The Decade Ends

Sounds so important, doesn't it? Like it is a milestone or something. Remember how we all, 10 years ago today, wondered if our computers would work and if our planes would fly and if we would wake and the world would be changed. The world was changed, we all tore off a day on the calendar and moved along to the next one. Not so much about the passage of time as about what we did with the time that passed.

I hope that all of you can look back on the last year (I won't ask you to look back on all 10 because that would take all day and I'm sure you have other things to do) and feel the pride that comes with accomplishment. Does not have to be earth shattering, just movement from a to b. Things have changed since this time last year. Even if they are not the changes we would have asked for, we made it through them and can truly celebrate our past year and the year to come which is full of possibilities.

Be safe tonight. Enjoy today. Make resolutions if you want to. Encourage those who do. May you all have the best of everything in the new year and be able to look back 365 days from now and feel the pride of accomplishment and the warmth of love that 2010 can be.

I leave you with vintage art for the day.

Merry Christmas

I know that the politically correct thing is Happy Holidays but I'm old enough to remember when people wished Merry Christmas to everyone and it was a good thing evoking sweet memories and best wishes. It is in that spirit today that I wish you all happy times over the next few weeks. I wish you all the love of family and friends, the peace that comes with taking a pause from your everyday worries, the wonder of observing the generosity that manifests itself in so many different ways this time of year, and the knowledge that the things that you do for others are appreciated.

You have all been so generous to me this past year, with your thoughts and good wishes, with your enthusiasm and ideas and, most of all, with your support.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas. I wish you all a happy holiday season. I wish you all the best of everything in the New Year.

Last Tuesday Sale of 2009

And it's Cosmo Cricket -

10% off your Cosmo Cricket items today at www.itsalwaysfabulous.etsy.com

Paid today and shipped tomorrow. Should arrive in time for your holiday gift giving.

Today I am showing pictures of the snow here as it arrived last week. By request from my follower in Miami........Anyone else got winter pics to share?

Jenni Bowlin Holiday Inspiration

I so love the comments that I get about the blog and about the etsy shop. I'm so glad that you enjoy my ramblings and favorite things. If you ever find something that you think is interesting, whether it's a website, product, idea or thought please feel free to send it along and I will share it with the others.

This morning I got an email from the fine folks at Jenni Bowlin. Most of the message was about retail stuff but they did have a link to their inspiration blog which I had not visited for a while. CUTE CUTE CUTE stuff. They're putting chipboard buttons on everything - including mini holiday trees. If you have a minute, stop by and take a peek. Truly fun stuff. http://www.jennibowlinstudioinspiration.blogspot.com/

We are getting snow here again today. A little rain mixed in, but still very snowy. The picture is of my vintage silver tree. We're putting it up today, complete with moving color wheel. I think the neighbors are horrified, but we love it.

Tuesday Sale - 7gypsies

I can finish my shopping.....I can finish my shopping..........I can finish my shopping.......I can keep from going crazy.......I can keep from going crazy..........I can make it to December 25th ........ I can make it to December 25th........

Sound familiar? Sounds like me. Sounds like me desperately trying to enjoy the holidays around me without going crazy.

Shopping should be simple. No matter whether shopping for you or for friends and family, we all need a little shopping love.

Love from me to you today only. 10% off 7gypsies product at www.itsalwaysfabulous.etsy.com Simple.....elegant....fun.

Limited to product purchased and paid for today. Quantities are limited, so shop early. Pay for your order as shown and I will refund the 10% tomorrow.

No matter what else you do today..take a minute to enjoy the holidays. They'll be over before you know it......

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like ........Winter

Ok, so here's the thing. There is something fascinating about the first snow of the year. Kinda makes you glad you live someplace where there is snow. You see the snow on the trees and you fantasize that this is the winter where the snow will always just cover the lawn and never get gross or dirty, the cardinals in the neighborhood will always land on snow covered branches in a picture postcard perfect kinda way, and the dogs will do their outside business in an obscure corner of the yard where it does not interfere with my view out the window........it was a great couple of hours of those thoughts this morning.

I hope that you are all remaining reasonably calm through the madness that the holidays seem to be. I had a lovely email from Bernita (thanks Bernita!) last week about my blog and who she thought I was before she read the blog. Always good to hear from all of you. I love the pics you send me and feel so much more like I am not just sending my thoughts out into the blogosphere.

Gonna be a sale tomorrow. Will post more about that later today. Still working on your holiday cards, gift tags, or table place cards. I've attached a couple of great holiday graphics for you to use if you find them interesting.

