****PRIZE DRAWING AND WINNERS THREAD****

[PH in VA]

Whoever shared the link for the sushi roll Christmas ornament - THANK YOU so much!

I was intrigued by the idea of a sushi ornament, so I clicked on the link that was provided in that post earlier in this thread.

I ended up doing quite a bit of shopping there at TrendyTree.com.

I was very impressed with their service. I finalized my order last Friday morning, had it shipped via USPS Priority Mail, and received it Monday. And Trendy Tree refunded $4.00 back to my PayPal account because shipping was less than what was quoted to me when I ordered.

The ornaments arrived individually wrapped in tissue paper and then in bubble wrap, with a bunch of packing peanuts keeping them from knocking against each other during transit. I was a little disappointed that they didn't provide individual boxes. Even though I wasn't expecting boxes, it would have been a nice perk. I didn't even notice if boxes were available for sale on the website.

But now I have a nice-sized chunk of my Christmas shopping done. So thank you again!

[bfinlay]

Mary, if you got any Die-namics, you will end up seriously ADDICTED - I love, love, love my Die-namics, it's impossible to have too many!!! Enjoy your prize!!!

Originally Posted by octoberbabe

My MFT order is supposed to arrive tomorrow according to the FedEx tracking monitor! I can sure vouch for the terrific service and fast shipping. I ordered more than my prize. I have never ordered from them before and actually hadn't heard of them....but I'm thinking I am going to like what I chose and most likely order from them again. Glad to hear that for some companies it takes a little while to hear, so I won't be so worried about hearing from Copics then. And yes, it is a busy time of year for companies. A good reminder from Vicki (vdoyle!

[bfinlay]

I'm so sorry you didn't make it, Gail, you had some fabulous entries. But I have to tell you and I mean it - you win for being a most WONDERFUL MOM!!! I really admire how you've raised six lovely and obviously very special human beings! And I thought two were hard work!

Originally Posted by mamaxsix

Well, I didn't make it, but Lois did! Congrats to clownmom, Lee-Anne/Shadow's Mom, janellelarson, and va.sunshine.

[bfinlay]

What a beautiful kitty, Angie!!

Originally Posted by ohmypaper!

You all wanna see what goes on at my house while I am waiting to hear about my prize?

She's in my cardboard light box! She's already jumped in from the top and bent part of it and scratched the tissue paper wall!

Attachment 263310

[bfinlay]

Connie, looks like you're having a ball with your winnings, your cards are beautiful!
And a light box really does help with photo's - I have a nylon one that folds up and it's very inexpensive - it's almost always gray and rainy and overcast here so it's been a huge help for me. I have two cheap clip on lights at the top, one a regular light bulb (which produces warm tones) and one a natural daylight bulb (which produces cool tones). If you want to boost the light even further you can put tin foil over the lights so that it reflects it all back into the box!

[pegmac71]

Good morning! I think I have caught up on all the posts! I received an email Monday for the Crafters Companion prize. Cannot wait to try out the goods!
I am looking forward to seeing all the creations with your winnings.
It has been a busy week at work for me and I have not spent a lot of time in my craft room. I am trying to come up with some "handmade gifts" for my family this year. I do this every year and I try not to do the same thing each year. I made gift baskets full of cookies and candy last year. I included a stamped snowman wrapped candy bar with a fleece hat in each of the baskets as my crafty item.
If you do crafty gifts, give me some ideas!! Everyone is eighteen or older.

[ohmypaper!]

Originally Posted by bfinlay

Connie, looks like you're having a ball with your winnings, your cards are beautiful!
And a light box really does help with photo's - I have a nylon one that folds up and it's very inexpensive - it's almost always gray and rainy and overcast here so it's been a huge help for me. I have two cheap clip on lights at the top, one a regular light bulb (which produces warm tones) and one a natural daylight bulb (which produces cool tones). If you want to boost the light even further you can put tin foil over the lights so that it reflects it all back into the box!

When we placed our Amazon order the light box I had on my wish list had gone down in price so my DH ordered it for me as a Christmas present!!! Can't wait to get my hands on it and see if it will work even better than this card board one...comes with lights and everything!!!

We can hardly stand the wait
Please Christmas, don't be late
Alvin and the chipmunks song going through my head right now!!!

[mamaxsix]

I found a link for making a light box . It sure would be simpler than some of the convoluted things I've rigged up along the way to try to get better photos. When you were talking about it, I was picturing a light table and couldn't figure out how that would help!
Thanks for your encouraging words ladies. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed, but I made it farther than the other times I've tried.
I think I'm going to start my holiday baking today. If that doesn't cure my low spirits I don't know what will!

