ThePaperStop

Mojo Monday - 2 Months

2009-12-28T15:55:00.000-08:00

Another scrapbooking take on a Mojo sketch for this week.

Baby's First Christmas Digital Photo Overlay

2009-12-18T07:06:00.000-08:00

Look at this sweet pea! What an exciting time of year for a growing family. I know how excited we are to celebrate with our own little one. This is a custom photo overlay purchased from my Etsy shop. I'm uploading more and more all the time and can create a custom overlay for you, too.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas, whether it is your first or your hundredth!

Digital Scrapbook Layout: First Snow for Etsy Inspired and Mercy

2009-12-18T06:30:00.001-08:00

So... I've been away from actual paper for a while now. Much easier to work a mouse with a baby in my lap than scissors, you know. This layout is for the Etsy Inspired Challenge and Mercy's Tuesday sketch challenge.

Etsy Inspired.... This week's inspiration is Marmar. His little critters reminded me of the holiday critters set I recently purchased from Jessica Sprague by Crystal Wilkerson. I changed his color and added a little heart detail like Marmar's.

Mercy's Tuesday sketch...

This is the beginning of 12 days of sketches. Not sure that I can keep up with that pace. (Actually, I'm quite sure that I can't!) Most of these sketch challenges are designed for card makers, I believe, but they work so well as scrapbook layouts, too.

Splish Splash, Page Maps Layout

2009-12-17T11:58:00.000-08:00

This one is for the Page Maps sketch challenge.

It includes papers from the freebie kit at Page Maps site and a brush set from Hawksmont.

The little one is keeping me very busy these days. I hear him stirring now! :)

Digital Scrapbook Layout : 1month for Mojo

2009-12-02T08:25:00.000-08:00

So... this layout really did start out following the sketch, I promise. :) It just needed - more - you know? So it grew, and grew and grew. But I am pretty happy with the results. Of course, I'm pretty happy with any picture of my little cutie pie. I left out the picture when I uploaded for safety's sake. Maybe I'm paranoid. Too many episodes of Law & Order and Oprah, I guess. But, you get the idea... just missing out on the cutest part.

The "today & always" title work is Jessica Sprague, the paper is a freebie from long ago, and the calendar is my design.

We had snow today. So fantastic! Hope you are schnoogled up under a blanket somewhere cozy!

Cyber Monday Sales and 12 Days of Christmas Interviews: Day 12

2009-11-30T05:39:00.000-08:00

See these interviews from the beginning.

{I would like to share...}

TIFFANY BURKS
I would like to giveaway 5 free Holiday gift tags with every purchase from my shop. Just mention “ThePaperStop” in the notes to seller box.

SAVANNAH O'GWYNN

I would like to share::: I would like to share my favorite paper item with you-- I love making custom cards. When someone needs a custom card- I talk with them about the card and the sentiment, plus I get to know who the card will be sent to. I like to ask what their favorite color is...sport...food...hobbies...birthday...tv show...etc. I then sit down and create a layout with papers and stamps...I love when someone makes me feel special and loved--so when I get to do this for others, it makes me very HAPPY:)
LAUREN SILBERMAN

I would like to share my centaur print in celebration of winter approaching. My centaur finds a small rabbit in a snowstorm and gives her new friend a warm new home.

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Etsy Sellers with Cyber Monday Sales

http://delightfulperception.etsy.com - variety gift shop- sale: 20% off everything except clearance items and free shipping

http://factorygirlashli.etsy.com - $5 off purchases of $25, $10 off $50, $10 off $100

http://BathBuddies.etsy.com - yummy bath and body products - sale: 20% off entire store, does not include shipping, sale ends midnight EST 11/27/09

Hischild.etsy.com - Jewelry with a few quilting squares - Sale: items moved to Super Sale section and free gift with every purchase!

marasmaples.etsy.com -- all natural, totally delicious, nuts, granola and more, made with Real Grade A maple syrup, has no added oil, butter or fat...and all products are completely vegan. We will be offering buy 2 get 1 free black friday thru cyber monday! check us out and enjoy!

