Gift Guide - Creative DIY Edition

If you are anything like me, you love to give others the gift of creativity.  There are so many unique, creative gifts for adults and children out there to choose from but here are a few of my personal favorites.

Bear Creek Design on Etsy has some adorable needle felting kits that would make for a wonderful introduction into this craft. 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/87501408/diy-craft-kit-needle-felted-snowman?ref=shop_home_feat


There are lots of jewelry making kits out there but I thought that these two below were very unique (which I love) and I think they would make a great gift for a teen or adult.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/130090283/diy-kit-knit-bangle-personalize-and?ref=favs_view_3

https://www.etsy.com/listing/156670016/diy-kit-miniature-embroidery-hoop-with?ref=favs_view_5


Sewing is a useful skill and these craft kits make learning to sew fun!  I mean, really, who wouldn't want to make this adorable pig?!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/125043489/make-your-own-piglet-craft-kit-sewing?ref=listing-shop-header-1

And with the woodland animal trend and that oh so popular fox song (yes, you know the one), I think this adorable DIY pillow kit would be a huge hit this year.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/125043489/make-your-own-piglet-craft-kit-sewing?ref=listing-shop-header-1


Goose Grease offers these great paint-your-own peg doll kits.  This one below is a family set which would be fun to do as a family but they also have couple and ornament kits too.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/114415098/diy-wooden-peg-doll-craft-kit-make-it?ref=shop_home_active

For the urban farmer, I think this DIY cheese kit would be a fabulous gift!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/117406903/mini-diy-farmers-cheese-kit-3-batches?ref=favs_view_1

How about a unique guy gift...a beer making kit!
http://gifts.redenvelope.com/gifts/brooklyn-beer-making-kit-30118910?ref=HomeNoRef&q=kit&viewpos=5&trackingpgroup=productsearch

And for the tree lover or gardener...a bonsai kit.
http://gifts.redenvelope.com/gifts/bonsai-growing-kit-30111209?ref=HomeNoRef&q=bonsai&viewpos=2&trackingpgroup=productsearch

Now, how about a little gift for all you scrapbookers out there like me!  :)  Amazon has some great deals on one of my favorite albums, We R Memory Keepers.
http://www.amazon.com/We-Memory-Keepers-11-Inch-Leather/dp/B003W0TJDY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1386649057&sr=8-1&keywords=we+r+memory+keepers+8+1+2+x+11

And you can score some amazing deals on scrapbooking goodies over at All Scrapbook Steals.com
Right now they have Crate Paper's Bundled Up and American Craft's Peppermint Express on sale for 40% off!  Plus you can get an extra 10% off your order by using the code TRYUS

If you (or someone you know) is interested in photography, I highly recommend the courses over at Creative Live which are currently all on sale.  They also have some business, music, and even Project Life courses too.  A few of my favorites that I have seen bits of when they were live are with photographers Ana Brandt, Sandy Puc, Kelly Brown, Lori Nordstrom, Jasmine Star, and Tamara Lackey. 

If you are looking for more unique gift ideas, you can check out my Etsy Gift Guide HERE.

30 Days 30 Prizes

Crate and Barrel is having a countdown to Christmas giveaway...30 Days 30 Prizes.  It has already begun but each day you can visit this link http://www.crateandbarrel.com/Giveaway and enter to win the prize for the day!

Be sure to check out my Etsy Gift Guide for some great holiday gift ideas too!  :)

Great Gift Ideas - Etsy Edition

Today I wanted to share some great gift ideas that I have seen while browsing Etsy.  I just love finding unique gifts for the special people in my life and Etsy is a great place to do that.  Although, sometimes I end up finding more for myself! :)  Hope you find a few items to add to your wish list!  (*Just a note*- I am just sharing these purely for the joy of sharing.  I have no affiliations with these shops...the items shown are just things I have discovered and wanted to share with my readers.)

I have fallen in love with these mini terrariums.  https://www.etsy.com/listing/162152910/tear-drop-terrarium-kit-duo-collection?ref=favs_view_3   I am thinking that a group of three would look great hanging in my kitchen or office.  (LOVE that you can hang them so they don't take up counter/shelf space!)  I am partial to these teardrop shapes but the globes are great too and I think they would make a great gift for just about anyone.

These fun pencils from Earmark would be especially great for the teachers/writers in your life.  And you can stick with your favorite phrase or choose a variety of sayings...such a great way to personalize this little gift!
https://www.etsy.com/listing/62417609/pick-a-pencil-12-pack-makes-a-great-gift?ref=listing-shop-header-0

Here are a few gifts that would be great for a host/hostess:

The mustache trend is still going strong and these fun glasses would be perfect for a guy or girl and likely to bring about some lively conversation and laughter.  http://www.etsy.com/listing/84328113/mustache-drinking-glass-fun-drinking?ref=br_feed_37&br_feed_tlp=home-garden

 

How about this sweet, engraved butter knife... http://www.etsy.com/listing/88623484/spread-the-love-custom-hand-stamped?ref=listing-shop-header-0

