Featured on foundhandmade from Artfire!!

I just received an email from ArtFire informing me that they choose my cupcake to be featured on their blog: foundhandmade

Doing the happy dance :)

Ballerina Wrap/ sweater giveaway!!!

New giveaway dear followers!!!!
Crocheted Baby ballerina wrap or small sweater with long sleeves and headband Size 24months

90% acrylic, 10% polypropylene. Machine wash and dry.

This wrap is size 2 and has a V neck, long sleeves and straps to tie it on the baby ballerina. The headband will fit a 19"(48.2cm) noggin and it's slightly stretchable. Both are embellished with a matching crocheted flower.

Prizes Details:
Winners will receive a Crocheted Baby ballerina wrap or small sweater with long sleeves and headband, valued at $22.00 (retail price)
Rules:
1) You must go through etsy shop and comment back here on your favorite item.

2) Comment here in my blog with your name and contact information.

3) Winner will be announced on February 4th, at which time I will contact the winner to get shipping information for shipping. If the winner does not contact me within three days, I will appoint another winner through a random number drawing.

4) Blog about this giveaway and receive ONE extra entry! Just come back here and leave a separate comment with your blog link.

5) Twitt about this giveaway and earn ONE extra entry. Be sure to put @piccoladonna before your twitt, so I will know you did it :)

7) Earn TEN (10) extra entries by purchasing something in etsy shop Just come back here and tell us what you purchased along with your contact info to claim your extra entries! Sounds fabulous doesn't it!?! What are you waiting for....enter now...good luck!

Giveaway winners!!!

Here the names of the last giveaway's winners:

1. Michele

2. shopannies

I already contacted you girls, please get back to me in 72 hours :)

If you didn't win this time, don't be disappointed: another fabulous giveaway is coming right up!

Good start Monday:Blog award

My dearest friend sweetirie just gave to me a very pleasant present, a new blog award! That's what she's said about me on her blog:".....because she brightens my day each and every day!!!" Isn't she sweetest????

So, I need to share the love and good new with other 10 lucky blogs......here my nominations:

1. Sarah of my charmed life for her faith against the new CPSIA law

2. Barb or BstauffDesigns because she reminds of me for soooo many things

3. Stacy of leaky mouth f0r her kindness and consideration for the smallest detail

4. etsy fun because those guys simply rock!

5. Indiediscounts for the same reason of etsy fun

6. DzFantasy for her big help on promoting other people

7. Rachela for her incredible fantasy and enthusiasm

8. TimothyAdam for his precious info about business topics

9. WAHM for enlightning this group whom I belong

10. Ixela for her support form overseas

What to Do Now

I want to say congratulations to all the winners. Please share this opportunity with your favorite bloggers by doing the following:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.

2. Nominate at least 10 blogs, which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude! Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.

3. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

4. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

Last day to enter: 2 winner giveaway!!

Tomorrow we'll found out the 2 lucky winners!!!
But don't forget, you still have time tonight to enter and be the one!!!!

New artfire studio!!!

Big new to all my followers!!! I'm very excited to announce that starting today my "Crocheted little things" are availble or ArtFire too!!!!!
I'm still building up my inventory there. Here a preview:

How does it looks????

Featuring: BStauffdesigns

Today I'm sharing with my reader another of my favorite!! I come across this shop a while ago and was amazed how talented and ecletict this etsy seller is! You can find Modern Creations with a Vintage Flair like bags, scarves, pillows and table linens for every taste!!

But let's hear diretly from this amazing shopowner:

I have been sewing for 15 years and just recently became interested in vintage textiles and how they might be turned into fashion forward bags and accessories.
I have a collection of vintage fabrics as well as patterns from the 40's and 50's. I love the fashion of the 50's with the small waist and full skirts, and the smart suits.
I am a stay at home mom of three girls and after my youngest went to Kindergarten last year, I converted my office into my studio and started sewing handbags, and pillows and aprons. After friends and family kept telling me I should sell my stuff, I had a grand opening party at my sisters and made a lot of money so I decided that maybe they were right!

