WINNER

It's been a crazy weekend. We have had lots of fun celebrating the fact that one of my friends had a baby on Friday. I apologize for not getting the winner posted until now!!

The winner of the earrings is Natalie!!

Random.org chose comment #89- "my favorite memory of birthdays past were spending them with my grandma. She always made me a carrot cake and made my birthdays extra special. :)"


Just email your address to: lillianraydesigns@gmail.com and your earrings will be on the way.

Thanks to all who celebrated the one year birthday of Lillian Ray on Etsy!

It's not too late to enter to win a Lillian Ray Luxe necklace here (music lovers NEED to check this out!)

Thank you to all who participated!! Enjoy the last bit of your weekend. :o)

It's a Happy Friday!

Happy Friday (8 by 8 Fine Art Photograph)by Kristybee

Today is the last day to enter the first ever Lillian Ray Luxe giveaway here.

It's also a special day today as my friend is having a baby, so I will do my best to post the winner tonight. Come back and check it out!

Also, don't forget about the gift certificate that comes with any orders that are placed by today (in either shop). Just be sure to let me know you are a blog reader and I will send it with your order.

Kate Hudson and Her Backwards Necklace

Sautoir necklaces are long rope-like (using links or even woven beads) necklaces that are making their way into the spotlight again. They normally hold some sort of pendant like a tassel.

Kate Hudson wore a beautifully unique version of a Sautoir necklace this past weekend at the SAG awards. Her necklace draped down her open back. Although the trend is headed to short chunky necklaces, Kate sure made a statement with this gorgeous long and dainty piece.

One of the perks of this style- you can flip it right around and wear it draping in the front.


Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

From here.

And what did stars adorn their fingers with?

Big flower rings:

Paula Patton wore this pretty set of stacked bracelets that matched her ring:


Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Sofia Vergara wore this $87,000 beauty:


Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Don't have thousands of dollars to spend on pretty flower rings? You can find a few versions in my shop...and you may be seeing some more in the future. Click on the images to see them in the shop.




Thanks for making Lillian Ray's birthday celebration lots of fun so far! I am looking forward to another wonderful year. Be sure to enter both of the giveaways here and here!

Treasury

Do you remember that I was featured in a treasury a few weeks ago?
Well, I was able to create a treasury day before yesterday and I thought I would share it with you. It was so much fun to make!

Click on the image below if you would like to see it live. The treasury is set to expire this evening, so you must click on the image before that time if you would like to see it live.



These pieces were made by some very talented people!

Enjoy!

...and don't forget to enter Lillian Ray Luxe giveaway(s) here and here

Have a beautiful Wednesday!

Another Giveaway- Music to my ears!

I have a sweet friend {Mary} who has a passion for music. We have known each other since junior high!

and since I don't want to try to dig out my junior high photos...one from high school will have to do-



Now-


She loves finding talented unknown artists and letting other people know about them.

That's the goal of a blog that she started last year {Mary's Monday Musicology}. She writes all about the new artists and posts their music on her blog for you to enjoy. I have found some of my new favorites from her blog and I am SO proud of her!

Mary and I have teamed up to bring you ANOTHER giveaway!

So, my dear blog readers and music lovers- head over to Mary's blog and check it out. You will get a new dose of music once a week and you are sure to find something that you like.

It's another way to celebrate LR's birthday...another chance to WIN something from the NEW LRLuxe shop...and a way to learn about some new music. You have nothing to lose!

Mary's giveaway is here.

Happy Tuesday, and don't forget to enter the first ever Lillian Ray Luxe giveaway here.

You're Invited...

...to a birthday party!


Happy Birthday Balloons - Original Signed Fine Art Photograph by Jane Heller
Pull out the confetti and balloons...we have something to CELEBRATE! Lillian Ray's Etsy store is ONE year old this week!!

The shop even went through a little makeover for the occasion.

We have a few things going on this week:

1. Lots of new items will be posted, so keep checking back!
2. There will be multiple giveaways (the first is in this post)
3. There is a grand opening of a new Etsy shop!
4. Any blog readers who make a purchase from either of the LR shops through this Friday (January 29th) will receive a coupon for $5 off a future purchase. This coupon can be used for any future purchase but may not be combined with any other offers. Coupons expire June 30, 2010. Please convo me along with your order letting me know that you are a blog reader!

Now, for the GIVEAWAY!

I would like to introduce you to my new Etsy shop:



Lillian Ray Luxe is a place to find high quality jewerly in many different styles. New items will be posted all week, so be sure to check them out.

