Friday, August 03, 2012

Some Sort of Wonderful Giveaway

One more month of Summer left to enjoy and savor...well almost!   It seems like school starts earlier and earlier these days...I remember when I was a kid we would return to school in the FALL - not the middle of August!  After spending a beautiful six weeks in France and Spain we are back to work...well almost!  I decided I should take most of this month to actually create and make.  After so much inspiration was found on all of our travels...I need to actually take the time now and let the process work...this is the work for me...actually being still and letting my subconscious take over and letting my hands create something beautiful.  This is always when some sort of wonderful happens and I am pleasantly surprised that I am creative!  Are you feeling the same way?  If so, maybe you'd like some crafty materials to work with?!  To participate in our Some Sort of Wonderful Giveaway, please leave us your name and a comment about your summer crafting!  We have lots and lots of beautiful Jolee Boutique/French General Paper Crafts that we need to get into your hands so you can create something beautiful!
Bonne Chance!
GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!

112 comments:

Denise J. said...

I'm the first to comment?? I love your items!!! Thanks for the chance to win some of them. I'm a quilter and have just found out I am going to be a first time grandmother so naturally I am planning baby quilts and items.

Cindy said...

Ah. I am also going to be a first time grandmother after a lonnnnnnng wait! The quilt must be in red as they have chosen not to find out wether it is a boy or girl. The album to put all those best wishes in will also be red. Hmmmm! What a perfect thing to win!

Tammy said...

Yes, summer seems to be flying by! Oh, your goodies look wonderful. I have a couple swap doll quilts to make as well as a baby quilt to complete in August. Our LQS just had a 25% off all fabric sale so I also did some stash building! Thanks for the chance at the giveaway!

Deb said...

Such beautiful things. I would love to be included in the giveaway. Anything that includes French General just steals my heart. I love it. Summer hasn't been the best for crafting, but I'm working on my first applique quilt (there are some French General fabrics in it) and I'm loving the experience.

Julie S said...

My summer has consisted of sewing aprons, hats and bags and "blinging" them with pins I've made using using various media!

Gay said...

Oh my I love these from French General. I have just finished another quilt out of your fabric. Time to switch to paper. Thanks.

Jennifer Pearson Vanier said...

This summer I've been making cards, and filling a scrapbook with all my clippings of fave images over the years. I LOVE the new French General line from Jolee's Boutique.

Susan said...

I am blessed to be able to spend the spring/summer taking classes in a variety of mediums/techniques. Letting my hands play with the fabrics, trims, papers, fibers, dyes, etc. and being guided (but not confined) by experts (a bracelet class with Kaari in Summerland, the WOAD workshop) in the various mediums allows me to experience new things without the pressure of success or failure. For this season, it is the journey and not the destination. Once I feel confident with the new techniques, I can hardly wait to intermingle them in new projects just bursting forth!

brownpashmina said...

Hi There...I threw a Bastille Day party at my home in Dallas Tx ( of all places) and was able to craft a darling invitation as well as decorations and party favors using supplies from your new French General line. These could not have been launched at a more perfect time. STILL...I would live to win more!!!

Margaret said...

I love French General fabrics! I have a quilt kit that I hope to make sometime soon -- need to make a quilt for my DD's new apartment.

Annette said...

This summer is going by like a whirlwind. In between family time and vacation trips, I still managed to finish a quilt, almost done with another one and started a third. Seems there is ALWAYS time to be creative no matter how busy we are.

Brenda F said...

I have been admiring your French General paper craft items - and honestly ALL things French General. I just ordered two of your books at Amazon and am so excited for them to come in. French General paper craft items would be the perfect way to break in my books. Thank you for the opportunity!

susan.shaw45 said...

Alas - I've had much less time this summer than hoped for to pursue my regular sewing activities, but these lovely items would be just what I need to get inspired and back to work. I've enjoyed following your group's visit to France and Spain - it all seemed too wonderful and dreamy to be real, so thanks for sharing your photos and stories with us here.

Bevy said...

I have 5 very talented GRANDS who love to craft with me so I have been gathering ideas and projects for Camp Nana. I also have been having some company so I need to freshen things up with a few new projects like adding some "scrapping" photo frames.

