Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Paris Tags featured on Treasury West!

I wish everyone a Happy New year!! and before 2009 is here I wanted to share another one of my items featured on Treasury West today.

HERE is the item featured!

HERE is the Treasury!

and HERE is the shop of the sweet Etsian who created the Treasury!! thank you, thank you. :)

I am busy, busy with a Custom Vintage Baby book and children and hubby!!

See you next year!!! :)

tereza

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Featured on a Treasury!!

hi everyone...

I was up late last night finishing up some custom 12x12 layouts and was so surprised when I logged in on Etsy this morning to find out that I had one of my Bible verse cards featured on the front page of Etsy. Those features are called Treasuries and they are actually created by Etsians. You pick the theme and use the images of other sellers to create the treasury.

You can see my card HERE.

And the Treasury HERE.

and, of course, the one responsible for the Treasury is Jane Grafton Designs. Go check out her shop. Thanks, Jane!! :)

I hope you have a wonderful day!!

Tereza

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Blog Candy Alert: Cosmo Cricket goodness!!

hi everyone!! I hope everyone had a joyful and peaceful Christmas!

We went to Nashville and stayed at the Opryland Hotel for Christmas. I will be posting photos of their gorgeous decoration on a later post.

I was blog hopping today after a couple of days of being completely away from the laptop and look what I found....

Awesome Cosmo Cricket Blog Candy from Everydaylou. Lou is very funny and I just love her style and the beautiful photos she takes of her children. So go check out the blog candy HERE. you have until January 2nd!!!

Blessings,
Tereza

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

ok..here is the Diva layout!!




I am going to start listing again on Ebay after the first of January. so be sure to sign up for my newsletter or follow the blog to know when I list my Premade pages on Ebay.

After Christmas I want to share photos of a special place...so please be sure to be back on the weekend after Christmas. :)

As for the layout, I used a transparency that I made myself with StazOn ink and Fancy Pants stamps. I finally got a hold of a couple 12x12 Fancy Pants Stamps for a great price on Ebay... what is that saying that goes "Great things come to those that wait"?

Last year at this time, each of those 12x12 acrylic sets were going for over $38.00. I got each for $14.00 shipping included.

So next time you want something you might want to search Ebay. Also it's always good to wait a while before you get a brand new released gadget or item. If you are not the first one to buy, you end up paying a better price and finding out all the glitches and problems with it without having to go through the hassle.

So Great things DO come to those that wait. Now, if you are impatient, then go ahead and do all the testing for me.!! HA!! anyway, LOL

Merry Christmas!!

Of course, I am NOT getting anything for Christmas. I will wait until Spring time. :)

Tereza

Thursday, December 18, 2008

A sneak peek of my DIVA 12x12 layout!

It's still raining....it has been the whole week!! I am beginning to get a little depressed with all this grayness. :( I have found a little refuge in making colorful designs lately.

Here is a sneak peek of a 12x12 layout I just finished. I will post the layout at my Scrapbook.com gallery later tonight. Like I said in my last post, I will list it on Ebay after the first of the year. Or if you are interested, make me an offer. :)




I really enjoy hearing from you lurkers out there. :) So, don't be shy, leave me a comment. :)

Sending you some sunshine,

Tereza

Monday, December 15, 2008

NEW 12x12 Premade layouts on Ebay!!!

I was going to list a NEW layout called DIVA that I just finished this past weekend on Ebay. Unfortunately the weather is really ugly today: rainy and cloudy; and just horrible for picture taking. Since it's so close to Christmas and we are all busy, I decided I will list it after the first of the year.

However, as soon as the weather permits I will be taking photos and I will post the layout here as well as on my Scrapbook.com gallery. So be sure to check back!!

I also made some last minute Christmas cards but I won't be listing those either. I will share them later this week. :)

Have a beautiful week!! :)

Tereza

WEDDING Sign up Guest Book

I had an inquiry for a Guest Sign up Book and I remembered I made one for a Wedding about a year ago. It's very vintage, Victorian, romantic and would certainly be great in other themes too. So I am going to share some of the pictures here.







