Hi all!  I'm finally back to creating a blog post here!  I admit I have definitely been in a bit of an unproductive and unmotivated state of mind when it comes to my online business and marketing this last month.  

Christmas had to be done differently and on a much smaller scale with the Covid recommendations in place.  It definitely created a sadness not being able to have all our family together.  I know many people were missing loved ones and finding the season much more stressful because of it.  Now that we are nearing the end of the year, thank goodness as it has been a difficult and different kind of a year it's time to refocus and find ways to get some motivation and inspiration back into life.  This may look different for everyone.

Instead of creating a big To Do List, perhaps having just one goal, yes, one goal is the way to move forward.  There are so many issues and things crowding our lives and stealing our joy these days that perhaps focusing on just one thing is all we need right now to help us feel normal and productive during these uncertain days.  

There are many ways to find inspiration.  Find someone who can help motivate you like your spouse or a close friend.  Start with a single step.  When too many goals are lined up it can be an energy zapper at least that's often what happens to me.  My thoughts go in too many directions at once and it can almost be paralyzing and you can't get moving on the goal you most want to accomplish.  So let's choose one main goal for now, other goals can be added as you make progress and have more energy and inspiration along the way.  

Whatever it is for you, work, studying, learning a new skill, growing your business or something that needs to get done in your home I truly hope that you can gain some inspiration and find something that propels you forward in the New Year.  Perhaps start pondering now as to what your goal will be.  

Many blessings and may 2021 be filled with good things as we experience the journey whatever that looks like for each of us. 

Here are a few designs I did manage to create in the last week.  Enjoy! 

I Love Snow Stickers, available in a variety of shapes and sizes. 

Thinking of You,  Winter Christmas Girl Stickers

Just for You, Stickers 

Just for You, Stickers 

Merry and Bright Cards and Gift Tags

Create some merry and bright cards and gift tags.  Enjoy! 

Christmas Cards Using Fancy Circle Dies

Hi everyone! I hope you are all keeping busy, staying cozy and being creative.  Here I'm sharing some pretty card ideas, I hope they inspire you!  Reindeer are the focus with scallop circle dies being used as embellishments!  Thanks for watching! :-)

Festive Holiday Mini Cards

If you want to keep your greeting cards sweet and simple why not send mini note cards.  Here are some designs to inspire your creativity! 

Simple Sparkly Snowflake Projects

Snowflake crafting just as they say there's a chance of flurries tonight! 

Create some pretty sparkly gift toppers, gift tags and a home decor piece!  

Create Quick and Easy Christmas Cards

Using simple cut outs you can create a variety of quick and easy Christmas cards. 

See how I put some together here! 

Sweet Ballerina Cards to Make and Give

All about the Ballerinas. Perhaps you are a lover of the ballet then you may enjoy these holiday theme cards from the Nutcracker Ballet theme.  Some cute gift tags too! Hope you like them! 

Creating Cards With The Holiday Ballet Theme

Check out these super cute card making ideas using the Holiday Ballet theme.  Nutcrackers, the Ballerina and the King Mouse.  A fun selection to create and give. 

Ideas to Make NutCracker Theme Cards

Some cute card making ideas using Christmas nutcracker theme paper.  A fun holiday design that is popular with many folks.  Nutcrackers are found in many decorations that are displayed around Christmas time.  Hope you find some inspiration and enjoy watching! 

Cute Gingerbread Theme Cards

If you love gingerbread men items you'll want to see these cute gingerbread theme card ideas.  Create some sweet cards for your friends and family.  Hope you find some inspiration here. 

Crazy for Plaid Christmas Cards

If you love plaid patterns you'll want to stop by and see how I made these

pretty Christmas cards. Easy steps and fun to create, whatever your version is.

Super Simple Christmas Gift Card Holders

Back with a super simple gift card holder idea.  Come see how I make these pretty

holders for gift card giving!

Stamping and Embossing Christmas Picture Frames

Did you know you could ink stamp and emboss with a heat tool on glass.  Here I show you some pretty Christmas picture frames that I've done this too!  Hope you find some inspiration for your own crafty ideas! Thanks for watching!

How To Make Christmas Gift Card Holders

This might be the year you decide gift cards are a worthy and simple gift to give.  Here I'll show you how to create some unique and simple gift card holders to give to your friends and family!

