GIVEAWAY: The Silver Craftsman

We first met Sheldon Roy of The Silver Craftsman at the Funky Finds Holiday Shopping Experience in November (booth photo below). He's a personable & talented teenager with a strong support system (ie: his family & friends). Funky Finds events are a family effort, so we thoroughly enjoyed seeing a family who so obviously works together to create something special. The Silver Craftsman offers unique jewelry & accessories that are made using silver flatware. Amongst my favorites are the stamped silverware cuff bracelets (pictured) that can be customized. The silver napkin rings are also terrific!

March marks The Silver Craftsman's one year anniversary. Since beginning last Spring, Sheldon has added a variety of new products to his line that will be debuted at the 5th Annual Funky Finds Spring Fling next month. New items include earrings, a new bracelet style, wind chimes & wedding accessories. If you happen to be in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, you can also find The Silver Craftsman at the Fort Worth Herb Society's 26th Annual Herb Festival in May.

*** GIVEAWAY - Closed - Congrats Valerie! ***

PRIZE: One lucky winner will receive a $25 gift certificate from The Silver Craftsman.

TO ENTER: Visit The Silver Craftsman's Etsy shop & leave a comment on this post noting your favorite item.

EXTRA ENTRY: Like The Silver Craftsman on Facebook, then leave a comment on this post noting that you have done so.

ENDS: 6pm CDT, Tuesday, March 5, 2013.

left.beach.fotos

left.beach.fotos offers personalized beach writing photography taken on the beautiful beaches of Hermosa Beach, California, by Nicole Leigh. Each personalized photograph (pictured) is a handmade, original piece of art. You are able to specify which names or messages are written in the sand for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, invitations, and anything else you can imagine! Nicole offers save the date postcards & magnets that are a beautiful, unique way to let your family & friends know about your upcoming wedding. These also make wonderful stationery, note cards and thank you cards. If you prefer to purchase an 8x10 photo that is personalized, Nicole offers that service as well. Check out left.beach.fotos' Facebook page for more information & examples.

Giveaway: Book-Inz

Book-Inz are one of the handiest creations I've come across in some time. These magnetic fabric bookmarks ensure you will never have to search for something to mark your place in your current read. We've all done it...grabbed an old receipt, a popsicle stick or something we'd rather not mention, all in the hopes of saving our place. But now, thanks to Ky and Pat, you will never again have to demean your favorite book in such a way! The Book-Inz site has a photo demonstration showing how this little contraption works. You can buy your Book-Inz "off the rack" or customize your own. Exclusive designs are also available through The Shops @ Funky Finds.

If you're in the DFW area, visit Book-Inz in person on May 14 at Central High School in Keller or on May 21 at Bray Elementary's carnival in Cedar Hill.

* * * GIVEAWAY - Closed - Congrats Trixie Dotson and Micki! * * *

PRIZE: Two lucky winners will each win two Book-Inz!

HOW TO ENTER:

1 Entry: Visit the Book-Inz website or The Shops @ Funky Finds & leave a comment on this post noting your favorite Book-Inz design.

1 Additional Entry: Like Book-Inz on Facebook & leave a comment on this post noting you have done so.

Giveaway ends at 9pm EST, Saturday, May 21.

Spreadshirt

With Earth Day just a few days away, I wanted to introduce you to the eco-friendly fashions at Spreadshirt.com, the leading multi-channel clothing commerce for designing personalized tees & other apparel. While the phrase “organic fashion” is gaining popularity, many of you may think that “eco-friendly” doesn’t equal “fashion-friendly”. But, with the help of celeb support & over $521 million dollars spent on sustainable fashion each year, Spreadshirt is changing the way consumers view such fashions.

Spreadshirt offers a variety of organic fashion for women, men & even babies. The site allows you to create a customized tee that expresses your love for Mother Nature, or you can create your own design on an organic tee. It’s that easy! To celebrate Earth Day and the rise of organic fashions actually being fashionable, Spreadshirt is offering 20% off your entire order with the purchase of two organic items through May 4th. Celebrate Earth Day with Spreadshirt and show the world that organic fashion IS fashionable!

Jewelry - Part 1

If you're looking for jewelry & gift items for a bird lover, Chester and Lola is the place for you! The shop, named after Rothko Hauschildt's two parakeets, is filled with bird-themed cards, jewelry & other gifts.

