Papercut Kitchen

Gearing Up For A Celebration, Monsters and Robots Style

2012-02-18T09:44:00.001-06:00

In only a few days the Little Mister will be ELEVEN months old! I can not believe the time has gone by so quickly. He's still as mellow as ever (thank goodness) and gaining new skills daily. Eleven months old means we are thinking about a first birthday party! I love first birthdays, we've always done those bigger than the other birthdays. They are just such a milestone, seeing a baby grow from this adorable, little blob of do-nothing to a baby who can move about the world, has opinions about stuff, can do things by themselves, communicate. And we survived it so we should get to celebrate!

I've decided the Little Mister's theme is going to be monsters and robots. I ordered this adorable hat from Fashion Touch on Etsy for his first birthday pictures. He thought it was so funny, not sure we'll get him to keep it on his head for long, taking this picture was a bit of a chore. I'm getting all excited with plans of things to make, decorations and scrappy craft projects then I wonder how I'll even get the house clean for a party, we're a zoo these days!

Family Heritage Scrapbook

2012-01-21T15:45:00.003-06:00

These are scrapbooks that I made for my mom and mom-in-law for Christmas and I just love the way they turned out! They're now available through my online shop, Papercut Kitchen. Having such amazing photos to scrapbook makes a world of difference, how gorgeous are the Little Mister's newborn pictures and our family photos?! That would be all thanks to H & H Photography.

Vintage Girl Scrapbook

2012-01-20T14:59:00.001-06:00

My sneak peak from a few weeks ago turned into this little beauty, vintage charm for a baby girl's pictures. The only thing I don't like about this album is that, with three little boys of my own, I have no reason to make one for myself! It will be appearing in my shop soon so keep your eyes out.

Sneak Peak Sunday

2012-01-08T14:31:00.000-06:00

I have 3 adorable boys so whenever a custom order that involves pink, vintage roses, lace and bling comes into my scrappy little hands you know I get excited! Happy scrapping!

Custom Silhouettes: Capturing the Moment

2011-12-19T09:00:00.000-06:00

Custom Multiple Figure Silhouette by Papercut Kitchen $60.00

I love working on custom silhouettes! I'm always surprised by how they turn out, each one so unique just by changing the pattern background and colors. I think what I love most though is the process, knowing that I'm working with a photograph of someone's loved ones, the most special people and events in their lives, really makes me feel honored. The last image I worked from was just such a good one I wanted to share my process a bit.

This is the gorgeous image the client supplied me with, isn't it so incredibly romantic and fun? Not hard to find inspiration there!

From the client's image I create a digital silhouette and send it for their approval, no one knows them better than themselves and loved ones so I like to make sure I captured them correctly.

When the silhouette and paper choices have been approved it's time to cut and assemble. Voila! Custom Papercut Kitchen silhouette! I make mine using the computer and my beloved Silhouette die cutting machine, but you can make one at home the old fashioned way, shadows and tracing. Or print your photo to the size you want on your home computer and cut out the figures to make a template.

H&H Photography and Papercut Kitchen: Match Made in Heaven!

2011-11-09T10:59:00.000-06:00

I'm incredibly excited to announce my latest scrappy endeavor, a partnership with H&H Photography to bring my scrapbooks and photo boxes to her fantastic mini-session packages! Her photography is absolutely gorgeous, artistic and the kind that doesn't just take a person's picture but captures a moment. We've had a newborn session and a family session with her and couldn't be more pleased. Not only will my photo storage/recipe box and 8x8 scrapbook be offered in packages but there will be a 12x12 scrapbook and chipboard album available for purchase as well, through H&H Photography and also through my online shop, Papercut Kitchen. All items are complete and ready to add photos to.

To make an appointment with H&H Photography visit her Facebook fanpage here or her website here. To purchase an album or photo box visit Papercut Kitchen's online shop here.

8x8 scrapbook Package Option

Chipboard Album

Photo Storage/Recipe Box Package Option

A Crafty Light

2011-10-27T11:55:00.001-05:00

I'm seeing that crafty light at the end of my tunnel growing larger and larger! I know Christmas seems so far away but for us crafty folks it takes some major advance prep and I have some very exciting holiday opportunities coming up that I'll elaborate on later. For now I'm just giving a little sneak peak because I'm so excited to finally have gone craft supply shopping! It's been a long time and I'm feeling scrappy!

Bed Rest Is OVER!

2011-03-27T15:41:00.001-05:00

The Little Mister was finally born at 5am on
Tuesday, March 22nd 2011
8lbs 14oz 20in

I say finally but, just like his big brothers, he did mamma a favor and came 2 weeks early, sparing me additional bed rest. I didn't have to be induced, yea! I avoided an epidural, I didn't want this to be my first, but I did go a new road and opted for some IV drug to take off the edge. And thank goodness for that, Little Mister was in the "Sunnyside Up" position (facing up instead of down-the easier way) making him a doozy to birth, even with the drugs. And again, just like his brothers, he was very considerate and was born swiftly. Even with trying to arrive extra early, not waiting for 5 min contractions, we were only in the hospital about 3 hours before his arrival. What a wonderful date to be born. As my good friend pointed out the numbers are 32211, super cool! And it's my maternal grandfather's birthday, making it a day with extra special meaning.

Final bed rest count: 3 weeks to the day. Thanks to my mom-in-law I survived with sanity mostly in tact and a clean and fully stocked house waiting for us when we returned from the hospital. If only those three weeks of rest could be stowed away and used during these first few exhausting months of newbornhood. Unfortunately the body does not stock pile rest and I'm blissfully exhausted.

On "Vacation" (aka. Bed Rest)

2011-03-07T13:41:00.003-06:00

Well, our unborn little one is proving to be quite the bugger even before he's officially entered the world. We are 4 weeks from our due date and I've been on bed rest for the past week and will continue to be on bed rest until our Little Mister arrives. Because of this I've had to put my Papercut Kitchen shop on vacation mode. I hope to be reopening in a few months when we'll have our household all settled in and I'll be back on my crafty feet (this isn't just wishful thinking right?!). Until then I hope I will still be blogging about crafts and I will certainly be writing about life on my other blog, Notes From My Fridge.

Love Is For Every Day

2011-02-15T13:10:00.006-06:00

Damask Heart by Papercut Kitchen

Valentine's Day has passed but I thought I would still share my heart shaped albums since they aren't just for that one day of the year. I've been having so much fun making these chipboard albums and I'm surprised. When I got ready to make my first ones I kind of thought it would be fun but then I'd get bored and move on but I really love that so much can be tucked in to such a small package. And even with albums of the same shape the possibilities are so endless, I think I'm addicted to making them!

Glitter Heart by Papercut Kitchen

Crafty Hearted: Better Than Diamonds

2011-01-27T10:00:00.001-06:00

I am proud that my boys are so incredibly creative already, not so they can be my little drones, but because I feel like creativity is an incredibly important skill. It's something I can nurture in them that the school system can't. Whether they become artists or bean counters, it will be something they can use to express themselves or problem solve. It gives me a little reward to see their little minds at work, it's like a whisper letting me know that keeping them home with me until Kindergarten didn't damage them with my imperfection. Add creativity to the sweet generosity of a little kid and my heart is mush, especially when that kid is mine.

Mr. Golden Curls is 6 years old now and he has always been a creative spirit and a problem solver. At Christmas time with my parents we were all sitting around after having opened gifts and he was roaming around the house. He kept passing through saying "I'm looking for a bead. Do you have a bead?" It is not strange for him to be on a mission to make something but when he presented my mom with this ring made out of a twist tie from one of his new toys and a cut piece of straw for a bead we were pretty blown away. As far as I know he's never seen jewelry made like this but he had the ability to go measure Grammy's finger, create a bead, and get it twisted onto the wire just right. Then he gave it to her with the words, "I didn't have anything to give you for Christmas so I made you this."

Van Gogh: A First Grader's Account

2011-01-24T12:58:00.002-06:00

Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear by Vincent van Gogh

Conversation with my 6 year old:

"What did you do in art today?"
"Watched a movie."
"A movie, in art class?"
"Yeah. It was about an artist, I don't remember his name but he did a bunch of stuff before he was an artist. Then he was so sad he cut his ear off and sent it in the mail. Then he was friends with this other artist and he went home and got so mad at his friend that he shot himself."

