Weekly Feature and Giveaway: Blackdog Handcrafted Jewelry {Closed}

This week's giveaway is from Blackdog Handcrafted Jewelry

Sandi of Blackdog Handcrafted Jewelry has been making jewelry for approximately five years. She began making jewelry because she wanted pieces with an organic look and couldn't find then anywhere. After learning how to shape, hammer and polish metal, Sandi fell in love with jewelry making and since has been handcrafting unique, natural, eye catching pieces. As Sandi describes, her jewelry is "soft yet bold".

Sandi's inspiration comes from her surroundings. The land, creeks, mountains and trees of her hometown near Denver, Colorado, are breathtaking and provide her with a never ending supply of inspiration.

For more information on Blackdog Handcrafted Jewelry and to keep up to date with Sandi, visit her website at http://www.blackdoghandcraftedjewelry.com. Sandi can also be found on facebook. In addition to Artfire, Sandi has shops on Etsy and Zibbet.

This week, enter to win a pair of Pink Rhodonite and Hammered Sterling Silver Earrings from Blackdog Handcrafted Jewelry.

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For a chance to win this week's giveaway:

Mandatory: Visit Blackdog Handcrafted Jewelry, come back to this blog post (not facebook) and post your favorite item and email address in the comments section of this post.

Additional chances to win (leave a separate comment with your email address for each entry):

1) Tweet the giveaway and post a link to your tweet in the comments below - 1 extra entry (once daily)

You may tweet the following: Win a pair of #handmade pink rhodite & sterling silver earrings from Blackdog Jewelry @ http://bit.ly/5yrO5o. @NMGiveaway #Artfire #etsy #giveaway

2) Blog about the giveaway and post a link to your blog post in the comments below - 1 extra entry

3) Add one of my ad buttons (left hand sidebar) to your blog or website and post a link to your site in the comments - 1 extra entry

4) Join Nature Manipulated's mailing list (by doing this you agree to receive a monthly newsletter from NM)- 1 extra entry

5) Follow my blog publicly via Friend Connect - 1 extra entry

6) Purchase an item from the featured shop and post a link to the item you purchased (transaction link) - 5 extra entries

ENTRIES WITHOUT CONTACT INFORMATION WILL NOT BE INCLUDED IN THE GIVEAWAY. (Email address, Etsy username and Artfire username accepted. If your Blogger profile links to your email or shop, that is acceptable too. Leave contact info for each entry. Tip: When leaving your email do not use the @ and . symbols, instead spell out AT and DOT.)

Entries for this giveaway will be accepted through Sunday, May 9, 2010, 11:59pm Eastern Time. I will notify the winner via email and the winner will have 48 hours to respond before I choose a new winner.

This giveaway is open to contestants in the U.S., Canada and the U.K.

Thanks for participating in this week's giveaway. Be sure to stop by every Monday for another great giveaway.

Read Nature Manipulated's giveaway disclaimer.

Weekly Feature and Giveaway: MysticKnotwork - Two Winners, Two Prizes Each! {Closed}

This week's giveaway is from MysticKnotwork

Matt and Jill Beaudoin of MysticKnotwork have been knot working together for over 15 years, a tradition in the Beaudoin family for well over 50 years.

The art of knotwork (or marlinespike seamanship) is a field of decorative work with a tradition that dates back to the invention of cord. The braided bracelets Matt and Jill make are one continuous piece of cord approximately 3 yards long. Through a series of bends and tucks, a woven pattern is created that resembles a traditional hair braid. Unlike macramé, these are a single knot made with one piece of cord. To make a traditional sailor knot bracelet, the only tools needed to tie the knot are bare hands. When making complex knots, using a packing needle or icepick helps feed the cord through the progressively tightening weave.

Matt's grandfather learned how to do knot work from retired officers while he was working as a bosun’s mate in the Merchant Marine. He later went to school for this art at the Seaman’s Institute in New York City. Matt's father and uncle carried the tradition forward, and Matt was taught to tie the basic sailor bracelet before he was able to ride a bike. He's now been tying these knots for over 30 years, and has made well over 100,000 of them just as a kid. Matt's grandfather would pay him for each one he made as a way to earn allowance. People ask if Matt enjoys tying sailor bracelets, and his response is, ‘do you enjoy your heartbeat?’ Tying sailor bracelets are so much a part of Matt's life that its hard to find him without one close by.

In 1987, Matt made over 50 decorative rope mats for a condo development on Long Island. It was the first time he worked directly for a customer. Through the years, he has owned a fabric store, worked in a Fortune 500, but all the time, the feel of cord in hand has kept him grounded - the definite tie to the history of his family, as well as the connection to the sea. Every time Matt picks up cord, he is reminded of his grandfather. He cherishes the memories of staying at his grandfather's house, learning fancy knotwork and macramé.

When Matt met his wife, Jill, she was into beading and sewing. Jill quickly gained a love for the knotwork and her artistic touch has added to my family's tradition. Now, Matt and Jill also make macramé, a series of simple knotwork creating a complex pattern, those are made by hitching square knots and similar knots around a core of either cotton or satin.