Rebecca Ramos of ChickeeBoom creates jewelry with meaning incorporating spiritual & religious icons. She also offers a variety of other items, including lovely customized pieces.

Designs by Taylor2u features a unique line of affordable handmade jewelry & accessories created by Erica Taylor. I especially love the map pendant necklaces.

Debra Hernandez, the DH in DH Originals, is a talented jewelry designer and artist. Working with dichroic glass, Debra's jewelry designs are all one-of-a-kind.

Diana Casabar is a contemporary jewelry metalsmith & it is so fascinating to watch her work during events! Her pieces, such as the Esther Cuff, are stunning.

Don't Eat Beads offers a wide variety of beautiful and affordable beaded rings. Regardless of the size and/or color scheme you're looking for, Don't Eat Beads can fix you up!

Emma Alison Designs is a great source for high-quality wearable jewelry. Heidy Henke has quite a knack for designing pieces that women fall in love with!

Amelia Wood of Fitzy Sparrow uses a mixture of punk, elegance & chic making her line of vintage-inspired jewelry stand out. Don't miss her Sale section!

Denton-based metalsmith Kristin Freeman creates beautiful silver jewelry. Freeforged Jewelry features a variety of beautiful earrings, bracelets, necklaces & more.

I love the colorful jewelry & accessory designs by Gleeful Peacock! Nikki Halgren hand-paints each piece creating items that are bold & lively.

Dallas-based mixed media artist & jeweler Lindsay Wisecup combines a variety of techniques to create accessories that are unlike any others. Described as re-purposed, up-cycled, and Steampunk-inspired, House of Introspection is a must-see!

Jasmine Turner's jewelry designs are edgy & unique, as demonstrated by the Blue Kyanite & Bullet Casing Necklace. An interesting fact - Jasmine donates 5% of every other month's proceeds to micro-finance other artisan entrepreneurs from around the world via Kiva.

Pixie Chicago

Pixie Chicago features unique, customized paper designs that will inspire you to pick up a pen & send a loved one a thoughtful note. Designer Cassandra Rippberger creates fully customized stationery & invitations perfect for moms, brides, and kids. I am a firm believer in the power of a hand-written thank you note be it for business or personal reasons. Pixie Chicago offers several great thank you note designs that are especially great for thanking those who gave you holiday gifts. Why not treat those on your gift list to some stationery featuring lovely designs? You can also purchase personalized stationery, my favorite being the Couch Couple design. And what better way to announce the arrival of a little one than with custom announcements? I can't imagine not finding a design that suits your needs, but if for some reason you don't, Cassandra happily accepts custom design jobs.

*GIVEAWAY: Pixie Chicago is giving away a $40 Gift Certificate! There are three ways to enter this giveaway:

1. Visit Pixie Chicago & leave a comment on this post noting your favorite item.

2. "Like" Pixie Chicago on Facebook, then leave a comment on this post noting you have done so.

3. Follow Pixie Chicago on Twitter, then leave a comment on this post noting you have done so.

Giveaway ends at 9pm EST, Sunday, December 5.

Inviting Style Designs

Inviting Style Designs features custom books and journals for all of life's special occasions. Custom baby books, pregnancy journals, and wedding planners are just a few of the items offered by designer Danielle Joeckel. These custom, unique pieces can be used as gifts for someone special or as a treat for yourself. Each month there is a different "Book of the Month" making that particular book 10% off for the entire month. When placing your custom order, you will be able to specify your choice of ribbon, cardstock colors, and your choice of font. *Special Offer: Buy any book & receive 10% off another book of equal or lesser value. Include code funky10 in notes to seller to redeem offer. Expires December 20, 2010. (pictured: Custom Bridal Organizer)

Ruffle Bottom

Leslie Galloway, the creative force behind Ruffle Bottom, specializess in handmade custom tutus for children & adults. Or, as I like to say, she specializes in a whole lot of CUTE! Leslie uses lead-free soft tulle that is 100% premium nylon & flame resistant. Each month she posts one special design that is available during that month only. The current tutu of the month is the adorable Little Punkin' design (pictured) that is perfect for Autumn & Halloween. These tutus are available in a variety of color combos & styles ranging from itty bitty to All Grown Up. If you live near Arlington, Texas, be sure to stop by Brownstone Too to see Leslie's designs in person.

