Valentine's Day Hop {Digital Designers}

Over the past few months I've been fortunate enough to participate in some really great Color Challenges with the Digital Designers team on Etsy. One of their frequent promotions include a Facebook Hop, and I'm entering my very first one for the upcoming Valentine's Day season.

Giving Tree {Holidays}

We got the tallest Christmas Tree I've ever had this year. This weekend, we finally got around to decorating it. Doobie was pretty tuckered out by the time all of the ornaments were hung.

Mustache Bash {Baby Shower}

What happens when you combine The Very Hungry Little Caterpillar with an affinity for mustaches???

Give Thanks {Holidays} {How To}

Now that fall is upon us in full force, it's time to get ready for the feast of Thanksgiving Day! My little owly friend is making his appearance in a different way this year. I usually display a full size banner above my desk, but decided that my door could use a little dressing up. So I made a mini banner for my door adorned with some great little dried corn, strung together with jute. Read on to learn how to make one, too!

Little Fox {Color Challenge}

It's been a busy few weeks, with two parties and a wedding to create for. You'll get to see some of what I created soon! Right now though, it's time for another Digital Designers Color Challenge :) This months color palette was a grouping of some really pretty oranges, cyan blue, and soft red. Perfect for the fall weather we're having here in the Northeast. I wanted to create something fun and special so I went with a sweet Little Fox Baby Shower theme!

Retro Cherries {Color Challenge}

I recently joined an amazing group on Etsy filled with tons of talented designers. There is no shortage of digital goodness where these fine artists are concerned. Once a month they host a color challenge, to get everyone's creative juices flowing and to display that talent for the world to see. So here's my first entry: Retro Cherries Printables!

The Latest Buzz {Collections}

When my favorite little girl was about to turn two, her mommy said to me, "We have to have a Buzz Buzz Party!" The theme would have to be girly and encompass all the cuteness of Farrah's beloved stuffed friend, Buzz Buzz.

Instant Downloads Are Here {EMPrintables}

Yes, you read that right... INSTANT DOWNLOADS ARE HERE!!!

Party planning with Elated Memories/EMPrintables just became that much easier. Now you can get a custom style with little to no wait at all.  Fully prepared designs are at your fingertips, which makes it possible for you to focus your time on getting those details in order right when you want to!  Perfect for those times when you need something last minute and there's no time to get to the party supply store.

Baking cupcakes for your little one's class at midnight (as I have often found myself doing)? No problem.  Coworkers birthday celebration at the office? No problem.

Custom items, are still just that: custom. So until I can figure out how to clone myself (Anyone? Bueller?), you'll have to bear with me. But the good news is that instant downloads now provide more time for these customizations, so you can expect them even sooner than before. Not to mention that I can now spend even more time creating new party themes :) so even more printables are on the way!

March Madness {Etsy Shop}

Celebrating March and all of it's "Madness" with a HUGE Sales Event in the Etsy Shop. From March 4th - 31st EVERY ITEM in the Etsy Shop is 50% off. All items including complete collections, seasonal and customized items will be 1/2 off their regular price. This is the perfect time to purchase your collection for future use (I can hold your order and customize when you are ready). No coupon codes are necessary, the discounts are already reflected in the listing price.
Click Here to Visit My Etsy Shop!

Owl You Need Is Love {Holidays}

I've been spending a great deal of time in this new year making memories with my lil man.  Every holiday brings with it a celebration at K's preschool, and I usually volunteer to bring in an item.  This time I was set on bringing in cupcakes and having my favorite 3 year old help with the baking.  It would be our first kitchen project together and add one for the mommy and son memory bank.

He just loved helping mommy, asking about every ingredient as it went into the bowl.  Oh, and the smile as he helped me stir and mix them all together by hand - I'll never forget it!

While we waited for the first batch to bake, he helped me make a banner with a heart for every person he holds dear. Mommy did the writing but K told me every person's real name (as opposed to their nick names). Then he gave the final placement approval as I hung the banner (the kid is definitely mine).

In the end he was very proud and couldn't wait for it to be the next day so he could eat one of the cupcakes he made.  When we entered the classroom, he just had to tell everyone that he made them.  Loved seeing him light up like that!

We used the Owl Valentine Printable Party Squares (available in the Etsy Shop) to make the cupcake toppers.  My lil man loved them so much, he brought his home after he was done eating his cupcake :)

Mini Thanksgiving {Holidays}

I have tons to be thankful for: my adorable, charismatic, and loving son; my dependable and fun sisters who make me laugh when I need to and stand by my every decision; my awesome neighbors who keep me sane on a daily basis; the list goes on and on!  I'm looking forward to celebrating with them all throughout this Thanksgiving weekend.  The cooking has already commenced in my home, and the smell is glorious!

Tomorrow is my lil man's Thanksgiving Feast at preschool.  I volunteered to make a treat and decided on Mini Pumpkin Pies.  They turned out sooo much cuter than I had imagined:

When I saw this idea on Pinterest I knew I had to do it for the lil ones.  I used my go to filling recipe by Martha Stewart and they taste amazing! Of course I made extras for this week's Family Thanksgiving Dinner, just hope they make it that long!  I'm not sure if I can resist such a cute and tasty dessert at my fingertips :)

The Polka Dot sign I used in the picture above, is a part of the Owl Thanksgiving Printable Collection available in the Etsy Shop.  A simple and pretty way to dress up your family's feast :)

Wishing you and yours a happy and safe Thanksgiving Day!

New Jersey Etsians {Giveaways}

If you love browsing Etsy and often think: "My little girl/boy would love that!" or "That piece would be perfect for my wall!" or "Ooooooh, I want those earrings!" - keep reading to learn how you can get your hands on some of the awesome creations you see everyday.


