Holiday Gift Guide 2009: Successories DYI

Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind.  To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas

Calvin Coolidge

I keep a memory of all the places I’ve traveled to by way of postcards, photographs I’ve taken, and prints I’ve purchased along the way.  If you were to step into our home, you’d see pictures of us intermingled with those that tell a story of where we’ve been.  Photographs, paintings, and art in general inspire me.  I could spend many hours at the Museum of Contemporary Photography (among many other museums around the world).

If you’re looking for an inspirational gift with lasting meaning, do check out Successories DYI (Design Your Inspiration).  The company combines incredible photographs with moving quotes.  There are a number of options available for personalization and I think their framed pieces make an incredible gift idea.  You simply select from their stunning images, choose a quote (or even better, add your own), personalize the piece with a message and pick out a museum quality mat and frame (size options include wall or desktop).

Successories DYI has taken time to ensure their collection includes “unique, awe-inspiring images from the most impressive photographers across the globe” (and I agree!).  They’ve paired these images with carefully selected quotes that truly add depth to each image.  I have already spent a lot of time browsing through the site because the images are breathtaking.  I’m following them on Twitter because they link to one of their inspiring photographs daily.  And if you’re looking for a lift, be sure to check out the quotes they put on Twitter!

I was given the option of creating a piece myself, or having one created by an artisan from the company (which is the route I chose).  For me, the most difficult part was choosing the photograph I wanted (I can be so indecisive!).  I did opt for a Christmas-themed piece and was sent The Small Christmas Tree by Photographer Quang-Tuan Luong.  The contrast of this tree against those towering above it is magnificent.  I was highly impressed with both the quality of the piece (the photo, frame, and matting) and it’s pairing with the quote I opened with above.

I’ve featured a ton of companies this season and I have to say Successories DYI is one of my favorites.  I think their framed pieces make a wonderful gift for friends, family members, co-workers…just about anyone!  Prices are as follows:

Desk size framed & matted print:  $45

Wall size framed & matted print:  $119

I’ll leave you with some of the most amazing images I found on the site…enjoy!

For more fabulous Holiday Gift Ideas, visit The Mommy-Files

 

Disclosure: I did not receive compensation for this review. I did receive a product, courtesy of the company in order to facilitate my review.

Holiday Gift Guide 2009: Clementine Art *Giveaway*

Thanks for stopping by, this giveaway is now closed. Congrats to Crystal A!

During my Back to School series, I introduced you to Clementine Art, an eco-friendly company that offers quality art supplies.  My son loves to color, paint, and play with dough, and I like the fact the downtime it gives us.  He is a very active two year old who loves to run, ride his scooter, and play outside.  But sometimes, we both need some quiet indoor time. I believe children need diverse experiences and developing their fine motor skills is just as important as developing their gross motor skills.

New out for the holidays is the company’s Holiday Eco-Art Gift Set.  The set is nicely displayed in a re-usable box and includes their scented,  crumble-free modeling dough, creamy soy crayons and crayon rocks, and multi-purpose glue.  I reviewed the soy crayons a few months ago and like the rich, creamy color displayed on my son’s “projects.”  My son just loves the crayon rocks (he does more than just color with them…like sorting and “playing” with them).  I should note that because they’re soy, they break a little easier than conventional crayons (in my experience).  But that doesn’t deter my son from coloring with them.  My son’s favorite product is the modeling dough (hehe).  Each color has it’s own fantastic scent, my favorite being the two citrus scents.  The dough is soft and malleable, and according to the company, will last for 12 months if you keep it stored in the airtight container it comes in. Glue is the final product in the gift set, but it’s something we haven’t introduced to my son yet.  The glue dries clear and washes off most surfaces.

As a parent, I worry about the chemicals my son is being exposed to in the products he comes in contact with.  I appreciate the fact that the company is transparent with the ingredients they use.  Clementine Art strives to recycled, reusable materials not only in their products but in their packaging. They even use soy inks for printing. The company uses plant and mineral pigments as opposed to artificial dyes.  I like the fact that their dough is colored with spinach and tumeric.  You won’t find preservatives, animal byproducts, or petroleum bases.

Exposing children to art is a great way to encourage creativity and imagination.  The Natural Gift Set retails for $27 and is available for purchase online.

Win It! One of you will win a Natural Gift Set.  Entering is just a bit different for this giveaway.  Simply follow Clementine Art on Twitter and send a tweet with what you like best about Clementine Art (easy right?).  Comments will close on  December December 12, 2009 at 10 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

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For more fabulous Holiday Gift Ideas, visit The Mommy-Files

Disclosure: I did not receive compensation for this review. I did receive a product, courtesy of the company in order to facilitate my review.

