Friday, December 4, 2009

Spreading Joy - Holiday Giveaway!



Today is the start of my Holiday giveaway! The winner will get to choose any pendant in my Etsy Shop that is $24 or under. Open to anyone in the world!
I will use a random number generator in one week to determine the winner (end December 11th, noon).

For a chance to win, please leave a comment about what was one of your most memorable Christmas/Holiday gifts, either one you gave or received.


Extra chances to win - please leave a separate comment for each entry:
1 entry for adding the above graphic with a link to this post on your blog.
1 entry for tweeting about this giveaway with a link to this blog post.
1 entry for following me on twitter. User name: GypsyMareArt
1 entry for becoming a Gypsy Mare Studios fan on Facebook (see right sidebar).
1 entry for telling me your favorite song on my Holiday playlist (see sidebar).

Thank you for entering! Back to painting for me...

145 comments:

Theresa MacNaughton said...

I am a follower of your blog. :)

Theresa MacNaughton said...

I am a facebook fan! :)

Theresa MacNaughton said...

Carol of the Bells is my all-time favorite Christmas song! :)

Theresa MacNaughton said...

I also follow you on twitter, and I just retweeted the link for you. Are you sick of me yet? :)

Thanks for posting such a great giveaway, Jen!!! I think it's going to be a BIG success!

Sincerely, Theresa

petoskystone said...

my fave song on yr playlist is good king wenslaus(even if i can never spell his name right).

Theresa MacNaughton said...

I forgot...probably the most "memorable" (and you did specify memorable) Christmas gift I received was this WEIRD cat doll from my sister. It had the porcelain head of a cat attached to a rag doll's body. My mom and I stared at it in disbelief, and then my mom's dog started to attack it! It also smelled rather odd. Needless to say, I didn't take the lovely home with me; and to this day, no one knows whatever happened to the strange smelly cat doll!

Dyane said...

It wasn't so much a gift for me, but it was for my kids. One year we had very little money, and no way to really get them much for Christmas, but we made do. On Christmas Eve I went to my parents' house & my hubby went to work. When the kids & I came home, someone had broken, but instead of taking anything, they left 100s of dollars worth of gifts for them. They still talk about that year, and they're 19 & 21 now!

Dyane said...

I follow you on Twitter; dyanemcs

Dyane said...

I follow your blog

Dyane said...

I'm s Facebook fan (Dyane Day McSpadden

Dyane said...

My favorite Christmas song on your playlist is Father Christmas by The Kinks :)

Promise said...

I am a fan on facebook

Promise said...

And a follower of the blog itself

Promise said...

I loooooove "Carol of the Bells"

First Draught Farm said...

My most favorite, is what I just purchased for myself -- a lovely sign. . . .!!

First Draught Farm said...

PS: I'm a fan on ebay. . .

First Draught Farm said...

Also on Facebook too!!

First Draught Farm said...

And a follower on your blog. . . but, seriously, am not a stalker. Happy holidays!!

petoskystone said...

i'm a facebook fan>

petoskystone said...

my most memorable gift from my dtr. was a round mirror with purple with gold accents wood surround frome carved with the moon & stars. it's memorable because it was the first gift with actual thought & planning behind it,& she got it right! :)

Natural Family News said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Deedee Williams said...

Just added your giveaway to my Horse Gifts Blog!
http://besthorsegifts.blogspot.com/2009/12/gypsy-mare-studios-holiday-giveaway.html
~DD

Deedee Williams said...

Just added your giveaway to my Facebook page and became a fan!
~DD

Deedee Williams said...

Follow you on Twitter and Tweeted your contest to all my Tweeps!
~DD

Deedee Williams said...

Am a follower of your beautiful blog.
~DD

Heart of a Cowgirl said...

Vvery year I received new ice skates from Santa (since last year's didn't fit anymore) and I couldn't wait to use them!

angelandspot said...

The year we got a Bernese Mt. Dog from Santa. My dad pulled a sled around the back yard and then some deer ran through the tracks of the sled and it looked like Santa's sleigh had really landed in the yard. That was the very best. She was an amazing dog. My sister had been bit by a dog and was terrified of dogs but Blaise taught her how to love and trust dogs again. I won many ribbons showing Blaise and have many wonderful memories of her even all these years later since she has passed on to doggy heaven.

angelandspot said...

