Stunning Skirt Giveaway Now thru 11/4!

Enter now thru November 4, 2012 to win a skirt of your choice from the Stunning Etsy Shop! (a $50 value!)
One winner will be selected and notified via e-mail within 48hours. If winner does not respond within 48 hours another winner will be selected and notified until a winner responds within the allotted time.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Albee Print Giveaway Ending 1/29/12 and Reader Discount

Now through 1/29 you have the fantastic opportunity to win this great looking 8x10 print from Etsy shop Albee! **And receive a fabulous discount!!**


I stumbled upon Albee in my quest for fabulous artwork for our bedroom. I ordered 3 prints and was so impressed I contacted Alex, the shop owner, to see if I could shout praises from the rooftops by doing a giveaway. Lucky for you all, the answer was yes!




Seriously - Alex is talented! American Greetings, Gartner Greetings, Designer Greetings, MGA Entertainment and Disney Consumer Products are among customers. A style that is bold, bright, eye catching and simply lovely!

The happy little space in our bedroom!

Alex takes inspiration from the city of LA.
"... old signs, old lighting fixtures, building friezes, bus stop posters, packaging, buildings, Japanese calligraphy, a walk around my neighborhood. I love trips to art museums and galleries. I don't visit them for very long because the creative energy overwhelms me. Whew! I just can't pinpoint one place or thing for inspiration."

Johnathan Swift Quote
Demosthenes Quote
Orville Wright Quote - Sold Out

I always wonder how artists who produce such a wide variety of fabulous work keep track of said inspiration - you know for those days where a happy little lift or inspiration kick is needed. Or how do they keep from becoming overwhelmed on those days when the mind is running on full speed?
"I maintain a computer file of hand lettering designs. I collect printed ephemera (patterns, color combos, decorative accessories) for my reference book/sketchbook. Blogs and image searches are helpful and useful. I have to beware of the consequences of internet searches. Once I start checking blogs, websites, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, emails, all those essential none essentials my brain begins to runs too fast. I freeze mentally and physically. Getting away from the computer to exercise or read relaxes me. They're effective activities for reigniting the creative fire."


Now - here's how you can make that fabulous Marilyn quote your own.

• To Win You Must Follow this blog!
  Example Post: I follow this blog under the name Stunning.
  

• Visit & Favorite the Albee Etsy Shop!
  Example Post: I marked Albee as my favorite under the name Stunning Anna K. Designs.

Finally - a way to receive a discount on a new print & an entry!

• Purchase a print from Albee and receive 25% off with code stunning25jan12!
  (BTW: This makes a print $4.50...)
  Example Post: I used the code and here is my order ID - #####

** This giveaway will begin 1.23.12 at 8 am Central and will end on 1.29.12 at 9 pm Central. Limit 3 entries per person. Winner will be announced on 1.29.12. **

Fabulous Country Soaps By Marlene Giveaway

Mocha loves Etsy Shop Country Soaps by Marlene and she is very excited to announce a fabulous $20 giveaway!

Marlene is a fabulous mother of 11 who is no stranger to Stunning. Last summer she also did a giveaway with us - man has she expanded her inventory since then, way to go girl!

countrysoapsbymarlen is a successful Etsy shop with wonderful variety of goat's milk products that are out of this world! Plus, Marlene herself happens to be one of the nicest people around she is an absolute joy to work with!

I would recommend trying out any of Marlene's products. Everything I've tried so far is fantastic for my super sensitive skin plus, it all smells phenomenal!

Here we are with our favorite scent, Endless Love!

Enter to win $20 to Etsy shop Country Soaps by Marlene:
(Winner is responsible for shipping costs)

• To Win You Must Follow this blog!
  Example Post: I follow this blog under the name Stunning.
  

• Visit the Country Soaps by Marlene Etsy Shop - Share what you would spend $20 on!
  Example Post: I would spend $20 on several different bars of soap which I would then attach to gifts for bridal showers and birthday presents as well as use in my own home!
  

• "Like" Country Soaps by Marlene on Facebook - Say "Hi" to Marlene on her wall!
  Example Post: I "like" Country Soaps by Marlene under the name Stunning Anna K. Designs.

• "Like" Stunning on Facebook
  Example Post: I "like" Stunning under the name Stunning Anna K. Designs.
  

** This giveaway will begin 8.8.11 at 8 am Eastern and will end on 8.12.11 at 7 pm Eastern. Limit 4 entries per person. Winner will be announced on 8.13.11. **

Snap Crafty Cabochon Giveaway!

