{Feature + Giveaway} RedBracelet's LuckXury Collection

Tali is the founder of RedBracelet on Etsy, which is based in Tel Aviv, Israel. She is currently 38 years old and a mother of two children, Shelly (11 years old) and Alon (6 years old). She has an MA in political science and communication. Her Luckuxy collection combines 'Luck' and 'Luxury', as you can see below:

LuckXury fashion welcomes good energies ♥ ♥

LuckXury jewellery collection is an original combination of good luck & wishes, fashionable, trendy design & a comfortable feeling. Luckxury can be part of your daily life - there's no need to take it off thanks to the durable & water proof materials used in creating it. Well... let's face it, who wants to take off a vital jewelry that has the power to give you luck, joy, success and protection against the evil eye?

LuckXury is handmade and designed by Israeli designer, Tali. Each piece of jewelry combines hand knitting and sculpturing. The turquoise amulets are being sculptured from a special blend that is developed exclusively for this collection in order to have a durable and washable product.

All LuckXury collection is shipped with a gift from Tali (RedBracelet.etsy.com) in a festive wrap with a gift from her: A designed blessing card – empty, for buyers personal use, in a great smelling envelope.

The "LuckXurys cameos" are unique and specially designed with Kabbalah motives and spiritual folklore amulets that protect and use against Evil Eye. The "LuckXury" collection and cameos is certainly the Best Gift for yourself or your beloved, whom you wish to be safe, healthy and happy!!!

* INTERVIEW *

How did you start your art/craft?

As all good things in life are accidental, I designed and created a unique turquoise hamsa-hand necklaces. One pair. For myself. For years I thought that turquoise is a vital color, so I designed lots of jewellery from metal and sometimes combined with turquoise components. My love for this color is mostly in the jewellery field, not connected to folklore believes, but to fashion taste. I think this powerful color is well-suited with almost every color.

I have all materials because I need to add some products in a shop to get to a certain sum for credit card transaction. I use calcium, polymer clay etc.

I also have some stones I bought 3 years ago during a vacation abroad and used only few of them since. And of course, I already had crafting tools. It all combines together to produce a wonderful, strong and unique look. Many people were asking me to make a few for them. I was used to such requests since I had crafted jewellery as a hobby for more than 10 years. But this was different. It looked like no other... So I decided to respond and accept the orders. After a few months of marketing to shops, online marketing piqued my interest. This was really cool because it suited my lifestyle as a career pr woman.

Who / What is your biggest inspiration?

When I got married, my grandmother, which came from Bulgria to Israel a long-long time ago, put [A GARLIC!] inside my bra, on the morning of the wedding day. She said that it will protect me from the evil-eye and will assure that only good energies are around me. That strong memory was in my mind when I first created this turquoise-turquoise… which is another belief of my grandmother. This family tradition gives the concept a real meaning.

I've just started the LuckXury collection for more than a year. It is a unique advancement of the usual jewellery I used to make. It has a fashionable look and a marketing concept, which is an interesting combination of something the eye can’t see - believe, spirituality and fashion - material and design innovation and true wishes.

According to Tali, people who can enjoy her work are ones who are...

optimistic, believing in the good, hoping for the best, feeling the joy of color and remembering good energies each time he/she looks at the LuckXury jewellery collection.

Do you have any advice for amateur crafters out there?

Yes, my advice for them is to...
* find a suitable field / category and have friends connected to it

* be friendly to others

* be a giving person – customers will come back!

Tali will include a small gift with every purchase, which is a pretty greeting/blessing card (blank for the customer's personal use.)

Oh, and try to snap good pictures for your items / products.

TRY TO CREAT A SOLID CONCEPT AND FROM THERE TO PATH THE VARIETY.

Besides handcrafting beautiful accessories, is there anything else you are passionate about?

