Merry Christmas!

Just wishing everyone a Merry Christmas - from my little home to yours :)

Enjoy celebrating the birth of our Savior!!!

The Winners :) - Yes more than one!

So I'm horrible at giveaways because I truly just want to give one to everyone, but I admit USPS would put me bankrupt with how much it costs to ship these babies :)

Ultimately, the results turned out that Katie from Paisley Print Shoes brought in the most people to the site, but then also I did a random number generator out of the entries and also littlehousebigheart.com was choosen for the second cup :)  Since I thought it would be fun to make someone elses day.

So Katie expect in the mail a "laugh as much as you choose" mug and littehousebigheart.com expect your own "the person be a gentleman or lady" mug :) :)  I just need your address' right now :)

Merry Christmas Everyone - I'll have more fun giveaway and just got a new stack of Jane Austen quote mugs to put up online - I cherish any comment, so let me know what you think :)

Another Giveaway!!! A Jane Austen Cup :)

Ok.... so I've been promising another giveaway and I admit this Christmas season has blown me away with how busy I'd be with my little store :)  I'm not complaining - I'm actually thanking God.... He has provided through this little store and allowed me to give back to Him as well through it :) :) YEAH!

But I've been so excited about these dishwasher safe mugs, that I had to do a giveaway - so here is the deal.

Please make a suggestion of the next Jane Austen Cup you'd like to see - perhaps it is a quote you like best or one of the already created mugs.  List your "suggestion" in the comments area and then have your friends and family come to my blog or facebook page and vote for your suggestion :) (trying to get a little more traffic to my facebook page)  Whoever gets the most votes :)  Wins the cup of their choice or a cup created just for them.... that is the beauty of this.....plus it is dishwasher and microwave safe :)  You don't have to be extra careful with it like some of  my other creations (not bad talking my other creations - they are super cute ... at least I think so, but not dishwasher safe :(  )


So start making your suggestions! :)  The dates are December 7, 2011 (Pearl Harbor Day!) to December 14, 2011.  I hope to get the cup out to the winner so they can have an extra present for themselves under the Christmas Tree :)

Merry Christmas and God Bless!

Jane Austen cups - oh my!

So I'm thrilled to announce that we've created a Jane Austen mug that is dishwasher safe, though it is not written by hand (like I've usually create them).... this has my own little touch to it, as I created the graphics :)  Simple yet elegant :)  In the midst of trying to see if we can get my handwriting on the cups instead, will keep you updated :)

So here is the first cup we've created for all our Jane Austen fans - including myself :)

God Bless!

Let me know which Jane Austen cup you'd like to see next as a dishwasher safe cup.... will be doing a giveaway in a few days, once I regain my sanity from such a busy few weeks :)  Though I am very thankful!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/NorthSouthCreations?ref=ss_profile

New Dishwasher Safe mugs ;)

I've been trying really hard to figure out the best way to create my mugs to be dishwasher and microwave safe.  I kept feeling like I couldn't advertise my product that way because I knew the truth - I had tested it - my cups didn't survive the dishwasher as well as I would have liked.

So I collaborated with a friend and we are creating dishwasher safe mugs now - though the style of the mug is limited and not as "cute" as the other mugs, these are no dishwasher and microwave safe.  The process is substantially different where I actually create the artwork instead of handwriting it, but I'm still really excited about offering this to everyone.

Here is a example of our first cup we tried - yes simple, but I still think it gets the point across.  We are the midst of creating the Jane Austen series I've done plus some other fun ones.  Would LOVE any input concerning which mugs I should create first or what you'd like to see instead?!?

http://www.etsy.com/listing/87513495/grandma-i-love-you-to-the-moon-and-back

Black Friday Deal :)

For those who love Black Friday Deals, but love it even more from the comfort of your home in your pjs on the computer :)  Well North South Creations agrees with you and is giving you a first time 15% off each purchase deal.  Code  :  friday15.

Plus any order on Friday that is over $25.00 you will receive an additional flour sack towel as a free gift which is a $4.00 value for free :) :)  Yipee!! What great deals, for those of you who love adorable towels, fun cups and different gifts for those who love their grandmother, mother, Jane Austen, and Mr. Darcy - check out our etsy site.

www.etsy.com
North South Creations :)

Thanks and God Bless

In Honor of Veterans Day! Giveaway

I am the proud daughter of two Vietnam Veterans (yes both my parents) and the proud grand daughter of a World War II Veteran.... so to say the least, this day is extremely important to me and my family.  We love to honor those who have served our country and who are serving.

