Christmas in July SALE!

Later this month, Etsy will be having a site wide Christmas in July sale. I've decided to start my sale early! Check out my shop to recieve 10% off all earrings and necklaces and 15% off all beaded bookmarks. Choose something special for yourself or start your holiday shopping now. Happy Christmas in July!

All You Need Is Love!!!!! (and a sale!)

Valentine's Day is Monday! But it's not too late to order custom photo Valentines! Now through Sunday all of the Valentine designs in my Etsy shop are 20% off! There is still time - order now and I'll have your file to you in less than 24 hours. Then you can have them printed at a local one hour photo processor and VOILA - adorable, personalized photo Valentines! What are you waiting for?? :o) XOXO!

Valentine's Day Treasure Hunt!!

The EtsyMom Valentine's Day Treasure Hunt starts today!!!

The rules are simple but the game is fun. Anyone can enter and there's lots of great prizes to be won. So let's get started!

The Rules:

1. Go through all of the participating shops listed below between February 1st and 14th
2. Find the listing with the valentine's day icon hidden.
3. Copy/Paste the listing URL into an email.
4. Once all icons have been found (one in each shop listed), send your email to etsymomteam@gmail.com
5. On February 15th, 3 names will be drawn as winners (Grand, second and third place).

The Requirements:

1. Anyone is eligible to enter and win - not just moms - not just etsy shoppers.
2. Entrants with 100% correct URLs will be entered to win one of the prize packages.
3. If no entrants have all correct URLs, Grand prize will go to the person with the most correct answers, second prize to the next person and third prize to the next person. In case of a tie, http://www.random.org will determine the winner.
4. Winners will have 3 days to reply to congratulatory email with their mailing address. If they do not respond, each winner will be bumped up 1 prize level until 3rd prize is available and a new winner will be chosen.So what are you waiting for?! Let's get hunting
5. You are looking for one of these 3 icons hidden in the below shops. (Don't forget to look in "sold" items!)

http://quirefly.etsy.com/
http://homemadebyamanda.etsy.com/
http://katekatenyc.etsy.com/
http://zoegirldesigns.etsy.com/
http://lavenderave.etsy.com/
http://aprikotdesigns.etsy.com/
http://newenglandquilter.etsy.com/
http://allyouneeddesigns.etsy.com/
http://lilprincessbow.etsy.com/
http://tamsytrends.etsy.com/
http://cmcdesigns.etsy.com/
http://mylovebugbaby.etsy.com/
http://babyswank.etsy.com/

A huge thank you goes out to all of the beautiful women in the EtsyMom Team for stepping up and donating the fantastic prizes available to be won in the treasure hunt. There is such a wide variety of goodies, I couldn't even begin to list them all. But I know you will love them - so don't delay in entering! If you have any questions, please send an email to etsymomteam@gmail.com.

XOXO,
~Heather

Coming soon: Valentine's Day Treasure Hunt!

Come one, come all! The EtsyMom Team Valentine's Day Treasure Hunt begins February 1st! You will have a chance to win some awesome prizes generously donated by EtsyMom Team members, including me!!!! You do not have to be an EtsyMom (or a mom at all) to win!

The treasure hunt begins Tuesday morning (February 1st) and entries can be submitted through Monday, February 14th. ANYONE CAN ENTER! More details will be coming soon - so mark your calendars and check back here next week!!!

A Holly Jolly Giveaway!

In honor of All You Need Designs reaching 300 fans on Facebook, I've having a giveaway!! And what better time of year to give something to my fans than during the season of giving?! :)

This time of year we often spend a lot of our time and energy focused on others - and that's how it should be! But, we also need to take care of ourselves. And as any mom can tell you - that's easier said than done! :o)

My giveaway today is a $15 Gift Certificate to my shop so you can treat yourself!! Need a bookmark for that new book you're getting for Christmas? How about some jewelry to brighten up your winter wardrobe? You get to choose!! $15 will go a long way in my shop, so you can get yourself more than one item. Gift certificate can be applied to all items and shipping.

To Enter:

You must be a follower of this blog. Visit My Etsy Shop and leave a comment here as to what is your favorite item is.

