Tickle me Tuesday, 7th edition

Welcome to the latest edition of Tickle Me Tuesdays, where we all share what's been tickling our fancy!

If you'd like to participate (and you know you do!!), here are the rules:
  

1. Write a short post with anywhere from one to five items that have been tickling your fancy recently. Please include pictures and links :)

2. Make sure to link back to the party in your blog post (you can grab the button or include a text link)

3. Come back here and link up your blog post!

4. Visit some other links and HAVE FUN!

Here's what's tickling my fancy this week:

Kiss Me by AM Radio

Bicycle Stamp from Cupcake Tree

Mini Lantern String Lights from Pottery Barn

Okay, now it's your turn! What's been tickling your fancy this week?

 <meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><div align="center"><a href="http://yesteachercrafts.blogspot.com/2011/02/tickle-me-tuesdays-7th-edition.html" target="_blank" title="Yes Teacher Crafts"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s92/french_mk/tickle.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Yes Teacher Crafts" /></a></div> 

Star Sponsor and Giveaway: Along for the Ride *CLOSED*

I'm so excited to introduce you to the lovely Laura from Along for the Ride. She makes the cutest jewelry and accessories! Take a look at some of the goodies you can get in her shop:

1. What made you decide to open a shop, and how did you decide on your shop name?

I opened my shop because I truly love creating...but a girl can only own so many hair pins! I wanted to share with others so that I can keep on crafting. As far as my blog/shop name, I've always seen blogging and creating as just another way to worship the Lord. I chose "Along for the Ride" as it is a daily reminder that, although I try, I am not in control, God is. He has a life perfectly planned and I need to be along for the ride that he has in front of me. Being along for the ride isn't about taking a back seat or being apathetic along life's journey, nor is it about taking the journey lightly. For me, being along for the ride is about trusting in the Lord to guide your everyday moments and to be a constant companion on your journey.

2. What is your favorite thing to make / what supplies to do you love to use most?

I love making jewelry. It was my first hobby and I will always come back to it. But I probably use the hot glue gun the most. Some folks say Duck Tape can fix anything. Nahh, a girl with a hot glue gun can!

3. What do you spend too much money on?

My new obsession, soy chai lattes. 

4. If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Oh boy, I could eat popcorn for the rest of my life. I love sweet popcorn, salty popcorn, buttery popcorn. I crave it and have been known to eat it for dinner. 

5. What is your favorite thing about winter?

That it ends. Seriously, the end of winter is the only good part about it.

***COUPON CODE ALERT!***

Laura has graciously offered a coupon for 15% off your purchase with code 

YESTEACHER15 

***GIVEAWAY***

Laura is giving away 

two triple rosette barrettes in your choice of colors. One for you and one for a friend!

How to enter:

MANDATORY: Visit Along for the Ride and leave a comment with your favorite item.

EXTRA ENTRIES (optional):

+1 Heart Along for the Ride on Etsy and leave your username

+1 Follow Laura's blog

+1 Follow Laura on Twitter

+1 Tweet this giveaway

Sample Tweet: 

Enter to win 2 triple rosette barrettes from @aftr_laura on @yes_teacher 's blog http://tiny.cc/mf2my

Giveaway ends March 4th at 11:59 PM and winners will be announced and emailed on Saturday, March 5th.

If you're interested in promoting your business by becoming a Star Sponsor, see rates here!

Mondays with Jack, 29th edition

Welcome to the latest edition of Mondays with Jack! If you want to know what this weekly feature is all about, see here.

Row Houses Print from Jen Skelley

"One day I decided to go see the mean guy on our street that everyone was talking about. But when I got to his house he said that he wasn't the mean guy and that the mean guy lived over there."No, 

you idiot! Thats MY house!"-- Jack Handey

Star Sponsor and Giveaway: Elephant's Trunk *CLOSED*

If you haven't yet heard of Lauren from Elephant's Trunk, you're in for a treat! Lauren creates unique wine accessories - perfect for giving as a hostess gift or to keep for yourself! (I use my wine bloom around a skinny vase!) Take a peek:

1. What made you decide to open a shop, and how did you decide on your shop name?

 I decided to open my shop because I loved to create and thought I could create unique handmade products that others might appreciate. My shop name originated from my blog and the reason for both the blog name and the shop name is because when I was little I enjoyed crafts and my mom stored all our craft items in a trunk. My favorite animal has always been an elephant for their symbol of luck and just the nature of the animal. The Elephant’s Trunk is a play on where our crafts were stored when I was little and my favorite animal.

2. What is your favorite thing to make / what supplies to do you love to use most?

 My favorite thing to make is wine corks. I enjoy creating unique corks that make a statement. I just to envision something creative to decorate the cork to make it stand out against a sea of boring wine corks.

