Freebies from the Crib: Dandelion Mama Custom Art

June's freebie comes from a prominent and much loved blogger, Tracy M (aka Dandelion Mama). If you have ever visited her personal blog or MMW where she is a contributor, you might have had a few small tastes of Tracy M's artistic talent which lies far from her computer monitor and keyboard. She is mother of 3 and a self-proclaimed "jack of all creative trades", whose artistic career as a momtrepreneur has taken her from painting to quilt design to diaper bag creator and back again.

Tracy has loved painting and drawing ever since she can remember. Her talent was quickly noticed even at a young age with her work being displayed in a museum when she was in just the fourth grade and a special commendation in achievement in the Arts from the governor of California given when she was just a sophomore in high school. Tracy then went on to attend the California Institute of the Arts on a special tenure in animation. She worked in her chosen field, in one form or another, until she became pregnant with her first child. Since that point, over five years ago, she has been a SAHM but has always found a way (or two) to keep her foot in the creative door.

Tracy first business "Eye of the Needle" was born at the same time as her second child (3 1/2 years ago). She knew she needed to do something creative or she was going to go crazy (I know that feeling!). Knowing that painting and curious little hands might not be the best match, she started tinkering with quilt design. Because of her well made products, clear and easy to follow instructions and unique designs, she was being showcased in local stores and taken to national markets within a few months.

"It was very difficult to walk in that first store and show my stuff. Iwas seriously shaking in my boots, but I did it, and it worked," Tracy admits. Now, her beautiful quilt designs are made into kits and distributed by Benartex Designs to stores across the country. You can find her "Watching the Caterpillar" kit here.

Tracy also dabbles in amazing custom diaper bags (no doubt because of the new inspiration in her life, baby Abby). Each bag is made to order to match the tastes of the new mama whether it be a Laura Ashley floral or rock 'n' roll skull and crossbones. I can only imagine she is a popular guest on the baby shower circuit!

By now you are probably wondering what the freebie could be. Is it a diaper bag? Is it a quilt kit? Oh no my friends, it's so, so much better. To the winner of this freebie, Tracy M is offering a custom, vintage-style painting of a child (presumably the winner's) similar to the piece she just finished for her own home of her daughter Abby. The piece will be 24" square, acrylic on board which can be framed or hung frameless. She will even include a saying of your choice on the piece. A Tracy M custom painting starts at $300 which makes this freebie the most valuable Tales freebie to date. So make a comment and tell your friends (at least it'll up your chances of knowing the person that wins)!

To commission a piece of art or to place a custom diaper bag order (starting at $60), you can contact Tracy M at dandelionmama at gmail dot com. Thanks Tracy M!

UPDATE: As to not offend any more fans of Tracy M, her talents also extend to refinishing old furniture. She just resurrected and old, abandoned piano and restored it to one of the most beautiful antique pieces (piano or not) I have ever seen. You have to check it out before/during and after.

How to win this Freebie:
-You have until Friday (6/29) midnight EST to enter.
-Make a comment (any comment) on the post
-Please don't post under Anonymous - use a Blogger login or the "other" category.
-Winner will be randomly picked and announced Saturday (6/30) morning.
-Please only enter (comment) once.
-Tales contributors are excluded from winning the freebies--sorry :(
-Freebies can only be shipped to US addresses.

What's with the Freebie?