Thursday, June 17, 2010

Focus On... India Blue Jewels And A Giveaway!

{{giveaway closed}}

This necklace is what first caught my eye on etsy. I couldn't decide what it looked like: rocks in a river, vertebrae on a back, buds along a vine. It could be whatever you see in it, I suppose. India Blue, the shop behind this piece is backed by Heather, a San Francisco-based artist who uses precious materials to create a sense of serenity and confidence. Or at least, that's what I see in her shop. What do you see?

Read on for an interview with Heather and her generous offerings of a discount code (!) and a giveaway (!!).


Tell me some basic info about yourself.
I’m a farm-raised girl from Michigan, and have lived in the San Francisco area for the past 10 years since graduating college. In 2005 I married my sweetie who keeps me laughing and is my biggest supporter. We’re proud parents to a Whippet mix named Cheeto. When I’m not making jewelry or busy with other craft projects I love being outside (especially camping) and "off the grid" as much as possible. Having always aspired to be completely self-sufficient, my handicrafts naturally play into that aspiration.

What kind of mediums do you use and why?
For the past several years my obsession has been beads, gemstones and precious metals… basically anything I can string together and use to adorn myself. My favorite materials are those with interesting, detailed textures, especially crystal-dusted druzy gemstones and hammered texture metals.


What made you decide to sell on etsy?
My stockpile of gems and jewelry was amassing far more quickly than I was able to gift them to my friends and family. If I was to continue my pocket-emptying patronage of the dangerously addictive gem shows, I had to figure out a way to start selling my creations. A day job and busy weekends precluded craft fairs, so I looked online. Etsy offered the best design aesthetic of any of the sites available at the time, and was a perfect way to start out at my own pace, without a huge upfront investment.


 Where do you get your inspiration?
I’d love to say the shape of a cloud, or the fur on a baby’s ear or some other highly creative and esoteric source. But, alas, I must be honest and say my inspiration comes from the materials themselves. While I definitely try to infuse nature themes into my designs, I see the most life in a gemstone’s sparkle or a charm’s texture. I try not to force a design, but combine the beautiful materials in such a way that they speak for themselves.
What is your favorite music to craft by?
My go-to Pandora station while crafting is Lily Allen – light-hearted, happy-making “chick” music.


When it's cold outside... I light a fire, grab a blanket and snuggle up to my sweetie.


When I'm hungry... I feel proud that I haven't snacked between meals and have actually made it to "hungry"! Then, I eat.


When I need a boost... I head outside. Fresh air beats Diet Coke any day.


I wish I was/were... taller. I hate hemming pants.

If I could give one gift to anyone I know, it would be... an around-the-world travel experience to my mom. She's done so much to enable me to succeed and see the world, I'd love to return the favor (with me at her side, of course!)


If I could have coffee with anyone, it would be... Ryan Reynolds. Presuming, of course, it was at a shirtless-male coffee house. Gotta be honest.

If you were an animal, what would you be? A horse... graceful, running free.


What's your favorite piece of your own? I'm loving my gold collections now. It's been years and years since I’ve worn gold jewelry, but as I've diversified my shop I'm remembering how beautiful it looks against the skin.


What are your favorite blogs/websites right now? I used to be a massive celeb-gossip geek, reading all the snarky blogs. Now my favorites are less-celeb (but even more snarky) sites like Don't Even Reply. My idea of perfect, ridiculous, milk-spitting humor. I also love Jimmy R. to give me a roundup of all the hot news and other funny tidbits across the web on any given day.

CONNECT:

BUY:
Heather has generously offered a 15% discount if you mention you read this interview!

WIN:
One of you lucky readers will win a $30 gift certificate to India Blue!!

- To be eligible for entry, you must be a follower of my blog through google friend connect or through your preferred RSS reader. -
- Make sure you leave me a way to contact you if you win. -
- Please leave separate comments for each entry. -

First entry (mandatory):
Head over to India Blue and tell me your favorite item!

 Extra entries (optional):
- Become a Facebook fan of India Blue.
- Sign up for the Kate and Oli mailing list.
- Add my button to your blog (in sidebar).
- Become a Facebook fan of Kate and Oli.
- Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link.

Fine print: Giveaway begins when it is posted and ends at 11:59pm pacific standard time June 25, 2010. A winner will be selected by a random number generator on June 26, 2010 and will be emailed promptly. India Blue will ship anywhere in the world!