For Extra Entries:

"Like" All You Need Designs on Facebook.

Add my shop to your favorites on Etsy.

Share this giveaway on your Facebook, Twitter and/or Blog (if you do all of them that's three extra entries!)

Be sure to leave a comment on this blog post for each action you take because each comment counts as one entry. That's up to 6 chances to win! Also be sure to leave your email address so I know how to contact you if you're the lucky winner!

The Details:

Giveaway will end on Sunday, December 19 at 8 PM EST. A winner will be selected using random.org. Giveaway open to US & Canada.

Good luck and Happy Holidays!!!

HOLLY DAY BLOG HOP with the EtsyMom Street Team!

Check out all of the fabulous holiday-themed projects, gift ideas, and more from our wonderful EtsyMom Blog Hop Contributors from around the world!!

www.crazyadorable.blogspot.com/
http://www.thecountrychiccottage.net

www.signature-sterling.blogspot.com/
www.allyouneeddesigns.blogspot.com/
www.tctliebel.typepad.com
http://rikrakstudio.blogspot.com
www.singingthreelittlebirds.blogspot.com/
http://camelotstreasures.blogspot.com
www.homemadebyamanda.blogspot.com/
www.annavirginiafashion.blogspot.com/
www.mylavenderave.blogspot.com/
www.babyjives.blogspot.com
www.babyswank.blogspot.com/
www.babysindulgencebyjocelyn.blogspot.com/
www.handmadewhimzy.blogspot.com/
www.katekatenyc.blogspot.com

www.caramagic.blogspot.com/
www.onlyterrastreasures.blogspot.com/
www.silverrosedesigns.blogspot.com
www.quirefly.blogspot.com
www.cinnamonspicecrafts.blogspot.com/
www.handprintlady.blogspot.com

Here's how it works:
1. Hop through each of the blogs listed above to get fabulous holiday inspiration and leave a comment. If you are starting at a blog in the middle of the Hop, start back at the EtsyMom Blog. You may have to scroll down a bit on the blogs to find the Blog Hop posts as the week progresses.
2. Leave a comment on the EtsyMom Blog post between now and December 11, 2010.
3. Enter to win our giveaway by doing any of the following. For each thing you do, you will be entered into the drawing one more time:

~Leave a comment on the EtsyMom Blog post between now and December 11, 2010.
~Leave a comment on the Holly Day Blog Hop posts for any of the blogs listed above between Dec 5 and Dec 11, 2010.
~Join the EtsyMom Blog email list (fill out the form in the right hand column).
~Become a follower of the EtsyMom Blog! Just click the "Follow" button in the lower right column.
~"Like" the EtsyMom Facebook Page.

Share about this Blog Hop on your own blog, posting a link to this page.

Share about this Blog Hop on Facebook, posting a link to this page.

Share about this Blog Hop on a message board or forum, posting a link to this page.

To let us know you've done these things, please come back to the EtsyMom Blog post and leave a comment for each thing you did.
Sorry - you cannot enter the giveaway here on my blog.

On December 11, 2010 we'll choose a winner using the Random Integer Generator from random.org. The winner will receive this super sweet gift basket full of handmade holiday goodies, including:

a pair of Turquoise Earrings from
http://www.stoneymistdesign.etsy.com/

a greeting card from
http://www.homemadebyamanda.etsy.com/

a lampwork bead bracelet by
http://handmadewhimzy.etsy.com/

sterling silver and Swarovski pearl/crystal holiday earrings by

http://www.etsy.com/shop/signaturesterling

a cream colored cotton scarf given by
http://www.zoegirldesigns.etsy.com/

a raincloud ornament from
http://www.etsy.com/shop/babyjives

a matching splat mat and baby bib from
http://www.babysindulgence.etsy.com/

two pair of earrings from
http://quirefly.etsy.com/

a gift pack of over 30 pages of vintage paper ephemera by
http://www.etsy.com/shop/countrychiccottage

a lovely sustainable stocking from
http://www.rikrak.etsy.com/

a set of holly jolly gift tags from
http://cinnamonspice.etsy.com/

a set of toddler pajamas in a style of the winner's choice from
http://heatheregley.etsy.com/

a $15 gift certificate from
http://camelotstreasures.etsy.com/

A gift certificate from
http://babyswank.etsy.com/

A Custom copper heart necklace from
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ct2designs

I'm sharing a recipe that I adore for it's simplicity and deliciousness! I've been making these for years and they are always requested for family events and parties. In fact, I'm making them tomorrow at a cookie swap!! I guarantee that you'll love them too!

