Thursday, October 30, 2008

Daily To do list! 10.29.08



I love being accountable. It seems like I can only get 1 thing done each day!



1. Make something else for show on Saturday
2. Get that newsletter going!
3. I have to make muffins tonight.......

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Frugal Scrapbooking Tips

I love a bargain, and who doesn't these days? I came across yet another article about saving money on your scrapbooking & thought I would share some tips with you:

1. Look around the house. You would be surprised what “scrapbooking” supplies you can find. There are many household supplies or products including: paperclips, craft paint (not only can you use it to accent a page, but you can use it the same way you use stamp ink), old envelopes and used stamps (great for destination/travel pages), old/broken jewelry (use as embellishments), shopping/clothing/market tags (you can paint over, dye, or cover them), wrapping paper, gift ribbon, hair ribbons or rubber bands, game pieces, old maps, book pages (as backgrounds), cereal/shoe boxes (for chipboard) and much more. Just be careful that these items are acid free or at least if they are not, won’t be touching any of your photos.

2. Go digital - or at least a little bit. There are many sites out there that offer freebies every week or so. Not only can you use them to do digital scrapbooking layouts, but you can take parts of them and print them off to use on your regular scrapbooking layouts. And the great things about these is that you can print them again and again for different pages. Check out www.scrapgirls.com and www.digitalfreebies.com for some freebies.

3.) Have a scrapbooking supply swap. The next time you get together to scrapbook, just tell everyone that you are having a “swap” table where people can bring supplies they don’t use any more or don’t want. You could also make it a sale too if someone wants to sell something they have.

Scrapbooking may not be the cheapest hobby out there, but it needn’t be expensive. I am sure there are lots of other ways that each individual can make it even more affordable. If you have any more ideas for making scrapbooking cheaper, let me know your great discoveries. Post them here so we can all share!

Daily To Do 10.29.08


Here's what I need to do today:



1. Finish memory bouquet (can't wait to start selling these!) It's done! I need to post pictures!

2. Write articles for newsletter - I didn't do this!


Check back later!

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

To Do 10.28.08

Ok, I cannot take credit for this idea, but I liked it, so I'm stealing it. Each day I will list a few things that I need to get done so I am accountable for it. If I publish it publicly, maybe someone can criticize me for not getting things done!




My to Do List 10.28.08
1. Cut out chipboard flowers for bookmarks decided to postpone that idea
2. Send 'thank you' e-mail to newbies that signed up for my newsletter Done!






Now, for those of you who don't know me, I do work full-time, and I am in the process of turning my craft into a more permanent adventure. I may still need to work part-time to obtain medical benefits, but the long term goal is to have flexibility in my life so Tom and I can live in both FL & GA, and go back and forth as the spirit moves us!

Monday, October 27, 2008

26.99%????!!!!!

What the heck is that percentage amount???? The amount one of my unused credit card companies is going to charge me!

Now, we all know to keep your FICO score high, you shouldn't close your unused credit cards to keep your history looking good. So, I have some unused cards that sit in a file folder somewhere in the lost history of files in my cabinet.

I receive a 'we're changing your account' notice the other day in the mail, and since I don't use these accounts, I usually toss them. However, I felt compelled to open it & yes, it said they will change my account interest rate to Prime + 5%, which is currently 26.99%, with a maximum of 29.99% interest per year.

I wish I had kept it & taken a picture! My jaw hit the ground. Number 1 - I don't use this card, and I can only hope it's sitting in a file, or I shredded it. Number 2 - if I did have a balance, I would go to the poor house.

I just thought that was ridiculous. Be sure to check out those rates on your cards - you never know what the mafia card companies are up to!

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Beautiful Tote Bag - ecofriendly!

I was browsing Etsy this early Sunday morning and found this beautiful tote bag:



In my quest to remain ecofriendly and reduce, reuse & recycle, this tote bag was handmade using fabrics from the Boise Re Use Market. It's a stunning combination of prints and is only $25! Click on http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_6&listing_id=12759998 to visit the Etsy store that is selling this item.

While you are at it, don't forget to purchase a card from me if this tote is a gift for someone!

Monday, October 20, 2008

Coping with the Holidays - blog challenge

Can you sense the rush yet? The retailers seem to bring the Christmas rush in earlier and earlier every year, which creates a lot of anxiety for some people.
Well, there are ways to deal with it. Ignoring might work for a while. I refuse to walk down any aisle this is displaying any type of Christmas or Holiday decorations, except for Halloween, but that stuff is already gone!

My blog challenge this month is: What do you plan to do to take it easy this year and not get caught up in the holiday hype?

This year is going to be simple for me: shop on etsy.com! Yes, I will make my family members gifts, but there are times that I'm too busy to do that, so I will support the handmade gift movement by purchasing from hardworking artisans and crafters like me! I will decorate my house with items I already have and sit back and enjoy the holidays & stay out of the mall!!!!

What about you? Post your comments by Nov. 15th to share your thoughts with everyone else, and you could also be the lucky winner who's name is pulled for a prize!

Saturday, October 18, 2008

And the winner is....

....Pam Penovi! Our local gal strikes it big!

October's Blog Challenge was dealing with stress & after putting the names in the hat, Pam came out the lucky winner. Your prize is coming to you on Monday!

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Have you thought of starting your own Etsy shop?

StudioJewel - Journey of a Jeweler: How to Set Up an ETSY shop for dummies (smart dummies!)

This is a great article on how to establish your Etsy shop. It is written by The Bead Girl and is linked to her great blog. We all have a creative talent, and there is someone out there willing to pay you for it. Maybe it's time to take the plunge & start your own little business........

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

New Find!

It's been almost a week since I've blogged. I know - I'm bad. I have the Mutt March on Saturday & am selling completed items, so guess what I'm doing every night? Making things!

Anyways, check out this site if you need any lanyards: http://www.lanyardlady.blogspot.com/

She makes some pretty cool things!

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

New Venue for Crop

Hi,
Just a reminder that the crop will now take place at Jay Mar in Stuart. Neil, the manager of the store, is willing to let us use his space. He and I figured it's a win-win for both of us. He gets exposure for his store, and I have a set place to have the crop and maybe win over some of his customers.

Mark your calendars for 10/25! Can't wait to see everyone!

Sunday, October 5, 2008

A sad day


Well, last night I went to my fish tank to feed Georgie, my betta fish. Georgie didn't come greet me like he always does. Instead, he lay - still and motionless - behind his favorite plant. I tapped the glass to be sure, and there was no response. My little Georgie had passed along to that great fish heaven in the sky.


Yes, he was a fish, but he was happy in his big tank, and he would come to the glass to greet me. I'll miss him!
ps - although this isn't Georgie in the picture, this is exactly what he looked like


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