Tag Archives: Crafts

The 2016 Stamp & Scrapbook Expo is Coming!!

2016 Stamp & Scrapbook Expo – Various Locations –

Win a Ticket!

TicketsI began my scrapbooking love before scrapbooking was a real hobby. I would go to the store, purchase sleeves, search for the perfect decorative paper (which was in abundance since “laser printers” were becoming a growing household items. I would purchase stickers by the sheet full, and I would save cute things I saw in magazines. I remember one of my first scrapbooks was for my best friend from high school – summarizing our years as friends.

I recently got to see that early version of  a scrapbook and I am surprised on how ahead of the trend I really was. The homage to a friendship has endured really well over the years despite the lack of time preservation techniques used. Today, that is much less of a concern than it was, as most craft products are acid free and scrapbook safe.

As you can imagine that as a crafter I am super excited about the upcoming Stamp & Scrapbook Expo in Anaheim California!

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Adult Coloring Books Review

Adult Coloring Books: The Ultimate 7-in-1 Collection Review and Giveaway

The Ultimate 7-in-1 CollectionI have a confession – I love a new coloring book. There is something special about cracking open the first page of a coloring book, and perusing through the pictures. I like to imagine the colors I plan to use on each picture to help me make my decision of what I will be coloring. Sometimes I can get lost in the imagery and color.

There is also something else special about coloring and that is when you crack open a new box of crayons. The color and the smell of the wax fills your mind with the possibility of color and combination. The tips and the crayons new and full of options.

When you combine these two factors, what results is an experience of imagination and color combinations. I was thrilled when I received the Adult Coloring Books: The Ultimate 7-in1 Collection because it so happens I have a new crayon box to break in.

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Coloring Animal Mandalas Review

Coloring Animal Mandalas Review and Giveaway

Coloring Animal Mandalas Coloring BookI live near two world famous zoo’s and the diversity and the breadth of animals contained in those gates astound me. The animal that fascinates me more than the others are the lions. The lions are tall, strong, majestic and mostly a mystery. The house cat is a domesticated version of the lion and they are equally mysterious.

I love to get lost in the thought of animals, and I imagine what animals combined to create the colors of many of the animals in our world. I like to imagine the colors, and the combinations and create an animals coloring from my imagination.

I have reviewed the newer editions in the coloring book collection of Wendy Piersall and so it is nice to see where it began. The book entitled Coloring Animal Mandalas by Wendy Piersall takes the combination of animals and mandalas and makes them into one magical image!

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Craft and Hobby Mega Show 2016 Wrap-Up

2016 Craft and Hobby Mega Show Wrap-Up!

CHA IntroI had a dream come true recently, I got to attend the annual Craft and Hobby Mega Show at the Anaheim Convention Center. I have been wanting, wishing and hoping that I would be able to attend this annual gathering of craft companies, craft stores, retailers and media.

I went into this fairly blind in that I was not sure what to expect. I downloaded the application on my phone and tried to map out a plan – that did not work. I did have a couple of priorities including seeing a couple of booths and meeting a couple important VIP’s. Other than that initial plan, I was able to just cruise around.

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Coloring Flower Mandalas Review

Coloring Flower Mandalas: 30 Hand-Drawn Designs for Mindful Relaxation Review and Giveaway

Coloring Flower MandalasGrowing up in California I have been lucky enough to have sun and flowers around me nearly year round. I live close to a flower field, and lucky for us, it is on our regular drive most days. When the flowers are in bloom it is a beautiful and breath-taking and a miracle of nature. The colors range from reds, to oranges, blues, purples and my favorite – the yellows. I will admit that the flowers do get my attention and sometimes can lose me in thought.

With the growing trend of adult coloring books I love to see a flower and mandalas themed book. The book entitled Coloring Flower Mandalas: 30 Hand-Drawn Designs for Mindful Relaxation by Wendy Piersall takes the combination of flowers and mandalas and makes them one gorgeous image!

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Adult Coloring Book: Stress Relieving Cats Review

Adult Coloring Book: Stress Relieving Cats Review and Giveaway

Stress Relieving CatsOften times when I am writing I hit a block – this can come suddenly and despite my best efforts becomes an immovable block. The one thing that tends to assist in removing the block are my cats and their rhythmic purring. I can place them on my lap and just listening to them purr is the antidote to writer’s block.

There is a calm and peace when a cat purrs and the most amazing part is that scientists are not even really sure where the purr comes from and why. I have my theory – I think when my Maggee or Murfee are really happy they like to express it to their humans and this is an automatic happiness reaction.

The one thing that can not be denied is that there is little as calming as a cat purring in your lap. If I was to think of one thing that is also relaxing, I would have to say coloring cats. Since my love of cats is universal, I was thrilled when I received the Adult Coloring Book: Stress Relieving Cats.

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My Paper Pumpkin January 2016 Kit Review

My Paper Pumpkin January 2016 Kit Review and Giveaway

Cute Conversations KitI feel as though we are barely out of the holidays, and now we are approaching Valentines Day. I have mixed feelings about Valentine’s Day, and I will explain why. When I was in my early 20’s I worked for my local card shop, which happen to be known for a crown. I would watch as it crept closer and closer to February 14th, the amount of people looking for the perfect sentiment to share the things they were unable to verbally say.

