Category Archives: Crafts & DIY’s

Color the Cosmos Adult Coloring Book Review

Color the Cosmos: A Stress Relieving Adult Coloring Book Review and Giveaway

Up until the 1960’s the moon was an unexplored rock and largely a mystery. On July 20, 1969 the entire way we seen the moon and cosmos changed forever.

The moon landing was a not only a scientific feat but one of great personal accomplishment. The mystery of what is up there was a little less mysterious. I personally find it amazing that at any given moment there is somebody who is sitting in a low orbit to earth, with the purpose of studying and learning. I am not sure if we are alone, I almost feel like it is silly for us to think we are the only people smart enough to get beyond our atmosphere. Either way there is one simple fact that remains – they are up against the same hurdles as humans in regards to safe travel.

When I recently received the Color the Cosmos: A Stress Relieving Adult Coloring Book by Daniela Licalzi and Carolina Licalzi for review I began wondering what is beyond our solar system and what or who else lives there. Continue reading →

Paper Pumpkin March 2016 Kit Review

Paper Pumpkin – March 2016 Review and Giveaway

As time marches on so do the days, most days are like the previous day with little to no variance other than a special day or other event. There is an exception to this rule – milestone days. Milestones are those rare, significant moments in life that are generally one time moments.

The month of March 2016 is a milestone month for Stamp’n Up/Paper Pumpkin – the 1,000,000 kit was mailed! As a special treat April 2016 subscribers will receive an exclusive stamp set called “All about Everything”.

This months Paper Pumpkin kit is 3 different ways to present a gift card to a lucky recipient. The name of “Pocketful of Cheer” was appropriate and a great description for any of the lucky recipients of these handmade cards.
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Fashion Forward Adult Coloring Book Review

Fashion Forward: A Stress Relieving Adult Coloring Book Review and Giveaway

Fashion and I have never really gotten along. When I was young each year I would get a stipend in late August with the intended purpose of purchasing clothes for the upcoming school year. This yearly ritual would include the entrance and exiting many different places. Ultimately I would go amount over style and was always proud when I made the stipend go further.

I would purchase pants in a rainbow of colors, and t-shirt/sweaters to match (hey! It was the later 80’s/early 90’s). My favorite items were versatile pieces that could be mixed and matched with other purchased pieces. The pieces were not particularly fashionable, but they were comfortable. I am a huge fan of comfort over what is “in-style”, to this day.

I recently received the Fashion Forward: A Stress Relieving Adult Coloring Book by Minjee Kang for review and it made me realize how fashion forward I am not. Continue reading →

The Hippie Hobby Box – DIY Book Page Gem Magnets Review

The Hippie Hobby Box: DIY Book Page Gem Magnets Review and Giveaway

I am a crafter. I have an entire room dedicated to my crafts, and despite my best efforts that is not enough at times. I tend to lean towards a couple different craft specialties including DIY’s. I love to up-cycle items and re-cycle items that are otherwise deemed unusable.

Due to my propensity to DIY and saving, there is an accumulation of items that are otherwise trash to others. I realize this makes it sound like I am hoarding trash, and that is not the case at all. I simply keep items such as wine corks, glass jars (although I limit myself to one banker’s box worth) as well as any boxes that can be re-covered and used as storage of my random items for “cycling”.

I have thought many times that a monthly box that utilized the spirit of up-cycling and re-cycled craft genre would be a lot of fun. I often speak of luck and this review has a little bit of luck included in that my idea was a reality in the form of The Hippie Hobby Box.

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Smart-Fab Review and Project

Smart-Fab Review and Giveaway

Each year the craft and hobby industries stores, media and crafter’s get together in one wonderful weekend in January. For the first time in 2016 I was able to attend this show. My hope was to discover new things and new crafting mediums that I would be able to share with my readers.

The 2016 show was held in Anaheim and this year featured hundred of exhibitors – all showing what the year had in store for their brands. Upon entry, I took a moment to take everything in and after gaining my bearings I set off on my quest of discovery.

