Winter Wonderland

Here you will find a wide assortment of handmade Winter related items and gifts from accomplished handmade artisans from all venues, locations, and mediums. Check it out, look around, and enjoy.

Use the tabs at the top of the post to look at some of my other pages. I have a page for shops, blogs, free printables, some of my favorite tutorials, and meet some awesome artists and see what they do.

HURRY...Last Minute Gift Ideas

We all have those moments when we realize that we forgot someone or something. Well here is a great compilation of gift ideas to jog that memory in this hectic time. A little something for everyone.

Gifts For The Little guys and Gals

It's Time to find those unforgettable gifts for the little tikes in your life. These are quality handmade gifts that are made with love and care by handmade artisans. Let's have a special handmade Christmas.

Early Bird Shoppers - Gifts For Him!

Here are some wonderful gift items and ideas for the men in your life. Whether it be your boyfriend, husband, father, son, brother, or just that special friend, you are sure to find something great here.

Early Bird Shoppers - Gifts For Teens And Tweens

Want to win a great prize pack and maybe get some of your Christmas shopping done at the same time?
All you have to do is vote for your favorite items shop from the list. There are two pages but very short and well designed. Easy on the eyes. So vote to win!

☼☼☼☼☼☼☼ VOTE TO WIN A GREAT PRIZE PACK ☼☼☼☼☼☼☼


The Gift Guide from Share and Like Group



Now then, Artists, it's time to start posting your wonderful and unique handmade gift ideas for the early bird shoppers (who I am so jealous of). This post is for the ever so hard to buy for Teens and Tweens in your life. Both the guys and the gals.They are sure to like any one of the precious items here.

Let's get shopping!!!

Early Bird Shopping - Gifts For Her

First off I want to say that I was invited to join a great group of wonderful and talented handmade artists on Facebook. And we (Laura) have put together a contest to win a prize pack from some of the featured artists. All you have to do is vote for your favorite items shop from the list. There are two pages but very short and well designed. Easy on the eyes. So vote to win!

☼☼☼☼☼☼☼ VOTE TO WIN A GREAT PRIZE PACK ☼☼☼☼☼☼☼


The Gift Guide from Share and Like Group



Now then, It's time to start posting your wonderful and unique handmade gift ideas for the early bird shoppers (who I am so jealous of). This post is for the women folk in your lives. Gifts For Her is the theme. Show everyone your amazing gifts for the friends, girlfriends, wives, sisters, moms, grandmas, daughters, in-laws, granddaughters, aunts, co-workers, and every female in your lives. Let's get shopping for the ladies!

Halloween, Samhain, and other Fall Festivals

I love this time of year. The cooling weather, the brilliant colors, the feeling of the change. The old is ending and the new will begin. Show your handmade items that accent Halloween, Samhain, and other Fall rituals and festivities that are close to you heart.

For The Love Of Autumn

Fall is here at least where I am and everything is starting to change. Let's see your handmade items that have anything and everything to do with fall, whether it be colors, warmth for a cool day or night, seasonal edibles, or whatever you can think of. I love autumn.

Back To School Already?

Summer's is coming to an end. Time for the kiddos to go back to school. Let us see your handmade items that have to do with back to school, teacher gifts, and so on.

Also would you take a minute to go vote for your favorite item at the following link. Mine is the Teacher's Gift Necklace but you can vote for your favorite.

http://itsbetterhandmade.com/back-to-school-inspiration-contest-by-ibh-artfire-guild/

Also I am having a 35% off summer clearance sale. Use code SummersEnd2012 on selected items in my shop through 9/11/2012.

Please Vote

I would appreciate it so much if you would take a minute to go to the following link and vote for your favorite handmade back to school item hosted by It's Better Handmade. I would love for you to vote for my Teacher's Gift Necklace but you just vote for your favorite.


http://itsbetterhandmade.com/back-to-school-inspiration-contest-by-ibh-artfire-guild/

Thanks so much everyone, Jacque

Elemental Air

In keeping with the last few themes of elements, we are going with "Elemental Air" this week. Show us your wonderful handmade items that are light and airy, white or light blue, weather related, actual air elements, or whatever "Elemental Air" means to you.

Also, use the tabs at the top of this post to go to pages where you can put links to your shops, links to your blogs, free printables, some of my favorite tutorials, and to meet some very talented artists.

