ShimmerMeBlue Review and Giveaway :: CLOSED

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Find this giveaway and other fabulous giveaways over @ Mom Most Traveled's Fall Blog Carnival.

I am super excited to share another fabulous Etsy shop with my readers. Not only because I consider the owner of ShimmerMeBlue to be a good blog friend; but her handmade jewelry is stunning and gorgeous. I adore Etsy shops, I'm constantly browsing different shops hoping to find a good deal on a one of a kind must-have item. The stories behind Etsy shops and their owners always intrigue me, so I asked Melissa a few questions...

Let’s hear a little about you!

I'm Melissa and I'm a mother and a girlfriend. My family is my rock and they mean the world to me. I'm silly, caring and supportive but I can also be impatient and crabby. I am just about as real as it gets personality wise. What you see is what you get!

Apart from creating, what do you do?

Well first and foremost I am a mother, maid, personal chef and teacher. That job never ends, nomatter how busy I am with other stuff!  I love hanging out and being silly with the kids. We play at the park, go on nature walks, camp and swim {when seasons permit}, and just hang out as a family. In the rest of my spare time you will find me working on my personal blog, whether it be writing, promoting or answering tons of emails!

How did you come up with your Etsy shop name? What made you decide to open ShimmerMeBlue and how long has it been open?

That's actually a pretty funny story. I wanted to open a shop right away as soon as I started making jewelry. So, I needed a name, but didn't have time to sit and ponder for weeks on what the name would be. Instead I enlisted the help of my friends and family. I asked them all to think of names, and I did as well. We went through the lists and I tossed out anything I didn't like right away. It was down to like 5 different names and I couldn't decide so I took votes! There was actually another choice that won the vote {I forget the name now} but someone already had that name on Etsy. That's when ShimmerMeBlue was born and I'm glad because it suits me and it's original.

Please describe your creative process: how, when, materials, etc.

I usually work at my desk. The boyfriend just built me a new one last week with lots of counter space for me to work. Unfortunately I have been so busy I haven't been able to clear all the clutter away yet! There is never a set time, just whenever creativity strikes or I need to work on a project for someone. I work with mostly glass beads, semi precious stones and silver plated/silver tone materials. However, I do plan to start including plated gold as well as 14k gold and sterling silver in my designs in the very near future!

Where do you pull your inspiration?

Really from anything. You'd be surprised. A lot of times I will think of a design when I'm trying to fall asleep. Then I just hope I remember in the morning! One night I actually got up, out of bed and went to work because i was afraid I'd forget!

What handmade item do you own that you cherish the most?

I made this gorgeous copper wire wrapped necklace with a butterfly pendant. The whole necklace is done in Swarovski crystals and I just adore it!

Tell us one of the most memorable things while creating or selling your art/craft.

My first sales were very memorable. I couldn't believe people really liked my stuff and wanted to pay money for it!

Do you have any advice for other artists/crafters?

If you love what you do, keep at it. You will have to invest time and money, but if you work hard at it, it will pay off in the end.

How do you promote your work?

Through my blog, Twitter and word of mouth. And of course my wonderful blogging friends such as yourself!
Aww, thanks!

Any upcoming events or news we should know about?

I do not have anything special coming up, but I am in the process of getting all of the promotional tools I need to do craft fairs and I will be passing out brochures so people can just place orders on the spot. I may even do some home parties if I can just get over my stage fright! I am so not one to be "on the spot"!

When Mel originally asked if I would be interested in reviewing ShimmerMeBlue jewelry, I took a gander at her Etsy shop it was a no-brainer. Every piece was beautiful in its own right. From one-of-a-kind beaded bookmarks to lovely earrings, unique bracelets and necklaces that will make you smile - I'm sure there is something to suit every woman and young lady{big holiday hint to the menfolk: can't go wrong with jewelry!!}.

It was hard to make the choice of which piece I would review, but I finally sided with a Wraparound Bracelet. I chose Amber, I just loved the look of the colors and of course "our" song is Amber so I couldn't resist! Each Amber Wraparound bracelet is strung on memory wire with various glass, wooden, and pearl-like beads; combining different elements to allow for a beautiful end result. This little number wraps around my wrist several times, form fitting, so it should be able to fit just about everyone! Each bracelet will vary slightly since they are made to order, of course. My Amber Wraparound bracelet is so beautiful, I'm very happy with my decision. The color combination is versatile enough to compliment casual or more dressy occasions. It is just lovely and I am so tickled to have reviewed a handmade item with such attention to detail and quality.

One lucky reader will be able to win a bracelet from ShimmerMeBlue.
 Any bracelet: wraparound or strung provided it is not marked "one of a kind" and provided supplies last.
Open worldwide

This review was written strictly based on my opinion, take it or leave it. I merely received product to review, no other compensation. You can read more about my reviews in my Acknowledgment Policy.