MyGrandpasPen: 2011

Friday, October 14, 2011

Alberta Street Team Fall Sale

It's that time of year again! I've belonged to the Alberta Street Team on Etsy for many years and there are some incredibly talented people on this team! From Oct 14-21 we are having a team sale!

ALBERTA TEAM FALL SALE, from October 14-21st - check us out!

*Please check all Shop Announcements for Specific Sale Details*

Accessories, Clothing, Bags and Purses
www.etsy.com/shop/dearange 10% off (code teamsale)
www.etsy.com/shop/EdesBeadsandBling 10% off (code FALLS)
www.etsy.com/shop/j2studios 10% off (code FALLSALE)
www.etsy.com/shop/barefootclips 15% off (code FallSale)
www.etsy.com/shop/amecreations 15% off (code FALLSALE2011)
www.etsy.com/shop/luckylucystyle 15% off (code 2011FALLSALE)
www.etsy.com/shop/snottub 10% off (code FALLSALE)
www.etsy.com/shop/cindylouwho2 10% off (prices will reflect discount)

Art, Fine Art, Photography, Home Decor and Housewares
www.etsy.com/shop/jenndphotography 20% off (code FALLSALE2011)
www.etsy.com/shop/RetroJunction 10% off (code FALLSALE11)
www.etsy.com/shop/SpiderwoodHollow 20% off (code ALBERTA20)
www.etsy.com/shop/trekkerjen 40% off (code pumpkin)
www.etsy.com/shop/glassenthusiast1 10% off
www.etsy.com/shop/CoconutPalmDesigns 10% off excludes shipping (code ALBERTASALE10)
www.etsy.com/shop/ljangphotography 30% off all prints (code FALLSALE2011)
www.etsy.com/shop/rozzie 10% off all items (code FALLSALE2011)

Bath, Beauty and Edibles
www.etsy.com/shop/Maplecreeksoap 35% off (code FALLSALE)
www.etsy.com/shop/MyFrostingDesigns 15% off (code FALLSALE2011)

Ceramics, Pottery , Glass, Crochet, Knitting, Needlecraft and Quilts
www.etsy.com/shop/TheWackyWindmill 15% off (code WACKY15)
www.etsy.com/shop/BarefootTams 15% off (code FallSale)
www.etsy.com/shop/MagpieQuilts 10% off (code FALL2011)
www.etsy.com/shop/MyMomandMeDesigns 10% off (code FALLSALE2011)
www.etsy.com/shop/Irishknitz 15% off all items (code ALBERTA)
www.etsy.com/shop/mosaicsbymargo 15% off (code FALLSALE)
www.etsy.com/shop/thewickedpotter 15% off (code WICKEDSALE)
www.etsy.com/shop/hdawnparratt 15% off (code fallsale2011)

Children and Toys
www.etsy.com/shop/nanabrowns 20% off (code TWENTY)
www.etsy.com/shop/piggyandbear 10% off (code SALE10)
www.etsy.com/shop/CoconutPalmDesigns 10% off excludes shipping (code ALBERTASALE10)
www.etsy.com/shop/BarefootTams 15% off (code FallSale)
www.etsy.com/shop/barefootclips 15% off (code FallSale)

Jewelry
www.etsy.com/shop/cindylouwho2 10% off (prices will reflect discount)
www.etsy.com/shop/stonewillowjewellery 15% off (code SALE15)
www.etsy.com/shop/dearange 10% off (code teamsale)
www.etsy.com/shop/JewelsbyJasmin 15% off (code FALLSALE)
www.etsy.com/shop/frogprincessdesigns 15% off (code FALLSALE)
www.etsy.com/shop/sunshineindustries 10% off (code FALLSALE)
www.etsy.com/shop/EdesBeadsandBling 10% off (code FALLS)
www.etsy.com/shop/glassenthusiast1 10% off
www.etsy.com/shop/FunkyMaMaJewelry 20% off refund through paypal
www.etsy.com/shop/ShowingMyAge 20% off refund through paypal
www.etsy.com/shop/TrishaFlanagan 10% off (code FALLSALE2011)
www.etsy.com/shop/rozzie 10% off all items (code FALLSALE2011)
www.etsy.com/shop/junquete 10% off all items (code fallsale10off)
www.etsy.com/shop/HereTodayBeadworks 20% off (code TEAMALBERTA2011)
www.etsy.com/shop/mosaicsbymargo 15% off (code FALLSALE)
www.etsy.com/shop/WickedPendants 20% off (code WICKEDMOVINGSALE)

