Where do the weeks go!? It's time already for another First Friday Giveaway! This month I am joined by the lovely, honest, and very kind Elizabeth from the adorable blog, Bits of Sunshine. Readers of her blog will know she has been delivering terrific teasers all month long about the yummy things she has been making for something special. Well, here we are! Did you guess you'd be taking a field trip to my place? I'm so glad you've arrived!
Photo of sweet Maddie, taken by Elizazbeth.
I'm thrilled to host Elizabeth and her sweet creations today, and as always with my guest contributors, her package inspired my contribution as well, more on that later. On her blog, Elizabeth has been offering a free tutorial so her readers could make the sweet Maddie Top that she designed for her own daughter. Now, she's made one for your girl (in size 6-7), or a friendly little girl in your life!
And while she was at it, she thought perhaps the lucky recipient might have a wee little babe to dress as well... so she whipped one up in newborn (or doll!) size!
And then, not to leave the grown-ups out of the fun, she made the most beautiful zipper pouch out of vintage soft pink velvet with a little doily attached to the side... and has also included a sweet amber glass tiny pitcher or vase... plus, a set of her newly designed postcards. And if you are curious to see more, Elizabeth has put together a lovely collection of handmade and vintage goodies in her etsy shop, Bits of Sunshine. Stop by and have a look!
And as for me? Well, like Elizabeth, I too share a love of vintage pillowcases and sheets. So this month I am offering one of my Kitchen Sink Bags featuring vintage pillow case fabrics! It's very Brady Bunch (which I love) if I do say so myself. I hope you like it, these Kitchen Sink Bags are huge!
So... stop by the comments to be entered, what a fun summer package! One lucky winner will receive the entire assortment! I will close the comments and announce a winner on this post late Sunday evening.
Do you have a little time right now? A cold drink, maybe something sparkling or festive? Go ahead and get yourself a little something then come back, I'll be here. This post is lengthy, but you don't want to miss a bit of it, there is a whole lot to enjoy and check out. Give yourself the time to follow some great links, and have a good time.
Are you ready? Each month I grow more and more excited to collaborate with my readers, together we extend a gesture of thanks to everyone who contributes to this space. This month I am joined by two woman, each from opposite sides of the country, each offering you their own unique brand of art.
Isn't this brilliant? Bean starts by crocheting the entire basket out of discarded plastic bags (keeping them out of the landfill!), then she adds oneof her handmade trademark pincushions. Next, she gathers all sorts of vintage sewing notions; buttons, zippers, thread, ric-rac, pretty trim... all sorts of things, then she packs it all up nice and cute. Precious!
Oh look - she also included a couple of vintage fabric pieces. A whole sewing kit, nothing newly manufactured. Talk about a small footprint! Thank you so much Bean for your generosity, what a treasure.
Second, I'm quite excited to share a special friend of mine with you all today. Her name is Emma Weiss, and she is an amazing and accomplished songwriter. Emma and I met several years back, we were both enrolled in the same yoga teacher training program, she was just seventeen when our training began. Easily the youngest person in our class, Emma wasn't held back or set apart in the least (I think she was actually one of the first of us to land a teaching job!). The world has always been Emma's classroom, she settles in comfortably in a variety of settings, taking on studies that most people wait a lifetime to embrace. It is no surprise that by 20 (or was it 19 Emma?) years old, her first studio album was released and she was performing all over the Northeast with her original material.
And here today, Emma is giving away two of her CD's!!!
Remember that show on the Bravo channel Musicians? I don't know if it's still on, or the name of the Rolling Stone writer who hosted the show, I do however, remember the quality of his interviews and the intimate performances he evoked from his guests. Man that was a good show. Anyway, I wish I was him right now, that I could in a matter of sentences sum up the talent and artistry of Emma's songwriting. And I don't mean to overemphasize her age, but the lady is young. I remember telling her on the day we graduated from yoga teacher training that I hoped to know her as an old woman. I just know she will be one of those well-seasoned souls that could rock the day away on a front porch, never running out of stories to tell.
I offered to make a little video of Emma to share a sample of her music with you all. She entrusted herself and her guitar to the hands of me and my not-very-high-tech video camera. Even further she maintained her confidence as I attempted to transfer said footage to my out of date movie editing program... it was hard. We aren't as excited as we hoped to be with the video quality, but we do hope that our best intentions shine through and you enjoy the tune nonetheless.