About a month ago I was reading through articles on the Etsy's Blog - The Storque. There is a fabulous segment called Quit Your Day Job, if you are ever in need of motivation for your Etsy shop this is most definitely where you should go! I'm so excited to have stumbled upon an article featuring Sandra of Snap Crafty - a successful Etsian, fellow Michigander, and all around fabulous woman who is sponsoring this week's giveaway! (You can read the article Sandra was featured in here!)

Enter to win a 50 Piece Cabochon Set ($20 Value) from Snap Crafty now through 5.22.11, 7 pm Eastern!

Sandra left her job as a scientist to focus more on the things in life that she enjoyed. This lead her to opening a jewelry supply shop - Snap Crafty - which many people, from all over the world, frequent and enjoy. Her science background or at least the work it took to gain her PhD in science taught her how to research, work hard, and be independent - traits that have helped her maintain a successful Etsy Shop.

Sandra is all about her customers. Researching where else they spend their time on the internet and choosing to advertise in those areas. Reading as much as she can about business, customer, service, and marketing. Maintaining a a newsletter that keep clients in the loop and draws in new customers. This lady certainly works hard for her success!

I absolutely love Sandra's tips for those considering a similar path... "Do what makes you happy! Seriously, life is too short to settle for a mediocre job you’re only ho-hum about. Many times, what makes you happy will be something that you’re good at anyway." (Amen Sister!)

When asked if she has any regrets about her carear choices Sandra comments that she only wishes she had left the world of science sooner!

Although she is very successful Sandra still faces challenges. Time management is an issue as she spends from 2-3 hours daily answering e-mails without getting lost surfing the web! (Holy Cow! This also means she must have the patience of a saint!)


The flower cabochon mix is the most popular item sold by Snap Crafty. How exciting that a mix of these could be yours! Customers take these colorful cabs and create a variety of projects - jewelry, place card holders, making clay molds, etc...

How to win a 50 Piece Cab Mix ($20 value) from Etsy Shop Snap Crafty:

• Visit Snap Crafty - Share your favorite item & how you would use the Cab Mix!
  Example Post: My favorite item is the Ivory Scalloped Daisy Bouquet Cab Mix I would use them to make necklaces for my fabulous bridesmaids!
  

• "Like" Snap Crafty on Facebook - Say "Hi" to Sandra on her wall!
  Example Post: I "like" Snap Crafty under the name Stunning Anna K. Designs.

• Follow this blog!
  Example Post: I follow this blog under the name Stunning.
  
  
• "Like" Stunning on Facebook
  
  Example Post: I "like" Stunning under the name Stunning Anna K. Designs.
  

** This giveaway will begin 5.16.11 at 8 am Eastern and will end on 5.22.11 at 7 pm Eastern. Limit 4 entries per person. Must have valid e-mail address to win. **

thewheatfield Fabulous Print Giveaway

This week's giveaway is from a lovely Etsy shop owner named Katie who happens to run a great little print shop called thewheatfield.

This week you can win a 13" x 19" print of your choice!
(Trust me, it's going to be a tough decision!)

I simply love Katie's prints and recently purchased a couple of them as gifts for family and friends. When they arrived I was so impressed, although the photographs of the prints are fantastic they just don't do them justice, they are truly stunning works of art. (The one print is framed and waiting for a birthday, while the other is happily hanging in a friend's/soon to be family member's home!)

Katie began painting with watercolors when she was in grade school, she feel in love with an art that is full of happy accidents and spontaneity. She has allowed herself to rely on a process of letting go and allowing her work to, in a sense, create itself. High school fostered her love of watercolors and college brought along the integration of acrylics and collage, this gave her (a) "broader sense of expansion and artist development."


Katie's methods of keeping track of inspiration:
"Oodles of inspiration journals, zillions of computer folders of inspiration, and a house of inspiring objects! I recently became enamored of Pinterest and I always spend an ample amount of time in nature -- the most inspiring place of all."


Her tips for Etsy success - this girl's shop is doing well!

• Develop a "look," a brand, something you will be recognized by.

• Cute packaging really does go a long way! I love adding ribbons, stickers & hand written notes to my orders. I also have a special label that I customize for each order.

• Be a great communicator! It's very important to stay on top of conversations.

