I met Deb on etsy when I purchased this beautiful Red Hibiscus hair pick. It was also Deb's first sale and my first purchase on etsy.
Shortly after I purchased that hair pick I asked her to make me 5 gerber daisies. They turned out beautiful.
She also makes custom wedding bouquets. If I would have known about her amazing flowers I would have had her make my wedding bouquet.
I was sooo excited when she agreed to have a giveaway on my blog. Here is a little info about Deb...
1. Tell us a little about yourself…
This is the most difficult part. I am a really chatty person, but when it comes to talking about myself or my work, I generally clam up :). But well, I have been in the US for four years now and have loved everyday of it. I think I have really 'found' myself here - in a sense. I have been happily married to the most wonderful husband anyone can ever have! And I think I am craftsy, without being crafty :). That is such a cheesy line, but it pretty much describes me and that is why I believe I derive a lot of enjoyment from the work I do. I feel no sense of competition with others in the same or similar crafts and just focus on bettering my flowers. I am not the kind of person who could do a good sales pitch. Talking about how great my flowers are, make me embarrassed. I never do that :). I even got my item descriptions and my website profile written by someone else, who could be more objective about my work. The internet is a boon to me that way. I don't have to sell my flowers face-to-face. I have put my craft out there.... people contact me if they want my flowers and we go ahead from there. I truly enjoy what I do!
2. How long have you been doing this?
When I came to the US, I did not have a work permit. Instead of waiting around for one and getting bored at home, doing nothing.... I took up this course of clay flower making. I have always loved crafts, but have always sucked at them. My craft teacher at school had declared me a failure at it :). But thankfully, Yukiko Miyai, my Deco Clay teacher believed in me and slowly, with her encouragement and support (and that of my husband's), I started making decent flowers. Anyway... so I have been doing this for close to 4 years now. I started selling mid 2008, a year after I received my work permit :). I wanted to sell when I knew I was churning out at least decent work :).
3. Who/What inspires you?
My teacher - Yukiko Miyai - inspires me the most. She started the Deco Clay Craft Academy in the US about 10 years back. She hasn't looked back since. Even today, she works diligently on perfecting her flowers to make them even more perfect :) and on making new flowers. I try to follow her example. Also, of course, nature inspires me. I have always loved real flowers and now, I try making mine as close as possible to real ones. It is not easy or even possible, to replicate nature, but this is the next best thing I'd say... these flowers are works of art and last a lifetime.
4. What's your favorite piece?
There are many really! I love making flowers for weddings. It makes me happy to make people happy. So, I think the wedding bouquets are my favourite creations, because they make the brides so happy! The green and white bouquet, the orange and white bouquet (that appeared in a wedding mag), the lilac colored bouquet, the red anemone bouquet and the tropical flower bouquet - they are all favourites! I also love this centerpiece that I made for a friend's wedding.... it is a rose and peony centerpiece (sixth from the top, in the centerpiece section in my portfolio on my website)
5. What advice do you have for a beginner?
This is a very good question. I see a lot of overconfidence in new students. They want to sell as soon as they start learning...without even practising the craft. This is an art that takes lots and lots of practice. I made hundreds and hundreds of roses, before I made one that I liked. Beginners need to appreciate that this craft needs practice and should be prepared to do that. Also, they need to set high standards for themselves and not be happy with an average flower.
Another thing I come across is that a lot of people think, that they can simply buy the DECO Clay books in the market and start making great flowers. Trust me, that is just not going to happen. The books are a good starting point and good reference points(once you have learned how to make the flowers from an instructor). But you absolutely have to go to a teacher - even if you have done cold porcelain or gum paste flowers (they are the closest in technique) before.
In short, there is no easy way out :). Get a teacher you can work with and be prepared to work really really hard.
6. All of the links to your sites.
Website: www.keepsakeblossoms.com
Blog: http://blossomsandblooms.blogspot.com
Etsy: www.debashri.etsy.com
Facebook: Keepsake Blossoms
Twitter: http://twitter.com/keepsakeblossom (couldnt fit in that last 's' due to number of character restrictions)
So now for the giveaway. Deb is giving away a pink Valentine's flower arrangement of roses & hydrangeas. The arrangement is being made right now, so I have no photos...but I am sure it will be g.o.r.g.e.o.u.s!
