Friday, March 28, 2008

Friday Features No. 7 -- Featuring Karen Marie Designs

I know, I know, I'm a little late in getting this out, but at least it will be out before Friday is over. I've been a little busy this week.

Congratulations to Belinda, who won the notecards and magnets from Dirty Pretty Things (RavenXX)! Congratulations to TerBearCo. and Bella Symphony who won the two free advertising spots in celebration of our reaching 5000 visits. Can you believe we're already at 6000! We've had over 1000 hits in ONE WEEK! Thank you all!

Today's Friday Feature is all about Karen Marie Designs. Karen is a happily married Auntie and momma to a tuxedo kitty. She and her husband and kitty live in Virginia. Here's a little more about Karen:

TDB: When did you first start crafting?
Karen: I first started crafting when I was a kid. On the top of each Christmas list was always an arts and craft gift, from candle making to woodburning! I did even try, unsuccessfully, the "easy bake" oven. This could account for why I don't cook today! In any case, I recently began scrapbooking, and started to use beads in my work. One thing led to another, and over the past year, I started making jewelry, which I love.

TDB: I see you've been on Etsy for just over a year. How long did it take to get your first sale?
Karen: It was probably about a month before I made my first sale. Every sale there after has been just as exciting. It was especially fun when I sold a pair of earrings to someone is Australia! To think my jewelry has traveled farther than I have!


TDB: You have good, clear photographs, with some great "up close" shots. What's your secret?
Karen: After much struggling, I have begun to take what I feel are better shots. Of course, there is always room for improvement. The key for me was when I bought a "light box." What a difference this made! In addition, I use the macro setting, with no flash, on my camera. To finish it all off, I have been able to use what I have learned in a Corel Paint Shop Pro class to "finalize" the pictures.


TDB: There are SO many jewelry makers on Etsy. What do you think makes your jewelry stand out from the crowd?
Karen: I give my absolute all to making my jewelry. I love to work with Swarovski crystals, and unique beads. Hopefully others agree that my jewelry stands out due to the quality of my workmanship. I pay close attention to detail. For example, on my bracelets I will take the extra time to use wire guards to prevent the wire from wearing out against the toggle. I'll also use crimp bead covers for that finished look. I want my jewelry to be durable and to last!

TDB: When you're not crafting, what do you enjoy doing for fun?
Karen: If I'm not actually creating my jewelry, I am looking through bead books or on-line for various beads and bead findings. I also love to read books about jewelry making. I always want to improve my trade. My husband and I are big fans of College Basketball, so we attend games with a group of friends. We also love to spend time with our cat, Pargo, whom we spoil...just a little! In fact, you will see Pargo on my website modeling some of my jewelry! He is just mesmarized by the beads, and mostly, the string!


TDB: What's your favorite thing about Etsy?
Karen: I can't say enough about Etsy. I have just learned so much since joining. I love the fact that you can have contact with people all around the world! It has literally opened up a whole new world!! I am hooked!

**********************************************

Karen's giveaway is a $20 Gift Certificate from her shop.



To enter: Please visit Karen's shop and find what you would buy if you won the $20 gift certificate. Then come back here and comment on it. ONE comment per person please. Please leave a valid email or make sure we have a good, quick way to get ahold of you. Deadline to enter is Thursday, April 3rd at Midnight PST.

125 comments:

Anonymous said...

The Think Pink bracelet is lovely as is the purple watch. Karen does beautiful work. It must be fun to work with all those pretty beads. Kathy
bigfamily8 (at) yahoo (dot) com

Eva said...

I love the SWAROVSKI LINE Crystal Shine earrings :)

ekrzemin(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I like the BACK TO BASICS Blue Swirl (Flowers Bead Earrings).

dolls123[at]gmail[dot]com

Suburban prep said...

I would pick the Back To Basics Blue Swirls Bracelet.
E on profile.

Anonymous said...

the earrings are lovely

mar said...

If I won the certificate I would buy the Swarovski Line Rose Colored Earrings - thank you

mverno said...

i like the earrings

Anonymous said...

i would love the cat, ooops i mean that Time to Shine bracelet. lol :-D

Anonymous said...

I like the Back to Basics Blue earrings. They sort of look like my husband's paperweight, really cool!

Anonymous said...

SWAROVSKI LINE Green Elegance (Peridot Crystal Bracelet)

Anonymous said...

Awesome stuff..would love to win... wickedxsilence@hotmail.com

monica said...

i really like the Blue Swirl (Flowers Bead Earrings)

Unknown said...

The swarovski blue bracelet.

Crunchy Green Mom - Suzanne said...

I love this bracelet. It would go great with my wardrobe! (Blue Bead Filigree bracelet)

Shawna said...

I'd love the swarovski crystal earrings. But, anything on her site in pink is so cute!

Dawn said...

