*** THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED! WINNER ANNOUNCED IN THE COMMENTS SECTION. THANKS EVERYONE WHO ENTERED. ***
Welcome to the April First Friday Giveaway featuring Michele from
Michele Kurpisz Designs. During the monthly giveaway you'll get a personal view of the shop, get to know the artist, and get a chance to win something awesome!
Meet the Artist:
RNEST: Tell us a little about yourself.
Michele: My business is called Michele Kurpisz Designs, and I make silver and copper jewelry using traditional metalsmithing fabrication techniques as well as beadwoven jewelry using glass see beads. I live in Gates with my husband and we have dog, Freya. I've been selling my metal jewelry since 2012. To support my artistic pursuits and pay the bills, I work for Genesee Valley BOCES as a Teacher Certification Specialist.
RNEST: What's your favorite part of being an artist?
Michele: Getting lost in the creative process. Losing track of time when I get really involved with something I'm making. Seeing people wearing jewelry that I've made, and knowing that I have connected with them through it. And of course, buying supplies!
RNEST: Tell us about your creations or techniques.
Michele: Right now I am focusing on making silver and copper jewelry with semi-precious stones and cabochons. Since I was a weaver and handspinner for over a decade prior to working in metal, I am drawn to using textile techniques in my jewelry. It's a direction I definitely want to pursue more in depth. Arlene Fisch, Mary Lee Hu, and Kent Raible are artists whose craftsmanship and artistry are an inspiration to me. I am also a beadweaver. I'll never stop making beadwoven jewelry until I can't see the beads, and then I will get some mega-magnification and bead some more! It's my first love as far as making jewelry. Beadwork doesn't sell very well, unfortunately, but I still get excited about beads every time I select a color palette for a project and see the piece finished. And, in my spare time I make adorable bottle cap magnets, pins, and more which I also sell at select shows and stores.
RNEST: You've been at this for a while. Any advice for someone just starting out?
Michele: Make as much as you can, don't worry if it's good. Read books about creativity. Practice your drawing skills. Be prepared to work you ass off. Charge more than you think you should. Keep good financial records from the start.Use a calendar to schedule all the creative things you want to get done.
RNEST: Any coupons or promotions at your Etsy shop?
Michele: Not at this time, but check my
Facebook page and shop announcements for information on future promotions.
RNEST: How about shows coming up? Where can we find you locally?
Michele: I sell some of my jewelry and bottle cap magnets at the
Fairport Pharmacy and also at
With My Two Hands in Rochester. I will be at the
Brainery Bazaar on May 10. I was accepted to Corn Hill but I haven't decided if I will do that show. I expect to be at the Clothesline Festival in September.
RNEST: So, tell us about your giveaway item.
Michele: My giveaway item is a $25 gift certificate towards a purchase on anything in my Etsy shop.This can be used towards shipping costs as well. It will be valid until the end of 2014.
To enter (Open Worldwide!):
MANDATORY ENTRIES:
1. Follow this blog.
2. Stop by
Michele Kurpisz Designs and give it a
heart.
If you are already hearted Michele, just say so in the comments.
ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:
Like it using the Facebook button on the listing (one entry)
Tweet it using the Twitter button on the listing. (another entry)
Pin it using the Pinterest button on the listing. (yet another entry)
[List each one in the comments below separately for more chances to win]
3. Share or tweet this contest on Facebook or Twitter (do both for two entries!).
Please post each of your entries separately in the comments below stating what you did. The winner will be selected using a random number generator so anyone can win! Good Luck!
Contest will run until April 9, 2014
Winner will be announced in the blog comments and on the RNEST Facebook page, so stay tuned!
