Alyssabeths

Happy Valentines Day!

2012-02-14T11:39:00.000-07:00

Hey girlie's - Hope everyone is having a Happy and Romantic Valentines Day today!

Today is a very special day for me, it was 7 years ago that my sweet hubby and his two kiddos asked me to marry them and become a part of their family. Looking back it's amazing how little the kids were. Alyssa was so cute, she was going through that pre-teen chubby stage and was holding on to her purse like it contained the crown jewels (she was given the task of carrying the ring), and little Connor wouldn't stop grinning. I was totally clueless until George got down on his knees with his two children on either side and asked me to marry him!

I spent years in a terrible marriage or two, what a wonderful thing it is to find your best friend and soul mate to spend the rest of your life with, I am indeed a very lucky woman.

And to sort of change the subject, here is a very cheerful Valentines Day Treasury Gift Guide I created for my Forget Me Nots team members.

Blog Features !

2012-02-12T18:20:00.001-07:00

Normally by now I have posted a new frugal craft project, but to be honest time got away from me this week and I didn't finish my project. I'm getting ready to open a new Etsy shop in the next couple of months selling vintage jewelry, findings & beads and more of my great flea market and estate sale treasures! I'm really excited about this new little shop and pretty much got all wrapped-up in it this week.

But.... on another good note I'm feeling a lot of blog love this week having my blog and Etsy shop featured on tow separate blogs this week. I'm truly honored and thrilled!

Kelsey over at Poofy Cheeks is doing a crafting space series and featured my new Shabby Chic crafty space this week! I hop you pop over and give my little feature some love and if you have a crafting space that you'd like to share please contact her.

And then over at Home Spun with Love Kristen featured my blog and several of my favorite craft projects, and my litte Etsy Jewelry shop!

I hope you stop by to visit both of their crafty fun blogs.

Oh... and don't forget to make a comment to enter the Bead Knead Gift Certificate Giveaway, last day to enter is this coming Wednesday.

Gift Certificate Giveaway from BeadKnead!

2012-02-07T07:35:00.000-07:00

I have a wonderful new Giveaway this week!!!! As you've probably guessed I love..... beads, and all sorts of beads! And lucky for me I have a wonderful Etsy friend who has a beautiful bead shop - BeadKnead and luckily for one of my readers she is offering a $10.00 Gift Certificate to her shop,which is good until June 1, 2012.

Here is a little about her and her shop:

I believe that life is all about how we handle plan B as in BEADS and BAUBLES. So I trusted my crazy idea of wish, hope and dream and took a chance. This is where BeadKnead became a reality. I took Plan B and made it happen. Welcome to my world of Czech glass beads, gemstones and of course baubles. No matter what; I believed in myself and my passion to do it with enthusiasm. I was taught to embrace change and expect miracles. I see the beauty of art in everything around me. I always seem to be amazed at the exploding brilliance on the facets of fine cut beads and stones or the rainbowed palet of their remarkable color; and can never seem to get enough of it. I look for new trends, colors and textures in the glass bead business to bring you, my customer the best the industry has to offer. In the end trusting my heart the becoming of BeadKnead was the smartest thing I have ever done. Here friendships and relationships have been born and created. Thank You for stopping by, hopefully in my shop you too can fill your need to create.

This giveaway will run Feb. 7 - 14th!

To win the $10.00 gift certificate all you have to do is:

1. Be a follower and leave a comment (with your email)

For extra entries

2. Follow me on Facebook & leave a comment that you arehttp://www.facebook.com/Alyssabeths

3. Follow me on Twitter & leave a comment that you arehttps://twitter.com/AlyssaBeths

I wish that I could win, but oh well. Good luck to everyone else though!
Beth

Framed Paper Rose Valentine

2012-02-05T08:00:00.001-07:00

Instead of a regular ol' Valentine card, I decided to do something a little different for my best girlfriend - who by the way is super girly, and create a framed rose Valentine with vintage chic pink rose gift bag.

While I was out shopping the other day I popped into Michaels and found they have started putting out some really girly stuff for spring in their dollar section. I picked out a shabby chic little chippy white frame, a packet of pink paper roses and a pack of tiny floral note cards.

First step in this easy little craft is to cut a piece of one of the note card to fit into your frame, now glue your little paper roses into a heart shape onto the paper you've cut out. (Each little rose has a sticky backing, but they aren't sticky enough to stay so I glued mine with Elmer's.) Now insert into your frame.

I decided to create a little muslin bag for my little framed rose Valentine. As usual I found the perfect vintage pink rose Valentine image over at Graphics Fairy and added the word Valentine and printed out on a iron on transfer paper. Because there is wording on the image you will need to print this out as a mirror image, so if your photo or graphics program is unable to flip the image you can do this in a couple of easy steps at Picnik.

