The June Giveaway

I just wanted to say "thanks" to everyone who supports this blog.  You are very sweet people and I have really enjoyed getting to know many of you.  

June is going to be a wonderful month and there is going to be a very big giveaway.  There are many reasons to celebrate.  My baby girl will be 1 year old on the 14th, Summer is here, and I have accepted a new teaching job for September (Junior/Senior Kindergarten).  

This weekend I am off to the Sarnia ArtWalk festival.   I am excited to be with my sister and listen to my husband's band play!  But, I will also be selling my things at a booth.  I've been sewing like crazy for the past few days!!  If you are from the area, please stop by and say "hi".   I look forward to meeting  "Zig Zag Stitches"  and " Nun of  a Kind"  in real life, as they will be there too.  Another celebration of community and independent crafters/artisans.

So, the giveaway will be posted when I return.

 Get ready, this is going to be another great one!!

Beautiful

This morning I woke up to these. Aren't they beautiful?   They weren't actually for me. My husband got them as a gift for doing the school music concert last night.  I guess his guitar ensemble rocked!!!  He would love for us to enjoy them, they smell beautiful.  

What an Article!!!!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/27/AR2009052703406.html

Just Bought These

I just got these earrings in the mail from www.daisyspetals.etsy.com.  I love her jewelry and she donates a percentage to cancer research.  Some of you may remember her from last month's givewaway or from Fashion Chicago Magazine.  I LOVE them so much.  $10

Daisy's Petals

Toddler/Baby Bracelet

Hey Everyone.  My very first jewelry listing. I'm so excited.  This was inspired by my toddler. Bringing home a new baby is an exciting time in the life of a family.  The excitement, emotions, and joy are in high gear.  I wanted to make my oldest daughter feel like she was special and so I thought about making her something very special. In fact, 

she helped pick the beads and made it with me. Something just for her, that the baby didn't have.  Jewelry!!!  She loves her special bracelet and now she has a keepsake that will last forever.  

Glass beads, Swarovski crystals, lead free toggles.  Now available in my Etsy shop.  $12.99 intro price.  

I've also ordered BIG SIS and LIL SIS charms to personalize a set for both children!

O.k.  My mom said I have to make Grandma/Granddaughter sets too.  I do what my mom tells me, so the charms for that are on order too. haha

Help a Child Smile Small Business Trade Show

Today was a wonderful day.  The trade show was a success and I even met a few new friends.  Thanks to everyone who organized, and took part in such a great event.  See you all next year!  Thanks Lisa, that was a very large undertaking for a great cause.  This is exactly the type of even Brantford needs!   http://www.helpachildsmilefundraiser.com/

New Eco Friendly Snack Bags

Tired of using plastic.  Check these out. Eco friendly snack bags. Now available in my Etsy shop.

Next Giveaway

Hi Friends,

The next giveaway will start June 6 and go until June 10th at midnight.  It is shaping up to be absolutely wonderful!!!  I'm excited.  More info to come!

New Headscarves for the Summer

New headscarves available in my Etsy shop (click here to see).  I love them!!!!  My daughter (11 months) has started throwing her hats (and everything else) on the ground.  These little puppies stay right in place.  My other daughter 3 years thinks they are pretty "cool".  They have them in every color!!!  I actually even like making them.  I've sold a few mother daughter sets too!! How cute is that??

My New Look

Gotta say "thanks" to  Whimsy Graphic Designs for the great new avatar and banner(the picture at the top of the page with my name).  What do you think?  My Etsy shop has a new look too.

I would love to know which one you like the best.

Blender Baby Food

Hi Everyone,

Everyone has been notified of their winnings in the giveaway.  I'm already gearing up for next month.  Thanks so much to everyone who participated.

Today is an absolutely gorgeous day here in Paris, Ontario. 

I'm going to post a recipe from "Blender Baby Food" by Nicole Young.  It's  a great book, if you want to make your own baby food.  The book has over 125 easy recipes for homemade meals that are healthy for your baby.

It also has a month by month breakdown of nutritional need and a menu for each month.

Over the Top Applesauce Makes 2 cups

This recipe is recommended for 9 months and up

4 cups       sliced peeled apples (about 5)

1/2 cup     unsweetened apple juice

1/4 cup     ricotta or mascarpone cheese

1 tsp           ground cinnamon (I had to skip this because it caused a reaction in Lindsay)

1/2 tsp       grated lemon zest

1/4 tsp       ground ginger

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1. In medium saucepan, combine apples with apple juice.  Cover and simmer until apples break down and are tender.

