Drumroll please...

The combined total of entries was a massive 240! But there can only be one winner.

Elisse, congrats!

If you didn't win, you might still be happy to find out that Olga's having a sale this month, so you're just in time to get a nice discount on some of her larger creatures. Or you can get one of the new grab bags to save on some wonderful owls!

And I know for a fact that's she's always busy sewing new creatures, so I suggest you favorite her shop to stay in the loop.

Also, if you want something truly special you can request a custom item. Just look at that lamb? Isn't that the most precious creature you've ever laid eyes on?!

Circle Songs #10

"So break the rules, it'll all make sense if you mean it..."

 Over and Over - Sarah Blasko

{picture source: 1 - 2 - 3}

The combination of the melody and rhythm of this song is just so magical and addicting. I can keep this on repeat for hours. Especially in this nice summer weather!

Great Reads

The Night Circus seems to be a hype in-the-making. I pops up everywhere I go and I'm guessing it'll be really BIG soon. I finished reading it a little while back and thought I'd share my thoughts on it.

The story and style of writing grabbed me from the start. I liked the air of mystery and the special world made by Erin Morgenstern.
You may already know that I love longer stories. And with it's 500+ pages, this was right up my alley.

I don't want to go into the storyline as you can easily find a synopsis elsewhere. I will say that it has some intriguing characters of all ages and personalities. I also loved that it wasn't as black and white (well apart from all the visual aspects, anyway) as fairy tales often are. No bad guys, no good guys, just ordinary people -with magical abilities- and a situation that took on a life of its own.

There's a love story in it, but it's not as prominent, which I found really refreshing. The downside of that is that I didn't connect with that part of the book much. The emotions didn't really get through to me, even though it was pretty much labeled an "epic" romance.

It is forgiven though, as I really loved the book as a whole. Even though I finished the book, I still think about the characters and the setting a lot. The story involved all senses and perhaps that's the secret to making it stick so well. Also, it had a very satisfactory ending. An ending I won't spoil for you.

Overall, a wonderful book and a very quick read. I suggest you read it in the Autumn/Winter though, as it has to be even better when enjoyed with some spicy hot chocolate and a few caramel coated/filled goodies.

Don't forget...

There are still 2 days to win little Mocco Manuel! Be sure to enter here!

And if you're up for a bit more of crafting, you can join Olga's wonderful creative contest too!

That's lots of chances to win a beautiful owl!
Not feeling too lucky? Or just can't wait? Go to Olga's shop instead.

Spotted

Lately I've been loving the navy blue/beige-ish colors combo. In fact I scored a really cute skirt to complement a shirt and scarf that definitely deserves it's own outfit post. But first... a nice collection from things I found online.

I love this classic, fairy tale-like head piece. And it's perfect for summer as well.

Perfect top, perfect name: "the Book Club President Top".

Old suitcases always intrigue me, so I was really stoked when I found this photo album. It comes with a sticker sheet so you can put all sorts of countries on there.

Blowfish stayed true to character and released these awesome denim flats.

There's just something special about this locket. It looks so magical! I bet it would look great with a bit of a worn vintage photograph in it.

I love everything about this brooch: the illustration, the background, the border and just the cute look on the bunny's face.

Beautiful, lifelike and elegant. I adore these earrings! And pretty much everything else from that shop as well.

 What classic color combinations are you adding to your wardrobe this summer?

just to clarify

I recently did another sponsor call, but much to my surprise the sponsor page isn't working and I can't get it to function - Does anyone else have a problem with their pages as well? -

Anyway, here's the info about the different sizes of ads available:

 Email me if you're interested in getting one for August, reserving one for another month or doing a review or a giveaway.

Wishlist

Another post about art dolls. This time handmade. I just couldn't help myself, these bunnies are so lovely!

And they come in the most amazing colors too. They'd fit my room perfectly! And they even have cute outfits. What more could you ask for?

They do come with a price tag, but if you happen to have some money to spare I suggest you check out the Tokissi Etsy or website.

Sponsor Call: August

If you're looking to get more exposure for your blog or business, you might want to consider advertising. Blue Eyed Night Owl offers ad space in a few sizes for different budgets.

There are still some spaces left for August. See all options here or  contact me if you've made your choice or if you're interested in doing a giveaway or a review.

Chameleon Dance Battle, anyone?

A friend of mine recently sent me this beautiful animation. It looks a lot like Rango, but it's all about dance. Enjoy!

Owl Things Considered

When I recently came accross een artist doll shop I couldn't resist taking a peek inside. Much to my surprise I spotted these amazing wooden owls!

I think they are cute as they are, but if you feel the need to change them up, you can actually switch their heads, bodies and neck plumage. But if you want just one you can still choose from six different colors. Isn't that grey one perfect?

Circle Songs #9

"Sparkle light with yellow icing, just a mirror for the sun..."

