Saturday, January 25, 2014

"Grow Your Blog" ...and a GIVEAWAY!

WELCOME, to new visitors and old friends alike!! So glad to have you stop by as you go through the massive list of bloggers that Vicki at 2 Bags Full has generously compiled.  Hope you can stay a while and have a look around, and then enter my GIVEAWAY at the end of this post!

I'll try to keep my post short, since you have many more stops to make, and also because I just had oral surgery today and am still recuperating (and am still a little loopy from the meds...)!  But I didn't want to miss the chance to meet and greet you!

I love to make soldered jewelry...here is one of my signature shadow boxes

A little bit about myself:  My name is Maggie, from beautiful Portland, Oregon.  I've been a professional illustrator and designer, mostly in the textile and home-sewing industry for many years.  As that industry has experienced a bit of a decline in the last few years, I'm finding more time to devote to my love of crafting and painting. I enjoy blogging because it has introduced me to a great many kindred souls out there who share many of my passions.  I like to use my blog as a journal of sorts, to share the projects I'm working on.  It also serves as a doorway to my Etsy shop, which is woefully bare right now, but should be stocked again soon with the soldered jewelry and angel paintings that I love to create.
 
Painting folk art angels is a passion of mine, and I recently started using miniature prints in my jewelry


This blog has also been a wonderful way to participate in various crafty swaps and challenges, and get to know the other participants through the sharing of our little creations.

It's fun to participate in the weekly challenges over at the Tag Tuesday blog

or to swap Artist Trading Cards at ArtJoyStuff...

or to trade crafty projects at BlissfulArtSwaps

Sometimes I share tidbits about my family.  My only child is far away for her freshman year at college (and I'm still adjusting to the empty nest!), and I lost both my parents since starting this blog --- so many folks out in blogland reached out with empathy and kind words of support.  How wonderful is that?!


I've spent many years illustrating for Simplicity Pattern Company drawing mostly little girls' fashions such as this...sadly for me, they use mostly photography these days.  I did, however just illustrate a woman's swimsuit pattern for them last week...my first in quite a while.

One of my clients manufactures tote bags.  Here is one of my designs.

Well, hopefully you've gotten to know me a little bit through this post, and I can't wait to go through Vicki's list and get to know some of you better, too!!  I would LOVE for you to visit often and keep up with what I'm working on here in my studio either professionally, or just for fun...just click on the "Join This Site" button in my sidebar to follow along,  and I'll do the same for you!


And now, for my GIVEAWAY! Actually, I'm doing TWO GIVEAWAYS, so you have two chances to win! To enter, please become a follower (optional), and LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW on this post to let me know you've stopped by (make sure there's a way to contact you if your name is chosen).  Anyone can enter, and on February 15, 2014, I will randomly select two lucky winners. Here they are:

GIVEAWAY #1 -- One winner will receive one lace necklace similar to these pictured.  A snippet of vintage lace is encased between glass with a soldered silver frame and antique pearl dangle.



GIVEAWAY #2 -- A second winner will receive a small poly-vinyl tote bag imprinted with one of my collage designs (that little baby happens to be my Uncle Marvin, circa 1920! He'd probably roll over in his grave if he knew I added pink striped tights and fairy wings to his photo :-))

Good luck to you and THANK YOU so much for stopping by!  Come back often and we'll get better acquainted!

74 comments:

  1. hello
    I am growing your blog today because i love your jewellery ....nice to meet you and I hope you feel better soon....
    bestest Daisy J x

    http://lazydaisyjones.blogspot.co.uk/

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  2. Hi Maggie,
    Feel better soon! Thanks for the shoutout, love when you join my swaps. I would be thrilled to win one of your giveaways.
    enJOY a sweet weekend,
    Kimberly

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  3. I became a Follower last year, and I love visiting your blog to see your creations. I will enjoy visiting loads of other crafty people through this great event. Your giveaways are truly lovely!

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  4. I am a faithful follower and love seeing your creative creations. Yes, I would love to enter your giveaway! Di@Cottage-Wishes

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  5. Your work is just beautiful -your lace necklaces are lovely and so unique- I'm already a follower and always enjoy visiting- Hope your feeling better soon!
    Cheers
    Christina
    PennyWise

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  6. I always enjoy looking at your beautiful new creations...love those necklaces. You are definitely a talented artist and a huge inspiration.

