Giveaway 3 Custom Fortune Cookies! Open to All

Just Say It is the creative venture of Allison Book. Allison creates buttons, magnets, greeting cards and these:

Here is a bit about the fortune cookies, from Allison's shop listing: 

A custom cookie makes a perfect gift, especially for Valentines Day, wedding favors, birthday gifts, Christmas ornaments, or for no reason at all.

The fortune cookies are handmade. They are constructed of velveteen, cotton thread, and cotton rag paper.

Each cookie comes with its own individual fortune, the materials to convert it into a hanging ornament, and a small take out box, in which it is stored.

The fortune cookie itself measures 2 x 2 inches (about the same size of a real fortune cookie). The fortunes attached to the cookie extends approximately 2 inches out of the cookie’s edge

If you are thinking of ordering a custom fortune cookie please remember the following:
There is a maximum of 30 characters (including spaces) per row x3 rows. If you went any higher the font would have to be very small and it would be hard to see.

Other than the adorable and unique fortune cookies, Allison also has a great selection of 'wordy' buttons and mirrors:

Allison answered a few of my questions about herself, her art practice and her
life outside of Etsy:

Giveaway and Review- The Disappearing Spoon

The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements by Sam Kean

Synopsis: 

The Periodic Table is one of man's crowning scientific achievements. But it's also a treasure trove of stories of passion, adventure, betrayal, and obsession. The infectious tales and astounding details in THE DISAPPEARING SPOON follow carbon, neon, silicon, and gold as they play out their parts in human history, finance, mythology, war, the arts, poison, and the lives of the (frequently) mad scientists who discovered them. 

We learn that Marie Curie used to provoke jealousy in colleagues' wives when she'd invite them into closets to see her glow-in-the-dark experiments. And that Lewis and Clark swallowed mercury capsules across the country and their campsites are still detectable by the poison in the ground. Why did Gandhi hate iodine? Why did the Japanese kill Godzilla with missiles made of cadmium? And why did tellurium lead to the most bizarre gold rush in history?
From the Big Bang to the end of time, it's all in THE DISAPPEARING SPOON.

My thoughts:
This book should be a required read in high school English classes to supplement what is being taught in Science classes. I found this book thoroughly enjoyable, despite having no real background in the periodic table, apart from learning a rhyming song to help me memorize it in grade 6. I learned more about history and the elements in this book than I have in my entire academic career. 


Sam Kean's presentation of factual information is done so in an engaging way. This book will be especially interesting for those of you who already enjoy chemistry, but it will also be captivating for people with little to no scientific background. With so many stories related to the periodic table of the elements, it is difficult to pick one as my favourite. Kean uses the relationship between elements in the table to discuss relationships between people who have history of using those elements. 

Giveaway - 1 Month of Page Advertising on Facebook

Prize is 1 month of advertising from Gina Parker PRonline  - this is for an event for the month of August on Facebook!

Do you have a Facebook page for your blog or business? Wouldn't you love some free advertising that will send lots of new people to your Facebook page?

Details of prize:
~Each day in August Gina Parker PRonline will suggest facebook pages to her facebook friends. Her Facebook friends will LIKE the pages and leave a comment on that page’s wall saying Gina Parker PRonline sent them. Then they will suggest the pages to THEIR friends and leave a message on Gina Parker PRonline’s wall letting her know how many friends they suggested what page to.
~The more people spread the 'like' the more chances they have to win money to their PayPal accounts!

How to win:
-5 winners will be chosen using random.org, by me
-giveaway is open worldwide so anyone may enter!!
-Mandatory entry leave 1 comment with your Facebook page URL and make sure you leave your email address in the form as well!
-giveaway ends on July 31st at 5pm PST

If you'd like to guarantee this amount of advertising/PR for your Facebook page, you can get all the benefits of Gina's PR promo for $10 via PayPal to gina@parkerpronline.com with:
beingtazim | your Facebook page URL | and FACEBOOK PROMO AUG 2010 in the notes. *after August 1st the price goes up to $20 so act fast!!

