Sincerely 'Fro Me to You...Mama Made It

This is the "Mama Made It" edition. Yes, she sewed this shirt--and the matching scrunchie!! I do adore polka dots now, so...it was sort of a foreshadowing of things to come.

The shirt isn't bad! But the over all outfit could be more flattering.

Please notice the "half heart" best friends necklace. And the lovely plastic earrings.

Again, this perm was one its way out and, oh my, the Rave hair pray this must've required...I shudder to think. I wonder if the O-zone has improved since the 80s just because women and teens are using less hairspray??



Now enjoy this full-length shot. The M.C. Hammer-esque pants, rolled up, of course. And those lace-up sandals!! It's a lovely look. I know now not to put my hands in my pockets--I can't afford the extra bulk. But it does afford a casual quality to this pose, don'tcha think??



Can't wait to see all the 'Fros today!!!

Check them out at
We Are THAT Family

New use for place cards

I saw a pack of place cards a while back but thought, "I don't ever use place cards."

Then I got this cupcake one in the mail, tied to a package from my bud Shelly at Lemon Tree Studio. My mom and I were looking at it and my mom goes, "It looks like layered paper but it isn't." I looked at it closer and said, "Oh, my gosh! That's one of those place cards! She just turned it around, punched a hole, stamped it and used it as a tag!"

So I went back and got ten for 62cents and made the other two! Cool, huh?? :)

Report and surprise

Well, the rumor was correct...my local Target had given the scrap booking aisle a huge overhaul (super-cute new designs, plus fall!!) and had put all the previously 30% off-ish merchandise on an end-cap for anywhere from 30% to over 70% off!!! Oh, yeah, baby!! I got everything you're about to see for about $13. No kidding.

Ok. Photo mounting squares for $1.07 and it comes with the nifty dispenser. I got two.
40 funky chipboard letters for $1.98
Place cards for $0.62 (and in a post very soon, I'm gonna show you what to do with them!).
And cute and simple embellishments, 12 for $0.98!



This adorable 32-sheet paper pack was $0.98 and the matching stickers were $0.87!! So cute!! All the paper is double-sided and so cheery.



A slew of envelopes for $0.74/ten and note cards for $0.62/ten. Plus a set of silver cards and envelopes for 48cents and 58cents respectively. Woo-yeah!!



Another paper pack, double-sided, for $1.07 and cute flowers 98cents/50.



And perhaps my favorite...this turquoise 8.5"x8.5" scrapbook previously $12.99, for $3.24. WITH polka dots. Oh, yeah.


My trip to Target yielded a surprise as well. I think this will be the first picture to go in the new album!!



Yes, a positive pregnancy test!

I was so surprised by the first one, I took a second.



Some of you know I miscarried a few months ago so we're asking for as much prayer as we can get that this pregnancy will progress normally, and for the health of our baby-to-be and myself.

I'll keep you posted!! :)

Organizing your crafting paraphernalia

**The rumor on the street is that Target just deeply discounted their scrap booking materials!! Once this is posted, I'm heading to Target!! I'll let you know what happens!!**

Ok, ladies. For those of you with about the same amount of crafting paraphernalia and about the same space to store it, maybe some of these tips will help you!! :) I know many of you have a lot more stuff than this and a lot more space. But for what it's worth, here's what I do.

If you're starting from scratch or need to do a major over-haul, I suggest taking everything you have and re-sorting it all into piles to see how much room you need for each.

Here's the main items I most enjoy using:
pencil boxes
3-drawer plastic chests
smaller 3-drawer plastic chests
plastic bins with lids
photo storage boxes

For pens and scissors, I simply use pencil cups or mugs.
I looove using pencil boxes and they're dirt cheap this time of year. It's perfect for smaller items. You can use a paint pen to label them, too.



I store my miscellaneous stamps in one (two layers, so it fits a lot!)...



...then my small embellishments in another (like brads and glitter).



The third one holds other misc. paper embellishments.

These two plastic bins are everywhere and less than $5 each. Get a few the same and they'll stack very nicely.



One holds my small pieces of paper and scrap papers, plus some stickers.



The other holds my plain note cards and envelopes.



I have two of these guys with three drawers each. They're a nice size and stack nicely, too.



Two drawers hold stamps...





And another holds ink.



There are rulers in one, plus ribbon and other goodies. Anything that fits!!

This little guy is a popular choice for dorm rooms, meaning they're in plentiful supply this time of year, too. They're often in the kids' section, too, in either pastel or primary colors. Three smaller drawers, perfect for small odds and ends like stickers, glue, glitter, etc. Anything that doesn't fit elsewhere!!



I also enjoy using photo storage boxes which can be found for $1.50 each, or $3 each at the most. They come in a bazillion different colors. I use one for ideas I rip out of magazines and the other holds my completed cards, grouped as they're listed on Etsy or by category, using the included dividers.

Notice the wood crate, too. They always have these cheap at Goodwill for whatever reason. I keep my mailing labels in a separate container inside the crate, plus miscellaneous note cards.



And I need your help!! The one thing I can't seem to find a good solutions for is all my 12x12 paper. They don't make letter trays that size, do they?? If you have a clever way or keeping yours organized, please let me know!!



