Your Red Dress

Do you have your red dress picked out yet for National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 3rd?   I invite you to visit Macy’s.  Macy’s is a proud sponsor of Go Red For Women.  You can help support heart health by shopping the collection created to donate to this campaign available at Macy’s. 

Shop now at http://www.macys.com/campaign/gored/shopgored.jsp

The Go Red for Woman has many wonderful sponsors including Merck and Campbell’s Soup Company.  To view all of the wonderful sponsors and their many offers to help raise awareness and funs for heart health, visit this link http://www.goredforwomen.org/sponsor_programs.aspx.

To donate to the Go Red for Women Campaign, click here to help:  http://www.goredforwomen.org/WearRedDay/donate/advocatedonationform.html?kwoAdvocateId=3YGPPJ3

Janet Bolin

Christmastime

Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with loved ones. My family is absolutely huge, so I have a lot to celebrate with! Here is what my Christmas weekend looked like! 

Christmas Eve was spent at my Aunt Lori’s house. With 14 aunts and uncles, 15 cousins, grandparents, my parents, and my little brother and sister, it got crazy!

My crazy family acting normal!

It’s amazing how many people we can fit into my aunt’s living room! Everyone brings a dish of food and a 2 liter; we always go through every bowl! My personal favorite: my aunt’s chocolate pie and granny’s peanut butter pinwheels! YUM!

My cousins and I always exchange gifts between each other, and share many laughs along the way!

 

Then comes Christmas morning. My little brother, Daxx, and little sister, Jaecee Rae, woke up around 7:30 a.m. to head downstairs to see what Santa brought!

Jaecee Rae was excited about her Easy Bake Oven!

Daxx got Kinect for his XBOX!

They always look so cute in their Christmas pajamas, and the excitement on their faces after opening each present makes the day even better! After we have breakfast and finish opening our presents, we head over to my Granny Tipton’s house for another round! Christmas day is always spent with family, the best gift.

Jurnee Carr

Go Red BetterU

Go Red BetterU is a FREE 12-week online nutrition and fitness program that can makeover your heart. Each week will focus on a different area of your health and provide step-by-step guidance. You'll have access to everything from daily expert tips and an online journal to a downloadable BetterMe coaching tool.

The first step is to set an overall BetterU goal.   Using the BetterU Journal, come up with your goal for this 12-week program. What behavior(s) you want to change in the next 12 weeks? What else do you want to gain from the BetterU?  Then, set a Start Date and use the BetterMe Coaching Tool. 

Take your first step today:  http://www.goredforwomen.org/BetterU/index.aspx

To donate to the Go Red for Women Campaign, click here to help:  http://www.goredforwomen.org/WearRedDay/donate/advocatedonationform.html?kwoAdvocateId=3YGPPJ3

Janet Bolin

Gingerbread

Christmas is my favorite time of year! The music, the snow, the food-I love it all! One of my favorite Christmas past times is decorating gingerbread houses! My brother and sister joined in on the fun as well!

Icing was tossed and gum drops were eaten, but this was the final result of my gingerbread house! After 2 hours of gluing and decorating, the masterpiece was complete!

My little brother, Daxx, and little sister, Jaecee Rae, laughed and giggled throughout their process! They made a village of tiny gingerbread houses, a lengthy process!

I want to know what your favorite Christmastime activity is! Either comment on this post or go take this quiz: http://freeonlinesurveys.com/rendersurvey.asp?sid=7grr3hyh9avybv11010647. Show some Christmas cheer!

Jurnee Carr

Donatees

During the cold winter months, animal loving organizations are working harder than ever to maintain their shelters and raise funds to help the homeless animals left on the icy streets. My mission through my organization, Jurnee’s Journey: Helping All God’s Creations, is to raise funds to support no-kill rescue and spay/neuter groups through jewelry sales at expos, events and on my website www.jurneesjourney.org. Please check out my site and help me help the animals! Here is an update on a few of the organizations I have had the privilege of helping through Jurnee’s Journey.

www.romaniaanimalrescue.com

Romania Animal Rescue, Inc. (RAR) established the first free spay/neuter program for the impoverished people of Romania. “RAR's Trap/Neuter/Release program enables animal caregivers to bring in their cats and dogs to be treated for parasites, vaccinated, and neutered at no cost. RAR returns them to the caregiver and to their previous location.” This year they have surpassed their goal of funding 12,000 spay/neuters! Their new total: 12,835!