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  7. I've been a follower and a fan of your blog since the last Grow Your Blog! I love your art. I'd like very much to enter this giveaway!
    Cathy
    CraftyCat

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  8. I too have been a follower since the last meet and greet...so happy to get another chance to win that vintage lace necklace or tote! Your art work is beautiful!

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  9. Welcome and Thanks for participating in the GYB event. You have a really beautiful blog.
    Lorena (GYB volunteer)

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  10. hello, I enjoyed your post, I've been here before!
    your work is wonderful, the stuff of dreams.
    I love your pendants, just beautiful!
    I added you to my reading list, please toss my name in too!

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  11. Love you - love this blog - you know I've been hanging around since last year. Hope you feel better SOON, my friend...no fun there - however, I think Uncle Marvin probably would appreciate the humor in the striped tights and fairy wings...not to mention the hat and flower! Happy Saturday, dear Maggie! XOXOXOXO

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  12. PS - glad to see you're using your miniatures in your beautiful pendants - I cherish mine! And, where the hell do I find out how to get your bags? I know they're not at my grocery store, for certain! :-)

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  13. Both your give-aways are very nice; the work of your hands is beautiful! Visiting via Vicki's GYBP and enjoying my visit.

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  14. Meeting you through this blog has been such a joy! I'm glad you're doing it again this year so some lucky, lucky gal will get a chance to enjoy your gorgeous jewelry like I did! I hope you feel better soon!

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  15. Hello Maggie and hope your feeling better... Have been a follower for quite some time and love your work.
    Your folk art angels are just beautifully sweet.

    Theresa

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  16. Love your blog... I am a new follower via the GYBParty!!

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  17. Hope your feel better soon Maggie. Just love all your angles.
    Melissa

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  18. Maggie - your work is beautiful ! I love the pattern one. Just gorgeous. Your blog is very nice. Headed to sign up to follow now. Both of your giveaways are so sweet! Thank you for the chance.
    xo jan
    visiting from Sew and Sow farm

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  19. Love all your creations! I found your blog recently via a friend's post about the Tag Tuesday blog, but just became a follower today. Thanks for the chance to win a lovely piece of jewelry or that cute bag that can't help but inspire smiles! Hope you feel better very soon!

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  20. Maggie your art is beautiful and both those giveaways are very very generous. I am from GYB and am now a follower of yours and will be back often. I will also watch your Etsy shop. I am from Her Grace and Cloister of the Heart www.path-of-divine-love.com, Hettienne

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  21. Your blog is bursting with such creativity, lovely!
    I am now a follower :)

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  22. Hi Maggie,

    I'm visiting from the Grow Your Blog party. Thank you so much for stopping over. You are a gal of many talents! Your lace necklaces are stunning! I plan to look around a bit more and then be on my way to visit the others. Have a wonderful weekend! Hugs – Donna

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  23. Hi Maggie,
    so nice to meet you and thank you for your comment on my blog. I love what you create!
    Many hugs,
    Karen B. Todolwen

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  24. Such wonderful creative work. I simply adore the lace necklaces. So unique and beautiful. Oh and your totes are just "tote radical" lol.

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  25. hi there. i'm Beth from E. Lizard Breath Speaks - so nice to meet you through the Grow Your Blog get together/party. ( :
    elizardbreathspeaks@gmail.com

    not sure of the name but i love the lady in blue with that bright red heart. such great colors.

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  26. Thanks so much for your GYB visit to my blog Maggie, and I'm so delighted to find yours. Your art is utterly charming, and I'm especially in love with those angels.

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  27. Hello Maggie! I am visiting via gyb! I love the diversity and originality of your art! Now following along... hooray!

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  28. Hi Maggie! This is a great post about you and your very beautiful artwork. I never tire of seeing what you are creating. I was tied up with family things yesterday but plan to spend today "partying"!
    XO
    Kathy

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  29. So very the blog hop brought me to your site! I love love ALL your work. We have very similar interest. I hope to come back and see more of your work. What great inspiration. Thank you for stopping by Foxhollow Tales. I hope I win one of your give-aways! They are wonderful.
    Teresa
    www.foxhollowtales.com
    foxhollowtales@gmail.com

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  30. Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving such a nice comment. I remember you from last year too - you are so super talented. Your shadowbox necklaces are just stunning. I am also from the Portland area and recognize your Daisy Kingdom connection. Your drawings are really iconic. I would love to be intered into your drawing.