Sometimes You Need a Little Change

 Lately I've been working on new designs for my shop.  I've been learning how to create unique designs using fractals, patterns and layering. It really is amazing the dimensional and creative images that can be made.  I thought it was time to change up my style of work to round out what I can offer in my store.  I will still do whimsical design but also incorporate a lot more pattern, geometrical design and color into my work.  I've been having a lot of fun playing with new concepts. I hope you like the one's I'm sharing here! 

Red and White 

Pattern Throw Pillows

Pattern Aprons

Visit my shop for to see many more items and pattern designs. Enjoy! 

Roses on Cards Using Embossing Powder

Some creative card making here showing embossed roses and layers using embossing folder patterns. Find some interesting tips and ideas here.

Foil Leaves Fall Note Cards

Fall is here and what better way to kick it off than to create some pretty fall foliage cards.  Hope you enjoy them! Grab a coffee or your favorite hot drink while you watch!

Birds Tags and Tea Pockets

Here are some fun ideas to create using a sweet bird rubber stamp.  Some fun tags, cards and tea pockets to make for your friends and family! 

Falling Into September

 Hi there!  Here we are in the month of September.  This one looks a little different from previous years for all of us.  I hope you all were able to enjoy some sunny summer days and some fun outings too!  

Fall is definitely a favorite season for me. I anticipate the changing colors of the trees, leaves and the crisp autumn days.  I love walking and taking in the beauty of it all.  Of course, thinking of pumpkin spice everything, lol makes the season awesome too! 

Many people are adapting to working from home this fall rather than going into the city or wherever their workplace office is located.  Over the past several months this has become a popular choice or decision that many were presented with.  

I am thankful that I can do what I love from home or really anywhere.  I've been finding some inspiration and working on some whimsical new designs for my shop in the last few days.   It's important to stay creative and busy and keep moving forward no matter what's going on. 

Perfect Cup of Tea Stickers

Sweet Bear Note Book

All of these designs can be transferred to other products. 

Hope you enjoy my new designs, thanks for checking them out!  

You Are My Sunshine Card Inspiration

Hi there!  Today I'm sharing some inspirational cards perfect for giving to a neighbor or dear friend.  These cards feature a stamp that says 'You are my sunshine', yes just like the song.  Listen to the jingle as you watch me finish up a simple card.  Get some creative ideas and create some of your own.  Hope you enjoy it!

Creative Card Ideas Using Feather Die Cuts

Many people love feathers for all kinds of reasons.  Today in my video I use a feather die cut to create inspirational cards. Foil papers really make the feathers pop! Have a peek at the cards I create and maybe you'll be inspired to create some of your own.

4 Variations on Cards Using One Stamp

A short but sweet video on using one stamp to make 4 different cards. A great way to get lots of use out of your stamp purchases.  Happy Creating!

How to Make Stamped Panel Cards

Learn how to make a simple yet chic panel card.  I use basic products to create this panel card.  Stamping and shapes with some layering and embellishing.  Come see how it's made and perhaps create something similar yourself.

Creative Card Designs for Your Inspiration

If you're looking for some fresh card making ideas perhaps you'll be inspired by some of these designs. They are pretty quick and easy to create. Stop by and watch for some creative card making ideas.

Stamping on Candles with Inspirational Words

Hello everyone! Here is my latest creative stamping idea for you. Stamping on candles, this works on battery operated candles too! I share some inspirational cards as well. I hope you give it a watch and create some for yourself or a friend. Stay creative!

Leaning Into Face Masks

So are you for or against the face masks?  At first I wasn't sure that the face masks were worth the hassle or even held value but as time has gone on during this pandemic I do believe now that they definitely have value and help reduce the spread of germs and possible disease when in close proximity to others that aren't in our close bubble.   

As we know public health advises that wearing a non-medical face mask when we can't maintain the 2 meter or 6 foot distance when we are in a public place that the masks are a good idea and therefore recommended.  The mask when worn properly can reduce the spread of ones own respiratory droplets reducing the spread of disease. 

