Big Clearance Sale

http://www.Hermyacosta.stampinup.net

                   If you are in the need of punches they have quite a few at 40% off.  DSP, buttons. ribbon just to name a few of the items!!

Gift Card Holders

These Gift Card holders sold pretty well at my craft show last weekend. Once customers realized what they were made from they were surprised.

Toilet Tissue Rolls!!  I have family and friends save paper towel and toilet tissue rolls for me. I figured I better do something with them and QUICK!!

 The first 12  rolls I used a bone folder and pushed down on the edges to flatten them....my arms were sore. Then I put them on a table and put heavy books on top to flatten them even more.
The next day I started to flatten more and all of a sudden I had this bright idea!!
I have a Big Shot!!!
Put those TP rolls 2 at a time through the Big Shot and roll a couple of times and Voila! 
Works great!

Some I made with pull out tags that hold the gift card and some I just put a small flap with velcro to open and close.

I used Designer Series Paper from Stampin' Up!. I found it easier to use Sticky Strip Tape to adhere the paper to the roll instead of using glue.
On one end of the roll I closed it using the Sticky Strip Tape and on the the opposite end I just inked the inside edges.
I stamped, embossed, added embellishments I had fun!

Paper measurements ( give or take as some rolls are smaller)  are   4 1/2" by 6"

 From this

to this

Holiday Bazaar

The Holiday Bazaar was held last weekend at the Veterans Memorial Building. This year it was a 2 day event. Whew!! Even though I had fun it was a lot of work. 
 I met so many wonderful people, (vendors and customers). A couple of my clients from my manicuring days came by, that was really special.
A lot of people signed up for workshops and classes! Yeah!
My biggest sellers were the Snowman Soup, Gift Card Holders and the Rosettes. 
My granddaughter Alexis helped me on both days. She is such a great helper. She made a few bracelets and duct tape wallets to sell.  She took pictures as we were setting up. Here are a few pictures of our booth.

It was a successful show for Alexis and I. We had fun!

Buddy

  A couple of months ago my daughter called and wanted to let me know that she and her family now own a dog. 
So I asked the usual "mom" questions..you know, who will take the dog for a walk, clean up his "mess", watch him when/if they go out of town etc etc.
She reassured me that all will be fine. (so far so good)
I guess I sounded unsure because she sent me this picture of her new Puppy, named Buddy.

who could resist!

Fall Wreath

Whew! I am full! I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving. We did. Family, friends, food etc. This year everyone brought a dish or two so I didnt have to do all the work. I actually was able to enjoy the day.

It was also my daughter Charlottes birthday. Wow 32 years old. Seems like yesterday she was born. She didnt want a cake because we were going to have so many pies.... so we put the candles on a Pumpin Pie (one that she made lol) and we sang the traditional in tune : )  Happy Birthday.

I made this  Fall Rosette Wreath using DSP fom Stampin Up and I stamped and cut leaves from cardstock. Used my Big Shot and SUP Button die and made paper buttons.  I cut a circle from Foam Board and hot glued it all together. She loves it.

I am addicted to making the rosettes!! I cant stop. I have made several rosette ornaments, tags etc for my upcoming craft show (and anything else!!!). So much fun.
In fact I think I will go and make some more for a Christmas Wreath.....

http://www.Hermyacosta.stampinup.net

StampinUp!

I have been busy with Stampin Up. I have a great Upline, always ready to share and she answers my questions as best she can. I have been attending classes, learning new things, having workshops and meeting new people.

I did a  small craft show last month. Sold a lot of the paper rosettes, wreaths, gift card holders and even had a few people sign up for workshops and classes starting in January. I am excited about that. My husband even helped out, of course he spent a lot of time at the bakery sale items! Yes he did share with me. : )

I have a Craft Show coming up  December 3 and 4 at the Veterans Memorial Bldg in Lompoc, Calif. The event opens at 9 am and closes at 5pm. Stop in if you are nearby. Many Vendors, Handmade items, food, prizes, Santa lots of fun. This show is always a success. So much so that this year instead of a one day show, it is 2 days!!

