with love and affection

Muffin Tin Monday...Wyatt's first MTM

2011-07-11T13:10:00.000-07:00

I know Wyatt is still a little young, but I just love the all the MTM meals I have been seeing...and I have began to collect cute tins and cookie cutters so why not get started now. Wyatt just turned 11 months yesterday.

Top Row: Milk (we are just starting whole milk and straws), Chicken, Cheese (used my bear cookie cutter from Ikea)

Bottom Row: Blue Berries, Watermelon, Gerber Yogurt Melts

I thought Wyatt would go right for the Watermelon and Blueberries (his favorites lately), but he went for the yogurt melts and ate them all before eating anything else. He doesn't usually eat them when I offer them as a snack, and I put them in the tray last minute because I had an empty space.

Loved eating the cheese bear!

We are still working on manners...such a happy lunch eater today...I think MTM was a success and can't wait to do it again next week.

With Love,

Megan

What Wyatt Did Today!

2011-07-07T14:30:00.000-07:00

I am on the search for some at home activities to do with my little guy, Wyatt. He is almost 11 months old. I am on summer vacation (I am a teacher) so we have a lot of time to fill each day. We already play blocks, trains, read stories, listen to music, etc...I am looking for some creative ideas!

Today, I needed to load the dishwasher, so I put him in his booster seat and dragged the chair over to where I was in the kitchen. I poured some water on the tray and he went crazy splashing and playing. I also gave him a few of his squishy water balls (I got a pack of 6 at Dollar Tree and they are small enough to fit perfectly in his little hands). I put a towel on the ground that soaked up most of the water the rest was easy to just wipe up when he was done.

If you have any fun activities to share please leave a comment or link to your blog, I am always looking for new ideas.

With Love,

Megan

How I find time for me and get things done at the same time

2011-07-07T14:06:00.000-07:00

When I was pregnant with my son I joined an expecting moms group on the Baby Center message boards. A group of us came up with a cleaning strategy to help get our pregnant selves get up and motivated to work around the house. during the hot summer..we decided we would clean in 15 minute rounds and then come back tot he computers to check in and rest for 15 minutes.

Now that my little guy is here...and can I mention almost a year old already, crazy! Anyways, I don't have much time for myself, so I adapted my old cleaning strategy to give myself some "Me" time. I have been very lucky that my son is a good napper and fairly good sleeper at night. He usually naps for about 2 hours a day and goes to bed around 8 (now that it's summer).

As soon as I get him down for a nap it starts...I start with 15 minutes of "ME" time. I have a snack, blog, craft, plan for the upcoming school year, whatever I feel like doing. After the 15 minutes, I then work around the house for 15 minutes. I do dishes, plan/prep meals, laundry, cleaning, etc. I rotate back and forth until he wakes up...Every day I am amazed at how productive I am during both times.

Some helpful hints...during the day (nap time) I don't turn the tv on...slows me down. At night I do have a few shows I like to watch a few nights a week, but I try to get as much done as I can before or during the shows.

I always finish a task before going to the next round and just adjust the time as needed.

Alright 15 minutes is up, I am off to sweep the floors.

If you have any questions or suggestion please feel free to comment and share them.

- Megan

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-04T14:38:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July! It's been a year since I posted on here, but I'm back and have been crafting like crazy. I have so many fun projects I have been working on and am ready to share.

In the past year I have become a mommy to the most amazing little boy in the world. I am also teaching still so things are busy, busy, busy! Wyatt and I have been having a blast this summer. I can't believe he is almost one already!!!

Wyatt and Daddy cooling off! It's been over 100 degrees this weekend!

I have been working on a scrapbook for Wyatt, I am proud to say I am pretty caught up on big events. I also made this banner to decorate for the 4th and am so proud of myself...I made it all using materials I already had!

Happy Birthday America!!!

My beautiful nieces, Bella and Sofia enjoying the 4th of July Parade in Biggs!

Bella and Wyatt enjoying a ride in the festive Wagon on our way to the Hometown Celebration Parade!

With Love,

Megan

Monday's Sketch

2010-07-26T20:27:00.000-07:00

I am loving the sketches on 365 Cards this week.

Here is today's sketch:

Here is what I came up with:
Again I did a 6x6 scrapbook page instead of a card.

Happy Crafting!
Megan

The Cover!

2010-07-26T19:57:00.000-07:00

I found a few more hours to craft today...and continued on with my shower scrapbook...I am loving this 6x6 book! A couple small pictures, a few cute embellishments, and you have the perfect page!

Here is the cover to the album...For the frame, I painted a chipboard frame yellow and then tried to cover it with chunky glitter, but it never seems to work the way I see it on other people's crafts. I have tried so many different glues, but am still looking for the right one...maybe I will try brushing it on next time. If you have a tip for gluing glitter please leave a comment and share with us.

Happy Crafting!
Megan

Sunday Sketch

2010-07-25T18:36:00.000-07:00

I had three of the most wonderful baby showers given by my incredible friends & family. They were all farm themed, like Wyatt's bedroom, so when I saw the Jillibean Soup Farm line I knew it would be perfect for scrapping my baby shower memories. I was checking out some of my favorite blogs this afternoon for some creative inspiration and found an inspiring sketch on 365 Cards...a site with daily challenges or sketches for creating cards.

I saw the Sunday Sketch posted today(above) and knew it would be a perfect starting point for my "shower" book. I went right into the craft room and made this page!
Happy Crafting!
Megan

Ella's ABC Book!

2010-06-26T18:30:00.001-07:00

I can't believe little Ella is already 2 months old...she is already getting so big. Here is a picture of her and I when she was only a week old...so sweet!!!

Here is the ABC book I made for her...After scrapbooking girlie style for Bella the last seven years making this book for Ella was so fun and easy...I'm not having as much luck with Wyatt's book....I will share pictures if I ever finish it.

Happy Crafting!

With Love,
Megan

"Bandanna Paper" Thank You Cards!

2010-03-21T21:44:00.000-07:00

I finally found some energy to craft tonight! I went up to my craft room spent the first hour clearing off the table...and then didn't know where to start.

Looking through my printed paper I found some cute bandanna paper from Martha Stewart's Scrapbooking line at Micheal's. I decided to make a few monochromatic cards with a little Shabby Chic design.

To embellish the cards I used vintage lace & buttons, ribbon, flowers, and pearls. Find these adorable cards at my etsy shop With Love and Affection.

With Love,
Megan

Bree's Baby Shower!

2010-03-13T17:46:00.000-08:00

Getting ready for baby Ella!

My friend Bree is expecting her first child on April 21st! I am so excited our little ones will be just four months apart. Today we celebrated with a Shabby Chic themed shower for Bree.

