SweetMissDaisy Designs

New Cling Mount Stamp Sets!

Ooooh, happy day!!! The two new cling sets I designed for Whipper Snapper Designs arrived today!! *Weeee!!!*

Introducing Hello Sunshine ...

...and You Make Me Happy!

Twine and Hemp Cord

A friend recently asked what kind of twine I use on my projects, so I pulled some of my favorites out of my stash to show you, and her. Sometimes it's just better to SEE, right!? I don't like "wimpy" when it comes to string and twine (or coffee! Ha!) ... and these have become some of my go-to's.

If I had to choose one absolute favorite, it would be the chocolate brown Natural Polished Brown Hemp cord (the one on the right, above). I use it on almost every holiday craft I make. It's masculine and country, and just perfect, in my opinion. The 100yd roll can be found in the beading section of Walmart (I've never seen it elsewhere), and usually priced at $4.99. I always have at least 1 spare roll in my stash.

I also really like the Elements Hemp Jewelry Cord (the one on the left, above). Not as rich of a color, but certainly country and rustic in all the right ways!

I keep the roll I'm currently using in a glass jar. I punch a hole in the canning lid and thread the cord through the hole, so I don't have to open the jar every time I want a piece for my project. The jar keeps the cord clean, tidy, and well, cute!

I also LOVE the Creative Impressions Twine Expressions. These are rolls of 500yds, so much larger than your average rolls of twine. The twine is wispy and frayed, and great for when I want a lighter embellishment. I love using this twine in several wraps around my project for a bit more "bulk". It also is available in other colors ... navy, dark green, and burgundy.

Similar to the brown hemp cords mentioned above, these rolls of Hemptique are a personal favorite as well. It comes in two different weights (10lb and 20lb). It threads easily through buttons, and maintains body -- it doesn't go all wimpy. I just recently purchased the 20lb black and grey rolls at Hobby Lobby and haven't had a chance to use them yet. But the 10lb natural white roll I've had in my stash for a good long while, and enjoy using it on my projects.

Hemptique cord also comes in other colors, too! I found these rolls at Home Goods last year for a couple of dollars.... of course, they had to be added to my stash!

I also really love using colored baker's twine on my projects. These are two of the rolls I own, in orange & white and a pretty turquoise blue & white. The brand of these are Divine Twine. I ordered these rolls from The Cat's Pajamas. I have pink & white and yellow & white that I use a lot in the spring, but most often I think I use the roll of black & white. And I use red & white to embellish orders from my Etsy shop.

So, those are a few of my favorites -- now, what are yours!? *grin*

coffee coffee coffee coffee coffee

I think I found a little bit of heaven. Coffee heaven, anyway!

When you live in the Pacific Northwest (where I was born and raised), you are spoiled when it comes to coffee and tea selection. There are coffeehouses in every town and coffee shacks more prevalent than gas stations ... or so it seems. But finding good coffee in central Texas is a bit more challenging. Especially where we live! So, I order coffee beans online.

Last month when I was about to place my bean order, I decided to order a new-to-me brand. I had plans of sending some beans to Dad for Father's Day, so something special seemed even more appropriate. Based on Amazon reviews, I ordered a bag of Kicking Horse Coffee Kick Ass Dark Coffee. Boy, am I glad I placed that order! I like a bold, flavorful coffee. Nothing wimpy or see-through. One cup a day is all I have, so I like it to have substance. Yes sir, this has all of that! Yumm!

I'm almost out of beans again, so this morning when I went to submit my order for another bag, I did something I've never done before ... I subscribed to have Amazon send me a bag every 2 months. That should keep me cheerful!

I did send some of the beans to Dad for Father's Day, so I'll let him chime in on what he thinks of them... As for me, I give these beans two enthusiastic thumbs up!

Happy Monday!

On the Farm 2013 Calendar

I have just received a GREAT coupon code for the 2013 calendar in my Zazzle shop! It's a perfect time to order your copy of the On the Farm 2013 calendar!

Save 65% TODAY ONLY!

65% of calendar net sale price will be deducted when one or more qualifying items are purchased and the coupon code 65CANVASCALS is applied at checkout on December 1, 2012.

No discount will be applied using this coupon code after December 1, 2012.

The net sale price is the price of the product (excluding shipping and taxes). This offer does not apply to past purchases and may not be combined with any other Zazzle promotional or volume discount offers. If a volume discount applies to your order, you will receive either the discount set forth in this offer or the standard volume discount, whichever is greater. Offer valid on Zazzle.com only.

Calendar and Card Sale!

I have just received a GREAT coupon code for the cards and calendars in my Zazzle shop! It's a perfect time to order your copy of the On the Farm 2012 calendar!

50% of card and calendar net sale price will be deducted when one or more qualifying items are purchased and the coupon code FFHSHUGEDEAL is applied at checkout on or before November 18, 2011 4:01pm PT.

After that time, 20% of net sale price will be deducted when one or more qualifying items are purchased and the coupon code FFHSHUGEDEAL is applied at checkout on or before November 20, 2011 11:59pm PT.

No discount will be applied using this coupon code after November 20, 2011.

