Tag Archives: handmade

Designer Tin of Cards by Stampin’ Up Project Kit Review

Stampin’ Up – Designer Tin of Cards – Project Kit Review + Giveaway

Recently I received a card from a dear old friend. This is a person who I had lost touch with for many years, and through the use of modern technology I was able to track down her email. While I had her email for a couple of days, I was hesitant to hitting the send button.

I finally decided to hit the send, and held my breath for her to reply. I had included my address in case she wanted to send me a mailed letter. The same day I heard from her I also received a physical card in the mail. Almost instantly I was filled with an excitement and could not wait to open this letter from a long-lost friend.

While the card was simple, the sentiment meant the world to me. With a simple card, the years between us melted away and a fresh start was beginning. When I got the Designer Tin of Card Project Kit I began to think of the ways that I could give someone the same thing that the card I received gave me. Continue reading →

Paper Pumpkin: November 2016 Kit Review

Paper Pumpkin – Wonderful Winterland – November 2016 Kit Review + Giveaway

When I was young the idea of mail was beyond my imagination. There was something magical that with something as simple as an address, people can get trinkets and letters from loved ones. This was in the day before I knew about bills and thought the world was full of rainbows.

Now that I am adult, I accept that most of the mail I receive is bills, except for this time of year. This is the season of family updates, family photos and letters – I love this time of year!

When I received the November 2016 Paper Pumpkin kit “Wonderful Winterland”, the decision was made that these would be in the lineup for our 2016 Holiday cards.

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Stampin’ Up: Stitched Shapes Framelits Set Review

Stampin’ Up – Stitched Shapes Framelit Dies and Stamp Set Review + Giveaway

I love when we can break the rules and break from the everyday norm. There are few times as adults that we can break the rules but when we do they are generally small things such as taking a work ditch day.

When companies do this it is for marketing purpose and it is more promotion than avoidance of adulting. Many times companies release their product in a yearly catalog or look-book, This gives a central place where the product are listed and featured.

On November 1^st, Stitched Shapes Framelit Set will be available outside the yearly catalog and will continue to be available beyond November. As an added bonus this is being added to the regular product line.

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I Modify IKEA Review

I Modify IKEA: Furnishings from Everyone’s Favorite Store, Customize for Your Home – 50 Fun & Creative Decorating Projects Review and Giveaway

When I was young I gave very little consideration to my dressers, bath mats, books shelves and all other storage items. As I have gotten older I have noticed that many times I find the items I am looking for but many times it is not the right color or there is a minor thing that could be changed for the piece to be perfect.

Often times this fact is driven home to me when I go to my local IKEA and I see the rows and stacks of boxes. I see those boxes, and dream of all the possibilities inside. From the colors, to the adding of elements – each piece really can be personalized.

When I received the book I Modify IKEA: Furnishings from Everyone’s Favorite Store, Customized for Your Home by Charlotte Rivers and Elysse Major for review it was clear that I was not the only person in the world that also sees this world of possibilities.

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Paper Pumpkin October 2016 Kit Review

Paper Pumpkin – Season of Gratitude – October 2016 Kit Review and Giveaway

It is hard to imagine that we are starting to enter the holiday season. I have officially seen my first holiday commercial complete with music!

What is often overlooked is in our march towards this time of year, it is also important to remember to show gratitude. When I think of this coming time of year, I always reflect on what I am thankful for and the people I appreciate the most.

When I received the October 2016 Paper Pumpkin kit “Season of Gratitude” I knew I had received the cards I wanted that would show all the people I care about some gratitude.

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Stampin’ Up: Stitched with Cheer Project Kit Review

Stampin’ Up – Stitched with Cheer – Project Kit Review + Giveaway

One of my favorite times of the year is when I start to receive holiday cards. I love to hear from people that I lose touch with throughout the year, and seeing the happy photos.

When I was young I was in charge of the yearly holidays cards and I would look forward to it. Each year I would look forward to choosing the perfect cards for the recipient. I loved verifying addresses and updating my “master list” spreadsheet. I credit this yearly ritual to giving me the handwriting ability I have today. Now that I am older and have a home and “furmily” of my own I tend to do our own holiday cards.

Instead of purchasing cards I tend to make them by hand. I begin my search early in the season and many times I purchase the supplies throughout the year. This year my card making will be made easier since receiving the Stitched with Cheer Project Kit by Stampin’ Up which is a 18 card kit and the perfect way to show my appreciation for friends and family.

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Stampin’ Up: Pretty Kitty Stamp Set Review

Stampin’ Up – Pretty Kitty Stamp Set Review + Giveaway

Sometimes as cat guardians we are put into funny and odd positions. As the humans we are the source of love and attention, but we are also responsible to clean their litter boxes and clean up hairballs when they invariable come up.

It is difficult for non-cat owners to understand why after the bad we would continue to love these furry mess makers. One of the best ways that I express my cat lady love to my friends is through the sending of cards. The stamps that I like the best are the ones that integrate my love of cats.

Since I am always on the search for cute, high quality and useful cat themed items, when I saw the Pretty Kitty Clear-Mount Stamp Set I knew that it was the stamp set I had been wanting.

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Stampin’ Up: Oh Happy Day Card Kit Review

Stampin’ Up – Oh Happy Day Card Kit – Review and Giveaway

As time has gone on I have noticed that time is much more of a commodity. The goal now-a-days is to maximize time and consolidate tasks as much as possible.

I have noticed that as we get older events are brushed under the rug, and the dates that were once special no longer hold the same reverence.

The first time I realized this was in my mid-30’s and it was my birthday. I remembered days when I received cards in the mail, and phone calls from everyone in my phone list, and I noted that that birthday was different. It seems fitting that since I am all about nostalgia and celebration that I acknowledge dates otherwise pushed aside.

Since I am a traditional girl, I love to send cards to loved ones for holidays and events, and even my neighbors have received cards for their special days. When I saw the Oh Happy Day Card Kit I knew it would be the perfect for the occasions that I want to commemorate.

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Labor of Love Co: DIY Soy Candle Kit Review

Labor of Love Co: DIY Soy Candle Kit Review and Giveaway

About 10 years ago I decided I wanted to make candles for my family, friends and for myself. I purchased books, and diligently read whatever I could find online about candle making.

I found the process long, and honestly quite dangerous – have you been burned by hot wax before? Needless to say that initial foray into candle making scared me and I decided to back off until the process was streamlined and not as complicated.

Recently Labor of Love Co reached out to me to review one of their DIY Soy Candle Boxes and since I enjoy making candles I accepted. I was also eager to see if the candle making process could be simplified and made with only the ingredients sent in a box.

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Tin of Tags by Stampin’ Up Review

Stampin’ Up – Tin of Tags – Review and Giveaway

If there is one thing that I find occuring earlier are the holiday advertisements. My first thought is usually a plea to hold of on the passing of time, and why start advertising so early.

As I have gotten older I see there is a very practical reason for this mass holiday marketing, and while much of it is over my head, it boils down to planning. Most people start planning for the holidays and gift giving 6 months before the holiday.

The other thing that starts coming out this time of year are the holiday catalogs. While I know we still have some time before the holidays are thrust upon us, it is never to early to start planning. On September 1st Stampin’ Up released its Winter 2016 catalog and that is where I encountered this Tin of Tags Project Kit. I thought it might be fun to have this early holiday giveaway in support of the catalog release!

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