Beauty , fashion and aesthetics… and vegtables

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Madonna Kabbala Red String Hamsa Good Luck Evil eye protection Double turquoise eyes ($2.50)

"Hamsa" is believed to be a power of protection from Evil Eye and for good energy, prosperity, health and happiness. All these good things will happen to the one who hangs Hamsa in his house, car, on his body etc. This is the reason for hanging small Hamsa ('Hamsika') on baby's strollers. Hamsa is the most popular and ancient protective symbols of many religions all over the world but it came first from Arab traditions. "Hamsa" means "five" in Arabic, a number who reminds the five fingers of the human hand and its physical abilities to fight, change situations and to protect. The number Five has, according to the common believes, magical power to gain fulfillment and it symbolizes the creators protective due to the analogous to god's name in Hebrew and Jewish mysticism.

LuckXury Brown bracelet - multi Kabbalah for fashion and good energies
($50.00)

Turquoise is the traditional color of the Hamsa that suits her thanks to its strong energy against Evil Eyes. It is a strong color that leaves no one indifferent, and it is always fashionable too!

luck charms ivory-gold mustard wild bracelet turquoise cameo bohemian fashion hippy so long with an indian button ($100.00)

Garlic is a symbol for mystical powers that can protect the wearer from negative vibrations of the evil eye, jealousy and law energies. These believes were created mostly at the Balkans countries due to its strong smell that can keep the demons of the evil eye away.

Sweety girly bracelet blue and golden pair turquoise red and pink hearts decor ($25.00)

Eye symbolize the fight in the evil eye. The ancient Greek seafarers painted eyes on the prows of their ships as protection against the evil eye power. According to the traditional story, the evil eye runs away as soon as it meets the Jewelery eye. Evil eye tend to think it is a real eye that catches her worst behavior.

Red bracelet eye cameo luck evil eye keeping away Kabbalah faith ($35.00)

Red string According to the Kabbalah wisdom colors have specific frequencies and energies. Red is the color of danger associated with blood but also the color of love and passion. Thank to those associations it is the most powerful symbol and color for evil eye protection, as the Kabbalah wisdom recommended

Tali has offered a lucky reader $20 to spend at her shop. The winner can use the gift certificate to redeem product(s) which sums up to $20 or use it when purchasing from Tali's shop to get a rebate. All readers can get a 20% discount when they mention "Aik" in the "Note from buyer" when making a purchase from redbracelet.etsy.com.

You have to do ONE of all the ways stated below to enter. It is not mandatory to complete all of them. Each one that you completed apart from your first entry will be counted as an extra entry. Please leave separate comments for every (extra) entry and leave all the usernames / links so that I can verify your entries. Most importantly, don't forget to leave your e-mail address!

1. "Like" Tali's Facebook Fan Page

2. Send Tali a Friend Request on Facebook

3. Follow Tali on Twitter

4. Visit Tali's shop, find your favourite piece and "write" on Tali's Facebook wall what you love the best from redbracelet.etsy.com + a link to the piece
5. Post it on www.facebook.com/luckxurys too (Refer to 4)

6. Heart your favourite piece from Tali's shop on Etsy
7. Heart Tali's shop on Etsy

Giveaway is open worldwide and will end on 15th November, 2010 @ 6 p.m. Malaysian time.

Review : Country Soaps by Marlene {Part 2}

Handmade from 100% Fresh Creamy Goats Milk


Old Fashion Lilac Goats Milk Soap $4.00 USD
Ingredients: Goats milk, palm oil, castor oil, coconut oil, NaOH, fragrance and skin safe coloring.

This piece of soap really smells lovely! I don't know the smell of lilacs, since we don't plant any, but I really loved the floral scent! Just as the Patchouli Goats Milk Soap, it leaves my skin soft and silky. I think this soap would look better without the colouring. I prefer plain-looking soaps with a white or creamy texture because they seem more natural that way. Anyway, this soap is awesome and you should try it!

Rating:

Endless Love Type Shower Gel SPECIAL $6.00

Ingredients: Distilled water, Olive oil, coconut oil, potasium hydroxide, sodium borate, powdered goats milk and fragrance.

