Bluebirdbaby

the winner!

hey everyone! i wanted to draw your attention to the lovely sponsors on the sidebar to the right! you'll  notice a new category at the top for "featured sponsors." these sponsors help make this blog possible! it takes a whole lot of time to be here, and while i love it, it is nice to be somewhat compensated for the time and energy i put into this space! so please check out the sponsors...click on their images and check out their amazing products all Bluebirdbaby approved!

and also, i'm offering a special for the month of may for any new sponsorships, so please e-mail me to find out more!

thank you for all your lovely comments on the video from the giveaway post!

Random.org chose number #24:

Rebecca said...

I want to be the best that I can be and I am so very interested in taking your photography course. On my blog in my small space about who I am, on the left sidebar I have written: "i use the photos i take to inspire the poetry inside me. i use the life i live to weave my love of language into fables & tales & projects to share." This is me. I am a visual poetic person I want to go deeper in this creative outlet for me.

I would love to be involved in a creative group where we are all pushing ourselves to learn more and do more with the photography. To really KNOW how to do something you have to spend time with it everyday, and as another blogger said recently (quoting the Outliers) you may need to spend 10,000 hours to master something you truly want to take on and learn about. I see taking a course as part of this next step. This summer I will be going on a road trip with my boys in tribute to my mother who passed away in October. We will be traveling through the southwest to the places she loved to visit. I want to be able to document this journey as best as I am able.

 

Rebecca...I'll send you an e-mail! Congrats! And thanks to all who entered.

Also, I have wanted to mention before (but found it a bit tricky to do so!) that if any readers out there are very interested in taking the Eyes Open Creative Photography e-course, and just can't quite afford it, please e-mail me. I work with individuals with all kinds of budgets, because...well, I've been there and am there myself. So I understand! Just e-mail me at "erinlittlephoto (@) gmail.com"

..................................................................................................................

It's the start of another busy, jam-packed week. Phew! And the season will only get busier. Mark and I are working oh so hard (both having seasonal jobs and all...) and have many house projects going right now. Painting the bathroom, bedroom, putting in 6 raised beds (more on that later!), painting the whole exterior of the church (oh my), and working all of our jobs to make ends meet. It's a lot.

I've got lots of thoughts and ideas and happenings to share here, so check back often this week...

What are your plans fo the week?

xoxo

Giveaway :: Barnaby Bright

I am so very excited about this giveaway, but most of all to introduce you to two very talented, very special musicians. We had the pleasure of meeting Becky and Nathan of Barnaby Bright down in D.C. and hear them perform. The little one fell completely in love with Becky and still won't stop talking about "Barnaby Bright."

Being a musician myself (did you know I went to school for music?!), I really appreciate talent and songwriting and performance. Becky has the most beautifully haunting sweet voice I've ever heard. Nathan's skills on the guitar and other various instruments will just absolutely blow you away. The two of them together (they're also husband and wife!) create an amazingly outstanding musical duo. I've been listening to their cd's non-stop since we saw them. They are now one of my Pandora stations, and I really just can't get enough of them.

Becky and Nathan were kind enough to offer a giveaway and also answer some questions! Read on...

How did you both get started in music?

Nathan: When I saw Yellow Submarine as a kid, that was it. I wanted to make music, and started playing saxophone in school orchestras in the 5th grade, and continued to do so through junior high, high school and went on to major in saxophone performance and jazz composition on college. after all of those years of studying and hard work, I traded it in for playing the guitar and writing songs.

Becky: my mom is an opera singer, so I grew up singing...music was almost like a second language in our home. i sang a solo on my first record in a real recording studio when I was only 5. so singing has always been a part of who I am.

Did you always hope to start your own band?

Nathan: i always saw myself working within a group of musicians...writing charts, orchestrating...and that's what I do in Barnaby Bright, when we have a full band that is. Our CD release show in NYC had an 11 piece band!

Becky: i always knew i wanted to be a singer...i didn't know in what capacity, but i just knew i was going to do it. as sure as a person is that they will get married someday i guess. i never really thought much further beyond that. when i met nathan though, i realized the magic that can transpire when you work with another person.

What is your favorite song to play?

Nathan: from an instrumentalist point of view, "Alive." the guitar part on that song is so crazy and fun. also Castle Rock. it's such a story song, and people seem to be most excited about that song from our new record.

Becky: it's a tie...Don't Look Down is so fun for me because I just get to open up my voice on that song. nathan wrote the part in such a soaring way...i just get to hold these huge, long high notes. but "Just the Same" is my other favorite song to perform. that one has been really, really connecting with people. as a songwriter, to look out into an audience and see people getting teary...well, that's the ultimate compliment.

What is the song writing process like for you?

Nathan: one of mystery and discovery. often times frustratingly slow. other times songs just seem to come of out nowhere fully formed and fall in your lap.

Becky: sometimes magical, sometimes incredibly frustrating. many times i feel a bit helpless...i can work and work and work on a song and get absolutely nowhere. other times they just flow out of me, and i don't even remember writing them. that's more rare, but so special when it happens. generally nathan and i will have a song 80% finished, and we come to the other for editing and help finishing.

How does traveling fit into your life? Do you enjoy it?

Nathan: it's more like we have to fit our lives around the traveling, which is incessant. i love traveling once we are on the road. but i will admit, it can weigh heavy on the mind, when you're enjoying those two weeks at home before leaving.

