Hilltown Families 
Giveaway: 5 Gifts Locally Handmade by Hilltown Mompreneurs
At the turn of the year, Hilltown Families will be turning five years old … and we will be celebrating all year long! To start the celebration, we have invited five Hilltown mompreneurs to partner with us. These five crafty businesses, located here in the Hilltowns of Western MA, create handmade products that kids will enjoy receiving — and we have one of each to giveaway to one lucky family! It’s our birthday, but we’re giving you the presents … just in time for the holiday season!
Read more about these local businesses below, surf over to their web sites to discover what other neat products they’re making, and find out how you can enter to win all five to give as gifts this holiday season below. Deadline to enter to win: December 13th, 2010 by 7pm (EST).
JAR OF WONDER: jarofwonder.etsy.com
Kerri Simonelli and Niki Lankowski of Haydenville, MA started Jar of Wonder in 2009. Their line of felt play food has been a fast success, selling at local venues like Twist and A Childs Garden in Northampton, MA, and as far away as Aspen, CO. Their etsy shop features several felt play food sets, including breakfast, sushi, pasta dinner and lunch. Their latest sets soon to be featured include Sushi and a new and improved Tea Party, along with play kitchens and aprons for the holiday season. All of their felt food sets are all hand sewn right here in Western MA, using ecofi felt which is made from recycled plastics. Each set comes packaged in a corn plastic compostable package.
Kerri & Niki are offering a Felt Food Tea Party Set ($22 value). The Tea Party Set includes 2 cookies, 2 tea bags and 1 tea sandwich. Deliciously fun play food for your little chef made even more tasty with recycled eco felt. This tea party set is sure to inspire your child’s imagination and plant the seed for hours of open-ended play. You will be surprised with what your little ones will come up with, when given this type of inspirational tool.
SMITHPHOTO WORKS: www.smithphotoworks.etsy.com
Jen Smith of Ashfield, MA is photographer and artist who first created a collection of photo jewelry in 1995, and more recently photo pillows, that both incorporate her original photography into handmade items for the home and body. Jen’s pillows are created with her original photography printed directly onto 100% cotton fabric using the cyanotype photo process. Cyanotype is a photographic printing process invented in the 1800’s. A permanent photographic image is achieved when a negative or object is placed on fabric or paper coated with light sensitive salts, then exposed to sunlight. Unexposed areas dissolve away when fabric is washed in water leaving what is often referred to as a “blueprint.” Jen Smith’s work can be found at Pinch in Northampton and her online etsy shop.
Jen is offering a Mini Lavender Photo Handmade Pillow ($22 value). This 8″x8″ pillow is printed with a cyanotype image of a gorgeous moth with a solid blue backing. The pillow is made of 100% cotton and filled with hypo-allergenic polyfil and lavender buds. Spot clean only.
SMARTYPANTS: www.smartypantsproject.org
SmartyPants are eco-funky children’s pants made from a combination of recycled, vintage, and new fabrics. Lisa Ganci of Shelburne Falls, MA started SmartyPants when her daughter was 21 months old and she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Cancer turned her world upside-down as well as inspired her to launch this dual-purpose mission which includes a portion of the proceeds to be donated to Rays of Hope, a Western MA organization that supports families coping with breast cancer. By using mostly repurposed fabrics, and employing local folks, this project is turning a little piece of the garment industry up-side-down by creating one-of-a-kind, beautiful children’s clothing that are practical, affordable, sustainable and locally produced.
Lisa is offering a gift certificate for SmartyPants to be redeemed for a pair of one-of-a-kind pair of pants ($22-$30 value). With all of the amazing fabric designs to choose from, it will be hard to select! Her baby/toddler pants, 6m to 2T, have a “butt-panel” that provides extra room for a diaper. Sizes 2/3 to 5/6 lose the butt-panel, but gain a contrasting rear pocket. Waist bands are simple elastic and all seams are serged for durability.
SNACKTAXI: www.snacktaxi.com
Erin Kelly-Dill of Plainfield, MA invented snackTAXI back in 2003 as an alternative to the tide of plastic ziplock bags that flowed from her house to the landfill when their 3 kids started school. Her family pack over 500 lunches every year, and had definitely fallen prey to the easy appeal of the ziplock bag. SnackTAXIs was her answer. Made in our home-based workshop by local sewers, she is committed to keeping her business local, and will never outsource labor. The exterior of a snackTAXI is comprised of 100% cotton and the interior is lined with polyurethane coated nylon, confirmed to be lead, phthalate and BPA free. SnackTAXIs are lined with coated nylon, and can be machine washed and dried, or simply wiped clean with a damp sponge.
