because it's so cute, holiday giveaway....

I love giving like-minded, crafty friends handmade gifts...it's one of my favorite things to do because basically I just either shop for or create something I would love, and then give it away.  I have mentioned my friend Teva before here, she's the creator of the adorable owls shown below.

Well, I love having her as a friend as she also shares a piece of my heart and I feel so connected to her. When Teva made me my sweet, pink owl family, she made an extra baby owlet, just because.  I remember feeling so grateful that she would be so thoughtful. I truly hope that one day we will be a family of 4, and that there will be another little one added to our family.  When she gave them to me, she never said a word, but I knew what was in her heart.  She, more than anyone I know, has suffered incredible heartbreak as she and her husband have tried to bring little ones into their home.  She is a wonderful mother and has beautiful, sweet, angels watching her from above, waiting for her.  She is stronger than I could ever be and I am in awe of her and her incredible faith.  Anyway, she is fun to make things for so I created the jingle pincushion with her in mind and shared a few of my favorite fabric prints with her.

I used more of my favorite Melissa Frances Pink Zipper Ribbon and Organza Pouf Pink Ribbon to create my flower and sprayed a glittered silver jingle bell with Ballet Pink Krylon acrylic paint for the center.  The Heart Trinket pins are from Maya Road and the fabric from Moda.  

This card was created for Emma's Paperie and is based on a sketch there.  I used one of my most favorite Christmas collections of the season from Glitz Designs called Joyeux Noel.  I know I'll be using it year round as it's shabby and so beautiful.  

I also used embellishments from Glitz Designs Hello Friend collection, Studio Calico, Crate Paper, Jillibean Soup and others.  You can find a complete supply list HERE.

And now, because it's my absolute favorite thing in the world...I don't actually own one, but my sis-in-law and I bought one for my mom for Christmas and it just arrived and truly is just irresistible.  I want to share the Christmas joy with one of you.  These little darlings are from a company called In a Pikle, you must check out their website to read all about them, but in a nutshell, these glammed up wallets contain emergency essentials for mom, grandma, auntie, even dad as they've just come out with a very handsome, manly version.  I bought my mom the cute pearl grey one.  I will be giving away a $25 In a Pikle Gift Card to one of you so you can go shopping for your own Pikle and handle the little emergencies of life with a smile :)  

Just leave a note for me on this post by, let's say, December 31st at midnight.  I'll randomly select one reader and announce the winner on January 1st-ish :)

 

Merry Christmas friends.

Melis 

Comments

[Karen Letchworth]

Your extra little owl can serve, for now, as a prayer reminder. Every time you see it, just say an extra prayer for that precious little one who will make their way into your hearts and your home. How darling!
Praying for you,
Karen

[Pat]

Those little wallets are adorable! They will be on my list for friends' birthdays this year for sure! Thanks for sharing!

[Alyssa]

Melis, I want to wish you a extra special christmas. I have followed along with your blog for a long while now. I am so charmed by your quiet faith, sweet love for your daughter and joy for life. I find you very inspiring and I enjoy your blog very much. I think you are such a dear, have a wonderful holiday season, God bless you. Alyssa

[Natalie]

Melis,
I check your blog every day to see if there's another beautiful item you've created to inspire me! Thank you so much! Merry Christmas! Natalie

[B]

Very generous offer from you Melissa! I hope you and your little family have a very special celebration, and lets hope and pray that 3 become 4 soon. It's a very difficult situation, good to have the love and support of your loved ones. LOVE your wee owl family!xx

[Kathy W]

Beautiful projects (I love the bell inside the zipper flower), and the sweet owls given to you are amazing. Wow, I didn't know anything about pikle bags until this; just checked out their website...my stepdaughters would love this...and me too! Thanks for the link.

[Cindy H.]

Melis, love the card and pincushion that you created for your friend. I can see that they were made with love. The owl family that she made for you is just adorable. The Pikle bag is such a good idea and they're very cute.

[Diane Hover]

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year to follow!! I have enjoyed your blog for as long as I can remember, though not always very vocal, more of a "stalker" I guess...I love to sew as well as papercraft, so always love to see your projects...your firend will treasure her gift....have a wonderful Christmas!! PS...I would love to have you visit my blog.....

[Lina Fo]

Those little wallets are adorable. To you and yours I wish a blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with hope and joy. Lina F.

[Kolleenmoss]

Merry Christmas! Thank you for the give away. Beautiful creations. I love Glitz. Wishing you a blessed New Year!

[Gigi]

Your message is beautiful and literally brought tears to my eyes because my daughter has angels waiting for her in heaven, too. The wallets are absolutely adorable, just like your projects you share and inspire with your readers. Although I seldom post on blogs, yours is one I faithfully read each morning. Merry Christmas to you and your precious family. Hopefully the new little one will arrive sooner than expected.

[Judy S]

Melissa, I check your blog everyday and am always totally amazed at your beautiful work. You are truly an inspiration to all of us crafters! Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and may all your hopes and dreams come true in 2013! Blessings!

[Jamie S.]

I just checked out Pikle's website and it is awesome! What a great idea! I'm thinking I need a few of these...

[Cindy Otto]

Merry Christmas, Melissa! I follow your blog religiously and have tried your vellum mitten, felt tree, and patchwork heart card! They were all a success and so fun to make. I love the darling purse and love their product. Have a wonderful holiday!

[Tara Chaussee]

Merry Christmas Melissa! You are so inspirational and your creations are beautiful. I truly hope you and your friend get all the good things and happiness you deserve. Thanks got the chance to win!

[Nancy G]

Melissa, you are a true giver at heart! Love to look at all your creations, the beauty you put into them! Merry Christmas to you and your family!

[Vickie R.]

Thanks for sharing your heart with us! Merry Christmas to your sweet family!

[Dana Kirby]

I also check your blog everyday. You are such an inspiration. I am always in awe of your beautiful creations! Your family has been in my thoughts and prayers as you continue on with the adoption process. God Bless you and Merry Christmas!

[Sally]

Merry Christmas Melissa! Thanks for the endless inspiration and your heartfelt blogging. I hope another little one can find their way to you as they would be blessed to have you as their mom (mum). xo

[Sharon Graham]

I read your blog almost every day and love all your wonderful creations. Merry Christmas to you and I just know your Mom is going to love her gift!

[Sarah]

Your posts are always so articulate and sweet, your projects are as well. Very refreshing. :) Thanks for the chance to win.

[Jennifer]

Beautiful, beautiful projects! Those bags are just too cute- thanks for sharing the link and for the chance to win :) Wishing you a wonderful holiday and all the best in the new year!!

[Lynn Darda]

Such beautiful projects as always. and those owls are the cutest I've seen. Love the colors and yummy flower embellishments. What a fun giveaway. Thanks for the chance. Merry Christmas!

[Suzy Girl]

Merry Christmas to all! The owls are so charming. Thanks for the chance.

[Sarah]

Hi there Melissa...

I just wanted to wish you and your family a very merry christmas and an extra special new year :-)

I have followed your blog now for a long time and absolutely adore your creations, you are such an inspiration.

Take care and have a wonderful holiday

Sarah x