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I just love my Allorahandmade necklace. I remember it came on a day when I was feeling like I didn't have anything to match my outfit. It came in the mail just in time for me to wear it out to one of my doctor's appointments. Totally brightened my day.
If you'd like a gift to brighten a cloudy day, try the "Party Sunny" Necklace, pictured to left. It will be given to one lucky Grosgrain reader.
Completely handmade and unique, each piece will have your friends asking "where did you get that!?!"
After much encouragement from friends and family, Jessica finally decided to offer her creations on etsy in hopes that someone else will find inspiration and beauty in what she has fashioned with her own two hands.
When she's not busy mommy-ing, wife-ing, or Allora-ing, Jessica enjoys running and eating. Too bad they cancel eachother out:) She gets giddy hanging out with good girlfriends, eating authentic mexican food, and watching so you think you can dance (i admit it!). She hopes you find something you love, and something that helps you feel like your best self.
Says Jessica, "One of my favorite things is to be able to gift something one of a kind and unique - that was not made in China, but was made by me. This has always been my best creative process- making something beautiful for someone I love. I am constantly amazed and humbled that someone would want to buy something that I made! Wow! Cool!"
For all her up-to-date inspirations and creations, check out her lovely blog.
Many of you said that you would like to enter more giveaways, but have various issues with linking. Of course, I want anyone that is interested in entering a giveaway to be able to do so.Therefore, from now on, giveaways can be entered in three ways:
1) By linking (to your blog, facebook, myspace, or any other site)2) By leaving a comment without a link or
3) By linking and leaving a comment (this will be worth 2 entries which will better your chances of winning). Find more info under the FAQ page.If you are leaving a link just use the 'create a link' at the bottom of this post
or simply creating a post on your blog and including this link.If you use blogger just use the "create a link" link at the bottom of this post. If you don't use blogger, that's fine too. Just create a link on your page as you normally would and I will see it using Technorati.
Create a Link
I once made dolls for my oldest daughter Lily when she turned 3. I didn't know how she would take to them but surprisingly she fell in love with each one. I think she liked the fact that they were soft and looked handmade.
If you also prefer handmade for your little ones please take a look at today's guest giveaway courtesy of The Handmaden.
This darling doll pictured to left is named Lil' Mim! And will be loved by one lucky Grosgrain reader.
She is 12 inches tall, made with natural materials like cotton tricot and stuffed with clean carded wool. Her hair is alpaca yarn and cape and shoes are hand dyed wool felt. Her clothes are removable.
Her character is based on one of her daughters and she is very cute, innocent and often gets herself into trouble!
You can expect to see lots of Lil' Mim dolls appearing in her store, each one unique with her own hair colour and style, skin and eye colour and clothing.
If you would love to custom make a Lil' Mim doll, please convo Kelly to discuss your particular requirements. Prices start at $60 for a 12 inch doll. 10 inch dolls are also available.
And to learn more about Kelly visit her blog at www.thehandmaden.blogspot.com.
Many of you said that you would like to enter more giveaways, but have various issues with linking. Of course, I want anyone that is interested in entering a giveaway to be able to do so.Therefore, from now on, giveaways can be entered in three ways:
1) By linking (to your blog, facebook, myspace, or any other site)2) By leaving a comment without a link or
3) By linking and leaving a comment (this will be worth 2 entries which will better your chances of winning). Find more info under the FAQ page.
If you are leaving a link just use the 'create a link' at the bottom of this post or simply creating a post on your blog and including this link.
If you use blogger just use the "create a link" link at the bottom of this post. If you don't use blogger, that's fine too. Just create a link on your page as you normally would and I will see it using Technorati.
Create a Link
As you might have guessed I love Project Runway.
Last episode the designers had a 'Little Girl' challenge. My dream challenge. I was totally PSYCHED! So many really creative pieces. When Mila was describing the 'itty bitty' dress forms I realized why I love designing children's clothes so much. I love everything miniature. Dollhouses, dogs, dress forms. There's something that delights me about small versions of large things.
