Toodles & Binks offers a wonderful line of rubber stamps and they are gearing up for a new May release – a wonderful Sally-Ann Hancock design set.  They have been offering a sneak peek here and there on their blog and it definitely looks very cute, homey and country living with a twist.  I can’t wait to see the new release and all the designs in full!

In celebration they are offering some pretty nice blog candy…definitely check it out and follow their blog for great inspiration as well.  They are offering up 3 grab bags as prizes as well as entering you into a yearlong drawing for all their designs in December 2009.  Wow!  I nearly can’t believe it!

Posted on May 11, 2009 at 10:47 am | Shops and Blogs | No comments

I am definitely still learning when it comes to papers, inks, stamping techniques and other crafty skills.  The sketch challenges and templates offered online are great learning tools for me, because they help push me in the right direction – to start somewhere.  However, there’s also room for interpretation and for creativity to grow beyond the exact template itself.  I keep finding more and more challenges on various blogs and just can’t decide which ones I can do or keep up with!  I feel like I need a challenge planner to figure out what would work with my schedule, so I don’t miss out.

I recently happened upon Card Patterns and wanted to participate because the sketch sparked immediate excitement.  It was perfect for all the little stamps I have from Aladine, France’s premier brand in rubber stamps.  I borrowed my niece’s coloring pencils to add some color to all the images I stamped in black.  Perfect summer theme for this hot weather we have now, here in Tuscany.  I am loving it because it feels like Southern California (except for the mega mosquitos)!

I used my boat stamp to create the vibrant blue background paper, then used my designed anchors paper with a little distressing at the bottom.  Add some embellishments to finish it off – sort of a summer with nautical elements theme!  So happy how this one turned out…

Better adhesive is something I still need to buy and I’ve been surfing the net for the best crafty online shop here in Italy…Opitec or VBS Hobby?  Well, I just made the plunge and ordered from VBS Hobby – let’s hope everything goes along smoothly!  I’m surprised the shipping costs so little, but I’m thinking there must be a mistake because people usually don’t order as much as I do in my deprived state…oh dear!

Posted on May 10, 2009 at 12:03 pm | Shops and Blogs, Showcase | 3 comments

Talk about amazing blog candy – Stephanie Castro’s blog has reached 10,000 hits, so she’s offering $100 to anywhere for the winner!  Pretty darn swell, huh?  Besides amazing blog candy though, her blog is great inspiration.  There’s so much to see on her blog – you should definitely check it.  It’s no wonder she has so many readers in a short 6 months!

I have her blog on my RSS reader and looking forward to see more inspiring work!  Thanks Stephanie!

Posted on May 9, 2009 at 12:12 am | Shops and Blogs | No comments

The year really seems to be flying by and graduation is just around the corner.  I’ve been looking around for ideas on creating graduation cards and came across a very cute shop called Pear Tree Greetings. They are also offering some discounts in celebration of the graduation season such as free shipping on orders over $75 using code 16746, $10 off graduation announcements/invitations when spending $75 using code 16735 and also 10% off graduation stationery when spending $75 using code 16121 – all before May 31. Not a bad deal at all!

I also find the site really inspiring in terms of card making. There have really colorful but simple, elegant designs, so I really enjoyed looking through their site. Turns out they also sell crafty items in the DIY section from papers to embellishments to ribbon!

Posted on May 7, 2009 at 3:54 pm | Shops and Blogs | No comments

Funny how some things transcend language and culture.  Even in Italy I’ve found many crafty blogs and inspiring folks who also love paper crafting, stamping and the traditional ways of correspondence.  Amazingly enough, they have blog giveaways and they call it blog candy – pretty darn cute!  I came across BA’s blog and she has just opened a new online shop called timbroscrapmania.  I have yet to venture into online ordering here in Italy – but I’m sure it’ll happen soon enough with so many wonderful goodies out there.

BA or Barbara is offering up blog candy, which is so exciting because there are lots in the picture.  I hope to win, but also just fun to participate and see everyone else in the community of crafting – good luck to all!

