tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85413738743529742402024-03-05T19:21:42.634-05:00Akula Hope DesignsWire wrapped custom jewelry, handmade with love...Carrie (Akula)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10600824056363672904noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541373874352974240.post-13761674051807137772012-12-30T13:54:00.001-05:002012-12-30T14:13:06.227-05:00Here we come 2013! A recap of 20122013 is almost here!!! I honestly can't believe how quickly 2012 has flown by! It's been a fun year full of lots of interesting moments. Akula Hope Designs has had a really successful year. Yay! I had such a great time designing new jewelry and had the great opportunity to add my personal touch to many brides' special day. It occurred to me not too long ago that there are literally THOUSANDS of people wearing my jewelry now. Amazing!<br />
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On a more personal note, I started the year off finding out that I needed to have spine surgery for a severely herniated disc, which resulted in many months of varying levels of rehab and recovery. Okay.... so, that might not have been so fun, but what can I say? I like to look on the bright side!<br />
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After my surgery I knew I had to get back into shape and strengthen my body again. My friend Christina suggested we try Couch to 5K. I knew I needed some kind of motivation to help with my physical recovery, and it sounded like the perfect solution... start slow and work my way up to running. Now, I've never been a runner... I've always been the person that runs a block and has to stop because my lungs are killing me, and I have a stitch in my side. In no way, shape, or form did I ever expect to really get into running. Boy was I surprised!<br />
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This month I ran my first 5K with an awesome group of friends, and I'm happy to say that I actually RAN the whole thing! It was great! Not only did we get more fit in the process, but we got to dress up like reindeer! lol!<br />
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Post race with friends Christina (aka Dancer), John (Blitzen) and Julie (Rudolph). (I got to be Comet!)</div>
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I truly felt like I accomplished something that I never thought possible. I had so much fun with it that my sister Vicki and I have already signed up to run another 5K in Miami in March! Yay!<br />
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The rest of the year proved to hold many other exciting moments. It included...<br />
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A trip to Alaska with my husband</div>
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(and friends Christina and John):</div>
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My husband and I at Mendenhall Glacier</div>
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Following by a fun stop in Seattle:</div>
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Seattle Space Needle</div>
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A summer of boating on Candlewood Lake:</div>
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An amazing opportunity to see His Holiness the Dalai Lama:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8G5lAnEKF6Iol1bWRjmsBTftdoJLklXmu6i0wazydUv_cOBlUq0eia84TjHdP9GXEUtbPV2MaWhFWjelbMvKxX1Qn3p-TdihgzqUgG1ToaxhS02NKgwVxauYsXkCwTMdEeHJABz5xiUBC/s1600/20121019_090030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8G5lAnEKF6Iol1bWRjmsBTftdoJLklXmu6i0wazydUv_cOBlUq0eia84TjHdP9GXEUtbPV2MaWhFWjelbMvKxX1Qn3p-TdihgzqUgG1ToaxhS02NKgwVxauYsXkCwTMdEeHJABz5xiUBC/s400/20121019_090030.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Beautiful mandala</div>
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The opening invocation</div>
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The annual Halloween trip to Lake Ossipee, NH:</div>
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Skipping rocks!</div>
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And a fun holiday season with a lovable (and surly) cat!</div>
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Crossing my fingers for an even more eventful and memorable 2013! Happy New Year everyone!!!</div>
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- Carrie </div>
Carrie (Akula)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10600824056363672904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541373874352974240.post-66610311068477259882012-04-09T12:25:00.001-04:002012-04-09T18:31:44.354-04:00Spring Has Sprung Giveaway!!!!Yes yes yes.... I admit it... I have absolutely and completely ignored my blog for AGES!!!! Is it horrible to admit that I've been going through quite a phase of having nothing to say. ha!<br />
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I think that the boredom has finally gotten to me, so I'm back! Almost two weeks ago I had spine surgery, so I've been cooped up in the house. Yes, I'm a bit stir crazy. So, I figured, there's no better time than now to sit down and do a little blog post.<br />
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I'm happy to say that I've been adding quite a few new additions to the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AkulaHopeDesigns?section_id=7823462" target="_blank">hand stamped jewelry</a> arsenal in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AkulaHopeDesigns" target="_blank">Akula Hope Designs Etsy shop</a>. I even have a brand new heart shaped charm that I can't wait to use! (that's where you come in).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg91u3EeWZOajjWUJvAoMDB7cmD81QhaSZQxvnr8gKd4DAUe7ciRnfOV7N8BrHoPiCGqeiFJDrLeH0lAnEXtI8RhXDSW-YcJDY39jexObroplb-HZLUFelt0Ct09-B1JsguB8HkRuoLKreu/s1600/IMG_6594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg91u3EeWZOajjWUJvAoMDB7cmD81QhaSZQxvnr8gKd4DAUe7ciRnfOV7N8BrHoPiCGqeiFJDrLeH0lAnEXtI8RhXDSW-YcJDY39jexObroplb-HZLUFelt0Ct09-B1JsguB8HkRuoLKreu/s320/IMG_6594.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I hate to admit that I've had these adorable heart shaped charms sitting on my jewelers bench since sometime in December. Horrible! I'm ready to finally use them, so what better time than to do a giveaway! I'd love to have someone special out there to make my heart initial necklace for. Yes, one lucky person can win my very first Heart Initial Birthstone Necklace! The necklace will be made especially for you and will be photographed and featured in my store so that other wonderful people will have the opportunity to purchase it too.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Giveaway Guidelines and How to Participate</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This giveaway is open to anyone worldwide that would like to participate. It will be running for two weeks from Monday, April 9, 2012 through Sunday, April 22, 2012. One lucky person will be selected using a random number generator from all of the valid entries received by April 22, 2012. The winner will be notified via email. You must claim your prize within 48 hours by emailing me back or a new winner will be chosen. Good luck!<u> </u></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="giveaway">Listed below are the ways to enter this giveaway. </span>You have twelve possible ways to enter. <span class="giveaway"><b>For each entry, please make a separate comment on this post so that your entries can easily be counted.</b> I hope you take a few seconds to participate because I’m really excited about giving away this brand new necklace!</span><br />
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<b><span class="giveaway">Main entry:</span></b> Visit <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AkulaHopeDesigns" target="_blank">Akula Hope Designs on Etsy</a> and leave a comment on this post telling me what your favorite shop item is. <i>(<b>Required – Without doing this, no additional entries will be counted.</b>)</i><br />
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<b><span class="giveaway">1 additional entry:</span></b> “Like” <a href="http://www.facebook.com/AkulaHopeDesigns">Akula Hope Designs on Facebook</a> and leave a comment on this post with your name.<b><span class="giveaway"> </span></b><br />
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<b><span class="giveaway">1 additional entry: </span></b><span class="giveaway">Share the link to my giveaway on Facebook. Leave a comment here to let me know that you shared it.</span><br />
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<b><span class="giveaway">1 additional entry:</span></b> Follow <a href="http://twitter.com/akulahope">@akulahope</a> on Twitter and leave a comment on this post with your Twitter name.<b><span class="giveaway"> </span></b><br />
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<b><span class="giveaway">1 additional entry:</span></b> Tweet about this giveaway. Please include @akulahope in your tweet for it to count and post a comment here including your twitter name. You can of course tweet as many times as you’d like about my giveaway, however you will only receive one entry for this.<b><span class="giveaway"> </span></b><br />
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<b><span class="giveaway">1 to 5 additional entries:</span></b> Pin your favorite piece (or pieces) of jewelry from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AkulaHopeDesigns" target="_blank">my Etsy shop</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. <b>You must post a comment here including the link to your pin for each entry to count. Don't forget, separate comments for each post!</b><br />
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<b><span class="giveaway">1 additional entry:</span></b> Write about this giveaway on your blog! Be sure to include a link to this giveaway page. Leave a comment here including the link to your blog post and your name.<b><span class="giveaway"> </span></b><br />
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<b><span class="giveaway">1 additional entry:</span></b> Join the Akula Hope Designs mailing list! Please leave a comment on this post with your name so that I know you’ve joined. You can subscribe to my mailing list by entering your email information in the top right corner of my blog.<br />
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*** All entries must be posted as separate comments at the bottom of this post. Be sure to include a valid email address in one of your entry comments. Alternately, you can email me your email address at <a href="mailto:akulahopedesigns@gmail.com">akulahopedesigns@gmail.com</a> if you would like your email kept private. You will be contacted via email if you win this giveaway, so don’t forget to give it to me! If I don't have your email, an alternate winner will be chose.<br />
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Good luck to you all! Have fun!<br />
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-Carrie <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsIFsbff4t7xQXqHVUkrpZniX660fS2OFYmYjfQVSmh22n7undXl2H3ymbYSdroWQTXLkclygDYSmlh4VeyoQ_gwVpYQpZzjtDPSU6H0tZi4bu4imH1GMXpr4Ux-D70taySuBEMsaGH-R/s1600/IMG_6595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>Carrie (Akula)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10600824056363672904noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541373874352974240.post-30104827449611873822011-11-27T19:21:00.001-05:002011-11-27T19:22:48.288-05:00It's Holiday Giveaway time!The holidays are here!!!! yay!!!!!!! This is my absolute favorite time of year. My husband has resigned to the fact that the car ride home from Thanksgiving dinner marks the start of Christmas carols 24/7. Okay... maybe not 24/7, but close to it! My phone has been outfitted with a Christmas wallpaper and ringtone, and I'm plotting the soon to be holiday transformation of our living room. All is right in the world. :-)<br />
