Happy New Year!

2008 was an excellent year for Funky Finds. We started our monthly newsletter, Funky News, in March. And in July we launched The Shops @ Funky Finds.

We look for 2009 to be even bigger & better! In April, we will be holding the Funky Finds Spring Fling in Fort Worth, Texas. If you are in the DFW metroplex or surrounding areas, we invite you all to participate and/or come out for a funky day of shopping!

Here's to us all fulfilling our dreams in 2009!

Cheers, Jessica & Joe

VMJESS

Valerie Jesswein is the creative mind behind VMJESS, a shop featuring handmade camera straps. Each strap is constructed using eye-catching & fashionable fabrics. I love the floral Grace strap, as well as the geometric Cocoa Squares. And sports fans are sure to love the sports-themed designs. Valerie's straps also fit on many cell phones and come with a key ring so they can also be used as a key fob. This is the perfect accessory for your newly received holiday gifts!

Droopy Knickers

Droopy Knickers is a fun company that offers funky apparel for kids, as well as a few pieces for moms. Their popular designs are sold by retailers all over the US, Europe and Japan and have been featured in Cookie Magazine and more. The mom & baby gift sets, featuring organic tanks & tees, make unique baby shower gifts. For those of us who graduated in the 90s & earlier, the future class designs may make you feel old, but will definitely look cute on the wee ones. If you're looking for a bargain (who isn't?), then be sure to check out the Droopy Knickers Etsy shop. All tees are on sale for only $20 each! An added bonus is that you will receive free shipping when you mention Funky Finds in the notes to seller section.

ReJAVAnate

Did you know that coffee is the second largest commodity in the world? In turn, 800,00 tons of burlap are discarded every year. ReJAVAnate takes burlap from coffee roasters that would otherwise be sent to landfills & creates reusable & completely biodegradable tote bags. They also work with The ARC, an organization that serves individuals with developmental disabilities, by employing over 140,ooo members to create the bags by hand. A wonderful option that is offered is custom logo printing on the burlap bags, making them a wonderful way for individuals, as well as organizations, to make a statement about reducing paper and plastic bag consumption. ReJAVAnate's sister company BuyGreen is a wonderful source for finding all of the green earth products you need, including eco-friendly clothing & solar powered lights to name a few.

Jennifer Squires Productions

Jennifer Squires is offering a new set of fresh photographs captured in Greece. This contemporary photography collection is comprised of scenic photos, detail shots, and architectural imagery. Some of the more notable photographs include two impressionistic pieces; Farther Than the Eye Can See, blurring the lines between where the earth ends and the sky begins; and Greece #250, illustrating the unique way that the towns on the island of Santorini cling to the edge of the caldera. The gritty black and white photograph Weathered, and the simplicity of Greece #217, bring to mind a simpler time by highlighting the architecture that is typical of the Greek Isles. These fine art photographs will compliment dining rooms, living areas, bedrooms, and offices, and can be produced as large as 24x30 inches or as small as 4x6 inches. See more of Jennifer's work on her portfolio site.

Giggleberry Creations

Amy Costin is a creative mum that creates the handmade pennants & string flag sets found at Giggleberry Creations. These fun and unique fabric banners are a great way to decorate a nursery, bedroom, play area, party or even a craft show tent. What girly girl wouldn't love the pink cupcake flags? And I would LOVE to have the sock monkey flags to hang in my craft room! Boys aren't left out either. Amy has a nice selection of pennants for them to choose from as well. And she also creates colorful & fun pillow cushion covers. These can be easily taken off to be washed and changed out as you wish.

Lealand Eve Boutique

Lealand Eve is an artist & illustrator who opened a shop in Sayville, NY, with her partner Nathan King called Lealand Eve Boutique (52 South Main Street). After graduating in 2002 from Pratt (Brooklyn) with a BFA in fashion, Leland took a liking to illustration and began a freelance illustration career. She has worked on several children's books, magazine illustration and a game for Wizards of the Coast. Lealand became more interested in her personal works and wanted to cut the illustration out, but was unsure how she could make a living as an artist and get her work in front of people. In the spring of 2008, the retail shop was opened & began selling home dècor, personal accessories and jewelry. The wall space is utilized as gallery space to show off both Lealand's artwork and the work of other emerging artists on Long Island. If you're unable to visit the shop in person, you can do some shopping online. I love all the unique dinnerware, especially the Sapling silverware set. There is also a nice selection of items for men.

