Giveaway - Denim Blue Dangles - Ends 12/27/13

Need a nice giveaway to brighten up your holidays?  Well, I aim to please.  These dangles started out as test strips from my first ever CopprClay firing, but they turned out so perfect I had to use them as earring components.  I thought of you guys when I got them done.  I have been so overdue for a giveaway, and I wanted to offer something new and exciting.  

Here's the back of the earrings.  I carved the texture with one of my new Dockyard carvers.  The beads are glass pearls in a nice denim blue that compliments the copper very well.

I also added some blue alcohol ink to the front to bring out the texture of the copper.   

How to win:  Each comment counts as a vote.  I will use Random.org to determine the winner, so make sure to make each entry count by listing them INDIVIDUALLY.  International players are more than welcome, this prize is very light weight.  ;)  You can leave your email address, or just check back with me on the 28th to see who won.  Make sure if you are a minor that you get your parents' permission before you enter.  Below is a list of ways to enter.  

1.  Comment below  and tell me whether you prefer bronze or copper jewelry.

2.  Follow my blog!  I'd love for you to follow me, and I will be offering tutorials and giveaways so it will be beneficial to you too.  Try me out and if you are not happy with my content after a few weeks, just unfollow. Just leave me a comment that says something like "Hey crazy jewelry lady, I am now a Native Bloom follower."  If you have a blog, feel free to include a hyperlink to yours, I will return the favor (and other readers may too).  If you are already a follower, just leave a comment saying that you are a follower.  

3.  +1 this on your Google page if you have one.  Add a link in your comment please.

4.  Like my Native Bloom page on Facebook.  When I start my jewelry sales the beginning of next year I will use this page to offer deals and discounts.  Leave a comment letting me know you liked my page (along with your FB name).  

5.  Share this post on your Facebook page (include a link to your post in the comment).

6.  Repost this on your blog (make sure to include the link in the comment).

7.  Pin this picture with the headline "Denim Dangles Giveaway by Native Bloom - ends 12/27/13." Once again, include the link please.

That's seven ways to win!!!!!  Make sure to post each entry individually to give yourself extra chances to win.  I'm going to let the giveaway run until Friday, December 27th, 2013 at 11:59 PM Central.  A winner will be announced in a separate post on December 28th, so follow my blog or make sure to check back on that day.  I will give the winner(s) a week to email me their address and claim their prize.  If no one responds after a week, I will pick another winner. 

Hope you guys have a Merry Christmas, hope to hear from you soon!

Painted Rosette Necklaces Giveaway Winners

Well, we didn't hit the 100 comments mark, but I decided to go ahead draw two numbers and give both of these necklaces away.  Here are the numbers from Random.org

Comments number 28 by Diana is my first winner.  

And comment number 18 by chendric is my second winner.

If you guys will email me your mailing addresses, I will get these out to you within a couple of days.  

nativebloom@outlook.com

Thanks everyone for playing, and for all the valuable information you have given me.  You are helping me create a learning environment for yourselves and others, and the input you give me will make it even more inspiring and welcoming.  Keep an eye out for another giveaway, I think I will have one up by Friday!  

Studio Updates

First of all, I would like to thank everyone who has participated in my giveaways.  You guys are sweet, wonderful, supportive, and informative.  I am happy to know my creations are going to such lovely people, and I wish I could give something away to each one of you.  Thanks to you all!

Second, for reasons I don't want to get into I will not be able to complete my loan process with Kiva Zip.  I was not turned down or anything, rather decided to step back and attempt to obtain a loan with a local bank.  It should not be a hard process (hubs and I both have good credit), and I will probably be able to get started even faster with a local loan.  I would still recommend Kiva Zip to anyone not able to obtain a loan through the usual channels.  I hope to go with my husband next week and get signed up as a member of our credit union, open up a business checking account, and apply for a personal loan for $3000.  If all goes well I should be able to go shopping for tools and materials by the beginning of November.  Let us hope.  :)

My third update to share with you is that I am in the process of making my first Native Bloom tutorial.  I am teaching a workshop at my local Hobby Lobby on November 2nd, so I thought I would share with you guys the information I will be teaching in my class.  I will have a blog post for you with links to a PDF and a YouTube video.  I decided to present  my tutorials using all three methods since my readers like a variety of teaching methods.  So whether you like a good ol' blog post, prefer a PDF to print out and take with you, or need to be taught visually, your method will be covered.

Here's where the magic is happening.

It's my dining room, and it is a hot mess.  Just keep in mind that I have a four-year-old and a one-year-old running around me the whole time I am doing this, and they constantly vie for my attention.  They scatter toys and confetti the room with small round cereals that crunch under my feet, draw all over my furniture, and scream for "pink chocolate" (strawberry milk) and snacks the entire time I create.  That's not much of an excuse though, and the truth is that if they were not here I would still be surrounded by a mess.  It's how I roll.  

I should have all of this ready by Monday, so keep an eye out.  It is going to be a beginner tutorial, just stringing and learning to use crimps and such.  Don't worry, I will also have a variety of intermediate tutorials up soon.  I plan on working on tutorials for the Painted Rosette necklace next, followed by a multi-strand bracelet, and then my Charmed Brass Book necklace.  

Thanks again to you all, hope you enjoy the rest of your week and have a wonderful weekend!!!!!