And the W I N N E R is........

And the winner of our Giveaway is..............

#4  Marietta of Blue Room Pottery etsy shop

(okay, so I still haven't figured out exactly how to show you the random.org widget.....sigh, I'll keep working on it)

Huge Congrats Marietta!  Contact Jami at jami@freckledlaundry.com

Marietta makes some of the most beautiful pottery I've ever seen...and as luck would have it, she agreed last week to become my next interview and GIVEAWAY...so stay tuned for that.  She is also an amazingly nice person :)

And I owe a huge, I mean HUGE "Thank You" to Jami for this awesome interview and GIVEAWAY!!!   She was so professional, yet warm to deal with.  A true pleasure...

GIVEAWAY!!!! Last Day to Enter....Don't miss out!!!!

I don't want anyone to miss out on my awesome GIVEAWAY from Jami of Freckled Laundry etsy shop
and Freckled Laundry Blog

Go here for the rules and to enter.

Jami's giving away these adorable tags to one lucky winner (Jami has her shop on vacation mode for the next 2 weeks, but she is still available for the giveaway).

And These....

So even though you can't see all the items in her shop, you can see a few of them in the orginial post and post your comment on that post . 

GiveAway and Interview -- Freckled Laundry

The promised Giveaway is finally here!!!

Etsy seller and blogger, Jami of freckled laundry shop and freckled laundry blog has graciously agreed to an interview with moi and is offering a truly outstanding prize to the winner. 
(rules found at bottom of post)

I first found Jami through blogland, don't remember exactly where, but I am sooooo very grateful that I did!!!    Her blog is completely chock-full of gorgeous photography of her home decor, tutorials....and items she has made to sell in her etsy shop.  I am completely in love with every single item she makes....her items have such a dreamy, ethereal quality about them, you'll want one of everything as well.

I've just placed my first order with her....her number tags...and can hardly wait to get them, I plan to hang them on a few vintage clear milk bottles....I'll be sure to post pics when I can.

I cannot forget to mention what a total "sweetie" she is...I mean Total!  One of those peeps we "meet" on the internet but wish lived next door....seriously.   So take a quick moment and GO...check out her shop, then come back here and tell me YOUR favorite item...

Now onto the interview...(I am personally very inspired by every answer she gave)...

1. What is life like at your house? (husband, pets, children, etc)

Life is perfectly imperfect. With 21-month-old (boy/girl) twins and a high-energy 8-yr.-old son, life at home is a little...intense! My husband is a Corrections Sergeant on the 2-10 pm shift and is gone most days so it’s usually just me and my beautiful children. Blogging and designing wares for my Etsy shop keep me centered, especially on days when I’m leaning a little too far to the left!

2.  What is your morning routine?

I wake up at 6:30, make a pot of coffee or a latte and hop in the shower. At 7:00, I get the twins up, make them breakfast and put on Sesame Street while I get my oldest son ready for school. Dad takes him and I check emails real quick to see if I have any Etsy or urgent blog emails. The babies and I play for a couple of hours (go for a walk or trip to library, etc.) and then Dad takes over for a bit while I work in my craft room. (My baby girl follows me around like a duckling so she's usually sitting at my desk coloring or exploring the wonders of my craft room while I work). When they go down for a nap at 11:00, it's serious business and I use every bit of the hour and half to work on what needs to be done before Dad leaves for work. My morning routine is pretty flexible though, which is important when managing a family and a new business. Neither are predictable 100% of the time.

3. What hobbies do you enjoy?

I love decorating my home, sewing, photography, and reading a good book.

4. How did you become a designer?

I'm still getting used to calling myself a designer. It's just something that I've always loved to do. I've always followed a creative path and have a bachelor's in Fine Arts. For a short while, I veered off of my creative path (in terms of doing what I love to earn a living) so I'd have to say that making the decision to say home to raise my twins, an entrepreneurial spirit, creativity and a dream made me a designer.

5. How did you start your etsy business?

I signed up. Plain and simple. I had been blogging for about 6 months when I finally decided to follow my dream of selling my handmade wares on Etsy.

First, I registered online for a federal tax ID (took minutes) and then registered my business and name with the state of New York (online). Once I had the particulars in order, I started designing and making my handmade baby shoes and added them to my Etsy shop.