If you are needing to purchase a mask Zazzle has a fantastic selection of styles and designs from simple to eclectic.  You can find a variety of unique designs with something to suit everyone.  The disposable face masks can also be purchased for use inside the reusable cloth face masks that Zazzle sells.  Have a look around and see what suits you. No one knows how long we may be called on to use these. Better to have some handy! 

Here are a few designs for you to look at, there are hundreds more if you'd like to see others! 

              Butterflies. Nature themed. 

Beautiful colors and palm trees. 

 Night Camo Design

Pink With Glitter 

Music and Electric Guitar Theme

Here are some Disposable Face Masks 

Stay safe all! 

Card Designs Using Circle Framelits

If you have circle dies you may find some ideas for your card making in this video.  If not you can trace round containers or lids in various sizes and use these in your card making designs. Keep on creating!

Filling Your Time During a Pandemic

Many people are finding themselves at a loss for how to fill their days during this Covid 19 Pandemic. How have you been feeling?  Have you gotten to the point of boredom and are you experiencing less of a sense of motivation?

Well I think this is completely normal for the days we are living in right now.  For some it is a huge change in life style as they are no longer heading to their regular place of employment. Several are able to work from home but many have lost jobs as business had to lay off workers and many have had to close their doors because of the loss of business.  Schools and Daycares are not operating in the same vein as usual. Kids are spending too much time at home, indoors on their tech and not getting enough exercise and fresh air.  So many changes all around.  

Everywhere we go it's masks and social distancing.  Still hard to get used too!   The hand sanitizer and hand washing are a little more normal and not as hard to get used too! All in all, let's face it life is very different these days. 

So if you are spending more time at home, perhaps with family or on your own how are you keeping yourself busy these days?  For me I have had days of low motivation but for the most part I try to focus on the good things and the blessings.  I find walking alone or sometimes with a friend helpful, bike riding with my husband is another favorite thing to do and I am a card maker so I enjoy creating new cards, designs and packaging them up for others makes me happy and feel like I'm contributing in a small way. 
That's a big one, if you can do something be it even small for someone else you will find you will feel better and maybe more motivated too!   Simple things like chatting with a neighbor, baking for someone, giving a small gift, calling up an old friend can all be beneficial to your health.  Taking an online course, learning something like a new language or new skill are also things that can make you feel productive and useful too!  Just find something interesting, you can do it! 

We may find ourselves in these circumstances for longer than we expect so it's important for us to stay positive and focus on the good even when it's hard.  Proverbs 3: 5 & 6 These are great verses to memorize and read on a daily basis. Be encouraged and stay strong! 

Die Cuts Using the Cuttlebug

Ever wanted to be able to cut out your own shapes and patterns for your card making. Die cutting machines are great for that. Here I show you how I use the Cricut Cuttlebug and cut out some cool foliage die shapes, great for your card making and other crafts. Thanks for watching!

Cards Using Birthday Party Embossing Folder

One embossing folder can give several different looks to your cards. Great backgrounds for your birthday cards. Add as many embellishments as you like depending on your preferred style! Get inspired as you watch me create one here!  Thanks for subscribing to my youtube channel. Appreciate your time and hope you learn and enjoy the things I share.

Pretty Cards Using a Thank You Die Cut

Sometimes all it takes to make a card stand out is a simple and sweet word die cut.  This card uses a fancy font 'thank you' die. Have a look if you'd like to see variations of these thank you note cards. Thanks in advance for subscribing to my youtube channel and for the kind comments! Appreciate them all!

Simple and Cool Bicycle Theme Note Cards

Love to cycle or enjoy a country bike ride then you'll probably like the biking theme note cards that I've created. Pop on to have a look and get some inspiration for your own card making!

How to Create Beautiful Cards Using Ephemera

You can make beautiful cards using your ephemera from paper pads.  Have fun embellishing and decorating them. Happy Crafting!

Sweet Summer Card Making Ideas

Time for some summer fun card theme ideas. Thinking of travel adventures, stopping for ice cream or a sweet treat.  Find some great ideas for your cards and happy creating.

Card Making Ideas Using Border Dies

Sharing some unique card making ideas using border die cuts.  Perhaps you'll be inspired with a new way to use yours.  Enjoy!