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With that being said, it's time to get into the holiday spirit and do a little giving! That's right. It's giveaway time! I thought about giving away a holiday themed piece of jewelry, but I've decided to offer something a bit more personal and versatile. One lucky reader will be receiving the most popular necklace in my shop, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/76918378/the-mini-birthstone-initial-charm" target="_blank">The Mini Birthstone Initial Necklace</a>!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROjB8nAiELG81ptDgmtc4iblMSoSdoJqkYXYkHPGtUTqqBiYwqWbg8CvtkAZ9dXi6GY2Ott4hoQ9E4CW6w2PXjO8hZR3eEhn_QoPjCUPZREOiWx1p2mTNQvN3sQTpR8Q5WpBtoKnxf1z8/s1600/IMG_5238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROjB8nAiELG81ptDgmtc4iblMSoSdoJqkYXYkHPGtUTqqBiYwqWbg8CvtkAZ9dXi6GY2Ott4hoQ9E4CW6w2PXjO8hZR3eEhn_QoPjCUPZREOiWx1p2mTNQvN3sQTpR8Q5WpBtoKnxf1z8/s320/IMG_5238.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKiVfb1BAxc3MJJWwFoLddfrVP6aGJNx_-bvKY9nEjeYyFq0ICnNRJJs50pkIJXtfxCMzVhl3B6_Nv_oaozT8YLYKDlC7ALNcrOXzfnwSxwjikhIemz84VUT9vkJ91rZOQajZvnrgrtIx/s1600/IMG_5515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKiVfb1BAxc3MJJWwFoLddfrVP6aGJNx_-bvKY9nEjeYyFq0ICnNRJJs50pkIJXtfxCMzVhl3B6_Nv_oaozT8YLYKDlC7ALNcrOXzfnwSxwjikhIemz84VUT9vkJ91rZOQajZvnrgrtIx/s320/IMG_5515.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/76918378/the-mini-birthstone-initial-charm" target="_blank">Click here to see more about this necklace.</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The winner will receive one custom sterling silver initial necklace that is handmade by me using the font, letter and birthstone of their choice.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Giveaway Guidelines and How to Participate</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This giveaway is open to anyone worldwide that would like to participate. It will be running from November 27, 2011 through December 13, 2011. You have six possible ways to enter. One lucky person will be selected at random from all of the valid entries received by December 13, 2011. The winner will be notified via email. You must claim your prize within 48 hours by emailing me back or a new winner will be chosen. Good luck!<u> </u></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><span class="giveaway">Listed below are the ways to enter this giveaway. For each entry, please make a separate comment on this post so that your entries can easily be counted. I hope you take a few seconds to participate because I’m really excited about giving away this great necklace!</span><br />
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<b><span class="giveaway">Main entry:</span></b> Visit <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AkulaHopeDesigns">Akula Hope Designs on Etsy</a> and leave a comment on this post telling me what your favorite shop item is. <i>(Required – Without doing this, no additional entries will be counted.)</i><br />
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<i></i><b><span class="giveaway">1 additional entry:</span></b> “Like” <a href="http://www.facebook.com/AkulaHopeDesigns">Akula Hope Designs on Facebook</a> and leave a comment on this post with your name.<i></i><b><span class="giveaway"> </span></b><br />
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<b><span class="giveaway">1 additional entry:</span></b> Follow <a href="http://twitter.com/akulahope">@akulahope</a> on Twitter and leave a comment on this post with your Twitter name.<b><span class="giveaway"> </span></b><br />
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<b><span class="giveaway">1 additional entry:</span></b> Tweet about this giveaway. Please include @akulahope in your tweet for it to count and post a comment here including your twitter name. You can of course tweet as many times as you’d like about my giveaway, however you will only receive one entry for this.<b><span class="giveaway"> </span></b><br />
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<b><span class="giveaway">1 additional entry:</span></b> Write about this giveaway on your blog! Be sure to include a link to this giveaway page. Leave a comment here including the link to your blog post and your name.<b><span class="giveaway"> </span></b><br />
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<b><span class="giveaway">1 additional entry:</span></b> Join the Akula Hope Designs mailing list! Please leave a comment on this post with your name so that I know you’ve joined. You can subscribe to my mailing list by entering your email information in the top right corner of my blog.<br />
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All entries must be posted as separate comments at the bottom of this post. Be sure to include a valid email address in one of your entry comments. Alternately, you can email me your email address at <a href="mailto:akulahopedesigns@gmail.com">akulahopedesigns@gmail.com</a>. You will be contacted via email if you win this giveaway, so don’t forget to give it to me!!!<br />
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Good luck to you all! Have fun!<br />
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-CarrieCarrie (Akula)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10600824056363672904noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541373874352974240.post-79237619927093445902011-07-24T14:30:00.003-04:002011-07-24T14:58:42.381-04:00My Heartsy ExperienceI recently had the wonderful luck to be able to feature<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AkulaHopeDesigns"> my Etsy shop</a> on <a href="http://heartsy.me/">Heartsy</a>. For those of you unfamiliar with Heartsy, I basically describe it as Groupon for handmade goods. A store will offer steeply discounted coupons/vouchers for their items so that people can have the opportunity to experience their shop for an AMAZING deal.<br />
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I really had a great time doing this, so I just wanted to tell you a little bit about this whirlwind experience. One of the nice things about Heartsy is that the featured shops are chosen by the members. When I submit my shop to be considered, the members voted on whether they would purchase from my store. I can't remember the exact figure, but I had around 1500 people vote on my shop. The results were good enough that I was asked to do a feature!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">These are the pieces that were part of my submission.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5VA1hxmC_2ufemIHCIklCFjc4_a6jri-xDikWe-MKq8QGt14vhbpl5gu91ihF0Pfl3M9Us1WVce7UP6F18u77FRCqV7slMiKmNwHp51RjT3ejv9ej25qFdamFlQc9jGshzb3gsdTQEus/s1600/IMG_3684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5VA1hxmC_2ufemIHCIklCFjc4_a6jri-xDikWe-MKq8QGt14vhbpl5gu91ihF0Pfl3M9Us1WVce7UP6F18u77FRCqV7slMiKmNwHp51RjT3ejv9ej25qFdamFlQc9jGshzb3gsdTQEus/s320/IMG_3684.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wZffJINiTnJxgkAurMBEafNu0c12gH4Oq62gJ0hQ2wNCMltQ3mJ8tAjmOMF-soRmGKvYL9qdjPzGymNHHRB51_4cD-sCBlGZaTu6Ho63Wim0L_l-J5LFXyA3uOz72M2CUpA61V869Oyp/s1600/IMG_2604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wZffJINiTnJxgkAurMBEafNu0c12gH4Oq62gJ0hQ2wNCMltQ3mJ8tAjmOMF-soRmGKvYL9qdjPzGymNHHRB51_4cD-sCBlGZaTu6Ho63Wim0L_l-J5LFXyA3uOz72M2CUpA61V869Oyp/s320/IMG_2604.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1XBKKLbqphF0bRjAROgW_jWVzXjTKqfVYreLlg6Os2Lt1A7qsDMY1vItR71QSGaMquezY7arcOCULotKDJnz6e_Shq7_p_cUVV3ZG0ZBVK-sG0gdZzyRlWGZgZLyB28tWv43N4ZpdDdET/s1600/IMG_4448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1XBKKLbqphF0bRjAROgW_jWVzXjTKqfVYreLlg6Os2Lt1A7qsDMY1vItR71QSGaMquezY7arcOCULotKDJnz6e_Shq7_p_cUVV3ZG0ZBVK-sG0gdZzyRlWGZgZLyB28tWv43N4ZpdDdET/s320/IMG_4448.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22J7oyvdpYS4WnCzsDlFP8V26rkaALkc2cNLwi0I9Zcbxrr5UuFs-S5lDxKoqLggI-QICcKwAcwgV-nxnDxdLTcqTn8xw4frdiWP0Eqg5AsK4Pik2EEUs_ORCi6V22ETxjPnkol30nyGQ/s1600/IMG_3343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22J7oyvdpYS4WnCzsDlFP8V26rkaALkc2cNLwi0I9Zcbxrr5UuFs-S5lDxKoqLggI-QICcKwAcwgV-nxnDxdLTcqTn8xw4frdiWP0Eqg5AsK4Pik2EEUs_ORCi6V22ETxjPnkol30nyGQ/s320/IMG_3343.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The next step was that I negotiated a deal with the Heartsy people. I've heard a lot of other shop owners express negative or frustrating experiences working with the Heartsy peeps, but I actually had a great one. I negotiated my deal on the phone with John, and he made me feel extremely comfortable. I think a lot sometimes gets lost over email. Being able to ask him questions, express my concerns and vent my fears without waiting for responses or wondering about intonation made me feel so much better. I could tell that he truly wanted to help tailor the right deal for me (us) so that we could all benefit from it. I also learned a lot about how they've built their systems and how they estimate future sales. It was quite fascinating actually. We settled on $28 worth of credit in my shop for $12. VIP Heartsy members received $38. I decided that I could handle offering 75 vouchers. OMG it was really happening!<br />
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I honestly had no idea what to expect from my offer. Would I sell a lot? Would people actually be interested? It felt like a crapshoot. What the heck though?! I couldn't lose anything from trying, since I only offered what I knew I could handle. I stocked up on a ton of supplies just in case and made up what stock I could. Needless to say, I REALLY had no idea what was about to happen!<br />
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New Heartsy deals are offered to VIP members a day early. VIPs are those that pay a monthly membership fee to get deals early and an extra $10 store credit in some stores. (Regular memberships are free). The Thursday morning that my deal went live (at 3am EST) I woke up around 7am to see that not only had a bunch of my vouchers been purchased, but I had already gotten orders! Yay! By the end of my VIP day, I had already sold 2/3 of my vouchers and gotten a TON of orders. I barely ate because I was so busy sending out invoices and emailing with customers that wanted custom designed pieces.<br />
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My deal went live to non-VIPs on Friday at 11:00am EST. By 12:00pm I realized that the purchases were diverse enough that I could probably offer additional vouchers because I only had about 15 left. I added an additional 25 to make it 100 total. Within about 4 1/2 hours of my deal going live to non-VIPs I had sold out all of my vouchers. WOO HOO!!! Heartsy had a glitch in their system too, so I ended up selling 107 vouchers before they were able to cut the sales off. oopsie, but that's okay.<br />
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So, by mid afternoon on Day 2, I was non stop on my computer relisting items and emailing with customers. Soooooo busy! Within about 40 hours of my sale starting, I sold about 160 listings, some of which were custom orders and contained multiple pieces of jewelry. I couldn't be happier.<br />
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The following couple of days were a whirlwind adventure of relisting, emailing, invoicing, making jewelry, keeping spreadsheets and packing up orders. There wasn't much eating or sleeping going on. lol!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">As you can see, my work table was in shambles!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLBJ6ONxfCafSibjCvziJgqyuNgQc_YJdvMgJjZPjYM0ZdYp1yn9T33BWqmgAu5s8yrPCc8re57btEjT5OKYR8zGmPRHpgDa-WAA6mpFjsjGSCPa85IlJigJil78O2-CgBSZFGQI_4Og4J/s1600/IMG_5599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLBJ6ONxfCafSibjCvziJgqyuNgQc_YJdvMgJjZPjYM0ZdYp1yn9T33BWqmgAu5s8yrPCc8re57btEjT5OKYR8zGmPRHpgDa-WAA6mpFjsjGSCPa85IlJigJil78O2-CgBSZFGQI_4Og4J/s320/IMG_5599.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">My faithful friend Christina (and sweat labor for the weekend) really saved my life!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnFatz1rsGawSMSlmyb28Fq3VAqNJyHjgUyeNwEMGxqzTM54uIkKkmCNJ-XPI5LvoIo5Qi2M5Q0rs0Fey4selE9t3zLLhFYcr9RsOHHU01TAlDwbd4hmclPgjig_0k9Z4T5OXxz0VgX7V/s1600/IMG_5602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnFatz1rsGawSMSlmyb28Fq3VAqNJyHjgUyeNwEMGxqzTM54uIkKkmCNJ-XPI5LvoIo5Qi2M5Q0rs0Fey4selE9t3zLLhFYcr9RsOHHU01TAlDwbd4hmclPgjig_0k9Z4T5OXxz0VgX7V/s320/IMG_5602.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> If only everyday could be like this!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9h315bEhXEPHcZ6VWWGiiTCdkdICCv7YCgTatnnr5FB6G4yT8pqXTvVO0U1oW5fxSyBXRETv9m_FYMD7ksSMe0JvF5GP9Kila_7qAK59sJwmAD-7Xlc7UrR5jRIiEbgpAMjoRzdq-MGk/s1600/IMG_5604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9h315bEhXEPHcZ6VWWGiiTCdkdICCv7YCgTatnnr5FB6G4yT8pqXTvVO0U1oW5fxSyBXRETv9m_FYMD7ksSMe0JvF5GP9Kila_7qAK59sJwmAD-7Xlc7UrR5jRIiEbgpAMjoRzdq-MGk/s320/IMG_5604.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">By Sunday night, we had the first 30</div><div style="text-align: center;">or so orders ready to ship! