Mocha Child Greetings

I know, I've Been Away...

2010-04-12T11:33:00.000-07:00

Greetings All - I can't believe that I have not posted anything on here since early February! Then again, I can't believe that we are in April already! I really did miss all of my followers and the blogs that I follow. There are some brutally honest ladies that I love to keep up with...I'll be checking you ladies out soon.

What's been going on at Mocha Child you ask? (I've always wanted to say that for something). Well, I have been working on new stationery. I'm now making fabric journals, combining my stationery and sewing. I don't have any pictures yet, I will begin posting them by the end of this week, keep your fingers crossed. I have also been sewing more wristlets and clutches, and re-purposed some old pants and skirts into summer beach bags and purses for girls.

I am really excited to get back on here more often...stick around, I'm working on some big things!! Be sure to click on the Facebook link above to "Become a Fan" of Mocha Child Greetings.

Blessings

I've Been Blogged!

2010-02-03T18:42:00.000-08:00

I opened my e-mail today and found that Jenn over at DailyTag sent me a convo through Etsy letting me know that she liked my cupcake tags so much that she blogged about them. She did a great job with the combination of cupcakes. It's great to get good news early in the day...it really helps to set a motivated tone to the rest of the day.

Thanks a lot Jenn!

Above is the pic of the tag set Jenn used...Check out her blog over at http://www.dailytag.wordpress.com/ to see the other cupcake pics and to check out some of the other shops she has featured. She really know how to find some cute tags! Jenn also has a great shop on Etsy at http://www.shoptagit.etsy.com/.

Enough Rain Already...I Can't Take Pics...

2010-01-22T15:27:00.000-08:00

I can not believe it has rained so much lately! What happened to "It never rains in Southern California"??? I like a lot of rain just as much as the next person, but when you have two 32 gallon trash cans, several 5 gallon buckets, small trash cans and anything else I could use to collect water in, I would say that enough is enough already! The ground is so saturated that it will be a couple of months before I even need to use any of the water. Well, good thing is that we haven't had this much rain in about 10 years, and may not see this much for another 10 years.

Don't get me wrong, I love that the air is so clean and when the clouds are moving, there is a clear view of the snowy mountains and a beautiful clear blue sky. The clear sky doesn't stick around long enough to take pictures though. That is the hard part about using natural lighting. Just when I think I am getting a break to take pics and start setting everything up, the clouds huddle back over the sky as if t say "ha ha...got ya"! At least the weekend is expected to be really nice and clear, I guess I can wait one more day!

In the meantime, I do have some pics of notepads and notebooks that I have made over the past couple of months. I have started postng to my Etsy shop, so check them out and don't forget most of my items are one of a kind. I love special and large orders, so e-mail me and let's talk!

It's funny...I love making cards, but have been shifting more lately to stationery. Don't be surprised if you see more stationery than cards in my shop soon. I'll try to keep things balanced though!

Have a safe and wonderful weekend!

Happy 2010...

2010-01-02T11:48:00.001-08:00

Whew...made it to 2010! I have my little assembly line going getting notepads, thank you notes, valentine cards and gifts together. I have also added a line of monthly cards celebrating the sign and colors, so be on the lookout! I will also be attending more fairs this year and will be listing those as I get the dates. Oh and one more thing (for now) don't forget when you become a fan of Mocha Child Greetings on FaceBook you will receive free shipping (on orders of $15.00 or more), first dibs on new items, giveaways and more...

Have a safe weekend!

Happy Holidays...

2009-12-24T10:59:00.000-08:00

Sending Holiday Greetings to everyone out there on this Christmas Eve. I wish for you and your family good health, togetherness, love, respect, and all that you desire in the coming year and in years to follow.

Peace and Blessings

2009...2010

2009-12-18T08:52:00.000-08:00

With Christmas only one week away and 2010 speeding fast behind it...as with tradition (or just habit), now is the time for “2009 in Review”. We have seen the worst recession I have known in my 35 years in this form. We have all been affected directly or indirectly by unemployment, foreclosures and political backlash and false accusations.

We all know the details of the worlds’ ups and downs of 2009. I feel it is in all of our best interest to begin discussing more of what has happened that has been positive in 2009. First and foremost, we made it through this year! I felt like I have finally stopped going in circles in my “2009 maze” and am finally able to see another path opening up for me. For those that know, I purchased a home in 2008 so 2009 has been a financial roller coaster for me. No matter how small I thought the repair would be, the end cost was always higher. The kids are still growing and eating like horses and the income although stayed the same seemed to continue to decrease! It does help to know that I am not alone in this and I hope that by discussing it we can find that we are not in a fixed maze. No matter how many times we seem to go in that same circle and never notice another path, it doesn’t mean that it’s not there, maybe we just weren’t ready to see it. I know that I wasn’t. Summer came and the harvest was good and the kids were happy and I was happy and all of a sudden it seemed to stop and a reality hit me that I could never have imagined. We weren’t happy and things weren’t good. We, like so many, were getting by.

That realization is what has caused me to take a break and re-evaluate what I and my kids need! The fact of the matter is that they will only be this age and do what they are doing ONCE, and I don’t plan to miss it because I am too busy going to a job that is not fulfilling or trying to live up to some standard that I didn’t set. Now in no way does this mean that I am crazy enough to just quit my job, but it does mean that it is time to start living the life I have dreamed of and focus on those things that are most important not only to me and my family but to my community. The time that I would love to spend with kids, teaching (not in a school environment, but teaching just as well), the creative energy I would love to stop suppressing in the middle of the day, and the time I anticipate spending in my back yard in the garden with my kids and their friends and families…ok let me get back to my point I could go on forever!

The point is that though this has been a tough year, it has shown me a strength I didn’t know I had. A willingness to step away from the “normal” day to day work, kids, house…routine of a lifestyle that I used to think would be my life. I have never felt that the 9-5 monotony of the corporate world was for me, but I ended up there because the money was pretty good and it allowed for those weekends off and quite a few holidays. Somehow I needed something else. I needed to do what I am on this earth to do. To be an active mom, positive role model, mentor, activist, artist, etc. Now this doesn’t mean abandoning all of my current lifestyle, but it does mean a drastic adjustment is required. I wake up in the morning now knowing that I am on the right path. Finally I feel that I can be all of these things without giving up me! I feel that though there will be hard times, I have the understanding that this is life…hard times will come, but they are so minimal in comparison to the good times. You know if it wasn’t for my hard times, I wouldn’t stay focused. It wasn’t until those hard times that came this year that I started to evaluate my life and work and the life I wanted and knew was possible for me and my family.

So while some people are waiting for this year to be over (trust me I am one), it is important that 2010 is started with a focus and plan in the works now. Next year will be an open opportunity for all those looking to improve their life/situation. It doesn’t matter what it is, all that matters is that you took time to think about what it will/should be and you don’t wait! This is not a “resolution” those are easily broken. This is a life adjustment and it only works with a plan, determination and action. Oh yeah, the most important part of this is to know who you are right now. You will change throughout your life, but you can’t make a plan to do what you enjoy if you don’t even know what that is. Well this is like part one with lots more to come. I will be starting another blog soon to keep this one just about my business(s) and the other one about stuff, so look out for it. It’s on my list!

New Items...It's Time

2009-11-17T11:43:00.000-08:00

For some strange reason, it takes longer and longer for me to take pics and post to my blog. My idea of a perfect work day would be my working on and finishing items and then taking awesome shots (with a lot less effort) and get them posted to my blog and etsy shop within 48 hours.

The reality is much slower. I will have a good productive day and it will take me a couple of weeks to get it posted. That would be ok if I were participating in shows the way I did last year…but that is not the case, so I have lots of completed items and I haven't taken pictures of about 1/4th of them. They are slowly on their way...

So here are some pics of cards and boxes that I will be posting to my shop soon.

The card is made from red handmade paper. It is from my handmade paper collection. The inside is fully lined with blank ivory paper and the outside has a handstamped tree scenery and "Thank You" sentiment in deep red. The ivory background is also dusted with copper giving it an antique look.

