This Artisan is Asking for your Help

The First Snow of the Season by Dawn Doucette

I am elated and excited to share this bit of news with you.

Yesterday I received an e-mail that one of my jewelry designs I entered in Beadaholique's contest "The Jewels of January" has been selected as one of the top 10 finalists.  I am so excited, and feel so blessed to be chosen.

Now for picking the winner... winners will be chosen by the public.  Voting is open to anybody.  To vote, you have to visit their Facebook Album of entries and click "Like" on the photo you want to vote for.  My Necklace, "The First Snow of the Season" is Entry #2.

Voting is open until Tuesday at 4:00 pm PST and it's a VERY close race.  There are some incredibly talented artists that have been chosen and I feel so fortunate to be included.  Would you consider giving me a "Like?"  And if you really like my design, use the Share Feature under the photo in Facebook to share with your friends.  I really, really appreciate your support!

The link to click directly to the entry photo in Beadaholique's Album is:  http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150518461956864&set=a.10150518451221864.374589.11327971863&type=1&theater 

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!
{Hugs!}
~Dawn

You can find Designs by Dawn Marie all over the internet.  She's a bit of a social marketing geek and enjoys connecting with other artists and sharing our love for one-of-a-kind creations!

Designs by Dawn Marie on Facebook

Designs by Dawn Marie on Twitter

Designs by Dawn Marie on Google+

Designs by Dawn Marie on Youtube

Designs by Dawn Marie's Website

Transition 12 - As Dave Hester Says on Storage Wars - Yuuuuup!

Flowers for the Queen, one of my favorite pieces

Yes my dear friends, it appears 2012 is a year of change.  Not just for me, but for many of my friends in the blog world.  These friends are like family to me, yet I've never met them face to face.

As I posted about a week (-ish) ago, we're moving.  I'm so happy to report we've found a great place to call home for the next few years.  It's close to Chris' work, it had an awesome great room, perfect for hosting our families for gatherings and I will have an awesome, Southern exposure jewelry studio!!!  Oh Yeah!!!!!!  And that my friends is so exciting!  Right now I'm sorting and "preparing" to pack.  Keep It, Store It, Donate It!  If I haven't worn it in the last year, it's donate it (except for my formal gowns because I haven't had an excuse to wear them in the last 12 months, but hey, maybe 2012 will be a year of fancy balls or maybe Will & Kate will invite me to England to tea?)  Hey it could happen.... Kate might really like Designs by Dawn Marie jewelry!

So while preparing to pack (because I'm the best procrastinator in the whole wide world) I'm enjoying the cleansing process and can't wait to be in our new place.  Can someone just fast forward past the heavy lifting part for me?

While my move is only 7 miles (woo hoo, I know big move) I have two great friends moving across the freakin' country!  Now THAT is a big move.  One friend is moving from Alabama to Oregon because the beach called and she picked up the phone!  Another friend is moving from Texas to Alaska.... in the winter... now that just might be crazy. 

So while I become the queen of cardboard, and transition into a new place, new studio, new opportunities, I want to know what transition you're in?  I recently read (and still read) a great book co-authored by a dear friend of mine, Kathy Stover.  The book is called Smart Women Live Their Why and it's a book written by women from all walks of life.  Each shares their story about living with passion and purpose.  So whether you read one chapter, or drink a pot of coffee and enjoy the whole book, it will surely inspire you!  It's just now available on Amazon or you can visit my friend Kathy's blog to purchase the book.  FYI, she only has 15 autographed copies left then she's out!

So if you are looking for inspiration, or facing a transition... let this book be your rock!  I've picked it up so many times, read a chapter or two and come away feeling totally motivated!

Hope your day is inspired!

{Hugs!}
Dawn

Very Special Grandmothers Jewelry

Over Christmas, I had another custom order that really was near and dear to my heart.  I received a phone call from a husband that really wanted to surprise his wife for Christmas.  This year his family grew by 3 new grandbabies!  Can you imagine 3 new babies in one year?  Oh my babbling smiles....

What he wanted created was something that showcased each of the grandchildren's birthstones.  I was given creative liberty to do whatever my artisan heart wanted.

I created a necklace and bracelet set.  In the bracelet, I used each of the grandchildren's birthstones, separated by spacers into family lineage.  So their grandchildren are from 4 different daughters' families and I grouped the grandchildren within their family.