Recently, I joined a team on Etsy: New Jersey Etsians
The team's goal is "to support and promote each other, and help each other grow as an artist." I have felt so welcomed in their environment of friendly and talented creators. After just a few weeks, I have seen them create and suggest ways to exhibit their crafts effectively. There is a genuine feeling of support on the discussion boards, which I absolutely adore!

Name Charm Bracelet - Jamie's Precious Metal Jewels

So, by now you may be asking: "Who are these caring and creative individuals?"
An eclectic group, with many varieties of art including clothing, jewelry, accessories, home decor, wall art, and stationery (just to name a few). There's something for everyone's taste, and you won't be disappointed in the slightest way with any seller or their products.

Art Giclee Print - Mary Ann Farley Art Creations

Give me details!!! I know, you're wondering about the Giveaway part.
Some of the team members have joined together to offer a total of $125.00 in credits to use exclusively at their Etsy Shops. With the Holiday Season upon us, this a wonderful opportunity to share some handmade items or rare pieces with your family and friends (and maybe get a thing or two for yourself :) ).

Eco Shoe Bag - MsVeronicas

Here's all of the participating shops and their credit amount:
CreatedwithLovexoxo $10.00
David Met Grace $10.00
EM Printables $10.00
Jamie's Precious Metal Jewels $10.00
Lil Threadz $10.00
Mary Ann Farley Art Creations $10.00
MsVeronicas $10.00
Party Sparkler $10.00
Quilted Hugs Bibs $10.00
Shadowboxer, Ink $10.00
La Classique' Bonita $25.00

Boys Cardigan Sweater - Lil Threadz

How do I enter?
It's super simple, and must be done for EVERY shop participating in the giveaway:
1. Visit the shop using link provided, (Don't forget to take in all of the sites while you're there) and click on the Facebook "Like" button to become a fan of the shop's Facebook page.
2. Once you have completed this for EVERY shop participating in the giveaway, come here and post ONE comment saying you’ve done so to enter yourself in the giveaway.
EASY PEASY!

Puau Shell Bracelet - La Classique' Bonita

The giveaway ends on Friday, November 18th, 2011 at 10:00 PM Eastern Time. Have LOTS of fun with this and share it with your friends on Facebook so they don't miss out on this great prize!

Note: Credits are limited to one-time use and expire after one year. Credits will be given in the form of a custom listing reflecting the retail value of the item less the specified credit amount (Please contact the shop owner before purchase to arrange custom listing). Credits are non-transferable and cannot be used by anyone other than the giveaway winner.

Pink for the Cause {Treasury}

I'm sure this won't be the only Treasury inspired by the color Pink.  However, it was inspired this time by October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  The Susan G. Komen Foundation is something a friend of mine fought hard to bring awareness to during her 14 month battle.  I do whatever I can to help spread the word about this outstanding organization.  I'm proud to wear pink and display it in anyway possible all year round.

Here's just a few pink items that caught my eye the other day:

Pink for the Cause Treasury

Hey There Cupcake {Collection}

My first complete collection is now available in the Etsy Shop:

Fall Inspired {Treasury}

I saw one item that sparked my interest, and then another, and yet another. Just HAD to get them together in a treasury to share :)

Fall Inspired Treasury

Something New

Event design has always been a favorite pastime of mine. Creating different elements that come together as a whole package to personalize a special occasion, and seeing it come to life… I’ll never be able to fully describe the enjoyment that it brings me!

I have designed for all types of events, from large weddings to small and intimate family celebrations. No matter what the event or how large, the same thing is always constant: the host/hostess wants a way to personalize the event to make it special. If you have found yourself wanting to accomplish the same goal, and have a crafty hand (or even a not-so-crafty hand) then I have the perfect solution for you: PRINTABLES

What are printables, exactly? Printables are a way for you to create design elements in your own home. They give you the freedom to add a custom touch in as simple or over the top you would like. Elements like: cupcake toppers, celebration banners, thank you tags, and much more! Choose the design you like, print on your home printer (or at your local office supply store), then you are free do whatever you please to dress up your event. It’s that simple and you have the ability to print as little or as many as you like to use anyway that you see fit at your event!

If you follow the Elated Memories Facebook page, you may have noticed that I have been promoting some of the new projects in the Printables Line. Currently, there are two themes in the new Etsy shop (EM Printables): Cars 2 Inspired and Cupcake. New items and themes are being added daily and prices are extremely reasonable, starting at just $5.00 for a customized PDF file that you can print over and over again as many times as you want! Don’t see a theme that you need or want? I would be happy to create a new collection based on your idea, just ask!

I am hard at work developing new collections to display in the shop. Soon there will be something for every occasion imaginable. Check back often, subscribe to the blog, become a fan of the Facebook page, favorite the shop on Etsy – however you decide to stay informed, there will be plenty of creativity displayed that may be useful to your or someone you know. Like what you see? Know someone planning an event? Spread the word by sharing the Facebook page or links to items in the shop. Any form of support is greatly appreciated.

Excited doesn’t begin to describe how I feel about this new endeavor, so I’ll have lots to say about it as it all comes together just like the events I have designed for :)

Ask the People

Planning a celebration? I'd love to hear what themes and color combinations you are planning to use. Your idea may become a new collection for sale in the Etsy shop!

Etsy Shop Coupon Code

The Elated Memories Etsy Shop is once again up and running with just a sampling of the type of even elements I can create for you. Custom projects are always welcome, so convo me on Etsy or message me on Facebook if you would like to explore other ideas.

AND...

In honor of my return to my passion I am offering an Etsy Coupon Code, good for 20% off of any order! Enter code: NEWBEG2011 to received your discount as a thanks or showing your support to new beginning for Elated Memories!!!

*20% discount is not applicable to shipping fees or sales tax.