Pondering & Paper

A Wonderful Giveaway over at the EtsyGreeting's Blog

2009-12-16T18:04:00.003-05:00

The EtsyGreeting's Team has been hosting Giveaways all year long. Members of this active Etsy team donate their work to promote the team's blog, it's members as well as their own shops. Each giveaway has been outstanding and we thank all those that have participated.

With that being said - we are currently hosting our final giveaway for this year of 2009. The final giveaway is from KillamCreative. To see how to enter to win this beautiful card check out the EtsyGreeting's Blog.

You could win these cards!

2009-12-07T16:44:00.003-05:00

from The Paper Flower Shop. Information on how to enter can be found on The EtsyGreeting's Team Blog. The giveaway contest runs from now through Wednesday, December 9th at 8 p.m. central time.

Miscelena's Rustic Snowflake Card

2009-12-06T00:00:00.000-05:00

Miscelena's lovely rustic snowflake card comes in a set of 6. Take a look at her Etsy shop for more of her lovely card designs.

Deck The Halls by AdorebyNat

2009-12-05T00:00:00.000-05:00

AdorebyNat has this lovely Deck The Halls card featuring textured cardstock, embossing and chalk. Take a look at her shop for more of her lovely designs.

Imcrafty Plaid for Christmas - December 4th

2009-12-04T00:00:00.000-05:00

This lovely plaid card is by Imcrafty. Her cards are mostly one of a kind, but contact her if you're looking for a set or custom item.

These tags would be a nice addtion to any Holiday present and are available in my Etsy shop

Peace and Snowflake Cards

2009-12-03T00:06:00.001-05:00

Today I have chosen AJKArtistry's Peace Holiday Card Set to feature from The Etsy Greeting's Team. If you need more than one set just convo her and she will set up a custom listing for you.

This card set is available in my Etsy shop - NYPapercrafter

Happy Elephant Designs

2009-12-02T00:00:00.000-05:00

December 2nd brings to you this serene design from Happy Elephant Designs. The silver embossing and raised tree give a beautiful touch to this card. Happy Elephant Designs also loves to do custom work so contact her if you need something special!

I have this set of cards available in my shop

December

2009-12-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

Starting today, December 1st, I will be highlighting a Christmas item from my fellow members of the fabulous EtsyGreeting's Team.

Today I have chosen this Christmas Tree Pop up card from Mollylee. Check out her shop for this and other great pop up cards!

Here is one of my newest cards available in my NYPapercrafter shop

What's your Deal?

2009-11-30T10:34:00.003-05:00

My deal today - Cyber Monday - is FREE SHIPPING on all card purchases in my Etsy store..... NYPapercrafter. You will also get a free gift of two gift tags of my choice.

AND, my special deal to reader's of this blog: With your purchase of two items from my shop you can also pick any tag set for free for today November 30th and tomorrow, December 1st. When you check out just put in notes to seller "BLOG SPECIAL". Choose which tags you'd like and add them to your order. The cost of the tags along with any shipping fees will be refunded to you through PAYPAL.

Here are just a couple that you could choose from:

Being Featured is So Fun!

2009-11-03T12:01:00.005-05:00

I am part of a wonderful group of greeting card and stationery artists called EtsyGreetings. Our blog has a featured called Tuesday Treasury. The theme this week is "A Tribute to U.S. Heros and I was pleasantly surprised to see that a set of my cards had been put into the feature!

In order of appearance the cards below are made by: ImCrafty, NYPapercrafter (That's Me!). Terrbear37, JudifitzPatrick, EliseMargolis, and SimplyInvitingCards

Fall Embellishments

2009-10-19T19:34:00.003-04:00

I enjoy making embellishments to add onto my cards, but these ended up being for my scrapbook pages. I made a double set so have these available in my NYPapercrafter Etsy shop.

2009-10-01T01:25:00.000-04:00

I've been feeling very "craft challenged" lately, so decided to organize my crafting area. I've found in the past that this is the best way for me to get motivated. It's usually because I find things that I either have been looking for - or didn't even know that I had!

Last night I was organizing paper and found these sheets which I think work nicely for these cards.

Bring on the Cold Weather!

2009-09-30T08:53:00.001-04:00

We're ready - Bring on the chilly evenings and crisp cool mornings! Our wood was delivered to our little cabin in Vermont and we're ready to enjoy a glass of wine, a good book and a nice fire!

Cricut Train Birthday Card

2009-09-29T08:29:00.000-04:00

We recently attended the first birthday party of the son of my daughter's good friend. I knew I would make the card, but had been creatively challenged over the last several weeks.

That's what is so great about the Cricut. I looked through the cartridge booklets and came up with this card. I used the train from the New Arrival Cartridge.

Dolores Rose

2009-09-27T09:32:00.012-04:00

My thoughts and feelings about my mother are no different than many of you for your own Moms. My Mom, Dolores was a wonderful and generous person filled with love for her family. A devoted wife and mother, she was always there when you needed her, but let you live your own life and perhaps hold her tongue when that was best to help you learn your own way. She loved keeping in touch with her entire family and kept us all informed of family happenings. She definitely would have been a daily blogger!

Seven years ago my Mom was called to Heaven after a brave but so short battle with Cancer. My Dad had this inscription put on her headstone.

"Love means something different to each of us. To me love means Dolores."

Several months ago my pregnant daughter in law came with me to visit my Dad and as we often do we went to the cemetary. When my daughter in law saw my Mom's headstone and the inscription that my Dad had put on it she was very touched at the love and devotion they had for each other. It stayed with her as they were deciding on names if their child was a girl. They did not want to know the gender and had already picked a boy's name, but not a girls.

The night my granddaughter was born we waited in the birthing center's waiting area. We heard the cries of new life and someone called out "It's A Girl!"
As we gathered around to welcome our granddaughter my son told us how touched my daughter in law Jasmine had been that day and that on the way to the birthing center that night they had decided to name the baby Dolores after my Mom. Her middle name - Rose - is after Jasmine's Great Grandmother.

Jasmine had never met my Mom - but saw that day what kind of person she was through the eyes of my father. Someone you would strive for your own child to be. Thank you Dan and Jasmine we are so blessed to have you in our lives...... excuse me ...... I have to go get a kleenex again. :-)

A Girl ....

2009-09-26T07:00:00.002-04:00

Our beautiful Granddaughter has arrived. As new Grandparents, my husband and I are thrilled and feel so blessed to welcome Dolores Rose in our lives. Only an hour old we got to see and hold her for the first time.

I have often been told by friends how nothing beats being a grandparent. Of course there is the light hearted side where you can spend time with your grandchildren, but then they go home and you have your quiet time again. All the fun without the worry and responsibility. (By the way, my hat is off to all those grandparents that are raising their grandchildren) But, I have seen the awesome part is .... absolute instant love. I have felt that "instant love" three times as I have three children. To be able to feel that again is so amazing and joyous!

She is now a month old and I can see changes every day. I am so very lucky to have them living close by.