My husband and I looked at each other with hugely wide eyes, my 5 year old laughed and we spent the next 5 minutes explaining why that was sad and not funny and wondering why the heck a first grader needs that much background on an artist. Then when they were in bed we howled with laughter and wondered, who's next on the list?!

How Lovely Are Your Branches

2011-01-19T09:00:00.001-06:00

I know I am miserably behind on my show and tell when it's the middle of January and I'm just now showing off the ornaments that I made for the grandparents. To my credit I did want to wait until they were gifted on Christmas but I am running in super slow motion these days. I blame my unborn child. These were such a big hit and I loved making them even more because they are my children and my beloved niece and nephews. I think I will be forever enthralled with silhouettes, such a simple form and yet so much detail and personality.

Autumn Gift

2010-10-25T14:51:00.003-05:00

My little Jackson is the sweetest little thing I've ever known. He's always giving me little gifts of flowers and leaves and is generous with hugs and cuddles. When he gave me this beauty he was very diligent to let me know whenever it fell out of my button hole and suggested many wonderful ways I might be able to make it stay, like tape, and my favorite, just slowing down. I think I'll try to do that. As this gorgeous autumn season gives way to holiday chaos I'm going to do my best to just slow down.

Handmade For The Holidays Craft Show

2010-10-22T12:56:00.005-05:00

I'm so excited for the second annual Handmade for the Holidays craft show! It's only about three weeks away. I enjoyed last year's show so much, all the talent and fantastic people. Christmas is right around the corner and there's nothing better than a handcrafted gift! The show is happening in Hot Springs, AR at ArtChurch Studio 9am-5pm and my husband and I will be there all day with brand spankin' new Papercut Kitchen goodies and a few old faves.

Scrappy Halloween!

2010-10-21T10:17:00.005-05:00

Halloween is in full swing at Papercut Kitchen! You spend so much time figuring out fantastic costumes you need a fantastic place for your pictures. Premade mini album and page layouts are perfect for your spooky pics! Click any image to go to the listing.

Larkmartin & Co. Now Carrying Papercut Kitchen

2010-09-24T15:00:00.001-05:00

I am so thrilled and honored to have my things in my first ever brick and mortar shop, and such a pretty lil' shop it is! Larkmartin & Co. is owned and run by the lovely Briana, maker of Larkmartin soaps that are absolutely to die for. You can come visit at 340 Ouchita Ave, Hot Springs, AR. When she opened shop she decided to share it with other local handmade artists and I'm completely thrilled to have my Papercut Kitchen flower magnets, paper bead bracelets, custom silhouettes and mini albums as handmade offerings to the locals! Last weekend was Larkmartin & Co.'s grand opening bash and we had a blast! Above you can see my wonderful husband in his handmade tie applique t-shirt mingling with the masses.

My flower magnets adorn the candle lantern and my paper bead bracelets in the basket.

Love the way my silhouette samples look on the wall! All ready for custom ordering! To their left is going to be a painted Larkmartin & Co. sign. Right behind the register!

My boys wore their tie tees to match Pappa and had a blast with the most delicious cupcakes and chalk drawing inside.

Larkmartin Soaps and home beer brewing kits.

There was even a henna artist on site for the celebration.

To Have And To Hold In Bad Fashion And In Health

2010-08-25T08:40:00.003-05:00

9 years ago today I walked down the aisle and tied the knot. But 15 years ago this Saturday I dressed in this shirt and a pair of wicked sweet red glitter vinyl Airwalks, grabbed some books and headed to the library courtyard to meet my future husband. I didn't know I was meeting my future husband, I didn't even know I was going to meet a boy, but there you have it. My freshman year, a week before classes even start and fate takes hold. It was a long and bumpy road but we made it to that aisle and I've never regretted a moment. Happy Anniversary to my Superhero!

Craft Room Eviction Notice

2010-08-01T18:23:00.003-05:00

Dear Craft Room,

It has been a delightful two years having you, my first ever craft room. It seems like only yesterday that I sat in the floor, built your shelves and obsessively, I mean, lovingly filled every nook and cranny with scrapbooking supplies. But it seems our days of shutting ourselves off from the world, blaring music, and flinging paper are coming to an end. 9 months seems like a long time but I know from experience it goes so fast. But don't worry craft room, I will still be crafting away in the future Master Bedroom/Craft Room. It will never take your place but you have a more important job to do and I look forward to trading our crafting time for time spent with sweet little baby number three. We'll still have raucous times and quiet calm times but these will be so much more rewarding! I will never forget you craft room!

Forever yours,
Sunny

The Owl Scrapbook

2010-07-28T14:06:00.008-05:00

Owl Scrapbook by Papercut Kitchen

Cupcakes, Tea and Domesticity

2010-07-18T13:30:00.005-05:00

Teapot Chipboard Album by Papercut Kitchen

A look back at last week since I dropped the ball on posting the latest additions to my shop! It seems dropping the ball is a regular occurrence for me. I suppose it comes with the full-time mamma territory, especially when my honey has spent most of the summer away at youth camps. A week with two little boys, two dogs, and a frazzled Mamma for the 3rd time in a few short months can get pretty sticky pretty fast! In spite of it all the kids were kept clean, more or less, the house was kept clean, more or less, and I was very pleased that I was able to stick to my modest goal of listing new goodies daily! I have to cling to the little victories.

Cupcake Chipboard Album by Papercut Kitchen

Large Flower Magnets by Papercut Kitchen

I added a bunch of different designs on these magnets throughout the week. You can check them all out at the Papercut Kitchen!

Sneak Peak Sunday

2010-07-11T15:41:00.004-05:00

I've been photographing like crazy today so I can add a bunch of new items to my neglected lil' Kitchen. I love making, I just don't always love the process it takes to get my goodies online! So here's a sneak peak to tide you over and hopefully I will have them all ready to start going into my shop tomorrow!

Papercut Kitchen Graphics: Church Website and Logo

2010-07-09T18:00:00.003-05:00

I worked on this website for First United Methodist Church of Hot Springs, AR ages ago and can't believe I'm just getting around to sharing it here. I did a lot of the photography that was on the site. Since then it has been in the hands of the church, growing and changing according the their needs, but above is a screen shot of how the homepage was when I first set it up. Below is the logo that I designed for the church. I like the more modern approach I took with the traditional cross and flames symbolism of Methodism.

Art The Art Mannequin

2010-07-07T19:48:00.000-05:00

Mr. Golden Curls, my little budding artist. He really is amazingly creative and artistic. He is always wanting to make things, always thinking of making movies, or how he can make robots out of paper that actually move, or costumes out of paper sacks and cardboard boxes. The picture above is a blackboard at our church that he spent a good chunk of time filling up with amazing drawings while I made signs for Vacation Bible School. When he gets focused on something he's unstoppable, just don't expect him to be focused on what you want him to be!

My boys may be getting big but they're still having important (to me) firsts, like brand spankin' new real live art supplies for the first time ever! A couple of weeks ago, while Pappa was gone at camp, the boys and I were suffering from some serious cabin fever. I decided it was time for a trip to Hobby Lobby for some new markers and to look for some little project for the boys to do.When we walked into the store Mr. Golden Curls declares "I know what I want and it's little!" Turned out to be a little art mannequin, which thrilled me to no end, and led to me spending a wee bit more to get him his first sketchbook, set of pencils, eraser, and blending stumps...mmmm, art supplies.

Do you see those drawing skills?! Not bad for a first attempt by a 6 year old!

Lil' Spitfire is nipping at big brother's artistic heals. At four he's already drawing things that are recognizable and loves to act things out on paper. So what starts as a picture of a guy with a thought bubble, words and all, may be reduced to green scribble when there's an unfortunate slime explosion set off by the bad guy. He loved these double sided markers with one side marker and the other side a stamp.

If my boys grow up to be bean counters finding happiness in computers, calculators and cubicles that will be fine with me, but it is nice to see some creativity sparking in their little minds!

Papercut Kitchen Graphic Design

2010-06-28T14:19:00.012-05:00

Logo for Imagine Ministry by Papercut Kitchen

On occasion I actually use that graphic design degree my parents are still paying for by graphically designing stuff, usually for my church. This is the first time I've ever been in a church where I feel my gifts and talents are used and I love it! I use design in all I make and do but it's not quite the same as doing some straight up design work.

Logo for Holy Grounds Cafe by Papercut Kitchen

My Cheating Ways

2010-06-27T17:28:00.011-05:00

Sometimes, when I seem to be absent it's because I'm having a sordid crafting affair with my church by making things like this...

or this...

or even this...

