Pages

Friday, January 18, 2013

Growing My Blog...and a GIVE-AWAY!

Welcome to those of you visiting from the "Grow Your Blog" party hosted by Vicki at 2 Bags Full!!  What a nice idea she had to connect us like-minded bloggers, and so generous of her to organize this party. There's a GIVE-AWAY,open to anyone reading, at the end of this post...so follow along and then throw your name into the hat to win a prize!

Let me tell you a little about myself and my blog.  My name is Maggie, from beautiful Portland, Oregon.  I've been a professional illustrator and designer, mostly in the textile and home-sewing industry, for many (TOO many to admit...) years.  I consider that my "day job".  But I am also an avid crafter and painter, selling my soldered jewelry creations plus my angel paintings and prints through boutique sales as well from my Etsy shop. I spend wa-a-a-y too much time at thrift shops and garage sales, hunting for treasure, so you'll see some of that here, too.  Many of the posts in my archives chronicle the fun jewelry-making and collage workshops I often teach in my home studio.  Here are some photos from past posts to give you an idea of my typical ramblings:
 
On my messy desk, a fashion illustration in progress
 for Simplicity Pattern Co.
 
The (poorly photographed) finished illustration,
 ready for the pattern catalog

An angel painting in progress...
 ...and the finished piece.  The original sold but I still
 sell mounted prints of this image.
Jewelry making in progress...
...and a finished shadowbox pendant, ready for the Etsy shop.
A collage and jewelry workshop in my studio...so messy, so much fun!
Click on the link for a mini-tour.
Some student work....beautiful, isn't it?
Lots of collage work...
...paper crafting,...
...and just about any crafty project
 that strikes me as "I've GOTTA try that!" 
(shown here, cast concrete leaves)
Well, that gives you a little glimpse of what I chat about on my blog.  I'd love for you to sign up to become a follower  (in the sidebar to the right), and get updates on what's happening in my corner of the world.  I'd love to hear from you and make some lasting connections with new pals out there in cyber-space!  This year I vow to post more regularly (it's one of my resolutions!), and I have a lot of things waiting to share with you.


And now, for the GIVE-AWAY! To enter, please become a follower (optional), and LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW on this post (make sure there's a way to contact you if your name is chosen).  I've gathered together a little sampling of my creations for you to use and enjoy.  Included in the prize: an altered journal, a small altered notepad, a set of gift tags, and two handmade cards featuring prints of my angel paintings (can you tell I like things with wings?),and one vintage lace soldered charm. Anyone can enter, whether you have a blog or not, and entries must be posted by midnight Jan 31, 2013, when I will randomly select a lucky winner :-).  Good luck and THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!
Leave a comment below for a chance to win!


93 comments:

  1. What a beautiful blog! Your creations are so beautiful and creative. I am very glad to meet you here through the Grow Your Blog party. And your giveaway is lovely, a perfect gift.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Your work is beautiful! I look forward to seeing your future creations too.

    -Velody from
    http://www.treegoldandbeegold.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Maggie, you are SO creative and I am so glad that we found each other through blogging. I am looking forward to those future posts and still waiting to hear about that big $1.69 score at you-know-where!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I think I am in love with your beautiful blog. Such a variety of pretty things, you are one talented lady. Yes, I am a new follower and will certainly be coming back often. Thank you for the giveaway too, owls and angels will always keep a girl happy.
    ks(dot)eyles(at)yahoo(dot)co(dot)uk

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh my, what creative and interesting goodies on your blog! I am a new follower to your blog. What fun : ) The lace charms are so interesting - I'd never thought to try anything like it.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wow - so many beautiful things! I love your paintings; in fact I'm really impressed by all the beautiful things you've created!

    Thanks for calling in at my blog earlier - and now I'm returning the favour - and following you, too!

