Thanks to Facebook's memories app, I was reminded that we kicked this project off April 17th, 2012. In that time, we've published over 1200 blog posts, hosted about 40 Component of the Month design challenges, an earring challenge, and several other challenges. We're written a plethora of tutorials, shared successes and failures. We love what we do and are so excited to continue.
So to celebrate our birthday, we are going to select one lucky person to win all the components shown below:
How do you win? Leave a comment by this Saturday, April 23, 11:59 PM telling us why you like to read AJE. Edited to add: PLEASE leave an email or some way to contact you as clicking your name doesn't always give us any way to contact you!
I love to read aje because of the wide variety of techniques the contributors use to make their beads
ReplyDeleteWhy do I like to read AJE? It's easy to sum it up with two words...inspiration and instruction! Both are exceptional on this site!
ReplyDeleteI like to read AJE because the info is awesome and it gives me a lot of inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI love the challenges! I think it's amazing to see what different people can do with the same components!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday! Thanks for continuing to inspire!
ReplyDeleteI love the inspiration! :D
ReplyDeleteI love the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI like to see new techniques , and of course, beautiful works .
ReplyDeleteHappy four year anniversary :D
ReplyDeleteI stumbled across this blog not long after it's inception - you lovely ladies introduced me to the wonderful world of art beads and I haven't looked back since!
I get so much inspiration reading the blogs, plus I enjoy reading that I'm not the only one who likes to do multiple crafts. I enjoy the glass blogs too. Thank you all for the wonderful stories you tell! Happy 4th birthday!
ReplyDeleteI never really knew about Art beads or components before I can across AJE. Over time I have learnt a lot about how to spot and realise an inspiration, quality,how to bring forth variety. It has opened up my vision, my creative instincts and practice. Thank for for this awesome blog
ReplyDeleteWow how awesome! Happy 4th Birthday! I love having a little look at everyone's lovely makes its always inspiring and nice yo see what you get up to on here x
ReplyDeleteWhy do I like AJE? Two words. Eye Candy! ;)
ReplyDeleteWell, really, it's the inspiration, the tutorials, the techniques, and yes, the eye candy.
Wow - congrats on 4 years! I've only started reading recently but you guys are amazing. I love that you have a ton of contributors because it gives me multiple perspectives on the same subject, but it's all tied together. I also come here because your combined experience and skills are valuable information that I'm so glad you're willing to pass on for free. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteI love to see the beautiful beads and other work, the thoughts behind the inspiration, the progress and creation process itself, and last but not least, of course the eye candy ;)
ReplyDeleteI love that you've created one place to showcase all the different facets of talent you each have. There is something to appeal to everyone and it feels very inclusive.
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ReplyDeleteI love to read AJE; it makes bus journeys and other boring parts of my day far more interesting! I love to see all the beautiful creations everyone makes! It's helped inspire and teach me things!
ReplyDeleteThe best part of the AJE blog is the exposure to so many creative media within and outside the jewellery world. The variety provided, and the excellent instructions and tips have helped me grown in so many ways.
ReplyDeleteThanks and wishing AJE many more happy years of sharing and inspiring
Mona
I love AJE, because of the inspiration, the tutorials and seeing all the beautiful "art" the contributors come up. For someone like me that is still new to beading, it allows me how much I can "grow" with this craft and the wide range of techniques and mediums I could put to use. I love the format, and how detailed the tutorials are. Happy Anniversary and thank you for all you do...looking forward to the next 4 years of growth and learning through AJE (folo22@yahoo.com)
ReplyDeleteI love reading AJE because it is super inspiring. Creatively, you ladies kick me in the pants. All the contributors have such amazing talent and enthusiasm for their art, you can't help but be inspired. It is so fun to see the diversity of projects in the Component of the Month posts as well. Love it! I even had the pleasure of meeting a few in person at Bead Fest last summer. Keep up the amazing work! --Rita Zimmerman
ReplyDeleteI like AJE as a grate jump off point, inspiration, visual input and even how too's And even when my body cant keep up I love it for eye candy and a good Muse meal!
ReplyDeleteI like reading AJE blog to see what all the creative members are up to! And to discover new beads, or new techniques. You all share so freely! Thank you and Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! i love your tutorials and the inspiration I know all of you put a lot of time to bring us amazing things.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much.
Why I like to to read AJE? Simple, lots of ideas and helpful instructions.!!!
