Happy Halloween!

Shop787 - Ticket Giveaway


The first-ever Shop787 will be held in Austin, Texas, at Mosaic at Mueller on Sunday, November 8, from Noon to 6 pm. Launch787, the event producers behind the incredibly successful Austin Fashion Week and FLAVORS of Austin, is bringing Shop787, an event featuring over 50 local boutiques, designers, artists and more in one location for easy holiday shopping in a fun, relaxed environment. The event is a fundraiser and book drive for the Dell Children’s Medical Center.

Matt Swinney, Founder of Launch787, felt there was a void when it came to events that really celebrates local business in a unique environment. He said, "Mosaic gives us the opportunity to give customers open bars, wide open, gorgeous courtyards and pool areas and a fun food court presented by a handful of Austin’s best restaurants and caterers. Additionally, after Austin Fashion Week, the biggest piece of advice we got from consumers was ‘bring us an event that puts everyone in one room together’ – that’s sort of what Shop787 does.”

Advance tickets are available online for $5. Tickets may be purchased at the door for $10 or $5 with the donation of a book to the Dell Children’s Medical Center. Tickets include all beverages, including alcohol from Tito’s Vodka and Brown Distributing; non-alcoholic beverages from Sweet Leaf Tea. The extensive vendor and food court lists can be viewed online.

*GIVEAWAY: Would you like to win a pair of tickets to Shop787? Simply leave a comment on this post with your name & email address to enter. The winner will be chosen & contacted Thursday, November 5.

Christine Berrie Illustration

Christine Berrie is a talented Glasgow-based illustrator. Her latest prints include '10 Camera Drawings' and '9 Robot Drawings' featuring collections of vintage cameras and retro robots. The pieces are arranged together to create colorful, detailed prints and are each limited to an edition of only 50. I love the blue Imperial Savoy Camera Drawing, as well as the red Sabre 620 Camera Drawing. Christine says she also loves drawing old buildings, gadgets, scooters, cars, signage, street scenes and anything that else inspires her to create detailed imagery with a touch of nostalgia. Her hope is that the results display her aim to invest even the most mundane objects with personality. I'd say mission accomplished. Learn more about Christine Berrie via her blog.

Funky Five: Cup 'o Tea

Tip Junkie Community - Home Dècor Week


It's home dècor week at the Tip Junkie Community. Join us and you too can share your blog tutorials, upload pictures of your home, and join the Home Dècor group! We can't wait to get a sneak peek into your homes.

Tuesday Giveaway: Leave a comment to be entered to win a $35 gift card from Inspire Your Walls. Ends Friday at noon.

Project of the Week: Kimm with Reinvented has hooked us up with a tutorial for a Fall Front Porch. Darling!

Be sure to visit my page once you join the Tip Junkie Community!

Only Lauren

Lauren Van Hemert of Only Lauren creates found art jewelry that celebrates the past by taking everyday items often taken for granted and reinventing them into a piece of wearable art for a modern age. Lauren takes old labels, postage stamps, advertisements, posters, and photographs, transfers them to clay, and forms them into beads. The hand-formed image transfer beads are then woven and twined together with crystals, vintage glass beads, Czech glass beads, and found objects to form one-of-a-kind necklaces and bracelets. Lauren’s fascination with the past began over ten years ago with her grandmother. “I was interviewing my grandmother about our family tree,” she says. “During my interview, she went to the closet and took out a pink department store box full of heirloom photographs, letters, newspaper clippings, menus and programs that documented their life together. Though I didn't know the name for it at the time that is when my fascination with Ephemera began. All of these photographs and clippings told a story – a love story – of my grandparents.” Lauren's jewelry ranges in price from $45 to $800 and can be found on her main website.

*GIVEAWAY - Closed - Congrats to FENNOfashion: Enter to win a pair of lightweight luggage label transfer earrings (pictured). Simply visit Only Lauren and leave a comment on this post noting your favorite design. Giveaway ends at Midnight EST, Monday, November 2.