Giveaway Sparkling Bliss Pink Flower Earrings

Michelle, who has a shop named Sparkling Bliss, has a great love for jewelry design, which is evident when looking at this week's giveaway item, a pair of pink glass flower earrings:

Pink Glass Flower Earrings

Here is Michelle's description of the item: Vintage inspired and oh so pretty. Designed and quality hand-crafted with loving care by jewelry artist Michelle Hynek. These earrings were created using pretty pink glass lily beads dangling from pretty copper hoops with copper findings. They measure about 2 inches and are finished off with copper French hooks. Comes beautifully packaged in a lovely gift box for immediate gift giving or as as a treat for yourself!

My 15 Minutes of Fame - Facebook Party!

Please join me on Wednesday July 28th from 1:30 pm to 1:45 pm EST on my Facebook fan page for my 15 minutes of fame! Presented by Gina from Blogmania PR, this fun event involves spreading the love of our fan page, checking out the shop, asking questions, and having a great time! Who doesn't have 15 minutes to spare? I would really love and appreciate the support!!

What's in it for you?
You could win a $15 gift certificate to my studioahimsa shop! How cool would that be? I have added a bunch of new necklaces, greeting cards and a gift set as well, so there are lots of things to choose from if you win!

Become a fan now and join in the fun! There will be Facebook fan-only discounts available in the future.

Giveaway Fused Glass Earrings

The giveaway is for these beautiful fused glass earrings:

Annette created these earrings with multiple colours of glass. They are nickel free and a great size which should appeal to just about everyone! 

Bio from the Etsy shop and written by Annette:

I love to make things! I love art, sewing, prints, etc. I hope you like my products as much as I like making them. Thanks a ton for looking! :)

I have been making things since I was a kid, art related, sewing, found objects, etc.  My Etsy store is a mix of all of these things with clothing I have made, art, some found objects, and vintage.  I have a wide variety of things in the shop and Etsy suggests to stick to an item or items that sell the best and i am still trying to figure that out.

Here are a few of my favourite things from Annette's IInk shop:

click here to purchase or take a closer look at these items:

bracelet with charms | Etching Degan Encounters the Fate | Etching Grandpa

As you can see from the selection, Annette is multi-talented!

Mandatory Entry:

Leave a comment about Annette's work or the giveaway item. Here is her Etsy shop link for some ideas.

Extra Entries:
1 comment per extra:


Follow Being Tazim
Follow Annette's brand-new blog 
Follow Annette on Twitter


Giveaway is open worldwide. Winner will be chosen by random.org. 
Giveaway ends on August 1st.
If you haven't yet entered this giveaway, you have until July 25th to do so!

Giveaway - Handmade Brooch/Necklace

Judy from Toastory creates necklaces, belts, totes and scarves, and has offered to provide this lovely item for giveaway:

This item may appear to be a simpl(ey beautiful) bow necklace, but no! 

You can take off the chain and use it as a brooch, attaching the p in on the back to your favourite clothing! So clever!

Getting to know Judy:

1) How does your art practice fit in to your life?
Ever since I was a little kid, I love drawing, painting, and crafting. I loved creating things for my family and me. I always refined some existing designs with my whimsical thoughts. With all my creations, I started with hand-stitching when I was little. I remember the first bag I made is a small little jeans handbag with a little patchwork. Soon thereafter, I have learned the most practical skills I ever felt, which was sewing. I tried to make decorations, bags, accessories, anything that can be created by a sewing machine. After I entered my fashion design life, I bought a Juki Industrial sewing machine at my home, and I just can’t stop sewing and creating new things that are not existed. 

2) Where does everything come together? 
My inspiration came from everywhere of my life, such as visual objects, garment components. I loved deconstructed pieces, and apply to accessories, then try to make them wearable. 

3) Do you have any specific goals for your Etsy site or art practice?
I have dreamed of being a small business owner since I was small because I can do and sell things that I like and interested. And now, I am still striving for this dream to come true.

5) Recommend a good book and movie
Book: I ‘m currently reading “How to Win Friends & Influence People”. It was a classic book that published in 1936. It talks about human relationships, and how to win people to your way of thinking. It is good whether for salesman, managing people, or self-improvement.

Movie: Up and Coraline. Great stories, visuals and animations! 