So glad I finally found a use for this beautiful birdcage. We used it for my wedding to hold the cards. It worked out perfect with a small flower and candles as the center piece.

I just love using these Gerber glass baby bottles as vases, they are the perfect touch for baby shower.

The Candy Buffet!
I love this idea! While searching for some creative party favors for the shower, I came across the idea of a Candy Buffet. The idea is to fill glass jars, apothecary jars, bowls, or pretty much anything else you have full of candy. Give the guest something to fill and let them create their own party favor to take home. For Bree's shower I used pastel candy that's in the stores for Valentine's Day and Easter. Her sister even ordered custom M&Ms....TOO CUTE!
For the guests to take home I decorated mini Chinese food boxes...stamped with Ella Grace!

One of my favorite decorations, I love this old box! My mom and I found it at Home Goods for seven bucks. I used a few old Mason jars from Joe's moms tomato canning and filled them with flowers. Perfect!

Bree, her mom Dawn, her sister Nicole, and Nicole's three daughters Hayliee, Regan, and Bristol.

Bree and I!
Bree is eight months pregnant and I am 18 weeks pregnant.
Can't wait for both our little ones to be here!

With Love,
Megan

Last Minute Christmas Crafts

2009-12-22T16:45:00.000-08:00

I can't believe Christmas is only a few days away. As busy as things have been I have found some time to craft. The night before celebrating Christmas with Joe's family I had the idea to make stockings for his nieces and nephews. I cut the snowman, gingerbread men, sled, and tree from a die-cut machine (worked great with the felt). The scrapbook store had lots of cute holiday embellishments that were great for decorating the stockings.

A crafting friend of mine is a designer for Graphic 45 and I loved a "Cheer" garland she made using their products. It inspired me to make the following "Cheer" and "Joy" mini garlands.

Have a safe and Happy Holiday!!!

I hope Santa brings you and your family everything you wish for! I am still hoping the Big Shot die-cut machine is in the large box under the tree!!!

Christmas Joy!

2009-12-06T19:29:00.000-08:00

Hey there crafters! I hope you enjoyed your weekend! I had such a fun and relaxing weekend. I cropped all day my favorite Scrapbook Store with a friend of mine, and I was surprisingly productive!

Today, we put up our Christmas lights outside, and now the house is perfect. I am working on uploading the pictures of all the projects I worked at the crop and will share them throughout the week.

This Joy garland was created using the K&Co EverGreen Christmas paper, chipboard, and borders. The embellishments are pieces of gift wrapping decorations I picked up at Joann's and Michael's. Rhinestones, flowers, and charms are from the local scrapbook stores. The scallop circle was cut using the Sizzix BigShot Die Cut Machine (fingers crossed that Santa brings me one of my very own). The pieces are tied together with red and white bakers twine. The garland looks so cute tied up in my tree and leaning against my wooden box on the kitchen table, I haven't decided where it's home will be yet.

Enjoy your week, I am hoping to wake up to some snow, not usual in California, but they say there is a good chance we will see some overnight!

Happy Crafting!
-Megan

First Day of Christmas WINNER!!

2009-12-04T18:59:00.000-08:00

Hey Crafters! Hope everyone is enjoying the start of December.

Thanks for posting, I am so glad you enjoyed Day 1!!!!

Our winner is.... #8....Jill W.!!!!

Congrats Jill! E-mail me with you address and I will send the ribbon out to you asap!

Mduarte1027@gmail.com

Happy Crafting!

- Megan

Come back Sunday for Day Two!!!

On the First Day of Christmas....

2009-12-01T20:24:00.000-08:00

...my true love gave to me....

Ribbon...lots and lots of Ribbon!
(Keep reading to find out where the ribbon is...)

Happy Holidays! I love this time of the year. Everything is a little chaotic, but also so much fun and festive! Everywhere you go Christmas lights are sparkling and sounds of Christmas carols fill the air. I love sitting on my couch looking at my decorated tree...I don't even have the T.V. on I just stare at the tree...I'll post some pictures soon, I am still adding a few finishing touches.

Today I am Sharing a ribbon ornament...I covered a chipboard Christmas tree with rows of green ribbons and fibers. I also used a small piece of brown ribbon for the trunk. Embellished with mini red pearls (only $1 at Joann's)

For this next project I started by folding the red cardstock using the accordion fold tutorial I did a few months ago.

I layered the accordion with a glittered reindeer and a vintage music note banner. Merry Christmas rub-on is Making Memories. Ribbon tied on the end with gold bells hangs from the dowel.

.... Now it's time for the first day of Christmas giveaway!!!!

Today's giveaway is 20 feet of Holiday Ribbon!!!

oooh....aaaah....isn't it pretty?

You have three chances to enter to win these beautiful ribbons...some are distressed for a vintage look.

1st chance - Leave me a comment!

2nd chance - Tweet or write about this post(with a link) on a social network site like Twitter and post the message in another comment box!

3rd Chance - Follow my blog! (If you are already a follower, let me know)

Each entry needs to be in it's own comment box!

* leave your e-mail or make sure to come back and check to see if you won!

Winner will be drawn at 6pm Friday(or whenever I get home from work)

Happy Holidays,

Megan

Christmas is in the air...

2009-11-29T18:33:00.000-08:00

The decorations are up, the tree's lit, the ornaments are hung....now all I need to do is craft!!

I wish!

A girl can dream right?

Starting Tuesday, December 1st, I will be featuring a 12 Days Of Christmas Special.

In the time before Christmas I will share 12(maybe even more) holiday crafts, product features, tutorials, and giveaways! Stay tuned, and check back daily for some Holiday Crafting Goodness!

Happy Crafting,

Megan

A Weekend of Firsts....

2009-11-28T17:55:00.000-08:00

Happy Belated Thanksgiving Everyone!

I hope that you found time to relax and enjoy all the things you are thankful for this weekend. I had a wonderful weekend with my husband and the rest of our family. My parents and sisters drove up from L.A.

We ate, shopped, ate, played games, ate, crafted, ate...you know your typical Thanksgiving weekend.

I have been hosting Thanksgiving at my house for the last three years and this year I made my FIRST Apple Pie. I found an Apple Crumb Pie recipe on Allrecipies.com and it turned out great! I was so worried I would mess it up, but it was so yummy!!! I did buy a premade crust, but I did make the topping myself.

After a fun day of Black Friday shopping, we came home to relax. I just went to window shop, the Holidays sure did sneak up on me. I need to get my shopping list in order.

