Etsyversary Give-away!

Remember in my previous post that I mentioned I had a surprise? Well, it's my One Year Etsyversary and to celebrate I'm having a little giveaway! I'll reveal the prize in just a moment, but first, I wanted to unveil my new logo and packaging for my business--a new look, for a new year of online selling:

Erin of EdUB Graphics created this logo for me--I think she did a wonderful job! The tendrils and leaves perfectly capture the nature of my work (and my company's namesake, the ivy vine...)

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And here is a photo of my new packaging for my Etsy shop--I had brand new hang tags printed up with the logo, and am now incorporating a piece of hand-crocheted lace into the decoration:

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And now, without further ado, my 

♥FIRST ANNUAL ETSYVERSARY GIVEAWAY!♥

I'm giving away this little pair of one-of-a-kind earrings to one lucky reader...

{Hyacinthe Earrings}

They feature medallions of lavender silk, edged in handmade lace of real silver thread and tanazanite stones. In the center of the medallions is a dainty flower of silver thread, dotted with amethyst, tanzanite chips and vintage seed beads. The flower's center is a large, mauve freshwater pearl...

The ear wires and findings are sterling silver...

And the drops are faceted amethyst with accents of mauve freshwater pearls and tanzanite. 

Very flowery and romantic and perfect for Summer!

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To enter, you can:

♥Leave a comment or suggestion on this post--such as what is your favorite design in my Etsy shop, what you'd like to see more of on my blog, etc.

♥Write a "tweet" on Twitter with a link back to this post, and then leave a comment to let me know

♥Write a short blog post with a link back to this one and leave a comment with the link to let me know

You can do any or all of these options--but please, no more than three entries per person!

I'll announce the winner on August 1st!

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Good luck! Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend :)

My Creative Space...

Yikes! Has it really been two weeks since my last post? Time has just been flying by, I've been so hard at work on so many new projects.

This sort of project for instance...

A new necklace design that I am putting the finishing touches on...I'm loving the rich violet and amethyst hues!

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And here are some other things occupying my desk right now--a new little stash of beautiful threads, scooped up last weekend during a visit to the local embroidery shop:

{Skeins of Hand-dyed Cotton Thread}

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And another view of the work in progress...

It's almost done, just needs a few more links on the chain!

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Also on my desk today (although not a project of my own) are the contents of a wonderful, fragrantly scented parcel that arrived yesterday afternoon from my friend Michaela all the way in South Dakota....

It was such a nice surprise to receive this care package bursting full of interesting goodies--best of all--an organic, hand-crocheted wash cloth and a stack of beautiful photographs--all made by the talented Michaela herself and packaged inside a violet and amethyst hued bag (we must have been on the same wavelength colorwise!) 

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And speaking of gifts and surprises--I have something of my own planned this week for readers of my blog--I will reveal more in the next day or so :)

Until then, if you'd like to see what other artists are working on in their Creative Spaces this week--just follow this link!

My Creative Space...

This week I thought I would start off by giving another preview my wedding dress, since I've received so many nice inquiries about it from various readers...

{Vintage crocheted lace, silk gauze, dotted swiss, vintage lace, muslin}

Above is the palette of the different fabrics I'll be incorporating into the design.

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And here is a sort of virtual inspiration board that I created...

{Claire Pettibone, Stewart + Brown, Antique Dress from 1910's from MyNoble on Ebay}

I nearly was the owner of the dress on the far right, but alas, was outbid at the last moment on Ebay!

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And here is the sketch of my dress...

It's one part Regency style, and one part Edwardian, two of my favorite fashion time periods...

This weekend my mother will be helping me with sewing and fitting, so I should have some more pics soon!

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And speaking of weddings, here is a new design that I've  just added to my Etsy shop as part of my Bridal Collection...

Sirena Earrings:

They have a slightly organic feel to them, like something a mermaid might wear--hence the name "Sirena" which comes from the Italian for mermaid. 

They feature my signature hand-made lace in real gold thread, with lots of mauve colored freshwater pearls. I experimented with chains in this design, which I think swag quite gracefully...the crocheted cabochon setting for the pearls in the center of the lace was a new technique as well. What do you think?

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To see what other artists are working on in their Creative Spaces this week, be sure to pop over to Kootooyoo's blog!

My Creative Space...

This week, My Creative Space has shifted out of the studio, and into the kitchen.

I've temporarily traded in making little flowers of silk and crystals for crystallizing real ones...

{Johnny Jump-ups, Sweet Basil and Edible Marigolds}

Last weekend I went to the Farmer's Market and picked up several flats of organically-grown, edible flowers from Singing Cedar Farm. I've been spending some time preserving them to use as decoration on my wedding cake.

With just a mixture of egg whites lightly applied and a dusting of sparkling sugar, these little flowers will crystallize into beautiful, edible, and natural garnishes...

To see what other artists are  working on in their Creative Spaces this week, be sure to check out this link...

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And I'll close this post with a photo I took just minutes ago...

Two beautiful rainbows arching across the sky, right outside our front door!

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Hope everyone has a 

Happy Fourth of July!