Regan's Gift

Regan and I decided to swap swivel clasps and I just opened hers. It's very beautiful and no words will do it justice. My pictures don't do it justice either but I must try. :)

She added beaded charms, including beads that are "crackled", fuzzy (the light pink one), crackled, and crystal. She used lots of buttons and tulle...love them! Regan UTEEd (I think) a flower and put an eyelet through the center, making it a charm. How cool is that? She added a key, locket, and journey (Tim Holtz) charms. The fragment charms have my girls names and their meanings on them; so sweet!!

I love it, Regan. I absolutely love it. It's going on the tree and when we take it down I will have to decide where to display it then. I am already planning a very special mini for this but I have a feeling that it will take awhile to get this mini completed. It needs to be super special to carry off this swivel clasp! :)

I have to add that she filled my box with goodies! Prima, and paper, and charms, oh my!!

Shellacked Nails

So I got my nails shellacked on Friday evening. A friend of mine got a promotion at work so we went out for mani/pedis. She got to choose the place and this salon happened to have all their technicians trained in this process. Long story short, I got pampered to say the least.

Here's the process:
1. Clean nails. If you don't already have the shellack on this is a quick easy process, involving nail polish remover. If you do have the shellack on the process takes about 10 minutes and involves wrapping each nail in a small piece of cotton ball soaked in acetone and then in foil. After the foil comes off, the nails are scraped with a wooden cuticle stick and the shellack comes right off.

2. Shape the nails.

3. Gel coat. They put this clear gel coat on your nails and then you have to cure the gel with a light. It takes about a minute and half.

4. Apply color. The only downfall to this technique is the color choices. There  are not many but they are beautiful. Paint nail and set with the light; three times.

5. Top coat. Apply the gel-like topcoat and another round of light.

That's it. This is supposed to last 3 weeks without chipping. I can't wait to see what happens. I took before photos and I plan to update with the after as well.

I know this is a little random but i just think it's so cool. I always leave the nail salon (which isn't very often but this applies to home manis as well) very careful with my nails for at least 2 days. OK, so not 2 days but you know what I mean. And inevitably, the polish starts chipping after 3 days. Anyhoo, I still have perfect nails and I am a week in. I'll let you know. :)

UPDATE!! I am on day 14 and still no chipping but I do look like I need a fill for my nails. I have quite a bit of nail bed showing. Still, if you don't look close, it's hardly noticeable. I still think it worth the money and time, so far! :)

Zibbet Shop Items

So I just wanted to take a minute to share with you all the items available in my Zibbet.com shop. I have mini albums and a kit, charms galore, coin envelopes, and chipboard die cuts.

Charms "kits":
*Christmas - 7 charms including Santa, snowflake, wreath, "joy", tree, stocking, bell
*Halloween - 5 charms including skeleton hand, howling wolf, witch hat, bat, jack-o-lantern
*Zoo, African animals, Safari - 6 charms including lion, giraffe, tiger, zebra, coyote, elephant
*Travel - 2 charms including a camera and the Eiffel Tower*Beach, aquatic, aquarium, SeaLife - 9 charms including starfish, fish (bead), anchor, ship steering wheel, seahorse, crab, seashell, turtle, flipflops (inscribed "Made with Heart & Sole")
*Tea - 2 charms including a cup and saucer and a teapot
*Spring, Garden - 5 charms including watering can, butterfly, flower, rose, ladybug
*Fashion, Crafting - 4 charms including hanger, singer sewing machine, handbag, and small handbag
*Western, Rodeo, Cowboy, Texas, Ranch - 5 charms including horse with colt, guitar, horseshoe, boot, hat

I will sell these charms individually upon request.


Here are the visuals:

9 different charm collections available (also sold individually)

Whimsy mini album and a kit (not shown) are available

Baby mini available (personalized after purchase)

Set of 6 coin envelopes in 4 different sizes

Dress, overalls, and onesie die cuts; all available in 3 different chipboard options (shown in medium weight chipboard)

Check out my store and tell a friend...I would greatly appreciate it! :) Have a great day!

Swivel Clasps

So I have completed my first two swivel clasps but in my excitement I totally forgot to take stills! Sorry about that! If you would like to check them out, use the links below to see the videos on YouTube.

Kathy (Canadianscrappergirl) was my swap partner for Regan's Swivel Clasp Swap. In this swap, you completed a swivel clasp in it's entirety and sent it to your partner.