Get Artsy!

My son has discovered the fine art of coloring…and painting….and markers…and chalk.  Our laminate floors are often colored with a new shade (fortunately crayons are the only things we allow him to use in that room).  While our little artist discovers the Van Gogh within him, I’m checking the boxes to make sure the bite he took won’t send us all to the ER.  I can’t believe at two, he’s still trying to discover (in other words, consume) crayons.

The crunchy part of me loves natural alternatives to conventional products.  I know crayons are non-toxic.  But what about paint, markers, and play dough?  Don’t get me wrong.  We do have all of these products in our home.  But how exciting that Clementine Art is going the extra mile to ensure it’s art products are all-natural, certified non-toxic, AND environmentally friendly.  They also use recycled and reusable materials in their packaging.

The company offers soy crayons, natural modeling dough, natural paint, natural markers, and natural glue.  My son likes his soy crayons but he’d much rather have mommy draw a fish and a car.  His latest is that he wants daddy to draw a pirate on the Wonder Pets Flyboat (where does he come up with this stuff?).  You can purchase Clementine Art’s products at a Whole Foods near you!  Check out their podcast here.

For more fabulous Back to School Ideas, visit Mommy Mandy & Mommy Goggles!

Mother’s Day 2009: Photofiddle

Almost every room in our house has at least one picture of my son.  And while all of them are special and represent memories that are permanently etched in my heart, one stands out.  I recently worked with Photofiddle to create (well, they did all of the “creating”) an absolutely gorgeous piece of art out of a photo taken this past November.  The company specializes in transforming any picture into one of over 50 photo art styles. It’s a unique, sophisticated, personal way to decorate any room in your home.  Here is what my son’s picture looked like before and after it was “fiddled”:

This is a photograph of the canvas on my wall.  The actual piece looks richer in color and texture.

I was so impressed with the canvas I received.  I chose the Deep Sponge Painting Style and it looks like it was hand-painted.  They deepened the colors and made them richer, giving the photo texture, just like a piece of art.  I highly recommend transforming your photo to canvas for a professional, artistic piece.  There are several options for personalizing your piece, my favorites being Metropolitan, Impasto Painting, Charcoal Sketch.  You can crop it, preview it on a wall, and add a border if you desire. Photofiddle can also add a photographic tint to any photograph including sepia, blue, red, or green if you want a simpler look.

Ordering is as simple as uploading a photo, choosing your style, and choosing your display (canvas, framed, etc.).  In four days your photo will be fiddled and available for preview before shipment.  There are numerous pricing options varying from $9.95 all the way to $3499.95 and the price really depends on the type of display you prefer and how large you want your photo.  Along with the 15% off you will receive when ordering with the code “rockin 15,” the company has a special where you $20 off of an “18 by “18 Gallery Wrapped Canvas by using the code 1818 (but the two cannot be combined).

A Giveaway For Your Budding Artist

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks so much for stopping by.  The winner is Sara.  Congratulations and Happy Easter!

My little Picasso has recently discovered the fine art of coloring.  While his canvas has been more tables than paintings, it’s an activity that we enjoy doing together.  Whether you have a crawling infant or a hip teen, art is something children of all ages enjoy.  It allows for creative expression, use of imagination, and teaches children to “think outside the box.”  With the dawn of spring comes a new line of Crayola products designed to inspire children to “explore, discover, and create everything imaginable.”  What’s great about these products is that they’re all under $25.00.  I will be reviewing products from this new line very soon so be sure to come back to “read all about it.”  Here is a little description of each product from the site:

