*CLosed* Handmade Holiday Giveaway - The Gilded Bee

My crafty little heart went crazy when I found the Gilded Bee Shop. This one is for all you ladies who love to gift wrap, scrapbook, or make pretty presents:) Eat your heart out! This shop is loaded with goodies, and Sasha has offered a huge bundle to giveaway to an IHOD reader!

Here is a list of the kit goodies:

* 6 asst. trifle boxes

* Roll of scarlet ruffled crepe trim

* 15 ft. thick white cotton twine

* 15 ft. thick strawberry striped cotton twine

* 1 bouquet Cream petite millinery daisy flowers

* 1 bouquet Shell Pink petite millinery daisy flowers

* 6 ft. Silver sequin trim

* 6 ft. Gold sequin trim

* 3 ft. Silver tinsel trim

* 12 Golden yellow wallpaper medallions

* 12 red mod seals

* 12 chocolate bows

* 12 Scarlet tags

* 12 Aqua/ cream label tags

How to Enter (must be a subscriber or follower of IHOD):

1) Visit the Gilded Bee and leave a comment with your favorite items from her shop.

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:

2) Blog, Tweet, or Facebook about the giveaway (separate comment for each).

example tweet: Just entered the @inhonorofdesign handmade holiday #giveaway from the Gilded Bee!

3) Add The Gilded Bee to Favorites on Etsy

4) Become a fan of IHOD on facebook 


Don't want to wait? She's having a Holiday Sale! You can stock up on supplies now:)

We have a lucky winner of the Lemon and Lavender Holiday Card Giveaway! #26 - Laure!!

Will be contacting you shortly! Thanks to all who entered!

DIY Advent Calendars Part I

(From the top: loretoidas and aliedwards via ohhellofriend, bethproudfoot, pottery barn via pinterest, bowerpowerblog)

I am kind of crazy about Advent Calendars. I am in the middle of making one for my little fam as a surprise on the feat os St. Nicholas this weekend. Shh! Don't tell! Advent calendars a great way to build anticipation and excitement for Christmas (not that you need much help)! 

The word advent means "coming"....my family always used advent calenders as a time to gather around and reflect about who was coming- the Savior - the infant King! As a child this helped make Christ's birth more meaningful...and hence practice the true meaning of Christmas.

Do you have any Advent Calendar Traditions??

Sponsor Love: Favorites from Elliven Studio

Pretty Patterns, Functional Designs, and Perfect Gifts! These are a few of my favorites from Elliven Studio. Passport Cases, Checkbook covers, Ruffle Cards.....to name a few of the lovelies you will find there. She is also having a 20% off Cyber Monday Sale! Coupon Code: BFSALE20

Elliven Studio

Shop | Blog | Twitter

P.S. Last day to enter the Holiday Cards giveaway! You could be the winner tonight!

DIY: Up-cycled Wallpaper Wrap

Grace from Grace Hester Designs asked me to help her with a fun task and create a DIY Wrapping idea that is kid-friendly.She is a new contributer over at Oh-My! Handmade. 

As an art teacher, I learned fast how to use the resources you have on hand to turn them into something fun and creative for the kids. If you have any old wallpaper samples, they actually make great gift wrap! You can also head to  a local interior design store and ask if they have any wallpaper books they are getting rid of. (That's how I got mine;) Relatives and friends love when there is a personal touch to their holiday gift. You can get your kids involved by asking them to trace the insides of their favorite cookie cutters on the back of the paper or embellish the front side. Coloring in and around designs with red, silver, or gold is a fun way to turn standard wallpaper into personalized Christmas wrap:) 

Here's to making the season merry and bright with your children on board!

Handmade Holiday Gift Guide: Little Finds

1. Eco Friendly Snack Sacs - Mels Sells  2. Handmade Elephant - Reverie Boutique

3. Posh Legs - Posh Pibsqueak   4. Moccasins - Freshly Picked

5. Crocheted Hat in Bright Pink - Handmade Creations   6. Baby Ballet Flats - Three Fish Shop

Crayon Wallet Travel Toy - Our Little Messes 8. Rockin Roller Tee - One Artsy Mama

This one was difficult to choose!! So many amazing little finds for kiddos and I want to buy them all!

