After the Bump

"New You" 15K Giveaway Winners

2012-01-15T23:09:00.000-08:00

WOW! Now THAT'S a giveaway!! I hope you've all discovered a bunch of new shops to add to your favorites list! I've definitely enjoyed working with each of these vendors and I can't thank them enough for their generosity in donating to and advertising for this giveaway.

I closed the giveaway last night at 12:00am with 3,851 entries (more than three times the number we had for our 10K giveaway!). Simply amazing. Thank you all for your entries and for sharing about this giveaway with your business pages and your friends. And thank you for all your sweet words and "thank you's" on my page. Your genuine gratitude has sincerely humbled me. ♥

WINNERS: You will receive an email from me informing you of your win. You will also receive an email from your vendor with instructions about how to claim your prize. Please do not email them until you receive their email. Thank you!

Without further ado...

Our Winners!!

After the Bump | shop - Kelli West, #2347

3 Little Birds | shop - Lisa Furie, #964

Adorable Props | shop - Emma Mead, #3365

All the Muches | shop - Jenny Shoemaker, #3678

Amanda Rachael Photography | shop - Jen Williams, #1994

Andrea Zoll Photography | shop - Sarah Sanville, #1956

Ashley's Posh Tots | shop - Beverly Helit, #3095

Baby Joy Studios | shop - Melissa Bagliano, 3420

BabyPopCapes | shop - Elyse de Jong, #3230

Banner Boutique | shop - Sarah Fuller, #3308

Bean Bailey | shop - Jody Button Noel, #3590

Beautiful Photo Props | shop - Jolene Messerschmidt, #1559

Bebe Bee Couture | shop - Brooke Tewell, #376

Belle la Mere Crochet | shop - Debbie Cook, #3068

Bellies & Blessings Photography | shop - Stephanie Stremler, #813

Birdie Baby Boutique | shop - Misti Nixon, #144

Blessed2009 | shop - Haley Kraus, #1193

Blossom Bands | shop - Emily Peterson, #3229

Briar Claire | shop - Lareena Olufsen, #2788

BuggyD Creations | shop - Sarah Bee, #1418

Bumble Bee-Knees | shop - Tiffani Ortiz, #3062

Cheyenne Kody Photography and Design LLC | shop - Crystal Lail, #3746

Clickin Moms | shop - Jessica Schley, #152

Create Kids Couture | shop - Tania Moher, #1182

Crème de la baby | shop - Brittany Boutte, #1337

Darn Fanciful | shop - Charity Wheaton-Smith, #2148

Devoted Knits | shop - Shaina Lenz, #1896

DTP Actions & Design | shop - Kristi Gayton, #2882

Eliza Ann Collection | shop - Jena Carlin, #1972

Ellie Bellie Design | shop - Leigh Ann Clark Fajardo, #3488

FotoTales | shop - Jenilee, #3397

Fresh Outta the Oven | shop - Vanessa Hack, #2781

Gorgeous and Co. | shop - Ashley Lowder, #571

Gracie's Garden | shop - Jessica Slingerland, #1431

Heartsmiles | shop - Sheree Cater, #2836

Hot Mama Handbags | shop - Denise Beasley, #312

Itty Bitty Bands | shop - Megan Pagett, #920

Jessy's Props and Creations | shop - Jennae Schoolcraft, #3639

JuJuBee's & Co | shop - Jessica Crosswhite, #1525

Kelly Moore Bag | shop - Sara, #1581

Kiwi and Kiki | shop - Liane Knack, #65

Laura Brett Photography | shop - Kymberly Carlson, #249

Laynie and Belle | shop - Eva Hagel, #3529

Learn Shoot Inspire | website - Hanna Hill, #2383

Little DeMoura Designs | shop - Michelle Hooker, #3001

Little Love's Design | shop - Catherine Dalton, #2436

Loktah-Natural media packaging | shop - Shara Miner, #1772

Lola Wraps | shop - Krystle Weihrauch, #3847

Lollipops and Daisies Children's Boutique | shop - Melissa Benzinger, #3114

LovebyCC | shop - Kristy Simon, #3681

LPG Photographers | shop - Michelle Smallwood, #975

Winner MUST meet LPG's qualifications in order to claim this prize!

Maternity and Newborn Photography Prop Shop | shop - Autumn Anthony, #550

Memories by TLC | website - Rachel Thompson-Moore, #2611

Merry Photo Props | shop - Adeena Pentland, #1154

Miss Rubysue | shop - Emily Harms, #1428

Modern Mommy Crochet | shop - Amber Truitt, #205

My Beauty Campaign | website - Rezika Zurch, #3316

My Four Hens | shop - Jamie Ball, #1215

My Rubber Stamp | shop - Traci Downing, #502

Mya Bruce Designs | shop - Michelle Renee, #1793

Oh So Posh Photography | shop - Rebecca Westfall, #1767

On the Spot Studio and Design | shop - Rebecca Witcher, #1600

Pamela Topping Photography | shop - Leah Woods, #545

Photographer's Bling | shop - Vipha N Guerrero, #1494

Photo Business Tools | shop - Trinia Shook, #1456

Photo Prop Floors and Backdrops | shop - Amber Zaidi, #1948

Pooks and Lulu | shop - Jennifer Harvey, #1490

Posh Princess | shop - Emily Winmill, #1409

Pure Photoshop Actions | shop - Jennifer DeLury, #1787 & Lori Lockhart, #2572

Quietude Quilts | shop - Kim LaFauce, #2374

Room to Grow | shop - Sara Snatchko, #3213

Roses and Ruffles | shop - Lenia Driscoll, #1204

Shoot Baby | shop - Hannah McWilliams, #2288

Silver Boutique | shop - Shara Miner, #1772

Stellar Stitches | shop - Katie Valentine, #1131

Swanky Baby Vintage | shop - Holly Gross, #2243

Swanky Stitch | shop - Sarah Hille, #415

The Bella Bun | shop - Tamera Westhoff, #214

The Belle and the Beau | shop - Carolyn Benik, #2521

The Blueberry Hill | shop - Kimberly McKaskle, #2263

The Chic Shutter Shoppe | shop - Marissa Accurso, #2746

The Lovely Poppy | shop - Jessica Davis, #2218

The Measure | shop - Leslie Milnes, #3736

The Organic Bloom | shop - Andrea Brown, #2003

The Shoppe | shop - Alena Roberts, #3605

The Tomkat Studio | shop - Caitlin Hebert, #3042

Trendy Ties | shop - Cynthia Mintz, #2351

Tri-Bec Creations | shop - Amber Duczkowski, #544

UnDfind | shop - Shelby Probst, #1309

Valerie Knits | shop - Darchelle Whitehead, #1541

Thank you all for entering this giveaway and congratulations to our winners!

"New You" 15K Giveaway

2012-01-01T23:05:00.000-08:00

This giveaway has closed. Thank you to everyone who has entered! I will be choosing winners via Random.org and verifying them over the weekend. Good luck to everyone!

Please be logged into Facebook as your PERSONAL PAGE before continuing to view this blog post! If you need to switch from your business page to your personal page on Facebook, please do so now, then come back and refresh the screen.

It's hard to believe that just a year ago we were celebrating a mere 2,000 fans on Facebook. Now it's 2012 and we're celebrating over eight times that number! After the Bump wouldn't be anywhere near what it is today without your continued support and business, and for that I am ever grateful and thankful to each of you! To show my gratitude, I've put together quite the giveaway with an outstanding group of generous vendors, a "New You" giveaway for the New Year. Before we begin, I really want to thank each of our 15K vendors for their willingness to donate and for their excitement to participate. Thank you, thank you!

The details:

Prizes: There will be 91 prizes up for grabs, with one winner PER prize! WOW! Our prizes total over $8000!

Vendors: We have 90 amazing vendors! Each vendor's section has a Facebook likebox below their name which will tell you if you're already a fan or not. Simply click "like" and you're good to go! Remember, you need to be logged into Facebook as your PERSONAL PAGE before liking all the vendors through this giveaway post!

Dates: This giveaway will run from Monday, January 2nd until Saturday, January 14th at 11:59pm MST.

Discounts: A large number of vendors have included a discount associated with this giveaway. Look for those special discounts throughout the giveaway post!

How to enter:

Entry #1 (REQUIRED): Please go through this post and "like" each and every vendor's page through the likeboxes in this post or through the tab on my Facebook page, whichever you prefer. No need to open any new windows or tabs; simply click "like" and move onto the next! Leave ONE comment at the end of the post to say that entry #1 is complete.

Entry #2 (BONUS): Click the Facebook share button beneath my signature at the end of the post and share about this giveaway on Facebook, either with your personal page or your business page or both. Please TAG @After the Bump when you share! Leave ONE comment at the end of the post to say that entry #2 is complete.

Entry #3 (BONUS): Click the Twitter share button beneath my signature at the end of the post and share about this giveaway on Twitter. Please TAG @afterthebump when you share! Leave ONE comment at the end of the post to say that entry #3 is complete.

