I Need Help, Mamas

I don't usually do posts like this on this blog, but I am on the verge and I need some advice from other mamas of little ones. About a week ago, I went on a Nature Walk with the boys collecting leaves and sticks and rocks (and dried dog poop the boys thought were rocks-so gross), and during the walk Milo fell. Since he was holding on tightly to his Nature Bucket, his little fist was clenched and he ended up badly scraping his thumb. Not just any old thumb-his sucking thumb.
We went home and cleaned up the thumb, and he attempted to suck it, but it would hurt, so he would yell at it, "Stop it, you thumb!" then he would try to suck it for comfort, but it would hurt and he'd yell at it again, and the sad cycle would continue. Eventually, he stopped sucking the thumb. It has now been about a week, and he seems to be weaned off of the thumb-sucking habit.
Now, I know what you're thinking. you think that's awesome! A little sad, but now he's weaned and I don't have to paint his thumb with hot sauce or put in some kind of dental apparatus! I would totally agree with you except that as I type this I am coming off of a 2+ hour screaming, throwing stuff tantrum from a 2-year-old who does not know how to nap without his thumb. In fact, he's just now crawled back into my lap to scream at me some more. I did get him down for about half an hour in the car, but when we transferred back into the house he woke up a bit, couldn't use his thumb to re-settle, and totally woke up. This has been daily since the thumb injury. Sometimes he naps in the car. If not, he passes out late in the evening and then has a very hard time going to sleep at bedtime. It has been a hell of a week, and I am exhausted, frustrated, and have no idea what to do. I've even tried encouraging him to suck on the mostly-healed thumb again, but he'll have none of it.
He used to go down sooooo easily with the thumb. Climb into my lap whenever he was ready, suck his thumb and pass out. I never even considered weaning him from the thumb this early because he can be a very emotional kid, and it brought him such comfort when he went into freak out mode. I really don't know what to do. I can't drive him down for a nap every day-even that takes 45 minutes to do. I've tried hugging him, rocking him, watching TV with him. Walking away from him...He sleeps in a bed, not a crib, so I can't even toss him in and hope he passes out.
Okay, so we're in a full-on scream fest right now. Any advice or experience with something like this would be appreciated!

Craft Swap - Goldfish Purse & Zipper Clutch

(Looking for Giveaway Week prizes and winner announcements? Click HERE)

Giveaway Week is wrapping up. The first winner was announced today. Remember that there are still four giveaways left, so get your entries in! I'd like to step back into my world for a minute and share another of the craft swaps from a few weeks ago. For this swap, my partner was Kris from Everywhere Orange. and she made me this awesome zipper clutch.

I really love everything about this purse. Every one of those zippers is functional, and the color combo is exactly "me." Thank you so much, Kris! It's perfect! She writes more about it here and has a few more pictures.

If you pop over to her blog, you'll notice that Kris kind of likes the color orange. A little bit. So, I came up with this goldfish purse for her:

It's really more style than function because of the size, but I still like the way it turned out. I backed the circles with iron-on interfacing before cutting them out to help reduce the fraying, but I always like a little messiness. The brass chain is put on there using lobster clasps, so it can be adjusted a bit or hung off of a belt loop.

Giveaway Week!

I thought it would be easier to list all of the giveaways in one spot. Please see individual posts for rules and restrictions, as they vary for each giveaway. And remember, only one entry per person into each giveaway, but enter as many of them as you like! I'll list the winners on this post, too, so come back here to see who won!


Giveaway Week Giveaways!

All giveaways end at 11:00AM PST on the date listed. Winners announced at noon in the same day

1) Rainbow Dolls, 12" waldorf doll - ends Monday 10/25
fan Rainbow Dolls on Facebook, then leave a comment to enter
WINNER: Ditzydaisy27

2) Hot Pink Chick, rose locket - Ends Tuesday 10/26
fan Hot Pink Chick on Facebook, then leave a comment to enter
WINNER: K@tie
Not you? visit Hot Pink Chick on Etsy and get 10% off your entire purchase (shipping not included) until October 31, 2010 using Promo code HDS Blog


3) Miranda R. Mueller Illustration, $50 gift certificate- ends Wednesday 10/27
fan Miranda R. Mueller Illustration on Facebook, then leave a comment to enter
WINNER: Maureen D.
Not you? visit Miranda R. Mueller's Baby Boutique and get 20% off your entire purchase (shipping not included) until December 20, 2010 using Promo code Belina2


4) Northern Lodge, autumn blend scarf - ends Thursday 10/28
visit Northern Lodge on Etsy, then leave a comment with your favorite item to enter
WINNER: TopHat
Not you? visit Northern Lodge on Etsy and get 10% off your entire purchase (shipping not included) until November 30, 2010 using Promo code 204060


5) {...a place for twiggs}, fine art prints - ends Friday 10/29
fan {...a place for twiggs} on Facebook, then leave a comment to enter
WINNER: Liz
Not you? visit {...a place for twiggs} on Etsy and get 30% off your entire purchase (shipping not included) until November 30, 2010 using Promo code  "there is no place like twigg's place"



PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE COMMENTS ON THIS POST TO ENTER GIVEAWAYS! You must enter on the individual posts. I've put links to each of the comment sections to make it easier. If you leave an entry comment here, it will not count. Any other comments or questions are welcome!