My next post will be how my heart was touched when my son and daughter in law decided on the name Dolores.

Shout Out - AJSDESIGNS

2009-09-25T05:48:00.002-04:00

See what you could win over at the EtsyGreeting's Blog this week.

The winner has their choice of either a mandala card or an actual mandala. These are just beautiful and AJSDESIGNS puts a lot of work into each one. Take a look and see how you could be the winner of one of these!

Here are a couple of samples of her work.

EtsyGreeting's Blog Giveaway

2009-08-13T00:43:00.000-04:00

PinkyCreations is offering this cute set of 3 chair notecards on the EtsyGreetings Blog this week.

See the EtsyGreeting's Blog to see how to enter.

Baby Shower decorations with New Arrival

2009-08-01T07:21:00.008-04:00

I had so much fun making some of the decorations for the baby shower. But even more fun was seeing all the adorable baby things that are available now. Blankets, bibs, onesies, strollers, bath items, sleepers.... all so cute.

I used the New Arrival cartridge for the Cricut and made some really cute decorations....I think.

On each side of the words "Baby Shower" is a baby with a blanket. Since the gender is yet unknown I did one in a blue blanket and one in pink.

Lambs are to be a theme in the nursery so this cute little guy is a perfe onesies ct accent. I used the same lamb on the thank you cards which I made and gave as one of my gifts. I though it also made a cute little plant poke.

The giraffs were one of the decorations on the walls and around the chair were she sat and opened all the "Oh, so cute" things.

I knew that with many people in the house on a hot day that the AC wouldn't be able to keep up so I was trying to think of a way to keep people cool. I was wishing I had been able to find some little hand fans. Wait! I have a cricut there must be something I can think of to use as fans - these worked great and as it turns out did come in handy! I cut the baby face using a 12 x 12 sheet of cardstock and then glued the craft stick on.

This is a picture of the beautiful blanket that my mother in law made for the baby. She's also knitted a bunting but has to wait to finish it when we know if it's a girl - or a boy. I hope that when I'm 86 I can still do such beautiful work!

Final Day of the 10 Day Challenge

2009-07-29T13:19:00.005-04:00

This challenge was a lot of fun. It is called the 10-10-10 Challenge. List 10 cards over 10 days and offer 10% in your Etsy Shop. I enjoyed pushing myself to list something everyday while getting to meet and promote some of my other EtsyGreetings Team members.

Yesterday I featured four of the other participants of our little group and today I'd like to highlight another four.

1 Card Creator has designed this beautiful butterfly card. The card has so much beautiful detail - and at 10% off what a steal!

Jemily's Shop has this cute It's A Boy card - just perfect to announce a new member of the family.

For my final listing during this challenge I've chosen this "You're Sweet" Card

Lavender Greetings listed this glittery Happy Birthday card. These are great colors together and the prima flowers pick up the colors nicely.

Mini Cards are always a nice way to send a little greeting and The Paper Flower Shop has this cute set of 6. The perfect little card to tuck into a gift bag or lunch box.

For my final listing in this challenge I have chosen this "You're Sweet" Card.

Day 9 of the 10 Day Challenge

2009-07-28T14:16:00.002-04:00

With only two days left of the 10 Day Challenge that I am participating in - I have decided to highlight 4 of my fellow participants.

The first is Pinky Creations. I've chosen these cute elephant tags. They are so bright and cheerful with just the right touch of bling. You get 8 and they each measure 2.5". The back is white for your message.

L7Designs has designed this beautiful sympathy card. This card is simple, yet says everything you need it to. The inside is blank for your special thoughts.

Crickleberry Cottage has just added this pretty autumn themed card to her shop. It's a nice 5 x 7 size and blank inside with plenty of room to let someone know how your summer went!

And AJK Artistry has this striking Black flowers card. The card measures 4.5 x 5.75": and is blank inside for your message. Very pretty!

10 Day Challenge - Day 8

2009-07-26T20:38:00.005-04:00

Due to some internet problems due to storms in our area I am a day late posting about Day 8 of the Challenge since today is Day 9 already! I be doing day nine a little later today.

On Day 8 of our Challenge I present to you the work of AJKArtistry. I love this detailed Chapel Card perfect for so many occasions. As part of this 10 day challenge Allison is offering 10% off making this card only $3.60!

For the 8th day of the Challenge I have designed and listed this sweet "It's a Girl" card. Some of the little details include silver dots around the sentiment, the pink flower brad and little sparkle stickers on the edges of the moon. This set of 6 cards is available in my Etsy Shop. The normal price would be $10.00, but with the 10% off for this challenge get them now for only $9.00.

Take a look at all the shops listed on the sidebar who are participating in the 10 Day Challenge for some great cards - see individual shop announcement for their 10% off specials.

It's Day 7!

2009-07-26T20:14:00.003-04:00

For Day 7 I am featuring the work of Carrie from L7 Designs. If you're looking for a bright, happy card - here it is! A hand cut big yellow sun with an adorable little owl and bird pop off the card. Embossed in red is "helloo!" in fun "doodle" letter stamps. To the left is a strip of red ribbon tied in a knot. The flowers up in the corner have also been hand cut. Head over to Carrie's shop ... L7Designs to see her other fun cards and her blog to read more about the 10 Day Challenge.

I've so much got babies on my mind while I await the birth of my first grandchild in August, that I made these cards last night. The gender of my grandchild is yet unknown - so today I made "It's A Boy" cards and later I'll be working on "Girl" cards.

These are the cards I've listed in my Etsy store today for Day 7 of the 10 Day Challenge. The card is cream cardstock layered with pretty striped decorative paper. The cute baby rattle has been hand stamped and colored. The sentiment "It's A Boy" has been punched with a tag punch and accented with a ribbon at the top. The are blank inside making them versatile to use as announcements or thank you's.

Day 6 of the Ten Day Challenge

2009-07-24T21:12:00.003-04:00

On Day 6 I would like to share with you the work of Shelia from The Paper Flower Shop

I love, love, love the colors in this card. They are so bright and cheerful. What a nice sentiment too - Celebrate You! While this card is blank inside, if you see a sentiment on another card Shelia will stamp the inside of this card for you. Please take a look at The Paper Flower Shop

This is the card that I have relisted today in my NYPapercrafter shop. The whimsical flower is rubber stamped on white and mounted onto a piece of scalloped blue cardstock. All items in my shop are 10% off during this challenge.

Day 5 - Ten Day Challenge

2009-07-24T19:38:00.004-04:00

I'm a little late today with my blogging and listing for the Challenge. It's been a day of adjustments.....happy ones though! Three years ago, after retiring from his 36 year military career my husband started a small consulting company and for the most part has been working out of state commuting home on week-ends. He has decided to scale back and will be working more from home and doing less traveling so today was his first full day home during the week!

So, among other adjustments I find that I have to "share" computer time! He does have a laptop which I know will come in handy.

Enough of my excuses (LOL) back the the challenge.

