Nerdy Cross-Stitch Kits - PREVIEW GIVEAWAY!!!

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Although I've been working on these designs little by little for the last 6 weeks or so, I'm not completely done with them. These are a SNEAK-PEEK into some of the awesomeness that will be revealed bit by bit to my fans within the next couple of months. :)

Inspired by 8-bit pixel art and a love for anything crafted from needle & thread, I started designing these items in January in hopes of having a whole like done for Valentine's Day 2011.

And as that deadline whooshed past, I started concentrating less on the quantity of my designs and more on the quality.

As a few of the followers on my Facebook Fan Page put it, the designs are a bit simple, but that's okay! I'm excited about just doing something new and awesome. :) I plan on hand-printing the patterns with our screen-printing set up in our basement once I get about 6 kits ready.

 But before that step, how about doing a PREVIEW GIVEAWAY for a lucky follower to win a free kit to test it out!?!

Since this is a BRAND-SPANKING NEW product, you'll be winning a prototype kit which includes:

• A piece of  ivory cotton 16-count cross stitch fabric with the pattern hand-drawn with a washable fabric pen 
• An embroidery hoop to do your stitching
• A needle & all necessary colours of DMC embroidery floss for the pattern

HOW TO ENTER TO WIN:

• Just leave a comment below! :) Easy peasey!

It'd be awesome if you'd spread the word about nerd JERK, but it's not required to enter the giveaway. Also, this giveaway totally includes international customers & fans. I know a lot of people don't do that, but I'd love to be able to see what people can do with some of my new Nerdy Cross-Stitch Kits!

The winner will be randomly chosen on Sunday, 6th March, 2011! 

Until then, look for the full line of Nerdy Cross-Stitch Kits from nerd JERK in Summer 2011.

Thanks everyone & good luck!

Here Comes the Sun - Geek Chic Guide

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Sometimes you don't get things right the first time around. I can totally relate to that. A long winter has passed and I'm jumping into the new year, enjoying the lovely springtime weather we're having here in San Francisco, CA. I'm turning a new leaf... towards a sunny future.

Although I haven't had a raging success with the Geek Chic Guides of the past, I'm deciding to go ahead and continue to share some of the things on Etsy that make me swoon!

And with a new try in this new year, I thought it was time for a new look. :) I used Picnik, a free web-based photo editing website, to help me make a gorgeous collage of awesomeness. I learned how to make collages on Picnik using Mayi Carles' helpful tutorial on her heartmade blog (which is up for 2 nominations for 2011 HANDMADE OLYMPICS by the rikrak studio).

So check out these gorgeous creations from some of my favourite items on Etsy these days!

1) LIMITED EDITION Ludlow: The Freckled Woodland Bear - by sleepyking - $28 USD
Made by Savannah May in a small town in Northern California, this adorable bear has been haunting my dreams of "Some day" purchases. Featured on the cover of "Stuffed" magazine and multiple blogs, I hope to some day be as rad & well-known as she is. Also love her fox, Liam. Check out her exhibition on paper'n'stitch.

2) Yellow Rose Lariat Necklace - by KatyKristin - $38 USD
Handcrafted necklaces made out of natural fibers by Katy Kristin in my hometown, Pacifica, California. Crafted in a little cottage by the coast, these lovely lariats are made in an adorable studio that I hope to soon feature on this blog. Currently working on new items, Katy is hoping to launch her latest treasures out into the world later this spring. Find out more about her here.

3) Black Airstream Trailer with Yellow Stripes - by redtilestudio - $28 USD
Mother and daughter duo, Darleen & Amber, decided to "create unique pieces of art that reflect our love of nature and modern design." And it really comes though! I have a vast love for trailers and I hope to some day live in one! Seeing this printed block reminds me that I can go anywhere I want. Check out more of what inspires this Texan team's art at pinterest.com/redtilestudio.


4) I Left My Bike In San Francisco - by bunnydee - $25 USD
I still love Danielle's gorgeous work, even when I'm discovering it for the millionth time! This San Francisco artist reminds me why I love living here, with her whimsical design and lovely sense of colour.  Featured as my first Awesome Artist in the series, I'm proud to say that I both love to celebrate her body to work and her friendship. Check out more of her musing and inspiration on her blog, bunny mountain.

Last-Minute Handmade Love Show- TOMORROW!

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If your life is like mine, it's been all kinds of crazy busy, with little time to rest, let alone time to find a gift for a special someone!

Since we're both in a tight spot, I thought I'd let you in on a little secret: the Last-Minute Handmade Love Show at Big Umbrella Studios this weekend!

Get a little awesomeness for everybody on your Valentine's Day list this Saturday and Sunday from 12 til 5 PM.

On Saturday, shop for:

1) The GAMER GEEK - by nerd JERK

2) The ROCK STAR - by heathered

3) The FASHIONISTA - by Compass Rose Design

4) The ECO- FRIENDLY - by Etta + Billie

On Sunday, shop for:

1) The BFF- by Twinkie Chan

2) The SOPHISTICATE - by Mangosteen

3) The PEN PAL - by Crooked Sister

4) The RAD ARTIST - by Monkey + Seal

PLUS - super scrumptious homemade treats from rad local food artisans! Catch A Humble Plate and Saucy Dumplings on Saturday & Sweet As Pie and Raw Daddy on Sunday!

So come on down to the Last-Minute Handmade Love Show this weekend at 906.5 Divisadero from 12 to 5PM to do a little local shoppin' and check out the gallery at Big Umbrella Studios! RSVP here!