Only the Beginning

I finally had my training on my new Epilog Laser Cutter yesterday!!! What an exciting day!!! I had 101 questions and played with the software and machine for about 3.5 hours while Crystal was here! And of course I played more after she left :)

Here are some of the projects we did yesterday:

Engraved Wood Plaque

Chipboard Letter for my Custom Name Albums

Chipboard Word

1" Etched Glass Tile

Etched Glass Cube

First we engraved on these Flip Flops and then we cut them!!!

And I've got 100s more ideas I want to play with today!!! Look for metal plaques, engraved scrapbook and photo album covers, leather journals and so, so much more!!! I'm willing to try anything requested :) I have a friend who wants me to engrave on his valve covers for his motor...LOL!

IT'S HEEEEEEEERE!!!

My laser cutter is officially HERE! I couldn't wait any longer to take it out of the box and get it on my new table! Though I can't use it until my training and ventilation system arrive next Friday, for now I'm happy to just look at it :)

Isn't she beautiful!

Two Happy Girls and Another Challenge

Three more Custom Albums went out the door last week! Two were for girly-girls and one was an anniversary gift.

Of course I loved making them for the girls...they were in my favorite colors!

Hannah Amelia

And this one was the challenge. The customer wanted "TH" on the end of the album, but it would have made the album 10 letters long. I thought about adding stickers to the 0 on the end. But then I remembered the apostrophe on this album and used the same technique. I also ran the letters up and down like my Mr. and Mrs. Albums. I love how it turned out!

Heaton50th

Remembering Pandi

One year ago today, my little sisfur crossed the bridge. She was 17 years old and lived the best life a dog could have asked for :) And she had the best parents who loved her dearly!!!

I went thought my old pictures this weekend and found some of Pandi growing up. It was so fun to reminisce and see her as a pup again :) I thought I'd share a slide show I put together.

A picture slideshow by Smilebox

And here is the layout I made last year after she passed. I was never more happy that I had this photo taken!!!

To Mom, Dad and Lucky: You are in my thoughts today!

An Aries Artist

I was recently featured on this site and many of the questions in the interview had to do with how my crafting relates to my astrological sign. In doing this interview, I realized just how many aspects of my sign do effect my crafting...and my life in general.

I am an Aries through and through! From being outgoing and independent to being impatient and hardheaded...I fit the profile. Much of my success has come from having the confidence to talk to people about my scrapbooks. All of my consignment deals have started by me just walking up and asking if the store owner would be willing to sell my items. This is something that comes easily to me, but doesn't always come easy to others. And craft shows are much the same way. I'm not afraid to put myself out there and talk to people all day at the shows. It is just something that comes naturally :)

Being an Aries also helps me to take on challenges and branch out with my scrapbooking. I love working on new things and always have 100s of ideas running though my head at any given moment! This really helps in my custom work when people request all sorts of new things.

There are also some down sides to being an Aries when it comes to my crafting. My scrap room always tends to be a mess! And I always have 10 projects going at the same time. I don't like to sit idle and have to have something to work on. I've also noticed that I work best on a deadline. I stay very focused when I have orders to work on, but not so much when I am just working on inventory.

All in all, I'll take the bad with the good when it comes to being an Aries. After all, I wouldn't be the same person if you took out all the "bad" things :)

Do you believe in astrology and your sign? How does it affect your crafting?

Digital Scrapbooking for Everyone

I am a traditional paper scrapbooker in most aspects. I love the process of cutting, gluing and rearranging the elements on a layout to make something spectacular. In recent years, I have become more of a hybrid scrapbooker. I still love the physical sense of scrapbooking, but I love the options digital scrapbooking has to offer! And I think digital scrapbooking has options for everyone.

Today, I thought I'd show you the most common way I use digital scrapbooking in my traditional scrapbooks and albums. I might do a series on "hybrid" scrapbooking so you can see other ways digital scrapbooking is useful in traditional scrapbooking.

The thing I love most about digital scrapbooking is the variety it gives me. Check out these two papers:

The paper on the left is the original paper and the one on the right is one that I altered to make it the colors I needed. If I had bought this paper at a store, I wouldn't have had the option to change the colors and would have had to use it as is. By using the Hue/Saturation option in Photoshop, I have endless possibilities!

