Sunday, January 6, 2013

AJE Earring Challenge

Do you need a kick start for your creativity in 2013?  Looking for some motivation or another way to get your jewelry seen online?  You've come to the right place!  The Art Jewelry Elements team is pleased to bring you a new creative opportunity for 2013.

Jennifer Cameron


AJE is sponsoring a year-long Earring Challenge in 2013.  The challenge will be broken up into quarterly sections, so you can try it out for 13 weeks at a time.  We're making this as user friendly as possible!

Joanne Tinley

So here's how its going to work! Please read the all the directions carefully!
  1. Participants will sign on for 13 weeks at a time.
  2. We are challenging ourselves to make one pair of earrings a week.
  3. Our earring designs will feature at least one artisan component, such as a handmade charm or bead.  The artisan components may be made by you or by another artist.
  4. When we post our earrings, we will credit the person who made the artisan component(s).
  5. AJE will provide a Linky Tool every 2 weeks, so you can link up your pictures for everyone to see.  If you have a blog or online shop, you can use it with the Linky Tool, but you can also link to a Facebook or Flickr page.
  6.  The Linky Tool will be available on the AJE blog in the evening before the Sunday reveal. That way you can link up before the Sunday blog hop. Of course you can link up on Sunday too.
  7. Since we are only sharing every 2 weeks, try to post 2 pairs of earrings.  If you get behind, don't stress out, but do strive to have 13 pairs of earrings by the end of the 13 week challenge.
  8. The first 50 people who indicate an interest in the comments below, will be invited to a new Pinterest board we are creating.  You will be able to post your earring photos there too. Every other week our AJE Earring Challenge blog post will feature a few of the earrings posted to our Pinterest Board in the previous 2 weeks. We will only feature pinned earrings that include a credit for the art bead or component artist.  The AJE Earring Challenge and Linky Tool are open to everyone who wishes to join, but only the first 50 who leave a link to their Pinterest page will be invited to join our earring board.  We will re-open the Pinterest board to new people every quarter. 
  9. In order to be invited to the AJE Earring Challenge Pinterest board, you must leave me a link to your own Pinterest page in the comments below!
  10. The first Sunday reveal date will be January 20th. I will feature a few pairs of earrings from our Pinterest board, everyone will link up and we can all use the links to visit one anothers earring posts.  Just think how much fun and inspiration we will have!
If you have any questions about how this will work, please ask in the comments section and I will post answers!  Happy earring making!


Lesley Watt


Here's a button to grab and add to your blog, if you have one! (Thanks to Francesca for designing it!)


Linda
 

117 comments :

  1. I would love to join in on this please.

    I have tried adding the button to my blogger by adding a gadget, is that right because I am getting an error 'URL contains illegal characters'

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    1. Hi Linda - we've fixed the button. Thanks for bringing it to our attention!

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    2. Oh great, it wasn't just me then. Thanks.

      My Pinterest page is active now.... https://pinterest.com/earthshinebeads/52-earrings-in-a-year-2013/

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  2. I would Like to take part in your earring challenge. Great idea. The link to my Pinterest page... http://pinterest.com/raygeenaa/regina-s-writings/
    Just begining to get the hang of Pinterest, so this will be a wonderful opportunity to expand my horizon...

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    1. Glad to have you on board and thanks for including your Pinterest link!

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  3. I'd love to join this - even when creativity wanes I can be relied upon to make earrings! But I'm a novice when it comes to blogs (dont have one)and pinterest. But I can take a decent photo...

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    1. You don't need to do the Pinterest part of this to join. You can use the Linky Tool to show off your earring if you have posted them on FB or Flickr or in an online shop. Glad you are joining us!

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  4. I'd love to join in! BTW: love the earring sin this post!

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  5. I would like to participate in this challenge. Here is the link to my Pinterest page:

    http://pinterest.com/mkaymac/

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  6. Yep - I'm in. Would love to give this a go!

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    1. Just noticed my link to Pinterest didn't work :(

      Does that mean I'm not in?

      https://pinterest.com/CaronReid/

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  7. I would love to participate, earrings are my favorite pieceof jewelry - I feel naked without them and I can make them quickly to match each outfit. Here is my Pinterest link: http://pinterest.com/dclark58/

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  8. Sounds like a great way to jump start my creativity, so please count me in! My Pinterest link is http://pinterest.com/kymhunter/

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  9. Me too, please!
    Silja
    pinterest.com/salmik

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  10. I would love to participate! http://pinterest.com/agruenke/
    Thank you!
    Angela
    "Contents Jewelry"

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  11. I would love to participate! this looks like fun!!
    Thanks, cynthia
    http://pinterest.com/antiquitytravel/

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  12. I would like to join the challenge! I'm new to Pinterest but here is my info http://pinterest.com/alimc1127/.