Sin in Linen

Sin in Linen creates hot stuff for your boudoir. Their products will replace your boring linens with adventurous patterns sure to add pizzazz to your home. Their designs, inspired by pin-up, tattoo and alt-pop culture, are available as sheet sets, duvet covers, shower curtains and kitchen items. The black forever tattoo sheets are perfect for any wild child. And for those who are a bit tamer there's the embroidered swallows set. The Kiss Kiss Bang Bang sheets are also a personal favorite. Sin in Linen also has some great throw pillows, such as the heart pillow. And why not add some excitement to your kitchen as well with the tattoo pot holders & placemats?

Receive a 10% discount at Sin in Linen with coupon code FUNKY10.

A Very Mary Design - Giveaway

Mary Ann Abbott is a woman who wears many hats. She is an English teacher, a thrifter, a generous & talented shop owner with not one, but two Etsy shops. Magpie Mary showcases Mary Ann's thrift good & vintage finds, such as vintage glass lotion jars. Her other shop, A Very Mary Design, is where she shares her love of vintage supplies, as well as handmade items she has created. My favorite items are the so-called ugly monsters she creates by recycling materials & embellishing them with buttons & hand-embroidered details.

GIVEAWAY - CLOSED: Mary Ann has generously offered up one of her adorable "ugly" monsters (pictured here) to one lucky reader. Simply visit one of her Etsy shops, then leave a comment on this post noting one of your favorite items. Giveaway will end at Midnight CST, Friday, January 2nd.

Receive 25% off all merchandise (less s/h) in either shop with code FUNKY. Code should go in "notes to seller" section and you will receive an adjusted invoice. Good through January 10.

See Kai Run Giveaway Winners

Thank you to everyone who entered the See Kai Run Big Blog Giveaway! We appreciate everyone's continued support of Funky Finds & we have lots of terrific giveaways lined up for 2009, so be sure to check back often. Congrats to the following winners!



1. Julie Boot in Pink - Teaque
2. Paul Trainer in Blue - The Giveaways Blog
3. Brian Blue Suede Shoes - Natasha
4. Jake Trainers - Kirsten W.
5. Monica Mary Janes - Amber

All winners have been contacted via email. If you are listed above & have not received an email from inf(at)funkyfinds(dot)us, please let me know.

Jennifer Ladd

I am not a big fan of the cold dreary weather we have been experiencing here in Texas. I thrive on bright sunshine-filled days. That is why Jennifer Ladd's lovely bright creations really caught my eye today. Jennifer creates bags, purses, and baby items that lean toward simplicity, sleek lines, and modern design. The bright colors and bold, hip prints add excitement to each piece. The Christmas Joy baby booties are absolutely adorable! The floral laptop bag is a stylish, yet functional, accessory. And I would LOVE to have the painter's palette clasp clutch purse for myself! The bold & bright clutch purse is another bag I wouldn't mind adding to my collection. If you need a last minute, but terrific gift, Jennifer offers gift certificates in various denominations.

*Don't forget to enter the See Kai Run giveaway before Midnight CST!

Christmas Potpourri

1. Rose Valley Soaps has a great selection of fun and funky holiday soaps. I especially love the Christmas ducky soaps!

2. The Wild Animus - Santa Prefers Cupcakes...who knew!?

3. Lemon Tree Studio is having a Half Off All Holiday sale, including these adorable owl tags.

4. Sun Basil Garden - Leave Santa something he'll REALLY enjoy...cookies and milk soap! Much less calories than real cookies.

5. Chest of Fairy Tales showcases the terrific whimsical art by Victoria Usova, such as the Reindeer with Gifts ACEO.

6. Pretty Nifty features items that are, well, nifty. The Cheery Christmas Tree coasters will make an excellent host or hostess gift this holiday season.