I also use this technique a lot in my embellishments. Digital scrapbook embellishments are both inexpensive and versatile. Take this paisley for example. It started out black, but I've made it so many different colors that I can use it on every album I make! A regular sticker can't do that!

If you're looking for more options in your traditional paper scrapbooking, look to digital scrapbooking to help you out :)

Scrapbook Wall Art Canvas

I love branching out and finding new things to do with my supplies!!! This Canvas was so much fun to make! And now I have more ideas running through my head than I know what to do with!

Scrapbook Wall Art Canvas

I might add one more in a family theme in colors like navy, hunter green and maroon or navy and brown to give a little variety. And maybe a Christmas themed one. But I'd like to see how well this one does before I get too carried away...LOL :)

What ways have you found to branch out with your crafts?

10-10-10

Today I want to share a layout with you I did a while back. Looking at the calendar and seeing 10-10-10, it automatically made me think of this layout :) This layout is about 4 years old, but in reading through it, I realize that I love Jesse for all of the same reasons I did back then :)

(click on photo to enlarge)

1. The little things you do for me.

2. Your work hard/play hard manner.

3. Your need for adventure.

4. That fact that you love to get out and have a good time. 5. The way you come up behind me while I'm cooking and give me a hug...just to show you love me :)

6. The way you love the animals and spoil them.

7. The love you have for your family.

8. Laying on the couch with you getting to tickle your back.

9. The fact that you are perfectly happy sitting home watching movies on a Saturday night.

10. The way you are with children and the way you play with Dawson. (And now, Brody and Nicole too.)

What 10 things do you love about someone or something? Take time to jot it down today :)

A Pretty Perfect Weekend

This summer seemed to fly by! It was so busy with things going on almost every weekend! I am usually a summer girl, but this year...I'm ready for fall :) I'm ready for things to calm down, to stay home more, to just relax a bit and catch my breath!

This past weekend was the perfect way to get fall started :) I scrapbooked all day Friday and didn't even leave the house until later that evening when we took Harley for a ride to get a few groceries to cook supper. We ate supper on the couch and fell asleep watching a movie.

Yesterday was much of the same. It may be the perfect example of my ideal day: I took a long, hot bath while I enjoyed my coffee and toast. I scrapbooked all day long :) I got a hair cut (and didn't even have to leave the house to do it!). Talked to my mom on the phone. Then Jesse and I went out for supper just the two of us :) Yup...pretty perfect to me!

And today we don't really have too many plans either. Most likely we'll stay around the house again. Sundays are a short day when you work night shift, so it sounds like another good day to relax :)

Hope you have a relaxing Sunday too!

Decision Time

I had to make a hard decision yesterday! Fall craft shows are just around the corner and I am currently signed up for 4! Things have been crazy around here lately and I just haven't had the time to get inventory ready. The first show is almost 2 months away, but the craziness isn't near an end yet!

I made the decision yesterday to cancel all of my fall shows! It was a super hard decision to make, but I just can't handle the added stress right now. I am currently working anywhere from 8-16 hours of overtime at my factory job. We'll be taking care of our friend's house, yard, pets, etc. while he is at rehab after his motorcycle wreck. We are starting to redo our bathroom. And somewhere in there I think I had a life!

Plus, I have some medical things going on to boot! Don't worry, nothing serious, just annoying stuff that they don't have an explanation for yet!

This will allow me to focus more on my Etsy shop too :) I enjoy all of the custom orders I get from there and want to be able to keep my shop open all fall for Christmas orders. I love to scrapbook and custom orders and so much fun. I love to be able to come home from work and be creative! After having some time to think it over, this really is the best decision for me right now :)

I hope everyone has a stress-free Tuesday :)

The Dalai Lama Layout

The Dalai Lama came to Iowa back in May and one of my clients and her son were lucky enough to see his presentation. What a wonderful experience that must have been!

I pulled colors from the booklet and the ticket for the page and used these items right on the page itself. I mimicked the gold border on the booklet as well for the border on the page. I made a pocket for the booklet and let it stick out and used the top wording for the title of the page. I finished off the page with words from the booklet and some oriental coins. There is also a blank journaling spot for her to write about the visit.