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_n5JuHzjSK1PBco_-2Qodp_ltIw22Er3pxd6HFMH80XVfqV2Xq7FknvwXvvu7a5QAUagkX2wBcfj7fPzMQfHwjnMWx6OHJip1FZhBPhtyd7Z5HMqEyW7jN5FPOenYylFcmj0CZqYG2jiw/s1600/IMG_5608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_n5JuHzjSK1PBco_-2Qodp_ltIw22Er3pxd6HFMH80XVfqV2Xq7FknvwXvvu7a5QAUagkX2wBcfj7fPzMQfHwjnMWx6OHJip1FZhBPhtyd7Z5HMqEyW7jN5FPOenYylFcmj0CZqYG2jiw/s320/IMG_5608.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I did offer an extra incentive with purchase. For those non-VIPs that purchased $40 or more in my shop and VIPs that purchased $50 or more ($12 over their voucher amount), they received my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/65532945/retro-heart-love-charm-necklace-silver">Silver Retro Heart Necklace</a> for free. Quite a few people took advantage of this extra incentive and received the free gift.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm so happy with how my Heartsy deal went that I'm actually still offering this free gift with purchase! If you would like to participate, please visit <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AkulaHopeDesigns">my shop on Etsy</a>. The same stipulation still applies on purchase amounts with a Heartsy voucher. Regular purchases will also receive the free necklace when $40 worth of merchandise is purchased.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCxhsIljdCJETeGfLmtWjMQ8w2o95wR-KljqCmdRhBEDfF_rqSLQnSXX43u2PTfy8iM07VoWNh4GWlgjMdtHslFkvxYFn52uJZV4CFPxUXKBubUkTb2vyi4-HsTj0ZjdEnWXhkNQb-iPl/s1600/IMG_4419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCxhsIljdCJETeGfLmtWjMQ8w2o95wR-KljqCmdRhBEDfF_rqSLQnSXX43u2PTfy8iM07VoWNh4GWlgjMdtHslFkvxYFn52uJZV4CFPxUXKBubUkTb2vyi4-HsTj0ZjdEnWXhkNQb-iPl/s320/IMG_4419.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">All in all, I had a wonderful experience. I did have a few people try to take 'extra' advantage of a ridiculously good deal, but I guess that's to be expected. 2/3 of the vouchers purchased were VIP and 1/3 were non-VIP. 6 of those were purchased as gifts for other people. So far 72 of the 107 vouchers have been redeemed. Only 14 of them did not go over the voucher amount. 35 are still unredeemed. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I honestly, can't wait to do another sale. I hope that I get enough votes to have the opportunity!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">THANK YOU to those of you that voted for me, cheered me on and purchased from my store!!!! It was a wonderful experience, and I couldn't have done it without you!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- Carrie </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Carrie (Akula)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10600824056363672904noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541373874352974240.post-56239615681147191252011-04-04T17:25:00.000-04:002011-04-04T17:25:56.380-04:00Akula Hope Designs in the Press!About a week and a half ago I received an out of the blue email from a gentleman named Jack Coraggio. Jack told me that he was a reporter from the Litchfield County Times and that they wanted to do a business feature on me and my business Akula Hope Designs. Whhhaaaat?! Needless to say, I was totally stunned, surprised and excited all at the same time! Within the span of a few days, I had been interviewed by Jack and photographed by Walter Kidd. It all seemed so surreal... how did they find out about me? To this day, I'm still not completely sure how my business card came to be in the hands of the Litchfield County Times, but I am sooooooo happy that it did!<br />
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If you have a few minutes, please take a moment to read <a href="http://www.countytimes.com/articles/2011/03/31/business/doc4d949f4e3d423121956734.txt?viewmode=default">the wonderful article about Akula Hope Designs by Jack Coraggio</a>. I think it's great!<br />
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-CarrieCarrie (Akula)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10600824056363672904noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541373874352974240.post-76016207329381648632011-03-25T17:08:00.007-04:002011-03-25T18:15:18.971-04:00Hand Stamped JewelryFor a while now, I've been wanting to try my hand at making hand stamped jewelry. I really love being able to make something that is sentimental and has meaning for a person. My first venture was to create a necklace for my sister. I hand stamped silver discs with the initials of her children and wire wrapped gemstones to signify each one of their birthdays. I gave the necklace to her this past Christmas. She's worn it everyday since. :-) Unfortunately, I didn't take pictures of that particular necklace, but I have made many since. I wanted to share a few of them with you. Let me know what you think!<br />
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-Carrie<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">You can also see some of these items in my Etsy shop in the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AkulaHopeDesigns?section_id=7823462">Hand Stamped Necklaces</a> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AkulaHopeDesigns?section_id=6564607">Bridal</a> sections.</div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2OWzZ6QbsTzInRqzm2vnOSsOzHRkbu6cAxVoOcAOGpno8Ej-h558pcrz8oxchsF2P316NPlV95LTybVLYJyClmJq-OlzwLGWOzlA0aCBsAEMLNfMzhllAsJZU53EI3B26X_fhFLNH0UCE/s1600/IMG_4474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2OWzZ6QbsTzInRqzm2vnOSsOzHRkbu6cAxVoOcAOGpno8Ej-h558pcrz8oxchsF2P316NPlV95LTybVLYJyClmJq-OlzwLGWOzlA0aCBsAEMLNfMzhllAsJZU53EI3B26X_fhFLNH0UCE/s320/IMG_4474.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Custom Initial & Birthstone Necklace</div><div style="text-align: center;">(using customer's birthstone charms)<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzgBBLGL9_p_wYpN2IbN3Ihf0PAzujn_YGQ2rmXXZSDyapEQkDT4LWoYl9PUL5r-ZKzn12oWCJ6qdjhJcJtbmef84gWMVHwHi2A-QUVQP9AXGC7tPyqVY3IpfuK1xt-EPzd9STf1ShAsY/s1600/IMG_4639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzgBBLGL9_p_wYpN2IbN3Ihf0PAzujn_YGQ2rmXXZSDyapEQkDT4LWoYl9PUL5r-ZKzn12oWCJ6qdjhJcJtbmef84gWMVHwHi2A-QUVQP9AXGC7tPyqVY3IpfuK1xt-EPzd9STf1ShAsY/s320/IMG_4639.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Custom Mother's Necklace</div><div style="text-align: center;">(w/ baby's initial and Garnet birthstone)<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBS2U2Q7LVx-OM7kGdj9avZwEPGwCO3TAutO9ftQCizA1cPA3BI1hyphenhyphenQY85vhJ8IXF_hKFRqxinx417dq3vqkRzZvtVuLt5k0AZelf_C22UIr80cPpVs_yzOn2q_nI0LvmckIsBR-_Sl56r/s1600/IMG_4786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBS2U2Q7LVx-OM7kGdj9avZwEPGwCO3TAutO9ftQCizA1cPA3BI1hyphenhyphenQY85vhJ8IXF_hKFRqxinx417dq3vqkRzZvtVuLt5k0AZelf_C22UIr80cPpVs_yzOn2q_nI0LvmckIsBR-_Sl56r/s320/IMG_4786.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Custom Word Necklace w/ Pearl and Iolite Dangles<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha-n-PhwkKJrLB0xsd8GomZxVcjEQ4q4U-LjylTKumY7nPz6kd_OVj9QNlzJd_lGjMXhk3n0dnHlRd6ismg1_0hg6xrlit19JjJnJJp8lipq1G58DiKGrJ9ZD2KNmhMfnPQEoEk_ysugCh/s1600/IMG_4813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha-n-PhwkKJrLB0xsd8GomZxVcjEQ4q4U-LjylTKumY7nPz6kd_OVj9QNlzJd_lGjMXhk3n0dnHlRd6ismg1_0hg6xrlit19JjJnJJp8lipq1G58DiKGrJ9ZD2KNmhMfnPQEoEk_ysugCh/s320/IMG_4813.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Custom Word Necklace w/ Pearl and Madeira Citrine Dangles<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrQ4SJXXLKceVq7nJx0_9x01lAZZJgYi9lTuem9IPSBvxtUq6GtCigRSvI2tzq6gcZhJBKKdh9Ob2BEKsVdWkG4L9Bhpo1btzhqq_BtVDVNcyhYQcNX1VW9GGoeliz9Jz1Hat1d_OGg2v/s1600/IMG_4935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrQ4SJXXLKceVq7nJx0_9x01lAZZJgYi9lTuem9IPSBvxtUq6GtCigRSvI2tzq6gcZhJBKKdh9Ob2BEKsVdWkG4L9Bhpo1btzhqq_BtVDVNcyhYQcNX1VW9GGoeliz9Jz1Hat1d_OGg2v/s320/IMG_4935.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Wedding Keepsake Necklace</div><div style="text-align: center;">w/ Bride & Groom's Initials, Wedding Date & Wedding Colors<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7iZrRVwJq6HWN755Uiiv_2vOEwjuSXw9EgVw9feTZHmtVZlP0Lv8w-SlJIhMRuaYdJk1lvibZP6Wr_izBEQjng7ZnBYXRNQUC748ssMICyKfrHEFq7OwuKtcApaU7OjuKicCb0eskCqs/s1600/IMG_4955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7iZrRVwJq6HWN755Uiiv_2vOEwjuSXw9EgVw9feTZHmtVZlP0Lv8w-SlJIhMRuaYdJk1lvibZP6Wr_izBEQjng7ZnBYXRNQUC748ssMICyKfrHEFq7OwuKtcApaU7OjuKicCb0eskCqs/s320/IMG_4955.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Custom Bridesmaid Necklace</div><div style="text-align: center;">(Gemstones are the wedding colors)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div></div>Carrie (Akula)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10600824056363672904noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541373874352974240.post-37392904549630615632011-02-15T22:21:00.000-05:002011-02-15T22:21:42.266-05:00Amethyst Earrings Giveaway Winner!Congratulations to Karen P. for winning my Amethyst Earrings giveaway!!! I hope you love the earrings!<br />
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In honor of my first giveaway (which was totally fun!!!) I am offering 10% off anything in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AkulaHopeDesigns?ref=pr_shop">Akula Hope Designs Etsy shop</a>. Please use coupon code <b>THANKYOU10</b> upon checkout to receive your discount. This coupon will be valid through February 28th.<br />
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Thanks again, and happy shopping!<br />
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- CarrieCarrie (Akula)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10600824056363672904noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541373874352974240.post-57912071232389999402011-02-01T19:34:00.000-05:002011-02-01T19:34:10.841-05:00Akula Hope Designs Giveaway!!!It's a new year, and a new month, so I'm going to try something new! I've participated in a few giveaways on other people's blogs which was quite fun. So, I figured why not!...I'm gonna do one of my own!<br />
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In honor of all those February babies out there, I've decided to give away a pair of my gorgeous purple amethyst drop earrings. Deep purple faceted rondelles are wire wrapped on sterling silver and suspended from twisted silver rings. They are totally adorable!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiow08-lfNJNBgMup0GX2DaOf0lSS9k621KArTAiNmbRiUvGd4wGOAlTWu6Be2N3jcKB_9xuZ3HrzlAp_O4wFCSE8k6d-BowdLcHj01iR-kJeXOv-mw03TEKkuWSofROnXV9GUiq90We_Wu/s1600/IMG_4142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiow08-lfNJNBgMup0GX2DaOf0lSS9k621KArTAiNmbRiUvGd4wGOAlTWu6Be2N3jcKB_9xuZ3HrzlAp_O4wFCSE8k6d-BowdLcHj01iR-kJeXOv-mw03TEKkuWSofROnXV9GUiq90We_Wu/s320/IMG_4142.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/63248786/amethyst-drop-earrings">Amethyst Drop Earrings</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">***Amethyst has been known to have a calming effect and reduce stress. It promotes happiness and an optimistic and uplifting perspective.***</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Giveaway Guidelines and How to Participate</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This giveaway is open to anyone worldwide that would like to participate. It will be running from February 1, 2011 through February 14, 2011. You have six possible ways to enter. <span> </span>One lucky person will be selected at random from all of the valid entries received by February 14, 2011.<span> </span>The winner will be notified via email.<span> </span>You must claim your prize within 48 hours by emailing me back or a new winner will be chosen.<span> </span>Good luck!<u> </u></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</style> <![endif]--> </div><span class="giveaway">Listed below are the ways to enter this giveaway.<span> </span>I hope you take a few seconds to participate because I’m really excited about giving these adorable earrings away!</span><br />
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<b><span class="giveaway">Main entry:</span></b> Visit <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AkulaHopeDesigns">Akula Hope Designs on Etsy</a> and leave a comment on this post telling me what your favorite shop item is. <em>(Required – Without doing this, no additional entries will be counted.)</em><br />
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<em></em><b><span class="giveaway">1 additional entry:</span></b> “Like” <a href="http://www.facebook.com/AkulaHopeDesigns">Akula Hope Designs on Facebook</a> and leave a comment on this post with your name.<em></em><b><span class="giveaway"> </span></b><br />
