Review and Giveaway: aden and claire jewelry

Today we are blessed with another giveaway from aden and claire jewelry, a $25 gift certificate!

You can read about my first introduction to this beautiful jewelry here.

When I revisited Claire's Etsy shop recently, I noticed she has a whole new line-up of personalized jewelry and other delightful new pieces. She was kind enough to send me this little number to review.

It's just perfect! I love classic, effortless pieces like this. It can be worn alone or layered with other simple pieces to create a layered look. Personalized products are always a plus, ideal for gifting.

I asked Claire to help us catch up on the latest happenings. Here's how it went.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
A: I am a work from home mother of two and began my jewelry business in 2010. I love Jesus, pretty things, traveling, home diy projects, reading, and exercising.I enjoy being creative with my hands and mind and crafting something others can enjoy every day.

Q: Why Etsy? Where else are you selling your beautiful jewelry?
A: I began making jewelry as an adult in 2010 as a creative outlet when my daughter was still a baby. I used Etsy just to see if others might like my work and to earn a little extra money. Little did I know my shop would blossom so much over the next few years!


Q: What inspired your love for jewelry?
A: From as far back as I can remember I have always had a love for jewelry, especially dainty and sparkly styles. My inspiration comes from classic and vintage style jewelry. I like so many different styles of jewelry and was that little girl who changed her hair and outfit constantly just to experiment in fashion. To me jewelry completes the outfit of the day. 

Q: Any new projects in the works?
A: Yes, I am working on many things at once! I am finishing up the new items for the Spring 2015 collection as well as expanding the Runner's Collection and new solid 14k gold necklaces.

Q: What do you think makes your jewelry unique?
A: So many of my customers have told me that they appreciate the simple classic style of Aden and Claire Jewelry. I strive to keep a collection that reflects simple beauty and to create pieces that can be mixed and matched yet classic enough to be worn every day.

Q: Any advice for new Etsy sellers?
A: Yes, don't give up! Let your love of the craft be your guide. Most of what I learned was by trial and error really, but take great photos and keep your descriptions accurate yet simple.


Q: Any new Etsy favorites?
A: BetweenYouAndMeSigns has great spiritual and inspirational signs for the home. I love this one. I love artemer for fine jewelry. Their designs are so dainty and sparkly just my style! This is their Trillion Wedding Dual Ring Set. I love these sparkly girly flats from princesspumps.

If you haven't perused Etsy yet, I highly recommend it, starting with Claire's shop!

Here's what you need to do to enter to win the $25 gift certificate to aden & claire:

#1 Visit aden & claire on Etsy and leave a comment below about your favorites

#2 Favorite aden & claire on facebook

#3 Follow aden & claire on instagram

#4 Follow aden & claire on Pinterest

Leave one blog comment per entry.

And don't forget to leave your email or a way to contact you!

Thanks for reading, and good luck!

Be sure to follow me by email for future giveaways & product reviews.

Visit the giveaway tab at the top of the page for more chances to win.

Giveaway winner will be chosen on Wednesday, April 1, 2015 at noon PST.

Must be 18 years of age and a US/Canada resident to win.

Winner will be chosen with random.org and have 3 days to respond to this post or email.

Box of Pearls Review & Giveaway

I just love browsing Etsy, and by chance the other day I stumbled upon this beautiful little shop called Box of Pearls. Amanda Thompson, owner and operator, was kind enough to send me a little something to review. 

She's also giving a $25 gift certificate to Box of Pearls

to one of my lucky blog readers!

This delicate chevron stripe necklace was the first thing that caught my eye in Amanda's shop. 

The funniest thing happened to me while writing this blog post. My sister stopped by with a birthday present, this necklace! She found it using my Etsy favorites! I wore it all day Sunday and I couldn't love it more. It is the perfect color combination (silver chevron, gold chain), the perfect length (17 inches) to wear with everything, and simply stunning. I just can't believe the timing of this gift!

Box of Pearls has so many wonderful pieces. I believe these fun little personalized initial rings were what brought me there in the first place.

