Welcome to the first annual Fall Social Freebies Giveaway Event. We have partnered up with lots of different and wonderful bloggers to bring you some fabulous prizes, just in time for the Holiday Season!

Giveaway starts October 31st at12:01 AM EST to November 21st at 12:01 AM EST. Giveaway winners will be announced through the Rafflecopter widget and notified by email by the end of the day on November 23rd, 2011. Winners must reply to email notification within 48 hours of delivery, or a new winner will be chosen.

Participating Blogs that made these giveaways possible:
Pink Dandy Chatter
Between The Lines
Personalized Sketches and Sentiments
Magical Mouse Schoolhouse
Reading Teen
The Organic Blonde
Nurtured Beauty
Green Country Girl
Free Hot Samples
Social Media Junkie
Pawsitive Living 
Retail Therapy Lounge
Lily's Laundry 
Uncommon Chick 
Chi-Towncheapskate 
Smile A Day Giveaways 
Granny Loves Gift Baskets 
Kelly's Lucky You 
An Avid Readers Haven 
Mayra's Secret Bookcase

GIVEAWAY PRIZES:

* Winner will receive a 8 GB iPod Touch in their choice of black or white by Apple. Retail value is $199

*This giveaway is open to the US and Canada Only

*There will be 1 winner chosen to win this giveaway

* Winner will receive a SleepTracker Elite Watch by SleepTracker. Retail value is $149

*This giveaway is open to the US Only

*There will be 1 winner chosen to win this giveaway


ABOUT SLEEPTRACKER (from their website):
The SLEEPTRACKER® Elite watch is the latest in sleep monitoring technology. Unlike other monitors and alarms, the SLEEPTRACKER® measures and logs your sleep patterns waking you at the most optimum time when your body will feel the most alert and energetic. The SLEEPTRACKER® Elite also records and stores your sleep data allowing you to download and track your own personal sleep information right from your home computer.
SLEEPTRACKER® continuously monitors signals from your body that indicate whether you are asleep or awake. Because you wear SLEEPTRACKER® on your wrist like a watch, its internal sensors can detect even the most subtle physical signals from your body. SLEEPTRACKER® finds your best waking moments, so that waking up has never been easier.

GIVEAWAY ENDS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21ST AT 12:01 AM EST

GOOD LUCK!!!

A winner and a few updates

Congratulations to the winner of UPrinting's 250 club flyers!
It is this comment left by Jen:

 "My husband could really use some business cards right now so I would love some of those! I also love that you get a free 16X20 poster with a $50 order!"

Now, remember, although these are what is called "club flyers", they can be printed with whatever you choose.  I am very happy with the items for my business that I have received in the past through UPrinting.  So, I look forward to the 250 flyers that UPrinting has so generously given me as well.  

It has been wonderful to be busy with art orders and calligraphy work, so will be sure to get around and visit all the wonderful blog friends once, I get caught up :o)

I'm looking forward to the upcoming Fall Social Freebies with IPOD giveaway ...a great event for meeting new blog friends and fun giveaways hosted by Pink Dandy Chatter & Between The Lines!

& I will be joining in on the Secret Santa fun over at Colorado Lady. 

If you are interested...

take a peek at these lovely ladies' blogs to see what all the *F*U*N* is about & ...C'mon & Join in!

*****

Here are a a few of the most recent art orders, that I can share since I don't think they will be accidently viewed here by those still yet to receive them.

Thank you Linda for your initial email:
 "...I attended the Smiles for Life brunch and fundraiser on Saturday and fell in love with your work. Would it be possible for you to create another sketch just like the one of the "Kentucky Horse" you donated for the auction?..."




& for your request for the other 3 to be drawn.

"I really love the Horse picture we saw at the Smiles for Life auction this year so I think we will stay with that for our sketch.  ...the Eiffel Tower to be used on both sketches.  You don't need to add the trees on the sides or the other details of the city shown under the tower in the picture unless you feel it enhances the over all sketch..."     

1. Horse head for Linda's home, chosen to remind them a bit of their time living in Kentucky.

2. Same horse head image, but drawn this time with their friend's last name: BLODGETT & also with additional calligraphy centered beneath of Lexington, Kentucky (name of lettering style chosen: Californya A).

