Cutting Edge Stencil Giveaway Ends Tonight!--Giveaway has Closed

***Giveaway has closed***

Just a quick reminder that the Cutting Edge Stencil Giveaway ends tonight.  Enter for a chance to win a stencil of your choice, up to a $50 value!  Plus the shipping is free. 

Enter the giveaway here.

$50 Cutting Edge Stencil Giveaway and Review--Closed

This Giveaway has closed.

Happy New Year! 

What better way to start out the new year than with a giveaway, right?  Right! 

How does a free Cutting Edge Stencil of your choice (up to a $50 value, w/free shipping) sound to you?  Pretty good?

Cutting Edge Stencils has a large selection of stencils to choose from including a new line of craft size stencils that are the perfect size for smaller projects like pillows as well as larger size stencils for walls and furniture. 

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I've wanted to try stenciling on fabric for awhile now, so when Cutting Edge Stencils contacted me and asked if I'd be interested in reviewing one of their stencils and hosting a giveaway I was ready to dive right in and give it a try!

I thought a pillow cover would be a great first-time fabric stenciling project and it was, I actually had a lot of fun with it and it was so easy.  I still need some practice with stenciling on fabric (you might notice that the paint is a little blotchy, but I will go back and touch it up and am confident my skills will improve for my next project. )  The lines however are all crisp and clean, I was pretty amazed with how well the stencil worked and know I'll use it again on a larger project at some point.



The stencil I used is called the Rabat craft stencil.  I started with some fabric that I bought on clearance, it's a heavy weight two-sided woven fabric, a natural color on one side, dark brown on the other.  The pillows have envelope backs made with osnaburg fabric (same as the ruffle).

I used regular acrylic craft paint and bought a fabric medium to mix in with it.  It was 2 parts paint (1 bottle), 1 part fabric medium (1/2 bottle).  Just follow the directions on the fabric medium bottle, it's quite simple to do.  My paint may have been too thick, next time I might thin it out just a little. 

I was impressed with the quality of the stencil and glad that they included a free smaller stencil so I could practice with it first.



The stencil was easy to line up when I needed to move it and cleaned up really well when I was done.

For a great tutorial on how to stencil, if you've never tried it before, you can watch the video below to learn all about the tips and tricks to using stencils.






To enter to win a Cutting Edge Stencil of your choice
(up to a $50 value): 
Leave me a comment and tell me what you would like to stencil if you win...a wall, your pantry, a kids room, furniture, whatever, I want to hear about it. :)  For an additional entry: 
Like Cutting Edge Stencils on Facebook and then leave a comment on this post saying that you did.
*This giveaway is open until Wednesday, January 11th at 10pm MST when I will randomly select a winner.  The winner will have two days to contact me to claim their prize or I will select a new winner. (Sorry, you must have a U.S. postal address to enter.) Good Luck! 

 Linking up to Someday Crafts Giveaway Directory 
 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned in this post for free in the hope that I would mention it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe my readers will enjoy. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Thank you's, Shabby Apple Dress Winner and 10% Off Code

Did you have a fun Halloween? 

At times it sure seems like a lot of work to have it come and go so quickly, but it's totally worth it! :)

My kids each carved their own Jack-o-lantern.  It's fun to see from year to year what they come up with for the design.  The pumpkin third from the left says puke and had pumpkin 'guts' spilling from the mouth.  It's kinda gross, but looked so funny! :)

Thanks to all of you who entered the giveaway for the Shabby Apple Dress.  

We have a winner!

The winner of the Shabby Apple Da Vinci dress is Missy who said:  

"My favorite is definitely Madison Ave. :) " 

Congratulations Missy!

For those of you who didn't win, you can still use the code "fabfinds10off" to get 10% off of your order until November 19th.