www.pawschicago.org

PAWS (Pets Are Worth Saving) Chicago is the city’s largest no-kill humane organization. Since their founding in 1997, they have decreased the city’s number of homeless dogs and cats by 50%! They are “working to build a No Kill Chicago.” They have found homes for over 4,400 pets in 2011! This year they unveiled The GusMobile, a spay/neuter van which enables them to bring free and low-cost spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations and education to Chicago neighborhoods that are most in need, sterilizing over 18,000 pets!

www.fixit-foundation.org

FiXiT Foundation was founded in 2009 in Norfolk, Virginia. They provide low cost spay/neuter operations through “conducting market research studies to identify and implement the ‘tipping point’ that will successfully persuade people to spay and neuter their animals.” They are currently working on the Final Fix-“a case study in a closed population to demonstrate the effectiveness of their strategy of targeted messaging and incentive-based promotions in increasing demand for spay and neuter.”

www.tricountyhumanesociety.org

Tri-County Humane Society in St. Cloud, Minnesota has been servicing the animals of Central Minnesota since 1974. This year they have launched the No Pet Left Undone Spay/Neuter Initiative. They are “fully committed to spaying and neutering 100% of the animals before they are adopted from the shelter.”

The nation’s largest and most effective animal protection organization is The Humane Society of the United States. I am honored to work with this organization who reaches out to animal groups all around the world. Just in 2010 they provided direct care and relief to about 100,000 animals!

Each of these organizations are working hard to meet the needs of homeless pets. Please show them your support by checking out their websites and helping them fight for animals everywhere!

Jurnee Carr

Your Daily Dose of Glitter

So Christmas is over (as is our 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway), but New Year's Eve is right around the corner! We already shared with you our love for sparkly dresses, but you don't need a big New Year's Eve wedding to sparkle at midnight. There are many ways to add some shine without wearing sequins from head to toe. A sparkly clutch, a glittery blouse, or sequined skirt can go a long way to jazzing up an otherwise tame ensemble. Here are just a few suggestions to get you started.

1. Forever 21 | 2. Free People | 3. Gypsy Warrior | 4. Urban Outfitters | 5. Empress Eccentric | 6. Victoria's Secret | 7. Express | 8. J. Crew | 9. Poetic License 

That's all from us for the rest of the year. We hope you bring in the new year with style, and we can't wait to start share our ideas for 2012! Until then...

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Bundle Up!

Sipping hot cocoa and wearing ear muffs sure does keep me warm! But we can’t all say the same for our pets. Certain dogs are more affected by the cold than others, particularly older pets and/or those with certain ailments, like arthritis. Here are some tips for keeping your pet cozy and warm!

• Keep them indoors! The best way to beat the cold is to avoid facing it. Plus, this allots more cuddle time with your furry friend by the fire place!

• If you do decide to take your dog out, check the temperature and wind chill first. Sometimes it can be harsher than it seems.

• Pets do have fur but some coats of fur aren’t as thick as others. Keep a sweater on them for added insulation.

• If you have an outside dog, make sure you insulate their house properly. Bring in a heater if necessary.

• Dogs use up more calories in the winter trying to conserve heat. Provide more food for them. Hey, if we stock up around the holidays, pets deserve and extra helping too!

• WARNING: Cats seek warmth in the engine of a car, so bang on the hood of your car before starting it.

The weather outside is frightful but the puppies and kitties are so delightful, and since they’ve no place to go…adopt, adopt, adopt! Ultimately, shelters are chillier than a home. Rescue a dog, cat, puppy, or kitten from a shelter and warm them up in your loving, forever home!

Jurnee Carr

The Twelfth Day of Christmas

On the Twelfth, and final, Day of Christmas PDR gave to Rosemarie G.

The Deborah Anne print by Danielle Rizzolo

Danielle has been a friend of ours for quite some time and we've always been a fan of her work. Today's winner will receive one of our favorite prints, the Deborah Anne (fun fact: this print was also sold at Urban Outfitters)! Danielle is an extremely talented artist and an overall lovely person and New Jersey will certainly miss her when she moves out to Milwaukee this winter. Be sure to check out her Etsy shop and her website to see her other great work. And check out our interview below to learn a little more about her:

Tell us a little about yourself.  