    SueH The Knitting Assassin!
    Twitter – @Librarymaid

    ReplyDelete
  7. You really are into a lot of differenct crafts and you are very good at all of them. Those leaves are amazing and your collage work...stunning. How smart to just put pretty lace in necklace frames. I am glad to have met you and hope that your hop goes well.

    hugs
    Caroline
    www.cmoh.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. WOW. You are amazingly talented and your creations are inspirational! I'm so glad to have found your blog, and thank you so much for visiting mine. I must say, your prize is fantastic! I will be following you. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thrilled to find your blog. I am participating in the Blog Party too. thefinderskeeper.blogspot.com. Your work is so wonderful! Can't wait to look through more!

    ReplyDelete
  10. You have lovely work. I especially like your lace charms and your tiny shadowboxes. So sweet! I've enjoyed visiting your blog. Thank you for sharing.
    ~Elizabeth

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hello Maggie,
    Truly, your blog is amazing..your illustrations, your jewellery and just the way you write to invite us into your space. I would love to take one of your jewellery classes...am so excited to see what you create and to meet this way.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh, Maggie, I am so glad to have found you. Thank you for visiting my blog in the "Grow Your Blog" Party.

    Your blog is so wonderful. I can't wait to return again and again. Wish I lived near you so I could come play! :)

    Thank you for the chance to win your beautiful prize package of gorgeous goodies. Yum!

    blessings, denise :D
    http://tomorrowstreasurestoday.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  13. Oh My GOODNESS! I'm so glad I found you!
    I'm visiting from, "Grow Your Blog" and love, love, love your things! You are ONE creative lady!
    I'm looking and looking at your site and are now a follower! I don't want to miss a single post!
    It's nice to meet you...Greetings from Texas!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Maggie, thanks for visiting my blog from the blog party! I'm so inspired when I visit blogs like yours and see all that talent...talent I wish I possessed! But I always say I have the "talent" of appreciating everyone elses creations! I would love to be included in the giveaway and as final note, by son and his wife and family just moved to Portland Ore in October. They live in Beaverton and we're going to visit them for Easter. Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Maggie, I love your blog and your creative work. Thank you for sharing. I found you through the Grow Your Blog party. I will be visiting her a lot in the future!

    Blessings,
    Fay
    faypaints(dot)blogspot(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  16. I always enjoy seeing all your wonderful creations. I love those necklaces with the pretty lace. Count me in...I'd love to be the lucky winner. I'm already a happy follower of your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  17. totally love yor blog! found you from the gyb party. your work is beautiful. hope you'll stop and visit me as well. happy creating!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Those lace charms are adorable! What a terrific way to use the better parts of torn pieces~

    ReplyDelete
  19. Your work is just beautiful, I am a beginner mixed media artist. I would love to follow you and would love to win. Di

    ReplyDelete
  20. Oh your blog is beautiful! I love your artwork - and am adding you to my reader! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  21. WOW- I'm hooked :-)What a nice place in blogosphere! Started following you. Your Angels are so special and simply gorgeous.. Thank you so much for the chance to let those beautiful goodies be mine..

    Warmest regards from Germany
    Ines/ E. Blumenstengel

    ReplyDelete
  22. Oh, oh!! Maggie, your creations are simply stunning. You are so talented. I am very pleased to have found your blog through Vicki's GYB Party and I would love to follow you to find out what other splended things you have created. Your giveaway is very generous - and beautiful too!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hello! I found my way to your blog through the blog party as well. Your blog is so lovely; your work is amazing! I've joined as a follower and look forward to returning to see you often. Have a gorgeous day!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Oh I hope I win
    You are so creative
    If you visitI will visit
    Laura

    ReplyDelete
  25. Nice to meet you Maggie and all of your talents! You are a gal after my heart!! Thanks for the chance to win, and stop by my blog too!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hi Maggie. You are so talented. Look forward to following your blog. If you have a chance stop by and check out my blog little putty little paint.

    ReplyDelete
  27. You have a lovely blog. I'm new follower and 'Grow Your Blog' participant. Have fun in at the party!
    Evalina, This and that...