Becky: i totally agree. we usually are home for two weeks, tour for two weeks, home for two weeks, tour for two weeks. it's easy to get used to being home, in our own bed, snuggling our cats...settling into the rhythm of a normal life. so sometimes i get really sad when we have to leave. but like nathan said, once we are on the road, i absolutely love it. many times we don't know where exactly we'll be sleeping, or what a venue will be like, so it's exciting. we have had some of the most amazing experiences and met some of the most incredible people traveling all over the world. someone told us once that we've probably crammed about 20 years of life experience into 5 years of marriage. and that's exactly what it feels like. in a good way!

What is the funniest thing that has ever happened on the road/at a concert?

Ha ha! this moment Nathan captured on a train ride in the Netherlands is probably in our top 5 funniest touring moments.. It will actually be on America's Funniest Videos in the not so distant future...

 

Becky and Nathan are giving away two of their "Longest Day" albums. Just go and "like" their Facebook page here and then leave us a comment below to enter! Comments close this Sunday at 8 p.m. EST! Good luck!

Find Barnaby Bright here:

• main website
• Facebook page
• Youtube channel

 

Giveaway :: Open Ended Creations : Curvy Board!

Remember the post way back about the little one's awesome curvy board?! Well, she still uses it all the time. Loves it. And it's so fabulous for indoor winter or rainy day play.

And Open Ended Creations is kindly offering a giveaway to Bluebirdbaby readers! Read on...

"We invite you to take the training wheels off the child and to allow your child the Creativity and the Imagination to really express themselves."

We Welcome You and Your Family to Open Ended Creations; the makers of the Curvy Board. 

Where the Imagination and Mind of the Child is a playground to be enjoyed. May this tool be a key to unlocking the imagination and creativity of each child that comes in contact with it. 

Open Ended Creations is graciously offering a curvy board to ONE lucky Bluebirdbaby reader! To enter to win, please like the Bluebirdbaby Facebook page and "share" this giveaway. Then please leave a comment here to enter! Winner will be announced on Monday morning at 9 a.m. EST. Good luck!

AND...

Open Ended Creations is also offering a 15% discount to Bluebirdbaby readers with coupon code: "BlueBirdBaby"

 

Giveaway :: luksin designs

My best friend Daria of Luksin Designs is offering a fabulous giveaway! Daria has been designing clothes since she was a little girl. It all started with a pair of leggings that were black on one side and red and white striped on the other, when she was just 8. And she's still at it.

Luksin Designs features original designs, using organic cotton for the most part, along with a few other earth friendly fabrics like tencel, and wool for winter. Her pieces that are easy to wear, neutral, and subtly detailed either with seaming, or prints that she hand draws.

Daria works hard to find ethical, low impact, and fair trade materials. Everything is made either in her studio on the coast of maine, or by another amazing seamstress about an hour away in Portland, Maine. Her work is a balance of ethics and aesthetics.

Daria is offering ONE black tencel gauze scarf to a lucky reader. Go to Daria's shop here and tell us what your favorite piece is from her fall/winter collection and I will choose a winner on Friday at 8 p.m. EST.

Visit Daria and Luksin Designs here:

• Luksin Designs Shop
• Luksin on Facebook
• Luksin on Pinterest
• Luksin on Big Cartel

Thanks Daria!! And good luck everyone!

Giveaway :: Sqrl & Bee!

Happy Monday everyone! I'm excited to announce that Melissa from Sqrl & Bee is offering a fantastic giveaway here today! Melissa makes the most amazing felted creatures, rattles, and mobiles for little ones!

I absolutely love her color combinations, the simplicity of her designs, and the use of natural materials. Here's a wee bit more about Melissa and Sqrl & Bee:

How long have you been Sqrl & Bee?

Well pretty much since we got married (13 years ago). It's my husband - Bee and myself -Sqrl. 

What inspired your mobile designs?

Color. I love color! Playing with it and sculpting it. And I think that's I love most about wool. It's simply sculpting color. I like that!

Any tips for beginner felters?

You know, I'm not sure. Play, play with the wool. Don't take it too seriously. Needle felting is great for detail but wet felting is for the big stuff.

Do you wet felt or needle felt?

Both!

What is your favorite color combination?

Oh my goodness! It changes everything I like at my colors.

Where do you do your work for Sqrl & Bee?

My studio is half dining room as well. May be a little more studio than dining.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?

bike riding, gardening, movie watching, snuggling.

Sqrl & Bee is offering one lucky winner a rattle of your choice! To enter, just leave a comment and I'll choose a winner Tuesday at 8 p.m. EST. Thanks Melissa!! And good luck everyone! Melissa is also offering a 10% discount to everyone until June 11th. Just use the code "bluebird10" when you check out!

• Melissa's website
• Blog
• Etsy shop

Polarn O. Pyret Giveaway!

With the little one attending a nature based school, proper outerwear is very important. I'm always on the hunt for warm enough jackets and snowpants, raingear that actually keeps her dry, and everything in between. Polarn O. Pyret always has the greatest clothing...the quality is remarkable, the sizing is always just right and fits for two seasons, and the most important thing is the little one absolutely adores the colors, fit, and designs.

Polarn O. Pyret was kind enough to send us a set of rain gear which we immediately put to good use. Today it was overcast and drizzly, so we put on our new rain gear and headed out into our new backyard (yup...that's our backyard!!) and played on the shore.

What lucky girls we are, eh? The ocean in our backyard and awesome new rain gear! Polarn O. Pyret is also offering one lucky reader a $50 gift certificate. Just leave a comment and tell us what your little one's favorite season is. I'll draw a reader Monday at 10 a.m. EST. Good luck!

Giveaway :: Purple Petunia

Valerie from Purple Petunia was sweet enough to offer a giveaway here today! I found her Etsy shop right before Easter this past spring, and fell in love with the "bunny surprise mug". I had a surprise mug as a kid and I have vivid memories of drinking hot cocoa in it every winter and being so excited to see the crocodile (not as cute as a bunny!) at the bottom. So the bunny mug made its way to our house and the little one absolutely adores it!

