Scrapbook Expo 2012, Ontario, CA

Oh. My. Gosh! Yes, I went to the Scrapbook Expo! I'm still so happy that I was able to go and spend a moderate amount of money but still come home with bags full of stuff. The Scrapbook Expo is something that all scrapbookers, and card-makers alike wait for all year. This was actually my first time attending--and I will definitely be going every single year from now on. There's nothing better than being in an environment where everyone has the same passion for paper, stamps, ribbon, and washi-tape. It was so funny because as soon as the doors opened for the expo you can hear screams and gasps' of excitement. I attended the Friday, early bird, opening--which means I get first dibs on everything out on the show room floor. I met up with my favorite crafty friend and she showed me were all the deals were. We were like kids in a candy store! Below I'm going to some pictures I took while I was there; and, I also have a video all the way at the bottom of this post showing off my haul. Unfortunately my camera decided to take a nap in the middle of filming so I didn't get to share everything I got. I'm thinking of making a part 2 so that I can show everything else I got. So stay tuned! 

Don't forget to check out my first video haul showing some of the stuff I purchased at the show! + you can watch it in HD too :-D 

Update: Here are some of the things I didn't get to film: 

Shhhh! Borrowing Your Sisters’ Necklace and Making it Your Own—For the Day

My sisters are always nagging me about borrowing their stuff—most of the time without asking. Sometimes they never even realize I’ve taking their wonderful accessories and turned them into something different to fit my style. Take this cute gold and cream braided necklace (it’s probably not real gold). I love the look, and I love the color combinations; but I can’t get over how it looks like a choker when I wear it—and I’ve never been a fan of chokers. They look weird on me. So, I decided to extend it a bit using some of things I had laying around my craft table:

-Ribbon

-Removable Rings

-Scissors

Check out how I did it! Here is the starting point:

Now, simply open up the rings (You can find these at your local craft store)

Then simply attached the rings to the ends of the necklace, like so:

Slip your ribbon through the rings and tie knots (at the length you prefer):

Then simply tie the ends of the ribbon together creating a neat looking bow:

Then you’re done! Check out this new and improved necklace!

After I fixed up this necklace I went back to my sisters’ room to shop for some more borrowed goods, and came back with some matching pieces! Hahahaha—she’ll never know—because she never reads my blog. Also, the great thing about using removable rings is you can take them off when you’re done with the necklace and put it back in your sisters’ jewelry box without her even knowing! ;)

A Great Place to Shop for Craft Supplies in Los Angeles

     This weekend I decided to put down my crafting tools to go on a mini shopping spree for my shop. I absolutely love that fact that I only live ten minutes from Downtown Los Angeles because of the amazing craft, fabric, and hardware stores that the city of L.A. has to offer. This weekend I stopped at one of my favorite shops to buy ribbon—Moskatels.  Moskatels is a store that has everything for ones crafty or party planning needs. I like to think that the big-gun party planners of Hollywood stop at this location because of some over the top pieces Moskatels’ carries that only celebrities can afford to buy. However, aside from some of their vases I could never afford; they have a ribbon isle that must have come straight from heaven. The array of colors and modest prices simply have to be heaven sent. I feel like a nerd when I say that I get the chills walking down the ribbon isle, but if you have a passion for all things crafty the way I do you’ll understand my excitement when I walk into this: 

Moskatels, Los Angeles, CA

I wish I had better pictures of this store, but like most places of business downtown they frown upon customers taking pictures of their amazing products. But, I managed to sneak a quick photo with my point and shoot camera—hence the poor image quality. This store has everything you can think of: ribbon, baking supplies, all party supplies, a wide variety of item boxes and baggies for crafters and bakers, and so much more.

I’m so glad I went shopping at Moskatels this weekend because while I was browsing the store I found these clear poly bags that I’ve been looking for everywhere. I wanted these poly bags to hold all the cards, tags, and cupcake toppers I sell, and I’m so happy I found them here. The poly bags I got make my items look so much more professional, and they’re perfect for a craft fair I’ll be doing soon. I want to post more photos of the bags I’m speaking of. Maybe I’ll do a quick tutorial on how to use them to wrap cards and other items.

Thanks for stopping by for a quick read, and if you love crafting or party planning as much as I do this place is a must! Let me know what you think if you happen to stop by Moskatels when stocking up on tools. Also, let me know if you know of other places just like this—I’d love to check them out.

F.Y.I. Moskatels has a parking garage and the parking is free for up to two hours if you spend more than $4.00. If you try to park anywhere else it’ll either be a hassle or expensive.

Product Gift Wrapping Part Two

Hello! I hope everyone is having a great day! In my previous post I said I was going to share a video I recorded of me wrapping some stationary and here it is. I hope you enjoy it, and stay tuned for another. I’ll be showing how I wrap my tags and cupcake toppers with poly-bags, card stock, and stamps.