To enter:
Leave a comment telling Deb what new flower you would like her to make this year? Or what kind of product you would like her to make this year (something she hasn't done before)?
Must do this first before you can get any additional entries.
Extra Entries (please leave a separate comment for each):
- Follow my blog (current followers count).
- Subscribe to my blog via RSS or/and e-mail.
- Follow Keepsake Blossoms' blog (current followers count).
- Become a fan of Keepsake Blossoms on Facebook.
- Blog about this contest and link it back to this blog.
- Follow me & Keepsake Blossoms on twitter and tweet @melaniescrafts @keepsakeblossom about this giveaway.
- Become a fan of me on Facebook.
Good Luck!!
250 Sweet Comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 1 – 200 of 250 Newer› Newest»I would love to see a lily of the valley flower done!
I follow your blog!
I follow keepsake blossoms' blog!
I'm your fan on facebook!
Followed and tweeted!
I didn't notice in your shop or other pictures in your portfolio, but I love yellow roses and would love to have one that never fades. Beautiful work!
I follow you!!!
Gerber Daisies are my favorite already.. How about them in some bright bold colors? Or some totally off the wall colors? :)
I'm already a follower of your blog.
I'm following her now too. :)
Wow! Her work is amazing! I would really love to see simple white daisies, not the Gerber kind, but just the simple kind. I also would love to see these flowers put onto headbands. I saw clips and pins, but I have a hard time getting those to stay in my super fine hair, so I would love them on a headband!
I became a fan of Keepsake Blossoms on FB.
I am already a fan of YOU on facebook! :-)
I would love lilacs. Those are one of my favorite flowers.
I follow your blog
I'm a fan of yours on FB
Following both on Twitter & tweeted:
http://twitter.com/Suec/status/8085585987
Whoa....WHAT a phenomenal TALENT!!! They LOOK so real!! I am a purple daisy kinda girl!! Love them!! Sorry I've been busy and "bluesy"...trying to break the funk...I'll be catching up later!! :D
I follow u~!
My favorite flowers are the plain old daisy, I saw she makes gerbers, but I would love a daisy hair pin!
These flowers are exquisite. I didn't imagine that such lifelike things could be made with DECO clay.
I love the many-petaled flowers Deb makes, but I would also love to see some irises or pansies.
Thanks, Melanie & Deb, for the giveaway.
I follow your blog.
I am one of Deb's FB fan.
ammieloris@hotmail.com
I'd love to see an arrangement that included creeping phlox. (It's much prettier than it sounds.) :)
I follow your blog. :)
Thanks everyone - for your comments. Am reading all of them. Keep them coming!
Oh MY Goodness...what beautiful flowers-- I love the headbands with flowers attached...I want one!!
I would love to have some teeny tiny flowers made for Miss Maddy's hair-- I think they would look really cute stuck in after french braiding it-- and it would really help to hide my lack of french braiding ability!!
mellisarock at yahoo dot com
I am a brand new follower!! Why wasn't I following from December? Maddy hated to put her Princess ornament's away...she had to hold each one and kiss it first...I tried not to have a heart attack at the thought of her breaking them!!
mellisarock at yahoo dot com
signed up for e-mail subscriptions!!
mellisarock at yahoo dot com
I am not following Keepsake Blossoms!!
I can't wait to see all the wonderful creations she comes up with this year!!
mellisarock at yahoo dot com
sent a request to be friends with keepsake creations on facebook!!
mellisarock at yahoo dot com
following both on twitter and tweet
@mellisarock
https://twitter.com/mellisarock/status/8116686404
mellisarock at yahoo dot com
fan of whimsical creations on facebook!!
mellisarock at yahoo dot com
I am going to blog about this at Win My Year-- but since I am not counting it as a giveaway entry until I get to 100 followers-- I thought you might like to see it though:
http://winmyyear.blogspot.com/2010/01/flowers-that-will-last-llifetime.html
I really think a Lily would be adorable. Tulips too.