I always wondered why it was only one day in which my loved one could declare my love to me. I a big believer in that love should be shown each and every day. I believe that love should be nurtured, and we always should appreciate the qualities in our loved ones.

As we embark on this day of love, this months My Paper Pumpkin kit is full of hearts and a way to communicate your love. Each month Stampin Up projects are date and time appropriate and  January was no different with the name of “Cute Conversation”.

The kit this month is an complete kit to make a garland with pockets, which is versatile for a party of two or a party of 20.

Contents of January 2016Each month I look forward to the 10 by 6.5 red box. The kit comes complete with the items you need to create the project for the month. Included in this months box was the following:

Included with each box is not only written instructions with full-color photos but there is an instructional video available (Online Instructions) to help you complete the project each month.

January 2016 Stamp SetThis months stamp choice is love themed and appropriate for any loved one from friend to lover. The flexibility and versatility with these 10 polymer stamps that are included makes this kit versatile birthday cards, scrapbooks or a simple love note.

Included was a stamp pad in Watermelon– this a red color that coordinates well with the paper included and is sharp and bright for the words to stand out. Included in the box was also paper in an assortment of stripe patterns. Also included is thread and sequin which adds a cute accent to each heart on the garland.

Heart StampedThe Cute Conversations theme of this month is a perfect way to show your loved one, you love them. This was a simple and easy project to put together and makes the perfect decoration fr the upcoming love day.

Good Morning SurpriseMy Paper Pumpkin by Stampin’ Up boxes are available for $19.95/month, $59.85/3 months, $113.70/6 months and $215.40/12 months and the shipping is included in the cost. The 6-month is a total savings of about $6, about a $1 a month savings and the 12-month is total savings of about $24, about a $2 a month savings thus ends up totaling the amount of receiving one kit free.

Thank you from MPPClick here to purchase past kits!

For more information about My Paper Pumpkin by Stampin’ Up, click here

You can also find My Paper Pumpkin by Stampin’ Up on Facebook and Pinterest

Let me start by saying that the products featured in this post were provided to me free of charge courtesy of My Paper Pumpkin/Stamping Up, but this in no way will influence the review to follow and all opinions are my own.

GIVEAWAY: My Paper Pumpkin/Stampin’ Up is offering a box to my readers! (1) reader will receive the January My Paper Pumpkin kit! Open to residents in the US only. I will be randomly choosing 1 person on March 9th (3/9/2016) to receive one My Paper Pumpkin monthly kit!!  To enter complete the entries below! Winner will be notified by DealsAmongUs by email and prize will be fulfilled by Stamp’n Up! Remember you have 48 hours to claim prize, or I will choose another winner. GOOD LUCK!!!

Win a January My Paper Pumpkin Kit!

Coloring Dream Mandalas Review

Coloring Dream Mandalas: 30 Hand-Drawn Designs for Mindful Relaxation Review and Giveaway

Coloring Dream MandalasI am a lucky girl, I generally remember my dreams. I tend to have vivid dreams and I remember them in the morning. I see my dreams as a peek into my subconscious mind, and I am fascinated by my dreams. Some days I am disturbed by my dreams and someday’s I wonder what depths of my subconscious they come from.

With the growing trend of adult coloring books I love to see a dream themed book. The book entitled Coloring Dream Mandalas: 30 Hand-Drawn Designs for Mindful Relaxation by Wendy Piersall takes our dreams and makes them into a dreamy hand-drawn image.

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Yoga Kitties Review

Yoga Kitties: A Stress Relieving Adult Coloring Book Review and Giveaway

Yoga Kittys Coloring BookIt is no secret that I am a fan of cats – furry, fur-less and all in between. There is an innocence and a peaceful nature that cats hold, that despite my best efforts, I can not resist. Currently we are a two cat household, Murfee and Maggee. We adopted our Murfee when he was only 9 weeks old and when his ears were larger than his head. Maggee was added about a year and half later when she was just under a year old. Not only are these two my review and constant companions, but they are unique in “purr-sonality”.

Murfee is our trouble maker and Maggee is our sweet cuddle bug. Murfee has always been our cat that looks for the exploit in any situation and then thinks nothing of it when he gets into trouble. Maggee on the flip side never looks for trouble and listens as well as most dogs. Both of our cats love being held and are always down for belly rubs. If I had to choose overall, I would say that my Maggee is my calm soul and Murfee is my chaotic soul.

I have been using my Maggee’s calm soul to calm my own soul so when I heard a yoga themed cat coloring book I had to investigate further as yoga can also calm the soul. The book Yoga Kitties: A Stress Relieving Adult Coloring Book by Dawn Collins is a fun yoga and cat themed coloring book.

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Coloring Ocean Mandalas Review

Coloring Ocean Mandalas: 30 Hand-Drawn Designs for Mindful Relaxation Review and Giveaway

Coloring Ocean MandalasI am a lucky gal, I live a mere stones throw from the ocean as the crow flies. When you really do the journey it is down a one hill and basically up one right next door and about 200 steps at the top to the right and boom: the ocean!

On windy days the ocean breeze becomes clear and I can smell is as if I was actually at the ocean. The ocean makes appearances throughout our life from the name of our network to the name of our cars – the ocean’s presence in our life is clear.

I have seen many coloring books but few related specifically to mandalas and the ocean, until I heard about a new coloring book called Coloring Ocean Mandalas: 30 Hand-Drawn Designs for Mindful Relaxation by Wendy Piersall.

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