Silver Sparrow Designs (giveaway!)
I feel a little like Rose today when she got her big girl bed (which she claims to want to sleep in even after she grows up, moves in downstairs and has kids, whom she’d like me to raise upstairs; so sentimental that Rose), because I have my first blog sponsor!
I am thrilled to introduce you to Silver Sparrow Designs, a small, Mama-run business in Dolores, Colorado.
I’ve known Kristi longer than I’ve had an e-mail address. And even though we’re all posing as responsible adults these days, it doesn’t seem that long ago that I was 23 years old, “renting” the hallway of Kristi’s tiny studio apartment, while cute boys came over daily to counsel her on dreadlock-care.
After years of teaching elementary school and the birth of her first daughter, Kristi told me matter-of-factly that she wanted to find some silversmithing equipment and start making jewelry. Next thing you know, a local, toothless character sells Kristi all his old equipment, cheap, including a buffing wheel made out of an old dryer motor. This is exactly how things work for Kristi, which is to say she has a least ten angels looking out for her, some of which have a great sense of humor. Four years later her gorgeous work is being sold in many regional galleries and she’s had over 1200 sales on etsy.
Today Silver Sparrow Designs is offering a $40 gift certificate to a lucky reader towards anything in her shop!
This is the very special necklace she surprised me with 3 years ago, that I haven’t taken off in oh, about 3 years.
These are her very popular custom charm necklaces (many of which start at $40):
~charm bracelet for Kristi’s daughter Hazel, commemorating Hazel’s first day of kindergarten and the day she got her bunny (with room for additions)~
Go forth and check out the Silver Sparrow Designs etsy shop, and then come back and leave a comment telling me what your favorite piece is. Also, she is offering 10% off any orders until Christmas. Just type in 6512GROW as your coupon code.
A winner will be selected on Wednesday, November 23rd.
Congratulations, Emily! #42
*ps: I’m also feeling very grown up because of my new blog header! Dan made the sketch of the mountains and rows of crops for a gardening column I wrote years ago. And Katie, wondrous Katie, helped me with all the behind-the-scenes techno-stuff that I’m too old to figure out on my own.
For me, I love the live your love necklace….LOVE IT! I actually really like the whale one too:) I grew up in Sag Harbor NY, it’s an old whaling town, maybe that’s why. Oh, and my hubby would love one of those big rustic rings.
Okay, I didn’t see the round necklace on the etsy shop, the one that has all names on one piece. Beautiful work, such a talented lady and those girls are adorable!! ~ Barefoot mama
child of the universe. necklace is lovely!
child of the universe. necklace is lovely!
Wow, beautiful jewelry and I do not even wear any, so far.
Wow, beautiful jewelry and I do not even wear any, so far.
Kristi’s work is so fantastic- amazing details! Congrats on having her be a sponsor!
Kristi’s work is so fantastic- amazing details! Congrats on having her be a sponsor!
Sheesh, I can only choose one item to like? I like them all! Absolutely beautiful work. PS Love the new header.
Sheesh, I can only choose one item to like? I like them all! Absolutely beautiful work. PS Love the new header.
forgot to say my favorite is i am the river necklace
forgot to say my favorite is i am the river necklace
Wow. Great stuff. For me I love the deluxe stacked rings and the custom charm necklace. Oh, and love the new banner!
Wow. Great stuff. For me I love the deluxe stacked rings and the custom charm necklace. Oh, and love the new banner!
Congratulations, Rachel, on your sponsorship – and wonderful to see that it’s Kristi & her beautiful work.
And I love your new header – yay! – and glad there’s Katie in your life to figure out the tech stuff behind it all.
Congratulations, Rachel, on your sponsorship – and wonderful to see that it’s Kristi & her beautiful work.
And I love your new header – yay! – and glad there’s Katie in your life to figure out the tech stuff behind it all.
I would love to have a custom family charm necklace. Just beautiful! I really like yours!
I would love to have a custom family charm necklace. Just beautiful! I really like yours!
