Sunday, 25 January 2015

Grow Your Blog Hop 2015

Hi everybody and welcome to my blog.Last year I participated in this party  and made many new bloggy friends and started following a whole bunch of new blogs! As a result of that party I gained about 40 new followers of my blog so hopefully you'll all see similar results with your blogs this year. The concept was developed by Vicki Boster of 2 Bags Full blog and this is its 3rd year. This year there are over 400 participants so I better get on with my post so you can move on to some of the other wonderful blogs.
I'm a jewelry designer who has been making jewelry for the last 4 years. I started blogging in 2013 so I could join in on Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Blog Party and thus began my journey into the blogosphere. I've been having a great time here and currently follow at least 50 blogs! It's a good thing that they don't all post everyday or I'd never get away from my computer to work on my jewelry. I have a shop on Etsy where I sell my creations and I also list some items on my facebook page. One of my favorite things is to join in on blog hops with other jewelry makers. I also host a yearly blog hop called "My Country" where I ask other bloggers to create inspired by their home country.......lot's of fun to see what everyone comes up with!
You probably wonder how I find the time to do everything. I retired from a full-time career as a nurse after 38 years of working and am a single (separated) empty-nester with one wonderful 27 year old son. I am a proud Canadian and live in Hamilton, Ontario ( near Niagara Falls). I posted about that last year during this party. I can do whatever I want with my time most days so I spend most of it on jewelry making and recently learning how to design  with polymer clay. It took a while for me not to feel guilty about having so much fun but after the first year I got used to it.

Here are some of my jewelry creations.



Thank you for dropping by my blog today. I'm having a giveaway of a pair of my earrings and will choose the lucky winner from all the comments left by visitors to my blog today. If you are a no reply blogger please leave your email address so I can contact you. The winner will be chosen randomly and will be announced here on my blog February 15th.

Now feel free to enjoy this party and go to visit as many blogs as you can. If you like what you read then please become a follower of that blog since that is what this party is all about. to help bloggers increase the traffic to their blog. The list of participants can be found here on Vicki's blog. So hop on over and have a great party!
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52 comments:

  1. Carol D.25 January 2015 at 02:03

    Hi Nan, You are my first blog to visit as I am already a follower and yours popped up when I published mine. Don't think Vicki even has the list up yet. So I am a bit of an early bird this year. Have fun hopping!

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  2. Sami25 January 2015 at 07:48

    I'm already a follower Nan, good luck with getting lots of new followers. You shouldn't feel guilty about having fun and doing what you enjoy!

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  3. Bette25 January 2015 at 08:42

    You're jewelry is lovely. Looking forward to following your blog.

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  4. Karen H25 January 2015 at 09:29

    Your jewelry is lovely! I love birds so the fact that two of the three pieces have birds really tickles my fancy! Thanks for the chance to win.

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  5. glassbylindi.blogspot.com25 January 2015 at 10:41

    I too design jewelry, my medium is glass. Just saw a new idea yesterday that I can't wait to try out! Love your ideas and will be following you to see more. L

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  6. Asia King (aka Joanna K)25 January 2015 at 10:48

    Hello Nan!

    Thank you for taking part in this year's Grow Your Blog event! I loved learning more about you and I love your blog :). I occasionally try my hand at jewellery so great to find a new source of inspiration. And I soon envy you living near Niagara Falls! I would like to wish you every success in your blogging adventure - you've got a new follower and a blogging friend now :). If you'd like to visit me back and find out more about my blog Under a Creative Spell, that would be fab! Have a fabulous weekend and a happy GYB! Hugs, Asia

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  7. kathyinozarks25 January 2015 at 11:29

    I love your work-very beautiful I create things with fibers-so happy to meet you-enjoy the party
    Kathy

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  8. Shauna25 January 2015 at 12:21

    your creations are beautiful, thanks for the chance.

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  9. Anonymous25 January 2015 at 14:46

    You are very talented! Love your blog. Thank you for the opportunity to win one of your lovely creations!
    -Brittany @ Pickles Quilting

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  10. Michelle25 January 2015 at 16:21

    Thank you for stopping by my blog during the GYB party.
    I would love a chance to win.
    I have only seen one other blogger who uses polymer clay.
    The creations are very beautiful!

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  11. Veronica Roth25 January 2015 at 19:19

    Hello follow Canadian blogger and jewellery maker! I'm thrilled to meet you thru the GYB event. I've bookmarked your blog so I can come visit you at leisure and get to know you better. :D

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  12. Kathy L25 January 2015 at 19:49

    Your designs are fantasic. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  13. Cheri the Quilting Nanny25 January 2015 at 21:23

    I love handmade jewelery! It has so much more "personality" than store bought! Your work is fabulous!
    Cheri
    fabricandmemories(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  14. Susanm25 January 2015 at 21:25

    I've followed your blog for some time and enjoy seeing photos of your jewelry - didn't know that you were Canadian until this post. The necklace is lovely, as are the earring

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  15. Unknown25 January 2015 at 21:46

    testing 123

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  16. Shirlee Fassell26 January 2015 at 07:54

    Your jewelry looks lovel! Great party!!