Matt and Jill take quality very seriously. They buy their raw materials from U.S. companies and do their best to source items locally while buying in super-wholesale quantities. They try hard to minimize their carbon footprint in everything they do.

Matt and Jill work with non-profit organizations to provide their bracelets for fundraisers. Over 70% of funds raised through our bracelets stay with the charity that buys them. (Did you know that only 15-30% of money from school fundraising stays with the schools?)

For more information on MysticKnots and to keep up to date on Matt and Jill's work, visit their website at www.mysticknotwork.com. Matt and Jill can also be found on Etsy, facebook and flickr.

While you are looking around MysticKnotwork, take advantage of Matt and Jill's special offer - 15% off every item (in their Artfire shop) with coupon code NMBlog. This special offer will run through May 21, 2010.

This week, two lucky winners will receive either two sailor bracelets of their choice or a single matching sailor bracelet set from MysticKnotwork on Artifre.

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For a chance to win this week's giveaway:

Mandatory: Visit MysticKnot, come back to this blog post (not facebook) and post your favorite item and email address in the comments section of this post.

Additional chances to win (leave a separate comment with your email address for each entry):

1) Tweet the giveaway and post a link to your tweet in the comments below - 1 extra entry (once daily)

You may tweet the following: Win 2 #handmade sailor knotwork bracelets or a set from MysticKNot @ http://bit.ly/5yrO5o ~ 2 WINNERS. @NMGiveaway #Artfire #etsy #giveaway

2) Blog about the giveaway and post a link to your blog post in the comments below - 1 extra entry

3) Add one of my ad buttons (left hand sidebar) to your blog or website and post a link to your site in the comments - 1 extra entry

4) Join Nature Manipulated's mailing list (by doing this you agree to receive a monthly newsletter from NM)- 1 extra entry

5) Follow my blog publicly via Friend Connect - 1 extra entry

6) Purchase an item from the featured shop and post a link to the item you purchased (transaction link) - 5 extra entries

ENTRIES WITHOUT CONTACT INFORMATION WILL NOT BE INCLUDED IN THE GIVEAWAY. (Email address, Etsy username and Artfire username accepted. If your Blogger profile links to your email or shop, that is acceptable too. Leave contact info for each entry. Tip: When leaving your email do not use the @ and . symbols, instead spell out AT and DOT.)

Entries for this giveaway will be accepted through Sunday, April 25, 2010, 11:59pm Eastern Time. I will notify the winner via email and the winner will have 48 hours to respond before I choose a new winner.

This giveaway is open to contestants worldwide.

Thanks for participating in this week's giveaway. Be sure to stop by every Monday for another great giveaway.

Read Nature Manipulated's giveaway disclaimer.

Weekly Feature and Giveaway: Etincelle Design {Closed}

This week's giveaway is from Etincelle Design

Denise of Etincelle Design has been creating things (wire decorations) and experimenting with different materials (vintage finds, leather bags) for many years. (Denise currently is deconstructing and making candelabras from brass wallmounted lamps.) More recently, Denise started making jewelry and opened up a few shops online. Etincelle Design is now filled with pages of contemporary earthy wire wrapped and metalsmithed jewelery inspired by tribal design, as well as wallets created from pieces of hand-cut leather.

When designing jewelry, Denise enjoys to work with copper, brass and silver - metals which have been traditionally used for ornaments, and she can't get enough of the beauty of natural stones. For her wallets, Denise like remaking and reusing leather, although she also buys larger offcuts and whole skins to get pretty finishes and a variety of colors.

Denise's main inspiration comes from ornamental and decorative traditions from all over. She finds it fascinating to learn about the significance of different materials, and specific motifs or items in a social, religious and historical context.

In addition to Artfire, Denise's work can be found on Etsy and Shophandmade. You can also keep up-to-date with Denise by following her on twitter, visiting her on Indiepublic and/or reading her blog on Artfire.

While you are looking around Denise's Artfire shop, take advantage of her special offer - 10% off your order for the duration of this giveaway and the week following it. When checking out, leave Denise a message telling her you were referred from this post and she will refund the difference via PayPal. This offer is only valid in Denise's Artfire shop.

This week, one lucky winner will receive a Hand-cut Leather Wallet with Stud Closing from Etincelle Design.

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For a chance to win this week's giveaway:

Mandatory: Visit Etincelle Design's Artfire Shop, come back to this blog post (not facebook) and post your favorite item and email address in the comments section of this post.

