Thank you so much, Lisa Swifka of Whymsical Bohemian, for giving us the opportunity to share a little of ourselves during this tremendous blogging event. It has truly been an amazing adventure! Each year gets even more thrilling when you to drop by and visit so many wonderful blogging artists from around the world.
I am pleased to announce the winners of my two special gifts.
Prize No. 1 "Woodland Mittens" goes to: Birgit of Swapping Howdies, Munich, Germany
Prize No. 2 "Dusty Rose Wrist Warmers" goes to: Jenn of Just Jenn Designs, Williamsburg, Virginia
Both Birgit and Jenn have been sent emails for their addresses. Thank you, everyone for all your kind comments and words of inspiration.
Dyane is having a giveaway (her very first). How exciting to promote her sweet pastel pink blog featuring scrapbooking and crafts.
Drop on over to Boch's Creations for a chance to enter the CSN Store shopping site and a chance to win a $40.00 gift certificate. Thanks for your generous offer!
Last month, I offered three giveaways for the One World One Heart event. Not only did I give away, I also will be receiving two gorgeous gifts. There were an astounding number of artful blogs to visit this year, and it is pure luck to have won two of them.
A big bear hug goes out to my dear friend, Debra Abel, from "It's All Good." She did the random generator, and I was the No. 2 comment. What are the chances of this happening? She insists that it was legitimate, and I'm sticking to it! I have always admired the image of her sweetheart of a mermaid piece. I love the sea, the ocean, and what lies beneath. Please visit Deb's blog to get a glimpse of some of her beautiful pieces of art, plus a mixture of her thoughts on what is happening in her world. I am so excited to own this brilliant print and all it's fine detail!
And it won't be long before, I will be receiving another package from across the Atlantic Ocean. Linda Woolford, of "The Briar Rose Gate," painted a magical moonlit crow image in winter, "Nobel Gwynan, Raven of the Dark Woods Clan." She says it's on it's way. I think it is just stunning! Her site is wonderful with photo images of her town, family, and neighboring villages. You will even meet her lab, Poppy and his new pal Prince. I love the music she chose for her blog.
As a thank you to the above blogs, please leave a comment for them by clicking on these links. Then come back and leave a comment on this post with your email address. On Friday, March 5th, I will choose 5 lucky winners to receive one of my hand knit coffee cup cozies that are shown below.
Because of the overwhelming response to my One Word One Heart Giveaway, I decided during the comment process to increase my prizes from two to three. I used the random generator and these numbers magically appeared.
I am truly honored that so many of you have stopped by my blog and left such lovely comments. I wish I could have sent a gift to all of you!!! I tried to visit as many blogs as I could, but it was really quite overwhelming. I am very happy that I joined in this annual giveaway, and will be looking forward to next year's magical caravan.
I have added so many new and amazing artists to my favorite links and added myself to countless blogs. Thank you for sharing all your brilliant artwork with the world. Thank you, Lisa, for hosting this fabulous event!
For most of my adult life, I have loved vintage graphics. I am especially fond of vintage wedding cards. Their pastel beauty is beyond compare from the cards of today!
In celebration of having achieved more than 100 precious followers last week, I have brought out a few of my dreamy wedding cards from my special drawer I label "Antiques." Thank you so much for your friendship and interest in my creative journey! I sometimes stroke the cards from this drawer, and think of those gals of long ago that treasured these aging paper goods and how they were definitely held close to their hearts. I am sure that some of these women have passed, but I still keep these cards as if they were really my own wedding cards! Here are a few of my favorites.
I have yet to use them in any of my personal art projects, but someday soon I hope to. You are welcome to use these digital images of my cards as you please. I have scanned them at a higher resolution, so they should be beautiful for all your altered art projects.
"The Fourth Annual "One World~One Heart Giveaway" is here! This event starts today, Monday, January 25 and ends February 15, 2010. I'd like to share just a few photos of my family and art. The precious baby is granddaughter Lauren as a newborn, and my grandson, Ethan, who holds a special place in my heart. The two sweet girls at the end of my slideshow are my nieces, Valentina and Claudia. Family is my most precious treasure.
Hopefully, you will meet new friends in the next few weeks...AND you might even win an amazing gift! There are countless numbers of generous people sharing their artistic blogs, and hundreds of wonderful items to be given away!