120 comments:

  1. I love the droplet necklace!

    samyrocks92 at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I became a Facebook fan of India Blue.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I signed up for the Kate and Oli mailing list.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I became a Facebook fan of Kate and Oli.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I follow you. My favorite piece is the Vermillionaire necklace.
    Felicity.LingleATgmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love the ruby pendant and the pink calcite necklace . http://www.etsy.com/listing/47441881/sphered-sugar-necklace-pink-calcite

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am an fb fan of India Blue already under ana amanti .

    tumblemumbo at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  8. I am an fb fan of kate and oli under ana amanti .

    tumblemumbo at gmail dot com

    Thank you !

    ReplyDelete
  9. I am already subscribed to the mailing list of kate and oli .

    ReplyDelete
  10. I like the Drpolet Necklace.

    www.thecrochetloft.etsy.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Enter me please!! I'm in love with this earrings: Golden Skies Earrings - Aqua Chalcedony on 14kt Gold Fill

    Ana Belén R.M
    fisiwoman(at)hotmail.com
    Spain

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'm a Facebook fan of India Blue (Ana Belén R M)




    Ana Belén R.M
    fisiwoman(at)hotmail.com
    Spain

    ReplyDelete
  13. I'm a Facebook fan of Kate and Oli (Ana Belén R M)



    Ana Belén R.M
    fisiwoman(at)hotmail.com
    Spain

    ReplyDelete
  14. Wonderful shop!!!I love Rock-apulco Lariat Necklace - Agate Geode and Coin Pearl on Sterling. Amazing!!!I love can wear it in two ways!

    cal_rubies at yahoo dot es

    ReplyDelete
  15. I love the Budbreak Necklace (Amethyst Edition), Wire-Wrapped Gems on Oxidized Sterling Chain
    susanerios at hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. FB of Kate and Oli
    susanerios at hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. I love the Blaue Blume Necklace, Front Floral Clasp with Labradorite Wire-Wrapped Pendant. (I'm following rikrak on google reader.)

    sugareaterATgmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  18. Her party rings are so much fun! They nicely toe the line between chic and extravagant.

    studiomme@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. I follow via Google Friend Connect

    Annie1

    I adore the Eclipse Necklace, White Coin Pearl in Sterling Hoop

    ty

    nancyrobster@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Facebook fan of India Blue.


    Anne Taylor or annectaylor1

    ty

    nancyrobster@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. I'm on the Kate and Oli Mailing List

    ty


    nancyrobster@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. FB Fan of Kate and Oli

    Anne Taylor or annectaylor1


    ty

    nancyrobster@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. I like the Ruby Birthstone Pendant.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I love the Protective Peridot necklace, so beautiful
    cathyhorner at embarqmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  25. FB fan of Kate and Oli
    cathyhorner at embarqmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  26. FB fan of India Blue
    cathyhorner at embarqmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  27. On Kate and Oli mailing list
    cathyhorner at embarqmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  28. All jewelry in the shop are absolutely gorgeous! My favorite is the Cabernet Necklace, love the Purple Pearl, so pretty! Thanks for the giveaway.

    yumihamano@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. Email subscriber, thank you.

    yumihamano@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. my favorite is Twisted Teardrop Earrings

    black11angel at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  31. fb fan to india blue
    black11angel at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  32. already signed up for the kate and oli mailing list
    black11angel at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  33. fb fan to kate and oli
    black11angel at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  34. blog post
    http://gustosa-giveaways.blogspot.com/2010/06/30-gc-from-india-blue-6252010.html
    black11angel at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  35. I love the droplet necklace!

    liz_crowny@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. i love the Citrine Birthstone Pendant

    ReplyDelete
  37. miriam dot nussbaum at gmail
    i love the Gaia Necklace - Genuine Emerald and Round Tree Charm on Sterling; Songbird Necklace - Labradorite and Gold Blue Bird Pendant; Mighty Oak Lariat Necklace - Sterling Real Leaf and Pink Chalcedony... sooo many lovely choices!

