May 21, 2013

New Newbies

I know you guys are expecting an update from the craft fair.  Unfortunately, it was cancelled due to terrible weather.  BUT, it was rescheduled for June 2nd!  WOOT WOOT!  To be honest, I was really happy it was rescheduled.  Hubby was way more disappointed than I was.  It gives me more time to add inventory as well as to mentally prepare.

I mentioned that I had created a few new cards for debut at the fair.  So I'm sharing some now, since I've let you down with deets on the craft fair.

Here are a few new guys.  There are still more that I haven't photographed yet.

Bikes here

Snaps here

Thanks here

Click here

I'll be back to share the others soon.  I hope you're having a great week so far and that it only gets better!

Stay SWEET!


 I'm really flattered and humbled if you like my designs.  But, please refrain from copying or replicating any of my cards/designs/phrases in any way without prior explicit permission and/or proper accreditation.  I do NOT ever grant permission to anyone to use or replicate my designs for profit or sale.  Please respect my art and my ideas.  I am more than happy to share ideas and inspire, but I am not okay with being copied.  Thank you!  I really appreciate your integrity.

~Sandy

May 15, 2013

Astoria Outdoor Market

Phew! Have I been running around like a chicken without a head!  (Poor chicken.)  I am still not done with all my inventory, but I know I will get there.  (::Fingers tightly crossed::)

I just wanted to check in and give you guys the details for the craft fair.  

It's THIS coming Sunday, May 19th, 2013

Location:  Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden
29-19 24th Avenue
Astoria, New York 11102

Phone: (718)274-4925

Hours: 1-6

I am diligently working on a display.  I want it to be simple but eye-catching and budget-friendly.  (Not that easy!)

I found some awesome display props at Michael's and I can't wait to figure out how to set them up.

I have a few new cards debuting at the craft fair as well as some oldies but goodies.  I am also in the process of training for my new job.  Exhaustion is the order of the day.  But, I'm keeping my head up and hoping for a great experience.

I'm signing off for now, but if you do decide to come, please let me know that you follow my blog/facebook/whatever.  It'd be awesome to see you there!

I'll try to have hubby take some pics of the event so I can share it with you all.

XOXO
~Sandy

May 9, 2013

Fringed Flowers - Mix it Up!


So, while I was creating my project a few weeks ago, I discovered what (to me) was a new technique for fringing flowers.  While most people use a 45-degree fringer with a folded strip, I opted for a regular  un-folded strip and the result was pretty charming, if I do say so myself.

This is a "normal" 45-degree folded fringed flower:


Here's how you make these:


1.  fold your strip in half (not that easy)
2.  insert folded strip into 45 degree fringer with open edge on the top
3.  fringe full length of  strip and adhere a center strip (if using one)
4.  begin twirling (I use a curling coach for fringed flowers - it really helps)
5.  add a dab of glue when one strip meets the other and after every few turns
6.  press center down and fluff up a bit


And here is my poofy princess:



Cute, right?  Here's how to make it:


1.  fringe two different color strips and align in opposite directions
2.  glue one strip on top of the other
3.  do it piece by piece so it's straight
4.  add a center (if using one)
5.  roll as normal and secure end
6.  puff up 


There are tons of tutorials online about how to fringe flowers.  (I talk a little about it at the end of this post.)  Google it!  You'll be surprised at all the cool techniques you can learn.  Best part?  You don't need regular quilling strips.  You can use whatever text-weight paper you have on hand.  I used polka dotted paper as well as book pages.  Simply cut your strips anywhere from 1 inch to 1/2 inch for folded and anywhere from 1 inch to 1/4 inch for non-folded fringed flowers.  You don't need a fringer.  You can use a bulldog clip or any straight-edge to guide your cuts.  The key is not to cut all the way through the strip and try to keep your angle the same (that part's not that easy).  Clip the open side and cut along the folded side.  Spaced-out cuts will be less puffy than cuts that are closer to each other.


Experiment and have fun!  You can't really make a mistake.  It's all about what you like.  Here's another alternative:

Simply adhere strips in alternating directions end-to-end.  Add a center. if you like.  They don't have to be perfect, remember, they're handmade.  

Let me know if you decide to try it.  I'd love to see what you come up with!