Erin's Black Evening Clutch: An elegant way to add to your evening out whether it's a nice dinner, office party, or a wedding. This bag is made to reflect the style of the 1920's with it's asymmetrical flap closure adorned with a rounded bow.

Approximately 7" deep by 11 1/2 inches wide. Outer material is a black crepe, lining is a copper embroidered silk. Snap closure. This is interfaced with a very stiff Pellon interfacing to give it structure and shape.

iPod/Cell Phone Case: Protect you ipod, cell phone or blackberry from scratches in style! This is made with a pseudo leather material with an Amy Butler fabric Pocket. Outside pocket will hold your ear phones, or coffee money.

Measures 3.5"Wx4.5"H

Comes in other fabrics and can be made to order in the color of your choice in less than a day.
Hurry!! Can be yours with just $5!!

Pumpkin Spice Fleece Hobo Bag: A roomy bag to carry it all! Measures 11"Hx14"Wx6"D. Outer Fabric is a soft embroidered polar fleece in a bright pumpkin color. The lining fabric is a fun vintage retro cotton floral.
The strap is 20" long and can be worn on the shoulder or across the chest. Center flower is the button to close the purse.

All items are 100% handmade and no two items are alike. All handbags have reinforced stitching at all seams and stress points. I welcome custom orders. All items are from a smoke free home and pet free studio! Due to Home Decorator fabrics used, spot clean only, or Dry Clean all handbags, table runners. Gentle wash all aprons, scarves, and jewelry bags.

Also don't forget to visit her blog!! She's one of the winners of my blog awards!!

2 winners giveaway: Baby girl bib and bottle cover!

As promised here the next giveaway!! Look at the picture.......you're seeing correct, there are 2 prizes 'cause I will randomly choose 2 lucky winners!!!!!

Let's see the prizes in their details:

The bib is 10"(25.5cm) wide at the bottom, 5"(12.75cm) wide at the top, 5"(12.75cm) tall with 2 ties 10"(25.5cm) long each. The flower is 2.5"(6.5cm) in diameter.I used 1 balls of yarn called Baby Econo in Seashore multi print, I love this yarn 'cause he has a lot of pretty color like blue, green, white and pink with a little wire of shining tread that adds a glittering style. So, it's really particular and a little bit expensive too, but it's worth it! It's completely machine washable and dryable at low settings and that's a blessing with little ones!

An adorable baby bottle cover made with a ball of Luster Sheen in watermelon and a off white ribbon tied in a bow. The bow is embellished by 2 pink blings at the end of the ties and a silver bling in the middle of the bow.
This cover fits a 9 oz. baby bottle.

Prizes Details:

Winners will receive 1 bib, valued at $12.00 (retail price) or 1 bottle cover, valued at $8.00 (retail price) as shown in he pictures.

Rules:

1) You must go through etsy shop and comment back here on your favorite item.

2) Comment here in my blog with your name and contact information.

3) Winner will be announced on January 26th, at which time I will contact the winner to get shipping information for shipping. If the winner does not contact me within three days, I will appoint another winner through a random number drawing.

4) Blog about this giveaway and receive ONE extra entry! Just come back here and leave a separate comment with your blog link.

5) Twitt about this giveaway and earn ONE extra entry. Be sure to put @piccoladonna before your twitt, so I will know you did it :)

7) Earn TEN (10) extra entries by purchasing something in etsy shop Just come back here and tell us what you purchased along with your contact info to claim your extra entries! Sounds fabulous doesn't it!?! What are you waiting for....enter now...good luck!

The Winner: Maryjane slippers

WOW, let me take the time to say a big THANK YOU all for entering my giveaway, I was really pleased with the amount of entries for this prize!!

But the winner it's one and just one of you!! So, let's stop the chatting and let's see who is:

#36 Erin, maker of chimes

If you didn't win this time, don't be disappointed!! Stay tuned for a new giveaway coming right up, this time with 2 winners!!!

In the meanwhile, you can always treat your little one with something from my baby sale section:30% OFF!!

Mary Jane Giveaway: Last day to enter

You still have time to enter my giveaway until midnight central time!!



Tomorrow I will announce the lucky winner and a new giveaway is coming right up....this time 2 winners!!!!