Description:
This shower gel contains powdered goats milk which leaves your skin feeling soft and silky just like the liquid goats milk does in bar soap. The shower gel comes in an 8 oz. bottle which you can snap the hook off one end and snap on the other end to hang in your shower.

I really love this shower gel! It's wonderful! When I squeezed the bottle, a creamy liquid came out from the head and my first impression was : I love this smell! It smells like a type of shower gel I used when I was a kid. It provoked my blissful childhood memories. The Endless Love Type Shower Gel makes my skin look and feel velvety. This product is a must-buy!

Rating:

Please visit countrysoapsbymarlene for more goodies! All of Marlene's 8 oz. gel soaps are now available for $6.00 USD!

Marlene's Online Connections:
Twitter :: Facebook :: Artfire :: Hyenacart

Review : Country Soaps by Marlene {Part 1}

Handmade from 100% Fresh Creamy Goats Milk

Marlene: "You maybe asking why goat’s milk soaps? When our daughters started piano lessons the fall of 2002 ironically they took them on a goat farm. They fell in love with goats and received billy goats as a gift. Well you don’t get much from a billy goat so I urged the girls to save their money and buy a couple nanny goats, which they did. I had no idea how much milk a nanny goat could give. We made cheese, ice cream and then soap. I fell in love with the idea of offering our family natural made soap. Little by little word got out to the extended family about my goat’s milk soaps, so I made more. Then I started experimenting with colors and fragrances and soon I was hooked."

Goat’s milk is very high in vitamins, minerals and proteins as well as high in lactic acid which helps exfoliate dead skin cells and soften your skin. As all of you have already known, I received a package from Marlene last Saturday. So far, I've tried on 2 of the 4 products she sent me and I'm very satisfied with them. Now, let's go on to the review~

Patchouli Goats Milk Soap

Ingredients: goats milk, palm oil, castor oil, coconut oil, NaOH and essential oil.

Patchouli has been used for centuries in perfumes and continues to be so today. In several Asian countries, such as Japan and Malaysia, patchouli is also used as an antidote for venomous snakebites. Chinese medicine uses the herb to treat headaches, colds, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

The reason I chose this soap was because I never had the chance to try this product, even though I've always heard the term 'lavender patchouli' in soaps. I've heard that Patchouli has many uses, including healing skin problems, perfumes, and insect repellents. To some people the scent of patchouli is exotic, sensual, and luxurious, but I think it has a strong earthy smell. My sister complained about the overpowering scent after I used it.

However, I'm happy that it leaves my skin soft and smooth. The problem with soap is that it inevitably contains residual alkalis, usually in the form of sodium. Sodium is very disruptive to the stratum corneum, the upper layer of the skin. Repeated use of soap will have a drying effect because the sodium interferes with the ability of the skin to hold the body’s water in. Yes, it does make me feel like my body is covered with a thin layer of wax, but which soap doesn't? The most important thing is, it does not dry up my skin like some soaps do.

Rating:

White Cherry Blossom Hand and Body Lotion $3.00
Soft floral scent, copy of a Victoria Secret fragrance

I enjoyed using this lotion made by Marlene. It has a sweet floral scent which reminds me of a perfume that my youngest aunt used when I was a small kid. It's not Victoria's Secret, but I'm not sure what. So it's true that scent is the strongest sense tied to memory.

I like that aloe vera juice is one of the ingredients Marlene used in making this lotion. Ancient cultures used aloe to treat hair loss, skin irritations and wounds. My mom also planted aloe vera once, and she sometimes used it to make cooling drinks for us. After removing the bitter latex, that is. Thinking about it right now really makes me drool!

Anyway, back to the lotion. Usually, I apply a thin layer of the lotion after bath. It leaves my skin smooth and silky, but not greasy. The scent is also long-lasting and will only fade after a long time. I really like this lotion!

Rating:

Please visit countrysoapsbymarlene for more goodies! All of Marlene's 8 oz. gel soaps are now available for $6.00 USD!