The net sale price is the price of the product (excluding shipping and taxes). This offer does not apply to past purchases and may not be combined with any other Zazzle promotional or volume discount offers. If a volume discount applies to your order, you will receive either the discount set forth in this offer or the standard volume discount, whichever is greater. Offer valid on Zazzle.com only.

Temptations Treats Coupon

Mom and Dad have two cats...

Tippy...

and Streak.

And as you might have guessed, they're spoiled rotten.

I thought of them today when I came across a coupon for their FAVORITE treats! Temptations (Tasty Chicken flavor only, please) by Whiskas.

Want your own coupons? Go HERE and fill in their info form. Upon submitting the completed form you'll be presented with a coupon for $1 off two bags. The coupon prints via coupons.com, and if you've never printed a coupon using the coupons.com "coupon printer", you'll need to install their printer application prior to printing the coupons. But it's easy ... follow the instructions, and before you know it, you'll be printing up your own Temptations coupons!

Once the first coupon prints, press the BACKSPACE key on your keyboard, and then click the "resend" button on the pop-up message to reload the print page and print a second coupon. And don't worry, you're allowed two coupons. Just not any more than two. *grin*

This & That

Good morning! We're well underway now for 2011; hope it's been good for you so far! I flew back to Texas on Thursday, and Alan and I had a quiet weekend.

Friday night I futzed around in the kitchen doing some cleaning and organizing. Two weeks ago bought myself some cute Pyrex refridgerator dishes and wanted to make some room for them in the dish cupboard. They are from the Butterprint line of Pyrex from the late 50s, and feature a cute little chicken. I've been watching ebay listings for about a year, and finally just decided to buy myself some. I found a listing that wasn't overpriced, and the dishes were said to be in excellent condition with no chips. They arrived in perfect condition!

Fitting them in the cupboard started an entire re-fresh of all the cupboards. I used to have a squishy removable foam shelf liner in the dish cupboard. It was an ugly brown color, and needed to be washed. I got it all washed up and then decided to change it out for some pretty, flowery, heavy duty scrapbook paper. I like the paper lining much better - and it was an inexpensive way to freshen the cupboard! At midnight, I was washing the silverware tray. Pretty exciting stuff for a new years eve celebration! *grin*

I've drawn winners for the 2011 On the Farm calendar blog candy, and I've got good news for two lucky readers! I have decided to give away two calendars, instead of just one.

To celebrate the new year, I figured comment #11 should be celebrated! Comment #11 was by LacyQuilter who said "Happy new year, Anna. What a fun calendar. I've just been sitting reading. No parties."

I also chose one winner at random (#48 was drawn), and big congrats go to Boulderneigh Michelle who said "Since your "farm" photos are my favorite part of your blog, I'd love to win a calendar. We didn't really celebrate at all, old married folks that we are. :-)"

Get in touch with me ladies, and I'll get your calendars out to you right away! You have your choice of standard size (11" wide), or small (7" wide).

Today I'm cooking a turkey dinner for Alan's parents, nephew, and us. We haven't been able to celebrate Christmas together yet (various travel schedules), so a nice turkey dinner seemed like a good way to wrap up the weekend and spend time with the family.

Enjoy what's left of the weekend!

Happy New Year!!

First of all, I want to thank you all for taking time to read my blog. While keeping the blog is something I choose to do for personal reasons, it's the friendships I've made with readers that make continuing the blog most enjoyable! So thank you for sticking with me ... I wish you all the best in the coming year, and look forward to sharing more of life on the farm and crafty goodness with you in 2011!

I posted briefly about the 2011 On the Farm calendar earlier this month, and have received wonderful comments and compliments on the calendar. Thank you, thank you! If you haven't ordered a copy, it's not too late! *grin* Zazzle is offering a 20.11% discount on all orders now through January 6th using coupon code 2011NEWYEARS at checkout. Some of your favorite farm critters are featured in the pages of the custom calendar, and yes, all photos in the calendar are mine. Even Baaaaad Boxcar Betty makes an appearance!

Blog Candy!
To celebrate the changing of the year, I thought I would offer up a free calendar to one lucky blog reader! If you would like to enter the drawing, simply leave a comment on this post and tell me how you celebrated the new year. I'll select one name from all comments on Sunday, January 2nd at 10am Central. You'll have your choice of size (standard, or small).

Here's wishing you a very Happy New Year!

Coupon details:
20.11% of the product net sale price will be deducted when one or more qualifying products are purchased. The coupon code 2011NEWYEARS must be entered during checkout to receive the offer. For most products, the net sale price is the price of the product (excluding shipping and taxes). For Zazzle Custom Stamps, the net sale price is the difference between the price of the Zazzle Custom Stamps (excluding shipping and taxes) and the face value of the postage. Offer is valid through January 6, 2011 at 11:59 PM PT. This offer does not apply to past purchases and may not be combined with any other Zazzle promotional or volume discount offers. If a volume discount applies to your order, you will receive either the discount set forth in this offer or the standard volume discount, whichever is greater. Offer Valid on Zazzle.com only.