[mamaxsix]

These Chocolate Pistachio Thumbprint Cookies are my signature cookies...so yummy! This is the same recipe I use but I use almond extract in the filling instead of vanilla and have found that I need to make extra filling. I also substitute part wheat germ for the nuts to roll the cookies in....less calories and better coverage. These were from a Pillsbury Bake Off cookbook.....there's another contest I tried for MANY years with no success, but lots of yummy goodies along the way.

[ohmypaper!]

Originally Posted by mamaxsix

I found a link for making a light box . It sure would be simpler than some of the convoluted things I've rigged up along the way to try to get better photos. When you were talking about it, I was picturing a light table and couldn't figure out how that would help!
Thanks for your encouraging words ladies. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed, but I made it farther than the other times I've tried.
I think I'm going to start my holiday baking today. If that doesn't cure my low spirits I don't know what will!

(((hugs))) so sorry.

****
You will be surprised what a difference this little card board box makes!!!

[JBgreendawn]

I also have used a light box, ( but currently am using some really big lights) and it does make a difference. my playroom is corner of a finished over the garage room and it has two over head lights that are in ( not good places ) so I moved an old file cabinet to in front of one of the windows and just positioned lights around it now. ( because sometimes I shoot junk that follows me home from yard sales and is too big for the light box I have)

[cveneruso]

Originally Posted by vdoyle8

Holy cow, Gail --- you are NOT a failure! I have to share this with you - I was thinking about you this morning. I'm stressing over my daughter's college auditions, right? I thought of you and how you homeschool SIX CHILDREN. Suddenly, my burden didn't seem so bad LOL!

the home schooling thing baffles me, and with six kids! I don't know how anyone gets thru child raising, I am in awe of someone who can handle more than one child at a time. One was a test for me.
We all have our moments of self doubt. Just keep telling yourself you're a success until you get the negative thoughts to go away. It will.

[cveneruso]

Originally Posted by mamaxsix

Well, I didn't make it, but Lois did! Congrats to clownmom, Lee-Anne/Shadow's Mom, janellelarson, and va.sunshine.

I'm sorry to hear that. It's tough when there are lots of people looking for a spot but not a lot of spots available.
look at it this way, one less deadline to have to meet.

[cveneruso]

[QUOTE=PH in VA;19869100]Whoever shared the link for the sushi roll Christmas ornament - THANK YOU so much!

I was intrigued by the idea of a sushi ornament, so I clicked on the link that was provided in that post earlier in this thread.

I ended up doing quite a bit of shopping there at TrendyTree.com.

I was very impressed with their service. I finalized my order last Friday morning, had it shipped via USPS Priority Mail, and received it Monday. And Trendy Tree refunded $4.00 back to my PayPal account because shipping was less than what was quoted to me when I ordered.

The ornaments arrived individually wrapped in tissue paper and then in bubble wrap, with a bunch of packing peanuts keeping them from knocking against each other during transit. I was a little disappointed that they didn't provide individual boxes. Even though I wasn't expecting boxes, it would have been a nice perk. I didn't even notice if boxes were available for sale on the website.

But now I have a nice-sized chunk of my Christmas shopping done. So thank you again![/QUOTE

looks like you can decorate some gift bags

[cveneruso]

Originally Posted by pegmac71

Good morning! I think I have caught up on all the posts! I received an email Monday for the Crafters Companion prize. Cannot wait to try out the goods!
I am looking forward to seeing all the creations with your winnings.
It has been a busy week at work for me and I have not spent a lot of time in my craft room. I am trying to come up with some "handmade gifts" for my family this year. I do this every year and I try not to do the same thing each year. I made gift baskets full of cookies and candy last year. I included a stamped snowman wrapped candy bar with a fleece hat in each of the baskets as my crafty item.
If you do crafty gifts, give me some ideas!! Everyone is eighteen or older.

Did you ever make brooches with stamps? My SU buddy showed me how. I love them, they are easy to make.
I have them and some things I made on my blog, if you go to the labels section and click on the 3D projects you can see them.

[cveneruso]

Originally Posted by mamaxsix

These Chocolate Pistachio Thumbprint Cookies are my signature cookies...so yummy! This is the same recipe I use but I use almond extract in the filling instead of vanilla and have found that I need to make extra filling. I also substitute part wheat germ for the nuts to roll the cookies in....less calories and better coverage. These were from a Pillsbury Bake Off cookbook.....there's another contest I tried for MANY years with no success, but lots of yummy goodies along the way.

OK, you need to start entering contests that have TONS of people entering. The Pillsbury one is kind of like the lottery, you just can't get upset if you don't win.
That reminds me of a story a co-worker told me. His cousin won one of the big ones in NJ, it's a $1000 a week for life. And he said something to her about how incredible that was and she said something like "well, I've been playing it for a couple months".

[mamaxsix]

Originally Posted by pegmac71

If you do crafty gifts, give me some ideas!! Everyone is eighteen or older.

