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Giveaway #2
I adore Jennifer Paganelli’s crafty, colorful style and when Chronicle Books asked me if I would like to review and giveaway a copy of her new book, Happy Home: Twenty One Sewing and Craft Projects to Pretty Up Your Home I was excited to say the least. Jennifer Paganelli doesn’t know it, but she has inspired me in my own life’s work more than any other artist.
I have kept a magazine clipping file of all the artists and designers who have inspired me over the years. There are quite a few that feature Jennifer. The two most inspiring to me are the two clippings you see below. Note the spiral notebook – that clipping is from 2004 – 5 years before I started In My Own Style. The clipping on the right shows her in her home studio that she had built onto her house so she would have a bright and sunny place to work. That clipping dates back even further. After reading about her home workspace is when the light bulb went off in my head to do the same in my own home, but to an unused room – which now I affectionately call -my studioffice.
When Happy Home arrived on my doorstep I had just come home from my daughter’s college graduation. I had read on Jennifer’s blog a few years ago that her son attended the same school my daughter did and I always hoped I would run into her over one of the Parent’s Weekends or visits to Burlington,VT, but I never did.
So when her book arrived I was eager to sit right down and devour it -and I did. Front to back. Happy Home will make you happy – the colors, the projects, the easy breezy relaxed style that is Jennifer. I think she says it best in her introduction, “feels like a warm hug and brings a smile to your face”.
Like most sewing/craft books, Jennifer included a chapter on general instructions as well as how to do several different stitches. The pattern sheets are stored in a pink envelope with the pattern of one of the fabrics she designs on it. The envelope is in the front of the book. It makes a world of difference when you can keep the pattern sheets organized and in good shape project after project.
The projects range from throw pillows to bed canopies. There are 4 sections in the book.
Decorate is all home décor projects from drapery to pillows.
Accessorize has instructions for making things like dog beds and tote bags.
Party shows you how to make garlands for a birthday or stockings for Christmas.
Dream is the last section in the book covering items like bed skirts and duvets.
I have not had time to actually make any of the projects in the book yet, but I do have a “to do list”. I have a stack of beige boxes in my studioffice that are going to be getting a makeover following the directions for Pretty Boxes on page 69. Her fabrics are scrumptious and very affordable, too – under $10 a yard.
I also want to make these Sophia Christmas Stockings on page 128 – traditional, but with a cheery vintage twist. I have already gathered some of the fabrics so stay tuned to see them in a post around the holidays.
As with every book Chronicle publishes the photos are beautiful, the projects are enticing and most importantly the step-by-step instructions are easy to follow. The skill level ranges from basic to more advanced so there is something for everyone.
This is one of those books you keep forever not only because of the fabulous easy to do projects, but because of the style – one of a kind. You won’t ever want to part with it – just flipping though the pages and not reading a word is highly inspiring!
Jennifer’s blog, Sis Boom was the very first blog I ever landed on back in 2006 and I was smitten. Her blog has exploded into her store where she sells the patterns and fabrics she designs. If you have never been – you are in for a treat. So much color, inspiration, and happiness.
To enter to win the copy of Happy Home, you just have to leave me a comment.
This giveaway has ended.
{ 113 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m a new follower..and have really enjoyed your blog…
thanks for a great give away…looks like a beautiful book
with lots of inspiration.
Looks like a really great book!
Wow, what a great looking book, Diane! I’d like to try those stockings myself. I think it’s about time we had some new ones.
Love the ideas here! The Christmas stockings are the cutest things ever :)
Love little “pretty it up” projects. :)
This looks like a good book.
melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com
Sweet book! Her fabrics are also adorable
This looks like a great book!
Those look like some great ideas!
that book looks like a must have…. Great ideas
Looks a great idea source!
I just love your blog! It is my favorite one, and I read a lot of blogs. Thanks for the fun giveaway. I hope I win.
Now this book might get me sewing again!
