! FREE LUNCH !

Who says there no such thing as a FREE LUNCH? Obviously someone who has not been to Swanky Tables or right here!!

That's right - Today you get to double dip for second helpings, at no extra cost! I'm teaming up with Annette over at Swanky Tables blog to help you out with your holiday party planning. I'm providing the invites and Swanky Tables can help you with the rest of your party planning needs.

What's even better is your chance to win! We've doubled your odds by allowing you to enter both give-aways. You can enter to win at Swanky Tables, as well as here. Who knows, perhaps you will win 2 sets of invitations??? You choose the color.

To enter the FREE LUNCH giveaway here, all you need to do is visit Inkspot Workshop and take a look at the Holiday collection. Leave a post here telling me about your favorites and a random winner will be chosen by my trusty 2.5 year old assistant. Deadline to enter is Midnight, Sunday Oct 5th, winner announced Monday, Oct 6th.

Happy Posting! and GOOD LUCK

Pieces Of ME

Ok, how fun is this little activity? See the mosaic above? it represents my answers to the questions listed below.

While reading The Scoop, one of my favorite blogs from fellow Etsy seller Orange Beautiful, I stumbled upon this...here's what you do...answer the following 12 questions about yourself (my answers are in parentheses after each question)

1. What is your first name? (stacy)
2. What is your favorite food? (caribbean)
3. What high school did you attend? (north olmsted high school)
4. What is your favorite color? (hot pink)
5. Who is your celebrity crush? (ashton kutcher)
6. Favorite drink? (mojito)
7. Dream vacation? (the seychelles)
8. Favorite dessert? (molten chocolate lava cake)
9. What do you want to be when you grow up? (hectic)
10. What do you love most in life? (creating)
11. One word to describe you? (perfectionist)
12. Your Flickr name? (InkSpotWorkshop)

Want your own mosaic? Type your answer to each of the above questions into Flickr's search. Using only the images that appear on the first page, choose your favorite and copy and paste each of the URL’s into the Mosaic Maker (3 columns, 4 rows)... Enjoy!

PHOTOGRAPH CREDITS:
1. Butterfly by Stacy Alexander, 2. carribbean colour, 3. Nikon D90 - ISO 3200, 4. Chronicles of Primate Fantasies, 5. Ashton Kutcher, 6. Lime Mojito, 7. Source d'argent, 8. warm Valrhona chocolate cake innards, 9. Balls of Steel - HDR, 10. French Garden at Duke Farms, 11. the perfectionists, 12. IMG_2833

So Flattered!

A few weeks ago Michelle, from Lemiga Events, here in Atlanta, contacted me about doing a feature in her blog. I was so completely floored and most flattered that anyone would take that kind of interest in little old me.

Michelle is quite talented as her amazing portfolio displays. She organizes weddings and events and from what the pictures and stories tell, no detail is too small. I really love her blog {not just because I'm featured today} because I just love to see all the pictures of how people with "real" social lives entertain and celebrate. Just after 12:00 pm today, go to her blog because she will be offering a super special giveaway, compliments of yours truly.

Thanks Michelle!

Not For The Calorie Conscious

How cute is this new idea? They are called Mad Nibbles, new from Sweet Talk Boutique. I just love them!! You fill in the blanks with an edible ink marker {included} and send it off to your friend. There are many colors to choose from and they will arrive safely, not broken. What else could you want in a tasty note? Well how about this? They include a matching, pre-printed postcard that your friend can fill in and mail back to you.

Sweet Talk Boutique also makes edible invitations, announcements, favors and greeting cards too. Perhaps I should put my printer away and break out the old rolling pin? I would just love to know how exactly they do this?

Talent does not stop in the kitchen, they have a great blog too, check it out Design Is Everywhere.

i CANDY - 11th Edition

Directions: Click on collage for best viewing results

This week I'm showing off artists from my own backyard {literally} here in Atlanta. Talk about i CANDY?? All 8 Etsy sellers featured will be participating in the First Annual Hand Crafted Fall Showcase, to be held in my backyard on Saturday, October 4th. If you live in the area or will be in town, please feel free to stop by, have a drink and do some pre-holiday shopping:)

Starting from the top L-R:

Vessels and Wares, Yours Truly, Easy Edges, Re-Paper, Luxe Design Workshop, Istanbul Designs, Jess Gonacha, The Funky Shack.