I love this tag set. I keep saying that if they don't sell, I will use them myself! But just in case you were wondering...they were made with green handmade paper. The tree is printed on thick paper and is glued to the 2" circle with foam adhesive for a 3-d effect. The string is a gold rope just as sparkly and perfect for the occasion.

My daughter is such a prissy little girl. She loves her jewelry and fashion and thing like that. When she saw these "trinket" boxes, she just wanted all of them. I managed to get a few from her and decorate them. They are all painted with regular latex house paint (let's just say I couldn't make up my mind on the colors of some of the rooms in my house) and finished up with paper. Some also have glitter and charms and ribbons... They fit perfectly on the dresser, just as decoration, key holder (my son says I shoul keep one of these for myself!), they can also be decorated to fit the design in a room in your house.

This card was inspired by daughter. I purchased a set of soft pastels and thought I could hide them from her. I think she smells out things she is not supposed to have! She took out three colors and started scribbling over the paper that I had previously cut. I showed her how to dust the colors and the focus sheet of this card is the end result. I added the coordinating background, the charm, and the sentiment. All in all I think she did a great job!

Last but not least is one that is still in my W.I.P (work in progress) bin waiting for the actual card and finishing with a sentiment. I came across some really nice rub-ons and thought they would fit perfectly with MC Greetings style. I will post all to my shop soon, but you are more than welcome to make a request for items by contacting me at mochachild07@gmail.com.
The kids have decided to start earning for their education (I think it's a trick really...my son loves video games and my daughter loves shoes, so we'll see..) and they will have sections in my shop to add their drawings, paintings, etc...Look out for those soon!

Fall Semester Blues...Time for Recovery

2009-11-04T16:42:00.000-08:00

Boy did I underestimate the amount of time that would go into this school semester! Work has been draining and I am looking forward to the holiday time off at the end of the year. My daughter has turned into a “Diva” overnight and insist on wearing heels while she writes all over the walls in the house. My son is on some pre-teen roller-coaster and has been driving me and some of his teachers crazy. Everything keeps going up but my pay so “stretching a dollar” has taken on a whole new meaning. The last fair we did was so grossly misrepresented that it took everything in me not to strangle the coordinator and I have not been able to spend as much time as I have wanted in my yard and working on my house. And with all that going on, I haven’t had the creative flow that I need to really put my all into my shop and with my blog. Even when I have had the time, I just want to veg out! Yes, I am very aware that I am going through a down-spot, but I feel that forcing myself to do the things I enjoy will eventually pull me out of this sinking hole.

I know that I am not the only one going through this, but the start to my “recovery” has been to write this. I hope that everyone else is finding some kind of joy out of the mess that the world is in right now. Trust me that if everyone will continue to do those things and go those places that they enjoy, they will find that things are not as bad as they seem and as I read a couple of days ago…”If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back” (It’s in a very encouraging e-mail floating around. I will send it to you if you request it!)

Well, I just wanted to let everyone know what was going on and I will be getting back to business shortly. I have some pictures to take and some items to list. Don’t worry they will be here first!

Blessings to All!

I'm So Excited...My First Etsy Treasury

2009-09-20T12:46:00.000-07:00

I opened my e-mail today to find that Cait from Barefoot Weaver added my Large Tags to her Teal Treasury ... Check it out. She chose some wonderful items and her shop is also amazing!!

Very Productive Weekend.

2009-09-08T09:19:00.000-07:00

It was a great three-day weekend! I wanted to change up a little and take care of some sewing. My mom laughs at me because when I purchase fabric, 45" or 60" wide, I always buy at least four yards. (yep, I said 4 yards!). I've been so busy trying to make sure I have enough to sell for Mocha Child, that I haven't sewn for quite some time now.

I decided to take out my sewing machine to work on some snack bags to sell in upcoming fairs and also to have some for cases for stationery sets. Now, my daughter is a very girly tom-boy. She loves her dresses, shoes, having her hair twisted....the whole nine. Like her mother, she loves purses! While making my messenger bag (I'll show you that one later), I pulled out some material to make her one as well for her snacks and keys and anything else she can fit in it. Take a look below. I liked the way it came out so much, I decided to make another one. It is a cotton/poly print and lined with cotton muslin. The strap is made from muslin and it is closed using a coordinating zipper. The cover flap is made with the same fabric as the bag and is also lined with cotton linen. I will make more of these and post them to my mom's Etsy site at www.jenidesign.etsy.com. There they will be on sale for $15.00 each. I will take a picture of her with the bag over her shoulder so you can see what it looks like worn. It is too cute!

Don't worry, I will never stray too far from my stationery. Here are a few items that I completed over the weekend as well.

Well, that was part of my weekend. I will post items to my Etsy shop tonight.
Blessings

A Little Etsy Treasury of My Own

2009-09-01T16:07:00.000-07:00

As you may or may not know, getting into the treasury on Etsy is pretty much impossible unless you are sitting there waiting for the numbers to drop, you can't get in. So I decided, like so many of you, to do a Treasury of some of my favorites on Etsy. So here they go...

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
mochachild.etsy.com

As Promised...More Pics

2009-08-31T22:35:00.000-07:00

Well I was able to take the pictures of some of the items I completed Sunday. Below are a few. The glare from the sun added too much light to some pictures and added shadows to others.

I will have to re-take the Happy Holiday cards. The pictures I took just did not do them justice.

"Be the Change you want to see in the WORLD" - Mahatma Ghandi
This quote is widely known and loved and with good reason. My son often remind me of it when he catches me in mid-gossip!

My first tri-fold. Not a big deal, I just stuck to a routine of designs because it was easier, but boring!

Cute little Santa Bear tags are 1 1/2 x 2" and just adorable. Hand stamped and tied with sparkling organza ribbon. Snowflake or Snowballs are the background for these tags.

Like so many, I am a fan of Fall. Those are the colors that just speak to me. It's always easy to come up with designs that represent the earth tones. They work well with Holiday card giving from Thanksgiving through Kwanzaa! Not so sure about New Years, but then I like to be different.

Hopefully I can re-take some of those pictures Tuesday and load them up. Some of the others that did come out really well will be listed in my Etsy shop on Tuesday.

Let me know what you think!

No Online Feedback

2009-08-31T15:27:00.000-07:00

Well, August is over and I didn't hear from my online "judges". That's ok...I've been getting a lot of feedback from friends and family as well as from customers and passerbys at the fairs we have done. I hope to get more of that good old online participation, but I guess everything in it's own time, right? Hey, I'm patient! I will have another promotion coming soon. Maybe I will be able to give something away this time!

Have a Great Week!

Weather, Work and New Week

2009-08-31T13:37:00.000-07:00

Let me start by saying that it has been "HOT" in Southern Cali the last week! I was just saying how it felt like we were in Fall because it was so cool at night and not that hot during the day. Well, (as always) you never know a good thing 'til it's gone. We have had weather in the upper 90s' to 100s'. The house felt like a sweatbox and to make matters worse, the fires have been out of control and the air sucks! I wanted to get the kids out of the house yesterday because they were driving me! I wanted to change my name and not tell them what it was! We ended up not going anywhere, except Target and then back home. They are always calmer after a trip to Target!

I have to say that the weekend was not a loss though. Along with keeping the kids in the house and busy until it was later in the day, I was able to get more done yesterday than I had all week! I made a few holiday cards, which I'll show you soon, but I stopped focusing on "Holiday" and just started working and made cards, card sets, tag sets, etc. I just really had a productive day and still had time to run around with the kids (they burned some energy, and I needed a nap after!) and go out in the garden later in the evening. The one thing I didn't do was take pics. If the light is right, I will have pics online by the end of the day.

Now on to a new week. There's always so much for me to do this time of the year with the holidays coming, craft fairs to participate in, kids back in school, fundraisers and parent meetings, custom orders, etc. I'm not complaining, I really do enjoy it all! I am just saying that I have this as my last week to get calendars (all over the house) organized and have a game plan to make things easier. Don't laugh, it hasn't worked for longer than a couple of weeks in the past, but it will work this year...it has to!!! ~ ; )

I have so many things I want to talk about, but they are still in the planning so I have to keep it hush hush until I know more! Stick around, I'll tell soon. I never could keep a secret!