Super Sweet Creations On My Super Sweet Creations

2010-06-21T10:11:00.004-05:00

My husband loves the cliche ugly Father's Day tie so this year I got he and the boys matching ugly ties tees...pretty cute for ugly ties eh?! I got them from Super Sweet Creations on Etsy. Can't go wrong with handmade!

Maesa's Miracle Militia

2010-06-08T12:53:00.002-05:00

I was very honored to be asked to design a logo for Maesa, a ray of adorable sunlight who has been fighting Cystic Fibrosis and is in need of a lung transplant. This design will be used for fundraisers, t-shirts and soon, her first run to raise money for her transplant. Please feel free to post one of these badges to your own blog and link it to Maesa's website where you can learn more about her, her disease and how you can help. If you'll be in the Tahlequa, Oklahoma area this Saturday, June 12th 2010, read the press release at the bottom of this post to join the fundraiser run!

Third Cherokee Nation Chief’s Challenge race to benefit local girl
Tahlequah Daily Press

06/04/2010

TAHLEQUAH — The Cherokee Nation will be hosting the third race in the Chief’s Challenge series during the Survivor’s Run on June 12, taking place at the Cherokee Nation complex, south of Tahlequah.

Proceeds from the race will benefit Maesa Kilpatrick, a local girl who has cystic fibrosis and is awaiting a lung transplant. Cystic fibrosis is a terminal disease that causes the body to produce thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening infections.

Registration for the Survivors Run event begins at 7 a.m., and the race begins at 8 a.m. In addition to the 5K, there will also be a 1-mile fun run/walk. There is no registration fee for participants of WINGS Activity Club and those who have signed up as part of the Cherokee Challenge. Other participants must pay a $15 registration fee. A limited number of special commemorative T-shirts highlighting the 10 Cherokee attributes will be available on a first-come basis to 300 participants who have signed up for the Cherokee Challenge or are members of the WINGS Activity Club. The attribute that will be highlighted for this race is “nidvdayosgvna,” Cherokee for “determined or persistent.”
The Chief’s Challenge series is part of the overall Cherokee Challenge, a larger campaign to get families healthy and offer activities and training tips for exercise and active living. As part of the campaign, Cherokee Nation Healthy Nation is sponsoring a series of races and fun runs and walks, with a final challenge to race with Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith in the Tulsa Run in October.
The Cherokee Nation’s Healthy Nation program will offer activities and training tips for exercise and active living, for everyone who wants to participate. The program will be hosting a series of nine races up until the Tulsa Run at the end of October. For participants who join the WINGS activity club, Cherokee Nation will pay the entry fees for each race. More than 400 participated in the first two events in Stilwell and Muskogee.

Visit http://cherokeechallenge.cherokee.org for fitness tips, suggested training schedules and a complete list of activities

in the Cherokee Challenge.

Information: Lu McGraw, 453-5260.

The Happy Mod Mini Album

2010-06-02T14:04:00.008-05:00

I think I'm way too in love with this paper line, it's taking over and making me want to redo my house in this color scheme and style! Yesterday I showed off my Mod Recipe/Photo Storage box and today I'm on a roll and listing another new item to my shop, a mini spiral bound album out of the same papers.

This Mod House

2010-06-01T15:19:00.006-05:00

"You can't buy happiness, but you can buy ice cream. And, that's kind of the same thing."

Doesn't this mod little recipe box just ooze summertime? It's available right now at Papercut Kitchen! Not a chef? That's ok, it's also perfect for storing photos.

Split Personalitites

2010-06-01T15:00:00.001-05:00

I'm becoming more and more aware of the fact that I've ceased being a story teller and started being almost exclusively a show and teller...boring! Part of it is that I cut down my computer time for Lent, decided it was good for me to find a healthier balance and so, haven't fully come back to blogging. Another part of it is splitting into two blogs which has me often not know where to post and even more often just not posting unless it is decidedly crafty news or decidedly personal news, namely the boys, leaving stuff about me and story telling totally out.

I'm working on coming back but I'm also a shy person and am feeling a tad self conscious knowing that if I post semi-personal stories about myself here I now have only a handful of people to read it as apposed to the 80+ at the old location which gave me a lost in a crowd feeling. Anywho, I'm not sure what I'm trying to say. I'm feeling thrown back to my first days as a blogger; self conscious, awkward, and like I'm talking foolishly to myself. I suppose I'm just feeling the need to get it off my chest so I can move on to what I hope is better bloggin' days ahead.

Sand And Wedding Bells: Custom Beach Wedding Scrapbook

2010-05-27T16:42:00.006-05:00

When I was asked to make a full-fledged beach themed scrapbook I was a little nervous it would turn out cheesy. In spite of the fact that I'm an avid scrapper I am not always so confident when bold colors are involved. I think the Paradise Collection by BoBunny did the trick and I really ended up liking this book a bunch. Hope the bride agrees!

Punk Rock Princess

2010-05-26T13:10:00.007-05:00

I had a request from my son's kindergarten teacher to make her baby book and I was so honored, she's been a more than fantastic teacher. So, here it is in all its glory! I have made a punked out baby girl mini album before but on this one she requested different page layouts for letters from mom and dad (which I absolutely adore~see below), each month of baby's first year, and certain holidays, I just love these additions the book. To order your custom scrapbook visit me at Papercut Kitchen. Happy Scrapping! P.S. The baby boy version is already made and ready to ship, see it here.

Cirque du Papercut Kitchen

2010-05-16T14:00:00.001-05:00

I love working on things that are a little more unique than traditional. Most of them aren't totally off the wall, just a little more than your straight pink for girls/blue for boys. My latest custom order was for a circus themed mini album for a baby girl and here's the show and tell! To get your own custom mini album just drop me a note over at my shop, Papercut Kitchen.

Papercut Kitchen Hang Tags

2010-05-12T16:40:00.009-05:00

This is a custom made batch of hang tags (700 to be precise!) all packed up and ready to go to their new home, where they will live out the rest of their days as pricing tags for some fantastic handmade jewelry. I love her idea of folding card hang tags so she can write more than a price on some of her pieces.

Below are the tags I made for the same client awhile back. Isn't it amazing how the paper changes the style and feel so much? I think it's part of what keeps me excited about working with paper, there are endless combinations! And working on them is like meditation for me, a welcome excuse to just sit.

p.s. I don't currently have a listing for hang tags in my shop but if you contact me at Papercut Kitchen I'd be happy to take a custom order.

May Day Craft Show

2010-05-06T07:00:00.001-05:00

Last Saturday I sold my wares (not quite as many as hoped but enough) at the May Day Craft Show held at ArtChurch in Hot Springs, AR. Though it wasn't a huge financial success I made a bit and more importantly had a blast with my honey and all the other artists! I wasn't super thrilled with the way I set up my booth this time. I'm learning something at each show. There have only been three, so I can't be too hard on myself. Ok, I can, I'm a picky pants like that, but I'm doing my best to start cutting myself some slack.

My neighbor across the way was the fantastic Heather Montgomery. I couldn't resist acquiring a second pendant, they are just too beautiful. This time I picked a sailor pin-up girl and I love her so much I wore an outfit around her today!

The always colorful Doc Ray was at the show too. He was my neighbor at the last two shows and it makes me happy just to see him! Not to mention his out of this world gorgeous tie-dye.

Happy Crafting!

Living The Crafty Life

2010-05-05T18:02:00.004-05:00

Feet kicked up, project in my lap, sunshine shining and a content Puggie at my feet. If this isn't livin' I don't know what is!

Papercut Kitchen Magazine Review

2010-02-26T18:30:00.003-06:00

Inspired by my book club, a fantastic group of ladies that I am honored to be a part of, who get together to maybe read, definitely laugh, and definitely eat, I'm posting this magazine review the night after book club night! I love book club night! Ok, ok, the magazine I found at my last trip to my local chain bookstore that I wish was another chain bookstore...

Green Craft Magazine! This is one yummy magazine. I mean it, that paper it's printed on is so incredibly soft and wonderful and the projects in it are pretty cool too. They all feature a recycled element. It's yet another beautiful magazine by Somerset Studio, they really know how to make a craft mag don't they?! Not so much on their website I'm afraid. As usual I was too cheap to shell out the $15 for a magazine so here are my cell pics of some of my favorite projects. They did show more than paper but I am a paper lover so I ignored those! If you aren't a miser like me then it's definitely worth taking home...if you are it's worth a look while your kids play on the train table!