7. Puddle Stompers has an adorable Here Comes Santa jumper for your little girl.

8. Mad About Colour has a wonderful selection of baby stocking caps that are TOO cute!

9. I Heart Bowheads has lots of holiday bows and clips for precious girls.

10. Stelabird has a unique Yeti ornament that I would love to hang on my tree!

11. Red Marionette offers tons of great felt ornaments, such as Ned the Moose.

12. Artgoodies features lovely ornaments that are printed with an original linocut block print, backed with coordinating vintage fabric and stuffed with poly-fil.

13. Glamasaurus - The Christmas tree cookie ornaments look good enough to eat!

14. Tumus has several terrific ornaments to choose from.

15. Spiffing Jewelry offers a festive & funky Christmas bracelet. I want!

16. Paisley Bird Boutique has lots of great pendants available that are perfect for the holidays, as well as year-round.

Piedra Studio

Talia, the talented jewelry designer behind Piedra Studio, creates one-of-a-kind and limited-edition jewelry that combines old and new materials, including vintage filigree with gemstones, German glass and gold vermeil, gold-filled chains with lucite and more. The Classic necklace is one of simple elegance that combines cream colored, freshwater coin pearls and black faceted Czech glass. The earrings made using copper filigree discs & garnets are also beautiful accessories. And the Mist necklace, featuring silver freshwater coin pearls with gray shell "donuts" and marbleized Italian ceramic beads that are hand-wrapped with sterling silver wire, is another alluring piece. Treat yourself to a beautiful piece of Talia's jewelry this holiday season!

*There's still time to enter the See Kai Run giveaway, but HURRY! Contest ends at Midnight CST.

Blu Jay Studio

Blu Jay Studio features the fun & funky original art created by independent artist Erica Aubin. She says that the mission of her work is to provide affordable and uniqe pieces for women that express feelings of power, confidence, and joy. I Am Passionate is an original mixed-media collage created on the cover of a vintage book. This piece reminds me of my dark-haired mother who is a talented musician. Being the animal lover that I am, I really like LOVE animals. Don't EAT them. Erica uses a variety of mediums from paint and canvas to beeswax and vintage LPs. The result is uniquely fun pieces, including the piece titled Kitty Costume. You can see more of her work on Glitter & Grunge and on her blog.

Goody Green Bags

Goody Green Bags are reusable bags for the style conscious and environmentally friendly shopper. The bags are made from non-woven polypropylene - a coated, water resistant material that is lightweight, durable, fire resistant and washable, and are available in a variety of eye-catching patterns. Goody Green Bag was selected as the official "loot bag" for the American Music Awards in November & were distributed to over 100 VIP Celebrities. They will also be part of the 2009 Oscar and Golden Globe pre-parties as an effort to encourage celebrities to take a simple step towards saving our Planet. I really like that these bags fold up nice & neat making them easy to stow away until you need them. Products are currently discounted by 15%, so grab yours quickly!

See Kai Run - Big Blog Giveaway!

We are thrilled to be a part of See Kai Run's BIG BLOG GIVEAWAY! This wonderful company is generously giving away over 140 pairs of shoes from their current Fall Collection all over the internet before the end of the year.

See Kai Run, popular manufacturer of the perfect first shoe for new walkers, has been running their special event, Share a Pair, this holiday season for children in need. They will match the sale of each pair of shoes sold through their site from November 1 through December 31 with a donation to Soles4Souls, an international charity dedicated to providing footwear to disadvantaged people around the world.

Smaller, the newest member of the footwear family, features soft-soled baby booties that are as stylin' as See Kai Run, but for the youngest among us. Sizes range from 0-6 months, 6-9 months, 9-12 months and 12-18 months.

See Kai Run's sister company, Eleven, offers the perfect next-sized shoe for every occasion. Eleven's shoes are perfect for toddlers through early school age children (age 3-8) as they offer independent styles and forward colors and feature soft leather uppers with flexible, durable rubber soles for superior traction. With no break-in period, the shoe's cushioned insole makes each step a comfortable one, and all shoes feature easy on and off.

GIVEAWAY: We have FIVE fantastic pairs of shoes to giveaway! These shoes are so cute they almost make me want a baby of my own (notice I said ALMOST). To enter, visit the See Kai Run website & leave a comment on THIS POST noting your favorite pair. Please mention the shoe size you would like to win. Giveaway ends at Midnight CST, Friday, December 19.

For an extra entry, mention this giveaway on your blog or website & leave the link in the comment section. Below is a list of the shoes up for grabs.