Valerie was so excited to offer a giveaway, and she has her shop stocked full of wonderful little things for wee ones. Take a peek!

Here's a little more about Valerie and Purple Petunia...

How did you get started in pottery?

I took a community ed beginning ceramics class 14 years ago when I was very pregnant with my first child, Audrey. I had just graduated from college and was working part time at my undergraduate lab, waiting for my husband to finish his last semester, and for the first time in years found myself without deadlines. I made a handful of thick, low-rise bowls while reaching around my huge belly, and LOVED it. In my newly maternal state, I was already obsessed with the whole concept of creation and this making of permanent, useful beauty from mud fit right in. For the next 10 years, a pottery class was my on-again-off-again weekly "Mom's night out," and I made slow progress towards my current style, being drawn increasingly to small, finely tuned forms. Our move to a small university town in southcentral Pennsylvania coincided with my youngest daughter entering kindergarten, and I found a lucky arrangement with the university ceramics studio to fill some of those brief new alone hours. I opened an etsy shop in January 2007, and quickly veered towards filling it with pottery, happily building purple petunia for the next year and a half. My little girl's bone marrow transplant, the birth of a son, and his diagnosis with cancer when he was 5 months old stopped any crafty business efforts for awhile. To our great relief, we've avoided major medical crisis mode for the last year or so, and I've been able to slowly return to studio work. I love etsy because it allows me to just sell what I have when I have it, without the pressure of building and maintaining so much stock (though of course when the shop is as full as it is now it's quite satisfying!) I don't know that I'll ever be a full-time potter--my 5-year-plan is continually shifting--but I love being able to support the hobby without guilt!

What inspires your designs?

My aforementioned little girl, Marian Grace, spent 5 years of her life almost totally tube fed, and I started making pretty little dishes for her, wanting to make eating--when she was willing or able--as lovely an experience as it could be. A friend asked me to make her a surprise mug (I'd trade pottery for babysitting) like she remembered from her childhood, and I thought those might be enticing as well. You know: "Eat enough soup that you can see the bunny's head!" I wish I could report that little trick worked...but it took much more drastic medical intervention. Now, though, ten years old, healthy, and EATING, she loves to use our stacks of little bowls and cups. She is my crafty buddy, and as convinced as I am that handmade is always the right choice!
Surrounded by little girls, my first target demographic was pastel and sweet as sugar, and my niche style has evolved in this candy-colored direction, though I do love the classic reduction-look pottery and we usually eat on "grown up pottery." Inspiration? I love so much Waldorf-style crafted toys, with their fine workmanship, natural-sourced materials, and nature themes. I haven't been the same since seeing my first Magic Cabin catalog! A friend casually mentioned that she thought I'd like it, and I spent hours cutting-and-pasting images downloaded at painfully slow dial-up speeds before my first lovely catalog finally arrived. I have great crafty friends right now, and we love to get our nature craft on! (Our wool collections are getting embarrassing).

My grown-up sense of wonder is lit most in the lovely woods surrounding us in rural Pennsylvania. I imagine wee fairies and gnomes hiding everywhere along the trail as my son and I walk on the AT near our home, and love to spy out little crevices I imagine as prime spots. When I sculpt my little woodland animals and pop them in mugs and bowls, I think they'd rather be in these sylvan hiding spots, but try to provide them a good alternate where they can be both safe and admired :)

What is your favorite thing to make?

I love best to make and gift bowls. I love how useful pottery is. A bowl can be crazy beautiful, but it's never so full of itself that it isn't willing to serve. I think that's a perfect metaphor for life. My little boy is obsessed with trains, so we continually hear (via DVD or iPhone YouTube) Thomas the Tank Engine being praised as "a really useful engine!" I think that's a great lesson for him to learn, and it's something I'm reminded of every time I lift one of my bowls or mugs and it nests so nicely in my hands, the curve of its bell-shaped rim following that of my fingers: it is begging to be filled up with goodness and make something necessary a beautiful experience.

Valerie is generously offering the winner a choice of anything in her shop! Yay! Please leave a comment here (make sure your e-mail is included) telling us what you'd choose if you won. I'll pick a winner tomorrow night at 6 p.m. EST. Good luck and thanks Valerie!!!

She's also offering 10% any purchase from her Etsy shop until December 17th, with code: BLUEBIRD10

Sponsor Giveaway :: Mosey Handmade

I'm so excited to introduce this sweet little Etsy shop! Mosey Handmade makes gorgeous goodies for wee ones out of recycled materials. I just love love love their shop! And they are based in Maine! Yay for local! I'm swooning over this bunny and these cute baby mushroom rattles!

Jes (owner and maker) has sweetly answered some fun questions about the business!

1) When did you start your Etsy shop?

I started my etsy shop around 2006 on the urging of a college friend and after my first Renegade Craft Fair where etsy had a table full of amazing cutesy crafts.

2) Have you always been crafty?

My mom and my Grandmother were both super seamstresses and made most of my clothes when I was a little one, lots of calico and corduroy. So I always credit them with starting my sewing career. And I've always loved making things for other people, little gifts, handwritten letters. So now it's like I get to do that and make a living...hooray!

3) What inspired you to start making toys and clothing for wee ones?

I had been working in a Waldorf Kindergarten and always LOVED kids, so I just started making hats for the children as holiday gifts. That's actually how the first *Creature Hat* got made!

4) Do the Waldorf ways play a big role in your lives?

