Pixabay ATC Fun and a Ransom Note

I've been hella bored this weekend.  This is nothing new.  I stay bored.  During the quarantine, I've been having a problem staying creative.  Before COVID-19, creativity seemed to flow effortlessly.  Now I have to force myself to make anything.  Yesterday, I decided I'd settle down in my chair in my literal cave (my workspace is recessed underneath a loft bed) and create some mixed media ATC's (artist trading cards).  I've known about Pixabay for some time now, but I've never really utilized it.  For those of you who don't know what Pixabay is, its a site with over a million free to use, copyleft photos, illustrations, vector graphics, film footage, and music.  In addition to using some photos, vector graphics, and illustrations from Pixabay, I used some hand painted papers I purchased from my friend Stephanie's Etsy shop, Paper Cut Lane.  Stephanie is my favorite mixed media artist ever!  So when she opened up her Etsy shop recently, I was thrilled that I could buy her handmade supplies to use in my own mixed media pieces.  Here are some of the ATC's I made yesterday.

I also made a ransom note handmade postcard yesterday for an upcoming swap on swap-bot.  I wanted to add a sinister message, but not something too creepy.  Here's what I came up with.  

I don't read magazines, so I purchased a digital file of these cut out letters from LaSoffittaDiSte on Etsy. Much easier than combing through magazines and finding the letters myself.  

I've already been searching Pixabay this morning, looking for more interesting images so I can make more ATC's.  Unfortunately I'm running out of ink already just two weeks after installing new color cartridges.  I'm pretty sure I'm going to invest in a color laser printer soon.  Do any of you have any recommendations for a relatively inexpensive ($400 or less) color laser printer with a scanner?  Or can you recommend a good brand?  Any suggestions would help me out a great deal.  

I Got New Rubber Stamps!

Depression has been plentiful and anxiety high at my house over the past few days.  The threat of COVID-19 is all consuming and I find less and less joy.  A little bit of joy came in the mail today from Hong Kong after a nearly month long wait.  Little rubber stamps I ordered from efplanner on Etsy!  I ordered a custom stamp of my kawaii maxi pad and a few others.

This is a picture of them in a journal I'm currently working on.  They were really inexpensive and are really high quality.  The wait was just a little long due to COVID-19, but it was well worth it.  I worked with the seller to set up the proof for the custom stamp and she was really nice and helpful.  I highly recommend this shop.  

I've been having a hard time concentrating on craft projects.  I believe it's situational depression due to the current state of our world.  I did find it helpful to copy down uplifting quotes in the journal I'm working on in rainbow colors.  I'm hoping my mood will improve each day.  I'm trying to have a positive outlook and lots of hope.  Please stay healthy and safe out there.  

Happy in Yellow

Recently I discovered an amazing textile artist from Australia on deviantART. Her name is Sarah Neale. She creates art out of canvas, fabric, and different fibers. Here is my favorite:

Kate

Sarah just opened up an Etsy shop called Happy in Yellow. You can find Kate and some colorful, adorable bears at Happy in Yellow. Make sure and check out Happy in Yellow on Etsy and on deviantART.

Sometimes It Pays to Be Forgetful

Why you may ask? Because the thing you've forgotten about turns out to be a huge surprise! About a month ago, I was contacted on Etsy by the folks at Terbear Collectibles. I had won a custom stamp from their shop! I was really taken aback because I hadn't remembered entering the giveaway. I had been so bored that I was entering probably a dozen giveaways, if not more, a week. So with all this slipping my mind, I was elated when I found out I had won such an awesome prize. Look what came in the mail for me today!

The packaging was so lovely, I didn't want to open it. I was surprised to find a wooden mounted stamp! I thought that it would be unmounted as so many of the custom stamp sellers I've looked into only offer unmounted stamps, or offer to mount them for an extra cost.

Isn't it fab? Now I can send personalized cards with my Etsy orders! I am absolutely thrilled with the quality of this product from Terbear Collectibles. Not only is their quality impeccable, but their prices are super affordable, too. So if you're in the market for a customized stamp, check out Terbear Collectibles. You can also like them on Facebook to stay apprised of future giveaways.

