Tuesday, September 18, 2007

A Little Something Wicked Giveaway


I finally managed to take a decent photo of the item in question, so I thought I'd go ahead and post this before going to bed. If you've been reading this blog from the beginning, you'll know that I have not been designing jewelry, lampworking or working with metal clay for a very long time. As a result, I've been very timid about even the prospect of giving any of my work to someone who's not a family member. Well, I think the time has come for this to change. I've had such great support from everyone reading this blog, and I want to thank you. Therefore, I've decided to hold my first Giveaway. The prize is the simple skull-y bracelet, above. As usual, I made the skull charms and full moon button clasp out of PMC3. I finished the bracelet with chunky faceted onyx beads, a black shell pearl, seed beads and Czech glass.

I think this bracelet would be a nice accessory for the upcoming Halloween season. If you agree and would like to be the new owner of this piece, please enter this Giveaway by leaving me a message in the Comments section of this entry. You know a lot about me by now, but I know pretty much nothing about you, so I'd love it if, in your message, you would tell me a little bit about yourself - what kind of items you like to knit, what kind of beads you like, your favorite ice cream, the name of your dog - you know, whatever! I'd like to get to know you better!

The Comments section will be open for one week, ending on Wednesday, September 26th. The winner will be selected that evening by random drawing - I will ask the Short One to select a name out of a hat. In the event of technical difficulties (the Short One grabs a handful of entries, eats/runs off with the winning entry, refuses to pick an entry, etc., etc. - anything is possible, where the S.O. is concerned), I will use a random number generator to select the winner. I will post the name of the winner on this blog. You must visit my blog in order to find out if you've won. At that time, I will leave instructions on how to contact me to make arrangements for the shipment of the prize. If no one claims the prize after two weeks, I reserve the right to hold the Giveaway again.

Of course, all of this only works if you actually leave a comment (and please no Anonymous comments, as I'll have no way of knowing who you are)! This is the perfect opportunity for anyone lurking here (this means you, Ingrid) to say "hi". (As a little aside, I used to think Monkee Maker's anxiety that no one would leave her a comment when she held her own giveaways was really cute. M.M., I apologize abjectly - I will never, ever find your worry (at least on that account) cute or funny again. Truly.) Seriously, though, if no one leaves a comment, I'll be forced to bully my mother into leaving one, and you don't want to see me bully my mother, do you?

I had a heck of a time getting a decent photo of the bracelet (this seems to be turning into a refrain for me). Can you guess where I ultimately took this photo (I do not own a light box)? There might be a teeny surprise for the first person who answers this question correctly.

Oh, and on a final note, due to my background, I have to add a little note that, as the bracelet contains small parts and glass, it should really not be given to your own (or anyone else's) Short Ones to play with, no matter how tugworthy or desirable. I'm sure you already know that, but I can't help it - I'm anal.

Thank you so much for your support and for continuing to read my blog!

46 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi Mel

I'd love to be the owner of your very funky bracelet! (By the way, I think that it was in the bathtub, or perhaps the sink, when you photographed it -- am I right?)

Mel already knows tons about me, but for everyone else, when I have time I knit (mostly cardigans and hats for my own Short One) and embroider (in a freehand style of flowers in the style of Diana Lampe; see http://www.amazon.com/Embroider-Garden-Milner-Craft-Diana/dp/1863511229/ref=sr_1_4/102-4506288-0700147?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1190184873&sr=1-4 for one of her books).

Sarah

Caligirl said...

Hi Melissa. Great bracelet! You probably know all this about me but, I live in CA. Originally from your neck of the woods. I knit baby sweaters and socks. I have 4 kids. I make glass beads and other trinkets. And soon I'll be taking up dirt bike riding with the family as it's a huge family pass time here in CA. Little bit worried about that!

Keep up the good work!
Jenn Kelly

Unknown said...

Hello!