The one thing I can say is that I am trying to put together some of my favorite shops to feature. I'm looking forward to it, hope you are too. Now you get to see the weird and funky kind of stuff I like!

Blessings

M.I.A.

2009-08-21T10:40:00.000-07:00

WOW!! It has been a long couple of weeks...kids, school, weather, working!

This has also been the weirdest August, it has been cold more than hot! I actually need to put on the comforter at night. I don't recall needing a jacket in August...ever! Til now. The garden is still growing pretty good, and my raspberries are really blooming now, so I'm happy!

I have been going crazy...there is so much to do. The kids are going back to school soon, so I am working the checkoff lists and trying to do as much as I can while they are at the daycare. I have been working on new items, because before you know it, the Fall/Winter craft fairs will have come and gone and I want to be prepared. Also I have to be sure to have enough to post on my Etsy shop. Still trying to find that "Exhale" moment (I guess I will have to wait for that one). It's coming though, it's in the plans!

Well, I have posted a few new items to my shop and will continue posting more frequently for the holiday season. Take a look at some of the items and let me know what you think.

As always more to come. I will get back to checking out your blogs soon! I have missed out on GNO, I will have to be sure to check Dee out and see what she is up to.

Have a Great Friday and a Beautiful Weekend!

Having Fun Making Paper

2009-08-04T11:32:00.000-07:00

***Be sure to check out yesterday's posting regarding New Items and Free Shipping***

I have really had fun learning how to make paper! Learning how much to use for what I wanted the outcome to look like, learning how to remove the mold from the vat, how to dab it without making those big chunks of paper come up (having to do it all over again!). I love everything about it. The best part has been doing it with my kids. They have even taken a station...my daughter helps me get the paper into the blender and scoops it into the vat, I make the paper and my son dabs out the water with the sponge and puts it on the rack to dry. Now in the coming days I will show some of the really nice papers that we have made and are making, but I wanted to take the time to show you the ones we messed up on. Here goes...

I used green tea for this one, it looked good coming out, but then it just went all wrong!

This one started out really nice, but then the petals started going all over the place and...well...you can see it for yourself! I did get a really cute star out of it though.

This one, you can give credit to my daughter. She saw me doing it and said "I can do it mommy, I'm a big girl like you" and let's just say it went well until she had to take it off the screen!So here they are, just a few of the oops and hmmm's of our papermaking.

I just have to show you this one though, the color is just beautiful. I used several colors and even added some cardboard. I think it will make really cute tags!

More to come. Have a Great Day!

Give Feedback Get Free Shipping

2009-08-03T14:57:00.000-07:00

It's always good to get feedback on the work you take such pride in. Keeping that in mind, and with all of the changes going on at MCG (Mocha Child Greetings), the new items and the upcoming season...I am offering Free Shipping to customers offering constructive feedback. When you make a purchase of $15.00 or more you will receive free shipping on your order for the month of August, 2009.

**You must convo me through Etsy or send me an e-mail using mochachild07@gmail.com to receive the free shipping discount. Once feedback has been received, I will send you a code to enter in the notes at the time of purchase. At the time of purchase you will add items to cart and process purchase, but do not pay for your items. I will send a revised invoice through paypal which is what you will use to pay for your order. Once payment is received and complete, your order will be processed. Please allow 2-3 days before your order is shipped. While some items are ready to go, other items will need to be processed before shipping.**

Thank you

As promised...

2009-08-03T11:27:00.001-07:00

The beginning of a new month is just as refreshing as the beginning of a season. It signifies the start of something, a chance to do something different this month from the past month. It is as with every day, a new experience!
As promised, I will begin listing new items in my Etsy shop as well as on this blog and for some give a little more detail.

Take this one for example...

It was the first of my handmade paper cards that I cut and designed. This card is not yet listed in my Etsy shop, but soon. It is made from handmade 100% post consumer recycled paper. The flower petal and center is cut out of the card and lined with a pre-designed paper. Then the outside of the card and the edges of the flower are dusted with a lilac pigment ink. I used glitter and a purple rhinestone to complete this card. And as with all of MCG cards, this card is lined for a little note. I couldn't find my knife to cut it but I had the blades right there next to me, so I cut it holding the blade in my fingers, talk about determined...anyway it was cut and my fingers hurt and when I was done, I found the blade under a sheet of paper right in front of me!

Next is a set of cards that are just perfect! I wanted to keep them for myself (as most crafters and artists do!) but I know that when I feel that good about it, it must be perfect!

This set is listed in my Etsy shop now for sale. After I made the first one, it came to me that this card could be used for the Holidays as well as any other occasion being celebrated. You will find more pics in my Etsy shop. They are blank inside and lined. I can also personalize the inside greeting making it an even more perfect card.

Want Free shipping? Let me know what you think of my Etsy shop, new and old items and receive free shipping with a purchase of $15.00 or more. Just convo me through Etsy or send me an e-mail at mochachild07@gmail.com. Don't just say nice or cute...tell me what you think after all it is for free shipping! Offer valid August 1 - August 31, 2009.

I will be posting more items throughout the month of August and allowing Free Shipping and other promotions, so stay on the lookout!

Have a Great Day!

Girls Night Out

2009-07-28T09:48:00.000-07:00

Dee over at Runako Designs came up with a great idea of having a "Girls Night Out", online. We will have all the fun of going to a spa with our girls except we will be in the comfort of our own homes (hopefully the kids will be sleep or watching tv so this an happen!). There will be spa nights, travel, give-aways and more. The first one is being hosted by Angelina Fong of Angelina Fong Designs and will be this Friday, July 31, 2009. For more information check out Dees blog at Runako Designs Girls Night Out.

Blessings

Dreaming...

2009-07-27T15:59:00.000-07:00

Inspired by a conversation with my son...

As children we are taught to dream endlessly, "Whatever you want to be", "You can do it if you really want to", "Just put your heart, mind and soul into whatever you want to do/be and it will happen"!

What happens to that as we grow older? As teenagers we begin seeing that those dreams didn't work for our parents so why should they work for us? We see that the door gets closed more than it is opened. We still had dreams of fame and fortune, big houses, top corporate jobs, owners of our own businesses, President of the United States of America, etc. We had those dreams! Even those of us that can't remember back that far!

As we became adults, we heard "Get a job", "Go to school and get a good job", "Doctor, Lawyer, Accountant...". We no longer heard encouraging words of living your dreams. Do we stop needing inspiration and encouragement when we become adults? It is in those times finding my way when I needed the most guidance. Sure some were blessed to have someone in their life who had similar experiences and was open enough to share, but what about those of us who were told "Oh that's a good job" (because they had paid sick and vacation time)? What about the ones who said "How are you going to pay your bills on that?" (Whatever that was).

It seems to me that we have many generations of people that are simply alive running the routine they were told to live as adults. Now as some of us are breaking free from the 9-5, creative blocking "jobs" and igniting a life purpose, we are finding that there is so much to let go of. There is the fear of dreaming and feeling that you can put your mind, heart and soul into it and it will happen, Of possibly being successful, of waking up with nothing to complain about.

We stare gazing at those who have taken that chance hoping that it works for them because it means we are one step closer to the same.

We must begin planning our future freedom the way we plan our vacations. Budget accordingly, continue working and smiling because now we have a plan. We must study and learn our craft (whatever it is) and feel confident in our differences and similarities. Set our date and celebrate as it nears and we are ready. Prepare our family as we will no doubt require their support and need their love for when it gets tough and we are ready to give up! But most of all, know that our choices from the past are to be used as tools for preparation for our present and future. Begin living as free as we were born and as it should be!

Blessings

*This was very much a boost for me, but I hope it helped you as well! I would love to hear your story as well, inspiration comes from all as we are a community and should operate as such.

Facebook | Christine M Anderson

2009-07-22T15:05:00.000-07:00

Facebook | Christine M Anderson: "You are the overthinking lover. You dont know how to let things just happen. You believe that there is a divine purpose and physcological reason for everything that happens in your relationships and the relationships around you"

Ready for Anything...Now!

