Manicure in Minutes

Day 104.
Manicure in Minutes

If you're in a hurry and need to make your nails look great quickly, I've got a suggestion for one of my favorite nail polishes made here in the USA...

I'd tell you more, but as I mentioned, I'm in a rush!

Greeting Cards - Say Hello!

Day 103.
Greeting Cards - Say Hello!

We live in the age of electronic communication. From e-mails to texts, Facebook and Twitter (and even blogs), so often if there's something that needs to be said it's done from behind a backlit screen. It's really a shame that this has even replaced an actual phone call in many instances (and don't get me started about hearing major personal news via a post instead of a conversation), so today I'd like to offer up a cute way to keep communication a little more personal...the greeting card. Check out the adorable line I found from Jumping Cracker Beans (http://www.jumpingcrackerbeans.com/JCB_Site/Home.html).

These cards are so sweet and the process of putting them together is impressive as well...

http://www.jumpingcrackerbeans.com/JCB_Site/Goodwill.html

So now that we've found these wonderful cards, please take the time to send someone a handwritten note today and help keep the personal touch in your own communication.

Stamping in Elephant Style

Day 102.
Stamping in Elephant Style

I have loved crafting since...forever. I was creative as a child and have loved experimenting with new crafting techniques ever since. I've learned how to etch glass, to sew custom patches, to decoupage and to make a myriad of other things in my craft room. One hobby that has been especially enjoyable for me is scrapbooking and card making (I lump them together only because they use so many of the same materials and methods). I probably do more scrapbooking than anything else because of the variety of activities that I'm involved with where we end up taking fun photos. Therefore, I'm always on the lookout for cool supplies. In my search for new crafting tools that are also made in the USA I came across this company, Mama Elephant, that offers a selection of adorable clear stamps (and in my opinion clear stamps are the best way to go because you can see what you are doing). Here's a bit about the company...

http://mamaelephant.com/g/1180887/about-us.html

And here are some of the sweet stamps they offer!

http://mamaelephant.com/c/4420979/1/all-stamps.html

As a crafter I love to find new things and think this company has a lot to offer. Glad to pass it along!

Making a Charming Charm Bracelet

Day 101.
Making a Charming Charm Bracelet

Jewelry can be a great reflection of personality, style and meaning. Perhaps you've noticed the bracelets I always wear. The "Indivisible" wristband I explained in an earlier blog post. The purple wristband represents my brother's battle against pancreatic cancer (which he passed away from almost a year ago). Today I'm going to add another bracelet that will feature pewter beads all individually selected both for their personal significance to me an the fact that each was made in the USA. 

This charm bracelet is a reflection of things that mean something special to me. You can find similar beads at www.goodybeads.com and searching for "made in USA" if you'd like to make one with significance to you.

Getting Organized

Day 100.

Getting Organized

It's been weeks since I've done any sewing and I think part of that is a lack of organization in my craft room. Well, I'm ready to remedy that with a little all-American organization...

I was glad to see how neat and together everything looked once I spent a few minutes sorting through all the spools of thread I've acquired. Once I got a good look at what I had I realized I have plenty of variety in all the colors and probably don't need to buy any more...at least for awhile! 

Chocolate Treats

Day 99.

Chocolate Treats

I love chocolate (milk chocolate especially). I love Broadway (my favorite shows are Wicked, Legally Blonde The Musical and of course Phantom of the Opera, which is celebrating 25 years). And now I love some cool treats from Pennsylvania that sound like they should be a combination of those first two loves, but really they are something altogether different...a variety of sweet treats that are made in Bangor, PA on a road called Broadway!

Wherever they're made, whatever they're called...www.chocolatesonbroadway.com...delicious!

Another Great Hand Cream

Day 98.
Another Great Hand Cream

There's no question that winter has finally REALLY arrived in the northeast. It's bitter cold and my car starter is giving me grief...grrr. So on a day like today I'm glad to have another great hand cream tucked away to keep my hands feeling soft after battling the elements to get started. This one works wonders!

Thanks to my aunt for introducing me to http://www.udderlysmooth.com/. It's a winner!