Alphabotts

WOW, April already

2012-04-15T15:40:00.000+10:00

Where does the time go. I had envisaged blogging daily or at the very least weekly, but it has just not happened.

Where have I been? Well I have done lots more markers, also been selling my cards on facebook and have had a ncie selection of different orders to do. I had two in particula that I loved. Baby shower invites done as one-sie's and a beautfil card I did for a husband to give his wife on the their 10 year anniversary. Really enjoyed doing these and hope to do more in the future. Will be adding them to me album to take to markets etc to see if Ic an get more orders.

Am now in the middle of redoing my craft studio, so its all pulled apart and lying all over the house, hopefully will be done by next week end and I can show new pics.

Would love to hear how you are all going and if you are reading this

Take care till next time, Wendy

Merry Christmas everyone

2011-12-26T23:21:00.000+11:00

Well its the 26th, so that as we say is Christmas for another year. Has been a long year health wise, some great days and others not so, but am thankful for the support and love I get from my husband and family.

This was the year I got brave and took my greeting cards to some markets. Had some great experiences, met lot of lovely people and gave me the confidence to keep creating and moving forward with my love of card making and paper crafts.

If you are looking for greeting cards, invitations ect, then please stop by my face book page and have a look at some of the cards I have done. Am always happy to discuss custom orders.

So how has your year been? Was Christmas all that you wished it to be? I don't make New Years resolutions, I don't see the point of them really, but instead of a resolution for myself, I am just wishing all the best for a dear friend who is doing it very tough health wise and hope and pray that things improve for them and that they continue to have the strength, courage and support to fight the good fight and be with us for a very long time. They certainly are an inspiration and I wish all good things for them.

Tomorrow begins a new start to some creating I want to do, have lots of images and ideas in mind, hope they transpire to my cards. ;_-). For now I want to share some new Christmas cards I did recently, now that they have all been received I can share. However, blogger is not liking me and I can't add them now.

Hope everyone is having a great day/night, Wendy

another Sunday

2011-11-28T23:00:00.000+11:00

Had another new market on Sunday. My niece was invited to attend the Race and Taste day at the race course as they were having stalls in the betting ring and she asked if I would like to join her. So never one to back down I jumped at the chance to try another market and see how I went. The good thing it was a late start so that helped, we set up for the punters by 12pm and then we had the whole day toll just after 5.oo pm . I didn't do too bad, think I sold more then the other markets actually. The big seller again was the gift card holders and some birthday cards. Helped to realise I need to do some baby cards in neutral instead of blue and pink, and also need more male cards for younger men not the older version I have so that was all productive. I also think some of my larger square cards may be priced a little high, but am not sure, so this week we are back at the Hall Markets so am going to have a special on them and reduce the price and see what reactions I get. Think next year this will all go much better when the Christmas period is over as more people will perhaps want more variety in cards then now when all they are thinking of is Christmas perhaps.

But it has been fun and got me thinking about things and how I might be able to expand depending on a few issues I am investigating.

Also I m going to be doing some sample wedding cards/packs for my niece to look at as I would love to do her wedding invites for her and she is keen but I want to make sure she likes what I do and not just say yes because its me. SO we are doing it like a customer and I will do the samples and we can discuss. Soooo excited about that little venture.

Hope everyone is having a good day and being creative, Wendy

Markets, Markets and More Markets

2011-11-24T19:55:00.001+11:00

So after the not so very successful markets at Hall, I tried an indoor market last Sunday. Was more tailored for children's clothes and toys but did sell a few more cards and things. The price of the stall was a bit exie but was good to get my name out there I think and get people stopping and taking business cards and flyers. Went ok. This Sunday I am doing another one at the Race Course called a Race and Taste. There will be plenty of food and wine stalls and some craft stalls as well, so will see how we go at that.

Have a few gift card holders to make as they were a big seller last week end so will get some done tomorrow.

Then the following Sunday we are back at Hall for the final market there of the year so hopefully it wont be as hot as the first time hehehe.

Will post some pics of my table from last week which I am getting really quick at setting up now and and a few of the gift card holders and Christmas cards. During the day I took a lot of the cards and just spread them across the table and that got people in some more I think so my table did not stay this neat all day.