2009-07-21T13:50:00.000-07:00

Last week I spent about 30-45 minutes typing out the perfect blog about how my week was going (without boring you to death). I worked on some new stationery, picked veggies from the garden, planted more seeds, spent some time in the Etsy Storque, played with the kids, picked lavender from the garden for new paper we’ll make this week, started reading a book to use the grass and weeds to make paper, finished the grout on the countertop and island for my kitchen, cleaned the house, did the laundry…the list goes on (amazing isn’t it!), oh and went to my 40 hour a week job (when do I sleep?). I typed it all out, in a little more detail too, and I hit the wrong key and it all disappeared! I was so upset and there was nothing I could do to get it back. It’s not like it hasn’t happened before so that just made it worse! Well, at the end of all of that, the guys came out to do the windows on my house. Now it looks like a real house and I am starting to feel like I can finish remodeling and buy and make art and just make it our home. It will be a year in September and I may even have to have a little get together to celebrate (and yes show off a bit!)

Now to this week…I am excited about the things I have been doing with MCGreetings. I am working on invitations, getting ready for the Holidays, shredding paper to make more HMP, trying some different more creative designs with the cards. I have been using the extra pre-designed paper to make my own envelopes to go with some of the cards I am making. Handmade paper envelopes are nice, but I want to mix it up a bit. Still taking lots of pics, but I am waiting ‘til August 1st to unveil all that I have been doing.

As we are approaching the Holiday season, I will start August off with a promotion and we’ll keep that going until the end of the year! If you have a holiday you would like to see featured, please send me an e-mail!

Blessings

2009-07-16T13:54:00.000-07:00

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More on My Interview on Your 15minute BlogTalkRadio

2009-07-10T09:27:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to get my interview posted that I didn't give any information. Ms. Angle Bush, host of Your 15 Minutes Radio, contacted me in June asking if I wanted to do an interview. I checked out her site and information and jumped at the chance. I sent her my Electronic Press Kit and waited for the interview date.

I have to say I was very nervous and thought 15 minutes was too much time, but it really flew by and the questions Ms. Bush asked were questions that I have answered on several occasions before (sometimes only when I am asking myself the questions). All in all, I felt good after the interview and wanted to make sure that I shared it with as many people as I could. So check it out on yesterdays post. Let me know what you think, good, bad, whatever! I'm all ears (or eyes!).

Ms. Angle Bush blog is for the Entrepreneur wanting to get their information out there and be noticed, but also for those who want information on starting their business, staying motivated, networking, etc.. It is worth it if you are serious about your business or starting a business you may want to get in touch with her. She also gave me information about another business after my interview that I will take a look at and give you information on at a later time.

Please check out Ms. Bush at the sites listed below.
Blog Talk Radio - www.blogtalkradio.com/your15minutes, find out more about Ms. Bush on her website at www.anglebush.com or to become a guest on her show you can e-mail her at your15minutesradio@yahoo.com.

My Interview on Your 15 Minutes Radioblog

2009-07-09T12:09:00.000-07:00

Cupcakes...Get Your Cupcakes!!!

2009-07-06T19:45:00.000-07:00

I had cupcakes on my mind but knew what making a batch of cupcakes could do to the spread, so I went to my office and came up with some cupcakes that had a "tasty look" (if that makes any sense at all). I came up with these fun little tags. They can be used as gift tags, book labels (my daughter loves to take her books to school to show off her labels), they can be glued to popsicle sticks and put into real cupcakes for favors, they can even be used for labeling favor gifts. I would love to receive a gift within a gift! No matter what you use them for, you have to admit that they are fun!

First Handmade Paper

2009-07-06T19:36:00.000-07:00

A while ago I mentioned making my own paper. I finally did it, with the help and push from my daughter. It was very quick and not as messy as I thought it would be. I don't know if you can see the texture through the picture, but they came out really good. We made some thin sheets and put them out to dry on the back porch (it's covered and soaks in all the heat!). They should be dry now, but I'll let them stay overnight. Next we'll try to add flowers or swirl of color...we'll see it depends on the mood at the time.

Saturday morning thought...

2009-06-20T10:30:00.000-07:00

I was listening to my Native American sounds CD this morning, and decided to reflect on my past journies. (It was more so that it jumped out at me and not a decision). While thinking, I came across a quote that read:

"Things that were hard to bear are sweet to remember"

It made me smile. We have journeys that we must complete to get to the next level. Though difficult at times, they are always worth it and to be able to reflect on them, brings tears to my eyes! Continue on your journey wherever your spirit takes you and don't forget to share them with someone. You never know who need to be uplifted!

Peace and Blessings

2nd Phrase for the EAOC Treasure Hunt

2009-06-19T11:27:00.000-07:00

Oops! Sorry it took so long, but the second phrase for the Summer Madness Treasure Hunt is:

HERE COMES THE BRIDE

1st Phrase for the EAOC Summer Madness Treasure Hunt

2009-06-18T10:11:00.000-07:00

is...

GRADUATION CLASS OF2009

If you don't know what I am talking about, check out yesterdays' post. Now get to hunting!, also all participating stores are also listed in yesterdays post.

Blessings

EAOC - Summer Madness Treasure Hunt

2009-06-17T15:49:00.000-07:00

I am very excited to be participating in my first Summer Madness Treasure Hunt with Etsy Artist of Color (EAOC). Check it out and have fun with it. Below is all the information you need including the list of all the Etsy shops participating. I copied it all from the EAOC Etsy page so I wouldn't miss anything.

Summer Madness Treasure Hunt-Thursday, June 18th-Sunday, June 21st 2009. Mark Your Calendars! The Etsy's Artists of Color Street Team is sponsoring an outstanding summer promotion. There will be lots of wonderful prizes to give away so you don't want to miss out.

The rules are simple.

1. Just simply search through the participating shops and find special letters that have been hidden in various listings. The letters will be hidden amongst one of the listing’s photos.

2. Take those letters and form a phrase pertaining to the “Summer”. The phrase will change each day.

It’s that simple! Not only will you will have an opportunity to win a prize but you will also get to visit the shops of many very talented artists and maybe find a few new favorites.

No purchase is necessary but if you happen to come across that one item, (or maybe two) that you just can't resist by all means BUY IT! :-) Now, are you ready for Summer Madness? We thought so. Come join in on the fun and good luck!

The Summer Madness Treasure Hunt will take place in the Etsy Promotions Forum beginning Thursday, June 18th and ending Sunday, June 21st. Each day the EAOC Summer Madness Treasure Hunt will begin at 12 noon and run until 12 midnight, EDT. Once you have located all of the letters and completed the phrase, email Vanessa - VirtuousCreations.etsy.com - at vc1 [!at] bellsouth.net. Make sure in your email that you list each letter that you found and the shop that you found it in.Again, good luck and have fun!Participating shops:

lydiasspacollections.etsy.com

goodenoughtoeatsoap.etsy.com

angelinafongdesigns.etsy.com

fangirlista.etsy.com

gloriasjewelrybox.etsy.com

BklynMoMos.etsy.com

honeychilddesigns.etsy.com

mct43.etsy.com

collectiveelements.etsy.com

yarncoture.etsy.com

amberdawnaccessories.etsy.com

michemozaix.etsy.com

misskart.etsy.com

melrosefields.etsy.com

safiyabeauty.etsy.com

barehandedpress.etsy.com

beinspireddesigns.etsy.com

beyondjewellery.etsy.com

runakodesigns.etsy.com

blossomingtree.etsy.com

eternallegacy.etsy.com

uzuri.etsy.com

osceolapottery.etsy.com

virtuouscreations.etsy.com

velvetbox.etsy.com

SatinDollCo.etsy.com

sarenzobeads.etsy.com

3pieceonline.etsy.com

claudiaolivos.etsy.com

ivorymagnolia.etsy.com

myjunkytrunk.etsy.com

favorsrus.etsy.com

wanderingmoon.etsy.com

mochachild.etsy.com

thesoapseduction.etsy.com

jamilajolie.etsy.com

wirequeen.etsy.com

thegifthutch.etsy.com

blaisedenvy.etsy.com

sydneyaustindesigns.etsy.com

jarvisgift.etsy.com

designbcb.etsy.com

greenfamilytree.etsy.com

kezzmit.etsy.com

beatriceclay.etsy.com

cabcomp.etsy.com

akuadesigns.etsy.com

ibeautiful.etsy.com

handsthatsing.etsy.com

Another good walk Sunday...

