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Etsian Feature: Two Paper Addicts

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The Etsy shop:TwoPaperAddicts is the brainchild of Rose and Cris, two etsy friends who became cross country best friends, and who both have a serious addiction to anything paper. Rose lives in Michigan and teaches high school literature, chemistry and biology full time. She has two young boys who keep her busy, and a husband. Cris lives in Colorado. She retired from Corporate America where she taught time management among other things and has forgotten everything she knew!! She has a husband and two yellow labs who try to tell her she is on Etsy too much.

Much of the above I borrowed directly from their shop profile on Etsy! :0) They are teammates of mine on the EASL team  which stands for Etsy Artisans Success League. They both have separate shops of their own. They sell such lovely paper goodies.

Like these:

 

These are just a few of their lovely items. Stop by and say hi and that you saw their wonderful paper goodies on Chocolate Dog Studio.

Thanks,

Karen

Super quick Valentine Party!

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I decided about 2 pm on Valentine’s day that our family needed a special dinner. Specifically, that the man that bought the roses needed a pampering dinner. He doesn’t make much of a fuss about not getting special treatment, but he has been working extremely hard and needed some appreciation. So youngest dear daughter baked her first cake (chocolate wacky cake), and I frosted it.

Here is the Wacky Cake recipe:

3 cups of flour (being sure to level off the top of the cup measure after each scoop)

6 Tablespoons of cocoa

2 cups of sugar

2 tsp of baking soda

1 tsp of salt

Put all of these in the sifter and sifted them into a bowl. Then she stirred in the last four ingredients

2 cups of cold water

3/4 cups of salad oil (we used canola)

2 Tablespoons of vinegar

2 Teaspoons of vanilla

Stir it all together and pour it into your cake pans. We baked this at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Cool it and then frost as you choose.

The kids helped set the table, and iron a real red and white checked tablecloth. I do have a thing for table cloths besides they absorb spilled milk before it reaches the floor. :0) I started using tablecloths when the kids were much younger and the table over a carpet.

I took a  minute before the cake mixing started and made this garland. Yes, I was also on the phone and I am sure that my friend thought I was insane.

Here is the picture of the garland.

It took me about ten minutes, left over pink ribbon and scrapbook paper I will never, ever use for anything!  I cut out the hearts free hand with about four sheets of paper stacked together at the same time.  Using the straight stitch on my sewing machine I just sewed them onto the left over  cream seam binding and then the left over pink ribbon. Done! A heart garland to hang where my wooden words normally hang.

Our daughter wrote super quick place cards and put them on the plates. The guys set the table and carried in the super easy tamales(from the freezer section and steamed in the rice steamer). That along with the beans, rice, chips and salad made for a great meal. Everyone was happy and dinner was special. Did anyone notice the super quick garland? Nope!  Does it bother me, no! I called attention to it and everyone was happy. Blue moody feelings banished and everyone was pleased! Was the house spotless? Nope! Memories made and everyone happy! If we wait until everything is perfect then we will never create memories with our children or I am completely stressed and they are too.

What did you do special for Valentine’s day?

talk to you later,

Karen

Thankfulness Challenge day 2 and 3

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Ok, I missed writing yesterday caught up in creating little paper flowers for my Etsy shop! We are all snowed in here at home and probably will be for several more days. So today I get to write 6 things I am thankful for and 2 things I like about myself.

Things I am thankful for

1. A back that is healthy and  works for shoveling snow; granted I only worked for 20 minutes or so to give the guys a breather.

2. The pellet burner in our house. It has the ability to heat almost the whole upstairs and the cave of a living room on one bag of pellets for 12 hours. It provides a lovely glow and warmth to the room. It came with the house and for many years (due to asthma) we did not run it, but the asthma has diminished so we can once again run the burner.

3. Dogs! Our dogs that bark to remind us that it is time to get up and to care for others.

4. Two daughters! :0) They are wonderful people, talented and caring individuals. As beautiful inside as they are on the outside. Not perfect but awesome anyway.

5. Two sons, that work hard and keep us laughing!

6. Work! We have done the without work thing. No matter what the job, a regular paycheck is a wonderful thing.

That retaining wall is hip high. This should give you an idea of how deep the drifts are.

Done, whew I can now mark this off my list!

Now two things I like about myself.

1. I am good with color. What does that mean? Well, I have been known to buy items of clothing from one store one year and then get something that matches at a completely different store without trying to!