First…LOVE your new blog header. OMG. Totally LOVE. (!!!!)
Secondly…Seriously? Pick just one favorite item in Kristi’s beautiful shop. How could I?
But, since like you I am posing as a good, responsible adult these days, I’ll follow the rules.
The amethyst stack ring is my fav.
xoxo
~e
First…LOVE your new blog header. OMG. Totally LOVE. (!!!!)
Secondly…Seriously? Pick just one favorite item in Kristi’s beautiful shop. How could I?
But, since like you I am posing as a good, responsible adult these days, I’ll follow the rules.
The amethyst stack ring is my fav.
xoxo
~e
Gah!! Noticed the banner right away….. totally awesome! And what a super cool friend to have too… her jewelry is gorgeous!
Gah!! Noticed the banner right away….. totally awesome! And what a super cool friend to have too… her jewelry is gorgeous!
silver spiral earrings for sure!
Yes, I really like them too! They might have to be a Christmas gift to me:)
silver spiral earrings for sure!
Yes, I really like them too! They might have to be a Christmas gift to me:)
wow, what beautiful work i love the necklace above with the mountains on it so beautiful. and you’re new banner is so sophisticated! from her shop my favorite thing is the stacks. amethyst ring i wish it would fit me!
wow, what beautiful work i love the necklace above with the mountains on it so beautiful. and you’re new banner is so sophisticated! from her shop my favorite thing is the stacks. amethyst ring i wish it would fit me!
Hi,
Love it all! I would be happy to own any piece of it. Count me in!
BTW, who won the book?
Hi,
Love it all! I would be happy to own any piece of it. Count me in!
BTW, who won the book?
Ooooh! Christi has become such an amazing jeweler!!! I am humbled and so grateful to have one of her first originals. I have to say your necklace is one of my favs – I’ve wanted a family piece for awhile. Congrats on the sponsorship! And the website face-lift.
Ooooh! Christi has become such an amazing jeweler!!! I am humbled and so grateful to have one of her first originals. I have to say your necklace is one of my favs – I’ve wanted a family piece for awhile. Congrats on the sponsorship! And the website face-lift.
Love Kristi’s stuff! The rustic family bracelet and the wedding bands are beautiful. Plus she has a great name!
Love Kristi’s stuff! The rustic family bracelet and the wedding bands are beautiful. Plus she has a great name!
What beautiful works of art! I love the rustic family necklace, personally. Thanks for this amazing opportunity.
What beautiful works of art! I love the rustic family necklace, personally. Thanks for this amazing opportunity.
All those wedding bands are gorgeous, but practically speaking (and of course aesthetically) speaking, I love the re: stacks rustic set.
Congratulations on having a sponsor! So grown up! :-)
All those wedding bands are gorgeous, but practically speaking (and of course aesthetically) speaking, I love the re: stacks rustic set.
Congratulations on having a sponsor! So grown up! :-)
love the banner, though i really loved that photo you had up there, too. but it’s fun to change it up now and then- i also really like your green background, i have a green one on my storefront. what’s not to like about green, really? kristi’s shop is lovely! wow, her work is just gorgeous. my favorite was the “i am the river” necklace. wowzers! that is some seriously beautiful stuff. you do seem more grown up now, rachel. ;)
love the banner, though i really loved that photo you had up there, too. but it’s fun to change it up now and then- i also really like your green background, i have a green one on my storefront. what’s not to like about green, really? kristi’s shop is lovely! wow, her work is just gorgeous. my favorite was the “i am the river” necklace. wowzers! that is some seriously beautiful stuff. you do seem more grown up now, rachel. ;)
no time now to choose a favorite, so i’ll just say, all of them!!! incredibly beautiful…
no time now to choose a favorite, so i’ll just say, all of them!!! incredibly beautiful…
What exciting changes Rachel! I really like the first one pictured in your blog – and the fall blossom necklace from Kristi’s shop.