1. Julie Boot in Pink - Limited Edition - Size US 4
2. Paul Trainer in Blue - Limited Edition - Size US 3
3. Brian - Blue Suede Shoes - Size US 7
4. Jake Trainer - Cream & Brown - 9-12 months
5. Monica Mary Janes - Red with hearts - 6-9 months

My Good Greetings

My Good Greetings offers eco-friendly custom photo greeting cards. The company, which launched in September, prints all their cards, envelopes and address labels on 100% recycled, FSC Certified papers. From printing to packaging and delivery, the company strives to be as green as possible. The wide range of product offerings includes birth announcements, custom invitations, and holiday greetings. I especially like the custom thank you cards that are a great way to teach children the art of writing thank you notes. And don't fret if you didn't get all your holiday cards out, send a lovely new year's greeting card instead!

FlyGreetings

If you're realizing that it may be too late to write & mail all of the holiday cards you intended to send, why not consider e-cards instead? FlyGreetings is a new company that specializes in unique, designer e-cards. The company's goal is to create visually pleasing "cards" that appeal to a more sophisticated aesthetic, one that makes both sender and recipient look good. These aren't your typical cheesy or vulgar e-cards we see all too often. New designs are released on a weekly basis by this family-run company.

The Stockings Were Hung


One of my favorite parts of Christmas is hanging all our handmade stockings on the mantle. Here's a few of my favorites that I have come across this season.

1. Bebe Sniklefritz - I love the Christmas tree stocking that has an adorable pink minky dot cuff. And the black & white Damask stocking is beautiful!

2. Pie Dough Productions - The elf boot shaped stockings are so cute! And what little girl wouldn't look adorable in the super full holiday swirl skirt? Act fast...it's only $20!

3. xo elle - Find a variety of stockings in this shop, my favorite being the pea green corduroy stocking.

4. Mushroom Delight - I adore this mini pink polka dot elf stocking!

5. The Material Girl - This crafter is all about recycling & reinventing. The stocking that was created using a vintage tablecloth is very unique. The mini stocking gift card holder is cute, too!

6. Mod Dot Textiles - The stocking collection includes those made using bold, modern fabrics, including the fun & funky black & white dots!

7. Maggie O'Riley's - Anyone who creates pet stockings is a winner in my book! Check out all the printed stockings featuring various winter scenes.

8. Downstairs Designs - I love the stocking trimmed with pom poms! Sock monkeys + pom poms = perfection!

*Make your own EXPANDABLE Christmas stocking!

Tizzalicious

Maartje, also known as Tizz, is a crafty girl from Holland. Her shop, Tizzalicious, features handmade accessories Tizz describes as Kawaii, Kitsch & Rockabilly. Cute and Colorful are also words that describe her work. Her collection of necklaces feature amusing charms that range from cookies to tea pots. I love the necklaces created using padded felt hearts, as well. Receive a 10% discount by mentioning Funky Finds at checkout. The discount is valid in all three Tizzalicious shops - Main site, Etsy and DaWanda. Tizz also makes a variety of plushies that are adorable. I want Bunny Boo Boo!

GIVEAWAY - CLOSED: Win a pair of apple stud earrings in the color of your choice. Simply visit any of the Tizzalicious sites & leave a comment on THIS POST listing one of your favorite items. Giveaway ends at Midnight CST, Monday, December 15. CONGRATS to our winner, Murat!

Weekend Events

If you are in the North Texas area, you may want to check out these events happening in the next few days.

Friday, December 12: Gainesville, a town about 75 miles North of Fort Worth, is having a "Victorian Stroll" all weekend. Downtown businesses are throwing a Christmas party with carolers, angel choirs, downtown shopping til 8pm, visits with Santa, live nativities, and more. Also, Cahoots Handbags (205 South Commerce in Gainesville) is celebrating their store's birthday with a big bash on Friday night from 5-8pm (or later). They'll be having major sales all weekend with bags at 25% off and clutches/peeps at 50% off. Plus, there will be lots of food, wine, champagne and beer. It'll be a bustling night downtown and there are some great shops around the square to take advantage of. This once-sleepy little town has a lot of charm and is finally starting to meet its potential.

