A Giveaway, a Winner, and the Countdown to Christmas!

I hope you all had a wonderful week last week! I know mine went by far too quickly. Between getting ready for Christmas, a little girl who hasn't been at 100% and the normal running, I can't seem to wrap my head around the fact that it is already December!!!

I really do love the feelings I get around Christmas. I guess it ultimately starts just before Halloween and lasts through the beginning of the New Year. Although most of the emotions are happy ones, there is the part that brings a slight melancholy when things are still for just a bit and I am reminded that my dad is no longer with us. Though I miss him mightily, I know he is watching us from above and surrounding us with his love.

I try to be my best that I can be, and I know that I fall short in many areas, but especially during the holidays, I get that extra burst of something. It's not really energy, but I guess you could call it positiveness maybe. I am reminded of all the things I am so very blessed with and want to share that with others. I know these Spirit of Giving giveaways are quite small in comparison to other things, it still brings joy to not only the people who receive them, but myself also.

And I guess that's really the reason why I keep this blog too. Not only do I love to share what I make (though I know there are so many out there that have such an abundance of talent, you included), but if I can spark just the slightest idea, smile or joy in just one person, it is all worth it.

And with all of that being said (and I know it was a whole lot of jibber jabber) I appreciate you all for coming here and even though it's usually the same few people, you still show up even though you don't have to. ;)

So, on to the winner of the first prize for the Spirit of Giving:

Glora

Congratulations Glora!!!

The next giveaway contains a Baby Basics stamp set and Loopy Loo Polkas background from Market Street Stamps and a black Archival Ink Pad.

Make sure to leave a comment below for your chance to win! I will choose a winner for this one on Monday, but be sure to come back later this week. I have it on high authority that there just might be a bonus give away coming up.

I also wanted to quick share a project I made last week and haven't shown yet. I used the Peachy Keen Stamps November Stamp of the Month Kit and Peachy Picks Kit  to make a calender for December. You could also reverse the numbers and use it for a Countdown Calender to Christmas.

I used my colored pencils and Gamsol for most of the coloring. I did use Copics for the skin on the elf, as I do not have skin tones just yet in the pencils. I also used Spicas for the reindeer's nose and bow and the white areas on the elf's person and lolli.

Well, I hope you haven't gotten too bored with post and enjoyed the project. I will be back with another project tomorrow!!