Countdown to Christmas | Papyrusaurus (Giveaway)

Welcome to the Countdown to Christmas {Etsy} Party! 

Today, I'm pleased to feature Ashley from Papyrusaurus. 

(Because the shop owner has been on vacation for the past week preparing for a large event, I delayed posting this review until her shop is back up and running. Which is just more fun for the rest of us and a little extension of the party! Hope no one minds! )

As is probably obvious by now, I love Christmas, and I love decorating for Christmas! In fact, we're getting the decorations down tomorrow. (Yes, before Thanksgiving!) But I digress. I just love ornaments. I have ones that my parents have given me through the years. I have a ton of snowmen from the first tree I ever decorated in college. I have quite a few that Hubs brought into the marriage. And there are those that Hubs and I have exchanged or collected while traveling. Even with ALL those ornaments, I'm always looking for something unique, something one of a kind, something that will stand out on the tree.

My Thoughts

Papyrusaurus has one such ornament! This Pinecone Ornament is made from pages of a book. (Mine is made from pages of a dictionary, but other options include Harry Potter and Twilight!) The layers are quite delicate, but together they make a fairly substantial ornament! And the brown satin ribbon hangar adds just the right touch of fancy. If you're not big on traditional Christmas decor, I think you'll really enjoy this ornament. It's perfect to hang on a tree but not so "Christmasy." You could actually display it year round if you chose!

Additionally, I was so impressed with the packaging. It arrived in clear cellophane wrapping, complete with a little gold ribbon. Once it arrives in the mail, it's already wrapped and ready to be given as a gift if you choose. (Plus, the little origami dinosaur that Ashley put in the box was just too cute!)

Here are a couple of other favorites from the shop ...

The little stars inside this ornament are so sweet. Very pretty!

Pretty much anything related to The Sandlot is a winner in my book!

What a pretty print! I love the idea of using old book pages as art ... upcycle! There's a huge variety of prints in the shop, and they're all so cute!

Giveaway

Ashley is offering a great giveaway to one reader! Enter to win one Pinecone Ornament OR 2 prints (winner's choice). Giveaway is open to US or Canadian residents and ends November 27. Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*** All participants must be 18 years or older. The winner will be contacted via email. Once contacted the winner has 72 hours to respond with the required information. If the winner does not respond within the timeframe specified, another winner will be chosen. I am not responsible for shipping mishaps. Void where prohibited. *** 

Countdown to Christmas | MWC Vinyl Lettering (Giveaway)

Welcome to the Countdown to Christmas {Etsy} Party! 

Today, I'm pleased to feature Amanda from MWC Vinyl Lettering. 

If you've been to any craft stores or have any crafty friends or are interested in home decor you know that vinyl is all the rage these days. I've thought several times that it would be so cool to have a vinyl cutting machine and I've dreamed up all these projects I would do. But seriously, I know I would never get around to them all. So, my project list keeps getting longer for "one day."

Thankfully, there are people like Amanda from MWC Vinyl Lettering who have the creativity and desire to make these projects a reality for the rest of us! Of all the awesome ideas in Amanda's shop, though, I just fell in love with this sweet Nativity Trio.

My Thoughts

Amanda was kind enough to send the Nativity Trio cutouts for my review, and I was excited to finally get a shot at making my very own vinyl creation! Just to be clear, this listing is for the vinyl only, which allows you to have a little DIY fun.

Not super crafty? That's okay too! This is really simple! Amanda sent fantastic directions with the cutouts. She even gave precise measurements of the glass cubes she bought and where she purchased them (though I'm sure you can get them at any craft store). One quick trip to a local craft shop, pulling the Christmas lights out of the attic, and I was able to come home and knock out this project in no time.

The cutout for each cube comes on a separate sheet, so you don't have to cut anything out. The application is quite simple. Then add your lights, and embellish with ribbon or anything else you like and you have a beautiful nativity to display in your home. If you can't find the glass cubes, you could always use something else for the "backdrop"—mason jars, wood, or even three picture frames. Let those creative juices flow and make something to help your family focus on Christ this Christmas!