Carol of the bells in my fave song on your playlist. ~Cassie

angelandspot said...

I follow you on Twitter :)

Cass said...

proud follower of your blog

Cass said...

also follower on Twitter

Unknown said...

I follow your blog......

Cass said...

And a facebook fan!

angelandspot said...

I am a fan of yours on Facebook under the name Cassie Peters :)

Unknown said...

....and a fan on Facebook!

Cass said...

Most memorable Christmas gift... probably the year I got a tack trunk filled with all sorts of horse-items, that were tie-dyed! I was about 8 and I LOVED tie-dye!

angelandspot said...

I sent a tweet about this giveaway :)
~Cassie

angelandspot said...

I've blogged it. The post is located at http://angelandspot.blogspot.com/2009/12/great-giveaway-at-mares-tales.html so you can check and see I really did post it.

P.S. I love your artwork!

Janine said...

I am follower of your blog

Janine said...

My most remarcable present was my teddy- bear.
It is honestly my very first memory that I got him on Christmas when I was 2 years old.

Janine said...

My favourite Christmas- song is "Christmas"

Janine said...

tweeted about giveaway

Janine said...

I am a follower on twitter

Kristen Eaton said...

The most memorable gift I've received was from my childhood cat, lol. She hadn't hunted in years, and the first time I came back from college, she left me a mole on the front step. Needless to say, I didn't keep it - but I did appreciate the thought!

Kristen Eaton said...

Fan on facebook :)

Anonymous said...

Most memorable gift I have ever recieved was my kermit the frog stuffed animal. I carried him everywhere with me for years.

Anonymous said...

Favorite song on your playlist which by the way is a GREAT playlist is "Have yourself a Merry Christmas"

Stephanie said...

My best Christmas present was my first horse! I follow you on your blog, I am a fan on Facebook, your giveaway is on my Facebook page a loyal buyer on eBay and I have added you as a link on my website www.georgialadiesaside.com

Happy Holidays!

Jeni said...

Figured out to add an image that links to a blog so I added yours!

Jeni said...

I've been a facebook fan for a while now

Jeni said...

... and I follow your blog faithfully. I even attempted to win the auction for the Percheron Christmas sign.... was outbid while I was at a meeting at work and could not get to ebay. *pout*

Jeni said...

I am not a fan of Christmas music but I like River in your playlist

Jeni said...

Most memorable Christmas...... ummm.... I think it was when I got up really early and opened every present under the tree, even the ones that were not mine! When everyone got up they were a bit surprised.

Catherin McMillan said...

my favourite present was a baby doll and stroller I received when I was 5. I had the measles that year and was really sick but receiving her christmas day made me feel heaps better. I still have her.

Molly Anne said...

Most memorable gift I gave was probably a copy of Walter the Farting Dog (a children's book) but only because I had to ask at the bookstore and they OF COURSE had to like...shout my question back to me. Yes I want everyone in the store to know I'm buying that!

Molly Anne said...

I'm already a blog follower. :)

Molly Anne said...

Also already a fan on facebook. :)
Makes me look like a stalker!

Molly Anne said...

I love Relient K so I of course have to pick their version of Silver Bells out of your music playlist.

Pony Girl said...

I'm already a follower.
I'd love to win one of your gorgeous treasures!
My favorite gift was my horse! I was leasing him and saving money to buy him. My family wheeled and dealed with his owner, paid the difference, and he became mine on Christmas! I cried. :)
p.s. love your header!

Lisa Brawner said...

posted on my tribal horse blog at http://tribalhorse.blogspot.com/2009/12/gypsy-mare-giveaway-ends-dec-11th.html

Lisa Brawner said...

I already follow you on Fb under lisa brawner

Lisa Brawner said...

I already follow your blog :)

Lisa Brawner said...

http://alteredartfun.blogspot.com/2009/12/gypsy-mare-giveawayends-dec-11.html added you to my vintage imaage blog

Lisa Brawner said...

my fav song is here we go a waiisailing

Lisa Brawner said...

fav holiday memory is my daughter coming off the plane to see me at yule and the joy on her face to be home

Lisa Brawner said...

http://tribalbarter.blogspot.com/2009/12/gypsy-mare-giveaway-ends-dec-11th.html added you to my barter blog

Birgit said...

