Saturday, December 24, 2011

Cute Custom

I so need to be going to bed right now, but before I do I HAVE to share this ah-dorable custom!

I was contacted by the lovely Jen over at Jen Rinaldi Photography to make a fun custom skull hat for a baby girl.  She had photos of mom's baby shower cake and some bibs she received for her sweet little princess so I eyeballed them and took of designing!

 How cute!

Even cuter on baby!

Thanks so much Jen for sharing with me and thank you for the great custom, I had a blast designing this one!  Jen is also the owner/operator over at Photo Prop Floors and Backdrops which is the hugest vendor for backdrops for photographers so I'm absolutely grateful for the exposure to my target crowd!

xoxo, Lisa

Thursday, December 22, 2011

What happened today? Something sweet!

Okay... this is sort of one of those I have to tell you this story to tell you that story things, but it will all make sense in the end! Read on!

______________________________________________________________________

So I was having sort of a rough morning today.  Last night I received an e-mail from Etsy that was questioning the integrity of my items being handmade.  

It was sort of a threatening feeling e-mail saying if I didn't fill out a long inquiry within a week that my shop would be suspended.  

Of course all of this comes at the worst possible time with Christmas only a few days away! I'd much rather be baking cookies then taking photos of my workspace and filling out long questionnaires on how I make my items.  The person I spoke with at Etsy told me this is a process they go thorough with a lot of shop owners to make sure their products are, in fact, made by hand.  She assured me that it was routine...

I was just a little upset because I work very hard at making sure that my products are not only handmade, but original, stylish, and great quality. I wondered how they decided to throw this my way. 

Did someone come across my shop and personally decide that they didn't feel my items were handmade? Did someone report me? No answers!

ANYWAY. So I thought if I have to fill out this big thing for Etsy in order to keep my shop open, I would share it with you too. :) It's not quite finished yet because of all of the photographing of my work process involved.  I'll be finishing up over the next few days and will share here on my blog as soon as it's finished!

I have always enjoyed selling on Etsy.  I have a lot of really great customers that have come back to me again and again through that website.  I'm taken aback by this whole out of the blue e-mail questioning my product integrity. So, of course, I'm going to comply with their wishes and we'll see how it turns out.

Here's a photo my husband took of me working away:


This is usually where I am! In this chair with my giant basket of yarn or on the couch with my hooks and needles near by... and the baby monitor, of course. :) 


The start of a crocheted flower embellishment. I do, in fact, make these by hand!

I'm going to post a pattern for my crocheted layered flowers so you can try them yourself! That will come in the near future... keep your eyes open!

___________________________________________________________________

So anyway, as I'm feeling a little blue this morning, I hop on over to my facebook page to see what's going on over there today and find this:


It's a sweet comment from my lovely friend Melissa over at Missy B Photography that says: 

"I just wanted to stop by and tell you how hapy I am to have found you! Your hats are so perfect and I'm so happy to call you a friend too! :)"

Talk about perfect timing! Melissa is absolutely the sweetest girl who I've had the pleasure of working with many times in the past year. She does beautiful photography work and beyond that is a truly sweet and enjoyable person to know. I'm blessed to know her and call her a friend! Thank you for the pick me up, you must have just known I needed it today. You're the best Missy B!

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Thanks for listening... I feel so much better! Happy Thursday!

xoxo, Lisa



Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Fun FREE Printalbes!

This is a fun and easy DIY project! My son had his Christmas party at school today and we were in charge of bringing little favors for each child to take home. As busy as I am with my shop and everything else this year, I opted for something e-a-s-y! I'm sure many of you can relate. ;) 

Here's what I did:


I headed over to Pixel Stix Graphics' website and looked over her entire tab of FREEBIE printables! There are a lot of tags and other goodies to choose from so your options are endless.

I downloaded my chosen tags and printed off the desired number of tags.  I cut mine with scissors and wrote the names of the kids in by hand. 


I bought these adorable candy cane sticks at my local Sam's Club which came attached with a holiday themed gummy and a little ribbon. They were super adorable, but I thought it would be extra special for the kids to have their names attached.


