GIVEAWAY: Snail Mail Fun Pack

Oh hello again! Come back for more have you? Well, if you're in a crafty mood, thanks to this post on making your envelopes très fabuleux, then I've got a giveaway just for you!!

One winner will get a fancy little starter pack chock full of fun goodies to make their snail mail stand out.

4 Coral flag labels

3 envelopes & flat cards (one is hand-bordered in gold)

2 gel pens

1 A2 clear envelope & 1 4bar clear envelope

A tiny envelope of confetti

Seals, labels, & neon stickers

We have a winner!
#28 Caryn!

Giveaway ends 9/7/14

US Residents Only (sorry)

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DIY: Make Your Mail Glitter!

Here's a simple way to make your Valentine's mail even more special.

What You'll Need:

1 cellophane envelope

Some glitter & confetti

Washi tape

1 address label

A cute card

A cute friend

Step 1:

Fill out your card. The mushier the better.

Step 2:

Just kidding. That's gross.

Step 3:

Seal it up in its paper envelope, then slip it into the cellophane envelope. You can get a package of them here.

Step 4:

Throw in a pinch of glitter and a pinch of confetti. Seal up the cellophane. Make sure you don't fold the cello envelope smaller than it really is (tip from USPS). Use the washi tape to seal any gaps where the glitter escapes.

Step 5:

Address the envelope. Add postage, duh.

Step 6:

Fill someone's mailbox with love!

P.S. I made that Grumpy Cat stamp! I've made so many cards with it. They watch over me while I sleep.

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In Photos: Winter in Seattle

I always think of winter as a barren, dark time, but really it isn't. Winter sparkles, winter renews, and even though the trees are bare, the natural world is anything but dead. The absence of the leaves just makes for a different view of the world.

I think the berries, in this tree full of robins, are Mountain Ash. The fluffy bits are the seeds of a vine called Traveler's Joy. It seems to be taking over the tree in the best way.

 The birds here are very busy during the winter. The ones that stick around are always clamoring for food. When it gets really cold, some of the chickadees are gutsy enough to land in your hand for a few seeds.

 I love days when everything is frosted over.

 Ice crystals

 A dock down on Lake Washington

The pomes of some species of hawthorn

lichen

 A foggy view at Green Lake

 The snow pack hasn't started to melt yet, so Elliot Bay is crystal clear. It looks almost tropical, but, man it does not feel tropical!

Fog and sunset at Alki Beach

 I've been working on Valentine's and there are quite a few January birthdays, so some birthday cards are in order, too. I was just using this catalog as a work surface, but this printed lady might find herself as part of an art project...

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DIY: let's make a card!

Nothing tops a handmade card! Here is a simple design that you can personalize for any occasion. Remember, it doesn't have to be perfect! I'll walk you through the steps and you'll see it's easier than it looks :)

Materials:

(Click on them for sources)

- A6 envelope

- A6 folded card

- Sharp detail scissors

- Adhesive Runner

- ribbon

- pencil & eraser

- super fine marker

- Marker in a fun color
- Ruler (not pictured)

Step 1. Sketch out 3 flag poles and 2 flags. The flags should be about 1/2 inch wide. Each pole should be a different length and they should point away from each other so there's room for each flag. No need for perfection! Use your eraser if you need to!

Step 2. Add a pattern to one flag, if you want, or you can leave it blank. Then, carefully go over your pencil lines with the super fine pen. Let dry for a couple minutes.

Step 3. While the ink is drying, cut your ribbon. Start with 2 inches to leave room for mistakes. Fold the ribbon end in half and make a diagonal cut that slants away from the end. (Click here for more detailed directions)

Step 4. Color in one flag with the colored marker and write a message such as "happy birthday" or "thanks" in the other flag. I wrote "hurrah!" because I made my flag too small. A super fine pen means you can write very small, though! Now use your eraser to get rid of all the pencil lines.

Step 5. Carefully apply adhesive along half of the back of the ribbon. Don't apply it to the v-cut end, since it can make the ribbon unravel. Trim up any loose threads.

Step 6. Place the ribbon on the empty flag pole and gently press to adhere it to the paper. Lift up the unglued end and apply a little adhesive directly to the paper.

Don't forget to sign and date the back! And don't hesitate to ask if you're having trouble or don't get one of the steps.

There you go! A nice little card to give to someone you luuurrrve (that's British for "love")

Twee

I've been very busy crafting. That is the one blessing that has come from my feet problems. I'm finally working on arts and crafts projects! I'm even getting around to projects that have been waiting on me for years. I've been obsessed with felting. It's way easier than I thought it would be and I actually have the patience for it, unlike sewing. I made a whole bunch of little animals for Christmas presents (ex. my sister got an otter and my grandma got an english Robin) and now I'm working on a project that I'm hoping will someday become a book. I can't tell you what it is yet, because I don't want anyone stealing my idea, haha.



As for the outfit, I was happy to finally style the little yellow blouse you see peeking out of the sweater. It's from Lulu's but I was lucky enough to get it for free on Chictopia. They have a great rewards program! I didn't even have to pay shipping. Actually, this outfit was very cheap! The blouse was free, as was the skirt and belt! I am a lucky-duck, and I feel I should share some of my luck. Keep your eyes open for a giveaway coming in the next week or so!!

In this outfit:
American Apparel beret
Vintage sweater
Lulu blouse
Felicee skirt & belt
Vintage velvet blazer