Years come and years go and nothing stays the same forever. But before last year can end and this year can begin I must say thank you to those who created such a social media presence for WHERE WOMEN CREATE. Paige walked into my office at the beginning of WWCreate and both advised and convinced me that I needed to catch-up to what was happening on the web and that she was the one that could help … and she was so right. She has created a community of creative and passionate women that is enviable by anyone’s standards.

Paige has decided that 2012 is a year for change, for focusing on her brand, and for trying something “new”. She has become such an important part of WWCreate on-line that she will be missed each and every day. I admire her passion, I appreciate her knowledge, and I cherish her friendship.

I wish her a future filled with close friends, much happiness, and continued success.

 

 

There is so much beauty in the world…

Our friends at Janome are holding a Friend-to-Friend challenge.

They want to hit 20,000 fans on Facebook and when they do, they’re giving away a FANTASTIC prize!

So … How do you enter?

 Visit Janome.com and read their post of the day.

They’re  featuring profiles of some of our good friends, like Anna Maria Horner, Westminster Fibers-Free Spirit Fabrics and the Modern Quilt Guild among so many others.

You’ll get to learn a little about them and the Janome machines in their lives. 

 Leave a comment on that day’s article and you are entered to win the prize package. You can leave a new comment each day, increasing your odds of winning. 

 

The key is that running total on Facebook 

 

 They’ll be watching the numbers grow, and as soon as they hit 20,000, they’ll giveaway a Friend-To-Friend Prize Bundle drawing from all the collected comments. 

 

 

If you haven’t already, give them a “Like” on Facebook and encourage your friends to do the same, because the sooner they get to 20,000, the sooner they’ll draw a random winner from our janome.com commenters!

 

Just Two Steps To Enter To Win

 

1) Visit janome.com each day, starting December 12th, read the article of the day, and leave them a comment about it. 

 

 2) Keep an eye on our Facebook friends and following total, and help us boost that number to 20,000.

 

Thank YOU for helping the Janome community grow!

 

~

 

WOW! What a GREAT giveaway!

I love my Janome Serger.

I’ve had it for years and it’s a work horse!

Thank you Janome for helping me create countless sewing projects with ease! 

One more thing … 

I still have 6 winners who haven’t responded to their emails about the

12 Days Contest.

They are: 

1st-

Ana Teixeira 

3rd-

Laurie~”Home Alone”–My family and I have spent time together every holiday laughing over this one.

4th-

Vanessa~My favorite holiday activity is cooking christmas dinner with my mom. She handed over the thanksgiving reins a while back. But we still get together to make our traditional Christmas dinner.

Brenda~My favorite holiday activity is probably making gifts for friends and family 

Dennis~Hi, Thank you for your part in the 12 days of Holiday giveaways. We keep the tradition my Grand Mother started when we were young of getting together on Christmas eve and she would give all of use our presents after we ate the open our gifts then we had blackberry cake that she made I now have her recipe for the cake. Now my Grand Children come to my house for Christmas eve and I hope that they do the same with there grand kids. Thank you for a wonderful giveaway and Happy Holiday to You and Yours.

6th-

Ann Pierce

7th-

Bonnie~I gave my daughter a new camera/mp3/videocamera combo pack for christmas, the look on her face was priceless, glad i was ready with the camera to capture the moment.

Kim T.

8th-

Jessica Adam

9th-

Guin Reese

10th-

Vee~All the Christmas cards we get in the mail, they themselves make a wonderful decoration to the house!

Check your junk folders! I’ll email again, but I hope to hear from you soon! 

 

~HAPPY HOLIDAYS~

 

Welcome to our Twelfth day of

 

FABULOUS

 

Holiday Giveaways!

 

Today we are featuring:

 

Debbie Murray and Shea Fragoso~A Gilded Life

Charlotte Lyons

Fancy Pants Designs 

&

Provo Craft~Cricut 

~

 

Debbie Murray and Shea Fragoso~

A Gilded Life

 

The mother-daughter design team of Debbie Murray and Shea Fragoso has been collaborating in creative ways for as long as both can remember. When Shea was growing up, Debbie taught stained glass classes in the community college system and owned a custom design business and fine art painting studio. When Shea finished school, they owned gift shops together in Southern California. Shea became a highly sought-after jewelry designer; her creations appeared in dozens of fashion magazines and graced the red carpet several times. Both women designed products for the gift industry and sold pieces to collectors around the world. In 2009, Debbie and Shea completed a major remodeling of a gothic church in Dallas, Texas. Here, they indulged in their love of crowns and European design and were constantly inspired by the architecture and the light.

 

Please visit: www.AGildedLife.com

 

~

 

Debbie and Shea are giving away a January Stash Society kit!

To read all about the wonderful Stash Society, click HERE

 (this is a previous month’s example, but it will be just as FABULOUS!)

 

 

Charlotte Lyons

 

 

Charlotte Lyons designs and makes things in a variety of styles and media. Still inspired by the humble simplicity of traditional art and craft and the inventive use of repurposed materials, Charlotte aims to mix an unfussy playfulness with the vintage charm of handmade keepsakes. 

Over the years, her work has been featured in her books (Mothers and Daughters at Home, Between Friends), those with Mary Engelbreit and Barbara Martin and also in magazines such as Country Living, Victoria, Woman’s Day, Better Homes and Gardens, Mollie Makes and Mary Engelbreit’s Home Companion. Currently, she designs for her Etsy shop, licensing and teaches workshops nationally. Her new fabric collection, Walnut Hill Farm, recently debuted with Blend Fabrics at International Quilt Market.

 Born and educated in St. Louis, Charlotte raised three artistic daughters in a bright pink house in Chicago. Now she and her husband live in the lower Hudson River Valley of New York, happy to have their girls (and their guys) nearby.

 Please visit:

http://blendfabrics.com/gallery/walnut-hill-farm

http://www.etsy.com/shop/charlottelyons/

http://www.housewrenstudio.typepad.com/

http://www.charlottelyons.com/

 

~ 

Charlotte is giving away a dumpling zipbag custom made from her new fabric line,

“Walnut Hill Farm” for Blend.

 

  

  

Fancy Pants Designs

 

 

 With their combined knowledge, Jodi {the creative person} and Jared {the business person} took a chance on a dream and founded their own unique company.

 

 Fancy Pants Designs premiered their first collections to the craft and hobby industry in the Winter of 2005. What started as a home-based business quickly flourished into an exciting opportunity of bringing creative ideas to life in many different mediums. We are proud to offer high quality designs for a variety of industries through the production and licensing of original artwork. With a group of creative directors, talented designers and experienced staff, Fancy Pants Designs continues to provide the latest and greatest designs to crafters worldwide.

 ~

 Fancy Pants Designs is giving away an assortment of Scrapbook supplies! 

 

 

Provo Craft~Cricut 

 

Provo Craft is a creative crafting products company that enables people to achieve their creative best. For 40 years, Provo Craft has invented new products that bring crafting tools to the masses, including the Cricut® personal electronic cutter, the Cricut Craft Room, the Gypsy® for Cricut®, the Cricut Cake® personal electronic cutter, the Yudu® personal screen-printing system, and the Cuttlebug® die cutter and embosser. These innovative tools help bring consumers’ creative ideas to life in a personalized, beautiful way at home, in schools, and in the workplace. Provo Craft products have won dozens of industry awards and are available through leading mass retail, craft, home décor, office, and education outlets nationwide.

Visit www.provocraft.com or call (800) 937-7686.

 

~  

Provo Craft is giving away a Cricut Expression!  

Make your crafts impressively expressive.

Whether you’re designing a scrapbook of your family vacation or making 200 wedding invitations for your best friend, the Cricut Expression® easily ensures your creative possibilities are truly endless.

 Larger than the Cricut® Create or the Cricut® Personal Electronic Cutter, the Cricut Expression® precisely cuts letters, shapes, and motifs in impressive sizes using the 12″ x 24″ mat or the 12″ x 12″ mat. You can also create bigger die cuts for classroom decor, scrapbook layouts, signage, and so much more.

 Buy your Cricut Expression® today and start exploring the depths of your creativity.

 Includes the Plantin SchoolBook™ font cartridge, the Accent Essentials™ shape cartridge (not included with all offers), and 1 12 x 12 cutting mat.

  

 

Today we’re  proud to be participating in Sew Mama Sew’s FABULOUS

 

You’ll want to visit

http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/2011/11/giveaway-day-december-12/

 

And visit all of the great sites … REALLY!

It may take some time, but they’re all GREAT!  

GOOD LUCK!

 ~

All you need to do to enter to win all FOUR of these prizes is comment below with your answer to this question …

What is your wish for the coming year?

Thanks so much to our FOUR FABULOUS artists! 

~ 

 

* Remember, all 12 of the contest posts will be open until Friday, December 16th at Noon (MST), so you have until then to leave a comment.  Also, if you didn’t get a chance to leave a link to your own holiday giveaway or idea post, please link up to our link party HERE …

We’d all love to visit YOUR giveaways and see YOUR holiday ideas! Thanks! 

 

 

 

Welcome to our Eleventh day of

 

FABULOUS

 

Holiday Giveaways!

