Love, Joleen Photography Blog

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1. I loved this idea on the Paper Source blog. These turned out so cute!

2. Raspberry Lemon Drop from California Pizza Kitchen. Delish!

3. This lovely spread is from Trader Joes and was part of our most recent Crafter's Night Out.

4. Looooooove how my nails turned out! ♥ Sally Hansen Hard As Nails (Twisted Pink); Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen (Neon Pink); Hot Kiss Glitter (don't use a top coat!)

5. Sweetest little Knit Heart Coin Purse. Had to have this! The most unique Valentine's Day gifts found here. I especially love Shakespeare's Love Sonnets (gorgeous illustrations and lettering) and this Honeysuckle Mercury Glass Candle (it smells divine!) 

6. Sample Valentine favor/treat. To make this you need: Jars (can be found at thrift and antique shop used or at the grocery/big box store new);  Valentine Hang Tag Kit, Hearts Shapes Pack (simple but I've used this for tons of projects!); Burlap or other fabric; Cord or ribbon; Fired Brick Distress Ink (optional); Stickles Glitter Glue for embellishing; Foam Squares (optional; I'm obsessed with adding dimension); Valentines Rubber Stamps (embossing supplies optional but recommended).

*The views expressed in this blog are my own. They have not been reviewed or approved by Paper Source.

Valentine Hearts 12x12 Layout - Tutorial

Hi!!! I know it's been a gazillion years but I've just had one thing going on after another. I just wanted to pop in to say hello for now and to share a little tutorial. (Click on the image to enlarge.) Everything used on this layout can be found at Paper Source. Happy creating!!! ♥

*The views expressed in this blog are my own. They have not been reviewed or approved by Paper Source.

50 for $100

Choose from any of these designs! Ends November 20th! Email me with any questions. ♥

2011 Holiday Gift Guide - Guys

1. I got the Kindle Keyboard last Christmas and I'm obsessed with it. There are other versions now, including a touch screen, but this is really easy to use at a reasonable cost. Load it up with games and/or books or throw an Amazon giftcard in his stocking.

2. Whiskey Rocks are used to chill a single malt without diluting it. "These soapstone cubes are milled by the oldest soapstone workshop in the United States." Sounds good to me!

3. These Trick Golf Balls crack me up! I know a couple of guys who need these this year. :)

4. "Where I've Been" Scratch Map Travel Edition" - think lottery ticket meets world map; track and share your travels in a unqiue way. I think it would look great in his office.

5. The Limited Edition Dark Side Star Wars Moleskine Journal is great for the guy who loves Star Wars and journaling/keeping notes. I love my Moleskine journals!

6. Along with his awesome new journal, he'll need a Moleskine Roller Pen! "Crafted by the makers of legendary notebooks, this refillable pen with cap and clip is easy to take with you and writes wonderfully. 0.7mm". I recently purchased one for a friend and he says he loves it!

7. The Walking Dead: Season 1 - "Arguably the biggest hit of the 2010 television season, the apocalypse drama The Walking Dead pulls the zombie subgenre out of its overexposed doldrums and finds, ironically enough, the humanity and emotion beneath its rotting shell." This is such a great show! I can't imagine a guy who wouldn't love it. ;)

8. Golfers BBQ Set - Hello! Golf and BBQ?! I know a few dads that would love this quirky gift. Great price, too!

9. "5: Where Will You Be Five Years From Today" - "Where will you be five years from today? You are the hero of the story in this delightful book by Dan Zadra and Kristel Wills that celebrates all the promise and possibilities in life. Inspiring and empowering, 5 helps you explore your potential while motivating you to take the driver's seat in life...Carpe diem! Makes a great coffee table book or gift." I was first introduced to this book earlier this year (or late last year?) by the family I worked for. I love the concept of this book. Such a great gift for the planner/goal oriented guy in your life.

*The views expressed in this blog are my own. They have not been reviewed or approved by Paper Source.

2011 Holiday Gift Guide - Kids

1. Chocolate Magic Milk Straws (there is also one with mint) would make the perfect stocking stuffer.

2. This custom color Alphabet & Numbers Nursery Art Print Set would be great in any child's room. You get to select your own colors!

3. By far my favorite kids item this season - Smencils - takes me back to the scented markers of years past, only these are colored pencils! *swoon*

4. Custom/Commissions Portrait by D. Passarelli - lovely!

5. Obviously I'm partial to pugs; loving this take on the traditional piggy bank. :)

6. Plush Fox Pillows - unique, handmade, art AND a toy. Fabulous.

7. What child doesn't like stickers?! With the baby xyron they can turn anything [1.5" wide] (stamped/drawn images; written name; ribbon; etc.) into a sticker!!

8. Where was Seedling when I was a kid? These crafting kits are so awesome they make me want to BE a kid. The kit pictured is the Seedling. Paint a Wooden Family kit.

