2011 Giveaway

I am giving away a CUSTOM HAND STAMPED necklace as a FREE GIFT to start of 2011 right! 

(All entries are due by midnight Dec 31st)

Here are the rules:
1.  Become a FAN on FACEBOOKTWITTER - ETSY - ARTFIRE
2.  Share this blog or about the giveaway on any site ( show us the link where you shared it or Tag me on FB or The Twitter)
3.  Comment with what your FAV Hand stamped item is (most of you are) or if you don't have FB then

THAT IS IT - most of you are fans already but to keep track - make sure to hit LIKE or COMMENT when i post this on my FACEBOOK PAGE :)

 

Thank you and GOOD LUCK!!!
Anna

CHOICES ARE:

• 1 bar with names or name and designs (flowers)
• 1 silver disc with name & stone
• Tree of Life & Earth w/name
• Pearl pod w/name
• Guitar pick-Music is my Soul

New Year & Thanks

Hello everyone,

WOW this holiday season was the 1st really busy season I have had and i was not fully prepared for it but did my best with what i had.  I hope to have made some memorable gifts.  They all took some sweat, love & tears....at times more than i wished to share.  A couple of drilled fingers and nails, some glued pliers to hair .....ehhh it's all good :)

I hope everyone had a great Holiday, Christmas and soon to be New Year!
I don't like resolutions for end of the year since i try to do them as i "error" my ways or thinking.  But definitely wishing you a very happy, safe, loving New Year with lots of ideas, possibilities and most of all love......love from others, to others and for yourself.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me with this year's fundraisers and Toys for Tots (which money raised will continue to deposit into our T4T fund-i was told we can raise money all year long)

HOPES for the New Year:
I will have lots of new ideas, new jewelry lines and featured artists in the next year.
I am also looking into creating a custom high end line that i hope everyone will like.
Revamping and reorganizing some things for a more streamlined ordering process besides ETSY, ARTFIRE and well FACEBOOK

Thank you and see you in 2011
Anna

Cold and busy!

Hello Everyone,

It has been one busy Holiday season.  I am up to my neck in beads, metal, hammers and drills ---- as well as toys for Toys for Tots. Look at this photo - people just don't want to see kids have a gift-less Christmas.  Don't forget I still have items for sale on my Facebook page for which 100% goes to Toys for Tots.

The time is almost passed (for some it has) for any items to be made and shipped but don't fret ---- I have created a GIFT CERTIFICATE for you to give to your friends, family and co-workers.  You just choose the amount and email it or print it out - it is that simple.

Enjoy your week!
Anna

And the winner is.....

And the giveaway winner is .........drum roll please........the lovely creative person from Zillow Pillows ((CLAPPING HANDS)) Come on down!!!

Thank you everyone

Anna

 

DONATION UPDATE - Remember every little bit helps. 

All items should  have been sent to get your certificates ready or tell me what item or price and i will print them off.
Thank you from the bottom - middle & top of my heart :)
Anna

ARTIBILITY
PO BOX 7213
Algonquin, IL 60102-7213

DONATE@ARTIBILITY.COM 

Giveaway :)

Well i missed my 1234 fan number giveaway - we passed it 1240 now :)
THANK YOU so much all.

I am giving away my little camera necklace as a FREE GIFT!
Here are the rules:

1.  Become a FAN on FACEBOOK (most of you are) or if you don't have FB then TWITTER - ETSY - ARTFIRE
2.  Read my BLOG post about my fundraiser
3.  Either donate an item or post on your FB page or blog about the fundraiser or about this giveaway

THAT IS IT - most of you have done all of that already but to keep track - make sure to hit LIKE or COMMENT when i post this on my FACEBOOK PAGE

Thank you and GOOD LUCK!!!
Anna

Donations UPDATE 11/12/2010

Hello everyone,

Just 3 days until you can mail items for donations
- just worried they will not get here before the Nov 21st show.
Gift Certificates are very welcome
......just send me the info and i can make certs here - or mail your own in asap.

This way people can visit your shop and choose an item and apply the certificat toward that item - great way to get business from Chicagoland.
Any number and value of certificates are welcome/needed.