Believe it or not, but gifts have never been the center of my Christmas. Of course, I love presents as much as everyone, but when I think back to all the Christmas celebrations, I have better memories of the family being together. Maybe it's because I lost my dad when I was little -- I really enjoy being together with the rest of my family. For me, that's the best gift ever.

Hugs,
Birgit

Birgit said...

I have a link to and a picture of your holiday giveaway on the sidebar of my blog. :)

-- Birgit

Birgit said...

I love the "Carol of the Bells." :)

Hugs,
Birgit

Sarah Sullivan said...

I follow your blog:) love it....

Sarah Sullivan said...

I am also a face book fan..:)

Sarah Sullivan said...

Oh Holy Night is my favorite on your playlist..I do love singing that one:)

Sarah Sullivan said...

I recieved my very first pony on Christmas when I was ten... She was a Welsh pony..Star. Whoot..changed my life..I do adore the horses. :)Sarah

Sarah Sullivan said...

I will post a link on my main blog right now!! Wonderful giveaway hon...Hugs, Sarah

Divaeva said...

Most memorable is when I got my very first vanity - My mom had hand made the vanity skirt - it was beautiful. Best part was I decided to play beauty salon before my parents got up and gave my sister a Christmas morning haircut! I was about 6...needless to say my parents did not think my sister's haricut was as beautiful as I did!

Divaeva said...

I love the Sting These Three Kings song!

Divaeva said...

I am now a facebook fan :)

Kelly said...

My most memorable Christmas gift was a turtle! I had always wanted one as a pet, and my boyfriend surprised me one year with an adorable turtle. I was so excited! It was such a thoughtful gift. :)

krtrumpet [at] aol [dot] com

Laughing Orca Ranch said...

Please enter me. I'm a Follower of your blog.

~Lisa

Laughing Orca Ranch said...

In the Winter Night by Enya is such a beautiful song....my fave on your Play List.


~Lisa

Laughing Orca Ranch said...

I added your graphic to my sidebar. I hope I win! I love your beautiful art :)


~Lisa

Carrie said...

Several years ago I found an antique, Amish looking pie basket for my mom as a Christmas gift. She bakes blackberry pies for my uncles every time she goes for a visit and needed a better mode of transporting them!
I love your artwork - especially the owl.

Molly Anne said...

posted about it on my blog:
http://mollythepirate.blogspot.com/2009/12/mares-tales-art-giveaway.html

Abatevintage said...

I just joined up to follow you here on blogger.


I would love to be entered to win your giveaway painting what a beautiful creation.

Blessings
Heidi

Abatevintage said...

I just joined you on twitter.

http://twitter.com/Fairyabate

Blessings,
Heidi

Abatevintage said...

I just tweeeted about your giveaway.

http://twitter.com/Fairyabate

Blessings

Heidi

Abatevintage said...

i just added your giveaway to my blog
with a link back to yours.

http://myarizonaangels.blogspot.com/

Blessings
Heidi

Abatevintage said...

My favorite song is Frosty the snowman, the holidays are such a fun time.

Blessings

Heidi

Kristy said...

Became a fan of your facebook page!

Kristy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kristy said...

http://frkwedding.blogspot.com/2009/12/look-what-i-found.html
I posted about it on my blog!

Kristy said...

I love so many of the songs on your playlist! I'll pick Hills of Ireland as my favorite...SOOO PRETTY!! It made me want to dance!

Kristy said...

One of my most memorable Christmas presents was a barn my dad had made me for my "My Little Ponys" They needed a place to stay! It was so sweet and I had it for the longest time!

Laura said...

I'm a follower. :)

Laura said...

I'm a fan on Facebook.

Laura said...

My favorite song from your sidebar is Gabriel's Message.

Laura said...

My most memorable gift was from my Grandmother, when I was 11 or 12. She had taken a ceramics class and had made these big ceramic poodles for her two daughters and daughter-in-law. I remember helping watching my Grandfather bring them into the house so she could wrap them and put them under the tree and thinking neat they were.
On Christmas Eve, after everyone's presents had been distributed and opened, I realized that I hadn't received anything from my Grandmother. A few seconds later, she came out of the bedroom carrying a smaller version of the ceramic dog with red velvet bows at the dogs ears. I was so surprised and shocked that she had made one for me too.

