Feature: Yarn Mama

 I was really surprised when I sent out the call for prize donations that Jessica from Yarn Mama, who I didn't know at all jumped on board! She was SO sweet in offering - not one little hat... but 3.. CUSTOM hats! That was awesome!

I have had a chance to get to know her a little better and I would love for you to have that same opportunity! 

Jessica has just opened her shop on Storenvy this year. After having so many people asking her, and her family where they had purchased the items they were wearing! It turned out to be much easier to hand them a business card, with her website then to explain over and over how she had made it and then write down or tell them all the information! (I've been there!)

Jessica prides herself on making 100% handmade items, and she doesn't put it in her store, sell it or ship it if it's not to her own personal standards and something she would be proud to let her own family wear! She LOVES spending her time crocheting and knitting since its her relaxing time as well as well as her creative outlet. She thrives off of making the ideas in her head come into something that everyone can enjoy!

Jessica draws inspiration from just about everything, ideas seem to just pop into her head all the time! Her husband and son also do a great job of offering their suggestions! 

While her business is new, and exciting Jessica is most proud of the fact that even though she was a young mom, she has been able to make a great life for her son who is becoming a wonderful young man. I often say my biggest accomplishment in life is my daughter as well! 

So welcome Yarn Mama to my little world! Be sure to check out her products and maybe find something new for yourself or a loved one along the way! Here are all the links you need!

http://www.storenvy.com/stores/92086-yarnmama84

http://yarnmama84.wordpress.com/

https://twitter.com/YarnMama84

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Crochet-and-Knit-items-for-sale-by-Yarnmama84/549910355039845?ref=hl

Holiday Photo Contest!

How would you like to win a prize, just for having a cute/ crazy family!?! 

Welcome to my Holiday Portrait Contest!!

At the end of my Thoughtful Photo series, which was designed to give you great tips on taking the best holiday photos! I hinted at a possible contest where YOU could submit your family images for a chance to WIN a little holiday prize!

This is your chance! How do you enter!? It's simple!

1. Read over my Thoughtful Photo Series for photography tips and tricks
2. Take a family portrait. This can be your pet, your whole family, or your kid.
3. Email me the image at vertephoto AT gmail DOT com
4. Type: HOLIDAY2012 in the subject line, and tell me how my 10 days of holiday photo tips helped you, and/or what else you would like to know before Christmas. 


Rules:
One image submission per family please
YOU must be the SOLE owner of the image (do not submit images done by a photographer that wasn't YOU, even if you have the digital file)
Please no "PRO" submissions.
Judges decision is final.
Submissions open until November 30th! Winner will be announced Dec 3rd.

What will you win?

How about a....

Custom Designed Holiday Photo Card 

PLUS a $10 Target Gift Card

PLUS a Phone Charm from Crafty Gal Creations

Entries will be judged based on...
Use of photographic technique
Creativity
Composition
Exposure balance / Technical difficulty
and overall "feeling"or "story" of the image

Entries will be judged by guest judges (and not just myself!) TBA


So strap on those camera's and get on your thinking caps! I am really looking forward to seeing some fun and creative ideas!

Scarf Swap!

I had a super fun time hitting up the stores to find a gift to send out to my scarf swaper... While I opted to send more of a "year round" piece, since my swap person is from Houston as well... and seriously its still 70 during the days! So for Kayla at www.sealedwithakay.com I took some liberty from her pins... where she has this... along with a few other things...

If you want to see what I found... head over to her blog! www.sealedwithakay.comhttp://www.sealedwithakay.com/2012/11/scarf-swap-revealed/#comments 

Breonna from www.brewrites.com sent me my wonderful scarf! She took some insperation from my personal Pins.. I am guessing from....

 and sent me this!

Thanks so much! It is sure to keep me warm now that it is cooling down! I special nod out to Lindsey who brought this all together and hosted the swap!
You should stop by and see what else she has cooking at www.creativelyclassy.blogspot.com

I love to WIN!

I must say I am a little obsessed with entering giveaways! OK, maybe a little more then that... and some of them take a LONG time to do, and go for several days! I just spent an hour doing one this morning! Shesh! AN HOUR! But, part of that is because I don't just follow randomly, and sign up for everything. If I am going to sign up to follow your blog, I would like to get to know you! Leave a comment or two, and be sure I want to go back to read more! But I digress! THIS post, is to say how very much I LOVE entering.. and WINNING!

I have won a few things since starting this blog, and I have been trying to post them as I receive them and tell you a little about my experience!  I am happy to say my luck seems to continue! If you all remember I was entering the Streeter Giveaway back in Oct daily! Not only do I LOVE new mommy Kristina... but I really groove on those that she supports as well! She does a Saturday link up party to introduce you to those people as well! Be sure to check it out!