Linking up with: I Heart Naptime, Nifty Thrifty Sunday, 1929 Charmer, Craft o Maniac, Creating Awesome, Embellishing Life, Southern Institute, Graphics Fairy, an Original Belle, Skip to My Lou, the Girl Creative, Sumos Sweet Stuff, Polly Want a Crafter, Knick of Time, Cherishe, d Bliss, Sugarbee Crafts, Not Just a Housewife, Carolyns Housework, Mommy by Day, the Kurtz Korner, Giggles Glitz & Glam, Ladybug Blessings, Project Queen, Trendy Treehouse, Hope Studios, Sew Can Do, Someday Crafts, Gingersnap Crafts, Hoos Got Talent, Handy Man Crafty Woman, Thirfty 101, Somewhat Simple, Saved by Love Creations, the Artsy Girl, Yesterday on Tuesday, Blissful & Domestic, My Simple Home Life, the Charm of Home, Creation Corner, Home is Where my Story Begins, French Country Cottage

Valentines Day Jewelry SALE

2012-02-01T17:00:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I'm having a Valentines Day Jewelry SALE in my Etsy shop, use promo code VALENTINE10 for 10% off your purchase. I also only charge a flat $2.25 shipping on jewelry to one address, no matter how many pieces you purchase.

Long Santa Fe Red Rose Turquoise Necklace

An elegant, long southwest inspired necklace features a large lipstick red rose pendant adorned with a vintage glass turquoise glass teardrop strung on a long 24” textured antique brass chain with a front closure heart toggle clasp closure.

Sweetheart Bead Rhinestone Charm Bracelet

Chic assemblage bracelet created in retro colors of pink, black & mint green. Charm bracelet features a black enamel charm accented with pink rhinestone drop, bracelet chain created with pink rose cabochon connector, vintage mint green beads, milk glass pink beads, faceted & heart beads, tiny pink faceted Czech glass beads, vintage white enamel and rhinestone connector and a black enamel bow connector.

Vintage Chic Winter White Pearl Flower & Rhinestone Earrings

Romantic, vintage inspired winter white earrings featuring detailed vintage oval Lucite ivory carved flower beads adorned with old rhinestone spacer beads, vintage cream pearls and antique white pearl glass tulip beads

Secret Heart Floral Locket Ring with Black Rose

Romantic, vintage style renaissance floral embossed antique brass heart locket adorned with petite black rose flower cabochon, set on matching adjustable floral filigree embossed antique brass band.

Sometimes Life is Messy

2012-01-31T12:30:00.000-07:00

My sweet hubby is very OCD about everything being clean, in order and in it's place. Me I'm the creative half of this marriage, I'm not a slob, but I won't fret over something being out of place. And as I am always telling him, Life is Messy!

I've been telling myself that the last 2 weeks. Two weeks ago we had the back half of our house torn-up ripping up old flooring and installing new floors, great guys and they did a fabulous job. But... there was dust everywhere, and my fault for not putting stuff away, but a few crafty projects were ruined with a layer of dust - life is messy.

That same week I had my quarterly meeting at work, which for some reason always goes badly on my end. I think I'm a nice person and can be pretty darn funny, but for some reason a person in power (not my boss BTW) where I work basically hates my guts and for some reason needs to empower himself at each quarterly meeting by screaming at me and belittling me. I usually drive home In tears, this time it was so bad I was just basically in shock - life is messy.

I love my Etsy shop and the creative outlet, but as I am nearing my second anniversary of my little shop I have to sit back and reevaluate it, is it worth my time and the money I have put into it? At this point I'm not sure what I'm going to do, I've made such great Etsy friends I'd hate to let them go. But should I continue with a "business" that hasn't grown to what I had hoped - life is messy.

Life is messy but... I have a wonderful husband, a great family & pets, good friends, I know that I am better person because I would never be cruel to someone on purpose and now I have really pretty new floors!

Glitter Valentine Heart Treat Boxes

2012-01-28T09:43:00.000-07:00

Ok girls, I found the cutest little plastic heart trinket boxes at the Dollar Tree last week and what a bargain, 12 for $1.00. I'm not a big fan if purple so I decided to use only the red and pink heart boxes in the package. I thought these would make adorable little treat boxes for my girl friends, once I've adorned with glitter and little cabbage roses!

You will need:

Heart Boxes

Modge Podge

Glitter

Crepe Paper

Glue

I started off by painting the little lids with Mode Podge, sprinkle with your glitter of choice, I chose pink and red. Once these are nice and dry I created little crepe paper roses. Cut your crepe paper into strips. Start the little roses by taking one end and rolling into a little rosebud type center, from there start creating the petals by twisting and turning the rest of your strip around the center until you have your little cabbage rose, use the tail end of your paper strip to tuck under the rose gluing down so that the rose stays together. You might want to dap a glue into the rose as your go along. I sprinkled the roses and little coffee colored leaves with very fine clear glitter.

And now your have great little Valentine treat boxes ready to fill will goodies!

Happy Valentines and Happy Crafting!