Friday, December 12: The 2008 9x12 Works on Paper Show at the Fort Worth Community Arts Center features artwork that may be any size, as long as it is on or of paper and can be mailed in a 9”x12” envelope. This year’s exhibit features artwork from most of the United States and several other countries. Artists of all ages have responded with small original paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, collages and other works on or of paper. All artwork is on sale for $100, and the artists will receive 80% of every sale they make. Local artist Chickenbilly will be there, so be sure to stop by!

Saturday, December 13: The F6 Gallery in Arlington, Texas, will be having their Art "Gift" Show from 7-11pm. I have not been to this gallery before, but I'm looking forward to checking it out. They were voted Best Gallery of 2008 by Fort Worth Weekly.

Saturday, December 13: A new MTV reality show, best described as The Apprentice meets Project Runway, is looking for creative, outgoing, self-confident, and TALENTED people who don’t yet have on-the job experience but who are PASSIONATE about FASHION, DESIGN, SEWING, SKETCHING, GRAPHIC DESIGN or any other aspect of the fashion business. An open casting call will be held in Dallas on Saturday, December 13, at The Dallas Marriott Quorum (14901 Dallas Parkway) from 10am to 5pm. MTV is looking to bring a group of people to New York City to work directly with a world-renowned fashion designer. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be intimately involved in the fashion business, and to participate in the creation of a fashion line. At the end of our series, one lucky person will be rewarded with the opportunity of a lifetime! Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

Download Application
Only complete the top portion of the first page & sign the relase on the last page and bring it with you. Also, bring a copy of a valid Driver’s License or State photo ID and anything that shows your skills (i.e. designs, sketches, art work, etc.).
RSVP at mtvfashioncastingdallas@gmail.com if you are attending.


*Be sure to enter the December giveaway! Ends @ Midnight CST!

Polly & Prince

Polly & Prince is a terrific London-based company that showcases beautiful accessories designed by up & coming London designers. The winter collection features products in every price range & gift wrapping is free, making this a premiere place to do some holiday shopping. There are multiple handbags in a variety of styles to choose from. The silver Mariposa clutch is a beautifully unique accessory, as is the silk clutch featuring a hand-drawn illustration that is digitally printed onto 100% silk. I especially love the home dècor items, namely the Mannequin in Maroon wall hanging. The collection features pieces created by numerous designers, including Anna Lou of London, Miss Budd, Emma Gordon, and Oliver & Grace. Polly & Prince also ships their products worldwide. Spend over £30 sterling on the site (minus postage and packaging costs) and you will receive a free Freshly Baked Shortbread candle (worth £8).

Sew Bettie

Cara and Mark, along with their cute little puppy Bettie, have a fun indie craft company called Sew Bettie. The creative duo recently released a new line of 100% cotton fabrics that was designed in their Chicago studio. Each fabric design is printed in a limited edition of 100 yards and comes with a certificate noting the edition number. The fabrics are sold by fat quarters (about 18" by 21") for $9. The polka dot bulldog print is absolutely adorable! And you can even request custom designed fabric. Now THAT is funky cool! Don't miss the great patterns & tutorials or the DIY Crafty Kits. Receive a 10% discount with coupon code FUNKY.

Bumpies

I don't know about you, but I know that I can use all the positive energy that is available. Bumpies are mini "bumper" stickers that are perfect for celle phones, iPods, MP3 Players, and other devices. Each one displays a positive thought or quote, such as Gandhi's quote "Where there is love there is life." These little cuties, that are printed on waterproof vinyl with removable adhesive, make great stocking stuffers. Unlike cell phone skins which are fitted to specific phone models, Bumpies fit on most cell phones, so you can give them as gifts without having to know the exact details about someone’s phone. I could go for reminding myself daily that "it is well with my soul."

SNIF Tag

This week Joe and I have had a lot of fun product testing the SNIF Tag. This is the perfect item for pet owners who have wondered what their dog is doing during the day, or if the dog walker showed up and took Fido out for the right amount of time. The SNIF Tag is a small, stylish and comfortable tag that easily attaches to your dog's collar. It records your dog's daily movements and social encounters then uploads them to your online profile. We were able to set up our kit in a short amount of time. Once you set up the dock and connect it to your internet, you are ready to set up you & your pet's profile online. This enables you to network with other pet owner's, including those in your area. Our Labrador, Beau Bradley, has already made friends online!

