Artist Highlight, DISCOUNT CODE and Giveaway!! Jo Arty Jo

So I am a HUGE proponent of educational gifts for kiddos and unique gifts for adults.  Jo Arty Jo has both.  AND THEY ARE AWESOME!  Seriously.  If you have kids on your list for Christmas, consider these coloring sheets.  They will really force your little munchkins to concentrate on staying in the lines and they will open their world to creative geometry and art!  If you have men and women on your list, check out these original pieces of art because they are fabulous.  Also, be sure to check out this inspiring interview, enter the giveaway, AND check out that discount!  Holiday deals aren't over yet!

Original Elephant

Hi Jo Welcome! Tell us a little bit about yourself and your awesome original drawings.
Hi and thanks! I am a stay at home mummy and self taught artist from St Albans in the UK. At the moment I am more than a little bit addicted to drawing with my black fineliner on white paper. I love the contrast! I occasionally add some color too, but usually stick to just the one. My work is mainly abstract, some zentangles. I draw whatever pops into my head, I find it very therapeutic and relaxing after a long day!
I am particulary addicted to making ACEO (art cards, editions and originals). These are collectable art cards which measure 2.5” x 3.5”, baseball card size! They are a way to collect affordable original art, fantastic idea- I like being a collector as well as an artist!

AWESOME Planner!!

Besides all of the drawings you have in your Etsy store, what else do you like to do?
My life at the moment is run by my little boy. I am so lucky to have him and not have to go out work. I draw and work on my shop while he is asleep. When he is awake I run around after him, take him to fun places, have play dates and generally try to keep him occupied and entertained. He is almost 20 months and has a LOT of energy!

What first drew you to drawing?
I have loved to draw for as long as I can remember. I started drawing more recently since I became a stay at home mum- I opened my Etsy shop so I have a hobby and second income, and to give myself some ‘me time’.

Coloring Sheet

What advice would you give to aspiring artists and Etsy shop owners?
Always create what you love. There is no point trying to create something because you ‘think it will sell’ if you don’t LOVE it. Art is about being inspired, loving what you do, and letting this shine through in your work.

Where else can we find you?
Etsy: www.JoArtyJo.etsy.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JoArtyJo
Twitter: twitter.com/#!/JoArtyJo
Pinterst: www.pinterest.com/jo1984


In addition to such inspiring words, JoArtyJo is hosting a giveaway here at A Girl and Her Scout! Jo will be giving away a set of 3 printable zentangle coloring pages:

Seen Here

The winner will be chosen (via a random assorter) on December 5th so be sure to get in your entries by then!

To enter, head over to her Etsy Store, Jo Arty Jo, and leave a comment here about your favorite item(s). Additional entries for: 1) becoming a first time follower of A Girl and Her Scout 2) Posting this giveaway with a link to my blog on your blog 3) Posting this giveaway with a link to my blog on your facebook and/or twitter 4) “Hearting” or adding Jo Arty Jo to your “Favorites” on Etsy and/or 5) making a purchase out of her store (one entry for every purchase). Be sure to leave a new comment for each additional entry!


In addition, until 31 December 2011 she will be offering a 15% discount to all A Girl and Her Scout readers! YAY!!! Just use key word “girlandherscout" at check out to receive your discount.

Artist Highlight, Giveaway and Discount! Melanie Caskey Photography

Just in time for Black Friday Shopping... check out this great interview with Melanie of Melanie Caskey Photography!  She's offering a discount and giveaway and her shop is filled with great wall art for everyone on your list!

2012 Calendar

 Besides all of the photography you have in your Etsy store, what else do you like to do?I have this odd fascination with nature, the figure, and how those two things interact. So a lot of my work outside of photography is centered around the human figure in its most natural state. Gestural line drawings with watercolor washes really speak to me! I also have a degree in ceramics. So my interests are in a variety of places, but photography is my greatest passion. 

What first drew you to photography?
My parents bought me a Nikon N60 when I was in high school. After that, I took two years of classes (all film, of course) and decided I was going to go to get an art degree, focus my time in photography, and build a life out of it. Little did I know, the school I wanted to go to so badly did not have a photography program, but one (very talented) photography professor. So I dabbled in a little bit of everything, landed in ceramics, and now I'm back to where I started & loving every second of it! 

