Good Monday morning to you. How was your weekend? Hope it was a good one. Ours was busy but enjoyable. I was overwhelmed by the response to my Homegoods partnership and over 450 of you were in the running for the amazing give way! I never thought in my lifetime I would ever see that many comments!! Wish I had a prize for every one of you but I promise there are more great giveaways in the future. I am delighted to announce one very lucky winner of the generous $500 giftcard from Homegoods. Ready? Congratulations goes to.......
Selected project: $500 Homegoods giftcard
DRAWING RESULTS (from randompicker.com)
| Prize ID | Public Info | Private Info | Random Sorting ID | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1: Homegoods $500 giftcard | cubankraus@verizon.net |
Marcia KrausOctober 10, 2012 1:14 PM
Your loggia is looking AMAZING!!!!! Congrats on all ends, the house, Home Goods, your blog, etc.
cubankraus@verizon.net Keep up the beautiful and inspiring work. Marcia Kraus Pittsburgh, PA marcia.kraus@pncmortgage.com | 00093431-3934-439F-AE12-D3EC2F58ED3F | 1 |
Please contact me so I can get your mailing address and get this on its way to you! Congratulations!
Today's Which would you choose is a special and magical edition. Special because every item featured is made with love and an insane amount of creativity and talent by Anita Rivera, a darling in blogland and the creator extraordinaire of Castles, Crowns and Cottages. Magical because one look at these and you will see the magic right away! Anita draws beautiful note cards and gift tags and hand creates the most exquisite paper mache ornaments, figures and table centerpieces. They are like little jewels....each and every one!
Her legendary posts ( I do not say that lightly) literally transport you to a place you don't want to leave, trust me! And her wondrous creations reflect that fantasy like world. Anita has a small Etsy shop and sells her handmade treasures and each is so incredibly special. Can you not see an entire Bergdorf Goodman holiday window filled with these jewels? I can! Bergdorf's......are you taking note!! Barneys? Henri Bendel? Martha Stewart? Jean Paul Gaultier for your runway show? I can see any of you snatching these up!
Moving onto the post.....imagine you get one to choose one special item from Anita's shop, which would you choose? Want to know the best part? One lucky winner gets to actually win one of Anita's beautiful creations! She has generously donated one special item to one lucky winner. Details are at the bottom of the post. So feast your eyes on these beauties, and be sure to visit Anita's beautiful online shop by clicking here. Thank you Anita for this beautiful gift that you share!
CHOICE 1
CHOICE 2
CHOICE 3
CHOICE 4
CHOICE 5
CHOICE 6
CHOICE 7
CHOICE 8
CHOICE 9
CHOICE 10
CHOICE 11
CHOICE 12
CHOICE 13
CHOICE 14
CHOICE 15
CHOICE 16
Gorgeous, don't you think? Were you like me and had a hard time making up your mind? I went from narrowing it down from five to three but cannot get past three favorites! They are each so special. Anyone who leaves a comment here will be eligible to win her lovely giveaway. I will announce a lucky winner tomorrow morning. Thank you all for stopping in and Anita, thank you for the beauty of your blog and for creating such objects of beauty and inspiration and sharing them with us! Don't forget to visit Anita's shop if you want a special little something to adorn your tree or table. Click here to visit her online shop. And click here to visit her blog. Trust me one visit...and you too will be hooked! Wishing everyone a fabulous day!
Such great items. Its hard to choose just one! Love the photograph of the girl walking the dog, Choice 6. Congrats to Marcia for winning the HomeGoods giftcard.
ReplyDeleteHi Tina, oh these are too beautiful! I can see why you featured them. So different and lovely. Love 11 the mouse, he is so sweet and whimsical and reminds me of my favorite show of all time, The Nutcracker. Congrats to the lucky winner!
ReplyDeleteYea, really great!
Delete11
ReplyDeleteI love choice 5 - it's sweet and romantic all at the same time! M.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful items! I love greeting cards and these are just so amazing! Thanks for the opportunity to see these beautiful creations!
