GIVEAWAY: Claudine Hellmuth Printables

When I entered the wonderful world of blogging eight years ago, one of the first artists I connected with online was the talented Claudine Hellmuth. I have been a fan of her whimsical artwork & illustrations since first discovering her work. As noted on Claudine's website, she combines her drawings with happy patterns to create retro-whimsical artworks. Her unique work has been featured on Martha Stewart's show Martha, the Home Shopping Network, HGTV, and more. She has also published a number of creative books & DVDs, as well as her own line of craft supplies!

Claudine started out creating unique paper dolls & artwork featuring photographs that were then illustrated to depict fun & funky scenes. As with most artists, Claudine's work has evolved over the years & she recently began offering custom-designed printables that can be downloaded instantly. The printable artwork is designed in such a way that you can cut them out & easily turn them into three dimensional gift card holders, gift boxes, party favor boxes & more!

The best part is that you can create something totally unique without having to leave your home! I absolutely love the retro cassette tape gift card holder and the retro oven treat box is adorable! Another favorite of mine is the retro camper available in yellow, blue, green and pink. Each kit includes written instructions, as well as links to how-to videos with handy assembly tips & ideas making the creative process painless!

SPECIAL OFFER: Enter code FUNKYFINDS to receive 10% off your entire order!

*** GIVEAWAY ***

PRIZE: Three winners will be chosen and awarded one of the following downloads FREE of charge:
ice cream truck, retro camper, and retro oven.

TO ENTER: Leave a comment on this blog post noting one of your favorite items from Claudine's Etsy shop.

ADDITIONAL ENTRY: Like Claudine on Facebook & leave a comment noting that you have done so.

ADDITIONAL ENTRY: Subscribe to Claudine's newsletter, then leave a comment noting that you have done so. Subscribers receive FREE party printables and are the first to know when new items are added to her shop!

ENDS: Giveaway ends at 6pm CDT, Tuesday, JULY 8th, 2014.

BOOK GIVEAWAY: Made by Hand: Contemporary Makers, Traditional Practices

Black Dog Publishing is a unique publisher that specializes in producing beautiful books that represent a fresh, eclectic take on contemporary culture. Their subject matter includes art, architecture, design, fashion, music and environmental concerns. (pictured at left: The Cosmeticist - Katie Fisher, Honest Skinscare © photograph by Carolyn Carter)

I recently received a copy of Made by Hand: Contemporary Makers, Traditional Practices to review. The book is described as a visual survey of some of the world’s finest hand makers, the spaces they work in and the products they create. Made by Hand is a remedy to mass-production and a celebration of the return to artisan craft. Definitely fits right in with Funky Finds' mission to promote handmade worldwide!!!

The book is a beautiful collection of photographs featuring real-life "makers" in their element. Readers will learn about the shoemaker, the bicycle builder, the neon sign maker & much more. I love the introduction that talks about how handmade products have grown in popularity in recent years due to ecological reasons, financial reasons, and the feeling one gets from engaging with makers & their products. This is something we stress at Funky Finds by promoting handmade & artisans of all types, as well as producing events at which shoppers can interact with makers. (pictured at left: The Sartorialist, For Holding Up the Trousers © photograph by Martin Pedersen)

Each section features a specific maker, such as the shoemaker, along with interesting photographs & biographical information. It's especially interesting learning about each maker's take on handmade & why they chose to pursue their current profession. (pictured at left: The Woodworker, Nic Webb © photograph by Nick Warner)

One of my favorite sections is about Chris Bracey, the United Kingdom's foremost neon sign maker, featuring photographs that are especially colorful & interesting. And the textile maker, glassworker, and bladesmith are amongst the most interesting sections. All in all, I would highly recommend this book to those who are interest in learning about makers who take pride in their trade & work hard to preserve the handmade tradition. 

*** GIVEAWAY - Closed - Congrats Carmen N ***

PRIZE: One lucky winner will receive a copy of Made by Hand: Contemporary Makers, Traditional Practices courtesy of Black Dog Publishing.

TO ENTER: Leave a comment on this blog post noting one thing you love about handmade.

ADDITIONAL ENTRY: Like Black Dog Publishing on Facebook & leave a comment noting that you have done so.

ADDITIONAL ENTRY: Follow Black Dog Publishing (@BDPublishing) on Twitter, then leave a comment noting that you have done so.

ENDS: Giveaway ends at 6pm CDT, Monday, June 16th, 2014.