Monday, November 30, 2009

Cyber Monday!!

Hello, all!  Hope you had a wonderful holiday and are not too broke from all the holiday shopping.  If you are still in the mood for shopping, it's Cyber Monday!!  Now this is more my kind of shopping.  In my comfy clothes, sipping my hot coffee with my doggy to keep my feet warm and the boys at school so I can easily shop in peace which is a great thing since I have a killer migraine today.  New Bon Jovi playing in the background, no crowds, no stress...ahh, nice!! 

It's so easy to shop for deals today on Etsy.  You can start on the front page and all you have to do is click on "Cyber Monday/Free Shipping" and you'll be taken to the Gift Guides where you'll find something for everyone on your shopping list.  Everytime I take a look, I find something else to add to my growing list of favorites.  Below are a few:









If you are in the mood for cards, gift card holders, tags, or premade scrapbooks, come visit my shop!  There's free shipping with the purchase of any item from my Christmas/Winter section.



And if you are in the mood for the best in paper crafting supplies, go visit Die Cuts R Us.  The Black Friday sale has been extended and today incredible Cyber Monday deals have been added!  What I like about Die Cuts R Us is the "Gift Registry."  I just add all my favorites and hope my friends and loved ones find it...hint, hint!!

Stop back tomorrow and you'll see what the challenge of the week is at the Die Cuts R Us Design Team blog.  It's sure to put you in the holiday gift giving spirit!!

Friday, November 27, 2009

Black Friday - Cyber Monday Shopping Deals on Etsy and DCRU!


I hope you all had a wonderful holiday!  Yes, I ate too much delicious food but why not?!  I don't know about you but I hate holiday shopping and you won't catch me out on Black Friday, no way, I don't care what the "in" toy is I'm not getting out of my nice warm bed to stand in line for anything.  And why should I when online shopping is so easy?!  And speaking of online shopping I've got a couple of deals you'll want to check out.

You know Etsy is my all time favorite place to buy unique handmade and vintage gifts.  They've made it super easy to find deals from now through Cyber Monday.  One way to find those deals is to search "ETSYFREESHIPPING" and/or "ETSYHOLIDAYSALE" for oodles of great deals!  As I type out this post to schedule it to go live at midnight in a few hours, there are already over 70,000 items tagged with "ETSYHOLIDAYSALE" and over 78,000 items tagged with "FREESHIPPING."  There's something for everyone so go check it out!!

Here are a few of my favorites:







Now through Cyber Monday, I'm offering FREE SHIPPING on any items from my Christmas/Winter section.  Great time to stock up! As long as your purchase something from my Christmas/Winter section, there's FREE SHIPPING!!  See shop announcement for further details.



Also, check out Die Cuts  R Us for their super duper Black Friday sale!!  I can't give away any details but you will LOVE the deals and will have to check out the store for yourself!

Happy shopping, friends!!

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

I'm Published in Scrapbook News and Review!

I'm really excited to share that one of my holiday cards and a scrapbook layout of mine has been published in Scrapbook News and Review.  You can find it in November's issue which is out now.  Super cool!!




Monday, November 23, 2009

Giving Thanks (a bit early)

This week at Die Cuts R Us we are taking a break from the usual and there will not be a challenge.  Instead the Design Team will be posting what they are thankful for this holiday.  So stop by the blog and see what everyone has to say!

In the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday, I would like to invite you to join me in giving thanks. Please leave a comment and let me know what you are thankful for this Thanksgiving!  And if you are not in the States celebrating Thanksgiving, feel free to leave a comment as to what you are thankful for today.

This holiday, I am thankful to God who has truly blessed me.  My husband and I just celebrated 16 incredible years married and the best is yet to be.  I'm blessed with two miracles-my boys, a wonderful family, kind and loving friends, and every morning, a brand new day.  Some are aware of my health issue and despite that, I'm thankful because at present I am able to enjoy life and those I love. 

Here's a photo of my "Dear Ones" (couldn't resist with the deer paper!!) and I used the QuicKutz Accordian Book from the Die Cuts R Us store.  I added a number of little photos of those dear to my heart!  Don't you just love mini books?! 






Hop over to the Die Cuts R Us Design Team blog every day this week to see what the Design Team is thankful for and what they created with their Accordian Books. Wishing you joy this week, sincerest thanks for your friendship and for stopping by!!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Featured Etsy Artist Mich of Pixes Treasure Chest


Once again, I'm introducing you to yet another talented artist from Etsy.  Although I don't have the pleasure of knowing Mich personally, I can say that I've been to her neck of the woods and Pennsylvania Dutch County is a tranquil place where you can't help but slow down and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you.  Did you know the farmlands of the Pennsylvania Dutch Country are among the most productive in the nation?  Yes, indeed...now let's meet Mich of Pixes Tresure Chest!

