Sunday, July 31, 2011

Artist Feature + Giveaway: SwirlyGarden

The winner of last week's giveaway is entry #44, Cynthia Richardson ! Congratulations! Look out for an e-mail from Amanda!
**CLOSED**
T H I S   W E E K ' S   G I V E A W A Y

   HAND-PAINTED FEATHER CHAMPAGNE GLASSES BY SWIRLYGARDEN

Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Meena Kumar and I am the artist behind SwirlyGarden. I have an entrepreneurial spirit and a lot of creative energy so this shop has given me the best of both worlds. I once had a job and a lifestyle that didn’t allow much room for art or creativity in my life and honestly, it made me cranky. I guess you could say that making art an integral part of my life is a favor I did not only for myself but also for everyone around me. I feel so fortunate that it is starting to really take off. Each time I paint a wine glass, coffee mug, platter, etc.. I get giddy just picturing it at a couple's wedding, a mom's birthday, or at someone’s dinner table, as a part of a very special moment or celebration. I feel like I am vicariously traveling the world through my art pieces which just makes what I do even more amazing.



How did you start hand painting dinnerware?
My creative energy is very restless so it’s hard for me to just stick to one thing. Needless to say, I get very distracted at arts and craft stores. I’ll stop in hoping to just grab a packet of rhinestones and will end up spending hours browsing all the different materials and mediums while conjuring up the possibilities (should I start making bird houses? painting shoes? knitting?) That’s how I stumbled upon glassware paint a couple of years ago. I didn’t even know it was out there and when I happened to find it, I realized I could turn my art into functional dinnerware. I started experimenting with different types of glassware paint and it took me almost a year to discover my personal style and niche, which I’m still exploring today.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Nostalgia, nature, romance, the general feeling of love, cultures around the world, and fashion have all partnered up with my quirky sensibility that have resulted in my designs. Some of my best ideas will also just pop into my head out of the blue when I’m half asleep or in la la land during the day. I keep a notepad and pen under my pillow and in my purse at all times for moments like these. 

What do you enjoy doing when you're not creating?
I enjoy cooking and baking (okay, I guess that’s still creating) and I really enjoy eating. I stay pretty active with running, yoga and swimming. I’m addicted to traveling and am currently trying to learn to speak Korean. I like to read and am also a bit of a movie geek. I hope to take up piano in the near future too. Really, I aspire to be somewhat of a renaissance woman... either that or I have creative ADHD. To let loose a little, I enjoy sangrias, fresh mojitos with friends, listening to rock and techno music, and retail therapy (though not always at the same time). 





H O W   T O   E N T E R:

1. Follow this blog and leave a comment below with your e-mail address.
U.S. entries only please!

E X T R A   C R E D I T:

1. Visit the SwirlyGarden shop and comment here with your favorite item.
2. Share this giveaway on TwitterPlease use this tweet:
Win pretty feather champagne glasses on @julieannart blog! http://tinyurl.com/3cfr2hp 
3. Like this giveaway on Facebook using the share button below.
4. Become a fan of Meena's Facebook page.
5. Follow Meena on Twitter .

Be sure to leave an additional comment for each extra credit option! That gives you a total of six chances to win!

I will announce the winner, chosen by random.org, here in one week! Good luck!

115 comments:

  1. Spotted Feathers Rocks Glasses but really hard to choose just one!

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  2. Tabbuy Cat

    couponing4every1 at yahoo dot com

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  3. shared on twitter http://twitter.com/#!/couponerr/status/97894957611892737

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  4. Fan of Meena's Facebook page.

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  5. Follow'n Meena on Twitter .

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  6. I tweeted! user: ruelasjacobo

    -Dulce
    ruelasjacobo90@gmail.com

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  7. I like this on Facebook!

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  8. foundandtreasured@gmail.com

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  9. I liked the shop on facebook!

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  10. And, my favorite item is the Bees and Golden Honey Combs Teacup and Saucer. Love love love it.

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  11. Wonderful interview and very beautiful works. Good luck with your giveaway! :)

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  12. Beautiful work! I love the 'Love in Different Languages' mugs. All of her work is very pretty!

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  13. Those are gorgeous and amazing! I've seen lots of painted glasses, but usually the quality isn't anywhere near as nice!

    Following your blog

    Melody.DuVal at gmail dot ocm

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  14. Am a follower (Hannah) and just love this design!! Thanks for the awesome giveaway.

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  15. Anonymous8:00 AM

    Wow those glasses are gorgeous!

    caitlinb.mccabe@gmail.com

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  16. Anonymous8:01 AM

    My favorite item is the 4 Love in Different Languages Porcelain Coffee Mugs.

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  17. Anonymous8:02 AM

    I follow Meena on twitter.