Thanks for reading all the way to the bottom.

Weekend Sale - Get your Jenni

Still looking for a last minute gift for the crafter in your life? Want to make some calendar projects for those hard-to-shop-for people on your list. Let Jenni Bowlin help you.

From now until midnight Sunday Dec 6th, the following Jenni Bowlin products are on sale at www.itsalwaysfabulous.etsy.com Because these products are already way below retail pricing, this sale brings these items to about 50% off regular retail.

All mini bingo cards currently $2.50 on sale for $2.00
All large bingo cards currently $4.00 on sale for $3.25
All memo bookis currently $3.75 now $3.00
All journaling cards currently $3.00 now $2.50
All chipboard buttons currently $3.00 now 2.50
All sticker sheets current $1.25 or $1.40 now $1.00
All calendar products 10% off listed price

No limit on the number you can order. Check out as normal and pay the regular charge and I will refund through paypal. I have multiples of most things so convo me if you need more than one of something. Quantities are limited to stock on hand so order early for best selection. Regular shipping applies but, as always, if you pay way to much shipping I refund when I get back from the post office.

Thanks, as always, for your support and business.

Happy Shopping!

Free Shipping - Cyber Monday

Sometimes I am a trend setter and sometimes a trend follower. Today I am a trend follower. I want you all to have the opportunity to get some fabulous papercrafting stuff for friends, or yourself, or both (two for them and one for me shopping).

Until midnight tonight, I will refund the amount you pay for shipping (US customers) or give you half price shipping (international customers) for your order from www.itsalwaysfabulous.etsy.com Just check out as usual and I will refund the amount of your shipping charges back to you through paypal. Simple or easy-peasy as they say.

Don't miss out on the fun and have a great week.

Black Friday Starts Here on Thursday

Good morning and Happy Thanksgiving

It's 7 a.m. and the turkey is in the oven, making the house smell incredible. We are transporting the turkey to my daughter's in a few hours, but in the mean time, we can dream of turkey, stuffing and all the fixin's.

I have so many things to be thankful for this year. So many good things have happened and so many things are going well. One of the things that I am most thankful for is the excellent group of people that I have met through my etsy shop, my blog and my scrapping stuff. All of you contribute things to my life with your creativity, your humor and your support and for that I am grateful. You are all fabulous!

Details of the Black Friday sale follow. If you are local and would be picking up your stuff, fill the cart but don't pay and I'll be in touch.

Have a happy and fabulous Thanksgiving....

Take a load off your feet (and your wallet) at
www.itsalwaysfabulous.etsy.com Hanging out after turkey on Thanksgiving?
Up early Thanksgiving morning to get the turkey started? The black friday
sale here starts at midnight on Wednesday. That's right, all day Thursday
and Friday the following deal is yours....

Order at least $25 in any product available on the etsy site and get $20
in Cosmo Cricket product for only $5.00. Do you beleive I'm going to do
this? Do you beleive that I'm going to give this much away? You will get a
48 sheet paper pad from the Boyfriend and Earth Love collections for only
$5.00. You can see the what you'll be getting here: www.cosmocricket.com
There are 15 of these deals available. The item will be on the site. You
must put it in your cart to get the offer. Shipping on the item is free.
How excellent is that?

Order a gift certificate for $25 or more and $25 in product and get the paper pad for $5.00 AND a set of Hello Sunshine paper by Cosmo Cricket.
The retail value of the 12 sheets of paper and two sets of embellishments
from the Hello Sunshine collection is over $10. So if you're shopping one
for you and one for me, you actually get a third gift or a gift to tuck in
with the gift card or two for you and one for them. You must order a gift
certificate and product to get this $25 deal.

Order $100 or more and get free shipping and the paper pad and the Hello
Sunshine. Makes you wanna just order everything on the site, doesn't it?

Gearing Up for Thanksgiving - Got Your Centerpiece?

I've been away from the blog but I'm back (I wonder how many blogs you could visit during busy seasons and get a very similar comment).

You know that I'm a big Cosmo Cricket fan and they have posted a video for a very quick and cute way to decorate your table for Thanksgiving (or really any) meal. The great thing about it is that it uses scraps (they, of course use new Nutmeg papers, but any fall colored papers will do) and the paper flowers they make can be used on the table, napkin rings, placecards, pretty much anything you want to change up a little for the holidays. See the video at http://cosmocricket.typepad.com/cosmo_cricket/2009/11/fall-centerpiece.html. The finished project is posted here.

