Welcome to the weekly Feature and Giveaway! Every Monday, we’ll be featuring a lovely craftsperson, artist, or artisan – and every week you’ll have the chance to win something from their shop!
This week we welcome Dee Gordon, from Runako Designs!
Dee is a jewellery designer, and she makes lovely beaded work!
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Where do you live?
Virginia (USA)
Where do you do your work?
I’m an HR Manager for a Manufacturing Company full time, mother and jewelry designer after work.
What’s your favourite place in the world, and why?
My favorite place in  the world is my living room couch! It’s there were I can chill and relax with my son and watch a great movie. Life moves so fast, I just want to cherish the moments I have with him.
Tell us a little bit more about yourself! Your day job or business,  family, hobbies:
I’m an HR Manager with a manufacturing facility here in Virginia. I have one son who’s 12 and growing rapidly. I’ve been in business for myself for 5 years making and selling jewelry. Jewelry making is my passion. When I’m not making jewelry, I’m reading, writing or spending time with my son. I enjoy listening to music, my favorite being Jazz and
Christian. When I’m making jewelry it’s Jazz or Raggae!
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to be a teacher, so not sure how I ended up in Human Resources. I actually went to college for Accounting, then finished up with an HR degree after working in the field for a couple of years. I guess HR is a trade off as I get to facilitate classes and create development goals for manager. Adults can sometimes act like kids ya know?
How did you first get into your craft/art?
I got started in making jewelry by simply asking someone to teach me how to make a bracelet. They were kind enough to oblige. From there, I bought books, listened to CD’s, took classes and look at me now, I have an online shop!
What do you make?
I make mostly beaded and wire jewelry. I really enjoy working with wire, gemstones, pearls and natural materials. My designs are mostly inspired by ethnic beauty and nature, both of which I look to for inspiration.
What are you most proud of making?
WoW…that’s a good question. I’m so proud of all my finished products. I think I’m most proud of a necklace I designed called the Giving Necklace that can be found on my website. It was designed to show your support for the Kiva organization. 25% of the  proceeds from the sale of this necklace goes towards funding a micro loan  through my business. I’ve been able to fund 5 loans since November, which  I’m very proud of. The money repaid from the loan recipients, go right back  into Kiva for another loan. If interested, you can find more information about the recipients of these loans on my blog under Positive Changes in the World.
What do you like the most/least about selling your wares online?
What I  enjoy most about selling online is the fact that people all over the country and or world are wearing my jewelry. The least favorite…would probably be  all the hard work that goes into it..but even that is fun sometimes, so I would probably have to say, all the tedious work that goes into taking photos and updating three sites. I look at that time as time I could be making more designs.
I love:
Meeting new people and interacting with my customers
It drives me crazy when:
I have designer block!
What’s your favourite word?
Unveil
If you could sum yourself or your work up in one sentence, it would say:
I’m so thankful for the gift, that has been giving to me to share with  others and help those in need around the world.
Visit Dee Online:
Shop:Â www.runakodesigns.etsy.com
Website:Â www.runakojewelry.com
Blog:Â www.runakodesigns.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/runakodesigns
Facebook Page:Â http://companies.to/runakodesigns/
This week, Dee is generously offering a $20 gift voucher to her shop, Runako Designs!
To Enter:
1. Visit Runkao Designs, and come back here leaving a comment about your favourite piece from the store.
2. For additional entries, leave a comment saying that you: followed or subscribed to Epheriell Designs (or already do); have Twittered about the givewaway; have shared the giveaway with friends on Facebook, or; you have written a blog post about it.
3. Entries close next Sunday night, the 2nd of August, at 12pm Australian EST. Winners are announced the next day as part of next week’s Feature and Giveaway post.
Remember to leave me a way of contacting you.. and Good Luck!
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The winner of last week’s giveaway – Michvanetta – congratulations!
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Want more Epheriell-y goodness? Subscribe to my blog updates! Or follow me on Twitter!
Looooved the champagne elegance bracelet.
Twittered at http://twitter.com/dspdavey
I feel like such a dolt. Forgot to mention that I subscribe via email. This is a great find Jess – really interesting store.
love the honeysuckle rose drop earrings! thanks for a great giveaway!
All of her work is lovely, but I especially love the Sarafina necklace! Thanks for a great giveaway! 🙂
I would have to say that my favorite item in her shop is the Calypso and Jade Earrings, love those colors, so rich!
if I am fortunate enough to win could you contact me via my store? Thanks!
http://sillylittlelady.etsy.com
Oh, and I am also a follower of your blog 🙂
The red “her majesty” earrings. Gorge! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26403623
Great feature Jess. I can’t decide between Menat dancing Earrings and Coloured rain drops earrings 🙂
love the Sassy Brass
Submitted your giveaway on HMGiveaways : http://www.hmgiveaways.blogspot.com
My favorite item is : Green with Envy:) love the color!
Orange marmalade are the most unusual earrings I have ever seen!
Love them!
Sarafina necklace is my absolute fav
i follow your blog dear!
My favorite item is the Reception Pearls necklace. Thanks!
Thank you so much much Jess for such a wonderful opportunity and thank you everyone for your wonderful compliments!
I love your Scarlet with Attitude necklace, Dee. Red is my favorite color, and this says it all!
Will Tweet about you.
Loretta
I love the Double Bliss necklace. classic with a bit of a simple twist. Also. now following.
My first fav is calypso and jade earrings!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26631048
I follow Epheriell Designs!
oops place the link in there incorrect
I hope I win!!!
I love Chasing Dots. I wear a lot of black so that would go perfect with most of what I wear.
I love your Etsy page and website Dee. I will definitely tweet about you.
i love the Sarafina necklace!
I love these Twisted Violet earrings!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28394737&ref=em
And I’m following your blog!
I’m glad my friend Dee has introduced me to you! I also love beating up on metal 🙂
All of Dee’s pieces are awesome – if forced, definitely the Giving Necklace and the Serene Aqua earrings – love the colors!
You are both so talented! Jessica, I will follow your blog.
This!
http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_75x75.73962976.jpg
looks just my stye
styllllle
It’s SO tough to pick a favorite…this beautiful work is just so unique! I just love the The Giving Necklace – Kiva Project.
Thanks!
I am following your blog.
Thanks!
I’m a subscriber.
Thanks!
Tweet: http://twitter.com/Nelsby/status/3093921261
Thanks!
Thanks everyone for your lovely comments and thanks again Jess for your wonderful feature!!