After getting my tags all cut and written out, I punched a hole in one of the upper corners to thread the ribbon through.  The ribbons were on twist ties so I removed them from the candy cane and threaded my tags on.


Like so. :)


Then it was time to reattach the ribbon with its new beautiful tag. I simply twisted.


Then pushed it down so it laid flat against my candy cane.


Ta-da!


I put them back in their original box for a beautiful display. How cute and easy are they?!
Of course the kids were excited to have something that belonged just to them to take home.  

I'll have to say, it's definitely worth your time to head over to Pixel Stix Graphics to check out these tags which could have a million uses around the holidays! She has these and many more totally FREE printables available.
Also find her on facebook! www.facebook.com/PixelStixGraphics

Here's a sneak peek at some more of her amazing freebies:


Some adorable displays to place in a frame... class up any party table in an instant!


FREE scrapbook paper?! Woo-hoo! The possibilities are endless!


The oh-so-cute and ever popular cupcake toppers! I also like to use these as favor tags or to stick on to silverware as a faux napkin ring. Again, your imagination is the limit!

Thanks for all of the fun and free holiday inspiration Val!



Happy Holidays!  I'll be back soon with some fun Tri-Bec Creations news for 2012. :) Great giveaways and new products coming... I can't wait to see what the new year brings! Until then I will be enjoying the last days of 2011. What a great year!

xoxo, Lisa



Monday, December 19, 2011

Tri-Bec Creations + Pixel Stix Graphics

Happy Monday! 

It really is a happy Monday! Different from regular Mondays. It's the Monday before Christmas! There's definitely holiday cheer in the air and the hustle and bustle of  preparing to celebrate is upon us.  I know at my house we're busy baking, decorating, wrapping, watching Christmas movies, reading Christmas books, and doing lots of other fun things. :)


The sweet and lovely Valerie over at Pixel Stix Graphics has been kind enough to feature me on her blog today! Check out her Spotlight on Tri-Bec Creations

Where should I start with Val? She is fun, funky, hilarious, and an absolute breeze to work with! She has an absolutely amazing eye for graphic design which is her speciality.  She designed this blog plus all of my shop and facebook graphics and business cards. On top of doing that, she does great custom work like this flier she designed for me:


And my facebook graphic:


In addition to business design she does those always adorable printable parties! Cupcake toppers, invitations, bottle labels, favor tags, you name it! As if that weren't enough, she is giving away 12 different designs for FREE during her 12 days of Christmas!

Over on her blog, www.pixelstixgraphics.com, she has a tab just for freebie printables that can be downloaded.


 Adorable bottle wrappers.


So sweet cupcake toppers. Val recommends a 2" round punch for these which can be purchased at your local craft store.

Head over to her website to check out these and the rest of the free goodies! You'll be so glad you stopped by!  While you're there check out her adorable shop: www.pixelstixgraphics.etsy.com and find her on facebook: www.facebook.com/PixelStixGraphics.


Happy Monday all... and you know I couldn't leave without sharing another adorable photo from Photography by Jessica Rivera:


What an adorable little pixie! Coming soon to my shop.


Happy Monday everyone, I hope you are having an amazing holidays season!

xoxo, Lisa

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

3rd Gloomy Tuesday

I've posted the past two Tuesdays about how gloomy it was outside and wanted things to brighten up. Well... we meet again. Tuesday. Gloomy outside. Yuck.

Today I've made a big pot of chicken and dumplings with a side of mashed potatoes. I'm trying to decide if I want to make corn bread or biscuits to go with it... I guess I'll let the kids and hubs decide later. Yum! 

My family will definitely be happy tonight! My hubby has also been building us nice fires in our fireplace so it's been cozy and inviting in our house.  With the Christmas tree and lights glowing it's a good place to be on a cold winter night. 

I wanted to share a sweet photo from Photography by Jessica Rivera that puts me in the spirit for the season!


Isn't he the sweetest in his little blue jeans? I adore!

Here's another AWEOMSE freebie from Val over at Pixel Stix Graphics:


Aren't they adorable? Very on trend chevron patterned bottle wrappers with cheery red Christmas accents! Great to take your party decor to the next level of gorgeous. Pop by her website to download then for free and check out her other great freebies!

