Amazing Art

Devyn Larson Designs is an amaaing Original Art shop on Etsy. Devyn has the greatest cards for every occasion. After winning some cards on Devyn's blog, I just had to do a feature on her shop and show everyone how wonderful they are! You can see the cards I won on her blog post HERE. Please look around her shop, you will be amazed and some cards will just make you smile :)


When did you start making cards?
I began creating cards in 2005, but have been illustrating since I was big enough to pick up a crayon. Oil painting is my first passion. I am a crazy fan of the Impressionists. However, I learned early that paint and babies don't mix well. Pen and ink became my new creative outlet, post children. They are portable and quick to clean up. (The pens, not the kids.) ") Once I discovered this new love, of all things pen and ink, the doodles started stacking up. My insightful husband thought I should put them to good use. Greeting cards became a great outlet.


Where do you craft? Do you have a picture?
This is me, as is - total creative chaos. I adore my cozy space. It has a ton of windows, lots of light, and assorted coffee stains. (I am a major coffee addict.) It looks out on the garden where I find a lot of inspiration. The space is also a play/craft area for my girls. We love creating together.


What would you love to add to your crafting space?
I would love space to set up a studio for art classes/oil painting, a Wacom Tablet, Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop, additional storage, and an in-house coffee shop!

What type of art/cards do you enjoy making the most?
I love to do custom work and any type of illustration. Bible verses, Snowmen, and Birthday cakes have been big themes that I have been inspired to draw lately.

Do you have a day job?
I am a Mom, Wife, and Teacher of Computers and Technology, part-time, at a local elementary school. I LOVE what I do and am blessed to work with amazingly talented people and fantastic kids.

Do you have a blog?
My blog is www.devynlarson.blogspot.com
Stop in and visit anytime! I love to post all the latest doodles. There are also some sneak peeks of my 2010 Calendar.

Look What I've Been Up To!!

Ok - I think 150 pounds of apples might be too much for me!! LOL To late now. I managed to make 17 quart jars of apple sauce on Tuesday, used 30 pound of the apples. It might sound like a lot of work, but I have this handy dandy contraption that takes a lot of the work out of making sauce. Just boil the apples till they are soft (cores, peel, stems included)- put it all through the Victorio Strainer, gunk out one end, sauce out the other! Amazing!!


Will be making apples sauce from another 60 pounds, the rest will become cut up apples for the freezer, muffins and pies. Whew!!

Everyone knows I love to enter give aways - I won another one. These amazing cards are from Devyn Larson Designs. They are more beautiful in real! I love the colors and designs, it's going to be hard to part with them!


I entered a give away to win some bookmarks and a book weight. Didn't win - so I bought some!! (there are two corner markers) I also ordered this cute little wallet that is the perfect size for my business cards. Rhonda's shop is Lil' Bit Sassy. She was so sweet - made the bookmarks and book weight in fabric that I got to pick from her amazing stash! You should see all the choices - it's AMAZING!!



Friday morning as I was getting the bus ready for the run (cleaning the very dusty windows) Logan came running out - the neighbor called. Our dog and her dog had 4 raccoons trapped up on one of the hydro poles on our driveway. So off we go with the camera!! Aren't they cute?




We managed to get Rascal back to the yard and locked her up till I got home later. The neighbor took her dog home too. The raccoons were gone by the time I got home 2.5 hours later.

If you haven't entered the give aways yet - please check them out, the links are on the right sidebar close to the top. Also feel free to read about the Christmas Decoration/Ornament Swap I'm hosting (link on the right too), and by all means - join!!

Hope everyone has an awesome weekend!!

Scrap Mom of 2

Scrap Mom of 2 has been on Etsy for 2 years now. Carol resides in Mokena, Illinois, which is southwest of Chicago. What a wonderful handmade card shop!! I admire anyone who has the imagination to make cards. A friend introduced me to this art form, unfortunately I just don't have Carol's talent or imagination! She also has a wonderful BLOG that is updated on a regular basis. Please check out Carol's amazing cards and blog!!


How did you decide on your shop name?
I probably should have come up with a different name for my shop, but I’m known as “ScrapMomOf2” on many message boards, so when I registered with Etsy as a buyer in 2007, I used that name. I didn’t open my shop until June 2009; however, it works for my shop too. I’m a scrapper, and I’m a mom to two wonderful girls!

When did you start crafting? What is your favorite creative outlet?
I’ve been crafting ever since I was little. I’ve always loved to create. When I discovered scrapbooking, I really discovered my passion. I love paper! I love to create with all kinds of beautiful papers! Whether I’m making scrapbook pages, creating a one-of-a-kind card, creating a mini book, or altering an item . . . I just LOVE paper!

Are there other crafts you would like to try?
I would love to knit or crochet, but that would take away time from my paper crafting!

What or who inspires you?
I see inspiration everywhere! I love cool color combinations. I love the look at new items in Target in the housewares area. They always have wonderful pillows, plates, etc. My girls and my husband (and also our wonderful dog) inspire me on a daily basis! Nature inspires me too!

