Newest Papertrail Cards

It’s been pretty busy in Papertrail Land, as the wedding is only four months away (I’ll be posting some DIY wedding projects soon!) so I haven’t had a chance to make many paper products.  But these are the most recent cards I have made, and I really hope to be able to make more very soon.

Thrifts And Gifts...

In the last couple of months, I've done a lot of thrifting for myself and for an etsy shop I plan on opening in January (I'll post more on that later!)  I wanted to share a few of those awesome finds with you today.
 I'll keep the shop items a secret until they're available for sale.  But for now, these are items I've found for myself…

 Clearly, my favourite item!  It's a phone lamp!  These lamps were given to retiring members of the Manitoba Telephone Service in the 1970's.  Picked this up in a beautiful little antique shop in St. Malo, Manitoba.

I found this string of lights, mini guitar, board game, and key holder all on the same day.  My kids love the little guitar.  Jesse and I have played the game (it's super fun), and I plan on hanging those lights up somewhere in the house very soon!

I have a great plan for this wonderful vintage photo album.  There are a group of very amazing artists on the other blogging site I use, Tumblr.  I plan to purchase an art print from each of these artists and keep them in this nifty album.  

I picked up this cutie for $2 at the last Crafty Minions in August from Bitchin' Kitsch 'n' Kitchen

(check out Lisa's blog, she's hilarious).  I can't get over how adorable these kitties are!  Especially the angry looking one on the right…


So those are my thrifty finds for now.  Check back often for more… since I can't stay away from the shops for long!

A Crafty Little Christmas...

I know, I know, it's been a while.  But I'm here today because I just had to share some of my Christmas cards!  I used to dread making these festive cards, and I'm not too sure why.  I had nothing against the holiday, in fact I love it.

This year, though, I've found I have enjoyed making Christmas cards so much.  Maybe I just had the right materials.  Or maybe I am just full of the Christmas spirit this time around!

Myspace.

No, not that Myspace.  This is my craft space.  It's my little corner of the house.  Usually, I drag all my supplies to the living room and spread everything out in front of me.  But I always like to keep my desk decorated and tidy.

Collages.

At the previous Crafty Minions in March, my pal Andee of Sew Dandee suggested I start framing my work, to be sold as a collage rather than just a card.  I loved the idea and got to work right away!  

Here are a few examples...

Crafty Minions...

Saturday was Crafty Minions!  From 11am until 5pm, I was at Aqua Books in Winnipeg, selling my cards, collages, magnets and more.  I participated in the last sale (in March) and had a blast!  This time was no different.  I was sitting between two talented artisans: 

The Silver Agenda jewellery and Head In The Oven aprons.  

I can't wait for the next instalment, in August!

Contest!

Check this link for a fabulous new contest on my tumblr!  If you don't have a tumblr, no problem! 

Simply leave a comment below to be entered.  

Contest ends Monday May 30th, please click link for details.  

Currently Crushing On...

A list of things I'm currently drooling over...

Find these here!

I recently purchased a pair of glasses from clearlycontacts.ca because they had a promotion going for a free pair of glasses to the first 10,000 people using this particular coupon code.  I decided to take my chances with a pair, figuring if they didn't look good or were poor quality, all I'd lose was $15 (for shipping).  Well, they arrived today, and let me tell you… They are GREAT!  I spotted these babies well after I made that order, so I'm crossing my fingers and toes that they have another promo like that ASAP!!!

Cateye Glasses: $118, clearlycontacts.ca

Find this here!

Colour me kitschy!  I am in love with this deer cardi.  And, it's inexpensive to boot!  There's a dress I've had my eye on from this same shop (ten points if you can guess which one!).  The only reason I haven't bought it yet is because I can't decide what else I'd like to buy from this shop, to save on shipping!

Deer Cardigan :$32, etsy.com/shop/imyourpresent

Find this here!

Can we just take a second to appreciate the many uses and aesthetic appeal this little ditty has?  Imagine, my new cateye glasses (they will be mine!) sitting atop this perfect little holder?  Right?!  Sigh. 

Glasses/Key Caddy: $35,  etsy.com/shop/ArtAkimbo

That's it for today, but I'm an obsessive online shopper… So check back often for more goodies!

Father's Day!

While it seems Mother's Day just passed, us crafters have to look ahead… And the next holiday is: 

Father's Day!  

I love making Father's Day cards, because they make me think of my dad.  He is hilarious, and sensitive, and incredibly thoughtful.  And the older I get, the more I appreciate him and all he's done for me and my family.  

Father's Day greeting card.

Nifty and Thrifty!

There isn't much more satisfying than finding a ridiculously great find at a second-hand store, is there?

I used to work in a Value Village (Savers in the US/UK) and now have a Goodwill right down the street.
Here are a few examples of those diamond-in-the-rough finds:

Ganesh I found for Jesse.

Donuts sign hanging above my desk.

Real butterfly coasters.

Something a lot of people haven't figured out yet, is that Goodwill stores are goldmines for vintage wrapping paper!  Check out these adorable sheets!

I also pick up all of my frames at Value Village, I use them for my collages.  I can often pick up a bag of about four or five for $3.99.  

Lady Luck

So do you remember when I said I got an absolutely amazing gift for Mother's Day?
Well, here it is…

Awesome, right?  I think so.  Now I'm addicted!  I want to find every book I've ever read in my life, and a million that I haven't, and just read.    Daughter needs to get to school?  Sorry, I'm reading.  I have a craft sale in two weeks and should be working?  Sorry, I'm reading.  Forget eating or sleeping, I'm reading.
(that may have been a slight exaggeration, you'll notice I do that from time to time) Perhaps the novelty will wear off, as it inevitably does with everything, but until then… I'm reading.

Ten points if you recognize what I'm reading.

Crafty Minions!

It's almost that time again!  I am getting really excited for the next Crafty Minions Handmade and Vintage Sale!I participated in the last show, and had a wonderful time.  I'm hoping for great weather, and a lot of people walking through the door.  

 Crafty Minions - Handmade and Vintage Sale

May 28, 2011  

10am - 5pm

at Aqua Books

274 Garry St. 

Winnipeg, Manitoba