I was surprised/disappointed that Jonathan's pieces got such bad reviews. The judges said it was too sophisticated for a child. Maybe that's why I liked it.
When Michael Kors compared the adult version to a toilet paper tornado I had to agree but call me strange I've always thought bridal shower toilet paper wedding gowns were a little beautiful. Couldn't you totally see them using toilet paper for a project runway challenge?! I mean is that far from newspaper?
When my sister and I were teenagers (and well into our 20s) we would share clothes as if our closets were owned by the other. I would go to her house and raid her closet, take a couple new things I liked and then keep them indefinitely. And just in case any of you think ill of me, let me tell you, she would do the same.
Often I would buy something new and somehow it would go missing. A couple months later I'd see it on her as if it were never mine. I think this is a common memory for most girls who have sisters.
This dress sort of reminded me of something I'd steal from her. I really liked the way it looked on me, all soft and flowy. I felt like a Spanish dancer.
This dress has an empire waist. But the best part is the skirt. I made it with two tiers. Not only that but each tier has two full circle skirt cuts. Very wide when open.
The part I liked about the cut is that it is a little shorter at the sides, almost unnoticablely shorter. But it gives the dress and flirty look without looking too short in front (coming down to my knees).
The top is lined with a robin's egg blue trim in the front and back. 
The bottom of the skirt is also lined with trim which makes it bellow out more. If you twirl or move slightly to the left or right the look is amazing! I want to wear this dress to a nice summer on-the-beach party or take a trip to Hawaii and wear it to a luau. Any of you interested?
It's supposed to snow BIG on Thursday. This year has held the record for most snowfall and it doesn't look like it's going to be letting up anytime soon. Thinking of warm weather and Hawaiian luaus makes me sad. Yesterday I rolled down my driver's side window while listening to a song on the radio and longed for a time when I didn't have to roll it back up because of the cold.
Someday soon.
Until then I'll be satisfying my cravings by sewing some tropical weather wear. Hopefully you will benefit from my longing.
And sorry it took me until the afternoon to get this post up. I had a terrible headache last night. Reminded me of when I was pregnant. Not pleasant. I went to bed around 9:30 pm.
Since I'm not down to my pre-baby weight this dress is made to fit a slightly larger size than my previous dresses. However, since it has an empire waist I might suggest that it can fit almost anyone as long as you don't have a bust size over 36".
Also, I received a couple emails about winners. I know I have been horribly behind. I will try to have them up by tomorrow.
Many of you said that you would like to enter more giveaways, but have various issues with linking. Of course, I want anyone that is interested in entering a giveaway to be able to do so.
Therefore, from now on, giveaways can be entered in three ways:
1) By linking (to your blog, facebook, myspace, or any other site)2) By leaving a comment without a link or
3) By linking and leaving a comment (this will be worth 2 entries which will better your chances of winning). Find more info under the FAQ page.
If you are leaving a link just use the 'create a link' at the bottom of this post or simply creating a post on your blog and including this link.
If you use blogger just use the "create a link" link at the bottom of this post. If you don't use blogger, that's fine too. Just create a link on your page as you normally would and I will see it using Technorati.
Create a Link
I was very excited to find a package in my mailbox on Saturday. I love getting packages! I never know exactly what's inside. I've been doing a lot more online shopping since the baby was born. Not just for big things either. I find it's a lot easier to get things done. Some of my recent purchases were mascara and static spray.
So when I opened it I was delighted to discover that it was a complimentary Pod Swaddler from Hannah of While They Sleep who had hosted a guest giveaway a few months ago.
As you can see, little Eloise has been quite cozy all swaddled up in bed.
Thank you Hannah!
And readers, please stop by tomorrow. I should have my newest dress up by the morning! I'm very excited about the look. It might just be my favorite so far.
I love a good down pillow. But it's difficult to find quality down filled pillows for children. When I saw this one I loved it immediately!
Handmade by the Pillow Factory, this pillow is truly a labor of LOVE.
And the one to the left belongs to one lucky Grosgrain reader!