Tree Bark

Where do you find the subjects for your photographs?
I google "parks", drive to the one that is closest to my current location, and I hope I find something interesting. You would never know it, but most of my photographs are taken in heavily populated urban areas. I find a section of a tree, flower, anything that catches my eye and work around it until somethings beautiful happens in my camera. I just hope the people around me don't think I look too ridiculous crouched on the ground, walking in circles. 

What advice would you give to aspiring artists and Etsy shop owners?
Do what you love. I heard this somewhere once, "If people see that you do what you love, they will love what you do". Also, don't be afraid to put yourself out there and brag a little. Learn how to talk about your work and surround yourself with it! Most of all, don't get down on yourself if you don't meet your goals the first time (or the second time). No one ever said being an artist was easy, it's our determination that keeps people coming back. 

Vintage Book

Where else can we find you?
Let's see... My blog is here: http://melaniecaskey.blogspot.com/

My Flickr is here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/melaniecaskey/

My Twitter machine is here: https://twitter.com/#!/MelanieCaskey

My Etsy Shop is here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MelanieCaskey 

 

In addition to such inspiring words, Melanie Caskey Photography is hosting a giveaway here at A Girl and Her Scout! Melanie will be giving away an 5x7 print of your choice. 

White Wild Flowers

The winner will be chosen (via a random assorter) on November 28th so be sure to get in your entries by then!


To enter, head over to her Etsy Store, Melanie Caskey Photography, and leave a comment here about your favorite item(s). Additional entries for: 1) becoming a first time follower of A Girl and Her Scout 2) Posting this giveaway with a link to my blog on your blog 3) Posting this giveaway with a link to my blog on your facebook and/or twitter 4) “Hearting” or adding Melanie Caskey Photography to your “Favorites” on Etsy and/or 5) making a purchase out of her store (one entry for every purchase). Be sure to leave a new comment for each additional entry!


In addition, until December 8th she will be offering a  15 % discount to all A Girl and Her Scout readers! YAY!!! Just use key word “girlandherscout" at check out to receive your discount.

Artist Highlight and Giveaway: White Bear!

Anybody know what time it is?  HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIME!!  That's right folks, the holidays are upon us, that's why I am super duper excited to introduce you to Lindsay from White Bear who is incredibly inspiring and is hosting a giveaway for you lovely and creative readers AND is giving us a code for FREE SHIPPING!!  Her shop is filled with uber unique and perfect finds for the holidays and great accessories for yourself for some festive holiday partoes so be sure to hop on over!  Check out her coolness below and leave a comment to win!

Awesome Lace Earrings!

Hi Lindsay! Welcome! Tell us a little bit about yourself and your fun accessories.

Well hello there! Thank you so much for having me. This is my first interview so excuse me if I get all giggly and start to ramble...I'm pretty excited. Anyhow, a little about me...I am a 26 year old native New Yorker (yes, Manhattan...) who moved to sunny Miami Beach almost three years ago. It was too cold for me up there, so I opted for the warmer life. I was a professional actress and dancer since age three but decided to take a break from that crazy life and concentrate on my other love, jewelry. My mother had her own accessory company when I was a kid which got my sister and I into creating fun things at a very early age. I've been making my own jewelry for about 15 years now! Only recently did I finally start selling my creations because I got tired of my friends saying, "You need to start your own company! We love your jewelry too much!" So, here I am.... Creating, selling, living and loving. I reside on the ocean with my puppy Chloe and my amazing boyfriend John, (who is a chef!) Yeah, life is good.

So as for my accessories, well I do a little bit of everything. I make beaded earrings, make headbands of all sorts, I dabble in feather extensions and my new favorite thing is LACE! I think it is so simple and girly but can be made into something so extravagant and exotic. The versatility it provides is extremely exciting for a designer. I hand paint all of my lace and try and create a new and interesting statement piece that no one has ever seen before! 

Hand Dyed and Crochet Necklace

Besides all of the accessories you have in your Etsy store, what else do you like to do?

Since I live on the water, we are always on the beach or in a pool! It's really too hot here not to be! I also love photography, interior decorating, fashion, website designing, dancing, singing, I'm starting to do real estate, promotional modeling, event planning...yeah I kind of do a little bit of everything. I'm weird and ambitious like that lol. I'm a rockstar.