9. "Doodles At Dinner" are tear-away coloring placemats that have step by step drawing instructions.

10. Crayon Rolls are the perfect handmade gift for a young crafter to store his/her crayons. These would be perfect with the doodle sheets in a "to-go" bag for any little one. I love this print.

11. Mr. and Ms. Food Face are a hoot! Playing with your food is encouraged.

*The views expressed in this blog are my own. They have not been reviewed or approved by Paper Source.

St. Ive's Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Expo

Come visit me at the Garlic Festival Foods booth today at St. Ive's Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Expo!!

Sunday, Nov 6 12:00 to 5:00 pm.

"Annual event featuring 40+ of the Southeast's finest artisans and crafters, plus a gourmet bake sale. Handcrafted gold & silver jewelry, fashion accessories, holiday décor, handmade organic soaps & beauty products, unique gifts for everyone on your holiday list. $5.00 admission includes shopping tote and raffle ticket. All proceeds go to charities CGSI supports: North Fulton Community Charities, STAR House, Mary Hall Freedom House, CHRIS Kids, Wellspring Living and Assistance League of Atlanta."

St. Ives Country Club
One Saint Ives Country Club Dr.
Duluth, GA 30097
(770) 623-1239

My Christmas Wishlist

1. Mia Limited Edition Colisseum Bootie - these shoes are TDF! I would love them in any and all the colors they have but my favorite are probably the dark brown. So cute!!

2. I've mentioned it before but I REALLY love this Rose camera bag in the color teal by Jo Totes. It would make photo sessions so much easier and it's super stylish to boot!

3. Over the years I have collected several girl, bird, and birdcage pieces of art. "a GOOD bird" archival print would be the perfect addition!

4. I have been swooning over the Fujifilm Instax MINI 7s White Instant Film Camera ever since Polaroid stopped making Polaroid film. I seriously want this camera.

5. Love this California love (Orange County) car decal! I need to sport that, especially here in Georgia. ;)

6. An Amazon giftcard so I can buy more books for my Kindle that I'm obsessed with!!

7. I love the Mini Diana Camera. Every day at work I pick one up and dream about having one of my own! Ha! ...but seriously.

8. This Doily Rubber Stamp is too cute!

9. Since my birthday is St. Patrick's Day I'm somewhat obsessed with all things Shamrock. Especially really cute things like this ring. I love it! (and I'm a size 8, btw.)

10. LOVING any and all paper (washi) and fabric tape!! Pretty Tape has fabulous prints but I especially like these and these.

11. The. Most. Adorable. Use. Of. Matryoshka. Prints. EVER! - Babushkups Nesting Glasses from Fred Flare. (Also found at Paper Source, although currently not online.)

12. I don't usually use punches but I've seen too many cute things created with the Martha Stewart Classic Butterfly Punch!

13. I've had this Vintage Salvage Wooden Chair Back - Upcycled Jewelry Holder favorited on Etsy forever. I think it's so clever and quite lovely.

14. This "Camera" clear polymer rubber stamp was made for me. Obviously. ;)

15. There is one more thing I really want.. it's a vintage camera print reusable bag and its AWESOME but for some reason I can't find it online. I'll show you when I do.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>   What are some of the things on your wishlist this year?

SMILE Mini Accordian Book

Yesterday at Paper Source one of my managers and I were talking about ideas for tween workshops/classes. I suggested the accordion kits would make fun albums and they're clearanced right now for only 2 bucks! Before I left I purchased a Mini Basic Accordion Kit (with Chartreuse paper), a couple new sheets of scrapbook paper, and Stickles (Lagoon). I already had the rest of the supplies [shown above] as well as the word stickers (not pictured). To create this album you will also need scissors, adhesive, and foam squares for dimension. It should cost you less than $10 and a couple hours of your time to make!

*The views expressed in this blog are my own. They have not been reviewed or approved by Paper Source.

Autumn 2011 Mini Book Flip Through 1 | Video

I have been blogging for nearly SEVEN(!!) years. I can't even believe it's been that long but it has. Over the years I have made many lovely blogging friends. I've come across fabulous artists and unique online shops. I am hoping that through this sponsorship opportunity I can share them with you and you with my readers! If you have a blog or shop that you think is fitting for this blog and are interested in becoming a sponsor, here is all the information you need:

Instructions:

1. E-mail me (joleen.thiessen@gmail.com) with your link & ad image, and the months you wish to reserve an ad space. If you are interested in having me design your ad image there is a one time fee of $25.

2. If you are reserving a Medium or Large ad, please include your 3-5 sentence bio and photo you wish to appear on the group sponsor post. If you are reserving a Feature ad, we will discuss the feature post | giveaway via email.

3. I will send you an invoice via Paypal and payment will need to be completed to place your ad.

Thank you so much! I appreciate your support!! ♥