I still have that ceramic poodle minus the red velvet bows and she always has a prominent placement in my house. :)
blessings
~*~

Unknown said...

I'm a follower of your blog!

Laura said...

I blogged it.

http://laurasfavoritethings.blogspot.com/2009/12/awesome-giveaway.html

Unknown said...

I am a facebook fan!

Unknown said...

My favorite song is River

Unknown said...

I twittered you

Tarnished Rose said...

I just scrolled through your blog and I love it! Horses (along with cats) are my favorite animal and I hope one day to be able to own one. They are the most beautiful creatures (along with cats) that God has graced us with.

Smiles~
Marilyn

Tarnished Rose said...

I just became a fan on Facebook (Marilyn B. Hughes).

Smiles~
Marilyn

Tarnished Rose said...

O Holy Night is my favorite song on your songlist.

Smiles~
Marilyn

Renee said...

Your blog is beautiful.

Favourite gifts are always ones I have given, and to be honest, it isn't the gift per se, it is the giving.

Renee xoxo

Mia J. said...

One of the most memorable gifts I have received is a beautiful tile my daughter made me in her kindergarten class last year.

D Q said...

My most memorable Christmas gift was a barbie doll from my son on my 39th birthday. I had never had one when I was a child.
O Holy Night is my favorite song on your songlist.

kakihara said...

My most memorable was my barbie dream house---I loved it so much.
kakihararocks@gmail.com

cstironkat said...

Before we were married my husband got me a Lane Hope Chest. I still have it 22 yrs later and I love it.

cstironkat said...

My favorite song from you Christmas Play list is Joy to the World.

Jennifer MacNeill said...

Posting this beautiful Christmas memory at the request of a friend...


A beautiful doll and white slip my mother made with her own hands. Dad was sick, and mom made all her gifts for her four daughters that year. money was short.
As we opened our gifts that Christmas morning I could see the happiness and pride in her eyes. That memory will stay with me every Christmas. That taught me the true meaning of giving from the heart.
Paulette

Jennifer MacNeill said...

Just wanted to thank everyone for the comments. The Christmas/holiday memories are absolutely wonderful to read!

rose AKA Walk in the Woods - she/her said...

Years ago I hosted a Winter Solstice gathering, a gift to my Nature-loving friends, an outdoor party in southern New England, around my firepit. I lit the torches, set up tables and ran the electric out to the pit where hot food and drink was shared by me and many of the attendees. This is not a party for everyone, but one that has become an annual tradition for the hearty and true lovers of Nature - in every season. I'd have to say that this is a favored gift - for giving and receiving.

And I love reading everyone's memories. :)

rose AKA Walk in the Woods - she/her said...

I tweeted this great giveaway!

rose AKA Walk in the Woods - she/her said...

I'm following your blog (and was surprised I wasn't already!)

rose AKA Walk in the Woods - she/her said...

I'm already following you on twitter. :)

Iris said...

What a neat giveaway! I can't believe I haven't heard of you before. I am now a follower!

Iris said...

The most memorable gift given or received...hmmm. One year I gave my husband a watch that never needs a battery and was engraved "Forever My Darling". It was for our first Christmas together and stood for my commitment to him and our love.

Iris said...

I really like the River Song!

Judy said...

I have always love "O Holy Night" and especially Tracy Chapman's version.

My most memorable gift was a transistor radio I received for Christmas. I remember "American Pie" by Don McClean was out and I listened to it every chance I got even in bed under my covers.

Tara said...

I think my most memorable gift was an afghan comprised of pieces knitted by each of my Grandmothers and my Mom. It's beautiful and full of memories.

Tara said...

I've got 3 favorite on your list. The one that gets me hoppin' the most is Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree, it always makes me happy when I hear it. Then I've always been fond of Last Christmas, no matter who sings it! Finally, I love the song River. I first heard this on the old TV show Ally McBeal. Robert Downey Jr. sat down at the piano and played/sang it and it was very moving. I bought the Christmas Soundtrack from the show just so I could have that song. I also added it to my Playlist is you want to take a listen. I know I was shocked he had such an amazing voice, all that talent in one guy!

