Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

I know it's been forever since I posted, but I wanted to take a few minutes to thank everyone for a fabulous year for T and Little S Designs. I have so many new designs planned for the new year, but I will be taking a few days off to spend time with my family.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

cards 2010

Full Of Love Christmas Card

Make a statement with custom Christmas cards at Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

Planning for an Early Christmas Here

I'm feeling a little short on time this year with holiday preparations. We scheduled our vacation for the beginning of December, so I really need to have everything mostly finished and ready before we leave, including cards in the mail. Instead of handcrafting my cards this year, I've decided to use holiday photo cards from Shutterfly. I've always been impressed w/ the quality of their prints and my share site through Shutterfly, so I plan to use their holiday photo cards.
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-photo-cards

I'm still deciding between a flat or folded card, but here are a few of my favorites (along with my daughter's favorites):

This card is her favorite (I'm sure due to the pink), and I love how colorful and non-traditional it is for holiday cards. I think it's definitely fitting for a family with a preschool daughter.
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/celebrate-family-christmas-card-5x7-flat?sortType=1&storeNode=93491

This is my personal favorite. I love the classic look of the holly branch w/ the modern look of the black and the text box at the bottom. Pretty sure, I'll go with this one for at least part of them. It's really hard to choose, but I know that any design I pick will go beautifully with our family photos that we had taken in October.
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/golly-holly-jolly-christmas-card-5x7-flat?sortType=1&storeNode=93491

If you're looking for holiday cards for your family, Shutterfly is currently running a promotion for 20% off all holiday cards. Go here to check them out for yourself:
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery

I hope I've saved you some time this holiday season! Don't forget that they also have matching address labels, gift tags, and even Christmas birth announcements!
http://www.shutterfly.com/

Two New Artfire Collections!

I've been in quite a few Artfire collections lately since updating to a pro account. The latest two feature my Pumpkin placemats and my Origami tree card for Christmas. All details are on my facebook fan page since I'm not able to copy and paste links here. Thanks!

It's My Etsy-Versary Sale!!!

My 3 year Etsy-versary was last week, October 1st!!! At the time (and presently) I had stitches in my left thumb for a recent dinner accident. These are coming out tomorrow, and I'm ready for a sale! So, here are the details....

www.tscrapper.etsy.com

From Friday-Sunday this weekend (10/8-10/10 at midnight EST), all items in my shop are 20% off! This is my biggest sale of the year each year, as I'm so excited to celebrate! Please use code "3 years" in the notes to seller and the 20% will be promptly refunded via Paypal. Thanks so much for all of your support over the past 3 years!

A Product Review and Giveaway with my New Placemats!

Want to win a set of my new fall/ winter placemats? There's a review and giveaway on this blog:

http://frugalfinds4moms.blogspot.com/2010/09/t-and-little-s-designs-custom-made.html

Good luck!

Looking for Me Online?

I've been in several treasuries on Etsy over the last week, and I'm currently participating in Blog-o-mania over on The Very Best Housewife's blog. Since I'm having trouble posting links to sites on my blog, please make sure you've signed on as a Facebook Fan to T and Little S Designs for updated information, new item images, and more.

FYI--my 3 year Etsy-versary is in a few weeks! Stay tuned !

Wordless Wednesday--New Coasters

Passport Covers!

Another new item for my shop is passport covers. I just created these, and I'm so excited about them. They're a great way to jazz up your standard passport by sliding it into the sleeves of these cute covers! They'll also make it easier to find your passport, distinguish it from others, and add some personality. These are $4 each.

Wordless Wednesday--First Day of Preschool

Busy Week Ahead--New Work Schedule!

This week is my daughter's first year in the 3 year old preschool class at school, which is a drop off program. She'll go 2 days per week for 2 1/2 hours each day, and while I'll miss her terribly, I'm also slightly excited about the possibility of an actual uninterrupted work schedule! So, my main work days for my Etsy shop will now be Tues/ Thurs afternoons each week, and I have some fabulous new checkbook covers, passport covers, and more coaster sets to list (including Travertine/ tumble tile sets!)