I attempted to comment on your blog last week, but was not allowed to do this using my Wordpress URL (not anonymous, but not a Google/Blogger person). You may find that you receive more comments if you allow people who aren't Google/Blogger people to comment...just a thought.

I also have a background in English Literature & Law, but I'm happiest when I can just go home and create things - it's too bad this won't pay my student loans.
;-)

I weave, dye, knit (reluctantly) and, recently, have started exploring clay and metal. I found your blog via Melanie at Earthenwood Studios. She's my beadmaking hero!

At any rate, if you want to know more about me, I've started a little blog at http://www.distractedmuse.com/weblog



Stef

Monkee Maker said...

Hi Melissa,

So. It was funny was it?? When I was going out of my tiny little neurotic mind that no-one would enter my competition? I see. :)

Anyway, I'm not going to waffle on here about myself as you know more than enough about my penchant for monkeys made of knit from my blog, so I'll just say two things :-

Please enter me for the chance to own that rather lovely bracelet (still loving the skulls) and

I too think it's your (very clean and shiny) bath.

(Ok, and one other tiny thing .... I found I had lots more comments when I allowed anyone to comment - it means people without their own blog can comment on yours - and they mostly leave their names)

HilLesha O'Nan said...

This is absolutely beautiful!

melanie brooks said...

Well, I'll put my name in the hat too! And I am glad your anxiety about sharing your work is starting to pass, because it is incredibly lovely.

And we have met in Real Life, so you know a little about me. But I will answer your questions...I do not knit at all, and am quite flustered by yarn acutally. I love all beads! Well except for cheap yucky plasticy ones. I like all sorts of ice cream well enough, except ones with tree nuts, because I am allergic, although I would rather have cake or baked goods. And my doggie is Zoey, and she is super friendly but very independant like a cat.

Rachel said...

How I need this let me tell you the ways. Skulls skulls and more skulls love love love this! How many times can I enter???? =) Rachel

Rachel said...

I think the photo was taken on the kitchen counter.

Oh and I forgot to add the little about me earlier. I should attend crafters anonymous but don't. I use to own my own business making wedding cakes and flowers. I left that behind to pursue lampworking. I guess I couldn't leave it behind because I am now starting up my own business again making cupcake decorations. I love all beads and things sweet like Mel. Yea beads!!!

Anonymous said...

Was the photo from the top of a Mac laptop?

I'd really like to own the bracelet! Even though I don't do crafts of any sort, so I have nothing to offer in return - as you well know, the only thing I knit is my brows. No kids, no dogs, only the one pathetic dying houseplant. Now I'm starting to get depressed. No wonder I usually just lurk.

Melissa J. Lee said...

I love these comments, thank you!

Unknown said...

Another guess as to where you took the photo -- on a washable drawing surface (or a colorforms board)? I have to figure this one out!

Melissa J. Lee said...

Nope, not the MacBook, not a washable board, not a counter. It's really driving you crazy isn't it? Heh heh heh.

Linnea said...

I simply love this bracelet! The theme appeals to my old Goth self (I'm all mellowed out now that I have kids of my own). I also just love the chunky proportions!

I've been following your blog for a while now, ever since I got back into beading after a break of many years. Thanks for the amazing inspiration!

Linnea said...

P.S. I think this photo is on the top of a white appliance - freezer, washing machine, etc?

Melissa J. Lee said...

Thanks, Linnea! Well, it's not a freezer or a washing machine. Can you tell me what you mean by "etc."?

Rachel @ REvangeline Designs said...

I think you are inspiring! I would love to wear your jewelry around town. I LOVE that bracelet. I live in Tampa and wait all year to take my little dudes to the Gasparilla Festival! http://www.gasparillapiratefest.com What a groovy decoration. I have started to make jewelry a bit in the last year. I have sold some pieces at art and craft shows, but mostly to family and friends. I dabble and enjoy discovering new beads and new techniques and new people! :)

Melissa J. Lee said...

