Surprise! Surprise!

Today you're in for a treat because I've got an interview AND a giveaway!!!

So, let's get right down to it! Today's featured shop and giveaway sponsor is nikkimichele. Nikki and Michelle are two cousin's who have put their hands, hearts and minds together to create some wonderful jewelry.

They have so graciously donated this pendant titled "Hey You" for the giveaway!

This beautiful "HeyYou" bamboo pendant is a mini work of art. She is adorned with a Swarkovski crystal and is coated in resin for a glossy shine. She comes hangin' on a ball chain and measures 1 7/8" x 1 1/4". She is water resistant but can't swim so please don't wear her in the shower.

Due to the size of these pendants, they are NOT intended for small children as it can pose a choking hazard.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
To enter go to nikkimichele.com, find an item you like and then come back here to leave a comment about it. Please leave your email address! The giveaway will run from March 1st - 7th and the winner will be announced on the 8th and contacted via email. Anyone in any country can enter.

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Now, to find out more about Nikki and Michelle keep reading! :)

1. If you had to summarize your shop and what it's about in 2 sentences what would you say?

We enjoy creating pieces intended to meet the adornment addiction of every woman's taste and style from kitsch to classic, fun to funky, bizarre to brandish and vintage to vixen.


2. How long have you and Michele been crafting together?

Since October 2008.


3. It's not very common (well, at least to my knowledge) for handmade shops to be in a partnership. In what ways does your shop benefit from the partnership?

Nicole: I cannot tell you how much it has benefited us. We bounce ideas off each other both in design and marketing. We both bring different things to the table and actually end up opening each other's eyes to different ways of thinking.
Michele: No doubt about it, two heads are better than one! As purveyors of the beautiful, creativity and imagination times two is always a good thing. As business partners, the differences in personality, skill sets and schedules, both challenge and complement one another nicely so together we can get the work done and done beautifully!


4. Where does the inspiration for your pieces come from?

Nikki: We love vintage works of art depicting women - Strong, Sexy and Beautiful
Michele: And it's no secret to anyone who knows us, that inspiration comes from the same feminine spirit that we as women, cousins, friends and mothers carry within and hold in the highest esteem.


5. If either of you could try your hand at any craft what would it be?

Nicole: For me it would definitely be making my own silver jewelry.
Michele: I would certainly like to see us head in the direction of casting our pieces be it in resin as in precious metals.


6. Is there anything else you'd like to add? (other sites your work can be found on)

Our pieces can be found on our website www.nikkimichele.com.

Nikki: We have so much fun making these pieces.We treasure each and every one of them and hope that they bring a smile to many faces!
Michele: We really do have a wonderful time! This business is as much a passion as anything. Like they say: "Do what you love and you'll never work another day in your life." It's so true!