Giveaway Week - A Place for Twiggs

Today is the very last day of Giveaway Week! Winners will be announced all next week, so make sure you enter into all of these great giveaways before they close!

Today we are bringing you a fresh face of Etsy. a place for twiggs offers fine art photographic prints with a modern/vintage style. Up for grabs is this delicious set of two 5x7 prints, oh cherry me and will you bake a sweet cupcake for me.

*the {twiggs} watermark will not appear on your original piece

Description: Hello, this is twiggs and i shall present you these sweet moments in a girl's kitchen. things are not always beautiful & organized, but when baking a cupcake.... why not gather all the delicious ingredients and let them have the huge importance they have even before baking time? And because we know that we must not eat just sweets... a little bit of fruit is quite healthy. and these sweet & dark cherries just were up to their role... joining doilies for makeup... here they are in a very delicious style!
Materials: a little bit of magic and light!
Dimensions: these sweet moments are all in 5x7
Retail value: each of these are worth $17... so you have yourself a kitchen duet for free, specially for you!


I asked twiggs to answer a few questions about herself and her work, and every one of her answers put a smile on my face. Details on how to enter the giveaway follow the interview.

Tell us a little bit about yourself: 
i am an ordinary girl, living an ordinary life... still, want to be able to express myself through photography & illustration. i write on {...a place for twiggs}...

take me with you

... because i love to meet people from all over the world
... because i want to spread the word on talented artists

And a little about the items you sell: 
loving photography i have discovered that a little camera can change your daily life... for the simple fact (and this will sound like a clichet) that you explore the world through a more creative eye... you find beauty in random details... you open your eyes... for real. and selling my prints... is a way of sharing that beauty with others.

What is your creative process and environment like? (for example: Are you a rigid planner or do you wing it? Do you work to music or silence? Messy or neat?)
being a "photographer", i really must do it with the wind... i always (and this is a real "always") have my camera with me... would have also my lomo camera with me, if it wasn't that big, but i am always prepared. however, the processing moment has to be felt... sometimes i try to make something out of a picture and i do not feel i can do it in that moment. so i just stop... inspiration will come. and when it does... it feels like you just found gold in your little exploration. your eyes sparkle & think "this is it... i love it!"

When you're not creating, what do you do?  i am a training director in an health company, and graduated pshycologist.

the red balloons

Quick! What is your favorite: 
Cookie: chocolate
Sappy love song: maybe john legend
T-shirt: white one...
Nail polish color: something between red & orange in the summer... pale pink in the winter... so classic :)
Vegetable: tomatoes (when these count as a vegetable!)... ok, ok, lettuce... always in various kinds... i could eat them every day!

Where can we find you online?
Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/aplacefortwiggs
Facebook Fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Twiggs-Place/108814529180117
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/aplacefortwiggs
Blog: http://aplacefortwiggs.blogspot.com/
Tumblr: http://aplacefortwiggs.tumblr.com/

Is there anything else you'd like us to know before we say goodbye?
i wish you all a sweet day... & always remember... as mr sinatra said... the best is yet to come. so please... smile & be good.

the fall collection

SPECIAL DEAL
a place for twiggs is offering a special deal to Hideous! Dreadful! Stinky! readers. You can get 30% off your entire purchase (shipping not included) until November 30, 2010. That's about $5 off a 5x7 print! Mention the promo code "there is no place like twigg's place" when you check out and she will apply the discount to your purchase.

HOW TO ENTER

To enter the a place for twiggs giveaway, become a fan/like a place for twiggs on Facebook, then come back here and leave a comment letting me know (Already a fan? Just leave a comment and let me know!). Make sure I have a way to contact you if you win - an email address or a username to message you via Facebook, Twitter, Etsy convo, Blogger, etc.

Giveaway is open to US residents & International residents  ("every lovely reader... with a sweet tooth... or healthy one as well!") - see official rules for details


Only one entry per person (NOT per day)