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  31. Hi Mag, I love your art and will be back later to browse your blog better. If you get the chance please come see me too. If I had a choice should I were to win I love love your lace necklaces-
    Kathy

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  32. Love your art style. New Follower. I am having fun finding new bloggers to follow...love sewing and quilting. Greetings from Oklahoma, USA. crystalbluern at onlineok dot com

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  33. What a fun blog! You are very creative and I love your little shadow boxes...those lace necklaces are so awesome...do you do commissions with someone else's lace? I have swung by through the blog hop and will be coming back to visit again...please include me in your wonderful giveaway...thank you.

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  34. Hi Maggie
    Your artwork is gorgeous! Love your soldered pendants so much, your tags, cone and paintings.
    A girl of many talents. I hope by following I don't disappoint you if I can't email often but my blog list is soo long now but I will try. So here we go!
    Have a great time viewing all the blogs and meeting lovely new friends.
    Suzy

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  35. Hi Maggie.I love your creations especially the shadow box with the bluebird and nest! I've found your blog through the GYB party and am a new follower. I'd love to be included in the draw for a giveaway of your work. the totebag really appeals to me. ( I'm not much of a lace person!) Please drop by my blog for a visit.

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  36. Hello! Good to see you again! I followed you last year and have really enjoyed seeing all of your creations! Love Uncle Marvin!
    XO
    Rachel

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  37. Loved getting to see all that you do! Making the rounds with GYB blog hop. So nice to meet you! I hope you'll pop over to my neck of the woods! Hugs! deb

    nuleaf at comcast dot net

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  38. Hello Maggie. It's lovely to meet you. Your shadow boxes are just amazing. I love that first one with the bird and it's eggs. I'm visiting from Melbourne, Australia.

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  39. Hello Maggie, it's nice to meet you. I'm visiting from Vicki's GYB party. It is massive, isn't it? This is my first time in it and I was quite surprised to see such a huge turnout. So awesome. I hope you are feeling better from your oral surgery. Ouch. No fun. My son is to get his wisdom teeth out next month and I'm nervous for him. I am also sorry to hear about the loss of your parents. I lost my father some years back. It's such a difficult loss to go through. (((hugs)))

    Your artwork is really spectacular. You must hear that all the time, but I have to say it. It really is beautiful. It is so nice to meet you and I will be back to visit again, that's for certain.

    Blessings, Bird http://birdsearthyspirit.blogspot.com/

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  40. your work is just gorgeous and i would love to win either one!!!

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  41. Maggie, you are so talented! The vintage flavor of all your creations is so appealing. I especially like your angels. I would love to win the lace necklace. That is not only lovely -- it would be quite a conversation starter, I'm sure!

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  42. Wow. you are the successful artist I wanted to grow up to be when I was a little girl! This blog hop is really making me want to get back into the creative life You are an inspiration!
    msmaryjenkins@gmail.com

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  43. I just found your blog and am now following. I love your little lace charm necklaces. You are one creative and talented lady. Thank you for the opportunity to enter your nice giveaway. :-)

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  44. Wow is all I can say. I love your blog and all of positive energy and creativity. Your soldered necklaces are wonderful. I also like your mixed media. I wold love to be entered in your drawing and I am a happy follower.

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  45. Oh I love your blog! Your soldered pieces are fabulous, your bird nest is to die for. I make bird nest with wire also but they are not nearly as pretty as yours. I also love your art. I am going to follow you and look forward to seeing more of your work. It has been lovely getting to know you.

    Hugs
    Caroline

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  46. Hi Maggie,

    just stopped by to say 'Hi' and take a look at your lovely blog. Love your creations !
    Hugs,
    Karen B. ~ Todolwen

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  47. What a great blog! Glad I found it via the Grow Your Blog Party! :)

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  48. Hello, and thank you for leaving a comment on Comptonia. I agree, the goats are pretty endearing, but you need to get at least two! ;)
    Your artwork is impressive. Love the little shadowboxes!

