An ETSY Christmas !!! A Shopping Extravaganza (and some give aways too!)

Christmas shopping time is here!! I'm sharing with you some ETSY shops that belong to my readers and followers, as well as some of my own personal favorite places to visit.   Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy a wonderful shopping experience -- you don't even have to leave your house! 

These shops belong to some of my devoted readers and followers~~ 

1.  DreamChallenge-- my friend Jan knits lovingly for both children and adults. Some of her work is shown here in her shop. She is available for custom orders by request and is happy to knit something special for you or someone you love.
Coupon Code - JAN10 for 10% discount on all orders.

2. Bead and Needle-- Tanya says that her creations are deeply discounted for your shopping pleasures!

3.  Two Elephants -- Sylvia and Vilma invite you to visit their shop and experience their unique creations. I love everything they make! FREE Worldwide shipping!!

4.  Peace Love and Art shop-- Jackie invites you to view her jewelry creations. 

5.  Southern Ooaks -- Regina makes one of a kind sculptures and jewelry designs. 
 Coupon Code - 2BAGSFULL for 10% discount.

6.  Sun Flower Freckles-- Laura's unique handmade aprons are on display for you. 
    Coupon Code -2Bagsfull for 20% discount.

7. Betty the Wood Fairy -- is sharing her shop on Folksy.UK.  She makes handpainted silk treasures inspired by the Surry woodland where she lives.  

8. Wind and Honey-- Elizabeth invites you to view her whimsical  drawings of animals and children. 

9. Turquoise Owl Fibers -- Holly Marie shares her hand dyed fibers, rovings and yarns with you all.
Coupon Code - 2BAGSFULL2012 for 10% discount

10..  Lucy Jane Pennybright --You have just got to see Jenny's adorable handmade elephants!!!
Free World Wide Shipping - Coupon Code 2BagsFull

11.  Charmedone -- Linda specializes in creating cameo jewelry. All items are discounted 15%. 

12.  Fay Paints -- Fay invites you to see her unique embroidery pattern designs.  

13.  Brenda Sipe --- Brenda's handpainted silk scarves are truly exquisite.  You will see more of Brenda's work when the Breast Cancer Awareness nest is created next October!

14.  Crafting Addition-- Kathy makes lovely crochet embellished items.  She recently made an adorable owl scarf for our little granddaughter as a custom order.  She is available for your custom requests as well!  

15.  Bungalow Bling -- My friend Shell is THE Queen of Glitter.  Her shop is filled with gorgeous vintage Christmas decorations - made even more special by that "glittery" touch that only Shell can do!

16.  Shirley Stitches-- Shirley creates beautiful embroidery stitches on pillowcases, towels, and linens.  Her handwork is done with much love and attention to detail.  Shirley's "stitches" are helping her to get through some rough times right now --- (sending hugs to you girlfriend-xoxo).

17.  Buttermilk Cottage-- My friend Susan is a knitter and a talented designer of yarns and knitted creations. Her shop is filled with unique and creative knitting bags, needle cases and some of her own knitted creations. Her specialty fusion yarns are absolutely stunning -- and I want them all!
Free Shipping on most items -- see shop info for details. 

18.  Suziqu- Suzy invites you to view her exquisite shabby creations.  Suzy is famous for her detailed work and her creative use of lace and beautiful embellishments. 

19. Cottage Wishes -- join Di at her shop where she is offering a collection of vintage "this and that".  All the things that she would love to have in her own country cottage~

20.  Lorraine17--beautiful hand dyed embroidery threads - silks and cotten.  Gorgeous colorways! 

21.  FuzzySlippersDesigns -- Moriah invites you to view her handmade greeting cards, journals, and albums.  Coupon Code 2BAGSFULL for 10% discount. 

22. Cheeky Rose Boutique -- Jan invites you all to see her OOAK art doll creations and her vintage jewelry and clothing finds.  She describes her shop as vintage, upscale, designer and funky!
 

