Because I Love You I am Sharing this Book Giveaway with YOU

BUT I really, really want to win, so if you don't get a chance to check it out, I'll forgive you. tee hee hee

I WANT This BOOK!!!

Over on Lori Anderson's blog, Pretty Things, there's a great giveaway for not one but TWO great books!  She was asked to review both books for Potter Craft and now she's generously giving away the books.  I'm not sure if she's drooled all over them or not, because I sure would have!  BUT if you're interested and want to win (which you don't because I really, really want to) check out her blog!

Great for Upcycled Crafting

And if you aren't a follower of Lori's blog... become one.  She's full of spunk, humor, pie (as in the food, not the mathematical calculation without the 'e' kind) and sincerity.  She's also a really great jewelry designer that thinks outside of the box.  SO check her out and let her know I sent you her way! K?

Taken this morning on her 12th birthday

As a P.S. to this blog post, today is my Brandi's 12th birthday!!  We woke up to a light dusting of snow this morning, so she's THRILLED!  That crazy dog LOVES snow.  I know, I said she was crazy.  I adopted Brandi from the English Springer Rescue of America (ESRA) many moons ago and she has been the perfect dog for me.  Even when she shredded a box of kleenex because she wanted it to snow INSIDE... yes I told you she loves snow!

So happy birthday to my wonderful, loyal and loving Springer Spaniel!  I am so lucky you picked me! 

Brandi looking beautiful in 2005! 

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

Marketing Tip for your Artfire Store & Giveaway Alert

How many of us use Artfire as a marketplace to promote our artisan designs?  My question to you is are you using your Artfire subscription to it's fullest?  One of the reasons I chose Artfire as a vendor to market my jewelry is because of their "searchability" on the web (i.e. google, yahoo, etc.)  Not only are your listings fed directly to google (so be keyword smart when writing your titles and descriptions) but the BLOG feature is also indexed instantly in google.

"I already have a blog.  Why do I want another?"

Because people that find your Artfire store may not realize you publish a full time blog.  In this day & age where people have so many options of what to purchase and from whom, it's critical to really stand out and build a personal relationship with your viewers and customers.  People choose who to do business with based on if they trust you or not.

Your Artfire blog doesn't have to be a daily update.  But when I'm shopping in Artfire, and finding new artisans to follow and promote, I always check their blog.  The people that stand out to me are blogging occasionally.  Topics that are great to write about on that Artfire blog are:  your products!  How did you create, what was the inspiration for, what type of products you design, what are the preferred materials you work with and DO YOU DO CUSTOM WORK?  People don't know if you don't put it out there!

So that's my marketing tip of the day for you!  As a secondary bonus, right now I'm aware of several giveaways!  I want to pass the love along to you so you can enter to win some great things too!

1.  SLM Petersen - This giveaway is terrific for anybody that SEWS!  Stacy is having a vintage pattern giveaway AND she extended the deadline to enter until Saturday.  Just go to her blog and leave her a comment!  

2.  JulsBeads - I'm telling you about this because I love Juls... but I'm going to win, so no need for you to enter. K? ;)  Juls is giving away a stash of Bead Embroidery swag... yes, I'm in LOVE with this mix of jewels (or is it Juls).  So there, you've been told... :o)

3.  Kerry Bogert & Cindy Wimmer, two great jewelry artists have just been published in a new book Wire Style 2.  Kerry is giving away one copy on her blog!  Leave her a comment to win.  Or you can pick up a copy right this minute by clicking here!

Good luck, happy marketing and have a TERRIFIC day!
{Hugs!}
Dawn

Tip about a Giveaway!

Photo Courtesy of SoftFlex

Over the next few days, I'm going to be spending some WONDERFUL time with one of my cousin's that's coming to stay with me.  So I'll be away from the computer... BUT before I go, I wanted to share with you a great giveaway that's going on right now.