The necklace I created was even more special.  I wanted to incorporate all of their children along with the grandchildren.  They have 6 daughters, and 1 son which was stillborn.  So I also wanted to honor his memory in the necklace.

I created what I'm calling my waterfall style necklace.  The round crystals represent each of their daughters.  The smaller crystals that I have cascading down represent the children born to each of their mothers.  Again keeping the daughter's families linked together.

To represent the son that passed away, I used a different shape and finish crystal, and put it as a link further up on the necklace.  Staying close to his mama's heart, this little angel boy will always be with her.

The reaction to receiving such a special, one-of-a-kind gift was priceless I'm told.  There were tears, emotions and it created a truly special Christmas.  After Christmas I was asked if I can also add the son-in-law's birthstones as well to the necklace.  So I'm adding those as well, but don't have photos.

When I finish a custom order, I always want the customer to see it and approve of the design before I ship it.  In this case, the husband did not have access to e-mail.  So, I took digital photos, uploaded them to Walgreens' website, then sent them to the Walgreens store right by his work.  It was great for him to see the jewelry in color so he could approve of the own design.  This is the perfect solution for a customer with limited internet or e-mail access!

The best part about this necklace is that as either of their other daughters marry, or more grandchildren are born, I intentionally made it so we could add on.  So as the family grows, so to does the Grandmother's Necklace. 

I'm truly honored that I was asked to create such a special piece of custom beaded jewelry.  It really touched my heart and I know it was a Christmas that this family will forever remember!

{Hugs!}
~Dawn

Updates from my little corner of the world

Have no fear SUPER Dawn is here!  Seriously I think I need the cape... it would make me so much more super!  In case you live in a warmer, more tropical paradise and haven't heard, they are predicting that white powdery stuff in grand scale over the next 48 hours here in SE Wisconsin.  My little Bella, oh what a site she will be since they are saying 4-8" and she's about 7" tall.  No worries, I have the camera batteries changed and ready to shoot!

I've been a bit quiet for the last few weeks because life just got a bit crazy.  We're at the point where it's time to move...  we were planning on doing this late in the spring or early summer.  But life is not a straight line and we just were handed a little detour!  :o)  So the time is now to find a place and let the adventure and next chapter begin. I know, packing, moving, unpacking, getting settled - I'm sure you're just booking that plane ticket to join in the party - NOT!  LOL  But it's part of life.  So while I do the worrying, I hope you'll continue to be creative and share your designs so I can live vicariously through you. 

My studio will need to be packed, and while it's the last thing I'm planning on packing and the first I'm unpacking... my time will need to be spent sorting, organizing, packing, storing, etc. the rest of our lives.  So the creating on my end will be sporatic, but I promise to share as often as I can.

So bear with me, please and share your beautiful designs!  You're welcome to share on my Designs by Dawn Marie Facebook wall as I would love to share your gorgeous work with my fans.  I try to bring sunshine to someone everyday, but while mama's busy with life, I could use a few extra helpers spreading the love! ;) 

http://www.Facebook.com/DesignsByDawnMarie

Funny Friday - Knee Slapping Belly Laughing Funny - I promise

Copywrite prlog.org

So far this week I've managed to fight a bug, lose a day and get a whole lot of laundry done.  So in lieu of my missing 24 hours (honestly, I thought yesterday was Wednesday... all day.)  My computer calendar actually had to prove me wrong.  So today I thought we all need a good laugh.

Here's my disclaimer on the following video:  *It's British humor.

That being said, here's the video.  My sweetie was doing a training for his sales agents yesterday (which I thought was odd for a Wednesday - because it was really Thursday.)  He wanted enlighten his agents and help them start of 2012 on the right foot.  So a video about teamwork seemed most appropriate.  And since I really appreciate the teamwork in a recent custom jewelry order, I thought this would be appropriate here too!  So enjoy... TEAMWORK!


http://youtu.be/2RnohUnZrqg

Since I also mentioned that we are now in 2012, and I've heard and read a lot of "stuff" about the world ending in 2012... here's another funny!  I bet the cavemen are rolling over in their tombs/graves laughing right about NOW!  LOL

Hope your Friday is Freakin Hilarious!  Remember, laughter IS the best medicine!
Have a fantastic weekend! {Hugs!}

~Dawn

Super Christmas Present Surprises REVEALED

I am so excited to finally be able to share this with you.  Do you know how hard it is to keep my mouth closed in lieu of ruining a Christmas surprise?  Honestly, in this day an age of everything being online and digital... I couldn't post a picture of this anywhere for fear somebody from the recipient's family might per chance see it, and mention something about it that would then spoil a huge surprise.