ThePaperStop.etsy.com -- Handmade and digital papercrafts: cards, tags, embellishments and customizable photo cards
*25% off all Customizable Photo Cards (Holiday Cards and Birth Announcements) Black Friday through Cyber Monday*

NatureManipulated.etsy.com - - One-of-a-kind handcrafted jewelry, handmade greeting cards, nature photography and other unique accessories
*SALE* 20% off ALL orders of $25 or more (refund through PayPal); FREE holiday card with necklace purchase; Buy 1 photograph get 1 FREE (equal or lesser value)

Will be offering free worldwide shipping then as well!
Nature Inspired, Shabby Chic, Romantic Floral Handmade Jewelry http://www.serenie.etsy.com

http://www.SuZefashion.etsy.com
Nov. 27-30th 10% off entire shop (enter <> in notes to seller). Free Note Card/Gift Tag set with purchase over $5.

http://tgcbc.etsy.com Fresh coffee roasted daily! We'll be offering 15% off all coffee from Nov 26-29. Four days! Woo! Just listed coffee sample packs, too, which I'm really excited about.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Cr8ted4U
I have one of a kind jewelry, gift bag, tags, patterns and more. All jewelry comes with a gift bag and tag, all orders will come with a free gift. 20% off if you spend $10 or more. If you spend $30 or more I will offer free shipping

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BinksButtonsNBobbins
Purses, Purse Organizers and Camera Straps! Very affordable and unique.

http://www.OrionBotanicals.etsy.com
Candles, Tarts, Sachets, Reed Oil Diffusers & Home Fragrances. Black Friday Sale available now! Buy One Get One, up to 50% off & free shipping available.

http://www.SweetwaterGifts.etsy.com
Nov 26-30. Distinctive jewelry of exceptional quality and value for men and women. FREE 1st Class Domestic Shipping.

http://eternalimages.etsy.com Double your order for FREE!!! Photos, postcards, notecards, pendants!!!

http://simplyuniquekreation.etsy.com 20% off all items, free gift with purcahse, and free shipping

http://www.etsy.com/shop/KatyScudieri
I'm having free shipping worldwide from midnight e.s.t. 11-27-09 until midnight e.s.t. 11-30-09!
Until then, free shipping as usual to the lower 48 and Canada!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/thecandyappletree
Buy 4 apples get 1 free!
Buy 6 apples get 2 free!

http://aestheticsandoldlace.etsy.com
FREE Worldwide Shipping on the entire shop!
NOv 27 through Nov30

http://cruzchic4crafts.etsy.com
FREE SHIPPING in the US from Black Friday to Cyber Monday
I sell papercrafts: cards, scrapbooks, gift tags, bags, boxes, etc....

http://princesschibi.etsy.com
FREE SHIPPING on everything except clearance and destash items! black friday thru cyber monday!

12 Days of Christmas Interviews: Day 11

2009-11-29T18:47:00.001-08:00

{I will always remember...}

TIFFANY BURKS
I will always remember decorating our Christmas tree with my mother. It was huge tree and we sent all day decorating. My mom loves tinsel, tinsel sticks to everything we would get tinsel all through the house.

SAVANNAH O'GWYNN
I love getting together for the holidays with my family up in Indiana. My mom comes from a family with 13 kids--so we always had fun getting together. I loved it when a "holiday" came around---everyone would gather at Granny's house with a homemade dish (mom always brought Taco Blend), and we would play outside on the farm or run around the house...tag...football....softball....we would even play card games until late late late in the night! My favorite thing about getting together was when someone left. Everyone (I mean EVERYONE) would stand in front of the window facing the road and wave until that car passed. Sometimes the cars would back up and wave again! LOVE IT!

LAUREN SILBERMAN
I will always remember going down to Florida for the holidays so that I could spend both Chanukah and Christmas with both sets of grandparents. I particularly remember the first year we drove down, and Florida was hit by a snowstorm! We ended up stuck on several highways for hours and even sleeping at a temporary Red Cross shelter. I know that may be a strange way to start a favorite holiday memory, but the difficulty of getting there made me appreciate spending the time with my grandparents (and out of the cold!) even more.