Beth
Linking up with: Show & Tell Saturday, Nifty Thrifty Sunday, the Girl Creative, 1929 Charmer, I Heart Naptime, Heart to Heart, I can't stop crafting, Everything Under the Moon, Craft o Maniac, Skip to My Lou, Sumos Sweet Stuff, an Original Belle, Polly Want a Crafter, Creating Really Awesome Stuff, Embellishing Life, Mad in Crafts, Knick of Time, Sugarbee Crafts, Not Just a Housewife, Inspiration Board, Kurtz Corner, Mommy by Day, Giggles Glitz & Glam, Project Queen, My World Mafe by Hand, Ladybug Blessings, a Bowl Full of Lemons, the Stuff of Success, Someday Crafts, Gingersnap Crafts, Hoos Got Talent, Blackberry Vine, Cheap Crafty Mama, Just the Four of Us, Blissful and Domestic, Thrifty 101, 36 Ave.. Somewhat Simple, Saved by Love Creations, the Artsy Girl, Yesterday on Tuesday, Blissful and Domestic, Simply Designing, Whipperberry, My Simply Homemade Life, Creation Corner, the Charm of Home, One Artsy Mama, Heart 2 Heart, Feathered Nest Friday

2012-01-26T18:25:00.000-07:00

~ And the Winner Is ~

Drum roll please ... the winner of my first (but not last) giveaway is - Julie Light!

Congratulations, I'll be sending you an email shortly.

Look for a new giveway coming in February! This one will be featuring an Etsy shop gift certificate from my friend BeadKnead.

Valentines Day Felt Rose Heart Wreath

2012-01-21T16:13:00.000-07:00

Growing-up Valentines Day has always been one of my favorite holidays, I think because my Father loved it so. He always made such a big deal over all of us, candy and roses for my sister and I, candy and fishing gear for my brother, and of course something romantic for my mother.

It seems like this past year I've been way behind in holiday decor and crafts, but this time I'm actually ahead of the game and have already created 3 Valentines Day craft tutorials!

During yet another scouting trip to the Dollar Tree I found this fun and festive red foil fringe heart wreath! For only a dollar it's fairly large at 14" across at it's widest and pretty well made. I also purchased a bouquet of white roses because it included two white glitter puffy hearts, I'll a use for the roses in another tutorial I'm sure.

I decided to adorn this fun wreath with those easy felt roses! I bought several colors of felt on sale at Hobby Lobby, and in the bridal isle I found pearl stamens for the centers.

So basically the supplies you need are:

Wreath

Felt
Stamens
Glue - I used E-6000

Puffy heart

Ribbon

Cut out felt circles and then cut those into a spiral. Dab a little bit of the glue onto the stamen and start wrapping your felt around creating your rose. Create several sizes.

Once all your roses are done start by gluing down your puffy glittered heart and then start gluing down your roses. See super easy!

After your wreath is all dry and the roses are good an secure tie a lovely ribbon to the top and there you have your Valentines Day Heart Wreath!

Happy Valentines Day and Happy Crafting !

Beth

I'm Linking Up With: Be Different Act Normal, Sundays Best, Southern Institute, One Art Mama, an Original Belle, Craft o Maniac, Sumos Sweet Stuff, Skip to My Lou, Everything Under the Moon, Polly Want a Crafter, Creating Awesome Free Things, Making the World Cuter, Embellishing Life, Mad in Crafts, Knick of Time, the Shady Porch, Sugar Bee Crafts, Cherished Bliss, Tuesday Timeout, Not Just Another Housewife, Inspiration Board, Ta-Da Tuesday, the Kurtz Korner, Giggles Glitz & Glam, Project Queen, My World Made by Hand, Ladybug Blessings, Hope Studios, Trendy Treehouse, the Stuff of Success, Michelle Paige, Gingersnap Crafts, the Shaby Porch, Free Pretty Things, Handy Man Crafty Woman, Mom on Time Out, Thirfty 101, Somewhat Simple, Saved by Love Creations, The Arsty Girl, Creation Corner, Yesterday on Tuesday, Simply Designing, WhipperBerry, Fingerprints on the Fridge, My Simple Home Life, Home is Where My Story

Valentine Earrings Giveaway!

2012-01-17T08:53:00.002-07:00

Valentines is just a little under a month away and to show my love and admiration for you guys I decided to have a little giveaway! This giveaway will run Jan, 18th to 25th.

If you would like to win this pair of vintage style palest pink heart rhinestone earrings:

1. Leave a comment - please include your email

2. Follow my Blog

* For extra entries (and be sure to leave a comment letting me know)

3. Become a FB fan - http://www.facebook.com/Alyssabeths

4. Follow me on Twitter - https://twitter.com/AlyssaBeths

Shabby Chic Button Jars

2012-01-14T16:55:00.000-07:00

Now that I have my own craft space (also guest bedroom) I need to start getting a little more organized! I have tons and tons of vintage and antique buttons and have been keeping them in baggies, really not very attractive. I love old glass jars and ball jars, but those can be pretty expensive and I need a bunch. So I went to my old stand by Dollar Tree and found these really cool retro sugar shakers!