Giveaway ends Friday, October 29, 11:00AM PST

OFFICIAL RULES

• Giveaway closes on Friday, October 29, 2010, at 11:00AM PST. Comment datestamps must be recorded by that date/time to be eligible. 
• Winner will be chosen by random drawing and will be announced on Friday, October 29, 2010, at 12:00 NOON PST.
• The giveaway is open to both US and International participants. Please be aware that items ship from Portugal and may take some additional time to arrive.
• Minors under the age of 18 must have parental/guardian permission to enter (if you are under 18, we will need to contact your parent(s)/guardian if you win and make sure they said it was okay-so ask permission before you enter).
• I will announce the winner on my blog and make every attempt to contact the winner. You may wish to leave your email address in your comment, or a place where I can message you via Facebook, Twitter, Etsy, etc. If the winner doesn't respond within 10 days, a new winner will be chosen.
• Item will be shipped directly by a place for twiggs via Portuguese Mail Office. Expedited shipping and/or insurance may be purchased by the winner for an addtional fee (per a place for twiggs Shop Policies). Item will NOT be insured against damage by the postal system unless additional insurance is purchased. Payable via PayPal.
• Hideous! Dreadful! Stinky! (Marigold Haske) is not responsible for loss/damage and/or disputes concerning the winning item. If there is a concern about the giveaway itself, please contact Marigold. Once the winner has been selected, all concerns will be handled between a place for twiggs and the winner. 
• All a place for twiggs Shop Policies apply to the winning item as if it was a purchased item from Etsy.
• By entering this giveaway, you are complying to the official rules as they have been laid out here :) 

Please visit a place for twiggs Etsy:

Giveaway Week - Northern Lodge

Today's giveaway comes from Northern Lodge on Etsy. Patti, the shop owner, makes all kinds of rustic and primitive accents and accessories. Today she is offering her beautiful Autumn Leaves scarf, a perfect addition to your fall wardrobe!

Description: If you are a fan of Autumn, then the tones and textures in these harvest blend scarves will be perfect for you. A variety of textures and fall colours are blended together to create a soft, thick scarf. This scarf blends three yarns together-and the colours are like those found in nature-rich and full of life-yellows, reds,oranges, greens, golds and rusts.
Materials: acrylic yarns
Dimensions: 6 inches wide, 6 feet long
Retail value: $25


I asked Patti to tell us a little bit about herself and her work. Details on how to enter the giveaway follow the interview.

Tell us a little bit about yourself: 
Biologist by day, crafter by night and weekend...putting my ADHD to work for me. Avid gardener, and birder. Raised in NW Ontario, total tomboy, outdoorsy kind of person. Mom of three boys, and one girl-who also has a vintage clothing etsy shop.

And a little about the items you sell: 

Reflect my love of nature, and I do my best as a Biologist to create responsibly by incorporating eco-friendly materials into my work. 


What is your creative process and environment like? (for example: Are you a rigid planner or do you wing it? Do you work to music or silence? Messy or neat?)
I'll master organization in my NEXT life. Music and a nice fire crackling in the wood stove during the Winter. I generally sit in the woods to do beadwork.

When you're not creating, what do you do? I didn't realize that was an option.

Quick! What is your favorite: 
Cookie: Russian teaballs
Sappy love song: My Girl
T-shirt: something plain
Nail polish color: too girly for me
Vegetable: Red peppers

Where can we find you online?
Northern Lodge on Etsy, rustic cabin accents
Cabin Windows on Etsy, primitive antiques and vintage finds

Is there anything else you'd like us to know before we say goodbye?
When I first joined etsy, admin sent me a convo about having more than one person in my shop..I guess they never met anyone with craft ADHD before.

SPECIAL DEAL
Northern Lodge is offering a special deal to Hideous! Dreadful! Stinky! readers. You can get 10% off your entire purchase (shipping not included) until November 30, 2010. Mention the promo code 204060 when you check out and she will apply the discount to your purchase.

HOW TO ENTER

To enter the Northern Lodge giveaway, visit Northern Lodge on Etsy, then come back here and leave a comment letting me know what your favorite item is in the shop. Make sure I have a way to contact you if you win - an email address or a username to message you via Facebook, Twitter, Etsy convo, Blogger, etc.

Giveaway is open to US residents & International residents with restrictions - see official rules for details

Only one entry per person (NOT per day)

Giveaway ends Thursday, October 28, 11:00AM PST

OFFICIAL RULES

• Giveaway closes on Thursday, October 28, 2010, at 11:00AM PST. Comment datestamps must be recorded by that date/time to be eligible. 
• Winner will be chosen by random drawing and will be announced on Thursday, October 28, 2010, at 12:00 NOON PST.
• The giveaway is open to both US and International participants. However, Northern Lodge will provide free shipping to US participants only. INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPANTS PLEASE READ: Northern Lodge will cover up to $10 USD of shipping and handling to International locations. International participants must make up any costs above $10 USD, including any customs duties, fees, levies, and taxes. Payable via PayPal.
• Minors under the age of 18 must have parental/guardian permission to enter (if you are under 18, we will need to contact your parent(s)/guardian if you win and make sure they said it was okay-so ask permission before you enter).
• I will announce the winner on my blog and make every attempt to contact the winner. You may wish to leave your email address in your comment, or a place where I can message you via Facebook, Twitter, Etsy, etc. If the winner doesn't respond within 10 days, a new winner will be chosen.
• Item will be shipped directly by Northern Lodge via USPS Mail. Expedited shipping and/or insurance may be purchased by the winner for an addtional fee (per Northern Lodge Shop Policies). Item will NOT be insured against damage by the postal system unless additional insurance is purchased. Payable via PayPal.
• Hideous! Dreadful! Stinky! (Marigold Haske) is not responsible for loss/damage and/or disputes concerning the winning item. If there is a concern about the giveaway itself, please contact Marigold. Once the winner has been selected, all concerns will be handled between Northern Lodge and the winner. 
• All Northern Lodge Shop Policies apply to the winning item as if it was a purchased item from Etsy.
• By entering this giveaway, you are complying to the official rules as they have been laid out here :) 

