Pretty Things Spotlight: * Coco Bijou *

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Update:
The winner of the Coco Bijou "Nocturnal Bloom" Band give-a-way is BUNNYB...Congratulations!

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Nicole Robertson of Coco Bijou appreciates the beauty of imperfection.

Celebrated by way of twisting, hammering and patina, imperfect beauty is reflected in every piece of jewelry that she creates, making each piece unique and one of a kind...just like each of us.

"The concept of perfection always makes me squirm a bit, so I strive to create unique jewelry that allows us to celebrate our deliciously imperfect beauty."

Coco Bijou pays tribute to the strength and beauty in women with simple, organic, stunning pieces full of rich colour and amazing textures. Elegant earrings, beads, necklaces and rings sparkle with light and love.
These beautiful works of art are to be loved and treasured.

Spotlight: Coco Bijou

★ Tell us about you…
My name is Nicole Robertson and I live in Bozeman, Montana with my super tall fiancé (we are getting married on June 21!) and our darling black lab, Chilkoot. I was born and raised in the gorgeous little artsy town of Homer, Alaska, and got my degree in sociology at the University of Oregon. Upon graduation, I became hooked on travel and volunteer work overseas, where I really established the framework for the kind of person I wanted to become…and finally, two years ago, decided that I was ready to settle into a home and do some nesting. So, here I am, pursuing the world of art from my workbench, and loving every moment of it.

★ What inspires you?
Women inspire me. I was raised with two amazing older sisters, and a very talented and loving mother. We have always found strength and inspiration in one another - and that has helped to guide me in my life. I am always in awe of the bonds of friendship amongst women. We understand one another - we lift each other up, and laugh about the quirks of our unique experiences. That is fascinating to me. I intensely admire women who respect their bodies and capitalize on their strength and wisdom. Upon this alone, I am able to create works that speak to these qualities in all of us. I was raised to appreciate the beauty of imperfection, and I reflect this in my jewelry.

★ Apart from creating things, what do you do for fun?
I adore everything associated with summer...camping, hiking and growing herbs. I love to cook and treat my friends to an evening of appetizers and wine. I'm obsessed with tennis, but haven’t found a partner to play with here in Bozeman. Kurt (fiancé) and I are utterly happy so long as we can get out and play in the snow and sun.

★ What is your most memorable moment selling your art?
A customer contacted me to ask if I could create her wedding ring. I was SO honored, flattered and nervous all at the same time. I spent an enormous amount of time making sure it was exactly what she wanted and, when all was said and done, she loved it. It warmed my heart to know that I had created something that this woman would hold dear for the rest of her life. Never in a million years would I have thought that I would be capable of something like that.

★ Any advice for fellow artists…
Keep creating! Experiment, even if it means wasting some of your materials in the case that the piece doesn’t work out, just give it a shot. Some of my favorite pieces are the result of winging it on a design idea, and the rewards that come from taking those risks are so gratifying!

★ Tell Us More…
Throughout my life, I never considered myself an artistic person. The thought of a blank canvas and a palette full of rich colors scares me no end. Then suddenly, my life took a turn and I began to sense this void - I wanted to create, but didn’t know where to start. Since that change of direction, I have been embraced by such a warm community of artists on Etsy that I am inspired to fully commit to this new path that my life has shown me. Also, thank you to women the world around. You endlessly inspire me.

Shop: http://CocoBijou.etsy.com

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Enter this week's give-a-way!

This week's sweet little give-a-way is a wide sterling silver band by Coco Bijou entitled "Nocturnal Bloom". It's rich patina gives it an organic quality, seeming to resemble forms found in nature. The winner of this week's drawing will receive a custom made "Nocturnal Bloom" band in their size.


How to enter:
Take a look-see into the Coco Bijou shoppe and comment here on your favourite piece.

Most Important Details: If your favourite piece is not part of your comment or some sort of viable contact information is not included, your entry will be disqualified. This contest is open to everyone. Winner has 3 days to contact me with their address. Give-a-way is shipped out via the artist. The winner's name will be drawn from a hat...the good ole' fashioned way to do things. One entry per person. All entries must be received by midnight of Saturday, May 10th, 2008, PST.

Best of luck to you, my Pretties!