2. Transfer to blender and add ricotta, cinnamon, lemon zest, ginger and nutmeg; puree on high until smooth.

3. Make ahead:  Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

There we go. Now the tricky part, finding time to make it!

Tip:  I always freeze mine in ice cube trays, pop out two, thaw them and they are ready to eat. O.k. My friend Emily does that, then brings it over.  But, it's still a good idea. haha

Everyone Wins Something

The Random Number Generator has worked it's magic and the winners have been picked.  I will contact you today/tomorrow with the items that are left for you to choose from.  Here are the winners in order:

If you did not win, I would like to offer anyone who participated a free copy of my epattern "One Charming Little Baby Quilt".  If you would like a copy please contact me and I will email it immediately snugnluv@gmail.com.

1. Self Production Design

2. Whitney Olson Smith 

3. Candy Kane 

4. Ellie Laveer

5. Jennuine Candles 

6. Aimee

7. Funnyface 

8. Barefoottams

9. Kjirsten

10. Angela Goins

** Next giveaway is in June.  Please let me know if you would like to donate an item and be featured.  

Note About the Giveaway

Hi Everyone,

Please remember to leave a separate post for each thing you do that qualifies for an entry. Every time you share you get another entry.  If it's all in one post the random generator that picks the number will only count it once.  Also, it can be trick to follow.  Click on the follow button on the left, if you have any problems feel free to contact me. Please don't  forget to leave us an email as well.  Thanks.

The Giveaway Has Arrived! Welcome!

The Great May Giveaway

May 6th-May 10 at midnight

Welcome to our amazing giveaway! This is  a celebration of creativity, community,  and of course Mother’s Day too. Please take time to stop by shops and blogs of the generous people who are featured.  All of them are exceptional at what they do.  Spread the word about them!  There is no special order to the featured items.  Winners will be choosen based on his/her draw number.

This is how the giveaway will work:

You will receive 1 entry for each of the following:

Following (publicly) (current followers receive 1 entry refer a friend for another) 

Posting a Comment

Sharing information about the Giveaway (Twitter, Facebook, Email, Facebook)***

****Please make sure you leave a comment for each of the above and an email address so that we can reach you.

We will use a random generator to choose the winners and you will be notified via email if you win.  Because all of the prizes are awesome, you can pick the one you want based on your draw number.  The first person gets first choice, second picks second, etc.  The hardest part is going to be choosing a prize.  Entries will start on Wednesday, May 6^th  the contest will close at 12 am Sunday, May 10^th and the winners will be announced on Monday, May 11th.  You will be contacted by the seller to arrange delivery of your items.  Winners from outside of US and Canada may be responsible for some of the shipping charges.

Wonderful Participants/ Amazing Prizes

1. Bit of Whimsy Dolls

Contact : www.bitofwhimsydolls.com

Bit of Whimsy Dolls designs PDF epatterns for the absolute cutest dolls/animals around. The dolls are suitable for boys and girls and make the perfect baby gift.  In addition to the numerous patterns available, limited edition handmade dolls can be ordered as well. The dolls are original, unique, and easy to sew.   (I know this from first hand experience...my daughter loves hers).   

Bit of Whimsy has recently been featured in the magazine, “Soft Dolls and Animals“ April/May 09 issue and owner/operator,  Sarah,  has been interviewed for many other publications and on television.  Even though her high quality items have given her success, Sarah still takes the time to give customers support and to answer questions!

Giveaway Items: (3 different winners)

Original Whimsy Doll/Animal PDF e patterns (one of your choice to each of 3 winners)

2. Barefoot Tams  

Contact: www.barefoottams.etsy.com

Barefoot Tams started as a shop carrying handmade cards in August of 2008. In addition to the beautiful cards,  the shop carries blankets, clothing, and accessories for children.  One of a kind rag quilts, reversible pinafore dresses, unique hair clips, crayon roll ups, and dolls are now available in the shop.  Each item is handmade, with care and attention by Tamara herself.   All of the items for sale in the shop are ready to ship and are already made.  

Giveaway Item (1 winner)

An adorable mini rag quilt.  Made with a really cute, glow in the dark, owl print and coordinating green flannel.  Perfect size for on the go, or for your little one to cuddle with during naps. Measures 16.5"X16.5"Has been washed once to start the fraying process. Will get increasingly soft with multiple washings.

 

3. Daisy’s  Petals

Contact: www.daisyspetals.etsy.com

Daisy’s Petals features handcrafted jewelry.  Everything in her shop is original.  Deanna is a really amazing jewelry artisan, who is respected by her peers.   It wasn't until well after college and many years of working in the "real world" that she found and started nurturing her creative side. Daisy’s Petals will be donating 10% of all April and May purchases to the American Cancer Society via Relay for Life! 