We couldn't put any thing up on the walls etc so I wasnt able to place my new banner anywhere, might look into getting one of those free standing flags thingies (that's technical) next year. I am also looking into whether I am able to sell some other things like the cute little suitcases that I have on my table, think they might be a nice addition to my handmade things and if they go well I might expand but have to wait on some feedback first about a few things before I go head long into setting up anything more then what I have for now. Could be some exciting times ahead if things go well.

Hope you like my products and if so please leave some feedback as I love to receive comments (good and bad lol)

Have a great day, Wendy

Market Day Recap

2011-11-09T22:41:00.001+11:00

Well to say we were disappointed might be a little understated. Firstly the day was soo hot and pretty dusty and I don't think we got the best site for our wares, but being one of the newbie sites I knew we had to take what we got until we get some runs on the board.

Was a long day, plenty of interest in my cards and lots of chatter but sales were not great. Although was our first time so cant expect too much. Also all we could hear as people walked past and whilst in our tent was how hot it was so not the best day for them either.

My poor niece did not sell one canvas which I was really upset for her, just wished she could have sold one, made it a bit hard for her and she is a little disappointed.

But will be back next month and see how we go, we are going to try the set up a little different as I think she thinks my table cut her people off from seeing her canvases so am happy to change it around for her and see how we go. I am also looking at some other markets to see the costs of getting a stall so might try other places as well.

Posting a couple of pics that we took whilst we set up. The Ezz Art sign is for Erin's canvass' and my sign didnt arrive in time, (silly vista print have mucked me around)

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day, Wend

more cards for market day

2011-11-03T01:43:00.000+11:00

So its been full steam ahead in the craft studio, trying to get stuff finished for the markets this week end. I have craft things from one end of our home to the other, hehehe thank goodness my husband is so supportive and has been helping me out and he is fine with all my mess everywhere. We both hate clutter and mess so its been a little bit of a struggle seeing stuff everywhere but it will all be tidied up after Sunday.

So onto today, I finished some more cards, put twine in some tags, took pics of new cards, made some quick Christmas cards and done an assortment of other things getting ready. Here are a few pics of today's cards. Hope you like them.

Wendy

Kids birthday invitation tags

2011-10-27T22:08:00.000+11:00

HI, Just finished some new birthday invitation tags for kids. Am now selling these and they will also feature in my market stall next month as an opportunity for pre order. They will have coloured bakers twine on them instead of ribbon but am still waiting on my twine order.

Hope you like them

Making for Markets

2011-10-25T14:12:00.001+11:00

Have been soooo busy making cards and things for the markets Nov and Dec. Will be my first time going so am a bit anxious. Sharing a few pics, if you have seen my facebook page then these pics will be boring for you, sorry.

Last count i have about 120 cards, and an assortment of tags. I have also done some covered candles and the fake clocks above. Not sure if I will include the tee shirts I do or not. I have a few kids ones left that I print vinyl things on but time permitting I might do some of them for the Dec market. Also have Christmas tags and cards but need some sun to take pics of them. Today have been working on the examples of the tag party invitations. Think I will have a few selections of these for people to order them if they like them.

Thanks for looking, have a great day, Wendy

Craft and Life Funk

2011-08-22T01:29:00.000+10:00

I really wish I could get into my craft and card making again. I have so many ideas that I want to try and do, but the energy and the inclination escapes me each day.
It is not because I am doing anything else that is exciting, it is just because it is not coming to me to get into my room and create. I am not sure if I am overwhelmed with all my supplies, including what I recently bought at the annual fair or what the problem is but it is so annoying, I really want to try the new things out.

Some of you might be in my position, I am early retirement from my job due to illness and have nothing really that I am doing and the more I don't do anything the worse it i getting, really gets me down to be so slack but am hoping it will chance.

I have four cards I need to do for family and friends before next week end, so hope this week brings some inspiration and energy

Anyway, hope you are all creating and having fun.