I am having trouble with my computer and can’t use the Rafflecopter–would you please enter me to win this lovley book…
I will add your name To the giveaway Sandy.
Looks like a great book! Thanks :-)
It’s been so long since I sewed anything but I would definitely try those Christmas stockings.
so fun! Looks like a great book, and one that I would reference over and over again. I like Rafflecopter- I’ve never heard of that one before. It did say I left a comment, but I never saw the option to leave one??? so here I am! ;) Hope you’re doing well.
I want to win!
Hi! I recently began following your blog as well, and have really enjoyed learning how to make a lantern from a tuna can, among other things! This is on my list of things to do…one day! Happy Home looks like a delightful and inspiring book and I would love the chance to win it. Thanks for the opportunity!
Thanks for the opportunity!
I have been admiring this book for some time now and I would love to win a copy!
Waw! You are right the pictures are great. Looks like one book I need in my sewing library ;)
Will try again! Seems my iPad does not rise this very much. I would love the book.
I would love to win a copy of this book. It looks like a fun read with great projects.
Thanks for this fabulous resource!
Sounds like a really fun book!
Rafflecopter is not working for me today for some reason. It worked fine yesterday. Darn! Please enter me in your giveaway. Thanks!
I just found out about this book. I think Sis Boom was featured in Country Living awhile back. I would love to be entered to win the book.
I am going to visit your blog and Sis Boom more often for exciting ideas.
Nice book! I would love it!
Thanks for the great giveaway! :)
thanks-looks fantastic!
OOoooooooooo this looks like a great book, Just in time too we are wanting to redo some of the rooms this book would be handy to have.
I am not the best at coordinating colors example been looking for a tile for kitchen back-splash for a year now my counter top is a plum color island Corion in rose with plum strip .
Ann/alba
Love this book!
Denise
Sounds like a great book. I would love to win! Thanks so much.
Thank you so much for sharing this book with us! I will keep my fingers crossed that I win it, but if I don’t it is definitely on my ‘wish list’ and I am a new fan of Sis Boom!
Hi Diane — enjoy your blog and wonderful inspiration(s)! This book looks like my style or the style I’d like to have, anyway! Thanks for the opportunity…hope you’re having fun.
Love this giveaway! And love your blog even more!!
Love your blog. Thanks for the nice giveaway.
I want a happy home.
Thanks for hosting an awesome giveaway…. I got a couple going on right now if anyone wants to check them out:
http://angiegetscrafty.blogspot.com/2012/06/collageit-software-review-and-giveaway.html
http://angiegetscrafty.blogspot.com/2012/06/4th-of-july-party-games-pack-review-and.html
Angela
http://angiegetscrafty.storenvy.com/
Wonderful giveaway. Thanks so much for the opportunity!
I love the “look” of this book!
Definately want this one!
SO bright and cheery! Would love to have it as inspiration for my basement dwellings.
Wow! Sounds like an inspiring book!
always love getting ideas from others
Okay, I must have this one! I need a new book …it’s a good time for inspiration around here. Thanks for the opportunity!
I would love to own and study this book!
I signed up with Rafflecopter but all it will let me do is set up my own giveaway. I can’t find, or get, to where I am suppose to sign up. Anyway, I love all things crafty, and my house could sure use some dressing up. Right now it sits here in its underwear. :~}
That’s a great prize! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Such cute projects – wOuld be so fun to make. Have a happy vacation!
Would love to win this fun book!
I am always looking for inspiration… this book seems to have lots of it! Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy!! Be especially blessed, Kathy
This book looks fantastic. Would love to have a copy of this book!
I’d love it!!!!!!!!!!
I love Jennifer Paganelli! Her fabrics are fantastic, the best color combinations. I haven’t read her book yet, but it’s on my to do list! Thanks for a great giveaway.
Looks like there are some great ideas in this book. Would love to have it!
Love happy colors and cheery spaces, thus why I follow your blog. Thank you for all that you do. I look forward to getting emails from you in my inbox and love seeing what you do with everyday junk and toss offs. Keep it up!
