Sweet Potatoes

I've been busy!

2008-03-19T20:44:00.000-05:00

It's spring break and I'm catching up on all my projects. Here are some of the things I've been working on: I made these to put in Easter baskets. The pattern/tutorial for these crayon rolls are at Sew Mama Sew. (I adapted it for the pencils)Check it out; she has patterns and tutorials for all sorts of fun things and they're really quite easy.

This notebook was so fun to make. A friend has one and I just thought it was the neatest thing. It's made from two manila envelopes folded in half. Experiment with folding them and putting them together to see what works best for you. I put a thin piece of cardboard inside each envelope (only at the bottom half) before I closed them up and punched the holes for the binding. I used a strip of fabric to bind it; threading it through the holes and tying it in a knot. Use the extra length to wrap around the book and tie closed.

Two of the pages will have brad openings, as they are the top halves of the envelopes. You'll be able to use these pockets to keep things in.

Cut a slit at the top of one of the "pages" (make sure its not a page with the brad opening, but one with a piece of cardboard inside) and insert a small legal pad.

I cut a manila folder in thirds, put each piece inside the other to stack them, and cut them in staggered layers. Tuck business cards, notes or reminders inside.

On the last page, I glued a small envelope; just for extra storage of notes, cards, etc.

Decorate and embellish to your heart's content. I got one of those scrapbook page kits at Target that has all the papers, stickers, etc. included, and had enough to decorate two notebooks. I also used some things I had at home, too.

Congratulations!

2008-02-03T13:05:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to Ann at itsalwaysaproduction! I drew her name this morning to win my giveaway!
Thanks again to all who entered! I'll have to do this again!
~Amy

It's Over!

2008-02-03T09:27:00.000-06:00

The Contest has ended...thanks to everyone who visited my site and for all your wonderful comments! I'll be drawing the winner when I get back from church this morning!

2008-01-30T17:26:00.000-06:00

I saw this on my sister's blog and it sounded like so much fun! So, I'm going to have a giveaway, too! I'm giving away a FREE framed 5x7 hand-drawn illustration.

Check out my slide show for ideas. They make great gifts to celebrate a birth, anniversary, baptism, etc. Simply post a comment with your email address or check back on Sun. Feb 3rd to see if you won! Contest will close Sat. Feb, 2, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. US Residents only please.

Go the Bloggy Giveaways Carnival site to see more stuff up for grabs!

Blessed

2007-12-20T15:09:00.000-06:00

These are the newest signs I've made using that old cabinet wood (that I made the "believe" sign with)...I gave them to the teachers and staff at my children's school. They are an incredibly talented and dedicated group of women and we count them among our many blessings!

"Honor Christmas in Your Heart"

2007-12-18T10:20:00.000-06:00

I got the pattern for these at the Houston Quilt Festival about a year ago and never did anything with it. But it spoke to me! The pattern is for felt, but I had some white satin and decided to use that instead. The wings are sparkly--it doesn't show too well in this photo-- and the tag says: "Honor Christmas in your heart." But the best part is that I already had everything to make them on hand! I love that! I'm making them for the kids to give to their teachers for Christmas this year. So cute!

Believe

2007-11-28T13:40:00.000-06:00

This is my latest project. I just love it...the wood is planking from an old cabinet, and I stained the tags with coffee before I printed them. The twigs came from my backyard. I'm making a ton of these to give as Christmas gifts, but I'm keeping this one for myself. It's a good reminder!

Another Project

2007-11-18T10:13:00.003-06:00

I illustrated this Prayer of St. Francis as a gift...I love the words, they have a timeless appropriateness. The image was inspired by a vintage prayer card I found online.

"Lord, Make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon, where there is doubt, faith; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness; joy. O Divine Master, Grant that I may not seek so much to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; For it is in giving that we receive, It is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life."

New Creations!

2007-11-14T13:11:00.000-06:00

I've thankfully been quite busy these last few weeks making Christmas Cards and Gifts. I really do appreciate the opportunities given to me and I hope that those of you who have ordered things from me are as pleased as I am with the outcomes!
Be sure to look at the slide show to see my latest projects.

HOLIDAY CARDS

2007-10-12T18:30:00.000-05:00

This is just one of 12 designs I've created for my Holiday Picture Card line. Each card is printed on quality cardstock and comes ready for your 4x6 photo.

You'll be able to choose from several quotes to put inside. Or, customize your card with your own phrasing and add your family's names.

Email me to request a catalog and order form: spkeepsakes@yahoo.com

Something New!

2007-10-01T20:37:00.001-05:00

I've been experimenting with some vintage-inspired paper and creating collage art. I made this one for my mom; we both are drawn to birds and take this verse to heart:
"Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?" Matthew 6:26