The 12 Days of Christmas [ReDeemed] starts TOMORROW!

I can barely wait!

We've been working hard to pull together this guest blog series and GIVEAWAYS and I know you'll be blessed and excited!

Each day we will  have fun looking at the "gifts" from the famous song, some interesting tidbits, fun pictures or ideas, plus I will introduce you to a guest blogger and their business or blog!  And as if that weren't enough fun - how about some PRIZES?!?!?!?!

I guarentee you won't want to miss out on even one day of this - please check back tomorrow to find out about the BIG Prize :)

Giveaway roundups - don't miss out on these goodies!

The Shabby Chic Cottage is giving away so many pretty things - it's a Christmas Carnival over there!  Hurry, it's only until midnight on Monday!

Fiona and Twig is celebrating her 100th post with and ANTHROPOLOGIE gift card AND something lovely from her Etsy shop!  Open until December 5th :)

Blushing Rose is giving away your CHOICE between 3 nice little Victorian/Tea themed bundles - Drawing on Dec. 1st (the same day we're strating our "12 Days of Christmas [ReDeemed]" guest blogger series - which will also have prizes!)

I think Whataburger heard about our series, because they are copying it!  The 12 Days of Whataburger - sign up to get a coupon for free food every other day from Dec. 2nd - 24th!  (just kidding - they were doing it already, but it made a great segue - right?)  And now for my "Whatababy" Gavin:

A totally serendipitous coordination of clothing and dining choice last spring!

And speaking of babies... (I'm on a roll with the segues - look out!) Pampered Preggo is giving away a "Pamper Yourself" gift basket to the best "Favorite memory of becoming a Mom" story - Enter by Dec. 21st!

And, just because I can - here are 2 more of my favorite pics of my kids:

Christmas 2008

My sweet Ian Wesley Giger
August 3, 2006 - November 5, 2006

SIDS

http://www.firstcandle.org/

My dear friends  - "Love with abandon, Live without regret" (my own quote, discovered after Ian's passing)

Post-turkey thrifting bliss (gone awry)

My family and I have returned from our Thanksgiving pilgrimage.  We usually go to Abilene, TX to visit my extended family, plus my husband's parents live in a town nearby so we get to have a great time with all of our family!

Since my van is out of commission (you might remember my last garage sale fiasco), we were in my hubby's new car.  It's small. Really small.  Once you get 2 adults and 3 kids in, along with all the accoutrements for a long weekend with a baby - there's no room left!  ARRRRGGGGG.

I was reduced to taking pictures of so many lovely things!  I probably wouldn't have bought most of it, but the very fact that I couldn't even consider it made it all so much more appealing!

First stop, Vonnah's at The Old Schoolhouse, Clyde, TX

(watch for the reflection of the camera-guy behind her!)

Doesn't that just make you want to spend a while poking around?  I've passed by this place so many times, unable to stop and spend the time - but with Nana watching the kids and hubby and I on our own, we were free to wander.

These would have definately come home with me, I seem to have a weakness for wrought iron!

I asked my husband if he was opposed to trying things to the top of his new car,

he just gave me a very nasty look!

and all this was just on the porch!  I couldn't even get inside (but you know I tried!  I called the numbers on the door, Vonnah and her husband were in Corpus Christi visiting their grandbabies - shoot!)

So I took pictures through the glass (I know, pathetic!)

One last trip around the grounds - a few more pictures:

I REALLY wanted to [ReDeem] the metal on this old trunk - can you see the detail?

I keep telling my hubby that I need a store for all my finds - I can just see this buggy leaded up with treasures tucked into a corner!

I hope you enjoyed this vicarious thrifting trip - I hope you had better success with your weekend!

Hey, there's always my Cyber Monday sale to look forward to!

Fun and Funky BLACK FRIDAY Steals!

Here is my Black Friday - Cyber Monday special:

FREE SHIPPING on all Home Decor/Artwork priced $25.00 and over

BOGO on all Washer Necklaces, Domino Necklaces and Backgammon Stone Necklaces (equal or lesser value please!)

FREE gift wrap for all Wearable Art (Jewelry) purchases
FREE vintage image snowpeople gift tags for ALL purchases

These deals will start at 12:01 AM Friday and go until 11:59 PM on Monday, first come first served!
The specials do not apply to custom orders or previous purchases.

Now - I'm going to spend the rest of the night updating my Etsy store so you can shop to your heart's content!

Black Friday & Cyber Monday Specials

I will be joining the throngs of sellers offering a special incentive for guests to shop this weekend.

I'm just having trouble coming up with the "right" offer.  Do I do a percentage off, free gift wrap, free shipping?  BOGO (buy one get one)?  I thought that I'd do a little poll here - to get your opinion.  Since "we are few" for the time being, feel free to forward this out to your friends!

Happy Thanksgiving!

The FREE Printable Cards Are Here!

Thank you for visiting my blog!  Please take a minute to look around!  You can follow me on Networked Blogs:

Follow this blog

Pinterest: 

Or my Facebook Pages: 

Noel Giger DFW Jamberry Nails Independent Consultant

Go Purple Save Green - William and Noel Giger, Solavei Members

I've been teasing you with my vintage snowpeople, the fantastic images I pulled from a vintage Christmas card.  The time has come to give those promised gift tags to you!

(isn't he adorable?)

(and his little lady on the inside - precious!)

Please click here to go to the download site. 

These are formatted to print out on Avery business card stock. 

