Monday, April 07, 2014

1,000th Post and HUGE Giveaway Announcement!

EDITED TO ADD:  Please check here for the latest developments.  I have updated the contest parameters to accommodate the late entries.

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This is going to be a long post in order to accomplish several things so bear with me!

First off, sorry for disappearing for so long.  I fell down the rabbit hole that is dental work and my severe phobia thereof.  Go ahead and judge as I freely admit that I am a big, ginormous baby with a completely irrational fear of having any work (no matter how minor) done on my teeth.

So, glad that's over and also Hi!  Hello!  Welcome to OHMYGODICAN'TBELIEVE it's my 1,000th blog post!  1,000!  That is a BIG number.  Did I really write all those words?  About beads and kids and books and vacations and life and stuff?  Who knew I had so much to say?!

My life has changed SO DRASTICALLY since I started this blogging thing back in July, 2004.  The husband is gone as is the job at Toshiba.  The kid is now ELEVEN years old!

As is typical for me, I didn't really have any grand plan other than "I'm launching my jewelry onto a website and ought to have a blog to go with it because blogging is the new black."  Although the original jewelry website (like most everything else I wrote about in that first entry) is now gone with the wind, I continued to value the blog as a place to express myself and connect with other artists.

I really do love the instant connection and I try to respond to every comment and visit the blogs of those who are kind enough to leave comments here.  I've never joined Twitter (am afraid of the time commitment and also that my life does not have the minute by minute excitement to keep it going because who cares that I spilled flour all over the floor while making pancakes or had to spend 10 minutes explaining to my son why leaving dirty underwear on the floor is like, SO GROSS!) and I am an indifferent (at best!) Facebooker, but other than the recent long hiatus, I've always stayed involved here on the blog.

So, to celebrate almost 10 years of wordiness and 1,000 posts, I thought I would do a special blog hop challenge based on an idea I've been percolating for the last few years.  Unfortunately, based on the recent survey I did, it doesn't seem like there would be enough participation to make it worthwhile right now so I think I'll keep that idea in my back pocket for future.  If things pick up around here, then maybe I'll do it later this year.

Instead, I just thought I'd do a huge, ginormous, freebie bead and book GIVEAWAY BONANZA!

(insert cheering, clapping, confetti and balloons falling from the ceiling here!)

As a thank you for participating in the recent survey and leaving a comment on the last post, a special, pre-contest prize goes to Cynthia.  Cynthia, please email me your address and I'll get your package out to you right away.

For the rest of the prizes, y'all are gonna haveta work a little bit LOL!

THE RULES:

To enter, leave a comment on this post.  Each comment = 1 entry.  Be sure your comment gives me some way to CONTACT YOU if it doesn't link to your blog or email address.

Want extra ways to win?  Blog, Facebook, Tweet or use the time-absorbing social media vehicle of your choice to mention the giveaway and then leave the link here in a comment or email it to me and I'll count those as additional entries.  So, if you leave 1 comment and it includes a link to show that you blogged or tweeted (or whatever'd) about the giveaway, that counts as 2 entries.

Of course, you're saying to yourselves "sounds good, but show me the money beads so I know if it's worth going to all this extraordinary effort."

Okay, I hear ya.

THE PRIZES:

I've put together a pile of wonderful beading books (most read only once or twice so they are in pristine condition) as well as 10 BAGS of beads and accoutrements including:  lampwork, ceramic, polymer clay, wood, crystal, stone, shell, resin, lucite, vintage plastic, Czech glass, metal, chain, ribbons and fibers.  Each prize will consist of a hand-selected assortment of some of each category plus a book (until the books run out).

All of the beads, etc. are either pulled from my own extensive collection (not due to any defects - usually because they are multiples of something I already have, they were extra "freebies" from an Etsy purchase, or because my style has moved in a different direction).

But, as the saying goes, a photo is worth a thousand words, so here are few to whet your appetite:

 


This is the first pile of books.  I'll be adding a few more, but had to get the photos done over the weekend.  Also, don't be discouraged if you are not a seed beader - it is not my main focus, either, but I can tell you that I learned something of value to incorporate into my own work from every single one of these books:  an interesting or unusual use of a finding, a new way of thinking about construction possibilities, a different use for a particular material, etc.  This is a great way to open up possibilities for your creativity.


 
 
When I couldn't even get all of the BAGS into one shot, I quickly realized there was no way I was going to get a shot of ALL of the individual beads...not if I wanted to get this contest up and running any time this year.  This is 5 bags of beads - front bags have ceramics and stone.
 

 
 
Two more bags - poly clay and ribbons/fibers in one and lampwork in the other.
 

 
 
Two more bags - lucite, resin and vintage plastic on the left and more lampwork on the right.
 