*GIVEAWAY - Congrats Chey-Anne Smart! Leslie Galloway is giving away one tutu of the winner's choice. To enter, visit Ruffle Bottom & leave a comment on this post noting which tutu you would choose. For an extra entry, become a Ruffle Bottom fan on Facebook & leave a comment noting you have done so. Giveaway ends at 9pm EST, Sunday, October 17th.

Cosmic Bebe

Founded by Julie Stevenson and Kimberly Schwede, Cosmic Bebe is all about star personalities. Intrigued by astrology, Julie wanted to offer products that played up zodiac traits. Cosmic Bebe offers personalized lunch boxes, birth announcements, canvas art, and other out of this world astrology gifts. Customers are able to customize their own character online by choosing the characters' hair and skin tone. This process enables customers to order unique personalized gifts featuring artwork created just for them. The customizable invitations are very unique, as are the playdate calling cards. See what fun it is to compare your child's personality with their zodiac sign at Cosmic Bebe.

Frankie & Julie

Frankie & Julie is a web-based retail shop featuring unique, hand-adorned belt buckles and genuine leather belt straps. Frankie Rio & Julie Fulton have had sticky hands, plus lots of fun, creating these accessories for the last four years. Their Spring 2010 line of buckles is made up of beautiful designs that are sure to turn heads. I love the pink & blue Abigail belt buckle, as well as the Copacabana-Kiwi design. The Havana design, available in fuschia and grape, is also very appealing. Those who love to travel will certainly want to snag one or two of the buckles from the Atlas collection. And the duo happily accepts custom orders that make great gifts. All of Frankie & Julie's straps are interchangeable with all of their belt buckles. It's literally "a snap" to change buckles so you can easily mix and match to create your own unique, wearable art. Receive a 15% discount on your first F&J order with coupon code FUNKYFINDS (excluding sale items & custom orders). This offer cannot be combined with any other offers & is valid through June 30, 2010.

Ab2255's Glass Design Works

Anna Blair is a retired High School art teacher, who has been working with glass the past eight years. Her shop, Ab2255's Glass Design Works, features a variety of pendants in various mediums. The California Dreamin' dichroic fused glass necklace is a one of a kind piece that displays a scene of the California coast. The Vintage Cowgirl With Horse art glass necklace is a completely different look, but one that this Texan loves. The Dragonfly pendant is another beautiful piece with the image of a large 22k gold dragonfly fused into the glass. And the purse holders are great items that will keep your handbag off the floor when you go out or even at home. Anna also creates custom memory glass pendants that make wonderful keepsakes for anyone.

PrintArtKids

It's not always easy saving and displaying all the unique artwork kiddos create. PrintArtKids is a great solution to this problem offering a variety of useful products that can be created using such artwork. Any parent, aunt, uncle, grandparent, and more will love receiving note cards featuring your child's artwork. Return address labels are the perfect compliment to these cards. Customized notepads are also something everyone can use on a daily basis. If you'd prefer to have products created featuring your photos, that is also an option. These are especially great for holidays & special occasions such as Father's Day (June 20).

*GIVEAWAY - Closed: PrintArtKids is giving away a set of 8 custom note cards with or without a message. To enter, simply visit PrintArtKids and leave a comment on this post noting your favorite product. For an additional entry, become a Facebook fan of PrintArtKids and leave a comment on this post noting that you have done so. Giveaway ends at 9pm EST, Sunday, June 13.

Couture Invito

Couture Invito features a wide range of products to satisfy all of your invitation and stationery needs. Perfect for the fast-approaching holiday season are a variety of customizable holiday photo cards. You will have fun choosing your greeting, color scheme and font ensuring your cards portray your family's style & personality. If you're looking for special gifts, check out the personalized stationery section that is filled with beautiful designs. I love the funky teen doodle stationery! Couture Invito also sells lovely custom photo jewelry created by Planetjill. And what could be more personalized than photo-lined envelopes?

*GIVEAWAY - Closed - Congrats Amanda Ann! Couture Invito is giving away one custom photo notepad. To enter, visit Couture Invito & leave a comment on this post noting one of your favorite products or designs. Please include your email address so we can contact the winner. Giveaway ends at Midnight EST, Friday, November 20.