I think the SNIF Tag would be especially beneficial to urban pet owners that walk their dog's frequently & visit dog parks. By seeing fellow pet owners online, you are able to begin meeting those who live in your neighborhood, as well as those who own the same breed as you do. The starter kit is comprised of the SNIF Tag, the SNIF wireless base station that charges the tag, additional customizable lenses & rim, and a connection cable - everything you need to get started. The initial price also includes a one year premium subscription to the online pet activity monitoring service and social site. This is definitely a funky, unique item or gift idea for pet owners.

Season's Greetings

1. Jennifer Squires has a new holiday card available. Cheers is printed on 100% recycled cover stock (50% of which is recycled from post-consumer waste), is processed chlorine free, and the energy used in the printing process is 100% wind-powered via renewable energy credits. These contemporary fine art cards are suitable to be used for holiday greetings and party invitations.

2. Bstudio has a nice selection of holiday cards and pillows. The hand-embroidered poinsetta and pinecone cards are beautiful. I also love the silky Christmas tree pillow.

3. A Punkin Card Company has lots of great holiday cards to choose from. The holiday deer and vintage Christmas cards are some of my favorites.

4. I love dogs & Big Max's Studio has wonderful holiday cards featuring one of my favorite breeds, Labrador Retrievers. The Yellow Lab Merry Christmas card is perfect for our family, because we have an amazing yellow lab named Beau Bradley!

5. Color Box Designs' cards feature unique letter pressed illustrations, such as the caroler seen on the Jingle Bells holiday card. The monogrammed letter pressed cards make great gifts, as well.

6. I love Polkadot Shop's holiday cards that are created using various fabrics. The green & red owls and stitched Christmas tree cards are fantastic!

7. Winemaker's Sister, one of my favorite crafters, has created lovely paper quilt cards available in a range of color schemes. The red & aqua cards are beautiful. And the wool felt holly brooch is a fun accessory for the holiday season.

8. Stacey Winters' selection of cards & ornaments features vibrant photographs of vintage pieces. Santa's Elves is adorable & I love the vintage golden deer. And the 2009 card is perfect for wishing your loved ones a happy new year!

9. Foxy & Winston screen prints cards that showcase brilliant, opaque and velvety colors that are unique to the medium. I love the Alpaca Family that wants to send Warm Wishes to everyone. And the Jingle Bells card, featuring a pack of Guinea Pigs I believe are pulling a sleigh, is about as unique as you can get!

Unique Holiday Gift Ideas

JuJups offers unique 3D figurines, including 3D Christmas ornaments made using a photo of your choice. Receive 15% off with the coupon code "xmas15jujups" (good until December 15th).

Enthral features a line of men's cuff links, along with other jewelry and accessories. Each set of cuff links are made from vintage glass, re-purposed buttons and toy parts. These make excellent gifts for men! Receive free shipping until the end of the month when you mention Funky Finds in the notes to seller. Shipping will be refunded via PayPal.

Barbra Ziemer is a talented photographer that also creates jewelry. What's unique about her accessories is that they feature her tiny archival images set under glass. Barbra is currently running a holiday promotion with all fine art photographs & all fine art pendants 20% off!

Shopflick.com is an online shopping marketplace featuring exclusive products and video content from independent designers. Their holiday gift guide makes finding unique gift ideas easier. For tight budgets, check out the Stocking Stuffers and Under $25 sections. Or give a stylish & eco-friendly Green Gift!

Receive 25% off all merchandise (less s/h) in the Magpie Mary shop with code FUNKY. Mention the code in the "notes to seller" section and you will receive an adjusted invoice. Good through January 10.

The Bead Art Originals Holiday Gift Guide offers artistic and elegant ideas for everyone on your gift list. Bead Art Originals members specialize in a wide variety of styles and mediums. You'll find jewelry ranging from elegant to whimsical made using seed beads, clay, glass and metal.

Botanical Paperworks' Green Signature gift list includes calendars, journals, hand-bound books, and more that make terrific eco-friendly gifts. The heart-warming gifts that leave behind no waste provide the perfect balance of whimsy, care, and value with most gifts priced under $20.

