Friday, May 13, 2011

100 Post-A-Palooza!

Hello All, 

That's right I'm celebrating my 100th post... with a 

Post-A-Palooza!

Well, mostly just a big give-a-way.... 
but I just like any excuse to add 'a-palooza' to a title. 

Let's get to the give-a-way!



I'm calling it... Nicole's Favorites! 

To give you an idea of whats in this little goodie bag:

11 stamp sets!
Copic Markers
Stickers
Alpha Stickers
Paper
Cards
Chipboard House
Dress Form
Chipboard book

etc.... 

Total Value Close To: $200 buck-a-roos

I'd say that's a pretty nice little give-a-way... 

But, wait.... there is more! 

As a part of the 11 stamp sets... 
4 of the sets are my brand new line with Market Street Stamps!

Thats right! If you win you get to be the proud 
owner of stamps designed by yours truly!

So, here is the way you enter to win... 

1. Become a follower of my blog... (if your not already)
2. 'Like' my One Sweet Romance facebook page (link is to the right)
3. Comment on this post with your name and a means to contact you.


Annnddd...

If you send friends to enter and they mention your name ... you'll get another entry. So, the more people you send... the more ways to enter!

A few small disclaimers:

1. I'm happy to ship anywhere in the US... anyone outside the US, you can still enter... you'll just have to chip in for the shipping...

2. You must include a means of getting a hold of you (preferably an email address) or you won't be entered to win :(

3. This is open to anyone (friends and family!)... actually, I hope one of my silent supporters wins!


You have until June 1st to enter!

Then by a totally random means... the winner will be chosen and announced/notified on June 2nd!

So, get goin' !

Happy Crafting!!!

Cheers,
N.


Friday, April 29, 2011

HOP-py Birthday Peggy!

Yippee, Peggy... it's your birthday and 
we've got an extra special hop just for you~

Here is my special card I made with you in mind... 


Isn't the hat on the hippo the cutest thing ever~

I usually don't buy 'birthday' specific stamps... because it seems like you can always add a ballon or hat to birthday anything up a bit!

I used the 'Harriet the Hippo' stamp... if you want to perhaps add it to your stash you can find it : HERE

Thanks for stopping by and wishing Peggy a very hippo hoppy birthday!

Cheers, 
Nicole


Here is the line up of the hop so you can move along. 


Next Stop: 





Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Market Street April Release

Hey Everyone!!! 

I know, I sound like a broken record.... but.... it's the end of APRIL... ALREADY!

What the heck happened to this month??? 

Seriously. 

I am turning 
*cough* 27 *cough* 
soon and it finally hit me.... 
it all does go by like a blink of an eye.... doesn't it!?! 

Anywho, I know you all stopped by to see a peek at this months release... 
and I am breaking all the rules (and not even telling Angelica) :) and showing 
not 1
or even 2

but 3 cards made with this months release~

ready for it? 



Number 2


And my personal favorite: #3



I bet you can't wait to see the sets and get your ink pads on them! 

Stop by and visit me again soon! 

Happy May! 

(Its almost full blown summer!!)

Cheers, 
Nicole


Saturday, April 23, 2011

Craft Room Re-Organization!

Hello All! 

Ok, so I am going to dive right in.... 

First, Happy Easter! 
(and because this is my blog and this is a free country) 

This is the day the Lord has made... let us rejoice and be glad!

So, I am sure you all know how much I love to organize. I mean, I think I like to organize about as much as I love to play with glitter... and you know how much I love me some glitter! 

So, recently I talked my Dad into helping me create an amazing home office and craft area. I needed lots of counter space and even more REACHABLE storage space. You crafters know what I am talking about.... if I don't see it and I can't reach it ... I don't use it. Thats a fact. So, I am constantly finding ways to make my collection of stuff accessible. My Dad and I talked about different layouts and ways we could go about mixing pre-made organizational storage units with some ol' fashion wood working. Our first stop was the Container Store... if you don't know about the Container Store, it's a home organization store that has every organization thing you could think of ... and a whole bunch of stuff you never knew existed but totally needed! But, the catch is... it's $$$$. So, we we're originally going just for some inspiration.

As a side note, I want to mention that if you are a heavy crafter like myself... it is so challenging to find furniture that is going to fit crafty stuff and works for the hobby. I'm sorry, but my stuff would never fit in a hutch.... and I live in San Diego where homes aren't brand new with built in craft rooms.. as nice as that would be... So, I was ready to spend some money... b/c lets face it.... I have been in this hobby for 10+ years and I finally need a room that fits my hobby/work life. 