Of course I couldn't just leave them plain. I wanted to spray paint the lids but the weather won't permit this for a while so I decided to decoupage the lids with black & while toile scrapbook paper that I already had on hand.

Next I thought I would decorate the glass jar portion and found these vintage button tags on the Graphics Fairy. Copied and printed out on card stock and adorned with a vintage button. Then wrapped some vintage lace around the jars and attached the button tags with kitcen twine. Again a super... easy and inexpensive craft project.

Supplies: Sugar shakers, scrapbook paper, kitchen twine, vintage buttons, lace, card stock, Mod Podge

Happy Crafting!

Beth

2012-01-12T08:19:00.000-07:00

Valentines Day is only a month away and I’ve been crafting and creating jewelry for the occasion like crazy! I have three different Valentines Day craft tutorials that I will start posting soon, which include a fun heart wreath, heart gift boxes and then something to change-up just giving a card!

I have a thing for hearts and almost always have heart items listed in my Etsy shop. But … I have been creating some special pieces just for Valentines Day using vintage jewelry pieces that I’ve purchased at recent Estate sales and antique shops.

Amour Cameo & Rhinestone Charm Necklace by Alyssabeths

Vintage Style Heart Locket Turquoise Rhinestone Earrings

Chic Valentine Assemblage Necklace with Roses & Rhinestones

Romantic Chic Pink Rose Cabochon Vintage Heart Ring

When you have a chance pop on over to my LOVE and Hearts Shop to check out the other LOVE inspired jewelry creations. Did you know that I only charge a flat $2.25 to US addresses?

The Food Truck Trend !

2012-01-09T19:42:00.000-07:00

I'm a Food Network addict, even though I rarely cook anymore, I will watch cooking and food travel shows while I create jewelry and work on my blog tutorials, etc. One thing I've noticed over the last couple of years is the Gourmet Food Truck trend. I've found it fascinating and have been trying to get my hubby to take a trip to Austin to in part try out the food truck scene down that, which is supposed to be fantastic!

Well lucky for me and other area foodies, the food truck scene us up and running in Ft. Worth, Texas, which only 15 minutes from my house! Most of the food trucks park in the downtown area, which isn't good for either of us during the week since we both work to far away. But, as luck would have it a new Food Truck Park has now opened off of 7th Street / Cultural District.

With much prodding I drug my hubby down to the Food Truck Park this past weekend. Even on a cloudy, fairly cold Saturday afternoon the place was packed! The demographics range the gamut from yuppies, artsy types and even old people like me!

There were so many great choices, but we ended-up trying the Crazy Sister's truck The food was so... yummy. George has the brunch burger, which included a fried egg! Me I had the Mexican Philly, so messy, but so worth it!

And for dessert what did we have you ask! Well friends we had the most marvelous Maple Bacon Cupcakes, seriously Maple Bacon Cupcakes! These came out of the Bacon Wagon, but were created by Stir Crazy Baked Goods. The flavour combination was to die for. Turns out it is a coffee cupcake with a maple butter cream icing and of course bacon!

Luckily for me, the baker and her adorable little girls ended-up sharing our picnic table. The owner/baker is adorable and passionate about her craft, as well as being environmentally conscientious. Her brick and mortar store hasn't opened yet, but she does take orders, thank goodness!

If you are the Ft. Worth area and feel a few hunger pains, please take a leap and do something different, try the Food Truck Park. These chefs take ownership and pride in their craft and deserve our support, please - your tummy is begging you!

Chic Damask Magnetic Memo Board, Dollar Tree Crafting

2012-01-07T19:43:00.003-07:00

Hey ladies, well I've been rummaging around the the Dollar Tree again, and yes I had to sneak in three bag of stuff! I found the cutest little silver colored metal trays there that look like little fancy serving trays. They aren't large, the oval tray which I used in this tutorial measures 12" x 8 1/2".

Supplies you will need:
Metal Tray
Scrapbook paper
Buttons, vintage jewelry - or what ever you wish to create the magnets
Magnets
Glue - Elmers and E-6000
Mod Podge
Coordinating Ribbon

This little memo board is so... crazy easy. In order o coordinate with my new little craft space I chose this black & white damask print Scrapbook Paper, which I bought for 1/2 price at Hobby Lobby. First you will need to cut your paper to fit into the flat part of the tray, once this is cute glue down with Elmers. I let mine dry for a day and then covered with Mod Podge.

For the shabby chic magnets I used pieces of vintage jewelry, a velvet ribbon rose and buttons that I had on hand. All I had to do was glue a magnet to each one using the E-6000!

Once your little tray is dry, turn over and glue your ribbon to the back (I used E-6000 for this part), tie and big pretty bow and it/s ready to hang! I used a Shabby Chic
1 1/2" satin ribbon that I already had on hand.