Don't forget to follow and sign up by email. When you sign up by email, you will get an email when I post. It can serve as a reminder to come check out the theme and post some of your items. It's pretty cool. That way you don't have to remember to come back here and post. Don't we have enough to remember? Don't worry about me flooding your email. I only post once every week or two.

Red Hot Fire

The last two themes have been elements. So in keeping with that theme, this week's is RED HOT FIRE. Let's see anything with flames, red, orange, having to do with the element of fire, and such.

Make sure you put a button to your shops and blogs on the pages I created for them. Use the tabs at the top of this post. Also check out the tutorials and free printables and go over to their blogs and leave them a comment telling them how you found them. Make someone's day. Comments like that always make my day.

Water Colors

Hello everyone. Last theme was all about earth and earth tones. This time, we are going for water themed items, hence "Water Colors". This can be shades of blue and greens, droplets, water life, or anything that has to do with the element of water.

Also, be sure that if you have a shop and/or a blog, to put a button to it on my button pages. The tabs at the top of this page will help you to get to the right spot. While you are there, be sure to check out some of the ones already posted. There is also a tutorials page with some of my favorites on there. There's a free printables page and a Artist of the week page. Check out the amazing talent in this world.

Earth Tones

Sorry, I'm a little late posting this week. This week's theme is Earth Tones. I was born an Earth Sign and I love all things green and nature as you know, so I want to see your handmade items in Earth Tones or made of earth. Don't forget to share this post on your blogs, face book, twitter, or what ever. Just share.

Whatever You Like

I think it's about time for a "whatever week". I love these. You get to post any of your handmade items you like and there is always such a variety. So get to posting your wonderful and creative items for all of us to see.

The Red White and Blue

It's summer. Time for swimming, cook outs, fireflies, and fireworks. Show me your red, whites, and blues. Show your independence day spirit!

Did Someone Say Sale???

Well everyone likes to save money right? Let's go sale shopping this week. List anything that you have on your handmade sale racks.

Also I have a added a new tab at the top of the post titled "Featured Artist Of The Week". Please take a look at these artists every week. There is some really amazing, talented, individuals in this world.

Great Gift Ideas for Summer Events

There are so many get togethers and events during the summer. There's graduations, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, cook outs, family reunions, baby showers, and the list just goes on and on. Handmade gifts are the best. Let's see some really awesome handmade gift ideas for some of the events above or events that you have planned.

If you have a shop, use the tab above and put a button to your shop so others can find you. The same if you have a blog. There's a tab for that too.

My Father My Hero

Father's Day is June 17th. So let's see you handmade gifts for the number one guys in our lives.

Words of Kindness and Encouragement

I would like to see some gifts and mementos of kind acts and words of encouragement. We all know someone who could use some. Take a little time to say them and maybe give them a token to let them know they matter and are being thought about. Everyone needs some at some point in their lives. You can make a difference.

My Favorite....

This week our theme is "My Favorite..." meaning post some of your favorites. Everyone has different tastes and styles so this should be great.

My Dear Mother...

It's almost Mother's Day. Let's show everyone some great gift ideas for that truly special mother or woman in your life.

It's All About The Kiddos!

This week, I would like to have you guys post anything you've made for the kiddos. Have fun with it and let's see that great bunch of goods!

Earth Day Eco Chic

It's almost Earth Day. And you all know how much I love ALL things green and earth friendly. I can't wait to see what you come up with.

And remember, the little things we do to help add up in a BIG way.

Think about it and don't throw your trash down, reuse what you can, and try to consume less. It's really easy to help change things. There are great handmade goods out there to help get you started.

Flowers Chicks and Bunnies...It's Easter!

It's almost time for Easter. Show us your Spring, Easter Basket treats, and anything else having to do with Easter.


My next post will not be until April 9th. I'm taking a short vacation. But please continue posting until then.

SPRING BREAK!!!

As you can see, I'm a little late putting up my Monday post. It's Spring Break and I'm over run with Boys! I have my son, grandson, and nephew. It's been thunder storming for 2 days and they have my house turned upside down. I guess the important thing is that they are making memories. So this week's theme is Spring Break!

Sunshine and Happy Days!

The clocks have sprung forward. The days are going to get longer and the weather here has been awesome! What more could you ask for? Well let's see, shall we?