What exciting changes Rachel! I really like the first one pictured in your blog – and the fall blossom necklace from Kristi’s shop.
I can’t decide. I think my favorite are the spiral earrings. Spirals have always intrigued me. I also love love love the rustic family bracelet. :) Added them to my Amazon wish list!
I can’t decide. I think my favorite are the spiral earrings. Spirals have always intrigued me. I also love love love the rustic family bracelet. :) Added them to my Amazon wish list!
everything is so beautiful…i seriously can’t say i have a favorite. great giveaway!!!!
everything is so beautiful…i seriously can’t say i have a favorite. great giveaway!!!!
They were all so lovely I couldn’t just pick one..I think her work is lovely and I’ll keep watching her site for the one piece meant for me..
They were all so lovely I couldn’t just pick one..I think her work is lovely and I’ll keep watching her site for the one piece meant for me..
Love, love, love the necklace on the sponsor button (as I’m sure everyone does!). If that was a one-of-kind and cherished or long gone, any of the necklaces are beautiful. How exciting! Love the new banner, too. :)
Love, love, love the necklace on the sponsor button (as I’m sure everyone does!). If that was a one-of-kind and cherished or long gone, any of the necklaces are beautiful. How exciting! Love the new banner, too. :)
Oooh, pretty! But I’m still partial to the rustic wedding band in silver. Getting ready to submit an order soon! :D
Oooh, pretty! But I’m still partial to the rustic wedding band in silver. Getting ready to submit an order soon! :D
This is so sweet! Kristi was my first friend, we lived across the street from each other in Atlanta for about 12 years before she and her family left for Colorado! She seems to have found a sweet place to call home! I am so proud of her! As for my favorite, it is usually whatever Kristi is wearing around her neck but that round pendant with the deep blue stone and flowers is breathtaking as usual!! Thanks for this!!
This is so sweet! Kristi was my first friend, we lived across the street from each other in Atlanta for about 12 years before she and her family left for Colorado! She seems to have found a sweet place to call home! I am so proud of her! As for my favorite, it is usually whatever Kristi is wearing around her neck but that round pendant with the deep blue stone and flowers is breathtaking as usual!! Thanks for this!!
I love Kristi’s work! It is hard to choose a favorite, but I really like “Child of the Universe”, It is beautiful.
Thanks for the great give away!
I love Kristi’s work! It is hard to choose a favorite, but I really like “Child of the Universe”, It is beautiful.
Thanks for the great give away!
Very nice header! And gorgeous jewelry. Congrats on being sponsored…how exciting!
Very nice header! And gorgeous jewelry. Congrats on being sponsored…how exciting!
that big beautiful balance ring is amaaaaazing. love.
that big beautiful balance ring is amaaaaazing. love.
First time comment, long time reader. I fell as though Silver Sparrow Designs would elicit many a quiet reader to the surface. And OMG the guitar pick. Can you say “the best holiday present for my father EVER?” Well, it would be the best holiday present for my father…EVER. I like the new header, very crisp.
First time comment, long time reader. I fell as though Silver Sparrow Designs would elicit many a quiet reader to the surface. And OMG the guitar pick. Can you say “the best holiday present for my father EVER?” Well, it would be the best holiday present for my father…EVER. I like the new header, very crisp.
Oh man, that’s impossible to choose just one of kristi’s amazing pieces as my favorite. I have always loved her little charm necklaces though. She is a fantastic artist and great friend too.
Oh man, that’s impossible to choose just one of kristi’s amazing pieces as my favorite. I have always loved her little charm necklaces though. She is a fantastic artist and great friend too.
I loved every piece! Two grabbed me most – the balance ring and the rustic stack ring. Love her style and the story of how she created her business.
I loved every piece! Two grabbed me most – the balance ring and the rustic stack ring. Love her style and the story of how she created her business.
I love that new banner image. Something sort of Grapes of Wrath (or something) about it, but not dusty. And I like the colour you’ve painted the place. It reminds me of the sage I need to put away before it gets dusty, now that it’s all nice and dry.