Painted by Renee

Painted by Renee is a lovely shop filled with what I can only describe as lots of eye candy. Renee designs lovely French paper goods including French Art Tags, Bridal Party Favors, and much more. Like many, I am fascinated with Marie Antoinette and she is the subject of many products this shop offers. Marie, Her Peacock and Her Royal Carriage is an interesting collage tag design featuring shabby chic & sepia tones. I also love the Exquisite French Shoe tags available in three colors & designs. If you're looking for unique wedding gift tags, you definitely want to consider the Wedding Dress French Mannequin tags. Renee also creates a variety of beautiful note cards & place cards, such as the French Marie Antoinette note card set. And with the holidays quickly approaching you do not want to miss the Christmas card & tag selection.

Evil Kitty

Evil Kitty is currently having their biggest sale ever! The sale runs through November 15 and provides you with the perfect opportunity to begin your early holiday shopping. Visit the Evil Kitty site to view and purchase pieces from their regular collection at vastly discounted prices. Enter "PURR40" at check out to receive 40% off your next purchase. Place an order worth $100 or more and your will receive FREE shipping. If you are in the Chicago area, be sure to check out Evil Kitty's new location at the creative lounge CHICAGO located at 1564 North Damen Avenue, 3rd floor. For appointments call 312-560-8066 or email lidia@evilkitty.net. Evil Kitty creates playful & punky designs that sets them apart from many other contemporary lines. They pride themselves in creating unique pieces in a socially conscious way, as each garment is created domestically with an emphasis on quality and sustainability. Evil Kitty's fashion-forward pieces will make you a trend-setter - not a follower!

Dee-Zigns Handcrafted Jewelry and Accessories

Dee-Zigns Handcrafted Jewelry and Accessories features Toni Johnson's unique creations. I love earrings and the purple Rena earrings are ones I would love to have. The sterling silver Emy earrings are a beautiful pair that will work with any ensemble. Dee-Zigns also features many eye-catching necklaces, such as the Megan and Avani necklaces. But, if you're looking for a bracelet or ring, don't fret - there's plenty to choose from in those categories, as well. And, Toni donates 10% of net sales from the Cancer Awareness collection to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.

Weekend Events


WHAT: Sugarloaf Crafts Festival
WHEN: Friday, October 30 through Sunday, November 1
WHERE: Garden State Exhibit Center, 50 Atrium Drive, Somerset, NJ

WHAT: San Antonio Bead Renaissance Show
WHEN: Friday, October 30 through Sunday, November 1
WHERE: Live Oak Civic Center, 8101 Pat Booker Rd., Live Oak, TX

WHAT: Design Hive
WHEN: Sunday, November 1; 10am-5pm
WHERE: Maria L. Baldwin School, 28 Sacramento St., Cambridge, MA

WHAT: I Heart Rummage
WHEN: Sunday, November 1; 12-4pm
WHERE: Chop Suey, 1325 E. Madison, Seattle, WA

WHAT: Sunday, Crafty Sunday
WHEN: Sunday, November 1; 2-7pm
WHERE: The Ruby Room, 1271 University Ave., San Diego, CA
ETC: No cover charge; however, you do need ID showing you are 21 or over.

WHAT: Handmade Brigade of OC Holiday Indie Craft Show
WHEN: Sunday, November 1; 11am-5pm
WHERE: The Camp, 2937 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, CA

The Spotted Sparrow

Julia Sydnor, the creative force behind The Spotted Sparrow, creates eco-friendly, vintage-inspired greeting cards. Julia's most popular designs are part of two collections, New Wave Victorian and Fraktured Silhouettes. You Spin Me and Spinster are among my favorite designs. Julia also has a great selection of unique holiday cards, such as the lovely Deck the Halls card. All of the accompanying envelopes are handmade and all products are made from recycled, repurposed, and/or FSC-certified paper.

