Handstamped Gift Wrap for Christmas

I have a GIANT roll of paper about 5 feet tall that I found in an old apartment my mom was renting a few years ago. It has come in handy this year since I decided to try to avoid buying giftwrap, cards, etc and try to reuse and make my own instead. First, I made my own stamps. Which was a huge trial and error because many of the corks I have are too rough and uneven or break apart a little too easily. I found three corks that were not...

Treasure Hunting at the Goodwill Outlet!

I've passed the Goodwill Outlet multiple times since I moved to Sacramento, but I've never stopped before tonight. I usually didn't have time or I restrained myself because I am trying to spend less money on shopping and eating out (which I am doing really well at btw). Boy am I glad my boyfriend was in a good enough mood to stop with me (he hates shopping). The outlet is where they send the clothes that don't sell in the regular store. This is...

Top Ten Reasons to Buy USA Made Products

Recently, I have been learning more about products that are imported to America. It is rather depressing to realize that many of the products bought here were made in another place that does not have the same environmental, health, and safety laws/regulations that are in America. So I decided that I am going to try to buy more American made products or handmade products. I found this list of reasons to buy USA made products from Made in USA...

GIVEAWAY: Sterling Silver Pendant! ENDED!

Welcome to the Zymbol Sterling Silver Pendant Giveaway ! Hosted by: Tyrneathem Sponsored by: Zymbol Zymbol represents the world’s first line of Interactive Empowerment Jewelry. How is it interactive? Within the symbol you can find every letter of the alphabet and every number hidden in plain sight! Zymbol™ was ‘accidentally’ created when company Founder Sally Short was doodling, and wrote down the phrase ‘LOVE IS ALL U NEED' stacking each...

10 Reasons To Buy Handmade

It isn't easier than buying from a 'regular' store. You can't readily find handmade items in bigger chain stores. This might be a reason people simply stick with buying gifts that are manufactured. Although they may not be as easy to find, handmade gifts are great, and here is a list why. 1. Unique! Interesting! Special! One of a kind! Many handmade items are different than what you would find on the shelf. You'll probably come across...

Holiday Gift Guides!

I am always looking for a good gift guide to give me ideas for what to get people. Sometimes I know exactly what to get someone, but usually there is at least one or two people on my list that are hard to find the right gift for. So I have rounded up some gift guides. Shopping local and handmade is always a great way to get a gift that will also give back to your community. If you don't know where to find local gifts or can't find anything you like,...

Football Sunday - the game, baking cookies, and sewing ornaments!

I was never much of a football fan before I met my boyfriend 3 years ago, but now I am obligated to be a 49ers fan. Although I still don't love football, I do enjoy watching the game with him. It is pretty entertaining to watch him get so excited and yell at the TV, and I do get a little excited too when there is a great play or a touchdown. We are pretty big multitaskers though, so we don't only watch the game. I decided to keep up with hand...

Reading (or listening) on the Road

Before I moved to the Sacramento area, I never drove long distances regularly. My work was about 15 minutes away and most stores were within that as well. I never really got into books on CD because I could never finish them in the car, and I didn't really listen to them in my home. Now, my work is 45 minutes away, but I only make it in that time when there isn't much traffic. Some days it can take an hour or so. Luckily for me, I work at a library...

Swirl Earrings

I bought these mother of pearl beads online on a whim, but when I got them I had no idea what to do with them. I wasn't sure if I even liked them. They were kind of chunky and didn't coordinate well with the other beads I had. I did like the colors that I got and the luster finish. Finally, I decided to just use them alone and practice some wire spirals. Here are two pictures of the front. They are nice and smooth. And here is a picture of...