CHRISTMAS STOCKING GIVEAWAY

Its that time of year again - Christmas! So thought we will celebrate with a GIVEAWAY!

As you know, our Stocking Suffer Christmas Market Night is on in just over a week's time - so lets giveaway a stocking stuffed full of Christmas cheer!

You can win - one lovely stocking full of Ruby&Mud goodies - valued at $90
(post included Aus wide)

All entries are through rafflecopter - so head to the app below to enter! Goodluck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Yummy cheesecake!

Quick and easy (and sooo tasty) never fail cheesecake!

I have another love - cooking - and here is a never fail cheesecake I make often! Enjoy!

Ingredients:

Base:

Packet of Scotch Finger biscuits

60g Butter, melted

Topping:

250g Cream Cheese

250g Sour Cream

1/2 Cup Brown Sugar

1 Egg

Zest of one Lemon (optional)

Raspberries (I use frozen)

Preheat the oven to 160C or 140C fan forced.

Use the food processor to blitz the bikkies then add the melted butter and press into a springform tin. (I cut baking paper the size of the base and give it a spray of oil to make it stick) Pop into the freezer while you make the filling to firm up.

Mix (I use my KitchenAid) all the other ingredients together (except the raspberries) and pour into the tin. Sprinkle the raspberries over and then bake for approx 40mins (or wobble it and if its set in the middle its ready).

Cool down and enjoy! 

Tastes better the next day I think... Mmmm

Out to Sea - mini prize winners!

Out to sea - Mini prize winners...

For something FREE comment ME - Because I LOVE "Out to Sea"
WINNER - Sky Carden - chosen by random org. Please email me or contact me via the page! 

Caption comp winner:

Jane Munns "If I ask Mummy to sew me an eye patch, maybe I will turn into a dolly and look just like this one!"

Totally cute and I love it - great comment! Jane Ill be emailing you now! 

Congrats and more giveaways soon... Ruby&Mud<3Giveaways!

And the winner of the "Out to Sea" prize pack is...

Emma Slatter!

Congrats Emma, you have been emailed xxx 

Head to http://wordsofjunebug.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/out-to-sea-market-night-giveaway_16.html

as its not too late to enter this one for the same prize for Thursday nights market at JuneBug! 

Congrats again Emma, and thanks to each and every entry.. we love you for it! 

Leave me a comment if you would like another giveaway soon... 

My first tutorial: "How to - Wrap a cute gift"

I have always looked at blogs and read tutorials and admired from afar - but today - I decided to do one of my own. A simple one - but none the less I am having a go.

Today, Jess from JuneBug (http://www.facebook.com/JuneBug.boutiquecreations?fref=ts) and I had a photoshoot booked for an upcoming product release in Sarah Jane Studions fabric called "Out to Sea". We wanted to give a cute gift to our amazing photographer, Sharni from Sharni Tait Photography (http://www.facebook.com/sharnitaitphotography?fref=ts) so we popped together some goodies and I photographed how I put them together. All in all - some very cute and easy wrapping ideas!

Here goes!

Ok, firstly I laid out my wrapping! I used; basic white tissue, brown recycled paper gift bag, packet of paper doileys, red goodie bag from Bring out the bubbly (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bring-out-the-Bubbly/216731338389517?fref=ts) and button gift tag from Caspa Creations (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Caspa-Creations/261452717230480?fref=ts)

Next I laid out my gifts. I had some yummo jelly beans (I removed from packet and put them into a reseal bag so they look nicer), A little zip bag I made (sorry for the inperfect zipper sewing Sharni!), a cute handmade flower brooch from a lovely friend (can be found here - http://www.facebook.com/OhBabyAustralia?fref=ts) and some Ruby&Mud goodies (hair band, hair clips and earrings can be purchased here - www.hand-made.com.au/rubymud)

I love all these little things!

I put all the items (except the jelly beans) into the lined zip pouch (I used this tutorial to make it - http://www.noodle-head.com/2012/06/open-wide-zippered-pouch-diy-tutorial.html).

I zipped it shut then moved onto packaging the jelly beans!

I popped the bag of treats into this little hand-stamped treat bag and sticky taped the sides at the back to reduce the width of the bag. I think it looks neater!

Appropriate stamping too! (Thanks Elena!)

I then wrapped the little zip pouch with goodies inside in two large pieces of tissue folded in half (so it was 4 sheets thick. I secured with tape but you could use bakers twine too - I didnt have any!