I thought these book covers were just beautiful and so simple. Just a little newspaper, flocked paper scraps, doodling and ribbon.

Fun dress made from the funnies...just make sure to check the forecast. Getting caught in the rain with this one could be embarrassing!

I wasn't so big on this project's execution but I loved the idea. Starbucks cardboard coffee cozy into gift tag.

Ohhh, New Scrapping Toy!

2010-02-25T12:59:00.005-06:00

Image from the Silhouette Machine Blog

I just saw on the Silhouette blog that there is a new die cut goodie in town...heat transfer paper! Oooh, Ahhh, so many possibilities. You can cut out anything...gotta get some of this!!

Papercut Kitchen Lunch Box Notes

2010-02-25T08:00:00.001-06:00

I've been adding a new item to my shop this week, Lunch Box Notes! These are little circle diecut tags that can be used as mini-notes, scrapbook embellies or gift tags. I'm making them in all sorts of colors and with lots of different shaped cuts. This week: thought bubbles, lemons and limes, men and women, dogs and cats, circles, stars, leaves...whew! All to be added throughout the week. Have any special requests? Just let me know, I love custom requests!

Snow? Ohh! Scrapbook Layout

2010-02-23T08:00:00.002-06:00

Promised you new layouts featuring my bitty's first year yesterday and already delivering! You may want to duck, it's been a long time since I've been so on top of something and it's bound to lead to mass chaos!

I'm going simple with my personal page layouts these days and relying heavily on printed papers to do the work for me. I'm just so poor, in time and money, that this is all I can handle...that way I can splurge for my Papercut Kitchen goodies!

Three Years Late And Fifty Dollars Short

2010-02-22T08:00:00.001-06:00

Peek-a-boo! Yep, that would be six packs of photos. Whew, I have my work cut out for me!

I am so incredibly behind on scrapping my own pictures. My four year old's first year isn't even scrapped. This weekend I decided it was time to change that. Well, actually, last weekend I decided to change that but when I took my picture CDs into Walgreens all pumped to have an entire weekend of scrapbooking ahead of me it quickly became a comedy of errors. It's been a very long time since I've had pictures printed. When I had completely filled two sizable photo storage boxes of unscrapped prints I decided it was time to pause on the printing until I was caught up.

Now all I have to say is what happened to the good 'ole days when you didn't have to mess with kiosks and online uploads?! When I failed at my attempt to load at the kiosk and the man behind the counter told me he can't take my media I spent 4 tedious hours uploading to the website. Woe is me! I miss my local print shop where I just handed them my stuff, told them what I wanted and they gave me gorgeous prints by the end of the day. I must say though that Walgreens had a good price and their standard shipping was free so, though I had to put my creative itch on hold for an entire week, my bank account was happier.

Stay tuned for all the new layouts featuring my little man that I'm sure I'll be show-and-telling soon!

Sneak Peak Sunday

2010-02-21T17:17:00.005-06:00

I got super scrappy this weekend and started a bunch of projects, some for me and one of which is a new spiral bound mini album for the shop. I love the mod style of the cardstocks and embellies on this one. keep your eyes peeled for this jolly little book to hit my shop in the next week. And if this turns out as fantastic as I'm hoping I may use these papers on a Photo/Recipe box too!

Blogging Madness

2010-02-12T10:37:00.003-06:00

I'm about to start the process of adding posts from my old blog to this shiny new blog. Hopefully it will be a smooth, though tedious process, but it could make things a little messy for a bit. Please excuse the mess and let me know if you run across any archived posts that could use some help. Thanks!

P.S. Next week I'll be offering a new item at Papercut Kitchen. I think I feel another giveaway coming on!

New: Classic Custom Silhouette

2010-02-11T08:00:00.001-06:00

It's the incredible shrinking silhouette! For Christmas this year I made all the grandparents framed silhouettes of their grand babies. I wanted to make them more traditional and a more manageable size since they would be getting several each. Now this shrunken, classic version of my silhouette is available in my shop! Stop by Papercut Kitchen to order your own custom 5x7 framed silhouette or view the listing by clicking here. psst, isn't my nephew adorable?!

And The Recipe Box Winner Is...

2010-01-30T10:02:00.007-06:00

...(via Random.org) Beth! Congratulations and thanks so much to everyone who participated in my Grand Opening Giveaways this week, stalked me all over the web and helped me spread the word about Papercut Kitchen! Beth has two shops on etsy that are worth a visit, Heart Homes with her cute clay houses and house tiles and Bmacre filled with her artwork. *Psssst* super sad about losing this giveaway? Chin up, this item will soon be added to my shop!

Stalk Me And Win: Final Giveaway

2010-01-29T08:44:00.010-06:00

It's time for the third and final giveaway in celebration of Papercut Kitchen's grand opening (and to encourage stalking)! I was very flattered by last giveaway's responses, thank you all! Even if you participated in the last giveaway you can participate in this one!

Giveaway #3: Domestic Goddess Recipe Box/Photo Box
Is this not a super fantastic paper line?! It's called Domestic Goddess and is made by Graphic 45. What better use for it than a pseudo vintage recipe box? Even non-cooks can love using this to organize and store photos. There are three dividers that I've made using the same cardstocks that have blank tags for labeling your sections. Get those photos out of the shoe box or honor those great recipes from grandma. Read below for rules.

To Enter: **Be sure to leave a separate comment for each way you enter!**
Entries Accepted until midnight tonight. Winners announced tomorrow 1.29.10 If you're already following me those count as separate entries too!

Visit my shop, Papercut Kitchen, then come back and leave a comment telling me what your favorite item in my shop is (new items will be added daily through the week)

Bonus Entries: You can earn additional entries for each place you stalk or promote me. Just be sure to leave separate comments for each stalk leaving your username where you stalked or a link to your tweet or blog.

Places to stalk me:
Facebook Fanpage
Twitter
blog (you're there :) just click the follow button to the right

Ways to promote me:
blog about this giveaway/shop opening
tweet about this giveaway/shop opening
Add my button to your blog (just right click, download, upload to your blog and link it to: http://papercutkitchen.etsy.com)

Happy Scrapping!

Winner #2 And One Last Chance To Win

2010-01-28T07:51:00.008-06:00

I am having too much fun with these giveaways! The winner of the Cupcake Chipboard album, by vote of Random.org is....Loren! Loren is a fellow Etsian with the shop Fruits of the Bloom where she has some adorable hair bows for little girls. Congratulations Loren! There is going to be one more Grand Opening Giveaway tomorrow. The photo hint is above (I promise it's not supplies I just don't have it finished :) You can enter that one too even if you have participated in my other giveaways! Happy Scrapping!

Stalk Me And Win: Giveaway #2

2010-01-27T07:47:00.017-06:00

It's time for the second of three giveaways in celebration of Papercut Kitchen's grand opening (and to encourage stalking)! I'm sorry to anyone who tried to follow my blog or leave comments during the last giveaway. Blogger was glitchy and giving everyone problems. I am very excited to have gotten my first sales yesterday! Alright, enough banter, lets get to the good stuff! Even if you participated in the last giveaway you can participate in this one!

Giveaway #2: Cupcake Chipboard Album
I am so excited about this giveaway! Who doesn't love a good cupcake? I've fully embellished this little sweet with all the good stuff, including handmade buttons by Tessa Ann, fabric covered brad by Aimoobaroo, and cupcake tag handmade by A Scrappy Design, all fellow Etsians. Viva la handmade revolution!

To Enter: **Be sure to leave a separate comment for each way you enter!**
Entries Accepted until midnight tonight. Winners announced tomorrow 1.27.10 If you're already following me those count as separate entries too!

Visit my shop, Papercut Kitchen, then come back and leave a comment telling me what your favorite item in my shop is (new items will be added daily through the week)

Bonus Entries: You can earn additional entries for each place you stalk or promote me. Just be sure to leave separate comments for each stalk leaving your username where you stalked or a link to your tweet or blog.

Places to stalk me:
Facebook Fanpage
Twitter
blog (you're there :) just click the follow button to the right

Ways to promote me:
blog about this giveaway/shop opening
tweet about this giveaway/shop opening
Add my button to your blog (just right click, download, upload to your blog and link it to: http://papercutkitchen.etsy.com)

Happy Scrapping!

We Have A Winner, And Another Chance To Win!