It features a 95% duck / 5% down feather pillow form with a milky white linen cover with appliqued felt letters. The letters have been hand cut by the creative hand behind the Pillow Factory, Gioia.
The front is batted with a 97% cotton batting and muslin backing to give the pillow some structure and "strength" while remaining soft.
Envelope back closure that makes it easy to remove the case from the pillow form.
Gioia loves vintage fabric. At the Pillow Factory you'll find one.of.a.kind pillows that have been made entirely by her. Most of the fabrics used in the pillows have been selected at estate sales and are 100% pure-lovely vintage.
In choosing fabric she gravitates toward floral and geometric motifs, but really anything that catches her eye and that has bright colors.
These precious "finds" regularly come to her in the form of fabric by the yard but also dish towels, table runners, pillow cases, sheets, garment remnants. All of them are machine washed before the creation process.
Gioia is an Italian girl who moved to Southern California from a small town not far from Venice, Italy. She has lived here in the U.S for 3 years now, after marrying her husband, Patrick . She work part-time while finishing up a degree in Textile Restoration that she started in Florence.
She started her little Etsy shop to make a couple extra bucks while doing what she absolutely loves the most: sewing and making functional stuff. Sewing is one of the best "tools" her mom has equipped her with and she will always be thankful for the gift she has given her.
During her free time she loves to spend time with Patrick and friends. She also likes estate sales, rummage sales and thrift stores where she looks for fabric for her projects, fun clothes and stuff for the house.
Until March 10th (in the us only) Gioia is offering free shipping on everything in her shop. International customers will get 10% off the item price. Please convo Gioia before purchase to take advantage of this offer. Include your item desired, name- so she can reserve it and list it with the correct price, and say that grosgrain sent you!
Many of you said that you would like to enter more giveaways, but have various issues with linking. Of course, I want anyone that is interested in entering a giveaway to be able to do so. Therefore, from now on, giveaways can be entered in three ways:
1) By linking (to your blog, facebook, myspace, or any other site)2) By leaving a comment without a link or3) By linking and leaving a comment (this will be worth 2 entries which will better your chances of winning). Find more info in FAQ.
If you are leaving a link just use the 'create a link' at the bottom of this post or simply creating a post on your blog and including this link.If you use blogger just use the "create a link" link at the bottom of this post. If you don't use blogger, that's fine too. Just create a link on your page as you normally would and I will see it using Technorati.
Shabby Apple's new Central Park line is now out! To celebrate Shabby Apple is hosting a giveaway of my favorite dress from their new line, The Shakespeare Garden dress! (pictured to left).
Exuberant yellow poplin tucks across the bust of this empire-waist frock, and descends in petite pleats to the full, knee-length skirt. Topped with a portrait neckline and exposed pink zipper, Shakespeare Garden is the perfect combination of playful and feminine.
This dress will be offered in the winner's choice of size.
Many of you said that you would like to enter more giveaways, but have various issues with linking. Of course, I want anyone that is interested in entering a giveaway to be able to do so.
Therefore, from now on, giveaways can be entered in three ways:
1) By linking (to your blog, facebook, myspace, or any other site)2) By leaving a comment without a link or3) By linking and leaving a comment (this will be worth 2 entries which will better your chances of winning). Find more info in FAQ.
If you are leaving a link just use the 'create a link' at the bottom of this post or simply creating a post on your blog and including this link.
If you use blogger just use the "create a link" link at the bottom of this post. If you don't use blogger, that's fine too. Just create a link on your page as you normally would and I will see it using Technorati.
I took a quick trip to Target yesterday on a lark. They had some really fabulous Merona tops and dresses! Unfortunately none of them were on sale:( By the time they are none of them will be in my size.
Here's a tip. If they are sold out in the stores you can look online and I've often found my size there. Plus, if you spend over $50 you don't have to pay for shipping. PLUS, you can often find coupon codes for 10% off your order in a quick google search.
Anyway, I'm getting off track. They had some really J.Crew worthy ruffle tops. This yellow one to the left.
It looks much better in person. And this pink top. The yellow looks really great paired with a dark navy cardigan. They look really fabulous from the back around the nape of the neck.