Thanks for sticking w/ me over this busy summer. I've struggled a bit w/ doing a weekly artisan Market in Granville and maintaining enough stock on hand for that each week plus keeping up with Etsy orders, etc.

Wordless Wednesday--Custom Order Placemats

Some recent custom orders

New Collaboration on Coasters!

I've recently paired up with Lenise of LeniseAlexandra, a local artist that I met at the Granville Maker's Market. We started with mixed sets of 4 coasters using her fairy prints, and I love how they turned out! It's such an affordable way to own custom art and a great conversation piece. For now, we will be selling these locally at the Granville Maker's Market each Saturday and taking orders through my blog and Facebook page. Let me know your thoughts and if you're interested!

You can find more of her art at www.lenisealexandra.etsy.com .

So Many New Designs!

If you haven't been in my shop lately, I have so many new party designs listed! From bees and children's characters to animals and more, I've been busy to create a great lineup of custom options for your party or event. I'm currently working on a line of fall/ winter and holiday cupcake toppers, placemats and more, too.

What would you like to see? Personalized placemats for leaving your milk and cookies for Santa? Bats and Pumpkin cupcake toppers? Let me know. :)

Wordless Wednesday--Little S's New Bathroom

Amazing new paint job--so girly!

Wordless Wednesday--Our New Playground

I know I've bragged about my hubby and his handiwork before, but he really is pretty amazing. He designed and built our new playground for Little S, and we love it. He consulted her for what features she wanted in her playground and then went to work. Here's the final project w/ swings, slide, ladder, rock climbing wall, inside play space, and steering wheel. :)

Featured This Week

I'm currently featured in two spots on the web this week--featured sponsor at The Very Best Housewife blog:
http://verybesthousewife.blogspot.com/2010/07/crafty-gal-free-shipping.html

and again on the CutCardstock blog:
www.cutcardstock.blogspot.com

Thanks!

Happy 4th!

I've had a great weekend so far, as we've visited the local fair, 2 fireworks displays, and spent lots of time w/ the inlaws and family. I hope that everyone takes the time this weekend to realize how truly lucky we are to have the many freedoms that we do in this country!

Two New Cards Featuring CutCardstock!

I recently accepted a custom order from cutcardstock.com to create 2 new cards featuring their papers, cards, and envelopes. I jumped at the chance to try new scrapbooking supplies, and it was well worth it. Their papers arrived quickly and are gorgeous!

http://www.cutcardstock.com/

Here are the two cards that I created:

--fall-themed card using their white blank notecard along with matted layers of Red Lacquer, Cognac, and Serpentine metallic cardstocks. I then used leaf diecuts in the various colors above plus Olive and Antique Gold to create this classic, elegant fall card. These pictures really do not do justice to this beautiful metallic paper. The sheen really dresses up the card, and I think it could be perfect for fall-themed wedding cards. It's finished off with a ribbon by Stampin' Up.

--spring/ summer handstamped butterfly card using the white blank notecard from cutcardstock.com along with matted layers of Hot Chocolate and Blue Raspberry cardstocks. I then handstamped butterflies using various spring/ summer ink colors onto their white cardstock before punching the butterflies out w/ a square punch and adhering them to the matted layers. The card is completed with a polka dot ribbon from Stampin' Up and a birthday sentiment.'

I absolutely loved working with this company and creating a few items using their cardstock. To learn more, please visit http://www.cutcardstock.com/

Thanks!

Wordless Wednesday--A Clean Scrapbooking Room

is Priceless! As I'm getting ready for the July challenges, I had to start by cleaning my space and reorganizing a bit

.

Preparing for the July Scrapbooking Challenges

I spent this past weekend really trying to get organized for my upcoming July scrapbooking challenge. Sat--uploading and ordering photos that I might need. Sunday and Monday--putting together some page kits using supplies I already have on hand. This is a great way to speed up your scrapping and make the most of your time when you do scrapbook. I'm doing it tomorrow so that I can see what supplies I might need to buy still to create the pages I'm going to be working on in July.