Thank you's

Each month I put together a list of the blogs that have featured one of my projects.  It's my small way of saying thank you.  If you have a minute, read through the list to see if there are any you aren't familiar with, you might find a new fun blog. :)

Printable Halloween Countdown

Creations by Kara

Eighteen 25

My Repurposed Life

Game Night in a Bag

Blissfully Domestic

Fall Subway Art

Ideas, Lists, and Bargains

Photo/Quote/Recipe Block

Lil' Luna

Mostly Food and Crafts

Thankful Decorative Charger

My Repurposed Life

15 Gifts under $2

Pure Joy

Trendy Treehouse

A big thank you to The Messy Roost  for passing on the Versatile Blogger award to me.  While I haven't taken the time to fill the requirements to accept the award, I want to thank Rhonda  for thinking of me! :)

Also, it was such a thrill to see that my Fall Bubble Burlap Wreath was chosen as the top pick at The CSI Projects' Fall Wreath Challenge.  There are so many beautiful and fun wreaths that were entered.  If you are looking for some inspiration, this is a great place to start! 

Fall Bubble Burlap Wreath

Do you know what the CSI Project blog is all about?  Each week there is a new challenge, a guest judge, and a linky party.  The guest judge visits each link and chooses her favorite #1 project and a top 10 project list.  It's a lot of fun!  Visit the CSI project and check out the list of upcoming challenges on their sidebar.  This week is kid's spaces and places which I'm excited about! 

Hope you have a wonderful day today!

Thanks for reading.

Shabby Apple Dress Giveaway {Now Closed}

Giveaway is now closed, thanks for entering!

Recently I was contacted by a representative from Shabby Apple and offered an opportunity to give away one of their fabulous dresses to one of you fabulous ladies.  Before I show you the dress that could soon be hanging in your closet, I want to show you some of the items you can find at Shabby Apple.
 

'Cider' from Shabby Apples' The Berkshires Collection.

 Amazing color!

Shabby Apples' Black Collection

Did you know that Shabby Apple has a maternity line?

I think this dress looks so comfortable.

Shabby Apple also has little girls dresses and pre-teen dresses.

This adorable little girls dress is called the Hibiscus.

"An Addi & Kinsi creation, the floral print lies on a bright blue background making the off-white flowers with leafy green detail stand out. Brown band gives this dress a mature, yet girly look. Skirt hits at the knee for full coverage and comfort." -Shabby Apple

  

Ready to see which dress you are entering to win?

Shabby Apples Da Vinci Dress

 (valued at $56)

I really like the basic color and style of the Da Vinci.  

With it's drop waist and jersey knit fabric, I think it would fit comfortably on different body types as well. 

About the Dress

"Sometimes choosing an outfit is as complex as cracking a Da Vinci anagram or reading backwards italian cursive without a mirror (or a dictionary!) Take the guesswork out of dressing with the soft and simple Da Vinci dress. One part sweatshirt, one part puff-sleeved perfection, this easy-wearing number has a flare for the informal with its drop waist, A-line skirt and kangaroo pockets. Pack it for your next weekend getaway or make it a part of your everyday routine." -Shabby Apple

10% off Coupon

Shabby Apple is also offering you a 10% off coupon, good for the next 30 days, when you use the code "fabfinds10off".

  

The details: 

• Giveaway ends on Monday, October 31st, 10 pm MST. 
• Winner must have a United States shipping address. 
• No exchanges can be made for the winning dress. 
• You must e-mail me by the deadline or leave your e-mail address either in your comment or have it visible in your Blogger profile so that I can contact you if you win. 
• Winner will have until November 2nd at 10 pm MST to contact me or I will pick a new winner.

To Enter the Giveaway: 

1st Entry:  Go visit Shabby Apple, take a look around and then come back and leave a comment telling me which dress you would love to hang in your closet.  Super easy right?

2nd Entry:  If you follow or subscribe to Today's Fabulous Finds, leave a comment saying you do.

Good luck!

*I have not received any compensation from Shabby Apple for writing this post.  All opinions are my own.

We have a Winner!