Have A Happy Week and Happy Crafting!

Beth

Linking up with these great sites: Nifty Thrifty Sunday, I Heart Nap Time, Sundays Best, Tutus & Tea Parties, Skip to My Lou, Craft o Maniac Monday, Sumos Sweet Stuff, Everything Under the Moon, Polly Want a Crafter, Making the World Cuter, Craft Catwalk, Knick of Time Tuesday, Sugar Bee Crafts, Cherished Bliss, Time Out Tuesday, Homework, the Stuff of Success, Mommy by Day Crafter by Night, Trendy Treehouse, Free Pretty Things, Simply Designing, Whipperberry, Simply Creations Link Party, Creation Corner, The Charm of Home

Cameo Inspired Etsy Treasury

2012-01-01T17:37:00.002-07:00

Happy New Year, One Resolution Down More to Go

2011-12-31T18:56:00.036-07:00

I hope that everyone is having a safe and happy New Years Eve. Me, my big event for the evening was running out for Dunkin Donuts (yes, I can be bribed with donuts!). We are spending a quiet evening at home with my step-son and watching movies, nice and safe that way.

New Years resolutions, well I have several this year.

1. Move my craft room - done

2. Take more time off from work to de-stress

3. Exercise and Take Vitamins daily!

4. Loose weight - oh... the donuts don't really seem like a good idea then, lol

5. Get my backyard back in shape, that is if we are allowed to water this year

For the one item that I can already mark off my list, the craft room!

For the last 2 years I have taken over our formal dining room. It drove me nuts to walk in the house and the first thing that you saw was jewelry supplies and craft projects in mid-stream. Plus, it was really dark in there and I swear I was going blind, lol.

This summer my step-daughter graduated high school and decided to live primarily with her mother (no rules or school expectations over there). So... we decided to move my little work room into her room!! It's not a big space, and won't make it into the "Where Women Create" publication, but is a vast improvement, it's my space and I can make it as girly and shabby chic as I want to!

I love my new space and have decorated it with antiques that are old freinds and recent finds all now painted a lovely soft Shabby Chic white.
The a chifarobe I purchased at an auction when I was 19 and have been lugging it around with me all these these years. I adore black and white, and for the most part that is what the room is, with the white furniture, black & white damask prints and vintage ticking fabric, but I decided to paint the wall as very... soft pale green.

The lovely art deco vanity (a Craig's list find) is now my shipping area and my chifarobe stores my beads, vintage jewerly and most of my craft supplies. And my little stack of vintage suitcases, the tapestry overnight case was my grandmother's, is used for extra storage.

I'm off to a good start this year, well.... except for the donuts..

Happy New Year and Happy Crafting
Beth

I'm linking up with: Nifty Thrifty Sunday, I Heart Nap Time, Sunday's Best, Creative Me Monday, Craft of Maniac Monday, Homemaker on a Dime, the Creative Girl, Sumos Sweet Stuff, Skip to My Lou, Everything Under the Moon, Making Monday Marvelous, Polly Want a Crafter, Knick of Time, Sugar Bee Crafts, Mommy by Day Crafter by Night, the Kurtz Corner, Giggles Glitz & Glam, The Stuff of Success, Free Pretty Things, Someday Crafts, Savy Southern Style, 36th Ave., Thrifty 101, Somewhat Simple, Saved by Love Creations, the Artsy Girl, House of Hepworth. Yesterday on Tuesday, My Romantic Home

Quick trip to San Antonio

2011-12-29T17:31:00.002-07:00

I really did mean to post this before Christmas, but time totally got away from me! My sweet hubby had a business trip to San Antonio and I decided to tag along, even though I was in the middle of a Creative Christmas Blog event and my Etsy shop was in the middle of doing great for the holidays.

I adore San Antonio, it's one of my favorite cities in Texas. It has a unique flair all it's own and is always full of convention goers who probably never leave the Riverwalk area, which I'm not bashing because it really is a fun and unique experience, very fun and festive anytime of year. But, San Antonio is so rich with history and really.... great Mexican and Tex-Mex food!

As soon as we arrived we walked over to the Alamo complex, every Texas should make a pilgrimage here.

Yep, that's me, once again with my eyes closed! I can never keep my eyes open in photos.

You never know what you are going to fin around the corner in this city. As we were walking back to our hotel I noticed an abandoned Victorian Synagogue across from our hotel. I loved this building and hope that someone rescues it!

And now for my favorite part we drove out the the Mexican Market to eat at Mi Tierra's. Not only is the food to die for, I adore the crazy it always looks like Christmas decor. Oh and the wall of Mexican pastry doesn't hurt either!

As soon as my hubby's meeting was over the next morning we headed over to the Spanish Governor's Palace (hubby had never been there). Built in the 1700's is a lovely Spanish Colonial building, including a keystone complete with the Hapsburg coat of arms.

