Monday, April 4, 2011

CLOSED: Tuesday Giveaway from Those Alaskan Girls!

 
Okay, I gotta say I'm KINDA excited about this week's giveaway because I have loved and admired ThoseAlaskanGirls for several years now and so now that I'm hosting a giveaway on my blog? Yeah, excitement all around! These dandelion earrings are perfect for spring! I'm dreaming of sunshine and playing outside by just looking at them.

Name: Melissa Leary-Hanis
Age: 29
Location: Ketchikan, Alaska

Where can we find you online? Etsy, Facebook, official blog!

How did we meet? I feel like I have just always known who you were...  I guess that is a small town for you!  :)

What do you do for a living? I work at the hospital and sell my handmades online and at local festivals.

How did you take up your artistic medium?  I have always enjoyed learning different crafting skills.  I didn't get started in metalwork until 2009.  Sterling silver has always been comforting to me.  I love the simplicity and shine, how it lasts forever and can always be polished up.  I've been wearing the same sterling jewelry for the better part of 16 years.  No kidding.  My bracelet has been replaced since the original gift from my parents,  but my sterling thumb ring and toe ring have been on since I was 13 years old.  When I discovered it was possible to PERSONALIZE sterling, (and other metals) I quickly devised a plan to spend my blueberry festival earnings on metal stamping supplies.  Shortly after, I had what I now call the "AK Mama Trail Necklace" with my babes names on it, which I still wear almost everyday.  I tend to jump all over the place in terms of crafting materials, however, and any of the following mediums could pop up in my shop in the future:  Fabric, Metals, beads, acrylic and watercolor paints, pencil drawing, photography, crochet, intaglio, etching, recycle-crafting, soap, candy, embroidery... I do not care for patterns whatsoever...in fact I pretty much detest patterns!  I prefer to visualize what I want to create, and wing it.  If it doesn't turn out, you can always start over!

Three reasons you’re awesome:  if you were to ask my boys that question, they would say I make cool hats, am always up for a treasure hunt, and plan great parties!

What’s your favorite quote? Can I say two? 
1. When Irish eyes are smiling, it usually means they are up to something.
2. It takes time to build castles.
What do you do when you’re having a bad day to remedy it?  Eat some chocolate, cuddle with my boys, watch the "Charlie Bit Me" video on YouTube, call my mom or one of my close friends, take a bath, and if none of that works, go to bed early, as nothing ever seems as bad the next day.
What’s a piece of good advice you’d like to pass onto the readers? Live a life you are proud of, and when you learn something the hard way, recognize it as life experience. Be passionate about what you do, and remember baby steps and hard work add up to great things over time.  Surround yourself/family with genuine people who make you smile and make you feel strong.  Don't be afraid to try new things, and never stop learning... These are some thoughts I am trying to live by anyways.  

How do you win these amazing earrings? Visit Melissa's Etsy shop and comment back here with another goodie you'd love to own.

Want to know how to get more entries? Also easy!

*Tweet or mention this blog post somewhere
*Follow ThoseAlaskanGirls or I on Twitter
*Heart ThoseAlaskanGirls on Etsy
*Like ThoseAlaskanGirls on Facebook
*Like Pro-Soup Propaganda on Facebook
*Follow ThoseAlaskanGirls through Google Friend Connect
*Follow PSP through Google Friend Connect
Whichever else you choose to do, leave a message back here with a link to your tweet, post, or that you "liked" us on Facebook/"hearted" ThoseAlaskanGirls on Etsy, etc. and those will be counted for extra entries!

The giveaway ends at 6pm PST, Monday, April 11, so get your entries in! The winner will be notified by email so make sure there is an obvious way to contact you. :o)
Posted by Brittany at 10:00 PM
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45 comments:

  1. KristaApril 5, 2011 at 6:45 AM

    these are absolutely beautiful. I think the Mama Bear necklace would also make a great gift.

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  2. Dave & WhitneyApril 5, 2011 at 7:06 AM

    I love that you interview the people you do your giveaways with. So often times it's just "win this!" and you don't get to learn anything about the artist. Kudos.