I hope that you are all able to remain calm and keep your sense of humor during the upcoming madness. Watch for another posting from me on Wednesday or Thursday announcing my Black Friday Sale (because I am a traditionalist) and a different sale for Cyber Monday (because I try to be trendy) I guarantee you will love the FREEdom in both sales.....

I leave you with a downloadable Thanksgiving graphic - perfect for your table cards....

Back to the Creativity - Loads of Inspiration

You know how sometimes you click from blog to blog and end up somewhere totally amazing just by following the path?

Well that's what I did this morning and am glad I did.

Cardmakers, scrapbookers and just paper fanatics in general hang out at http://www.papercraftplanet.com and there is a little bit of something for everyone. Lots of cards and some layouts and layout recipes, some will be your taste and some will not, but they have over 10,000 postings of user submitted things and if you find someone's work that you like, you can focus on their items only.

I leave you with a downloadable holiday graphic. Have a great Wednesday.

Tuesday Sale - Free Stuff With Purchase

Yes, I know it's only Monday, but I thought I would give you all a head start on this week's Tuesday sale. DON'T ORDER TODAY - shop today but place your order tomorrow.......

Help ME! I've got so many things I want you all to have that I am forced to given them away! Not really, but it sounds good, don't you think?

Instead of a discount this week, I am giving away things. Here's what you can get:

With any stamp purchase of $10 or more (stamps must add up to $10 or more) I will send you a free Teresa Collins cling stamp. Retail value of $5.99. They are not as new as some stamps, but excellent stamps for your album or card project.

Buy 4 Distress Stickles and get one regular stickles free (my choice of color from available stock)

With any Cosmo Cricket order of $10 or more, get a free spinner card (retail value $1.50-2.00 - my choice of spinner)

With any 7gypsies order of $10 or more get a set of 7gypsies ephemera (includes oversized photo corners, clear buttons, journaling cards, you know, stuff..) valued at over $3.50.

Buy 4 Victorian Scrap sheets and get the 5th free (choose 5 for your cart and I will refund the lowest price into your paypal)

Buy $10 or more in Jenni Bowlin product and get 16 sheets of 6x6 Jenni Bowlin paper free (papers are my choice and are cut down from 12x12 sheets)

Buy 7 sheets of Jenni Bowlin stickers, get 7 yards of ribbon (your choice of blue or red grosgrain ribbon with white stitching at the edges or a combination of the two colors) for free.

If your total order comes to $75 or more (it is my fantasy that you will all do this) I will throw in (in addition to everything you qualify for above) a $20 retail value Cosmo Cricket Boyfriend/Earth Love paper pad (48 single sided sheets of paper)

Ok, so here are the rules - you can have as many free things as you qualify for but you don't get doubles - in other words if you buy $20 in stamps you don't get two free stamps, you just get one. It is not for each $10 you spend it is for a minimum $10 purchase of that type of stuff.

Rather have a different gift? Sure, why not. Convo me when you place your order and I will do my best.

There will be no shipping charges for the free stuff. That's on me also. This order does not apply to the purchase of gift certificates.

Questions, let me know. Normal rules apply. These free gifts apply only to orders placed and paid for on November 10, 2009.

Holiday Gifting - Graphic45 projects - with instructions

You know, everybody seems to love Graphic45 paper. Their lines always seem to strike a chord in just about everyone. Well, this holiday season they are providing PDF files containing instructions to some really fine projects.

You can see the projects and download the pdf files at http://g45papers.typepad.com/

Have fun!

Sue

Holiday Gifting - The Quest Continues

Here is an amazing idea on the Cosmo Cricket blog. You have to scroll down a bit but this is a great use for scraps and some inexpensive pens from the dollar store. What great stocking stuffers or favors on a party table. See more detailed pics at http://cosmocricket.typepad.com/cosmo_cricket/ (don't forget to scroll down to yesterday's post) Have a great weekend....

Holiday Gifting - Time to Get Started

I have been moving through some web sites for inspiration and thought that I would save you all some time and effort by showing you some cool things I've found. I was out on the Jenni Bowlin site and found these ornaments that you can make from bookplates. You might already have some of these around, already painted or ready to paint. They are really cute and easy and a cropadile will make the holes for the chains or hangers. You can pretty much use any size bookplate (remember when everything had to have a bookplate - boy do I have a lot of these laying around) and a large one with a small one hanging from it would be excellent. A little glitter on the frame, a little vintage picture in the middle - what could be easier.....

Check back tomorrow - you never know what may show up..

Tuesday Sale - Free Shipping

I have been away for a bit, but life happens. I've missed you all. To show you how much I have missed you, I am offering free shipping today on all orders over $10.00.