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  49. Wow what a talented lady you are! I wonder if I have any patterns with your illustrations on them? That would be very cool. Absolutely loved looking around your blog so quickly became an avid follower and I really look forward o visiting again real soon xxx

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  50. Hi Maggie, thanks for visiting my blog and your kind comment! Fabulous creations, you are an amazing artist!
    Thanks for sharing your beautiful artwork,
    your newest follower,
    Diana

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  51. Oh my goodness! Everything is so gorgeous! You have amazing talent & we are so lucky to have a chance to be recipients of it. :)

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  52. Your art is awesome, truly a gift. I loved looking around your blog, viewing your creativity at work.

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  53. Your creations are beautiful... everything is so lovely! Thanks for the chance to win:)

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  54. Hello Maggie, Happy to meet you again. Your soldered jewelery is lovely as is your very very creative tags. Love them. You are a very creative person., Hugs Judy

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  55. Hi Maggie, Nice to visit your blog today, so very pretty.
    Thanks for stopping by knitalatte during this years gyb party.
    Karen

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  56. Hi Maggie. Thank you so much for visiting my blog. Your pendants are really pretty.
    Gillx

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  57. Wow..I love your birds nest shadowbox...very cool. As well as the tags, and all the other goodies you make. I'll be visiting more :)

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  58. Maggie, nice to meet you, and thanks for stopping by my blog earlier this week. I enjoyed your post and am fascinated by the various ways you use collage. Unique for sure!

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  59. Greetings from St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada. It's nice to meet you. Lovely giveaway. I have been looking for a source for these pendant frames. If you visit my blog, you will see why :)
    Thanks for sharing your blog.

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  60. Your creations are delightful! I have actually had your blog bookmarked for quite awhile, and happy to see that you are doing the GYB hop!
    Thanks for a chance to win a lovely necklace or the fun tote bag!
    deniseb777ATgmailDOTcom

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  61. Hi Maggie, a big wave to you from the NSW Central Coast (Australia) via the GYB link. Lovely creations and a beautiful blog. Hope you are feeling in tip top shape now after that surgery.

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  62. Your creations are lovely. Thanks for the chance to win one of your great giveaways. Jackie jackie.vernon@sbcglobal.net

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  63. Oh how I love your soldered pendants - I purchased all the materials to try this before Christmas but have yet to do it. Soon, very soon. Your work is lovely. Thanks for sharing. I have subscribed to your RSS feed.

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  64. Oh my goodness, I love your art. I am going to follow you so I can keep up with your beautiful creations. So nice to meet you!

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  65. Hi,

    Visiting from the GYB party and have to stop and tell you how wonderful your blog is! We'll be following along because you are so talented.

    Cheers,

    Kathy and Deb
    thesecondhandroses@gmail.com

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  66. Hello Maggie
    Lovely to meet you at Vicki's party!
    Thank you for following and leaving your sweet comment too!

    You are such a talented artist - I love your sweet angels and your soldered pieces are divine - they make an exquisite giveaway - I will keep my fingers crossed.
    I'm part of Tag Tuesday too but I've life has been too busy of late - I'll be back into tags very soon!

    I'm following you now Maggie and I look forward to popping in often and staying in touch.
    Your creativity is most inspiring - thank you!
    Hugs
    Shane


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  67. Hello Maggie! I gotta say, I truly love your style! You do great work here. Still making my way through the blog party list and enjoying every bit of it! The perfect winter activity. And I would love to be entered into your giveaways. Made me laugh about Uncle Marvin...I'm sure he would sport a very nice big smile at your work! Following you, and hope you have a great weekend! Happy Valentine's Day from snow covered New York State! Aloha

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  68. Greetings from the Pacific Northwest (further north from Portland). I enjoyed visiting your blog.

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  69. Following you on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/minibea12/.

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  70. Love your folk art angel, and the little girl and dog you used to illustrate a pattern. Amazingly lifelike. You are a great artist, Maggie!
    Hugs, Beth

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  71. Thank you so much for the beautiful tote and I love how you included the photo for me to play with, Maggie. I look forward to keeping up with you in the future!

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  72. Hello, Its nice knowing about you and what you do. I love your blog and your creation.

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