I can see myself doing another one now, in other colors and themes. :) Great projects will be coming soon!!

Be blessed today!!
Tereza

Thursday, December 11, 2008

the JOYS of WINTER - 12x12 Layout on Ebay

hi everyone, it has been raining for the past 2 days in my neck of the woods. We are shut indoors with lots to do!! :)

This is a quick post just to let you know what I am listing tonight.

The last Ebay layout I listed sold AFTER the auction was over. I had 2 people email me about it AFTER the auction is over. Due to limited time I am NOT relisting my layouts. If they don't sell, I am using them. I am putting my own pictures on them and filing them in my scrapbooks. I wonder how many Ebay scrappers do that? How many layouts with Tear Bears can one have? ;)

Anyway, here is the layout I am listing tonight. And I am re-listing another layout just because I could not find the perfect photos for it. :( I will be looking for them though, because I am NOT re-listing it again. :)





I have used 2 vintage prints to demonstrate how to use the layout. The first one is one a 4x6" mat and the second is a print that is almost 5x7". There is enough room on the layout to hold 2 4x6" photos, or more than 3 photos cropped to 4x4" or 3x5".

Make sure you click on the images to see them enlarged and all the details. On the listing tonight on Ebay there will be many photos with details. thanks for looking. :)

enjoy!! :) Got to go make banana muffins with my daughter. :)

tereza

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Bridesmaids' Cards, Handmade Christmas card and a vintage 12x12 layout on Ebay!

Hi everyone,

Winter is already driving me nuts! I am tropical girl and I just cannot stand being cold and trapped inside a house because of winter. So my children and I have been crafting away since there isn't much to do outside: cloudy, rainy and cold!! :(

Here are a few things I made this past week:







Aren't these cute?!! They are available on Ebay and as always if you would like a custom order, just email me through the link on the right side, or go to my Etsy shop. :)

OH, yes, the sun is coming out from behind the clouds! Aleluia! thank you Jesus!

I will post later tonight a tutorial on using doilies. I bought some 12" doilies and my children and I did some pretty things to them. :)

See you tonight. :)
Tereza

Thursday, December 4, 2008

12 days to Christmas: Tim Holtz' Blog Candy

Oh, my!! have you not heard it yet???

Tim Holtz is making one tag per night for 12 days until Christmas...he has made 3 so far and you cannot miss this. He is sharing some awesome techniques and GIVING AWAY some COOOOOL tools!!!

Click HERE before you miss this.

Tomorrow I will be posting my latest layouts that I have listed on Ebay and some fun things I have been doing with my babies. :)

good night now!! :)

tereza

Featured Seller on Etsy and Blog Candy!!

oh, good morning...have you seen the Featured Seller on Etsy today??? It's belleandboo and she has gorgeous work!! that vintage style, sweetness of childhood, gorgeous colors... just dreamy.

So I went to check her out and found more artists that are just awesome illustrators.

I found Thalita. She is Brazilian too and loves Jesus. and she is giving away this gorgeous print. Go check it out!!!


I got a confession to make. When I was a little girl I used to draw and make little characters. I loved Sarah Kay and played around with my coloring pencils and papers. I would love to be able to go back to that. Maybe some day, when I have more time.

anyway, I just had to mention these ladies....

Have a blessed day!!!

Tereza

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Working with Chipboard Albums

Recently I had many people browsing my blog after doing a search for chipboard albums. Some of the searches were for how to finish the albums, how to cover them, or just a plain search for the famous Bo Bunny Word albums. So I decided to do a little tutorial on these.

Below you will see photos of some of the albums I have made in the past. On the right side and on the bottom of my blog you will find links or slides to see all the photos of these albums. So I will just post a few to introduce you to what I will be talking about.





I have made these albums covering them with paper and painting them with acrylic paint.