My New Shoes

Photo courtesy of Dessah Harrison

Believe it or not, these fabric flats were made out flip flops!  They were made by my good friend, Dessah Harrison, owner of Dessah Kristene Designs.  These flats are super comfy.  The soles are squishy flip flop soles and the ever annoying thong piece has been removed.  Thank you, Dessah, for such an awesome pair of shoes!  If you'd like to commission Dessah for a pair of fabric flip flop flats, send her a convo on Etsy.  Also check out her shop for some super cool downloadable sewing patterns.  Her Coffee Cozy Keychain Sewing Pattern is such an ingenious idea.    

Buy a Doll, Give a Doll!

Sofia

One of my pass times when I'm bored is entering handmade giveaways. I've won a lot of wonderful goodies by entering. I ran across a giveaway on Etsy Giveaways today that really caught my eye. The giveaway is for a custom doll from beMarybyHand. This shop had already found it's way into my Etsy favorites before seeing this giveaway because the dolls are really simple and gorgeous. So of course I had to enter the giveaway to see if I could win one of these dolls. That's not all though. Throughout the month of February, for every doll sold in the beMarybyHand Etsy shop a doll will be given to a child via the Mwangaza International organization. beMarybyHand is also honoring Black History Month by offering 30% off the ethnic dolls in the shop.

Jane

Head on over to beMarybyHand's blog and enter the giveaway and/or visit beMarybyHand's Etsy shop and make a child happy by purchasing a doll this month.

Photos taken from beMarybyHand on Etsy.

Mylana Review and Giveaway

I first became familiar with Mylana, an Etsy shop specializing in handmade soaps, candles, and jewelry, back in April of 2011 when I joined the April's Army Team on Etsy. I was able to try out Mylana's Light Spice Soap as Clare, the owner of Mylana, was offering it at a special discount. The soap is absolutely fabulous! It has a warm, earthy fragrance and is infused with patchouli essential oil which is my favorite. (Yes, I'm a hippie at heart!).  So when Clare asked me to do a review of some of her handmade products, I jumped at the chance.

When I received my review package from Clare, I felt like it was Christmas Day!  Clare sent me the most lovely jewelry and a couple of samples of her signature soaps.  The best way I can describe Clare's jewelry is that it is modern with a vintage feel to it.  I received two necklaces.  This first one is my favorite because it has vibrant blue beads, and I've been on a blue kick lately.  

The second necklace I received is a choker type beaded necklace.  I love the textured silver beads and the glass lampwork beads on this necklace.  Both necklaces have a toggle clasp closure, so they're super easy to wear.

 

Clare also sent me a beautiful beaded bracelet with a fun little silver card charm attached at the end.

I also received a sample of Mylana's The Great Outdoors, Pine and Clove Cold Process Soap.  I'm not a huge fan of pine scent, but the mixture of the pine and clove aromas together is really pleasing to the senses.  This actually may be one of my new favorites.  I was also sent a sample of Mylana's Awake Fragrance Blend Cold Process Soap.  It's a blend of citrus, rosemary, and mint and it smells absolutely divine!  Yet another new favorite of mine.  

Mylana also has lots of great candles in stock.  Clare carries votive, pillar, and jar candles.  Mylana is definitely a diverse shop with a little something for everyone on your gift list.  Her fragrance line caters to nearly every taste.   


Clare provides excellent customer service which I can vouch to firsthand.  She also offers free pick up if you live in the Murfreesboro, Tennessee area (just use the coupon code LOCAL to receive free shipping).  Clare is the Captain of the Middle Tennessee Etsy Team and she would love for any fellow Middle Tennesseans on Etsy reading this to join the team.


Clare is generously giving away 5 pairs of her handmade earrings (yes, I said five) to one lucky reader!  That's one pair for each weekday!  

 How to Enter:

You MUST be a follower of this blog in order to qualify to win this prize.  If you're not already a follower, simply click the "Join this Site" button on down the page and to the right of this post.  Then visit Mylana and come back here and comment on this post with the name of your favorite item from the shop.  This entry is MANDATORY.  Please leave your e-mail address or Etsy shop address in your comment so I have a way of contacting you if you're the winner. 

To gain EXTRA ENTRIES, you can:

1. Like Mylana on Facebook.  (Leave a separate comment below with your FB username).
2. Follow Mylana on Twitter.  (Leave a separate comment bellow with your Twitter username). 

That's 3 possible entries per person.  You must leave separate comment for each entry for your entries to count.  You must complete the mandatory entry or the extra entries will not count.  This giveaway is open worldwide.  The giveaway will be open from July 15, 2011 to July 22, 2011 at 6 a.m. EST.  The winner will be chosen at random using the random number generator from Random.org.  The winner will be contacted by e-mail or through Etsy convo and will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen.  One winner will receive the 5 pairs of handmade earrings pictured above from Mylana which is a $60 value.  I was paid no money for this review.  I received free products for the purpose of review and giveaway.  All the opinions expressed in this post are strictly my own.