Please visit Northern Lodge on Etsy:

Giveaway Week - Miranda R. Mueller Illustration

I can't rave enough about today's giveaway! I met Miranda R. Mueller when she was in graduate school for illustration with my husband at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Miranda's work is, in a word, adorable.You just want to snuggle and pinch everything she draws.

Recently, when my 2-year-old son, Milo, "moved in" with big brother Huck, I asked Miranda to create a name sign to hang in their room to commemorate the occasion. We worked together on the concepts (what the boys like, their personalities, the fact the Milo ALWAYS wears a super hero cape and Huck ALWAYS wears his red overalls, etc.), and she presented me with some sketches. We went back and forth a few times, and the result is this completely customized 11 x 14 piece that now hangs in their room:

Bros. Haske name illustration by Miranda R. Mueller

For today's giveaway, Miranda is offering a $50 gift certificate for a personalized name illustration. The certificate will get you one 8x10 piece, or, if you wish, you can use it towards a larger piece. The certificate is good for one year and it is transferable (meaning you may give it to someone else as a gift!). This is not something where you chose a template and plug in a name-you actually work directly with the artist to create a one-of-a-kind, hand illustrated piece of art.

further examples of personalized name illustrations

Description: A  gift certificate from Miranda R. Mueller Illustration, good  for one 8x10 name illustration*- original art totally customized for you.  Let the artist  design an illustration as unique as your child:  match your nursery decor,  feature your child's favorite things, or just look darned cute with various animals that share the same first letter of your child's name. Bright happy colors and bold letters stimulate your baby's interest and encourage older children to read their name. Great for baby shower gifts too!  
*may also be used towards the purchase of a larger piece
Materials: Recycled content toned paper, prismacolor pencils, ink and optional stitching. Can also create custom sewed pieces from fabric scraps from your nursery linens
Dimensions: 8x10
Retail value: $50


I asked Miranda to talk a little bit about herself and her work. Details on how to enter the giveaway follow the interview.

Tell us a little bit about yourself: 
I'm an artist and avid organic gardener currently living in Austin, TX. Raised an Oregonian mountain girl, I'm passionate about the environment and animals and try to always be respectful of those priorities in my work. My greatest goal is to inspire and educate children and parents to care for the environment and live as responsible human beings on this planet. As a child, I loved reading and as a children's book illustrator I  reach out to children to inspire them to love to read and delve into the wonderful world of literature.


And a little about the items you sell: 

I started creating my name illustrations about the time my friends and family started having babies. Original art is always a wonderful gift and it's so wonderful to take what I know of my friends and their children to craft a beautiful, original gift that can hang in their rooms for years to come. I choose colors that will intrigue babies and can customize the palette to match the decor of the nursery. I always feature the child's name prominently in the illustration to encourage the child's interest in reading and becoming familiar with their name.

name sign from nursery linens

I've recently introduced the option to have the child's name sewn onto fabric taken from the nursery: parents can send me the scraps and i can transform them into a vibrant, stretched canvas.

Additionally, most work on my website is available for purchase - either the original illustrations or prints.


What is your creative process and environment like? (for example: Are you a rigid planner or do you wing it? Do you work to music or silence? Messy or neat?)

an early sketch of Bros. Haske illustration

My ideal workspace would include a cup of tea and a snack, well organized colored pencils, pens - tape - rulers all in their allocated positions, and Radio Lab or This American Life streaming on my laptop. My ACTUAL workspace includes one messy desk, another messy drafting table, and a sewing desk littered with projects. My life and working process improve drastically when I organize myself, so I try to keep things relatively tidy, but with a rapidly shedding and cute puppy demanding training sessions it can be tricky. I definitely like to work to voices - friends have always been irritated by my addiction to NPR news shows - but there's something about listening to stories that helps me to let go of my fingers and allow them to flow on the page. I have a very tight process - thumbnails, sketches, finals all with opportunities for revision and feedback from my clients. It's nice to have a process that works because both I and my clients know what to expect.