When covering with paper I found that the best way was to lay your page down on the paper, lining the edges of the album with the edges of the paper. Once you have an idea where you will place the page, then quickly brush a layer of modge podge on the album page and then on the paper. To help you better cover the paper area, you can trace the letter when you lay the page down on the paper. Once page and paper are covered with the glue, you lay the chipboard page down and press firmly, making sure that the whole area is glued down.

Now you take a craft knife and carefully trim the excess of the paper. If you lined the straight edges of the chipboard and the paper you should have very little to cut off. With a little practice using the craft knife is a breeze. :) Make sure you have the side of the knife against the chipboard as you slowly pull the knife towards yourself and cut. Do it slowly. Make sure you have a self healing mat under the chipboard and paper so you don't damage the surface you are working on.

I find that this is easier than tracing each letter (chipboard page) out and then trying to glue it on the board. You can certainly use other adhesive instead of modge podge. To finish the album I will sand the edges (use a nail filer) and ink. You can also paint the edges if you like. Just dab a make up sponge on some acrylic paint and slowly and carefully smear the edges of all the chipboards.

The second way I have created these albums is painting them with acrylic paint. oh, this is so much fun. :) Both times I used black paint and used a light coat on each side of each chipboard. The paint dries quickly so by the time you finish the last one, all the other pages should be dry. When the paint is wet the chipboard will warp a bit, but don't panic. As the paint dries the chipboard becomes flat again.

I usually let them dry a whole night before I start adhering papers and embellishments down.





I hope that helped. Feel free to email me with questions and I would love to hear comments. :)

Have a blessed week. :)

tereza

Monday, November 24, 2008

Another Irresistible Blog Candy!!

Lynsey is also giving out some Blog Candy...I guess everyone is in the Christmas spirit or Thanksgiving spirit.

You need go take a look at this one too!!

:) Tereza

Passion for Crafts Blog Candy!!!

Passion for Crafts is giving out a yummy Blog Candy!! Irresistible!!

If you love stamps, coloring and can't wait for Christmas you got to hop over there to see what this is all about!!! :)

I will be back before Thanksgiving to share some of my newest Custom ORders!!!

Blessings,
Tereza

Friday, November 21, 2008

I gotta go scrap with my daughter.

This is a quick post just to let you all know that I have a special sale going on in my Etsy shop right now. Every purchase from now until November 30th gets an awesome gift with their order.

I am cleaning up my studio to make room for new creations and this is your chance to get some cool gift tags sets, free Christmas cards, all occasion cards, and even some collage kits. So stop by today.

In the meantime, I want to leave you with these....







Have a beautiful weekend!!
Tereza

Saturday, November 15, 2008

My Creative Corner Blog Candy

ok, now look what I found....My Creative Corner is giving away an awesome Blog Candy and today is the last day to enter....so go see it HERE.

Have a blessed weekend,

Tereza

Friday, November 14, 2008

Altered Flip Flop Scrapbook Album

Just a quick note... I got a great Summer Vacation album on SALE on my Etsy shop. So if you are looking for a unique, one of a kind album for Grandma to see what you all did during your Summer or beach vacation, you will need this one.

Enjoy!!!
Tereza

Custom 12x12 layouts, Cards, Bridesmaids' Cards and Digital Scrapbooking!!

Ok...did you see that huge title?? I am super busy with all that!!

I got custom orders for 12x12 layouts, bridesmaids cards, wedding tags, save the date invitations, place cards, Custom orders for Cards and yesterday I made my first Digital layout. Oh, man, I am sooooo excited about that!!

I will post it tomorrow for you all to see. In the meantime, here are some of the projects that are finished...






Also I decided AGAIN that I will clean up my studio some more and will list lots on Ebay and items on Etsy. So be sure to sign up for my newsletter so you know when I list if you are interested.

Here is the last of Thanksgiving cards that are ready to ship and available at my Etsy shop:



The background for those photos is a collage my DD made using the leaves of our front yard tree. It was the perfect background colors for my cards. :)

Got to go now!!

Blessings,
Tereza

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Early bird gets the worm!!

It's 6:37 am and I am up! Yep! And not just me, but the children too!! That's just not the usual!! We are usually up around 8:30am.