Paper Goods

www.etsy.com/shop/MyGrandpasPen 20% off excludes custom (code FALLSALE20)
www.etsy.com/shop/StampedTreasures1 10% off excludes shipping (code FALLSALE)
www.etsy.com/shop/craftedbylindy 10% off (code FALLSALE2011)
www.etsy.com/shop/EngLavenderStudios 10% off (code FALLSALE2011)
www.etsy.com/shop/j2studios 10% off (code FALLSALE)
www.etsy.com/shop/KiwiTiniCreations 10% off (code KIWITINI10)
www.etsy.com/shop/WickedPendants 20% off (code WICKEDMOVINGSALE)
www.etsy.com/shop/hdawnparratt 15% off (code fallsale2011)

Supplies, Vintage, Bridal, Wedding and Celebrations
www.etsy.com/shop/TheWackyWindmill 15% off (code WACKY15)
www.etsy.com/shop/TrashMaMa 20% off refund through paypal
www.etsy.com/shop/Breakables 20% off refund through paypal
www.etsy.com/shop/junquete 10% off all items (code fallsale10off)
www.etsy.com/shop/mygrandpaspen 20% off excludes custom (code FALLSALE20)
www.etsy.com/shop/suzie2q 15% off (code SALE15)
www.etsy.com/shop/KiwiTiniCreations 10% off (code KIWITINI10)

And others...
www.etsy.com/shop/sixbabygirls 20% off all items excluding shipping (code fallsale)
www.etsy.com/shop/taibossigai 20% off all items
www.etsy.com/shop/maceme 10% off all items refund via paypal
www.etsy.com/shop/Squirrelstock 10%off, code Fallsale
www.etsy.com/shop/Sybillinart 10%off, code Fallsale
www.etsy.com/shop/xheather 10% off
www.etsy.com/shop/Sassysteampunk 15% off
www.etsy.com/shop/rozzie 10% off all items (code FALLSALE2011)
www.etsy.com/shop/ivrydwillow 10% off excludes marked down items (code FALLSALE2011)
www.etsy.com/shop/tooaquarius 20% off (code HALLOWEEN)
www.etsy.com/shop/claychicks 20% off (code HALLOWEEN)
www.etsy.com/shop/DaisiesforDesi 20% off (code ABSale20)
www.etsy.com/shop/JubileeImagery 10% off excluding shipping (code FALLSALE10)
www.etsy.com/shop/3UrbanMonkeys 15% off (code FALLSALE2011)

Thursday, September 29, 2011

It's hard to believe I haven't posted anything since May! Too crazy!

After a wonderful summer and absolutely crazy month of September I'm back in full swing with MyGrandpasPen - not that I ever really left but I have lots and lots of new diecuts and products that I will be posting over the next few days - above is a sneak peak!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/mygrandpaspen

Feel free to come check it out - thanks - Jeanine

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

A New Venue for Handmade Artists!

I've been part of a wonderful forum for a very long time called the Handmade Artists' Forum - the forum has opened an incredible shop http://handmadeartistsshop.com/ for just handmade items. The store had it's grand opening only a week ago and is already attracting a remarkable variety of artists and they are open for more artists to join!

I've been adding some of my chipboard albums, diecuts and cards there and plan to eventually have a great variety of my items in this shop http://handmadeartistsshop.com/shop/MyGrandpasPen.

Friday, April 29, 2011

Alberta Team on Etsy Spring Sale!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

The Slow Road to 100 Etsy Sales

http://www.etsy.com/listing/33836983/crossword-happy-birthday-handmade-card

I had my hundredth sale today – it’s been a very long time coming. I thought it might help some of you for me to let you know what I’ve learned over the last few years.

I opened my Etsy store in June of 2008 – that’s right, 2008. Prior to that I had spent several months lurking on the forums, planning and trying to think of just the right name. Not only just the right name, but just the right profile etc etc etc. After that I spent until the fall of 2008 coming up with just the right product. Are you seeing the common theme here? PERFECTIONISM is my first lesson – let go of it. Plan but don’t be like me and have to cover every single situation, product choice, punctuation mark before finally acting.

FEAR was a tough lesson for me. Don’t be afraid to be yourself – my style is very different than many others here – I can’t create things that aren’t me.

