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.  

This Just In!

I decided to offer pre-printed, pre-cut planner stickers in my Etsy shop, Little Happy Day.  I chose 8 different designs, in rainbow colors (8 of each--64 total). 

It's a great way to try out my planner stickers and see which ones you like the most.  Stop by Little Happy Day and have a look around.

Super Deco

This is a deco book I made for a swap on swap-bot.  It's a WTA (winner take all) swap, where one of the participants is randomly drawn to win all of the decos after they have been passed around and completed.  Unfortunately I was not the lucky swapper, so I will not be getting this deco back.  This has to be my favorite deco that I've made so far.  A deco is a small book or folded sheet of paper created by a person who decorates the cover and leaves the subsequent pages blank.  The deco is usually themed and is passed around from person to person for decoration and signing until eventually it's sent back to the originator when all the pages are full.  For this deco, I used a collage sheet from onecrabapple and the ransom letters are from LaSoffittaDiSte.  The raised dots are UV resin which cures within seconds underneath a UV LED light.  I made the base of my book with 3 plain white envelopes tucked into one another.  I'll be receiving a deco book from my swap partner to work on and then I'll pass it on to someone else in a future swap.  I'll post pictures in a future entry. 

Altered Composition Book Project

I'm currently participating in a swap on swap-bot where we take an 80 page composition book, cover the front and back covers, decorate every 3rd page, and leave the rest of the pages blank for our partners to use to journal in. I'm having a great time working on this project. My front cover looks like this:

I got the taxi scrapbook paper at Joann and the collage images from the wonderful Sandy at onecrabapple on Etsy. Whenever I alter a plain notebook, I love sprucing up the sides of the pages with washi tape. This notebook had 80 pages and I was bound and determined for each page to have a different pattern of washi. I actually have enough washi where I was able to do this. This is how it turned out:

Yesterday I found some space themed stencils at Target for $1.78 on clearance. I decided to use a couple of them for my first decorated page in the altered comp book. I used Distress Ink and regular metallic stamping ink. I love the way it turned out.

I've got to decorate 25 pages in all. I'll probably add some drawings, collages, and pockets. What would you like to see?

New Geeky Printable Stickers and Spray Paint

I just listed some new geeky printable stickers in my printable planner sticker Etsy shop, Little Happy Day. They are html themed and they come in school break, vacation, and trip. Here is an example:

My friend, Jen, suggested that I make a plush spray paint can, so I did. I made it into an ornament and it is currently listed for sale in my kiddomerriweather Etsy shop.

What plushie would you like to see me make next and list in my kiddomerriweather Etsy shop? Keep in mind it can't violate any copyrights or trademarks. Please comment below. I'd love to hear from you.

Printable Planner Stickers and Dotee Dolls

I just reopened my third shop on Etsy, Little Happy Day. Here you'll find instant digital downloads of printable planner sticker sheets like the ones pictured below.

I'm really hoping that this shop is successful despite being in a saturated market. *crosses fingers*

After a 2 or 3 year hiatus, I'm back to making Dotee Dolls. I just joined a group on swap-bot dedicated to making and swapping these unique dolls. So far I've made five in the past month. Here are two of my favorites.

Dotee Dolls are little dolls originated by a woman named Dot. They are only meant to be traded, and are never to be sold. The bodies are usually between 3 to 6 inches in length. The dolls have both a hanger and some sort of tail. If you search them on Flickr or Pinterest, you'll see how diverse these dolls can be. In the past, I've made a nun, a luchador, and Spiderman among dozens of others. I just set up a swap for a tiny Dotee. The body is required to be 2 inches or smaller. I've already made mine and I look forward to see what my partner comes up with.

Kawaii Maxi Pad Vinyl Stickers Available Now!

I had my kawaii maxi pad drawing made into vinyl stickers and they are now available in my Etsy shop. They're a perfect addition to your water bottle, laptop, or your ride. Go grab one before they're gone!

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.

40% Off for a Limited Time!!!

For a limited time, I'm offering 40% off your entire purchase before shipping when you use coupon code INEEDASALE at checkout. This offer is not good on custom orders or made to order items. You must use the coupon at the time of checkout and no refunds will be given for forgotten coupons. I'm in desperate need of some sales or I may have to shut my Etsy shop down. The listing fees are much more than the amount I'm bringing in (I've only made two small sales this month). I'd really appreciate it if you'd take a look around my Etsy shop and see if there is anything you might like to have. Thanks so much for your time.

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.

Getting Ready for Valentine's Day

You'd think that I'd be one to hate Valentine's Day. It's very rare that I have a Valentine on Valentine's Day, but for some reason I adore this holiday. Valentine's Day is my second favorite holiday for which to craft (Halloween is numero uno). Here are some Valentine's Day plushies I've already made for my Etsy shop.

The Perfect Boyfriend

Large Kawaii Raccoon Plushie

Ninja and Anatomical Heart Plushies

Each of these plushies (and smaller versions of the kawaii raccoon) are available in my Etsy shop.

I am also open for custom orders, so just send me a convo through Etsy or drop me an e-mail (see "Contact Me" above).

So Stoked!

 

Inspired by my bipolar medication yet again, I decided to make a prescription pill bottle plushie.  I submitted the project to Craft Foxes.  My plushie is now one of the featured projects on their front page!  They even featured it on their Facebook page.  I am so stoked about this!  

You can purchase this cute little plushie in my Etsy shop. 

Give Us This Day Our Daily Meds

My latest creation was inspired by the numerous prescription pill bottles sitting on my dresser. I have to take medicine daily for my bipolar disorder, depression, and ADD, so the phrase "daily meds" came to mind as I stared at the orange bottles. Swap "daily meds" for "daily bread" and voila!

My mom pointed out that my new embroidery is very sacrilegious, but I think Jesus has a sense of humor. You can purchase this item here.

Happy Shark Week!

This post is a little late as shark week is wrapping up, but I thought I'd share what I made in honor of shark week.  I did some felt embroidery of a great white shark which I think came out pretty awesome.  It's been featured in several treasuries on Etsy.  It's available for purchase here.

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!