the whimsical work of andralynn + giveaway

If you're way impatient for the giveaway, I understand -- impatience is part of my DNA.  So I'll cut you a break and give you the 411 right off the bat.  To enter this giveaway, connect with me via GFC (Google Friend Connect) and visit Andrea's blog to do the same.

Leave a comment on this post to let us know you've entered!

"New Friends" painting by Andralynn

Andrea Doss is the creative force behind Andralynn :: the cutest darn works of art and goodies for your kiddos!  Just as with Abby Berkson, I totally covet Andrea's work, despite the fact that I do not have children.  :)  Earlier this year I was introduced to Andralynn via Quite Unique, and I've been smitten ever since.  I bought some darling dragon postcards (among other goodies) that I cannot WAIT to give to my two-year-old niece for Christmas!

"In my house, there are tea parties, space exploration missions, pirate adventures, and world tours via train and horseback going on almost constantly," Andrea says, when asked to explain her inspiration for her work.  "It's hard not to be inspired by all that imagination!  My two girls never stop coming up with stories (and asking me to come up with stories for them!). I just paint it."

"Elephant Bath" original painting

Like many of us Etsy sellers, there is a decided disconnect between our ideal workspace and reality.  "My dream work space is a huge room with lots of tables and work surface. There are drawers to put everything away, and shelves to hold all my canvases and paper. Large windows let in lots of natural light, and there's always soft, inspiring music playing in the background," Andrea describes (as I hang on every word).  "What I have, however, is the kitchen table. It's small and round, and there are usually bowls of crackers and cups of juice sitting nearby left over from snack time. It's completely underwhelming, but I love it because I'm in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of the house."

One of my favorite things about Andrea's shop is that many of her listings come with the sweetest stories about the characters depicted!  For one of her "felt cuties" mini-collections, for example, she tells the story of Fox:

Felt cuties: "Woodland Camping" Set

Fox is an expert woodsman and camping professional. He would be more than happy to take you on an adventure and show you all the ropes. His camping instruction includes how to brown a marshmallow perfectly over a campfire, how to doze peacefully under the shade of a pine tree, and how to sing a lively campfire tune. 

I mean, come on, how cute is that?  How can you not fall in love?!  I adored the felt cuties BEFORE I knew there were stories to accompany them!

One more reason to fall in love with Andrea and her work: an awesome GIVEAWAY.  Andrea is giving one lucky Anna Delores reader one "good luck" wooden owl.  I have a couple of these myself (from my Quite Unique purchase!) and I LOVE them!  She even threw in an extra with my order (she's talented AND generous!).

Win a "good luck" owl from Andralynn!

To enter this giveaway, follow me and Andrea on our blogs.  Connect with me via GFC (Google Friend Connect) and visit Andrea's blog to do the same.  Leave a brief comment here to let us know you've done this, and do it quick!  This giveaway ends one week from today, on Tuesday, December 13, 2011.  Don't miss your chance to nab one of these adorable little owls!

Other places to find Andrea Doss ::

• Facebook :: http://www.facebook.com/andralynncreativedesigns
• Etsy :: http://www.etsy.com/shop/andralynn
• Twitter :: @andralynncd