Hip Fusion Designs

Hip Fusion Designs features hand-crafted jewelry created by Neida Joseph-Abel. Using precious metal clay Neida creates personalized pieces, including front toggle bar tag necklaces. I have one of these necklaces featuring mine & my husband's name and it is such a special & unique piece. The floating disk tag necklace is another beautiful design. Neida also offers made-to-order jewelry allowing you to custom order your jewelry by picking out what you like best including glass & leather color, bead type, and more. Of course, this talented designer offers many ready-to-go accessories, as well. I love the brown pearl & silver charm necklace made using brown pearls, beads and small silver discs. Check out all the unique & stunning pieces Hip Fusion Designs has to offer.

Karate Kat Graphics

Karate Kat Graphics began in summer '06 with Mary Grover's kids selling homemade cards & giving half the proceeds to kids' charities. Their Zazzle shop features their artwork on hundreds of playful, yet polished, products. There's plenty of fun items perfect for birthdays, including customizable stickers and invitations. One of my favorites are the stamps featuring Mary's 12 year old's lovely Made With Love drawing. This year, Karate Kat Graphics is donating half their profits to Save the Children, an organization dedicated to creating lasting change in the lives of children in need in the United States and around the world.


GIVEAWAY: Enter to win a sheet of 20 Love postage stamps - winner's choice! Simply leave a comment on this post noting your favorite Love design to be entered. Giveaway ends at Midnight EST, Monday, August 10.

Tan-je-reen Design

Melanie Gaffney owns the online stationery boutique Tan-je-reen Design. But before she is a small business owner, she is first and foremost a mommy to a wonderful little boy. Unfortunately, her wonderful little boy is also the inspiration for her latest creation, the Not So Naughty cards. These cards are a novel way to break the ice with other parents & hopefully forge a friendship in the end. Tan-je-reen also offers lots of great stationery that is perfect for gift giving and note sending. There are many designs to choose from that can be personalized, my favorite being the retro flowers. And, no matter what the occasion, you will find many great invitation designs, as well. Melanie has invites for weddings, children's parties and more. You definitely do not want to miss the Sweet Tanjereen section featuring stylish handmade gifts and accessories. Receive a 15% discount on your order with coupon code funkyfinds. Receive a 20% discount on orders of $75.00 or more with coupon code 20off75!

Avie Designs

Avie Designs features beautiful stationery designs created by Avis, the founder & designer behind this company. Each piece features fun, modern designs printed on the finest paper. I love that the holiday cards do not feature traditional colors & designs. These hip, customizable cards are sure to be a hit this holiday season. Not all of the designs are specifically designed for holiday use. The purse stationery is an adorable design that is perfect for any girly girl. Avis has also designed a lovely 2009 calendar featuring twelve of her unique designs. This is the perfect way to brighten up a dreary desk after the holidays.

Bliss Living

Bliss Living has a line of jewelry created by artists around the United States. Each piece can be personalized with the name or phrase of your choosing. These custom handmade pieces make an especially wonderful gift for new Mothers. The Mother's Love heart charm necklace is my favorite. There's also a nice selection of customizable bracelets, such as The Birth Bracelet for Mom. And don't leave Dad out! Men are sure to love the Daddy Dog Tag keychains and necklaces.

Emmie Kate

I am always drawn to special personalized gifts. Emmie Kate has a wonderful selection of personalized sterling silver jewelry perfect for infants, children, teens & women. Work at home mother, Maquel Christopher, was inspired to begin designing jewelry while searching for quality, safe, and fashionable jewelry for her daughter Kate and finding little to choose from. I love the Cutaway Heart necklace that can be personalized with up to three lines of text. This would make a lovely gift for a special Mother. These pieces can also be customized with a special symbol or word, such as Joy. Other favorites of mine include the Little Dome Name necklace & the personalized key chains. The baby bracelets are priceless to look back on years later; a sweet reminder of how tiny your children once were. The bracelets also make memorable mother/daughter sets and gifts for friends and family. If you're looking for quality, fashionable, hand-made sterling silver jewelry, check out Emmie Kate today!

City Art Photography

Mindy Martinsen is the talented photographer behind City Art Photography. Mindy offers personalized artwork that spells out names, cities, whatever you request. The pieces are made up of original photographs of interesting letters found within a city or town. You can view the numerous photos Mindy has taken in California and Las Vegas in her portfolios. When placing your order, you can specify the style you are aiming for (beachy, outdoorsy, rustic, sporty, etc.). If you're looking for a unique, personalized gift, City Art Photography is a great place to visit!