Congratulations Bunny! You are the winner of the July Handmade Goodie Giveaway!

On behalf of Smidge and all of our fabulous contributors, thanks for your entries and we hope you love all of your handmade goodies!

**Anyone interested in becoming a contributor to future Smidge Handmade Goodie Giveaways send me an email at kat@smidge.ca for the details. Our July Giveaway received close to 6000 hits!

Fresh, vibrant, and pretty. Just a few words that spring to mind when taking a peek through Good Bloom's Etsy shop. This bright and colourful print entitled 'Happy Thoughts' is sure to liven up any room. And it's one of my favorite colour combinations too!

Good Bloom has a great selection of colourful artwork to choose from. Another of my favorites is this sweet little birdie print entitled 'Meet Matilda'.

My Mother used to have a set of Matryoshka wooden nesting dolls.  I can fondly remember playing with them as a child.  It was such a special treat to be allowed to use them.  I can still remember the exact squeaking sound they made when I turned the tops, carefully matching up their patterned dresses over and over again.  I found a set online that looks very similar, if not exact.  I wonder if she still has them...I'm going to have to remember to ask.  Never have I seen such a plethora of Russian dolls as can be found on Etsy.  I've picked a few of my favorites to share.

Here's an adorable set of 3 mini Matryoshka Doll Pins by do little design.  These little cuties measure a whopping 1.75 inches and come in their own little mini tin.  I just love these little ladies! $16 USD for the set of 3 with tin.

 Handmade with Joy has a fantastic Matryoshka Linen Messenger Bag.  The combination of linen with the Japanese Russian Doll fabric is perfect! $48 USD Receive a free gift with your purchase if you mention that you found the shop on Smidge!  Yay, free gifts!!

These sweet Hanging Babushka Ornaments by Skye Rocket Sews would be perfect for the Christmas Tree or hung decoratively around the house all year round! $4.25 USD

From Russia With Aloha is the name of this pretty little Russian Doll Necklace from Lychee Kiss.  This adorable necklace comes in a variety of colours and you can choose your chain length too.  $19 USD.

A simply stunning way to keep your cherished memories!  Life Stories Books has a gorgeious array of photo albums including this Matryoshka Bookcloth Album.  $36.50 USD

And, as if Russian Dolls weren't cute enough already, Moose and Bear has gone and made them even cuter with these adorable Tiny Crocheted Matryoshka Dolls!  A set of 3 for $9 USD

Stressed out about your disorganized work space? Today's guest writer, Janet Brown of Studio A La Mode, will bring a smile to your face and help you realize that you're not alone! Janet has been living in her organized mess for over 2 years and has some tricks of the trade to share. A much needed comedy break! Read on!

Top Ten Tips for an Organized Mess

by Janet Brown, Studio A La Mode

My mother-in-law stopped by unannounced with one of her friends so they could see my jewelry. I was mortified. The "friend" was a lady I had never met before, and I could only imagine the great first impression I would make when she entered my filthy house a/k/a my "creative space."

The cutest little knit slap bracelet by beepbeephello! What a great summer photo too. Quite fitting as I type this up sitting here on my laptop in my backyard enjoying this beautiful summer day.

This bracelet was handknit using wool, silk, and angora. Hayley, of beepbeephello, was inspired by yummy s'mores when she created this pattern.

Visit beepbeephello for many more handknit goodies!

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