Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Necklace GIVEAWAY and Artist Interview

Last week for my Friday Features, I featured this beautiful Flip Flop Necklace. Laure, the owner of Elegant Arts, thanked me for featuring her necklace and offered to do a giveaway for this necklace!!! How awesome is that!

I also interviewed Laure as I always love to hear the story behind Etsy shops and get to know the artist behind the work better :) Here's what Laure had to say: 1. How did you get started making jewelry?

I started collecting gemstone beads before I even made my first piece of jewelry…I did a lot of international traveling in my 20s and my souvenirs were always beads – some I still work with today – now in my 40s…I was afraid to make anything with them until I learned that you can always transform something you made previously to a new piece if you ever fall out of love with it…I took a few jewelry classes at local bead shops to learn the basics and then had my first trip to the Tucson Gem Show where I was able to take classes from renowned wire artists…I also saw all the beautiful stones available worldwide…I made some vendor connections there that I still enjoy today and I try to venture to Tucson every other year or so…

2. Do you do any other crafts?
I love learning new crafts but I admit I am hooked on jewelry…Occasionally, I enjoy making silk flower arrangements for friends and for personal use…I love combining unusual colors together – changing up the scale and the look of arrangements and wreaths for the various seasons…
3. What is your favorite part of jewelry making?
Spreading it around…I love giving jewelry as gifts and I enjoy hearing the feedback from customers who purchase my pieces…I want people to be happy with their purchase and I will do just about anything to make sure that happens…
(We're sure glad she likes sharing!)
4. Where do you find your inspiration?
A lot of my inspiration comes from fashion...the overall fashion trends may inspire a tendency towards longer necklaces or chunkier bracelets and chandelier earrings… some fashion/costume jewelry that I see inspires me to put together something similar but with my classic spin…I try to make pieces that are timeless…
5. Do you sell on any other venues?
I have a lovely shop at 1000 Markets…I find this venue the most visually attractive…here is the link:http://www.1000markets.com/shops/elegantarts
6. Do you have a blog, facebook, twitter, etc? Share your links with us.
I have a blog that I confess, I don’t keep up to date on 1000 Markets but here it is:http://www.1000markets.com/users/elegantarts/blog_posts
I have a Facebook Page with no fans…I am just learning how to do a business page so this needs work.
And I have a Twitter account with no followers …I need to make the time to get these accounts in full swing but I’d rather make jewelry!!!
7. What is your best business tip for my readers?
As a shopper myself and a seller too, customer service is sooooooo important…treat all your customers like they are special and you may just set yourself apart in this challenging economic environment…some may notice you “went the extra mile” and some may not but you will be proud of the service you have provided and the care you gave to their purchase…
8. What is your favorite piece in your shop right now?
This is a tough question…my pieces have so many personalities and my favorites change by the hour!!! I am a BIG fan of summer and this piece is a recent design that I think “speaks” SUMMER…It is an easy Go To piece that will go with just about anything you put on…I love the colors and the smooth surface of the Amazonite pendant…not to mention the not-so-subtle message to Follow Your Bliss…life is short…make each day count…
Now onto the GIVEAWAY!!!
To enter:
*Mandatory: Visit Elegant Arts and leave me a comment telling me your favorite item.
*Optional: For a second entry, become a follower of my blog. Then leave a comment telling me you're a follower. Current followers please leave a comment as well.
*Include your email address in your comments. (Feel free to type out the "at" and "dot" to avoid spammers getting your email!)
*Contest ends Wednesday August 11, 2010 and the winner will be announced on my blog August 12th.
*Winner will be chosen using random.org
*Contest is open world wide. I will email the address of the winning entrant and Laure will ship the necklace directly.
Thanks for stopping and have an awesome day!!!
Thanks so much Laure :)

65 comments:

  1. What a cute necklace and a great interview! It was fun learning more about Laure!

    As for finding my favorite item, that was tough since she has a lot of beautiful pieces! I will have to go with My Chained Heart necklace:
    http://www.etsy.com/listing/36053657/my-chained-heart

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  2. What a gorgeous shop! The pieces are beautiful so it is not easy to pick one favorite but I do like Summer Solstice ---http://www.etsy.com/listing/51194626/summer-solstice-gem-garland-necklace.

