Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Celebrate a new day.

Enjoy the beauty in the unexpected.



Let your heart dance with joy.



Happy Cinco de Mayo to everyone!!!

(Images courtesy of Ay Mujer, bazaarLatino, and WatercolorbyMuren via etsy.com)

A Beautiful Idea

My heart goes a flutter when I find great sites like these...how wonderful that these are out there! And thank goodness for people like Evie Shaffer, aka evie s. Be sure to check out her sites when you have a chance.

Here's a summary of A Beautiful Idea:

ABOUT ::
My name is Evie Shaffer, and I’m an artist. I blog about beautiful things, crafts, and inspiration and also run an etsy shop.

As an artist, I’ve struggled with the “why” behind the creative urges I have — to be used for something more than myself or for profits. I’ve longed for a greater purpose. I know I am not the only artist who feels this way. That’s why I created A Beautiful Idea.

As a friend of mine said it so perfectly, “how can God use artists to meet real needs in practical ways? Cuz my creative gifts seem futile up against a hurting world. Help!”

My hope and prayer is that A Beautiful Idea will motivate artists to use their gifts to change the world.

HOW IT WORKS ::
Artists partner with A Beautiful Idea and create a product(s). They sell it and donate the money to our current charity via A Beautiful Idea’s donation center. It is really that simple.

If you are an artist, create. If you are an art lover, support A Beautiful Idea by buying our artists’ products, donating to our current charity, and spreading the word.

As she notes on her site...

That's a HUGE impact! Thanks for your vision Evie - we wish you only great success.

(Images and summary content courtesy of A Beautiful Idea)

able mabel - finding the fun in functional

I am happy to say I was a winner of a giveaway from Today's Creative Blog awhile ago and got to pick some really fun things from Able Mabel's Etsy Shop. Swing by and check out their goods - here's their bio:

We bring you quality and originality in the treasures we fashion. Mixing our father’s dry sense of humor with our mother’s artistic abilities, we come up with imaginative makings.

As artists, we are inspired by everyday things around us...family, nature, colors, emotions, moods, etc. Give us a fun piece of fabric, paper or beads and it's off to the races! We love finding the "unusual" and making it into something functional!

Welcome to able mabel.

===============================================
Here are the items I was able to pick out - a wonderful little double sided blanket/minkie (Japanese linen print with an uber soft brown minky) - sans the baby, of course - and a cute decoupaged double light switch plate cover.

It was fun to spend $25 and my experience was fabulous - excellent communication and superior customer service. Two thumbs up to Able Mabel and another THANK YOU! They also have a fun little blog that you can find HERE.

(Images courtesy of Able Mabel)

An Angel Among Us

Do you ever meet certain people you just know are positive to the core, they warm your soul and leave you with such happiness nothing could get you down? I had the pleasure of exactly this and want to share with you my experience with this Angel among us. She did the unnecessary and gave from her heart. I thank her every single day I look at her gift to me. She has true inner beauty and true selflessness...a great follow up to my previous post about 29 Gifts.

I entered a giveaway (as I do many) on this fabulous blog awhile back (one of my favorites). Shortly after leaving my comment, I received an email from this Angel stating she read my comment and her heart felt for our situation. {If you're new to my blog, long story short - hubs corporate job got cut back in July and he's still looking, so we don't have much disposable income and are living the most frugal ever - it could be worse, but it could be better.} Anyway, she sent us her beautiful photo of Greece (as I had mentioned in my giveaway comment that visiting there was on my bucket list but unattainable in the near future due to the previously mentioned circumstances) and she wanted us to put it up in our house to remind us to stay motivated and positive every day. I was so shocked, I started crying. As we all know, 'blogland' brings its good and bad characters; however, I must say, this was the most generous gesture I had personally experienced.

Her photo is a reminder of that and I thank her a million times over...as she stated in her email, "The purpose of art is to inspire and it did just that, I'm grateful that there are still people like you that keep their hearts open."

She is an Angel among us and I'm glad she decided to touch our lives that day. Thank you Mina. You lifted our spirits that day and continue to do so through the inspiration of your photograph of Greece. Please visit Mina's etsy site and experience her talent firsthand...and please support her if you can by giving a home to one of her fantastic pieces of art. Seriously, the Greece photo is just stunning in person. What's the nicest thing a stranger has done for you that was unforgettable? The world needs more of the good stuff out there...be the change.

