Giveaway! SeamsMod Diaper Clutch

Good morning and a Happy Cyber Monday to you all! Now that you've had a chance to digest that Thanksgiving meal, it is time to start thinking about gift giving! Are you taking the Handmade Pledge this year? Buy handmade, give handmade, and ask others to do the same for you. Because, really, who needs another Target gift card? (You know everyone just spends them on shampoo. Do you really want to give you loved ones shampoo?)
So in addition to buying handmade, I'm going to give you a chance to win handmade! I was recently contacted by Heather of SeamsMod about offering a giveaway of one of her gorgeous, handmade diaper clutches.





The diaper clutch is great for moms or anyone on the go. For moms on the go, the clutch is sized perfectly to fit a case of wipes, and several diapers, the clutch still allows space for other necessities—keys, phone, wallet and other goodies. This clutch includes a detachable keychain that can also double as a wristlet allowing you to keep your hands free.

Materials used: Coordinating Joel Dewberry home-dec fabrics in grey and yellow, interfaced for stability; bag closes with coordinating zipper and include metal clasp with detachable keychain
Dimensions:Width (at top) 12" tapering to 10" (at bottom); Height 7"; Bottom 2"; Detachable Wristlet/Keychain 1" x 5"
Retail value: $20

I asked Heather from SeamsMod to tell us a little bit about herself and her creative process. details on how to enter the giveaway (and a discount code!) follow the interview.

Tell us a little bit about yourself/a little about the items you sell.
Growing up I never understood my mother's love of fabric and her ability to scout out quilt stores during family vacations. Well, call it what you want, but I now share a similar love of fabric and creating handmade goods.

diaper clutch, $20

Amy Butler and Joel Dewberry are a few of the fabric designers that captivated my attention a few years ago with their eclectic and modern designs. From there, my love of making purses officially began and ultimately led to the creation of SeamsMod.
Trained as an architect, SeamsMod not only grew out my love for modern-fabric and design, but an even greater need to find happy homes for my creations! My husband and I call an 800sf mid-century mod-inspired condo home--these cozy quarters have inspired me to create as fast I purchase fabric.

And a little about the items you sell.
I’m particularly inspired by clean, simple, modern design, but I also have a true soft spot for anything vintage. The collaborative process of design is rewarding and I enjoy the outcome of a custom request.

reversible tote, $40

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’m definitely a planner—that leans on the side of being rigid! At the beginning of the week I try to pull together all my projects that need to be accomplished during the week ahead and cut them out. When tackling individual projects, I’ll pull together two (sometimes three) projects of the same type, that use the same thread. As picky as all this sounds, I feel most productive when I’m organized.
Lately, I’ve tried to work with minimal background distractions. However, a little ‘brainless’ TV in the background is never a bad thing.
Messy or neat? See answer about my creative process and you’d think neat right? My tendency is to neatly spread my projects all throughout our home. I’m trying to curb that tendency to save my husband from being taken over by fabric.

When you're not creating, what do you do?
Bake! I enjoy creating sweet goodie and baking with good friends. Can’t cupcakes and chocolate make anything better? However, I do run to keep the baking from catching up with me. I recently finished my second marathon, and definitely see a third in my future. My husband and I also enjoy kayaking together.

Quick! What is your favorite:
Cookie: black and whites
Sappy love song: True, Spandau Ballet
T-shirt: Ringer or Baseball T’s make me happy
Nail polish color: My finger nails usually stay naked, but I prefer dark red or purple tones on my toes
Vegetable: Spinach and brussel sprouts! (That love started when I was little…)

SPECIAL DEAL
SeamsMod is offering a special deal to Hideous! Dreadful! Stinky! readers. You can get 15% off your entire purchase (shipping not included) until December 17, 2010. Enter the promo code HIDEOUS when you check out!

HOW TO ENTER

To enter the SeamsMod giveaway, you can either:
1) Visit SeamsMod on Etsy, then come back here and leave a comment letting me know what your favorite item is in the shop.
OR
2) "Like" Seams Mod on Facebook, then come back here and leave a comment letting me know you're a fan.


