Blogmania Giveaway for Today ONLY! (Contest now Closed)

Contest Closed.  But you can still pick up my Free E-book!  Fill in your name & e-mail address on the right and check your inbox!  Thanks for stopping by! :)  Winner will be drawn Saturday 5/1 and notified via e-mail, then posted right back here on Sunday 5/2.

WELCOME To BLOGMANIA!

My Blog is 118 of 123

You’ve arrived at exactly the right time to explore lots of new blogs, all of which, ARE GIVING AWAY A VERY SPECIAL BLOGMANIA GIVEAWAY  (For One Day Only – April 30^th) .

We’ve done all the work for you. No hunting or surfing. Each blog will have a number and each new blog link will have a number. These numbers will allow you to keep track of which blogs you’ve visited and how many are left to visit. Why not take a moment to make a list of blog numbers  1-123 and check off the blogs as you go.

I know you’ll want to visit as many blogs today as you can. So, if you see something that interests you on any of our participating blogs, why not bookmark that site. Later, when you have more time, you can discover all its fabulous treasures.  This way you can win as much as possible and meet lots of great new bloggers!

My Giveaway for today is a complete set of custom designed jewelry as shown in the photos above.  This 3-piece set consists of Necklace, Earrings and Bracelet.  The necklace and earrings use beautiful lampwork glass beads, and blue agate stones.  The bracelet is made using wire crochet, and beautiful seed beads that match the necklace and earrings perfectly!  Wear them separate or together as a set... either way you'll be absolutely beautiful!

Here's how you can enter to win.  Follow my blog on the right and leave a comment on this post. 

For additional entries:  You can do any (or all) of the following.  Please leave a separate comment for each action you take so it can be entered in the drawing.

• Follow my Fan Page on Facebook
• Post a link to my blog on your Facebook Wall
  
• Follow me on Twitter:  www.twitter.com/designsbydawnmd  FYI - If you want to receive my free Twitter e-book, fill in your info in the box at the top of the right column
• Send a tweet to your followers about our Blogmania Giveaway
• For 10 Extra chances, make a purchase from my Etsy Store - Designs by Dawn Marie

I will be using a random number generator to select the winner and announcing here, on my blog on Sunday, May 2nd.  If you don't have a blog, please make sure you leave your e-mail address so I can get in touch with you for your shipping address if you are the winner.

Now, click away and here's some links to more great blogs all participating in Blogmania!

Blog- 1) – HOST OF BLOGMANIA) Between The Pages- http://betweenthelinesandmore.blogspot.com/

(Blog -2) – CO-HOST-The Black Sheep Dances- http://www.theblacksheepdances.blogspot.com

(Blog-43) - CO-HOST - Books, Books Everywhere- http://bookywooks.blogspot.com/

(Blog-86) The Hidden Haven - http://thisandthat-cait045.blogspot.com/

(Blog-104) Reviews from the NutHouse - http://reviewsfromthenuthouse.blogspot.com

(Blog-67) Arms of a Sister - www.armsofasister.com

(Blog-33) There's A Book - http://www.theresabook.com

(Blog-5) Elaine Hopper - http://www.elaineannhopper.blogspot.com

(Blog-112) SueFitz Stitching - http://suefitz-fitzsstithing.blogspot.com/

(Blog-35) Just Jewelry by Jessica - www.justjewelrybyjessica.com

(Blog-123) Moomette’s Magnificents - http://moomettesmagnificents.com/blog/

Less than 24 Hours until Blogmania!

I love the saying my mother taught me when I was a child.  "It is better to GIVE than receive."

That's why I'm so excited for tomorrow, Friday the 30th!  Tomorrow marks 24 hours of Blog Giveaway Goodness with Blogmania.  We have 123 blogs participating.  Each of those blogs are going to be offering YOU all sorts of wonderful prizes for visiting their blogs.  Making it easy for you to surf, all of our participants will be linking to other blogs so you can literally just click, click, click your way to Giveaway Goodness!