Tara said...

OK, I'm off to post your link on my sidebar NOW! Thanks for the chance to win such an amazing gift!

De la Renaissance said...

To pick one favorite Christmas item is very hard, there were the two beautiful Breyer horses I received when I was 5 and treasured for years (I still have them), a full toy farm set when I was 10, wonderful shoeshoes my dad made just for me, gifts made special by our children, a silky smooth beach rock my grandson found and gifted me, and the gift of being surrounded by family every year. All are so very special, but the one that is the most memorable was after a Christmas Eve celebration. A full moon lit the most gorgeous country scene of trees, roof tops, and all, freshly coated in a thick blanket of new fallen snow. The moon shadows were a beautiful blue, little sparkles danced and glittered on pure white snow, and the air was perfectly silent. What a gift to see such beauty!

De la Renaissance said...

Shoeshoes, how funny! Please let me swap that for snowshoes. :0)

Have a beautiful Holiday Season!

Linda said...

carol of the bells is a real favourite of mine. :)

Linda said...

I willmpost a graphic, in a few mins. Lindax

Linda said...

I am a follower, :) that sounds so funny

Linda said...

My earliest christmas memory, was opening my presents in the darkish bedroom, just the bedroom lamp on, with Mum and I sat in bed. Mum wrapping me in a blanket(it was really cold, no central heating!) and opening a present then playing with it,on the bed quilt. As well as toys there were always a Tin of toffees with puppes or kittens on the tin,a cotton wool santa that opened up with sweets inside, and always a book. Lindax

Unknown said...

Hi Jen,
I think one of my most memorable Christmas gifts was a beautiful pair of leather laced reins and a snaffle bit when I was a young teenager. It was memorable because I didn't have a horse as yet, but at the time, it meant I was getting closer to the real thing! ;-)

Unknown said...

I'm crossing my fingers again to perhaps win one of your lovely pendants. I've added the graphic and a link on my blog.

Unknown said...

I'm a fan of yours on Facebook!

Unknown said...

The blog wouldn't take my last post. (guess I didn't get the letter's correct) at any rate. I love Christmas music and one of my favorites on your blog is "Walking in the Air" by Chloe, from The Snowman.

Jorgelina said...

I love "Carol of the Bells".

Jorgelina said...

Your blog is beautiful.

Jorgelina said...

I am a facebook fan!

Mandy said...

I have so many wonderful Christmas memories. Every one is special to me - what a wonderful time of year! My favorite! But, there is one rather humorous memory from my childhood I would like to share. I am the kind of person who can know exactly where my presents are hidden and not peak, becuase I love the suspense and I want to be surprised and delighted on Christmas morn. One year, my mom put our presents in a big closet and covered the pile with a blanket. I could see a mysterious shape protruding from the blanket and it looked exactly like an English saddle, upside down. I was so excited! On Christmas morning I rushed out and started looking for my saddle - but it was no where to be seen. After all the gifts were opened and I was sure there were no more surprises, I took stock of what I had received to discover what had the saddle shape under the blanket. It turned out to be a "husband" pillow for my bed. You know, the one with the arms to prop you up while you read? A nice gift - but not saddle calibre. I should have peeked!

Mandy said...

My three favorite Christmas songs of all time are "O Holy Night", "What Child is This", and "O Come, O Come Emmanuel". You have all three! I was amazed to find that although I thought I had ever Christmas CD ever produced, I have never heard the Tracy Chapman version of O Holy Night. Have you heard the Judds do it? I like thiers because it is in a range I can "sing" to myself.

IowaCowgirl said...

My favorite Christmas gift was my horse when I was 11 years old.

De la Renaissance said...

My favorite winter song on your playlist is 'Walking in the Air'

Taylor Northrup said...

My most memorable Christmas gift is one I actually gave and received. It was my first Christmas with my son (then 3 years old) after I left my abusive husband. It was such a relief not to have someone yelling and screaming. It was truly a relaxing and loving Christmas with hope for the future!

Anne said...

The most memorable gift I recieved was when my husband proposed to me on Christmas Eve and gave me an engagement ring.

Anne said...

tweeted
http://twitter.com/lunaj1456/status/6566504605

Anne said...

O Holy Night is my favorite song on your playlist.