Funky Five: Autumn


Zazou

French-Dutch couple, Lonneke & Didier, created Zazou so they could make original, fun children's clothing easily accessible. Their site features original & playful children's clothing by independent designers, as well as gifts, accessories and more. Sock shoes are hip & handy cotton sock shoes that have a firm, yet flexible, thermo plastic sole. No more slipping and sliding, which is perfect for little ones that are not so firm on their legs yet. And the bonus is that they are machine washable. This winter wee ones will also be thankful for cozy hats & bonnets. You also don't want to miss the fun toy section featuring the cutest handmade crocheted toys. Receive a 10% discount with coupon code FunkyF1.

stickers by dVider

Stickers by dVider has recently undergone some new and exciting changes. The creative team has been busy dreaming up fresh new designs to add to their selection of fun, easy-to-use vinyl decals. The latest addition to the sticker collection is an entirely new sticker series, appropriately entitled "eclectic." This new category has been designed with the imaginative and free-spirited in mind - it's retro, it's smart, it's funny, and it's completely different. I love the French Bulldog, as well as the classic cameo. The other unique categories range from organic to edgy.

*GIVEAWAY - Closed, Congrats Suzy! Stickers by dVider is giving away one Cameo Wall Sticker in the winner's color choice. To enter, visit Stickers by dVider & leave a comment on this post noting your favorite design. Giveaway ends at Midnight EST, Tuesday, October 27.

Garden Adornments

Aimee at Garden Adornments recently announced the release of some great new products. Her French-inspired bucket totes are beautiful decorative items. They are also a stylish, yet functional, way to store toys, magazines, bath & body items, and more. You can also use them to surprise a dear friend by turning a bucket tote into a gift basket. Aimee also debuted French-inspired sacks featuring a twine handle. She demonstrates on her blog various ways to utilize the sacks, such as using them to cover plant pots. Very clever! Another new addition to the Garden Adornments product line is the beautiful wall banner. This is a great way to add a bit of French flair to your space. Check back soon for tote bags that will come in handy while scouring local flea markets, traveling and much more.

Rattle-N-Roll

Rattle-N-Roll is a rockin' family-run business that specializes in unique greeting cards & announcements. The Loykos are asking for your help this holiday season to make their Christmas benefit a success. Two years ago, they developed a Christmas card program to benefit American Red Cross to help those affected by California wildfires. Due to the amazing show of support from shoppers, the program continued last year. Like many families, The Loykos have been impacted by cancer, so they decided to donate proceeds to the Cancer Research Institute, the world's leading non-profit, cancer-fighting organization. Long story short, they're doing it again!

This year Rattle-N-Roll has re-released Christmas card designs from years past, as well as added a new one. 100% of profits are going to charity and, if the last two years are any indicator, these will sell out FAST! This year's sales will benefit Water.org. Every 15 seconds a child dies from lack of clean water & sanitation. And more than a billion people on Earth will NEVER have a clean glass of water. Water.org is an organization that develops high-quality, sustainable water projects in hundreds of communities from Africa to South East Asia to Central America. Their programs are community-based and centered on education & sustainability. It only takes $25 to provide a human being water for the rest of their life. By purchasing your holiday cards from Rattle-N-Roll you can help do exactly that for a whole heap of people this year. Not only will you be giving to an honorable charity, you'll have the hottest cards this side of the Sun! Note, all designs can be made to say "Happy Holidays."