What first drew you to making accessories?

I am a creative person, through and through. Whether it's acting on a stage, singing karaoke at a local bar, helping a friend decorate an apartment or doing a photo shoot of my jewelry...I am ALWAYS creating. Art is all around us and it's just too much fun to not be making something beautiful constantly! Designing jewelry and accessories is a fantastic way for me to get all of my built up creative energy out there for the world to enjoy.

Tassel Earrings- SO great for Holiday Parties!

What advice would you give to aspiring artists and Etsy shop owners?

If something isn't working, find out why and change it. My motto in life (which many people think is silly, but it works for me...) is "never be satisfied." There is always room to improve something. Take different pictures, think like a buyer, find your niche, try different ideas. At first I wasn't getting sales, so I thought to ask around for suggestions, for help. I was told to change up my photos on Etsy because they weren't clear and bright enough. I did what was suggested and honestly, it was like magic. Business began to pick up instantly. So if something isn't working, if you aren't happy, if the sales aren't coming in...it's usually for a reason. Ask for help. Change it up. Live life on the edge. It can't hurt!

Where else can we find you?

You can check me out on facebook for special sales, giveaways, etc: www.facebook.com/WhiteBearAccessories

I also have a blog I'm trying to get going at www.WhiteBearAccessories.blogspot.com

And my personal site: www.LindsayBleier.com

In addition to such inspiring words, White Bear (such a great name!) is hosting a giveaway here at A Girl and Her Scout! Lindsay will be giving away these fabulous lace earrings in any colors you want! 

The winner will be chosen (via a random assorter) on December 1st so be sure to get in your entries by then!

To enter, head over to her Etsy Store, White Bear, and leave a comment here about your favorite item(s). Additional entries for: 1) becoming a first time follower of A Girl and Her Scout 2) Posting this giveaway with a link to my blog on your blog 3) Posting this giveaway with a link to my blog on your facebook and/or twitter 4) “Hearting” or adding White Bear to your “Favorites” on Etsy  and/ or 5) making a purchase out of her store (one entry for every purchase) Be sure to leave a new comment for each additional entry!

Don't forget, you can get free shipping over at her shop!  Use coupon code "girlscout" to receive that wonderful discount.  It's what's so annoying about shopping on the internet right?!  Can't stop you now! 

Artist Highlight and Giveaway: Nichoir!

Today I am so pleased to introduce Missy from Nichoir.  She has the best feather hair accessories that are perfect for all ages and make great stocking stuffers... just sayin :)  Check out her inspiring interview, discount code and enter her giveaway below!  Welcome Missy and thanks to all for stopping by!

Hi Missy! Welcome! Tell us a little bit about yourself and your fun feather accessories.

Hi all!  I was born, raised, and still reside in Eastern Washington State. My accessories are inspired by my surroundings, where else then the Pacific Northwest do you see the desert, mountains, rain forest, and ocean all in a couple hours on a Sunday drive? 

I've been a hairstylist since I was 18, my passion for what I do and my love for fashion led me to making hair accessories which turned into more. In addition to hair accessories I also make jewelry,  keychains, and recently started creating Christmas tree ornaments and book marks. Who knows what I'll be inspired to create next. 

Besides all of the accessories you have in your Etsy store, what else do you like to do?
Oh, so much. I'm an outdoorsy girl. I love to travel, camp, and hike. I'm also a big movie buff and book nerd when I can find the time between working, creating and crafting, and keeping up with my 13 year old daughter's activities, arts, and sports. I also love paper crafts and photography. 

What first drew you to using feathers in your accessories and making accessories in general?

Arts and crafting is in my blood. My mom and my daughter are both china painters and are seriously good at it. My mom once placed fifth in the World China Painters Association Competition, and my daughter once placed first in her age category in the Washington State China Painters Competition. (sorry- I couldn't help bragging on the family a little) I have two sisters, one is a professional writer, and one makes soaps and used to make hemp jewelry and pottery. So when you come from a creative family or are surrounded by creative people and artists you never even question if you can do something, it's only a matter of finding what you have a love for.  

