The Sunshine Studio

Worth Quoting

2010-08-18T22:30:00.001-04:00

To be successful, think of yourself as successful. Then act on your positive thoughts. The biggest difference between sloppy incompetence and brilliant excellence is in your attitude. Truly respect yourself and the work you're doing, and that work will bring results of great value. Your choices determine the direction your life goes. Act boldly on your positive thoughts, and be the success you envision.

~ unknown

Purse-aholic

2010-06-17T09:30:00.000-04:00

Mia in Mustard

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-16T09:30:00.000-04:00

Worth Quoting

2010-06-14T09:30:00.001-04:00

Happiness does not depend on outward things,

but on the way we see them.

~ Leo Tolstoy

2010-06-13T22:25:00.003-04:00

these vintage jars

this three-dimensional monarch display

this pillow

these dainty little studs

this custom cuddly cat snuggle bed (for one of my fur babies, of course!)

this wooden photo necklace

this french lace bag

and this leaf wrap ring

Finally, a Winner! Drumroll Please. . .

2010-05-10T10:00:00.000-04:00

The winner of the rose ring is Holly!

Holly, I have sent you an email requesting your mailing info...

Thanks to everyone who entered! What a great turnout. I think being able to enter daily went quite well :)

I appreciate everyone's patience as I get my blog back on track... Major "update post" later today.

Worth Quoting

2010-05-10T09:30:00.001-04:00

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Worth Quoting

2010-05-03T19:50:00.000-04:00

"Have you any unfulfilled dreams, Anne?" asked Gilbert. Something in his tone made Anne's heart beat wildly. But she made her answer lightly. "Of course. Everyone has. It wouldn't do for us to have all our dreams fulfilled. We would be as good as dead if we had nothing left to dream about."

~Anne of the Island, Lucy Maud Montgomery

Worth Quoting

2010-03-22T10:06:00.001-04:00

In the hopes of reaching the moon men fail to see the flowers that blossom at their feet.

~ Albert Schweitzer

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-03T09:30:00.000-05:00

Worth Quoting

2010-02-22T09:30:00.000-05:00

image sold {here}

Purse-aholic

2010-02-18T09:10:00.000-05:00

sorry, but this baby is sold... to me! i finally snagged myself a madebyhank original!!! aren't you jealous? ;) check out her blog where she gives eagerly awaiting buyers a heads up when she's about to list some of her gorgeous bags.

Worth Quoting

2010-02-15T09:30:00.000-05:00

We are all inventors, each sailing out on a voyage of discovery, guided each by a private chart, of which there is no duplicate. The world is all gates, all opportunities.

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

A Winner, and a Giveaway

2010-02-13T13:14:00.005-05:00

Congratulations to Heather, the winner of Susannah Tucker's "Today Would be a Lovely Day to be a Butterfly" photo block. One of her favorite pieces from Susannah's shop is the "Believe in the Magic" photograph.

Susannah, thank you so very much for stopping by to share with us. It was an honor to have you here at The Sunshine Studio. Be sure to add her shop to your favorites so you can keep up with her lovely work! Her blog is beautiful and inspiring, as well.

Now, my apologies are in order. If I told you everything that's been going on in my life the past few weeks, you probably wouldn't believe me... Three ice storms, snow, no internet, we moved, new computer (a mac... yeow!), new job... Just to name a few! There's still a lot to do to finish moving and get settled in, so I will be away from the blog for a few weeks. I will still post as time allows, but there will not be any Hall of Fame interviews until I return. However, I am going to leave you with a giveaway ;)

Would you like to own one of my romantic rose rings? Well, here's your chance! The Rosalie ring shown below is up for grabs! You'll have plenty of time to enter, so more chances. The contest ends Sunday, March 21st at midnight, and I'll announce the winner when I come back the next day.

To enter, leave a comment on this post. You can enter once per day!!! Don't forget to include your name and email address or Etsy username so I can contact you! You can also tweet this giveaway once per day or follow me on twitter and get an additional entry for doing so!

Regular posts will resume March 22nd. Until then! xo

Drumroll Please. . .

2010-01-26T12:35:00.000-05:00

The winner is Sarah Paschall, whose favorite item from Poor Pitiful Pearl is the Pink Recycled Double Hoodie. Sarah gets $30 to spend in Shauna's shop. Congratulations!!

Please stop by and add Shauna's shop, Poor Pitiful Pearl, to your favorites. She adds new pieces all the time, and most importantly she gives back! 10% of all PPP profits go to help orphaned children. Stop by for something handmade and unique, and support a great cause in the process. Don't forget to visit her blog where you can get first dibs on the latest PPP styles!

Shauna, it was so nice to have met you. Your work is so unique and beautiful. I am so happy you decided to come by my blog and share with us. It was an honor to have you!

My heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who stopped by to enter. I am forever grateful for your continued support of my blog.

While you're here, toss your name in the hat for this week's giveaway! It started yesterday, and the winner will receive a beautiful photo block from Etsy shop Susannah Tucker Photography.

Hall of Fame {Susannah Tucker Photography}

2010-01-25T09:50:00.001-05:00

Good morning! Thanks for stopping by today. A warm welcome to new friends and old :)

Meet Susannah, a self taught photographer who's love for capturing moments in time began at the age of eight.

Her shop, Susannah Tucker Photography, is filled with beautiful images "inspired by my daughters laugh, my sons newborn deliciousness, the connection I see between people, the warmth of the sun, and a stark landscape. I love vibrant colours, watching the clouds drift across a blue sky, spring blossoms, the feel of sand and grass underfoot, rustic country scenes, all things vintage and brown paper packages wrapped in string. My favourite thing of all....getting lost in a daydream...."

Keep reading to learn a bit more about the girl behind the camera.

What inspires you?
So many things inspire me – a blue sky, sunshine, all things vintage ~ especially old cameras, pale pastel flowers, the beach, rustic country scenes, dandelions.......I could go on and on......

Where do you call home? Are you from there originally?
I’ve called Australia home for the past 6 years, and lived in the States, London, and Germany, but HOME will always be New Zealand.

Name something unique to where you live.
Koalas, Kangaroos, spiders...the Australian heat!
Share an interesting fact about yourself.
Not enough sleep + not enough coffee = a very grumpy Susannah

If you had to describe yourself in a word, what would that word be?
Determined.

What made you decide to open up shop?
When I had my daughter and became a full time mother I needed a creative outlet. I had been pottering away at photography since I was given my first camera when I was 8, and thought why not? Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I am so glad I did, so many wonderful things have come from having an Etsy shop, and I would be lost without it!
How did you come up with your shop name? Any special significance?
I have dreams of opening a portrait business for families and children, and it just seemed right to use my name for the fine art side of things, and for any other future photography projects/businesses I get into.

Your work is stunning! Have you had any formal training?
No. I am self taught. I used to think I had to be formally trained to ‘be’ a photographer, but the more you experiment and teach yourself, the more your own style develops and you don’t need a piece of paper to follow your dreams.

Name your favorite thing about selling handmade.
I get to work at my own pace, doing what I absolutely love, and be at home with my little ones. Plus I think there is something unique about creating something you love, then wrapping it up and shipping it off to someone else in the world....hoping they love it too.
Do you have a day job or sell on Etsy full-time?
I am a full time mother to a 3.5 year old, Annabel and a 10 month old, Otis. I fit in the photography around my children, and while I would love to have more hours in the day (and dream of having my own studio), I wouldn’t change anything!

Give us a little glimpse into what a typical day in your life looks like.
I am normally woken by my little girl tip toeing in to ask me if I am awake (her face millimeters from mine)– better than an alarm clock! We have breakfast together, I have coffee (mmmm, coffee....) and check emails, respond to any queries, check orders etc. We get ready (which as a lot of you with stubborn little people at home will know, can take hours), and head out of the house for the morning - to the zoo, the park, playgroup, music, depends what day it is and what we have on. During the afternoons when the kids are sleeping it’s my quiet time to package up orders, list new items, work on new photos, email, read a few blog favourites. I have a wonderful husband who takes over when he gets home from work so I can go to the gym and/or do some more photo work. I call it work but it never feels like work!

Share with us a favorite Etsy purchase or shop.
My favourite Etsy shop is Erin Carver. She is the most incredibly talented artist – www.ErinCarver.etsy.com
List a few of your most favorite pastimes.
Long summer days at the beach or swimming pool, hands down my favourite past and present time!

Read any good books lately?
A Song in the Daylight – Paullina Simons. That lady is such a good storyteller!

What is your most prized possession?
My camera collection, box of polaroids, and family photo albums.

What are three of your favorite foods?
Chocolate, coffee, sushi. Does coffee count as food?
What would you like to learn to do?
Speak Italian

What are you listening to right now?
The sound of summer – cicadas and other insects outside in the garden. I love that sound.

Name one place you must visit in your lifetime and why.
Italy. I’ve spent 2 weeks there, and it is the most romantic, incredible, cultured place I’ve ever been to. The light is incredible. It is AMAZING. We want to spend a year in an Italian village while the kids are still young, and I would spend my days biking around the villages taking Polaroids. Heaven!

***

Susannah, thank you so much for stopping by to share with us. It was a pleasure getting to know you better.

While you're visiting, stop by Susannah's blog and facebook page!

Time for a Giveaway!
This week's lucky winner will receive Susannah's beautiful "Today Would be a Lovely Day to be a Butterfly" Photo Block!

To enter, tell us your favorite piece from her shop. Don't forget to include your name and email address or Etsy username so we can contact you!

For extra entries you can:
Tweet this giveaway, and/or follow me on twitter
Follow my blog and/or Susannah's blog
Blog about this interview/contest
Purchase from Susannah Tucker Photography

Just leave a comment with your answer. Then, an additional comment if you are applicable for extra entries.

For example: If you want to enter and you also tweet the giveaway and follow my blog; leave your original comment + another that you tweeted + another that you are a follower = a total of 3 comments. Don't hesitate to contact me with any questions.

You can also tweet this giveaway once per day or follow me on twitter and get an additional entry for doing so!

Contest ends Sunday, January 31st at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen at random and will be announced the following day.

Good luck!

Worth Quoting

2010-01-25T09:19:00.001-05:00

Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.

~ John Quincy Adams

Alluring Artisans: Fresh Line

2010-01-19T09:30:00.000-05:00

Drumroll Please. . .

2010-01-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

Gosh, I need to get on the ball! I apologize for the delay, again. I started my new job this week, so please bear with me as I work out all the kinks and get back to my regular blog schedule. This is gonna take some planning ;)

The winner is Carrie, who must always have chapstick in her purse! Carrie is one lucky gal, because she wins the gorgeous Augusta handbag from Mayka's shop. Congratulations!!

Please stop by and add Mayka's shop, CindyMars7, to your favorites. She's always adding new, unique items!

Mayka, it was so nice to have met you. I am so happy you decided to come by my blog and share with us. It was an honor to have you!

My heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who stopped by to enter. I am forever grateful for your continued support of my blog.

While you're here, toss your name in the hat for this week's giveaway! It started today, and the winner will receive a $30 store credit from Etsy shop Poor Pitiful Pearl.

Hall of Fame {Poor Pitiful Pearl}

2010-01-18T10:35:00.001-05:00

Hello everybody! Coffee is brewing, the sun is shining, and I know this is going to be a wonderful day!

Meet Shauna, the passionate mom behind Poor Pitiful Pearl. Her shop is filled with beautiful and unique clothing, that she creates in between devotions and nap time.

Shauna is very enthusiastic about helping those in need, and donates a portion of her profits to helping others.

I encourage you to visit her website, and read this interview. You'll be inspired!

Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. Isaiah 1:17

What inspires you?
Everything. I love colorful happy things. Things you wouldn't expect to go together. Things that don't match, mixing the old with the new. I love the texture of certain fabrics and am drawn to things like nubs on an old worn out dish cloth. I love rummaging through bins of junk, finding a treasure amongst it all. That is so rewarding. I love taking things that are seemingly trash to someone else and make it into something unforgettable and special. I am very much a visionary... a dreamer. I lie awake a lot, feeling a sense of urgency to put my ideas to paper. When I design an article of clothing, I paint a visual picture of a moment and a person in that moment... I think all things tell a story and that's why I feel like I sell more of a lifestyle rather than clothing. The clothing I make is inspired by the girl who lives life without the worry of spilling a bit of coffee on her shirt... I embrace the beauty in imperfections and am attracted to things that are real and authentic.
Where do you call home? Are you from there originally?
For now... I reside in Texas. For the last three years that is. Currently... we are building a home in the country. ( that is another design process that has my mind whirling) I love the country and its quietness... the smell of cedar burning... my husband all rugged, chopping wood and me digging up dirt in my organic herb garden. With all that being said... I am a born and raised southern californian... and my husband and I both surfers and lovers of the ocean. He's a lot better of a surfer than I ... lol We hope to live near the ocean again someday. I feel a little off centered when I am not near the pacific. The smell of the salt, the gusto of the unpredictable waves. The ocean is one of my favorite things that the Lord has made. It's one of the few things that calms me and actually silences my ever going mind.