If you're not familiar w/ creating page kits, there are some great online resources that describe how to sort through your supplies and put together themed kits w/ your photos. It really helps you see what you might need. Gallon and 2 gallon freezer bags are a great way to organize these and can be used over and over. Look for more blog posts throughout July. Enjoy your last few days of spending before we start our no-buy in July challenge!

July Scrapbooking Challenge Details

I'm really far behind on my own scrapbooking and lacking the motivation to really get started on it again. So, I've decided to see if there are others out there like me to help motivate each other. Here are the details for my Use Your Stash Page Challenge for July:

--You may not purchase anything except scrapbooking adhesive or photo/ film developing in the month of July. Stock up now on anything you may need! We'll use the honor system on this one, but if you purchase other supplies, then you're out of this part of the challenge. Lets use up those supplies we have lying around collecting dust!
--Set a page goal for the month of July--as many as you feel comfortable completing or need to complete. The focus is on meeting your goal NOT who does the most pages for the month. Challenge yourself to get some pages accomplished!
--I will be providing prizes from my stash to the winners from both challenges--use your stash and page goals. Both digital and traditional scrapbook styles are welcome in this one. :)

What to do until July 1st--
1. sign up on this blog post or on my Facebook Fan page so I can get a list together. Names and email addresses will be helpful.
2. Order photos, purchase supplies, organize your scrapbook room/ supplies so you'll be ready to go once July 1st gets here next week. Remember, no purchasing new supplies in the new month!
3. If you make page kits to speed up the process, feel free to get started organizing your page kits.

I need this challenge more than anyone, and I'm so excited! Hopefully a few of you will decide to join the challenges with me. I promise to help make it fun for all of us!

Wordless Wednesday--Fathers Day Fun

We really had such a great Father's Day weekend, and one of the fun moments was watching our 3 year old chase the ducks at Ye Olde Mill.

Happy Monday!

I decided to really spend some time this week sharing some of my recent custom orders. I've had several birthday orders and just haven't had time to share on here or on Etsy. Enjoy!

We have a winner!

RANDOM.ORG - Integer Widget: "True Random Number Generator

Min:
Max:
Result:
1"

4" Chalkboard Flowerpot Giveaway!

I've decided that it's been forever since I've had a giveaway on my blog, and I'd love to offer one of my new 4" chalkboard flowerpots in your choice of colors. I love how these turned out! Also, these will be added to my Etsy and Artfire shops in the next day or so (hopefully tonight!). Mention code "blog giveaway" in the notes to seller and save 10% on the flowerpots this week.

To enter, leave a comment below listing a use for these flowerpots or how you would use it if you won one. Contest is open to U.S. residents only due to the cost of shipping.

For extra entries, you may do the following and leave a separate comment for each.

--become a Facebook Fan of T and Little S Designs

--follow my blog

--heart my Etsy shop (tscrapper)

--tweet about my giveaway

--blog about my giveaway

Contest ends this Saturday, June 19th at midnight and winner will be chosen by random.org and announced on Sunday. Enjoy!

Granville Maker's Market Today

If you're local to the central Ohio area, you really should make it a day and drive to Granville. Every Saturday is the local farmer's market and Maker's Market, and I'm planning to be a part of the Maker's Market as many Saturdays as I can over the summer. I'll be there from 9-1 today, and I'd love to see you!

Wordless Wednesday--Strawberry Picking

This is why I love summer--a happy little girl! :)

Friday Favorites from Etsy Team Columbus

This week, I decided to focus on my Etsy Team Columbus. Here are a few of my favorites from the Etsy search that would be great Father's Day gifts:

My Daddy is.... Artwork by Grace Hester Designs

Father's Day Poster by Grace Hester Designs


Zippered Box Pouch in Brown Herringbone by Sewdarnsimple

Dads Robot Ipod/ Droid/ Camera Case Cover by ArtsiBitsi

Set of 4 Ceramic Photo Coasters by T and Little S Designs

Wordless Wednesday--Daddy's Helper

Here are my 2 favorite people building little S's new playground in the backyard. :)

Fabulous Giveaway from One of My Etsy Buddies!

