giveaway

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Frostings Handstamped Jewelry - Winner & Discount!

Posted 26th May, 2011 in by Andrea

Congratulations to Alexis! Her comment was randomly drawn and she wins a piece of hand stamped jewelry from Frostings in this week's giveaway!

Everyone's a winner though! Don't forget to use the discount code by May 31st to get 10% off your custom handstamped piece of jewelryl

Just use code SIGNME10 at checkout in the Frostings Etsy Shop or at checkout when ordering on the Frostings website*. This code is good through May 31st, 2011. *If ordering on the website, the 10% discount will be refunded after purchase.

 

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Be Joyful Reminder & Frostings Hand-Stamped Jewelry Giveaway

Posted 23rd May, 2011 in by Andrea

 

Do you ever think you could use a daily reminder of a special quote or bible verse or positive affirmation to help you get through the day? 
 
Lately I've been feeling what you might describe as "moody". Okay, you might describe it as something totally different, but let's just call it moody for the sake of this post. I've had a hard time staying positive, finding joy, giving thanks, and feeling happy. Over and over again I've caught myself being angry for no good reason, irritated about small things, and just plain cranky. It's no fun to be around (just ask Ben & the kids), and frankly, it's no fun to be me when I feel that way--even I don't want to be around me!
 
I thought perhaps a special reminder might help me get through those tough days. So, I ordered this:
 
bejoyfulalways.jpg
Be Joyful Always Hand-Stamped Sterling Silver Necklace by Natasha Vaughn @ Frostings
 
...and it instantly cheered me up. Don't get me wrong, I know it's no magic potion, but I do think it'll be a great reminder to try to find joy and be positive when I start turning into my evil twin.   
 
I've admired the hand-stamped jewelry trend for a long time, and when it came down to choosing what I wanted my piece of jewelry to say, it was a very hard decision.   I considered the kids' names and birthstones, or something artsy and creatively inspiring, and even just my own initial or name. But the more I thought about it, the more I knew I wanted it to be something that wasn't necessarily representative of me, but more of who I WANT to be--something to strive for. In this season of my life, "Be Joyful Always" covers the bases. If I can find joy, then maybe I can also be happy, fun, thankful, prayerful, caring, loving, sweet and thoughtful. 
 
Natasha Vaughn at Frostings Custom Handstamped Jewelry & Gifts did more than make me a pretty custom necklace. While shopping for my necklace, I was forced to look at myself, my values and my attitude. I'm thankful to her for offering such a special piece of jewelry that undoubtedly means so much to each person who buys (or receives) one.
 
She has so many beautiful design options, and you can have them all personalized, which makes them even more special. I had a hard time choosing the style I liked best...
 
circleoflove.jpg cupoflove.jpg treeoflove.jpg
 
Pretty cool, huh? 
Want to get one?
Want a discount? 
I thought you might! ;)

 

Discount


frostingslogo.jpgNatasha has generously offered a 10% off discount for you!

Just use code SIGNME10 at checkout in the Frostings Etsy Shop or at checkout when ordering on the Frostings website*. This code is good through May 31st, 2011. *If ordering on the website, the 10% discount will be refunded after purchase.

 

Giveaway

 
And....she's going to be giving away a free piece of jewelry (up to $50) to one of my readers!  You don't want to miss this giveaway!
 
There are three ways to enter the giveaway:
  1. Visit the Frostings web site and comment here telling me what piece is your favorite.
    (Required entry.)
  2. For a second entry, become a fan of the Frostings Facebook page.
    (Leave a separate comment here to let me know you became a fan.)
  3. For a third entry, follow the Frostings blog by signing up for their RSS feed.
    (Leave a separate comment here to let me know you did.)

I'll announce a winner on Thursday morning, May 26th -- so go start shopping!

 

 

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Winner! My Fine Art 16" x 20" Photo Canvas Giveaway - PLUS a discount!

