Friday, July 27, 2012

Happy Birthday, Pink by Design!

Tomorrow Pink by Design stamp company turns 2 years old! The celebration has already begun on Pinterest where we're all Inking it Pink!

In celebration I unearthed a couple photos of projects I made with their stamps that I never posted. (Sadly, I have a whole stack of their lovely items that still haven't seen ink...)

Sentiment from 'Here Comes the Bride'
Some of you may remember this one from my shop last Valentine's Day. I salvaged some puzzle pieces and gave them new life with a coat of red paint. The sentiment was a perfect match (ooo, I kill myself!) so I stamped it in black VersaMark ink and then topped it off with some clear embossing powder for added texture and shine. They're easy to make quickly, but each one is still unique thanks to the puzzle pieces.

Sentiment from 'Here Comes the Bride'
This one was fun to make. I started with a big square card base, 6"x6" (oh yes, extra postage would be required) and added a layer of the pretty black & cream damask print. I think it was from a pad of...oh boy...no, it could have just been a single sheet from my stash. Have I mentioned lately that I love hoarding scrapbook paper? Anyway, I punched out and embossed two black 2" circles with my Big Shot then layered them on the card. I glued the first down right to the card, then popped up the second one to give it some dimension. On top of that went the wedding cake. I admit, that one isn't from PbD - it's one from the dollar bid. I stamped it on white card stock then fussy cut it out before decorating. Gel pens and Stickles made excellent 'frosting', don't you think? The sentiment is from the same PbD set I used on the puzzle card - it's really perfect for all things lovey-dovey. :) The edges got inked up and small red pearls added to compliment the colors on the cake. I popped that one up with foam squared, too. I went pretty dimension crazy that day, but it turned out really pretty. Sheer ribbon wrapped around the side was the final touch and I sold it at a craft show to a mother of the bride. She wanted something really unique for her daughter, and when I mentioned that it was OOAK she was sold! I love the thought that a happy bride & groom received this on their wedding day. <3

Oof...I'm being tackled by a toddler demanding food! LOL I'd better feed him something before he starts gnawing on the furniture...tomorrow I'm off to an all-day scrap crop! Yay for uninterrupted crafting time!!

Happy Crafting!

Thursday, July 26, 2012

A Little Christmas in July

Thanks to the holiday sale I had on Etsy, I've been in a Christmas mood...so when this week's challenges came out for CAS-ual Friday and Pink by Design, I was inspired to combine them. CAS is looking for a black base card while PbD08 is Christmas in July! Too fun!

 Here's what I came up with:


Snowflake 'Peace' card

Sadly, you can't tell in any of the photos but the white for the snowflake is a pretty, shimmery paper. I used black card stock for the base, then added another layer of black that was embossed with snowflakes. The top layer is popped up with foam tape and stamped in white ink with the 'peace' sentiment.

Better shot of the embossing
The flash popped up for this one...ugh!
The snowflake is punched out of the last layer of black paper and I tucked the shimmer paper behind it. Much easier than trying to glue down a punch-out!

Here's where I'm linking up this week:

Pink by Design


Pink by Design's 2 Year Anniversary Celebration!


Wheeeee! I'm getting excited about the party, can you tell? I love using their stamps and cannot WAIT for a day full of challenges and surprises. Better still, I'll already be at an all-day crop...what better place to play along?

Come RSVP on their Facebook event page and get tuned in to all the fun!

See you there!

Friday, July 20, 2012

It's Giveaway Time!

We promised that once we hit 100 'likes' on Facebook that it would be time for a giveaway. Well, as of this morning we're at 135 likes! Wow! I admit, it's a lovely feeling knowing that people like what you create...or at least pretend to. :)

Up for grabs is one of our new tea light gift sets!


Aren't they just adorable?? We've taken white, unscented tea lights and decked them out with gorgeous card stock. They come all wrapped up in their little clear sleeves topped with more card stock and some pretty ribbon. Perfect for gift giving...even if it's just a gift for yourself!

