Of Giveaway Plans and Wolves

I'm going to take a few weeks off from the giveaways. I know - it's sad! But I've just had a lot going on in my life and I want to make sure I'm giving the artists the attention they deserve, and I just don't have that attention right now. Hopefully it'll only be two or three weeks and then I'll be diving back in! If your interested in being featured when I start up again just let me know in the comments :)

Celtic Wolf Knot Wood Carving

I went to Artfire to find a random item to feature today - found this - and fell in love! It's so perfect for the other things that are going on in my life right now! I searched for "wolf" because I have a story world forming in my head that involves wolves, and we are doing the Celtic Art focus this month in our Elf Sisters' Art Adventures , so it combines both! I'm going to have to see if I can draw it, I'm guessing the answer to that is a resounding no but I figure it doesn't hurt to try! That's what the art adventure is all about right? 

Speaking of which - I do have a celtic art pattern in process for bead weaving but I just haven't had the brains to finish it :P Hopefully I'll do that soon and you'll get to see it.... next month? 

Giveaway Winner, Treasury, and More!

Its time to announce the current winner! And it is....

Peripatetic33!

Congrats :)

Make sure you check back for next weeks giveaway :)

I also wanted to share a treasury I'm in :)

Everything is Blue

And last but not least - this bracelet is featured over at Great Finds! 

Go vote for my bracelet or your favorite!

Another Quick Update!

I have a memorial to go to today, so no "real" post :P Just a reminder that last weeks giveaway was extended through this week :) so go check it out! 

Quick Update

Hi guys! Sorry I haven't been around. Because of that I'm going to run this week's giveaway for an extra week! Yay! It'll be up until the 21st - so if you haven't already - go enter! 

I also haven't had a chance to share about the Etsy Beadweavers contest! There's another day left to enter so go check it out!  My entry is number 16, but don't feel like you have to vote for me, vote for your favorite!

Giveaway Feature - Memories for Life Scrapbooks!

This Giveaway is Closed.

Check back each Monday for a new Giveaway,

And each Wednesday for the Elfsisters Art Adventure!

I'm having so much fun doing these giveaways! I hope you are too :)

Please note that some things are wonky on the blog right now because

we are under construction! Hopefully I'll have it finished soon :)

Now for our featured giveaway artist! 

1. Where can we find your work and what do you create?

I create Custom Scrapbooks and Laser Engraved Art. I can be found at: http://memoriesforlifesb.etsy.com and http://memoriesforlifescrapbooks.blogspot.com

2. What's your favorite part about being an independent artist?

I love coming up with new designs and creating something truly special!

3. Where do you find your inspiration?

Lately everything has been an inspiration! Since buying my laser engraver in February, I've been looking for anything and everything to put in there! I've come up with so many new ideas because of it!

4. What advice would you give to other artists?

My personal motto is: "Enjoy the Process". It really should be about having fun and enjoying what you do. Create what you love and you will never tire of your craft/hobby!

Like the picture says you can win:

Your choice of Laser Engraved Pendant or Magnet Set

1.5" Pendant or 4 1" Magnets Both Laser Engraved with Love :)

Valued $5-9

How can you win? Keep reading!

1. Comment on this entry
2. Share your favorite item from her shop (scroll up for links)
3. Plurk or twitter about it and leave a comment with link.

4. Promote the item on Facebook.
5. Blog about it and leave a comment with link
6. Purchase an item from her shop (for 5 entries) (link above)

7. Comment on the Artfire thread (link to be added when I have it up) for one entry a day.

Important: All entries must be submitted by comments on this blog post.

I'm keeping track of the entries, so telling Edi about them won't help :P

Giveaway Ends Saturday Evening 5/21

Important: I need more artists to feature! Please let me know if your interested :)

Happy Mother's Day and Giveaway Winners

Happy Mother's Day!!!

What are you doing with your Mom's today? Or are you a Mom? What are you doing with your kids? Don't have either? Well then here's my *hug* to you! 

I'll be getting together for lunch with my inlaws and then heading over to my parents house for dinner :) 

Now for what you want to know...who won this week's giveaway? Sorry I didn't get to announce the winners yesterday, it was just not the best day for me, but I'm here today and that's what matters :) So...

Congrats to first place winner:

jhitomi!

And second place winner:

Lyudmilla!

