Beautiful Handmade Christmas Pendant

THE WINNER IS:

WINDYCINDY!

CONGRATULATIONS!

GIFT FOR ALL SEASONS

*Where are you from? Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am a Denver Colorado native, born and raised, at the foot of the beautiful Rocky Mountains. I am a single mom of a 16 year old daughter, Annie. I have been making pressed flower jewelry for over 24 years, and love it more and more each day. I am constantly challenging myself to create new,unique, and one of a kind pieces that I feel my customers would love as much as I do in creating them.

*How did you decide on your shop name? Why did you start your business?

I started this so long ago, it's hard to remember exactly when. When I was just doing small craft shows, I remember thinking if I ever did this on a bigger scale, what I create is really a gift for all seasons...and a name was born. It really does sum up my love for each season, which here in Colorado we have 4 unique seasons, but not always in the right order. Last year, on the last day of Summer, it was snowing! I was rushing around trying to press all the flowers I could before they froze. We have some really crazy weather here. Old saying if you live here in Denver is "If you don't like the weather, wait 10 minutes, and it'll change. That is so true.

*What or who inspires you?

Anything in nature inspires me. I love gardening, and wanted to try to preserve some of these works of art by Mother Nature. Once I learned the art of pressing flowers, it opened up a whole new world, and my creative mind was racing, and still is to this day. It started by making greeting cards, photo mats, gift cards. I then wanted to do something to create what I love, into something we all could wear, such as jewelry to enjoy as well as people I came across during my day. After years of experimenting, some victories, some failures...I have now got myself to a point that I know what works with what flowers, and what doesn't. Some flowers press better than others, some don't hold their color, and on and on. I have also developed a love of photography, of flowers, sunsets, butterflies, anything that moves me at that moment. I always have my camera with me, and a lot of my best photographs have been in the spur of the moment, unplanned, never staged.

*What are 5 things you want people to think when they see your product?

I hope it brings a memory of something close to their heart. Either a childhood memory as with my daisy jewelry "He love me, He loves me not". Most of us remember doing that with a daisy, petal by petal, and of course always ending up with 'He loves me!" Also a memory of a wedding, a summer vacation, or just a favorite flower that someone never knew could be pressed and created into something to cherish, and wear anytime you choose.

*Do you have any family Christmas Traditions?

One of our favorites is the Christmas pickle. It is a green glass pickle ornament that you not only hang, but hide on our Christmas tree. It is a German tradition for Christmas. I am not German, but Swedish, but so fun, and helps kids big and small keep busy while waiting for Santa. It's a long month for a small child, and seems like an eternity till Santa will be here. Wish I could bottle that up and slow time down for us grown ups! Below is the legend that I know of, but may be others. We hide it over, and over on the tree, and take turns trying to find it throughout the holiday.

A very old Christmas tradition in Germany was to hide a pickle [ornament] deep in the branches of the family Christmas Tree. The parents hung the pickle last after all the other ornaments were in place. In the morning they knew the most observant child would receive an extra gift from St. Nicholas. The first adult who finds the pickle traditionally gets good luck for the whole year.” This Christmas pickle story, with a few minor variations, can be found all over the Web and in print inside the ornament package. It says that Germans hang a pickle-shaped glass ornament on the Christmas tree hidden away so it's difficult to find. The first child to find it on Christmas morning gets a special treat or an extra present.

My other is going for a ride to see all the beautiful Christmas lights. All of the city is aglow with the most beautiful displays. We have one place we go that is called "Old Downtown Littleton" which is about 20 blocks long, traffic going one way, and lined with nothing but white lights on both sides of the street in all the trees. It's a quaint part of the suburb that I live in just south of Denver. It is an old, and nostalgic. It reminds me of Mayberry, and is very sweet, and charming. Lots of little mom and pop shops, and is like taking a trip back in time. Each store front is decorated, and is like taking a trip back in time. A must each year. We usually make it down there many times during the season. The speed limit is 20, so it's a lovely, peaceful drive. All it needs is Barney Fife walking and on patrol! Ha Ha!

*Is there a favorite food that you and your family enjoy during the holidays?

Red Velvet Cake...Yum Yum!!!! And decorating cut out sugar cookies with my daughter for our friends and neighbors. And a few for us too!

Baked apples with cinammon, sugar and butter in the cored out Granny Smith apple, wrapped in pastry dough, and baked, topped off with red hots that melt at the very end of baking time...the best..and the house smells wonderful. They turn out like little mini apple pies.

*What is the best part of Christmas for you?

My favorite is really the anticipation. The day after Thanksgiving, we start decorating, inside and out. Living at the base of the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountains, is wonderful! Living in a cold snowy winter climate here in Denver, makes for a really magical time of year, but especially at the holidays. Nothing prettier than Christmas lights under snow on huge pine trees!

Also love listen to Christmas music, snow falling outside, Christmas tree lit, candles burning, sipping hot chocolate, fireplace crackling, and just being in this moment of sheer content. Beautiful not only for your eyes, but all 5 of your senses. A wonderful thing to do, to just slow down, and take in the sights and sounds of the season. A peaceful place to be after a busy day.

*Which Christmas item in your shop did you enjoy making the most and why?

Probably my snowman pieces for winter and the holidays. Each brings back memories of simplier times, when I was a child growing up her in Denver, and playing in the snow, going sledding, ice skating, snowball fights, making forts, and making snowmen. Something that brings back some treasured memories of my childhood. I remember those times each time I make a snowman, or snowflake piece. I still love how the snow at dawn and dusk, takes on a blue color, and sparkles like diamonds when the light hits it just right. I think that's why some of my snowmen, and snowflake pieces, include hologram micro glitter, that sparkles and glistens, just like newly fallen snow.

NOW FOR THE GIVE AWAY!

The winner will receive a Beautiful Handmade Pendant!

A Victorian style, oval glass pendant with light blue shimmering snowflakes, micro hologram glitter, and pressed Queen Anne's Lace which mimics unique snowflakes, all permanently adherred to the back of the glass. A perfect piece for Winter, and holiday season. The hologram glitter will shimmer, and change colors in bright light as you are wearing this seasonal pendant. The glass not only magnifies the snowflakes and delicate flowers, protects them as well. Measures 1 1/2 inches from top of silver plated oxidized bail to bottom, and 1 3/16th inch wide. This has an icy, cold, winter feel to it, and a lovely piece for Winter. Will come with a lovely 18" silver plated snake chain, and thoughtfully gift packaged, ready for gift giving, or to keep for yourself.

THIS GIVE AWAY IS CLOSED!

The draw will take place on: December 10 @ 8PM Central
This is open to US & Canada Only!

Good Luck Everyone!!

Audrey's Country Crafts is in no way responsible for the mailing of the prize. After the name is drawn I will contact that person. They have 2 days to respond before another name will be picked! The name and address will be forwarded. Thank-you for entering!!