(Image courtesy of Depuis)

Great Group Gift Exchange Ideas

So, if you are exchanging gifts with a group of friends or coworkers this year, you may just want to consider this 5 pack of Envirosax reusable bags. They're stylish enough to carry them proudly at the store, to the gym or the library and take up little to no space in your desk drawer or glove compartment. Individually they end up costing less than $8 per bag! Throw some little goodies in there and voila, an instant gift with its own reusable wrapping.

And the little goodies could easily be:

From E.L.F. cosmetics, these delicious little lip gloss tins come in tasty, lip-smacking flavors and are sooo incredibly affordable at only $2.00 per tin. Stock up for yourself and everyone's stockings! I'm sure you'll find some other goodies on their site as well - everything is reasonably priced, ALL the time!

Little matchbook notepads, found on etsy.com here and here. At these prices, you can't go wrong and you'll never be without a piece of paper on which to jot a note.

These midnight blue scalloped lace beauties are just calling to me! At this price point, you can have every color under the rainbow and not go broke. She's running a buy three (3), get one (1) free sale right now too!

Beautiful flower adorned hairpins - buy a few different sets and hand them out individually to your friends, one for their favorite color. Attach them to a little letterpress note card that you can find here (the bird is my ABSOLUTE favorite) or here or here.

SHOP THE POST HERE:

Delight.com Envirosax 5-pack
Eyes Lips Face Candy Shop Lip Tins
AR Creation's Etsy Shop Matchbook Notepads 10-pack
April Adriance's Etsy Shop Matchbook Notepads 25-pack
Vera Vinn's Etsy Shop Scalloped Lace Earrings
Parlene's Closet Etsy Shop Flower Hairpins Mixed Pack of 3
Missive's Etsy Shop Letterpress Gift Tags and Cards
Parrott Design Studios's Etsy Shop Letterpress Postcards

(Images courtesy of Delight.com, E.L.F. cosmetics, Parlene's Closet and Missive)

Going, going, GONE Sale!

Online sale today and tomorrow!!! We are MOVING and having a 'Going, going, GONE SALE' at SupplyandDemand. All of our items posted online will be removed for our actual MOVING SALE this Thursday - Saturday. If you want an item now, please don't wait to purchase it...it may not be here after the actual MOVING SALE. All items that do not sell in the MOVING SALE will be relisted in the shop or donated to our local library. We have some GREAT prices on fantastic books (some are up to 90% off) and all are lovingly cared for...we hate to part with them, but we don't want to move them (again) and would like them to find a nice, new home. Note to self, our shipping rates are VERY reasonable as well...start shopping!

Here's the summary of the sale:

::: SALE ::: - BOGO 1/2 off (buy one, get one half off) Offer is valid on paperback and hardcover BOOKS ONLY; excludes magazines and other merchandise. Discount is taken prior to shipping and handling charges on the book of lesser value and cannot be combined with any other offer. Discount will be refunded into the buyer's PayPal account. ENTER CODE - BOGO1/2 - IN NOTES TO SELLER AT CHECKOUT TO RECEIVE DISCOUNT.

*** Please note: All of my destash books are 'USED'; however, most books are in BRAND NEW 'CONDITION' as they come from a smoke-free, pet-free home and have been very lovingly cared for. Books in other condition (gently used, used, etc.) have been noted in their descriptions. ***

Super Star Saturdays

What's in a name? Well, I decided to start up a SATURDAY EVENING POST featuring stars since my last name means star in German. I'm hoping to find some every day inspirations to share with you and because there are three of us in our 'star' family, there will be three images (hopefully) that I will share for you...one for papa bear, one for mama bear and one for baby bear. I'm hoping I can keep up my end of the bargain...you have to start somewhere, right?

Today's features are all from etsy.com:

Click on each of the images above to take you to the shop listing.

(images courtesy Cosmic Girl, Lilla Lotta, and Monkey & Squirrel)

Etsy SALE Reminder

Just a reminder that my destash shop, Supply and Demand (15 years of crafting, graphic design, interior design, scrapbooking and stamping supplies, books and magazines that MUST find a new good home) is having a HUGE BOGO 1/2 off all books sale.

