Welcome!

Hello and welcome to my blog! My name is Karen Snyder and I've been a crafter for about as long as I can remember. I am a stay-at-home-Mama of two beautiful children with a husband who makes my dreams possible.

This blog is about all sorts of crafting. I am a paper-crafter from early days, a jewelry-maker with an unending obsession for chain maille. I make chain maille purses, many of which will be chronicled in this blog as their future owners await their completion. I love metalsmithing. I am an indifferent beader and don't get me anywhere near seed beads... they scatter, screaming to get away from me. I love to try new things, have a short attention span so if its a long-term project... I'm probably not doing it LOL.

If you have questions, ask. If you have tips, share. Same with suggestions - share! I want this to be a great forum for people to brainstorm and problem-solve with a good attitude. Crabby Apples need not respond, this is a feel-good kind of blog :)

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Appreciating 1600 Facebook Fans!


My friends and fans continue to astound me!  In the midst of a very crazy week, I was given the glorious gift of 1600 Facebook fans - what a lift that is for me!  I want to thank everyone who visited, commented and brought their friends along. 

Some of you might know that Bette of GemsCrystalsAndWire and myself are currently hosting The Great Cabochon Challenge.  We have both been abandoned by our Creativity Faeries (they skipped off to the Bahamas with our Cleaning Faeries - last we heard, they'd found a couple of cute Guardian Angels and they have stopped answering their email!) and thought we'd instigate a little frenzied creativity.  In honor of The Great Cabochon Challenge, I decided to make the prize for this give away my all-time favorite thing to do with a cabochon - wrap that baby in chain maille!

The winner will get to choose from a selection of cabs I have on hand (picture coming later this evening on my O. Sebastian page) and whether they'd like to have it wrapped in sterling or copper.  To enter to win, please leave a comment below and tell me how you found my work.  Was it through a friend?  Have you known me since we were kids?  Did you take a ride on the party bus during a Fanning Party? 

This give-away will remain open through Friday, January 28th and the winner will be announced Saturday morning.  Good luck everyone!
Posted by at

81 comments:

  1. CCDJanuary 23, 2011 at 8:59 PM

    I found you through other jewelery pages :) Trying to keep my money as local and as UNcorporate as possible :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJanuary 23, 2011 at 9:00 PM

    I found your awesome site thru Bette, who is just as awesome!!! I love to surround myself with awesomeness. Maybe some will rub off on me...lol.

    Gussy Davis
    fussygussy75@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousJanuary 23, 2011 at 9:06 PM

    Love your work!!! Found you on FB somehow, not sure how :) Got my moms christmas present from you and she and I both love it!! Thanks and congrats!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Karen SnyderJanuary 23, 2011 at 9:09 PM

    Nemebabe, Gussy and Janis you are all three entered to win! What a treat for me to get to hear how people found my work - Facebook networking is a thing of beauty!

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownJanuary 23, 2011 at 9:18 PM

    I discovered you through a trail of artists being fanned on Facebook. I love your work. Superior quality and unique!

    ReplyDelete
  6. lilred520January 23, 2011 at 9:20 PM

    Love! Love! Love!

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousJanuary 23, 2011 at 9:21 PM

    Friend of a friend via Turquoise Magpie, also on FaceBook, is where I came in. And that cab is lovely! :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sue PettitJanuary 23, 2011 at 9:44 PM

    I "think" I originally heard of you and saw your work on the Yahoo group, WWJ or maybe another? It seems like it has been YEARS! Your work is very familiar, I can usually tell it is yours from the photo...and that is a good thing in my opinion. I LOVE your creations and your posts about life in general. I agree with the other poster, I like to keep my purchases away from the Big Businesses as much as possible, and your "business" is just my size!
    Thanks again, and again, and again, for giving of your time and energy for yet another amazing giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  9. LisaJanuary 23, 2011 at 9:51 PM

    I fell in love with a ring picture you posted on Facebook. You tagged my friend and it posted on my wall. :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. roseangeJanuary 23, 2011 at 9:51 PM

    Hi, I found you through Superior Agates! Love your work!!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Blissful Garden BeadsJanuary 23, 2011 at 9:54 PM

    I found you through a friend but don't remember who, they had commented on a pair of your earrings and I loved them.

    ReplyDelete
  12. UnknownJanuary 23, 2011 at 10:06 PM

    I enjoy searching online for jewelry. I think your work is well-crafted and funky.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Karen SnyderJanuary 23, 2011 at 10:06 PM

    Thank you all for such lovely compliments - I am blushing here!

    Daddydill, Lilred, Murrday, Sue, Lisa, Roseange and Heather (Blissful Garden) you are all entered to win.