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<b><span class="giveaway">1 additional entry:</span></b> Follow <a href="http://twitter.com/akulahope">@akulahope</a> on Twitter and leave a comment on this post with your Twitter name.<b><span class="giveaway"> </span></b><br />
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<b><span class="giveaway">1 additional entry:</span></b> Tweet about this giveaway.<span> </span>Please include @akulahope in your tweet for it to count and post a comment here including your twitter name. You can of course tweet as many times as you’d like about my giveaway, however you will only receive one entry for this.<b><span class="giveaway"> </span></b><br />
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<b><span class="giveaway">1 additional entry:</span></b> Write about this giveaway on your blog!<span> </span>Be sure to include a link to this giveaway page.<span> </span>Leave a comment here including the link to your blog post and your name.<b><span class="giveaway"> </span></b><br />
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<b><span class="giveaway">1 additional entry:</span></b> Join the Akula Hope Designs mailing list! Please leave a comment on this post with your name so that I know you’ve joined.<span> </span>You can subscribe to my mailing list by entering your email information in the top right corner of my blog.<br />
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All entries must be posted as separate comments at the bottom of this post. Be sure to include a valid email address in one of your entry comments.<span> </span>Alternately, you can email me your email address at <a href="mailto:akulahopedesigns@gmail.com">akulahopedesigns@gmail.com</a>. <span> </span>You will be contacted via email if you win this giveaway, so don’t forget to give it to me!!!<br />
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Good luck to you all! Have fun!<br />
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-CarrieCarrie (Akula)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10600824056363672904noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541373874352974240.post-8610459458330731622011-01-28T11:30:00.000-05:002011-01-28T11:30:51.680-05:00Recent TreasuriesI've had the pleasure of being included in quite a few treasuries this month, so I figured I'd share a few of them with you! They are really wonderful collections. Feel free to click the titles to visit them yourselves. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d416119c81d8eefd48bbc44/sweet-blush">Sweet Blush by dahlies</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">My Blush Pearl Drop Earrings are a part of this treasury.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ed1m0IrX0XPNlOOFFjxsfvOZLzWejTUbtClrca6O_q0mTB7MXXIOWBk41hQwev8bw_VJGaaTrHLRxaLMwMPEKytA8sUiWOYcJmCNkyK8qGL3DnWzBUL1zP0eFtFbSuBZA_7ocZhLm71E/s1600/Sweet+Blush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ed1m0IrX0XPNlOOFFjxsfvOZLzWejTUbtClrca6O_q0mTB7MXXIOWBk41hQwev8bw_VJGaaTrHLRxaLMwMPEKytA8sUiWOYcJmCNkyK8qGL3DnWzBUL1zP0eFtFbSuBZA_7ocZhLm71E/s400/Sweet+Blush.jpg" width="381" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d40dc3970528eef486a9444/pretty-in-peach">Pretty In Peach by GraceyMay</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My Peach Pie Flower Hairpins were included in this treasury!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwuVChZmejzhdqAUR6xHaoixAoM0-4h1DdUA49sNJZ7AxOakMawTS3eX5AAIC2HZXMX7T75qp6GtwgvEX2-MCvU3Pr1XuNGpypFwqA2lGC-2HlobMepL-6lvyGyVUre6Ayjm2VwcZHQec/s1600/Pretty+In+Peach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwuVChZmejzhdqAUR6xHaoixAoM0-4h1DdUA49sNJZ7AxOakMawTS3eX5AAIC2HZXMX7T75qp6GtwgvEX2-MCvU3Pr1XuNGpypFwqA2lGC-2HlobMepL-6lvyGyVUre6Ayjm2VwcZHQec/s400/Pretty+In+Peach.jpg" width="378" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d3e4db58b508eef93ef46f0/lemony-goodness">Lemony Goodness by thewanderingstars </a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My Summer Sunshine Hairpins are in this treasury. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofILiJb3Du_UcCOObdN7yqdx7E1NAftt3RDcIPMJ-SwyoRrAM_9-_kK_lB9gy81vsIuNszC_z-3zrPhXcT4WfJm1EoULnCejzyYBZACcaIXTIFLEc_ha1nSWbR38wYOnB-eIonzM6UU87/s1600/Lemony+Goodness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofILiJb3Du_UcCOObdN7yqdx7E1NAftt3RDcIPMJ-SwyoRrAM_9-_kK_lB9gy81vsIuNszC_z-3zrPhXcT4WfJm1EoULnCejzyYBZACcaIXTIFLEc_ha1nSWbR38wYOnB-eIonzM6UU87/s400/Lemony+Goodness.jpg" width="382" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d3685ee56c46d91b6bf89d7/gorgeous-garnet">Gorgeous Garnet by deziningems</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My Key to My Heart Silver & Garnet Necklace is included.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumdi0REmAdUP3zWlZyWISCzRVaIHMS0cdS6ZlKu_1XR8jhHX_5KwhKt-G2f1MxtvzFFZtXqbyyuN5qPXLFurphhuaf6vPe7O20sHFvk5wJT86vyZjBQzwa1zxRib2Q1qU0LXUYxsHoBIi/s1600/Gorgeous+Garnet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumdi0REmAdUP3zWlZyWISCzRVaIHMS0cdS6ZlKu_1XR8jhHX_5KwhKt-G2f1MxtvzFFZtXqbyyuN5qPXLFurphhuaf6vPe7O20sHFvk5wJT86vyZjBQzwa1zxRib2Q1qU0LXUYxsHoBIi/s400/Gorgeous+Garnet.jpg" width="373" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d368f95ab028eef72dae962/flower-webs">Flower Webs by BlissJoy</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My Erica Black Peacock Pearl Necklace is included.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcl8yooZ4NpNDX0caVbzBbGVRGr9P5kKoy2BLCrwZ9zw0_FUV0QgoORITTDS7vjW_QyQbpCHSaN4aHY8-mDO1THB6FZipVGHOw-gmhP5pW2QxyrGDWFeAjn2JF4Jrhyw2UNmwH4bLMCZQf/s1600/Flower+Webs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcl8yooZ4NpNDX0caVbzBbGVRGr9P5kKoy2BLCrwZ9zw0_FUV0QgoORITTDS7vjW_QyQbpCHSaN4aHY8-mDO1THB6FZipVGHOw-gmhP5pW2QxyrGDWFeAjn2JF4Jrhyw2UNmwH4bLMCZQf/s400/Flower+Webs.jpg" width="378" /> </a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d35c48e772a8eef4aa2ef36/big-sky">Big Sky by LostInTheValley</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My Blue Skies Flower Hairpins are included in this treasury.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1DEWqBzyK0gQ3U5m9eHNVjBdVqfgalEhjwTLnm2jhbAibVcRlbX95gjmQS96YAhjQcQF__DnMwGNFUrKcpb95rFMF4mKSjlavyGcb6L0dVNPoZgOn7T0t9DK5NdFrY__kr7yV-jpTIjsI/s1600/Big+Sky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1DEWqBzyK0gQ3U5m9eHNVjBdVqfgalEhjwTLnm2jhbAibVcRlbX95gjmQS96YAhjQcQF__DnMwGNFUrKcpb95rFMF4mKSjlavyGcb6L0dVNPoZgOn7T0t9DK5NdFrY__kr7yV-jpTIjsI/s400/Big+Sky.jpg" width="378" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Carrie (Akula)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10600824056363672904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541373874352974240.post-15174018613524285032011-01-18T18:33:00.000-05:002011-01-18T18:33:27.472-05:00It's a New Year!Boy, I haven't blogged in ages. It's a new year though, so I should probably get on it! <br />
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I know that everyone talks about making resolutions at the beginning of the year. Does anyone else get scared of making resolutions? I think I'm always leery of making resolutions because I just don't have the willpower to actually follow through and keep up with the promises that I'm making. lol! At least I'm honest!<br />
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So... with that being said, I don't think I'm going to make a resolution to lose weight, exercise more or eat more vegetables. Instead, I think my goal for the year is pretty much my goal for life. I'm going to strive for love and happiness because I think that's what life is truly about. Everyday I'm going to try a little big harder to love every moment and find happiness even in the trying things because life is a wonderful gift full of lessons. <br />
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Happy New Year everyone! I wish you all love and happiness for the coming year.<br />
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- CarrieCarrie (Akula)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10600824056363672904noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541373874352974240.post-58610212878636121492010-11-24T20:07:00.000-05:002010-11-24T20:07:56.929-05:00Happy Thanksgiving!!! and A SALE!!!Thanksgiving signals the beginning of my FAVORITE time of year!!! Tomorrow I get to share the most AMAZING meal with my family, and then I can finally start to play CHRISTMAS MUSIC!!! I can't say my husband loves the drive back home from Massachusetts because it has become tradition for me to play all kinds of Christmas songs on the way home. he he he. Next comes all the present buying, wrapping and decorating... (oh yea, and snow...) :-) I love nothing more than buying present, decorating the tree and drinking hot cocoa as I stare at the snow falling outside. Yay!!!<br />
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I just wanted to wish you all Happy Thanksgiving! Whether you're here in the United States or elsewhere, know that you all share a special little place in my heart!<br />
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Now onto the sale!!!! Now through Cyber Monday, November 29th, I'm offering 10% off on everything in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AkulaHopeDesigns">my Etsy Store</a>! Hop on over there and take a look! Use the following code upon check out to receive the discount. Coupon Code: BlackFriday2010<br />
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Enjoy the holidays!Carrie (Akula)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10600824056363672904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541373874352974240.post-16722261353517206552010-11-17T21:31:00.001-05:002010-11-17T21:31:42.957-05:00New PiecesSo, I've been trying to create some new designs for the upcoming holidays. I wanted to share them with you, so take a look and let me know what you think! I hope you like them!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Cranberry Zig Zag Pearl Bracelet</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqorgOcaPFb9GQgzvaPnH_k_hR9g_I5HwyxBEj5ujUarMtbEiCtOxdPedLeyY7ycvHECt6N_HYnZAVtteAi7mTuCXV3ljcVHSdKbFkq7njlIVibray3G7aaSXvPAHRz7jsxl-rR8eGkCB/s1600/IMG_3940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqorgOcaPFb9GQgzvaPnH_k_hR9g_I5HwyxBEj5ujUarMtbEiCtOxdPedLeyY7ycvHECt6N_HYnZAVtteAi7mTuCXV3ljcVHSdKbFkq7njlIVibray3G7aaSXvPAHRz7jsxl-rR8eGkCB/s320/IMG_3940.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Silver & Labradorite Lotus Necklace</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisd789mDT0SLVu3UhWRckL4EfUPUHinvrWroxHoUgdwTeXcJcDVS4vVvusTFIld2TFlKxZjgqCjMCAqYMJ40n9O2IX23Eyzcb7PHiv-1NHhCfdQ92lbEeBU0iZKn8MFxEb5ehf9N6K1sHq/s1600/IMG_3923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisd789mDT0SLVu3UhWRckL4EfUPUHinvrWroxHoUgdwTeXcJcDVS4vVvusTFIld2TFlKxZjgqCjMCAqYMJ40n9O2IX23Eyzcb7PHiv-1NHhCfdQ92lbEeBU0iZKn8MFxEb5ehf9N6K1sHq/s320/IMG_3923.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Gold & Amethyst Tree of Life Necklace </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-r9XmoaH9dYajd_BFY0UZyQ-JvDazrSH_lPGe-e0d139McegjBMkMQK_pRdzHsoRzhCINZYzSwNMtjZf9AjZeRrCFZosP4guUp9aIO6VVaOZeWLrk-f6Hr0EBft7lYEy7HXBlH67dfFxS/s1600/IMG_3666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-r9XmoaH9dYajd_BFY0UZyQ-JvDazrSH_lPGe-e0d139McegjBMkMQK_pRdzHsoRzhCINZYzSwNMtjZf9AjZeRrCFZosP4guUp9aIO6VVaOZeWLrk-f6Hr0EBft7lYEy7HXBlH67dfFxS/s320/IMG_3666.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Winter Wonderland Snowflake Necklace</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWnGEWDTzixZpVb8T8GixGL_DTPWzDPCxRU9_GiL2zvJSjX59qwn6I5Gp3ERlzi-X2RWAAQa0Ur2Tf4SuGQSsTYI2E4eU637MFEy8aJ8kpSjcmPFMniFYGmB6fFbZzOAQ8NIvkWiVaFPx/s1600/IMG_4017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWnGEWDTzixZpVb8T8GixGL_DTPWzDPCxRU9_GiL2zvJSjX59qwn6I5Gp3ERlzi-X2RWAAQa0Ur2Tf4SuGQSsTYI2E4eU637MFEy8aJ8kpSjcmPFMniFYGmB6fFbZzOAQ8NIvkWiVaFPx/s320/IMG_4017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Gold & Amethyst Tumbling Leaves Necklace </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK3PazQ9VJYVTtr3qpz68YkeVJ4QdNd4T4yieGIVo5QgUUsu0onYLVlO7IvYlu8MTSH8Zq024_BHlDw8likZFw8C7LDEC7_TRwL-NjaFnnSWQ1o0adFEHd-db29BH-kULpHaFM8GbOA3SU/s1600/IMG_4034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK3PazQ9VJYVTtr3qpz68YkeVJ4QdNd4T4yieGIVo5QgUUsu0onYLVlO7IvYlu8MTSH8Zq024_BHlDw8likZFw8C7LDEC7_TRwL-NjaFnnSWQ1o0adFEHd-db29BH-kULpHaFM8GbOA3SU/s320/IMG_4034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Carrie (Akula)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10600824056363672904noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541373874352974240.post-59772603541589871402010-08-04T09:14:00.000-04:002010-08-04T09:14:40.329-04:00Recent Treasury FeaturesAkula Hope Designs has been featured in several treasuries recently! Here they are. Take a look at the treasuries by clicking on the title links and feel free to comment!