Happy Thanksgiving & Happy Shopping!

Happy Thanksgiving Blogland!

Hope your day is filled with family, good food, and memorable events!

Enjoy 30% in my Etsy shop now through Monday 12am PST! Just enter "CYBERMONDAY" as a coupon code!

xoxoxoxo,

A Halloween Must!

Hi Blogland!

I have some Halloween festivities to share with you! 

Every year, Chris & I watch Nightmare Before Christmas. And every year, we make Pumpkin-tinis! mmMMMmm :D

I'm a HUGE Henry Selek fan, Danny Elfman fan, and Tim Burton fan. So of course, I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!

Here's some photos from NB4C memories past....

{jack skellington}

{el capitan, hollywood}

{rockin the 3D specs}

 {decorating halloween themed christmas cookies!}

Now for some Halloween fun!!

Here's a special promo just for you blog followers! Free shipping on any one item!! Woop Woop!! :D

TO REDEEM:

******YOU MUST BE A BLOG FOLLOWER! Following is easy! Just click to the left :)

Once you are a follower, here's how to use the code!

How to use the code:

1. First add an item(s) from my shop to your cart and start the check out process.
2. Enter the code in the 'notes to seller' and the email address where the revised invoice should be sent.
3. Complete the order but do NOT go to Paypal to pay.
4. You will receive a revised invoice, and a link to complete payment, via email reflecting the discount.

Enjoy :D

Happy Halloween Everybody!

xo,

Passion & Paisley Turns 1!

Who wants to win something?!?!?

Our dear friends over at Passion & Paisley just turned one & they're celebrating. Get yourselves over to her blog and find out how to win a $25 gift card to her Etsy shop. If you don't remember Nicole Agriesti, owner of Passion & Paisley, she is a previous Kristina-Nicole featured artist!

Here's a repost:

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 2010

{Artist of the Month} Nicole Agriesti

Every month we feature an "Artist of the Month": one special person who always inspires, gives that warm-fuzzy feeling, and insane desire to shop - all through their art!

This month, Kristina-Nicole is pleased to announce Nicole Agriesti as the Artist of the Month! Congrats Nicole!!

For each artist, we interview them with questions about their business, marketing, art, and who they are as a person. They always inspire both the shopper & the seller! Let's dive in:

{Q&A} 

1. Tell us a little about yourself {non-business-ey}. 

Hi! My name is Nicole, and I’m the designer behind Passion and Paisley. I’m also a college student and a bookkeeper. Although I enjoy my job as a bookkeeper, I’m pursuing a career in web design and marketing. I’m currently at a crossroads in my educational path and must decide between attending San Jose State or San Francisco State. Wherever I end up, I’m looking forward to new opportunities and experiences! I believe there is a delicate harmony between living things, which gives me great respect for nature. I love finding the beauty in ordinary things and I’m very intrigued by aesthetics. Naturally, I have always enjoyed the arts. I have a deep fondness for music of all types and some of my favorite musicians include Sade, The Grouch and Dixie Chicks. Like a typical girl, I’m emotional, I love spending money, and I’m a sucker for old-fashioned chivalry. Feel free to stop by my blog and submit a question into the “ask me anything” box!

2 . Tell us about your business & how long have you been doing this? 

Passion and Paisley is a one-of-a-kind boutique full of lovely handmade items from accessories, to gifts, to home decor. Each item is unique and created with passion. The Passion and Paisley boutique was opened in October of 2009, when I read an article in Natural Health (one of my favorite magazines), featuring various shops on Etsy. Originally, Passion and Paisley was opened as a jewelry boutique, however quite recently I re-labeled the shop to be a “handmade boutique”. I’m always learning new crafts and wanted the boutique to include designs from some of my other favorites, such as sewing and altered art. Passion and Paisley’s journey has just begun.

Wine Cork Coasters

3.Whatʼs your business name & how did you get your name? 

People often ask me how I came up with the name Passion and Paisley. I wish there was some glamorous story behind the name, but I really just came up with two words that had a lot of meaning to me. I wanted to use the word passionbecause I'm a very passionate and determined individual. No matter what I do in life, I do it wholeheartedly. I also decided to incorporate one of my favorite pattern designs, paisley. The paisley pattern is an ancient Persian design thought to symbolize life and eternity. When I combined the two words, I loved the significance it had and they way it rolled off the tongue! As simply as that, the name Passion and Paisley was born.

