My First Outdoor Craft Fair

A couple of weeks ago I participated in a Pink Day Craft fair at a local nursery to support breast cancer research. This was my first outdoor craft fair and a completely different experience from the indoor fairs I've done in the past. For starters, the space was 10 ft x 10 ft, a much larger space than I was used to. Second, as a paper crafter I was a bit concerned over how my products would fair in the elements. Thankfully I was well prepared with extra adhesive just in case!

Unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate and the day ended up being rainy and cool but I was prepared thanks to canopy sidewalls I purchased from my local sporting goods store and weight plates I borrowed from my neighbor! There were certainly some scary moments for some of the other vendors when the wind picked up though.

This is the view on the left side of my tent. On this table I displayed my paper rose topiaries, fall light blocks, candy treats and prepared card box sets.

On the back wall I included old screen doors to hang my wreaths and framed products. I brought the wrought iron plant stand from my home to give customers ideas on how to display the topiaries and frames. It made the space feel homey!

The right side of my tent displayed my Halloween light blocks, cards, gift card holders, and more treats! My only regret of the show is that I didn't have electricity to show off how awesome the glass blocks are! They certainly were the hit of the show and have been very popular on my Etsy store, MichellesPaperMagic, too!

Overall I'm very pleased with how my space turned out and received many compliments from both crafters and customers! My husband and son were away for a baseball tournament but thankfully my parents were able to help with my other kids and booth setup...oh, and to bring me lunch and hot cocoa...it was cold!

The best part of whole day had to be the people I met and talked to. Here I am (the one in the hat) with a lady I chatted with for quite a long time. Turns out her daughter and I used to work together years ago. I can't remember how we figured that one out but it was certainly one of the highlights of the day for me!

The event was a lot of work to prepare for and made for a very long and tiring day but I would gladly do it again! There is just something about sharing my paper passion with others that makes me so incredibly happy! Oh, and the sales are a pretty good perk too!

I hope to see you at my next craft fair!

~Michelle Battitori

Journaling Cards Box Gift Set

I've been busy prepping for an upcoming craft fair this Saturday, October 11, and this is one of the items I'll have available for sale.

I decorated the Journaling Card Box with retired Lollydoodle papers and coordinating MyStickease Assortment along with some Shimmer Trim.

The cards were designed using the Lollydoodle Card Workshop On The Go Kits. While this set isn't available anymore you can make a similar project using any of the Card Wokshop On The Go Kits found HERE! The kits make it super easy since they include cutting directions, a stamp set, paper, and accessories!

I hope this inspires you to make something fun today. I look forward to sharing some of my other projects in the next few weeks.

~Michelle Battitori

My Craft Fair Experience

 

On Saturday I had the pleasure of being a vendor at my kids elementary school Spring Craft Fair! This was only the 2nd craft fair I've done so I'm still learning the ins and outs of it all. I kept my wares pretty simple the first time out so this time I wanted to step things up a notch.

 
The rainy weather made it a challenge to carry paper goods in out of the gym but between me, my son, and my parents we made it work! This is what it looked like all packed up in my house. Doesn't look like much right? And this is what it looked like all put together:

I received a lot of compliments on my display...especially the doors! I was struggling with how to incorporate the wreaths with my display and my friend, Maureen, graciously gave me these amazing doors AND put the hinges on for me...on Friday afternoon! She's a lifesaver!

I had a variety of items to sell -- handmade cards, altered bracket frames, canvas wall displays, wreaths, candy treats, rose topiaries, and some other items. Not everything went but that's OK. I'm working on opening an Etsy store and will let you know when it's ready!

Overall, my experience was a success! I think the weather kept some people home but I don't have any complaints about my personal experience.

Craft fairs are certainly a lot of work and are very tiring but I like them. Making the items are relaxing for me and talking to the customers (something I never thought I'd be comfortable doing) is one of my favorite aspects of a show.

I look forward to the next one but right now I plan on enjoying a little rest!

~Michelle

Coffee Filter Spring Wreath

In case you haven't noticed I've been on quite the wreath making kick lately!

My latest creation was made with items from my new favorite craft supply store -- The Dollar Tree!  I lucked out by finding the wreath form there (it's very hit or miss so when they are in stock take advantage) as well as a package of white coffee filters.

The flowers were made from pink chevron burlap ribbon I found on sale at my local craft store. The
leaves are from a retired felt accessory set from CTMH.

I wasn't planning on adding a banner to this wreath but my kids and hubby thought it needed something else. In the end I think they were right! The banner was cut with the Art Philosophy Cartridge at 2 1/2". The letters were cut at 1" using the Lollydoodle B&T paper. It matches perfectly with the burlap ribbon!