I admit. I love sleeping. If I could get paid for sleeping I would be the employee of the month EVERY month!! :) Yes, it's that bad!!! I don't like to wake up early.

I got to tell you though, once you have children your sleeping patterns change completely. I used to sleep really hard. There was one time I was in Ecuador and there was an earthquake and everyone woke up except me. Another time I was in Peru and the walls under our floor actually fell apart and I didn't wake up either. Praise God, nothing happen. But we could have been in one of those situations that people are buried alive under rubble.

Anyway, after I had children I wake up any time for no reason. Well, sometimes there is a reason: baby needs a diaper change, nursing, child is sick etc etc.

But I bet you didn't know that Scrapbooking can have the same, if not, worse effect on you!!! Yes! My husband complains that sometimes he sees me at 3 am scrapbooking in the dining room (that's my studio!!). Well, I can't help it.

Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night to go use the bathroom or adjust the baby in our bed, and I listen to the quietness in the house, and it's like my papers and tools call out: "come play".

Ok, am I scaring you?? I am sorry, didn't mean to. My hubby would say I am addicted. But I think it's just so tempting not to go create something in the middle of the night. There are no interruptions. There is SILENCE. And even if just for a moment, it feels like I have ALL the time in the world to create. :)

Anyway... I didn't wake up in the middle of the night last night. I woke up early today...so it's CLEANING day!!!! yeah!! :P if I get it done, I get to scrap!!!

Have a beautiful day!! I will try to post a challenge later for us all!! :)

Tereza

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Peace Be Still!!

This morning I was blog hopping and found a blog where the lady was telling how her older parents sound like 3 year olds bickering.

It immediately hit home since I have been struggling with that with 3 little ones at home. I checked out a book recently at my library from Joyce Meyer. the name of the book is Conflict Free Life.

One of the first things she talks about in the book is the choice we need to make each day to live in Peace with ourselves and each other. I realized a lot of the struggles, conflicts, arguments, bickering, ungratefulness going around in my house began with ME. Yes, ME with capital letters.

Go figure, my children are imitating my attitudes. Where do they get that they can raise their voices, be ungrateful, bicker and so much more. From MOI!!! (that's ME in French!)

So I made a decision to stop the conflict!! Oh, Lord!! is that hard!! So now I know how it feels when I tell my 5 y.o. to stop a bad behavior!! It's not that easy, Mama. :)

I am doing my best...I am talking to Jesus all day, asking Him to give me Grace. I am shutting the enemy's voice every time he has some ugly thing to say about me, life or my children. Some of you artists out there call this voice your inner critic. What kind of critic is that that everything you make is never good enough?? :(

Anyway, just wanted to share before the thought left my head and life took over and I never made to the computer. :)

no links today, but if you want to find out about the book, just google it. it's really worth while reading. Lots of Biblical references...one for example, did you know that God wants you to keep Peace?? He wants you to AVOID fighting at all costs. I didn't know that. But then again, I am one that is always trying to see the fault in someone's life and finding something to criticize. Oh, Jesus, forgive me!! :(

Have a blessed peaceful day!!

tereza

Monday, November 10, 2008

Honoring a Breast Cancer fighter!!

I have a return customer that requested I make her a card for a friend of hers who is battling Breast Cancer. She wanted a Thanksgiving Card and asked me to make Pink Pumpkins. :)

I had never made pink pumpkins but I was so touched by her request. So I came up with this card:



This card is available for you too if you want to honor a friend who is battling Breast Cancer. It is listed on Ebay and my Etsy shop. Just follow the links on the right column.

Or you could try to create your own to honor your girlfriend and let her know how thankful you are for her life!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Tereza

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Children's original Art Work

I have a very precocious little girl. She is always in a hurry to grow up so she can do things like Mama does. She hates naps. I believe because she has so much on her mind, she does not want to waste time sleeping.

