How did YOU do it?

Those of you who own your own crafts business (online or brick-and-mortar).

How did you start it?

Did you get financing? Or did you bootstrap your way there?

Precious Butterflies Baby Card

Here's a photo of me (on the left) with my co-worker, Emily, holding her baby shower card I made for her.

She has a brown & pink butterflies theme for her baby room. So, I incorporated those elements into this "Precious Butterflies Baby Card" (as I call it). With this card I went wild with embellishments...ribbon, butterflies and foam-raised elements. I hand-stamped the "Congratulations" at the bottom. Inside the card I also used more butterflies and put a butterfly on the back. I handwrote a personalized note inside using brown and pink, acid-free ink so as to preserve the archival quality of the card. And, to add a finishing touch I included her soon-to-be born daughter's name inside the card, Gabriella Rose. So cute!

Emily said that she loves the card so much that she wants to frame it! I love when I hear that from happy recipients of my cards. And, I have heard that from numerous people. These cards are so precious to them and special that they consider them like little works of art! I feel privileged to bring that type of happiness to people's lives through my crafts! :)

Onto the next project...

Happy Crafting!

~ Rachael

Craft Fairs

Not much time to post tonight, but I just wanted to share this link for those of you looking for craft fairs:

http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2010/07/this_week_in_craft_fairs_44.html

Happy Crafting!

~ Rachael

Paper crafting for Babies 101...

My next handcrafted card project is a baby shower card (for a girl) for a co-worker's baby shower (yes...another one...LOL).

What kind of elements do you like to see on Baby Shower handcrafted cards?

Buttons? Ribbon?

Do you like to use specific papers for these type of cards? If so, what kinds?

For those of you making baby scrapbooks, share your thoughts on creating the perfect "baby page" layout!

Needs some ideas for baby shower cards/gifts? Check out these printable baby paper craft products for your next baby shower gift!

Happy Crafting!

~ Rachael

Buying handmade?

Do you like to purchase handcrafted paper crafts? If so, what do you like to buy and why?

Please share your thoughts on this blog or the Papercrafter's Nook Facebook fan page!

Happy crafting!

~ Rachael

Create Patriotic Scrapbook Page/Card & win $25 in FREE product!!!

Hi Papercrafter's Nook fans!

I'm sorry I didn't get this to you sooner, but I wanted to share this with you now since you have up through the end of this month: July 31st, specifically, to enter & WIN!!!

I like to use DCWV paper for my paper crafts, namely my handmade greeting cards.

Well, check this out...

They are having a July Challenge to celebrate Independence Day! The winner of this July Challenge wins $25 in FREE product and a "shout out" (can we say "props"?) in their blog during the month of August.

What paper crafter could NOT use more product...and *FREE* to boot?! And, a little recognition couldn't hurt, either...

So, get those creative juices flowing...

Check out the link here for rules & details.

Happy Paper Crafting!

~ Rachael :)

Happy Independence Day!

I hope everyone has a Happy 4th of July today! This wreath was made by my mother-in-law. She used to work in a floral shop for years. If you're interested in purchasing a wreath for any of the holidays, just drop me a line and let me know for which holiday/occasion you would like the wreath made.