On my blog I'm giving away a complete set of my custom designed jewelry.  Other blogs are giving away hand crafted baby items, gift cards, pet items, health & beauty products, collector items, books... surely in that list you've found something you could be excited to win!  My post will go live at midnight tonight so everybody has an equal opportunity to participate!

I've also made an event in Facebook for both visitors and participating blogs to join.  You are welcome to join and tell a friend!  http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=100941866617032  Click here to RSVP & Join Us!  The more the merrier! :)  I promise, you won't be disappointed!  There are some AMAZING bloggers and equally great prizes!  Meet new people and have fun!

Sneak Peek - Blogmania Giveaway

I can't tell you how excited I am to be participating in this Friday's Blogmania giveaway.  If you follow me on Twitter, or are a fan on Facebook, then you know just how pumped I am to be sharing all the blog love with visitors from around the world.

Because I know you're all curious, I wanted to give you a sneak peak of the custom designed jewelry I'll be giving away.  So dear jewelry lovers... here's a glimpse into my giveaway.  You'll be able to start here, and follow the links I have to other blogs all participating! :)

All the action starts at midnight this Friday, April 30th.  I personally won't be awake at midnight to start surfing, but I want to make sure my giveaway is up for all to have an opportunity to win.  So for other Blogmania Blogs, I want to share with you how to make a post and schedule it for a specific time if you use Blogger.

How to schedule a future blog post:
1.  Create your post as usual, but don't hit "publish post."
2.  Right below the box you are typing in, you'll see a link to "Post Options."
3.  Click that link and you'll see an option for Post date and Time on the right.
4.  Switch the radio button to "Scheduled at."
5.  Set the post for whatever day & time you want it to publish at.
6.  Hit "Publish Post" and your post will be all set to launch on the day & time you scheduled it for.

So now, you too can sleep on Thursday night and not worry about your visitors not having the Ultimate Blog Experience!

6th Photo Game

A dear blogging friend of mine posted a blog game over the weekend.  Lisa Crone over at A Bead A Day invited me to partake in the 6th photo game!  What you do is go back to the beginning of your blog, and re-post the 6th photo you ever posted.  For me my 6th photo was of a pair of red & black beaded dangle earrings.

In looking at that photo, I can see why we have so much fun with this game.  It's amazing to see the evolution over time... both of our photography skills and the styles of jewelry we create.  Lighting was ummm.... yes well, I'll just bite my tounge.  If I were to work with this exact picture to post today it would look a little more like this:

Thanks so Lisa for inviting me to play.  How fun looking back.  If you haven't visited A Bead A Day, please take a few minutes and stop over there!  She has incredible inspiration and shares her creative inspirations through her book, A Bead in Time! 


P.S.  Don't forget to mark your calendars for Blogmania this Friday, 4/30!  Over 120+ blogs all having giveaways networked together like a gigantic online shopping mall!  Check out my previous post all about Blogmania so you can find out how your can participate!

The Biggest Blog Giveaway of the YEAR!!!

Are you ready for Blogmania 2010?  What is Blogmania you ask... well, simply put it is going to be the MOST incredible, biggest blogging event of the year!  On April 30th, for one day only, over 120 blogs from around the world are coming together to host a huge, that's right, HUGE giveaway day!

Every single blog on the list will be offering a free giveaway to you for stopping by their blog.  From one blog to the next, you'll be able to click thru the links and visit all 120+ blogs, enter to win their giveaway and meet tons of great bloggers in the process.  Prizes include, custom made jewelry, collector books, bath & beauty products, clothing, gift cards... and the list goes on.

So what should you do?  

First, if you're not already a follower, follow my blog on the right.  This way on April 30th, you'll have direct access to my blog where I will have a list of participating bloggers to get you started.

Second, make sure you mark it on your calendar.  This is going to be absolutely huge, it's global and you can win a ton of FREE Stuff!