• Crayola Beginnings Baby Slide & See is a magical way to introduce babies to their first coloring experience. There are six pictures, each representing a different color, and by simply pulling the tab, baby can “color” the black and white images. For children 6 months and up; suggested retail price is $9.99.
• · Crayola Beginnings TaDoodles Ta-Doodler is a soft and cuddly bear buddy that becomes a canvas for your child’s imagination. It comes with three TaDoodles Crayon Buddies, allowing toddlers to scribble away on the light-up tummy or anywhere else on the washable bear. With one quick swipe of a damp cloth, the scribbles disappear and the “TaDoodling” fun can start again!  Two different musical modes set the tone for different activities — a lively tempo for coloring and creating, and a slower, soothing melody for quiet time. For children 18 months and up; suggested retail price is $29.99.
• · Crayola Beginnings Tub Time Tracers bring colorful, creative fun to toddler’s bath time. These nontoxic washable crayons wash away from walls when bath time is done. Washable stencils can be used for tracing or play. Tub Crayons and stencils float for even more colorful bath time fun! For children 18 months and up; suggested retail price is $7.99.
• · Color Surge Camp Rock gives fans of the hit Disney movie a chance to put their favorite stars in a spotlight of brilliant colors with colors like “amped-up apricot” and “high voltage violet” when Color Surge markers meet the super bright paper.  For children 6 and up; suggested retail price is $7.99.
• · Crayola Sidewalk Crayons offer kids more than pretty pastels to create outdoor masterpieces. Once reserved for bringing coloring books to life, this new technology offers the richest, brightest, boldest colors for creating extraordinary outdoor artwork. The difference is striking, as the smooth, creamy colors lay down on driveways and sidewalks with unmatched brightness.  For children 4 and up, suggested retail price is $4.99 for a set of 15 colors.
• · Pip-Squeaks Colored pencils may be smaller than their full-size Crayola counterparts, but they pack a big punch of bold color that inspires kids to travel wherever their creativity takes them. Whimsical color names like “blue suede shoes,” “goldfish” and “wacky watermelon” give children the opportunity to put their huge imaginations to paper. For children 4 and up; suggested retail price is $4.99 for the 18-ct. Pip-Squeaks Colored Pencils.
• · Pip-Squeaks Glitter Glue is the perfect compact size for jazzing up art projects with bright, bold shimmering colors. With 16 whimsical shades, there’s always a hue that will do.  For children 4 and up; suggested retail price is $4.99 for a set of 16-ct. Pip-Squeaks Glitter Glue.
• · Crayola Color Switchers are dual-ended markers that allow kids to magically change the colors of their drawings with a swoosh of the “color switch” tip. Each Color Switcher features a broadline marker on one side and a clear-ink tip marker on the other. The clear ends reveal their true colors when kids color over the marks they’ve made. Kids can draw a red house with one end of the marker and then switch sides to add yellow windows.  For children 6 and up; suggested retail price is $4.99 for a set of 6 dual-ended Color Switchers markers.
• · Crayola Window Crayons are creamy, colorful drawing tools that let kids transform car windows, mirrors and other glass surfaces into instant decorations. Their bright, bold colors lay down smoothly and dry quickly without smudging. And when it’s time to redecorate, colors wipe clean with a damp cloth. Crayola Window crayons will keep kids’ creativity flowing with endless options for coloring and drawing on any glass surface. For children 6 and up; suggested retail price is $5.99.

Win It! One of you will win a Crayola prize pack valued at $80.oo which will include products from the new line (listed above).  Simply head on over to the site and take a look around.  Come back here and leave me a comment with your favorite from the site and an indoor activity you like to do with your child.  Comments will close on April 7 at 10 PM PST (this is in time to ship before Easter).  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

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Phokki Review & Giveaway

This giveaway is now closed!  Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is Kimberly H.  Congratulations!

My husband and I love getting artsy with photography.  We do a ton of photo projects and try to preserve memories in unique and special ways.  My husband and I are always looking for ways to take our pictures to that next level and in order for us to display a picture on our wall, it has to really stand out.  I was really excited  when we were given the opportunity to check out Phokki, a website that turns photos into artwork. Here is a little more information about the company from the site:

Phokki is the key to transforming your average photo into an embellished and sophisticated piece of artwork at minimal or even no charge! Phokki has a pool of talented artists from diversified cultures that can cater to any form of customization or inexplicable photo styling specialization that you, our customer may want.

The very first thing I noticed about the site, upon entering, was the small box on the left hand side detailing the three little steps necessary to transform a photo into artwork.  Right then and there I decided that this is the perfect solution for us moms who don’t have a lot of time on our hands but want quality artwork. Once you’ve selected your style preference (which was the most difficult part of how wonderful the choices are), upload your photo, and enjoy your work of art. There are seven styles to choose from (I chose Illustration) and then you can decide how you want it designed by making a selection within the category.  The picture is hand-drawn from your photo by professional artists and it’s very affordable at less than $20.00. Here is how Phokki illustrated a picture of my son:

Doesn’t the picture look amazing?  I can’t wait to get it printed!  I love the vibrant colors and how they accented my son’s eyes.  I should mention that apart from the specialized styling offered by the company, you also have the option of just having an old photo retouched or restored.

Win It! One of you will win 1 digital artwork with a 15 x 15 inch poster.  Simply head on over to the site and take a look around.  Come back here and tell me what photo you’ll use for your creation and what style you’d pick!  Comments will close on March 18, 2009 at 10 PM PST.  One comment per person, please. US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

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Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

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Profuse thanks to Phokki and the Family Review Network for this review opportunity!