The MaKu Collection GIVEAWAY ends 10/30

I know some of you have already started your christmas shopping!  I hope you're not done yet!  And if you haven't even started, do I have a store for you!   

AND SHE DONATES TO CHARITY!

Please let me introduce to you The MaKu Collection and the woman behind the gorgeous jewelry!

Glass Lamp Work Necklace on Waxed Cotton

My name is Winnie and I’m a stay at home mom with 2 lovely children.  I always love arts and crafts.  A little over a year ago I’ve started making jewelry.  I felt in love with all of the beautiful beads, gemstones, and beads I used in my jewelry are handmade by artisans in the USA and Italy.
 I do not like to limit myself when I’m designing jewelry. Sometimes, I like to mix handmade beads with gemstones, and sometimes I’ll use gemstones with my resin pendants.   Handmade Bali silver and Vermeil findings are also components I love to use.

Organic Crocheted Beads Necklace

Apart from beads, I also use rubber stamps, digital graphics, pretty paper and fibers.   I’m always thinking of new designs and trying new materials to make unique pieces.  You can find very casual to formal jewelry in my shop.  They are all carefully crafted with affordable prices.

In my Etsy shop, you’ll find a small selection of very cute handmade polymer clay pendant necklaces for girls.  I started making these necklaces for my 8 year old daughter.  She absolutely loves them so I decided to make them available for my customers.

Glass Lampwork Necklace

Since I believe in the importance of quality education, I donate a portion of my proceeds to help public school programs through DonorsChoose.org.  You can check out the projects I’ve supported so far:
http://donorschoose.org/themakucollection

Thanks Winnie!

See something you like and can't wait to have it?

Winnie is offering readers a 10% discount

code "THANKS" at her store checkout!

Now for the GIVEAWAY!  

Winnie is offering one lucky winner her 

Swarovski and freshwater pearl earrings!

 

How to enter:

Mandatory:  You must be a follower of my blog!  

open to followers in the US, Canada and International!

1.  Mandatory entry:  Check out The MaKu Collection's shop on etsy and then come back fill out the rafflecopter form (1 entry)

Optional extra entries:

2.  Like Jewelry By J on facebook (1 entry)

3.  Like The MaKu Collection on facebook  and tell her Jewelry By J sent you!  (1 entry)

4.  Heart one of The MaKu Collection's item in her etsy store (1 entry)

5.  Heart The Maku Collection's etsy store

6.  Become a follower of The MaKu Collection on twitter (1 entry)

7.  Heart my etsy shop or an item in it! (1 entry each)

8.  Purchase an item from The MaKu Collection using the discount code above(10 entries)

Contest ends on 10.30.2011

Winner will be chosen by random.org
GOOD LUCK!

Sea Glass Necklace and earrings

My sister-in-law and her family go to Hawaii every year for vacation.  Her husband decided to collect some sea glass from the beach (secretly, and even got a sunburn doing it) and brought it back for me to design some jewelry around it to commemorate their vacation.   Isn't that sweet of him?

He gave me a huge bag of shells and glass to sift through...it was pretty heavy and I can't believe he brought that all back!  What a great idea, though!

My sister-in-law loves matching sets, so I set out to make a necklace and earring set for her.  First I tried to find pieces that either matched relatively well or I thought could go together.  Plus, color was important, too.

Of course, I do not have a drill, so I had to decide how to best wire wrap the glass.  I used 28 gauge half hard sterling silver wire.  I think this looks best with sea glass because the holes that get drilled in the piece are so large and sometimes crack the glass.

But here it is!  My final result!  Tell me what you think!

Hawaiian sea glass and freshwater pearl in sterling silver earrings

Freshwater pearl and hawaiian sea glass necklace with delicate double strand sterling silver chain:  I found three pieces that were sort of triangular shaped and I thought would look pretty as part of a necklace instead of a pendant type.  And to add some interest, I doubled the delicate chain and added another bounty of the sea - freshwater pearls.

Here's the wrap in a little more detail:  I never realized how difficult it would be to wrap it in a pretty manner, but I think I'm hooked!

and the back with an extender, of course! and a little sea shell i found in the bag that already had a convenient hole in it  =)

and here's what they look like on...soooo pretty and I love how personal it is!  

This is one of a kind and unfortunately, not going into my store.  However, he did say I can keep the rest of the sea glass, so if you would like something specially made for you, please feel free to contact me and we can discuss!  Hurry!  Christmas is just around the corner!

Have a great week!

Check out some of my sea glass jewelry I've recently posted on etsy!

DeeCaffeinated $10 Gift Certificate Giveaway ends 10/23

It's my pleasure to introduce you to Dee, owner and operator of Designs by Dee!  She's got an eclectic mix of jewelry, wine glass tags, cards and hair accessories in her stores!