I had some early success and it was fun – joined a great team and kept doing all my fabulous research on the forums and searching around on Etsy and other sites on the net. TIME WASTERS is my next lesson – make sure that time that you spend on your business is actually spent on your business, not on all the things that feel like they’re your business but they’re not. Sometimes it’s tough to figure out what is and what isn’t but if your sales aren’t increasing and you feel like you’re spending your whole life on here, whatever you’re doing might just be a time waster.

I would go through fits and spurts of listing, trying new things, branching out...sometimes listing several times a day, sometimes not listing for days or weeks or months. CONSISTENCY was a huge lesson for me and something I’m still struggling with. Momentum is something that you have to work hard to get and still work hard to maintain. Whatever level you wish to work your business at, work it at that level. I take the summers off because we don’t have internet where I spend the summer. That kills my momentum every year and I feel like I have to start all over again. I’ll be changing that this year.

My last big lesson is DONT TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLY – there will be customers, situations, other sellers, technology, product indecision – it’s all part of a business. Do your best, make things right and chose to let go of things that you just can’t control. I wasted two whole months trying to make a situation work that was just doomed from the start and the situation was making me feel horrible. I should have walked away when I first realized I couldn’t let it go.

I’ve really enjoyed Etsy and the great people I know here. Above is one of the first listings I created for Etsy and a link to a similar card.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Baby's First Year Album

I absolutely love this little album - it's 3x3 - perfect size for a shower gift or special keepsake for a new mom! Over the next couple of days I'll be listing them in blue and green too. I'm always happy to make custom products if you can't find exactly what you're looking for.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/71995443/album-baby-first-year-butterfly-handmade

Friday, April 8, 2011

Etsylush...and a new predecorated album!

I wanted to show you this new site created by a member of the Etsy Talent Hunt team- it's called EtsyLush and it's a curated site for us to show off our favorite creations! It was made by EurekaGuides http://www.etsy.com/shop/EurekaGuides. http://etsylush.com/

Here's a new chipboard album I finished yesterday just in time for Mother's Day! http://www.etsy.com/listing/71718900/mom-pre-decorated-purse-shaped-chipboard

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Still on spring break...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/71595933/cards-mini-crochet-flower-note-cards-set We have a two week spring break going on here - life is definitely different with lots of people home. I was able to create these adorable mini cards! I've been teaching myself to crochet and really like these little flowers. And with the glittery paper I think they're just fun!

Friday, March 25, 2011

Spring Break is Starting...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/70764263/diecuts-gear-set-silhouette-handmade

This is the first day a break from school for some of my children and they are sleeping in while I do some quick work on Etsy :) My big plan is to clean rooms...

I absolutely love making custom diecuts...to take an image and create a die cut from it is a very exciting process.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Card Symbols Diecuts

http://www.etsy.com/listing/70550496/diecuts-card-symbols-silhouette-handmade

I spent the whole day volunteering at a casino yesterday so these diecuts seem to be the only thing that will come to my tired mind! Today is going to be all about catch-up from being away yesterday!

Remember that I can change the paper and the size of any of my diecuts!

Monday, March 21, 2011

Upcycled, Recycled...the Ultimate in Leftovers!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/39006049/set-of-fifty-50-hand-punched

I find the terms upcycled and recycled to be almost interchangable, especially when I think about these tags. They're made from scrapbook paper scraps - they would go to the recycle bin - but now they're yet another product!

The ultimate in recycling is turning leftovers into another meal and my favorite is my Faux Lasagne. Based on a recipe from Company's Coming - this is a really simple way to take spaghetti or pasta leftovers and turn it into a rich lasagna!

In a large casserole dish (I use a round, about 4 inch deep one), put leftover spaghetti or pasta with sauce (I make my spaghetti with lots of meat and vegetables and a little less pasta), about 3 inches deep.

Cover with a layer of sour cream and then cottage cheese (or just sour cream is really good too). Cover with a layer of shredded cheese - whatever kind you like. You can even add some parmesan if you want.

Cover and bake for about 30 minutes at 350 degrees farenheit - we want the cheese to be bubbling. Yum!

Friday, March 18, 2011

A Blog Feature, New Diecuts and Ginger Crinkle Cookies

http://www.etsy.com/listing/70257301/diecuts-forest-animals-silhouette

http://etsyalberta.blogspot.com/2011/03/alberta-eats-breakfast-cookies.html

Thanks so much to the Alberta Street Team for featuring my breakfast cookie recipe on their blog today - it is a fabulous team of Etsy sellers with ties to Alberta.