(I'm having a hard time uploading a picture of the finished product. Hopefully, I'll be able to add one soon.)

Here are a couple of other favorites from the shop ...

I'm a huge fan of wall art these days. This is so sweet!

I've not thought of putting vinyl on doors. This is great though! I also saw one in the shop for the laundry room ... might make doing laundry less laborious if I had fun decorations on the door/room1

 What a great idea for staying on track with meal planning!

Giveaway

Amanda is offering a giveaway to one reader who's in the mood for a little DIY fun! Enter to win one Nativity Trio Vinyl Cutout. Giveaway is open to US residents and ends November 27. Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*** All participants must be 18 years or older. The winner will be contacted via email. Once contacted the winner has 72 hours to respond with the required information. If the winner does not respond within the timeframe specified, another winner will be chosen. I am not responsible for shipping mishaps. Void where prohibited. *** 

Countdown to Christmas | Crafty Cans (Giveaway)

Welcome to the Countdown to Christmas {Etsy} Party! 

Today, I'm pleased to feature Tina from Crafty Cans. 

Hubs and I exchange ornaments every year for Christmas. We started the tradition when we started dating and have continued every year since. It's one of my favorite things that we do because we always pick ornaments that mean something to us ... either about the person or about the year we had or just something really special.

Last year, we both bought ornaments from Etsy shops. (How funny is that?! We didn't even know the other one was doing that! Great minds and all!) The ornament I gave Hubs came from Crafty Cans, and it was a hit!

My Thoughts
I bought Hubs a Santa ornament crafted from an upcycled Mountain Dew Can. (I also bought myself a  Dr. Pepper snowman. They were just so cute!) Hubs is slightly addicted to Mountain Dew, so I thought it was an appropriate addition for our tree!

The ornaments were exactly what I was hoping for! They were sweet designs and showcased the cans really well. (There's no guessing what kind of can it was.) The backs are padded with a thin layer of foam, so the sharp edges of the can won't cut you (or little ones!). And the ornaments look great on the tree. They shimmer in the lights and are really cute! And the best part is that Hubs loved his gift!

Here are some of my favorites from Crafty Cans' shop ...

 Isn't this dove so sweet?

 I think the train may be my favorite this year. A very classic Christmas image.

While I don't drink energy drinks, this angel is so cute. I love how Tina lined up the design so that the "head" of the Starbucks logo is the "head" of the angel!

What a cute little snowman!

Y'all! These earrings!!! Love them!

Giveaway

Tina wanted to let lots of people win, so she's giving away FIVE ornaments!!! FIVE winners will each get their choice of ornament from Crafty Cans. Giveaway is open to US residents and ends November 26. Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

*** All participants must be 18 years or older. The winner will be contacted via email. Once contacted the winner has 72 hours to respond with the required information. If the winner does not respond within the timeframe specified, another winner will be chosen. I am not responsible for shipping mishaps. Void where prohibited. *** 

Countdown to Christmas | Paramore Art Works (Giveaway)

Welcome to the Countdown to Christmas {Etsy} Party! 

Today, I'm pleased to feature Beth from Paramore Art Works. 

I stumbled upon Beth's shop and fell in love with the adorable banners that she sells! It seems banners like this are popping up everywhere. I'd like to think I could just whip one right up, but let's be honest ... between work and family and this blog and the rest of my life, when would I ever find time to do it? The banners should hold up through multiple years of use since they're made of chipboard rather than cardstock, and the prices are super reasonable at just $10-25 per banner!

Here are a couple of my favorites from her shop ...

While this party is highlighting a lot of great Christmas decor, Beth offers plenty of banners for other occasions as well. I could see these being used as part of your daily home decor or for special events like a wedding, birth of a baby, a party or shower, or even a photo shoot. Don't see what you're looking for? Just message Beth to work out a custom order.

(Wouldn't this be so cute for a baby announcement photo or even a pregnancy announcement?!)

Here is a close-up of a "Give Thanks" banner, so you can see the letters a little better.