2010-01-26T07:24:00.004-06:00

Phew, blogger and I were not on speaking terms this morning! But I'm finally able to get this posted it seems so here you have it...And the winner of the Veggie Tales upcycled paper bag album (via random.org number generator) is...Gonna Be His Mrs.! Congratulations and thank you to all of the people who participated and stopped by. Tomorrow is going to be Giveaway #2 and above is a sneak peak. Everyone is welcome, including those that participated in Giveaway #1.

p.s. Be sure to check out the winner's blog where she tracks her process of trying to do a wedding on a modest budget through DIY.

Stalk Me And Win Giveaway: Giveaway #1

2010-01-25T07:00:00.000-06:00

I am so excited to be announcing the grand opening of my new shop, Papercut Kitchen! To celebrate (and to encourage stalking) I'm going to have 3 giveaways this week. And the first sale at Papercut Kitchen not only ships free but gets a free goodie too! So read below, get to stalking and good luck!

Giveaway #1: Upcycled Paper Bag Album
I love making these paper bag albums. Not only are they super cute with all their pockets and flaps, but it's one small thing I can do to help make the world a better place. The covers and tags are made with reused product boxes and the papers inside are scraps from my other paper projects. Use as a brag book, a journal, recipe book...whatever your little scrappy heart desires!

To Enter: Entries Accepted until midnight tonight. Winners announced tomorrow 1.26.10
Visit my shop, Papercut Kitchen, then come back and leave a comment telling me what your favorite item in my shop is (new items will be added daily through the week)

Bonus Entries: (Be sure to leave separate comments for each so they will be counted as separate entries)

You can earn additional entries for each place you stalk or promote me. Just be sure to leave separate comments for each stalk leaving your username where you stalked or a link to your tweet or blog.

Places to stalk me:
Facebook Fanpage
Twitter
blog (you're there :)

Ways to promote me:
blog about this giveaway/shop opening
tweet about this giveaway/shop opening

Papercut Kitchen Grand Opening And Giveaways Tomorrow!

2010-01-24T15:00:00.000-06:00

Oh, my goodness, are you on the edge of your little blogging seats? I am! I'm so excited that my new shop, Papercut Kitchen, is opening tomorrow and that I'll finally get to start sharing all these wonderful giveaway goodies with you! But you still have to wait until tomorrow for the details so check back for the rules and the first prize to be won. I'll also be giving away special goodies to my first customer at Papercut Kitchen! Good luck and Happy Scrapping!

Papercut Kitchen Grand Opening Countdown (with sneak peak!)

2010-01-23T09:30:00.000-06:00

Only 2 days to the Grand Opening of Papercut Kitchen!...and giveaways! Here's another sneak peak of one of the giveaways. Yep, I said one of...which means there will be more than one! I'm so excited and I have some work to do today!

Papercut Kitchen Grand Opening Countdown (with sneak peak!)

2010-01-22T10:55:00.000-06:00

3 days to the Grand Opening of Papercut Kitchen!...and giveaways!

I'm too excited to keep the giveaway goodies all to myself so here's another sneak peak of one of them. Yum Yum!

Papercut Kitchen Countdown

2010-01-20T07:36:00.001-06:00

5 days to the Grand Opening of Papercut Kitchen!...and giveaways!

Coming Soon

2010-01-16T17:00:00.000-06:00

I am in the process of moving my business from it's current cyber location: The Beehive on Etsy to the more fitting Papercut Kitchen. Through next week I'm holding a moving sale over at The Beehive and then it's grand opening time here at Papercut Kitchen complete with giveaways. Stay tuned for details!

I Robot Heart Handmade

2009-12-29T19:44:00.000-06:00

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

2009-12-24T09:43:00.000-06:00

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

2009-12-22T09:55:00.000-06:00

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

2009-12-13T14:25:00.002-06:00

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

2009-12-07T13:52:00.001-06:00

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

2009-12-03T09:02:00.002-06:00

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!

2009-12-02T08:00:00.001-06:00

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

2009-11-22T16:00:00.001-06:00

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

2009-11-16T08:40:00.003-06:00

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.

Happy Adoption Day Mr. Cash Pugface!

2009-11-15T09:35:00.000-06:00

One year ago today I made the 8 hour trek to get my puggie from the animal shelter. You can read all about that and see more pics here and here. In honor of this day I'm going to get on my soapbox for a minute and say please, if you're considering adding a pet to the family, adopt! There are fantastic animals in need of homes, even breed specific pets! I found Mr. Cash Pugface through Petfinder.com and he was a Pug sitting in an in-state animal shelter.

A few more encouragements from my soap box:

Read all you can about the species and breed you think you're interested in and give honest consideration to the breed characteristics, the time and the costs.
Don't ever buy a pet from someone selling on the side of the road, you don't really know what conditions these dogs are bred in and good breeders don't sell their dogs this way and you could be supporting a backyard breader.
Don't acquire a pet on the aww he's so adorable spur of the moment. (I'll admit, I'm guilty of this one!)

If you pick your pet wisely you'll enjoy each other a whole lot more, like I love my Mr. Cash Pugface! Happy One Year Pugaversary!

Getting Down To Business

2009-11-10T20:00:00.001-06:00

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

This final pre-craft show week is all about the booth and signage and price tags and figuring out how to take custom orders and credit cards and other business what-nots. I actually started getting nervous on Monday, really nervous, but it's looking like I should be able to get it all done. In an uncharacteristic move brought on by nervousness and exhaustion I'm going to let the pictures of what I've accomplished these past few days do most of the talking.

Above is a picture of the price signs and item descriptions that I will have standing around on tables, clipped to plates and to my little Christmas tree.

I've been seeing a lot of different craft show banners like this that people make out of fabric and was debating my own paper version (how could it be anything else?!) but when I saw this super cute banner on the Idyll Hands blog that was made by her sister, Punkinhead, I was sold!

And if a banner made of paper wasn't enough I had to, yes had to, make a paper tree skirt for my little tree.

Blah Blah Blah some of the boring essentials.

I do love the way my pricing signs turned out. Just like my business cards, it's amazing what scrapbook paper will do to jazz up a boring sign. The frames are just cheapies from Michaels but they look so pleasant.

I thought I would display my magnets on an old street sign my hubby has had in the garage forever but when I dug it out it was just too scrungy and distracting. A trip to Hobby Lobby with a 40% off coupon in hand and I found this metal sign that should look much nicer and it only cost me about $10.

My craft room was bursting at the seems so I decided if I was going to continue making things and be able to assess what still needed done it was time to move it all out to the dining table. It's a little nerve wracking to have it all out there where little hands and paws can reach it!

That's it for now! Happy Scrapping!

Tag, I'm It!

2009-11-07T14:00:00.000-06:00

It's the final countdown. This is the last week I have to prepare for the Handmade for the Holidays craft show and I'm feeling good about it. I'm sure everyone will be very excited to start hearing about something other than my very first ever craft show over and over again. Last week was all about making, rhinestoning (I know, not a word), stringing up and packaging tags. I wasn't so sure about how the whole packaging thing would go, I've never really done it before. I'm a simple gal who thinks a little goes a long way and that's what I did, die cut tags in cello bags stapled shut with a business card. I made a fresh new batch of business cards and they make me so happy. I print them on scrapbook cardstock, it's amazing how such a simple thing makes something so much nicer! Like I said, I'm a simple girl.

There are a bunch of tags I've never made before and when I return I will definitely be adding tag sets as a regular item to my shop, always before they've been in my appreciation boxes. Ok, ok, enough banter. I still have lots I want to accomplish. This week will be all about making price signs, a banner and making sure the booth set-up and business part of things is in working order. Before you leave be sure to check out the last photo of my Lil' Spitfire helping me out with some super hero thought bubble tags, super cutie!

All my little ducks in a row.

These are my current faves: Man and Woman tags and Lemon Lime tags

The tag spread. I couldn't work on anything else while the glue was drying. Luckily that doesn't take long.

Lil' Spitfire sporting his "serious thinking face"

Paper Christmas Goodies

2009-11-03T08:13:00.000-06:00

I've been on the crafting warpath the past few months trying desperately, in spite of two little boys, two dogs, a cat, a husband and all the life that goes with that, to make as much as possible for my first craft show. Now it's the final countdown. Only two weeks to showtime! This week is all about making Christmas paper goodies. I've made treat boxes and been graced by the helping hands of good friends. I've also been making gift tags until I'm blind. I've almost finished tying off the hundreds of hang tags with their twine, I've glued rhinestones like it's the '80's, and today I hope to make some adorable tree trimming garland. Next week will be all about making sure I know how I want my booth set up and making sure I have all the necessary things packed and ready.