2. I am a pretty decent from scratch cook and I have taught my kids to cook from scratch. They can follow a recipe and create everything from pizza to cake to homemade bread. The biggest part of this is that they are not afraid to try! This also means that we have eaten some interesting dinners from time to time. lol

Ok, that is it for today!

Talk to you later,

By the Way, What are your three things to be thankful for and one thing you like about yourself? Leave me a note and tell me your three things and one thing about yourself that you like.

Etsian Interview: Snugglebugkidz!

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Etsian Interview with Snugglebugkidz!

 

 

 

Snuggle Bug Kidz was born out of the desire to find good quality, fun clothing, and accessories for my kids. When I gave birth to my first daughter we didn’t know she was going to be a “preemie,” she weighed in at only a little over 4 pounds.  I couldn’t find anything in the stores that would fit her. No retail outlet in our area even carried preemie clothing.  This is where the beginning of Snuggle Bug Kidz took place. With no where else to turn, I began asking family and friends if they could help make some clothing for my daughter.

Almost exactly 4 years later my 2nd daughter was born. At birth she had a perfectly round head but over time she developed  Plagiocephaly  which is a cranial abnormality which causes your child’s head to be lopsided . With the help of our Dr. we were able to get her fitted for a CranioCap Orthosis to help correct the problem. While having a conversation with her Dr. I realized the huge need for a decorative hat for these orthosis. The CranioCap was a ugly plain white plastic helmet. I couldn’t believe there wasn’t anything to cover these things !  I began discussing with the Dr. about how we could cover these plastic helmets in a way that makes it fun for the kids and the parents. The Dr. had said many parents won’t go in public with the helmets on and therefore the children end up in them for much longer then they need to. This was my ” AH-HA moment”…

 

  http://www.etsy.com/listing/60901796/bubble-yumbubble-gumhot-pink-and-lime

As time went on and the busyness of life took over I began to realize the huge need for not only preemie clothing, and CranioCap covers, but for the need to celebrate the FAMILY as a whole.  We’re all different. We all come in different shapes and sizes, and we all have our funny quirks !

 

  http://www.etsy.com/listing/60831468/i-love-yousingle-glass-button-clippieno

Being a young mom of 3 has it’s challenges and one of those challenges is to find good quality merchandise at a great price. As my kids have grown and their personalities began to shine I wanted to make accessories, and clothing, that matched who they were… FUN…ACTIVE..and PLAYFUL….this is where the Snuggle Bug Adventure began! . With the help of two great friends, Ashley and Rebekah,  I believe we’ve created a brand of clothing and fun accessories that will truly bring a smile to anyone who wears them.

  http://www.etsy.com/listing/60389798/the-clippie-clutchstrawberry

Made in Oklahoma artist: Willow Creek Jewelry

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Today our Made in Oklahoma Artist is Willow Creek Jewelry!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/51548449/copper-burma-jade-carnelian-jasper-agate

WillowCreek Jewelry Studio
Choctaw, Oklahoma

http://www.etsy.com/shop/willowcreekjewelry
http://www.facebook.com/willowcreekjewelrystudio

My name is Wendy and I’m a jewelry designer in Choctaw, Oklahoma. I’m a critical care nurse by trade and even though I’ve never had any formal art training that’s never stopped me from creating. I have always enjoyed crafting with various mediums such as painting, doll making, quilting, soap/candle making, pottery and cake decorating.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/57241787/dangle-hoop-earrings-handmade-copper
About five years ago I wandered into a local bead store and it was love at first sight. I began making jewelry for family and friends; progressed to selling my designs in a very hip salon and spa in Missouri and then opened my Etsy shop, WillowCreek Jewelry Studio, in August of 2009. I especially enjoy working with natural semi-precious gemstones, unique glass and oxidized metals. I like to create one-of-a-kind pieces however; I will recreate similar pieces as special orders. To keep my designs fresh, I continue to take classes in different jewelry techniques as time permits. I currently offer free shipping within the USA and all of my designs arrive in a ribbon tied gift box with a free polishing cloth. Watch for special offers during the upcoming Christmas season and a special discount for my Facebook fans; http://www.facebook.com/willowcreekjewelrystudio

http://www.etsy.com/listing/57884080/hammered-metal-dangle-earrings-handmade
In January of 2010 I was published in Bead Trends Magazine and continue to be a regular contributor to this wonderful publication; they have amazing photography. Although I haven’t participated in local art shows, in the future I would like to partake in a couple of wonderful shows here in Oklahoma City; An Affair of The Heart and the Paseo Art Festival. In the future I see my business growing on Etsy, contributing to other jewelry publications, perhaps a web site and ultimately publishing my own book on jewelry design and techniques.

