Handmade jewelry from Portland, Oregon designer Betsy Cross. Big pieces, mixed metals, confident entrances. Clunky or intricate. Earthy or Army. But always, always, 100% handmade.
Before I announce the big winner of the GIVEAWAY, I wanted to send a HUGE THANK YOU to all who entered. I was excited to do the Giveaway because I love custom work and I’ve been needing a big nudge to get going with these frighteningly beautiful opals. This is the perfect opportunity to get a kick-in-the-pants jumpstart on some of the most beautiful stones I have ever touched.
THAT is what I was expecting out of this giveaway adventure–a kick. What I was not expecting was to feel so overwhelmingly appreciated by all of you. Your kind words about my work and betsy & iya mean more than I could ever possibly express to you. So…thank you for being the most lovely customers in the whole wide world. Yep, the world.
I was having a cranky day—more emails than time to get through them, everything taking longer than planned, and general stress-inducing activities (like paying bills). And then our newest order of Laura George arrived…
…and all was right with the world.
These amazing cards and prints make me cry and laugh all at once. That is my favorite. I mean, who wouldn’t want to get a nipple card?? amazing!
xo~betsy
(come to the shop to get a live look at Laura’s sweet work!)
p.s. don’t forget to enter the GIVEAWAY, you have until Monday…get IN on it!
I am not a stone gal, but I have always been blown away by the Peruvian Opal. I have never seen a stone look as vibrant or pure. Several months ago, I picked out a large batch from a couple who finds them, mines them, and turns them into little pieces of art. I am on the cusp of transforming each one into a one-of-a-kind design. To kick it off, we’re doing a GIVEAWAY. The winner gets to pick their favorite opal and I will design a special necklace just for them. Yay!!
There are several ways TO ENTER:
—> Comment on this post letting us know your favorite betsy & iya piece.
—>> Mention the Giveaway and @betsyandiya on Twitter.
—>>>>> Comment on the Giveaway or tag us on Facebook; tell us how you would wear your new custom necklace! (hair up, red belt, black dress, sequined boots, etc)
Here is an example of a one-of-a-kind necklace available now:
Click to see more pictures.
Enter and have fun! You can enter up to 5 times!
Winner will be randomly chosen and announced next Monday, January 30th.
Happy Monday to you!
xo~betsy
***Song of the Moment: Cold Feet, by Lost Lander***
<<Legend says that Peruvian opals take the tension out of communication and help ideas flow freely. They soften the impact of stress from the outside world and can help one to release the trauma of old wounds. They facilitates facing the future with a tranquil healing nature. This stone is reported to be good for quieting the mind and as an aid to sleep.>> *info found on bernardine.com/gemstones*
Hello, my name is Betsy and I am an excessive worrier.
I worry about things. And then I worry about worrying about them. I worry about silly things. I worry about important things. If I’m not worrying, I worry why.
With all of the amazingly exciting things that became my 2011—the building of the betsy & iya shop, creating Little Boxes, planning my sweetheart’s milestone 30th birthday party, Iya’s wedding across the country, new designs, so many amazing new friends and events, life in general, the MASSIVE amount of jewelry we made, the balancing of it all, etc.–the worrying got a little out of hand.
(there is no mirror in this picture.)
At some point in the middle of it all, when I was dramatically crying on the studio floor and being consoled by Gingham (our little dogter), I knew something had to be done. You see, there is just no time for as futile an act as worrying when there is scarcely enough time for sleeping, eating, and breathing. At this low point, when our sweet pup was pushing my limp arm up over her head and snuggling herself into me (yes, this really happened)…that’s when I came up with this: THE WORRY PROJECT.
The thing is, I can’t change overnight. But I caaaaaaannn put on some old school Lauryn Hill and do a little dancy in my work seat…
Oh, MAN, that felt good. And in a nutshell, you have THE WORRY PROJECT. It starts with a problem and ends with a worry-eliminating solution.
CASE #1: I’m worried that it’s taking me too long to write this blog post.
SOLUTION: stop thinking about it and do a quick dance.
The solution helps me get out of my head. Afterwards, I’m fresh and ready for action. I’m also immediately aware that the worry was not helping my case whatsoever. The solution can be anything you want it to be. The end goal is that you actually give yourself a break and then confront your stupid worry in its ugly face. In my case, the end goal is that I’m happy with my writing and roll with the momentum.
I hope you’ll join me towards a worry-free world! There will be weekly worry reveals. Just wait, it gets super juicy!
Also, check back on MONDAY when we announce a special winter GIVEAWAY and instructions on how to enter.
Happy Friday, lovelies! ~betsy
***Song of the Moment: Ex-Factor, by Lauryn Hill***
Unless otherwise noted, all images and content come from those of us over here at betsy & iya industries. If you want to copy us, just let us know first and we'll let you know if we're cool with that. Cool?