Sweet rustic star necklace is my fave; ’cause I’m caustic and rustic, I think it would balance me nicely.
I love that new banner image. Something sort of Grapes of Wrath (or something) about it, but not dusty. And I like the colour you’ve painted the place. It reminds me of the sage I need to put away before it gets dusty, now that it’s all nice and dry.
Sweet rustic star necklace is my fave; ’cause I’m caustic and rustic, I think it would balance me nicely.
love these earrings:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/82630530/tranquil-transitions-earrings
love these earrings:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/82630530/tranquil-transitions-earrings
I like the drops in the river necklace. . .reminds me to flow with things-don’t fight it!
I like the drops in the river necklace. . .reminds me to flow with things-don’t fight it!
Do I have to pick just ONE!! So Fabulous! But I love the amethyst stack ring and the family charm necklace – really I love all the pieces! THANKS! Have a great day!
Do I have to pick just ONE!! So Fabulous! But I love the amethyst stack ring and the family charm necklace – really I love all the pieces! THANKS! Have a great day!
‘Just Drops in the River’ is my personal fave. My hub and I love to kayak our beloved Ohio River. The Labradorite is about the color of the mighty river on a sunny day. Love the new blog look you have! Congrats!
‘Just Drops in the River’ is my personal fave. My hub and I love to kayak our beloved Ohio River. The Labradorite is about the color of the mighty river on a sunny day. Love the new blog look you have! Congrats!
I followed your blog to Kristi’s back in the late spring(ish). And orders the medium silver spiral earrings. I live them! And get compliments all the time. Currently I have been admiring the I am the river ring. Love it.
I followed your blog to Kristi’s back in the late spring(ish). And orders the medium silver spiral earrings. I live them! And get compliments all the time. Currently I have been admiring the I am the river ring. Love it.
I love them all but really like the custom rustic family necklaces!
I love them all but really like the custom rustic family necklaces!
It’s hard to pick one. All of her pieces are so cool! Today, I’d say my favorite is the Prehnite charm trio necklace. Tomorrow, that might change. But the charm necklaces have a certain “charm” to them. (hehehe)
Great of you and Kristi to do the givaway. I’d love to win :)
It’s hard to pick one. All of her pieces are so cool! Today, I’d say my favorite is the Prehnite charm trio necklace. Tomorrow, that might change. But the charm necklaces have a certain “charm” to them. (hehehe)
Great of you and Kristi to do the givaway. I’d love to win :)
Wow, she really has amazing stuff. I would like the I am a rivier necklace, it really speaks to me.
Wow, she really has amazing stuff. I would like the I am a rivier necklace, it really speaks to me.
I see why you wouldn’t take off such a special piece. I would love to start a bracelet for my six year old daughter!
I see why you wouldn’t take off such a special piece. I would love to start a bracelet for my six year old daughter!
I would love to give my hubby one of those guitar picks, but MY favorite, as a rafter, is the ‘I am the river’ necklace.
I would love to give my hubby one of those guitar picks, but MY favorite, as a rafter, is the ‘I am the river’ necklace.
So…I had stopped entering giveaways awhile ago because I felt like it was the only time I’d comment. But oh my I love her work so much! I have gauged ears (2 sizes) and can never find earrings. The silver spirals are my favorite and I love the rustic family necklace!
Awesome header…is that all I need to feel grown up?
So…I had stopped entering giveaways awhile ago because I felt like it was the only time I’d comment. But oh my I love her work so much! I have gauged ears (2 sizes) and can never find earrings. The silver spirals are my favorite and I love the rustic family necklace!
Awesome header…is that all I need to feel grown up?
Child of the Universe caught my eye… then I read the description and it stole my heart!
Child of the Universe caught my eye… then I read the description and it stole my heart!
