Thursday Giveaway - Win Free Jewelry By Solange

Do you like jewelry?

Purple Passion Swirly Earrings by Solange

Today's Thursday Giveaway is sponsored by Etsy artisan & jewelry designer, Solange. She works with a variety of materials: semi-precious stones, freshwater pearls, glass beads & crystals among others. Please visit her Etsy shop, Jewelry By Solange, to view her latest colorful creations.

Solange will be crafting a one of a kind prize for next week's lucky winner. (See details below to enter). Lucky us, she's also popped in for an interview today.

Have you always been interested in making jewelry? What got you started?

Solange: I started making jewelry at a very young age and mostly leaned towards shiny beads and fishing string. I loved my beads, while my sister loved drawing. In High School, we were obligated to take an art class and so I decided to take jewelry. The professor was one of the best teachers and he taught me how to work with all kinds of metal, epoxy and so many other materials. At that point it became more of a hobby to me then an elective I had to take for school. I loved it so much, that I ended up taking it my 4 years in high school.

GOLDEN HARVEST Necklace by Solange

Then while in college, I could never find the time to fit jewelry in my schedule so one winter break, I decided to take a class at the local art workshop. There, I created my first soldered sterling silver ring…one that I cherish very much. Now, jewelry has become a huge part of my life and is very therapeutic for me as well. If you’ve never made jewelry before and want to start, I say do it, but be careful, because it’s pretty addicting!

CAVIAR Necklace by Solange

I really enjoy the titles on your jewelry items. Where do they come from?

Solange: They usually pop in my head after I create the pieces. I try to look at each piece, style and color and try to see what name fits with it. Sometimes Ill put one name and later change it if I think of something better but normally I like to come up with unique names other then putting Blue Necklace

UNDER THE SEA Necklace by Solange

Are most of your creations One Of A Kind?

Solange: One thing you’ll find about Jewelry by Solange is that my pieces are never duplicated (excluding my rings), so you’ll be sure to be the only one wearing one of my pieces.

MULTICOLOR TURQUOISE FLAT OVAL 16" STRAND from BeadieandThings

I see you also have a jewelry supplies shop on Etsy. What great items do you sell there?

At BeadieandThings you’ll find a great selection of unique quality gemstones, plastic beads, perler beads, vintage beads, Mother of Pearl, Freshwater Pearls, Dichroic, Lampwork and Murano, findings, gift wrapping, art projects, ribbon and much, much more at the best lowest prices.

What are some of your other interests?

Solange: Aside from jewelry, I love all things crafty. I’ve made several picture collages for family and friends and I really enjoy taking pictures and scrapbooking. My friends always tell me that I’m glued to my camera, but I don’t think I am…I just like being able to capture moments in my life and be able to look back at them and laugh.

AGLOW PEACOCK GLASS PENDANT from BeadieandThings

What else would you like to share with curious ArtSnark readers?

Solange: A few things about me: I’m a Pisces. I’m the youngest of my family, if you don’t count my dachshund. I love flip flops. I’m highly obsessed with butterflies. I have a candle and purse fetish. I’m finishing my degree to be an early childhood teacher and would like to teach preschool or kindergarten. My favorite colors are blue and black. Pluto is my favorite Disney Character. I had a goldfish that lived to be 9 years old. I spend way too much time on the etsy forums, but I’ve made some long lasting friendships. I think that everything happens for a reason. Orchids are my absolute favorite flowers. I love drinking banana/strawberry fruit smoothies. I’m allergic to chocolate. Friendships are really valuable to me. I think the key to an outfit is accessorizing. Honesty, trust and communication is the way to a healthy life.

ICE PRINCESS Necklace by Solange

I was checking out your blog - you have quite a bit going on right now. Your Scrumdiddlyumptious Mega Giveaway is amazing - 30 prizes for to 30 winners ! That is too cool to pass up. I hope everybody reading this pops over to check it out.

Solange: Please visit my blog at jewelrybysolange.blogspot.com where you’ll find updates, other giveaways and links to websites such as myspace, indepublic, twitter, flickr and facebook where I have my jewelry and supplies posted.

Beaded Stretchy Ponytail Holders by Solange

Now for this week's fun giveaway! To enter, simply leave a comment on this ArtSnark blog before noon (EST) next Thursday 9/3. A lucky Winner will receive a one of a kind custom jewelry piece made by Solange.

Solange, can you tell us anything more about this unique prize?

Solange: Once the winner is picked, I will contact them to find out more about personal preferences (color, style etc) and make a one of a kind piece based on our discussion. I usually will make a cute pair of earrings, a small keychain or ponytail. Sometimes a very simple pendant. Thank You for taking the time to read a little about me and I hope the lucky winner enjoys their prize.

Thanks so much for stopping by for an interview, Solange, and for donating your custom creation to Thursday Giveaway. Solange is also sharing pics of her workspace here for Studio Tour Saturday so come by & take a peek.

Again, to enter this great giveaway simply leave a comment before noon (EST) 9/3. 1 lucky winner will be randomly picked at that time. This contest is open to USA and Canada residents only. Make sure you leave contact info if you email is not in your profile. Thanks for stopping by. Please visit Solange's shops & be sure to check out the gigantic giveaway that she is hosting on her blog this month.

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Please note, I am also running 2 more random drawings right now:
500 custom business cards to 2 winners - ends 9/10

&

A 24" square custom wall sticker to 2 winners - ends 9/13