Punches!

Punches are a great tool to add zazz to your cards!  I like to save the punched pieces and use them as embellishments on the cards I make.  These dragonflies will add a nice touch to my next card.

The completed Love Birds Project

Well, I scrapped the work in progress because I was not happy with my results.  I started over, and here is what I came up with.  

Work in Progress

I am not entirely sure where I am going with this.  It's a little work in progress today.  

A Winter Wonderland Created from Paper

Happy Holidays, all!  

Living in 85 degree Maui weather with high humidity can make me feel as if I am smack in the middle of summer; however, as I type this blog post, it is December 4th 2012.  Not only is it my friend Rob's birthday (Happy Birthday, buddy!), but it is the beginning of the holiday season.  


In California, my holiday season was hailed by crisp winter air and the scent of the year's first chimney smoke (ahhhhh, the holidays), but alas, that is no longer.  While I am starting the holiday season with the odor of sugar cane burning in the air, the humidity and heat certainly throw my once California girl body out-of-whack.  Not that I am complaining. A Mele Kalikimaka on the beach on Christmas morning with my beloved boyfriend is the perfect way to spend Christmas, and I love our island oasis.  

Still, I sometimes yearn for the crisp winter air.  Thus, I papercraft! 

Within my piles of paper, embellishments, bakers twine, stamps, and ribbon, I see possibilities and the opportunity to step into my own creativity and find my snowy winter wonderland!  (Later, I head for the beach!!!!)  

Happy Holidays, my friends!

My Craft Away Facebook Page

My Craft Away Etsy Shop

A Gift for a Client

Recently, I found out that someone I know of was diagnosed with breast cancer and was preparing to undergo surgery this week.  Saddened by the news, my employer (of my day job) asked if I'd create a cheerful handmade card for the woman, so we can hopefully bring a smile to her face.  Of course! 

I sorted through my embellishments and papers and found a delightful assortment of orange and yellow patterned papers with glossy embossed flowers by Die Cuts with a View.  Perfect!  I found a thoughtful sentiment, "Hope springs eternal in the human heart."  Perfect!  After designing the card and adhering all the bits and pieces to the cardstock, I wanted to apply some kind of symbol of hope and cheer to the card without seeming preachy or overly-sappy.   

I searched through my stickers and embellishments and found this sweet dimensional butterfly sticker. I thought about the life cycle of a butterfly --  how a delicate caterpillar transforms into a strong and beautiful creature as it experiences this significant change in its life.  This seemed all too perfect for the purpose of this card.  I affixed the butterfly sticker, and the card was complete and is ready to send to our client. 

We hope the cards warms her heart as she prepares for treatment.  

**** Image is Copyright 2012 Ricky Mia Photography

It has been awhile!

I haven't posted on this blog for several weeks, and so much has changed since the first and only post I had made so far.

I have my business license as of 09/04/2012, so Craft Away is officially a business on Maui, and I've even sold some cards!

Some are posted on my etsy shop at www.etsy.com/shop/craftawaymaui

Some have been sold to Embellished Memories at 2439 S. Kihei Road, Suite 113A in Kihei, Hawaii on Maui!

I plan to post more often, and I will be sure that I post as many of my cards as possible.

I live on the island of Maui, so tropical, beach, and vacation related cards are hot items here!  This is one of my newest creations made with Stardream cardstock, miscellaneous ribbon and die-cuts and stickers from the amazing American Crafts at www.americancrafts.com

I'd love to write more, but it is time for my weekly dose of Glee!!!

My First Blog EVER

I can't believe it took several years for me to finally begin a crafting blog!  I've been papercrafting for over four years and particularly enjoy creating cards. My style is simple and colorful with a variety of themes.  I hope you enjoy!