Will You Be My Bridesmaid?

My friend got engaged this past holiday season and is excitedly planning her wedding for next year. To my amusement, she places random wedding facts on her profile practically each day.

She wanted to ask her beloved ones to be part of her bridal party in a special way, and I was honored to help her do it! She concludes each of her special poems with "Will you be my bridesmaid/maid of honor/man of honor?" At her request, I used colors of expresso, burgundy, and champagne on the candy wrappers.

I've been waiting for awhile to share this post with ya'll as I waited for her to ask everyone, and I'm so happy that I can finally share them! :)


*Photos taken by Kristina Reyes

Dove Cards

Christmas season may be officially over, but I wanted to share some cards that I designed. We had to mail presents to family members that couldn't share the holidays with us, and I didn't feel like buying Christmas cards. I have tons of blank cards at home, so I decided to create a simple design--that wasn't too Christmasy since the presents would reach them late. I designed the card with a dove and the word "peace." Voila!

Happy New Year!

It's been quiet here lately, and it's because we've been visiting our families out of town for the holidays. Surf in California and snow in Utah--what more could you ask for? Not to get sick on the plane ride back home, that is. Tristan and I have been battling a cold ever since we got back home on New Year's. It's just been a lot of liquids and sleep for us.

I'm so excited! While I was home, I got another candy wrapper order for a high school graduation! =) And, today, I reconnected with an old friend and am working on something special for her, too! Yay!

I hope 2009 brings everyone health, wealth, and happiness!

FAM-Made for the Holidays

Christmas is just around the corner with 22 days left to shop for your loved ones! For some wonderful one-of-kind gifts, visit Fabulous Artistic Mom's (I'm a proud member) FAM Made Holiday Gift Guide 2008. For 12 days (until December 12th), they are sharing holiday gift ideas and cheer for the whole family, so check back often! Just enough time to find the perfect gifts for your loved ones!

Promises

I've always been a lover for fortune cookies. It's the best part of my meal when I eat at Chinese restaurants. There's something magical about cracking that cookie open and reaching for that small piece of paper that predicts your future or shares a bit of wisdom.

I was so happy when I discovered that Dove decided to mix my love for dark chocolate with words of inspiration. Since I've decided to cut back on indulging in my Dove Bars, I treat myself to a piece--sometimes two or three--of Dove Promises practically every night.

"Believe in yourself." -Dove Promises Message

Oh, boy, was this something I needed to unwrap and believe. It's been quite some time now that I've been saying I'll probably start up Sweet Posy Designs, but I've been hesitating and it's mostly because I'm not as confident in my work as I would like to be. I tend to compare my designs and ideas to other artists and think that their work is better or that I won't end up selling any of my work. My friend had to remind me that every one has their own style and that I do have great designs. So when I unwrapped this chocolate candy, I thought it was life giving me a message. As I shared earlier, I finally decided to take the plunge this past weekend and set up shop on Etsy. Even though I only have two designs up right now, I'll get there, I just have to believe in myself.

And on the topic of Dove Promise, you can send an e-promise to a friend! There are many different themes: friendship, love, hope, inspiration, confidence, indulge, attitude, and life. You can even create your own message! Plus, Dove partnered with Susan G. Komen to capture the strength, compassion, and voice of women who have overcome the battle in their own lives. Breast cancer survivors can log on and enter their own words of hope and inspiration, and these emotional messages will be transferred onto the Dove chocolate wrappers in an effort to spread breast cancer awareness. Spread the word--the program lasts only until November 30, 2008. Hopefully they extend it or just make it an ongoing program!

I took the Handmade Pledge

I finally did it! With a finnicky wi-fi connection, I was finally able to set up my shop, Sweet Posy Designs, on Etsy. I only have two designs advertised right now, but I'll create more products once things calm down around here.

I've sold numerous items on many sites before--eBay, Amazon, half.com, but I must admit that it was harder for me to sell on Etsy. Not that it's difficult--the steps are easy to follow and there's tons of support from teams and other members. Perhaps it's more that it's personal and meaningful to me because it's a business of my designs rather than another company's products. I took lots of time in figuring out my policies, shipping, pricing, listings, etc, and I'm happy with the layout. If you have a chance, take a look at my shop, and let me know what you think. I'd love to hear your feedback so I know what I can improve on! Thanks!

Now if only Blogger would stop being temperamental with me as well and show me the link, "Add a Gadget," on my Layout page, I'll be able to advertise my listings on here! Oh, how I hate the internet connection out here!

DIY Chocolate Bar Wrappers Rachel Ray Style

Rachel Ray knows how to end a party in style! She shares these Sweet Talkers for you to customize for any occasion! All you have to do is buy jumbo chocolate bars (5 oz.) and customize your pick with your name and date. Print, cut, fold, and glue. Voila! You just made your own candy bar favors!

These designs are wonderful, and I'm inspired to create more designs! I just need to find the time!

Thanks, Shawna, for the tip!