    And those earrings are lovely.

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  3. OrlaApril 5, 2011 at 9:11 AM

    I am proud to say that I have many of Melissas lovely pieces of jewelry. She is a very talented woman and an amazing mother. Thank you for such a fun piece, I felt like I got to know her better!

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  4. Debby OtteApril 5, 2011 at 9:12 AM

    Melissa's smile is reflected in her creations and those who get the chance to own one or more of her creations will always have that smile with them!

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  5. SummerApril 5, 2011 at 9:36 AM

    Adorable earrings!! I'm pretty much a fan of ALL the creations!!

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  6. T3April 5, 2011 at 9:46 AM

    Melissa has always been talented and crafty. I really love the Mama Bear necklace, it reminds me of home; Ketchikan.

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  7. TJApril 5, 2011 at 9:51 AM

    I know my wife would love anything Melissa has made. They've been friends for a long time and Melissa does great work. But if I had to pick I would say the Hammered Copper earrings.

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  8. T3April 5, 2011 at 9:57 AM

    http://www.etsy.com/people/Alaskanatheart/favorites?type=shops

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  9. stephanieApril 5, 2011 at 10:24 AM

    SO COOL! i like the "i heart ak" necklace - simple & clean.

    i love that you are doing giveaways brittany :)

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  10. JaniceApril 5, 2011 at 10:45 AM

    I can never pass by Melissa's booth/table without buying something! She is so very creative and talented. I love the earrings, they remind me of exploding fireworks over Deer Mountain here in Ketchikan.

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  11. Super BApril 5, 2011 at 11:04 AM

    I love the I heart AK necklace. Although I live in Florida, I am from AK and am friends with Melissa. I love her stuff!

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  12. Super BApril 5, 2011 at 11:05 AM

    I became a follower of the blog.

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  13. Super BApril 5, 2011 at 11:06 AM

    I "like" those alaskan girls on FB.

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  14. ChelseaApril 5, 2011 at 12:27 PM

    I love Melissa and her crafty work! She has always been so talented. I need a pair of her slugs!

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  15. wissaApril 5, 2011 at 12:28 PM

    So proud to be friends and share my name with Melissa! Melissa's of the world unite!

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  16. JosephandChristyApril 5, 2011 at 1:01 PM

    Lovely Melissa! Way to go! Keep it up!

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  17. JosephandChristyApril 5, 2011 at 1:04 PM

    Hey! Way to go Melissa! Keep it up - the creativity is inspiring! love, christy

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  18. volleyballgirlApril 5, 2011 at 1:53 PM

    I love Melissa's work!! If I don't win them, then I will probably just buy a pair. I really love them....good luck everyone!!

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  19. AnonymousApril 5, 2011 at 2:17 PM

    I LOVE! Melissa's work - especially her copper jewelry. Marty West
    martywest@kpunet.net

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  20. Charlene BurnsApril 5, 2011 at 3:20 PM

    :) So creative! You are loved Melissa!

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  21. AnonymousApril 5, 2011 at 6:12 PM

    Love, Love, Love them! How exciting! Great Work!

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  22. AnonymousApril 5, 2011 at 6:13 PM

    I never win anything but I just had to comment on them, they are gorgeous.And dandelions are my favorite flower.Keep up the great work.colei s.

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  23. AnonymousApril 5, 2011 at 6:18 PM

    Darla Baker-O'Larick said:
    I'm thinking of a person I would give these to, if I won them!! They are wonderful! I might even buy a pair for myself!!

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  24. FaelonApril 5, 2011 at 6:19 PM

    Melissa you are Alaska Awesome!

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  25. Stina GApril 5, 2011 at 6:32 PM

    I love these earrings, the Wish necklace and the I love you necklace featured on her blog! So sweet that it's supporting a lovely family and their soon-to-be-daughter :)
    I already heart or follow Britt everywhere :) I also hearted Those Alaskan Girls on Etsy.
    xo.