I am also busy with the American Legion Aux. Dist 16 California. I am the Historian and Special Project Chairman for our District President. Her Special Project is Financial help for Miltary spouses/families. She asked me to make some cards, candles etc to sell to raise money for her Project.I am more than happy to help. I sell them at our District Meetings, Posts, and my Etsy and Artfire shops. Here is one of the cards I made.

I made a few different cards but this one is my favorite.

Thanks for stopping in.

Where did April and May go?

It has been a hectic past few months.  In April my 95 yr old step dad fell , 5 paramedics had to pick him up. Luckily no broken bones. He is a big guy (and a sweetheart). He is a retired Lt  Colonel so a bit stubborn too!! Now he is in a convalescent home for physical therapy. He wants to come home. : (  The home is an hour drive one way. I take mom to visit which is another 1/2 hour drive one way to her house....so 3 hours of driving....whew.................. It is worth it though to see his smile when we walk in.
We are hoping he can come home soon as we all miss him.
Prayers are appreciated!
Over the weekend my brother took mom to visit him and today moms neighbor is taking her Last month.my older siblings even came to help out... one lives up North the other out of State. Thank God for a wonderful close loving family.
   On Saturday I went into my craftroom and just went into a creative mode....awww felt good... It has been awhile.
I made some cards and I am slowly listing them on etsy and artfire.

I made the Butterfly cards from my Strength and Hope Stamp Set from Stampin' Up!

Stampin' Up! will donate $2.00 from the sale of each Strength & Hope set and Strength & Hope digital kit to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). 

 For more info check  here  www.Hermyacosta.stampinup.net

I have a lot of catching up to do so I best get going..........
Have a wonderful day!

www.craftnique.etsy.com
www.craftnique.artfire.com

Owl ATC

I love to Trade ATC's and I also make ACEO's to sell. An ATC is Artist Trading Card. Trade only. You cannot sell them. An ACEO is Art Cards Editions and Originals those you can sell.


They are fun to collect.

They are miniature works of art about the same size as a baseball card 2 ½ X 3 ½ inches (63 mm X 89 mm)

Artist signs and dates the back of the card and some like a Title/Name

I decided to make one using my Stamp'in Up! Stamps, Inks ,Paper and Markers.

I used the Whisper White Cardstock. It has a very soft smooth texture and is sturdy.

I want to make a few more and put my SUP info on the back, a cute business card dont you think!

I also plan to make some ATC's at my next class!
 

www.Hermyacosta.stampinup.net

Evening Sky

We finally have some nice weather here. Not sure how long it will last so I am enjoying it while I can.
Last evening as I arrived home I couldnt help but notice the sky..... It was beautiful! I decided to take some pictures.I took these pictures just 2 minutes apart. The first one is looking at the south /west and the second is looking in the west.

More cards!

Yup I am having fun!

Cards for Spring

I had a fun day with my Stampin'UP! group the other day. We made a few cards, here are 2 that I made.

The top card uses a cool technique with the ribbon and I embossed the cardstock with the Big Shot.
The bottom card is my favorite. It has a vintage look to it. The flower was cut using the Big Shot.

new demonstrator

I am excited to say that I am now a Stampin'UP! Demonstrator. I am having so much fun doing what I love to do!  My friends and family are asking "Why didnt you do this before?"
 I thought I would be limited on what I can and cant do but not really! I can still sell my projects(cards,paper projects and gifts etc.) on Etsy and Artfire and craft shows!!.
I can use my Big Shot because Stampin'UP! carries it and  the dies!!  That makes me REALLY happy!
The help and support from the company and my upline is unbelievable.

My new web site is
http://www.hermyacosta.stampinup.net/

Fabric Art Collage Book

Fabric Art Collage by  Rebekah Meier. 
C&T Publishing

I thought I would take a look at this book because I have always been interested in fabric,collage and art. After reading it...I am hooked. I cant wait to get started.

This is a  good introduction to mixed media work.

It is an instructional book with techniques, from Stamping to Distressing to Texture.
There is a Tools and Supplies list a Materials list..... all  that are clearly described and photos of each!!

