Pale Green Marble and Bronze Flower - Bracelet - Sorcha
*Winner was chosen on Monday April 12th, this giveaway is now closed! Thank you for stopping by and don’t forget to read the below interview with artist Rachel Van-Walsh♥*
And now a little something about Rachel Van-Walsh, the artist behind the Dublin based Etsy shop BALANCED …
This is the view from Rachel’s house in Dublin. Yeah, I’m jealous too…it’s gorgeous. She lives here with her husband and Ginger the cat, who are both Irish…Rachel’s originally from Sacramento, California. Let’s ask her a few questions…
When did you start making jewelry? … Hmm, it feels like ages. I started beading about 12 years ago now. I got a job in a bead shop and the rest is history. 🙂
What do you do on your time off? … I get time off? No. If I’m not crafting I’m promoting or editing or listing or taking photos or organizing or updating or marketing or, you get the idea. I’m also forced to feed my husband and our kitty baby, Ginger. She’s Irish. 😛 Oh, and clean the house. Sometimes.
A few of your favorite bands: Ay yay yay. So many. When I’m crafting I like to listen to all sorts of things. LCD Soundsystem, Gossip, Depeche Mode, Unkle, Portishead, Lisa Mitchell… it’s an eclectic mix.
Your favorite place you’ve visited: Amsterdam. Hands down. Ireland is very nice too though. 😉 My favourite place I’ve visited in Ireland was Newgrange. I had never seen anything that old with my own two eyes. And I don’t think I have since. It was also the first place I drove to while over here, so it’s a fond memory. Wrong side of the road and all.
Place you want to, but have yet to visit: My husband and I have plans to go on a safari in Africa. Only 1,000,000 more sales to go! *Good luck on one million sales, Rachel! Please let me know your secret if you start getting close!*
You can find Rachel’s gorgeous beaded jewels at BALANCED, her Etsy shop. She also has beautiful digital prints available online HERE. You can also become a fan of Balanced on Facebook. Have fun looking through her shop and don’t forget to leave a comment here (with your favorite item) to be entered in the giveaway! ANYONE can enter, she’ll ship it anywhere in the universe ♥
Ruby Clover Art & Photography 
I love your beaded jewelery!! Very talented..
By: Mary Jo on April 5, 2010
at 12:13 pm
I love so much in the Balanced shop, it’s hard to choose one favorite! My top two are the one she uses in her avatar and this one http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31628817. I guess I’d choose the latter because it appears to be a little easier to wear in a casual setting.
By: Mary on April 5, 2010
at 1:28 pm
Wow, what a beautiful collection. It is hard to choose a favourite, but since it is spring I think the Vintage Grass Flower Brass Earrings are perfect.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35733801
By: Lauren D. on April 5, 2010
at 1:55 pm
This was a hard decision, so many beautiful items to choose from. Picked this necklace:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43937147
By: Cathy on April 5, 2010
at 2:11 pm
i love how the shop is arranged by colour!
i was positively drooling when i arrived on page 5 for the purples.
but this – i think – is my favourite ’cause i’m getting into green big time:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41400040
By: Iris O'Connor on April 5, 2010
at 3:03 pm
I love all of the jewelry. Beautiful!!! I love the emerald glass and silver earings but I also like the ashen pearl bracelet. Too many nice things to chose from!
By: Becky on April 5, 2010
at 3:40 pm
Oh I really love Rachels pieces, and it’s really generous of her to let us choose something for a giveaway. She has an amazing selection of pieces, but these earring are my fav and would match half of my wardrobe
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44153288
By: Ruth Crean on April 5, 2010
at 4:01 pm
What a great giveaway – I heard about it from Nice Day Designs. I think that the vintage glass flower earrings are amazing looking.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35733801
I am also completely in love with the grey freshwater pearls
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39926625
By: Magatha May on April 5, 2010
at 4:19 pm
ok. 9 pages of BEAUTIFUL jewelry! how do you pick just one favorite????
i’m saying this one, even though there are dozens of others!
ciara… http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=40502628
By: susan on April 5, 2010
at 6:24 pm
Phew, that was really difficult to choose, because I liked so many pieces. But this one, Kiss the Sun, really hits the spot 🙂
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36135657
By: Purls on April 5, 2010
at 6:35 pm
So many pretties! But I really like the Porcelain, Antiqued Brass – Necklace – Lichen in Flax necklace!
By: SoDucky on April 5, 2010
at 8:50 pm
I love everything, but I think this is my fave:: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44153288
Thanks for the giveaway!
By: Amy on April 5, 2010
at 9:48 pm
Well, I love it ALL so, SO, so much, but one of my favorites is:
http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=26924766
Thank you for doing this 🙂 it’s beautiful! Fingers crossed that I win hehe :D!!