When you're not creating, what do you do? 
Time not spent in my studio is generally spent in the front yard tending my various organic vegetable gardens, in the backyard with my 4 hens that I raised from chicks, or bopping around town with my Corgi pup, Pocket. Gardening makes me sane and growing my own organic vegetables helps my cooking taste even more delicious. I love to cook and I love to eat - a dangerous combination. If you visit my house you will see all manners of projects in the works: fermenting pickles or yogurt, baking dog biscuits, a percolating pressure canner full of chicken stock, and you'll most likely smell some delicious aromas. I'm passionate about cooking healthy and super delicious food that is both good for the environment and for the longevity of my husband's and my well being, and love that I can walk out to my yard and pick what's in season and develop our dinner menu around that.
You can find out more about my sustainable living practices, including recipes and gardening tips on my urban homesteading blog, An Austin Homestead. You can also see some of the other art and body products created by a collaboration between me and my husband at The Relic Jar.

Quick! What is your favorite: 
Cookie: Chocolate Variety Cookie (a soft in the center, crispy at the edge, fudgy cookie best eaten frozen)
Sappy love song: In Your Eyes, Peter Gabriel
T-shirt: A tie dye i bought in Eugene when i was 13 and have since worn to a frazzle. I do NOT give up on a garment!
Nail polish color: electric blue. toe nails are painted this color at all times - my tattoos even match.
Vegetable: broccoli or kale

Where can we find you online?

Baby Boutique
Facebook Fan Page
Illustration News/Blog
An Austin Homestead, an urban homesteading & sustainable living blog
The Relic Jar

Is there anything else you'd like us to know before we say goodbye?
Probably. I met my husband at SCAD. I learned to follow crochet patterns to make a baby present for Huck. I play the cello - aka I practice the cello about 4 times a year. I enjoy very delicious fine wine, but purchase really awful cheap wine because I lack disposable income. I love to hike and explore and camp and get really dirty out in the wilderness. I am more often an animal than a human being and have bad knees because I would gallop on all fours being a horsey or dog until the age of 8 or 9. I have no idea how to use an iPod. I am a Trekie with preference for TNG or DS9. My husband and I often break into spontaneous dance parties in the kitchen.
I think that is all.

E is for Eleanor, commissioned gift

SPECIAL DEAL
Miranda is offering a special deal to Hideous! Dreadful! Stinky! readers. You can get 20% off your entire purchase (shipping not included) until December 20, 2010. Mention the promo code Belina20 when you contact Miranda to commission a piece, and she will apply the discount to your purchase.
Prices for original illustrated pieces:
5x7 - regularly $35, with promo just $28
8x10 - $50, with promo just $40
11x14 -$100, with promo just $80

HOW TO ENTER

To enter the Miranda R. Mueller $50 Gift Certificate giveaway, become a fan/like Miranda R. Mueller Illustration on Facebook, then come back here and leave a comment letting me know (Already a fan? Just leave a comment and let me know!). Make sure I have a way to contact you if you win - an email address or a username to message you via Facebook, Twitter, Etsy convo, Blogger, etc.

Giveaway is open to US residents only - see official rules for details

Only one entry per person (NOT per day).

Giveaway ends Wednesday, October 27, 11:00AM PST

OFFICIAL RULES

• Giveaway closes on Wednesday, October 27, 2010, at 11:00AM PST. Comment datestamps must be recorded by that date/time to be eligible. 
• Winner will be chosen by random drawing and will be announced on Wednesday, October 27, 2010, at 12:00 NOON PST.
• The giveaway is open to US participants only.
• Minors under the age of 18 must have parental/guardian permission to enter (if you are under 18, we will need to contact your parent(s)/guardian if you win and make sure they said it was okay-so ask permission before you enter).
• I will announce the winner on my blog and make every attempt to contact the winner. You may wish to leave your email address in your comment, or a place where I can message you via Facebook, Twitter, Etsy, etc. If the winner doesn't respond within 10 days, a new winner will be chosen.
• Item will be shipped directly by Miranda R. Mueller via USPS Priority Mail. Shipping & Handling fee is included for an 8x10 illustration only. Additional shipping costs for larger pieces, fabric pieces and/or expedited shipping and/or insurance may be purchased by the winner for an addtional fee. Item will NOT be insured against damage by the postal system unless additional insurance is purchased. Payable via PayPal.
• Hideous! Dreadful! Stinky! (Marigold Haske) is not responsible for loss/damage and/or disputes concerning the winning item. If there is a concern about the giveaway itself, please contact Marigold. Once the winner has been selected, all concerns will be handled between Miranda R. Mueller Illustration and the winner. 
• All Miranda R. Mueller Illustration Policies apply to the winning item as if it was a purchased item.
• By entering this giveaway, you are complying to the official rules as they have been laid out here :) 

Giveaway Week - Hot Pink Chick

Today's giveaway item comes from Hot Pink Chick. Bonnie, the shop owner, creates jewelry and hair accessories that possess both a modern simplicity and vintage, romantic style. The results are pieces that are elegant enough for a bride, but hip enough to pair with jeans.

Hot Pink Chick is graciously offering a rose flower cabochon in your choice of pink, teal or lilac, nestled in a round brass engraved locket. The locket dangles from an antiqued brass chain and closes with a lobster clasp.

