New blog

Hi there
I realize I haven't written here in way too long.
This having 2 blogs is hard.
I never know what to write where or what.
Eh, it is tough and I am going to attempt to post here for often.

I have been busy with finishing my book, {Renee In Cancerland} which I am so excited about!!

I have gotten back into my peaceful painting place.

Here is what I have been working on:

I got my Etsy store back up and running to...check it out.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/EmbracingLifeLoveArt

Easy & inexpensive gift card holder

I love giving gift cards to people so they can buy what they want, but I also want them to feel like they are opening a gift too.  These gift card holders are so fun & easy and make the recipient feel like they are opening a real gift – and you can write in it too, so you have a card and gift in one!

Finished bag

How to:

Get a basic brown paper bag - lunch bag

Fold bottom of bag up

Sew the seams together - I use the zig zag stitch because it looks cute.  If you don't have a sewing machine, you can just tape together.

 What the "pocket" looks like - this is where the gift card will go

 Punches I used - the white ones are Martha Stewart and the black one is Stampin' Up

I didn't have an actual gift card to put in, so I used a painted credit card! :)

The tag on the bag is from this post.

If you make one of these, please post a picture on Face Book - I would love to see what you create from the how to's

Gift box for son

With me mailing out stuff for Etsy lately, my son (who is 4.5 yrs old) has been all over me to send him a surprise box in the mail.  I hit the skylander mother-load the other day and knew this was the perfect time to send him his surprise box.

I had seen this balloon idea on Pinterest.  I wish I had more balloons to fill to whole box, but it was what it was and he will love it just as it is.  We had some candy left over from Valentine’s Day, so I threw some of that in as well.



 I made him a simple tag with the fun monster on it (you know, all boys love monsters!) He will be so excited to open this…I can’t wait!