I love this dainty little bracelet. I sent Amanda a list of my favorites and asked her to surprise me and she sent this beauty. I wore it yesterday as well.

I have a very small wrist and it's very hard for me to find bracelets that work for me, which is probably why I have less than a handful. This bracelet fits just perfectly, and feels light as a feather! She didn't know it when she sent it, but the saying fits me perfectly. We've been talking to our 5 year old son a lot lately about the golden rule. The bracelet is a good reminder for me to follow by example.

The craftsmanship of Amanda's jewelry is impeccable. I will most definitely be visiting Box of Pearls again soon for gifts and staple pieces. I think the value is exceptional for such high quality, handmade, one-of-a-kind jewelry.

I asked Amanda to answer a few questions, here's what she had to say:

Q: Tell us a little about yourself
A: I’m proof that life can steer you in an unexpected direction.  With a degree in Exercise Physiology, I somehow ended up working as a restaurant and catering manager for almost ten years and a personal trainer for about four years. Then, after marrying and becoming pregnant, my husband and I decided that me staying home with our little girl was the best decision. So, as most busy bodies do, I found a way to keep productive by developing my jewelry-making hobby into a legit business.  It's a juggle, but I wouldn't want it any other way!  

 Q: When did you start making jewelry?

A: I started making jewelry in 2004 as a hobby, for my friends, my family, and myself. It soon developed into monthly showings at local art galleries around town.  My style was completely different from what it is today. Lots of color and beads :)

Q: Do you have a favorite or special piece of jewelry you wear often?
A:  I find that I have a bit of jewelry A.D.D.  I generally wear more simple, everyday pieces, but because I'm constantly looking to try new designs, I often want to change out my pieces.  I generally commit to jewelry for a week or two, then want something new, ha! My general style is layered delicate necklaces, stacked bracelets, with beads, chain, and shaped wire. I love dangly earrings with colorful stones and movement to them.

Q: What inspires you?

A: I’m inspired by people who make a profession out of the craft or service that they enjoy.  It takes a lot of patience, vision, and determination to work toward a profession that highlights who you are.  I love that art and business can collide to allow people to create and be a legitimate source of income. In college, I remember feeling like I had to pick an available profession from the list provided. It’s not always easy to find that “thing” to base your entire education on, and from which to build a life long career. It’s a bit premature, as a teen or early twenty something to be that focused and clear.

Q: Any advice for new Etsy sellers?

A: It took me a couple of years to understand that selling on Etsy takes real commitment. Customers have to be lead to your shop; they don't just come because you have a presence. You have to love your shop as if it’s your own home.  Be artistic with your photos, be clear and descriptive with your listing details, and be available to your customers.  Etsy is a platform for real creators. As a buyer you aren't dealing with a huge company, but most often, a single person/shop owner.  Remind your customers of that in how you respond to their questions, suggestions, order requests, and packaging.  They will appreciate knowing you are creating for them. 

Q: Where do you see yourself and your business in 5 years?
A:  I hope much like where I am today; being available for our daughter as she moves through life, while juggling a jewelry career that fits the into the mold of our lives.  I love the growth I'm experiencing, but because jewelry is a job I do from home, I will always have to manage my work vs. home time carefully.

So glad Amanda was able to find the time to share her story, and a $25 gift certificate with us!

Here's how you can enter to win:

1. Favorite Box of Pearls on Etsy

2. Follow Box of Pearls on Pinterest

3. Follow Amanda on Twitter

4. Follow Box of Pearls on Facebook

5. Share this giveaway on Twitter or Facebook

1 entry will be received for each task completed, please leave separate comments below for each entry.

A winner will be chosen Thursday, March 12, 2015 at noon PST using random.org.

Open to residents of US and Canada, 18 years of age and older.

Winner will be announced here and contacted through email and have 3 days to reply before another winner is chosen.

In the mean time, please enjoy this free shipping code from Box of Pearls:

Best of luck! Be sure to click on the tab at the top of the page for more giveaways

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