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 : )