So to keep up with that North South Creations has decided to do a giveaway for Veterans or those who are family members of a Veteran.   We'd like to send you a little "thank you"!  So please make a comment about who served and how proud you are of them and then send me an email (lawyant@juno.com) with your address and I'll send you a small little thank you!

We will try to accomodate everyone, but if we get an overwhelming response, I might only be able to send out the first 10-20 :) 

Starts 11.11.11 and ends 11.13.11

God Bless and thank you for your service

Here is a picture of my amazing parents - I feel so very blessed and I love them so much!  Thanks mom and dad!

Olive Oil and Seasoning= Addicting :)

So when I got married, I decided that it would be an extremely small wedding and it turned out to be the most perfect day for my husband and I.  But while I was still making all the decisions, I told my mom as a "thank you" gift I wanted to hand out this delicious seasoning.  She couldn't understand why until she tried it - and yes she loved it!!!  We use it for everything - steak, chicken, salads, vegetables, and of course - bread and olive oil.....  so I mixed some of this seasoning up and decided to try and sell it at my first craft show.

Everyone seemed to really enjoy it, but we've got more leftover, so I was curious and wanted everyone's opinion - should I try selling it on etsy.  If you are interested - I'd send you some just to try :)

Thanks for ahead of time for your input and support!  :)

** I finally waited to post this until I took a good picture too :)

God Bless!

Inspiration and a laugh... ha ha

So I’ve become a huge fan of the blog Paisley Print Shoes (http://www.paisleyprintshoes.com/) …. For many reasons

1. Because they’ve been super sweet and very supportive of my little shop  North South Creations.
2. Did I mention super sweet
3. I love the different taste they both bring to the blog and the funny personal stories they tell
4. and many more reasons

Well I was reading their blog the other day (yes I’m a blog stalker) and I had to laugh because Jen put up a picture on their blog of a sign that she could relate to and I can honestly say a few years ago – I could relate as well J

 It said:

 “ Old People at weddings always poke me and say ‘You’re next.’ So, I started doing the same things to them at funerals.” (credit: girlfromparis tumblr)

The joy of being single and having others say “you might be next” or say “there is someone out there for you” – UGH!  I use to hate hearing those things especially as I got closer to my 30s, I never felt complete panic, but there is no doubt that everyone wants to put that panic in you.  So I could relate to Jen’s little excerpt about people tell her they found the perfect guy for her.  Yes, I have to admit – I laughed and it made my day but it was because I could completely relate.

So while I was home, with my amazing husband of just over a year (long story- I’ll tell it if anyone is interested), I came up with a great idea of mixing a Jane Austen quote from Pride and Prejudice and putting our own little twist on it – not only for my past (pre-marriage) but also for Jen J

“it is a truth universally acknowledged that a single woman must be in want of a husband” (that is my twist on it)

If you’ve read Pride and Prejudice you know this is the first written sentence of the book, but it reads a little differently J  So here is the cup that I put this little saying on for not only Jen and I, but also for the so many other woman out there that are and were sick of hearing “I’ve found him for you”! J

In case anyone is curious – I did find mine and I was 30 (so not too much of an “old maid” and some people thought J) Here is a picture of us - being patient and waiting was so worth it! (and putting up with all those sayings )

So thanks Jen for the laugh – hope you enjoy

Also - you can follow us on facebook if you'd like :)  hint, hint :)

https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/North-South-Creations/185016498203809

Congrats to Becky!

Congratulations to Becky for being our random winner on the vintage map giveaway!!!!

I'll be having another giveaway next week - so please continue to read the blog or follow us on facebook :)

Meanwhile - thanks for all the wonderful entries and Becky - you've got to let me know do you want a Vintage France Map journal? :)

More fun with handmade journals

I admit, I had fun this weekend and created some fun "journals"/ "notepads" that revolved around Christmas.  I took the same idea of creating a journal from a vintage map and took it a little farther and used Christmas paper as the cover for some small journals for Christmas time.

I thought these would be perfect to give to your little kid to write down all their Christmas ideas or their wish list.  Then you can tuck it away for later in that little box for memories :)

Or you could use it as a list for food that is needed for the holidays, Christmas presents that you need to buy or just as a cute little journal for around that time.  So many different ways..... but I made a bunch of them and thought they were super cute.

