#Crochet Book Review & #Giveaway ~Twinkie Chan's Crocheted Abode a la Mode: 20 Yummy Crochet Projects for Your Home~

Well, hello there! I hope this blog post finds you happy and filled with sunny feelings this April.  

I am flying high because I'm full of inspiration and excitement about the fabulous Twinkie Chan's highly anticipated, sophomore book, Twinkie Chan’s Crocheted Abode A La Mode ~ 20 Yummy Crochet Projects for Your Home. It is over the top awesome and you're going to have a chance to win a copy of her latest book not only here, but on two other crochet blogs!

If you are a long-time Art Like Bread reader, you may have noticed my barrage of crocheted food-themed scarves back in 2011.  These were all projects from Twinkie's first book, Twinkie Chan's Crochet Goodies for Fashion Foodies: 20 Yummy Treats to Wear.  As I wore them around Mexico City and during my travels, people went nuts for the scrumptious creativity.  As soon as I saw her book, I was on board and became a steady fan & Twinkie Chan blog reader.

All images in this post are property of Twinkie Chan and are used with permission.

I was excited to receive Twinkie Chan’s Crocheted Abode A La Mode ~ 20 Yummy Crochet Projects for Your Home, and when I opened the book, I was not disappointed.  The book features more than 20 individual patterns for all parts of the home.  Need a Honey Bear Apron, or a Strawberry Cake Cozy for your mixer?  You'll find them in this book.  The instructions are clear and the photos, layout, and graphics are visually stimulating.  

I am lucky to be able to give away not only one, but three copies of this book on different crochet blogs.  I'm giving one away here on Art, Like Bread, and two on other blogs. Read to the bottom for full giveaway details.

I'm sure it is only a matter of time until I crochet everything in the book, but I instantly knew where to start. I decided to begin with the Allsorts Licorice Afghan, but after shopping my stash, I found cotton yarn in the right colors.  Crochet candy beach towel, here I come!  This pattern is a joy to crochet.  I love the simple, bold, graphic design.  

I have an ever-growing queue with just patterns from this book, but after the Allsorts Afghan (beach towel), I'll do the Cherry Zipper Pulls, Cherry Pie Seat Cushion and the Carnival Pen Covers.  Then I'll try the huge Doughnut Ottoman because it's amazingly cute, yet that would require a yarn purchase on my part.  No bigs.  Following that, I'm thinking the Breakfast Dishcloths are in order.  In fact, that teacup would make a lovely Mother's Day gift! You can browse all the patterns in the book on Ravelry.

The best way to experience this book is in person, so please enter to win not only here on Art, Like Bread, but also on CGOA Now, and Crochet Spot. 

I am running each giveaway until May 30 so that there is plenty of time to enter. To enter here, please use the giveaway widget. To enter elsewhere, visit the blog, search "Twinkie Chan" and follow instructions on the correct post.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you want to get started crocheting your fun foodstuffs now and simply can not wait, just visit Twinkie's website for any of her scrumptious free patterns. Other Twinkie linkies are: Her active Ravelry group, her blog, her YouTube channel, and her clothing line

To enter the giveaway, please use the Rafflecopter widget above.

Thank you for reading & if you crochet any of these projects, I'd love to see a picture!  Comment here and I'll certainly get back to you! 

We Have a Winner!

Hooray!  It was a lot of fun holding the giveaway for a copy of Mandalas: Coloring for Everyone by Skyhorse Publishing here on Art, Like Bread.  I had 20 entries to my contest and Rafflecopter chose a random winner!

Congratulations, Bianca!  I sent you a notice to the email you provided.  Be sure to look at your email for my instructions on how to claim your prize!

Thank you to everyone who entered!  

Remember, everyone is welcome to download and print the samples from the book Mandalas Coloring for Everyone on my last blog post.  

What about you?  Have you taken to coloring mandalas?  Please share your mandala coloring pictures on Instagram with the hashtag #albmandalas.  As always, drop me a comment!  I love hearing from you!

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@musibatty Sterling Silver Mexican Bird Pendant #Necklace Giveaway!

The Prize

Pájaro Mexicano, MUSIBATTY, 2012

 Sterling Silver Pendant with Chain

Learn more about MUSIBATTY here.

