We represent the lollipop kids...

I've been combing Pinterest for "pun" gifts. Stuff like an Owl image and the words "Owl always love you" or chocolate bars with a card that says, "you're the best, bar none." Supposedly these were for business promotions and gifts, but then the OBESSION kicked into the mix.
 
The obsession is candy bouquets. There is nothing new about candy bouquets. I made them in coffee mugs as gifts in the 80's and taught them several times as workshops.
 
My first venture into Candy Bouquets 2014 was a miserable failure. I should have taken pictures, but I was rushed. Bottom line: I had the wrong candy, the wrong Styrofoam, and I was rushed.
 
I was ready to give up. I promise I was totally ready to give up. I put the supplies away and put the candy in an area approved for in-home consumption. However, the sugary bright arrangements of confection would not release me.

I kept pinning ideas and pondering designs. I found myself  in stores picking up containers that would work well as a base for a candy bouquet. Then the containers jumped into my cart and followed me home.

Last week when I was out running errands and getting ready for our trip to California--it happened. I drove past a candy warehouse. It was right on my way home. I'd never noticed it before. This miraculous reveal right in front of my eyes was a sign from somewhere (probably not from the heavens) that I must move forward with the candy project.

A quick U-turn and I was there. An hour later I was leaving the store with brightly colored lollipops and a receipt (no refunds allowed) for $26.92.



 
Apparently the time was right for Candy Bouquets 2014. After only a couple hours I had four candy bouquets and 3 pieces of leftover candy (not counting the lollipop I taste tested for purely scientific reasons).

They are now all posted on my Pinterest Page under gifts.

Total supply cost including containers, ribbons, and better Styrofoam was $8.79 per bouquet. Not a bad cost for a gift and about the same as a bouquet of grocery store flowers. With good fortune and no similar OBSESSIONS on the horizon--I should be finished with my Candy Bouquets 2014 adventure. You never know though, I've always been a "sucker" for lollipop bouquets.

We'd like to welcome you to Munchkin Land.

Getting Patriotic all Summer

I love my country. No matter what your politics you have to admit that you were blessed to be born or naturalized as a citizen of this country.

As summer begins I think about two kinds of cards, decor, entertaining, etc. The first is patriotic and the second is "beachy fun."

Take a look at all these ideas for patriotic party crafts and recipes at JoAnn.com

Patriotic rarely goes out of style--this card was

made in 2005 and I'd still send it today.

 

Free—Spring Wreath Workshop at First Christian Church WPB

Here's the festive wreath you will create.

First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ in West Palm Beach invites you to attend our FREE Spring Wreath Workshop.
 
 

Date: March 9, 2013

Time: 10am-12noon

Description: Use accessible and inexpensive supplies to create a cheery outdoor or indoor wreath for spring. Bring scissors and a pair of pliers IF you have them available.

Cost: FREE

Registration: Required

Register by Email: scrapfcc@verchat.org

 

Location:  First Christian Church, 215 S Congress Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33409

Creativity honors the great Creator. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. My amazing church has had some great opportunities for creativity and we’re planning even more. In addition to our bi-annual Scrap & Stamp FUNdraiser (next one July 27, 2013) we are offering small group workshops FREE to members and the community. If you live in the area and would like to request a topic for an upcoming workshop please email me nachattin@nachattin.com  or scrapfcc@verchat.org

Design by NAChattin, the Artful Tourist

Can't make it to the workshop? I'll be posting the "how to" for this easy and frugal wreath on the blog or web site very soon.


Holiday Sharing



Purple Fairy Flash card  12.6.11

 My delightful friend from Palm Beach Gardens by way of Russia, Natasha, shared a fun link with me today. Amarilys' Scrappy Corner has a tutorial up on nine Christmas cards using one page of print paper as the base. Full link: http://amadrian8.blogspot.com/2011/12/tuesdayday-6-12-days-of-christmas-awdml.html Sound familiar? Yes, it's another take on the marvelous flash cards I love to promote.


I have never seen a set done in Christmas patterns before and hers just charming. You can see my directory of different flash card designs here: http://www.nachattin.com/Flashmain.html My version of the one sheet technique is called Die Cut Strippers and the spring set is available here: http://www.nachattin.com/articlediecutstrippers.html


It's never too late to make flash cards to send out yourself or as a gift set for someone else. Try some vivid jewel tones that would be a great set of winter cards to give as a gift.