My name is Dee and I live in quiet, rural farm country. The peaceful surroundings of hills and rolling farms beckons the artist in me. The striations in stone always fascinated me and how I loved rocks! I still have my "rock collection" of favorites! Geology seemed such a bland career choice... Perhaps that's why my special bead love is semi precious stone - that's a bit more interesting! My other passion is paper, but that’s another topic all together… I digress…

At my Etsy Shop you'll find a unique wine tag for a wine lover, a beaded bookmark for a special bookworm, semi precious stone necklace, bracelet, earring for her - or for him. Believe it or not at some of my shows men have purchased for themselves! 

My favorite shop item is the Necklace Red / Beige (Cream) / Brown in Wood and Red Riverstone Beads .  It was inspired by a custom request for a lightweight necklace but still with some body. The mix of wood stone with the semi precious stone created a perfect balance. The feature beads are hand painted wood – although not hand painted by me – my eyes aren’t quite that good!

Where to Find DeeCaffeinated:

Jewelry Shop www.etsy.com/shop/DeeCaffeinated

Card Shop www.zibbet.com/DesignedByDee

Blog:  designed-by-dee.blogspot.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/Designed.by.Dee

Twitter twitter.com/DesignedByDee 


BUY IT!
Get 10% off your entire purchase
with code
GIVEAWAY2011AUG
at checkout!


WIN IT!
One Lucky Winner will get a 
$10 Gift Certificate to DeeCaffeinated!


For US only


How to enter:
you must be a follower of this blog
1.  Mandatory 1st entry:  check out DeeCaffeinated and fill out the form below!


extra optional entries:
2.  follow Dee's Blog (+1)
3.  like Designed by Dee on facebook and tell her Jewelry By J sent you! (+1)
4.  Follow Dee on twitter! (+1)
5.  Purchase an item from DeeCaffeinated or her card shop (+10 entries!).  Be sure to post the link to your invoice
6.  Like Jewelry By J on facebook (+1_
7.  leave a comment on this blog post (+1)
8.  "like" this blog post (+1)


winner chosen by random.org
contest ends 10.23.2011

I hope it keeps my head warm! Yawnydifranco Review {& Giveaway}

I just got this cool knit headband from Yawnydifranco on etsy!  This shop definitely has an eclectic mix of all things craft and art related!  Megan, the proprietress, definitely likes to keep things interesting!

Here's a picture of the adorable knit headband I got - I love that it's one size fit all and that you can adjust it to how tight you want it, courtesy of the ribbon tie.  It's a knit that's been braided and that makes it a little more interesting than your normal plain headband.

Here's a picture of me wearing it - cute, huh?  I think the color is perfect for fall, since it looks greats with all the orange, browns, golds and rust colors that come out in everyone's wardrobe!

Check out some other cute items from Yawnydifranco:

I love these adorable little origami cranes!

Look at the adorable hand-dyed t-shirt!

Where you can find yawnydifranco:
etsy store:  www.etsy.com/shop/yawnydifranco
tumblr:  yawnydifranco.tumblr.com

BUY IT!
Like something from the shop?
Megan is offering YOU 10% off you entire purchase
enter code 10NEW at checkout!

WIN IT!
If you love the headband, you could win one for yourself!
Come back  11/11
and enter to win!

Nest of Many Colors Headband Set Giveaway! ends 10/19

I have a great new giveaway for you!  

I met Susan on Etsy and we've traded a couple of her wonderful items - I love her stuff and it's my honor to be able to introduce you to her.  Not only that, but she has graciously sponsored a giveaway of her gorgeous Berry Bloom Pom Rose Headband Starter Set in Autum Wonderland!  A $16.95 value!  

So without further ado, let me introduce you to Susan!

Hi!  I am Susan.  I am a stay at home mom to three perfectly amazing little ones.  I have always been a really crafty person...starting when I was young I was forever making things.  Friendship bracelets, pottery pieces, beaded items, etc.  My entry into the wonderful hair accessory world began much later after the birth of my third child.  Being a stay at home Mom left me wishing that there was something that I could do for ME in my "free time" (please note that I use that term very loosely).  

It started with two bow holders that I made for my own daughters and has simply progressed from there.  I started adding bows and headbands into the mix, but one of my favorite items to make is still the bow holders.

Obviously, my inspiration comes from my own children.  I try to keep my hair accessories classy and comfortable so that they can be worn more than once.  They are inspired by bright colors and minimalist looks.  

I strive to not only provide products at affordable prices, but also in my customer service.  I really treat each transaction with time and attention and each package leaves here with a handwritten note.  It is super important to me that my customers know how much I appreciate them and love creating for them.  I am so blessed that my "me time" crafting has turned into something that I can share with others.

Wow!  Thanks so much Susan!  I love hearing about how people got started doing what they are doing!  I love how affordable her items are and they make excellent gifts for anyone!

Find Susan here:

etsy:  NestofManyColors.Etsy.com

facebook:  www.facebook.com/nestofmanycolors

Do you LOVE Nest of Many Colors stuff?!  I do!  

Plus, her stuff is so affordable 

and it's 

FREE shipping to the US/Canada and $4.95 to everywhere else!

BUY IT!

