Winnner of Celebrity Creators Present is

Genelle Voss!!!!

But wait... there's more!  Princess Bella Marie of DeVincentisville didn't pick just one winner, she grabbed two (I know, she has a big mouth).  SO it's only fitting I get to give out TWO presents!!! YEAH!!!  So the second winner of my birthday giveaway is.... 

Nancy Neubauer!!!!!

I have to thank everybody that watched the show - both live and the recorded version.  Because it's my birthday, it gives me great joy to give out presents!  I will e-mail both Gen and Nancy to let them know and be able to design something one of a kind that is perfectly "them!"  After all, that's what makes a Designs By Dawn Marie piece so special... it's handmade beaded jewelry created especially for the recipient and personalize to their tastes!

See the glitter?  Yes, he even had the cake sprinkled with edible glitter!  ♥

I've had cake for breakfast (thank you sweetie), and it's National Coffee Day (coincidence, I think not) and I'm going to have lunch with my mama!  SO it's going to be a great day!  I feel so very loved everyday, but especially today!  


Hope your day is terrific!
{Hugs!}

Dawn

Wannna hear a secret?

Well as a loyal reader of my blog, I'm going to tell you!  But first... this is not a secret!

Tonight - 8:00 central (9:00 pm EST, 6:00 pm PST) online on http://www.celebritycreators.com/live-show/ Designs by Dawn Marie will be featured.  We're discussing turning your passion and purpose into a viable, thriving business.  

The hosts of Celebrity Creators Kathy Stover and Brian Kelly created this weekly show to introduce entrepreneurs to a global audience and to share different ways people can build and grow their businesses.  Guests on the Celebrity Creators in the past range from internet marketing experts, authors, artists, social media marketing experts, product developers, infomercial wizards and even more.  I have learned so much from Brian and Kathy's guests over the last 2 years.  I can only hope to be able to inspire their audience too.

Here's my personal invitation to you!  I'd love to have you join us.  The show will be streaming online at http://www.CelebrityCreators.com/live-show/ Whether you've started your own business, or you have a hobby you just love and want to turn it into a viable business, then this show will have some great information for you!

And now, what you've all been waiting for....

Here's the secret - for those watching the show live tonight, I'm going to be giving away a piece of custom designed jewelry.  Designed just for the winner!  Yes siree!  I'm going to bring your personality into a one of a kind design, just for you (or for you to give as a gift if you wish.)  Are you excited?  I am, it's like a party and I love making a party out of everything I do!  Presents, presents, presents - all just for you!!!

Hope to see you online!

Success comes in packages of all sizes

Having the rummage sale this weekend was such a growing experiece.  We had a very successful sale and I think part of that can be chalked up to Dawn doing her best to make it a party!  Yep, why do it if it ain't fun! :o)

I applied similar concepts that I use for the home parties and open houses I do for my handmade beaded jewelry.  Setting the stage for a WOW from the minute people walk in the door (in this case the garage.)  I had tablecloths on all 12 banquet tables (yes and we still had stuff staged in front of the garage doors on the driveway.  I offered a warm beverage to anybody that came in (coffee or cider) as a thank you just for coming out.  We piped in some soft music and people were truly wowed!  We were truly wowed at how much sold, and how little we have to pack up (all of which we're not donating to a local charity, and books are getting donated to our local library for their book sale.)

However the real successes this weekend were more than just the cash box and naked tables.  Here's what I mean:

- The gentleman that came back (drove 14 miles back) just to pay us $6 that we had undercharged him.  Then bought some more things and called later in the day to ask if he could purchase some windows and pick them up on Tuesday because he was in his truck on his way up north for the weekend.  Yes sir, your honesty knocked my socks off.

 - The woman that had a wonderful conversation while taking some of our free books.  We discussed her weekend plans and I suggested an idea how she could stay warm while dressing for a luau they were going to in 50 degree weather.  Who also came back to give me a hug and thank me for making her feel so special with all the health challenges she and her husband are going through. (and yes, her kindness in coming to share that with me did indeed bring me to happy tears.)

- The young mother that brought her daughter and the daughter said please and thank you for every single thing, including an ice cube I got out of the freezer for her cider so it wasn't so hot.  The little girl invited me to her birthday party to share in her cake.  She'll be 5 and was precious.  I love seeing parents that really teach their kids not just manners, but appreciation and gratitude. 

