Remember My Etsy Shop?

I went out on a limb and asked for some advice and constructive criticism.  That's always a little difficult for me, but you need to do it in order to improve right?  Success doesn't happen working alone; it takes many hands to work the dough and create the victory.

Well, I had quite a lot of feedback from the community there, much of it was very encouraging and I'm thankful for their kindness.  One of the things they mentioned was that sets don't sell well.  I cut my audience way down if I sell my cards and birdhouses as sets.  So I decided to break them up and try it a little differently. 

I'm willing to make an effort!  So it's changed a bit, but I think it will be for the better in the long run.

Thanks for taking the time with me tonight.  I'm always glad you stopped by :)

Coloring a Christmas Stamp with ProMarkers

Hello everyone...I want to start working on my Christmas Card Sets and went hunting for a tutorial on coloring with ProMarkers.  I found a blog called Creations with Christina.  Her theme is "Where Scrapbooking is a work of heart".  I just loved that.

Below is her tutorial for coloring a sweet Christmas Mouse stamp with ProMarkers.  I hope you find it as helpful as I did.

Thanks again for stopping by and please remember to comment and follow.  I always follow back :)



Fixed! Back to the 3 Column Setting

I'm so excited and thankful for this!  I did some research online and found someone that so clearly wrote out directions for THREE COLUMN MINIMA templates; I could follow it and implement it!  Please check out the Three Column Blogger.

Without a doubt the Three Column Blogger has the easiest instructions to follow.  Yahoo!  Many thanks to the Three Column Blogger! 

Well, I Have Something to Share

Those of you who have visited this blog will remember the last layout I had.  It was pretty, fresh, and new and I liked it.  With that said, I saw another pretty, fresh, new blog layout that I thought I would try out.

Here's the results...I chose this because I love birds and the vintage, shabby chic, feel.   This is what I want you to know:

If you change your TEMPLATE from the new blogger SIMPLE to the old blogger MINIMA...BEWARE...you may not be able to change it back to SIMPLE.  I've been trying all morning to get the two columns back.  I've been adjusting for hours.

It turned out fine, but now I feel a bit trapped...WAH!

Anyway...I hope you still visit and I don't confuse you too much by all the changes.  It's still me!

Blessings and warmth,

Colleen

Preview of the Newest Etsy Shop Addition

I thought I would share my additions with you before I added them to my Etsy Shop "Sweet Home Designs".  This was a fun little card to make and I think it turned out pretty cute!

More importantly, what do you think?

Full Front View

Close up of Florals

Easel Display with Birdhouse

Thank you for looking and sharing your comments.  Don't forget to FOLLOW, I follow everyone that follows me.   Let's network!

Blessings and warmth,

Colleen

Well, I Opened the Etsy Shop!

Wish me luck!

I'm excited to share with you my "Grand Opening"!  I loaded three sets into the shop and would love your feedback, suggestions, recommendations, and encouragement.  I don't expect that things will sell quickly, but it makes me feel good to know that I'm making an effort.

Please visit Sweet Home Designs at Etsy and let me know what you think!  I also have a coupon for the Grand Opening...Grand2011

Blessings and Warmth,

Colleen

Another Great Tutorial from Split Coast Stampers

One thing I love about Split Coast Stampers tutorials are the step by step processes!  They start out showing you what materials you'll need and move you right through the process.  They finish up with a great video tutorial at the end! 

You just have to love that!

Here's the latest and greatest finished product:

If you're looking for great ideas and fantastic tutorials...Check out Split Coast Stampers!  Just a lot of fun!!

Here's the video for you:

Split Coast Stamper 3 x 3 Note Card Video

Blessings and Warmth,
Colleen

Today is My Birthday...and I Wanted to Say Thank You!

Well, today was my birthday and it's time for me to "hit the sack", but I needed, wanted to say thank you to all my friends and family that took a moment to wish me a Happy Birthday.  From the first song of the day to the last laugh with my Brother...I am, was, blessed. 

Thank you Lord.  Thank you for those people in my life that make me smile, laugh, and cry tears of joy.  Thank you for those tiny voices that strained to sing the Birthday Song to their "Gramm".  Thank you to those who remembered at the beginning of their day and wished me well.

Thank you Lord!  Thank you that I have lived another year, breathing the air, hearing the birds, and seeing the sky.  Thank you that in all the sorrows of my life and in this world, You saw fit to bring me through them and share Your love.

Thank you everyone for bearing with me...and being my friends, both online, and off.

Blessings and Love,
Colleen

Changed a Few Things...

Hey everyone!

I changed a few things around here...decided to update the blog with a fresh new look.  I have so much fun with this.  I hope you liked the way it turned out.

I've been working on another easel card...I've decided to offer the cards, envelobox to match, and an adorable birdhouse set on Etsy.  I haven't added it yet, but it will be coming soon.

I thought I would give my followers and friends a sneak peak.  Feel free to let me know what you think.

Of course there will be a decorated envelobox too!  I've always loved birds and birdhouses.  They make me smile and believe that all will be well!  God is in control even when the world seems out of control.

Blessings Dear Ones!  Thank you for Following and visiting!

Colleen

P.S. I'll be sharing the newest easel card with you soon!



Split Coast Stampers Tutorial

I found a tutorial on Embossed Embossing!  My curiosity got the best of me and I thought I better click the link. :) 

Well, this is an interesting technique fully worked out in detail with video at this location.  Split Coast Stampers does an excellent job at laying out their tutorials.  They start with your "materials" list and move on from there.  What a pretty double embossed design this is!

I hope you'll enjoy the tutorial...Please take a look at my FACEBOOK page.  I would also love to have you FOLLOW this blog as well!  Thank you for stopping by.

Blessings!
Colleen

It's Time for the Update on the Envelobox Creator

Okay, well I promised you an update and here it is.  I was concerned when I made my purchase that this might not work well without it's "Mother" ship, The Crafter's Companion.  In the case of making an envelobox, it does not need it's "Mama".

The envelobox I made is very plain, as I just wanted you to see what it looked like.  I'll be working on it a bit, adding embellishments and, in the future, stamping prior to gluing.  It's really important to watch when gluing the box together.  It's incredibly easy to be off a little bit and cause the envelobox to be a little "catty-whompus".  My first has a touch of that and I'm sure I'll be more proficient as time goes by.

Here's what the first one looks like, very plain...just a "try me" project:

The nice thing about this set up is that you can make any size or width you need for your envelobox...so if your card is a bit larger or smaller than the norm, just make a "box" to fit.  My Ultimate Crafter's Companion set also came with a great DVD and instruction books.

All and all, I'm pleased with the purchase and would recommend it.

Blessings and thank you for stopping by!  Remember to Follow for more tutorials, reviews, and helps along the way!





Lili of the Valley Christmas Collection

Yes, I admit it...I think that the LOTV Christmas Stamp Collection is one of the cutest I've seen.  Aren't they adorable?  You can by them individually or as a colleciton...PRECIOUS!!


LOTV Christmas Collection

 I haven't purchased them yet, but it's a sure bet that I will.  Here's a creation by Bev Rochester with one of these wonderful stamps:

Bev Rochester's Christmas Creation

What funnnnn!  Remember Christmas is just around the corner and we need to get started with our crafts and projects!

God bless you!!