Regan (EmoraDesigns) and I just swapped for fun! :)

Have a good one. :)

Kathy's Swivel Clasp

Regan's Swivel Clasp

Sweet Sisters Mini Album

I created this mini for my two little girls, my very own "Sweet Sisters". I am an only child and I have found it absolutely fascinating to watch this relationship blossom and grow. I thought that it would be nice for them to have and look at. With that being said, I kept it pretty simple and used embellishments sparingly.

I used #3 coin envelopes, which measure 2 1/2 x 4 3/4, and the K&Company Berry Sweet line and embellishments. I created the tags using my Tags, Bags, Boxes, and More Cricut cartridge.

I made 4 of these total; all a little bit different but basically the same. They are going to 3 special ladies, who also have two little girls. Enjoy!

If you would like, you can watch the video HERE. :) 

Have a great day! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everybody! I hope your day was filled with family, friends, and food. :)

Zibbet Shop

OK. So I was going back and forth about opening an Etsy.com shop. I really wanted a place, other than my blog, that people could see and buy my work, mostly the buying part. I feel more comfortable buying from a "legitimate" site, so I just assume others prefer that as well.

Anyhoo, I found that Etsy had so many fees that I would have to jack up all my prices just to break even. I want my products to be accessible to everyone and, in this economy, I just couldn't see the point in higher prices to pay a website, know what I mean?

Here's what I have found in my first week:

Zibbet.com Cons:
*It's not as well known as Etsy (yet). Products seem to move a little slower because of this. 

Zibbet.com Pros:
*IT'S FREE!!!
*You can pick your shop. For example, I can have a free shop and get all the basics. Or I could pay $9.95 a month and "Upgrade", get more perks and amenities. Or I could go even further and pay $69.95 a year ($6ish a month) for an even further upgrade and get every perk they offer. I chose to start on the free end and see how it goes.
*It's easy to use. Literally, just like Etsy.com.
*Once you open your store, there are all kinds of helpful hints that you can use it promote your business. For example, the link on my sidebar (with the owl...really, how can you miss it? :)). Super easy. 

So I wanted to share this find with you. Regan (Emora Designs) gave me this hint and I can't keep quiet about it. Super excited! Check it out and tell me what you think!!

Whismy Album Kit

I created a single kit to complete the Whimsy mini album in the previous post. This would make a fantastic gift for a loved one or special friend! Check out my new shop on zibbet.com!

Here's what's in the kit:

7 #6 coin envelopes (measuring 3.5*6.5)
3 each of 6 8*8 designer papers (with the exception of the solid orange; there's only 2 sheets)
3 each of 3 colors solid coordinating cardstock (8.5*11 - vanilla, olive, and chocolate)
3 full sets of alpha stickers
paper borders
3 curling ribbons
4 ribbons: rose red, striped olive, blue grosgrain, and brown tulle
assortment of stickers (including 6 "pull tabs")
die cuts: 4 elegant labels, 1 petal card, 1 scalloped envelope - all in vanilla cardstock
flowers: 4 Prima - 2 small, 1 medium, and 1 large; 2 printed and 2 felt Making Memories flowers
assortment of chipboard and paper pieces
hardware: 2 binding rings, 12 silver eyelets (great for inking), all brads used in mini; Basic Grey magnet closure
assortment of buttons with twine for threading
2 small and 2 large shipping tags

***BUY IT HERE***

***SEE VIDEO HERE***

Whimsy Album

 I made this "Whimsy" mini album using a kit from Making Memories. I love the fun papers and had a great time putting it together. I used #6 coin envelopes as my pages. I inked all the edges with Walnut Stain distress ink.

Prima flowers, ribbon and tulle, working frame with pull tab

Three different-sized tags for photos or journaling with a large tag in the pocket; large space for photo

Petal pocket with magnetic closure and journaling/photo insert with large tag in the pocket; pocket page with two smaller tags and acetate tag with orange felt flower

Large space for journaling or photo with large tag in the pocket; three tags using Tim Holtz "Elegant Labels" die

Small pocket created with a strip of DP and two journaling spot/photo mats with large tag in the pocket; border pocket and two more tags for journaling or photos

Large space for journaling or photo in a tri-fold with ribbon closure and a large tag in the pocket; "invisible" pocket with accordion fold tag with four spaces for small photos or journaling

Scalloped envelope die (by Stampin' Up) with a journaling spot and a large tag in the pocket

I was able to create two of these; one for myself and one to sell, maybe?