This was such a great, impromptu trip!

Wishing Everyone a Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T08:45:00.000-07:00

Wishing everyone a very... Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year!

I know that everyone is crazy busy this week, but I wanted to take a minute to thank everyone who has stopped by my little blog, made a comment and/or become a follower! I started this blog two years ago, but did very little with it until a couple of months ago when I decided to start sharing my frugal crafting projects. During these months I have met some really fabulous and talented people, taken part in some really fun and creative blog events all in all you guys have really made this a special year for me and I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

I'm going to take a little time off to spend time with family, create more jewelry for my shop and to finish moving and redecorating my craft space.

Take care, have a great holiday, keep crafting and I'll see everyone after the first of the year!

Beth

Christmas Jewelry SALE !

2011-12-20T09:26:00.002-07:00

I can't believe it, but Christmas is only 5 days away and I still have gifts to wrap and cookies to bake! I also can't believe that today is the last day for holiday shipping.

I still have a few Holiday jewelry pieces in my store and have marked these down, so think of stocking-up for next year!

Pink Chic Christmas Wreath Cameo Necklace Vintage Style Rhinestone & Snowflake Charms. SALE - A very chic, vintage style Rose Pink & Cream Christmas Holly Wreath Cameo Pendant Necklace. This lovely and elegant necklace features a large Christmas wreath cameo in antique brass lace edge setting accented with a little vintage antique brass snowflake and tiny pink swarovski rhinestone drop.

Christmas Cheer Sparkle Locket by Alyssabeths. SALE - Elegant, bright and cheery Christmas Sparkle Locket featuring a lovely oval brass locket adorned with a repurposed vintage ruby red round glass cabochon framed by bright clear rhinestones. Locket is adorned with charms created with a vintage emerald green glass leaf, tiny ivory pearl & ruby red faceted Czech glass bead.

Yummy Gingerbread Men Vintage Jewel Assemblage Earrings by Alyssabeths. SALE - Fun and flirty Christmas earrings crafted with an assemblage of vintage glass jewels and charms. Each long dangle earrings features a vintage red octagon milk glass jewel set in antique brass, aqua enamel bows, tiny ruby red Czech glass faceted beads and then a precious antique brass gingerbread men charms.

Vintage Chic Christmas Holly Berry Earrings by Alyssabeths. SALE - Festive and elegant, vintage styled Holly Berry earrings crafted withrepurposed vintage emerald green glass leaf beads, dangles of cherry and burgundy red glass pearls and tiny faceted Czech glass beads, all suspended from claret red faceted Czech glass oval beads.

Felt Rose Christmas Tree Ornament

2011-12-18T11:52:00.020-07:00

Ok, here is one last frugal (cheap) Christmas craft for this year! This time I branched out and found my inspiration and supplies in the $1.00 section of Michaels.

Supplies:

Christmas tree shapes $1.00 for ring of 5

cardboard shapes and measure 6"

tall.

Striped contact paper $1.00

Felt - already had on hand, but only cost

29. for each sheet

Glitter

Glue

Ribbon

This ornament is so easy and quick, a perfect rainy day holiday craft project with your kiddos. First step, remove Christmas trees from ring, then remove enough of the back off the contact paper to cover your tree shape, both back and front.

Now that super duper easy step is done it's time to decorate. I decided to cut scalloped shaped strips of the bright green felt and glued down on the tree.

Then I started creating my three little felt roses, by first cutting felt circles, which you then cut into spirals. Next you simply start rolling the spirals into a rose shape. Now cut little leaf shapes. Attach your roses and leaves to your little trees and once they are nice and dry start applying glue for your glitter!

Happy Holidays and Happy Crafting!

Beth

Etsy Love H & J Star Creations

2011-12-15T20:06:00.001-07:00

Do you hear the clock ticking faster, I sure do and time is running out to finish my Christmas shopping! This year I've purchased a good deal of my gifts for my family here and away from Etsy, yes I am seriously addicted to this wonderful shopping site. And why is that, well I prefer hand craftsmen ship, massed produced items are so impersonal and to me so boring.

As you know I'm a frugal crafter, design and sell jewelry on Etsy. But I have a secret passion for fabric, love the stuff and guess what I can't sew, so I am always fascinated by those who can. Take H & J Star Creations for example, she crafts purses, totes reusable lunch bags and so... much more! It's amazing to me.

I adore her shop on Etsy, the unique designs and the BIG, BOLD colors and wonderful prices! I asked Judy to tell us a little about herself:

"Thanks! I have always loved to sew, and about 5 years ago when my son was in a play they asked me to sew the costumes.. I was hooked again, just loved all the fabric choices out there. I had originally discovered etsy as a buyer, and my daughter made a lot of jewelry, so we first started with a shop for her.. h (holly) and j (judy). She soon tired of it, but I was hooked! Can't remember what I did before all this... "

Ok everyone, remember to clock is ticking, according to the USPS December 20th is the last day to ship for Christmas deliveries with first class shipping. So get your clicking fingers ready and over to Etsy to check out H&J Star Creations!