• Stay positive! More often than not, our thoughts create reality. Imagine yourself as a completely successful Etsy seller... and see what unfolds!

• When you need help, ask for it. I'm currently working with two amazing assistants and I really couldn't run my business without them.

Katie loves that her work shares joy with anyone who views it. Each piece she creates is filled with pure love and intention that she hopes will inspire others to love an authentic and happy life.

Here's how you can win a fabulous 13"x19" print of your choice from Kate at thewheatfield:

• (MANDATORY) Visit thewheatfield and pick you favorite item.
  

EXAMPLE: My favorite print is joy, I just love the colors!

• Explain where you would hang or what you would do with your favorite print.

EXAMPLE: I would frame Joy and hang it on my way out the door, so I can see it everyday before I leave the house.

• Add thewheatfield to your favorites on Etsy.

EXAMPLE: I added thewheatfield to my favorites under the name stunningannak

• Follow this blog.

EXAMPLE: I am a follower of this blog under the name Anna K.

• Vote for Hunky & I to win our dream wedding from Crate & Barrel.

EXAMPLE: I voted for you and Hunky and was vote #181

• "Like" Stunning on Facebook.

EXAMPLE: I "like" Stunning on Facebook under the name Anna K.

*This giveaway will begin on 4/12/2011 at 8:00 am EST and will run through 4/17/2011 at 9 pm. The winner will be announced in a post either late on 4.17 or early 4.18. This giveaway has only 1 lucky winner*

brownpigeon Monogrammed Stamp Giveaway

This week I am so excited to bring to you a giveaway from a fabulous Etsy Shop, brownpigeon!

Shop Owner, Meagan, recently created a great looking monogrammed stamp for Hunky & I for all of our wedding stationary! I couldn't be happier about it, it's even better than I imagined. (That's our stamp advertising the giveaway!)

A few reasons why Meagan of brownpigeon is super awesome:

• This girl provides amazing customer service, communication is her gift.
• Her product is fantastic, her work is simply great and hand-carved!
  
• The packaging, seriously cute, like you've been sent the sweetest little present.
  
• She's one of those people that, if I knew her in real life, we'd be besties!
• She's offering one of her 2" monogrammed stamps to this week's winner.
  
• Everyone will receive 10% off at brownpigeon with the code STUNNING10 *HOORAY*
  

browpigeon creates gorgeous custom stamps for your business!

Meagan is constantly in awe of other artists and craftspeople that she discovers on Etsy, blogs or in local San Francisco shops. "There are just so many amazing talented people making unique and innovative things right now that I can't help but be inspired by their work. I'm also drawn to nature, patterns, graphic design, typography and the wonder of color."

I just think it's so neat that Meagan can carve all of these different fonts - such a talented lady!

Meagan keeps track of her inspiration in a few handmade journals that she sketches in as well as cuts and pastes images as well. She keeps pads of paper all over her studio to jot ideas onto. When a stamp or print is created she keeps it in a scrapbook/portfolio. (So impressed by your organizational skills girl!)

Super cute - I imagine using this stamp on recipe cards.

Working with people from all over the world to create one-of-a-kind stamps is Meagan's favorite part of selling on Etsy. "Doing custom work is a very interactive process and I love talking with people about how they're going to use their stamp...in their wedding, business, children's party invitations, etc. It's a ton of fun."

Love your home state? Moving? This stamp would be a good investment for you!

brownpigeon's tips for Etsy success: "I think the best way to run a successful shop is to be friendly and available to your customers. Be efficient with everything you do from answering convos (an Etsy email) to making the product and shipping it. I order from Etsy sellers frequently to keep my perspective fresh as to what a customer wants and appreciates."

Say Hello in style with this sassy stamp.

I asked Meagan what art form or craft she has always wanted to try. I found out that she has actually tried jewelry making, weaving, photography, sculpting, book binding, paper making, and graphic design. The only thing that she had yet to conquer was ceramics, which she recently became acquainted with after taking a long term substitute teaching position. Teaching 2 art classes and 3 ceramics classes gave her the courage to fire up the kiln for the first time! This position as since ended and Meagan admits that her true love of art has and will always be printmaking - which includes her stamp making.

We love this stamp Meagan created for our wedding stationary!

Here are several ways you can enter to win a 2" custom monogrammed stamp from brownpigeon:

• MANDATORY ENTRY: Visit brownpigeon and share your favorite item.
  Sample comment: I love (and added to my favorites) the beach rubber stamp set.
  