Saw this one that a friend posted: Candy Cane Sugar Scrub

[mamaxsix]

Originally Posted by cveneruso

OK, you need to start entering contests that have TONS of people entering. The Pillsbury one is kind of like the lottery, you just can't get upset if you don't win.

I haven't done it in quite a while, but did for probably 10 years in a row. Never thought I'd win, but thought it would be fun to get to go to the bake off contest! I have had a couple of recipes published in magazines.

[PH in VA]

Originally Posted by cveneruso

looks like you can decorate some gift bags

I thought about making bag-a-lopes. I also have some Basic Grey take-out containers and even though they're not holiday patterns, I thought I could use one as a template with holiday patterned paper. Or I could just make regular boxes with holiday patterned paper. Basic Grey would probably work because it's fairly heavyweight.

The thing is, most of the ornaments I bought are going to be traveling with us to my parents' house for distribution, so I want them wrapped in something sturdy even though they do have the bubble wrap.

[acrossthepond]

Originally Posted by cveneruso

Did you ever make brooches with stamps? My SU buddy showed me how. I love them, they are easy to make.
I have them and some things I made on my blog, if you go to the labels section and click on the 3D projects you can see them.

Hey ladies - everyone's still here? Just skimming and I just posted some handmade angels on my blog. May not be what an eighteen year old is looking for...

[pattyb]

I heard from Stamp n storage tonight! I placed my order already, I still cannot believe I won from them!

[Clownmom]

I've got my wish list for Rubber Cafe -- just waiting to hear from them. I had to redo my list a couple of times though. Things keep disappearing from the website as they get sold out.

[jodylb]

Originally Posted by Clownmom

I've got my wish list for Rubber Cafe -- just waiting to hear from them. I had to redo my list a couple of times though. Things keep disappearing from the website as they get sold out.

I've been looking at stuff there but just decided I would wait to hear from them before I made any choices - that way I only have to make up my mind once!

How's retirement treating you?

And congratulations!!

[vdoyle8]

Originally Posted by mamaxsix

These Chocolate Pistachio Thumbprint Cookies are my signature cookies...so yummy! This is the same recipe I use but I use almond extract in the filling instead of vanilla and have found that I need to make extra filling. I also substitute part wheat germ for the nuts to roll the cookies in....less calories and better coverage. These were from a Pillsbury Bake Off cookbook.....there's another contest I tried for MANY years with no success, but lots of yummy goodies along the way.

Gail-
1. I'm so sorry you didn't make the DT but I am proud of you for trying!
2. Cookies look fabulous - can't wait to try them.
3. I wish I had your courage. It took a pep talk from Lydia for me to screw up the courage to post my cards for HYCCT last year. I wish I had the moxie to put myself out there & try for a DT. You not only tried but got to the very final round!

[naturecoastcrafter]

Originally Posted by bfinlay

I'm so sorry you didn't make it, Gail, you had some fabulous entries. But I have to tell you and I mean it - you win for being a most WONDERFUL MOM!!! I really admire how you've raised six lovely and obviously very special human beings! And I thought two were hard work!

You are so right on that score, Bridget. Gail is a great mom.

[stamp300]

Originally Posted by acrossthepond

Hey ladies - everyone's still here? Just skimming and I just posted some handmade angels on my blog. May not be what an eighteen year old is looking for...

Maria, those are incredible...cute angels.

[superjen]

Originally Posted by pattyb

I heard from Stamp n storage tonight! I placed my order already, I still cannot believe I won from them!

I heard too, Patty. But haven't ordered yet. DD birthday party to contend with and Christmas, of course. So probably not until January for me. I'm not in any hurry.

[pvilbaum]

I think I caught up with what's happening now that I have scanned the last 4 pages.

Gail - As everone else has said - Sorry you didn't make the DT, but you did as a guest -that's great - not what you had hoped for , I know, but enjoy that anyway.
Maria- your angels are cool. I made something similar years ago but all out of wood - during my years of scroll saw projects.
Val - I have not heard from Xyron either or from Stampin Bella but I am sure we will hear something from the rest of our wonderful proze sponsors soon. I need to get back on Stampin Bella and figure out what to order before they do send me the go ahead.
I made a few Christmas cards over the last couple of days, trying to get all my cards mailed out today. I only have 10 that weren't ready. So I will get those out tomorrow and I'll try to upload my pics into my gallery.
And Gail - Thanks for the link for the light box. I was just thinking the other day that I needed to make myself a light box. Now I have instructions! Sweet!
Better run - have to work early and all day again tomorrow. Part-time job - ha!

[mamaxsix]

Originally Posted by pegmac71

If you do crafty gifts, give me some ideas!! Everyone is eighteen or older.