These pics are so terrible I can't believe I'm posting them but the tags are so stinkin' cute! I love the way they turned out, simple and adorable die cut tree tags with rhinestone stars. Can be used to top your gifts or your scrap projects.

I couldn't stand it and made 6 more tag boxes. I have about 10 more scrapbooks in a box waiting to be made too. The last batch just didn't seem like enough.

Craft Show Progress Report

2009-10-27T08:22:00.000-05:00

I'm trucking right along towards that first craft show with less than 3 weeks to go! After much debate with myself I finally signed up for Propay last night so I can accept credit cards. I think since my custom scrapbooks and silhouettes are pricier I might sell more this way and I've just heard so many reports of how much more people have sold once they started accepting cards. I also ordered some cello bags. I figured this was an economic way to have shopping bags but also have something I'll use in other ways, like shipping. This could be a fail but there are so many things I'm just going to learn by doing. I'll have to make sure I take notes while I'm there of ways to improve!

Almost done with this stack of appreciation boxes and a stack of new items, little scrapbooks in a box (not pictured). I bought a little table top Christmas Tree to display them under and put ornaments on. Let's hope I get the ornaments done! I was hoping for a silver or red foil tree but they were too expensive for this go 'round. Too bad. It will probably stay on my list and I'll shop for them after the season, I think if it was foiled it would be cute for any selling season.

I finished a new baby girl scrapbook cover. I love the giant rhinestoned safety pin! I also made this one with new cardstocks that are super cute but that show-and-tell will have to wait until after Nov. 14th. Unless, of course, you attend the Handmade for the Holidays craft show!

Craft Show Here I Come!

2009-10-20T08:09:00.001-05:00

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

Yesterday morning I got notice that I was accepted to the Handmade for the Holidays craft show! woo-hoo with a side of panic. I've been crafting like mad but it's tough going with the little ones and I know there's so much stuff I would like to make. There is also so many non-crafting show related details to take care of, it makes my head spin a bit. Today I get a fantastic reprieve, a friend of mine is going to watch my youngest during the day while I make, make, make! This is going to be wonderful, not only from a productivity stand point but I've been going a little mamma nuts this week and could really use some peace and quiet! Craft show here I come!

This new Owl Scrapbook is going to the show with me. It's not in my shop yet but will be soon!

I thought I was making tons of paper bead bracelets until I set them out for this shot. I think I'm going to need more! Especially since I've sold 2 and given one as a gift.

I'm also giving a lot of consideration to changing my business name. When I started this I wasn't really sure what I was going to make and sell so I went pretty generic with my name. Now that I've gotten that figured out it's time for a business name, logo and cohesive identity that speaks more to what I'm doing. It's tough going though, every time I come up with one that I love I find it's in use. I don't want to find myself stuck with a name like Scrapbook World or Scrapbooks by Sunny but I also have this issue where I like to go too crazy with names, something that is overly evident in the names I've chosen for my pets over the years. Hmm, this one will take some time to figure out!

But wait there's more! I've redesigned my wedding scrapbook cover. The first attempt was a sort of in the style of blech. Now I think I have a more modern, simple and pretty cover, ahhh much better! My full fledged wedding album is available for purchase here. If you want just the cover you can buy that here.

That's it for today's show and tell, happy scrapping!

The Holidays, They Are A Comin'

2009-10-14T09:30:00.001-05:00

Custom Framed Pet Silhouette made from your photo, 13x13 now at The Beehiv e

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

And I'm a busy little bee! I've applied to my very first craft show, Handmade for the Holidays, and I'm giddy with excitement and nervousness. It should be the perfect show for getting my virgin craft fair feet wet, it's just one day, the fees are low and it's right here in town at a really cool space called The Art Church. The only problem is I won't find out if I've been accepted until the week before the show, which means accepted or not I'm prepping now as though I am. I'm practicing optimism! And hey, if I'm not accepted I'll be completely ready for another one!

Custom Two Figure Silhouette made from your photo, 13x13 now at The Beehive

Already I'm seeing that craft show prep is hefty stuff. Not only do I have to try and figure out how much stuff I might sell, and make it, I have to figure out how I'm going to accept payments and custom orders, the best way to package and display my items, there are signs, banners and business cards to be made...whew. My lovely husband and friends are offering help and I'm taking it. Even though I only have one boy home now it can still be amazingly impossible to get anything that's not house/family related done.

I made a bowl full of glass chip flower pins for the show along with some additional examples of how my custom silhouettes can be made. The silhouettes are now up for purchase in my shop and they will travel with me to the show, along with some I made of my adorable boys! I suppose if I don't get into the show the pins will go in the shop as well.

On other exciting news I've been in several treasuries these days. I haven't been able to keep up with posting them the way I'd like to. The most recent is a lovely treasury called Something Worth Leaving Behind created by Eco Creations jewelry. You can also see my Custom Pet Silhouette featured in Riley's Pooch Pics on an adorable blog called Hello Little Riley.

That's all for now, Happy Scrapping!

It's Here! Punked Out Baby Boy Mini Scrapbook

2009-10-03T09:41:00.001-05:00

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

On Friday the stork flew into The Beehive and delivered the Punked Out Baby Boy Mini Scrapbook. Stop on by to make it yours by clicking here. On Monday there will be another special delivery, the Punked Out Baby Girl Mini Scrapbook. Happy Baby and Happy Scrapping!

Coming Tomorrow To The Beehive: Punked Out Baby Boy Scrapbook

2009-10-01T09:00:00.001-05:00

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

The Punked Out Baby Boy Mini Scrapbook is complete and will be available at The Beehive tomorrow! I'm so excited I'm giving an advanced viewing of all the pages in this little gem. Be sure to visit The Beehive tomorrow to make this bad boy yours and click any image here to enlarge. This little book is so versatile, it can be used for pictures, just journaling or a mix. There is so much in this little spiral bound mini scrapbook I hardly know where to start! Foil and flocked cardstocks, rhinestones and brads, guitars, skulls, tags, pockets, a blinged out milestones layout...Here it is in all of its rockin' splendor!

Sneak Peak: Punked Out Baby Boy Scrapbook

2009-09-28T09:00:00.001-05:00

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

The crafting stars must have been aligned for me this week. Not only did I finish up the punked out baby girl album I gave a sneak peak on a few days ago, but I completely scrapped this punked out baby boy album to go with it. All in spite of the fact that my husband spent the entire weekend at Bikes, Blues and BBQ and I didn't even neglect the children! These mini albums are so stinkin' fantastic I can hardly wait to add them to my shop. They should both be there and ready to purchase by the end of this coming week! They're spiral bound mini albums and man do they pack a punch, they are chock full of rockin' papers and embellishments. Happy Scrapping!

Sneak Peak: Punked Out Baby Girl Scrapbook

2009-09-25T09:30:00.001-05:00

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

I am not even finished with this little gem and I'm so excited about it I had to share a little sneak peak! This little beauty will be in my shop by next week, assuming the kids, dogs, husband, house and the rest of my crazy life can lay low for a bit...is that too much to ask? Nah! Psst, there's also going to be a baby boy version!

Custom Beach Scrapbook Cover

2009-09-24T08:59:00.001-05:00

Custom Beach Scrapbook Cover by The Beehive

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

I finished my custom beach wedding album cover and it turned out great. So great as a matter of fact that I made it a regular listing in my shop and have sold and made another one! I love getting custom orders, they always get me making things I either hadn't thought of or had been putting off for a less busy time...umm does that time ever come?! So now you can get your own Beach theme scrapbook cover, for wedding or any time, that you can customize with your own favorite colors. Match your wedding, match your living room, match your Grandmother's handmade afghan, it's all up to you!

This scrapbook is post bound and comes with 10 page protectors filled with black, acid free paper giving you 20 pages for photos! Pictures look great on the pages as-is or you can replace them with your own scrapped pages. Don't scrap? That's ok, I do and I can scrap some beautiful custom pages for your beach album, just visit my shop. To purchase, click on the pictures or click here.

Coming soon to The Beehive: sets of pre-scrapped page layouts to add to any album cover. Stay tuned for more on that! Happy Scrapping!

Custom Beach Scrapbook Cover by The Beehive

The Famous Mr. Cash Pugface

2009-09-14T08:37:00.000-05:00

Mr. Cash is a model! He's now part of a shop listing in the DoDaaDoggieApparel shop on Etsy modeling the belly bands and bandanna we got him awhile back. I see star potential!