1. Tell us about you ~ your name, location, hobbies and interests. Where do you sell your handmade items?

Hi! My real name is Mich, short for Michele, although there are some people out there that do call me Pixe. I live in a little town called Mohnton, PA, nestled in Pennsylvania Dutch Country. And yes, I do share the road sometimes with the horse and buggy drivers! When I'm not making jewelry and trying to sell it, I like to spend time walking in my local state parks, reading (I'm currently hooked on Chuck Palahniuk-he's very bizarre!) and I do some crocheting, too. It seems a lot of my time is spent marketing my jewelry!  I sell my handmade jewelry on Etsy, have a website, I sell at craft shows and I have some jewelry in some local shops.

2. Tell us about your art and how you got your start selling your handmade items on Etsy?

I'm a self taught artist and began making jewelry to satisfy my need for earrings, especially those made from natural stones, which I wasn't finding. It then spiraled from there and I decided I would make a go at selling. I started out on Ebay and at my first craft show I heard about Etsy and decided to see what it was all about. Turned out Etsy was a much better venue for my work and I feel quite at home here! I've been here over a year now and loving every minute of it! I love the atmosphere and the artists are so supportive of each other!

3. What inspires your art?

My art is inspired by the natural world around me.  I've always loved nature and being in the woods! Sometimes, it's just cleaning my messy studio that inspires me and sidetracks me from cleaning!

4. What is your own favorite design/creation/painting and why?

I have many favorite designs but this I favor the most for personal reasons: The Garden Dragonfly Ring.


When I was a child, we used to go camping every weekend at my Uncle's bungalow and this ring reminds me of all the fun times I've shared with my cousins, who are no longer with us. We would go boating, fishing, and just run around the woods! And I would just stare at the water and watch the dragonflies! It's a personal reminder to me that life is much too short and we have to make the most of the time we are given on this earth and enjoy every minute of it, not to stress over the little things and to be sure those we hold close to our hearts know we love them!

5. Do you have any advice for those who are new to selling on Etsy?

Focus on marketing and learning to take really good pictures of your product! Take advantage of the forums and learn what you can to get your shop noticed! Don't get discouraged, it can be hard work, but it's fun work!

6. Do you have any favorite Etsy artists?

There are so many wonderful and talented artists out there, I find it impossible to name one or even a few!

7. Do you have anything else you'd like to share? Are there any other websites or stores where we can find you?

This is my website: http://www.pixestreasures.com/  and here's my facebook fanpage: www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Pixes-Treasures/126254643952?ref=ts I'm currently sponsoring an earring giveaway and you can find all the details in my shop announcement on my Etsy site! And my blogs: http://www.pixestreasurechest.blogspot.com/ and http://www.pixe1.wordpress.com/.

My jewelry is at the following shops right now:  Sheryl's Craft Shop in Reading, PA; Cornucopia Gifts, Stoudtburg Village, Adamstown PA.


I hope you enjoyed getting to know more about Mich and what inspires her to create such lovely jewelry. She currently has all her rings on sale and a terrific giveaway on her Facebook Fan Page.  Take a peek!!  If you are looking for unique handmade jewelry designs, check out PixesTreasureChest!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Working on Wednesday

Fall represents a return to roots.  Let yourself rest and replenish.



And that's what I'm working on today, how about you? 
Be good to yourself today.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Die Cuts R Us Challenge: Create a Girly Project

Our challenge this week at the Die Cuts R Us Design Team blog is to create a Girly Project! Funny I ended up hosting this challenge. Me with more blue and green paper, embellishments and buttons than I know what to do with since most of my projects center around my husband and two sons. I slip the occasional pink background in when I can get away with it. I wondered if I could find it in me to be "girly" but it was so easy since I was using the Bo Bunny Delilah Collection from the Die Cuts R Us store!! In fact, all the design team girls used the Bo Bunny Delilah Collection and you should see what they came up with this week on the DCRU DT blog!

Cara's Card:


Recipe:
Bo Bunny Delilah Collection - Delilah Paper and buttons
SU cardstock and linen thread
Spellbinders Nestabilities Scalloped Ovals
Copic Markers
Atyou Spica Glitter Pens
The Greeting Farm Stamp - Megan
I just had to add glitter to my spunky gal's bow. Girly enough?
Get out your flowers, lacy edging, your bling, your pinks or whatever color suits you! We are all looking forward to seeing your girly creations whether it be a card, layout or altered item.