So, how do you enter? Just head on over to the Out of the Box Sampler Giveaway page on Facebook! (It's one of the perks of being a member, we get to use all the fun toys.) Follow the instructions there and you'll be entered to win! Totally easy, right? Hurry though, the giveaway closes on August 3rd and the winner will be notified shortly thereafter.

If you'd like to see all of our new tea light gift sets, they're available in the store. They're part of our Christmas in July sale going on RIGHT NOW. 30% off the entire store, but hurry, the sale ends on 7/22 at midnight!

Good luck! :)

Monday, July 16, 2012

Christmas in July on Etsy! Featured Shop: PearlesPainting

Today's featured shop, chosen at random, is PearlsPainting!


The shop is lovingly run by Pearle, with help from her daughter Reagan. You can read all About her shop on her page (she actually has her About page filled out! Go Pearle!) Her shop is marked 25% off for Christmas in July, no coupon code needed.

It's amazing to believe that these are all hand painted...what patience!

Small Glass Ornament
This is such a pretty ornament. I would love to hang it on my tree! (HINT, my loved ones)

Icy Vines Wall Art
How pretty is this? Gorgeous shades of blue with more of those lovely vines. Love it.

Purple Art Abstract Necklace
Talk about wearable art! This started out a doodle Pearle did years ago...she cut it up and turned it into one of a kind pendants. There will truly never be another one like it. Too cool.

So, to summarize today's shop of the day:

Pearle's Painting
Pearle's Pretty Pieces: Home Decor & Gifts
Entire store 25% off from now until July 22nd

Go, shop, find pretty things, and tell Pearle that Caffeinated Papercuts sent you! <3

Please note: I have not received compensation in any way to write about this shop. All views are my own personal ones and not from a script. I'm just that opinionated.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Christmas in July on Etsy! Featured Shop: HampshireRose

Today's featured shop, chosen at random, is HampshireRose!


The store is run by Sharon and is stocked with little scrapbooks, all ready for your cherished photos. She's marked down her entire store for Christmas in July. Take a look at some of the books you can find.

Camping Mini Album
 We've been camping for the last week and a half, so I have to say I was drawn to this album! Mmmm, s'mores...so delicious!

Brown, Blue, and Gold Flower Mini Album
I like that this album is a different shape and that it's floral, yet totally usable for boys. Yes!

A Cat's Life Mini Album
I miss my kitties...and their antics deserve an album. She has ones for dog lovers, too.

So, to summarize today's shop of the day:

Hampshire Rose
Pre-made and Mini Scrapbook Albums
Entire store marked down for a limited time

Go, shop, find pretty things, and tell Sharon that Caffeinated Papercuts sent you! <3

Please note: I have not received compensation in any way to write about this shop. All views are my own personal ones and not from a script. I'm just that opinionated.

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Christmas in July on Etsy! Featured Shop: SweetSapling

Today's shop, chosen at random to be featured, is Sweet Sapling!


The shelves are stocked with beautiful fabric creations by Christina, and man do they make me wish either that I had a little girl to put them in or that I was one still myself so I could wear them! Her shop is marked 20% off, no coupon code needed. Looking through, I found some truly adorable pieces.

Girl's Ruffle Skirt with Headband in Pink & Red
How adorable is this skirt?? The ruffles are to die for and the patterns of the fabrics are stunning. I would happily put my little girl in this (if I had one). But wait, it gets better...

18" Doll Ruffle Skirt
...you can get a matching outfit for her doll! I have to say, that is sheer genius right there. I know a little girl out there that would adore this combination.

After oohing and aahing at all the pretty girl things, I was delighted to see that she had a boy's section as well.

Just Like Dad Dinosaur Necktie
That's right, it's a necktie. For little boys. With dinosaurs on them. So freakin' adorable, and the model is pretty cute, too.

So, to summarize today's shop of the day:

Sweet Sapling
Handmade heirloom ruffle skirts and accessories
Entire store 20% off for a limited time

Go, shop, find pretty things, and tell Christina that Caffeinated Papercuts sent you! <3

Please note: I have not received compensation in any way to write about this shop. All views are my own personal ones and not from a script. I'm just that opinionated.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Christmas in July on Etsy! Featured Shop: jojolarue

Yay, it's another Friday the 13th! I've generally had good luck on these lovely days...heck, I even got married on a Friday the 13th. Oddly enough, no one was booked...go figure. :)

Today's shop, chosen at random to be featured, is jojolarue!