Halloween Layout & 12 Days of Christmas Interviews: Day 10

2009-11-27T19:28:00.001-08:00

Didn't think I was going to get to any challenges this week, but I have really been enjoying playing with digital layouts, so I thought I'd take this week's Mojo sketch and turn it into a scrapbook layout. Stuck pretty closely with the sketch, but I had to add the title work to balance out the page. I'll do another page - with more pictures from the night, so this will end up being a two page layout, but the other half isn't complete yet. The paper and the cat are from the Jessica Sprague website, and the rest is my own.

Hope you had a super Thanksgiving!

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{I create...}

TIFFANY BURKS
I enjoy creating custom & creative die cuts for scrapbooking, card making or craft project. I found etsy through a blog I read, I clicked on it and never looked back. I was hooked! All die cuts in my shop can be customized to any size, color of cardstock/paper or quantity.

SAVANNAH O'GWYNN
I create unique gifts for everyone. I work with paper and fabric. My items range from cards, quilted postcards, baby slings, sashes, candle covers, journals, fabric banners, cards, wall hangings, etc. I make custom items that reflect a client--makes them feel very special

LAUREN SILBERMAN
I create papercuts, drawings, paintings, and arts and crafts for others to enjoy. While many things are based upon my imagination or stories I've read, I also particularly enjoy creating that which reflects real life. I love working from models and photographs, and while I want my work to be instantly recognizable, I also have fun giving the work a stylistic flair.

12 Days of Christmas Interviews: Day 9

2009-11-26T18:56:00.001-08:00

What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be out shopping?!? If you did brave the stores today, let me congratulate you on your bravery!

{I laugh...}

TIFFANY BURKS
I laugh thinking of my dog yogi. He is always at my feet. Sometimes little pieces of paper go flying and he ends sniffing then they get stuck to nose. One time like looked down and he had a green nose.

SAVANNAH O'GWYNN
I laugh whenever I get together with my brothers, Leander and Carrel. When we hang out, we reminisce about "the good old" days, and I get to see each event through their eyes (even though their stories are never how the event really happened!).

LAUREN SILBERMAN
I laugh at memories from my wedding. I was so nervous on the day of my wedding, wondering what was going to go wrong. The fact that the day had gone swimmingly thus far made me even more anxious. The weather was beautiful, my dress wasn't wrinkled, and everyone had shown up on time. As I walked down the aisle with my parents, I finally started to relax. I got to my husband under the chuppah and just as the rabbi started to talk, a cavalcade of motorcycles drove by. It was the funniest thing. Just as we tried to start back up, another round of motorcyles rushed past. I couldn't stop laughing! Finally, the wedding ceremony actually began. I finally realized that there was nothing to worry about that couldn't be enjoyed and laughed away. It was the greatest day of my life.

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T04:56:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

I wish you all the best this holiday.... Now, I have some sweet potatoes to bake. :)

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TIFFANY BURKS
I love my digital die cutter; it lets me make my custom die cuts. It may be quite loud sometimes but I still love it.

SAVANNAH O'GWYNN
I love lots of things 1. my creator and Savior 2. my husband 3. singing 4. November- the month 5. the color GREEN 6. Chickens

LAUREN SILBERMAN
I love reading a great book almost as much as my wonderful librarian husband and crazy but awesome rescue dog, Echo.

Page Maps Layout

2009-11-25T17:09:00.000-08:00

Page Maps Layout Challenge...

SO - I am loving digital scrapbooking! My first printed layout arrived in the mail today, and I have to say, I am totally hooked. This page includes 2 elements that are my own design: the scrapbook calendar and the Holiday Spirit title work. The adorable snowman and reindeer are from Jessica Sprague's site, designed by Crystal Wilkerson {Holiday Critters}. Other pieces were either pieced together in Photoshop or freebies picked up here and there. Left the picture out to protect our privacy, but I think you can get a general idea of the layout as is.
Thanks for stopping by. Let me know what you think!

12 Days of Christmas Interviews: Day 7

2009-11-24T18:37:00.000-08:00

{I dislike...}

TIFFANY BURK
I dislike the accounting part of my business. I am sure every crafter feels the same way.

SAVANNAH O'GWYNN
I really do not like mushrooms, onions, peppers, eggplant or any other veggie like that! I have to admit--I have never tried them....but they freak me out!

