and it's hot as hades outide....
and wedding season is upon us....
I decided to do a giveaway this week! Our wonderful givaway comes from the Clay Bouquet Shop on Etsy. The beaded headbands and belts are definitely in style this season so you don't want to miss out on this one! Read a little bit about how this cute shop came to be and don't forget to scroll down to enter at the bottom. You'll want $25 to this shop!
My husband and I live with our 3 cats....our second anniversary is coming this autumn, so we're just a bit past being newlyweds. : )
I am a data analyst by day, crafter by night, and can't imagine giving up either one, though I may occasionally long for more time in the day.
I have a deep passion for the environment, and drive a diesel VW Golf that can run on waste vegetable oil. Our next home will have a solar/wind hybrid power source and create enough energy to power our home, my creative space and our electric vehicles.
What is the wedding industry like where you live?
Living within a stone's throw of NYC creates a very expensive and near-cut-throat wedding industry environment. I remember all too well how difficult it was to find vendors who would fit into our budget wedding figures. That's the main reason why I created so much of our wedding details myself...and why I try to create accessories in a range of prices.
How did you start to sell on Etsy?
I found Etsy while planning my wedding, and after being encouraged to create bridal accessories to sell in my hair stylist's salon, I decided to try selling on Etsy. It has treated me well : )
What would you say is your style?
I am a girl-next-door type...I live in jeans and tshirts/sweaters whenever possible, and when not surrounded by beads, feathers, clay and jewelry, I can usually be found curled up on the couch with a book or a good movie (and a cat or two). But when the occasion calls for it, I love lace and antique jewelry.
What gives you inspiration?
Fresh flowers, pretty wedding photos and anything that sparkles : )
What advice do you have for brides having been a bride yourself?
* Determine the amount of money you will be able to spend side by side with your combined lists of wants and needs. Then see if they reflect each other...you may find that you need to tweak your lists a bit to fit into your budget, or find creative ways to make it happen.
* Prioritize your wedding plans / items...that way if you have to give something up, it won't be an item that is highly significant to you. And spend accordingly. (I am so glad I stood my ground on our photographer, and my husband wishes I would have done the same for our DJ...what a disaster! Sometimes, you get what you pay for.)
* Let your wedding day reflect who the two of you are. Incorporate favorite activities, music, movies or characters into your theme and decor. If your craftiness or skill can be utilized, let your talent shine!
Where can we find you?
Other than Etsy, I have a website, mainly for rentals and non-handmade jewelry and accessories, though I list my custom bouquets there as well.
Etsy // ClayBouquetShop
Website // http://www.claybouquetshop.com/
Facebook // www.facebook.com/ClayBouquetShop
Twitter // www.twitter.com/ClayBouquetShop
This week's giveaway is for a $25 gift certificate to the Clay Bouquet Shop!
How to Enter:
(leave a comment for each thing you do below to be counted, up to 3 entries)
1. Leave a comment on this post telling me which item you would choose from Clay Bouquet's Shop.
2. Follow Dana Laymon Photography and Clay Bouquet on Twitter.
3. Like Dana Laymon Photography and Clay Bouquet on Facebook.
Contest ends Sunday, June 5th 12:00 midnight US EST
One winner chosen at random and announced on Monday, June 6
Maximum of 3 entries per person
One winner chosen at random and announced on Monday, June 6
Maximum of 3 entries per person