I may be away for a little as I am currently (failing at) trying to create inventory for my first craft fair.  I'm nervous and excited.  I also got a part-time job so that's not making it easier!  Beacon's calling me y'all!  Gotta try my best to see if we can get up there someday in the near future.

Signing out for now.  Stay sweet and keep twirling them strips!

Oh!  I got my fringer here (incase you're wondering where to buy one). They're pretty pricey but look around for sales.  I got mine at 50% off.  I love me a sale!


April 30, 2013

April Showers & May Flowers

Boy, did April fly outta here! I can't believe it's been over a month since I last posted.  I'm so sorry for neglecting you all.  Here's what April was like for me:
  • I spent most of April working on a project I can't yet share. (But it is SO pretty!)
  • It finally decided to be Spring! (Yay!)
  • I made a nook in my garage for potting my plants.
  • I decided to take the leap and apply for my first low-key local craft fair.
  • I discovered the town that was able to steal my monogamous heart from NYC!
  • I was introduced to my new favorite cupcake shop. (here)
  • I come bearing gifts. ;)

That's a lot, right?  The shop was closed for a few weeks because I really needed to concentrate on what I was doing (it was a book project - shhh).  Much to my delight, the project turned out a lot like I had envisioned it.  Best part is that I learned a few new things I can share with you over the next few weeks.  (Spoiler Alert: I will be sharing a detailed post on fringing flowers within the next few days.)

Hubby and I are in desperate need of a vacation, but it ain't happening!  So, we had a "stay-cation" weekend.  We spent Saturday in Brooklyn at our favorite park.  On Sunday, we drove up to the Hudson Valley to check out a town that my mother-in-law has been talking about.  She's been saying that it has us written all over it.  Well, we had to see that for ourselves.

This is what I thought:  For the first time in my entire life, I felt the desire to move away from NYC!  I am still reeling from that reaction, but it's been a few days and the desire is only getting stronger.  It's a gorgeous little town called Beacon, and the views were so spectacular that I couldn't even bother to take as many pics as I usually do.  It was like I had to soak it all in real-time and not through a lens.  The town has everything I love.  The perfect blend of nature, history, charm and city.  Gorgeous mountain views right by the water.  An artsy town with down-to-earth family-oriented people.  Adorable charming little houses.  I can go on...

I spent a long while chatting with the shop owner at Hudson Beach Glass.  She was so helpful, honest and informative.  I tell you, I can't stop thinking about this little city.  Best part?  I can drive into my concrete jungle in about an hour's time.  How perfect is that?

We had the best food experience at The Hop and were treated to free live-music as we sat there, smelled the breeze (and the cheese) and sipped on some pretty delicious craft beer.  Hubby and I just kept looking at each other in disbelief.  Like, "Could this really be it?"  I really hope so! Oh, and most people here aren't 20 and from Minnesota (nothing against Minnesota, but Brooklyn is looking less and less like Brooklyn every time I go - had to get that out!).

Only time will tell if the move is possible.  For now, I have to remain content with what I have and work towards what may be in the near(ish) future.

Here are a few April pics from my (private) Instagram feed:

First row:  1-Me, hubby and one twin, 2-Brooklyn Bridge
Second Row:  Chalk on Brick Wall, 2 - A BFF, Hubby and a twin
Last Row - A random wedding of a ballerina, and her beau,
 a biker taking in the view, and Tillary Street by the Brooklyn Bridge

My potting station, blooming lilacs, sprouting hydrangeas, buttercups and blue skies.

Beacon, New York
Eggs over Polenta at The Hop

As a peace offering, I am sharing a free desktop wallpaper with you all.  It's my first time doing this and I tried to make as many resolutions as possible.  I'm so sorry I have been away from my blog, but I'm also really happy that some things have changed inside of me; and I actually feel a bit hopeful (something that has been missing in me for a while).

Click on your screen's resolution for download:


Enjoy the wallpaper and, most of all, enjoy every single day of May - rain or shine!

Plus, always stay Sweet!


 I'm really flattered and humbled if you like my designs.  But, please refrain from copying or replicating any of my cards/designs/phrases in any way without prior explicit permission and/or proper accreditation.  I do NOT ever grant permission to anyone to use or replicate my designs for profit or sale.  Please respect my art and my ideas.  I am more than happy to share ideas and inspire, but I am not okay with being copied.  Thank you!  I really appreciate your integrity.

~Sandy