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  26. Tristan and AdamApril 5, 2011 at 6:44 PM

    These earrings are fantastic. Melissa is awesome....enough said! Go Melissa!

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  27. AnonymousApril 5, 2011 at 6:58 PM

    These earrings are unique and I really like them.

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  28. Sarah Jane MApril 5, 2011 at 8:46 PM

    Melissa's work is great! I would love to have anything in her shop. If I had to pick something, it would probably be either these earrings (which I already had in my Etsy favorites) or The AK Mama Raindrop Necklace, which I have been eying for a while. Great interview! I really liked getting to know Melissa a little better...

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  29. JennerApril 5, 2011 at 9:14 PM

    What fantastic jewelry!! Of course, I already follow you here and on facebook. I also liked them on facebook (Jenner P is me!) and hearted them on etsy!! (username there is littlehounddog) :) Whooo, wish me luck!!

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  30. Amy NietoApril 5, 2011 at 9:56 PM

    I have her on my Etsy and Twitter. I love her I Heart AK necklace even though I haven never been to the state but I think it seems like a most awesome place, for sure.

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  31. Nikki BrownApril 6, 2011 at 1:08 AM

    I absolutely love the Say Happy Valentine's AK Style necklace here http://www.etsy.com/listing/66093784/say-happy-valentines-day-alaska-style-by

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  32. hautechatterApril 6, 2011 at 4:18 AM

    so cool, they just started following me and when i went to learn bout them, i found this! and their stuff. way cool. i am so wild about the design world. isn't it so great that we all have a place here?


    rochelle foles
    hautemelange.etsy.com
    hauteplate.etsy.com
    hautechatter.blogspot.com
    hauteplate.com
    rochelle.foles@gmail.com
    415.420.9542

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  33. whispiApril 6, 2011 at 11:35 AM

    I love the earings and think your website is great keep it up

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  34. EmandMApril 6, 2011 at 11:42 AM

    I love the hope, luck, love necklace!

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  35. EmandMApril 6, 2011 at 11:43 AM

    I follow PSP!

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  36. Cathy BobbeApril 6, 2011 at 1:33 PM

    I'm still buried in all this technology Melissa! Not sure how to get all my 'likes' across cyberspace. But I do know how to enjoy and appreciate all of your creations! I also liked your life philosophy - such good reminders for all of us. You go girl!

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  37. AnonymousApril 6, 2011 at 1:50 PM

    Oh my goodness, I don't think I could like you guys any more than I already do! On etsy, FB, Twitter! You are both awesome chicks, I'm glad to know both of you ladies!

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  38. tundra gypsyApril 6, 2011 at 2:35 PM

    i love love love the earings! and i would also love the necklace to go with! i like thosealaskangirls on facebook already..they are great! thanks for the chance!

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  39. MagnoliaStudio - Traci KlaboApril 8, 2011 at 5:20 AM

    Loving these adorable earrings. I am a big fan of Mother Nature where everything can be beautiful.

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  40. MagnoliaStudio - Traci KlaboApril 8, 2011 at 5:23 AM

    These earrings are so adorable, plucked right from nature! Love your etsy shop and I am happy to have discovered you.

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  41. JessicaApril 9, 2011 at 7:27 PM

    These are beautiful! I also love the hammered copper earrings. http://www.etsy.com/listing/53311458/hammered-copper-earrings-simple-and

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  42. SerenaApril 11, 2011 at 1:11 PM

    The "Make a Wish" necklace is very lovely!

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  43. SerenaApril 11, 2011 at 1:15 PM

    I also just found them on facebook! Yay!

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  44. AnonymousApril 11, 2011 at 3:10 PM

    I would enter the give-away but I've already:
    *Added TAG to my circle and favorite shops
    *Liked them on FB and Twitter
    *And follow PSP on FB
    Does that still qualify me???
    :o)

    ReplyDelete
  45. AmyApril 11, 2011 at 5:48 PM

    I want the "I <3 AK" necklace...because I do!

    ReplyDelete

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