Designing-Diva Buzz

Designing-Diva Buzz....we've moved

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 13:12:00 +0000

Instead of having 3 separate blogs, I've consolidated all my blogs into one...which is a work in progress! Please join me at the new Diva Buzz and feel free to drop a comment!

Don't forget to sign up for the monthly newsletter at Designing-Diva so you are automatically entered in the free drawing held the 15th of every month!!

Thanks

Randi/Dallas Designing-Diva
Adornments for the Mortal Goddess and Her Home: sterling, stone and fused glass jewelry & home decor works
www.Designing-Diva.com

The Never Trust a Man in Alligator Loafers E*vent!

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 07:00:00 +0000

Designing-Diva is sponsoring a $50 gift online Gift Bag E*vent for Shoe Lovers.....read on to see how you can win over $5k in prizes!!

Online GIFT BAG E*VENT for Shoe Lovers!

Over $5,827 in prizes from the author of the hit dating book Never Trust a Man in Alligator Loafers!

WHO: Celebrity Shoeologist, dating expert, and author of Never Trust a Man in Alligator Loafers Donna Sozio presents her online GIFT BAG E*VENT. Win a personalized shoe portrait, high-heeled art, a VIP Shoe Shopping Party at Il Primo Passo, ShuzSociety.com membership, famous authors, gorgeous jewelry, make-up and more from premiere brand names and vendors like Chinese Laundry, Anne Taintor, Mary Kay, Arbonne, Juicy Jewel, FootPetals, Teva, Kix by Katie… and more! For a complete list of sweepstakes prizes log onto: www.DonnaSozio.com/PRIZES

WHAT: It’s easy to be entered to win. 1. Purchase from Amazon.com Never Trust a Man in Alligator Loafers Nov.3rd –10th 2008. 2. Log onto www.DonnaSozio.com/GIFTBAG 3. Enter your first name, email address, and Amazon.com receipt number. 4. That’s it. You’re entered to win! 5. Winners announced November 30th 2008. Everyone who enters to win also receives over $800 in valuable discounts on their favorite products.

WHEN: The online Alligator Loafers GIFT BAG E*VENT runs 11/03/08 – 11/10/09. Winners announced 11/30/08.

Haunted Bloggy Carnival is Here! Over $2330 in Prizes. International too...

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:18:00 +0000

Woot. It's the last week of October and Halloween is just around the corner. Designing-Diva has sponsored two $25 gift certificates to be given away in the "Haunted Bloggy Carnival" hosted at Bitten by Books & Weird Stuff in My Desk. Want to win some great prizes? Me too!

With permission, I've posted the contest "how to's" and "sponsors" here.....

Welcome to the Wierd Stuff In My Desk Haunted Bloggy Carnival Spooktacular event! The carnival starts at 8:00 am Central time October 27th ALL WEEK and ends on November 2nd at 11:59 pm Pacific time. Comments will be enabled at that time so you won’t be able to post until then.

The winners will be contacted and announced sometime the week of the 3rd. You will have to give us some time to sort through all of the hundreds of entries. Thanks for your patience on this.

Hang on to your seats and keyboards because we have a line up of prize contributions like we have never seen before. Right now we have over $2330.00 in prizes up for grabs!! AND another $3700.00 in prizes at our sister site Bitten By Books! Check those prizes out here: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=1526. If we don’t have enough prizes for your blood, remember to visit all of the other participating blogs at the main Bloggy Carnival page here.

Keep checking back here, because the list will GROW eerily larger as more companies join in on the Haunted Blog Carnival fun! If you would like to contribute a prize and promote your products, service, books or business, please email us through our CONTACT FORM.

Now I bet you are wondering just how you can win some of this spectacular loot! There are a TON of ways to win. Do to different states laws you MUST be 18 to enter. You do NOT have to have a blog to participate.

OH!! and if you like discount coupons, be sure to stop by our Discount Code Page!

****************************************************
CONTEST INFO

Readers, here’s how to enter the contest. You can do ONE OR ALL of these things, and each one will give an additional entry and thus MORE chances to win. Check next to each contributors page to see if there are MORE ways you can get chances win.

1. Join the NEW Bitten By Books Community and start a page to talk about all things paranormal fiction! Meet authors, join in on upcoming contests an more! You can have your own blog where you can post about THIS contest (and that gets you an entry). You can start groups and chat in our forums as well as participate in live chat. Best of all it is FREE. Paranormal authors come and start fan page for yourself! Here’s the link! Sign up and join in the fun!
http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/
You get 10 additional entries for joining our community!

2. SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter here on the right hand side of the site. You MUST verify your subscription via the email the site will send you. Unverified subscribers will not be entered into the contest. This option is for new subscribers only.