• Share how you would use your monogrammed stamp
  Sample comment: I will use my A&J stamp all over my shower invitations and thank you's

• Purchase from brownpigeon use code STUNNING10 and save 10%
  Sample comment: I purchased a custom stamp for my Etsy shop and here is a link to the order: http://www.etsy.com/transaction/46534318
  

• Add brownpigeon to your favorites on Etsy
  Sample comment: I added brownpigeon to my favorites under the name stunningannak

• Follow this blog through Google Friend Connect or Blog Lovin
  Sample comment: I am a Stunning follower thru GFC

• "Like" Stunning on Facebook
  Sample comment: I am a Stunning Facebook fan under the name Chelsea Smith

• Tweet about this giveaway
  Sample comment: I tweeted about this giveaway http://twitter.com/#!/StunningAnnaK/status/54911061245181952

• Add the Stunning Button to your blog
  Sample comment: I added the Stunning button to my blog www.chelseasmitherocks.blogspot.com
  

*Please leave each entry in a separate comment*

**This giveaway will begin at 10 am Eastern 4/4/2011 and will end on 4/10/2011 at 8 pm Eastern. The winner will chosen from a random number generator and will be announced in a post Sunday evening.**

deanpennandpaper Giveaway - You'll Simply Love Bill!

deanpennandpaper is an absolutely fabulous Etsy Shop, blog sponsor, and giveaway host!


Bill is simply wonderful and here's why:

1) Communication is a gift for Bill - he's such a joy to work with.

2) His product is simply lovely, high quality and well designed.

3) He gives 10% of his profits from deanpennandpaper to St. Jude's.

4) He is giving away $25 to his shop, enough for you to select a set of personalized note-cards & matching labels!! (Ok, so they don't have to be personalized, but I go crazy for stuff like that, so mine would probably be personalized...)

Get to know a little bit more about Bill and then enter to win some of his work...

Subtle yet beautiful - love this one Bill!

How did you discover your knack for Graphic Design?
"I basically just fell into graphic design. I'm a teacher by education....to save on our wedding budget, my wife and I, started creating our own wedding invites and it sort of took off from there."

This would be a great set of anytime cards - love that bright envelope!

What inspires you?

"I'm inspired by my customer's ideas. I work with my customers on customizing their ideas....we can fully customize anything design/color to fit the customer's needs. I absolutely love the fact that I get to work with people all around the world. I've been fortunate enough to have done weddings for people in Hong Kong, Ukraine, Italy and the UK. We do a lot of business in Australia as well."

Such adorable family stationary!

Do you have any tips to offer for Etsy success?

"From my experience, I would say that success on Etsy is obtainable by continuously working hard to create a quality product, constantly work on new ideas and try to have good photographs that best represents your product. I think the main thing is to have fun with what you're doing. I think it will show in the work!"

Love this "Our Front Door" card set.

There are several ways you can enter to win a $25 shop credit to Bill's Etsy shop, deanpennandpaper:

• MANDATORY ENTRY: Visit deanpennandpaper to pick & heart your favorite item - there are just so many!
  Sample comment: My favorite item from deanpennandpaper is the Wildflower Personalized Folded Note-card Set
  

• Become a follower of Stunning through Google Friend Connect or Blog Lovin
  Sample comment: I am a blog follower of Stunning on Blog Lovin under the name stunningannak
  

• "Like" deanpennandpaper on Facebook - Extra <3 style="font-size:78%;">Sample comment: I like Dean Penn and Paper on Facebook under the name Jane Doe and left Bill a comment telling him how much I love his work!
  

• "Like" Stunning on Facebook - Extra <3
  Sample comment: I am a Stunning Facebook fan under the name Chelsea Smith and I posted about how much I love deanpennandpaper!
  

• Purchase from deanpennandpaper, support St. Jude's, and gain 3 entries!
  I just purchased horse hello note-card under the name stunningannak: http://www.etsy.com/listing/47752493/horse-hello-folded-note-card
  

• Vote for Hunky and I to win our Dream Wedding through Crate & Barrel!
  Sample comment: I just voted for you and Hunky and I was entry #47
  

• Add the Stunning Button to your blog
  Sample comment: I added the Stunning button to my blog www.chelseasmitherocks.blogspot.com
  

*Please leave each entry in a separate comment*

**This giveaway will begin at 8 a.m. Eastern 3/2/2011 and will end on 3/8/2011 at 8 pm Eastern. The winner will chosen from a random number generator and will be announced in a post Tuesday evening.**

paperfeltfabric Garland Giveaway

Now through 2/20 you have the opportunity to win a fabulous 16' garland of your choice from Etsy shop paperfeltfabric!