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  13. I would love to participate! Please sign me up. Here's my pinterest link:
    http://pinterest.com/alicekay/

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  14. I would like to join as well.

    thx.

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  15. NOT participating in this round at least since I completely failed the last few challenges I signed up for. Thank you, retail day-job, for making my life hell. I haven't touched my jewelry making things in MONTHS. But I sure look forward to see what everyone will create, and maybe that'll motivate and inspire me to get back into the swing of things. ;D

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    1. I know how tight time can be! There will be 3 other sign up opportunities this year. In the meantime you can enjoy all the earring eye candy! :)

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  16. I am up for the challenge! My board is at http://pinterest.com/kathylindemer/

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  17. This sounds like fun and a great learning experience for me! I would like to join in. Hope I did this right!
    http://pinterest.com/martic56/my-beads-and-things/

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  18. I would be honored to participate in this challenge.
    My Pinterest is https://pinterest.com/deandesigns/
    This is my first time doing a challenge such as this so I want to really be clear with the rules...when you say credit the "art bead or component artist", is there a certain list of artists we need to use, or is any artist ok as long as the credit goes to them?

    Please forgive my ignorance. I am such a newbie and I am confused....I was born confused and never got over it...lol

    Thank you so much for your help, patience, and time.
    Tracie
    http://homeofthepurskey.blogspot.com

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    1. Tracie, this is a good question! You can use any artist's beads and components you want! All you have to do is list his or her name on your pin. Lots of times I discover new artists when I see credited work. :)

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    2. Thank you!! I am looking forward to this.

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  19. What an excellent idea, Linda! Please count me in! Here's my Pinterest link:

    http://pinterest.com/peggylozny/

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  20. I would love to do this. I need a challenge and a deadline to get things done.
    Here is my Pinterest link: http://pinterest.com/juliepanusis/ and here is my blog: catsmeowco.blogspot.com

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  21. I need something like this! http://pinterest.com/jeraluna/

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  22. Just what I was looking for, I need a push to make earrings! Linda please sign me up! My pinterest link is: http://pinterest.com/sallyrussick/

    Thanks!
    Sally

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  23. Thanks for all the comments so far. I've read each one and I'm excited about the enthusiam this challenge is generating. Please spread the word!

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  24. Sorry I was so inspired I forgot to include my pinterest link. http://pinterest.com/emakilroy/

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  25. Please sign me up. My pinterest board is: http://pinterest.com/kashmira

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  26. I would love to participate in the earring challenge. I just opened a Pinterest account. The link is http://pinterest.com/CarlyNevin/. Thanks.

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  27. I'd like to join! Here's my pinterest: http://pinterest.com/rlwshkspr/ (and sorry if this posts twice... :( )

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  28. I would love to join in!! Here's my Pinterest page.
    http://pinterest.com/abeilleamiel/

    Happy New Year to everyone,
    Juliette

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  29. I would like tojoin this challenge.I amregistered on pinterest,I will make my first post later this week.My email address is dottypams@btinternet.com Please let me know how to proceed.DottyPam

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  30. I'll join in http://pinterest.com/misstiff1

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  31. Love to join please! http://pinterest.com/beadzbazaar

    Kathryn x

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  32. i really wan to join but dont know anything about blogs and how they work :(

    Trish x

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  33. I've never done a challenge before. Sounds like great fun, so I love to join, if possible.
    my pinterest: http://pinterest.com/esferajewelry/

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  34. So fantastic to see so much interest in our earrings challenge! I know it's going to be a lot of fun. Look out for my post tomorrow with some art bead inspiration to help you with your earring designs!

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  35. What a great idea - realistic as well as achievable. I'd love to join in!! http://pinterest.com/maggiemagpie/

    Maggie :)

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  36. This sounds like so much fun but I don't think that I will join the first quarter as I am thinking that I have my hands full.

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  37. I want in...definitely need the push! pinterest.com/shellsney

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  38. I'd love to join in this challenge!

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  39. Would love to join in please!!!!
    Blogging at madebyjulesblog@blogspot.co.uk
    Fingers crossed :-)

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  40. Oh, Please sign me up I could use the motivation!
    my pintrest link is:
    http://pinterest.com/niky/

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  41. I would love to join in please. My pinterest link is:

    http://pinterest.com/lauraleeinaz/

    Gina Hockett

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  42. I'd love to join the challenge! Here's my pinterest link: http://pinterest.com/backstorybeads/

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  43. I can't tell if we have reached the 50 participant limit or not, but I would love to join if there is still room! http://pinterest.com/rachelbaron1973/

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  44. I would love to join the challenge! My blog: http://creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com/

    and my pinterest: http://pinterest.com/cherilre/

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  45. I am signing up! songbeads.blogspot.com

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  46. I'm having a few "issues" with Pinterest at the moment, but I will send out invites as soon as I figure things out. Bear with me please. :]

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  47. Me, please! - Is that enough?! Thanks, Claire L (cl.lockwood@gmail.com)

    Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/somethingtodwyh/
    Blog (still virgin): http://www.somethingtodowithyourhands.com

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  48. SOunds like a lot of fun ... however I have no interest in being include in the first 13 weeks... I will be plierless for at least half of them... Warm and plierless & probaly beadless some of that time. I am on pinterest as http://pinterest.com/islandgirl13/... but would be happy to participate in any of the subsequent quarters!