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  3. I am a follower of course:)
    nico.designsatlivedotcom

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  4. PURITY - Freshwater Pearl and Swarovski Crystal Chain Bracelet

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  5. I love the Blush Mixed Metal Topaz Rondelle Line Necklace!

    hrfarley at gmail dot com

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  6. i love the flip flop. And also Little Something Seahorse.

    egle dot mane at gmail dot com

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  7. Hi, My fav thingy there is Sea and Sand Charm Necklace - Gemstone Version

    Contact me dear :)
    liz_crowny@yahoo.com
    pintaliztiirene.blogspot.com

    thankies for helding this sweet giveaway and have a lovely day :)

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  8. The bali dreams earrings are so lovely! I think a matching necklace would be awesome. Thanks for entering me into this giveaway, the flip flop necklace is adorable! I seriously live in flip flops during the summer, I have the tan lines to prove it LOL.

    unforgetable_dreamer_always(at)hotmail.com

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  9. The shop has such gorgeous jewelry! One of my many favorites is the Summer White Bracelet. It's so elegant and so chic, and sure does go well with everything, love it! Thanks for the lovely giveaway.

    yumihamano@gmail.com

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  10. Summer Solstice - Gem Garland Necklace with Rutilated Quartz Teardrop is what I love most at the etsy shop!

    cornelio.mallare AT gmail.com

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  11. I follow through Google Friend Connect as cornelio03

    cornelio.mallare AT gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. I Love the Summer Ice - Gemstone 10mm Cube Necklace in Sterling Silver - Clear Quartz
    raquelk_87 (at) hotmail (dot) com

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  13. I love the "Follow Your Bliss" necklace! The Amazonite stone is gorgeous!!

    ...and I like that flip flop necklace too! :)

    eringriswold at gmail dot com

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  14. Pretty in Pearls Y-necklace - Champagne/Merlot Mix is my favorite pejwelry piece

    emiliana.sion(at)gmail.com

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  15. GFC follower (luckyfinds)

    emiliana.sion(at)gmail.com

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  16. I like the Crisp Fall Day necklace- agate geode slice

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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  17. Oh my! Laure does such beautiful work! I agree with her in choosing http://www.etsy.com/listing/48296636/follow-your-bliss-amazonite-gem-cluster because it is so unique. The flip flop necklace is very cute.
    very interesting interview, Edi!

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  18. LOVE the Summer White Bracelet!
    kady@thebeerguy.ca

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  19. Now a follower!
    kady@thebeerguy.ca

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  20. I like Summer White Bracelet.

    melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com

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  21. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  22. My favorite item is the Summer Solstice - Gem Garland Necklace with Rutilated Quartz Teardrop

    Very pretty!

    sswpss at yahoo dot com

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  23. My favourite is the Artisan Charm Bracelet - Turquoise.

    mia-at-vickevira-dot-se

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  24. I like the Pink Pillows of Pearls - Swarovski and Pearl Chain Earrings.

    Great giveaway! I'd love to be entered.

    Please count me in. Thanks.

    avalonne83 [at] yahoo [dot] it

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  25. I like
    Sea and Sand Charm Necklace - Gemstone Version


    sherrygo at hotmail dot com

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  26. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  27. The Summer White Bracelet is my fave item at Elegant Arts

    Atoxim at gmail dot com

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  28. Following your blog

    Atoxim at gmail dot com

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  29. I love the Lollipop Swirls - Short Dangle Earrings.
    mframe00@yahoo.com

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  30. thanks for the interview, I especially like the Antique Filigree Swarovski Ball Earrings. yummy!

    liberalsprinkles(at)gmail(dot)com

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  31. I like the Garden Party earrings


    productsoftheday at gmail dot com

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  32. Driftwood - Botswana Agate Necklace was very attractive. Thanks for the wonderful giveaway.


    dianad8008 AT gmail DOT com

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  33. Christina - xristya@rock.com - I love the Summer Solstice Necklace!

