Spool No. 72

Have you seen the latest offerings over at Spool No. 72?

I first discovered this company last year and have loved it ever since.  If vintage, bohemian style is at all on your radar, check them out. I think their fresh prints and breezy dresses are very California-ish and perfect for summer. They recently added a mercantile section that showcases vintage finds for your home (hurry, they sell out quick!). The best part is the affordable price tag!

As a special thank you to readers of Swoon!, Spool No. 72 is offering a 10% discount, site wide from now until June 10th!  Just enter Spool10 at checkout. 

*All photos provided by Spool No. 72

Hello 100

Today is my 100th post!  Can you believe it?  I am amazed by this thing we call blogging.  It's added a new dimension to my life and makes me notice the things around me a bit more.  It's kind of like being an investigative reporter and a magazine editor all in one!

In honor of the big 100, I would like to share a little something with you.  Today's giveaway is the biggest one I've done yet!  There's a little bit of everything.  Want to see?

The winner will receive:

Some of my favorite craft store finds: Tall white candles (12), blank kraft cards and envelopes (5), blank white tags in three sizes, doily tags, ribbon from the Martha Stewart collection (3), and some cute bunting embellishments (2).

$10 at my favorite place for a treat: Starbucks, of course!

Made by me: 4 Golden birdcage cards (with glassine envelopes), 12 kraft & lace cupcake toppers in a handmade bag.

And if that weren't enough, the winner will also receive:

A "spring in a can" kit from the very lovely Danyelle from Dandee designs (find her blog here)

And last, but not least, my favorite wall decal from Shanna Murray.  I think it would look so sweet in a baby or child's room, or even as a reminder on your mirror.

Crazy giveaway, right?  I just want you to know how much I appreciate you and this community I have found.

You have until Friday to enter by commenting on this post.  The winner will be chosen by Random.org and announced Friday morning!

Thanks again for being so lovely.  Have at it!

The winner of the giveaway is:

 Thanks for playing and for your sweet comments!

Dip-dyeing + Giveaway

Recently, I decided to try my hand at a little dip-dyeing.  I'm happy to report it was super easy.  Want to know how?

Supplies:  Bucket, RIT dye of your choice, absorbent paper (I used watercolor), clothesline/pins.

Step One: Pour hot tap water in your bucket (at least 6 inches) and add a little bit of dye (I used about half of a "fuchsia" powder dye packet) and stir.  Let cool slightly.

Step Two: Holding paper as straight as possible, dip in dye to desired line.  Leave in until you are satisfied with the color.  If you aren't, you can dip it right back in.

To achieve the ombre look I did, hold the first dip for the longest amount of time, then move the paper down into the dye slightly and hold for a little less time.  Continue the process until you have the look you want (I did four. The first dip was 1 min, the second line was 45 sec, 30 sec, 15 sec, 5 sec).

Step Three:  Gently hang your paper using a clothespin to dry.  You might want to put an old towel underneath as the paper will drip a little as it dries.

Tomorrow is my birthday, and I've been trying to come up with a little something to give away over here.  I'm so grateful for the new things in my life this past year, including this blog, and including you.

I decided I would give away a set of four dip-dyed cards with envelopes.  All you have to do is comment on this post between now and Monday.  Random.org will choose a winner on Monday.

The original tutorial I followed can be found here.

Valentine Giveaway

*2012 update: These are now available in the Swoon Paper Studio shop, right here!  Happy Valentine's Day!

My Valentines this year are a product of my recent obsessions with globes, vintage typewriters and glassine envelopes.  I plan on sending them to a couple of special friends, some near and some far.

And because I love Valentine's Day so much I thought I would share some with you!

The winner will receive:
5 Valentines
5 Glassine Envelopes
5 Custom designed labels
and some pretty tape to seal your letters!

All you have to do is leave a comment below and a winner will be randomly selected on Monday!