If you live in the area and are interested in participating in next year's Fall Showcase, drop me a line at inkspotworkshop {at} hotmail {dot} com

Website Envy!

I've got a BIG BAD case of website envy thanks to the new Sarah & Abraham website, just launched by fellow Etsy seller, Sara Tams.

Sara is a true inspiration to all Etsy sellers. Her shop is not even a year old and has over 1,200 sales, which is a very high number in Etsy terms. When I first started out this past April, Sara graciously and patiently answered as many questions as I could toss her way. It is also because of her that I now am a blogger:)

I've been anxiously waiting to see her new site and now that It's here, I'm speechless {which if you know me, is a rare occasion} When she first mentioned in her blog that she was seeking out the expertise of web designer Aeolidia, I was half expecting the new site to be reminiscent of a children's fairy tale book. Now that I see the finished product, all I can say is I WANT ONE TOO:*

Check it out http://www.sarahandabraham.com/. You will see her signature children's line of stationery and prints, plus be introduced to some new fun stuff.

I wish you well Sara! Thanks for all your help and continued success!!

Now Available Wholesale

One more task complete! I've been working very hard on InkSpot Workshop's new wholesale catalog. After many requests to carry my line from retailers, I figured it was time. These little buggers are very time consuming to print, fold, staple and send, but hopefully will be worth all the effort. Aren't they cute? just 5.5 x 4.25 when folded.

i CANDY - 10th Edition

Directions: Click on collage for full viewing effect!

There is just something about calendars that has really caught my eye lately. Ironically, I have not had a "paper" calendar in almost a decade, since I went electronic with my Palm Pilot. Oh, how I miss the days when life was simpler and all I needed was a simple calendar to just tell me what the date was.

Uniquely designed is what these calendars are able to boast and most would make lovely hanging artwork in their own regard. These incredible finds are brought to you by J Hill Design, Yee Haw, Jess Gonacha, City Ablaze, Happify and Cecily Ink.

Enjoy!

Deck The Halls! SUPER SPECIAL

I know, I know....it's not even Halloween and here I am promoting Christmas? I just couldn't wait any longer! This is Inkspot Workshop's first holiday season and my creative disorder really got the best of me. Just about the entire line is NOW AVAILABLE, click here to visit. As always, every item is able to be personalized as you wish. I will be adding a few more items like tags and invitations in the next couple weeks, so please check back. This is a copy of the postcard I'm having made and will be sending out to all my customers, plus anyone else who will take one:)

For you special readers and only available here, I'm offering a SUPER SPECIAL! Starting today and ending Friday, November 21st, you will receive 15% off your ENTIRE Inkspot Workshop order. This offer does not apply towards shipping and is available one 15% discount per person. Simply enter the words "15% Blog Coupon" in the notes to seller section, during the order checkout process and I will refund your account accordingly.

With this special, now you can check off a few more items on your "To Do" list. Get your holiday open house/party invitations and Christmas cards out of the way today!

My New Blog Layout

Well, what do you think? Is it easy or hard on your eyes? be honest:) Lena over at Simply Fabulous Blogger Templates has been quite patient with me while this little project has come together. I love how my blog and packaging all match nicely now, such a stickler for proper branding and imaging!! Now, I just need a website {anyone know of a good person who can help me?} Ok, I'm off to rework my shop banner.

i CANDY 9th Edition

INSTRUCTIONS: CLICK ON iCANDY COLLAGE TO GET FULL EFFECT

Welcome to the 9th edition of iCANDY, enthusiastically brought to you by Inkspot Workshop.
Feeling all "earthy" this morning, I wanted to share these soothing images with you. I'm usually a bold color kind of girl, but aren't these just irresistible?

I'd like to introduce you to Letter Fest. This artist really does have fun with letters and numbers, making these fun pebbles and even more fun patterned custom banners. Visit her shop to see for yourself.

Next up from South Africa are these adorable mugs from Jezze. I just love these simple patterns and she also does block printed cotton ribbon.

