Thursday, April 28, 2011

Happy International Charm Day!

Giveaway Prize No. 1 - music charm by c. hansen
I love Art Charms...partly because there is such a wonderful potential in each one, like a tiny present, from the Art Charm artist to the ultimate recipient/owner. Art Charms are a fun and unique way to make, trade, and enjoy original works of art. While methods and materials for creating Art Charms are unlimited, one rule defines an Art Charm: Art Charms are made by hand, one at a time. True Art Charms are never mass-produced in a factory (but an artist might use mass-production techniques). This is something that can only be created by an artist’s hands, therefore it is precious and unique. Art Charms are a completely inclusive art form – anyone can make an Art Charm!
Giveaway Prize No. 2 - Asian-themed "don't panic" charm by c. hansen


Top Ten Reasons Why Chris Loves ArtCharms (in no particular order):

1. Making Art Charms helps me to practice and refine my skills.
2. Art Charms are individually handcrafted, never made by a factory.
3. When I collect Art Charms, I’m collecting original mixed media art and supporting other artists.
4. The small size and format of Art Charms makes them easy to display and collect.
5. Art Charms have a variety of end-uses above and beyond the basic charm bracelet.
6. Art Charms hold great potential for fundraisers or benefits – just have everyone participating in the swap make and send in an extra charm for a bracelet or necklace.
7. Swapping Art Charms builds connections between people, creates community, and invites the interest of non-swappers.
8. I LOVE the design challenge of creating an original Art Charm while honoring the swap theme.
9. I love getting my swaps back and seeing how the other artists interpreted the swap theme!
10. Making Art Charms is an easy, affordable, and portable hobby. Many materials for Art Charms can be gleaned from discarded items, available as near as the local thrift shop or garage sale...or even in the junk drawer!
Giveaway Prize No. 3 - music charm by c. hansen

In celebration of International Charm Day 2011, I have five of my own mixed media art charms to share with my readers. They’re the eye candy for this post. Just leave a comment on this post before midnight Saturday April 30, 2011, with your email addy or some way in which to contact you, and Sunday morning I will use a random number generator to select the five winners. I’ll post the winners here, and will contact you to get your mailing address.

Giveaway Prize No. 4 - "be here now" mini-domino charm by c. hansen
Want more chances to win awesome stuff? Head on over to my friend Amber Dawn’s International Charm Day blog – she’s giving away a signed copy of Making Mixed Media Art Charms & Jewelry (the book my friend Peg Krzyzewski and I wrote on how to make mixed media art charms). Amber’s got more giveaways and interviews on her blog, as well as some tasty eye candy and links to other blogs celebrating International Charm Day.

Can't get enough of Art Charms? Please consider joining our Art Charms Yahoo group - we're doing swaps, challenges, contests, and weekly online chats.

Here's hoping your International Charm Day is filled with art and charms,
Chris

Giveaway Prize No. 5 - music charm by c. hansen



25 comments:

Jane said...

What a beautiful charm! Thank you for being part of "Happy International Charm Day". What a joy it is to be part of this Yahoo Group. Cheers,'
Jane

Carol said...

Happy International Charm Day to you! Your charms are lovely. I really like your list--I agree totally with off of them! Have a lovely day! Carol

NM_Creatrix said...

didn't know we had an international charm day, but I am charmed and would love to win one of the prizes

Bev said...

These are beautiful charms. Hope you had a wonderful Charm Day! Thanks so much for the giveaway!

imaglassgal said...

I for one think that everyone should have a "don't panic" reminder about their body at all times! Charming charms Chris!

Melisa said...

I love art charms too. These are wonderful ones! There's a contact link top right on my blog, if I get lucky. :)

peggy aplSEEDS said...

i would love to win this charming charm!

LindaKay said...

My favorite reason for loving art charm swaps is your reason #7 ~ Swapping Art Charms builds connections between people, creates community, and invites the interest of non-swappers.

What a great way to make new friends and connect with others.

Barbara said...

Christine, I loved reading your interview and seeing your charms and I am honored by being in yours and Pegs group of ART CHARMS
Barbara B

ArtZhodgepodge said...

As a art charm swapper. Wonderful charms you havecreated

steufel said...

Aaahh, I would love to have them:-)

Naturally Me Creations said...

Your little charms are gorgeous, and yes, they are much more special because they are all hand made & unique! :)

Jel said...

all charms are charming and way adorable! i wish i could have all of them haha but winning one would make me happy already :)

Thanks

punkme15 at gmail dot com

Lucid Moon Studio said...

I love all the charms - very fun! Happy International Charm Day!! Thanks for the giveaway :)

Mendy said...

So fun that there is an international charm day!!! So happy to be able to share my love of charms with like minded souls. Thanks!

blisstonez said...

Love your work. I love participating in charm swaps. Always so many creative ideas.
Sandy F.

blisstonez said...

Love your charms. Charm swaps are a wonderful way for trying new techniques and enjoying others creations.

Chris Hansen said...

Whoo hoo, look at this faboo batch of comments! Keep 'em coming folks - you have until midnight tomorrow night to leave your comment! xoxo, chris

Cher said...

oh so pretty! yes, toss my name in the hat please..you just do very nice work.ty for a chance!

Leigh said...

How beautiful! I would love to be entered. Thank you!

liamsamuel @ gmail.com (no spaces).

pupton said...

Hope your International Charm Day was faboo too! It was great!

Sissosaved said...

Love the charms but my favorite was the musical one.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Chris Hansen said...

I apologize to everyone for the delay in announcing the lucky winners - and now, without further ado, I present you with the winners:

Linda Kay won Prize No. 1, the pink music charm

Lucid Moon Studio won Prize No. 2, the blue & purple "don't panic" charm

steufel won Prize No. 3, the green & brown music charm

Carol won Prize No. 4, the "be here now" mini-domino

Sissosaved won Prize No. 5, the ocean blue music charm

Thank you to everyone for your delightful comments, and congrats to the winners! I am on deadline today, and out tomorrow, so I will contact you Friday for your mailing addies!

Chris Hansen said...

ATTN: LindaKay!!! Please contact me with your mailing address so I can get your prize out to you!