-Lauren
lauren51990 at aol dot com
i follow this blog
lauren51990 at aol dot com
I think lilies would be nice or an African violet
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
These are gorgeous! I am so impressed with her skill. I looked at the pictures on Flickr of flowers she's made and it is amazing.
I am not really good with flowers, but I would love it if she made something with like a mix of wild flowers, and for it to be something just the right size for a kitchen table or on a book shelf.
These are really neat and would make great a great gift for my mother in law for mother's day.
I would like to see a lotus flower!
thegrants(at)live(dot)com
I'm a blog follower
thegrants(at)live(dot)com
I subscribe via e-mail
thegrants(at)live(dot)com
I follow Keepsake Blossoms' blog
thegrants(at)live(dot)com
I'm a fan of Keepsake Blossoms on Facebook (Stephanie Petty-Grant)
thegrants(at)live(dot)com
I blogged:
http://thegrantsgiveaways.blogspot.com/2010/01/whimsical-creations-keepsake-blossoms.html
thegrants(at)live(dot)com
I follow you both on twitter and tweet:
http://twitter.com/sgrant2005/status/8135020334
thegrants(at)live(dot)com
I'm a fan of yours on facebook (Stephanie Petty-Grant)
thegrants(at)live(dot)com
I'd love to see flowers like birds of paradise and orchids.
e.estt[at]yahoo[dot]com
I would love seeing peonies or hydrangeas.
chocolate and croissants at yahoo dot com
WOW! This honestly really makes me want to try this out for my own wedding that's in a year! but ottawa doesn't have much, I'm going to have to go look right after this for a teacher!
I would love to see her make those blue/purple orchids! I tried to google their name but only came up with pictures, sorry! :S
Anna
perfectbluemoon@gmail[dot]com
I follow your blog!
Anna
perfectbluemoon@gmail[dot]com
I follow keepsakes blog!
Anna
perfectbluemoon@gmail[dot]com
I'm a fan of keepsakes on facebook!
Anna
perfectbluemoon@gmail[dot]com
My grandmother has always had African Violets. She was just put in a nursing home and can't take care of her live plants. An african violet would be a great idea for her.
beautiful flowers...i like white daisy's...i did see she made one arrangement with a white peony...but maybe a bouquet with red peonies?
nannypanpan@sbcglobal.net
Wow I didn't know that those could be made. What about some Gerber daisies or star gazer lilies. Gorgeous work.
I'd love to see black eyed susans and goldenrod. They're my favorite end-of-summer flowers! They grow wild where I live and I always pick a bundle to dry for winter.
june_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com
Wow. These are amazing! My favorite flowers are blue hydrangeas. But white calla lilies would be pretty too.
I follow your blog.
I'm a subscriber via Google Reader.
Oops! I left my comment on HER blog. Hehe. I suggested that a lily or a tulip would be beautiful flowers to work on in the future! LOVE tulips!!
cassandrawebb82 at yahoo dot com
I am following this blog as Cass Webb.
cassandrawebb82 at yahoo dot com
I am following Keepsakes Blossoms blog as Cass Webb.
cassandrawebb82 at yahoo dot com
I am a Facebook fan!
cassandrawebb82 at yahoo dot com
OMG I love, love, love it!!! I can't believe these are made out of clay. You're right this would be a wonderful wedding bouquet because you can have it forever. I love her little arrangements.
I was going to say I'd love to see some hydrangeas but I see she has made them. What about hydrangeas, peonies, and lilacs? I know perhaps an odd combination but they are all my favorites.
I follow your blog, I've been a lurker for awhile now, ever since I entered another of your giveaways so I might as well come out in the open:)
Following both of you on twitter and tweeted: https://twitter.com/KTnestingspot/status/8202606387
What about a magnolia blossom? Her flowers are so beautiful & lifelike! Lovely.
ahartup at yahoo dot com
Wow! We got married in Vegas and not only did they mess up my bouquet, we traveled right to our honeymoon and so I had to lose most of the bouquet. Those look SO beautiful and real, and I wish I had known about that art before, I could've had my bouquet forever!