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c4154cbc9fe8eeff2a46818/yellow-and-gray-on-a-summer-day">Yellow and Gray on a Summer Day </a></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGt6XuVT4whnrQvOW0T4dAOJD3Tcm1ttdLJtTF4yuTy3LC_6slfWoWC16T5g-pGUbvi8qFBLhyonGeZZ1EKxk2HMC080WLcW0GvXZOpC628dwjy7s9MLBoK6yh-cGcFkNT3HqCAMpssAkI/s1600/Yellow+and+Gray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGt6XuVT4whnrQvOW0T4dAOJD3Tcm1ttdLJtTF4yuTy3LC_6slfWoWC16T5g-pGUbvi8qFBLhyonGeZZ1EKxk2HMC080WLcW0GvXZOpC628dwjy7s9MLBoK6yh-cGcFkNT3HqCAMpssAkI/s320/Yellow+and+Gray.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c50f89fbb2d6d91ba07786b/blue-belle">Blue Belle</a></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrTTqLGNUcBRxouwnPZhj20tOYdTTYrPBfb2c5kGZDp9Xyb6j_C73fPIRgmmW_GKlHAFOpTGm4uvFhp8_NYFN5BRSok1UZOshPWDEM6xHxrGiIKfSKV8cO2il3I1xag8m42KLqgZ1NUIi/s1600/Blue+Belle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrTTqLGNUcBRxouwnPZhj20tOYdTTYrPBfb2c5kGZDp9Xyb6j_C73fPIRgmmW_GKlHAFOpTGm4uvFhp8_NYFN5BRSok1UZOshPWDEM6xHxrGiIKfSKV8cO2il3I1xag8m42KLqgZ1NUIi/s320/Blue+Belle.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c5895b5c25c6d91d6aa181b/eat-pray-love">Eat Pray Love</a></b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX3xO2J2LkE9sx7gF2ZH3ELYXnxM2WPLsIM4gveHjalcyFoxGdCUD18mPFVJaw79T3DhlnpZqHhiNMp234Vi3CE3qqxxOzkiCUCLR92ewP1ty3jXuVi7UzEEOa9UitTlTs90V3SpxRdd_1/s1600/Eat+Pray+Love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX3xO2J2LkE9sx7gF2ZH3ELYXnxM2WPLsIM4gveHjalcyFoxGdCUD18mPFVJaw79T3DhlnpZqHhiNMp234Vi3CE3qqxxOzkiCUCLR92ewP1ty3jXuVi7UzEEOa9UitTlTs90V3SpxRdd_1/s320/Eat+Pray+Love.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c464689afa68eef019c8431/its-all-about-chrysanthemums">It's all about Chrysanthemums</a></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_VqF_3BAemdWDdxBtqdDaUOzDpmrZ3WJhyluUXo0BTbFC8pC_EDZHzhNvCT6ofFXqSUbvtRvwcdQSkKtOz3wlfT6XK9DlWooIKp9STQU4eQ8lIjrNTP5Fbk2WDyyMjxBiD4nMCMXrCFcf/s1600/Chrysanthemum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_VqF_3BAemdWDdxBtqdDaUOzDpmrZ3WJhyluUXo0BTbFC8pC_EDZHzhNvCT6ofFXqSUbvtRvwcdQSkKtOz3wlfT6XK9DlWooIKp9STQU4eQ8lIjrNTP5Fbk2WDyyMjxBiD4nMCMXrCFcf/s320/Chrysanthemum.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Carrie (Akula)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10600824056363672904noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541373874352974240.post-36340232354137925592010-07-16T11:50:00.002-04:002010-07-16T11:53:54.997-04:00IndieSpotting Jewelry Giveaway!I very happy to say that <a href="http://www.indiespotting.com/">IndieSpotting</a> (a really cool blog about handmade goods) is doing a giveaway featuring my jewelry! I am offering a pair of my adorable rhodolite garnet twist earrings to the lucky winner. Please take a look at IndieSpotting's fabulous blog and <a href="http://www.indiespotting.com/giveaways-sales/win-akula-hope-designs-giveaway/">enter to win my garnet earrings</a>! Good luck!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWsY4nITFJaRBKP3Gr-etfDvKILwjM0iWpP9aRfblspMzxG3oTE5jRjyXNI452l84B2RH5o9qI0IHM2Wdn_khTPYQ6QP9GBJCmjC3RPEpuuMddunjr8BPqOxS7R71TNsryf9onKYDoKqn/s1600/IMG_3112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWsY4nITFJaRBKP3Gr-etfDvKILwjM0iWpP9aRfblspMzxG3oTE5jRjyXNI452l84B2RH5o9qI0IHM2Wdn_khTPYQ6QP9GBJCmjC3RPEpuuMddunjr8BPqOxS7R71TNsryf9onKYDoKqn/s320/IMG_3112.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2AxSlKuXN8AjDrmmDLzBa-zC00Fi0xQqakqI7d248I-dLfMifOcMZVa9gscYH1_TMfvKCNTk5Miv-kchp7kcNiCSoHZXx14KECnavb01506qAujAD9uTS_65pcp3__wo3JYj25bcpsMd/s1600/IMG_2301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2AxSlKuXN8AjDrmmDLzBa-zC00Fi0xQqakqI7d248I-dLfMifOcMZVa9gscYH1_TMfvKCNTk5Miv-kchp7kcNiCSoHZXx14KECnavb01506qAujAD9uTS_65pcp3__wo3JYj25bcpsMd/s320/IMG_2301.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSKBw-lidhb1hb0fg5OpJzewYsYxQO8QAoU1cHQEdghlJ99QhMKy2TLB3I2d1TG4yEQz7RdYdtLmrdIrLr6FL36sffy3L0yA01POuWb-YSWKwdc-Kvf5_bcQQIawrziwHRulvYhVRTZixk/s1600/IMG_2299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSKBw-lidhb1hb0fg5OpJzewYsYxQO8QAoU1cHQEdghlJ99QhMKy2TLB3I2d1TG4yEQz7RdYdtLmrdIrLr6FL36sffy3L0yA01POuWb-YSWKwdc-Kvf5_bcQQIawrziwHRulvYhVRTZixk/s320/IMG_2299.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Carrie (Akula)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10600824056363672904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541373874352974240.post-56740863782474513292010-07-14T11:02:00.001-04:002010-07-14T11:03:37.702-04:00Jewelry UpdatesThe past couple of weeks have been soooo busy! I had a wonderful time on Sunday at The Elephants Trunk in New Milford, CT. It was my first time having a booth there, and I was a bit scared that I wouldn't sell a thing. Luckily, I was pleasantly surprised! It went really well, and I had a wonderful time meeting some fabulous people. I can't wait for this Sunday!<br />
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I've created a bunch of really cute new designs, so I'd like to share them with you! I'd love to know what you think. You can find them all in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AkulaHopeDesigns">my Etsy shop</a>. I'm always trying out new ideas, and really want to give my customers styles and designs that they love. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to comment! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUK2mYzjtu9Cte3ez0J7ijpPCyVSJHhggHYDMDEH2fotAggsp4maciO88WigNEzfTUyaQu7MCbzjoTB4Wj1s3h5OHWkTSu7L3TXYVYfq5faOocVUvzdH0Ep3-Sy58RfveuIFmeLlxYVtLv/s1600/IMG_3037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUK2mYzjtu9Cte3ez0J7ijpPCyVSJHhggHYDMDEH2fotAggsp4maciO88WigNEzfTUyaQu7MCbzjoTB4Wj1s3h5OHWkTSu7L3TXYVYfq5faOocVUvzdH0Ep3-Sy58RfveuIFmeLlxYVtLv/s320/IMG_3037.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Garnet Bar Necklace</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFTX4hNoIaiMTc-gInTglr3TCfQOl_T1iEo_LrUk6DWBro01WvdLNHgiy7DhZkg60Z4ZS4lLxx6b7TfI8EKvK5by8NE2cUP473OsaoDFTbFC-kNWEfwFrFjom1gEoCI5FpZ4Ww894iz85Y/s1600/IMG_3047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFTX4hNoIaiMTc-gInTglr3TCfQOl_T1iEo_LrUk6DWBro01WvdLNHgiy7DhZkg60Z4ZS4lLxx6b7TfI8EKvK5by8NE2cUP473OsaoDFTbFC-kNWEfwFrFjom1gEoCI5FpZ4Ww894iz85Y/s320/IMG_3047.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Garnet Bar Bracelet</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydlOgT4Hf9BZYoZzTcTv9BAZCBXcfvn2j1U6s4-r8jsj2LbBPygq_zHtPPsnAYIGtW6fMii1bWTGGIOp2L85K0dVZUMS8SjjoHStEp72ENzpeuQm_qQ4yTRDxOF2dG71GS4AISLk38Apy/s1600/IMG_3131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydlOgT4Hf9BZYoZzTcTv9BAZCBXcfvn2j1U6s4-r8jsj2LbBPygq_zHtPPsnAYIGtW6fMii1bWTGGIOp2L85K0dVZUMS8SjjoHStEp72ENzpeuQm_qQ4yTRDxOF2dG71GS4AISLk38Apy/s320/IMG_3131.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pearl Bar Necklace</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6C9NgI_TK4T7H3D9SErxcl-j6Ra3a5K6pl83kztf-ED5RpC-12eooVIASWIE05FBxJGSoaoJ5eiBHJWh8QWLu1X_Gi0toyt6pJK4OMjdc16jilsswq3FekomjlMjAVYWhP6gXBinnod9X/s1600/IMG_3115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6C9NgI_TK4T7H3D9SErxcl-j6Ra3a5K6pl83kztf-ED5RpC-12eooVIASWIE05FBxJGSoaoJ5eiBHJWh8QWLu1X_Gi0toyt6pJK4OMjdc16jilsswq3FekomjlMjAVYWhP6gXBinnod9X/s320/IMG_3115.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pearl Bar Bracelet</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ws-VbOwrj50ppSnZk95ZlY_P8fpvIGxxOCzGe72BULzdO0x7UWvzhynYqURkveu6tl25dC3NvpO-MfGq83nkNW_LW6gq-vl2zrY8alMvP4SbeZhG9SibnL6HD8F8Axxkiw5yT-psPskd/s1600/IMG_3080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ws-VbOwrj50ppSnZk95ZlY_P8fpvIGxxOCzGe72BULzdO0x7UWvzhynYqURkveu6tl25dC3NvpO-MfGq83nkNW_LW6gq-vl2zrY8alMvP4SbeZhG9SibnL6HD8F8Axxkiw5yT-psPskd/s320/IMG_3080.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Moonstone Bar Necklace</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEdCpD9Rw6a0c7Aq4REayiAq2R2q_aagw0SCeNrQG-fCp0T_80vmQCUJBI8bvBAIs1DuWZRCUVYf7REXkqOBXHVmfW_Pbp4uNDS3rnPZ2dkTA7azqBVBE_XAhhMQcaqaKuRcUAnfziPvQd/s1600/IMG_3063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEdCpD9Rw6a0c7Aq4REayiAq2R2q_aagw0SCeNrQG-fCp0T_80vmQCUJBI8bvBAIs1DuWZRCUVYf7REXkqOBXHVmfW_Pbp4uNDS3rnPZ2dkTA7azqBVBE_XAhhMQcaqaKuRcUAnfziPvQd/s320/IMG_3063.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Moonstone Bar Bracelet</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmevfzUJGy_Heq9bOU2tWmGsaK53UUaJSoEen4Y0LNcWkjEz0z7xM03q-YBtECkqGgA6waYlBjHlW8Xlvv-aD1JCy2_NE5ar0I270TD5AG-NXpJSdEo8wnhYOgqiyu_UjgYD6oXyIKIhZ/s1600/IMG_2973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmevfzUJGy_Heq9bOU2tWmGsaK53UUaJSoEen4Y0LNcWkjEz0z7xM03q-YBtECkqGgA6waYlBjHlW8Xlvv-aD1JCy2_NE5ar0I270TD5AG-NXpJSdEo8wnhYOgqiyu_UjgYD6oXyIKIhZ/s320/IMG_2973.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Garnet Drop Earrings</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKi9i4zyIbRBiOmM7SEHHOJ0Y6lDZcYPgnFgSuehTLsGSV8gtyXvz35hB3MA2oSBYystaBT9HxZokcrLV9SSinIjz6OVMjyJ_sbTYh60REboWazC06WJMDcQXIiUWhXuPlSdVLg8LRWh4Z/s1600/IMG_2855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKi9i4zyIbRBiOmM7SEHHOJ0Y6lDZcYPgnFgSuehTLsGSV8gtyXvz35hB3MA2oSBYystaBT9HxZokcrLV9SSinIjz6OVMjyJ_sbTYh60REboWazC06WJMDcQXIiUWhXuPlSdVLg8LRWh4Z/s320/IMG_2855.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bird in Flight Charm Necklace</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmFZpqKMaeoCtVZn3JsyWnXP7maYZeuD6fbwBX2yfwESWYQ2rAAv5WwqCmaNr0dHDjGOpGemMxberXnFRwA58dS3ZOdkZh_NrPV8RAb-TCbHryGuLQzsBemTg6sihLTqpM0LDhFus-hCt/s1600/IMG_2866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmFZpqKMaeoCtVZn3JsyWnXP7maYZeuD6fbwBX2yfwESWYQ2rAAv5WwqCmaNr0dHDjGOpGemMxberXnFRwA58dS3ZOdkZh_NrPV8RAb-TCbHryGuLQzsBemTg6sihLTqpM0LDhFus-hCt/s320/IMG_2866.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tree of Life Charm Necklace</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I've also made some cute vintage inspired hair pins! These were a huge hit at The Elephants Trunk.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JXJ2JWdueOlAjM0M1E3YH_7rQglz0mLrlCyFWliIDfhBdJSYIVingWvwQnIKVKHtGSvKPZtEnE-CFivkPKXNPmAobwOhJF_TRgabmHTUeBZNRyovcnNv9MzHgY-lCbGCfyL8v6zsxrnm/s1600/IMG_2780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JXJ2JWdueOlAjM0M1E3YH_7rQglz0mLrlCyFWliIDfhBdJSYIVingWvwQnIKVKHtGSvKPZtEnE-CFivkPKXNPmAobwOhJF_TRgabmHTUeBZNRyovcnNv9MzHgY-lCbGCfyL8v6zsxrnm/s320/IMG_2780.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWNKLd8n_oiJqlk8hG_iCjYGWi2G0zoAm4VL5H8eVtO7QsMYeybgWndc0F9wGsK-C3PaX3iNnXG4wONt3JG5e50lfStSdjSJCthIDmf6y4Cu1RXXX2PyLwDLesBRBH_p9XQUw1WOTSZtv/s1600/IMG_2779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWNKLd8n_oiJqlk8hG_iCjYGWi2G0zoAm4VL5H8eVtO7QsMYeybgWndc0F9wGsK-C3PaX3iNnXG4wONt3JG5e50lfStSdjSJCthIDmf6y4Cu1RXXX2PyLwDLesBRBH_p9XQUw1WOTSZtv/s320/IMG_2779.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Carrie (Akula)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10600824056363672904noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541373874352974240.post-43833901367564058532010-06-21T18:38:00.002-04:002010-06-21T18:44:01.588-04:004th of July is coming!!!In honor of the upcoming Independence Day holiday, I have put together a new Etsy Treasury that features our wonderful Red, White & Blue! It really is a beautiful assortment of items. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c1a2f550cfd8eef8490ff8e/red-white-and-blue">Click here</a> to visit this treasury on Etsy. I'd love your opinions!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_GzHGQe_fR5aqLGxYwY_vMSd5g-lyFVCoI-eiJ2u-LAOVxV3uS2DiJHBuYNUdrD9ZsUIU1uwsWRiJuNG7Rb6F4rl6FBJz-3SywZd0uvDMq_nI0_fwaHh7iU-nU1TCNjGOICJ6BRIvyjl/s1600/RedWhiteBlue+Treasury2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_GzHGQe_fR5aqLGxYwY_vMSd5g-lyFVCoI-eiJ2u-LAOVxV3uS2DiJHBuYNUdrD9ZsUIU1uwsWRiJuNG7Rb6F4rl6FBJz-3SywZd0uvDMq_nI0_fwaHh7iU-nU1TCNjGOICJ6BRIvyjl/s400/RedWhiteBlue+Treasury2.jpg" width="373" /></a></div><br />
Please also take a moment to browse the shops of these featured items, and give them some love!<br />
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Retro Nautical Bobby Pins: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ReneeLoughlin">ReneeLoughlin</a><br />
Handmade Fold Art, House No. 2: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mooshoopork">mooshoopork</a><br />
Striped Pillowcase Dress: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/thetrendybaby">The Trendy Baby</a><br />