3. What do you spend too much money on?

I spend way too much money on craft supplies! I used to spend all my money on shoes and now I’ve transitioned to craft supplies. I could spend hours at Hobby Lobby browsing the aisles and I always approach the counter with way more than I intended on buying. 

4. If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

This is probably not the best choice health wise but I know I could eat spaghetti everyday and never get sick of it!

5. What is your favorite thing about winter?

Winter is such a beautiful season to observe from inside cuddled up in a blanket with a great book. I’ve lived in Colorado since I was 4 and just experienced my first Texas winter after moving down here last year and it is a very different sort of winter. I love being in Colorado in the winter and  looking outside to admire the snow draped over the evergreens. Texas has a much more gloomy and misty winter, but it still makes me want to cuddle up inside with a great book. 

***GIVEAWAY***

Lauren is giving away a white rose wine bloom and a birthday girl wine cork!

Here's how to enter:

MANDATORY: Visit Elephant's Trunk and leave a comment with your favorite item.

EXTRA ENTRIES (optional): 

+1 Heart Elephant's Trunk on Etsy and leave your username

+1 Follow Lauren's blog

+1 Follow Lauren on Twitter

+1 Tweet about this giveaway and leave the link

Sample tweet: Enter to win a pretty wine bloom and cork from @elephantstrunk4 on @yes_teacher 's blog http://tiny.cc/n5mn6

Giveaway ends March 4th at 11:59 PM and winners will be announced and emailed on Saturday, March 5th.

If you're interested in promoting your business by becoming a Star Sponsor, see rates here!

Star Sponsor and Giveaway: Craftee McGee *CLOSED*

It's my great pleasure to introduce you to Jacqui from Craftee McGee! Jacqui is super talented and sells delightful jewelry in her shop! Take a peek at some of her lovely creations:

1. What made you decide to open a shop, and how did you decide on your shop name?

I decided to open a shop because Brandon told me that I couldn't buy any more craft supplies unless I could start making money on the things I made! I was spending all my free time making things for myself & our home & for gifts and spending all our free pennies to do it! We didn't have a lot of extra money so that was motivation enough to set up shop! I didn't want a shop name that boxed me in to one type of product, since I make so many different things. Friends had started calling me  Crafty McGee. Someone on etsy already had that name so I changed the y to double ee's and here we are!


2. What is your favorite thing to make / what supplies to do you love to use most?

Everything? I really do like making all kinds of things. Currently, though it's not apparent in my shop, I am loving yarn & crocheting. Something about winter makes me want to curl up with a ball of yarn and make something cozy.


For the shop, my favorite thing to make are the fabric flowers that turn into necklaces, earrings & headbands. The fabric comes from all over & the center of each flower is made up of bits from broken vintage jewelry! The necklaces include broken brooches & earrings. So fun to give new life to old pieces that once meant something to someone!


3. What do you spend too much money on?

Craft supplies :) I would fill a house with more supplies than I could ever use! Also shoes, candles that smell like the forest, and books!


4. If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Dark chocolate. Probably around 70% cocoa. All day, every day!


5. What is your favorite thing about winter?

I love everything about winter! I don't do very well in heat {fainting & such...it's not pretty} so I love that I can be active outside during the winter! All outdoor winter sports make me happy: cross country skiing, ice skating, hockey, snowshoeing and broomball! I also love the beauty of a snow covered landscape. Love winter!



***COUPON CODE ALERT***

Jacqui has graciously agreed to give a coupon for 20% off your purchase with code YESTEACHER

***GIVEAWAY ALERT***

Jacqui is giving away a $20 gift certificate to her shop!

How to enter:

MANDATORY: Visit Craftee McGee and leave me a comment with your favorite item.

EXTRA ENTRIES (optional): 
 
+1 Heart Craftee McGee and leave your username
+1 Follow Jacqui's blog
+1 Follow Jacqui on Twitter
+1 Tweet this giveaway and leave the link
 
Sample Tweet: Enter to win a $20 gift certificate to @crafteemcgee on @yes_teacher 's blog http://tiny.cc/rfzmb
 
Giveaway ends March 4th at 11:59 PM and winners will be announced and emailed on Saturday, March 5th.

If you're interested in promoting your business by becoming a Star Sponsor, see rates here!

Star Sponsor and Giveaway: Chic Geek Designs *CLOSED*

I'm so excited to introduce you to Lori of Chic Geek Designs (you may have heard of her already!). Lori sells her beautiful photography as cards, photographs, and coasters! I'm in love with these gorgeous coasters... they're making me feel ready for spring!