 

Today we are featuring:

 

April Cornell

Jeanne Szewczyk 

 Julie Martin~Zozobug Baby

&

Margie Romney~Aslett

~

 

April Cornell 

April Cornell is a retailer and designer of romantic bohemian apparel and linens. For 35 years her vintage and Far East inspired prints have filled the shelves of retail destinations. With a successful wholesale business the product showcases in boutiques across the U.S. and Canada. In addition, her online business attracts customers with a signature Cornell mood and presentation. Aside from her own product, April Cornell designs adorn the catalogs, gifts, and home wares of several licensed partners. All made with care, April Cornell produces goods in her own factory established in 1992 as Cornell Overseas out of New Delhi, India. Managed by extraordinary women, Cornell Overseas is a key creative and philanthropic destination for the design and management team in North America. www.aprilcornell.com

~

 

 April Cornell is giving away:

 

  A Carole Red 54×54 Breakfast Tablecloth

 

Essential Napkin Bundle Set of 6-Green 

 

2 Bunch O’Buttons Napkin Rings Holiday- Set of 4

Plus

 A Holiday Cheer Tea Towel 

 

Jeanne Szewczyk 

 

Jeanne Szewczyk is a mixed-media artist who lives in Illinois and enjoys creating art with a vintage touch. When she isn’t in her studio, Jeanne enjoys reading, cooking, gardening, antiquing and spending time with good friends.

Blog – Dream Create Inspire – www.jeanneszewczyk.com

Etsy Shop – Collage Art Studio – http://www.etsy.com/shop/collageartstudio

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/collageartstudio

 

~ 

 

Jeanne is giving away this BEAUTIFUL Glittered Leaf ornament! 

  

  

Julie Martin~Zozobug Baby

 

 

ZozoBugBaby is a vibrant, artsy collection of children’s clothing, bedding, and accessories created by fine artist Julie Martin. Using bold, bright designs and mixing prints in nontraditional ways, ZozoBugBaby is all about creative freedom and mix & match style.

Please visit:

ZozoBugBaby www.zozobugbaby.com

www.facebook.com/ZozoBugBaby

www.twitter.com/zozobugbaby

 

~

 

Julie is giving a $100 gift certificate to ZozoBugBaby!

 

 

 

Margie Romney~Aslett

 

Margie Romney-Aslett is a Daughter, a Sister, a Friend, a Mother, a Scrapbooker, a Teacher and Designer. If you asked her she would say, “I’m just a girl” Margie started Scrapbooking after the birth of her first child Megan, 24 years ago and has seen and been part of industry changes over the years as a product designer. Margie has taught all over the United States and world. Margie loves getting out and meeting other women who have the same passion for Paper-Crafting in common. If you have ever taken one of Margie’s classes you know she is full of energy, laughs and fun! Margie is a girlie girl, loves the color pink, a great pedi and putting together a beautiful outfit from head to toe! Margie has 4 beautiful children, Megan 24 Brooke 21, Max 19, and Griffin 18! Having 2 adult daughters and 2 teenagers keeps her hip to all the latest trends, full of energy and hard working!

  visit her at:

 

http://margieromney-aslett.typepad.com/

 https://www.facebook.com/margie.romney.aslett

http://twitter.com/#!/MRomneyAslett

 ~

Margie is giving away a spot in her SPARK YOUR CHRISTMAS class!

 

 

Margie says: 

 

“One of my favorite things about doing Spark for the last 3 years has been all of the handmade decorations. Using as little money and as much creativity as we could to create beautiful decor. Spark your Christmas is an on-line class with Spark inspired ideas, projects, gift ideas with a Christmas twist!”

 
Class Description:

Spark your Christmas is a five day on-line video course starting Monday December 5th.

Each Video will be chuck full of ideas and project instruction.

Gift ideas

Garlands

Chandeliers

Table decor

Gift Wrap

 

*even though the class started on December 5th, you can still view all of the videos.  

  

 

WOW!

 

All you need to do to enter to win all FOUR of these prizes is comment below with your answer to this question …

What is your Funniest Holiday memory?

Thanks so much to our FOUR FABULOUS artists!

~We’ll see you tomorrow~ 

 

 

 

Welcome to our Tenth day of

 

FABULOUS

 

Holiday Giveaways!

 

Today we are featuring:

 

Bamboletta Dolls

Cerri Campbell~Little Pink Studio

Princess Lasertron

&

The Cottage Mama

 

 

~

 

Bamboletta Dolls

 

Bamboletta means little doll in Italian and is a term of endearment that parents use for their children.

This was my father’s nickname for me throughout my childhood.

We take great pride and care to use only the finest materials available to me in making these dolls. I use a wonderful thick cotton interlock from the Netherlands for their ‘skin’. I have tried many, many fabrics out there and this is by far the most superior in quality. It hardly pills, it retains its shape and it is oh so soft. I know it may seem a bit excessive to be going on and on about my doll fabric, but it really is fantastic.The wool I use is sourced right here in Canada from farms that treat their animals very well and use gentle and eco friendly methods in the cleaning and carding of the wool. The next step in the dolls is their hair. I am a self proclaimed yarn addict. I love nothing better then to rummage through yarn shops to find new and interesting yarns for my dolls hair. I have my own source of gorgeous handspun, handdyed yarn that I use in some of my dolls create a unique and special look. I most often mix several types of yarns together to create a natural and funky look – highlights and all! There is a practical reason for my mixing as well, the dolls hair can withstand much more handling. If just a soft yarn or mohair is used alone the hair tends to matte.

 I have wonderful, amazing people working with me making each Bamboletta special and unique. Without them this wouldn’t be happening! There are now 16 of us sewing and knitting – creating dolls with much love – usually with our own little ones running around at our feet! One of our goals is to be able to provide as many moms with work and paying them well for work that requires dedication and a very calloused thumb! We work out of a studio in Vancouver Island in a little town called Cobble Hill.

 Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Christina

 

Please visit:

https://bamboletta.com 

 http://twitter.com/#!/bambolettadolls

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bamboletta-Dolls

~

Bamboletta Dolls is giving away this LOVELY 15″ doll!

Her name is Pippa:) 

 

 

 

 

Cerri Campbell~Little Pink Studio

 

Once upon a time there was a little girl that loved to collect treasures. Not just any treasures though, she loved to collect empty make up bottles and samples! Before long this little girl decided to set up shop selling her treasures to all of the other neighborhood little girls. Unfortunately, the other Mommy’s did not approve of their daughters raiding their piggy banks for “junk”, and alas, her store was forced to close.

However this sparked a dream in the little girl to someday have her very own shop where she could have all sorts of lovely things.

My name is Cerri Campbell and I’m that little girl. I have dreamed of having my own store most of my life.

Every item I have offered here as been lovingly selected by me for you and the girls in our neighborhood.

My dream is that you will find lovely little things here to inspire you in your creations and collections.

~Cerri

 

Blog: www.littlepinkstudio.typepad.com

Shop: www.thelittlepinkstudio.com

facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Little-Pink-Studio/148874038485624

  

~ 

 Cerri is giving this darling ornament kit. 

 

*Kit contains: frame, vintage bird, mica flakes, petite pinecones, vintage sheet music, old tinsel, and printed image. Glimmer Mist and a heavy duty glue are recommended. Kit will arrive in the sweet handstamped bag shown above, making it a perfect gift.  Please note that the frame in the kit may be round or oval.

  

  

Princess Lasertron

 

 

 Princess Lasertron is a bridal designer, blogger, and best friend. Her trademark combination of handcrafted design and business prowess with a dash of magic has earned her cult celebrity status in the wedding industry. Since 2005, Princess Lasertron has grown to a three-person company that serves over 250 brides each year. Their line has expanded from simple hairpieces and brooches to gowns, bouquets, diy craft kits and the Princess Lasertron brand has reached hundreds of thousands of brides through magazines, television, and online media.   Princess Lasertron lives in Omaha where she lives with her husband and one-year-old daughter.

 

twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lasertron

 facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lasertron

 ~

 Princess Lasertron is giving away this lovely pin, 

 

  

PLUS a two month membership in her  

Make it Pretty Club: http://shop.princesslasertron.com/product/princess-lasertron-club-subscription

 

The Cottage Mama 

 

  

 

Hi, my name is Lindsay from The Cottage Home!  I am a stay-at-home Mom raising three children under the age of four (two girls and a baby boy) and I am married to my high school sweetheart.  I am living the dream in total domestic bliss and, yes, I doreally live in a cottage.   I started The Cottage Home blog back in October 2009 due to much encouragement from my friends.  I wasn’t exactly quite sure what this blog would be about or where it might take me.  All I knew was that I wanted to share my ideas, thoughts, and knowledge with others.  So here I am and I think the title says it best – Cooking. Sewing. Crafting. And All Things Domestic.  In a nutshell, that’s what you’ll find here on The Cottage Home. 

Family is central to my life and it is through the items I create that I show them my love.  I believe in the handmade lifestyle, whether I am creating clothing for my children, a nice home for us to live in, or delicious food to fill our bellies – it is through creating where I feel most at home.  I am trying to instill this way of living in my children and hope to inspire others to do the same. In addition to The Cottage Home blog, I own an online boutique clothing store called The Cottage Mama.  Through The Cottage Mama I sell unique, one-of-a-kind handmade children’s apparel and accessories.  Most of my sewing takes place during naptime or in the evenings, but every so often I get lucky and get a little sewing time during the day. Most recently I have launched a line of children’s sewing patterns (see below) that are also available for purchase through my etsy shop.   There will be many more released in the next year, so check back for new designs. It takes a lot of time, energy, planning and patience to balance being a mommy, wife, small business owner and blogger, but I love it all and couldn’t be happier!  Thank you so much for joining me in my little corner of the world.  I hope you like what you see and if you feel like it, leave me a comment – I’d love to get to know you too!