Hi Rachel, Gasparilla Fest looks cool! I wish we had something like that around here. I bet the kids all love it. Thanks for you comment!

Anonymous said...

Melissa - the braclet is awesome!it takes a lot for me to say that as I am slighty biased as my daughter does lampworking and of course as a mom I think hers are the BEST! LOL!
So now you know I'm a mom (2 daughters) and 4 g'kids and 2 step g'kids!
Creative background: always had something going with my hands even as a little kid - knitting, "messin'" with clay, whatever interested me; handweaver/designer and finally back to knitting - especially funky hats and wristlets for the g'daughters.
Good luck with your endeavor - your work is great!

Anonymous said...

I *WANT*!!! (does that count as a comment??)
Ok--you wanted to know about "me"--here's what I "do"--
www.lunamoonshadow.etsy.com
so I think I'd just *love* the chance to buy some of your PMC3 goodies to use in MY creations!! :)
I'm a January baby, so the colors in that bracelet are "just right" for me...
I don't have a doggie--but I have 3 kitties--2 of them are scottish folds & one is "generic", & they're ALL rescue kitties.
I don't have a blog of my own, but I read Nikki-the-Sheep-Goddess's webpage all the time (and she's a riot)-- www.NLCBeads.com if you're looking for another good one ;)
Thanks for putting me in the hat to win!! I LOVE the chinese fortune cookie charm too! It ROCKS!!
~lyn

Anonymous said...

Hi there...love the bracelet. Am friend of Rachel's and she threatened imminent harm if I didn't enter your contest. haha jk Rachel. Anyway I love to bead, design flowers for weddings, sew, anything crafty and full of color.

Rachel said...

I deny all charges she likes the bracelet and wants to win it just as bad as I do. Don't listen to her I just showed her where to enter. =)

Anonymous said...

Those skulls are awesome! fun and scary at the same time.

poor Yorick..

Anonymous said...

Awesome Beads! I really like the silver work. Good luck with your endeavor. May the Lord Bless ya!

Anonymous said...

Oh gosh, you tempted me right into this. I live in the Midwest-right about smack-dab in the center of the country and work full-time for a newspaper; I love to crochet and in the past 2 months have made an afghan, fringed comfort shawl, two fringed shoulder wraps and two winter scarves--all out of organic yarn, the best ever! I dabble at jewelry making and really like the various pearls out there, altho the latest piece of jewelry I made was an all-sterling silver "hope" charm bracelet. I love butter pecan and black walnut ice-cream; I have an 8-year old black lab named Smokey whom I adore; I had to stop reading Marley and Me because I was getting too close to the break my heart part-maybe some day I'll finish it, but my son is reading it now; I'll see what he suggests. Your bracelet is so totally awesome!

Anonymous said...

**waving at fancy pants** (see I made it!!!)
Just leaving a comment on how cool your stuff is. I admire people who can work with little beads and string/wire.

Me? I do knitting/crocheting/digital scrapbooking/amateur photography.

Anonymous said...

What a cute bracelet!! My granddaughter would think it so cool for me to wear skulls on my wrist. Put my name in the hat too.

Barbara

Melissa J. Lee said...

Thanks for the continuing entries! Vickie, I receive The Common Reader catalog - _Marley and Me_ is always profiled there - it looks like such a great book. I'll have to pick up a copy...

LunaMoonShadow, your Etsy store rocks! Love your stuff!

Hmmm, I think Fancy Pants has been recruiting people for the contest. Thanks for stopping by, all of you FP-affiliated people!

Barbara, I'm not sure if you're FP related, too, or not. I think you're right though - cool Moms and Grandmoms were skull bracelets!

Anonymous said...

My guess is on the top of a tumble dryer! Please put my name in the hat too- I love all your beady creations! Fiona Adlington

Anonymous said...

Hi Melissa!
Wickedly Fun Bracelet!

