Throwback Thursday: January 25, 2010

How owl you? Well, I'm doing just fine. Let's take a little trip down memory lane.

It was January and I'd been working on my crafting skills for a bit. Goodness, it's hard to know when, why, and how it all began - Except that it started with scrapbooking. I will have to share my earlier works one of these days! It can be quite a hoot - wink, wink - to see versions of one's earlier works.

Anyhow, I created a set of tags, listed them and they sold within a month. Woop, woop! Are you out there, oh, person who bought my very first set of tags? Or the person who received one from them? That would be awesome :)

{ How To: Easy, Peasy Tags }

- - Supplies Needed - -

Cardstock

Glue

Hole Punch

Embroidery Thread

Stamps

Ink Pad

Sandpaper

1. For each tag, cut two circles from cardstock. (I used a circle punch for speed and consistency.)

2. Stamp images on each circle. I got this look by using a single acrylic block with two different clear stamps on it. Allow ink to dry completely.

3. Glue two circles (unstamped sides) together. This makes them much sturdier. Sand the edges for added interest.

4. Punch a hole in one side, then loop string through it.

As you can see, I used an extra tag to make a special card that I included in the order. Check out the layout below, so you can create your own using one of your handmade tag.

Card Layout #001

If you take me up on my offer, share your creations - I'd love to see it!

With blessings & joy, yours truly . . . Corrinne Quinn

Monday Flash Sale #2 - Featuring Peacock, Tofu & Rubies

Happy Monday! Now, smile. I know it's the start of a work week.

And we are working for the weekends, right? Well, today is a little different at Pin & Tack.

- MONDAY FLASH SALE -

For one day only, receive FREE USA shipping on all purchases of $15 or more.

Use Coupon Code: FLASH72814 at checkout. Expires on July 29, 2014 at Midnight.

Peacock & Classic Red with Tofu Chalkboard

Keep track of what needs to be done with a chalkboard.

Sometimes, it's just easier to write it down.

Peacock Rose Thumbtacks

Roses don't always have to be red.

Try a different look with teal instead.

Peacock & Cream Distressed Clothespins

Who would have thought it?

Peacocks and cream do go together :)

Large Ruby Rhinestone Magnets

We can't all afford the real deal, but it doesn't matter.

Because rhinestones sparkle just as fine.

With blessings & joy, yours truly . . . Corrinne Quinn

This Little Piggy . . .

Can you deny this piglet's adorableness? I've got a smile on my face. And for only $25, you can sponsor an animal like this at Animal Place. You can support in other ways, too: share on your social medias, shop, or volunteer. More animals deserve to have this type of joy, don't you agree? With blessings & joy, yours truly . . . Corrinne Quinn

Throwback Thursday: April 16, 2011

Pin & Tack wasn't always Pin & Tack. Formerly known as Crafty Moon Crab, the shop sold handmade soaps. It wasn't until some time later that clothespins became a featured product, then the main item to be had.

It all started on April 16, 2011. Pin & Tack's very first set of clothespins was listed. This set was made with specialty paper, a black & white damask, that was cut to size, glued and sealed by hand.

And one day later, they SOLD! That began the crafty journey of the pins :)

In the beginning, there was only a couple of options. Now, Pin & Tack offers 100s of colors with different sizes and styles. Custom requests are welcomed any day of the week.

Do you have a favorite set? Or one you'd like to see? Share your likes or wishes in the comments.

With blessings & joy, yours truly . . . Corrinne Quinn

Tuesday Flash Sale #1 - Featuring Beachy Keen Sunshine

This is an equation that you don't have to think about to figure out.

Beachy keen colors meet lovely yellow for a happy-go-lucky look.

- Tuesday Flash Sale - 

Use Coupon Code: FLASH72214 for 10% off any purchase of $10 or more.

One day only. Ends July 22, 2014 at Midnight PST.

Deep Ocean & Lemon Distressed Clothespins, Variety 6 Pack

+

Grass, Lemon, Peacock, & Tofu Variegated Yarn, 100% Cotton, 5 Yards

+

Fiona, Shoe Ring/Trinket Holder with Sunshine Glitter

=

If you want to look like this happy woman, stop by Pin & Tack. As always, a portion of the sale will benefit a charitable organization. This month, it's Hope For Paws. Donate directly, too - We appreciate any bit of help!
With blessings & joy, yours truly . . . Corrinne Quinn

Why Did The Chicken Cross The Road?

Why did the chicken cross the road? Well, there are plenty of reasons.

But the question is more - why did I cross the road?

Because there was a chicken and I had a slight fear of chickens.

Yes. Ridiculous, but there is a perfectly good reason.

It stems from my childhood when we spent time at my uncle's home.

My uncle had a trampoline - you know, a big one - in the backyard.

You had to walk a little ways to get to it 'cause his backyard was a good size.

Zebra Chicken Doorstop by Chicken Jungle

He also had chickens and a rooster. The rooster was a mean son of a - er - jerk.

Yeah, he was a very, very mean bird! Now this rooster would chase you.

Like really, really chase you. And you didn't want to be caught by him. Oh, no, you didn't.

Chickens At Play Outdoor Sign by Bainbridge Farm Goods

He got a piece of my uncle's toe once.

All of us kids had a healthy dose of fear AND respect.

No one wants a sharp beak tearing your appendages.

Vintage Chicken Sculpture from Etsplace

One day when I was a girl, I ran to the trampoline. Woo!

Made it. Fingers, toes, legs and all are good.

Jump, jump . . more jumping . . Jump, jump - Okay, you get it.

Chicken Clay Earrings by LizGlizz

Time to go back inside. I look left, look right, look down.