2009-06-15T13:07:00.000-07:00

I am still having trouble finding the creative spirit right now, I hope this doesn't last too long. I think I just have so many things going on right now that it's difficult to focus. It has happened before and usually the best ideas come once I relax so I guess I'd better get relaxed!

We (the kids and myself) decided that we would continue going out Sunday mornings and absorb nature. My son having just came back from an intense trip to Utah feels that he is now the expert on climbing, hiking, mountains and all things nature. (I love it!) He finally understand why I enjoy it so much. So this time when we went out, my daughter went the trail again with me, while my son ran most of the way. When we came to the "rock climb" section of the trail, my son wanted to climb it. I was a little nervous about my daughter, but again, she surprised me and climbed the whole way with her big brother right behind her showing her what to do and mom staying back a bit taking pics and just smiling at "my babies"! It was strange to see this side of my kids!

I am so proud of both of them! Once we got up there I told her to look down to see what she had done and all she could do was smile. After that she said she was done and was ready to head back down. I took a few more pics and let them play for a while in the play area. It freed up my mind a bit, I'm starting to get excited again about the business, but will continue to pray on it all.

Well, there was our Sunday morning. Can't wait to see what you have been up to!

Buy One Get One 1/2 Off June 12-14

2009-06-12T06:55:00.000-07:00

Greetings

Starting today and ending June 14, MCGreetings is having a Buy one get one 1/2 off sale. Everything is my shop is included in this sale.

I've added some hand-bound journals and more tags to the shop so now would be a good time to check them out. I am working on Holiday (yes Holiday) cards now so to get in the mood, I am blasting the Christmas music all over the house...Ottis Redding, James Brown, The Drifters and of course Donny Hathaway. The kids think I'm crazy, but I just keep telling them that it's their fault! Anyway, with the end of the school year coming, I thought a sale should get things started. Have a wonderful Friday and hope to hear from you soon.

Sorry for the leave...

2009-06-05T09:54:00.000-07:00

I know that I have been away for a while, but I have had to deal with some issues at work. I usually don't like to let my job get in the way of my business, but the last couple of weeks have been hectic. Looking at the news you know that people are loosing their jobs and their lifestyle left and right. Well, I'm one of those people (Personnel) who have to deliver the bad news. I had been with our crew here for almost four years and it hurt to have to let them go, but according to upper management, it had to be done.

I took a good long walk up the trail at Griffith Park (Fern Dell) with my daughter on Sunday and just being in nature made such a different in my outlook this week. She actually walked the whole trail and I didn't have to pick her up at all! I was so amazed by her. We will try to do it more often! Also, my son came home last night from his 9 day trip with his school to Utah. He looks taller and was so happy to be home, I didn't want to stop hugging him! So today, I feel blessed!

I hope and trust you have had a great week as well, or have found some inspiration to go out there and find your peace in all the madness.

I will have more pics to post and more stories to tell soon.

Blessings

Happy Birthday...Sistah

2009-05-20T09:27:00.000-07:00

Ok...you know she is lookin' good with her wrap on her head!!! This is by far my favorite stamp! I am working on some journals that will have this picture on the front. In the meantime, I have made several cards with this stamp. It is colored in with pigment ink. Brushed to perfection! The wrap has turquoise, green, purple and yellow fused to give style and sensuality. Her shirt is colored with a bright pink pigment ink, her lips have a purple iridscent pigment ink and I gave her a necklace using rayon thread and a jewel from my "collection".

You will definitely see more of her! She is on sale now in my Etsy shop

Pan American Fiesta

2009-05-06T10:22:00.000-07:00

For those of you in the Lakewood, California area this weekend, I will be participating in their Pan American Fiesta at Mayfair Park (on the corner of Clark and South). Stop by and get your last minute cards and gifts for Mother's Day, relax and enjoy the sun! May 9th and 10 will be full of vendors, food, amusement rides and entertainment. The Lakewood Pan American Association is sponsoring a Mother's Day Pancake Breakfast on May 10 from 9am-11am. This will be my first time participating in this so I am very excited!

Click or Copy and past the link for more information http://www.lakewoodcity.org/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=4943

Hope to see you there!

Arthur Unknown

2009-05-04T12:18:00.000-07:00

I enjoy finding quotes that are short but inspirational. I googled "inspirational quotes" and came upon a site that I think is pretty good. This is a very simple but very true quote. Often I meet people who have a lot of good ideas, some may even produce overnight success! The problem is that they are either sitting or laying on the ideas. So, here it is...

You cannot plough a field

by turning it over in your mind.

Author Unknown

When I read it, I thought that it would be perfect to put on cards that I need to send out to friends and some family members! Turn those ideas into action!!!

Peace and Awareness

New Mocha Tags

2009-05-01T08:31:00.000-07:00

I had this green preprinted paper and I couldn't really figure out what to do with it. First I cut it to the size of a notecard, but didn't like that. Then I cut them to the size of a bookmark and I didn't like that either. By the time I finished, it was cut to less than 1" and it seemed to work with some other colors and textures I had on the floor and out came these cute and earthy tags! The finished size is 1 1/2" x 2 1/2" and each design is different and unique. The background green is textured cardstock, the ivory is linen coverstock, the brown is archival and the green is preprinted cardstock. Those four little pieces of hand-cut papers make up the cutest little tags. They are adorned with a brown double-sided satin ribbon.

There are a number of uses...you can add adhesive to the back and use them as sticker labels, bookmarks, gift tags for bottled gifts, gift tags for any gift, add a sentiment or name on the ivory and use in scrapbooking. There are so many uses! They would also be a cute addition for wedding favors (they can be personalized upon request) and party gifts. My daughter put a magnet on the back of one that i gave her and stuck it on the fridge...Whatever you want to do with them, you can and there will be more colors and styles in my Etsy shop soon.

New Stationery and Mother's Day - May 10th

2009-04-30T08:09:00.000-07:00

In case you forgot, Mother's Day is Sunday, May 10, 2009! Being a crafty mom, I usually like the kids to make something for me instead of buying me underware or socks! My son likes to draw and my daughter like glue and glitter so we usually have a pretty good time (until the glitter starts flying all over the room!). I enjoy being a mom, from wrestling and playing video games with the kids to cooking and gardening with them, I love every minute of it!

For those moms out there who are weathering the ups and downs of being a mom, for those who are struggling to make it and those who are making it with little struggle, we have to remember that it takes more than a village to successfully raise our kids. We can not do it alone! We need one another for support and conversation, not to mention a drop off house when it gets so bad we just need to take a drive for a couple of hours to get right! Just love every minute of being a mom and don't expect a thank you to come until they have kids of their own (but embrace it if it comes sooner!) HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!!

A couple of months ago, I mentioned working on new stationery sets. Well here is the second set (the first one is getting packed for our Mother's Day winner). I haven't thought of a name for the stationery sets just yet (so I'm open to suggestions), but I wanted to show you one of the first sets completed. I will be listing it for sale in my Etsy shop, but wanted to give you first glance. The sets will include:

4 - 3 1/2 x 6 1/2" lined cards with white envelopes
4 - 4 1/4 x 5 1/2" flat cards with coordinating envelopes
3 - tags, bookmarks, or stickers of varying sizes
1 - coordinating notepad (recycled paper, handcut and assembled, some lined some blank)

Each set will include a Mocha Child ink pen that you may see in some of the pictures in my shop.

Enter Here

2009-04-22T12:14:00.000-07:00

Earth Day 2009

2009-04-22T11:30:00.000-07:00

This is just too funny!!!