Name something unique to where you live.
Coming from California... Everything in Texas is unique. People are much more friendly to strangers out here... people wave at you when you drive past them... at first my husband and I wondered if they had mistaken us for someone else... Texas Pride is also very unique... so many of the people born and raised here have never left Texas and never intend to.

Share an interesting fact about yourself.
The Toms Shoes commercial makes me cry every time I watch it. I have such a heart for the orphans. My dream is to someday be able to be successful enough with PPP, that I can take personal trips to orphanages and bring clothing and necessities to them. This is the dream in my heart that breaks up the routine of everyday life and makes my life full of purpose and intention.
If you had to describe yourself in a word, what would that word be?
As generic as it may sound.... I would say passionate.

What made you decide to open up shop?
After I finished design school, I was waitressing at my friends Mexican food restaurant, El Gringo. I would roller skate to work and pop on my flip flops to sling burritos... it was a nice simple life.. I always had a big dream to own my own shop and be my own boss. I was driving around with a friend and a starbucks when I saw a "for lease" sign in a small cottage style shop right on the beach in Hermosa. That was five years ago. I filled out an application and got the shop, just like that. I had no money or business plan.. I just winged it and it was a great success. I didn't take out a huge loan that hung over my head... instead I moved in an old vintage sofa, a vintage TV that played Disney movies all day long and brewed tea or coffee at the front door. I hung clothes in the shop like it was my home and people came in and hung out like it was their second home. It was very warm. After being in business three months.. My shop was named best one of a kind clothing store in the South Bay's easy reader. Business was plentiful. However.. When I became pregnant with McCoy.. After only a year of being in business, I knew I couldn't juggle running the shop and being the Mom I wanted to be.. I decided to close shop... and sell on ebay. Then someone told me about etsy and it was love at first sight.
How did you come up with your shop name? Any special significance?
Many significances actually. My grandmother, the most amazing woman who ever lived.... Called me that. She would say I reminded her of the doll that was very popular in the 50's, because of the hobo way I would dress.. . Poor Pitiful Pearl was a doll who came in an orphan dress and then had a nice dinner dress you could change her into. It's pretty symbolic because that's what I do in a sense with scrap.. And turn rags into something valuable. The fact the Pearl was an orphan too.. Is all the more significant having later realized that was my calling. I am sure I am sounding redundant by now... but that is the KEY to my heart... the orphans.

Name your favorite thing about selling handmade.
There is something so personal and rewarding about making something... and it's a nice escape from all the mass manufactured garbage out there. I also have a very rebellious attitude towards trends.. For example I detest Coach bags, McDonalds and Black Friday shopping at the mall. I just don't like things that are over advertised and produce conformity.... And because I don't like following trends, it seems natural for me to make trends.

When did you learn to sew? Who taught you?
Funny because I learned to sew in college... you would think like most people who are crafty they have learned their trade as a young child. I should tell you that my grandmother or mother taught me how to sew or that I dressed up my dolls or something... but that wasn't the case at all. I really had no interest in sewing in my younger years... I was a social butterfly and sewing required too much patience and stillness for me.. In fact I took a home-ec class in high school and was terrible at it. I don't like to follow directions very much. I like to just throw stuff together and see what happens... ( you should see what happens in my kitchen... the food turns out good... but it gets really messy) In college, I had to retake pattern making class a few times, because it was so precise and it involved math.... I cried several times in that class. I swore I would never make a collar or follow a pattern... but I do use pattens now... only I make them how I want them. I find I do better when I make the rules.
Do you have a day job or sell on Etsy full-time?
I sell on etsy full time.... and am a stay at home Mama...

Give us a little glimpse into what a typical day in your life looks like.
Oh my gosh are you ready for this? I wake up... first thing... coffee... and if I wake up before my daughter.. I open the bible to a random spot and let God lead me in his wisdom for the day. I then take my scraggly lady in the tramp look a-like dog out for some frisbee. His name is Rigster and he was rescued from a land rig. One day my husband and I would like to start a men's clothing line called Rigster Benny in his honor. He is a wild man who sometimes sports a faux hawk.

Then we do breakfast and I check emails. That's when I package up any sold items and respond to etsy questions. I then make a to do list.. I'm neurotic about it... and get my daughter and I ready to head out and conquer... usually these errands include going to the post office, going thrift store shopping, buying threads and elastics, etc. I rack my brain to find ways to make these mundane activities seem like play for my daughter, by letting her hide in the clothes racks and pretend I can't see her or let her count and carry the elastic rolls to the cash register. I always make a park date or picnic in the midst of my running around that gives McCoy and I a nice mommy and daughter break. I try to get an exercise session in there... but being 8 months pregnant. This takes much willpower.

Then we have lunch and rally McCoy up for her nap. I have been blessed with a good napper. McCoy is almost four and still naps for about three hours in the afternoon. The minute her head hits that pillow, I go into work mode and it's nutty over here. I cant stop for even a phone call.. This time is precious to me. When my husband gets home from work we have dinner, and then he does all the bedtime routine stuff, bath time, story time and puts McCoy to bed... McCoy enjoys this Daddy time and I enjoy this time to creatively re-charge. I am able to sew some more, write some on my blog and maybe cut some squares or rummage through my bins for new projects. My husband is very supportive of my job and is very appreciative that I am able to stay home with McCoy and still bring in an income.

Prized time at the end of the day is connecting again with my husband with some hot cocoa and some back gammon, gin rummy or a netflix. .... I am married to my best friend..I feel truly blessed to be in love.

{Rigs & McCoy}

Share with us a favorite Etsy purchase or shop.
I can't get enough fire daughter burn out tees and she will make customs too.

I don't really buy clothing from anyone because I make my own.. But these tees are super comfy. Not to mention Samya the owner is one of my favorite etsyers.

List a few of your most favorite pastimes.
I lived in Costa Rica when I was 20... I got a one way ticket and took my dog Rocky. At the time I was a certified massage therapist. I stayed at a surf camp and massaged traveling surfers. My dog Rocky was my wingman, I had Rocky since I graduated from high school.. He was a great swimmer... and ball connoisseur. He was my best friend for many years and the coolest dog ever known to man. He passed away one year ago, I miss him greatly...and will always savor that time in my life when life was simple and it was just he and I on the beach.

Read any good books lately?
Yes! I love books... and the bible is my favorite... I dig up gold chunks everyday in the bible that keeps me centered and encouraged.... I read anything from CS Lewis, Beth Moore, and anything from my quiver of holistic books on herbs and medicine. I recently ordered Caesar Milan's Dog training book.. Lord help me... Rigster Benny is in need of training in the most embarrassing way.

What is your most prized possession?
I try not to prize possessions... but I love my pictures and films of family and past times... those things are priceless.. I also made McCoy a baby blanket out of my grandmothers pajamas. I love it.
What are three of your favorite foods?
SUSHI.... Mexican and the Whole Foods Buffet.

What would you like to learn to do?
This question gives me anxiety. I just signed up for a knitting class in january and would love to learn before my baby comes( I am 8 months pregnant) so I can hunker down and knit while breastfeeding and cuddling with the new babe. I want to learn Decoupage, lamp remaking, mosaic art, get more creative with my stores photography.... I am also slowly going through an online degree in holistic medicine.. So I'm always reading health books on alternative medicine and I love applying what I learn to our mealtime so that my family and I are always eating well and taking care of ourselves.

What are you listening to right now?
Kids Playing and laughing... McCoy has her little buddy over and they are playing dress up.

Name one place you must visit in your lifetime and why.
Italy, my husband is Italian and I think it would be so romantic to go on a gondola ride in Venice.. I imagine Italy being a very romantic place.

Anything else you'd like to share?

I donate 10% to Casa Hogar Orphanage in Puerto Escondido from all my PPP profits.

***

Shauna, thank you so much for stopping by to share with us. It was a pleasure getting to know you better.

Don't forget to visit her website to learn more about her efforts to help kids in need. You can also read more about her, her business, and visit her blog.

Time for a Giveaway!
Shauna is so graciously giving a $30 store credit to one lucky reader!

To enter, tell us your favorite piece from her shop. Don't forget to include your name and email address or Etsy username so we can contact you!

For extra entries you can:
Tweet this giveaway, and/or follow me on twitter
Follow my blog and/or Shauna's blog
Blog about this interview/contest
Purchase from Poor Pitiful Pearl

Just leave a comment with your answer. Then, an additional comment if you are applicable for extra entries.

For example: If you want to enter and you also tweet the giveaway and follow my blog; leave your original comment + another that you tweeted + another that you are a follower = a total of 3 comments. Don't hesitate to contact me with any questions.

You can also tweet this giveaway once per day or follow me on twitter and get an additional entry for doing so!

Contest ends Sunday, January 24th at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen at random and will be announced the following day.

Good luck!

Worth Quoting

2010-01-18T09:15:00.000-05:00

Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so you shall become. Your vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your ideal is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil.
~ James Allen

The Sunshine Award

2010-01-12T10:15:00.000-05:00

My blog has received this lovely award, The Sunshine award, from SumikoShop. How neat to be given this award for positive, inspiring blogs. It let's me know I'm accomplishing just what I'd hoped -- bringing some sunshine your way. Thanks so much!!

The Sunshine Award is awarded to bloggers whose positivity & creativity inspires others in the blog world.

The rules for accepting this award:
- Put the logo on your blog or within your post.
- Pass the award onto 12 bloggers.
- Link the nominees within your post.
- Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
- Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.

I want to pass this award to the following 12 bloggers {in random order}:

Baked by Joanna

Perfect Sentiment
Violet Bella
O Bella Naturals
Gussy
Pesky Cat Designs
LouLouBell
I Should Be Folding Laundry
Bring the Rain
Phydeaux
the b-line
Kind Over Matter

Alluring Artisans: the wheatfield

2010-01-12T10:00:00.000-05:00

{you know I NEED that You Are My Sunshine print!!}

Drumroll Please. . .

2010-01-11T16:43:00.003-05:00

The winner is Amber! She loves the Crystal Flowers Pendant. Amber gets to select her choice of pendant from April's shop. Congratulations!!

Keep up with April through her shop, Artful Goodies. Each of her unique pieces are hand inked, stamped, and colored. You're sure to find something you love!

April, it was so nice to have met you. I am so happy you decided to come by my blog and share with us. It was an honor to have you!

My heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who stopped by to enter. I am forever grateful for your continued support of my blog.

While you're here, toss your name in the hat for this week's giveaway! It started today, and one very lucky reader will receive a beautiful handbag from Etsy shop CindyMars7.

By the way, I'd love your feedback! How do you like the new contest rules? I welcome any and all suggestions. Just leave me a comment or send me an email. Have great evening!

Hall of Fame {CindyMars7}

2010-01-11T09:30:00.000-05:00

Welcome back and Happy Monday. You know what a purse-aholic I am, so naturally I was happy to come across this lovely Etsy shop!

Meet Mayka, the artist behind CindyMars7. Her shop is stocked with the most unique bags with beautiful attention to detail.

Mayka "grew up loving fabric and the idea that you could create virtually anything you wanted with it." She recently fell in love with her sewing machine again, and treats each of her creations as a labor of love.

Keep reading to learn who it is she has to thank for the opening of her shop, and the sweet story behind her shop name.

What inspires you?
I’m mostly inspired by history. I remember being a student at FIT ( The Fashion Institute of Technology) and having access to the amazing archives. The teachers encouraged us to visit museums, thrift shops, and flea markets, so we could have a sense of the way clothing was constructed. I became a flea market junkie after this and fell in love with pretty much all the antique clothes that I came across. I sometimes incorporate details of the past in my handbags.

Where do you call home? Are you from there originally?
I am originally from the Dominican Republic, but call Colorado home. I first lived in Bronx, NY for about 8 years ( arrived in '86 ), then moved with my family to New Jersey and lived there until I got married in '08.

Name something unique to where you live.
Oh, the mountains and the wide open spaces! I live in the Western slope, in a town called Silt. It took me a while to adjust to the quiet pace of this quaint little town, but now I embrace it. I remember going back to NY for a visit last summer and I was amazed at how much I was affected by the fast pace of the city. I was actually afraid of driving around!
Share an interesting fact about yourself.
Hmmmm, that’s a toughie. Let’s see:
I sample grapes before buying them at the supermarket, I’m afraid of the shark tunnel at any aquarium ( but go thru it anyway), I like to squish Peeps inside their cute boxes and I was born with just one kidney.…I could go on and on, but you haven’t got all day, have you?