YEAH.GIRL. blog looks *kickin’* and i have to say – small spiral earrings –> cuz i’m a sucker for the spirals. get DOWN with yo techno self. xoxo
YEAH.GIRL. blog looks *kickin’* and i have to say – small spiral earrings –> cuz i’m a sucker for the spirals. get DOWN with yo techno self. xoxo
except OMG WHERE’S YO BLOGROLL??!? this is the *crucial and bestest* leaping off point for alla my webby wanderings….
except OMG WHERE’S YO BLOGROLL??!? this is the *crucial and bestest* leaping off point for alla my webby wanderings….
trying to figure out if there is anything from her shop that i don’t want! i guess depending in my mood i’d need to choose the silver spiral earrings (med or large), child of the universe necklace, or the bangle bracelets.
huge congrats on your banner and your sponsor. love it on lady :)
xo
robin
trying to figure out if there is anything from her shop that i don’t want! i guess depending in my mood i’d need to choose the silver spiral earrings (med or large), child of the universe necklace, or the bangle bracelets.
huge congrats on your banner and your sponsor. love it on lady :)
xo
robin
Nice new digs mama. I love the sketch that Dan made – how very perfect for this space.
You know what’s funny? I sent a hint hint nudge nudge to My Guy a few weeks ago about a charm necklace with our girls’ names and here you are, talking about a lady who makes just that! I think it’s meant to be (as I promptly sent him the link to Kristi’s etsy shop). I can’t decide between the spiral hoop earrings or the live your love charm necklace. Hmmm…
I adore your necklace too. I want one! Well, one that has my family’s names of course. ;-)
Nice new digs mama. I love the sketch that Dan made – how very perfect for this space.
You know what’s funny? I sent a hint hint nudge nudge to My Guy a few weeks ago about a charm necklace with our girls’ names and here you are, talking about a lady who makes just that! I think it’s meant to be (as I promptly sent him the link to Kristi’s etsy shop). I can’t decide between the spiral hoop earrings or the live your love charm necklace. Hmmm…
I adore your necklace too. I want one! Well, one that has my family’s names of course. ;-)
I really love the Bangle Trio but they aren’t big enough for my super-wide hands. :o( If I managed to get them on I would take all the skin off when I tried to remove them. But…..if I won I’m sure I could find something because I love EVERYTHING! She’s a very talented woman.
Jan
I really love the Bangle Trio but they aren’t big enough for my super-wide hands. :o( If I managed to get them on I would take all the skin off when I tried to remove them. But…..if I won I’m sure I could find something because I love EVERYTHING! She’s a very talented woman.
Jan
Ooh! Such beautiful jewelry! I think I would get the sweet rustic star necklace!
Ooh! Such beautiful jewelry! I think I would get the sweet rustic star necklace!
love. i love all her stuff. how bout that amethyst ring?
and yeah. max is gonna live next door to us when he’s grown up. so nice of you to raise your grandkids!!
love. i love all her stuff. how bout that amethyst ring?
and yeah. max is gonna live next door to us when he’s grown up. so nice of you to raise your grandkids!!
Goodness Kristi has skills!!! I went to school for Art and love to paint, myself. . . it’s hard to choose a favorite, maybe the baby beluga? The little month charms? No, for me it is the heart-releasing piece displayed above, with the mountain and ocean balanced by a deeply saturated and moving blue stone. The details of the necklace and writing are like creek side stepping stones. It’s my two most cherished places together mingling amongst words of encouragement.
Goodness Kristi has skills!!! I went to school for Art and love to paint, myself. . . it’s hard to choose a favorite, maybe the baby beluga? The little month charms? No, for me it is the heart-releasing piece displayed above, with the mountain and ocean balanced by a deeply saturated and moving blue stone. The details of the necklace and writing are like creek side stepping stones. It’s my two most cherished places together mingling amongst words of encouragement.
Child of the Universe…absolutely. It’s incredible…and those words. Oh…I live those words.
Gorgeous new header, Rachel. LOVE it. xo
Child of the Universe…absolutely. It’s incredible…and those words. Oh…I live those words.