It's hard to choose because there are so many gorgeous items, but I think I'd get the SWAROVSKI LINE Crystal Shine (Crystal Sterling Silver Earrings). Beautiful!

dburdenbates(at)gmail(dot)com

jenny said...

how cute every thing is i love to win this thanks jenny9675309@yahoo.com

Kristi said...

SWAROVSKI LINE This teal is a Deal (Teal Crystal Bracelet)is the one I want if I win- that's really pretty! skullaria at gmail dot com

CuteAndSweet Designs said...

I love the SWAROVSKI LINE Think Pink (Pink Bead Bracelet)!

agrueneberg@verizon.net

herrinfamily said...

SWAROVSKI LINE Crystal Shine earrings.

Anonymous said...

I love your jet black and crystal bracelet! Black and white is really in this spring and I have been looking for black and white accessories...this bracelet and the matching earrings are perfect!

Love said...

my favorite is the I Love Pink Bracelet. =)

peg42 said...

I love the BACK TO BASICS My Heart Belongs to You (Heart Charm Necklace). Thank you so much for offering this giveaway

sillelin said...

Think Pink or I Love Pink bracelets (pink is my favorite color)
sillelin at gmail.com

Unknown said...

I love WESTERN LINE In the Stars (Turquoise Chip Bracelet)!
Thanks :)

RoyalCheryl said...

Swarovski Line- "I Love Pink Bracelet". Class with out the big price tag.

Anonymous said...

The amethyst 3 strand necklace is just beautiful, I would love to wear that! It would go perfect with a dress I'm wearing for a wedding in May!!!! k_cook30@yahoo.com

ydsddd said...

Love the SWAROVSKI LINE earrings

Unknown said...

WOW, would this ever be a dream to win. I'm a fanatic about Swarovski jewelry. I'd have to pick a pair of earrings...but it would take me a long time to choose which pair!!

windycindy said...

Hi! What a delightful jewelry site. Her pieces are very unique and lovely! I would choose the "Back to Basics Blue Swirl Too Bracelet" and the matching earrings! How fun. Please enter me in your drawing. Thanks very much.....Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

bison61 said...

I like the ruby red swarovski earrings

tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I love the "Be My Valentine" earrings. Just my style. Loved all of Karen's work.
ylynn1958 (at) yahoo (dot) com

LINDALSHOT said...

ANY of the crystal bracelets! Any color.

chromiumman said...

i like the blue swirls bracelet

Anonymous said...

I love that heart pendant!
heavensentraven@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Could I have the cat? What a great cat. As for the jewelry I just love the SWAROVSKI LINE Blue Shade of Crystal (Blue Sterling Silver Earrings) they are incrediable

Unknown said...

SWAROVSKI LINE Rose Colored Earrings

Donna said...

i like the blue swirls bracelet

Anonymous said...

Hi, my name is Diane. I just cannot pass up a chance to win a beautiful piece of jewelry like you have! It's a hard decision to try and make amongst all those beautiful pieces, but when I came upon that bracelet, it just grabbed hold of my heart and won't let go. The bracelet I have chosen(or I should say the bracelet chose me): SWAROVSKI LINE-I LOVE PINK-Pink Bracelet with Heart Toggle.That bracelet would do so much for me in so many ways that I can't explain, well I just hope I win it. Thank you very much for this contest. Diane Meyer God Bless

DECA Candle and Bath said...

so pretty all of it. Also You have been Tagged.

Anonymous said...

I would buy the SWAROVSKI LINE Blue Shade of Crystal (Blue Sterling Silver Earrings).

Anonymous said...

I would buy the SWAROVSKI LINE Blue Shade of Crystal (Blue Sterling Silver Earrings).

krystald88@hotmail.com

sorry forgot to include my email adress last post.

Bunny B said...

I love the SWAROVSKI LINE Blue Shade of Crystal (Blue Sterling Silver Earrings)! Gorgeous!


bunnybox9 [at] lycos [dot] com

Anonymous said...

I think the Dainty Daisy earrings are beautiful and classy. Perfect for wearing to something as important as a job interview and or as sweet as a first date.
suzannenicolemartin@yahoo.com

strawberry3d said...

i would buy your swarovski maroon sterling silver bracelet.

Anonymous said...

If I won, I'd get the true blue (blue stone) earrings.
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

Kari said...

I would pick the Back To Basics Blue Swirls Bracelet

sweetsue said...

Wow, she has some beautiful designs at very reasonable prices! I would pick the Swarovski Line Crystal Shine earrings.

Anonymous said...

BACK TO BASICS Dainty Daisy (Daisy Sterling Silver Earrings)-abolutely would pick. THANKS :)

idahomom said...

I like the Back to Basics Blue Swirl Line. Thanks for the chance.

vboackle said...

i like the back to basics blue swirl bracelet.

