Merry Christmas!! From Rae of Light Photography

Merry Christmas Everybody and thank you for being such great readers and followers!! What are you hoping to do in the next year to make your time special??

December Delight

I know you all have patiently waited for the next giveaway but do not fear. I have one ready to go for you.  Here’s something that might bring some great holiday cheer your way and some gifts under your tree.

Shop #1

Kennedy Bentley

The Winner will get their choice of a bracelet in the shop. Which is a great addition to any stocking. 

Where did you get your start making bracelets?

When I was 8 years old, I went to my Mom and told her I was bored. Instead of telling my to go clean, like she did most of the time, She told me she wanted to teach me how to make friendship bracelets. And I've been hooked ever since :)

You have some very fun pieces in your shop, where did you get such great taste?

I try to make the friendship bracelets with color combinations that people wouldn't normally put together, and that appeals to everyone. From  toddler, to Adult!

When not making bracelets do you have any other hobbies?
Besides making friendship bracelets I love making anything and everything. Many times a day I find myself looking at a random item and wondering what I could make with it.
To follow:  Her twitter is @kennedybentley
To Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Kennedy-Bentley/178468212235293

****COUPON ALERT!!**** ****COUPON ALERT!!****

In fact if you see a piece you like she’s got a great sale going on right now!  Just type giveaway20 to receive 20% off your next order.

Shop #2Kristin Magnus

 

What could you win????

 

Tell me a bit about what yourself:

I sell handcrafted, unique jewelry with nautical flare! I enjoy creating beautiful pieces that you can wear year round. I also include seasonal items and paper goods such as cards and gifts.
How did you get started?:
During the spring of 2011, I decided to take some time off from my teaching career. Throughout the summer, I began creating jewelry and it has blossomed into my own business. I am really enjoying creating pieces in my free time.
How did you come up with your business name?
Inspired by Oceans was literally inspired by the ocean. I spent fifteen years living on the coast of Maine, in particular, a small island named Southport. I enjoy the beauty of the sea, whether it is during boating, scuba diving, swimming, or sightseeing. I recently relocated to the Midwest and have missed seeing the water everyday. Making sea colored jewelry has brought me close to the ocean again!
How long have you been in business?
Inspired by Oceans was opened in June of 2011.
What is your biggest influence when creating?
My biggest influence during my jewelry creation is the ocean. I enjoy it’s colors; hues of green and blue. I am very influenced by the music that I listen to and by the local history here in Sparta, Wisconsin. I have started to create some jewelry based around the love of cycling in our area.
What advice do you have to offer to others just starting out?
The best advice that I can give for any small business would be to have a lot of patience. It takes a lot of time and energy to get your business going, but it is rewarding. The confidence that I have gained while creating my business has taken me in even more directions in life. So, stick with what you love and create, create, create! Don’t worry too much about making a profit at first and enjoy what you do!
Is there anything else you would like to say/add/share?
In my everyday life, I am an elementary school teacher. I have six years of experience between kindergarten and pre-k. I enjoy spending most of my time working on crafts, whether it is painting, refinishing furniture, or making jewelry. I spend time with my dog Linekin, who is named after Linekin Bay in East Boothbay, Maine. He and I are the best of friends! I am currently back in school, working on my real estate license. I am happy to announce that I will be working with a wonderful group of colleagues in Tomah, WI.

****COUPON ALERT!!**** ****COUPON ALERT!!****

For the upcoming holiday season, I am offering 50% off all earrings. This is a HUGE sale. Moms and women from all around can enjoy giving these as gifts during the holiday season. Customers should type HOLIDAY2011 after they have added their earrings to their cart.

Shop #3

ME <3  Rae of Light Photography

  I’ve been taking photography for about 3 years and have really enjoyed being able to share that journey with you.

What you could win from me?

Your Choice of an 8x10 (subject to availability)

****COUPON ALERT!!**** ****COUPON ALERT!!****

Can’t wait? Just type in XMASTIMEISHERE and receive 25% off your next order

Black Friday Sale!!

