Paper Snowflakes + More Templates

{Utah Snow}

There's nothing like hearing your 6 year old say,

"Mom, I might have made a mess."

I have to admit I was bit relieved when I walked over and only saw approx 100 million paper clippings... 

The transformation of every 81/2" X 11" sheet of paper in the house into snow was mind boggling.  I'm pretty sure Ethan would give any paper snowflake-making elf a run for his money.   Even Buddy.

I had no idea it was in him.  When I asked him where he learned how to make these amazing flakes of snow he said, "Trey taught me."  Trey is his 6 year old cousin who lives in Oregon.  And although he may not remember teaching Ethan, the skill was definitely learned.

My "job" {according to my little boss man} was to put the thread onto the snowflakes so they would hang just right when I taped them to the ceiling. 

And oh what fun! Aren't they so great?  I bet it makes you want to grab some scissors!  I'm thinking he ought to put a few into his Etsy shop "SticksandThings" and start selling a little Utah snow.  I mean really, who doesn't want a white Christmas?:)

{Templates "The Holidays": Part 2}
In my quest to find the perfect template for our family's little greeting postcards, I've been having a little fun creating.  And since I just made these sweet templates, I figured I might as well share them with you!

{And Just like the 1st Set I can add your picture{s} into the template if you'd like {$5}, or if you have photoshop you can buy all 3 {$5} and add your pictures yourself.}

If you want to learn more about the photo POSTCARDS or see my 1st set of templates click here.

If you'd like me to make your photo postcard just click here! Then you'll need to email me and let me know which option you'd like, and also send me the jpg photo you'd like me to use. 

Now, here you go! I'm calling Set 2: "The Holidays".

{Option D} Happy Holidays!

{Option E} The Nativity

{Option F} Holiday Wishes

Yeah, and after all that I still don't know which one we'll use!  Hopefully you're having better luck with your cards!:

2010 Holiday Greeting POSTCARDS

{Hold the Presses!}
Just stop. Before you go and fork out $ for some holiday cards this year...just wait.  Or if you weren't going to send any cards because its too much work and $...keep the faith.  Toad is here.;)

2010 Photo Holiday Postcards are here. 

Unique, Easy, & Cheap!

{Last Year|: 2009}

Some of you may remember that last year I posted about how I use 4X6 pictures for my Christmas Cards.

 I just create a fun photocard in Photoshop Elements,  write on the back, and send them as postcards.  Its SO much cheaper than a regular card and envelope...especially when a postcard stamp is only $.28!  {Most of my people just want the picture anyway!:)}

{This Year: 2010}
This year I'm even more excited about these postcards.  You see, at Vistaprint you can print 100 postcards for FREE!  I know.

You just upload your picture (they actually want the cards 4.21"X 5.47") for the front of of the card and they even let you write a message on the back!  If the link I posted doesn't work for you, just Google "vistaprint free postcards" and you should get there.

PS The photo cube collage is a great idea...especially if you don't have a group shot to use!

I'm telling you now because in order to get the cheapest shipping through Vistaprint you have to order early.  Its only $6.53 for shipping and you get 100 postcards...but it takes 3 weeks to get them.  I guess they will really be delivered by donkey or something.;)  But if you can't wait you can get them sooner-- you just have to pay a little more.

{My Plan}

This is my plan of attack. 

Create my card in photoshop, upload it to vistaprint, wait and wait for them to come {I'm a cheap-o so I'll wait the 3 weeks!}, sign the back {my message will already be printed on the card through vistaprint}, add an address and $.28 postcard stamp, & stick that baby right into the mail. 

100 cards sound like alot, but I plan to stick them on gifts, neighbor treat plates, give them to teachers, blah, blah, blah...

{Want In?}

Go for it!  Don't have photoshop and want me to create a postcard for you?  You betcha.

You have 2 super choices...{beside making them yourself!:)}

#1
Pay $5, send me the picture you want to use, pick your template from the options below, and within 24 hours I'll a jpg photocard emailed to you.  Each card that I make will be personalized for you.  Then all you have to do is print your postcards!  {I'll also resize the card for vistaprint if you want me to!}

#2
If you have photoshop you can just buy my templates and stick your own picture in!  You get all three options for $5!  You can download the templates by clicking here.