Shop Updates & A Giveaway Tomorrow!

Yes, I've been neglecting the blog lately. I remember when I used to post 2 or 3 times a day! I've been busy working on custom orders and new items for House of Plush on Etsy. Here are three items that I listed today.

Sleeping Sloth Plushie

Black and Plaid Cat Plushie

Felt Campfire Play Set

My Christmas in July sale is going on right now.  Simply use the coupon code JULYXMAS at checkout to receive 10% off your purchase.  You can also "like" my updated Facebook page by clicking the "like" button on the right sidebar of my blog to receive more shop updates.

I will be doing a review and giveaway tomorrow of Mylana, a shop on Etsy that specializes in handmade soaps, jewelry, and candles.  So check back here on Friday to enter to win some great prizes!

More Scoodies!

This is actually the original scoodie that I made yesterday. Since I thought it looked like it should be worn in a nativity scene, I decided to jazz it up a little. Initially, I was going to make it into a monster scoodie, but after getting two orders for monster hoodies last night I decided to do something cuter. Now it's a mouse. I listed it for sale at House of Plush.

This scoodie is actually for a 4 year old. My niece, Allie, wasn't around, so I couldn't have her model it. It looks really funny on me, but you get the general idea. It's a Vampire Moon Bunny for my friend Sugarlishes' daughter's upcoming birthday. Sug tells her daughters a story about Vampire Moon Bunnies to get them to go to bed, and I had previously made them plushies of the characters. Sug gave me the idea yesterday, so here it is!

I'm currently working on a Little Red Riding Hood Scoodie, then off to work on my two custom hoodies: a shark and a polar bear. Later!

Monarch Butterfly Necklace

I made this necklace this morning. The monarch butterfly is one of my favorite symbols as it can represent so many things: perseverance, strength, transformation, etc. . . I used shrink plastic to make the butterfly and used some old bronze chain and findings I'd forgotten about to make the necklace. I'm extremely pleased with how it turned out. It's available for purchase at Cool + Kitschy Creations.

Cute Poo Plushie

Something I never thought I would make: a kawaii plushie modeled after human excrement. I was bored, still had kawaii on the brain after finishing up my Kawaii Swap, and had a surplus of brown felt. Not the most original of creations, but really super cute if I do say so myself.  It's on sale at House of Plush.

Cool + Kitschy Creations Review and Giveaway

The Romantic Type has reviewed one of my Etsy shops, Cool + Kitschy Creations, and is hosting a giveaway for a $15 gift certificate to either Cool + Kitschy Creations or my other shop, House of Plush. This is the first time that another blog has hosted a review and giveaway sponsored by me, so I'm really excited! So head on over to The Romantic Type and get your entries in today!

She's Crafty: Kira

For nearly two years, I've been lucky enough to be a part of an awesome online crafting community called Cut Out + Keep. I've met tons of crafty gals there who not only show me unconditional friendship, but provide me with a lot of inspiration. "She's Crafty" will be a feature I write periodically about my crafty friends. They are definitely women you should know!

Martha Stewart meets Elvira Mistress of the Dark.  That's what I think of when Kira comes to mind.  Kira is the proprietor of Kira's Lil Shop of Horror on Etsy and the author of Crafty Loo's blog.  In Kira's Etsy shop, you'll find mostly cute, horror related crafts such as plushies, jewelry, hair accessories, magnets, and keychains.  Here are a couple of my favorite items from Kira's Lil Shop of Horror.

Vampire Apple Plush

Hot Pink Heart Necklace

On Crafty Loo's blog, Kira gives us a peek at her life, especially when it comes to her shop and her crafting endeavors.  Kira has begun sharing tutorials on her blog.  She was recently a featured author on "It Belongs to Turtle," where she shared a tutorial for making chocolate silhouettes for cupcakes or cakes.

I asked Kira a few questions related to her creative life:

 Me:  Why do you craft and when did you begin crafting?

 Kira:   I think all crafters and artists will say that they've always felt a need for it. The  feeling of just having to do something with your hands or create something. But I've been crafting since I was a kid... drawing mostly, but when I realized that I can make a lot of things I love on my own it was on.

 Me:  What is your favorite medium to work with?