Coaster Makeover With Stamping and Embossing

Here is a creative way to dress up some old coasters you may have lying around.  Do a little sanding, painting and stamping and embossing and your old coasters can look like new.  Great for little decor pieces too! Thanks for watching and subscribing to Designs by Shell!

Stamping and Embossing on Cards

I hope you find some card making inspiration from my video. I have used a variety of papers, one main stamp with a message that I embossed with silver embossing powder. Learn some different layering ideas and tips for your own creative endeavors. Thanks for watching! Subscribe to my channel if you like what you see! :_)

Card Making for your Inspiration

Staying home means finding ways to keep busy for many. Use your creativity and make your own cards. Here you'll find some inspiring and whimsical card making tips.

Colorful Patterns Using Rectangle Dies

Brighter Days Ahead

When you're feeling overwhelmed or can't shake that heavy feeling you have to turn your thoughts around.  Fill your mind with good things, read scripture, listen to encouraging speakers, pray, read books that can take you to another place.  There will be brighter days ahead, stay calm.  Find ways to brighten and cheer other's and you will find that you will feel much better too! 

Sharing some designs on products that you might like. 

Beaches, oceans, lakes and sitting in the sun give good vibes. Cute beach t-shirt for adults or kids.

Out on the ocean, feel the breeze as you kayak, paddle by paddle. 

Ocean theme clock

Nature walks, flower gardens and planting time.

Enjoy this easel plaque in your home or office everyday or better yet send it to someone who needs a little cheering up! 

Merci Chocolate Treat Holders

Create some cute chocolate treat holders. Give these out to your friends and neighbors.  A little chocolate can put a smile on someone's face. Easy to create and more fun to give.

Protection for Yourself Face Mask Coverings

Face Masks 

Cute Teeth and Toothbrush design on this face mask. These face masks are coverings for disposable face masks that you can insert into a slot designed for this. You can purchase the disposable face mask here as well! 

Soft Pink Heart design face mask covering

Blue and Black Leopard Print  face mask covering

Ice Cream Cone Print  face mask covering

Bird Embellishments and New Card Ideas

Feeling crafty! Here I'll show you how to create some cute rubber stamped embellishments that you can use on cards that you make. Some fun packaging ideas too! Enjoy!

Inspirational Card Making Ideas Using Circle Dies

Create amazing cards using circular shapes. Circle dies add unique style to your hand made cards. Stay creative and try new things.

Three Stylish Card Layout Ideas

Fun and Simple Pop Up Cards

Get creative making some fun and simple Pop Up cards. These are really cool and enjoyable to create.

Easy Inspirational Coffee Cards

Wake up, it's 'coffee time'!  Creative cards to inspire you to make a few of your own. A fun coffee theme!

Making Cream Puffs for the First Time

Making Cream Puffs wasn't as difficult as I perceived them to be. Here you can see how they turned out. Yummy chocolate ganache on top.  Great way to spend time when you have to stay home!:-)

Macarons and Milkshakes Cute Card Ideas

I love saying the word 'macarons' with a french accent of course. Try making some pretty cards using a macaron stamp or whatever sweet food stamp you have.  Get some layering and stamping ideas here.

Blooming Flower Box and Birthday Cards

Gotta stay home, gotta stay busy! Card making is one of the ways I'm doing this.  Perhaps you'll be inspired to create some of your own.

A Smile Can Lift Your Spirits

Hi there! If you're reading this today I hope these pictures help to lift your spirits.  It's a tough time for our world right now. During this pandemic we need to do our best to stay positive and do our part to keep each other safe and healthy.  Sadly that means some isolation for most of us.  Not an easy thing to do.  The big thing our leaders are telling us right now is to stay home as much as possible only heading to the grocery store or pharmacy for essentials as needed!  

As you're reading this I hope and pray for your health and safety at this time.  I hope you are able to get outside for a walk in your neighborhood or the very least around your yard.  Fresh air and being in nature is so good for our souls and bodies.  Too much sitting can wreck havoc on us.  

As I love to create and craft I dropped off some card packages for a friend yesterday and I included a sheet of cute cat stickers for her granddaughter who is almost 3 years old.  I thought I"d share this picture with you of how she so neatly used all of the cat stickers on the envelope of a note card for her great grandma and grandpa!  My friend sent me the picture yesterday! It made me laugh! So cute! Hope you like it too! Isn't it just the 'Cat's Meow'! lol

 Here is another picture of this overly large, beautiful hanging 

basket of flowers. I took this picture last year when we were traveling in Ireland.  The colors are so amazing!  