    The stone pictured is a picture jasper and I do have one available in the winner's choices :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Karen SnyderJanuary 23, 2011 at 10:07 PM

    Thank you msrubicon! You are entered to win :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. KellJanuary 23, 2011 at 10:12 PM

    I found you through facebook, courtesy of Bette of GemsCrystalsAndWire.

    Congrats on that huge milestone. Your work is absolutely gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Karen SnyderJanuary 23, 2011 at 10:35 PM

    Thank you so much Kell - you are entered to win :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. MachellJanuary 23, 2011 at 11:44 PM

    Does it count if I don't remember. I know it was through facebook somehow. Probably a recomendation from someone or something you posted on someone elses site.
    But I do know that I love your work.
    Thank you,
    M

    ReplyDelete
  18. GossamerScapesJanuary 24, 2011 at 12:15 AM

    Lol, it's been a while so I don't remember how I found you, just glad I did! :D

    Maria Lothrop

    Congrats on 1600 fans!

    GossamerScapes (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Karen SnyderJanuary 24, 2011 at 12:40 AM

    It DOES count if you don't remember! LOL - Machell and Maria you are both entered to win :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. AnonymousJanuary 24, 2011 at 1:01 AM

    I stumbled across your web site a while back and then on face book. I love your work it is absolutely gorgeous.
    thank you anne phillips.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Karen SnyderJanuary 24, 2011 at 2:54 AM

    Thank you Anne - you are entered to win :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. AmandaJanuary 24, 2011 at 3:10 AM

    Holy Moses, girlfriend! 1600 fans? That's heeeeuuuuuge! Congrats - so well deserved :D I am definately entering this one (and so what if I've won something of yours before?! Just proves I'm a huge fan!). I'm a big cab fan and I just LOVE what you do with yours :) Oh, and PS: I have noooooo idea how I found you (I'm thinking through other jewellery pages?) but I'm sure glad I did :) *big hugs of congratulations* - 1600...wow...dude, you're Awesome (capital A!).

    Manda
    amanda@pallinadesigns.com :)
    x

    ReplyDelete
  23. SurrayahJanuary 24, 2011 at 5:23 AM

    Congratulations, Karen...very deserving!! I think I found your page with your amazing work through the suggestions from Facebook...and boy! am I glad I did!!! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  24. Misty TJanuary 24, 2011 at 5:27 AM

    I saw the Mothers ring you did for a friend (Jessica S.) on facebook, and I LOVE your stuff!
    Misty Talbert

    ReplyDelete
  25. Sarah GJanuary 24, 2011 at 6:12 AM

    Hi there! I found your work through networking from Superior Agates' giveaway. I *actually* found you through GemsCrystalsandWire, but I only found them through Superior Agates, so I figured both needed mentioning :) Thanks for doing a fun giveaway - you have very beautiful and inspiring work :D

    Sarah Gullett
    Bound in Chain

    ReplyDelete
  26. Karen SnyderJanuary 24, 2011 at 6:56 AM

    Thank you Amanda, Elaine, Misty and Sarah! You are each entered to win :)

    Amanda - so pleased I could do something with a cab to impress you.... that usually goes the other way 'round :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. tat2gurlzrockJanuary 24, 2011 at 7:09 AM

    Congrats Karen!!!Thats very pretty!
    I originally "found"you through Bette :)
    You both are very talented and do GORGEOUS work!!
    ~Dana~

    ReplyDelete
  28. AmandaJanuary 24, 2011 at 7:27 AM

    I can't really remember how I became a FAN but all that matters is that your FAMILY NOW ;) LOVE your work and you!!!! Congrats on 1600, YAY!!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  29. ChrissieBJanuary 24, 2011 at 7:30 AM

    Adorable Adornments Sent me to you :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Adorable AdornmentsJanuary 24, 2011 at 7:36 AM

    Oh we go waaaay back. Maybe all the way to last year sometime ;) Im just glad I found you and Bette both somehow <3

    ReplyDelete
  31. AnonymousJanuary 24, 2011 at 7:58 AM

    My sweet Karen, I believe I found you through a friend! Dont ask me who...Im scatter-brained, as you well know!
    But I can tell you that it has been such a pleasure to know you. You so inspire me. <3

    ReplyDelete
  32. Karen SnyderJanuary 24, 2011 at 8:46 AM

    Dana, Amanda, CassidyRosesMom, Helen and Patti, you are all entered to win.

    Thank you each for the compliments and the love - each of you have done so much to help me reach this achievement! Woot!

    ReplyDelete
  33. DoraJanuary 24, 2011 at 9:38 AM

    Wow, Karen ..you have created another beautiful item...you really have your chainmaille down to a "T"... :)

    ReplyDelete
  34. MichelleJanuary 24, 2011 at 11:37 AM

    Such gorgeous work! I've found you through Amanda's FB page (pallinadesigns).