So now that Christmas is over, I can finally share this with you. 

This piece was made as a custom order.  A 77 year old man knows how much his wife loves Designs by Dawn Marie jewelry.  So while she was at an appointment, he made a phone call.  He wanted something that his wife would just adore.  His wife has a very tender loving heart for all things related to animals.  Especially supporting those charities that help protect the animals.  One of her most beloved charities is in support of Grey Wolves.

My instructions from this distinguished gentleman were create whatever you want so that it represents his wife.  That's it... blank slate and away my creative heart did dream.  I started 2 different necklaces and then had my "ah ha" artisan moment!  From there, all the pieces came together in beautiful fashion.  The pendant whipped up to perfection.

But what to do about the necklace... I was tossing around a couple of ideas.  I just couldn't decide, so I asked my dear friend Kristen for her opinion.  I wanted something that would compliment the pendant, but not overpower it.  If I could pull the grey from the coloring of the wolf, it would really "set" the photo perfectly.  So I was contemplating some sort of a woven chain like a russian spiral, or a wire-wrapped link chain style necklace... but neither were really doing it for me.

Click for larger photo

Along comes Ms. Perfectly Pearl... who loves all things pearls.  She says to me, "Why don't you do pearls?"  OMG, grill me a hotdog and cover it in bacon!!!  Yes, pearls... and I have the PERFECT silver pearls to compliment the grey wolf!

I'm so happy I reached out for an opinion.  It just shows that a second set of eyes, especially eyes that have an artistic flair are really, really helpful.  And that my friends is how we as artists all help each other!

So I ask you, have you been able to help someone have an "Ah ha!" moment like my dear friend Kristen helped me?  My goal in 2012 is to extend my hand and reach more people in a service manner.  Spread love and joy!

{Hugs!}
Dawn 

The First Snow - Entry for Etsy Bead Embroidy Guild December Challenge

Winter Wonderland Etsy Bead Embroidery Guild Challenge

My oh my what a busy month December is!  As part of the Esty Bead Embroidery Guild, we were posted with the challenge to create a piece inspired by the theme, Winter Wonderland.  

To me, winter speaks of simplicity, elegance and a monotone color palette.  There are shades of silver and white dancing in snowflakes and sticking to tree branches.  But when you look at a landscape as a whole, it's blends together in a monochromatic picture.

I created a necklace that offers the same simple elegance!  I call this bead embroidered necklace "The First Snow."  The pendant features a sparkly Swarovski flat-back crystal.  It's sparkle is completely reminscent of the "diamonds" that sparkle on the first snow of the season.  You know when you first look out the window before the dogs go out or the kids tromp through the beautiful, fluffy white snowy carpet.  Those little snowflakes that capture the light and sparkle like diamonds.

The First Snow - Click to enlarge photos

I kept the necklace simple to really allow the pendant to be the star of the show.  Classic pearls and fire-polished crystals bring in the hues of white and silver with that touch of sparkle.  I hope you can see my interpretation of a Winter Wonderland.  This piece was custom designed for a Christmas gift and the recipient was delighted to have such a special creation.

To check out the rest of my fellow artisans on the Bead Embroidery Guild, visit their website or check out the fan page on Facebook!
------------

Dawn Doucette is a jewelry artisan that creates one-of-a-kind beaded jewelry out of her studio in Southeastern Wisconsin.  Dawn really loves bringing personality into each of her designs.  To see other work created by Designs by Dawn Marie, check out her website:  http://www.DesignsbyDawnMarie.com or visit her Etsy Store:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/DesignsByDawnMD. 

Winner Winner - Chicken Dinner - or how about earrings instead

Earrings... how did we get from Chicken dinner to earrings?  Heck, I don't know... it just sounded good.  But what I DO know is that I've got 2 winners for Designs by Dawn Marie Earrings!