 ***Buy It Here***

 **YouTube Video Here**

"Fall" Charms for Swap

These are my charms for Regan's November swap, themed "Fall". She's at Emora Designs; go check her out!

I used blue because, in Houston anyway, fall is accompanied by the brightest blue skies. I made sure that it would go with the array of traditional autumn colors; the yellows, oranges, and reds and, of course, the variations of browns. I love the way it turned out.

I made the tag so that the ladies could re-purpose it later and then, without thinking, I wrote all my info in black ink all over the back. Oops.

Anyhoo, I can't wait to see what I get back. :)

My Haul from Regan's Swap

I participated in Regan's (her blog or YT: Emora Designs) swivel clasp charm swap. This was a first swap for Regan and she did AWESOME. You must check her out.

I think I dropped the ball a little bit on this one. The charms I received were bigger and more elaborate then mine own so I will know for next time, ladies!! I won't let you down again! :)

My first charms was made with pink beads that I thought were beautiful with the "bronze" color of the swivel clasp. I alcohol inked my findings with Rust, Espresso, and Raisin. I haven't used alcohol inks in a while and forgot how much fun (and easy) they can be.

The second charm is one of my favorites. I refer to it as a "monogram charm"; you can personalize this charm with an initial or small piece of designer paper. And it can stand alone without embellishment as well.

Here's the picture (mine are the two little ones in the upper middle):

 Thanks to all the ladies that participated in my group. I couldn't be happier with the results!!

Liar, Liar

pants on fire!

So, I didn't have a "family affair" to attend to but instead was away in France for 10 days. My husband and I choose not to tell lots of people that kind of thing on blogs, youtube.com, Facebook, etc. but I am back now so I can say it! I couldn't wait to tell you guys!


We started in the Loire Valley; Tours, France to be exact. The "country" to the natives. We spent 4 days there and 4 days in Paris proper. I will have lots of pictures and videos over the next few days (to weeks, probably!) to share with you some of my trip. Here are a few of my favorites...

My mother-in-law and I in front of Chateau Azay-La-Rideau

From the window at Chateau Chenonceau

At the base of the Eiffel Tower

Cooking at Le Cordon Bleu

View of Monet's garden from his window

Some of the activities on our itinerary were:
Visits to Chateaus Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry, Chenonceau, and Cheverny
Wine tasting in at Cave de la Grande Brosse
Tour of Faiencerie de Gien (porcelain factory)
Siene River Dinner Cruise
Paris Market tour with Le Cordon Bleu (then tasting and cooking class)
Night visit to the Louvre
Lunch at Laduree
Musee d' Orsay
Monet's graden at Giverny
Cheese tasting
Chocolate walking tour of Paris with stop at E. Dehillerin kitchen shop (Julia Childs's favorite store)

I went with a ladies' tour from Take Me to Europe. Check out Martha...her tours are the best and she's an awesome person to boot! :)

Family Affair

Hey guys! I am going to take some time to attend to some family affairs. This shouldn't take more than a week or so but I won't be online as much (if at all) and I wanted you to know. Don't worry about me, it's all good and I will return shortly!!

If you would like one of my kits or extras, no problem. Please just know that I will not be returning messages or emails for this time. I should be back up and running by the first of October! Thanks for your understanding.  Talk to you soon! :)

Love Bird Mini and Charms

I completed another of Laurel's pocket page mini albums. There are three large pockets to each page and it's so simple to complete!! This pocket page has easily become one of my favorites. This time it's about me and my hubby, Kevin, from the beginning to now. I did leave out the pictures of us at 14...maybe I should put those in? :) This album is not completed but done enough that I have already started on another mini and so I thought it appropriate to post.

***SEE VIDEO HERE***

And then I got a package from Cindy with all my charms from her August charm swap that she holds monthly on her blog. I have participated twice now and have yet to be disappointed! The charms are always so beautiful and well-made. Lots of love there! Check Cindy and her charm swap out!

***SEE VIDEO HERE***

Halloween Kits and Extras for SALE!!!

***UPDATE: I will be attending to a family affair so I will have little to no internet time for the next week or so. Please feel free to email me about the kits or extras but please understand that I probably won't get to respond until after the 1st of October. Thanks for understanding! Be well.