3. Visit each of the sites who have contributed to our event below and pick ONE favorite item from each store and come post the LINK to that item or the page the items is on here in this post. You can do one or all of the sites, you get an entry for each business you visit and the ONE item link you post here. Try to combine all of your items into one big post. NOTE: Don’t worry if your post doesn’t show up right away or you get an error message, the spam filter on the site will catch it if there are too many links. I will approve your posts so no need to worry, if this happens please don’t post your list multiple times. Check back later in the week to see if it is up.

4. Post this blog post in it’s entirety with a link to our contest on your blog, groups, forums or websites and you will be given FIVE additional entries to win for EACH place you post. You MUST post the links where you have shared the info in one response here in this thread. The more places you post the event, the more entries you get, so spread the word! NOTE: Don’t worry if your post doesn’t show up right away or you get an error message, the spam filter on the site will catch it if there are too many links. I will approve your posts so no need to worry, if this happens please don’t post your list multiple times. Check back later in the week to see if it is up.

5. Make a purchase between 10/27-11/2 from ANY or all of the retailers participating on our page (see list below) and send us a copy of the receipt for your purchase to: racoo.smith @ gmail.com (no spaces) for an additional FIVE entries. You get entries for every purchase you make. Be SURE to put WSIMD Contest Entry in the subject line so it doesn’t get lost in our spam filter. NOT valid on past purchases.

6. Read through the Weird Stuff In My Desk blog and find your favorite product review and come back here and post the LINK to it. One favorite review per contestant please.

7. Add us as your friend on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/bittenbybooks

8. Add us as your friend on Facebook: http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=614064436

9. Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/BittenbyBooks

Be sure to mention that you are friending us for this contest so we know to enter you! All of our WSIMD updates go through these accounts since we are sister sites. That’s why the links say Bitten by Books. :)

10. Stumble, Digg or share the post with any social networking sites. There is a button right at the end of this post that says “Share” that you can use.

11. Twitter the URL for this event throughout the week: http://weirdstuffinmydesk.com/?p=176

12. Add Weird Stuff In My Desk to your blog roll or links page: http://weirdstuffinmydesk.com if you leave our link up permanently you will always be entered into our contests automatically. Just be sure to stop by each contest we hold and leave the link to where it is.

13. Invite ALL of your friends! If your fiends come and post here and say you sent them, they get TWO entries and you get TWO entries! They have to tell us who you are so we know who to give the entries to. You can invite as many people as you want and get all the extra entries!

Be sure you leave a valid email and your name AND COUNTRY when posting here so we can contact you if you are the winner. We will contact the winners and request your first/last name and a valid email which we will give to the retailer whose prize you have one. It is up to the individual retailers to award your prizes. If we do not hear back from winners within one week of contacting you, you prize will be forfeited and an alternate winner will be chosen. We reserve the right to delete any inappropriate or inflammatory remarks or comments. Bitten by Books is NOT liable for prizes that are not delivered, awarded or lost in the mail. It is the sole responsibility of each contributor to honor their prize obligation.

And last but certainly not least A BIG thank you to our fabulous contributors!!

Here is the list of AMAZING prizes you are trying to win!

****************************************************
Glutenada - 2 -$65.00 gift certificates to their online store, two winners. Shipping to US and Canada only.
http://glutenada.com/
Glutenada offers the very best in premium, just-like-homemade, gluten-free mixes and creamy, dreamy fudge in a jar - Spoonfudge!

Livin’ La Vida Low-Carb - An AMAZING prize package including: a 12 pack Livin’ La Vida Low-Carb Sugar-Free Raspberry Dark Chocolate bars, a 12-pack Dark Chocolate Sugar-Free ChocoPerfection bars,an autographed copy of paperback book “Livin’ La Vida Low-Carb: My Journey From Flabby Fat To Sensationally Skinny In One Year”. Valued at $106.00. Shipping to US and Canada.
http://www.livinlavidalowcarb.com/
Author of “Livin’ La Vida Low-Carb: My Journey From Flabby Fat To Sensationally Skinny In One Year”
*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Jimmy’s Blog and pick your favorite post, then come back and post a LINK to that post here. Only one choice is necessary.

Bin Hog Designs - 2 each $50.00 gift certificates to their online store, two winners. Worldwide shipping
http://www.binhog.com/
Custom & Personalized luggage handle wraps

Lathers & Lights - $100.00 gift certificate to their online store. Worldwide shipping.
http://www.lathersnlights.com/
Lathers & Lights is dedicated to producing quality skin care products and candles that inspire you to slow down, take a break, and pamper yourself from head to toe. You deserve it!

