Thursday, June 21, 2012

Give It Away


NOTE on 6/30 - Thank you all so much for entering this giveaway! I will be 
announcing the winner on Monday at noon my time: I hope it's you!!!


xoxox,
A


The end of March marked five years as a small business owner;
five years from the day I left my job as a receptionist at EA
to venture into the terrifying
gratifying
unknown!


Could I make it?
Could I really do this thing I wanted to try so badly?
Five years later I still feel a bit lost and madly in love with my work,
which I think are both good things.

So here I am, celebrating the hugeness of a half-decade of work and gratitude with a really big-deal giveaway.

The purple equivilent of this bag is 
you can read about all of the specs, size etc
noting, of course, that this one has lavender chalcedony
periwinkle hide
and navy/beige mandalas.


This Beautiful Beauty is for one of you, readers;
it can be yours just for a comment saying anything; your wildest dreams, how your day was, what you're grateful for, etc.,

BUT

if you want to increase your chances of winning, then you can do the following things (and create a separate comment for each):

Like my Facebook page
.
Add my Leather and Metal Shops to your circle on Etsy
.
Follow this blog (the doo-dad is on the right hand side - scroll down a tad more)
.
Talk about this contest on your Facebook wall or your own Blog, making sure to provide the link to this contest on your page and a link in the comment here so I can read and smile!
.
Tell me about a worthy charity you love to donate to; what does it mean to you?
.


Inquiring minds want to know.




I will be moderating comments, so don't worry if you don't see it pop up right away: it will.

I will be closing comments on the 29th at 4:00 PM my time (Pacific)
.


In the meantime, our tiny family is traveling north where
I will squeeze Anthony's parents and take an enamel-on-metal-painting
class with one of my favorite
in the whole of the world.

She asked me about the class right after Orion was born in March and I've been looking forward to it ever since,
like a party or a fancy dinner.

I hope you enter.
I also hope you know how much it means to me that you come around and read these words,
share your own and create relationship and community;
I have come to love many hearts just from posting here
and seeing the gifts you make with your art and writings.

I also also hope you win

and 

I thank you for helping to spread the word -

May Sunny Rising bring a little bit of light and beauty into your life,
one wrist, waist, finger, ear and neck at a time!!

Huge x's and o's -
Allisunny



145 comments:

kwpershey said...

That is absolutely beautiful. Such an extraordinary example of your talent. It has been such an incredible joy to watch your artistry unfold over these five years!

Marie said...

Beautiful! Katherine already said if I win I have to share it with her. Huh. We shall see about that ;)

Tanis Alexis said...

you are amazing. not just because of your incredible talents, eloquence with every word, but just that fine fine energy that radiates from you from where you are, all the way over to me, over here. Gosh, that in itself is a *win* every time.
Enjoy enjoy enjoy! xo

Unknown said...

Ohh fantastic!
I like your facebook page!

Unknown said...

Your leather shop is in my etsy circle! :)

Unknown said...

Your metal shop is in my etsy circle! :)

Unknown said...

I follow (and adore) your blog :)

Unknown said...

I posted your link on my facebook page :)

Allisunny S. said...

But, dear Unknown - who are you ;)??
xoxo

Unknown said...

All those unknowns right above are me, susie.sweetland@gmail.com :)

and my favorite is to give to local animal shelters :)

Allisunny S. said...

Ha !!! Hi, Susie! Noted, my dear :)
xo

Aimee said...

What I'm grateful for...giveaways! :-) Beautiful work!

JM said...

My favorite charity is Los Angeles Habilitation House. Mission Statement: "We create & maintain jobs for individuals with disabilities." Especially PTSD and returning Vets. LAHH teaches industrial cleaning methods and now employs 20 people! http://www.lahabilitationhouse.org/index.html. They rock! xoxo

Corinna said...

I think you are so lovely and brave and fabulous!! xo

Corinna said...

Also, I started to follow your blog. I'm new to the whole Google+ thing. :)

Sybil Ann said...

STICK IT TO THE MAN! GO GIRL! HANDMADE ROCKS!

I need to sleep. ;}

You are inspiring. XO

Lindsey said...

You are mighty talented! Everything you make is so incredibly beautiful! Thanks for doing an extremely generous give-a-way

Sybil Ann said...

WOOOO! STICK IT TO THE MAN! BUY HANDMADE!

I need some sleep.

