Andrea's blog

Wood. Paint. Stencils. Letters. And more of the same. I'm neck-deep in sign orders thanks to my November sale, but having a great time making all these custom signs!  Here's a peek at several in-progress (before the "weathering" process):

And that's just one batch! :) Here's hoping for good painting weather over the next week!

Oh, if this isn't the cutest little scrapbook store music video, I don't know what is (or even if another one exists!)  My friends at Scrapbook.com produced it for this holiday season! Enjoy!

I made this sign a couple of weeks ago and decided it was too small and that I needed a larger version for our dining room.  Just in time for Thanksgiving, I got it finished and hung up and it looks just perfect hanging above our dining room table:

Evidently our dining room is an impossible room to photograph.  This is the best I could do.  but I did include a couple of our counted blessings in the photo. ;)

Just a week left for the Signs by Andrea November Special. Get your orders in now to take advantage of the Buy One, Get One free deal!  I've been a sign-making fool for the past two weeks filling orders.  If you have something special in mind that you don't see in the gallery or on the order form, just email me (signs@andreasteed.com) and I'll work with you to create exactly what you want!

Thank you to everyone who shared my November Buy One, Get One Free Sale (and especially to those who have ordered!). 

The sale continues through the end of the month!  There's still plenty of time to get your orders in.  Don't see exactly what you want? No problem.  Just email me and I'll be happy to work with you to create a sign that's *just right* for you!

And now...the winner of our giveaway:

Congratulations to Shaunda Eppes! 

===============

Shaunda Eppes (not verified) | Tue, 11/16/2010 - 14:54

Check your email for information on how to redeem your free sign! 

Receiving holiday cards from family and friends every year is the highlight of the season to me.  Even in the new everyone's-connected world of Facebook, Twitter, smart phones and blogs, it's still nice to get a card, especially photo cards, in the real-deal-snail-mail mailbox.  Don't you agree?  

Every year, someone (or several someones) ask me where I get my holiday cards printed, if I'll help them make their family's card, etc.  So, this year, I want to do a little holiday card tutorial and show you what I do to get our holiday cards DONE every year:

1. Get a good family photograph.  Not an easy task.  But essential, I think, to a great holiday card.  Not that I don't appreciate the pretty greeting cards, (because I use those too) but mostly I want to see how much everyone has changed each year.  And as you may have heard me say before...I strongly believe the WHOLE family should be included in at least one shot that you share.  Because, yes, your kids are cute, but I was friends with YOU first so I want to see your smiling face too! 

   As far as what *kind* of photo?  The sky is the limit.  I like posed portraits and smiling faces, but candid pictures of a memorable event from the year (like a graduation or wedding) can give a fun little peek into your world.  I also get a big kick out of the silly holiday photos - you may remember some of our past photo cards:

   

   

   And a silly outtake from our 2010 photo shoot:

   
    

2. Establish a list.  If you haven't already, start making your list and checking it twice.  Who are you sending cards to? How many do you need? Are all of the addresses up-to-date?  I keep a spreadsheet on my computer and update it each year, adding new people, checking addresses for people who I know have moved, and adding in the names of new babies, new spouses, etc.  That way I don't have to start from scratch with a new list every year and risk forgetting someone.  I also use this same spreadsheet later to import into a Word document to print the addresses directly onto the envelopes, which makes addressing the cards a breeze.
    
3. Pick out a holiday card design.  We use Zazzle.com for our photo holiday cards.  They offer great quality, a good price, and TONS of selection.  Plus, you can design your own card if you don't like the designs you see online and are so graphically inclined.  Personally, I like the long cards that leave plenty of room for a full photo and a greeting, but they have lots of sizing options and styles to choose from and they all include envelopes.  My favorite designer at Zazzle is "The Spotted Olive."  Such cute designs.  

   This was our card in 2009:

   

   And here's what we settled on for 2010:

   

   And 2011:

   

    

4. Add your greeting and text. Since our family and friends celebrate both Hannukah and Christmas, we usually stick to something along the lines of "Season's Greetings" or "Happy Holidays."  I also highly recommend including each of your names, first & last, as well as the year somewhere on your card.  Yes, everyone you send a card to should know this information already, but not everyone will remember that you named your 5th kid "Brutus".  A reminder never hurts.
    
5. Place your order.  Make sure to order your cards in plenty of time for them to ship to you, and then for you to address them and add postage before you put them in the mail.  I usually like to have our cards mailed out in early- to mid-December. So, by the first week of December 2011 (if not sooner) I hope to have placed my order.  Also, if you're feeling really snazzy, you can add Christmas postage stamps to your order and really dress up the envelopes!  Cute, huh?  Especially if you ordered the photo cards to match...

