Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Belle Epoch Interview and Giveaway!

Dana McCoskey (DM) is the girl behind Bell Epoch. Inspired by travels, colors and nature she creates innovative jewelry that she is bringing with her to Urban Craft Uprising on December 4th and 5th.

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UCU: Pick a song that gets you in creative mood or you think would make a great addition to a "UCU Winter 2010 Soundtrack".
DM:
When I first read this question I accidentally misread it as “pick a song that gets you in the mood” and blushingly, my first thought was Al Green. But after I reread it properly as “creative mood” the easiest thing to say is that I have been listening to a lot of Nightmares on Wax DJs shows and wefunkradio.com while at work in my studio this fall. I really love all types of music from country to jazz to hip hop; so I hope to hear an eclectic mix at UCU. As for a song to nominate for the show, I think you should definitely play James Brown’s “Soulful Christmas”.

UCU: What’s one thing you wish you had known at your first craft show?
DM:
That my girlfriends and I were not going to get to hang out while trying on jewelry, casually drinking pinot noir; but instead we were going to have to work our butts off, with no bathroom breaks or food, for hours!

UCU: If you have pets, introduce them and tell us a bit about them!
DM:
I have no pets. I do however spend a lot of time with wild birds. In addition to trying to make life more beautiful by pursuing my creative passions, I have traveled the world to work with bird research and rainforest conservation. Animals give me great joy and I hope that one day if I become less of a traveler and more of a homebody, I will have a really awesome dog to hike with.

UCU: What item are you most excited to be offering at UCU Winter 2010?
DM:
I am excited to bring my natural feather hair pins to Seattle. They are cute, inexpensive and make great little gifts.

UCU: What day of show traditions are you bringing to UCU 2010?
DM
: I am not very traditional. Day of show I’m usually just drinking coffee, helping customers, and looking around the other booths to find handmade items that I want to take home.

UCU: If you could sum up your work in one word, what would that be?
DM:
Earth. I think about this planet everyday.

UCU: What gift are you most excited to give this year?
DM:
I made my sisters really cute lockets that I am super excited about.

UCU: What are you nibbling on as the snow falls this winter?
DMI:
live in the rainy valley and really, really love food. But when I am in the snow it is usually because I have traveled into the mountains with my snowboard or skis, and there I typically have a half frozen granola bar of some sort in my pack to nibble on.

UCU: Favorite handmade item you have? It could be made by you, gifted to you or something you picked up.
DM:
My sister Michelle makes handmade alligator scarfs. I love mine because it is so unique and cute, that whenever I wear it I meet the most interesting people who also admire it and want to talk to me.

And we are giving this adorable necklace away!

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The "Three Little Birds Necklace" is made with brass, ruby zeolite, moss agate, and smokey quartz.

Please comment before midnight on Thursday (Dec. 2) to enter!

46 comments:

  1. how delightful! I'm so looking forward to seeing her lovely creations this weekend!

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  2. That necklace is adorable! I can't wait to see more this weekend.

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  3. I'm excited for the feather pins, I'll certainly check her booth out on Saturday! x

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  4. Ah, Earth. My favorite colors, my favorite things.

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  5. Gorgeous necklace! Looking forward to stopping by the booth!

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  6. This beautiful necklace makes me want to see more!

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  7. I would definitely keep this for myself! Season of giving? Pshaw.

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  8. I plan to continue my collection of bird jewelry at this winter's UCU and this little necklace fits the bill. So excited!

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  9. I LOOOOVVVVVEEEEE THESE. Perfect for the bird obsessed!!!

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  10. I bought her necklace last year. Lovely!

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  11. This necklace is beautiful! I can't wait to see your booth at the show this weekend.

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  12. Beautiful -- I love the earthy tones! Looking forward to seeing more of your stuff.

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  13. I'm doing only bird ornaments this year on Christmas tree, hope you have something I can put a hook on!

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  14. My heart yearns to know the feeling of winged creatures in flight! I love all things birdy!

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  15. Love it! I just wish there were more photos... But I'll get to see more at UCU

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  16. I am in love with this necklace! Looking forward to seeing your booth at UCU!

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  17. Oh man, I have a fetish for bird art and jewelry. I might have to buy this for myself even though I'm only supposed to buy Christmas gifts for other people!

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  18. LOVE the birds! Can't wait to see the feather hair pins too. Good luck at the show!

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  19. OMG that necklace is BEAUTIFUL. Love!

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  20. Wish I could make it to UCU! Will you be showing anywhere else? LOVE the bird necklace!

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  21. Belle Epoch did a custom feathered hairpiece for my sis and I when I got married this summer, and it turned out GORGEOUS! She does great work!

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  22. It's great to see your newest work. I love the feather hair pin I bought from you. It's gorgeous. keep up the good work dana

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  23. That necklace is beautiful! I can't wait to see more on Sunday. :)

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  24. I love the earth tones! ...and think it's funny that somebody else listens to Al Green for those special moments. ;)

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  25. This is a beautiful necklace. Can't wait to see your stuff this weekend.

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  26. Such an elegant necklace! The brass and green go so well together :)

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  27. Wowzas this is an amazing necklace! I love the green beads:)
    -Jessica

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  28. This reminds me of birds flying down to rest on a tree branch.

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  29. Amazing! My wedding invitations had these birds on them and I have used the same bird design in the corner of my son's baby quilt. beautiful!

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  30. Beautiful necklace! Love the vintage look.

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  31. Dana, that necklace is quite beautiful. Can't wait to see more at your booth. I wish you much success this weekend.

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  32. Lovely necklace, can't wait to see more. I hope we get to see the alligator scarf too :)

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