I have been wanting to learn to sew for years, and just have never made the time. Well, this weekend my mom brought up a pattern and materials and taught me how to use the sewing machine she gave me about two years ago. I made my FIRST sewed ornament. We made some really cute Angel Ornaments. The ornament pattern comes from The Olde Country Cupboard, and comes from the Primitive Doll Collection.

We were in a little bit of a rush so we could finish them before she left and

we tea stained the dolls before the paint dried. OOOPS!

The paint smeared and as Bella, my niece, says my Angel looks like she had to many green beans at Thanksgiving...Oh well, lesson learned: Let the paint dry before you tea stain!!!!

At least I learned to use a sewing machine!

I had so much fun spending creative time with my mom. Bella joined in and made all sorts of creations from my box of extra supplies.

Happy Holidays!

Happy Crafting,

Megan

Wedding Events Album (Custom Order)

2009-10-29T20:28:00.000-07:00

So, I finally finished the custom album I have been working on for the past month. A friend of mine asked me to make a "Wedding Events" scrapbook for her best friend. All I was told was the eight layouts she wanted and that the wedding colors were "Tiffany Blue" and " Chocolate Brown". I am really happy with how all of the pages turned out, and was up until Midnight last night finishing them. It's a lot of pressure when you are creating for a crafter. So here is what I came up with, the photos are terrible because I had to take them in a hurry this morning before I saw my friend at work.

with love,

Megan

With Love is now on Ebay

2009-10-18T18:31:00.000-07:00

With Love and Affection can now be found on Ebay!!!

I have got a few new ideas brewing right now and I thought Ebay would be a great place to try them out. I have listed a few journals and cards for now, but look for monthly paper craft kits coming soon....

My user id is: withlove1027

Happy Crafting!

With Love,

Megan

A Little Bit of Vintage Inspiration...Baby Girl Cards

2009-10-11T18:13:00.000-07:00

Just a short & sweet message tonight. I am so excited about the new cards I just made that I hade to share them. I made these vintage inspired baby girl cards using the crepe paper tutorial from my last post. Check out the tutorial here. I aged the cardstock and crepe paper using Creamy Brown liquid chalk. I added glitter to cream vellum for some added sparkle. I used vintage music note paper that I picked up from the local flea market to make the background banners. Put it all together and ended up with a pretty cute baby girl card, if I don't say so myself. Get a closer look at these baby cards and others when you visit my etsy shop With Love and Affection!

With Love,
Megan

Crepe Paper Tutorial

2009-09-26T21:11:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I posted a tutorial, so this weekend I went in search of a new technique to share with my crafty friends.

I've always loved the look of these crepe paper circles, they look so neat on vintage inspired paper crafts. This weekend I finally made a few, and they were soooo easy. I think I ended up making ten of them. I even used a few on some really cute Halloween Treat Bags, click here to see them.

Ok, so let's get going,

Here is what you will need:

- Crepe Paper (party streamers, I found mine at Dollar Tree) cut off about 1.5 feet

- Thread and Needle

- Scissors

- Two Sided Tape

That's It!

To begin, thread needle and begin first stitch. I don't mess with knotting the thread, instead I just tape the end of the thread to the crepe paper. Start stitching about 1/4 of an inch from the edge. I usually stitch with about a half inch between each stitch.
Begin to bunch the crepe paper together as you stitch.

Once you have scrunched the crepe paper to your desired look hold the thread in place and put a small piece of two sided tape over the hole and end of the thread.

Cut the thread and crepe paper and apply one piece of two sided tape to one of the edges.

Attach the two sides together.

That's It!!! Once your crepe paper circles are made the creativity is endless.

With this pink crepe paper circle I used decorative scissors and cut about an eighth of an inch off the edge, creating a decorative edge.

For these Halloween treat bags I put some liquid glue on the very edge of the crepe paper and dipped them in glitter. Then I layered cardstock tags and stickers.

I hope you learned something new, and will try it soon. If you do, I would love to see what you create. You can either post it on your blog and put the link in the Mister Linky below, all I ask is that you mention my blog and provide a link to it on your blog post. If you don't have a blog post the picture in my flickr group by clicking here and I will add it to the post. Join our flickr group and you may be featured on my Friday Favorites Post.

Please visit my etsy shop With Love and Affection for some more crafty goodness.

Weekend Sale!

2009-09-25T23:34:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to let everyone know there are some sale items at my etsy shop With Love and Affection. I am clearing out some of the gift tags and cards and getting ready for some new Holiday goodies. Shipping prices are lowered as well on these sale items. Stock up now! As always special orders are welcome. Send me an e-mail or convo me through etsy and we can discuss the details.

Happy Crafting!

mduarte1027@gmail.com ~ www.withloveandaffection.etsy.com

Baby Gaven Brag Book!

2009-09-20T19:44:00.000-07:00

I made this 8x8 brag book for a friend of my mom's who is about to have a baby boy. The nursery is going to be safari theme, so I used the adorable safari animal clear stamps I got from Target. I knew they would serve a good purpose when I threw them in the cart a few months ago. I made the first page using the light teal and craft brown and loved it so much I decided to use it throughout the whole album.

Birthday Cards!

2009-07-29T08:57:00.000-07:00

I crafted all weekend, and can't believe how much I got done. I made about 15 birthday cards, a set of thank you tags for my Stampin' Up orders, and two gift bags. I also designed the new treat bags for my Stampin' Up class this September. Want to sign up for the treat class click here. Here are a few of my birthday cards I made. All the birthday cards are now available at With Love and Affection!

One of Stampin' Up's newest hostess sets is these adorable ticket stamps. I love them and have used them for birthday cards, baby cards, and so much more. To find out more about hosting a Stampin' Up workshop with your friends and earning free stamps of your own visit my website: www.withloveandaffection.com

These two cards were made with KI Memories cordinating paper and rub-ons. This rhinestone Party was a perfect match!

I love balloon animals and when I saw this paper and embellishments I had to have it, and doesn't it make the cutest cards?!?

Visit my website: www.withloveandaffection.com

for etsy shop info, blog info, Stampin' Up info., or to sign up for my classes.

If you have any questions, special requests, or want to host a Stampin' Up workshop send me an e-mail: mduarte1027@gmail.com

Free Kisses (Halloween Treats)

2009-07-24T17:55:00.000-07:00

I know it's a little early to start thinking about Halloween, but I just got this adorable stamp set from Stampin' Up and when the idea for these adorable treat bags came to me, I just had to make them now!

Plus, who doesn't love adorable frogs giving away free kisses?!

These little treat bags are going to be perfect for my students this Hallloween. I think I might even include them in my Holiday Treats Class click the link to sign up!