    ReplyDelete
  28. Maggie, thank you for your sweet comment on my blog. You're so talented! It had actually never even occured to me to wonder about the illustration process for sewing patterns, and now I'm fascinated by it. I'll be back when I have more time to poke around here, but--happy to meet you and "hello" for now. :)

    Love and Thanks,

    Val

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hello Maggie,
    I am a bit late, but still making the rounds for
    GYB party, and man, I am glad I stopped your blog. WONDERFUL, right up my alley, with what you are doing, love everything, so I became a follower. Perhaps I see some inspiration for me in the future???
    Thanks for your visit as well, and thanks for the eye candy....
    Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hi Maggie,

    It is so nice to meet you. Your blog is lovely and you are so very creative. I'm still making my way through visiting everyone from Vicki's Grow Your Blog party. I hope you will stop by to say hello.

    ReplyDelete
  31. visiting via Vicki's GYB party and enjoying the work of your hands and heart. your studio workshops look wonderful; wish I lived closer.

    ReplyDelete
  32. What a lovely blog! I have to follow!Come check mine out also!Thanks for offering such beautiful gifts!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hello :D
    Nice to meet you at the party!.
    Great blog! I love your projects...
    Thanks for the chance to win your giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Your work is amazing. I absolutely love your illustrations.
    I look forward to reading more of your blog (I'm about halfway through the bloghop, so it may be a little while till I can visit again).
    Thanks for your wonderful giveaway!
    :o)
    Rose
    pippirose59 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  35. Oh Yay! I KNEW this place looked familiar; I stumbled upon your blog awhile back and then couldn't find it... so glad thanks to Vicki, that I found you once more! This time I have become a Follower so that doesn't happen again!

    Your work is wonderful; I am going to add you to my blog links as well so I will be sure to be back!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Everything you make is just beautiful. Looking forward to following your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I am a newbie to your blog---I love your work and wish I lived closer for a workshop!
    Claudia

    ReplyDelete
  38. It is great to meet you through Vicki's GYB party. I love your reuse of old and treasured pieces. How bout an online Collage College! Would love to graduate! Going to follow you!

    If you have a chance, please drop by nonniescedarchest.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. Found your blog through the GYB hop! Love all your creations... I'd be delighted to win your prize! Thanks for sharing your art with us!
    DeniseB
    deniseb777ATgmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  40. Lovely creations....and those lace charm necklaces are sweet!
    Love to be entered in your giveaway!

    Ciao Bella
    Creative Carmelina

    ReplyDelete
  41. Maggie,
    Love your artwork. Really enjoyed visiting via the gybp event.
    Will stop by again.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Hi Maggie! I have followed your blog almost since you started it. I am so happy that you now have an etsy shop. I have always admired you amazing talent.
    Amy Sosa

    ReplyDelete
  43. Oh Maggie, you are SO incredibly talented!!! I would be so honored to be included in your giveaway sweet friend!!! I am now a follower as well ~ sending you big ol' GA hugs and much love, Dawn

    ReplyDelete
  44. Oh my goodness, so much fun and talent here, love your paintings, and I have all the supplies for the soldered pendants, but It's been so long since I took the class, I have forgotten where to start. I want to use my photographs in them and a few other ideas. Would love to win one of your lace ones, so pretty! And yes, I'm following... :)

    ReplyDelete
  45. Oh Maggie - thanks so much for stopping by my blog. Your creations are beautiful and I especially love the concrete cast leaves. A friend did some of them and it's....on my bucket list. LOL Can't wait to look through your blog more thoroughly! And sorry about the comment I removed. I had a test blog a very long time ago and still use the email. Logged in with the wrong one. Been a long day!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Hi Maggie...I made it over here and I'm so glad I did. ;D
    You have amazing illustrations, artwork and crafts here. I'd love to be able to draw people but sadly...so far anyway...I haven't mastered it.
    I've also never seen concrete cast leaves before either. What a brilliant idea. They look fantastic!
    I've recently started an Etsy shop too but unfortunately I haven't really given it as much time as I would like....there's only so many hours in the day after all!
    Mufftypup (my shuh tzu) has checked out 'Woof' and although she's commmitted to her Zac she says he's a real cutie. ^..^
    I'm now your latest follower and look forward to visiting soon. Enjoy the party :D

    Neesie ♥

    ReplyDelete
  47. I loved reading your GYB post! And I'm so glad you found me so I could find you!
    Yes, I look forward to getting to know you. You have such an amazing gift - love, love, loved the little girl for Simplicity.
    All of your work is wonderful.