Sharing a couple of my favorite verses with you. 

Matthew 11:28 

Come unto me all you who are weary and heavy laden

and I will give you rest

Proverbs 3: 5-6 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart 

and lean not on your own understanding

In all your ways acknowledge him 

and he will direct your path

Be Blessed

Pretty Flowers and Ideas for Your Cards

Stay creative and keep yourself motivated daily! I know it can be hard right now to focus but crafting is good therapy!  Make some simple flowers that I show you here! These are fun and easy to do!  Also a cute way to share your cards, especially if you make them often and have a little stockpile of them. Hope you enjoy it! :-)

The Preferred Gift to Give and Receive

One size fits all! Gift cards are still a growing and a preferred gift to give and receive. Why are people drawn to them you say?! They offer convenience and flexibility and choice to the recipient as well as making the gift giving experience easier on the giver. Having a couple or more gift cards in your 'gift bank' so to speak can save you in a pinch. How many times have you been rushed or forgotten to grab a birthday gift or hostess gift in the past, right! It can happen to all of us. 

However you can go to a site like Zazzle and purchase and send a Zazzle gift card to your friend or family member. You get to choose the dollar amount you'd like to give and you can have it sent to their email. This is perfect and takes the guess work and stress out of trying to decide what to buy them. Let's face it these days it is pretty hard to choose a gift for someone, especially someone that seems to have one of everything.   

At Zazzle you are giving the gift of an experience where the recipient has the opportunity to fully customize the item they choose with your gift card. They can add text, a photo or even a professionally designed template on whatever product they like.  Zazzle's gift cards never expire, so you don't have to worry about the time frame around using them.  

Zazzle has items for every age from babies to adults. Gifts for all seasons. Even brands like Disney, Marvel, Coca-Cola, Sesame Street and more.  Come and have a look around to get familiar with all of the great products and designs. 

 Shine on! 

No TP What.....

Seriously well, I have to say I was surprised to go to the closest grocery store where I frequent often and find not one single roll or package of toilet paper. Only a few packages of very high priced paper towels were on the shelf!  People must really be getting nervous to be stocking up on these items. 

Well working from home is extra good when global sickness happens!  Keep washing your hands and refrain from touching your face! 

I've been working on some new designs and products the last few days so here are a few of them. The products can all be personalized or customized and many of them can be transferred to other items. Something for everyone! 

                                      Pink Roses Invitation

                                   
                                                   Bullrushes Business Card

                                                    Specialized Baby Shower

 Wedding Invitations ready for you to personalize. My latest fresh and simplistic design from nature.   

Up to 50% Off Invitations, Banners, Labels, Favors & More + 15% Off Sitewide - Use Code: MARCHLOVEZAZ - Starts: 03/09/2020 - Expires: 03/13/2020 11:59 PM PST 

Thinking of the Scents of Spring

Here is an appointment card suitable for any medical/therapist office 

I've been working on some fresh new designs and thought I'd share a few today! Hope you get uplifted by the whimsical art and bright designs. 

Here is are a couple of address labels ready for you to personalize. Featuring eucalyptus and some cheery flowers.

Eucalyptus Branches Address Label

Quote of the Day

Easy Simplistic Card Ideas

Simplistic cards with a little more masculine design. Using wood grain patterns and buffalo plaid scrapbook papers. A little layering and embossing makes these attractive cards to make.

Easy to Make Thoughtful Note Cards

Create thoughtful note cards with just a few easy steps. Use a ready made card base and layer up some pretty papers and sentiments. You may already have some in your stash.  Happy Creating!

Creating Simple and Delightful Note Cards

Need to make a quick and simple note card. Find some delightful ideas and tips here.

Using Pinterest in 2020 to Grow Your Business

Pinterest is still a strong standing platform used for marketing, learning new skills, finding interesting activities and of course a top site for finding visual boards full of inspiring ideas. Who doesn't find themselves getting lost in this site occasionally or very often.  It's so easy to use.  

