Linden & Lilah: feature, review + GIVEAWAY!

Hi friends...I'm so excited to introduce you to our latest featured handmade shop. Linden & Lilah is run by Amanda, a former college classmate of mine who I have reconnected with through social media over the last few years. Her son and Desmond are nearly the exact same age and have a lot in common.

Now for my favorite part of featuring artists and crafters, getting to know more about them and their creative process!

Where are you located + are you from there originally? 

I am currently located in Everett, WA. I am originally from California but I've also lived in Minnesota and Oregon. Washington has been my home for the past 9 years and once you've lived in Seattle, it's hard to imagine living anywhere else! 

How did you come up with your shop name? 

Linden & Lilah are the names of my children. 


How long have you had your shop?  

I started working on L&L a year ago. My Etsy shop has only been open since October 2014. 

What inspires you?
Imperfection! I struggle with perfectionism and often have let my fear of failing hold me back. What I love about L&L is that the beauty of hand carving and individually stamping each item, I can't have perfection. It forces me to embrace imperfection and makes me love each variation. 

What is your favorite item in your shop? 

Currently my favorite item is the organic dijon feather dress. It is a special item because it's the only dress I've made and it is just so pretty!  

Do you have any other jobs or hobbies? 

My main job is being a wife and mother, that takes up most of my time! I dabble in blogging, I love cooking and since having children, I have loved throwing fun parties.
Share an interesting fact about yourself. 

I am fascinated with child birth and someday when I am finished having babies of my own I would love to be certified as a doula and childbirth educator. 

What do you hope your future holds?
My hopes for L&L- We are in the process of listing our first home for sale and I dream of a space in our next home where I can have a dedicated studio to work in. Currently I draw and carve my stamps on my dining table after the kids have gone to bed. 

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Shandell's Review

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Amanda sent us an arrows onesie in pomegranate. This onesie is perfection for my little Aurelia. The color is a coral variation, which is one of my favorites for baby girl right now. If you recall from our nursery and baby shower for her, we had chosen an arrow theme inspired by Psalm 127: 3, 4 so this onesie was the perfect choice for our little girl. 

The fabric is soft and comfortable, the print is sturdy but not rough, and the design is really professional. Every time Aurelia wears this onesie we get a lot of compliments and inquires as to where it came from (I should start carrying business cards for Linden & Lilah!).

I would definitely recommend snagging any of these precious clothes from Linden & Lilah for your favorite little ones or parents-to-be! 

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GIVEAWAY!

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Amanda has generously offered one reader of Breaking New Ground one already made onesie of their choice from Linden & Lilah. Just follow the directions in the Rafflecopter entry form below and be sure to verify your entries!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This contest begins Monday April 6th and is open until midnight Sunday April 12th. A winner will be chosen at random by Rafflecopter. The winner will be announced here and notified by email at the address associated with their Rafflecopter entries. The winner will have 48 hours to reply to the email to claim their prize or an alternate will be chose.

Interested in seeing your product featured here, see the PR + Disclosures tab and contact Breaking New Ground by email to be considered. Disclosure: I received no compensation for this review. All opinions are my own.This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with, Facebook.  Click for additional disclosures and PR policies.

Questions, concerns, comments unrelated to the nature of this giveaway can be left on other generic posts or emailed to Breaking New Ground. 

Big Dandy Designs Winner + Sale

Thanks again to everyone who participated in the Big Dandy Designs Giveaway. If you missed it, head on over to Elizabeth's shop to check out her current sale, going on until February.

We tried a little something different with the last giveaway. To incentivize entrants to share the giveaway on social media there was a 2nd prize that would be unlocked upon reaching a minimum number of entrants. Unfortunately, while there were a lot of entries, not enough people entered to unlock the 2nd prize. Maybe next time, friends!

However, the winner of the 1st prize,  $20 credit to Big Dandy Designs is 

Aimee C!

Our winner has been notified by email. She will have 48 hours to claim her prize or an alternate will be chosen. 

Be sure to follow Breaking New Ground on Facebook to find out about future giveaways and other promotions. 

Big Dandy Designs Feature, Review, + GIVEAWAY!

Elizabeth of Big Dandy Designs is one my nearest and dearest friends. She is like a sister to me and I'm so excited to share her gorgeous artwork with you today! Read on to learn more about her and her creative process. 

Where are you located and where are you from?

I am originally from Veneta Oregon ( a tiny town you might miss on your way to the coast) and am now settled not too far away in an even tinier town called Alvadore. I tried the city and it just didn't impress me. Too much noise and not enough room for a garden.

{red radishes}

How did you come up with your shop name?

I had been tossing around ideas but as I was listening to my girls compare summer scrapes and bruises one morning I heard my youngest say "look at this big dandy!" I liked how it reflected the coolness and enormity of what she was talking about and thought it fit how I feel about what I do.