Marlene's Online Connections:
Twitter :: Facebook :: Artfire :: Hyenacart

Wave Cloud on Etsy

I had the opportunity to review this Twilight Bracelet from Jenna's Etsy store, Wave Cloud. It was extremely pretty and I really loved it! If you want to read my interview with Jenna, please go to this post.

I just visited the shop again today, and guess what I found? More addition to the already wonderful collection!

Red Sakura Ring $14.00 USD

Pink Wildflower Ring - Silver $8.00 USD


Locked Heart Necklace $18.00 USD


The Stormy Sea Necklace $18.00 USD

I've always love the Vampire Earrings from Jenna's shop. Now, she is doing a tutorial for this gorgeous pair of earrings! To see the tutorial, please click here.

You can also visit Jenna's blog for more details.

Marlo Noel Is Now On The Bright Side Project!

Marlo Noel is featured on The Bright Side Project!

Stand a chance to win a $200 gift certificate by answering this question:

What piece(s) of jewelry in Marlo Noel’s Etsy shop would brighten your day? How would you where it or who would you give it to?

Please spread the word by telling your friends by word of mouth, e-mail, blog, tweet, facebook etc. Thanks and good luck!

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By the way...here are some awesome contests!

Jewelry
* Need bling on your wedding day? Enter to win a gorgeous necklace from Guy and Eva at Mint Green With Envy.
* Win a pair of pink sterling silver earrings from Blue Scarab Jewelry at Mint Green With Envy!
* Win a $50 gift certificate to The Vintage Pearl at Simply Stacie
* Love The Vintage Pearl? Enter to win more jewelry at Just Simply Southern.
* Win any item (up to $40 value) from Sweet and Chic Designs at Salad for Breakfast.
* Lily's Valley is giving away a silver plated/glass pendant necklace

Accessories
* The Classic Bride is giving away a gorgeous set of vintage wear!

Feature & Review : Patch First Shop

Have you ever heard of PatchFirstShop? It belongs to a creative Thai-based jewellery designer - Patch! Patch is adroit in creating jewellery from pearls and swarovski crystals. Each piece is made with great attention to detail with high end craftsmanship. I won a Flora Pearl Necklace - Luxury Collection worth $60.00 USD from Patch's blog back in December 2009.

I wanted to present it to my mother as a gift, and Patch kindly offered to wrap it when I told her the recipient will be my mother. The necklace arrived today and my mom was surprised to get something in the mail. Patch used a pretty envelope with red hearts on it. When she opened the package, she was even surprised because the gift box looks exceptionally classy and elegant. When she untied the white satin ribbon and saw what's inside, she actually gasped. Obviously, she was stunned by the beauty of the necklace. The Flora Pearl Necklace is made from Swarovski Teardrop Crystals and Pearls together with Unique Flower 18K Gold Spacers. See the other items in this collection ~ Bracelet :: Earrings

In my mom's own words:

This necklace is gorgeous! The harmonious and lustrous shimmer of the pearls is really eye-catching. I'm sure everyone will take notice of them easily. I'm satisfied with the excellent craftsmanship! I love this necklace and I will wear it always. Thank you, Patch!

Champaign Teardrop Pendant with Sterling Silver Necklace $28.00 USD
This necklace is for those who love the classic style. The Champaign Teardrop Pendant is timeless, elegant, and ladylike. Made from a Champaign Swarovski Teardrop Crystal Pendant on a 18" Sterling Necklace. See the complementary earrings in the collection here.

Star Flower Hairpins - 1 pair $30.00 USD
I really like these pretty, dainty hairpins! They are made with Swarovski Crystals and Rhodium Hair Pins.