Right now, Susan is offering

15% off with the code

JBLOG

at etsy checkout

WIN IT!

YOU Can win the adorable Berry Bloom Pom Rose Headband Starter Set in Autum Wonderland!

Mandatory 1st entry:

Check out Nest of Many Colors on etsy 

and then come back and fill out the rafflecopter form below!  (1 entry)

Michelle Chang Jewelry earrings GIVEAWAY ends 10.16.11

As promised!  I can't imagine how, but I think I'm more excited about this giveaway than you are!

I LOVE Michelle Chang Jewelry, so it's my great pleasure to bring you Michelle Chang, the creative genius behind it all!

She's got a wonderful assortment of silver and gold jewelry.  You are SURE to find something you like, if not absolutely fall in love with.  Her pieces are elegant, organic and has stunningly simple lines, but are  so original and one of a kind!

Michelle, please tell us a little bit about yourself!

3 Spike Necklace in Sterling Silver

My name is Michelle Chang and I live and work in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn in NYC.  I'm originally from Seoul, Korea but I consider myself a New Yorker as my family moved to NYC when I was 7.  

I was at one time an aspiring fine artist, an interior designer, and an illustrator.  Although I found enjoyment in doing all of those things,nothing compares to the degree of satisfaction and affinity that I feel when I make jewelry.  Most likely because jewelry making is unique in that it allows me to incorporate all the various skills and interests that I've accrued up till now.  

Open Mouth Snake Ring with Amethyst

To me, jewelry making is drawing, design, sculpture, and craft.  It's art embodied in a tiny object, one that can be worn to become a part of the person wearing it.  

I find inspiration in many things small and large, natural and man-made, living and inert.  Every piece of jewelry is made by hand here in New York City.  I don't think I'll ever have enough time to make all the jewelry I envision in my head.  Depending on the design, I may make a wax model for casting, or work directly with metal.  Sometimes I do a combination of both.  I work mostly in silver and gold, sometimes with precious or semi-precious stones.

Baby Kitten stud earrings with diamonds

Thanks Michelle!  I LOVE LOVE LOVE her jewelry so much!  It's the tiny details and simplistic yet well thought out designs that make all the difference.  All her jewelry is made to order and she take special requests!

You can find and purchase Michelle Chang Jewelry @ www.michellechangjewelry.etsy.com

DISCOUNT!

If you haven't purchase anything from her yet, now is the time to do so!  For a limited time, Michelle is offering YOU, my reader, a 15% discount off your entire purchase!
Just enter LOVE2011 @ checkout!

This is a great time to do your christmas shopping!  Her stuff is PERFECT for the person who has everything and you know you're giving something unique and handmade!

And you don't have to fight the crowds!

GIVEAWAY ALERT!

One lucky reader will win these cool and deceptively simple mismatched snake stud earrings in sterling silver!  WOW.

Mandatory 1st entry:

1.  Check out Michelle Chang Jewelry then come back and fill out the form below!

please note you must be a follower of my blog to win!

optional extra entries:

2.  purchase an item from Michelle Chang Jewelry (+10 entries)

3.  purchase an item from Jewelry By J (+5 entries)

4.  Blog about this giveaway (+1)

5.  Post this giveaway on your facebook page (+1)

6.  Tweet about this giveaway (+1)

Giveaway ends 10.16.11

Winner will be chosen by random.org and has 48 hours to return my email after notification

Oh so pretty! Bella Anela earrings {and Giveaway}

I just got the cutest earrings from Bella Anela on etsy!  They are silver dipped leaves with faceted turquoise terdrops, brown fire polished beads, frosty light blue glass rondelles and colorado topaz Swarovski crystals

She's got a great variety of handmade jewelry and she uses all my favorite materials like pearls, crystals, sea glass, sterling silver, gold filled wire and more!  Even better?  FREE SHIPPING within the United States!

Here's how they came - a box in a package and was well packed!  I love it when other artisans take as much care with their packaging as they do with their items!  Came perfectly from my original homeland - Hawaii!

I don't know about you, but I love it when things comes so prettily packaged!

My earrings came wrapped in tissue with a lovely hibiscus flower sticker in the box

Aren't they gorgeous?  I wore them the day after I got them to work and got sooo many compliments on them and people coming up to me and touching them.  EVERYBODY loved them!  They are so pretty with a natural, organic feel to them!

Here's some other things I LOVE from Bella Anela:

Four strand Knotted Necklace

Geode and Black Pearl Pendant

Lavender Chalcedony and Aqua cluster earrings

Now that you need to have something from Bella Anela, here's where to find her

etsy store:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/BellaAnela

facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bella-Anela-Handmade-Jewelry-by-Angela-Della-Sala/210565845625923

  BUY IT!

Can't wait and have to get something?!

For my readers only, Bella Anela is offering 10% off your entire purchase!

Just type BELLALOVEBLOG at checkout!

Act now and buy everyone you know beautiful and original christmas presents!

WIN IT!

Come back next month for your chance to win a $10 gift certificate to Bella Anela!