Craftylilmomma's Grand Opening

Jen and I would like to give a warm thank you to all those who contributed to the success of our opening day. On April 15 we officially opened the doors to Craftylilmomma's boutique, blog, and message board and we've been gaining exposure ever since. Thank you for helping us spread the word and for taking part in CLUBcrafty. We hope our efforts will help all WAHM's achieve their goal of FAMILY FIRST - and everything else - SECOND! As promised to our First FIVE subscribers: Stephsstuffables; Kfurman876; kbf_bwt, Mars.Tipton; and Deanna from Cutiebowtootie - your door prizes are waiting so please get back to us with your addresses so we can send them out. We have some great material to share so please stay tuned to see what's next at CLUBcrafty!

'Don't go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.' Ralph Waldo Emerson

The National Stationary Show hits NYC in May - get your tickets now!

If you hand make your goods and want to take your business in the next direction - The National Stationary Show is the place to be! Once a year the Jacob Javits Center in NYC hosts the show from May 20 through the 23rd. It hosts a wide range of products - from notes and cards to imprintables, party goods, scrapbooking materials, home office accessories and so much more.

It's a great place to find insipiration and the hottest trends for the upcoming season. However, it's the Number #1 place to show off your goods . If you have the time and money to dedicate, because it's not cheap to rent a space, this is where you want to invest it because the return will be triple the investment. The show attracts everyone from department store to chain and specialty stores buyers; boutiques; stationery, card and gift shops; import/export firms; distributors; bookstores; bridal shops; hospital gift shops; religious goods stores; garden centers; party stores; mail order catalogs; online retailers; premium buyers; general gift retailers; and mass merchandisers. With that said you can imagine the creative forum this place embodies.

Take a look at the booths exhibiting at this years show. What a stage presence and that's all it takes to make someone stop, look at what you have to say, and place an order! The best is that it doesn't cost a lot to decorate your booth - all you need is a little creative engineering and tape! Who knows better than a craftymomma - on what it takes to make something out of nothing with a little help of your friends -- tape and glue!

It is also great for networking on many levels with seminars, meetings and daily demonstrations dedicated to what's hot, what's new and what's next in the PAPER industry! This is one show you don't want to miss. Visit the website to learn what it takes to attend and more importantly what it takes to become an exhibitor. If you don't get to attend then check back with us after the 23rd to see my take on the show --I will be blogging all about it!

Girls Night Out - Mani/Pedi Style!

Everyone needs a little TLC from time to time and what better way then to spend the night with girlfriends sipping a martini while getting a manicure and pedicure. This is the great escape away from the kids and the hubby! At Dashing Diva, a full service salon in NYC, you can host your very own get-together with your closest pals for a night of pampering in their famed Pink Pedicure lounge. Visit the site at www.dashingdiva.com to learn more or just click on the tab to the right that says "Girls' night out!"

Don't live in NYC? Bring the party to your home with a Spa Girl Party. This is the perfect venue for a bridal or baby shower and will have your guests feeling pampered and over indulged. Visit the site to learn more about become a consultant or just a host. As the Hostess, you will receive an additional Half-Priced item for each person who books and holds a party of her own. And your friends who book a Party, at your Party, will receive a $10 Booking Certificate to redeem when their Party is held within 30 days, in addition to their other rewards! In addition to their parties they have a line of products and a blog to keep the spa lover well informed.

And at www.craftylilmomma.com we have the perfect invitation to send to all your guests. The wording is fully customizable to fit the needs of the day. Lastly are the favors which should be simple but thoughtful and capture the day! The best favor is a pair of flip-flops and a packet of bath salts personalized with a coordinating label. Trust me - your guests will be thrilled and you'll have a room full of gleaming women from head to toe!

Easter Crafts for the busy MOM!

Some great alternatives to creating the most amazing easter baskets that are sure to delight the sugar plums they await. They are fast, fun, and festive and they aren't filled with sugar and junk but they are filled with lots of love!

Here's to creating baskets that have all the makings of fun without the sugar rush...

Goody Pails that can be found at your local craft stores such as Michaels can instantly be turned into a great Easter Basket. These pails are already decorated so all you have to do is fill them up. Some great things to fill them with - rubber duckies, stuffed animals, chalk, hand painted eggs, playing cards, baby gardening tools, stickers, hair bows, or socks! Check out www.potterybarnkids.com for 30% off on personalized Easter pails, baskets, and buckets. Great idea for next year!

Another favorite is to decorate a basket and fill it with color eggs, add a little jelly beans and your done! One two three but it's bright colorful and very festive!

The best to do if your kids don't want to skip out on the sugar is bake some COOKIES. Make them in the shape of EASTER EGGS! Arrange in a basket or even an egg carton and they will be great.

Here is a recipe:

1 - cup all purpose flour
1 - pkg sugar cookie dough
1 - box confections
2 tbs powdered egg whites
5 tbs water assorted icing colors

Heat oven to 35o f while kneading flour dough. On a floured surface roll dough to 1/4 thickness. Cut out egg shaped cookies using a 3" cookie cutter. Place on baking sheet. Bake 20 minutes, until lightly browned. Cool 5 minutes. Transfer to wire rack to cool completely and redo first step if making more!

In a bow, with a mixer, beat sugar, egg whites, and water until combines. Beat on high until stiff peaks form. Thin icing with water, 1 tsp at a time, until its thick cream. Using the tip of your index finger, ice cookies. Let dry completely.

Cuta new kichen sponge into 1/2" pieces. Dampen pieces and squeeze a few drops of icing color onto sponge peice and pat tops of cookies. Repeat with other colors and sponge pieces. Let dry completely. This should make about 3 - 4 dozen.