Thirdly, tell your friends... they'll want to participate too.  Who doesn't want to meet some great people and win free stuff?  Send them to my blog http://designsbydawnmarie.blogspot.com and have them follow me so they can jump in on the fun first thing on April 30th.

Lastly, make sure if you use a cordless mouse, that it has plenty of battery juice!  You wouldn't want to run out when you're on the 29th blog and have to waste valuable surfing time running to the store for more batteries! ☺

I'm really looking forward to making Blogmania the biggest blogging event of the year!  Can't wait to see you back on the 30th where I'm going to give away an incredible set of custom designed jewelry!  You won't want to miss it!  Have a terrific weekend! ♣

 

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=100941866617032  Click here to RSVP & Join Us!

Freebie Friday - Giveaway ending April 30th

I surfed upon a new blog this week that I have been having so much fun following.  The blog is Kelly's Lucky You!  Her blog features all sorts of fun stuff!  From free samples, to contests and giveaways, she does a fantastic job of bringing bloggers together and helping them meet new people while getting free stuff! :)

One of her free giveaways right now is a $25 gift certificate from Jewelz by JL.  She features crystal and glass jewelry at affordable prices.  So for you to enter the contest, visit Kelly's Lucky You Website and follow her instructions!

If you happen to be the lucky winner, let me know!  I'd love to see what you purchase from Jewelz by JL's online store!  My favorite piece... although there are many... is the Wonderlust necklace!  I love pink & copper together!  While I'd like you to stay... what are you waiting for... check out Kelly's Lucky You right away! ♣ And GOOD LUCK! ♣

**Photo courtesy of Kelly's Lucky You's blog post!**

Earth Day Green Tips

Happy Earth Day!  I personally believe we should take care of our world everyday... not just on April 22nd.  I can thank my mom for my early lessons in life that helped preserve our planet, but also kept her bills down... which I didn't know until much later in life when I owned my own house.  Here's a few things I've always done:

1.  Shut of the lights when you're not in the room.
2.  Turn the water off while you are brushing your teeth.
3.  Plan to run errands all on the same day to save gas.
4.  Buy produce from local farmers markets (in the summer... because in the winter, that's really  not feasible in WI.)
5.  Clean with natural cleaners (i.e. vinegar & water) rather than chemicals.
6.  Re-use or recycle the plastic shopping bags you get from the store.  We always have a huge stash and it works great for hauling "stuff" where it needs to go! :)

Those are just a few of the lessons I learned early in life and can thank my mom for teaching me.  Now we try to instill those Earth-Saving lessons in my niece & nephew's lives so as they grow up the Earth will be as good to them as it has been to me.

What do you do to celebrate Earth Day?  Anything special or do you have daily habits that help preserve our planet?  Have a wonderful Earth Day!

Lampwork Glass Starfish Necklace

The inspiration for most of the pieces I create come from something, somewhere, or someone specific.  In other words I design from the heart.  Which if you get to know me, you'll quickly learn that's really how I am in every aspect of my life.  I live by my intuition and love from the heart.

About a month ago, I ordered a pendant that just really caught my eye, but at that time, I didn't know exactly why or what it would turn into.  This week, I had my Ah-Ha moment with the starfish pendant.

I gained all sorts of inspiration from the cute little starfish, added some Mother of Pearl, some adorable glass sea shell beads and viola!

I designed this set as a gift for someone who is facing adversity with a smile on her face and love seeping out of all of her pores.  As a family over the years, they shared wonderful trips to the Caribbean and spent many special moments scuba diving with the fish.  This is just a little something to give you a moment to reminisce over happy times, and gain strength to get you through the challenging moments you are facing today!  I know in my heart, the Good Health Fairy will be knocking on your door soon, bringing strength and love so you guys can plan another wonderful adventure in the next chapter together!  Just make sure you answer the door when she knocks!