I'll be sending you guys an e-mail here in a moment. Before I sign off here though, I want to let all of you know that both of this week's winners regularly enter the giveaways I host on my blog, and looky, it paid off! So keep checking back and entering, you never know when you might win :) And check back throughout the week for lots of other fun stuff! 

May's Giveaway from Rose Works Jewelry

This Giveaway has been Closed.

Check back each Monday for a new Giveaway!

Check back each Wednesday for our Art Adventure!

Last month's giveaway from my shop had over 100 entries, and I was really excited about it! I ended up adding a second item to the giveaway and I'm going to do that again! But for the first place prize....

Yay! Now for the second place...I'll add another pair of earrings for every 100 entries I get! How can you enter? Good question!

So How Can You Win?

1. Leave a comment on this blog = 1 entry

2. Visit my FB page and "like" it. Leave a comment there to let me know your a new or returning fan! = 1 entry

3. Visit my Artfire page or Etsy page, come back and leave a separate comment with your favorite piece = 1 entry

4. Follow this blog or let me know your already following = 1 entry

5. Announce this contest on plurk or twitter, come back and leave a comment with a link = 1 entry

6. Blog about it! Since this is means monopolizing your blog space it = 2 entries

7. Make a purchase in either of my stores (Artfire or Etsy) = 5 entries! 

That's a total of 12 possible entries! Please remember to leave separate entries for each entry to make my job easier! I'll be keeping track in a spreadsheet and each entry will be given a separate number (based on order received) and I'll pick a winner using the random number generator. 

Want even more entries? Come visit my Artfire thread - you can earn one entry a day by commenting on that thread - I'll come back and add the link as soon as its up!

Gypsy Goods Giveaway Winner

It's been another great week - and we have another great winner! Woohoo! Congrats go to:

Shaha!!!!

She has two blogs you can go visit.

The first is Lil Fashion Diary:

Her "About Me" section tells her interesting story:

"I am an 18 year old self proclaimed lover of life, and fashion geek. I love books, waking up in the morning, the color yellow, kids, and fashion. I'm the oldest in the family of 3, and I am from a teeny island in the heart of Maldives.

This is my fashion blog, where I write about all things fashion related. I want to be a fashion designer and to have my very own fashion line, so this blog is my journey towards becoming one. Currently doing a degree in Marketing in Maldives College of Higher Education (MCHE)."

Her second blog is Diary Girl:

Congrats again Shaha!

Giveaway Feature - Gypsy Goods!

This post has been closed.

Check back each Monday for new Giveaways!

1. Where can we find your work and what do you create?

My main shops are on Artfire, Etsy and Zibbet.  I create a wide range of unique goods from Hand Pressed Buttons to Eco- Home Goods to Fun, Fantasy Accessories.
  

2. What's your favorite part about being an independent artist?

The freedom to work when you are inspired and set your own limits and hours.  The spark of an idea can come at the most random time and it is great to be able to go with it.

3. Where do you find your inspiration?

It can be anywhere..Life, movies and the materials themselves.  Sometimes, I will lay out some fabric, beads, trim, lace, and let the piece define itself. 

4. What advice would you give to other artists?

You do not need the validation from others about your art.  You can open the door to some negative feedback and it will be hard to get yourself back on track.  Some people just do not see the difference in handmade work and they will judge it like a big box store creation.  Others that envy talent can be jealous and negative.  Open the door to the positive, creative thoughts and don't let others define you.  Hey, I have a quirky sense of creativity and not everyone gets me and I am more than fine with that. 

If you are just getting started... practice, practice, practice.  Don't be afraid to take it apart, start over or re-invent the piece.  The beginner pieces are not the best you will create.  Keep one of them and every now and then, look at it and see how you have advanced your skills.  Ask yourself:  Could I have done better?  If you said yes, learn from the mistake and begin again.  If you get stuck on how to complete it, put it in the middle of the table, look at it, ignore it or sleep on the problem, you will solve the puzzle.

Thanks Kathy!

Now for what she's giving away:

Blackboard Buttons!

But wait! It's not just the above picture - it's winner's choice of buttons!

$15 in Buttons... ABEO Art Canvas Buttons or Regular Pinbacks-BadgeReels-Openers-Mirrors 

Here's some linky's to give you ideas:

ABEO Art Canvas Buttons in Pinbacks-Pendants-Ornaments-Magnets-

(Water Color or Regular Canvas) miniature art canvas for the artist

Pendants (for jewelry)

Ornaments

OR
Anything in the shop that is made into or from a BUTTON....

