I'm in the mood for......

HALLOWEEN!!!! :)

Not sure why, I just woke up this morning and it hit me...costumes, spooky, trick or treat...I can not wait! Time to start contemplating my costume for this year!

What are YOU gonna be?

Recycling and Upcycling

Lately I've been thinking quite a bit about the imprint I've been leaving on the planet. I've seen a ton of things made from recycled and upcycled goods that have inspired me to create some new items that have come from things I have found or recycled. I've made a few sets of gift tags like the winter themed ones shown above, out of recycled, unloved game pieces. I also made these cute work truck tags. Both are listed in my card shop.

Even more amazing are the upcycled and recycled items listed on Etsy by other artists. It was so hard to pick just a few to feature!

This antique typewriter key has found new life as a necklace, created by webbysue. I love Halloween, and I love jewelry, so this was a fabulous find for me! All of the items in webbysue's shop are wonderful! I've got my eye on a few bracelets!

For a more musical note, check out the shop of melsville, another fabulously talented Etsyian, who creates jewelry using recycled musical instrument pieces. The necklaces shown above were made using piano parts! Talk about a unique gift for that music lover in your life!

This fabulous belt, created by TheBrokenPlate is so fun and retro! Talk about bringing new life to fabulous dinnerware that is slated for the landfill because of an unfortunate accident that may have chipped or shattered it! Kudos!

From now on, I am going to become more conscious about the choices I make and think of the 'bigger picture' when I make purchases and ultimately make trash.

Swallows and Surprises!

I have a surprise in the works. It's probably not as exciting to everyone else as it is to me, but I promise, it's at least a little bit cool! It should be finished in the next month or so, and I can't wait to unveil it! :) You know that I'm all into the tattoo look. I'll give you two hints...a) I'm re branding my Auntie's Card Shop again and b) it fits within the tattoo look theme, in keeping with my original shop. Whaaaaaaaaatttt??? Don't give me that look! It's only the second time in two months! And this time, I'm going to stick with it.....I'm in love! :) Exciting no?

I tooled around Etsy and figured I'd show you a few of my favorite items with the theme I chose to go with. This swallow hoodie from stevester is fabulous! In fact, now that I really started looking, there are a ton of fabulous swallow items on Etsy, so it was hard to choose just a few favorites. That's even more exciting to me, because it means I will be able to find lots of goodies to buy when I get all set up!

These pretty tags from SunshineandRavioli would look great on packages! In fact, take a peek around that shop for tons of birdy goodness!

This swallow cuff from jakrandomart is a fabulous addition to any wardrobe, and better yet, it's made of all recycled materials, including vinyl records! :)

So there was your big hint as to what it will be. Keep a watch on the shop in the near future.

Today's Forecast: Thunderstorms

As I sit here blogging, it's pouring down rain outside, and thundering like mad.....and I *love* it. It's been so long since we've had a great thunderstorm. I almost wish it was dark so I could go sit out on my porch with a beer in my hand, and watch the lightning. If it lasts until this evening, that's exactly what I'm doing! Alas, the kids and the dog are not happy about the thunder and lightning....I know someone that isn't going to want to go out to do her business tonight if it's raining! Too bad I chose tonight to have something grilled for dinner LOL.

So for the last few weeks, as you all know, I've been in a Halloween frenzy. I know it's early, but I have to force myself to create things other than Halloween. Our neighbors were over the other day and we were chatting about how we should have a costume party this year, using both of our yards and such. I have a feeling it's going to be GREAT!

Today, keeping in the spirit of things, I created these tags. Dancing skeletons. Groovy man! Perfect for the Halloween dance party!

Gift Tags Galore

So I finally sat down and finished two sets of tags that I had laying around since before we left for Asheville. I posted them both and went food shopping. Lo and behold, I come back, put the groceries away, make myself a smoothie, check my Email, and voila......the poison tags are sold. People ARE still buying. For the first time since I've been home I felt that little twinge..the "I need to create..." So hopefully, my creative muse is about to come back from HER vacation! :)