Road Trippin' - Red Hot Chili Peppers

{picture source: 1 - 2 - 3}

Summer has finally arrived! I spent the entire day outside in perfect summer bliss. It felt like being on vacation and this song is almost some sort of souvenir. It helps me remember those relaxed summer days even better.

Drumroll Please...

It's time to announce who won the Midori Secrets giveaway! The winner will receive this beautiful necklace:

Thank you all for joining!

And be sure to check out Lai Lai's shop, because new items are listed regularly, like these adorable birds that just came in! And if you fell in love with the necklace from the giveaway, you can buy it there as well. Plus, every order gets a free surprise gift!

Interview & Giveaway with Olga from wassupbrothers

If you've been reading my blog lately I'm sure you spotted some of Olga's owls recently. Well, she's here today! Not just with another giveaway, but also to answer some questions so you can get to know here better. Enjoy!

-When did you start making your beautiful creatures?-

Over the past 10 years I tried to find myself in different kinds of art: illustration, painting, fashion. But lately I've been stuck on the art soft toys. They give me the opportunity to use all the skills and creativity that I have accumulated, and bring me much joy and pleasure. I make them for not long time, and decide to come out with them seriously in the beginning of 2012. When i made my first owl, I did not think it's serious and now I can't imagine that there once was a time when I did not create my soft little friends. Huge Thanks to my husband, who believe in me and support in every way from the start and now!

-Have you always enjoyed crafts and creating things?-

From early childhood I loved to do something with my hands. Thanks to my mom, who always sewed clothes for the whole family, and dad, who carved wood, and grandma, a very crafty, positive and inspirative woman. I sew on my grandmother's Singer machine and it reminds me of her every day and inspires me to work more productive.

Some years ago in my life I was uncontrolled user, not shopaholic, but I’ve used too many things I don’t need. Unnecessary, and needless things. I used too much, I ate too much, i wasn't happy and satisfied with all the things that are bought.
In 2009 i became vegan and many things get clear for me about food, life, and everything.
I think people have to think, why do they have to buy something, if they can do it themselves. Planet resources are not endless. And I’m happy the number of people who think about it and want to change something is growing.Recycled and handmade things have not only ethic nature, its always about past and story behind them. They are soulful and have many energy.

-Where does your inspiration comes from?-

My inspiration come from nature, morning sunshine, pieces of fabrics, strange colors combinations, my husband smile, our wonderful funny dogs. Sometimes you can take single button and in the end you will have beautiful bird or lion. You never know what you will see in the end, that’s why I do not use patterns mostly.It's a magic to see, how tiny pieces of fabric, vintage buttons, old dresses or embroidered table runner turn to a soulful creations.

-Do you have a certain ritual for when you create? Do you listen to music or do certain other things?-

I would like to say that my daily ritual is what I get up early in the morning, do my yoga and breathing exercises, drink fresh fruit juice, and attune to the positive and the love for the world ....... and after that i start working
It also happens)))
In reality, half of the day I do a million necessary and unnecessary things, I can sit for hours in the Internet, then tear off myself from computer and start clearing the workplace from fabric scraps, yesterday tea cups and many other things. After that, I turn on music that did not distract from the process, and work.
(Last month i like to listen Smolik or old Olive songs ) I know once i sit down with my sewing machine, I'm stuck there for long, and it is my favorite time!

-What does your perfect Sunday look like?-

My perfect sunday is definitely Sunny and spent together with my husband out of the box. 
Plush Picnics with my owls, photo sessions, watching movies and simple walks around are perfect.

-Do you have any plans for your blog or shop that you'd like to share already?-

I want to expand the horizons and think maybe about open one more Etsy store. For now I have not decided on what to stop first, but I'm interested in doing accessories, handbags, jewelry and clothing. Everything that I do for myself for a long time and happily like to share with others. 

-Is there anything else you want to tell the Blue Eyed Night Owl readers?-

Dear readers, thank you for your interest in Laura's wonderful blog, and my interview. Stay positive and enjoy the summer time , even though summer is not pleased us with the hot sunny days this year. Stay crafty and creative!

-

I hope you enjoyed the interview! But as I mentioned earlier, that wasn't all. There's also a chance to win little Mocco Manuel!

For a chance to win simply fill out the rafflecopter widget below. Visit Olga's shop to enter and to unlock all extra entries for an even better chance to win.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can enter until the end of July.

Good luck!

Awesome Games: Chucky

If you're looking for a simple but addicting game, try Chucky! The goal is to guide all these little fellows safely across the water. Sounds easy enough, but they often come in groups and at different speeds... Enjoy!

Don't forget...

You can join in by visiting the giveaway page and simply filling out the rafflecopter.

Wishlist

Momiji is coming out with some beautiful 20s inspired dolls. I'm head over heels with the one in the middle. The doll itself is stunning and I just adore that little bird!

 The always have cute dolls though! Here's another one of my favorites:

 And I'm pretty sure this is as cute as air fresheners can get.

Anyway, there are lots of stunning things available in their shop. And there's even a 2 for 1 sale going on this very second.

Do you have your eye on any of these dolls as well?