Yes. We have our own little one now and are raising her in a very Waldorf way. Lots of good handmade toys, wooden things, silks, lots of reverence for nature ...I feel lucky because there is a pretty great barter system out there for crafters and we get and give a lot of our lovely things that way.

I also have a small little home based school  inspired by the Lifeways approach...so we eat, sleep (or at least nap) and breath it! 

5) Where do you find your recycled materials?
AHA! Enter my business partner. I used to get all of my wool from Boston but with some good cold winters under our belts recently the price of a used wool sweater has really gone up since I started my business. I now source all my wool from Texas where it is very inexpensive and plentiful. It's kind of like New England wool was becoming a rare bird, but it runs wild and free in the Longhorn State. My business partner is a crafter and art teacher in Texas and I am SO SO lucky to have her!

6) What is your favorite item to make?

Our birthday crowns have become a favorite, they are just so festive!

7) Where do you see your business in two years?

I hope it can grow enough that many many children will be tooling around in a Mosey Handmade hat or jumper.  It feels like having a partner is helping Mosey expand and flourish in creative ways too...like we now have a pretty strong Spring & Summer line, which we never really did before.

8) And just for fun...what is your favorite ice cream flavor? :)

Well I'd have to say I'm more of a gelato girl, unless of course it's hand churned and in that case vanilla with fresh strawberries, please!

 

Mosey Handmade has generously offered a giveaway of a fabulous plant-dyed wool felt cape with a custom little bluebird on it! (Aww!) To enter, tell us what your dreams for the summer are! I'll pick a winner Tuesday 8 p.m. EST. Good luck! 

Don't forget to check out...

• Their fabulous shop!
• And super sweet blog!
  

Sponsor Giveaway :: Shira Sela

I came across Shira's Etsy shop full of gorgeous prints recently and fell in love. They are all so beautiful; full of simplicity and the natural world. I also love how each print is symbolic of something I'm pretty sure we all have known in our lives.

Here is how Shira describes herself and her work ::

"I am a Montreal based artist and illustrator. My work is greatly influenced by childhood
memories and revolves around themes of escapism, dreams and interaction with nature.
Through these themes I try to convey the beauty of solitude and the power of imagination.

I work with both traditional and digital mediums and I love to use inks, graphite, and
acrylics as well as graphic and illustration software.

I am inspired by movies, old pictures, nature, children, other artists and anything that
makes me think and feel."

Shira has graciously offered a giveaway here for her popular print "Complete." Please leave a comment, telling us what makes you feel complete! I will draw a winner Monday 8 p.m. EST. Good luck and thanks Shria!

Shira Sela Shop

Shira's Website

Find her on Facebook too!

Sponsor Giveaway :: Ruche!!

Thanks for all who entered the giveaway for Markets of New England!! It was such fun reading your comments! The winner is ::

shell said...

What a great idea for a book! I bet the pics are amazing! The colors are my favorite part of the farmers markets here in Chicago, but the one thing I can never leave without is the ginormous honeycrisp apples.

So Shell, please e-mail me with your address and your book will be on its way! Congrats!

Oh man...what can I say about Ruche?! The best clothes ever, the most amazingly inspiring "Lookbooks", it's affordable, and they are super great to work with! When they first contacted me about sponsoring my blog, I was beyond thrilled. I love their aesthetic and I've finally found a source for clothes that fit my style and body!

They were sweet enough to send me a dress to model! The first is a sweet little lace dress that I love to layer with some linen pants and a ballet sweater. And the second one is a new staple...as is, with a belt, or over jeans. I just love, love, love it! We had so much fun doing this shoot! Thank you Ruche for the amazing opportunity and the wonderful clothes!

If you're interested in seeing more, please go to the private gallery here. Password is "rucherocks"!

• Photographed by Peter Shellenberger
• Styled by Meghan Costello
• Dresses from Ruche
• Hats and jewelry from Darling & DeLisle

Ruche is offering a $25 gift certificate to one lucky reader! Just leave a comment with your favorite item from their online store and I'll draw a winner on Wednesday at 8 p.m. EST. Good luck!!

Sponsor Giveaway :: Markets of New England

When Christine Chitnis first e-mailed me about her amazing book, I couldn't wait to receive it in the mail. It was so perfect for someone living in New England, who is a frequent farmer's market visitor and would be doing some traveling this summer! I was really interested to see what markets were featured, and if there were any I hadn't heard of before.

When I received the book in the mail, I was blown away by the beautiful photographs and enticing produce and crafty goods displayed inside. It really made me want to visit every single market in the book! (And I just think I might!!)

Markets of New England is an amazing book perfect for any New Englander hoping to buy more locally this season, but it also serves so much inspiration for anyone!

I asked Christine a few questions, and here's what she has to say...

1) What inspired you to write Markets of New England?

I have always been incredibly inspired by farmers and artists.  It is such a hard way to make a living, and yet so many of them do it with such exuberance.  Their energy is contagious.  When you shop at a farmers' market or art event, you feel that energy- and it feels good, it feels like you are part of something important!  I wanted to capture this feeling with my pictures and descriptions, while at the same time, spreading the word about the many amazing markets across New England that deserve attention.

Amazingly enough, with all the online resources available, there was no comprehensive listing of these type of events in New England- so a book like this was needed!

 

2) Before writing the book, did you often visit farmer's markets for your own food and goods?

I was an avid farmers' market shopper long before I had the idea to write this book.  I try to base our weekly menu off of what's available at our local market.  In the winter months, this can be a bit tricky, but with some imagination, it is possible.

