Free Ephemera Giveaway, and an antique Blue Bird Etching from 1876

Fresh from my burgeoning  paper hoard, an antique etching of blue birds from a catalog from 1876. Yes, the date is absolutely correct...can you believe it? It is so old it is bound at the top with string.This would be so amazing in a frame, or reproduced for a collage. Just click on the image, choose save on your computer. It was scanned at a very high resolution, so it can be made quite large. I hope you love it as much as I do. I have a "thing" for birds...

So, In the spirit of the Simplicity Project, I'd like to talk just a bit about my paper hoard. Going through it yesterday, I realized I have more old paper and ephemera than a person really needs.
I think I have devised a creative way to slim down my collection.

I have an unreasonably huge assortment of old photos, book covers, journals, sheet music, game cards, advertisements, old stamps and other paper items that I've been adding to over the years that I'd love to share. I  need to share. If you'd like a very large envelope stuffed with wonderful ephemera, send $11.00 to me via the Paypal button below. That will cover cost of shipping and the large brown envelope. I will be sure to stuff your envelope with great things for collage, and encaustic work, and know that my wonderful collection will go to good use! Let me know in the message at checkout if you'd like more vintage magazines, handwriting, old photos, vintage envelopes, more stamps, more sheet music, advertisements, words for cutting and pasting, etc. and I will create a custom envelope for you, to your liking. Thank you for helping me with this. I just couldn't put all of this wonderful old ephemera in the recycle bin! Please let people know about this offer. I have so much to share!(click button below to go to checkout)

                                                                

And Finally, the Winners of the Assemblage Earrings Raffle and Sacred Cake Gift Certificate

I'm still a bit "under the weather", but I managed to get to the drawing finished today using a random number generator from Random.org. Each person was assigned a number beginning from the number one and the first person to donate...to the last name on the list and their numbers. I used the random number generator to pick the twelve assemblage earrings recipients and the gift certificate winner.  I already have your address from your Paypal donation invoice, so unless your address is different, no need to do anything but wait for your little package in the mail!

And the recipients of the peridot assemblage earrings in memory of Kimberly are~

Corey H.

Jacqueline M.

Becky's R.

Jennifer H.

Diane C.

Elizabeth B.

Karen S.

Juanita H.

Cheryl Z.

Heather P.

Susan M.

Cheryl B.

AND the gift certificate goes to Catherine D. ! (Catherine, please contact me through my shop at www.sacredcake.etsy.com to receive your coupon code.)

Again, my heartfelt thanks to everyone for participating and helping a grieving family in need. May your lives be blessed.

WINNERS!

Hello everyone! I wanted to tell you the winners of the giveaway.
I put everyone's number into a random generator and here are the results!
The first winner of the Kelly Rae planner is Lois Johnson.
The second winner of the photo album is "bks".
The third winner of the vintage assemblage jewelry holder is Nancy Lefko.
Congratulations ladies! Will you contact me with your address so I can send you your goodies?

On another subject, the weather here in Michigan has gotten a bit cooler and tolerable to be out in (finally!) I spent some time outside with the kids and the cats. We have a huge yard. We hate to mow. So we made a "wild" area way in the back by the tree line that Jeremy calls "Shady Badoo"...a secret place to hide and lay in the grass. And so we did...

me and my K.W.

K.W. and our son Jeremy in "Shady Badoo"

Walking on the Sky

Since the passing of my dear Cutie Cat recently, it has made me more aware of my other pets and having a nice picture of each of them. So we had a cat photo shoot as well...quite fun trying to get them still...

Maisy in Shady Badoo

Alice in Shady Badoo

 There are other fur babies, but I won't bore you with tons of cat pictures! Most of our dear pets are rescued strays.
Thank you all so very much for the outpouring of sympathy and love about my last post. I received Cuties ashes today. It made me so sad all over again, but suppose that is normal.
Well, on a lighter note,


I'm so in love with the assemblage jewelry I've made recently... I want to keep it for myself! I've been so drawn to blue, once again. I talked about it in this last post.