Today I am featuring the lovely work of Laurie of Jemily. My favorite pallet of colors are earthtones so I was drawn to this card set right away. I love the mustard color and rust and blues in this card. These custom order monogrammed cards would make a great gift. This set has 5 cards each measuring 5 1/2 x 4 1/4". Laurie uses rubber stamps on each item in her shop. Please take a look at her shop Jemily and her blog.

Going along with the earthtone theme of Jemily's cards I have listed - or relisted - a Just A Note Card featuring a scarecrow and pumpkins. The pumpkins are diecuts and I've inked the edges. The scarecrow has been dry embossed and chalks used to highlight the raised areas.

Day 4 - 10-Day Challenge

2009-07-23T09:00:00.001-04:00

The card I listed for the Challenge today is this bright and shimmery pattern card. I've cut out one of the designs from the background paper and added it along the coordinating paper for some dimension.

This card is available in my NYPapercrafter Etsy Shop

Today I am featuring Lavender Greetings' lovely set of 3 cards. I like the bold red with the flowered background paper. Please take a look at her shop for other great cards and paper items.

Day 3 - 10-10-10 Challenge

2009-07-22T08:55:00.003-04:00

It's already Day 3 of the 10-10-10 Challenge. See the sidebar for the other EtsyGreetings Etsy Shops that are participating.

You can definetely tell the "mood" I'm in while making my cards. The first two cards that I listed for this challenge were done in browns, greens, cream and aqua. My thoughts while making these cards ran to nature and a bit nostalgic. After what seemed like weeks of rain I had been able to get outside and garden which means mostly weeding at that point! Maybe that's where the flowers came into my head for those cards.

When I made the card that I've listed today the sun had been shining for several days, I was in a happy mood just being able to be and enjoy outside and I think that shows in my card. I hope you feel happy and sunny when you look at it!

Today I am featuring Diane at 1 Card Creator . This card is just so cute. From the background to the coloring of those cute little fish you can tell all the work that she put into it.

Day 2 - 10/10/10 Challenge

2009-07-21T09:47:00.004-04:00

Today is Day 2 of the Challenge and I've listed this card below. The flower has been stamped and layered onto a thin piece of cork scrapbook paper. During this challenge everything in my shop is 10% off!

Lisa of Pinky Creations has these beautiful baby shower invitations in her shop. These are just so pretty and feminine. I love them! Check out her shop for other great cards, tags and great stickers!

Day 1 - 10/10/10 July Challenge

2009-07-20T14:07:00.006-04:00

Ten cardmakers from The EtsyGreetings team have gotten together to participate in a 10/10/10 Challenge. We will list a card every day for 10 days - for a total of 10 cards. Each participant will also offer a 10% discount in some way in their shop. See their shop announcements for details. The Etsy Shops that are participating are listed on the sidebar. Each day we are to blog about the card that we've listed and also feature a card from one of the other participants.

This is the card that I've listed today in my Etsy Shop. I really like the sentiment on the front.

I have chosen this cute card to feature from Wendy at Crickleberry Cottage My favorite flowers are daisy's so this caught my eye right away along with it's bright summery colors. Take the time to look around Wendy's shop for this card and many others.

While Waiting For Creativity

2009-07-12T07:00:00.001-04:00

As I mentioned in my last post, when I hit a creativity block I sometimes make embellishments to use at a later time. Here are a few of the things I have "waiting in the wings".

I Found Some Creativity!

2009-07-09T20:35:00.005-04:00

I've been finding it hard to get myself motivated lately. Maybe it's all the rain - maybe it's trying to fit everything into one day. Whatever the reason, I did see a glimmer of creativity when I came up with these four cards recently.

The first, a patriotic card, had great inspiration really. . . our great country. With July 4th coming I put this card together to send to a friend.

I needed a birthday card with a more masculine theme. I looked through my stamps and when I saw the sailboat thought of my father-in-law. He loved boats and sailing. Though not for him, but using him for inspiration, I came up with this card.

I was able to find this pretty gingham green ribbon at a great deal. I liked the contrast of the pretty and feminine flower and "birthday wishes" stamp with the country look of the ribbon.

Sometimes, when I have no inspiration, I make embellishments. Later I'll look through them along with what paper I have available and something comes to mind. That's how the card below was made. Layers of punched cardstock accented with a tiny button make up the flower accent. The last punched rust layer is actually a snowflake punch.

Thanks for taking a look at my work - I'd love to think that some of it has inspired YOU in some way.

2009-07-01T20:18:00.002-04:00

Starting off July, I was happy to be nominated for the Craft Diva Award by Jan at Expressive Papers. Her Artfire and Etsy shops show off her beautiful and "expressive" talent!

When you are nominated you are, in turn, asked to pass this award on to others. So, here are the blogs that I would like to nominate for The Craft Diva Award. I hope that you will take a look at and enjoy reading their blogs.

Take a look at Craft Diva @ http://craftdiva.ning.com. It's a free networking site, where you can get to know and share information and ideas with other crafters.

A Boy ... or a Girl

2009-06-22T07:00:00.000-04:00

As we await the birth of our first grandchild I've been looking through the ArtFire and Etsy shops at all the adorable baby items.Mom and Dad (my son) are waiting to find out the babies gender so Nanny (me) doesn't know if I'm to buy pink or blue.

I've decided to highlight some of the cute baby things that I find on my surfing journey. Today's picks are these two adorable bibs. Giving each gender equal billing, I've chosen one for a girl and one for a boy.

I found these two items on ArtFire

The first is called Baby Bumble Bee Bib and Burp Pad and they're by BeBeChick.

The pattern is so happy and I just love the bees buzzing around.

The second is perfect for a son of my son as he does carpentry work. Isn't this the cutest? It's by JooSweetie and Called Handyman Bib.

Father's Day Cards

2009-06-21T12:00:00.000-04:00

Just two of the cards I made for Father's Day. The dog card has the word Dad cut out using the Cricut and the dog stamp is a new purchase. Just had to have it - it's so cute! The "Dad" is mounted onto cork paper.

For the square "Happy Father's Day" card I also used the Cricut Expression. The trees were cut out using the "Camp Out" cartridge. The card was cut out with the Wild Card cartridge.

Remembering Our Dads.

2009-06-20T23:10:00.006-04:00

I'd like to wish all the Dad's a very Happy Father's Day.

We'll be spending the day with my Dad and I'll be making him a special dinner...one of his favorites. On this day to honor our Father's we also remember with great love and fondness my husband's father. It's easy to see where my husband learned to be such a great Dad. My Dad's on the left and my husband's Dad on the right.

EtsyGreetings Blog Giveaway

2009-06-19T01:56:00.002-04:00

Have you been to the EtsyGreeting's blog lately. This week there is a wonderful giveaway being offered by Sugarcoat Paperie. She is offering 6 invitations, notes, or greetings of your choice. See the EtsyGreeting's Blog to see how to enter!