Please use Mr. Linky to add your creations on the DCRU DT blog.
You have until Saturday, November 21th, Midnight EST.
If uploading to SCS, please use keyword: DCRU
Thanks for playing along!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Spotlight: Bo Bunny Delilah Collection

Bo Bunny makes the sweetest paper collections and "Delilah" is my feature for today on the Die Cuts R Us Design Team Blog (and here). Take a look at a few of their double sided papers:



And how about the die cut shaped paper? Just perfect for your scrapbook pages! Isn't it gorgeous?!


And, oh my, a personal favorite...look at this...jewels!! Who doesn't love a little bling on their projects? Add some bling to the coordinating flowers and you've got one sparkly embellishment.


The Die Cuts R Us store has a beautiful variety from the Bo Bunny Delilah Collection. Check here to view more double sided papers, epoxy brads, flowers, buttons and bling!

Here are a few samples of what you can do with the Delilah Collection. I thought it coordinated well with Jessica's stamp set, Butterfly Wishes, don't you think?


Stop back tomorrow for Tuesday's Challenge with the DCRU DT. It's going to be a sweet and sassy one!! See you then!
~Cara

Friday, November 13, 2009

Holiday Greetings Promotion with EtsyGreetings

Happy Friday the 13th! I've never been one to believe it's a bad luck day. In fact, I've often been very luck on the 13th of Friday. Let's hope EtsyGreetings gets lucky today and makes it into Etsy's newsletter "Etsy Finds" wherein MaryMary features upcoming weekend deals. Our team worked very hard at putting this one together. Looking for some holiday greetings...check this out!

From November 13 through November 15, artists from the EtsyGreetings Team will have special deals and goodies associated with purchases from their holiday collections. I am participating in this event, and am offering FREE SHIPPING with the purchase of any item from my Christmas/Winter section. Stop by the EtsyGreetings blog to see specials from over 50 great paper artists. Click on the photo shown and you'll be taken directly to that shop listing and you'll find out that particular shop's weekend deal. Note, each seller has a different special going on. Here's the link directly to my special offer.

Have a fab weekend!!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Spotlight: JustRite Stampers Damask Borders Deluxe Kit

Happy Thursday everyone! Today on the Die Cuts R Us Design Team blog (and here) I'm spotlighting the Damask Borders Deluxe Kit from JustRite Stampers. This kit has everything you need for stunning interchangeable monograms and embellishments. Each set includes: a 1 5/8" Stamper, 3 interchangeable “Damask” borders, Times New Roman 36 Character Font Set in Upper Case 95pt plus Bonus Flourishes & Symbols, Stackable Type Storage Container and a handy 12 page guide including how-to's, tips and monogram etiquette. For a little more on monogram etiquette, see Sammye Jo's earlier post on the DCRU DT blog here.



This kit is so simple to use. Just press a letter and a Damask border into the grooved surface of the stamper and you are good to go! You can see in the photo above how nicely the stamps fit into the stamper.

Since my dear Mother's birthday is this weekend, I made her up a box of monogram cards and here's a sample of one. So classic! I don't know if you can see, but I added a little bling on the bottom of the Damask border.



If you have any monogram projects you'd like to share with me, just add your link to the comments! I would love to see your gorgeous creations! Die Cuts R Us has the Damask Borders Deluxe Set and also the Curlz Deluxe Set from JustRite and these sets are currently on sale!! Take a peek!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Die Cuts R Us Challenge - Emboss Something

This week's challenge at the Die Cuts R Us Design Team blog is to create any project, layout or altered item and use a dry embossing folder. Take a peek here at all the awesome projects created by the talented DCRU design team. We all used different QuicKutz embossing folders and I know you'll love seeing the variety of projects you can make with these handy little folders.

Since I needed another birthday card for a young dude's birthday, the QuicKutz Large Polka Dots folder was the perfect background. I just added a few more of my favorite things and done!

Recipe:
The Greeting Farm-My Guy Ian
Copic Markers
Stampin' Up Cardstock
QuicKutz Embossing Folder Polka Dots-Large
3D-Dots White Adhesive Foam 1/8" Circles

Sizzix Sizzlits Die "Boy Set"

Do you have any embossing folders? Well, dust them off if you've been neglecting them and join us for this week's challenge at the Die Cuts R Us Design Team blog. Remember, you have until Saturday to add your creation to the DCRU DT blog via Mr. Linky. If you choose to upload to SCS please include DCRU as your keyword. Have fun with your embossing folders!!

