Tag Archives: DIY

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.

Continue reading →

Ocean Animals Patterns Adult Coloring Book Review

Adult Coloring Book: Stress Relieving Ocean Animals Patterns Review and Giveaway

The ocean is a vast space and believe it or not it is said that only 5% of the Worlds Oceans have been discovered. That means that with an average depth of 12,000 feet that is billions of cubic yards that are yes to be discovered.

Jason and I often comment on the above statistic and we dream and wonder what creatures lurk beyond the surface. I often think of krackens, and epic sea creatures that are only seen in the movies. Jason is a bit more macabre, with colossal squid that devour other small and weaker creatures.

When I received the Adult Coloring Book: Stress Relieving Ocean Animal Patterns by Daniela Licalzi and Carolina Licalzi for review it began to occur to me that as vast as the ocean is, there are some creatures we know about. Continue reading →

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.

Continue reading →

Adult Coloring Book: Flower Patterns Review

Adult Coloring Book: Stress Relieving Flower Patterns Review and Giveaway

When I was younger I was not a flower fan, and then one day I was walking past the floral display at the local farmers market I noticed the beauty that had always been in front of me. I took a hard look at those flowers, and then I noticed a couple were garnering more of my glances than the others.

The flowers that made me look twice were the Gerber Daisy’s and sunflowers. I can honestly say that these are my two favorite flowers and I have a hard time not smiling when I see a bright flower. When I think about it, it makes sense that I would like these two since they are all about the color. The sunflower can be either an orange/yellow or a solid yellow and are beacons for bees looking for a flower to pollinate. The daisy is a simpler, more delicate flower, but equal in color and variety ranging in color to blues, yellows and pinks.

When I received the Adult Coloring Book: Stress Relieving Flower Patterns by Alexandra Doffing for review I immediately looked to see if my two favorites were included. Continue reading →

Steampunk Ocean Coloring Book Review

Steampunk Ocean: A Nautical Adult Coloring Book Device Review and Giveaway

Over the past 20 years there has been an artistic movement that combines clockwork, and industrial images and combines them with mainstream concepts and images to create a new genre of art. The formal definition of steam punk is more a genre of science fiction that typically features steam-powered machinery and not advanced technology.

I became familiar with this movement when I noticed that some of the games Jason played did not have the typical video game look. About 2 months after this discovery a makeover show was on that was redoing a bar into a steampunk theme. I was fascinated and loved the industrial twist on a modern locale.

When I received a copy of Steampunk Ocean: A Nautical Adult Coloring Book Device by Bonnita Moaby for review my mind began thinking in copper and metallic colors. Continue reading →

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.

Continue reading →

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.

Continue reading →

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.

Continue reading →

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”.

Continue reading →