How long have you had your shop?

I technically opened in 2008 but really didn't have inventory or a direction. I sold originals exclusively and as my day time job changed I didn't have time to paint regularly. This February bumped up production and now sell archival prints which are far more affordable. 

{Pink Peony}

What inspires you?

I guess you could say I have two main styles I am drawn to:

The whimsy side is inspired by nature. Almost all of my artwork is of what plants and flowers grown in my own yard and garden.

The Arts and Crafts movement is also a very large part of the work I do. My husband and I have remodeled many homes over the years finally building our dream Bungalow home. 

What is your favorite item in your shop?

I guess it changes from season to season. Right now I am in love with the pine cones. They are from a picture I took of a tree on my last trip to Sunriver Oregon. Every painting from nature has a story for me and bring up great memories. 

{Pine Cones}

Do you have any other jobs or hobbies?

If I could, I would do everything! I love gardening, outdoor activities, reading, knitting, crafting, baking, decorating...the list could go on! But, I still have one child in school, a contractor husband whom I help on jobs whenever he needs me and a small hobby farm to keep up with. I'm a busy lady so I have to schedule what I call Big Dandy Days and treat it like a full time job. 

Share an interesting fact about yourself.

Hm, I am obsessed with documentaries and podcasts. Right now I am hooked on Ted Talks and anything to do with food though I indulge in an episode of What Not to Wear every once in a while. 

What do you hope your future holds?

I would love to be in several juried shows each year and, with a bit more practice, selling my work in oils as well. 

{Dahlias}

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Shandell's Review

I may be a tad bit obsessed with Liz's paintings. The first time I realized her artistic ability was when she handed out cards at church on Mother's Day and I saw her initials in the corner. When I asked she casually said that she did make them. I proceeded to tell everyone I came across that morning. If she wasn't going to brag, I was going to do it for her! I currently have a little bit of Big Dandy Designs in nearly every room of my house. I was pretty thrilled to get a few pieces to review for you all. 

{Ginko}

Big Dandy Designs' prints are printed with Epson Ultra Chrome pigment inks on Archival Velvet Fine Art Paper, which looks and feels just like the original watercolor! The paper and ink are made to keep each piece bright and clear for up to 200 years! 

{apple blossoms}

I love the varied styles she creates and the rich contrasts. My favorite thing about all her paintings is that she has such an eye for color, I never tire of looking at her work. 

{fall leaves}

Now that you see for yourself that Liz is immensely talented,  I'd encourage you to head on over to her blog, Bramblefield to read about the goings on at their place. She's crafty, she can cook, garden, and raise sheep! I honestly don't know if there's anything she can't do! Head over to her blog for all sorts of inspiration and the occasional free printable! 

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Giveaway!

Liz is generously offering a $20 shop credit to Big Dandy Designs. This means you get to pick out your favorite piece for your home + she'll send them your way. 

BONUS- if this giveaway reaches 20 entrants she is throwing in a 2nd prize of a $10 shop credit. That means if you share this post and it gets enough entrants (not 20 entries, but 20 individual people entering the giveaway) you could have twice the chances of winning. So please be sure to share this giveaway on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, word of mouth and any other way you see fit to make sure we get to those 20 entrants. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Need help using the Rafflecopter widget? See my post for a tutorial here. 

UPDATE- if you are browsing on an iPad please verify that your comment went through, it should show up immediately. Feel free to message me by email or on Facebook should you have any trouble while I work to fix this issue. Thanks!

This giveaway begins on Friday January 10th, 2014 and will end by Friday January 17th, 12:00am PT. Contest open to US residents only. 

A winner will be chosen at random by Rafflecopter, the winner will be announced shortly after the contest ends and notified by email. . 

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this review. All opinions are my own.This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with, Facebook.  Click for additional disclosures and PR policies.

Can't wait for the giveaway? Check out the current sale going on at Big Dandy Designs…

Bear & Fox Designs: feature, review, + GIVEAWAY

I met Rianna of Bear & Fox Designs through her sister-in-law, Aimee of our last feature Crowned with Beauty. I got to know her better on a girl's weekend last month and now I get to introduce you all to her and her craft talents...

Where are you located + are you from there originally? 

We are located in the little town of Rogue River Oregon.  My husband and I are both from Southern Oregon and would love to stay in the area.

How did you come up with your shop name? 

The store was created for my two little boys, Ezekiel and Elias.  Zeke has always been our careful and observant bear, and Eli is our feisty fox.  We wanted a name that could grow with our designs, and our family.

How long have you had your shop?

We officially opened in November of 2012.  It has been a crazy, and amazing journey this past year.  We have grown the store and had amazing support from friends and family. 

What inspires you? 