 Check out The Cottage Mama Studio here.

 

To learn more about The Cottage Mama, feel free to check out my interview on Luvinthemommyhood.

 ~

 

The Cottage Home is giving away a set of two sewing patterns and a kit to go with them. 

The winner can choose from two different kits, but they will get a copy of each pattern. 

The kit includes all fabric, buttons, trim, ect. that are needed to sew up whichever pattern kit you choose!

 

 

 

  

  

 

WOW!

 

All you need to do to enter to win all FOUR of these prizes is comment below with your answer to this question …

What is your favorite holiday decoration?

Thanks so much to our FOUR FABULOUS artists!

~We’ll see you tomorrow~ 

 

 

 

Welcome to our Ninth day of

 

FABULOUS

 

Holiday Giveaways!

 

Today we are featuring:

 

Beki Hastings~The Rusted Chain

Elea Lutz~Nostalgia Organics

Kim Stoegbauer~The TomKat Studio

&

 Maureen Cracknell

 

 

~

 

Beki Hastings~The Rusted Chain 

 

 

Beki Hastings began making custom jewelry in 2003. Since that time, her products have been featured in various magazines, Pediped shoe advertisements, Law and Order Criminal Intent, and are sold in local upscale boutiques and internationally.

She now has a small team that works to create jewelry. Her designs feature the best of rustic elegance and trendy looks, with the end result being quality jewelry that will look as new and fresh years from now as it does today. Each piece is custom made using sterling silver, stainless steel, natural stones, and the finest components.

Beki is also a photographer and blogger. She lives in an old farmhouse in Kansas with her husband, and her three children, a daughter, aged 11, and two sons ages 9 and 4. A former flight attendant, Beki is truly enjoying being home with her children. Being a designer is, she says, the best way for her to remain home with her family and still have a creative outlet.

Please visit her at:

 http://therustedchain.bigcartel.com/

http://www.blog.therustedchain.com/

 https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Rusted-Chain-Jewelry/

https://twitter.com/#!/therustedchain

 

~

 

Beki is giving a $50 gift certificate to her store, The Rusted Chain! 

 

 

 

 

Elea Lutz~Nostalgia Organics

 

 

Hello! My name is Elea Lutz and I’m the designer behind the playful toiletries and giftware company, Nostalgia, located in Arizona. My love for art and design began as a child. I was often found drawing on scraps of paper, sewing doll clothes or making gifts for love ones. Even as an adult, I still have my hand in some type of creative medium almost daily.

I started creating organic skincare remedies during my first pregnancy. And, with that inner artist always emerging, I would store my mixtures in decorative bottles and papers I designed myself. Nostalgia was ultimately born and the journey has resulted in so many unexpected opportunities. 

One new project I’ve been working on comes from the whimsical packaging prints I designed for the Nostalgia toiletries line. After taking on a life of their own, I’m excited to now offer the designs on 100% cotton fabric and recycled gift papers. 

 

Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of this creative community and share some of my new collection with you.

 

Please visit me at

Web: http://www.nostalgiaorganics.com

Blog: http://www.nostalgia.typepad.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/nostalgialife

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nostalgiaorganics

  

~ 

 

 Elea is giving away a HUGE Nostalgia Organics prize package which includes:

 

3 Artisan Soaps -

 Mud Pie

 Henrietta

 Sunday School

 3 Apothecary hand cremes -

 Mud Pie

 Henrietta

 Sunday School

 1 Fat quarter of each of the following fabrics -

 Mud Pie

 Henrietta

 Sunday School

 

 

  

 

Kim Stoegbauer~The TomKat Studio 

 

 

In December 2008, Kim decided to leave her career in real estate to stay home with her young kids, Tommy & Kate. Always crafty and creative, she started a blog to share her craft projects, decorating and party ideas. She had recently decided to convert a room in her home to a craft “studio” and came up with the blog name “TomKat Studio” from the combination of her kids’ names. Kim’s blog quickly gained a loyal following and readers were asking if they could buy things that she was making, including hand-decorated frames and invitations. On a whim, she decided to open an Etsy shop. Within weeks she was overwhelmed with orders. Her daughter, Kate’s lollipop birthday party was featured on a very popular party blog, Hostess with the Mostess in April 2009 and the demand for her creations soared. Not being able to keep up with the demand, she closed up shop that summer and took a short break. She came back and reopened as a printable party shop.

 

 Her designs have fueled the printable party trend. Her talents have expanded into photo and party styling, which she enjoys immensely. She frequently styles photo shoots for HGTV and other brands. She recently met her idol, Martha Stewart and was giddy with excitement. Her business has grown very quickly and she pinches herself daily to be sure this is really happening!

 

Through the blog, Facebook and Twitter, Kim connects with her readers and fans. It is her goal that she and her fabulous staff answer every email, inquiry and question that comes in.Kim loves nothing more than helping spread the word about other women/mom owned businesses with amazing products. Her weekly giveaways and features have helped catapult many businesses.

 

 Kim loves pink, ruffles and all things pretty. She is a perfectionist, night owl and a teeny bopper at heart. She loves sweets, the Twilight series and is still a big fan of New Kids on the Block.

 

Kim’s work has been featured on MarthaStewart.com, Martha’s Dreamers in to Doers site, HGTV.com, Sonoran Living Live, ABC15 Arizona Morning and featured in publications such as Celebrate Magazine, Parenting Magazine, InStyle Magazine, 202 Magazine, The Arizona Republic and Go Gilbert Magazine. She is a weekly contributor for the HGTV Blog, Design Happens. She also writes for Project Nursery and HomeGoods.

 

Kim lives in Chandler, Arizona with her wonderful husband, Danny, their two sweet children Tommy {6} & Kate {4} and their chihuahua, Bentlie.

 Visit:

http://www.thetomkatstudio.com

https://www.facebook.com/thetomkatstudio

https://twitter.com/#!/tomkatstudio

http://pinterest.com/tomkatstudio/

 

~

 

 

 Kim is offering a $50 gift credit to anything in her store!  

 

Maureen Cracknell 

 

I am Maureen Cracknell. A stay-at-home mother of three, a lover of all things crafty and creative, and I make things by hand, at my home in small town Pennsylvania ♥. I started my blog in 2010 for a little space of my own — for sharing my passion to create, to document what I learn and how I grow as an artistic person, and to have a special place to keep some of those little projects and moments that myself and my family create together throughout our days. Almost two years later, Maureen Cracknell Handmade remains a simple, creative blog full of projects, fabrics, sewing, knitting, etsy, special family moments, and many other lovely things. Basically, anything that has to do with being creative and enjoying life!!! I’d love for you to visit me! 

Follow my blog 

Visit my etsy 

Follow me on Facebook 

Follow me on Twitter 

 

~  

For today’s Giveaway, Maureen is offering this custom made Holiday Pillow Cover with an insert included! Along with a $25 Gift Certificate to use in her Etsy Shop!!

 

 

 

  

  

 

WOW!

 

All you need to do to enter to win all FOUR of these prizes is comment below with your answer to this question …

What is your favorite handmade gift that you’ve received?

Thanks so much to our FOUR FABULOUS artists!

~We’ll see you tomorrow~ 

 

 

 

Welcome to our Eighth day of

 

FABULOUS

 

Holiday Giveaways!

 

Today we are featuring:

 

Amy Anderson~Mod Podge Rocks

Amy Barickman

Amy Locurto

&

Amy Ruble~Pink Bow Bath Boutique 

 

*today is the day of Amy’s :) 

 

~

 

Amy Anderson~Mod Podge Rocks

 

 

1. Who are you?

I am a 34-year-old transplant from Seattle living in Atlanta, Georgia. I was born from creative genes, so I’m carrying on the tradition. I have been knitting for 18 years, sewing for longer and decoupaging for just a few. I do all of these things on a daily basis, or at least as much as I can. In addition to Mod Podge, I love the color blue, dogs, reading, cold weather, funny movies, road rallies, yogurt, garden gnomes, sock monkeys, running, tattoos, being outdoors, buttons, snuggling and apparently blogging. Who knew I would love it this much?

 

2. Is there anything else I should know about you?

I try to wear stripes and/or bright colors on a daily basis. It’s my schtick and it makes me happy. It’s the little things, people.

 

3. What makes you the authority on Mod Podge?

My favorite thing about this blog is that I get to bring lots of ideas and inspiration together in one place – making everyone who is featured here an authority! I started this blog because when I was trying to find decoupage inspiration, I had to go to a lot of different places to get it. I thought, “what if it could all just be in one place?” I don’t just complain people – I make it happen!

 

4. What is your day job?

Marketing. Editing. Not quite a crafting superhero like I want to be but it pays the bills and the people are great.

 

5. Will you offer me advice on my project/creative idea/love life?

Yes, I’ll do my best. That I can promise you.