I'm a wild woman, I know this.  But hey, its my creative outlet.:)

{Option A: Making Spirits Bright}

{Option B: Merry Christmas Stamp}
This stamp can be changed to say whatever you'd like.

{Option C: Merry&Bright}
This one comes in white or gray. The gray is at the very top of the post.

{Option D} Happy Holidays!

{Option E} The Nativity

{Option F} Holiday Wishes

You can pay for your custom card here {$5} & email me which option you'd like, as well as the jpg photo you'd like me to use.
Questions? Email me! ToadsTreasures@gmail.com

Happy Holiday Card Hunting!:)

XOXO-Toad

Your Grandma will LOVE you.

What grandparent wouldn't want to show off a cute photo valentine?! Once again I've been a wild woman with my "4X6 photo postcards"...this time they are for Valentine's Day!

Once again, here are the super easy steps to get your card:

1) Pick which option is your favorite from the choices below.
2) Pay $5 through payal. {The button is on the right sidebar.}
3) Email the picture(s) to me at toadstreasures@gmail.com & any specifcs info you'd like to add to the card.
4) I email you back the finished product (ASAP) for you to have fun with! You can print them out at home or get prints made. They make GREAT postcards. Super fun.

FYI- I only charge the $5 to help cover my costs of supplies and my time. I wish I could just sit and make each one of you a card! I'm not kidding.:)

Here you go!
Option 1 {The multi-picture} Find 4 fun pictures and tah dah!



Option 2: {Sweet birds} So cute.



Option 3: {Kids card} Your child will LOVE to see their face on this card! Its a fun, original valentine to give to all of their friends!


Option 4: {Classic} Simple and classy. Stick this one on the plate of valentine's cookies to give to your family friends.



Questions? Email me! toadstreasures@gmail.com

Coming soon...a yummy family favorite treat recipe and another simple sewing craft!! Night time is my fun time!:)

PS All materials for the cards were purchases at The Shabby Shoppe. Love it.

Save$$: Christmas Photo Postcards!

Debating on whether or not to send out Christmas cards this year? I love getting cards from the friends and family especially those that I don't see very often. But a stamp, PLUS the cost of a card or photocard...it can really add up fast! Even if you Costco's deal of $14.99 for 50 cards it is still around $.72 for each card you mail.

If {like me} the thought of mailing 14 cards for about $10 makes you cringe but you'd still like to send a card to people--here you go! How about a photo postcard?! It will cut your costs almost in half...or even nothing if you just send it as an Ecard!
Christmas Photo postcards!





What is a photo postcard? A 4X6 picture of your family that you send as a postcard in the mail! You can even write a little note on the back if you want to.

Step #1 Get a photo.
Find a picture you like enough to mail to your friends and family. I know this can be challenging, but if you don't have one...get one! You'll never regret having a recent family picture--even if its just a snapshot.

Step #2 Create a card!
There are several ways to do this. I just made mine in Photoshop Elements. If you don't have Photoshop you can use photo places like Shutterfly or Snapfish to "edit" your photos... or add a border, writing, etc. Its really not that hard, & you can create a fun, unique card that people will love to get!

Note: If you're interested in a little help just email me.  For $10 I'll put your photocard together for you. Just email me: toadstreasures@gmail.com for details.

Step#3 Order 4X6 prints
You can do this just about anywhere, but I got mine for super cheap at Vistaprint.com!  I just upload my picture as a postcard and I have more than enough for my photocards and to put on my neighbor gifts. 

You can also just get prints at Costco.com. I just uploaded them online --they have a 1 hr service--and picked them up the next day.

Note: They need to be 4X6 to be considered a "postcard" for the postal service. You can get more details at the USPS website.

Step#4 Get a postcard stamp
This is where you really save $$! Buy postcard stamps for $.28 each. Oh yeah!

Step #5 Mail that card!
You just address it, stamp it, and mail it as you would any other postcard!


And TahDah!
Its a great way to keep in touch with people {like your great uncle Harry, your friends from college, your old neighbors}, and let them know you are thinking about them. I'm sure it will make their day to see your face smiling when they get the mail! {Hint, hint...should I post my address so you can all send me one?:)}
PS That's not all you can do with photocards! I have another fun idea that I'll share with you soon!