Posted 18th March, 2011 in by Andrea

Congratulations to Pita! Your comment #27 was randomly drawn to win a free 16" x 20" custom photo canvas from My Fine Art.

But just because you didn't win, doesn't mean you don't get a deal too!  My Fine Art has extended a a 10% off discount* through the end of March 2011 - JUST for you guys!  So, if you've always wanted a canvas display made from your favorite photos...now is the time!  *To redeem the 10% off discount, just contact Julie through her Etsy shop to request a custom discounted listing.

 

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My Fine Art - Your Photo on a 16" x 20" Canvas Giveaway!

Posted 14th March, 2011 in by Andrea

 

Finding the Perfect Match:
 

Boy, do I have a fabulous giveaway for you today! But first, let me show you what arrived last week:

That's a 16" x 20" stretched canvas print of a photo I that took of my daughter and her friends playing "rainy day".  I'm so excited about how perfect it's going to look hanging next to a 16" x 20" You Are My Sunshine canvas in my mother-in-law's office: 

My mother-in-law counsels young mothers with toddlers and babieMy Fine Art - Your Photo Printed on Canvass and works with families that need a lot of "sunshine" and encouragement.  When she mentioned one day that she'd like to have this photo to hang in her office, I began thinking about how I could incorporate it to go with her You Are My Sunshine canvas.  Then, a couple of weeks later I connected with Julie Ryan at My Fine Art...and well, the match was made.  I knew exactly what photo I needed to have made into a canvas print!  And I love how it turned out.

Be Inspired by Canvas Display Ideas:

 

Now of course, I would love to have several more and just need to free up some more wall-space!  How cool would a collage of 6 of these 12" x 12" deep profile canvases look?  They're only $30 each, which is a super deal.  I'm visualizing a set of 6 canvases: four 12" x 12" canvas displaying a favorite photograph of each family member, one with the entire family together, plus a decorative canvas featuring a favorite quote or bible verse:

The 12 x 12 canvases shown above are actual canvases printed at My Fine Art.

Or, here's some more canvas decorating inspiration for you...I just love how clean and simple a stretched canvas looks and how the style really showcases the photographs:


The six display inspiration examples shown here are from a Google image search for
wall canvas display ideas, and are not image examples of canvas prints by My Fine Art.

Having trouble choosing which of your photos to have printed on canvas? Here are some ideas to get those creative juices flowing:

  • family portraits for a den or living room, to hang over the mantle
  • action shot sports photos to decorate a playroom or kid's bedroom
  • favorite travel photographs (beaches, gardens, mountains, cities, buildings, etc) to display in an office, kitchen or living room
  • wedding portraits or favorite "couple" candids to hang in your master bedroom
  • newborn moments or "birth-day" hospital photos to hang over a crib in a nursery
  • favorite baby or toddler candids of each of your grandkids
  • a princess castle picture for your little princess's bedroom -- (oh, this picture I took at Disney World would make a GREAT canvas print.)
  • ahh...so many ideas...so little wall space. :)  

My Fine Art Giveaway & Coupon:
 

My Fine Art - Your Photos Printed on Canvas

So, now that you're sufficiently inspired and itching to have your favorite photos turned into canvas prints, let me formally introduce you to Julie's custom canvas printing business on Etsy:

My Fine Art - Your Photos Printed on Canvas

The talented Julie Ryan from the fabulous "Less-Than-Perfect-Life-of-Bliss" blog is the mastermind behind the business. She will work with you to take your digital photograph and artistic ideas and turn them into one-of-a-kind stretched canvas pieces of fine art in all different sizes from small to HUGE (30" x 40" big enough for ya?).  And believe me...there's nothing cooler than seeing your photographs turned into a canvas print! See?

Julie has generously offered to give away a 16" x 20" custom printed stretched canvas to one of my readers! (shipped anywhere within the US).  And...she's offering a 10% off discount* through the end of March 2011 - JUST for you guys!  So, if you've always wanted a canvas display made from your favorite photos...now is the time!  *To redeem the 10% off discount, just contact Julie through her Etsy shop to request a custom discounted listing.

