I Robot Heart Handmade

The boys with their most awesome Christmas gifts, handmade plush robots from Ekioart on Etsy! They love them more than what shows in this picture. Unfortunately I took several of them grinning from ear to ear...without my flash. They've been sleeping with them every night since Christmas and insisted they make the trek to Grammy's house. I love them too! They're well made, oh so soft, adorable and even have swively robot arms! You can get your own Beep Boop Bop Custom Robot by clicking here.

Holiday Postcard From Mr. Cash

Mr. Cash is dreaming of a white Christmas, hitting the slopes and cuddling up by a fire in the ski lodge. But first he wanted to send out his holiday wishes for a fantastic Christmas and wonderful things to come in the New Year. May your days be merry and bright! Scrappy Holidays!

I Am A Robot...Craft Project

Introducing Skippy Bowlingball (made by Lil' Spitfire), Stella (made by me) and the robot who never ended up with a name because Mr. Golden Curls couldn't decide on the perfect one. He was, however, positive that this was "a talking baby robot."

Robot voices abounded yesterday as the boys and I made one of our coolest kid projects to date, paper robots! This idea was even sweeter because it was 100% my 5 year old's idea. He had seen my Skull and Crossbones garland on the tree, asked what held them together and you could see his wheels turning. On the way to school he told Pappa all about the robot he was going to make using brads for joints. He's home all week for Christmas break so every day we're going to do something extra fun. Yesterday was robot making day!

It was such an easy, fun project that I thought I'd share. The cardstock we used was perfect. It's from a package my mom got me from Michaels of metallics in all different colors by American Crafts. Brads weren't hard for us to come by, I'm slightly addicted. The brads I use come in a multi-pack of lots of different metallic colors from Hobby Lobby. We used a small hole punch to help us with the brads, a large hole punch for one of the mouths, stencils and cut free form shapes and that's that.

Silly pictures using the timer on the camera have become a tradition in our family, so here you have it, Robot style silly.

I was totally impressed with the boys. Mr. Golden Curls made his completely by himself, punching holes and all. Lil' Spitfire required very little assistance, he's almost four, I had to punch the holes for him and bend the brads but everything else was all him. He even came up with the idea of hole punching the mouth. And how could I miss out on the action? I couldn't! So I made my own robot who currently resides on the Christmas tree.

Craft Show Notes

The Bizarre Bazaar has come and gone making me a little wiser (that wisdom has not extended to my ability to correctly spell 'bazaar' consistently), the owner of some lovely items that I received in trade but, unfortunately, none the richer. None poorer either so that's a good thing! Note to self: don't do a small craft show unless you have a free babysitter. All that said, if I can break even and have a day with my husband hanging out with a bunch of fantastic artists it's not a loss! The Low Key Arts Building is a super cool space run by super cool people.

My sis-in-law is awesome! She made me this craft show apron from jeans and a really cute pink skulls fabric! It was a nasty, cold, misty day outside and a little chilly inside so I was all bundled up most of the day.

My husband manning booth. We were lucky enough to have Doc Ray, the fabulous tie-dye artist, next to us again! We left with shirts for the whole family in exchange for his wife picking out some goodies, what an awesome couple. We definitely got the best end of that deal.

My most favorite thing of all is finally getting a Heather Montgomery pendant! Woo-hoo! These are not just any 'ole slapped together pendants. She crafts her pendants using vintage postage stamps, vintage poker chips and some quality craftsmanship. I had spied this pendant at the Handmade for the Holidays show and was excited to see it hadn't found a home yet. The stamp has an image of a foot painting a rainbow. Another awesome trade!

The Beehive on Etsy is back to stocked with plenty more goodies to be added daily. Until next time, Happy Handmade Holidays!

Come See Me At The Bizarre Bazaar Craft Show

I liked my first craft show experience so much I decided to jump right back on that train. You can find me peddling my wares this Saturday, December 12th at the Bizarre Bazaar in Hot Springs, AR. It will be from 2-7pm at the Low Key Arts Building at 118 Arbor. There are going to be about 20 assorted artists and artisans and it should be a great way to wrap up that holiday shopping, only 2.5 weeks to Christmas!!! Not to mention a printmaking workshop from 3-5pm for ages 6 and up! Happy Handmade Holidays!

It's Finally Here! Punked Out Baby Girl Mini Scrapbook

NOTE: My Shop The Beehive is now Papercut Kitchen! Please visit my shop Papercut Kitchen by clicking here.