If you had to describe yourself in a word, what would that word be?
A nurturer... I've been told that a lot.

What made you decide to open up shop?
I opened up a shop on Etsy because of my sister. I had just moved to Colorado and was unsure of what the future would hold for me work wise. She begged me to give Etsy a try before looking for a 9 to 5 job. If it had not been for her and my mother, I would’ve never had the opportunity to work from home and take care of my family.
How did you come up with your shop name? Any special significance?
My husband and I met thru an online chat room and my nickname was Cindymars7. If I had to explain to you how the name came about, I don’t think I could. It just came to me in an instant. I decided to use that nickname for the store, because it reminded me of the one chance meeting that changed my life ( just the way Etsy did).

Who taught you to sew?
Most of the women in my family are artisans in one way or another. I learned to sew by watching my mother and my grandmothers. My mom ended up opening a small business, sewing made-to-order girl’s dresses, as a way of earning extra income. Little did she know that I was watching her every move. I would take my dolls and try to replicate the dresses she created. When we emigrated to the US, she held several jobs in the garment industry. My love for sewing grew even greater when I became a teenager and wanted to look different and fashionable.

Name your favorite thing about selling handmade.
The fact that there is no right or wrong way to design! What one person thinks is ugly, another person may find gorgeous.

Do you have a day job or sell on Etsy full-time?
Right now I’m selling on Etsy full time.
Give us a little glimpse into what a typical day in your life looks like.
During the work week, a typical day consists of getting my daughter and husband out to school and work. Then I sit in front of my computer with a huge cup of coffee, to see if there are sales from the night before. Then it's off to sewing, post office, housework, library, thrift shop on different days of the week...
Then, in the afternoons is family time: dinner, time with family and yes, maybe cutting a handbag later in the evening, to sew it early the next morning.

Share with us a favorite Etsy purchase or shop.
One of my favorite Etsy stores is called Scabbyrobot. My sister and I loved the originality of both the name and the leather handbags. One of my favorite objects I’ve purchased on Etsy is a pair of antique earrings made in silver and tiger eye stones from a store called Kbjewels. I lost a similar pair when I was in my twenties and was very glad to find them again!

List a few of your most favorite pastimes.
I am a treasure hunter at heart. I love to find antique items that have been loved by someone else. It especially warms my heart to find something handmade.

I also love to cook. I sometimes make a new recipe, instead of the usual grub, to give my family some variety.
Read any good books lately?
Well, I actually have been “hearing”, instead of reading books. It is so relaxing and inspiring to work while having a great story being read to you. To me it's a form of lullaby. I have “heard” a series of great books by Malcolm Gladwell: Blink, The Tipping Point and Outliers. He truly inspired me to look past the negative and think towards the future. If you have time read at least one, they will change your life.

What is your most prized possession?
My Christian faith and my family. I know you just asked for one prized possession, but for me, they are one and the same.

What are three of your favorite foods?
Ohhh not fair! I can’t pick just three ( pouting).

Ok, here we go:
1- A dish made with scrambled eggs, white rice and ham that I used to eat as a child...
2- Rice pudding from Rice to Riches ( yeah, but only when I am in NY)...
3- Raw oysters ( too yummy for words)
What would you like to learn to do?
If only I had the patience to learn how to knit with two needles! I have tried, but always come out disappointed. I would also enjoy learning a new career, perhaps in nursing.

What are you listening to right now?
Classical music, 70’s and 80’s music ( Supertramp, Boston, Bread) and Christian Rock.

Name one place you must visit in your lifetime and why.
My husband and I would love to visit Japan someday. I find their culture incredibly fascinating.

Anything else you'd like to share?
Life is too short…go eat rice pudding with someone you love!

***

Mayka, thank you so much for stopping by to share with us. It was a pleasure getting to know you better.

Mayka is offering free shipping on everything in her shop through January 15th! Add her to your favorites!

Time for a Giveaway!
Mayka is so generously giving away one of her fabulous bags to one reader! The winner will receive the gorgeous Augusta handbag pictured to the right -- a $50 value. So jealous!!

To enter, name one thing you must have in your purse at all times! Don't forget to include your name and email address or Etsy username so we can contact you!

For extra entries you can:
Tweet this giveaway, and/or follow me on twitter
Follow my blog
Blog about this interview/contest
Purchase from CindyMars7

Just leave a comment with your answer. Then, an additional comment if you are applicable for extra entries.

For example: If you want to enter and you also tweet the giveaway and follow my blog; leave your original comment + another that you tweeted + another that you are a follower = a total of 3 comments. Don't hesitate to contact me with any questions.
You can also tweet this giveaway once per day or follow me on twitter and get an additional entry for doing so!

Contest ends Sunday, January 17th at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen at random and will be announced the following day.

Good luck!

Worth Quoting

2010-01-11T09:15:00.000-05:00

Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.
~ Judy Garland

2010-01-08T16:53:00.005-05:00

this hand cast brass necklace

these boots

this adorable vintage cat (looks a lot like Alvyn!)

these postcard posies

what are you wishing for?

Alluring Artisans: Susannah Tucker

2010-01-07T10:00:00.000-05:00

Purse-aholic

2010-01-07T09:30:00.003-05:00

Petals Purse by Rollick

Wordless Wednesday

2010-01-06T09:30:00.000-05:00

{via whimsy&wonder}

Alluring Artisans: Au fil de

2010-01-05T12:39:00.002-05:00

Drumroll Please. . .

2010-01-05T11:04:00.002-05:00

Sorry for the delay! My computer has been acting up :/

The winner is Lisa (MaMa). Her favorite scent is "early spring in the morning, when the flowers are blooming & the garden smells delicious." Lisa wins the all-natural, rustic bath set from Betsy's shop. Congratulations!!

Keep up with Betsy through her shop, O Bella Naturals. I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next! Don't forget she also has a flickr, twitter, facebook fan page, and a blog!

Betsy, you are an inspiration and your shop is just a breath of fresh air. I am so happy you decided to come by my blog and share with us. It was an honor to have you! All the best to you, your family, and little Bella of course!

My heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who stopped by to enter. I am forever grateful for your continued support of my blog.

While you're here, toss your name in the hat for this week's giveaway! It started yesterday, and one lucky reader will receive their choice of pendant from Etsy shop Artful Goodies.

By the way, I'd love your feedback! How do you like the new contest rules? I welcome any and all suggestions. Just leave me a comment or send me an email. Have a great day!!

Hall of Fame {Artful Goodies}

2010-01-04T10:34:00.000-05:00

Welcome to a new artist feature and giveaway, and a new year! I hope you were able to ring in 2010 with family, friends, and fun. . .

Today, I'm so happy to introduce to you a talented Etsian and fellow North Carolinian! Meet April, of Artful Goodies. Her shop is filled with unique hand stamped and inked jewelry.

Keep reading to get to know a little about her and her craft.

What inspires you?
Nature and all things I love. I actually have 2 sides of me. One that loves the sweet, pretty things like flowers, trees, birds and bees. Then my other side that loves skulls, tattoos, and COOL stuff.

Where do you call home?
Are you from there originally? Lexington, North Carolina is where I call home. I have lived in North Carolina my whole life in other nearby cities. Lexington is a small town with not much to do but be creative. lol

Name something unique to where you live.
My town has a BBQ festival every year. We love BBQ here! Local artist are hired to paint and decorate fiberglass pigs for businesses to sponsor. YES I said pigs! They are huge and some artist are very creative and morph them into all kinds of things. A challenge? YES But there have been some really cool ones. My husband and I have worked on 6 of them for the past 2 festivals. They are available for auction if they do not sell prior to the festival. Its always interesting to see what they bring.
Share an interesting fact about yourself.
Well....... I am a chocaholic!! I eat something chocolate everyday!

If you had to describe yourself in a word, what would that word be?
Eclectic! That is me in a word! I like so many different things and styles.

What made you decide to open up shop?
After many years of making things and selling them to friends and family, I was introduced to etsy and was hooked immediately. I have always tinkered with jewelry but fell into hand stamping images and the resins by accident. Being a scrapbooker I had many stamps to play with. My husband had used resins for fishing lures he was creating and I noticed the extreme shine they had. A light bulb went off and I started playing around with colors and images.

How did you come up with your shop name? Any special significance?
I feel my pieces are mini art pieces. I have such eclectic style that I wanted to keep the name open to other possibilities. Goodies kinda covered it all. So ART and GOODIES = "Artfulgoodies".
Name your favorite thing about selling handmade.
Knowing I am making items that are one of a kind, and lots of love goes into creating something that is a joy to make. The feedback I get when someone says "OMG I LOVE IT!!" is the biggest reward ever!

Do you have a day job or sell on Etsy full-time?
For 12 years I have had my own decorative finishing business (Wallexpressions). I provide unique finishes to home owners, builders and businesses for walls, cabinetry, ceilings and furniture. I also paint murals (which is my favorite thing to paint) in baby rooms, kitchens, salons and recently finished a local winery.

Give us a little glimpse into what a typical day in your life looks like.
Not too exciting may I say but.... my day is waking up @ 6:00 and starting my must needed pot of coffee. I try to check my etsy every morning and take any pics of any new items to list. I take my daughter to school everyday and start my day of painting and creating. After ending my day around 4-5:00 its time to do homework and feed the family. Following up on e-mails and etsy in the afternoons and any errands (like the dreaded grocery store). Then its time for the baths and my night time chocolate snack. Told you it wasn't too exciting.
Share with us a favorite Etsy purchase or shop.
A sock monkey I purchased for my daughter from the UK. We will never be able to travel there but it super cool to have something handmade from another country.

List a few of your most favorite pastimes.
Painting for sure! I also scrapbook and love to make just about anything. Bakeing sweets and snacks :)

Read any good books lately?
My only reading lately consist of Junie B books with my daughter. They are funny and great though.

What is your most prized possession?
The photos of my dad. He died when I was 7 and our home burned when I was a teen so there are only a few that survived.
What are three of your favorite foods?
pasta, stewed potatoes and..........you guessed it CHOCOLATE!

What would you like to learn to do?
hmmm..... take awesome photographs. I do love to play with the camera and really enjoy trying to capture moments. My computer has over 10,000 images I have took over the years.

What are you listening to right now?
Some biker crap my husband is watching on TV! lol
Name one place you must visit in your lifetime and why.
I would love to visit New York just so I can say I have. My sweet little country life just doesn't compare to that fast pace you get in the big cities!

Anything else you'd like to share?
I want to thank you for having such a great blog and letting me be a part of it! I'm not a big blog reader but was hooked on yours the first time I read it! So kind of you to spread the word of other etsy members.

***

April, thank you so much for stopping by to share with us. It was a pleasure getting to know you better.

Keep up with April through her shop and on twitter!

Time for a Giveaway!
April is so generously giving away one of her beautiful pendants to one reader! The winner will get their choice of any pendant from her shop -- a $16 value. Sweet!

To enter, just tell us what pendant you will choose if you win! Don't forget to include your name and email address or Etsy username so we can contact you!

Please read carefully, as the rules have changed!

For extra entries you can:
Tweet this giveaway (you can do this once per day!)
Follow my blog
Blog about this interview/contest
Purchase from Artful Goodies

Just leave a comment with your answer. Then, an additional comment if you are applicable for extra entries.

For example: If you want to enter and you also tweet the giveaway and follow my blog; leave your original comment + another that you tweeted + another that you are a follower = a total of 3 comments. Don't hesitate to contact me with any questions.

You can also tweet the giveaway once per day and get an additional entry for doing so!

Contest ends Sunday, January 10th at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen at random and will be announced the following day.

Good luck!

Worth Quoting

2010-01-04T09:15:00.001-05:00

Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.

~ Dr. Seuss

Our Story

2009-12-30T00:38:00.007-05:00

First of all, thank you so much for stopping by my blog and taking the time to read this. My name is Lory, and I hope that I am able to bring a little bit of sunshine your way and you will be inspired.

My husband and I were blessed with a beautiful baby boy in 2005. We named him "Aydan Emmanuel", which means fiery spirit, and what a little trooper he was! He was our Sunshine, and would light up a room with his blue eyes and big smile. He touched the lives of many - all over the world. When he was six weeks old, he was diagnosed with an incurable genetic disorder called Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Our world was crushed at the thought of losing our sweet baby.

Aydan was physically weak, but his spirit was strong. I believe that he was cognitively advanced, because he was so attentive to his surroundings and his attention span was extraordinarily long. He especially loved to watch his favorite movie, Finding Nemo. I would sing "You Are My Sunshine" to him, and he would look up at me and smile. Through it all, he was a brave little fighter, and held on for as long as he could. On March 11, 2006, Aydan lost his battle with this fateful disease, and grew wings to become an angel. He was just ten-and-a-half weeks old.