3. The Eiffel tower, drawn for the 2 years, their son will be living in Paris, France.

Additional calligraphy of NOVEMBER 2011~2013 (Name of lettering style: Californya A). 

 

 

4. Another Eiffel tower also drawn to be given as a gift. Additional calligraphy of NOVEMBER 2011~2013 (Name of lettering style chosen: Californya A).

Linda, I am glad that you are happy with your art & I appreciate your email that you sent after you received them all.

Linda's email:      "We received our sketches in the mail yesterday and they are absolutely beautiful. I am heading over to Michaels as soon as I'm finished working today to purchase my frames and put everything together. I am SO excited to share a few of them as gifts...they will love them! Thank you for putting a rush on everything so that I would have them in time."

Thank you again for stopping by and commenting! (I am still behind in returning my blog visits to all those that commented in my past few posts, but will be sure to stop by! I truly appreciate all of you that stop by to say hi!)

P.S.

In a written communication, “P.S.” stands for the Latin phrase post scriptum, which means “after writing.” It is meant to reflect the fact that the text marked with “P.S.” was added after the other material had already been written, as an afterthought.

However, this post's "P.S." is another result of my super long blog address.  I am copying and pasting my most recent post on this new one, so that it can be linked up properly at Dawn's blog hop.  (The previous post title was too long and was not able to link up).

Actually, years ago, when I was thinking of what to call the art that I do, "P.S." also was purposefully chosen.

Personalized Sketches...as in the catch phrase that I also use with identifying the art I do...
"P.S. ...it's all about You!"

(thank you for bearing with me as I repost this one, but I didn't want to totally delete the original post, so that I would not lose the kind comments that were left on that one).

******

I usually manage to get only one post up a week, but after I read my dear blog friend's post about how she came to name her blog TaylorsOutback...& then read that she joined in with As Sweet as Cinnamon, for Dawn's question and linkup:

"What's Your Name?"

...joining in with this fun Blog Hop...

First a little background, just in case you are new to my blog. I am blessed and thankful for the Lord Jesus, my dear family, friends...a wonderful life.  I love to sew, craft, cook, crochet, quilt (I am a novice quilter) and I love to draw.

I have been doing the art that I do since 1985. More on that HERE.  Since those first orders in 1985, I have called it Personalized Sketches.  Each "sketch" is drawn entirely with a person's name.   And I have always said it as "Personalized Sketches...it's All about You!" or "P.S...it's All about You!"

 This is a newspaper clipping taken in 1988, when my hubby was in flight school and we lived in Alabama.

I love, love, love to do them and love the great stories of those that they were drawn for.  Go here: Steam Engine to read the fun story behind it.

It is so fun to see what people ask to be drawn...Any subject matter is possible.

Well, for many years, I have had customers ask if I had a website, so that they could share with and show their family and friends.  (Often it is hard to visualize what it means that each is drawn using a name. & even when I am at a show and some are actually looking at the samples displayed, some initially do not "see" the names over and over...until *click* there is that "ah-ha moment!" :o)

...but I felt that I was not computer/tech savvy, so I was very hesitant to get connected on line.

Until in 2009, our daughter (Girly~Twirly) showed us her wonderful blog that she started while they were in medical and dental school and newlyweds.   Prior to that, I didnt even know what a blog was!

Also, that same year our cousin started her very successful Etsy shop.
Well, with the patience and help, answering many questions, I started my Etsy Shop. Etsy shop.
At that time, our daughter gifted me with a blog design, so that I could get this blog started.

I knew that I wanted to share the art that I do and a bit about what was behind the art...my wonderful family...I'm so thankful for them.

 (Our Christmas 2010 family photo)

"Awesome" (son-in-law), Girly~Twirly", "Girly~Whirly", "Heartbreaker", 

me, & my handsome Hubby

...This is the "Sentiments" part of my blog name... Sentiments of family memories and photos (that I can recall and have for our future grandchildren to look and read). 

...and also those kind Sentiments that customers have sent me about their art that they had ordered, given or received.

