Artist For the Month of October

Sorry this GIVEAWAY is closed.

Our artist for the month of October is also from Las Vegas. Kelly Marshall is one of the artist that I met through Handmade In Vegas Etsy Group. She's the talented artist behind Cupcake Princess Jewelry. Checked out her beautiful shop at Etsy... Cupcake Princess Jewelry. She's selling this cute Kawaii Accessories that are simply adorable and looks delicious at the same time.

I had an opportunity to review one of her adorable product the "cupcake necklace". I absolutely love it!!! The packaging was great and the necklace itself is perfect for your cute little girls or for yourself too. Here are some photos I took of the item...

So to get to know Kelly better and to know more about Cupcake Princess Jewelry I had a chance to have a little interview with Kelly and here it is...

Tell us a bit about yourself?

I live in wonderful Las Vegas with my husband and am currently a stay at home 'mom' to my Toy Poodle and 2 Chinese Crested's. I am originally from Orange County, CA and have been living here in Las Vegas for the past 2 years. I went to school at the University of CA- Irvine, and received a Bachelors Degree in Political Science. After that, I spent a few years working out in the corporate world, but I am now lucky enough to be able to design and create jewelry full time.

Besides creating and designing, what else do you like to do?

I guess I am a true girly girl at heart, as my favorite thing to do is go shopping!! I love spending time with my dogs, and going out and having a good time. I also love cleaning my house, it's a funny quirk about me, but I am a complete neat freak. I also love to travel, and have 2 large trips planned for next year.

What first made you want to become an artist?

I don't know that I ever 'became' one, as I believe I have always been one. I have always loved creating things and admiring them, even as a young child. However, due to a hectic schedule and the regular happenings of life, I spent several years not being able to express my creativity the way I needed to. As soon as life really began to fall into place for me, I began creating again. I began to make such wonderful things that I truly loved and were an expression of myself and my creativity. It wasn't long before I saw that my designs were making others happy as well. That's when I decided to open my Etsy shop, Cupcake Princess Jewelry.

Please describe a bit about your creative inspirations.

I'd have to say my biggest inspiration is anything 'cute'. Sometimes I still feel like a child at heart, looking at toys and miniatures and thinking of unique ways to wear them as jewelry, or make into a piece that I can display in my home. I have always gone crazy for Japanese street fashion. I love how you will see just these completely over the top outfits and accessories. I believe that it's not just fashion, but an art as well. Another of my creative inspirations (as well as one of my personal obsessions) is Marie Antoinette. I am completely fascinated with her and the life she led.

What advise can you give to inspiring artist?

The best advice I can give is to stay true to yourself and continue to create with your own unique style in mind. Don't give up and don't get discouraged. There is a lot of competition out there, and it is easy to be let down when things don't go as expected. I always like to create meaningful experiences and I think it will make you stand out and more likely to be remembered.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

In ten years I would love to own my own boutique where I sell my jewelry alongside trendy designer clothing. It has always been my dream to own my own store.

Kelly will be giving away this beautiful "ice cream earrings" to a lucky subscribers of my blog.

Here are the entry rules for the Cupcake Princess Jewelry "Ice Cream Earrings" giveaway:

1. (This is the mandatory entry) You'll receive 1 entry for visiting Cupcake Princess Jewelry and telling me what your favorite item is! Make sure you leave your EMAIL address in this entry.

2. You'll receive 2 entries for adding Cupcake Princess Jewelry in your Etsy favorites.

3. You'll receive 5 entries for following our blog and telling us that you do. Leave a comment with your username.

4. You'll receive 2 entries for adding/liking us in ourPBF Collection Fan Page.

Please remember that the more entries you have the better chances you'll have in winning this giveaway.

All entries must be received before 11:59 on Sunday - October 31, 2010. A winner will be drawn using a random number generator and I will send her an e-mail. The winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be choosen.

August and September Giveaway Winner

Yay! The winner for this months giveaway sponsored by Studio 8 Ten is...(drum roll please...)

Joan Honoridez!!!

YAY Joan! Congratulations!

I will be on vacation and will post new giveaway and review for October so stay tuned everyone.

Artist of the Month August - September

SORRY THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED. STAY TUNED FOR ANOTHER GIVEAWAY NEXT MONTH.

Our artist for the month of August and September is not just one artist it consist of a lot of talented Artist in one place... Studio 8 Ten.