If you also love these little treat bags and want to make them for your trick-or-treaters visit my Etsy or Stampin' Up sites.

At With Love and Affection on etsy you can buy the clear bags and premade toppers by clicking here. They come in sets of three for $4.00, but if you buy ten or more I will give them to you for just $1.00 each. If you want to make them yourself click here to go to my Stampin' Up site where you can purchase all the materials needed and they will be shipped right to your house.

A list of materials and items numbers can be found on my website(www.withloveandaffection.com)

While we're talking about halloween check out this adorable Spooky Garland. I hung mine over a mirror last halloween, it was sooo cute. If you want one head on over to my etsy shop and get it quick. If you want a different word such as boo, trick-or-treat, or halloween just e-mail me

mduarte1027@gmail.com

WithLove Design Sketch #2

2009-07-22T21:30:00.000-07:00

Success!!! I figured out how to create a digital sketch for this weeks Design Challenge at With Love and Affection, though I still need a little more practice.

A friend of mine needs a set of birthday cards including a few for the male truck drivers at her work. I used this challenge as inspiration and made one of the cards. I found some scraps from a Thanksgiving book I made with lots of natural colors.

I love the card and can't wait to see what all of you create.

The only rule is that you use this sketch as inspiration.

Use any papers, embellishments, etc.

Here is the birthday card I designed, I'm thinking I might use this sketch to create the whole set of birthday cards and just use different colors and prints for each one. I get so excited when the creativity starts flowing!!!

Post your card on your blog and then link it below. Make sure to come back after you post your card and see what other people have created.

Have fun & Happy Crafting!

Stampin' Up Deal of the Week #4

2009-07-21T20:42:00.000-07:00

Ohhh! I love this weeks special. I have been a paper crafter for years and embellishments are one of my favorite things about crafting. Nothing finishes off a great card or tag like the perfect embellishments. Stampin' Up's Very Vanilla ModgePodge embellishments are on sale for $18.99 that's over 30% off, but only until Friday. You will receive 100 embellishments & 100 brads for just $18.99. The best part about these very vanilla pieces are that they can be colored or distressed using any of Stampin' Up's craft ink pads. Just press the pieces into the craft ink and the open areas will fill with color, then you can easily wipe away the extra ink.

If you would like to a set of Very Vanilla HodgePodge visit my Stampin' Up website WithLove by clicking here.

Design Challenge let's try this again...

2009-07-14T18:58:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, sorry about the delay to get Mister Linky up, had a little trouble. I think we have it fixed now, so lets give this another try. If you already posted your card please come back and post the link for us again. Thanks!!

A few more days to enter the design challenge at With Love and Affection and I am so excited! I hope you will get crafty and join us. Here's how it works, every week I will post a new Card/Tag challenge; either a design recipe, design sketch, or something for inspiration. Once you have created your card or tag you write about it on your blog and then attach it to the Mister Linky below (enter your name and URL) and your blog will appear for others to view. You can add your links at any time and can always go back to past challenges too. Please visit other peoples blogs to see what they have done for the challenge and leave comments for them.
Todays challenge is a Design Recipe
Make a card or tag using:
One punch
One piece of ribbon
One rub-on
One button
and anything else you want!

Here is my take on the challenge

I used brown and blue cardstock; Stampin' Up Circle Scallop Punch; DoodleBug rub-on; Printed paper is an old design from Stampin' Up; and brown buttons and blue ribbon are from the local scrapbook stores.

This set of cards is available on my etsy shop WithLoveandAffection!

Stampin Up Deal of the week #3

2009-07-13T19:13:00.000-07:00

Square Fire Rhinestone Brads!

Add sparkle to your projects with Stampin' Up's Square Fire Rhinestone Brads. 30% OFF from July 13th - July 19th only!

These brads come in four coordinating colors that match Stampin' Up's exclusive paper colors.

Brads come in red, pink, pumpkin, and yellow.

Get them now at my Stampin' Up website WithLove for only $6.95!

Design Challenge

2009-07-11T10:43:00.000-07:00

Today is the first design challenge at With Love and Affection and I am so excited! I hope you will get crafty and join us. Here's how it works, every week I will post a new Card/Tag challenge; either a design recipe, design sketch, or something for inspiration. Once you have created your card or tag you write about it on your blog and then attach it to the Mister Linky below (enter your name and URL) and your blog will appear for others to view. You can add your links at any time and can always go back to past challenges too. Please visit other peoples blogs to see what they have done for the challenge and leave comments for them.

Todays challenge is a Design Recipe

Make a card or tag using:

One punch

One piece of ribbon

One rub-on

One button

and anything else you want!

Here is my take on the challenge

This set of cards is available on my etsy shop WithLoveandAffection!

Flickr Favorites...

2009-07-10T22:27:00.000-07:00

T.G.I.F! It sure has been a busy couple of weeks. I have not had much time to be on the computer, but things are quieting down and I am finally finding time to relax and work on my blog. I thought I would start by featuring a few of my favorite photos from my Flickr group. We have about ten new members since I last posted so I had lots of photos to choose from. If you haven't joined us yet start posting your pictures at WithLove Flickr, we would love to see your handmade items too. Ok so on to a few of my favorites this week.

First this adorable notebook from Sweet Like Chocolate!

Check out their fun new shop on ETSY WitchCrafty!

I love this address book made by Crafty CinnamonSpice!

Check out her CinnamonSpiceCrafts blog for more of her crafty goodness!

And finally, this beautiful set of handmade coasters made by Morshmelo!

Hope you enjoyed the flickr favorites this week. Remember I am looking for handmade items that are being sold at places like Etsy and Artfire. Pictures should be clear and posted in high quality. If you provide links to your shops or blogs to the discussion board I will post the link with your photos.
With Love Flicker Group

What's New With Stampin' Up This Week

2009-07-06T15:22:00.000-07:00

All kinds of fun stuff has been happening with Stampin' Up this past week. The 2009-2010 catalog was just released and it is awesome! There are six beautiful new colors, check out my website to preview and order them. The new colors are available in paper (8.5 x 11 and 12 x 12), ink, pens, and polka dot ribbon. I love it all!!!

This week Stampin' Up has another fun promotion! Do you have the new Stampin' Up Big Shot? If not, it's a must have.Well this week Stampin' Up is offering the Big Shot Doctor's Bag for just $49.99 (regular price $69.95), that's 30% off!! This bag is so cute and makes it super easy to transport your Big Shot. If you are interested in purchasing the Big Shot or Doctor's Bag, visit my Stampin' Up site at:

http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/withlove/promotions

Sparkle Mini Cards

2009-07-05T19:28:00.000-07:00

These sparkle cards are my newest creation and made with a glue stamp pad and glitter. Lots and Lots of glitter! The technique is easy and my projects have always turned out great, but I am still trying to figure out how to make the glue pad work better and last longer. To make these sparkle cards I stamped an image in the glue and then stamped it on my card. I then poured glitter over it and waited for it to dry. The cards have either the word happiness or sparkle stamped below the glitter image.