You can't get much better than that.

I have just finished listing some excellent Tim Holtz cling stamps including some excellent Christmas images. Don't miss out on this opportunity to get started on your holiday decor, cards and albums. This is the last free shipping sale of the year so ORDER SOMETHING HEAVY>>>>>>> Feel free to pass this offer along to your friends...

I leave you with a picture of my grandchildren at the beach - their first time at the ocean. It's at times like this that you realize how good life really is.

Hope you all had a great Halloween.

Sue

If it's Tuesday There Must Be a Sale

Did you know that Tuesday was Guest Star day on the old Mickey Mouse Club (no, the older one with Annette not the Brittany Spears one.)

One person we would all like to have as a guest at our craft table is Tim Holtz. So in honor of guest star day, I am offering 10% off all Tim Holtz product. There are Distress Stickles and Paints, Stamps, Metal Embellishments and more so stop by the etsy site at www.itsalwaysfabulous.etsy.com and take a look around.

You never know when a guest will arrive at your craft space and want to borrow your Tim Holtz stickles!

Have a great Tuesday.

Sue

Happy Tuesday - Time for Sale of the Week

Congratulations to all who participated in last week's 10% off the entire site sale. Lots of fun things traveling around in the postal trucks last week because of the sales.

So how can you top 10% off the whole site?

I think you can top that by offering 50% off all the victorian scrap listed on the site.

That's right. Choose any Victorian Scrap today and pay only $1.00. Unbelievable, I know, but I am approaching the 700 items sold number and would love to hit that number today.

Regular shipping charges will apply (the post office is not having a sale today, but I will reduce your shipping to the amount paid to the post office if your shipping amounts are excessive. I'll refund your excess shipping costs when I get back from the post office.

I'll be listing more throughout the day. Orders must be submitted and paid today.

If you have questions, let me know.

Have a great Tuesday.

I'm Back From Vacation

And ready to sell.....

I had a great vacation in Door County but I'm back and now I'm gearing up for the month of October. From now until Tuesday night September 29th at midnight, my entire Etsy shop is 10% off the prices shown. Fill up your cart, pay for your order, and I'll refund 10% of your order back to you through Paypal.

Doesn't include freight but does include those items marked Destash.

Shop to your heart's content. Don't be shy. If you want more than one of something, ask me and I will let you know if I do. If there is something that you have been looking for from 7gypsies or Cosmo Cricket, just ask. I have a lot of unlisted items from these two.

10% off. How fabulous is that?

If 400 was EXCELLENT - you should see the view from 500

I truly did not think that when I posted on August 19th that I had sold 400 items on etsy, that I would be talking about a new number this quickly. But I am. As of yesterday, I have sold over 500 items on etsy. I truly don't know what to say. I am grateful, giddy, and just all around tickled.

Part of yesterday's success was due to an email/twitter blast advertising 10% off all Jenni Bowlin for one day only. I plan to do these blasts every week from now until the holidays, most likely on Tuesdays. Didn't get a tweet or an email yesterday? Want to fix that situation? You can either comment here and provide your email address in the comment, or you can follow me on twitter www.twitter.com/itsfabulous. Either way, don't miss out. Here's a hint. There will be a caravan of stuff on sale next week!

Thank you all again for your support and your kind words and your orders.

Breakfast at Tiffany's Anyone?

So I am on etsy one day and I get an order right before I go out the door to the post office and I toss the product in an envelope and send it out. A few days later, I get this message from the fabulous Tiffy (it's actually Tiffany but I love that her etsy id is stampinmamatiffy) talking about how fast my shipping is. I, of course being the person that I am, tell her that it was a fluke and that she should not expect such fast turn around every time to which she responds that she doesn't care much because the stuff is so fabulous.

Anyway, an etsy/blog love affair was born from this simple conversation. When you get a minute, visit www.stampingattiffanys.blogspot.com to meet my new friend Tiffany. You will see some great projects, be eligible for some RAKs and, if you hurry and follow her instructions, a giveaway of Tattered Angles and Jenni Bowlin Halloween product, courtesy of my etsy shop. Lots of inspiration to be found on her blog. Love ya Tiffy!

Also if you have a minute, check out the new Melissa Frances on the etsy site. Posted a couple of things this morning with more to follow.

Have a great Labor Day weekend.

Fabulous Things from a Fabulous Company

Happy Thursday -

I know that you are all looking forward to the long weekend as much as I am. We are doing some dog rescue things, hanging out in the yard, and OPENING BOXES OF SCRAP STUFF!

