One Busy Jewelry Makin' Lady*Krafty Max Originals

Welcome our featured artist for Friday, Max of Krafty Max Originals on Etsy!

Max has been a stay at home mother of 3 for the last 5 years and currently lives in the city of Jacksonville in the sunny state of Florida. When she was younger, she used to watch her mother making items for different family members for the holidays and by the age of 5, she was following in her mum's footsteps by stringing beads for my own creations. That was 30 years ago and she she is still at it!

She used to be a 'big dog' in the corporate world a couple years ago, but after her 3rd child was born, both herself and her husband decided it was time she take a break from that world and focus on raising their children. " I always tell people that I'm a stay at home mom who never stays home!" Along with her staying home, she took on the roll of Girl Scout Troop Leader and teaching crafting classes at several local independent living homes(busy, busy lady)!

Max does many, many crafts from crocheting and knitting to anything having to do with a needle and thread to scrapbooking, photography, painting, and of course her jewelry which is the only thing she has taken to selling so far.

Now, being that much of a crafter and entrepreneur, Max averages about 50 craft shows per year! The last craft show she went to was when she was told about Etsy. "I hadn't heard anything about it at the time, but I was very interested because I was getting very tired of being gone every weekend and working like crazy to set up, take down, stand in the rain and never really make much. There were to many expenses with that many shows..." She started with Etsy in November of 2008 and has expanded in unbelievable ways!

Inspiration for Max comes from what type of beads and focal points she uses. "Strange as it seems, I am a backwards beader! Most beaders pick a design and then look for the focal to match their look, I somehow look at the focal point and deign it from their. I often can see what I want the entire deign (clasp and all) to look like even before I start - sometimes when I just pick up the focal it comes to me. My problem is usually making it match what is in my minds eye." Wow. I have never met someone else that can do that-That's exactly how my mind works too!

Some things to know about Max and her shop:

*She has a blog that you can check out: Krafty Max Originals on Blogspot
She currently has a contest going on that ends the end of July so make sure you enter!

*Some social media sites you can find Max on are Facebook, Twitter, and her Personal Website.

*Many of her jewelry is customized so she doesn't shy away from custom orders! Just convo her your idea and she would be happy to bring it to life =]

*For payment, shipping, and other important information, check out Marci's Shop Policies Page.

Some advice from Max: "The main advice I can give some else is - don't give up. In this day - and economy - it is really ruff out there. When I first came to Etsy I didn't really make anything happen. Now with all the marketing and work I put into telling people about my creations and 'putting myself out there' I am really starting to grow as a person and a business. Also, I would say, do it because you love it. I make all my jewelry because I love to, not to make money (I would love to be a millionaire) at it. It is my passion, the business come second."

Max has graciously offered one of my readers a beautiful Swarovski Crystal anklet shown below:
Here is a little information on the bracelet itself:

"This anklet has two shades of blue Swarovski Crystals and Sterling Silver Plated findings. Perfect for Blue Jeans or a fancy night out. Anklet measures at 11” in length and can be lengthened if needed This Krafty Max original will be packaged in an elegant gift box that is ready for gifting. A small note card is also included for your convenience so it will be easy to gift."

So here is what you have to do to win this lovely anklet:

Rules:

1. You MUST include a way to reach you whether it be an email or blogger URL.

2. Each comment, mandatory and or extra, has to be separate.

Mandatory Entry:

You must visit Max's store, Krafty Max Originals and brows around for a bit. Come back and leave a comment with your favorite piece.

Extra Entries:

1. Follow my Blog(1 extra)

2. Follow Max's Blog(1 extra)

3. Subscribe to Me(1 extra)
*Located on the right-You can't miss it.

4. Subscribe to Max(1 extra)
*Located on the right had side on her blog, too.

5. Follow Me AND Max on Twitter(1 extra)

6. Tweet this giveaway(1 extra)
-RT Win a Beautiful Swarovski Crystal Anklet @ http://bit.ly/pgwu7

7. Blog about this giveaway including a link to Max's store(3 extra)

8. Purchase anything from Krafty Max Originals(5 extra)

That's 1 mandatory entry + 14 extra entries which = 15 entries total!

Good Luck!

This contest will run until Wednesday July 24, 2009 11:59 pm central standard time. I will contact the winner within 24 hours of drawing their name. You have 72 hours to claim your prize and send me your shipping information. If I haven't heard from you within that time frame, I will choose another winner.