    As soon as I get my life back in order I'll be blogging again about my make overs (2 guest rooms) and the memorial.

    Must get to work.
    Warmly, jan

    Oh, and you can just close this contest down and announce me as the winner:)

    ReplyDelete
  48. me, again.

    you don't have "follow me by email".
    so much easier for me, but i joined your site and will keep up with you on my blog roll :)

    (Is this enough entries?? KIDDING!)

    ReplyDelete
  49. Hello Maggie

    How lovely to meet you via our dear friend Vicki's Grow Your Blog Party!
    Thank you for visiting me and your lovely comment.

    I love your art and feel honoured to enter your giveaway - what a talent!


    Enjoy the party
    Hugs
    Shane ♥
    http://roseslaceandbrocante.blogspot.co.nz/

    ReplyDelete
  50. Wow, so glad that you stopped by and left a comment. Your work is amazing and you have been blessed with a true talent. Put me in for the Grow Your Own blog drawing, I would love to be the recipient of your bounty.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Hi!
    Nice to meet you!
    Found you through GYB Party.
    You're a great artist! Love your art!
    Count me in for your giveaway!
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  52. Dear Maggie, first may I say your artistry is incredible. I wish I had your gift! To be able to design like you do...Wow!! I am thrilled to have found your blog! I was bummed that you hold classes that I cant get to...unless i figure out transportation of ourselves to another place :) thank you for the kind words about our dear Scooby. Following you after this comment is done. Have a great weekend! Huggs, Dianna ps in case i win..http://porchsittintimeforscooby.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  53. Oh, my sweet Maggie, what a lovely blog. I just have to start following you to see what you are up to. Your work is fantastic. Thank you for visiting my blog through the Grow Your Blog Party. I plan to start visiting the blogs I haven't been able to get to this week. Now that the weekend is here, I'm ready.

    Marrianna
    Email: marrianna65@gmail.com
    www.reddancerstudio.com

    ReplyDelete
  54. Maggie~
    I want to win!! Your work is just stunning! I wish that I lived close enough to take one of your classes!
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  55. I don't know how I missed your blog in the party. We have so much in common. I love to make cards and books. I would love to know how to make jewelry. I am retiring from teaching in June, but I want to teach book making classes in my husband's studio on the side.

    I love the Oregon coast. My mother was born in Portland. I would spend my summers on 57th street near Mt. Tabor (sp?). Several of my mother's cousins had beach houses at Rockaway and Cannon Beach and my cousin spent many years teaching at the community college in Astoria (a favorite town).

    ReplyDelete
  56. Happening along here from the GYB Party - GREAT blog...and someone who actually illustrates for Simplicity! How cool is THAT!

    Will be spending more time looking around here - hope your weekend is creatively wonderful! Tanya

    ReplyDelete
  57. Hello my bloggy friend! I'm glad you came by my blog during this event and now I"m coming by yours to enter your giveaway. Gosh how fun would it be do hang out in your studio and learn to solder?! You are so talented!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Oh I love your blog! I found the lace necklaces from a search on pinterest! Beautiful! I love to make crafts and art as well. I think it'd be cool to correspond with you. I'm a penpaller and airmail artist as you may can tell if you visit my blog. :) I hope you will stop by! Lovely giveaway by the way!

    All the best,
    Shannah

    shannahrenee.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  59. I absolutely adore your color palette! Every photo is great. =) I'd love to be entered in your generous giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  60. Hi Maggie, thanks so much for visiting Boulderneigh today! You make lots of beautiful things; I particularly love those tiny birds' nests. Precious!