Additional chances to win (leave a separate comment with your email address for each entry):

1) Tweet the giveaway and post a link to your tweet in the comments below - 1 extra entry (once daily)

You may tweet the following: Win a #handmade leather wallet from @etincelledesign at http://bit.ly/9P9DCT. @NMGiveaway #Artfire #etsy #giveaway

2) Blog about the giveaway and post a link to your blog post in the comments below - 1 extra entry

3) Add one of my ad buttons (left hand sidebar) to your blog or website and post a link to your site in the comments - 1 extra entry

4) Join Nature Manipulated's mailing list (by doing this you agree to receive a monthly newsletter from NM)- 1 extra entry

5) Follow my blog publicly via Friend Connect - 1 extra entry

6) Purchase an item from the featured shop and post a link to the item you purchased (transaction link) - 5 extra entries

ENTRIES WITHOUT CONTACT INFORMATION WILL NOT BE INCLUDED IN THE GIVEAWAY. (Email address, Etsy username and Artfire username accepted. If your Blogger profile links to your email or shop, that is acceptable too. Leave contact info for each entry. Tip: When leaving your email do not use the @ and . symbols, instead spell out AT and DOT.)

Entries for this giveaway will be accepted through Sunday, April 18, 2010, 11:59pm Eastern Time. I will notify the winner via email and the winner will have 48 hours to respond before I choose a new winner.

This giveaway is open to contestants worldwide.

Thanks for participating in this week's giveaway. Be sure to stop by every Monday for another great giveaway.

Read Nature Manipulated's giveaway disclaimer.

Weekly Feature and Giveaway: Designs by Sari Lynne {Closed}

This week's giveaway is from Designs by Sari Lynne

Sari of Etsy's Designs by Sari Lynne has been beading jewelry since she was a young girl at summer camp and continuing in elementary school and at home. In 2008, she decided to start selling her creations online after receiving encouragement from some people at comic book conventions she would attend with her husband.

Designs by Sari Lynne is filled with handmade jewelery and accessories, crafted from a variety of materials including semi-precious stones, freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystals, wire, beads and more. Sari enjoys working with anything she can get her hands on. If Sari sees something she likes, she figures out a way to make something with it. Her shop currently has a little over 30 items listed although she has more than 200 items waiting to be photographed and listed. If you don't see exactly what you're looking for in Sari's shop, she would LOVE to make a custom piece especially for you.

In addition to Etsy, Sari's participates in select craft shows throughout the year. For the past two years, she has organized and exhibited at the Creators’ Marketplace Show & Sale. This year's event is being hosted on May 1, 2010, at the Thornhill Community Centre, just north of Toronto, Ontario.

For more information on Sari and to keep up to date on where she may be exhibiting her work, visit Sari's blog at designsbysarilynne.blogspot.com. Sari can also be found on facebook and followed on twitter.

While you are looking around Sari's shop, take advantage of her special offer - FREE SHIPPING for the duration of this giveaway with coupon code NMCONTEST. Enter the code in the notes to seller upon checkout and the shipping fees will be refunded to you via PayPal.

This week, one lucky winner will receive a pair of Green and Gold Shimmer and Sparkle Earrings from Designs by Sari Lynne.

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For a chance to win this week's giveaway:

Mandatory: Visit Designs by Sari Lynne, come back to this blog post (not facebook) and post your favorite item and email address in the comments section of this post.

Additional chances to win (leave a separate comment with your email address for each entry):

1) Tweet the giveaway and post a link to your tweet in the comments below - 1 extra entry (once daily)

You may tweet the following: Win a pair of #handmade sparkly earrings from @SariLynneK @ http://bit.ly/dd4Tnq ~ US/Canadian contestants only. @NMGiveaway #etsy #giveaway

2) Blog about the giveaway and post a link to your blog post in the comments below - 1 extra entry

3) Add one of my ad buttons (left hand sidebar) to your blog or website and post a link to your site in the comments - 1 extra entry

4) Join Nature Manipulated's mailing list (by doing this you agree to receive a monthly newsletter from NM)- 1 extra entry

5) Follow my blog publicly via Friend Connect - 1 extra entry

6) Purchase an item from the featured shop and post a link to the item you purchased (transaction link) - 5 extra entries

ENTRIES WITHOUT CONTACT INFORMATION WILL NOT BE INCLUDED IN THE GIVEAWAY. (Email address, Etsy username and Artfire username accepted. If your Blogger profile links to your email or shop, that is acceptable too. Leave contact info for each entry. Tip: When leaving your email do not use the @ and . symbols, instead spell out AT and DOT.)

Entries for this giveaway will be accepted through Sunday, April 11, 2010, 11:59pm Eastern Time. I will notify the winner via email and the winner will have 48 hours to respond before I choose a new winner.

This giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian contestants only.

Thanks for participating in this week's giveaway. Be sure to stop by every Monday for another great giveaway.

Read Nature Manipulated's giveaway disclaimer.

Weekly Feature and Giveaway: Tali's Creations Artisan Jewelry - Two Winners! {Closed}

This week's giveaway is from Tali's Creations Artisan Jewelry

Tali of Tali's Creations has been making jewelry for approximately four years. She started after admiring her co-workers handcrafted creations, and with her co-workers help bought her first supplies and starting creating her own beaded pieces. Today, Tali's Artfire shop is filled with lots of beautiful necklaces, bracelets and earrings - many of them one-of-a-kind. Tali's designs are made using natural stones, Swarovski crystals and pearls, fresh water pearls, and high quality glass and lampworked beads. Her favorite materials to work with are natural stones and Swarovski crystals, and she really like using wire wrapping techniques.

