look at that hamster go

As some of you know, I'm holding a giveaway (Giveaway for 175). I'm not only giving away a $25 Visa gift card, but it also comes in a handmade card that was in fact made by myself.

Now, first let me say this: I like to collect hobbies - some I'm good at and some I'm, well, not so good at. So over the weekend I was thinking of a neat way to be creative and personalize the gift card for the giveaway. I decided that I wanted whatever it was to be pink, black, and green of course, but that's all I knew at that point. So I searched the internet for all different ideas for gift card holders and wrappings when I stumbled upon a simple envelope. Then it came to me... I knew exactly what I wanted to do and that was to make a card with an envelope as the gift card holder. No more than 5 minutes later I approached the BF with this idea and his response was: "You're kidding, right?!" Well, no, I wasn't kidding and the next morning we were up and out the door to AC Moore for some paper. I got all my supplies, got home, and started at my new hobby.

I was looking at all the papers that were in front of me thinking about what exactly I wanted to do. The BF was staring at me. Next thing I knew these were the words that came out of his mouth: "Look at that hamster go!"

The BF thought I didn't have a clue what to do with the papers! Anyway... I won't bore you with all the details, but about an hour later I was finished and guess what?! - I made my very own envelope and card with my own hands! Yes, this was my very first attempt at paper crafting, and I think I did a pretty darn good job if I do say so myself! I think I may have some natural paper crafting talent... or not - who knows.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway to win a $25 Visa Gift Card!

to try something new

The other night I thought it would be fun to take up a new hobby. I wanted to make myself a bikini! I told you I was addicted!

Never in my life have I sewn before, nor did I have any idea what goes into making a bathing suit - All I knew was that I was on a mission: make myself a bikini. Instantly I started to research what exactly I needed; what kind of fabrics, how much of it, what kind of thread, etc. The next morning, I got up and rushed out the door to Jo-Ann Fabrics. An hour later, I returned home with some supplies that included some black nylon/spandex fabric, some leopard print polyester fabric, rubber linings, and some hot pink thread. I thought this thing would look awesome! I was so excited when I got home, I just couldn't wait to start on it!

I took all the fabric and thread out of the bag and started drawing out a template for the bikini bottom. I tried to copy the bottom of one of my other bathing suit bottoms, but when I did it ended up looking like it was wayy too big for my butt. I got so frustrated after 10 minutes, that I gave up! Yes, I gave up!

I know, I know... You're thinking how in the world did she think she'd pick up sewing in 10 minutes? Well, I didn't, but I'm crazy, so I thought it would be a simple task without knowing anything about sewing. I WAS WRONG! My problem?... I have no patience. The BF thought I was out of my mind the whole time, but he went with it anyway. I knew he was right the whole time, but I don't admit stuff like that. I was crazy to think I could sew my own bathing suit, let alone pick up sewing and be good at it within 10 minutes. How ridiculous, right?! So, the next day we went back to Jo-Ann Fabrics and returned everything. MISSION: FAILED!, but I'll tell you one thing.... it felt damn good getting that $40 back!

Unfortunately, I don't learn from mistakes like this one.... I actually do this quite often. If you're following me, you'll quickly see how often I do this and how often I fail! Eww - I hate that word!