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

[mj]

wishing you and your family a merry Christmas filled with love!

these little bags are adorable! :)

[Flo]

Those pikles look great,your mom is going love it. The Lord is good and in His timing your prayers will be answered. You are so sweet and I'm praying along with you. Merry Christmas.

[Niona]

wonderful scrap, a beautiful flower! Owls super and wonderful handbag!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[Anne C]

Merry Christmas Melis. Your cards are beautiful and as elegant as ever. And I looked at the pikle website and what a cute bag. Thank you for the opportunity to hopefully win one.

[laura huffman]

Teva will love your gift. what an awesome giveaway. thank you. your mom will love her gift too.
Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year.

[Lynne Phelps]

I adore the owl family and your gift is perfect for such a crafty artist! Thanks for he opportunity to win!

[Betty Sue]

Your blog is the first blog I go to when I am checking emails. I love your faith, your humanity and your creativity!!! Merry Christmas Melissa to you and your family!

[Patty O'Malley]

The pincushion is so beautiful, Melis! I'm sure Teva will love it. The owl family she made is also so beautiful. Love your card but then I love everything you make! I hope 2013 brings an addition to your family. <3

[Brenda Lubrant]

These wallets are just adorable. I want to thank you for another great year of fabulous inspiration. I wish you, your family and all your followers a very Merry Christmas.

[Amy S]

Just looked at the pickle site....how adorable. Thanks for sharing.

[LauraAnn]

I follow your blog and always enjoy all your creations. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Thanks for the chance to win.

[Jessie McLaughlin]

Melis love your posts! I would love to be able to create the way you do!! And your friend Teva's owl's are sooo cute!!! I wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas!!

[Vickey E.]

The owls are adorable and your creations are amazing. Love the emergency wallets -- too cute! Hope you have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

[Brenda Torgerson]

Your hand made gifts have inspired me to try and make something for my friends this year. The owls are beyond cute, along with everything else you make.

May God bless you and your family this Christmas, and hope the New Year brings you and your family the blessings that are on your hearts and minds right now.

[Bette manning]

I love your blog. Those purses are too cute, I would love to win the gift certificate. Thanks

[Maureen Chandler]

What a cute give away - thank you so much! Thinking of you and hope that a new little one is in your loving arms quite soon! Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[Sarita]

Your comment about Teva absolutely touched my heart. Thank you for chance to win something from In A Pikle.

[Christine Dearinger]

Merry Christmas to you and your extended family Melissa.
I trust and believe their will be a new member to help you celebrate Christmas next year.How fortunate this little one will be to choose your family and just how much joy and love will come with them.
Blessings for you.

[stacy allen]

what cute wallets and what an awesome giveaway! thanks for all your inspiration!

[Cindy Holshouser]

At first I thought the owls were the giveaway they are so sweet, and that was such a nice gesture.
The little emergency kits are adorable.
Merry Christmas to you:)

[gailanne]

Melis, the jingle pincushion and Joy card are amazing...as are the majority of crafts I see on your blog on a regular basis. Happy Christmas to you and yours!

[Pendra]

Hi Melissa, This year has been an incredibly hard year for me. I lost my Mom and my Sister has been terribly ill. And in the midst of this I found your blog...you often brought me peace with your words and some tears, but much joy and many smiles, not to mention all the inspiration and beauty of your creations! Together we are stronger! Your owls from your friend are adorable and I think you should name your 4th little owlet... Hope! Thanks for the chance at a sweet gift as well!! Happy Holidays hon, love that sweet little angel and loving man you have and many, many high hopes for the new year!
Hugs,
Pendra

[Terry York]

Perfect! I'm always in a pikle! LOL

[kirsty vittetoe]

Such loveliness created by you and your friend, and sweet little purse there you shared!!!!
Merry Christmas to you and all!!!!

[rush]

friends know what to give each other. and what the other needs. revel in this friendship for there are very few that are so strong. best wishes for the new year. you will continue to be an inspiration to me.