My typical daily menu, sourced from the Hope Street Farmers Market (summer) and Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers' Market (winter), includes Narragansett Creamery yogurt, Providence Granola Project granola, and fresh fruit for breakfast, a salad of seasonal veggies, plus Seven Stars Bakery bread and Farmstead cheese for lunch, and a variety of locally sourced meats, along with sides, for dinner.

3) What inspired you the most about the farmer's markets you attended?

It would have to be the colors. The incredible palette of colors that occur naturally in nature never ceases to amaze me, and I will never grow tired of trying to capture the intensity and beauty of these colors with my camera.

 

4) Does any market in particular stand out for you?

There were so many gorgeous markets I discovered while writing this book, that it is hard to pick a favorite.  But, the most unique market that I came across was the Merrymeeting Farm Market Boat, which is basically a floating farmers market that serves various locations on Southport Island, off the coast of Maine.  Imagine an old schooner, filled to the brim with produce, jams, baked goods, prepared foods, and flowers.  It was such a surreal (not to mention photo-worthy) thing to witness.  Discovering the Market Boat was definitely one of the highlights of my travels! 

5) What did you learn throughout this process?

To ENJOY the process!  Writing this book took a ton of time, travel, and energy (did I mention I was pregnant the entire time while writing it?!).  I would get stressed sometimes thinking about everything that needed to get done- but then I would remind myself that I was only going to get to write this book once- and I had better enjoy it.

When I look back on the process now, I am filled with amazing memories- traveling to gorgeous coastal towns, meeting incredible artisans, experiencing glimpses into fascinating artist studios.  I am so glad that I took the time to slow down, and enjoy these moments.

          

 6) How do you hope this book will influence its readers?

My simple wish for anyone who happens upon my book is that it serves as a reminder to slow down and savor the handmade, homegrown goodness in our own communities, and in the far-flung locales we may visit. 

 

            7) Has writing this book changed your life in any way?

I was a freelance writer before writing this book, and as a freelancer, there is so much rejection involved.  For every 10 stories I pitched, 9 would be rejected.  That can be very tough to handle, day in and day out.  This book was something that I had complete control over, for a change.  My amazing publisher, The Little Bookroom- gave me the complete freedom, and support, to write and photograph in whatever way I chose.  This was such a boost to my confidence as a writer, and now, with the success of the book, I am being approached to write articles, instead of me having to do the approaching.  It is a welcome shift!  I suppose the biggest life change is just that- a shift in my professional self-confidence.

9) Any other books in the works?

I definitely have a few ideas for more travel-focused books, and I would love to work with The Little Bookroom again...but we will see.  Right now, with a six-month old, freelance jobs and the promotion of this book- I have my hands full, to say the least!

Thanks so much for hosting me, Erin!

 

Christine is giving away to one lucky reader a signed copy of her book! Trust me, you'll love it! Please leave a comment before Monday (5.8, 8 p.m. EST) telling us what your favorite thing to buy at the farmer's market is! Good luck everyone and thank you Christine!

Please visit her sweet blog here!

Giveaway :: Holstee!!

Hey everyone! I've got a super swell giveaway today! Have you ever heard of Holstee? I'm so glad they contacted me because I adore their products! I love these cards, people pendant, and seriously...this espresso machine?!!

Here's what Holstee has to say about themselves...

 

Founded during the recession in 2009, Holstee designs and curates products and apparel with a conscience towards people and the planet, with the hope that each product and its' inherent story will inspire others to follow their passion. 

Holstee began as a dream Mike, Dave and Fabian had to create a lifestyle for themselves - a lifestyle which reflects their manifesto and breathes sustainability through innovative design. Within their first year of business, the Holstee Team designed half a dozen new products including The Recycled Wallet, made of newspapers and plastic bags collected off the streets of India, The People Pendant, made of recycled acrylic scraps from a Chicago-area sign maker, and introduced an Upcycled line of t-shirts to highlight the lasting value of apparel.  

By using 10 percent of all their sales to fund micro loans and recycling all their packaging in creative ways and by partnering with Carbonfund.org to offset shipping, we can see the Holstee Team is striving to practice what they preach. And their Ecology page further reiterates their environmental stance and awareness. 

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In keeping with the holiday spirit, the Holstee brothers are offering one reader the Recycled Wallet!!

Leave a comment and tell us what you think is the best thing that money can't buy. A winner will be chosen on Wednesday at 8 p.m. EST.

(Of course, you CAN always go here and buy it outright) 

Good luck and Happy Holidays from Holstee HQ! 

 

Holstee Site: www.holstee.com

Find Us on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/holstee

Follow Us on Twitter @Holstee  http://twitter.com/HOLSTEE

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Thanks Holstee!! Good luck everyone. Oh, and please please please go here and donate some money to my very crazy friend who is going to jump in the FREEZING Maine ocean on the first day of the new year. I'm freezing just thinking about it! But she's doing it for an awesome cause, so please visit her page here and donate!!

A Holiday Giveaway

Now it's my turn for a giveaway!!

I am so very thankful for all of YOU! Your comments mean the world to me and I am so grateful for each and every one of them.

I compiled some of my favorite prints from the past few years. The famous "pinecone" print, my seasonal set of 6 4x6 winter prints, 8 holiday cards with envelopes, and three of my favorite 5x7s.

All you have to do to enter is tell me what your favorite holiday tradition is (and if you don't have one, what's your favorite thing about the holidays?) and leave a comment by tomorrow (Tuesday) at 5 P.M. EST. Yay!

Happy holidays, my lovely readers!

Super Awesome Bookish Giveaway

Shelley is back for another fantabulous giveaway!!! I am love, love, loving her current bookplates. Oh my. Like this (vintage fairy bookplates...are you kidding me??! Eeks!), this and this. What an awesome idea, eh? She also has a super sweet shop full of artwork here. I'm totally digging that "fill the world with beauty" mixed media, and the cheery "shine" print. All her work is gorgeous!