2011 On the Farm Calendar

Today thru Friday, December 17th, calendars at Zazzle are 40% off when you use coupon code 40CLNDRS2011. Order your own copy of On the Farm, a 2011 calendar, today! Some of your favorite farm critters are featured in the pages of the 2011 custom calendar!

I will receive approximately $4.00 per calendar purchased; money that will be put towards keeping the critters on the farm happy, and healthy!

Coupon Details:
40% of the calendar net sale price will be deducted when one or more qualifying calendar items are purchased and the coupon code 40CLNDRS2011 is applied at checkout. Offer is valid from November 12, 2010 through December 17, 2010 at 11:59pm PT. This offer does not apply to past purchases and may not be combined with any other Zazzle promotional or volume discount offers. If a volume discount applies to your order, you will receive either the discount set forth in this offer or the standard volume discount, whichever is greater. Offer valid on Zazzle.com only.

 

Farm Girl and Tiny Tim

 
I got a fun package in the mail this week; quilting weight cotton fabric, designed by me! I thought tonight would be a good time to put some of it to use!

 
I put together a few zippies, and listed them in my etsy shop. Not only are they made with my Farm Girl and Tiny Tim fabric, but they're also lined with a cute chicken wire print and have a cute flower charm on the zipper pull.

 
I also listed some of the fabric in my etsy shop too. It's ready for your creativity!

Thank goodness for weekends... I was ready for one.

I'm Home!

Thank you, THANK YOU for all the wonderful notes you left for Alan while I was gone! I laughed and LAUGHED when I read his post! *snort* I can't BELIEVE he told you about me swimming with the chickens! Hahahaaa!! He's in so much trouble, now! Hahaaaa!!! Way too funny! And for all of you worried about Alan's beautiful quilt not being used, don't worry! It will be used by us, but critters are not allowed. No way, no how.

I had a wonderful time in California at the trade show. A BIG thank you to the Whipper Snapper family for bringing me along for the fun! The purpose of the trade show is for manufacturers to showcase their new products to retailers, and for retailers to place orders for their stores. Even though I wasn't the one doing the shopping, I had a GREAT time! I thought I would share a few of my favorite things with you...

 

  

My favorite new paper lines were from My Mind's Eye. Loved the colors, the textures, and the prints!

 

EK Success had OODLES of new punches -- I stopped to oooh and ahhhh over them several times, but only took this photo. Clearly I was distracted! The punch in this photo was actually a mini size! And worked like a CHARM! Punched through the heavy weight designer paper like a breeze!

 

More favorite papers from Core'dinations. They partnered with Cosmo Cricket and Jenny Bowlin to create embossed papers -- very cool!

 

I love BoBunny's double dot papers, and what's not to love about double dot ribbons, too!?

  

I also spent a great deal of time at the 7Gypsies booth. Yumm! I thought these little journals were particularly fun!

  

More great papers, this time from Basic Grey.

  

Basic Grey hit a home run with their Blush paper line ... and here's another home run with their Blush fabric line! *drool*

 

  

The Fruitcake line is another Basic Grey favorite... with yo-yo's even!

I picked up a lot of catalogs, and look forward to going through them one at a time to dream up all kinds of fun projects using this year's goods!

New Items in my Etsy Shop!

I posted my recent stitched creations in my etsy shop, for those of you who are interested.

You'll find zippy pouches and quilted wallets, too!

Visit my shop for details!

UPDATE: Holy hotcakes! Most of the items posted have already sold -- if you'd like to see the items I had posted, you can view my sales page here. Stay tuned... I have more projects in the works!

Meanwhile, over at Etsy...

Several months ago (maybe even longer) I registered with Etsy, an online site where artists sell their work. It's taken me a long time to get around to actually posting something for sale on Etsy, but I'm happy to say that I finally have! **YAHOO!**

I'll be using Etsy as a place to sell high quality prints of my illustrations, and original art. I've added a link over on the right side of my blog for "My Etsy Shop".

I chose to sell prints on Etsy rather than eBay, it's because Etsy is dedicated to artists, where eBay is everything under the sun....and then some. It's a great site with LOADS of talented artists! Check it out!

FYI: Etsy is not an auction site. Items are listed with a buy price, so if you want something there's no waiting for an auction to end.

Anna Wight Photography Note Cards

Finally ... I found a professional print studio that is able to print my note cards at a price I can afford and at a quality I appreciate!

The first run of cards is finished and available on my shop for purchase -- and I'm so excited! I'll never get rich selling my cards, but at least I'm able to get the images out there where they can be enjoyed!

The first card features two beautiful coral gerbera daisies. The image is clean and fresh, and I adore the colors of these flowers.

The quote I chose for this card reads "Let everything you do be done as if it makes a difference." by William James. I don't think nature does anything unnecessarily. It's kind of like "live with purpose". I try to.

I plan to have more cards available soon, as soon as I get them back from the print studio!

I'd love to know what you think -- do you prefer the standard 4.25"x5.5" card size (A2), or do you prefer sending larger cards (like around 5"x7")?  These particular cards are the smaller note card size (4.25"x5.5") And I know...they're not handmade... but they are still my little artful masterpieces, combining my photography and design. =)