Beaded Hemp - 5 each $20.00 gift certificates to their online store, five winners. Worldwide shipping.
http://www.beadedhemp.com/
Beaded Hemp carries hand milled soaps, bath & body products, and flameless home fragrance, with over 200 scents to choose from.

Meringue - A $100.00 gift certificate to their online etsy store. Worldwide shipping
http://www.meringueshop.etsy.com/
Hands-free handbags for stylish women

Jessicurl - 4 each $25.00 gift certificates to their online store, four winners. Worldwide shipping.
http://Jessicurl.com
You Have the Right to Remain Curly!

Lathered Up - A $100.00 gift certificate to their online store. Shipping within the US only.
http://www.latheredup.com/
Lathered Up offers a diverse selection of pure and natural soaps, bath and body products for self-indulgence or wonderful gifts.

Just Right Candles - 5 each $20.00 gift certificates, 5 winners. Worldwide shipping though not included in GC amount.
http://www.justrightcandles.com/
JRC offers you a SAFE wickless alternative to traditional candles. No Flame, No Soot, Just Scent.

Bitten by Books Review Staff - 2 electronic copies of the epic story “Nothing But Red”. This is not a paranormal story, but it is a book with a collection of stories that impacts women worldwide. The review team of BBB would like to spread the word about this important work and encourage each of you to purchase your own print or e-book copy of “Nothing But Red” in support of woman and ultimately humankind. About the book:
“In April 2007, a group of men pulled seventeen-year-old Du’a Khalil Aswad into a mob. They proceeded to stone and beat her to death, a supposed “honor” killing for allegedly falling in love with a man of a different faith. Several camera phones recorded the entire incident from the front row, and videos later surfaced online. One month later, popular filmmaker Joss Whedon expressed his despair and outrage at the misogyny in all cultures on a fan-run blog. “Because it’s no longer enough to be a decent person,” he wrote. “It’s no longer enough to shake our heads and make concerned grimaces at the news. True enlightened activism is the only thing that can save humanity from itself. I’ve always had a bent towards apocalyptic fiction, and I’m beginning to understand why. I look and I see the earth in flames. Her face was nothing but red.” The arts anthology Nothing But Red was conceived as a way to raise both awareness of the issues he spoke of, as well as money for the charity Equality Now.” Buy the book here: http://stores.lulu.com/nothingbutred
If you purchase a copy of this book and send us the reciept, you will get TWENTY additional entries!

Bauble Bath - One Holiday Gift basket valued at $75.00 with 3 scrubs (Candy Cane, Sugar Plum, Gingerbread). We three Kings bauble set (3 scented with Frankincense and Myrh). Holiday Candy Bauble set ( 8 mini baubles in a variety of “candy” fragrances ), Snowmen and Penguin bath melts. 2 soaps in cinnamon and Honey almond and 3 Lip Balms. Shipping to the US and Canada.
http://baublebath.com/
Thick Creamy scrubs as well as bath bombs in indulgent fragrances.

The Ivy Keep - 3 each $25.00 (Canadian) gift certificates. Three winners, shipping to US, Canada and most international countries.
http://www.ivykeep.com/
Everyone has the right to affordable luxuries: beautifully crafted handmade soaps to rejuvenate your body, gourmet loose leaf teas and exotic flavored teas from around the world to rejuvenate your spirits and luscious hot cocoa treats to pamper and relax you.

Moody Bee Beeswax Lip Balm - One prize package of 15 lip balms shipped to anywhere in Canada or the US - perfect for Christmas! Valued at $65.00
http://www.moodybee.com/
All natural beeswax lip balm made by a Canadian beekeeper

Brenna Lyons - Brenna is offering PDF copies of every e-book release she has in 2009 to one winner (approx $50 value) and one signed print book of choice to a second winner (approx $15 value). Shipping to US and Canada only.
http://www.brennalyons.com/
“Brenna writes milieu-heavy dark fantasy, science fiction and horror books, straight genre through erotic romance; all winners of Brenna’s materials should be age 18 or over.”
*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Brenna’s site and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

The Blue Raven Tea Co. - 3 each $20.00 gift certificates to their online store, three winners. Shipping to the US and Canada.
http://blueraventea.com
Let us delight you with our irresistible and fragrant teas. Every cup is a journey.

Crater Lake Company - A $50.00 gift certificate to their online store.
http://www.craterlakecompany.com
Crater Lake Company specializes in providing all the luxurious necessities to transform the bathing experience into a joyful treat and soothing retreat. With a discerning eye to detail for the ingredients we use, a keen nose for unique fragrances and a finger on the pulse of the market, we are pleased to present a palette of superior products in a fun and exciting way so that you can create your own work of art in your bath!