ENTRY #4 (BONUS): Share about this giveaway on your favorite photography-related forum(s). Leave ONE comment at the end of the post to say that entry #4 is complete.

ENTRY #5 (BONUS): Make a purchase from one of our vendors throughout the duration of this giveaway (January 2-14, 2012). Leave ONE comment at the end of the post to say that entry #5 is complete. You may only complete this entry ONCE regardless of how many purchases you make.

Fine print:

*We are using the Honor System. Please be honest when you complete each entry.

*There will be ONE winner per prize unless otherwise specified.

*Winners will be chosen via Random.org and announced as soon as they are verified.

*Prizes ship directly from each vendor. International winners may need to pay shipping.

*Winners, you will receive an email from your vendor once the winners have been posted. Please do not contact them directly. You will receive all the details of your prize when they contact you.

*This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. By entering this giveaway you understand that you are providing your information to After the Bump and not to Facebook.

Vendors & prizes:

After the Bump | shop

*Discount: "ATB15K" for 15% off your entire purchase.

3 Little Birds | shop

Adorable Props | shop

*Discount: "ATB15K" for 10% off your entire purchase.

All the Muches | shop

Amanda Rachael Photography | shop

*Discount: "ATBJAN2012" for 10% off all size Bella Buns.

Andrea Zoll Photography | shop

Ashley's Posh Tots | shop

*Discount: "GIVEAWAY" for 15% off all your entire order.

Baby Joy Studios | shop

*Discount: "AFTERTHEBUMP" for 10% off your entire purchase.

BabyPopCapes | shop

Banner Boutique | shop

Bean Bailey | shop

*Discount: "BUMP15" for 15% off your entire purchase.

Beautiful Photo Props | shop

*Discount: "ATB20" for 20% off your entire purchase.

Bebe Bee Couture | shop

*Discount: "SPECIAL" for 20% off your entire purchase.

Belle la Mere Crochet | shop

Bellies & Blessings Photography | shop

Birdie Baby Boutique | shop

Blessed2009 | shop

Blossom Bands | shop

*Discount: "GIVEAWAY" for 10% off your entire purchase.

Briar Claire | shop

*Discount: "BUMP15" for 15% off your entire purchase (excludes gift certificates).

BuggyD Creations | shop

Bumble Bee-Knees | shop

*Discount: "ATB15K" for 15% off your entire purchase.

Cheyenne Kody Photography and Design LLC | shop

*Discount: "SAVE20" for 20% off custom logo designs.

Clickin Moms | shop

*Discount: "BUMP2012" for 20% off all new memberships (good from 1/1/12-1/31/12).

Create Kids Couture | shop

Crème de la baby | shop

Darn Fanciful | shop

Devoted Knits | shop

*Discount: "AFTERTHEBUMP15" for 15% off all full-priced items.

DTP Actions & Design | shop

*Discount: "ATB20" for 20% off all actions.

Eliza Ann Collection | shop

Ellie Bellie Design | shop

FotoTales | shop

*Discount: "BUMP30" for 30% off your entire purchase.

Fresh Outta the Oven | shop

Gorgeous and Co. | shop

Gracie's Garden | shop

*Discount: "ATBGIVEAWAY" for 10% off your entire purchase.

Heartsmiles | shop

Hot Mama Handbags | shop

Itty Bitty Bands | shop

*Discount: "BUMP15" for 15% off your entire purchase.

Jessy's Props and Creations | shop

*Discount: "ATB15K" for 15% off all Newborn Stretch Wraps.

JuJuBee's & Co | shop

Kelly Moore Bag | shop

Kiwi and Kiki | shop

Laura Brett Photography | shop

*Discount: "goodness" for 10% off Actions in the store.

Laynie and Belle | shop

*Discount: "AFTERTHEBUMP" for 15% off your entire purchase.

Learn Shoot Inspire | website

*Discount: "813A9FDFC5 " for 20% off 3 month+ memberships.

Little DeMoura Designs | shop

*Discount: "ATB15PERCENT" for 15% off your entire purchase.

Little Love's Design | shop

*Discount: "15KGIVEAWAY" for 20% off your entire purchase.

Loktah-Natural media packaging | shop

Apply for a Pro-Account today! Log in, apply, wait 1-2 days for approval, place your order once you're approved!

Lola Wraps | shop

*Discount: "SHIPSFORFREE" for free shipping.

Lollipops and Daisies Children's Boutique | shop

LovebyCC | shop

*Discount: "ATB15" for 15% off all Ready to Ship items.

LPG Photographers | shop

Maternity and Newborn Photography Prop Shop | shop

Memories by TLC | website

Merry Photo Props | shop

Miss Rubysue | shop

Modern Mommy Crochet | shop

*Discount: "ATB15KFREESHIPPING" for free shipping (US only).

My Beauty Campaign | website

*Discount: "50MBC" for $50 off your MBC Kit, or $50 reimbursement if you've already purchased a MBC Kit. Click here for a FREE Posing Guide Download!

My Four Hens | shop

*Discount: "Happy2012" for 40% off your entire purchase.

My Rubber Stamp | shop

*Discount: "AFTERTHEBUMP20MRS" for 20% off any item in the shop. Valid on any existing stamp design/listing in the Etsy store. Only one coupon code per transaction. Valid until 1/16/2011.

Mya Bruce Designs | shop

Oh So Posh Photography | shop

*Discount: "Livehappy" for 20% off your entire purchase.

On the Spot Studio and Design | shop

*Discount: "25bump" for 25% off your entire purchase.

Pamela Topping Photography | shop

*Discount: "NECKLACE" for 10% off your entire purchase.

Photographer's Bling | shop

*Discount: "BLINGbump" for 30% off your entire purchase.

Photo Business Tools | shop

Photo Prop Floors and Backdrops | shop

Pooks and Lulu | shop

Posh Princess | shop

*Discount: "POSH15" for 15% off all headbands.

Pure Photoshop Actions | shop

Quietude Quilts | shop

*Discount: "QQATB15" for 15% off all quilts and bedding.

Room to Grow | shop

Roses and Ruffles | shop

Shoot Baby | shop

Silver Boutique | shop

*Discount: "FBGIVEAWAY" for 10% off your entire purchase.

Stellar Stitches | shop

Swanky Baby Vintage | shop

Swanky Stitch | shop

The Bella Bun | shop

*Discount: "ATBJAN2012B" for 10% off all size Bella Buns.

The Belle and the Beau | shop

*Discount: "BUMP" for 20% off your entire purchase.

The Blueberry Hill | shop

*Discount: "BUMP" for 20% off your entire purchase.

The Chic Shutter Shoppe | shop

The Lovely Poppy | shop

*Discount: "bump15" for 15% off your entire purchase.

The Measure | shop

*Discount: "AFTERTHEBUMP" for 20% off all shop purchases.

The Organic Bloom | shop

The Shoppe | shop

*Discount: "AFTERTHEBUMP20" for 20% off your entire purchase.

The Tomkat Studio | shop

Trendy Ties | shop

Tri-Bec Creations | shop

*Discount: "ATB10" for 10% off your entire purchase.

UnDfind | shop

Valerie Knits | shop

Good luck, everyone!

Fiber Artist Feature: Lolaz Thingz

2011-12-13T00:24:00.000-08:00

Welcome to another edition of the Fiber Artist Feature! This week we're getting to know Angelina Stipech of Lolaz Thingz. I had the pleasure of working with Angelina when she first participated as a partial sponsor for our OOAK {one of a kind} sale a few months ago, and now she's back for a full-sponsorship. Angelina's yarns are fun and eccentric, and a dream to work with. I'm excited for you all to discover her shop if you haven't already! Introducing Lolaz Thyngz...

Your name and your shop name:

My name is Angelina Stipech. My sweet shop is Lolaz Thyngz

Your shop website(s):

Shop: www.lolazthyngz.etsy.com
Facebook: Lolaz Thyngz on Facebook

Tell us about yourself in 2-3 sentences.

I was able to find my artistic outlet while battling lupus and not being able to work outside my home. I am a happily married mother of three who is grateful for her addiction to all things fiber.

When and why did you start spinning, and when did it turn into more than just a hobby?

Before I began spinning I was a vet techie working at my local zoo. During my lunch breaks a young gal I worked with would work on crochet projects . I became determined to make a blanket like the ones my grandmother had made for me when I was a little girl. Around my sixth month of working the weather changed into our horrible sunny hot California days and my health took a noticeable change for the worse. Long story short I was unable to work due to my ER diagnosis of the autoimmune disease Lupus. At home, to help with my sadness I began teaching myself how to crochet beanies & scarfs. Not to long after I became hooked on the handspun yarns that felt so amazingly soft. That is when I decided I would spin my own yarn so that I would not go bankrupt. Since I had already opened an Etsy shop for my crochet baby items I added my luxury yarns and now here I am!

Describe your artistic style when it comes to dying and/or spinning. What inspires you?