Weekend Events


WHAT: artclectic
WHEN: Thursday, October 22 through Sunday, October 25
WHERE: University School of Nashville, Nashville, TN

WHAT: Salt City Urban Art & Craft Market
WHEN: Saturday, October 24; 10am-6pm
WHERE: 122 Wyoming Street, Syracuse, NY

WHAT: Market Day
WHEN: Saturday, October 24; 9am-5pm
WHERE: 118 SE 4th Street, Des Moines, IA

WHAT: Mixx & Make
WHEN: Saturday, October 24; 9pm-2am
WHERE: 612 E. 6th Street, Austin, TX

Megan Leone Designs

Founded in 2005, Megan Leone Designs features jewelry, modified vintage clothing and the designer's signature bracelet handbag. With the goal to create a unique, highly functional and fashionable handbag, Megan Leone (Kavanaugh) Miller created her first bracelet handbag in November 2004. I love the fun black, gray & pink design made with recycled striped t-shirt fabric. And the plaid bracelet bag is a favorite for autumn. Megan also creates lovely jewelry, including earrings and necklaces. The Leather Fallen Leaves earrings are beautiful and the yellow zipper rosette necklace is especially eye-catching. And for those looking for something especially funky, don't miss the Horse Barn slide earrings.

Mixx Make - October 24 - Austin, TX

If you are in the Austin area, you want to mark your calendar for Mixx Make on October 24. The event, presented by Electric Promotions & TwoGroove, will be held from 9pm to 2am at Mixx located at 612 E. 6th St. You'll have the opportunity to create DIY Halloween masks, groove to the sounds of Panjoma, Focus Group, and the Team Fabrication DJs. In addition to live music, you will enjoy a spooky smorgasbord of crafts by The WonderCraft, coffin cake goodness from Blue Note Bakery, red rum compliments of Treaty Oak and much more. There will also be a photo-booth by Trevor Ray Thompson onsite. On top of all that, there will be a guitar giveaway! Entry is $6 if you RSVP at online or $8 at the door. The first 50 people through the door get a special treat. Costumes are encouraged & possibly rewarded, but optional.

Sacred Accessories

Sacred Accessories is an online boutique that features unique, designer fashion accessories and gifts. The site has a wonderful assortment of chic items, including necklaces, bracelets, tights and more. While shopping at Sacred Accessories you can also search by designer. Alex and Ani has several gorgeous pieces available, such as the Large Webbed Gold Teardrop earrings. There's also a handy section titled Gifts Under $50 with pages of great options. And who doesn't love a Sale, Sale, Sale? Save up to 75% off when using the 20% off coupon code SALE20!

*GIVEAWAY - Closed: Sacred Accessories is giving away a Forest Green Prayer Scarf to one Funky Finds reader. To enter, visit Sacred Accessories & leave a comment on this post noting your favorite item. Giveaway ends at Midnight EST, Wednesday, October 21. Congratulations Spamgirl!

Donations Needed

My Aunt Judy teaches at Happy ISD in Happy, Texas - the town without a frown. Happy is a small farming community and the school has little funding. In addition to teaching six subjects, my Aunt directs One Act Play, coaches various UIL events, oversees junior high & high school student councils, and more.

The Sr. Class of Happy High School will be hosting the Silent Auction during their Community Halloween Carnival on October 24. Proceeds will go into the Sr. Class fund. At the end of the year, this money will go towards paying the rentals on caps & gowns, paying for 25 graduation invitations for each Senior, the Sr. class gift, etc.

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS: The Sr. class is asking for donations for the Silent Auction. In return, your business will be advertised on flyers & posters displayed in the area & on the school's website. Also, each item will be tagged with your information. This a great way to support a small school with a tax-deductible donation that will further promote your company!

If you'd like to donate an item, please send to: Judy Howell, P.O. Box 425, Happy, Texas 79042. Items must be received before October 24.

Funky Five: Breast Cancer Awareness Month


1. Pink kit from Hambly Screen Prints - 100% of proceeds benefit Susan G. Komen Foundation

2. Tickled pink breast cancer awareness bracelet by Amz Jewellery Designs - 50% of each item in the collection will go to a local breast cancer charity

3. Pink Ribbon Dog Collar by Retro Animals - 20% of each Pink Ribbon collar sold will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation

4. Rose Pink Holiday Wreath by Another Bright Idea - 20% of the sale price will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation

5. Black Crochet Beanie with Hot to Trot Pink flower by bella fiore - 50% of proceeds from "Think Pink" section donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation

