Monday, July 13, 2009

Buy 2 get 1 FREE!



This week only at The Cozy Farmhouse I am doing a fun promotion: Buy any two hair accessories from the shop and receive this bobby pin for free! Be sure to mention that you are interested in the free gift at checkout in order to claim your extra accessory. This happens to be one my favorite new designs that I'm constantly wearing myself and I can't wait to share it with you too! :)

Found Paper Co.


I was so excited when I found out that Xenia of the gorgeous etsy shop Found Paper Co. wanted to feature my etsy shop on her blog! I was absolutely thrilled that she would even consider me! She has a new blog feature where she showcases artists that are new to etsy and gives you a little background information about the person. I think the idea is genius and I can't wait to see who pops up in the near future! So go check out her blog today and leave her some love! :)

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Resist-Paper Tutorial

Hello everyone! I wanted to put together this tutorial for you, explaining how you can create a resist texture for your backgrounds. It's a similar concept to Heidi Swapp's new Invisibles Collection but handmade instead! So let's get started...

For my project, I'm using VersaMark ink (but any ink pad designed specifically for embossing will work), a Prima "Grate Kit Club"stamp, Glimmer Mist in "Sunflower" (but any sort of paint or spray will do), clear embossing powder, a heat gun, and white cardstock paper. Make sure you have a cover for your work surface to catch runaway embossing powder and Glimmer Mist spritzes.




I found that it's easier to stamp and emboss half of the paper first. Once that dries, do the other half. It makes it less likely that the ink will smudge or become distorted in the handling process.







Finally, make a layout with your new textured paper! Isn't it so much fun? I love finding new ways to customize my paper, since I love a rough, textured look. You could seriously make a million different backgrounds using this simple concept. I already have plans to use my woodgrain stamp, letter stamps, butterfly stamps...you get the picture! I hope you enjoy this technique! Be sure to share your layouts if you decide to try it for yourself! ;)

Monday, July 6, 2009

Happy Mess

I have been in such a scrapping mood these past few days - it makes me so happy! I love to use all my fun products and tools and just jump right in. This is seriously my "happy place." Here are some examples of my happy mess that turns into fun layouts!
iPod, Slice, rub-ons, stamps...I am ready to go!

Here's one of my newer layouts...I've been on a multiple photo layout kick lately, using up all my photos and supplies which makes room for even more photos and supplies, haha! I have received some touching messages from my etsy customers and they really make my day! I am so grateful for their kind gestures. Today I read such an inspiring article on etsy that really gives me hope for my future, despite the grim economy as of late. I have faith that things will work out for the best! :) I hope everyone is having a wonderful, creative week!

Headband Land

I'm having a big etsy update this week. I just added one new headband and plan on adding even more headbands and bobby pins, so stay tuned! I've also been a scrapbook FIEND this weekend, cranking out a bunch of layouts, so more photos to come! :)

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Back in Action

Happy 4th of July! I hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday. I had a nice relaxing day, spent scrapbooking, shopping, working out, lounging in the pool and hanging out with family...just how I like it! My family has been painting the interior walls of the house all weekend, so when I don't have a roller in my hand, I'm sneaking off to work on scrapbook layouts because I can't seem to get enough! :)
Today I took advantage of Jo-Ann's 40% sale on clear stamps, so I bought two new sets that thrill me to no end! It really doesn't take much, I swear...hahah! You can see one of the ticket stamps on the layout above. By the way, driving a Smart Car is so much fun! I thought that a VW Bug was pushing the limits of smallness, but the Smart Car takes the cake. Just FYI, in case you were wondering, haha...Here's a layout I did for the challenge group. The goal of this challenge was to incorporate 80% Hambly in your layout, so I did my best! I tend to be a Hambly hoarder (so I've noticed!) mainly because I'm in love with anything they make and also because, well...they're not super cheap. But I am DETERMINED to use my stash! I figure, there will always be something new and exciting just around the corner so I might as well use it up and enjoy it!
My boyfriend and brother were somehow capable of convincing me to buy them these raccoon skin caps at Disneyland last month. The photoshoots that ensued were worth every penny! I swear, these boys have me rolling on the floor with all their crazy antics...Finally I have been creating headbands/ hair accessories like CRAZY! I literally filled this basket! I just took photos today, so be on the lookout for an etsy update in the next two days - wahoo! :)