I grew up in NJ and attended the University of the Arts in Philly. I am fascinated with past times, past people and the sea. I currently reside in Asbury Park with my better half.

When did you know you wanted to be an artist? When did you get started?

I've always enjoyed creating for as long as I can remember. I would say junior and senior year of high school really solidified that I wanted to pursue art as a career and attend art school.

 Do you have any materials that you'd say are your favorite to work with?

Oil painting is my medium of choice. I've always just understood it and had a connection to it.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

The past times, my childhood, antiques and the sea.

 Do you have any advice for others that are looking to make a business out of selling their work?

 Stay true to yourself and keep making!

What's your favorite ice cream flavor?

 Mint chocolate chip and chocolate peanut butter

Thanks, Danielle!  And congratulations to Rosemarie!

Thank you to all of you who entered our 12 Days of Christmas!  We are so glad to have so many new Facebook friends and hope you'll continue to read Paper Doll Romance.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and we'll see you all again next year!

XOXO

Jen & Saira

The Eleventh Day of Christmas

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas PDR gave to Shakiera:

A fun pair of leather earrings from Melody's Addiction!

How fun are these ruffled earrings?  The bright color and fun shape can't help but make you smile and we are delighted to be able to share them with you!  Melody's Addiction has an assortment of leather ruffle earrings and other fun and funky pieces. Want to know more or wear you can find them?  Check out our interview questions below or visit their shop on Etsy to check our their fabulous creations online:

When did you start making jewelry?

I first started designing jewelry in high school. Then I took a long break while working in the non-profit and community organizing world.  I hadn't made jewelry in years and then picked it up again about 6 years ago. Melody's Addiction emerged as a creative outlet and side-hustle about 5 years ago. Melody's Addiction really took a leap when I became one of the opening vendors for the, then brand new, Brooklyn Flea back in 2008. I've been a regular vendor with the Flea ever since and it's been a great space to connect face-to-face with customers and other designers. 

What inspires you?

I gather random materials from various sources in New York and also from travels abroad. When I was working in the garment district I loved the leather stores, the fabric stores, the trim and lace stores....entire stores dedicated to buttons and buckles.  One of my latest collections is inspired by Alexander McQueen’s Savage Beauty Exhibit that was at the Met this summer. Leather, feathers, fabric , lace fashioned into fun earrings! Love it all. My favorite part about designing and making jewelry is the whimsy and endless opportunity for invention. It's sole purpose is adornment and beauty.

Where are you based?

I live and work in Brooklyn and I am a regular vendor at the Brooklyn Flea in Fort Greene (though mostly during the outdoor season April-November).  I do other markets occasionally like BUST Craftacular and Renegade Craft Fair. Year round you can visit me online at my Etsy Shop www.melodysaddiction.etsy.com and my Melody’s Addiction Facebook Page. (please join!!). Check in with my blog for upcoming sale dates at www.melodysaddiciton.com.

Do you have a favorite piece of jewelry?

I love the simplicity of the leather hoop earrings which come in many colors, some with funky cut-out shapes. They're big, bold, colorful and light weight! All the elements you want to make your entire outfit pop.

Thanks, again, to Melody's Addiction for allowing us to share their work with you!  Congratulations, Shakiera!

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Give the Gift of Literacy!

Trying to figure out what to give this holiday season?  Give the gift of literacy.  Here are a few special literacy initiatives for the holidays.  

• First Book:  From now until December 31, 2011, for every 1 dollar you donate to First Book, Disney Publishing has graciously agreed to donate 1 new book to a child in need! 
• Build-A-Bear Workshop:  Are you purchasing a Build –A- Bear?  Build-A-Bear will donate 50 cents to First Book for every Read Teddy they sell this Christmas season.
• Barnes and Noble Holiday Book Drive:  Barnes and Noble is holding a holiday book drive.  Upon checkout, you will be asked whether you would like to donate a book.  Books will benefit various literacy organizations.
• Philosophy:  Are you a fan of philosophy’s fantastic bath and shower products.  Well, philosophy is donating 100% of the net proceeds from all sales of their Sweet
  Dreams Fresh Cream shampoo, shower gel & bubble bath to First Book.
• Better World Books:  Every time you purchase a book, Better World Books donates a book to a child in need.  http://www.betterworldbooks.com/go/book-for-book
• I See Me!:  I See Me makes personalized books for kids, featuring their names and images.  A personalized book is a great gift idea for a child of any age.  When you check out, if you enter “firstbook” as a coupon code, they’ll will donate 10% of sales to First Book and plus you will get 10% off your order.
• Reach Out and Read:  ROR is holding a special Holiday Book Drive.  Click on the link to donate!   https://www.reachoutandread.org/supporters/contribute/donation.aspx

Happy Holidays!