Would love to know what you think - do you like them or not?  Should I try to sell them at a craft show?

Hope everyone had a great weekend - looking forward to announcing the winner of the vintage map giveaway :)

Vintage Map journal giveaway

I kept thinking to myself – what could be another good giveaway.  Well I couldn’t help but think of these little journals that I’ve had fun making out of some vintage maps that I collected from an antique shop.

I know I gave the instructions on how to create one, but perhaps you don’t have that certain map that you’d like or just don’t have the time J  Well here is your chance to win one.

Just make a comment about one of your favorite places to visit or a place that you dream of seeing someday…. And then you’ve entered into the little giveaway! J

Would love a lot of participation but even if I have one comment, that will still make my day!

So tell your family, friends, maybe your enemies especially if they like maps and traveling – this would be perfect!

Starts Oct. 24 (today) - Oct. 31, 2011

Also check out our facebook account too – we are always announcing our giveaways on there and new products that NS Creations is up to J  Since really Christmas is partially around the corner!!!

https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/North-South-Creations/185016498203809

Coffee and Ronald Reagan

So my husband loves coffee and I admit, I do love my cup of "joe" sometimes in the morning :)  But I read this quote once from Ronald Reagan and I couldn't help but laugh and think - this is perfect for a cup..... SO I created one :)  Why not huh?

Let me know what you think and check it out on my etsy site :)
http://www.etsy.com/listing/84515698/ronald-reagan-coffee-cup-i-never-drink

Creating a Vintage Map Journal = simple

If you are at an antique store or perhaps even a thrift store, you can find old map books for fairly cheap.  I love purchasing them, just looking through the maps – I do love maps.

So while my husband and I were doing our normal antique shopping and book buying, I came across some old Atlas books and we bought them up for only around a dollar or two a piece – a steal right?!?

While “stalking” different blogs and finding some adorable journals made from maps; I thought I’d give it a try myself.  I did have help from a book, but I thought I’d share my journey with you and show you how easy it can be.

First, figure out what size you may want your journal to be – mine was rather small – around 8x5.  Then fold your pages in half and set them aside.

 Second, choose the map that you want on the front and back of your journal and cut it out of the book – I prefer using one of those X-Acto knives, just makes it more precise.

Then once you’ve cut out the map – trim it to the size of what your folded pages are – though leave enough room for a fold in the middle and a little extra on the edges.  Then fold it in half and create a type of “m” where the middle goes down and the sides are up – then put your folded half pages on each side of the middle section of the map and see if it fits.  I actually had to trim my paper once because I trimmed the map too much J

I think the next step is too hard to explain, so here is a picture to show you – plus I’m more of a visual learner.

Once you’ve got your pages secured, then punch as many holes in them, I usually do three because that means less sewing J  but also fewer holes in paper that could rip.

Then take some thread and a needle and sew the pages together.  I used a thicker thread – more a type of cross stitch thread to help secure it more.

Once you are done sewing – then fold up your book and there you have it a cute little journal – made by your hands from a vintage map.  Perfect gift for those who like little journals, notebooks or even for you and your next trip, just to write down the different locations you’ve been too J

I hope you’ve enjoyed – you can also replace the vintage map with anything else – a picture your child made, some scrapbook paper, pages from a book – you name it, be creative.

I’m going to be creating a few more of these for a craft show – what do you all think – should I ?!?  Also have no clue how much to ask for something like this?  Any suggestions?

Would love any input!

God Bless,

Leah

NS Creations J

PS. Please forgive my pictures - they are not the most creative :)  I'll try to get some better ones up later on tonight :)

An addition...

So after much thought, debating and acceptance (by my mother)... I made another creation.  I gave one of these to my mom and she was thrilled - so really she was one of my test subjects but it was truly a heartfelt gift :)

I've actually had huge success on these cups that say "mom... i love you to the moon and back" and "grandma... i love you to the moon and back", so much that I thought - it would be great on a plastic tumbler.  Simple and cute - but hopefully it will make many mothers, grandmothers smile :o)

Imagine your mother or grandmother enjoying their iced tea, iced water, iced coffee (everything has to be iced  :) :) ) or soda in this fun cup :)

or take a yander at my etsy site too :)

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84211974/grandma-i-love-you-to-the-moon-and-back

God Bless and thanks for the encouragement!