Want to win something from the new store?


These earrings are made from genuine faceted Labradorite. They are simple and gorgeous! Want to add them to your jewelry box?



Here is how to enter:

Earn one entry for each the following:

1. Browse through Lillian Ray Luxe and Lillian Ray and let me know what your favorite item is (can be from either store). Everyone who would like to participate must do this.

for additional entries:

2. Follow my blog or let me know that you are already a follower.

3. Write your own blog post linking to the giveaway and post the link in a comment.

4. Tweet about the giveaway and post the link in a comment.

5. BONUS ENTRY: In honor of Lillian Ray's Etsy birthday, tell me what your favorite birthday memory is.

Please note that you must leave a separate comment for each entry.

The giveaway will end this Friday at 12:00pm (noon) PST. The winner will be annouced later that day. Please check back to see if you have won!

Thank you to everyone who made this first year on Etsy so amazing. I could not have done it without the encouragement from my husband, my supportive family and friends, and YOU!

Come back to find out more about LR giveaways and new items in the shop!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LILLIAN RAY!

Happy Day!

Today is a happy day.


Wrapped in Romance - White Cherry Blossoms by Shaded Memories

First, it's FRIDAY!

Second, we have a giveaway winner.

Third, I get to tell you a little bit about what is happening next week.

For the giveaway winner......

Random.org chose:

Jess from ArtsyCraftsy

Please email me at lillianraydesigns@gmail.com to claim your prize! You have until Monday until a new winner will be chosen. Congratulations!!

Thank you to all who participated. :o)

Do you like giveaways and celebrations? Well, I LOVE them- that's why there is going to be a special giveaway celebrating something next week. So be sure to check back on Monday to see what fun things will be happening all next week. I'm EXCITED!!

Enjoy this lovely weekend and I will see you back here on MONDAY! :o)

Last Day for Giveaway!

Today is the last day to enter the LOVE pillow giveaway!

The contest closes at 5:00pm PST today.

The winner will be announced tomorrow.

Be sure to check back!!!



Enter HERE.

Check It Out

I am excited about the next few weeks. There will be some new things showing up in the shop and lots of fun next week. Be sure to keep checking back!

Click on the images to see them in the store.







Two for one special- Purchase this necklace and get a free pair of matching earrings:


Enjoy your Wednesday and don't forget to enter this giveaway for a sweet pillow.

It's LOVE

It's so much more fun to deck the halls for Christmas than to un-deck them. The walls and shelves that used to hold garland look so bare.

Thank goodness for Valentine's Day! The holiday is not only about one of the greatest things ever: Love, but it is also a transition from winter decor into more of a fresh spring look.

I stumbled upon this adorable little shop last week and thought that you might enjoy their awesome banners. Check out the cute things that Storia Home sells. Simply adorable!

Each photo will direct you to the item listing on Etsy. Enjoy!





Happy Tuesday!

Don't forget to check out the shop that is in the Etsy Limelight below and enter to win the giveaway!

Etsy Limelight Giveaway: Honey Pie Design

Happy Monday!

Let's start this week with another Etsy Limelight Giveaway.

What is Etsy Limelight? It's a way for you to find incredible new stores on Etsy.

I would love to introduce you to


I fell in love with this shop before it made sales last year and I am excited to finally put in it the limelight this week.

Lana is the creative mind behind this store. Here is a little bit about Lana straight from her!

I live in Manhattan with my husband and 1 year old daughter. I am a graphic designer, a crafter and a stay at home mom. I love going to the park with my daughter. It makes her really happy. I enjoy reading a pile of magazines while having a coffee at Barnes and Noble. (A few of my favorites are Dwell, How, Martha Stewart, America's Test Kitchen and I love Donna Hay) During the summer I can go to the beach everyday if I could. I love going to my mothers house and sewing with her. She always teaches me something new.


Monogram Custom Pillow
I love making things. My entire life I have made gifts for friends and family. After my daughter was born I made her a little pillow with her name on it and loved it. I have always wanted to sell my work and I finally had the opportunity when I unexpectedly was laid off from my job. It was a blessing in disguise. I had just returned from my maternity leave and was back home raising my daughter. I finally made a plan for myself and started making pillows for Etsy.


Toi and Moi Pillow
I'm inspired by fonts. I am constantly browsing and shopping for new fonts. There are so many great fonts out there that will look great on a pillow!

My new favorite is my Pink Dot Pillow. It's so bright and fun, I just love touching it! My old favorite that got sold is the Bisou pillow which I want to make again.