I've first met Angela (Project Manager of Studio 8 Ten) through Etsy. She invited me to join the First Friday Artist Exhibit (Craft) Show in Studio 8 Ten. It was my first craft show and I had fun joining and meeting a lot of talented artist. I also had fun browsing through the store. And absolutely love the handmade items they are selling most especially the hand lotions. =)

If you ever visited Las Vegas...come visit them at 810 South Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89101.

Okay...you might all be wondering what is Studio 8 Ten. To get to know them a little bit better... I had a little interview with Angela and here it is.

PBF : Tell Us a bit about Studio 8 Ten?

Angela (Studio 8 Ten): Studio 8 Ten is the community-based art studio and gift shop that features handmade products created in the Transition Services, Inc. employment programs for adults with disabilities in Las Vegas. We are located at 810 South Las Vegas Blvd, just north of Charleston. We have been open in our downtown location for 2 1/2 years. The building used to be an old wedding chapel (how very Vegas!) that we gutted and started rennovating in April of 2007. We wanted to go with a hip, urban feel that would fit into the direction downtown Las Vegas is heading, and also disspell any stereotypical ideas people have about supported employment venues. We hear a lot from people when they first come in that it isn't at all what they were expecting and they are always very impressed. The location has also been great in connecting our artists with the local art scene in the Las Vegas Arts District. Each month we host a solo or group art show of local Las Vegas' artists work. They spend time with the studio artists, as well as host a reception. Community outreach is a very important aspect of Studio 8 Ten. The artists who work there get opportunities for much more then just making cool handmade products, they also get to participate in social events, interact with customers, run a cash registers, give tours, and talk about how products are made. It is a totally unique place not only in Vegas, but in general...I have never heard of anything like it across the country.

PBF: How and when did the company start?

Angela (Studio 8 Ten): Transition Services started in 1998 with a few individuals who were in need of services and not happy in other programs. It is important for people to understand how far employment/care services for people with disabilities has come, and how far it still has to go. Imagine coming out of highschool and having all of 2-3 job opportunities placed in front of you and be told to "pick one". That is quite a reality for people with disabilities even today. Labeling, packaging, and other "factory" style work is exactly the type of limited options given to people all the time. Transition Services started to provide more choices and stop the practice of creating "work for the masses". Each person who comes to our program is an individual. One of the first things anyone with interest in working at one of our locations is asked is what they want to do, what their interests are, and what they want to learn. We then assess their current skills and help them build on those skills. People have found so much joy in learning how to make products by hand, and that instant gratification to see what they've done is rewarding in so many ways. Because we are the most progressive provider in the city, other programs that have historically limited their options are now seeing the value on really catering to individuals and helping them find work they want to do that will keep them motivated, and creating more positive life experiences. Everyday we come up with new ideas for new businesses that can incorporate the interests of the individuals we serve. We currently have 4 businesses, and are in the process of starting 2 more.

PBF: Who are the creative artist behind Studio 8 ten?

Angela (Studio 8 Ten): We serve 300 people in 5 locations is Las Vegas and Henderson, and the creatioons of individuals at all our locations can be seen at Studio 8 Ten. We work with people of all levels of disability from mild to profound. The artists in our programs come from all walks of life in seek of a meaningful job. Most of them start without any knowledge of art or crafting, but end up loving the process and the products. We had one woman recently start at one of our worksites and told the staff she never knew she could draw. She wasn't talking about having the ability to "draw well", she just didn't realize it was even an option...no one had ever encouraged her to pick up a pencil and paper for that purpose! It turned out she is excellent at drawing, able to recreate everything from real people to cartoon characters to a tee. It's amazing what happens when you give people choices and options.

PBF: Besides Studio 8 Ten at Etsy does Studio 8 Ten have another website?

Angela (Studio 8 Ten): We actually have 2 additional informational websites, our company website www.tsilasvegas.com has information about all of our programs and businesses, events, ways to support our non-profit through donations and volunteering, and ways to contact us if there is someone you know who might benefit from our employment programs. We also have www.studio8ten.com which showcases all the fun stuff being made at Studio 8 Ten as well as the art events, product photos, gallery of pics of the artists and shop space.

PBF: What are the upcoming events at Studio 8 Ten?