The first company that I came across was Smart-Fab, with their rainbow of color that was scattered throughout their booth. Not only did the bright colors get my attention, but the material itself was so versatile and easy to use.

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Stampin’ Up – Shine On Paper Pack

Stampin’ Up – Shine On Paper Pack – Review and Giveaway

I have a confession … I love paper. I have a collection that is as tall as I am of 12 x 12 paper and I add to it constantly. I learned early on that I was going to have have a problem with paper. The hardest time I have had is when I was forced to store my paper in a outdoor shed. I worried whenever it rained, and wondered if my coveted collection would be water logged.

It took a couple years, and the acquisition of a house with a dedicated craft room, that I was able to reclaim my paper collection. Despite being in a non-water proofed shed, my paper survived and when all was said and done I had very little loss of paper. Since I now have a craft room and a home for my paper I am constantly adding to it, and expanding my collection.

It probably goes without saying, but when I head that Stampin’ Up wanted a little help getting the word out about their “Shine On Specialty Designer Series Paper” and were also willing to give one away, I jumped at the chance!

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Avery Elle Alphabet and Stamp Review

Avery Elle Alphabet Stamp Set and Ink Review and Giveaway

As regular readers can attest, I love to not only send but receive a handmade card. About 6 years ago, I decided that I wanted to have a gathering for my birthday (for those keeping track it was my 35th birthday). I decided that I could have purchased invitations but decided that a handmade invite would be a good way to go.

The handmade cards had a floral theme and by making the cards myself, it was ensuring that the people I invited were truly the people I cared about. The important thing to know about me is that I am very careful and sensitive to the who I send my handmade items to. I spend time, money and love in each project so I tend to share them with the people I know will appreciate the effort involved.

When I was at the Craft and Hobby Show I came across a stamp company called Avery Elle, that also happens to be headquartered in my hometown, San Diego. When I saw the stamps displayed I knew that I had to share with you all, my new find.

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Tin of Cards by Stampin’ UP Review

Stampin’ Up – Tin of Cards – Review and Giveaway

As regular readers will know each month I receive the My Paper Pumpkin kit by Stampin’ Up (previous reviews here). Each month Stampin’ Up sends a full project to My Paper Pumpkin subscribers that range from wrapping accessories, cards and even a calendar.

Since I love the art of sending a handmade card, these kits fit me just fine. I am also a huge proponent of having cards on hand for any occasion that may arise. I love to make cards and them store them in a simple and effective way. My goal is that, if the need arises, Jason can go to our card collection and he is able to easily choose an appropriate card. This system works well for our house, and we are able to remember many occasions that other people may otherwise forget.

I was reviewing the latest Stampin’ Up catalog, and came across the Tin of Cards Project Kit and loved the idea of creating a tin of handmade cards that would help us remember the special occasions and moments in our loved ones lives.

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Tropical Travel Patterns Coloring Book Review

Adult Coloring Book: Stress Relieving Tropical Travel Patterns Review and Giveaway

There are few things that are simultaneously gorgeous, colorful and tropical as actual tropical locations. When I think of tropical items, I think of things such as pineapples, pina coladas, and bright hammock with miles of ocean.

In 2003 I had the chance to travel to Jamaica and I will never forget the vest colors and the vast ocean. The colors were primary and bright, and the trees were a vivid green. When I received the Adult Coloring Book: Stress Relieving Tropical Travel Patterns by Jaimie Horan, I was reminded of that trip and the colors so many years before.

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My Paper Pumpkin February 2016 Kit Review

My Paper Pumpkin – February 2016 Review and Giveaway

Ever since I was a child I have been hearing the nickname “sunshine” – my father would use it for dinner reservations. The reason that this became my fathers trademark name is that my maiden name is close to the “sunshine” nickname.

There is something really happy and positive about days the sunshine is out The way that the light dances around objects, and illuminates the otherwise dark area, Being able to use this nickname gives me a sense of happiness, and positivity.

As sure as the sun will rise tomorrow, this months My Paper Pumpkin kit is full of sunshine and positive greetings. Each month Stampin Up projects are date and time appropriate and February was no different with the name of “Hello Sunshine”.

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