LAUREN SILBERMAN
I dislike it when people don't make room for other ideas or points of view. Part of the beauty of the world is the diversity of it. I don't have to agree with others say, but I have to respect a difference of opinion.

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So... I'm having the hardest time not commenting. Apparently, I always have something to say: Queen of the Unsolicited Opinion. Guess that's what blogging is good for. ;) I may have to rerun this series just to add my own thoughts.

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Take a look at these sweet tags from fellow Etsian Calillie--> Click here.

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And, if you missed it, check back at this post for Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales at Etsy.

12 Days of Christmas Interviews: Day 6

2009-11-24T05:54:00.000-08:00

{I am inspired...}

TIFFANY BURKS

I am inspired by everything. I can see something while driving or in magazine and I think of something new to create from it. You can be inspired by anything or anyone.

SAVANNAH O'GWYNN

I am really inspired by analytical people- they tend to THINK before they ACT...and I always ACT before I THINK!

LAUREN SILBERMAN

I am inspired by children's books. Whether its fairy tales or published last month, the creativity of kids' stories is often so open and free. Very conducive to creating illustrations.

12 Days of Christmas Interviews: Day 5 + Homemade Amaretto Recipe

2009-11-23T03:00:00.001-08:00

{I fear...}

TIFFANY BURKS
I fear that my camera battery will die. I have a habit of not charging my camera battery so of course when I need it most it runs out of power.

SAVANNAH O'GWYNN
spiders, insects, snakes, frogs....creepy crawly things!

LAUREN SILBERMAN
I fear losing my creative spirit.

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Handmade Christmas: Homemade Amaretto

So, I've made several Christmas gifts this year and purchased a few from Etsy. But, I'm excited to be starting my favorite handmade gifts this week: Amaretto Liquor. Last year I made this with a lot of success, so I thought that I would share the recipe I used with you. Nummy nummy...

- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups vodka
- 2 cups brandy
- 4 tsp almond extract

Make a simple syrup with the sugar and water: Bring water to boil, add the sugar and simmer for about 10 minutes. Allow to cool to room temperature.
Add the rest of the ingredients and stir to combine.
Bottle them in sterilized containers. I purchased my bottles from here.
Age 1 month at least.

Easy cheesy, right!? And, totally delish! Photo documentation of the whole process to come, of course.

12 Days of Christmas Interviews: Day 4

2009-11-21T18:31:00.001-08:00

{I hope...}
wishin' & hopin'

TIFFANY BURKS
I hope to keep creating things people enjoy. I love getting feedback from customers on how they my die cuts or if I can create something custom for them.

SAVANNAH O'GWYNN
I hope that I can make someone smile or feel better daily--through my actions, words, giving, etc.

LAUREN SILBERMAN
I hope to have at least some positive impact in this world while I can - whether it's through education or art.

12 Days of Christmas Interviews: Day 3

2009-11-20T03:37:00.000-08:00

{I never...}

no, not the drinking game, you naughty readers

TIFFANY BURKS

I never throw any of my paper scraps away. You never know when you just need a small piece of something. They come in great for card making or for mini scrapbook albums.

SAVANNAH O'GWYNN

I never drink-- it isn't something I have tried or want to try. Plus, it just doesn't smell good to me:)

LAUREN SILBERMAN

I never allow myself to be bored. There's too much to try out and do!

Want to read from the beginning? Click here to start from day 1.

Digital Scrapbooking

2009-11-19T08:44:00.001-08:00

First... I should continue my gratitude list from earlier in the week.

Today, I am thankful for PEAR JUICE! I will not get too descriptive with the details, but let's just say it gets "things" moving, and makes for a much happier baby, which makes for a much happier mommy. Too much information? Hey, it's my blog. I'll cry if I want to.

Below, is my effort for this week's Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge.

This is my first attempt at digital scrapbooking. Photoshop has been my BFF for a while now, but I'm a paper lover and I haven't been willing to give up my adhesive and scissors. I certainly wouldn't say I've given them up for good, but I will say that this was a ton of fun! I love a new challenge - and I loved creating this page. Plus, in recent weeks, I have discovered that it is much easier {safer} to work with Photoshop than scissors when there is a sleeping babe in your lap. I'm just sayin!