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  18. LOVE this poppies set: http://www.etsy.com/listing/77068553/color-splash-poppies-3-piece-wine-set

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  19. what a lovely set of glasses! I follow you!

    amyrhenderson @ gmail.com

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  20. I tweeted as @memymarie!
    amyrhenderson @ gmail.com

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  21. oh my goodness those nesting doll wine glasses are devine! so sweet!

    amyrhenderson @ gmail.com

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  22. I shared this on facebook as Amy Henderson. Love your blog!

    amyrhenderson @ gmail.com

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  23. I am a fan of SwirlyGarden Boutique on facebook

    amyrhenderson @ gmail.com

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  24. I follow her on twitter as @memymarie

    great give-away!!

    amyrhenderson @ gmail.com

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  25. Morgan Pierce11:15 AM

    Following the blog! audgealycam91@gmail.com

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  26. Morgan Pierce11:17 AM

    Tweeted! audgealycam91@gmail.com

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  27. Morgan Pierce11:18 AM

    Following meena on twitter! audgealycam91@gmail.com

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  28. Morgan Pierce11:18 AM

    Favorite item is the Wine Glasses w/ Hand Painted Owls! I LOVE owls!! audgealycam91@gmail.com

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  29. Morgan Pierce11:19 AM

    Fan of Meena's FB page! audgealycam91@gmail.com

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  30. Morgan Pierce11:20 AM

    Liked the giveaway on FB! audgealycam91@gmail.com

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  31. I'm a follower.

    cabootique[at]live[dot]com

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  32. I love the Toasting Flutes Dandelions and Hearts- Set of 2.

    cabootique[at]live[dot]com

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  33. My favorite item is the Mad Hatter - Teacup and Saucer

    danielleaknapp at gmail dot com

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  34. I follow you via GFC.

    nataly.kimball@gmail.com

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  35. Followed blog GFC Designed.by.Dee@zoho.com

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  36. Loved both Color Splash Poppies- 3 Piece Wine Set and Red Poppies- 5 Piece Wine Set - hard to pick just one piece!

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  37. Tweeted @DesignedByDee

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  38. Like this giveaway on Facebook using the share button below.

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  39. Become a fan of Meena's Facebook page.

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  40. Following Meena on Twitter .

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  41. My favorite is the Rose Mosaic Teacup and Saucer Set!

    marija.majerle at gmail dot com

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  42. following Meena on twitter @mrsclutterbuck

    marija.majerle at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  43. Anonymous5:01 PM

    gfc follower danaj
    flyergal82 AT (yahoo) /dot/ $com#

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  44. Anonymous5:02 PM

    i like the fruit tree stemless wine glasses.
    flyergal82 AT (yahoo) /dot/ $com#

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  45. I follow on GFC as Mary Lee!

    maryleebythesea(at)gmail(dot)com

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  46. One of my favorites is the Water Lilies wine glasses! I also the love the Wedding Mosaic glasses.

    maryleebythesea(at)gmail(dot)com

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  47. I tweeted about this giveaway!

    http://twitter.com/#!/MaryLeeByTheSea/status/98219834139090945

    maryleebythesea(at)gmail(dot)com

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  48. I liked this giveaway on Facebook via share button! (Mary Lee on fb)

    maryleebythesea(at)gmail(dot)com

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  49. I became a fan of Meena's Facebook page! (Mary Lee on fb)

    maryleebythesea(at)gmail(dot)com

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  50. I follow Meena on Twitter! MaryLeeByTheSea

    maryleebythesea(at)gmail(dot)com

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  51. Follow this blog as CNJ Ceramics via GFC

    charlie at clay-space dot com

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  52. 505ClaySpace tweeted about the giveaway.

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  53. I like the Peacock Mug

    http://www.etsy.com/listing/62454485/coffee-mug-peacock

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  54. Clay Space liked SG FB page.

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  55. 505ClaySpace Followed meena on twitter

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  56. Anonymous9:43 PM

    I follow this blog :)

    thedisneychick(at)gmail(dot)com

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  57. Anonymous9:46 PM

    I love the fruit tree stemless wine glasses:

    http://www.etsy.com/listing/67700660/4-fruit-tree-stemless-wine-glasses

    thedisneychick(at)gmail(dot)com

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  58. Anonymous9:47 PM

    Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/thedisneychick/status/98253389401554944

    thedisneychick(at)gmail(dot)com

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  59. Fantastic blog!

    mrsoliver04@gmail.com

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  60. I actually love these flutes. They would be perfect for my daughter's wedding.

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  61. fan of SwirlyGarden Boutique

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  62. following Meena on Twitter

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  63. I follow the blog in google reader :)
    townsend.rs(at)gmail(dot)com

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  64. I'm not sure I can pick a favorite but I really love the owl painted wine glasses!