From the land down under meet Microcosm. I don't know how she makes these, but she must be part spider:) Want to wear these sculptures? you can! she makes these designs into jewelry too.

ENJOY!

Inkspot Workshop In The Blogosphere

Even more fun than blogging itself is participating in other blog giveaways. Everyone loves a chance at winning something for FREE!! right ? I am tickled to be participating in 2 giveaways happening right now at 2 really fun blogs.

Scoutie Girl is having their September Indie Goodness Giveaway! Hurry and click here to enter and win all the goodies pictured, promo ends at midnight on Sept 13th. There are 16 artists including Inkspot Workshop, offering adorable items.

Pictured below are a couple of my favorites

The whole package is worth $375.

A new blog on the scene is Your Goodies Galore. A sister duo committed to reviewing everything adorable in the marketplace!

I am honored to be their first sponsor for their first ever giveaway. Click here to win a free set of my brand new Snowman cards for Christmas. Hurry, promo ends Sept 19th.

Good Luck! and HAPPY BLOG READING EVERYONE!

Splurges!

I've really been in a SPLURGE mood these days. Craving a need to satisfy not only my sweet tooth, but my love affair with accessories. Check out these amazing new jams I found on Etsy from Lemon Bird Handmade Jams. When I saw their interesting blends such as "Strawberry with Black Pepper & Mint" and "Rainier Cherry with Almond," I just had to have them.

The outside of the jar {cutest packaging award} and what's on the inside are both a PERFECT 10 in my book. Calling these jams is like calling a Bentley a car. They are thinner than typical jams, more like a decadent sauce with huge (the biggest whole strawberries I have ever seen) pieces of fruit and nuts. I use these sparingly and must keep them hidden in the fridge:)


While visiting the Florida Pan Handle for Labor Day weekend, I went to Pier Park, the new shopping area on the beach in Panama City. I stumbled upon the cutest boutique called DeJaVu. The owner designs all the clothes and has them made {elsewhere} which keeps the cost down. Unique boutique styles without the high prices. How cute is this crocheted necklace? Have you ever heard of such a thing? It is so intricate and I especially love all the little beads and details of each flower. PS, I bought that little black dress there too! This store does not have a website, but they have 6 locations in the area. Phone number 334-406-4221.

Sad Story

I came across this sad story while reading one of my favorite bloggers, Kim of Today's Creative Blog. Just a couple weeks ago Stephanie and Christan Nielsen, the lovely young husband and wife in this picture, were involved in a terrible plane crash killing the flight instructor and badly burning the Nielsens. As you can see they have four small children which makes this story even sadder.

The blogging community has really stepped up to the plate and is doing great work to help this family during their time of need, as their recovery is expected to take months. I am helping Kim, by donating a couple sets of my cards including my new Christmas cards, to her auction. If you would like to support this family, click here for more information and keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Summer Highlights

The reality that summer is over is made obvious by the leaves already starting to pile up in my backyard. So sad, it went by in a flash. I felt the urge to organize my pictures while there was just a little summer left. Here are some high lights of our super fast summer;)

Ah! drinking juice and fishing with your best bud! That's paradise to a couple of 2 year olds.

Nothing says it's summer like chalk drawings on the driveway and on your feet!

Exploring Atlanta Zoo!

Nana is so silly!

walking hand-in-hand with Grandpa Michael

A wonderful visit from our Dutch friends. I told them we'd take them to a "swanky" restaurant. Forgetting English is not their first language, they had to google "swanky" to see what I meant:) We had such a nice time with them and of course took them to The World of Coke, what every good Atlantain does with their out of town guests.

Special visit from cousin Dillon and the whole gang!!!

A friendly game of backyard boccie ball - grandma and grandpa were the winners! Not that we are a competitive family or anything like that:)

Look out Uncle James, Nathan is moving in on your turf!

Everyone is in on the action

Such boys

The handsome Altiery Men


In Ohio with sweet Allison

Pretty fun to be eating watermelon at the pool and even cooler is the fact this is where mommy took her swimming lessons when she was my age.

Old friends reunite over dinner and drinks. I just love summer time in Ohio!

Last trip of the summer, Labor Day in the Florida Pan Handle. Before the hurricane!

My daddy is the BEST!