My very first sale was such an amazing feeling. It really helped my confidence to know that somebody loved something that I made enough to buy it. My shop continues to grow and I'm growing right along with it. If you've ever considered opening an Etsy shop, just do it. You'll be so happy you did. And, I'm happy to help if I can.

6. How does your creative process work (where do you find inspiration?)

I find inspiration everywhere...blogs, websites, magazines, flea markets, photographs, music; you name it.

I have a sketch pad and sometimes I'll staple a photo of something that inspired me. As ideas come to me on how to rework it in my own style, I'll sketch them out. It could be something specific (like clay tags) or just a photo of a room with a shabby style that appealed to me. It inspires me to think of something that would look lovely in that space, etc. Often times, I'm just working with a blank page and scribble out ideas (written or illustrated) that come to me. I love working with laundry (textiles) so sometimes I'm inspired to create something to fit the laundry. My mind is constantly in mommy, blog or business mode so it's when I just stop and reflect, that I'm most creative...usually in my dreams.

7. What one thing do you keep close to you at all times?

Sketch book. (I'd say my children but that's 3 things.)


8. Since starting your etsy store, what one thing are you most proud of?

That I believed in myself.


9. What is one thing you would do differently (in your etsy business)

Everything is made to order at the moment. Although my wares typically ship within three days, I wish I would have built up enough of an inventory before opening my Etsy shop doors to ship immediately (aside from custom orders, of course).


10, Is there anything new you have an idea for or are currently working on to add to your etsy store in the future?

Yes. Several. I plan to add my Lavender Dipped Letters to my shop as well as several lavender-inspired wares (laundry wrapped bundles, petite pillows, homemade laundry soap;and linen spray, etc... I'm working on a lavender bunting/banner. I'd also love to sew more ruffled linens, shower curtains, cotton jersey throws and chair hugs, etc. are in the plans. I have ideas to combine textiles and silver metal (i.e. rabbit wire and oxidized steel wire) to create shabby and vintage-inspired hat holders, wireliers (wire-chandeliers), wall pockets, storage baskets, photo clotheslines, etc.

11. Mickey Mouse or Bugs Bunny? (why)

Mickey Mouse. I lived in Florida for a year after college and weekend trips to Disney World were frequent! Also, Mickey is just a happy lil' mouse whereas Bugs Bunny has a bit of a mischievous streak. Ha!

12. Handmade vs Manufactured (your thoughts)

Oh, my. Handmade. I have such an appreciation for handmade things. Something manufactured on an assembly line doesn't even compare to the heart that goes into making something by hand. Handmade tells a story. It reflects someone's dream or passion whereas manufactured reflects the dollar bill. Manufactured usually ends up in land fills but handmade is loved for generations from both quality and emotional aspects.


13.   What is one piece of advice you'd give to other women who are fortunate not to have to work outside the home?

I guess I would say follow your hearts. Dreams inside your home matter just as much as dreams and goals chased outside of it.

Jami
www.freckledlaundry.com
www.freckledlaundry.etsy.com

Okay, now tell me, did you learn as much as I did???   Are you inspired to make something???

Here's what the winner will receive...

-1 set of hand-stamped White Clay number tags 0-9 in the winner's choice of petite or large size

AND

-1 set of (3) Vintage-Inspired Ticking Stripes Tags in winner's choice of Red or Gray

The photos of the items are posted above.

Now for the rules:   As you know, I like to keep them simple...although it would be nice if you became followers of my blog and Jami's, that is not a requirement...all you have to do is go visit her etsy shop, choose a favorite item, then come back here and let me know what that item is in this posts comments section.  The giveaway will end Monday, July 19th at 9pm est.

The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced next week!!!!! 

Announcing a New Giveaway....

Hi ALL, I know it seems as if I've hardly been blogging lately, summertime is sooooo busy here with the horses and competitions.   But I had to stop in real quick to let you know about an etsy seller interview and OUTSTANDING giveaway I hope to have up tomorrow!   I can promise, yes promise, you won't want to miss it.....

Here's just a wee hint....



freckled laundry

And the W I N N E R is........

And in our giveaway...
the lovely Jordan is the W I N N E R ! ! !

Jordan, you can contact Melisa at her etsy shop, if you have any problems, contact me at mybluepeacock3333@hotmail.com

This was my first time using random.com to find the winner, I wish I knew how to add the screen shot here, I've seen it done on other blogs, but unfortunately, it's just another one of those things I need to learn how to do....

if anyone knows how, let me know.

