AND THE WINNER IS:
#368 - PPREACHERSWIFE!
CONGRATULATIONS!!
I love pendants and snowmen, so when I find a shop that has both - I'm so happy! :) Gifts for all Seasons has some of the most wonderful and unique pendants I've found. Wait until you see the prize!! But first please read about the woman behind this amazing shop.
Where are you from? Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a Denver Colorado native, born and raised, at the foot of the beautiful Rocky Mountains. I am a single mom of a 16 year old daughter, Annie. I have been making pressed flower jewelry for over 24 years, and love it more and more each day. I am constantly challenging myself to create new,unique, and one of a kind pieces that I feel my customers would love as much as I do in creating them.
*How did you decide on your shop name? Why did you start your business?
I started this so long ago, it's hard to remember exactly when. When I was just doing small craft shows, I remember thinking if I ever did this on a bigger scale, what I create is really a gift for all seasons...and a name was born. It really does sum up my love for each season, which here in Colorado we have 4 unique seasons, but not always in the right order. Last year, on the last day of Summer, it was snowing! I was rushing around trying to press all the flowers I could before they froze. We have some really crazy weather here. Old saying if you live here in Denver is "If you don't like the weather, wait 10 minutes, and it'll change. That is so true.
*What or who inspires you?
Anything in nature inspires me. I love gardening, and wanted to try to preserve some of these works of art by Mother Nature. Once I learned the art of pressing flowers, it opened up a whole new world, and my creative mind was racing, and still is to this day. It started by making greeting cards, photo mats, gift cards. I then wanted to do something to create what I love, into something we all could wear, such as jewelry to enjoy as well as people I came across during my day. After years of experimenting, some victories, some failures...I have now got myself to a point that I know what works with what flowers, and what doesn't. Some flowers press better than others, some don't hold their color, and on and on. I have also developed a love of photography, of flowers, sunsets, butterflies, anything that moves me at that moment. I always have my camera with me, and a lot of my best photographs have been in the spur of the moment, unplanned, never staged.
I hope it brings a memory of something close to their heart. Either a childhood memory as with my daisy jewelry "He love me, He loves me not". Most of us remember doing that with a daisy, petal by petal, and of course always ending up with 'He loves me!" Also a memory of a wedding, a summer vacation, or just a favorite flower that someone never knew could be pressed and created into something to cherish, and wear anytime you choose.
*What’s your supply addiction; is there a specific color or type of supply you just can’t pass up?
This is a tough one, and a toss up! Probably jewelry findings, and flowering plants would be my first and it's a tie. I see something, and my mind starts going to what I have recently pressed, or can press, and looking for the perfect casting for it's new home, and where this beautiful blossom will become a meaningful piece for someone special.
*What do you do when you’re not being an artist? What activities do you enjoy?
One thing I try to do everyday is go for a walk, weather permitting. It's good for your mind, spirit and creativity. There is so much you see when walking you won't see when you are driving. Camera in hand, of course. I love spending time with my beautiful, amazing daughter, doing anything. I am so very proud of her, and to be her mother. She my pride and joy, and I love her more and more each day. And time with my friends...this is so very important to me as well. Since I lost both my mother and father, this is my family. I am a very blessed person when it comes to my friends. I have a few friends that I could not live without. Karen is my lifelong best friend from childhood, went to school together since kindergarten, and have been best friends for over 50 years. She is a talented watercolor artist on Etsy under Karenannkreations. You must see her amazing art! I have a friend Colleen, who is so very dear to me, and Debbie, who we have worked together many years ago, been through a lot of the same challenges together, and are two of my dearest friends, and biggest supporters. Sweet Poppins, who is an original, and is my own Mary Poppins (is from England) and fellow gardening buddy and flower lover. She lets me come and raid her garden, flower press in hand. And then there is fabulous Carol, who is amazing, kind hearted, and one of the best people in the world. These ladies are such a huge part of my life, and are amazing ladies and an inspiration to me, and treaure them all. All of these ladies encouraged me to get on Etsy. I must also mention Leah from Luv2Have on Etsy. You must visit her shop! She creates the most beautiful dichroic glass jewelry I have ever seen. I met Leah through Etsy, as she was my very first purchase on Etsy, long before I was selling on Etsy, and we have become best of friends. She has been my mentor, dear, and best friend, and amazingly supportive, as all of these amazing women are. I love these women, and how unique, supportive, kind and loving they are towards me. I feel very blessed to have each of them in my life, and am so grateful. Don't know what I would ever do without them. And of course a day doesn't go by without creating new jewelry. My passion, and such a joy to do!I think when I see such a beautiful flower that I have nurtured and grown, many from seed, to see them as sprouts, then thriving plants, and then blooming. To press these I think gives me the most enjoyment, since I saw it from beginning to the finished piece of jewelry. This can takes 3-4 months from start to finish. Very gratifying and fulfilling.
NOW FOR THE GIVE AWAY!
The winner will receive this beautiful Snowman Pendant from Gifts for All Seasons!
A sweet little whimsical snowman, all wrapped up in his winter coat, scarf, and hat, ready to withstand the cold winter wind. This was created on a frosted glass pendant to give this an icy, winter feel. A few snowflakes falling, and pressed Queen Anne's Lace that mimics unique one of a kind snowflakes. This pendant has a subtle shimmer to it in bright light. Has been sealed with clear resin to protect the image, and pressed flowers. Measures 1 1/4 inch from top of silver plated bail to bottom, and 3/4 inch wide. Will come with a lovely 18" silver plated snake chain, and thoughtfully gift packaged, ready for gift giving, or to keep for yourself. Please keep from extreme moisture.
Good luck to everyone. Thanks for entering!
THIS GIVE AWAY IS CLOSED!!
The draw will take place on: November 12 @ 8PM Central
This is open to Worldwide!
Good Luck Everyone!!
Audrey's Country Crafts is in no way responsible for the mailing of the prize. After the name is drawn I will contact that person. They have 2 days to respond before another name will be picked! The name and address will be forwarded. Thank-you for entering!!
