It’s March (wow, already?), it’s my 25th post, and that means it’s time for my first giveaway! I first met Janie at a summer camp in Taiwan back in 2002. From the first day I met her, she has been nothing but a sweetheart. It wasn’t until recently that I discovered that Janie was a talented jewelry maker. I’ve actually dabbled with jewelry making myself and let me tell you, trying to get those head pin loops perfectly round and closed takes patience and an extreme attention to detail. I’m so honored to be able to share Janie’s jewelry making passion with you, so let’s get to know her a little bit better by starting with a…

{Meet the Artist}

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Hello!  I’m Janie, the designer behind janie liu jewelry.  I have been designing and hand crafting jewelry for about 7 years.  Currently, I live in New York City with my super supportive fiancée (we’re getting married in April!), a slightly neurotic but lovingly sweet Lhasa Apso and a tiny Shih Tzu who knows she is too cute for words and thinks she rules the household.

How did you get into jewelry making? I have always been fond of artistic pursuits: music, dance, arts & crafts.  My discovery of jewelry making was quite serendipitous.  I was out wandering through Manhattan when I stumbled into a bead store.  In a creative frenzy, I quickly purchased everything in sight, ran home and plundered my father’s toolbox.  I used his bulky wire cutter and clunky pliers for months while I slowly taught myself how to wrap wire and secure beads.  (Note to all aspiring jewelry designers: learn with jewelry pliers and wire cutters – they would have made my learning process incredibly easier.)  I guess the rest is history!

What piece of jewelry do you think every woman should have? I think every woman needs a pair of hoops in their daily accessory arsenal.  Whether they’re big or small, simple or gaudy, hoop earrings always look fantastic and compliment the wearer.

What inspires you? My wonderful friends and family serve as my greatest inspiration.  A lot of my pieces are designed with someone’s personality, style or favorite outfit in mind.  Inspiration can also be found in movies and books, at the park or local coffee shop, and even from watching little miss Zoey, our Queen puppy, prance around her kingdom.

Janie’s jewelry shop can be found on etsy – janie liu jewelry.
She is also the designer and owner of we heart paper – a luxury paper goods company.
And don’t forget to show her blog some love.

{Giveaway Details}

And the part you’ve all been waiting for, the giveaway includes two beautifully handcrafted items from janie liu jewelry:

the renee – Stunning vermeil pendant hung on a simple 18″ 14k gold fill chain. It’s a chunky pendant, very substantial. It would perfectly accent any outfit.

fleur de lis – Chic, fun and flirty. These dainty earrings are perfect for every day wear. They’re super cute and measure about 1/2 of an inch.

You guessed it!  Two pieces of jewelry means that there will be TWO LUCKY WINNERS!

Please visit janie liu jewelry to see more of her amazing work, and to enter the giveaway, make sure you leave a comment at the end of this post.
You can say anything, but if you’re stumped, you could leave Janie some wedding advice or wishes as her big day is coming up real soon!
(Only one comment per person will count as an entry.)

The giveaway ends on Sunday, March 7, 2010 at 11:59PM CST.
We will be using Random.org to pick the two winners and they will be announced on this blog on Monday, March 8, 2010.

{Cherry on Top}

Janie is also offering a 15% discount off your entire purchase from janie liu jewelry from March 1-5, 2010.
Make sure to type SANDYALAMODE in the Notes section to receive the discount.
You will need to check out and pay the original price – and you will receive a refund via Paypal for the 15% off within 24 hours.

Entries for this giveaway have been closed.