By: Jess on April 6, 2010
at 1:26 am
It’s a beautiful shop – one piece that really stood out for me is her Cimibicid necklace -0 very unusual love it:)
By: Cuada on April 6, 2010
at 3:41 am
So many lovely pieces! I am really loving these earrings~
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31809193
By: VernMarie on April 6, 2010
at 8:07 am
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33632311
beautiful bracelet!
By: Mary Ann on April 6, 2010
at 1:01 pm
I love the Labradorite, Brass – Necklace – Aspen Rain.
By: Emily on April 7, 2010
at 8:26 am
There is a lot of things that I like in this shop…I pick the “Serpentine, Smoky Quartz, Sterling Silver – Earrings – Russet Celadon”
By: Aljna on April 7, 2010
at 8:31 am
No doubt about it. I LOVE this necklace:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31478757
By: Martha on April 7, 2010
at 8:34 am
The upcycled washer necklace is very cool. I like how you reused supplies to make something pretty.
shutterboo at gmail dot com
By: shutterboo on April 7, 2010
at 8:34 am
I love love love the Vintage Glass Flowers, Brass – Earrings – Chiffon Bouquet !!! sooo gorgeous!!
kimberly.long at gmail dot com
By: Kim on April 7, 2010
at 8:35 am
Enter me please! My favorite item is: Lucite, Glass, Brass – Necklace – Margot
By: Ana Belén on April 7, 2010
at 8:37 am
My favorite is the Assorted Stone Mix – Wrap Bracelet – Smix
By: Cara Gawlik on April 7, 2010
at 8:44 am
My favorite item is the Citrine, Apatite, Carnelian, Sterling – Earrings – Ambrosia.
Your stuff is lovely!
By: Valerie on April 7, 2010
at 8:50 am
love the jewelry! my favorite has to be these earrings http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23857787
By: Leigh Ladd on April 7, 2010
at 8:51 am
I love the Faceted Agate, Swarovski, Brass – Earrings – Fall Foliage; it’s very romantic and chic.
By: Ayda on April 7, 2010
at 9:01 am
gorgeous bracelet, and I also love Ireland..WOW!
great article.
By: Tracy on April 7, 2010
at 9:58 am
My favorite item are the Aventurine, Glass, Antiqued Copper – Earrings – Watercolor. They are simple, yet eye-catching.
By: Anja on April 7, 2010
at 9:59 am
Im just dying over this:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42351013
So many great pieces to choose from!
By: tiffaney on April 7, 2010
at 10:08 am
I love the
Aquaterra Jasper, Bayong Wood, Riverstone, SS – Necklace – Sand Water
Gorgeous!
kimhigueria(at)gmail(dot)com
By: kim on April 7, 2010
at 10:16 am
I love a lot of the green and blue pieces (my favourite colours) but the Grey Pearls, Glass Seed Beads – Beadwoven Bracelet – Ashen Pearl was the most impressive. Even close up it looks more like worked metal than beads, fantastic!
By: Julia on April 7, 2010
at 10:19 am
Loving the Lampwork Glass, Brass – Necklace – Dark Water!
thanks for the opportunity!
By: Meredith on April 7, 2010
at 10:27 am
The petalage earrings in orange and teal and white and lavender, the yellow vintage glass flower earrings, the willow freshwater pearl necklace, and cimbicid lemon necklace are all so pretty! Your shop is lovely. =)
(email in blogger profile)
By: AM on April 7, 2010
at 10:32 am
I love the czech glass lucite earrings they are gorgeous.Great giveaway fingers crossed. Marian
By: marian on April 7, 2010
at 11:03 am
Hi! ENTER ME plss~~
I visited her shop & loving the Freshwater Pearl, Brass, Hematite – Necklace – Willow. so fab & chic!!^^
(http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43164134)
❤ Risya
By: Risyaa♥ on April 7, 2010
at 11:07 am
I like this one the best
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21312717
Please contact me through my blog. 🙂 I have followed you will you follow me also?
By: Aerisk on April 7, 2010
at 11:15 am
What a shop of sheer delight! I could browse it for hours, and often have!
These earrings are my current favourites:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39708960
Thanks, Rachel, for making this great jewellery,and thanks, Ruby, for organising this great giveaway:)
By: Lilycobweb on April 7, 2010
at 12:01 pm
My favorite item is the Freshwater Pearls, Glass, Sterling Silver – Beadwoven Bracelet – Little Snow Pearl.
ghainskom at yahoo dot com
By: lin3arossa on April 7, 2010
at 12:38 pm
Balance has been on my favorite shop list for awhile now, and one of my favorites is the Freshwater Pearl, Antiqued Copper earrings. Such beautiful designs!!!
By: Sarah-Paige Copeland on April 7, 2010
at 2:23 pm
Wow! Everything looks so wonderfully vintage. I like the Aventurine, Glass, and Antiqued Copper Earrings – Watercolor. I love the colors and that faceting.