Only ONE entry per person, so please note that you only have to do one of the above ways to enter. And, of course, it thrills me when you "Like" Hideous! Dreadful! Stinky! on Facebook, but that won't get you any extra entries, so only do it if you love me :)


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

Giveaway ends Thursday, December 9. 2010 at noon PST

OFFICIAL RULES

• Giveaway closes on Thursday, Dwecember 9, 2010, at noon 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, December 9, 2010, at or before 1:00 PST.
• The giveaway is open to both US and International participants. SeamsMod will provide free priority USPS shipping to US participants and free first class shipping to International participants. INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPANTS PLEASE READ: SeamsMod is willing to expedite shipping for international shipments if winner is willing to make up difference between first class mail and international express. 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 SeamsMod via USPS Mail. 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 SeamsMod and the winner. 
• All SeamsMod 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 :)

Git Cookin'

Is Thanksgiving seriously on Thursday? Things have been so nuts over here in the past month. Milo is still not sucking his thumb, and losing his nap has been an adjustment for all of us. It has been better in the past week, but for awhile he would also wake up screaming in the middle of the night, unable to comfort himself. Steve and I were total zombies. It really reminded us of life with a newborn! I've also been trying to finish up my Hair Thingies for the swap. I think I finally got it together and I hope to be done with them this week. I'd better be, anyway, because my landlord told us that we're getting all new floors and cabinets in the apartment! I'm excited about it, but the only time we could do it comfortably before Christmas is next week (!!!), so we have to empty our kitchen cabinets and clear out everything in the living room and dining room, and then pack up to move in with my in-laws for a week. I'm so thrilled about the renovations I can't bother to freak out about everything I have to get done between now and Monday morning.
Anyway, I wanted to share this apron I made for the last swap. The owl pocket has bead eyes and details are done in a combo of lace, stitching and fabric marker. I think I'll have to make one of these for myself. Can you believe I've never made myself an apron?
Happy Turkey Day to all! (and Happy Tofurkey Day to you herbivores :) I am so thankful for each of you who come here to visit me!

Etsy Shop is Stocked!

Okay, you guys! My Etsy shop is stocked up with stocking stuffers :)
I'll be adding more stuff to it over the next couple of weeks, so be sure to Heart Me and subscribe to my store listings feed.


**pssssst** When you make a purchase, mention that you read my blog and I'll give you Free Shipping on any order! (cannot be combined with any other discounts or promotions)

Sneaky Peeky

I got a little bug up my butt to make a bunch of pocket tissue holders. They'll be up in my Etsy shop (which has nothing in it right now, so don't even bother :) in the next day or two. These will make great little stocking stuffers at just $5 a pop! I'll let you know when they're all up!

Craft Swap - Fall Banner and Tissue Holder + Notebook Cover

There are fifteen of us participating in the Handmade Hair Thingies Swap. I put up a Swap Gallery that can be accesses from the tab up there ^ that says "SWAP" where we will be posting pics of our completed projects. Of course, I'll pick a few to showcase on the main page here, as well.
Now we're going to step back to my previous swap, waaaaaay back in early October. I have been lazy about uploading pictures (We got a new computer and it took forever to set up all of the programs and photo-editing stuff). This is what I swapped with Jenny from Hands Full of Happiness. She made me this gorgeous fall banner, which fit right in with our fall decor:

I had really been meaning to make a banner like this, but it is one of those things that has been pushed to the backburner for too lomg, so I was thrilled to have someone make one for me :) And you should definitely check out her blog-she has a great tutorial on there right now on how to make the cutest wool balls that I think would make great Christmas ornaments.

For my project for Jenny, I decided to make a couple of purse goodies. Since she listed "horses" and one of her favorite things, I took a mini composition notebook and made a cover for it with a horse silhouette. It closes with a magnetic clasp. I also made this "Bless You" pocket tissue holder.  These are fast to make and just about anyone can use them. I think it would be cute to do a bunch of these with "ACHOO" and "Gesundheit" and maybe "Snot" or something. Again, I've got Christmas gifts on the mind!

Hair Thingie Tutorial Round-Up

There is still time to sign up for the Handmade Hair Thingie Swap. I searched the Internet for ten great Hair Thingie tutorials to give you some inspiration. Click on the titles below the pics to go to the tutes.

 Tea Time Rose and Feather Hair Clip

DIY Posy Headband

Fabric and Button Hair Clip

Anthropologie Inspired Headband

 Covered Button Hair Clip 

 Shrink Plastic Clip

Covered Button Hair Clip

Crochet and Button Headband

Felt Hair Clips

Inked Image Hair Sticks

Inspired? Sign up for the swap!

Popsicle Stick People

Here's a quick little afternoon project I did with the boys today. I have a bag of big craft sticks that I don't know what to do with, and this project came out of it (born from this). I think they would make great present toppers and I think we'll make some Christmas and winter themed ones (Santas, elves, reindeer, snowmen, etc.) for our holiday gift toppers this year. They really enjoyed making these and it was relatively mess-free.
And now I think it is time to try to get everybody down for a nap, since Huck decided to get up at 4:00AM and Milo decided to join him. . .

Handmade Hair Thingie Swap!

