Who doesn't love a bargin?

So my very good friend and I are starting a new endeavor by creating inter-faith gifts for the holidays. Now I know what your thinking, "Hello tardy for the party, you missed all the after holiday bargains". Fear not! Michael's had an amazing sale on all the things we need to get started and with coupons I got my money's worth. They have paint for .49, ribbon 3 for a $1 and sponge brushed 14 for $1. Awesome I know, but it gets better, on top of the fantastic sale I had a coupon for 20% off my entire purchase and 50% off one item (which went to a new Easter soap mold) but I digress. All in all my coupons and shopping the sales took my $37.61 all the way down to $21.52. I know crazy right, I came in $1.52 over my mental budget but it was totally worth it. Check out the pics below to see a couple ideas I had for ChrismaHanuKwanzakah photo frames.

Happy Valentine's Day

My hubby knows the best way to my heart is not flowers or candy but Cricut Cartridges. The Hubs got me Winter Woodland to add to my collection. Thankfully, Michaels had a sale yesterday, which was perfect timing. I fell in love with Winter Woodland this past Christmas, however last year's holidays were unconventional for my family and I, so there was no time for gifts and holiday crafts.

Why was a so attracted to Winter Woodland? Ever since I was a child I love the idea of making a mini winter village, with ice skaters on a "frozen pond" and the sound of church bells chiming on the hour, all the houses dusted with faux snow and a hill with kids sledding on it. Well when I checked this cartridge out it has cuts to make a 3D village with a chapel and a clock tower, even 3D trees and a snow man. That pretty much sealed the deal for me I had to have this cartridge.

I can't wait to warm up my Cricut and test this bad boy out. Here are some pics below of Winter Woodland.

Hope you have a Happy Valentine's Day!!

So how creative are you??

In the spirit of this weekend being Valentine's Day. Here are this years creations. I try to make handmade cards for different holidays. This year I wanted to do something handmade, however didn't really have enough time. Then it came to me, post cards, a great way to send a sweet sentiment. These designs were created in Photoshop using various brushes and techniques. The final versions were stamped and embossed with Valentine's Day images.

Here's to the

In the spirit of Martha Stewart's wedding show, here are some pics of favors, center pieces and wedding accessories I have made over the years.

Handmade Sea Shell Shaped Chocolates boxed and decorated with raffia and shells added a touch of nature to the tables as well as a sweet treat for guests.

This ring bearer pillow and basket were handmade incorporating pink, burgundy and starfish to carry out the beach theme and color scheme for this wedding.

These cute paper cone favors were a hit filled with pink and white M&M's and presented in a white picket fence holder.

Care for a spot of tea? These tea party inspired favors and center pieces enhanced the look of the party they were made for. The matching "tea tag" has the Bride-to-be's name and date of the shower on the back. Both were handmade and the favor was a honey almond scented candle.

So I closed my eyes and jumped in . . .

I have been toying with the idea of creating a Blog for a while now. But what would I write about, who would read it, who would find it entertaining other than myself. Yet tonight I bit the proverbial bullet and started a blog. So here is hoping that someone other than me reads it. Here's also hoping someone other than myself will find it entertaining.

I guess the best way to start would be to tell you a little bit about myself. The title of this blog is a very good place to start. The Agony and The Ecstasy was the title of a classic move and novel about Michelangelo, a great artist and thinker of his time. Being a creative person, I too suffer through the agony and the labor it takes to create any art or craft I am working on. I also revel in the Ecstasy once that vision is realized.

I have always been creative, from a very young age I learned how to appreciate the beauty in all things. From the street light reflecting on new fallen snow, to gnarled leafless trees in Autumn. The ocean breeze on my face and the multicolored sunset skies. There is beauty in the sound of a lone violin to the melodic beating of a steel pan. The passion of the spoken word in poetry and pros, even the loud banter of a philosophical discussion. All of these fuel my creative energy.

I was dubbed the West Indian Martha Stewart, which is how I like to think of myself. I can balance both the type A organizer with the Artistic nurturing side. It's a good mix, since I have my own business creating handmade soaps from recyclable materials. I have to balance the running of the business as well as the creative.

On a personal note I am a loving wife, daughter, friend, fairy Godmother and closet SiFi fan. When I'm not busy with the agony and the ecstasy of my creative mind, I enjoy time with family and friends, driving my Hubby nuts and just the journey of this crazy life.
Stay tuned for pics of my creations and other madness in my head.