Featured Etsy Designer -- Jill of Marie Carleton! Plus a giveaway!

We have another FABulous Etsy designer on our hands. When we first came across the Heart Charm Bracelet in Red -- we fell right in love with Marie Carleton Jewelry on Etsy. Jill designs perfect little arrays of handmade jewels and custom creations. We look forward to sharing Jill with our readers and thrilled to be giving away the Editors' Pick from Marie Carleton! Read on for details and to see why we LOVE her shop. We think you will too!

{the beautiful designer herself, Jill of Marie Carleton}

{1} What made you begin your shop? 

I’ve been making jewelry for as long as I can remember – I have memories of stringing necklaces in my aunt’s basement as a kid, learning how to work with sterling silver wire when I was in high school, hitting up the local bead shop with my sister when I was home for summer break from college… and it’s a hobby that I’ve always come back to whenever I’ve had some spare time.

It was just about a year ago when I found myself with some extra time on my hands and a great deal of inspiration, so I got to work.  My friends and coworkers loved everything I was making and before I knew it orders started rolling in.  

I kept hearing that I needed to be on Etsy, so I decided to check it out and I’ve found it to be a brilliant forum for artists to connect with shoppers looking for unique goods!

{A fave of the designer Jill, the Gemstone Cascade Earrings, $65}

{2} What are some of your other favorite Etsy shops?

I find at least one thing on Etsy every day that I love.  These are just a handful of my favorite shops:

SealedwithKS: This is my sister's shop (jewelry must be in our blood).  She has an awesome eye for color and makes unexpectedly beautiful pieces. 

ElizabethKelly: Amazing leather belts!

LaPlumeEthere: FABULOUS shoes that I've been eyeing for awhile now.  I'm definitely buying myself a pair soon!

Bluebirdheaven: Every girl needs one of these jewelry organizers!

{We LOVE the color of these Carnelian Hoops, $39} 

{3} What is your favorite item currently in your shop?

There are a couple of pieces in my shop that I’m really into these days. I love the heart charm leather wrap bracelets and the gem encrusted heart necklaces. However, I think my all time favorite pieces are the 

gemstone cascade earrings!

{cupcakeMAG pick: Amethyst Wrapped Heart Necklace in the perfect Spring color, $45}

{4} What is up next for you?

Looking forward to the spring and summer, I’ll be working on some gemstone flower pendant necklaces in all different styles and colors and also some colorful and asymmetrical gemstone necklaces.

One of my goals for the upcoming year is to learn some new jewelry making techniques; I’m especially interested in metalsmithing and am currently looking into workshops.  So, look for some really different pieces around summertime!

{cupcakeMAG Editors' Pick: the Heart Charm Bracelet in Red}

See why we adore Jill and her jewels? 

Now, you can have a chance to win the cucpakeMAG Editors' Pick! 

Read on to enter the giveaway!

Giveaway: cupcakeMAG Editors' Pick is a bracelet we are obsession over! The Heart Charm Bracelet in the color of YOUR choice! 

How to win: Visit Marie Carleton and tell us what color Heart Charm Bracelet you would choose. This comment is mandatory. You also MUST be a follower of cupcakeMAG and cupcakeMAG for Littles. 

For extra entries you can do the following below and leave us a separate comment for each letting us know. The more you comment the better chance you have to win!

1. Follow cupcakeMAG on Twitter.

2. Make sure you "Like" us on our Facebook page.

3. Subscribe to our updates (top right corner above) - just sign up with your email!

4. Tweet about this giveaway and include @cupcakemag -- you must tweet, not just follow.

5. Write a blog post about this giveaway on your blog and send us the link.

6. Make Marie Carleton a favorite on Etsy. 

We will select a winner via random.org on Friday, April 1st at 11pm. Please make sure you enter the mandatory comment first before doing the extra entries.