Last week I did a dual blog giveaway with my good friend Sky Purington.  I was giving away a pair of earrings on each of our blogs as part of her "What Every Woman Wants" Christmas giveaway.  So without further adieu, here's the winners.

On Sky's blog, I created these great turquoise magnesite and chocolate wire earrings.  The winner of these earrings is Veronica Scott! 

On my blog, I gave away a pair of custom earrings featuring some gorgeous artisan lampwork beads by my good friend Juli Cannon of Julsbeads.  The winner of these fabulous earrings is Erin Prais-Hintz of Tesori Trovati.

Ladies, send me your mailing addresses and I'll get these right out to you!

Thanks to all who participated!  I love meeting new people and I've met some wonderful jewelry lovers with this giveaway!  Hope you wrap up 2011 in grand style!

{Hugs!}
Dawn

What Every Woman Wants Giveaway

The twelve days of Christmas are full of presents... so to is this blog post!  I have the joy of partnering with a dear friend of mine again this year for her "What Every Woman Wants" giveaway!  

Sky Purington is a fabulous author... if you love Celtic romance, throw in a dash of ghost adventures you'll love Sky's books.  This year for the event, I wanted to host two giveaways.  One is going to be on Sky's blog and one is right here on this very post!  Keep reading to see how you can win these GORGEOUS earrings and then hop over to Sky's blog to enter to win that give away too.  (AND she's giving away a $100 Amazon gift card to someone at the end of the event!)

Up for grabs is this gorgeous pair of earrings.  I truly love these beads that were handcrafted by the wonderfully talented Juli Cannon of JulsBeads.  After purchasing a set of these and making an incredible necklace (that sold) I had to get more of these awesome psychedelic ribbed rounds.

The earrings are accented with light amethyst and crystal AB crystals.  Finishing off these beauties are sterling silver fishhook style ear wires.  SO you like them?  Are you drooling?

To qualify to win follow this blog (upper left corner of your screen... yep, click follow) and leave a comment letting me know you did.  If you already are a follower, that counts too.  (Heck, I might even kiss you for that!)

Sorry so short, I'm off to do some Christmas-ing today with Chris' mom.  It's the prep part of cooking for Christmas Eve dinner.  SO.... one last thing, the deadline for this giveaway is December 23rd at 12:00 a.m. EST.  If it's 12:01... so sorry!

I hope you are enjoying this holiday season.  Merry Christmas with Love!
~Hugs!~
Dawn

www.Facebook.com/DesignsByDawnMarie

Beauty Without Mittens!

This morning I woke up to the most pure, gorgeous blue sky and sunshine.  Yes it was a bit chilly, but I couldn't pass up an opportunity to capture the beauty around me from the dusting of snow we had Friday night.  Sunshine and frost make for beautiful photos AND great inspiration on a grey day (which I'm sure we'll have plenty of in the winter months to come.) 

So here's a few of my snapshots really capturing the beauty of our morning.

See the moon?

It's supposed to be warming up to 40 as the day goes on, so with this sunshine, these beautiful frosted trees will melt off by noon.

My plan for today is to start wrapping Christmas presents.  I have a few orders that will ship tomorrow (Priority so I'm sure they'll arrive at their destination this week) and then I'll be finished with a wonderfully busy holiday of custom orders. 

The Christmas gifts we have purchased have spent the last month socializing with each other on our dining room table.  The beauty of having 4-legged kids is that they can't see up on the table (nor do they care, because our presents don't smell).  So in all honesty, they are safer there where the dogs can't have a festival unwrapping everything when I'm not looking.

But in an effort to be more organized and have less procrastination, I've decided not to wait until Friday to wrap everything.  Have you ever run out of gift tags and had to run to Walmart on the 23rd of December?  I did last year and it wasn't pretty!  So I'm not going to be that woman this year.  I love giving... I love the wrapping of gifts you know are going to put a smile on the face of those receiving them.  I love knowing each gift comes from our hearts and that alone makes it special.  There will be a few HUGE surprises this year that I look forward to seeing. 

Are you Ollie Orangized or Patty Procrastinator this year?  I got two new rolls of wrapping this year (which makes the process so much more fun).  One of which contains pictures of puppies... coincidentally it was purchased because one of those puppies looks just like Bella - imagine that.  LOL

Have a wonderful Sunday and a very blessed Christmas week!
{Hugs!}
Dawn