Some of My Photos from WonderCon 2012

As I may have mentioned, last year I got a full-time job (go me!) and hence the reason why my blogging endeavours dropped off. I'm too pooped to blog at the end of a long day!

So boo on too pooped to blog, but yay that my job had me go on assignment to WonderCon last weekend! I only got to go to on Sunday and for most of it I was working behind the scenes for our panel.

But I just a quick post to share some of my photos from the event. There were some FANTASTIC costumes and I heard it was even more epic on Saturday.  You can click directly on the photo album here.

If you're stumbling across these images and you actually know some of the people, please share it with them. And as always, I LOVE comments!

Join Kiva: Get $25 free trial and help alleviate poverty

Kiva.org, is an organization that allows people to lend money via the Internet to microfinance institutions in developing countries around the world and in the United States, which in turn lend the money to small businesses and students.

Since 2007 I've been a Kiva lender to dozens of people world wide. My portfolio consists of about 90% female artisans because as a woman who is the sole proprietor of my own business, I know about the challenges of getting started.  What I sell on Etsy and eCRATER are just outlets for my creativity but they're not my main source of income.  If it were, I'd be a failure so I can only imagine what it might be like to start a knitting business in Peru, a photography studio in Africa, or a bakery in the Middle East especially if you're a woman!

Under my true identity I've given out loans $25 at a time to women who are seeking to start a small business in Africa, South America, the South Pacific, and the former Soviet Union.  Last year my New Year's resolution was to give out a loan monthly.  This year I've renewed that pledge and today I'm hoping you join me.



It's really easy and it won't cost you a dime!

You see, there's a campaign from Reid Hoffman, the co-founder of LinkedIn, who has put up $1 million of his money to enable 40,000 people give $25 microloans to help those in need start farms and general stores that can support their families.

The process in making a loan is dead simple. This is how I do it: I browse and choose an entrepreneur I wish to fund. Kiva aggregates loan capital from me and other lenders and transfers it to the appropriate Field Partners to disperse to the entrepreneur chosen by the lender. As the entrepreneurs repay their loans, the Field Partners remit funds back to Kiva. As the loan is repaid, the Kiva lenders can withdraw their principal or re-lend it to another entrepreneur. 

To start your first $25 loan for free just click on this link: http://www.kiva.org/invitedby/glamourbomb

Using Perfect Paper Adhesive by Art Quest For My Latest Craft Project

Hello, all. I'm just showing off my latest Easter craft that I made.

On this Easter pail I  decoupaged a white bunny rabbit with an Easter egg that I got from the Graphics Fairy.  The pail looks good from behind as well as I didn't skimp but put the bunny image on both front and back. Then I stuffed the pail with six colorfully hand-decorated egg shaped candy pops on a stick and tied with ribbons.

The thing I want to focus on is that I used this product called Perfect Paper Adhesive by Art Quest.  The last few times I've been decoupaging I found that Modpodge would cause the paper to wrinkle. Sometimes this was a tragic thing that would really ruin my projects. 

I grew up using Modpodge as Glamour Mom taught me all I know about decoupaging.  So I asked her if she recalls projects wrinkling like that and she said no. I'm not sure if Plaid, the manufacturer of Modpodge, has changed they're formula since then or what.  It could be me.  My mom used to decoupage with specially printed sheets back in the day however I've been using images laser printed on copy paper.  Whatever the cause, it's very disappointing to have your project ruined with wrinkles!

So I searched for the perfect decoupage medium and I have to admit, I have quite a few different brands.  I came across PPA in a blog so I got some to decoupage the bunny and you know what? It's fantastic! No wrinkles whatsoever! It has a consistency of thick cream and goes on very smoothly. It also sets quickly -- like within five minutes -- and provides a fantastic adhesion of whatever you use it on.

Also, PPA has leaves no brushstrokes behind like Modpodge can. I really like this stuff and no, I'm not being sponsored to write this.  It's just me giving my opinion on a product I paid for, tried out and used. 

Anyway, hopefully my sister who lives in another state doesn't read this blog because otherwise it won't be a surprise to see this Easter pail in her mailbox soon! ;)

Hoppy days to you!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day! XO, Etsy from Etsy

I saw this cute video on Etsy and just had to share the love!

@GlamourBomb ❤'s @GraphicsFairy! Thank you @GraphicsFairy!!!

I don't mean to brag but I will: I just got featured on the Graphics Fairy craft blog!!!

I am so breathless from doing the happy dance that I just had to take a moment to sit down, catch my breath and post this.

I don't know any blogger in my part of the blogosphere that doesn't know who the Graphics Fairy is. Her name is Karen and she's been purveying free vintage images that are in the public domain every day since 2007. Many of the crafts I make and sell on Etsy use her images.

So go on, now. Check it out!

Thanks again, Graphics Fairy!