Thank You Cards Using My Cricut

2009-06-18T07:09:00.001-04:00

I'm making thank you cards for my daughter-in-law as part of her baby shower gift. The baby room theme includes sheep. I found the cutest one on the Paper Doll Dress up cartridge (nativy2) and used it to make the first card. For the second card I used the onesie from New Arrival.

The Sun Makes An Appearance!

2009-06-17T07:07:00.005-04:00

To wake up, finally, and see the sun shining makes me have great expectations of the day. I couldn't resist taking my cup of coffee outside to the patio to enjoy the crisp morning. It appears that since it is supposed to rain again tonight I should enjoy the yard while I can. I'm even going to enjoy weeding! Mother Nature has been taking care of watering my gardens for me and my flowers are flourishing. Unfortunately so are the weeds!

This picture was taken around 7 a.m. (EST) in my front yard

Every year I look forward to seeing the graceful peony's in my yard bloom. There were so many buds that I knew they would be beautiful this year. Just as they were ready to bloom our days and days of rain came.... so fierce at times that the blooms are now on the ground. I'll content myself with this picture that I took last year.

Wherever you are, whatever you're doing today .... may you enjoy the day!

2009-06-12T07:27:00.002-04:00

Blue Cole Press is offering this beautiful assortment of items as the next EtsyGreeting's Blog giveaway. There are four easy ways to enter.

If you need someone to letterpress print your design for wedding invites, baby showers, business cards then just take a look at her Etsy shop

Sunny Treasury

2009-06-11T23:05:00.004-04:00

Tonight I decided to look at some of the Etsy Treasuries that have been made and was surprised and delighted to find myself in one! We have been having so much rain and so this sunny treasury is even more inviting. My cards are the "Fun In The Sun" cards in the lower left corner.

2009-05-30T18:08:00.007-04:00

I recently got my cricut expression machine and have been having so much fun with it. While I was waiting for it to come I watched most of Robin's video's from The Pink Stamper. (If you haven't watched them you're in for a treat. By the time my Cricut came I knew exactly how it worked!)

The purchase was a win/win situation. I sold some of my stamp sets and craft "gadgets" that I no longer use and was able to get enough to purchase the Cricut!

My first project were these scrapbook pages from a trip to see the Cherry Blossoms in Washington, D.C. Just kind of basic.... a couple of leaves, the tree and frame, etc.

The flowers on this page were cut out from photos of Cherry Blossoms.

Trying out different features like shadow and different sizing I next made this bulletin board. The frame is covered with patterned scrapbook paper. The large flower in the upper left corner is stamped with words like imagine, moments, remember.

Being inspired by my daughter-in-law's upcoming baby shower my next project was the cover for this small photo album. My thought is to put pictures of the mommy-to-be along with some ultra sound photos leaving a couple of pages at the end for newborn photos.

I used New Arrival for this and will also be making some decoration for the shower with it.

I have the perfect pack of paper that my son and daughter-in-law gave me for Mother's Day too!

It's by Me & My Big Ideas called Baby Boy. So cute!

2009-03-17T14:27:00.003-04:00

I was going through the pictures of my son's return home and came across this one of he and our Australian Shepherd Shea. It struck me as one of those "a picture is worth a thousand words" photos. They were both happy to see each other!

2009-03-13T14:55:00.007-04:00

For those of you who have looked at my blog before you may notice something missing. I had put up a picture of my son on the sidebar and kept it there during his deployment. I am very happy to say that I have taken the picture down because he is now home.... safe and sound.

Throughout his journey both leaving our country and returning he was met by wonderful people. At the airport he left from, there was a group of veterans and families who meet and greet troops with caring, good wishes and refreshments. He was truly touched by the sincerity of these people. Upon his return the plane was full of people with thanks, good wishes and cheering as they touched down once again on home soil. Thank you to these people and others like them. Their show of support and caring will be remembered.

I found a wonderful company online ... http://www.buildasign.com/Troops that is giving away 20,000 banners and signs to support our troops. I just paid the shipping. This is the 3 x 6 vinyl banner that I was able to get. It was quite windy at the airbase so it was hard to hold, but I think you can get the idea.

I was able to make this sign with my new Cricut machine. After I took this picture I realized I had left a couple of events off but was easily able to add them in. I enjoyed learning how to use the cricut with this project using different features and styles.

Give Me Your Thoughts Contest

2009-03-02T08:09:00.009-05:00

It's funny how things come to you out of the blue. I have been wanting to change the name of this blog for quite a while....never quite happy with with the title. First it was just NYPapercrafter then Paper Crafting In NY. But it really had more than just papercrafts. Thinking, thinking, thinking and nothing was coming to me. So, I kind of let it slide.

This morning, I came to the computer, looked at my blog, and it just popped into my head..... PONDERING & PAPER.

Now I'd like to see what you think of it.... did I "ponder" this long enough and come up with an appropriate name for my blog or do I need to give it some more thought? Just comment with your answer and you could win any card item from my Etsy Shop - NYPapercrafter.

On Saturday, March 14th I will pick a winner using a random number generator. Please leave a way that you can be reached in the event that you are the winner.

2009-01-21T23:26:00.000-05:00

Several times each month the talented card designers at EtsyGreetings offer giveaways. The giveaway of these cute thank you cards is being offered by CardsbyEmily and begins on January 22nd. See the EtsyGreetings blog for details

New Blog Design

2009-01-15T20:20:00.006-05:00

In honor of my new blog design (courtesy of Leelou Blog Designs I wanted to post one of my designs that matched my new layout colors. Being that Valentine's Day is coming up I decided to go with this card which is currently in my Etsy Shop, NYPapercrafter

Whooooo Likes a Giveaway?

2009-01-08T09:32:00.003-05:00

If you like giveaways take a look at these cute notecards that are being given away on the EtsyGreetings Blog.

Several times a month EtsyGreetings' members donate a card or card set to be given away on the blog. To start the month and year off I have donated these owl cards.
See the EtsyGreetings Blog on the easy way to enter.

EtsyGreetings Thank You Promo

2009-01-05T07:36:00.000-05:00

Don't forget to thank those thoughtful people that gave you those wonderful holiday gifts!

Here to help is EtsyGreetings with their Thank You Promotion.

Just click on the promo banner to take you to the participating Etsy shops. Stock up on thank you notes for the rest of the year too - FREE SHIPPING from participating shops from January 5 - 15th.

What a great combo

2008-12-05T07:25:00.002-05:00

I was just looking through my Paper Pal Timelesspaperarts shop and came across this combo of items that would work so nice together. If you're looking for a gift this is a great idea!

Use the pretty altered tin and clips as the gift. The "hello" card could be used for any occassion, just add your message inside!
Look through Timeless Paper Arts to find other great paper designs.

Etsy PD4U Holiday Treasury

2008-12-03T09:13:00.005-05:00

I was put into this lovely treasury today. I'm honored to be in great company with all the lovely paper designs. Thanks to Scrappy Bugs Design for including me.