A Woman with Scents - A $50.00 gift certificate to their online store. Worldwide shipping.
http://awomanwithscents.com/
Scented soy candles and artisan soaps.

Bad Girlz Bath Co. - A $50.00 gift certificate to their online store. US shipping only.
http://badgirlzbath.com/
“We’re the Passionate bath & body company. Check us out. We’re NOT your mothers bath & body shop, We’re Lot’s more Fun!!”

Overall Beauty - A prize package including 4 mineral eye shadows colors and one blush. $50.00 value. Worldwide shipping.
http://www.overallbeauty.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=77
Offering pure natural mineral eye shadows and blushes we all can enjoy.

Kettlepot Soap - A $50.00 gift certificate to their online store. Shipping to US and Canada.
http://www.kettlepotsoap.com/
There’s something magical about Kettlepot Soap! Natural, handcrafted products for skin care.

Ugly Duckling Designs - A $50.00 gift certificate to their online store. Worldwide shipping.
http://www.theuglyducklingdesigns.com/
We offer richly scented, hand poured candles, tarts and primitive designs.

TarotByArwen - Consultation with professional Tarot consultant, Stephanie Arwen Lynch, president of the American Tarot Association. Valued at $50.00.
http://tarotbyarwen.com
*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Arwen’s Blog and pick your favorite post, then come back and post a LINK to that post here. Only one choice is necessary.

Destiny’s Creations - 2 each $25.00 Gift Certificates to their online store. Two winners. Worldwide shipping.
http://www.shopdestinyscreations.com/
Handmade one of a kind art jewelry with fine silver, gemstones, and artisan lampwork beads. A modern mix of Victorian and romantic jewelry.

Ginger’s Garden - A gift basket with handmade soaps and skin care worth $50.00 with your choice of fragrance. Shipping to the US only.
http://www.gingersgarden.com/
Come visit Ginger’s Garden for handmade soaps, skin and body care, gift baskets, toiletries, Zodiac Perfume blends, sculpted soap flowers and more.

Bovine Bubbles and Hogwash - 2 - $25.00 gift certificates to their online store. Two winners. Worldwide shipping.
http://www.bovinebubbles.com/
Uddlerly the best darned handmade products under the sun!

Lily Gulch Soaps - A $50.00 gift certificate to their online store. Free shipping with this gift certificate.
http://www.lilygulchsoaps.com/
Handmade 100% natural cold process soaps, unique bath & body products and natural bath accessories.

Broken Teepee Designs - A $50.00 gift certificate to their online store. Worldwide shipping included with this prize.
http://www.brokenteepeedesigns.com/
Beautiful beaded jewelry made in Montana

Pampertini - $25.00 Gift Certificate to their online store. Worldwide shipping.
http://www.pampertini.com/
We offer a variety of pampering items for you to enjoy, whether you are a shower person or love to indulge in a tub of bubbles, come by for some ONE STOP SHOPPING fun!

Delightfully Wed - A $25.00 gift certificate to their online store. Free shipping in the US with this gift certificate.
http://www.delightfullywed.com/
Visit us for your bridal shower, wedding, baby shower, party or birthday party accessories, favors and supplies. We specialize in western-themed items and handcrafted western Christmas ornaments.

Candles and Woodcrafts - A $25.00 gift certificate to their online store with free shipping in the US with this gift certificate.
http://www.candlesandwoodcrafts.com/
We provide a wide array of items from wooden soap molds and displays to wax tarts, finished woodcrafts, clocks, lighted holiday items….way to much to mention in one line so come on over and take a look!

Snowberry Creek - A gift certificate good for one Snowberry Creek Sampler box with free shipping in the US. Valued at $22.95
http://www.snowberrycreek.com/
A box full of luxurious, fragrant samples and full-sized items for your pampering pleasure!
*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Snoweberry Creek site, find the past e-tailers page and pick any company that contributed to their box, then come back here and post a LINK to that company. Only one choice is necessary.

Chunky Butt Candle & Bath Co. - A $30.00 gift certificate to their online store.
http://www.chunkybuttcandles.com/
We specialize in wickless soy candles, soy melts, and bath and body.

Lindsay’s Candles & Stuff - A $25.00 gift certificate to their online store. Shipping to the US and Canada.
http://www.lindsayscandles.com/
Wonderfully pampering handcrafted candles, soaps and bath & body products.

Jojoelle - A $25.00 gift certificate to their online store. Worldwide shipping.
http://www.jojoelle.com/
Quality bath and body products available in over 400 scents!