Tali's inspiration comes from seeing people's reactions to her work. When someone is awestruck and can't believe her work is handmade by her, it gives Tali the incentive to make more, improve her skills and master new techniques.

To learn more about Tali and her work, please become a fan of hers on facebook and you can also follow her on twitter.

This week there will be two prizes and two winners (one prize for each winner).

First winner will receive a pair of Chinese Turquoise and Silver Earrings from Tali's Creations.


Second winner, will receive a pair of Dragon Vein, Black Swarovski Crystal and Silver Bead Cap Earrings from Tali's Creations

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For a chance to win this week's giveaways:

Mandatory: Visit Tali's Creations, come back here and post your favorite item and email address in the comments section of this post.

Additional chances to win (leave a separate comment with your email address for each entry):

1) Tweet the giveaway and post a link to your tweet in the comments below - 1 extra entry (once daily)

You may tweet the following: Win a pair of #handmade earrings from @TaliCreations at http://bit.ly/cUmX3m ~ 2 WINNERS! ~ @NMArt @NMGiveaway #artfire #giveaway

2) Blog about the giveaway and post a link to your blog post in the comments below - 1 extra entry

3) Add one of my ad buttons (left hand sidebar) to your blog or website and post a link to your site in the comments - 1 extra entry

4) Join Nature Manipulated's mailing list (by doing this you agree to receive a monthly newsletter from NM)- 1 extra entry

5) Enter my Putumayo Music Rhythm & Blues CD giveaway - 1 extra entry

6) Purchase an item from the featured shop and post a link to the item you purchased (transaction link) - 5 extra entries

ENTRIES WITHOUT CONTACT INFORMATION WILL NOT BE INCLUDED IN THE GIVEAWAY. (Email address, Etsy username and Artfire username accepted. If your Blogger profile links to your email or shop, that is acceptable too. Leave contact info for each entry. Tip: When leaving your email do not use the @ and . symbols, instead spell out AT and DOT.)

Entries for this giveaway will be accepted through Sunday, March 7, 2010, 11:59pm Eastern Time. I will notify the winners via email and the winners will have 48 hours to respond before I choose new winners.

This giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian contestants only.

Thanks for participating in this week's giveaway. Be sure to stop by every Monday for a great giveaway.

Read Nature Manipulated's giveaway disclaimer.

Monday Giveaway and Feature: five and two by briana rose {CLOSED}

Congratulation to #41 Lauren for winning this giveaway

This week's giveaway is from five and two by briana rose

Briana Rose began making accessories at the age of fifteen. Briana is a creative freak. [Her words, not mine! She started out wanting to make something different and natural. So she did! Briana began making accessories that are adorably chic and emphasize the sweet beauty found in nature. Briana loves using sugar starfish for her hairpins. "They have so much character and personality!" She also loves working with Swarovski crystals and semiprecious stones, such as amazonite.

Briana has been blessed and received a scholarship to further her accessories line and establish a business. In addition to Etsy, her items can be found at a local spa boutique. Briana is also looking to sell in other locations throughout the country.

Briana's shop name, "five and two", is very symbolic and important to her. It comes from a biblical story (Matthew 14:18-21a) where Jesus fed 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish. This story reminds Briana that a little can be turned into a lot. I'd say her jewelry speaks to this message!

This week, win a Swarovski Embellished Starfish Hairpin from five and two

The starfish used are called “sugar starfish”, imported from the Caribbean. Sugar starfish are in abundance and are not an endangered species. They are one of nearly 2,000 types of starfish. Starfish are not classified as a fish, they are represented in the same family as the sand dollar.

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For a chance to win this week's giveaway:

Mandatory: Visit five and two by briana rose, come back here and post your favorite item and email address in the comments section of this post.

Additional chances to win (leave a separate comment with your email address for each entry):

1) Tweet the giveaway and post a link to your tweet in the comments below (include @NMArt in your tweet) - 1 extra entry per day

2) Blog about the giveaway and post a link to your blog post in the comments below - 1 extra entry

3) Add one of my ad buttons (left hand sidebar) to your blog or website and post a link to your site in the comments - 1 extra entry

4) Join Nature Manipulated's mailing list (by doing this you agree to receive a monthly newsletter from NM)- 1 extra entry

5) Purchase an item from the featured shop and post a link to the item you purchased (transaction link) - 5 extra entries

ENTRIES WITHOUT CONTACT INFORMATION WILL NOT BE INCLUDED IN THE GIVEAWAY. (Email address, Etsy username and Artfire username accepted. If your Blogger profile links to your email or shop, that is acceptable too. Leave contact info for each entry. Tip: When leaving your email do not use the @ and . symbols, instead spell out AT and DOT.)

Entries for this giveaway will be accepted through Sunday, February 21, 2010, 11:59pm Eastern Time. I will notify the winner via email and the winner will have 48 hours to respond before I choose a new winner.

This giveaway is open to U.S. contestants only.