4. Walk us through a normal work day. What is your favorite part of your creative process? What is your least favorite part of your creative process? 

Because of my school schedule and my day job as a bookkeeper, I don’t often get a whole day to devote to creating things for the boutique. But when I do, I’m one happy girl! I don’t like to force myself to create, but rather, I like to make things as ideas pop into my head. 
A typical day of designing for me includes a trip to the craft store, because you always think of something else you need; nutrition bars, because once I’m on a roll I can’t pry myself away from what I’m making, even for food; and a HUGE mess all over my tiny apartment, because creativity thrives in chaos. 
In fact, I must say that my least favorite part of the creative process is trying to stay organized. Cleaning up is never easy and organizing hundreds of beads and other materials can be quite overwhelming! 
On the other hand, my favorite part of the creative process is seeing the ideas in your head manifested in a finished product. It’s so fun to see your idea develop as you create something, and I just love looking at the final piece!  

Yellow Lily Hair Pins

5. How do you promote your shop? 

I began promoting my shop through Facebook. I created a page for Passion and Paisley, which I use to share pictures and links of new items in the boutique along with any giveaways or sales. I’ve begun using Twitter to promote the boutique as well, but I haven’t gotten as comfortable with it as with Facebook. (If you have any Twitter tips let me know!) A few weeks ago I also created a blog on Blogger, where I promote myself and other artists. I also use the blog to share my thoughts and information about the handmade world. I like to find little ways to promote my boutique, and my favorite shops, via Etsy treasuries and networking with other artists!

6. Do you have a selling secret youʼd like to share? 

Since I’m fairly new as a handmade vendor, I don’t have any real “selling secrets” but I have made a crucial realization from a marketing class I’m taking this semester. It has become clear to me that the most successful products and brands make emotional connections with their customers. My item descriptions used to include a lot of detail about the materials and physical aspects of the item; however, lately I’ve been more descriptive with the inspiration behind the item and suggestions of how the customer could use the item in their own life. Another great tip for sellers is to get your shop on a social networking site, like the ones mentioned above. It’s an easy way to connect with your customers and keep them updated on your listings.

Garden Rose Necklace

7. What is one craft or art style that you have yet to try, but are interested in? 

I love learning new craft skills and exploring different areas of art. In fact, I’m currently in the process of learning to sew and crochet. If I could pick any new craft to learn it would be silversmithing. If I could learn to make beautiful bangle bracelets or rings out of metals, I would never leave the house again! (Except to go to the craft store of course.) I also have yet to dive into the art of scrapbooking, but would love to learn more. I have a passion for photography and think it would be great to be able to “dress up” my photos in an album. There probably isn’t any craft or art style I wouldn’t like to try!

8.What do you do for fun {when youʼre not creating}? 

I love learning new craft skills and exploring different areas of art. In fact, I’m currently in the process of learning to sew and crochet. If I could pick any new craft to learn it would be silversmithing. If I could learn to make beautiful bangle bracelets or rings out of metals, I would never leave the house again! (Except to go to the craft store of course.) I also have yet to dive into the art of scrapbooking, but would love to learn more. I have a passion for photography and think it would be great to be able to “dress up” my photos in an album. There probably isn’t any craft or art style I wouldn’t like to try! I recommend her book to every woman. 

9. What is a motto that you live by? 

I live by the motto “mind over matter.” I believe you can do whatever you truly set your mind to, and I think that the mind is stronger than most of us can imagine. Life is what you make of it and positive thinking will breed positive results! 

10. Where can we find you?

Boutique

My Blog

Facebook

Twitter 

Nicole is the May 2010 Artist of the Month & will be featured here on Kristina-Nicole during this time! I encourage  all of you blogland citizens to visit the links provided! 

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So, what are you waiting for?? You've got until October 16th to enter!

Oh, and make sure you tell her I say hello! :D

xo,

A Crazy Little Thing.... called LIFE!

SooOOOooo, my life has been a bit chaotic, how's yours?

The wedding is fast approaching - 9.5 weeks!! GAH! In the midst of trimming, inking, and gluing, I had the opportunity to check out some new scrapbooking product from the CHA 2010 Summer Release!

I work at a local So. Cal Scrapbook store (it's my ME time, even though I get a paycheck - hehe). We had received samples of the new BoBunny lines & Reminisce lines. Woo hoo am I excited! The designs are great.

