Giveaway Time!!!!

Her name is Sonora Sunrise.  Named after the stone that is the center of this lacy design.

Rich in shape and texture, a filigree fantasy!  All metal components, save the chain have been hand formed by me.  One at a time.  Formed with patience and joy...

This stone hails from Sonora, Mexico by way of lapidary artist Terry Williams.  It has only a hint of the green typically found mixed with the red of Sonora Sunrise stones.  A beautiful mixture of deep red and orange it is a beautiful stone.

Adjustable from 16" to 22", the sterling textured chain closes with a hand crafted hook clasp.  I have attached faceted cuts of carnelian beads to add a pop of color to the chain as well.

The back features a hand crafted sun, and the name of the piece, along with my initials and a sterling hallmark.  :)

I made this necklace especially for this giveaway.  I wanted it to be something really special, and I think I've succeeded!

I have fabulous fans, followers, friends, and customers.  I appreciate all the support you give me throughout the year.  And I don't just mean when you purchase something from me.  I appreciate the hearts in my Etsy shop, the comments on my blog, when you "like" something I post on FaceBook.  I appreciate the comments on my Flickr photos, and when you come to visit me at my show, even if you just stop by to say Hi.

I appreciate having you all along for the ride as I continue on my path.  So, here are the rules:

1.  If you purchased something from me in the months of November and December, you are automatically entered in the drawing.

2.  If you are a current FaceBook follower, you are automatically entered.

Now here's what you can do to earn extra entries:

3.  Become a follower of this blog.

4.  "Like" my business page on  FaceBook.

5.  Add me as a contact on Flickr.

6.  Add my shop as a favorite on Etsy.

7.  Suggest my page to your friends on FaceBook.  You as well as your friend will receive an extra entry for the drawing.  (email me with the names of your friends so I know to give you the extra entries!)

8. Post this drawing on your blog, twitter, facebook, etc... for extra entries.   (leave a separate comment for each time you post this drawing!)

And...I think that's it!!  Please leave me a separate comment for each action.  This will make it easier to choose the winner by a random generator.

This giveaway will end on December 18 at midnight CST.  This will give me time to get this beauty in the mail to you.  Just in time to receive a wonderful gift for the Holidays!!!

Let the games begin!!!  :) :) :)  I am so excited!!!

Some news, and a sneak peak

If you follow me on Facebook, you know how excited I am to finally have my own work space. Up until yesterday, I had been working in the living room.

I have been unhappy with this arrangement for a long time, and finally asked my husband to help me solve the problem. It really isn't a small problem. The deeper I get into this jewelry making thing, the more tools I need. The more space I need. So far I have only been working with a small hand held torch. It is serving my purposes for now, but I really need a better set up. That includes a jewelers torch, and an acetlyne and oxygen tank set up. I'll also need a proper ventilation system. It really isn't wise to be breathing in all of those fumes you know!

Over the past couple of weeks, I had become increasingly cranky. I just felt stuck in the spot that I was in. There really wasn't any room to grow, and seriously, who wants to have a work shop in their living room? Besides that, it was a real pain in the rear to have to move everything every time someone came over! I began to feel that maybe it just wasn't in the cards for me to kick this whole thing up a notch.

After mentioning several times nicely that I wasn't happy working in the living room, I had to get slightly more emphatic about stressing just HOW unhappy I was. (there may or may not have been a few tears involved, mainly out of frustration) Hmmm *clearing throat* ANYWAY, I have to say that when Arturo realized I was serious, he and I set about thinking exactly where this new work space I needed would be.

We contemplated most of the day on Thursday, and on Thursday evening an epiphany hit us both literally simultaneously about the perfect spot.

So, where is it you ask? Well, I'm going to keep you guessing. Just for a little bit. The above picture is a sneak peak at part of my new area (along with me, hard at work filling an order). Here comes the fun part. At least I hope you guys will think it's fun, and I hope you want to play along with me!

The first person to guess where in my house my new work station is located, will receive a little surprise. It probably won't be that big of a surprise to find out that it will be a pair of earrings! Anyway, let the guessing begin!

Facebook Fan Promotion!

I am leaving tomorrow afternoon to fly to Las Vegas to meet my mom and two younger sisters. My youngest sister is turning 21! Wow! What a way to celebrate. In a way it will be like my own giant 21st birthday celebration that I always wanted but never had. The only difference will be is that I'm actually 36, and I don't think I can party the way I did when I was 21! At any rate, I will give it my best shot.

This will be the first time I have been away from my girls. They are 7 and 4. I know they will be perfectly fine with Dad, and will probably have way more fun with me gone. I just can't help but worry about going so far away from them. I'm such a baby! My husband travels four days a week, every week, and I can't leave for two days? I know, I know, everything will be just fine.

So, I leave you with this.........



Tiny Bubbles by AmyNicoles on Etsy

This is my give a way for September! This one is going to be super easy to get an entry to win. All you have to do is become a Facebook Fan of Ruby Mountain Beads. You'll find my Facebook badge to the right of this post, click on it, and it will take you directly to my Facebook Fan Page.

After you have become a fan, leave me a comment on this blog. Already a Facebook fan? Want extra chances to win? Refer a friend! For every friend you refer, you and your friend receive an entry to win. Again, leave me a comment with your friends name so I know they are a fan.

Of course I will give you an extra entry if you follow this blog or follow me on Twitter (my Twitter badge is on this blog!) as well.

Be sure to leave me a way to contact you if you win! Contest ends 9/28/09. The winner will be announced on Tuesday the 29th! I'll be back soon with pictures from Vegas!