Gorgeous new header, Rachel. LOVE it. xo
holy moly!!!!! the belt buckle has my name all over it!!! seriously, it’s singing my name…i can hear it from dolores. ALL SO BEAUTIFUL!!!! and i am wild over your new header, and that mess of cultured veggies and the crock and your son and, and …..and have a lovely weekend!
holy moly!!!!! the belt buckle has my name all over it!!! seriously, it’s singing my name…i can hear it from dolores. ALL SO BEAUTIFUL!!!! and i am wild over your new header, and that mess of cultured veggies and the crock and your son and, and …..and have a lovely weekend!
Wow, her stuff is so beautiful! I love the rustic family necklaces but I’d love to design something like your necklace…I love that idea! I also really love her rustic stackers and I also love to run into an artist like Kristi. Thanks for the introduction!
Jaim
Wow, her stuff is so beautiful! I love the rustic family necklaces but I’d love to design something like your necklace…I love that idea! I also really love her rustic stackers and I also love to run into an artist like Kristi. Thanks for the introduction!
Jaim
I love the wizard of Oz bracelet! Its so sweet and funky. I would love to add this to my jewelry collection!
I love the wizard of Oz bracelet! Its so sweet and funky. I would love to add this to my jewelry collection!
I love your site’s new look, Rachel! As always, reading your words and looking at your pictures makes me wish we lived closer.
After looking at Silver Sparrow’s beautiful jewels, I finally know why my wrist looks so naked, so incomplete: because it NEEDS (yeah, I said it) a custom rustic family bracelet around it. Something pretty and feminine as a symbol of mothering a house full of boys? Brilliant!
I love your site’s new look, Rachel! As always, reading your words and looking at your pictures makes me wish we lived closer.
After looking at Silver Sparrow’s beautiful jewels, I finally know why my wrist looks so naked, so incomplete: because it NEEDS (yeah, I said it) a custom rustic family bracelet around it. Something pretty and feminine as a symbol of mothering a house full of boys? Brilliant!
I’ve been admiring your new header. It’s just perfect! I love that Dan drew it, too, or the inspiration for it anyway.
I am so excited about Silver Sparrow Designs and really wishing it were two weeks before my birthday rather than two weeks after! I adore the fall blossom necklace, but that Wizard of Oz bracelet has to be the coolest piece of jewelry I have ever, ever seen. If I had that much to drop on a piece of art right now, it would be on its way to me right now. Thanks for sharing your friend’s work, and her story with us!
I’ve been admiring your new header. It’s just perfect! I love that Dan drew it, too, or the inspiration for it anyway.
I am so excited about Silver Sparrow Designs and really wishing it were two weeks before my birthday rather than two weeks after! I adore the fall blossom necklace, but that Wizard of Oz bracelet has to be the coolest piece of jewelry I have ever, ever seen. If I had that much to drop on a piece of art right now, it would be on its way to me right now. Thanks for sharing your friend’s work, and her story with us!
How to choose my favorite? I love the I am the River necklace. Something about the river speaks to me. Congrats on the new website design and on getting a sponsor!
How to choose my favorite? I love the I am the River necklace. Something about the river speaks to me. Congrats on the new website design and on getting a sponsor!
wow! i don’t know what to say. you are all so very very sweet with all of your wonderful comments. it is very humbling to read them and i truly appreciate your feedback. i want each and every one of you to win.
wow! i don’t know what to say. you are all so very very sweet with all of your wonderful comments. it is very humbling to read them and i truly appreciate your feedback. i want each and every one of you to win.
Oh, I am torn… so many choices, but I’d have to go w/ the charm necklace. I spent a good long while yesterday staring at the choices and building my dream necklace. I see a Christmas Present To Me in my future. Thanks Rachel & Kristi!
Oh, I am torn… so many choices, but I’d have to go w/ the charm necklace. I spent a good long while yesterday staring at the choices and building my dream necklace. I see a Christmas Present To Me in my future. Thanks Rachel & Kristi!