Or, you can just print them out on cardstock and cut them apart :).  Add your own signature ribbon and you're all set!

Did you jazz them up?  Use them in an unexpected way?  I want to see!  Just post it to my Mr. Linky!

My take on a Christmas Wreath

I've been a little quirky for some time now (no big suprise there!)  I came across some vintage Christmas records at a thrift store and thought "now what can I do with these?"  I couldn't come up with anything right away, but I bought them anyway :)

As I went around to my favorite places, I kept thinking about them, just couldn't some up with anything, until one day I was thining about the shape:  round.  Wreaths are round.  Hmm.  Then I found a round Christmas card holder, now all I needed was a backing.  But what?  shop, shop, shop.  I call it research and a business expense (after all I am a redesigner!) Until I found charge plates that had been discarded.  BINGO!

I brought it all to my studio, got out my Dremel and wire, grabbed a vintage drawer pull and set to work.  Here is the finished product:

shown with the super-cute gift tags I'm giving away at my shows, created from an image I copied from a vintage Christmas card!  I'll share the .pdf later so you can all print your own! 

Just click "Follow" to make sure you don't miss out ;)

What do you think?  It's available for $35.00 in my Etsy shop.  :)

I've been traumatized, I went to the MALL

It has been a long time since I went shopping in a mall.  I'm not completely against them, I just have found that I can better express myself, stay within my budget and waste less time if I stay away!

I had to deliver a custom order today and the only convienient time for my customer was at her Estee Lauder appointment.  I arrived about 30 minues early so I decided to look around.  While I adore vintage/retro fashion, and I'm really glad to welcome back some styles, here are 2 that should remain burried in the annals of time:  Leggings. Sweater Dresses

I even did some browsing to find pics to share, but I couldn't stand looking at them!  True, they look great in the catalog, but on real women, eeew.  I saw things that my eyes don't want to remember today!

So, to sooth my weary eyes, here are some funky/boho/vintage inspired/indie finds:

"Lucy" from Red Dress Shoppe

"Some Like it Sweet - Black" by Cocoricooo

Slip Dress by Stacy Leigh Atelier

And now, for some shameless self promotion:
My newest endeavor, clothing with digital art, available at Zazzle:

"Love Heals Surely" my original design on just about anything

This is my retort to the "love kills slowly" message that is going around :)  Don't get me wrong, I like the designs too, and I can "feel" the sentiment - I've been hurt too, many times.  But I've found that True Love heals... surely!  Enjoy!

Fun & Funky Friday: Sew cute - vintage aprons

I love how big business/commerce has finally caught up with the vintage/indie trends.  Have you noticed that everything old is new again?  I guess it was bound to happen!

Here's one that I can feel a little better about:

Simplicity 3544

At least it is a new pattern for something handmade :)

I think if you paired it up with some really cool vintage fabric, like maybe this one:

FB780 from Sharon's Antiques

and trimmed in this:

FB888 from Sharon's Antiques

Of course, you might prefer the real McCoy, here are some deals from Etsy.com:

HeyViv

 

ApronsMore's

UPDATE: This Etsy seller is joing us for the
12 Days of Christmas [ReDeemed] guest blogger series with a FREE apron!

EmilyLynch

I think that wearing a pretty apron like this might make me a better cook, but I'm not gonna chance it, I'm still going to grandma's for Thanksgiving!  And yes, even though I'll be 35 this year, I still have to sit at the kids' table!

Of course, you'll want to bear in mind last Friday's cooking lesson while wearing your Fun and Funky apron!

300 FB fans! The prize goes to...

Fan number 72, Michele E. of Battlecreek, MO!

She'll have a $10.00 gift certificate to spend in my "shop". 
I wonder what she'll choose? 
Maybe one of my hot beverage coasters
(just $8.50 each or a set of 4 for $24.00):

Congratulations Michele!

I will give away a $25.00 gift certificate when we hit 350 fans! 

Want in on the chances?

Fan my FB!

The Twelve Days of Christmas [ReDeemed]

To view the guest blog series, and enter the contests, please click here!

vintage artwork from a lovely card - I've scanned it to use as gift tags. 

Don't worry - you know I'll share!  (update: here it is!)

Our 12 Days of Christmas [ReDeemed] will be arriving soon!  Please check back here to link to your favorite blogger's post.  There will be several giveaways, with a plethera of opportunities to enter (every day!)  Check back frequently!
Here is the roster:
Dec. 1st: A Partridge in a Pear Tree - me
Dec. 2nd: Two Turtle Doves - Chelsey of Joyfully Living and Titus 2 at the Well
Dec. 3rd: Three French Hens - Marcy of The Brocontess
Dec. 4th: Four Calling Birds - Sherri of Design To Shine
Dec. 5th: Five Golden Rings - Patti of Artquest and Running Down the Aisle
Dec. 6th: Six Geese a Laying - Angelique of Six in One Hand...Madness in the Other
Dec. 7th: Seven Swans a Swimming - Courtney of The Art of Beauty
Dec. 8th: Eight Maids a Milking - Lori of [ReDeemed] unique art (welcome to my new artist!)
Dec. 9th: Nine Ladies Dancing - Fawnda of Fireflies and Jellybeans
Dec. 10th: Ten Lords a Leaping - Ashley of The Quintessential Ashley Michelle
Dec. 11: Eleven Pipers Piping - Rhonda of Blue Creek
Dec. 12th: Twelve Drummers Drumming - Melissa of Honey Bee Buzz

Help spread the word, post the button: