I don't even think I know the exact date my store opened its "online doors!" On my first anniversary month, I remember mentioning it in some sort of mumbling way on my blog, that I had been in business "about a year now." Yep, that was pretty much it.
But our guest today, Laren Dee Barton, knows how to celebrate life in bigger, better ways, and she's including all of us in her celebration too! What could be more fun?!
If you have any question about Laren being an artist in many forms, just take a look at the slide show that appears on her "About Laren Dee Designs" page on Etsy! Not only is the jewelry there intriguing and beautiful, but so are the photographs, the arrangement of items on the page, and the overall presentation.
And here we begin to learn the secret that Laren has a multi-layered past that has involved many experiences, quite a few having to do with art, all overlapping and coming together now in her jewelry design business!
As Laren says,
"With a lifetime of arts and crafts experiences in my home and as a prior owner/designer of a full service flower shop, working with beads and wire feels very natural to me.
I've been a business professional and an ordained minister, a spiritual teacher, counselor and author. I devoted years to giving of my time in order to help women find personal healing in their own lives. I am most proud of that work."
Today, she and her art are on a new journey! Let's take a look at where they are at this moment in time!
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On June 2, 2012, Laren open her store, Laren Dee Designs on Etsy! This June, she's celebrating with an all-month anniversary celebration! Details follow at the end of the page, so keep reading--wonderful, wonderful opportunities to win!
Meanwhile, I want to show you a few of my personal favorites from Laren's store. There are many to choose from, although I keep finding one and then another favorite missing these days, so don't wait too long!
Most of you know I love long, dangly earrings, Czech glass crystals, brass, the color aqua, and handmade ceramic beads. So why didn't I think to make these earrings? (I dunno!) But no worries, because Laren was inspired to do so! She also had the good taste to use Marsha Neal Studio Beads!
It might seem a bit arrogant or self-serving for me to include this pair. So forgive me, but how could I not? Basically, I have to love someone who takes my metal components, matches them up with lovely handmade lampwork (by Dreamscapes Studio, Ontario, Canada), and turns out an extremely stylish design!
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I often associate crystals with Laren's work, because she has used really beautiful glass cut crystals in her work since I have known her this past year. (I admit I'm partial to them too!) But I've also seen her jewelry designs expand to include lovely lampwork and metal findings such as beadcaps, accent beads and special clasps--details that really make her work seem special and one-of-a-kind!
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Her wireworking skills and designs involving stones have also expanded, and pendants such as this one below are some of my favorite pieces in Laren's store!
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I love jewelry that looks like it comes from another culture, and this one feels just right to me! So impressive! Look at the colors, the types of beads, all the stringing, and those wonderful beadcaps! Once again, nice job, Laren!
So those are some of MY favorites! I'm sure you will find your own! Share with us in the comments section if you like, when you apply for the drawing. Details below!!!
GOOD NEWS:
A $25 Gift Certificate is going to be given away on this blog to be used at Laren Dee Designs!
REALLY GREAT NEWS:
The winner of the gift certificate is also eligible for the One-Year Celebration Gifts and Activities mentioned above!
Not required, but I invite you to:
- Follow Laren's blog!
- Friend her FB page!
- Visit her on Pinterest!
- Take a look at her store!
- Spread the word through your own blog or FB page!
What you MUST do:
- To be entered in the drawing for the $25 gift certificate, please leave your name and contact information in a comment on this blog. As always, if you don't want to make your contact info public, you may leave a 2nd message with your email address. I will not publish the contact info if you have left two separate messages. Otherwise, I assume you don't mind if I publish.
--Thank you to Laren, for being our featured guest!
--The rest of you have until Thursday night, June 13, 2013 at 11:55pm Central time to enter the drawing!
--Let the fun begin!
~Sharyl
JUNE 1st - 30th, 2013, ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION EVENT - While supply lasts, buyers will receive one gift-with-purchase pair of earrings handmade by Laren, with their paid order of a minimum of one (1) item per order, from Laren Dee Designs' shop. Gift earrings will be shipped with buyer's order in the same package, to one address.
Buyer will automatically be entered in LAREN DEE DESIGNS' Grand Prize Drawing and be eligible to win a Alaskan Handcrafted Cedar Jewelry Ring Box (2"x2"x1.5") with a Lampwork and Crystal Bracelet handmade by Laren. Drawing will be held July 1st, 2013. Prize value $50.00.
Winner will be notified through email and notice provided publicly on Facebook and this Shop Announcement page. Prize will be shipped immediately to winner with tracking information provided. Signature receipt will be requested for delivery verification.
THE FINE PRINT: Please see Shop Policies before purchasing any item.
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Image Credits:
"Girl Pirates, Ahoy There!" from Laren's "About" page on Etsy. Used by permission of Laren Dee. Barton.
I've been doing a lot of thinking lately. (Oh, no!)
Please note that I've added links to both stores at the top of my blog. I've also updated Pinterest, and will add to Facebook pages next. I want to be sure you can find me! 
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