 

6. Do you accept submissions?

Heck yes! Don’t be scared. Send ‘em my way.

 

 

*Amy runs the popular blog, http://www.modpodgerocksblog.com/. 

Follow her on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/modpodgerocks

and

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ModPodgeRocks

 

~

 Amy is giving away a Mod Podge starter kit

 

 

 Plus! 

 some product from the new Martha Stewart paint line by

Plaid: http://plaidonline.com/martha-stewart/brand/home.htm

  

 

 

 

Amy Barickman

 

Amy Barickman is the founder and owner of Indygo Junction, The Vintage Workshop and AmyBarickman.com. She is a leader in the sewing, needle arts and crafting industry having released nearly 1000 sewing pattern titles, sold more than two-million sewing patterns and published 80 books sold throughout the U.S. and internationally. Her recent endeavor is the award winning book Amy Barickman’s Vintage Notions: An Inspirational Guide to Needlework, Cooking, Sewing, Fashion and Fun, already on its third printing since its release in September of 2010. Amy designs a vintage-inspired fabric line with Red Rooster Fabrics. Named one of Country Living magazine’s prestigious Creative Women Entrepreneurs, Amy has made numerous television appearances on shows like Public Television’s “America Quilts,” and “Sewing with Nancy.”

websites:

www.indygojunction.com

www.amybarickman.com

www.thevintageworkshop.com

 blogs:

www.indygojunction.com/blog

www.blog.thevintageworkshop.com

www.amybarickman.com/blog

 facebook:

www.facebook.com/indygojunction

www.facebook.com/thevintageworkshop

www.facebook.com/amybarickmanstudio

 twitter:

www.twitter.com/indygojunction

www.twitter.com/vintageworkshop

www.twitter.com/amybarickman

 Videos:

www.youtube.com/indygojunction

www.amybarickman.com/vintage-notions

 

~ 

 

Amy is giving away ALL OF THESE great prizes!  

 

 www.amybarickman.com – Vintage Notions book and matching tote bag!

 

Amy Barickman, author, entrepreneur, and designer with a passion for all things vintage shares her awarding-winning book, Vintage Notions. The book is arranged by month, and functions as a creative resource for the Home Arts, with articles, essays, recipes, sewing patterns. Amy recently created a partner book club guide to Vintage Notions — a great way to gather friends and celebrate creativity. 

 

 

 

 www.indygojunction.com – Selection of four fabulous patterns!

 

Amy Barickman’s Indygo Junction offers fashion sewing, needlework and craft patterns and books. Designs range from bags and clothing to holiday and home accessories, while the Indygo Junction website offers creative support in the form of supplies, how-tos, videos,  and a blog —Handmade Style for the Creative Spirit. 

 

 

www.thevintageworkshop.com – Fabric Arts Kit, plus a freebie for everybody!

 

Amy Barickman’s The Vintage Workshop is a seemingly endless resource for downloadable vintage images, photos, and ephemera of all kinds! Single images, image collections, projects and supplies are available for purchase, while “The Workshop Window” blog gives away a free downloadable image, daily! Enter to win this limited edition Fabric Arts Kit- with several unique printable fabrics and image CD,  AND go to: http://www.thevintageworkshop.com/store/information.php?info_id=100 to download an image collection of holiday ephemera totally free, exclusively for WWC readers!

  

 

Amy Locurto 

 

 

Living Locurto is published by Amy Locurto, a designer, stylist and mom of two from Dallas, Texas.

What started in July 2008 as a blog about creative things I did at home with my children, Living Locurto has since turned into a top craft and party blog with great resource for moms. Today you will find my original ideas and designs, hundreds of free printables, weekly menu plans, recipes, party ideas and DIY crafts.

With a Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design, I am also busy with my design firm Atomic Egg, specializing in corporate branding.

You can find fun party supplies in my shop, Printables by Amy.

In addition, I love photography and am co-founder of a popular photography website I Heart Faces and helped build a large photography community of women and a forum with over 13,500 members. We’re excited to be hosting our very own photography show on My Craft Channel this fall!

Follow me on Twitter,  Google+ & Facebook.

 

~

 

Amy is giving away a $50 gift certificate to her shop, Printables by Amy.

 

 

 

 

 Amy Ruble~Pink Bow Bath Boutique 

 

 

Hi! My name is Amy and I am the proud owner of Pink Bow Bath Boutique luxury handmade bath and body products.

Pink Bow Bath Boutique specializes in handmade luxury bath and body products all wrapped up with a pink bow and a fun girly-girl twist! We offer delicious, top-quality, made to order, custom fragranced everyday pampering products. I am self-proclaimed, lifelong, bath and body products junkie! Starting my own line of bath and body products is a dream come true to me. A little about me: I live in beautiful sunny Arizona with my wonderful husband. We were college sweethearts and have been together ever since. We have an amazing 1 year old son that makes us both so happy :) I thank you so much for visiting my little shop…I realize that my business would be nowhere without my lovely and amazing customers and for you I am truly grateful.

xo, Amy :)

 

~
   

Amy is giving away a Girly Girl Gift Set. You will receive a 2 ounce jars of our Shimmering Whipped Body Frosting and a 7 ml perfume roll-on, both in your choice of any of our fabulous fragrances!

 

 

 

  

 

WOW!

 

All you need to do to enter to win all FOUR of these prizes is comment below with your answer to this question …

What is your favorite handmade gift that you’ve given?

Thanks so much to our FOUR FABULOUS artists!

~We’ll see you tomorrow~ 

 

 

 

Welcome to our Seventh day of

 

FABULOUS

 

Holiday Giveaways!

 

Today we are featuring:

 

Ashley of Lil Blue Boo

Earth Angel’s Toys

Matilda Jane

&

Trish Preston

Two Peas in a Pod Home Grown Designs

~

 

Ashley of Lil Blue Boo

 

 

Lil Blue Boo is all about encouraging others to find their creative streak. I love sewing, silk screening, painting, photography, journaling, and power tools. I have a serious obsession for color, fabric and trinkets. Lil Blue Boo sewing patterns grew out of a love of new and reclaimed knits. Lil Blue Boo clothing is an eclectic mix of original hand cut silk screens, vintage finds, recycled fabrics, and comfortable style. I love coming up with unique one-of-a-kind and limited edition knit clothing for adults and children and I love sharing the process with others. I write daily for Babble.com’s The New Home Ec  on a variety of DIY projects.

 I recently have had some crazy curveballs thrown at me that have made me consciously decide to “choose joy” as a way of life. I’ve chosen to write publicly about loss, and the nitty gritty of unexpected surgery and chemotherapy in hopes that my experiences will help others. You can read more about all of this here.

 I am married to the most wonderfully supportive hard-working husband who just happens to be my best friend. We met in college in 1997 and dated until 2001 when we were married. He also happens to be the best father in the world. My husband, daughter and I have lived in Palm Desert, CA since 2006.

Please visit me at

 

Blog: www.lilblueboo.com

 Shop: http://shop.lilblueboo.com/

 Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/lilblueboo

 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LilBlueBoo

~

Ashely is giving away her entire collection of PDF patterns … WOW! 

 You can view them HERE 

 

 

*We’re praying for you Ashley!  

 

Earth Angel’s Toys

 

 

I am Jen O’Connor and welcome to my shop! I Love Art, Adore the Handmade and Treasure the Vintage. I am the Passionate Decorator (the Fun Mom and the Silly Friend, too!) who makes room for beauty in the everyday. I started my business in 2000 to share what I love and it’s been a wonderful ride since then! I seek out the best there is to offer in Folk Art, Accessories and Décor and select handmade items to present to my customers. I feature original art created by talented contemporary female artists. Offerings include paintings, jewelry, paper follies, folk art, whimsies, pottery, soft sculpture and heirloom toys; these are the things I collect and celebrate in my home and personal style. there’s always something fresh from the artists’ studios and my forays into the field, and new items are added weekly.

Please browse the site for ideas and inspiration.

Read my BLOG to share my artful adventures, and learn more about what’s going on with the art and artists’ here at Earth Angels.

Follow me on Facebook —

Follow the biz on Facebook

Get my tweets via Twitter

Catch my events and the “Art Girls’ RoadShow” 

 

~ 

Earth Angel’s Toys is giving away this beautiful gift! 

Pearls of Wisdom ­ wrought with care by “At-Choo”. A wee scroll accompanies a small bottle filled with Baroque pearls, about 3-4² tall, bottles vary due to age and one of a kind nature making them extra special … A favorite of Earth Angels founder & owner, Jen O’Connor who is happy to share as a giveaway.  

 

 

About the artist:

Elaine Seamans’ “AT-CHOO” wearable and ornamental designs are utterly delightful; they have the rare quality of subtle elegance and ultimate whimsy …they are lovely, genuine and very much a tribute to her own beautiful outlook on the world, her spirituality, her compassion, her belief in magic and her passion for animals. I have loved her work for some time and have sold her creations off and on over the years… so I am thrilled to have a spot for her on the on-line gallery. 

 Please visit her gallery at Earth Angel’s Toys HERE

 

 

Matilda Jane 

 

 

 ABOUT MATILDA JANE

I wish I had a great story, but I really don’t. It is quite simple actually. One day a friend of mine said I should make clothing so I did. I’m a bit of a risk taker.

Afterall, what is the worst thing that could happen?