I don't see him. Let's do this. All I have to do is go.

I jump off the trampoline and I see him from the corner of my eye.

Chicken Crochet Flap Hat by Knotty Baby Wear

I run. I run like a crazy rooster is chasing me. He was fast and he almost caught me.

Luckily, there was an empty plastic kiddie pool. I leap over it and kick it back.

Primitive Wooden Chicken by The Savvy Shopper 1

I see that he is stuck behind that pool. I never stopped running, though.

I didn't stop running or look back until I was shutting the sliding glass door behind me.

Then I just took a breath. I survived!

Crochet Chicken Coaster by Vest Beret

Now, that happened many years ago. Since then, I have learned more about these incredible creatures.

I've come to adore them. However, I will still walk lightly & watchful about them - Ha!

Share a random childhood story of your own in the comments. I would enjoy reading about it :)

With blessings & joy, yours truly . . . Corrinne Quinn

Going To Grandma's House

For a time, I was thoroughly involved in the craft challenge world. This is a place full of creativity for cardmakers and scrapbookers. You shared your stuff, they share theirs and you enjoyed the opportunity to win a prize. (I'm happy to say I won a few here and there!)

While living in this world, I came across Grandma Bonnie, a lovely woman who creates wonderful works with plenty of details to enjoy. Below is just a sampling of why I follow her.

Garden Girl Tag by Grandma Bonnie

According to Grandma Bonnie, she "loves to craft, cards, scrapbook pages, sew." And you can definitely see that in her projects.

Tire Swing Card by Grandma Bonnie

She is a crafter's crafter. She explains what she does in simple, easy terms, including sharing the colors that she uses for the digital images.

Red, White & Blue Birthday Card by Grandma Bonnie

I invite you to stop by her blog, leave a comment, and share in her crafty world. It's fun, cute and reminds one that it's better to send a card than an email.

With blessings & joy, yours truly . . . Corrinne Quinn

Being Imperfect Isn't So Bad

Being imperfect isn't so bad, especially if you come from Pin & Tack ;)

Lemon & Terra Cotta Distressed Mini Clothespins, Imperfect Beauties

Unaltered clothespins don't always arrive in perfect condition, so they are saved for a later date. What happens next? When free time arrives, I get out my paints and dazzle these clothespins up to be sold for a lower cost.

Cranberry & Mint Distressed Clothespins, Imperfect Beauties

While they may have chips or broken ends, these clothespins are still completely functional and oh, so delightful. Many have one side that looks "perfect," so you can't tell if used for banners or other displays. 

Grapefruit & Tofu Distressed Mini Clothespins, Imperfect Beauties

More colors available at the shop. (And if I have the stock, large custom quantities can be had as well!) Stop by, pick up a pack or two, and enjoy imperfect beauty everyday.

With blessings & joy, yours truly . . . Corrinne Quinn

Horse Play

Horses and humans have an ancient relationship with each other, which is why they are still a favorite of many. Plus, everyone needs a little horse play in their life. Enjoy these fun, equestrian-themed crafts & freebies.

Approximately 11" x 20" of cuddly joy, this pony will delight any child (or adult.) Perfect for play or as a neck pillow. The pattern is provided free of charge from Marina and it's available in English or German.

Sew your own equestrian friend: Cuddly Pony Pattern Freebook.

As kids, we used to make flipbooks using Post-It notes or scraps of paper. The images were often stick figures doing fun & silly things. In these versions, you can create Horse Gait flipbooks using the famous photos from Eadweard Muybridge.

Free printable flipbooks for exploring a horse's stride.

Have a single sock or ones with holes in them? Upcycle into a classic toy from days past: Hobby Horse. Megan shows you how with her picture-filled tutorial. My suggestion - Don't use wool or leather as cotton & man-made materials work just as well without the "cruelty."

This DIY Sock Hobby Horse can be simplified, so kids can create their own!

Wall art is made super easy with this vintage horses' image. The black & white color allows it to fit into any decor theme. As an added design bonus, you can resize to fit one of these handcrafted frames. Hee-haw!

Print, frame, & hang. Done. Vintage Horses Print.

Do you have a craft featuring horses? Please share it in the comments. The more, the merrier :)

With blessings & joy, yours truly . . . Corrinne Quinn

Color Tip #1: Nature

Trying to figure out what colors to surround yourself with?

Look to nature. It's filled with colors that blend well together.

It also brings life, energy & peace. A perfect place to start, don't you think?

Featured in Photo: Sunny Rose Thumbtacks

With blessings & joy, yours truly . . . Corrinne Quinn

Stars & Stripes & Blue Glitter

Featured in Photo: Cherry & Sky Distressed Mini Clothespins with Glitter

Be safe, have fun & celebrate all that we have.

Happy Independence Day, my fellow Americans!

With blessings & joy, yours truly . . . Corrinne Quinn

Dogs Need Your Help!

Every month or two, Pin & Tack chooses a different charity to support with donations from orders. For June & July, it's Hope For Paws, an animal rescue organization that saves dogs & other animals from abandonment, abuse & neglect.

The extra bonus of Hope For Paws is that they share videos of their rescues, so you can see the animal from the start of their rescue to the end. Peeking into these animals stories is both sad & heartwarming. There is always a happy ending that will continue with our support.

Donate directly - MUCH PREFERRED - or pick up a pack of clothespins and Pin & Tack will donate a portion of the sale.

With blessings & joy, yours truly . . . Corrinne Quinn

Bloom

It's Tuesday. Have you bloomed today?

Photo is a sweet, little bloom from my garden.

The layout is a reminder to bloom daily 'cause it's pretty to do so :)

With blessings & joy, yours truly . . . Corrinne Quinn