Ciji Dodds

The Tenth Day of Christmas

On the Tenth Day of Christmas PDR gave to Angela:

A fun 2012 screen printed calendar from YeeHaw

While we don't have a nice interview to share, we can tell you first hand how fun these prints are!  We came across this little booth at the BUST Craftacular and we just loved their work and knew we needed to share it with you.  These calendars are super convenient and feature a bottom that tears off when it's time to change to the next month.  Today's winner will receive the pink and magenta "Sweet Mama" calendar that feature an adorable cotton candy vendor.

Congratulations, Angela!

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Queen’s Holiday Brunch

The best thing about the Holiday Season is the celebrations!  It is always great to reconnect with friends and family and to make new friends.  This Sunday I attended a Queen’s Holiday Brunch, hosted by my former director, DeShawn Shepard.  It was a great opportunity for current titleholders to meet formers.  There were plenty of stories, tips and pancakes! 

It’s one thing to see pictures but, it’s always nice to have a conversation and few laughs.  I was especially excited about chatting with Ashley Dixon, Miss Virginia International 2009.  Ashley is attending law school in California so we had plenty to chat about.  Then there was Jessica Riker, Miss Pre-teen Virginia International 2011.  Who would have known that we share a love for spicy food!  She is officially my hot sauce twin!

Group Photo

Mrs. Virginia International 2012, Jennifer Williams, a true doll!

Happy Holidays!

Ciji Dodds

Miss International 2011

The Ninth Day of Christmas

On the 9th Day of Christmas PDR gave to Elizabeth:

An eco-friendly and organic gift assortment from Heaven and Earth LLC

Today's winner will receive four chocolate mocha solid sugar scrubs, a lemongrass poppy seed soap, and a hand knit washcloth courtesy of Mary at Heaven & Earth, LLC.

  We've known Mary for years and are so impressed with the work that she's been doing to help educate people about the importance of sustainability and healthy living.  We're also thrilled by her generous donation and continued support of Paper Doll Romance. Interested on learning more about Heaven & Earth and their natural, organic products? There are lots of  ways to connect with Heaven & Earth online! 





Be sure to visit their website to order, "Like" them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter at @HeavenNEarthLLC for great recipes and updates, and visit Mary's blog to see what she's been up to and what tasty treats she's cooked up!  

1. Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? What's the name of your shop?

I grew up in Jackson, NJ, lived out of state for a little while, and now I live in Bayville, NJ. I wear several hats: wife, daughter, sister, friend, college professor, director of a nonprofit group, and I am the Co-Owner of Heaven & Earth, along with my Mom, Cathie. Heaven & Earth is all about health, wellness, sustainability, and education. We make natural products for mind, body, and spirit, and we will soon be Certified Holistic Health Coaches on top of that, so we can teach people not only about what they put on their skin, but what they put in their bodies as well.



2. What made you decide to start your business? When did you get started?

We got started in November 2009. It's kind of an interesting story. My Mom found an article online highlighting several women who made amazing career changes. One of the women was a marketing director (I was also a marketing director at the time). This woman felt like something was missing in her life, and she basically quit her job, moved to her grandfather's farm in TN and turned an old barn into a soap studio, and used her marketing talents to open a cute soap business. My Mom sent me an email with the text "You have to read this." I contacted the woman in the article, and she was so kind and inspirational. And then after not much time at all, Heaven & Earth, LLC was born.

3. Do you have any materials that you'd say are your favorite to work with?

I love natural and organic, fair trade materials from God's good earth. The more natural, the better! Some of my favorites are coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, dried flowers, and essential oils.



4. Where do you draw inspiration from?

I draw inspiration from the earth. I used to be very separated from nature, and once I started to embrace this lifestyle, I felt truly alive, healthy, and happy.



5. Do you have any advice for others that are looking to make a business out of selling their work?

Work hard and follow your heart, and anything is possible.