Materials: brass etched locket, flower cabochon, antiqued brass chain, lobster clasp
Dimensions: chain measures 20", locket is 1-1/4"
Retail value: $24.50

I asked Bonnie to share a bit about her life and work in a quick interview. Details on how to enter the giveaway follow the interview.

Tell us a little bit about yourself: 
My name is Bonnie. I am a wife, mother, dog lover and jewelry designer living in Temple, PA. I'm also an avid reader, music lover and reality television junkie who likes to laugh as loud and as often as possible.

peony hair pin and ring set

And a little about the items you sell: 
I design and sell floral jewelry and accessories for brides, bridesmaids, or the everyday woman. My inspiration comes from all the beauty found in nature. My artistic style is simple yet sophisticated. I am a big fan of clean lines, bold color and understated elegance. You will find that my designs encompass these elements. I believe that sometimes less is more.

What is your creative process and environment like? (for example: Are you a rigid planner or do you wing it? Do you work to music or silence? Messy or neat?)
My studio is usually very neat and organized. I always have either the tv on or music playing. I try to stick to a schedule, but with a 24 hour store it's not always possible.

When you're not creating, what do you do? Read, walk, spend time with my family and play with my dog.

Quick! What is your favorite: 
Cookie: white chocolate chip macadamia nut
Sappy love song: Tonight I Wanna Cry - Keith Urban
T-shirt: the blue one with a peace sign that's all worn and faded
Nail polish color: burgundy
Vegetable: broccoli

sage green statement ring

Where can we find you online?
Shop: www.hotpinkchick.etsy.com
Facebook Fanpage: www.facebook.com/hotpinkchickfans
Twitter: www.twitter.com/thehotpinkchick
Website (blog, gallery, newsletter sign-up): www.hotpinkchick.com

Is there anything else you'd like us to know before we say goodbye?
Just that I'm happy to be here and good luck to all who enter the giveaway!

SPECIAL DEAL
Hot Pink Chick is offering a special deal to Hideous! Dreadful! Stinky! readers. You can get 10% off your entire purchase (shipping not included) until October 31, 2010. Use the promo code HDS Blog in the "message to seller" when you check out and she will apply the discount to your purchase.

HOW TO ENTER

To enter the Hot Pink Chick giveaway, become a fan/like Hot Pink Chick on Facebook, then come back here and leave a comment letting me know (Already a fan? Just leave a comment and let me know!). Make sure I have a way to contact you if you win - an email address or a username to message you via Facebook, Twitter, Etsy convo, Blogger, etc.

Giveaway is open to US residents & International residents with restrictions - see official rules for details

Only one entry per person (NOT per day). 


Giveaway ends Tuesday, October 26, 11:00AM PST

OFFICIAL RULES

• Giveaway closes on Tuesday, October 26, 2010, at 11:00AM PST. Comment datestamps must be recorded by that date/time to be eligible. 
• Winner will be chosen by random drawing and will be announced on Tuesday, October 26, 2010, at 12:00 NOON PST.
• The giveaway is open to both US and International participants. Hot Pink Chick will provide free shipping to US and International participants. INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPANTS PLEASE READ: International participants must pay for any customs duties, fees, levies, and taxes. Payable via PayPal.
• Minors under the age of 18 must have parental/guardian permission to enter (if you are under 18, we will need to contact your parent(s)/guardian if you win and make sure they said it was okay-so ask permission before you enter).
• I will announce the winner on my blog and make every attempt to contact the winner. You may wish to leave your email address in your comment, or a place where I can message you via Facebook, Twitter, Etsy, etc. If the winner doesn't respond within 10 days, a new winner will be chosen.
• Item will be shipped directly by Hot Pink Chick via USPS Mail. Expedited shipping and/or insurance may be purchased by the winner for an additional fee (per Hot Pink Chick Shop Policies). Item will NOT be insured against damage by the postal system unless additional insurance is purchased. Payable via PayPal.
• Hideous! Dreadful! Stinky! (Marigold Haske) is not responsible for loss/damage and/or disputes concerning the winning item. If there is a concern about the giveaway itself, please contact Marigold. Once the winner has been selected, all concerns will be handled between Hot Pink Chick and the winner. 
• All Hot Pink Chick Shop Policies apply to the winning item as if it was a purchased item from Etsy.
• By entering this giveaway, you are complying to the official rules as they have been laid out here :) 

Please visit Hot Pink Chick on Etsy:

Giveaway Week - Rainbow Dolls

We are kicking off Giveaway Week of with our old friend Megan from Rainbow Dolls. You remember Megan, don't you? You should, as a lot of you found your way to this blog through her last giveaway, which had over 600 entries! Well, she is back and generously giving away another one of her amazing dolls.

This time you will have a chance to win Audrey, a handmade 12” Rainbow Doll with green eyes, light tan skin, and brown and raspberry colored hair made with all natural organic materials. She is wearing a cute handmade outfit made by Cleo and Twigs.

