Back to Basics

I finally got back to making papers, my most favorite thing to do in DigiLand, and then used them to make a few more cards. I often print out the digi papers at hoome and use them on my paper scrapbook pages. I'm committed to making at least a card a day and create a large inventory on my Etsy site, and make my site more marketable. I've also got myself a great commercial printer to use, so I can offer full services for my customers finally. Yeah.

Did you see the blinkie I made? A big shout out to Jeanette at EasyCustomBlogs for helping me out. Snag it for your blog and spread the SweetTomato word around, I'd really appreciate it. I'm also working on a Project 365 template that I'll put up soon for everyone.

Here are the three cards, which one do you prefer? I'd love to know your opinion.

Ahhhh, the joys of Christmas,

let me count the ways you inspire me.

1. Watching the kids run around the tree lot (although picking out a tree was a bit harder this way).

2. Drinking hot cocoa and staring at the Christmas Tree at night.

3. Seeing my giant handmade stockings hanging on the mantle of our non-working fireplace. (At least Santa won't get a burned bum)

4. Playing Christmas music all the time and singing to it at the top of our lungs.

5. Seeing the excitement in my son's eyes as he watches Polar Express.

6. Shopping for cool toys I (oh, I mean the kids) can't wait to play with.

7. Making my first Xmas card this year.

8. Getting those mysterious packages each day after online shopping binges last week and I'd already forgotten some of the things I bought.

9. Driving around looking at all the fantastic lights, and thankful that even in this economy people still feel festive.

10. Hiding presents from everyone (this is the first year we've had to do that).

Here's a picture of my little darlings and our own personal xmas card. I hope you are able to take some time out to experience your own joys!

Happy Turkey Day!

A big Gobble, Gobble to you, my cyber friends. I've been MIA thanks to a power surge that gobbled up my computer. Luckily, I was able to get it fixed and save my work, thanks to my hubby. I must admit that I'm not a huge fan of the traditional turkey dinner, but let's talk about that dessert. My favorite is a chocolate pecan pie that my mom makes that is to die for yummy. I guess it won't be a very good example for my kids if I skip dinner and go straight to dessert. I have worked on a few cards to add to the shop, and I paid for some advertising through Etsy on Saturday so I'm hoping to have a 1st sale soon. Keep your fingers crossed for me. Good news for my fellow digi-scrappers, I'm setting up my file sharing account and I should have some freebies up for grabs very soon! I wish you all a very happy Turkey Day.

Cara

Digital Scrapbooking Mag no more...

at least in paper form, and I'm so sad. My lovely hubby got it for me as an anniversary present (I know, I know, geeky, but it showed how well he knows me). And now, after 2 issues, I won't get anymore. I hope they at least have an online version. There is just something so yummy about snuggling up with a great read, a warm cup of English Breakfast and getting creative juices flowing. To this end, I snuggled up with my computer and a Starbuck's White Mocha and found inspiration in this month's copy, a layout by Melinda Alexander, and created this card.

Am I the only one...

pouring over those toy catalogs that come in the mail. Yes, I do give my 3 year old a chance to look at them and my baby loves to tear them up. But not before I scour through them looking for gifts and secretly picking out the things I would have liked as a kid. They are selling "anniversary" edition Cabbage Patch dolls this year, 25 years since I begged my parents for one to no avail. Sigh, it can be rough realizing that even you age. Is it bad if I buy the doll for my daughter, and I just "foster care" it for her until she's ready? Yes, I'm a geek, but a creative one tonight. Here's another card I'm putting up in the shop.

YeeHaw

I've put up a few more cards in my store, yeah me. I also spent the afternoon getting my business license, which sounds worse than it really was. They were very helpful and efficient, completely not what I expected from the government! Anyway, I am offical now, and with my new tax id number I can expand my printing options. Now, if I can just get someone to buy a card. ;) Here is a new Christmas card I made tonight, as well as a fun moving card I made for a friend that just moved to Texas.

Aaaaachoo!

That's the sound heard 'round our house lately. I don't know about you, but cold season has exhausted me already and it just started. My littlest 'mater has had her 2nd ear infection in one month. Anywho, that explains my lack of creativity this week. I have had time to put together my customization menu that I'm pretty happy with. I should be able to list my first items once they're finalized, maybe by this weekend instead?

Happy Halloween!

A giant Cyber Happy Halloween to everyone. This holiday is so much fun when you have kids, isn't it? Although mine are sick as dogs, and the littlest 'mater at 16 months doesn't really get it, it still is fun to be spooky for the day. Have a safe night.

I'm thinking the Etsy store may be up as early as this weekend. Another card to interest you...

Cara

Scooby-Doo Obsession

Is it alright if a 30-something mom of 2 is more excited to see the new Scooby-Doo that she DVR'd than the newest CSI? I have to admit that we'd watched more tv these past two days since my lil' mater has been sick and I've watched all the new movies they've put out and actually enjoyed them. I have vague recollections of loving them as a child, but other than the Backyardigans, most of the kids' shows today bore me to tears. So, I was excited that we're on a phase of shows that I can bear to listen to in the background. Now that I've shared a deep, dark secret with you all, here's something else to share...a new Christmas card that I worked on tonight. Peace out.

Creative Day

Ok, after yesterday's frustration, I went back to the creative and balanced myself out. Even though I'm dead tired thanks to a sick 3-year-old and a teething 1-year-old, and all I really want to do is soak in the bathtub. Here is my 1st Christmas Card.

A Rainy Saturday Night

Ooooh, what is not to love about being inside a cozy house on a rainy Saturday night when the kids are asleep and there is a good mystery waiting to be read? I'm thinking a cup of Earl Grey and a dip into the Halloween candy is also in order. Before I get to snuggle in with my mystery, which is a fantastic read by a new author (Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn), I'm working on some boy announcements. My friend, Andrea, is interested in some for her son and I thought I'd get cracking. I was going for a more non-traditional approach with colors. What do you think?

Waiting for Cold Case...

and working on a new announcement. My good friend April Narby, who runs a photography business in NJ (http://www.aprilnarbyphotography.com/), created a great announcement and I made my own version of it. I'm working on making my Christmas papers right now, so I can get some Christmas cards out there in time for the holidays. My goal right now is to have at least 6 cards ready and then I'll open my etsy store. Here's the latest announcement. I've made all the papers and elements, which is more fun than I can tell you. A big thank-you to Atomic Cupcake for their action that made my gel letter F.