6. What's your favorite ice cream flavor?

I like Cherry Amaretto Coconut Milk Ice Cream!

 Thanks so much to Heaven and Earth, LLC for their generous donation!  Congratulations, Elizabeth.  Enjoy those luxurious scrubs and soaps!

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Face the Fats

Do you know your fats by heart? Ready to make informed choices about the foods you eat?  Welcome to Face the Fats Quizzes — now you can test just how knowledgeable you are about fats.  Answer the questions in each quiz and we'll calculate your score.  Be sure to check out both Quiz I and Quiz II.

Take Quiz I now: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/quizTemplate.jsp?pid=ahaweb.quiz.quizintro&quizId=600004

Take Quiz II now:
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/quizTemplate.jsp?pid=ahaweb.quiz.quizintro&quizId=600007

To donate to the Go Red for Women Campaign, click here to help:  http://www.goredforwomen.org/WearRedDay/donate/advocatedonationform.html?kwoAdvocateId=3YGPPJ3

Janet Bolin

The Eighth Day of Christmas

On the Eighth Day of Christmas PDR gave to Hillary:

The "Amour Cookie" necklace from Wink and Flip

This darling little necklace caught our eye the second we came across the winkandflip Etsy shop.  When Natasha contacted us and said she was donating this necklace, we were thrilled!  It's petite and charming, and simple enough to wear with just about everything.  Plus, it's written in French, so we just couldn't resist.  Check out her shop for more great pieces or to get an Amour Cookie necklace of your very own.  Want to know more about winkandflip or find out where you can find them next?  Read our interview with Natasha below:

Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? What's the name of your shop?

I'm finishing up my Master's in Liberal Studies at The New School for Social Reserach. I was born in Manhattan and raised in Astoria, Queens. When I got my working papers no one would hire me because I was so young, so I started my own company. I've been in the fashion jewelry business for eight years, and have worked a combined two years in the accessories departments of teenVOGUE and Marie Claire magazines as an intern. One of my headbands was featured in teenVOGUE. We have two parts to our business, a curated line that we buy, which is sold at winkandflip.com, and a line we design in an etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/winkandflip. Enjoy our shop!

You can find us every Saturday, from May to October, at the famous Hester Street Fair on the Lower East Side. Girls follow us on Twitter to find out where we'll be next.

 It's @winkandflip 

What made you decide to begin making jewelry? When did you get started?

We started assembling necklaces after we were selling jewelry for some time because we found things we thought would look great at the end of 30" chains, and we didn't see anyone else putting them together.

 Do you have any materials that you'd say are your favorite to work with?

We find metal charms, or stones with metal charms. But one of our bestsellers is a mini harmonica on a long chain. Once a guy came into a show who was a professional musician. He bought one and started playing it. It had four tones, but he was making music and everyone stopped what they were doing to listen to him. 

Where do you draw inspiration from?

Flea markets, trolling on etsy, pieces from the wholesale market that we chop up and "frankenstein" into new pieces. We know what girls are going to love and when we see it, it jumps out at us.

Do you have any advice for others that are looking to make a business out of selling their work?

Start small and keep at it. Learn about being a business person, so you can elevate your efforts from hobby status. I attended classes at the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship. Finding something like that can help a lot.

What's your favorite ice cream flavor?

Any fruit-flavored sherbet.

Thanks, Natasha!  And Congratulations, Hillary!

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Test Your Sodium Smarts

You may be surprised to learn how much sodium is in many foods. Sodium, including sodium chloride or salt, can come from natural sources or be added to foods.  High-sodium diets are linked to increased blood pressure and a higher risk for heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association recommends that you aim to eat less than 1,500 mg of sodium per day.

Test your sodium smarts by answering these 10 questions about which food products are higher in sodium — we’ll calculate your score at the end.

Take Quiz Now:
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/quizTemplate.jsp?pid=ahaweb.quiz.quizintro&quizId=100001

To donate to the Go Red for Women Campaign, click here to help:  http://www.goredforwomen.org/WearRedDay/donate/advocatedonationform.html?kwoAdvocateId=3YGPPJ3

Janet Bolin

The Seventh Day of Christmas

On the 7th Day of Christmas PDR gave to Rachel:

A One-Eyed Girl drawing by Kasey Tararuj

We love Kasey's One Eyed Girl series of drawings and were delighted when she offered to create one for our giveaway.  This One Eyed Girl is edgy and romantic, a little bit of what PDR is all about. Interested in your own custom One Eyed Girl?  Send her an email to commission your very own piece.  And, be sure to visit her website and her blog to check out Kasey's other work and to save the dates for any upcoming exhibitions.  