Do you love the look of custom wooden letters in the nursery/ child's room, etc.? Me, too, and while I can make them myself, winning them would be even better. Jessica from Bugga Love on Etsy is giving away a set of her custom wooden letters right now on the Etsy Baby Shower blog:
http://etsybabyshower.blogspot.com

Good luck!

My New Daily Schedule

After determining again that I don't have enough hours in the day to get everything finished, I've determined that I need to really set up some time blocks during my day. (Thanks for the idea, Andrea!) My main focus is taking care of our daughter and playing with her each day, but I want to fit in time to work my Etsy business as well as take care of the housework, etc. It's definitely going to be a work in progress, but here it goes:

8-10AM Check emails, work on Etsy orders, prepare pkgs. for mailing, etc.
10-2 Play, lunch, more playing outside
2-3 pm Naptime?, check convos and work on orders, etc.
3-8pm Play, housework, make dinner, etc.

Wordless Wednesday--Growing Up Too Fast

Today is the last day of Little S's 2s preschool year. We're part of a Mommy/ Me class at our local co-op preschool in Granville, and I've loved attending preschool with her one day each week. Next year, she gets dropped off 2x each week, and while I'll be able to work on my business more during that time, I'll miss her terribly.

Looking For an Eco-Friendly, Cool Thing to Do Around Columbus This Weekend?

Look no further! This weekend is the second annual Eco-Chic Craftacular event presented by Etsy Team Columbus!

Sat., May 22nd from 10-6pm
Sun, May 23rd from 12-5pm

at the Whetstone Community Center, 3923 N. High St., Clintonville.

A portion of the proceeds go to Whetstone Community Center and Local Matters to promote green living in our communities. Yay!

Please visit www.columbuscraftacular.com for more details.

A Busy, Fun, Productive, and Profitable Day Today

After a late night finishing up coasters and chalkboard flowerpots last night, we started our day today w/ music class this morning. After that, we drove to the Pink Moon Cupcake Bakery to drop off my new chalkboard flowerpots in the shop! Yay! From there, off to the zoo to play for a few hours before meeting up w/ a new local Etsy customer who wanted to purchase a party banner for her wedding as well as several sets of ceramic coasters for her bridal party and others. It went really well.

I'm happy and proud that my day went really well, but we're exhausted around here tonight!

Total Blog Neglect--Again!

I admit, I have good intentions, but time keeps getting away from me lately. I am a real human being that just cannot find enough hours in the day to play with my busy 3 year old, keep our household running smoothly, keep my business running smoothly, and find time to blog a few times each week about interesting examples and such. I swear when I finally get time to take pictures of my recent custom orders, I will be posting again with real info. Thanks for hanging in there with me in the meantime! :)

Happy Mother's Day!

I plan to spend tomorrow with my family and beautiful little girl. :)

Use code "MOMSROCK!" through midnight on Sunday night for 20% off of your order in my Etsy or Artfire shops. Refunds will be sent through Paypal and include custom orders of my coasters, notecards/ invites, or my new chalkboard flowerpots!

Alice in Wonderland Mad Hatter Order

Hello! It's been forever since I've posted, but I'm really planning on keeping this blog more up-to-date. I just finished up a Mad Hatter order for an upcoming party and wanted to share how great these black and white images look on the red cardstock and tile. I love how they turned out! The ordered included coordinating centerpiece skewers, too. Let me know what you think.

Happy Easter!

I hope that everyone has a fabulous weekend w/ family and friends this weekend while remembering the true meaning of the holiday.

Happy Mail from Two Chicks Designs!

After the last few months of health problems, I really needed a little something to cheer me up, and I just happened to win a March scrapbooking kit from Two Chicks Designs! I was so impressed with the size of the kit, as well as the variety of paper and materials, that I had to share. To find out more about them and go shopping online, please visit http://www.twochicksdesigns.com/

Enjoy!