Well here is a great deal to help with your Christmas shopping whether it be for your favorite aunt or just a great gift for you.  Hurry and use it while you can. It only lasts til the 26th.

And here's a great treasury I made just to get you into the spirit.

Extreme Healing, Joplin Edition

After months of having our town constantly reminded of the tragic events of May 22, our city finally had some big excitement come to us this past week.  The show Extreme Home Makeover came to Joplin along with a load of volunteers and not only built some incredible homes but boosted our moral.  Here are some photos I took of the reveals and other activities. 
(if you are a person who likes to be surprised this would be considered a spoiler alert)

 
 

 

I’ll be posting some of the photos of the houses later. So check back for more.

Fall Family Fun

I usually don’t make it a habit to photograph people, not because I don’t enjoy it but because there’s a little more pressure to capture a moment, than say capturing a bowl of fruit. But I made a couple small exceptions for two reasons.  1} I was loaned a DSLR! (I think I’m going to have to make the switch soon)   2.} I just love  the couple and family I had a chance to *achm* shot : ) So without further ado here are a few fun ones.

       

     

Don’t forget to check out the giveaway below. Until than, have a great day : )

October Opulence

It’s fall!! Can I get an Amen!?!  I love this time of year for many reasons but one of the biggest is because it’s when I get to celebrate my birthday.  Exciting right?  To top it all off I’m turning the big 3-0!  I had a couple gracious sellers come through to not only make this as painless a transition as possible but also to give you a chance to get some great stuff!! (hmm maybe I should tone it down on the exclamation point but I just so excited) OK onto the business at hand. What items are you throwing your hat in to receive?

Shop #1

Micslovespink07

This is the beautiful Compact up for grabs, a $28 value!

This owner offers a great array of vintage items, anywhere from costume jewelry to vases.

Where are you from and how did you become a vintage lover?

Born and raised in the Reno, NV area. My mother instilled a love in me for fun things, such as clothing and jewelry and beautiful antiques.

You have some very fun pieces in your shop, where did you get such great taste?
My Mother was always dressed to the nines and was extremely classy.
Looks like your Mother was a big influence in your life. Could you tell us more about your relationship?
We were extremely close, but unfortunately, I lost her to cancer last year. Her disease and strength through everything she has gone thru in her 70 years of life has taught me so much.
Is there anything else you would like my readers to know?
Please visit my store and know that I appreciate great customers and will do everything I can to make sure you enjoy these pieces as much as me!

In fact if you see a piece you like she’s got a great sale going on right now!  Just type LOVEPINK to receive 50% off your next order. I myself have already taken her up on this offer and let me tell you I was not disappointed.

Shop #2
Customhemptreasures

You will get a chance to win a bracelet of your choice

Tell us a little about yourself.
I live in Orlando, and have been a vegetarian for about 8 years.
What are some of the other things you enjoy doing?
besides making hemp jewelry I love to knit and being outside and exercising
Do you have any plans for the future?
My dream is to one day to open my own store where I sell my Scarves and Hemp Jewelry.

Shop #3

ME <3  Rae of Light Photography

I’ve been taking photography for about a year and have really enjoyed being able to share that journey with you.

What you could win from me? How about (2) 4x6 prints of your choice?

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Oh Author Where art Thou?

You may have notice, well at least I hope you’ve noticed, I have been a bit absent from the blogging world lately.  I would like to apologize.  It seemed with everything going on I just couldn’t get in the time and I unfortunately have been neglectful.

To make up for it I’m going to be working on a huge giveaway to encourage you to not give up on me yet : )

Until than I thought I would let you know what I’ve been up to. I talked before about how I am slowly becoming a sweepstakes person, well it seems I’ve also added major couponer to the mix.  I’m not full fledged just yet but I’m having fun learning in the mean time. 

Here’s some of the items I got in one small afternoon of shopping, and how I got them. I must beg forgiveness in advance for the photos they were taken with my good ole cell phone.