Coral, Pottery & Crystal Necklace: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/magnolia62">magnolia62</a><br />
Birds Gone Patriotic: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/psitsinthedetails">P.S. It's in the Details</a><br />
Tattoo Sparrow Heart Necklace: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/wickedminky">Wicked Minky</a><br />
Garden on Mars: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bitowhimsey">Bit o' Whimsy</a><br />
Recycled Tin Earrings: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/fluxplay">fluxplay</a><br />
Independence Day Pinwheel: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/rule42">rule42 </a><br />
Retro Apron: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HeatherBays">HeatherBays</a><br />
Star Charm Bracelet: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/cuteandfun">cuteandfun</a><br />
Red, White & Blue Circle Headband: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/eskidivine">Eski Divine</a><br />
Red, White & Blue Rosette Clip: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/elemedey">elemedey</a><br />
Fabric Flower Cluster Pin: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/gogalmade">gogalmade</a><br />
Blue Gingham Box: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ThePoshEvent">ThePoshEvent</a><br />
Embossed Stars: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/papertreats">papertreats</a>Carrie (Akula)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10600824056363672904noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541373874352974240.post-45593347774619701492010-06-16T10:51:00.003-04:002010-06-16T11:01:10.755-04:00HK PhotographyI have to tell you all about our wedding photographers <a href="http://www.hk-photography.com/">HK Photography</a>. We absolutely loved working with Hubert and Alka. I was really drawn to their photojournalistic style, professionalism and laid back personalities. Once we met them in person, we knew that they were a great fit for us.<br />
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Last June we did an engagement session with them at Elizabeth Park Rose Garden in Hartford, CT. It's soooo hard to just choose a few photos to show you, but here are some of our favorites from that day. Even when we had to hold a smooch for 20 seconds, they made us feel completely at ease. It was actually so much fun!.... not just the smooching, but also the picture taking. :-)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEwpDfYfo66DgvsLvoh0WF8Fdtfm8rT860BiWhVjV4v4cWFDrdU4Qk0fdtGd6BA5-kP7FrWSBvw7Eu4jcfuPiwsOFbNDdz2lfy0UthZAC3A5Q-jF9FgCOYLtoMcNCgppQtFTiUe0Sko3r-/s1600/CJ+%2868%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEwpDfYfo66DgvsLvoh0WF8Fdtfm8rT860BiWhVjV4v4cWFDrdU4Qk0fdtGd6BA5-kP7FrWSBvw7Eu4jcfuPiwsOFbNDdz2lfy0UthZAC3A5Q-jF9FgCOYLtoMcNCgppQtFTiUe0Sko3r-/s320/CJ+%2868%29.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZEtAKhUk0m8c05LPL_uFiYSeIZM0AXaYBGXh-9k8jzRvdR5QOXNW0P2LQ3RIm3S264x_4HagGddAUoTNsPsmScfw29xnomXQyjCfiZg2MsE5myoWGlzTu3toLs3KhoCWKZmQAWrT00x_C/s1600/CJ+%28124%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZEtAKhUk0m8c05LPL_uFiYSeIZM0AXaYBGXh-9k8jzRvdR5QOXNW0P2LQ3RIm3S264x_4HagGddAUoTNsPsmScfw29xnomXQyjCfiZg2MsE5myoWGlzTu3toLs3KhoCWKZmQAWrT00x_C/s320/CJ+%28124%29.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHiWoLiX0mmluYa7zb0lOxQyn_oGzamL0YJ2RfN7UvTRs-RIr-hta2XXgYowLBOKbJzgFsbY7YuIgxPV8wHxC9sSFXUXE0sVvSQ68sEip_r8PeXSGqxpqmKZxNExv0MTI_fTgqeuerKZow/s1600/CJ+%28126%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHiWoLiX0mmluYa7zb0lOxQyn_oGzamL0YJ2RfN7UvTRs-RIr-hta2XXgYowLBOKbJzgFsbY7YuIgxPV8wHxC9sSFXUXE0sVvSQ68sEip_r8PeXSGqxpqmKZxNExv0MTI_fTgqeuerKZow/s320/CJ+%28126%29.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0_3J3pGz6tLoq8VguMUrh_8a96lPxZX7zyh6hSvkeqKBDn0HXsSDMqagjUyFIA4JGpzh2o29jlY8Y0knCNkeaHHM55n24lypdm4aXtyU8suBnOi_IjBALgc1qlmYqt9t7o7zxcbI_U_3/s1600/CJ+%2845%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0_3J3pGz6tLoq8VguMUrh_8a96lPxZX7zyh6hSvkeqKBDn0HXsSDMqagjUyFIA4JGpzh2o29jlY8Y0knCNkeaHHM55n24lypdm4aXtyU8suBnOi_IjBALgc1qlmYqt9t7o7zxcbI_U_3/s320/CJ+%2845%29.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLf8q5z7x9dUrkN7eNq9WlHz313YbpRBM-ESUPWqyQp7wlMzgF6WfZP9Ia-yjrfvN4OyBPlhCH8JvYYt5OgImoIvrt4y7YXzBEr8z8-ddc4j5c6IZXUsMiIbgpZdPzaoO0L8fgl9hNL4k/s1600/CJ+%2847%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLf8q5z7x9dUrkN7eNq9WlHz313YbpRBM-ESUPWqyQp7wlMzgF6WfZP9Ia-yjrfvN4OyBPlhCH8JvYYt5OgImoIvrt4y7YXzBEr8z8-ddc4j5c6IZXUsMiIbgpZdPzaoO0L8fgl9hNL4k/s320/CJ+%2847%29.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3F9McrE1xpF1rqz4C_guDCqwYxItR9oAougWE8rdyNxmrwDAOBkCww5_SK-g9VGa8nLFCdLyG4HzLEVQfGG9vB3TwDpmnbvElwhqo72Kgak-ttAWq-A0nStHPZJ141VsSDwc2M7C8KFnv/s1600/CJ+%2856%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3F9McrE1xpF1rqz4C_guDCqwYxItR9oAougWE8rdyNxmrwDAOBkCww5_SK-g9VGa8nLFCdLyG4HzLEVQfGG9vB3TwDpmnbvElwhqo72Kgak-ttAWq-A0nStHPZJ141VsSDwc2M7C8KFnv/s320/CJ+%2856%29.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Hubert and Alka just sent us some<a href="http://blog.hk-photography.com/"> teaser pics from our wedding</a>. (Note: Their blog page views best for me in Firefox versus Internet Explorer. It does load in IE, but it takes a bit of time... views best in compatibility mode too.) I think the photos are fabulous! Now that the wedding is over, and it's really just a memory, we have realized how important it is to have truly talented photographers. They have not only captured these priceless moments for us on film, but they were able to get the emotion and love that we were feeling on that day. I feel so lucky that we will have these pictures to remember our wonderful and special day by.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSHoZ34hghAmGvW_pH5KwBdp7PgLCEplvXWWNpupmRntS0BJD9WeuGJIE6nwmoHwCR_GA0Erzdy6q9b2lCFog-jqW3sVEt3C9V6Lx-gl-fc9REGfk1S7G7X2APdAoEyi640kgWDsC0TKG/s1600/12JC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSHoZ34hghAmGvW_pH5KwBdp7PgLCEplvXWWNpupmRntS0BJD9WeuGJIE6nwmoHwCR_GA0Erzdy6q9b2lCFog-jqW3sVEt3C9V6Lx-gl-fc9REGfk1S7G7X2APdAoEyi640kgWDsC0TKG/s320/12JC.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_k5tX5zdg2pEMCUN8jM6lXOaDudVWnh7_n8ZQW72hc3YgUI2NkyAvl9xG2kglcfwvoYdztyGb-5c_5Qfk-eYDDtJ0VLx7WELBPEQ_Y_4LHQ-GEpDZSryYd_esN7myR-IDeqf9L42i9Uj4/s1600/16JC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_k5tX5zdg2pEMCUN8jM6lXOaDudVWnh7_n8ZQW72hc3YgUI2NkyAvl9xG2kglcfwvoYdztyGb-5c_5Qfk-eYDDtJ0VLx7WELBPEQ_Y_4LHQ-GEpDZSryYd_esN7myR-IDeqf9L42i9Uj4/s320/16JC.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNywDQxxh4BYL8VZ5sxMz3tQtOe8Ql8mc4rq6qSkQ3CUJGccO9W8N3nuIE2LWLl7UjnARI4GK8VfBzz71U1k3WDTe4q-6HQTO94pgKUXXTf1sSX63lK3UyKq_df6iHZCTiOWwxMahpImrs/s1600/13JC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNywDQxxh4BYL8VZ5sxMz3tQtOe8Ql8mc4rq6qSkQ3CUJGccO9W8N3nuIE2LWLl7UjnARI4GK8VfBzz71U1k3WDTe4q-6HQTO94pgKUXXTf1sSX63lK3UyKq_df6iHZCTiOWwxMahpImrs/s320/13JC.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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If you're local to the CT, NY and RI area, I highly recommend <a href="http://www.hk-photography.com/">HK Photography</a> to capture your special day!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Carrie (Akula)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10600824056363672904noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541373874352974240.post-80267128340992401182010-06-08T20:47:00.002-04:002010-06-08T21:23:39.597-04:00New Jewelry DesignsI really wanted to post on my blog more often, but I've been busy!!! I've been making lots of jewelry, so here's a quick peek at some of what I've been up to. I hope you like the new pieces! You can find them on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AkulaHopeDesigns">my Etsy site</a>.<br />
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This <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/48645560/madeira-citrine-charm-necklace">first necklace</a> was a custom order for my friend Mukta. It features a lotus charm, dream charm and wire wrapped Madeira citrine rondelles.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSolfvMenoFGQJZMLQpv-8oBEnRNDWqieA61OEU6LB9KGIAP_kokkktd-TrDNCUuxyGyy5q6xsqPgswGcI3TBu9x5wzqByXiQ_ajJKC2yuRzv-Bv-HJCGd7fQUyFIiOtMpf6HkTY7CAPQf/s1600/IMG_2226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSolfvMenoFGQJZMLQpv-8oBEnRNDWqieA61OEU6LB9KGIAP_kokkktd-TrDNCUuxyGyy5q6xsqPgswGcI3TBu9x5wzqByXiQ_ajJKC2yuRzv-Bv-HJCGd7fQUyFIiOtMpf6HkTY7CAPQf/s200/IMG_2226.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCNAl_o948D8AtSbURbRED8mTiIuUyqFCW2sZZ3Xylj_bJWTkf5BR6Qt1KGDk_mh3ymXIOvfNkOOuIpxehwLF62dVKkKpj9sZMuU8QaQQo-ezVxb9uU-e71TWXe1wnqAtzdAKDUKzDv_M/s1600/IMG_2232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCNAl_o948D8AtSbURbRED8mTiIuUyqFCW2sZZ3Xylj_bJWTkf5BR6Qt1KGDk_mh3ymXIOvfNkOOuIpxehwLF62dVKkKpj9sZMuU8QaQQo-ezVxb9uU-e71TWXe1wnqAtzdAKDUKzDv_M/s200/IMG_2232.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91IsBPHztLQDdNkaT1EeubyB_7GhqaDmzANcWJ3nuUutlAUG9qXsa7dyfwnrdIBfgc4_hGmnNQBEugtp_eT_ufX_dpIKfVQd8syEYywgSFtuMhCWnB6M7RwDzY68BJkJ_pCYTbqWComlz/s1600/IMG_2229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91IsBPHztLQDdNkaT1EeubyB_7GhqaDmzANcWJ3nuUutlAUG9qXsa7dyfwnrdIBfgc4_hGmnNQBEugtp_eT_ufX_dpIKfVQd8syEYywgSFtuMhCWnB6M7RwDzY68BJkJ_pCYTbqWComlz/s200/IMG_2229.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
These are<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/48957648/rhodolite-garnet-twist-earrings"> rhodolite garnet earrings</a> on a silver twist ring.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYN9NHpo4M07Zo60QwLan38VFe9W-9PTIUQkutn-9myrUoq4Su2S6b8zYy483xcEzMQrNXBz1ler9HSZw8oOQXzfwldJRQ5ipXaxZL_Y97_-N_1Wf9SVeZFqLLUHPsaXbPbsp3f0aN5Wry/s1600/IMG_2300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYN9NHpo4M07Zo60QwLan38VFe9W-9PTIUQkutn-9myrUoq4Su2S6b8zYy483xcEzMQrNXBz1ler9HSZw8oOQXzfwldJRQ5ipXaxZL_Y97_-N_1Wf9SVeZFqLLUHPsaXbPbsp3f0aN5Wry/s200/IMG_2300.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzWCRU-2ok6DPnFzPoEW36ZnSQciw95ISKdNeATcbcPLO5NbvfuC451ZUPlHEE1seggfJtbPO7cR9cdqHCAxfK9vsYXc_EGx_pkzcguq9ak7IAfccZXQIvybgFDORM7Rv00xFSOWQ9Bg_/s1600/IMG_2301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzWCRU-2ok6DPnFzPoEW36ZnSQciw95ISKdNeATcbcPLO5NbvfuC451ZUPlHEE1seggfJtbPO7cR9cdqHCAxfK9vsYXc_EGx_pkzcguq9ak7IAfccZXQIvybgFDORM7Rv00xFSOWQ9Bg_/s200/IMG_2301.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LJ3C3hqA6R7aFLMUoWO97mzUpu8H2A61_2LmNxPOEhc1NuPp_nuoXEoAUp8sqcLBD08SLdWrQTfMkjAtyPXMHnHj8KsHmESEBjVn-sjsp6BdwVNISFZIgDDPP_z2kHhT10SZwxCi-U9w/s1600/IMG_2304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LJ3C3hqA6R7aFLMUoWO97mzUpu8H2A61_2LmNxPOEhc1NuPp_nuoXEoAUp8sqcLBD08SLdWrQTfMkjAtyPXMHnHj8KsHmESEBjVn-sjsp6BdwVNISFZIgDDPP_z2kHhT10SZwxCi-U9w/s200/IMG_2304.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
I made this <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/49014243/blue-chalcedony-cascade-necklace">chalcedony necklace</a> for my Chinese tea ceremony attendants at my wedding. They loved the necklaces.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_OWmN_JiIbOcLI1MQ5uuNgCmkA93Pp02Uf8JZr_rMpqbTWJbTgRTEX-T3oxYXmuXU5TbcAMr4ebARc7FJED_vTeQaSljh59GRia9DnIPdqxNnqAZd9lTA0deDVsaPqR5TKexbgQv-rre/s1600/IMG_2375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_OWmN_JiIbOcLI1MQ5uuNgCmkA93Pp02Uf8JZr_rMpqbTWJbTgRTEX-T3oxYXmuXU5TbcAMr4ebARc7FJED_vTeQaSljh59GRia9DnIPdqxNnqAZd9lTA0deDVsaPqR5TKexbgQv-rre/s200/IMG_2375.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQrTWMRmWR2CbyU0ZxJzlo7XnmSUxW5t6A5rDQeQynuqnXcqDM3pVyS5XwBDR15-z9SwssmiGMyqgLasT8Rnl7oEBdSTgK8Uqd9at4dNHVWUTbYL6SewRxKC2AZQ9apQ0PmTpHDwfr6Wk/s1600/IMG_2382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQrTWMRmWR2CbyU0ZxJzlo7XnmSUxW5t6A5rDQeQynuqnXcqDM3pVyS5XwBDR15-z9SwssmiGMyqgLasT8Rnl7oEBdSTgK8Uqd9at4dNHVWUTbYL6SewRxKC2AZQ9apQ0PmTpHDwfr6Wk/s200/IMG_2382.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6ixaeVYayMWcNZ3z72gG89Tp56pHzi0WqJuRUCKGc7HV-HmczjXXsoQN6YBwTgClUFcWGCLJBnNO0OpqksKcxcVp-wAaHo5FYnlN71e7myHVWmKrv1KMBk2J_iVuHp7Stt2Am1N-ewqd/s1600/IMG_2347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6ixaeVYayMWcNZ3z72gG89Tp56pHzi0WqJuRUCKGc7HV-HmczjXXsoQN6YBwTgClUFcWGCLJBnNO0OpqksKcxcVp-wAaHo5FYnlN71e7myHVWmKrv1KMBk2J_iVuHp7Stt2Am1N-ewqd/s200/IMG_2347.JPG" width="200" /></a></div> <br />
