A Little Christmas in July, Part 1

Happy Friday everyone! We're back from our vacations and settling back in to our routines...and doing laundry. LOTS of laundry. Browsing through all of the Christmas in July sales on Etsy, I found myself reaching for my holiday stamps. Of course, my craft room is approximately the temperature of lava thanks to our lovely heat wave this week, so I wanted something I could make before I melted clean and simple that I could add to our holiday line. And, of course, I wanted to play along with this week's Friends with Flair over at Unity Stamp Co.!

A little holiday peace

So, a bit of stamping, some embossing powder (that I almost didn't need a heat tool for, it's so blasted HOT) and we have a lovely holiday scene.

I can totally see making more of these

I love how the kraft paper is the perfect backdrop for some sparkle and shine. The glittery 'peace' is actually glitter embossing powder. All the loveliness of glitter without the mess! Huzzah!!

Hehe, a glimpse of my new shoes. How do I always get my feet in these shots?

I'm linking up to the FWF party. If I have you in the holiday mood, be sure to see what else I've cooked up in my Christmas in July section. Sale ends the 21st!

Happy Crafting!

A Moment of Excitement

Happy Tuesday everyone! I'm still recovering from our cross-country trip (which you can see some highlights of on Instagram) but wanted to briefly share some of my excitement with you!

As you may or may not know, I sell many of my creations on Etsy and the big Christmas in July on Etsy sale is starting up on July 11th. While getting my shop ready for the sale (hint hint!) I noticed a HUGE spike in views last Friday. Being the oh-so-curious type, I started poking around as to why...and it turns out that Friday morning, my little chocolate brown chevron gift tags were featured on the Etsy Front Page!!!



I'm so excited! Way to go little tags!!!

Ok, back to setting up the sale...be sure to get your wishlists ready and check out our new Christmas/holiday line in the store!

Happy Crafting!

Time for the October OOTBS!

Phew! It's been absolutely CRAZY around here lately! September seemed to fly by in a blink, and here we are at October already. I have several September projects to get you all caught up on, but today's spotlight is on the October Out of the Box Sampler! We participated again this month, and thanks to the overwhelming demand in our Facebook poll for them, this month's treat is a vampire cupcake upcycled bottle cap magnet!

Vampire cupcake...rawr!

Seriously, how cute is this little guy?? The magnet is massively strong so don't be afraid to have it hold up your most important papers on the fridge...filing cabinet...locker...anywhere metallic!

Those purchasing a box that are lucky enough to get one of my little magnets will find a small story about our upcycling and a coupon code good for the month of October, all bundled up in a black bag. Hey, it is Halloween!

All the spooky contents

All packaged up and ready to go!

The samplers go on sale TONIGHT, October 1st, at 8pm EST. Hurry hurry!

Etsy Craft Carnival and Craft Show Schedule Updates

We're featured in this week's Etsy Handmade Craft Carnival over at Humbleville.com. Be sure to swing by and see us and the rest of the artists!

In other news, I've updated the 2012 Craft Show list over on the side. This week brought two more confirmations for shows, meaning I'm busy busy busy! There may be a couple more coming as well, I've got to decide just how much I can handle.

If you're local, we'd love to see you at a show!

Ok, off to package up our new clothespins and rosettes. I'll try to be back later with a crafty post.

Happy crafting!

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! :)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.