While you are looking around five and two by briana rose, take advantage of Briana's special offer for Nature Manipulated readers: 25% off your first purchase; use code FIRST at check out and you will be refunded through PayPal. .

Thanks for participating in this week's giveaway. Be sure to stop by next week for another great giveaway.

Read Nature Manipulated's giveaway disclaimer.

Over 2000 Sales in Less than a Year... Learn How Kristin Did It

Approximately two weeks ago, I received a link from Timothy Adam to an interview he conducted with a fortunate Etsy seller, Kristin Purcell. During the interview, Kristin shared some of the things that help her bring customers to her shop. After listening to the interview, I had to make sure I wasn't imaging the number of sales Kristin's shop had. I went to Peaches 4 Me and yes, Kristin had over 2000 sales. In total awe, I had to share Kristin's shop with my readers and ask Kristin some of my own questions....

NM: Please describe your jewelry.
KP: I make modern and vintage style jewelry – I'm kind of partial to necklaces, being a necklace person myself. I draw inspiration from all around me. Nature is a heavy influence, especially trees and leaves. I love the look of botanical anything – jewelry, paintings – you name it!

NM: How long have you been designing jewelry for?
KP: I've been designing jewelry for a few years, although I've always been told I have a knack for putting things together.

NM: How did you begin making jewelry? What attracted you to it?
KP: Well, I am a jewelry lover for sure! I think that is what attracted me to it. Plus, I could never find exactly what I was looking for in stores so I started putting it together myself.

NM: During your recent interview with Timothy Adam, you mentioned you lost your job several months ago and have replaced your income with jewelry sales. Since joining Etsy in November of 2008, you've sold over 2300 items. You've also had several sales on Artfire. That is impressive! What were your sales like while you were still employed? What are they like now? What are the some of the key things you've done or changed to bring and increase sales?
KP: I started listing items in January, right before I lost my job. Sales were iffy, but I wanted to give this a chance. I figured, it was now or never. I started out making wall art and housewares. I began sprinkling jewelry in, but I was afraid to go with jewelry all the way at first because it is such a saturated market. Then I started noticing that most of my sales were jewelry items, so I took the plunge, so to speak.

As far as improvements, I have spent what feels like a lifetime on my photos. Still to this day, there are some I am not happy with. I just keep working at it. I think that, coupled with the fact that nature inspired items are trendy and sought after, has brought me the success I have enjoyed. I also work at promoting my shop many hours a day. I have never worked this hard or this many hours, but I am incredibly grateful for my success.

NM: How do you attract people to your shop? Where/how do you promote your shop?
KP: I promote my shop anywhere and everywhere. I use paid advertising, mostly on Facebook, but I have used I-Promote on Artfire as well. I also have a fan page, which not only brings me sales, but allows me to interact with my customer, which I love. They are a super cool bunch of folks. I also do my fair share of renewing on Etsy. There is so much competition there, it makes it necessary for me to use that tool to stay relevant in the searches. You have to spend money to make money. I really believe that.

Also, through what I think is sheer luck of the draw, I've been featured in Etsy's Weekend Deals, on the front page and in Gift Guides.

NM: During the interview you also mentioned you heavily rely on Google Analytics to determine best listing times, as well as to gather other pertinent information such as traffic sources, search terms, etc. Is there a site or tutorial you can recommend for learning how to best use the tool?
KP: I recommend using Tim Adam's tutorial for Google Analytics. It can be found on his blog, I believe. The biggest tip for me was checking GA to see the times of day when I had the most traffic to my shop, and choosing those times to renew on Etsy and also, those are the times I choose to run my paid advertising.

NM: Are your items available anywhere other than Etsy and Artfire? Do you sell your items at craft fairs?
KP: I also have a shop on 1000 Markets. I don't currently do any craft shows. The ones I know about locally are just not a good fit for me. Plus, I am really busy with online sales.

NM: What is your favorite item in your shop? Why?
KP: I love my Mod Love Bird earrings. They are just so simple and so cute. They are my biggest seller as well. I wear mine all the time.

NM: Do you have a blog? If so, please tell us a little bit about it.
KP: I do have a blog, but I regret to say, it's woefully neglected. :)

NM: Do you belong to any groups on Etsy, Artfire or elsewhere?
KP: I do belong to a couple of teams on Artfire. Also, I belong to the Pagan Team on Etsy. I am not terribly active, I'm sorry to say. I just get busy and overwhelmed at times.

NM: Is there anything else you would like to share with us? (A little more about yourself, words of wisdom, marketing tips, …)
KP: Well, one thing I will say is that you should use some of the tips I gave as a guideline. Not everything works for every shop. Also, I think improving photos is monumentally important. Don't try paid advertising until you are happy with at least some of your photos.