JoJo's shop is full of beautiful watercolors, from wall art to note cards and jewelry. For Christmas in July her shop has been marked 15% off. Let me tell you, looking at her artwork made me seriously hungry...

Cupcake Christmas Cards, Set of 4
Christmas cupcakes!! These are prints of watercolors she's created. They're absolutely beautiful...and delicious...erm, but don't eat the cards.

Espresso Maker with Cup, 11x14 print
Oh look, I found coffee. This would go really well with those cupcakes...it would also look cute hung up in a kitchen or bakery.

Button Candy Glass Pendant Necklace
BUTTON CANDY! Oh my gosh, I love that candy. I still remember happily eating it as a child...and maybe just last week. The necklace is adorable and I'm now starving. Time to walk into the coffee shop & candy store in town!

So, to summarize today's shop of the day:

jojolarue
Cupcake art, food art, cute watercolor art, cards
Entire store 15% for a limited time

Go, shop, find pretty things, and tell JoJo that Caffeinated Papercuts sent you! <3

Please note: I have not received compensation in any way to write about this shop. All views are my own personal ones and not from a script. I'm just that opinionated.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Christmas in July on Etsy! Featured Shop: FoundForYou

I'd just like to rub it in that I'm writing this from an Adirondack chair on the deck at our campground. The sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, and I have a mug of hot chocolate courtesy of my husband. Yeah, vacations are awesome. :)


Today's shop, chosen at random to be featured, is FoundForYou!


The shop is run by Joanna, who happily hunts through garage sales, estate sales, and antique shops to find fun & pretty things for us. Her items are all 25% off from now until July 23rd. Browsing through her finds, I came across some things I wouldn't mind myself (surprising, I know).

Small Brown Glass Bottles
How cute are these bottles? I can actually see myself tucking some flowers in them like Joanna has done for the picture. They're just so CUTE!

Depression Glass Green Serving Tray with Handle
It didn't take me long to find something green (hey, it matches everything I have!) and this serving tray is really pretty. I can absolutely see using it year-round.

White Enamelware Stock Pot
Enamelware! So fun vacation story; my husband grew up with the enamelware plates, mugs, etc. for camping. To him, that means camping has begun when you pull those out. Well, we didn't have any...until we walked into a store up here. Ever seen a grown man clutching a 16-piece dinnerware set, jumping up and down saying "honey, LOOK!!! Can we PLEASE get these??" I may just need to pick up the stock pot for next year...looks like you could fit a few lobsters in there. Yum.

So, to summarize today's shop of the day:

Found For You
Vintage and antique items found for you
Entire store 25% off, no coupon code needed, from now until July 23rd

Go, shop, find pretty things, and tell Joana that Caffeinated Papercuts sent you! <3

Please note: I have not received compensation in any way to write about this shop. All views are my own personal ones and not from a script. I'm just that opinionated.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Christmas in July on Etsy! Featured Shop: CelebrationsPaperie

Today's shop, chosen at random to be featured, is Celebrations Paperie!


The creativity behind the shop is Susan and the 'aisles' are stocked with digital files of invitations, birth announcements, and all sorts of party goodies. She'll have the entire store on sale starting July 12th - you get 15% off your purchase with coupon code CIJ15.

Her creations are absolutely adorable. Here are some of my favorites:

Baby Giraffe Shower Invitations
Just look at that giraffe! How CUTE! You can get a file that's just the invitations or you can get a set with the invitations and matching thank you cards...and why on earth would you choose to not do that?? That giraffe is so cute, I almost want to frame him myself.

Baby Dino Birth Announcement
Then when the little bundle of joy gets here, you can tell everyone with these adorable baby dinosaur announcements. Wish these were around when my Kieran was born...they're great!