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Doesn’t Wendy have such beautiful jewelry. These are my personal favorites!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/56543472/pumpkin-dangle-earrings-handmade

Thanks for reading!

Karen

Made in Oklahoma artist:FarmGirlFiber

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Made in Oklahoma Etsian Artisan: Farmgirlfiber
 
 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/55162523/steely-skies

I’m Bridgette and I am from Kellyville, OK. I’m a 3rd generation farm girl, hence the inspiration for the name of my business. I like cowboys, country music and wide open spaces as well as down to earth people, and Oklahoma has a lot of all of that. I love color and fiber and putting the two together in unique and eye catching combinations. I have an Etsy shop as well as a Ravelry fan group and a Facebook page. This fall I will be at Indie Emporium October 29th and 30th and Arkansas Fiber Extravaganza in early December. I am always heavily involved in Fiber Christmas in July, which is held at the end of July out in Kellyville.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/55159618/summer-song

 

More pictures of my work can be found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/26681828@N08/sets/72157623854477349/
and people share pictures of what they have knit with my yarn in my ravelry group and on my facebook page. I don’t currently blog, but you can find me mentioned and featured a lot in SomerKnits blog at http://knit-o-matic.blogspot.com/ . I plan to sponsor a contest on her blog later this month as well as hold a contest open to anyone who stops by to see me at Indie Emporium.

Etsian Interview: EmmainWonderland

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Emmain Wonderland lives in Surrey, England. She is a fine arts photogrpaher and has lovely photographs.

I am  going to let her tell us about her art in her own words!

A Fine Romance http://www.etsy.com/listing/54871140/a-fine-romance-fine-art-photograph-a4

1. Tell me a bit about yourself.
I’m a mummy to a 4-year-old and married. I’ve worked for many years as a part-time, semi-professional photographer and street theatre actor. I’m a committed Christian and my faith and photography have helped get me through years of mental illhealth.

2. Why and how did you get started in photography?
I’ve been a keen photographer since my early teens, shooting mainly in 35mm black and white, although it wasn’t until 2006, after my son was born, when I was in my early thirties that I studied it formally, receiving a high A grade at A level. It was the hardest thing I’d ever done academically!

The Old Singer http://www.etsy.com/listing/54872213/the-old-singer-fine-art-photograph-a4?ref=v1_other_1

3. Are you interested in or do you create in any other art media?
I used to do a lot of beading. When I was first diagnosed with mental illness I started making bracelets from cut-glass beads to keep my hands busy, as a sort of occupational therapy. I made hundreds! In fact, I made so many so I started selling them on the craft fair circuit. In the late nineties I qualified as a silversmith, but without workshop space I was unable to continue.

4. Do you have a day job!
At the moment being a full-time mum is my day job! When my son starts school in mid-September I’ll start looking for a part-time job.

Good, Clean Fun #2 http://www.etsy.com/listing/46850229/good-clean-fun-no2-now-with-added
5. What are your future goals for your business?
I’d like to expand my product range. At the moment I offer prints, cards and postcards, but I’d like to get my images on fabrics, mugs and clothing. Currently I’m looking at all the options available! I’ve recently signed a book-cover deal with a publishing house so that’s another direction I’m thinking of going down.

6. What inspires you to take your photographs?
Anything and everything inspires me to pick up my camera, but there are definite themes in my work; issues and matters which are important to me such as my personal experience of mental illness, my Christian faith, the natural world and women’s issues. I love experimenting with different photographic techniques, including pinhole, medium format film and digital media and I plan to keep trying new (and old!) techniques until I can no longer either see or hold a camera!

A Gentle Freak-Out http://www.etsy.com/listing/43529228/a-gentle-freak-out-fine-art-print-10×8

You can find Emmainwonderland at these places on the internet!
Blog – http://emmainwonderlandphotography.blogspot.com
Twitter – EmmainWndrland
Folksy (UK-based) shop – http://www.folksy.com/shops/EmmainWonderland
Dreamaid (charity) shop – http://www.dreamaid.com/store/EmmainWonderland

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She has lovely photographs from traditional to more contemporary topics. I continue to be amazed at how Christ uses the gifts he gives us to help us in our lives. Our gifts and talents have helped many to vercome ill health of one kind or another.  Personally, I know that using my creative abilites has a direct relationship with my wellbeing and pain levels. I have used art at different points in my life to help me distract myself from pain.