Talk about fun.

I got 5 boxes of 7gypsies yesterday. Much of it is discontinued product so you won't believe the excellent prices.

I also got some Melissa Frances. If you are not familiar with her stuff, you should take a few minutes to see her website at www.heartandhome.com She does the most beautiful vintage pastels and excellent stripes. Really timeless stuff.

I have included a pic of one of the items. I am listing the rest on etsy tomorrow. If you look under new products, I have the mini albums, rhinestones, blue mica, bingo books, tinsel, flash cards (boy and girl) and the vintage die cuts. They are all listed under new product. If you are interested in any of them, let me know and I will set them aside for you. Quantities are very very limited on some things and I would not want you to miss out.

Inspiration today? Take a look at this: http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/pg.asp?cmd=display&layout_id=1527658

Hope you all enjoy the holiday weekend. Looking forward to seeing some of you in September.

TA DA - September

Want to do layouts? Want to come and hang out? Here is what I know --

You can come an do layouts any Wednesday in September except the 23rd. That means that you can come on the 2nd, 9th, 16th or 30th. If you want to come and Wednesday is not good for you, let me know and we can schedule something else.
Reminder - Layout class for September will include two pages related to family and adult birthdays featuring Teresa Collins friends paper in turquoise, white and black. The second set of pages will feature fall colors in our stamping and our papers. Lots of techniques so you'll want to be here for these.

If layouts are not your thing or perhaps you are looking for more, try making Halloween mini album. Using some excellent Halloween papers, embellishments and ribbons. The albums will have chipboard, acrylic and paper pages. Even if you don't think that Halloween is for you, check out this fabulous album for the acrylic techniques and the fun of the class. This class is currently scheduled for September 10 and 27 and will be offered again in October.

Finally, we are swapping Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) on September 30 during/before the layout class. If you are interested, contact me for swap details. We will each be making three different cards, quanitites to be determined by the number of people involved. I've attached scans of some of this month's swap cards. Don't you want to be involved with next months? In order to get everyone going on their cards, you will need to let me know in advance if you will be swapping. I will close the swap on September 7 and publish the number. Are you a blog follower and not near Chicago? Send yours in and I'll send yours back. You can see this month's offerings at http://www.flickr.com/photos/15416950@N05/sets/72157622040667381/

Let me know if you have questions/comments/concerns or need more information.

September Classes

Happy Sunday -

The summer sure is running away, isn't it? Seems like spring was just here and we were just shoveling the last of the snow away. We won't talk about snow, but we will talk about fall and all of its beautiful colors.

What better way to celebrate autumn colors than to use those colors in some scrapbook layouts. Our September layouts will feature leaves and autumn colors and embossing and distress stickles and ......well, you get the point. We will also be doing a second set of pages using the Teresa Collins Friends paper that will focus on birthdays and on family. The pages shown with this posting are the preliminary pictures of the family and 'adult' birthday pages.

For our album this month, we are doing a graduated page mini album featuring Halloween themes. New stamps, new flocking (imagine a fuzzy spider on your page), felt strips and so much more. This album will feature the eerie collection from Basic Grey and the Haunted collection from Cosmo Cricket. Pictures will be posted when available. This class will be offered twic in September and again in October.

Finally, for those of you in love with ATC cards, we are going to have the first of our ATC technique and swap nights. I'll provide two cards that we can all make together and you can all bring cards to swap. How much fun is that? You bring 7 cards that you make and go home with 7 from other people. Sounds like fun, doesn't it?

Calendar will be published here on the blog (as soon as I figure out how to make that happen). Starting in September, all class sizes are limited to 5 students, so respond early to get the dates you are interested in.

Thank for reading all the way to the bottom. Enjoy your Sunday and the following week.

Celebration Time!

Good Morning -

I am so embarrassed at how long it has been since I have posted. So many new and exciting things to talk about and yet I have been uncharacteristically quiet.

First of all, today is milestone day. As of this morning (thanks to Connie in Canada) I have officially sold 400 items through my etsy site. How fabulous is that? I am so grateful to all of you who have supported me that I have decided to share my good fortune with you by offering free shipping until the end of August to everyone who orders off the etsy site at www.itsalwaysfabulous.etsy.com

If you are local and don't need free shipping, you will get 10% off your total order.

Just mention Fabulous 400 in the comments on your order and I will refund either your 10% or your shipping costs through paypal.

Today I am posting items from the new Jenni Bowlin release. All the embellishments are great, especially the chipboard buttons. Stop by the etsy and take a look at all of them. Only have 6 of each in stock so think quickly!