Make sure you check out the favorite tutorials tab and the free printables tab.
I'll have more posted soon.





Here is a link to the newest blog hop. Have fun.

Is It Spring Yet?

The first day of Spring is only a couple weeks away. The flowers and trees are blooming. I'm so excited. The weather has been great where I am. So let's see your works of art that remind you of Springtime and Renewal.


Also Shymouseecrafts has a great blog where you can post your items as well. Check it out and get some more exposure here.



The Runner Up Winner in the Jewelry Maker's Giveaway is ANDREA MEADOWS. Andrea has seven days to email me or leave a comment about her awesome prize.

KISS ME! I might be Irish!

It's time to show us all of your greens, clovers, lucky horse shoes, stars, moons. My mind started wondering off to a Lucky Charms Cereal commercial. It's St. Patrick's Day time of the year. So show us what you have for this awesome occasion.


Shymouseecrafts has a great blog where you can post your items as well. Check it out and get some more exposure here.

Put a button to your shop on the Handmade Shops Buttons Page located on one of the above tabs.
If you have a blog, there's a tab for that too. Exchange buttons with me so we all can share and be found.
If you are a new follower, be sure to leave me a comment saying so. I would like to follow you back. As you can see, we are growing quickly and its getting hard to recognize who the new followers are. So, leave me a message. :)





Here is a new blog party for you all to check out. There's some really neat things here.

The Party Goes On And On

It seems like a never ending party time with New Years, Valentine's Day, Mardi Gras, and St. Patrick's Day all in a row. Let's see what you would take to the party.

If you have a shop leave your button on the page for shops. If you have a blog, exchange buttons with me. Let's get even more noticed than we already are.

---ANNOUNCEMENT----PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING----
Please follow me on the NEW LINKY FOLLOWER TOOL.
GOOGLE Friend Connect will go away on Feb 29.
If you sign up for the Linky Follower tool (THANKS SO MUCH BRENT), I am following everyone that follows me. Its super easy and FREE!
Be sure to leave me a comment if you follow me from the Linky Party so I will be sure that I follow you back. Thanks so much!




This is a Blog Hop!
There is a NEW awesome tool–Linky Followers
It has so many amazing features (that GFC never had). If you have not signed up you should. (yes you can have both.) I love the new tool so much and want everyone to enjoy all the new features. …and did I tell you its super easy and FREE!
What better way to celebrate a fun new blogging tool than to have a party
so break out your poodle skirt and saddle back shoes cuz’ we’re having a LINKY FOLLOWER PARTY HOP
RULES:
1. you MUST have the LINKY FOLLOWERS tool on your site to participate.

If you see that your link has been deleted you need to add the LINKY FOLLOWER tool to your site and then come back over and re-enter your link
{You can have both the LINKY FOLLOWERS & GFC on your site but you must have the LINKY FOLLOWERS toolto participate in this party hop.}
2. You MUST follow the person who has the party on their site as a thank you.

3. Just add your blog button to the LINKY PARTY below.

4.Then grab the BLOG HOP code

You will find the code right under the Linky Party where it says CLICK HERE TO ENTER–
just under that it says: WHAT IS A BLOG HOP? GET THE CODE HERE
Click on GET THE CODE HERE and enter it into a post on your site.
You can grab the party button code in the FOOTER at Its So Very Cheri
You can grab info from my post if it helps you with your post.
5. Then you follow other bloggers–(as many as you want)
–leave each one of the blogs that you follow a comment letting them know you are following them and ask them to follow you back.

If you want to add the BLOG HOP to your own site you will get lots of new followers–(see rule #2)


Its So Very Cheri has and will continue to visit every entry-I try to leave comments but this party has had so many entries and in order to get to everyone I had to change things around. I will come by to make sure you have the Linky Follower tool and follow you. If I mess up and forget to come over and follow you please leave me a comment and I will come back over to do so. You will see my button in your list of followers.

…SO DO YA WANT TO GO CRUISIN’?



I PLAN ON HOPPING FROM BLOG TO BLOG TO FOLLOW EVERYONE WHO FOLLOWS ME.

If you would like to participate in a fun PIN party head over to the DIY Club and enter the monthly PINNING Party.

This is a Blog Hop!

This is a Blog Hop!
PARTY BLOG HOP!!!!!