Aydan brought so much joy and inspiration into my life, even though his time with us was short. My shop and blog's name is "The Sunshine Studio", because it was inspired by him, and I want to bring everyone a little bit of sunshine like he brought to us.

Besides designing jewelry and blogging, I am currently pursuing my degree in nursing (also inspired by Aydan). In my spare time I love to take photographs, read whatever I can get my hands on, and cook. I also love to travel and can't wait to see even more of the world with my husband. I'm truly blessed, and have learned to not take a single day for granted. I owe it all to Aydan.

My heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who follow my blog and/or support my shop. I am forever grateful for your continued support. Your encouragement is a blessing to me! Please don't ever hesitate to contact me. I love to get your feedback and am grateful for all the friends I have made through my blog. If you share a similar story, or would like to chat for any reason, I would love to hear from you.

Aydan Emmanuel
12/28/05 ~ 03/11/06

Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.
~ Anthony D'Angelo

Happy Birthday Angel

2009-12-29T11:18:00.000-05:00

Our little angel would have been four yesterday. Instead, he's celebrating in heaven. We miss you, Sunshine!

Below is a little poem I found -- In remembrance of Aydan. . .

I looked toward the clouds today

And for a moment saw your face.
I know that you have gone
To such a peaceful place.

Did you show yourself to me today
To tell me you're all right?
Or was it just a daydream
Playing tricks upon my sight?

Then I thought of when you left,
Still too young to say a word.
Yet the look you gave us said it all,
In our hearts your goodbye was heard.

You have changed our lives forever.
Your short time here not if vain.
I hope you know we tried it all
To keep you safe from pain.

We will always feel the void inside,
Because you are not here.
But each new thought you send our way,
Let's us know you're always near.

So until our journey nears its end,
And we hear the angels sing.
We'll face each new day as it comes
And live off the love you bring.

~ James Sullivan

Drumroll Please. . .

2009-12-29T00:49:00.003-05:00

The winner is Rebecca (4smartmonkeys). Her favorite piece from Knot Original is the Dreaming of the Caribbean Sea scarf. Rebecca wins the hand-knit, fingerless gloves from Sharon's shop. Congratulations!!

Keep up with Sharon through her shop, Knot Original. She also has a vintage store -- 13 Steps.
Be sure to add them to your favorites!

Sharon, your work is truly unique and beautiful. I am so happy you decided to come by my blog and share with us. It was an honor to have you!

My heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who stopped by to enter. I am forever grateful for your continued support of my blog.

While you're here, toss your name in the hat for this week's giveaway! It started today, and one lucky reader will receive a rustic bath set from Etsy shop O Bella Naturals. Have a great night!!

Hall of Fame {O Bella Naturals}

2009-12-28T09:30:00.012-05:00

Welcome back! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday. You're in for a real treat today!

Meet Betsy of O Bella Naturals -- a lovely, little shop filled with natural handmade soaps, earthwear, knits, and more! I simply love the look and feel of Betsy's shop and designs, and I'm sure you will too.

Betsy is one sweet gal, with a beautiful family. Her mission is to create affordable products that are made from natural materials and ingredients, which are free of chemicals, dyes and additives.

Read on as she takes us on a journey into the world of O Bella, and inspires us along the way.

What inspires you?
Music, nature, mountains, textures, organic colors

Where do you call home? Are you from there originally?
The town I currently call home is West Palm, Florida. It's about 20 minutes away from the small beach town I grew up in, Jupiter. Wherever my family is, that's home for me. My husband and I are living in a little cottage to save to make a cross-country move to Montana, we are aiming for 2010 to be our moving year! We will be leaving a lot of family here, but hopefully some will come too!
Name something unique to where you live.
My favorite local spot around is Jonathan Dickinson State Park. It was named after a Quaker merchant who landed here in 1696, has the historic home of “Trapper Nelson” still intact, and was a top secret radar training school during World War II. It's my family's favorite place to get together, take walks and bike rides, have Thanksgiving, and it's also where my husband and I got married in 2007.

Share an interesting fact about yourself.
I studied music in college, I'm one year away from a degree in music education. Music is my first love, it is where I am most at home with myself. I'm classically trained on flute, but I really like to play piano to rock music and violin to bluegrass.

If you had to describe yourself in a word, what would that word be?
Passionate

My mom has always told me I'm a passionate person, and it comes out in everything I do, for better or worse! It can be a burden and a blessing but I wouldn't choose it any other way. It means I dive into something I love [a movie, a book, a time period, a song] to the point of obsession! But it also means I love deeply, like my family, friends, music and nature.
What made you decide to open up shop?
When I found out I was pregnant with my first baby in 2008, I started to pay close attention [read: obsess] to what I put on my skin, finding out what toys were made of, what was in my food. I started to wonder why I was told to eat good and exercise while I was pregnant, but it was okay to bathe my baby with soap with additives and let her chew toys made of plastic made with toxins. It really started in April of 2009, my husband, baby girl Isabella, mom and dad took a trip to Idaho to visit my brother and sister-in-law. This trip was really the inspiration behind my whole shop. I had just learned to knit and knitted my baby a pair of hand warmers and had wonderful feedback! It was so rewarding making something useful and people actually asking about it! That was the start of [knits]. While there we made some necklaces from the stones we collected at the lake.. that was the start of [earthwear]. We spent a few hours searching for stones, and my mom also took a trip back to Idaho and must have collected 10 pounds of stones for me [thanks mom!] The summer of 2009 I finally started making soap for myself after wanting to for years. I was spending a fortune on natural soap for me and my little family, and I experimented and came up with a great, functional, natural recipe! Since then it has sort of blossomed from there. Natural function is really at the heart of O Bella.

How did you come up with your shop name? Any special significance?
It is named after my lovely daughter, Isabella. Her 1 year old cousin actually came up with the name. When she was born all her cousin would say was “Oh, Bella,” in such a sweet voice. It sounded like a perfect name. I chuckle every time I catch my self saying it, especially when she has created a big mess on the floor!

Name your favorite thing about selling handmade.
My favorite thing about selling [and buying!] handmade is the connection to people that you can't get buying in a commercial store. There is something very traditional, settling, and grounding about making things handmade and receiving handmade. You know the time went into prepare whatever it is, and time is the most special gift anyone can ever give.

Do you have a day job or sell on Etsy full-time?
My full time job right now is raising and guiding my daughter – it is such a special job! Etsy is like a part-time job with a bonus of potentially becoming a full-time job. I would love for it to be able to be a full-time job while I am in my season of motherhood.

Give us a little glimpse into what a typical day in your life looks like.
I wake up and say goodbye to my ever faithful, hardworking husband in the early hours. My baby girl and I [who is 1 years old today!] wake up, have our toast and coffee [minus the coffee for her] and enjoy the morning while catching up with online stuff like convos, any orders that may have sold, blogs or other things. We play and get ready for the day. I may make soap and other batches of lotions if need be, or create some necklaces. I may head out to do errands, mail packages, get new supplies, visit with some family, go to the park, visit some local shops.. Husband usually comes home in the afternoon and we do dinner and more playtime. We may watch a movie, or I might get to sewing or knitting once the little one has fallen asleep while he records music or some computer stuff. I find time to read late, it's my favorite time to settle down and read.
Share with us a favorite Etsy purchase or shop.
I currently have two ultimate favorite shops on etsy, although there are so many I have found and loved! The first is Gaia Conceptions – she makes eco-chic clothes for the urban nomad. I am in love with her materials and designs, I own one of her dresses and wear it more than I will admit to! The second is Violet Bella, whose store I found on your blog! I love all of her photos, jewelry designs, and clothes, they are so unique and capture a wonderful essence!

List a few of your most favorite pastimes.
Anything that involves things with naturalness - the way things used to be made. We started our own organic garden and I like to find fresh produce and cook with it. I'm really interested in alternative building materials, especially with cob, and my husband and I are in the beginning planning stages of a future cob house. Cob is a building material made from earth, clay and straw, it used to be used in houses in Wales. You mix it with your feet and lay it with your hands. Talk about the ultimate natural handmade project! Some houses still stand today and are over 500 years old. My great-grandfather grew up in one in Ireland, so it will be an amazing and traditional project!

I mostly love to spend time in the mountains in the west - which is pretty far from where I am. I try to get out as often as I can to camp, hike, see small towns, pick flowers, collect rocks, splash around in rivers. While I'm not out camping in the west, I'll visit the beach here or get my favorite lunch [subs and cupcakes] and eat them at the park. I'm also really getting into sewing, it's quickly becoming a favorite hobby!

I love to play music gigs, teach and learn new styles of music. My husband plays guitar and bass guitar and we love to sing and play a good Pink Floyd song together while our little one plays at our feet and dances along.

Read any good books lately?
I have read a few good books lately:

The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson

End the Fed by Ron Paul

The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory

The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien

What is your most prized possession?
After my family of course, which I can't really count because I don't possess them :) But they keep me going, day in and day out, I could own nothing and still have the world with them.

I really cherish the handmade bench my mom passed to me recently. My parents bought it in the 70's, I used to play on it as a baby and now my daughter plays on it. Pretty special to me.
What are three of your favorite foods?
Anything homemade! Some favorites I've made lately are:

homemade guacamole with avocados my husband brought home

homemade honey butter

creamy chicken and wild rice soup

What would you like to learn to do?
I'm learning to sew right now, it's something I've been wanting to learn how to do for a long time, so I guess I would like to learn how to get better at sewing :)

What are you listening to right now?
Hello Hurricane album by Switchfoot

Animals album by Pink Floyd

Soundtrack to Ink

Name one place you must visit in your lifetime and why.
It's always been my dream to visit the old castles in Ireland and England. I have always been preoccupied.... (obsessed?) with the Late Middle Ages and Renaissance eras. I would also love to visit the birthplace or home where my favorite composers lived in Europe.

Anything else you'd like to share?
Thank you to Lory who so kindly took interest in my shop and thanks for doing this interview with me, and thanks for taking the time to read a little about the woman and story behind O Bella. Don't hesitate to contact me with questions or just to chat, I'm always up for meeting new people!

***

Betsy, thank you so much for stopping by to share with us. It was a pleasure getting to know you better. And wishing a very happy birthday to little Bella today!

Keep up with Betsy and her growing shop by visiting her flickr, becoming a facebook fan, following her at her blog and on twitter, and adding O Bella Naturals to your favorites!

Time for a Giveaway!
Betsy has so generously put together a special sample set for this contest! It includes: A Set of 4 Sample Soaps - Mocha Cream, Brown Sugar, Honeybee, and Lemongrass, a sample Brown Sugar Rustic Butter, and a Natural Vanilla Lip Butter, all wrapped up in cotton cloth! Wow!

To enter, just tell us what your favorite scent is! Maybe you love the smell of freshly baked bread or sugar cookies? Or perhaps lavender, crisp spring air, or the smell after it rains? Don't forget to include your name and email address or Etsy username so we can contact you!

Please read carefully, as the rules have changed!

For extra entries you can:
Tweet this giveaway
Follow my blog and/or Betsy's blog
Blog about this interview/contest
Purchase from O Bella Naturals

Just leave a comment with your answer. Then, an additional comment if you are applicable for extra entries.

For example: If you want to enter and you also tweet the giveaway and follow my blog; leave your original comment + another that you tweeted + another that you are a follower = a total of 3 comments. Don't hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Contest ends Sunday, January 3rd at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen at random and will be announced the following day.

Good luck!

Worth Quoting

2009-12-28T09:15:00.002-05:00

You have it easily in your power to increase the sum total of this world’s happiness now. How? By giving a few words of sincere appreciation to someone who is lonely or discouraged. Perhaps you will forget tomorrow the kind words you say today, but the recipient may cherish them over a lifetime.

~Dale Carnegie

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T10:00:00.001-05:00

A very Merry Christmas from Lory here at The Sunshine Studio. I can't thank each and every one of you enough for your continued support of my shop and blog. I hope this Christmas brings you lots of joy and fellowship with friends and family. See you Monday for a new artist feature and giveaway!

Weekend Whimsy {Christmas is here!}

2009-12-25T09:30:00.003-05:00

DeGranville Bracelet ~ tippy stockton
JOY Little House Christmas Village ~ the little red door
Smushy the No-Nose Reindeer ~ Haute Cinq
Christmas Elf Stocking Cap Pattern ~ lille barn
Scallop Scarf in Cranberry ~ Tippy's Textiles 'n Stuff
White Christmas Soybean Candle ~ Pure Palette
Custom Pet Portrait ~ Fuzzy Mug
Sage & Pomegranate Olive Oil & Goat Milk Spa Soap ~ Aniselle Bath & Body
Vintage Pine Cones & Golden Bow Pin ~ Newfound Treasures

Alluring Artisans: EnRouge

2009-12-24T10:00:00.001-05:00

Purse-aholic

2009-12-24T09:30:00.000-05:00

Red Harris No More Bag

Wordless Wednesday

2009-12-23T10:00:00.000-05:00

Alluring Artisans: Trafalgar's Square

2009-12-22T10:00:00.000-05:00

Drumroll Please. . .

