First Friday Freebie Featuring Kelley's Beading

Welcome to the March First Friday Freebie featuring Kelley from Kelley's Beading and Kelley Allen Beads!  During the monthly First Friday Freebies, you'll get a blog's eye view into the shop, get to know the artist, and get a chance to win something awesome! 

 A blog's eye view of Kelley's Beading:

       

                                    
A blog's eye view of Kelley Allen Beads:

     

Meet the Artist

Kelley Allen

RNEST: Tell us a little about yourself.

Kelley: I discovered I was an artist later in life. I've been a computer programmer, carpenter, science-geek and office worker, but always struggled to fit my projects in around my work schedule. I discovered lampworking in 2009 and fell in love. Working with molten glass in fire  meets my need for both precision and art. It is a challenging media in many aspects, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

RNEST: What's your favorite part of being an artist?

Kelley: Besides the art itself? There is always something new to explore: some new shape or color combination or technique to try. Every time I sit down behind my torch I'm excited about what will come from that session.

RNEST:  Tell us about your creations or techniques.

Kelley:  My latest passion is combining lampwork with seed bead weaving. I have a new line of beadwoven necklaces with art glass pendants that can be removed, giving two different looks. My latest ones have hundreds of tiny crystals woven into the rope and bail for added sparkle. Bead weaving is something I usually re-visit every February.

RNEST: You've been at this for a while. Any advise for someone just starting out?

Kelley: Yes. Do what you love. Do what you can't bear to not do. Keep searching for that one thing you want to do day in and day out, and then keep at it. Every mistake takes you one step closer to perfection. After all, without mistakes we wouldn't grow as artists.

RNEST: How about shows coming up? Where can we find you locally?

Kelley: The best place to keep up with my free beading classes, giveaways and show schedule is my blog:   If Mayday Underground accepts me April 24th will be my first show this year. 

RNEST: So, tell us about your giveaway item.

Kelley: Neon is hot for spring, so I think I'll give away a neon pink bead with goldstone accents.   I'll attach sterling silver findings so it can be worn as a pendant.  

The Giveaway - Open worldwide

Neon Pink Bead with Goldstone Accent Pendant

To enter

MANDATORY ENTRIES

1. Follow this blog.

2. Stop by Kelley's Beading and/or Kelley Allen Beads and give it a heart.

Each heart earns an entry.

If you're already a fan, just say so in the comments.

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:

1. Pick a favorite** piece in Kelley Allen Beads and/or Kelley's Beading and:

Tweet it using the Twitter button on the listing. (one entry)

Like it using the Facebook button on the listing. (one entry)

Pin it using the Pinterest button on the listing. (one entry)

**multiple favorites = multiple entries!!

2. Tweet the contest using the Twitter button at the bottom of the post.

3. Share this contest on Facebook using the Facebook button on the bottom of the post.

4. Like Kelley Allen Beads Facebook page.

5. Like the RNEST Facebook page.

6.  Create an Etsy treasury featuring one of Kelley's items.

7.  Follow Kelley's blog.

This contest will run until March 8, 2013.

The winner will be selected using a random number generator so anyone can win!

Good Luck!

* Please post all entries below and remember to comment for each entry so that your multiple entries are counted.