Remember every little bit helps.
Thank you from the bottom - middle & top of my heart :)
Anna

ARTIBILITY
PO BOX 7213
Algonquin, IL 60102-7213

DONATE@ARTIBILITY.COM

Addy to send to

All donated items - Celeb pics - artwork - letters can be sent to

ARTIBILITY
PO BOX 7213
ALGONQUIN, IL. 60102-7213

Next deadline for donations is Nov 15th, 2010
for the Nov 21st Marine Corps Toys for Tots fundraiser
which will be held at the Holiday Inn at
The Handmade Jewelry, Fashion & Accessories show in Chicagoland.

THANK YOU,
Anna

Donations UPDATE

QUICK UPDATE ON DONATION:

Still looking for donations as well as items you think might bring in some funds for the cause!  All proceeds 100% go to our MCL for Toys for Tots.  Handmade items preferred but also any item you sell will help.  

Also Photographs, post cards, especially celebrity signed items are a very welcome item.  We have already received a couple of items that I will share with you shortly.

I am making a list as well as taking photographs of all items - here are just some of the shops & their FB pages  that have already donated.

Miss Linda S. (sorry no fan page) :) - Monica's Fantabulous Fashions!!! - Monika Design - Runway Crochet–crocheted wearables for women, crafts and vintage items  - aspen rose art - The Pine Cone Tea Cup - Sarah's Stitches - AgasunsetStudio - Krafty Max Originals - Silja Erg - JOYful D*Sign - Meredithbead - PortaPocket - Aprons by MeMe - Fabtastic Designs - Tolduso Shop on Etsy and Gretchen Rossi from Real Housewives of Orange County 

 HURRY Show and fundraiser is Nov 21, 2010 at the HJFAS in Chicago burbs - items must be received NLT Nov 15th - please share w/everyone everywhere (blog-twitter-facebook)

Thank you, 

Anna

In need of Donations-Crafters-Celebs-Designers

As your kids open their gifts this Holiday....please remember that there are the children that will not open even one gift.  It is not the "item" that makes the difference but the thought that no one is thinking about them.  Kids don't care or worry about money all they know is that on days like their birthday and during the Holidays it is the only time they are Oh SO SPECIAL.

Some children that receive the toys collected or money raised are from low-income families as well as in hospitals, foster care or just going through a rough time.  Maybe you are one of these families -please consider signing up at your local organization (Church, DCFS, or local T4T area)

All items that are donated by you (100% of the proceeds) will go to the cause.
I am running this fundraiser with the help of our Marine Corps League which will be on Nov 21, 2010 in Chicago suburbs which will be at The handmade Jewelry, Fashion & Accessories Show (All info in previous posts)

I am still in need of donations of hand crafted (or other) item.  If you make jewelry, clothing, accessories, blankets, pillows, aprons, hats, purses, photographs, quilts or have extra supplies to spare (gift boxes, bags, bows, ribbon, etc).  It will all be used for this and only this reason.  If items do not sell at this show i will carry it over to the next show and online and still 100% of the proceeds will go to buy toys.

Any celebrities interested in mailing in an autographed picture, a signed item, or if you are crafty ... a craft - please do so.  It is greatly appreciated.  Monetary donations are also welcome and can be made out to Marine Corps League 1009 mailed to addy below as well

Deadline to mail in items is Nov. 15th, 2010

ARTIBILITY
PO BOX 7213
Algonquin, IL 60102-7213

Thank you,
Anna M. Sourile
ARTIBILITY

Donations UPDATE

Good Morning all.


The darn flu has gotten my kookie self into a dreary self.  But looks like 2 days is all this will have a hold on me-YEAY!

I did get my PO BOX so that I can accept donation more easily.

Anna Sourile
c/o ARTiBILITY
PO BOX 7213
Algonquin, IL 6010-7213

Thank you for all of your support and love
Anna

Donations are coming in - still looking for more items

Hello Everyone,

It is still almost 2 months before my fundraiser & Toys for Tots dive at the HJFAS (show) but I have a big goal-very BIG.  I want this to be the largest collection of donated items, toys and funds by an individual ever! Ok at least in our Marine Corps League LOL.  Yea I am a bit of an overachiever. :) 

I have big plans for the items that will get donated too.  I have received many beautiful and creative things and will post pics and links as well.  There is a surprise though.  I will take some awesome pics of your items - as best as I can - original and maybe edited and I will send them to you to use in your Etsy shop, ArtFire shop or Website or just for fun.  All I will do is write my name on the bottom so that I copyright the images for your use.  What do you think of that?

