Oodles of Updates!!!

I've been hard at work on getting many of our items that have been available only at craft shows onto the site. Hair clips, belts and watches will be up and fully functioning very soon.

I also want to welcome our new friends and customers that found us from our latest ads in SheFinds and Bust Magazine! Pull up a seat and stay a while, we know you'll be glad that you did!

Our Bake Sale is still going strong. We're in the process of adding even more items to the mix just in time for the last-minute holiday rush. Keep an eye out for more jewelry (breathtaking necklaces and threader earrings), stationery and some cute little gifty things. Do I hear stocking stuffers?

The Bake Sale is on!

We've been hard at work designing some great new items that we're going to be launching early next year. In order to make room for them on our site and at our shows, we need to move some of our old favorites out of our inventory and onto your shopping list! Stop by our Bake Sale and save up to 50% on our adorable key chains, jewelry and stationery.

How convenient that it is just in time for the holiday shopping season! [wink]

Real live Martha!

In all the excitment of the past few days, I'd completely forgotten to post about my time spent with Martha on Wednesday! I'd put in for tickets long before the show even started so I was thrilled to find out I was going to share relative breathing space with Martha, herself. Of all the live tapings I have been to, this was the first that didn't treat the audience like a bunch of cattle. There were not only 2 rooms full of chairs and benches, but tasty looking baked goods and Vitamin Water. That's why she's Martha!

Of all the guests to be there, Linda Dano was on -- whom I've met so many times and was just a riot! Who else would ask Martha if she was dating anyone? I just had to laugh during the cooking segment when Martha was amazed that they sold prebaked brownie sheets in grocery stores. She's so undomesticated sometimes!

Not that you go for the free stuff, but, well, you kind of do :) We walked home with our very own copy of TV Guide with Ms. Stewart on the cover and a skull. Yup. A skull. Certainly beats the heck out of the 97 gifts Rosie O'Donnell gave away the next day, but who's keeping track?!

Somehow I managed to snag tickets for another taping this week. All of this crafting and cooking have completely inspired me!

Hmmm....

Not sure why, but my site is down at the moment. Ugh!! It looks like my emails are going through so if you are trying to reach me it is probably OK. I'll update in the morning!

Blogthings - Could You Pass 8th Grade Math?

You Passed 8th Grade Math

Congratulations, you got 10/10 correct!

Could You Pass 8th Grade Math?

Happy Birthday, Maddy!!!

Today is our friend Maddy's birthday and we here at The Creative Cupcake want to wish her a Feliz Cumpleanos!!! We'll chow down on cupcakes of the chocolate kind of Friday when we celebrate both of our birthdays on Friday. Smooches, Mad!!

I think we've finally got it down to a science so here is a peek at our new tent set up. A vast improvement over some of my earlier attempts!

Plus, this weekend we introduced some new items. Check back on our site in a week or so to buy them if you live too far away to stop by.

Props to my husband Ed for the beautiful bow positioning on the display. Who knew he was so handy with frilly things?

Latest Show

The show in Ridgewood was a HUGE success! We had a few of our favorite visitors stop by to say hello. There were even some people who popped into our booth that I haven't seen in years! The day went by so fast we barely had a moment to sit down and we sold so much that packing up was a breeze.

Added to our usually hectic show prep this week is my BIRTHDAY! As I'm turning 25, I realize that I'm officially old. Why? Because I no longer can apply to be on The Real World. Sounds silly, I know. But, as a member of the MTV generation, it is a pop culture milestone in life.

Acually, since Mr. Cupcake is traveling (sniff, sniff) and I'll be babysitting for 3 days, we're going to pretend that my birthday isn't until he gets back. I'm all for a prolonged celebration!! Plus I've scheduled a little R&R for early next week. Hopefully there will be some joint birthday celebrating with my brother Eric too!

Next up: Sunday 10/2 - The Cranberry Festival in Bordentown!

Shows up the Wazoo!!

We are still recovering from a few wonderful shows we had lately. Red Bank and Franklin Lakes were spectacular and we got to make some new friends! Our booth at the Red Bank show was so popular we hardly had a chance to sit down. Plus, we're not leaving the area just yet. You can look for our hair bows in The Bee's Knees on Broad Street in the next few weeks!

At Franklin Lakes last Sunday, we decided that poor Ed would serve as the Communal Husband and help with random "manly" tasks around our section of booths. We're thinking of renting him out on a per task basis at future shows to bring in some extra money. A 50/50 split, of course!

We have been working non-stop to stock up for our show in Ridgewood this Sunday. With the help of my mom's sewing machine (mine decided it no longer wanted to work), I've made brand new table covers that are so pink and girlie I just love them! We're also working on some new display signs and pieces especially for this show. Hopefully the weather will hold out and we'll have another beautiful day. Fingers crossed!!