Emma is a true professional. I have a lot to learn.
I also thought it would be fun to ask her a few questions so you could get to know her a little better. I think I might start doing this with other contributors, Emma shared some pretty great things with us..
1.Last year Clamor was my album of the summer! Stop blushing, it's true... I'm often busy in the studio this time of year sewing away for the Farmers' Market and having the right playlist is essential. Here we are at the beginning of another Summer and I'm curious... what/who is on your Summer playlist list year?
I am so flattered! Thanks so much for listening, that's the best compliment after all.
I just got Brad Barr's solo album which is called The Fall Apartment. He is the guitar player from the band The Slip which has been a longtime favorite band of mine, I've been going to their shows for a number of years, at this point there are too many shows to count! They are a really talented trio who's beginnings stem back to Berkley School of Music in Boston. I have admired Brads playing since the first time I saw him play in The Slip, he's a very creative player who knows how to break rules and piece together a lot of styles of music. He does a couple of nice latin sounding tunes on this solo album, a really good cover of Nirvanas Heart Shaped Box and some masterful songs of his own. If you get the chance definitely check out The Slip and also Brad's album.
This is a dangerous question to ask me, because the list can get very long and descriptive very quickly!
Next on the list would be Alice Russel who is a singer from Australiawho's soul stylings are in the same vein as Sharon Jonesand the Dapkings (they're another must listen if you haven't checked them out already) I have the her latest album which is called Pot of Gold. If you like doing investigating you can find some good side projectsgoing on with other members of the band. Alice also sings for the Quantic Soul Orchestra, a DJ who plays several instruments, goes under several different monikers and has some real funk based songs.
Also, Club D'elf, a boston based world music/electronica bass bumpin group headed up by Mike Rivard. Soul Coughing, Rudder,Tower of Power, I was listening to the Rolling Stones on my foggy flooded drive home tonight! Out of the fog arose a big oak tree limb down in the road which I managed to navigate safely around, I was listening to the Stones song Shattered though, so that might have had something to do with the busted tree showing up just then.
3. Let's talk about fueling the fire. To be at it's most bountiful, creativity needs to be nurtured, tended to and must be well fed. Can you paint us a little picture of what an afternoon, evening or morning of songwriting might look like where everything is aligned and your creative process is flowing abundantly? What needs to happen for your artistic self to arrive in that space?
Creativityseems to show itself a little more easily for me late at night. I tend to have more focus for a technical practice, working on different techniques or being more theoretical in the earlier part of the day, late at night I tend to have more free flowing ideas lyrically and with my playing. I usually come up with the instrumental parts first and then come up with lyrics that fit the mood and tempo of the song. I've begun writing down my chord progressionsand song lyrics and tunings in a black notebook instead of writing on random scraps of paper which is what I've always done. This is a huge organizational step for me, there's been a lot more time to play, rather than searching for envelopes, receipts, folders etc. to compile my writings on them to be able to practice!
I enjoy having materials for writing and recording on hand to use when coming up with ideas. Pen, paper, mic, a nice rainy day. Very conducive to idea grabbing.
I also like to drink lemonade when writing songs, but I don't usually remember that until the song has already been written...
4. Can you tell us a little more? Music aside, what other areas of interest; work, learning or play, have your attention these days?
Well in terms of music I have begun playing with a friend of mine who is also a guitar player, Brandt Taylor who is a very talented local musician, he plays with several bands and projects and I'm learning a lot from playing with him, and I'm excited to be working on the material we've been coming up with together, so stay tuned for a band name and some gigs in the near future for he and I as a duo!
But as you say, music aside! I am working on two organic farms in the area, this is my third season on both of these farms, so I'm learning alot still, working really hard, and usually getting rained on these days! We've been having quite the deluge around here in the northeast and there are certain problems that arise with farming when it's this wet, so having some sun would be great. I recently finished a yearlong course in Biodynamics in NY which was a great agricultural course, the content of which focuses on the work and writings of Rudolf Steiner, a German philosopher and writer and imaginer of great things!
I am going to be attending The Swananoa Gathering in NC at the end of this month, there are classes for a solid week on guitar playing, I'm going to be learning Hawaiian slack key, percussive techniques, all kinds of new cool stuff, I'm really excited to connect with other musicians from all over the country.