Leah said...

My fave is BACK TO BASICS My Heart Belongs to You (Heart Charm Necklace). I love marcasite! Thanks for the great giveaway.

Tina12312 said...

I am in love with her Light Blue For You bracelet, but everything is gorgeous! Thank you!

Unknown said...

I like the watch and the heart charm necklace!

Tammy said...

I really like these SWAROVSKI LINE Light Blue for You too

DOODLEGIRL said...

SWAROVSKI LINE Ocean Breeze (Sapphire Crystal Bracelet) for my trip to Greece

Anonymous said...

my favorite is the Back to Basics blue earrings!

littlelatina
edq143 at yahoo dot com

Phyl said...

OMG~ I make jewelry some times, too. Karen's goodies are gorgeous!

I would put the gift certificate toward the green bracelet that you featured or the blue one just like it in her shop.

Thanx for a chance to win!

Jessie R. said...

I would buy the SWAROVSKI LINE Black is Back ( Black and Crystal Sterling Silver Earrings) and then I would have to buy the bracelet to match! Thanks! They are beautiful!

noreen said...

I just love the SWAROVSKI LINE Two Toned (Unique Pink Bracelet, I almost picked the green :)

Kimberly B. said...

It's really hard to pick just one! However, I really love the color teal so "This teal is a deal" is a fave!
beax0002 (at) umn (dot) edu

New England Quilter said...

If I won, I would certainly buy the SWAROVSKI LINE Ocean Breeze (Sapphire Crystal Bracelet). I just bought a pair of Blue SWAROVSKI crystal hair sticks from http://yourcrowningglory.etsy.com last night! They would match perfectly :)
Her shop make me wish that I still had pierced ears.

Amy

Becca said...

Ooh, I love the Triple Time necklace. I'd definitely use the certificate toward that.

miriama said...

Blue Sterling Silver Earrings. They are so pretty!

sachidewey said...

I love the SWAROVSKI LINE Blue Shade of Crystal earrings!

Cricket said...

I would snag the Be My Valentine earrings and then pay it forward for sure with something nice for someone else. With the gift certificate I would actually purchase the Time Line Watch out for Purple watch. It is so pretty and I really need a new pretty watch.

Thank you for yet another great shop to play in! lisaelliott[at]cox[dot]net

msrodeobrat said...

i like the swarovski line think pink bracelet

silverbele said...

Love the Swarovski earrings

DePro said...

earrings

Beverley said...

I like the SWAROVSKI LINE Light Blue for You.

Unknown said...

I like the Back To Basics My Heart Belongs To You.

Anonymous said...

I love the Swarovski Line - Blue Shade of Crystal Sterling Silver Earrings!

Camille
wiredwilsons AT gmail DOT com

Anonymous said...

I would buy the Swarovski Line Crystal clear (Jet Black and Crystal Bracelet)

mogrill said...

i LOVE THE Green Peridot Bracelet!

Anonymous said...

I would buy SWAROVSKI LINE Blue Shade of Crystal (Blue Sterling Silver Earrings)....LOVELY!

dbstout[at]juno[dot]com

Don and Lisa Osborn said...

I think I would choose the Swarovski Green Elegance bracelet because Peridot is my birthstone!

Her work is lovely...

hianded[at]earthlink[dot]net

Samantha P said...

i really love the BACK TO BASICS Blue Swirl (Flowers Bead Earrings) they're very unique!

suzie said...

I'd get something from the Swarvoski line for my daughter. They are her favorite. Thanks for the contest.

Anonymous said...

I love the purple watch and the crystal earings.

Cory said...

Karen Marie does beautiful work. It was hard to decide with only 20 to spend. I'd pick the Back to Basics Daisy earrings and either the Back to Basics True Blue or the Swarovski Blue Shade earrings. Thank you for offering this prize. Take care, Cory

jodene said...

All the jewelry is beautiful but if I had to pick one I would pick the Swarovski Line Blue Shade earrings.

Anonymous said...

i love the TIME LINE Watch out for Purple (Crystal Purple Watch)!! it's really adorable and attractive! pls count me in! i want to win! yanyan_140[at]yahoo[dot]com

SeahorseLady said...

She has some beautiful jewelry and reasonable prices. I really like her SWAROVSKI LINE Crystal Shine earrings.
Thank you for the nice giveaway.

Erica G said...

I would get the BACK TO BASICS Blue Swirl (Flowers Bead Earrings) and the BACK TO BASICS My Heart Belongs to You (Heart Charm Necklace).

Kimby said...

I would select the TIME LINE Watch out for Purple (Crystal Purple Watch).

Ivÿ said...

what lovely creations! :)

I *heart* SWAROVSKI LINE Blue Shade of Crystal earrings OR
BACK TO BASICS My Heart Belongs to You necklace.

ivan[dot]girl25[at]gmail[dot]com

Krista said...