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  17. Mokki26 January 2015 at 09:09

    I make jewellery too, though I dont have a blog yet. Your country blog hop sounds fun. Id like to come back hop along to see what people make if you will be doing it this year.

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    Replies
    1. Unknown26 January 2015 at 18:14

      I plan on it. I usually have the sign up on my blog the last week of May.Hopefully you'll have a blog by then because you'll need one to participate. thanks for visiting me.

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  18. Cathy 26 January 2015 at 10:07

    I make beaded jewelry and really liked looking around your blog. You do beautiful work. I'll be back to visit to see what you've created!
    Cathy
    CraftyCat

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  19. Sue Kosec26 January 2015 at 15:14

    Hi Nan ... nice to meet you!
    You throw a great party. Thank you for inviting me!

    So that you know, I've become a Follower and when time permits, I'll be back to see what other beautiful things were made by your hands.

    What this party is all about is to GROW your blog and I'm hoping to do the same. When you get to Section One, please check out A Country Chic Retreat and SuZeQ Creations, my personal blog, in Section Fifteen. I'd love for you to become a Follower. Also, please subscribed so that you don't miss a single post - they'll automatically appear in your Inbox.

    Happy Blogging!
    SuZeQ

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  20. Magpie's Mumblings26 January 2015 at 16:33

    Thank you for the invitation to visit - love your jewelry creations. It's not something I have ventured into - yet!! Enjoy the party!

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  21. Karin G26 January 2015 at 17:21

    I love your polymer work and the diversity of your creations, can't wait to see your future creations!

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  22. Monique (A Half-Baked Notion)26 January 2015 at 19:31

    Hello again, dear Nan! No, I'm not caught up but you deserve a special visit for putting up with all my questions on FB *TeeHee*

    I love that your jewelry photos on this post have a definite style cohesion. Can you have found your signature so early in your design adventure? How clever... I am envious and still flailing about :)

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  23. Diana Seal26 January 2015 at 20:00

    Hi Nan, finally made it to your beautiful blog and gorgeous creations. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and your kind comment and a big thank you to you and Vicki for all the hard work!!!
    Looking forward to seeing more of your wonderful jewelry!
    Happy blog party!
    Diana

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  24. africanaussie26 January 2015 at 20:55

    I have a big long list of what I want to do when I retire, and making jewelry has always been on that list. Off to go and check out your country blog hop - that sounds like fun - I wonder if you have any from Australia. Those earrings are awesome!

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  25. Laura Quaglia (Fun With This and That)26 January 2015 at 21:38

    Sounds like you have a fun time .Your work is very nice ,will check the country blog hop like to meet people.
    Have fun on the GROW YOUR BLOG
    LAURA

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  26. Linda H26 January 2015 at 21:58

    Hi Nan, dropping by to wave Hello from snowy cold eastern Canada where we are awaiting the big storm tomorrow, and at least a foot of snow... ugh. I'll stay in and warm and do some blog-visiting! :) Have enjoyed my visit to your blog, love all your creations! My daughter just moved to Hamilton this fall. First time away from home, just married, age 23. I sure do miss her. Since you're there, and I'm so far away, please send her a big virtual hug!! lol Hope you'll pop by to visit me at Stitch Lines.

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  27. Debbie26 January 2015 at 23:18

    Hi Na, So nice to meet you via the GYB party. Your jewelry is beautiful!

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  28. Jade26 January 2015 at 23:38

    Greetings from Calgary, Nan! Your necklace with the bird charms is my favorite one :) hope you're having a great blog hop.

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  29. Roses, Lace and Brocante27 January 2015 at 02:02

    Hello Nan

    How lovely to meet you at Vicki's GYB party!
    Reading your post makes me want to make jewellery too - I would have joined up for the Bead Peeps Swap n Hop and have a go, a shame I've missed the cut off date for joining! I'll Put it on my calender for next year!

    All your jewellry is gorgeous and it's a wonderful way of using your creative talents. I adore and collect buttons for the collage work I do, and you've got me thinking beads now too!

    I'm following you Nan, I can see we have much in common and I'll be back once the party finishes, to see what's next on your list!
    You've inspired me!

    Hugs
    Shane

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  30. Jeanne27 January 2015 at 08:17

    How nice to meet you! I too am a nurse ( practitioner) and not quite yet retired, although I do only work 3 days a week which I love. Your jewelry looks gorgeous and bet you have fun with your etsy shop! Just lovely work! Will look forward to seeing you again on your blog! Hugs from Texas! Jeanne

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  31. Marilyn27 January 2015 at 11:20

    Hello from Alberta. I am retired too but I spend my days sane and crazy quilting. Love your jewelry, particularly the owl earrings because I love owls and blue.