You are an inspiration.

reconstructing sarah said...

sunny-
so beautiful....you continue to inspire me...to leave me in awe of your talent and drive! you are a lovely light, my dear! xo.

reconstructing sarah said...

and...i liked your Facebook page...but
on paul's account...because my account got hacked...boo :(

reconstructing sarah said...

and...your shops have been added to "my circle" on etsy ;) ...

reconstructing sarah said...

ok...and i already follow your blog ;)

Sierra Keylin said...

Enamel painting? metal creation class time with a "sista"? WHAT!!!!! This sounds amazing, sending mucho love for a wonderful time!

reconstructing sarah said...

AND....i shared your giveaway link on paul's Facebook wall!!!! shewww! hope i win :)

Anonymous said...

I still remember the day I was cutting your hair and you got a phone call saying QTip wad interested in your music. Then your mom gave me a cd & I was swept away. I know knew why you got that call. I've watched, from afar, you grow and blossom as an amazing songstress, an amazingly talented jewelry & leather magician, and a loving and glowing mama. I am grateful for knowing you. That's a great prize in itself.

Ally said...

I have admired your work for so long, you were one of the first shops and blog I started following when I started etsy. Your words and creations are so inspiring. Keep up the beautiful work :)The bag is amazing, as are all the mandala pieces you do!

Ally said...

oh, and I added both your shops to my circle :-)

Elizabeth said...

I ordered 30 Day Shred on your recommendation from yesterday. I am about to buy one of your buckles to wear all over Cheyenne Frontier Days. I sure do love that you befriended my sister : )

Oh! And I donate a portion of my book sales to The Girl Effect. And the girls and I are planning to throw a Milk and Bookies party this fall : )

Ally said...

http://aquariansouldesigns.blogspot.com/2012/06/sunny-rising.html

I talked about your giveaway here :-) on my blog

Libellula Jewelry™ said...

Congratulations on following your dream! You work is both gorgeous and inspiring. I look forward to your blog posts and the precious photos of your smiling son :)

Both shops are favorited. Thank you for the entry in your contest.

Cat said...

I have written you dozens of letters in my head. It's time I get something down on paper. For now, know that I find all the bits of you inspiring, beautiful and honest. Thank you for being such a wonderful soul.

And Congratulations on taking that plunge, you deserve your own type of life!

xoxoxo

Karly said...

You are insanely talented on so many many fronts. I am so inspired by you. I believe that you have to follow your heart and have faith and that is something you did when you left your job to pursue this. I believe it has paid off for you my dear! I also really love entrepreneurial energy!! :)

Lisa said...

Hellooooo, Momma Allisunny!

I am especially grateful for trailblazing women like yourself who inspire the rest of us! :)

Blessings to you and your menfolk!

Tiffany Zinck said...

Oh, Allison. Your work is so inspiring and magical! I will ever love your creations and creativity. Even though we've not met in person, I feel I know you via your raw and beautiful posts and the talents you share. I hope one day we (and our boys) could meet.

As far as charities go, I donate to a few less than I did prior to becoming a single momma... but still contribute monthly to a few that help little peoples in need. CCF and Unicef in particular. I pray that if I was in a situation where I wasn't able to feed my family that someone would assist me in the same way.

Sending you and yours much love.

bonddi said...

You have forged the dreams of my soul and every time I wear one of your creations I feel the love. I touch the stones and it is so calming. I don't do facebook, so it doesn't like me, but I do tell everyone who admires one of your treasures where nirvana can be purchased. As for charities, I give to the ASPCA and homeless people. Have a fun and restful journey.

Cat said...

The Cat needing to write you letters is moi, signed into the wrong email. Oops! Since finding you, I've always counted you in my "circle", etsy and beyond.

Zorah said...

General "omg I love your work" comment

Zorah said...

Liked you on Facebook!

Zorah said...

Shops added to circle!

Zorah said...

Blog followed!

Zorah said...

It is generic, but I love donating to the local shelters or humane societies. Animals are just so good for my soul!

Amy Nicole said...

No Way! What a gorgeous, generous giveaway! Golly I'd love to own that bag. I follow you here, there and everywhere. I'm going to go post this giveaway on my Facebook page even though it doesn't help my chances. ;) Seriously woman, you are amazing. But you aren't superwoman and you've been through sooo much. Having a child forces you to completely reevaluate everything in life. It's exhausting. I know your soul is weary, but I wish you a speedy recovery!

wadiefong said...

Congratulations on all of your life successes--personal, family, and business. Thank you for sharing your wealth of creativity and for this wonderful give-away!

Roselle said...