Long story short... My Dad and I were sold on the container store and thought we could put in our own countertops and make this a totally custom hobby room. 

I'll show some photos .... give you some links... and give you an idea of pricing....just in case this might be just what you were looking for!



It's a U-shaped office desk... with two stand alone desks at either end. One desk is a stand up desk and one is a sit down desk.



The whole unit runs over 11 feet with the 
two desks being 3x6 (sit down) and 2x4 (stand up) 

It has a complete over the desk hanging shelve system... 
and baskets under the counter that run the length of the 11 feet. 


I am still hanging shelves and 'moving in' 
but here is another angle of the stand up desk. (above) 


The baskets and the counter are about 2 feet wide (a little less 22inches) and leave me a ton of space to work!

It's also the perfect standing height for me. (at about 3 and a half feet) 

Sorry for the blurry picture...


But, here is an idea of the storing space. 


So, in the end we bought the base units 
and the hanging unit at the Container Store.

You can find the system: Here

To give you an idea of price... we bought 6 base units 
and a complete hanging unit above and it was around $1,500. 

My Dad built the counter tops with oak plywood. 
(Using a clear polyurethane finish to make sure it would last) 

The countertop cost was around $250 
(for wood, paint, brushes, nails, a new saw blade, sand paper...etc.)

So, for around $1,750... 
I got a custom office/craft room that actually fits 
my stuff and is going to allow me a lot of room to grow! 

I know it seems like a lot for a room... but, I figure... how much stuff did I buy that I never used b/c I forgot I had it ... or didn't have the space to keep it out. (like several die cutting machines)???? 

This way... I'm actually USING what I buy... really! 

Here was the first card made in my *new* space! 

Hopefully you found some of this useful!


Thanks for sticking with me for this long winded blog post...

I have more big news soon and I have been collecting for my over-due 100th post give-a-way... it's going to be good!

Stay tuned~

Cheers, 
N. 

Friday, April 22, 2011

PaperWorks Co. April Release!

Hello and Happy Easter All!

Hopefully, you found me from Alice's blog... if not.... scroll to the bottom of this post to find a list of links to get you started at the beginning.

Are you ready for another amazing PaperWorks Co. release!?!

I am so excited to show you what's new! 

Heck, lets just get right to it!



Isn't that the cutest little bear you have ever seen?!?

It's called Garden Bear and you can find it Here






The 'Ice Cream Bear' is just so darn cute too! 
I popped out the little ice cream cone... and I just think it turned out pretty darn cute!


The 'Ice Cream Bear' can be found here too!

The Blog Hop List:

Nicole - http://www.onesweetromance.com/ ------ You are Here!


Thanks for stopping by everyone!

Have a very Happy Easter and God Bless you on this Good Friday~

Cheers, 
N. 


Monday, April 4, 2011

Market Street Stamps Give-a-way!! And it's my #100 post!!

Market Street Stamps... 
(whom I love and adore!)

Is doing a pretty amazing give-a-way... 

Read the details below ... and check out some of my market street creations after the details... to get you excited about what you might win!! 

And then....Visit Market Streets Website : Here

Hey Market Street Fans - we hear what you're sayin'! You are lovin' our new stamps and you don't care who knows it! Well, what if I told you we were going to give you the opportunity to WIN our next three releases just by placing a qualifying order in the next three weeks? That's right, we're going to GIVE away FREE stamps - here's how:
From now until April 25th, you will earn one entry into the contest with every order you place (minimum purchase before shipping is $10). 
Earn an extra entry for every person you refer who makes a qualifying purchase during the promotional time period.  
So tell your friends!  The more people you refer, the more chances to win you will get!  All your referrals have to do is list your name (first and last name) in the comments box at checkout saying you referred them.
So - what exactly are you entering to win? How about....
Grand Prize:  All the new Market Street Stamps releases for the next 3 months (April, May and June releases).  Approximate retail value of over $150!  (Does not include any releases from La Tiendita).
1st Runner Up:  Winner will receive a $25 store credit
2nd Runner Up: Winner will receive a $15 store credit
Most Referrals:  The entire April release from Market Street Stamps.  Approximate retail value of over $50!  (Does not include any releases from La Tiendita.)
*Only one prize per household. Winners will be contacted via email.*
Does that sound fun or what? Don't forget to let your Tweeps and Facebook friends know - most referrals WINS our April Release!! 
Good luck everyone













P.S. There is also another give-a-way on a fellow DT members blog, Stephanie Washburn, for her 100th post.... you can check in out and enter: Here

Stay tuned for my own little give-a-way.... as a total coincidence... this post is my 100th posting... wowie! I wouldn't have thought to look if it wasn't for Stephanie! Thanks little lady!