Thank you all so much for being here!
Blessings and Light,
Jennifer

Thoughts on being published in Somerset Home, lots of Gratitude, and a giveaway

      As always, for me, (does it for you too?) life goes by at the speed of light. It is already August 10th and I've been trying to get around to telling you about this for days! I have had the absolute honor to write once again for another Stampington and Company publication. I am always so delighted and incredibly humbled to be chosen to write, and have my projects included in one of their wonderful publications. I so enjoy sharing discoveries, techniques and stories with their readers. It just brings me such joy... just like the joy I feel writing right here on this blog of mine.
     To celebrate my articles and projects being published in the current issue of Somerset Home, I am having a few little giveaways! There will be three prizes....the first is a Planner from one of my favorite artists, my sister, Kelly Rae Roberts. She has an amazing, high quality collection of artwork, stationery, and home decor with something special for everyone. My current favorites are the planner~

Kelly Rae Roberts Planner (photo courtesy of Kelly Rae)

Info about the planner: "This datebook features 17 months (Aug 2011 - Dec 2012) in week-at-a-glance views. Click image for more photos. It also features weekly tear-off shopping and to-do lists, stickers for marking important reminders, and a built-in storage pocket. Please note: Unlike previous years' datebooks, this datebook does not feature artwork throughout the planner - only on the front and back covers. Datebook is 6" x 8" and features flexible front and back covers."
Personally folks, I am already using this planner and I really really LOVE it. That is why I want you to have one! Lots of room to write (which we desperately need, don't we?!), and even little stickers to use for remembering important things. Also, the tear off lists and the inside pockets are fantastic. This planner is very well thought out! (and I am not surprised at all. My sister is a class act all the way.)


The second giveaway is the mini photo album~

Kelly Rae Roberts mini photo album, "Gratitude Surrounds"
(photo courtesy of Kelly Rae)

Info about the album:"With a meaningful "gratitude surrounds" on the cover, we hope you'll be inspired to put some of your most treasured memories in this sweet mini photo album. Album (approx 6" x 6") can hold up to 24 4"x6" photographs inside its archival quality photo sleeves and features a padded, full-color, easy-to-clean hard cover. We think these make adorable gifts to highlight special occasions." 
I love this little album. It is well made and a nice size for traveling. I think I'm going to need more than one soon! Did I tell you yet that I'm going to be a first time GRANDMA this fall?!

And lastly, I'm giving away the chippy, white, shabby chic jewelry holder with vintage glass knobs, that I made for the current Somerset Home magazine. I love it for my collection of necklaces. It keeps them tangle free and pretty to look at!

A peek at Somerset Home 2011
and the jewelry holder

So, no need to jump through hoops to win. Just leave a tiny comment or a simple hello! But, I'd just love to hear your ideas or techniques for when life feels like it is going by way too fast...how do you slow it down? What kinds of things do you like to do to keep centered and in the "now"?
*Please remember, if you sign as anonymous, please leave a name so you and I both know it's you who gets chosen! I don't even make you type in crazy letter sequences to leave a comment. How easy is that?  (and lord knows we blog writers LOVE to get comments!)

Winners will be randomly drawn on AUGUST 17th (so I hope everyone has a chance to enter). Please tell a friend!
Thank you all for being here and for your readership and support. It means the world to me.
Blessings and Light,
Jennifer Valentine of Sacred Cake

What Makes Your Heart Flutter?

     My little article in Jewelry Affaire magazine is published and the magazine will be available on newsstands or to order online through Stampington on April 1st! I got my issue already and I am completely humbled to be included in this amazing and gorgeous magazine with so many talented artists...I don't quite feel like I should be there, you know? I have to remind myself though, that just because my work is fairly simple, it doesn't mean it isn't worthy of being seen.
I need to remind myself, and you today, that comparing ourselves to others that seem to be more than we are; more talented, more beautiful, more significant, more worthy, is a "sure fire" way to become quite unhappy.
There are days I look at my work and shake my head...and the voices rattle around in there saying things like, "who do you think YOU are?" "Anyone can do what you do." "You're wasting your time. This will never amount to anything." "You'll never be as successful as Nina or Stephanie or Kelly Rae or, or, or..." I literally have to tell them out loud to JUST SHUT UP! And I keep on creating.  I think we all probably have those nagging negative voices, don't we?
So don't let those voices take over! Sometimes, it is really hard isn't it? Have faith in yourself. I have faith in you!