I can't find the exact tutorial I used but any search for "coffee filter wreath" will do the trick!

~Michelle

Scallop Paper Cone Wreath

What do you get when you take a 3" Scallop Punch, Skylark Paper, a Dollar Tree Book, and a hot glue gun?? Why this gorgeous cone wreath of course!

The scallop banner was cut with the Art Philosophy Cartridge (p. 59, Decorative Layer) at 2". I used my Party Pennants alphabet and Black Ink to stamp the letters and strung it with hemp.

This project was certainly a labor of love and I'm VERY happy with the way it turned out (my burnt fingertips may say otherwise though). This one is going to be hard to give up at the Spring Craft Fair I'm participating in next Saturday!

This wreath was inspired by this pin on Pinterest (tutorial can be found on the blog post). I have one more wreath to share later this week.

Have a wonderful day!

~Michelle

The Everything ABC Blog Hop - F

Welcome to the Everything ABC Blog Hop!

For this hop we will be featuring the letter 'F'. This may be the name of a paper, a stamp set or an embellishment, whatever the artist has chosen as their "F" embellishment will be featured in their post. For this hop I've created a canvas wall hanging trio using the Family Love Stamp Set! 

If you've just come from Jenny's Blog then you are on the right track! This hop is a great big circle but if you happen to lose your way please visit Linda's Blog, Scrappy Therapy, for a complete list of hoppers.

I was inspired to make this wall hanging by CTMH Artwork from the 2013 Autumn/Winter Idea Book (tip: never throw out the Idea Books...they have sooo much beautiful artwork. You never know when you'll need to feel inspired).

Panel 1

I started out by using 3 of the My Creations Canvas Displays and one sheet of Skylark B&T paper. Each base piece was cut to 5 5/8" x 5 5/8" and inked with Brown Bag Ink.

For the first panel I stamped one of the images in the stamp set using Lagoon Ink. I accented the panel with a strip of Sweet Leaf Cardstock that I ran through my embossing machine with the new Quatrefoil Embossing Folder. I finished it off with some Silver Glitter Paper and Metal Flowers.

Panel 2

I kept the center panel very simple by using the reverse side of the B&T. I stamped another sentiment from the Family Love Stamp Set and layered onto more Silver Glitter Paper. I popped the sentiment up with some 3D Foam Tape for added dimension.

For symmetry I repeated the banner accents and embossing on the 3rd panel.

Panel 3

Instead of stamping another sentiment I opted to use some of the accents on the stamp set. I inked them in Sweet Leaf Ink and used my sponge dauber to add a touch of Brown Bag Ink to the center. I hand cut and layered them with 3D Foam Tape.  I finished this canvas with more Glitter paper and Metal Flowers!

 

I think this wall hanging will make a great addition to any family room or bedroom! This trio can also be hung vertically! If you want to hang it up I suggest hot gluing ribbon to the back or using some 3M adhesive.

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my project!Now it's time to check out what Shalana's made! 

If you'd like to make this project for yourself here's a list of supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise specified):

Paper: Sylark, Kraft Cardstock, Lagoon Cardstock, Sweet Leaf Cardstock, Black & Silver Glitter Paper
Ink: Sweet Leaf, Lagoon, Chocolate, Brown Bag
Stamp: Family Love
Other: My Creations Canvas Display, 3D Foam Tape, Quatrefoil Embossing Folder, Metal Flowers, Scissors, Sponge Dauber

In case you get lost along the way please go to Scrappy Therapy for a complete list of participants! 

~Michelle
P.S. I'm giving away a free stamp set on March 31! Please visit THIS POST for details.

Technique Blog Hop - Pattern Switch

Welcome to our Technique Blog Hop! This month we are highlighting Pattern Switch! What is a pattern switch you ask? It's taking a scrapbook layout and converting it into a card or taking a card and making it a layout. For this hop we are using the Spring/Summer Idea Book for our switch inspiration.

This blog hop is a great big circle so you can start wherever you want and continue through to see all the fabulous artwork incorporating this technique. 

If you are coming from Judy's Blog, you are on the right track! 

I was inspired to make a card from the June Stamp of the Month layout, Kaboom, featured on page 15 of the Idea Book. Actually, if you want to get technical I'm not making a card...I'm making a post-it-note holder for an upcoming craft fair! The cover is kind of like a 3 x 3 card, right???

Since my card is a fraction of the size I wasn't able to include every element but I did keep the general color scheme and overall layout. I opted to make the background Slate (instead of White Daisy) so my colors popped a bit more but I did keep the faux stitching around the edges.