These <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/47995298/garnet-teardrop-cluster-earrings">rhodolite garnet cluster earrings</a> were originally made for my bridesmaids. So cute!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqV5hTJQIZq2g9Aj6U-MnYe1QY2andJNncG_xUMKAMqZpCE-vCxZuHFfbidwRqKh_txJwusv0TUcViDtDwIfbHzY50eqGuTY0kILCMhgt9yzEPeOcw4kTynbd76zahYuNKTVYwCDM3Ynd/s1600/Garnet+Drop+Close+Up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqV5hTJQIZq2g9Aj6U-MnYe1QY2andJNncG_xUMKAMqZpCE-vCxZuHFfbidwRqKh_txJwusv0TUcViDtDwIfbHzY50eqGuTY0kILCMhgt9yzEPeOcw4kTynbd76zahYuNKTVYwCDM3Ynd/s200/Garnet+Drop+Close+Up.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPeHRU4XJmp30K7cB4b_Y708UUFnGplx7MkdB3DWR9BhtFiKmBcH4UkaQgM3ThNMf4HtDruB0mvUrLyBs42BRAAQpp9TMB3lEkMYJ_Ejuy50iaMmWJekJ18eCotTeQpX_HqW4V2NWNtye/s1600/IMG_2056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPeHRU4XJmp30K7cB4b_Y708UUFnGplx7MkdB3DWR9BhtFiKmBcH4UkaQgM3ThNMf4HtDruB0mvUrLyBs42BRAAQpp9TMB3lEkMYJ_Ejuy50iaMmWJekJ18eCotTeQpX_HqW4V2NWNtye/s200/IMG_2056.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsp3SD2XaPwKcnfNsYPRVEBLTmOgTWxGE3BmJQUIs_adL2MSL64qBQVyR56VCEP7cKf02-Psv4cj6wanqTyftA_sdrsJesbh95kieHvtdTUSVoUEjUvPeMeXb1nKvFRJr-OMVnPIRDFWtq/s1600/Garnet+Drop+Close+Up2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsp3SD2XaPwKcnfNsYPRVEBLTmOgTWxGE3BmJQUIs_adL2MSL64qBQVyR56VCEP7cKf02-Psv4cj6wanqTyftA_sdrsJesbh95kieHvtdTUSVoUEjUvPeMeXb1nKvFRJr-OMVnPIRDFWtq/s200/Garnet+Drop+Close+Up2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Carrie (Akula)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10600824056363672904noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541373874352974240.post-47752736997895690262010-06-02T11:52:00.002-04:002010-06-02T20:38:30.764-04:00Etsy Seller Daniel M... review! It's time for another Etsy seller review! In continuation of my wedding theme, I purchased the necklaces for my bridesmaids from Daniel M (<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/danielmjewelry">danielmjewelry</a> on Etsy). Being a jewelry maker myself, I knew I wanted to have some input in the design of the necklaces. I don't have a bench set up in my workspace right now, so I knew that I needed to find someone else that would be willing to make something custom for me. Of course my first choice was to find someone on Etsy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRF9UT9ZXjhGxmEwa23vqX-2QmXoD82tnFhabxBq2cwIWK61MiPgpOoOaPMkmtng4UDwBS0hNbc9wx0024pSX2ewdDy0NfMUWtUKjMPf-UrbyriZiGU_SSgG-rdt4s9itgrRaKAeM-V9Cm/s1600/Bridesmaid+Necklaces1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRF9UT9ZXjhGxmEwa23vqX-2QmXoD82tnFhabxBq2cwIWK61MiPgpOoOaPMkmtng4UDwBS0hNbc9wx0024pSX2ewdDy0NfMUWtUKjMPf-UrbyriZiGU_SSgG-rdt4s9itgrRaKAeM-V9Cm/s320/Bridesmaid+Necklaces1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I contacted Daniel M Jewelry because some of their jewelry contained design elements that I had envisioned for my necklaces. Caren responded that they were totally open to tailoring a design that fit exactly what I was looking for. We came up with a beaded bezel set pendant on a rolo chain. The pendants were set with BEAUTIFUL rhodolite garnets. I knew the necklaces would turn out fabulous, so I couldn't resist ordering one for myself too! I opted to get a deep purple amethyst to match the purple in our wedding colors.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsU_12vZ9f4fGvKF3wgRTtI26Cq9DyF5Sc-fLhyz-C3hjMzOea0yydcJjpn4uHooolfy0aS-GyHL0IPQe4paA9hOQEk1-LQxVt34x16thfEh2_VC8Y3l3T7sNMTHMaxh0RWL9w4rZrJwh0/s1600/Bridesmaid+Necklaces3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsU_12vZ9f4fGvKF3wgRTtI26Cq9DyF5Sc-fLhyz-C3hjMzOea0yydcJjpn4uHooolfy0aS-GyHL0IPQe4paA9hOQEk1-LQxVt34x16thfEh2_VC8Y3l3T7sNMTHMaxh0RWL9w4rZrJwh0/s320/Bridesmaid+Necklaces3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuaU7SE6JS5uvqLFbdPEY1NLJbzDr5TiTZ_SyRiOU28vNE6F8nNlaO8kjo2EIXyQMamY76w7dhibUdKbdz4jhHFRshyphenhyphen5A47UfCp6a6WZbh9vLhHrkACRWTlZvRqZpj1XA-fqDpfd_P7Hk/s1600/Bridesmaid+Necklaces2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuaU7SE6JS5uvqLFbdPEY1NLJbzDr5TiTZ_SyRiOU28vNE6F8nNlaO8kjo2EIXyQMamY76w7dhibUdKbdz4jhHFRshyphenhyphen5A47UfCp6a6WZbh9vLhHrkACRWTlZvRqZpj1XA-fqDpfd_P7Hk/s320/Bridesmaid+Necklaces2.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lrFHs2alwp47Akw42by2jMB1JuTRAKpgqYKTJimsmtlou1iu3CIlAzMsNXXDZHfyFEydhRx1_PuJj3od8ou4kJ-PU52mi6mbtw_D3WzAKsXHdnxRD0T6jTojbzkDhU6rwgqZMF-CNNMd/s1600/Bridesmaid+Necklaces5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lrFHs2alwp47Akw42by2jMB1JuTRAKpgqYKTJimsmtlou1iu3CIlAzMsNXXDZHfyFEydhRx1_PuJj3od8ou4kJ-PU52mi6mbtw_D3WzAKsXHdnxRD0T6jTojbzkDhU6rwgqZMF-CNNMd/s320/Bridesmaid+Necklaces5.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I have nothing but amazing things to say about Daniel M. Their workmanship is top notch, and Caren was an absolutely delight to correspond with. I highly recommend them!<br />
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Find Daniel M at....<br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/danielmjewelry">Daniel M on Etsy</a><br />
<a href="http://danielmjewelry.blogspot.com/">Daniel M on Blogger</a><br />
<a href="http://twitter.com/danielmjewels">Daniel M on Twitter</a>Carrie (Akula)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10600824056363672904noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541373874352974240.post-62458846609101633922010-05-28T10:50:00.002-04:002010-06-02T20:39:28.883-04:00Rave Review for Digital Media Odyssey (and a Sneak Peek of our wedding video!)When I first started planning our wedding, I knew that I wanted a photographer to capture the day. One of my very good friends asked me if I was also going to have a videographer. I told her that I thought that was one of the places we could save some money, so we weren't going to. She then proceeded to tell me how happy she was that she had gotten a videographer for her wedding. Even though she tried to savor every moment of the day, it flew by so fast. She loved being able to watch the video and take the time to really relive her wedding AND there were so many moments that she would have never seen if it weren't for the video. Okay.... she convinced me. I would probably regret it if I didn't have a video of our wedding.<br />
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So, then began my search for the perfect videographer. I scoured the wedding websites for recommendations and did tons of my own searches online. I have to admit that many of the videographers that I came across were... less than stellar. The number of wedding clips that I saw that contained Celine Dion songs and questionable editing was staggering! Did these people have their 5 year old nephew shoot the footage?<br />
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THEN... I hit the jackpot. I happened upon the website of <a href="http://www.dmodyssey.com/">Digital Media Odyssey</a>. Owner Matt Fink blew my mind away with his portfolio. I can honestly say that Matt has a divine gift for filming and editing the special moments in people's lives. Here I was watching clips of strangers' weddings and getting teary-eyed! It truly was beauty in motion. I could feel the happiness and love that those people were experiencing... and the music! Matt just knows how to set life to music. It was truly touching. I was sold.<br />
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Jumping ahead, Matt was wonderful on the day of our wedding. He's just one of those people that makes you smile. He's completely professional and at the same time makes you feel like it's your best buddy filming you. He made me feel comfortable and even brought me a few chuckles after my near 'trip' down the stairs.... yes, I admit it! I almost took a nose dive down the stairs during the bridal party introductions at our reception, but that's a story for another blog post!<br />
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Matt sent me an email the other day to let me know that he had posted a <a href="http://www.dmodyssey.com/blog/2010/5/26/carrie-and-jeremy-sneak-peek.html">Sneak Peek video of our wedding </a>on DMO's blog. What a wonderful surprise to get only a few weeks after our wedding! I did not anticipate seeing any footage until well after the wedding. Okay, I have another admission to make. I think I've watched that video a good.... umm... ten times in the past two days and had tears brought to my eyes quite a few of those times! The Sneak Peek is beautiful. I can't thank Matt enough, and I can't wait to see the full one! I know it will be amazing.<br />
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If you happen to live in the Connecticut or New York area and are looking for a videographer, I highly recommend <a href="http://www.dmodyssey.com/">Digital Media Odyssey</a>. There is no doubt in my mind that they will fulfill all your expectations and create you the perfect keepsake from your special day.<br />
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<a href="http://www.dmodyssey.com/">http://www.dmodyssey.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.dmodyssey.com/blog/2010/5/26/carrie-and-jeremy-sneak-peek.html">http://www.dmodyssey.com/blog/2010/5/26/carrie-and-jeremy-sneak-peek.html</a>Carrie (Akula)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10600824056363672904noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541373874352974240.post-10660714737698652772010-05-27T20:15:00.005-04:002010-06-02T20:40:56.257-04:00I'm Married!!!I know it's been a while since I was last here, but I'm back AND I'm married!!!! After more than a year of planning, planning and more planning our big day finally came. We had a beautiful wedding. It was really such a wonderful and special day.<br />
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In the morning my soon-to-be husband and I went to Bulls Bridge in Kent, CT. We wanted to have a little morning ceremony, just the two of us. During our engagement we contemplated what marriage meant to us and what qualities we wanted our marriage to embody. We created offerings that we would make to the river that represented those qualities. It was a bit chilly out, but we had so much fun! I can't wait to see the pro pics that our photographers <a href="http://www.hk-photography.com/">HK Photography</a> took there. Here's one that my friend Beth took.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbxeAjii9wHgajkfhT7l4KW9T61suhTE8ENdp4xxGFy6tUv2zEExlM_hKFFw6m6eRgvCPZU1j5iX_Ff-ahXTAljWGbc-nN0xLovGcjo5f65LCoRrArYrnyRSj2NYTouOypQCEZwnxryyk/s1600/4.1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbxeAjii9wHgajkfhT7l4KW9T61suhTE8ENdp4xxGFy6tUv2zEExlM_hKFFw6m6eRgvCPZU1j5iX_Ff-ahXTAljWGbc-nN0xLovGcjo5f65LCoRrArYrnyRSj2NYTouOypQCEZwnxryyk/s320/4.1.JPG" /></a></div>You can't tell from the picture, but I'm wearing the FABULOUS headband that KimArt made for me. I mentioned it in my <a href="http://akulahopedesigns.blogspot.com/2010/05/rave-for-etsy-seller-kim-art.html">previous post</a>.<br />
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After our hiking trail fun, it was time for our wedding ceremony and reception. We held both at the beautiful Lounsbury House in Ridgefield, CT.<br />
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Thank you to everyone that helped make our day a special one! I couldn't have asked for a day that was more perfect (aside from the cold and wind, but we braved it like troopers!!!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxF8qq4ElEe6DO8Ni2ddxj6PKwHnYzSaowosL4KhvFoNft9VHSEkgSYQ8CuOu__22FCN9xFR9kIcNHmn2wA67qSmADXEWCQJ6SDYrD3eRWgL-iMNuRDLSj3UYM6lHvQ_4lKC__z4eBWS7m/s1600/6.2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxF8qq4ElEe6DO8Ni2ddxj6PKwHnYzSaowosL4KhvFoNft9VHSEkgSYQ8CuOu__22FCN9xFR9kIcNHmn2wA67qSmADXEWCQJ6SDYrD3eRWgL-iMNuRDLSj3UYM6lHvQ_4lKC__z4eBWS7m/s320/6.2.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Stay tuned for my upcoming posts! Now that the wedding is over, I'm going to fill you in on the rest of my DIY projects and introduce you to some of my AMAZING vendors. First up will be our videographer Matt Fink of Digital Media Odyssey. He's truly gifted.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxF8qq4ElEe6DO8Ni2ddxj6PKwHnYzSaowosL4KhvFoNft9VHSEkgSYQ8CuOu__22FCN9xFR9kIcNHmn2wA67qSmADXEWCQJ6SDYrD3eRWgL-iMNuRDLSj3UYM6lHvQ_4lKC__z4eBWS7m/s1600/6.2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div>Carrie (Akula)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10600824056363672904noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541373874352974240.post-52284212915547824962010-05-05T07:49:00.000-04:002010-05-05T07:49:29.020-04:00Rave for Etsy Seller Kim ArtI have to give a shout out to Etsy seller <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KimArt">Kim Art</a>. Kim is not only a really sweet person, but she is also ultra creative and talented. On the morning of our wedding this coming Sunday, my fiance Jeremy and I will be heading up to our favorite hiking trail, Bulls Bridge in Kent, CT. We decided that we wanted to have our own little private pre-wedding ceremony there. We have contemplated what our marriage means to us, and thought about the qualities that we really want it to embody. At our favorite spot, on the bank of the Housatonic River, we plan to make offerings to the river of items that represent those qualities and ask for blessings for our wedding ceremony and future marriage.<br />