Sarah of paperfeltfabric started making garlands to give rooms a special touch for parties. She believes it is a simple, fun and classic way to decorate without overpowering a space. Materials like old books, maps, crossword puzzles and various papers are old favorites - while wool, felt, and scrap fabrics are a recent and exciting venture. Sarah loves the challenge of bringing new life to fabrics that would otherwise be discarded.

Love the magical feeling of this Fairytale Garland

The 5 acres of land she lives on as well as the contrast between country and city life are currently inspiring Sarah. Other inspiration is stored on her Tumblr, Walk On By. Seriously, stop by her Tumblr - it's great!

With Spring right around the corner Sarah is looking forward to the transition from brown to green, pulling out her dresses, and exchanging candles for flowers! (We are too girl!)

The Sea and Cake Garland is simply elegant - love the scalloped edges!

Here are several ways you can enter to win a fabulous garland of your choice Etsy shop paperfeltfabric:

• MANDATORY ENTRY: Visit paperfeltfabic and pick/heart your favorite item.
  Sample comment: My favorite item from paperfeltfabric is the Sea and Cake Garland.
  

• Become a follower of Stunning through Google Friend Connect or Blog Lovin
  Sample comment: I am a blog follower of Stunning on Blog Lovin under the name stunningannak
  

• Update your status about this giveaway on Facebook
  Sample comment: I mentioned the paperfeltfabric giveaway in my Facebook status http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stunning-Anna-K-Designs/17656779684#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=188377254518656&id=17656779684
  
  
  
• "Like" Stunning on Facebook
  Sample comment: I am a Stunning Facebook fan under the name Chelsea Smith
  
  

• Tweet about this giveaway
  Sample comment: I tweeted about this giveaway http://twitter.com/#!/StunningAnnaK/status/29556954032508929
  
  

• Blog about this giveaway
  Sample comment: I blogged about this fabulous giveaway: http://stunningannak.blogspot.com/greatgiveaway
  

• Add the Stunning Button to your blog
  Sample comment: I added the Stunning button to my blog www.chelseasmitherocks.blogspot.com
  

*Please leave each entry in a separate comment*

**This giveaway will begin at 10 a.m. Eastern 2/15/2011 and will end on 2/20/2011 at noon Eastern. The winner will chosen from a random number generator and will be announced in a post Sunday evening.**

Stunning Valentine Button Earring Giveaway

Today after work I put together my Valentines!
Honestly, I've been wearing my covered button earrings ALL WEEK!
They are so very light and super cute, pretty much my favorite new thing.

Seriously, I wish I could give you each a pair - but I would probably be covering buttons for the next 8 years.

I guess you'll all just have to enter this fabulous giveaway!

Now through 2/10 you can enter to win a Stunning Valentine!

Oh yeah, just in case you love the button earrings as much as I do, you can purchase a pair for the discounted price of $5 - mention Valentine11 in Etsy notes to seller and I will adjust the price before you pay through Paypal!

Here are ways you can enter to win your very own Stunning Valentine!

• MANDATORY ENTRY: Follow the Stunning Blog
  Sample comment: I am a blog follower of Stunning on Blog Lovin

• Go to Stunning on Etsy & pick your favorite item.
  Sample comment: I LOVE the Excitement Sequin Headband!
  

• "Like" Stunning on Facebook
  Sample comment: I am a Stunning Facebook fan under the name Chelsea Smith
  

• Heart Stunning on Etsy
  Sample comment: I hearted Stunning under the name stunningannak
  

• Tweet about this giveaway
  Sample comment: I tweeted about this giveaway http://twitter.com/#!/StunningAnnaK/status/29556954032508929

• Blog about this giveaway
  Sample comment: I blogged about this fabulous giveaway: http://stunningannak.blogspot.com/
  

• Add the Stunning Button to your blog
  Sample comment: I added the Stunning button to my blog www.chelseasmitherocks.blogspot.com
  

*Please leave each entry in a separate comment*

**This giveaway will begin at 2:45 Eastern 2/4/2011 and will end on 2/10/2011 at noon Eastern. The winner will chosen from a random number generator and will be announced in a post Thursday evening.**