Angela (Studio 8 Ten): Our August art exhibit is going to showcase the art from the Saturday classes and workshops that are taught by local artist Elizabeth Young. She teaches children and adult classes in all different art mediums every month on the 1st and 2nd Saturday. It is going to be a large group show and a lot of fun! In addition to her classes, we will be starting a Kid's Art Club for all ages in January. We will also be participating in the First Friday festivities September-December with a group of local artists and crafters setting up in our parking lot and on our patio every First Friday from 6-9PM. We participate in a variety of craft fairs and Farmer's Markets throughout the year, and the holidays are especially busy. It's easiest to keep up by checking our website and signing up for our email announcements (don't worry, we won't bombard you!). We also open our venue for groups to meet, throw parties, and we host awesome kid's birthday parties and the pricing is really reasonable. It's a fantastic alternative to Chuck 'e Cheese!

Pretty interesting place to visit and shop, right?

And I had the privilege to review their latest product the Natural Luffa Massage Soap.

Since, I have been working a lot lately...this soap is perfect. I always look forward to go back home everyday take a shower and... used this "Luffa Massage Soap". It helps me relax after such a long stressful day from work. This soap is also highly recommended to all the moms out there that had a very busy day. It is a perfect way to soothe your muscles and relax while taking a shower or a bubble bath.

And Angela wants you all to try the items they are selling so she's giving away this gift basket. These are the sampling of all the "yummy" items that they are selling.

The gift basket includes:

3- Lotions (8 oz.) variety of fragrance

3- Shower Gels (4 oz.) variety of fragrance

2- Body Sprays (4 oz.) variety of fragrance

1- Bubble Bath (4 oz.)

Here are the entry rules for the Studio 8 Ten giveaway:

1. (This is the mandatory entry) You'll receive 1 entry for visiting Studio 8 Ten at Etsy and telling me what your favorite item is! Make sure you leave your EMAIL address in this entry.

2. You'll receive 2 entries for adding Studio 8 Ten at Etsy in your favorites.

3. You'll receive 2 entries for adding/liking Studio 8 Ten at Facebook fan page.

4. You'll receive 5 entries for following our blog and telling us that you do. Leave a comment with your username.

5. You'll receive 2 entries for adding/liking us in our PBF Collection Fan Page.

Please remember that the more entries you have the better chances you'll have in winning this giveaway.

All entries must be received before 11:59 on Friday, September 10, 2010. A winner will be drawn using a random number generator and I will send her an e-mail. The winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be choosen.

Winner Of July Giveaway

Hi everyone. I just want to post the winner of the July giveaway...and it is...

Kelly Marshall

Please email me your address so I can send it to Simone. For those who left a comment...thanks again for participating.

Next giveaway will be a gift basket of lotion, spa items, and lot more... from Studio 8 Ten. I will be posting the interview and giveaway in few days so please drop by and join the giveaway. Have a nice weekend everyone.

Just An Update

It's always sad when one of my favorite blog stops blogging. I'm a big fan of Ruffles and Stuff but Disney recently announced that she will no longer be blogging. It's so sad...

I went back to my old job last week so I might not be blogging as often but I will still have my monthly giveaway. So stay tuned.

Here is a little update...of my recent projects...

The Butterfly Summer Skirt

The Eclipse Tank Top

The Aubergrine Summer/Autumn Beret

All of these items are available at PBF Collection @ Etsy. All of these can be customed made just email me here or at my Etsy Shop.

I know some people hate giveaways because of all the requirements you need to do in order to win. i.e. subscribe to a blog, be a fan in Facebook page...etc. But for me personally...giveaways are fun!!! With this economy and recession giveaways is always great...I mean...really...anything for FREE is always great. And it really does not take a lot of effort to click and subscribe, right? But that's just my opinion.

Anyway...if you love giveaways...my blog got another giveaway for this month. It's sponsored by Simone Elum. Please click this link or click the top left button to join. Have a good week everyone.

Featured Artist For The Month Of July

This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks for participating everyone.

T-shirts are always comfy to wear especially during summer. And through the years, T-shirts have evolved from just a simple undergarment to a form of personal expression.

There's thousands of t-shirt designs out there but there's always one that stands out. Something unique that will captivate our interest and lead us to buy it and add it in our collection. Or just maybe it simply becomes something we would love to wear.

Unique designs like the t-shirt design of our featured artist for the month July, Simone ELum.

Simone is a Fashion Illustrator and Designer. After completing her Fashion Design degree she launched "Simone Elum". It's a unique collection of her 'fashion art' inspired clothing, accessories, stationary and fine art.

One of her best sellers is the Sweet Girl Tee. It's a fashion illustrated tee of a sweet young girl daydreaming about her true love. The design is simple but captivating.

