Girls Just Wanna Win Swag: C-My Designs Jewelry Giveaway

Jennifer B. is the winner of the $25 gift certificate from last week’s Designs by Suzyn Swag giveaway.

It’s really a privilege this week to introduce you to Lynn Kvigne, artist and owner of C-My Designs. I have to admit when I first contacted Lynn, I was simply impressed by her jewelry designs. I wasn’t until our interview that I learned she’s a star in the jewelry-making world.

Lynn designs handcrafted jewelry in her Iowa studio.  Her creations include necklaces, pendants, bracelets, rings, and earrings. She specializes in metal designs using sterling silver, fine silver, copper and bronze. “I love to incorporate beads and stones into chain maille and fabricated designs.  My style’s been described as girly with an edge – not too fussy, just a little funky,” she says.

Sterling Silver Heart Pendant

You may already be familiar with Lynn who is recognized as an expert in the field of jewelry making. She publishes jewelry-related articles, free tutorials, and reviews at BeadingHelpWeb.com. “I love to share knowledge, tips and tricks,” Lynn says. She’s also been published in Bead Trends magazine, and is a member of the Ornament Thursday craft team (ornamentthursday.blogspot.com). Lynn is a three-time winner in the Rings ‘N’ Things “Your Deigns Rock!” contest, and was awarded Best In Show at the Grand Cities Art Fest in 2008.

Lynn’s sense of humor is apparent in some of her designs such as the Not Made in China Earrings.

Not Made in China Earrings

That sense of humor also came through in our interview. She says when she’s not making jewelry you can find her, “asking Home Depot employees where the copper wire and flashing is, stalking the mailman for my supply orders, and walking my dog along country roads.”

Despite her obvious talent, it seems that Lynn doesn’t take herself too seriously. I asked her where her inspiration comes from. “Pizza.  You know how pizza’s a little of this, a little of that, and you’d better have a stable crust to hold it all together or you’re just going to end up with a big mess?  Jewelry making is a lot like pizza.  Throw together the right components, make sure you have a solid foundation, and you’ll end up with something beautiful.  Or tasty, depending on what you’re making.”

Lynn followed up that remark with this refreshingly honest answer, “Okay, I’ll admit, like Stephen King, I hate this question….everyone expects some magical perfect answer…like I’ll say my inspiration stems from nature and meditation, or that my designs come to me in a dream.  In all reality, I sit in boring “left brain” meetings all day long and start doodling on a piece of paper.  I have to pretend I’m actually taking notes while my mind wanders and I start sketching out my next project!  Sometimes I do go the meditation or dream route, but honestly, it’s highly overrated.”

Sterling Silver Wrap Ring (Oxidized)

Lynn says when she first started her business she went about it all wrong. “I signed up for a craft show and forgot about it for a year. When I was reminded that I had a table paid for and that the show was in two weeks, I decided to make jewelry.  My first creations were REALLY pathetic, but I did have some sales…and I was hooked!  I loved making jewelry, I loved working the shows and talking to people, and I loved making money to buy more jewelry making supplies.  It’s a vicious circle, a black hole, and I couldn’t be happier.”

Over time and through experience Lynn says she’s refined her style, ability and technique. “Today I’m proud of each and every piece of work I put up for sale or create for a commissioned request.  While I love to give my work new homes, it sometimes feels like one of my kids are leaving the nest when I sell a favorite piece!”

Win It!

Lynn is offering one lucky winner the Sterling Silver Heart Pendant pictured above on a 16-20″, (winner can specify) sterling silver snake chain.

To enter visit C-My Designs then come back here and comment ON THIS POST with the name of your favorite item (not pictured here) from the store. Comments not following the rules will be disqualified. Earn an extra entry by posting about this contest on your blog, and linking to this post and to C-My Designs. If you do the extra credit, let me know by leaving a separate comment with the link to your post.

Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. The contest is open to readers in the US and Canada.

The contest is open until 11:59 p.m. EST August 27. I’ll randomly draw a winner, and announce it on the next edition of Girls Just Wanna Win Swag. The winner will also be contacted by email, and will have three days to reply. If the winner does not reply in three days, another will be chosen. You may also check Prizey Fetch to see if you’ve won.

Have a women-owned business you’d like featured in a Swag giveaway? Fill out the contact form in my sidebar and let me know.

Tags: beading, C-My Designs, Giveaway, handcrafted, jewelry-making, Lynn Kvigne