Another thing is trading – I cannot say enough wonderful stuff about trading. It's a fabulous way to get some of your products out there, and get some feedback. Especially if you're just starting out. I have made some wonderful connections by trading as well. My very first sale on Etsy was a trade. There are always trading threads going in the Promotions Forum on Etsy. It's worth a try. Plus, you get some great stuff! :)


Business Details

Your Name: Kristin Purcell

Business/Shop Name: Just Peachy by Peaches4me

Etsy Shop: www.peaches4me.etsy.com

Weekly Giveaway - May 4-10, Sea Babe Jewelry

Enter this week's giveaway for a chance to win a Fine Silver Forged Ring by Sea Babe Jewelry


Fine Silver Forged Ring valued at $20.00

How it works:
Every Monday, Nature Manipulated hosts a giveaway from a fabulous Etsy or Artfire shop. For a chance to win the prize you must leave a comment on NM's blog (to this post) with the following items:

1) A link to your favorite item in the featured seller's shop
2) Your contact information (email, Etsy or Artfire shop URL)

If you do not include BOTH items in the comments your entry will not be included.

The contest will run through 11:59 p.m. Eastern, Sunday, May 10, 2009. The following Monday, I will pick the winners at random and contact the winners via email or Etsy convo.

One entry per person.

Sea Baby Jewelry is owned by a Hawaiian couple, Kristin and David, who love to surf and create jewelry. In addition to working on "The Babe," as Kristin and David refer to their shop, they both continue to have jobs not related to the Sea Babe Jewelry. Kristin works in marketing and David has experience in the importing business.

At the heart of Sea Babe Jewelry are style, quality and craftsmanship. What began as a hobby quickly turned into a home business as Kristin and David discovered how much they love crafting. Kristin and David work with the best materials they can find including rough diamonds, gemstones, various metals, shells and even unique beads.

Post a link to your favorite item from Sea babe Jewelry, along with your contact information (email, Etsy or Artfire URL or username) for a chance to win a great prize.

SeaBabeJewelry.etsy.com

Nature Manipulated is not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged items. The prize will be shipped directly from the featured seller and Nature Manipulated is not responsible if the seller does not produce the item or do so in a timely fashion. Once the winner is selected, Nature Manipulated will notify the winner and provide the winner's shipping information to the featured seller. From that point on, all questions or concerns regarding the prize should be addressed to the featured seller. By entering the requested information in the comments, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions of this giveaway.

Good luck and hope to see you again next Monday for another great giveaway, and throughout the week for other great features and posts.

Weekly Giveaway April 27-May 3 - Nature Manipulated

This week's giveaway is from me, Nature Manipulated. After weeks of prizes from numerous different Etsy and Artfire sellers, I decided it was time to give away something from my shop.

Enter to win Dancing Queen Carnelian Dangle Earrings from Nature Manipulated


Dancing Queen Dangle Earrings valued at $17.00

How it works:
Every Monday, Nature Manipulated hosts a giveaway from a fabulous Etsy or Artfire shop. For a chance to win the prize you must leave a comment on NM's blog (to this post) with the following items:

1) A link to your favorite item in the featured seller's shop
2) Your contact information (email, Etsy or Artfire shop URL)

If you do not include BOTH items in the comments your entry will not be included.

The contest will run through 11:59 p.m. Eastern, Sunday, May 3, 2009. The following Monday, I will pick the winners at random and contact the winners via email or Etsy convo.

One entry per person.

Nature Manipulated was established to create and share visual and wearable art, but most of all it was established as a reminder to everyone that jewelry is not only a pretty accessory, and photographs do not only capture beautiful images, it is also a piece of the world dangling from your ears, hanging from your neck, and wrapped around your finger, and sitting in your picture frame. Nature is a gift the earth has bestowed upon us. It is a gift that should be looked upon with envy and its beauties, in all forms should be admired and fully acknowledged.

While you are looking around Nature Manipulated, please take advantage of my Mother's Day sale: 15% off and free shipping on all necklaces (difference will be refunded through PayPal); buy two pairs of earrings and receive a free gift with your purchase.

Post a link to your favorite item from Nature Manipulated, along with your contact information (email, Etsy or Artfire URL or username) for a chance to win two great prizes.

naturemanipulated.artfire.com or naturemanipulated.etsy.com

Nature Manipulated is not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged items. The prize will be shipped directly from the featured seller and Nature Manipulated is not responsible if the seller does not produce the item or do so in a timely fashion. Once the winner is selected, Nature Manipulated will notify the winner and provide the winner's shipping information to the featured seller. From that point on, all questions or concerns regarding the prize should be addressed to the featured seller. By entering the requested information in the comments, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions of this giveaway.

Good luck and hope to see you again next Monday for another great giveaway, and throughout the week for other great features and posts.

Thinking of Mom Part I - Jewelry and Accessories Mother's Day Gift Guide

In preparation for Mother's Day (and to promote Artfire), I decided to put together some byhand.me spotlights of great Mother's Day gifts ideas. All of the items featured are available on Artfire. This "Thinking of Mom" gift guide will come in three parts: Jewelry and Accessories, Non-jewelry and Mother's Day Cards.

Hope you find the perfect gift for mother!