Erin is offering both a Snack Sack and Sandwich Snack from her line of snackTaxis ($16 value). With nearly 50 different fabric designs to choose from, picking one can be difficult. Her Night Owls Espresso design are being offered for our giveaway. The snack-sack neatly fits rice cakes, pretzels or corn chips, and is equally good for carrot or celery sticks, and the sandwich-sack is the perfect fit for a generous sandwich, bagel or wrap, or a hearty snack.
PEACE TRAVELERS GLOBAL GARLAND: www.etsy.com/people/tlemos
Tony(a) Lemos of Ashfield, MA has been making Peace Travelers Global Garlands since 2009. The tradition of hanging flags began more than 2,000 years ago. Inspired by the Prayer Flags of Tibet, Tony(a)’s garlands offer a special way to express some of the most important wishes of your heart. The pockets on the flags are intended to carry burdens, hopes, worries, releasing them into the world as the flags blow in the breeze. Families participate together in the visual creation of wishes of peace and unity by tucking poetry, verse, quotes, pictures, paintings, etc. into the pockets on the flags. The garland help to spin a common thread of unity between this and other communities. The garlands are available at Elmer’s in Ashfield and her online etsy store.
Tony(a) is offering a Peace Travelers Global Garland ($25 value). Each garland has seven flags, many with designs from different world cultures. This garland set is a gentle reminder to pause, notice, and honor your world … a prayer for the environment. The garland comes with a handout and book list, Ways You Can use the Peace Travelers Global Garland to Learn about World Cultures.
HOW TO WIN:
Your chance to win a Felt Food Tea Party Set from Jar of Wonder, Mini Lavender Photo Handmade Pillow from SmithPhoto Works, gift certificate from SmartyPants, Sandwich and Snack Sacks (Night Owls Espresso design) from snackTaxi, and a Peace Travelers Global Garland, is as easy as 1-2-3 (4-5)! To win simply
- TELL US HOW HILLTOWN FAMILIES HAS BENEFITTED YOUR FAMILY THESE PAST FIVE YEARS,
- SHARE THIS PAGE ON FACEBOOK BY SELECTING “LIKE” BELOW and be sure to tell us your
- FULL NAME and where you
- LIVE (TOWN/STATE) Must include your town and state to be eligible. We’ll randomly draw a winner from those who participate and contact the winner via email. So be sure to leave an
- ACCURATE EMAIL in the email field of the comment box (we never share your email address).
IT’S THAT SIMPLE! — Deadline to enter to win is Tuesday, December 13th, 2010 by 7pm (EST). All five gifts will be shipped together to one address. If you have any questions, please contact us before entering to win at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.
Congratulations to:
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="180" caption="Win 5 annual family memberships to 5 Western MA museums! Deadline: 01/03/11"]
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Brenda has won a Felt Food Tea Party Set from Jar of Wonder, Mini Lavender Photo Handmade Pillow from SmithPhoto Works, gift certificate from SmartyPants, Sandwich and Snack Sacks (Night Owls Espresso design) from snackTaxi, and a Peace Travelers Global Garland from Tony(a) Lemos – and should contact us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com with her mailing address. Enjoy the gifts, Brenda, and big thank you to all of our Hilltown Mompreneurs for participating!
THANK YOU to everyone who participated and posted such generous comments of support and loyalty! If I could hug each one of you I would!
We have another great giveaway going on right now for our 5 Year Celebration: 5 Annual Family Memberships to 5 Western Mass Museums! Give your luck a try!
What would we do with all the valuable information and sense of community that HF promotes?! You’re hard work has paid off, you are well loved and such an important resource in this area, THANKS
Tina Cornell
West Chesterfield
Fia (almost 9y.o.) and I have loved the wonderful get togethers, the exciting and new events we participated on, the great opportunities to share with others.
And…. we love gifts. Thanks for the opportunity to win, and happy 5 years wishing for hundreds to come,
Lau and Fia
Florence, MA
I can’t say enough about how HF has benefited my life, my family and my business! We listen to the radio show, go to events we learn about through the listserve and use the site to post our community building events! We also feel more connected to what others are doing in the Hilltowns around all kinds of issues which is so helpful as there is always so much to keep up with! I am very grateful for this resource and the wholesome and heartfelt flavor of the online community that Sienna has created with HF. I have enjoyed being a contributing artist and have had many people come to ArtStar for art classes because they learned about them on HF. Keep up the good work and keep us posted on how we can all keep supporting the growth of HF Sienna!
Marie Westburg
Williamsburg, Ma.
Owner of ArtStar:: A Creative Arts Lounge
I’ve been a fan & friend & follower since the beginning–hard to believe it’s been 5 years! My how time flies! Happy Birthday Hilltown families XO
Amy Coyne & family
I have found many fun events that aren’t in the paper to do w/ my 4 children.Yesterday we had a full, fun day in Northfield because of the info we got on your website.Thank you.