Shabby Chic Altered Candle & Candle Holder Tutorial

2011-12-10T08:59:00.045-07:00

Happy Saturday everyone, I hope that you all have enjoyed all the wonderful crafts featured on Alyssabeths this week and that you've had time to check out the other crafters at the Girl Creative and the other co-hosting blogs!

You never know where you will find inspiration, I had my mind set on one thing and then wandered into Ross where I found these wonderful cut glass coasters, 4 for $4.99! I also happened to have 4 of those great candle sticks from the Dollar Tree, yes I hoard them because if you wait until you need them they won't be there.

Supplies:

Set of 4 coasters $4.99

4 clear candle sticks $1.00 each

4 Vanilla pillar candles $1.00 each

Silver Glitter Snowflake Ornaments

Sheet music paper

Vintage Lace

Ribbon

Modpodge

E-6000 glue
Glitter

If course I couldn't leave the candles plain, so I painted Modpodge on each candle and sprinkled with glitter and let them dry for 24 hours.

While those were drying I decided to go ahead and create the candle holder. I first had to remove the stickers from each coaster and candle stick, so I went ahead and hand washed each piece. One those were nice and dry I glued the candle sticks and coasters together using E-6000 glue, love this stuff it's extra sturdy and drys crystal clear.

Ok so now that the glittered pillar candles are dry it's time to decorate! I cut strips of the sheet music scrapbook paper with a pretty edge (tip - I make copies of this particular paper because I use it so much, this is much cheaper than buying it over and over), wrap around the candle and glue down the ends with Elmers glue.

Over that wrap vintage or vintage looking lace, and then with ribbon simply tie your ornament on! Oh by the way, these are metal snowflake ornaments and measure about 2" across, I got a package of 10 for half off of $2.99 at Hobby Lobby.

And there you have it, a very elegant and frugal and very..... Shabby Chic pillar candle and fancy candle holder. Great for a one of a kind and elegant hostess gift, Christmas gift or even for yourself! Mine... are going to 4 of my friends at work!

As always, Happy Holidays and Happy Crafting!

Beth

As we wrap up Creating Christmas week I hope that you have all been inspired to stop pinning and start creating! I’m excited to see what everyone has been working on. This Christmas Linky Party is no ordinary party. This is a blog hop. And what that means is that there are 18 FABULOUS bloggers that are hosting this party at their very own blog. Whether you add your project link here or at any of the other 17 co-hosts blogs, it will show up on one huge party list! Awesome!

If you haven’t already, please take the time out to visit the other co-hosts and go through their Creating Christmas posts. There is some really neat projects!

The Girl Creative, Que Linda Crafts, The Cottage Market, Love Lindsey, Domestic Mischief, Chicken Scratch, Love Sweet Love, Randee’s Organized Chaos, Musings of a Glamour Puss, Anastacia Knits, Southern Scraps, Modern Yet Old Fashioned, Broken Treasures, Alyssabeth’s, Domestic Deadline, Life on Walnut Street, 52 Mantels,

The Glamorous Life

The Rules are SiMpLe:

Add a link to a project that YOU have created!
Visit the 2 links ahead of you and check out what they’ve got going on. Leave some comment love. Tis the season for giving after all. {wink wink}
HAVE FUN AND BE INSPIRED!!

Creating Christmas with Lulu Lang

2011-12-09T05:43:00.001-07:00

Hello! I am Tracy from Lulu Lang. I am so excited to be Alyssabeth's guest blogger today and share this holiday craft tutorial with you! The craft I am sharing is very special to me and has been part of my family for many years. When my grandfather was alive, he used to make tons of ornaments, decorations and beautiful wreaths out of pinecones which are always proudly displayed around my families' houses especially at Christmas time.

One of the things he loved to create were pinecone angels; his is the gold one. Recreating these angels has been on my list of things to do for a few years now, and now I have finally accomplished my version of Grandpa Lang's pinecone angel. You can collect these items on a nice fall day and save them for when you're ready to make your ornament. It's so easy and very inexpensive to make.

You will need:

Pinecones at least 3" tall
Acorns with the tops on
Dried milkweed pods - If you don't have any of these in your area you can find them online
Pipe cleaners
Golf tee
Ribbon
Silver or gold spray paint
Black permanent marker
Hot glue gun
Craft glue
Glitter (optional)

Collect all of your outdoor supplies and make sure they are free from any dirt and bugs. If the milkweed pods are still closed, split them open and clean the seeds and fluff out of them. Leave them to dry for a few days or longer if needed.

Spread out your pinecones, acorns, dried milkweed pods and golf tee on some newspaper and spray with spray paint. You will need to do several coats to make sure you've covered all of the areas.

Once your items have dried (at least 24 hours) you are now ready to start gluing. Using a hot glue gun, glue the acorn to the top of the pinecone. You might need to remove the tip of the pinecone in order to position the head properly.

