Focus On...MsBelle And A Giveaway!

{{{GIVEAWAY CLOSED}}}

I don't wear makeup, I rarely do my nails, I hardly ever brush my hair. But I wear jewelry. I love big, chunky stones, and delicate filigree; brightly colored gemstones and oxidized metal; the way my wrists look with bracelets on and jingle they make when I write or walk. I tend to wear simple clothes and jewelry is my statement maker. Am I feeling fierce? Did I have a rough morning? My jewelry selections can tell you a lot about my mood.

When I came across Ms Belle: Artisan Crafted Jewelry, I was in a happy mood; a fun, cheerful, bright mood. A spring-y mood, because spring starts tomorrow, something I can't wait for! This is why I instantly fell in love with her selection of colorful, wire-wrapped jewelry. The woman behind Ms Belle, Ginger, uses only high-quality materials and her craftsmanship is stunning. She has agreed to answer my silly interview questions and also offered up a spring-y treat for my lucky readers!

{my faves}

{Purple Amethyst Briolette and Twisted Circle Earrings in Oxidized Sterling - Maisy}

{Aqua Chalcedony Puffed Diamond Briolette Necklace in Goldfill}

Tell me some basic info about yourself.

My name is Ginger Wagner and I live in Charlotte, NC. I’m married and have a young son as well a spoiled rotten rescue dachshund named Barney.

{Prehnite Onion Briolette Earrings in Goldfill - Suzanne}

What kind of mediums do you use and why?

In my jewelry I mainly use precious metals, high quality gemstones, and freshwater pearls. I try to use the best quality materials I can as that’s what I want in my own jewelry. Wire wrapping is my favorite technique. It’s lots of fun and becomes almost a Zen thing for me sometimes. Plus, I really love the look and feel of wire wrapped jewelry. Someday I would like to learn metalsmithing too.

{Pink Mystic Topaz Briolette and Textured Disc Necklace in Sterling - Josie}

What made you decide to sell on etsy?

When I first began making jewelry in the late 1990s, I made it for friends and family. Later on I discovered some selling venues online, one of which was Etsy. I kept coming back to it and was fascinated by their approach. I finally decided to open MsBelle in 2006. I’m glad I did. I’ve met so many wonderful and talented people from all over the world, many of whom I now consider friends.

{Smokey Quartz Twisted Spiral Briolette Necklace in Goldfill - Chocolate Twist}

Where do you get your inspiration?

Ideas come from everywhere. Sometimes ideas are born from nature: trees, flowers, the sunset. They all provide inspiration. Other times ideas come from a combination of stones lying next to each other on my workspace. Customers sometimes inspire ideas too. Perhaps their idea for a custom piece will open the door to an entirely new way of looking at things, inspiring a whole new concept or a totally different piece. So my inspiration can come from many sources.

{Silvery Gray Freshwater Pearl Earrings in Sterling - Ali}

What is your favorite music to craft by?

I usually like it quiet when I make jewelry. If anything, I will listen to NPR on the radio. More often than not, music becomes a distraction to me though.

{Smooth Round Light Aqua Chalcedony Necklace in Oxidized Sterling - Eliza}

If you were an animal, what would you be?

Hmmm. I’ve really never thought about that before. Maybe a hummingbird. I’d love to know how it feels to be able to fly like that!

{AAA Twisted Spiral Citrine Briolette and Filigree Link Earrings in Sterling - Karyn}

What's your favorite piece of your own?

It would have to be a Rubellite tourmaline necklace I wire wrapped in solid 14k gold. The stones are such a gorgeous quality and color. I used 14k gold as the metal because I just felt like the stones deserved it!

{AAA Rubellite Tourmaline Necklace in Solid 14K Gold - Darlis}

What are your favorite blogs right now?

Pioneer Woman, Dew on the Kudzu, and Shutter Sisters.

Ms Belle on Etsy

Ms Belle Featured Etsy Seller Interview

Ms Belle on Facebook

Ms Belle Blog

Ms Belle on Flickr

Ms Belle on Twitter

Ms Belle has chosen a fantastic necklace as a prize for one lucky winner!! This piece will instantly add spring to your wardrobe!

The necklace is a AAA quality, green amethyst, faceted teardrop briolette measuring 15x8mm. All metal used is 14k goldfill. The length is approx. 19 3/4 inches and it closes with a trigger clasp accented by corrugated goldfill beads. This necklace is a $58 value! Ms Belle will gladly customize the length for the winner.

- 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 Ms Belle and choose your favorite item. Come back here and leave a comment with your selection.

Extra entries:
1. Become a Facebook fan of Ms Belle.
2. Follow the Ms Belle blog.
3. Follow Ms Belle and Kate & Oli on Twitter and retweet the following: RT @ichbinseins giveaway alert! win a gorgeous green amethyst necklace from MsBelle! http://tinyurl.com/ygpudd9
4. Add my button to your blog (you can find it in the left hand sidebar).
5. What piece of jewelry do you always or never wear?
6. Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link
7. Post on facebook about this giveaway and leave me some way to verify

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