So when I saw this come in the mail today:

and the voices in my head said, "well, you have no business in a great magazine like this." I took a deep breath and firmly told that voice. "I am worthy. I do have something to offer this world. My work is beautiful in its own way...a way that is my own beautiful way."
 I don't feel like my work is really "mine" though. I feel very much like it is a gift... and I truly believe that each of us has a special gift, unique to us, if we take the time to explore ourselves and find it.
What makes you loose track of time? What leaves you breathless? What makes your heart flutter? What brings you true delight when you do it? The answers to those questions will be your first clue. Unfortunately, the first answer that comes to mind for me, is eating chocolate cake....so you might have to move down your list just a little and that's ok....
I urge you to take a few moments today just to explore YOU.

My sister, Kelly Rae Roberts, has new prints that ask questions like these and more. This one is one of my favorites and it can be found here, with so many other new prints that she has added to her online shop!

Next Friday, I am giving away a free copy of the new Jewelry Affaire magazine (which is packed full of tutorials, beautiful jewelry and stories) trust me, it is a beautiful publication! I'm also giving away two pair of my best selling vintage jewel earrings,

lots of pretty vintage colors to choose from!

and also two pair of feather hairpins.....I am so amazed at how many ladies love these!

All you have to do is leave a comment to be entered. No hoops to jump through or anything....You can even leave an anonymous comment with your name (first name and first letter of last name please!) if you'd like. I'll announce the all of the winners next Friday, April 1st, so I'm really hoping for lots of entries! But please enter only once. There will be 5 chances to win something!
I just love doing giveaways and I appreciate you all so much. Thanks for being here today!
I'd also really love to thank Beth Livesay of Stampington & Co. for believing in me and my work....such gratitude I have for you Beth!

WINNER WINNER chicken dinner!

Thank you all who left amazing poetry comments and such on the blog for the giveaway! I wrote all six names on little slices of paper and put them into my favorite vessel....swirled them 'round and had my husband choose the names out for me to be extra fair!
And the winners of the 20.00 gift certificates are (drumroll please):

SUSAN and EMILY!!! (*will you send me a message so I can give you the details?)
I love each and every one of you for taking the time to write and share your poems and favorite words. You are each and every one so special to me.

I got a most amazing and inspiring Valentine email from Magpie Girl today and I want to share the links with you right here:
http://www.magpie-girl.com/a-blessing-for-the-single-people/
http://www.magpie-girl.com/a-blessing-for-the-separated/
http://www.magpie-girl.com/a-blessing-for-those-with-partners/

I don't know how her blog escaped me, but I have found a new daily read. Her words inspire me and the above blessings are so incredible. I hope you enjoy them as well.

with love,
me

A Special Valentine's Day Giveaway!

Well, I am keeping my graphic design (almost but not quite yet) degree warm with a little practice, but this didn't quite come out the way I wanted it to. Might look better in print...anyway, this is my Valentine to you!

Enter a line from your favorite love poem for a chance to win a 20.00 gift certificate for my Etsy Shop! I'm giving away two of them on Valentine's Day.

IN OTHER NEWS, I have opened a separate shop for my children's line. I a very excited about the things I have planned for this special venture. Making the sweet hairpin sets and necklaces just makes me smile huge, and melts my heART. Here is the banner and link (just click on the banner) for the new Etsy site if you'd like to visit:

SPECIAL THANKS to The Graphics Fairy for all of the wonderful free Valentine images and such!

Sale in the Etsy Shop! (lots of new things!)

Just a quick note to let you all know that Etsy now has a coupon code option! It is about time! So, to celebrate "black Friday", "cyber Monday" and Thanksgiving, I am offering 20% off of EVERYTHING in the shop! Woohoo! This is on top of FREE shipping on almost everything! It doesn't seem like a lot, but it is once you do the math.
Use this code (be sure to use all caps) until December 1st:
THANKSGIVING2010
to get your discount. So come see me at http://www.Sacredcake.etsy.com, or just click on the section at the bottom of this post to get there.
I'll be announcing the winner of the beautiful Mudluscious pottery giveaway tomorrow morning. I can't decide on a name (they were all sooooo good!) so I am going to draw names from my hat.
Thanks to all of my sweet readers for taking the time out if your day to spend it here. I am so grateful...see you tomorrow!
Love and Light,
Jennifer

I Found Her...Now to Whom Do I Owe My Kingdom? and a very Beautiful Giveaway!