During her October HUGE fall giveaway I just happened to win a SUPER AWESOME prize from.....
(drumroll please)

Aubrey Plays

This super cute Typewriter clutch isn't just two pieces of fabric sewn together! Oh NO! It has batting inside, making it pillow soft, and feels very durable! It sports a nice magnetic closure, two pockets and by the way.. I read up on her products and this retro vibe fabric... HAND DRAWN by HER! I didn't even know that was possible!

The tab is designed to fit your small keyring and overall it is a great design! I am super impressed with the quality of the stitching and professional nature of Aubrey herself! She was super quick to contact me after the announcement, and shipped out my item in a cute package..

I already had Aubrey on my Holiday wishlist radar... but now, after seeing the quality, I think she might have to get some very specific hints and links sent out to my family this season! 

 I have my eye on this little beauty! 

Thanks again!!!

Something to Talk About!

I must start by saying I wish I had thought of this! 

My good friend Kristina  has created a super great way of not only promoting products and women she loves but a way to introduce you to them AND give you a chance to WIN some fantastic items!  I know and have shopped several of the shops myself - and I promise you will LOVE them! Kristina's A-list members not only kick out great products, but also have GREAT customer service! Below is her posting and information about the giveaway - I really hope you all take advantage and enter to win! (don't forget to click her name and visit the "real" post and follow her as well!)




I talk about how amazing each one of my A-list members are quite frequently, and frankly friends, they are at it again.  In a recent email I made mention about having an exclusive A-List giveaway and was curious about how many would be interested in participating. Oh my goodness, the response was overwhelming! So, here it is - the EXCLUSIVE A-LIST GIVEAWAY, the ONLY Giveaway you will be seeing on the blog for the entire rest of the month!

Here are the beautiful faces you have to thank for this awesome giveaway today!!

ONE WINNER PER PRIZE.

That means there will be LOTS of WINNERS - so get to entering and feel free to spread the word!!

A $25 Gift Certificate from Verte Photography - it can be used toward product photography services, or in her upcoming shop to launch this winter!

**2 Up for Grabs!**

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Your Choice of iPhone 4S Lace Ombre Case from Debonair Bandit

******

Your choice of a NON-Custom Print from the After Nine to Five Shop

**2 Are up for Grabs!**

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This Trick or Treat Monster Tote from Lu & Ed

 

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One long 30 inch necklace, featuring a 40mm turquoise donut, laced with leather cord and amber beads from Whispering Sweet Nothings.

******

A 7" bracelet with 4 strands of different colored beads from Eloping Designs!

(can be customized to any length)

******

A handmade stretch bracelet containing your choice of colors. The bracelet will be made with high quality metal/silver beads, glass beads and Swarovski crystals. This bracelet will include 1 charm from the Bluebird Bijoux Designs Shop.

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This sweet, little, padded phone clutch: Orange typewriter, by Aubrey Plays

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Halloween Fabric Bow Set from The Mollie Shop! 

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 This Vintage Pleated Pouch by Sand and Starfish

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A $25 Gift Certificate Towards a Custom Designed Rhinestone Shirt of your Choice by Sparkle Me

 

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A $10 Gift Certificate to Sweetsies 

 

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Chance to Win!

It's nice just to sit down and relax for a few minutes! I have been working in the studio, and office fairly non-stop for the past 2 weeks! In the office I have accomplished many of my "back office" tasks, such as creating this blog, and setting up the social media sites such as Facebook and twitter accounts! Linking everyone, and setting up my action plan for the next month! Whew! I'm exhausted! It seems I can work chasing kids, and adjusting lights all day... but sitting in front of the computer... boy that's hard work!

My next month wont be a quiet one, school starts, and we have a big shoot in Denver coming up! However, I am wanting to start doing some promotions and get the word out that I offer great prices on product photography with an Eco-friendly twist. In order to do that, and celebrate my past weeks accomplishments - I thought I would offer a fun contest!

How does $100 in Product Photography Services sound?

This means you can enter to win product photography for your small business, blog, or crafting site! 

with images like... 

Increase your sells! 

Showcase new items!

How do you win? You ask....

Start by liking our Facebook Page, Follow our blog, and Find us on Twitter!

For every one you like/find/follow you will be entered into our drawing at the end of the month.

PLUS

Share this contest on Twitter and create some BUZZ! You can do this daily and really increase your chances!  Simply post the following

"@VertePhoto is awesome! Verte is giving away $100 in small product photography services and I want to WIN"

Extra rules:

Services include multiple images taken in studio of items provided, online secure preview, and small image direct download. Additional services like full resolution disk or thumb-drive, and/or custom shop watermarking on images may be provided or purchased at additional cost. This prize may be transferred if winner can not utilize for their product. 

Offer valid for small product photography only, such as hair clips, bows, jewelry, candles, clothing etc. This contest is good for any where in the US - as long as you have product small enough to ship safely. Shipping costs may not be covered. Contact me at vertephoto@gmail.com for any questions.

a Rafflecopter giveaway