Thanks for stopping by! And, while you're here... check out our 12 Days of Christmas Interview Series. We are getting to know some fantastic artists. We just started, so check back everyday to get to know these ladies.

12 Days of Christmas Interviews: Day 2

2009-11-19T05:33:00.000-08:00

{I always...}

boy, don't these sound familiar?

TIFFANY BURKS

I always run out of adhesive! When scrapbooking one can never have too much adhesive.

SAVANNAH O'GWYNN

In a group setting, I always try to make everyone feel included- I don't like it when someone feels left out.

LAUREN SILBERMAN

I always want to create new and whimsical things.

Want to read from the beginning? Click here to see day 1.

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Etsy Sellers with Sales

Black Friday through Cyber Monday

12 Days of Christmas Interviews: Day 1

2009-11-18T18:07:00.000-08:00

{I am...}

our artists introduce themselves

Meet our artists. Click on their names to visit their individual sites and check back tomorrow to hear more from them!

TIFFANY BURKS

Hi, I am Tiffany of Tiffzippy. I grew up in Iowa and moved out to southern California 5 years ago and haven't looked back. I love California; I don't miss the snow back in Iowa.

My favorite hobby is scrapbooking and I have been doing it since college, 8 years now. I love taking photos so it lets me create a lasting memory by adding paper, embellishments and things I collect to remember that day. Scrapbooking is a big stress reliever other than exercising. I can just be creative and have fun.

SAVANNAH O'GWYNN

I am Savannah O'Gwynn. My full name is Savannah Barbara Mary Magdalene O'Gwynn. My nickname is Jelly Bean or Sav.

LAUREN SILBERMANN

I am Lauren Silberman. I live in Baltimore, Maryland. I'm a papercut artist, museum educator, tour guide, religious school teacher, author, and overall opportunity junkie. I can't resist trying something new and interesting.

12 Days of Christmas Interviews

2009-11-18T17:56:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow we will begin a 12 day interview series featuring three papercrafters:

1. Tiffany Burks of Tiffzippy
2. Savannah O'Gwynn of Jelly Bean Designs
3. Lauren Silberman of L. Silberman Works

Be sure to come back by to hear all these artists have to share!

Holiday Spirit

2009-11-17T09:03:00.000-08:00

What a great weekend! We had family in town and the whole crew came over for Sunday supper. Reminded me of the "Love Ya Blue" days growing up in Houston - Sunday supper and football at my grandparents' house. Not a lot of time for papercrafting, but lots of pictures of the babe... I like to think of that as "future scrapbooking." :)

This Thursday my 12 days of Christmas interview series will start. I'm super excited about it. I've enjoyed reading the interviews and I think you will too. It is sure to be a lot of fun!

I've been working so hard at preparing the Christmas interviews and Christmas cards for the Etsy shop that I think I've neglected Thanksgiving this year, so I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude.

I am thankful for...

the most beautiful baby in the world; the answer to three years of prayers

a safe and comfortable home

a job that I love that allows me this time to spend with my new beautiful babe

the hubby who has become a fantastic father

a close relationship with my family who lives near enough that we get to see them all the time

the pup - poor girl used to be the babe; she is adjusting well

health

education

music

Mylicon

and so much more.

I created these embellishments for the babe's first Thanksgiving pages in the scrapbook. Loving all of these firsts!

Celebrating Monday

2009-11-09T12:04:00.000-08:00

Monday, Monday. Can't trust that day.

Actually, it's been a pretty great day - with one little hiccup at the park this morning. So, we are 30 minutes into our walk... [we = newborn and I, 30 minutes = 30 minutes away from our car] when the dear babe decides to wail. [wail = red faced, squinting eyes, mouth wide screaming]

What are my options? really?

So... after ensuring that he was safe and dry, I turned around.

And turned the iPod UP.

You will be relieved to know - though not as relieved as I was - that he was dead asleep in about 10 minutes. Poor, poor kiddo.

But during our morning nap, I was able to complete the Mojo Monday sketch challenge. I liked this sketch a lot. It was a fun one. The flashcards are from an earlier Etsy purchase...