On a different subject, I wanted to share some big news of mine.....You've seen some of my treasuries that I've personally made...and now I have finally won a treasury challenge!!!   Wooo hooooo...my first win. (I gotta tell ya I was speechless and had a major case of goosebumps...for several hours)

Here it is....

Anyone can play in a treasury challenge, you don't have to be a member of any team and you don't have to have your own etsy shop....go check out our 1000 Things Alpaca Blog for all the details.

Since I won last week's challenge, I had to choose an item from my shop for the "inspiration item"....everyone who chooses to make a treasury must use the item I chose and create a treasury around that item.  I can't tell you what the item is....they will announce it on the blog at noon today!!!!

Sunday I'll choose the winner and 5 Honorable Mentions...I'll be sure to post all of that next week and I'll feature the winners and their treasuries... so be sure to check back.

Up tomorrow is Wednesday's Wishlist...

Giveaway Time!!! and Interview with etsy seller MimiandMoi4519

YaY....Giveaway Time!!!!

Etsy seller Melisa of MimiandMoi4519 was kind enough to agree to an interview and is generously giving away a pair of Square Glass and Paper Earrings in RED!!!

I initially found Melisa when she marked my etsy shop as one of her favs, and I sent her a convo thanking her (I no longer do that, as one of the people I thanked told me my "thanking" them was "spam")...Melisa and I struck up an etsy conversation, she checked out my blog...I checked out her etsy shop and fell in love with her jewelry, especially her customized photo charm brag bracelets ...  Melisa liked my amethyst mohair cowl and we decided to do a trade...

My siblings and I chose to purchase one of the customized brag bracelets for my mom this past mother's day, with each of our baby pics on one side of a charm and grown up pics on the backside...we also chose to add a few charms and our birthstones.

Here are a couple of pics of it...our mom LOVES it...

Melisa also makes necklaces, rings, brooches/pins and more, so please go check out her shop!  She is an amazing seller who offers outstanding...yes, OUTSTANDING customer service.

I recently traded her a baby blankie for a pair of these stained glass earrings in PINK and can hardly wait to get them...

So now, onto the interview with Melisa...

1. What is life like at your house? (husband, pets, children, etc)

Since I live in San Diego we have many outdoor days enjoying the sun. I'm very lucky in that way. My husband and I have two boys who are the most fabulous kids! My oldest son is in Spanish Immersion and my youngest in French Immersion. Neither my husband nor I speak the languages so we are constantly challenged with their homework. One son is in fencing and the other gymnastics, and I am an official chauffeur!  Currently we are trying to sell our home as we need a lot more space!


2. What is your morning routine?

I wake up around 5 or 6am and get my coffee! Gotta have my morning coffee, it tastes sooo good. Then I turn on the news and check email, then start working on jewelry biz. Get the boys up and off to school then I work out. I figure I won't be able to do my work very well if I don't feel good so I try to get a work out in most days, little or big.

3. What hobbies do you enjoy?

Jewelry making, hanging with my boys, kayaking, working out. Anything with my family is the best thing to do.

Melisa with her son Gabe and Basset Hound Heidi

4. How did you become a designer?

I was at a friends house who was making jewelry. Her studio was filled with a rainbow of colors, shapes, textures, etc. I absolutely loved it. I thought it would be fun to try to make some jewelry and was hooked right away. I took several classes and learned the basics, and bought lots of beading books and self taught as well. Then I decided to take a soldering class and fell in love with soldering. I'm not too surprised about that! Fourteen years ago I took an art welding class and discovered that I really enjoyed cutting, melting and sticking metals together.

5. How did you start your etsy business?

I heard about etsy from the same friend I mentioned previously and decided it was a great way to sell my jewelry.

6. How does your creative process work…(where do you find inspiration?)

I feel inspired by colors I see around me in my everyday activities. I get an idea in my head - I'm not always sure where it comes from. Could be a color I spot, or a shape I like. Then I expand on it by laying out different materials together to get an idea if I actually like the combination. I love mixing textures, colors, and materials that have high contrast. Pearls with leather and hammered metal. Crystals with nugget stones, wrapped wire and leather.
  
7. What one thing do you keep close to you at all times?

My glasses! I'm dead in the water without them. I just got a new prescription with bifocal and I'm soooo excited! I'll actually be able to do detailed work close up without a magnifying glass, whoohoo!