By: Bonny on April 7, 2010
at 2:38 pm
I love Faux Emerald, Gunmetal – Earrings – Ivy
By: Lubiekisiel on April 7, 2010
at 3:21 pm
I adore the “Freshwater Pearl, Brass, Hematite – Necklace – Willow”. It is stunning!
Thank you for this opportunity 🙂
By: Samy on April 7, 2010
at 4:00 pm
I’m loving the Light as a Feather bracelet!
rosetheninja@gmail.com
By: Rose on April 7, 2010
at 4:20 pm
Enter me please!!! I love this http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35733801
By: Victoria on April 7, 2010
at 4:33 pm
I like Czech Glass, Lucite, Brass – Earrings – Botanica
sophia.komninou at gmail.com
By: Sophia on April 7, 2010
at 5:02 pm
I really like these earrings: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34420200
Thanks for the giveaway!
-Lydia Jane
791991@gmail.com
By: Lydia Jane on April 7, 2010
at 5:11 pm
I like the Cimbicid Blue Necklace the most.
By: Shari D on April 7, 2010
at 5:27 pm
I Love these Amazonite/Czech Glass earrings.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26656686
By: Lauren on April 7, 2010
at 6:36 pm
I just love this necklace: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39933491
Thank you for the giveaway 🙂
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com
By: Amber G on April 7, 2010
at 6:39 pm
What a beutiful things 😀
I love this necklace:
Lucite, Glass, Brass – Necklace
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42351013
Thanks a lot!
Elizabeth Ramirez
metalliz_gunner@hotmail.com
By: liz on April 7, 2010
at 7:18 pm
This one is very pretty: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37974250
By: Melissa H on April 7, 2010
at 7:45 pm
Wow, what lovely jewelry! It is hard to pick just one, but if I must, it’d be
Pearl, Glass, Brass – Earrings – Petalage in White and Lavender
By: Becky on April 7, 2010
at 8:37 pm
Czech Glass, Sterling Silver – Beadwoven Bracelet – Iris is really pretty, love the colours and the pattern.
By: AmandaSue on April 7, 2010
at 9:14 pm
I like the “Copper, Shell, Aventurine – Bracelet – Verdigris”
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39639814
By: nicole on April 8, 2010
at 12:22 am
So many truly beautiful things. My favorite item are the yellow Vintage Glass Flowers and Brass earrings. They are so sweet.
By: marty on April 8, 2010
at 1:14 am
I love the Beadwoven Lattice Ribbon Bracelet – Avocado and Baby Pink http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28152148
By: gio on April 8, 2010
at 2:55 am
my fave is the Lucite, Glass, Brass – Necklace – Margot. 🙂 her shop is amazing!
By: jasmine on April 8, 2010
at 8:17 am
love carmine earrings
By: melissa.w on April 8, 2010
at 9:10 am
Vintage German Lucite, Brass – Necklace – ‘Teal Rose’
is totally my favorite! hope I win!
By: Very Married on April 8, 2010
at 9:30 am
adorable shop!
Lucite, Glass, Brass – Necklace – ‘Margot’
that’s one of my faves, so pretty:)
By: Maria on April 8, 2010
at 9:40 am
I love Labradorite, Amazonite, Sterling Silver – Earrings – Faint.
carethediva[at]hotmail[dot]com
By: Cabootique on April 8, 2010
at 10:27 am
I love the Beadwoven Lattice Ribbon Bracelet in Fuzzy Green. Beautiful work!
Amy
By: Amy on April 8, 2010
at 1:59 pm
I love the Azurite Malachite, Czech Glass, Brass Necklace- Falls!
By: Lily on April 8, 2010
at 3:31 pm
I like the
Teal Glass Trumpet Flowers, Brass – Earrings – Bloom
By: Vicki Wurgler on April 8, 2010
at 4:04 pm
There are almost too many gorgeous things to choose from, but I think this one is my favorite.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30856277
By: plaidfuzz on April 8, 2010
at 7:55 pm
I love the Margot necklace! This is so great because I’ve been looking for accessories for prom and this Etsy just screams “PERFECT”. Thanks so much!
By: Erica on April 8, 2010
at 8:30 pm
that etsy shop is beautiful! i love so many things, including the giveaway! my other favourite would have to be Porcelain, Antiqued Brass – Necklace – ‘Lichen in Flax’!
kshuttle@uoguelph.ca
By: katelyne on April 9, 2010
at 12:26 am
Everything is so pretty!! I also love Descend ,the Blue Lace Agate, Silver – Wrap Bracelet 🙂
By: crystal on April 9, 2010
at 1:16 am
Beautiful jewelry! My favorite is the Cimbicid Aqua Necklace!