Our inspiration is based on our lifestyle currently.  Eco friendly and budget friendly.  We strive to make things from re-purposed or eco materials.  I love designing things for boys, because basically there is not much offered out there.  I truly enjoy dressing my little men, and allowing them to have trendy fashions.  I want to be the kind of mom who allows them to be whoever they want, and inspire them to try new things, including new styles.

What is your favorite item in your shop?

 I think the boys Suspender/ Bow tie sets are my favorite product right now.  There are so many different styles and patterns to choose from.  They are super versatile , and I have really enjoyed designing them.

Do you have any other jobs or hobbies?  

I am a stay at home mommy and love my job!  I love the outdoors and anything that reminds me of the outdoors. Camping has been a great activity for my family for the past few years.  I love going on long runs with the stroller, and taking the boys to the park.  I also enjoy finding nasty old things and turning them into treasures.

Share an interesting fact about yourself. 

I am a true hippie at heart.

I would love to live in a cabin off the grid if i could, and live off the land.  One day i hope to live in the woods, with some little chickens and a lavender field.  I have also secretly always 

wanted to have dreadlocks (its always been my little secret) :)

What do you hope your future holds?

I hope that our business grows and allows my husband to work fully on the business from home.  I am thankful everyday that Bear and Fox Designs has provided for my family, and i pray that it continues to grow.  It has been the biggest blessing for my family, for my sweet little boys. 

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Shandell's Review

Rianna sent a set of festive "Beau Ties" for my boys. I made her no promises that I would be able to get either to try them out, but I was pleasantly surprised. They were easy to get on and Desmond barely noticed his. Kai on the other hand is very picky about clothing, but he even tried one on for long enough to get a few photos. 

{dapper Des}

I loved that I could easily clip one to Malakai's T-shirt (pajama's no less) to snap a few funny photos of his forced smile and everlasting bed head. Somehow he still looked dressed up thanks to the red tie. Later he told me the green is his favorite, I'm holding on to hope that he might even wear it for Christmas, if just for a few more photos. 

Desmond and I had fun trying out a couple and taking photos. He didn't try to pull it off once. These little ties are just the right size for little guys. Something bigger or stiffer would likely poke and annoy. These didn't touch his face or neck at all, I didn't even have to button his shirt up all the way to put it on. A bow tie we have that went with an outfit we bought a while back fell off frequently, in these Desmond climbed and jumped and played as normal with no problems. 

Later Kai wanted in on the fun and I snapped this hilarious picture. The bow tie really makes each photo so much cuter. I am confident Desmond will be wearing these ties to our holiday gatherings this year. 

These are really well-made little accessories and I love the fun variety of fabrics that she offers them in, solids and patterns for every style. Such a simple and classic item. 

I'd highly recommend grabbing a set of these for the little boys in your life. They'd make a great Christmas gift! Order by Thursday, December 19th to ensure delivery by Christmas!  Currently $8 for one or buy the Christmas sets on sale for just $18!

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GIVEAWAY!

Now for everyone's favorite part, a chance to win an adorable set of Beau Ties from Bear and Fox Designs! 

Des is excited for you!

Rianna is offering one reader of Breaking New Ground a set of Christmas Beau Ties, and $18 value. 

(do forgive me for not posting this in time for Christmas, the holidays have kept me busy and I've had some technical difficulties to boot, but trust me, you'll want your little man to wear these all year long!)

See the Rafflecopter form below to enter (if it's not showing, refresh the page)

>>>PLEASE be sure that you read the entry requirements carefully and complete all tasks before entering or your entries will be deleted. If you do not complete the 1st required entry, all entries will be void<<<

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway begins on Tuesday December 17, 2013 will end by Friday December 20th, 2013 12:00am PT. Contest open to US residents only. 

A winner will be chosen at random by Rafflecopter, the winner will be announced by blog post here and notified by email. Winner will have 48 hours to reply to email or an alternate will be chosen.

Disclosure: I received a 3 pack of Beau Ties for the purpose of review, no other compensation was provided for this review. All opinions are my own.This is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.  Click for additional disclosures and PR policies.

Crowned with Beauty Winner + Special Offer

What a great giveaway to kick off my entry back into shop features, and the holiday season! Thanks to everyone who participated, especially those who have already made purchases from Aimee at Crowned with Beauty.

The winner of the lid + straw set for use with mason jar is…

Jenny!

The winner was chosen via Rafflecopter. Jenny has been emailed and has 48 hours to reply and claim the prize. Unclaimed prizes will be rewarded to an alternate, which will not be announced via blog post.

BUT WAIT, there's more!

Any purchases made from Crowned with Beauty between now and December 1st, 2013 is eligible to receive a free hand made ornament. All you have to do is mention Breaking New Ground and the ornament will be added to your order! Be sure to check back in to Aimee's shop to see all the lovely things she's added just in time for the holiday season!