Introducing my EtsyPaper Pal .... TimelessPaperArts

2008-12-02T17:32:00.005-05:00

During December EtsyPaper members are paired up to promote each other...Paper Pals. My Paper Pal is TimelessPaperArts.

You'll find beautiful 8 x 8 layouts just waiting for your precious pictures, elegant gift tags, fun altered binder clips and tins along with some beautiful cards. Here are just a few of the beautiful things from her shop.

Blog Carnival Winner ...

2008-11-22T10:28:00.002-05:00

The blog carnival has come to a close and I am happy to announce the winner.

By a random number generator #23 was chosen which is Neurotic Grad Student.
Congratulations I hope you enjoy using the snowflake cards.

Time For A Carnival

2008-11-17T13:58:00.004-05:00

EtsyGreetings which is a street team on Etsy, is holding their first Blog Carnival this week.

I will be giving away this set of 4 snowflake cards. They are blank inside.

To enter just leave a comment here. I will pick a winner using a random number generator at the end of the week.

Take a look at the EtsyGreeting Blog to see the other talented members participating in this carnival. There is a linked list so it's really easy to enter each one!

Out of My Comfort Zone

2008-10-29T17:45:00.012-04:00

I was determined to learn about slideshows today on the Mac. "The weather outside is frightful" - so I decided to make a slideshow video of some of my Christmas Cards that I've made this year. I then took it a step further - really out of my comfort zone and uploaded it to YouTube. These cards and others are available in my Etsy shop.

Want Something for Free

2008-10-29T07:56:00.002-04:00

Check out the Give Away on the EtsyGreetings Blog.

These cute cards are from Scrapbookheaven

2008-10-27T01:00:00.000-04:00

It's finally here .... Today kicks off the Leelou Launch Party! There are lots of giveaways, new free layouts, free linkys and announcements. Runs Monday - Thursday

Australian Shepherd Christmas Card

2008-10-26T20:42:00.005-04:00

If you have read some of my other posts or scrolled down the sidebars of this blog the subject of this card may be familiar to you. It's our Aussie, Shea when she was about 4 months old.

While looking through the way too many pictures I have on my computer, I came across this one. I remember at the time what a perfect picture opportunity it was. I was trying to decorate and Shea was "helping". She kept picking up this stocking, which just happens to be hers, and running around with it.

I decided to make it into this card which you'll find in my Etsy Shop.

Gift Tags or Note Cards

2008-10-24T10:03:00.006-04:00

These cute little cards measure about 3.25" x 2.5 and are great to add a special touch to a gift or send a little note along in a briefcase or lunchbox.

Matching Your Donations

2008-10-22T14:36:00.003-04:00

Mission Soldier Support (MSS) is a charitable effort to send blank holiday cards to our soldiers overseas so they in turn can send them to their loved ones and friends back home. It runs through November 7th, 2008.

I will be matching any holiday card donations purchased from my shop - NYPapercrafter. If you purchase one card - I will send one.....purchase a set of 6 - I will send an additional 6 cards doubling your donation. I am also offering free shipping for any holiday cards purchased for MSS. Please see my shop announcement for details.

Over 30 EtsyGreetings shops are donating at least 5 cards each for this wonderful cause. The coordinator is CapturedTimeBooks. The first MSS was this past summer and over 1700 cards were donated and sent to an Army National Guard Air Support Battalion.

Having a son who is deployed and will be away over the holidays - this cause is close to my heart. I am grateful to know that people still keep our soldiers in their thoughts.

Here is an Etsy Treasury that I put together showing just some of the cards available from participating EtsyGreetings members.

DIY Tag Kit

2008-10-22T06:00:00.000-04:00

Here's a great way to have handmade tags without purchasing full packages of all the supplies you'd need. All you have to supply is an adhesive. Glue sticks work great or use another adhesive that you may prefer.

This is also a great project for your kids to work on. It will give them a great sense of accomplishment to see their finished work.

2008-10-21T08:55:00.003-04:00

Take a look at the great contest that AdorebyNat is having on her blog. She also has a great Etsy store to wander through. Her contest runs until November 4th with a total of three winners!

This great graphic was made by Design by Vink who is also involved in the giveaway.

I've Been Blogged About

2008-10-19T13:44:00.002-04:00

......by Grandia Road a beautiful blog spreading Etsy love! Today, Sunday, has highlighted Halloween cards.

Please also check out her shop, Luna Arcana. I found this beautiful necklace there.

Mt. Equinox

2008-10-18T07:30:00.000-04:00

Last week-end we got to spend a couple of days in our little Vermont cabin.....always a happy time. The weather the entire week-end was beautiful and the sun highlighted the beautiful colors around us.

We decided to drive up Mt. Equinox to better see the surrounding beauty of mountains and color.

Along the way we stopped at several of the parking areas where we saw this autumn family.

We continued up to the top where we found a beautiful path that took us to an outlook where the view was breathtaking.(which my photo does not do justice)

We also came across this headstone. It reads "Mr. Barbo, Born April 20, 1943. We loved him and he repaid that love with an adoring devotion that only a dog could give." It goes on to say that he had been killed by a hunter in November of 1955.

Beautiful Fall Colors

2008-10-17T23:02:00.004-04:00

For one or two days each year this tree in our back yard is so beautiful with fall colors that I always have to get my camera out. All too soon the winds and/or rain comes and the leaves start to fall and the moment is gone. The small window of opportunity to photograph was here but, unfortunately, the sky was cloudy so I didn't get the picture I was hoping for.

2008-10-15T21:45:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to PenguinwareBoutique who is the winner of Week 1 of EtsyGreetings Trick or Treating promotion.

The prize is an 8 pack of cards donated by Cards By Jenna, Southern Scraps, Stelie Designs, Cards by Emily, NYPapercrafter, libelulas and beverlydyer all members of EtsyGreetings.

PenquinwareBoutique has a great shop. Please take a look. Here are a couple of the things you'll find.

Week two of the Trick or Treating With EtsyGreetings Promo is now going on. See how to participate here.

A Kiss On the Hand Lasts All Day

2008-10-10T00:00:00.000-04:00

I was out early the other morning starting on errands and ended up behind a school bus. It was obvious at one stop that one little boy did not want to get on the bus. He was crying and holding on to Mom. This brought back thoughts of my own youngest son and his first days of school.

He was very upset when it was time to drop him off at school. He had been excited all along to go - but now that the big day was finally here and Mom was leaving it was a different story! Not knowing what to do - I took him aside and explained that it was only for a couple of hours (Kindergarden was only half day then) and he would meet so many new friends to play with. I gave him a big hug. He said that he wanted me to stay with him. I told him that the Mommy's and Daddy's couldn't stay in the classroom, but would be there as soon as it was time to go home.

Then, I came up with this idea which worked like a charm.