P.S.  Aren't the dangly seashells so adorable on these earrings?  I just 'wubs 'em! :)

Jewelry for the Queen

If you read my earlier post, I set out on a mission to create a very special set of prom jewelry.  The recipient will still remain nameless because prom is still a few weeks out and I have to ship the jewelry to her.  I just wish I could have a hidden camera in the box as she opens it and sees her special set.

I have to say, as an artist, isn't it a wonderful feeling when you have an idea in your head and when you start working with your wire, crystals & pliers they all agree with your idea?!?!  Isn't that grand?  With this set, I had an idea that instantly popped into my mind.  I wanted to do something in a charm style with crystals and beads that dangle. It turned out exactly as pictured (in my mind).

The extra special touch to this set are the earrings.  She's never had her ears pierced and many of the clip-on styles are to old for a high schooler to wear.  These hoops I got from Fire Mountain Gems have a retractable spring closure that don't even look like they are clip ons!  LOVE THEM!  

I know she will just love this set and who knows, she might end up being prom queen!  Even if she doesn't get the royal title, one thing is for sure, she's going to look like royalty - crown or not! :o)

Special Surprise Custom Prom Jewelry

Pearls, Crystals and Glass... Oh My... Pearls Crystals and Glass.. Oh My (thank you Wizard of Oz for getting that stuck in my head this morning.)   My project for this week is near and dear to my heart and I just wanted to share the "before" pictures with you.  I will share the full story and the "after" photos when I finish the set.  But it's a surprise... so this is all I can give you just yet.

Doesn't it remind you of the Caribbean Sea?  I'm so exciting to start wrapping and stringing with these beautiful crystals.  I think the Fed Ex guy that delivered them on Saturday thinks I'm really a whack.  I was almost... seriously, almost skipping out to his truck to meet him.  Except for the fact I was still in my slippers.  He graciously said "You're welcome ma'am" to my "Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!" Then jumped back into his truck before I could hug him!  Poor guy, I'm sure I gave him a good story for his family BBQ if he had one! 

Can't wait to share more!  Don't drool too much.  You know you wish I were making this for you!! :o)  Wouldn't this be beautiful for an aqua & brown wedding party too?!?!  I'm just sayin'...

Funky Fun Jewelry Purchase

Sometimes you see something that you just "Must Have!"  Such is the case when I saw a Tweet from @EtsyJodi about a new listing in her Etsy store.  It said something to the effect of "A perfect Cup of Coffee!"  Seriously, it had my name all over it.

So I popped over to A Bead on a Wire and scooped up the ring with hopes it would come in time to be a conversation piece at our family Easter.

Jodi shipped right away and the package arrived in perfect condition on Friday before Easter!  Woot, woot for timing!  Inside Jodi had wrapped two adorable pink jewelry boxes with purple ribbon.  My coffee cup ring was just darling.  I actually giggled like a little girl when I put it on.  It just exudes happiness!  Jodi's such a doll too, she even included a free gift.  Groovy Lego Earrings... Thanks Jodi!  It was a great stroll down memory lane!

If you're looking for something to start a conversation, all of her jewelry is super cute and does spark lots of smiles!  Click here to visit Jodi's Etsy Store - A Bead on a Wire!

Social Media Marketing

Do you feel bombarded or overwhelmed by all the various online social networking sites?  Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, Youtube... I could go on and on.  The list is growing daily.  What's important is that you find the social outlets that work for you!  Not every social website is designed as a one size fits all.