Fun Buttons-BadgeReels-Bottle Openers-Mirrors

So how can you win?

1. Comment on this entry
2. Share your favorite item from her shops (scroll up for links)
3. Plurk or twitter about it and leave a comment with link.

4. Promote the item on Facebook.
5. Blog about it and leave a comment with link
6. Purchase an item from her shop (for 5 entries) (link above)

Important: All entries must be submitted by comments on this blog post.

I'm keeping track of the entries, so telling Kathy about them won't help :P

Giveaway Ends Saturday Evening 4/30

Gundowerks Giveaway Winner!

I love reading all the comments I get on these weekly giveaways!

But my favorite part? Announcing the winners of course :)

This week is...

You can find Charms N Things on Facebook :)

Behind Charms N Things is a lovely lady named Debbie!

So make sure you go visit her facebook and get to know her a little :)

Congrats!

On a less exciting note, that bazaar I was talking about?

I didn't make it. I got hit by a migraine at the last minute

and this is the first time all day I've been able to sit up :(

On the positive side - shops are open again!

And since I had no sales today I'll through in something special for anyone who orders this weekend :)

It's Bazaar Day! Which means...

Ok, yah, I've kinda lost my mind. Then again, that goes without saying right? I've been running around like a chicken with my head cut off since I started picking up odd jobs and I've been adjusting to doing "normal" jobs again. So what did I do? I signed up for a bazaar! Rock on! (ps - my brother has a shirt with the above saying, I think I need it more these days but it wouldn't fit!)

The point of all this? I'm out a here today :) I'll be at Image Elem, (122nd ave orchards, Vancouver, WA) all day long so my shops are closed! I will be back to announce this week's giveaway winner - tonight or tomorrow :P Depends on how tired I am! :P In the mean time...go enter the giveaway! It needs your love :)

I Feel Loved!

Don't forget to enter this week's Giveaway!

The last few weeks I've gotten LOTS of goodies in the mail! So why am I talking? I should simply be showing off! First off is a lovely necklace I received from a fellow Bead Weaver - Silvia! You can visit her shop over at: Sobby :)This was part of our spring swap and I feel very blessed!

As you can see the pendant is reversible - which is a great feature! I wear it with the bead in the center facing out, but I like that I can switch it up if I feel like it :) I wore it to church on Sunday and it went great with one of my favorite shirts! 

This next one is from Penny of Copper Penny Designs! It's part of a Pay It Forward - and I'll be doing another one of those coming up soon to say thanks :)

I don't wear gold very often - but I have a gold necklace I need an excuse to wear (cuz its from my Daddy) so this would be great to wear with that! Hmm - now I need to make some appropriate earrings to wear with it...

The next bit is a TON fo beady goodness that I got from Kristi Bowman Designs as part of a Bead Soup Swap hosted by Lori Anderson! Get ready for lots of drool-worthy beads!

I'm determined to make myself something with a few of these (I always forget to make myself jewelry then I have nothing to wear and show off!) and the rest will go into things for my shop :) Now to find the time...

Giveaway Feature - Gundowerks!

This Giveaway is Closed.

Check back on Monday for the next one!

Sorry we missed last weeks giveaway - but we're back up and running - and I love what we have to giveaway this week! But first - do you want to be featured on this blog and get lots of attention for a full week? Let me know! I'm looking to fill some upcoming weeks :) 

1. Where can we find your work and what do you create?

My work is for sale at Artfire: http://gundowerks.artfire.com I create a very eclectic variety, using primarily polymer clay, stones and wire. I do quite a few pendants and brooches, earrings of all kinds, and I also have hand beaded wall hangings. Coming soon will be greeting cards and hair adornments! You never know what you'll find in my shop.

2. What's your favorite part about being an independent artist?

I do this mainly for fun, so my favorite part is the freedom. I'm a stay at home Mom and my time gets a bit limited, but when I set down at the table to create I feel fantastic.

3. Where do you find your inspiration?

Everywhere. I get ideas all the times from jewelry, clothing, nature... but my greatest inspiration is pulling out my art supplies and just starting to fiddle.

4. What advice would you give to other artists?

The primary advice I give is advice I struggle to take every day: Believe in yourself. It's hard to have faith in your own ability, but it's essential to being an artist. Other than that, the most important thing is quality. Try to use the best elements you can afford, and never make something to sell that you wouldn't wear yourself or give as a gift.