I took both his hands palms up and gave them each a big kiss. I took his hands and put one on each of his cheeks and told him that whenever he missed Mommy just put his hands to his cheeks and it would be like Mommy was there giving him a kiss. He smiled, but skeptically went into the classroom. Later, when the teacher and I spoke, she asked me how I had handled that because she noticed the difference. I told her and she laughed saying that explained why he kept holding his face all morning.

Oh....the memories!

The Many Uses For TAGS

2008-10-09T00:00:00.001-04:00

Tags have many uses including:

*Add to your gift packages to add that perfect touch.

* Add one to your loved ones lunch or briefcase with a special message to remind them you’re thinking of them during the day.

* Use on your scrapbook pages as embellishments or to journal.

* In your business, use to write a thank you note to a buyer.

* Include in package to a buyer as a little thank you gift.

* Include a package of tags in a gift basket.

There are so many seasonal and pretty decorative scrapbook papers, but because some of them are thin, I don't feel they will hold up to use - or to adding embellishments. So if I'm using a thinner piece of paper. I adhere it first to a light piece of card stock before cutting them out. This way I have a light surface to write on but more importantly the tag is sturdy and will hold up better.

Here are some tags that I've recently made. To see these and more, please visit my Etsy Shop - NYPapercrafter.

Mission Soldier Support is off to a great start

2008-10-08T00:00:00.000-04:00

Mission Soldier Support for the holiday season is off to a great start. There already have been several donations to this wonderful cause.

The first card drive was over the summer and over 1700 cards were donated. The cards were sent to our troops overseas for them to use to send home to family and friends. This holiday season over 30 Etsy shops coordinated by CapturedTimeBooks have gotten together to donate cards once again. The cards will once again be sent to our soldiers overseas for their use.

If you'd like to help and donate a card or cards to Mission Soldier Support please take a look at the holiday cards in my shop. Purchase your card and I'll do the rest and send it to our coordinator. All cards will be mailed overseas in the middle of November. I am offering free shipping for any holiday cards purchased for MSS. Just make your purchase and put MSS in the notes to seller section and the shipping fees for those items will be refunded.

Please feel free to mix and match. If you'd like to donate to MSS and also purchase something for yourself just let me know which items should be sent where.

You can also search MSS at Etsy for other participating shops.

2008-10-07T14:12:00.003-04:00

Halloween is only a few weeks away so it’s time to get into the Halloween Spirit! The Esty Greetings team is hosting two scavenger hunts throughout member’s shops. And since you’re never too old to trick or treat, everyone is invited to join in!

This is a fun, easy trick or treating experience, heavy on the “treat.” Everyone who finishes Trick or Treating through the shops will receive a coupon good for free shipping*. At the end of each week, the coupon holders will automatically be entered in a drawing for a pack of cards that has been donated by our talented Etsy Greetings Team members!

Below is a list of this week’s participating sellers and just below that is a list of Halloween words that can be found in the listed shops. These words will be found in the TITLE of the listing.
What you need to do is visit each shop, find a listing with ONE of the words and click on the item (each shop name can only be used for one Halloween word). Notate the listing number. (Found on the right side of the page, under the heading “additional item info”.)

Once you have trick or treated at each shop, please contact SarahKatesKreations (http://www.SarahKatesKreations.etsy.com) with your list. She will email you your coupon and enter you in the drawing for a pack of cards!

Here is the list of participating shops...

Winemakerssister
Sentimentaljourney
Sarahkateskreations
Libelulas
JillHannah
Lisocards
Crystalware
SockMonkeyGreetings
CardsbyEmily

Here is a list of our Halloween Words...

Fall
Black Cat
Pumpkin
Spooky
Raven
Autumn
Halloween
Spider
Boo

Visit the EtsyGreetings blog and learn more about all of the talented and wonderful Etsy Greetings Team members. We're giving Hallmark a run for their money!

*Free shipping from participating Etsy Greetings Team shops. Please visit each participating shop for more specific information on how they will be honoring the free shipping coupon.

2008-10-07T00:00:00.001-04:00

Here are some of the Christmas Cards that I've been working on. I like the happy colors in the first card and the brads around the sentiment are a nice finishing touch.

Stampin Up rubber stamps are sets of stamps that always work well together. This is an older set that I don't believe is available any longer. The snowglobe is a separate stamp that allows you to put several different stamps inside of it for many great looks. This is a very versatile set!

I love the blue and white crackle paper used on these cards. I think that it gives a very crystalline look with the snowy theme.

And, my favorite to date is this angel card also made with a Stampin Up set. For my personal Christmas cards I always send a card with a religious theme. I think this is the card I will be making to send to my family and friends this year. I'll be trying different colors also - although blue is my favorite color!

Holiday Mission Soldier Support Begins Today

2008-10-01T00:00:00.002-04:00

Over the summer I participated in a program called Mission Soldier Support - MSS. This was a charitable effort of EtsyGreetings members (headed by CapturedTimeBooks) to send handmade cards to service members overseas. CapturedTimeBooks delivered over 1700 cards to an Army National Guard Base and they were in turn sent to a base in Iraq for the soldiers to use. The soldiers have them available so that they can send a handmade greeting to their family and friends.

The program was so successful that it's being done again for the upcoming winter holidays. I am again participating in this worthy cause. The program will run beginning today through November 7, 2008.

As a Mom to a deployed Airmen I can tell you that any word from him is precious. While I enjoy getting his emails - I cherish his handwritten notes and cards.

If you'd like to donate a holiday card or cards to this cause, you can check out my Etsy shop NYPapercrafter or search "MSS" for participating shops. When you purchase the card, simply include "MSS" or the words "Mission Soldier Support" in your notes to seller and I'll send the cards straight to our project coordinator. Please feel free to pass our promotion on to your family and friends. It is a really easy way to give this holiday Season and to show our soldiers you are thinking of them."

No shipping charges for any cards purchased from my Etsy shop. After your purchase has been made - I will refund the shipping costs back to you through paypal.

EtsyGreetings Giveaway Today!

2008-09-17T17:39:00.003-04:00

The EtsyGreetings Team is holding a giveaway today. These beautiful notecards have been donated by The Eclectic Studio. Just go to Ets yGreetings to enter. The winner will be picked tomorrow morning.

2008-09-13T06:00:00.001-04:00

Here are several Halloween designs that I've been working on.The Candy Corn card incorporates three different decorative papers. The first is the candy corn paper which I've used for my background. The words "Candy Corn" were taken from a second sheets of Halloween sayings, and the skeleton and Happy Halloween along the top is from a third sheet which was all borders.

The "Search for the perfect pumpkin" card uses a new die I got from Sizzix. I first cut out the diecut using green cardstock for the vine and then a second time using orange for the pumpkins. After cutting the pumpkin shapes I wanted off the diecut, I highlighted the edges using red ink. The sentiment is cut from vellum and attached with brads to a coordinating shade of orange cardstock.

Do these skeletons look familiar? They are from the same border paper as the Candy Corn card on top. The Trick or Treat sentiment is taken from a decorative sheet of Halloween sayings. The background orange and black paper finishes this card off nicely.

Treats For Halloween!