A while ago, I spoke here of needing an "old dummy" to use to photograph my work. While browsing in an antique store I found her. She was hiding behind a large oak cabinet. I didn't see her until I was actually on my way out of the shop. I asked the owner, "How much for this old sewing bust?" (then I held my breath, waiting for for him to quote a larger amount than my wallet could bear)and he said, "Oh, how about fifteen dollars?" I acted like that is the amount I expected, though inside I was screaming, "YES! YES! YES!"

Now, she isn't the greatest, but she'll do ok. I'm thinkin' maybe she needs a cover of some sort...but I do like her aged appearance...
Here she is dressed in a vintage slip, Victorian mesh vest undergarment and thrifted lace top, and my necklaces.

I'd like to name her! Any suggestions? The best name (first and last names) wins something very special and quite beautiful from my most favorite pottery artist, Michelle Stambaugh at Mud-Luscious Pottery.

I am quite smitten with her work and she just opened her etsy shop. I love her posey pockets and her pressed mud earrings are so divine! And I think her bird puddles are the most amazing and stunningly beautiful idea...just perfect for a shallow pool the garden or a platter for the table...I have several of her pieces and I can tell you, you really do want to win something! I'll choose the name Tuesday night at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Stop by her new etsy shop and show her some love, ok?

Pressed Mud Earrings

Posey Pocket

Bird Puddle

Two Hands

Fundraising efforts were not in vain, though somehow I feel like I've failed. Where did I go wrong? Only four people left comments. Did no one want to donate? Did no one want earrings? Was that a dumb idea? Did I not spread the word enough? Who do I think I am?! These questions flow through my mind as I write today. I don't mean to sound ungrateful. I was able to raise almost $70.00, which is better than nothing, but less than I expected. I guess I just really wanted the response to be more.  I am hoping  that folks donated something and just didn't want to leave a comment about it. I am hoping that at least people are more aware of the water and aids crisis in Africa. There are thousands of orphaned children because their parents died from Aids. Young children raising their own siblings, and with a water crisis heaped on top of that. That doesn't happen here in America. These people are people just like you and I. They don't feel any less or need any less of the basic necessities.

I want to thank those who donated and left a comment, and those who even bought some of my work, knowing that some of their money would help a child in need. Because I am so grateful, all of those who helped me in my effort will receive a free pair of beautiful earrings! (So, those of you who left a comment, please contact me with your metal and color choices!) It brings me such joy to be able to do this!

Because donations will be matched  for the next ten or so days, Our contribution will grow to 140.00...that is a nice chunk of change eh? So if you haven't donated and you are reading this today, there is still time to double your efforts! Just click on the image next to this post and it will take you to the site.
I leave you with a video by "Jars of Clay" who work tirelessly for this cause...using their gifts to make a difference in so many lives not only in Africa, but all over the world.

Something as Simple as Water

I've been following Blood: Water Mission for quite some time now. It is a project that has a hold of my heart. Of all the things we take for granted in this world, would water be in the top three? Number one?
For the next two weeks only, any donations you make to Blood: Water Mission will be matched dollar for dollar. I am willing to donate 50% of the proceeds from the sale of any of my jewelry from this day, Wednesday October 20th until midnight on Saturday, October 23rd to a cause I hold very dear. Something as simple as clean water can change the lives of millions...a well, a water tank, or a simple water filtration container can drastically decrease disease and help communities and children to thrive. Children walk for miles each day to fetch water for their families instead of going to school. Imagine what having water nearby can do for countless communities across Africa. Water is a luxury we in America have all been born with. This precious resource has always been just a few steps away for us....just as far away as the kitchen sink. We take showers in it and bathe in it. We water our grass with it. We wash our cars with it. Please help give it to others who were not so fortunate to be born into having clean water within immediate reach...with the simple turn of a faucet handle.
I will have a special posting on Sunday about the donation I made that morning, in your honor, to Blood:Water Mission. All participants who leave a comment and make any kind of donation (even without buying any jewelry from my shop!) will be entered for a drawing for a pair of free custom vintage assemblage earrings made by me, just for you. In the color of your choice. You must leave a comment and say that you made a small donation to be entered into the drawing.
Today, do something beautiful...give the gift of water to a child today. Then in just a few days, you will find something beautiful in your mail box  to remind you of those you have helped. My shop is right here:
http://www.sacredcake.artfire.com

Blessings to You and to Yours,
Jennifer Valentine of Sacred Cake


Cyanika Sector, Rwanda from Blood:Water Mission on Vimeo.