About Me?
I'm a bead maker...
(but you knew that)

I live in CA...
(have my whole life)

I don't knit...
(but wish I had time to learn)

I have two pups...
(Miss Molly a spoiled Chihuahua and Bear a Cocker Spaniel)

I LOVE ice cream!!!...
(my favorite is Almond Joy)

I also LOVE chocolate!...
(but who doesn't!)

I have one son...
(who's off at college now, sniff sniff)

Well, that's a little about me...
(there's a lot more)

Thanks....
(I LOVE your little works of art)

Maria
www.gardenpathbeads.com

Anonymous said...

Hey, Melissa...just came across your blog via Art Bead Scene, and am really enjoying it. Am I supposed to tell you about myself? Ummmm, ok, my name is also Melissa, I work in retail, and have a husband and 2 kids. I have WAY too many beads and not enough time to play with them (although I do somehow manage to find time to buy more). I love your bracelet; skulls are very popular right now. Hope you don't mind if I add your site to my blogroll.

Melissa J. Lee said...

Well, I've finally figured out that continuing to respond to comments in the comments section is going to cause me problems if I have to use a random number generator to pick a winner (not that I don't have confidence in the Short One, but...), so this will be my last comment in this post. However, rest assured I'm still reading the entries and LOVING them.

Hi, Maria! It's so nice of you to stop by! I loooovve your beads!

Melissa (It's very rare that I meet someone with the name "Melissa" believe it or not - I don't know if you have the same experience.), I'd be honored if you put my site in your blogroll. Let me know where your blog is - I'll come and visit!

Fiona, I'm sorry but the side contest has already concluded. Fancy Pants got it right - top of the stove range! You're entered for the bracelet, though!

Dr Vartan said...

I think your work is great! I am happy to be a new subscriber to your blog!

Lorelei Eurto said...

Hello!

I am new to the Art Bead Scene, and fairly new to beading in general. I am a self taught beader, with a passion for jewelry! I love to use Vintaj brass supplies, and my idols are Green Girl Studios beads. This bracelet is super funky. Love it!
You can see my jewelry at www.Lorelei1141.etsy.com
Lori Eurto

Anonymous said...

What a great bracelet. And a warm welcome from chilly Jackson Hole, WY. Char

Anonymous said...

Hi Melissa
I found your blog through Art Bead Scene and thought your bracelet was great! What a neat contest too! I design jewelry as well, I especially love to work with lampwork, I have 3 children and I live in VA. Have a great day!
~ Cindy

Christina J. said...

Great bracelet! I live in northwestern Illinois and do a fair amount of beading. I have a full-time job, a husband, and a six-year old son, so sometimes it's hard to fit in some beading time! My favorite thing to work with is crystals. I'm all about the sparkle. :)

roguereader said...

Your bracelet is lovely...in a nice spooky, sparkly way. Your stove makes a wonderful background.
I am a librarian by occupation and my favorite home activities are reading and beading...also,doing dance-yoga with my cat, Pookie. I also enjoy spending time with my Short One who is now a Tall One (8" taller than me)
I found your site through Art Bead Scene and am so glad you were brave enough to go public. I feel shy about my beading designs too so this gives me hope.
I cannot knit...I have tried three times. So I do wirework and knotting instead! I love color and texture in my jewelry and I try to recycle as many beads, buttons and interesting materials as possible in my jewelry...I even am making a pin made out of a small lightbulb.
Thank you for creating such a fun accessible blog.

Melissa J. Lee said...

Okay, I know I said I wouldn't be posting here again, but since some people don't have blogs/websites, I haven't been able to say hello - which bugs me. I'm relying on my prerogative to change my mind! So...

Hi Lori! I love Green Girl Studios, too. Great work in your Etsy store!

Hi Cindy, It's nice meeting you - I admire the fact that you handle three little ones - I only have the one, and he runs me ragged.

Christina, I tried to visit your bead blog, but I guess there's just the jpeg up at this point? Love your detailed work with the crystals on that piece.