Materials: organic eco-wool, organic cotton interlock, French cotton floss, handspun wool yarns
Dimensions: 12” tall
Retail value: $125

I asked Megan to tell us a little bit about herself and her dolls. Details on how to enter the giveaway follow the interview.

Tell us a little bit about yourself: 
My name is Megan and I am a mommy of two wee ones. I live in Orange County, California, and make my dolls during naptime and after bedtime for my kids. I like to give the dolls lots of fun colors in their hair, hence the name Rainbow Dolls. I really enjoy making them and knowing that there are kids out there who love them and are cuddling up to something that is all natural and organic. 

And a little about the items you sell: 
The dolls and doll clothing take me many long hours to make. I work every day and try to give myself a day or two at the beginning of every month to take a break and relax, but sometimes it’s hard to force myself to do that. They are each hand crafted, unique, and one of a kind. Many of the yarns that are used cannot be duplicated and each doll seems to have his or her own personality. 

What is your creative process and environment like? (for example: Are you a rigid planner or do you wing it? Do you work to music or silence? Messy or neat?)
I like to have my schedule so that I know I have the time to make my dolls when the time comes. I work to music or watch something on my laptop while I work most of the time. I try to keep everything neat, but it always ends up getting messy and I have to start over and organize everything again about once a week. I usually get inspired by looking at the yarns and then matching the yarns to fabrics. 

When you're not creating, what do you do? I spend time with my family, try to keep up with cleaning my house, doing laundry, and all that normal kind of stuff that everyone has to do. I am also a licensed hair stylist and usually have someone’s hair to do a few times a month. 

Quick! What is your favorite: 
Cookie: chocolate chip 
Sappy love song: “Pictures of You” by The Cure 
T-shirt: The Bauhaus shirt that I got from their concert when I was 15 
Nail polish color: Never wear the stuff but light pink 
Vegetable: Eggplant 

Where can we find you online?
Rainbow Dolls on Etsy
Facebook Fan Page
Megan Alisa Jewelry

Is there anything else you'd like us to know before we say goodbye?
Good luck to everyone and thanks for liking my dolls!! Thanks Marigold for hosting this giveaway again!! You rock!

HOW TO ENTER

To enter the Rainbow Dolls giveaway, become a fan/like Rainbow Dolls on Facebook, then come back here and leave a comment letting me know (Already a fan? Just leave a comment and let me know!). Make sure I have a way to contact you if you win - an email address or a username to message you via Facebook, Twitter, Etsy convo, Blogger, etc.

Giveaway is open to US residents & International residents with restrictions - see official rules for details

Only one entry per person (NOT per day).

Giveaway ends Monday, October 25, 11:00AM PST

OFFICIAL RULES

• Giveaway closes on Monday, October 25, 2010, at 11:00AM PST. Comment datestamps must be recorded by that date/time to be eligible. 
• Winner will be chosen by random drawing and will be announced on Monday, October 25, 2010, at 12:00 NOON PST.
• The giveaway is open to both US and International participants. However, Rainbow Dolls will provide free shipping to US participants only. INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPANTS PLEASE READ: International participants must pay for shipping & handling costs above cost of USPS Domestic Priority Mail Shipping, including any customs duties, fees, levies, and taxes. Payable via PayPal.
• Minors under the age of 18 must have parental/guardian permission to enter (if you are under 18, we will need to contact your parent(s)/guardian if you win and make sure they said it was okay-so ask permission before you enter).
• I will announce the winner on my blog and make every attempt to contact the winner. You may wish to leave your email address in your comment, or a place where I can message you via Facebook, Twitter, Etsy, etc. If the winner doesn't respond within 10 days, a new winner will be chosen.
• Item will be shipped directly by Rainbow Dolls via USPS Priority Mail. Expedited shipping and/or insurance may be purchased by the winner for an addtional fee (per Rainbow Dolls Shop Policies). Item will NOT be insured against damage by the postal system unless additional insurance is purchased. Payable via PayPal.
• Hideous! Dreadful! Stinky! (Marigold Haske) is not responsible for loss/damage and/or disputes concerning the winning item. If there is a concern about the giveaway itself, please contact Marigold. Once the winner has been selected, all concerns will be handled between Rainbow Dolls (Megan Dendinger) and the winner. 
• All Rainbow Dolls Shop Policies apply to the winning item as if it was a purchased item from Etsy.
• By entering this giveaway, you are complying to the official rules as they have been laid out here :) 

Please visit Rainbow Dolls and Cleo & Twigs on Etsy:

Craft Swap - Finger Puppet Monsters & Upcycled Clutch

Last month I put out a call to do a craft swap with me. The rules were simple and the item swapped had to be small enough to fit into a 6"x9" bubble mailer envelope, take less than 3 hours to complete and cost less than $15 to make.

The first item I received was from Amanda of Beetle Britches. First of all, I was impressed by her envelope packing skillz. How she managed to fit this into a 6"x9" envelope is beyond me!