Vactations coming up, lots of classes (going to try to move my calendar to the blog so you can see the schedule), and for those of you in the Chicago area, I hope that I will see you this weekend at Scrapbook Expo. Fun times for all.

Thanks for reading all the way to the bottom. Enjoy the rest of your week.

Basic Grey - June Bug and More

I just got the box from Basic Grey and the stuff is FABULOUS!

As always, pricing is 30% off retail so let me know if there are any of these that interest you.

June Bug Collection Pack http://store.scrapbook.com/bg-c-jun-1823.html Their Price $21.99 the fabulous price $15.40

June Bug Owl Clear Stamp Set http://store.scrapbook.com/bg-sta-1838.html Their Price $5.99 the fabulous price $4.25

June Bug Birdie Clear Stamp Set http://store.scrapbook.com/bg-sta-1839.html Their Price $5.99 the fabulous price $4.25

June Bug Take Note http://store.scrapbook.com/bg-jun-1870.html Their Price $4.99 the fabulous price $3.50

Lemonade Take Note http://store.scrapbook.com/bg-lem-1864.html Their Price $4.99 the fabulous price $3.50

Also just one or two of the following remain:

Porcelain Aviary Stamps - Their Price $12.00 the fabulous price is $8.50
Euphoria Stamps - Their Price $15.00 the fabulous price is $11.00
Wisteria Bitsy Pom Stamp - Their Price $5.99 the fabulous price $4.25
Lime Rickey Bitsy Whirlie Birds Stamps - Their Price $5.99 the fabulous price $4.25
Owl Rhinestone Bling - Their Price $1.99 the fabulous price $1.40

That's what I know today. If there are other Basic Grey items you are interested in, let me know and I'll get them for you, all at 30% off.

Birds?

Do you love birds. Of all the trends in scrapbooking, birds have been around a little longer than others. Owls are everywhere and so many papers feature birds of all kinds that your head will spin just imagining the possibilities.

You all know how I feel about stamps. I think they are a great investment. They will be your friends for a very long time. If you take them home, they will stay with you longer than many boyfriends/husbands/bowling team members, and they are exceptionally versatile.

I have some excellent bird stamps listed on the etsy site. Everything from the owl by Maya road (actually 2 owls in the set) to some very whimsical birds from Basic Grey. Oh, and don't miss the excellent clear acrylic vintage bird cage stamps, also from Basic Grey.

Hope that you are all having an excellent summer. Here in the midwest the head has actually arrived and I finally turned on the air conditioning for the first time this year.

Today's pics are of our foster puppies Martha and Stewart. They are 11 week old Cairn Terrier (think Toto) puppies who will be staying with us until they find a forever home. Worth of a scrapbook page or two, don't you think?

Look What's Here

From Basic Grey - Wisteria Paper collection packs, buttons, epoxy brads, and stamps
From Little Yellow Bicycle - Zinnia 6x6 Die Cut Tablet, Photo Mats, Clear Cuts Frames and Clear Cuts Shapes
From 7 gypsies - Binderie Punches and Starter Kits

All posting on Etsy today and tomorrow at www.itsalwaysfabulous.etsy.com

The pictures here a just a tease.....much more on the site...

More New Product and the Last Two May Winners

It seems that May just flew by and now June is going to be challenging for many as we try to fit weddings, birthdays, graduations and vacations into what has to be one of the most wonderful months of the year.

In the last few days, I posted Jenni Bowlin Crepe Paper Ribbon and some fabulous Chipboard Buttons. I also posted some vintage cartoon cards (perfect for ATC's an any other altered project) and the last of this batch of Victorian Scrap. Stop by when you have a few minutes to browse and see all the fabulous new things.

There is a special on the Etsy site. Teresa Collins unmounted stamps are selling for almost 50% off the retail. Perfect opportunity to get some of those stamps you have been putting off buying.

Last two winners for May blog followers are TatteredCowWings and Prpldy. Congratulations to all the winners. All winners need to contact me to give me a mailing address.

The June blog promotion is tied in with Etsy. Send a new customer to Etsy - someone who has not purchased from me before - and get a credit when they purchase from me. You will get 10% of their purchase total as a credit. All they need to do is to mention your name in the notes when they purchase and you will get credit on your next Etsy purchase from my shop. How excellent is that. Credits will be good until the end of July. So send your friends over to www.itsalwaysfabulous.etsy.com and you could rake in the credits. If you have questions, let me know.

Hope you all have a great rest-of-the-week.