How do you use your talents and gifts to either help people or yourself deal with life’s stresses?

Thanks, Karen

The dog of Chocolatedogstudio!

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Today, you get to hear one of the stories that surrounds the dog of Chocolatedogstudio. He is a large 90 + lb dog. Chocolate brown with  brown eyes.  We got him from Labrescue Tulsa when he was about 18 months old he is about 8 years old now.  Well, this story has to do with some peppermint goat soap that I bought from Smileymoo at Etsy.  Mine was snowflake patterned as I was buying ahead for Christmas!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/33394599/peppermint-goatmilk-soap

Here is an excerpt of the e-mail I sent her about the mishap!

When I recieved it and opened it my Mom was here and I just opened it quickly and put it in my empty etsy storage box. There were some books and paper items in there. Well, quite frankly, I forgot about it. My chocolate lab, Bear sleeps in this room and is not crated, so he has free run of the room during the night. When I woke up the next morning I found the opened and partially chewed soaps on the desk in the kitchen where our oldest had put them, before going off to the early shift at work. Later, I found out that the soaps were found about eight feet away from Bear. He was looking reproachfully at Mark as though he was wondering why the cookies had such an odd taste to them. So I hate to tell you that the peppermint soaps are not Lab approved. Though he thought he would approve of them when he started them. They were just nibbled around the edges. HE did have minty fresh breath and they did him no harm, though he was probably squeaky clean inside and out!

This is just one of the funny stories about this Labrador.

Check out my new Etsy treasury in his honor!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c5efd5ed2856d918b9d20aa/lab-approved?index=0

Artisan/Etsian Interview: Kippysomature!

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Artisan Interview : Kippysomature

Here is our interview of Artisan Jennifer Honda of Kippysomature

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Where do you live?
Presently, I live in Southern California, in the Los Angeles~ Santa Monica area .

What are some of your favorite things to do?
I like listening to the radio while I work around the house and yard, I love to be around my teens – almost anything with and around them – I like “nature” stuff – caterpillars, butterflies, birds, animals, leaves, clouds -

http://www.facebook.com/l/fc924;www.etsy.com/listing/46837324/pearl-and-poodle-light-blue-collage-loli

Any children, pets, favorite people in your life?
I have 2 teenagers, we live with my father, 2 dachshunds, 2 fish….no favorites, I am so thankful to have love to give.

How long have you been creating?
I have been making things since I was even able to use my hands – toddler age – but that is not to say I was talented then or now! My paternal grandmother was born in Italy and then came to the US as a child – she would live with us for months at a time – she would make things and cook a lot; she did not stand out as talented or gifted, but she loved greatly, without showing in ways you could see – but deeply and greatly – and that meant everything. My dad encouraged me to make stuff too, because it was work and fun at the same time…not because I was so good at it, that was not the point. Everything is beautiful in God’s time, Christ is altogether lovely.

http://www.facebook.com/l/fc924;www.etsy.com/listing/47016523/vintage-copper-chain-with-basket-of 

What is your favorite part what of what you create?
I think it is the fact that it is incredible that I can do anything – especially make something – it isn’t me, it is Him. I like to use vintage items, and I really enjoy using other artist’s work as components in what I make.

Where do you get your inspiration?
I don’t ever think of being inspired – I started by making items for my daughter because the particular style was not readily available in the US…….it is a process, and it is less about me, more about Jesus Christ – He is the way the truth and the life; so, to shine His light, to declare His hope, to encourage others to hold fast to Him – or meet Him if you haven’t met Him yet


http://www.facebook.com/l/fc924;www.etsy.com/listing/45228822/tiny-blue-rose-collage-necklace-with

You can contact Kippy at these  sites on the web.

My shop on etsy: http://www.facebook.com/l/fc924;www.kippyssomature.etsy.com
My fan page: http://www.facebook.com/KippysCollageNecklaces
My blog: http://www.facebook.com/l/fc924;kippyssomature.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://www.facebook.com/l/fc924;twitter.com/Kippyssomature

Any advice you would like to give people about selling their art?