Here are some of my favorite places to visit~~

1.  Butter Blossoms-- you know I LOVE these cookies!!!!   Coupon Code - Vicki10 for 10% off. 

2.  Marie Dodd --  Mary Jane makes jewelry with spirit.  Her pieces truly speak to me.  She is an incredible artist. You will see Mary Jane's work on next year's Breast Cancer Awareness nest!

3.  SeaWashed--  Carrie makes beautiful paintings with a remarkable likeness to the sea.  Her seawashed Christmas creations are so lovely. I especially love her beautiful cards.  

4.   Bumpkin --   Follow the Country Lane to a whimsical, nostalgic world of animal Illustrations, Personalised Prints, Embroidery Patterns, Sew your own Bunny Kits & lots of adorable gifts in between! All created by British Artist, Catherine Young."  Everything she makes is precious. 
 Coupon Code - 2BAGSFULL for 10% discount.

5.  Hello Violeta-- I love her muslin creations. 

6.  Tessa Ann -- Tessa's handmade buttons for children are simply adorable.  If I could -- I would have one of each design. 

7.  Its Random-- Beautiful, drop dead gorgeous crochet necklaces -- I own 2 of Karen's incredible designs. 

8.  Lori's Place--  My "go to" place for beautiful decorated cookies.  Lori is an absolute sweetheart -- and her cookies are to die for!  Lori has a NEW website in addition to her ETSY shop.  You will find all cookie items discounted 10% as a special promotion on her new website. 

9.  TSCookies -- another favorite for decorated cookies!  Check out the adorable owl cookies!! Melissa packages her cookies so beautifully - you almost hate to open them! 

10.  Kylie Parry--Kylie makes gorgeous handmade art beads and earthy jewelry designs.  Honestly -- I'm in awe of everything she makes.  She is an amazing artist. 

11. Fiberluscious-- Jill's handmade pincushions are unlike anything that you have ever seen before -- they are incredible works of art!  Coupon Code FiberJoy10 for 10% discount through December 31.

12. CountyMouse -- Cherie makes the most adorable little baby coats! 
 Coupon Code Nestlingmouse for 10% discount. 

13. Andie's Specialty Sweets-- This shop is incredible! Edible cake embellishments that you are going to love!! I'm crazy about the edible buttons!

14.  Ropes of Pearls-- gorgeous leather wrap bracelets embellished with stones and glass -- seriously -- I love these bracelets!  Free WorldWide shipping!

15.  Tasha McKelvey-- sweet pottery pieces with little birds -- sigh~

16.  Unique Buttons-- I am in love with buttons.  I am obsessed with buttons.  I want to touch all of these buttons and make them mine!

17.  Guimauve Confections -- This newly opened shop features home made gourmet marshmallows -- heaven help me~~ Use Coupon Code 2BAGSFULL for 20% off your shopping!

18.  Crumbles Cookie Factory-- I'm thinking that my dear friend Bob - needs some of the bananas foster cookie bars that these folks make.  And -- I'm lusting after the key lime cookies!

19. UnderGlass--  unusual earrings made from resin -- I own several pairs and I LOVE them!
Free Worldwide Shipping!

20.  Glass River Jewelry-- Please tell my husband that I would love to have one pair of these beautiful floral earrings~ sigh

21.  Andria's Serendipity -- My friend Andria makes unbelievable jewelry from sea glass treasures.  If you love the beach -- you must look here!!  I own several pieces of her beautiful jewelry and I get compliments every time I wear them~ Coupon Code- HOLIDAY10 for 10% discount

22. RedPrariePress -- I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these cotton jersey scarves.  They are like heaven around your neck.  FREE SHIPPING -- info on shop header. 

23.  YouandMeConfections -- beautifully decorated cookies are made in this newly opened ETSY shop.  Their Winter Wonderland cookies are gorgeous! 
Coupon Code Winter2012 for discounts. (5% on orders of $25, 10% on orders over $40)

24.  LeatherDiva -- OMgosh -- just wait till you see these leather and beaded boho chic bracelets! Please tell my husband that I want one of these also!!  FREE SHIPPING!  Also a buy 2 get the third half price offer. 