I wish I could say I started because I could not find any cute clothes for my kids, but surely that is not a problem. The world is filled with talented designers. Afterall, someone has to dress my two darling boys ‘cuz Matilda Jane isn’t looking good on boys lately! I wish I could say I am a “designer.” I pretty much consider myself just a girl who can’t stop her brain from spinning. It is crazy. I just get an idea and go with it. Inspiration? I am not sure, it just happens. You know, wake up in the middle of the night and “Whoa, I have a great idea!” It just happens. The one thing I do not have to wish for is a great family and group of friends. These guys are what makes Matilda Jane rock. They have followed me from what was a “crazy idea” to where we are now. They are loyal and well-loved. They are also very patient for putting up with me and my ventures that I pursue on a whim. Oh, I do love them all.

Please visit:

http://www.matildajaneclothing.com

Sign up for our newsletter (so you won’t miss a THING!) http://www.matildajaneclothing.com/newsletter.php 

and Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Matilda-Jane-Clothing/ 

~

Matilda Jane is giving back this season by sending our winner 3 dresses in 3 different sizes.

You keep the one that fits the child in your life, then give the other two away!

Isn’t that great! 

*They won’t be taking any custom orders for size or style and they’re not refundable, but I promise you will love them! 

 

 

 

 

Trish Preston~Two Peas in a Pod Homegrown Designs 

 

 

Two Peas in a Pod is a name derived from our very own “two peas”. I’ve been blessed with adorable identical twin girls and we even added a little “sprout” to our garden recently, our third daughter.

Homegrown Designs is all about where we are, how we view the world, what we believe in. Buying local. Caring for the environment. Sustainability. Homegrown is what my husband, the “gardener”, does for our family – provides us with amazing food from his garden on our “ranchette”. He has taught our children how to plant and care for the garden since they were big enough to walk to the garden on their own. And he has given them an appreciation for where our food comes from – farm to the table.

The gardener is also a career Park Ranger at a park whose ridgeline I can see from my kitchen window. My career background is in park law enforcement as well. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Environment and Natural Resources and have had the pleasure of working as Park Officer / Ranger for the National Park Service, State parks and several municipal park agencies. In addition to that, I served as Deputy Sheriff. Retired from law enforcement after 12 years, now I work at one of the best public universities in the country in student services helping others pursue their dreams of “green careers”.

In addition to my full time Mom gig, my part time university job – I find time to run my Two Peas in a Pod Homegrown Designs business. Growing up in a family of artists from painters to sculptors, it’s something I feel like I was born with and something I find comfort in – like a warm blanket on a cold night, it makes me so cozy when I can design, draw, paint and sew.

I’d love to hear from you – drop me a line at twopeasinapoddesigns at gmail dot com.

xoxo, Trish

 

Please visit:

Facebook.com/twopeas

 Twitter: trishpreston 

 Website: twopeasinapoddesigns.com

 Shop: twopeasinapoddesigns.etsy.com

 

 

~

Trish is giving away a seat in her new online Tie Front Tote class,

http://twopeasinapoddesigns.com/2011/10/tie-front-tote-class/

 

 

Plus a $60 shop credit to anything in her store!  

 

Not only that, Trish is offering 3 more seats to three additional commenters! 

 

*I will draw these after the winner has been picked.
   

WOW!

 

All you need to do to enter to win all FOUR of these prizes is comment below with your answer to this question …

What was your favorite holiday gift you’ve given and why?

Thanks so much to our FOUR FABULOUS artists!

~We’ll see you tomorrow~ 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to our Sixth day of

 

FABULOUS

 

Holiday Giveaways!

 

Today we are featuring:

 

Big Picture Classes

Jennifer Paganelli~Sis Boom

Making Memories Slice Fabrique

&

Webster’s Pages

 

~

 

Big Picture Classes

 

 

Welcome to Big Picture Classes! If you want to connect and learn in a creative environment online you’ve found the right place. Our community of instructors and members mingle in custom classrooms uniquely designed to deliver expert guidance and engaging ideas so that you can more fully explore your creativity. At BPC, you’ll find a myriad of super convenient self-paced classes as well as interactive multi-week workshops on topics ranging from scrapbooking to photography, journaling to personal well-being—but it is the light-hearted and liberating philosophy behind our education that sets us apart and enables you to find your muse, follow it and immerse yourself in personal expression. So nice to “meet” you! Sign up for a free class today!

 

 Founders,  Big Picture Classes

 ~

Big Picture Classes is giving away one seat in two of their classes:

 

Move More, Eat Well~With Cathy Zielske 

 

 

 Class Description:

 In Move More, Eat Well you’ll spend the year with Cathy, checking in once monthly where you’ll get a message from her. It could be a message of inspiration; it could be a message full of laments over muffin tops; it could be a simple reflection on how one month can make all the difference in the world. Whatever the case, she’ll share her personal ebb and flow with you each month, as you go through the process with Cathy, who hopes to give you a little burst of inspiration for your journey.

 Read rest of description here

Class starts 01/01/2012

 

 And

Get Great Photos with Any Camera~With Elisha Snow

 Class Description:

In this four-week class, you’ll learn the basics of photography and composition, and discover some fun and amazing photo tips that Elisha has amassed throughout her own learning adventures. You’ll have the opportunity to see Elisha in action during her photo shoots, and learn some tricks for getting stellar photos. This class is for anyone, no matter what kind of camera you own. It is good information for point-and-shoot camera-owners, or digital SLR owners. We will discuss the basics of lighting and composition, as well as discuss many tips and tricks that the pros use! Basically it’s packed full of information that can be applied to any sort of general photography. 

 Read rest of description here

Class starts 01/05/20112

  

 

Jennifer Paganelli~Sis Boom

 

 

As a designer, Jennifer Paganelli finds inspiration in everything. Sis Boom is the inspiration distilled from several lives: her youth in the Great Lakes region of the US, her adolescence spent in the vibrant Caribbean, her college years in traditional New England, followed by career-building in the clamor of New York City.

Today, she and her company are located in the leafy rolling countryside of the Northeast. It’s here where she takes a breath and gets to work everyday. With unusual artistry and a love of texture and a blend of vivid colors, Jennifer uses everyday inspiration, journaling, collaging, and materials from her past to cultivate new ideas and fabric designs.

Jennifer’s connection to all things vintage, including fabrics, forms the basis of her textile work. She clearly identifies with their strong, saturated and lively color. Here, Jennifer invites you to explore her extraordinary world.

Ecstatic about her most recent project, Girl’s World, Jennifer has found a way to let you into a magical world that she herself wishes every little girl can be a part of. Vibrant, happy, sweet, and saturated with all things textured, sparkly and girly, this sewing book is chock-full of 21 projects for little girls. What a treat!

Please visit her at http://www.sisboom.com/

 

~ 

Jennifer is giving away this LOVELY ticking pillow … Custom made by Sis Boom!

 

  

 

Making Memories~Slice Fabrique 

  

  

Since its 1997 inception, Making Memories has become one of the nation’s fastest growing manufacturers of craft and scrapbooking supplies. The privately held Inc. 500 company (2001) boasts more than 5,000 individual products in its wholesale supply collection. Making Memories attributes its phenomenal growth to sourcing innovative product, establishing an intimate relationship with customers, and providing an unending supply of inspirational ideas. Please visit: www.makingmemories.com

~ 

The SLICE™ Fabrique is a revolutionary fabric-cutting tool that makes quilting easier. Don’t spend hours cutting intricate designs with scissors when you can save time by allowing the SLICE™ Fabrique to do all the work for you. The SLICE™ Fabrique works with design cards specifically customized for fabric so you can cut alphabets, numbers, flowers, icons, basic shapes, and more. Apply a fusible web to your cotton fabric, felt or flannel and you are ready to start Slicing. If you can imagine it, you can SLICE™ it. The SLICE™ Fabrique is unlike anything you have ever seen. It’s a one-of-a-kind tool that fits within everybody’s budget. Save time and money while creating projects that will last a lifetime. Please visit: www.whyslice.com

 

 

~ 

Making Memories is offering a Slice Fabrique to today’s winner! 

Here is a video to show you all about this GREAT machine!

*see if you can pick me and the quilt I made using Riley Blake Designs fabric:)  

 

 

Webster’s pages 

 

 

 

Webster’s Pages is more than a company…it’s a family. Literally. Co-owned by brother and

sister Tim Myers & Brandin O’Neill, the company grew out of a desire to get

more involved in design and also in the relationships a scrapbooking business

brings. As the owners of an art publishing company, Tim and Brandin were

itching for something new…and they dove into the scrapbooking world, they never

looked back. 

 

Webster’s Pages is known for our vintage style and also our

commitment to high quality products that will help you in your creative memory

keeping. We are currently preparing for our Early Release, a brand new collection we’ll unveil on January 2nd. 

 

Learn more about us at our website: www.websterspages.com 

Or stop by our blog for tons of inspiration: www.websterspages.typepad.com 

 

~ 

 

Webster’s Pages is giving away:

2 of each of the Winter Fairy Tales papers

1 Winter Fairy Tales Princess Petals

1 Winter Fairy Tales Dazzle-Me Gems

1 Winter Fairy Tales Trim Card

1 Winter Fairy Tales Fabric Tickets

1 Package of Designer Threads

 

 

  

  

 

WOW!