The Cardboard Christmas Tree is a 100% recyclable piece that leaves plenty of space to hang your own decorations or included cardboard ornaments. Every tree sold contributes to the Arbor Day Foundation's reforestation program, Trees for America.

*Be sure to enter the December Charitable Shopping giveaway!

December Giveaway - Charitable Shopping

Today kicks off our final monthly giveaway of 2008! December’s theme focuses on promoting businesses that donate a portion of their sales to charities. I think it is a great incentive to know that the money you spend is benefiting others.

Giveaway Guidelines:

Visit any of the businesses listed on the December giveaway page.

To enter, leave a comment ON THIS POST including a link to one of your favorite items from each shop (one link per comment, please). You may enter multiple times by linking to a product by a different artisan in each comment.

Extra Entry: Post about this giveaway on your blog, then leave a comment with the link to your post.

Be sure to leave your name AND email address or website link so I am able to contact the winners. If you are chosen as a winner & there’s no way to contact you, a new winner will be chosen.

Winners will be chosen on December 12 using a random number generator & will then be notified by email & announced on Funky Finds.

The December Charitable Shopping giveaway begins today, December 6, and ends at midnight CST Thursday, December 11.

PipoDoll

Samantha Vanderwyst, talented artist, wife & mother, loves all things creative & handmade. As an artist and illustrator, Samantha sells her wares under the name PipoDoll. What I love most are the one-of-a-kind PipoDolls that are individually created, as are the clothes, hair and various other embellishments. There are also plush art dolls that are hand-drawn using high-quality illustration markers. You can even purchase adorable ornaments that are printed with Samantha's fantastic owl illustration. I think what intrigues me most about this artist's work are the vibrant colors she uses in her pieces. You can also purchase Samantha's work on Dawanda and don't miss her talented husband's work.

Tedde

Tedde is a premier contemporary bear store you are sure to love. The Tiny Teddes are a rainbow-colored set of six micro mini bears. These little cuties are made of soft fleece and are hand-painted. The collection of bears is full of one-of-a-kind designs that are sure to appeal to a variety of people. The embroidered Chubbtwins are adorable and who wouldn't love 4 Eyes? And don't forget to feed you Tedde scrumptious edamame by Eon! Be sure to add an adorable felt heart to your cart before checking out, too. Receive 15% off with coupon code FUNKY (good through 1/31/09).

Daisy Princess Paperie

Daisy Princess Paperie brings a splash of graphic design and shot of fine art to your paper collection. The stationery designs allow you to keep your girlfriends in the loop with sophisticated notes that are anything but stuffy or plain. Letters for Keeps, a collection that benefits Alzheimer's research, encourages you to send your love through the written word. The sets include a collection of 15 individual notes and envelopes packaged in a reusable leather pouch. For those who like to be prepared in case a great networking opportunity arises, there's a variety of calling cards. And Daisy P now offers boldly-patterned art papers that encourage you to create, wrap and scrap. The collection, boasting 18 eye-catching prints, ensures that there is something for everyone's taste. The papers are printed on post-consumer recycled paper with soy-based inks ensuring that they are reducing their carbon footprint.

Dallas Indie Experience

If you are in the Dallas area, don't miss the Dallas Indie Experience this weekend! First up is Stand by Your Man: A Tribute to Bonnie & Clyde featuring fashion by Tara Tonini of Tara to the T & paintings by Joey Seeman. (Friday, December 5th, 7-9pm; 411 N. Tyler Street)

Saturday is the 8th Original Urban Street Bazaar on Bishop that will showcase over 65 vendors, live bands, a fashion show, adopt-a-pet, pictures with Santa Claus, sewing activities & much more. (December 6, 11am - 10pm; Bishop Arts District)

And Sunday is the second annual Deck the Halls! Funky Finds is excited to be a sponsor of this show that will feature everything from vintage inspired hats, pottery, handbags and silk screened shirts to custom gift wrapping and handmade jewelry. Santa will be on hand from 1-3 pm for photo opps. And adults can sip on a holiday cocktails from Absinthe Lounge. The first 50 guests will receive recycled swag bags and the whole shebang is free! (December 7, 11am to 6pm; South Side on Lamar - 1409 South Lamar, Dallas 75215)

Cape Card

Andrew Newman relocated his design business from Manhattan to Cape Cod in 1993. Cape Card showcases Mr. Newman's limited-edition prints, as well as greeting & note "cods." The humorous designs depict fish & crustaceans in out-of-the-ordinary situations, such as fancy weddings. And, of course, Pugs on the Half Shell will definitely catch your attention. Perhaps my favorite products are the holiday cards. The Christmas Cod, available in print or card format, is quite interesting, as is Codpeace. The Rosh Hashanah Cod greeting card is another fun way to wish someone a Happy New Year!