I participated last year, and it is just the best inspirational experience. I truly enjoyed riding the magic carpet all over the globe. You will, without a doubt, come across some of the best artistic blogs that you might never have happened to come across otherwise.
To learn more, and to see a list of the participating blogs with their links, just click here. You may even want to do a giveaway on your own blog too! Whether you want to do a giveaway or just enter to win as you pop from blog to blog entering drawings, the process of jumping on the caravan is rather addictive and just plain fun! To enter my drawing you must be an active blogger. All you need to do is leave a comment on this post. Pleasebe sure to include your email address. The drawing will be February 15th at Noon and winners are selected through the random generator. I will contact you via e-mail and post the winner on my blog. If you want to know even more about this event, click here.
Bulky Hand-Knit Hat and Scarf
I used Wool-Ease Thick & Quick by Lion Brand Yarns in the color "Linen."
Both items are machine washable and dryable.
These giveaway items have free patterns available through
It is completely washable made with Plymouth Yarn, the "Encore Colors." It is 75% acrylic and 25% wool. Now, all you have to do is add a comment with your email address to this post.
Due to the overwhelming response I have received during this event, I have decided to have a third giveaway!!
The One World One Heart Event is almost here again and I will be offering at least one giveaway, but most likely more than one. I have been busy creating just for this special once-a-year extravaganza!
On January 25th, I will post the giveaway. All that you have to do is leave a comment and your email address. This will be your chance to win my giveaway or giveaways! Please remember to leave your email address, as this is the only way I will be able to contact you later.
For more detailed information, please visit Lisa Swifka at A Whimsical Bohemian. Join me on the "Magic Carpet Ride" on January 25th. It is really quite an amazing adventure!
"A Work in Progress" called all witches, vampires, tricksters and ghosts to play Trick or Treat. As you can probably tell, Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I can remember "begging" for candy, as we used to call it more than 50 years ago. We would fill pillowcases or those big brown grocery bags practically full. Maybe not really, but as I kid I used to feel like I had really hit the jackpot.
Remember those cranking noise makers? We used to yell, "Help the poor!" No one used to say "Trick or Treat" or ring door bells. It was plain old-fashioned calling or yelling at the front door. And we used to get the huge candy bars, not these mini ones. Practically everyone had hand sewn costumes. There wasn't a Halloween costume superstore even available. Aaaaah, those were the days!
I am so excited to share some of the beautiful treasures I received. A big "thank you" goes to Christine Edwards, who collected all the goodies, and then sorted and mailed them to our group. You did a great job!
Back in August, I signed up to play by sending in two "TREATS" and one "TRICK." Then she randomly chose two treats and one trick for each participant.
This is my first amazing "TRICK."
The Gypsy Witch Book of Magic Potions
I think this book box is the best ever! Nestled in a bed of moss, rests a Mr. Bones extra set of spare hands, a vial of "Graveyard Dust," one black votive candle, one canister of "Spider's Silk," and a test tube of "Moon Dust," and another of poisonous "Zombie Dust." I loved this!! What a very clever and imaginative trick! I will have to show my grandson, who will think this is SO cool. Thank you very much for creating this spooky treasure.
I sent this funny "trickster" pumpkin as my "TRICK" in a fabric bag of rubber snakes. She was cleverly designed and painted by my sister Peg.
And, this was my first outstanding "TREAT!"
Vintage-Inspired Pumpkin with Witch's Hat
This pedestal pumpkin is wearing a pointed witch's hat, encircled with sparkling black tinsel at base, and hat brim. A crepe-paper collar surrounds the neck of a hand-painted pumpkin that resembles something very vintage. I think it is perfect for a table centerpiece! Thank you so much for this very unique piece of artwork.
And, lastly my other beautiful "TREAT."
Unfulfilled Dreams, She Only Wanted to be Loved
I encountered some technical difficulties while trying to photograph this piece due to reflection and color. This picture does not do this piece of artwork justice. Inside rests a frail skeletal figure, dressed as a bride that only wished for a happy life. Along the left edge is a glittered gray flower, and on the right a gossamer black velvet rose. It is really quite lovely, in spite of this sad tale. The poem inside this shadow box reads:
"Everybody wishes
to have a happy destiny.
She always dreamt with a ring on her finger.
She wanted to love and be loved,
but her dreams would never come true."
Thank you so much for this sentimental gesture describing a woman who felt she may have been short-changed in her life by never finding true love. I think it is just too sweet.