Next, I picked out a small doiley from the pack and looped some tape around my finger to make it double sided. I stuck it on the back of the doiley (hard to see the tape here but look close!) and then secured the doiley to the bag.
If it was a gift for a child I would use more tape for sure!

I then popped the two gifts inside the bag! (Pretty simple but had to share this step as the pic is too cute looking down upon a cute gift and some yummy jelly beans = couldnt resist)

Next I used a ribbon scrap to tie the bag handles together. Pretty cute!

I then jotted a small "Thank-you" message from Jess and I onto the back of my cute button gift tag....

And then attached the cute button tag to the bag using a small blue craft peg (that I have had in a little packet in my craft box for years along with other things I am "re-discovering").

Simple, cute, fun, quirky, easy!

I know its a basic tutorial that may have not been showing you anything super dooper - but I find wrapping gifts fun and relaxing.. Like gift-wrapping therapy for the soul! I did treat myself to doing this during nap time (Mr 21mths is FULL ON!!) so it was a pleasure to do - not a mad rush like my usual gift wrapping!

Anyway - enough of my babble.. I hope you enjoyed this, learned something (*wishful thinking*) or at least enjoyed the pretty pictures! Pop over and visit the suppliers pages too - they are lovely and I am sure have lots of stock for purchasing!

Visit me anytime here on the blog or at www.facebook.com/rubymud

Until next time, xx Holly!

Out to Sea Giveaway!

If you would like to win the below prize as part of our "Out to sea" market night celebrations... please just enter below~ xx

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Custom Spot Ballot!

How would you like a custom made doll - designed by you (with my help if needed) and created by Ruby&Mud? Well here is a chance! Please comment below with "I love Ruby&Mud" and your name and email address to be in the running. Entries close 8pm Mon 24th Sep AEST.

Details: One doll or softie only (excluding lions) can be ordered. All prices are roughly outlined here: http://www.facebook.com/notes/rubymud/price-list/262690660482231

Please note that if you "win" the custom spot, you need to finalise the details of your order ready for invoicing within 24hours. No custom dolls are made before full payment is recieved. 

Goodluck! 

Ballot for Skye...

Skye is a Ruby-Girl doll and is approx 45cm tall. She is handmade with love using 100% quality cotton fabrics and wool blend felts. 

her face in hand embrodiered and she comes with removable shoes, hair elastics and a totally cute deer romper playsuit with ruffles and pom-pom trim! 

Skye is $74 + postage of $7.20 registered post. 

She is available to purchase via ballot here on my blog.

To enter, just add a comment with "Sold" and your name and email address. 

Comments will close 8pm Friday 20th September 2012. 

Winner will be announced here on the blog and our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/rubymud

Thanks and goodluck... xxx 

Ballot for "Blusher" Mushroom Quirky Doll

Ballot for beautiful adoption of "Blusher" Mushroom Quirky doll.

Ballot will be open for anyone wishing to adopt Blusher. To be in the running, simply comment under this post with your Full name and Email address (and anything else you wish to write...)

A name of her new adopted family member will be drawn tomorrow night (30th August) at 8pm AEST. I will announce the name right here on the blog, and post a link on my Facebook page.

One entry per person please... (feel free for a friend or family member to enter on your behalf.)

Goodluck and Ill post her lovely details and price below... 


Her details:
"Blusher" is a Ruby&Mud Mushroom quirky doll.
She is approx 38cm tall and is made from quality cotton fabrics, wool blend felt and elastic and button detail. She is filled with polyfill. 
She comes with a rainbow stripe capalet with ladybird button and it can be removed. 
"Blusher" is recommended for gentle play only and children under three should be supervised due to small parts. 
*Made from an adapted Dolls and Daydreams pattern.

"Blusher" is $55 plus the shipping cost of $7.20 (registered trackable postage).

Remember: You have until 8pm 30/8/12 to enter. Simply comment below with your Full Name and Email address to be in the running. 

WINNERS of the 3000+ friends giveaway!

Winners of the 3000+ Likers Competition! Please cross check with the photo in the “Prizes” album. Your number and prize description will be the same as that in the album. Winners are to make contact with the donating pages to claim their prize! Winners have 48hours to claim their prize.

 1. Belinda Sargeant - Prize from The Little Strawberry Fabulous strawberry fabric hair clip holder with flower and button detail. Valued at $30. Post included within Aus.

