Sugar*Sugar

Special Project

I am so happy to finally show you my finished project! I've been working on this journal  project for about a month. I tried to take my time, when I could, to make it extra special and over the top!

This is a commissioned piece. The owner asked for an extra embellished journal/scrapbook with lots of goodies. She asked for sweets and candy, cakes and sugary treats, shabby chic and vintage elements in her favorite colors, pink, aqua, cream, green and bits of yellow. She wants lots of places to journal and jot down thoughts and ideas, a few photos here and there, but mostly journaling spots. I added plenty of tags, papers and pockets to hold her thoughts and ideas.

The book is 100% handmade, pages are hand constructed and sewn together for stability.

So here you go, some photo highlights of the journal... and at the end a video so you can see how some of the pages work.  Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some of the pics are a little off color and dark, it's been raining here all day, so I tried to get as much light as I could. :)

So here's the video... I just wanted to show some of the extras of the book that a photo can't really show.

Annnnd, can I just say, the youtube sound selection is..... terrible lacking. It took me 45 minutes to choose this music. NOT that I loved it, it's the best I could do... Jeff and I sat a laughed as we watched it... it reminds me of the old black and white movies.

♥♥♥♥

Analise

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I wish you all happy hearts today!

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Analise

Vintage Style Candy Boxes

Hello! Hello!

I thought I would share a quick little "how-to" today. I am always so in love with vintage Valentine boxes... you know the ones... vintage satin covered, lots of foofy lace and flowers. They are becoming really hard to come by, and when you do, they can be pretty pricey! Jessica has an amazing collection of chocolate heart boxes, you can see them at her blog, Such Pretty Things. 

A few days ago, my kids and I were doing some shopping and they asked if they could have a box of chocolates. For 99 cents, I said yes!

After they gobbled up the chocolate, I stole the boxes for this craft.

So, here we go... how to make your own Vintage Style Chocolate Candy Box!

As always, change the materials to whatever you prefer... add more lace, don't use ribbon, whatever you want to do... I just thought I would share with you how easy peasy it is to make a vintage style candy box. :0)

1. Glue paper to top and bottom of box. I used Mod Podge and just laid the box onto vintage sheet music. Let dry.

 

2. Trim the excess paper, leaving approximately 1/2 to 1 inch around the edges.

3. Wrap the excess paper over the edge of the box and glue into place.

4. Glue ribbon around the edges. Here I used seam binding ribbon and created a ruffle by pinching and gluing the ribbon.

 

5. Add trims to cover the sides of the box. Check before you glue into place to be sure your box will open and close easily.

6. Continue to add trims or ribbon until all of the bare parts of the box are covered.

 

7. On the top portion of the box, I used crepe paper streamer to made another ruffle around the heart. Glue just inside the heart shape.

8. Trim the edges of the crepe paper with decorative scissors.

Now your heart should look something like this...

 

9. Glue lace onto the box, covering the rough edges of the crepe paper.

 

10. Add silk flowers to the center. I used vintage millinery flowers and leaves, but you can use any flowers you like. New silk flowers, vintage paper flowers, or a small bunch of flowers with a bow are a few ideas that will work too!

Here is a side view of the finished box.

For this box, I added and extra layer of crepe paper ruffles, sheer lace trim and 3 vintage pale pink roses. I love the result!

 

 

A peek inside. Of course, you can always set the candy aside while making the box and set it back inside to give to your special Valentine!

 

I hope you enjoy making some candy boxes of your own! If you do, I would love you to share your photos and ideas!! You can add them to the Sugar*Sugar flickr group, found HERE or add them to the Sugar*Sugar facebook fan page found HERE!

Happy crafting everyone!

♥ Analise

a work in progress

Before I even begin, I want to thank you all who have left comments on my last post. I was just reading over them, and as I haven't even been able to answer all of you, I want you to know I've read them and really thought about what you've said. While I'm humbled by your generosity with words, I am also moved by some of your comments.

It is heartbreaking to me that so many people have had some "icky" experiences thru blogging. I understand that some of it can be chalked up to pure misunderstanding. Really, when communicating thru email, it doesn't always come across to the other person the way we were thinking it... I'm sure you all get that.