6) Where do you live in the world? What do you like most about it?
I live in San Francisco, California. I am a fashion design student and studying in Academy of Art University. And I am now entering the last year of school. I am passionate of sewing because I believe there are many possibilities to do with playing different textures of fabrics.

Lucky Sundays at Being Tazim - Blog Event Sponsors

Sundays are lucky at Being Tazim. I will be posting a giveaway every week or 2 on a Sunday, starting next week. I have 3 giveaways coming up this month! I might also be considering myself lucky as I reflect back on the week that passed, and feel inclined to post about what happened. 

Now that the 30 Days 30 Giveaways event is over, I want to concentrate on my sponsors for 2 upcoming blogging events. BlogFest and BlogMania are both happening in September. For both of them I will have giveaway packages totalling over $100 (for each event). I will be featuring the shops who have been kind enough to sponsor me for the events  from now until September. 

I'll be providing some items from my Studioahimsa shop, but there will also be items from these shops:

Giveaway 30 Days - Choice of Print

The last giveaway of the 30 Days of Giveaway Event is one sponsored by my best friend Greg. 

The giveaway item is your choice of either of these brand-new prints from our Studioahimsa shop: 

Coffee Coffee Coffee 8"x10" print on cloth

OR

Lake Waikeromoana print

Limited Edition Signed 1 of 12 with black matte 8"x10"

Greg is a Vancouver-based artist who works in a variety of mediums. 

Giveaway 30 Days - Tied up in Knots Prize Pack

Day 29's giveaway is a "Tied up in Knots" prize:

Includes: 2  E-patterns for making your own cute creatures, like these below:

The team of Alix and Winston create these cute crocheted items. 

PLUS: this Silver Celtic Knot Necklace:

The team of Alix and Winston create these cute crocheted items. 

This giveaway is open worldwide - 

anyone can enter so long as they are legally entitled to do so.

Mandatory Entry: 

Answer this question in a comment:

Which 2  patterns would you choose from Parami Panda's selection?

Additional, optional entries:

1. Follow Being Tazim (via email, RSS or Google Friend Connect)

2. Follow Parami Panda's blog

3. Like Parami Panda

This giveaway ends on July 8th at midnight PST.

I will email the winner and their name will be posted on the main giveaways page. 

The rest of the giveaways are listed on this page: 30 Days of Giveaways

Giveaway 30 Days - Super Stationary Prize Pack!

Day 28's Giveaway is for a Super Stationary Gift Pack,

 from both my Studioahimsa shop and Foxes and Robbers.

Includes:
From Studioahimsa
 - Golden Sun Bird 100% Recycled Paper Card
 - 2 Tiny Bears Against the World 100% Recycled Paper Card
 - Alberta Wild Rose 100% Recycled Paper Card
 - Moth Letter Set: 10 sheets of 100% recycled paper,
2 envelopes w/printed space for address, and matching stickers.
 - Crake Letter Set: 10 sheets of 100% recycled paper,
2 envelopes w/printed space for address, and matching stickers.

The cards are created from hand carved lino cuts with vegetable-based inks in small batches. The letter sets are created from illustrations by Greg at Studioahimsa.

From Tazim

  - Cotton Paper Gift Bag

 - Cotton Paper Bookmark

From Foxes and Robbers

 - 4 Pack of Vintage Inspired Pheasant Gift Tags

Giveaway is open worldwide. 

To Enter:

Mandatory Entry: 
What kind(s) of pens do you like to use? Any specific brands or styles? Share your pen love!

Extra Entries (please leave a separate comment for each):

1) "Like" Studioahimsa

2) Comment on your favourite item(s) in the Foxes and Robbers shop

3) Follow Being Tazim
4) Visit Studioahimsa's store and comment on your favourite item
5) "Like" Foxes and Robbers

Giveaway 30 Days - Silver Rose Cuff Bracelet

Today's 2nd giveaway is for this bracelet from Michelle at Lovegrant:

Sky Blue Floral Rose Cabochon with

 Silver Twist Cuff Bracelet

Check out the wide variety of jewelry that Michelle makes: 

Here are the links to the individual pieces if you'd like to purchase any:

1. Metal Hair Sticks 
2. A Mother's Nest Silver Wire and Pearl Necklace for Custom Orders 
3. Victorian Burgundy Maroon Rose and White Cameo with Golden Brass Filigree Necklace 
4. Victorian Silver Filigree accented Opalite Pendant on Silver Chain 
5. Divine Olivine and Silver earrings for Spring  
6. Antiqued Brass Filigree Cuff Bracelet with Mauve Rose Cabochon

Michelle is a medical transcriptionist by day and lovely jewelry 
maker by night. 