I just wanted to stop by and say hello and to tell you what a WONDERFUL soul you are! Thank you for sharing your world and your heart with us, it is truly inspiring. Your posts make me look a little deeper within myself, smile a little wider, and spark a little creative fire.
My favorite charity is my local animal shelter. It is a small town kill shelter w/o a lot of money in desperate need of volunteers and supplies. I give what I can, whenever I can, including taking in animals (no worries I am not a hoarder, yikes!)
Alas, I am a vegan and I can only admire your work from a far, if my name is chosen, please pass it on to another wonderful and powerful woman xoxoxo

Valerie Brown said...

Thanks for this give away! I commented how much I like your work on fb! Also added the leather shop to my circle.

I've always focused on animal/environmental charities over the years (particularly grassroots type), as they tend to garner much less financial support than "human" ones. I worked for years in animal welfare - so definitely support your local animal shelter. They need your help.

However, I especially wanted to mention Fatal Light Awareness Program, www.flap.org which is an environmental/bird non-profit that I co-founded (with a group of like minded folks) in 1993. They focus on the issue of migrating bird strikes on human built structures (mostly lit or glass clad highrises). Over the years, a very tiny group with a very tiny budget has had an enormous influence all over Canada and the US (plus interest in Europe); which has lead to like minded groups helping migratory birds as they travel to and from nesting site and wintering sites. Anyway, they still work on a very tiny (and tenuous) budget, so any support would be very much appreciated.

Susan Marling said...

I just got introduced to your blog by Amy Nicole. What an extremely talented artist you are. I loved your story of leaving corporate behind tp follow your dream. You certainly have done that. The purse is drop dead gorgeous. Thank you for the chance to win.

Susan Marling said...

I am now a blog follower.

MJ said...

Congratulations on five years!!!! What a beautiful journey you have paved for yourself. You are certainly an inspiration, you and your beautiful little family. And now a chance to win a piece of your dream, well, that is quite an honor. Thank you Sunny...
xo

p.s My favorite charity currently is the Humane Society. The kids and I volunteer twice a week walking dogs and playing with cats. My second favorite is the Elephant Umbrella Fund :).

MJ said...

I have always liked you :), but now on FB it is official!!

MJ said...

Both your leather and metal shops are in my Etsy circle!!
xo

MJ said...

I shared your giveaway on my FB wall...

MJ said...

oops, and that link is here:

http://www.facebook.com/wanderwonder.discover

MJ said...

And I am a follower :). Phew!! All these wonderful chances give me hope!! I had forgotten to mention above what donating to those charities has meant to me, and my kids.

We have donated monies often to different charities before, but when we became involved with the shelter animals, it became clear that volunteering our time, our love, our energy was a gift that we gave to ourselves as well to the charity. Animals in the shelter have no idea why they are there. They can be confused, scared, and very sad, wondering where their owner went. It is heartbreaking, yet the love that they are so desperately willing to give makes us feel useful in some small way. We hope to bring some of these animals home one day (maybe sooner than later :).

Unknown said...

I added your leather shop to my circle...

Unknown said...

I added your metal shop to my circle...

Unknown said...

I liked you on Facebook...

Unknown said...

Congratulations on five years!! It's funny.. you randomly popped in my head today... I followed your Etsy link and ended up on your blog... maybe that's a good sign!

Unknown said...

My favorite charity is www.savethemanatee.org. I love manatees!!!

Marcie Abney Carroll said...

Okay, first of all, I'm amazed you would give that bag away. WOW! Secondly, I know I FB like you, if not me then my shop, favorite shop heart you metal and leather, oh, and my favorite charity is a local one in town that helps hispanic families that are new to the area.

LumiDesigns said...

Your work is amazing! I included your shops to my circle!

mintymonkey said...

Allison, I came to sneak more peeks at my (upcoming) ring, and found this. Amazing! Beautiful. -elise

mintymonkey said...

added leather shop to circle (already favorited)

mintymonkey said...

added other shop to circles too! (also already favorited of course)

mintymonkey said...

and... blog is followed :)

Cate said...

Oh that bag would look so good resting on my shoulder!! Your gemstones are mouth watering! I also have a new baby boy, born in ApriL. You write so many things I am thinking, a pleasure to read :)

Cate said...

I am following you :)

Cate said...

I am following you :)

Cate said...

and in your etsy circles :)

Cat said...

you are one talented mama!!!!
♥♥♥

love and light

calamityjane(t) said...

oh, i hope that you girls have the most marvelous time together! there is nothing like learning new techniques with a bestie!
and i am also loving the photos of your sweet babe! there is certainly nothing like a sweet babe.
thanks for this opportunity. that purse is a beauty!
xx

calamityjane(t) said...

i added your shops to my etsy circle!

calamityjane(t) said...

and... i now follow your blog!