In an older blog post I've shared how I use Pinterest but for those that haven’t gotten on board (no pun intended lol, well maybe)  Pinterest is an image based social platform where users like you and I have the opportunity to create virtual boards (basically web pages full of eye candy) on a wide variety of topics. For instance you might create a board about working at home tips, places you've traveled or would like to travel, perhaps a board for your favorite dinner meals and one for your best chocolate recipes. You could create boards featuring your favorite movies, wedding decor or birthday party themes. You get the idea!

Visual boards get people interested much faster than words.  Pins are the images that you add to a board. A short description can be added underneath an image but the idea is that the picture or message is what draws you.  Pinterest is a great site for organizing what you love and popular now for showcasing items you may be selling. It is a platform where millions of users get inspired and many follow through with sales of items they click on. (pins) A  user can choose to follow other’s boards as desired. 

People are finding different uses for Pinterest all the time.  
Here are a few tips for using Pinterest for your blog or business. 

- make sure your pins have good descriptions   
-  be sure pins are set up for mobile device viewing 
-  highlight your brand or shop
-  add pricing to products if you can
- set up a business account if you have a business
- make good use of Pinterest's analytical tools
- choose good keywords to describe your pins
- Pinterest says claim your website to make use of analytics
- comment and share where applicable

Hope you find this helpful and Pinterest becomes a valuable asset to helping your business grow!  Feel free to follow me on Pinterest and see what new things I've been sharing! 

Quote of the Day: 

Embossed Cupcake Cards and Tags to Make

Chocolate Theme Designs

Almost Valentines Day! Whether you celebrate it or not, I hope your day involves a little chocolate.  We all need to indulge now and then!   Here are some chocolate related designs on products that I added to my shop recently.  Enjoy! 

Chocolate Themed Gift Wrap  

Decadent Cupcakes Birthday Card

Cake or Cupcake Keeper

First Time Embossing and DIY Embossed Picture

Get creative and learn how to use the heat embossing tool to make great pictures, cards and home decor.

Quick and Easy DIY Sparkly Card

Creative inspired card making! Use stamps you have in your collection and add simple embellishments to make your cards sparkle! :-)

Simple Mini Baby Shower Card Ideas

New baby on the way, make some sweet and simple baby cards! Easy ideas!

So Sweet Mini Clip Boards

Fun and easy Valentine craft you can make and give as sweet gifts!

Thank You Cards Using an Embossing Folder

Create some elegant thank you note cards using an embossing folder, decorative scrapbook paper and some simple layering ideas!

Keep it Simple Card Making

Special Occasion cards you can make in minutes. A fun selection of mini punches. Get inspired and start creating!

Little Women Still a Favorite

Happy New Year to everyone who is reading and/or following my blog.  I trust 2020 is a year full of purpose, blessings and happiness for you all.  Well how did you bring in the New Year? Did you have a quiet night at home watching the ball drop with Ryan Seacrest and everyone celebrating in New York or did you head out to celebrate with friends or family indulging in food and games?  

My husband and I went to the movies. We have never done this on New Year's Eve but since my favorite movie was playing I was excited to go.  Yes, Little Women, a favorite from my childhood. I still have a copy of the book that my grandma gave me when I was in elementary school.  I reread it to get a fresh memory of the story line not that it was really one that I would have forgotten as I so enjoyed it.  

If you're unfamiliar with this story I will give a brief explanation. It is an adaptation of the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott. This version of the movie is directed by Greta Gerwig.   It is a story about the four March sisters as Jo March reflects upon her life.  Meg is the eldest, pretty and responsible. Jo is next an aspiring author and a little boyish. Then comes Beth who is a quiet soul and musically gifted. Last but not least is Amy who is artistic as well as slightly impulsive.  The girls help their mother keep things running smoothly on the farmstead while their father serves in the Civil war.  They welcome Laurie, a new neighbor into their group and all become good friends, Jo yearns to become a professional writer and explore her freedom. The other sisters are content to just take each day as it comes. 

It is a story of sisterhood, love, generosity and helping one another. A touching and inspiring story of core values.  I definitely recommend this movie and think it's a wonderful way to bring in the New Year.  

January 2020 begins! I hope and pray it will be a fabulous year for us all!