Craft Fair for TOYS for TOTS

Hi Everyone,

It has been a while since blogged but you all know how that goes.
Most of you may know I am a US Marine Corps Veteran and a member of the Marine Corps League #1009.
This means that every year I am involved with the TOYS for TOTS program.
Every year we collect new unwrapped toys that get distributed to kids in need.  Along with several events that I will participate in - we decided to start an annual Craft Show in support of Toys for Tots.   This is a great way to do some shopping and support a great cause.  I am also collecting donated items to be raffled off and/or sold from my fellow Crafters that are unable to attend.  Sponsors & Gift Certificates are also welcome.

1st Annual Craft Fair for Toys for Tots.

When: Saturday, December 3, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm  
Where: The Crystal Lake Commons on Northwest Hwy, Crystal Lake, IL

Crafters (handmade), Craft suppliers, vintage sellers, not-for-profits/charities will be on hand to make your holiday shopping a wonderful experience.  Also people that are looking to have a table to provide services are welcome.  (Ex: Face painting, make-a-craft, feather locks, artists, etc).  Shop for one of a kind items or crafty things for the home while supporting the Toys for Tots program.

All of the booth & sponsor fees as well as toys & money collected at the door goes to T4T. (Vendors sales go to vendors)

Approximately 10,000 sq ft space near Josephs Market and Hobby Lobby will be used for this event.  There will be raffles - donated items for sale and giveaways as well as professional football players on-hand to draw a crowd.  It will be an unBearable experience to say the least.  And don't forget there will be Toys for Tots / Marines in uniform. { I know Ladies calm down }

VENDORS:
15x8 and 10x8 spaces.
Electric avail at no extra cost, first come first served.
Space is LIMITED to types of items you will sell
or the services that you will provide the day of the fair.
Bring your own tables/setup/chairs OR tables can be rented.

Sorry, no resellers unless you fit the categories above.
No food items for sale, samples only.

Deadline for SPONSORS/VENDORS 

is November 12 
(EXTENDED but EMAIL ASAP-Reserve Spot)

VISIT the event Facebook Page at 

CRAFT FAIR FOR TOYS FOR TOTS 

For more information and an application, contact T4TCraftFair@gmail.com

Event is provided by Anna at ARTIBILITY, Kerrie at DONI DIVINI 
Sponsored by Sideline Marketing

DONATIONS can be mailed to
Anna Sourile
c/o T4T Fair
PO BOX 7213
Algonquin, IL 60102-7213

Do you know me?? GIVEAWAY

So it is time for a new GIVEAWAY

HOORAY - We've reached 2200 fans on Twitter 650 ♥ on Etsy and we're almost at 1400 "Likers" on Facebook (if you like as a page it counts as -0-)

Each person that enters will have a chance to win my camera necklace, a hand stamped Tree of Life necklace, and an ImageBlok from Magnetic BlokHaus 

Once a winner is chosen for one item then everyone gets another chance for the next item :)

There are several chances for you to enter and some people have already earned 1 entry via last week's game  called "What is this Creation?"

Here are the rules:  1 items from each category = ONE entry 

Example: Category #1 item #3 and Category #2 and #2 = 1 entry

You can choose any combination and as many times per day.

#1 DO YOU KNOW MY SOCIAL SITES & STATUS?? 

(post reply on Facebook or  Twitter or Blog).

1. Become a fan on Facebook or  Twitter and repost/retweet this blog post. (Don't forget to TAG me or POST link below or I won't know you did it)
2. Visit my Etsy Store and post what is you favorite item.
3. Visit my ArtFire Store and post what is you favorite item.

#2 DO YOU KNOW ME?? (post replies on Facebook or  Twitter or Blog).

1. Tell me what Branch of the U.S. Armed Forces I served in.
2. Name at least 1 Organization I support and donate to.
3. What is my 1st name?
4. What other language (s) do I speak??
5. What was the answer to "What is this creation"

Most of the answers you will find on my bio on social sites or by just "listening in" 
Many of you are fans already so that is easy just add from category #2 and you have an entry, :)


Good Luck----oh and it will run until I reach 1400 "Likers" on Facebook (if you like as a page it counts as -0-) then a winner will be chosen by Random.org.
So hurry spread the word and hope you answer faster then most. (Entries will not be accepted after 12:00afternoon or 12:00midnight the day we reach 1400 (central US time) -this is to help the delay with international posts and new fans)


and Thank You!!!

Anna

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

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

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 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