 
And now, here's a little taste from each bag:
 
 
 
 
Multiple strands of lampwork glass
 

 
 
A very small portion of the available ceramics - filler beads in the background and two gorgeous pieces by Round Rabbit and Tracee Dock in the foreground
 

 
 
A little bit of what's in the wood and stone bag
 

 
 
More wood pieces - these are from Marie at Skye Jewels
 

 
 
Probably one of the best selections that I'm giving away are cabochons in stone, fused glass, shell and vintage crystal.  I went sort of cab-crazy a few years back when I was really into bead embroidery, but sadly I no longer have as much time to put into complicated pieces and my eyesight is really becoming an issue so I think this is a good area to cut back in. These are just a few pieces as examples.  I know that not everyone is into cabs because you mostly need seed bead, embroidery, or wire-working skills to work with them so if you are not into cabs be sure to mention that in your comment and I will not include any in your prize if you win.  On the other hand, if you are SUPER INTO cabs, mention that also and if you are a winner, I'll make your prize package up to include more cabs and less other stuff.
 

 
 
More lampwork samples.  The set on the right in greens/bronzes is from Blue Seraphim.
 

 
 
This is some of the metal, pearl, crystal and chain bag.  The pearls are high quality glass pearls, the gold/pearl chain is vintage, and the metal filigree piece has been patinated and coated with resin.
 
  

 
Here's a small sample of some of the ribbons and fibers.  I had to keep these in the bag because the wind was blowing a bit while I was taking photos.  In the upper right corner, you can see one of the polymer clay beads peeking out, too.
 
I hope the photos of just a small bit of what I plan to give out were enough to whet your appetite.  Each prize package will contain some of everything (unless you specifically request otherwise in your comment).
 
THE TIMING:
 
I plan to do 10 prize packages - I figure one prize for each 100 blog posts is a nice round number.  I will leave this post up for a couple of days and then move it to a link at the upper right of the nav bar on the blog so people can keep entering/commenting right up until the first prize is announced which will be NEXT MONDAY, 4/14/14. 
 
After that, I'll announce a winner every other day until all the packages have been awarded.
 
A quick recap:
  1. 10 prize packages including a combination of beady goodness and a book (until the books run out)
  2. 1 comment = 1 entry
  3. Blog link, facebook, tweet, etc. = 1 additional entry
  4. Include email, blog address or some way of contacting you in your comment
  5. Winners selected randomly
  6. First winner announce Monday, 4/14/14
  7. Additional winners every other day after that until prizes are gone.
If I forgot anything or you don't understand something, feel free to email me or leave your question in the comments and I'll get back to you.
 
Have fun, good luck and thank you so much for 1,000 posts' worth of fun, beads, jewelry, and friendship.
 
KJ

46 comments:

Cynthia said...

Since I got the heads up, I'll be the first to leave a comment. Thank you for sending me a pre-contest prize!! Again, congrats on 1,000 posts. I am the same as you when it comes to Social Media - I only do my blog, no FB or twitter. So, only one entry for me, unless I do a post on my blog.
It's funny you have books to give away...I just organized my bead books over the weekend, and found several doubles (one book I bought3 times - I need to keep a list!!)so I was thinking of giving them away via my blog, or at my local bead society.
Looking forward to your blog hop too!

Kaos Siberians said...

You know what this means? You're cleaning out your stash! Are you feeling ok? :-) ~sparkle

thecolorofdreams said...

Are you sure that you want to part with those beads? Congrats on 1000 posts and here's to 1000 more!

Unknown said...

Wow! that's quite a de-stash! Please enter me in the giveaway of everything except the cabs. I love them but have no idea what I'd do with them. Give them to someone who wants them.The books look interesting but i'm so not a seed beader, either. everything else looks fab. Congrats on your 1000th post.....quite an accomplishment! My email is wirednan(at)hotmail.com

Shai Williams said...

Wow! Congrats on the 1000th post! And what a great way to celebrate! Please toss my name in the hat.

Shai Williams said...

I shared on FB

https://www.facebook.com/sShaiha/posts/10203411584919820?stream_ref=10

Oh and I forgot to say that I don't use cabs. I find them gorgeous but they sit lonely in a drawer

Shai Williams said...

Yep I am in a sharing mood. I put it out on Twitter also.

https://twitter.com/Shaiha_/status/453621895360184321

Deelitful Boudoir Photography said...

Wow! What an accomplishment! I hope I win one of the fabulous prizes!!

Deelitful Boudoir Photography said...

Shared on FB!

Amy S. said...

What an awesome giveaway!!!
count me in. I'll send you a link to my blog when I blog about it too!! Congratulatinos on 1000 posts!

Niky Sayers said...

Congratulations on your 1000 post, and what a fantastic giveaway! Please enter me x

Niky Sayers said...

I have facebooked your comp
https://www.facebook.com/pages/silverniknats/111047662270076

Niky Sayers said...

and pinned it http://gb.pinterest.com/niky/giveaways/

Mel said...

I'm SO glad you're back, KJ!! I've really enjoyed reading your posts lately on the new stuff you've been doing, and (not to sound like a weirdo) but I missed your voice in the beady blogosphere!

Thanks for the chance to share in your awesome stash -- I don't have the skills necessary for using cabs, but everything else looks amazing!

Juli Cannon said...

Congrats on 1000! That's a little slice of awesome!

I'm glad you're back in the blogosphere, sista~ missed ya!