Here's my recipe for chicken and dumplings. It's crazy easy and delicious!

Chicken & Dumplings

-2, cups of cooked cubed chicken
-10, bullion cubes, chicken flavor
-8, cups water
-1/2, 24 oz. package Mary B's frozen open kettle dumplings (use 12 oz.)
-1, stick butter (1/2 lb.)
-1/2 cup cold water
-1/4 cup corn starch

1. Combine 8 cups water and bullion cubes in a large pot.  Bring to a rolling boil and add frozen dumplings, breaking them into desired size pieces.

2. Reduce heat and cover.  Allow to cook for 30-40 minutes or until dumplings are tender, stirring frequently.

3. In the meantime, combine 1/2 cup of cold water and 1/4 cup of corn starch in a small bowl whisking together until there are absolutely no lumps (re-stir right before adding to your hot dumplings).

4.  Remove lid from dumplings and add the stick of butter (you could totally leave this out but oh my gosh, it's delicious!) and the corn starch mixture.  Add the cubed chicken.

5. Stir until the dumpling gravy thickens, the butter is totally melted, and the chicken is warmed through.

6. Serve with mashed potatoes or however you like.  Makes great leftovers! Heats up well and freezes well so make a double batch! Enjoy!


Happy Tuesday! Let's hope for a brighter one next week!

xoxo, Lisa

Monday, December 12, 2011

My Favorite Things

The holiday season is here in full force! It is finally really cold here... I'm definitely not complaining that fall seemed to stay forever this year, but being cold makes it feel like Christmas time.  I thought I would share a few of my favorite things.

Okay, they may not be as fabulous as Oprah's and I might not be giving them away for free but maybe you will draw some inspiration about your own gift giving or receiving. ;) Enjoy!
A fun and spunky addition to the closet.
$95



Any and all of these are gorgeous, well made, and a great addition to the home.
$25 & up


Tons of color, pattern, and font choices. I ordered a barbie pink and key lime green in chevron pattern. :)
$54


Can be dressed up for any occasion. I'm already imagining ribbon weaved through them to suit my theme... on in each size, please!
$43-$65


A great addition to any kitchen from the casual cook to the serious chef.
$29.95


Printable Christmas Cupcake Toppers from Pixel Stix Graphics
While you're baking, make it look extra special and adorable with these sweet little toppers from Valerie over at Pixel Stix Graphics.
FREE

Gorgeous and long lasting shadows in one adorable package.
$46


I don't remember a Christmas that I haven't eaten a box of chocolates!
$15
I'm already dreaming of summer and the beach!
$59-$69 each


Great for winter and totally stylish! Uggs, I believe you have been replaced.
$140


This handmade soap is made with real coffee grounds! They say it's great for exfoliating and I'm sure wonderfully awakening on mornings you're not so happy to be out of bed.
$5.50


A great gift for the trendy photographer or stylish mom in your life! tribeccreations@yahoo.com
Any amount.


Enjoy the holidays!
Don't forget to visit me on


to view the rest of my favorite goodies this year and the rest of my pinboards.

xoxo, Tri-Bec

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

New Cuteness for ANOTHER Gloomy Tuesday

I last posted a week ago on a gloomy Tuesday.  Here I am again, on another gloomy Tuesday! I have some sweetness to brighten our days though.  Here you go:

Beautiful photo by Photography by Jessica Rivera
Sweet Little Pixie Hat... Coming Soon!
Chunky Double Pom Jester Hat... Coming Soon!


Now doesn't that totally brighten up your day? Seriously. Babies in hats. Cutest. Thing. Ever! 

I also wanted to share with you this story about my older son:

Does everyone have Elf on the Shelf at their house? My 2 year old decided he wanted to name ours "Elf" and that he didn't like him.

I read him the book and he thought about it for a minute. Then he grabbed Elf and put him back in his box and said, "You be quiet Elf. Get in your box Elf. You be quiet Elf!"

Maybe there's something he doesn't want Santa to know about? I know it was pretty darn funny!


I just finished sharing this on my facebook page. Too funny! My children definitely brighten my life! Mama loves you boys so much!


Have a great day everyone!

xoxo, Tri-Bec