The stamp pad kits I have been using is made by Martha Stewart and is only about $4.00 at Walmart and Target. You get a stamp pad and glue refill in the kit. The problem I have been having is that the glue pad dries up in between uses, and becomes very sticky. Glue has to be applied each new day I go to use it. I love the way my cards have turned out, just wish I could find a more efficient way to make the glue last longer. If you have tried stamping with glue pads and have some tips please share them.

If you like these cards they are available at my etsy shop
With Love and Affection.

365 Cards: Day 118- I've Been Framed and Stampin' Up Sneak Preview!!

2009-06-26T22:08:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I have had the time to create a card for 365 Cards, but I couldn't pass up today's challenge. The only rule to the challenge is that you must incorporate a frame in your card. Here is my card!

Now on to the PREVIEW!!! The stamp set and colors I used for the above card are a few of Stampin' Up's newest items for the 2009-2010 catalog(Not yet released). The stamp set is called Circle Circus and is a two-step set. The three new colors are Bermuda Bay (card), Soft Suede (frame), and Rich Razzleberry (flower circle stamp). Remember: This is just a sneak peak of whats to come on July 1st! Head on over to my Stampin' Up website and sign up for my newsletter so you can be the first to know when items are being released or when I am having a class.

If you love my new card it's now available in my shop With Love and Affection!

home sweet home...time to rest...kind of...

2009-06-24T16:22:00.000-07:00

I am back from vacation and ready to get CRAFTING!

I went to L.A. to visit my family and went on a wonderful weekend cruise with my mom, sisters, and niece. It was so relaxing, which of course is just what we all needed. I finally got some color on my legs and finished reading the third Twilight book that I started a few months ago...It was the a perfect weekend, but I am glad to be home I missed my husband and puppy so much.

I have a lot of projects to get busy with and promise to have new items in the shop and new posts tomorrow, I might even have a tutorial....I better get unpacking so I can get crafting.

Happy Wednesday!

Flickr Favorites...

2009-06-11T21:18:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! I now have sixteen members in my new Flickr group and they are uploading some beautiful photos every day. It was hard to choose just a few favorties this week...If you have not joined our group yet we would love to have you so come check us out at With Love and Affection--Paper and Fabric Crafts.

Now on to the Photos!

This adorable Pregnancy Journal was made by Crafty Cinnamon Spice. Click on the photo to check out her shop and blog for more great handmade items.

This beautiful handmade quilt is from KimsCraftyApple.

These tags are from TwoHappyStampers.
I love the colors and 3-D flowers. Beautiful!

Super Summer Sale!!!

2009-06-07T12:40:00.001-07:00

I am a elementary school teacher and to me June means two months off for Summer Vacation!!!

We have four more days until summer offically starts, but I thought why not start the summer fun now!!!

In honor of my summer vacation I am having a sale at my Etsy shop

With Love and Affection

This week only, everytime you place an order you will recieve 50% off the most expensive item. Just type SummerSale in the buyers message and I will give you a refund.

There are lots of new items listed...tags,kits, cards, and more.

Have fun!!!

My Favorite Picks...

2009-05-29T18:15:00.000-07:00

I started a new group on Flickr called With Love and Affection ~ Paper and Fabric Crafting, and I would love to have you join. Joining the group gives you the chance to see the creativity of others doing crafts with paper or fabric.

Remember that once a week I will choose some of my favorite photos from the phot pool and feature them here on my blog.

Let's get to the photos...So far we have 33 beautiful photos in the photo pool, to check them all out go to WithLoveandAffection.

The first item is this adorable Personalized Scalloped Garland created by Crafty CinnamonSpice, click on the photo to see more of their paper crafts...

This next item is a Summery Melon Pin Cushion from P and J Crafts, click on the photo to be connected to their shop and see more of their beautiful work...

Hope you enjoyed this weeks picks. I can't wait to see what gets posted in the group next week.

Trying Some New Ideas {Clay Buttons}

2009-05-24T21:02:00.000-07:00

As summer begins to roll in I have come up with a list of 10 things I want to accomplish this summer at "with Love and Affection"

1. Learn to Sew (on paper and fabric)

2. Make Felt Flower Bouquets

3. Make Garlands for all the Fall/Winter Holidays

4. Make Polymer Clay Buttons

5. Create Monthly Card Making and Paper Crafting Kits to sell

6. Sell items at a Craft Fair (first I need to build up my stock)

7. Have my items be sold in a shop

8. Create My own Website/Business (away from Etsy and Artfire)

9. Teach a Crafting Class (and have more than just my supportive friends attend)

10. Make enough stock to add new items to my shops every few days even after summer is over.

Even though there are still about three more weeks until summer officially starts for me I am able to cross one item off the list after today. Today I went to Michael's and bought the basic supplies needed to make Polymer Clay Buttons and then I made my first batch. I made six pink and green buttons and even designed an adorable tag to display them on when selling them. Each button is about an inch wide. I think they would be perfect for paper and sewing crafts. I have to admit I am pretty pleased with how they turned out. I need to work on making the holes a little neater, but otherwise I like them a lot. I hope to make some more tomorrow and post them in my Artfire shop.

Leave me some comments and let me know what you think of them.

New things happening at With Love and Affection

2009-05-24T00:15:00.001-07:00

With Love and Affection has opened a new shop on ArtFire. There are just a few items listed right now, but Lots of new items will be listed before the weekend is over so make sure to go back and check it out. ArtFire is great for buyers who don't want to have to register with a site to make a purchase. Remember that in both my Etsy and ArtFire shops I include a free gift with each item ordered. Here are a few items I have listed on ArtFire so far:

I have also started my own group on Flickr. The name of the group is

Withloveandaffection ~ Paper and Fabric Crafting. If you use Flickr please become a member of the group and get some photos uploaded. Each week I will post some of the photos from the group photostream. I will begin posting items from Flickr this Monday, the 25th.

Greeting Card Box Sets

2009-05-23T21:16:00.000-07:00

As the school year comes to an end, I will be so sad to see this class leave. I have truly have the best class a teacher can ask for this year. The students I have are respectful, kind, and hard working. Not only are the kids great, but the parents have been so helpful as well.

My friend and I wanted to do something nice to thank all the parents that helped us out in our classrooms this year. We decided to make them greeting card gift box sets that include four cards & envelopes all wrapped together in a matching box.