Thanks for including me in the give away this month and giving me the opportunity to share my music, my thoughts in writing, and your good company!
Please be sure to visit Emma's Myspacepage for upcoming show information, and listen to more of her songs too! She also has loaded her new Etsy shop, Dancing Nomad, with CD's! Nothing quite feels as good as supporting an independent musician, and at such an affordable price, you might just want to hop on over and grab one. ;)
You know I try to join in the fun for these giveaways too. I almost bowed out of this one as I knew it would be a hefty post... but then I thought about the newest thing I've been making and haven't shared here yet.
Wristlet Key Chains!! I have been using mine for a few weeks now and am amazed at how many times I slip it onto my wrist while I'm doing other things with my hands; carrying the groceries, gathering up all the soccer balls (you adopt a trunk full of soccer balls when you live with the coach and they all need to come out when you go to the park), roadside wildflower picking... they are fabulous! I want you to have one too, but the skeleton key needs to stay here - it is the key to Emily's room. ;)
Also, if you follow many of the Northeast blogs, you know we are pretty much drowning over here. Nothing but rain for weeks now. In my mind though, it is sunny and warm, we are camping and hiking, there is lots of swimming, birdwatching, and summertime adventures. I searched through my vintage books for a few titles that should be appropriate for this time of year. May the sun shine brightly very soon!
I hope you love our offering this month!
Let's wrap this up, you know I keep it simple. Leave a comment on this post and I will be drawing TWO names on Tuesday morning. The first name will win the full package in the picture above, the second winner will receive a copy of Clamor, Emma's album.
Feel free to share lot's of love for these two wildly talented ladies here with us today. Thank you Bean and Emma! Have a fun and safe weekend everyone!
Comments are now closed, I'll be back soon with the winners!!
Thanks everyone for playing along with Carrie and I, these giveaways are always a good time for me. I wanted to let you know, (a little housekeeping note), I never include any comments left by myself or the guest contributor in the tally. Just wanted to point that out as sometimes we can be seen in the comments a time or two. We are not in the running!
This month's random winner is number #31... Sage of Sage and Simple!
Yay! Please email your address Sage and I will get your goodies in the mail, Carrie will be in touch with you regarding your gift certificate. What fun! Special thanks to Carrie for her generosity and super fun spirit. ;)
I always love hearing from readers who would like to be a part of these giveaways, if you are interested please email me (top menu bar) and we'll chat. I am all set for July, but after that things are pretty open. You just never know how putting your little business out there might manifest...
And finally, if you are viewing this post in your reader and can't see the full page, there are a few more market bags in the shop to choose from. Thank you to those who picked one up yesterday!
Hi there! This post is going up a little later than intended (I waited and waited for a brighter sky to take the photos... it is only getting darker out there), but you have until Monday evening to enter this month's giveaway so there is plenty of time to comment! Let's get started...
Photo coutesy of Carrie, Little Owl Vintage
This month my very good bloggy friend Carrie (couldn't resist Carrie, I LOVE that picture!) of Rhubarbsky is joining in the fun around here. Carrie and I have so much in common (except she is way funnier), it really is a shame there are 3,000 long and lonely miles between us.A little while back Carrie opened up a vintage shop on Etsy, Little Owl Vintage, and today, Carrie is kindly offering a $25.00 Gift Certificate to one lucky commenter on this post to do a little vintage shopping with over at her her place, woo-hoo! And in an effort to tie it all together, part of my offering to this giveaway was made using fabric that I purchased from Little Owl Vintage! How cool is that!? Here is a message from Carrie...
"I'm giving away a $25 gift certificate to Little Owl Vintage, my wee etsy shop. To enter, please leave a comment on this post. If you purchase something from the shop during the giveaway, it's worth 5 entries, so post 5 comments with a description of what you purchased. Thanks Heather for this fun opportunity! ~ Carrie"
Awesome right? If you purchase something you will be entered 5 times! Make sure to come back after check out and leave those comments. ;) Oh, one more thing... "for the month of June, Beauty that Moves readers can have 10% off merchandise (not shipping) by typing "BTMJune09" in the box thingie that comes up when they purchase something from Little Owl Vintage. I'll send them a revised invoice with the corrected total after they order."Fantastic!
So, for my part of the giveaway... You know I'm all about the Farmers' Market Tote these days.