Updates... sort of.

I've been embarassingly behind on my blogging... I have quite a few shows coming up in the next few weekends and I wanted to share my new, and vastly improved, display!

The new white tent makes a world of difference and, IMHO, makes the whole display look a bit more professional. I also updated my table coverings which I think gives the whole booth a bright, cheery look. The new packaging design for my stationery was a big hit at the Atlantic Highlands show -- I sold almost 300% more than my past shows combined! Overall it was a great show and a fun crowd. We got lots of compliments on not just our pieces but also our displays!

Now I'm gearing up for this Sunday in Red Bank. There will be a few new items being introduced at this show and I'm excited to see the response. If they sell well, look for them on our site soon. Hope to see you there!

Crafty Goodies Galore!

I've been quite the benefactor of the crafty community lately! I got tired of just drooling over the cute stuff my fellow crafters make, and decided to bit the bullet and buy/swap for a few new things. Some for me (selfishly) and some, obviously not.

Donna at One Little Monkey whipped up some adorable gifts for my friend's children - a Purple Disco Dot Sun Dress for Calla, a Cowboy Kids Bib for Grady and the cutest Purple Disco Dot A Line Dress for Baby to Be! They are all so well made and I can't wait to see what new designs she comes up with so I can snatch them up too!

Kara at Kailo makes some of the most adorable wallets, purses and accessories. I nabbed this Check Book Holder as a gift, but {shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh} I think I might hold on to it for myself!!

Amy from Amy Peters' Studio makes jewelry that just speaks to me -- literally! I've been a long time admirer of her work, way before I started my own business. I had purchased a piece a while back from a catalog, which has since been misplaced. I finally broke down last week and ordered a brand new piece. Given what we have been facing as a newly married couple, trying to make the best decisions for us and our (future) family, I thought the Follow Your Heart design was particularly appropriate.

Support independant artists and crafters -- it's good for the soul!!!

Atlantic Highlands Show - Saturday 8/20

I'm wrapping up some projects so I can concentrate on getting everything set for my first show of the Fall Season this Saturday in Atlantic Highlands, NJ. I'm so excited that I have a spiffy new tent that is actually a full 10x10 and white (no more dark shadows like my old green one in the pics below)! I just have to run out and get new tables -- they were pretty banged up in the fire too -- and I'll be all set!

There will be a few new jewelry pieces, a brand new stationery line and some great little gifty-things that are set to debut. Stop by if you will be in the area. If not, check out our full schedule of craft shows and street fairs set for this Fall.

***
In other news: I also was able to get my goodies out in time for the September edition of The Sampler. Marie is just a doll and I can't wait to see everyone else's treats in a few weeks. If you love crafty things, try and sign up for the October edition (the September is full)!

March... No... Run!

Ed and I went to see March of the Penguins last night and it was just precious! It's amazing and wonderful to see a movie that wasn't made just for the sake of being a star vehicle or to make oodles of money for movie execs. As cheesy as it sounds, it was just a truly heartwarming story. To witness the sacrifices and heartbreak the Emperor penguins endure simply to carry on the species, as their ancestors had for centuries before... so moving!

We laughed. We cried. We ate way too much popcorn and Diet Coke. It's a Must See!

Bad humor

Target : Hi! I'm Mat Doormat

I need this doormat in my life. There's just something about having really bad humor that appeals to me. Or doormats. Finding both together is ideal.......

I did it!

Finally... I had some extra time over the past few days, so I got a chance to finish photographing my new pieces and editing the files. I still need to go in and take care of the write up for most of them, but check out the new stuff on my site. Super cute pieces, right?!

In the meantime, I've been working on some completely new projects. Since, apparently, creating great stationery isn't enough to quench my desire for paper -- I'm creating some awesome new decorative collages/plaques! Some are kitchy, some are seasonal and all are just plain fun! Stay tuned......

Peace, Love & Cupcakes!!

Street Fairs & Kettle Corn

Fresh from the Metuchen Street Fair, in the balmy 95+ degree weather (which I just LOVE...er...not so much), I wanted to give my non-local customers a glimpse of my goodies that don't always make it to my site. We were conveniently located to the left of the Kettle Corn stand, which was what I used to bribe my poor husband (read: Lifter-of-Heavy-Things guy). That and the promise of the couch closest to the air conditioning when we got home! I'm such a good wife :)

Take a peek:


My sorry looking tent. I really need to upgrade to the fancy-shmancy white jobs.


My set up and sneek peeks at some of the goodies coming up later this week!

