WINNERS!

The winner of the Art by Kelly Michelle gift tags and labels giveaway is comment #35 by Jessica P. The winner of the Statesman Ties customized tie giveaway is comment #10 by Seth. Congratulations to you both!

Featured Seller: Laila from Lilla Stjarna

If you're looking for classy, colorful jewelry, then check out the shop Lilla Stjarna by Laila.

When did you start getting into crafting, and what did you start with?
I am a recent college graduate, and I started first making jewelry when I was about thirteen or fourteen. Before that, I liked to collect things, but when I realized just what I could make using some beads, wire, and my trusty pair of bright pink pliers, I went crazy.

How did you learn about Etsy?
I learned about it as I learn about a lot of things in life: from my mom. She had found a beautiful handmade necklace that she was obsessing over, and I learned about the site through her obsession to share it with everyone. And now, of course, I share that obsession.

Where does your inspiration for your items come from?
I've always been obsessed with stars and the vastness of the night sky and became even more so after I learned that my last name is Arabic for a constellation in the sky. I've always loved being outside and have found that inspiration comes to me most when I'm happy and surrounded by the great outdoors. Not to mention, I'm a bit of a magpie when it comes to selecting materials and I will usually go for the bits of bead that are most unusual or sparkly.

Check out Lilla Stjarna for more beautiful items and use the coupon code YAYGO for 10% off! You can also follow her on Facebook, Twitter, her blog, Wanelo, and Pinterest.

Cookie Boot

Caden used to say book without the k at the end. Ever since he learned the word boat, he's confused them and added a t to the end of book. I try to teach him the right way and this is how it always goes.

"Say cookie," I tell him.

"Cookie," he says perfectly.

"Now say book."

"Boot," he says (pronounced like book, not boot).

"No. Kk. Cookie. Bookkk," I encourage.

"Cookie boot." And then he giggles. "Cookie boot!" More giggling.

I give up.

For Giveaway Hosts & Sponsors

I recently learned about this and I thought I'd share it with my fellow giveaway participants:

What are the guidelines for running a promotion or contest on my Facebook Page?

For a complete list of official policies, please read our Promotion Guidelines. Here is a summary of the most common guidelines that promotions violate:

• All promotions must be managed through a third-party app.
• You must not use Facebook features or functionality (likes, comments, videos, photos, cover photos, etc.) as a promotion’s registration or entry mechanism. For example, the act of liking a Page or checking in to a place cannot automatically register or enter a promotion participant. Similarly, requiring someone to share a post or photo in order to enter a promotion is not allowed.
• Facebook features and functionality, such as the Like button, can't be used as a voting mechanism in a promotion.

Featured Seller: Micaela from Foundation Creations

If you want unique and chic decor for fall, then Foundation Creations is the right place for you. Some of my favorite creations are the acorn top sparkle ornament,

this small pottery bowl in autumn hues,

and the jute string floral arrangement.

Here's a little about the seller, Micaela, in her own words:

I'm a high school home-schooled senior and have been an avid crafter for as long as I can remember. I live in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, where I work with my sister capturing the happiest moments of people’s lives. From weddings to newborns, seniors and families, photography keeps me very busy, but I always enjoy every minute of it!

I’m a crafter, a painter, a photographer, and a blogger. I love to sing, smile, laugh, and make pretty things. My sister once told me that to describe my personality by a color from a box of crayons would be impossible, because I’m the whole box! I think that pretty much describes my crafting too: most crafters like to pick one or two things to focus on, but for me, I like to learn and do as much crafting as possible! From crocheting, to basket weaving, candle dipping, cross stitching, embroidery, painting, jewelry making, photography, knitting, pottery, paper making, sewing, glass cutting, stamp carving and quilting… just to name a few. ;)

I started my etsy shop July 24 of 2012, so not too long ago. I am enjoying every minute of owning an Etsy shop and love the encouragement that all my fellow Etsy shop owners have given me!

Check out Foundation Creations for more beautiful and original crafts, including this set of chalkboard-topped mason jars, which I love because you can easily re-label them over and over again!

Etsy Taste Test

I just discovered Taste Test on Etsy. It's a little test you take to find things that match your taste. I took the test twice. The first resulted in mostly baby items, the second in bridal accessories. I didn't think it was accurate; there was hardly anything I liked. But it's fun! Try it out for yourself: http://www.etsy.com/tastetest

p.s. I just did it again and got much better results!

Inspired Greetings & Designs Fabric Flower Bobby Pins Giveaway [CLOSED]

Earlier this year I did a giveaway for Inspired Greetings & Designs. The shop has since expanded. The seller, Stephanie, now offers fabric flower hair clips, shoe clips, earrings, brooches, and bobby pins.

She sent me this lovely pair of bobby pins to review:

Smiles
*Absolutely beautiful and elegant!
*So many colors to choose from.
*Great for adding a pop of color or dressing up your outfit.
*Superb customer service.
*Professional packaging to ensure safe delivery.
*Good prices (for shipping too!).

Frowns
*I prefer bobby pins with the round tips at the end because they don't pull my hair when I take them out.

Stephanie is generously giving away a pair of fabric flower bobby pins in the color of your choice!

Mandatory Entry: Visit Inspired Greetings & Designs and tell me which color bobby pins you would choose.

1 entry: Tell me what else you like in the shop.

1 entry: Heart Inspired Greetings & Designs on Etsy. Leave your username.

1 entry: Follow this blog on Google Friend Connect.

1 entry: Like The Hand That Rocks the Cradle on Facebook. Leave your Facebook name.

1 entry each (4 total): Post this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or your blog.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. All entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PDT on Tuesday, October 16. The winner will be announced on Wednesday, October 17. Please leave your email address in one of your entries so I can contact you if you win. This giveaway is open worldwide. Good luck!