 

All you need to do to enter to win all FOUR of these prizes is comment below with your answer to this question …

What was your favorite holiday gift you received and why?

Thanks so much to our FOUR FABULOUS artists!

~We’ll see you tomorrow~ 

 

 

Welcome to our Fifth day of

FABULOUS

Holiday Giveaways!

Today we are featuring:

Bakerella

Gooseberry Patch

Heather Jones-Olive & Ollie

&

Lisa Leonard

~

Bakerella 

Angie Dudley AKA Bakerella is a Georgia native who enjoys creating fun sweets for family and friends. After taking a cake decorating class in 2007, she started the baking blog, Bakerella, to explore new ideas and satisfy her sweet tooth. Her creative approach with sweets and colorful photographs have inspired many others to do the same. In April, 2008, Angie appeared on The Martha Stewart Show, where she demonstrated how to make Cupcake Pops. Her book, 

Cake Pops By Bakerella: Tips, Tricks, And Recipes For More Than 40 Irresistible Mini Treats

was released in September of 2010.

The response to these cute little cakes on a stick was incredible. So, don’t be surprised if you see these pop up at a party near you.

Please visit her at

www.bakerella.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bakerella

Twitter: http://twitter.com/bakerella

~

Bakerella has generously offered these GREAT prizes! 

A copy of her book:

These FABULOUS note cards … 

 PLUS A Cake Pops Kit!~

Not only that, we’re going to throw it a copy of our BRAND new book 

Where Women Cook Celebrate!

This GREAT book features Bakerella, plus 27 other top food bloggers, chefs, cookbook author and kitchen creatives! You can read more about Where Women Create! Celebrate HERE

 Gooseberry Patch

Back in 1984, we were next-door neighbors raising our families in the little town of Delaware, Ohio. Two moms with small children, we were looking for a way to do what we loved and stay home with the kids too. We had always shared a love of home cooking and making memories with family & friends and so, after many a conversation over the backyard fence, Gooseberry Patch was born. We put together our first catalog at our kitchen tables, enlisting the help of our loved ones wherever we could. From that very first mailing, we found an immediate connection with many of our customers and it wasn’t long before we began receiving letters, photos and recipes from these new friends. In 1992, we put together our very first cookbook, compiled from hundreds of these recipes and, the rest, as they say, is history. Hard to believe it’s been over 25 years since those kitchen-table days! From that original little Gooseberry Patch family, we’ve grown to include an amazing group of creative folks who love cooking, decorating and creating as much as we do. Today, we’re best known for our homestyle, family-friendly cookbooks, now recognized as national bestsellers. One thing’s for sure, we couldn’t have done it without our friends all across the country. Each year, we’re honored to turn thousands of your recipes into our collectible cookbooks. Our hope is that each book captures the stories and heart of all of you who have shared with us. Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or are just discovering us, welcome to the Gooseberry Patch family!

~ 

Our friends at Gooseberry Patch are giving away one of their favorite holiday cookbooks, 

Christmas Cookies 

(Seriously, who doesn’t LOVE Christmas Cookies!) 

They are featuring this great cookbook over on their blog today, so please go visit:

http://gooseberrypatch.typepad.com/blog/2011/12/cotw-christmas-cookies.html

Then, 

Find even MORE from Gooseberry Patch online!

www.gooseberrypatch.typepad.com

www.facebook.com/gooseberrypatch

www.twitter.com/gooseberrypatch

www.youtube.com/gooseberrypatchcom

www.scribd.com/gooseberrypatch

Heather Jones~Olive & Ollie

Heather Jones is a designer, seamstress, and modern quilter. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband, Jeff, and two young children, Aidan and Olivia, who are her biggest supporters as well as her greatest sources of inspiration. Heather is the founder and current president of the Cincinnati Modern Quilt Guild and is working on her first line of appliqué, sewing, and quilting patterns. She is often inspired by everyday places and things that many people wouldn’t even notice, and is always excited by the challenge to translate that inspiration into her work. Three of her original quilts were chosen as winners of the Modern Quilt Guild’s Project Modern Challenges, a year-long national quilting competition. Heather has great respect for the art of quilt making and loves to bring a modern twist to traditional patterns. 

 Heather is also the owner of Olive & Ollie, a small, handmade business that specializes in clothing and accessories for infants and children. Heather creates fresh and modern designs and she sells her handmade work in her etsy shop, www.oliveandollie.etsy.com, and at select retail locations throughout the US. 

 Olive & Ollie is named after two women in Heather’s family, her great-grandmother Olive, and her great-great-aunt Ollie. Both were strong, independent women who made all sorts of things by hand, and shared Heather’s belief that handmade is best. In fact, she still has her baby quilt aunt Ollie made over 35 years ago, when she was in her 80s.

 For more information on Heather and her work, please visit her blog at www.oliveandollie.com.

 ~

Heather is giving away a FQ bundle of Kona Cotton from Robert Kaufman –the Grounded Color Story, which is 23 fat quarters (or 5.75 yards) and a copy of the book “Modern Log Cabin Quilting: 25 Simple Quilts and Patchwork Projects” by Susan Beal, and a pdf copy of her Yield Quilt pattern.  

 

Heather is also giving away an AccuQuilt Go!Baby plus THREE dies on her blog!

Click HERE to visit and leave a comment for your chance to win!

 

Lisa Leonard 

 

I have been making jewelry since high school but i decided to get serious after my first son, david, was born. i wanted to start a small business that would enable me to quit my job and stay home with my boys. at the time, I had never taken any formal classes or received special training in jewelry making. I just went for it! I am kind of the “jump in and learn as you go” type. creating jewelry not only allowed me to work from home, but has connected me with so many amazing women along the way.

my desire is to create simple, lovely pieces that can be worn with jeans or your little black dress. i want each piece to be meaningful. our custom jewelry is hand-stamped with your kids’ names or a special phrase or verse. I love to touch my necklace throughout the day and reflect on my husband and my sweet boys.

each piece we create is a work of art—hand cut; hammered, polished, drilled and assembled with care. I am inspired by other artists—painters, scrapbookers, clothing designers and poets. I also love to soak up nature-the sky, the sea, the green hills. I let all these ideas and images swirl around in my mind and then I create. when an idea hits me I sketch it out and play until the perfect design comes together.

lisa leonard designs exists because moms, grandmas and friends have shared our designs with each other while waiting in line at the grocery store or sipping coffee with a friend. most of our customers find us through word of mouth. we know that you’ll find the perfect piece.

come visit my blog to hear more of our story and please share your story with us!

~

Lisa is giving away this customized Sweet Star ornament. It is cast in fine pewter and strung with a gorgeous velvet ribbon and she will add up to five words or meanings just for you! 

WOW!

All you need to do to enter to win all FOUR of these prizes is comment below with your answer to this question …

What is your favorite holiday food and why?

Thanks so much to our FOUR FABULOUS artists!

~We’ll see you tomorrow~ 

 

Welcome to our Fourth day of

 

FABULOUS

 

Holiday Giveaways!

 

Today we are featuring:

 

Christy Tomlinson~Scarlet Lime 

Ellie Inspired

Kaari Meng

&

Patty Young 

 

~

 

Christy Tomlinson

 

  

I have been paper crafting and scrapbooking for over 10 years and still love it today! I had the great opportunity to work for Chatterbox as their Educational and Marketing Director for 3 years and then left to pursue other adventures in my life (including being a stay at home mom to my 6 kids and wife to hubby Ben. When I left Chatterbox, I started a new adventure working for Making Memories as a book and project designer, and also accepted a position as a Contributing Editor for Scrapbooks Etc, Better Homes and Gardens Magazine. In the Fall of 2007, with the encouragement of my husband, I decided to venture out on my own and start Scarlet Lime. Over the course of a year, Scarlet Lime grew much more than we expected and now that is what we both do full time. We love our job! In 2009, we also started a sister company called Scarlet Lime BeadArt! Our BeadArt website carries Jewelry supplies including fun unique beads and charms and DIY kits as well!

And why the name Scarlet Lime? Well to be honest, it’s simple. My favorite color is and always has been red, scarlet red, and lime flavored anything is my absolutely my favorite treat. The idea behind the kit club was to bring together all sort of patterns, textures, and styles; mix modern with vintage, funky with chic. So Scarlet and Lime, two things you normally wouldn’t put together,( but two things I love), just seemed to be the perfect fit!

 I also love to blog and teach online! I tried to post daily inspiration on my personal blog and am currently teaching online e-course about Mixed media on my blog as well! Check it out as www.christytomlinson.typepad.com Well, I hope you enjoy our monthly kits, ad-ons, paper-crafting kits, and all the other fun things we have in store too! I would love to hear comments or suggestions you may have (good or bad.. I can take it, I have 6 kids remember?). So please feel free to e-mail me ANYTIME at [email protected]

~

Christy is giving away $50 to spend in her Scarlet Lime Shop, plus a spot in her 

 

Mixed Media Workshop.

 *Christy has also offered 4 more spots in this workshop. I will draw the additional winners after the day 4 winner has been picked.