Besides dying my own fibers, I love to use other fiber artists dyed fibers to spin. By incorporating my work with other fiber artist’s work I can offer an amazing variety of fun hand spun yarns. What inspires me is the yarn itself. I rarely decide what I will do with the fibers before I spin them. Depending on the colors & fibers I am working with I will either spin it without adding any embellishments or if inspired I will toss in rad bits of fiber embellishments or other textiles.

Tell us about your favorite fiber(s) to work with.

Without a second thought my number one fiber to work with is Superfine Merino. I will never get over how soft and airy this wool is. I also love working with the plant fibers (bamboo, soy, banana) so that I can make available a yarn suitable and fun vegan yarn.

Of all the yarns you have ever dyed and/or spun, show us a photo of your very favorite. What makes it your favorite?

I loved this skein. I used a mix of several types of fibers (both wool & plant) and vibrant colors. It offers so much for an art yarn and is gorgeous. I actually sent this skein to my current favorite author Nicole Peeler.

Can you show us a picture of your workspace?

My work space varies from my living room, craft room, or even outside when the weather in nice. My favorite spot to spin my yarn was at my mom’s house up in the mountains. I need to get a picture of it the next time I go up!

Please attach up to 5 more photos of your recent work.

Hope you've enjoyed getting to know Angelina and her awesome fibers. Take a look through her shop, I'm sure you'll find something you like! Don't forget to check out our OOAK {one of a kind} sale featuring yarns from Lolaz Thyngz on Tuesday night (12/13) at 8:00pm MST on our Facebook page!

Fiber Artist Feature & Giveaway: Hello Purl

2011-09-26T16:21:00.000-07:00

This giveaway has closed.

Our winner is Becky Weidenfeller!

I am SO excited to introduce this team of spinners from Hello Purl! Their yarns are simply delightful! The colors are gorgeous, the texture is amazing, and I had a blast working with their fibers for this week's OOAK sale! Take a minute to check out their shop HERE (use discount code "HELLOATB15" for 15% off your purchase!), their blog HERE, and their facebook HERE! Also check out the giveaway at the end of the interview!! Win a GORGEOUS skein of their handspun yarn!

Please meet Melissa Bohrtz and Jessie Nordholm from Hello Purl!

Tell us about yourself in 2-3 sentences.
Hello Purl is the collaboration of two very fun fiber artist, at least we think so. We love working with fiber in dying, carding, spinning, knitting and felting. We meet at our local spinning guild and decided to start a fiber arts business, because fiber arts is what we love to do. Just give us some fiber and we'll put our spin on it!

(Melissa: I am also a stay at home mom to two wonderful little boys.)

When and why did you start spinning, and when did it turn into more than just a hobby?
Melissa: I saw a woman spinning (on a wheel) at an angora goat farm open house and told my husband that I would love to learn to do that. So last year for my birthday he sent me to a drop spindle class. I fell in love with it! I just wanted to spin more and more so I got a spinning wheel. I know this is what I want to keep doing so I thought why not make it a business.

Jessie: I started spinning 5 years ago because I wanted to make my own yarn. It turned into a business when I became business partners with Melissa and I felt comfortable about selling my handspun yarn. I really treasure my handspun yarns so it can be hard to part with it sometimes. (Melissa reminds me I can always keep creating more).

Describe your artistic style when it comes to dying and/or spinning. What inspires you?
Melissa: I am still new to spinning so I am always trying new techniques and different fibers. I started spinning traditional yarns and now I have been spinning a lot of art yarns, like coils and corespun. I am inspired by color. I love to try fun bright and bold color combination especially in the fiber art batts I make.

Jessie: I spin more traditional but have been trying new art yarn techniques as well. I also enjoy vibrant colors. I am inspired by nature and enjoy to go camping and try to bring my experiences from nature to my dying and spinning.

Tell us about your favorite fiber(s) to work with.
Melissa: Recently I've been partial to textured fiber art batts. I love to work with recycled sari silk and banana silk. Also, I'm kind of a sparkle (angelina and firestar) junkie as well. For traditional spinning my favorites are Blue Face Leicester, Corriedale and Merino.

Jessie: My favorite fiber is mohair lock because they are so soft and beautiful. They add wonder texture to yarn, art batts and felted projects. I also really enjoy spinning Blue Face Leicester for the softness and it is easier to spin.

Of all the yarns you have ever dyed and/or spun, show us a photo of your very favorite. What makes it your favorite?
Melissa: I would have to say it is my first ever spun yarn. It isn't perfect but it symbolizes the start of my fiber art journey.

Jessie: It is my favorite handspun yarn because it is indgo dye. I washed the wool, dyed it with my mom, learned to use the drum card on this piece, and then spun it.

Can you show us a picture of your workspace?
Melissa: This is a picture of where my wheel hangs out when it I'm not using it. I have an area in my living room that I have my fiber stuff and computer. I am currently cleaning out an area in my basement for studio space.

Jessie: I use a spare bedroom in my home for a workspace. There I keep my fibers, spinning wheel and loom. (It is currently under reorganization as well.)

Fiber Artist Feature and Giveaway: Winding the Skein

2011-09-05T11:27:00.000-07:00

This giveaway has closed. Our winner is Tina Lorenzo!

I have had the great pleasure of acquainting myself with Debra McCormick of Winding the Skein over the past few weeks. She is such a pleasure to work with and I can't say enough about her yarns. Her fibers are soft, unique, bold, and simple gorgeous. Stop by her shop and check out the yarns she has available. My current favorite is Banana Bread. Yum. :)

Debra's story is a touching, heart-wrenching one. It brought me to tears and I found myself very inspired by her while I worked with the yarns she sent. I know many mothers will be able to relate to Debra's story, so I thank her for being so candid in her responses to our interview.

Tell us about yourself in 2-3 sentences.
I grew up on a farm homesteaded by my great grandfather and in the house my mother was born in. I am now wife to Tony, Mama to 5 beautiful gifts of God, 3 of which I homeschool on our small 5 acres of ‘country’ living. {Below are Debra and Jack (her Wiemaraner) sporting a yarn mustache}

When and why did you start spinning, and when did it turn into more than just a hobby?
It’s been quite a heart wrenching journey to get to where I am today in the fiber world.

I learned to knit in 2007 after finding out at 7 months pregnant that our 4^th baby (Isabel) had Renal Agenesis and would die shortly after birth. I felt compelled to make something special for her from Mama. I waddled into my local yarn store and asked a clerk (through tears) to help me knit a baby hat. After that I was completely obsessed with knitting. I stayed up late knitting and knitting! It gave me *something* to do while waiting for her to be born. I could feel productive in some small way. It was like a race, I had to finish before she was born.

I learned to spin in 2009 while pregnant with our 5^th baby, Samuel. We found out he had Trisomy 13 and would not live long. A friend loaned me a spinning wheel. I spun yarn to knit him a Baby Surprise Jacket by Elizabeth Zimmermann. Again I knit and knit and knit (and spun)! Samuel passed away at 32 weeks. I knit on his jacket at the hospital during labor until I couldn’t knit any more, then my friend stayed up all night long knitting on it until it was fininshed. She finished it just in time for his birth at 7:25am. I was told by my midwife that she was falling asleep while continuing to knit on Samuel’s Jacket.

It’s been a painful season in our family’s life. Knitting and spinning didn’t get us through, God has walked with us and helped us to survive. Knitting and spinning were born out of my heartache. They were the tools that allowed me to do *something* for my babies (I knit Samuel’s burial gown) during a time of complete helplessness and powerlessness.

Describe your artistic style when it comes to dying and/or spinning. What inspires you?
I love color and texture and enjoy the challenge of dyeing. Because I am a knitter first, I create yarn that *I* myself want to work with. I’m a perfectionist with my yarns, I want them to be more beautiful knit up in a garment than the skein of yarn was to start with. I think many skeins of yarn look gorgeous but then when worked up they just don’t look as beautiful to me as the skein did. I am working on fiber specifically dyed with the prop knitter/crocheter in mind.

Tell us about your favorite fiber(s) to work with.
My favorite? Hands down, the yarn I spun for Samuel’s Jacket. It’s precious to me. It represents so much all wrapped up in that little coat. A desperate Mama’s race to create something that would say “I love you” and “We wish you could stay” and “You are a precious little boy” to a much prayed for child and brother. One friend told me, “You dressed him up like a little Prince” and that pleased me.

Can you show us a picture of your workspace?

More of Debra's recent work.

It's a Giveaway!

Win these handspun Lincoln Locks by Winding the Skein! These would make an amazing accent yarn for any project!

How to enter:
Entry #1 {REQUIRED}: Visit After the Bump and Winding the Skein on Facebook and "like" their fan pages. Come back to this post and leave a comment to complete the first entry.

Entry #2 {OPTIONAL}: Share the link to this giveaway on your Facebook page(s). Be sure to tag After the Bump and Winding the Skein in your status updates (insert the @ sign before each name to tag). Come back to this post and leave a comment to complete the second entry.

Entry #3 {OPTIONAL}: Make a purchase at Winding the Skein. Come back to this post and leave a comment saying what you purchased to complete the third entry.