I hope you enjoyed this little "tour." It's always evolving and changing, based on my needs...yours should, too! Good luck with your organizing projects this week!!

I'm workin' on it!!

YES, I will soon be sharing my best craft organizational tips and pictures! Just as soon as I write the post and take and upload the pictures!! :)
It was just too nice to hang out at my folks' house today and truly enjoy a "day off." Aaaaahhhh.

Here's a preview, though!

I'm keeping my current project-in-process contained on this tray. I can gather all my supplies and keep them there until I'm ready to work on it, then I can put it back on the tray for later (so it's not cluttering up my whole table), without all the trouble of putting it away...then when I'm completely done, I can carry the tray over and put everything back where it belongs! Cool, huh?



I hope it actually works. That's the only thing about reorganizing--it has to be functional!! And you can't know until you actually use the space. So we'll see how my new craft area actually works out in reality!! Aren't you glad I can do the trial and error for you?? :)

I hope you enjoyed your labor day, too!
We'll be back to our regularly scheduled blog posts soon!!

The craft table is in the hoooouse!!

I feel like I should send out an announcement of our newest arrival...
my long-awaited crafting table/desk!!!

I blogged about it almost two weeks ago but it's felt like an eternity!! Read that post (titled "This changes everything")

HERE

I did end up putting it in my Morning Room, right in front of the picture window. I like the natural light in there and it is my favorite room so it works. The table is just as cute as I remembered it--maybe cuter!!

A lovely table plus four chairs and it fits just right, plus I sent the fourth chair into my SIL's room for use at her sewing table (when she doesn't join me at mine).

This is when it first arrived...



...but I had to jazz it up a little so I added a bird lamp, a faux orchid and my bird cage candle holder. Much better.



Here's a close-up. Nice "shabby chic white."



Here you can see the details of the legs and the chair fabric. I'll probably re-cover them eventually but no rush--these are just fine! And they're padded so they'll be comfy for long crafting sessions.



And here's how it fits into the room. It really is just right, I adore it.



I am determined to get this area completely organized by the end of this weekend--Labor Day being included in that! Two days!!! Here's my challenge: clearing off this bookcase and moving IN my crafting supplies. I will, of course, keep you posted.



Lastly, a word of encouragement. There's a saying: "We have not because we ask not." Wishing for a crafting table?? Well, be on the look-out for the one you have in mind and even if it's in a friend's house--ask for it!! It can't hurt and worst case scenario, she's flattered that you admire her taste! Naturally, this encompasses much more than craft tables, but it's an excellent mindset to embrace. Just today, my mom took home an Asian chest for her bedroom that I'm not using, just because she asked for it! I've given away tea cups, jewelry, candles...you name it. But I rarely offer. And I almost never say no. Try it, won't you? And let me know how it turns out!

***UPDATE Sunday morning***

In the interest of full disclosure and actually helping someone with a similar project, I'm not going to give you just a before & after. This is my project "in process." I've been going through EVERYthing and throwing out a LOT, then redistributing things. It's fun--but tiring!! And a lot of work!! So here's where I'm at as of 10:30am!

My former workspace. This is where I'm doing my sorting.



This is a sneak peak at the storage solutions I'll be sharing with you: plastic bins with lids and pencil boxes!!



And the new space. The two big diaper boxes are filled with what use to be on the bookcase.



I feel like I'm at about the half-way point. I'll be posting the final product and a little "tour" of my new space ASAP! :)

***UPDATE Sunday afternoon***

Now it's 2:00pm and my dining room table is now back to its true self--a place to eat!! Can you feel it smiling?



And here's my bookcase, now holding only craft supplies. Actually, only card-making supplies. I'm keeping my few specifically scrap booking supplies separate.



And I added the essentials: my coffee cup and coaster and a pumpkin full of M&Ms!! Let the crafting begin!!!!



Ok, not really. I've still got to clean out my junk from my hubby's man cave. This is my least favorite part. Uggghhhh...

BUT! Tomorrow, I will be posting my organizational tips and tricks and the storage solutions I've come up with. Woo-hoo!!

Wishing you a productive day-

Friday's Find

YES, I finally took the plunge and set up shop on Etsy!

My main item will be cards, of course, but I'm experimenting with other items, too, including custom monograms on canvas.

I'm working the kinks out so go poke around and give me your feedback--constructive criticism is appreciated!! :) Let me know what cards you'd like to see and whether you'd like to buy sets or buy them individually.

More items to be listed soon...and a new giveaway, too!!

(click on the link below)

Roots & Wings on Etsy

I've got so many ideas swirling through my head...like these!

I love how this one turned out (using my new alphabet stamps). I gave this one away this morning but the rest will be even cuter!!



It went to the cute pregnant lady in the middle at a little mini-shower I "threw" (or threw together) today.



Now I'm preparing for a visit from my mom. We're going to a "girls night in" CRAFT NIGHT tonight and I'm soooo excited!

AND...my new craft table should be arriving by the end of the weekend--I'll keep you up-to-date!! Woo-hoo to long weekends!! Hope yours is grand, too!