   

    

6. Write a letter while you're waiting for your order.  (optional)  Oh, I LOVE when people include a little update about their family!  Sometimes we do, sometimes we don't.  It just depends on how much extra time I have when I'm getting these together.  We've written top ten lists, made up songs, and done person-by-person updates.  But last year I took the easy route and just included a url for my blog.

   
    

7. Admire your work.  Whoo hoo! The mail came and there they are!  A whole stack of photo cards, ready to be mailed to share with all your friends and family spread throughout the world.  You did good.  Pat yourself on the back.  Okay, now get back to work.
    
8. Assemble the envelopes.  Create a mail merge (with that spreadsheet of addresses you made) and print your envelopes. Don't curse at your printer or hit it with anything.  That won't make it work better or faster.  If it doesn't work to print them yourself, you can always hand-address each envelope, which is kind of old-school nice anyhow.

   Stuff each envelope with your snazzy photo cards, adding that note or holiday letter if you wrote one, and then have your kids or dog lick the envelopes to seal them.  No, maybe let them use a damp sponge instead.  I don't want anyone getting sick over holiday cards. 

   Finally, stick your Christmas stamps on each envelope and they're ready to go!  Be sure to separate any international addresses so you can add the correct postage for those cards. We send at least one card to Israel every year. Hi Medina family!
    

9. Mail 'em!  I think you can handle that.  Especially if you've already added the postage.  Then you don't even have to stand in line at the post office!  Just stick 'em in a mailbox and go.

So there you have it.  A holiday card from start to finish.  I guess I better figure out our photo and card for this year now that I've raised all kinds of ridiculous expectations with this post...

*edited in 2012

I have so many talented and crafty friends. And just like me, many of them are working hard to use their talents to help bring in a little extra income for their families. I wanted to share some of their business ventures and crafty products with you and ask that you give each of them a quick look. Some of these great gift ideas might be *just right* for someone on your shopping list this year!

Elizabeth Bailey / E.Bailey Photography

Elizabeth Bailey is a photographer who specializes in newborn, children, and family portraiture in the Birmingham, AL area. She is available for on location and studio sessions. She blends traditional and contemporary posing, by taking cues from the personality of each child. She wants each session to be fun and enjoyable for everyone involved. You will enjoy a gallery full of carefully edited images that are a reflection of your child's true personality. Elizabeth offers a variety of prints options, as well as albums, storyboards, custom cards, gallery wrapped canvases, and digital collections.

Join her on Facebook to get the latest information!

Andrea's Blog Special
For the month of November: Contact me and mention that you saw this post on Andrea's blog and you can purchase a gift certificate for a session fee and enjoy $50 in print credit. That is a $125 value for $75. Gift Certificate will be good through December 2011. Give as a gift or keep for yourself!

Contact Elizabeth to purchase your gift certificate or schedule a session:
elizabeth@ebaileyphotography.com, 205-276-7219

Brina Bujkovsky / The Younique Boutique, inc.

Brina makes all sorts of heirloom quality hand painted ceramics, photo gifts, personalized name prints and more!

Rebecca Falkins / Lia Sophia Jewelry Advisor

Rebecca is a Lia Sophia jewelry advisor and loves holding jewelry parties in ladies' homes! It is a fun night of games, trying on beautiful jewelry and eating yummy snacks. Lia Sophia jewelry is coated in rodium and gold so no allergies or tarnishing. All of their jewelry has a lifetime guarantee!

To book a party, just visit her website at www.liasophia.com/rebeccafalkins! We give so much to our hostesses as a thank-you for letting us enjoy your home.

Sara Lohse / Purpose Driven Creations

Sara makes Sanity Sacs. A "Sanity Sac" is a hands-on discovery pillow that has many little treasures hidden inside of it, making it a self-contained toy perfect for traveling, waiting at the doctor's office, church, etc. These 5" x 7" fleece pillows have a clear viewing window, allowing the child to see the items in the bag... they are hidden amongst small poly-pellets. A laminated reference tag is attached (which includes pictures & a list of the items to be found). Great for ages 3-103!

Libby Pritchett / Libby Pritchett Designs

Libby designs digital scrapbooking supplies that can be used to create layouts digitally or printed to make paper layouts or altered art. Her collection includes a range of products including papers, alphabets, element sets, templates, etc.

The calendar template shown on the left can be used with your choice of digital scrapbooking kits. This is perfect for month in review pages, monthly "to do" calendars, or even calendar Christmas gifts. The Advent Calendar on the right is pre-designed and can be simply printed and assembled!