I wish that I had known back then that my URL address did NOT have to be what my name on my blog was going to be. If I had known, I certainly would not have made my address to be so long! www.PersonalizedSketchesandSentiments.blogspot.com! Goodness! It took me forever to scribble that down on a piece of paper for people that I would bump into. haha

...So, I definitely made new business cards right away, with that ridiculously long URL address! lol

Now that it has been a couple of years since I started my blog,  Etsy Shop and facebook art page, I am feeling more and more comfortable with how this all works!  I am still learning as I go and I appreciate soooo much all the blog friends that still answer the questions I have.  Also, like I mentioned earlier, I still usually manage to get my "ONE post a week" post up, each week.

I am blessed to have met so many wonderful blog friends that would not have been possible otherwise!

*******

I also usually like to share some past art orders at the end of each post. So, I close with these:

I thank all you for thinking of Personalized Sketches
...of your homes....

...your careers...

...your interests...

...your hobbies...

...your military service...

...your wedding...

....your births...

 ...your children...

...your pets...

...your passions...

...and whatever it may be that is special in your lives...

*******

Thank you for stopping by! I do try very hard to be sure to return your visits and hope you come back by my place...any time!

Oh one last thing, my last week's post has a great giveaway from UPrinting that is great to use either for your business needs or even personal invitations, announcements, etc... Please be sure to take a look if you are interested. The giveaway for the 250 cardstock printed flyers, ends Oct 20th at midnight.

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments

I usually manage to get only one post up a week, but after I read my dear blog friend's post about how she came to name her blog TaylorsOutback...& then read that she joined in with As Sweet as Cinnamon, for Dawn's question and linkup:

"What's Your Name?"

...joining in with this fun Blog Hop...

First a little background, just in case you are new to my blog. I am blessed and thankful for the Lord Jesus, my dear family, friends...a wonderful life.  I love to sew, craft, cook, crochet, quilt (I am a novice quilter) and I love to draw.

I have been doing the art that I do since 1985. More on that HERE.  Since those first orders in 1985, I have called it Personalized Sketches.  Each "sketch" is drawn entirely with a person's name.   And I have always said it as "Personalized Sketches...it's All about You!" or "P.S...it's All about You!"

 This is a newspaper clipping taken in 1988, when my hubby was in flight school and we lived in Alabama.

I love, love, love to do them and love the great stories of those that they were drawn for.  Go here: Steam Engine to read the fun story behind it.

It is so fun to see what people ask to be drawn...Any subject matter is possible.

Well, for many years, I have had customers ask if I had a website, so that they could share with and show their family and friends.  (Often it is hard to visualize what it means that each is drawn using a name. & even when I am at a show and some are actually looking at the samples displayed, some initially do not "see" the names over and over...until *click* there is that "ah-ha moment!" :o)

...but I felt that I was not computer/tech savvy, so I was very hesitant to get connected on line.

Until in 2009, our daughter (Girly~Twirly) showed us her wonderful blog that she started while they were in medical and dental school and newlyweds.   Prior to that, I didnt even know what a blog was!

Also, that same year our cousin started her very successful Etsy shop.
Well, with the patience and help, answering many questions, I started my Etsy Shop. Etsy shop.
At that time, our daughter gifted me with a blog design, so that I could get this blog started.

I knew that I wanted to share the art that I do and a bit about what was behind the art...my wonderful family...I'm so thankful for them.

 (Our Christmas 2010 family photo)

"Awesome" (son-in-law), Girly~Twirly", "Girly~Whirly", "Heartbreaker", 

me, & my handsome Hubby

...This is the "Sentiments" part of my blog name... Sentiments of family memories and photos (that I can recall and have for our future grandchildren to look and read). 

...and also those kind Sentiments that customers have sent me about their art that they had ordered, given or received.

I wish that I had known back then that my URL address did NOT have to be what my name on my blog was going to be. If I had known, I certainly would not have made my address to be so long! www.PersonalizedSketchesandSentiments.blogspot.com! Goodness! It took me forever to scribble that down on a piece of paper for people that I would bump into. haha

...So, I definitely made new business cards right away, with that ridiculously long URL address! lol

Now that it has been a couple of years since I started my blog,  Etsy Shop and facebook art page, I am feeling more and more comfortable with how this all works!  I am still learning as I go and I appreciate soooo much all the blog friends that still answer the questions I have.  Also, like I mentioned earlier, I still usually manage to get my "ONE post a week" post up, each week.