She is always painting, drawing, trying to sew, color, playing pretending, telling stories and other things. She is proud that she is only 5 years old but she can mop the kitchen floor. She helps Mama around the house and is a very good big sister. As any child she still has her melt downs. :(

Yesterday Bela drew some really cute little girls. Of course, I got them mixed up. I thought the one on the left was 10 years old and the one on the right was a 5 year old. But she told me it was the other way around.


I suggested we made cards out of them and sell them on Etsy. Every time I make a card, she wants to make one too and sell it. She was immediately sold on the idea. With her help, I digitally colorized her drawing and we mounted it on a pretty background.

Once we printed the cards' fronts we cut them out and added a gingham ribbon as an accent. We are selling the cards as a set of 2. Bela is very proud to be selling her first cards on her Mama's shop. Of course, she wants her own store. I told her that when her art takes off we will have to open a shop just for her. For now, you can find Bela's Art right here.




Enjoy. :)

tereza

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Altered Chipboard Puzzle Album

I had been wanting to make a Puzzle album for a while. I wanted to use chipboard but didn't know how to begin. I thought of using actual puzzle pieces I had around the house as a template but they were too small.

When I saw Irene Tan's album I knew I had to make time to put my idea to reality. :) So I used the puzzle pieces I had around the house, scanned them in my computer, enlarged and re-sized them and printed out new templates. With those in hand, I cut out chipboard into the shapes. Painted my album, stamped, embellished it with rhinestones, satin ribbons and beautiful designer papers. All flowers were handmade by me.

The album is called Pieces of Us. It measures about 8"x9" and there are 10 pages. There are many different size of mats, some are as big as 4.5x6". I think it would be a gorgeous Wedding album, or to hold Honeymoon photos, even an album to tell a love story. Family portraits would be gorgeous in it, as well as children's photos since they are little pieces of their parents. :)

Please look at the slide show at the beginning of my blog. Would love to hear your comments.

Please contact me if you would like a Custom made one in your choice of colors or theme. Have a blessed week!

Tereza

Monday, November 3, 2008

How do you scrapbook?

How do you scrapbook? Do you use sketches? How do you begin?

For me to create a layout I have to begin from scratch. I usually have a paper, or an embellishment, a photo that I want to use and then I create the layout. I like to look at sketches and other layouts for ideas but I rarely follow a sketch. Actually I get pretty aggravated trying to copy a sketch. I think that is one of the reasons that I haven't participated in any Card challenges yet. :)

So anyway, this past week I put together 2 layouts. The first one is called "Babies are such a nice way to start people". The trigger for this layout was the stamped Sarah Kay image that I water colored. I just fell in love with that little girl. She was my starting point. From there, I decided I wanted to make a layout for babies, maybe sleepy babies, or a baby in pjs. So next I picked the quote and then the vintage K&C0. papers. I played with the mats for hours. Yes, I actually put all the main components of a page on top of it and move them around until I find the "perfect" look.

I cut the flower and the heart by hand. I doodled the border of both mats and added the rub ons. I love the look of stitching, so I added that, as well as the tearing and distressing.

I also hand cut the half scalloped circle under the mats from my own template. When I began assembling the flower I was looking for something different to use as the center. So I picked some of the little balls that made up the trimmings I used on the mats, and circled them with some of the raffia I was using. I realized it looked like a chickadee's nest. Now, how unexpected was that!!! Without premeditation I got a bird's nest on my layout. And I thought: how perfect!! :)





The second one is called Home Goodness. I think it would be perfect for cooking with the children or family dinners, even Thanksgiving!

this one began with leftover papers from the Family Album I made last month. The black paper with the flowers were cut out from a 12x12 page and I saved it to use on a layout. So again, this piece was the starting point for this page. I felt the whole layout needed to be balanced, so I added another black "piece" to the other side of the layout. I then added die cut stickers to balance the colors and create a title.

I incorporated the stitching to the mats this time, instead of the background of the layout. I used the papers left from the Family Album to create the mats and added journaling tags and other embellishments. I really like how this layout turned out.






I would love to hear your comments and how you scrapbook. :)

Don't forget to go vote. Tomorrow is a big day here in the USA!!!

Tereza

Happy Brides, Memorable Keepsakes!!!