I'll admit, I've been "Twitter Challenged."  For me, I love to talk and type and keeping my message to 140 characters is really, really difficult.  I'm learning daily.  I think Chris really likes this shortened method of communicating especially during the Duke/Butler B-ball game last night.  :o) (BTW, I'm also notorious for having "brilliant" ideas I just have to share at the most interesting parts of the game.  Sorry Chris!) http://www.twitter.com/designsbydawnmd

I think as you are learning all about online social networks, as an artist (whether you are playing with fire, melting glass or putting together beaded jewelry) having somewhere that you can display photos of your work is absolutely required.  For me, Facebook is the perfect outlet for Designs by Dawn Marie.  (of course in addition to my blog here)  I have a personal profile (and welcome all your friendships) and currently a group.  From what I've learned, I'm in the process of creating a Fan Page rather than the group for a number of reasons. http://www.facebook.com/dawndoucette

Youtube is an awesome outlet if you like to take videos.  It's a great way to build up trust with your target market.  Whether you are doing a "How To" instructional video, or a "Meet the Artist" being able to speak with your audience is HUGE in helping them to connect with you.  For me personally, I don't like video cameras (or being in front of groups) so I'm not on Youtube.

I also had a myspace profile set up for a long time.  What I found happening with Myspace is that is began to get saturated with spam and it wasn't "friendly" about sharing the messages I wanted to communicate.  Comparing both Facebook to Myspace, I felt FB was a more professional venue to connect with my peeps.  :)  I could post links, display photos, chat if I want to, and keep in touch with everybody easily.

I've read two books that have really given me clarity in helping to figure out online social networking and taken an online course.  The Twitter Video in the course was what prompted me to try it.  I can always change course, but if my jewelry boat never left the dock, I'd never see anything! :)

So here's the resources I thank for sharing the knowledge of different online methods.  Hope they can help you gain clarity too!  The first book is a short but very powerful read!

Online Course:  http://www.mlmsuperstartraining.com - great video training for all avenues of online marketing.

Pendant Giveaway

Happy Easter to All! It's Freebie Friday!  Today I want to share a give away I just learned about from a friend on Twitter! 

This week's giveaway is from Annette over at Color Me Designs!  Annette makes beautiful jewelry using colored pencils... yes you read correctly, COLORED PENCILS!  Her contest runs from April 1st - 30th and she's giving away two of her beautiful pendants as the prize.

To enter you need to do the following:
1)      Direct as many people as you know to Annette's new website, Color Me Designs at www.colormedesigns.com
2)      Instruct them go to the "Contact Me" page and enter their name and email address in the top portion of the form.
3)      For the Subject matter have them enter Pendant Give Away.
4)      IMPORTANT – In the Message box enter my name (Dawn Doucette) and email address (designsbydawnmd@gmail.com). Annette needs this information so she can contact the winner.


At the end of the promotion, whoever referred the most people will win the pendant.  It’s that simple!

But that’s not all, Annette will also generate a list of everyone who submitted a form and will draw one name from that list.  That person will also win a pendant.

So there will be TWO winners... will you be one of them?  While you're over at Color Me Designs, check out her gallery.  I've never seen colored pencil jewelry and found all of her pieces really, really fun!

I hope you have a very blessed Easter surrounded by all the things that you are so blessed to have in your life~ family, friends, love, and certainly lots of laughter!

P.S.  Want to follow me on Twitter?  Look me up at http://www.twitter.com/designsbydawnmd The more friends the merrier! ♥

Bloggers helping Bloggers

This post is so exciting for me.  I want to thank Kelly Morin over at Beadativity for sharing the love of beads with me!

Originally I met Kell through her blog and on Facebook.  You always know when you meet someone special that was destined to be your friend.  Through blogging and social networking, I've met so many wonderful jewelry makers this way. 

When I saw Kell's photo album on Facebook, this style of bracelet kept coming back to me.  I'd find myself flipping over there to browse again and after 48 hours I knew I needed to purchase one of Kell's bracelets... but in my favorite color... PURPLE!

As it happened, Kell liked one of my wire crochet necklaces!  So we facilitated a jewelry swap!  My package came in the mail yesterday and I opened it as quickly as kids will run around and hunt for their Easter Baskets this weekend!

I love, love, LOVE my bracelet and hope you stop over to Kell's Blog and keep in touch with her.  She's a wonderful woman and a great bead artist!  Thank you Kell for swapping with me!  I hope you like your necklace as much as I love my bracelet!  ♥