Monday, November 9, 2009

Featuring Etsy Artist Eve of Isabella Flora

Today is my first post featuring a talented indie artist who sells on Etsy. This week's talent is Eve, from Isabella Flora. We are team mates on the wonderful Etsy team, EtsyGreetings. We first met while doing the 10-10-10 Promotion back in the spring. We have a bit in common, both card makers and both Jersey girls who graduated from Rutgers University. While recently back in NJ, Eve came for a visit and brought along a collection of her gorgeous cards. I can't wait to send my friend Karen one of Eve's cards for her upcoming birthday. I know she is going to love it!!

Before we learn a bit more about Eve, I want to tell you about her giveaway starting on November 9th on the Etsy Greetings Team Blog. For three days it will be open for comments and then Eve will choose a winner at random from those who commented and send the card to the winner. Check it out! Her Amaryllis card is a spectacular example of her Dad's photography.



Eve also has a special going on in her Etsy shop. It's a Birthday Special running until November 16th. Buy 4 single cards and get a 5th one for free. Please write your 5th choice in the comments field!! This special is in celebration of Eve's twin sister's birthday (and Eve's birthday!!). Happy birthday, girls!! Here's one of my favorite cards from Eve's shop, Poinsetta Card.




1. Tell us about you ~ your name, location, hobbies and interests. Where do you sell your handmade items?

Eve from Lake Isabella, CA, a small town in the southern end of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, in partnership with my Father, Endel, from Great Meadows, New Jersey. My hobbies are watercolor painting, hiking, rock climbing, bicycling, and some photography. Endel started his photography hobby in 1928, with a little black box that was capable of only one shot at a time!Our shop is Isabella Flora on Etsy.

2. Tell us about your art and how you got your start selling your handmade items on Etsy?

My good friend and fellow artist suggested that I should start painting...and I believed her!!

3. What inspires your art?

It's the wonderful world of botany. I can't resist flowers, leaves, branches and all the myriad colors and textures that go with them.

4. What is your own favorite design and why?

One of my favorite images is Morning Glory. This painting just flowed right out of me. I love that!



5. Do you have any advice for those who are new to selling on Etsy?

Be patient... it's a long learning curve... but your shop presence is important.

6. Do you have any favorite Etsy artists?

Oh my Goodness! There are so many talented artists out there! I have 45 pages of favorites so please visit http://www.etsy.com/favorite_listings_public.php?user_id=6374620

7. Do you have anything else you'd like to share? Are there any other websites or stores where we can find you?

My mantra for painting is "play and paint."
I hope you enjoyed getting to know more about Eve, Endel and their works. If you are looking for unique botanical cards, check out Isabella Flora, you won't be disappointed.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Winner of my Inkin' Isabella Notebook!

A big thank you to those of you who visited and commented on this week's giveaway featuring Die Cuts R Us new digital stamp, Inkin' Isabella. Isn't she just super cute!? You can find her at the Die Cuts R Us store and she won't take up much room at all if you decide that you have to have her!




On to my winner, it's Sophia of Blue Chair Diary! Yay, Sophia!! Please e-mail me with an address that you'd like your notebook mailed to.

Visit my friends and see if you were a winner on their blogs. The entire design team from Die Cuts R Us had fabulous goodies to give away this week.

Amber
Cara (that's me!)
Claudia (DCRU store owner)
Gwen
Jessica
Lori
Margie
Sammye Jo (DCRU DT Coordinator)
SaraBeth

Have a great week everyone!! It's going to be a busy one. Stop back tomorrow to see the first of my weekly posts featured artists from Etsy, the best place to buy handmade! Tuesday, the Die Cuts R Us Design Team has yet another fantastic challenge. I'm also going to be spotlighting a JustRite Stampers set, one of my favorites, the set that started it all for me getting hooked on JustRites. What is it they say? When it's gotta be right, get JustRite! They have great stamp sets and the DCRU store carries quite a variety of them.

See ya!



Saturday, November 7, 2009

MOJO111 Challenge and Giveaway

I needed a birthday card for a young dude and when I saw this week's Mojo Monday 111 Challenge, I came up with this card. I'm starting to get the hang of the Copic markers and I love them! And my kids love them too so I had to give them my old Marvys.



Recipe:
Paper: Stampin' Up cardstock and Basic Grey patterned paper from the Offbeat collection
Stamp: My Guy Ian from The Greeting Farm
Misc: Copic Markers, brads, Foof-a-La button, chipboard
Blogger had gone bananas earlier today and I couldn't attach this photo so I have 2 posts today. Scroll down a bit for details about this week's giveaways from all the dazzling gals on the design team for Die Cuts R Us. Stop back tomorrow afternoon to see who wins!

