I have to admit, when getting ready for the holidays I always look to see what Martha Stewart has going on. After all, it was Martha who (along with my mom) inspired my love of cooking and decorating and crafting. Inspired by her felt corsage, I created these simple but super cute Hair Holly for my girls.

I have to admit, when getting ready for the holidays I always look to see what Martha Stewart has going on. After all, it was Martha who (along with my mom) inspired my love of cooking and decorating and crafting. Inspired by her felt corsage, I created these simple but super cute Hair Holly for my girls.

Creating it was very simple. 

• Cut the individual leaves from wool felt.
• Using a sewing machine (or by hand if you prefer) add some contrasting stitches along the edges.
• Sew (or hot glue) the leaves together, gather at the center.
• Add a bow and a little ornament for an added festive touch.

Look for unbreakable or plastic ornaments when making for younger kids. Th glass ones can shatter pretty easily. I found mine in a tube at Target.

Be sure to leave a comment for your chance to win our first prize, a Martha Stewart Glitter sampler. Leave a comment below and one lucky winner will receive a finished bow from me to you! I will announce winners for this week’s giveaway Monday AM. So tell your friends. See you tomorrow!

It is not secret that I LOVE my new iPad. I take it everywhere with me. Usually I just throw it into my purse and take it with me where ever I go. But I realized, that although it is in a case… it really needed a sleeve. All the ones that I found where usually made to be used without a case. So I made my own. The result… a cute and functional home for my beloved iPad.

The cover is my favorite Heather Baily fabric. The fabric is laminated to make it water and dirt resistant.

The case is lightly padded on one side to give the screen a little added protection inside my purse.

And here it is all tucked in and tidy!

Hey look! My flowers are famous…lol. 

The pink flower at the top is one I created for the Flower Article in the April/May issue of Simply Handmade. I have to admit, it never gets old seeing my creations in print. So much fun! Simply Handmade is one of the magazines at my publisher. And I have to say, everytime I see the new issue, I just want to run home and start creating. So much inspiration.

Try an online issue for just $1 and check out the whole article.

just in time for all your holiday needs… and maybe a little treat for yourself…

Sign up for the free newsletter to get a special grand opening coupon and to get a peek at the store before everyone else!

So the past week has been quite a roller coaster. Last Thursday I found out that I had been laid off from CK Media. (as did my mom) I was only one of a number of casualties of this latest cut. But as one door closes… a window opens!

I am very happy to announce that I am the Director of Online and Social Media for Northridge Media. The “official” press release from the company. . .

Orem, Utah – Chad Harvie, Publisher of Northridge Media, announced that Ana Cabrera has been named Director of Online & Social Media for the company. Ana most recently served as the Social Media Manager for CK Media (Creating Keepsakes).  

Ana will be heading up the expansion of the online properties for all of Northridge Media’s print titles including Scrapbook Trends, Bead Trends, Simply Handmade, CARDS, and all other bi-monthly idea book titles.  She will also be enhancing their blogging program and lead the Northridge Media online community.  Cabrera is a published crafter with her expertise in paper based art and digital media.  Her experience in both the craft and publishing industry makes her a perfect fit to the Northridge family and publications.

I am VERY excited about this opportunity. I have nothing but love for my old job. But when its over it is over. I feel like have found a family to belong to. One of the most exciting things for me is the opportunity to share my passion. And I REALLY love that the publications focus on the reader. It is refreshing to come into a smaller publisher that  still has that “family” and “from the heart” feeling. And it doesn’t hurt that I LOVE everyone that I work with.

As I hit ups and downs in this industry, I have really seen who is truly my friend. I have been blessed to have dear friends that have wrapped me in support and hugs. Thank you.. thank you so very much. Stay tuned.. this is only the beginning!

All in all, CHA was an inspiring and exhilarating event. And as always.. is it more than just products. I love finding old and new friends, and reconnecting with those who share my same passion.

My overall assessment of the show? I think that the effects of the economy has impacted the show. There were fewer small companies showing this time around, and it seemed that there were less new exhibitors. (I am not 100% sure however) I have found that most companies were not taking huge risks with brand new, never before seen tools. (With exception to Provo Craft and the very cool YuDu)  The new lines that I have seen were fantastic however. Great new color combination, fresh designs, and many lines that filled “needs” in the market.  (Like great boys teen line by Making Memories)  Below is a slide show of a few more fun CHA finds.

Day 2 was another wonderful day at the show. Along with seeing the new lines and checking out what manufacturers have cooked up… I love seeing old friends and getting to meet people that I admire.

There  is some fun stuff out there. Ellison is offering a whole truckload of new dies. This program is a new birthday program. I am loving the banner die and the cupcake wrappers.

They also have a new Designer line. The ability to cut through fabric and create truly nice looking home decor items is another exciting item. I love anything that helps me use my tools in as many ways as possible.

Another personal pick, is from Versamark. They have a new VersaMark water mark inkpad… with a VERY fine glitter! My images does not really show it, but it is stunning yet understated.
 

Tattered Angels has dozens of new colors. AND a bunch of very cool things to spray! I am  looking forward to playing with these letter. They have over a 125 pieces per package and every part of the design can be used separately or together. Another fun thing from the Tattered Angels are coordinating masks and stamp sets.

One thing that caught my eye… is the Crafters Companion. This is a tool for creating envelopes, boxes, bows, and cards. It aids in creating your score lines, and eliminates the need to measure. Now, I do wish it was not such a bright purple.. but this is one time function wins over form!  (sorry no picture… sometimes I forget)

Once I get a chance.. I will post some fun friend pics, and of course… Day 3 update!

since today was the day that i flew in… I didnt really have a ton of time to make the rounds. But there were some fun highlights of my day. The first…

Meeting Paris Hilton

Paris was at CHA today for a meet and greet – Launching her new line of Creativity Kits. Now, I admit that I had my doubts… but the Tween kits are cute. the line is very Paris meets Barbie. I love the bracelet kits and a faux Louis Vitton covered album.

Right next to the CK Media booth is the Hambly Screen Prints booth with my dear Allison Kreft Abad. Its hard to say what my favorite, is, but I am loving the baby animal rub ons and the clothes line papers and overlays.

Making Memories had a flawless showing of course. Be sure to check out their blog to check out the new lines. My personal pick for the show is their Tag Maker card for the slice and these new Glitter Tag Frames.

Since the first day is a little more relaxed for me, I stopped over at the international area to see what crafters are doing all around the world. This was a fascinating craft from Japan. She uses actual flowers to create beautiful botanical prints. No paint or dyes, just rubbing the flower through some special materials. The result is quite amazing. AND they gave the kits away from free!

Ok… Day 2… here we come!