    ReplyDelete
  61. Hi,Maggie! I am returning a visit to you as you were so sweet to visit mine and become a follower. I have been a follower of yours and now find that you, too, are part of this fun blogging party! Small world! From your banner alone you have me hooked and the fact that we share common interests makes it even sweeter. Your soldering skills are amazing! Did you learn this on your own or from a class? Please put my name in the hat for the give-away. I would be so pleased to be the lucky one chosen!!

    ReplyDelete
  62. He Maggie, WOW you are a very very creative person. I love all your art. Very unique and gorgeous. I truly LOVE your Leaves Art for in your garden. I would love to try to make some for in my garden too. I will have to read more to see how you created those wonderful garden art. I have become a follower. Please come and visit me too. Thanks Hugs Judy

    ReplyDelete
  63. Enjoyed your post very much....I too love to haunt garage/thrift stores to work with!! Loved seeing all your projects...both finished and in progress!!! Thank you for visiting my blog...and will came back for sure!!!
    dianegreghov@att.net

    ReplyDelete
  64. Hi Maggie - thanks for visiting Comptonia and leaving such a nice comment! As a very newby, I really appreciate the encouragement.
    Your creations are lovely and your workshops must be loads of fun :) I have a 3D artwork project in the design stage, but am afraid to even name it for fear I will become overwhelmed by my own ambition and stop before I even get started. With luck - and work - there will be some relevant blogging in months ahead. Fingers crossed!

    ReplyDelete
  65. Maggie,
    I just love your designs for the patter company, but of course I have always loved them just something about them puts a smile on my face.
    I wanted to thank you for stopping by my blog and following during this grow your blog tour, what fun, right??
    I would like to come back here often so I am going to follow so I can see what you will be up to next.
    Have a wonderful Sunday.
    Michele

    ReplyDelete
  66. I love your pieces, I had to sign up as a follower to see more of your lovely work.

    ReplyDelete
  67. I love your shadowbox charm! What a lovely and unique idea. I will look for you on Etsy. So nice to meet you at this delightful party!

    Hugs from your newest follower,
    Terri

    ReplyDelete
  68. Maggie - you have a fabulous blog and great art. I am so glad that you are in Vicki's Party. Hugs from Alaska. Karen

    www.alaskabluemoose.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  69. ...this was so much fun touring thru your blog.. thanks and amazing blog candy.. WOW thanks again
    mitz_zee@yahoodotcom ( follower )

    ReplyDelete
  70. Hi Maggie,
    Thanks for stopping by my blog to say 'Hi'. I'm so excited to see all your beautiful creations! Your giveaway is fabulous and I appreciate the chance. I admit I have gotten a little bogged down with all of the GYB entries and have not gotten to everyone. Well, I'm SO glad you found me because I'm definitely going to follow along!
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  71. Maggie, awesome blog you have here! You're a gifted artist. Love, love, love the birds' nests!! Thanks for visiting my blog.
    Cathy (CraftyCat)

    ReplyDelete
  72. Maggie, awesome blog you have here! You're a gifted artist. Love, love, love the birds' nests!! Thanks for visiting my blog.
    Cathy (CraftyCat)

    ReplyDelete
  73. Hi Maggie!
    Thanks so much for stopping by my blog :)

    Oh, you are an extraordinary artist!
    What gorgeous work you do.
    I am a new follower, and cant wait to come back
    to visit.

    take care,
    ~Diane

    ReplyDelete
  74. Hello Maggie so lovely to meet you here as part of the GYB party. I've really enjoyed viewing your artwork and seeing all the wonderful things you create like those pendants and I just might get lucky enough to win one or something else created by you.
    Don't forget to come and enter yourself into my Giveaway too.
    All the best with your blog,
    Suzy

    ReplyDelete
  75. Beautiful, beautiful stuff. Count me in as a follow and for your give away.

    And thank you so much for stopping by to visit my blog. I am just back from a long weekend away and I am trying to get caught up with the comments and the blogs.

    This event has been great fun.