ElisabethSpace said...

Any ol' comment? Sunday morning style: I spent a lovely morning with some french pressed goodness while sitting on the front stoop with my beau and our two inquisitive cats, Miles and Emme, who were both heckled by the locals crows.

ElisabethSpace said...

Any ol' comment? Sunday morning style: I spent a lovely morning with some french pressed goodness while sitting on the front stoop with my beau and our two inquisitive cats, Miles and Emme, who were both heckled by the locals crows.

ElisabethSpace said...

I love finding FB pages from good folk. I just happily "liked" you.

ElisabethSpace said...

I FB posted about your beautiful bag giveaway to my friends.

ElisabethSpace said...

I give to NPR because I get so much back from it...and because silly people want to defund it.

InkyTonka said...

I have finally "liked" your FB page (even tho I have liked you for years already)!
I am very grateful for artisans such as yourself, that bring such beauty and grace to my everyday life. Happy 5 years, and here's to many more!
Michelle

the Gypsy Coast said...

Enjoy the wonders of parenthood and marriage on a much deserved break. It has been a joy to follow your lovely trip!

Anonymous said...

Checking your blog has become part of my daily routine! I love seeing what you create but also gain so much from your words as well!

Katie said...

I have only been following your work for a short time... maybe close to a year, and I have loved seeing your evolution as an artist. Your work amazes and inspires me.

Katie said...

I follow your blog.

Charlotte said...

Just beautiful...as always!!

Rin said...

I followed your blog! ^_^
http://www.blogger.com/profile/05338729978602308696

Rin said...

I've adored your Facebook page, though probably a while after I started adoring you and your work.

Rin said...

I added your Etsy shops to my circles!

Rin said...

I did follow your blog, though I was receiving it through RSS already.
http://www.blogger.com/profile/05338729978602308696

Rin said...

Posted on my Facebook.. though not the most interesting thing I've ever posted.
https://www.facebook.com/glowpixie

Rin said...

As for a charity... I've always been fond of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. Freedom of expression is a core value of mine, and I think they do very important work.

Debbie D. said...

Officially following your blog! Love your work and your words!

Anonymous said...

I am grateful that I've gotten to see your journey of motherhood, and that I tentatively am beginning to want to have that journey for myself.

(And I follow you on facebook. :)

Kelly Z. said...

Oh what a delightful giveaway..and so timely as I am using my old knitting bag as a purse of late for I do not have a proper handbag to speak of...so I have liked you all over the place for quite sometime now;) both shops, following you always;), not liking you but loving you on FB!

Kelly Z. said...

And of course you are featured here on my FB page...
http://www.facebook.com/StillLilyDesigns

Kelly Z. said...

Oh last diddy...local charity we support is called 'It's the Pit's' and we have adopted 2 dogs and helped them with time and contributions in countless ways, we believe that these 'bully breeds' (who are for the most part far from bully's) deserve a loving & nurturing home...our Luke is one truly lovely story and is so adored by all (after they get over the initial programmed fear)...see the wonder man here...
http://www.stilllily.blogspot.com/2011/06/strong-like-bull.html

Jenna said...

I'm so glad you took that leap! Happy half decade. This is such a beautiful, generous giveaway--thanks for shining that great big wide open heart of yours! xoxo

Jenna said...

I liked (loved) your facebook page!

Jenna said...

I added your shops to my circle!

Jenna said...

I subscribed to your blog-officially! I've been hanging out here for ages though.

Jenna said...

Here is a video about my favorite charity, Gorilla Yogis. Basically, people gather & do yoga in unconventional places & donate money. The proceeds from each event are given to a different local organization each time, and it is so amazing to witness and participate in the community building that results from being introduced to new causes, people and places. Having fun and feeling good leads to people helping people!

http://vimeo.com/44156174

Anonymous said...

Oops, I misread; adding to comment that I liked you on Facebook. :) Didn't realize it should be separate. Sorry!

mairedodd said...

allison, what an incredibly generous giveaway... and such a beautiful bag!
i follow your blog and have your shops in my circle on etsy... and while you know how very much i like you, i cannot like with my business fb page...

My Earth Walk Journey said...

Love Love Love. Your work is amazing.

Anonymous said...

I posted your link to my facebook page! :)

Cinder said...

Hi Allison,
I love your work. You are one talented lady!
Your blog is a delight to read.
Thank you for this wonderful give away.

Cinder said...

Here we go...I am a blog follower.

Cinder said...

I liked you on facebook. : )

Cinder said...