    Michelle

    ReplyDelete
  35. Karen SnyderJanuary 24, 2011 at 12:25 PM

    Thank you Dora and Michelle :) You are both entered to win!

    ReplyDelete
  36. toonces1989January 24, 2011 at 1:24 PM

    Dana Rodriguez sent me!

    ReplyDelete
  37. UnknownJanuary 24, 2011 at 2:48 PM

    Hi Karen, I think I found you from a picture a friend posted of your work, and it must have been byzantine earrings or something with byzantine <3 chain maille, and since I'm a byzantine fan...I clicked your name and sent you a friend request. I'm so happy you accepted me!
    And I've been in the fanning party bus ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  38. Karen SnyderJanuary 24, 2011 at 5:49 PM

    So glad to have you and your lovely friend Dana, Toonces. You are entered.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Karen SnyderJanuary 24, 2011 at 5:50 PM

    I remember that Vivi :) You are entered to win :)

    ReplyDelete
  40. GinnyJanuary 24, 2011 at 6:14 PM

    I met you on an Auction where I bid on a lot of beautiful items and got two of your gorgeous rings.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Crafty's CreationsJanuary 24, 2011 at 6:22 PM

    I think I stumbled upon you through a fanning party! I am SO very glad I had because I've found a wonderful friend at the same time as a wonderfully creative sister! <3

    ReplyDelete
  42. KatieJanuary 24, 2011 at 7:00 PM

    I found you through my sweet friend Regina! Congrats on the new milestone!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Karen SnyderJanuary 24, 2011 at 7:06 PM

    Ginny, Cori and Katie, you are all entered to win!

    @ Cori - the blessing's all mine :)

    ReplyDelete
  44. AnonymousJanuary 24, 2011 at 7:07 PM

    I'm a fan on Facebook, my friend dee ann suggested your page. I love looking at your jewelry! One day I will own my own piece! Keep up te good work!
    Davna Gould

    ReplyDelete
  45. Karen SnyderJanuary 24, 2011 at 7:07 PM

    Posting for Sharon Wagoner, who is having trouble posting to this blog.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Karen SnyderJanuary 24, 2011 at 7:41 PM

    Thank you so much Davna - Dee Ann is a very special lady :) You are entered to win :)

    ReplyDelete
  47. Boots & Marie BurgessJanuary 24, 2011 at 8:49 PM

    Hahaha...well I didn't actually find you...YOU found me! I said something in a post/comment about wishing I could chain maille, and YOU commented that you had a tutorial on your fanpage......now I am a chain mailling fool, and cannot stop! So, thank you my virtual Friend, for helping me find a new creative venue! Superior Agates (Marie)

    ReplyDelete
  48. saraJanuary 24, 2011 at 9:57 PM

    My friend Erin posted about you on her Facebook page :-)

    ReplyDelete
  49. Toni hillJanuary 24, 2011 at 10:43 PM

    Hi,
    I found you through my facebook friend Erin cooper :) Thanks Erin!! Gorgeous creation!!
    Toni

    ReplyDelete
  50. AnonymousJanuary 24, 2011 at 11:02 PM

    Saw on Facebook
    scorpion_chick06(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  51. BetteGJanuary 25, 2011 at 10:33 AM

    You have outdone yourself this time my friend!!!

    Gorgeous work!!!

    ReplyDelete
  52. UnknownJanuary 25, 2011 at 10:45 AM

    I love your necklace

    ReplyDelete
  53. Karen SnyderJanuary 25, 2011 at 11:10 AM

    Thank you Marie, Kiwisara, Toni, Scorpionchick, Bette and Amber! You are each entered to win :)

    ReplyDelete
  54. SuzanneJanuary 25, 2011 at 11:32 AM

    I have found you and many other talented people just thu one another starting with Marie-Noel Voyeur-Cramp. I have sent a friend request. You have very beautiful things. Wishing all good for you Suzanne Edwards

    ReplyDelete
  55. JEMSStonesJanuary 25, 2011 at 1:04 PM

    Hi Karen! Wow! 1600! You found me back when I'd created my fan page, and had not a clue... Ms.Passion for Beads shouted and you listened!! Thank you for being one of my first fans!

    ReplyDelete
  56. Karen SnyderJanuary 25, 2011 at 1:06 PM

    Thank you so much Suzanne - Marie-Noel is such a lovely lady and I'm pleased that you found me through her :) You are entered to win.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Karen SnyderJanuary 25, 2011 at 1:07 PM

    I remember that Joyce - and I'm still so blown away by all the lovely things you make. I'm honored to have been one of the first fans and am enjoying watching your work attract many, many more. You are entered to win!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Mel @ WildflowerJanuary 25, 2011 at 2:36 PM

    Wow - 1600 fans? That's FABULOUS and well deserved. I found you via the lovely Amanda Dick of Pallina Designs who shouted out about your wonderful work on Facebook one day :)

    ReplyDelete
  59. Laura GrahamJanuary 25, 2011 at 4:40 PM

    I found your lovely work via Szarka Carter's Turquoise Magpie Gemstones on FB. Thanks for the great contests and congrats on 1600!