Jungle Birthday Party Invitation
Fast forward a year (or two) and then the whole jungle can invite guests to your little one's birthday party! Can you tell I'm a sucker for animals? Not to mention my joy at finding items that aren't covered in pink and ruffles??

So, to summarize today's shop of the day:

Celebrations Paperie
Invitations, thank yous, and party accessories
Entire store 15% off with coupon code CIJ15, starting July 12th

Go, shop, find pretty things, and tell Susan that Caffeinated Papercuts sent you! <3

Please note: I have not received compensation in any way to write about this shop. All views are my own personal ones and not from a script. I'm just that opinionated.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Christmas in July on Etsy! Featured Shop: Exaltation

Today's featured shop from Etsy is Exaltation!


Exaltation is a store full of handmade, wire word & symbol jewelry. The artist behind it is Jen who actually wrote me to ask if I'd consider featuring her shop. After checking out her very cool necklaces, how could I say no? Besides, we Jens have to stick together! She's offering 15% off her shop starting on 7/12 and lasting until 7/22. Many shops on Etsy are going with those dates (myself included) as those are the 'official' Christmas in July dates this year. Hey, who are we to say no to customers being driven to our doors?

I took a browse through Jen's shop and found some pieces that really fit me. Seeing as that's the aim of her creations, I do believe she succeeded. :)

Heart Necklace in Silver Wire
I love the sweet simplicity & grace of this necklace. I can easily see just putting it on when I need to quickly grab a necklace out of the box. It's just...pretty. I like that.

Caffeine Molecule Necklace
I can't imagine why I was drawn to this necklace... ;) The caffeinated geek part of me absolutely adores it. She has several different molecules & geeky fun necklaces and they're all perfect.

Merde Necklace
I took French for 7 years in school, and I laughed when I came across this one, possibly startling a few people in the cafe...oops... I love necklaces with a sense of humor or private joke, and this is a good one. For those unfamiliar with the French language, it's the elegant, French way of saying 'sh*t'. Hehehehehe...as Jen says, "Because cursing in French is like wiping your ass with silk."

All of her necklaces come with chain length options and you can even get them in colored wire for a nominal extra fee. She has over 100 to choose from so grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and check them all out.

So, to summarize today's shop of the day:

Exaltation
unique, affordable, expressive, custom gifts
Entire store marked 15% off starting July 12th, no coupon code needed!

Go, shop, find pretty things, and tell Jen that Caffeinated Papercuts sent you! <3

Please note: I have not received compensation in any way to write about this shop. All views are my own personal ones and not from a script. I'm just that opinionated.

Monday, July 9, 2012

Christmas in July on Etsy! Featured Shop: AstaArtwork

Today's shop, chosen at random to be featured, is AstaArtwork!


The shop is run by (shocker!) Asta, and is full of her original canvas paintings and art sketches. For her Christmas in July sale she's offering free shipping on select pieces of artwork. Seeing as they're coming from Europe, that's extra impressive!

Her artwork is really pretty, and she seems to love kitties:

Original black & white painting - Chess Lady
I love her whiskers! Such an elegant kitty, probably what my Cassie pictures herself as. Of course, if that's my Cassie, then this next one is my coffee-guzzling Jasper...

Original drawing - Coffee Time
I love the stripey kitty, and the colors really seem to pop!

While they're not part of the free shipping sale, her canvas paintings are stunning as well.

Original abstract painting on canvas - Time for the Dreams
I mean, wow. I wish I had the room to put this up in! It's a beautiful piece that will grace some lucky buyer's home.

So, to summarize today's shop of the day:

Asta Artwork
Asta's Artwork
Select artwork ships for free, going on now

Go, shop, find pretty things, and tell Asta that Caffeinated Papercuts sent you! <3

Please note: I have not received compensation in any way to write about this shop. All views are my own personal ones and not from a script. I'm just that opinionated.

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Christmas in July on Etsy! Featured Shop: LaurelSusanStudio

Today's shop, chosen at random to be featured, is Laurel Susan Studio!


The shop is run by a dynamic mother-daughter duo. Mom works with fabric and yarn while Daughter makes all of the polymer clay pieces. I admit, I have no idea which is which, but they make some beautiful crafts.