I love using memorabilia along with photos on layouts and enjoyed putting this page together :)

What I'm Working On Today

Along with 6 of my Name Albums, I am working on some other custom projects as well.

Today I'm working on a Flip Flop Album, an Address Book and another Cupcake Book :)

Between today and tomorrow, I'm hoping to get these three projects completed and in the mail and get started on the Name Albums so I can get those added back to my shop!

So...What are you working on today?

Day 1 Show Review

One successful day down...one successful day to go :) Yesterday's show went really well! I was so excited to use my new display! (pics tomorrow) And I met some really great people as well!

I shared a booth with my crafting friend again and that makes it so nice for the slow times! We had a 10'x10' space this time, so it took us a little longer to set up since we had a square instead of a rectangle like we're used to, but it all worked out well :)

We both did really well and are anxious to see how today goes! We heard that Sundays can be better than Saturdays when people get out of church...keeping our fingers crossed! We are also excited to be doing this show again in the fall. We were told the estimated # of attendants for this show is 3,500 and the one in September will be almost 20,000!!! Super excited!!! And we learned about two other shows that sound wonderful! I had another vendor just fall in love with my albums :) She does lots of other shows and gave us information on those and thought we would do really well there too! It's all about connections!

I want to send out well wishes to others doing shows this weekend :) Sprinkling sales dust on us all!!!

Weekend WrapUp

What a great weekend it's been! Friday I got off work in the morning, came home and jogged and took a nice long, hot bath. I met my friend Melanie for lunch at an awesome Mexican restaurant. We talked for over 2 hours at lunch! Then we went back to her house and another friend came over and cut my hair. Then we went over Melanie's invitation information and finalized everything so I can get started on them :)

Yesterday was a great day too :) I scrapbooked all morning. Then Jesse and I rode snowmobiles to a friend's house. It was gorgeous out! The sun was shining and we were even hot while we were riding! We let our friend's granddaughter ride around for a while on my snowmobile...she had a blast :) Then last night we went out to eat and to the casino with Jesse's family to celebrate some birthdays :) No gambling...but it was fun to people watch...LOL! I must say I was a little disappointed that I didn't get ID'd to get into the casino!!! Wow...am I looking THAT old! It was fun to hang out with everyone though :)

Now today I'm having a lazy day :) I pretty much plan on scrapbooking all day!!! And Jesse's even going to cook supper YAY!!!

Hope everyone had a great weekend :)

Celebrating 2 Years!!!

That's right...I'm celebrating 2 years on Etsy!!! Actually my anniversary was yesterday...but I had such a cute picture for Wordless Wednesday I couldn't pass it up :)

I can't believe it's really been 2 years since starting on Etsy! Where has the time gone! When I started selling online, I wasn't sure what to think! I wasn't sure how to start. I wasn't sure what to charge. I didn't have any policies in place. It has been quite the journey with several changes and learning processes along the way :)

Milestones always get me to looking at numbers and statistics. I like to see my progress over the last year and make new goals for the year ahead :)

In 2008 I had 30 sales. I was happy with this and it kept me going and wanting to learn more and do more. In 2009 I had 91 sales!!! What a change! I was so happy in looking at these numbers :) My goal for 2010 is 120 sales! And I've already got 5!!! I wanted to keep my goal attainable...but I really hope it's even higher than this :)

I have reached 267 hearts :) And I hope to make it to 350 by year end!!!

I am very happy to say that I have 100% feedback :) This makes me so excited! It says that people are not only buying my products, but they are really liking what they get :) I have also set up quite the repeat customer base! Even better...people who like what they get and come back for more! Thank you to every one of my wonderful customers!!!

So what is in store for my 3rd year on Etsy?

More of everything! I want to add more Notebooks. More Simply Stunning Albums in a variety of colors and themes. More Premade Word Albums in a variety of colors and words. More choices for Custom Name Albums. More Flip Flop Albums. And I really want to start using up all the supplies that are starting to take over my scrapbook room!!!

Thank you to every one who has been on this journey with me :) I hope you will continue to follow my blog and check out my shop in the coming years!

Featured!!!

Yesterday a treasury...and today a feature :) This week is shaping up to be a great week already!

