Bits n' Beads by Gilliauna Jewelry Giveaway

This contest is now closed. The winner is Aik of http://aik-friendsnfamily.blogspot.com. Congratulations!

I am excited to introduce you to a new blog friend, who happens to be a very talented jewelry designer, Gilliauna of Bits n’ Beads. Gilliauna asked if she could offer a $20 store credit giveaway to my readers. I was happy to do it….as long as she let me interview her. Good trade off, I think? Here’s what I found out about the amazing Gilliauna:

1. How did you get started making jewelry and how long have you been doing it?

I come from a long line of women artisans that goes back a number of generations.

I’ve been design jewelry for about 25 years now. My mother started me out very early looking for what crafts and activities would inspire my creativity and make it flourish. Jewelry design was one of the activities I really enjoyed right from the start and it has stuck with me over the years.

Leal (my business partner) and I love to do custom work! I, personally, absolutely adore it. I love creating pieces that are as unique as the people who will be wearing them and cherish the opportunity to work with others to match the personality of a piece with that of the soon-to-be owner.

2. Describe to me your favorite piece that you have designed.

This is actually a very hard question. I love all of my pieces and my favorite is usually whatever piece I’m working on or have just finished so it changes almost daily.

One of my more recent pieces that I really enjoyed making was a cluster bracelet that I named “Metamorphose.” I started making these because I enjoyed the sound they make when they’re worn and I made a few for myself before I began making them to sell.

This one in particular (“Metamorphose”) is made from a gold plated link chain with toggle clasp that’s then had a bounty of pearls, glass beads and gemstones added to it like an overflowing charm bracelet. It took a great deal of time to make, but I enjoyed every minute of it and I’m thrilled with the results of the finished product.

3. Tell me a little about yourself and your family.

I grew up an only child in Washington state. We started out as a single parent family that grew into a double parent family around my adolescence.

I was always taught, growing up, to speak my mind and stand up for what I believe in, and I believe that these lessons have taught me a strength that’s portrayed in my jewelry as well as in my life.

Over the years I was taught an appreciation for both creativity and nature, which I carry with me to this day. A few years ago, I married a Canadian and moved north, over the border to Canada where I’ve been living just outside of Vancouver, BC ever since.

4. Where do you get your inspiration?

Everywhere! I’m very sensitive to my surroundings which can often evoke strong emotions and have a great love for color, music, the mystical and nature. My inspiration is most often spurred from these elements.

Color is especially inspiring for me. I believe that the colors that surround us add an extra level of beauty and richness to our lives. Sometimes color isn’t just seen, it’s experienced through all the senses and even the emotions.

I love that my work can help add a little extra color to the lives of those that wear my jewelry and that I can make each of their days just a little brighter with the variety of beautiful, quality pieces lovingly handcrafted pieces I offer.

5. Do you have a blog?

I have three blogs, actually. My main blog is “The Meandering Musings of a Consummate Shopper” which has daily features for artists and artisans in the handmade marketplaces I frequent.

I also write in “It’s not the Journey, It’s the Destination” where myself and my business partner Leal both write on topics concerning what we’ve learned about marketing, business and running a handmade market as well as chronical our progress.

The third is a photo blog that is a “catch all” for news and updates on what’s going on as far as day-to-day activities for Bits n Beads is concerned.

You can also find Gilliauna on Facebook and Twitter @gilliauna and, of course, her website where people can find links to the different online venues where she sells her work.

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Like I said above, Gilliauna has offered one reader a $20 store credit towards any piece of jewelry that catches their eye.

To enter: Simply look through Gilliauna’s Etsy shop and tell me which item you would love to own!

For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following (please leave a separate comment for each entry) Don’t forget to do the above entry first

• Tweet about this giveaway. I’d also love for your to follow me (1momof5) and Gilliauna on Twitter. You are free to copy the following sample tweet:

Bits n’ Beads Jewelry #giveaway with @1momof5 and @gilliauna http://bit.ly/arNNdQ

• Subscribe to my blog or Follow me with Google Friends connect (right sidebar)

• Become a fan of Better in Bulk on Facebook (You can become my friend there too!)

• Become a fan of Gilliauna on Facebook

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This giveaway will end on March 19, 2010 at midnight Eastern time. Winner will be chosen at random and notified by email. Winner will be responsible for any charges over the $20 credit. Good luck!

Disclosure: I did not receive any compensation or product in exchange for hosting this giveaway. I just like to do things for my friends!