Nine Sections in all!!


Rebekah gives examples and ideas for using each technique as well as combining various techniques to produce a finished piece.The finished pieces can be used in cardmaking,jewelry, and more.


She works with a wide variety of  Fabrics,Threads, Fibers, Paper and Oh!!  Paper Buttons!!!   You will find that  in the embellishments section!


I would recommend this book.

February 8, Anniversary!

Today my husband and I have been married for 32 years. We have been together for 34 years and have known each other for 40 years! Wow!   He worked with my older brother and they became best friends. I remember when I first met him, I thought he was handsome but too old and he thought I was cute but too young! He was 28 years old and I was 18 years old!!  lol!  We became good friends. We finally went out on a date 6 years later and have been together ever since. We are still good friends!

You would think with all the snowstorms going on Spring hasnt arrived. Well, someone tell California that!We are having nice weather here on the Central Coast. The sun is out, temperatures are in the 60's to 70's (it does drop to 30 at night). I do love warm sunshiney days!
 I looked out my back window and saw that my daffodils are blooming! Such a beautiful  deep yellow color. They bloom every year.
Here are some pictures. Hope they brighten your day!

CHA Monday!

Monday was an awesome day at CHA. I walked all over the place,met soooo many people and made a lot of nice things at the "Make and Take" booths.
First thing I went straight to the Plaid Booth and got a picture with Cathie Filian and Steve Piacenza (remember I forgot to get pics on Sunday)  : )

They were demoing (is that a word?)  the new Glue Gun Helpers. WOW! Great new product.  You can read more about it here  http://www.cathieandsteve.com/  Another cool product was the Mod Podge for Fabric. Lots of ideas with this stuff!

Then I walked over to the Makins Clay Booth. I wanted to meet Ann Butler. Not only did I meet Ann I also met Annie Mangelsen, daughter of the late Bill Mangelsen, Founder of Makin’s Clay® and her husband. The entire group were so friendly, and fun!. I walked away with a bag full of goodies and...I love this stuff. I will blog about Makins Clay at another time. Here is their website http://www.makinsclay.com/US/eng/home.htm

I also met Eileen Hull and Lorine Mason 

I met Cliff and Andrea Currie, hosts of Craftastic Live http://andreacurriecrafts.com/craft-tastic-live

and of course sisters Tiffany Windsor and Heidi Borchers http://www.facebook.com/#!/Cool2Craft

Notice the necklace Heidi is wearing....made from soda cans!!! It is beautiful!!We are posing in front of
Heidi's Hubcap and Soda Can art sculpture featured at the iLovetoCreate booth

I wish you could see this in person. The colors are so bright and pretty. The center (which I meant to ask Heidi)..I think they are caps from Markers. So cool !!
I met Linda Peterson and Maria Given Nerius   but... I forgot to get  pictures...: (
Actually I was so busy that I forgot to take a lot of pictures!! It was constant movement!

 I am so happy to have met all of you!  Thank you for making my visit at CHA fun!

CHA Sunday

 I have been so busy since I got home from CHA.
One thing about attending the CHA Trade Show...You really get INSPIRED!!! So many fun projects, wonderful people...gosh! A lot of new products that will be coming out in March or later.

I stopped by  the Provo Craft Booth. The new Cuttlebug is cool. The embossing folders now have small  pieces that you can reposition anywhere on the folder/card. I like that idea!

I did a few make and takes. I made a cool pouch with Tiffany Windsor using the new Aleenes Fabric Fusion Adhesive... it really Fuses, great product. It will be available in March so keep an eye out for it. Keep checking http://www.cool2craft.com/ for more info.

I met Crafty Chica...