ReplyDeleteMarlene
mlsjewel@yahoo.com
Unbridled creativity. You all exude it and that, my friends, is infectious. Congratulations on becoming a wonderful reference and guide for those of us trying to live a creative life! Enjoy the day! Erin
ReplyDeleteEveryone is so very creative, I love all the eye candy I find on AJE! I found out about a whole new set of people who make the kinds of things I love to buy as well. Congratulations on the blog's BDay! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! I love all the tips and inspiration that pops into my inbox from your emails. I live in Tasmania, so access to workshops or classes is extremely limited. Huge thankyou to all the team.
ReplyDeleteEach and every time I read AJE I find something I'm really interested in. Each of the talented artists give us lots of information to inspire us. Please say Thank You to each one who makes this possible for all of us "out here". ~Babette babette@babettecox.com
ReplyDeleteI love it for many reasons, but mostly for all the beautiful and creative things you show. And also the tutorials! Thank you!! (heatherfig @ gmail dot com). Heather.
ReplyDeleteI love to read AJE because I always come away inspired. Even if the post is not in my medium, I am inspired by the creativity. Learning through the friendly posts is always a treat! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYour posts are always interesting, inspiring, educational, beautiful (both the work and the photography) and well written. All of you bring so much to the table, and I've learned much from all of you. I read every one! (pegsrugs@yahoo.com)
ReplyDeleteI always leave the blog page after about 30 minutes full of new ideas and inspiration and always something to think about!!
ReplyDeleteI love to read AJE for all the inspiration and to see all the beautiful art bead components. maryredman144@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteIf I had to pick one thing, being exposed to the enormous creativity reflected in AJE would be it, but there's SO much more. Love the broad range of topics covered and many of the tutorials have been a great help to me. Insights into media other than my primary interest gives me a perspective and appreciation for those art forms. I find so much inspiration here!!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations and thanks for all your hard work!
AJE always has the best inspiration pieces.... Happy Birthday!! kristen_dot_ho_at_gmail_dot_com
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading AJE because the content shared is inspiring, educational and interesting. I like the tutorials and the challenges. I really, really like learning new techniques. Watching the hosts' style change and evolve is always interesting. The variety of talent & style of the members also appeals to me.
ReplyDeleteInspiration! I love staying in contact with my network of talented jewelry artists. I've always loved the generosity in information giving.
ReplyDeleteI read because I am inspired to keep trying to do my best, and not be afraid to screw up! All artists at AJE are so incredibly gifted! But I remind myself that even they had to start at the beginning, and maybe there is hope for someone who is not a natural talent in all things I touch! Happy 4th Birthday! (And not to add brownie points, but Kristen Stevens is such a sweetheart! diverpug@yahoo.com)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! I was afraid AJE was going away? Your projects and contributors are second to none! Rooroodedigns@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! What a gift to the world your blog has been!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun way to celebrate your Birthday. I have learned so much from this website. I have met new people and explored new ideas. AJE is my favorite website.
ReplyDeleteb.pancakebeads@gmail.com
Love the amazing creativity and willingness to share! mwerner21@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteLots of reasons -- but I think mostly because it gives me a peek into the creative processes -- both the elevated parts and the barrel-bottom parts -- of artisans whose work I admire. I spend so much time in my studio, wrapped up in my own processes that it's refreshing to know that there are others who struggle and celebrate as I do -- but from their own unique perspectives.
ReplyDeleteI love seeing all of your and guest artisans' fabulous components and jewelry -- it's like being able to go to a fine craft show and the best bead store all at the same time and often in my pajamas and sometimes even while in bed!
Of course, seeing your creations is inspiring and instructions are almost always intriguing and make me wish I had time for One More (or many more) Thing,
Art Jewelry Elements comes in to me late in the evening and I never miss reading it before going to bed each night. You are part of my daily bedtime routine! xxx
PS sasha.crow@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI love AJE and am so happy with each email I get to your blog. I have saved so many and plan to use them as inspiration or exactly as shown. I am amazed by the varied topics, and am especially drawn to jewelry making posts. Keep it up and I'll keep saving them.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great site! I adore these components, so earthy. And love your posts.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you!
gatebeautifuldesign@gmail.com
I love to read AJE for inspiration and to keep reminding myself to get my booty into the studio and create instead of napping! Mint.sisters@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI'm a new follower but I have come across your posts and tutorials before and have learned a lot from your blog. Congratulations and keep going :)
ReplyDeleteI read AJE for the inspiration, the style of the contributors are so varied. I love the tutorials too.
ReplyDeleteI love reading your blog, I discovered artists, techniques. It is very inspirational and I love the challenges.