1. What made you decide to open a shop, and how did you decide on your shop name?

I actually had my blog first and it is named the same as my shop - ChicGeek Designs. It was hard for me to come up with a name that I felt fit "me". I really had wanted something with the word "pink" in because that is my favorite color. So between my husband, my parents and me, we were all thinking of names for my blog. And one day this name just popped into my head and I knew it was "me". Chic because I love shopping! Geek because I'm in IT and I'm a bit of a techy geek with all my IT toys and Designs because I love Interior Designs. I decided to open a shop because I love photography and traveling and wanted to share some of those places with people.

2. What is your favorite thing to make / what supplies to do you love to use most?


I love making the cards and trying to figure out the right quotes to put with the right picture. Not every quote goes with every picture, I feel like it has to be "just right".

3. What do you spend too much money on?

Lol. Did you read question 1? I love to shop - so I could spend way too much money on shopping for clothes, shoes and purses. But then I could also spend it on my other passion, photography and getting new lenses.


4. If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Eat? Chocolate! Drink? Starbucks! Haha. Starbucks was the first thing that popped into my mind but that's not eating. But I'm answering it anyways. :-)

5. What is your favorite thing about winter?

I love wearing boots and sweaters. And curling up on the couch with my blankets. Other than that, not really a fan of winter! Haha.

***COUPON CODE ALERT!***

Lori has generously offered 20% off your purchase with coupon code YESTEACH20

***GIVEAWAY ALERT!***

Lori is giving away a $25 gift certificate to her shop!

How to enter:

MANDATORY: Visit Chic Geek Designs and leave a comment with your favorite item.

EXTRA ENTRIES (optional):

+1 Heart Chic Geek Designs on Etsy and leave your username
+1 Follow Lori's blog
+1 Follow Lori on Twitter
+1 Tweet this giveaway

Sample Tweet:
Enter to win a $25 gift certificate from @chicgeekdesigns on @yes_teacher 's blog http://tiny.cc/dlgry

Giveaway ends March 4th at 11:59 PM and winners will be announced and emailed on Saturday, March 5th.

If you're interested in promoting your business by becoming a Star Sponsor, see rates here!

Star Sponsor and Giveaway: UUPP *CLOSED*

Carrie from UUPP (Unique Uplifting Positive Prints) is one of my personal favorite Etsy artists. I have this lovely print sitting on my desk:

1. What made you decide to open a shop, and how did you decide on your shop name?

My store started in an interesting way. I wanted to make my teenage daughter, who struggles with depression and bipolar disorder, something uplifting for her room. I created for her, one of the "Life Is Worth Living" posters that are currently in my store .  She has one hanging in her room.

She was so excited and grateful for the poster and message. It made me think of how much an uplifting message can mean to someone. I started to focus on other messages that were inspiring or that just made me smile.  Dealing with the  special needs of others can take a lot out of the caregiver.
I made the poster, "Take Time To Do The Things That Make Your Heart Smile", for me.  It is a reminder to find the joy in each day no matter what challenges you face. 

 I decided to open an Etsy store and I thought of the name UUPP. (Uplifting Prints). It just seemed to capture the spirit of what I was trying to do with my work. I now can’t wait to make new work. I have more ideas than one can possibly handle! It is really exciting to run your own store and make all of the decisions of what gets created. Right now I am simply making work that makes me smile. If someone else enjoys it, I am just thrilled and also very honored. 

2. What is your favorite thing to make / what supplies to do you love to use most?

I enjoy working with vintage papers and finding interesting patterns and combinations to incorporate into my work. I am always thinking of ideas for new work.

3. What do you spend too much money on?

Definitely children's books.  I bought tons before I even had kids. I also illustrate children's books.

 4. If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

A tie between fresh fruit and French pastries!

5. What is your favorite thing about winter?

Sharing cups of hot cocoa and giggles with my husband, two teens and 2 year old and watching the snow gently fall from the windows of my art studio.

***GIVEAWAY***

Carrie is giving away a $25 gift certificate to her shop!

Here's how to enter:

MANDATORY: Visit UUPP and leave me a comment with your favorite item.

EXTRA ENTRIES (optional):

+1 Heart UUPP on Etsy and leave your username

+1 Follow Carrie's blog

+1 Follow UUPP on Facebook

+1 Follow UUPP on Twitter

+1 Tweet/Facebook about this giveaway

Sample tweet: Enter to win a $25 gift certificate from @uuppstore on @yes_teacher 's blog http://tiny.cc/9fccv

Giveaway ends March 4th at 11:59 PM and winners will be announced and emailed on Saturday, March 5th.

If you're interested in promoting your business by becoming a Star Sponsor, see rates here!