Another really great J.Crew-esque top I bought at Forever 21 here.
But if I were you I'd look into this pattern. Because making capes are SUPER EASY and really cheap. You only need about one yard of material. They make a good beginners projects. Your daughter will look like she's sporting one-of-a-kind clothes shipped from an expensive UK store.
Be sure to come back tomorrow because I have a very special surprise that I think all of you will LOVE!!
Here's a great site I visit everyday. I often pull ideas from it to post on Grosgrain. It is updated constantly.
CraftGossip covers news written by craft people telling you about all the good stuff. They scour the net looking for the best craft ideas and projects and review them for you.
Check out this free zipper pouch pattern.
They have divided their blog into many sub-blogs, covering topics ranging from knitting, crochet, bath and body, jewelry making, scrapbooking, MY FAVORITE sewing crafts, recycled crafts, needlework, edible crafts, indie crafts, stamping, lesson plans, glass art, quilting, polymer clay and felting.
Each of these sub-blogs is managed by its own dedicated editor, so you know that you are getting personalized attention.
Check out how to make your own personal candy hearts.
Check out this tutorial on fabric dying.
Check out this inventive card table tent!
And if you come across a new crafty idea, gossip or story that you think their readers should know about, or perhaps you would like to tell the whole world about your Etsy shop, or your own online store or website then tell the editors about it!
I've decided to post new winners to the front page of Grosgrain and/or on the sidebar so that more people can see whether or not they've won.
Please email grosgrainwinners@gmail.com.
The lucky winner of the Baby Bees Boutique Guest Giveaway is Carmel of "Mello".
Please contact me to claim your prize!
Oooo, so many to choose from! Today's guest giveaway comes from Strapped Belts! The winner will choose a glass buckle from over a hundred handmade options with a colored belt to match! Worth over $65!
John Frechette launched Strapped Belts® in 2008 as a result of life's twists and turns. After his employer went bankrupt, he was "Strapped" for cash and "Strapped" for a job.
Originally from Boston, Frechette attended The Taft School in Connecticut then, Amherst College in Massachusetts. His career path started on Wall Street and landed him in Jackson Hole, WY. John has always had an interest in Photography and Painting but it was not until he arrived in Jackson Hole that he fell in love with glass.
Kiln formed glass started as an attempt to explore a new medium and has turned into a passion. John has studied under glass artists and instructors including Richard Parrish of Fusio Studio in Bozeman Montana, Bonnie Celeste of Bullseye Glass in Portland Oregon and Charlotte Potter of Charlotte Potter Design in Providence Rhode Island.
Focusing on good technique and contemporary design, Frechette has created a line of handmade wearable art.
Starting with fused and kiln formed glass belt buckles, Strapped hit the ground running. Demand for the accessories line quickly allowed for expansion into earrings, cufflinks, pendants and rings. Strapped also has a line of kiln formed plates, and tableware.
Want to catch the latest from Strapped? Check out John Frechette on his personal website and Facebook.
And until Feb. 14 enter XOXOXO at checkout and receive 20% off your order!
Many of you said that you would like to enter more giveaways, but have various issues with linking. Of course, I want anyone that is interested in entering a giveaway to be able to do so.
Therefore, from now on, giveaways can be entered in three ways:
1) By linking (to your blog, facebook, myspace, or any other site)2) By leaving a comment without a link or3) By linking and leaving a comment (this will be worth 2 entries which will better your chances of winning).
Find more info under the FAQ page.
If you are leaving a link just use the 'create a link' at the bottom of this post or simply creating a post on your blog and including this link.
If you use blogger just use the "create a link" link at the bottom of this post. If you don't use blogger, that's fine too. Just create a link on your page as you normally would and I will see it using Technorati.
I've decided to post new winners to the front page of Grosgrain and/or on the sidebar so that more people can see whether or not they've won.
Please email grosgrainwinners@gmail.com.
The lucky winner of the "Milk and Honey Maternity Frock" Grosgrain Giveaway is JK of "Care to Join Me?"
Please contact me to claim your prize!
Like not spending money?