I love the dainty daisy earrings! so fun!
teacherkrista at gmail dot com

Brandy said...

I'd love one of everything to be honest. ;) I would probably buy the BACK TO BASICS Dainty Daisy (Daisy Sterling Silver Earrings)and the SWAROVSKI LINE Always Amethyst ( Amethyst Sterling Silver Earrings) to wear with my pink hatter outfit. :) Thanks for the chance to win!

Angela said...

I would get the always amethyst earrings!

I blogged your contest at prizeatron
http://www.prizeatron.com

Anonymous said...

The Swarovski Line Blue for You earrings are gorgeous!!

Little Piddles said...

I woudl either get the SWAROVSKI LINE Crystal Shine (Crystal Sterling Silver Earrings)andBACK TO BASICS Dainty Daisy (Daisy Sterling Silver Earrings)or TIME LINE Watch out for Purple (Crystal Purple Watch. All so cute:)

info at littlepiddles dot com

Sylvia P said...

i really love the SWAROVSKI LINE Crystal Shine (Crystal Sterling Silver Earrings)very elegant!

cltgrace said...

How lovely!! Thanks for hosting~ I'm with sylvia - those SWAROVSKI LINE Crystal Shine earings are simple divine!

Anonymous said...

I like that heart charm necklace!
doot65 at comcast [dot] net

ladypawnbroker said...

The SWAROVSKI LINE Blue Shade of Crystal is just my style. I would also have to pick up a pair of the daisies as well!

Beth @ TheAngelForever said...

What a great Etsy shop! I really like the Back to basics Blue Swirl (Flowers Bead Earrings) and the Swarovski Line Blue Shade of Crystal (Blue Sterling Silver Earrings).

Thanks for the great giveaway!

The Angel Forever

Claire Roach said...

Thanks for the giveaway! I like the Swarovski Line Rose Colored Earrings.
claireroach81(at)hotmail(dot)com

phxbne said...

I love the SWAROVSKI LINE Triple Time (Amethyst Three Strand Necklace)

Unknown said...

I'd buy the SWAROVSKI LINE Triple Time (Amethyst Three Strand Necklace)

cman said...

My Heart Belongs to You (Heart Charm Necklace)

Anonymous said...

Swarovski BLue Bracelet

Anonymous said...

I like the swarovski think pink bracelet.

deadmonkeys90@yahoo.com

retellingstories said...

I love the back to basics!

Helen said...

I love the SWAROVSKI LINE Triple Time

Jinxy and Me said...

I would buy the SWAROVSKI LINE Blue Shade of Crystal (Blue Sterling Silver Earrings)

Jennifer said...

I would use it to purchase the SWAROVSKI LINE Green with Envy (Peridot Crystal Bracelet). Such a beautiful color!

Ninacu said...

I'd love to get the SWAROVSKI LINE (Teal Crystal Bracelet). Thanks!

Roxy said...

I think I'd go with SWAROVSKI LINE This teal is a Deal.

carissaad said...

I love the SWAROVSKI LINE Two Toned (Unique Pink Bracelet).

carissaad at gmail dot com

masonsgranny59 said...

SWAROVSKI LINE Rose Colored Earrings

Crystal F said...

My daughter would love the BACK TO BASICS Dainty Daisy (Daisy Sterling Silver Earrings}. They are adorable! Thank you!

Anonymous said...

Great giveaway!
katalyst69@gmail.com

klp1965 said...

the peridot crystal bracelet :)

Betty C said...

I'd have to get the BACK TO BASICS True Blue earrings, they are so pretty.

Starshine3 said...

My favorite is the WESTERN LINE Ceramic Blues Bracelet. Lovely designs, would love to win! :)

Sumrgrl said...

The Always Amethist is so pretty!

Anonymous said...

I would buy the SWAROVSKI LINE So Bright (Bright Blue Bracelet. It is gorgeous.

/\Heather/\ said...

I love the blue round ceramic bracelet from the western line. So cool!

Tim Sternberg said...

The Think Pink bracelet is lovely.

mrstrooper said...

SWAROVSKI LINE Blue Shade of Crystal (Blue Sterling Silver Earrings)are beautiful!

Unknown said...

I would buy the SWAROVSKI LINE Rose Colored Earrings. garrettsambo@aol.com

lilyk said...

I would get the BACK TO BASICS Blue Swirl (Flowers Bead Earrings). The model on their web site is gorgeous! ;0P

Unknown said...

I love the SWAROVSKI LINE Green Elegance (Peridot Crystal Bracelet)
rosans4@insightbb.com

Charlene Kuser said...

I love the Think Pink bracelet,it was hard to choose,
everything is so pretty

Noggy said...

BACK TO BASICS My Heart Belongs to You (Heart Charm Necklace)