2009-12-21T20:37:00.003-05:00

The winner is Evelyn of Sumiko Shop! Her favorite piece from The Peach Tree are the Halley - Earrings.

Evelyn wins the charming Northern Exposure Earrings from Amy's shop. Congratulations!!

Keep up with Amy through her shop The Peach Tree. And by following her through her blog and twitter. She's always adding fabulous pieces to her inventory!

Amy, your jewelry is simply beautiful. I am so happy you decided to come by my blog and share with us. It was an honor to have you!

My heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who stopped by to enter. I am forever grateful for your continued support of my blog.

While you're here, toss your name in the hat for this week's giveaway! It started today, and one lucky reader will receive a colorful pair of hand-knit fingerless gloves from Etsy shop Knot Original. Have a great night!!

Hall of Fame {Knot Original}

2009-12-21T10:33:00.000-05:00

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas. . .
Ok, ok. I won't start that again :) We got some snow here in NC this week. How about you? I'm hoping we get some more for Christmas!

Well, wherever you are, it's probably cold outside. So grab a cup of hot cocoa and keep reading. This is sure to warm you up!

Meet Sharon, the lovely lady behind the shop Knot Original. Her shop is filled with unconventional, handknit accessories which are sure to help you stand out of the crowd.

Sharon divulges a bit about herself below. You even get to meet her adorable dog, Francis! And of course, enter for a chance to win something to keep you warm and toasty this winter.

What inspires you?
I can't imagine anything that doesn't inspire me.

Where do you call home? Are you from there originally?
For the past 2 years home has been a small peninsula on the Puget Sound of Washington. I grew up in South Jersey, followed by detours through Boston, Florida, Cancun, Philadelphia, and then Arizona before arriving in Gig Harbor.

Name something unique to where you live.
Unusually clean clear air
Share an interesting fact about yourself.
I'm blind in one eye all thanks to following my neighbor Fred right through a sliding glass door. Boys were trouble even at 5 years old!

If you had to describe yourself in a word, what would that word be?
sarcastic

What made you decide to open up shop?
I don't remember coming to a decision, one day I had no shop and then I did.

How did you come up with your shop name? Any special significance?
I had a long list of about 20 names written out. Knot Original was the first one I came to that hadn't already been appropriated by the 12 other sellers/buyers who I have yet to run across and swear don't exist.
Who taught you to knit?
I taught myself with the help of Knitty Gritty on the DIY channel and the freeze frame feature on the dvr.

Name your favorite thing about selling handmade.
There's an appealing charm about objects that don't have to be, or aren't even supposed to be machine-looking perfect. I like the thought of on any given day there could be someone walking around different parts of the world wearing something that began as an idea in my head and was created with my hands.

Do you have a day job or sell on Etsy full-time?
Not a full time day job but I do freelance medical illustrations for law firms and paintings for fine art gallery shows.

Give us a little glimpse into what a typical day in your life looks like.
I no longer have anything resembling a typical day. We recently adopted a 180lb mastiff from the rescue shelter. After driving my husband to catch his bus at 5:30am, much of my time is spent teaching Francis (he came with the name) that I am not a squeaky toy, he needs to share the couch and that his new full time people aren't going to abandon him. I get spare blocks of time in to knit and do other things when the overgrown baby is napping!

Share with us a favorite Etsy purchase or shop.
I could spend days in christopherpines looking through all the pretty colored ribbons and trims and I just discovered the most delightful tea stained hand printed muslin ribbons from homesteadtreasures today. I can't wait until they arrive!

List a few of your most favorite pastimes.
playing volleyball, rockclimbing, and snapping the suspenders of strange men

Read any good books lately?
I just got the cutest 2010 calendar of baby pigs called Pretty in Pink, there is a bit of type involved
What is your most prized possession?
My husband, getting that clingy exgirlfriend to disappear was a lot of work!

What are three of your favorite foods?
bacon on the verge of being burnt, grilled mozzarella, tomato and basil sandwiches, and ruby grapefruits with honey

What would you like to learn to do?
Iron so that when I'm finished the wrinkles don't mockingly reappear in a matter of minutes
What are you listening to right now?
my ocd neighbor in yet another attempt to blow every last pine needle from his driveway

Name one place you must visit in your lifetime and why.
I would love to spend some time at the Karisoke Research Center in Rwanda to study the gorillas.

Anything else you'd like to share?
If you put a candycane in a ziplock bag and smash it to dust with a hammer it makes for an amazing taste sensation when added to chocolate chip cookie dough.

***

Sharon, thank you so much for stopping by to share with us. It was a pleasure getting to know you better.

Please stop by and give her shop a heart while perusing her lovely things!

Time for a Giveaway!
Sharon has so generously made a special pair of fingerless gloves for this contest! The winner will receive the colorful pair pictured over there to the right!

To enter, just leave a comment on this post with your favorite piece from Sharon's shop. Don't forget to include your name and email address or Etsy username!

Good luck!

For extra entries you can:
Tweet this giveaway: 2 additional entries
Follow my blog: 5 additional entries
Blog about this interview/contest: 7 additional entries
Purchase from Knot Original : 10 additional entries

(Please include this info, if applicable, with your comment for additional entries. You do not need to leave separate comments for additional entries. Important: Don't forget to include your name and contact info!)

Contest ends Sunday, December 27th at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen by traditional drawing and will be announced the following day.

Worth Quoting

2009-12-21T10:30:00.000-05:00

Take joy. The beauty of life is that behind every challenge there are hidden gifts just waiting to be found.

~ author unknown

2009-12-18T10:00:00.002-05:00

this clock

this beautifully embroidered cat

what are you wishing for?

Weekend Whimsy {Dreaming of a White Christmas}

2009-12-18T09:30:00.003-05:00

Tufted Titmouse in Snow Print ~ Rocky Top Studio
Winter Cheer Print ~ Sarah Jane Studios
Daisy Earrings ~ Laura Walls Taylor
Bird Ornament ~ Recycled Parts
Redpolls in Snow Card ~ Rocky Top Studio
A Dream of Snow Print ~ ara133 photography
Felted Acorns ~ Delica
Shhh 8x8 Winter Print ~ Katarina K. Photography
Milk Glass Bud Vase Collection ~ Sugarpush Vintage
White Seashells Clutch ~ Eight Seasons

Hot Off the Press

2009-12-17T12:00:00.000-05:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. . .

Can you believe it?! It's a week 'til Christmas Eve *gulp*

As usual, I'm scrambling to get everything done on time... Gifts to buy, cards to send, decorations to hang, and the list goes on! I can't wait to sit back, relax, and spend time with my family. While remembering the real reason for the season!

Speaking of gift-giving -- I just treated myself to a lovely pair of pearl earrings from The Peach Tree. Amy, the sweet gal behind the shop, is in the Hall of Fame this week! So, while you're here, read a little about her and enter to win a pair of earrings for yourself! ;)And my good friend Mia over at MiaBeads is running a holiday sale and offering free shipping on all orders!

Last minute shopper? My rose rings are now two for $20! Hurry -- it's just for a limited time!

Alluring Artisans: Alona Lahav

2009-12-17T10:00:00.000-05:00

Purse-aholic

2009-12-17T09:30:00.000-05:00

forest green chiffon ruffle flower handbag

Alluring Artisans: ponder & stitch

2009-12-15T10:00:00.000-05:00

Trendy Tuesday

2009-12-15T09:30:00.000-05:00

earrings
tunic
leggings
flats

Drumroll Please. . .

2009-12-14T19:38:00.003-05:00

The winner is Jackie of The Pink Panda, who said she's been swooning over Genevieve's bee necklace for some time now!

Jackie wins the lovely Bee Charmer necklace from Genevieve's shop. Congratulations!!

Keep up with Genevieve through her shop Genevieve Gail. And by following her through her blog and twitter. You'll want to stay tuned -- she's always coming up with something new and fashionable!

Genevieve, all of your work is beautiful and unique. I am so happy you decided to come by my blog and share with us. It was an honor to have you!

My heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who stopped by to enter. I am forever grateful for your continued support of my blog.

While you're here, toss your name in the hat for this week's giveaway! It started today, and one lucky reader will receive a pair of chic earrings from Etsy shop The Peach Tree. Have a great night!!

Hall of Fame {The Peach Tree}

2009-12-14T09:30:00.007-05:00

Hello there and welcome back to The Sunshine Studio for this week's featured artist interview. I hope the sun is shining where you are! And if not? Maybe this will brighten your day...

Meet Amy of The Peach Tree. Her shop is filled with classic, gemstone jewelry. With her simplistic designs, she strives to "show off each stone's truly unique beauty."

Read on to learn a bit more about her, find out where her pieces get their creative names, and how her shop came about!

What inspires you?
For my jewelry, nature inspires me most. The detailed simplicity of each stone astounds me and I try to bring that to light in each piece that I create.

Where do you call home? Are you from there originally?
WI born and raised. I moved to New York City in 2001 and have called it my home ever since!

Name something unique to where you live.
Oh to put Brooklyn into one sentence! There's too many things to count. I live in a historic waterfront district which is known for being called the first "suburb" of Manhattan. I guess that's just chipping the iceberg but I'll leave it there!
Share an interesting fact about yourself.
I've never been out of the United States. And I desperately want to change that :)

If you had to describe yourself in a word, what would that word be?
Dynamic.

What made you decide to open up shop?
I met an Etsy shop owner in an airport a few years back and listening to her talk about the community and handmade life, I couldn't resist!
How did you come up with your shop name? Any special significance?
Ah, I wish I had a better answer, but my boyfriend named it :) As well as every piece in my shop!

Name your favorite thing about selling handmade.
Quality control. I make EVERYTHING that gets sent out and I love knowing that these things that I've created are being worn all over the world!

Do you have a day job or sell on Etsy full-time?
1/2 and 1/2 I'd say. My boyfriend and I run our own pet sitting business :)
Give us a little glimpse into what a typical day in your life looks like.
Wake. Etsy. Feed Cats. Tea. Etsy. Visit Cats. Etsy. Tea. Etsy. Sleep. And meals and recreation in there somewhere as well.

Share with us a favorite Etsy purchase or shop.
Ooo, that's difficult but it would have to be the number of cases that I've custom ordered from GetReadySetGO.
Here's the latest one!

List a few of your most favorite pastimes.
Walks along the Hudson, Row Boats in Central Park, anything outdoors really!

{Central Park}

Read any good books lately?
Lots! I'm reading Suttree from Cormac McCarthy right now. Before that was Hemingway's short stories which I highly enjoyed.

What is your most prized possession?
My readiness for laughter :)

What are three of your favorite foods?
Cakes, Cookies, and Pie!

What would you like to learn to do?
Knit and/or Crochet.. I tried to teach myself.. I'm not a very good teacher!
What are you listening to right now?
WBGO Newark Jazz

Name one place you must visit in your lifetime and why.
Paris. I think every woman want to visit Paris once in their life, yes?

Anything else you'd like to share?
I'd love to share a few of my very favorite Etsy shops that I think everyone should RUN to and buy them out!

GetReadySetGO
Xenotees
Fiberstory
SunBasilGarden

And SO many more but anyone can search my favorites for a more in depth look :)

Amy, thank you so much for stopping by to share with us. It was a pleasure getting to know you better.

To keep up with her and her work, follow her on twitter, become a fan on facebook, and visit her blog. Don't forget to give her shop a heart too -- she often has awesome sales!

Time for a Giveaway!
Amy is so generously awarding the winner with the charming Northern Exposure Earrings pictured there to the right!

To enter, just leave a comment on this post with your favorite piece from Amy's shop. Don't forget to include your name and email address or Etsy username!

Good luck!

For extra entries you can:
Tweet this giveaway: 2 additional entries
Follow my blog and/or Amy's blog: 5 additional entries
Blog about this interview/contest: 7 additional entries
Purchase from The Peach Tree: 10 additional entries

(Please include this info, if applicable, with your comment for additional entries. You do not need to leave separate comments for additional entries. Important: Don't forget to include your name and contact info!)

Contest ends Sunday, December 20th at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen by traditional drawing and will be announced the following day.

Worth Quoting

2009-12-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

Believe in more than you can see, for it is faith that brings miracles to light.