Diffraction Fiber

The weather is beginning to turn pretty chilly up here in the North which I'm not too fond of. However, I do love winter accessories, especially scarves. If you're looking for scarves that are a bit funkier, check out Diffraction Fiber. Beth Cummings creates fun and modern scarves that will get you through winter in style. I really like the reversible Aviary Scarf. The Changing Seasons Scarf is a beautiful orange and chocolate brown design that is perfect for Autumn. And my absolute favorite design is the Cameo Scarf that's a bit more elegant. Beth also creates unique pillows and other fun accessories worth checking out. Receive free shipping when you mention "Funky Finds" in the Notes to the Seller at checkout.

Liv'nGood Jewelry

Jill Liles of Liv'nGood Jewelry began creating jewelry in 2007. In honor of breast cancer awareness month, $15 of all sales will be donated to the NC Triangle Chapter of the Susan G. Komen Foundation. The beautiful Keys to Hope chainmaille keychain is a great way to show your support for this cause. Jill creates so many unique designs that it is hard to decide which ones to direct your attention to! I love the glass bead & sterling silver Easter Parade necklace, as well as the Princessa wire-wrapped crystal bracelet. Liv'nGood Jewelry also stocks several great pairs of earrings, including the Key to My Heart pair. Receive a $5 discount on orders of $25 or more with coupon code FUNKY. Offer expires December 5.

Little Monarch

Te Maari Barham of Little Monarch creates cheeky accessories that will add a bit of whimsy to your wardrobe. The corn on the cob necklace is so unexpected! It's sure to get a couple of double takes when out & about. And the English Breakfast Fry Up necklace is absolutely hilarious. The pendant features a true English breakfast - eggs sunny side up and a few rashers of bacon. And I can definitely see myself enjoying the mix 'n match earring sets featuring unique buttons. Check out the Little Monarch blog for more fun tidbits.

2010 Funky Finds Spring Fling


A quick reminder that we are currently accepting vendor applications through November 15 for the 2010 Funky Finds Spring Fling. In April, we hosted the first Spring Fling and it was a major success. Join us on March 13, 2010, in Fort Worth, Texas, for the 2nd Annual Funky Finds Spring Fling!

Also, we will be having a charitable raffle featuring items donated by all participating vendors. The raffle will benefit CASA of Tarrant County and Humane Society of North Texas.

If you'd like to sponsor the event and/or advertise in the event booklet, you can find all pertinent information on the Spring Fling website.

Swizzlestix

Swizzlestix features funky retro modern home dècor designed by Marcia Copeland. The San Francisco-based designer has created a line that includes aprons, tea towels, placements & more. The orange paisley tea towel is an eye-catching accessory that will liven up any kitchen. And every holiday hostess needs the adorable Balls of Jolly half apron. There's also a wonderful selection of long aprons, such as the Ornamentini print. The throw pillows are a great way to add punch to your living area without committing to a major makeover. And what holiday is complete with memorable greeting cards? Check back soon for the new collection of handmade stockings & tote bags. Receive a 20% discount with coupon code Funky through November 12th.

Weekend Events

WHAT: Lori Earley Solo Show, Laments and Lullabies, Opening Reception
WHEN: Friday, October 16; 5-7pm
WHERE: Opera Gallery, 134 New Bond Street, London W1S 2TF, UK

WHAT: Indie Underground
WHEN: Friday, October 16 and Saturday, October 17; 11am - 8pm
WHERE: Atrium of Lumière Place Casino & Hotels, 999 2nd Ave., Downtown St. Louis, MO

WHAT: Craftin' Outlaws
WHEN: Saturday, October 17; 11am-6pm
WHERE: The Lodge Bar, 165 Vine Street, Columbus, OH

WHAT: Crafts in Chelsea
WHEN: Saturday, October 17; 10am - 5pm
WHERE: 21st Street between 8-9 Avenue, New York, NY

