Tuesday, June 30, 2009

July 4th Blowout Sale!



Originally uploaded by Cara's Scrap 'N Stamp Art
Today starts my July 4th Blowout Sale of 25% off all items. Please note "JULY4" in the Notes to Seller upon checkout. You may wait for a revised invoice from me or you can pay and I will refund you the difference via PayPal. Sale prices are not to be combined with any coupons. Sale ends July 4th at 11:59 PM EST. Happy shopping and have a safe and fun filled holiday weekend!

The Diary 2010 Project

This year I'm taking part in the Diary 2010 Project. It's a cool project wherein artists, crafters, photographers and designers from around the globe choose one day and create their own page. The end result is a unique page per day diary that also includes months, addresses and note pages. New for this year is that the diary is trilingual (English, French and Spanish).

If you'd like to participate, you can reserve a page with Lucy of Fantazya. Note the deadline to provide your design is July 15.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Been Around the World Yet?

When I started selling my paper crafts on Etsy last fall, I had no idea I would meet so many interesting and talented people from all over the world. After a few months of selling, I offered international shipping and have shipped orders to Malaysia, Canada, Australia, Singapore and just last week mailed off a personalized baby card to London. Welcome, baby Alexander! That's one of my favorite names, you know!

Last month I was contacted by a customer, Nicolette, from Singapore. I was thrilled to provide her with a variety of cards, gift card holders and stickers. Nicolette is becoming well known among the EtsyGreetings team as we have an active forum and there have been friendly discussions about the girl from Singapore who loves to buy cards. Recently, Molly Lee, also an EtsyGreetings team member and Etsy seller, had contacted Nicolette regarding her card sales at the Singapore fleas (flea market). Molly, like all of us, wondered what does Nicolette do with all those cards. Nicolette provided Molly with details of her own selling experience as well as a number of photos which you can see here on Molly's blog. I know Molly was pleased to see her cards in the photos. Having a closer look, I found a few of my gift card holders and mini cards. Wow, I've gone international, isn't that cool?! If you are thinking of adding international shipping to your shop, go for it! Here's a helpful thread from the Etsy forums that will give U.S. sellers all you need to know for shipping internationally.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Challenge Yourself


I am a member of the EtsyGreetings Team, a fabulous group of talented card makers who sell on Etsy. Last month 10 of us participated in the 10-10-10 Challenge. The challenge was to list a new item for 10 days and the plus for our customers was a 10% discount if they mentioned the challenge in the Notes to Seller. It was a push for me to complete many items I'd recently left unfinished in order to fill a number of Custom Orders. During the challenge, I managed to organize much of my office area. As my time crafting is very limited, organization is key for me. Despite my best efforts though, I still manage to waste time looking for items that have found a new home since I forget where the new home is. But in organizing, I found my Stampin' Up Upsy Daisy set that had somehow fallen between the computer table and the wall. The result is an assorted set of mini birthday note cards one of which I've posted above.

It was a fun bonding experience with my 9 other teammates and we even got a mention in the Etsy Success Newsletter, which is a weekly digest of hot tips for Etsy sellers. We are highlighted as an example of creative marketing or promoting on the cheap. My shop and blog had a flurry of activity and sales. It was difficult keeping up with the creating, blogging, tweeting and listing but the "challenge" was worth it. If you are interested in challenging yourself, check in with Amanda of LittlebBunny to see when the next 10-10-10 Challenge will begin.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Happy Father's Day!

Today I am featuring the fabulous works of my favorite young artists, Alex and Andrew. We wish all you dads out there a great day with your family!

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Meet Harley!


Harley
Originally uploaded by Cara's Scrap 'N Stamp Art
As if I wasn't busy enough already, add a 2 year old Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever to the mix and forget it, there's just no time left.

We found Harley five weeks ago at a local shelter. Despite being filthy, he stole our hearts. We're all adjusting but it's exhausting training him. Thankfully, he's a smart dog and catching on quickly.
The shelter told us he was five years old but it turns out he's probably around two. That would explain the high energy and bright white teeth. Quite a change from our lazy 11 year old golden retriever who died suddenly in March.

My boys are done school tomorrow. Andrew has a graduation ceremony but he still has another year of preschool. Alex is almost a 4th grader. They worked so hard this year and we're so proud of them. I'm hoping for a relaxing summer but I know the kids and Harley will keep me busy. Maybe I can sneek in reading a book at the pool but that might be pushing it.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Rain, Rain Go Away?

We've had our fair share of rain and gloomy weather lately. Do I mind? Not at all! It's a great time to get out those frog boots and go "puddle stomping" as my boys like to say. It's an opportunity to slow down and find worms after the storm. It's a time to look for rainbows. It's a time to huddle under the umbella with someone you love while waiting for the bus, walking the dog or telling silly jokes while trying to find the rabbits that ate our flowers.

Rain, rain, go away? It doesn't have to. Is it raining where you are? Don't let the gray clouds spoil your day, go find some fun out there!

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Etsy Front Page 6/6/09 foxpots

Thanks to Foxpots for creating this fabulous Father's Day Treasury and including my "Clean and Classic Father's Day Card." And many thanks to Etsy for putting it on the front page last night! Of course, I missed it but someone sent me this screen shot. While on the front page, I had 364 visitors from 19 countries. Isn't Google Analytics cool?!

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Crazy Cupcakes on Day 10

Day 10...finally! This is short and sweet since it's been a long day of Fun Day with preschoolers and a session with the dog trainer. This is one card from a set of 6 3x3 mini cards. Take a peek in my shop for details but these cupcakes have felt icing, glass bead sprinkles and a crinkly wrapper...sweet! Make a wish!

My feature today is Pinky Creations and I've posted some favorites from her shop on the right sidebar. Her shop specializes in stationery, invitations, tags and cards. Go have a look!

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Wishing You Well on Day 9 of the Challenge!

I'm listing a Little Birdie Wishing You Well Card for Day 9 of the Challenge I've been doing with 9 other EtsyGreetings team members. If you look closely at the card, you can see I added a little bling in the right hand corner. It's a fun card that's suitable for a birthday or just because you were thinking of someone special.

Today's featured EtsyGreetings teammate is Sheila, of The Paper Flower Shop. Sheila designs beautiful cards and paper goods as a creative outlet. Click on any one of her cards featured on the right sidebar and you'll go directly to her Etsy shop. We're both offering 10% off all items until tomorrow. Don't forget to mention "10Day" in the Notes to Seller.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Oh Baby it's Day 8!

Happy June to all! I'm happy for the sunshine, warm weather and in a few weeks...no more school. Time for some summer fun!

Today's listing is an embossed baby onesie card to welcome a new baby boy. The embossed letters have been lightly chalked to accent the embossing. The onesie is on dimensional tape so it pops off the card front. Also available in pink or a custom color of your choice.

Featured on the right sidebar today are a few favorites from the Etsy shop of Percival Road, a shop that's a sweet mix of old and new and all the way from Sydney, Australia.