Now, I must feed myself before the afternoon nap has come and gone and it is time, yet again, to feed the Bob [as in Marley and the "wailers"]. :)

If you stop by, say hello and let me know what you think. Love meeting the blogosphere. :)

Challenge Catch-Up

2009-11-08T14:06:00.000-08:00

It's been a busy, busy week. I can't even think of what has made it so busy, except that my little babe has decided to become a crier. Alas... it had to happen sometime, I suppose. Sunday football has provided the babe with a father looking to do nothing but sit on the couch and hold him, and therefore, has provided me with some time to craft. I have two projects to share.

First up... I LOVE this card. I completed it for two challenges:
1. Color Throwdown, and
2. Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge.

I intended to "Pile it On," too and stamp a "thank you" sentiment to the coral colored stripe, but I was just to happy with it as it was. Then, I realized I was already behind - there was already a new challenge posted. I was too late, anyway, so... no pile it on for me this week.

And... finally, just because I'm proud. Here is my first scrapbook page feature a real-live (yes, Pinocchio) boy... not an expectant mother. Makes me feel not so behind.

One more update... I'm super excited. We have three interested interviewees for the 12 Days of Christmas interview series coming soon. Can't wait to hear what they have to say! I'm still open to more participants, but if you are interested in sharing, I will need to have your responses by next Wednesday, the 18th, so email me ASAP (thepaperstop@gmail.com).

Owls!

2009-11-04T13:45:00.000-08:00

What a super day! Play date this morning... LOVE grown-up time. Coffee, breakfast tacos, grown-ups... and nobody said, "EEEWW gross! Does he do that all the time??" When the babe spit up his entire bottle down my back. No, instead, I was given support and accolades for remembering to bring a change of clothes with me. Ahh... empathy. :) And, tonight off to my grandparent's for dinner. No cooking and more love. Perfect!

So, here is the latest inspiration from the Etsy Inspired Challenge Blog. Super cute, huh?! Check out the shop by Vivikas if you have a chance.

These little owls were the inspiration behind my little owl tag. I guess I shouldn't call it little since I made it "jumbo." The tag is 5 1/2 inches high. I love it. And... bonus! I listed these tags in my Etsy shop yesterday afternoon, and this morning they were front page. My first ever front pager. Too fun!

ps... I'm looking for papercrafters to interview for the blog. If you are interested, email me at thepaperstop@gmail.com. Looking forward to getting to know you better.

Papercrafting Finds

2009-11-03T05:06:00.000-08:00

Happy Tuesday! I'm certainly hoping for a happier Tuesday, that is. Monday wasn't so happy around here. Poor baby was very uncomfortable all day. Lots of crying. ("Lots" really doesn't describe the endless wailing, but I'm trying to move on.) ;)

Today I just have to share some of my latest favorite finds on Etsy. Now, I can't say that I've used these items... so this is by no means a review. More of a "wish list." Window shopping, if you will. I love window shopping. It is almost as good as actual shopping. . .

Vintage Santa Flashcards Set from Pretty Little Studio.

These would be so delightful in a scrapbook or a set of holiday cards. I'm kind of on a flashcard kick lately.

Handcrafted rubber stamps with original designs from nikoart.
Um, SO CUTE. I totally wish I could do this!

Digital Images for Scrapbooking Cardmaking, etc. from Cocoa Studio.
And, because I am very interested in digital scrapbooking and cardmaking lately, these caught my eye.

Blast Off!

2009-11-02T12:04:00.000-08:00

Ah, Monday! Time for another Mojo Monday sketch challenge. Here is this week's super cute sketch. I love it. In fact, I love it so much, I might I have to create another one and actually use a star next time. I love stars. :)

My take sticks with the star theme, but I was too excited to use these new "spacey" stamps. I've seen some alien stamps floating around the blogosphere lately, and I've been a little jealous, so when I ran into these at the craft store, of course, I had to have them. (Does that sentence abuse commas or what?!?) I borrowed some of my Rudolf noses to embellish the little Martian.

Anyway, thanks for stopping by. Let me know what you think. I can't wait to see all of your creations!

Thinking of You

2009-11-01T14:00:00.000-08:00

We had such a great time celebrating our first Halloween with the babe. He was such a cute little skeleton. Trick-or-treating with a five-week old is kind of like taking a walk in the dark... stroller and everything, but we still had a blast!