Shelley wanted to come back for another super great giveaway, so I asked her to tell us a bit about herself, and here is what she says...

1) How did you start getting into art?

I've been into art since I could hold a crayon! I went to art school and majored in Advertising Design, which I didn't pursue as a career, but gave me a strong foundation on concept and composition. After years of illustration and graphic design, I got into mixed media about three years ago.

2) What drew you to mixed media? The loose, layered, anything-goes-ness of it.

3) Where do you find your designs for the bookplate? My designs come from my collection of vintage books from the 1920's, most of which belonged to my grandparents, some of which I've found along the way in antique stores. Creating each design can be a lot of work: the original illustration (which is often torn, scratched, or discolored) is scanned, cleaned up, and sometimes completely redesigned to fit a bookplate format. The end product is what you see in my shop.

4) Where do you create in your home? Do you have a special place for your work? 

My bookplates are produced here:

 

and my artwork is produced here:

5) How do you fit being an artist/crafter/Etsy seller into your busy life as a mama? 

I work when my little one is at school, or after she's gone to sleep at night; sometimes I work when she's awake so she can watch what I'm doing. I think it's important for kids to see their parents doing what they love. My daughter is very artistic herself, so she will often join me as I work at my art table. I'll ask her about something she's making and she'll say, "Mommy, I'm still working on this piece." I love it: she's only five!

6) What is your favorite piece of artwork you've done, and bookplate you've made? 

My favorite (of my recent pieces) is called Pollen. 

My favorite bookplate is my Blue Bird bookplate. It's adapted from the end pages of my mother's favorite childhood hymn book, one that my grandmother would open up at bedtime. (http://www.etsy.com/listing/62698793/personalized-vintage-blue-bird)

 
 

7) Where you draw inspiration from? My life, nature, daydreams... mostly daydreams. :)

 

Shelley is offering a set of personalized bookplates to TWO lucky readers! YAY! Just leave us a comment and tell us your favorite book ever, and I'll draw two lucky names Friday morning at 10 a.m. EST. Good luck! And thanks Shelley for this great opportunity!!

She's also offering 10% off order in her print shop with the coupon code "bluebirdbaby10"! woohoo!

 

Visit Shelley's blog here

Visit her Etsy shop for bookplates here

Visit her Etsy shop for prints here

Amazing Artists :: Giveaway :: Lisa Leonard Designs

Lisa is one of my favorite artists out there. She is an amazingly awesome mama, super fantastic artist, a superbly stylish lady, super sweet friend, and great blogger. Her website showcases the most beautiful, meaningful jewelry you will lay eyes on. I have a few of her pieces and I am so grateful for them. My joy necklace jingles festively everytime I wear it, causing others to smile around me. My sweet mama necklace (Sasa got that one as a surprise...aw!) always receives an "awwww! that's so special!" from everyone who sees it, and makes me feel so special just to be a mama. My leaf ornament with the little one's name on it hangs in our window all year long where I can always see it. And oh my...this?! I know there are many photographers out there reading. Isn't that awesome?! The above photo is of my joy necklace, taken so long ago. I still wear it almost daily!

Lisa contacted me about doing a giveaway again here at Bluebirdbaby, and I couldn't be more thrilled. She is offering a $40 gift certificate to two lucky readers! So, in Lisa style, I want you all to leave a comment and tell us what you are most grateful for in your life right now. I will choose two random people on Friday (12.3.10) morning at 9 a.m. EST.

Thank you Lisa. You rock the handmade world. (and my jewelry collection!) Save 15% on your order with coupon code "bluebird15". Yay!

Lisa's website here to order her crazy wonderful work.

Lisa's blog to get a dose of pure happiness.

Good luck! xoxo.

Giveaway :: Delight's Mama Print

I'm sure most of you have heard of Sara Janssen and her amazing family who travels across the country in a veggie-oil powered RV. She has an awesome blog here, which is always super inspiring. Waaaay back when the little one was just a wee newborn, I stumbled upon Sara's photostream on flickr and was so wowed by her photos that she inspired me to dive into my own photography. I owe a lot of thanks to her!

So, in honor of Mother's Day, Sara is giving away one of her amazing Mama prints to a lucky reader. Not only that, but she is offering 15% off any print if you use the code "bluebirdbaby" (Your 15% will be refunded back to you.)

Leave a comment, telling me what your favorite Mother's Day tradition is (if you don't have one, that's okay too!), and I'll draw a winner Sunday night at 8 p.m. EST. Good luck!

Sara's Blog

Sara's Shop

Sara's Website

Giveaway :: Lovely World Handmade

Maribeth, from Lovely World Handmade is a mother, blogger, crafter, and a midwife by training. Her blog is visually inspiring and full of crafty goodness. I am in love with everything she does. Those mushrooms? Those dolls? That fox?! Eeks! She has kindly offered to do a giveaway here at Bluebirdbaby! Yay! Thank you Maribeth!

Here is what Maribeth has to say ::

My mother is a talented seamstress and I credit her with inspiring me to learn to sew. I was very lucky in that the home I grew up in had a sewing room, and some sort of project or another was always in the works. I began to sew in earnest when I was in college. I studied art and women's studies, and wrote my thesis on the history of quilt making. I made quite a few quilts around that time. I went on to graduate school and became a nurse-midwife by profession. Caring for women and their families is incredibly satisfying, although sometimes exhausting, work. I continued to work as a midwife after I had my children (9-year-old Miriam and 6-year-old Adam), but found it increasingly difficult to balance my work with being the mother I wanted to be. So, for the time being I have made the decision to be home full time. This change has opened up more time for creative work. I started my blog a year and a half ago, and opened my Etsy shop this past December. I do some sort of creative work every day. I sew, embroider, knit, crochet, and sometimes make things with paper such as collage and paper cutting.