A few days ago the stork finally flew into The Beehive and delivered the Punked Out Baby Girl Mini Scrapbook. Stop on by to make it yours by clicking here. This gem's twin brother was delivered to the shop awhile back and is available here. Happy Scrapping!

Three Weeks To Christmas!

Set of 3 Christmas Tree Ornaments or Gift Tags

NOTE: My shop The Beehive is now Papercut Kitchen! Please visit my shop Papercut Kitchen by clicking here.

Yep, that's right, only about three more weeks to Christmas! This is the last week to be able to order custom items from The Beehive and have them arrive in time for Christmas but you can always order with a shipping upgrade. A true procrastinator? That's alright, you can still order a custom item and I will send along a card showing them the fantastic Beehive gift that's heading their way!

I'm still stuffed to the brim with Christmas goodies that are ready to ship. Take a gander and click an image or link to purchase. Click here to see all of my Christmas items. I'm also stocking the shop like crazy with fantastic items for Christmas gifts like paper bead bracelets and tag boxes...so much cuteness so little time!

Scrappy Holidays!

Paper Bead and safety pin Bracelet in Holiday Colors

Christmas Tree Ornament or Gift Tag (set of three blue and white with red ribbon)

Christmas Ornaments

Christmas Embellishment or Gift Tag (set of six red and green)

Christmas Embellishment or Gift Tag (set of six blue and white)

Christmas Gift Tags (bundle of 10 assorted hang tags)

Christmas Goodie or Gift Boxes (set of 8 assorted paper boxes with tags)

Christmas Gift Tags or Embellishments (set of three blue and white with red ribbon)

Coming Soon To The Beehive: Punked Out Baby Girl Mini Scrapbook

NOTE: My shop The Beehive is now Papercut Kitchen! Please visit my shop Papercut Kitchen by clicking here.

My Punked Out Baby Boy Mini Album has been in my shop for some time now (you can get it here) and now that I'm adding goodies to my shop like crazy for Christmas, I'll soon have the baby girl version available to purchase. Keep your eyes on The Beehive for this baby's arrival!

Craft Show Survivor

Well, I'm no longer a craft show virgin! The Handmade for the Holidays show Saturday was a great success in my book. I have nothing to compare it to but all I'd hoped in a first show was to make back the money that I put in on fees and displays and to get my little craft show feet wet and I think that happened. I was also incredibly blessed to experience so much love and support from friends, family and complete and utter strangers who were all so generous and flattering.

NOTE: My shop The Beehive is now Papercut Kitchen! Please visit my shop Papercut Kitchen by clicking here.

I loved my booth but am afraid it would be way to cumbersome for me to haul anywhere out of town.

I had forgotten how wonderful it is to spend quality time with other artists. My booth neighbors were fantastic, everyone was friendly and roamed around meeting each other and I got to meet several people that I've talked to online for years but never met in person. I could just go on and on about that part of it. The people make it and this was so much fun!

It was interesting to see what sold in person that doesn't sell online and what didn't sell at the show that I expected to. I also see ways I think I can improve for the next one. Overall for a first timer I really like the way my booth turned out.

I really liked my displays, especially the front table and Christmas table. I also liked the unusual shape of my space. I was a little bit crowded on my big table though and am thinking up some ways to give the little goodies some breathing room.

My lovely assistant for the day.

Photo taken by Lisa of Golden Muses on Etsy

I thought the crowds were great for a first time show. It wasn't super jam packed but there was a steady stream of shoppers.

Photo taken by Lisa of Golden Muses on Etsy

I finally got to meet Brandy of Ekioart on Etsy, she's also on my street team, AREtsy. And I adopted two of her robots to give the boys for Christmas. So adorable and incredibly soft. You can get yours here.

Photo taken by Lisa of Golden Muses on Etsy

I made a fantastic trade for one of Briana's lovely bars of vegan eucalyptus spearmint soaps and it is divine! There's a good chance I'm now an addict! Briana was one of the gals who ran this show and you can purchase her soaps online at her shop Nest on Etsy.

Needless to say I will be doing this more in the future. Now that I've been through the process I think it won't be so all consuming like it was this time. Figuring out set-ups, how to take money etc etc really took up some time. Oh and I'm really glad I signed up for Propay to take credit cards. Those transactions added up to about 1/4th of my sales and I can see that growing in the future.

Stay tuned to my shop, The Beehive. I'll be filling it up with all the goodies that didn't sell at the show.