Cut a pipe cleaner about 6" long, bend it into a 'V' shape and glue it to the core of the pinecone about 3/4 of the way up.

Attach the milkweed pods to the back of the angel for the wings. You will need to be very generous with your glue, especially with the milkweed pods, to make sure everything is secure.

Wrap the ends of the pipe cleaner around your golf tee. I glued my tee to the tip of the pinecone closest to the top so it wouldn't move. Cut another piece of pipe cleaner about 2" long and make a circle for the halo, leaving a little excess length to glue it to the back of the head.

I added a bit of glue and then glittered the top of the acorn and the flat end of the golf tee. You could also add some to the tips of the pinecone or inside the milkweed pods. Draw the eyes onto the acorn using a black permanent marker.

Cut your ribbon to the desired length and using the hot glue gun attach it to the back of your ornament just below where the acorn sits.

What's great about this craft is that it barely costs any money to make. Most of the supplies you can find outdoors and the others you may have lying around your house already. It's easy enough for the kids to help make, and makes a great keepsake for years to come. I have had mine for over 20 years! I know this is one tradition I will be passing on to my children.

You can find my over at my Etsy shop, blog, on Facebook or Twitter.
Thanks so much for letting me join you today, and happy holiday crafting!

Creating Christmas Glitter Chic Vintage Cookie Cutter Ornaments

2011-12-07T05:50:00.027-07:00

This is probably my cheapest, quickest and one of my favorite Christmas Crafts this year! I used items that I already had around the house:

Vintage metal cookie cutters

Sheet Music Scrapbook Paper

Glitter

Ribbon

Decorative items vintage and/or new

   I used a vintage fur earrings, a tiny
   bottle brush Christmas tree and a
   vintage Santa graphic encased in resin
   and antique lace

So how easy is this, well trace your cookie cutter out on the paper, cut out and glue into the cookie cutter. One this is dry paint glue around the inside and outside of cutter and glitter away! Once this is dry decorate the inside with your little decorations.

To hang tie a pretty ribbon around the handle on the back of the cutter. As you can see I've hung mine from a precious vintage tinsel tree that I found at an antique store this season. This craft is simple and quick enough to create with your kiddos!

As always Happy Holidays and Happy Crafting My Friends!

Beth

Linking up with - Wow Us Wednesdays, Somewhat Simple, 36th Ave., Trendy Treehouse, Eisy Morgan, Thrifty 101, Thrifty Thursday, The Artsy Girl, House of Hepworth, Yesterday on Tuesday, Every Creative Endeavor, Free Pretty Things, Gingersnap Crafts, Whipperberry, Simply Desgining, Fingerprints on the fridge, Home is Where the Heart Is, The Charm of Home, French Cottage Home, Finding Fabulous

Creating Christmas with Diana from The Girl Creative

2011-12-06T05:42:00.001-07:00

Hi friends! I’m Diana from The Girl Creative and I’m very excited to be here with you today to share a really easy Christmas project that will relatively cost you pennies. And it’s Pottery Barn inspired! Woo hoo!

Pinecones. Shimmery, sparkly, snow-covered pinecones. You can find them in your yard or even in your neighbor’s yard {or in my case Home Depot!} and with a little bit of paint, glue and glitter, you can transform those dreary brown pinecones into these frosted pretties.

Here’s what you need to complete this project:

Pinecones in various sizes
Spray Paint
Mod Podge
Glitter

The first thing I did was spray paint my pinecones with spray paint in an aqua blue color. I used Krylon brand and the finish was gloss. I gave them a good 2 –3 coats making sure I got in between all of the layers. It’s okay if they are not 100% covered and a little of the original brown color shows through.

After they dried (I left them in my garage to dry for a few days. This was very helpful in letting them air out so that they did not smell like spray paint) I took a foam paint brush and went over each pinecone with Mod Podge and then generously covered each one in white glitter. The brand of glitter that I used was Sulyn and I picked it up in Hobby Lobby. It’s super fine in texture (different than regular glitter) and it could easily pass for snow. It was perfect for this project. I shook off the excess glitter and let them dry.

That’s it. Piece of cake, right? I really love how they came out. You can do so many things with them. I used mine to fill a sleigh that I’ve had for years. You can use them as centerpieces for your Christmas table. Add some ribbon and a loop and you have some cool Christmas ornaments. Such an easy {and affordable} project that even your kids can help you with. What child would not want to jump right in and use glue and glitter? I’m sure they’d love to “help”.

{Just a little side note: everything in the above photo was super cheap and you can totally pull off this look on your mantle or any flat surface in your house. The votives are from the Dollar Tree and came in a pack of 2 for $1. The sparkly silver Christmas trees are from The Christmas Tree Shops – only a few dollars each. The tray under the votives is from Hobby Lobby and was only a few dollars (50% off Christmas decorations).}