***SWAP IS CLOSED***

Earlier this year I loudly declared that I would swear off pants and wear only skirts all summer long. I kicked off that resolution with The Summer of No Pants Skirt Sewing Challenge in which myself and a handful of dedicated sewists took to making one skirt per week for four weeks. The challenge went really well and I ended up making my favorite skirt, that I still wear at least once a week, and in the 3-month span of the Summer of No Pants, I only wore pants twice. Well, actually, I also wore work-out pants to my kickboxing class, but then I sprained my knee, remembered that I don't exercise, and that put an end to that. Ultimately, I still love my jeans, but making the effort to dress nicely definitely helped me feel prettier on a daily basis, and I regularly wear skirts even now that the challenge is over.
So, it is time for a new declaration! This time, I've decided that I'm not going to put my hair in a ponytail before 5pm (I don't like to cook with my hair flapping around) until the end of the year. No Ponytail 'til 2011. Fall/Winter of No Ponytail. Ponytail-Free Cold Weather Season.
I couldn't really think of a catchy catch phrase (suggestions totally welcome).
Anyway, along with this declaration, I've decided to do something fun and I hope many of you will play along. It's time for the

Handmade Hair Thingie Swap!

 (flashing lights and applause here)

 

For this challenge, participants will make five handmade hair thingies. What's a Hair Thingie? Anything for wearing in the hair: hairpins, clips, combs, barrettes, headbands, even ponytail holders are allowed. Some people call them hair "accessories" but since I have always had trouble spelling "accessories" I've decided to go with "thingies." For this challenge, at least part of the Hair Thingie has to be handmade. That means you can use a store-bought barrette, but you have to doll it up with buttons or beads or a felt flower or something.
So, anyway, you make five Handmade Hair Thingies and send them off to five different people. In return, you get five Handmade Hair Thingies from five different people! How fun is that? Pretty fun! Here's how it will work:

Sign up in the comments here. ONLY sign up if you will 100% commit to participating and completing the swap on time. Bailing is not an option, so check your calendar for conflicts before you sign up, especially if you know you are a procrastinator (yeah, I'm lookin' at you)! Deadline to sign up is this Saturday, November 6, 2010.
Rant about saying "I didn't have time!" available below at the *

Copy and fill out the questionnaire below, and e-mail it to me (DO NOT POST IN COMMENTS) at sadsilver@gmail.com with the subject "Handmade Hair Thingie Swap":

Screen name and/or name used in comments:
Real name:
Complete mailing address, including postcode and country:
Email address:
Blog address, if applicable:
Are you willing to ship internationally (YES?NO) (please note, if NO, I can't guarantee the maximum number of partners for you, but I will do my best)?
Are you at least 16 years old (YES/NO)?
If NO, please provide a parent or legal guardian's e-mail address so that I can get his/her consent:
Do you (or does anyone in your household) have allergies (YES/NO), please specify if YES?
Do you have any allergens in your home (smoking, pets, etc.) (YES/NO), please specify if YES?

I will send you 5 names & addresses to send your Thingies to.

Make 5 Handmade Hair Thingies. They can all be the same, or each can be different.

Take pictures of the Thingies you made and post them in the Swap Gallery (currently under construction, I'll let you know soon how to post your pictures in the gallery). Feel free to post pics of Thingies you receive, as well.

Thingies must be in the mail by December 3, 2010

That's it! I hope you guys want to play!

* I don't want to scare people off, but probably my biggest pet peeve in the world is the use of the phrase "I don't have time for that." It almost always means "I'm not making that a priority" or, roughly translated, "I don't feel like it 'cause I'm frickin' tired and I feel like watching Glee instead." Saying, "I don't have time!" makes it Time's fault, not your fault. It's a way of not taking responsibility for letting someone down. And, in this case, you (and not Time!) would be letting down five total strangers who were nice enough to make something for you, by hand, using their own precious time. Everyone who is signing up for this swap is busy. So pretty, pretty please, look at your calendar for the next month before you sign up, and DON'T SIGN UP if your schedule is too packed to complete this project on time. This will be really fun, but only if all of the swappers are committed to it. Thank you!

***SWAP IS CLOSED*** 

Halloween Kitties

This year's Halloween costumes were a little bit more simple than I usually do. Huck wanted to be a black cat (since this is what Dora the Explorer was for Halloween). Milo asked to be a robot. So Huck's costume was very easy. I spent $5 at Target on the cat ears, nose, tail & bow tie set, then sewed a swatch of fluffy white fur onto the belly of black sweats. Milo asked to be a robot and so I made a panel for his belly that lights up and everything. Of course, when we did a costume fitting, Milo decided that he wanted to be a cat, too. So I used my extra shiny silver material to make him ears, a nose with whiskers and a tail so that he could be a robot cat. He seemed satisfied with that and would meow in a robotic voice. But he eventually got sick of the nose and ears and ended up as a robot with a tail. A little weird, but whatever!