win it wednesday giveaway - oops! it's TUESDAY!! january 22nd, 2013 - the lovely smith

welcome back to the DDH giveaways!  yes, we know it's not wednesday, but we are trying out the hugely popular "rafflecopter" for our giveaways this year, so we were hoping you guys would help us test it out by entering to win a pair of Lovely Smith sterling silver open heart earrings like the ones in the photo above!   because this is a beta test giveaway, it will only run until january 27th, 2013 - so it only gives you a few days to enter!!!!!!  this giveaway is open to US and Canada, so tell everyone you know!

all you have to do is enter via the rafflecopter widget below and give feedback in the comments section of this post.  if it works relatively glitch-free, we will use it for all of our subsequent giveaways!  thanks to everyone for being our test subjects!!!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Shop Feature - July 27th - The Lovely Smith

We are so excited to feature our very own The Lovely Smith and her fabulous rustic and organic jewelry.  Read the interview with Cylene and enjoy the store-wide discount - exclusive to DDH subscribers!!! 

What made you decide to start your shop?

I've always been the artsy type but it wasn't until early 2007 that I felt like I needed to get in touch with the creative side of myself again. Jewelry making was on my "bucket list" and I started out with beading. The rest, they say, is history!

What type of products do you sell?

Custom made stacking rings and earrings - in copper, brass, sterling and gold fill.

What is your favorite shop accomplishment so far?

Having my creations out there, being worn by real people, is quite the inspiration. I love hearing from happy clients that what I made for them is perfection!

What is your biggest challenge as an Etsy/online seller?

It's hard to juggle a full time job (I work in the non-profit mental health sector), running a household, raising a toddler and being pregnant. I would love to build a bigger online presence since there are so many jewelry sellers out there, but just cannot find the time!

What is the top selling item in your shop?

My stacking rings have always been a great seller, but with the recent addition of more earrings designs, I find that they are creeping up in popularity!

Do you have a tip for others selling in the handmade community?

A cohesive online identity and shopfront is something that I find helps a lot when it comes to setting yourself apart from the rest of the herd. Making sure you have a great shop name, logo, and great photos is key to getting noticed! You are basically selling the IDEA of your creations to the people that find them - your descriptions and photos are your way into their hearts!

What are you currently working on/newest project?

I am so excited to be unveiling some more earring designs - I love making more angular, more linear hoops and putting my rustic & organic spin on them! I also have become a new member of the Artisans' Group, which helps handmade artists gain exposure, and hopefully one day, you'll see celebrities wearing my creations, or maybe see my rings on the pages of InStyle!

Favorite blog!

I am a huge fan of the DDH blog, but also check out ApartmentTherapy and ohdeedoe quite often. However, I find I get TOO inspired sometimes and have to step away from the computer!

Thank you so much Cylene!!!!  Use Coupon Code - DDH40 for 40% off your entire order at TheLovelySmith!  (expires July 31st, 2012)