WHAT: SquidFire's 2009 Philly Art Mart
WHEN: Saturday, October 17; 11am - 6pm
WHERE: Old Pine Community Center; 401 Lombard St., Philadelphia, PA

WHAT: ARToberFEST
WHEN: Saturday, October 17, 10am - 6pm; Sunday, October 18, 10am - 5pm
WHERE: Galveston Island - Festival entrances are located on Postoffice Street at 21st and 23rd Streets and on 22nd Street at Church and Market Streets.
ETC: Admission is $5.00 for Adults. Children 12 and under admitted free. Net proceeds to benefit AIDS Coalition of Coastal Texas, Inc., Galveston Island Humane Society, and Help4Galveston.

WHAT: Mourning Market
WHEN: Sunday, October 18; 11am - 4pm
WHERE: Motor, 1950 1st Ave., Seattle, WA

Petite Paperie

Jennifer Smalley of Petite Paperie specializes in handcrafted cards, tags, seals and digital collages. These flirty and elegantly simple designs are made with vintage flair & perfect for many occasions. The round Alice in Wonderland seals can be used for a wide range of projects, such as scrapbooking and sealing goodie bags. Jennifer also offers seals, like the black cat silhouette, that are perfect for Halloween. I love the digital collage sheets that can be printed for any project you happen to be working on, especially the vintage dress forms. Petite Paperie also has a wide selection of note cards to choose from, two of which you can enter to win.

*GIVEAWAY: Want to win two note card sets of your choice from Petite Paperie? Simply visit Jennifer's shop & leave a comment on this post noting your favorite design to be entered. Giveaway ends at Midnight EST, Thursday October 15.

Lua Lua

Lua Lua's Solaris collection is made using gold and silver mirrored perspex combined with silver and colored thread. 'Solaris' relates to the sun and the reflective nature of the materials as they transform and change their appearance according to light. The Tutti Frutti collection is a fun one featuring multicolored pieces, such as this bright necklace. If you like colorful, but geometric, Lua Lua has that covered with the Rio collection. But, my personal favorite is the Cosmos collection that features sculptural accessories that appear to be circulating around a sphere. These pieces are available for purchase via Big Cartel.

Devils May Care

Devils May Care showcases wearable fine art using the original photography of Jamie Greenberg. The current collection includes limited edition belt buckles and apparel for both men and women. The belt buckles are created using photographs that are printed on canvas & individually stamped with the edition number on the back. There are also several cool men's and women's burnout tees, such as the cool Smoke Before Fire design. Each piece is hand screen printed ensuring you receive a unique garment every time. Receive free shipping through the end of October with coupon code FF1009.

My Zoetrope

Michelle Cavigliano of My Zoetrope recently finished a special project entitled "Friends Forever." The Brooklyn-based artist created this series after feeling frustrated and sad from trying to keep in touch with good friends that she has made over the years. Michelle says she wanted to create a series that celebrates old friends, from grade school through college and through the last eight years of her life after college. Remember friendship bracelets from your childhood? And how about those wacky class reunions? All of these illustrations are also used to make up a 2010 wall calendar that is a wonderful celebration of friendship. Michelle offers lots of great, whimsical illustrations, including the Worried Carrot and Mister Whale.

Funky Five: Halloween

1. Halloween Tags and Cards by Pink Twilight

2. Hand-painted plates by Storybook Studios

3. Halloween-inspired bath & body products by The Polly Wog Patch

4. Handmade wool felt ornaments by Urban Paisley Handmade

5. Handmade Halloween & Day of the Dead Decor by Raw Bone Studio

Sara Norris Photography

New Mexico-based photographer Sara Norris specializes in Fine Art photographs with a vintage or quirky touch at an affordable price. Her mantra is that everyone should be able to own a unique, quality piece of art without having to pay an arm and a leg for it. Now that is thinking I can get on board with! Sara offers many beautiful photography prints & other products via Etsy. I can almost feel the warm breeze when viewing Summer Daydream. The On the Boardwalk set of photos would be a fun grouping to display in a child's room. And I absolutely love the Naughty Puppy photograph! Sara Norris has recently added many new items to her shop including photo blocks, gift tags, greeting cards, and necklaces. With a dream to have her photography bring as much joy into other peoples' lives as it does to her own, I'd say Sara is well on her way to realizing her dreams. Receive a 15% discount when you enter coupon code "funky15" in the notes to seller section during checkout on Etsy. Discount will be refunded through Paypal.