Giveaway Item (1 winner)

A Beautiful Pair of Handcrafted Earrings- These earrings dangle just under 2" from the lobe and feature a gorgeous 15mm turquoise round, as well as a 1" circular brass charm.

4. Giraffikiki Kids

Contact: http://giraffikiki.blogspot.com/, www.graffikiki.etsy .com

Giraffikiki is a limited run children’s clothing company with a style that’s classic with a hip twist. In addition to designing for her company here in Canada, Shelley also creates designs for Baby Gassy Gooma in the US.  All of the clothing is sewn by professionals, and seams are serged using high level designer fabric.

In addition to her busy designing career, Shelley has a fabric store on Etsy, called Coco Bleu.  This shop offers beautiful, designer fabric at really great prices.

Giveaway Item (1 winner)

 Tier Skirt – vibrant and unique colors come together to create these professionally sewn, adorable tiered skirts.  Sizes 2-6 ready to ship. You choose which one you would like.

          

5. ZigZag Stitches Fabric and Fiber Creations

Contact: www.zigzagstitches.etsy.com

ZigZag Stitches is a fabulous shop on Etsy.  Custom bags, Boxy Bags, Cases, Pouches, and Coasters are among the things that are available there.  After having a career as a teacher, and a lifetime of sewing, Catherine was inspired to start creating useful items from fabric.  Her attention to detail and precise sewing is obvious in her gorgeous, original creations.

In addition to selling her shop items, Catherine does custom orders and wholesale orders. Bags are interfaced, lined, and constructed with reinforced and overcast seams.  Matching needle cases are available for most of her pieces. 

Giveaway Item:(1 winner)

Boxy Bag - This bag is perfect for craft or sewing projects, toiletries, or baby items. Dimensions 8”x3.5”x3.5” 

6. Tile Me Beautiful

Contact: tilemebeautiful.etsy.com

Tile Me Beautiful opened in March of this year, on Etsy.  Tiled serving trays, mirrors, and beaded serving utensils are among the hand crafted art pieces in the shop.  Each piece has been created with precision and care and is a unique, one of a kind, piece of art.

Custom orders are welcome and Michelle can even use a photograph to put onto a tile or to create a mural effect.  Personalized tile products can be designed collaboratively with Michelle!  Thick, high quality tiles are used in the creation of Tile Me Beautiful art.

Giveaway Item:  (1 winner)

Stunning Tiled Mirror – This mirror measures 12”X12” and was created using 1”x1” glass tiles.  It is the perfect size for those small, difficult to fill areas on a wall.  A wire holder is available upon request or you can display it on a wrought iron plate stand or as a candle plate. Neutral colors and light grout have been used.

 

7. Snugnluv Handmade Originals and Sewing Kits

Contact: snugnluv.etsy.com

I recently became a mom for the second time to another beautiful girl.  Snugnluv was started as a result of my love of fabric and sewing, and partly in an attempt to work from home and stay with my children. My shop carries a variety of quilt and sewing kits, patterns, and a handmade items.

I wanted to give a special thanks to all of the artists who have generously donated to this giveaway.  We are so lucky to be part of such a wonderful community of independent artisans, handmade creators, and independent business operators.

Giveaway Items: (2 different winners)

The book: Amy Butler “Little Stitches for Little People”. (1 winner)

Moda Charm Pack Fig and Plum (1 winner)-  Moda Pre-cut 5” charm squares

****Remember, please leave us an email with your post so we can find you.  Also, please have an idea of which prizes you would like, as you will need to choose once you are contacted to ensure that all winners are notified in a timely manner.

Thanks you so much for your participation and support.  

Bit Of Whimsy Dolls

A couple of days ago I was in a giveaway at See Katie Sew. I won, so I picked an epattern by Bit of Whimsy. I love them!! The designer is so talented!

This morning, Lindsay was throwing up and feverish. I gave her the doll, which was made in a half an hour last night. She loved the doll and hasn't let it go. Here are some pics.

Huge Giveaway!!!

I am planning a super big giveaway! So many cool vendors have donated items. It's going to be so great. Let me know if you want to donate. I'll keep you posted. Yeah, free stuff!

Check Out The Interview

Hey Everyone,

Check out my interview on CafeHandmade. What a great site! It would be awesome if people left comments on their site and here too. Thanks! Click on the icon below to link directly.