25. Mosaic Magpie-- My friend Deb is sharing her vintage clothing, altered clothing and her knitting creations with you in her shop.  CouponCode  2BagsfullLOVE for 10% discount 

26.  Jurga Za -- I am in love with these felted boots.  You don't even need to tell my husband -- these just might have to be MY absolute splurge for myself this holiday season.  I think I might even dream about them.   CouponCode - FREESHIPPING  (all the way from Lithuania!!)

~~~~

And -- just in case you might have time to visit one more shop--
I've filled my own ETSY shop with a beautiful selection of snuggly vintage sweater cowl designs. This year's collection is especially lovely -- lots of embroidery, button accents, and even some bling!  I've created a coupon code for free US shipping --and for my international customers  -- a code for 20% discount-- you will find the codes in the shop info.  And~~I'm sharing a special holiday treat with everyone who makes a purchase this next week! Your purchase this next week will include my special gift of one of those beautiful Winter Wonderland cookies from my friends at YouandMeConfections! (**just leave a note in the comments section on your purchase order that you came from the ETSY party and I'll pack the little treat up for you when I send your purchase!) 

(the photo here shows just a sampling of the collection)



And now -- on to some very VERY special folks who are hosting our giveaway!!

1.  Kathy and Gwen's shop is like a virtual flea market. Browsing the pages of this beautiful shop is like spending the day at the flea market of your dreams!!  Filled with amazing vintage treasures, you will feel as though you have rummaged through the best of the flea market treasures -- and still be wearing your flannel pj's!   The vintage part of the shop is directed by Kathy~ (where she finds all this great stuff is beyond me!!)  Her cousin Gwen contributes amazing original artwork.  Gwen's charcoal sketches and oil paintings are  unique and so very beautiful. 

This unbelievable charcoal sketch was a gift to me from Gwen.
(A surprise gift that I truly cherish!)  She created this beautiful sketch by looking at photos on my blog.  The photo shown below was the source for the sketch--

(me and my Maddy girl)

~~~

  Kathy and Gwen have generously donated these beautiful sketches created by Gwen as gifts for my giveaway.  They will come to you already beautifully framed!!  

2.  Rosalind makes beautiful jewelry.  She specialises in wedding jewelry and designs that are "glamorous".  By day -- she gives  wonderful manicures-- you can visit her if you are in the Ft. Lauderdale area!  But in her off time -- she creates.  Her passion for beautiful jewelry is evident in her designs.  Rosalind is offering this glamorous rhinestone design as a giveaway prize for one of you.  The necklace will be available with either a black or  white ribbon of your choice.  You can visit Rosalind in her shop and use coupon code GLAM15 for 10% off when you shop.

3.  My friend Joan is a talented artist who creates lovely hand painted clutch bags.  Her one of a kind, signed by the artist designs can be found in her shop. She is sharing one of her beautiful clutch bags as a giveaway prize for one of you.

 

To win one of these prizes -- simply leave a comment here on this post. (I'd love to here if you had successful shopping!!)
The winners for all of the prizes will be announced right HERE in this location on December 8 -- so be sure to come back here to see if you won! 

*****UPDATE ~~ CONTEST WINNERS 12/8/12*****
1. Carola Bartz - framed Charcoal sketch 
2. Susan (Buttermilk Cottage) - framed Charcoal sketch 
3. Suzie Q - handpainted clutch purse  
4. Rhonda Walker - glam necklace
Ladies - please email me privately with your addresses .  Congrats to all of the winners!!
*This Contest is now CLOSED.* 



 
~~~
So-- let the shopping begin!!  I hope you find some special gifts for everyone on your list!!   

~~~~~~~~

Every week more beautiful scarves arrive for my Pink Scarf Project.  These gorgeous creations (five!!) were donated by an angel who asked that her name not be shared.  She wrote in a note to me that God had blessed her with the talents to knit and crochet and that she just wanted to use those talents to help others. I am so humbled to accept these beautiful gifts -- thank you. 