A Song in my Heart

Today I drew a name for the special celebratory earring giveaway...I took the time to write each person's name on tags that I made from antique sheet music. It seemed appropriate. Those of you who visit my blog are such a song in my heart...your words about Autumn were such a gift to me! Thank you for taking the time to leave your most favorite memories. I so enjoyed each and every one of them and I'll be sharing some of them in tomorrow's post, as well as one or two of my own, but today, here is the winner of the giveaway:

There is something about physically writing...almost like leaving a tiny part of yourself on paper for others to experience. As I wrote each of your names, I thought of you and the inherent beauty that each of you possess. After I wrote out 26 names, I placed them in my most special vessel...a little old two handled sugar bowl that I've had for almost 15 years now. As far as possessions, this is by far my most favorite. I found it  so long ago and it has
followed me as I've zig-zagged from one end of this country to the other and back again. Its familiar shape, a reminder of simpler times in a little white bead-board house in the country and the things that truly matter. Simplicity. Hope. Love. Living in the moment...
I placed my hand over your names in that little white bowl and sent thoughts of those things to each and every one of you. I sent thoughts of hope, love, strength, light, simplicity, and peace to you all. My hope is that somehow you receive them.

In Celebration, a Saturday Giveaway!

Autumn is finally showing its grace here in rural Michigan...it is my most favorite season of the year. I've been busy making lots of new things for the shop, that I'll be posting throughout the weekend and I am offering a 10% discount on everything in the shop until Monday evening at midnight. And To celebrate being published in Belle Armoire Jewelry and the coming of fall, I will be giving away a pair of these beauties:

(vintage rhinestone teardrops in an exquisite shade of Madeira Topaz)

I just love these earrings! The antiqued brass elements are so highly detailed, along with vintage rhinestones in a shade (Madeira Topaz) that you just don't see in modern jewelry.
No special hoops to jump through to win these! Just leave a little comment to be entered, but I'd love to hear your fondest memory of Autumn, whether it be jumping in huge piles of leaves as a child, collecting and pressing leaves, or drinking warm apple cider.....and might I share some of them in a later post?
Thank you for being here today.
Blessings,
Jennifer Valentine

Playing with Light, Dreaming of Autumn and Christmas in July

Provincial Earrings

Egyptian Alabaster and Turquoise Earrings

I was gone all day today, and in my rush to get some creations posted, I caught the last bit of evening light right here are the desk. No tripod. No fancy background. Just the window, a piece of printer paper and the light. I thought these photographs came out fairly well for such a quickie operation.

There is still time to catch my Christmas in July sale! Everything in the shop has been marked down, with an additional 10% off of necklaces and bracelets.

These days, I've been thinking quite a bit about Autumn. Maybe because of the oppressive heat wave we've been having? I'll be posting some more summer colors very soon, along with some very rich fall pieces using beautiful polished tiger's eye, tumbled garnets, golds and plum.
More soon!
P.S. Still a few envelopes left for the ephemera and cabinet card giveaway!

What Would You do if You Knew You Couldn't Fail? (leave a comment for my GIVEAWAY!)

Today I am celebrating the official release of the summer issue of Somerset Life, and the article I wrote to be included with my artwork...

It had been awhile since I've written for publication, and I was hesitant about the work I had to offer, but I decided to take a chance. These words came to mind, "What would you do if you knew you wouldn't fail?" and so I asked the editor, dear Christen, if she would be interested..and she said YES! I never thought my humble decorated vintage oil can photograph displays would ever make it "out there", and I am so grateful to her for giving me the opportunity to be published.
I have always loved the idea of functional art. The oil can idea came to me last year as I was thinking of Christmas presents to give to my sister Kelly Rae and her husband and the old oil cans I had on the shelves in my studio came to mind. I was so excited about my new idea that I had to pull my car over to record it into my phone and make a little sketch...

I've been busy making more Sentinels and Oil Can Photograph holders for my shop, Sacred Cake, but I've only one set posted so far. You can see them here. Look for more coming very very soon!