The fine print:
*This giveaway begins on Monday, September 5th and ends on Friday, September 9th at 12:00pm MST.
*The winners will be chosen via Random.org and will be announced here following the giveaway.
*This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. By entering this giveaway you understand that you are providing your information to After the Bump and not to Facebook.

If you are a fiber artist and would like to be featured here and/or at a Monday night OOAK {one of a kind} sale, please fill out this application form.

Fiber Artist Feature and Giveaway: Spinup Yarns

2011-08-08T14:57:00.000-07:00

This giveaway has ended! Thanks to all who entered, and many thanks to Spinup Yarns for her interview and sponsorship!

Our winner is Jessica Williams!

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am to introduce you to Andrea from Spinup Yarns. I've been working with Andrea for almost 2 years now and let me tell you, she just keeps getting better and better! She is the most creative fiber artists I've ever come across. Her yarns are vibrant and beautiful, soft and squishy, and her custom work is second to none. Andrea continues to reinvent her style with new spinning techniques (check out her newest stripes, spots, solids, and swirls!) and with her innovative mixing of fibers. You'll be hooked after your first purchase. I promise. :) Without further ado...

Fiber Artist Feature: Spinup Yarns | Facebook | Shop | Etsy

Tell us about yourself in 2-3 sentences.
Hello! I’m Andrea, a mom of two little boys (3 and 5), and a yarn maker.

When and why did you start spinning, and when did it turn into more than just a hobby?
I started messing around with a spindle in the summer of 2007. I got my first wheel in January 2008 and opened my shop about a year and a half later. Spinning rapidly evolved from my hobby to full-blown obsession.

Describe your artistic style when it comes to dying and/or spinning. What inspires you?
I’m inspired by color, definitely. I love combining new colors, blending colors together, and trying things I’ve never done before. The fiber itself is a great source of inspiration. I love meeting local farmers and seeing their animals and fibers. A bag of raw wool fresh of the animal is full of possibilities. Inspiration is everywhere.

Tell us about your favorite fiber(s) to work with.
It goes in circles for me, but right now I really love hemp. I like mixing it with other fibers, just a little goes a long way and completely changes the look of the yarn. It’s kind of like a neutral sparkle, perfect for fall.

Of all the yarns you have ever dyed and/or spun, show us a photo of your very favorite. What makes it your favorite?
My very favorite yarn ever was called Sea Maiden. I corespun it from lots of different materials, in stripes. I absolutely loved the colors, textures, and sparkle in it. I had it in my shop for about half a day, but couldn’t imagine parting with it. So I sent it off to my friend Jill, and she knit me the most amazing pair of art yarn mitts. Now it’s mine forever. :)

Can you show us a picture of your workspace?
Sure. I took over our breakfast nook a few years ago. It’s a small space but houses most of the tools and materials I need to run my shop. I also have additional space in the garage for my dye setup, drying racks, and storing bags of unwashed fleece.

More of Andrea's recent work.

It's a Giveaway!

How to enter:
Entry #1 {REQUIRED}: Visit After the Bump and Spinup Yarns on Facebook and "like" their fan pages. Come back to this post and leave a comment to complete the first entry.

Entry #2 {OPTIONAL}: Share the link to this giveaway on your Facebook page(s). Be sure to tag After the Bump and Spinup Yarns in your status updates (insert the @ sign before each name to tag). Come back to this post and leave a comment to complete the second entry.

Entry #3 {OPTIONAL}: Make a purchase at Spinup Yarns. Come back to this post and leave a comment saying what you purchased to complete the third entry.

The fine print:
*This giveaway begins on Monday, August 8th and ends on Friday, August 12th at 10:00pm MST.
*The winners will be chosen via Random.org and will be announced here following the giveaway.
*This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. By entering this giveaway you understand that you are providing your information to After the Bump and not to Facebook.

If you are a fiber artist and would like to be featured here and/or at a Monday night OOAK {one of a kind} sale, please fill out this application form.

Fiber Artist Feature and Giveaway: Funky Yarns

2011-08-01T14:05:00.000-07:00

We're starting something new at After the Bump! OOAK {one of a kind} nights are now being sponsored by fiber artists! Handspun yarns and fibers are all the rage right now so what better way to discover all those awesome spinners than to feature them once a week on my Facebook page and in my Monday night sales! If you are a fiber artist and would like to be featured at a Monday night sale, please fill out this application form.

Let's get the ball rolling with a new favorite of mine, Patti Richards from Funky Yarns!

Fiber Artist Feature: Funky Yarns | Facebook | Shop

Tell us about yourself in 2-3 sentences.
I go by “Mom” around here. I have 4 kids, my youngest son has Down’s Syndrome. So that means I have an Earth Angel living with me! Really I’m an Introverted Aries. So I’m passionate about whatever covert crap that’s going on in my head.

When and why did you start spinning, and when did it turn into more than just a hobby?
I’ve been a weaver since I was 19, but searched for fibers that felt really good to work with, spinning was the answer. I want to touch truly Living Breathing Natural Fibers, they have a special feel to them. I spent many, many years making “perfect” yarn. Then I became enlightened and my Fiber Arts took a super turn for the Funky side. I’m like an explorer in my own weird world. Making yarn is what I love to do...I always hear do what you love! The yarn is “The Art” to me.

I truly Love to see what others make from my creation. There are some uses that I never would have guessed when I first started selling at our tiny Farmer’s Market!

Describe your artistic style when it comes to dying and/or spinning. What inspires you?
My style is definitely flying by the seat of my pants! I love color, so anything inspires me. I dream colors, wake up and get working on them. The part of dyeing where the colors run together, blend and swirl on the roving, charges me up and I get impatient for it to dry and begin the spinning to see what it will look like as yarn.

As a Weaver I work on a piece for a long time. With spinning it is very impulsive and I’m never bored.

Tell us about your favorite fiber(s) to work with.
Really it’s easier to tell you what I don’t like! Those store bought plastic-y feeling yarns! If you are going to put the time and love into a handmade item, Please use nice yarn!!!

I would guess Angora Bunny and Silk are my very favorites. Those are what I always choose to create my handwoven shawls and knit hats from. Those are items that I will never part with.

Of all the yarns you have ever dyed and/or spun, show us a photo of your very favorite. What makes it your favorite?
Omg, How about my favorite 100! One is a Hand Dyed silk in Greens and Blues. I handspun it very fine, then Hand wove into a Silk and Angora Shawl. It’s lucky to have survived as the warp on my loom, I threatened to cut it off, but wrestled it, tamed it and it is the Most Gorgeous of all my weavings!

Can you show us a picture of your workspace?
We actually live in my Studio! My kids are used to 3 or 4 looms and spinning wheels in the living room, just has always been! My kids are super creative, so our house is like a big work area, projects going on all the time. The whirring sound at 2am is probably the sewing machine. I dream of separating, but really I am here at home with them and that is what is really important to me!

More of Patti's recent work. She has MANY more beautiful yarns and rovings available in her shop! Plus, use discount code FREESHIPPING for free shipping on your order this week!

After the Bump and Funky Yarns Giveaway

Win this gorgeous newborn-size headband made from Funky Yarns' fibers!

How to enter:
Entry #1 {REQUIRED}: Visit After the Bump and Funky Yarns on Facebook and "like" their fan pages. Come back to this post and leave a comment to complete the first entry.

Entry #2 {OPTIONAL}: Share the link to this giveaway on your Facebook page(s). Be sure to tag After the Bump and Funky Yarns in your status updates (insert the @ sign before each name to tag). Come back to this post and leave a comment to complete the second entry.

Entry #3 {OPTIONAL}: Make a purchase at Funky Yarns. Come back to this post and leave a comment saying what you purchased to complete the third entry. Remember to use discount code FREESHIPPING to get free shipping on your order!

The fine print:
*This giveaway begins on Monday, August 1st and ends on Friday, August 5th at 10:00pm MST.
*The winners will be chosen via Random.org and will be announced here on Friday evening, August 5th.
*This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. By entering this giveaway you understand that you are providing your information to After the Bump and not to Facebook.

This giveaway has ended.

Our winner is: Rachel Black. Congrats!

WINNERS - The best 10k giveaway EVER!

2011-07-05T19:08:00.000-07:00

We have LOTS of winners!!

I'd like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who entered! We had 1,190 entries last night when I closed the post! Another huge thank you to all of our amazing vendors! They have all been so generous and willing to donate. Over $3,500 in prizes are going to be awarded!!

WINNERS: Please do not contact these vendors directly! Either myself (Amanda) or the vendor will contact you about your prize. If you are unable to accept your prize (ie: you don't meet the requirements, are international and don't want to pay shipping, are not a photographer and would like to pass on a prize specifically for photographers, etc.) then please CONTACT ME ASAP so that I can choose a new winner.

I know you're all on pins and needles here, so let's get started!!

LPG Photographers | Facebook | Site

Jenne Dunham of J. Dunham Photography!!

