keeping my eyes open for the right pup. Have a fun April Fool's Day!
Thank you for the kind words after losing our beloved dog, Comanche. The boys talk about a new dog daily. I'm not ready but I'm keeping my eyes open for the right pup. Have a fun April Fool's Day!
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