And for the two "TREATS" that I sent was this altered composition book filled with sinister tags in the inside pocket. The digital collage sheet image was designed by Becky Loyall, from Whymsical Musings, an Outsiders Artist.
Then I included a bag of my "signature" hand-knitted dishcloths in colors of the autumn season as my second "TREAT" with a box of candy. I may have sent a different color, because I sent my gift not realizing I didn't take any photos. Yikes!
As a "thank you" to the hostess, I sent Christine one "Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid Clock" altered from an old music CD.
And Christine sent me this lovely bag of goodies.
I am so grateful to have been part of this event.
I love these little trinkets, especially the vintage buttons,
bingo cards and that terrifying spooky witch image!
So, today on Halloween Eve, I have revealed my amazing stash! Hopefully, I will be able to show you more photos and links to these participants at a later date! Supposedly, there are no identifying signatures on items received to add to the festivities.
I will miss not be able to seriously play on my computer for the next few days. I will be out of town visiting family in Grand Rapids, Michigan for the Halloween weekend. Can't wait to share some munchkin photos. Happy Halloween everyone!
I truly believe that how a gift is presented is such an important aspect to the art of giving gifts.
Hope Malott presented me with a splendid array of music sheet wrapped goodies. Some were wrapped in old book pages, then machine sewn on three sides. But, the most important thing was that she was thoughtful and they were an extension of the gift inside.
I tried to do the same by wrapping my presents in reproduction advertisement paper bags in black and dark beige tones, with a touch of contemporary. I purchased these beautiful ghoulish children tag images from Kirsi. Then I embellished each tag with the required dates and glued clocks to the underside portraying the "witching hour."
One thing, that Hope did, that I should have done was recycle too, both for the sake of our planet, and to acquire a potpourri of different kinds of items and styles for potential creative situations later. I systematically cut away the musical paper. I knew that at some point I would want to put it to use again. I even saved the pretty vintage seam binding ribbons that wrapped her lovelies too.
How exciting it was to receive an "extra" gift for the 18th! Thanks, Hope for the sweet gifts that came my way on the first day. I am sure I will be enjoying the fruits of your paper punching techniques by using these adorable vellum bats and posies. I sure love those Dove dark chocolate candies! I am very happy to be part of the next 13 days of celebration. Hope that everyone was as fortunate as I was! Here is my first gift to a very generous partner.
These were some of the Halloween postcards I created for her. She tells me she has been sending them out already to her friends. Lovin' that!
Look what I received from KC!! It is absolutely beautiful. Thank you, KC. It is just an honor to have a piece of your work.
Back in June, KC Willis announced that she is having a retreat in her Colorado Studio. And by posting a link to her retreat on your blog, she was also giving away an original 4" X 6" piece of artwork to the first 100 people who spread the word.
Thank you, everyone, for your sweet continual comments this past year. Congratulations to all my winners! Please remember to contact me to give me your mailing addresses.
Wow! It's my one year blog anniversary! Come on and celebrate with me....while browsing through one of the most glorious web-sites. Experience the beauty of lavender for yourself. Here you will find the listings of Oregon Lavender Destinations. You will be able visit one or two or all of the lavender farms in Oregon.
Because I savor the magical scent of lavender, I would like to have a "Lavender-Themed" Giveaway. I have been busily attending to my crop of lilac, purple, and fuscia toned items for weeks and would like to share some of this magic with you!!
Let's begin our journey by walking through the fields of Cottage Farm Villa. Her blog is absolutely a heavenly place. You will lose yourself in it's beauty!
Walking the paths of lavender......how cool is this?
Or just smelling the hypnotic scent.....can you imagine?
Thank you so very much for encouraging me this past year to continue posting and not quitting. Your heartfelt and lovely comments are what makes all the work preparing for a post worthwhile. As a small token of my appreciation I am giving away a little of myself and a few items that all make me melt in the scent of lavender. I have had just a glorious time learning how to actually start a blog, to post, to take better photos, and to really share my creative journey with everyone.
If it wasn't for the encouragement of Debra Abel and Terri Gauthier, I probably would never have experienced all of this blogging craziness. I have loved meeting y'all, seeing your amazing artwork, and really getting to know how you think about your artwork and your families. I love seeing your homes, and where you play!
I am so proud of myself to be able to say I "made it" to one year. Thank you everyone for stopping by so many times, even though I may not have acknowledged your visit.