My inspiration comes from diverse places. I live in a rural area and spend a lot of time outdoors, finding much inspiration through observing the natural world around me. I also love looking through old illustrated books - whether children's picture books, naturalist guides, or art books. I enjoy discovering images that I can translate into a new creation. Japanese craft books have also been a wonderful treasure-trove of inspiration. And, of course, I am incredibly thankful for and inspired by all the lovely art and craft blogs I read and all the bloggers who have been so supportive and kind to me. It is an important community of women, and I'm always discovering something new.

Maribeth's shop is just full of lovely goodies. She has graciously offered to give away a mushroom to one lucky reader. Can't you just picture it on a nature table? Or on a shelf? Or on a windowsill? Or on a nightstand? Okay...it could go just about anywhere! To enter, leave a comment and tell us where you'd  put it in your home. I'll close the comments at 9 a.m. EST on Friday the 5th.

Good luck! And thanks Maribeth for the fabulous giveaway!!

Etsy Giveaway :: mandy gerth

I first stumbled across Mandy's work a couple of months ago when I fell in love with the above print. I love everything about it :: the colors, the little bubbles on the grass, the way the chimney smoke reminds me of a giant sheet flowing in a summer breeze.

Then I found this print. To me it just screams, "I want to hang in your sewing room!!" Because all of us seamstresses know that actual sewing is only a fraction of what it takes to sew something. I think I spend the majority of my time ironing (and eating chocolate...ahem).

And this? Well, let's just say I have become very fond friends with my beloved French press. I've even named her Emma. She is always there, gently easing me into the long day ahead. What a lovely tribute to my fond friend.

A little bit about Mandy ::

Growing up, I spent a lot of time with my grandma.   She took me to museums and out on nature walks.  Whether pointing out a decorative piece of woodwork on an old chair or an especially beautiful tree, I remember noticing things when I was with her.  She showed me details waiting to be discovered everywhere around us.

As a home maker and mother of two small children, I find an incredible amount of nourishment from making art work.   My work is inspired by the details and rhythm of daily life; these details move me and drive me to make works to enrich our family life as well as the lives of others.

Mandy is giving one reader any choice of artwork from her lovely Etsy shop. Just enter a comment about your favorite winter activity, and the winner will be chosen on Tuesday at 4 p.m. EST.

Visit Mandy's blog here and Etsy shop here! Thanks Mandy! You rock.

Giveaway :: Whole Grain Baby

Varenia, owner of Whole Grain Baby, is offering a super awesome giveaway today! She is the creator of the cutest patterns ever. I am in love with this "square neck dress" (I'm picturing natural linen for the body and red linen for the contrasting yoke and sleeves for a holiday twist!) and this shirt looks so cute on her! She is a super talented mama and be sure to check out her lovely blog here.

Varenia is offering the winner 4 free patterns of your choice (wow!), and a discount for the next week (expires on 12.11.09) for all Bluebirdbaby readers. Just enter "BLUEBIRDBABY10" at the checkout.

I will draw a name on Sunday, 8 p.m. EST. Good luck!!

Giveaway :: Knecht Ruprecht

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all your sweet comments to yesterday's post. Seriously...you all are the greatest! I wish I could invite you all over for a nice mama's chat and cup of tea. I haven't had much computer time today, so I am way behind on replying to each of your comments. So...I've decided to do a Waldorf series of posts next week, starting on Monday with a bunch of questions and answers from all of you. So when you enter this giveaway, please also ask any question you would like answered and I will get to it on Monday. If you don't have a question, just leave a regular comment to enter the giveaway. And, of course, if your question is something you wish not to share with everyone else, just e-mail me! I love hearing from all of you!!

After Marie commented on one of my posts, I took a gander over to her Etsy shop where I was delighted to find loads of handcrafted Waldorf goodness! Look at this sweet little root child! I immediately fell in love with her and all her creations. Such talent!

Marie was gracious enough to do a giveaway here on Bluebirdbaby for the little ones. Yay! Here's a little bit more about Marie and her crafts ::

"My name is Marie and I absolutely love my work as a dollmaker. Since my own Waldorf schooling, I have created handmade toys from natural materials. Since I had my daughter, I started to make her things just like my mother did for me when I was a child. More and more people asked if I could make such toys for their children too and so I started to sell my dolls.
I believe very strongly in the importance of dolls and dollplay in a child's life, and it is a great pleasure and honor for me to create these important little friends for children who accompany them through the most significant childhood years."

"As the child nurtures & mothers the doll, he is - not simply metaphorically but also in reality - caring for himself. It is important therefore, that we offer a doll that closely resembles him/her, not so much in features but rather in proportion. The child's "felt experience" of the doll will remain with him/her. So let's keep the doll simple, proportional & tactilely truthful."
Words by Shariffa Oppenheimer in regards to Waldorf dolls.

I love those words by Shariffa and was so delighted that Marie included them in her bio. Marie is giving away one of her sweet little walnut babies, which the winner can choose. She's also offering a 10% discount to Bluebirdbaby readers. Just enter "bluebirdbaby09" when you checkout. Thank you Marie!!

So go check out Marie's sweet shop and to enter the giveaway leave a comment below and I'll draw the winner on Sunday at 8 p.m. EST. Good luck!!

Giveaway :: Wonder Thunder's Happy Veggie Bags

Yay for giveaways! Yay for green living! Yay for anything cute!