BoBunny: I just love Jan Lanoy's creations! I had the opportunity to meet her way back in 2004. She autographed my favorite paper of hers at the time - sweetest lady ever!!

Anywhoo: here they are :)  ...

And the great designers at Reminisce! They never cease to amaze me - such simple designs, but ALWAYS the necessary basics! Here are just 4 of I think 12 new lines.....

Sooo cute! I can't wait to make some great projects with these!

Are there any new scrapbooking lines that you're looking forward to the new releases of?

Designer Challenge:
I didn't picture my FAVORITE company's new release here - they are quite popular and come out with releases often. First person to comment with the correct company - I'll send you a goodie pack with some of their supplies!! :D

xo,

Kristina-Nicole

xo,

Kristina-Nicole

{Bridal Show} Helping the Vendor

Hi All!

I've had one CRAZY week. I'll tell you all a little more about it later on - but I wanted to jump on really quick share some photos I found on Facebook!

I was honored to help a wedding vendor: Platinum Lining Events and owner LaDawn Williams with their give-away packages at the CWA {California Wedding Association} Bridal Show, at the Ontario Marriott, in California. They had a show in April. Many Inland Empire Brides were there & they had such a successful event! 

Above are some of the pictures from the show. To see all the photos, CLICK HERE.

Platinum Lining Events is a wedding planning and event coordinating company. The company wanted a give-away box that brides would love & represent them as a company. Kristina-Nicole used PLE's business card as the starting point for the design. 

Kristina-Nicole (as Executive Designer - I personally created these for her) used a beautiful flocked 

damask print in red - 

to mimic the red flourish border on PLE's business card. 

All the give-away boxes were acrylic pillow boxes. Gorgeous!! And the perfect shape for PLE's desire to fill them with Bridal spa and pampering goodies!

Then, we created a circular tag that resembled their central logo. We even matched the font! 

All the papers flocked (velvet-like texture) and the cardstock textured. The ribbon used was a sheer, elegant teal ribbon, with satin ruffled edges (I adore May Arts ribbon - it's my favorite company to use!)

I wanted to say a special THANK YOU to LaDawn & Platinum Lining Events for allowing me to be part of your bridal show day & helping represent your company to the brides! :D

xo,

Swapping It Out

I am really excited (and ashamed to announce) that I am participating in my first swap!

{Swap: a scrapbooking term used to describe the exchange of supplies and materials between two or more scrapbookers, card makers, and paper-lovers. Swaps can be done in person or through mail. Swaps can be set up through one on one decisions or group swaps, aka clubs. The supplies of the swap can be from your own stash of supplies, purchased, or something created specifically for the swap, i.e. a tag swap}


I met Lynda, the woman I'm swapping with, via The Paper Pantry. I have an online profile there and she found me! We had been talking about swapping when I admitted that I was a newbie. We decided to give it a go!!

How We Set Up Our Swap:
{1.} Emailed each other 3 questions -about our scrapbooking personalities, and other hobbies, fav. colors....
{2.} Used the 6 questions total & provided the answers to the other person.
{3.} Using these answers we "shopped" our own supplies.

This is what I'm sending her {you can click on the photos to make them bigger}:

She loves to journal (hence a whole assortment of journal tags and spots. And bright colors: there's pink, aqua, orange, yellow, red, blue, green....

Her swap kit includes:

{4} Anna Griffin Journal Tags
{9} Maya Road Acrylic Journal Embellishments
{5} Making Memories Journal Spots
{2} My Mind's Eye Accessory Sheets
{13} Making Memories Self-Adhesive Acetate Flower Diecuts
{6} Pieces of Ribbon: Teal Ruffle, Light Pink Ruffle, Pink Grosgrain with Dots, White Stripes, Teal with          
      MultiColor Dots, Green RicRac
{1} Studio G Cupcake Rubber Stamp
{17} Making Memories Chipboard Diecuts

I can't wait to get my package! Just wanted to share. :D
xo,

p.s. If you ever want to do a swap, let me know! I'd love to!

{Winner Winner! Chicken Dinner!}

It National Scrapbooking Day!!!!! YAY!!

It has been a crazy day for me. I'm not scrapbooking today, I get to clean the house instead. However, I feel like I get the joy of scrapbooking by announcing the winner of the National Scrapbooking Day - $50 Give-Away in Supplies!!

Ready?    ....

....Ready? .....

Congratulations "Creative Woman"! You are my winner of $50 of scrapbooking supplies! Please email me or use the "Ask Me Anything" box above to claim your products! I'm excited for you and I want to thank everyone that participated.