Sweet Susan has lovingly knitted this beautiful scarf.  The yarn that she used is SO incredibly soft and the fringe is gorgeous!  You can visit Susan at her blog Suztats where she shares her amazing tatting creations, as well as her painting, paper, and fabric designs.  Thank you Susan for your beautiful and generous donation. 

Happy "start of the Holiday season" to you all!

xoxo,

Vicki

ps -- My Grow Your Blog party now has over 120 participants!  There is still time for YOU to sign up!  The party starts January 19th!!!

and ---- lots more PINK scarves just arrived!! They will be coming up soon for you to see!

Getting Ready~~

The Christmas rush has begun and we are only 4 days away from my ETSY Christmas shopping extravaganza!  I've been working days (and nights) listing all the shops who are participating -- as well as some of my own favorites.  In addition -- I've also been working on the winter opening of my own ETSY shop~~ 



My hand knit cowl
made from 100% supersoft alpaca wool.



Designed to keep you snugly and warm!



This is just one of the new items to be featured in my "winter season" display. 



Don't miss the ETSY shopping extravaganza - there will be over 40 shops to visit -- and something for everyone on your Christmas shopping list!  Several of the shops will be offering incentives like free shipping and discounts.  The party begins on Wednesday, November 28 at 9 am EST.   See you there!!

xoxo,
Vicki

Calling all ETSY shop owners!!! (and more PINK scarf photos!!)

Shopping on ETSY is one of my favorite things to do!  ETSY artists are some of the most talented and creative designers in the world.  Christmas shopping time is almost here and I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite ETSY shops with all of you~~~ 

This Christmas, I would like to do something special for my devoted Followers who are also ETSY shop owners~~ I'd like to share links to YOUR ETSY shops with all of my  blog readers.  (perhaps this might help to jump start your Christmas season of sales!)

Here are some guidelines~~

 1. Your shop needs to be ready for Christmas shopping visitors.  Make it look beautiful for your guests!

2. Please leave a comment with a LIVE link to your ETSY shop. (meaning -- when I click on the link it takes me directly to your shop).

3. You might want to consider offering some shopping incentives for your visiting guests. (perhaps a discount code or free shipping). If you plan to do so -- please let me know in your comment. Also please include a one sentence description of your ETSY shop. I will provide the links to your shops -- let folks know if there are any shopping incentives - and write your shop description along with the link.

4. All links need to be left here in my comments NO later than November 25.  I will publish the post on November 28.
 ***(If this little ETSY party is successful -- maybe we can make it an annual event. I love ETSY!)***

Some of my friends who are ETSY shop owners have offered items as gifts for you all.  SO -- when I publish the post on the 28th -- there will also be some WONDERFUL giveaway surprises for you at that time! 

I hope you all will try to be here on the 28th to visit some of the shops that will be listed and to start your own Christmas shopping!  If you are not a frequent visitor to the ETSY website -- you will be amazed by the talents of the folks who create and design there.  If you want to give a special gift this Christmas --this is your opportunity to find it among the artists who are participating!!  So get ready for some great shopping!!!!

~~~~~~~~~~
Some updates--

The response to my Grow Your Blog Party has been absolutely amazing!  In just a few short weeks we have over 80 participants and that number grows every day!! Thank you to everyone who is helping to spread the word!  If you are new to this idea -- you can click the link above for all the info.  The more blogs that participate - the greater the chance of increasing your readers and followers.  If you have not done so -- please consider sharing this info with your blog readers by doing a special post, placing the event Badge on your sidebar -- and tell all of your blogging friends!!!  

~~~~~~~  
The Pink Scarf donations are starting to arrive and I am overwhelmed by the generosity of my readers.  The latest scarfs to arrive are here--

Created by Sylvia and Vilma -- this beautiful scarf is both unique and beautiful. 

Please visit their incredible blog Two Elephants

to see the creative artistry of these generous ladies!

You will be amazed at their creations!!

Sweet Jenny has donated this incredible soft and iridescent scarf.

You can visit Jenny at her blog - The Modest Peacock. 