So, go check out Julie's blog & My Fine Art Etsy shop and come back and comment here to let me know what you'd have put on your 16" x 20" custom canvas if you were to win! What are you waiting for?  I'll draw a winner on Friday morning, so enter now!

Julie's blog: http://lessthanperfectlifeofbliss.blogspot.com/
My Fine Art Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/myfineart

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November Sign Giveaway Winner!

Posted 17th November, 2010 in by Andrea

Thank you to everyone who shared my November Buy One, Get One Free Sale (and especially to those who have ordered!). 

The sale continues through the end of the month!  There's still plenty of time to get your orders in.  Don't see exactly what you want? No problem.  Just email me and I'll be happy to work with you to create a sign that's *just right* for you!

And now...the winner of our giveaway:

Congratulations to Shaunda Eppes! 

===============

Shaunda Eppes (not verified) | Tue, 11/16/2010 - 14:54

Posted on FB
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000044757301
Shaunda.Eppes at gmail dot com

===============

Check your email for information on how to redeem your free sign! 

 

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BIC Mark-it Giveaway Winners!

Posted 27th October, 2010 in by Andrea

Congratulations to our three winners in the BIC Mark-It Color Collections giveaway!

Please send me your full names and mailing addresses via e-mail and I'll forward them onto BIC so they can send you your prize!

Each winner will receive:

=========================

Kimberly | Wed, 10/27/2010 - 08:37

First thing I would do is get back to drawing!! I love to use these to draw on everything. I used mine for over a year before they dies out coloring at least every day. My 4 year old daughter really like when i color in her giant coloring books an hang them on her wall. The colors you get from these JUST POP! Next up I think a little decorating for Thanksgiving might come in play!! Im So excited I cant wait to see who wins!

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Rebecca | Wed, 10/27/2010 - 08:37

I would love to have markers like this to label my 4 kids things to keep organized!!

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Prlinehan | Wed, 10/27/2010 - 08:38 (for your Facebook post)

Probably homemade cards would be my first project....though I do love to just doodle.

You think these would replace my love for Sharpies? Oh & I'd be happy to put this on FB... don't twitter though (maybe I'm not cool enough either :) )

=========================

Winners were chosen at random via a numbered spreadsheet of entries and Random.org.

137

Product Review: Bic Mark It Color Collections

Posted 23rd October, 2010 in by Andrea

When I received an email asking me if I'd be interested in reviewing some new sets of permanent markers from BIC on my blog, you'd better believe I was interested. They sent me two sets of the new Mark-It Color Collections - ultra fine and fine point permanent markers in 36 colors each. I tell you what, for a girl who loves office supplies and scrapbooking products, it was like Christmas in October!

 
Now that I've had a chance to play with them (instead of just admiring their colorful beauty), I'm happy to present you with a full product review:
 
MSRP:  $20.99
 
Description: Available inboth fine and ultra-fine point, the Mark-It Color Collections include 36 colors in each set. All BIC Mark-It permanent markers have acid-free ink (no added acid, no measurable pH), feature a rubber grip for comfort and control while marking, and will mark on almost any surface including glass, metal, plastic, coated paper, etc.
 
Each set of 36 markers also includes a sturdy, clear plastic storage case making storage and easy access a breeze.
 
Pros:
  • writes on nearly any surface, including slick surfaces like plastic, glass and metal
  • excellent detail doodling and journaling possible with the ultra-fine tip markers
  • fabulous easy-to-use, sturdy storage case
  • includes a color available to match ANYTHING
  • passes the "eraser test" (draw guidelines w/pencil, write journaling w/marker, erase pencil marks = NO SMEARING! Yay!)
Cons:
  • would prefer a slightly more opaque finish  when writing on glass, plastic and other slick surfaces (gel pens or paint pens work better for that opaque finish)
  • can wash off of dishes when put in the dishwasher
In Action:
Though I was dying to use these markers in a crafting environment, I started with something a little more practical and immediate -- labeling. Since they will write on nearly any surface, and the tip is fine enough for smaller, more detailed lettering, they're a perfect solution for labeling all my kids' stuff that travels with them from place to place like backpacks, sippy cups, snack containers, zip-lock bags and toys. With all the color options, it was easy to pick the perfect color to make a tone-on-tone subtle label for both of these water bottles:
 