Personalized Subway Art Winner!
Thanks to all of you who entered the subway art giveaway!  I loved reading all of your comments.  You have some great ideas, thanks for sharing them with me. :)
The Winner is #26! MaGoooo said...Congratulations Magoooo!Send me an e-mail and we'll get started. :)

A Gift {for you} and a Giveaway! (Giveaway is closed)

Over the weekend Today's Fabulous Finds surpassed 1,000 readers in Google Friend Connect.  With those that have subscribed to posts through e-mail and other readers, this blog now has over 1,400 readers!  I'm so appreciative to those of you who take time from your already busy days to take a look at something that I've made and then even take the time to leave me a comment.  Thank you so much!!!

I wanted to do something to show you my appreciation for the support and kindness that you've shown to me over the last 6 months, sooo I have a small gift for you and a giveaway!  What's up for grabs?

This giveaway is closed.

Enter to winOne Free Personalized Subway Art (pdf) Print You choose the theme!You choose the words (or leave it up to me)!You choose the color!I'll do the rest! You could choose a family theme, inspiring words theme, sports theme, whatever you want, it's up to you!  To Enter: Just leave me a comment telling me what theme you would choose if you win. 

• This giveaway is open to everyone who reads Today's Fabulous Finds.
• I will e-mail a pdf image of the print to the winner, so you must have an e-mail account.
• The winner will be notified by e-mail, if an e-mail address is made available, if not they will have 24 hours to contact me or I will select a new winner.  Giveaway closes on March 16th at 11 pm MST. 

Now...you know that I realize that you can't all win, so I spent some time and designed a bonus subway art print with a Birthday theme as a small gift--just for those of you who read my blog.(This has been the most requested theme.)    

Ideas for how you could use the Birthday Subway Art:

• as a birthday card
• as an invitation-you can fit 2-4x5 prints on an 8x10 sheet of photo paper (check your dollar store--8 sheets for $1), print them on the right side of the paper (hot dog style) and then cut (hamburger style) and fold them in half for cards/invitations
• as a birthday countdown--frame the print and then use a dry erase marker to write the countdown numbers on the glass over the center balloon each day (works okay), or laminate it and write on the lamination
• if you know how to edit images you can insert a filled box over the balloons to hide them, and then add the month and day of the birthday (I like to use a stencil font for the numbers.)
• put picture of the birthday girl/boy in the center over the balloons and frame it, to honor them during a party or for their special day
• print them small, attach them to a pick and put them on a cupcake

For Personal Use OnlyPlease don't post these images on your website, thanks. You are more than welcome to use the picture above :)   

(You can print the black and white images onto colored paper, or scrapbook paper with a simple pattern.)

To download: You must first click on the image to open it in a new window in it's highest resolution.  Right click on the image and either copy and paste it into a document (to size and then print), or click on save image as to save it to your computer.  You will need to size it before you print.

To size the prints:   The prints look will look the best printed as an 8x10 or 4"x5" (for a card), but can be stretched to other sizes if you insert them into a document using a program like Microsoft Word/Publisher or Photo shop.  Insert the image, click on it, then drag the sides of the image to the size that you want.  (A 5x7 will look slightly stretched vertically, but still looks good.) 

Thanks again and don't forget to enter the giveaway! (now closed)

 Today's Fabulous Finds...A Giveaway and A Gift! 

  

Month In Review

  JUST A REMINDER:  The Christmas Tree Ornament Giveaway ends Tonight!   Click here to enter. 

   November has come to an end and what a fun month it was!  First of all  A Big Thank You to all of you who have left me the nicest comments!   and A Big Welcome to all of you who are new readers of Today's Fabulous Finds!       Also, Another Big Thank You to those

who featured my projects in November! 

Look over the list, are there any sites you haven't visited?  If so, click on the link and it will take you to the main page.  If you've featured one of my projects and you don't see your blog name here,  please e-mail me, I'd love to add you to the list and return the favor!