Jenny is a creative designer who makes precious stuffed elephants.  

She is currently hosting a contest to give away one of these adorable creations on her 

alternate blog -- Lucy Jane's Writing Desk.   

  Two beautiful scarfs were donated by my friend Tanya.

This variegated yarn is so SOFT!!

I love that she made two different patterns from the same yarn~

You can visit Tanya at her blog Bead and Needle.

Donated by Jill from the blog, Untie the Ribbons 

 this purchased scarf is sensational!

With colors so vibrant and bright - this beautiful gift is sure to

bring a smile to the face of someone special!! 

Paisley makes my heart beat faster!!!

This gorgeous purchased scarf was donated by

Jackie from the blog One Creative Cat.

Long enough to wrap around your neck and shoulders --

this scarf is truly exquisite!

Visit Jackie at her blog and ETSY shop to see her unique jewelry creations!

Beautifully crochet with sequined yarn-

Karen's scarf is simply to die for!

You can visit sweet Karen at her blog Todolwen. 

A nest lover like ME, Karen shares her beautiful creations

on her beautiful blog.

~~~~~

Thank you all (from the bottom of my heart) for your generous donations to my Pink Scarf Project. 

For those of you who are not familiar with the project -- you can click the above link.

There is a link on my sidebar as well.  

The Project will run for a year and all of the scarfs will

be donated to women who are fighting their own battles against Breast Cancer.

Everyone who donates a purchased or handmade scarf will

be entered into a contest to win 

this wrap made by me-- 

So-- there is a lot going on here right now!! Lots of opportunities for you all to get involved~~ Grow Your Blogs, donate a scarf, perhaps even  make some Christmas sales from your ETSY shop!!

xoxo,

Vicki

My "Grow Your Blog" Party!! All Bloggers are Invited!! This is THE Official Sign Up post!

***January 15, 2013 - UPDATE
If you are looking for the Grow Your Party list of participants for this years HUGE party -- you will find it here!
~~~~~~~~~


The day I started blogging is etched in my mind forever.  After working for what seemed like hours on my very first post, I held my breath while cautiously (and nervously) -- touching my fingers to the publish button.  One second later, I was a blogger.  At that time, I had no idea how this experience called "blogging" would change my life~~

       

Without ever packing a bag I'm able to visit with some amazing people from all over the world. Over the past couple of years I've developed wonderful relationships with folks on the other side of the world -- friends  that I truly cherish~~
~~

 Dorthe lives in Denmark- she makes mermaids and dolls and beautiful crafts from objects that she finds along the beach near her home.  ~~  Jenny and her husband Enno live in Holland and have the most beautiful garden you have ever seen.  ~~Suzy lives in Australia and works her magic with lace -- an unbelievable talent. ~~  My friend Jo also lives in Australia -- she introduces me to great art,  wonderful recipes -- she is an amazing cook, wonderful books and keeps me always thinking with her inquisitive posts. One more friend in Australia - sweet Neesie, shares her gorgeous artwork on her blog while  writing the most intriquing posts about her interests and life in general. ~~   Jim,Ron,(and Sophie Doodle) live in Nova Scotia- they showcase their amazing scenery on their blog and live life to its fullest -- all through the eyes of their adorable doodle dog - Sophie. ~~  

My dear friend Elaine lives in Canada- we share similar interests in books, movies and PBS series. She has given me some wonderful recommendations! She is also an amazing photographer. ~~   Rod - my knitting extraordinaire friend - lives in Iceland (and I am going to visit him next summer!!)  This experience most certainly would not be happeneing if it were not for blogging!!  ~~ Liz lives in France and makes gorgeous crafts using some This experience most certainly would not have happened had it not been for wonderful items that she buys at the flea markets over there (lucky dog!) ~~ Paul lives in England-- he is an expert on plants and flowers and all things gardening related.  He has taken me to some amazingly beautiful places in England through the pages of his blog.~~ Myriam lives in Germany and is truly a wonderful friend. She is so kind and always remembers me on my birthday :) ~~  