- The ladies that came near the end when all was quite picked over just to see if there was anything they wanted.  Finding nothing, they insisted on leaving a donation for a cup of cider and the warm, welcoming spirit despite the rain.

- For my family, who trudged all the way down from Deforest, Madison and Mequon all over an hour each way just to come out to show their support.  My heart felt gratitude cannot be measured.  Nor could the shock on my face as I saw them walking up the driveway.

- A long time friend that saw our sale posted on Facebook.  Drove up from IL just to say hi and reconnect after several years.  Again, my shock and gratitude were overflowing.

Seeing this side of human nature was AWESOME!  With all the junk they show us on TV and the news, we're really missing the ability to embrace the wonderful aspects of people.  Honesty, gratitude, appreciation and thoughtfulness are so much bigger than the blucky part of this world. 

So to all of those people that shared the wow moments with me this weekend, I owe you so many thanks and more! 

I hope you all have a fantastic week!
Much love & hugs!
~Dawn

Designs By Dawn Marie In Front of the Camera - Uncensored

By the time you read this... I'll be up over my eyeballs in rummage sale craziness.  Seriously, I know how hard rummage sales are to prep, price, organize and hold... and this is why I've never done one... nor has Chris and thus we have oodles and oodles of stuff to sell in our plan to downsize at some point. 

Anyhow, while I'm peddling my widgets (and freezing my tookus off because its' only supposed to be in the 50's on Friday, 60's Saturday) I wanted to share some exciting Designs by Dawn Marie news.  I have been asked to be a guest on the Celebrity Creators, an online television show with an international audience.

At first, I was a big 'ole baby... and wahhhh, wahhhh, not a camera... love waaaahhhhhh cried like a little chicken.  You see, I don't like talking infront of people - live.  I'm great on the phone or webinars I can be a rockstar... but live.as.in.camera - ZOINKS! 

Then finally some sense got smacked into my head and I agreed (or they caught me at a weak moment before I finished my 6 cups of coffee) either way, I reserve the right to put a bag over my head and cut out eye holes. :o)  So if you're online on Tuesday, 9/27 at about 9:00 pm Easter (8:00 central, 6:00 pacific) I'd love to have you join me!

My discussion is going to be about turning your passion and purpose into a viable business!  We'll talk getting started in business, marketing your business and growing your business!  I'm really, really excited to share my passion with such a grand audience. 

For more information, Celebrity Creators has created a Facebook event:   http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=150657655028385 

Hope your weekend is wonderful and that I can see over empty tables after everything sells at this goofy rummage sale over the weekend!

{Hugs!}
Dawn

Flowers for the Queen - A Bead Embroidered Necklace with an AH HA Moment

I'm so excited to share this piece with you today!  In creating this necklace, it stretched me outside the box and allowed me to grow.  First, let me show you Flowers for the Queen!

One of a Kind Art Jewelry - Bead Embroidered Necklace

You can read the full story of how Flowers for the Queen came to life here.  Part of the romance behind this piece is that the flower on the focal is a real flower.  I purchased the pendant because I love bringing natural elements together with man made beads to create something special.  It feels like I'm honoring Mother Earth while sharing my creative talents and gifts.  So the dried, pressed flower on this pendant spoke to me... but here was the kicker... the flower was yellow.

Did you read that right???? YELLOW???  I know, I was as shocked as you were!  It's a big challenge for me to get into a yellow or orange creative space.  I love the colors, I just don't design with them often.

So thus, I had to think outside of the box and incorporate a beautiful happy yellow, along with two of my favs turquoise and brown.  Hope you like the piece.  I have many more photos posted on my website along with the whole story of how I designed this piece.  

I hope you enjoy story and can see the same beauty in this necklace I saw while creating it!  It exudes happiness and love!

Make it a terrific week!

Dairy Queen Made Me Do It - And I LOVED It

This necklace was inspired by the DQ Blizzard I had the other day at Dairy Queen.  It was one of "those" days and after running around to what seems like every corner of teh county to get dog meds, groceries, etc... I came upon a particularly busy intersection that happened to be even busier because it was 4:00 and all the vacation people were coming up to start their weekends early.  So rather than going left, I opted to go right and that darn Honda Odyssey drove right to Dairy Queen (near my cut across road). 