Melisa and her family family at DisneyLand

8. Since starting your etsy store, what one thing are you most proud of?

I love my photo charm bracelets. They have so much sentimental meaning for the owners as well as the one's who give the bracelet as a gift. I've met some truly wonderful, loving families this way. It's pretty special.

9. What is one thing you would do differently (in your etsy business)

Right now I need to settle on the right prices to charge. I'm starting to understand the need to charge the right price in order for me to make a living at it. The price really does reflect the labor, detail and work put into making a handmade item. This is challenging.

10. Is there anything new you have an idea for or are currently working on to add to your etsy store in the future?

Charm necklaces that are lariat style. I really love the way the charms look when they are dangling and clustered together. Very fun necklaces!

Melisa's nephew Sam and her boys Gabe and Avery

11. Mickey Mouse or Bugs Bunny? (why)

Bugs Bunny because of his irreverence!

12. Handmade vs Manufactured (your thoughts)

Handmade. Special, unique, and even though the price may be higher than a manufactured item the quality often times is better as is the customer service.

13. What is one piece of advice you'd give to other women who are fortunate not to have to work outside the home?

If they are like me and fortunate enough to be home with their kids I would say make sure they reframe the frustrating times to remind themselves that they only get one chance to raise their kids and it's all gone in the blink of an eye. This may sound morbid but I say to myself in frustrating times "on my death bed will this situation make that big of a difference or impact on my life?", especially when it relates to the decisions I make regarding my kids.

You can also find Melisa here...

Mimi and Moi on Facebook
and

Her Website

Doesn't she sound amazing!!!   I have soooooo enjoyed "meeting" her and becoming etsy "buds"...wish I could be more like her in the "workout" department.   I tend to go in spurts...I'll get into the habit of working out for a while, then much more important things come along and there goes the habit, right out the window....

Okay, back to the giveaway....I personally hate giveaways in blogland that require me to jump through hoops just to sign up...(ie. go like so and so's facebook page, go to their shop and pick your fav item, go check out their blog and become a follower...the list goes on), I did that in my first giveaway because I thought that's what I was supposed to do...then I remembered this is MY blog and I can make my own rules, so I am NOT NOT NOT going to do that this time.

All that is required to enter this giveaway is a comment, any comment on this post.  I have even set my "comments setting" to allow anyone, even non-followers of my blog to be able to leave a comment.   But...if you read my Post yesterday, you'll know that some people are having trouble leaving comments....soooo, to help those that are having that problem, you can email me at mybluepeacock3333@hotmail.com and leave your comment...I will then copy your comment from the email and leave it in this post's comments for you. (I know it's a pain, if this is you....but I don't know any other way of doing this).

I'm also planning to use random.org for the number generator for the first time (wish me luck)...hopefully I can figure it out.   In my last giveaway, which was also my first, I just had hubs help me draw the name out of a bowl... I know, not very professional, so that's why I'm gonna give random.org a try.

And finally, how cool is this Crazy Mad Hatter Brooch/Pin...definitely a converstion piece!!!

Okay everyone, sign up time, you have until Monday, June 27th @ 8am eastern time.....Good Luck!!!!

Anddddd....the WINNER is.................

Giveaway Item Simple Sterling Love Necklace by MyBellasBeads Etsy Shop

I am so very excited to have the opportunity to announce the winner of my very first hosted Giveaway!

And it's all Thank's to Liz of MyBellasBeads Etsy Shop, I didn't even have to ask, she just offered to give something away!!! Wasn't that so nice of her?!

I've learned a lot, things to do and not to do for the next giveaway (hoping to have many more), so I'm sure they'll go smoother in the future.

And just so you know that this was all done very professionally, here's how I conducted the drawing...

-I know there are sites that will do random drawing, but I'm not set up yet to do that, this all came about rather suddenly, hopefully I'll get that set up for future giveaways

-I wrote ALL the names down, of those that entered, cut them out, folded them neatly in half, then in half again

-Put all names in a basket

-Mixed up said names

-Held said basket far above Hubby's head and asked him to draw a name (the look on his face...priceless)

-I opened the paper with equal measures of excitement and anxiety (seriously, how would it look if my own mother won?!)

-Yelped with happiness for Nikki Bond of "Bond Girl" Creations blog and BondGirlCreations26 Etsy Shop!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now I know that I have featured Nikki's shop and her awesome cards on my blog before, but trust me, this was all completely legit with no favoritism shown (I triple checked to make sure I had all the names in the bowl)...you can ask my hubby!!!