Tammy lives in Kuwait and has introduced me to a whole new culture. She is a talented crafter, a world traveler, and shares some amazing recipes on her beautiful blog. ~~   Delilah lives in Finland, but is moving to England -- a recent graduate of a Master Gardening degree -- she is moving to take a position in one of the great historical gardens in the English countryside.  She makes beautiful jewelry. ~~  Mila lives in Italy in the place of my dreams, Cinque Tere - she is a painter and her designs are exquisite. ~~

Elvira lives in (sigh)--- Tuscany.  Her photography is simply breathtaking.  She shares photos of the Tuscan countryside that are beautiful beyond words- and she has a wild boar that she rescued as a baby -- she keeps her as a pet!  ~~ Catherine lives in Belgium -- she is a children's illustrator and makes beautiful bears.  Her party themed designs are precious.~~   And Maggie -- lives in France - in a beautiful historic Presbytere.  She shares stunning photos from around her home and takes us along on her travels.

~~~   

These aren't just people that I know -- these are people that I love. We have become true friends through this experience called blogging~~

Whether you have been blogging for years or months or just days -- we all want the experience of making new friends and just knowing that there are people "out there" who care about and are interested in our blogs.  We want to be "heard".  We want people to visit - and leave comments -- and come back again and again to read what we write. We want FOLLOWERS!!
~~

My "Grow Your Blog" event is designed to bring more readers and FOLLOWERS to your blogs.  The premise is simple -- visit as many blogs as you can and follow those that interest you.  In turn, those folks will be doing the same thing -- and hopefully everyone will grow a bigger blog! 

We need some guidelines - so here they are~~

~~~

1.  ***Everyone who has a blog is invited!!  Please note - the deadline for entry is January 15!!!***
This is the official SIGN UP Post.  If you want to participate - please leave a comment here on this post.  Make sure you have a valid link to your blog and also tell me how many Followers you have.  ***I am going to place everyone into categories based on the number of followers that you currently have.  While you can certainly visit any blogs and as many blogs as you wish -- those of you with only a few followers may wish to begin your quest by visiting blogs that are similar to yours - so that you can support each other and more quickly add to your follower list.***
~~

2.  PLEASE share the beautiful party badge (created by friend Karen) on your own blogs.  The more people that know about this event -- the better.  We need lots of people to participate so that you have a better chance of "growing your blog!"  Share this information with your blog friends, with your readers and followers -- perhaps do a special post about the event.  Spread the word!! 
~~

3. Just in case you don't get what you want for Christmas (LOL!!) -- lets give away some prizes to our participants!  If you wish (it's NOT a requirement) you may give away a prize.  (Anything you want.)  The rules need to be simple -- anyone can enter, anyone can win - regardless of where they live. There is NO requirement that a person has to be a follower of your blog to win. ***The winner does not have to have a blog -- please make sure that you make that evident on your post -- anyone can enter -- anyone can win.***   Blogging has NO boundaries and you need to be willing to mail your gift anywhere in the world.  Let's all  do the same thing and give our prizes away on February 1, 2013.  You can announce the winner of your giveaway on Your blog.  
~~
4.  **** Please publish your blog post late in the evening of January 18th.  I will publish my post as the host blog -- around midnight on the morning of the 19th.  I'll participate just as you all do - and will have a little give away of my own as well. 

~~
Some suggestions for making this a better and more fun experience for all of us--
~

1. Introduce yourself on your blog.  Tell about who you are and why you started your blog.  If your blog pertains to a particular interest - tell about that also.  In short - let folks know what your blog is about. 
~~

2. Make sure that you go to your blog profile and add your email address to your profile.  There is NOTHING more dreaded than the No-Reply Blogger status on your comment.  People want to be able to reply back to you and if they can't because you have not included your address in your profile -- they may get frustrated.
~~

3. Comment Moderation  spam filter ---We all hate it.  Please consider turning it OFF for this event.  Folks just do not want to sit and have to type in those silly numbers and letters every time they leave a comment.  If you visit 50 or 60 blogs - that might get old really fast. It is totally your choice to turn it off or leave it on -- I am just suggesting that you turn it off.   
~~