Ok on to another picture. This is just beautiful! I could say treat the earth the way you treat your temple (body), but then again so many of us are constantly polluting our body, I have to say treat the Earth better than you treat your body! I am not neurotic about it or anything, but I am conscious of the gifts that we have been given. Without even working for it we have been blessed with a world of diversity, shelter, beauty, knowledge, peace, opportunity and the list goes on. All that Nature has asked is that we respect it and take care of it!

Celebrate Earth Day in any way that you choose...then continue the celebration every day!

Peace and Awareness

3 Days Left...Are you in?

2009-04-22T08:28:00.001-07:00

Good morning, I just noticed that there are three days left for the contest! I have been so busy getting ready for Mother's Day, a fair coming up next month, looking for more fairs and oh yes...designing! I have some very cute stationery sets that I will be introducing in May. There has been so much to do with the end of the school year coming. My son will start taking those end of the year tests so the preparation for that is driving me crazy. I have to keep looking up problems online (Hey it's been a while...). My daughter is also coming to the end of her school year too, but I can handle pre-school work ~ ; )

If you haven't already entered your name in the Mother's Day Giveaway...do it while you are here now. Tell your friends and co-workers that time is running out!

Have a great Wednesday...getting closer!

10 Days and Counting...

2009-04-15T10:14:00.000-07:00

We are getting closer and closer to the end of the Mother's Day Giveaway! Are you excited? I am. I received all of the items last week and have been getting them prepared for their little journey.

Below is a picture of some of the tags in my Etsy shop right now. The bird on these tags are hand-stamped with brown pigment ink. The background was preprinted and really works with the birds. I started out cutting the edges, but found that the torn edges really added to the design. These like all of my designs are so much fun to make! The best part about what I do is that my kids really enjoy helping (and sometimes destroying...).

Ok...my break is over. It's time to get back to work!

Free Item of the Month

2009-04-08T13:32:00.000-07:00

For the month of April the free item will be the set of 5, 3" round green leafy gift tags that I am currently selling for $3.50. Free with purchases of $10.00 and up.**While quantities last.

I absolutely love these tags! They are sturdy yet not bulky. They are great for any season and occasion. They can also be used in scrapbooking. I also sell these tags on my Etsy site. If you would like to purchase a larger quantity, please convo me through etsy or at mochachild07@gmail.com

Creative Energy...

2009-04-07T08:20:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't posted any more pics. I have had a creative surge and have been drawing a lot of the ideas in my head so they don't "leave" (if you're crafty, I'm sure you know what I mean!). Because I have been busy working, I haven't posted anything. Don't worry, they are coming and I hope you love them as much as I love creating them! Most of the pre-designed papers that are out now, don't leave much for creativity. I have been working on my own designs using ink and stamps and my own drawings. They are definitely a work in progress, but I am having fun trying out new ways to express myself and am starting to understand my creative energy a little more.
While you're online, check out Angie's blog at Calabash Creations. She is very creative and uses mixed media, fabric, paint, ink, stamps, etc. whatever she feel like using she works with it and she is very inspirational to me. There is also another blog that I found on Angie's blog, Creative Expressions. Two very talented women that allow their creative energy to flow through them. Thanks ladies!

While I'm here, I have to mention the Giveaway! I want to thank everyone who left comments and entered the giveaway. I can't wait to find out who the winner will be...I'm excited and I can't even enter. Make sure to tell your friends...male and female! We were all birthed by women (then again with modern science who knows!), and we all know a woman who deserves to be showered with love and of course gifts!!!

Blessings

Purple Paper Gator

2009-04-03T09:54:00.001-07:00

I recently purchased a "Purple Paper Gator" from Paperwishes.com and I have to tell you that with all the things that I have purchased for MC Greetings, this has been the most valuable. It doesn't look like it can do much, but I have been able to round off the edges of notebooks with 50 - 70 pages all at one time...including the board backing! (It can cut up to 100 pages!)

I was a little worried about the cost (I thought I would end up having to send it back), I was so amazed at how easy and clean it cut. My daughter (now 4 years old) wanted to use it to round off the edges of some notepads I had made and she did it with ease! Now she wants to round off the edges of everything! There's also a straight edge blade and a trash tray for all the cut pieces, and even an alignment board to make sure you are getting the best cut.

I'll load some pics this weekend so you can see it for yourself!

Hey...while you're here, don't forget to enter the Mother's Day Giveaway! I will have pics of the prizes loaded up soon. Enter your name and e-mail address in the box to the right. You can keep it for yourself or send it to a deserving mother!

Mother's Day Giveaway

2009-04-01T08:40:00.000-07:00

Greetings All,

Well, today is the day...the start of the Mother's Day Giveaway! I will be giving you a sneak peak into the items that are in the giveaway soon, for now, enter your name and e-mail address so that you are in the running, and keep your fingers crossed! Keep it for yourself, give it to your mother or mother-in-law, or give it to a mom that you know needs a pick-me-up! Whoever you give it to, I guarantee you will put a smile on their face!

Mother's Day Giveaway

2009-03-31T15:13:00.000-07:00

Designing Kraft Bags...

2009-03-31T09:08:00.000-07:00

I purchased a box of these bags for customers at fairs but found that the flat bags worked just as well, so I have more of these bags than I can use right now and don't want them to go to waste. So...I decided to start designing them for sale. This is the first one! Came out kinda cute. Just need a tag or charm or something to hang from the top. I might just laminate a coordinating tag and hang it with the ball chain...hmm! I guess I'll have to see what that looks like!

While you're online don't forget to become a MC follower for the latest information and new and upcoming items. Also, if you have anything fun going on, let me know...I would love to help anyway I can.

Mother's Day Giveaway

2009-03-30T12:18:00.000-07:00

We are hosting a Mother's Day Giveaway, April 1 - April 25. I am very excited about this giveaway, it being the first one for Mocha Child. The hat box you see pictured above is going to be filled with some wonderful Mother's Day goodies! We have a very pretty original design from Jeni Design, wonderful and fun handcrafted soap from Primitive Earth, we even have handcrafted candles and tarts from The Clack House, and last but not least, I will enter one Mother's Day greeting card and spring stationery set. All of this and a few more items will be included in this hat box.

The Giveaway will officially begin April 1, 2009. There will be a box on this site where you will enter. All contest rules and information will be posted April 1, 2009. The drawing will be held by Contest Machine (contestmachine.com). This contest is only open to residents of the United States of America, currently residing in the USA. While you're online don't forget to become a MC follower for the latest information and new and upcoming items. Also, if you have anything fun going on, let me know...I would love to help anyway I can.

Please be sure to check out the participating vendors. They were great in communicating with me to get this started.

Check back Wednesday, April 1, 2009 to enter your name in the contest!

What's New at MC Greetings?

2009-03-26T08:20:00.000-07:00

Here we go. I decided to start taking pics last night of cards and tags that I had already completed. I was able to take most of them, but not all because I didn't have room on the memory card (it would only take a minute, but I still have not cleared out the old pics or the ones where my daughter was taking pictures of her arm and feet) so I will have to go through that and delete the crazy stuff tonight.

Here is some of what is coming to my etsy shop...

I'm not sure what I want to put on the red card, I will think of something. In the meantime, it's blank too!

While you're here...don't forget to add yourself as a Mocha Child Follower. We have a Mother's Day Giveaway coming soon!

It's Been a While!

2009-03-25T08:30:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I last posted anything. I have been busy with tax time and creative work. I will begin posting more stationery this weekend. I have also been getting prepared to start making paper. I am so excited about this, I have been waiting for over a year because I needed more space. Now that I am a homeowner (with a garage and lots of space!), I am reading and getting myself and the kids prepared. They are just as excited as I am! We are working on so many things for 2009. We have papermaking in the process, I am working on a line of stationery sets, weekly step-by-step projects, and monthly giveaways. There are so many things to do, and this is the time to do it!

I also wanted to tell you about a great book I just finished. The Secret Code of Success by Noah St. John. The information in this book put the pieces together for me. I can only tell you that any person wanting to be successful (in any form you want) must read this book. My creativity and ideas have been flowing so much that I have had to make sure that I write them as soon as they come, because another one will follow. I also have found that my relationship with my son (11) and my daughter (4) has gotten better. We are all relaxing a little more even with the constant noise of recession, jobloss, homeless, etc..