Diamond Dust Ear Clips $20.00 USD
Made from unique Diamond Dust button attached to Rhodium Ear Clips. See other items in this collection ~ Hair Pins :: Hair Comb

Amelia Collection - 2 strands PEARL necklace $70.00 USD
The Amelia Collection features a Romantic Masterpiece - a 2 strand pearl necklace made from Swarovski Glass Pearls with unique silver-plated filigree clasp. See other items in this collection ~ Flower Brooch

Elegant Pearl Bracelet - 3 Strands and Spacers $30.00 USD
This Pearl Bracelet is made from Swarovski Cream Pearls (6mm and 8mm) and Clear Crystal Golden Spacers. They are traded meticulously with elastic cords.

All orders will be packed in a handmade velvet bag with clear plastic box. Patch is offering free international shipping on all items in 2010. If you have any questions regarding the jewellery in Patch's shop, please feel free to contact her at patchfirstshop[at]yahoo.com / puk793[at]hotmail.com or send her a message via Etsy convo.

Patch's other shops:
Jewelry shop on ArtFire :: Supply shop on Etsy :: Vintage clothing shop on Etsy

Feature : The Crafty Tortoise

Today's featured Etsian is Melissa from The Crafty Tortoise. She loves to crochet various items, like hats, facial scrubbies, baby booties etc. Custom orders are welcomed. Melissa also provides free pdf pattern on her blog. You can follow her on Twitter @CraftyTortoise.

I won a $10 gift certificate to use at The Crafty Tortoise, and Melissa sent me the Girly Gift Pack Facial Scrubbies and Washcloth, which consists of 3 Hot Pink Facial Scrubbers (3 inches in diameter) and 1 Oversized White Washcloth (Approx. 11 inches by 12 inches).

You can use the washcloth to clean/wash your face, because it naturally rids face of excess oils, dirt and build-up. The hand crocheted face scrubbies are ideal for facial cleansing because they cleanse deeply, and gently exfoliate your skin. You can also use them to remove makeup. These products are made from 100% cotton yarn in a smoke free, clean home.

Here are some of my favourites from The Crafty Tortoise:

Monkey Ear Flap Baby Hat 4 sizes Newborn - 24 months PDF Pattern $4.00

If you prefer to buy a handmade Custom Hat Beanie, you can get it for $22.00. This listing is for a custom hat size child through adult. You get to design your own hat by choosing the style, color and applique (flower, ear flaps).

Chocolate Obsession Clutch with Gold Lining $30.00
How gorgeous is this?

Chocolate Flower Beanie Adult Size $22.00
This is quite pretty. I like it! :)

These Baby Boy Booties are size 3 and will fit a 6-9 month old baby. The price is $10.00

If you want to buy your friend a present, but you're not sure what to give him/her, you can just purchase a Gift Certificate. This is listed as $10.00, but can come in any amount. So feel free to contact Melissa to discuss the amount.

For more, please visit The Crafty Tortoise.

Feature : Jess Kay Designs

I received a pair of Green Chalcedony Dangle Earrings from JessKayDesigns. I won the earrings on Michelle's blog, Nature Manipulated. NM features many talented artisans on her blog. There will be a giveaway every Monday. Check out Michelle's interview with Jess here!

Jessica is a jewelry designer who works hard to create beautiful pieces that have an attention to detail. Most of her pieces are one-of-a-kind, with limited edition designs, so every piece is unique and special. You won't get the same pieces anywhere else, because all the jewelry in JessKayDesigns are handmade with love by Jess herself!

Green Chalcedony Dangle Earrings $28.00 USD

The earrings are made from bright green faceted chalcedony briolettes (10 mm) and sterling silver earring hooks. The design is simple yet elegant. It matches the Green Chalcedony Cascade Lariat Necklace (picture below). Jess mentioned that a discount will be given you purchase them as a set.

Green Chalcedony Cascade Lariat Necklace $51.00 USD

Three bright green faceted chalcedony briolettes (10 mm) dangle from a LONG sterling silver chain, which is treaded through a sterling silver circle. The stones are secured to the chain using sterling silver wire twisting.

The earrings arrived in a cute, reusable organza bag.

*If the jewelry you have purchased is a gift for someone, please send a note to seller and a small jewelry box will be provided.