I've always loved birds and feathers. I remember growing up my grandma's house was my favorite place because she had art prints with birds and all these carvings and figurines of birds in her house, which has now started happening in my own house. I started making hair accessories for myself and my daughter and loved creating them so much that I decided to open an Etsy shop really just as an excuse to spend more time creating them. 

What advice would you give to aspiring artists and Etsy shop owners?

Create what you have a passion for, put your heart into all your work. Especially when it's something you are making for somebody else, when you create something you're putting a little piece of yourself into it, and when your art is in the hands of someone else they should be holding the best of you. 

Where else can we find you?

You can keep up with me and what's new at Nichoir on Facebook-  www.facebook.com/nichoir

In addition to such inspiring words, Nichoir is hosting a giveaway here at A Girl and Her Scout! Missy will be giving away  a hair feather extension clip, keychain, or pair of earrings with feathers of your choice (under a $20 limit).  This giveaway is open to US residents only.

 

The winner will be chosen (via a random assorter) on December 1, 2011 so be sure to get in your entries by then!

To enter, head over to her Etsy Store, Nichoir, and leave a comment here about your favorite item(s). Additional entries for: 1) becoming a first time follower of A Girl and Her Scout 2) Posting this giveaway with a link to my blog on your blog 3) Posting this giveaway with a link to my blog on your facebook and/or twitter 4) “Hearting” or adding Nichoir to your “Favorites” on Etsy  5) making a purchase out of her store (one entry for every purchase) and/or 6) Liking Nichoir on Facebook. Be sure to leave a new comment for each additional entry!

In addition, until December 31, 2011 she will be offering a 15% discount to all A Girl and Her Scout readers! YAY!!! Just use key word “girlandherscout" at check out to receive your discount.

Artist Highlight and Giveaway: Perles de Verre

It's been a little quiet around here the past few days.  Andrew and I had the pleasure of heading to Memphis to see some friends and I have been catching up with Etsy orders ever since.  But I'm pleased today to introduce Erin from pearles de verre, a glass bead jewelry shop that is full of wonderful finds!  See below to for great Etsy shop tips and inspiration, a GIVEAWAY!!, and a discount from Erin!

 Hi Erin Dubrow! Tell us a little bit about yourself and your jewelry. I live in South Carolina and I am a full time educator.  I am happily married to my better half and in love with my Bassett Hound named Lucky.

I have been a lampwork artist for the last 9 years. I began making glass beads on a torch one at a time after taking an introductory class.  Each bead is a unique design and no two are the same. Some have small imperfections that allow customers to know they are truly handmade and not mass produced. It can take anywhere from 1 minute to 5 minutes in front of the torch to make most of the beads in my shop.  Then, you have the cooling, cleaning, designing, and the assembly process before my art is ready to be photographed, uploaded , described and advertised to the customer. It is a time consuming process and a process that I have a love hate relationship with most days.  It ends when it is posted live to customers at my shop.  My store is perles de verre and can be searched on etsy. It stands for beads and glass.

Besides all of the jewelry you have in your Etsy store, what else do you like to do? 

Some of my favorite things to do are: 

- sit at the beach on Saturday from May to August

-hunt through treasures at vintage shops or flea markets, which I don’t do nearly enough

-go shopping for clothes and accessories

-paper and glue can entertain me for hours

-reading

-drinking coffee and catching up with friends

-social kickball

What first drew you to making jewelry? Well, it is funny you ask. I was actually drawn to glass all my life. I love vintage milk glass and as well as modern glass design elements for the home. I was always touching it as a kid, and my mom was always telling me to stop. Once I got in trouble for touching art in the art museum by security!  So, for my 21^st Birthday my parents got me a lampworking glass. So, I began making beads. Slowly, I added to my technique and skill.  Thus, I knew I had to learn to make jewelry. So, glass came first then jewelry design and assembly. But from this, I have developed a love of fine jewelry as well as a collection of costume jewelry. 

 

What advice would you give to aspiring artists and Etsy shop owners? Go for it! You have nothing to lose! It is a small investment in something you love.  It is a win win!

Where else can we find you?

On Facebook, just search perles de verre or go to www.facebook.com/perlesdeverre

Some of my work has been featured on etsylush.com too! Check out the site for great totally handmade work by etsy artist. 

  In addition to such inspiring words, Erin is giving away one pair of earrings of the winner's choice from her shop!! The winner will be chosen at random on November 1st.

