"Fill in the Blank" Giveaway

I have been wanting to have a giveaway for sometime now and am happy to announce "Its here!!"
Its called the "Fill in the Blank" Giveaway for several reasons. For one,you fill in the blank of the pendant/pin I have created for the giveaway. Here is a picture of it. Its is a silver plated oval that measures around 2 1/4" x 2".
I've included a picture of it with an image set in to give you an idea of what it would look like. On the back is a pin back that has a loop so you can wear it as a pendant also.





Fill in the blank with what ever you like! It could be your own pet,person,thing or any subject matter you choose. Pick any image from my store if you like or you can choose something else. We'll discuss that when you win!

Another reason I call it the "Fill in the Blank" give away is one of the ways to enter is to fill in the blank on the picture below.
I came across this old photograph and find it rather amusing. On the original something was written that described what this is a picture of. Post a comment on this blog post about the photo below for an entry. I would love to see your responses!
If someone happens to mention in their post something that relates to the original that will gain them another entry. I will post the original with the words at end of contest.



A third reason I am calling it "Fill in the Blank" giveaway is my way to introduce a new idea for my shop. It will be fill in the blank jewelry. I will be creating pieces that have no image but can be purchased and finished up at your request with your choice of image.

A few other ways to gain an entry is to follow me on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway and liking me on Facebook and leaving an entry there as well.
Contest entries will end on February 28th and winner will be announced on March 4th on this blog.
Also any purchase in my shop till end of February will be worth 5 entries.

So once again here are the way to get your entries:
1. Write a comment here about the picture. **1 entry**
2. Comment that relates to original saying on photo gets **1 entry**
3. Follow me on Twitter and post tweet about giveaway **1 entry**
4. Like me on Facebook and leave comment **1 entry**
5. Purchase any item in my shop till end of February **5 entries**

Best wishes and see you on March 4th with the winner.

Special Bonds, Special Pieces

One of my all time favorite images to use in pieces of jewelry is the one above. It was was done by a early 1900's postcard artist named Terzi. I think its the fact that it really depicts the wonderful bond, unlike any other that we can have with our pets, that makes this image tug at my heart.

I almost lost one of my Italian Greyhounds about a month ago. Still not sure what happened but the most likely cause of his sudden extreme illness was ingesting something toxic. Haven't a clue as to what that could have been. When he was at his worst, I tried to talk myself into rationalizing that "well, we have to say goodbye to them all someday" to cope with it. But it wasn't until I let it hit full in the face that I could embrace the specialness of that bond.
All the thoughts and memories of the past 12 years of what my special friend had shared with me, and gotten me through began flooding my mind as well as my tear ducts.
Thankfully he pulled through and seems to be totally back to normal.

I think that is why I have enjoyed so much doing the a couple of pieces in the last month that weren't pieces of jewelry but what I call desk art. Miniature pieces measuring just under 3" that can be propped up on a tiny easel.
The first one was an order that a very special lady named Joan in New York ordered for her niece. Joan is in her 80's and not been feeling well for awhile now. Rather than let it get her down she regularly orders pieces for friends and relatives, by sneaking photos of their pups to me. We then work up a piece together to surprise them with. This last piece was to be a piece of "desk art" of the families new labradoodle pup named Murphy. Joan finds embracing the joy of owning a dog and sharing a special piece with the person makes her feel better. I think that is so sweet and really shows what a special person she is.

The next piece a customer ordered for a friend who had recently lost their pug. She wanted a little charm to have by the ashes of her beloved Saidie. I suggested a piece of "desk art" Kendra really liked the idea and below is the result.

I really enjoy making these little depictions of love and being a very minuscule part of that special bond of these wonderful pets and people. I hope I will have more to do in the future as it really makes my day to send one of these pieces out in the mail!

I hope that you embrace the specialness of having a pet in your life,whatever the type or species, and all that they give to us each day.