Above is my new set of Woodland Forest Animals diecuts - if there are specific images that you want to see as a diecut let me know and I'll see what I can do!

These Ginger Crinkle cookies are so good! I got them somewhere on the web - I don't remember where! They are fairly high in fibre, also sugar but hey, they're a cookie!

2/3 c oil

1.5 c turbinado sugar (coarse brown sugar) divided into 1 c and 0.5 c

1 egg

4 Tbsp molasses

2 c whole wheat flour

2 tsp baking soda

1.25 tsp cinnamon

1.25 tsp ginger

0.25 tsp salt

Mix until just combined (using 1 c sugar only). Roll dough into 1 inch balls and roll each ball in remaining 0.5 c sugar. Set two inches apart on ungreased baking sheet. Do not flatten.

Bake at 350 degrees farenheit for 10-12 minutes.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Wacky Cake Part Two!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/26305153/handmade-scalloped-edge-recipes-pre

This is another version of the Wacky Chocolate Cake - called Wacky Spice Cake. Again, there's no eggs and this cake is amazing with a white icing, even a cream cheese icing would be really rich and yummy!

Wacky Spice Cake

Combine in a large bowl:

1.5 c flour
1 c brown sugar
salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ginger
0.5 tsp cinnamon
0.5 tsp ground cloves
0.5 tsp allspice

Add to above:

1 c water
1 Tbsp vinegar
5 Tbsp oil
vanilla

Optional - Raisins

Mix well. Bake in a greased 9x9 pan for 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees farenheit

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Wacky Cake! A Recipe from the War...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/69312724/handmade-happy-birthday-card

This a great recipe that apparently had its origins in the war when eggs were rationed - the resourceful bakers came up with a way to get a fabulous cake without using eggs. In my house this type of cake has always been called Wacky Cakes and they are quite often made for quick birthday cakes as well as really good mini cupcakes.

Wacky Chocolate Cake

Combine together in a bowl:

1.5 c flour (I use white - it's a treat)

1 c white sugar

salt

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

3 Tbsp cocoa

Add to dry:

1 c water

1 Tbsp vinegar

5 Tbsp oil

vanilla

Mix until lumps are gone. Bake in a greased 9x9 pan for 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees farenheit. For the mini muffins I bake for approximately 10 minutes - watch them and use a toothpick to see if they're done.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Weather again! And amazing muffins!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/61326372/handsewn-sheer-fabric-gift-bags-set-of

In Alberta at this time of year all we can talk about is the weather! I'm so sick of the cold that these beautiful days when the temperature starts to creep up and the snow starts to melt become my favorite days of the year. Of course the roads are so wet that our cars are dirty all the time!

These muffins are fast becoming a favorite in our house - Pumpkin, Orange and Date Muffins - triple batch of course! These are based on a couple of different recipes - one from an old Bosch cookbook and one from a Company's Coming recipe. I took parts of the two recipes, changed it to all whole wheat flour and cut the sugar down a lot - and upsized the recipe. You need a really big blender.

Combine in a really large bowl:
5.25 c whole wheat flour
0.5 c brown sugar
2 Tbsp baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
1.5 tsp cinnamon
1.5 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp salt

Process in a large blender, blend well after each addition:
3 large unpeeled oranged, cut into wedges and seeded - process until smooth
3 large eggs (I usually put the eggs in with the orange wedges and then blend)
0.75 c buttermilk or sour milk
0.75 c pitted dates (or raisins work too)
0.75 c melted butter
2.25 c canned pure pumpkin (I use a large can, 796mL and it works great)

Combine wet with dry, stir until just moistened.

1.5 c chopped pecans - I use dark chocolate chips instead - yummy!

Fill greased muffin cups 3/4 full. Bake at 375 degrees farenheit for 18-20 minutes. I usually bake for at least 25 and it might be because I put extra pumpkin in and use the heavier flour.

Friday, March 11, 2011

It's snowing! Argh! Have some banana bread!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/62773932/snowflake1-4-inch-diecuts-handmade

It's March! There isn't supposed to be anymore snow! So to warm up I'll be making my Healthy Banana Bread!