But also, I hate to keep harping on this point, but it needs to be said... I do know that people sort of form a false "security" when relating to others online. They think that they can behave in disrespectful and really unhealthy ways, because there are no immediate or real consequences. People feel safe saying and doing really ugly things to people because they are not saying it face to face, in person. They don't have to be on the receiving end of a hurt and/or angry individual. In short, they do and say things online that they might never do in real life. 

Is it true that a few bad apples can spoil the whole bunch? Ehhh, I don't think so... In my opinion, there are too many good people out there... I think we know better. I think we are stronger than we think we are. Sometimes, you think you are battling something totally alone, only to find out, you are not the only one. 

I think if we could maybe bring ourselves to get really honest, to open up and get real... like so many have... we would find ourselves in an overwhelming support system who could bring us sunshine on our darkest days. All you have to do is start typing... ;0)

I titled today's blog "A Work in Progress" for two reasons. One, I really do have a project that I'm working on that is a work on progress! Pictures below!  and Two, I am a work in progress! Aren't we all? We all have our "stuff", you know? Our hang ups...our issues... our problems. 

This year, I really want to look at my "stuff" and try work thru it an move forward. I have a lot of work to do. This year I hope to share more here on my blog about some of my personal battles. So, I guess things may look a little different around here... at times. Don't let it scare you... I'm still posting pretties and foofing things out! I just feel the need to get a little more real with you, my peeps!

Okay, now to those pictures!! I'm working on a very big, custom project for a sweetie pie of a gal. I am really excited about the progress I've made so far and wanted to show you some of the work I've done.

I'm making a large scrappy journal with all the bells and whistles... here are some peeks from a few different pages. Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for stopping by my friends! Happy February!

♥♥♥♥♥♥

Analise 

***

Edited to add:

I just wanted to say, that I'm fine... really! I'm not having any issues with any cyber bullies...right now. he he he

I'm only addressing the issues because I want to raise awareness. Yes, I've had some pretty ugly stuff to deal with in the past, but so have many others. I just want to let you know, I'm good! I just like to talk it all out, sometimes that takes time to do. :0)

thanks for clicking

It's been another cold and rainy week. I know that a lot of you are experiencing yukky weather too. For me, the bad weather totally affects my mood and how I'm feeling. It's been raining here in California for a week solid. Our crops need the water, but my mood needs some sunshine! I hate that dreary dull feeling, don't you? I'm so ready for Spring weather!!!!

Okay, enough whining. I've been working on a custom order for a wonderful customer. I can't wait to show you what I'm making for her!! You are going to *LOVE* it! Hopefully next week the sun will come out for me to snap some good photos.

In the meantime, I've been slowly working on a few new goodies for the shop. Like I mentioned, the weather isn't cooperating with my schedule, so photos are hard to come by this week. I'll have more things listed in the next few weeks, so keep checking in.

A couple of new creative supplies...

Candy colored crepe paper ruffles... these are so fun! I use them a lot in my paper crafts and scrapbooks, so I decided to offer them to you as well. You will get the colors shown, made to order and ready to use, just glue into place and embellish.

 

Next, we have some RED Forget Me Nots... new to the Sugar*Sugar Shop. Red has been growing on me lately, so I picked these up for the shop. I'm hoping to use them in some of my own Valentine projects, probably paired with cream and aqua... what do you think??

 

 

I've also made some cute little Red Crepe Paper Rosettes... they come in Gold and Silver, 100% hand crafted by me! Great for cards or embellishing your Valentine crafting. I have these in pink as well, coming to the shop asap.

 

These little Rhinestone Buckle Sliders make me so happy! You've seen them before in a few of my Christmas ornaments, they are a quick and easy embellishment that add a lot of glam and sparkle. They come in round or heart shape.

 

Don't forget the buttons! If you've read my blog for a while, you know I really love buttons! I've collected some buttons in the traditional Valentine colors, red, white and pink to share with you. You can find them HERE.

 

I'll be adding more new items as soon as I get them photographed. All of these goodies are found in a new "Valentine Treats" category in the shop. :0)

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Before I go, I just want to briefly mention something. I've been blog browsing here and there reading up on old friends and seeing a lot of new faces as well. This got me to thinking about my own blog. I want to say a sincere thank you to all of you who stop in to read what I have to say. It really means a lot to me. 