Isn't this awesome? She took her scrap selvages and quilted them together to form the base, and then upcycled a thrift store leather jacket for the rest. I love it!

For the swap we each filled out a questionnaire about ourselves, and one of the things Amanda mentioned that she loves are the Universal monsters, with her favorites being The Mummy, Wolfman and Frankenstein. That reminded me of the finger puppet notecards I made last year, and I thought that technique would work well with the monster theme. I'm also such a huge fan of Halloween, so this gave me a chance to do some Halloween crafting early.

I think the mummy is my favorite. I also made her a couple of hand-embroidered buttons, but in my rush to get this to the post office by the deadline, I totally forgot to take pictures of them! Just take my word for it that they were cute :)

Sneak Peek of Giveaway a Day Week!

So, I know I've been out of the picture for awhile with my stupid computer virus, but I am coming back strong, baby! I've been a busy bee finding some goodies for you guys and next week I am hosting a giveaway every day! Each giveaway will last for one week with winners being chosen the week of October 24th. Below is a preview of the amazing prizes being offered by our very generous sponsors.

Onward to the Sneak Peek!

Monday, October 18
Rainbow Dolls, Waldorf Doll

Megan Dendinger is back on this blog and offering another one of her beautiful Rainbow Dolls. The Waldorf inspired dolls are lovingly made by hand from largely organic and natural materials. This time, one lucky duck will take home Audrey, a 12" doll with green eyes, light tan skin, and brown & raspberry colored hair.
*please note that the doll pictured above is not the giveaway doll (she's still being made).

Tuesday, October 19

Hot Pink Chick, Vintage Style Locket

Hot Pink Chick is blooming with vintage-modern accessories and is our featured shop for Tuesday. Bonnie is offering an engraved brass locket that features a rose cabochon (winner's choice of pink, lilac or teal). The locket dangles from an antiqued brass chain and closes with a lobster clasp.

Wednesday, October 20

Miranda R. Mueller Illustration, $50 Gift Certificate (good for one 8x10 personalized name illustration or for use toward a larger illustration)

If you have a little one, you HAVE to enter this giveaway. Childrens' illustrator Miranda R. Mueller, whose work has been seen in Highlights Magazine and in the books The Forever Friends Club and Mishka: An Adoption Tale, is offering a $50 gift certificate good towards an 8x10 personalized name illustration (or, if you like, the certificate can also be used towards a larger piece). You work directly with the artist to create a one-of-a-kind piece of art for your child's room. Miranda made a piece for my boys and it rocked my socks - I'll show it off during Giveaway week.

Thursday, October 21

Northern Lodge, Autumn Leaves Scarf

On Thursday, Northern Lodge is offering this perfect-for-autumn scarf-a beautiful blend of three yarns in rich harvest colors.  I love the soft, nubby textures of this scarf! It makes me want to go find a cabin and fill up on apple cider and pumpkin pie.

Friday, October 22

A place for Twiggs, Set of Two 5x7 Fine Art Photographic Prints

Our final giveaway comes all the way from Lisbon, Portugal. A Place for Twiggs offers sweet, dreamy prints in soft, muted colors. On Friday, she will be offering two mouthwatering 5x7 prints, oh cherry me and will you bake a sweet cupcake for me. A delicious offering for my foodie readers!


That's it! A beautiful collection of prizes, if I don't mind patting myself on the back (and I do not). So come back next week an win you sump'in! And if you don't win, some of the shops are also offering discounts and deals to my readers, so come back and get some coupon codes and start stocking up for holiday gifts.

And before I go, I wanted to mention that if you haven't done it yet, you may want to subscribe to this blog so that you don't miss any of the upcoming giveaways. Just look in my sidebar for links to subscribe to the RSS feed, receive posts via email and/or follow me on Google Friend Connect/Facebook/Twitter.

Starting Over

Hi again. I have finally resigned myself to the fact that this latest computer virus (a rootkit, apparently) has kicked my computer's butt. I've spent hours and hours using every available antivirus scanner out there, picked the brains of all of my geeky/awesome IT friends, then had some the great (and free!) support help from bleepingcomputer.com. For the past month, I've been generally stressed out about the constant browser redirects, crashing and the nagging feeling that someone could be stealing my bank account information.
So yesterday Steve picked up an external harddrive and started backing up all of our personal data. This week, I hope to reformat the harddrive and be back to my old, Internet addicted self. For the past month, most of my online time has been from the teeny screen of my Blackberry.
I have so much that I want to share with you guys. I've already received two way-beyond-expectations swap items, plus a beautiful illustration of my boys from Miranda Mueller (sorry I can't link, I'm typing this on my phone-check out her ad in the sidebar). I have work of my own to share, too.
On the plus side, all this time offline left me the chance to read The Hunger Games series. Has anyone else read it?
Hope to blog again next week! Thanks for hanging in there with me-I promise October will be much more action packed!