My most recent flash card session was on 12.6.11 when I combined DCV pre-printed note cards with some stickers that were easily accessible in my stash. I suddenly realized that I did not have enough "general" cards to last through the December birthdays and thank you notes. Enjoy!



Recycled image flash card 12.6.11



Sunshine flash card 12.6.11

Getting Everything Done

About those holiday cards
The time has come to admit holiday card defeat. We really wanted to send a card this year with a wedding photo on it. I created two designs plus package tags (as shown-click to enlarge) and up until about 10 minutes ago I believed they would happen.

In the spirit of positive thinking, I won’t call it defeat any longer. I got it out in that first paragraph for dramatic purposes, and now, I’m calling it a tactical retreat to fortify the troops. There’s always a New Year Card or even a Valentine’s Day card. All these options are a few mouse clicks away.

Photo Greeting Cards for all Seasons
I’m no stranger to alternate holiday cards. Everyone else is just as caught up as we are and getting cards every day…the “afterwards” ones often seem more thoughtful and give more time for reflection too.

I updated the photo greeting card feature page on my web site to include the digital holiday cards and other ideas. http://www.nachattin.com/articlephotocards.html Check it out if you are considering the alternate holiday card yourself…smile.

Time to be kind
Now is the Time to focus on what we have done and over come this month.. Now is the Time to relish in the wonder of the season. Now is the Time to share the love with others and with ourselves.

One of the most important lesions I took from The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron is that being kind to myself makes me strong. Being strong makes me a better wife, friend, family member, teacher, artist, and everything else. Trying to do everything you want to do isn’t always the best course of action. Today I will do fewer things, do them better, and nurture the kindness.

Just Do It

I have written at least three posts in Word for my blog and I have the greatest of intentions, however, posting has just not happened. So, I'm starting fresh with today....

I've had the glorious pleasure of being a part of a Pine Cone Press Book club that meets at the home of the talented Lynn Barwald. http://www.barwald.com/luckycharmcrafts.htm This group is really fun and for a while I was whipping out those monthly projects quite regularly. Then I slipped "off the wagon" and I have several unfinished kits in my studio. However, just like posting to the blog, I can only begin again from today. -wry smile-

Last month's project was a darling mini album featuring snowmen die cuts and papers. I've already forgotten the paper maker, and the paper really makes the kit. However, in the spirit of not letting anything get in the way again I will simply post the photos of the album and....drum roll please....I actually sat and used up the scraps to make cards and gift tags when I was done! I love it when it works....

As usual, you can click on the photos to enlarge. The out of box experience for me on the book was leaving white on the pages in the album. Normally I would stamp background images and ink liberally, but I really wanted to test myself and keep some space true white. The sample didn't even have much ink around the edges and I couldn't resist that part, but I did leave the white. I think this album will be a holiday gift for a special family that might read my blog so I won't divulge any more.--wink---

Speaking of gifts....what are you making this season? I've recently lost my cool job with the tutoring company which means the budget for gifts has decreased but the time for making them has increased so I'm sure it will all work out. I'm trying to come up with some "stash friendly" ideas and would love to hear about your adventures. I'm also curious to know about the best hand made gifts you've ever received, that would be inspiring.

underwater missives

I have been battling a sinus infection since Tuesday afternoon. I really don't want to take antibiotics again since I've had them three times in past few months. So, I am armed with tissues, steam, over-the counter meds, supplements, and my big comfortable bed. This WILL pass. I am still angry that I watched Sir Henry bring it home and did little or nothing to protect myself. -growl-

Today is better, mornings usually are too. So, here I go. I don't have recent art to show for this week. I went to my Pine Cone Press Book Club, but I didn't get to finish. Our topic was flap books--we stay one month behind to insure good shipping. It's a fun topic.

Holiday gifts are on my mind. I want to make lots of cards and ornamanets plus I've got a list of individual gifts. Getting started seems to be the hard part. I did some holiday projects for Spellbinders this spring and they are now available for viewing here. There's an article on my web site featuring the buckle cards in more detail.

I'm busy working on my classes and free classes for My Creative Classroom. I can't wait to get that rolling--please let me know if you have ideas or requests.