Here is the sketch from this week's Sketch Saturday challenge. And my take on the sketch is this sweet little reindeer card. It was supposed to say "be merry," but my brand stinkin' new stamp was defective! How frustrating! Back to the craft store tomorrow to see if I can make an exchange. I'm still very pleased with the card. I made the little reindeer tags. Here is another example of what I have done with the "Eight Tiny Reindeer" tags. Gotta say, I think they are pretty cute. And, I can't wait to see what the scrapbook layout looks like once the baby actually has his first Christmas. ;)

Can you tell I'm getting into the "holiday groove" already? The hubby thinks I'm crazy. Don't worry, I'm not skipping Thanksgiving. Too many blessings not to stop and take notice! Hope you had a fantastic Halloween!

It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas??? But, what happened to Halloween?

2009-10-28T07:28:00.000-07:00

Busy Morning!

After bath time, my aunt came over for a scrapbooking date. Well... really, it was a hold the baby while I scrapbook date, but whatever. We had a ton of fun. (By the way, it is WAY too cold for bath time. How are we going to survive the winter??)

Then, I created this Christmas card for two challenges. The sketch is from Mojo Monday and the colors are from Color Throwdown. The snowman stamp is new and I think he is just too sweet. Doesn't he just scream "Joy?"

And, this afternoon, my first Etsy Christmas presents arrived. Yes, I know, I'm starting Christmas a bit early... but according to my usual schedule, I'm late. I used to (pre-baby) have all of my shopping done by Thanksgiving, wrapping done soon after that. Things have slowed down a bit this year for obvious and adorable reasons. I can show you a picture, but you would really have to smell them to appreciate them. I bought two yummy soaps from Bathing in Luxury. Shown is the honey scent, um yum, but I also purchased the pumpkin pie... Yummy smells and beautifully packaged. Plus, they came with samples, so I can dive in. :)

Inspired by Etsy

2009-10-27T15:37:00.001-07:00

Play date day! I love Play Date day. Now, granted, when your babies are newborns, play dates are mostly for the mommas, but I'll take it. Coffee with the girls. . . love, love, love. Coffee with other girls who also happen to smell like spit-up and don't quite fit into their clothes, even better.

Today's challenge is from the EtsyInspired Challenges blog. This challenge was inspired by The Little Red Door, a fun Etsy shop featuring ceramic miniatures and other pottery. Check it out when you get a a chance. For my card, I really wanted to focus on the "miniature - ness" of the houses, so I tried to make the card a bit bigger than usual... 6x6 with little houses nestled in the corner.

Speaking of Etsy, I've been doing a lot of hunting for Christmas presents - yes, already. But, somehow, I've gotten a bit distracted and found some great papercrafting finds. Here is one of my favorites. It is the "Mini Signs of Christmas" flashcard set from CariKraft. They are little tiny flashcards with Christmas themed words. I already have a ton of ideas for them... cards, tags, scrapbook embellishments. So fun! Can't wait until it arrives!

Thanks for stopping by!

So Much to Share!

2009-10-25T08:49:00.001-07:00

So, on Friday, I asked the hubby, "Is it Friday? Oh, thank goodness."

His response was, "What do you care?" I guess he figures that since I'm on maternity leave, everyday is Saturday for me.

So, he was surprised (for some reason!) when I said, "Because if it is Friday, then tomorrow, I get help."

Lot's to share today...

I've been combining challenges this weekend to catch-up. First, for Pink Elephant sketch, I took this week's sketch and flipped it on it's side. I added some twine for one of this week's 365 Cards challenges. Here is what I came up with.

This is my first Friday Sketchers challenge. I was excited to use my new "gracias" stamp for it. I think it is the cutest. I added some paisley papers for 365 Cards.

Finally, I created this card for the Finally Friday challenge by Kristina Werner at Two Peas. I chose colors from the Color Throwdown. I was really NOT happy with this pomegranate colored paper when I started, but I think that the striped papers in the background really tie it together.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend! :)

Happy Halloween

2009-10-22T12:57:00.000-07:00

The kiddo is napping A LOT today... I even had to wake him up to feed him. I know, I know... I'm breaking that cardinal rule: never wake up a sleeping baby. No worries, he went right back down. ;) So, needless to say, I have been very productive.

