Western Cowgirl Banner

This banner was lots of fun to make. My client wrote asking if I could come up with a western themed banner for a girl. She liked the others that I had done, but wanted a more girly feel. Well, this banner made its' way to Texas today and she was very happy with it!

Here at Altered to Perfection, every detail counts! I try my best to get the exact look the client has envisioned. Do you need a custom banner? You can contact me here on the blog by leaving a comment or by visiting our facebook page at: Altered to Perfection or our Etsy page: Altered to Perfection.

It's a Circus!

Last year at this time, I had someone call me up to do a banner. I believe she found my name by searching the type of banner she wanted for a baby shower and one I had made popped up.  Well, it's been a year now and her baby boy is turning ONE! She called me again and this time needed some CIRCUS themed items.  I had a lot of fun with this one.  It took me longer than usual to complete them due to working full-time outside the home now, but they are all complete and I can't wait to hear how she likes them.

There were four total - here's a look:

This is a First Year Banner. A photo can be placed in each appropriate box for the first 12 months.

 Just add photos!

Colorful pennant banner/garland. Great to add a pop of color to any event, photo shoot or space!

 Can be made extra-long. 

 "Rag" garland made of strips/scraps of fabric. This one is for a highchair, but would also be great as a photo back drop or mantel/headboard decor.

I pay attention to every detail!

Happy 1st Birthday!!

Western/Cowboy Themed Baby Shower Banner

 I really enjoyed making this banner.  It was a custom order for a baby shower.  I was told that the expected baby boy's nursery was decorated western themed all the way down to having wagon wheels put on his crib!  What a fun idea!

 I panicked at first because I could not find brown cow print paper anywhere.

The buyer was specific about the brown cow print...  

Then I realized I could just PAINT the pattern. Duh. 

I used twine and barbed wire printed ribbon to add more to the look as well as red bandana scrapbook paper.

I love how it turned out.

I even found this adorable boot and star clip art already installed on my Cricut. Perfect.

I love making banners for all occasions! 

You can click on my Etsy store in the side bar for more information.

You can also join me on my Altered to Perfection page on facebook!

Altered Journals and Mini Journals

These altered composition books can be used for anything. These particular journals were made to be prayer journals.  I usually get information such as favorite colors, styles, quotes, Scripture, hobbies, collections, etc. and then I go from there to try to make a special notebook for a special person.

 You can see more journals on our facebook page.

 We also carry MINI altered composition books in our Altered to Perfection store.  

 These mini-journals were made to be given to some special members of a book club.  The buyer wanted something that her friends could use to keep track of what they read. 

 You can also check out our shop by going directly to Etsy here.

 These little books measure 4.5" x 3.25" and are covered on the front and back.

Altered "lunch box" tin: Music Teacher

 I so enjoyed making this file organizer for a special music/piano teacher.   The buyer asked me to make a music themed box.

 This box measures 7"x5"x5"  The handle is carefully embellished with the a beautiful array of red/black/white ribbon.

 There are about 20 dividers that I made. Each with a tab and decorated differently.

 No two dividers are ever the same.

You will definitely enjoy this unique and personalized gift!

My 100th Post on this blog!! A game day banner for you Razorback fans!!

I just noticed that this is my 100th post on my Altered To Perfection blog.  Yay!
Today, I am sharing a banner with you.  GO*HOGS*GO! for a dedicated Arkansas Razorback fan.

Thanks for reading along!  I love all of my friends here at Altered To Perfection!

Breast Cancer Survivor - Pink Ribbon Mailbox

 Celebrate being a Survivor!

This very pink mailbox would be a lovely gift to give to a

 breast cancer survivor or remember a breast cancer fighter.  

Along with the mailbox, you can also order quote cards for added inspiration.

(See listing for details)

Hand-crafted, personalized Gratitude Journals...

A GRATITUDE JOURNAL is a great place to record things for which you are grateful!

Make a family tradition of keeping a Gratitude Journal that anyone can write in.

These are some journals I made recently.  

Standard sized composition notebooks -

Each one altered to be perfect for the recipient.

Order yours by going here: ALTERED TO PERFECTION

No Fear...

I don't think I've told you about this amazing little mini journal I bought on Etsy.  

After sending out several orders and being blessed with lots of sales, I decided I'd like to purchase something fun for myself.  I had this little book tucked away in my "favorites" section for a while.  

I didn't even have to think long about what I wanted to buy.

It is genuine cow leather and measures 2.25"X3" 

It fits in the palm of my hand. 

Lots of pages - 320 counting both sides 

Hand-stitched... 

Swoon.  I was in love.

It came all the way from Thailand, but did not take long to arrive at all.

I did a few pages with water color right away.  

It was fun and interesting to work on a small space like this - smaller than an ATC card, but lager than inchies.

The pages are a bit too thin to handle wet medium like water colors, so I decided to glue a few pages and paint them first with gesso to give it some thickness.  

This is a recent spread I did.

 I have been thinking about fear a lot lately.  

I don't want to live in fear. I don't want to worry.  I don't want to doubt.

I want to have a voice.

I want to understand.

I want my heart to be safe and I want to offer safety for the hearts of others.

I don't want to fear about being perfect.

I don't want to fear about being forgotten.

 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

1 John 4:18

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 27:1

"Fears are educated into us, and can, if we wish, be educated out."
Karl Augustus Menninger

"Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy."
Dale Carnegie

So, dear friend, do not be afraid.  Get out there and let your voice be heard.  Do you feel like you need to express yourself through painting? Then paint!  Do you want to sing?  Sing!  Do you want to believe? Then believe.  Do not live in fear.  Do not let it trap you any longer.  You can be free.  No fear.

"The enemy is fear. We think it is hate; but, it is fear."
Gandhi

Friendship Journal

Altered Composition Book - Friends of Jane

Close up of the cover...

 Inside of cover

 Inside of back cover

Outside of back cover

You can find my altered journals for sale in my etsy shop: Altered to Perfection.  

I would love to custom design one just for you!

Introducing my new facebook page: Altered to Perfection.  I would be honored if you would join me there.  Just head over by clicking on the photo and "Like" my page.  I am excited about all the possibilities!!

Jumbo Paper Clip Bookmarks...New Colors - BLACK AND WHITE

You all are probably familiar with my top selling colorful jumbo paper clip bookmarks, so I am happy to announce that I am now carrying BLACK and WHITE clips as well!

Paired with your favorite color combos, these clips make a wonderful and unique item for yourself or as a gift for a friend, student, teacher... ANYBODY.

They are still only $5 each plus shipping.

 The clip alone measures 4 inches in length.  Then there is a generous amount of ribbon added, extending the total length to about 10+ inches.

Headed over to my shop to place your orders! =)

Altered to Perfection at etsy

Look what you could win!!!

And if you don't win....you can order! =)

Oh.my.word. Here is a giveaway that I am really excited about. My friend Lindsay over at The Menagerie of Craftiness is doing her first giveaway!! You KNOW I love pumpkins, but how adorable is this hat??? I want one for myself. =) Head over to her blog and check it out. She's so talented. Lot's of unique, quality items.