This classy duo draws the pictures, screen prints, sews, and ships all by themselves! I eyed these produce bags on Etsy a while back and thought they were too cute for words. I mean, wouldn't you love putting your bulk beans and rice in a bag like that?!

A bit more about them ::

Wonder Thunder is Meagan Claire Hall and Sasha Barr, two Tennessee transplants living and making in Seattle Washington. We care a lot about lots of things, mainly cooking great food, seeing pretty places, and making things for people to love and enjoy. We like make reusable things for people with a nice sense of humor and a penchant for food with faces.

So support green living and these two lovely crafters and leave a comment here. The winner will be drawn on Sunday at 8 p.m. EST and be the lucky owner of a fantabulous set of "Happy Veggie Bags"!

Find there shop here.
Blog here.
Website here.

Winners (and some cuteness!)

Thanks for all the Bearkat love! Gosh, I had no idea just how many people were on the search for some good music. I'm so glad I could put Katy's work out there. She's really amazing! So...without further ado, my random number generator (Sasa) picked three winners. He chose numbers 16, 69, and 148 ::

# 16 ::

I'm always looking for new indie folk/rock!

Posted by: Ms.Cleaver | July 17, 2009 at 10:37 AM

#69

My goodness! She's excellent! I would LOVE her CD.

Posted by: Kelly | July 17, 2009 at 04:59 PM

#148

Ooh, fun! I could use some new summer tunes. Fun give-away!

Posted by: megbrothers | July 19, 2009 at 01:08 PM

So ladies...please send me an e-mail and I'll get your Bearkat goodness in the mail to you! Thanks to all who entered. Stay tuned for next Friday's super awesome giveaway!

And because I couldn't let myself post without photos, here is my little fish, enjoying the cool lake on a warm day. She is quite the swimmer and loves to be in the water. Luckily, we're five minutes from a beautiful lake with a great little beach. So enjoy my little fish/model, doing what she does best: enjoying life.

Enjoy the start to your week!

Giveaway :: Bearkat

A few months ago we attended a concert in town. The featured performer was Bearkat: a one gal band who plays just about every instrument imaginable, with some great back-up by her significant other, who just happened to be the other featured performer. They really were a dynamic duo and Katy (Bearkat) completely had Sasa and I hooked. Her tunes are so catchy, mixing indie folk and rock, and creating tunes that you literally just don't want to stop listening to.

So we grabbed her c.d. and brought it home. The little one was hooked in a matter of minutes and now walks all over town singing "trying to be the one" and "hand a heart" over and over at the top of her lungs. She was especially interested in the fact that Katy was staying in our town for a while before heading back to the west coast, so we would occasionally bump into her. The little one always asks "is this Katy singing? Can we listen to Katy, mama?"

Not only is Katy an amazing singer/songwriter, but she's the sweetest person too. She gladly gave me three of her full-length c.d.'s to give away to you! So I'm doing my part to spread the Bearkat love. Trust me, you'll love it! Just enter a comment (make sure to include your e-mail!!) and the winner will be drawn Sunday at 8 p.m. EST.

Be sure to check out Katy's website here!

Giveaway :: Long Winter Farm

Last spring I came across a nearby Etsy shop using the shop local search tool. I contacted Mandi from Long Winter Farm in hopes she'd want to hook up sometime and talk Etsy crafting talk. Little did I know she was the hippest, craftiest, wittiest, yurt-livin' single mama of two. We talked back and forth for months before actually meeting up (which is silly considering we lived less than 5 minutes from one another...) and when we finally met face to face, it was kind of that super comfy feeling friendship; like we had known each other forever.

I mean, anyone who says things like "sweet biscuits" and "teehee" is a winner in my book. Really, you have to be super cool to sell soap titled "tan my ham" and "hippie juice". Together we have a gift for talking at great lengths about crazy things like pyrex and bowling shoes. She also does some pretty amazing gift guides on her blog (check out her playlist!!) where she pretty much nailed both me and Sasa. Her writing is witty, totally sincere, and so much fun to read.

Her products are amazing. Every time we get together she introduces me to something new: lip balm, new soap scents, body cream, massage oil, etc. I mean, how does a single mama of two get all this done??! I honestly haven't a clue...but she does. And she does it with style. Her packaging is beautiful, which compliments her fantabulous products perfectly. She just plain rocks!

So Mandi has kindly offered a giveaway here on Bluebirdbaby! Yay! The winner gets to pick three bars of soap, a jar of cream, and lip balm. Woohoo! Just leave a comment telling what you'd like to see in her shop in the future (shampoo, a different soap scent, etc.) and the winner will be drawn Monday morning at 9 a.m. EST.

Check out her shop policies for more information on her products. Good luck!

Giveaway :: Oiseaux :: The Sweetest Bookplates Ever

Every now and then you'll find a featured artist on here with a fabulous giveaway. I'd like to introduce Oiseaux. Shelley is a West Coast Mama, artist, and a lover of all things vintage and book related. Her book plates are absolutely adorable, and of course I couldn't resist the sweet little bluebird bookplates.

Now that the little one is getting older, I find we are carting more books to and from places (school, friends houses, etc) and having a personalized bookplate would not only be super cute, but also very practical! And how cute are these? As another lover of all things vintage, I think Shelley's goods are so inspiring.

Shelley is offering a giveaway here at Bluebirdbaby. Just leave a comment to enter, including what bookplates you would choose if you won, and I'll draw a name this Friday at noon EST. The winner gets to choose his or her favorite bookplates from Shelley's shop! Don't forget to check out her fabulous blog too!

Good luck!