2008-09-12T10:09:00.008-04:00

At Etsy a Treasury (or Treasury West) is a way to show items from other shops that you like or fit a certain theme. The items I've chosen for this Treasury West are from two Teams that I belong to... the EtsyGreetings Team and Homefront Team. Clicking on the link will take you to the treasury where you can then look at these items in more detail, and, other items from these Etsy stores.

Some Reflections of This Day

2008-09-11T06:00:00.005-04:00

It's hard to believe that seven years have passed since that beautifully clear New York September morning when our peace and serenity were shattered by the attacks on our beautiful country. Sometimes it seems like yesterday.

There are significant times in your life that you'll never forget where you were or what you were doing and for so many this is one of those times. For myself, I was carrying a load of laundry down to the laundry room when the phone rang. It was my brother-in-law asking where my husband was. I told him he was at Newark Airport flying to Washington for a meeting. "You'd better turn on the TV" was his answer. We stayed on the phone watching the TV together 300 miles apart.

My husband, now retired, was an Air Force officer who traveled a great deal. We have a tradition in the way we would say good-bye when he leaves the house for a trip. I guess it's one of those quirky things that you start in your young married life and it just stays with you even after 32 years!

On that morning however, our tradition was broken. For some reason I didn't wake up and he didn't wake me up. He left the house about 4 a.m. to go to the airport. He was flying to Washington for a meeting in The Pentagon. When I woke up I thought we had overslept and then realized he had left already. He later said I was sleeping so peacefully he didn't want to disturb me. Being reminded that you never know what the day will bring, he has promised never to do that again.

As I watched the events unfold of course so many questions raced though my head. Was his plane okay, was his plane the one that hit the Pentagon, was he at the Pentagon? Once again our traditional way of doing things had not taken place and I had no flight information for his trip. Since cell phones were not working it would be many hours before I heard from him.

I believe that some couples, in being true soul mates, don't have to be physically together to know the other is in stress or danger. Both my husband and I have experienced this before. So in my heart I knew he was okay, but very much wanted to hear his voice. As it turns out his plane had boarded and was getting ready to taxi out when the first plane hit the Towers.

So, while we were a blessed and lucky family that day, my heart goes out to the many who lost a loved one and send you our thoughts and prayers. We have not and never will forget the events of that day. God Bless You.

Contest on EtsyGreetings Today!

2008-09-03T08:33:00.006-04:00

This set of eight thank you cards could be yours.

To enter and see details go to the EtsyGreetings Blog.

These cards are by Macaroni and Glue one of the many talented members of the EtsyGreetings Team.

Look for the next giveaway on Monday, September 8th.

Hot Off The Press - or Craft Table!

2008-08-15T15:39:00.011-04:00

I was the only one home last night and I took full advantage of the quiet time and did some crafting. I started out straightening up, but many of us know how that goes. You find something that you had forgotten you had and just have to get started on a project using it. I decided that it would be better to use these things - then I wouldn't be able to misplace them again!

What Month Is This?

2008-08-12T08:21:00.003-04:00

It's the middle of August and it should be hot and humid. Instead the last several days have seemed more like September here. The mornings are cool and crisp and it's delightful to sit outside with a cup of coffee and watch the dog trying to herd up all the local turkeys and squirrels (which she has yet to do but she has fun trying).

With the thunderstorms we've been having the lawn is still green and the gardens beautiful. Mother nature is taking care of all the watering for us. The morning dew on the lawn reminds me of starting school in September and trying to stay off the lawn so our new school shoes wouldn't get all wet.

I'm sure we'll get back to hot and humid, but for now I am very much appreciating this beautiful August weather we're having.

Hot & Humid August Give-A-Way

2008-08-05T09:30:00.005-04:00

Ready for another give-a-way? I will be giving away this cute altered notebook. It's a spiral notebook measuring about 5 x 7 with lined pages inside. The outside is covered with decorative paper that looks like blue jeans. Inside is finished with navy blue paper.

As much as I'd love for you to check out my shop this give-a-way will be easier. To enter all you need to do is make a comment. Ending date is Friday, August 15, 2008 approximtely 9:00 p.m. EST. I will use a random number generator to pick the winner from the comments.

Flat Notes Have Arrived

2008-08-02T21:28:00.013-04:00

I've just added flat notes to my Etsy store. Not a folded card, these are perfect when you need to send a little note, don't want to use a big card and want something more than a scrap of paper.

I've taken colored cardstock and layered with another piece of light colored cardstock. In these examples I've used rubber stamps and ink on the top picture and a flag punch on the bottom picture.

These are great for sending a little note to the teacher or a little thank you or hello note.

They make the perfect little hostess gift, teacher gift or just because . Add them to a gift basket for a finishing touch.

I even use them for my shopping lists!

AND THE WINNER IS ..................

2008-07-31T23:01:00.005-04:00

The Random Number Generator picked the number 8 - which is ..... OrigamiCentral - NyNy.

Congratulations!

Thank you all for participating in my first give-a-way.

I'll be posting my next give-a-way in the next couple of days.

A Shout Out to Alesi

2008-07-30T10:06:00.007-04:00

It's been a little over a year since I've been on Etsy and looking back I just wanted to thank those people that have stopped in my shop NYPapercrafter to take a look around. Alesi was one of my first customers and I just wanted to give a shout out to her beautiful shop. She makes lovely fine crafted pieces.

My Many Blessings

2008-07-30T07:06:00.016-04:00

Sitting here with my cup of coffee I was reflecting on what I should write about. What inspired me today?

While looking through some of the many photos on my computer, I came across this one taken in my yard last fall.

It got me to thinking how blessed I am.

I have a strong faith that has always helped me through difficult moments and times.

I have my family. A husband of 32 years who is a loving, kind and generous man. We are very blessed to have found each other. Our daughter and two sons have grown to adulthood with values, compassion and kindness.

I have a lovely home in a country I love.

And good friends who are always there to lend a hand or a shoulder.

So on this sunny, beautiful morning I'm glad to have found and remembered my inspiration. I like to think of myself as an optimistic person - the glass is always half full. My many blessings will remind me to keep thinking this way.

My Contest Prize

2008-07-29T15:06:00.007-04:00

Today in the mail my prize for naming the espresso machine arrived. It was very well packaged and wrapped with pretty star paper. Even from California to New York it came so quickly!

The picture that was shown in the contest doesn't do the bright, vivid colors of this piece justice. I am in the process of redoing my craft room and this will be perfect for my new space. Thanks so much Junkstylediva for this great piece of art. Check out her collage art.

Thank you

2008-07-29T09:56:00.006-04:00

Thank you to everyone who has supported Mission Soldier Support, a program initated by Capuredtimebooks. You're all angels!

You still have until July 31st to donate cards. You can purchase a card to donate from NYPapercrafter, or go to Etsy and search under MSS.

Look for upcoming details in which Holiday cards will be collected to donate to our soldiers.

I Won a Blog Contest!

