{CHOOSE JOY} I'm on TEAM ASHLEY . . .are YOU?

{CHOOSE JOY} . . .I AM! . . 

I will "Choose Joy"!!!

Are you familiar with Ashley's story of Lil Blue Boo? 

All I ask is you each take ONE small minute & meet her. She is a fellow artist/blogger & someone who I am proud to know (even if only 'online'). She has an amazing strength & you will fall in love with her! She will make you laugh & cry all at the same time! She is fighting a nasty, nasty cancer & I am choosing to HELP! 

You may be interested in this blog post that contains information about an Auction benefiting Miss Ashley and her family. I am so beyond HONORED to be a small part of this - I am designing an art print to be auctioned off during this benefit to help raise money for her! They had so many people willing to donate that they had to cut it off so they would have time to auction all the awesome donations off. I was lucky & got in-  I'm so humbled to help out! =)

The auction is set for February 27-29, 2012.  It will go live at 8 pm EST/ 5 pm PST on the 27th and the ending times will be staggered a bit throughout the evening on the 29th to allow as many people as possible to bid on the items that are so generously being donated.

I have had people ask me HOW they can help in the meantime? A couple different ways: there is a button available for you to post on your blog and website to help spread the word about the auction, you can find it at http://evystree.com/blog/?p=1656 , you will also find a little more information about Ashley and her fight there.

Also please check out www.teamashley.bigcartel.com for some exclusive t-shirts they had designed & all proceeds go to benefit Ashley!!!  Please help spread the word!! 

I have posted here, some more info from the wendy's blog, she is organizing the auction: 

When is the auction?

February 27-29, 2012.  It starts at 8pm EST/11 pm PST and the end times will be staggered through the evening on the 29th, the exact ending times will be noted within each listing. Please note that Hyenacart auctions end 2 minutes after the last bid.

Where will the auction be held?

On a special site hosted by Hyena Cart. It is under construction right now, the address will be shared as we get a little closer to the auction date.  You will need a shopping account on HyenaCart.com in order to bid.

What kinds of items will be offered?

We have been privileged to get donations from some very large handmade and unique companies. I think you will be THRILLED with what we will have to offer. So far we have a wide variety of items...photographers offering fabulous packages for all over the country, many doll makers and clothiers, and a large amount of clothing vendors. We will be posting previews of items as we get closer to the date...but let me just tell you, SAVE YOUR MONEY. I promise, you are going to want to bid on this stuff.

Can I make something for the auction?

Donations were only being accepted from businesses...and currently we are not accepting any more donations.

 I don’t like auctions, but I want to help… How?

No problem! There is a donate button directly to your right on my sidebar. This button is linked to Ashley's donation account and she receives all the funds that are received through it.  Anything you can give to Ashley would be AWESOME.

What happens if I win one of the auctions?

You will be required to pay within 24 hours of the auction ending. All payments will be made by paypal.  Please make sure your Paypal shipping address is correct, that is the address we will ship to, no exceptions.   We are unable to accept money orders or e-checks.  If you are unable to complete the transaction, the item will go to the next highest bidder.

 I am outside of the U.S., do you ship internationally?

Items can be shipped internationally unless the listing description states otherwise.  Some items will be services, so don’t bid if you are not in that area.  If you are outside of the U.S., the donor of the item will contact you after payment has been made to make arrangements to ship your item, you may be responsible for the shipping charges.

How much of the proceeds go to Ashley?

100%.  Team Ashley has donated their time and is not taking any salary or compensation from this auction. This is currently the only auction endorsed by Ashley and Lil Blue Boo.

 

 Another way you can help is to get one of these awesome 'Fear will Not Rule' t-shirts & tanks - but quantities are limited - I ordered mine already!!! You can get them here in the shop.

 

I hope you will join me in spreading the word about Ashley & this auction. I am sure we all can relate to knowing someone at some time, some place in our lives that has had to fight the fight as well. So let's do it for ALL cancer fighters!