Dang it, I just hate it when that happens.  So this darling little gal working the counter (I figured I better at least walk in and use 2 or 3 calories since I hadn't planned this treat and I've eaten my fair share of M&M's to fund the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra) was so very helpful.  But what did I want?  The Banana Cream Pie Blizzard or the Ooey Gooey Caramel Chocolate Blizzard.  Fruity or chocolatey... so many decisions could drive a girl to drink... or eat more ice cream.

Hmmmm, what to get?

The DQ goddess suggested if I live near by, I can stop back anytime for the Banana Cream Pie Blizzard, but the Ooey Gooey Caramel Brownie was just their flavor of the month.  Cha-ching!  Chocolate wins hands down!

"What Size?"  she asks.  Again, my head is spinning, so many decisions... "We have small, medium, large or the new mini."

"Oh I better go with the mini," I say.  "I wasn't planning on stopping here today."

With a puzzled look on her face the girl cups her hand and whispers, "The small is only 40 cents more and double the size."  Then she winks at me.

Ahhhhh, music to my ears.  She had me a "Double the size."  After all, I'm all about economics and helping people get more for less is helping fuel the American dream, right?!?!

So the rest is all history.  I could have licked that disposable paper blizzard cup.  It.Was.That.Good! 

Have you ever had one of those food moments?  Care to share...the moment, not the food! ;) I'd love to hear I'm not the only crazy woman that has food inspired jewelry!

Have a terrific day!
{Hugs!}
~Dawn

The Odyssey of the Odyssey and The Trip to the Big City

Yesterday, I told a small tale on Facebook, but for those that haven't requested to be my friend yet, it's okay.  I still love you and I will still tell you the tale...

Here's The Odyssey of The Honda Odyssey and The Trip to the Big City...

Monday, yes, Monday's always come way too soon as weekends are glorious and wonderful.  This Monday found me leaving home before the roosters woke up.  YES, that early.  Since I have a "no make-up before sun up" policy, I tossed it in the bag and away I did go.

Where?  Over the river and through the woods to mama's house I go... (you can sing the rest, I don't mind.)

I was taking my mom up to Brookfield (a burb of Milwaukee) for a medical treatment.  The treatment was to last 4 hours and I couldn't go into the facility because of their patient privacy policy.  I get it, but that gave me 4 hours (since I was an hour from home) to figure out what to do with myself.

My first thought was - wow, no pups needing potty breaks, tip back the seat and enjoy the silence, maybe a little nap, maybe?!?!  5 minutes later, that's good, now the sun's up, I suppose I better address that make-up situation before anybody sees me.  Check... 10 minutes in I still have 3 hours and 50 minutes of self-induced fun!

But what I'm most proud of accomplishing while waiting for my mom is my invention of the Dashboard Pedicure!  Let me tell you, if Billy Mays were still here on this earth, he would have been knocking on my van window to put me on an infomercial!  Seriously... well maybe not that seriously. 

Yes, the toes needed some attention.  Yes, we're headed into fall.  And yes, we're wearing boots.  BUT who doesn't love a day of flip flops out of the blue?  I DO!!!  Thus, needing to re-do the toes in grand style. 

As you can see, I had all the essentials; Coffee (lots of it), Water (both in recycled cups/bottles), base coat and pretty color.  I had toe separators and nail polish remover (not shown in photo) to keep everything on the professional level!

I even had a built in air dryer!  Turn the key of the van, set the fan to blow on the floor, turn that baby up and you are dry in no time at all!

The end result - pretty toes in a great autumnal burgandy shade - PRICELESS.

For those still asking about what happened with my mom, she was so very proud of my Dashboard Pedicure.  Oh, not that question??  Hmmm, yes she's doing great.  This procedure while it took a while was pretty laid back.  She's feeling great and hoping for amazing results for her arthritis! 

Updates on the jewelry front, I've been working like a crazy woman with beads and needles and wire and thread.  I have some amazing finished pieces, but haven't had the time during the right light to capture them on "film."  I'll get photos soon though and can't wait to share with you what I've been up to in the bead studio!