#1  A super cute Liz Claiborne clutch

  I found a $10 off $10 or more coupon and lucked out.  They had just done their mark downs at JC Penny. This adorable bag was marked down to $10.40, with the $10 off that made it 0.40! It was normally priced $26

#2 Rimmel Eye shadow

This was an experience in “Stacking”. That is the term used when you’re allowed to take a manufacture's coupon and a store coupon and stack them together on the same product. As far as I can tell only two chains still do this, Target (where I got this eye shadow) and Walgreens.  This eye shadow originally cost $3.99, Rimmel’s facebook page was offering a $2 off coupon  on any of their products and than Target had a $1 off coupon on only Rimmel eye shadow. They had a cheaper one that only had one shade but they were out of all colors save black and white so I opted for this one.  At the end it only cost me .99. 

#3 Lip Gloss and Hand Sanitizer

I got these two great items with a surprise VS coupon. It was $10 off $10 or more as well. The lip gloss was $7 and the sanitizer was $3.50, making these two items a whopping .54.

 

All in all I think I spent about $2, not bad if I do say so myself.  I think I’m really starting to like this couponing gig. 

If your wondering where I get my best tips you should totally check out this great little blog; http://moneysavingmom.com/ You can also go on Facebook, “like” some of your favorite products and many a times they have either free coupons or samples. Oh and samples are the best way to get great coupons. 

Hopefully I won’t be going MIA for a while now that things have settled down here in Joplin but if I do, you know I’ll be out there getting some great deals to show you later. 

Coming Soon to a Blog near you!!! (well this blog at least)

- a wonderful giveaway that is sure to impress

- Adventures at Farm Girl Days, a follow up on some of my most loved photos and maybe some new surprises.

- Extreme Home Makeover is coming to JOPLIN!!! Very excited. I hope to have photos and stories up when it happens

Awesome August Giveaway

 Artist # 1

MasticLashes

Where did the name Mastic come from, what exactly does it mean?

mas·tic (mstk) n.
1. The mastic tree.
2. The aromatic resin of the mastic tree, used especially in varnishes, lacquers, adhesives, and condiments and as an astringent.
3. A paste like cement used in highway construction, especially one made with powdered lime or brick and tar.

How did you get involved with making your beautiful jewelry?

I love resin. Passionately. It's fantastic to be able to create something unique that looks extremely professional and doesn't cost a fortune. I also feel like most gentlemen are shafted when it comes to jewelry selection - those boring black cufflinks available at men's formalwear stores just don't cut it for the modern trendy guy who may have to wear a suit to the office, and would like something nifty to accessorize it.

How long have you been at this and where do you find ideas and techniques?

I've been creating jewelry since I was in grade 7 (for myself and friends), but I recently got married and read this little book called DIY Bride. This book had several resin projects in it which I attempted; the cufflinks turned out wonderfully well, but I was extremely unhappy with the charm method. Because of this, I've set out on a quest to perfect the resin pouring process, and to come up with new unique jewelry products for both men and ladies. I'm also hoping to take some silversmithing classes in the near future so I can make my own bezels, findings and chains.

What makes your shop different than most Etsy jewelry stores?

My store aims to provide unique resin jewelry and accessories for both ladies and gentlemen. I'm slightly addicted to resin work, and am experimenting with new methods all the time.

Are there other ways we can keep up with your latest creations?

Check out the blog to see my current projects!  http://masticlashes.blogspot.com

Anything else you would like my readers to know?

I also added a coupon code - it's RAEOLIGHT for 10% off . It expires after September 30th and only available to your great readers!
And to show you what your coupon could help you purchase check this photo out

One lucky reader will win a $25 gift certificate good towards anything in her shop.

Artist #2

ME <3  Rae of Light Photography

 

I’ve been taking photography for about a year and have really enjoyed being able to share that journey with you.

 

What you could win from me? How about (2) 4x6 prints of your choice?

 

SO HERE'S WHAT YOU DO:

Photo Contest on my Facebook Page!!