Find all the details here in my shop announcements. Buy a book or two or more...for some new reading material, as a gift or to use for a craft project! Hurry and check it out - I only have one of each book listed and I'm not sure how long the sale is going to run.

Supply and Demand

Wonderful Weekend Wardrobe

Need some suggestions for your weekend wardrobe? Want to look uber cute shopping at the farmer's market, grabbing a latté, catching a movie...? Check out these items - MOST of them are on sale and some pieces are mix and match for more options. DOUBLE BONUS!!! I recently found Sensibly Styled, a site that 'finds all the modest clothing, from all the brands you love, and puts it all in one place'. Inspired by their affordable daily selections and the bright colors of summer that I LOVE, I put together this style board...maybe it will inspire you to do some shopping either online or in your own closet. Either way, have fun! And if something on this board inspired you, please drop me a line to let me know. Stop by these fabulous sites for some mood board inspirations too - Making It Lovely (go to her archives and choose 'style'), Melissa Loves, Oh, Hello Friend and Creature Comforts to name a few...

a) Anthropologie Braided Racerback in Raspberry $29.95 (sale)
b) Anthropologie Daydream & Fancy Cardigan in Sky $49.95 (sale)
c) Forever21 Peasant Tee Top in Green $10.50
d) Orla Kiely Multi Cross Hatch Stem Large Tote $169.89 (sale)
e) Anthropologie Rail Rider Trousers in Beige $29.95 (sale)
f) Anthropologie Crayon Box Necklace $19.95 (sale)
g) Anthropologie Crape Myrtle Thong in Red $49.95 (sale)
h) ShopCloverBelle (etsy.com) Peace Necklace in Red $61.00
i) Boston Proper Border Print Dress in Turquoise Multi $89.99 (sale)
j) Forever21 Jewel Leaf Dangle Earrings in Gold/Green $4.80
k) Anthropologie Smocked Canvas Tote in Yellow $39.95 (sale)
l) Melissinos No. 14 Ionian Handmade Greek Leather Sandals $40.30

(images courtesy of above mentioned sites)

SALE ::: SALE ::: SALE

I am having a BOGO 1/2 off sale at my destash etsy site, Supply & Demand...buy one book, get one half off! (Please see my shop announcements for all details.) Most of the books are already dirt cheap, so what are you waiting for?!? The sale starts today and I'm not sure how long I'm going to have it run.

These books really need to find a good home - either for new people to read or feel free to enjoy them for your crafting needs. I have an awesome Paris book listed that has gorgeous photography - use some of the images in frames you already have around the house and voila, new artwork from your book travels. Or better yet, make some awesome cards or collages with the imagery. It's breathtaking! I hate to cut apart books, but it's better than just sitting on the shelves collecting dust. We have so many books and I like to rotate them out regularly so they are new to other people.

So check out the sale - I will be adding more items to the store this week. Some items to come are back issues (tons of them) in groupings of 2 or 3 for dirt cheap again - examples you will find are TONS (and I mean TONS) of home decorating magazines (both US and UK issues) and lots of graphic design (HOW, Print, ID...). So bookmark my etsy shop and check back (very) frequently - I would hate for you to miss out on some rare and unique opportunities...it's Christmas in July here and here...

And we have a winner...

...ME! A winner of a giveaway!!! THIS giveaway!!! I never win anything...ever. Really! I entered a weekly giveaway last week here and won this FABULOUS chalkboard embroidery hoop - SOOO cool - from bliss in a teacup. Be sure to swing by her etsy shop and check out her goods - she has some really nice stuff. I can hardly wait to get my prize in the mail next week...oh, the excitement! Too bad I didn't buy a lottery ticket that day...makes you wonder, doesn't it?

Thanks again, Danni, for hosting this wonderful giveaway - be sure to check out Danni's blog - oh, hello friend - you may find yourself winning one of her weekly giveaways...

(image courtesy of oh, hello friend)

TONS of Giveaways!!!