Now, let's get to know Michelle a little bit better:

1) How does your art practice fit in to your life?

I work full-time from home as a medical transcriptionist. I am an employee versus an independent contractor, so must work a set schedule and clock in and out as if I were in an office. I frequently design jewelry in my head, and if there is something that comes together nicely, I will begin making that item during my lunch time or coffee break. I also allot time in the evenings periodically to sit and make things. 

2) Where does everything come together? 

I have 2 places where I design. The first is at my kitchen table, and the second is in a work space I have in my bedroom where I also have a sewing machine. I like the kitchen table because it has the best lighting, although it forces us to sometimes have dinner around the kitchen island bar! 

3) Do you have any specific goals for your Etsy site or art practice?

My goal this year is to just develop a client and fan base and learn new techniques. I began making jewelry to match outfits after getting frustrated with not finding what I wanted. People asked me to make something for them, and that is how the business was born. I sell locally at a consignment shop, and then spread out to Etsy in June 2009 to increase what I offer to a wider range of people. I am fascinated with jewelry styles and techniques, so I am constantly challenging myself to learn something new or come up with a unique pairing of ideas. I've found that one technique frequently builds on another, and that a person must develop specific skills before they can move on to the next challenge.

4) What would be your super power if you could have one?

I was tempted to say that I would like to lift tall buildings, or have x-ray vision. However, if I could have a super power, it would be the ability to stretttccchhh my body, particularly to reach things. At 5'2" I'm constantly having to ask my husband if he can reach something for me or ask strangers in a store if they can reach something on a tall shelf. It would be nice to just extend my arm or grow some leg length to be able to get what I need! 

5) Recommend a good book and movie

One of my favorite books of all time is Amy Tan's "The Kitchen God's Wife." In it, she learns what has happened in her mother's prior life in China that shaped her mother into the woman and parent she became in the present. A favorite movie is "Glory." It is the story of the first African-American regiment in the Civil War. If it is on TV, I have to make a concerted effort to *not* watch it. Otherwise, I will get sucked into the story and nothing will get done around the house until I have watched it in full. 

6) Where do you live in the world?  What do you like most about it?

I live in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Yes, that's the city that was immortalized in the song by Merle Haggard, and yes, I'm proud to be an Okie from Muskogee! What I love most is that it is a hidden treasure and played an important part in history. It has lush greenery, beautiful parks, rivers and lakes near by, and it's one of the friendliest places in the world. Each year Muskogee is host to the Azalea Festival, highlighting the blooming azaleas at Honor Heights Park. The park encompasses the entire west side of Agency Hill where the Five Civilized Tribes Museum and the Jack Montgomery VA Hospital are located. It is also near Fort Gibson, the first fort built in Indian Territory. We are never at a loss for a wonderful history lesson! 

This giveaway is open worldwide - 

anyone can enter so long as they are legally entitled to do so.

HOW TO ENTER:

Mandatory Entry: Visit lovegrant's Artfire shop and leave a comment here about your 

favourite item(s). 

Additional, optional entries:

1. Follow Being Tazim (RSS, email or GFC)

2. Comment on your favourite item from Lovegrant's Etsy store

3. Like lovegrant's facebook page
4. Follow Michelle's blog

This giveaway ends on July 6th at midnight PST.

I will email the winner and their name will be posted on the main giveaways page. 

The rest of the giveaways are listed on this page: 30 Days of Giveaways

Giveaway 30 Days - Washer Earrings and Gift Card

Day 27's Giveaway is a Pair of Washer Earrings PLUS $5 Gift Certificate from Industrie. 

