Still Alive!

I can't believe I haven't blogged in so long here. The holiday flurry of selling had left me quite tired. I spent the last few months concentrating on other things in my life. For one, I've taken Bikram Yoga and am learning to focus, balance and be tone/fit. I've also been trying to step it up a notch with healthier eating habits. As much as I'd like to think I can be great at all things; I've learned that I'll do better if I concentrate on less things, and stay sane at the same time. Sometimes it's better to take a step back and re-evaluate what my priorities are at the present moment. I still love to craft but my mind just hasn't been as into it as much. However, my Etsy shop is still alive and I am slowly getting back into the craft fair scene. My first stop will be with my lovely NewNew team at our 2nd Spring Cavalcade. Hope to see you there!

Handmade Holiday Cavalcade coming Dec 5th!

Save the Date: Nolita, NYC.

Tangerine + Tiffany

Amanda Fuller of Amanda Fuller Designs created this most lovely spread and I just had to share. I love the combination. If I were to get married again (haha) I'd definitely consider this palette. It's so bright and fun. Thanks for including my tin - it fit right in!

A new Leaf...

Most people I know dread the end of summer. When Fall is here, Winter is soon to come. I feel differently though. I couldn't wait for the hot & rainy Summer to end. I look forward to the fresh cool air and am thrilled that it's Fall. Inspired by the new change of weather, I purchased a set of these lovely stamps from Hero Arts. It stamps quite nicely and I just love how the leaves pop!

Happy Fall!

Is it summer already?

I've been on a blogging hiatus! I'm starting to feel stressed out again. Time to step back and re-focus.

I realize how difficult it is to simultaneously sell at craft fairs/venues and also work on online sales at home + keep up with a full time job. While I do have fun at fairs, I've decided that I really need to vet which venues to accept. While both have it's advantages (it's fun to meet customers and see their reaction. Immediate sales are gratifying too) it's very hard to do both well and maintain a somewhat sane life. I'm constantly worried about forgetting things and making sure I have enough time...etc.

So I'm feeling pretty good that I haven't signed up for anything in the next two months. It'll give me some time to figure out what to do. I already have some goals in mind in no particular order.

1. Eat healthier (more whole grains, greens & less sweets like cupcakes!)
2. Work out consistently
3. Push husband to do the same for the above
4. Declutter our home and organize better
5. Hang out with friends (I'm horrible in this department)
6. Take Sam(dog) out more
7. Work on increasing Etsy shop sales and custom orders at home
8. Learn to live more meagerly (only buy what we need; not what we want)
9. Be a better food shopper
10. Save money

On other news... My latest custom order. I spent roughly 1.5 months making 250+ of these wedding favors. I normally would have required more time but this came to me kind of late; so I worked my butt off every night and weekend to make it happen in time for the bride's wedding. The bride was quite pleased and made all the cutting, gluing and painting worth it. I hope to do more of these in the near future.


I believe her wedding just past so I wish her a happy happy marriage!

I love how the photos came out. It's amazing what a fancy SLR camera can do.

Etsy Treasury

Thanks to muppleton for the feature!

The SHC is tomorrow!

I should have worked last night but it's been a rough week. So instead the hubs and I treated ourselves to Indian food at SEVA in Astoria and it definitely hit the spot. My stomach can't handle huge portions, so I have enough leftovers for lunch today.

Anyway, it looks like I'll be busy tonight. Please check out the coupon sheet below for both online and in-person shopping for this weekend! For those that won't be able to make it out to see me, below is a "Free Shipping" coupon for all online purchases. Though it's not stated on the sheet, I'm afraid it will not include any custom orders.

Love is In the Air Wedding Suite

A brand new wedding suite handstamped and finished off with a shabby chic lace pattern. I spent hours on this one and I'm quite proud of the result. I am happy to announce that this is now available in my shop.

22 Days until Paris {Oui Oui}

I'm in love with the water color paintings by Carol Gillott of ParisBreakfast. Her pieces are just amazing! It seems so real doesn't it?