We crafted until late last night trying to get them finished for the parent luncheon this week. I am so happy with how they turned out and know I will be making more to give as gifts and maybe even a few to post in the shop.

This set includes two blue and green cards and two red and blue cards.

This set is embellished with large white flowers.

I love Owls! This owl stamp is from the dollar section at Michael's and I love it!

More Owls!!!

Custom Order--Pregnancy Journal

2009-05-22T23:46:00.000-07:00

I just finished my first custom order on my ETSY shop, With Love and Affection. Its a pregnancy journal for the lucky mom-to-be to write her thoughts in during her pregnancy and when her little one arrives. I used my favorite baby paper line by Heidi Grace, and I am so happy with how it turned out.

Remember custom orders are always welcome in my shop and items can be made with any theme or color you are looking for.

Hope everyone enjoys the three day weekend. Summer is on it's way.

Craft Space

2009-05-17T21:18:00.001-07:00

Back in April I wrote a post about reorganizing my craft room and I shared some decorating ideas, like the antique desk drawer that I use to store my rubber stamps in. It's already full (don't tell my husband), and now I am in search of another one to start filling. This coming weekend I am hoping to go to the swap meet and some garage sales to look for some good finds, hopefully I will find another drawer too.

I was adding some photos to flickr and thought I would share a few more of the decorating ideas from my craft room. I am always looking for new and creative ways to store and display my supplies. I have to admit that my mom is responsible for most of the ideas, she has such an eye for decorating. My mom spoiles me with new items for my craft room every time I see her.

Thanks Mom!!!

This is a lamp shade wrapped and hanging from cream satin ribbon. Paper covered clothes pins hold photos and cards.

This is an old salt & pepper shaker that I found at a local antique shop. I filled it with my favorite glitter and tied a coordinating ribbon to the top. My idea is to have a mix of shakers and glitter to display.

This ceramic egg holder is being used to hold small embellishments like rhinestones and charms.

This is one of my favorite pieces in the room. Its a postcard holder from Pottery Barn, but I use it to display my handmade cards.

If you have any creative ways you display or store your crafting supplies I would love to see them. E-mail them to me @ mduarte1027@gmail.com

Little Brown Bag Giftcard Holders

2009-05-11T18:03:00.000-07:00

If you have ever reorganized your craft room you know that hidden in all the junk that at one time you just could not live without a few treasures will be found. One of the treasures I found are these Little Brown Bags. I remember buying them so many years ago with all these great ideas in mind. As you can see by the fact that they became hidden treasures, I never got around to creating those designs. I had them in the get rid of pile and then came across the cutest idea in an etsy shop I was looking at. The idea was to make them into giftcard holders to go with a gift or inside a card. Each brown bag is stamped with a different design making them great to use throughout the year. The set of five Little Brown Bag Giftcard Holders is available in my shop With Love and Affection on ETSY. I hope you find some great hidden treasures too the next time you organize your craft space.

The whole set of five!

The Owl bag is great for a thank you gift, birthday, graduation, or any other fun celebration...

The Chandelier bag is great for a wedding gift or any of your trend setting girlfriends!

The Out on the Town bag is the perfect giftcard holder for a house warming gift, someone going on vacation, someone moving to the city....

The Garden bag is great for birthdays, weddings, and new babies...

Happy Crafting from With Love and Affection!!!

Happy Monday!

2009-05-11T17:16:00.000-07:00

Today's challenge on 365 Cards is Musical Monday. I did a tutorial about the accordion folded flowers when I first started my blog a few months ago and made some mini cards and tags using the technique. I loved the accordion on the mini 3 x 3 inch cards and thought I would recreate the mini cards for this challenge and to post in my shop With Love and Affection on ETSY. I love the way the accordion folded flowers just pop off cards and tags. I also love the mix of brown, orange, and blue that I used on the cards. These colors just scream Summer Time!!!! I used old music note pages to create a banner on one of the mini cards, I used a mini metal sign with an I Love You message on another, rub-ons on the third, and chalked letter stickers on the fourth card. Hope you enjoy them! Happy Monday!

And the winner is...

2009-05-10T19:52:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who commented and entered to win the glitter giveaway. I used random.org to choose a number and the lucky winning number was 6, that means KinderShop you are the winner!!!! Kindershop has won some wonderful glitter products and cards. Please e-mail me at mduarte1027@gmail.com with your mailing address so I can get your glitter products out to you as soon as possible.

Thanks again everyone!!! Happy Mother's Day!!!

One more day left in the giveaway!

2009-05-09T13:04:00.001-07:00

Don't forget to enter the following giveaway before tomorrow. The winner will be drawn tomorrow night. Just leave a post at the following link and your name will be entered. Buy something from my shop and you will get a second entry. Good Luck to everyone!

Items being given away include stickles glitter glue and handmade cards and tags using many different glitter products.

http://withlove-and-affection.blogspot.com/2009/05/my-favorite-monday.html

365 Cards: Day 68 - I want Candy and New Cards!

2009-05-07T20:14:00.000-07:00

I am totally addicted to 365 Cards.

This week is teacher appreciation and my schools P.T.S.O has been so awesome. They have spoiled us all week. We have had three great lunches provided, gifts and candy in our boxes each day, and they said the kids all have a special treat for us teachers tomorrow. I can't wait to see what it is. As a thank you, I again volunteered to make some cards for our generous parents. I wanted to use papers that would also work for the 365 Cards challenge too. I was looking through my papers and found one that reminded me of candy, and the paper I choose was the "Sugar Collection" from Memory Box Co., perfect for Candy, right?

365 Cards: Think Pink-Day 67

2009-05-06T21:43:00.000-07:00

I found this great new website today called 365 Cards...a Journey in Card Making. I don't know all the details yet, but I think every day there is a new challenge posted with a special guest designer. Todays theme is "Think Pink". I created these cards to post on the website. Make sure to head on over and check out what others came up with too.

The Featured Product is Glitter and I'm Having a Giveaway!!!

2009-05-04T20:23:00.000-07:00

So proud of myself two posts in two days, go me!

Ok, anyways on to crafting. Every week I will do a feature of one of my favorite crafting products or techniques. When featuring a product I will share product varieties and different ideas for using the item. When featuring a new technique I will provide a picture and written tutorial of the process. Often my product and technique features will include a giveaway, so make sure to check back each week to learn something new!

This weeks featured product is GLITTER!

Who doesn't love to sparkle. I know I sure do! When I am crafting cards and tags for the shop I have often found that even just a bit of glitter can add so much to a project.