I just love doing this! Thanks, Deb and Terri for introducing me to the blogging world.
And now for my humble offerings, I present.....
GIVEAWAY #1
Lavender growing kit, two lilac dishcloths, my "Secret Garden" journal, lavender-wisteria soap, 2 spools of lavender ribbon and one lime green Nouveau ribbon.
GIVEAWAY #2
My "Marie Antoinette" journal, two white dishcloths with lilac stripe, lavender-wisteria soap.
GIVEAWAY #3
Dream journal, Beauty shopping list pad, Dream note cards, miniature Marie Antoinette purse-sized journal, fuscia dishcloths, lavender-wisteria soap, one lime green Nouveau ribbon, and one lilac with green polka dot ribbon.
Please leave a comment on this post by Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at Midnight. I will announce the winner on Monday, July 27th. Remember to leave a way for me to contact you.
And, now it's time for me to head for home to watch a wonderful film, with the scent of lavender on my clothes. I love sinking into the couch, and drifting off into the world of the sisterhood of women.
Enjoy your day visiting my dream of lavender fields!
KC Willis is having a retreat in her studio. Can you even imagine? And by posting a link to her retreat on your blog, she is also giving away an original 4" X 6" piece of artwork to the first 100 people who spread the word.
First of all, jump over to the Lipstick Ranch to read the details of her giveaway, and then imagine the possibilities of attending a retreat with KC in beautiful Colorado. Just the thought of combining a vacation in the mountains along side KC in her studio would be unbelievable! Talk about wishing you were there....and meeting people you link to on a regular basis. That would be an experience of a lifetime.
All this and more......wishing KC all the best with her retreats!
First of all, I loved taking KC's first fabulous Collage Camp, and now I can continue on my creative journey. I am thrilled beyond words to be able to create a layered "Shrine of Our Lady of Your Creativity," and to be able to do the paper collage class. AND, what about building a book from scratch using cardboard, paper, fabric and other doo dads. I am doing my "Footloose" dance right now....
Thank you so much, KC, for this incredible shopping spree. You are such a generous soul! I am still in disbelief that I was chosen. Yee Haw! Thank you all for your words of congratulations! I am just so happy. I needed some happiness right now!
Would you believe what flew over and landed at my house? It is just the most precious little bird you have ever seen!
This lovely "Song Sparrow" was created by my dear talented friend, Terri Gauthier of Blooming Ideas. This amazing beaded and metal gilded bird is the first "Random Acts of Kindness" presents I have received! I just love it, and want to hang it somewhere that I can see it every day, not hidden away in a drawer not appreciated.
It appears as though it's body may have been encircled with a wrist watch band, a blue lapis buckle, legs of Aurora Borealis colored beads, and iridescent abalone feet. What a wonderful piece to own.
Thank you so much, Terri! It is just awesome and it will always be treasured!
I absolutely love to knit! I am constantly craving the feel of my favorite needles within my hands. Fortunately for me, with the schedule I keep with my work and family, I find that I have time to pick up and knit a little bit here and a little bit there while watching a telecast sporting event, sitting in the waiting room awaiting an appointment, or just trying to relax on the back porch.
As the knitting process unfolds and the shaping begins, there is that constant feeling of anticipation; when you realize the pattern is written perfectly, each row and every stitch creates the result you desired. There is something so incredibly satisfying when a project is complete and ready to present to the recipient. And yes, the weather is perfect to present you with this summer handbag made by me in celebration of my 100th post!
To all of you blog commenters, I would like to treat those of you that have taken the time to leave their comments. I would like to do something very special to those of you who keep coming back to visit. So, as a great big "Thank You" from me, for taking the time from your busy day to leave me your thoughts, I have decided to give away these Summer Handbags.
I read each and every comment, and have written down your names. The top commenter has been Terri Gauthier of Blooming Ideas. She will receive my Lime Green Handbag! Secondly, Debra Abel of It's All Good will receive the Red and White Confetti Handbag, Becky Loyall of Whymsical Musings came in third. She will receive the Yellow Handbag, and fourth is Jann Clark of Forever Jann with a Dusty Pink Bag. I am still in the completion phase of her bag.
I have no doubt, these bags will grace you with possibly a summer memory of the beach, shopping along a shoreline tropical village or just plain holding your personal belongings this season. Please email me your address so I can send you your free summer handbag!
Thank you gals, for all your continual support, your sweet wonderful comments. You make me smile.