2. Jade Pages - Prize supplied from Bring out the Bubbly A custom framed name print in winners choice of colours worth $25. Post within Aus is included.

3. Catherine Gierak - "AbiVeil" breastfeeding cover from Abigail Rose Designs. Introducing the newest AbiVeil Fabric Design. "Autumn Daze" valued at $37. Post within Aus is included.

 4. Gemma Westacott Blair - Prize from Amplify Designs - Graphic Design by Claire Paine Teddy Bears Picnic Birthday Invitation - customized with your child's birthday party details. Comes sent to your computer in a PDF format - emailed directly to the winner to print out or have professionally printed. Prize Valued at $25.

5. Catherine Alberici - Prize from Phoenix Trading - Melinda Counihan (Independent Trader)$25 voucher to be used at www.phoenix-trading.com.au/web/melindacounihan

 6. Kelly Terbeeke - Cute Singlet Set from Little Boo-Pips 1 x Tutti Fruitti (Lace & Bow) Singlet Size 000 1 x Kitty Kitty (Lace & Bow) Singlet Size 000 Regular postage included Australia wide Valued at $28 inc post within Aus.

 7. Nicole Beveridge - Awesome prize pack from pookiedookie The prize includes Red riding hood cape and pencil roll.

 8. Christy Stock – Cute Doll from Darling Dolls! This lovely lady is approx 45cm tall and made from 100% cotton fabric and wool felt. She has no removable parts and is safe for tots! She is valued at $27. Post within aus is included

 9. Rowan Lace - Cute "In the back Garden" dress from Pigtails & Pirates! Size 3 and lovingly made from designer cotton fabrics! Valued at $37 with post within Aus included!

 10. Arielle Taylor - Two rosette necklaces in winners colour choice. Valued at $30! Post within Aus included. From the Fabulous Madd Lola

11. Renae Elsie Georg - Unicorn Clip Holder, 1 set small clips, 1 Korker Clip and 1 set baby legs valued at $25. Post included within Aus. From La Petite Princess

12. Leah Dyason - Ariel from Pretty Little Piper Ariel Stands at 11 cmsand is made from wool blend felt and hand sewn. She is recommended for ornamental or gentle play only Pattern by Ginger Melon Value $32 and post is included (trackable postage within aus)

13. Sarah Hawkins - Fabulously fantastic handmade OOAK unique pincushion made from vintage treasures! From the one and only Mrs.M from Mrs Marmalades Patchwork Quilts And Pin Cushions. Valued at $25 and it includes post all the way from the UK!

14. Liss Juraja - Size 2 playdate dress from my "happy skies" collection. From Little Spumkins Made from 100% quality designer range fabrics and valued at $28. Includes postage Aus wide.

15. Jade Thorning-McDonald - Little Sport Shoes handmade at Wild Woolies Pale pink and white fit 6-12 months (up to approx 12cm) Valued at $17 postage included

16. Sam Gibson - Prize from Bec Clarke Creations 8 Fat Quarters from “The British are Coming” by Michael Miller Fabrics 100% Quilting weight cotton. Value $40 (includes post anywhere in Australia)

17. Rebecca Carter - Meet Sylvia from Babes By Little B! She has blonde hair and mauve eyes. She comes with a removable dress, shoes and headband and she is valued at $65. Post within Aus is included.

18. Margaret Chan - "Sasha" doll from Sweet Delilah. Her face is hand painted and she comes with a removable skirt and shoes. She is valued at $50 and includes postage Aus wide.

19. Melissa Kindblad - Winners choice of Memory board from Made By Orluchiana Valued at $30. Post within Aus is included.

20. Julie Anderson - Pamper pack from AllyBeeDesigns. Includes: x1 100% Cotton Eye Mask x4 Face/Baby wipes x3 organic bamboo face scrubbies x1 Coffee Hugger Valued at $29 and includes post within Aus.

21. Michelle Johnston - Prize from SEW CUTE BY Sarah Fabric baby tool set. Valued at $20 with post within Aus included.

22. Tracey Deasy – $20 voucher from Little Lucy's

23. Janelle Smith - Prize from Love Ella 2x resin rose earring packs 2x resin rose hair clip packs 1x super cute babushka necklace: Chain length: 19" silver plated ball chain, Pendant size: 3.2cm x 2cm Valued at $28 and post within Aus included.