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  49. Oh yes this is just the jump start I so desperatly need!!!! Please sign me up:) I don't know where you are on the Pinterest count either, so here is my info just in case:
    http://pinterest.com/pearlandpebble/
    blog- http://www.pearlandpebble.blogspot.com
    Thanks so much!!

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  50. Hope I'm not too late! http://pinterest.com/martinme/

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  51. http://pinterest.com/lamplightcrafts/

    http://www.lamplightcrafts.blogspotcom

    lamplightcrafts@msn.com

    Earrings are easy!

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  52. My word for the year is ACTION and I am ready to create some earrings! =)

    http://pinterest.com/beadlolabead/
    http://www.beadlolabead.blogspot.com/

    Thank you!

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  53. Keep adding those Pinterest links. I've gotten some of the invites out tonight and will do more on Monday!!!

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  54. sounds fun, would love to join: http://pinterest.com/dwhitecreations/

    Thank you, Dawn

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  55. I would love to join if I'm not too late
    http://pinterest.com/judithbeads/

    Thank you :)

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  56. If there's room for one more I'd love to join!
    http://www.pinterest.com/remaker1/

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  57. Thanks for the email Linda. I'm now on Pinterest as https://pinterest.com/dottypam/ . I confirm that I would love to join the Earring Challenge. Pam

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  58. Im in. Id love to join. Ill add the badge to my blog . Having my 22 nd surgery today. This earring creating Sounds like lots of fun. Happy creating everyone. Kimberly www.kimisjewelryandhifts.blogspot.com

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  59. Hi. Sounds like so much fun. Id love to be part of this. My pinterest is www.pinterest.com/kidalski/ . I confirm that I would love to be part of the challenge. I will add the badge to my blog soon. Www.kimisjewelryandgifts.blogspot.com. I have my 22nd surgery in 6 years today ao this will be a fun revovery ptoject. Happy creating everyone.

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  60. I am in...sounds fun and I need more push and inspiration to create earrings!
    Sonya

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  61. I would like to participate in the Earring Challenge and the Pinterest Board.
    I hope I am not too late.
    Iveth
    http://pinterest.com/creativeatelier/
    www.CreativeAtelier.net

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  62. Oh I need something to make me use my stash of artbeads... I will join in on this challange and ad the button to my blog! /Jenny Vidberg (Shyme Design)

    My blog is http://shymessmycken.blogspot.se/
    Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/jennyvidberg/

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  63. Okay I'm in :) I hate making earrings, because I always go for complex designs and skip past having any fun. (ha ha) Let's see if me and earrings can form a new relationship! my blog http://northernadornments.blogspot.com/

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    1. Wishing you a harmonious relationship! lol!

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  64. I'm doing a 52 pairs of earrings this year challenge, so i'll watch with interest! I don't think I'll sign up for the first 13 weeks, though, since it might just be the earwires and headpins that are handmade in some of mine. (I make beads too but my first earrings, for example, use commercial brass components that I've patinated). Some of them are going to be wire and rubber tubing, and I don't think those count either. Maybe the second quarter I'll do all handmade beads :)

    http://kalorlo.wordpress.com/2013/01/03/52-earring-pairs-in-2013-challenge/

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  65. Would love to join if there is still room!
    My blog : http://maliekaidesigns.blogspot.com
    Pinterest: http://pinterest/kumi808

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  66. I dont know whether I am within the count 50, but would like to participate in this challenge. Fairly new to blogging(My blog : www.hundredcolors.blogspot.com), and a new account to pinterest (http://pinterest.com/100colors100/). If this would be enough, will there is space for me too? Thankyou!!

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  67. And, I grabbed the badge to this event, but can you make the link open in another page when clicked on the button? (Now it opens on the same page, overriding the blog in which it is embedded, you know..;) )

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  68. are you at the 50 person limit yet? i'd like to join, if there's room.

    http://pinterest.com/bethemery/

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  69. Ooh, I'd love to join this challenge! Don't know if I'm in the first fifty but here's my pinterest page: http://pinterest.com/denielleh/

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  70. I would love to join in too please!!!

