beading inspired gift wrap

Photo from  Soft Flex Company - Econoflex Wire Decorated Box

Hi! I'm guest blogging on Soft Flex Company's blog. Today, I am sharing some of my favorite beading inspired holiday gift wrapping ideas, won't you join me? Click to see today's post.

handmade goodness: sugar, spice and everything nice

I planned on posting a handmade goodness feature about Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice today but, the day got away with me ... then I saw on the Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice Facebook Page that it is National Cupcake Day!  So I had to post this today ... it was meant to be.

Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice makes specialty cupcakes for all occasions. Peggy, the brainchild behind the adorably delicious cupcake company, has been a friend of mine for 15 years! She is an amazing person who has an amazing talent, she transforms a simple cupcake into something truly spectacular. Here are some of my favorite creations.

Yarn Cupcakes

Cheeseburgers Cupcakes over Charcoal Cupcakes

Teacher Appreciation Cupcakes

Popcorn Cupcakes

 Peggy says ...

I want to bring sugar, spice and everything nice to friends, family and others - a happy place is where a cupcake's in your face!

I totally agree.  I surely am most happy when there is a cupcake in my face! You must live in New York on Long Island to enjoy her tasty treats. For order inquiries, e-mail Peggy and be sure to find her on facebook!

 

HAPPY NATIONAL CUPCAKE DAY - MAKE IT SWEET!

a crafty holiday

I'm participating in A Crafty Holiday, a blog hop organized by Angela Flicker of The Artists' House to give passionate bloggers the chance to share why they buy handmade for the holidays. Friday, Nimo  listed all sorts of goodies that would make wonderful gifts and now it’s my turn!

I'm a big fan of handmade. Over the years I have given and made gifts for my parents, grandparents, siblings, co-workers, friends, and so on. Funny thing is, I rarely give handmade gifts to my husband, my kids or myself!  No idea why, since I truly love giving and receiving handmade gifts.  This year I am changing that.  I am buying each of us handmade gifts and I am thrilled about it!

I'm also a big fan of lists, so here is a list of reasons why I value handmade:

• the care, thought and craftsmanship that goes into each item
• the quality of a product that can only come from handmade
• the variety of handcrafted items is amazing and inspiring to explore.
• to support fellow artisans; their work and their livelihood
• handmade has heart. plain and simple.

I have a terrible memory but, I could tell you who and for what occasion every handmade item I own came from ... to me that speaks volumes about the value I place on those items.  I love boutiques and crafts shows and encourage you check local events in your area. However, juggling 3 jobs and a family, I find it tough to get out and explore (I'm totally missing out, I know). That is why I am so grateful for Etsy and the many sites like them who give indie artisans an invaluable place to share their goodies with the world online.

So without further ado, here's a peek at my gift and wish list.

1. Fiber Wreath Ornament - Alisa Burke
2. Ornamental Handmade Pottery Ornaments/Gift Tags - chARiTy elise
3. Horned Lark Hanging Ornament - Bird Nerd

1. Kids Hula Hoops - Nova Hoops
2. Checkered Tie Shirt - Desert Baby
3. Farmer's Market Veggies - Green Mountain
4. Mario Hand Carved Rubber Stamp -The Nerd Nook
5. Personalized Alphabet Blocks - Little Sapling Toys

1. Days Between Batik Tee - Tree Town Batiks
2. Fragrance Free Goat's Milk Whipped Body Cream - Artisan Soap Spa
3. Trey Anastasio Spray Painting Print - FrogMeow
4. Money Clip Wallet - Broundoor

1. Peridot Flower Gemstone Ring -  Kierra Ferrer Jewelry Design
2. Crocheted Felted Slippers - A Life Crocheted
3. Garden Sage Striped Skirt - Rosie's Whimsy
4. Cream Rosette Headband - Folding Chair Designs
5. Fragrance Free Vegan Body Lotion - Little Owl Soap Co

1. Portable Placement, Napkin and Bamboo Utensils - Seedling Designs
2. Take a Hike Print - The Wheatfeild
3. Bamboo Cutting Board - Studio 44 Eighty
4. Cloth Napkins Summer Breeze - Fern Hollow Finds

Don't forget your holiday cards!  Share how happy your handmade holidays are with a custom photo card by Melanie of Paper Mango. Short on time?  No problem! She'll print the cards for you, with envelopes (even envelope printing if you’re really in a rush!). And if you like to DIY, you'll love that her designs are available as an affordable DIY, printable file. For all the details please see Paper Mango's 2010 Holiday Card Collection.

Tomorrow, Paige Hill will be sharing their list.  You can see the entire schedule for A Crafty Holiday here. Wishing you a very handmade holiday!

Much Love,
Kristen

monthly goal meetup

November was busy, productive and tasty.  I have been blessed with a slew of custom magnet orders and I am so grateful for it. I am also grateful for 4 days off for Thanksgiving weekend to spend time with my family.  If it wasn't for that time I think I may have burnt out by now.  That truly gave me a burst of new energy!