Hope you’re having a great time and thanks for another great giveaway! Hoping to win this one for my newly married daughter
What a great book – count me in :)
I love the pictures in this book and the projects look like lots of fun. I would soooo love to win this book.
i love getting pretty books! :)
Looks like a great book!!
Definitely would love to win this!
I could use some new home sewing ideas, and I love the fabric choices shown. Thank you for the opportunity.
Oh my, this looks like so much fun & exactly my kind of book. I would love to win this. I’m going over right away to see Jennifer’s blog. Thank you so much for sharing & giving us this opportunity.
CAS
I would love to win.
The style match is yours. Love it.
Thanks for the great giveaway that would be so cool to have!
What fabulous eye candy! Would love to win a copy!
This would be a great win for me!
sounds like a GREAT book! Thank you for the chance to win
This looks like a very imspirational book! Hope I win it!
What a fabulous book!
Thanks for the chance to win.
i hope you have a swell vacay:)
I love Jennifer’s style too… it would be super to win her new book. Hope you have a fantastic time at Haven.
I am a new follower, as well. I have really enjoyed everything! The book looks great. I am going to check out her blog, too. Thanks for the information that you share.
Such inspiring ladies, both of you! Thank you!
Love the fabrics!
Hmm. I don’t know about this Rafflecopter thing. It told me I’d left a comment when I hadn’t yet, so don’t know if I’ll be entered. But the book looks great. Thanks for the giveaway!
I don’t see the Rafflecopter widget, but would love to be entered to win this book — it looks like it would definitely be an inspiring keeper!
Looks like a gorgeous book! I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!:)
I agree that I’m not sure if the Rafflecopter worked for me. I couldn’t figure out how to leave my comment. Regardless, thanks for the fabulous giveaway week! What a treat!
I would love to have that book…
Hi Diane!
I would love a chance to win this wonderful book!
Thank you!
Thanks for the chance to win a copy of Happy Home. I like making things for my home.
Sounds like they found the perfect person for the job. You sure inspired me to want to read her book. Good job!
I’d love to win the book – I could use some inspiration!!
I’d LOVE to win Jennifer’s book! I have her book for sewing for girls and love it and her style! Susan
I hope this is a giveaway open to worldwide participants. I really need this book to find inspiration for my new home.
Looks like a great book! Thanks for the giveaway.
Looks like a great book!
Looks like a must-have book for my sewing/craft library!
Hi Diane, I think I must be one of the few that DOESN’T know about Jennifer, but I’m eager to find out! I’m crossing my fingers to be the winner!
I tried to use the raffle thingy….unfortunately…..I couldn’t figure it out….. I have seen this book and would LOVE to win a copy. It looks amazing.
Andrea
AndeM1@hotmail.com
The book looks absolutely darling!!
What an inspiring book!! looks fantastic! and I just moved into my new house!!!
I just LOVE Jennifer’s things!
What gorgeous colors!
Love this giveaway!!!!!!!! super!!
THESPARKLINGCINNAMON <3
Love your blog! And, the book looks fabulous.
I just found your blog today while on Pinterest, and I am hooked! I think I read through all of your DIY crafts and make-overs of furniture. I am moving into a new home in the upcoming month and I know that I will be frequenting your blog on ways to make my home look awesome!
Diane,
Oh how lovely HAPPY HOME looks! I can just imagine digging into my fabric stash and adding wonderful new adornments to my home! Thank you for such a creative blog!
Ruth
Looks like such a fun book !
looks like a great book!
You got me with the tuna can post, and then I had to poke around a bit. Hope you had fun at Haven.
this book looks great! Thanks for the chance to enter!
I absolutely love your style. Your house is exactly what Ive always dreamed of. Thanks for sharing
Would love to be the winner of what looks to be an AWSOME book :)
Really made my day I can nver thank you enough for the lovely support.
Just found your blog. I have subscribed and am eager to follow it. Would love to win “Happy Home”.