Posted on May 6, 2009 at 9:42 pm | Shops and Blogs | No comments

I have been surfing around the web looking for crafty suppliers online and came across PrintMyRibbon.com.  They are apparently a huge supplier and until Mother’s Day offering 25% off All Ribbons using the promo code: PMR25.  I’ve never ordered any type of customized ribbons before and wondering if others do so for general crafting purposes, rather than just for a specific event like your wedding.  I was stuck pondering what type of greeting or message would be general enough to warrant the purchase yards and yards of custom printed ribbon.

Of course, once I delved deeper into the site, I realized it’s not exactly a cheap supply to order.  Or perhaps my expectations are just skewed when it comes to ribbon prices?  Satin, organza, twill and even wired-edge ribbon to be personalized for your particular needs – certainly lots of fancy stuff.  I am wondering if I could somehow stamp my own ribbon sentiments, even though it woudn’t be as cool as these lovely examples.   I guess only the corporate folks can afford it?

Posted on May 4, 2009 at 2:10 pm | Shops and Blogs | No comments

Sometimes it’s difficult to find the right cards to express your feelings at the local supermarket or general store.  Certainly there are many greetings that seem overused and there are times you would like something custom.  Handmade cards would be the next thought, however not everyone has the time to do that.

Enter Cards Shoppe, an online store where you can personalize and customize your own greeting cards for any occasion.  How great is that?  You can personalized imprintable invitations and announcements cards for baby showers, from adult to child birthday celebrations, moving cards, thank you cards, baptism or christening cards, you name it – they’ve got it!   Cards Shoppe offers same day priting and shipping as well as many other offers such as 10 FREE cards to get things started up.  Definitely check out http://www.CardsShoppe.com and see if it’s right for you!

Posted on January 28, 2009 at 7:06 pm | Shops and Blogs | No comments

Every year, billions of greeting cards and sold – bought by writers like you and me.  Many eco-minded folks have switched to e-cards, sending sentiments digitally online to reduce the cutting of trees and use of a lot of paper.  I agree that saving paper and recycling is very important, but I also understand the want (and seemingly need) of sending tangible real touchy-feely greeting cards to express your sentiments and thoughts.  There are some correspondences that just won’t do over an email or e-card on the computer screen.  You can perfume your e-card (yet!).

Enter Cast Paper Art, offering recycled cotton fiber greeting cards which I found out about through an article on Focus Organic. They offer a variety of different card types for various occasions and you should be able to buy them in various packs to satisfy your needs.  I love the minimalist designs and beautiful paper textures the recycled fibers naturally create.  You can feel good about purchasing these cards that are not hurting the environment and still have lovely tangible greeting cards to send out!

Posted on January 10, 2009 at 6:38 pm | Shops and Blogs | 1 comment

Looking for some inspiration in card making for the upcoming holidays? Martha Stewart is always a good source to look towards for simple, yet classy layouts and designs.

Handmade cards are always treasured and you will be able to create exactly the variety and number of cards you want to use. How often do you buy holiday cards and are left with a couple that you don’t know what to do with!? You can also personalize your handmade cards for your recipients by changing colors on the cards themselves or just the color of the envelopes. Martha Steward shows various examples to inspire your cardmaking such as magnet cards, button cards, ribbon tree cards and more for a total of 20 exciting ideas.

Check out all the ideas at Martha Stewart’s website.

Posted on December 7, 2008 at 7:18 pm | Shops and Blogs | No comments

Want to send a one-of-a-kind handmade card to a loved one? You should definitely take a look at the various Etsy shops offering unique handmade cards at reasonable prices. The selection is enormous, but we do have some favorites which we think can make a truly unique greeting when your personal note and sentiments are added. Remember, no matter how great and cool the card might be, it is your words and handwriting that the recipient will take to heart, so don’t forget to write!

Unique handmade card examples from Etsy.com

On the wonderful Etsy.com we found many fantastic unique handmade cards for sale. Tracy Chong’s handmade pop-up cards are definitely a unique find, offering a certain surprise for whoever opens it up. Alidesign offers very cute sets of notecards, perfect for quick notes. Finally, we also love the artistic designs of paperkate. Be sure to explore all the products on Etsy as listings are added by handmade artists all over the world every minute!

Posted on December 7, 2008 at 9:23 am | Shops and Blogs | No comments