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Well, I couldn't think of a better occasion for a second wedding dress than this! (or first one I guess). I have my cute white sundress to wear, and I knew that I needed to find something equally cute to put in my hair. I found Kim Art on Etsy and knew that she would be the perfect person to create a custom flower headband for me. I have to say that Kim was soooooo passionate about making me the perfect thing to add to my wedding morning look. Her enthusiasm for my wedding only made me more excited for the occassion! <br />
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She made me a beautiful white double flower headband. The flowers are made of white satin and white tulle accented with little gold dots. She finished the flowers with little gold leaves and clear and gold beads.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8yvcLtM_M-T9pO6hqFGADn7f9PLoF_kksEV_ogWVP9EucW1jzWEfm-qFRP8TbleLcq-N3GthyphenhyphenZSjuuWgG3mtyfzzuNdiTrxhTcUq3cTBzPNkS3brvYYhNzBrGY2A7A76awa2O_i5dH2A/s1600/Flower+Headband2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8yvcLtM_M-T9pO6hqFGADn7f9PLoF_kksEV_ogWVP9EucW1jzWEfm-qFRP8TbleLcq-N3GthyphenhyphenZSjuuWgG3mtyfzzuNdiTrxhTcUq3cTBzPNkS3brvYYhNzBrGY2A7A76awa2O_i5dH2A/s320/Flower+Headband2.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Yg7_gt8T4TPpxCpGYVCnIbH42NuNwm_SrGmACbNu7m2T7KryT-RhjTr0CMftdNe0RB6skCSUZRuOiGLGtG10MHZNUe1RlU3pwxRcefi2qQK77IP86h5A2lNaNAKlWwV5uqUl-vlPR5L-/s1600/Flower+Headband.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Yg7_gt8T4TPpxCpGYVCnIbH42NuNwm_SrGmACbNu7m2T7KryT-RhjTr0CMftdNe0RB6skCSUZRuOiGLGtG10MHZNUe1RlU3pwxRcefi2qQK77IP86h5A2lNaNAKlWwV5uqUl-vlPR5L-/s320/Flower+Headband.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAH_2Yo1wXjmR0i_MhB6UuUgPSfJA2POWnesziXzjhgjfIIxWglHTP98eLhJxvq_MgFkI3w5ow7GESj4U7CknLVAQd_uDNQbrTEnQsNCHL3g52RrKnYRWyGmPEiSVNuk2FMjQ_4Dp-yBL4/s1600/IMG_1948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAH_2Yo1wXjmR0i_MhB6UuUgPSfJA2POWnesziXzjhgjfIIxWglHTP98eLhJxvq_MgFkI3w5ow7GESj4U7CknLVAQd_uDNQbrTEnQsNCHL3g52RrKnYRWyGmPEiSVNuk2FMjQ_4Dp-yBL4/s320/IMG_1948.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>If you're ever looking for something cute to accent your hair or for a perfect gift, definitely check <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KimArt">Kim Art</a> out! She's super friendly and her prices are really reasonable. Thanks Kim!Carrie (Akula)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10600824056363672904noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541373874352974240.post-67510047076152670292010-05-03T12:29:00.009-04:002010-05-04T09:06:38.060-04:00Wedding FavorsI didn't want to focus too much on my Asian heritage, since my fiance isn't Asian, but we still wanted a few touches at the wedding. We decided to use Chinese takeout boxes for our favors and filled them with an assortment of Asian candy and custom fortune cookies. I got a great deal on the fortune cookies from <a href="http://www.myluckyfortune.com/">My Lucky Fortune</a>. Photo share cards were also included in the boxes. I created an account on Google so that people could log in and upload to Picasa the pictures they take at the wedding. I used <a href="http://www.vistaprint.com/">Vistaprint</a> to make the cards and got 100 for free.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlHkJhbdojsx8NRYQZ6s_CVkm7qXwT4EylTo52SxAd6MZCNcc149aDIQiFuopba0uotXtFTLF9z7kUFGwvWX3oIwj36FzuS1j4jnejpt9fb56FG2AnyXjpmHLB3gw3OhWVtrwB449a04k/s1600/Favors2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlHkJhbdojsx8NRYQZ6s_CVkm7qXwT4EylTo52SxAd6MZCNcc149aDIQiFuopba0uotXtFTLF9z7kUFGwvWX3oIwj36FzuS1j4jnejpt9fb56FG2AnyXjpmHLB3gw3OhWVtrwB449a04k/s400/Favors2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467082528398130530" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I finished the boxes off with a red satin ribbon and really beautiful double happiness favor tags that I had custom made by Etsy vendor <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/fubabee">fubabee</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZmcMfFcM6vsBsszWqCiKtsJmppdKWixmnL_15rdWAckc_T_jMaWbUL2cZr2ZcLFYiw_g5JOJO5GHnAVpM-j6Kgx-IWRDCVLHOEW4fXt9ych1ZMJFgE_bcJvbwq34hzp1gCnITekpp7ZRs/s1600/Favors.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZmcMfFcM6vsBsszWqCiKtsJmppdKWixmnL_15rdWAckc_T_jMaWbUL2cZr2ZcLFYiw_g5JOJO5GHnAVpM-j6Kgx-IWRDCVLHOEW4fXt9ych1ZMJFgE_bcJvbwq34hzp1gCnITekpp7ZRs/s400/Favors.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467083240813408962" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Fubabee also made our table numbers. All in all, her products are fabulous! She's very creative, and happy to do a custom design. If you have enough time before you need your order, I highly recommend her. I was pleased with how everything turned out.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3IMfUUcUWZw4Tzmnto9xQzHSoe3CRAA1l9K8W998fhpzPjBKGIvG3XhQZQiQHAcnC0SjldUW2vrfBQvR6sxIE31G0osqgaRnzFsCwHOScruxZO0jXFAEt_o9ATpVk1mlLPrjPsurZKZb/s1600/il_430xN_117555873.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 255px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3IMfUUcUWZw4Tzmnto9xQzHSoe3CRAA1l9K8W998fhpzPjBKGIvG3XhQZQiQHAcnC0SjldUW2vrfBQvR6sxIE31G0osqgaRnzFsCwHOScruxZO0jXFAEt_o9ATpVk1mlLPrjPsurZKZb/s320/il_430xN_117555873.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467400129498377314" border="0" /></a>Carrie (Akula)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10600824056363672904noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541373874352974240.post-16323589849758259762010-05-03T09:43:00.007-04:002010-05-03T10:26:22.078-04:00One Week Until My Wedding!!!Hi Everyone! I have to apologize profusely for dropping off the face of the planet!!! It has seriously been a full time job getting ready for my wedding. I guess that's what happens when you decide to DIY so much of it!!! I've been crazy busy and really productive though, so I wanted to share some of the things I've made for the wedding with you! A few of the items that I've created will have to wait until after the wedding because I don't want to spoil the surprise... I'll show you those after the honeymoon!<br /><br />I had a lot of fun creating our escort cards. It really took me a long time to figure out what to do because I didn't want it to just be a name card with a table assignment. I wanted it to actual mean something, so I decided to get crafty and create handmade envelopes on different patterned paper. Inside each envelope my fiance Jeremy and I have written a personalized note. We know that we won't have a ton of time to spend with everyone, so we wanted them all to know how special they are to us.<br /><br />So, how I actually made the envelopes... I got large sheets of beautiful handmade paper. I then created an envelope pattern on cardstock, cut that out, and used it as a template. After some tracing, cutting and gluing, I had my envelopes! FYI, I used two types of glue for this project. The main glue was a <a href="http://www.jetpens.com/product_info.php/cPath/156_905/products_id/4946">Kuretake 2 Way Glue Pen</a>. This pen is great because it's a ball point pen that you just 'write' the glue on with. It starts out a pale blue color, but dries clear. You can use it either as a permanent glue by gluing and sticking or as a temporary adhesive (i.e. apply glue and leave it exposed until dry). The second glue was actually <a href="http://www.beaconadhesives.com/cgfab.html">Fabri-Tac</a>. Some of the paper that I used was a very fibrous cottony Indian paper. The Kuretake glue was too watery and just soaked right into the paper. The Fabri-Tac worked perfectly to combat that! Seriously... if you ever want to invest in an amazing glue that you'll find yourself using on EVERYTHING fabric related, buy some Fabri-Tac! You can purchase both glues at Michael's and most other craft stores.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYNNXkWVN612sPcJbqdqrWJMMKrHj49mwXsyFxozQOM8zA1Z5lxhIGzJhnfEMkPzWd2PH3QDa3Y85m31T2j1pCXi34N3zKlZRefO9F7a3qR9OVGqy3UVvJqMA_5yR0BdTa0vRqMn-Z1bn/s1600/IMG_2065.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYNNXkWVN612sPcJbqdqrWJMMKrHj49mwXsyFxozQOM8zA1Z5lxhIGzJhnfEMkPzWd2PH3QDa3Y85m31T2j1pCXi34N3zKlZRefO9F7a3qR9OVGqy3UVvJqMA_5yR0BdTa0vRqMn-Z1bn/s400/IMG_2065.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467045435079728514" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_C4IQn2US-5JFhvqvxS21EhQ_kIyeTujrfSvvc-iTQGr6K5_AO7HDQbZ64P1jIecgfkSGmyo42kONoUiXlJWc7QP6-mjVGZPEz3u7nXOkrlGNzJsdGNiUvGiqgBuB9diZJDEiDtgr09wI/s1600/IMG_2031.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_C4IQn2US-5JFhvqvxS21EhQ_kIyeTujrfSvvc-iTQGr6K5_AO7HDQbZ64P1jIecgfkSGmyo42kONoUiXlJWc7QP6-mjVGZPEz3u7nXOkrlGNzJsdGNiUvGiqgBuB9diZJDEiDtgr09wI/s400/IMG_2031.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467046774890951762" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I then used oval address labels to print the name and table assignments, stuffed the little notes inside the envelopes and sealed them with a gold heart sticker.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-MpJjCE8bbkmtpOLuZEdcCRVZIZGn8KwjWyzOV-2TFyJornfAOM2Ha8NlGzLJXI5RBtXIQTJclVFRIUAAiLGulReDSTY7eQsFlO8gZpKskdfpyMnx9Tqhe_PYdjVKHd0-zcMQwfKLI3US/s1600/IMG_2063.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-MpJjCE8bbkmtpOLuZEdcCRVZIZGn8KwjWyzOV-2TFyJornfAOM2Ha8NlGzLJXI5RBtXIQTJclVFRIUAAiLGulReDSTY7eQsFlO8gZpKskdfpyMnx9Tqhe_PYdjVKHd0-zcMQwfKLI3US/s400/IMG_2063.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467047175444212034" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Okay, I'll post another DIY wedding project tomorrow! Have a great day everyone!Carrie (Akula)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10600824056363672904noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541373874352974240.post-39879046611041709842010-02-05T14:02:00.007-05:002010-02-16T12:38:03.030-05:00DIY Wedding Invitations<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DDgDxpAyPqrvRjJtk3ltW65bR3eV38BVXf83xp9b4Z34oFYG6eZoe7FHOfyGrsIltgfKfLMWiWNkZKcwGJPJ0qwxnLWTqzm7l9cw09gWniD2UuQcipK0Bh0pxrWGeFlBRnix7sBnRgfC/s1600-h/Invite+Pic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DDgDxpAyPqrvRjJtk3ltW65bR3eV38BVXf83xp9b4Z34oFYG6eZoe7FHOfyGrsIltgfKfLMWiWNkZKcwGJPJ0qwxnLWTqzm7l9cw09gWniD2UuQcipK0Bh0pxrWGeFlBRnix7sBnRgfC/s400/Invite+Pic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434839281156452914" border="0" /></a><br />I know that I said I would be doing Etsy reviews, but I've been totally consumed the past couple of days by my wedding invitations! I originally planned on completely doing the invites DIY, but during the process I realized that I didn't have enough time to really dedicate to them. So, with a bit of regret, I decided to scale back to a simpler invitation and get a tiny bit of help.<br /><br />I purchased all of my supplies from Cards & Pockets and ended up having them help with the invite and RSVP layouts. They also did the custom printing for me rather than having to print them myself. I can't tell you how amazing Bonnie and John were with the custom items. They were so patient and helpful during the whole process... and even though I was regretting giving up my pocketfolds, they completely won me over with the new design. I absolutely love the panel invite that we created.<br /><br />You can see the mock up that I created of our invite and RSVP card. I'll also be creating an Accommodations insert and probably Directions. All of the pieces of paper (beside the invite) will be tied together with a willow colored organza satin trimmed ribbon. Let me know what you think!<br /><br />Now I just need to finish cutting the cardstock mats for the RSVPs and then I can start assembly! I think I may have to do a DIY and wine night with a couple of friends. :-)<br /><br />All in all, I highly recommend Cards & Pockets for any invitation/bulk paper needs. They really are fabulous and the quality is superb. <a href="http://www.cardsandpockets.com/">http://www.cardsandpockets.com/</a>Carrie (Akula)http://www.blogger.com/profile/10600824056363672904noreply@blogger.com2