Just remember this . . .one of the reasons this gets to me so much, is this could be ANY one of us fighting this cancer right now. We are NOT promised tomorrows only TODAY!

I WILL help a sister in need & CHOOSE JOY! Who's with me? ♥

 

 

{GIFT IDEAS} for Valentines Day under $10

WHO loves Valentines Day??

I do too, but sometimes it is a little stressful coming up with just the 'perfect' gift to surprise your loved one with. Because let's face it . . . what can we give to them that can equate to all the love they show towards us?? Right!?

So since Valentines Day is just right around the corner & you may still be figuring out what to give that special someone, I thought I would share a couple ways that I may be able to help!

I have a couple items that I have designed recently & added to the shop, that I thought to share with you as they would be perfect as a thoughtful & meaningful gift idea!

Either one of these art prints would be an easy, inexpensive but fabulous gift for someone. 

First up, is this ombre LOVE print - simple, stylish yet fun & is available in 4 different color choices . . . just choose at checkout!

- aqua & gray, pink & gray, green & gray, berry & gray

This would look amazing in a colored frame to match the color you choose - very artsy! You can find the listing here for this print.

The other is the "Mr. & Mrs." print for those of you that are sentimental.

This one is perfect as I customize your names & your wedding date or a date that is significant to you & yours to give you an amazing gift that is personalized.

AND there are 2 different designs to choose from!

This would look amazing in an all white or all black frame or even a silver one.  You can find the listing here for this print.

Hope you find that perfect gift & let me know if I can help out with either of these art prints!

Until next time . . . xoxo

{NICKELODEON press} + Kids Valentine Craft Tutorial

I wanted to share a couple quick & EASY kids Valentines Day ideas with you today. Some of you may be looking for a fun project or craft to do with your kids for Valentines Day. Others may be looking for a craft to bring to your child's classroom next week for their parties at school. (me being one of those)

BOTH of the ideas I will share with you involve PENCILS.

KIDS of ALL ages just love them some pencils!!!

This idea was shared in a round-up over in 'ParentsConnect' on Nickelodeon last week.  {It's the last one listed.} Super excited about that & here it is with all the other wonderful ideas as well:

'ParentsConnect' on Nickelodeon

I know this is just a screen shot, so if you would like to see the actual post written by the fabulous, Danielle from 'A Few of my Favorite Things' , just click here.

This idea that was featured & a few others from last year, you can find in my post here.

IDEA #1

Here is the step-by-step instructions on how to make these & let me tell you, 

the kids LOVE them! Super FUN!

We will call him "Silly Heart Pencil Topper" - k?

To create: (1) - use the craft coloring sheet & color in one of the hearts & cut out, (2) - take pipe cleaner & twist in knot at top of a pencil, (3) - continue wrapping the pipe cleaner around another pencil to create the 'twisted' effect, (4) - repeat on other side until you get the 'antennae' look, (5) - cut a heart shape out of the pattern paper, (6) - fold vertically in 1/2, (7) - snip 2 cuts on the fold  - one about an inch down from the top & the other an inch from bottom - both about 1/2 in., (8) - insert pencil w/ antennae in the 2 holes snipped, (9) - glue on sides of heart from step 1 & adhere to the heart w/ the pencil in it (don't glue entire backside of silly face heart - so it allows you to remove pencil)

 

 

 

IDEA #2

Next up . . .   Valentine 'shaped' pencil!

 To create: (1) take pipe cleaner & measure down about 8 in & create a loop, (2) cross the loop towards the bottom, (3) twist them together, (4) it should look like this, (5) start twisting the bottom of pipe cleaner around the top of a pencil, (6) looks like this

 (7) push down at the center of your loop, (8) this will create the heart shape & adjust it the way you like, (9) should look like this - You can then add a topper as a Valentine & you're done!

I will be sharing MORE ideas in the next few days on KIDS craft ideas for their parties!

{The printable designs I used & the coloring sheets can be found in the same collection in my shop here & it's on sale!}

Thanks for checking this out today! 