Wendy

Craft Shopping

2011-07-21T15:07:00.001+10:00

FINALLY got into my craft studio today and as the first thing decided to take some teaser photos of the craft supplies I purchased whilst on holidays. We went to the Kaisercraft warehouse and another scrap store that had some amazing things I had not seen before. The pics really don't do this huge stash justice but you get the picture. Hopefully I will start to show some new creations real soon with some of this product on them. Hope you are all having a great day. Wendy

Monday Madness

2011-07-11T23:49:00.000+10:00

I have been very neglectful of my blog lately. Since we came back from our fabulous holiday to the Gold Coast I have not got my mind into gear to make my cards and take my photos.

This week I am attempting to get back into my card making. I have alot of events coming up for family and friends and really need to do some cards. I am so bad I have even missed three events and have let myself down on doing my cards, but fingers crossed I am going forward now.

Today was spent driving all over Canberra looking for birthday presents for my husband. His birthday is 24 July, so wanted to make sure I get everything I wanted in case I am not well enough to go out next week. So bought him heaps of things, we do tend to spoil each other way too much and am sure he will love everything.

Tomorrow I will make a start on his card and then a start on the other cards on my list at the same time.

Hope everyone that I haven't managed to catch up with on face book are having a great year and crafting heaps and doing other fun things.

I am posting a couple of my pics that I took at the Pallazeo Versace Hotel on the Gold Coast when we went there for a high tea and played lady and Gent. My first ever high tea and was wonderful in beautiful surroundings.

Wendy x

I am back :-)

2011-06-06T13:47:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone, if you don't follow me on facebook then you wont know that we are now back from our holiday. We were going for three weeks but we cut it down to two weeks as we were ready to come back home and my health was getting a little bit much for me.
We had a great time, we spent three days in the Hunter Valley at the wineries and they also had what is called the "gardens"which is a property split into different types of gardens, my favourite was the storybook gardens and yes pics will follow when we I load them all here.
We also went to Tamworth, the country music capital in Aus for a night, seen the big guitar and wax museum etc then we headed to the Gold Coast, had an apartment on the 24th floor overlooking the ocean and beach and it was fantastic. we extended our time there and stayed 7 days and had the best time and fun. Was wonderful.

Went to two big scrapbooking places and spent lots and I do mean lots of money on new things, found some wonderful things that I had not seen anywhere else so was super excited, might have to take a pic of all the goodies when I unpack them.

Hope everyone has been having fun and crafting heaps. Will load some pics when I get to them,

Take care all, Wendy

Holidays

2011-05-18T17:46:00.000+10:00

I haven't been on here for a while, but have a good reason. My husband and I are finally going on our holiday. We have scaled it back but we are going. This is the holiday we had to cancel earlier in the year because of my health, but we are taking the plunge now and I am so excited. I have been busy finishing off card orders and getting things organised and we leave in a few days. The house sitter is all organised and everything seems to be running smooth for our departure. I have a booked motels and resorts and have a huge list of things to see and do. So for now my blog will be a little quiet but I will return and will share some awesome pics I intend to take. Have fun everyone and take care, Wendy

Baby Card

2011-05-04T13:56:00.000+10:00

My Niece emailed yesterday and asked if I would make a baby boy card for her to give to a friend that just had baby. What's an Aunt to do right, but get right to making it hehehe.

Had trouble with this one, didn't want to do the Giraffe or Bear again, but didn't like how anything else was turning out, so this is what I ended up with. I like the tiny feet and the pacifier.

Have a good day everyone, Wendy

Custom order

2011-05-02T17:35:00.001+10:00

Posted off some more cards for custom orders today. The bad thing was I waited till today to take pics and we had such a bad overcast day that the pics are not great, plus I was a little unwell and they are a bit shaky. But wanted to publish anyway as I wanted a record of some of these on my blog. Didnt look at the pics till they were posted :-(. Oh well. My own fault for leaving it to the last minute, but we get like that sometimes, right?

I really like the pink and the green birthday cards with the flowers. I packaged them both in their own little box that they fit so nicely in so think that the two ladies that get them will really like them.

yucky blurry pic, was cute IRL

even yuckier blurry print. Like this one IRL cuase I used my new stamps, and cut out the birds and then popped the pop dots so they stood off the cage (dam blurry print makes me sad ).