Photo Prop Floors & Backdrops | Facebook | Shop

Tarrah McPherson

My Four Hens Photography | Facebook | Shop

Jessica Gomez

Rock the Shot | Facebook | Site

Hannah Boykin

Pretty Presets | Facebook | Shop

Theresa Brereton

What to Wear | Facebook | Site

Lori Hollon

Memories by TLC | Facebook | Site

~~Laura Craig~~

New winner! Danielle McAdams

Laura Brett Photography | Facebook | Shop

Tami Thomson

Son Kissed Knits and Props | Facebook | Shop

Caitlin Austin

Pumpkin Pie Photography | Facebook | Site

Natasha

The Sleepy Baby | Facebook | Site
This prize includes a seat in their Myrtle Beach, SC newborn posing class, September 17-18, 2011. In order to accept this prize, you MUST be able to attend this workshop!

~~Nikki Painter~~

New Winner!! Joni Phillips

After the Bump | Facebook | Shop

Kim Stephens

Heartsmiles | Facebook | Shop

Katarina Setala

Ellie Bellie Design | Facebook | Shop

Shannon White

TFJ Designs | Facebook | Shop

Jessica Martin

Kiwi and Kiki | Facebook | Shop

Erika Williams

Spinup Yarns | Facebook | Shop
If the winner of this prize is not a knitter or crocheter, I am more than happy to make a few hats of your choice from her yarn! I just ask that you pay for labor and shipping.

Wendy Jones

Little Lainie | Facebook | Shop

Sheila Riley

Allie Kay Designs | Facebook | Shop

Michelle Prince

Birdie Baby Boutique | Facebook | Shop

Alaina Ivey

FAAS Design | Facebook | Shop

Kellie Agen

Karly's Kloset | Facebook | Shop

Madralynn Haye

3 Little Birds Boutique | Facebook | Shop

Amanda Howse

Love by CC | Facebook | Shop

Lori Ann Santiago-Whitehurst

The Knitting Bitty | Facebook | Shop

Dana Culpepper

Knit 1 Paint too | Facebook | Shop

Jenn Fortune

Bean Bailey | Facebook | Shop

Susie Rondeau

Sweet Love Creates | Facebook | Shop

Laura Drake

Two of a Kind Designs | Facebook | Shop

Jessica Jimenez

Fresh Outta the Oven | Facebook | Shop

Anna Krcil

Click Knits | Facebook | Shop

Jessica Bookout

Woolywishes | Facebook | Shop

Tina Clelland

be.loved.photography | Facebook | Site

Jayme Moeller

Merry Photo Props | Facebook | Shop

Cyndi Smith

Congratulations to all our winners!

The best 10k giveaway EVER!

2011-06-26T23:02:00.000-07:00

This giveaway has ended!

Wow. I'm pretty much speechless. As soon as 5,000 of you joined After the Bump on Facebook I knew that we would inevitably reach 10,000 fans. But in 2 months?? All I can say is thank you!

To show my appreciation for your amazing ATB support, I have teamed up with the dream team of vendors to bring you the best 10k giveaway EVER! Without further ado...

Prizes:
Our prizes total over $3500!! There will be 34 winners--one winner chosen for EACH vendor! Some prizes have stipulations, so please be sure to read the fine print.

Discount codes:
Some vendors have also offered up special discount codes for the week of this giveaway! If a vendor has released a discount code, it will be located directly beneath the retail value of the prize in each section.

LPG Photographers | Facebook | Site
A $199 annual membership to LPG Photographers that includes a featured listing on Local Photography Guides along with a $195 Banner add-on! This totals a huge $394 prize! LPG Photographers is a place for the highest quality, pre-screened photographers across the nation! With LPG, not only are you joining a family of photographers, but you are also receiving a full blown marketing program, constant social media exposure, and member-only access to their growing list of exclusive vendors, including yours truly! Because I have teamed up with LPG as their featured vendor, there will ALWAYS be something on sale for you if you become a member, even when the shop is closed! No more waiting for OOAK night each week. If you've got a prop addiction (and I know you do), then you'll make up the cost of your membership in the savings you receive on props from your favorite vendors! LPG Photographers is always accepting applications, so what are you waiting for! Click on any of the links within this paragraph and apply for membership now!
Retail value: $394
Discount code: "atb2011" for 20% off annual memberships and add-ons for an additional 72 hours after this giveaway ends! Coupon codes can be entered after your application has been approved.
The winner of this prize will need to meet the criteria for LPG Photographer's membership standards.

Photo Prop Floors & Backdrops | Facebook | Shop
Win PPF&B's MOST popular design! Wood Floor 255, 52" x 8'.
Retail value: $87.50
Please note that international winners must pay shipping difference.

My Four Hens Photography | Facebook | Shop
A $100 gift card to the shop! Wow! Someone will have their hands full of actions, presets, and all sorts of yummy goodness!!
Retail value: $100
Discount code: "M4HHalf" for Half Off any actions or textures purchase in the shop during this giveaway!

Rock the Shot | Facebook | Site
A place for photographers to learn and share information. Take your photography to the next level with a One-Year Membership to Rock the Shot Photography Forum!
Retail value: $50

Pretty Presets | Facebook | Shop
Cut your editing time in half with the Pretty Presets: Back to Basics Collection.
Retail value: $45

What to Wear | Facebook | Site
A one-year subscription (12 issues) to the What to Wear Guides by Karlen Kleinkopf.
Retail value: $38

Memories by TLC | Facebook | Site
This little lady means the world to me! There is NO way that I would be where I am today without her amazing talent. Tracy Callahan of Memories by TLC has donated a 1-hour Skype session. You'll be able to pick her brain about everything newborn photography related, from props, to posing, to setups! You could even ask her about me! ;)
Retail value: Priceless!

Laura Brett Photography | Facebook | Shop
Laura Brett's Complete Action Set (comes with our Newborn Goodness, Warm & Cozy and our Black & White action). This action set is compatible in all versions of Photoshop and Elements. It’s been asked...how do you get that creamy newborn goodness with all your images? We always say, the perfect SOOC will get you that newborn goodness. So we decided its time to share our “secret” with you!
Retail value: $75
Discount code: "warm&cozy" for 10% off anything in the shop during this giveaway!

Son Kissed Knits and Props | Facebook | Shop
A Poodle Wee Wrap by Kristen Mackey of Son Kissed Photography.
Retail value: $55

Pumpkin Pie Photography | Facebook | Site
A 1-hour Skype session with Amanda Cutler of Pumpkin Pie Photography. Pick her brain about everything from the best prop shops to baby posing and everything in between.
Retail value: $250

The Sleepy Baby | Facebook | Site
Put our last two vendors together and you get The Sleepy Baby! Photographers Kristen and Amanda have teamed up for this amazing workshop. This prize includes a seat in their Myrtle Beach, SC newborn posing class, September 17-18, 2011.
Retail value: $1700!
Prize includes the cost of tuition only. Airfare and lodging will be additional. The winner of this prize MUST be willing and able to attend this workshop or a new winner will be chosen.

After the Bump | Facebook | Shop
Someone is going to be getting a prop MAKEOVER from ATB! This package will include the winner's choice of (5) fabric wraps, (1) item from my Monday OOAK night, and a $100 credit to the shop!
Retail value: up to $225!

Heartsmiles | Facebook | Shop
A newborn size All the Glitz and Glamor hat.
Retail value: $30
Discount code: "ATB10K" for 20% off anything in the shop during this giveaway!

Ellie Bellie Design | Facebook | Shop
A newborn size Jeweled Butterfly Hat.
Retail value: $23

TFJ Designs | Facebook | Shop
A $50 gift certificate to be used towards any TEMPLATES in the shop.
Retail value: $50
Discount code: "NEWFAN15" for 15% off TEAMPLATES during this giveaway!

Kiwi and Kiki | Facebook | Shop
A $30 gift certificate towards anything in the shop.
Retail value: $30
Discount code: "afterthebump" for 15% off anything in the shop during this giveaway!

Spinup Yarns | Facebook | Shop
As many of you know, I am a huge fan of handspun yarns. Something about them just makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. I figured what better way to celebrate than to introduce you to a long-time friend and associate in this business, Andrea from Spinup Yarns. Win (1) 100 yard skein of custom handspun, hand-dyed slub yarn from her shop!
Retail value: $28
If the winner of this prize is not a knitter or crocheter, I am more than happy to make a few hats of your choice from her yarn! I just ask that you pay for labor and shipping.

Little Lainie | Facebook | Shop
Little Lainie is one of the great undiscovered shops on Etsy, but I can't figure out why!! Her headbands are To. Die. For. She's offering up a photographer's package of (5) newborn size headbands made of 100% wool felt, 100% cotton, with buttons and czech beads/japanese toho beads. They each measure approximately 2" across and are the *perfect* size for teeny baby heads.
Retail value: $44
Discount code: "AFTERTHEBUMPFAN" for 10% off anything in the shop during this giveaway!
Because this vendor is located in Canada, her prize will ship as soon as the Canadian postal strike is over.