PBKreations

PBKreations features handmade cards for different occasions. The colorful Cheer Up card is sure to make the recipient smile. You're the Best is another fun design that you can send to your friend or loved one that helps you out in a pinch. It's always wise to keep a few birthday cards on hand and PBKreations offers a funky birthday card that I love. And you definitely don't want the cards you do have to get ruined, so keep them organized in safe in a stylish notecard holder.

Weekend Events


WHAT: One of a Kind Show & Sale
WHEN: Thursday, October 8 through Sunday, October 11
WHERE: Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver, Canada

WHAT: Art Outside
WHEN: Friday, October 9 through Sunday, October 11
WHERE: Apache Pass, 9112 N. FM 908, Rockdale, TX 76567

WHAT: Indie Emporium
WHEN: Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10
WHERE: VFW Post 577, 1109 East 6th St., Tulsa, OK
ETC: View the documentary Handmade Nation on Sunday from 1-3:30pm. Admission is $4 with your Indie Emporium ticket.

WHAT: Sugarloaf Craft Festival
WHEN: Friday, October 9 through Sunday, October 11
WHERE: Montgomery Co. Fairgrounds, Gaithersburg, MD

WHAT: St. Timothy's Annual Craft Fair
WHEN: Saturday, October 10; 9am-4pm
WHERE: St. Timothy, 3001 Forest Ridge Dr., Bedford, TX 76095

WHAT: Urban Street Bazaar
WHEN: Saturday, October 10; 12-8pm & Sunday, October 11; 12-4pm
WHERE: Bishop Arts District, Dallas, TX
ETC: Funky Finds is proud to sponsor this event that is always fantastic!

WHAT: Bayou City Art Festival Downtown
WHEN: Saturday, October 10 & Sunday, October 11; 10am-6pm
WHERE: Houston, TX
ETC: Admission is $10 for adults and free for children 12 and under.

WHAT: Craft Attack 2009
WHEN: Saturday, October 10 & Sunday, October 11
WHERE: 300 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte, NC 28204

Tip Junkie Community - Paper Crafting Week

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Join us in the TJ Community October 5 - 10th for Paper Crafting Week! Ellie will hook us up with the Project of the Week on Monday and Kelleigh will give away $75 in products on Tuesday. On Thursday, you'll be able to interact with both of them and learn all that you can from their expertise.

Paper Crafting Mom-preneur: Kelleigh Ratzlaff lives in Dallas, Oregon (affectionately called "little-D"), which is just west of Salem, the state capitol. She resides there with her husband of over 11 years, Mitch, and her two sons, Grant & Cole. Kelleigh says they are the reason she scrapbooks. She enjoys creating cut and fold templates for little paper bags, boxes, purses, and all kinds of adorable things you can put little gifts in. It started out as a hobby and a way to support her digi scrapping addiction, but now it's a legitimate business that helps pay the bills! Blog: Kelleigh's Blog, Shop: Kelleigh Ratzlaff Designs, Twitter: Kelleigh

Tuesday's TJ Community Giveaway:
Kelleigh will giveaway all future releases from now until December, a $75+ value! A link will be posted on the TJ Community Tuesday directing you where to enter.

Thursday's Q&A with Mom-prenuer & Expert: Thursday we'll have a question & answer segment with both Ellie & Kelleigh where you can pick their brain and learn all you can from them.