I would love to see her make bouquets with freesia in them, I bet she'd do an awesome job on any flower!
I think some greenery would look awesome! Beautiful stuff!
katiecitrowske at hotmail dot com
tulips
bright happy primroses would be my pick!
hlbutton@msn.com
mmmm...maybe a sunflower?
Blog post: http://fata-azzurra.blogspot.com/2010/01/whimsical-creations-giveaway.html
I would love to see cherry blossoms!
srm_macconnell(at)yahoo(dot)com
I follow your blog!
srm_macconnell(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hello!
I take part to this candy.
I would like to find some single cake flowers in order to decorate my cakes.
Have a nice day
Cristina
I follow Keepsake Blossoms' blog
Have a nice day!
Cristina
I don't think I saw orchids and I love those. Also an all green bouquet would look gorgeous :)
jullpete@yahoo.com
Violets!
skystine at yahoo dot com
beautiful flowers, they look so real. I am not sure of all the flowers you make, but I love sweetheart roses, lilacs and tulips with a touch of morning dew.
Hmmm....how about tulips?
Holy cow. You are amazing! I love the lilac. I would love to see some forsythia in your arrangement. I love the yellow they have.
She can make tassels or door ornaments.
annabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com
Subscribed via email.
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Blogged: http://sweepstakelover.blogcu.com/keepsake-blossoms-giveaway/6874797
annabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com
Follow you and keepsake blossoms and tweeted: http://twitter.com/sweepstakelover/status/8208676971
annabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com
I would like Deb to make Calla Lillies for the bridal and a deep blue iris
I follow the blog with RSS
I didn't notice any headbands so I would love to see that. I think flowers on headbands are just gorgeous.
ayoung3360@hotmail.com
I Follow Keepsake Blossoms' blog
I Follow you & Keepsake Blossoms on twitter and I tweeted
http://twitter.com/EVA_n_essence/status/8209024715
These are beautiful! Amazing!
I would love to see ranunculus! My favorite!
Sibrina Russell
sibrinar@hotmail.com
Oh man! I would have had her do my bouquet, too! Except that she wasn't working on these then. Dang!
I want to see some wildflowers- bluebonnets, Indian Paintbrushes, sunflowers, that sort of thing-- I like them better than the hothouse frails, and they're so ephemeral!
carapacenator(at)gmail.com
I would like to see bright sunflowers.
sonflower277(at)gmail(dot)com
If you've never made orange blossoms, those are my favorite.
I would like to see Bird of Paradise. It was my mom's favorite.
facebook follower of Keepsake Blossoms
follow you on facebook
Wow, these are amazing!
I think Tulps would be beautiful.
These are absolutely beautiful and breathtaking. I would love to see my favorite flower--tulips. Thank you for the opportunity.
isabelzito at verizon dot net
I would love to see flowers from my country like Sampaguitas and ilang ilang =)
huggie0109@yahoo.com
I love lilies of the valley, and a clay bouquet of the little bells would be lovely, since they are only available for such a short time each year.
Stacy Marie 82 at gmail dot com
How about violets? You could do tiny bouquets for bud vases.
rach62803@yahoo.com
I love to see sampaguitas done ( :
A_C_E_ at hotmail dot com
I didn't see a Chrysanthemum, those are my favorite. I think Morning Glories would be nice as well.
I'm a blog follower!
I would love to see vines of Wisteria to hang on the sides of my mirrors.... Beautiful site!
i'd love for her to make an iris! they're my favorite.
DolphinV27@aol.com
i follow her blog
DolphinV27@aol.com
i follow your blog
DolphinV27@aol.com
follow you both and tweeted
http://twitter.com/DolphinV27/status/8226284749
DolphinV27@aol.com
follow your RSS feed
DolphinV27@aol.com
I'd love to see a waterlily. It would be awsome if it could actully be put into a bowl of water and would float.