Paula A. said...

I've made a baby quilt and now I'm working on a quilt for my 2 yr. old granddaughter. So I'll soon be ready to create something besides a quilt. Maybe a cute outfit for my little Lily.

Debbie Baumann said...

The older I get, the faster summer goes!! I am always working on creativity. Tomorrow heading Wild and Wacky, a hand-on art Renaissance in the park. Past years we've had 400 kiddos come play!! Personally, I love working on your jewelry kits, stitching, and Russian Punchneedle. Not enough hours in the day!!!

Blue Green Arts said...

Lovely giveaway! My summer crafting has consisted of some fun new mixed media paintings!

Diane said...

I had been stalking the stores waiting for the release of your paper products and lovely embellishments. They come in and go right out the door. Winning some would be great.

Lynn Stevens said...

I can imagine after your trip the inspiration comes easily. Beautiful giveaway. Count me in.
My summer was spent creating some new altered art and I can't wait to share it. Now I'm on to Halloween!
Lynn

Karens Quilts, Crows and Cardinals said...

My summer crafting has included some neat little embellished skirts for the grand daughters and some quilted table toppers for the big girls!

Love the French General line -- anything in it !!

Thanks for the give away !

Michelle York said...

With 102 degrees in my studio with only a fan, the only thing that saved me was making 'things'..the power of creativity..one can transcend even hot weather..

Connie P said...

I was privileged to spend 2 1/2 weeks in France with a lovely group of ladies in a beautiful French chateau! A dream come true! I love the paper products and can't wait for another opportunity to woad! It has been 102 degrees here the last three days! Looking forward to cooler temps!

The Inspired Stitcher said...

I love all your things! These are particularly pretty. I've been stitching gifts and mini pillows this summer. Great little things to give when someone needs a little smile. I'll cross my fingers that I might be the lucky one.

Alex said...

Je taime the French General's aesthetic! Your hues, textures, designs and everything soothe my soul quicker than a crowded LA yoga class. Long vie the French General!

marie said...

Busy making fall items. Love all of your things. I have a bin full of FG fabrics, trying to decide what to make with them.

Lisa Cook said...

I made slipcovers for the mid-century swivel chairs that belonged to my parents. Mom had put ruffles on the bottom to hide the chair base, but I stripped that off in a hurry to reveal the beautiful maple wood. Now I love the chairs!

Tammy Jackson said...

I've been working on cards for classes I teach at a local store. I'm working on walnut ink and vellum techniques this week.

Anonymous said...

The giveaway looks wonderful and I'd love to be included. I'm working on several projects at once this Summer: two baby quilts for friends of mine (one boutis and one patchwork), a lone star quilt from the Lumière de Noël collection and a few smaller projects (cusions, cartonnage, baby sheets).

Hope your inspiration will turn into creativity!

All the best, Marthe from Holland

Gill said...

Fabulous giveaway!
At the moment I'm in the middle of a screenprinting course and loving every minute!

Bev said...

I am just finishing a quilt! I have been working on finishing my quilting projects that have been haunting me for years! I'm just finishing number 4! Thanks for the giveaway! I have Rural Jardin, Lumiere de Noel and Rouenneries projects to finish that are on the list! I'm a French General fan!

Cheery wave from Bev

http://44thstreetfabric.blogspot.com

Wendy said...

Love following your european adventures...beautiful and inspiring. I have been crafting at home using some beautiful french general fabrics.

Coco said...

I'd love to win "Some Sort of Wonderful" to get my creative juices flowing again! I'm finally feeling like I have the energy to "play" again since my bilateral mastectomy 4 weeks ago! Yippee!

autena said...

I dyed a batch of white buttons this summer(yes, it is possible to dye buttons!). Now I will be decorating some small boxes, so that I can fill them with a stash of multiple colored buttons to sell in my online shops.
Love your things!

Maureen said...

My summer seems to be about Birthday cards and creating my new blog! I love your products and actually was in LA recently but not on Monday so I missed seeing the shop - but next trip!

Pam said...

