Focus On... Brilliance Found And A Giveaway!

{{{GIVEAWAY CLOSED}}}

Okay, I'm back! With a great group of features and giveaways up my sleeve. First of all, thanks so much for all of your kind words and support earlier this week. I really appreciate it and I used this time away to spend quality time with friends and to really enjoy life and live in the moment. So, thank you!

Secondly, I have a fabulous giveaway for you today, brought to you by Nyne, a super talented jewelry designer I stumbled across on etsy. Her shop, Brilliance Found, is a treasure trove of interesting crystals, elaborate wire-wrapping and surprising materials. Check out the interview below and keep reading for a chance to win a beautiful, customized necklace!

{Vintage Mesh Brass Bracelet with Buckle and Smoky Grey Glass Jewel Drop}

Tell me some basic info about yourself.

I'm Nyne, the jewelry designer behind Brilliance Found. I started designing jewelry around the age of 6, out of necessity. I yearned for elegant dangly earrings, but I was way too scared to pierce my ears. So, instead of getting over my young fears I decided to run with my creativity & design an assortment of pierceless earrings -- earrings that looked pierced, but weren't. It expanded from there.

I started selling jewelry online after completing years of university schooling in all things unrelated to jewelry. After completing my degree in Addictions Counseling, I decided to take some time off to nourish my creative side.. and I haven't looked back since.

{Fern Frond Wrap Ring in Bright Brass}

What kind of mediums do you use and why?

I am a very multi-faceted artist; I am not easily contained to one medium. Pair that creative drive with a supply shopping addiction & I have a house full of crafting goodies! For jewelry, I love working with organic materials such as crystals & mixed metals. I love the versatility of metal & the natural beauty of stone. Off etsy, I work with paint (acrylics, oil), pastels, feathers, clay, felt.. you name it, I probably own it & love it. Eventually I plan on expanding my online shop to include art & home decor, but the jewelry keeps me busy enough for now.

{Golden Pearls in the Garden}

What made you decide to sell on etsy?

I have been selling my jewelry off & on for years now, mostly at little craft shows & garage sales. I've always loved jewelry, but I gave up on my dreams of being a "jewelry designer" long ago. I had always assumed a job had to be something that was more like "work". Making jewelry was so much fun; I only ever considered it a hobby. I instead pursued typical jobs -- jobs where I had a boss & an early morning alarm clock & a general lack of appreciation. After some encouragement from a very entrepreneurial friend over this past summer, I was inspired to start my own business -- selling jewelry. I opened up a shop on artfire first, then branched out to etsy. Since then, my little jewelry business has developed a life of it's own & it's all I can think about. So far, so good.

{Faux Buckle Statement Ring in Raw Brass}

Where do you get your inspiration?

I am inspired mainly by simple things: nature, contrast, texture & movement. I believe jewelry should do more than just "look pretty"; it needs to mesh with the wearer & accentuate the female form.. that's when it becomes art! I carry a sketchbook around with me & always find myself scribbling down bits of design ideas when the inspiration strikes. It is a constant thing. Sometimes, I am not even sure where my inspiration comes from: I just open my supply cupboard & next thing you know I have a table full of new creations. It really is incredible for me; I feel so blessed to be able to create so easily.

{Brass Diamonds on Antique Brass Long Kidney Wire Earrings}

What is your favorite music to craft by?

Depends on what I am creating! Music has a great influence on the style of jewelry I create. I usually default to ambiance or electronica; having positive music helps keep the creative energy up. Give me a good long electronica playlist & I can happily create until the wee morning hours.

{Antique Brass Asymmetrical Flower Blossom Earrings}

When it's cold outside...

I wrap myself up in comfy blankets with an endless supply of tea & wish I was on the beach! Although I am Canadian (and now used to the snow) I am definitely not a winter person!

{Felted Flowers Bloom - Statement Necklace with Sterling Silver}

When I'm hungry...

I am probably craving chocolate. I have a horrible sweet tooth & addiction to chocolate.. but I rationalize it by telling myself everyone needs at least one bad habit.

{Large Filigree Wheel Statement Ring in Antique Copper}

When I need a boost...

I put on some loud music & dance around the living room. Oh, and I close the windows first..

{Pink Bubblegum Glass on Vintage Brass Necklace}

I wish I was/were...

living on a beach. If I could hear the surf every morning I don't think I would ever have a bad day again.. ever.

{Citrine Druzy Bed with Clear Crystal Quartz Point}

If I could give one gift to everyone I know, it would be...

great handmade gifts from etsy! Or jewelry from my collection. And to be honest, I do both all the time.. the best part about being a jewelry designer is having lots of jewelry to share! And the great thing about being part of etsy is finding all the wonderful artisan crafts & supporting other artists. I am always shopping for friends & family on etsy.

{Treble Clef Music Note Barrette in Copper}

If I could have coffee with anyone, it would be...

Audrey Hepburn. Although I would probably be too starstruck to say anything!

{Silk, Brass and Gold Romantic Bow Necklace}

If you were an animal, what would you be?

I would definitely be a cat. Playful, elegant & slightly dangerous when annoyed.

{Raindrops in Brass Earrings}

What's your favorite piece of your own?

There is a painting I did in grade 12 art class; it's a highly detailed surrealism piece in acrylic. I spent a good 30 hours on it. I have it hanging in my bedroom; I will never let it go.

{Spring Blossom Statement Necklace in Antique Brass}

What are your favorite blogs/websites right now?

Facebook for networking,

Flickr for pretty pictures

I Can Haz Cheez Burger for cute overload.

{Music Spoke Mixed Metals on Sterling Silver Necklace}

Brilliance Found on the Interwebs

Brilliance Found on Etsy

Brilliance Found on Facebook

 Nyne has offered a lucky reader the chance to win this beautiful crystal pendant on a sterling silver chain. The winner may choose her choice of clear quartz, citrine, or amethyst point.

 - 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 Brilliance Found and tell me your favorite item in Nyne's shop!

Extra entries:

- Become a Facebook fan of Brilliance Found.

- Follow Kate & Oli  and Brilliance Found on Twitter and retweet the following: RT @ichbinseins @brilliounce giveaway alert! win a crystal necklace from Brilliance Found! http://tinyurl.com/yycqj6e

- Sign up for the Brilliance Found mailing list!
- Sign up for the Kate and Oli mailing list!

- Add my button to your blog.
- Become a Facebook fan of Kate and Oli.

- Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link

- 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 April 24, 2010. A winner will be selected by a random number generator on the morning of April 25, 2010 and will be emailed promptly. Brilliance Found will ship anywhere in the world!