2008-07-28T18:32:00.011-04:00

I came across a blog contest that Junkstylediva was having. She had this pictured and we were to guess what it was. I had no clue but did see what appeared to be a pressure gauge so thought it must have something to do with water.

A couple of guesses later and I was the winner.

By the way, it's a portable espresso machine!

Miss Shea

2008-07-24T23:34:00.005-04:00

I just love to take pictures of Shea our 2 year old Australian Shepherd. She has great expression. Most of the time I have to catch her unaware. Once she seems me trying to get that perfect shot her nose is on the camera lense! I'm not exactly sure why - but she is known as "Miss Shea".

Another Donation for MSS

2008-07-23T17:52:00.003-04:00

Rozzissweetpeas purchased these star cards to donate for Mission Soldier Support. Please take a look at her shop for adorable children's clothing and hair accessories.

Generous Donations to Mission Soldier Support

2008-07-23T15:45:00.025-04:00

Thank you so much to Phyllisfox who generously purchased these cards to donate to Mission Soldier Support. These cards will be sent along with my matching donation to Capturedtimebooks, the inspiration behind this project. All cards donated will be sent to American soldiers overseas who will be able to use them to write home to their families and friends.

My Newest Customer

2008-07-22T00:09:00.005-04:00

My husband needed a small gift and he suggested some of my notecards. I picked some out for him to choose from and he found two packages of 4 that he liked. I was flattered and excited that he thought enough of my work to want to give them as a gift.....but I was really excited when he bought them from me! Thanks hon!

I Love The Colors In This Quilt

2008-07-21T23:48:00.006-04:00

While wandering through different links to blogs I came across a contest for this beautiful quilt. Quilting isn't something I've learned to do - Yet - but I do appreciate the work and love that go into making them.

The Elegance of Black and White

2008-07-21T23:24:00.006-04:00

Black paper, white paper....... use them alone and they hold little interest for your card. But using them together gives your project a look of elegance.

I'm Moving Up In The World

2008-07-20T18:19:00.007-04:00

or at least up in my house! I'm moving my craft room upstairs to a beautiful room filled with light!

We have three children all whom have left the nest. No one was more surprised than I when they left and I was already forming plans for the rooms.

There was a commercial several years ago about a child going off to college. The father is out in the driveway with the son telling him that his mother was too distraught to come outside to say goodbye. Flash to Mom who is in his room with a tape measure! Sometimes I feel like that was me!

I painted the smallest bedroom, put a wallpaper border around and new curtains, etc. and I settled happily in with my paper, rubber stamps, ink and other supplies.

Several months later my mother-in-law (whom I love dearly) was coming for a visiting so we decided to re-make it into a bedroom so she didn't have to use the stairs. My craft and I went downstairs to another bedroom.

When my husband needed an office the best place for him (by my own admission :-) was the room I was using. So, I moved to another bedroom. Luckily, we don't have a five bedroom house or I probably would have tried that too.

Now, I am very happy to say, that we are now going to make the downstairs room back into a guest bedroom since it is larger, AND, I get to have my bright, happy room back.

Stay tune for the after photos over the next couple of weeks!

Treasuries for EtsyGreetings

2008-07-16T21:08:00.008-04:00

EtsyGreetings is a talented group of greeting card artists who together promote their work through Etsy. Above are some of the beautiful cards showcased in Treasuries. You'll find creative handmade cards of many different styles. Search in Etsy under EtsyGreetings to see more unique work.

My First Give-A-Way Contest

2008-07-14T14:50:00.010-04:00

I'm excited to launch my first contest! You could win this set of four notecards - perfect for the summer! Contest runs now through July 31st, 2008.

Here's all you do.

Go to my Etsy Store and take a look around.
Come back here to comment on which item(s) you liked.
On the evening of July 31, 2008 I will place all the names "in the hat" and pick a winner.

Quick & Easy Notecards

2008-07-11T17:15:00.010-04:00

I love to make cards and spend many fun hours thinking, creating and re-creating to find the perfect design. But, sometimes, you just want to write a quick note, maybe to the teacher or a friend. You want something simple and quick and flat - BUT you still want that handmade look.

This new section in my Etsy shop .... Quick & Easy Notecards, does just that. I've taken cardstock or textured cardstock and layered it with patterned scrapbook paper. The designs on the paper itself is enough to do your note justice. Here are a couple of examples.

Matching Cards for MSS

2008-07-08T21:14:00.007-04:00

Now through July 31, 2008, when you purchase a card from my Etsy Shop, NYPapercrafter, to donate to Mission Soldier Support I will match your contribution card for card. This will double the amount of cards that will be sent to our soldiers for their use. Just mention that you would like to donate your purchase to Mission Soldier Support.

Purchase one card - I will also donate one card

Purchase two cards - I will donate two

Purchase a set of 4 cards - I will donate 4 cards

and so on.......

In addition, you will not pay shipping for any card purchased for Mission Soldier Support. I will either send you a revised invoice or issue a refund for postage through Paypal or RME. All cards will be sent to our coordinator, Capturedtimebooks and she will then be sending them overseas in the first week of August.

There are so many types of cards that the soliders will be able to use. Cards for birthdays and anniversaries, cards to just say hello or thanks and holiday cards.

You will also be mentioned on my blog with a link to your Etsy Shop or webpage if you have one.

Thank you to everyone who has already donated to this worthwhile project.

Mission Soldier Support Going Strong .....

2008-07-08T20:18:00.005-04:00

with 106 cards received so far! Thank you so much to everyone who has donated.

Participating shops from EtsyGreetings are donating cards to send to our soldiers overseas. The cards will be available for the soldiers to use to send to their loved ones. Take a look at CapturedTimeBooks blog to see the beautiful cards that have been donated.

How can you help? Now through July 31, 2008 purchase a card or cards from the participating shops and put in the notes to seller that you would like to donate your purchase to Mission Soldier Support or MSS. Your purchase will be sent to Capturedtimebooks who is heading this project.

It's Christmas In July .......

2008-07-04T22:14:00.021-04:00

It's Christmas In July at my Etsy Store.

I have just added a selection of Christmas Cards and Tags.

Some sets of cards have sentiments inside while others are blank for your message. Please see the product description for details.

You'll also find some gift tags that measure 5 x 7, perfect for those larger gifts.

Here are a few of the Christmas Cards that I've just listed. More styles are available in my Etsy Shop and I'll be adding more throughout July.

Make a purchase from my Christmas in July section and get a free gift .... a set of Christmas Tags!

Plugboards

2008-06-30T17:18:00.004-04:00

So, I've just discovered plugboards! It took me a little while to figure them out - and I still don't understand how you make the "blinking" buttons - but I will!

I found a site where you can make your own button called CoolText. To begin, I just made a very simple button. When I have more time, I'll try one that is more involved.

I've enjoyed looking at the Web pages and Etsy Shops that have put their ads on my plugboards. I'll be checking back to see if there are any new ones. What a fun way to find new areas to look at!