introducing Sweet Treat Trims...

Hey there,
I'm excited to let you know that my Etsy shop is back up and running.. with the first batch of  what I'm calling my "Sweet Treat Trims" series. There is now a mini etsy feed located on my sidebar that should take you directly to my little shop.. I'll be adding to it as soon as my little fingers can whip up some more unique trims.. shipping is included for my fellow Canadians and my American neighbours for this batch.. and for those of you interested but live elsewhere- I've created a free shipping coupon just for my faithful blog readers! It's my first attempt at coupons on Etsy so please contact me should it not work. The coupon code for non Canadian/American shoppers is : BLOGGERFREESHIPPING (no spaces)

Thanks for your time, interest and amazing comments! I appreciate it more than you know!
Have a good night friends, I'll be back soon with some new creations:)
~Becks

spring fling...

Spring is coming...I'm willing, hoping and yearning for it..even today as the temps reach -22 degrees, the sun is shining gloriously..a teaser of what is to come..I can't wait to get out and plant a garden, to play outside with the puppy without piling on the layers. Feel the warm sunshine and watch the trees come back to life..
Today I'm squeaking in a challenge..almost missed the deadline. with colours like these how can I resist?? They speak to me and are some of my favourite to play with.

Alot of my favourite things used.. layered paper flowers in the softest blue, complete with a chippy white bell for a centre.. shabby stitching..that icing on the cake-yummy coarse Martha Stewart glitter on a Maya Road chipboard heart... its love all around.

 

A little swatch of creamy felt to sit the heart on..adding just the right softness I was after. A tea dyed mini tag hides behind my layered paper flowers..a gift from my MIL this Christmas.

 

Maya Road trinket pin..and some more of my handmade trim..half pearls...yummy! I took the idea for the sentiment from the "I love Paris" in the challenge photo..

 

How I love these colours together..reminiscent of Spring ahead of us..pinks, greens, blues and creams..I used some more of my Basic Grey capella papers.. I can't get enough of them! Ali Edwards and Tim Holtz stamps(very subtly stamped in Versamark ink on the pale pink paper..) I'm off to post this to the City Crafter Challenge Blog site..
Thanks for visiting!
Have a happy Monday!
~Becks

a study in yellow...

A weird title today..I"ve decided today to pay homage to a title of one of my favourite programs of late, the BBC's  Sherlock..have you seen it yet? A modern day take on Sherlock Holmes in 21st century London, with the ever so cute Benedict Cumerbatch as Sherlock Holmes. *sigh* One of the episodes was titled "A Study in Pink", hence the title today.
I've decided to jump right back into some challenge sites; get some creativity flowing. See all of the creations from many, many talented ladies..First up is Moxie Fab Worlds Tuesday Trigger..have you seen this picture? Those yellow doors; mouthwateringly good!

I have to admit, yellow isn't a colour I gravitate towards.. but decided to dive right in and get it done. As you all know I prefer lighter, muted colours- pinks, creams and blues..I never showcase yellow..its always an accent for me. I used some Basic Grey papers- how I love to mix and match different layers and patterns..

I have been digging book print lately...had to include some to balance out all of the yellow.. See that delish trim?? A new project of mine..soon to be coming to my Etsy store(time is getting away from me lately. It will be open very soon!) I love that I can make my own unique trims!!

Maya Road chip board heart covered in sheet music and text..Yellow glitter brightens up some Maya Road wings..gotta love MR chip board shapes!

 I'm happy with the over all look.. a few bright pops of yellow, but mostly soft and subtle..I should break out of my comfort zone more often..what do you think??
Well, that's it for me today.. remember the giveaway is still open here.. feel free to enter! Can't wait to see more friendly followers!
Have a sunshiny Saturday!
~Becks
ETA: I just love that the very multi-talented, uber sweet Melissa Phillips has brought back her photo inspirations courtesy of A Creative Mint.. happy day! Her delicious photo this week also features yellow, so I decided to share over at her blog as well!

text, trims and thank-you's...

My hands have been busy...some with paper crafting and the other half with my other great crafty love; crochet. Some days it's good to be able to step away from making cards and create something cozy and warm.

 

These days the two crafts go hand in hand.. I have been busy crocheting some trims.. to showcase in my little etsy store...another of my projects on the near horizon. I love adding different mediums to my cards and albums.. there's nothing better than adding trims of all sorts to a page edge.. I love seeing them come together, especially in a mini album.. they are like icing on a {cup}cake to me..

Ahh..cupcakes. These little babies are where I first started out in card making.. they brought me so much joy- and still do. Cherry topped and cheerful; they certainly  brighten my day and make my heart smile...

Book print packets.. all ready to go.. stuffed with handmade cotton trims.. so delicious.. I've whipped up this first batch as a test... a taste of what is to come should they be of use to others.. They are doubly delicious; these packets have been designed to be used in scrapbooking, for mini albums, on cards or how ever you like..take apart the ribbons and tag..use the cupcake motif on cards or layouts.. it's totally up to the user..Trims are just over a metre..come on a die-cut cardboard shape and covered with K&Company papers.. another treat hidden to be used..