By: lavender on April 9, 2010
at 10:37 am
Its really hard to pick one but one of my favourites would be the Earrings – Red Is The Rose
mitch1066@gmail.com
By: michelle jadaa on April 9, 2010
at 12:06 pm
I loooved Peach Freshwater Pearls, Copper – Earrings – ‘Pearly Hoops’ .I think I’ll order them on Monday or so.
By: Ria on April 9, 2010
at 12:43 pm
I loved the poppy jasper antiqued copper bracelet.
By: Cecelia on April 9, 2010
at 6:37 pm
ok first I have to admit Im not a jewellery girl so im doing this for Mammy Gorman 🙂 but I do love this: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28140441
Love the ‘Ginger’ cat photo!
And ‘Newgrange’ is one of my favourite places too, and also lucky enough to have a view of it every day!
By: Ann Gorman on April 9, 2010
at 6:52 pm
my favorite is the Freshwater Pearl, Brass, Hematite – Necklace – ‘Willow’
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
By: Linda Kish on April 9, 2010
at 8:18 pm
love the Smoky Topaz, Sterling Silver – Earrings – Fallow
get this giveaway free exposure too at http://byhandgiveaways.com
By: dam on April 9, 2010
at 10:52 pm
I am crazy over Swarovski, Antiqued Brass – Necklace – Flight
By: Mariel on April 10, 2010
at 5:43 am
What a beautiful shop. Made with so much care.
I loved many items but I loved best:
drumroll….
Emerald Glass and Silver Filigree – Earrings – ‘Regal’
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26009691
Lovely!
By: laane on April 10, 2010
at 7:33 am
i love long cimbicid in peridot
nannypanpan@sbcglobal.net
By: nan lara on April 10, 2010
at 7:35 am
I like the Lampwork Glass, Brass – Necklace – Kiss The Sun
By: Betsy on April 10, 2010
at 7:46 am
When you get your first millionth sale please email me to let me know how you did it:))
Lovely jewelry.
Here is my, well one of my, favorites:
Serpentine, Smoky Quartz, Sterling Silver – Earrings – ‘Russet Celadon’
Cheers
Lida
By: Lida on April 10, 2010
at 12:25 pm
I just love the morning glory neckace, the colors are amazing
By: Cathy Horner on April 10, 2010
at 8:20 pm
I love the Lucite, Glass, Brass Necklace ‘Margot’! It’s so beautiful!!
By: Ruri on April 10, 2010
at 9:34 pm
This is such a cute shop! I really like the Glass, Copper – Earrings – ‘Youth’. Those are so pretty! I also really like the giveaway bracelet too, ambrerose(!at)aol.com
By: Rose on April 10, 2010
at 11:38 pm
I like the Amazonite, Wood – Wrap Bracelet – ‘Ciara’
By: Lyudmila on April 11, 2010
at 5:35 am
love: Lucite, Glass, Brass – Necklace – ‘Margot’
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42351013
thanks!
😀
By: GattaSiamese on April 11, 2010
at 7:00 am
wow – hard to pick just one – all of the items are just stunning! but I really like the Margot necklace for spring and summer.. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42351013
By: Susan on April 11, 2010
at 12:30 pm
Hi.
enter me. = )
My favorite item is
Swarovski, Antiqued Brass – Necklace – ‘Soar’
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30346843
Andreia. *
By: Andreia on April 11, 2010
at 4:57 pm
My favorite item is the Mother of Pearl, Brass – Necklace – ‘Cubic’.
By: Nicole O. on April 11, 2010
at 5:17 pm
This bracelet screamed out calming, and relaxing to me…………How funny, since I’m getting married in a week.
Blue Lace Agate, Silver – Wrap Bracelet – ‘Descend’
I also adore: Green Glass, Brass – Bracelet – ‘Verdant’ AND SALE – Faceted Acrylic, Black Brass, Gunmetal – Necklace – ‘Electric in Lime’.
Thanks for your consideration.
By: Stase on April 11, 2010
at 11:33 pm
Beautiful jewellery! I really like this one: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23711750 (Carnelian and Gold – Necklace – ‘Radiance’) because of the warm, rich colours and the unusual “tassel” of beads as the pendant. Very, very nice!
best wishes
Joey
By: Joey on April 12, 2010
at 12:05 am
I like the Upcycled Washer, Czech Glass – ReBalanced Earrings – Hunter.
By: Damla on April 12, 2010
at 11:06 am
I really love the “Bone, Czech Glass, Brass – Necklace – ‘Butterfly Garden'” … its subtle but beautiful.
lagringa_009 [at] hotmail [dot] com
By: Marie on April 12, 2010
at 6:08 pm
THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!! The winner of the bracelet was picked 4/12/10 and it was #20 🙂 We truly appreciate the time and effort you took in participating, it means a ton! Stay tuned for next weeks’ giveaway and good luck again!! ♥♥♥
By: rubyclover on April 12, 2010
at 8:23 pm