My friend Sara with SoftFlex is hosting a giveaway that ends TOMORROW (Thursday).  In exchange for your comments and opinions of which jewelry and beading blogs you follow, Softflex is giving away a pair of their AMAZING professional pliers!

To enter, head over to SoftFlex's Blog and share your comments!  http://softflexgirl.blogspot.com/2011/01/first-friday-giveaway-professional-soft.html

SoftFlex beading wire is so strong, it is the ONLY beading wire approved by QVC HSN for use in any of their beaded jewelry designs! I have a package of their Valentine's Trio which I'm so looking forward to creating with.  The pink in their is right in line with Pantone's Honeysuckle color for this spring!  We'll see what the mind creates!

I wish you all luck and hope the rest of your week is fabulous!

What Every Woman Wants Giveaway

Guess what my dear friends... I've partnered with my good friend Sky Purington, an incredible author to do one last giveaway of the year!  Our theme is What Every Woman Wants and I've created two... not one but TWO custom pieces of jewelry for this special giveaway.

Anybody can enter and to do so, just head on over to Sky's Blog and take a look at our little visit.  We chat about our Christmas Traditions and Memories and look forward to hearing some of yours!  To get to Sky's blog, here's the address:  http://skypuringtonwrites.blogspot.com/2010/12/what-every-woman-wants-under-her_20.html

Sky is a wonderful author.  She writes of Scottish Highland hunks, and mystical travels... adds a bit of history and blends it all together to make an indredible fantasy adventure.  While you are visiting her blog, please take the time to look at her works.  Personally, I LOVE to soak in my antique bath tub, steam rolling out, and Sky's books creating the scene!  But that's just me!

Good luck!  Hope your holiday's are wonderful!
{Hugs!}

Purple-licious LOVE and a Book Giveaway

I just LOVE purple... really, any shade of purple... light, dark, rich or flirty... I love 'em all!  So imagine my pure delight when my good friend Kathy asked me to design a custom set for an upcoming convention she's attending.  It's an all woman convention so I unleashed my ferocious purple power and viola! (Side Note:  I also love autumn, thus the theme of my jewelry models lately... please pardon the stem) ;)

I also wanted to share with you an Awesome Giveaway!  One of my good blogger friends Lori Anderson was just published in a new book, Making Elegant Jewelry.  To celebrate the release of the book, Lori's giving away a copy on her blog over at The Hive!  http://creatingthehive.com/blog-post/25922/beading-book-giveaway-making-elegant-jewelry

I would LOVE to win her book, but I'd be happy for you if you did too... honestly I would, right after I cried in my cup of coffee... but I'd get over it, someday. ;)  To enter Lori's giveaway, click here to go to her blog post.  Take a look at the gorgeous necklace she made for the book and leave her a comment!  Good luck to you (and me too, but more to you)!

Have a terrific week! {Hugs!}
~Dawn

Loads of Thanks & an Extra Kiss!

I really want to thank everybody that participated in Blogmania... all of you that read and commented, all of the other blogs that helped to promote and most importantly my wonderful team members.  I couldn't have put together such a wonderful giveaway package without you.  I've thoroughly enjoyed following your blogs and stores all summer and sharing your artistic creations with the world... literally!  I love the internet.

If you were supremely busy blog hopping over the last two day with Blogmania and didn't get a chance to visit my team members, please take some time to do so.  They are all so talented and truly wonderful women that have become more than team members but also dear, personal friends!

• Azure Islands Designs - http://azureislandsdesigns.blogspot.com
• Butterfly Fondant Cakes & Desserts - http://www.partybutterfly.com
• Juls Beads - http://julslbeads.blogspot.com
• Purple Vine Design - http://www.facebook.com/purplevinedesign
• Second Surf - http://secondsurf.com
• SLM Petersen - http://slmpetersen.blogspot.com

While I am tallying up the amazing results from our Blogmania entries, I wanted to let you know, I'll be announcing the winner... right here on my blog... on SUNDAY, Sept 19th.  I wish I had 1,358 prize packages to give away because you ALL deserve to win.  Your comments, thoughts and favorite things have been so enjoyable to read.  I just loved how diverse everyone's "favorites" are!

I hope you had a lot of fun with Blogmania - and that you will win some wonderful prizes!  Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for all the kindness and love you showed my wonderful team.

{Hugs!}
Dawn

$500+ Blogmania Giveaway

Click picture to enlarge

You're in the right place at the right time!  Welcome to our fall Blogmania Bloghop and Giveaway.  If this is the first time you are participating I hope you are having fun.  If my Blog is your first stop, I want to explain how this works.

Below you'll see a list of all participating blogs.  Each of the blogs is hosting a giveaway for today and tomorrow (but just for 48 hours!)  You can hop between the blogs meeting new bloggers and all of their talented sponsors and team members.  Feel free to follow the blogs you find interesting and fun or where you see prizes you'd like to win.  All you have to do is follow their directions to enter their giveaway and you just might win!  And let me say, there are some HUGE prizes! Pretty easy, right?  This package alone is worth over $500!

Click photo to enlarge

Our giveaway is centered around our theme "Our Favorite Things!"  As such each our team members has contributed one of their favorite things.  We're going to select one winner to win everything you see here!  It will be like Christmas in September!  So what will you win?

Click photo to Enlarge

1. A Beautiful Sterling Silver Charm Bracelet - Heather, Azure Islands Designs
http://www.etsy.com/shop/azureislands 

Charms are a few of Heather's favorite things!  XOs, whales tail, sail boat, sun glasses, four leaf clover, Florida charm, starfish, (of course) butterfly, shell, sun, VIP, ribbon, and a peace sign.  The bracelet also features turquoise and coral as well!

2.  STUNNING Modern Steampunk Style Necklace - Juli, Juls Beads
http://www.etsy.com/shop/julsbeads

Black, white and grey is always classy!  This necklace features vintage Czech Lucite beads and amazing bead embroidery.  Juls also combined a vintage style chain with a beaded chain to blend something old with something new and create a one of a kind necklace that you are sure to get compliments on.

3.  An AWESOME gift collection for your kitchen - Stacy, SLM Petersen
http://www.artfire.com/users/SLMPetersen

Stacy blends practical with tasty to her lifestyle.  Stacy is a crafter and avid foodie (just like me!) :)  She's included her self-authored cookbook, Budget Friendly Cooking and mini-cookbook Mix it Up.  She's also included an adorable recipe book for you to store all your family favorites. When you take your delicious dish to pass to a pot luck, Stacy has created a recipe card holder to go!  Print up copies of your recipe and take them with you to share!

4.  A tranquil Peace necklace - Barbara, Second Surf
 http://www.etsy.com/shop/floridity

Barbara designs her very own pendants and beads with Polymer Clay.  Her styles are very soft and deliver positive messages of peace, love and happiness.  This necklace features a sky blue peace pendant with beaded links and a custom button clasp.

5.  ADORABLE High-heel cake server - Vanessa, Butterfly Fondant Cakes & Desserts
http://www.partybutterfly.com

This is the cutest cake server I've ever seen!  Vanessa designs gorgeous cakes, cupcakes and desserts.  Her eye for the arts helps her design one of a kind styles for any occasion.

6. Cute set of custom designed greeting cards - Kelly Jo, Purple Vine Design
 http://www.etsy.com/shop/purplevinedesign

Kelly Jo is a talented scrap booker.  She has created a custom set of greeting cards just for Blogmania.  There are 3 unique designs.  These are the perfect way to send an impromptu note to let someone know how much you care.

7.  An ELEAGANT Pearl and shell necklace - Designs by Dawn Marie
 http://www.artfire.com/users/dawnmd

This 18" necklace features gorgeous champagne colored pearls, seashells and glass marble beads.  This is the perfect necklace to dress up or wear to a business dinner!