Virginia Christi
Colrain,Ma
love hilltown families! it is a great resource for finding out about all the local happenings, as well as networking with other families. i also appreciate it’s dedication to supporting local business and familes!
Just over one year ago we were looking into buying a house in Chesterfield. It was a bit of a scary thought to be moving way out to what seemed to be the middle of nowhere. We were living in Easthampton but I had never even heard of Chesterfield before. It was then that I found Hilltown Families and realized all the fun things that were going on in the Hills! It quickly changed my thoughts about the area and I was constantly on HF to find out what was going on. We absolutely love being here now and I still look to HF to find out what to do with my family on the weekends. You have created such a wonderful resource for the community! Thanks for all your hard work!!
Cheryl
Hilltown Families had been an awesome resource for getting to know the whats what of Western Mass as a mama! I love the website and the local resource as well as the online guide and I love the support of local business people.
Thanks for creating such a portal for all Western Mass Families!
Venus Zephyr
Shutesbury, MA
Seeing Hilltown Families on the internet when we were in Providence gave us the reassurance and confidence that the area we were thinking of moving to was going to be full of quality activities that resonated with our lifestyle.
We found that to be not only true about the schools, parent centers, and child-centered activities, but that the people as well! What a great resource HF has been to connect us all, bring forward great seasonal ideas, inspiration, and activities, but help to enrich where we are by bringing to the surface all these wonderful treasures of families to connect with!
We’re happy clams here in Northampton, and as another mamapreneur I congratulate those posted in the giveaway! Dig it.
~angie
I love getting the weekly updates of local happenings. Hilltown families has done a wonderful job of linking families and promoting so many cool local artists and events.
Florence, MA
Hilltown Families made us feel welcome in Western MA, when we moved to Northampton nearly a year and half a go. We were at a loose end and didn’t even know where a playground was.
Once we found it, we always knew where to go to have fun with our three boys. Soon we were meeting people and bumping into them again and again. It’s still the spot we check week after week. Hilltown Families reminds us when it is market day and where the playgroups are going on rainy cold days.
Karen Bayne
Northampton MA
I lvoe your ideas…so unique and adorable
Your website is a delight to visit. We must remember it more when we’re thinking of things to do as a family.
Lilly Lombard
Northampton, MA
Hilltown Families is a wonderful way to find out about great events locally!
Easthampton, MA
Hilltown Families, has continuously connected my family with the local, ever growing, wonderful community. I am so grateful for Hilltown Families! Thank you for all that you do!
Blessings,
Brianyn Ari MacLeod of Amherst, Massachusetts
P.S. We had a blast at the Holiday Fair at Brassworks last weekend! SO much fun!
I didn’t leave my info in the last post… Sorry!
I am from Hampton, Georgia!
You have benefitted us with the chance to win your terrific giveaways over the past five years!
We LOVE your list of events. Your website is amazingly organized and so helpful!! AND you have great giveaways!!
Crista and Eric
Guilford,VT
I love the regular listing of events and activities in the region. Also, the emails introduce me to businesses and non-profits that I haven’t already heard of.
Amy Mayer
Greenfield, MA
And … We live in Ashfield ( opps, I got up to give my son some yogurt and hit “send” )
Hilltown Families has been fabulous to our family proving wonderful ideas, places to visit, and of course the families which we have meet by mentioning Hilltown Families. Thank You HF Keep up the Good Work !!
I love all the green/sustainable ideas you provide. Always a great resource when we’re trying to come up with something to do.
Thanks for providing a great service.
Ruth von Goeler in Northampton, MA
I was a new mom who was staying at home with my son when I discovered Hilltown Families. At the time, I had a pretty sweet case of PPD. Hilltown families encouraged me attend events and kept me from isolating myself. Now that I’m past those early lonely days, it is still a great resource full of wonderful (SMART) blogs, has a great weekly podcast that my son loves, and continues to be the first place I go to when I want to know what family friendly activities are going on in the Valley!
Happy Birthday Hilltown!
NJ Rongner,
Holyoke, MA
Hilltownfamilies.com keeps Our gaily weekend full all year long. Thanks!
Steph Florence, ma
Not only are the events you post kid/family friendly, they are unique and genuine. A great resource no matter where you are in the valley. Thanks for all you do!
Jacqueline Jones
Holyoke, MA
Would love to win !!!!!!!!!!
handmake by hilltown
Thanks Hilltown Families for keeping us posted about upcoming events and providing me with thoughtful articles! I love this website and check it daily!!
Melissa
Northampton, MA
Hilltown Families has provided us with a place to find events, read thought provoking articles, and linked us to local resources. I love this website! Thanks so much!
