Finally Finished!

Some of you may recall that awhile ago I altered a box and was going to use it to fill with assorted occasion cards for my sister's birthday.  Her birthday is January 1st so I needed to have her gift ready to give to her at Christmas.  Well I finally got it done and it's now waiting to be opened.  I hope she likes it! 



Her Birthday Card.  Made of Graphic 45 A Ladies Diary paper collection. 

The box and her cards were made using Graphic 45's On The Boardwalk paper collection.  Fingers crossed that she likes her gift. 



Merry Christmas!

Here's a card that I made this year for a special someone.  Lots of layers, (in one spot there were 8!) lots of dimension, overall a card with some weight to it.  So thick I had to deliver it without an envelope.  I used Recollections "Bright and Jolly" paper pack with some flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts, Spellbinders dies and label dies.  Merry Christmas Everyone!

Birthday Card for a Friend

I've put together a birthday card for a friend of mine and thought I would share with you before I mail it/drop it off.  It's a little bulky so I haven't decided how I'm going to get it to her.  I've used Graphic 45's gorgeous, gorgeous, did I say gorgeous paper "A Ladies Diary."  I received my very first order from Wild Orchid Crafts the other day and the flowers were stunningly gorgeous and I just thought this card was the perfect opportunity to try them out.  Some of their flowers are so tiny and yet perfectly exquisite in detail!  I loved working with them and will order more from them in the future. I used Glossy Accents to adhere the flowers and lace and everything else used.  I made the stickpin that's inserted into the middle.  The lace also comes from Wild Orchid Crafts as well as the paper doily.  The cardstock I used was Gina K's heavy weight cardstock.  I knew I was going to be adding a lot of embellishments so I wanted a good weight cardstock to build my card on.  I used a very light weight cardstock to use as a liner for the inside of the card.  When I asked my sister what she thought of the card, her response was "every card you make seems to be getting better and better than the last." 

I can see that.  When I look back on the first set of cards that I placed in my Etsy shop, as well as the first cards shown on here, I do believe I've gotten better.  That is my goal. To get better and better.  Next year I'm going to start entering a lot more challenges.  Those can only help me to get better as well.  My other goals for the New Year are to eventually try out for a Design Team, (I know I'm not good enough for that yet), I would like to submit some of my cards to some of the card magazines and see if any make it.  I do need to still focus on my photography skills as well.  I never feel like the true essence of my cards shows up in the pictures I take.  Well here it is, I hope she likes it! I'm proud of it. 

My First Craft Fair (Selling Cards)

  I applied back in September for a craft show about 40 minutes from my home and taking place in November.  I didn't hear anything back and assumed that they were full.  The first week of November I got a reply saying that somehow my email had been overlooked and was I still interested as they had 2 tables left.  So I said yes and got to work making cards.  I tell you I worked like a mad woman making cards, tags, gift tags, mini paper totes, box sets of cards, notebooks with pens, post it holders with pens.  I was up till the wee hours of the morning most days working on these.  I sold some things and made some contacts and managed to connect with a couple of people who wanted me to make thank you cards for their businesses.  Here's a picture of me with my table...yeah I know...it needs a lot of work.  I need to add more levels and just all around make the table more appealing.  But I'm learning and willing to take constructive criticism so let me have it with both barrels!  LOL



Me at my first craft fair for selling cards


I made quite a few Christmas cards this year and have some left.  I decided to not list them on Etsy but instead these will be the cards that I'm sending out this year.  If you're on my Christmas card list...look away and pretend you didn't see this post.  LOL.  As always I would love to know what you think, good or bad.  I hope to do quite a few craft shows next Christmas so whatever tips, ideas or comments you have to make are most welcome! 

Here's a few tags that I have left:

I also made some paper mini totes.  I had seen several tutorials on YouTube and I ended up taking a little of this and a little of that and came up with the following.  This first batch ended up going to a spa where they filled them with nail polishes and put them out by the front counter.  I'm told that sales of these have been steady and they are almost gone!  The tag says For Your Mistle Toes. 

This second batch went to the craft sale.  I have several of these left and will take them to the same spa so they can replenish their stock.  Not the most flattering shot but I forgot to take pictures at home before we left.   The tags on these ones say Merry Kissmas and they have lipsticks and chapsticks in them. 

I also made little post it note holders with pens.  They say Merry Christmas Teacher. 

Here are some notepads with pens.  The paper and pens matched up quite nicely.  Total fluke!  Top left...sorry again I forgot to take pictures at home. 

Here are the cards that I have left.

  I appreciate the time you took to look through my pics.  If you're not too worn out, please leave a comment!  I want to learn and become better and can only do that if I get feedback.  Thanks again!