Check back in here for more updates from us as well as additional features and giveaway in the coming weeks. If you peruse the internet via a reader, consider following Breaking New Ground's feed by clicking HERE or this handy dandy button to follow with feedly

Crowned with Beauty: Feature, Review, and GIVEAWAY!

It is with great anticipation that I introduce you to my good friend Aimee and her new to the internet shop, Crowned with Beauty. Take a few moments to read through and get to know Aimee and enjoy growing through her gorgeous handmade items. 

Where are you located + are you from there originally? 
I live in Eugene, Oregon with my family. My husband and I met here when we were in college. Some mutual friends of ours thought we would be good for each other so they introduced us. Both our families also live in the Northwest.

How did you come up with your shop name? 

I love making and filling my home with beautiful things. I also try to appreciate the beautiful things of life in all their forms. In the Bible, Isaiah chapter 61 talks about being bestowed with a crown of beauty to replace ashes. I think most women like the thought of that!

I decided to start the shop after I made a collection of mason jar drinking lids. I wanted to have special glasses that I could offer beverages in whenever I have guests over!

How long have you had your shop? 

I have been developing my shop for several months and I finally launched it in August. I have been really picky about what products I sell. There were a few items that I experimented with but ultimately decided not to offer. I want to make sure that every item listed is something that I personally love and recommend to others.

What inspires you? 

I am often inspired to make special memories with the people that I care about. I enjoy creating a lovely environment that reflects the moment or celebration. 

What are some of your favorite shop items?

My favorite item in my shop is the teal, hanging mason jar set. I think they are a great accent color and the hanging lid makes them much more versatile. Right now I am looking for a place to hang them in my kitchen so I can fill them with a number of items like pens and plastic forks. I also have one sitting on the counter in my bathroom.

Do you have any other jobs or hobbies? 

My full time job is raising my two kids. Titus is five and Eden is two. I also volunteer in the children's ministry at my church. My shop is the closest thing I have to a hobby. :)

What do you hope your future holds?

Grace for each new day and peace for all of life's uncertainties.

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Shandell's Review

I've been friends with Aimee for quite a few years now. I've seen her put her crafting talents to use in her home, in throwing parties for her kids and baby showers for friends, and in gift giving. It made perfect sense to me when I found out she opened a shop of her handmade items. 

Last month she brought me a generous sampling of her lovely creations for me to try out. I really enjoyed putting them around my home. 

First thing I did was put the Mason Jar Drinking Lid and Straw to use. I love the teal color and it fits both small and large jars that I had on hand. I love using a straw as it helps me drink more water throughout the day. I've used it nearly every day since. And, it's dishwasher safe! She also sells them with jars in case you want to buy the complete drinking jar, or multiples!

I haven't put anything on my dining room table for over a year. My boys are finally old enough to leave things alone even though they are in reach.  I decided to put the set of 3 beautifully painted Mason Jar Candle Holders out on the table. First of all, I really love the red one because it ties in with my kitchen and dining decor. Second, they are the perfect shades for fall, the holidays, or any time at all. I put small battery powered tea lights in them for a lovely glow in the evenings. 

Another perfect item for fall is the Mason Jar Felt Cozy. I'd never though to use jars for coffee or tea, but this little felt cozy made drinking something of any temperature a delight in a medium sized jar. I used it for hot coffee, tea, and even iced water. It kept my hands warm without being too hot with the warm drinks and it kept the jar from sweating with the iced water. Plus it's absolutely adorable with the perfect little leaf and rich colors. 

Last, but not least she gave me a Quilted Mason Jar Candle Holder with hanging lantern lid . I added another little tealight and hung it in our entry way. It gives off a very pretty glow and the hanging chain makes it very versatile. I could see snagging quite a few of these and hanging them for outdoor entertaining. I could easily swap out the twine on the colored jars and add the lid to them if I'd like to hang them at some point. I love that her products can be used interchangeably! 

Aimee certainly has an eye for color and a talent for creating aesthetically pleasing decor. I really enjoy having little pieces of her shop in our home, adding a little warmth and beauty throughout. I'm not looking around at her shop and thinking of what members of my family might like most for Christmas gifts!

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GIVEAWAY

Aimee of Crowned with Beauty is giving readers of Breaking New Ground a chance to win a lid and straw set. See the Rafflecopter entry form below to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway begins on Friday November 8th, 2013 will end by Wednesday November 13th, 2013 12:00am PT. Contest open to US residents only. 

A winner will be chosen at random by Rafflecopter, the winner will be announced on Thursday November 14th, 2013 and notified by email. Additional deals from purchases through Crowned with Beauty will be available once announced with the giveaway winner. 

Be sure to come back to check for the winner annoucement to see if you won AND to take advantage of a deal at Crowned with Beauty exclusively for readers of Breaking New Ground. 

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this review. All opinions are my own.This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.  Click for additional disclosures and PR policies.