 

To enter, head over to her EtsyStore, perles de verre, and leave a comment, link or picture here about your favorite item(s). Additional Entries:  1) becoming a first time follower of A Girl and Her Scout 2) Posting this giveaway with a link to my blog on your blog 3) Posting this giveaway with a link to my blog on your facebook and/or twitter 4) “Hearting” or adding Perles de Verre to your “Favorites” on Etsy  5) making a purchase out of her store (one entry for every purchase) and/ or 6) Go on facebook.com/perlesdeverre and liking my page AND leaving a comment on the thread . Be sure to leave a new comment for each additional entry!

Also, All A Girl and Her Scout Readers can take 10% off the item of their choice at my etsy store.  Just use key word “girlandherscout" at check out to receive your discount until November 30^th.

Artist Highlight and Giveaway: hoop~da~loop

Today I thought it would be fun to interview myself (weird? maybe... fun?! yes!) and tell you a bit more about hoop~da~loop.  I am also hosting a fun fun giveaway and offering you wonderful readers a discount!  So be sure to scroll down to see how to enter!

Autumn Garland

Hi hoop~da~loop! Welcome! Tell us a little bit about yourself and your whimsical party decor.
Hello!  I'm Allison.  I live in Knoxville, TN with my most wonderful husband, Andrew aka "Scout" and trusty pup, Bailey.  Besides creating, I love to be in the great outdoors, learn new things, and hang out with my family and friends.  I'm also a bit of a foodie and LOVE tracking down delicious restaurants and eating at them.  My Etsy shop hoop~da~loop is full of happy and whimsical party decorations and unique gifts.  It's pretty much the perfect place to find anything from wedding decorations and rehearsal dinner invitations to holiday home decor and dorm goodies.  I love custom work and do a lot of it so if customers don't see exactly what they want, I will make it happen!

Woodland Gift Tags

Besides the paper crafts and such that you have in your Etsy store, what else do you like to do?
Like I mentioned above, I love to be outside.  Specifically I love running and walking my dog.  We go to the park or at least to the walking path near our place almost everyday.  I also love watching a good movie and learning new languages.  I know four.

  
What first drew you to party decor?
 I love colors and textures.  They add so much life to plain decor in the home or at special events.  I also love the one of a kind uniqueness that comes with handmade.  That all culminated in me stealing my mom's sewing machine (thanks mom!) and creating fun paper garlands and the rest just sort of blossomed and continues to blossom from there.  Plus I think every event and lived in space should reflect you and these paper garlands can do just that!

Halloween Greeting Cards

 
What advice would you give to aspiring artists and Etsy shop owners?
I give lots of advice on this here little blog :) but I would say that you should never give up.  Sometimes I have a great week and I think oh man!  I have hit the big show!  But then everything is quiet for a week... and I'm like man what happened?!?  When things get slow, instead of sitting at the computer and watching my shop stats not increase (been there done that)... I hit the studio (my kitchen table) and start creating new items.  Not only does it renew my love for my shop because I love creating, it helps it grow at the same time!
 
Where else can we find you?  Right here on this blog!!  You can also find me on facebook here and Pinterest here.

And because I love giveaways!  I will be giving away my newest design... not even in the shop yet!... which is perfect for decor in the home, adding an extra special touch to your gift wrap, or sprucing up your holiday decor (Aka Christmas Tree garland!)--- My newest vintage heart paper garland!  I will make it as long or as short as you want up to 10 feet!  You can see a mini example here.  The winner will be drawn on October 15th so be sure to get in your entries by then!

Here's a Mini Version!

To enter, head over to my Etsy Store, hoop~da~loop, and leave a comment here about your favorite item(s). Additional entries for: 1) becoming a first time follower of A Girl and Her Scout 2) Posting this giveaway with a link to my blog on your blog 3) Posting this giveaway with a link to my blog on your facebook and/or twitter 4) “Hearting” or adding hoop~da~loop to your “Favorites” on Etsy and/or 6) making a purchase out of my store (one entry for every purchase). Be sure to leave a new comment for each additional entry!

Multicolor Paper Garland

In addition to such fun and because I love all of you, I will be offering a 15% discount plus a free gift on any items in my shop through October 15th.  Use coupon code "agirlandherscout" at checkout to receive your discount. 