 

 Ellie Inspired 

 

 

Hi, I’m Laura Johnson and this is my Elisabeth, whom Ellie Inspired is named after. I am a pattern designer, a mom to four great kids, and married to my best friend. Ellie Inspired has been a wonderful venue for me to share my creativity and form great friendships. Ellie Inspired patterns are classicly styled with a bit of a modern flair. They include patterns for girls sizes 1-12 and I am just beginning to offer patterns for boys also sizes 1-12. My patterns include everything from smocked and embroidered heirloom clothing to casual knits to sleepwear. Thank you for visiting me, for your encouragement and support, and sharing your lives with me as well. I hope that I have inspired you to create something beautiful for a special little blessing in your life!

 ~ 

 Laura has offered this GREAT giveaway … Perfect for sewing up Holiday PJ’s 

 

 

Kaari Meng

 

 

 

Kaari Meng has been designing vintage glass jewelry for more than 20 years. After moving to New York City in 1988, Kaari began exhibiting at trade shows and designing for specialty shops, including Anthropologie. Armed with experience in all facets of jewelry manufacturing, she began teaching jewelry making out of her shop, French General. In 2003, French General moved to Los Angeles, where it continues to offer workshops and creative kits to people who enjoy working with vintage materials.

Kaari is the author of several books, including French-Inspired Jewelry: Creating with Vintage Beads, Buttons & Baubles (Lark/Sterling, 2007) and Treasured Notions (Chronicle Books, 2010).

 

Please visit her at: https://www.frenchgeneral.com/

Her blog: http://frenchgeneral.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/French-General/

And Join The Art of Craft at: http://www.the-art-of-craft.com/

 

 ~

Kaari is giving away 17 fat quarters from her new Christmas fabric collection Fa la la 

 

 

 

 

Patty Young 

 

 

 

Patty Young grew up in San Jose, Costa Rica, in an environment where she was encouraged to express her creativity freely. Both of her parents dabbled in the arts so it was only natural that she would inherit their creative genes. They moved to the United States in 1987 and Patty attended The University of Central Florida from ’89 to ’93 where she received her Bachelors of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design and Photography. Over the next 12 years, Patty honed her graphic design skills at a number of marketing agencies before deciding to leave her corporate job in 2005 to stay home with her children and pursue her own creative endeavors. Patty is a licensed textile designer for Michael Miller Fabrics and recently released her seventh collection. Her fabrics include quilting cottons and knits. She is currently working on her eighth collection which will debut Spring 2012 along with her debut book, “Sewing Modkid Style”, published by Wiley. Patty along with her husband, Jon, also owns and operates MODKID LLC and serves in the role of Lead Designer. MODKID, LLC specializes in high quality boutique-style sewing patterns which include children’s clothes, doll outfits, purses and other assorted accessories and home furnishings. To learn more about Patty and what she’s cooking up next, please visit us at our blog and feel free to leave a comment. We’d love to hear from you!

 

 

~

Patty is giving away this DARLING  ”Megan” Bag

Custom made in the Modkid Studio by Patty’s assistant Emalee using Grand Bazaar fabrics.

 

 

 

  

 

WOW!

 

All you need to do to enter to win all FOUR of these prizes is comment below with your answer to this question …

What is your favorite holiday activity and why?

Thanks so much to our FOUR FABULOUS artists!

~We’ll see you tomorrow~ 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to our Third day of

 

FABULOUS

 

Holiday Giveaways!

 

Today we are featuring:

 

Beth Quinn

Lisa Crone 

Pick Your Plum

&

Riley Blake Designs

 

 

~

 

Beth Quinn

 

 

Beth is a self taught jewelry and mixed media artist residing in Arizona. She is both a mother and wife and loves spending time with the 3 men in her life any chance she gets. Beth has had a passion for creating since she was a little girl. She was first introduced to metals at a young age in her father’s metal shop. As an inventor, metal worker and entrepreneur she was taught many skills from him and so began her journey …… since his passing in 2001 she has inherited all his metal tools…. Beth was also influenced by her grandmother’s creativity and love for making things…. Beth’s jewelry is full of her love for old , worn and shiny … she loves to combine texture to create jewelry that can be loved and cherished for years to come… She continues to share the passion of those before her by finding ways to create with things both old and new.

Visit her at http://www.bethquinndesigns.com

~

Beth is giving away this BEAUTIFUL necklace …

 

 

 Lisa Crone

 

 

Lisa Crone has been making beaded jewelry for over 20 years. She discovered a few years ago that the world around her is overflowing with design inspiration. It started with making jewelry to commemorate family vacations to Niagara Falls, San Francisco and the Caribbean. Making jewelry to represent favorite artwork and interesting scenery soon followed and inspired her to share this discovery with her fellow jewelry designers by writing a book. You can follow along on her design journey in her book, “A Bead in Time: 35 jewelry projects inspired by slices of life”.

 ~

Lisa is giving away a copy of her book along with a kit for making one of the most popular projects, Ode to the Dandelion bracelet pictured here. 

You can visit Lisa on her blog, A Bead A Day, where she posts daily about beads, jewelry design and regularly features other jewelry designers and bead makers.

 

Pick Your Plum 

 

 

Pick Your Plum is a team effort! It’s more fun that way!

Who doesn’t like crafting with a girlfriend?

  Have you ever glued your fingers together trying to put a project together? Stayed up all night just to finish that last project before your kids wake up? Gussied up your home just so the neighbors could gawk over your detail? Borrowed an idea from the store knowing you can make one too?

We have. We know. Join us.

 

Get it before your neighbor does:

• We have limited supplies on some of the most swank supplies. We have agents out in the field who find killer deals on high quality products.
• We delicately slap prim-o crafting supplies on our site at a stellar price!
• We sell it ’til it’s gone or ’til time is up.
• You leave feeling like you just won Martha in a crafting contest.
• The supplies arrive in 7-8 shipping days and you’ve just picked your ‘plum’! Doesn’t it feel good?

We dream big and aim high around here!

Here’s a glimpse at our mission statement:

~

Pick your Plum is giving away a $75 craft basket of killer, swank supplies!

Here is an example of what you might get …

Good luck!

Riley Blake Designs 

 

 

~

Riley Blake is giving away this beautiful ruffle pillow

PLUS a five inch square pack of their Christmas fabric Holly Jolly

 

  

 

WOW!

 

All you need to do to enter to win all FOUR of these prizes is comment below with your answer to this question …

What is your favorite holiday movie and why?

Thanks so much to our FOUR FABULOUS artists!

~We’ll see you tomorrow~ 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to our Second day of

 

FABULOUS

 

Holiday Giveaways!

 

Today we are featuring:

 

Ali Edwards

The Junk Gypsy Company 

Lindsey Cheney of The Pleated Poppy

 &

Monica Solorio-Snow (Happy Zombie)

 

 

~

 

Ali Edwards

 

 

Ali’s passion resides in that very special place where the stories and images of life intersect. Her work includes blogging, teaching, writing, photography, and memory keeping product design. Learn more at http://www.aliedwards.com. 

Ali is giving away a spot in her upcoming  

One Little Word class for 2012. 

adfAliAlisTHE PROJECT
Ali says: “Last year I decided I wanted to do something even more tangible with my One Little Word. I’ve found that, just like a resolution, it’s easy to lose sight of the things you set forward to embark on as regular life gets busy throughout the course of the year. To combat this I plan to bring my word into my life more consciously and concretely and make it more visible by creating an album to hold my thoughts, challenges and inspirations”.

You’re invited to join me on this journey

 

• Pre-class assignment available to you immediately upon registration for class
  
• Monthly email reminder when the classroom has been updated
  
• Welcome note from Ali in the classroom each month
  
• One creative prompt per month: prompts will include printable elements (for use in both Photoshop Elements and Word) to create the interior pages in your album 
  
• Colorful handout detailing the prompt and the creative assignment
  
• Monthly video message 
  
• Community building message board for sharing thoughts on your word
  
• Gallery for sharing your word-related projects 
  
• Four chats with Ali over the course of the year (one per quarter)
• Supply list with live links to product resources

 

For more information on One little Word, please visit: http://www.bigpictureclasses.com/onelittleword.php 

The Junk Gypsy Company 

 

 

We aRE the JunK GypSY Co, purveyors of the WorLD’s FinEST JunK!

We set out to find a great business but instead found a great life!

From us to y’aLL! WeLCOmE TO our WORLD! the RAuCous & RoWDY home of gypsies, JunKERs, dreamers, and true-blue rebels across the globe! There is something beautiful and liberating about hitting the open road…driving down an open highway with the windows rolled down, JaNIS JopLIN cranked up, your hair and your worries blowing in the wind… searching for something new… something yet to be discovered…. out in the WiLD BluE YonDER. That’s how we, the NeVER-sAY-DIE fanatics of all things JunKY, got caught up in a business that has taken our lives down a path we never could have planned for. TheRE were no stodgy business plans for this ride. JuST GRaSSROOts DrEAMS of a GRANdER LIFE! We are THE JunK GypSY COmpaNY, purveyors of the world’s finest junk….bringing you the goods that are everything we are…a little bit hippie, a little bit rock n’ roll, a little bit southern FRiED, and a whole lotta gypsy-fiDE! To all of you….WELCoME HOME!