Star Sponsor and Giveaway: KraftyKash *CLOSED*

If you've never heard of Kashoan before, you're in for a real treat! She sells all kinds of fun accessories that will make you feel more confident and more stylish! Take a peek at some of the goodies she sells in her sweet shop:

1. What made you decide to open a shop, and how did you decide on your shop name?

I don't dress up much. Chances are you will find me in a pair of jeans with a black v-neck tshirt on. I love wearing accessories. You will always find me with some sort of jewelry on, maybe even a flower in my hair. I know I'm not the only one. Every woman deserves to feel beautiful. Wearing fun accessories just makes you feel better. That is why I started my shop. My husband suggested my shop name. We have a thing with the letter K at our house. Everyone has a K name, just like all the items in my shop. I love anything to do with crafts. So, KraftyKash it is. :)

2. What is your favorite thing to make / what supplies to do you love to use most?

My favorite thing to make is a potato chip scarf. They are fun and look great on! Yarn and Fabric are my absolute favorite things to work with.

3. What do you spend too much money on?

This is a good question. I would say I spend too much money on craft supplies. I love them. I love trying new products and new craft ideas. I really should not be admitting this out loud.  Crafters Anonymous anyone? 

4. If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Cranberry Walnut Scones. There is a local store that makes them right down the street from me. I think about them all the time. :) We have a Saturday morning tradition where my husband goes down and buys me a freshly baked scone. Isn't he sweet? I could live on these scones.

5. What is your favorite thing about winter?

My favorite thing about winter is the way it looks outside when the snow is falling at night. It reminds me of a snow globe. Thankfully, we didn't get a lot of snow in Nebraska this year.

***COUPON CODE ALERT!***

Kashoan has graciously agreed to give a coupon for 20% off your purchase with code YESTEACHER  (from Feb. 23-28)

***GIVEAWAY***

Kashoan is giving away the Kiwi Vintage Swirl Button Ring:

Here's how to enter:

MANDATORY: Visit KraftyKash and leave me a comment with your favorite item.

EXTRA ENTRIES (optional):

+1 Heart KraftyKash and leave your username

+1 Follow Kashoan's blog

+1 Follow KraftyKash on Twitter and leave your username

+1 Tweet this giveaway and leave the link

Sample Tweet: Enter to win a vintage swirl button ring from @kraftykash on @yes_teacher 's blog http://tiny.cc/fcrj9

Giveaway ends March 4th at 11:59 PM and winners will be announced and emailed on Saturday, March 5th.

If you're interested in promoting your business by becoming a Star Sponsor, see rates here!

Planting Love Giveaway Winners... ANNOUNCED!

Last week during the Planting Love Giveaway Event, the blogging community and the handmade community rallied around Amy and her family to raise money to cover funeral costs and medical expenses.

It blessed my heart (and I know it blessed Amy's!) to see that we raised OVER ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS!! Wow!!

A huge thank you to all of you who sponsored, donated, spread the word, and prayed for this event!

And now, the super fun part... the part that you've all patiently waited for: the winnners announcement! (I'll be emailing winners and sponsors throughout the day today!)

Scentsy Gift Basket - Andie

Sandy A La Mode hairpins - Lauren

$15 iTunes Gift Card - Jayme

$25 gift card to Hiyaluv - Dana

OhSweetleeMe necklace - Robin

BubbleBee Creations personalized wine glass/goblet - Kimberly

Three months of advertising on Yes Teacher Crafts - Cathy

Mr. Man Tie Shirt from Eisley Rae - Emily

$20 gift card to Craftee McGee - Gina

Key Fob from Mandy - Heather

Three eternity scarves from Andrea - Cerena

$20 gift card to Josiah's Nest - Sandy

Journal from C. Jane Create - Beth

Three months advertising on Domestic but not Martha - Adina

Set of 6 cards from Moonbeam Wishes - Alyssa

Prosperity Wallet from Military Handbag - Sami

$25 gift card to Along for the Ride - Amanda

Beautiful Brooch from So Cute it Hurts - Rachel

Set of 5 photography notecards from Katie - Heather (lucky girl- she won twice!)

Celery Dots Clutch from aPearantlySew - Audra

Five personalized bag tags from Mackley Engraving - Stacy

$25 gift card to Funky Vintage Kitchen - Daniel P.

Custom blog header design from Dana Sears - Denelle

$50 gift card to Red Rabbit Studios Jewelry - Melissa

Tutu from Baby Bundles - Shannon

$25 gift card to Thirty One Gifts - Kirsten


Once again, and BIG THANK YOU to everyone who made this possible!

If you're just finding this post and just learning about Amy and her family, you are of course more than welcome to donate. Even a penny will help! By clicking the photo button below, you can donate directly into Amy's account.

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