Juli Cannon said...

PS, I FB'd ya on my biz page. (Julsbeads) <3

rockcreekcreations said...

Wow 1000 posts! That's awesome!! Great giveaway!!

Pearl said...

Thank you for the wonderful giveaway. I really hope I win it.
Link to my facebook share:
https://www.facebook.com/mural.mist/posts/1403230666618198?stream_ref=5

My email is pearlypink@ymail.com

Thanks again.

TesoriTrovati said...

Congrats on the 1000 posts! That is incredible. I am not sure I will ever get there. You always have something fun to share and I am glad you are back at it again. Best wishes for your next adventures and taking us along for the ride. Enjoy the day! Erin

JBop said...

Congratulations on 1000 posts and 10 years! Quite an accomplishment! I hope that the next 10 years, blogging or not, treats you gently. :)

Janine
jayew40 (at) gmail (dot) com

Unknown said...

so i found a post, about a contest. yeah i popped in for tha win,... however, when i got here, i seen the most beautiful collection, and i can't fathom how you can let them go! just means that i really, really, should be a reader of yours, i mean you must have some serious love for your loyals. :)

Unknown said...

Wow, you are incredible! What an accomplishment. Then to celebrate in such a way the joy is contagious. Thank you.

dreaminofbeads / SAS Jewelry Designs said...

Wow...10years...amazing...wonderfu, giveaway.
Sonya

dreaminofbeads / SAS Jewelry Designs said...

Shared on FB....
https://www.facebook.com/sonya.ingersollstille

Blanca Medina joyas tejidas said...

Congratulations in your 10 years of blogging and 1,000 posts...Lest celebrate!!!

Unknown said...

I just added a link to your post in my latest blog post. http://lilmummylikes.blogspot.jp/2014/04/show-me-soup.html
Congrats again. I'm amazed and inspired.

Alisa said...

Congratulations! I'm still stumbling around with my blog! I'd be thrilled to win some of the smaller cabs and anything else!
I love the idea of having a give away of books I'm no longer using. I might try this idea -- kind of like a 'pay it forward' for beaders and jewelry makers. (:

If I'm lucky enough to win, you can reach me at
hbpsab (at) yahoo (dot) com

Anonymous said...

Love the lampwork & lucite flowers, so perfect for Spring.
Judy. jcunning1 (at)cox.net

KayzKreationz said...

This looks like fun. Congrats on all your posts. My email is in my blog profile.

KayzKreationz said...

Just tweeted about your post and giveaway.

https://twitter.com/kayzkreationz/status/455931679895339008

Becky Pancake said...

Congratulations on 1000 posts. That is quite a feat. This is an Awesome!!! giveaway. I love cabs and seed beads. Bead embroidery is my favorite thing to do. I will never have too many bead books lol. Thanx for the chance to win some wonderful bead goodies.

Becky Pancake said...

Here is my link to my tweet Bead Designs ‏@tweetybead 9s

Becky Pancake said...

I posted about your wonderful giveaway on facebook but I don't know how to give you the link to it.

Becky Pancake said...

I posted in Bead Soup Cafe about your AWESOME giveaway. By the way the brown lampworked beads in the last pic is fabulous. Thanx for the chance to win.

anafiassa said...

I realize that I'm probably too late to enter, which is fine... I just wanted to say congratulations on 1,000 posts! That's awesome--and your blog is lovely! :)

KvH said...

Oh.. Thank you for the wonderful giveaway, really great...

Susan Marling said...

Congratulations on 1000 posts - wow - that is an accomplishment. I'm glad you're back - wondered what had happened. I am the same way with the dentist - I don't even like to say the name!!
my e-mail - rmar261783@aol.com.

Divya N said...

Wow - 1000 posts - now thats a dream..thanks a lot for this wonderful celebration. Tweeted about it here https://twitter.com/JewelsofSayuri/status/456068226619670528

Cheryl Brown said...

Oh my what a wonderful bounty of beauty to share with all of us. I saw it on FB. Thanks Silver Parrot!!!

sheilaposter said...

Awesome giveaway. i like the way you found something of value in every book. Beads are always lovely and surprise beads best of all
Sheilaposter@gmail.com

Djb said...

What a generous and fun thing you are doing! Many blessing to you!

Donna Cruz-Comia said...

Congratulations! I love your stash! Please include me in your giveaway ;)

Crazynotions23@gmail.com

Susanm said...

Perhaps too late to get in on the giveaway. Nonetheless, congratulations on 1000 posts. An impressive. Your Bead Porn blogs have introduced me to lots of new shops and beads.

Susanm said...

Forgot to leave my email: mcclelland@sympatico.ca

Barb said...

I'm never one to miss a contest. What a terrific opportunity.
Barb
celticartwitch@gmail.com

Saraccino said...

Hi, I am one of your new followers, just came over from Heathers Michaels challenge and then went back through your blog. And after all your bead porn.. I would love to take part for price number 11 (which is really generous of you!). And if you say... who... that is really late... I just will continue looking at the bead porn ;)

*waves*
Claire