Shirley Ross / Close to My Heart Consultant

Shirley is an Independent Consultant for Close To My Heart stamping and scrapbooking supplies - and loving it! She is a self-proclaimed addict to all things papercrafting and loves to share what she learns with others. Her favorite Close to My Heart project uses a bleaching technique with stamps:

Brittney Smith / Main Street Memories

Brittney makes and sells these cute personalized envelopes and notepads that make perfect gifts for teachers, friends, and family members.

Also, if you are thinking about a Walt Disney World Vacation or a Disney Cruise, she's an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner through Main Street Memories, and can help you book your vacation, make your reservations, plan your days, and give you some GREAT inside tips on how to make the MOST of your vacation! (No-Cost Service!)

Andrea Steed / Signs by Andrea

Andrea makes personalized, hand-painted, weathered, wooden signs. Each sign is made-to-order, so it can say and look however YOU want it to look. Popular choices are last names, monograms, and favorite quotes. - Gallery of Signs - Sign Ideas - Win a Free Sign!

* Also check out her "Crafter-for-Hire" page of other personalized crafty products!

Lisa Tanner / Etsy Shop

Lisa makes fun, glittery decorations for your tree, your front door, your mantel - where ever!!

By Hand Boutique

For those who are local in Alabama, you might want to check out the By Hand Boutique market next weekend - November 12 & 13th at Community Presbyterian Church in Moody, AL. Several of my favorite friend/artists are going to be showcasing their work and selling all kinds of fun goodies!

• Virginia Tillery
• Shelley Burkett
• Christine Ousley
• Lisa Tanner
• and many other talented artists...

This lens - Tamron Mega-Zoom AF18-270mm -  has been at the top of my wish list for months.  Unfortunately, it's also WAY out of my budget.  Too bad I didn't get a surprise email asking ME to review it and give one away...

Oh, but the ease and versatility that this one lens could offer...

Since I can't buy one (yet) , I'm all for taking every chance I can to win one! How about you?  Even if I'm just one in a sea of comments, for this lens I'm willing to give it a shot.

Here are several places you can enter to try and win one of your very own (works on both Nikon & Canon DSLRs):

http://reviews.pinchmysalt.com/2010/11/tamron-mega-zoom-lens-review-and-giveaway/

http://southernhospitalityblog.com/giveaway-winners/giveaways/tamron-af18-270-lens-review/

http://steamykitchen.com/11751-stuffed-zucchini-boats-recipe.html

http://nienie-reviews.blogspot.com/2010/11/tamron-lens-review.html

http://nothingbutbonfires.com/reviews/close-and-personal

http://dana-made-it-reviews.blogspot.com/2010/11/tamron-af-18-270-zoom-lens-giveaway.html

http://www.blogher.com/tamron-lens-reviews-and-sweepstakes

Good luck!  But not too much good luck...*I* want to win! ;)

You can't beat this Buy One, Get One FREE deal! 

one for a wedding gift, one for a Christmas gift

one for a friend, one for you

one for his parents, one for yours

one for Thanksgiving, one for Christmas

one for the kitchen, one for the living room

Oh, the possibilities...

To take advantage of this offer, just place a separate order for each of your signs and put "November Special" in the comments section.  I'll then contact you with complete pricing and to verify that your order is *just* right before I get started on your custom-made signs.  E-mail me at signs@andreasteed.com with any questions or for special orders!

ENTER MY GIVEAWAY: FREE sign of your choice! (up to $45 value)

Share this sale & giveaway on your blog, Facebook, Twitter and/or to friends via email (be sure to include me - signs(at)andreasteed(dot)com - in the list of recipients), and you could win a FREE sign from Signs by Andrea! 

Leave a comment here for each way you've shared the sale and tell me how you shared it! 
Use this url: http://www.andreasteed.com/node/1069

A winner will be drawn and announced here on November 17th, 2010.

Good luck and happy sharing!

WINNER ANNOUNCED! Congratulations to Shaunda Eppes!  Check your email for details on how to redeem your free sign.

Nope, I wasn't *quite* finished with the Apple Cider line from Imaginisce after all. I had one more fun project up my sleeve. 

This year, all of my siblings & parents are headed south to AL for Thanksgiving -- at our house.  Which means we're cooking!  We usually have the same traditional menu for Thanksgiving every year, but we always have to hunt down the recipes from 2-3 different recipe books.  I thought it would be helpful to collect them all in one place.  

Ben suggested photocopying them and stapling them together.  Sure. That would work, but I knew this would be SO much cuter:

And it is. :)  Now let's just hope I got the recipes copied down correctly.

When Thanksgiving rolls around, I plan to photograph each dish to put on the back of each recipe card.  And add in the recipes for the few things that Ben always "wings" (like the turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, etc.)

I *so* wish I could find the website that inspired this idea -- because it was NOT my own.  But I failed to save it, and now I can't find it.  Just know it was from someone much more clever than me. :)  Happy Halloween!