SavvyGirl & Company

If the words savvy, sassy and sweet describe you & your style, then you will love SavvyGirl & Company's jewelry designs. Cydney began creating beautifully handmade and contemporary jewelry in 2002. Her blog showcases pieces that are made using stones, genuine crystals, pearls and sterling silver, as seen with the Smores necklace. My mother would love the Red Ginger necklace made using genuine dyed Raspberry Red turquoise stones. What I love most about Cydney's designs is that she creates accessories that are so unique & extraordinary, such as the Shanghai Sahara necklace. The Chinese polished yellow turquoise are gorgeous! SavvyGirl & Co. is also the place to have a custom piece created just for you or a loved one.

*Be sure to enter the MatiLou giveaway!

Pendantic

Pendantic is a great source for handmade pendants and pendant earrings, mainly created from up-cycled materials. As a child, I was a fan of the Mr. Men and Little Miss series created by English author and illustrator Roger Hargreaves. Here you will find pendants featuring these fun illustrations, such as Little Miss Helpful. There's other humorous pieces, including A Salt with a Deadly Weapon, as well as cool domino pendants. The clearance section is a great place to find affordable holiday gifts, or to justify treating yourself! I think I need the red spotted hoop pendant that is festive and fun.

MatiLou

MatiLou features the beautifully whimsical artwork Anne Cresci creates. Her product line includes her illustrations on a variety of items, such as posters, postcards, stickers and more. The 2009 calendars gives center stage to twelve special images. Fashion Princesse is the perfect example of this talented artist's romantic chic style. This shop also contains several items perfect for the holidays, including the Christmas coloring book & the MatiLou MiniDoll that can be used as an ornament year-round. The iron-on transfers that allow you to embellish your choice of items are also terrific!

*GIVEAWAY: Want to win a MatiLou print of your choice? To enter, visit the MatiLou shop and leave a comment on this post noting your favorite item. Giveaway ends at Midnight CST, Friday, December 5.

November Giveaway Winners

Congratulations to the winners of the November Holiday Goods giveaway!

Erin Donohue, June Pfaff Daley, Evidence of an Artistic Life, The Snob, Jess, Rebecca, Alexandra, Marigold, Loopy, Mistress Meeyee, Marybeth I, tristanjh, Ricky and Ginny

Thank you to all who entered & especially to the wonderful businesses that donated items. Don't forget that we have giveaways lined up weekly. Also, the December monthly giveaway will be early this month due to the holidays. Check back Saturday, December 6, to start entering!

Joanna Goldman Designs

Joanna Goldman is a talented artist that specializes in oh-so-cute character designs. The Let's All Go to the Lobby Christmas card set is a great design reminiscent of those funny dancing concessions seen before movies. Another great character Joanna has created is Eli the Elephant who is ready for the holidays! The card sets that include handmade envelopes are a great buy. And, if you're looking for something truly unique, check out the custom light switch plate covers. Receive FREE SHIPPING when you email Joanna (joannagoldman@gmail.com) the the coupon code FF001. She will send you a revised PayPal invoice without shipping costs.

Faith Creations

Heather Rice, owner of Faith Creations, handcrafts a variety of unique jewelry. Her line includes pieces that can be customized with a photo of your choosing, as well as those that incorporate initials & other baubles. I really like the fun and colorful initial rings, too. The photo pendants and bracelets are nice sentimental designs that make perfect gifts for moms, grandmas, and others. Heather also designs pieces that are a little more light-hearted and funky...just the way I like it sometimes! The official Faith Creations site is still in the works; however, if you would like to get in contact with Heather she can be reached via email at casaderice@att.net.