 

And even though it is a butter knife, you could probably use it for soft cheeses along with this stunning, slate cheese board (which you can even write on...great for a party and selection of cheeses).  http://www.etsy.com/listing/116085440/slate-cheese-board-16-x-8-with-soapstone?ref=shop_home_feat

And these tea towels are just too lovely to ignore...such beautiful color and design.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/86364623/set-of-original-illustration-tea-towels?ref=listing-shop-header-2

For the ladies, who wouldn't enjoy a relaxing (and pretty) spa set.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/169441962/spa-gift-set-boxed-gift-set-bath-set?ref=listing-shop-header-2

There are a ton of wonderful photographers on Etsy and while art can be a very personal preference, if you know someone well enough you can probably find a piece that they will love.  This has been a favorite of mine for awhile now.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/86883979/30-off-sale-nature-decor-flower?ref=shop_home_active

 

 This little coin purse is so dainty and feminine...it reminds me of my grandma.  Perfect for women of all ages and something that she is not likely to already have.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/90772539/holliday-gift-under-30-lace-and-yellow?ref=shop_home_active

How about some ideas just for the special kids in your life...

I think this iceberg stacking toy would be lots of fun to add to any child's set of building blocks.  And you can pretty much guarantee that they will be the only one on the block who has it!  :)
https://www.etsy.com/listing/62727169/iceberg-stacking-toy-natural-wooden-toy?ref=favs_view_7

I have seen this next item, by Manzanita Kids, in person and kids ages 1-50 were getting down on the ground to play with it!  These sets are beautifully made and the building/playing possibilities are endless.  I think the castle would be a great gift for the knight lover!  And they even have a treehouse...so fun!
https://www.etsy.com/listing/106789966/building-toys-castle-towers-and-modular?ref=shop_home_active

 

 

Do you have a child who loves to dress up?  These masks would be a great addition to any dress up box.  I got my son the fox one for Halloween and he has played with a lot since then.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/73310320/wolf-mask?ref=favs_view_11

Can't forget the guys!
This keychain would be great for any dad, but especially perfect for the new dad.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/114405675/dad-keychain-in-copper-custom-hand?ref=tre-2725326806-4

If you have a guy who loves beer, these beer soaps make a unique gift. 
https://www.etsy.com/listing/115517392/beer-soap-set-of-3-gift-set-extra-dark?ref=tre-2725326518-13

And I have to end this post with a few, fun packaging ideas!

I love the chalkboard trend and these cards immediately caught my eye...such lovely design and sentiments.
 https://www.etsy.com/listing/167233539/assorted-boxed-set-of-8-christmas-cards?ref=shop_home_active&ga_search_query=boxed%2Bset

 

This feather wrapping paper is simply beautiful.   

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/162180372/2-sheets-design-wrapping-paper-mint-with?ref=br_feed_23&br_feed_tlp=holidays

 

How fun is this personalized bag direct from the North Pole!
https://www.etsy.com/listing/167611242/personalised-christmas-stocking?ref=favs_view_3

 

 I bought these bags below last year, stamped in red, and found them to be great for packaging smaller gifts.  And I love that the recipient can reuse it...yeah for eco-friendly!
https://www.etsy.com/listing/85105654/christmas-gift-bags-cotton-drawstring?ref=shop_home_active

Do you shop Etsy?  I hope I have inspired you to take a look at some of these shops.  I will be posting more gift guides over the next week or two so stay tuned!

Wishing you all a blessed Thanksgiving and holiday season!

So happy for you...

Our neighbors are getting ready to welcome their first child into the world in the next month.  I remember all the excitement that surrounds this time.  But oh boy will their world get even more exciting once this little guy arrives!  :)  Here is the card that I will be giving them.

 

This is a publication reject but I absolutely love it! :)  The yellow patterned paper is just so cheery and I had fun playing around with the journal card and tiny word stickers.  Everything is from My Mind's Eye except for the flair, which is American Crafts.

Wishing all of you in blog land a blessed Thanksgiving week!

Scrapbooking Your Christmas Card

Hello friends!
  I just got our Christmas cards in the mail and thought I would share a layout I created using our card from last year.  I decided to glam it up with a whole lot of sequins but keep it simple with just a few words about what Christmas means to me.

 

I get my cards from Tiny Prints and have been super happy with their quality. 

 

Do you scrapbook your Christmas cards?  I was watching a bit of Creative Live today and Becky Higgins was demonstrating Project Life and specifically talking about how to use the divided pocket pages to showcase all the holiday cards you receive.  Even if you have to cut up the cards at least you are not just throwing them away after Christmas and I think it is a nice reminder of the people in your life that year as well as a good way to document the changes in their lives (if you keep their cards each year).

On another note...