Inkin' Isabella Giveaway from the DCRU DT


Wishing you all a great weekend! It's chilly here in NJ and today we'll be bundled up for a Harvest Festival at my son's preschool. I've been super busy with Custom Orders and have been neglecting posting lately. My kids were also off from school three days this past week. It'd be so great if moms could have 3 days off each week!! One thing I realized this past week is that while my boys enjoy Moon Sand, I certainly don't. It managed to get everywhere, even Harley had some on his nose and whiskers!
I don't know why, but Blogger has gone bananas lately and the latest is it keeps removing the spaces between my paragraphs so I apologize for the crowded post!
Earlier this week, I told you about the fun stuff happening at Die Cuts R Us, you know, the release of the brand new Digi Stamp, Inkin' Isabella!! You can see more on the DCRU Store Blog and you'll want to sign on as a follower as Claudia always has great giveaways and lots of inspiration! Today is the last day to enter to win goodies from the entire DT as each member has created a project with the new Digi Stamp and is giving that project away. Go and visit everyone and enter for a chance to win. Just sign on as a blog follower and leave a comment. Winner will be announced tomorrow afternoon so stop back to see if you won!!

Amber
Claudia (DCRU store owner)
Gwen
Jessica
Lori
Margie
Sammye Jo
SaraBeth

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Holiday 2009 at Cara's Scrap 'N Stamp Art






Introducing Cara's Scrap 'N Stamp Art's Holiday 2009 Collection! Lots of fun, colorful handcrafted paper designs - cards, stickers, envelope seals, gift card holders and card sets for the holidays. Click here to visit the Christmas/Winter Section of my Etsy shop and see what's new. New designs are being added weekly so be sure to stop by often. Custom orders are welcome.
Take a peek at Monday's post to see how you can win beautiful creations by the Die Cuts R Us Design Team!!
Enjoy the holiday season and thanks for stopping by!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

DCRU Challenge - Nest Something

I love my Spellbinder's Nestabilities, that's for sure, so this was yet another great project. This week's challenge from the DCRU DT is to nest something. We all nested our projects using the Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels Nine from the DCRU store but you can nest any way you like. Here's my card for this week's challenge and, needless to say, after making this I had to add Labels Nine to my ever expanding wish list.

Recipe:
Paper: Stampin' Up and Bazzill Bling
Ink and Ribbon: Stampin' Up
Just Rite Stampers Damask Borders Deluxe Kit
Misc: Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels Nine

One more thing...have you seen the brand new DCRU digi stamp "Inkin' Isabella" yet? She's super cute and you can WIN goodies and lots of projects made using her image. Just check my blog entry from yesterday and the DT gals blogs below for details.

Amber
Gwen
Jessica
Lori
Margie
Sammye Jo
SaraBeth

Here's what you can win from me!! A handy notebook to add your hopes, dreams, scrappy visions or whatever you like.



All you have to do is become a follower if you're not already one, leave me a comment and then go visit the DCRU store blog and leave Claudia a comment. That's it!!

Winners will be posted on the DT blogs and the DCRU blog on November 8. Take a peek!!

Monday, November 2, 2009

New Digi Release at DCRU!!

I hope you all had a great weekend. And for those who celebrate Halloween and baseball, hope you had a great weekend as well!! It was a fun party filled past few days for us and I was happy to have an extra hour to sleep.

Exciting news at Die Cuts R Us - their new digital stamp is available today!! Check it out! It's just the cutest darn digi stamp!! But the poor gal has been nameless so you'll have to check out the DCRU store blog and see who won the contest to name this scrappy goddess! I suggested Natalie because that's my favorite girl name. I wonder what we'll call her?
I made this notebook using the new digi and used my favorite paper (I know, it's ALL my favorite paper) from the Bo Bunny Delilah Collection.
Isn't she sweet?! This notebook is just perfect for noting card sketches, your favorite color combinations and creating a wish list of all your favorite DCRU store goodies!! You can't tell from the photo but the leaves spell out "create." If you'd like a chance to win this notebook, make sure you are a blog follower by clicking on the follow button on the right, leave me a comment here on this post and then go visit the Die Cuts R Us store blog and leave Claudia a comment. So easy!!
Want a chance to win even more fabulous creations? Then go visit the blogs of the very talented and super sweet ladies of the Die Cuts R Us Design Team and see what their giveaways are using the new DCRU digi stamp:

Amber
Gwen
Jessica
Lori
Margie
Sammye Jo
SaraBeth

Winners will be announced on Sunday, November 8 on all DT member blogs and on the DCRU store blog. Have fun and thanks for stopping by!