Allie Kay Designs | Facebook | Shop
A newborn size boy and girl Orange Baby set.
Retail value: $44

Birdie Baby Boutique | Facebook | Shop
A $25 gift certificate towards anything in the shop.
Retail value: $25

FAAS Design | Facebook | Shop
A $40 gift certificate towards anything in the shop.
Retail value: $40

Karly's Kloset | Facebook | Shop
Size 0-3M Pastel Rainbow Sock Monkey Set.
Retail value: $43

3 Little Birds Boutique | Facebook | Shop
A $25 gift certificate towards anything in the shop.
Retail value: $25

Love by CC | Facebook | Shop
A $30 gift certificate towards anything in the shop.
Retail value: $30

The Knitting Bitty | Facebook | Shop
A newborn size knitted bonnet.
Retail value: $15 ($10 Facebook Special)

Knit 1 Paint too | Facebook | Shop
A newborn size green newsboy hat.
Retail value: $20

Bean Bailey | Facebook | Shop
A surprise OOAK {one of a kind} hat.
Retail value: up to $34

Sweet Love Creates | Facebook | Shop
A newborn size yellow knit newsboy cap.
Retail value: $32

Two of a Kind Designs | Facebook | Shop
A newborn/toddler size boy's mini top hat.
Retail value: $35

Fresh Outta the Oven | Facebook | Shop
A newborn size ear flap hat with bow.
Retail value: $28

Click Knits | Facebook | Shop
A $25 gift certificate towards anything in the shop.
Retail value: $25

Woolywishes | Facebook | Shop
A flowerberry hat in the winner's choice of colors.
Retail value: $35

be.loved.photography | Facebook | Site
Custom editing of 3 images.
Retail value: $30

Merry Photo Props | Facebook | Shop
(1) newborn visor of the winner's choice.
Retail value: up to $10

How to enter:
Entry #1 {REQUIRED} - Visit ALL of the vendors' Facebook pages and click the "LIKE" button! Leave 'em a little comment love if you feel so inclined (though not required!). Then head back over here, scroll down to the bottom of the page, and leave ONE comment below to complete entry #1. Everyone's pages are listed below for your convenience. Please right click on each link to open it in a new tab or window.

LPG Photographers | Facebook | Site
Photo Prop Floors & Backdrops | Facebook | Shop
My Four Hens Photography | Facebook | Shop
Rock the Shot | Facebook | Site
Pretty Presets | Facebook | Shop
What to Wear | Facebook | Site
Laura Brett Photography | Facebook | Shop
Memories by TLC | Facebook | Site
Son Kissed Knits and Props | Facebook | Shop
Pumpkin Pie Photography | Facebook | Site
The Sleepy Baby | Facebook | Site
After the Bump | Facebook | Shop
Heartsmiles | Facebook | Shop
Ellie Bellie Design | Facebook | Shop
TFJ Designs | Facebook | Shop
Kiwi and Kiki | Facebook | Shop
Spinup Yarns | Facebook | Shop
Little Lainie | Facebook | Shop
Allie Kay Designs | Facebook | Shop
Birdie Baby Boutique | Facebook | Shop
FAAS Design | Facebook | Shop
Karly's Kloset | Facebook | Shop
3 Little Birds Boutique | Facebook | Shop
Love by CC | Facebook | Shop
The Knitting Bitty | Facebook | Shop
Knit 1 Paint too | Facebook | Shop
Bean Bailey | Facebook | Shop
Sweet Love Creates | Facebook | Shop
Two of a Kind Designs | Facebook | Shop
Fresh Outta the Oven | Facebook | Shop
Click Knits | Facebook | Shop
Woolywishes | Facebook | Shop
be.loved.photography | Facebook | Site
Merry Photo Props | Facebook | Shop

Entry #2 {BONUS} - Share the following on your Facebook Fan Page or personal page: @After the Bump is celebrating 10,000 fans on Facebook! Click here to enter the best 10K giveaway EVER: http://afterthebumpboutique.blogspot.com/2011/06/best-10k-giveaway-ever.html. Be sure to tag After the Bump in your post. You'll know the tag worked if After the Bump is highlighted in blue. Then head back over here, scroll down to the bottom of the page, and leave ONE comment below to complete entry #2.

Entry #3 {BONUS} - Have you purchased something from After the Bump? If you're a loyal ATB customer, stop by the REVIEWS TAB on my Facebook Fan Page and write a quick review for an extra entry! Then head back over here, scroll down to the bottom of the page, and leave ONE comment below to complete entry #3.

Entry #4 {BONUS} - Share the following on Twitter: @afterthebump is celebrating 10,000 fans on Facebook! Click here to enter the best 10K giveaway EVER: http://afterthebumpboutique.blogspot.com/2011/06/best-10k-giveaway-ever.html. Be sure to tag @afterthebump in your update! Then head back over here, scroll down to the bottom of the page, and leave ONE comment below to complete entry #4.

Entry #5 {BONUS} - Share the link to this giveaway post on your favorite photography forum(s), then head back over here, scroll down to the bottom of the page, and leave ONE comment below to complete entry #5.

Fine print:
*The best 10K giveaway EVER! begins on Monday, June 26th and ends on Monday, July 4th at 11:59pm MST.
*The winners will be chosen via Random.org and will be announced here on Tuesday, July 5th.
*Should any winner not claim his/her prize by Thursday, July 7th, a new winner will be drawn accordingly.
*Prizes ship directly from each vendor.
*Prizes do not have cash value and cannot be exchanged or returned.
*This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. By entering this giveaway you understand that you are providing your information to After the Bump and not to Facebook.

Good luck!

WINNER of the 5K fans & 2nd birthday giveaway!

2011-04-18T23:21:00.000-07:00

A HUGE thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway!! As of 12:05am on Monday morning, we had 1002 entires!! WOW! Another HUGE thank you to all the vendors who have so generously donated their time and talents to this giveaway. I appreciate it more than words can say. Before we announce the winner, let's recap all the prizes he/she is going to win!

One set of actions from Pure Photoshop Actions

A newborn size Baby Chick Hat from Sweet Love Creates.

A $60 gift certificate to Love by CC

A newborn size Fly Away Beanie from Fresh Outta the Oven

A girl and boy newborn twin set of hats from Allie Kay Designs

A sweet little newborn size zebra hat from Ellie Bellie Design

A newborn size teddy bear hat from Bean Bailey

A newborn size Whimsical Double Bloom hat and newborn size Boucle Texture Twin Set Beanies from Angel619SD/Angel916BabyTreats

A newborn size hat from Knit 1 Paint too

A newborn size Maple Sugar Baby Bear Beanie from Stellar Stitches

A $50 gift certificate to Woolywishes

A newborn/toddler size top hat from Two of a Kind Designs

A Little Lamb hat (you pick the size, newborn-5T!) from Sweet Pea Toad Tots

A 50"x6' drop from Splash of Color by Moonlight - digital props, backdrops, and floors

A newborn size Edelweiss Headband from FAAS Design TM

A $35 gift certificate to Naturally Playful

A $25 gift certificate towards any template and a Basic Baby Wrap & Adrienne Headband combo from TFJ Designs

A newborn size Purple Sweetheart Beanie with Purple Satin Bow from Custom Creations by Blessed 2009

A $30 gift certificate to Gracie's Garden

A newborn size bunny hat from Elskan Baby

Custom photo editing of 5 pictures by Amy of be.loved.photography
(SOOC=straight out of camera)

A Sock Monkey Hat (your choice of size and color!) from Karly's Kloset

A $30 gift certificate to Heartsmiles

And lastly, first dibs on a free hat from a Monday OOAK night, a newborn size Cutest Hat Ever, and a newborn size Fuzzy Bear Chinstrap from After the Bump!

And now the moment you've all been waiting for! The winner of this AMAZING prize package is...

Congratulations, Lisa! WOOHOO!! You have 48 hours to email me at afterthebump@gmail.com to claim your prize!!!

Thanks again to everyone who entered and to all the vendors who donated! Thank you all so much for your business over the past two years. Here's to many more!! :)

5K fans & 2nd birthday Giveaway!

2011-04-10T23:01:00.000-07:00

This giveaway has ended! Please head over here to see the winners!

I can't believe that we actually have 5,000 fans on Facebook! And lucky for you, it falls right around After the Bump's 2nd birthday! What better way to celebrate these two huge milestones than to have a GIVEAWAY!

I'd like to thank all the vendors showcased below for their willingness to donate to this giveaway! They are an amazing group of friends and I'm so grateful for their participation!!

This giveaway starts today, April 11th, and will run for one week until Monday, April 18th at midnight. ONE winner will take home ALL these prizes!!! This is a big one, folks, so let's get started!!

One set of actions from Pure Photoshop Actions

A newborn size Baby Chick Hat from Sweet Love Creates.