ReplyDeleteDearest Tina,
ReplyDeleteOh my, what do I say?????? FOR ONCE, I have NO APPROPRIATE WORDS...wait, here goes:
YOU are so generous. From the first sentence to the last, your great compliments have just fired up my heart and mind today to go on and continue to be ME. No technical difficulty (what I am experiencing at the moment due to having exceeded photo storage space) or slow periods can stop me now. Honestly. Your gracious offering to use your blog post to feature me is a high honor, Tina! I was so excited when I was contacted a few weeks ago by a fashion designer in NYC to make a life-sized mannequin for a fashion show. I was unable to do it for lack of the infrastructure to make such a transportable item. BUT I have captured the attention of two local shops with my ballet tutu! I would so love to do window displays and WOW the people who walk by.
YOU are just a wonderful friend. I am so grateful for our generosity, your friendship and loyalty. Oh, I am so sad that I was unable to change my blog header for you know that they are a huge part of my story telling, but I did post a new post this morning and it looks like we posted simultaneously!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to you! Anita
So magical! I love her creativity, and the way she infuses each one of her little works of art with life and personality. I can almost imagine those little shoes coming to life and doing a happy little dance. It's so hard to come up with a favorite, but I think I have to say #7 because, Paris! and because of the little terrier that reminds me of the dog we had growing up. Also #12. How lovely for a perfectly trimmed Christmas tree! Happy Monday! XO
ReplyDeleteall lovely. number 2 has my heart. donna
ReplyDeleteHi Tina, these are so beautiful! I think I would choose 7 not sure if its an ornament or centerpiece but my sister is getting married in Bermuda in July and if a centerpiece that would be so beautiful for her shower in April. All of these are as you said little treasures and to know they were handmade makes them feel increidbly special. Lovely! I am happy to find out about her online shop. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHi Tina - These are gorgeous! I would definitely choose #5 - the bride's dress. I have wedding fever because of my favorite niece's upcoming wedding and immediately thought of her. Thanks for sharing Anita with us - a new favorite! Enjoy your day!! xoxo
ReplyDeleteI am "enchanted" with #4. Just lovely.
ReplyDeleteHello Tina,
ReplyDeleteAnita is indeed a very special person. Her words and her art are breath taking. As you see each piece you can see a piece of her heat and soul is included. I think that every piece is stunning but my favorite is the little mouse.
Thank you for sharing with your readers Anitas special talents and her wonderful work.
I hope you had a great weekend, Elizabeth
I love Anita! Thanks for featuring her gorgeous artwork. I hope you have an amazing Monday!
ReplyDeletexo
Sharon
Anita is an amazing paper artist and all of her creations touch my heart!!!
ReplyDeleteTina, how very fabulous of you to feature her work here, and so generous of Anita to
offer a gift of her art.
I especially adore the gowns and tutu's.... absolutely delightful!
~ Violet
You are so right.......her creations are all beautifu. Chose #3, the black swan ballerina, and #4, the little bird in the nest. Heaven!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Marcia for winning the Homegoids giveaway!
ReplyDeleteCastles, Crowns and Cottages giveaway wow! I love # 16. This makes Monday a great day to start a new week.Thanks Tina and Anita!
Bette
#16 and # 12, in that order (I think!). They're both so uniquely beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWOW...I collect xmas ornaments for myself and my daughter...will certainly visit this site...
ReplyDelete#9 and #16 are my favorites....
4, 6, 18 So pretty anf unique.
ReplyDeleteCynthia
#6 is ME, how did you know Anita? I love you blog and signed up for it ages ago and it used to be emailed to me and I have not re'd it for ages? Did you change your format for receiving it. My email is Melinda@mallonandbennett.com. I could use all the adjectives I know and could not describe the wonders of you and your creativity. Just heavenly. Hope you get your picture storage fixed we need more inspiration from you.
ReplyDeleteCheers
Melinda Bennett
These are INCREDIBLE!! I am amazed over their beauty and detaling. I am happy to find out about these, I collect victorian ornaments and some of these would fit in beautifully with my current and growing collection. I am always captivated by someone who has a gift and is able to use it to create things of beauty.
ReplyDeleteTina you do the same with your blog and decorating. You both have special and uinque gifts and how wonderful that you are both so generous to share with those of us who eat it up like candy!
This was a feast for my eyes. I will go and visit her blog, please enter me in the giveaway and my favorite is the pair of shoes in #1. Just beautiful!
CM
I would love a chance to win Anita's giveaway! She is a precious soul, and I love her. You have such a charming blog. All of these creations are beautiful, but choice 5 I have been looking at for some time, as my daughter just got married. It is so nice of you to share some of Anita's art. Glad I came over to visit. Have a sweet day.