Dish Towel Apron Embellishing Life Fall Pumpkin Patch One Pretty Thing Thanksgiving Subway Art Tater Tots and JelloEmbellishing LifeBe Different Act NormalSimply Awesome PrintablesAvoiding The LaundrySweet Funky VintageUnder the Table and DreamingLearning Is Child's Play-FacebookOne Pretty ThingDIY ShowoffOopsey Daisy  Paint Stick Ornaments Someday CraftsDomestically SpeakingFunky Junk InteriorsUnder The Table and DreamingModge Podge Rocks-Facebook  Snow Men {and girl} Ornaments Sew Much Talent 

I want to thank Erica at B is For Boy Creations for passing on the Stylish Blogger Award to me.   The rules state that to accept the award I am to pass it on to 15 new Bloggers.  With four kids, the time I spend on this blog, and my other responsibilities,  I will not be able to meet the requirements to accept this award.  I am, however, very appreciative of Erica for thinking of me!  

 Coming up... 

This next month I will be posting another small, and inexpensive Christmas Gift idea (that happens to include another printable), and will show you my latest dollar store creation (I'm really excited about this one!)

 

Thanks for reading Today's Fabulous Finds!   

Giveaway!!!---12 Handmade Christmas Tree Ornaments--CLOSED

Thanks for entering, this giveaway is now closed.  It's Giveaway Time!!! 

Today's Fabulous Finds has reached over 100 Followers and to show my thanks to you, I'm giving away...

~12 Handmade Christmas Tree Ornaments!~

  I realize that you can't all win this set, so I'm putting a tutorial together on how to make these ornaments (no vinyl required) and will be offering the templates to you for free! They make fun gift tags or can be made as magnets (Add a cute school saying on them for a teacher gift.).   Can you guess what I used to make them?  Hint:  The wood was free!

How to Enter:

 1. Follow Today's Fabulous Finds publicly

with Google Friend Connect

 

and then

2. Leave a comment.

(one entry per person)

That's it! 

• Giveaway ends December 1st, 2010, 11pm MST
• Open to U.S. residents only
• I will e-mail the winner.  If you don't leave your e-mail, you must check back to see if you won within 2 days or I will randomly select a new winner.

 Thanks again and good luck!

  

First Giveaway! $35 CSN Gift Card! (This Giveaway is Closed)

$35 Gift Card Giveaway to CSN Stores  

I was so excited to be contacted by CSN Stores.  They are offering you, a reader of Today's Fabulous Finds, a chance to win a $35 gift card to spend at any of their 200 plus stores!  CSN Stores has thousands of products to choose from.  In fact, you'll find something there for every member of your family.

 

 How about a piece of new furniture for Mom?

I've had my eye on this entry table for awhile now.  Wouldn't it be nice to add baskets to the bottom shelf and have a place for the kids shoes that seem to hang out by the front door?

This end table is gorgeous!  Just look at those curves!








     

Check out this fun waffle iron.  The kids would love eating heart-shaped waffles for breakfast.

  

My family loves to play this game.  Christmas is right around the corner, it would be nice to save a little, wouldn't it?

CSN Stores has a 2010 Gift Guide that will help you find just the right gift for just the right price.  As a bonus, many of their items ship for free!

What about a new jigsaw for the man of the house?  (Then mom can use it too, to cut out all of her cute crafts!

Ready to enter?  Here are the details:

This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only.  There are three ways to enter.

Mandatory Entry:

1.  Go to CSN Stores.com, look around, and then come back and leave a comment on this post telling me what you would spend the gift card on should you win.

Bonus Entries:

2.  Follow this blog.  If you are already a follower, just leave a comment telling me that you are.

3. Spread the word about this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, or your blog, and leave a comment on this post saying that you did.

You can enter a total of three times, leave a separate comment for each entry.  Your e-mail address must be included in your comment or visible on your profile so I can contact you if you win.  If you prefer to keep your e-mail private, you must contact me within 24 hours if you win or I will choose a new winner.

This giveaway ends Friday, October 29th at 11pm MST.  My thanks to CSN Stores for providing the winner with the $35 gift card. Shipping is not included, but many of their items ship for free.

Good Luck!