Robed in Fantasy - 1 Custom Made Pirate Shirt Value $22.00. Worldwide shipping.
http://stores.ebay.com/Robed-In-Fantasy
Robed in Fantasy. Magical creations from the realm of imagination. We specialize in medieval reenactment/live action role play clothing, gothic inspired clothing, gowns, wedding attire and costumes. If you can imagine it, we should be able to make it. We offer custom and ready-made garments.

Sidhe Na Daire - One set of custom-made costume horns or cat ears. Valued at $15.00. US shipping only.
http://www.sidhenadaire.com/promoTM.htm
Celebrate the Launch of Danielle Ackley-McPhail’s Long-Awaited novel Tomorrow’s Memories, the sequel to Yesterday’s Dreams. Also, see webpage for details on how you could win a replica Scottish Claymore.
*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Sidhe Na Daire site, find the book page and pick any book you would like to read, then come back here and post a LINK to that book. Only one book choice is necessary.

Out Of The Box Sampler - 2 each sampler boxes to two winners. Valued at $20.00 each. Shipping to the US included in prize.
http://www.outoftheboxsampler.com/
We cater to finding you the best etailers in the business, all in ONE box.
*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Out of the Box Sampler site, find the In the Box page and pick any company that contributed to their box, then come back here and post a LINK to that company. Only one choice is necessary.

Spa Secrets - A $30.00 certificate to their online store. Worldwide shipping.
http://spasecrets.net/
Spa Secrets offers an amazing collection of luxurious bath and body, skincare, and aromatherapy products for your home spa needs.

Flying Needle Gallery - A $20.00 gift certificate to their online store. US shipping only.
http://flyingneedlegallery.com/
Gifts for the Body & Home

Designing-Diva Boutique - A $25.00 gift certificate for their online store. Worldwide shipping
http://www.designing-diva.com/
Artisan handcrafted silver and fused glass jewelry and home decor adornments for mortal goddesses everywhere!

Lemming Central - 1 Sampler box. Valued at $20.00. US shipping only.
http://www.lemmingcentral.com/
Lemming Central is the place for E-tailers to promote their products, so the consumers can find them! You will find all sorts of great new bath & body products, candles, tarts and even tea! Feed your addiction!
*** For an additional contest entry to win go to the Lemming Central site, find the Sampler page and pick any company that contributed to their box, then come back here and post a LINK to that company. Only one choice is necessary.

Things That Make Scents - A $25.00 gift certificate to their online store. Shipping to the US and Canada
http://www.thingsthatmakescents.com/
Things That Make Scents is a Jersey Shore-based candle manufacturer offering superior customer service and a diverse menu of all-natural soy wax candles and scented wax bears. With many scents available, you are sure to find a favorite! Carrying candle accessories, gift baskets, jewelry and great gift items, its your one stop shop for your gift giving needs!

Manic Trout - A $25.00 gift certificate to their online store. Worldwide shipping.
http://www.manictrout.com/
Manic Trout has a wide array of baubles and bracelets that will add a funky finesse to your next outfit.

C.A.Milson - 5 e-books of his novel, The Chosen. 5 winners. Valued at $30.00
http://authorcamilson.blogspot.com/
*** For an additional contest entry to win go to Chris’ Blog and pick your favorite post, then come back and post a LINK to that post here. Only one choice is necessary.

The Pear Project - A $10.00 gift certificate to their online site. US shipping only.
http://www.thepearproject.com/
The Pear Project is an online boutique that brings Artisan Goods for Everyday Life from a variety of artists and craftspeople. We specialize in bags & purses, jewelry, fine art, paper goods & household items.

Labradorite Ring Featured on See Pretty Things

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 18:32:00 +0000

Thanks to Kimmie Smith recently featured my labradorite ring on See Pretty Things. Kimmie and I connected socially on Twitter. Kimmie has a passion for fashion! In addition to being a contributing editor, she is also the designer of Kitten Couture which includes jewelry and clothing.

See Pretty Things covers all things that are handbags, jewelry, scarves and much more. See Pretty Things was chosen as "Best Accessory Blog 2006" by Accessorie Magazine in its December issue.

The Story That is Changing the World.......

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 22:50:00 +0000

Invisible Children

Invisible Children United is an organization developed solely for the purpose of helping children in Uganda, Africa. In 2003, three young filmmakers set out to Uganda for a story not knowing how it would change their lives. What they discovered shocked and inspired them to make a difference.

Motivated by the unseen war in Northern Uganda, Invisible Children was created with a singular mission:
To use the power of stories to change lives around the world.

The children of Uganda are both the weapons and the victims. Imagine if our children (yes, your child) did not have clean water, a toilet to use, books, paper or even a pencil. This is where Invisible Children is changing lives and providing Uganda with hope through educational scholarships, mentorship and the rebuilding of secondary institutions.