ReplyDelete~Sheri at Red Rose Alley
There all great. I would love to have a Christmas tree decorated with all of these items.
ReplyDeletealready get her lovely posts, 4,10,11 so happy. jeanne
ReplyDeleteNo 8 for me! Have you ever seen a more talented person than Anita? I think not! I love all of her beautiful work and follow her blog. And I can't forget her posts, which are filled with the more gorgeous images and writing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing Anita's work here.
Happy Monday, Tina.
Teresa
xoxo
#4 is sooo beautiful! They all are, but something about that bird is so very sweet. Talented lady is right!
ReplyDeleteThis was a great post, Tina. Hope you have a wonderful week.
you are amazing...........
ReplyDeletewhat a contest!
xox
This is wonderful Tina and I always look forward to Anita's magical posts. Her unique writing style really does take us elsewhere with moving pictures and words. It is captivating and brings out so many feelings. Her art work is beautiful! How cute will the little masked mouse be for the holidays? Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteNo question, I would choose the red shoe ornament. My Mom collected miniature shoes and I gave her collection to my sister when my Mom died. So, I would choose these to put on my tree in honor of my Mom. Anita is superbly talented! You are so generous to feature her. XO, Pinky
ReplyDeleteSince my daughter loves ballet, I would choose 14, incidentally turquoise is her favorite color. This might have to find its way to our Christmas tree! She is so talented, and so imaginative. Really lovely.
ReplyDeleteThanks to you both.
Shelly Ryan
No problem at all picking my favorite. Number 12, love the red it's beautiful!
ReplyDeletePatricia B
I think choice 10...loving the happy color.
ReplyDeleteTina, I simply must have #10 for my bird tree--I already purchased #12!!
ReplyDeleteAnita is a real talent!
Tina just brought up a yahoo article on kitchen counter surfaces and low and behold I am sure the one labeled cork is your dressing room before you
ReplyDeletefinished the centre island with antique mirror I recall...take a look...
http://homes.yahoo.com/news/10-hottest-kitchen-counter-top-materials-currently-trending-144824587.html
Just goes to show don't believe everything you read in the 'news' blogs well they are another story!
Cheers Heather
I would choose #9 and hang on my tiny white christmas tree. Anita is a dear friend and her work is beautiful. ox
ReplyDeleteTina,
ReplyDeleteWow you are right very hard to choose just one. I would absolutely love to have the slippers - choice 1 - and the girl walking the dog was precious - choice 6. Enjoy the day!
Linda Berry - Lindabberry@aol.com
Choice 6, I think. And also #5.
ReplyDeleteAnita's items are absolutely beautiful and there's a place for everyone one of them!
ReplyDeleteThese are magical! I agree Tina I could see the hanging in any of the wonderful NY store windows at Christmastime. Oh to have an eighth of that talent, haha!
ReplyDeleteI love all of them but really love 3, just stunning!
Thanks hope I win:-)
Oh my gosh, she makes those?? Wow! Very talented and creative. I will visit Anita's site. I love #4 and #5. Actually they are all exquisite. Congrats to Marcia.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Loi
Anita's talent is toooooo amazing! I so appreciate papier mache artists who make every detail beyond beautiful. Now I have one more thing to collect for tablescapes to WOW guests and start great conversations. Loved #13 with the turquoise and gold together. Also the little turquoise slipper. I signed up to follow her work.
ReplyDeleteSummer
I have been following Castles, Crowns, and Cottages since the beginning - when she only had a few followers. I was drawn to the enchantment of her posts and the honesty of her feelings. She deserves all of the success, which is yet to come! It as wonderful to see her featured on your blog~
ReplyDeleteYou had me at choice numbe one! They are red/pink and green, My favorite combo. And speaking of favorites, so is Anita! Thanks for your generosity, Anita and Tina!
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful!!! Papier mache, who would have thought it could turn into something so very pretty. She is an artist as let's face it this goes beyond the grade school papier mache we did. Congratulations I am now following her blog site I'm so excited to see what other imaginings we'll see.
ReplyDeleteTina thank you so much for featuring Anita. She creates exquisite paper art. I have never seen anything like it.
ReplyDeleteAgain please do not enter me because I have already been the recipient of Anita's generosity!
I truly honor her work and prose!
Xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Hello! I follow Anita's Castles Crowns and Cottages, and not a week goes by (literally) when I don't hop over to her gorgeous Etsy shop and covet those beautiful delicate little paper shoes! So my choice would be no 1, because I've been enchanted with Anita's creativity since finding her! and I would LOVE TO WIN! Have a lovely week! Sharon x
ReplyDeleteI love number 6, so sweet. You have the greatest giveaways.
ReplyDeleteOh my Tina, I love to visit Anita's magical blog. Everything she creates is out of a storybook. So hard to decide on a favorite so I'll have to choose number 5, the little white dress. Such sweet little creations. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDelete~Emily
The French Hutch
So So beautiful! That's a hard choice! Choice #10!
ReplyDeleteDear Tina,
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful-she is an accomplished artist.
Trudi R.
#2--though EVERYTHING is lovely! :)
ReplyDeleteHello Tina,
ReplyDeleteI am overjoyed to be visiting you from France today via Anita's little corner of paradise. I have been a friend-from-afar of Anita's for a year and a half now. I love her style, spirit, and heart, again from afar! The array of treasures pictured here is a feast for our eyes, thank you for that. I love ALL her work but would maybe go for number one. I love shoes, you see. Incidentally do you know Fairysteps? An Elf And The Shoemaker lady, living in England, who makes the most divine shoes.
I digress.
I hope to see you very soon. I am off to join your merry band of followers forthwith!
Stephanie
What a lovely collection. I would enjoy having choice #10, the bird, to be a part of my home decor. Thank you for yeat another great drawing.
ReplyDeleteKristin F
How absolutely wonderful of you to feature the brilliant Anita!!! A treasure in heart and artistry....
ReplyDeleteBrava to you both!!
Please do not include me in the giveaway, I am blessed to be a collector of her treasured art...
Have a beautiful day!
- Irina
Boy you aren't kidding, these really are works of art. She is so talented and you can see these are works and labors of love. I have a love for two equally, 1 and 5. Both are dreamy need to add them to my Christmas list! Thanks for the introduction. I visited her blog and could not leave a comment since I do not have a google acct. but I wanted to let you both know that her blog is beautiful and I will definitely go back to visit again.
ReplyDeleteRegards, Lisa R.
I've been many times to her beautiful website and I have ordered the gift tags. They are wonderful. I used them on my Mother's Day gifts this year. If I were chosing now I would choose No. 10, the little bird with the crown.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this wonderful post...and I don't want to enter this give away because Anita already gave my a most beautiful and precious gift...friendship..and lots of FUN!!!...Greets from all of us!
ReplyDeleteT.D and Company.
Great post, what beautiful works of art she creates!! I must get a few of the ornmanents, so unique. I love the fantasy like feeling of them, they take me back to my favorite period....I always thought I was Marie Antoinette in my former life, hehe.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win, Anita and Tina.
Lori B.
Anita makes such wonderful pieces! I had no idea and I love the shoes because they remind me of Fortuny fabric, my best friend would flip for one of these treasures. Bloggers are so amazing!
ReplyDeleteXXX
Debra~
Choice 5 is speaking to me! I guess I love the ballgown and I have never had a chance to wear one!
ReplyDeleteTina- you have the most talented friends! I do not have a single creative bone in my body but really admire those who do. I love special ornaments and in fact always add every year at least 6-8 new ones for my tree that seems to get taller every year, last year it was 11 foot tall!! So I am happy you included her online store information as I think I will have to add a few of these to my special collection. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWow! She is so talented! Love the picture of the little girl walking her dog with the Eiffel Tower in the background! Reminds me of my granddaughter!
ReplyDeletenumber 4 is so pretty! Thanks for such a cute and creative giveaway.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a lovely post! 10 and 11 are my favorites!
ReplyDeleteAnita makes my life so much better. I wish I could stay in her blog fantasy land forever.
ReplyDeleteI recommend her blog to all my friends.
How very kind of you to feature dear Anita's work.. Her paper art is exquisite, and I am proud to own some very special pieces of hers. The best gift being her friendship, which I will treasure always.
ReplyDeleteI love Anita. She is like a real-life angel. She has the most beautiful posts and always delivers a beautiful thought-provking message. Her art is beyond amazing and I do believe that she has much success coming to her. I am in LOVE with her Christmas ornaments. They are all such an act of love and you can just tell they took much care and time to create.
ReplyDeleteSo special designs, nice photos.
ReplyDeleteNice Photos.
ReplyDelete