A $60 gift certificate to Love by CC

A newborn size Fly Away Beanie from Fresh Outta the Oven

A girl and boy newborn twin set of hats from Allie Kay Designs

A sweet little newborn size zebra hat from Ellie Bellie Design

A newborn size teddy bear hat from Bean Bailey

A newborn size Whimsical Double Bloom hat and newborn size Boucle Texture Twin Set Beanies from Angel619SD/Angel916BabyTreats

A newborn size hat from Knit 1 Paint too

A newborn size Maple Sugar Baby Bear Beanie from Stellar Stitches

A $50 gift certificate to Woolywishes

A newborn/toddler size top hat from Two of a Kind Designs

A Little Lamb hat (you pick the size, newborn-5T!) from Sweet Pea Toad Tots

A 50"x6' drop from Splash of Color by Moonlight - digital props, backdrops, and floors

A newborn size Edelweiss Headband from FAAS Design TM

A $35 gift certificate to Naturally Playful

A $25 gift certificate towards any template and a Basic Baby Wrap & Adrienne Headband combo from TFJ Designs

A newborn size Purple Sweetheart Beanie with Purple Satin Bow from Custom Creations by Blessed 2009

A $30 gift certificate to Gracie's Garden

A newborn size bunny hat from Elskan Baby

Custom photo editing of 5 pictures by Amy of be.loved.photography
(SOOC=straight out of camera)

A Sock Monkey Hat (your choice of size and color!) from Karly's Kloset

A $30 gift certificate to Heartsmiles

And lastly, first dibs on a free hat from a Monday OOAK night, a newborn size Cutest Hat Ever, and a newborn size Fuzzy Bear Chinstrap from After the Bump!

Alright, now that you're drooling over all these *amazing* prizes, here's what you need to do to enter!

There are THREE ways to earn entries into this giveaway! Please leave ONE comment on this blog post for each completed entry!

Entry 1: Take a minute to visit each vendor's page, "like" them or add them as a friend, and leave a trail of comment love if you'd like (though the comments aren't required)! Let them know that @After the Bump sent you! :) I've provided all their links here for your convenience. They will each open in a new browser tab. Please note that "liking" too many pages at once may result in a block on your facebook account, so look around each page and take your sweet time. :)

Pure Photoshop Actions

Angel619BabyTreats/Angel619SD

Knit 1 Paint too

Stellar Stitches

Woolywishes

Two of a Kind Designs

Sweet Pea Toad Tots

Splash of Color by Moonlight

FAAS Designs

Naturally Playful

TFJ Designs

Custom Creations by Blessed2009

Entry 2: Change your Facebook status to "Enter to win BIG with @After the Bump and her HUGE 5K fans and 2nd birthday giveaway at http://afterthebumpboutique.blogspot.com/2011/04/5k-fans-2nd-birthday-giveaway.html!" Be sure to type the @ sign before After the Bump so it will tag my page.

Entry 3: Tweet about the giveaway on twitter (for those who don't have a twitter account, please only complete entries 1 and 2).

That's it!! This is such an awesome prize package to win and I know we will be making one lucky photographer VERY happy! Thanks again for all your continued support over the last two years! Now get going! :)

And the winners are...

2011-02-15T11:12:00.000-08:00

A HUGE thank you to everyone to everyone who voted for Tracy from Memories by TLC's picture in the photo contest. She was able to win the contest by less than 15 votes! It was neck and neck the entire week, but she squeaked ahead the last day and pulled out the WIN!

And now onto OUR winners! We will be giving away two scalloped earflaps. Unfortunately, Tracy and I just missed our goals of 1000 and 3000 fans, respectively, by less than 100 fans each. So, we'll save that giveaway for another time. :)

Our two lucky winners are...

You both provided your email addresses in your entries (thank you!!) so I'll be in touch with the details of your prize today.

Another Giveway!

2011-02-07T14:16:00.000-08:00

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED.

We just ended the last giveaway mere hours ago, but here we go again!!

My amazing photographer, Tracy from Memories by TLC, is trying to win a seriously awesome prop from Naturally Playful. Our mission is to help her win it! Tracy submitted this photo using the Madison bed by Naturally Playful and she'll win the contest if her photo has the most likes by February 14th.

Now the big question: what will YOU win??

I will be giving away a Scalloped Earflap in your choice of colors! We will be giving away ONE hat no matter what happens. We will give away a SECOND hat if Tracy reaches over 1,000 fans on Facebook. We will give away a THIRD hat if After the Bump reaches 3,000 fans on Facebook. And we will give away a FOURTH hat if Tracy wins the contest!! So let's get going!!

Please be sure to leave your email address in at least one of your entries so I have a way to contact you if you win!

There are FIVE methods of entry for this contest:

1) Head on over to Memories by TLC on Facebook and like her page. Come back to this post and leave a comment telling me you liked Memories by TLC.
2) Next, head over to Tracy's photo that's entered in the contest and "like" it. Only the "likes" count towards the contest, although comments are still appreciated. :) Come back to this post and leave a comment telling me you liked Tracy's photo.
3) For an additional entry, share the link to Tracy's photo in a status update (http://www.facebook.com/naturallyplayful#!/photo.php?fbid=179078195468020&set=a.179054705470369.33400.162549347120905) with a message to "like" the photo and help Tracy win. Come back to this post and leave a comment telling me you shared Tracy's photo.
4) Make sure you "like" After the Bump on Facebook! Come back to this post and leave a comment telling me you like After the Bump. This entry will only be counted if you've completed at least steps 1 and 2!
5) For one last entry, share the link to this blog post and tell your friends about the giveaway! http://afterthebumpboutique.blogspot.com/2011/02/another-giveway.html. Then come back to this post and leave a comment telling me you shared the giveaway. This entry will only be counted if you've completed at least steps 1 and 2!

This giveaway will end on MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14th! I will announce how many hats will be given away and who the winners are once we find out if Tracy won the contest.

Thank you for all your help!

Celebrating 2,000 fans on Facebook: WINNERS!

2011-02-07T12:29:00.000-08:00

Those of you who won a prize and provided your email address in one of your entries, I will be in touch with information on how to claim your prize. For those who won and didn't provide an email address in your entries, please email me at afterthebump@gmail.com to claim your prize! You have until 5pm Tuesday, February 8th to contact me!

Celebrating 2,000 fans on Facebook!

2011-01-31T00:08:00.000-08:00

This giveaway has ended! Thanks to everyone who entered!

As a special "thank you" to all my amazing Facebook fans, I'm having another giveaway to celebrate a huge milestone--2,000 likes on facebook! All the support, fan photos, comments, compliments, and "likes" mean the world to me. It always makes my day to see your beautiful photos and to know that I played a tiny part in your photography. Alright, enough rambling... Just know that I appreciate you!! And now for the prizes up for grabs!

Excited yet? :) Here's the rest of the info. Remember that each method of entry gets you an additional chance to win!

Please be sure to leave your comments on THIS BLOG POST and to include your email address with at least one of your entries so I have a way to contact you if you win!

(1) "Like" After the Bump on Facebook, come back and leave a comment telling me you're a fan of After the Bump.

(2) Leave a separate comment telling me what you'd like to win from the prizes up for grabs.

(3) Suggest After the Bump to your friends (use the "Suggest This" tab at the top of the page and follow the directions from there). Come back and leave a separate comment telling me you've suggested After the Bump to your friends.

(4) Tag After the Bump in a facebook status update sharing this giveaway with your friends (ex: @After the Bump is having an awesome giveaway! Check it out!). Use whatever wording you'd like, just be sure to tag After the Bump. Come back and leave a separate comment telling me you've shared the giveaway on Facebook.

(5) Tweet about the giveaway on Twitter. Be sure to tag @afterthebump in your tweet. Come back and leave a separate comment with a link to your tweet.

This giveaway will end on Monday, February 7th! Entries will be accepted as long as comments are open. Winners will be chosen once my kids go down for naps on Monday. :)

5 dollars for a 20 dollar Amazon.com gift card!!

2011-01-18T22:53:00.000-08:00

What a steal! Right now LivingSocial.com, a deal site like Groupon, is offering a $20 Amazon.com gift card for as low as $5! To get this deal, click here then enter your email address on the page that comes up. Next, click on "Sign up" in the top right corner. Then click on "More deals" and choose any city (this is a national deal). Your $5 credit should show up and make the deal just $5 for the $20 gift card! Hope you're able to get in on this deal! It won't last long!

Product review with CSN Stores

2011-01-07T13:02:00.000-08:00

I always look forward to working with CSN Stores because they never disappoint! I've done a number of product reviews and giveaways with them in the past and each time they have exceeded my expectations. CSN Stores offers speedy shipping, affordable prices, and high quality products. In addition to this, CSN Stores has over 200 online stores where you can find anything from wall art and decor and fitness equipment, to cute cookware!

Check back soon for a product review on one of the millions of amazing products CSN Stores offers!

Shop update 12/20/2010

2010-12-30T21:30:00.000-08:00

An update on the shop: I've decided to take a little more time off at the beginning of the year (time off without orders, I should say!) so I'm planning to keep the shop closed for a while longer. I haven't decided how long yet, but my little ones are growing up far too fast and I just don't feel like I'm spending enough time playing. Plus there's a mountain of laundry that's constantly threatening to avalanche out of control. :)

While the shop is "closed" everything will be available for purchase, but an off-season fee of $15 for the first item and $10 for subsequent items will be included in the shipping cost. All this information will be explained in each listing. This will remain in effect until I reopen again after my break.