Items included in the spotlight above (from top left to bottom right):

1)Mother Necklace with Bezel Set Birthstones- Sterling Silver Gift Necklace by Mama Beth Bling

2)African Dolphin - Turquoise, Carnelian and Gemstone Necklace by Nature Manipulated

3)Mother's Day Brooch by PinkFink's Creations

4)Camelot - Mother of Pearl, Freshwater Pearls and White Topaz Sterling Silver Earrings by Night Sky Jewelry

5)Mother Fused Glass Pendant by Get Glassy

6)Chicago Wedding - Carnelian Rose and Gemstone Necklace and Earring Set by Nature Manipulated

7)Sumptuois Springtime - Antiqued Brass, Turquoise & Red Flower Necklace by Beadinbabe

8)Flora Legend Dichroic Fused Glass Pendant Jewelry by A.A.E. Artglass

9)CUSTOM 3 disk Hand Stamped Mother's Necklace by Little Shop of Baubles

Stay tuned for Part II: Thinking of Mom - Non-Jewelry Mother's Day Gift Guide and Part III: Thinking of Mom - Handmade Mother's Day Cards.

Going through Hoops on Artfire

In an effort to promote Artfire shops, I have been putting together some great spotlights on byhand.me featuring select items on Artfire. The byhand.me spotlights are great - you don't have to wait to get one (like on Etsy) and they get posted to the site's front page. They are also tweeted about which draws more visitors to the spotlight.

My latest spotlight features some of the wonderful hoop earrings available on Artfire.

Going through Hoops on Artfire


Featured shops include (from top left to bottom right):
Shiny Adornments
J.C. Jewelry Design
Artwork by KD
Mocahete
Nature Manipulated
Wyred on Wire
R Fefie Collection
Bella Jewels
Beaded Bauble

Thinking about opening an Artfire shop? Register on ArtFire.com here.

Monday Giveaway - Sarah Kathleen Warner

Congratulations to demmi and the Giveaway Diva for winning last week's giveaways

Win a pair of Tiny Pod Stud Earrings from Sarah Kathleen Warner

Tiny Pod Stud Earrings valued at $40.00


How it works:
Every Monday, Nature Manipulated will host a giveaway from a fabulous Etsy or Artfire shop. For a chance to win the prize you must leave a comment on NM's blog (to this post) with the following items:

1) A link to your favorite item in the featured seller's shop
2) Your email or Etsy (or Artfire) shop URL (so I can contact you if you are the winner)

If you do not include BOTH items in the comments your entry will not be included.

The contest will run through 11:59 p.m. Eastern, Sunday, March 15, 2009. The following Monday, I will pick the winner at random and contact the winner via email or Etsy convo.

One entry per person.

Sarah Kathleen Warner is a studio jeweler who recently relocated to Brooklyn, NY. She received her Bachelor of Industrial Design from N.C. State University in 2000. During that time she began making jewelry, and has continued her education in craft materials at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Penland School of Crafts, and Virginia Commonwealth University. A year of study at the Bard Graduate Center for Studies in the Decorative Arts, Design, and Culture provided access to a rich history of objects to mine for ideas and inspiration to combine with her own. Nature and materiality also influence her designs. Sarah loves to travel and learn foreign languages. She has spent time in Italy, France, Spain, and Brazil.

Sarah's work explores materiality, movement and symbolism. She seeks to create a sense of luxury utilizing the weight, luster and tactility of traditional materials including silver, gold and pearls, as well as less conventional acrylic and silk. The human body provides the catalyst to create motion (and even sound) in many of these pieces. History provides a rich mine of symbols to explore and abstract.

Post a link to your favorite item from Sarah Kathleen Warner's shop, along with your email address (or Etsy URL or username) for a chance to win a pair of Tiny Pod Stud Earrings.

SarahKathleenWarner.etsy.com

Nature Manipulated is not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged items. The prize will be shipped directly from the featured seller and Nature Manipulated is not responsible if the seller does not produce the item or do so in a timely fashion. Once the winner is selected, Nature Manipulated will notify the winner and provide the winner's shipping information to the featured seller. From that point on, all questions or concerns regarding the prize should be addressed to the featured seller. By entering the requested information in the comments, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions of this giveaway.

Good luck and hope to see you again next Monday for another great giveaway, and throughout the week for other great features and posts.

Etsy's wickedworld Makes the Stage at the Oscars

Betina Wassermann of wickedworld.etsy.com made the stage at the Oscars without ever setting foot on it! She walked the red carpet and up to Ryan Seacrest on the neck of Mickey Rourke ... and she did it doggy style! For those of you who pay close attention to what the celebrities are wearing, you may have noticed the necklace Mr. Rourke was wearing at the 81st Annual Academy Awards (and if you weren't paying attention, you made have heard Mr. Seacrest point it out). The necklace, exhibiting a picture of Mr. Rourke's late chihuahua, Loki, was a wickedworld original. Now you must be wondering, how did Betina pull that one off? That's what I was wondering when I read about it in an AM New York article.

