The Back Story of Why I Use Skulls...

I am sure that you can tell from my Shop and my Sold items that I have affinity towards Skulls.  What you may not know is why...

About 11 years ago I suffered from a bacterial Lung Disease.   My now 11 yr old took her first steps while I was in Intensive Care.  I will spare you the gory details, but that experience left with with an appreciation for life that I might have otherwise lacked. 

While I was recovering, I received some "Mr. Yuck Face" stickers in the mail.  I am not sure why I got them but I did.  So I decided put them on all my cleaning supplies and came across an ancient bottle of Rat Poison.  It had a Skull and Crossbones on it.  For some odd reason at that time, it really struck home that I almost died. 

Perhaps it was seeing the universal symbol for danger or death.  I can only assume that I just didn't think about how sick I really was.  I too focused on recovering to waste energy on anything else.  After the dust settled, so to speak, I was shocked at how close to death I had really come.  So for me, the Skull and Crossbones will forever be burned into my mind as a reminder of what could have been. 

So I wear them and make them as a reminder that I am lucky to be alive.  Even when things are difficult.  At least I have voice to complain with.  I almost didn't.

Skull Purse Giveaway - BellaLili

January's giveaway will be a little different.  I am going to be giving away a Skull Purse that I have altered.  Click on either the pic or "Skull Purse" for more detailed views.

The purse is a Faux Leather Black Slouch Tote Purse with drawstrings.  I have soldered a skull to a beautiful filigree round and then hand sewed the decoration onto one side of the bag.  I have also added a handmade fluer de lis key chain with rhinestone accents.   The bag measures 18" long by 12" tall (excluding the handles) by 6" wide .  The handles have a 12" opening (will fit over most shoulders comfortably).  This is a one of a kind (OOAK) piece that will not be offered for sale in my shop.  The only way to get it, is to win it here.

I will unlock a 2nd $40 gift certificate announced once I have 91 entrants.  I will continue to unlock gift certificates for ever 30 entrants there after.  Since the giveaway starts today and will continue for 30 days.  You have lots of time to spread the word.  The more people to enter, the more chances to win!  How fabulous is that?


How to enter:
1. Grab a pen or pencil and jot down the steps.
2. Click on Bella Lili and take a look around.
3. Leave a Comment on THIS BLOG post telling me what steps you did. Please leave me your email address or another way to contact you (remember to make it web friendly and use ( at ) instead of @. Comments with no email address or blog link will be deleted. If I cannot contact you, I will choose another winner. If you win, you have 48 hours to respond.

Want your name in the hat more than once? Do all of the steps!!!!
* Blog, Twitter or Facebook about this giveaway, then come back and let me know where you posted. (1 entry per action, or 3 if you do all 3), check your privacy settings, if I can't verify your posts, they won't count.
*Tell me your fav item.
* Add a link to Bella Lili Blog on your sidebar (1 entry)
* Subscribe to the feed of this blog on Google Reader, Bloglines, etc.(1 entry)
* Become a follower of my blog!(1 entry)
*Heart my shop. New and existing hearts get 1 entry.
*For five extra entries, make a purchase from the shop!! ("Purse Giveaway" in a message to seller upon checkout so I can give credit where credit is due). You have until Monday, February 22nd at 12 midnight CST to enter. I will put all names in a hat and have my 6 yr old randomly choose a winner. Check back Tuesday (1/23) to find out if you are the lucky winner(s)!!

psst~For an extra special treat. Anyone who purchases more than $100 during my giveaway will receive a free gift of my choosing, up to a $20 value. Its a surprise what you will receive. More than likely it will be an all new item not yet listed in my shop. Lucky you!!!!!

Good luck everyone!!!!!

xoxo

Autumn

I MUST have these Boots!

So I was browsing my fav blog.  Haute Macabre.  When I noticed there Shoeturday Mystery.  It was these amazing pair of Skull Boots.  AND they are BLACK! I must have them.  Damn Italian Leather why must you tempt me so.  Its just so cruel!!!!

I may have to have a Shoe Sale so that I can buy these for myself.