Featuring: LeakyMouth

Recently I bought some laundry soap off etsy and I was so happy with my purchase that I thought to share my experience with all my followers featuring this amazing seller, Stacy and her shop.



But let's hear directly from her what's behind her products.

My name is Stacy, I live in Paradise, California (Northern California). I am a wife, a mother of two and a Teacher.
My sewing experiences began in junior high, but because my mother didn't sew I wasn't able to continue the interest like I wanted to. My grandmother would sew and sometimes I was privileged enough to have some experiences with her and make something. For 3 years I asked for a sewing machine in my adult life and finally received one a little over 2 years ago. I was pregnant and was staying at home. Money was tight (still is), but choosing to stay home only forced me to be more frugal. I then purchased second hand or received free maternity clothes and began altering them to fit since that was the least expensive way for us at that time. I then had my son and found that he was the ultimate drooler. Having little money I found fabric remnants that added up no more then a few dollars and made some bibs. Around town I received so many compliments that I actually had a boutique in town call me to sell them in their shop. So I did, then I found etsy. I began sewing my waterproof bibs and selling them.



Around that same time my husband was injured and out of work for several months so times even got more tough. Somehow, we pulled through and managed to still have a lot of blessings. I began cloth diapering my son, using cloth wipes and found ways to make my own laundry soap and dishwashing detergent. Those few changes helped our family out tremendously. We save a ton of money doing those small things.

Today I am going back to school to complete my degree in Liberal Studies. I plan on receiving my Bachelors degree in a few years with an area of concentration in Montessori (the NCME degree is transferable to Chico State University) and an emphasis/minor in Special Education.

So, what are you waiting for?? Be sure to check out Stacy's shop for amazing deals, like free shipping for orders over $40 or a bogo sale on her cute bibs, and when you're at it pay a visit to her blog:)

I Won a Blog Award!!!

My dearest friend Michele from sweetirie, just gave me a blog award and I'm here to spread the love and give it to other 4 blogs:

Justaddcharm

bstauffdesigns

dzfantasy

leakymouth

Mary Jane slippers Giveaway!!!!

Thanks to everyone that took their time to answer my poll!! Almost everybody (66%) would like to see a Maryjane slippers giveaway and how can I disappoint all my readers???? Here you are!!

They are crocheted by me with a soft acrylic yarn in hot pink with a lime green trim and 2 plastic pink buttons to a side that allow the flap to open and close for an easy wear.

They are 6.5" long and approx 3" wide, comparable to a child size 6. I was playing with the basic pattern developing new size before the CPSIA bomb.

Prize Details:
Winner will receive 1 pair of slippers, valued at $15.00 (retail price)
Rules:1) You must go through etsy shop and comment back here on your favorite item.

2) Comment here in my blog with your name and contact information.

3) Winner will be announced on January 19th, at which time I will contact the winner to get shipping information for shipping. If the winner does not contact me within three days, I will appoint another winner through a random number drawing.

4) Blog about this giveaway and receive ONE extra entry! Just come back here and leave a separate comment with your blog link.

5) Twitt about this giveaway and earn ONE extra entry. Be sure to put @piccoladonna before your twitt, so I will know you did it :)

7) Earn TEN (10) extra entries by purchasing something in etsy shop Just come back here and tell us what you purchased along with your contact info to claim your extra entries! Sounds fabulous doesn't it!?! What are you waiting for....enter now...good luck!

Happy birthday Gabriel!!!

Yesterday was Gabe's 5Th birthday! Gabriel is my son, my first born, my sweetheart. As I'm looking at him growning so fast, I can't help thinking how little he still is.

Many readers maybe remember me writing about my son a while ago, as I'm concerned about his language skills and development. Gabe was born in Italy 5 years ago and was raised with lots of love. But over the pride to be a new mom I could see that something was wrong. As for today we're still fighting to understand exactly what is it, but we're pretty sure that something is missing here. But beyond all the words that Gabe won't say and can't understand, I have to just look into his beautiful eyes to see all the love and how happy he is. And that's all it matters for us, in our secret silent world made of looks, hugs and kisses. Of course, we'll not stop trying to understand how to get him better....until there is breath in me.....

