Ahh...Roses in October

About three weeks ago, I found out I was one of the lucky winners of a "5 prize giveaway" on The Curious Pug.  And yesterday...I received my prize!!  It took a few weeks because it came all the way from Ireland.  I don't think I've ever received anything from that far away, but let me tell you, it was well worth the wait! 

I won this stunning print from Photography by Brideen.   Brideen is a professional photographer, and her photos are fabulous!  I'm SO happy, and I feel very fortunate to have won a piece of her lovely work.  The colors are so vibrant, and the print is so clear that you feel like reaching out to touch and smell the beautiful roses!

Now, I'm going shopping for the perfect frame because this beauty is going to brighten my studio! ;-D  There's nothing like receiving roses in Autumn!

"Thank you so much to Brideen and to Alycia at The Curious Pug."  See more of Brideen's wonderful work at Photography by Brideen, and check out what's new at The Curious Pug.

A Friend is Having a Sale!

Recently, I've had the pleasure of making a new friend who is a very talented artist, Lori @ Ashlyn Design.  Lori is celebrating her 1 year anniversary as a seller on etsy by having an Anniversary Sale that includes 10% off everything in her etsy shop.  She makes the most beautiful beads and creates gorgeous finished jewelry as well! 

These "Gilded Violet Lampwork Spacer Beads" are one of my favorite sets! I just love the vibrant colors, and for those who know me well, know that purple is my favorite color! ;-)

Isn't this focal bead stunning?! It's called, "Lilac Watercolor Roses," and it's made entirely out of glass.

psst...it's on sale too!

This very pretty and adorable "Silver Scroll Acorn" bead is another one of my favorites!  The metallic scroll work is amazing!  This would be perfect for a Fall designed jewelry piece.

See more of Lori's fabulous creations at her etsy shop and remember, everything is on sale! 

October 23rd - 26th. 

Happy drooling and shopping! ;-D

Etsy Success Holiday Boot Camp

Okay...I meant to do this last week, but I got sick with a mild case of the flu.  But.....I'm on the road to wellness and feeling much better.   I saw my doctor today and got a flu shot too, so that should really help.  Now...onto the Etsy Success Holiday Boot Camp.  It's a cool idea for etsy sellers to band together and help each other with the upcoming holiday season.  I know I could really use a push in the right direction, so I decided to participate.  Etsy sends you a newsletter each week with helpful resources and checklists.  And...there's a weekly forum thread where sellers check in with what they're doing, how they're doing, what they need help with and so on.  If need be, you can reach out to another etsy seller that has common interests in regards to what you make and sell...like a boot camp buddy to kick around promo ideas, holiday packaging tips, and to overall help and support each other throughout the holiday selling madness.  

The 1st step is to post the following holiday boot camp pledge.  So here I go...a lil late, but I'm on track.

"I, Brenda S., pledge to participate in the Etsy Success Holiday Boot Camp to the best of my abilities. I vow to check in every week, do my homework and support my fellow Holiday Boot Campers. I will read the weekly newsletters and blog posts, check in on the weekly forum thread, read the weekly blog post, check off the checklists and salute the mascot. I promise to share what I've learned with those who need it, support my fellow Etsy indiepreneurs and, most of all, have a positive and persistent attitude. I understand that together we can spread the word about our handmade and vintage goods, making this holiday season a more unique and meaningful one to gift givers and give-ees everywhere! "

I've already got the next step completed....a boot camp buddy! :-)  Her name is Lori, and she's super sweet!  We even live in the same state!  I'm so glad she contacted me, cause I know we're going to kick boot camp booty!! ;)  You can see Lori's gorgeous lampwork beads and jewelry at Ashlyn Designs.  Well...I'm off to go put another check mark on my check list.  Thanks for reading!

BIG Giveaway

I saw this fabulous giveaway on The Curious Pug's blog, and it's BIG!

 Ten generous bloggers, including `The Curious Pug`, have each contributed a wonderful prize for the giveaway. How cool is that?! There's going to be 10 very lucky winners, so you better hurry and get your entry in. The BIG giveaway ends at midnight October 8th (pst.)  Click on the links and/or the photo above to go straight to the giveaway. Have fun & Good luck! :)