Oh Hey There ETSY Mini...

Working With What I've Got...

        It always amazes me how every year the seasonal product lines just keep getting better and better. Its so wild how the new lines are cohesive with the older lines, but they bring so much new life to the brand as well. Back in my *major* crafting days, I had a few brands that we my top favorites. And year after year, whether I am crafting or not, I am drawn to look (and often buy) their new products. Here are a few of my favorite brands with their winters collections.

Basic Grey's Aspen Collection

                                                                           

My Mind's Eye: All Is Bright Collection

       
                   
                                 But......... seeing as how I am trying to be resourceful and work with what I've got.... I have decided to steer clear of the paper and embellishment racks this year (as much as possible) and stick to mainly buying adhesive and other materials that I need. Forcing myself to use up what papers and embellishments I have at home has turned in to quite the challenge. I was lucky enough to work/design for an amazing Scrapbook Store for a few years (this was over 2 years ago) and I definitely stocked up on enough supplies to last me many years. Hundreds of sheets of paper... I don't think I will ever use it all (that's where my 2 crafty daughters come in. I go through my supplies from time to time and create a box for them with left overs that I know I won't use. The LOVE it.)

          Keeping with this rustic theme that I can't seem to shake, last night I decided to work with some papers that I bought last year. These papers are soooo gorgeous. I used the Recollections line. And for the life of me I can't remember the name :-/
     Here are a few of the projects that I worked on last night. Again, I hate the photos. I just can't seem to take pictures of my creations and have them look presentable.

Christmas is coming!

       I can't even begin to explain how excited I am that Christmas is right around the corner!! I love the lights... I love the music... I love the (general) spirit of everyone. Christmas is (with the exception of when you are in shopping malls) the happiest time of the year!

      With a little over a month before Christmas  I decided it was time to start working on my Christmas crafts and cards (I usually start at the beginning of October, but my inspiration has been completely kaput lately). I walked into Michael's Craft Store and I could barely hide my excitement  Every where I looked there was glitter and lights. Garland was hanging from all of the shelves. Candy canes were lined up on the shelves. To be honest, I am a little embarrassed at how excited I became. I probably spent about an hour walking around and taking it all in.

 
   I think this year, I am leaning towards a more rustic look. I found a few things on Pintrest (Click here to check out my pins) that I am so in love with. I can't wait till I go home and try to draw some inspiration from these!!

 

Oh my goodness.............. 

Click me!!

Getting back into in...........

Researching new crafts to try tonight that do NOT involve me spending more money!! I have a ridiculous amount of scrapping/paper crafting supplies at home and it is time to dive back into some crafting.

Possible crafts for tonight:

http://pinterest.com/pin/190206784232584941/

http://pinterest.com/pin/237494580320065311/

Click for instructions!

http://pinterest.com/pin/158751955585865041/

I think this might be the winner!!!!

http://pinterest.com/pin/148196643957667102/