I don't always have great stuff to talk about. I have a lot to say, I just don't always say it because sometimes things are too personal to share here or I think sometimes people don't come here to hear me talk, maybe just to see pictures... whatever the case is, I'm glad you came.

I've had some personal situations that have made me look at my blog in a different way. The purpose of this blog was to share my experiences as I tried my hand at the whole idea of "doing what you love". It's been good so far, really good. I could make a giant list of positives.

I've also had my share of negatives as well. I've been trashed talked behind my back. I've been accused of copying. I've been betrayed. I've had hurt feelings. I've had negative feedback. I've had to ask others to "please take my photo off of your website". I've had people use my ideas. I've received the "thanks, but no thanks" letters from magazine editors.
and the list goes on...

I guess, I just want to say to my readers, that I'm still here. I've survived. In spite of the negatives, the positives have changed my life. People have had my back all along, and listened to me cry about the ugly stuff. They also reminded me that the negative stuff really doesn't matter all that much. You will always encounter people who are hurtful to you... you cannot escape it.

So, I guess we just roll with the punches. You deal with it as it comes. For those of you who are new bloggers...keep at it. Do it for you. Don't worry about how many comments you have on your blog. If you are happy, then keep up the good work.

Google analytics is depressing.... who cares how many hits you got yesterday? Does it matter? Naahhh.

For those of you who are just starting out, selling what you create... keep doing it. Keep creating. Let your work evolve and improve. Don't let numbers intimidate you. If you love it, then do it. If you get negative feedback, then learn from it, consider it and move on. Who cares?

I do this because it is my passion. I love it.  I love it. I love having the opportunity to share my ideas, even if you come for the photos... thank you... that is a HUGE compliment. It makes what I do matter. Even if it's for 40 seconds of your day, it matters to me.

I love doing this.

Thank you for clicking.

♥/Analise

hello again

Hello out there! There is not a lot to chat about today. I've had a lot on my mind this month, sort of just staying back and observing more than I've participated I suppose. I think this is a pattern for me.... Fall is so busy for me, from Sept. to Dec. 25th is non-stop action, full speed, no brakes. On Dec. 26th my brain and body are just fried and can no longer concentrate for any length of time. All that to say, I've needed a break, so I took one! :) Thanks for checking in on me and for returning to my blog!

During my little break, I've been on the search for inspiration. I've pulled out some magazines, browsed thru flickr and etsy and pulled out some of my own supplies. Sometimes I just sit and stare at something until I get an idea. Sometimes no ideas come at all. Sometimes my ideas don't really work out the way I want them to, so I stop and disassemble the entire thing. 

An idea can sometimes take a little longer to get from my head to an actual thing. I keep a journal of ideas, little sketches of projects with notes of what I want to use or a few different variations. Sometimes those projects take me a year to actually try. I guess that's just the way I work!

This week I made a few small Valentine cards, just playing around with some gathered supplies. I used a few different mediums and combined them for one cohesive look.

Here I used some trim, ruffled crepe paper on the edges, decorative paper, a vintage quilt piece cut into a heart shape and blanket stitched. For a finish, I added a little strand of charms... love the result!

 

 

I used the same idea on this card, only I wove a vintage red ribbon around the edges and added a little red button at the top.

 

For the last card, I used a background of vintage ledger paper... I love the listed numbers on it.... sort of says to me "Let me count the ways"...

 

That's all for today... I'll be back tomorrow to show you a few new items in my shop!

Happy Tuesday!

Analise

overdue update

Hi Friends! I am alive! I've been busy resting!

I don't know what I did, but I think I have a pinched nerve or some other crazy muscle problem... If I sit at the computer too long, my back, shoulder and neck start having intense pain. :(

I've been using a heating pad, icy hot, massage, ibuprofen... the works, for 2 weeks and it still hurts.

Sooo, my mom told me, (moms know about these things, you know) that I need to stay off the computer for a few days. Yes, my desk is cute, but not ergonomically correct AT ALL!!! So, I'm going to take a bit longer of a break. :)

For those who are in desperate need of supplies, you can find them in my etsy shop. My website needs a little house cleaning, so I'll need another week to finish that up. If you REALLLY need something that isn't in the etsy shop, just send me an email and I'll get back with you asap.

For now, how about some etsy fun? Here are some of my favorites....