This recipe is based on an old family one that my Grandma makes - she calls it Banana Loaf and it uses white sugar and flour. I'm trying to go a little healthier in my house so I've upped the fiber, lowered the sugar and of course doubled the recipe so I don't have to bake quite so often.

In a large blender combine thoroughly:

6+ bananas (I use frozen ones because I really don't like overripe bananas - thaw first)

4 eggs

3/4 c softened butter

1-1/2 c brown sugar (or less)

1 tsp vanilla

2 Tbsp lemon juice

Combine in a large bowl:

3 c whole wheat flour

2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

Mix wet with dry thoroughly. Divide between two greased loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees Farenheit for 40-60 minutes. Check with toothpick for doneness. This makes a soft, yummy loaf!

Thursday, March 10, 2011

It's been a while!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/69322978/handmade-bear-diecuts-scrapbooking

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67778296/lion-diecut-handmade-scrapbook

http://www.etsy.com/listing/69755644/rhinoceros-silhouette-diecuts-handmade

There's been far too much hockey in my life since Christmas! Playoffs are finally over and we can breathe again. I've been adding a zoo of animal diecuts to my etsy shop! Monkey, tigers, lion, oh my!

Friday, January 21, 2011

Treasury and Healthy Cookies!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d38cd5bb4516d913192a65c/black-is-lovely

This is a gorgeous treasury! She was kind enough to feature one of my newest listings http://www.etsy.com/listing/66358146/handmade-love-valentines-card-or-wedding - I think this card is a great combination of modern style with a scrapbook vibe.

Someone asked me for this recipe the other day - we eat these Healthy Cookies all the time - I don't buy granola bars anymore! The recipe is based on the recipe on the back of Roger's Porridge Oats - I've modified it and tripled it so I don't have to bake these as often. Enjoy :)

Simple Version Breakfast Cookies Triple Batch – original recipe from Rogers Porridge Oats

In the large bowl of a mixer (I use my bosch) fitted with dough hook or heavy paddles add:

3 c whole wheat flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 ¼ tsp salt
1 tsp allspice
4 tsp cinnamon
4 tsp ginger

Mix for a minute to combine.

Add:

3 tbsp grated orange rind – optional, if I don’t have it I used flavoured dried cranberries
9 c porridge oats
2 ¼ c chopped nuts – I use a combination, whatever I have in the house
1 ½ c seeds – pumpkin or sunflower or even unsweetened coconut
3 c dried cranberries or raisins or a mixture of both
½ c dark chocolate chips or more

Mix to combine.

Add:

6 tsp vanilla
6 eggs
2/3 c oil
3 ¾ c applesauce
1 c brown sugar – or less, I often use honey or agave syrup and sometimes just a half cup

Mix really well. Grease cookies sheets. Using a medium scoop shape cookies, bake 15-20 min at 350 F. These do not spread so you can put a lot on a sheet or use mini muffin tins.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

New Scrapbook Tags

http://www.etsy.com/listing/66264262/flower-vines-scrapbook-tags-handmade

I really love these tags - I created them for scrapbooking but they could be used for so many other things!

Monday, January 10, 2011

Happy 2011 and a whole bunch of treasuries!

The Alberta Team on Etsy had another treasury blitz this last weekend - there are some truly creative people on this team - great treasuries everyone and thanks so much for including my items!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d2a19004ef66d919dd1c287/snow-day#4d2a20034ef66d91c431c787

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d29fc23a14c6d919972b7a9/feeling-a-lot-hot#4d2a0073343e8eefd73a3bdf

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d293e6791268eef723b8941/alberta-blue-and-red#4d2947df75ee6d91aa6ba9d7

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d29292fb2448eef491f5190/wine-and-plums#4d29474475ee6d91c02aa9d7

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d28dacd043b6d9190cdf00f/a-violet-valentines-day#4d2911fa8c648eef6c5a6295

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d28fea9b85e6d919a7b146f/with-flowers-in-your-hair#4d29108a8c648eefb8846195

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d28fa9bd2c38eef9c680f95/my-name-is-forrest-forrest-gump#4d29106d72fd6d91d52d7821
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d28949436198eef10b18c2d/murder-on-the-orient-express#4d28a38fce616d91274af6a4

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d272082f5268eef6e424f15/valentines-in-gray-and-pink#4d272438f5268eef0e935015

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d2393ba2ae38eef9afe481e/many-thanks#4d274070d04e8eefc63d55b4