November Goals

• web site client - finish up design galleries and press/news page - umm they want to start over with a different design approach that was presented in the first drafts!  Start fresh in the new year.
• teach cartooning to 2 elementary classes each week - this is working out much better than the 3 classes last session, I just need to ease my anxiety the day before and of classes.
• east vallery artisans logo design - done
• promote custom magnets for the holidays - done
• fill custom magnet orders - 10 orders completed in Nov!
• continue to test out renewing etsy items daily - still doing it, not seeing much difference in sales but I am seeing an increase in shop visits. I think I'll give it a go for a bit longer.
• post new items on etsy - bookmarks and note cards -  note cards posted!
• test out new items - bottle cap bookmarks and bobby pins- done
• craft sales 11/12 and 11/26
• create custom coasters for Suzan - need to do
• create custom painting for Jenny - on hold until new year
• create custom painting for Inessa - on hold until new year
• cook Thanksgiving dinner - delicious, i love this holiday and all the cooking that I get to do for it.
  
• family fall crafts - we made a fun turkey craft on Thanksgiving
• set aside gym time - good with the exception of holiday week

I can't believe the new year is only a month away!  I am already thinking about some new trails to blaze. But for now, here's what's on the agenda for December.

December Goals

• wedding thank you cards order
• teach cartoon class 2x a week
• wrap up custom holiday orders, cut off is Dec 10th
• post bookmarks on etsy
• continue renewing items daily
• craft sale Dec 10th
• custom coasters for Suzan
• make holiday cards with kids, bake cookies, enjoy my dad's visit, take the polar express, have breakfast with Santa, make gingerbread houses and spread holiday cheer!

Wishing everyone a joyous holiday with sprinkles of creativity, love and the magic of the season. xoxo

If you would like to join in the Meetup biz goals fun, head on over to Athena Dreams to read more about what we do and how to join in.

this moment: my boy and his pillow pet

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, join in over at SouleMama.

art print note cards

New handmade note card sets featuring my original art prints. Set of 4 or Set of 6 blank note cards. Mix and match, order multiples of the same card or different cards, your choice. Printed on ivory embossed card stock.  Card size is A2 (4.25x5.5). Each card and envelope are individually packaged in a cello bag, bundled with twine and attached with a gift tag. A perfect note card gift set! See my shop for art print styles.

black friday special events!

East Valley Artisans, my arts group, is having our first home party today! EVA offers quality handmade products including jewelry, hair accessories, ornaments, magnets, unique chainmail gifts and more. Get your holiday shopping done in a cozy, festive environment. I'm one of the featured artists and will demonstrate how to use ice resin and how to decorate an ornament with paper and modpodge.

*Shop for holiday gifts*
*Meet the artists*
*See live demonstrations*
*Sign up for future crafting workshops*
*Win a door PRIZE!!!!* 

Stop by our open house today between 11am and 3pm. Bring a friend - the more the merrier! Hors d'oevers and beverages will be served.  For complete details, please click here.

BLACK FRIDAY SPECIALS

Get 20% off your entire purchase by using coupon code BLACKFRIDAY when shopping Creative Stash on Etsy. Also, my shop is BOGO for the holidays, buy one get one 50% off. Sale prices will be honored at the EVA Black Friday Event today. Please note either coupon or BOGO sale price will applied but, not both. Contact me via etsy or email me krisfagan (at) cox.net to set up a reserved listing for BOGO items. Thanks and Happy Holidays!

thankful

I count my blessings for my two happy little boys, my caring husband, and for all the amazing family and friends who enrich our lives every day. I am also very grateful for our home, good health, laughter, art supplies, the library, yoga and time to create and re-connect with myself regularly. Last but, certainly not least, I am thankful for all the wonderful people who have inspired and supported me and Creative Stash this year.  My family and I are so very grateful to you. Wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!

packaging ideas

 Hi! I guest blogged on Soft Flex Company's blog  this week about packaging ideas.  I LOVE packaging.  I have spent a few hours but, could have easily spent a few days looking at packaging ideas to share with you. An item packaged nicely will impress your buyers and their gift recipients, that's a win-win!  There are some lovely packaging ideas and tips I found on my hunt. Click to see this post.

handmade goodness: distressed doll

Life Together Altered Album

I am so happy to have met Amy of Distressed Doll this past month.  I bought a calendar and journal from her at Hissyfits Hullabaloo and after checking out her facebook page and all that she creates, I simply fell in love with her art.  Amy creates altered albums, jewelry, paper arts, votive holders, teaches classes and welcomes custom orders too! Distressed Doll's items are as beautifully crafted as they are beautiful.

Address Books

Journals

 

Photo Clips

After Hissyfits, I saw Amy again at Mesa 2nd Fridays and purchased a handful of her adorable photo clips to hold gift cards. They are a wonderful way to add a touch of handmade goodness to an otherwise plain gift.  So much more exciting then sticking a card in an envelope, right?  Find Distressed Doll on Facebook!