Crafty Blog Hop! Join Here! Add your link to the left!

Ok, so you know how you hit Joann Fabrics or Hobby Lobby for the big deals and sales? But, when it comes to inspiration and the unique you opt for those "off the beaten path", individual artist owned shops that are tucked away behind the bars and restaurants of the town square? Well, that is what I am currently searching for on the web... Those individual, eccentric, delightfully quaint blogs and sites that make you think..."Wow! That is amazing!" or "I have got to try that- how cool!". Unfortunately, those blog writers probably do not have the top rankings on the search engines, so they get missed.

I personally spend a few hours a week just scouring the sites that I know have interesting projects and galleries, like Beadwrangler, Fire Mountain Gems, Crochet Me- But, I really want some new links to add to my bookmarks for those periods when you have 'creative block'. Sometimes a look at something fresh or original is all you need to spark your own juices! Plus, I am always in awe of other's passion and innovation when creating! Recently I ran across this fascinating collage on Cloth, Paper, Scissors- and Boom! I have become an avid mixed media fan! That is the way it works for a lot of us-

With this in mind, I thought it might be a great idea to do a "blog hop" so artists, bloggers, writers, etc. could list their URL and share with others who are desperately seeking a new perspective! The Blog Hop will officially open TODAY! (I know, short notice, right?) But, it is so simple, you really don't have to prepare. Just add your link to the hop. Once you do that, grab the code and add the hop to your blog, site, whatever! Readers can then hop from one to the next- But, this hop will only be open for 2 weeks-so if you find a site you just LOVE, make sure to bookmark it!

The Blog Hop will "officially" start here- but I have it added to my other blog, Mommy Tyme Gifts, at http://mommytymegifts.blogspot.com (so you can sign up from there) and on my site at http://www.mommytyme.org (look for it under the tutorials tab). Not only will you get a list of some fun, artsy crafty blogs and sites to check out, but adding your blog/site will increase your traffic and exposure! IT really is a WIN-WIN situation and takes just a few minutes to add to! The one and only rule is that the blog/site you add MUST BE ABOUT HANDMADE, ART, SUPPLIES, OR THE ARTIST BEHIND THE WORK! PLEASE DON'T ADD YOUR SHOP'S (LIKE YOUR ETSY SHOP, WINKELF, ETC) UNLESS, OF COURSE, YOU ALSO SELL ON YOUR SITE/BLOG (in which case it is ok!)

So, lets get started! Have fun! If you find a super blog that you just have to talk about, please come back here and dish! I don't want to miss anything!

Remember to add the code to your site, too!

Let's get hopping! Just add your blog/site/url to the Blog Hop at the RIGHT (next to this post)!

Christmas Crafts, Free Knitting Patterns, Free Crochet Patterns and More from FaveCrafts.com

Win this great book from FaveCrafts (another fun giveaway!)

Let’s Have A Party
Various Designers
Edited By Laura Scott and Bill Stephani

Gifted by Creative Girls Club DRG


Click the link to enter!


Christmas Crafts, Free Knitting Patterns, Free Crochet Patterns and More from FaveCrafts.com

Other: re-cycle/ treat package

Other: re-cycle/ treat package

As I scour all the galleries at the various sites I get supplies from, I am always finding something that is totally new, fun, and inspiring! With my eco friendly pursuit these days, this is a perfect project type! What a creative way to repurpose packaging materials from everyday items! Check it out and tell me what other ideas you have....

Anyone up for a challenge? I would love to see a creation made by YOU that utilizes or repurposes some type of packaging material- It can be any kind of packaging material- plastic, cardboard, etc. Start posting links to your projects in my comments section (dont forget to add the URL) and I will show you off on the facebook page, my website, both blogs, and in my next newsletter! So, get busy going green!

Contest ends 10/30/10

Christmas Crafts, Free Knitting Patterns, Free Crochet Patterns and More from FaveCrafts.com

Enter to win another fantasstic how to book from FaveCrafts! My favorite site, I literally check it 2-3 times per week! Always something new!

Needles and Kims - A review of classy, eco friendly, repurposed Fashions!

"handmade, one of a kind felted wool cuff bracelets, purses, table runners & baskets are made from recycled, machine felted wool sweaters. I embellish my items with needle felting, vintage buttons, hand stitched embroidery, yarn or beads. All my items are designed and made by me. Eco friendly too!" From Kim of Needles and Kims

So, you read that and think.. Hmm.. that sounds intriguing and check out her shop! You are then stunned into a literal "awe" feeling because her items are not only eco friendly (something I am all about promoting!) but just totally unique with a vintage flair! I have picked a few of my favorite items from her blog, but dont forget to stop at her Etsy shop! You will love it-




Really? How ingenious is this?