And PBF Collection got the privelege to review her latest design which is the Sweet Girl V neck Tee. The moment we received the package from Simone. We noticed that it was package really well. Everything was professionally done with great looking hang tag, business card and a nice hand written note. For us, hand written notes always add a nice personal touch.

As for the Tee...it's absolutely great. The black jersey fabric heart has this cute white handstitch, the screen print of the young sweet girl is totally perfect, another great added touch is the black fabric stitched to the folded sleeves. The t-shirt itself is soft and comfy. This Tee is perfect for summer and it would look great on your favorite shorts, jeans, or skirts.

So to get to know more about Simone Elum the artist behind simoneelum.com. We had a little interview with her:

PBF: Tell us a bit about yourself?

SL : I am originally from Trinidad and Tobago, an island in the Caribbean. I've always loved fashion since my mom designed and made most of our clothes. She used to have a lot of fashion magazines lying around and of course, I enjoyed going through them, tearing out designs I liked and trying to redraw them and add my own touch to them. I studied Fashion Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design and that's where I also met my husband who is a Graphic designer at heart and does all of my graphic design! We started our business in July 2009 after moving to Los Angeles from Georgia. I am a fashion designer but art is my first love so I decided to put both of my passions together in my line of 'fashion art' inspired items.

PBF: Besides creating and designing, what else do you like to do?

SL: Of course I spend most of my time drawing and designing but when I am not busy doing that, I like to read, go to art shows, cook, take road trips and watch romantic movies.

PBF: What first made you want to become an artist?

SL: I loved the fashion illustrations in the Vogue Pattern books when I was growing up. I was always inspired to draw like that and have been doing fashion illustrations since then! I liked the feeling of being able to create something beautiful for others to look at.

PBF: Please describe to us a bit about your creative inspirations.

SL: I am inspired by fashion, photography, personalities like audrey hepburn, music, the caribbean, romantic movies, other fashion illustrators like Arturo Elena, David downton and Sandra Suy.

PBF:Besides Etsy do you have a website or blog where we can read updates about your designs?

SL:Yes, you can visit www.simoneelum.com or my facebook fanpage 'Simone Elum' for updates. . Please click here.

PBF: What advice can you give to inspiring artist?

SL: Get really good at what you love doing and be prolific. Always believe that what you have to offer is valuable and be able to take criticism and learn from it. Passion is necessary to continue being an artist so always find ways to be inspired to create! Connect with other artists, ask for advice, see what others are doing but be true to your own style.

PBF: Where do you see yourself in ten years?

SL: In ten years, I would like to have a family, a thriving business, to still be an artist and making a difference in the lives of others.

There you have it. Please be sure to check out Simone Elum's website and Facebook Page Simone Elum for new items and learn more about her creations!

And the good news is...Simone has decided to award one of you ladies with one of her new tee design! The winner will received the Sweet Girl tee in V-neck.

And winner can choose t-shirt sizes from xxs up to xxl.

Here are the entry rules for the Sweet Girl T-shirt giveaway:

1. (This is the mandatory entry) You'll receive 1 entry for visiting Simone Lum at Etsy and telling me what your favorite item is! Make sure you leave your EMAIL address in this entry.

2. You'll receive 2 entries for adding Simone Elum in your favorites.

3. You'll receive 2 entries for adding/liking Simone Elum in her fan page.

3. You'll receive 5 entries for following our blog and telling us that you do. Leave a comment with your username.

4. You'll receive 1 entry for grabbing my button and putting it on your blog. Leave a link of your blog in the comments.

5. You'll receive 2 entries for updating your Facebook status and including the link to this giveaway. Leave a comment with the link of the status.

6. You'll receive 2 entries for adding/liking us in our PBF Collection Fan Page.

7. You'll receive 3 entries for blogging about this giveaway on your blog and leave us the link in a comment.

Please remember that the more entries you have the better chances you'll have in winning this giveaway.

All entries must be received before 11:59 on Friday, August 13, 2010. A winner will be drawn using a random number generator and I will send her an e-mail. The winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be choosen.

Winner of June Giveaway - Sponsored By CSN Stores

First...I have to thank all of those who have participated in this Giveaway. I wish I could declare everyone as a winner. But I only have to choose one.

Okay here it is...basing from the Random generator...the winner is...

KACE KULIT !!!

CONGRATULATIONS KACE!!!

For those who did not win. Please don't be discourage I have more giveaways lined up. In fact, PBF Collection have another one starting tomorrow. Thank again everyone.