Carroll High School is hosting the 2nd annual fashion show to raise money for the nonprofit group, Invisible Children. Designing-Diva has donated jewelry for the Silent Auction with a retail value of $100 for the event. Even if you can't attend, please consider making a tax deductible donation to bring hope to the children of Northern Uganda.

Fashion Show
Where: Carroll High School
(1501 W. Southlake Blvd., Southlake • TX 76092)
Date: November 9, 2008
Time: 2-5 pm
Cost: Family Tickets, $50
Adults, $20
Children, $10
Why: Fashion Show for Invisible Children, FREE food, most excellent entertainment, an amazing band and so much more......

~Randi
P.S. You can learn more how these film makers are changing the world one story at a time here....

Breast Cancer Awareness Give Away from Chic Shopper Chick

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 03:49:00 +0000

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and you would literally have to be living in a vacuum not to realize it. Every where you go , you see pink products & pink awareness ribbons with a portion of the proceeds going to breast cancer research and public awareness campaigns.

Chic Shopper Chick is doing something a little differently ....she's having a give away for a Pink Dyson vacuum.

If you've never seen a Dyson, they are amazing. My husband lovingly touches it at Costco every time we shop because he is so amazed by the engineering & design. Wonder if he would love it enough to use it after we bought it?! I shouldn't torture myself with these questions!

This contest ends at 11:59 pm CST on October 31st, 2008.

Psst! Want to Win an Every Little Counts tee.........

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 20:48:00 +0000

Jessica at Funky Finds is having another fabulous give away. This week, you have the chance to win a Romance Romance Romance tee from Every Little Counts' tee collection. Having won twice already, I wonder if I'm pushing my luck really wishing to win this one too.....aah...a girl can dream!

What you need to know: Giveaway ends at Midnight CST October 23 so click on over to Funky Finds to learn how you can win a tee from Every Little Counts.

Monday Musings

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 18:49:00 +0000

Monday is always a crazy day for me because I need to play catch up from weekend orders. I'm happy to say that I got everything I needed to do and have time to spare before I need to pick up the kids from school. Woot!

Anything is possible if you have enough nerve.---J.K. Rowling

Inspired by this quote today, I have created two pitches to some very competitive catalog and magazines. I have my toes and fingers crossed that I make it past the submission desk!

Here are the jewelry designs that I submitted for consideration:

9 to 5, Hammered Sterling Earrings

Sparkling Quartz & Onyx Earrings

Riveted Pink Jade Bead Ring (adjustable)

One of A Kind Fused Glass Pendants

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 05:01:00 +0000

I have to admit I love experimenting. Guess it all goes back to my geeky clinical scientist days! Warm glass is such a rewarding medium......check out just a few of my one of a kind experiments! I like experimenting with color and shape to create unique designs; chocolate and pastel pink triangles are tack fused together and accented with aqua, pink and clear bits of leftover glass. What a cool funky look.....
This next design is bit more sleek and chic. Hey, I'm a poet and didn't even know it. Did I just say that.....I can hear your groans, ya know! ;-) Vanilla art glass is the base and pink and black streaker glass are added in different directions to add interest. A sterling plated bail has been adhered with an industrial adhesive (with the design above and below).
Aqua blue and irridized clear glass come together beautifully in this next design. A sterling jump ring will allow you to wear it on any necklace/cord you already own. Simple clean design that can be worn everyday as a signature style piece. Just love it!
All of these pendants are super affordable ($15-$20) which is awesome for a unique handcrafted jewelry design. Please check back often as I will be adding new pendant designs daily for the upcoming holidays.

Hostess Gift Idea-Azul Fused Glass Cocktail Coasters

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:52:00 +0000

The Deckard family is already starting to receive Holiday party invites and it isn't even November yet. Eek. Will last year's dress still fit after my thyroid went "bonkers"?!! I think I just might need to support the economy and shop for a new cocktail dress!

My mother drilled hostess etiquette into me as a young adult...always bring something to show your appreciation.

What better way to show your appreciation by not leaving stains on the host's fine wood furniture with a fused glass cocktail coaster!

Who wouldn't love to receive these gorgeous azul glass coasters as a gift?

Mark Your Calendars for Upcoming Retail Shows

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:56:00 +0000

Grab your calendar, turn to the month of November.......and mark these dates if you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Sunday November 9th: 13th annual Coppell Holiday House from 10 am -430 pm
This event is held at the Coppell High School and proceeds from the event help fund Project Graduation (alcohol and drug free ).

Saturday November 22nd: 1st Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash from 3-10 pm
This event will be held at the Sons of Hermann Hall (SOHH) in Dallas. Over 40 vendors will be selling their handmade goods. Please come out and jingle -support indie business's and buy handmade!