Classy, chic, and perfect for about any occassion or outfit, right?


Definitely scoot on over to the blog and the etsy shop! I really enjoy the innovative items she has managed to repurpose! And for those of you thinking she is probably out of your price range- Not really. I compared her to several etsy artisans who create purses and she is actually at the lower rung of the price ladder! The cool thing about buying handmade is you know it is one of a kind, you know someone took time, effort and care in creating this item, and you know that it is something special!



Purses are priced from $40-$55
Cuffs are priced from $20-$25
Little baskets are priced from $20-$25
Table runners are priced from $50-$60

Find more of Needles and Kims at:



http://www.needlesandkims.com/index.html

http://www.NeedlesAndKims.etsy.com/


Looking for more eco friendly products and ideas? How about a contest that gets your creative juices flowing and gives you the opportunity to win some fun supplies to create with? Check out my blog at http://mommytymegifts.blogspot.com

Altered Surfaces Giveaway!

Christmas Crafts, Free Knitting Patterns, Free Crochet Patterns and More from FaveCrafts.com

If you are starting to explore the paper techniques and investigate cards, ATC's, collage and more- the hottest book out there to get you going is Altered Surfaces! Check it out at the link above and enter to win a free copy! Wow!

Clover Yo Yo giveaway at FavCrafts!

Christmas Crafts, Free Knitting Patterns, Free Crochet Patterns and More from FaveCrafts.com

Fav Crafts is busy again with another fantastic giveaway! Check out the latest review and get your entry at the link above for the Clover Butterfly YO YO maker! Wow, think of all the fun you could have and the great items you could create with this !!! I have entered, have you? Make sure to get all the extra entries, too! All you have to do is share the giveaway with your friends!

Mommy Tyme Bath and Gifts: CREATIVE CONTEST - WIN THESE CARDBOARD CONTAINERS ...

Mommy Tyme Bath and Gifts: CREATIVE CONTEST - WIN THESE CARDBOARD CONTAINERS ...:
Don't forget to hop over to the Mommy Tyme Gifts Blog and enter the first of several Eco Friendly Giveaway! A new type of contest- you have to offer up a creative use for these containers- if it is chosen, you win them! I am sure you can think up something that these would be great for! Explore your creative, innovative, and artistic juices, then make a suggestion! Stop by at http://mommytymegifts.blogspot.com

Artangel: I'M GIVING IT AWAY!

Do you love mixed media? I have just found this awesome craft/art form. A great mag to really get the feel for this is Cloth, Paper, Scissors. I picked the magazine up on a fluke because it had a jewelry inspiration article in it a few months ago. Wow! I fell in love. I started trying a few of the unique techniques- Now I am hooked! Just what I need- one more modality to explore and add to my crafting room! There are only so many hours in a day, and I have so many things I want to work on! Anyway- if you want to see some great pieces visit ArtAngel on Etsy! Wow! She is incredible! I love her work! Plus, she is having a contest/giveaway right now! Check it out at the link below! I hope to get her ok in the next few weeks to show her off here at Mommy's Reviews- stay tuned! And enter the contest! Link below!


Artangel: I'M GIVING IT AWAY!

Pics by Shel: I am doing a giveaway

Pics by Shel: I am doing a giveaway

Here is a great giveaway you need to get in on. What beautiful works! I am so impressed, and I am super excited to get a chance to review her offerings. Stay tuned, I am going to show you some of my favorites from Shel Simpson this week! Check out the blog, link to her etsy- tell me what works you totally love!

Shel Simpson has definitely got talent! Click the link above to get the info. on her giveaway! You do not want to miss out on this...

Become inspired!

Become inspired!

If you are looking for inspiration, ideas, free patterns, links, and more... Check out my Squidoo Lens created just for that purpose! I have compiled some of my favorite links, blogs, resources, etc into an easy to read format that guides you through a variety of artistic outlets including: Papercrafting, jewelry making, crochet, and hopefully I will be adding an eco friendly section for DIY around the home! Have a blog, link, pattern out there that you have created? Want to share it? Just pop over and leave a comment with the link- I will add you to the list! Explore and get creative!

Mommy Tyme Bath and Gifts: I'm Back!

Mommy Tyme Bath and Gifts: I'm Back!: "Wow- so,it has been a few weeks since my last post! I have really missed my weekly posting and have a ton of things I cant wait to share- I..."