~ unknown

Kitty Update

2009-12-11T17:15:00.002-05:00

If you've followed my blog for awhile, I bet you've seen this guy once or twice ;) Alvyn is one of our rescues. We got him not long after Aydan passed away, so he's quite spoiled. He has the most unique personality. He loves to play in the sink and drinking straws are his favorite toy. He has quite a stash - he hoards them under the rug!

Earlier this week, Alvyn started acting a little strange. His third eyelids were showing, which can be a sign of sickness in cats. At first, because there were no other symptoms, I passed it off as him being slightly depressed (we just rescued two kittens, and he is the "baby" after all). But on the second day of this peculiar behavior, things worsened. He stopped eating, drinking, and using the litter box. He was very clingy and started meowing loudly. At it's worst, he was rolling over on his back and meowing in pain. :(

Off to the emergency vet we went, and not a moment too late. He was diagnosed with Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) and had a urinary blockage. This is very serious in male cats! His bladder was three times its normal size so they had to place him under anesthesia and place a catheter. He was on fluids to help flush his bladder, and sent home on antibiotics. I followed up with the vet the next day, who did a urinalysis, and found what's called struvite crystals in his urine -- they are what caused the blockage. In addition to antibiotics, he was placed on prescription food to help dissolve these crystals so he doesn't become obstructed again.

Please say a little prayer for him that this doesn't reoccur. After this happens, chances are higher it will happen again. It could be a day, a month, a year, or never. We're hoping for never! Thankfully, he's doing much, much better now. Thank you to all of you who have been praying for him and asking about him!

Well, I wrote all this in order to inform other cat owners out there, hoping that I can prevent this from happening to someone else. There are several measures you can take to help prevent this from happening to your male cat:

♦ supply plenty of fresh drinking water in more than one location throughout the house

♦ ensure your cat's litter box stays clean - unscented or newspaper pellet litter is preferred

♦ feed him canned, moist food - no table scraps

♦ set aside a little time each day to give your kitty one-on-one love and attention and play with him

♦ research and be aware of the FLUTD warning signs

Here are two articles I found helpful:
FLUTD
Urinary Blockage

If your cat ever presents any symptoms as Alvyn did, be sure to get him to your vet right away!

Drumroll Please. . .

2009-12-07T11:55:00.004-05:00

The winner is Henrietta of A Hen's Nest. Her favorite locket set from Cat's shop is ThisYearsGirl Dream.

Henrietta wins her choice of any locket from Cat's shop, Polarity. Congratulations!!

Keep up with Cat through her shops: Uncorked and Polarity. And by following her blog, Olivebites.

Cat, your work is awesome, and I am so happy you decided to come by my blog and share with us. It was an honor to have you!

My heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who stopped by to enter. I am forever grateful for your continued support of my blog.

While you're here, toss your name in the hat for this week's giveaway! It started today, and one lucky reader will receive a lovely necklace from Etsy shop Genevieve Gail. Have a great night!!

Hall of Fame {Genevieve Gail}

2009-12-07T11:30:00.001-05:00

Welcome back y'all! I am so excited to introduce you to this week's featured artist!

Meet Genevieve, the beautiful and creative gal behind Etsy shop Genevieve Gail. Her shop is filled with unique accessories - "a mix between what you would find in your Grandma's jewelry box and a trendy Soho Boutique."

Genevieve is a master of many traits and is quite popular among the handmade community and craft world. Her work has been featured in several publications, including Boho Magazine and Cooking with Paula Deen. She also has designed not one but two beautiful fabric collections for Windham Fabrics - Gypsy Garden and Flower Bucket.

And she doesn't stop there! Genevieve also writes a fabulous blog filled with her own DIY projects. Stop by! You'll be inspired!

Keep reading to learn more about this lovely lady, get a peek at her work, and enter to win one of her little pieces of art!

What inspires you?
Fashion, music, nature, vintage jewelry, old rusty things, boxes of buttons and trims...

Where do you call home? Are you from there originally?
I'm from the Athens, Ga area and have been here pretty much all of my life. I love it here!
Name something unique to where you live.
Athens is a college town (home of UGA) and has an awesome music scene. There are always great shows going on and it's where bands such as R.E.M., The B-52's, and Widespread Panic got their start.

Share an interesting fact about yourself.
I got married in cowboy boots :)

{Genevieve on her wedding day}

If you had to describe yourself in a word, what would that word be?
Creative

What made you decide to open up shop?
I've always loved making stuff and thought Etsy was so unique because it featured Handmade artists. It also seemed like a user-friendly format as far as getting an online shop started.

Name your favorite thing about selling handmade.
I really enjoy the human connection with selling handmade. When someone buys a piece of my jewelry that I have put a lot of time and thought into making, it's a pretty nice feeling when someone appreciates it enough to purchase it!
Do you have a day job or sell on Etsy full-time?
In addition to Etsy I work on other freelance projects such as my fabric collections for Windham Fabrics. I'm trying to get some other things up and running so we shall see what happens...

You are so talented - creating jewelry, crafts, illustrations, and fabrics! Have you had any formal training?
Well thank you, Lory! Yes, I went to UGA and graduated from the Graphic Design program. My focus was in illustration so I took a lot of drawing and painting classes in addition to the computer classes.

Give us a little glimpse into what a typical day in your life looks like.
No day is really quite the same- I like to switch up what I'm working on so I don't get burnt out on one particular project. One day I might work on jewelry, the next day I might be working on a new fabric line, etc. I also like to catch up on blogs and twitter (I'm addicted)!

Share with us a favorite Etsy purchase or shop.
Ooh, that's a tough one, there are so many! One of my favorite spots in my home is what I call my "Etsy Art Wall." I have a small collection of prints grouped together above my desk from irenesuchocki, danitashop, theblackapple, ipullprints, and mcaplan.
List a few of your most favorite pastimes.
Playing with my 3 dogs, road trips, going to concerts, date night with my Hubs at our Local Barnes & Noble (he reads the golf magazines and I read the craft magazines)!

Read any good books lately?
It's been hard to find the time lately since I'm getting ready for some Holiday craft shows, but one of my favorite books of all time is The Secret. I can't lie, I'm also in the middle of the Twilight series ;). Oh, and I have My So-Called Freelance Life and Birthing the Elephant business books that are sitting on my shelf waiting to be read (hopefully soon)...

What is your most prized possession?
My wedding rings are really special to me. My band is from the 1920's and belonged to my great-grandmother, and the engagement ring my husband gave me is a reproduction from that same time period. They make me happy.

{a look at her flower bucket fabric collection}

What are three of your favorite foods?
Anything chocolate, anything Italian, anything Mexican. Sorry, that's pretty vague, but it's true! How about drinks? Starbucks White Mochas, Lavender Mojitos, and frozen Margaritas.

What would you like to learn to do?
I would like to learn more about web design and eventually build my own site. I took a course in college years ago, but web design is one of those things if you don't keep up with it you will forget how to do it. HTML makes my brain hurt...

What are you listening to right now?
I really love Pandora! You type in an artist that you like and they make a "station" for you that plays that artist and ones that they think you will like. It's really cool because I come across new bands all the time that I have never heard of before. I'm constantly on the search for new music...

Name one place you must visit in your lifetime and why.
I was lucky enough to visit a lot of different countries when I used to be an Art Director, but I have not really gotten to explore the U.S. as much as I would like. I really want to take a road trip out West. I will be turning 30 in a few months so I think now would be a good time to do it!
Anything else you'd like to share?
Thanks Lory for asking me to participate in this interview! For all of you out there debating on whether or not to start your own Etsy shop, I encourage you to take the plunge!

Genevieve, thank you so much for stopping by to share with us. It was a pleasure getting to know you better.

To keep up with her and her work, visit her flickr page, follow her blog and twitter, and add her shop to your favorites. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!!

Time for a Giveaway!
Genevieve is so generously awarding the winner with the lovely Bee Charmer necklace pictured over there to the right!

To enter, just leave a comment on this post with whatever you'd like... A favorite piece from her shop? Favorite photo? Something you'd like to see in her shop? Don't forget to include your name and email address or Etsy username!

Good luck!

For extra entries you can:
Tweet this giveaway: 2 additional entries
Follow my blog and/or Genevieve's blog - : 5 additional entries
Blog about this interview/contest: 7 additional entries
Purchase from Genevieve Gail : 10 additional entries

(Please include this info, if applicable, with your comment for additional entries. You do not need to leave separate comments for additional entries. Important: Don't forget to include your name and contact info!)

Contest ends Sunday, December 13th at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen by traditional drawing and will be announced the following day.

Worth Quoting

2009-12-07T09:00:00.003-05:00

Together we are more than we are alone. Share in the warmth of kindred souls and in those whose hearts you cherish.

~ unknown

Alluring Artisans: Paper Pumpkin

2009-12-03T13:43:00.002-05:00

{Holiday Sale going on now! Click image to visit!}

Purse-aholic

2009-12-03T09:30:00.000-05:00

Everyday Bag in Violet

Creative Corner

2009-12-02T10:00:00.000-05:00

holiday fashion

Crown Jewel Earrings ~ ShySiren
1950's Party Dress ~ LittleBlackVintageDress
Feather and Red Velvet Headband ~ VieModerne

Wordless Wednesday

2009-12-02T09:30:00.000-05:00

Alluring Artisans: Oops I Knit it Again

2009-12-01T10:00:00.000-05:00

Drumroll Please. . .

2009-11-30T19:51:00.003-05:00

The winner is April of Artful Goodies. Her favorite item from Laura's shop, though hard to decide, is the peacock photo necklace!

April wins her choice of a 5x5 print from Laura's shop, Violet Bella Photography. Congrats! Let us know which one you choose!

Laura has introduced quite a few new items into both of her shops this past week! Including beautiful jewelry and wood block art. She also has specials in both shops that end today, so hurry!

Keep up with Laura through her shops: Violet Bella and Violet Bella Photography. And for the latest in Violet Bella's World, stop by her blog.

Laura, your work is absolutely gorgeous, and I am so happy you decided to come by my blog and share with us. It was an honor to have you!

My heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who stopped by to enter. I am forever grateful for your continued support of my blog.

While you're here, toss your name in the hat for this week's giveaway! It started today, and one lucky reader will get their choice of a fabulous, repurposed locket necklace from Etsy shop Polarity. Have a great night!!

Hall of Fame {Uncorked + Polarity}

2009-11-30T09:30:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone! I hope you're enjoying this Cyber Monday and getting some online shopping done. Take a little break to meet the ever sweet Cat of Etsy shops Uncorked and Polarity, and writer of the witty and inspirational blog, Olivebites.

Cat has a passion for "using repurposed, recycled and sustainable materials in new, unique and beautiful ways." Her work truly is unique and beautiful. You'd never think that her lovely little lockets came from an auto part! Or that the cork used in her necklaces is made from a centuries-old tradition in the forests of Portugal and Spain!

Keep reading to learn a little more about her, and get in on your chance to win one of her creations!

What inspires you?
I am inspired by flea markets and junk heaps, crowds, time alone, things my daughter discovers because she has a great eye for the unusual with her camera

Where do you call home? Are you from there originally?
I live in central New Jersey, about 5 minutes from the ocean. I have lived in NJ my entire life (sniffle).

Name something unique to where you live.
Actually, although NJ gets a bad rep- we are actually super-close to 2 wonderful cities- and have the beach and the mountains and a very eclectic mix of people from everywhere.

Share an interesting fact about yourself.
Believe it or not, I used to be a bank manager.
If you had to describe yourself in a word, what would that word be?
Hmm, that's a toughie- I may have to leave it at - hmmm

What made you decide to open up shop?
I had a cart in a local mall during the holidays and summers (selling collages and prints) and was very burned out and my face hurt from smiling all the time (I am totally serious). I loved Etsy as soon as I saw it and just had to be a part of it.

How did you come up with your shop names? Any special significance?
Uncorked- I thought was clever because you would 'uncork' the test tube, but often people search for my name under cork and can't find me, so I'm not sure how clever I was with that one. Polarity just seemed perfect immediately.

Tell us why using repurposed, recycled and sustainable materials is so important to you.
Well, I have a very strong need to create things, but a bit of guilt about the entire process of production, sales and the inevitable disposing of those creations. If I am going to create things- I need those things to be made responsibly and I need them to have beauty and purpose.
Name your favorite thing about selling handmade.
My favorite thing about handmade is to be able to be imperfect with it- handmade doesn't seek to look manufactured or flawless - it just seeks to make a connection. Seeking connection is a huge life lesson for a wannabe hermit like me.

Do you have a day job or sell on Etsy full-time?
I am a full-timer.