Well, of course I just had to use some of that great Little Owl Vintage Fabric to make one for the giveaway! And, not to send it off into the world alone...
A companion! This is such a great summery color combination, bright and yummy.
But wait, what if you wanted to be part of the fun? To somehow be connected to this virtual union that is taking place regardless of the endless miles of open land and sea between us all?
How about if I send you some fabric (an incredible vintage decorator's sample) that was about to be listed in my shop, and then you can make a market tote to add to the two here.
Lot's of cosmic, interconnected crafty and thrifty goodness going with this giveaway. Although there is a good chance that is just my own perception. Have I mentioned that I am totally sleep deprived and caffeine induced with our own Farmers' Market opening in 48 very short hours? Big energy is floating pretty steadily around here these days... big energy...
Before you head off to comment, let's recap.
One $25.00 Gift Certificate to Little Owl Vintage
Two handmade Farmers' Market Totes
One Vintage Decorator's Sample (did I mention it was made in England?)- enough to make a market bag of your own.
Everything you see here!
One lucky winner :)
Oh, this is a good one... head on over to the comments! Comments will be closed and winner announced Monday evening. Thank you Carrie, and to all of you who come and hang out here for a little bit each day or when you can. I really appreciate your visit and the time you take to say hello.
Comments are now closed, I'll be back shortly with a winner!
A couple of weeks ago I received a package from my guest contributor for this months giveaway. I had no idea what she would be sending... but I do know of this particular lady's impeccable taste and skill, I knew we'd all be in for a treat. But seriously, wait until you see! I was speechless as I pulled one item out of the package... then another... then another... and yet another... and still there was more, more, more.
Would you like to meet her? Perhaps you are already acquainted? Meet Lisa, a fellow Connecticut blogger who always amazes me with the sheer volume of crafts she whips up. Regular visits to Lisa's blog around the holidays is an endless source of inspiration. Did I mention she has mad sewing skills? Seriously, her work is flawless! Read more about Lisa as an artist, designer, and all around funny gal (her sense of humor shines through in her writing) here.
Wouldn't this be the sweetest little summer bag to throw over your sun-kissed shoulder? That little closure you see uses a magnetic snap so it is nice and secure. And the print! Okay, let's look at a few more things...
Look at that super cute and felty pin cushion! And those cards? They are not just single cards, each of those packages contain a set of four cards! The earrings... I smiled when I saw them, thinking to last months summertime popsicle and lemonade themed giveaway, how perfect. I love that. Now let's get a little closer look at Lisa's beautiful necklace...
I know, right!? This is all from a single, creative, crafty soul. So inspiring and motivating. Gosh, what a pretty triple strand necklace. You know, you could keep part of this giveaway for your self and distribute part as Mother's Day gifts... just thinking out loud here. I'm usually a little slow with getting these giveaways in the mail, but this one I will make every effort to get out within 24 hours of receiving the winner's address... I see some folks wanted to share this giveaway over the holiday.
Being the busy girl that I am this month, I knew I wouldn't be able to spend too much time making for my contribution. So I thought I would put the $10 limit part of my giveaway to the true test... could I buy something within my budget... from somewhere special... that shared with you a part of me, something that I love... something that I really want to send out into the world?
Well, you all know I spent last weekend in Vermont. I hoped your gift wold be there, and tucked inside a great little store, there it was.
This is just the sort of thing I was looking for. I love church and community type cookbooks, this one is extra special to me because it focuses on whole foods, so nourishing. And as you can see, I found it at the Brattleboro Food Co-op. With it's whopping 250 pages I think there will be many, many meals to love from here. For some crazy reason though, I did not pick one up for myself! Must head back to Vermont very soon...
Thank you Lisa, it was so great to have you as part of this months First Friday Giveaway. It means a great deal to me to say thank you to my readers in this way each month, and to be able to share this space with some of you out there feels just right.
To see even more of Lisa's work, check out her fabulous etsy shop.
Now, let's get to it! Head on over to the comments to be entered... spread the word too... tell your friends, your hairdresser, your shoe-shine boy... we don't want to leave anyone out! I will be closing comments and announcing the winner on Monday evening this month. Good luck!
Tara, please email me with your adress, congratulations!!!
Thank you to Lisa for contributing this month - and thank YOU from both of us for all of your kindness and encouraging words. You make it really fun around here. ;)
