World Tour Meerkat Giveaway News!

Wow! Alchemy brought such a lovely haul home with her from her tour that I am going show you the prizes over several blog posts, and remind you of the adventures along the way. Of course, Alchemy didn't start the tour until after poor Treasure went missing, so it's only fair to start with Treasure's part of the story. Sadly all her souvenirs got lost too, of course, but her hosts have kindly supplied some replacements, as you will see.



For a super-duper interactive version of Alchemy's map, made by the lovely Tracy of Tyarkoni CLICK HERE

Niftyknits Meerkat Treasure left Kent, UK back in November 2009 with a press send-off and video coverage! see VIDEO interview

Her first host was CuteDesigns, where she partied with the plushies and picked up a travelling companion, a cute amigurumi acorn. The prize package will include details of where to buy your own little amigurumi friend.



Now Treasure began her overseas adventure, and soon arrived in Israel where Arosha brought out the masculine side of this little meerkat, sunbathing on the beach and helping with metalsmithing. Arosha has replaced the lost brooch with a 10% discount voucher for either Arosha or Sleeks.



Treasure liked Israel, so stayed a while longer. Her next visit was with Inbaliya where she celebrated Shabat and had acupuncture to help her travel sickness (yes, really. The meerkat had acupuncture. Follow the link to see the photos) Inbal made a little sleeping bag for Treasure, but has replaced it for the giveaway with a 10% discount voucher.



Next Treasure went to visit SpringColors in Jerusalem for a Happy Hanukah! Treasure took away a fabulous beaded pendant which has been replaced in our giveaway by a $30 voucher for Springcolors.



After leaving Israel Treasure headed North to Estonia to visit 5erg.



After leaving Estonia, disaster struck! Treasure was on her way next to Turkey, to stay with Meltem who had plans for many adventures. Sadly, we had to declare a Meerkat Emergency, because Treasure didn't arrive.

The meerkats looked everywhere...



and after a while, decided that it was best for Alchemy to bravely take the place of Treasure. Alchemy set off for the USA, to MyMothersGarden, and we all expected Treasure to turn up in Turkey one day and continue with the tour. Sadly, poor Treasure is *still* lost, so please keep an eye out if you're over that way.

5erg has also sent replacement gifts: a felted lady and a pair of earrings.



Meltem very kindly sent a prize even though she'd been missed out of the tour: a beautiful sterling silver high heeled shoe necklace and *5* 10% discount cards.



As you can see, this did cause a little confusion. Alchemy's mum (pictured) thought the necklace was a homecoming gift from Alchemy to her! We've explained to her that the souvenirs you've seen so far are just a FEW of the prizes for our giveaway that Alchemy will take with her to her new home.

There are many more prizes to show you, and many more reminders of the adventure before we get to the giveaway itself...so I'll see you tomorrow, I hope!

Let's meet...SpringColors

Hadass of Springcolors is a fellow member of Etteam. She describes her shop as a place where we will find necklaces and bracelets made of crystals and beads, expressing the joy, optimism and beauty of spring, so I'm keen to get to know her a bit better!



Cats or dogs?

CATS! Hubby and I have 5 cats including two black ones. You can see them in rare moment of brotherly love.



Star Wars or Star Trek?
Star Trek. Hubby and I are long time trekkies and For many years I take part in organizing the Israeli annual sci-fi convention.

OH WOW! finally I meet a team member who is more of a trekkie than I am! Live long and prosper Hadass!

Fruit or chocolate?
Really hard question. First chocolate and then some fruit, especially the pink ones. I love anything pink.



Favourite colour?
Pink, fuchsia, rose, blush, flush, mauve! (I've just copied the correct line from the excellent tagging list).

Favourite meal?
Any meal which includes good bread with a hard crust.

Soaps or documentaries?
Star trek!

City break or a weekend in the country?
Hubby and I love to travel. Hubby dreams of storming the wild on a jeep with large wheels and I dream about finding a good restaurant nearby.

Now we've got you warmed up:

What brought you to Etsy? Tell us about your shop.

I make and sell handmade beaded jewelry. Each of my items is my design, handmade and one of a kind.

Since childhood I've been interested in all kinds of handmade. Four years ago, a friend showed me to crochet jewelry and I've became addicted to beadwork. Beadweaving is all about playing with colors and that is what fascinates me.

Since then, I've made a lot of items, kept them in a drawer somewhere and never wore them.

Last year I was diagnosed with cancer, had chemo and sat home for 6 month. I had the time on my hands, so I've arranged my drawers and decided to start selling my item. After all, I don't wear them, so why not let someone else enjoy them?! That how I've opened my Etsy shop.



What's the favourite item you've made so far?
My favourite item is always the last item I make. I try to improve my work with each and every item. Now I working on a pendant inspired by the Celtic Knot and I fascinated with this design.


What has been the most useful lesson you've learnt so far?
Every lesson I've learned was useful, I think.

However, I think the best lesson I have is about photography. I learned a lot about photography since I've started with Etsy, and got a lot of useful advices from ETTEAM members. Before that I was so cluless and afraid to use the camera and never thought I could get a good picture. My pictures still needs improving, but now I know how to make them better.




If you could start again, is there anything you'd do differently?
I need to promote more and better. I'm struggling with all the different promotion ways and not focused enough.

How do you see your store developing?
I hope to make better and more original and interesting beaded jewelry. I hope to sell my designs and not just the jewelry itself. And of course, I hope to see more sales.

What have you been doing today that I've interrupted?
I'm going to continue working on my beaded Celtic Knot.

What's your top marketing tip for today?
Facebook. Just signed in yesterday and already an addict.

Thanks Hadass! I'm very impressed by your positive stance towards the dreaded C, and wish you every good luck for the future.
Springcolors
www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com.