I'd also like to recommend making tulips.
spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com
I'm a follower
spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com
I'm a follower of Keepsake Blossoms' blog too
spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com
I subscribed to your blog posts RSS via Google Reader
spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com
I would love to see some black roses or maybe even some frangipani's! :D
I follow your blog.
I'd like to see some Lilly of the valley!
aikychien at yahoo dot com
Subscribed via RSS.
aikychien at yahoo dot com
I'm a fan of Keepsake Blossoms on Facebook. (Aik Chien)
aikychien at yahoo dot com
Follow both of you @aikchien and tweeted:
http://twitter.com/aikchien/status/8233481677
aikychien at yahoo dot com
I'm your fan on Facebook. (Aik Chien)
aikychien at yahoo dot com
All the flowers she does are amazing. I would love to see lilies of the valley with hyacinths.
Yeah, I'm behind.
I cannot believe how beautiful these are. Seriously prettier than real, mainly as I can't kill these. (smile)
I need to wander over to her etsy site and oooh and ahhh (and yes, probably fav a bunch ... hahaha, a bunch!).
Cheers, Kiy
a daffodil - all that bright spring cheeryness!
im also a follower :)
I am a huge fan of Orchids so I would love to see some of those! Thanks for a great giveaway :)
I follow your blog via Google Friends Connect, thanks!
Plumerias are gentle flowers of Hawaii, yellow, red, and pink, sometimes on a string...they would be so pretty for hair decoarions or a small wreath of flowers like a Hawaiian lei, at a summer party....
pumpkinlady430@yahoo.com
are these really clay! amazing! My favs are hydrangeas, but I'd love to see some orchids and camillias.
k3ll3yb0b@gmail.com
Follow on facebook, follow blogs, and I would like to see a yellow tiny orchid on a vine...
I am a beader...and am #401 on OWOH
Jeanne
I follow you!
mrsannieshaw@yahoo.com
I absolutely ADORE the Gerber Daisy items. I would love to have a Gerber Daisy pin that I could attach to my straw basket in the summer. Does she ever make pins???
mrsannieshaw@yahoo.com
Wow. I would love to have had a wedding bouquet of these flowers!
I love my tulips in the spring, until they die! It would be fun to have some tulips I could keep all year.
I'd love to see her do some calla lilies :)
malibu.bunny.xo@live.ca
i follow your blog :)
malibu.bunny.xo@live.ca
i subscribe to your blog via RSS
malibu.bunny.xo@live.ca
i follow keepsake blossoms' blog
malibu.bunny.xo@live.ca
I can't believe these aren't real flowers! They are absolutely stunning. At first I was thinking that I shouldn't participate bc the flowers would die before they even made it to the country but now that I know that these are intricately and beautifully crafted artwork, I can't contain myself. :)
I would love to see Deb work on some really exotic Amazon flowers. They are very bright, different and unique. You can see different kinds by searching for "Amazon flowers" in google images. This one for example is a beautiful one:
http://www.sxc.hu/pic/m/r/ra/ravuri_rp/515777_amazon_lillies_1.jpg
Ronit
internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com
I blogged about this giveaway!
http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com/2010/01/flower-arrangement-from-keepsake.html
Ronit
internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com
Oh My~These are the most beautiful flowers made that I have ever seen! What a beautiful gift to have! I would love to see some Tulips or Tiger Lily's.
Thanks for the chance to win :-)
deb55106(at)gmail(dot)com
I follow with Google{Deb K}
deb55106(at)gmail(dot)com
I think cherry blossoms would be lovely.
deborah150 at hotmail dot com
I subscribe
deborah150 at hotmail dot com
I would love to see something rare in a centerpiece, like a purple foxglove. :)
Oh my goodness, these are incredible! You are so talented, Deb! I would like to see you do a ranunculus (one of my favorite flowers) or maybe a wildflower like a lady's slipper. Thanks for doing a giveaway!
I follow Whimsical Creations!
I am a FB fan of Whimsical Creations.
How about a calla lily? That was my flower for our wedding!
Now following!
I am now a follower of Keepsake Blossoms :)
Following Keepsake Blossoms' blog.