  • Markers Used: Fandango Pink (fine) & Deep Sea Blue (fine)
Note: Initially I tried labeling the bottom plastic portion of the water bottles, which worked fine, until they ran through the dishwasher and the label washed off. The next time around, I labeled the rubberized top instead. After two trips through the dishwasher, the label has only faded slightly, though I suspect after 3-4 more washes I'll need to touch up the names. I've yet to find a marker that stands up 100% to the dishwasher. I guess that means the dishes are coming clean though right?
 
As I refrained from labeling every item in sight, I moved toward something a little craftier. I needed to mail photo CDs to some friends so I decorated the CDs (which were already lime green) with some doodles. I'm sure my girlfriends enjoyed the little colorful surprise in the mail.
 
  • Markers Used: Fandango Pink (ultra-fine), Hot Aqua (fine) & Hot Aqua (ultra-fine)

Next, I tackled a holiday-decor project - Christmas tree ornaments. First, I decorated a glittered Styrofoam ball ornament  with polka dots, a hand-drawn letter and some ribbon. I knew the Styrofoam ball would be tricky, since it's a textured surface, but the markers did a remarkably good job covering the area and maintaining a fairly precise look. 

  • Markers Used: Rambunctious Red (fine), Hot Aqua (fine) & Tuxedo Black (ultra-fine)
The second ornament is a clear glass ball on which I wrote an initial and name overlay. I filled the ball with white tulle to help bring out the monogram and added a ribbon to the top. Though a more opaque paint-pen might have been a better choice here, once I added the tulle filler to the ornament I ended up really liking the semi-translucent look the markers created.
 
  • Markers Used: Rambunctious Red (fine) & Tuxedo Black (ultra-fine)
As I turned my focus toward my true passion - scrapbooking - I realized these markers would be great for labeling photographs since they're acid-free and won't smear. PERFECT.  I proceeded to label all of my daughter's 4-year portrait prints before handing them out to family members.
 
  • Marker Used: Meadow Green (ultra-fine)
Finally, this past weekend I took both sets of markers with me to a crop-night while I worked on several scrapbook pages. Glorious. There was nothing better than having any color I wanted at my fingertips, to match any photo, any patterned paper, and any cardstock. I used them for outlining, journaling, labeling and doodling. And I shared them with my friends - who loved them too.  :)
 
  • Markers Used: Woodsy Brown (ultra-fine), Tranquil Teal (ultra-fine), Tranquil Teal (fine), Honey Brown (ultra-fine)
Overall Review:
I have officially replaced my love of Zig Writer & American Crafts Slickwriter pens with the Bic Mark-It Color Collections. Not only are they less expensive per marker, but the vast color selection and snazzy storage case seal the deal. Now, if only they'd come out with a mega-ultra-fine point set, I'll be first in line to get my set!
 
Want your own set of markers? You can buy them here:
GIVEAWAY:
As a special treat to my blog readers , Bic has offered to give away a set of both the fine point and ultra-fine point color collections to three (3) lucky readers - a $41.98 value! All you have to do is comment here and answer this question:
 
What's your first project going to be with these fabulous markers?
 
Want to be entered more than once? Post a link to this review & giveaway on Facebook, Twitter and/or your own blog and let me know in your comment where you've posted.  You'll be entered for each unique way you've told others about the giveaway! Use the URL: http://www.andreasteed.com/node/1056 to direct your friends!
 
The winners will be randomly selected and posted on Wednesday, October 27th. Good luck!
 
 

 

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