Now maybe we can talk Nikki into offering a Giveaway........hmmmmmmmmmmm.

Giveaway Time!!!!

Class of 2011 Personalized Handstamped Necklace

MyBellasBeads etsy shop

I previously posted about having a "giveaway" this week...and today is the day. I've included a couple of other items for you to see, but the giveaway item is at the bottom of this post.

The wonderful Liz of MyBellasBeads has graciously offered to giveaway a necklace to one of my followers. The gorgeous Simple Sterling Love Silver Necklace.

Her work is amazing, she offers personalization on many of the items in her shop. You'll find dog tags, luggage tags, mom necklaces, inspirational and spiritual quotes, earrings, necklaces, bracelets and even more so you really need to hop on over and check her out.

Color Splash Personalized Disc Necklace

We wanted to keep the rules simple, so here they are:

1) "Like" her facebook page MyBella By Liz Lollar

2) Check out her etsy shop

3) Come back here and leave a comment in this post about your favorite item from her shop

* Giveaway closes Thursday, April 14th at 9:00pm EST Random winner will be drawn Friday, April 15th

And here's the giveaway necklace....drum roll..

Giveaway -- Simple Sterling Love Limited Edition Necklace

Ta Daaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I LOVE it! Too bad I can't enter...

Great Giveaways

Here's a great giveaway by Keswick and Country Giveaway


She is giving away this gorgeous necklace from Armelle Jewelry ,
here's Her Etsy Store



AND.....the 2nd Great Giveaway....is this awesome book (which I am actually trying very hard not to covet...very bad to covet things)... It's filled to the brim with amazing photography of Prairie Style homes all across the country.



I am in llllloooovvveeee with Prairie Style decor, I've actually made my first etsy treasury title, "PRAIRIE STYLE...my way #1" (check out my treasuries along the right sidebar of my blog).


The giveway comes to you via the CabbagesandRoses blog...
So, if you're interested, (seriously, how could you not be)...just go their blogs to find out the details, let them know that I sent you...and definitely let me know if you win, so I can ooh & ahhh with you :)

Sage and Mage Etsy Store Special Offer

The beautiful Gennifer, proprietress of sage and mage Etsy store, has generously offered any of my followers and viewers, a 20% discount! Just go to her etsy store, and when checking out, type MYBLUEPEACOCK into the coupon code to receive your discount.

Gennifer was my Guest Interview yesterday, only my 2nd interview in this new series, (so I'm learning as I go)...and I never even thought to ask her about offering any special deals to my viewers and followers (I'll know to ask from now on...). So sorry that Nikki, my (1st guest interview), and I didn't think to do this as well. (Maybe I'll talk her into doing a "giveaway" in the future, fingers crossed).

So GO FORTH, and reap the rewards...haha...of being lucky....more haha...to have found my blog!!!

New Blog & Dreamy, RH Giveaway

Lilies and Dandelions

Introducing a brand new blog! Lilies and Dandelions is authored by Briana of San Diego and her new blog is a must see if you like beautiful interiors. She also offers homemade recipes for cleaning products that I'm sure smell heavenlyyyyy....and other diy projects.

She was inspired to start blogging after following the Dreamy Whites blog. To really get her new blog started off right, she is offering a SUPER Dreamy, RH Giveaway.

Here's what she is giving away...

Your package will include:

from Dreamy Whites Online Shop
1~ 10" x 12 1/2" bag filled with 3/4 pound of dried organic lavender, which can be used to refill your sachets
6~ 3"x 4" lavender dryer sachets
1 bundle of dried organic lavender

AND...

The France Post Large Lumbar Tarp Pillow Cover (measures 16"x 28") from Restoration Hardware
Go visit her Blog to sign up for the giveaway and be sure to let her know that I sent you!

A Dreamy Giveaway

A Dreamy Giveaway from Keswick & Country

http://keswickcountry.blogspot.com/

I just found her blog from Dreamy Whites blog (french farmhouse inspired living)

http://www.dreamywhites.blogspot.com/

as seen on the Nate Berkus Show

and fell in love with both blogs so I am of course a new follower to them, so please go check them out and sign up for the giveaway, deadline is January 20th.

I can't wait to check out more on their blogs myself!