Want a chance to win an 8x10 by me well check out my facebook page for all the details. Thanks : )

 

Click here for Details on Contest

A Giant Leap into Sweeps

You might have noticed that I have not been as faithful to my writing as I once was.  There are a few things that factor into that, one, of course would be all the activity happening here in Joplin.  We are constantly on the move and ready to rebuild.  Everyday brings a new vision of walls going up where ruble once stood.  It’s amazing.  But my other diversion has been a new found obsession with a practice commonly called, sweeping.  Basically it’s where you enter a ton of sweepstakes or contests in an attempt to maybe win something.  My obsession began earlier this year when I decided my wish was to be in Disney for my dreaded 30th birthday. Because of lack of funds  I have decided  to enter every Disney vacation sweepstakes under the sun. I will actually be looking for your help in one of these coming up in a week or so, so be prepared : ) Until than here’s a few photos from my past visits

As you can see it’s simply a paradise for adults like me who have a hard time growing up.  The reason why I throw this out there is because sometimes these giveaways might be a great way to get your items out there.    I’m sure many of you have joined my blog to read my very insightful thoughts ; )  but also to keep an eye out for giveaways. 

If you are an Etsy seller looking to boost your image or at least your sales you might consider sponsoring a fellow blogger.  I have had a big boost in my views and sales since I have started offering some of my photos as giveaways.  Nothing says look at me, like the word free. 

There’s a reason contests are done and that’s to get recognition.  I, myself, have found some amazing Etsy artists I would have never known existed had they not been sponsoring a giveaway.  That being said you should also be careful what you offer from your store.  Limit the size of your giveaway based on the amount of exposure you would like to get.  For instance, if you are going to be featured on a blog that has over 1,000 followers than I would go big.  If you are doing smaller blogs than offer something smaller like a gift certificate or a more inexpensive item.  I have found just offering (2) 4x6’s make people very happy.  They are a good size for any desk or small viewing area but aren’t so small you feel like you aren’t getting anything great. 

On the flip side if you are a blogger who has wondered why no one seems to enter here are a few tips.  First find legit sites to advertise on.  I found that they help boost your viewership through the roof.  Also try not to make the entry so difficult.  I myself have been guilty of this and the more I entered other giveaways the more I discovered what I like best for entries.  (side note I’m actually excited to be able to unveil a new method on my next giveaway coming up Aug 12th)  Be sure to look for quality items coupled with sellers who might not have had their break yet.  I can say I’ve seen a couple of the sellers featured here finally get their first sale just by their sponsorship. 

My final advise?  Have fun.  No matter whether you are sponsor, a blogger, or a die hard entry specialist, don’t forget that it’s just a fun way to connect to new people and have a blast.  And as  reminder of the blast I hope to have on my 30th birthday I end with just a few more Disney photos : )  And feel free to let me know any tips you might have on making a giveaway better.

 

Click the above photo to like it on their website : )

Earn your Price

I have decided to offer some great little discounts in exchange for some simple gifts

Earn Discounts:
5% for commenting on my blog or face book page
10% off for Hearting a print or my shop
15% for adding me to your Treasury
25% for blogging about my shop or print
30% for sponsoring a blog giveaway

If you have done any of these things and would like a discount code let me know.  I am really excited about this especially since my sales have gone up a lot in the last couple of weeks.  These do not have expiration dates so you them at any time.  They can only be used with a print order all other specialty items are excluded.

Here are a few of the prints recently purchased in my shop. Feel free to add to the list.

June’s Joy of Winning Giveaway Part 2 (ok really July)

 

*Giveaway is Closed*

We have our Winner selected. Please check back for more chances to win

 

I’m a little behind but this one is a great giveaway.  You will have the chance to win a gift certificate valued at $200!! How cool is that!! Not only that but you will have the chance to win a 4x6 print from yours truly!  I know I know you can hardly contain your joy and excitement.  But before we can get to the entering let me tell you a little bit about my fellow Etsy artist, who as you see below, makes beautiful jewelry.

Artist #1

Artisan Jewelry Studio

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How did you get your start making your stunning jewelry?

I started making jewelry many years ago when I could not find interesting earrings for my un-pierced ears. As I gained experience in working with jeweler’s tools and became knowledgeable about gemstones and art glass beads I progressed to necklaces. From time to time strangers would stop me and offer to buy my necklaces on the spot. When this happened twice in one week, I decided to follow my muse.