Hope your week is fan-dang-u-lous! I dare you, go sit in your car/van/motorcycle?!?! and give yourself a dashboard pedicure.  I want to see pictures - especially if you are on a motorcycle!  You would totally rock!
{Hugs!}

The Winner of the Artisan Earring Giveaway is

Thanks so much to everybody for participating in my giveaway throughout this week.  This morning I took all the entries from my blogger blog and from my blog post on The Hive and put them all into a very fancy bowl (said fancy bowl also doubles as Bella's Halloween themed toy box).  Then I read all the rules to Bella to make sure she followed them to a T.  I must say, she questioned "Thou shall not eat the winner" ... as you'll see momentarily.

Then Bella reached into the fancy bowl and selected one lucky name...

The WINNER of the Artisan Lampwork Glass Beaded Earrings is:

Moonlitfantaseas answering my question with:  

the crisp air and the brilliant colors.

Please e-mail me with your shipping address and I'll get your brand new earrings right out to you!  Thanks so much to everybody that participated.  I enjoyed reading everything you were looking forward to most with this fall!

Have a terrific weekend!
{Hugs!}
~Dawn

Sizzzlin' up Designs by Dawn Marie Jewelry

I'm so excited to share this news with you this morning.  Designs by Dawn Marie has partnered with Sizzzl to offer an exclusive wire crochet bracelet design! 

First I want to introduce you to Suzy Manning, CEO of Sizzzl (don't you just love that business name?  It just makes me smile!)  Suzy is a professional trainer and published author.  She is passionate about teaching women to live their life with purpose.  In getting to know Suzy, I can say from personal experience, her mission and teachings come from her heart.  She shares all she knows helping women become the best "She" they can be one beautiful woman at a time. 

Suzy also hosts an online radio talk show on Wednesdays at 12:00 noon EST.  She features women of many talents from all walks of life that share the passion for building women up and helping them to embrace their womanhood.  If you'd like to tune in to her show today, you can get all the event details on her Facebook event!  

I was introduce to Suzy from a very dear mutual friend.  She's seen my jewelry in person on our good friend and wanted to see if I could design a bracelet that we could make available to all her Sizzzl ladies.  After pondering what I wanted to design, how I wanted to design it and what energy the end product would be, I had an epiphany!  Here's what I created:

Available through Sizzzl.com

So let me share with you the how, why and what this piece represents.  I chose to use a chocolate colored wire and crochet it into a cuff.  The crocheted wire represents how we are all woven together.  Not one of us could stand alone in this world, we all need each other and when working in harmony we can create beautiful things.  I added accents of round wooden beads.  The wood is representative of being born from Mother Earth and staying grounded.  The final touch of the Czech glass heart shows us that as women, we need to follow our heart, be true to ourselves and let the inner beauty shine through! 

After finishing the Sizzzl bracelet, I mailed it off to Suzy sight unseen.  As a design, it really spoke to me and I hoped Suzy would feel the same radiant energy seeing it for the first time!  Her reaction was priceless and the voicemail she left me when she received it is one I will save forever and listen to again, and again, and again. 

As of today, the Sizzzl bracelet is available only through Suzy's website:  www.Sizzzl.com  Because each wire crochet bracelet is made by hand, it will be very similar, but one of a kind because wire has an energy all of it's own.  Wear your Sizzzl bracelet with pride, celebrating your femininity and beauty.  Give it as a gift to a beautiful woman that you cherish!

I want to offer a sincere thank you to Suzy for seeing something more in my designs than "just beads."  She truly saw how I put my heart into each piece I design and breath life and love into the finished jewelry. 

I urge you to connect with Suzy.  She's such a wonderful woman and so inspiring.  One phone call with Suzy and you'll feel enough energy to tackle all your challenges you face this week.  Trust me!  Suzy is the utmost professional and so intune with our female energy.  Here's where you can find Suzy and get to know her!

Website:  http://www.Sizzzl.com
Facebook:  http://www.Facebook.com/Sizzzl
Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/Sizzzl
E-mail:  suzy@sizzzl.com

Hope you get a chance to check out our Sizzzl bracelet on Suzy's website.  Have a beautiful day!
{Hugs!}
~Dawn Marie

P.S. Suzy's book is entitled Wise Women Circle of Wisdom.  This is a great book to help you stay focused, strong and beautiful.  Suzy's book offers words of wisdom for women and the action steps you can take to put this wisdom to work for you.  It's like a daily reminder to be wonderful!  You'll want a copy to tuck by your makeup mirror or in your purse for those moments when you need a lift.  Here's one of my favorite quotes Suzy shares in her book:

"We cultivate our own inner garden knowing we are meant to bloom to create a larger harmonious, sensual bouquet known as humanity!" ~Suzy Manning

Celebrating Labor Day even though I haven't birthed children.