I think I managed to say hello to everyone else on their respective websites/blogs. Thanks again for entering. See you on Wednesday!

Anonymous said...

Hey Melissa!
Who in the heck wants to know about lil' ol me?? Let's see. Other than my family I love glass beads, ranch dressing, sunshine, pea green, my dogs, hi-speed internet, silver, holding hands with my husband, dark chocolate, Diet Dr. Pepper, sleep, no traffic, a full roll of toilet paper, art, Starbuck's mochas, flip-flops, 50% off, an empty dishwasher, baking, quick wit, polka dots, a full tank of gas, peas (especially fried), Ben & Jerry's New York Super Fudge Chunk Ice Cream, TJ Maxx & More, walking out of the gym, topiaries, driving past a yellow light, the TV show 24, my computer, a clean house, a hug from my son, shoes, a flashlight that works, thunderstorms, hot glue guns, stars, gerbera daisies and Mel's jewelry!

Juliet said...

Howdy Melissa!

What a great piece! Where I come from the skull has deep meaning to it. If I remember from my Art classes "Memento Mori" (please forgive my spelling) means to remember me in death.

After learning that I wasn't so scared of the skull image.

I like yours, it is happy and cheery or as my 21 month old says, "Appy! Appy! Appy!"

About me? Hmmmmmm (she says with great ponderance) I am an artist! I work with many mediums. I work with polymer clay, make jewelry and my list goes on.

I am currently sporting a paint brush. We just bought a fixer upper and I have been painting walls!

Today was the first time I have been able to work with my polymer clay in about a month. It felt good.

I haven't had time for much else. I look forward to reto reading your blog!

I can't wait to get your/my skull-y bracelet! Oh yeah, around my art friends the skull is quite acceptable.

Juliet

Melissa J. Lee said...

Hi Beatrice! Thanks for entering. Ooh, I love TJ Maxx and gerbera daisies, too. (Why these two jumped out at me from your list, I can't really say...)

Welcome, Juliet! I see you have a brand spanking new blog - I can't wait to see what you put up there (hopefully photos of your polymer work?).

maltesergr8 said...

Love the bracelet, would love to own the bracelet! So, am officially asking to be put in the "hat" for the bracelet drawing!!!

Seeing the bracelet has inspired me to finally get out my tools and start making jewelry... If only mine could look so good :)

I haven't been able to get on my computer for quite some time (not sure what I did to it, human error... of course), but am so glad that I finally came back in time for the bracelet!

Your beads are awesome!

Beth
Maltesergr8

Melissa J. Lee said...

Thanks, Maltesergr8 - I love your user name! (It reminds me of my favorite vanity license plate that I saw a couple years ago: "GURAQT". This one's a little obscure, but once I "got" it, I thought it was cute.)

Okay, last call for entries today, please! I will keep the Comments open for entries until late afternoon. Then we'll see if the S.O. is in a cooperative mood today...

Mama said...

Guessing that you already know a bit about TLG, TBG, and me from reading my blog. Not sure what I can add other than the fact that...nope, I'll let you find that out the hard way : )

I am baffled re: where you took the pic. I like the bath tub idea, but I'm not 100% convinced. When I need a light table I usually put a cloth on my glass end table and stick a lamp under it (the table) so that's my guess (though I haven't convinced myself that I'm correct...)

Glad to be getting to know you.

Jean Katherine Baldridge said...

I luff it, and I love halloween, and I am very proud of you to make your desgnsand start really rocking and rolling and give and SELL them!!!

jean

Melissa J. Lee said...

Jean, thanks so much for your kind words - they mean a lot to a rank beginner like myself!

And to everyone: I'm glad I went out of my "comfort zone" and held the giveaway - it's been a lot of fun (I hope for you, too) and has been a confidence builder to boot. Thanks for everyone's support!

This contest is now concluded. I'll be holding another one, probably in conjunction with my "100th post".

THANK YOU!!!!!