I am blessed to have met so many wonderful blog friends that otherwise would not have been possible otherwise!

*******

I also usually like to share some past art orders at the end of each post. So, I close with these:

I thank all you for thinking of Personalized Sketches
...of your homes....

...your careers...

...your interests...

...your hobbies...

...your military service...

...your wedding...

....your births...

 ...your children...

...your pets...

...your passions...

...and whatever it may be that is special in your lives...

*******

Thank you for stopping by! I do try very hard to be sure to return your visits and hope you come back by my place...any time!

Oh one last thing, my last week's post has a great giveaway from UPrinting that is great to use either for your business needs or even personal invitations, announcements, etc... Please be sure to take a look if you are interested. The giveaway for the 250 cardstock printed flyers, ends Oct 20th at midnight.

UPrinting Flyer Giveaway!

Not long after I started my blog and etsy shop in 2009, I had won a wonderful giveaway for an 18x24" Poster. It was perfect for my display when I would set up my artwork for shows.  I am very pleased with the quality of the printing.

(I took this photo after midnight, so the lighting is from the lighting above the fireplace).

*******

When UPrinting contacted me to review another of their products, I was happy to accept, knowing first hand of the quality and quick turn-around of UPrinting.  And they generously are offering the same to one of my readers.

There are a lot of printing companies available online.  UPrinting offers a variety of great products. For example, not only are these flyers great for those with a business, but they may be used for other ideas...such as a family reunion or announcements or birthday party or work event or fundraiser or charity event...

Prize Details:

250pcs. Flyers for one winner

4.25" x 5.5" OR 4" x 6"

14pt Cardstock Gloss, Front Only Printing,

nightclub flyer templates and business flyer templates also available for download

3 Business Days Turnaround, *Free Shipping

Restriction: Limited to *US residents 18 years old and above only.

(approximate value: $49.80)

DEADLINE for this giveaway: Midnight - Thursday, October 20, 2011

One comment will be chosen and winner will be announced on Saturday, October 22, 2011

How to Enter: (*Please be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry & email address, so UPrinting can contact you).

1. Mandatory entry:

Please take a look at UPrinting and leave a comment about something you have learned on their site about their products and what other product you would be interested in or have already ordered through UPrinting. (I have also ordered business cards).

Additional entries:

2. Check out some of their Flyers, and let me know you would use these flyers for.

3. "Like" my facebook art page.

4. Follow me on Pinterest.

These are some samples of the club flyers that have been created by UPrinting.
(But remember, the winner chooses what their flyer will be used for and what it will look like.)

 

flyers

Disclaimer: This giveaway is sponsored by UPrinting, no monetary compensation was given and I will receive flyers for hosting. For more information about flyers, please visit Uprinting.com.  

*******

As always, I try to share some past art orders on each post. If you are new to my blog, each artwork is drawn entirely with a person's name. Thank you for stopping by!

This is a wedding monogram given as a gift to celebrate the special beginning of two lives joined together.  Thank you Kim for this order.

 

This was from her email sent when she ordered this one:

"I will be ordering at least two more of these...Let me know if you have any new designs that you think may interest me. Otherwise, I love what you do and your price can't be beat for a memorable wedding present!"

This one was recently shipped out to Monica, who is also a military blogger.  Monica, thank you for ordering this one for your hubby's retirement. Thank you to your husband for his military service!

 & thank you for your email:

"Wow, Maria!

The sketch arrived yesterday and we LOVE it!  We're going out this afternoon to find a frame shop.  I'll be sure to send pictures when it's done.  My husband wants to take it in to work to show everyone when it's framed - I'm sure they'll be wanting your info!

Thanks again

(SO MUCH)"

*******

Joining in

...with Mel for Fancy Friday Blog hop.

...Random Deals

...Hens Clutch

...A Renaissance Woman

...Blog Hops every day!