Because this is such short notice and since many of you have expressed interest in setting up orders once the shop reopens, I will be relisting everything in the shop without the off-season fees until January 5th. I need to do some maintenance in the shop tonight and hopefully everything will be listed and ready for purchase tomorrow (12/31) through January 5, 2011. You may also set up orders by contacting me directly here.

You have all been so supportive this year and I thank you for making 2010 amazing! Stay tuned to my facebook page for updates and giveaways!

Shop closure

2010-11-30T00:49:00.000-08:00

Tons of thank you's to everyone who participated in the Black Friday sale! It was a major success and my to-do pile is well stocked once again! Due to the large volume of orders I received from the sale, I've decided to close the shop until January in order to catch up and come back order-free with a manageable turnaround time.

If you happen to need some props before I reopen in January, please contact me and I'll be happy to work with you. I may be able to squeeze in a few rush orders as well.

Thanks again for making 2010 another successful year for After the Bump! I'm continually amazed by how well this little shop of mine has done since opening in 2009. I very much appreciate all your support, compliments, photos, friendships, and business. Happy Holidays! See you in January!

Black Friday sale!

2010-11-23T23:33:00.000-08:00

Black Friday is starting early at After the Bump! Take 20% off everything in the shop, plus receive a free Simple is Best Beanie with every $75 purchase! And to top it off, every order to the US and Canada ships for just $6! Talk about a sale!! Complete details are available in the shop. Sale will run from Wednesday, November 24-Monday, November 29. Shipping times will vary between 2-4 weeks depending on the order volume I receive over the course of the sale.

Just a few highlights:

Fly Away Bonnet, $28

Little Aviator, $32

Little Kitty, $24

Scalloped Earflap, $25.60

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and happy shopping!

CSN Stores giveaway!

2010-11-04T21:35:00.000-07:00

This giveaway has ended. The winner is Stephanie: scg00387@. Thanks to everyone who entered!

If you're not familiar with CSN Stores then now is the time to get to know them and the products they carry! CSN Stores has over 200 online stores and carries everything from a dining room table to Melissa and Doug toys to fitness equipment!

Every so often I'm contacted by CSN Stores to do a product review or host a giveaway, and it's that time again! I've done a few product reviews in the past and I'm always very pleased with my purchases and the speedy delivery time. Most recently we purchased a couple Melissa and Doug puzzles and a workbench for my little guy's 2nd birthday. Words can't explain how much he loves them all!

This time around I opted to host a giveaway from CSN Stores. One lucky winner will be selected at random to receive a $35 gift certificate, redeemable at any of CSN Store's over 200 online stores. Being the frugal person that I am, I see very inexpensive Christmas gifts for your children and possibly free shipping (depending on the product - our workbench qualified for free shipping!!).

Here are a couple of possibilities. All these items are well under $35, so you could probably pick up quite a few Christmas presents! I've chosen children's toys, but like I said earlier, CSN Stores carry EVERYTHING!

Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head

Melissa and Doug Puzzle Storage Pouch with 3 Puzzles

Toy Story 3 Large Doodler

~~How to enter:~~
There are 4 methods of entry. To enter, please follow any/all of the steps below. Only entries on this post will count towards the giveaway. Please be sure to leave your email address with at least one of your entries so I have a way to contact you if you win.
1) Leave a comment telling me at which one of the over 200 online stores you'd want to spend your gift certificate.
2) "Like" After the Bump on facebook, leave a comment telling me you did/already have liked the page.
3) Post on facebook about the giveaway then leave a comment telling me you've posted. An easy way to do this is to click the facebook "Share" button at the bottom of the post.
4) Tweet about this giveaway then leave a comment with the link to your post. An easy way to do this is to click the "Tweet" button at the bottom of the post.

This giveaway will end at 12:00am MST on Friday, November 12th and the winner will be chosen on the 13th. My contact at CSN Stores will be in touch shortly after with your $35 gift certificate.

Best of luck to everyone who enters!

This week's sale - 10/3-10/9

2010-10-04T21:28:00.000-07:00

This week's sale item is the Precious Baby Cocoon for $42.00, regular price $50.00. Happy Monday!

And the winners are...

2010-10-01T08:49:00.000-07:00

As of October 1st at 9:30am Mountain Standard Time I had 1015 fans on facebook! That is amazing! Can I just say that I love my fan base? :)

And now what you've all been waiting for! The winners are:

15% off one-time-use code:
Magda
Stepanie Krupicka
Rebecca Hickey Photography

20% off one-time-use code:
Amy Dungan
Mo Mcd (moandozzy@)

25% off one-time-use code:
Susan Dodd
Michelle (isellsouthernliv@)

50% off one-time-use code:
Roz (rcase@)

Olive Earflap:
Stephanie (dinkyb5@)

Grand Prize (matching beanie, cocoon, and hanging pod set):
Denise (likearose_7@)

I'll be emailing those of you who left me your email addresses or I'll try to FB stalk you and send you a message. :) If you see your name on the list then feel free to contact me as well (amandajocarter{at}gmail{dot}com). I need to hear from you within 24 hours otherwise I will be picking a new winner. All the details of your winnings will be included in your emails.

Thanks again to everyone that entered, liked my FB page, suggested it to your friends, tweeted, uploaded pictures, and all the other crazy stuff I had you do to enter. :) Your comments were inspiring and your support is amazing. I truly appreciate you all!

This week's sale - 9/26-10/2

2010-09-27T22:26:00.000-07:00

So sorry this is coming so late! I've had computer issues (don't get me started...) and completely spaced it. So...this week's sale item is the Divine Cocoon.

This cocoon is probably one of the softest I make. It's made from an acrylic/mohair blend and it's just scrumptious. I have limited colors available right now. Probably one of each of the icicle white, chantilly rose, halo blue, and frost green, maybe 2-3 of the soft earth, and lots of the deep earth (pictured). So, if you want one of the non-brown colors then you may want to pounce on this asap!

Enjoy your week! And don't forget to enter the giveaway if you haven't already! Lots of discount codes up for grabs, as well as the Olive Earflap and the grand prize beanie, cocoon, and hanging pod set if I get to 1000 fans on facebook by Thursday at midnight!!

HUGE After the Bump GIVEAWAY!!

2010-09-23T14:21:00.000-07:00

This giveaway is now closed.

I've been trying to come up with a way to say thank you to all of you who have made my transition from Etsy to Big Cartel such a success. You have no idea how much your loyalty means to me. After all, this little business wouldn't be alive without you!

The best way I can think to return the favor is to give back to you, so I'll be having a MASSIVE GIVEAWAY!

~~These are the prizes up for grabs:~~
(3) 15% off one-time-use codes*
(2) 20% off one-time-use codes*
(2) 25% off one-time-use codes**
(1) 50% off one-time-use code***
(1) Olive Earflap

And if I'm able to reach 1000 fans by the end of the giveaway:
(1) GRAND PRIZE package of a matching Natural Blend Beanie, Cocoon, and Hanging Pod

~~Here's how you enter:~~
There are a bunch of ways to enter, and each way will earn you (1) entry. The more ways you enter, the more entries you receive! Please make sure to leave a separate comment for EACH entry. You MUST include your email address with at least one entry if you want me to contact you about claiming your prize.

1. Leave a comment telling me which prize you'd like to win.
2. Leave a comment telling me your favorite thing about After the Bump
3. Become a fan on Facebook, come back here and leave a comment telling me you're a fan.
4. Suggest my Facebook page to your friends (just below my profile picture is a link that says "Suggest to Friends", then come back here and leave a comment telling me you've done so.
5. Upload a fan photo to my Facebook page (post the picture to my wall with a comment), then come back here and leave a comment telling me which photo is yours.
6. Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (Photographers: huge giveaway from @afterthebump! http://tinyurl.com/269ehrj), then come back here and leave a comment with a link to your tweet.

This giveaway will close at 11:59pm on THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010! The winners will be chosen with Random.org on Friday, October 1st and will be posted on the blog. I'll also contact you via email (if you leave your email address with your comments of if I can find it on your blogger profile) to let you know you've won. I will also post the winners on my Facebook page. Winners will have 24 hours to claim their prize. If I have not heard from you then I will be picking a new winner.

*15% and 20% off codes are one-time-use only and can be applied to your entire transaction. Codes are redeemable at afterthebump.bigcartel.com. Simply enter the code at checkout.
**25% off code is one-time-use only and can be applied to up to 4 items (hats and cocoons only). Code is redeemable at afterthebump.bigcartel.com. Please only have up to those 4 items in your cart, then simply enter the code at checkout.
***50% off code is one-time-use only and can be applied to up to 2 items (hats only). Code is redeemable at afterthebump.bigcartel.com. Please only have those two items in your cart, then simply enter the code at checkout.

Codes cannot be combined with any other offer and do not apply towards custom orders.

Olive Earflap and Natural Blend set will be made in the color(s) of your choice.

Good luck to everyone, and THANK YOU for all your business!