Pink Dot Pillow

What can you win from this lovely shop? This ADORABLE pillow:



This sweet hot pink pillow would make a great addition to your living room through the month of February or would be a wonderful gift for someone you love.

Want to win it?

For one entry, visit Honey Pie Design and comment letting me know what your favorite item is.

It's that simple!

For additional entries (please leave a separate comment for each):

1. Become a follower of this blog (you will be seeing many more Etsy Limelight Features) or let me know that you are already a follower.
2. Tweet or write a post on your blog about this giveaway. Leave the link in a separate comment.

The giveaway ends this Thursday, January 21st at 5:00pm PST.

A winner will be announced on Friday morning. Check back to see if you are the lucky winner. You will have until Monday to claim your prize.

Have a wonderful week!

It's Friday!

On my oh so long to do list:

Make one of these-



Image from here

Have a beautiful weekend and don't forget to contribute what you can (prayers, donations of items, money, or even time) to those suffering in Haiti.

Help Haiti

The devastation in Haiti is heartbreaking. I can't even imagine the confusion, chaos, pain, and loss that people are going through.

There are many different ways that we can give during this time of need.

One of my favorite organizations is World Vision. They have a relief fund that you can make a donation to right here:


Giving to the American Red Cross is another way to help out. Visit this site to give directly to them:

You can even text the message "HAITI" to "90999" and make a $10 donation, charged to your phone bill, to the Red Cross.

Can you imagine the difference we could make if everyone gave just a few dollars?

Please consider taking a break from shopping on Etsy and give a little to help these people in need.

My thoughts and prayers are with those suffering in Haiti.

Treasury Feature

Yesterday I posted a few new things in the shop and within in a few minutes one of my items (the Little Rose Headband) was featured in a treasury and then sold!


More items are on their way...and I have been busy busy working and planning my surprise/celebration. I'm excited!


Happy Wednesday!

Click here to see the treasury on Etsy.

What's Your Color?

I wasn't interested in accessorizing during my junior high and high school days. I got my ears pierced in 6th grade (the age that our parents allowed us to decide if we wanted to have it done) and I found necklaces annoying because they would just get in the way. I only seemed to be interested in putting pretty fabric flowers and bows in my hair.

Things have obviously changed. I still love to accessorize my hair (my collection of these has nearly tripled in the last year) and now I am wearing all kinds of jewelry. I enjoy purchasing jewelry that I didn't make. Now I appreciate it so much more.

Along with my new love for jewelry has come a big question. Gold or silver? There are numerous metals that I love (copper, bronze, gunmetal, rose gold...) but which one is ideal for me?

A few months ago one of my coworkers (I work at a preschool part time) asked me if I knew my colors. I automatically thought- of course I know them and why in the world would you hire me if I didnt? She noticed my confusion and cleared things up. She explained that in the early 80's (yes, a little before my time) there was a popular book that helped you find the colors that looked best on you. She explained that they grouped the colors by season, so you were a winter, summer, autumn, or spring. Apparently there were people who would tell you what your colors were.


I've only been able to "find" my colors through compliments that others make when I wear certain shades or hues, but I guess I never really know if they are complimenting the style, color, or both. I am so curious about what this book would tell me I should wear.

Alright, back to metals. It's true that some people look better in silver while others glow in gold. The general rule is that winter or summer people look best in silver while autumn and spring look best in gold. So which season are you?

There are tons of resources to help you find your color, but a simple two question quiz can help lead you in the right direction. I am not sure how accurate it is, but it seemed to work for me: Color Me Beautiful Quiz

The quiz (and multiple people) have suggested that I am a summer person. That would mean that I would fall into the silver category. I think that silver does look best on me, but that doesn't stop me from wearing gold from time to time.

For a more up to date version of the book, click on the photo below.


What's your color/season?

A Winner

Congratulations to
Kristen!


Random.org selected you as the winner of the headband of your choice from
Maggie Overby Studios!
Please contact me at lillianraydesigns@gmail.com to claim your prize. You have until Monday, January 11th.

Thank you to all who participated and Maggie- thank you for sharing your creativity and generosity with us! Congratulations on your first sales and best of luck to you and your wonderful shop!

Be sure to check her shop out here.

A new giveaway is on the way so be sure to check back!

Have a very happy weekend!

Organize!

There will be a few new items showing up in the shop...I promise it will happen soon.

It's been a busy week and taking care of a sick husband is a full time job!

With the new year comes new goals and fresh start.