First Entry (required)

1. Go to the MUSIBATTY Etsy Store (http://www.etsy.com/shop/musibatty) and look at the gorgeous eye candy there! (If you love jewelry and good design, you'll be in heaven.) 
2. Decide which MUSIBATTY original piece or pieces you'd love to wear or give to a friend. 
3. Comment on this post with your name/nickname and your favorite MUSIBATTY piece or pieces! :)  

For (up to 3) Extra Entries 

note: extra entries will not be valid without the first entry.

1. Twitter:  Tweet "I entered to win a @musibatty Mexican Bird #necklace on @artlikebread. Visit artlikebread.com! #jewelry #albmbg1."  In order to be counted for an extra entry, all hashtags and mentions must appear in your tweet.
2. Facebook:  Join the artlikebread facebook page.  If you are already a member, simply post on the wall that you'd like an extra entry for the MUSIBATTY Mexican Bird Necklace Giveaway.  
3. Pinterest:  Pin the photo in this post from your pinterest account and include the following hashtag in your description:  #albmbg1.  

  To see if you won

Please check back on artlikebread.com on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012 by 11:59 PM EST in order to see if you won!  The winner should immediately email me his or her mailing address so that the beautiful prize can be shipped right away!

If you don't win, don't worry.

MUSIBATTY is generously offering a coupon code for free shipping to the Canada and the United States on any items purchased from her Etsy store from now until March 1, 2013.  It's ALB1234. Check her store for availability.  MUSIBATTY pieces are timeless and work for every holiday.

Full Disclosure:  This giveaway and coupon code are open only to the United States and Canada.

International Readers:  Thank you for understanding and please fill out this form, so we can keep in contact with you!  People in every country deserve a MUSIBATTY  piece!  Comments and additional entries from outside of the United States and Canada will not be valid for this giveaway, but we want to keep in touch!

5th Blogoversary Reflections (with good things to come)

Pájaro Mexicano, MusiBatty, 2012
You could win this. Exciting? I know!

I have had the time recently to reflect upon my creative life.  I am incredibly happy to say that this blog, which started from a place of creativity and needing to connect has definitely been that space for me.

It's kind of hard to write this post because I have so much to say.  I feel immensely privileged to have become a part of such a strong crafting community that spans the globe.

I am very grateful to the people who have read the blog over the years.   In fact, I am surprised that anyone read it at all!  I started the blog just to document my crafts and to express myself.  It's grown into a lot for me, and I'm overjoyed that people really seem to like it.

I don't always update the blog, but I will be making a concerted effort to update on a regular basis this year.  I am hoping to have a giveaway every month in order to celebrate my 5th year.  (I have 3 scheduled so far... stay tuned!)  I do blog from the heart, and I always will.  

I am opening my mind to new possibilities this year.  I'm going to stretch and see where this blog can take me.  I am listening to my creative heart.  I am attracting all of the abundance this world has to offer.

I guess what I want to say is thank you.  Thanks so much for reading the blog.  It means the world to me, and I hope that you get something out of it.

Oh yeah! I have to tell you how to win the bird you see above.

And the Winners Are...

I am extremely pleased to announce the winners of my Mark Montano's Big-Ass Book of Crafts 2 giveaway!

They were selected by the Random Number Generator at Random.org.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Karen, who said, "Super nice giveaway. Thanks for the chance to get a really interesting looking book."

and 

Rose (Sisterrobinson on Rav), who said,  "The book looks marvelous and I would love to learn many of his crafting secrets. Such fun!"

Karen and Sister Robinson, please email your mailing address to artlikebread (at) gmail (dot) com or artlikebread on Ravelry.  :D 

Thank you all so much for entering. I know you will love the book as much as I do!  Those who didn't win can pick up a copy at your local bookstore, and the Kindle Edition is only $9.99.  

Thank you to Gallery Books for providing the giveaway prizes.

Enter to #Win the Big-Ass Book of Crafts by @MarkMontano!

Giveaway ends on 11-11-11!

The giveaway has ended. Thank you to all who entered!

#Giveaway! The Big-Ass Book of #Crafts 2 by Mark Montano!

I have exciting news to share today! Tuesday, Oct. 11 marks the launch of the next AMAZING craft book by Mark Montano.  Check out this video to find out all about it!

The Big-Ass Book of Crafts 2 (sample project link) is the sequel to the wildly successful Big-Ass Book of Crafts, which is now available digitally! 