WELcoME hOME! 1215 south state hwy 237, Round Top, TX 78954

ShoP online at http://gypsyville.com/ 

ReAD our RaMBLINGS from the RoAD… the JuNK GypSY BLoG! http://junkgypsyblog.com/

 FoLLow us On TwiTTER … http://twitter.com/junkgypsy

FoLLow us On FaceBook … https://www.facebook.com/junkgypsy 

XOXOXOXOX!

~

The Junk Gypsy Company is giving away $25.00 in Junk Bucks that you can use at their store www.gypsyville.com

 

 

Lindsey Cheney 

of 

The Pleated Poppy

 

Hi !  I’m Lindsey Cheney.  Thanks so much for stopping by!  I am married to an incredibly supportive husband and am mom to 3 littles, 8 and under. My days are full of sewing, trying to enjoy home schooling, crafting, snuggling, avoiding the laundry, sneaking bites of chocolate, and wondering “Will anyone notice if I just take a nap?”.  I am also the fabric-hoarding, late-night working girl behind the pleated poppy, my little online shop where i get to create bits of goodness and send them out to customers far and wide.  I so hope you find a home in my blog, that you stay awhile and peruse through my archives – start with tutorials or birthdays – those are fun ones!

~

Lindsey is offering a $25 credit to her shop The Pleated Poppy

 

 

Monica Solorio~Snow 

The Happy Zombie

 

 I’m a lover of quilts, fabric, stitchery and zombies.  I keep busy as a fabric designer, quilt and home sewing pattern writer, graphic designer and a cooking recipe developer (ie., writing notes of what I want to order again on my take-out menu collection).  My addictions and my fuel are my family and friends, sewing and crafting, Pinterest and Flickr, anything buttered, coffee and ice cold milk. 

Where I play online: 
My website: http://thehappyzombie.com  
My blog: http://thehappyzombie.com/blog 
My Twitter: https://twitter.com/Happy_Zombie 
My Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/happyzombie
My flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/thehappyzombie 
My facebook: http://www.facebook.com/happyzombie

 ~

Monica is giving away a Fat Eight bundle of her Happy Mochi Yum Yum … 29 fabrics in all

 

 

WOW!

 

All you need to do to enter to win all FOUR of these prizes is comment below with your answer to this question …

What is your favorite holiday song and why?

Thanks so much to our FOUR FABULOUS artists!

~We’ll see you tomorrow~ 

 

 

 

Welcome to our first day of

 

FABULOUS

 

Holiday Giveaways!

 

Today we are featuring:

 

Becky Higgins

Elyse Major

May Arts Ribbon

&

Susan Duane of Paper Hill

~

 

Becky Higgins

 

 

 Becky has a passion for living well and documenting life. Since 1997 she has been authoring books, creating artwork, writing articles, teaching classes, and designing products — all in the name of scrapbooking. In her personal evolution she came to find herself relating to everyone who has said, “Scrapbooking is too time-consuming, too complicated, too expensive, too much.” In 2009, Becky Higgins LLC was born so that she could share solution-based ideas and simple products with everyone who felt the same way but still wanted to do something special with their pictures and memories. 

Becky’s Blog has gained the the reputation of being an uplifting and inspiring place on the web. She’s the girlfriend who will share her favorite finds, most-loved tips, design ideas, tried & true recipes, practical how-to’s, and even videos. There’s always a common goal in everything Becky shares, which is to CULTIVATE A GOOD LIFE. Arizona is where she and her husband David are raising their 3 small children. 

Please visit her at:

Web: http://beckyhiggins.com/ 
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/beckyhigginsllc 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Becky-Higgins-LLC/301573840173?v=wall&ref=nf  

~ 

Becky is giving away this FABULOUS prize!

A Project Life Binder
A Project Life Core Kit
A Big Pack of Photo Pocket Pages (box of 60)

&

A Big Envelope Pages (pack of 5)

 The winner can decide which Color Project Life edition (Binder + Core Kit). 

http://www.beckyhiggins.com/

Elyse Major

 

 

Elyse Major divides her time between being a mostly stay-at-home mom, writer, tinkerer and blogger. Elyse’s published work includes tutorials in Romantic Homes and articles in Cottages & Bungalows andRomantic Country magazines. Elyse’s blog cottage, Tinkered Treasures for Your Home can be found in the current issue of Artful Blogging. She is currently at work on a craft book. Elyse’s efforts are cheered on by her husband and two boys in Rhode Island. Visit Elyse at her blog at http://tinkeredtreasures.blogspot.com.

 ~

Elyse is giving away a set of these lovely Holiday Matchbooks which were featured in December’s Romantic Homes Magazine.

 

 

May Arts Ribbon

May Arts is a leading distributor of high quality ribbon products, serving a wide variety of merchants from large retail outlets to home-based business in the craft and scrapbooking, gift, stationery, quilting, fancy food, floral, interior design and jewelry industries.  Since its founding, May Arts has built its business on a foundation of quality products, affordability, and outstanding customer service.  To read more about our history, please click here.

In 2008, May Arts responded to customer demand by creating a sophisticated online store to combine personalized service with convenient, anytime ordering.  If you have any questions about our new online store, please feel free to contact us directly.

We look forward to serving all of your ribbon needs!

Visit them at www.mayarts.com

~ 

May Arts is giving away this GREAT assortment of ribbon! 

 

 

Susan Duane of Paper Hill

 

I’m a forty something wife and stay at home mother to three amazing kids. I love everything creative from making a meal for my family, setting a pretty table to refurbishing a tired old piece of furniture. I love estate sales and taking photographs. I love interior design and finding new ways to do it on a budget. I am the owner of two Etsy shops: Paperhill, where I sell original photography, design services & vintage goods and Paperhill Fabrics , filled with authentic vintages fabrics by the yard.

Follow me on my blog at: http://hometowngirl.typepad.com/

My Pinterest boards: http://pinterest.com/hometowngirl/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/susanduane

Flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/paperhill

~ 

 

Susan is offering a $30.00 gift certificate to either of her shops,

Paperhill or Paperhill Fabrics.

The choice is yours!

 

 

 

WOW!

 

All you need to do to enter to win all FOUR of these prizes is comment below with your answer to this question …

What was your most memorable Holiday and why?

Thanks so much to our FOUR FABULOUS artists!

~We’ll see you tomorrow~ 

 

 

We’re kicking off the Holidays …

Where Women Create Style!

 

 

Starting tomorrow and continuing each day until December 12th, we will feature four fabulous artists who are giving away four fabulous prizes EACH DAY here on Where Women Create …

And when I say FANTASTIC prizes, I mean FANTASTIC PRIZES!

Best of all, there will be 12 winners!

That’s right … 12 of you will win!

 

~A Happy Holiday indeed~

 

Here’s how it works:

 

You can enter each day by simply posting a comment with your answer to our daily holiday question on that days post. We will keep the comments open on each post until December 16th at Noon (MST), but you may only post once on each days post.

We will choose the winners and everyone will be notified by

December 17th. 

As an added bonus, we’d like you to share YOUR Holiday giveaways and

Holiday idea blog posts here!

This post will remain on the top of this page for the duration of the contest just for our readers, so Link up!

We want to visit your blogs and websites!

*Please no Etsy or any other type of selling shops. This is all about sharing your holiday ideas and giveaways on your blogs. All we ask in return is that you please take a minute and visit the artists that we’re featuring. Check out their websites. Follow them on Twitter. Like them on Facebook. They were so generous to donate all of these prizes … Let’s show them our holiday spirit by supporting them as well!

Thank you so much and …

 

~HAPPY HOLIDAYS~ 

 

 

Today we’re  proud to be participating in Sew Mama Sew’s FABULOUS

 

 

You’ll want to visit

http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/2011/11/giveaway-day-december-12/

 

And visit all of the great sites … REALLY!

It may take some time, but they’re all GREAT!  

GOOD LUCK!

 

 

---

… Nancy Wiley, an accomplished artist and celebrated doll maker. Her exhibits are prestigious and her clients are celebrity collectors such as novelist Anne Rice, actors Andy Garcia and Ray Liotta and actress Demi Moore. In 1996, Moore tapped Wiley for a high profile assignment to costume her as a doll for the cover of George magazine.

 

Nancy was one of the featured artists in the original Where Women Create and I am on my way to her new studio in upstate New York in November to photograph all that she is and all that she does for the magazine. I love the doll makers almost more than anyone.

 

 

What they create is magical and it is so “forever”! We begin our passion for dolls when we are young and it continues until we are much much older … at which time we give those collected memories to our daughters and our granddaughters in hopes that they will love our dolls as much as we did.

 

~Jo

 

http://www.nancywiley.com/

 

 

… Nancy Wiley, an accomplished artist and celebrated doll maker. Her exhibits are prestigious and her clients are celebrity collectors such as novelist Anne Rice, actors Andy Garcia and Ray Liotta and actress Demi Moore. In 1996, Moore tapped Wiley for a high profile assignment to costume her as a doll for the cover of George magazine.

 

Nancy was one of the featured artists in the original Where Women Create and I am on my way to her new studio in upstate New York in November to photograph all that she is and all that she does for the magazine. I love the doll makers almost more than anyone.

 

 

What they create is magical and it is so “forever”! We begin our passion for dolls when we are young and it continues until we are much much older … at which time we give those collected memories to our daughters and our granddaughters in hopes that they will love our dolls as much as we did.

 

~Jo

 

http://www.nancywiley.com/