There are two varieties of glitter I use when paper crafting. The first is loose glitter, that comes in many sizes and textures. The second is, glitter glue (my personal favorite and less of a mess).

When using loose glitter, my favorite is the Martha Stewart Glitter. Martha Stewart makes a very fine glitter that comes in just about every color. I love the holiday trios that are available at Michaels and other craft stores. These sets include three seasonal colors and adhesive. I am very picky about the glue I use on my products and I have had no problems with any of the Martha Stewart glues, and would recommend using them when applying glitter to your paper crafts. But remember always try out a new adhesive before adding it to a final project, I learned that the hard way.

When using glitter glue, my newest find and favorite is Stickles. My friend and I discovered Stickles when admiring other peoples craft rooms on Scrapbook.com. Stickles glitter glue is easy to use and makes no mess. That's right, glitter without the mess. Of course you should have them all, but the one color I can't live with out is Platinum. Its like silver with a bit of an antique look to it. It has been perfect for so many projects. While looking up information for this post I found the Tim Holtz Blog (I love distressing) and found out that he released a line of Distress Stickles last fall. I can't wait to get my hands on some of those. Check out his blog too for some great techniques. Stickles can be found at most scrapbook stores and you can't beat the price each bottle is under $2.00.

Here are some new tags I made today using both varieties of glitter.

(Top left: I used the Platinum Stickles to accent a shooting star; Top Middle and Bottom left: I used Stickles to dot the scalloped edge; Top right: I used Platinum stickles to create wavy lines; Bottom middle: I used stickles to make lines for writing names and to dot the scalloped edge; Bottom right: I used Martha Stewart Glue Stamp Pad and stamped a swirl image and then covered it with loose black glitter)

Now lets give some glitter away!!!

Giveaway includes Stickles, glitter, tags, and cards!

There are multiple ways to enter this giveaway:

- The first is by leaving me a comment: Tell me what your favorite glitter products and colors are.

- The second is by ordering an item from my shop. Order the item and then copy and paste the link as a comment. For each item ordered your name will be entered into the drawing.

(Winner will be drawn Sunday, May 10th)

Next Weeks Feature: Glitter Techniques including stamping with glue.

Tags! Tags! Tags!

2009-05-03T20:32:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to find time to make tags and cards for the shop, but never seem to have enough. I can't believe it's Sunday already. We are in the middle of state testing at school and I just got a student teacher so it's been a little crazy. I am really looking forward to summer vacation.

On a crafting note, I just love printed scrapbook paper and can't get enough of it. I have promised myself that when I cut into a piece of paper for a project I will keep crafting until I have used it all up. So far I have been doing pretty good. The sunflower paper used to make the sunflower tags from the post below, was used to make 3 cards and 4 tags. All that from one printed piece of paper and two pieces of cardstock (I sure am proud of myself).

The tags below are just a few of my favorite new tags. Check out the rest at my etsy shop.

Hope everyone has a great week!

Sunflowers Galore

2009-04-20T22:16:00.000-07:00

As if I didn't have enough to do already, I volunteered to make cards for the secretaries at my school for Administrative Professionals Day. I used a Bo Bunny sunflower line that I purchased a while ago for a specific scrapbook layout, but never used (somethings never change).

The colors are so bright and cheerful, and alone inspire great creativity. I embellished with ribbon, paper flowers, monogram sticker tags, buttons, and rhinestones. (I love that bling!) As soon as I buy some more of the green cardstock I will get some similar cards made for the shop. For now I listed some Fun Sunflower Tags using the other materials paper. They are great for any gifts you will give this spring and summer.

Craft Room Reorganization!

2009-04-19T22:28:00.001-07:00

I have been so busy making new items for the shop that my craft room has become a disaster. I didn't realize how bad it was until my friend came to visit this weekend and when we went in there to craft, there was no room.

This weekend I did a little antique shopping and I found the cutest drawer (from an old desk) that I am using to store all my wooden stamps (I don't like the plastic boxes they come in). I brought the drawer home and it sparked the need to get the room organized and to destash my collection. See before and after photos below.

I love this drawer and look at that, all my stamps fit exactly in the drawer not a spot left. My husband said "great now you know you don't need any more stamps" and I said 'No, I just need another cute drawer."

I can't believe how much crafting supplies I have, it's kind of embarrassing. Well my students will be happy with all the stuff I am bringing them tomorrow. They are going to love the writing center now.

Here is a picture of the room before the reorganization:

Here is a picture of the finished room. I am still in search of storage at the antique shops, but love the things I have found so far. I want to get rid of all the plastic...so tacky.

It alwasy feels so good to be organized. It makes it so much easier to be creative.

Bling Tags and Freebies!

2009-04-14T20:23:00.000-07:00

One of the great perks of buying handmade paper crafts at WithLoveandAffection is that with each item you order you get a free gift. Not just one gift with each purchase, but a free gift with each item ordered. You can’t beat that! Order one get one free, order three get three free!!! You get the idea. Each freebie is unique and one of a kind like all the items I make. So far the freebies have included mini note pads, cards, and tags.

These tags are my newest freebie, I call them Bling Tags! I like them so much I almost didn’t want to give them away. Instead I took some pictures so I wouldn’t forget about them. I will also be selling them in the shop. You can buy a set of four, or more if you want. The colors will vary but the design will be the same. My new favorite embellishment is jewels and crystals (aka Bling), I just can’t get enough of them. I have them in almost every color, shape, and size. I love Bling!!! I even bought a new pair of flip flops with a big old jewel on them.

Spring Break is Over!

2009-04-12T20:21:00.000-07:00

It’s the last day of spring break and I finally found a few hours to make some cards. I wasn’t quick enough to get many Easter cards up in the shop so I started early with Mother’s Day and Graduation cards. Father’s Day cards will be coming soon too. Check out the new cards at my etsy shop.
This spring break was definitely my most relaxing but also my most unproductive. I had great plans of making tons of cards for the shop but ended up going to So Cal to visit my family instead. I can’t believe I hadn’t seen them since Christmas. The trip was so relaxing and it was so great to see everyone. While in So Cal I had the opportunity to go into my nieces Kindergarten class and make spring cards with her and her classmates. I know who would have thought a teacher would want to spend her break in a classroom, but it was so much fun. My niece Bella is six years old and the joy of my life. Last week she was Star of the Week and each day was supposed to do something special with her class, so I volunteered to make the cards with them on Monday. I also spent some time shopping with my mom. I have been really into antiques lately for both decorating my house and creating new crafts so my mom took me to a bunch of antique shops in the neighborhood...could have gone crazy, so proud of my self control.

2009-03-13T17:39:00.000-07:00

I used the website random.org to choose the winner.