Give us a little glimpse into what a typical day in your life looks like.
I am an early bird- up usually between 5 and 6. I need tea immediately and do family things. Then I check convos and print the day's postage labels and lay out on my shipping table copies of the day's orders. I make most things to order so am making things every day. If the weather is bad and I have to do the transfer process for the cork indoors, which involves chemicals that I wish it didn't- I use an upstairs extra room at the far end of the house (which isn't that far since my house is not very big). I solder and stain cedar on Wednesdays at my husband's shop. I am currently doing wholesale orders on the weekends, but am hoping to get this all a bit more under control after the holidays so I have more time for things other than work. I blog at night after everyone is in bed. I am currently at the point where everything is just impossible and change is inevitable.
Share with us a favorite Etsy purchase or shop.
My favorite Etsy purchase is my moo card necklace from 3squares - super clever, I think

List a few of your most favorite pastimes.
Flea market shopping (or window shopping), antiquing, composting (I get a lot of satisfaction stirring compost for some strange reason), cooking soups and breads, reading, making things out of other things

Read any good books lately?
I just finished the new Dan Brown which I thought was timely and interesting, but definitely written with a very gory movie in mind, I've recently read a David Sedaris short story collection - hysterical as always, The Garden of Last Days, Losing Alice

What is your most prized possession?
A photo book my daughter just gave me of our vacation pictures that she made with an online service- I look at it everyday and dream of the wild ponies and North Carolina
What are three of your favorite foods?
Guacamole (can't eat it too much), diet pepsi (have quit it twice in the past year, but can't seem to stay away), any pasta dish, but ravioli in particular

What would you like to learn to do?
I have to relearn to knit because I have forgotten and I really want to learn the potter's wheel because my earlier attempts were pretty sad...

What are you listening to right now?
Vampire Weekend and Regina Spektor
Name one place you must visit in your lifetime and why.
Norway- my dad was born in Norway and my sister and I always promise each other we will take a trip there together

Anything else you'd like to share?
Well...I'd love to share the turkey sandwich with cranberry sauce on my special homemade cranapple bread that I am eating as I write this, but you all probably have your own .... I hope

Cat, thank you so much for stopping by to share with us. It was a pleasure getting to know you better.

If you'd like to learn even more about Cat and her work, read her featured seller interview over on Etsy {here}.

Please take a moment to visit her shops. She has a special in both shops that ends TODAY! So hurry!

Time for a Giveaway!
Cat is so generously giving one reader their choice of ANY LOCKET from her shop, Polarity! Sweet!!

To enter, just leave a comment on this post with which locket you will choose from Polarity if you are the lucky winner. Don't forget to include your name and email address or Etsy username!

Good luck!

For extra entries you can:
Tweet this giveaway: 2 additional entries
Follow my blog and/or Cat's blog - Olivebites : 5 additional entries
Blog about this interview/contest: 7 additional entries
Purchase from Uncorked or Polarity: 10 additional entries

(Please include this info, if applicable, with your comment for additional entries. You do not need to leave separate comments for additional entries. Important: Don't forget to include your name and contact info!)

Contest ends Sunday, December 6th at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen by traditional drawing and will be announced Monday, December 7th.

Worth Quoting

2009-11-30T09:00:00.001-05:00

Greet each new day as a magical journey.
Wonderful surprises wait around every bend.

~ unknown

Black Friday BOGO Sale

2009-11-27T01:56:00.007-05:00

Today only: Buy one item, get the second 1/2 off!
Buy two items, get the third FREE!

*Discounted/free item must be of equal/lesser value. Discount will be refunded through PayPal, OR wait for a revised invoice before payment.

Happy shopping!

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday surrounded by family and friends.

Please come back tomorrow for my regular features and a HUGE Black Friday sale in my shop! And hurry, it starts early and won't last all day. Don't miss it!

Alluring Artisans: The Light Garden

2009-11-24T10:00:00.000-05:00

Drumroll Please. . .

2009-11-23T20:41:00.003-05:00

The winner is Nicole-Lynn of Seaside Smitten. Her favorite item from Wendy's shop is the Rosy Grey Herringbone Suiting and Lace Clutch in Vintage Fabric with Vintage Buttons!

She wins the lovely Pink and Black Tie Clutch. Congrats!!

Wendy, your work is lovely, and I am so happy you decided to come by my blog and share with us. It was an honor to have you!

Keep up with Wendy's work by visiting her shop Pook & Thy. Give her shop a heart while you're there!

My heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who stopped by to enter. I am forever grateful for your continued support of my blog.

Be sure to toss your name in the hat for this week's giveaway! It started today, and one lucky reader will get their choice of 5x5 print from the fabulous Etsy shop Violet Bella Photography. Have a great night!!

Hall of Fame {Violet Bella}

2009-11-23T10:00:00.011-05:00

Howdy! Welcome back for this week's interview and giveaway. Let's get this holiday week started off right ;)

Meet the beautiful and talented Laura of Violet Bella. Her shop is brimming with unique jewelry, accessories, photos, and art. She also has a shop devoted to her photography - Violet Bella Photography.

You'll fall in love with every photo in her shop - they're all so beautiful! Read on to learn more about this drum-playin, craft crazy, pet lover and life explorer.

What inspires you?
- So many things inspire me. Nature has to be the biggest, especially autumn. The colors of the leaves, the overcast days (perfect for photos), the smell in the air. Next would be other artists. Etsy has opened up my eyes to the realm of craftiness out there. I live in a small town, so before Etsy and really interacting on blogs, I had no idea so many people my age were interested in the same things I am. That is very inspiring. Basically my eye is drawn to so many things. We may be driving in the car and pass an old rusty barn, or I happen to catch the light coming through the tall grass as the sun is setting, that really gets me going!

Where do you call home? Are you from there originally?
- I call being with my husband and animals home. But I also call the hillcountry my home, as yes I grew up here, in Bandera, Texas. I love being surrounded by nature. As much as I love the old buildings, cool shops, and people watching, I would never survive in the city!
Name something unique to where you live?
- Lets see, Bandera is the Cowboy Capital of the World, so as you can imagine, I stick out in a town like this. On regular occasions you will see people riding down main street on their horses, or even see a longhorn in the middle of town. Oh, and our local museum has a shrunken head thats been stolen twice! It was found and recovered on the side of the road somewhere!

Share an interesting fact about yourself?
- Hmmm...I wore all black in high school! I mean all black, with the blood red lipstick and all. Its a good thing there is a such thing as fazes! Ive always been an individual in the way I dress - if I like it - I wear it! Oh, and I love to play the drums. But I dont have a set anymore. I would oh so love to have a pink drum set one day!
If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would that be?
- hard question - either CRAFTY or COMPASSIONATE. {sorry, I cant decide}

What made you decide to open up a shop?
- After losing my mother to breast cancer, I became a waitress for a year. Then circumstances happened that made me want to leave, so I did. I had no experience in other fields, I had worked with my family's business, Broken China Jewelry, since out of high school. I took a huge leap of faith, with the support of my husband, to go for my dream - to support myself as an artist! I have always dreamt of creating lovely things that people would cherish, just like my mom did. I know that she would be so proud of me and that keeps me going everyday.

How did you come up with the name Violet Bella? Any special significance?
- Yes! It just kind of happened naturally. I adore my animals, they are a huge part of my life. My dog's name is Violet, and my cat's name is Bella. They just sounded so pretty together, I didnt think twice about it!
Name your favorite thing about selling handmade.
- the satisfaction I get knowing that someone loved something I made with my own hands enough to spend money on it, especially in such tough financial times. I also love being able to reuse and repurpose old or discarded things, reducing the purchases of new items in this world is always a plus in my book!

Do you have a day job or sell on Etsy full time?
- I am currently doing Etsy full time, along with selling in two local shops, Gunslinger and Cowboy Caliente. I love selling in the shops because I get to fix my space up how I want it, its like playing shop without actually having to run it. Although, my big dream is to own my own shop one day, I just dont ever want to be married to it! I do work for a friend of mine who owns an herbal company, Earthlight Energies. We make all kinds of completely organic herbal products from scratch. I am learning alot about herbs and what they are good for. I also clean her house once a week. I am getting her to set up an etsy shop as well!
You seem to have many talents as a 'photographer, jewelry designer and clothing designer'. Have you had any formal training?
- No. I took a photography class in high school, but I was more interested in finding ways out of class, and actually crushing on my husband :) {we didnt know it at the time} But even in class, I did not like to pay attention to the rules, I just wanted to take the pictures. Same thing in art class, I just wanted to draw, I didnt want anyone telling me how I was suppose to do it. So needless to say, I never learned the 'techniques', I just play until I get it right. My mom taught me the basics of sewing, but again, I cant use patterns. My philosophy in all that I do is to just get in there and try until you get what you want. Rules and patterns are too confining and take away from my creativity. I like never knowing how something is going to look until its done, whether thats a photograph, a dress or a necklace.

Give us a little glimpse into what a typical day in your life looks like.
- starts with feeding my animals, I also have a little lovebird, Nico. Then straight to the coffee pot! As I drink my coffee I check all my online sites, email, etsy and blogger. Get super excited if I sold something! I make alot of lists each day of things I want to accomplish, it keeps me somewhat organized. Usually house cleaning is on the list. I post new items, make blogs, try to hit a treasury, as much networking as I can. Then I will begin to craft. This is where the lists come in handy, or else I am all over the place and cant focus on what to work on, the only down side of doing so many different crafts. Then depending on my husbands schedule, I will make dinner and we will watch an episode of House or Psyche. He will usually play a video game, so Im back online! Maybe some more posting, chat room or just general browsing new fun blogs!
Then playtime with our dog Violet, maybe a walk to the post office or just around town and then off to bed!
Share with us a favorite etsy purchase or shop.
- oh man, there are so many good ones, that is a hard choice...I am going to have to say, my friend Renea's shop pennythreads. She only has three items in her shop so far, she just started! But she already has over 100 views on one of her items. if you follow her shop, i know you will be pleased with what is yet to come. She is an amazing painter, you can see a custom portrait she did of me in her shop. She also crochets the most beautiful scarfs and cowls ive ever seen. amazingly talented artist. she is also a poet by the way :)

List a few of your most favorite pastimes. - I am assuming this question means things I like to do to pass the time. I hope so, that is what I am going to respond with :) I love to hand embroider things. Or handsewing in general. I love to read. I love to go to coffee shops. I love to take drives in the hillcountry. And one of my favorite things to do is to just lay in the bath tub! Oh, and yoga!!!
Read any good books lately?
- I dont read novels so much. I read inspiration books, usually buddhist ones. Check out anything by Jon Kabat-Zinn or Thich Nhat Hahn.
my favorite on soul work: Care of the Soul by Thomas Moore
my favorite thought provoking book: Think on these things by Krishnamurti
my favorite daily inspiration: Journey to the Heart by Melody Beattie
my favorite love story: The Unimaginable Life by Kenny and Julia Loggins (yes, the musician)
my favorite art inspiration: Letters to a young artist by Julia Cameron

What is your most prized possession?
- I would have to say its a kaliedescope that my mother made when she was about my age. She was working for a company that made them and she was commissioned to make one for Tiffanys. So she decided to put some old china pieces in it, and long story short, this was the seed for her Broken China Jewelry business. Which I am proud to say that she was the original creator of this, now there are so many other people making it!
What are your three favorite foods?
1. Nutella french toast!
2. homeade pizza
3. my moms green chicken enchiladas!

What would you like to learn to do?
- Crochet, Bellydancing, be a better cook, to really play the drums, really cool stuff with photoshop

What are you listening to now?
- currently Coralie Clement (french), Ingrid Michaelson, and Dashboard Confessionals new album (the acoustic version)
- all time favorites: Neil Young, Joni Mitchel, Bob Dylan, Blind Melon, Tegan and Sara, White Stripes, Willie Nelson, etc.
Name one place you must visit in your lifetime and why?
- since the fourth grade I have wanted to go to Maine after reading a story, I dont even remember the story now, just the wonderful description of Maine. Ive already been to France, Spain and Germany. I would so love to go back to the country side of France. I was not too impressed with Paris, I like the funky outskirts much better!

Laura, thank you so much for stopping by to share with us. It was a pleasure getting to know you better.

Please take a moment to visit Laura's photostream on flickr. She has so many lovely photos! And for the latest in Violet Bella's World, stop by her blog!

Time for a Giveaway!
Laura is so generously giving one lucky winner their choice of any 5 x 5 print from her shop Violet Bella Photography!

To enter, just leave a comment on this post with your favorite item from Violet Bella or her photo shop. Don't forget to include your name and email address or Etsy username!

Good luck!

For extra entries you can:
Tweet this giveaway: 2 additional entries
Follow my blog and/or Laura's blog: 5 additional entries
Blog about this interview/contest: 7 additional entries
Purchase from Violet Bella or Violet Bella Photography: 10 additional entries

(Please include this info, if applicable, with your comment for additional entries. You do not need to leave separate comments for additional entries. Important: Don't forget to include your name and contact info!)