Now for the Wonderful Giveaway Prize!

Rosso Corsa Heart Pendant

What she has to say about it...

"This is a solid polymer clay heart made from rich
red clay with a subtle silver spiral in the center. It has a really neat
brickwork texture, and the findings are all handmade.
Valued $15"

So how can you win?

1. Comment on this entry
2. Share your favorite item from her shops (scroll up for links)
3. Plurk or twitter about it and leave a comment with link.

4. Promote the item on Facebook.
5. Blog about it and leave a comment with link
6. Purchase an item from her shop (for 5 entries) (link above)

Important: All entries must be submitted by comments on this blog post.

I'm keeping track of the entries, so telling Theresa about them won't help :P

Giveaway Ends Saturday Evening 4/23

My Favorite Kind of Lace - Beaded!

Sorry I've been AWOL this week - I got eaten by the migraine monsters! Oh dear... But I'm back and at 'em today! I've even spent most of my day beading, but more about that later. 

I got this wonderful picture today: 

That's my dear friend Veet - and she was the winner of my giveaway this month! Can you see what she's wearing? Yes? That's the necklace she won! She said she loves it (yes, I live for affirmation!) and that it goes amazingly well with her McDonals uniform which amuses me to no end. 

The design for this necklace is actually one of my favorite designs. It's done using a beading technique called "Antique Lace." I learned it from a book that a friend gave me before I ever opened up shop, and I've made quite a few necklaces using it! 

Spring Beaded Lace

I like this pattern because it looks like lace, but it's very modern! It makes a great choker, or you can wear it longer and twisted. I tend to stick to the chokers though. One of these days I really should make some bracelets with it....

Woven Patriotic Lace

Just to tell you how much I love this pattern, not only have I sold several of these, but I have one I wear (in black, purple, and silver), my Mom has two (one in blues, one in red), and my mother in law has one that matches the one I sent Veet! Whew. Wait...that means I need to make one for my sister in law... 

When I was putting the necklace up for the giveaway I realized it had been awhile since I made one of these so guess what I'm working on right now? I'll show it to you next week :)

Two Winners This Week!

First of all - we blew away the previous record by reaching 166 entries! I'm totally blown away! I'm feeling very honored and special right now guys :) Thank you to each and every one of you who took the time to visit my blog and enter my contest! I was looking at my blogger stats, and my giveaway post had a total of 265 page views - that's fantastic :)

Now I don't have a lot of fancy pictures today - sorry! I'm fighting a migraine and I need to go lay down again...but I really wanted to get the winners announced. So here they are! Let's have a big round of applause for:

VEET VOOJAGIG!!!

and...

CHRISTINA!!!

Veet you have won the necklace and Christina I'll be sending you the earrings. Congrats to both of you! 

As for me, I should be doing at least some better tomorrow, so look for a better post then :)

Featured Friday

Hey everyone! It's been a busy day (as in massively so) but this week I'm getting my featured Friday post up on Friday! Which is a lot better than when Friday got away from me... So here's what's going on!

The Giveaway is Rocking!

142

That's a seriously big number of entries!

My week's been busy - and this has been part of it.

I've been having a lot of fun meeting new people :)

Make sure you check back tomorrow evening to meet the winner!

Featured in my Shop

Patriotic Beadwoven Bracelet

This fun bracelet is on clearanc and I just marked it down to $35!!!

Click on the name below the picture to buy it!

That's all today - I'm tired - and want to actually bead for the first time this week *wink*

Having So Much Fun!

First - I won a giveaway and got these wonderful findings.

I received them last week but this is the first chance I've had to show you!

I was going to last weekend and my batteries died >_>

But I can finally show them off!

I have plans for these, but I haven't had a chance to use them :(

I've been so busy it's unbelievable! *phew*

Make sure you check out her blog: Gr8Findings

Why have I been busy? Well, I'm working part time.

I have been for awhile, but this week has been busier.

I work for my parents, and the amount of work fluxes and wanes.

One of these days I'll do a post about that - because it's strange!

Guess what? My weekly giveaway is growing!

As I write this I'm at 81 entries *does a little dance*

What does this mean to you?

If I reach 100 I'll add a second winner!

The will receive these beauties:

Dark Wood Spiral Earrings

These spirals are some of my most popular sellers - 

so they are perfect to giveaway!

So what are you waiting for?

Go enter my giveaway!