Tim over at Everyday Living is featuring handmade artists to help promote items for the upcoming holidays :) How cool is that! Thanks a bunch Tim!

Here's a screen shot...but stop by and see the whole thing at his blog :)

Ahhhh...The Weekend!

Hello my beloved weekend :) Oh how I've missed you! I am thoroughly exhausted after working so much overtime this past week that this relaxing weekend has been much needed! Well...what I consider relaxing anyway...LOL! I got home from work yesterday afternoon to find a few friends had stopped by. Jesse and I had a few beers in the shed with them, ate grilled cheese sandwiches, and went to bed at 8:30! Not an exciting Friday night...but a much needed one! Today, I got up at 7:30...that's sleeping in compared to the rest of the week! I caught up on some Internet stuff, made breakfast, cleaned the living room and kitchen, did laundry, and unloaded and loaded the dishwasher. Jesse helped me make some new shelves for my craft show display. I've already got two coats of paint on the front sides and should have them all finished up tomorrow! I also found some time to get some scrapbooking done :) I got a bunch of chipboard cut to size for my Name and Word Albums and my Simply Stunning Albums!!! Now I'm taking a wonderful coffee break and getting some more computer work done. Tonight we are going to a bon fire at Jesse's aunt and uncle's. I can't wait to see everyone and relax by the fire :) Tomorrow will be a short day! I go back to night shift...finally! I have to go in two hours early, so I'll be going to bed rather early...like in the afternoon! I hope you are all enjoying a nice relaxing weekend as well :) Happy Saturday!

Craft Show Success

Thanks to everyone for their well wishes for my craft show! It was a success! The morning flew by and I couldn't believe it was already noon when I looked at my phone! We had a great steady flow of people all day long...even during lunch hour when it usually slows down :)

I wasn't sure how my sales were until I came home and got everything totalled up. I was afraid I didn't do very well, just because things were so steady instead of big busy periods. So I was happy when I found out I only came out $50 short from last year...that's basically only 2 albums short! I was very happy with this outcome :)

I also had several people take cards and were thrilled that I had a website! I think this is one reason I didn't have as many custom orders as last year. When they know you have a website, they don't feel pressured to buy that day and know they can get ahold of you later :) This helps spread out the orders and a lot of times they order more online because they have time to think of all the people they have to buy gifts for and they can pay with a credit card!

Here's a few pics I took of my booth. It was set up pretty much the same as last year, but we found a couple of things we'd like to change before my next show. I would like to make three or four long shelves that run the whole length of the middle section. And then the smaller shelves will go along the sides. I would also like to make a sign that will attach in the back with brackets and stand up in the middle of the display. I think this will really grab people's attention and draw them in :)

One Week Away!

I have just one week to finish getting ready for my first fall craft show for the year! I've been trying to get as much stock ready as I can to give people as much variety as possible :) This will be the 50th year anniversary for the Clarinda Craft Carnival and this will be my 4th year participating. I reserve the same space each year to be sure people know exactly where to find me :)

Here is my booth from last year:

I'll have plenty of Word Albums there!

And new this year will be my Simply Stunning Albums!

And as always, I will be taking Custom Orders :)

So if you're in the SW Iowa area...stop and say hi :) I'll be on the Fair Grounds in the Cow Palace!

Use That Memorabilia

If you're anything like me...I tend to be a pack rat! And then you throw in being a scrapbooker and I have a hard time throwing anything away! You never know when you can use it on a layout :)

Today I thought I'd show you a few ways to use memorabilia on scrapbook layouts. Why store it away when it can be displayed in your albums along with your photos :)

For this layout I put the actual graduation medal on the page with extra strength adhesive. It made a nice border, don't you think? I also added the professional graduation invitation. There was nothing on the back, so I was able to adhere it down and you can still open it and see the inside.

And on this two page layout, instead of using the entire diploma...I scanned it and downsized it to fit nicely among all the photos. I also included the graduation program and the special invitation I made for the event. Both of these will also open so you can still see the inside :)

Worried about your memorabilia being acid free and safe for your scrapbooks? Worry not :) You can test your items with a pH pen and spray them with a deacidifier such as Make It Acid Free by Krylon.

So go ahead...get that memorabilia out of a box and into your scrapbooks :)