Another Winner

My husband chose the number (that is about as random as it gets) and he chose the number of Nikki Z. So Nikki, if you're listening, you have won some free stuff. Send me your street address and I'll send it out with the rest of my mailings this week.

I've loaded lots of products this week. Some new ones and some old favorites. Lots of cling mount stamps by Teresa Collins at a price you will not believe. Regular retail on these beauties is $5.95 and they are fabulously priced for $3.75. Can to believe that price?

I am a week behind on the drawings so I'll do another later in the week. Hope you all had a great holiday weekend.

Thanks for reading and thanks for following.

Looking forward to the weekend

My husband is back from his trip. The dogs and I are thrilled. We certainly have different ways of showing our excitement.

Today I posted some excellent Tim Holtz stamps, Maya Road Chipboard books and embellishments, and some more 12x12 clear acrylic sheets. As always, if you live locally and don't want to go through the Etsy, let me know and I will pull the stuff for you to pick up.

June layout class will feature working with scraps and with brayers. No need to have a brayer, just come and learn how to use one. As far as scraps are concerned, bring your favorites and we will pick out some paper to match when you arrive for class.

We had a great class this past week. Lots of fun and very cute layouts.

Today's Postings - What Could Be More Fabulous

than paper packs from 7gypsies? Today on my etsy I posted 7gypsies 6x6 paperpacks from Savannah, Gypsy Market, and Nottinghill collections. In addition, I posted journaling and mini bingo cards and the last of my Jenni Bowlin chipboard buttons.

I'm running a special on the Teresa Collins 8x8 paper from the Family collection. Normally .50 per sheet, the special is 10 sheets for $3.50 with a bonus of 2 extra pages. That's 12 sheets of 8x8 paper in the Family patterns for $3.50.

Just for blog followers - I have the instructions for two new album projects from Teresa Collins. One is a 6x12 family album and the other is a recipe book. Email me and I will send them along to your email box.

That's all for today. What are you doing today?

Inspired

Yes I am. Just returned from an excellent event in North Carolina organized and inspired by Donna Downey. More on that to follow when the pics are downloaded and edited. Great people, great projects and great cookies!

Wanted to announce the winner of the first drawing for blog followers. Dayzee love wins an excellent package containing papers by Jenni Bowlin, Teresa Collins with product from 7gypsies, May Arts and more. Dayzee, hon, send me your street address and I'll ship it out this week.

Want to have a chance to win? Register as a follower and every week in May we will choose one of you to win a product package worth at least $25.

More very soon.

The caravans have arrived

The 7gypsies caravan that is. Wait until you see the paper packs posted today. Some of the finest 7gypsies paper there is. 8x8 and 6x6 packs. What's excellent about this paper is that it is scaled to the size of the sheet. So instead of having a quarter of a 12x12 sheet of paper, you have the same pattern scaled for the smaller size of the paper. Perfect for smaller albums, cards and atcs. Cool. Pricing is excellent also, often more than 50% off the original retail.
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Wednesday - A little of this and a little of that

Trying to play catch up today, I was shipping and thought I would post a few things that have been here for a bit but haven't made it to the Etsy.

Jenni Bowlin - Chipboard Buttons - Just a couple of these left. Bingo and Bookprint patterns. Rhinestone buttons and pearly flowers.

7gypsies - Gaffer Tape collections for over 50% off, and some stickers.

Maya Road - Only 2 of the sheer clocks left. Also posted the Owl and Clock stamp singlets.

Tim Holtz - Posting large masks and the return of Nature Grungeboard, Iconic Grungeboard and Plain Grungeboard sheets.

Remember, there are always thing here that might not have made it to the site yet. Drop me a line if I can help you find something....

Tuesday - Real Housewives and American Idol

And today was scrapping day so no new postings, however, due to sales some old friends made it back to the top of the list and deserve mention. A great hinged chipboard (more like particle board) album from Melissa Frances, Jenni Bowlin Apothecary Stickers and More of the Maya Road clocks. Just like a visit from old friends.... Tomorrow 7 dogs in the house. Let's see what gets posted....

Monday - What's New?

Do you have a lot of stamps? I have a lot of stamps. I have unmounted red rubber stamps, wood mounted rubber stamps, clear acrylic stamps, cling mount stamps and even some foam stamps. I love their reusability, I love their reliability and I love their value as a way to personalize my world. One of my friends had some stamps that she needed to find a new home for so I told her that I would list them on my etsy for her. Within a few hours of the post, two of them sold. How excellent is that? There are still quite a few left, in addition to some clear acrylics from 7gypsies and imaginisce. Don't see what you're looking for? Let me know and perhaps I can find you something excellent!