    ReplyDelete
  60. Karen SnyderJanuary 25, 2011 at 7:52 PM

    Thank you Mel and Laura :) You are both entered to win!

    ReplyDelete
  61. The Red DoorJanuary 26, 2011 at 4:32 PM

    Hi Karen! I actually road the fanning party bus to your facebook page! I love your work!

    ReplyDelete
  62. JunieJanuary 26, 2011 at 4:32 PM

    Found you here on FB, thanks to Amanda! I am so glad she introduced me to such a wonderful lady, talented artist , & now my friend!!!! Congrats once again!!! *hugs*

    ReplyDelete
  63. AnonymousJanuary 26, 2011 at 4:37 PM

    Hi Karen,

    Of course you know I know you from childhood. I still remember your cheer routine to Van Halen's "Jump". You were so very talented then and it has carried over into your beautiful creations. So "Cheers" to you and if ya ever wanna do a little "Jump".....I'm game :)

    Love you bunches!

    ReplyDelete
  64. CindyJanuary 26, 2011 at 4:41 PM

    I found you through your donation to The Hook Up's auction for her uncle with cancer. I fell in love with your designs and can't wait to be able to order some of them!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  65. Reen DuncanJanuary 26, 2011 at 5:19 PM

    I found you through Ashlie Maxwell.

    ReplyDelete
  66. Karen SnyderJanuary 26, 2011 at 8:15 PM

    Heidi, Junie, Kim, Cindy and Reen you are all entered to win.

    Kim - what a sweet set of memories that is for me! Love you too and I'm just so pleased to see your work out there! Woot!

    ReplyDelete
  67. ErrinJanuary 26, 2011 at 10:01 PM

    A couple of my friend have ordered from you, you tagged the pic, and then I saw it! I'm excited to find a piece of my own now!

    ReplyDelete
  68. Karen SnyderJanuary 27, 2011 at 7:20 AM

    Thank you and welcome Errin! You are entered to win :)

    ReplyDelete
  69. DawnJanuary 27, 2011 at 8:47 AM

    I found you just today from Jewelry by Saniki's FB page....just in time to enter for your giveaway! I am a kindred chainmailler, looking forward to browsing through your blog :)

    ReplyDelete
  70. DonnaJanuary 27, 2011 at 1:28 PM

    Love your work, chain mailing interests me, one day I might get there, and learn how to do this sort of work.

    1600 fans well done.
    Donna
    Funkeenailz@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  71. Karen SnyderJanuary 27, 2011 at 3:23 PM

    Dawn and Donna, thank you! You are both entered to win :)

    ReplyDelete
  72. Karen SnyderJanuary 27, 2011 at 3:24 PM

    Entry for Yane Cleveland, who is having difficulties posting to this blog.

    ReplyDelete
  73. UnknownJanuary 27, 2011 at 11:05 PM

    I found you through facebook but not sure how. I am sure glad I did though! =)

    Valerie Peace
    valsreviews1@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  74. UnknownJanuary 27, 2011 at 11:53 PM

    Karen, you found me through Amanda (Pallina Designs)! I simply love your chain maille work. Keep it coming!! ♥ Cat

    Catherine Hah
    cat_hah@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  75. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2011 at 8:03 PM

    I found you through facebook. Love your jewelry! ~Claire Jones
    jones-claire@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  76. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2011 at 8:23 PM

    I found you through a friend on facebook. Shelley Rocca
    roccafamily@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  77. kayt oatesJanuary 28, 2011 at 8:52 PM

    I found you through, JAM photography. and Im so glad I did not only do you make beautiful ART, but you are a very interresting lady to talk to.

    ReplyDelete
  78. Regina DJanuary 28, 2011 at 9:22 PM

    I found you through my friend and neighbor Elainea Colombo

    ReplyDelete
  79. Karen SnyderJanuary 29, 2011 at 12:28 AM

    Valerie, Cat, Claire, Shelley, Kayt and Regina you are all entered to win :)

    ReplyDelete
  80. UnknownJanuary 29, 2011 at 5:05 AM

    It's hard to believe that that pendant is made from a chain maille design! It's incredible and beautiful!
    Superior Agates is the reason I'm here!

    ReplyDelete
  81. Karen SnyderJanuary 29, 2011 at 4:59 PM

    Thank you Daffydill's!

    ***COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED, WINNER ANNOUNCED SOON***

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)