September Already?!?!

I can't believe it's September already!  I haven't been as good as I wanted to be about keeping my blog updated and projects posted.  I've been super busy with everyday life and trying to get ready for the holidays.  I know, I know...it's too early for Christmas...LOL...but I'm one of those who procrastinate so bad that I'm hitting malls and stores on Christmas Eve and wrapping gifts early Christmas morning!  This year, I vowed to start early and finish on time!  I'm planning on making the majority of my gifts for my family, and I've started making my Christmas cards too.

Here are a few of the Christmas cards I've made.

This is one of my faves

A fave as well!

I like how this came out!

My cousin actually helped with this one.  Thanks Sierra!

As far as gift ideas...I've got a whole bunch!  I'll have to keep them secret for now though!

This past weekend, my sister and I presented a 25th anniversary gift to our mom and stepdad.  We're sending them away on a trip to Lake Tahoe, and while they're up there, we got them a gift card for a nice dinner at one of their favorite restaurants.  They loved it!  They were so surprised, they both had tears in their eyes!  Jenn and I are such awesome daughters!  *High five Jenn!!!*

I made them this card using my Elegant Edges Cricut Cartridge. The little metal heart has "Adore" engraved in it, and I ran some purple ribbon through it.  I also added some pearl bling to the ribbon, and some rhinestone bling to the sentiment. 

I have to admit, I really love the Elegant Edges cartridge!  I owe a big thanks to Mary at Cardz TV for introducing that cartridge to me *Thanks Mary!!*

Cheers!

A Few Goodies

Happy Thursday! 

It's a slow day at work this morning.  We're having lunch catered for employee appreciation day, and the caterers are setting up right outside my office window.  I'm hungry!  

Here's a few of the fun projects I've made.  

Terra Cotta Flower Pot Candle Holder

I made this for my mom for Mother's Day a couple years ago.  Ed had given me a Dremmel tool for Christmas, and I saw this idea in the guide book that came with the tool.  I used a sea shell stencil to draw out the shape on the pot, and then carved the shape out with the Dremmel.  I smoothed the edges with some sandpaper, painted the base and pot with basic craft paint from Michaels, and then decorated it with a variety of sea shells.  It looks really nice lit up.

Glass Fund Jars

I made a bunch of these little fund jars for my friends when NKOTB made their comeback.  I found these small glass jars with the lids at Walmart.  I made a window stencil out of a plastic stencil sheet, and sprayed one side of the jar with frosted spray paint, making the window.  I bought some glass paint from Michaels and painted the other sides of the jars using a sponging/dabbing technique. After the paint dried, I applied a clear protective coat on the jars, and then decorated them with different stickers and some ribbon.  I also printed out pictures of my friends' favorite band member, cut them out and put them in the lid. 

Side View

Top View

Bath Gift Set

These baskets were one of the first things I made to give away as gifts.  I picked up a bath soap and salt kit from Michaels and made different scents and colors.  I packaged them up in cute little jars and bags, and then placed them in little baskets.  I also added a few votives to jazz the baskets up a bit. I will admit, although these were interesting and easy projects, they weren't my favorite things to make. 

Alright...lunch is ready!  I've got some BBQ calling my name!  Post more later on.

Cheers!

The Girl Behind the Blog

Hi there!  Thanks for stopping by!  I never really know how to start these things...so I figure my very first post should be about me...who I am, what I do, what I'm into.  My intention is to have this blog be about my crafty side.  I want to share ideas and things I make with others who are passionate about the same things I am.  I've seen a TON of great things on Blogger, and I've got a great deal of admiration and inspiration from many.  I haven't decided if I'll create another one as my personal blog.  I'm new to this, so we'll see where it takes me. 

First things first.  Welcome to All Things Joyous!  I'm Joy, and I'm 36.  I live in Milpitas, which is in California's great Bay Area. I'm a full time Project Specialist working for a gas line manufacturer.  I've been employed with the same company for 14 years, and I really enjoy my job. I'm engaged to a wonderful man who I've been with for 13 years.  We don't have kids yet, but he has a 20 year old daughter.  I have one sister, who has recently made me into an auntie for the first time. I absolutely LOVE my niece!  Her name is Brooklyn and she's almost 9 months old.  She is just the cutest little thing!  I'm also a HUGE fan of NKOTB.  Yep, that's right...NKOTB.  New Kids On The Block.  I've loved them since I was 14, and I STILL love them!  Since their reunion in 2008, I've been to 8 concerts and on 2 of their cruises.  I've even met them 5 times!  I've been called obsessed, a groupie, and even crazy, but I've met so many wonderful people through the NKOTB reunion.  It's been a blast!  

My hunnie, Ed, and I.

My niece, Brooklyn.

Donnie Wahlberg and I, Cruise 2010

Me with Jon Knight, Cruise 2011

I consider myself a full time employee and a part time crafter, and I really hope to change that.  I LOVE to  craft, whether it be scrapbooks or cards, flower pot candle holders or beaded bracelets.  I find it therapeutic and just plain fun!  Right now, I make things as gifts for people, but I'm hoping to open an Etsy store by Thanksgiving.  I search Blogger for inspiration and new ideas, and I watch a lot of YouTube tutorials to learn different techniques.  There's so much out there to learn, I just can't wait to try it all out!

And there you have it...me in a nutshell.  I'll post pictures of some of the things I've made before, as well as some of my cards I've just done.  Thanks for taking the time to stop by, and I hope to make friends with many of you soon!  =)

Cheers!