There is nothing more rewarding to an artisan than to hear that one's handmade items were simply the best. This past month, I had the privilege of working with a few brides that requested Bridesmaids' cards or invitations.

Each one of them was extremely creative, and had their own vision of what they wanted. I worked hard and was able to accomplish their vision. Here are some of the feedback I received:

"The cards look wonderful! Thank you ! I love them! Can not wait to give them to my girls!" Angela from Harrison, OH

"Simply gorgeous!" Kaysey from Starkville, MS

"Tereza! Your work is absolutely beautiful.. the cards were PERFECT! I gave one to my sister (matron of honor) last night and she was so excited! I am handing the rest out each night this week. I can't wait for everyone's reaction :) A few women from work jotted down your info because they have a few events coming up throughout the year. They loved the cards and will probably contact you at some point. I hope you hear from them! Anyway, thank you sooooooo much for all your help and hard work! Everything was perfect and I could just cry right now because you brought my vision to life. Thank you for being you!" Taylor from Torrington, CT

"Wow they all look so beautiful!! I love them and I am sure I will be recomended you to many people!! You were very accommodating to all my needs. You were able to make exactly what I hoped for. Thanks again!" Lisa from Livonia, MI

So, if you are looking for Bridesmaid' invitations, Maid of Honor or Matron of Honor cards, feel free to contact me. I have designed cards inviting the ladies to take the honor of standing beside the Bride, as well as gift tags or Thank you for being my Bridesmaid cards. I would love to help you out make your wedding memorable to everyone who attends. Also I realized that those cards are not just an invitation they are a keepsake that the Brides' friends get to keep and remember this so special day.

I had one Bride ask me to make a card for her and title it "The Future Mrs. XXXX" . She was going to add it to her Wedding Scrapbook!!! Now, wasn't that creative?!

Have a beautiful week and don't forget to go vote tomorrow!!! :)

Tereza

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Candles with Scriptures and a new CARD!!


Yesterday I received in the mail the candle I won from PennyLaneboutique. It's a sweet candle that comes with a Bible verse on the lid. The perfect Housewarming gift. :) Love the scent and the size of it: perfect to take on a trip. Thank you so much, Penny. :) Make sure you go check out all the wonderful handmade soaps and other goodies she has in her boutique.

Talking about housewarming... I don't know why but I got in the mood of making a card for someone that just bought a house. I designed the little house by using a reproduction of a vintage sheet of music and added the doodled windows and the pretty flowers.


Also, yesterday my give away at Aged Papier Vintageended. Congratulations, Michelle!! I hope you enjoy the cards and tags, and don't be a stranger, let us know how you like them.

I will be posting more soon, but for now, this is it! Have a blessed Sunday!! :)

tereza

Friday, October 17, 2008

Bridal Shower Party Favors Gift Tags

It's through my handmade items that I live and imagine the most amazing places and events... so I was dreaming of this wonderful Bridal Shower with soft colors, lots of pretty flowers and good eats. Pretty tables, ladies dressed in fancy dresses, little girls with braided hairs and not a care in this world. So I created these tags:





I wish I had all the time in this world to sit down and create all the things my mind envisions. But I don't have THAT much time to play. :) So I made these little tags just for fun. They are available for you in my Etsy shop.

Now, if you like any of the images above but it is not exactly what you need, email me. I would love to make something specially for you. For example, you like the Merci Beaucoup tags but you would like them blank to use as place cards or name tags... I would love to work with you and create that for you. :)

Have a beautiful day and don't forget to go sign up for my Give Away.

Now I am on to the next project: a Flower Girl Invitation card! :) Come back to see how that turns out. And, oh, another altered album coming soon!! :)

Tereza

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Give Away at Aged Vintage Papier

This month I am hosting the Give Away at Aged Vintage Papier Blog. Just stop by to find out how you can win some treasured creations made by me.

Here are some of the goodies I am offering to the winner.There is a lot more so go take a peek. Sign up is from October 15th to October 25th at midnight. Enjoy!!