Giveaway

Enter to win your choice of any pre-made banner in the Paramore Art Works Etsy shop (custom orders excluded). (NOTE: Shipping is included for US addresses. International participants may enter if they are willing to cover the shipping costs.) Giveaway ends November 26. Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*** All participants must be 18 years or older. The winner will be contacted via email. Once contacted the winner has 72 hours to respond with the required information. If the winner does not respond within the timeframe specified, another winner will be chosen. I am not responsible for shipping mishaps. Void where prohibited. *** 

Countdown to Christmas | Kourtney's Kreations (Giveaway)

Welcome to the Countdown to Christmas {Etsy} Party! 

Today, I'm pleased to feature Kourtney from Kourtney's Kreations. 

I really love nativity sets and have collected several over the years. I have one that was always displayed in our home when I was a child (that my grandmother made!), one that my in-laws have added to each year since Hubs and I have been married, and a few others that have been gifts through the years. 

 

This Simple Wood Nativity from Kourtney's Kreations is just darling! It's so basic and almost rustic looking. I am reminded of the birth of Christ ... born to teenage parents in a barn. It was a simple, humble beginning. And this nativity brings that to the forefront for me.

While I was poking around in Kourtney's shop, a few other things jumped out at me as well. And her Facebook page has even more cute stuff on it!

Y'all. I have had the HARDEST time finding a tree topper. This one is simple and sparkly. Love it!

The wrapping could be a gift in and of itself!

I love all this vinyl stuff. :) And what a cute idea to frame it in a shadow box type frame. You could put fabric or scrapbook paper in the back. Very cute (and easy!).

Giveaway

Kourtney has offered to give away one of her nativities! Enter to win one Simple Wood Nativity from Kourtney's Kreations. Giveaway is open to US residents and ends November 26. Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*** All participants must be 18 years or older. The winner will be contacted via email. Once contacted the winner has 72 hours to respond with the required information. If the winner does not respond within the timeframe specified, another winner will be chosen. I am not responsible for shipping mishaps. Void where prohibited. *** 

Countdown to Christmas | Things by JuJu (Giveaway)

Welcome to the Countdown to Christmas {Etsy} Party! 

Today, I'm pleased to feature Julie from Things by JuJu. 

I had this crazy idea last year that I was going to make my own wrapping paper and gift tags. I had a crafty itch and for some reason decided that Christmas was the best time to get it out of my system. As you might imagine, I was still wrapping gifts at 3:00am the night before our first gift exchange! This year, I'm going back to store-bought wrapping paper ... but I'm still going to use cute gift tags. (I just won't be making them myself this year!)

As I started looking for some online, the gift tags on Things by JuJu popped out at me. Julie has a huge variety of gift tags (and Christmas cards!). So whatever your style is, she probably has something for you.

My Thoughts
Julie sent me a set of six Snowman Gift Tags to review, and they are just as cute in person as they are online! The "face" is made of a shimmery paper that has snowflakes embossed on it. And the black dots that make up the eyes and the smile look like they have a bit of glitter or shine. I also love that the thin white ribbon gives me the option to tie it to the handle of a gift bag or attach it to a bow on a box. I like options!

Julie also included a little package of die cuts in the box she sent me. You could use these in your own crafting or scrapbooking or it may give you an idea of something else you'd like to order from her! What a fun touch!

Here are a couple of other cute items from Things by JuJu that will help add a little personal flair to your Christmas celebration ...

I'm a huge fan of this simple look. Kraft paper/cardboard with a simple pattern. So classic.

These embossed cards are cute with a little fancy flair.

These Santa cards are so cute!

These are BRAND NEW in the shop. Aren't they just adorable?!?!

Giveaway

Julie has graciously offered to host a giveaway for one of you! Enter to win one a $15 Credit to Things by JuJu (custom orders excluded). Giveaway is open to US residents and ends November 26. Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*** All participants must be 18 years or older. The winner will be contacted via email. Once contacted the winner has 72 hours to respond with the required information. If the winner does not respond within the timeframe specified, another winner will be chosen. I am not responsible for shipping mishaps. Void where prohibited. *** 

Countdown to Christmas | Cooper Studios

Welcome to the Countdown to Christmas {Etsy} Party! 