3 Halloween Kits Available

Included in these kits are:

24 6x6 double-sided Halloween papers

  6 6x6 specialty papers (foiled, embossed)

8 6x5.5 coordinating cardstock

5 chipboard "Tombstone"-not shown, check video (2 kits) OR 6" round pieces (1 kit)

1 chipboard coaster

2 chipboard skull and crossbones

4 various sizes of coin envelopes

2 paper bags, one black and one orange

1 package of rub-ons

1 package of alpha stickers green glitter (2 kits) OR black (1 kit)

loads of various Halloween "puffy" stickers

12 round "tag" stickers

2 sheets of bug double sided stickers

2 small and 2 large shipping tags

1 bag Diamond Dust (warning: keep out of reach of small children)

Lots of charms, button, brads, trinkets (see video for details)

2 spiderweb border strips in black and white

Loads of die cuts (not shown in picture, oops. Please check video for details)

3 pairs of black velvet Prima flowers in small, medium, and large

8 tiny white roses

2 green leaves

2 white doilies

 Lots of fibers, ribbon, tulle (see video)

***3 Kits Available***

Cost of kit - $35 (including shipping)

***VIDEO HERE***

Halloween Charm Collection

This charm collection includes one each of the five charms shown above. The largest charm is the skeleton hand measuring roughly 1 1/4 x 3/4 inches. 

Cost of charm kit - $5 (including shipping).

Halloween Button Collection

This collection of buttons includes a small, medium, and large button in each of four colors, totaling 12 buttons. The largest of the buttons measure roughly 3/4 of an inch round. These buttons vary slightly in color and style. 

***3 button kits available***

Cost of button kit - $3 (including shipping).

Coin Envelopes

The coin envelopes will come 6 to a purchase and are available in the following sizes:

#1 - 2 1/4 x 3 1/2 inches - $2

#3 - 2 1/2 x 4 1/4 inches - $3

#6 - 3 3/8 x 6 inches - $4

#7 - 3 1/2 x 6 1/2 inches - $4

Assortment (8 total) - 2 of each of the above sizes - $4

All these prices include shipping.

***SEE VIDEO HERE***

Please email me with your interest (under "View my complete profile" at the top of blog). I will combine shipping. I will send you an invoice and once payment is received, I will ship out the next business day.
As of right now, I AM ONLY SHIPPING WITHIN THE US. Sorry.

Happy Chick Designs will not be responsible for lost or damaged kits, so if you are interested in insurance please let me know before payment is made. 

Thank you and happy creating!

Tour de Pink

Today my husband, father-in-law, and I road 23 miles in the Tour de Pink. This ride is to raise money for The Pink Ribbons Project all things breast cancer, from educating women about screenings (etc.) to supporting women financially who wouldn't be able to get the medical attention they need to finding a cure and everything in between.

I haven't ridden more than 30 minutes in as long as I can remember and, though my behind is in some slight discomfort, I had no problem finishing 23 miles (in 2 hours). If I can do it, you can do it too! 

Here's some photographic evidence:

First rest stop.

Riding.

Let's get this party started.

So I have to admit that I am a little nervous about sharing my blog! But isn't that the point of a blog...to share? Anyhoo, I am about to tell my little secret and we'll see what happens! Thanks in advance for your support!

There's a first time...

for everything! And here it is, first blog entry on my first blog.

I just wanted to share that this blog is a place I plan to share everything (within reason, of course) about me, my life and history, and my hobbies. I invite you to join in and share with me to, should you feel so inclined. I don't know how often I will be able to update right now (I am shooting for every few days)...I am the busy mother of 4 year old "E" and 18 month old "P". Not to mention wife to my wonderful husband, Kevin. So I will be getting the hang of this for a little while and encourage you to bear with me.

I have been struggling with, but overcoming and conquering, PPD (postpartum depression) for the last 18 months. I have just weaned off my PPD meds THIS week. (If you would like me to go into more detail about PPD, the meds, or the weaning, please just ask. I'll share because if one woman doesn't have to go through what I went through, it was all worth it!) I feel great now, I am so excited to say!! I found some wonderful, creative ladies on youtube that introduced me to "mini" albums and I LOVE them. I am totally hooked. I feel like one of the reasons that I am doing as well as I am is this new-found outlet.

So this is my blog and I plan to talk about anything and everything but mostly the simple stuff, like crafting and my kids! :) Please join me on my new ride.