FYI, I just submitted a bid for Project Wonderful!
I am also now a fan of Keepsake Blossoms on FB!
I think a cali lily or lily of the vallry would be awesome, when I was in college I worked in the mall and there was a stand dedicated to your craft next to me, being a painter I am always in awe of your talents for shaping and creating such whimsical, beautiful pieces...
Well, I didn't see any sunflowers, and I love sunflowers!
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
I follow Keepsake's blog
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
I friended Keepsake on Facebook
nfmgirl AT gmail DoT com
Have just become a follower too. You can contact me via my blog
I fanned you on FB
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
How about sweetpeas.
I would really like to see a tropical arrangement featuring three birds of paradise and tropical, colorful leaves.
writeme at heidimail dot com
I would love to see Freesia. They smell so good. Love your creations. Games (Ginger Sergent)
just sent you a friend request at facebook. Ginger Sergent (Games)
How about some baby's breath, fine and delicate!
Email attached to profile.
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Subscribed by emailque
Following Keepsake Blossoms Blog - Kym -
Requested Friend on Facebook (Kym T)
Fan of your on facebook (Kym T)
Dahlias and snapdragons are two of my favorite flowers. Columbine would be neat too!
I'd like the blue lobelia or dragonsnaps
google friend
A lotus flower
earthdancedaph@yahoo.com
Wow those are absolutely stunning. I would love to see some lilies.
carethediva[at]hotmail[dot]com
I didn't notice any in the shop but perhaps a Calla Lily or Tulip would be darling!
bakergurl02[at]yahoo[dot]com
How about a Casablanca? They are so beautiful!
ruricloth[at]yahoo[dot]com
I would love to see something with bleeding hearts. I loved those as a child. It seemed love had the ability to bloom.
AMAZING flowers!
I would love to see Dogwood and Forget Me Nots, 2 of my favorite blossoms.
heidig@gmail.com
I am a big fan of the lovely violet, but orchids are also wonderful, and so hard to keep alive. A broach would be lovley to have, or a pretty lapel pin. Your work is amazing and I would love a chance to win!
I would love to see plumerias.
What gorgeous flowers!
Thanks for a lovely giveaway!
Something with African Daisies would be great!
Marci
june_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com
I love Tiger Lilies! They are so majestic!!!
Thanks
Angie
rennieangie@gmail.com
I would defo love a daffodil. Those are my favorite flowers, but they are so finicky, that they are out of season super quickly. So, if I had a clay one for my wedding, it'd last forever and be good for any time of year... ^_^
abigail.lee {at} gmail.com
Wow, these are amazing! My favorite flowers are tulips, so that is what I would like to see.
I am not very creative here, but I would love to have yellow roses doen this way... hands down my favorite flower... I just can't believe that this aren't real!!! AMAZING work!
Thanks for the giveaway
philandrachel@live.com
I would love to see Deb try to make Orchids!
Thank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com
oooh, i think cherry blossoms would be just so wonderful!! or even a mock cherry blossom tree
mommy 2 skie at yahoo dot com
subscribed via email;
mommy 2 skie at yahoo dot com
These are wonderful! I don't know if she's done them already but my fave flowers are narcissus and daffodils.
wow... I hope I win! :-)
follow you on facebook
mommy 2 skie at yahoo dot com
following keepsake blossoms on twitter;
mommy 2 skie at yahoo dot com
tweet;
https://twitter.com/mommy2skie/status/8325843160
Wow! Gorgeous work! I would love to own one of her bouquets! My fav. flower is a carnation, so I think a whole bouquet of them would be so pretty! Thanks for the chance to win! Jeanette at splendidthings.etsy.com
blogged it;
http://thismommyhasanopinion.blogspot.com/2010/01/whimsical-creations-keepsake-blossoms.html
I would love to see lilies!
Hw wonderful..flowers that won't wilt. These are beautiful.
My favorite have always been the simple white daisy.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
One of my favorite flowers to grown in my garden are lilies. There such a range of different colors. Those would be nice to add to your line which by the way is amagzing!
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