Today, I'm pleased to feature Kat from Cooper Studios. 

Cooper Studios has a huge variety of items available for sale. However, of everything in Kat's shop, the adorable magnets made from soda cans jumped out at me. As you can probably tell by now, I really do like to decorate for Christmas. These cute little magnets will provide just a touch of cheer on our fridge throughout the holiday season and provide the perfect way to display some of the photo cards we will get in the mail this year.

My Thoughts

I received a set of three adorable magnets for review—a Pepsi ornament, a Coca-Cola twinkling light bulb, and a Mountain Dew Christmas tree. I promptly stuck them to the fridge, and they look so festive! When Hubs got home that day, he even commented on how fun they were! One thing I have realized about my refrigerator over the past few years is that most magnets are not strong enough to stay put. (Most of our cards/notes require two or magnets or constantly slide down the fridge every time we walk by.) These magnets, however, fall into a different category ... of very strong magnets! They're cute and actually hold stuff up!

Here are a couple of other favorites from Kat's shop ...

This is such a pretty little tree!

Here's a close-up of the "ornament" magnet. Love the white-water rafting Coke can!

Hubs' favorite beverage ... ever! He's a fan of these! :)

Giveaway

Kat is giving away a set of magnets! Enter to win a set of 3 Christmas magnets (ornament, twinkling light blub, and Christmas tree in the Coca-Cola pattern). Giveaway is open to US residents and ends November 26. Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*** All participants must be 18 years or older. The winner will be contacted via email. Once contacted the winner has 72 hours to respond with the required information. If the winner does not respond within the timeframe specified, another winner will be chosen. I am not responsible for shipping mishaps. Void where prohibited. *** 

Countdown to Christmas | Still Water Candles (Giveaway)

Welcome to the Countdown to Christmas {Etsy} Party! 

Today, I'm pleased to feature Janelle from Still Water Candles. 

Living in the South, it doesn't always feel like Christmas. (Seriously, with temps in the 70s, I wore short-sleeves yesterday!) So I often have to resort to other methods to get that wintery Christmas feel. You know, like turning up the air conditioner and snuggling under a blanket on the couch. :)

One of the things that never fails to help it feel a bit more like Christmas are the smells of Christmas. Apple cider cooking on the stove, cookies baking in the oven, the scent of pine in friends' homes (we're all fake tree around here!), and Christmas candles burning around the house.

Still Water Candles has a huge variety of scented candles available. The winter line includes fragrances like Sugar Cookie, Eggnog, Bayberry, Peppermint, and Gingerbread. Yum! Personally, I'm itching to smell the Spruce Christmas Tree Candle (fake tree, remember?). And I'm a huge fan of the Mason Jar Candles.

Here are a couple of other items that Still Water Candles sells  ...

How cute are these air fresheners? Great idea for stocking stuffers!

Y'all! Winter Wonderland!

I love the cinnamon sticks around this candle. Gives it a bit of a "fancy" look. :)

Giveaway

Still Water Candles is offering a giveaway for one of my readers. Enter to win one Spruce Christmas Tree Candle. Giveaway is open to US residents and ends November 26. Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

*** All participants must be 18 years or older. The winner will be contacted via email. Once contacted the winner has 72 hours to respond with the required information. If the winner does not respond within the timeframe specified, another winner will be chosen. I am not responsible for shipping mishaps. Void where prohibited. *** 

Countdown to Christmas | Making Room for Moore (Giveaway)

Welcome to the Countdown to Christmas {Etsy} Party! 

Today, I'm pleased to feature Stephanie from Making Room for Moore. 

When I was looking for Christmas items to feature in this week's party, I was so excited to stumble upon these glass ornaments that Stephanie at Making Room for Moore makes (Africa and Africa LOVE). I have a heart for Africa and believe wholeheartedly in adoption. When I read that she started making these ornaments as a way to raise funds for her family's adoptions from Uganda, I knew I had to share these ornaments with you!