24. Danielle D Danielle - Prize from Bird and the Lizard Handmade patchwork cushion cover, approx. 36 cm square, made from quality 100% cotton quilting fabrics & lace. Back cover has an envelope closure, does not include an insert (inserts can be bought from craft shops) Valued $35 which includes postage (within Australia)

25. Jessie Hay - Prize from Savvy Bebe Designs Beanie to fit newborn-3months Headband to fit newborn-3months Singlet size 000 Pack Valued at $20

26. Stacey Marie Gealy-Steinhardt - Prize pack from Maddy & Me Hootabelle inspired pack includes a stretch headband to suit 6months+, 2 non slip clips with 2 genuine Swarovski crystals & a crotchet beanie with detachable clip to suit approx 1-5yrs the total prize value is $32 and included post within Aus.

27. Nicole Powell - Awesome prize from JuneBug Red corduroy pinafore with ruffle. Bodice is lined with quilting fabric and covered buttons. Size 12-18 months Value: $ 42 including post.

28. Jessie Boan - Prize from Lamb and Wolfie Puppy dog rag doll,18 inch rag dog made with Lizzy House fabric. Felt is used for eyes and nose, machine sewn on the face. Floppy ears, wagging tail, little "Izzy" is ready to be adopted by the lucky winner! Values at $45 and includes post within Aus!

29. Sarah Dela Vega - Prize from KolbeeRae Designs $25 gift voucher valid until end of september. Postage is free also.

30. Bianca Rushton - Prize from Little dyder Bib set of two bibs in funky fabrics, and a dini applique singlet in size 0 vaued at $25 and includes post within Aus.

31. Miranda Moffatt - $25 gift voucher from Ollie & Ava

32. Kerensa Russell - Prize from Mummy & Mia "Make your own headband activity pack" for 3 children. It includes elastic, felt and embellishments to make three Christmas themed headbands. RRP is $24. Post is included Aus wide.

33. Jarard N Sammii Fagan - Prize from Alley the Cat Boutique Adorable Russian doll handsewn from an original pattern. Sewn with red, green and natural wool felts with embroidery thread this little cutie will make any bag or set of keys cuter than you thought possible!

34. Kylie Hyde - Prize from Kewtie Pie Creations Thing One and Thing Two Toddler Minky Blanket - Approximately size 15 x 15 inches This comforter is made from super snuggly Robert Kauffman Thing One and Thing Two Minky, with contrasting Azure (light blue) minky dot on the reverse side for the extra snuggles. This blanket is finished of with a royal blue satin binding. (Disclaimer: This blanket is not a licensed Dr Seuss product. It has however been made with licensed Dr Seuss fabric)Valued at $25 and includes post within Aus

35. Sue Petrie - Prize from Kewtie Pie Creations Cat in the Hat Toddler Minky Comforter - Approximately size 15x15 inches This comforter is made from super snuggly Robert Kauffman Cat in the Hat Minky, with contrasting red minky dot on the reverse side for the extra snuggle. This blanket is finished off with a white satin binding. (Disclaimer: This blanket is not a licensed Dr Seuss product. It has however been made with licensed Dr Seuss fabric) Valued at $25 and includes post within Aus

36. Charmaine Franklin - Item from Paper Blossom Creations One digital image template design chosen by winner. Design is to be chosen by 31/12/12 and will be emailed to winner. Winner can print themselves or have printed professionally at own costs. Valued at $15

37. Joni Howell - Item from Paper Blossom Creations One digital image template design chosen by winner. Design is to be chosen by 31/12/12 and will be emailed to winner. Winner can print themselves or have printed professionally at own costs. Valued at $15

38. Erin Holden - Prize from Tots of Today A baby dino measuring 11inches. Value $25. Includes post within Aus.

39. Rebecca Clarke - Prize from Monkey Hugs Size one white appliquéd flower TShirt and size one pale pink long-sleeved Kokeshi appliquéd body suit. RRP is $30 and I will also include postage in the prize (I will post internationally as well).