This one is for the ladies husband, she wants to give him a rally car ride as a present so thought using the really old cars was funny, hope they both do as well.

Pumpkin Festival

2011-05-01T18:47:00.001+10:00

Have finished up all my current card orders last night an just waiting till tomorrow to have the time to take pics and post off.

So for today, my husband and I went on a road trip to a small country town to a pumpkin festival. Now for the ladies from the US and Canada reading along, this was nothing like the pumpkin patches that you guys have unfortunately, but was fun. We had scarecrows, old vintage cars, pumpkin contests, wheel barrow races, music, food, more food and more food. Had a great time, took my newish SLR for a whirl, got it at Christmas and this is really the first time I have been well enough to go anywhere and have the opportunity to use it, Still have the training wheels on but liked some of today's more basic pics. Am going to share a couple as everyone likes a post with pics, right?. Have a great day. Wendy

Mother load of stuff

2011-04-28T20:33:00.001+10:00

Finally received the order of new supplies that I mentioned last week. It wasn't dropped off till tonight so the light is not the best for pics but as promised here is a snap of what I got. Lots of rubber stamps to cut and use with the acrylic blocks, some acrylic blocks, patterned paper, two sets of card for card making (some pastels and some more manly colours hehehe), bling, paper distresser, rub ons, and a set of spritzer bottle thingies heheh.

Now is probably a good time to also mention that yesterday my husband and I went shopping and on our way home we had to stop off at the scrap store (only one near our place, actually think it is now the only one in Canberra) as Hubby wanted to get a round hole punch for a project he is working on for his blood bowl team (yep hubby loves stealing my supplies at times) So while he was looking around I found myself a new corner cutter, three sets of cling stamps (one of which my enabling husband said I had to have lol), a new self healing cutting mat, some craft wire, some white paper for card inserts, a pack of cute baby pacificers and there was something else which I cant remember. Gee think I have now done enough shopping for a while and best get to finishing orders and start playing with all my new stamps. Am still looking for some good quality paper to use with my copics that wont bleed. Have some which is 125 gsm, but want thicker stuff, found some online today but they are sold out', typical. Will keep looking, been a frustrating task but am sure I will find it eventually.

Hope your all having a great day/night. Wendy

what's been happening

2011-04-26T09:10:00.001+10:00

I have been really slack updating my blog. When I first started this I had this dream that I would come everyday and use it as a kind of personal journal that I was going to lay open for anybody that wanted to stop by and have a read. I am not sure why I thought I would have anything interesting, funny or conversational to say that would see people following and tagging my blog.

The truth is I am really not that interesting - hmmm that hurts heheh. I have been going through a bit of a 'who and what am I' time. Early retirement has made me question myself and my life a lot.

On the merest chance that there is someone out there that might stop by and see if I have been creative, funny or inspirational ( I do crack myself up with those kind of comments) that I thought I would update.

Not to want to bore people any further, I wont tell you about the nasty flu I have been dealing with for the last fortnight as I have bored enough people with that story on my facebook page. But darn this strain of flu is not pleasant.

So, I have been creating a little bit lately, I have a current custom card order to finish. Quite a few cards to do in this order and a great mix. Am happy with the results so far and have two male cards left to finish. Why are cards for men to hard to start and finish. Is it because deep down we k now that many males will not even glance at the card but go right for the loot that comes with it. Or maybe its because as a card maker there is so many limited options that you can use to just finish a card off. It's not like a cute group of flowers or some pretty ribbon are going to help in anyway. It does mean you have to be more creative with what you use.

I follow a few blogs and a scrap booking page and sometimes in awe at what people design and create and wonder why I do what I do. Does anyone but me like my style and the time and effort that goes into making a personalised card. I do have a wonderful selection of repeat customers and am thankful that they come back for more cards. I never have or never do want people to think I do this for the money because we all know you will never make anything from a custom hand made card. I do this because I love all things paper, stationery and playing with ribbons, flowers, glue and embellishments etc. I have also been making enquires about having a stall at some local craft markets which would be fun. Need to get a bit more product done I think.