This just amplifies my excitement to get to Paris ASAP and eat my heart out! I'm going to have to walk miles and miles each day to make up for all the food I'll be trying.. I fell in love with Paris the first time I was there two years ago and it will be the first place I'll be re-visiting again. It's not something we do because I've always figured that there's so much of this world I haven't seen yet but I think visiting a second time will allow me to appreciate Paris even better than before.

Etsy's Special Delivery

Etsy is sponsoring a fab event this Valentine's Day. They are currently accepting handmade Valentine's Day cards and partnering up with City Meals on Wheels to distribute a meal and card for VDay! So fun!

I'm not the best writer so I borrowed a verse from the internet and handwrote it in each card.

Read more about it from Etsy's Storque!

Valentine Goodies

Simple yet still a bit playful.

Show Your Gratitude - Free Shipping

Now is the perfect time to say thank you for all of those wonderful holiday gifts and meals you shared! Sending a handmade card is a beautiful way to show your gratitude. The shops featured below are offering free domestic shipping on their thank you card sets from January 5 through January 15.

Please check my Handstamped Gift Set section for my current selection of Thank You sets. Domestic shipping has already been removed from these listings. Please click on Etsy Greetings for other Etsy sellers participating in the "Free Shipping" Offer!

My card is published

The card above was selected to be included in Laura McFadden & Deborah Baskin's 1000 Handmade Greetings: Creative Cards and Clever Correspondence! I haven't seen the book in person yet but will definitely make the trip to Barnes & Nobles when I have a chance.

Handmade Greetings rock!

Etsy Shop Local in Asia

I just read this fantastic article about Etsy Sellers selling across the world, specifically Asia - Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Phillipines, South Korea and Malaysia. It's so great to learn that there are such creative folks all the way across the world from me. It also heightens my interest on travelling abroad to Asia. I've only been to Japan so far and would love to visit as many Asian countries as I can. I already have plans to visit Hong Kong (where I was born) and Thailand in 2010. I seriously can't wait!

A few of my favorites from the article:

Starry Designs

Saplanet
RaesCreations

Handmade Holiday Calvalcade Hosted by NewNew

The NewNew's first Holiday Show happened on Saturday. From what I heard and saw, it was highly successful. I kind of regret not selling with my teammates, but I knew I had too much going on. I am so proud of my teammates and am hyped up to join the fun next year!

I asked my husband to take the photos (gave him something important to do while I chatted with most of the sellers.) I tried to get to everyone but it was a bit overwhelming and we had to get back to our metered car. Sorry if I missed a few of you.


Packed with buyers!

In this photo, from left to right, there's Tyshawn from Redbridge, the Gift Bags in the back and Marty from dewonapetalhome.

Click here for the rest of the photos..

Black Friday - Cyber Monday Sale Starts Now!

Best Offer Yet Starts Now! I'm giving thanks to all my wonderful customers. Starting now through Monday, enjoy 25% off entire store! (excludes custom orders and shipping) Please purchase and wait for your revised invoice before paying; or I'll send a refund!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Candy Cane, Snowflakes & Birds

A few new additions to my shop. I really love the simplicity of these tags. I rounded each corner to make it a bit more special. The twine adds just the perfect rustic chic-ness, don't you think? I love twine; I want to use it on everything!

My favorite by far... but you should know that by now if you've been following my work... hehe.Two more days until Big Ole Turkey Day. Can't wait!

My first Giveaway!

I'm giving away two fabulous Holiday Cards on the NewNew website. Check it out!

Inspired by Nature

Old Country Road
Rose Cottage

Getting ready for Christmas...

I have a stack of Holiday themed paper that's been waiting for me to use along with some vintage-y Holiday stamps. These sets are currently available in my shop in sets of four. Happy Holiday Shopping!




I'm also working on Holiday gift tags, to be added to my shop in the next week or so.