Stop on by my booth and say hi!

October Jewelry Winner

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 17:10:00 +0000

Congratulations to Julia Stewart of Dallas, TX. She was this month's free jewelry drawing winner.

Get your chance to win free jewelry every month by being a confirmed newsletter subscriber....sign up to get e-mail updates from Designing-Diva today!

~Randi
P.S.
Check out all the cool handmade items you will be able to purchase at the 1st ever Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash.

Cyber Thanks & Congratulations

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 13:31:00 +0000

I just wanted to personally thank all my family and friends who voted for me. Although I did not win the Spirited Woman video contest , it does not change anything! I am still a fun and spirited woman and honored to have been chosen as a finalist!

I would like to thank Nancy Mills of The Spirited Woman for hosting such an inspiring contest. It was really fun to make the video and I enjoyed watching women from around the globe show their spirit!

Congratulations to CJ, Janet and Wendy (and to all the fantastic women who showed how fun and spirited they truly are!).

Have a fabulous day,

Randi
P.S.
Are you signed up for the Diva newsletter ? If you are a confirmed subscriber, you will be automatically entered in the FREE monthly drawing on the 15th of every month.

Still time to save 20%

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:13:00 +0000

The kids are enjoying Columbus Day. They got to sleep in and are still in their pjs eating pancakes and maple syrup.

The kids are back at school tomorrow and Fall break is officially over.

You still have time to take advantage of the Designing-Diva Fall break sale......you can save 20% on any purchase with discount code: Fallbreak20

Don't wait too long because the discount ends tomorrow at noon CST!

Fall Pumpkins

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:26:00 +0000

In our family, we make an annual trip to the Pumpkin Patch in Flower Mound but couldn't resist taking a quick photo ( BTW ...what did I ever do before I could snap a pic with my phone) whilst scouting out paint colors at Home Depot.

I love fall and miss living in Alberta this time of year because the River Valley explodes with color as the leaves change colors.....but I don't miss the freezing winters. BRR. I get cold just thinking about it!

Hmm, all these pumpkins have got me thinking I need to whip up a spicy Pumpkin pie.

~Randi
P.S. I'm 1 of 7 semi-finalists in the Spirited Women Video Contest.Don't forget to vote for me, Randi-Sue before Oct 13th !

Vote for Randi-Sue......

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 01:11:00 +0000

Ok, here's a little shameless self promotion from my alter ego the tiara crown wearing Dallas Designing-Diva. I recently entered the Spirited Woman Video Contest and would you believe I'm 1 of 7 finalists. Yeah!

Please help me win by Voting for Randi-Sue and telling your friends & family to vote to. Voting ends October 13th and the winner will be announced October 14th!

Is this exciting or what?!

~Thanks,

Randi-Sue

Take a peek at the Working Girl jewelry collection

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 17:14:00 +0000

It's official I can't keep a secret when it comes to new jewelry/decor designs or collections. I am always just so excited to share what I've been doing in the studio and today I'm inviting you to take a peek at the Working Girl jewelry collection.

This collection was designed for the 9 to 5 working girl who has a professional image to maintain but still wants to express her style.
Jewelry in the Working Girl collection is contemporary, chic and classic that also does overtime by being fashionable to wear for a night out with the girls too!

The collection incorporates limited edition and original designs.....and this is just the beginning for the accessory choices for the 9 to 5 working girl! Let me know what you think by leaving a comment or dropping me a line at ARTIST at DESIGNING-DIVA dot COM.

If you live in the DFW metroplex, you can see the collection at the CCE Craft Fair and Gift Market tomorrow from 10 am-4pm. I will be a vendor in the gym and would love to share the latest works from the studio.

Have a fabulous weekend!

~Randi
P.S. Make sure you sign up for the Diva 411 e- newsletter that is sent out 1-2x/month because you will have a entered for a chance to win free jewelry on October 15th....and I'm thinking for October, I will have a design from the Working Girl collection as the give away!

Productive times.....

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:58:00 +0000

The week is flying by. It is Thursday already and I am in creative mode so I can have new pretties to show off at the Craft Fair & Gift Market this Saturday.

As I type, I can hear the hum of my kiln as it is in the process of fusing a 4 piece glass coaster set. I am just loving creating small home decor items because it is an inexpensive fun and easy way to add color to any room in the house! For the decorator challenged (like me), this is really appealing.

I admit that I'm a bit of a hoarder and have a few fused glass pendants and stones that I have not taken to shows because I've grown attached to them. I made a personal goal to pick one of my favorite items per week from my "I don't want to sell stash" and create something new from it so I can let it go to a good home.