My summer has been spent reliving some wonderful trips to France, Italy, Greece and Turkey all over again as I scrap book the pictures. I've used many French General gorgeous papers and embellishments, and would love to win something new!

Cheryl Simpson said...

I just love all of your new collection which I got to see in person in France. I have been busy reliving my adventures with you all this summer and playing with all the great finds at the brocantes and flea markets! Such a lovely way to spend the summer!

suzi said...

Our summer over here in Northern Ireland has been somewhat of a washout - rain most days with our road being closed due to flooding twice. I've been a keen fan of French General since stumbling across the beautiful book, 'French inspired Jewelry'. I frequent the shop site everytime I need a little pick-me-up of something pretty (which is most days!) and I have finally indulged in a grand order of beads, baubles and beauties to take me through to the autumn and the pending wild, wintery months!
Would I like to be in with a chance to win a give away? Absolutely! Count me in!!!

Terri said...

this is my first summer off work and I'm crafting with the kids at home, we're making books with fabric and getting artistic with paints. Am loving sewing with my 4 year old! I would love to win some French General goodies and am sure it would give me more inspiration!

wig4usc said...

Summer has more daylight, later bed time for kiddos and no homework. So that means I have more time for crafting! Papercrafting and crocheting have been a big part of Summer 2012, would love to have some French General items to add to it!

cakegirl said...

I have been spending the summer painting furniture for my daughter's apartment at school. she leaves mid August so I have to finish one more piece before then. Better get going! Also doing some quilting. Thanks for a great giveaway.

Amanda said...

I'd love to be included in the giveaway! Summer crafting for me has been lots and lots of spinning, and a bit of quilting. :)

Marcia W. said...

Besides quilting, we are putting together craft kits for after school kid-sitting with the grandnieces starting again on August 20. This summer they have painted with watercolors when visiting so we have lots of colorful paintings to share.

Babsarella said...

I've had quite a surge of creative energy lately and have been making all sorts of cards. Getting hooked on Copic markers has helped, because now I am thinking more about my rubber stamps and what I want to color. Kind of like a kid with a new box of crayons, LOL! Still loving your paper line and used some just the other day to make a new card.

Bobbi said...

Simply put...French General inspires me in a way nothing else quite does. I could use that sort of inspiration, as the summer is never my favorite time to create - it's just too fast paced, so I look forward to Fall and the slower pace that goes with it. And creating something wonderful with a cup of tea and a sweater nearby.

Debbie said...

I've been busy this summer making charms & jewelry...and I've started making stuff for Christmas, too. My next project is journals with fabric covers...all your gorgeous French General goodies would add the perfect touch to those. LOVE THEM! Thanks for the giveaway!

betty boop said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
betty boop said...

What karma! I had just pulled some of your paper to do a card for a friend. So glad that you did a line of paper products to go along with all my French General fabric I have accumulated... hahaha

Lee said...

How fun! my daughter and have have been crafty this summer - making stencils and fabric painting our own tshirts and sewing quilt squares! I love the paper crafting line of FG - espeically anything with that cute bee :) thank you!

Jennifer said...

Love your designs! This summer I have been knitting a baby blanket, sewing totoe bags and snap bags.

Anonymous said...

HELLO! I'M WATERCOLORING ON CANVAS BAGS FOR CHRISTMAS GIFTS>SO FUN!
THANKS SO FOR SHARING A LOVELY GIVEAWAY!

msstitcher1948@yahoo.com

Laurie said...

I am in love with your aesthetic, and love finding your stuff locally at Michael's now! My summer crafting seems to happen when I get together with crafty friends and our mutual energy gets us both going! And at the markets, which INSPIRE!

Carolyn said...

Hello, I've been making earrings and sewing big pot holders from La Petite Ecole fabric this week. I need ideas for my own thread cards and trim cards to organize my treasures. (Hoarding) I've been pinning your things and would love a chance to win your pretty paper.

French 75 said...

I just returned from a 3-day quilting retreat completely inspired after an introduction to wholecloth quilts. I have also been working on some drawings to use to cover journal book covers for Christmas gifts. I would love a chance to play with your lovely giveaway.
Janice
P.S. I love your French General fabrics and use them often. Keep the great designs coming.

Cassie said...

