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

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

✿ ✿ ✿ 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!!!