ReplyDeleteAJE is absolutely my favorite jewelry making blog. From the wonderful tutorials to the component of the month contests, there is just so much inspiration. I have tried many new techniques and grown as a jewelry artist thanks to this site.
ReplyDeletebella_wilfur@yahoo.com
I love your challenges and I enjoy seeing what the participants do with the beads as well as the tutorials. Your blogs are written thoughtfully and have great photos.
ReplyDeleteI like the AJE challenges the most. But I do like to read about (and see pics) of other bead and jewelry artists along with their creative processes.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog, it's on my go to list of blogs. I think what I like most is the discussion of technique and design, it's been great for me as my own technical ability and style has developed. Getting to meet some of you last year was just the icing on the cake! Congrats on the milestone, onwards and upwards! (Melissa_trudinger at yahoo dot com)
ReplyDeleteSharon King says: I enjoy reading the blog as it provides great inspiration for me to see others pursuing their dreams in art. Venues like this blog and other social media have opened up a whole new world for me and allowed me to not only see what other artists are doing, but to meet them as well and share their enthusiasm for their craft.
ReplyDeleteI love AJE for the inspiration! I find that even if a post is about a medium I don't do, I still find some inspiration to use in my work! My horizons have been widened so much! Thank you!!!!! Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteglassylady57@yahoo.com
It's so cool that your 4th anniversary is on the 23rd. I remember that excitement so well. My 24th anniversary with my sign shop, Signs by Beth, is also on the 23rd. I remember the 4th like it was yesterday. Congratulations! Enjoy the milestone! ((hugs))
ReplyDeleteoh my my, what lovelies. Thanks for the chance to win. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThere's so much to love... I can't pick just one thing!! I started really following the blog when you did the earring challenge. I enjoyed it so much that kept my own personal earring challenge going for two years! I so appreciate being introduced to new art bead artists and techniques, learning more about the processes involved in making many of the art beads I love so much, and (of course) your great giveaways and challenges! Happy Birthday, AJE!!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday! I read AJE for ideas on what to do next. Even work outside my expertise can provide inspiration!
ReplyDeleteDang! forgot my email: robininseoul@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI like to read AJE for the variety of techniques used and there is always something new to learn or beautiful to look at.
ReplyDeletearienna_elf at hotmail dot com
Actually, I just like the beautiful pictures of your pieces.
ReplyDeleteLyonefein@yahoo.com
Ooooh Aaah! What pretties. Happy 4th to you. I enjoy the challenges - the themed ones and the component of the month ones. They allow me to stretch my own creative imagination, even if I didn't actively participate. I also love the various beady / creative types you all are and seeing how you each interpret something. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLeona (lynxofsilver AT gmail.com)
Your posts are always so positive and beautiful. I feel inspired to try everything you show, but need to pull myself back. I have enough simple beading projects to keep me busy for a long while.
ReplyDeleteThank-you for all that you share.
Awesome! I love this blog! It's one of few that I enjoy reading. Thank you for all the work that goes into providing such a fun resource!
ReplyDeleteI read AJE for inspiration. I love to see many Artist obtain the same materials and create such different pieces according to their own styles and levels of techniques they have aquired. Just for the sheer Joy of it.
ReplyDeleteI love AJE! So many inspirations, tutorials and the monthly challenges.
ReplyDeleteI love to read AJE for all of the inspiring ideas and how to's you ladies come together to share. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteMyfoundobjects.net
Myfoundobjectsjewelry@gmail.com
Happy birthday! I read AJE because it provides lots of inspiration, information and it's just plain fun! Thanks for the giveaway and for all the work over the last four years on this blog!
ReplyDeleteI've followed AJE from the beginning and it's one of the first things I look for in my e-mail. I love the tutorials, the photos of new bead components, the stories about each of you, and the very special inspiration you so freely share. Happy birthday and thank you! (lecarling@verizon.net)
ReplyDeleteI love reading AJE because it gives me new ideas and it's eye candy!
ReplyDeleteI love your magazine! I get inspired to get out in new areas of creativity.
ReplyDeleteAJE gives me a window into a world of creativity. I love the photos of jewelry made by many different artists. The tutorials are invaluable while I learn to make jewelry myself.
ReplyDeleteMy email is hildegardz at hotmail dot com
DeleteHappy Birthday! I love this column - I always take something away that helps me. I love your different personalities and styles. Thanks for the chance and here's to another wonderful year.
ReplyDeleteI love reading AJE every day for all the different perspectives from your contributors such a talented group of artists who very generously share their wisdom and experience. Every post has something new to inspire me in my creative journey Thank you and congratulations on your 4 th anniversary. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteGreat info. Beautiful items.
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