MARDI GRAS 2012

For nearly 200 years people have been flocking to the Big Easy for Mardi Gras celebrations. Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday, the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. It's the last official day to indulge before lent.

There is a Blog Hop Party at the bottom of this post.

----ANNOUNCEMENT----PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING----

Please follow me on the NEW LINKY FOLLOWER TOOL.
GOOGLE Friend Connect will go away on Feb 29.
If you sign up for the Linky Follower tool, I am following everyone that follows me. Its super easy and FREE!
Be sure to leave me a comment if you follow me from the Linky Party so I will be sure that I follow you back. Thanks so much!

ATTENTION PLEASE. We used the randomizer to choose a winner. Congrats to Kathryn Designs!!! You have won the Jewelry Maker's Give Away. You have 7 days to contact me at HopesAndDreamsStudio@cox.net with your address info. If no answer within 7 days, we will choose another winner.

This is a BLOG HOP PARTY!!!

Rules:
1. You must have the Linky Followers tool on your site to participate.
2. You must follow the person who has the party on their site as a thank you.
3. Grab the Blog Hop code and join in

Come on in.

Spectrum Of The Rainbow

I thought we'd have a colorful post this week. Show me your brightest colors.
 
----ANNOUNCEMENT----PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING----
 
Please follow me on the NEW LINKY FOLLOWER TOOL.
GOOGLE Friend Connect will go away on Feb 29.
If you sign up for the Linky Follower tool, I am following everyone that follows me. Its super easy and FREE!
 
***ATTENTION*** Last week to enter the "Jewelry Maker's Give Away". See post below for details on how to enter. It's worth over $80.00. I stopped counting after that. You can get a sneek peek of some of the things in there if you go to my shop. I put up a couple photos to give you a clue as to what you are winning. Hopes And Dreams Studio

Anything And Everything HANDMADE

I thought it was a good time to have an everything post. That means, if you made it, you can post it this week. No themes, colors, holidays to restrict you. Post whatever you want as long as it is handmade.

Here are some ways to earn entries into the giveaway.
***GIVEAWAY DETAILS: Jewelry Makers Giveaway***
I have put together a variety of items such as beads, findings, pendants, charms, etc. for this giveaway. You must leave a separate comment for each of the tasks you complete with a link to where you posted (if applicable). Each comment will be an entry. Certain tasks will be worth more entries as noted. You only have to leave one comment per task and I’ll add you extra entries before I use the randomizer to pick the winner. Below are tasks that you can perform to gain entries.
1.) Follow “It’s A Handmade World” blog. (If you already do, just say so in a comment).
2.) Follow Hopes And Dreams Studio on Facebook using link to the left. (If you already do, just say so in a comment).
3.) Leave a link and comment about this giveaway or blog on your blog.
4.) Add our button to your blog.
5.) Leave a comment and link on your Facebook about this giveaway or blog.
6.) Leave a comment and link on your Twitter about this giveaway or blog.
7.) Pin this blog to your Pinterest.
8.) Add a link and comment to any other site or blog that you have about this one.
9.) Leave me a comment with 5 possible theme ideas that are not Holiday or Color related.
10.) Sign up for Listia under my code. It is free. The link is at the bottom of the post. ( I get a lot of vintage brooches and some other great things there.) - 5 Entries
11.) Get 3 people to follow this blog. Have them leave a comment saying that you referred them. – 3 Entries
12.) Donate an item or $10 gift certificate from your shop to be given away. You will also get featured in a post, a button on my sidebar, and other exposure during the time that I give away your item. – 10 Entries
You do not have to perform all of these tasks. This giveaway is for fun and to help us grow together and gain even more exposure. Not to mention, a great giveaway of things to add to your stash. The winner will be selected on Monday, February 13th. That gives you two weeks left to play. You will need to be completed with your comments by Saturday, February 11th. This is a Blog Hop!

PURPLE PASSIONS

I want to see all of those beautiful shades of purples that you have created.