Now, I haven't done this before - but there was one person that wasn't picked through the drawing that really stood out to me.  But this person has been so involved in the drawing & really went all out to spread the word about the give-away. So, "SweetPolly" we want to thank you! You reached out to me via blog comments, becoming a blog follower, emailing me, facebooking about the give-away, becoming a fan of mine on Facebook, and leaving "likes" on the fan page too! I love your support! So I want to send you a little goodie basket too, straight from my art studio. I wanted to make sure you knew how much I appreciate all that you did (do!) Please get a hold of me so I can send them your way!


I love you all so much!

xo,

p.s. So what are you doing for National Scrapbooking Day anyhow?? Leave a comment & let me know! I want some inspiration!!! :)

{Give-Away} Come Celebrate National Scrapbooking Day!!

Saturday, May 1st, 2010 is National Scrapbooking Day in the U.S. And I know many of you are preparing your Crop N' Styles, travel paper trimmers and "pages I've got to get done" for this weekend! Some of you may be going to a retreat, a day crop, taking a class at a local scrapbook store, or just setting aside "me time" away from the fam.

Either way, you'll be using a LOT of materials this weekend. So instead of having a give-away before National Scrapbook Day, we're hosting one ON NATIONAL SCRAPBOOKING DAY!!!

Yippie!!!!

"So.... what am I getting?," you might be asking....

Well here we go:

We're giving away $50.00 of scrapbooking supplies from the Kristina-Nicole studio!  Yep, $50 bucks worth of scrap supplies - enough to replenish part your stash or to even add to it!! If you're not a scrapper, you can always use these supplies toward your very own Etsy shop creations, start a scrapbook, or hey - you could find a scrapbooker & they'll probably barter with you for the supplies!! :)

"So..... what does $50.00 of scrapbooking supplies from the Kristina-Nicole studio include....?," you might say....

It will include supplies from the following vendors:

And may include things like buttons, rhinestones, ribbon, 3D glitter letters.... and much, much MORE!!!!





{How to Enter to Win}


1. MANDATORY ENTRY:  Follow Kristina-Nicole's blog { yep that's right, just following us here} AND leave a comment below about what you would do with the supplies if you won!


2. For one additional entry: Join Kristina-Nicole's email list. {click here to visit her site and sign up! It's a cinch & will only take you 3.5 seconds to do!!}


3. For one additional entry: Become a fan of {or like} Kristina-Nicole on Facebook. {Leave a comment there so we can give you credit!!}


4. For one additional entry:  Post/write about this give-away on your facebook profile(s), including a link to this blog post. {Send us an email with your page(s) so we can give you credit for each one!!}


5. For one additional entry: You can tweet about this give-away, including a link to this blog post. {Send us an email with your twitter address so we can give you credit!!} 






Good luck out there!! 


The lucky winner will be announced Saturday May 1st!  


xo,

Wedding Cake Box Give-Away!

The wedding season is quickly approaching! As we prepare for the busy season, our partners at MelonCauliflower have graciously asked us to sponsor a give-away! It’s that time again - make sure you get entered in to win!

What’s up for grabs? A wedding cake card box! 

Pictured above is a square, 4 tier cake. These card boxes are custom made to match your wedding colors! It is also the PERFECT decoration for your gift table at your wedding! [[and makes the perfect gift for the bride in your family]].

Please visit our partner MelonCauliflower for all the information! 

Rules:

1. • Mandatory entry: you must join Kristina-Nicole’s email list AND leave comment on MelonCauliflower’s Post with your wedding date and proposed card box”theme” (don’t worry, we won’t hold you to it if you win). You must do both for a giveaway entry!
2. • For one additional entry, you can follow MelonCaulifower’s twitter 
3. • For one additional entry, you can become a fan of meloncauliflower on facebook
4. • For one additional entry, you can become a fan of Kristina-Nicole on facebook
5. • For one additional entry, you can tweet about this giveaway

Restrictions:

You will be entered to win a 2-tier, square custom card box by Kristina-Nicole, an $80 value. You must pay for shipping. You may choose any type of cake topper - up to $35 value. Name and date inscription included, yet optional. Estimated creation time is three weeks.

Deadline for entry into the contest is 11:59pm EST on Sunday, February 6, 2010. Winner will be announced Monday, February 7, 2010. Good luck :)

xo,