    ReplyDelete
  38. miriam dot nussbaum at gmail
    email subscriber

    ReplyDelete
  39. the absynth earrings are really beautiful. would definitely get those if I won.

    boswife@gmail . com

    ReplyDelete
  40. LOVE the Floating Lotus Necklace - Openwork Pendant on 14k Gold Fill. omydarlingblog(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  41. The Spangled Lariat Necklace - Red Zircon, Moonstone and Cobalt Chalcedony on 14k Gold Fill is so eye-catching!

    debyeo at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  42. I am already a Kate and Oli fan on FB (Deborah Yeo Davey).

    debyeo at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  43. I love the Golden Skies Earrings - Aqua Chalcedony on 14kt Gold Fill
    http://www.etsy.com/listing/46253648/golden-skies-earrings-aqua-chalcedony-on

    joanne.j at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  44. I LIKE India Blue on Facebook

    joanne.j at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  45. I signed up for the Kate and Oli mailing list.

    joanne.j at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  46. I LIKE Kate and Oli on facebook

    joanne.j at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  47. Blogged http://shining000.blogspot.com/2010/06/kate-and-oli-focus-on-india-blue-jewels.html

    joanne.j at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  48. I love the Crystal Karma Earrings - Crystal Quartz on Sterling - Bridal Collection. Gorgeous!
    Thanks for the chance.
    eli_green22 at yahoo dot com dot br

    ReplyDelete
  49. LOVE: Eclipse Necklace, White Coin Pearl in Sterling Hoop

    ReplyDelete
  50. I love the 'Capri Necklace - Blue Flash Labradorite, Cobalt Chalcedony and Turquoise on 14k Gold Fill'. Love her stuff so much I hearted on etsy too as stone hippo boutique! khaski78 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  51. I love this necklace:http://www.etsy.com/listing/49686237/natural-sterling-dipped-oak-leaf-and. It is so stunning!!

    Thanks
    Angie
    rennieangie at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  52. I am a Google Friend Connect Follower. Thanks for the wonderful giveaway.

    dianad8008 AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  53. Tango-tastic Necklace - AAA Grade Amethyst is absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for the wonderful giveaway.

    dianad8008 AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  54. i think that the Monaco Earrings - Textured Openwork Diamonds in Sterling are amazing! Perfect to wear with almost any outfit!

    kshuttle@uoguelph.ca

    ReplyDelete
  55. Ii like the Out of the Murk Earrings, Kyanite and Sterling Lotus Charm.

    sonflower277(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  56. I love the multicolor stone long necklace! It is great!
    jenny.maurer84 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  57. I’m a fan of Kate and Oli on Facebook as Jenny Bolech
    jenny.maurer84 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  58. I’m a fan of India Blue on Facebook as Jenny Bolech
    jenny.maurer84 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  59. I loved the Fabulous Filigree Smoky Quartz and Carnelian Wire-wrapped Sterling Necklace.
    monamhassan at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  60. Already a subscriber to Kate and Oli mailing list.
    monamhassan at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  61. I love the tempting trio drop earrings
    six_one_nine_girlie86 (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  62. I love the Crystal Karma Bracelet - Lotus and Crystal Quartz on Sterling - Bridal Collection :)

    halfdevil_alchemist@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  63. I am follower through google friends
    my fav is the Carnelian Wire-wrapped Sterling Necklace.
    my email is erica.terranova(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  64. I am facebook fan of India blue (carmilla von karnstein)
    my email is erica.terranova(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  65. Great giveaway!

    I like the Violet Bloom Earrings, Peacock Coin Pearl and Garnet on Sterling Leaf Charm.

    Please count me in. Thanks.

    avalonne83 [at] yahoo [dot] it

    ReplyDelete
  66. I love the Rosette Necklace!
    brooke{dot}foster12{at}gmail{dot}com

    ReplyDelete
  67. I became a fan of India Blue on FB.
    brooke{dot}foster12{at}gmail{dot}com

    ReplyDelete
  68. I am on the Kate and Oli mailing list!
    brooke{dot}foster12{at}gmail{dot}com

    ReplyDelete
  69. I'm a FB fan of Kate and Oli!
    brooke{dot}foster12{at}gmail{dot}com

    ReplyDelete
  70. I added your button!
    http://ourhilarioushappenings.blogspot.com/
    brooke{dot}foster12{at}gmail{dot}com

    ReplyDelete
  71. I blogged about the giveaway!
    http://ourhilarioushappenings.blogspot.com/
    brooke{dot}foster12{at}gmail{dot}com

    ReplyDelete
  72. i like the Twisted Teardrop Earrings

    ReplyDelete
  73. i like india blue on facebook (jen reda)

    ReplyDelete
  74. i like you on facebook (jen reda)

    ReplyDelete
  75. I love the Eclipse Necklace, White Coin Pearl in Sterling Hoop.
    ghainskom at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  76. I am a follower shaima812
    sh.11175@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  77. My favorite item Sylvan Necklace - Coin Pearl and Openwork Tree Charm on Sterling

    http://www.etsy.com/listing/49465565/sylvan-necklace-coin-pearl-and-openwork

    ReplyDelete
  78. Facebook fan of India Blue. Dana Ali

    ReplyDelete
  79. Sign up already for the Kate and Oli mailing list.