Meet-a-Member: Tina
Since Kindergarten, Christina "Tina" Winkle enjoyed spending her time painting, cutting and pasting. She is passionate about crafts and scrapbooking & is lucky to have a husband and son that support and encourage it. Tina currently works for a national nanny referral service. On the side she does blog design, tutoring and advertising representation. Tina's Blog: Yes, that's my Child Screaming

I hope you'll stop by the TJ Community and be apart of this fabulous bunch of creative women and learn all you can from them. Trade products and project ideas, share your tips, and make friends.

Custom Printables Giveaway

Custom Printables offers dozens of classic and contemporary designs for you to print out at home, share with your own stationery professional, or imprint on custom items of your own choosing. This is an affordable way to order custom-designed monograms, wedding programs, invitations, announcements and much more without blowing your entire budget on design & printing. Monograms are a fun way to add flair to your mailing envelopes. You can print them at home at your leisure on adhesive-backed paper creating unique labels. Custom Printables also offers customized candy wrapper designs making it easy for you to create fun favors for any occasion. Of course, every celebration calls for invitations and the purchase of one includes your choice of any monogram in the collection. Receive a free catalog monogram with ANY purchase with coupon code FFINDS. No minimum purchase required. Offer expires October 10.

*GIVEAWAY: Enter to win two custom wedding, family, or personal monograms (worth $20). Visit Custom Printables and leave a comment on this post noting your favorite product or design. Giveaway ends at Midnight EST, Friday, October 9.

Halloween Wear

I love Halloween and always have fun finding spooky items! Topsy Turvy Design offers a variety of unique headwear designed by milliner Kim Brown-Dye. The Candy Apple Cocktail Hat is fantastic! Besides offering different Sock Monkeys, The Sock Drawer also has a beautiful Embroidered Lace Halloween Mask available in black or a custom color. If you're looking for Halloween gear that can be worn daily, you don't want to miss the pendants by Happy as a Lark. The spider is such a cutie! Manhandled also offers Halloween jewelry, such as these cool Trick or Treat earrings.

Matilda Jane Clothing

Matilda Jane Clothing recently unveiled their Fall 2009 Collection, Gypsy Blue. The collection features more than 40 pieces, including dresses, skirts, tops, pants, leggings and adorable accessories, that will take any little girl back to school in style AND comfort. The line also includes more than 10 completely-unique pieces for women. I absolutely love the blushing ruffle leggings and the women's Charlie Peasant Dress is perfect for the fall transition. Just as the name implies, The Gypsy Blue Collection features a bohemian mix of floral and vintage-feeling fabrics, all designed by Matilda Jane founder, Densie DeMarchis. Denise started the company in 2004, at the urging of a friend, and has been designing completely original children’s and women’s clothing ever since. The great thing about her line is that it's unique & whimsical, yet very age-appropriate. Based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Matilda Jane clothing is available in children’s sizes six months through 12 years and in women’s sizes S-L.

Super Duper Things

Louise Evans creates Super Duper Things, including jewelry, bags & miscellaneous gift items. Diamond in the Rough is a unique rope necklace featuring a giant sparkling (plastic) "rock." Of course, moustaches never fail to be humorous & the Lush Leather Moustache necklace is no exception. I also like the leather animal silhouettes that are available framed in vintage frames & embroidery hoops. And, if you're feeling a bit woodsy yourself, you may want to sport a pair of antler-shaped leather earrings. Check out Louise's blog for more information and images.

Lee National Denim Day

Friday is Lee National Denim Day! Since 1996, Lee has raised more than $75 million with plans to raise millions more. On October 2, hundreds of thousands of people will wear jeans and donate $5 to the fight against breast cancer. Funds benefit the EIF's Women's Cancer Programs to support groundbreaking research and advocacy efforts nationwide. Breast cancer survivor Christina Applegate returns as this year's Denim Day ambassador. Join Christina and teams of people across the country who want to beat this disease once and for all. Sign up to participate today & make a powerful statement against breast cancer. Share your heart and donate $5 today or sport LNDD gear to show your support.