Well, I just wanted to give you a little info on what has been keeping me busy. Check back for more from Mocha Child...

also, I added a Followers box on the side for those of you who want to know what's going on with Mocha Child. So...follow me!

Scrapnmom

2009-02-18T08:44:00.000-08:00

I have been on Etsy for a while and although there are some questionable posts, there are posts like this one from Angela that makes me proud to be a member of Etsy! This would have to be the most professional scrapbook page I have ever seen. Check out her site Scrapnmom and also check out her blog Scrapnmom Blogspot and let her know what you think of her shop. She has many pages to choose but this one is by far my favorite! Anyway, I enjoy it when people are doing what they love to do and you can tell it in her work.

I've Been Tagged

2009-01-27T12:01:00.000-08:00

I've been tagged. How cool. Artist Extraordinaire Calabash Creations tagged me, and since I think it's a neat idea, I will try to keep this going.

Here are the rules:

~ Link to the person who tagged you

~ Post the rules on your blog

~ Write six random things about yourself

~ Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them

~Let each person know they've been tagged

Some cute some embarrassing facts about me...

1. I like bowling and playing video games, although I am not good at either.

2. I absolutely love gardening and I am very good at that.

3. My dream destination is a week long vacation in Fiji (Although I would probably go crazy not having my paper to work with)

4. I believe in the art of positive energy. I believe that if you are a positive person, you will always find a way to succeed (and know that money does not always equate to success!)

5. I love the theatre and wish I had that one opportunity to act in a stage play.

6. I watch Golden Girls every night.

Now I guess it is time for me to pass on the torch to...

MadHattersPottery

AfriqueLaChic

FadedWillow

I wish I had more, but it seems that a lot of people are still not blogging. Oh well, Check out these and the link to Calabash Creations .

2009-01-25T14:50:00.001-08:00

New Cards in Shop

2009-01-25T13:32:00.000-08:00

I have been pretty busy lately and finally took time to add these new cards to my shop. Take a look...

http://www.mochachild.etsy.com/

Let's Take it Back...

2009-01-18T16:34:00.000-08:00

Do you remember receiving letters in your mailbox from an old friend just keeping in touch?, or from f family member you haven't seen in years?

Well, with todays' ever advancing technology, we tend to forget how good we felt when someone sent us a card in the mail or a letter on pretty stationery. Whether it was purchased from the store or they made it themselves, we always felt good knowing someone cared.

In honor of the good ol' days, Mocha Child Greetings is taking it back. We are promoting the art of writing and the joy of sending letters to friends, old and new. To family around the corner or across the country. And why not send one to someone in the hospital or a retirement home, just because!

When you purchase two cards in the months of January and February, we will send a third free card to whomever you want.

For more details check out our site at http://www.mochachild.etsy.com/

*Note: 3% of Net profits are donated quarterly to local Childrens' Charities.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-13T16:13:00.000-08:00

I took a break last year. I purchased a house and wanted to take time out for moving and getting settled in. No surprise...the kids were quickly adjusted, but it took a little more time for me. Now we are in a New Year, with major changes taking place. I am excited and wanted to make some changes in my life. I usually frown at making New Years Resolutions but found myself making some for 2009. I think that being financially fit is the most important one for me (as well as 99.9% of the world right now!), so I agree to save more and invest more. I also feel it is important to work on that second income (Mocha Child of course). There are so many parts to my company that I have not introduced and will begin focusing on those. Ok and the last thing (I could only realistically stick to three things), I agree that I need to get out more. I have a virtual social life and need to go out and enjoy myself as Christine and not just as Mommy a little more.

So there it is in a nutshell! Now let's see how long this lasts. Hope you have made some really good Resolutions and I look forward to hearing about them.

Etsy Artist of Color Group

2008-07-17T08:03:00.001-07:00

Great Group of Talented Artists

Visit Etsy Artists of Color

I've been Blogged for a Worthy Cause

2008-06-21T09:39:00.000-07:00

This week I sent Rachel of Captured Books, 12 blank greeting cards for the Mission Soldier Support. I was excited to know that she received them all and in excellent condition. Thank you Rachel for getting this together. It goes to show you don't have to be a celebrity to give! The best gifts are those from the heart. Take a look at all of the pictures of supporters of this mission. If you would like to donate, please contact Rachel at the following link.
www.capturedtimebooks.blogspot.com

New Cards in Shop

2008-06-01T23:38:00.000-07:00

I was very busy this weekend. With the weather being just right, the kids and myself played outside for a little while. Then I started working and they stayed outside and enjoyed the sun. While they were outside, I was able to complete a lot of cards and stationery.

Over the next few days, I will be posting more items to my shop. Here is a sneak peak.

This is just adorable. I made two, one with black hair and the other with brown. I am partial to the one with black hair. But I enjoy looking at both.
This wedding card was a wonderful mistake. I had something else in mind, but like most times, when I started working I went in another direction. I'm glad I follow my changes they usually lead me in a better direction.

I needed to make postcards for my shop (it just didn't make sense to have someone else do it for me). This is the final look for now. I will post this on my site as well for anyone in need of postcards for their shop. They are made on Linen Cardstock. Not only does the linen have a really classy texture, it gives more definition to the pictures on the back.

My New Mocha Beauties

2008-05-21T08:33:00.000-07:00

I recently found some beautiful African American rubber stamps. This one is my first in my new line of Mocha Beauties Cards. I'm still working on the title of these cards since I have quite a few different kinds and don't want to leave anything out. But here she is...need I say more?

First Quarter 2008 Donation...

2008-04-22T11:29:00.000-07:00

As you may or may not know, we donate 3% of our gross profits to local Children and Animal Organizations. We are glad to say that for our first donation of 2008, we donated to A Place Called Home. A Place Called Home is an organization dedicated to providing at-risk youth of Los Angeles a positive and safe environment where they can learn new skills and gain self-respect. They provide a safe place for the inner city youth and help them to achieve thier dreams and goals. For more information or to donate to this organization go to www.apch.org, or click on their name above.

As a mom of 2, it is important for me to not only live, but to be a positive role model. Not only in the eyes of my children, but in the eyes of children as well as adults who do not have a positive role model. It takes a small effort to make a big change. Mocha Child and the many projects I am working on for the coming months is and will continue to be dedicated to causes which affect our World. If you have a cause you are passionate about, let me know what it is. Lets discuss what we can do together.

Free Shipping - Anniversary Sale

2008-04-07T10:43:00.000-07:00

We started selling on Etsy in April of 2007.

We would like to celebrate our anniversary with our customers by having sales and giveaways!!

Each week will be different!
This week - April 7 - 13, Free shipping on all orders $10.00 and over.

Don't forget, we always add something special for our customers with every order.

Thank you for all of your comments, bookmarks, and support over the year.

Happy Shopping.The family at Mocha Child
www.mochachild.etsy.com

Embossed Flower...Orange...Green

2008-04-06T20:10:00.000-07:00

Perfect combination. Sometimes the most unlikely colors and textures turn out the best cards. The orange paper that I used had this print already. It needed a little something on this card, so I dusted it with orange pigment ink on the edges. It gave it a certain kind of closure to the card. Also, the green solids just didn't fit until I dusted the entire paper with copper pigment ink. The dusting on the two papers blended the two very well. I dry embossed the flower and then dusted it with a metallic rub. I dusted it with copper pigment ink and then used double sided foam to make it 3-D. I used a plaid ribbon because it wasn't my norm.

Funny thing...sometimes just putting something together without overthinking it ends up being your best work. As with most of my cards the inside is lined with white linen for a clean finish and also for your personal message.

Shopping on Etsy - Must Have Picture

2008-03-25T15:20:00.000-07:00

I was Etsy shopping and checking out blogs today and ran across some of the best and most detailed artwork I have seen yet. I could not believe that these dolls (and many more) were hand-sculpted. I purchased this notecard of Paige and Phoebe. I can't wait to see it! I am sure that I will be purchasing more from Sarah1974. If you haven't checked out her store yet, you must. If you get a chance take a look at her Blog. Take a look at my purchase...