Contest ends Sunday, November 29th at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen by traditional drawing and will be announced Monday, November 30th.

Advertising Available!

2009-11-23T09:45:00.000-05:00

Looking for some extra exposure? Want to promote your shop? Would you like some additional traffic to your blog? Well, I'm so happy to announce that I am now offering ad space here at The Sunshine Studio! My rates are reasonable and I'll even help you design your ad if need be.

{SPECIAL OFFER}
I would love to ad your button to the far right sidebar over there --------->
The first two people to contact me and sign up will get $5 off! You can't beat that!

{more info here}

Worth Quoting

2009-11-23T09:30:00.001-05:00

To believe is to know that life is a miracle and all that we dream of is within our reach.

~ Unknown

2009-11-20T17:16:00.003-05:00

this truffle bag

this cushion cover

these vintage boots

these crystal earrings

these luxe lace leggings

this scallop scarf

this vegan eye shadow

this loofa soap

what are you wishing for?

Weekend Whimsy {New Moon}

2009-11-20T16:38:00.002-05:00

Map Earrings ~ Sherry Truitt
Edward Portrait ~ FineLineArtStudio
My Personal Sun Necklace ~ cinnamon sticks
Spring Wolf Print ~ Fisher Art Works
Vampire Season Print ~ Annadriel's World
Sanguis (blood) Soap ~ Squeaky Queen
Nessie & Jacob Locket ~ FallenHearts
Jacob Black ACEO ~ christydekoning

Alluring Artisans: goodkarma

2009-11-19T14:03:00.002-05:00

Purse-aholic

2009-11-19T09:30:00.001-05:00

forest-for-the-trees bag

Creative Corner

2009-11-18T16:39:00.003-05:00

kelly green scarf ~ Lesha's Workshop
leather clutch ~ TheFigLeaf
wool wrapped stacking bangles ~ mystic fibers

Wordless Wednesday

2009-11-18T15:41:00.003-05:00

Drumroll Please. . .

2009-11-17T12:00:00.000-05:00

This week's extremely lucky winner is Wanda! Her favorite piece from Monica's shop is the Hazy Sky Necklace.

Wanda gets the absolutely gorgeous necklace seen below, and I think I can speak for everyone when I say, we're all a little jealous ;)

Monica, your work is truly beautiful, and I am so happy you decided to come by my blog and share with us. It was an honor to have you!

And thank you to all who entered for the AWESOME turnout! I'm sure you'll want to keep up with Monica and her work, so don't forget to follow her on twitter, heart her shop, and become a facebook fan!

A new Hall of Fame Interview & Giveaway started yesterday, so stop by while you're here and get your entry in. Have a great week!

Alluring Artisans: O Bella Naturals

2009-11-17T10:00:00.001-05:00

Trendy Tuesday

2009-11-17T09:30:00.002-05:00

scarf
3/4 sleeve top
earrings
leggings
flats

Hall of Fame {Pook & Thy}

2009-11-16T18:20:00.001-05:00

Welcome back, everyone! You're in for another treat this week. I feel so privileged to be able to introduce you to these fabulous Etsy artists. After each interview, I feel as if I've made a new friend. I hope you will too. . .

Meet Wendy, the seamstress behind the sweet Etsy shop Pook & Thy. Her shop is filled with hand embroidered cards and tags, clutches, scarves, bibs, and handbags!

Wendy is a mother, nurse, thrift store addict, and artist who makes her lovely pieces mostly out of recycled materials.

Read on to learn more about her busy life, how she learned to sew, and just who is Pook. You'll also get to meet her adorable assistant! ;)

What inspires you?
I am inspired by colour combinations and elements of style all around me. I am an avid people watcher. I might see someone perhaps wearing a blouse with a certain type of ruffle which might inspire me to create something of my own with a ruffle as an accent. Also I have always had a love for vintage and classic things which truly never go out of style.

Where do you call home? Are you from there originally?
I am from Toronto and have lived within the same neighbourhood since the age of 8. I guess you could call me a real homebody. I'm really not that adventurous or a world traveler. I prefer to stay at home with my sewing machine.

Name something unique to where you live.
In downtown Toronto there is a textile museum and every year they have a massive fundraiser sale of donated textiles and vintage fabrics. For me this is like Christmas. I'm like a child in that I can barely sleep the night before the event.

{Wendy's "assistant" ~ click to enlarge}

Share an interesting fact about yourself.
I also work outside of the home as a registered nurse in an occupational health capacity. I started my nursing career working in maternity and labor and delivery.

If you had to describe yourself in a word, what would that word be?
Wow, this is a really tough question! ...so many options... how bout silly? I love being goofy sometimes, especially with certain friends.

What made you decide to open up shop?
I had been talking about doing something like a shop on another e-commerce site which shall remain nameless and then one of my best friends introduced me to etsy. She apologized when she told me about it because she said it was very addicting. She was right! My shop slowly evolved from there and I'm experimenting with new designs all the time. Sometimes I think my shop is too busy with too much variety and not enough consistency i.e. one item in many different sizes and colours etc., but then again I'm an artisan and not a catalogue company.
How did you come up with your shop name? Any special significance?
Pook = my 5 year old son's nickname
Thy = my dear friend Thyra - whom I met in nursing school and also loves to sew.

Name your favorite thing about selling handmade.
I LOVE to think there are people out there all over the world who love my work and are wearing my unique creations.

Do you have a day job or sell on Etsy full-time?
***see above.

Who taught you to sew and when?
My mother was trained as a family studies or home economics teacher in the 60s. She is an amazing sewer and actually taught me to sew on her vintage Singer machine when I was 5. This was after having sent back my plastic Holly Hobby machine for repairs for the upteenth time.
Give us a little glimpse into what a typical day in your life looks like.
Every day is quite different really at the moment because I am off work on maternity leave with a new baby who is now 4 months old. Between feeding the baby, getting Pook back and forth to Kindergarten and keeping the house in order I try to sneak in some sewing and etsy here and there.

Share with us a favorite Etsy purchase or shop.
Definitely I have to say that I'm addicted to mother of pearl buttons and belt buckles from grlyhead's shop on etsy. Lately I've also developed a rhinestone button and buckle fascination too.

List a few of your most favorite pastimes.
I love to sew (obviously)
I love love love to thrift shop
Hanging out at my parent's cottage in Muskoka and checking out the garage sales up there.
Playing with my kids and spending time relaxing at home with my husband.
Swimming and downhill skiing

Read any good books lately?
I have to say that I really don't have very much time for reading. I am trying to finish up My Sister's Keeper but it's taking about 6 months, lol.
What is your most prized possession?
Definitely my Singer Featherweight sewing machine. It's so beautiful - all glossy, gleamy and black - and sews like a dream.

What are three of your favorite foods?
Perogies for sure! (must be homemade)

What would you like to learn to do?
Speak Spanish I guess, I'm already bilingual in French.

What are you listening to right now?
My fussy baby, Lol. He likes to be held ALL the time and doesn't like that I've put him down.
Name one place you must visit in your lifetime and why.
Paris! Paris! Paris! Who doesn't want to go to Paris??? Well it's the french in me I guess and the style there of course.

Wendy, thank you for stopping by to share with us. It was a pleasure getting to know you better.

Time for a Giveaway!
This week's winner will receive Wendy's Pink and Black Tie Clutch. Lovely!

To enter, just leave a comment on this post with your favorite item from her shop. Don't forget to include your name and email address or Etsy username!

Good luck!

For extra entries you can:
Tweet this giveaway: 2 additional entries
Follow my blog: 5 additional entries
Blog about this interview/contest: 7 additional entries
Purchase from Pook & Thy: 10 additional entries

(Please include this info, if applicable, with your comment for additional entries. You do not need to leave separate comments for additional entries. Important: Don't forget to include your name and contact info!)

Contest ends Sunday, November 22nd at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen by traditional drawing and will be announced Monday, November 23rd.

Worth Quoting

2009-11-16T09:00:00.001-05:00

When I admire the wonder of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in worship of the Creator.

~ Gandhi

2009-11-13T15:23:00.005-05:00

this necklace

this wreath

these studs

this hook board

this moisturizing balm

these earrings

this clutch

what are you wishing for?

Weekend Whimsy {Sunny Side Up}

2009-11-13T09:30:00.000-05:00

I hope this brightens your day!

coppersmith earrings ~ the peach tree
morningtime print ~ violet bella photography
senna ring ~ the sunshine studio
mustard dalia necklace ~ baboush
gold merino fingerless gloves ~ morava
the queen bee necklace ~ my lavaliere
mustard hummingbird & flowers clutch ~ oktak
buttercups, little bobbies ~ cultivar
knitted beret ~ aspasia
autumn harvest lariat necklace ~ silver dot jewelry
grey poupon fox ~ sleepy king
sun dappled prairie field scarf ~ knot original
harvest gold pom ~ party poms
i wish print ~ mistflower photo

Hot Off the Press

2009-11-12T14:25:00.011-05:00

I have some great finds to share with you this week! First of all, the Kotori Blog is giving away a copy of The Happy Book.

About the book, "The Happy Book gives you the opportunity to create a living record of the things in life - friends, memories, family, foods, books, songs, quotes, ideas, dreams - that make you happy. You'll scribble, sketch, ponder, paste, doodle and play. You'll make this book your own."

Sounds great, right? Be sure to stop by Kotori and enter to win!

Now, let me tell you, you'd have to be crazy not to get in on your chance to win the g.o.r.g.e.o.u.s. necklace pictured above. Her Majesty's Necklace is handcrafted by the lovely Monica of Moon Over Maize, and is made up of crystal quartz and multi-colored watermelon tourmaline. Swoon! Get those entries in! I think you've submitted a record-breaking number of entries so far, so pull out all the stops - tweet, follow, blog... you know what to do!

ENTER HERE

I have one more giveaway to share with you, but before we get to that, here's a few other things to talk about...

The holidays are almost here! If you're shopping handmade this season, and for jewelry in particular, what are you looking for? Rings? Necklaces? Earrings? Bracelets? I'd love to hear your thoughts. I have some ideas and lots to list - I need to get to work. Time is flying!

Did you read my post open to your book recommendations? I would absolutely love for you to share! Be sure to stop by while you're here and comment with your favorite reads or with what's on your to-read list. Calling all bookworms!

Tomorrow, I'll be starting a new series! Wishing For will post every Friday after Weekend Whimsy. I've decided to make it a regular post with the holidays right around the corner. What are you wishing for?

Lastly, I've been asked to participate in another Craft Show this year. Yay! This one is indoors, and is called Holiday CRAFT ATTACK. It will take place December 5th from 1pm to 5pm, in Charlotte, NC. I'll let you know when I have more info. (Oh, and I still have pics to show you from last month's show. They're coming, I promise)

I'll leave you with another great giveaway. The fabulous Cat of Uncorked + Polarity is hosting a giveaway by Bonspiel. That adorable little pouch to the left is up for grabs! Check out their shop full of cute things and become a fan on facebook. While you're there, peruse Cat's shops Polarity and Uncorked, and follow her funny, witty blog. It'll make you smile.

ENTER HERE

'Night all! ♥

Alluring Artisans: Whitney Smith Pottery

2009-11-12T10:00:00.001-05:00

Purse-aholic

2009-11-12T09:30:00.000-05:00

shoulder and satchel bag

Happy Veteran's Day

2009-11-11T17:18:00.003-05:00

"I think there is one higher office than president
and I would call that patriot."

~ Gary Hart

To all those who have served or who are serving our country... Thank you.
Happy Veteran's Day!

Creative Corner

2009-11-11T10:00:00.002-05:00

tiny twig pencil
organic lavender sachets
my little acorn earrings

Wordless Wednesday

2009-11-11T09:30:00.002-05:00

Calling all bookworms!

2009-11-10T11:00:00.001-05:00

Are you an avid reader? Or maybe you've come across a good read lately? I'd like to hear it! I'm always on the lookout for a good book - new or old.

Reading has always been one of my most favorite pastimes. My escape. So, I'd like to designate a spot here on my blog for you to come and share your book recommendations. Any topic. Any genre. Any author. Any era!

Feel free to leave a comment (as many as you'd like, at any time) with your favorites.

Happy reading!

Alluring Artisans: something's hiding in here

2009-11-10T10:00:00.000-05:00

Trendy Tuesday

2009-11-10T09:30:00.000-05:00

This week's outfit is perfect for a holiday dinner or a night out with the girls. Actually, the possibilities are endless with this versatile coat. And plaid is so in this season.

plaid hooded coat $36.99
basic leggings $7.99
solid scoop neck top in maroon $7.50
suede ruched booties $24.99

Get the entire look from Charlotte Russe.