Do you have a day job?
Yes! I am the CEO of our home! It’s a 24/7 kind of job!

What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?
I really cannot pick a favorite. I enjoy making each and every card. I come up with a concept, and then just go with it. I love adding little details that will make the card recipient smile!

Weekend Updates!!

A while back I posted about a bag swap I was Hosting. Ended up swapping with two people (odd number of swappers). One of the bags came this week. I got this beautiful bag (and extra material) from Krystal at Sol Sisters. The bag is amazing!! The fabrics are wonderful (I love green!) and it's the perfect size. The sewing is just perfect, can you tell I love it? Krystal has a wonderful shop on Etsy with many different types of bags. Please have a look at her shop! Here are some pics of my bag.





I sold my first "Surprise Package"!! Someone purchased the $2.50 package, her favorite color is blue, so this is what I made and sent her.






Mother's Day
Tomorrow is Mother's Day. Don't you think we should get a long weekend? We've earned it!! I was supposed to come up with something for us to do. Our oldest is not home this weekend, the closest ATV derby is 2 hours away, so I am at a loss as to what we should do. What are you doing for Mother's Day?

Fridays Finds and Fun Stuff

Ok - first I have to tell you about this wonderful blog and shop I've come across. The shop is Kim's Country Cottage. Kim has the most amazing afghans, candles, doilies, graphic designs, and totes. This shop is a must see!! You would not believe what she is giving away on her BLOG!!

That's right, the afghan in the above picture! Isn't it amazing? She is giving this away to promote the opening of her Etsy shop!! This is what she writes about the afghan: "Created with soft white yarn and adorned with mauve rosebuds and frosty green leaves, this afghan is the perfect size for a single, twin size bed, or as an adornment for your favorite chair."

The contest is open until the 15th of June and the rules for entering are really easy!!

Now for my Fantastic Finds!! More really great shops. I've decided to add 3 brand new shops (no sales or very few sales) to my fantastic finds. After all, this blog is about helping other crafters by promoting their products/shops. Please check out these amazing shops! Just click on the picture.

1) Agrafina 2) Busy Bead Lady 3) CS Paper and Beads
4) Robin Zebley 5) Lil Sticks Woodworking
6) Sensoria Design 7) The Curious Rabbit
8) Venezie Bags 9) The New Dawn

Fantastic Finds

Seven more MUST SEE shops!! These are all really great shops!! Please visit them!! Each picture links to the shop.


Art and Book Shop





J Lynn Creations





Live Laugh Love Soap





Miss Knits





New Creationz





Virsaq

Theresa J

Blissful Blooms Paper

Blissful Blooms Paper is a wonderful card shop on Etsy. Joanne has had her shop on Etsy since February, and resides in Bently, Albera, Canada.




1. How did you decide on your shop name?
My shop name was a direct result of my upcoming wedding in July. I was in the process of designing my wedding invitations which have a strong floral influence. I love flowers and the word blissful pretty much sums up the way I am feeling as my wedding gets closer! And thus....Blissful Blooms was born :)


2. When did you start crafting?
I have been crafting for as long as I remember. I come from a long line of crafters and learned many of my talents from my mother and grandmothers. From cross stitch to sewing to scrapbooking to card making...I have pretty much tried it all however my true love is paper goods and sewing. By the time this feature is published, I will have opened my second Etsy shop which caters to infant and young boys clothing. It is called Little Fish Couture and will be found at http://www.littlefishcouture.etsy.com/ !


3. Are there other crafts you would like to try?
There is so much that I would like to try and Etsy is such an inspirational place to be! I admire everyones creativity and visions! I would really like to try my hand at glass blowing and dying/creating my own fabrics.


4. What or Who inspires you?
I am inspired by so many things! I spend a lot of time outdoors in the spring and summer months and get a lot of my creative energy from the environment around me. Another HUGE inspiration is my baby boy! He turned 1 in March and everything I do - I do with him in mind! Each day it amazes me just how much I love him and how he affects each and every decision I make!


5. Do you have a day job?
I have the absolute best 'day job' ever! I am so very fortunate to be able to stay home with my son and take part in his every day! Prior to getting pregnant I worked in the corporate rat race for 15 years and I wouldn't trade my job now for anything in the world!!!


6. What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?
My "All Wrapped Up" Greeting Card is probably one of my favorite items! I love the colors that I incorporated and the ribbon flower is so whimsical! It was a lot of fun to make and each time i see it i smile and hope that the recipient of this card will enjoy it as much as I enjoyed creating it!



Audrey's Accolades:
What a lovely card shop!! I have just started making cards and hope to be as innovative as Joanne one day. She has cards for every occasion and they are just lovely. This card is my favorite - it's a Mother's Day card. Would love to receive this for Mother's Day.

This card is loaded with flowers, a few butterflies and of course - a bee!! The card measures 6.5 x 5 inches and includes a white envelope.