Etsy :: mochachild :: Happy Easter Handmade Card

2008-03-14T18:05:00.000-07:00

Etsy :: mochachild :: Happy Easter Handmade Card

I never like making too many Holiday cards, because once the Holiday is gone you may have cards to hold on to for a while. I could not pass up the opportunity to do these cards. They are too cute. Blank inside and lined with white linen. The design was cut down from a larger design that I could not use. The pink ink is pigment ink for the long lasting color.

I hope you like it!

All Occasion Blank Flower Cards

2008-03-14T12:21:00.000-07:00

I needed to make some cards to send to friends along with the pictures I took with the kids last month. I came up with the cards in the picture. They were perfect! Not only am I using scraps of paper that I have left, but it looks really good. The card itself is made from 100% recycled handmade paper (purchased). Sometimes I have to give myself a pat on the back and say good job. The ones in this picture are listed on my etsy page. I made more for my friends.

They are lined with ivory linen and can be ordered in large numbers for discounts.

Thinking of Past Projects

2008-03-06T21:10:00.000-08:00

I have always enjoyed crafting. A few years ago, I was doing floral design. I purchased a bunch of artificial flowers and wasn't quite certain what I was going to do with them. I thought it would be cute to have a design that would last inside of the vase. I made and sold quite a few, but this is one that is still around. All of the bunches of flowers were cut down to stems and further cut to fit inside the vases. They are all placed in the vase by hand to ensure that the designs were exactly as they should be and no two will ever be the same. I may start more of these in the summer, they all seem to have that Spring/Summer feel!

Laminated One-of-a-Kind Bookmarks

2008-02-22T09:01:00.000-08:00

I know that sometimes we say one of a kind but then there are about fifty of the same item. My bookmarks are truly one-of-a-kind. They may have similarities, but no two will be the same. Here I took some paper that I had that I could not figure what else to do with it at the time. I cut it out just right so not to disturb the design, inked the edges with moss green bamboo pigment ink, rounded off the edges and laminated it for durability. The hard part is the ribbon. Just about any color will do because of the pattern.

This bookmark is on sale in my shop now and many more will follow in the coming days and weeks.

Celebrate and say Hello!

2008-01-30T11:30:00.000-08:00

I love to send cards that represent my personality. I had this brown and pink paisly paper for a while, but didn't know what to do with it. It just didn't seem to go with anything. I stamped the image on the ivory and put the green behind it and when I put the green solid up against the brown it fit perfectly. This is so far my favorite. I am going to make a few and send to people I know. The message will change with each card, but it will have the same effect. Sometimes the oddest colors and prints are the ones that make the greatest impression.

Man or Woman!

2007-12-30T09:09:00.001-08:00

Ok, I woke up this morning with an idea in my head. While my kids were still asleep, I started cutting and adhering. This is what I came up with and I am really proud of it! The two hearts are hand drawn and cut, they are in 3-d effect using double-sided foam adhesive. The mesh in the background is a perfect setting for the strip of cream colored paper with copper pigment ink gently rubbed around it.

Getting Ready for 2008

2007-12-29T11:00:00.000-08:00

Sometimes my favorite cards are the ones that took very little time and didn't require a lot of material. It is the simplicity of it. With this simple design, you can use this card for any occasion. You can send it to a freind, lover, or a new acquaintance. This card is special because it is...

Judy Wise

2007-12-10T15:46:00.000-08:00

If you haven't checked out her art, you are truly missing it! I just found her myself after picking up a magazine called ClothPaperScissors. Check out Judy Wise blog at www.judywise.blogspot.com and then go to www.clothpaperscissors.com to subscribe to the magazine. it is truly worth it! She also has an etsy site www.judyblue.etsy.com. Her use of paper and paint and collaging...I can't explain how it made me take out my scraps of paper and paint! Just check it out. There are also some directions in the clothpaperscissors magazine how she makes patch work with paper, gel medium and acrylic paints.

Christmas Crafts Countdown and so much MORE!

2007-11-30T12:23:00.000-08:00

This is a great site for the do it yourself-er. Click on the link and have fun crafting for the Holidays.
From recipes to decorating the house there is an endless amount of information and things to do! Just don't over do it and burn out before Christmas comes.

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/pac_ctnt_988/text/0,,HGTV_22056_53734,00.html?xp=XMAS07_20

OK! Last one for the day.

2007-11-29T12:06:00.002-08:00

Lot's of people use the die-cuts that they purchase in the stores. They don't compare to the die-cuts that us "paper lovers" cut. We are able to personalize pictures for you, cut them out by our own hands and sell them to you for little to nothing. We do it because we are addicted to paper. We can't stop creating and cutting and drawing and painting! We have so much paper we don't know what to do with ourselves except buy more paper!

This is the first of many die-cuts to come.

Stay informed...join our newsletter at the bottom.

Gift Bags from Scratch

2007-11-29T12:06:00.001-08:00

I absolutely love gift bags. Not only do I enjoy the receivers face when they see the design, but I also love being the receiver of a bag that was creative and sometimes just cute... I just started making Gift Bags from scratch. I had sheets of paper that I didn't quite know what I wanted to do with yet and just started making something. It turned out to be these bags and I have since made quite a few of them. I have lots of ideas for the coming year and have already begun working on my calendar.

If you haven't already take a look at my site http://www.mochachild.etsy.com/ and let me know what you think. Also join my newsletter at the bottom of this page to get the first notice of upcoming sales, promotions and Holiday items.

Gift Cards using Rubons

2007-11-29T12:06:00.000-08:00

I tried to stay away from the rub-ons, but when I saw the set that these came with I couldn't help myself. I ended up making really cute cards, and gift bags with these. The cards are approx 3" x 3" and comes with a hand-made envelope (made by me). The envelope is made to fit this card. I altered the rub-on a little so it does not look like the original but it is a perfect fit.

One of a Kind Card!

2007-10-29T14:45:00.000-07:00

I felt that I needed to add a little something to my card pics. What better to add then my second favorite thing...flowers! I will be adding a little something so all of my card pics...as needed of course. There will only be two of this card made and once those are gone...THAT'S IT!!!

To keep from becoming the Greeting Card Industry (repeating cards for years and years!!!) I only want to do a select number of each card.

At most unless it is a special order, there will only be 6 cards of each design. There are times when less will be made because of the style and cuts.

The Happy Little Mushroom!

2007-10-25T16:03:00.000-07:00

Happy little mushroom is the lates in my Novelty card collection. I hope you like it! I will be showcasing the christmas collection by the second week of November. This is the collection that I will be sending to customers and family.

Yeah!!! Networking at it's finest!

2007-10-25T11:06:00.000-07:00

I found the perfect place to network with other Etsy sellers... We Love Etsy!

So far I have had the chance to really check out some of the artisans work. I know exactly where I will be shopping for Christmas gifts. When you get a chance (better yet why not now!) check out the site and let me know what you think. I will be posting more pics often. Just need to make time for it.

Happy shopping! and Happy selling! Oh just have a Happy Day!!

http://etsylove.ning.com/profile/mochachild

Gardening : Fall : Color Your September : Home & Garden Television

2007-09-07T14:03:00.000-07:00

Gardening : Fall : Color Your September : Home & Garden Television

This is one of my favorite sites. You can learn just about anything. Check it out sometime....

Happy Halloween

2007-08-17T10:11:00.001-07:00

Hello to all

We are preparing for the upcoming Holiday Season.

We will beging posting Halloween cards and gifts over the next couple of weeks.

In addition to our Halloween items, we will be posting our Everyday and Special Occasion items.

Check out our items currently posted on www.mochachild.etsy.com

Thank you,

and happy shopping!

Pinpoint customers who are looking for what you sell.

Feature spot on Etsy July 23

2007-07-23T09:19:00.000-07:00

I was finally able to purchase a spot on Etsy. With there being so many sellers, the spots sell out almost immediately.