Custom Heart Locket Necklace

I made this necklace for my friend Beth to give to her daughter for Christmas. She wanted me to make a necklace with three hearts to represent the daughter's three children. The hearts are all lockets. I love how it turned out!

Winner and another giveaway.

And the winner chosen by random.org was comment #20. Congratulations Sherry! I will be emailing you soon!

And now time for another giveaway! If you liked the gray, lime, and orange ruffle necklace better, you have a chance TODAY only to win one! Go to the Dandy Giveaway blog to sign up!

http://dandygiveaway.blogspot.com/

My first giveaway

I am pleased to announce Yellowblackbird's first giveaway! My new ruffle bib necklaces have arrived and to celebrate I am giving away one for free! (See post below for info and photos). They are super cute, fun, and fashionable. Would make a wonderful gift. There are three ways to enter (make a comment below for each one):

1- You can enter just because you want to win!
2...- Make a second comment if you facebook, blog, tweet, email, text, tell or somehow promote either my shop or this giveaway (and tell how you did it).
3- Make a 3rd comment if you have ever purchased something from Yellowblackbird or do purchase something during the time of the giveaway.

All entries must be received by 11:59 pm MST on Monday, November 30th. The winner will be chosen by random.org on Tuesday morning.

This giveaway was originally posted on Facebook- but I found out that it is now against the rules to hold giveaways on Facebook so it has been moved here. The first several comments are all from me just reentering those who had already entered the contest on Facebook.

Ruffle bib necklaces are here!

Introducing my newest product! Ruffle bib necklaces are here! Statement and bib necklaces are all the rage right now. My necklaces are a great way to be fashionable without being too extravagant. They are also a great way to add color to any outfit.



The necklaces come in just 4 colors right now, but more will be added soon. They vary in chain style and length. A few even have added beads. If you like one of the fabrics, but want a different chain, please contact me (either by commenting here or sending me a convo on Etsy) and we will see what we can do to make you the perfect necklace! I would also love to make you your own custom necklace by color or your fabric choice!


These necklaces are such a bargain too! My basic bib ruffle will be introduced at $12 for the 2009 holiday season. If you check the Internet for similar products, you will find very few; but those you do find can range from $40 to $250!

What a great gift idea! Even if the necklaces aren't your style, they are such great, unique gifts. I have worn a couple to the jr. high school where I teach and many girls there loved them!

These photos are just some of the necklaces that are avaible. (The pink one is Amy Butler fabric by the way!) Please check my shop for the full available selection! http://www.yellowblackbird.etsy.com/

Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

Butternut squash soup is one of my new favorite foods. I found a fabulous recipe on Better Homes and Gardens that I just had to share:

Ingredients

• 3 cups peeled, diced butternut squash (about 1 small squash)
• 2 cups thinly sliced carrot (4 medium)
• 3/4 cup thinly sliced leek or chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
• 2 14-ounce cans reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup half-and-half or light cream
• Crème fra��che or dairy sour cream (optional)
• Toasted pumpkin seeds (optional)
• Fresh tarragon sprigs (optional)

Directions

1. In a large covered saucepan cook squash, carrot, and leek in hot butter over medium heat about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add broth. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 25 to 35 minutes or until vegetables are very tender. Cool slightly.

2. Place one-third of the squash mixture in a food processor or blender. Cover and process or blend until almost smooth. Repeat with remaining squash mixture. Return all of mixture to saucepan. Add white pepper and nutmeg; bring just to boiling. Add half-and-half; heat through. If desired, garnish each serving with crème fra��che, pumpkin seeds, and/or fresh tarragon.

3. Makes 6 servings (6 cups)

It's very healthy (only 80 calories and 3 grams of fat per serving). Here's the link: http://www.bhg.com/recipe/soups/butternut-squash-and-carrot-soup/

Updates!

I am featured here:
http://3of4clothing.wordpress.com/

Check out 3of4clothing!
http://3of4clothing.etsy.com


I am selling very well lately. I have two custom orders just in the past week. Please contact me if you would like something similar to a sold item, earrings to match a necklace, or anything else!

Upcoming Blog Features!

On Thursday November 12th I will be featured on http://3of4clothing.wordpress.com.

On Tuesday December 1st I will be featured on http://dandygiveaway.blogspot.com
This feature will include a special giveaway! You will have a chance to leave a comment on the blog and win a necklace from Yellowblackbird!

I am very excited!

Whoop!

I am soooo in love with this necklace I just had to feature this seller on my blog! (Sorry, a lot of your views are just me looking again!) The name of the shop is Whoop. The shop has about 50 beautiful items for sale and is participating in the free shipping weekend deal this weekend.

If anyone is looking for a gift for me.... hint, hint, hint!

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7399325

Gem Fair!

Last weekend I went to the Gem Fair in Salt Lake City. It was the first time I had ever been. Woah! I couldn't believe how many beads there were! I was a little overwhelmed actually! Here is a little preview of two new pieces I created out of the items I purchased at the gem show. Head to my Etsy site for more photos!

Featuring the first five shops that gave me a heart

To begin my YellowBlackbird blogging experience, I would like to feature the first five people that gave me hearts on Etsy.

My first heart came from Meltemsem
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5980968

This shop is based in Turkey. I love this ring!



Number 2 heart came from my Mom. She doesn't have a shop but she loves me! Thanks mom!


The next shop featured is BeadCouturebySteph http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7609272

This shop features jewelry and hair accessories. Look at these cute bobby pins!

Next is Mimirob /www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6402074
This shop features clothing for dolls and bears. This is a really cute outfit:


Last, in my first five heart list is dreamy1: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=93300

I can't get over how cool this soap is!


Thanks for being early supporters of my shop! Readers, please check out these cool shops!

Welcome!

Welcome to Yellow Blackbird! I have been selling really well this past week so my inventory is down quite a bit. I am never going to reach that 20 items posted mark at this rate! : ) Please keep checking back to see what else I have in store!