Here are some more lovely cards form Joanne's shop - Please check them out!! Just click on the picture and it will take you to her shop.

Look What I Made!!

I've actually been crafting this week. Have to make presents (give away gifts), and gifts for the "Craft it Forward" I posted last week, or was it the week before? Purple and Pink seem to be popular colors. They aren't something I would usually craft with, but if that's their favorite color ...

So here is a pick of a gift one person is getting, she like purple:

I've been doing quite a few blank note cards w/envelopes for people as extras in an order or part of a give away. They are quite a bit of fun actually. Should have taken pics of the ones I sent last week. Oh well.

It felt like Christmas today!! This is what I got in the mail - all from Bovine Bubbles and Hog Wash. Got to love her products. I am going to be so soft and smell so good!!!

Soaps:

*Almond Coconut Smoothie

*Rice Flower & Shea

*Creamy Coconut

*Earth Child

*Vanilla Spice Bar

*Bamboo Charcoal Bath & Body Bar (son uses it to control acne - works really well)

*Cherry Almond Buff Bar (have it in the bathroom, helps clean the men's hand after working in the shop)

*Pillow Fights & Slumber Parties (isn't in the picture. It's a lovely light pink color and smells amazing. I bought it to add to a swap I'm doing and promptly put it with the rest of the swap, forgetting it when I took the picture.)

Butter Creams:

Creamy Cocobanana

Fresh Picked Apple

Honey Bee Sweet

Lemon Lush

Mulberry Hand & Body Lotion (for Sister-on-law's bday)

Please check out Bovine Bubbles, she also has wonderful jellies & jams, and is making new soap weekly.

TWITTER: Does anyone twitter? I just signed up today (audreyscrafts). Not quite sure what to do now. Any suggestions?

Something New

I'm going to try something different for 2 listings in my Etsy Shop, and I'll also have links on the sidebar too. The listings are "Surprise Packages"!! The prices on the listings are:

1) $2.50 plus $1.50 shipping, for a package worth $5.00 or more

2) $5.00 plus $1.50 shipping, for a package worth $10.00 or more

Here is what could be in the package:

*blank note cards/envelopes
*or coasters
*or an upcycled bag
*or a hand painted ornament
*or scrap booking supplies
*or something I haven't tried yet.
*or any combination of the above.

Please state your favorite color at checkout.
You can make requests, if I have it or can make it - it's yours.
Items will not be like those in the pictures, these are examples only.

Our youngest son had some excitement this week. Logan was taking Diesel Mechanics as a vocational course in school. He is in Grade 11 this year, but has gone as far as he can with the mechanics courses, and is now a Diesel Mechanic Apprentice. That means that he now has to buy a tool box and his own tools. So on Tues. Brad and Logan met the local Snap On dealer to check out tool boxes and Logan bought one!! Very exciting stuff. He had the Snap On dealer deliver it to work, so we went to town today to take some pics of it. I haven't seen it yet and Luke wanted to see some pics of it too.

I think I'm hooked on the auther Kay Hooper. Almost finished the third book in this trilogy she wrote. It's as good as the first two. Still reading the "Stephanie Plum" series too. They are so different I don't have to worry about forgetting what is happening in which book.

Did you have anything exciting happen during the week? Tell us about it.

Please check out the give away on my other blog. The link is on the right at the top.  If anyone is interested in having a give away - I'm looking for items for May and June.

Hope everyone has an awesome Sunday!!

Leah Lee Designs

Leah Lee Designs has been on Etsy for 6 months now. Kara lives in Oklahoma.

1. How did you decide on your shop name?

My shop name (LeahLee Designs) is actually my middle name and my last name put together. Of course, with the middle name Leah (pronounced Lee), I fell in love with and married a man with the last name Lee! All my friends think it's hilarious, and the name just kind of stuck-LeahLee!

2. When did you start crafting?

I started crafting when I was sixteen, but seriously, when I was twenty.

3. What or who inspires you?

Everyday life inspires me. I love ordinary objects, and I love to make them pretty! I love cards too, because if I can help brighten someone's day, it makes spending the time and money to make the card, totally worth it.

4. Do you have a day job?

I do have a day job. I work Monday through Friday from 7:00-3:45, or a four day work week from 8:00-6:45...it varies. I hope to do this full time one day though!

5. What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?

The item that I have enjoyed making the most in my shop is the decoupaged clothespins. I had never made any of these before, and I really had fun with it! Who would have thought that you could turn clothespins into a designer item?!

Audrey's Accolades:

I was introduced to card making by a friend and have been hooked ever since. Kara has the most wonderful cards, note cards and tags! And a nice selection of supplies too. This is my favorite card in her shop:

This card is made with textured cardstock and high quality scrapbook paper. The funky floral paper compliments the bright polka dot paper perfectly! The inside of the card has been left blank so that you can write your own personalized message. The "Thank You" is made of an acid free sticker.