Once upon I time -- actually about a year ago -- I made this Santa wreath for a local art museum's annual holiday festival.
After falling in love with the wreath, I donated it. Yes, I know, there must have been a hole in my head. But I had to donate something to be in the festival. I thought, actually, I hoped, that those attending the festival, after seeing my Santa wreath, would make a mad dash to the festival gift shop, where I had four more wreaths for sale, and buy every single one.
Well so much for my brilliant marketing scheme. Not only did my wreaths not sell, but I was out one of my most favorite wreaths ever too.
The lesson learned was that I had to face my fear of shipping the wreaths and put them on Etsy. So, I turned to Suzy of Georgia Peachez, who makes beautiful ornament wreaths that literally sell like hotcakes. She even has one on the cover of the new issue of Romantic Homes magazines and it's gorgeous.
Suzy, who has the whole shipping thing down to a science, was very gracious and shared a few tips. Using her recommendations -- a big, sturdy box and lots of bubble wrap and packing peanuts -- I made a test run, shipping a wreath from New York to Ohio (where my in-laws are) and back. It went out using FedEx Ground and came back via the US Postal Service.
I'm happy to report that it survived both trips intact. So, finally, I've listed that wreath, plus four others, in my Etsy shop.
There's also another Santa kitsch wreath as well.
Now here's the part that I know that you'll "like."
I'm giving away this Santa wreath in memory of the one that I loved and lost. It's about 12 inches around and loaded with lots of kitschy Santa stuff and some vintage ornaments. It's pretty darn cute, if I do say so myself, so I'm trying not to fall in love with this one too.
If you want to win it, leave a comment below. And if you want a second chance to enter, go to the new My Vintage Soul Facebook page, "like" it, and leave a comment about the giveaway. The deadline on both sites is midnight Friday Oct. 19.
A Facebook page for My Vintage Soul? You betcha. It's amazing what you will tackle once you think that you've conquered shipping. I've also added Pinterest and I'm working on Twitter, too.
I saw Suzy's post about being on the cover and now just need to find the magazine in my tiny town. I have always wondered how you vintage crafters ship those wreaths -- love that you did a test run!!
And you also know I would love to have a bit of vintage soul around here. :-) And I would like you on FB no matter what. (Do I need to put my blog on there? Dragging my heels on this...) Thanks for your wonderful giveaway!!
Posted by: Into Vintage | October 12, 2012 at 08:06 PM
They look fabulous, Linda. Love the pink one (of course!). Congratulations on the Facebook page too -- heading over to "like"!
Posted by: Gina @ VintageJunkinMyTrunk | October 12, 2012 at 08:17 PM
Beautiful wreaths! Would love to hang up such a vintage beauty!
Posted by: Katek | October 12, 2012 at 08:24 PM
Your wreaths are beautiful.
Posted by: Donna | October 12, 2012 at 08:55 PM
Awesome. I've made the same style of wreaths and sold them locally for years. I have only shipped one and it made it intact. Love the Santa one. I have a special order for a Santa one this year and can't wait to get started on it..have been tucking Santas aside for it. Good luck.
Posted by: laurie magpie ethel | October 12, 2012 at 09:34 PM
Linda- Your wreaths look GREAT! Aren't they addicting to make?!
Photos of them are 'pain' - you end up with hundreds of 'mini self-shots'!!! I've never been able to figure out how to avoid this ~ That would be a good question for GEORGIA PEACHES / SUZY!! ~ and share the info with the rest of us.
GOOD LUCK w/ your sales 8-)
S~
Posted by: svelteSTUFF | October 13, 2012 at 04:04 AM
I've always wondered how she ships them, too! I made some a few years ago but they are languishing in my basement because I'm terrified to ship them. Maybe I need to rethink that. And maybe part of the reason I haven't investigated packing and shipping options further is I don't want to let them go! LOL
I actually have the stuff to make a Halloween wreath. Need to get to that one this week so I can display it!
Posted by: Heidi German | October 13, 2012 at 06:42 AM
Oh my! I would love to have this wonderful wreath in my home for the Christmas season!!!!
Posted by: Pattie Donahue | October 13, 2012 at 09:21 AM
Hello! I have been staring at these wreaths for a while now. I am trying to convince myself that I can make one...even without a crafty bone in my body.
Posted by: chanelle ambrose | October 13, 2012 at 02:05 PM
I would love to win! The wreath is wonderful and it would fit right in with my Kitschmas decorating!
Thanks for the chance!
Posted by: Honor | October 13, 2012 at 07:27 PM
"Liked" on Facebook, too!
Posted by: Honor | October 13, 2012 at 07:29 PM
I absolutely love this wreath!!!
Jayne LaFleur
Posted by: Jayne LaFleur | October 13, 2012 at 08:36 PM
Love them all! Your wreaths are great memories of my childhood all tucked into a piece of vintage art!
Posted by: Robin | October 14, 2012 at 04:44 AM
If I'm not lucky enough to win this, I'm going to beg you to make another! It is so lovely!
Posted by: melissa | October 14, 2012 at 06:11 AM
Liked you facebook page. Would love to win this wreath.
Posted by: Annette | October 14, 2012 at 11:49 AM
Wow, these are beautiful Christmas wreaths, a vintage lovers dream! I'm off to your facebook page. Congrats on that, and your new shipping abilities.
Maureen
Posted by: Maureen | October 14, 2012 at 02:39 PM
So sweet...love your wreaths! Fingers crossed!!
Posted by: betty lee | October 14, 2012 at 06:46 PM
Your wreaths are gorgeous! My favorite is the pastel multi-colored one :)
Posted by: Sarah F. | October 15, 2012 at 08:27 AM
Who wouldn't want that santa wreath? Loving this giveaway! :)
Posted by: Melissa's Antiques | October 15, 2012 at 01:51 PM
I love Santa stuff so of course I love this wreath and would be thrilled to win it! Congrats on passing the shipping test and for setting up your FB page!
Posted by: Aimee | October 16, 2012 at 03:40 AM
I just found your blog, and I love it. I would love to win a sweet, sweet wreath!!
Posted by: Katie M. | October 16, 2012 at 04:55 PM
Oh My Gosh, your wreaths are gorgeous!!! I'd love to win one.
Posted by: Patti Tappel | October 16, 2012 at 07:25 PM
My lack of crafting skills would never allow me to attempt such a project. Your wreaths are very lovely. Please throw my name into the hat. Thanks!
Posted by: Protector of Vintage (Ann) | October 17, 2012 at 08:07 AM
I love that Santa wreath. I have been collecting Santas for a long time but do not have a wreath with vintage Santas. I would be thrilled to win yours!
Mary B.
Posted by: Mary B. | October 17, 2012 at 11:02 AM
found you via: Into Vintage... Your story was touching, i know it's hard sometimes to give things you love...How brave. You absolutely have an eye for delightful. I would be so honored to hang thae sweet kitshy wreath in my home. So, I am adding my name into the hat...Mica @ Frolicking Freckles AKA The Child's Paper
Posted by: Mica | October 17, 2012 at 03:22 PM