Don't forget you can get extra entries -

Just post here once a day!

Update 4/7
We are over 100 entries! The earrings are officially going to one lucky winner :)

A Bead Woven Giveaway from My Shop!

This Giveaway has been closed.

Please check back each week for the new ones!

I can't even begin to tell you how much fun I've been having doing these giveaways! This is only the tenth week and we've already grown so much. My first giveaway had only 30 entries, and some of them had less, but the last one had 57 - that's incredible! So, to celebrate, I decided to giveaway one of my bead woven necklaces this week :)

Sparkly Lace Bead Woven Necklace

If you click on the link above you'll get all the nitty-gritty details, but I'll tell you here that this is one of my favorite patterns to make! In fact, I haven't made one for awhile, so I think I shall have to make another one soon. Anyway, I love this particular piece both because it uses the antique lace stitch that I love, but also because it's so sparkly! I'm a sucker for sparkly. In fact I tend to get distracted easily by sparkly things, which is dangerous as a jewelry artist. :P 

So How Can You Win?

1. Leave a comment on this blog = 1 entry

2. Visit my FB page and "like" it. Leave a comment there to let me know your a new or returning fan! = 1 entry

3. Visit my Artfire page or Etsy page, come back and leave a separate comment with your favorite piece = 1 entry

4. Follow this blog or let me know your already following = 1 entry

5. Announce this contest on plurk or twitter, come back and leave a comment with a link = 1entry

6. Blog about it! Since this is means monopolizing your blog space it = 2 entries

7. Make a purchase in either of my stores (Artfire or Etsy) = 5 entries! 

That's a total of 12 possible entries! Please remember to leave separate entries for each entry to make my job easier! I'll be keeping track in a spreadsheet and each entry will be given a separate number (based on order received) and I'll pick a winner using the random number generator. 

*Winner to be announced Saturday, April 9th, in the Evening*

For an extra incentive - you know how option 7 to enter was to make a purchase?

Well if you send $10 in one of my shops you'll get a pair of earrings valued $5 along with your order!

So you get an extra pair of earrings - and 5 entries towards this giveaway...

Sounds like a good time to shop!


Update 4/5
You can earn extra entries! Go to Artfire to find out how :)


Update 4/6


I'm getting ton of entries this week!
As I write this one I'm at 81 entries - and it's only Wednesday Morning!
If I reach 100 entries I'll add a second winner to the fun!
They will receive these earrings:

Dark Wood and Spiral Earrings

So what are you waiting for?

Update 4/7
We are over 100 entries - the earrings will be going to one lucky winner!

Mama's Little Monkeys Giveaway Winner!

I love getting to announce the winner each week! The only thing that makes me sad is that I can't give something to each and everyone one of you! All I can say is keep checking back each week for that week's giveaway :) So what does the random generator have for us this week?

.

And that is...

Congrats Abby!!!

Abby is a reviewer and her site is Reviews by Abby.

Check back on Monday for a Giveaway from lil 'ole me!

Friday Got Away From Me!

This was supposed to go up yesterday, but life keeps getting away from me! It was a busy day, but I thought I knew when I was going to get to blog. Then....my car broke down! Yes, that throws a wrench into your plans. How is my car? I don't know yet!

I also had something I got in the mail that I was going to share, but my camera ran out of battery! Ay yi yi...

Ok, for the "Friday Features" that I CAN share...

The Giveaway:

52

That's the number of entries so far! 

I'll be closing the giveaway tonight -

So go get your last minute entry in!

Featured in my Shop!

Silver Ladybug Earrings

Ok, so not these earrings specifically, but I am doing a special in my shop, Rose Works Jewelry! Any order of $10 or more gets a complimentary pair of earrings valued $5! Who doesn't like more earrings? I know I do :) I'm always adding to my collection! 

I'm still doing my best to raise money to help support my brother through cancer, and my hubby and I since I'm not going back to work so I can take care of my brother. I've had a couple people donate money and to them a Huge Thank You!

Gordon is doing ok. He's bald and I really should get a current picture up one of these days, but I keep forgetting my camera. His first round of chemo was horrible, he ended up in the hospital for three days, and we had a crazy ER trip after that, but the second round went much better! Thank you everyone who has sent your prayers and encouragement! 

Featured Item:

Humpty Dumpty

I've been featuring items on my facebook and twitter over the course of the week - and this was my favorite! I can't even imagine the amount of work that took and the talent just blows me away!