40. Katy Greatorex - Prize from La Petite Carla Princess Molly Dress, Size 1-2 years. Free post Aus wide.

41. Kylie Warwick - Prize from India's Closet $25 voucher

42. Jen Martin - Necklace set from Lil Ladibug Designs Valued at $35 and includes free post Aus wide.

43. Tanya Schneider - Soft plus snail in pink. 46 x 36cm Valued at $22 and also includes post within Aus.

Congratulations again to all the winners - and THANKYOU for being here and supporting us! I am over the moon at how much LOVE there is on Facebook!
Huge thanks to all the pages that donated a prize - you are truly special and awesome and your support is so important - thankyou!
See you all soon for the SHOWCASE - off to the page now to play some Slumber Party Games! xxx

Welcome to our 3000(+) awesome Slumber Party Showcase GIVEAWAY!!!!

Firstly, thank YOU for being here, for liking us and supporting our handmade goodness!
I hope you enjoy the giveaway and the showcase and that you WIN a prize! Yay! We have over 40 prizes here to enter for... so - what are you waiting for!!?

Its easy to enter - just follow the Rafflecopter prompts and "like" each page below by using the app!
Please feel free to leave a comment at the end...

I hope you all visit these awesome pages and let them know you have entered the giveaway!

This giveaway starts 12 Midnight 7th August and finishes 12 Midnight 14th August 2012 (AEST)

The winners will be announced on the blog on the day of the SHOWCASE 15th August! I will notify via out Facebook page that the winners names are up!

Have fun! Goodluck!

*It will be winners responsibilty to contact the page in which their prize was donated from. Ruby&Mud will assist if necessary but it is mainly the winners responsibility.




a Rafflecopter giveaway

And the winner is.... Alison Wilson~ Congrats Alison and thanks to all who shared and entered! Stay tuned for the massive one in a little over a week! Alison please contact me within 24 hours to claim!

Lets have a fun giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

One perfect day.
It was Saturday today. I woke up ready to have an awesome day. We had gotten home the previous afternoon (Hubby, Son 16mths, and I) from a trip to see family.
I got my baby up, dressed and fed and got myself ready to go for the day.
My Hubby loves a Saturday sleep in - and to be nice, I thought I would take my Son and head off grocery shopping for the morning!
Grabbed my phone, keys, handbag, snacks for bubby, dummy and wipes case. "Wallet" I thought - and I looked - but no wallet!
So no such luck for a lovely morning and sleep in for Hubby... the search was ON!
We looked everywhere - the car, the bags, the holiday washing basket, inside, outside etc.... No wallet!
As I cried and felt misrable that my "life" that is packaged inside my wallet had disappeared, I began to re-trace my steps.
I remember the last use was at a service station 1.5 hrs south of home. We stopped to fuel up and I got out and grabbed my Son and headed into the servo with the wallet to pay for fuel. I also grabbed a chocolate milk and curly wurly to get us all through the rest of the trip!
Paid with cash, headed out of the servo - stopping at the door to let a lovely young man in a wheel chair through the door. I remember him as I smiled and my son looked at him and then said "brooom" (his car noise) as the man passed. I remember thinking how lovely and innocent children are and smiled at this thought!
I headed back to the car, placed wallet on the roof, opened the back door and buckled the little man into his car seat.
I didnt recall leaving the wallet on the roof of the car - but given the fact I had searched everywhere at home - I decided this must have been what I had done.
Now the process of police report, credit card cancellations and license replacement started!
My loving yet frustrated Hubby jumped in the car and zoomed off (1.5hrs sth) to see what he could find. We had called the servo and with no luck - he went off on a mission to hopefully retrieve the wallet and all the contents.
I had popped some cash into my wallet to cover motel bond and incedentals and was annoyed as I rarely carry cash!
I waited patiently at home, with the help of my Mothers loving kind words and a cute little boy around to keep me busy.
3 hours later - Husband returns with GREAT news!!!
He found it! Yes that is right! He found it in the gutter on the highway  battered and bruised but still containing my cards!
He jumped back into the car to return home and looked in my wallet. No cash - except some coins lurking about, and no license! Oh well. He thought to have another look about in case the license had come out of the wallet... 50m down the road - he found my license! Another 50m away was a $20 note (caught a glipse of the "red" whilst driving off) and 100m away as a $50 on the side of a median strip!
It was our lucky day!
I now have my wallet back - although it was not salvagable (I think I deserve a new one anyway) I have all my gear and I feel happy knowing it's all safe!
I will never lose it again nor put it on the roof of the car.... so it was a good lesson learned!
I am very thankful that prayers are answered and this event has made me feel truly blessed!
I hope today brings at least one surprise or blessing to your world... Stay sane, smiling and most of all - LIVE the MOMENT! x