I am hoping more people will be willing to donate items if they get something in return and then there are the ones that just want to because well.....they want to.  Either way I just wanted to do something for you all!

I will be a vendor at this show and so the Show producer donated an extra table just for your goodies.  I really need to just get a P.O. box opened to make it easier as well.   If you are interested in donating a craft or item you made just let me know.

So far we have items coming from all over the US & the world.  Some from TX, VA, CA, NJ, NY, Chicago, MI, MT, FL (4 diff. items), as well as Canada & Estonia.
I just can't believe it.

✿ ✿ ✿ FUNDRAISER INFO ✿ ✿ ✿

As most of you know I am a US Marine Corps Veteran and an active member of several organizations that we do a lot of volunteer work. I am very actively involved in our Marine Corps League which some of you may know for the work that they do during Toys 4 Tots, military/veterans/family assistance, care packages & so much more. You can visit the links below for more info.

I am collecting donations of items from fellow jewelry artists - designers - crafters - clothiers - painters - sculptors & more. Items will be sold at several fairs as well as online with all of the proceeds going to the fundraiser. Monetary donations are always welcome and can be sent directly to the address that i provide to you below. Any items that you would like to donate please contact me at DONATE@ARTIBILITY.com - or i will post my PO Box addy a bit later.

Any item that you like to create or think someone would appreciate - no theme is necessary.....any value is greatly appreciated - even supplies that I can make something with is welcome. Or if you want to send a Toy for T4T that is also wonderful.  The next sale of donated items i will have on Nov. 21st during a jewelry show I am attending and I will also have a sponsored Toys 4 Tots drive.

Here is the info on the organization the funds from the sales will go to. 
http://www.mchenrycountymcl.com/ or you can donate online to our Toys for Tots program or T4T DONATION

Any and all items donated should have your business card and info of shop/store/artists attached so that everyone can see who was the kind soul that donated them and so ppl can order more items from you.
If you have your own packaging, logos etc please use it & send them - I just want to make sure visually it looks like a gift and i won't need to buy additional items.

and THANK YOU from the bottom, top & middle of my heart :)
Anna

Challenge - Here it comes

Hello,


Having a family and getting things done can be challenging.... but when you have a chronic illness or a handicap it can be even more challenging as well as debilitating (not just physically but mentally as well).  I have had 2 TIA's (strokes) and have SLE/Lupus and Hashimoto's (thyroid disease).  There are also signs of MS but ruling it out for now.  They are all auto-immune related and so it might just be 1 thing in the end.  I am also a USMC veteran so it is also called GWS (Gulf War Syndrome if symptoms are not actually diagnosed)

Today and over the weekend is just one of those times when I really see how challenging it can be....not just to work on my craft and being a Mom & wife but just to function doing daily tasks.  From nausea to muscle weakness and cramps from headache to full blown migraine and vomiting--extreme pain--purple fingers--hair loss--stomach pain--swelling--vertigo--dysphasia--insomnia-tremors and on and on and on.  It can be so belittling and heart breaking when i have to rely on my husband to feed the kids or me.  Trying to create something out of these crappy times is not even on my mind but...at times I use those moments just to lay in bed with my family and enjoy a good movie and snacks.  Or I'll just sit there and color with my 4 year old.  

That is when the magic happens and I get a vision (no not a crazy vision-like I see dead people-that is another blog LOL) and i create something with them or through those moments.  Even if i have to ask my pre-schooler to hold the pliers for me ..... it no longer makes me feel small but like I am teaching him a craft that one day he might teach his children.  Even just the notion of being with Mom and helping out eventually makes him a better man......then I have done my job.

Share your challenges big or small and always know that there is meaning in it.
Anna

My FAV QUOTE of the Day

QUOTE OF THE DAY! via FACEBOOK

"Excellence doesn't just happen. It must be forged, tested and used. It must be passed down... and woven into the very fabric of our souls - until it becomes .....our nature." 

~ General Charles C. Krulak ~ 

31st Commandment of the Marine Corps (he put on my chevrons for my meritorious mast & promotion-not as Commandant)

SEMPER FI!!!

help on blog

Ok this is my 1st blog via blogger - how am i doing--hmmm not sure since i don' know what this will look like

I create a blog in word press and after an upgrade - it basically vanished

Yippee for me

now checking if links work
so ARTIBILITY & ARTIBILITY STYLES
and FACEBOOK & TWITTER