Where and how do you come up with your designs?

All of my necklaces are original creations. I design the piece, and then execute that design in my studio, using carefully selected gemstones that have impressed me with their ability to dance with light. Some pieces include lampwork or hand-blown art glass beads that exhibit the visual vibrancy of a precious stone. Many of my pieces contain my own hand-wrought findings and clasps.

Do you do custom pieces?

Custom requests are welcome.

Other places to find this Artist

www.etsy.com/shop/artisanwear

What you can win: If chosen you will win a $200 gift certificate good towards any item in her store!

 

Artist #2

ME <3  Rae of Light Photography

What you could win: (2) 4x6 prints of your choice

SO HERE'S WHAT YOU DO:

Mandatory entries:

Simply visit all both Etsy shops and tell me in separate comments which item you like the most!  (Two easy entries!!) and you must follow my blog for entries to count.

 

Bonus entries:

• Heart an Etsy shop of your choice; (one entry per heart so 2 entries possible)   See above for links

• Visit my posted Facebook page, hit that like button and leave a message saying hello

• Tweet the following "I hope 2 win at Attempts at Being Artistic. 4 ur chance 2 win go 2 http://tinyurl.com/5r7rg8n"

• Donate to Joplin Relief efforts through my church www.ccochurch.org (2 entries)

• Comment on any of my past blog entries

IMPORTANT! Don't forget to leave a comment on this blog post and tell me which of the above you have done! Leave a separate comment for each entry, so at least one comment for mandatory entry and then a comment for every extra entry. Also, please leave a link to your blog, tweet etc. Remember also to leave your e-mail address so that I can contact you in case you win (you can put your e-mail in a form like this: "merryroseberry(at)hotmail.com " if you prefer). You can not be entered if you don't post below!! The giveaway ends in July 18th at 12:00 am (cst).  The winner(s) will be notified by email in about two days time and will also have their name posted on this page so others may know that the winner(s) have been chosen. Since you are receiving a third party's artwork I will be passing along information so that you can arrange for shipment. Some items may come from other countries so they may not arrive in as timely a fashion as they would if in the US.

 

Thanks everyone and Good luck!!

 

I'll have a new prize about every two weeks so always check back.

July Already?

Man where has the time gone. I heard about this phenomenon, where time speeds up when you get older, but I didn’t think it was true.  Wow! Well I’m back from a short vacay away from my blog but in that time I got a few more photos back from my travels among the city.  I’m still amazed at the love and concern we get from around the world and because of that, not a day goes by that something else is being rebuilt or cleaned up at record speed. 

I also wanted to let you know to keep at eye out for another giveaway tomorrow.  I know you all have been checking back and I have let you down a bit by waiting but I wanted to make it as good giveaway as possible, worthy of all my wonderful followers. 

Speaking of great followers I would love to hear what kind of items you would love to win. Are there some Etsy sellers you would are curious to learn more about or maybe you would be interested in joining in on  the fun.  I had several sellers receive some of their first customers from this very venture.  Just email me at rae_of_light_photos@yahoo.com .

Here are some of the photos I was hinting to before.  I will say I am starting to fall in love with what black and white film can add to an already surreal atmosphere.

  

 

 

The entrance to a local christian scientist church. (side note: the door seen open in the top right of the frame was blowing back and forth, it added a very eeire element)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My take on the St. Mary’s Cross

 

Something about stairs now going to no where intried me

What a local artist has been doing with the fallen trees around the high school

A house we saw while walking around.  On the foundation’s brick it says “Sam’s Place” We met same and his wife while there.  The flag is hiding it but there’s a white picnic tent behind it that Sam’s brother had been sleeping under at night to protect  what’s left of his brother’s belongings.

If you would like to purchase any of the photos shown please contact me. I will not be putting these on Etsy for obvious reasons but want to give people the chance to never forget.

Finally as to not fully end on a sad note here are a couple of photos I took at my cousin’s wedding a couple of weeks ago.

Check back tomorrow for my latest giveaway : )