 Who is gearing up for black Friday deals?  I am big on saving money but not big on the craziness that has become Black Friday, especially now that stores are opening on Thanksgiving...that is just plain wrong!   However, did you hear that Walmart will be offering some pre-black Friday deals starting tomorrow?  They are matching some of the best deals from their competitors a week early.  I am hoping that Amazon will match their deals so I can just grab a few things I want online for the same great price! :)

 And if you are looking to save a little extra money this holiday season and you do some online shopping, I highly recommend Ebates.  You can check out my post here for more details or head on over to Ebates to see how you can earn an extra 2-20% cash back on your online purchases at over 1000 stores.  Plus, if you sign up now you will also get a $10 gift card!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...already?!

Yes, it is that time of year...Christmas décor is up in stores, my kids are already working on their Christmas lists, and if you are anything like me, it is time to get a head start on that Christmas shopping!  I am a bargain hunter and love a good deal so last year I discovered Ebates and found it to be a great way to get a little extra cash back for purchases that I was already going to be making online.  And I love that I can shop the online sales and still earn cash back from Ebates...usually an extra 5-10%.  Plus during this time of year Ebates tends to offer double cash back for a lot of different stores, making your savings even more!  :)  For example, right now The Body Shop is having a 40% off their entire site sale and when you go through Ebates, you will earn an extra 10% cash back, which means everything is really 50% off...such a deal!

So, if you decide to sign up for Ebates to save some extra money this holiday season, I would love it if you would use my referral link:  http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=E9lSkUiFEzCTC3NEwzTVVA%3D%3D

It is really easy to sign up, shop, and earn cash back.  Anytime you plan to shop online, you simply head to the Ebates site first, search for the store you plan to shop at (or browse the HUGE list of stores on Ebates), click on the store and start shopping!  When you click on the store through Ebates it creates a tracking ticket and automatically takes care of the cash back for you. 

Here are just a few of my favorite places to shop through Ebates:
Nordstrom (and they are having the half-yearly sale right now too!)
Finish Line
The Body Shop
Clinique
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Target
Tiny Prints

Happy Shopping!


In other news...I have not been crafting much lately, which may be partly due to my office space being a total mess!  But I am also just enjoying my busy life with my 3 boys and have been focusing a bit more on my photography.  I have had a few things published recently and hope to blog a little more as we head into the holiday season.  I am planning to share some projects, photos, and more tips for saving some money (which I know many of us can benefit from, especially this time of year). 

You Make My Heart Sing

Hello crafty friends!  Are you having a good summer?  We are trying to enjoy every minute and are slowly checking off the items on our summer bucket lists (I am sooo going to do this again next year!).  Just yesterday, I had a fun water gun fight with my boys...although I am not doing too good with catching up on my photos/albums.  Oh well!  :)

Today I wanted to share two cards that I created recently using the go-to sketches from Paper Crafts recent publication call.  First up, is one using some lovely floral paper from Crate Paper's Pier collection and a fab Dear Lizzy die cut card.  Since I just have a Cuttlebug, I love that more companies are including fun die cut accents in their collections.

See those sequins?  I put little pale green pearls in the center of each for a touch of color.  What do you think?

This next card, I actually didn't even submit but I do still like how it turned out.  Don't you just love that popsicle paper?! 

Thanks for stopping by today!  We are still enjoying lovely weather here and are off to play with some friends.  Enjoy your day!

Another Publication Share

Happy Friday!  We have been having fabulous weather here in Washington so I have been trying to soak up every moment of it and enjoy time outside with my boys.  Summer already seems to be going by too fast...do any of you feel that way? 

I have been busy crafting for submission calls but I will have some projects to share next week...a few that didn't make the cut.  :)   Today, I just wanted to share about a Creating Keepsakes special issue that I was just published in:  All About Albums. 



You can take a little peek into the magazine HERE.  My album is showcased in the Digital Album section.  I don't do a lot of digital albums but it is such a great way to get a lot of photos/memories documented quickly.  And I have fallen in love with Paper Coterie...they have fabulous albums (and other great memory keeping/art items too) that are easy to customize. 

I don't want to share what is in the magazine but thought I would give you a peek at one of the pages that didn't get published.

Have a lovely weekend! 

It's Birthday Creations Week!

It's Birthday Creations week over in the Moxie Fab World and on the Paper Crafts blog and I couldn't be more excited!   My happy birthday cake banner is on the cover (my first cover appearance!) and I have a fun All Star Birthday Bash party ensemble published in the magazine.  I already have my copy and I can guarantee you that it is an issue you do not want to miss!  You can have a chance to win a copy over on the Paper Crafts blog today or can participate in fun birthday challenges over in the Moxie Fab World.

And in honor of this fun birthday issue, I thought I would share a birthday card I made recently for Crate Paper's June Creative Weekly - Polka Dots. 

I created this card using Crate Paper's The Pier collection.  I decided to take my scissors to one of the pinwheels (gasp!) but love how it turned out...I think they frame the card/sentiment nicely.  And don't you just love the aqua and gold combination?!

Thanks for stopping by today!  Be sure to check out the new Birthday Creations: Volume 3 and congrats to all of you out there who had your lovely projects published in this issue too!  I kept oohing and ahhhing every time I turned the page! :)