8.  Want to have something custom designed for a special occasion or gift?  This prize package also includes a $50 gift certificate from Designs by Dawn Marie to have a special design created just for you.  You can have any style created from Swarovski Crystal and pearls to wire crocheted bracelets or earrings.  You pick the color and style, and I will create a custom design just for you!

How to Enter:

1.  (Mandatory) Leave us a comment with what is one of Your Favorite Things! Favorite color, favorite breed of dog, favorite food, favorite vacation destination... get the picture?  Also leave your e-mail address so I can get in touch with you if you are the lucky winner! :)

*You can choose to follow my blog if you would like.  I don't make it mandatory because I prefer that you follow me because you like my custom designed jewelry and my blogging style, not because you have to.  So if you choose, I'll welcome you with open arms!

Optional Bonus Entries:
1. Purchase anything from my teammates stores!  You'll get 10 bonus entries for every listing that you purchase.  Just leave a separate comment back here with a link to what you purchased! :)

2.  Opt-in to receive my newsletter on the right.  As a bonus, you'll receive a free copy of my e-book "Twitter Marketing Made Simple!" Check your inbox for a confirmation e-mail.

Each of my team members are incredibly talented in creating custom orders.  So if you see a style you like and want something designed for you specially, please visit their blog and get in touch with them.  (Just click their name by their prize description above.) I'm very blessed to call each of these ladies dear friends in addition to being teammates.  Thanks in advance for showing them your love!  We greatly appreciate it!

Here's the list of other participating Blogmania Blogs.  Once you leave your comment here feel free to pop over to another blog and check out their giveaway!  Don't forget to check back here over the next few days to find out who wins! :)



Good luck and can't wait to share more with you in the future!

Necklace Giveaway!

Good Morning Friends across the Globe!  You know you're in the right business when you're following your passion.  However, when passion wakes you up at 4 a.m. because you have the "Perfect idea" for a custom order that you've been pondering, then passion and I need to have a few extra cups of java.

Not really, I love it when inspiration strikes and feel really greatful when it feels like the perfect "Ah Ha!" moment.  Such is the case this morning with a set of bridal jewelry I'm working on for a gorgeous October bride.

In my web wanderings this morning, I checked out my friend Regina's blog.  She is having a giveaway right now!  And let me tell you, the necklace she is giving away is stunning!  To find out more info about her giveaway and to read more on her blog (because you'll love all of her works) you can go to her blog at:  http://reginaswritings.blogspot.com/

Click here to go to the exact post to enter!

The necklace giveaway runs the entire month of September so pop on over and enter.  Hope your weekend is Fabulous!

{Hugs!}
Dawn

Winner - Pearl Earring Giveaway

Thanks so much to everybody that entered.  I appreciate your friendship, and all the tweets & posts you made to spread the word about my giveaway.  What I love is that we're all making new friends from all over the globe and friends are the family we chose for ourselves.

So for my very, very scientific process of choosing the winner... I wrote everybody's names on paper for each entry and bonus entry you made.  Then I dropped them all into a beautiful glass bowl.  And randomly chose one name out by hand.  But I was blindfolded... by myself, and I prayed I didn't knock the glass bowl off the piano onto our hardwood floor.

And all ended well, especially for ......... GWEN!  Gwen please e-mail me your mailing address to designsbydawnmd@gmail.com and I'll put the earrings in the mail to you.  Also let me know if you'd rather have them on a leverback style hook and I'm happy to swap it out for you.

Please feel free to stop over to Gwen's Blog - Get Paid and Get Fit to see Gwen's tips for healthy eating and staying fit.  http://www.getpaidandgetfit.net/

Thanks again to all who commented.  I hope to see you back here on Sept. 15-16th so you can enter our Blogmania Giveaway where Team Favorite Things is giving away over $500 in artistan created wears!  I can promise you, it's going to be an amazing prize package! :)

{Hugs!}
Dawn