 Kira:   I'm restless, I can't stick to one project very long without wanting to start something new. So it's really hard for me to have a favorite anything.

 Me:  What's a craft that you have made that you are proudest of?

 Kira:   That's hard. I love everything I do in many different ways, I don't have one specific item I love the most.

 Me:  Who/what are your biggest influences and inspirations?

 Kira:   My parents. My mom honestly is the type of person that can pretty much make anything she looks at and my dad was always doodling on things. So I would have to say they are probably the biggest influences, other than Martha Stewart...

 Me:  What can we expect to see from you in the near future?

 Kira:   Ohhhh, I have lots of things in the works (rubs hands together menacingly). I'm hoping to get some t-shirts out, larger versions of my pilla' monsters and possibly some christmas ornaments. But I'm always writing down new ideas for my shop so you'll just have to keep a look out.

 Kira also plans to veer in a direction other than just her horror related items, but don't fret!  Kira assures me that she will always be making creepy crafts.  You can keep up with Kira at her shop, her blog, and her Facebook Fan Page!  Thank you, Kira!  

A Gift from JMKit

I received this gift from JMKit yesterday. Yesterday was a really rough day to say the least and finding this in my inbox was a very welcome surprise.  This is my MiKit holding my two cats, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash.  Thank you JMKit for brightening up my day! :) 

If you're not already familiar with JMKit, do yourself a favor and visit their site.  You'll find tons of cute characters, free downloads and printables, games, and awesome merchandise.  So go already! :)

The Blooming Thread

Fourth on my list of retail addictions (behind craft supplies, handbags, and shoes) are pouches. I don't what draws me to these little mini zippered bags, but for some reason I can never have too many. I recently won the cutest little pouch from The Blooming Thread. I've been entering a lot of giveaways lately in order to stock up on Christmas presents since I'm still unemployed, and was thrilled when I saw that The Blooming Thread blog was offering up this little goody as a prize. (Of course I knew if I was lucky enough to win it, I wouldn't be gifting it to anyone. This entry was purely self-serving).

I just love the fabric that Ryan, the talent behind The Blooming Thread, chose and the zipper placement on this pouch. Ryan's shop is full of these modern looking little pouches. It's refreshing to see this different style and fabric as Etsy is currently inundated with top loading zippered pouches made of Amy Butler fabric.

The Blooming Thread also carries other hand stitched items such as totes, handbags, pin cushions, sachets, and wall art that are also quite fabulous.  Ryan also has a cute little blog and Facebook fan page, where she sometimes offers deals to her fans. 

Thanks to Ryan for this giveaway prize!  I'll definitely be back to your shop in the future.

Free Stuff at Kat's!

My good pal, Kat, is hosting a giveaway over at her blog, Kitkat's Katchat. Kat is giving away the lovely earring and bracelet set pictured above which she made. The giveaway ends on 10/31. So head on over to Kat's blog to enter. You can also check out Kat's Dawanda shop, Woodle Doodle Dandy Designs,
for more of her awesome handcrafted jewelry.

Kiddo for the Win!

I opened my e-mail this morning to discover that I'd won two giveaways! The first thing I won is this "Kickin' It Old School" t-shirt from Lolligag and Tokyobunnie.

Photo from Lolligag

I also won this awesome vinyl wall decal from Urban Walls and Spearmint Baby.

Photo from Urban Walls

I'm sure all my Facebook friends and Twitter followers are about sick to death of my constant giveaway posts, but today they paid off! If you'd like to enter some giveaways like the ones I just won, visit Etsy Giveaways. They update their blog daily with a ton of blog giveaways from all over the web. Have fun and good luck!

Cthulhu!!!

I've never read any H.P. Lovecraft, but I've fallen in love with Cthulhu nonetheless. I recently added some Cthulhu items to my shops. Here they are:

A Tiny Cthulhu Bag

A Plush Cthulhu Ornament

Cthulhu Earrings

The bag and ornament are available for purchase at my House of Plush Etsy shop, and you can snag the earrings at Cool + Kitschy Creations.

Bumpo's Monsters

These are some monster plushies that I made which were designed by my friend, Bumpo. I'm terrible at drawing monsters for some reason, so I asked Bumpo to design a monster for me so I could make a plushie. The end result is the pink monster on the left. The blue monster is a design that Bumpo put on this awesome tee. You can purchase Bumpo's tees in his Folksy shop. I own three, and they are my absolute favorite shirts ever!