New Cards for the Holidays?

"When Santa runs out of elves he uses happy chicks"

I know it's not even the end of August and I'm already preparing for the holiday season in my shop LiPeony! Actually it didn't even cross my mind until one day I was lurking in the Etsy Forums and stumbled upon this post by KreatedByKatrina (btw visit her soap for soap goodies like gingerbread men soap! ) and she's been one of those long standing people on Etsy who has a lot of knowledge and experience and when she writes something I read it. This post happened to be "Preparing Your Shop for The Holidays" . She lists several good ways to prepare and opened the board for others to both learn and put in their advice. I've been gobbling up every single morsel of knowledge. I decided to finally start on those Christmas/Holiday cards. I've always wanted to be hands on with my work and making cards is no exception. I decided to experiment with the little print above.

Martha Stewart Crafting Scoring Board
I also have this nifty Martha Stewart Crafting Scoring Boards when I was making my friend's wedding invitations. It's not a necessary tool but it's so awesome to have because you can make crisp lines on blank sheets of papers to fold into cards. It's simple and they sell it at craft stores. I think this was brought at Micheal's with one of their lovely 40% coupons and it came up to a little over $11. Yes this thing retails around $20 hence the coupons.

It's very simple and the whole thing is outlined with inch ruler measures and the corresponding scoring groove. So all you really need is the bone folder which is that flat and rounded edged tool that comes with it. Place your paper on the board and pick how far you want your folded line to be and press the bone folder from that groove all the way down the card.

Ta-da! Perfect groove where you can fold your blank piece of paper into a card!

Now a nifty little card!Open up for anyone to write their special message in. This is just a practice run because I do want either a luster/pearl or a glossy finish. Haven't decided yet. I've also deciding on whether to buy plain white envelopes with the cards are these lovely light light blue envelopes which cost a tad more. I'm leaning towards the blue ones because I think it adds a bit more. Look forward to new card sets (was thinking sets of 3 or 6) close close in the future. So how have you been preparing for the holidays or are you still going "WHAT? HOLIDAYS? ITS STILL SUMMER??"

Until next time... stay groovy!

Governor's Island Origami fun!

Governor's Island Nolan Park
Isn't it amazing a place so full of trees and picturesque as Governor's Island is literally 10 minutes away from lower Manhattan? For last Saturday which Mr. Weatherman said would be thunder storming (which it did not) I was volunteering to help teach people how to make some origami whales, fish and crabs.

Ferry entrance/exit at Governor's Island
First off the ferry ride was packed full of people but then again its free and there's boats every 30 minutes but you'll have to check the schedule HERE. The ferry was full of people who were dressed as flappers and even a steampunk couple. Apparently there was a jazz festival on the island! I was amazed by this sudden leap into the Roaring 20's and really regret being too shy to ask to take photos of some of the more elaborate costumes!

The view of Manhattan from Governor's Island was awesome. The above pictures shows the ferry dock/piers on the Manhattan side. You could also see the Staten Island ferry along with the other NYC boat tours. It was pretty sunny and hot out on deck but inside are two hallways of benches to sit on and there's no air conditioner. No worries the trip was about ten minutes.
What's also neat about the island was that there are these old homes that can be rented out. The New New Team rented a house and basically decorated the inside and made a whole gift boutique full of wonderful items from the New New Team! Of course I couldn't help but buy a little something something for myself:

Vintage Beaded Necklace from WishByFelicity!
Seriously I have been eyeing her colorful jewelry from we first met way back when. She's also such a sweetheart and helpful during our craft show shares. I tend to wear a lot of neutrals like beige, soft greys, dark blues... pretty monotone and I've been leaning towards buying colorful accents to add to my mundane clothing hues. The one above was perfect... even my mom was eyeing it. (no mom I will have to get you your own!) Okay enough of me and my goodie of the day! I was pretty late but Lucrafts (who makes these unique switch light covers!) , Paperelle (who makes awesome origami stars jewelry and going to vend at New York Anime Festival) and Lamusekalliope (who makes adorable little critters and pouches) were already hard at work with table of little kids around them!

As usual I was the awkward "OMG I"M SO LATE AND SO SOOOORRRYYY" person. It took a bit but I got into it and taught all these kids how to make whales, fishes and crabs. Whales were a big hit with the girls and the boys like the crabs... go figure? By the end of the day we were all covered in glitter with goggle eyes and tiny plastic gems everywhere. It was so fun! The kids were adorable though the younger ones wanted you to make it for them while the older kids were actually having that "I'm going to learn how to make this" look on their faces. Oh btw we learned origami from this awesome website Origami Club... the animations really really help!

All in all it was a great day. Volunteered, met some more awesome crafters, delved into another hidden gem of NYC and went back to watch Crazy, Stupid Love (hilarious movie!) and ate with my cousin and sister before she left for college. It was one of the best days of summer!

Until next time... what were your summer adventures?

Governor's Island Origami Fun!

Ah remember the little origami people I use to make? This Saturday I'll be at Governor's Island teaching people how to fold some cute origami sea creatures! Every weekend the New New Team get together and teach a certain craft. I haven't been to Governor's Island for a long time but I do remember it was a very calm and picturesque place and there's a free ferry that goes to the island from both Manhattan and Brooklyn side! DIRECTIONS . If you're ever need to go somewhere peaceful in hectic NYC then come on by... you'll walk away with new found origami skills and a funky card to boot.

I know I haven't updated in a LONG LONG time as mentioned by a friend and reader! I got it! I did get a new job that I'm very happy about so that's been eating most of my time. I'll be updating soon about my cosplay for Otakon, new stuff for my store and things around quirky little NYC.

Until next time... learn something new!