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  32. Christine27 January 2015 at 11:48

    Hi Nan, nice to meet you. Your jewelry is lovely

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  33. Dixie @ Arranged Words27 January 2015 at 12:02

    Nice to meet you, Nan.
    Your jewelery is very nice!
    I'll be back to explore.
    Enjoy.

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  34. nicolesender28 January 2015 at 03:38

    Greetings from the Pacific Northwest! Lovely jewelry!

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  35. Ellsie32028 January 2015 at 10:21

    Grew up in Williamsville, ran a marathon over the Peace Bridge once (long ago, and before the earth cooled per my kids!) howdy neighbor.

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  36. Linda aka Crafty Gardener28 January 2015 at 12:41

    Hello Nan, I'm visiting from the Grow your blog event ... so many wonderful sites to see and new friends to meet. Your jewelry work is gorgeous. I'd love to be entered for your give away and if I'm the lucky winner I can be reached at crafty.gardener at yahoo dot ca

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  37. Sarah Huizenga28 January 2015 at 15:22

    Hello Nan - Lovely to meet you. Your jewelry is amazing and how wonderful to be able to work on that as much as you want. I love visiting Canada even though it has been a long time something that my husband and I must put back on the bucket list. Have a wonderful day.

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  38. kath00128 January 2015 at 18:49

    Nan! So glad I found your site, your work is gorgeous! Now following. :)

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  39. Treasures by Louise29 January 2015 at 12:00

    Hi Nan:
    I have been following your blog since last year's Grow Your Blog Hop. I am also participating in the Bead Peeps Swap N Hop. I did not join the Grow Your Blog this year. I too seem to spend lots of time on the computer, looking at blogs and Facebook groups when I might be making more jewelry! It looks like you like similar types of beads. I also am not one for wearing lots of 'bling', but I have some in my stash due to buying it for teaching samples!

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  40. Pamela30 January 2015 at 23:13

    I'm so glad that I discovered your blog through this hop! Your jewelry is beautiful. I especially love copper creations.

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  41. kathyinozarks31 January 2015 at 16:22

    Hi I sent you a couple emails-you have won my giveaway of hand dye fabric-please message me with your address Kathy

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  42. Anonymous31 January 2015 at 16:36

    Hello Nan, coming to your blog via GYB ... I never tried jewelry-making or work with polymer clay (that is waiting in my cupboard because I want to try millefiori-technique with it ... one day :-) ). You are so talented!

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  43. Carolyn1 February 2015 at 02:35

    Hi, .

    Love the jewelry that you made. Have a couple more years before I can retire and devote myself to making jewelry.

    Looking forward to your blog hop.

    Carolyn
    Carolynscreations@live.com

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  44. Quinn4 February 2015 at 07:28

    Hi Nan - thank you for visiting Comptonia :)
    I would love to learn how to make nice things with polymer clay. A friend tried to show me once...she made adorable little creatures and I made a bit of a mess. Second try lucky? ;)

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  45. Anonymous5 February 2015 at 11:44

    Hello, I found your blog via the GYB Party. You make beautiful jewelry! It takes real talent to be able to create such wonderful works of art! Thank you for the opportunity to win one of your creations. :)
    -Brittany @ Pickles Quilting

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  46. Angela Perez5 February 2015 at 19:35

    Hello, love your creations. I just started following today. I love your blog. Its a pleasure meeting you.

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  47. AppleApricot Wen8 February 2015 at 15:56

    Hello Nan, such beautiful jewelry you make! I happen to LOVE blue, so this makes the pieces you show here all the more attractive to me. Thank you so much for your sweet comment on my blog! I'm going to follow you too, through feedly (cause I reached the maximum blogs one can follow through google friend connect, can you imagine?!) Looking forward to seeing more of your creations! Wishing you a beautiful day ~ Wendy of Apple and Apricot blogsvanwendy@live.nl

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  48. Maggie8 February 2015 at 18:19

    Hi Nan! Visiting from the GYB party. Looks like you are really enjoying retirement and making the most of your time designing pretty jewelry! I love to make jewelry too, but don't do too much beadwork. Glad I stopped by!

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  49. afistfuloflemons8 February 2015 at 21:41

    Beautiful work! You are inspiring. Thank you for letting us have a peek at all your creations!
    - afistfuloflemons @ gmail.

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  50. Thistle Cove Farm9 February 2015 at 19:17

    visiting via Vicki's GYBP and loving the work of your hands and heart! enjoying retirement is a very good thing...let's have more of it!

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  51. Jennifer's Vintage Paperie11 February 2015 at 19:27

    Oooh! Such pretty jewelry. I love that cute little blue bird. I am in the Bead Peeps swap too - can't wait to see what you create. My jewelry - www.drygulchbeadsandjewelry.blogspot.com and my cards - www.jennifersvintagepaperie.blogspot.com

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Thank you for all your lovely comments! I love to read them and they really make my day.

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