Keep your heart safe – Give it to the one it belongs to, God, through His son, Jesus Christ…..and see what He has for you :D

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Kippy was one of the first to welcome me to Etsy as an online artisan. Always encouraging and positive, she helped lead by example!

Thanks for sharing with us, Jennifer.

This is my favorite item in her shop right now!

 http://www.etsy.com/listing/45135413/my-name-is-smudge-necklace-pastels-and

Things to do with kids: Make Prints! (no, not handprints on the walls!!)

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Cardboard prints

Things to do with kids: Prints 3 projects

Here it is: Summer; (gasp!!) and what are you going to do with the kids!

Recycling or Reusing is a great thing to teach our kids, so this week we will focus on using things again before you send them to the recycling center.

Supplies:

  • paint, tempera or acrylic or printing ink. Actually, the craft paint from your craft store works great! (Water color does not work well for this project.)
  • brush (a throw away foam brush or a 1-2″ brush is best)
  • styrofoam veggie trays, styrofoam plates, firm cardboard (from a shipping box),
  • scissors to fit their hands
  • glue (white school glue,  tacky glue, cool melt glue gun)
  • a pen
  • a pencil and eraser
  • copy paper, recycled works fine.
  • paper for picture, (recycled  paper also works great)
  • little junk, like paper clips, staples, springs from broken pens, etc…
  • Something to cover your table with to protect it from glue and paint
  • Paint shirts or smocks

***

Once again, I am not going to tell you to watch your kids create the artwork. You know your children and how much supervision they need. They might need help cutting. They will certainly need help figuring out how to do this, depending on the age of the kids that live in your house! Kids, paint, scissors and glue; it is your call on supervising.  It is best if you let them do as much on their own as they possibly can and only step in when they are almost frustrated and ready to give up. That is how they will build skills and confidence. If you do not supervise them you will find the handprints on the walls and other places.

***

The first project: Veggie tray/styrofoam plate prints.

Older kids:

  1.  Make the paper the same size as your tray or plate.
  2. Have them draw their picture on the resized piece of paper with pencil
  3. place the picture over the back of the tray or plate and trace over the picture they drew with the pen. They will need to press hard enough to make grooves in the plate/tray.
  4. Coat the back (where their design is) of the  plate with a thin coat of paint and then press down on paper. You can make several prints from one plate. Christmas cards even!

Younger or Impatient kids!

  1. Have them draw their picture on the back of the plate
  2. Tell them to press hard with the pen, let them feel the grooves that the pen makes so they know how hard to press with the pen.
  3.  When finished, coat the drawn side of  the plate with a thin layer of paint and press plate onto paper
  4. There you are finished! Of course they will want to make one with their name, have them write it and then hold it up to a mirror to make sure that it is written correctly.

***

Second Project: Cardboard prints

cardboard print

  1. cut a large piece of cardboard down so that it is smaller than the paper you will be printing on. This is your  cardboard base.
  2. using corrugated cardboard (from a shipping box) peel off the top layer of the cardboard until  you see the ridges of the cardboard, cut shapes and glue flat side down to cardboard base.
  3. after the glue dries you coat the corrugated side of the print with a thin layer of paint and then press it down onto you printing paper. You can use different colors of paint and make multiple prints if you want.

Tips: if you use a cool melt glue gun you can speed up the whole process. Allow your kids to place and cut things  out as much as they can. If they are not strong enough to cut the cardboard, then have them draw shapes on it with a marker so you can cut exactly what  they want.

***

Yarn print

Third project: Yarn or found object prints

  1. Once again you will need a cardboard base similar to the one use in the second project.
  2. glue yarn and thin found objects to your piece of cardboard.
  3. Once the yarn is glued down you will want to come back and paint the yarn with glue so that when it dries it is firm to the touch.
  4. When the glue is dried coat it all again with a thin coat of paint and  press it down on your print paper.

Tip: leaves, nature items, grass, flowers, bark, make great prints. A glue gun  or tacky glue is probably better for gluing with nature items as they take forever to dry with elmers. Also children persist in picking things up to see if the glue has dried!  If you need to be able to paint them now, then use the glue gun. I always suggest a cool melt glue gun to use with kids and then let them use it.

 The photographs in this  article were taken of art that my students completed in class in the fall of 2009. Names have been withheld to protect the innocent! I believe that the bottom picture is one of a sample that I completed for the class as is the cardboard print in the middle, but I am not sure.