Congrats Laurel!!! You are lucky number 8!!!!

Here is your random number:

8
Timestamp: 2009-03-14 00:41:31 UTC

Laurel e-mail me with your mailing address so I can send your gift. mduarte1027@gmail.com

Thank you everyone for checking out my tutorial, I hope you enjoy the new technique. I am busy working on new items for the shop and the next tutorial... I am thinking about a new stamping technique I just learned. Any stampers out there??? Happy Paper Crafting!

Accordion Fold Tutorial and Giveaway!

2009-03-07T22:05:00.000-08:00

I love to make accordion folded flowers because they are so fun & easy. They add great dimension to cards, tags, gift bags, and more! I will show you the few simple steps it takes to make these great flowers, and then I will be giving away some free cards and goodies!

Materials
Paper Strips
Hot Glue Gun
Fun pieces to put in the center (buttons, flowers, etc.)

Step 1
Start with two strips of paper, the width depends on how big you want your flower to be. I usually cut strips that are between 1-1½ inches wide. There are two ways to make the accordion fold. The first is to use the scoring blade on your cutter to mark every quarter or half inch, again depending on how big you want your flower. Then fold the strip like an accordion. The second is to just free hand fold the strips, which will become easy once you make a few using your scoring blade.

Step 2
Adhere the two strips together with the patterns facing the same way creating a circle.

Step 3
Once the adhesive dries, turn the folded card stock to create a flower shape. Use a hot glue gun and put a little glue in the middle of the flower, hold the flower together quickly and until the glue dries.

Step 4
Cover the center with flowers, buttons, felt, circles, or any other embellishment. Attach the accordion flower to cards, tags, or gift bags for the perfect touch.

Now lets give some accordion folded flower cards away!!! It has been such a beautiful weekend here in California, it feels like spring is already here. Leave me a comment telling me what your favorite things about spring are or just say hello. I will randomly choose a winner on Thursday, March 12th and ship your gift on Friday. My favorite thing about spring is seeing the flowers bloom our walnut orchard fills up with the most beautiful flowers in the spring.

The winner will receive four mini 3 x 3 inch cards and one 4.25 x 5.5 inch card embellished with accordion flowers, and lots of free goodies that I include in all my orders. Good Luck! Check out my shop for cards and tags made using the accordion folded flowers.

Weekend Update

2009-03-01T22:08:00.000-08:00

It was so much fun to hang out with the girls yesterday and work on some of my crafts, but I do have to admit I didn’t get very much done. I know I have been waiting all month for this crafting time, but I am not to stressed about it because I did learn three fabulous new techniques. I am trying to go a new direction with my crafting and getting away from the traditional scrapbook styles that I have been doing for so many years. I was just reaching a point
where everything was starting to look the same and I had no inspiration. So now I am learning all kinds of new techniques like using crepe paper and making accordian flowers like the ones on these blue and orange mini card sets.
Starting next weekend I will be posting some tutorials on here showing you the step-by-step directions for creating some great and easy projects and new techniques. Next Sunday I will post the first tutorial which will be accoridan flowers. So make sure to come back and check it out.

I have posted 2 new items in the shop, check them out when you have a chance and let me know what you think. Leave me some comments!

I have completed the first journal for the shop and I am in love with it. I was even tempted to keep it for myself. I got the inspiration from my adorable dog, Dutch. Isn’t he cute? I bound the journal myself with the Bind-it-All. I am borrowing it from a friend while I beg my husband to get me one of my own, I wish my birthday was in March instead of his. Making journals is so addicting and easy! Oh yeah, I wanted to mention that I made some adorable mini note pads with the left over bindings from the bind-it-all, and will be including one free with all orders from my etsy shop. Happy Crafting!

New Decorative Gift Bag Sets have arrived!

2009-02-25T23:17:00.001-08:00

I have finally completed and posted the first gift wrapping set for the shop. The gift wrapping sets include a decorated and embellished paper gift bag (available in many sizes), matching card or tag, coordinating ribbons, and yes even the tissue paper. The first set I am posting is perfect for a bridal shower or wedding, and it‘s a great deal. The whole set is just four dollars. The bag is decorated with beautiful printed papers, flowers, and rhinestones. More gift wrapping sets will be available soon.

I am so excited about this weekend, a bunch of the girls I work with and I decided to get together once a month for scrapbooking and crafting., and this weekend is our February get together. Last month it was at my house and we had so much fun. The deal is that the person hosting provides drinks, plates, napkins, and one food item; and then each person attending brings something to eat. That way we can have uninterrupted crafting time (who wants to waste time driving into town to get food when you could be home playing with paper?) I love to be up in my craft room working, but nothing beats getting to craft and hang out with friends, I suggest you start a crafting group with your friends too. I am so excited about going to Nicole‘s this weekend, plus she has a new house I haven’t seen yet.

I have been drawing sketches and thinking up new ideas all week. So make sure to check back in the shop because there will be all kinds of new things… I am thinking journals, tags, and of course lots of new gift wrapping sets.

Coming Soon! Coming Soon!

2009-02-22T19:59:00.000-08:00

New items will be arriving at my shop on etsy.com “with Love and Affection” this week.
If the wrapping area in your house is anything like mine use to be, which is a bag of mismatched wrapping paper, bows, and tacky gift tags shoved in the back of your closet, then I have the perfect solution for you. Coordinated, embellished, beautiful gift bag sets! My handmade gift bag sets will include an embellished gift bag, matching tags and ribbons, and even tissue paper. You will never be forced to use Christmas wrapping for a birthday gift again.

I will have gift bag sets for birthdays, holidays, weddings, baby showers, and more.

Pictures coming soon!

New items for sale...

2009-02-21T20:47:00.000-08:00

New items are being posted on my store tonight! (http://www.withloveandaffection.etsy.com/)

I have been working hard the past few days on creating some new one of a kind cards and tags. My favorite is the "it's a boy hang tags", they would be perfect for a baby shower favors or the announcment of a new addition to the family. Pictures below are a sneak peek at whats being released tonight.

it's a boy tags (available in it's a girl too!)

Thank You Card

my new blog

2009-02-21T07:54:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my new blog with Love and Affection. I have just opened a store on etsy.com, where I am selling paper crafts such as cards, tags, holiday garlands, scrapbook pages, journals, and more. I have been a paper crafter for over ten years. My favorite thing to do is make a special project and give it to a friend or fmaily member. For years they have been encouraging me to sell my items and I have finally reached a point in my life where I will have time to create and sell my crafts. My hopes with this blog are that I can keep visitors up to date on popular paper crafting techqniques and items.