Here some pics of him and my youngest daughter, Michelle:

And that's me and Gabriel......I LOVE YOU SON!!!

WAHM Feature

I'm really proud today to be featured on Kelly's WAHM site and I'm reciprocate the post, blogging about Kelly's shop KatieBeanKids where you can find a lots of childrens items like bracelets, bibs, hats. Kelly really likes making bracelets every time she gets a chance, 'cause it's relaxing and her daughter loves helping, she wants everyone mommy makes and she also sew and knit. And it's not everything!!! Kelly is a mom of 2, 1 boy and 1 girl, she's in my last year of college and she will have my BS in child development. Pretty impressive, uh???
Now, refresh your eyes with this lovelies!

Happy birthday to Sweetirie!!!

Today it's the birthday of a person that lately became really important in my life: Michele, Sweetirie shop's owner!

She's not just someone whom I enjoy talk over the web, she's much more than that! She's my friend, my sister, my mentor and tutor....Some one that I can tell anything, that never stop believing in me, encourage me and giving advice when I'm lost!! She's an amazing woman, very kind and smart that everybody can wish to have like a friend. I consider myself very lucky to found her beating all the odds and I'm going to show you the Christmas present she gave to me:

Happy Birthday Michele, and even if I'm a little too far away to give you a real present in time, I thought to leave it here :)

CPSIA Giveaway!

Today I wanna announce the the last giveaway's winner, Sarah, loved my baby girl's hat with flower applique so much that she was so kind to accept to host my giveaway on her blog.
Like me, Sarah is fighting against the new CPSIA law and this giveaway intent to support this cause. From Sarah's blog:"I am truly amazed by the lack of awareness surrounding the Consumer Product Safety Implementation Act (CPSIA)
Here some useful links:
Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA)
CPSIA Facebook Group
http://www.coolmompicks.com/savehandmade/

Handmade Toy Alliance
http://cpsia-central.ning.com/
http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/cpsia-and-small-manufacturers/

This time I'm giving away another hat, a funny one with bear's ears and ear flaps like this one:

It will look just adorable on a little one who wants to play to "let's pretend".
One size will fit kids between 2 and 5 years old it's suitable both for boys and girls.
The material is really soft and will keep you kids' ears warm thank to the ears flap and they'll love to wear it just like my kids do.
I used a skein of Berbat baby Boucle' in Misty Blue 98% gentle soft Acrylic and 2% polyester for the main part of the hat while the trim and the braid tails are made with a variegate white-brown cotton that can be used to tie a knot under the kids' chin.
To enter this giveaway you must go to Sarah's blog and read all the detail.

Also, feel free to check out the last treasury I made featuring sellers that like me will be affected by this law.

And don't forget to check Sarah's etsy shop: she makes adorable things!!!!

Etsy shop SALES!!

Just a reminder about my etsy shop sales!!
I currently have 2 sales going on!
One is for my Christmas themed items, need to clear out the left over, so I'm offering a 15% OFF!! Reduced prices already applied, ready to be bought!

And I'm also having a big one: 25% OFF my baby items...we all know about the new CPSIA law that will require for all the items for kids under 12 years old to be tested for lead.....the costs of this tests are do very proibitive that it will be impossible for me to comply....The sadest thing is that I will not make any more baby items by Febraury the 10th. That's why I'm offering a great bargains, to allow people to buy at affordable prices items that will not be found around pretty soon! So, hurry up and look at my shop to find great amazing bargains!!!

ONE GIVEAWAY: 9 WINNERS

Yep, I know what are you thinking....isn't that crazy??? Yes, it is, and that's why I like the idea so much LOL!!!
This giveaway it's for my best friend sweetirie that decided to go BIG and giveaway 9 of her wristlet key chain!!!
I got several of her items this year and I love them all, they make a very thoughtful present for everyone in your life!

Too good to pass up, so what you're waiting for, run over her blog and enter here to see details!!!!
Winners will be announced on january the 13th. In the mean while, run over Michele'shop and take advantage of her amazing blowout sale!