Oreo Truffles

• 1 package of Oreo Cookies (you can use any flavor - the original ones are great, but my personal favorite are the mint ones!!)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 lb milk or dark chocolate melting wafers (you can use chocolate chips, but I find that the melting wafers from the bulk section of the grocery store work much better)
• 1/2 lb of white chocolate for drizzling
  

Directions:

1. Using a food processor, grind cookies to a sand like consistency. With a stand mixer, blend cookies and cream cheese until thoroughly mixed.
2. Place the bowl in the fridge or freeze for about 15 mins to firm it up.
   
3. Roll into small balls and place on wax-lined cookie sheet. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
4. In double-boiler, melt milk chocolate (If using melting wafers you can also melt in the microwave - At 50% power for 30 seconds, stir to incorporate, then 30 more seconds, until melted). Place a ball on a spoon and use another spoon to thoroughly coat the ball on all sides. Place on wax-paper-lined cookie sheet.
5. Once all your balls are coated, melt your white chocolate (use your preferred method - either double boiler or microwave). Pour the melted white chocolate into a zippered sandwich bag and snip off a small corner. Drizzle white chocolate over balls. Let cool.
6. Store in airtight container, in refrigerator.

Note: You can add food coloring to the white chocolate to make your truffles more festive. You can also coat the balls in white chocolate and then drizzle with the milk chocolate, if desired.

Now, please take the opportunity to visit the next blog in our hop: www.tctliebel.typepad.com

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!

So, it's December 1st already! And it's SNOWING here today! I guess that it had to happen sometime, right? We've been lucky to have really decent weather up until today. It's been raining for a few days and this morning it turned to snow. I'm not looking forward to driving on the roads later!!!





But this snowy weather does put me in the Christmas mood!! Have you thought about your holiday cards yet? Time is running out!! I ordered mine last weekend and I can't wait for them to arrive from the printer.

I have many holiday card designs in my Etsy shop from traditional and classic to modern and bright. So if you're planning to do a photo card this year, I'd love to design it for you! You can choose one of my templates that are listed on Etsy, or I can custom create something just for you!!

Who doesn't love sending and receiving holiday cards? Don't be a scrooge or you might end up on the naughty list! :)

Cyber Monday Sale!!

I hope you all had a great holiday weekend! I know that I enjoyed my Thanksgiving with my family and I also really enjoyed doing some Black Friday shopping! Both in stores (yes, I was at Toys R Us at 10 PM on Thursday night!!) and online from some of my favorite Etsy sellers!!!

To celebrate Cyber Monday, I'm offering 15% off everything in my shop today only!! Use coupon code CYBERMONDAY at checkout to recieve the discount.

Let the holiday fun begin!!!!!!

Black Friday Sale!

Think that only retail stores will be offering you deals on Black Friday? Think again!! The EtsyMom team is having a team-wide sale! You can check out the list of participating shops HERE!

So avoid the crowds and shop handmade this Friday! My shop will be having some great deals so make sure you check it out! Why not take a look around my SHOP now and mark your favorites so you can easily find them on Friday!

Happy shopping!!!

Holiday Sparkle!

Whether you're willing to admit it or not, the holidays are quickly approaching! Soon it will be Thanksgiving. Which means right behind it will be Christmas!

I've been working on making some holiday themed items to celebrate the season in style!

For instance, this gorgeous sparkling bracelet would be a fabulous addition to your wardrobe for the upcoming season! Featuring fire polished czech glass beads, this bracelet really shines!








If you're looking for some earrings to wear this season, I've got you covered! Check out these fun jingle bell earrings....











.....or how about these colorful pink & green snowflakes?



Lots and lots of items to check out in my shop! So while you're doing your holiday shopping, why not pick up something sparkly for yourself? :o)