Here is the necklace, Rainbow Dream, that I created from one of my all time favorite fused glass pendants...accented with keshi pearls and round garnet beads.
I can't wait to show this necklace off at the Craft Fair & Gift Market this Saturday and hopefully let it go to a good home! ;)

Gotta go and create a few more pieces that have been percolating in my mind....

Have a fabulous day,

Randi

What? It's October 1st already......

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:10:00 +0000

Well, I don't know about you but September just flew by and I can't believe it is October 1st already!

Many things are happening behind the scenes at Designing-Diva that will be rolled out asap. I'm looking forward to revealing the new shopping cart that has a search function for customers as well as some other really cool features. I still need a few good testers....if you're interested, please drop me an e-mail at shoppingtester AT designing-diva DOT com.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month . I will be donating $10/per Think Pink awareness bracelet sold plus an additional 5% on any sales from an awareness bracelet to the Susan G Komen foundation through the month of October. Since breast cancer awareness color is pink, I will also donate 10% of any jewelry items sold that use the color pink.

I've partnered with two new indie boutiques : Smashing Darling and Shopaholics TV. I do hope that you will check out my jewelry designs at these new venues plus all the other fabulous indie designers!

Through Monday October 6th (noon CST), you can save 15% off the jewelry in my Smashing Darling boutique by entering the following code: SMBsd15

If you live in the DFW metroplex, I will be a vendor in the gym at the 5th annual Cottonwood Creek Elementary Craft Fair and Gift Market this Saturday October 4th from 10am -4pm.

Have a great Wednesday!

~Randi

Shout out to Bleeding Espresso

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:16:00 +0000

I was absolutely tickled when I got the "Google Alert" for Designing-Diva in my in-box today.

Michelle Fabio who runs the blog Bleeding Espresso, wrote a great post on 5 ways to raise awareness for Ovarian Cancer through jewelry and she picked my Shining Light pendant as one of the 5!

Thank you Michelle! I truly hope that we can make a difference by furthering research and eventually have an early detection method for Ovarian cancer so that women's lives may be saved and family tragedies averted!

Win a $500 gift certificate to Shop at Smashing Darling

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 01:30:00 +0000

Smashing Darling has paired up with SheFinds for a Freebie Friday give away. You have the opportunity to win a Smashing Darling $500 shopping spree . Smashing Darling stocks a seemingly endless collection of jewelry, clothes and all kinds of accessories from independent designers (just like me!) you definitely won't see in the mall! There is quite literally something (actually, a whole lot of things for everyone).

Don't wait you only have until this Friday, Oct. 3rd.

Join me this Saturday at the CCE PTO Fall Craft Fair and Gift Market

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 04:43:00 +0000

I will have a booth located in the gym at the 5th annual Cottonwood Creek Elementary PTO Fall Craft Fair & Gift Market this Saturday.

CCE
615 Minyard
Coppell, TX
(east of N. Coppell Rd between Sandy Lake and Parkway)

Saturday, October 4th

10am-4pm

The 5th grade will be selling baked goods, lunch items and raffle tickets.

Hope to see you there!

Unexpected design opportunity........

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 13:00:00 +0000

Well, today I have an unexpected design opportunity. ;)

The 6" square plate that I was fusing in the kiln "cracked" and slipped down the sides of the mold. Thank goodness my mold and kiln shelf are coated with kiln powder (glass release)!!

At first it made me so sad, because I really liked the design.....but now I have the chance to make it into something even better. The cool thing about glass is you can just "fuse" it again and no harm done! :)

I haven't had a fused glass oops in a while .......just reminded me I still have lots to learn about this amazing medium.

Agave Azul

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 04:25:00 +0000

This month the Bunco Babes didn't have a host so we ventured out and made a public appearance at the Agave Azul: Mexican Kitchen -Tequila Bar. Check out our colorful "agave margaritas".

We all thoroughly enjoyed our meals. Presentation was fab and taste was fantastic!

If you are in the DFW area, stop on by historic downtown Carrollton and treat your taste buds to yummy drinks and food.

Got Sushi......

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 17:47:00 +0000

I am so happy with the way this sushi plate turned out. I got a new ceramic mold and prepped it with kiln wash (prevents glass from sticking).

I used two layers of glass-an olive green and black Mardi Gras (frit and streamer) from Bullseye. I added three green aventurine stringers.

This plate went through 2 fusings and I used the flip and fire method for a crisp look.

This 6" square plate is colorful and would look fab as wall art too (when not in use !).

If you would like to purchase, head on over to the Dallas Designing-Diva's Etsy shop. I'm in the process of redesigning my shopping cart so it is not on the regular e-commerce site!