Simple & chic dangle earring made with stainless steel washers. Earrings are 2 1/4" long and 1/4" wide.
Available in two colors, Silver or Gold. You can choose!

Here is a bit about Kara and her art practice:

1) How does your art practice fit in to your life?

I have been creating things as long as I can remember. When I was in high school I used to color on anything I could find, embellish my clothes, and write poetry. Once I graduated I was so busy I sort of lost that creative energy. It wasn’t until I lost my job that I started to do crafts again and once I started jewelry it was a whole new experience. I found something I love to do. I swear sometimes I dream of metal! 

"Life is a great big canvas; throw all the paint on it you can!" — Danny Kaye

Giveaway 30 Days - Oven Rack Helper

Day 26's Giveaway is an Oven Rack Helper 

from Ross at New and Old Wood (N.O.W.) Creations

This is used for pulling out and pushing back in oven racks. 

"Put warmth back in your home"

Ross' collection contains a wide variety of things, including: practical things (like the oven rack helper, and time-out chair), fun things like tea light candle holders, 'best witches' sign, and wooden necklaces, plus entrepreneurial things,

 like open/close signs. 

I especially like the candle holder and the open/close sign. I could see myself with it in my store someday! Ross talks about his passion for wood-working,
which he outlined here on his blog.

Ross provided me with some great answers to my interview questions: 

1) How does your art practice fit in to your life?

It's actually vary hard to fit my wood working into my life. I have a wonderful wife and two perfect little children. I love to do my wood working, but don't get much time to do much work in my shop. Most of the things I make are for family members who need something made.

2) Where does everything come together? 

I have a small shop in the basement of my home. I get most of my ideas from magazines. I put ideas together to come up with my own design.

3) Do you have any specific goals for your Etsy site or art practice?

I would love to have a bigger shop outside of my home and make more items and expand my Etsy shop.

Giveaway 30 Days - Spice Coloured Orchids Headband

Day 25's Giveaway is a Handmade 'Spice Coloured Orchids' Headband 

from Sharlene at Spiral.

Sharlene's description of the giveaway item:

a trio of mother of pearl florettes are perched on this headband, making you look like you are wearing a garland of spice colored orchids. Russian glass crystals in red provide accent and the right amount of sparkle. the mother of pearl nuggets are dyed a rich brown and gold and a thin dark brown cord is wrapped around the entire headband base. the headband base is made of lightweight and flexible metal. 

headband measures about 5 inches at it's widest point and 2.5 inches at the most narrow point. since the headband base is flexible, it can open up to 6 inches at the narrowest point when stretched.

perfect for a casual outfit or even to wear to the beach with a colorful summer dress.

"This is what my little shop is about -- slowing down, breathing deep, taking time to look at the pretty little things, establishing relationships that go beyond the usual busyness of business."

Sharlene is from the Philippines and creates beautifully original jewelry and woven tote bags. I just love the combination of colours and different beads and also the use of a variety of metals in wires and chains! 

Sharlene let me ask her a few questions about her art practice and other things:

1. How does your art practice fit in with your life?

If I could have it my way, it would be my life.  As it is, I manage to incorporate it into my day.  I cannot imagine not doing something creative -- even as a child I had dabbled in art in its different form and as a young adult had tried my hand at theater, music and now painting and drawing and of course, designing and making jewelry.  Art forms a large part of me and I cannot imagine being without it.  I make sure that I incorporate an aspect of it daily -- even for just a few minutes. 

2.  Where does everything come together?

OH BOY - you should see my "studio".  It is visible only after dinnertime since I use our huge dining table.  I don't have a dedicated room for my work YET -- but I am hoping to have a spare room fixed up to house all my supplies soon.  As it is, my art supplies are in a large, large suitcase which I roll from room to room and my children were thoughtful enough to surprise me with a set of storage drawers to keep my jewelry supplies in.  It can be a pain to have to take out materials and put them back again when I'm done "playing" but that part I have used as an initial step to creating -- like a switch on and off to signal my psyche that it's time to have fun. 