Chat soon friends! Have a great weekend! XO Analise

Happy New Year!

I made a little mosaic of some of my photos from 2009... gives a little idea of the things I've made throughout the year.

As good and hard as 2009 was, I'm ready for 2010... bring it on baby.

Happy New Year to all of you,

Analise

Christmas Wishes

One last little post before Christmas. I haven't been blogging much this December... just too many things going on I suppose.  We've baked and decorated gingerbread men, dipped everything in chocolate, and gone thru about 6 boxes of hot cocoa! We've gone to see the Christmas lights at least 4 times, exchanged gifts, shared dinner and game night with friends, ate LOTS of treats and goodies... and Christmas is just a few days away!

All of the gifts are wrapped and ready under the tree. The kids CANNOT wait! You remember the feeling, don't you? I used to BEG my mom to open JUST ONE PRESENT PLEEEEESE?!?!?! Always to be told... "Nooooooo Analise, you have to wait."

Ahhhh well, now I am the one telling my kids to wait. :0)

I posted on my facebook status today, "I MUST be on Santa's nice list, because He's already visited me and brought so many wonderful gifts!" My husband, my children, my family, my friends and so much more!

Today, I snapped a few shots of some of our Christmas decorations, as promised. Again, I really really REALLY don't like taking pics of Christmas Trees... oh well! ;0)

 

 

 

 

 

 

I found this little one cuddled up under my studio tree... She got mad because I was taking her picture. Typical. (I like the subtle hint of the chocolate box she's sitting next to. he he he)

Season's Greetings my friends, I wish you all the very best this Christmas!!!!

XO
Analise

Post Script:

I wanted to share with you my very very  favorite Christmas songs, The Little Drummer Boy.. I love these lyrics... makes me cry every time I hear it...

Christmas Sale!

Hello my friends!! Happy news, I cleaned my studio!!!!

It hasn't been this clean in 4 months.... since August. I've gone full steam thru fall and now here we are at Christmas and I've finally got it completely clean again. (I do have to confess... after these photos were taken, I pulled out all of my unfinished projects, shipped some orders and within hours my table was covered again.... *sigh*)

I ended up putting my white Christmas tree in my studio this year, I like it soooo much more... I put up all of my handmade ornaments and some ornaments made by friends. And.... let's just say it.... Christmas Trees ARE NOT EASY TO PHOTOGRAPH! grrr.

From Andrea

 

From Tiffany

 

From Holly

 

Not all my photos came out so well, to many shadows, I guess... I'll need to take more photos to show you all of the ornaments.

 

Here's what's under the tree... a few gifts, some vintage boxes and some little sugared cottages.

 

♥♥♥♥

My studio... all clean... makes me sooooo happy!

Here is my desk and my inspiration board.

 

 

Supply storage... these shelves hold all most of my personal supplies... tools, scrap ribbon, vintage buttons, bits and pieces and all my small embellishments.

 

 

Supplies on the table.... things I need alllllll the time: pencils and pens, paintbrushes, pins and needles, and all my scissors.

My corner cabinet...  where I keep all my shipping supplies.

 

A few more supplies and my favorite Rachel Ashwell books.

 

 

I adopted these faux cakes from the amazing Christine Rose Elle of Dollybelle Atelier. Aren't they so cute??

 

My vintage jewelry box collection... ahhhh, I love these!

Lastly, these are my shop supplies... most of the items in the Sugar*Sugar shop are stored here. :)

 

 

There you have it!

♥♥♥♥

In shop news, first, I want to say a HUGE THANK YOU to all of you who ordered the cottage, ornaments and nativities this year! Your support and patronage means more to us than you know! You have made my Christmas and I want you to know!!

To say thank you, I want to offer my readers a Christmas Coupon worth 20% off everything in the shop! Yes, everything!! 

YOU MUST ENTER THE SHOP THRU THE LINK BELOW TO RECEIVE THE COUPON!!! OTHERWISE, YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE 20% OFF!

Just a few notes:

* Your discount will be deducted at checkout.

* No Christmas Delivery!

* All items purchased with coupon will be shipped from Dec. 28th thru 30th.

* The Sugar*Sugar Shop will be closed from Dec. 21 through Jan. 2.

CLICK HERE to shop and receive 20% off the entire shop! Happy Shopping!!!

XXOO/Analise