Have so many ideas for some other bit and pieces I want to make to take to the markets, so time will tell if I can get productive enough to get it done.

Will share some pics of the current lot of cards I am working on, not sure if I will share the custom order cards, but have also done a few other little ones while I have been waiting for glue to dry or an idea to come that will help to finish a certain card etc that are in my for sale pile for the markets, facebook page and madeit site.

So if you came by to say hello and to see if there is anything new stay tuned and keep an eye out for some fun pics.

Have a great day, Wendy

Using the cricut for the Pea thread

2011-04-18T20:06:00.000+10:00

Birthday Card

2011-04-18T16:59:00.000+10:00

My Sister in Laws birthday is today and as I haven't yet been able to get out shopping I thought I better do her a card to give when I finally do present shopping.

She is not really a pink person but I have so much pink in my stash that I thought these things would come together. Stamped the two old ladies and decided not to colour them as they look better outlined IMO. Also as I usually do clean and straight designs doing the smudged look on the paint chip is just irking me as it looks like a mistake but it's meant to look that way (right - that is how its meant to look I hope lol. Cant say the distressed smudged look is always on my list but think this works on here. Hope she likes it.

Have a great day./night, Wendy

Goodies and more

2011-04-18T01:50:00.000+10:00

Was very excited by some email I received. The order I placed the other day qualifies me for a 20% discount and an added gift of $32.00 more to spend. Think this was th best email I have received in a week lol. Was advised the goodies should get here before Easter YAY

Insomnia Cards

2011-04-17T07:58:00.000+10:00

Am having a really bad case of insomnia at the moment due to having the flu which is taking its toll on me. However, last night or the early hours of this morning I managed to complete three cards that I had promised a customer for an order for today (yes I was cutting it fine if I didn't do them during the night).

So luckily they came together ok, I really like the matchbook card, it looks pretty in real life. The baby card I tried those dam copics again hehehe, not to shade but just to colour the bear. this was my second attempt at the bear, the first one bled too much. Am still working on my cutitng out as I don't have the greatest hand for that but perfect is not always good right??

The third card is for male and is a similar one to one I did for a friend's order recently. Love the black and white pics that was a 12 x 12 sheet of paper that I have been cutting the different old shacks out of.

Hope you are all having a good day . Am off to try and get some sleep now that the sun is up ( feel like a vampire with the sleeping during the day and staying up at night hehehe)

New Stash

2011-04-16T00:47:00.000+10:00

Nothing to show, have done some orders but am waiting on them to be signed off before I post :-)

However was a little naughty, a friend on facebook is a Kaszazz consultant (An Australian Company I think) anyway she was going to be placing an order so I asked her for a catalogue and whoa wow was that little book full of all good things.

So started writing my order and send her an email to say what format did she want it in and told her how much my order would be but I wanted to recheck what I was ordering,....big mistake whilst I went back to look I actually found more things so the order grew ...bad girl Wendy. Anyway will have new papers, embellis and lots and lots of new clings coming. Oh and watched a tutorial last night and seen the spritzer pen thingy and the ink of the acrylic stamp base trick and had never seen the spritzer affect before so got me a pack of them as well. So much goodness coming cant wait.......will upload a pic when they come :-)

Have a good day

New Card

2011-04-07T23:16:00.000+10:00

I ended up not liking the boys card I made yesterday for order, so I did a new one, still not what I wanted but its better. Think I will have to get my husband to make me a light box on the week end to help me take better pics. But here it is.

When I was posting off a different bundle of custom orders today I noticed this coffee mug and had to have it. Have not been sleeping well so thought a good idea to let the household know when I am finally up heheheh

Custom Children's Cards and Engagement Cards

2011-04-06T18:15:00.000+10:00

Finally finished these orders today, two cards for children's, one celebrating a new baby girl and the other a boy's first birthday. Am not sure I am totally happy with the bear on the second one, I used my copics (If Tracy reads this notice my Giraffe, copics and hand cut out hehehe) and think its a bit dark, or needs something but not sure. The baby's one I forgot to photo before I sealed it in the bag so that's why it looks a bit shiny.

The two engagement cards came together quiet well, I love paper in the second one.

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by. Wendy