I posted more than I thought I would...

Today, as promised, I posted lots of milk caps and some stamps for a friend on my etsy at www.itsalwaysfabulous.etsy.com . But I also posted sheer clock pieces by Maya Road (which sold in an hour so I posted another) and Maya Mists. For those of you unfamiliar with Maya Mists, I found this video on youtube that may interest you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-pY7_M2sV0

Very cool stuff. Happy watching....

Today's Etsy - Vintage Milk Caps and Some Fabulous Stamps

Good Morning -

It's gloomy here so I think I'll list some Etsy items. I just got a load of milk bottle caps. These guys are perfect for paper crafting and altered art project. They are the real thing, 1.75 inches across and never used, just waiting for the right project to land on. I've listed 7 sets of four for only $2.00 per set. How excellent is that. I have more of the smaller size to list, but first some stamps. A friend of mine is doing a destash and she is selling off some of her stampin up collection as well as a few others. As always, you can shop my etsy store at www.itsalwaysfabulous.etsy.com

Might have a few more 7gypsies to list also later today....you just never know. Have a great Sunday...

In the words of John Denver

Follow me!

So I have a new feature on the blog. You can folow the blog at the push of a button. How excellent is that? It will keep you up to date with the latest postings and fun. Just go to the very bottom of the page and push the button!

But the best part is that you could win a prize! Every week until the end of May, the random number generator will select one person following the blog to win a prize valued at a minimum of $25. Think of it, the time it takes you to sign up to follow the blog could be worth $25. Not a bad deal.

Questions, let me know. Otherwise, see you on the blog.....

Victorian Scrap - This is fabulous

One of the things that I feature on my Etsy site is scrap. Not that scrap, this scrap

Victorian "scrap", also known as lithography, is colored printed papers and usually embossed die cuts that were used in Victorian times by both children and adults for various past times and collections. Scraps first appeared at the beginning of the 19th century in the form of engravings in black and white and tinted by hand. Color printing came into play in 1937 and chromolithography and scrap manufacturers appeared mostly in Germany and Great Britain. These pre-cut scraps were relief stamped and embossed to give them a three-dimensional look and feel. They are sold in sheets connected with small strips to join them together.

Collections of scraps were pasted into special scrap albums and Victorians mixed calling cards, greeting cards and any pictures they liked and wanted to keep that were special to them. A lot of people group their collections by themes or special occasions with verses and poems. The Victorians were very romantic and loved sentimentality and keepsakes.

Scraps are used for decoupage, collage, gift cards, valentines, dressing screens, decorating furniture, decorating small trinket boxes, fans, tabletops, trunks etc. These are also used for Victorian ornaments, scrap booking, graphic arts, stickers, and whatever your heart desires.

These scrap papers are faithfully reproduced from the original antique scraps that the Victorians had. These are great to just collect. Take a minute to look at those currently offered on my etsy site at www.itsalwaysfabulous.etsy.com

Another Fantastic Set of Product

Set 6

Set 5





Set 4 - Not pictured - Thank You



Set 3 - not pictured - thank you

Set 2

set 1



Happy Sunday

It's a lovely spring day here and to capture the feeling we have some great acrylic stamps from Imaginisce. They are each about 2-3 inches square. I know you have seen these in the stores. The retail price for these single stamp packages was anywhere from $1.99 to $2.25. In celebration of spring, I am offering several different sets of 5 stamps for only $4.00! That's $.80 per stamp! Not only that, even with the shipping fee of $1.00 per set, you are still paying 50% less than retail.

Set 1 - Iheartyou, three kinds of flowers and kisses $4.00
Set 2 - boy and girl penguin, flip flops, beach and popsicles $4.00
Set 3 - little one, giraffe, chick, sunshine, thank you $4.00
Set 4 - gift, calendar, cupcake with candle, thank you, flower $4.00
Set 5 - haunted house, skull, Happy Halloween, candy $3.20
Set 6 - Gingerbread man, trees, Snowman $2.40

Or, to make it simple, order all 27 for $20.00! Thats like getting 27 for the price of
25. Does it get any better than that?

You can purchase the sets here and you can also view the sets on my etsy site at www.itsalwaysfabulous.etsy.com along with some fine product by Tim Holtz, Jenni Bowlin and others. It's always fabulous on etsy and it's always offered less than retail, even with the freight charge!

Tomorrow - See 7 friends who roam. Is that too much of a clue.