Okio B Designs

**This giveaway is closed.**

Who doesn't love gifts that give back? Every holiday season I try to pay it forward in some small way, so when the folks at World Vision reached out regarding their Christmas catalog, how could I not help spread the word?

Each item in the World Vision catalog (or click on the link to go directly to their site) literally helps save lives by lifting children and families out of poverty. Seriously, you can make a donation of $100 to provide a family with 8 chickens. Or you can purchase hand-crafted items, like this beautiful turquoise bracelet, and the money helps poverty-stricken families.

And how beautiful is this hand-crafted necklace...

With matching earrings?

Since 1996, the World Vision Gift Catalog has grown in popularity as a gift-giving alternative. Last year alone, more than 822,000 people were helped through funds generated by the Catalog.

The Company is so generous that it is allowing me to offer a turquoise necklace to one lucky winner. All you have to do to enter is:

1. Become a follower of my blog or let me know in a comment that you already are;

2. Like World Vision on Facebook (just click on link) or follow them on Twitter (just click on word Twitter).

That's it. Super simple, right? I'll pick a winner on Friday, November 27th at 5 p.m. EST. Open to US residents only (sorry!).

Good luck! Meanwhile, I have my eye on some ducks from the catalog...

Jeanine

Note: I received a product sample from World Vision, however all opinions and text are my own.

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Looking for a quick, inexpensive gift idea for the holidays? How about these sweet faux Mercury glass Mason jars...

I've posted about the faux mercury glass technique before. I, myself, dug it up on Pinterest. Basically you need a can of Krylon's Looking Glass spray paint and a spray bottle with 50/50 water and vinegar mixture.

You spray a few coats of Looking Glass onto your Mason jar and let dry. Then you follow up with a few spritzes of your water/vinegar mixture and then wipe in random spots for a "Mercury glass" look. Follow up with one more coat of Looking Glass depending upon your tastes.

I added a little vintage lace and bling to mine, and these adorable Mason jar tops I picked up from Target (they were only a few dollars each if I remember correctly). Add tea light candles and you have a beautiful gift for a friend, co-worker, etc. that won't break the bank.

Jeanine

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I popped into Ikea yesterday to scope out living room chairs. I left without the chairs, but look at all these holiday goodies I picked up.

I had to stop myself from buying out the entire Christmas section of the store. Seriously, there is so much holiday cuteness there this year.

I plan to use these on my dining room table. Can't you see them filled with tiny glass ornaments?

I couldn't resist these little fabric snowmen. They are even more adorable in person.

These metal stars hold star candles of course, but you could also use them for pillars. They come in red and gray.

My Ikea is only 15 minutes away, but if you live farther it's definitely worth the trip this holiday season!

Jeanine

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Happy to say I survived the craft fair last weekend. It was a great day. I sold a bunch of items and met some lovely people. Now that it's over, I'm back to business adding Christmas items to my Etsy.

(Xmas stickers)

At first I felt guilty listing Christmas items before Halloween, but given the way Target, Marshall's, Home Goods, etc. look, I figure if they can do it, so can I!

(Jenga/Scrabble ornament)

These Jenga/Scrabble ornaments were inspired by both my friend Susan from Homeroad and Pinterest. I used vintage Scrabble pieces and a grungy bell for some of them. Others just use the letters and Jenga wood block.

(Merry Xmas ornament)

For this batch, I added some mini frames and French book paper. I hand-stamped the merry using random rubber stamps.

(Petite photo hanger)

Even these mini photo hangers got a Christmas touch!

We also have a new addition to our family. He's been keeping us very busy. Meet Oliver "Ollie" Milo B. He's a rescue kitty and is just a bundle of energy. Note: the beer carton is Mr. B's; not Ollie's. =)

Jeanine

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Has it really been over a week since I last posted?! I've been so busy trying to get things ready for the craft fair this weekend. I am working on a mock table as we speak, so I can have an idea of how I want to place things.

I thought this was a cute way to display my French clothes pins. The basket was a garage sale find from a couple of years ago and I love how the pins look in there.

Another garage sale find that I made over has found its way onto the table. I'm tucking my tags in here. My husband suggested putting in the shredded sheet music to prop them up. I knew I kept him around for a reason.

I'm using a vintage Pepsi crate, mason jars and peat pots to hold my French script candles.

I whipped up these new tags over the weekend. Whatever doesn't sell will end up back in my Etsy. Fingers crossed. I don't have a lot of luck selling on Long Island. It appears most of my Etsy customers live outside of New York. We shall see...

Jeanine

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My favorite church thrift store had its annual fair on Saturday, so I popped in while my boys were busy camping. This fair never disappoints.

Check out these beautiful ironstone plates I picked up. Eight for $7. I couldn't grab them fast enough. Here's a close-up.

I also picked up these little angels.

I'm going to jazz them up for my craft fair next month.

I also picked up these peppermint candles. These will work perfectly for the Xmas theme I'm planning for our porch this year.

Not a bad haul for $10!

Jeanine