Organization is key.

Check out these adorable 2010 calendars from some talented Etsy artists!


The Beach - 2010 Calendar SALE 25 PERCENT OFF by Urban Pink Photography

2010 Weekly Planner by Lily Jane Stationary

ON SALE - 2010 Calendar - Summer all Year by Photography by Bomobob

I like buying my calendars after the year has started just to save a few bucks.

Can you tell what my favorite season is? I just LOVE warm weather! :o)

Don't forget that today is the last day to enter to win a headband from the lovely Maggie Overby Studios! Enter here.

Enjoy this lovely Thursday. Tomorrow is Friday!!

Good Morning!

Today I go back to my "normal" routine. I have orders to fill and custom work to begin and some cute little three year old kiddos that I have missed terribly during the holiday. It's a busy day that should start off right.

As you are scrolling through your daily blog reads- try a slice of this AMAZING bacon that I was able to enjoy during the holiday. If you can't make it now, then I assure you that you will want to make it later. Bring it to a brunch or make it when you have house guests. It is SURE to be a hit!


Click on the image above to go to the Sunset recipe site

Coffee and Brown Sugar Bacon

Time: 40 minutes. Everyone loves waking up to the smell of coffee and the smell of bacon, and the flavors are pretty awesome together too. Add some molasses-y brown sugar, and you'll reach bacon nirvana.

Yield: Serves 8
Ingredients

* 1 pound thick-cut bacon
* 1 tablespoon ground coffee
* 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons freshly brewed coffee

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 375°. Line a rimmed baking pan with parchment or waxed paper and set a flat rack on top.

2. Lay bacon strips on rack, overlapping slightly if needed. Sprinkle top of strips evenly with ground coffee. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and brewed coffee, stirring just to blend to a paste. Brush top of strips with half of sugar mixture.

3. Bake 15 minutes. Turn bacon over and brush with remaining sugar glaze. Bake until crispy, 10 minutes more.


And while you wait for the bacon to bake...

Check out the Maggie Overby giveaway here. She has some amazing things in her shop that is currently in the limelight!

Limelight Giveaway- Maggie Overby Studios

I am back- it's been a great holiday but I am excited to get back into the swing of things and I have some exciting things to share with all you Limelight and Lillian Ray fans out there. Stay tuned for some FUN!

Let's kick of this new year by putting another wonderful shop in the Limelight.

I am excited to introduce you to Maggie Overby Studios!!

Let's learn a little about Maggie straight from her...

As a native of New Orleans and a graduate of New Orleans Center for Creative Arts and LSU school of Architecture I claim Louisiana and all its uniqueness as my home. I lived in New Orleans for 18 years and Baton Rouge for 7 but as an Army wife the last 10 years have involved a lot of moving.



I started my career in Architecture but as my first child was born and the first move was on the horizon I knew I needed a change. I wanted to stay at home with my kids but have a little extra money coming in. I started off sewing for the new house(s) and then for other people’s houses, before you know it I’m making pillows, drapes, bedding, slipcovers, whatever is needed.



I was inspired by an entrepreneurial mom who runs a hand bag business from her home. I CAN DO THAT! At least I think I can, so here I am on Etsy giving it a try. The flowers started as decoration for the purses I was making and now they are taking on a life of their own embellishing head bands, pillows and who knows what else.



My favorite item I have listed right now is the Marie Antoinette Pillow. It has a appliqued female silhouette with flowers in her hair. This came out better than I imagined it.

Decorating my house has always been my hobby and since I move so often I always have a new palette. I also enjoy creating scrapbooks especially when we get a chance to scrap with the friend who inspired me to start. I enjoy being creative and love when I get to make something with my own hands that I can really be proud of.




Maggie has a lot to be proud of because her store has some incredible items! Here is my favorite pillow from her shop:



Here are the giveaway details:

Maggie is generously giving away one flower head band (your choice) to a lucky winner!!



It's simple to enter- just comment on this post telling me what your favorite item in Maggie's shop is. Check out her shop here.

For a second entry, leave a separate comment letting me know that you are a follower (either old or new!).

The giveaway ends at 5:00pm PST on Thursday, January 7th. A winner will be announced on Friday, January 8th. Come back on Friday to see if you are the winner. You will have until Monday to claim your prize before another winner is chosen.

Do you know a new(ish) store that should be put in the Etsy limelight? Email me at lillianraydesigns@gmail.com and let me know!

Get ready for some more giveaways and a BIG celebration.

I am very excited about 2010!