Instead of a photo I opted to use a speech bubble from the Artbooking cartridge (p. 79. Shift + Photo Mat 2, at 2"). I stamped it in Goldrush Ink using the coordinating stamp set.

Supplies Used (All CTMH unless otherwise noted):
Paper: White Daisy Cardstock, Skylark B&T, Slate Cardstock
Ink: Goldrush
Stamps: My Life (Cricut Artbooking Bundle)
Other: Cricut Artbooking Cartridge, Mini Gel Pen (Staples), Chalk Board Marker, Mini Glue Dots, Post-It Note Holder (Staples), Shimmer Trim (Red)

Thanks for checking out my post. If you'd like to make a similar project here's a link to the instructions I used: Post It Note Holder. 

Now please hop onto Terry's blog to see what she created!

~Michelle

Brown Bag Butterfly Wreath

I was inspired by this post, MaryJanes and Galoshes, to make this beautiful wreath for a Spring Craft Show I'm participating in! Yes, it was a little time intensive but I love the result.

I bought most of the supplies from our local Dollar Store (including the wreath form) with the exception of the 3" scallop circle punch.

The butterflies were cut from my Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge (p. 41, shift +<Bttrfly1>. I used a variety of sizes ranging from 2 3/4" to 1/2". I folded them around the center and hot glued them to the top of the wreath. 

For some added bling I added Clear Sparkles to the center...it just catches the light and give the perfect amount of sparkle!

Thanks for looking!

~Michelle

Supplies Used (all CTMH Unless Otherwise Noted):

Paper: Amethyst, Brown Lunch Sacks (Dollar Tree)

Other: 12" Wreath Form (Dollar Tree), Scallop Circle Punch (Marvy Uchida), Cricut Artiste Cartridge, Clear Sparkles, Pencil, Hot Glue Gun

Everything ABC's Blog Hop - E

Welcome to the Everything ABC's Blog Hop!

For this hop we will be featuring the letter 'E'. This may be the name of a paper, a stamp set or an embellishment. For this hop I'm focusing on the fun and super easy Easter Bunny Box from the Aritste Cricut Cartridge, one of the many items I'll have available for sale at an upcoming Spring Craft Fair!

If you have just hopped onto my blog, please start at the beginning at Linda's blog ~ Scrappy Therapy. If you are coming from Lauren's blog then you are on the right track.

When I first got this cartridge I was a bit intimidated by making some of these boxes. Now that I've made them I'm not sure why. They really are super easy!

Here's how to make them:

• Select Accent 1 and the <Spring> key on page 73. Set your dial size to 2 1/2" (make sure Real Dial Size is NOT set (if it is you'll get a tiny little box). Cut.
• The box already has score marks but I recommend using a bone folder and ruler to get a nice even line.
• Simply fold in the tabs, get your bunnies together and then slide the notched edges over the bunny! That's it...no adhesive required on this bad boy!

Now's the fun part...decorating. You can do a variety of things with this box. Here are a few examples of what I've done below:

For the pattern boxes I kept the embellishments very simple by adding the Spring sentiment from the Artiste Cartridge (p. 73, shift + <Easter> at 1").

For the cardstock boxes I cut several grass pieces out of green pattern cardstock (p. 73, shift + Accent 3 at 1"), trimming and adding around the box. 

The little bows also come from the Artiste Cartridge (p. Accent 3 + <g> p. 56 at 1/4"). The bow is perfect to use with brads but my stubby fingers were having trouble adding them to these small cuts. Instead I used a glue dot to fasten to the box and then added some adhesive gems!

It might be hard to tell in the photo but I also added Liquid Applique to the bunny tails. Once dry it "puffs" up giving my bunnies a fuzzy little backside!

Thanks for checking out my project and for "hopping" onto my blog! Please visit Sharon's blog, Sharon's Paper Fiesta, and see what creative project she's designed for the letter 'E'.

Have a great day!

~Michelle

If you get lost on this hop here's a complete list of hoppers and well as links to their blogs:

1. Linda Norman - Scrappy Therapy
2. Joy McHargue - Studiowow
3. Catherine Nowak ~ Catscrapbooking
4. Pam Trostle - Pam's Crafty Creations
5. Jenny Gilbert - Jen's Creative Classroom
6. Anita Autore- Cards and Coffee
7. Lauren Moore - CTMH Craftings
8. Michelle Battitori - That's me!!
9. Sharon Chapman-Sharon's PaperFiesta
10. Cary Magnani - My Heart's Design 
11. Stephanie Feist-The Quilted Scrapper
12. Shalana Glass - Scrappin with Shalana