So many meanings of the word Labor... some of which I've done... others, not.so.much!  As we celebrate the "worky" variety of labor today, I just had to share this with you.  I saw a funny on a friend's Facebook wall and I'm still laughing.  It's so very true and is definitely how I was raise - Woot for my mom & dad!!

"BREAKING NEWS: The Pity Train has derailed at the intersection of Suck It Up & Move On, and crashed into We All Have Problems, before coming to a complete stop at Get the Hell Over It. Any complaints about how we operate can be forwarded to 1 (800) waa-waa...a. This is Dr. Sniffle reporting LIVE from Quitchur Bitchin'. Suck it up cupcake, Life doesn't revolve around you...this is the thought I used to raise my kids just like I was raised."

Having a 3 day weekend has been wonderful!  We have been tag-teaming sitting on... err, uhhh, I mean babysitting our oldest dog making sure he doesn't jump, run, or do anything that could further injure his leg.  Give him a little anti-inflammatory and he's feeling like he's a puppy again.  Alas, he IS a full time job!

I've gotten a bit of beading done and that has been just blissful!  We were also able to break away for a few hours last night by crating our big boy so we could enjoy our county fair.  Last one of the season, and the elephant ears never get old.  Along with the corn dogs, cheese on a stick, cream puffs, frozen bananas and eclairs.... :o)  Thank goodness the fair isn't here all year long.  LOL

If you haven't yet entered my Freebie Friday Giveaway for some great lampwork glass earrings, check it out!  You have to play to win!!!

Cody - the patient with ice on his leg Bella - the nursemaid

Hope you are enjoying a day off from Labor today... unless of course you're in Labor today, then by all means, continue on.  Little one wouldn't want you to wait! ;)
{Hugs!}
Dawn

Freebie Friday - Fantastic Giveaway That will Have your Ears Ringing... Or Blinging

TGIF One & All!  It's been a doozy of a week at Designs by Dawn Marie.  SO to celebrate Friday and because I made you a promise... I'm having a Fantastic Freebie Friday Giveaway.

This stunning pair of earrings popped into my head like Jelly Beans at Easter!  The lampwork beads were custom designed by the one and only Juli Cannon of JulsBeads.  A short while back, Juli ran a promotion to help her family out and as a surprise from another good friend, these beads ended up in my mailbox.   I love mailbox beads!  And I was thoroughly delighted as their tribal colors of turquoise, brown and amber really speak my language (Dawnese.)

And since you've been following my blog and reading 250 posts... crazy, I know - I can be full of hot air -- I wanted to share their beauty with one of you!  I just love these earrings and have a feeling that there's a pair in my future.  Lucky for me, I know the artisan that made them! ;)  They hang from antique copper earwires and have accents of Swarovski Crystals.  Dangling, are strands of antique copper chain that add movement and create a stunning flow of energy.

Since we're headed into fall... and playing with shades of brown makes me think of lots of fall-ish things - most being food related - I'd like to know, what do you most look forward to as summer turns to fall?

So here's the deal... all you need to do to enter is leave your answer in a comment on my blog post (since I syndicate on both Blogger and The Hive, either place will work!)  The giveaway will run from today (9/2/2011) through midnight CST 9/8/2011).  Winner will be announced next week Friday right back here!  Easy Peasy, right? 

Happy Contesting (and that's not like conTESTing as in "I disagree," rather CONtesting as in "Woo hoo sign me up!")

Do you like Extra Credit?  For over achievers like me, here's a few more bonus entries that will help you score an A+ report card.  Make sure you leave a separate comment for each entry (or Bella won't be able to count you all those extra times.  After all, she's only a puppy!)

1.  Like my Facebook Page - Designs by Dawn Marie
2.  Follow Designs by Dawn Marie on Twitter
3.  Share this contest on Facebook, Twitter or your Blog
4.  Any purchase from my Artfire or Etsy Stores will earn you a bonus entry


Good Luck!  I'm happy to ship within the US or Canada for the winner.  Hope your weekend is fantastic and thank you for following my custom made jewelry blog! Each comment you leave on my posts really does make a difference in my day!

{Hugs!}
~Dawn