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  34. Thanks Edi...Making everyone choose a favorite item in the shop is so cool...I love learning what people like...thanks everyone!!! -Laure

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  35. Cute necklace! My favorite item is:

    http://www.etsy.com/listing/44949039/garden-party-lemon-quartz-smooth-and


    Ana Belén R.M
    fisiwoman(at)hotmail(dot)com
    Spain

    ReplyDelete
  36. I have two favorite items, the Pretty in Pearls Lariat necklace and the Little Trio necklace.

    spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  37. I'm following your blog via GFC

    spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  38. I like the Beach Party earrings!

    kt1969 at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  39. I'm a follower.

    kt1969 at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  40. Summer White Bracelet looks great!

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  41. I like the
    Summer Ice Trio - Gemstone 10mm Cube Necklace in Sterling Silver - Clear Quartz

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  42. peripatetic33
    peripatetic33athotmaildotcom
    my favorite is Encrusted Filigree Balls - Blue Zircon and Peridot Earrings

    ReplyDelete
  43. .Artisan Charm Bracelet - Tigers Eye so pretty

    malmort01 at optonline net

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  44. My favourite item are the "Bali Bling - Swarovski Crystal and Sterling Silver Earrings", just stunning!

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  45. I'm a new follower

    saramason at quicksilver dot net dot nz

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  46. The Winter Sky Earrings are my fave! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  47. I like the Seaspray - Sterling Gem Cluster Pendant with Sterling Silver Link Necklace.
    traymona[at]aol.com

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  48. I really like the .Little Something Seahorse - Sterling Silver Stamped Necklace with Gem Cluster, its so pretty!!

    squarekitties@yahoo.com

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  49. I actually have lots of favorites! ^^ The ones I love most are the Indian Summer set (multi-strand bracelet and fringe earrings) and the Pretty in Pearls Champagne/merlot mix set (Y-necklace and earrings). c:

    vesipisaroita [at] gmail [dot] com

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  50. I absolutely love the LARGE Antique Silver Filigree Swarovski Ball Earrings - 13mm in her store!
    kkondek at gmail.com

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  51. I like the "Scalloped Turquoise and Citrine Briolette Teardrop in Gold Filled" anklet. :)

    so.kitsch at gmail dot com

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  52. this is my favorite item:
    ANKLET - White Topaz Faceted Heart Briolette in Sterling Silver


    boswife @ gmail . com

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  53. I love the Lollipop Swirls short dangle earrings! They're gorgeous! :)

    I'm already a follower. :) Should be either Charity or Charity Lynn (brain is not working right now. LOL

    eternalstardustinc (at) gmail (dot) com

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  54. I love the Moondance Earrings.

    aikychien at yahoo dot com

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  55. I like the Beach Party Earrings the most.cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  56. I follow through google friend.cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  57. i love the Pretty in Pink - Faceted Rose Quartz and Pearl Y Necklace

    bella_gureishi AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  58. My favourite is the Swarovski Encrusted Filigree Balls
    saramstevens at gmail.com

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  59. I love the Love Lavender - Swarovski Crystal Filigree Earrings.

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  60. I love love love chunky necklaces so this one is my fave!
    http://www.etsy.com/listing/38715429/driftwood-botswana-agate-necklace
    jenny.maurer84 at gmail dot com

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  61. Well, that was NOT Easy! I Think my favorite is the Ruby Reds earrings on page 5, but there are so many others vying for contention...!

    Of course, I'm a follower, so now all I have to do is cross my fingers, lol!

    Hugs,
    Anitra
    anitra.who at gmail.com

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  62. My favourite piece is the 'Simply Chic - Clear Quartz Briolette Necklace in Sterling Silver'

    Kate1485 at hotmail.com

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  63. I'm following via Google (Jasmine1485)

    Kate1485 at hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete

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