I'm Speechless - That NEVER Happens!

When I say never... I really mean it.  Dawn always has some witty comeback, or something sincere... but right now I'm so very humbled and grateful.

Yesterday Happy Mango Beads announced the winners of their Bead my Valentine Contest.  It was the first time I had ever stepped outside of my comfort zone and entered my unique jewelry in a contest for my peers to judge.  I was so very nervous, but suppressed those butterflies and the "What if's" and just said whatever will be, will be.  I put my heart into the piece and I find it beautiful and that's good enough for me.

Romance In Bloom

So imagine my surprise yesterday when I saw Happy Mango Beads facebook update that the winners had been announced and I saw the photo of my necklace.  My first thought was no way.  So I clicked over to their blog to read who the winners really were...

What happened next was almost like an out of body experience.

All of a sudden, I'm dancing, squealing, laughing, CRYING, and the dogs are barking like we have an intruder in the house.  The emotions that this simple webpage brought to the surface in me was unbelievable.  I called Chris at work... squealed, and was crying as I told him.  Then I had to call my mom... more crying and squealing.

I feel so incredibly blessed.  I just let my heart and the beads have a conversation... and what they decide to become is really beyond my control.  I'm just the instrument that does the work. 

But the story doesn't end here.  Happy Mango Beads is having a Viewers Choice contest among all of the entries.  I have two very dear friends that have their jewelry entered as well.  Voting runs through midnight February 18th.  Voting is open to anyone.  To vote, go to the Facebook album and designs you like give a "Thumbs Up Like" to.  The photo with the most likes at the end of the week will win a $50 shopping spree from Happy Mango Beads.  Here's the link to their facebook album: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=76049058528&aid=327193

By Dawn Horner - Northern Adornments

Can I ask you to consider 'Liking' these two very special pieces?  One of those pieces is the piece I blogged about from my good friend Dawn Horner in Alaska.  I just love the chainmaille bracelet with the really, really sparkly Swarovskis that run down the middle.

By Regina Santarre - Sundance Gems

My friend Regina of Sundance Gems won her category with her bracelet, Roses for my Sweetheart!  It's a beautiful bracelet that really has a soft, romantic feel.

Thanks to everybody for encouraging me to step out of my box.  I never expected the view to be so wonderful.  More contests and new adventures are in the works!  Can't wait to share with you!

Hope your day is absolutely amazing!
{Hugs & Blessings!}
~Dawn

How's This for A Contest Piece?

A few weeks ago I mentioned that I was going to step out of my comfort zone in 2011.  Well, I'm happy to announce I've finished a piece to enter in the Happy Mango Beads - Bead My Valentine contest.

In looking at all the themes and categories in which contest entries will be judged, I chose "Roses are Red, Violets are Blue - FLOWERS!!!"  Yes, flowers speak to me.  If you've seen some of my jewelry over the summer months, you'll notice I use lots of flower as props.  From Zinnias to Morning Glories and BOATLOADS of daylilies I just love how they provide a rainbow of color and happiness. 
So for me, the theme of flowers was perfect!

I used a handpainted ceramic bead that I had been hoarding as a focal.  Using a circular brick stich, I created petals in a mix of delicas with small pink crystals forming the petals.  For the necklace I stitched 2 leaves using the same mix of delicas.  I added a few pearls and fire polished czech glass beads for a bit more color & sparkle and kept the rest of the chain simple. 

The necklace wears beautifully flat against your collar bones and makes a statement without being heavy.  It's actually very lightweight!  So while I'm still trying to get the "perfect" photo to e-mail in, I'll leave you with a few that really do show the detail and coloring!

Thanks so much for all your encouragement to step outside of my box.  I did, I'll continue to and I look forward to growing!  Hope you all have a WONDERFUL Superbowl Sunday!