Your metal shop is in my etsy circle.

Cinder said...

Your leather shop is in my esty circle.

Nialah said...

Such a gorgeous bag made by an amazing woman, sending you so much love.

xoxoxoxoxo

M

J said...

This is a gorgeous bag - my favourite colour!!!!!

you are an amazing woman!

J said...

I have liked you on Facebook - and glad I did, as it let me see the beautiful enamel/watercolour/graphite pieces.

J said...

I shared it with my facebook friends - I'm not sure how to add a link but can send you a pic! (I tried to tag you but apparently you can't say you're with a non-person?)

J said...

I followed your blog (you're my first - a worthy first)

J said...

I've added both your shops to my circle on etsy. :-D

J said...

A worthy charity I like to support is my local foodbank. I like how they run with lots of volunteers to minimize overhead, and can stretch donations to help as many people as possible. If I'm donating goods instead of cash I always try to include some "Frivilous" non-essential foodstuffs (in addition to healthy stuff!!)- usually granola bars and snacks for kids, as I hope they give some extra brightness to the recipients.

Unknown said...

Look at all this love you have! Of course I must comment to show my support, but also because what could be better than winning some of your incredible artwork?! Nothing! :)

Christina

Robin Goodman said...

Your work is beautiful! You are very talented.

UmberDove said...

At least once a day for this last week I have paused and thought to myself, "god I love that woman's heart."

Because I do.

xox,
- U

Unknown said...

Oh lovely - you are always one of the most inspirational people in my life! Congrats on 5 years of being your own boss, and cheers! to many more. *LOVE*

Unknown said...

I want to win because you make my wife happy!

Unknown said...

I liked your Facebook page!

Heather King said...

Beautiful bag!!! Thought for the moment... I am grateful for this summer. The sun, the beach, theme parks, cookouts, star gazing, firefliies, flowers....happiness♥ Enjoying all of this with my family and friends...

Heather King said...

I liked your facebook page.

Heather King said...

I have added your leather and Metal shops to my circle on etsy.

Heather King said...

I follow your blog.

Heather King said...

I posted a link on my facebook mentioning your giveaway.

Heather King said...

A Charity that I like to donate to is a local one called PAWS. It is an animal shelter in my area that works mostly with cats. I adore animals and this shelter is a no kill and right down the road from me. Animals are a huge passion of mine. I also like to donate blood to the RedCross :) Their is a huge shortage for blood right now. In my area they even will call you and let you know when your blood was used to save a life. (The best feeling ever)

Anonymous said...

I have followed your blog for a couple of years and have enjoyed it.Your very talented and enjoy looking at your work.Baby is cute to. Carrie B

VisionQuest said...

eep!!
i SO enjoy your work and have for a few years- your abundance of talent in so many mediums amazes me.

VisionQuest said...

i have LIKED you on Facebook!
:o)

VisionQuest said...

i'm following this Blog...

Anonymous said...

I wish there was a "like" button for umberdoves comment

Vita said...

GAH! It's a BEAUT!!
xoxo

Vita said...

I like you Facebook page already :)

Vita said...

Your shops are both in my etsy circle! :)

Vita said...

And I follow your blog :)

TerryLynn Melody said...

SHARED YOU ON FB!!

Congratulations Allison you're not only an incredible musician, and a beautiful woman but such a talented all around artist. I'm so proud of you!! Your business has grown, your family has grown... its been nice to watch Sunny Rising!! I recently passed on my favorite necklace, that I bought when you first started the little maple leaf with the medallion that said GROW to my niece who admired it often. I have been meaning to have you make me another one or something close to it.. I miss it. Congratulations on 5 whole years, here's to watching you GROW!!

m said...

How amazing...five years?! Lady friend, here's to FIFTY more! How lucky are we to enjoy your gorgeous creations...and your beautiful words :)

m said...

I have liked your FB page for some time now...

m said...

Both of your shops are in my etsy circle :)

m said...

And, last but not least...I follow your blog!!

VisionQuest said...

you are in my Circle for both of your shops

.. or whatever the proper terminology is.. ;o)

VisionQuest said...

and I posted your giveaway on my Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/kim.sawyer17?ref=tn_tnmn

AlliesAdornments said...

You do amazing work Allison! I was just drooling last week over one of your beautiful rings on Flickr. Anyone would be lucky to have this gorgeous bag.
Following you on FB & you're already in my faves.
Best wishes of another creative 5 years!

Stacey Casey said...

My day didn't start out perfect,but it is progressing to a much better day. I love your work..... Keep up the beautiful designs!