Cheers!
N. 

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

March Sneak Peek Market Street Stamps

What!?! It's practically April already? 

Where does the time go? 

Market Street Stamps has done it again with some really amazing stamps this month! 

Check out my sneak peek of some of whats coming your way... 




Check out the Zebra print~ 


The stamps are just amazing this go around!

I promise~

You're going to want to visit 


tomorrow at 7pm central... to see the stamps sets in all their glory!


Thanks for dropping by and I can't wait to show you more... 

so, stay tuned~

Cheers
N. 

Friday, March 18, 2011

PWCO March Release


Welcome to the March Blog Hop for PWCO release.... 

Oh, No! Abby's sick..... and .... well, so am I. 

This past Saturday I had emergency surgery to remove my appendix... and as I lay in bed writing this I am thankful the whole thing is almost over! 

I didn't have time to create a card or two using the new releases, but... 
before I got sick I did have a moment to put together a little something using the march kit!




Cute stuff, huh? 

You can find the March Kit of the Month and the newest stamps....



Visit the next designer on the list for the latest in all things PWCO!!


PaperWorks Co. Blog 
Peggy
Kerri
Carisa
Bella
Nicole  ------Your Here --------
Alice 
Danielle 
Cabio
Steph J
PaperWorks Co. Blog 

Don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a stamp from the new release... 

and keep tuned... once recovered and out of bed... I'll have lots of new stuff to show of!

Hope everyone is doing well!

Cheers,
N. 

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Magic is in the Air!

Happy Fat Tuesday! 

I'm Catholic and fat tuesday is a day to eat and party before lent. (Which, begins tomorrow with Ash Wednesday) I am plotting an amazing 'fatty' dinner... perhaps pizza!


Anyway, here is a little something I whipped up for my little cousin... every little girl needs a magic wand, 

Right?!@?






It's glitter fantastic!

I hope everyone has a great 'fatty' tuesday!

Cheers, 
N. 

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Just a little something for a Wednesday!

Just a little card I whipped up not too long ago... 

Must add all my new cards and stuff to my galleries... perhaps I will do just that, today!



Cheers, 
N. 

Thursday, February 24, 2011

February Market Street Release, Already!?!!

Time literally flies by... 

It feels like I was 'just' posting last months stamp release projects... yikes. 

I have been so busy lately, 
I cant keep everything straight!

Between throwing my bff's baby shower (this Saturday) and painting the baby room... and... well, regular life... I haven't had time to post things like I have been wanting to... and lets be real, most of my crafty time lately has been for the shower... and my bff frequents my blog... so I couldn't post much... 

BUT, a Market Street Release party gives me a great excuse to finally make some time to say hi again!

How do you like my new blog design... I did it myself.... kinda.... with some help from 'Blog in a Box'... Anywho, isn't it spiffy! It actually looks like I might know a little something about something... (doubtful!)

So, who's ready to see a little something-something new from Market Street? 


Before I show you... here is my disclaimer.... 

If you are a frequent visitor to my blog you know that I love everything 'detail' ... and from this love, I tend to look in the less obvious places for inspiration. Like, the 'extras' in a stamp set. I love all the little 'extras' Market Street throws into their stamp sets. Between the sentiments and the little embellishments... card possibilities are endless. 

So, don't be surprised if this release you see some of my cards focusing on the 'extras' :) 



I used my favorite Copic airbrushing machine on this little beauty!




Ohhh, what about this little card using my favorite new vintage background??


And the bow unties to reveal the 'inside' of the card... like a secret door!



Ok, are you ready for the cutest... 
I mean kaaaa-uuutest...
card I have made in a great long while... 

Prepare yourself... 

to be impressed... 




Pretty Cute, right?!? 

I mean the picture clearly doesn't do justice... (story of my life) 

But, trust me... it's so.... great

I wanted a sort of comic book feel... but without the cheesy factor! 

I think I was successful!


So. Clearly I have convinced you to purchase this release solely based on the 'extras' ... I mean sure those big main stamps are the hit of the sets... but, don't forget about those little 'extras'!

Thanks for dropping by and if you're so inclined 
leave me a little comment with what you've been up to lately! 


Cheers, 
N.