I contacted Betina last week to congratulate her and ask her how she did it (along with some other questions). As many of you can guess, she has been SWAMPED with orders but she managed to squeeze in a few minutes to talk to me yesterday ... This is what I learned:

Betina didn't plan on any of this happening and she definitely didn't expect the outcome. A few day's before the Oscars, Betina learned about the death of Loki. Understanding the pain of losing a beloved pet (and being the huge Mickey Rourke fan that she is), Betina thought it would be really nice to send Mr. Rourke one of her necklaces in memory of Loki. After hours and hours of research, Betina identified Mr. Rourke's publicist and sent an email asking if she could get the necklace to him. Mr. Rourke's publicist replied asking to have the necklace ASAP. Betina was so shocked when she saw him wearing it she couldn't stop screaming. Betina told me, "I was just trying to get someone through a tough time. I never thought he would wear it." Luckily, Betina recorded the Oscars! ... on VHS!

Since her major and unplanned debut at the Awards, Betina has seen a lot of traffic to her shop and lots of orders. Although her shop is filled with glass pendants, beaded jewelry and great photography, most of her customers are requesting custom orders. According to Betina, "98% of the orders are for pendants with images of pets." Betina has been incredibly busy. There is currently a 3-4 week wait on orders... but she's not complaining.

Betina is a native New Yorker with a long history of working in the arts. She graduated from New York's Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) with a degree in photography. Five or six years ago, Betina began making beaded jewelry. As the times changed and styles changed, Betina moved on to chain work and approximately one year ago, glass pendants like the one Mr. Rourke showed the world. Betina describes her work as eclectic - with a dark twist. Although her pendants may not convey her dark side, her photographs of cemeteries illuminate it. Although Betina finds cemeteries beautiful, serene and incredibly statuary, she believes what draws her there are her macabre qualities.

If you are interested in seeing more of Betina's work or placing a custom order for one of her famous custom pendants, please visit her Etsy shop. Betina's glass pendants will also be available soon in select New York City boutiques.

Betina was also featured by the New York Post and Access Hollywood

wickedworld.etsy.com

Featured EtsyBlogger - Storybeader

It's been a while since I interviewed an Etsy seller. When it comes to featured Etsybloggers, I normally just write about them, their shop and their blog. This month I decided to bring back the interviews and ask Storybeader a few questions.

1. How would you describe your jewelry?
Ethnic and southwestern, and one-of-a-kind, of course!

2. How long have you been making jewelry for?
It's been 3 years now.

3. How did you get into this line of work/hobby?
I began slowly, like a lot of other jewelers, making gifts and jewelry for myself. Then I began to sell a few pieces. When I started to make money, I felt justified in buying more materials and supplies.

4. What is your favorite item in your shop? Why?
I like my treasure necklaces the best, because they are so unique. But if I had to pick one single item, I would say my Pumpkin Magnesite and Blanket Bead Necklace. The orange and green colors are so beautiful and remind me of autumn leaves. I love the twist of golden (and not silver) blanket beads - makes you feel all warm and cozy, just looking at it!

5. What are some of your favorite Etsy shops or items?
I love looking at the beadweaving jewelry. There are two ladies from Israel, that have some absolutely beautiful pieces. It you're a seedbeader, you'll know their stores: Triz Designs and Smadar's Treasure. They are both bloggers - that's how I found them!. I'm also on the lookout for unusual pendants and beads. My latest buys on Etsy have been lampwork pendants, from Canyon Echoes and Graceful Creations

6. How do you attract people to your shop?
I have my blog, Stroll Through Storyland, that introduces people on the internet to Etsy. I just started a new series on my blog about my design process and think this might interest some people. I try to always comment on other people's blog, if I take the time to read them. I also try and drop about 50 cards a day on other Entrecard blogs. Hopefully people are curious enough to come by and visit with me.

I participate in the Etsy teams; in particular, the Etsybloggers. I don't have time during the day to socialize with everyone, so at night, I try to read the forums and comment. Many of my fellow Etsybloggers are regular window shoppers (thank you!)

I made some postcards, instead of business cards, to hand out when I get a chance. Hopefully, people will put them up on their refrigerators and bulletin boards. They are my new "Season's Greetings" cards! I also plan to send the postcards out to anyone who's bought something from me in the past if I have their addresses.

7. What advice can you offer other Etsy sellers?
If you're not on a team, join one. Plan to spend at least as much time on the computer as you do designing and producing your product. I've come to realize that you need to know your audience, remember to pay yourself for your work and don't forget the fees and extraneous costs involved in the selling process. Now this might not be relevant to everyone, but if you're selling, you're in business.

8. Are your items available anywhere other than etsy?
I don't want to spread myself too thin, but I liked the layout of Shop Handmade and have a few items there. I am a member of The Artisans Shoppe and my pieces are featured along with others throughout the month. I've also succeeded in putting a Buy It Now button on my blog, under one of my necklaces. I plan on making a tab, to sell more necklaces directly from my blog. And if you're ever in Lawton, Oklahoma, come by the Museum of the Great Plains and see me and my jewelry in the Museum shop.


Business Details

Name: Deborah Baroff

Business/Shop Name: storybeader

Location: Lawton, OK

Etsy URL: storybeader.etsy.com

Blog URL: storybeader.blogspot.com