Hope you enjoy the beautiful works of these handmade artists! 
Consider joining me in supporting the nations small businesses and shopping handmade for Christmas!

Lemon and Lavender Holiday Card Giveaway!!

Hold up! Don't order those Holiday Cards yet! Because we are giving some away!!! The lovely Ashley has generously offered 25 CUSTOM photo cards + envelopes to one lucky IHOD reader!! All of her designs are GORGEOUS. So here's the deets....

TO ENTER (must be a follower or subscriber of IHOD):

1) Visit Lemon and Lavender and leave a comment of which design you would choose.

2). Blog, Tweet, or Facebook about the giveaway! (separate entry for each)

example tweet: Just entered the #giveaway to win 25 custom Holiday Cards @inhonorofdesign!

3). Like Lemon and Lavender on facebook

4). Follow Ashley's beautiful blog.

Will announce the winner next Tuesday!! Good luck!

Mandi is the lucky winner of Two Rik Rak Studio stockings!! Will contact you for details!!

THANK YOU for all who entered! It was nice to meet some new people too!!

Handmade Holiday Gift Guide: Keeping Warm

1.  Bootcuffs - Laine Design   2. Spiral Flower Earwarmer - Yarn Twisted

3. Bow Hat - Laine Design   4. Cozy Mug Cuff - Knit Storm

5. Frilly Fingerless Gloves    6. Hand Crocheted Wristlets - Harvester Products

7. Classic Cowl - Taylor House  8. The Alice Cowl - Taylor House

A HUGE THANK YOU for all the handmade artists that contributed to the Handmade Holiday Gift Guide! I can't wait to share with you all the handmade goodies. Aren't these knitted items beautiful? Some fabulously fun ways to keep your loved one warm this winter.

Join me in supporting the handmade community this Christmas season:) 

And don't you think it makes the gift so personal??!

P.S. Last Day to enter the giveaway for the RikRak Studio Stockings! 

A new handmade giveaway will be announced after!

Sponsor Feature: Sandy A La Mode...

Precious right?!! This is Sandy A La Mode and she is open of the sweetest bloggers you'd ever "meet." And she happens to have the sweetest shop full of the sweetest little goodies you ever did see!

I am thankful to have her as a sponsor here on IHOD. Would love for you to head over to her shop and see what I am talking about:) 

And YES she is offering a discount for 15% off your entire purchase!! Now through next Saturday the 27th. Just mention you are an "IHOD Reader" at the checkout. Such perfect stocking stuffers!

SANDY A LA MODE

Meet the Newest IHOD Model: Sydney

I am beyond thrilled to introduce you to a new favorite blogger....just read one of her posts and you will see why. Her joy and humor shine through her writing and images, which is hard to accomplish as a blogger. Its kind of contagious! Take a close look at these images....

...I know, her outfits are killer! Also notice the accessories?! ;) Sydney agreed to model a few of her favorite IHOD accessories....and I was so excited to collaborate with her! One of my favorite things about her- she is a modest fashion blogger - so her style is so feminine and fun.) She will be modeling some more pieces in the upcoming week. Follow along as this killer lookbook is created! 

The Daybook - Possibly the cutest blog on the block:)

*Enjoy your pre-thanksgiving weekend!! I can't wait to plan the menu and table decor. 

Will be back Monday with the Handmade Holiday Gift Guide, new Handmade Giveaways, and a few other fun DIY's!  ALSO, if you want to win ANY item from IHOD's shop, head on over to AFOMT!!

Holiday Packaging - Sweet Paul Magazine

After eating up every page of the current issue of Sweet Paul Mag, I was motivated to make every gift I give more personal this year-whether it be handmade wrapping paper, handmade card, etc.

These were a few of my favorite examples of the perfect Christmas packaging. I think everything is better with kraft paper:) If you have ordered from my shop, you probably noticed how your item came in kraft tissue and kraft bag:) Hope these examples inspire you to avoid the standard gift bag this year!