The Year Of The Potter

2009-09-10T12:30:00.000-05:00

It all started that fate-filled day in August of 1995. It was orientation week at the U of A when a punked out bookworm was approached by an outgoing, semi-preppy band nerd on the cusp of rebelling against his upbringing. It was a week before their first freshman classes had even begun, she was sitting outside of the library reading The History Of Psychology just for fun and he had time to kill. It was no love at first sight easy romance but he was a talker who made her laugh and think and she was painfully shy, making her an impeccably good listener. Much maturing, dating, foibles and 6 years later they were wed and been happily so ever since!

The Bohemian and I celebrated our 8th anniversary a couple weeks ago and we've been so crazy busy it almost got lost in the mix. But we didn't forget and we both managed to squeeze in themed gifts and a date! Year 8 is all about gifts of pottery or bronze and we love pottery. Our date was fantastic, good German food and beer downtown, drinks on The Arlington veranda, new body jewelry at Redbeard's. Not your conventional anniversary date I suppose but right up our alley!

For gifts I got The Bohemian a mug for math nerds from Karin Lorenc on Etsy. If you love pottery too you have to check out her shop full of fantastic stoneware. My gift I got to pick out myself. Normally I would think this was completely unromantic, but in this case he surprised me by taking me to the Dryden pottery shop where they actually make the pottery and I got to pick my own! As soon as I walked in I was rubbing my hands together in delight, it was so hard to chose. I finally settled on the vase above. The pics just don't do it justice because the colors are beautiful and the shape is so simple and so lovely. It makes me smile every time I see it!

The Beehive Buzz

2009-09-02T10:30:00.001-05:00

The destiny of these supplies? Beach theme wedding scrapbook cover!

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

I'm still breathing and I haven't abandoned this blog (though my other blog is soaking up most of my love at the moment) but man is life crazy busy right now! Mr. Golden Curls has been in school for almost two full weeks now and I'm hoping to try and make a new schedule for myself now that I've got his down. It's all part of my moderation resolution so I can try to be less of an overbearing spaz! And yet it seems the more life loosens up in some areas the more it tightens in others. Not that I want to be sitting around twiddling my thumbs but I do feel sometimes the things I really want to be doing I don't have time for, they get trumped by the more important things. And even though I have one in school and home life is calmer I do still have my little guy home with me so it's not a crafting free for all either.

I have still managed to create and list a few new items for my shop, most recently two bird themed layouts that I really like. I'm about to start working on a custom beach wedding scrapbook cover and I also have some graphic design projects in the works, there's a reason I picked The Beehive as my shop name!

Click any image to purchase, click here for other Beehive page layouts or click here to visit the shop. Happy Scrapping!

Tweet, Chirp, Peep, Hi (12x12 two page premade scrapbook layout)

Queen Of Birds Layout with BONUS PAGES (12x12 two page, four layout premade scrapbook pages)

These pages are scrapped front and back! And you can buy coordinating layouts to make this two full spreads with no additional shipping charges! Click here for custom coordinating page layouts.

Happy Anniversary To Me Sale

2009-08-25T10:00:00.001-05:00

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY SALE

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

Today is my 8th wedding anniversary and to celebrate I'm offering free shipping on on all scrapbooks at The Beehive, even my made-to-orders and custom orders! Of course this also includes my wedding scrapbook! It's for today only, just put "happy anniversary" in the notes to seller at checkout and I'll refund your shipping. You can save up to $15 dollars! To visit my shop click here.

As Promised...

2009-08-21T11:27:00.000-05:00

...I posted to my new blog! A little later than expected but not so bad. So head over to Notes From My Fridge to read all about my boy's first day of school.

Blogging Fool: I Have A Second Blog!

2009-08-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

So I've decided to try and go all business legit and separate my blogs into two, this blog will turn into all crafting/scrapping/business all the time and my new one is all about the mundane details of my life. If mundane is your thing be sure to follow me over at Notes From My Fridge on blogspot (click here) to read all about my mamma moments, my gorgeous babies, my super hero husband, Mr. Cash Pugface and all of the other craziness that makes up my life. And no, this is not chronicles of dieting as my husband inquired when I told him the name of my new blog, hmmm didn't earn him brownie points! I named it that after the thought that the fridge is where you post all your kids achievements, artwork, and every silly little thing you want to show off to anyone who steps foot in your house. Yep, covering my fridge with crap: another one of those pre-kid things I said I'd never do. Head on over, I hope to be posting later today about a big milestone, Mr. Golden Curls had his very first ever day of school yesterday! P.S. I'm really happy about the way the banner turned out for my new blog, yea me! *off to work on being humble*

It's Official, I'm on Vacation

2009-08-03T14:44:00.001-05:00

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

I just put my shop on vacation mode and am now doing the running man in my living room *shhh*. We'll be on vacation until August 17th and thank goodness for that, I'm nearing burn out...ok I've passed the point of burnout. I need some time away from the house, from the kids, some time with adults particularly my elusive husband. Youth Directors suffer the unfortunate side effect of spending most of their summers at youth camps, strange I know. But now he's back and we're blowing this popsicle stand! If you're interested in stalking me for my shop's reopening you can sign up for email notification here and for added stalkability I don't get to see who signs up for that notification, your secrets safe with Etsy. Bon Voyage!

Taming The Rebel Pug In Style

2009-07-25T13:45:00.000-05:00

The face of a satisfied customer

I didn't think I'd gone into Pug ownership unawares. I had done my research and read that they were notoriously difficult to housebreak. I decided that being home all the time I was up to the challenge. But for anyone who's contemplating a Pug, wherever you see "can be difficult to housebreak" read instead "probably will never be 100% housebroken!" About a month ago I was at wits end with Mr. Cash Pugface and his naughty pottying ways. So much so that I was on the edge of finding him a new home. I posted my exasperation at the fantastic Pug Village Forums and was greeted with wonderful ideas that might save my rescue puggie yet another relocation (and myself and the boys some big time heartbreak). I was told about belly bands. I jumped on Etsy and found a great seller, Do-Daa Doggie Apparel, who makes them in your choice of fabric so I ordered right away, you can also get matching bandannas! I just got them in the mail yesterday and am thrilled. I'm saying a little prayer that this does the trick (along with some other things I'm trying). When I first put one on Mr. Cash he ran around like his hind end was on fire but he's already warmed up to them and already thinks nothing of it being on.

Belly Band and Bandanna by Do-Daa Doggie Apparel on Ets y (click here for your own!)

Belly Bands by Do-Daa Doggie Apparel on Ets y (click here for your own!)

Blogging Blues

2009-07-23T13:30:00.000-05:00

Ugh, my blog writing skills are atrophying with disuse. And since I wasn't overflowing with skills to begin with I'm in trouble! When I was blogging nearly every day my mind was whirring all the time with ideas of what and how to write. Now I sit down every week or so and try to drum up ways to talk about stuff. It's not that there's a lack of stuff, it's just hard to get started! When Mr. Golden Curls starts school next month I'm hoping to move the personal stuff to a new blog and revamp this blog to be all crafting all the time. I'm waiting until then because I don't want to miss out on this last little bit, starting Kindergarten is such a fantastically huge milestone that would be a perfect opener for the new blog, and because then I'll have all of this fantastic free time in which to play to my hearts content. (comments to the contrary are completely unwelcome, I hope to continue with my delusion at least a few weeks into the school year.)

Christmas In July Sale

2009-07-06T09:22:00.001-05:00

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

The Beehive is participating in a AREtsy team-wide Christmas in July sale. July 6th-19th I will be offering $5 off scrapbooks, memory catchers, framed silhouettes and premade page layouts (includes custom orders), free shipping on all other items not mentioned above. Also, every order receives a $5 off future purchases coupon. Just enter "Christmas in July" in notes to seller at time of checkout to receive the discount.

This sale a part of an AREtsy team wide event and there are a lot of other shops having fantastic sales, deals and giveaways. To see other Arkansas Artists on Etsy who are participating in the sale please visit the team blog here. Merry Christmas in July!

Sneak Peak Sunday

2009-07-05T19:57:00.001-05:00

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

I've gone from paper famine to yummy paper feast. Not only did a paper order finally come in but my mom surprised me with a ton of fantastic papers, a few of which have already become something fantastic for my shop, The Beehive! I hope to add those to the shop this week. Others are calling my name from my craft room but I've been too exhausted the past few weeks to heed the crafting call. Stay tuned this week when I will hopefully become a little more prolific in my blogging again with lots of life and craft show-and-tell.