Run, don't walk...or shall I say FLY over to the Nesting Place blog...it's UNBELIEVABLE the amount of giveaways she is sponsoring. My mind was spinning, my hands sweating, I couldn't type my posts fast enough...don't worry, I'm OK. AND good news, you can post to each giveaway to WIN the fabulous prizes until midnight on Wednesday! Make sure you scroll down and through ALL of them - there are quite a few - I lost count after I lost consciousness from the giddiness. What are you waiting for?! Get your 'click' on here, my friends:

And be sure to check out each and every website that is offering a prize...one is my friend Jeanne Winters. You MUST check out her etsy shop as well - she is a talented artist and I love the fact that she combines her crafts and artwork with her commitment to her faith - what an inspiration! She's a wonderful person to know and I miss her now that she's moved to a different state. You can check out her blog by clicking the button below.



Many thanks to Nester for putting all these goodies together - what a wonderful menagerie of talent! (You can read all about her and her wonderful blog here.)

G is for GREAT deal!

I have been a HUGE fan of Jenn Ski for awhile and was excited when she came out with her Actopus to Zelephant Animal line (screams summer - pool, exploring, zoo - with a toddler). I've been stalking her etsy site for some time, debating on whether to splurge on some items or not. When I was at Michaels the other weekend, I found that line at the store! And you know what?!? If you go online to Michaels.com and sign up for their newsletter, you get a 50% off coupon on regular priced items. Her line is regular priced! So, I got the pack of Alphabet cards (so incredibly cute) for a whopping $3.56. What a steal!

The animal cards have an adorable illustration by Jenn on the front and details of each animal printed on the back. Cute and educational - what more could a mom want! I'm sold and will be getting more items there to scrap this summer. As for her etsy shop, I will be saving up to purchase that keepsake piece for my daughter. She also has a vinyl etsy shop of her artwork and a vintage goods etsy shop. Happy Shopping!

What is your best item you found for a steal?

(images courtesy of Jenn Ski Etsy and K & Company via Michaels)

Happy Birthday...TO US!

So...my sis and I are not quite a year apart, so that means we are the SAME AGE for two days. Her birthday is June 3rd and mine is June 5th. Pretty cool now, but in high school, sch-ya! Not.so.much.

Anywho - just wanted to give a shout out to us - happy bday Susie and happy bday me!

And our ages together...equal our dad's age. (Thanks to Mom for pointing that out!) Creepy - I guess it happens every two years or so. It's like one of those weird forwarded number email tests you get that you have to think of a number and no matter how you try to fool it, it comes out the same in the end. Hmmm...

Here is an image from Rich Inner Life, a blog by the very talented Dreamland owner Gina Sekelsky. Her handlettering is just beautiful and she offers some very nice things in her etsy shop, LetterGirl found here.

(image courtesy of Rich Inner Life - Gina Sekelsky)

Ahh...Paris...

I just love Paris...the history, the architecture, the atmosphere. Add J. Crew to that and you get a bit of sass.

Only one short post today as I am bushed from adding my listings to my new etsy site...all I need is a little Pink Martini playing in the background and a glass of wine to sip while I gaze at the Eiffel Tower. You can watch the mini video at J. Crew's website - enjoy!

On that note - bonne soir,
C.

(photo courtesy of j. crew)

Destash Site in Progress...

Haven't posted in a while - been buried deep in scrafting supplies. Actually the weather has changed and the rainforest effect has subsided. My hair no longer needs it's own zip code - thank goodness - I was beginning to scare my daughter as she would look at my hair as if it was going to attack her. Speaking of hair...I feel a haircut - not a trim - coming up soon. We'll see how brave I am.

I digress - the reason for the post is to introduce my second etsy shop - it's functioning AND has items in it! As a designer for 15 years, you can imagine how many supplies have reproduced in the drawers and cubbies - stamps are having baby stamps, envelopes and paper have multiplied - it's out of control! So I have started Supply & Demand - one designer's destash...

Slowly but surely I will weed through the mass amount of goods up in the studio and keep only what I *know* I will use. Did I mention I do professional organizing on the side? (blush) - if you could only see how much excess stuff there is! Baby steps - I'm almost over the hump and boy, does it feel good.

Be sure to swing by my shop when you're online some night (or early morning, like me) - you can find me here:

http://www.supplyanddemand.etsy.com

Off to finally cash in on some zzzz's (and those are free)-
C.