Also, lots of great things going on here on IHOD right now so here is the round up!:

1). The Handmade Holiday Gift Guide will launch next week (to help you avoid Black Friday madness;)  So if you had an item from your shop to submit, now is the time to do so!

2.) A few more fabulous Handmade Giveaways will be taking place in the next few weeks. Don't miss out on the current Stocking Giveaway from RikRak Studio!

3.) I have just a few spots left for December Advertising! Email me if you would like the info packet.

And that's a WRAP! ;) :) :D

*CLOSED* Handmade Holiday Giveaway: RikRak Studio Stockings!

Doesn't just looking at these stocking get you merry and bright?!! RikRak Studio shop makes me want to gift everyone with a holiday stocking! K also has a fabulous blog with tons of fun things going on. GUESS WHAT?! This first Handmade Holiday Giveaway winner will get to choose ANY TWO Original or Specialty Stockings! (Value- 44$)

TO ENTER (must be a follower or subscriber of IHOD):

1.) Visit RikRak Studio and leave a comment with which stocking(s) you would choose!

2. Blog, Tweet, or Facebook about the giveaway (1 entry each-leave a separate comment)

*example tweet: Just entered the @inhonorofdesign #giveaway to win TWO stockings from @therikrakshop!

OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL READERS! GIVEAWAY ENDS MONDAY NIGHT at 10 PM!

Lastly, don't want to wait? K is making CUSTOM stockings for only one more week if you want to buy the perfect gift for the new niece or nephew, for Mom and Pop, etc. etc. etc. Contact her directly!

Shop feature: One Sydney Road

I was thrilled to hear that Piper from the blog, One Sydney Road, had now opened an online boutique. It pretty much will steal your heart! Have a look for yourself!

Well Done.

So happy to help spread the word about the project Well Done. Charity Water is a campaign that every person can relate to! All you need to do to get inspired is watch this video.  About a year ago, I posted this to support a friends campaign, and since then I have been following the incredible things Charity Water has accomplished.

Now, the blogger community is pulling together to spread the word about Lauren and Keely's initiative. They are oh so close to raising enough to fund a water well. Please consider helping. It only takes 5$.

We are asking you to trade 

a cup of coffee, a glass of wine, one happy hour,

...or whatever "your drink" may be.

For one day.

So that together, 

the blogging community 

can give 250 people a chance

to drink clean water.

For the rest of their lives.

To donate to the campaign, please visit here. 

Meet the Sponsor: Lemon and Lavendar

I really am SO excited about each and every one of my lovely sponsors.....so much talent loaded up on my sidebars!  I wanted to show you some goodies from one of IHOD's very first Premier Sponsors....Lemon and Lavender. You may remember beautiful Ashley from this post. Her shop is filled with exquisite paper goods. Here are a few of my favorites....

Aren't they lovely?!! If you are looking for an affordable and unique place to order your family Christmas cards, look no further!  And if you haven't visited her blog yet, now is your chance! ....Its just as pretty as the shop!!

Lemon and Lavender

Blog | Shop | Twitter

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

IHOD featured in Chicago Collections Magazine!

(Style Spreads by country)

"Our Trend department highlights the season's must-have looks that can be achieved with key items found in Chicago stores."

1) Alexander McQueen Fall 2010

2) Noelle Leone Collection Gladiator Ring

3) Bumble and Bumble Sumo Wax

4) In Honor of Design Hair Pins 

5) Deola Sagoe Aso-Oke Dress

Believe me, when I found out that one of my designs would be featured in the Trend Section of Chicago Collections Magazine, I was amazed. When I found out I would be on the same page as Alexander McQueen??! ...I about fainted. To say this is humbling would be an understatement. I am so incredibly grateful for such an honor. 

How it happened: The "trend scout" for the magazine walked into Mr. & Mrs. Boutique in Chicago, where IHOD accessories are sold. She eyed the hair pins, snapped some shots, and decided they would be featured in the next issue! So, I owe a HIGE thank you to Emily, the manager of the fabulous boutique. (If you are in Chicago, check it out!!) Needless to say, the hair pins started to fly off the shelves. How fun! So now, I continue to dream big, and ask God to bless the small efforts and time I have for this business. He continues to amaze me...