In addition to the minimal cleaning I have managed to do, I also finished my 2S4Y challenge card today... and for Pile it On, I made it a Halloween card. My return to blogging combined with the new baby is making me desperately want a new camera. Two very good reasons, doncha think? Now, who wants to write a persuasive letter to my husband pleading my case? Surely you guys understand the necessity, even if he doesn't.

Crafting... with newborn in lap

2009-10-21T15:27:00.001-07:00

So... I'm a new mother. And, I only have two hands. And, I need four hands for just the baby. But, even though my sweet pea is only three weeks old, I am already missing that creative part of me. The part that isn't mom or wife or teacher. So, I'm using every free moment to play with paper. If the baby is sleeping, I'm working on one project or another. (Yes, I've heard all that advice about sleeping when the baby is sleeping.) If the baby isn't sleeping, I'm desperately trying to wield the glue dots in one hand and baby in the other. I think you will appreciate my latest Christmas card all the more if you know that it was completed entirely (with the exception of cutting out the oval) with one hand. Granted, I did give it my right hand, and the poor babe was stuck with the far less capable left. Even now, I am typing with one hand. (Mrs. Martinez, my seventh grade typing teacher would have a fit!)

May I present to you, the one-handed "Be Merry" card for Mercy's Tuesday sketch challenge.

Now, I have some spit-up to manage that is definitely going to require two hands. ;)

Pax, Mojo Monday & 365 Cards

2009-10-20T06:20:00.000-07:00

Two Christmas cards down, 698 to go (or round about that at least)!

Flipped this week's Mojo Monday sketch on the side for this "pax" card. What a great way to use an "X," right? :) The circle embellishment is stamped with a lovely little floral stamp with metallic ink. Too bad it didn't photograph too well. The card also meets the requirements of today's 365 Cards challenge: Use a ribbon, tag and pearl. (Had to substitute metal dots for pearls, but the effect is the same... broke the rules twice in a row, uh-oh!)

Thanks for stopping by. Can't wait to see your cards, too.

Joy - 365 Cards

2009-10-19T14:26:00.000-07:00

Today's challenge at 365 Cards was to use a favorite fabric as inspiration. These afghans are technically not a fabric, but it is the same idea. Both are handmade (and you can guess how much I love that). The first is by an old family friend - made long before I was born, and the second was made by my mother-in-law a few years ago. I took the colors from the green and the shape from the brown. Together, this just screamed "Christmas" to me. So, I have officially made my first Christmas card of the season. What do you think?

Wish Birthday Card for 365 Cards

2009-10-18T14:38:00.000-07:00

Today's sketch for the 365 Cards Challenge seemed super busy to me... and I guess that my card turned out super busy, too. I think the large graphic letters anchor it, though. I love that it is a birthday card... Strangely, I need the most birthday cards, and I make them far less frequently than any other kind of card.

"hey!" 2S4Y

2009-10-16T05:45:00.000-07:00

I have to admit, I was a little intimidated by this week's 24SY sketch. . . but it kept rolling around in my head until I figured out what I wanted to do with it this week. It is not a strict interpretation of the sketch, but I'm very happy with how it turned out. Thanks for stopping by, and let me know what you think.

"hello" Dragonfly, Color Throwdown #64

2009-10-15T11:58:00.000-07:00

My first challenge in a while... a newborn provides one with the best kind of distraction. I am finding a moment here and there to dabble in paper again. Here is my first card in a while. It was inspired by this week's Color Throwdown. I created a set of 8 available on Etsy: http://thepaperstop.Etsy.com.

Getting it Together

2009-10-14T14:02:00.000-07:00

Finally! Maybe.

I've started several blogs and dabbled around Etsy for a while now... but I think I'm getting it together. You know that moment when ideas begin to come together and you finally think you know what you're doing, or at least what you'd like to be doing, even if you aren't quite doing it yet. Here I sit.

The Paper Stop blog is a "workshop" for displaying my work, getting feedback from challenges, building relationships with other paper crafters. . .

The Paper Stop on Etsy is a marketplace for "hocking my wares." You know that dream we all have of making money doing what we love...

So... off we go!