Stamps!

As a craft lover and a shop owner of paper crafts, I love stamps! I have an insanely large collection of rubber stamps, and I mean LARGE. No matter how badly I don't need more stamps, I continue to buy them. Of course  I buy most of them to make items for my shop, but I have enough to last a lifetime. Most of my purchases are from local craft stores, but my favorite place to buy stamps is from other crafters on Etsy. It is so fun to get unique designs that are completely handmade! 

One shop I have come across many, many times is Green Garden Stamps. The designs are beautiful and fun. I have yet to buy from this shop, but have been tempted many times. Here are a few of my favorite designs.

Rainy Day

Flower Garden

Hand Made

These are so lovely that I just might make my first purchase tonight!

Hunger Games Note Cards

I can't believe the movie is almost here! Only a few more days! I decided to read the first book in the Hunger Games series again in preparation for the movie. As I read, I began to fall in love with it all over again (even though I was still obsessed!). 

This morning I decided to create a set of note cards using quotes from The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay.  All of the quotes are between Katniss and Peeta. 

Peeta and Katniss Quotes - Hunger Games Note Cards

Last week I ordered this really great handmade mockingjay pin stamp from Crafting Casa on Etsy. Using this stamp I created a set of note cards and a set of bookmarks. Take a look!

Hunger Games Mockingjay Pin Stamped Bookmarks

Hunger Games Mockingjay Pin Stamped Note Cards

More Hunger Games inspired items to come!

Subbing = Exhausting

After a nice couple months of short work days and much needed freedom, I decided to finally start working more and actually begin teaching. It has been an exhausting three weeks!

I started this week at a school I had never been to in a 5th grade class. It turned out to be a pretty nice day, with the classroom student teacher doing most of the teaching. After a two day break, I was in a first grade classroom. Wow, those little ones have a lot of energy! They were up and down, and all around, constantly having something to say. Each one seemed to have something that hurt, from a hurt tooth to a hurt heart. It was a great experience though and the classroom teacher asked if she could call me again.

Today was spent in a 6th grade class, next door to the class I did my student teaching. I was amazed at how great the kids were. They had a few moments of not so perfect behavior, but it makes me seriously reconsider what grade I would like to eventually teach. Maybe I do want to teach older grades after all.

Now . . . Spring Break!

Have a lovely week everyone!

Mad Libs - A Must!

This week I had my first opportunity to get back in the classroom. It was so wonderful! I was in a 4th grade classroom for three days and had such a great time with the kids. They were a little on the wild side at times, but luckily I brought a great "tool" with me. Mad Libs!

Mad Libs

I showed the kids my brand new booklet of Mad Libs and made sure they knew we could only do them if they were good for me. So helpful! At the end of the day, the kids were so excited to do them. Not only were they laughing and having fun, but they also were practicing their grammar. If you are a substitute teacher, you need to go get some Mad Libs (Barnes and Noble has a large selection).

I get to sub in both a 3rd grade class and a 6th grade class this week, wish me luck!

Jewelry Sale!

I have been so busy with my paper shop lately (YAY!), which has allowed zero time to work on my jewelry shop. I currently only have a few items listed in my shop, but I am planning on revamping it soon with several great new items. Until I get a chance to, I am trying to clear out my shop. What does that mean for you? Great deals! All jewelry is reduced to low clearance prices. Take a look and get a few great pieces for a super low price!

Apricot Cream Rose Gift Set

Find all clearance items at Craft Me Pretty

Dr. Seuss!

Like so many others, I am a huge fan of Dr. Seuss books. They are so fun, with whimsical, colorful illustrations and memorable characters. They are also filled with wonderful quotes and stories for children. For these reasons, I decided to make Dr. Seuss inspired note cards, with quotes and illustrations by the author himself. Take a look!

Today You Are You - The Cat In The Hat

No Matter How Small - Horton Hears A Who

** These cards are no longer available in my shop, but if you are interested in purchasing any, feel free to contact me through Etsy to set up a custom order. Visit at prettypetalspaper.etsy.com for contact info.**

Finally, Success!

I must start off by saying, the past month has been amazing! To have 100 sales in one month is something I never imagined. The new success of my paper shop is so exciting, exhausting, and wonderful! It has been such a great experience the last few weeks making order after order of products that are so ME! How wonderful it feels to make something that so many people want to have. Thank you to all the friendly customers who have helped make my shop a success!!

How Lucky I Am