Some of my favourites from JessKayDesigns:

Amethyst and Chain Dangle Earrings $26.00 USD

Neon Blue Teardrop Earrings $15.00 USD

Carrie Bradshaw Paris Necklace - Clear Quartz Rounds on Chain $35.00 USD

For more, please go to JessKayDesigns. You can also become a fan of Jess Kay Designs on Facebook to get updates about sales and new designs.

Review : Earrings from Azure China

I won a pair of earrings at azurechina, but she kindly offered me another pair. Have a look at the origami papers she used for her earrings here. I chose no. 2 (with gold-toned kidney style hooks) and no.4 (with gold-toned fish hook style hooks).

These earrings are simply lovely! They are made from specially-ordered origami folding paper from Japan. They are quite sturdy, and don't flatten when you press them lightly. (Don't try to crush them, though!) The earrings are triple sealed for luster, protection from water, and stability. The hooks are very shiny too! You can get a pair of earrings of your choice at $4.99 USD.

To purchase, go to this page, then choose the paper, style of hooks, and type of hooks (gold or silver toned).

After you have paid, contact azurechina using the conversation feature of Etsy.
1. Specify the number which designates the origami paper of your choice.
2. Let her know whether you would like fishhook style, or kidney style hooks.
3. Let her know if you prefer the hooks to be silver or gold toned.

She is currently on vacation so you'll have to check out her sold items page to see more examples of her products.

Chic Infinity Feature and Giveaway!

"Indulge in gorgeous and unique jewellery from Chic Infinity. Featuring original designs, each piece is lovingly handmade by the designer herself. Made with quality materials, jewellery from Chic Infinity is bound to create a buzz."

Virginia, the owner of Chic Infinity and Quirky Infinity, loves to create modern art statements a.k.a gorgeous jewellery that is sure to catch your attention. Here are some of my favourite pieces:

Yellow Shell and Grey Square Seashell necklace $33

This beautiful necklace measures at 24 inches and is made with grey seashell squares and yellow seashell parts.

Silver Chain Harness with Gold Pearls $45

This extremely cool chain harness/vest is definitely a statement maker. With Japanese glass gold pearls and silver rings as decor, this piece of body jewelry is not for the faint of heart. If you are the girl who wants to get noticed, then this is the piece for you.

Silver Circles and Squares Charm Crystal Bracelet $25

This dazzling silver plated bracelet measures at 7 inches with a 1 inch extender chain. Dangling from the bracelet are small squares and crystals.

Silver asymmetric three hoop earrings $11

Measuring at 2 inches, these beautiful elegant silver-plated asymmetric three hoop earrings are sure to brighten up your outfit.

*** It's Giveaway Time! ***

One lucky winner will get this beautiful White Filigree Resin Grey Flower Ring worth $11 from Chic Infinity!

To enter, just go to Chic Infinity, find your favourite item and tell me what is it!

Want to increase your chances of winning? Here's how to earn bonus entries~

1 extra entry:

• Follow the Chic Infinity Blog.
• Follow Chic Infinity on Twitter. (Leave username)
• Follow Chic Infinity on Facebook. (Leave username)
• Be a NEW follower of my blog.
• Leave a comment on any of my October 2009 posts.

2 extra entries:

• Heart Chic Infinity on Etsy. (Leave username)
• Tweet about this giveaway. (Leave link)
• Share this giveaway on Facebook. (Leave link)
• Already a follower of my blog.
• Put a link to Friends & Family on your sidebar.
• Refer a friend to enter.

3 extra entries:

• Blog about this giveaway. (Leave link)
• Spread the word on other social networks.
• Write a post featuring Chic Infinity or Quirky Infinity. (Leave link)

Giveaway ends 31st October, 2009 at 8.00 pm Malaysian time.

Giveaway is open worldwide. You must be at least 13 years old to enter. The mandatory rules MUST be completed for the extra entries to count. Winner(s) will be chosen via Random.org. The winner will have 3 days to respond, or another winner will be chosen.