Another Holiday contest at Great Finds... See the last minute items!

Another Great Finds Holiday Contest is up and running!  Once again, I took the plunge and entered!  I have posted a red suede scarf/neckwarmer with tie closure and frill!  I would be honored if you could take a moment and give me a vote.  Get to the Great Finds contest by clicking below on the link, then simply look to the left- all of the entrants are listed! 

Take a moment and check out all the fantastic items listed for the Holiday!  Next week begins a New Years Bling contest!  See the details on the page on how to enter your own item...

Great Finds by Made for Me by Oaklie

Ok Vendors, Handmade Artisans extrordinairre.... List your shops

Well, as part of my Pursuit of the Perfect Handmade Holiday I am going to start posting finds on the web that you may not run across on your own... As I have said before, I truly believe in supporting the arts and craftsmanship of individual entrepenuers! so, in that spirit I am asking that you list your shop, URL, etc! Unlike some other blogs, I am not creating a directory (although feel free to use it that way), I am simply looking for some shops to browse, investigate, promote and talk about here on my blog! All you have to do is list your URL! I am going to approach your shop as any other shopper and then talk about the great deals, fun stuff and items I can't wait to find! I have not even begun my Xmas shopping, so sell me!

Do you have a Fuzz B shop? Zibbet? MIM? Where do you sell? List them here! Starting December 1st I am going to begin my reviews from my browsing!

Staying Handmade through the holidays...

Still in the Pursuit of the Perfect Handmade Holidays... Besides purchasing handmade, crafted, or artisan gifts, there are some fun traditions you can add to your family staying in the handmade theme...

How about making your own Cards this year? I found some great handmade card patterns and instructions that are so cute and easy, everyone can help!

check this link out:
http://www.marvy.com/community/creativeprojects_details.aspx?ProjectID=30

Here is another super cute card that really emits the warm family holiday you are trying to portray by going handmade... Easy, and the kids can help!

http://www.marvy.com/community/creativeprojects_details.aspx?ProjectID=38

These are just a few ideas! If you can't make it yourself, there are tons of handmade cards created by artisans on Etsy, Winkelf, and fuzz B you may want to check out!

Any artisans out there who make cards? Here is the chance to promote yourself! leave your link and shop URL! Share your information with everyone who is trying to follow the Handmade theme this season....

Pursuit of the Perfect Handmade Christmas...

I have woefully been lax on my blog here! So, this morning I am devoting more time to getting back to my roots and less time Playing on the social network sites! with the holidays coming I want to share as many great opportunities there are with you as I can... I really encourage you to consider buying handmade or artisan crafted items for the holidays. Why? Well, you know you are giving a one of a kind, unique item to someone. You are also supporting a struggling artisan out there! When we think of artist we have a vision of a twenty something eccentric woman with a beret on her head, glass of wine in hand, diligently facing her canvas with a paintbrush held between her teeth lost in thought... Well, the reality is- art comes in many forms and there are so many new and interesting modes out there that you can really find your creative niche and express your own individuality and sense of self by your fashion, accessories, decor of your home, activities you participate in, etc.

So, from now until the holidays I am going to present you with artisans and finds that I come across in my attempt to give the great Handmade Christmas!

My first stop on this journey is to tell you about Tracy Cornell, or Braggin Rights! She has a fantastic blog where she meets and explores handmade artisans and crafters! she gets deep into their craft and shows you many examples that you surely do not want to miss! This is a great starting point for finding the perfect gifts! Check her out at: http://bragginrightsfinds.blogspot.com

Make sure you look for her interview with me, Mommy Tyme, on January 5th! You can also check Tracy out by going to my website at http://www.mommytyme.org and I have listed her links and banner for Braggin Rights on the front page!

check out her web site at http://www.bragginrights.net and find fantastic handmade gifts, items for your home, and fashion! I actually stole a quote she wrote about herself because I think it really expresses her work

"I love altering art in any way that mind "sees" it. I like to do embroidery, with floss or thread, ribbon, or crewel; draw with charcoal , pastels, & paint with watercolors. I sew, do quilting, crochet, make quilted & embellished photo albums, & custom wedding albums. I've recently begun a line of recycled creations as well."

So, take a gander at Braggin Rights and keep coming back here to share your great finds in our pursuit for the Perfect Handmade Christmas! If you have a shop, are an artisan, etc. Please feel free to leave a comment with your link and your information! This will help us all find more of the artisan marketplace out there! Who knew there was so much to choose from?

Don't miss out!

Last day for the Fairy Gram costume give away at
http://babasfarmlife.blogspot.com/2009/10/fairy-gram-fairy-costume-review.html
If you want in, hurry!

Last day to vote for the winner of I spy challenge on Artisan Jewelry Designers
Visit http://www.mommytyme.org/contact.html to cast your vote!

Don't forget to promote yourself, your business, etc. There are some great freebies and deals at vista print this week! Yes, you can get 250 busines scards for free! No kidding! And, even if you do not have your own business, how about a MOM card- with numbers, address, cell- you can hand this out to your kids friends, the babysitter, play dates, church nursery, etc. Simplify- how many times a day do you hand out your number? Wouldn't this be easier?

Hey, and they have address labels, tshirts (that you can customize), magnets- whatever- How about for Christmas- a cool Tshirt you and the kids design for dad? Anyway, check it out:

Save 25-50% off on custom printed products at VistaPrint. Order today!

Ooops, I almost forgot the freebies this week- How about a 6 pack of hand dipped chocolate fruit totally free!

http://www.facebook.com/dofruit

Free gourmet dog food sample! spoil those pups with something delicous and healthy- only 3 minutes to fill out the information- no long suurvey's - quick and easy!

https://www.nrgdogproducts.com/Home_Page.html

That is what I have for you this week! Hope you enjoy!

Hey, don't forget to stop by my shop and see the 99 cent sale on select soaps, bath products, and more (all handmade with skin loving ingredients!) I am doing a sales and clearance special at http://fuzzb.com/MommyTyme so come visit and get some great stocking stuffers and gifts for under a buck!