Tell us a little about yourself.

Paralyzed artist since 2000! I'm a paraplegic thanks to an AVM on my spinal cord, but that hasn’t stopped me from my 3 favorite things: traveling, (most recently) surfing, and (most importantly) creating!

When did you first know you wanted to be an artist? When did you get started?

I've loved doodling and creating since I was a child, it always my favorite hobby.  I can't remember a time of wanting to be anything but an artist.  I took every art class in high school, got my Bachelor's in Fine Arts, and have been making and showing art ever since.

Do you have any materials that you'd say are your favorite to work with?

For me, there's nothing better than painting and sculpting.   I love the mess of paint and clay covering my hands, even though it never seems to come off and gets all over everything else I own.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

Much of it comes from my disability, dealing with it, expressing it. Other comes from my own personal mission to amuse myself (and I guess sometimes others). I love creating characters in 2D and 3D that are just funny, weird, cute, and unique.

Do you have any advice for others that are looking to sell their work?  

Create like crazy and love what you do.  It doesn't happen overnight!

What's your favorite ice cream flavor?  

Cotton candy!

Congratulations to Rachel and special thanks to the talented Kasey Tararuj for her generous donation!

XOXO

Jen & Saira

AniMile

Bark, Woof, Ho Ho Ho! Last weekend my furry best friend and Jurnee’s Journey mascot, Chi-Chi, and I participated in the Santa Special AniMile! We raced through downtown Kingsport, Tennessee to raise money for the Sullivan County Humane Society!! Chi-Chi and I met many new furry friends! My little brother, Daxx, raced with us as well!

Ready to race!

Everyone was in the holiday spirit!

Oscar is a mutt with a leg deformity. His owner said it was very common for his breed. Nonetheless, Oscar still raced in the AniMile and was definitely a crowd favorite!

From Chihuahuas to Great Danes, every dog was racing!

Over 400 participated in this event!

Chi-Chi’s little legs were getting tired, so I had to carrying her through the finish line!

Chi-Chi, Daxx, and I enjoyed a great workout in beautiful weather; a great way to kick off the holiday season!

Watch this video of the race! So many cute dogs racing for a cause! http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=2194143425171

“God will prepare everything for our perfect happiness in heaven, and if it takes my dog being there, I believe he'll be there.” -Billy Graham

Jurnee Carr

The Sixth Day of Christmas

On the Sixth Day of Christmas PDR gave to Kimberly:

A  Silver Tusk Terrarium Necklace by With Roots

Wear a little piece of mother nature around your neck.  With Roots creates beautiful necklaces, ornaments, and other mini terrariums that combine nature with fashion. Sharon from With Roots has been a busy girl, but she was kind enough to take some time to answer our interview questions below:

Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? What's the name of your shop?

I am from New Jersey, been living in NY for 9 years with a brief hiatus to San Francisco for bit. My shop is called With Roots.

What made you decide to begin making jewelry? When did you get started?

I was making regular terrariums for a friend's birthday last year.  He loved them so much he told me he wished he could wear them, so I did some research and made it happen! 

Do you have any materials that you'd say are your favorite to work with?

I love working with all plants.  I like figuring out which plants will work best in what environment.  I'd also love to start studying glass blowing so I can make more custom pieces.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

I draw my inspiration from so much!  When I'm not making jewelry I support myself with photography.  So, I love looking at the way light hits objects and interacts with them.  I love seeing the sunshine hit one of my necklaces because I know it's combining nature and style. 

Do you have any advice for others that are looking to make a business out of selling their work?

Go for it!  I started out just making these for a few friends and through their support I've just gone for it and have been getting such a positive response.  I love it!

What's your favorite ice cream flavor?

Mint chocolate cookie. 

Congratulations to Kimberly and many many thanks to Sharon from With Roots for her lovely contribution  to our giveaway.  Didn't win today but really want one of these?  No worries, just visit her website to order your own With Roots mini terrarium necklace!

XOXO

Jen & Saira