You can be sure that I was incredibly excited when Mark's publisher contacted me to review the book.  Just a few days later, I had it in my hot little hands, before the release date!  Gallery Books was even kind enough to set up an interview with Mark Montano for the Art, Like Bread Podcast, which is still in its infancy, but how lucky am I to have such an opportunity.  Stay tuned to the blog for more on that.

Seriously, I LOVE Mark Montano.  I have always admired his aesthetic sense and I truly believe that he has an open, creative, interesting, and accessible approach to craft and design.  I have been passing his book around to my students and crafty friends and EVERYONE wants a copy.

Look how many bookmarks I added.  This book will get a LOT of use!

 Well, anyone can buy a copy at their local book shop or online retailer, but TWO, yes TWO lucky Art, Like Bread readers will win a copy of this amazing book for their very own!

Mark Montano's blog is one of my absolute favorites, and he updates it regularly with inspirational pictures and great projects to try.  Most recently, I was amazed by this beautiful flower, made from a recycled water bottle. 

In order to enter to win a copy of The Big Ass Book of Crafts 2 by Mark Montano, simply leave a comment on this blog post. :)  I will use a random number generator to choose the two lucky winners on November 11, 2011, and your book will be shipped to you directly from the publisher.

Trust me, you'll find something you absolutely have to make in this book.  You'll find great techniques you've never tried.  You'll find interesting ways to use normal, household items.  You'll be inspired. I am!

ETA:  The giveaway has ended. Thank you to all who entered. The winners are posted here.

Win a Big Ass Box from Mark Montano!

I just wanted to let you know about a cool blog that is new to me, and instantly made it to my google reader.  I also want to encourage you to enter this latest giveaway! 

Mark Montano of HGTV fame has been working the craft scene for a while now and has written not only one but two BIG ASS BOOKS!  I don't currently own copies, but I have seen them when I was in the United States, and I can say that the projects in them are creative, unique, and cool. 

His blog is full of these good ideas and he's also currently giving away a box of goodies which includes copies of his two books.  That's a Big Ass Box of Goodies!  

image via markmontano.typepad.com

So if you have a minute, pop on over to Mark Montano's blog for a chance at a big box o' fun & certain inspiration.

All of this could be yours!

 

 "But how?" you ask.

You must enter the Jones Design Company Just For Fun Summer Giveaway, that's how!  I came across the contest through the One Pretty Thing Crafty Contest page, and I saw that this blog is giving away a huuuuge prize to whomever is lucky enough to win it.  There are several ways to enter, so pop over to check it out if this looks like something you want.  I know I did!!  Good luck to all!

UPDATE:  The winner was chosen!  Congratulations to the lucky winner!

Waking Up in the Land of Glitter Giveaway Winner!

Hey everyone!  Thanks for entering my Waking Up in the Land of Glitter Giveaway.  The lucky winner is Dawn of Designs by Dawn Marie!

Here was Dawn's comment:

She was the sixth person to enter and the Random Number Generator picked her!

Dawn sent me her mailing address and will be notified of shipment through a private email.

If you are still hankering for a fabulous, fun read, you can pick up your own copy at Amazon or anywhere.  I definitely recommend the book!  I have finished it and I am dying to talk to someone about it, but I don't want to ruin the surprise.  

Dawn, if you want to discuss while you are reading the book, shoot me an email to gab!  The same offer goes for anyone who wants to discuss this book.  It's a super-fun read.

Have a glitterful day!!

In My Google Reader: Sarah London [+ free pattern download]

I don't remember how I became aware of Sarah London and her fabulous blog, but I am glad that I am!  Sarah's photos of perfect granny squares in fresh color combinations make me happy every time!  

image property of Sarah London

She seems to have a robust business going over on her blog.  She offers yarn kits, patterns, and even Nutrimetrics cosmetics on her site.  Sarah's based out of Australia, so to get some of the goodness from down under, check out sarahlondon.wordpress.com . 

I just about flipped last night when I noticed that Sarah is offering a great giveaway on her blog.  She's asking people to list their favorite American yarns on her blog and in exchange, she'll send out a free pdf pattern!  Her patterns usually cost $5.00 AUD, so that's a very generous offer.  I have purchased patterns from Sarah before and I can attest to their quality.  

Crocheters, be sure to add your link to i-Crochet, yet another of Sarah's wonderful projects.  I've added mine and have enjoyed learning about new bloggers and crafters.

You can still sign up for my Waking Up in the Land of Glitter giveaway until Aug. 11!