Just some goodies I've been working on...

Take a peek at what's coming up soon! Those of you lucky enough to be in the NY/NJ area can pounce on these gems a bit earlier than everyone else at my local shows. Otherwise, I'll be adding these (and many more!) to the site gradually.


from l-r: Fuschia jade and amethyst chips, purple jade and amethyst Swarovski crystals, turquoise and sterling silver

Remember that yummy handspun and dyed yarn from earlier in the week? Well I couldn't put my knitting needles down and whipped up an adorable little scarflet that will be perfect for the fall chill! I know, leave it to me to knit a wool scarf when its 97 degrees outside!!



Oh, and I'm fully aware the photos stink. I was so excited to share my goodies I didn't get around to setting up my mini photo studio. :)

Yummy yarns

I couldn't resist it anymore... these yarns were just too yummy not to snatch up before someone else did! Even though the weather is more sweltering than sweatering, I just had to have 'em.

I'm such a sucker for crafty projects. Check back to see what I make out of these puppies!

The Cupcakes Take Manhattan

Great news: I just added a new show in New York City! My crafty pal Erika from Mellifluous Couture was looking for a booth partner and I jumped at the chance to add another show to my "tour". So if you're in the area, be sure to stop by the 10th Annual Lower East Side Festival of the Arts on 5/28. We're going to be set up in a swanky corner booth along 10th Street, between 1st & 2nd Avenues. Fun is sure to ensue!

New and exciting things going on!

I've been working on so many cute new things for my upcoming show in Westwood on 5/22 (details - and an exclusive coupon - can be found here). Here's your sneak peek at show-only goods!

Adorable key fobs:


Turquoise-colored shell earrings:


Super cute buttons to give away (thanks to Vanessa from GerberaDesigns.com):


Plus, I've decided to start phasing out my ribbon belts and I'm working on some totally amazing new belt designs. I came across these great gold-toned buckles (some of which I'll be spraying siver) that will definitely be featured:


Hopefully I'll have more goodies to report on tomorrow, after my trip to a local bead & gem show with crafty pal, Brandee, from Brandee's Boutique!

A little more about me

Clearly I need to find something to do today, since I can't seem to stop with these quizes!!



Which Finding Nemo Character Are You?
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Raver Bear

Which Dysfunctional Care Bear Are You?
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Pre-Hyptnotized Peter (This was before my newly found creative freedom)
What Office Space character are you?
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More pretty fabric!

This is what happens when its all warm and sunny outside. I get inspired by anything colorful and fun and my supply closet just grows and grows! Take a peek at my latest acquisition - Dancing Tulips:


I'm thinking some cute little clutches or something equally fun. Maybe involving some vintage buttons or brooches. Oooo... or even a sash/belt. I'm starting to get over the ribbon belts that are just EVERYwhere these days. Maybe I'll start playing around with making them with fabric. Guess you'll have to just wait and see!

Sunshine and Creativity

All of this sunshine and happiness has me totally inspired. I picked up some yummy new fabrics last week that I can't wait to get started working with.


yummy new fabric

Aren't they amazing? Check back in a week or so to see what I whipped up.

In other news, our taxes are finally done. What a nightmare! I'm going out tomorrow to get Quickbooks, which will make my life 1,000 times easier come next April. The few hundred dollars are definitely worth my weeks of sanity. I think my husband would agree, too! :)

Taking on the IRS...

Tax time is here! If you were smart, much unlike myself, your taxes were done long ago and you're thinking up ways to spend your sizeable refund. No, not me. I'm up to my ears in reciepts and paperwork -- who said owning your own business(es) was a good idea?! Clearly they had an accountant! :)

On the bright side, I was able to catch some of the late afternoon sun yesterday and shoot some more Spring product photos for my site. Like the adorable receipt organizer above. With a colorful folder dedicated for each month or category, I'll be much more likely to keep my receipts up to date. I just LOVE the fabric I used for the cover, too. I think I'm going to have to make a few other things with it.......

So freakin' cute!!!

In the spirit of the impending Spring I was totally inspired to re-photograph some of the new stuff about to go up on my site. And, honestly, how freakin' cute does it look?! I can't wait until its all ready and up in the store. Defintiely check the site (and sign up for our newsletter if you haven't already) for some great, totally new products!!!

Aren't these adorable?!

There's no place like the spa...... there's no place like the spa......

Just got back from 'nother appointment today.... not much to report. I'll be photographing some of the new and adorable things I've been working on for the site over the weekend. I just couldn't resisit sharing these shoes I picked up in Philly back in February at Guacamole on South Street. No matter how dreary your day (or the weather) may be, you can't help but be cheered up by the spangly shoes!