3. Do you have any goals for your Artfire Shop/Art Practice?

 I put up the store on a lark -- my jewelry was taking up a lot of space and while I was successful at selling them at craft fairs, my day job prevented me from participating in as many as I would like.  I actually "forgot" about my Artfire shop for a bit and then a few months ago, decided I would give it a try.  My goal for the shop is for it to be representative of fine artisans in Asia -- something like an antidote to the notion that all things that come from anywhere near China is a knock-off or is mass produced. I'd like to be able to help spread the word on the talented people in my region -- and there are a lot.  Of course, it would be hypocritical of me to say that I don't want the shop to do good -- I'd like to see it churning out sales regularly, allowing me to earn a decent income from it and finally giving me the chance to quit my day job and concentrate on work that involves design and art.  I would also like to be able to teach or facilitate workshops teaching art techniques and jewelry making.  It would be wonderful to see someone who thought she wasn't creative realize that she actually is -- in her own way.

4. What would be your super-power if you could have one?

Hmmm - super powers!  I've always wanted to be like that guy on the movie "Jumper".  You know -- he goes from place to place in the blink of an eye. Just thinks he's there and he is.  I love to see new places and travel and learn about different cultures so this would be it for me. Imagine being able to "jump" to the Louvre just because I thought it would be nice!

Giveaway 30 Days - Prize Pack Bracelet and Scarf

Day 24's giveaway is a 2 item prize pack:

1) Yarn Fiber Scarf/Necklace from Nevita

Feature is here.

2) Hemp Bracelet from Bhang-Tiez Feature is here.

Description

Hemp macrame bracelet with brilliant blue glass beads and lil black seed beads. Finished with a few 5 1/2-6 inch strands for tying it on, you can make a bow so it can be removed. 

Length= 7.5 inches(without strands for tying)

Strands= 5 1/2-6 inches 

This giveaway is open worldwide - 

anyone can enter so long as they are legally entitled to do so.

Mandatory Entry: 

Do one of the following as your first (mandatory) entry 

if you do any of the others they are extra entries! 

Please leave a comment for each thing you do!

1. Comment on your favourite item from Nevita 
2. Comment on your favourite item from Bhang-Tiez
3. Follow Being Tazim via RSS/GFC/email subscription
4. Blog or Tweet or e-mail or just tell your friends about this giveaway

This giveaway ends on July 3rd at midnight PST.

I will email the winner and their name will be posted on the main giveaways page. 

The rest of the giveaways are listed on this page: 30 Days of Giveaways 

Giveaway 30 Days - Handmade Gift Pack

Day 23's giveaway is a gift pack of handmade items from 3 artists:

1) Hand-Dyed Tank Top from Storm One

Uni-sex 100% cotton tank top size LARGE dyed Bronze,Jade Green,Turquoise, Midnight blue and Seafoam green in a spiral pattern.

Storm One feature here.

2) Purple Cat-Eye Earrings from The Mayflower 

The Mayflower feature is here.

3) Button Me Up Bracelet from Pikithins

This bracelet is created using twisted cobra knots in green and cream. A wooden button and knot acts as the closure.

Pikithins feature is here.

Wouldn't these 3 look great together?

closed

Giveaway 30 Days - Choice of Print and Keychain

Day 22's Giveaway is a choice of print PLUS a cute plush keychain from 
Shannon at Sass and Peril. 

Working as a graphic artist by day and maker of amazing prints and plushies by night, Shannon resides in Southern California. The meaning behind the shop name is described here by Shannon:

sass&peril is my design alias first created back in 2004. As a graphic designer by trade it's my job to be progressive and a little more forward-thinking."sass" alludes to the playful nature of my designs and "peril" pays homage to ways of thinking that are unabashed and push the envelope a little. So no, I'm not bratty or dangerous in the literal sense, but I do put my heart and soul into everything I create in an unapologetic way. 

There are so many great things on offer at Sass and Peril, so it was hard to choose just a few to show you, but here they are: 

and here are the links so you can purchase them, if you like:

Doodle Pals Chatter Screenprint | Red Fox Screenprinted Card | Giraffes Screenprint- Teal on Kraft | Dexter Kitty Plush | Doughnut Keychain- White with Sprinkles