Lisa Fulmer did demos using TAP and Lutrador. I love what TAP can do and to see it in person...amazing.
More info on TAP here http://www.lisalizalou.com/buy_supplies/tap_-_transfer_artist_paper 

Then I wandered over to  the Ranger  Booth....lots and lots and lots of new cool products. Wendy did one demo after another I didnt want to leave. There were 4 of us watching and we just kept asking her to show us more.  No I didnt get to meet Suze : (

While I was standing there I noticed that the there was a big crowd hanging around , they were watching a demo and taking pictures  flash flash flash then I realized why...yup Tim Holtz was demonstrating. It was like that everytime he came out to do a demo! LOL

This was the best I could do to get a picture

The Booths were set up in 7 sections, upstairs the Booths were set up in  5 sections. The biggest being Scrapbooking and Paper Crafts. Downstairs  were 2 sections.. New Exhibitors and License and Design. I picked up a directory which has 114 pages, aack 24 pages were just the exhibtors names and booth # in teeny tiny print. Thank goodness they had a pull out map whew!

 to be continued..........................

Aluminum Can ACEO/ATC

Heidi Borchers shared some ideas using aluminum cans on http://www.cool2craft.com/. She cut the can with a pair of scissors, how easy peasy is that!?  So I started collecting cans. I washed  and dried them and then I cut the cans just like Heidi  said to do.  I put the cut pieces in their own special box.
In the chat room on cool2craft someone said you can use a punch!!!!   : 0
I got out my butterfly punch and started punching out butterflies!! It was cool! I had colorful butterflies on my craft table!
I used my Texture Boutique and started embossing small square pieces, then big pieces and THEN  I got out my alcohol inks... oh my I was on a roll.. What fun!
I made an ATC for a swap group that is hosted by Lisa Fulmer on http://www.facebook.com/#!/LisaLizaLou

Then I made an ACEO and listed it on my Etsy http://www.craftnique.etsy.com/
I am liking this aluminum..............

Metal Stamp Set Giveaway

 

Just wanted to let you know of this cool give away over at http://lorianderson.blogspot.com/

vinyl decals

I am really enjoying this warm weather that we are having here on the Central Coast! Upper 70's.
I seem to have more energy when that sun shines bright! LOL

I like to use sticky back vinyl for a lot of my projects. So I got out my Cricut Exp. and started cutting and playing. I cut a butterfly and layered it. Now it sits atop my laptop. So pretty. It is removable so when I want  to put another decal on my lap top I can remove the butterfly and put her on something else.

I also took some black vinyl spelled out NO SOLICITING on my cricut,cut it out.. and you guessed it...put it on my front door.

I made some pink ribbons and black peace symbols. I am selling them in my artfire shop. They are 1 inch,and 2 inch sizes.
Check them out  http://www.craftnique.artfire.com/
Now back to the craftroom and use some of this energy!!

How to make a scallop flower

I was asked  how I make my scallop flowers.
There are a variety of methods to making these here is my method.

You will need: card stock or any similar paper, a 1 inch round scallop punch, small brad, water in a spray bottle, and something to poke a small hole..tack, large needle,

Punch 8 round scallops

Lightly spary with water. Dont get them too wet . Then crumble each piece.

Let them sit for a couple of minutes. Then open each one carefully

Once open stack all 8 circles one on top of the other. Poke a hole in the center..depending on what you are using you may have to poke 2 at a time.

While still damp bring up top scallop and crunch towards center. Continue all the way to last scallop...one at at time.

Squeeze all togther. Now open carefully each scallop until you have the desired look.

You can leave it or spray the flower with glimmer mist, paint, or add glitter etc.

I sprayed mine with a homemade glimmer mist

Glimmer mist is a small spray bottle filled 3/4 with water, a few drops of Pearl Medium and if you want color add a few drops of acrylic paint. Shake well and shake well before each use.

paper flowers

While staying with my mom while she was recovering from heart surgery I brought along some small craft items. I didnt want to bring my paints etc and I needed to do something that she could do too. I had cut out some scalloped circles sprayed them with water and put mom to work! She would crumble the circles and open them up to dry. She did 1 to my 4 but hey  she was helping and "doing" something. Then I put them together sprayed them with my own homemade "glimmer mist" and set them out to dry. My mom loved them. I gave her  quite a few of the flowers to do whatever she wants with them. Lol! She put them nicely in a bowl and set it on her coffee table.  Shes happy.
Now she wants me to come over and make small roses out of paper. I am getting my supplies ready!!