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  65. I became a fan of Meena's facebook page!

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  66. I started following Meena on twitter, too.

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  67. Great blog. Found you on FTLB and I am hooked. Thought I should enter your contest too.
    nursingninny@hotmaildotcom

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  68. I am a new follower and so excited to see what else is in store for you! I am now following you and Meena on Facebook :) It was a tough decision but I think my favorite item is the "Cherry Blossom Champagne flutes:. She is incredibly talented!

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  69. I'm a follower! sollasollew7@hotmail.com

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  70. I follow on GFC

    redshadow1606@gmail.com

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  71. I really like the People in Love Wineglass and Plate set

    redshadow1606@gmail.com

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  72. I tweeted

    http://twitter.com/#!/meffordj/status/99302655465238528

    redshadow1606@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  73. I liked the giveaway on FB

    redshadow1606@gmail.com

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  74. I became a Fan on FB

    redshadow1606@gmail.com

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  75. Just became a follower!

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  76. Also just checked out your Etsy shop, loveee the Red poppies!


    amydonda(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  77. I am a follower of this blog!

    faymara(at)ymail.com

    ReplyDelete
  78. I follow with gfc!

    lmerritt49903@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  79. I follow meena on twitter!
    @lmerritt49903

    lmerritt49903@gmail.com

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  80. I love the Peacock Feathers Coffee Cup!
    ohmiss14 at yahoo dot com ☮

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  81. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  82. I like Meena's FB page
    alicia crenshaw
    ohmiss14 at yahoo dot com ☮

    ReplyDelete
  83. I follow Meena on Twitter
    amccrenshaw
    ohmiss14 at yahoo dot com ☮

    ReplyDelete
  84. I liked this giveaway on FB
    alicia crenshaw
    ohmiss14 at yahoo dot com ☮

    ReplyDelete
  85. Tweeted
    http://twitter.com/#!/amccrenshaw/status/100302844762144768
    ohmiss14 at yahoo dot com ☮

    ReplyDelete
  86. I follow via GFC (Gia_Pet)

    G_Patton@hotmail.com

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  87. My favorite set is the Owl and Branches Mosaic painted wine glasses - Beautiful! :)

    G_Patton@hotmail.com

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  88. I liked this post (Gia Patton-Judge)

    G_Patton@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  89. I follow Meena on Twitter (@giapett)

    G_Patton@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  90. I became a fan of Meena's Facebook page (Gia Patton-Judge)

    G_Patton@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  91. I tweeted:

    https://mobile.twitter.com/#!/GiaPett/status/100307808112750592

    G_Patton@hotmail.com

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  92. I did all the extra credit! :)

    Leaving my comment to enter. Those glasses are just beautiful.

    courtneytipton@ymail.com

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  93. Also, my favorite item on her site is the Color Splash Poppies 5 piece wine set. :)

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  94. i love the Spotted Feathers 5 Piece Wine Set, gorgeous!
    brianaduda at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  95. following @Meena_Kumar!
    @brianabjerke
    brianaduda at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  96. became a fan of SwirlyGarden Boutique on facebook
    fb:briana bjerke
    brianaduda at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  97. tweeted!
    http://twitter.com/#!/brianabjerke/status/100371453446340608
    @brianabjerke
    brianaduda at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  98. Anonymous7:20 PM

    followed blog 10750coupons at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  99. Anonymous7:22 PM

    following meena on fb = ten coupons
    10750coupons at gmail

    ReplyDelete
  100. Anonymous7:24 PM

    following meena on twitter 10750coupons
    10750coupons at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  101. Anonymous7:25 PM

    tweeted - http://twitter.com/#!/10750coupons/status/100391967833333760
    10750coupons at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  102. Anonymous7:26 PM

    fave is peacock coffee cup
    10750coupons at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  103. Anonymous7:28 PM

    liked contest on fb
    10750coupons at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  104. GFC follower Rita Spratlen
    rj_angel_house@yahoo.com

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  105. I visited her shop and i like the color splash poppies- 3 piece set.
    Rita Spratlen rj_angel_house@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  106. I tweeted about this giveaway at http://twitter.com/#!/rjs7777/status/100405123209109504
    rj_angel_house@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  107. I liked this giveaway on facebook using the share button. Rita Spratlen
    rj_angel_house@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  108. I liked her facebook page. Rita Spratlen
    rj_angel_house@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  109. I follow Meena on twitter. rjs7777 Rita Spratlen
    rj_angel_house@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  110. i follow this blog jmmccarr@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  111. i follow meena on twitter jmmccarr@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for the comment! I read them all and reply when I can. Please be sure your blogger account is linked to your e-mail so I can do so! (Tutorial on how to do that here: http://tinyurl.com/c6gh9fk) xo JA