    ReplyDelete
  80. Facebook fan of Kate and Oli.Dana Ali

    ReplyDelete
  81. Blog about this giveaway

    http://adgiveaway.blogspot.com/2010/06/india-blue-jewels-and.html

    ReplyDelete
  82. I love the songbird necklace, and also the toward the sun necklace. There are just so many beautiful things!
    aesprouse@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  83. I love Songbird Necklace - Moonstone and Sterling Silver Blue Bird Pendant. thanks
    lubaska dot k at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  84. Fan of India Blue on Facebook (Ľubica Kotmániková)
    lubaska dot k at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  85. Fan of Kate and Oli on Facebook (Ľubica Kotmániková)
    lubaska dot k at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  86. I love this:


    Fortitude Bracelet, Garnet, Amethyst, Red Quartz and Pearl Wire-wrapped in Sterling Silver


    SheilaC

    shecarita at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  87. there's too much to love in that store, OMG!!! i really love this one (among at least 5 others):
    http://www.etsy.com/listing/49368756/white-h-o-t-titanium-druzy-necklace-on
    @FlamingBlingy
    phranne[at]yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  88. I'm a follower on GFC (Jasmine1485) and my favourite item is the 'Protective Peridot Necklace - A Grade Gemstone on Sterling Openwork Lotus Charm'

    Kate1485 at hotmail.com
    http://ntfancy.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  89. My favorite item would be the Strawberry Delight Earrings, Sterling Heart Charm on Bright Pink Chalcedony Hoops, NEW Collection for Spring 2010

    luvwendy87 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  90. I'm a Facebook fan of India Blue.

    luvwendy87 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  91. I sign up for the Kate and Oli mailing list.

    luvwendy87 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  92. Button http://winwinwinw.blogspot.com/

    luvwendy87 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  93. I'm a Facebook fan of Kate and Oli.

    luvwendy87 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  94. blog post http://winwinwinw.blogspot.com/2010/06/focus-on-india-blue-jewels-and-giveaway.html

    luvwendy87 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  95. My favourite item is absolutely
    Cabernet Earrings - Purple Pearls on 14kt Gold Fill

    elena.gora[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  96. became a Facebook fan of India Blue.

    ReplyDelete
  97. became a Facebook fan of Kate & Oli

    ReplyDelete
  98. I follow (follower name is Damla).
    I like the Stardom Necklace -- Swarovski Crystal Star Charm on Sterling Chain: http://www.etsy.com/listing/41564659/stardom-necklace-swarovski-crystal-star

    annabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  99. Signed up for the Kate and Oli mailing list.

    annabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  100. Blogged: http://sweepstakelover.blogspot.com/2010/06/india-blue-jewels-giveaway.html

    annabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  101. I am a follower through Google Friends. I love the Saphire Skies necklace. It is gorgeous!

    dhesh at webmail dot co dot za

    ReplyDelete
  102. Blog follower. I like the Citrine Birthstone Pendant (November)

    reviewsbyabby at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  103. Signed up for the Kate and Oli mailing list

    reviewsbyabby at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  104. I LOVE the White H-O-T Titanium Druzy Necklace - On Oxidized Sterling Silver! What a super cool necklace!
    kkondek at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  105. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  106. I'm a K&O fb fan - ktkatherine
    kkondek at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  107. like this:
    Whimsical Interwoven Sterling Silver Earrings
    deannalw47 @ hotmail.com
    xoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
  108. Kate and oli mailing list
    deannalw47 @ hotmail.com
    xoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
  109. My favorite are the Flora Earrings - Amethyst on Oxidized Sterling.

    conbdebelleza(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  110. I became a Facebook fan of India Blue (username: Gabriela Luzon Castillo).

    conbdebelleza(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  111. I became a Facebook fan of Kate and Oli (username: Gabriela Luzon Castillo).

    conbdebelleza(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  112. I like the Sylvan Necklace - Coin Pearl and Openwork Tree Charm on Sterling

    lusizova (at) gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  113. I am a Facebook fan of India Blue.
    lusizova (at) gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  114. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete

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