Christmas Bird Seed Ornaments

"Look at the trees, look at the birds, look at the clouds, look at the stars... and if you have eyes you will be able to see that the whole existence is joyful. Everything is simply happy." - Osho

I made these as stocking stuffers! From the informal feedback we have received from the neighborhood birds, they are a hit! I plan to use them as part of my place setting design for Christmas dinner. I think that as the weather gets a little colder, the birds need a little help.

Kind of a cute little party favor! I am wondering if winter brides would enjoy using these as little favors for their guests. To me, it is preferable to sugar coated almonds, mints or matchbooks.

I am selling these on my etsy site in groups of 3. Kinda cute don't you think?

Creative Whirlwind

I had a flurry of creative activity over the last week and have about a dozen new framed chalkboards coming.

Here are the first of the newbies.

As an aside, I am beginning to wonder how I will make these in the winter since my "workshop" is outside under the carport. Does anybody sell fingerless gloves anymore?

Drum roll please....I have "opened" a new venue at the Gig Harbor Gift Mall. I have a little space of my own to display all sorts of goodies for sale.

The people over there are so friendly and welcoming and creative
that it is a nice community to be involved with. Gig Harbor is a great little place to walk around and do a little shopping.

There are lots of small independently owned stores so no two things are alike. A breath of fresh air in the age of Walmarts and Targets.

Grand Opening at Artfire!

SALE

Okay...another leap of faith in the young life of Beautanicals...I have opened an artfire store! Please check it out by following the link. If you mention this blog when checking out you will receive an additional 15% of the regular price!


http://www.artfire.com/users/beautanicals

More to come later today...

Chalkboard Tags...how cool are these!

Okay...one day I will be like a "normal" person and be able to sit on the couch and simply watch a movie. As it is, I am ALWAYS busy doing at least one other thing...thus...CHALKBOARD TAGS.

I took some plain white thick cardstock and painted both sides with black latex chalkboard paint. Then used a 2" scalloped circle punch and finished them with a length of hemp string.

I love these little guys. I think you could use these not only to adorn a present but also as a wine charm, wedding place setting, drawer label, or a price tag. 12 for $4.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/54737981/set-of-12-chalkboard-finish-gift-tags

I think I like these and will go to my workspace and explore the realm of uses for chalkboard paint a little more...

K.I.S.S. Jot it down!

So I don't know if you are like me and ALWAYS struggle to maintain the balance of organized chaos. In an ideal world I WOULD be able to find things when I need them. In an ideal world I WOULDN'T have to call the operator to ask for the phone number of the restaurant I called five minutes before from my home...and now I only have my cell. Crap!

In an effort to overcome this, I have purchased every organizational tool known to the modern woman. Day planners, Things to Do pads with a magnetic strip on the back, journals with beautifully designed covers and on and on and on.

After losing the very thing that was meant to keep me organized I had an epiphany. What ever happened to the "scrap" paper that my mother kept in the kitchen drawer?

Why could I not just write down whatever information I deemed important on a little piece of paper?

Well, shoot then I would lose that single piece of scrap paper. Hmmm. What if I stapled several pieces of paper together.

Then, (because I am a woman and somewhat style conscious) I could cover it with some beautifully designed paper! So I started making the matchbook notepads to neatly disguise my "scrap" paper.

I use them to draft little daily to do lists, write down a phone number, make a mental note of a particular date or event, jot down the address of a friend and so on and so on.

I keep one in my car, one in my purse and one by the phone at home.

Check out some of these styles and see if you can continue to live without them!

They make the perfect thank you, stocking stuffer, hospitality gift, buyer appreciation gift, or party favor.

The matchbook pads can also be customized too. Seasonal themes like Christmas or Valentine's Day are popular. Brides are using them as part of their Bridesmaid Appreciation Gift Baskets using the colors selected by the bride (groom approval optional - sorry guys). I made some for a teen who was REALLY into horses!

They are so affordable...8 for only $4! Load up folks!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/50760885/set-of-8-matchbook-sized-notepads

Send me a message....via...Chalkboard!

I have been busy this summer creating framed chalkboards. I love using them to jot down messages / reminders for myself. They are great for making a quick list or when I am feeling particularly cheeky, I can leave a sweet message for my husband, Doug.

In this age of cell phones, email, twitter, facebook etc. I love the written word. I love the swirl of script and the intimacy of this form of communication don't you?

"To me, the greatest pleasure of writing is not what it's about, but the inner music the words make".

~Truman Capote, McCall's, November 1967

In May, I started listing the framed chalkboards in my etsy store, Beautanicals.

Little did I know that framed chalkboards are the hottest trend for brides! Brides are using the framed chalkboards in their photo booths. They have their guests write down a brief message to have with them when they are having their picture taken.

How cool is that! Almost makes me want to get married again...lol.

I have also heard of people using them at their beach houses or in college dorms.

I think this blue framed chalkboard would be great in a beach home!

"Writing is a way of talking without being interrupted".

~Jules Renard, Journal, 10 April 1895

I am pretty excited about all the possibilities and I love hearing from my buyers how they are using their chalkboard! I look forward to seeing some of the photos they share with me!

I am currently covered in paint. In fact, I am about to start looking on-line to determine how to remove muslin white acrylic paint from my hair...nice one Helene!

If you want to see more of these chalkboards, I would love it if you checked out my etsy store at http://www.etsy.com/shop/Beautanicals

First Blog!

This is me dipping my toe into the waters of the blog. I am interested in sharing my creations from my etsy store Beautanicals and learning more about the creative activities of others. I hope you will join me!