    Haven't read all the comments so not sure if the 50 has been reached but if not here is my Pinterest link....

    http://pinterest.com/bramalfiebeads/

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  71. I would love to join, If not to late..
    http://pinterest.com/stepha78/

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  72. I have now invited the first 50 people who remembered to include their Pinterest url. Thank you. You may still link up every other Sunday, even if you are not in the Pinterest group.

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  73. Thankyou Linda, for adding me to your group on Pinterest! I have tried uploading an earrings which includes a clay component I made. The pin appears, but the thumbnail image is not to be seen, i can go to the pin though, when I click on it! Do you think I should try again?

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    Replies
    1. yes! I think you should delete it and try again. I want to SEE it! :)

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  74. oh, too late for pinterest....just got my mouse fixed! lololol Is it too late to do the earring challenge? Just in case you have a drop out, or many as the case may be...http://pinterest.com/goldkissesart/
    Is it too late for the earring challenge too?

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    Replies
    1. Jump on in! Too late for Pinterest, but not too late for the challenge, itself!

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  75. Just got the mouse fixed....am too late. If you have drop outs....http://pinterest.com/goldkissesart/
    Is it too late for the earring challenge as well...? Looks like fun!
    Tracy

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  76. This sounds like real fun and I want to do it BUT, am laid up with a lumbar problem right now. Can I jump in the second 13 week period? I'd like to watch the pnterest board and I'll be watching the reveals too. My pinterest http://pinterest.com/stregajewellry/

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    1. I'm sorry to hear that you are in pain, Lee. :( You can add your Pinterest link next quarter. Feel better soon.

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  77. If anyone changes their mind :)
    http://pinterest.com/gemfairy/

    Gracias!

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  78. Hi Linda
    I have managed to upload a pin. It wasnt successful when I tried to upload an image from my computer. But when I linked it from my Etsy shop, it worked. But then, there can be cases when we want to upload it directly too.. I can see other members' entrees also as just an 'X'. So i think they too have the same issue.
    Sumi

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    Replies
    1. Pinterest only accepts pictures that have already been posted online. You can't upload from your computer. Some online source won't allow you to pin either, such as Facebook. But if you have your pics in an online shop, blog or on Flickr, you can pin them.

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    2. Thanks much for the reply Linda. That was where I got stuck; new to Pinterest. Now things are fine. I tried linking from my Etsy shop, and it works. Yeah, I can upload on my blog first, then pin it. Sounds good.

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  79. I'm looking forward to participating - just the kick in the pants I need. Too late for pinterest, but I'll keep an eye out for the linky tool on reveal day.

    Jen

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  80. Hi - I signed up within the first 50 (I think!! I hope!) but I don't know if I should have received an email or something about the pinterest board? Hope you can help. Claire Lockwood (cl.lockwood@gmail.com)

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    Replies
    1. Claire- Thanks for alerting me to this. I fixed the problem and you should have received a Pinterest invite now!

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  81. I think this is going to be lots of fun! Can I do this from my facebook page? I do not have ablog yet...But I did open a pinterest Here is the link to that. http://pinterest.com/wiredhammered/
    am I too late to enter the pinterest part?

    Lee Anne

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    1. Yes, you are too late for the Pinterest board. But you can still link up on the reveal days! Yes, you can use our linky tool with Facebook.

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  82. Are there still openings? I want to do it!!!
    My pinterest boards: http://pinterest.com/lori_greenberg/

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    1. Hi Lori! Too late for Pinterest, but you can certainly link up on the reveal days!

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  83. Yay! Thank you, Linda - I'm all signed up now! Claire Lockwood

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  84. I just grabbed the badge - I can't wait to participate. I love making earrings!

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  85. May I join even though it's late?
    http://rosebud101-fortheloveofbeads.blogspot.com/
    I tried to post my Pinterest link, but Pinterest is having a case of the hiccups.

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  86. Ah, I'll be looking forward to the 2nd quarter - sure would love to participate!

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  87. I would love to join the AJE if it's not too late. I'm fairly new to all of this. This looks like a lot of fun! Just joined Pinterest.

    Http://www.pinterest.com/TexasPepperJam/
    Http://www.TexasPepperJams.blogspot.com

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  88. Hi I would love to get involved,its a great idea :-)just the motivation I need

    http://pinterest.com/bumblebeedaisy/

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  89. Hi, I would love to join for the next 13 weeks, when are sign-ups for that quarter? Thanks!

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  90. Hello! I just came across this challenge from Sonya and I wonder if I could join the next challenge - maybe the next quarter. What a great way to challenge our creative minds. Hope to hear from you. Thanks!

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  91. Love those earrings.Very unique idea.Great post.




    you can also visit my site Earrings

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  92. Is it too late for me to join? When does the challenge start next?

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  93. I am interested in joining one 13 week session. Please let me know when I can start. fairiesmarket@gmail.com. Thanks.

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