Memories...

We all have memories both good and bad.  I hope that the good out weighs the bad for everyone.

This past weekend, I was able to go and photograph my grandparents house.  My grandfather had passed away 3 years ago and recently my grandmother was placed in an assisted living home.  Though she did not know she would not return to her home, everything has been left as it was – the house is preserved (for the most part) the way she had it before she left.

Fortunately, I was able to enter the house before it got locked up for the winter and photograph the many memories that I had in that wonderful house.  I not only photographed it for myself but also for my mom, my cousins, my brother, my sisters and my nieces and nephews.

Though I did not have a wide angle lens with a super large aperture, I was able to capture some locations nicely (at least I thought so J)

Here are a few memories that I have that I thought I’d share.  But while I was doing all of this – I’ve recently had many orders for two cups – “mom… I love you to the moon and back” and “grandma… I love you to the moon and back” and I couldn’t help but think – how appropriate for this time in my life J

I started creating some tumblers that I’ll show later on today with those sayings but meanwhile, here are my memories.

Here are pictures of the cup I created.... we do love our grandmothers to the moon and back :)!

Vintage Map = small journal

So I created last night a small little journal out of some white card stock and a vintage map..... it was extremely easy and fun.  I must say - I was pleased with the outcome..... though these pictures don't give it justice and I didn't take the time to edit them etc, but you get the main idea of how it looked.

I'll post tomorrow how I created it and the easy process that it truly is - so you can create something similar.

Also, let me know if you like or not - I always love feedback!

God Bless

Admit...

I admit….I love anything vintage, I love old books, I love old movies, I love Gone with the Wind, I love Jane Austen, I love something old created into something new.

I cry when I see the smile on an old person’s face, the true delight of a simple thing or task and realize how trivial I can be sometimes.

I found a new love for crafts, sewing and try to find something beautiful amongst the ugly or pain.  I love to photograph old buildings, old things, detail and even food.  I love to bake: bake bread, cookies, pies, scones, anything new and fun; but I also love to cook – the Food Channel and Turner Classic Movies are some of my favorite channels if I had cable.

Recently, I had the opportunity of visiting a cute place in Northern Michigan called White Pine Village.  Setup as an old city – they have old buildings such as a post office, a court house, general store from all around its surrounding counties.  This was the first time I had been there and I loved everything about it – the details ,the beauty, the vintage :)

So here are a few pictures – I hope you enjoy – I’ll try to share more later on.  I plan to also blog about a new creations – taking a vintage map and creating a small journal!  To write your secrets down, for autographs or to write the next Pride and Prejudice :)

Congratulations to Laura - our Third Giveaway!

I want to thank and congratulate Laura for entering our little giveaway for a Fall embroidered towel.  I hope you enjoy it, it is absolutely adorable.  Stay tuned for some more giveaways.

If you think of it - recommend us to your friends and family.... we love introducing new people to North South Creations and more giveaways :)

God Bless!

Fall Giveaway :) :)

I admit, I love Fall..... but I also love Summer, Spring and Winter (sometimes :)), but this has been such a beautiful October for us up here in Michigan.

I love the beauty, the trees, the apple cider, the hot cinnamon and sugar donuts, the baking atmosphere; up pretty much everything....... so I thought - well it is October - lets do a Fall giveaway, so here it is.

A beautiful kitchen towel embroidered with this adorable pumpkin, with a heart in the middle.  Then accented with some cute ribbon, to make it extra adorable!!!

So tell us what you like about fall, or like North South Creations on facebook and leave a message - you name it, but put your name in for this cute giveaway!!!

Enjoy the Fall and God Bless!

Starts Oct 12 - Oct 19, 2011 :)

Fa... la... la... la... la - Christmas Towels

We realize that Christmas is still three months away, and yes we do love fall and we are not trying to get the colder weather here any earlier!!!!

But we thought it would be good to get a few Christmas towels created before we got caught up with our own crazy lives too and then didn't have them available for anyone to enjoy during the actual season.  So we've created a few and I must admit, they are adorable..... they would be perfect gifts for any friend, mother, teacher, co-worker etc....

So be sure to check them out - here are a few pictures that we took :)  Enjoy

http://www.etsy.com/shop/NorthSouthCreations