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OUTSIDE THE SHOP is a monthly recap of everything fun and exciting happening outside of that small and cozy space where I spend the majority of my time (my shop). This is a place to make connections, discuss passions, and reap the rewards of monthly jewelry giveaways.

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Welcome to OUTSIDE THE SHOP! (First time here? Get to know us first.)

December was an INTENSE month for me. For awhile there I was wondering if there would even be a December edition of Outside the Shop.

I thought perhaps I would have to change the the name of the blog to “Inside the Shop” because I was working so much.

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“Outside the shop you say? What is this ‘outside time’ you speak of?”  -Me

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This comes with the territory of being a goldsmith during the holidays, so I really can’t complain about extra business.

SURE, my children slightly forgot who their father was, but in return I was able to pay off a student loan and hide the payment confirmation in Brooke’s stocking! (10 of out 10 sneaky score)

So let’s see, maybe there was a thing or two I got to do outside the shop this month. LET’S JUMP IN!

DIY PROJECT (after dark) //

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Do you want to hear about the craziest thing I did this month? It was a DIY project that Brooke had been dying to do for quite some time.

We hung wall paper! …until 2 am. 

This wasn’t like a “peel-and-stick” type situation. It was the real deal with vinyl wallpaper, wallpaper paste, and pattern matching. I’m trying to make it sound harder than it really is, but seriously there is something nerve racking about hanging wall paper. Thankfully my wonderful mother was there to help us with every step along the way. We couldn’t have done it without her!

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Christmas EVE // DAY

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Although I did’t get to spend as much time with family as I would have liked this holiday, I certainly cherished every second I did get to spend with them!

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MONTHLY GIVEAWAY / /

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This month I am giving away TWO birthstone pendants of YOUR CHOICE! (Chain is not included) This is the exact gift I made for Brooke this Christmas. Get birthstone pendants of two children, or duplicates of a single child (give one to grandma?) OR get the birthstones of you and your significant other. It’s up to you!

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HOW TO ENTER

For a chance to win, do ONE of the following two things (OR BOTH FOR DOUBLE THE ENTRIES!)

1. Leave a comment on this post! Yes, I’m forcing you to talk us. 🙂 Let us know any thoughts you have on this post, or even better, tell us a little bit about yourself or what you did for the holiday!
2. Follow Modern Goldsmith on Instagram, and tag 3 friends in the comment section of the giveaway photo (pictured above)

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OFFICIAL SWEEPSTAKES RULES: Entries will be counted from December 31 through January 6th. Giveaway ends on Friday, Jan. 6th at 6:00 pm PST. Participants must follow the rules outlined above to be considered eligible. A maximum 2 valid entries will be counted per person. Winner will receive two 14kt gold birthstone pendants with an Approximate Retail Value (ARV) of $300. Winner will be notified via email and will also be posted in the comments section of this page. Winner will be chosen at random. Odds of winning depend on the number or eligible participants. Only US residents over the age of 18 are eligible. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law.

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Thanks friends! I will see you again next month for more “OUTSIDE THE SHOP” fun, with more jewelry to give away!

Until then, feel free to check out other goldsmithing projects I am working on. Happy new year!

M O D E R N  G O L D S M I T H