Your pics are always so inspiring! I have been delving into historic sewing techniques this summer--always a favorite pastime of mine!

Radka said...

Yes please, I would love to win anything from French General:-)
I love to stitch outside in my garden during the summer, so much planned, sadly the nature has other ideas - to much rain!

Heather said...

I've been obsessed with organizing for the past few weeks. So, mostly I'm making bags, baskets and labels.

SunflowerSkies said...

My mom and I have been doing a lot this summer--embroidery swaps, fabric painting shirts, and making a LOT of quilt squares! French General is my go-to for crafting :)

Becky Preece said...

My summer has been filled with new beginnings. After a winter filled finishing one quilt project after another, it has been a fresh approach to creating above and beyond my "normal" routine. I am in love with fiber arts and creating smaller projects that reflect my mood, my love for nature and art that applies different mediums. I have been overjoyed by my many completed smaller projects, with "personal meaning" that has supplied gratification to me and passed on as gifts to others.

Michelle said...

I ran-RAN to Michaels when I learned of the French General scrap items. They were almost out, and my nearest Michaels is two hours away. Pick me!!!!

Birdie said...

Well DH and I started a Farmers and Artisans Market in June and I'm having a ball. I'm currently making Origami jewelry and stitching home-made Christmas Ornaments. Oh and I'm obsessed with ATC aka Artist Trading Cards.

Thank you for the contest.

Jackie F. said...

I completed one quilt and am startinig on another. The first was Maison de Garance and next up is Rouenneries Deux. Love, love, love French General fabrics!

Vicki K. said...

That is certainly a worthy August goal!! I am beginning to make hexies from two of my fav FG fabric collections. It's going to take awhile!

Gail said...

My summer crafting has mostly been creating for the holidays. I have an etsy shop so I have to think ahead of the seasons and holidays, but I love it!
Thanks for the chance to win some of your awesome items........count me in!

Cherie said...

During the long cold, wet winter we've had down here I've de-stashed plus switched from stitching to steeling. Loving that I'm still able to use much of my glorious stash in the unique chains and repurposed found objects I'm creating into steel wire jewellery.
I've everything crossed that I'm fortunate enough to win some of your gorgeous gifts.
Here's hoping one day I'll join you in France for your magical retreat!

Lee said...

If I could I would dye everything I own blue. I have been working on a log cabin quilt I started years ago. Periodically, my hubby asks me "when are you going to work on the log cabin quilt"? He even figured out how many blocks I need to make....over 200.if I make 4 each day ...I may have it on my Ed soon!

Gail LaCroix said...

My summer crafting has been making mini albums for Christmas gifts. In fact right now I'm working on two correspondence journals using the French General paper line, along with ribbons, tags, etc. that coordinate with the line.

45th Parallel Quilter said...

This summer has been spent creating my sewing SPACE ... having retired and moved to our dream retirement home I am settling in and slowly CREATING my dream quilting/sewing studio ... it's sheer joy though hard work at times ... organizing. Beautiful things which would find a welcome home in my creative new space ;-)

Sally said...

I've spent this summer working to complete my daughter's senior scrapbook and also making several things for her college apartment. Wonderful giveaway - count me in :)

saly.puckett@yahoo.com

Pip said...

In Australia it is winter but that isn't stopping me from being creative, I'm quilting and doing wool embroidery. Thanks for the chance at the giveaway - Pip

Louise said...

I have been busy finishing up some unfinished quilts and pondering the perfect project for my little stash of Woad from the May workshop...what fun! I like to try and be creative each and every day.

oldgreymare said...

I have been crafting with your French general Products, making tags for a friend. I also visited my son for the first time in LA and imagine my shock when right below his home on the hill, sits the old french general shop. I almost had a heart attack..I've always wanted to visit but alas you moved and you were in France anyway :(
So close and yet so far away..... I need more FG to finish up my gifts so please include me <3
xx
z

Eileen said...

I'm a HUGE fan of French General! Have made a quilt for my grandson out. I'd your petite l'ecole line with an alphabet pillow and have found it very hard to find your papers. I found some in a craft shop here in Marin Co but not at Michaels.
Want to get more for my decoupage cigar boxes I do. The FG line is exactly my signature style. As a matter of fact my heart races when I have your fabrics or papers in my hands. Would love to be the lucky one.