Before I go for the night I would like to extend a very heart felt thank you to all of you who stop by..my faithful readers.. for those of you who leave such kind words and for those who don't...I see you all.. Thank you all for visiting my corner of the world.. it means a great deal to me..it keeps me going..it gives me joy to log in and see comments waiting for me to read...I see the traffic feeds of those stopping by as well.. I've posted some blog candy up for grabs as a thank you..It will remain open for a couple weeks.. good luck to all who enter!
Have a wonderful weekend,
 Thanks for popping by!
~Becks
*ETA* Trim packets will make an appearance once I get my Etsy store back up and running over the weekend.. I will let you know when they are in and in the mean time, any questions feel free to write me a comment here or email me (located on my blog sidebar!) 

button love...

I have a slight obsession with buttons. All shapes, sizes, colours and styles. I love their feel; their simplicity..adding them to projects is like adding icing to a cake...it's just magical. I used to love looking for bottles of buttons at the thrift stores; such a treasure hunt. My aunt feeds my obsession with gifts of buttons, trims, ribbons and other such goodies. I am  a very lucky gal!

                       (The obsession organized...be still my button lovin' heart!)

Since I have such the collection of buttons, I decided that I needed to stop hoarding them(as per my moms request, as more buttons are sure to find their way to me) and use them on projects. So, inspired by one of Bety's cards, I decided to put my own spin on her layout. I couldn't find the exact post I was looking for...but don't be disappointed with me..browsing through her blog is like being a kid in a candy store.Give it a peek!

I was going for soft and feminine. I am drawn to pinks, creams, yellows and browns lately.

 I just had to include a piece of sheet music.. a shabby and glittered Maya Road heart..some fabric scraps..and a heart shaped button.. *swoon*

Basic Grey patterned papers, Ali Edwards stamp..trinket pin and a tea stained tag round out my little creation today.. I loved this layout and colour combo that I decided to make two..

And here they are.. similar yet slightly different. I had fun creating these.. and hope their recipients enjoy them as much as I do!
Thanks for stopping by today.. be sure to check back for my next post.. it's worth the wait-a little blog candy giveaway..you won't want to miss it.
G'night friends,
~Becks

oh {baby} boy...

Two tiny feet with toes that wiggle,

A tummy to tickle to make you smile and giggle,

Two tiny hands; ten fingers in all,

Something so perfect, in someone so small.

Cute button nose and soft wisps of hair,

That sweet baby smell and the onesies you wear..

The twinkle in your eye, brings mommy so much joy

Everything that makes you our precious baby boy!
©R.Faries 2010

Just a quick pop in today.Yet another baby card..no, I'm not baby crazy..just love making these types of cards..It will soon be added to my Etsy store.. I hope you will like it. It will be worth the wait.. all full of goodies, cards, odds and ends.. getting it all finished and ready. I will let you know as soon as we are up and running.
Have a great weekend.. so far mine is filled with snow!
~Becks

comforts of home...

The comforts of home....friends, family, familiar surroundings, a feeling of belonging. The comforting sounds of being at home; little Siamese paws playing on the hardwood..conversations, tv shows in the background.. all remind us of what makes a house a home.

Six months or so ago, I left the comforts of the home I shared with my family...moved to a place I had  never heard of before...couldn't locate on the map...leaving friends behind..knowing no one. I had a very bleak outlook.. wondered if I were making the right decision...willing time to stop moving forward..

 A day before I left home I received an email...an everyday occurrence..a quick note from one person to another.. one I won't forget..something so simple, yet meant so much to me then, and to this day. A hand reaching out of the darkness...Simply put I 'met' a wonderful person that day. One who has helped make my transition to my new life so much easier..Alexis, this post is for you, on your birthday..

Alexis was one of the first people I met once I moved to our new little town. It's always hard to settle and meet people when moving somewhere new.. had it not been for her and her fiance, I don't know how I would have managed. We have much in common; her ideals and ways of thinking are similar to mine. We are close in age.. She is a spirit lifter...I thoroughly enjoy spending time with her... our chats have helped me more than she may know..

 She is sassy and smart, quick witted...a great listener with a big heart. She tries to see the positive in everyone..is helpful. Thoughtful and sweet.( Knowing I was having issues with iron levels, she baked me some delish molasses cookies because they were iron rich...)You can see her passion for what she does..I know she's gonna make a great mama someday. In the few short months I've known her and gotten to spend with her I feel those comforts of home returning. She has gone through what I am going through.. offers advice...listens...all that reminds me that I'm never alone...there's always someone to talk to...to lean on in the tough times... for that, I am truly thankful.

I am fortunate to be able to count her as a friend. Lucky to have had someone there to welcome me as part of this extended family we share.That feeling will stay with me..I'll be reminded of it every time we move.. I can only hope that one day I can pass on her gift to someone first starting out like I was.. I dread the day when she moves away..on to another chapter in this life..It is inevitable in the career 'family' we are marrying into..Until then, I know more memories will be made, more chats will take place, and the bond I felt then and now will stay with me forever.
Happy Birthday Alexis!
~Becks xx