Now that Stephanie and her family have brought their two boys home from Uganda, she continues to make the ornaments as a way to raise funds for an organziation called A Child's Voice. I asked Stephanie to share a little more about this organization and her family's involvement with it, and this is what she had to say:

"After our second adoption from Uganda and after spending many months in Uganda, I had seen many of the devastating family situations that lead children to orphanages and eventually adoption. I wanted to get involved with helping to support vulnerable families. This led us to A Child's Voice, which I now serve on the board.

"A Child’s Voice (ACV) is a grassroots organization advocating for vulnerable children and families in Uganda. We use social policy, education, and family empowerment to promote solutions that strengthen vulnerable families and care for orphans without orphanages."

Hubs and I have tons of friends who have adopted children and several who have adopted children from Uganda. The need to advocate for these children is so great, and I'm pleased to share what this organization is doing.

Additionally, these ornaments would be a great gift for anyone who has a heart for adoption or Africa or just has a desire to give/receive gifts that have impact beyond ourselves!

Giveaway

Stephanie has graciously offered a giveaway to one of you! Enter to win your choice of one Africa or Africa LOVE Glass Christmas Ornament. Giveaway is open to US residents and ends November 26. Enter using the Giveaway Tools widget below.

Entry-Form

*** All participants must be 18 years or older. The winner will be contacted via email. Once contacted the winner has 72 hours to respond with the required information. If the winner does not respond within the timeframe specified, another winner will be chosen. I am not responsible for shipping mishaps. Void where prohibited. *** 

Countdown to Christmas | Prints Charming Decor (Giveaway)

Welcome to the Countdown to Christmas {Etsy} Party! 

Today, I'm pleased to feature Lacey from Prints Charming Decor. 

I'll be honest. I'm a sucker for a great piece of art on the wall. It goes back to when I used to tear pages out of Tiger Beat and pin them to my wall. I don't know if you could call that art exactly, but I can't stand bare walls!

Prints Charming Decor has a ton of awesome prints that would be great for everyday decorating or to display for holidays and special occasions. I love the Christmas Tree Typography Art Print, which features Isaiah 9:6: "For unto us a child is born." It will be perfect for us to display in our living room and serve as constant reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.

My Thoughts
I received a print for review, and I can assure you that this is a quality print that I will be pleased to display in my home this Christmas season! (Now, the trick is to get Hubs to give me the okay to set it out now ... rather than wait until after Thanksgiving!) It's printed on HP Premium photo paper, so the colors come through bright and even. It's definitely higher quality than what I would get if I printed from my home computer with my little quick printer. :) The print is 8.5x11; however, you could easily trim the white border off to 8x10 ... depending on what size frame you have in mind. And if you're concerned about receiving a print in the mail, there's no need. The print arrived in a flat rate mailing envelope between two pieces of cardboard that are the same size as the print. No fear of the edges getting bent when the mailman crams it in your mailbox!

Most of the prints are $15, which is so affordable! This is a great price point if you're looking for a small "happy" or if you're just on a tight budget but want to give a special gift.

Here are a couple of other favorites from the shop ...

I just love this chalkboard style!

If I ever have a son, this will be in the nursery. Hilarious!

This is so precious. What a great anniversary gift or wedding gift or perhaps a Christmas gift?!

 Can you tell I love this color? But I also love this Scripture. I think this would be a great gift for your spouse or even for a special couple in your life.

Giveaway

Lacey is giving away one of these prints to one of you! Enter to win one Christmas Tree Typography Art Print. Giveaway is open to US residents and ends November 26. Enter using the Giveaway Tools widget below.

Entry-Form

*** All participants must be 18 years or older. The winner will be contacted via email. Once contacted the winner has 72 hours to respond with the required information. If the winner does not respond within the timeframe specified, another winner will be chosen. I am not responsible for shipping mishaps. Void where prohibited. ***