4. VERY IMPORTANT -- Be sure that you have your Follower button installed on your sidebar!!!   (It's located in the gadget section of your design page- just click to add it to your sidebar.)  
~~

5.  You might want to consider adding your email address to your sidebar someplace where folks will see it.  (you can add that by using the text gadget)
~~

6.  Put your first name someplace near your blogger profile and share a photo of yourself if you would like.  People want to identify with you and to call you by your first name when they leave their comments.  
~~

7. Please -- we are NOT selling things here.  That is not what this event is about. The purpose of this event is to Meet-Greet- and Grow your blogs! So please don't take advantage of that.  If you have an ETSY shop or website -- just have it listed on your sidebar.  If folks are interested - they will go there. 
~~

8.  If you want to give your blog a new "do" in time for the party --- you might want to contact Karen - she will make your blog look beautiful! 

~~~ 

This is my way of giving back to the blogging community that has given SO very much to me. I feel in my heart that this event has such great potential to help your blogs to GROW and to change your blogging life -- especially if you are a new or novice blogger.  I'm so very excited to have the opportunity to host this event and to invite you all to participate.  My fingers are crossed already -- and we still have to wait 2 months!!!  Lets use that time to spread the word among our fellow bloggers.  Please - Please-- share the information with all of your friends.  Lets make this an unbelievable event!! (and then we can do it again next year!!)

~~~~~

ps -- coming up next -- a little motivation for some pre-Christmas shopping and a little reward for my devoted followers! An I LOVE ETSY Party!! .  I will link to some of my favorite ETSY shops and--- I will link to yours.  If you are one of my devoted followers and your etsy shop is ready for Christmas shoppers -- then I would love to help to bring folks to your etsy shop.  I will have all the info in a post that is coming up soon - so be watching!!

And so it begins~~ the first donation for my "Pink Scarf Project" has arrived.  Donated by the generous souls at the Lady of Fatima Church in Huntington, West Va-- it is beyond beautiful and so very special.  The flower embellishments were added by my friend Janet Yost.  This scarf will bring a smile and a warm hug to someone who is recieving treatments for Breast cancer. 

Please consider participating in this special project.  You may make or purchase a pink scarf for your donation. The scarf you donate could make a difference -- You can find more info on my sidebar-- or here.   

xoxo,
Vicki

My "Pink Scarf Project" -- an Opportunity and a GIVEAWAY!!

The statistics are horrifying~~
It is estimated that over 230,000 women  were diagnosed with breast cancer during this past year. Ninety-five percent of these cases occurred in women 40 years of age and older. As horrid as those numbers are, they are an improvement over the previous year. And those numbers are an improvement over the year before -- thanks to increased awareness, better detection methods, and remarkable new treatments.

YOU ARE ALL INVITED

 to participate

 in my

"Pink Scarf Project."

 Simply stated - it has only one goal~ 

 To bring a smile to the face of a woman who is fighting her own battle with breast cancer. 

You are all invited to participate

 by making or purchasing a scarf for donation.

Do you knit-crochet-sew?

Does your ladies club or craft group need a project?

Does your ladies church group wish to participate?

Your friends-sisters-family?

 
Are you totally NOT crafty?

Would you like to purchase a pink scarf for this project?

The guidelines for this project are simple--

just make or purchase a pink scarf

in any style or design that you wish

as long as it is predominately

PINK.

You may send the scarf  (as many as you wish!)

to me at anytime during this next year. 

This is a year long project and will be ongoing

from October 2012-October 2013. 

~~~

A special address for these donations has been created~

"Pink Scarf Project"

311 West Main Street

Grayson, Ky 41143 

(Please note that this address is for scarf donations only.)

Everyone who participates by making a scarf donation

will be entered into a special contest

to win a beautiful knitted and beaded wrap

that I have created specifically

 for this event~

Featuring exquisite fringe and a beautiful beaded ribbon detail along one end--

this wrap is my one of a kind creation.

I've filled it with heartfelt thanks to all of  you

for participating in this unique project.

This wrap is so very special-

I've poured my heart and soul into making it so exquisite and beautiful for you.