Sue said...

After 9 years of school I am having a ball indulging in all my favorite crafty pursuits. I would love to have some French General to help me with this since I cannot find it anywhere around me! Thanks for the chance!

Cat C. said...

Well the heat this summer has actually driven me indoors a lot and I seem to have recovered my scrapbooking mojo! So I've been churning out pages and cards right and left - quite a feeling of accomplishment. I would love to add some more (I already have a small assortment)French General items to my stash. Thanks! By the way, will there be a second release of French General by Jolee's? If so, when?

Blanca Martinez said...

Hi, Summer Giveaway sounds like a great idea. This summer I visited a Bead Show for the first time and left inspired, I made a set of jewelry for myself in shades of vintage blues, I wore it to a pool party and my friend order me one set for her too, I just finish it. I'm also been busy making two shadow boxes for a lady from my church who's daughter has been in the hospital for months, the shadow boxes are about them inspired by some pictures that I took of them when they were performing music together in a church event called 'Girls Night Out". I would love to make another shadow box using your beautiful notions.
Blessings to everyone.

Pamelabee said...

I've embroidering towels and aprons, making poptab bracelets, and crocheting bags.

Robin Thomas said...

Instead of creating, I have been BEING.

Lots of photographs though. Some beading.

Mostly naps and sighs...

Unknown said...

I am completely inspired by all things French General. I am making a paper quilt/wall hanging using sewing techniques but with paper and both machine and hand quilting. You papers and fabrics would be a great addition-scrapbooking papers are sometimes a challenge. I would love to be a fly on the wall when you ,Kaari, are in your quiet room creating! Enjoy the remnants of summer! - Eileen G

Tracy Altieri said...

I am currently working on some knitted ornaments that a little shop in the Finger lakes of NY has asked to carry - it's exciting for me!

Cathy said...

I love all of your products. I made several trips to Michaels to stock up. I have been working on a configurations box with the theme of sewing. It is about 75% completed, just need to find a few more items to finish it.

Lynn S said...

My guild has challenged the members to make a 16"x20" art quilt. I've always have wanted to make a crazy quilt--but I know that is way to much of an undertaking! So, I've elected to do a crazy block art quilt--pansy theme. Next project is red and white...love the times you have featured!

Unknown said...

I have been knee deep in graduate medical school and often get a little anxious for the stress-relief of crafting and beading and pretty things. Last night I pulled out the JoLee's notions I had gotten when they first came out at Michaels, and I have to say that the mere sight of them made me feel better! I would love to win some goodies to bring some stress-relief back into my life!

Sewing In CT said...

I just completed a twin size postage stamp quilt!
I am moving onto pillow covers, cushions, curtains -
your trimming would be a great addition as i am in
French General decorating mode!

Anonymous said...

Sew delighted my 7 year old granddaughter wants to learn to sew with me! We live across the country from each other, and like to make pincushions and doll clothes when we are together. Another quilter up and coming in our family!

Robin T said...

Last week I visited French General with the tour from the Long Beach quilt show. Together with the quilt shops, the quilt show and great friends my creativity juices are flowing again. Thank you Kaari!

Anonymous said...

Love your craft line! I've been anxious to get into my studio to work, but I've been working so much....I guess I'll have to wait until school starts then back to paper crafts, jewelry, and painting...so anxious!

Cyndy said...

So glad I found you. Thanks for the opportunity to win these lovely things.

Karen on Bainbridge Island said...

Without inspiration, the desire to create can remain just a desire. So many wonderful artists and craftswomen are willing to share their creations online, and I thank each and everyone of them.

Summers in the northwest are short, so when the sun is shining, I take my embroidery or needlepoint out on my terrace and just stitch and savor the weather and create to my hearts content.

Every month this year, I've created an apron pocket for my best friend of 50 years. All are different, and each month she tells me that the current month is her favorite!

Ms. Lucie said...

YES! How fun your giveaway is!!

I just got back from my Two Day vacation to NH. It was not long enough. But I am looking forward to going back to my studio today to let the creativity bug take over!