Amethyst is the birthstone for all of you February babies. Here is a little about this beautiful stone. AMETHYST IS THE STONE OF SPIRITUALITY.
Angelic: Violet - Archangel Zadkiel is the Archangel of forgiveness, mercy, tolerance, and transmutation of negative energy and his color is violet. Helps you when you are stuck in negative emotions such as anger, hatred, and guilt.
MetaPhysical Healing Properties: Amethyst is a stone of the mind. It helps to bring calmness and clarity where there is anxiety and confusion. Wear Amethyst if you want to get in touch with your intuition, your feelings, or your values. Amethyst helps one learn of all things spiritual, mystic and psychic. Especially aids sobriety; alcohol, food, sex, and other addictions.
Color: Amethyst ranges in color from light lavender to dark purple. Violet is the color of Spirituality.
Physical Healing Properties: Boosts productions of hormones, calms nervous system, insomnia, hearing, digestive tract, heart. Insomnia, headaches, hearing disorders, posture and skeletal system, stomach, skin, and teeth. As an elixir in the treatment of arthritis.
Negates: Over indulgence, grief, anger, guilt, fear, rage, confusion, impatience, and resentment, Insomnia, nightmares
Accentuates: Cleanses, cleansing, purifies, restructures and renews. Fosters psychic abilities, spiritual awareness, contentment, peace, stability, serenity, forgiveness, tolerance
***GIVEAWAY DETAILS: Jewelry Makers Giveaway***
I have put together a variety of items such as beads, findings, pendants, charms, etc. for this giveaway. You must leave a separate comment for each of the tasks you complete with a link to where you posted (if applicable). Each comment will be an entry. Certain tasks will be worth more entries as noted. You only have to leave one comment per task and I’ll add you extra entries before I use the randomizer to pick the winner. Below are tasks that you can perform to gain entries.
1.) Follow “It’s A Handmade World” blog. (If you already do, just say so in a comment).
2.) Follow Hopes And Dreams Studio on Facebook using link to the left. (If you already do, just say so in a comment).
3.) Leave a link and comment about this giveaway or blog on your blog.
4.) Add our button to your blog.
5.) Leave a comment and link on your Facebook about this giveaway or blog.
6.) Leave a comment and link on your Twitter about this giveaway or blog.
7.) Pin this blog to your Pinterest.
8.) Add a link and comment to any other site or blog that you have about this one.
9.) Leave me a comment with 5 possible theme ideas that are not Holiday or Color related.
10.) Sign up for Listia under my code. It is free. The link is at the bottom of the post. ( I get a lot of vintage brooches and some other great things there.) - 5 Entries
11.) Get 3 people to follow this blog. Have them leave a comment saying that you referred them. – 3 Entries
12.) Donate an item or $10 gift certificate from your shop to be given away. You will also get featured in a post, a button on my sidebar, and other exposure during the time that I give away your item. – 10 Entries
You do not have to perform all of these tasks. This giveaway is for fun and to help us grow together and gain even more exposure. Not to mention, a great giveaway of things to add to your stash.
The winner will be selected on Monday, February 13th. That gives you three weeks to play. You will need to be completed with your comments by Saturday, February 11th.

Valentines Don't Have To Be Red

It is time to shop for that special someone for Valentine's Day but that doesn't mean the perfect gift has to be red or even pink for that matter. I'd like to see possible Valentine gifts that could be any color, match any personality, or match a specific personality. This should be amazing.

Also, one of my items was featured in a contest and I could use some votes. Could you guys click on the link to the left and vote for Hopes And Dreams Studio please? I really appreciate it. Thank you.

If anyone is interested, a few friends opened a store on Facebook called Brand Name Items For Half The Price where you can post some of your items if you like. Just a suggestion. You might check it out.

I should have details ready for the Jewelry Makers Giveaway next post. Stay tuned for that.

Be My Valentine

We're off to a great start this new year. It's time now to start thinking about those special someones that you would like to get a gift for on Valentine's Day. Here are some great suggestions posted by wonderful handmade artisans.

For all of you posting, if you have blogs, facebook, twitter, pinterest, etc., I'm asking you to post and share a link to this post. Thanks for your help in advance. It's amazing how many we reach when we work together.

I am working on my second give away. The first one was for card makers and scrap bookers. This one will be for jewelry makers. I'll let you know more about it soon. But for now, Get to posting!!! :)

January And All Its Splendor

Well its January. Time of starting anew and letting go of what was. Post your items that represent January for you. This could mean Garnet, reds, new beginnings, winter weather, or whatever it means to you.

On another note, It's hard coming up with themes every week. I could use some help from you guys. Please leave a comment with possible themes for the upcoming year.

Happy New Year to all!