Thinking of You

Last night, before bed, I had the urge to get out my watercolors and create something beautiful. I didn’t know what I was going to create—a card, table number, or just a big mess. I’ve been really wanted to sit down and let loose with watercoloring using a brush instead of my usual approach, which is using distress ink and simply smashing my paper in it, hehe. I have a palette with lots of great shades on it and I use a few of them for this card.

This was also the first time I attempted the iron off embossing technique but I totally failed at it. I don’t know exactly what I did wrong but the computer paper stuck to the embossing instead of removing it. Do any of you (who have tried this) know what I could have done wrong? I had the iron on a low setting, with the steam feature, off. I was wondering if it was my embossing powder. I wasn’t using the WOW embossing powder that I’ve seen most crafters use for this technique—so maybe that could be it? But anyways, since that didn’t work out I had to die cut that piece off of the card; and, instead I simply stamped the ‘thinking of you’ sentiment on a piece of white cardstock and inlayed that into the card. I did the same with the bird and the heart image as well. I actually really like how this card turned out even though I ran into a little problem with the iron off embossing. I think the pink text bubble stands out more.

I used nothing but Lawn Fawn products to design this card. I used the stamp set, Chit Chat, and its coordinating dies. Love you s’more (the “I love you”, sentiment), and the Lets Polka mixed sequins.

I’m so happy I took the time to create this last night, even though I was super tired. I feel like I can relax a little now that I’ve got that out of my system, lol. 

Work and New ideas

I thought it would be fun to take a few snap shots around the office, of things I’m working on as well as things that are “in the works”. I’ve been coming up with new ideas in between making and sending out orders on a daily basis—and it’s so much fun. I’m such a lucky gal to be able to do what I love, full time. I enjoy working on orders so much because I know that each little card or decoration will make someone really happy; and, that makes me happy! I’ve been thinking of lots of new things to add to my shop that will take my small business to the next level. I was beginning to get a little bit bored of making the same things over and over, and my remedy for that situation was to begin making new things that would get me exciting again. So far I’ve thought about making more wedding items—but I’m starting off small. By that I mean I’m not going to jump right into making invitations. Instead I’m going to create ‘Save the dates’ first and go from there. I’m also thinking about offering envelope printing in my shop as well. I’ve got such beautiful fonts and I know that, for a bride, handwriting invitations can be a bit of a pain. So I tested out the thick A2 envelopes that I purchased from Paper Source and they came out great. I was so happy with the results but I still need to work out a few kinks because sometimes when I’m printing on envelopes my printer tends to smear ink on them—I should probably contact the manufacturer about that.

I’ve also wanted to incorporate my new found love for watercoloring into my shop. So I also tested out printing on watercolor paper. What I did was apply the watercolor onto the paper first, then once it completely dried I printed the sentiment on it using my Canon printer—and again I loved the end result.

Here I have two little banners I made using a printer and the new Lawn Fawn banner dies. I think these are so cute and I’m going to try making these banners is more colors (cardstock). I can’t wait to add these to my shop—and of course I’ll be taking better pictures of them for my shop, hehe.

I’ve also been trying to get into drawing, here and there. I used to love drawing when I was younger and I was actually really great at it but I kind of lost it and now that I’m getting more into printed designs I’d like to get back into doodling. I love doing this when I’m a bit stressed out too because I don’t really expect much to come of it I just have fun creating little designs and then just set them aside.

The last images are just a few snap shots I took while I was working. I figure if I don’t have time to do tutorials or make cards I should at least share what’s going on in my office. While owning a small business can be stressful at times it’s also rewarding so many ways that the stress is nothing compared to how doing what I love makes me so happy. Well, I hope you enjoyed this little post and feel free to leave me a comment. Till next time, friends! 

Life Lately

Hi everyone! It's been so long since the last time I've posted on my blog and I was beginning to feel a little sad about it. I haven't really had the time to post like I normally do because I can't seem to find them time to do it. My small business is growing at a rapid pace, and I'm so happy about that! I have lots of new things in the works for my shop and I've been mainly focusing on that while also managing my shop and all the orders that I make and ship out. 

This weekend I managed to do a little bit of shopping at Paper Source, and I found these really great stamps--both photopolymer and rubber. I purchase some black and white twill ribbon along with some heavy lb. cream envelopes (that's I've always wanted to try from Paper Source). I've been collecting new stamps, dies, and embellishments for some time now but I haven't even been able to really sit down and play with them. Namely, because of all the orders I have and new items that I'm working on for me shop. Below is a picture of all the Lawn Fawn goodies I have that I can see from my desk when I'm working but I can't use because I'm so busy. Such torture, lol! 

I do have a video that I'm working on for Lawn Fawn so that will be a fun thing to share! I'm not going to reveal yet what it is I'll be making, though, I want that to be a surprise for all the viewers, hehe. I'm definitely loving the new LF release. The new stamp sets and dies are so cute! 

As you can see I've gathered a rather large craft haul and once I get a chance (or if I get a chance) to have some crafting time I'm going to be making lots of cool things with these. Take care!