COLLECTION :: Lil' Snowflake Birthday Collection

There is a new kid in town and he's hanging out with all of my birthday party themes! Meet :lil snowflake" (the OWL).

Hello!

I just LOVE custom design work! I had a special request from a client that wanted a collection designed that involved chevron, owls, a soft wintery color palette and be used for her daughter's birthday!

 So here you have it and what's included in this collection . . . ENJOY!

 

 Invite - can be found listed here in my shop

2 sheets of Toppers that can be used on treat bags as tags, added to cupcakes for toppers, added decor on drink straws, etc. - CUSTOMIZED with child's age & name

Cupcake wrappers in 4 different colors

Drink straw flags in 4 different colors- can be added on straws or put on tooth picks & added to food for a simple decor look

4 designs of the food/ drink labels that will be customized with the AGE of the person

Napkin wraps in 6 different colors/ designs

Happy Birthday banner

CUSTOMIZED birthday sign with the person's age

Goodie bag toppers which could also be used for table tents 

Nugget candy bar wraps - come in 4 different colors

Thank you cards - in 2 different designs

Drink Umbrellas - can be added to drinks, sit them around a table for added decor, coasters or added to the center of a plate

Happy Birthday Subway Art print - great addition to table. Just print & frame for instant decor!

You can find this collection in my shop here, if you are looking for a great theme for a winter birthday party. Includes everything you could need to create a gorgeously themed party!

Thanks for being here and enjoy your day! xo 

Are you loving the "eye candy" here?

Then join me over on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter & Instagram so you never miss out on an exclusive deal or any behind the scenes photos!

Check out my designs, artwork & decor in my Etsy shop!  

{Valentines Day IDEAS} Spa products, pancakes & freebies

Can you believe it is just about a week away? 

You know that holiday - Valentines Day! Where does the time go??? So . .  this week I will be bringing you some fun Valentines Day ideas from me & some of my friends!

Today I want to share a couple ideas I had for Valentines Day because if you are like most of us (and wait until the last minute to figure something out) then this post will help you. It is a round up of some EASY Valentines Day suggestions to get you back in the zone!

First up, have you heard of Moodylicious Children's Spa & Boutique? Well the driving force behind this amazing company is Christina & she is one of the most supportive & sweetest people I have had the pleasure of knowing. She posted these little spa Valentines Day sets last week & I quickly ordered one up for my daughter! I already got it in the mail over the weekend & she is going to be so excited to have her very own "spa products".

See what I mean? How stinkin CUTE are these gift sets?? She is just soooo creative & I know she would LOVE to put something together for you to give for a gift or special occasion.

Just contact Christina to get yours in time for Valentines Day!

She also contacted me a few weeks ago & purchased my "Kiss Me" Valentines Day & the Valentines Day photo props set to use at a recent children's spa party & it turned out so adorable. Thanks so much for the photos - they are great! 

She used the toppers to 'tag' the products & decorate them up just a little bit.

And I LOVE the lips (photo props) used in the drinks! love love love!

WOW - I wanna have one of these parties! 

The "Kiss Me" Valentines Day collection is SUCH a versatile one that can be used for so many things.

Obviously we have just seen it used for a kids party. 

What about a nice romantic breakfast with your spouse?

Heart pancakes anyone? {yum!}

The paper pack included can be used to make accordion decor & then use the toppers & a circle punch for the centers:

Also includes are postcards that you can send to loved ones that you want to remember:

write some love notes (included) and leave them at the table & around the house for them to find . . .

Thank you so much to Christina for sharing the pics from the kids spa line using my printable collection & please be sure to go visit her & check out all of her FABULOUS spa products as they are just adorable!  Please tell her I sent you as she really is AMAZING!!!

Interested in the "Kiss ME" Valentines Day collection? You can get it here in my shop on SALE right now & it contains more goodies than what was mentioned here!

And if you by chance have NOT seen the 2 FREEBIES I designed that MATCH this collection, you can download them here as well for FREE:

Hope this got your idea juices pumped. See you next time!