Happy Friday everyone! Please consider submitting your items for the Handmade Holiday Gift Guide!

DIY Feature: Candy Pouches & Sweets Box

I was completely smitten by this DIY from Melissa Esplin found via Nice Package.

Two blogs, you should not live without! :) Another fave....

Sweets Box Template! You can download over at ISLY

*If you have a holiday DIY you would like to submit for a feature, please email me: anna@inhonorofdesign.com


SO THANKFUL today for those men and women who have sacrificed much in service for our country, and fighting to protect those who do not have the freedoms we are privileged to have. I think of them today and their families. We are heading to a parade this morning to celebrate and honor them! :)

Artistry Feature: Coulson Macleod

Who: Coulson Macleod

What: Typographic Art from the UK

Where: Shop | Blog | Facebook

These are a few of my favorites from the Coulson Macleod shop. I was so happy they submitted their work.  Being a typography junkie these immediately caught my eye! I love how the works are made on thick boards. Visit their site for some beautiful examples in the home!

*Thrilled to have so many wonderful responses to both advertising and Handmade Gift Guide. Thank you! Can't wait to start sharing!

Submit your work to the Handmade Holiday Gift Guide!

As you know, I love to promote handmade artists and small businesses. So to help promote a Handmade Holiday, I will be featuring some of my favorite finds here:

If you have an item or two you would like to submit  for consideration please email high-res

photos and shop links to: anna@inhonorofdesign.com with "Handmade Gift Guide" as the subject.

*Please include in the email the categories you would like your items to be considered for. 
(All sponsors automatically will receive features.)

Inspirational Spaces: Vogue Corner

(via dressdesigndecor)

I have a vintage booklet filled with Vogue Prints. I now know what I can do with them:) 

IHOD now accepting Sponsors.

Happy New November Week! I got in late last night from my trip. Being with dear friends is the best medicine. I am so happy I got some much needed time with them. It was wonderful coming home to my boys though. I have a hard time being away from them!

Lots of exciting things coming up on the blog these next few months. Stay tuned!

For now, I wanted to announce that I have decided to open advertising to small businesses/blogs for the Holiday season (a few posts from MIL helped make this decision). I have had several inquiries, so I think its a good time of year to begin. Sponsorship can really help a blog keep going with the time and dedication it requires. I am looking forward to working with some of you! I will make sure each new sponsor will receive a special feature post. Please email me with any questions you have! 

I hope you had a wonderful weekend!

Style Feature: Blogger Fashionistas

I got to find some fabulous fashionistas to feature in Radiant Magazine's Holiday Issue. I loved how these girls exemplified true femininity while looking fashion forward. 

Once you visit their blogs, you will be hooked! I guaranty it!

Kendi- Kendi Everyday

Elaine- ClothedMuch

Sarah - Fortheloveofblogtherapy

Katelyn- SuddenlyDarling

I am off to my good friend's wedding this weekend where I get to see many of my nearest and dearest friends. I couldn't be more excited! (Unless I didn't have to leave my boys:( ...) 

What are your plans this weekend? Hope it is lovely!

Holiday Resource: Gifted Magazine

(Fabric twist ties)

(Candy Gift Tags)

Gifted Magazine has been released, and as expected, its pretty awesome. All you need to know is that Ez from Creature Comforts was the genius behind it. It is filled with DIY's, printables, gift ideas, etc.

I already spent a while pouring over the pages and I am sure it will not be the last time.

These are just a few of my favorite spotted DIY's.

Meet me at Say Yes to Hoboken! Blognog Series!

I'm guest posting over at Say Yes to Hoboken for Liz Stanley's blognog series. I'll be sharing my favorite autumn recipe along with a free "Autumn Blessings" printable. Meet me over there!

P.S. I told you I would be celebrating my one year shop anniversary with some giveaways so today is your chance to hit up TWO fabulous blogs for your chance to win free IHOD accessories!

IHOD GIVEAWAYS!!:

Sandy A La Mode 

Express-o Blog

So thankful to these lovely ladies for hosting! You are wonderful:)

Good luck! Hope one of my readers is a winner!!