These no-knit scarves look pretty cool too.
Love the angels Maria made!

[muzbysmom]

I've been stalking The Rubber Cafe's website but haven't started a wish list. Guess I'll wait until I hear from them. I'd really like to get more Nesties but I'm either not inspired with what they have or already have what they have so I've gone on to looking at their pages and pages of stamps. It might be nice to just stock up on embellishments so I need to check those out.

Today's my all day volunteering at church. Woke up WAY TOO EARLY though so I'll probably fizzle well before the end of the evening.

I hope everyone has a great day! Although I didn't make it to round 3 of the CAS Winter DT search I seem to have secured a spot as a guest designer. Not sure exactly how that works (when it's my turn to GD) but I guess I'll find out!

[KelliJo]

{{GAIL}} I say you are a WINNER cuz you ENTERED!!!!! YAY!!!! HUGE Congrats on marching forward and carrying on, you did an AWESOME JOB in my book!!!!!

[bfinlay]

Congrats on CAS GD spot, Lynn!! If it works the way it used to, Denise will send you a schedule so you know what week you're on, and also what the challenge will be.

Originally Posted by muzbysmom

I've been stalking The Rubber Cafe's website but haven't started a wish list. Guess I'll wait until I hear from them. I'd really like to get more Nesties but I'm either not inspired with what they have or already have what they have so I've gone on to looking at their pages and pages of stamps. It might be nice to just stock up on embellishments so I need to check those out.

Today's my all day volunteering at church. Woke up WAY TOO EARLY though so I'll probably fizzle well before the end of the evening.

I hope everyone has a great day! Although I didn't make it to round 3 of the CAS Winter DT search I seem to have secured a spot as a guest designer. Not sure exactly how that works (when it's my turn to GD) but I guess I'll find out!

[Ksnurse]

Congrats Gail and Lynn!! I agree with KJ...you are a winner because you entered...so what if you didn't get the chicken dinner...you can cook your own....lol!! I'm glad you tried...I didn't even have guts to do that....and we'll be waiting for your turn as GD

although Gail, I did try a few Pillsbury rounds...and the King Arthur Bread contest...I won coupons...heehee...I'm thinkin I was the winner cuz I didn't have to spend anything..

[Greywolf]

Originally Posted by mamaxsix

I found a link for making a light box . It sure would be simpler than some of the convoluted things I've rigged up along the way to try to get better photos. When you were talking about it, I was picturing a light table and couldn't figure out how that would help!
Thanks for your encouraging words ladies. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed, but I made it farther than the other times I've tried.
I think I'm going to start my holiday baking today. If that doesn't cure my low spirits I don't know what will!

Gail, That's the kind of light box that I made. I haven't actually finished it or used it yet, but have high hopes. My problem is that my photos pick up color from whatever is near. My white cs looks, yellow, blue, pink.... Then when I try to correct it in editing, everything gets washed out.

Yes, I'm sure holiday baking will lift your spirits. BTW, I think your cards are good enough for the DT! And you should feel good about making it as far as you did. Gee, you should feel good about having tried!

[Crafty Math Chick]

Still no word from TGF Oh well, they say patience is a virtue!

[BluDragon]

Originally Posted by Crafty Math Chick

Still no word from TGF Oh well, they say patience is a virtue!

i hear ya on that, waiting on Faber-Castell. I ordered something the other day and the tracking said it will be delivered on monday but i still look for packages outside as if its going to magically appear early =P

[vdoyle8]

Don't despair peeps!! I haven't heard from JustRite either but I didn't hear anything last year for ages...or so it seemed

[mrslaird]

Hey all! My husband had lasik this morning so it's been a tad bit stressful here today. He can already see better, though, so worth it!

MFT came late last night. I'm so glad to not be a delivery person right now! Haven't gotten to play or take a picture.

Gail, hugs and repeats of what everyone said! Final round and a guest spot are very impressive accomplishments!

Hugs and hellos to all! My brain is a little bit fried right now, lol!

[mamaxsix]

Thanks again to all who've said such encouraging things! I had two custom orders for items this week and I taught my kids to pat me on my head and tell me I'm wonderful, so I'm doin' just fine!

[jodylb]

Originally Posted by mrslaird

Hey all! My husband had lasik this morning so it's been a tad bit stressful here today. He can already see better, though, so worth it!

MFT came late last night. I'm so glad to not be a delivery person right now! Haven't gotten to play or take a picture.

Gail, hugs and repeats of what everyone said! Final round and a guest spot are very impressive accomplishments!

Hugs and hellos to all! My brain is a little bit fried right now, lol!

I had LASIK in 1998 and it was one of the BEST things I ever did! How exciting for your husband, because the procedure is even better now. Just tell him not to get frustrated - it took about six weeks for my vision to "settle".