Melissa
Northampton, MA
I’ve found places to pick berries in summer, holiday events, concerts and activities to do with other families. ~H
Events and articles of interest.
Diane Kanzler, Greenfield.
The best list of local events each weekend (and vacation weeks, holiday events, etc.) – and a great website to browse and get inspiration, etc. A terrific and fun resource all the way around.
Karin Perlman
Northampton MA
Happy Holidays!! Wonderful site
Great webpage and I always find something interesting to do with my 2 kiddos. Thanks!
Sarah Schatz
Hatfield, MA
This is our go-to place for fun things to do all week long. I have been home with my three year old since she was born and I was thrilled to discover Hilltown Families for both weekend and weekday activities. Thanks for all you do!
Sandra Dias
Holyoke, MA
My favorite resource for kid-friendly events in the area. An invaluable website. Happy birthday Hilltown families!
Lyza Fennell
Southampton, MA
My favorite resource for all the kid-friendly happenings in the area. An invaluable website!
As a teacher who is so lucky to be home with my babies in the summer I constantly reaped the benefits of Hilltown Families with the weekly events that were highlighted! What a great resource to have at my fingertips, with all of the great things to do in the valley in one place!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Kristy Dyer
Hatfield
As each weekend approaches, I immediately look to Hilltown Families to see if there are events & happenings that might interest us. We have often found really fun things to do that we may not have heard of otherwise and many times events are free which is an added bonus! I have recommended the Hilltown Families site to countless families that have moved to the area and are looking for fun things to do. Thank you Hilltown Families–you are a fabulous resource!
Sara Cahillane
Whately, MA
Since the discovery of Hilltown Families we always know where to look when we want to know what’s going on in the region or when we are looking for a local resource. Living in the hills can be isolating but Hilltown Families makes it so much easier to connect and feel connected. Thanks so much!
Amy Cullen
Williamsburg
Happy Birthday Hilltown Families! As a VERY frequent visitor to my in-laws in western Mass I often look to this site for things to do. There are so many other benefits though, such as the featured local art and projects for all ages. Thank you so much for enriching my family’s lives!
Jennifer Scalise
Worcester, MA
(part time Buckland, MA resident)
Thank you Hilltown Families for letting us know about all the cool people and events just outside Northampton. You are a great resource for those of who don’t live in the hills, but love to go there for a reason.
Brenda
Easthampton, MA
Hilltown families has given me numerous ideas, destinations, and events to participate in with my infant twins. It has been an invaluable resource that motivates us to get out and explore together!
Stephanie Allen, Greenfield, MA
I like the posts about the suggested events. They give me ideas how to spend the weekend with my family.
Maria Nikolaou
Northampton, MA
Happy birthday, Hilltown Families! And thank you! I love being informed and inspired by the events and people in the area… your site has become a go-to when we’re planning our weekend activities. (Gottlieb family, Florence, MA)
Hilltown Families keeps us up to date on area events and we love the giveaways! Happy 5th Birthday and many more!
South Hadley, MA
Hilltown families gives us lots of info about all the different happenings each week that I wouldn’t have otherwise known about. This has been an invaluable resource for us to get to cool events and to make connections with other local families. Thank you!
Stacy Calabretta
Goshen, MA
How hasn’t Hilltown Families been involved in my life in the last 5 years?!
From finding out about fun happenings to posting my own events and just by being a listserv to hear from others–this is a great service!
Leslie Charles, Chesterfield, MA
Hilltown Families helps to make sure we know all the fun things available to do.
Jessica Morris, Northampton
Always a great place to find things to do!
Kate
Heath
Always great things to do!
Lots of ideas of great things to do with my family, super giveaways…
Kerry Anderson
Southwick, MA
Music, events, ideas. I have enjoyed Hilltown Families for information and entertainment over the years
HBK, Haydenville, MA
We just relocated to the area three months ago from Colorado. We’ve enjoyed Hilltown Families for local events, happenings, and local business information. IIt has helped us “jump right in” to the community and has been invaluable to us since our move. We live in Greenfield, MA. Thank you for keeping us informed.
As a creative mama Hilltown Families has opened up a whole world of wonderous adventures for our family. Keep up the great work…it is so very appreciated.
“make.do.see.be”
makedoseebe.blogspot.com
peace, abbe, ben, augustus, and luna, proud residents of Shutesbury, MA and lots of love for the 413
There are many events we would not have known about without Hilltown Families.
We’ve also found some great new music. We live in Easthampton, Ma
I’ve learned about a lot of great events from Hilltown Families, and I expect there will be even more for us to do as my daughter gets a little bit older.
And you have GREAT giveaways!
Sara Barry
Haydenville, MA
Hilltown Families is the 1st place I look for something to do on the weekends with my family!
Alisa