~~~

The winner will be announced  NEXT October 1

as we conclude this year long project

and the

Breast Cancer Awareness nests
make their debut. 

Please come here and leave a comment when you donate a scarf. 
You will be entered to win every time you leave a comment.
You may enter as many times as you wish.  
~~~
Every single scarf that I receive will be photographed 
and featured here on my blog throughout the coming year. 
~~~
I'll share the name of the person or group who made the donation
and link to your blog if you have one.  
~~
If you have a personal message
that you would like me to share along with the photo of your donation-
a memory, a dedication,a message-
Please include it along with the scarf in a note to me.  
(please limit your message to 6 or 8 sentences or a small paragraph) 

The scarves will be collected throughout this next year
October 2012-October 2013.

Next October your gifts of love and support
will be donated to women
who are braving their own battle against
 Breast Cancer.
~~~
Your beautiful scarves will be shared
between two of my friends --
LeAnn and Donna
(fellow bloggers)
 and courageous ladies
who have recently waged their own personal fight against
Breast Cancer.
~~~ 
I wanted these gifts of love to deliver a personal message --
to show women who are undergoing treatment for Breast Cancer
that they are in our hearts and prayers.
~~
Both LeAnn and Donna will
 share your precious gifts with ladies
at centers where they received their own treatments.
~~
(LeAnn is one of the artists contributing to the design of the Breast Cancer Awareness Nest.)   

Please spread the word of this special project amongst your friends --

 both here in blogland and beyond,

by sharing the "Pink Scarf Project" badge

on your own personal blogs. 

~~

You may leave a comment here telling me that

you are sharing the badge

or that you have created a special post. 

(In which case I will love you forever!) 

Everyone who shares the message of this project

(by placing the badge on their blog OR creating a post OR both!!)

will be entered to win a beautiful mini-inspirational quote album

created specifically for this event

by my "oh so talented" friend

Sue Kosec. 

(kosec@sbcglobal.net)

~~~

Filled with quotes

 that define the soul of a woman--

this album will be a keepsake that you will treasure. 

Just leave me a comment here on this post

telling me that you have helped

to spread this message 

about the

"Pink Scarf Project".

~~~

The winner will be announced NEXT October 1
at the conclusion of this year long

Celebration of Women! 

"Make a scarf~ Make a difference."
~~~

I want to thank you all in advance ~ because I know that this is going to be an amazing project.  I know that you will fill my mailbox with your gifts of love and support for women who are desperately fighting for their lives.  This is our way to bring a smile -- to send a hug-- to make a perfect stranger feel that someone cares. "Make a scarf and make a difference."   You guys are the greatest!~~xoxo

~~~

About the photoshoot--

These photos were taken at the home of my middle sister, Belinda. She is truly the sister who has the green thumb - as her flowers and back deck were absolutely gorgeous this summer.  We used quilts that were made by our Mother and Grandmothers.  Belinda was a really good sport to assist me in the taking of these photos - especially since she had just had some minor surgery done just the week before.  Honestly -- I think she had NO idea what she was in for when I casually asked -- "can I come to your house and do the yarn photoshoot for the new nest design?"   It's NO small project to stage and take all of these photos -- it was an ALL day event.  That's her pretty kitty -- Callie, in the photo above -- she liked to help us sometimes :)

~~~~~

Coming up next ---

the OFFICIAL sign up post for my GROW YOUR BLOG project!!! If you want to bring more readers and followers to your blog -- please don't miss this post as this will be your opportunity to sign up to participate.  I will have all of the details in that post!! 

xoxo,

Vicki

This beautiful event badge was created by my friend Karen Valentine.

  A mentor to all of us here in blogland--

Karen is a valuable resource to anyone who needs help with anything related to blogging.

 I can honestly say that my blog would probably not exist

 if it were not for Karen's help and support.

Thank you my friend~