    ReplyDelete
  76. Hi Maggie.... so nice to meet you! Thanks for your comment on my blog. This blog party has been so much fun! And, I see you are multi-VERY-talented! Love your angels! I'm looking forward to following you and to be continually inspired!
    Hugs, Chris

    ReplyDelete
  77. Holy cow, you do amazing work!!! I just LOVE what you create!!! I would love to be in on the drawing, but I am wondering something: do you do custom art? I am just curious because I would love to send you a pic of myself and 2 sisters. Could you do a creative rendering of either us or 3 small girls exploring a field? Something along the lines of that angel girl on the hillside?

    Thank you for stopping by my blog and introducing yourself :-) So nice to meet you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by and for such a kind comment. YES, I do quite a bit of custom work, both in my collage and illustration work, as well as jewelry. I'll write you an email and discuss more.

      THanks again!
      Maggie

      Delete
  78. YES what beautiful creations. And I love that you work in a variety of mediums. THanks for visiting my blog. I too will be back to visit as I have added you to my list of favourites! I would love to win your give away .... love all of your creations, but I am especially drawn to the lace pendants. They are stunning!

    ReplyDelete
  79. wow! You're work is amazing and you are so gifted in so many areas! What a delight to visit your blog! will be following!

    ReplyDelete
  80. Hey talented lady! So glad you popped by my blog!!! Outstanding work...I will be looking forward to checking out your many projects! Cheers! Nicole

    ReplyDelete
  81. Hi Maggie.
    So happy you stopped to visit my blog. I am glad I stopped here, too. You are a busy creative lady and I love what you do. I especially like your angel paintings. I am following you now ~ looking forward to seeing your future creations.
    audrey
    moonsfolly@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  82. Hello Maggie,
    I'm so glad you stopped by my blog and left a comment. This is my first visit here....your work is lovely. Seriously, I can't imagine what it would be like to have your talent. Please enter me in your giveaway, too. I would love anything you made. I'll be back later to check things out more fully. Nice to find you.
    ~Diane

    ReplyDelete
  83. Love your "Angel" in progress painting.

    kind regards from YokkoBears

    ReplyDelete
  84. Wow, you are a very talented lady! I love your art - the jewellry, the angels, the collage work - it's lovely to look at it. I really like the background of the angel painting your showed us here in your post, especially the crackle effect. Very very beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  85. OMG! maggie you and everything on your blog is so gosh darn cute! i signed up to follow you and your blog so fast! look forward to lots more with you, tx for sharing and inspiring! aloha, angi in hana

    ReplyDelete
  86. I thought maybe I didn't comment? If I did already I apologize!I love love your art and the lace charms!I often wanted to make them!
    I am your newest follower and look forward to more posts!Visit my blog if you haven't already!

    ReplyDelete
  87. W O W!!! Amazing stuff and amazing talent. I am humbled by your creativity and art. I just raise sheep, cut off their wool and make fun things, you are on a whole different level. I will throw your name in the hat for the drawing and thanks for dropping by my blog.
    btw-I love the lace pendents, I will be going to Etsy to find one for myself. And the angels.....I am speechless about them, I collect angels and yours are so nice I have no words.............
    Kelly
    okacres@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  88. Maggie is truly one of a kind greatly talented artist...and not only that she is amazingly nice too!! I have my precious ANGEL on my mantel. She makes me smile!!! I also have several necklaces. LOVE them!!!! And of course, Maggie does special projects art work on request!! Keep visiting this blog. She is AWESOME!
    Joanne (jojo10k@aol.com)

    ReplyDelete
  89. Maggie! As always your work is spectacular!
    You are so very talented and I would love to take some more of your classes!
    andreamcgrady@hotmail.com

    Hi Gretchen!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  90. You know how much I love everything you do!! I so wish I had your talent, but am so glad so many people are getting to see your amazing work!
    Love it and love you!
    Cathy (cawerling@yahoo.com) :)

    ReplyDelete
  91. Maggie - I love your angels...and my sister is the recipient of several. You are famous in a condo in Arizona!

    ReplyDelete