For their Christmas in July sale they have marked down their entire store, just in time for holiday shopping! What, there are people in my family who have started their Christmas shopping...don't look at me like that! While happily browsing through, I picked out a few pieces that are on my wish list.

Christmas Reversible Cloth Napkins, Red/Green Stripe, Set of 4
You have NO IDEA how much I want these napkins! I cannot find nice cloth napkins anywhere around here and these just look stunning. 100% cotton, machine wash & dry? Yes please!

Evergreen Ornament
This little ornament is so sweet. It reminds me of looking out in my backyard after a snowfall at all the trees glistening in the snow.

Turtle Sculpture
How CUTE is this turtle?? She has an entire story in the listing, but her name is Cynthia and she loves sports. Hehehe, I love it when a piece comes with a story.

So, to summarize today's shop of the day:

Laurel Susan Studio
Handmade home decor, accessories, art
Entire store marked down, no coupon code needed!

Go, shop, find pretty things, and tell Laurel & Susan that Caffeinated Papercuts sent you! <3

Please note: I have not received compensation in any way to write about this shop. All views are my own personal ones and not from a script. I'm just that opinionated.

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Christmas in July on Etsy! Featured Shop: TelliPhoto

Today's shop of the day, chosen at random, is TelliPhoto!


The shop is run by Jessa and is full of her beautiful photography. Her Christmas in July sale has already begun; she has her store marked 20% off, no coupons necessary. I love it when it's easy to shop a sale!

Jessa sells photography prints in a variety of sizes and photo styles. Here are a few I'd love to have on my walls!

Hidden Shore, Fishing Boats - Willow Slough State Preserve, Indiana
I love the coloring of this photo, the excitement of taking an early morning walk and coming across these fishing boats piled up, waiting for their owners to come. It helps that I'm a sucker for water.

Cat on Stained Glass Windowsill
I'm also a sucker for cats. I swear, this could have been taken in my Mom's house - she has a similar window that the kitties are always perched in.

Tower of Baa Goat Tower - Findlay, Illinois
This one had me at "whaaaaat?!?" The story is told in her listing, but yes, it's a goat. On a tower. That was made for goats to walk on. In Illinois. Who knew??

So, to summarize today's shop of the day:

TelliPhoto
Photography
20% the entire store, no coupon code needed!

Go, shop, find pretty things, and tell Jessa that Caffeinated Papercuts sent you! <3

Please note: I have not received compensation in any way to write about this shop. All views are my own personal ones and not from a script. I'm just that opinionated.

Friday, July 6, 2012

Christmas in July on Etsy! Featured Shop: PuffinPatchwork

Today's shop, chosen at random to be featured, is PuffinPatchwork!


Puffin Patchwork is run by a craft-at-home mum in Ireland, specializing in hand applique and embroidery pieces. She has wall hangings, cases, purses...all sorts of felty goodness! (Felty is so a word, don't argue with me.) All of her items have been marked 10% off for the month of July. Take a look at some of her lovely items looking for a good home:

Patchwork Owl Ornaments, Set of 3
Just look at these little owl ornaments! They are so. Stinkin. CUTE! They would be absolutely adorable on a tree or just hanging somewhere year round.

Quilt Wall Hanging - Seagulls
I am absolutely blown away by this seagull quilt. Everything is done by hand! The seagulls are so adorable, you can almost hear the ocean behind them as you stare at it.

Felt Cat Coin Purse, Blue, Button Fastening
It's an adorable kitty. I'm hooked, which is easy when I'm a sucker for a well-made kitty cat. This one is atop a cute little coin purse, but she does iPod cases and cell phone cases, too. Something tells me if I really wanted her to, I could get a kitty on one of those instead...

So, to summarize today's shop of the day:

Puffin Patchwork
Felt purses, cases & covers, applique & embroidery
10% off the entire store, no coupon code needed!

Go, shop, find pretty things, and tell them that Caffeinated Papercuts sent you! <3

Please note: I have not received compensation in any way to write about this shop. All views are my own personal ones and not from a script. I'm just that opinionated.