Paulette said...

I make sock dolls that I adorn with buttons and beads. These dolls would look amazing wearing your charming craft items.

Jamie said...

I have just moved into a new house with a new studio - so I'm busy unpacking and ready to start a new project! I would love to win some of these FG goodies! Jamie V in MT
http://rem-nants.blogspot.com
jamievowell@yahoo.com

AnnaVallance said...

It's been a busy summer with renos but now I have a brand new kitchen, which means that I have not spent as much time as I would like in my craft room. But I did make some cloth bags and cards. Wonderful giveaway!

Anonymous said...

Such beautiful presentation of stuff! My crafting this summer has been more doodling of ideas than crafting. Hopefully this fall I can do more. Becky in Georgia

Anonymous said...

Love the presentation of your stuff--so beautiful. I have done more doodling of ideas than actual crafting this summer. Hope to get more done this fall. Becky in Georgia

Anonymous said...

love what you create..is work "play" for you? was at chateau dumas w/ anna corba last year and your musings brought me right back to that precious place and the aromas of chef charlotte's kitchen. merci kaar

lana cano klochi

barbara r-g said...

i have had a great summer of healing after a really serious illness this winter. i am so happy to be back in the land of the healthy and have been working on a nice gift for a friends birthday. a little chart i created with a halloween theme (her favorite) a pumpkin girl, i hope to make it into a needle book. i would love to include some of your things they are always so beautiful. thanks for the chance

Julie Stout said...

So much inspiration! LOVE your work. I found some vintage sheet music and would LOVE to use your goodies and turn them into collages. Also thanks for sharing your travels with us, its like being with you. Julie Stout

Anonymous said...

I have been enjoying making luxurious pillow cases with lace and hand crocheted linen yarn edgings...this is such a sweet gathering of goodies...thanks for the chance!
Cindy in AZ
cbnovick@hotmail

Denise said...

This summer I hand sewed ribbon and roses made out of satin onto fabric and machine sewed it into a beautiful pillow. Made needle books and dyed some cotton fabric. I had a productive summer learning new things.
Denise Streu

Jenn S. said...

I have been working on Christmas stockings during this hot summer for a new niece and a new nephew who will be arriving soon. Love your stuff!

usagypsy said...

It's been so hot so it's hard getting motivated to do anything! But I'm really trying to play catch up. Get some of those UFOs out of the way before the fall crafting starts!

Anonymous said...

I love your Jolie French General line of products. I have several projects that I have been working - quilted pillowshams, baby quilt, and knitted dishcloths and afghans.

Debbie V.
jdvanderpool@comcast.net

angela said...

i have been working on a large hooked rug all summer, but have also scraped my granddaughters 2nd birthday.Thank you for the chance to win this wonderful collection.

Jo's Corner said...

I've been working with crocheted trim and adding it to my handmade pillowcases.
jomoseley57@gmail.com

Dawn said...

I have way too many projects that I'm working on! Lots of altered vintage journals and lots of coffee/tea dying of vintage lace and trims. I've learned to not apologize for all of the incomplete projects! I know there are many creative souls out there just like me! Thanks Kaari for the opportunity!

Cyndy said...

I would be thrilled to win such a stylish collection. Thank you!

luckygirlgifts said...

Oh what a lucky winner someone will be!! Maybe me. haha
Summer crafting has actually been Holiday crafting for me.
But.... it would be quite lovely to stop and create something lovely with all of your wonderful creations for a bit.
Thank you for a chance
Cari

Rhonda D. said...

I have been working on some crazy
quilt squares, which are in need of
some wondeful embellishments! I am
also working on a journal that could use some help. Thanks for the chance to win!!

wigglypup2(at)yahoo(dot)com

Pattie Crum said...

Making curtains for my new house is my only chance to sew so far this summer. Hoping to change that soon.

http://thankfullga447 said...

Your items are amazing and I would love to win something. French General fabrics are wonderful, I love it.

http://thankfullga447 said...

Thank You..

Brenda F said...

Merci! I got my goodie package and they are BEAUTIFUL! I am so excited to start crating. Thank you so very much.