I know I've been sparse in the blogging these days. Even though I now have decent use of my husband's laptop and he even made me a computer from the parts of other dead computers (my hero!) I am still trying to tone down my internet use a bit. In about a month my oldest is starting kindergarten and I want to make sure I spend a good amount of that time with him, not my computer or even my crafts. Those will be there, and so will more time in which to do them...well, I suppose that part remains to be seen.

Happy Crafting!

I Heart Swapping

2009-06-19T18:02:00.000-05:00

Me in my new Idyll Hands necklace

I've only participated in 3 swaps but it is so much fun and this last one was by far my fave, to make and to receive! It was called Spring Tweets and the challenge was anything with birds. I was thrilled when I learned my fellow swapper would be Erin of Idyll Hands on Etsy, since I had long admired her delicious jewelry. Now I get to strut about in an Idyll Hands creation of my very own! My taking a photo of myself photo just doesn't do her work justice so be sure to head over to her shop, you won't be disappointed! I was so excited when it arrived yesterday and have been wearing it all day today, it's perfection!

I wanted to break away from scrapping a bit with this challenge so I made a shadow box. Erin has another shop on Etsy called Wooly Hands where she sells her hand spun yarns and roving. So I thought it would be appropriate to make her a little knitting birdie, the idea is that the bird is stealing a knitter's yarn to cozy up its nest. I didn't stray far, I used a pattern scrapbook paper background,diecut tree trunks and branch shadow out of black paper and mounted those flat. Then diecut a brown branch that I raised off the surface. When I put the shadow box on my new bookcase to try and get a good photo of it I almost kept it for myself! I will definitely be making one of these I can keep.

Pat On The Back Junkie

2009-06-18T11:14:00.001-05:00

One major thing I've learned since opening my Etsy shop is that I'm one hardcore pat-on-the-back junkie. I get so excited when someone compliments my work, I'm in a treasury or I make a sale but a few days in a row with no acknowledgment and I'm jonesin' for my next fix. I don't think that's a good thing, not at all, so I'm going to try and put myself in rehab. Wish me luck!

Voting Time!

2009-06-16T07:00:00.001-05:00

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

I've entered a photo of my You Rock My Socks Off appreciation box in a contest on Timothy Adam Designs blog, which is awesome. If you don't know him he's become an Etsy rock star in short order. Please cast your vote for my pic here, I'd love to win and if you have a great product pic of your own enter it!

Ringing The Wedding Bells

2009-06-12T07:00:00.001-05:00

Wedding Album (12x12 premade scrapbook with 20 scrapped pages and embellished cover)

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

'Tis the season to get hitched and and to celebrate I have a new item in my shop that I'm excited about, a wedding scrapbook! Visit The Beehive or click any image to get yours.

The Beehive Yart Sale!

2009-06-10T09:24:00.001-05:00

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

The Second Annual Etsy wide Yart sale is happening now, June 10-14! During that time I'm offering $5 off shipping on all items, that means free shipping on many Beehive items! I will refund the money through Paypal after the purchase has been made. For other great Yart sales search "Yart" on Etsy. Visit The Beehive here. Happy Shopping!

A Treasury Kind Of Morning

2009-06-10T08:31:00.001-05:00

What a beautiful way to wake up, I'm in 2 team treasuries this morning!

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

My Cherry Blossom memory catcher is in this all AREtsy team treasury by the always wonderful Oakleaf Hollow called AREtsy! The Heat Is On!

My Rainbow Brite appreciation box is in this all Twitter team treasury by Huayruro Peru called Twitter Friends.

Etsy Twitter Team Picks Treasury

2009-06-08T19:52:00.001-05:00

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

I love blue and it just so happens my Chilly Cat paper bead bracelet just showed up in a fantastic all blue Etsy Twitter Team treasury by SimplyDoodles. Thanks! Purchase Chilly Cat here and be sure to visit the SimplyDoodles shop here for digital banners and avatars.

Hot Of The Press: At Home In Arkansas Magazine

2009-06-08T09:00:00.001-05:00

I like to enjoy all of The Beehive's latest press while riding my wooden rocking horse.

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

Well, not so hot off the press now, I can't believe it's taken me so long to blog about this momentous occasion. That's what happens when a gal's computer dies. Anywho, my Framed Custom Silhouette is featured in this month's At Home In Arkansas magazine in a great little spotlight on cottage industry. You'll find me alongside other fantastic Arkansas artists and crafters who sell their wares on Etsy.

Custom Frames Silhouette by The Beehive

See the online article by clicking here

Weekend Feature: The Scrappy Shack Die Cuts

2009-06-05T12:14:00.000-05:00

Blah Blah Blah Word Balloon Die Cut by The Scrappy Shack

I'm so excited about this weekend's handmade supply feature. I've been growing more and more in love with designing and making die cuts but Lori of The Scrappy Shack on Etsy is the queen bee of die cuts. Her shop is full of beauties and she'll even do custom and wholesale orders! Have a look at her shop here, click an image in this post to be taken to the listing, where you can make it yours, and be sure to read the interview below. You can also keep up with Lori and her creations on Flickr here and on her blog, www.thescrappyshack.com where she has some exciting things going on. You can enter to win some of her die cuts here and apply to be on the Scrappy Shack design team here. Happy Crafting!

Circles Die Cut by The Scrappy Shack

Flourish Frames Die Cut by The Scrappy Shack

Alphabet Circle Frame by The Scrappy Shack

All photos used with the permission of The Scrappy Shack

Interview with The Scrappy Shack

What do you do for a living in the daytime?

I am a full-time mom and part time paper craft designer. Once upon a time I worked as a secretary in a federal prison, but when my daughter was born three years ago I left to stay home and watch her grow.

Tell us a little about your etsy self

Well....I spend my days running my cutter and my nights working on new designs. I keep a notebook next to me at all times because I have the most random ideas at the weirdest times. My Blah Blah Blah Word Balloon die cut was something I thought of while I was drifting off to sleep one night.

Tell us a little about your non-etsy self

I am married to Jay, who is the very best travel partner in the world. We love to travel and some places we have been together are Hawaii, Seattle, Napa Valley, and New Orleans, and right now we are planning our trip to my favorite city in the world - New York.

In 2006 my daughter was born and joined our family through the miracle of adoption. She is a fun and lively 3 year old, and she keeps me busy. Adoption is very close to my heart, and I love to share Lacie's story and hear other families' adoption stories.

What do you make and why did you start making it?

I design and create die cuts for paper crafting. I started my business to scrapbook memories for others when I left my full time job in 2006. I bought my cutter to help me speed my production time, and quickly fell in love with the machine and what I could do with it. Thus, my designing took off and now I am spending all my work time creating die cuts.

What inspires you?

Everything. Honestly, most of my ideas come at the oddest times and I most times I have no inkling where they came from.

What advice do you have for people trying to sell their crafts?

Network every chance you get. Carry your business card with you at all times and pass as many out as you can. Take advantage of all the networking opportunities online - Facebook, Twitter, photo sharing, blogging, Meetup, CafeMom, there are tons of ways.

For an online venue, invest in a good camera and learn to use it properly. Photos are the most important thing for setting up an online shop.

Funky Punky Treasury

2009-05-29T20:21:00.001-05:00

My Kitty Punk upcycled paper bead bracelet made it into a cool treasury called Funky Punky by AMPdesigns. Thanks!

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

The Beehive Is Still Buzzing

2009-05-27T07:00:00.001-05:00

The Beehive Custom Silhouette from client's photo

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

I promise I'm not dead, but my blog must seem that way. I haven't had my own computer for awhile now so I'm very limited in what I can do. It's frustrating and freeing all at the same time because I have to be choosy and because I'm not tempted all day to sit down and do "just one little thing" that turns into an hour or more of little things.

Things in life and The Beehive are trucking along though and I'm continuing to make things for my shop. I'm starting to get more and more inquiries about my custom scrapbooks and silhouettes and am holding my breath that it is a sign of wonderful things to come. Above is a custom silhouette I completed recently and below are the latest premade scrapbook layouts to The Beehive.

Happy Woodland Creatures: 2 adorable layouts in 1! See more images, and make it yours, here

Happy Birthday: 2 fun layouts in 1! See more images, and make it yours, here.