Artist Highlight and Giveaway!: La Santa Muerte

Zombie Cake Toppers

I am so excited to introduce Ebelyn of La Santa Muerte to you today!  Her shop is filled with the most beautiful and original artwork perfect for the home and weddings!!  See below for Ebelyn's interview which includes great shop tips,  A GIVEAWAY, and a DISCOUNT CODE for her shop for all A Girl and Her Scout readers!  Thanks for joining us Ebelyn!

Custom Embroidered Cloth Napkins

Hi Ebelyn Welcome! Tell us a little bit about yourself and your awesome Dia de Los Muertos art.

Hi!  I’m a 23 year-old artist from Los Angeles, CA who got a little tired of one too many bad job interviews and rejection letters after graduating college in 2010.  Tired and a little frustrated, I took matters into my own hands and opened up La Santa Muerte on etsy to share my Dia de Los Muertos art!  But it wasn’t until earlier this year that I really buckled down and began to take my shop more seriously to try to offer a variety of colorful and cultural Day of the Dead artwork for anyone and everyone.  My favorite items so far are those in my Day of the Dead Wedding line.  Weddings are great, but Day of the Dead Weddings? How fun is that?! 

Besides all of the Day of the Dead art you have in La Santa Muerte, what else do you like to do?

I love to paint and make lino-cut prints!  I had my own studio when I was in college and a million resources at my fingertips that allowed me to build large canvases that were much, much, taller than I am while staying on a shoestring budget.  I drew inspiration from old family photographs and painted 6-foot portraits of lost memories.  I completely enjoy losing myself while making art to escape stress and other worries.  But aside from art, I spend a lot of time with my family, especially my nieces and nephews who are ages 4, 3, 2 and 1 and keep me busier than I could have ever imagined.

Day of the Dead Save the Dates

What first drew you to representing the Mexican culture in the way that you do?

When I first began drawing day of the dead art I did a lot of traditional skeletons and skulls, which a lot of my peers found to be sort of dark and macabre.   They didn’t understand or had never heard of the amazing and spiritual tradition behind Dia de los Muertos, which honors and celebrates the life of loved ones who have passed away. Over the years I’ve changed and developed my art to reflect the lively and colorful celebration of life and exemplify that skulls and skeletons don’t have to represent death but can depict and commemorate happy and loving lives.

What advice would you give to aspiring artists and Etsy shop owners?

Work hard, be patient, and never underestimate yourself! 

I think at the beginning of opening a new shop many of us are full of high hopes and big expectations for our carefully handcrafted work.  But we forget about the insane amount of work and patience we have to develop in order to be successful.  It’s ok to get frustrated from time to time when we feel our work is going unnoticed, but it’s important to take everything day by day and not allow our negative emotions to take over us entirely.  Take a breather, jot down your emotions, and make a plan of action to change the way things have been going for you.   Who knows, your frustration might lead you to develop new products that are a big hit.

And always, always have faith and courage in yourself.     

Day of the Dead Wall Art

You can also find Ebelyn on Facebook here, Tumblr here, and her personal website with work she created her senior year of college here. Pretty soon you’ll be able to find her at My Petite Doll on etsy, but that’s still a well kept secret!

In addition to such inspiring words, La Santa Muerte is hosting a giveaway here at A Girl and Her Scout! Ebelyn will be giving away this original 5x7 in. Day of the Dead Sugar Skull giclee print! Sweet! [frame is not included]

 

The winner will be chosen (via a random assorter) this Friday, September 30th so be sure to get in your entries by then!

To enter, head over to her Etsy Store, La Santa Muerte, and leave a comment here about your favorite item(s). Additional entries for: 1) becoming a first time follower of A Girl and Her Scout 2) Posting this giveaway with a link to my blog on your blog 3) Posting this giveaway with a link to my blog on your facebook and/or twitter 4) “Hearting” or adding La Santa Muerte to your “Favorites” on Etsy and/or 5) making a purchase out of her store (one entry for every purchase). Be sure to leave a new comment for each additional entry!

Day of the Dead Pendant

In addition, until October 27th she will be offering a  15% discount to all A Girl and Her Scout readers! YAY!!! Just use key word “girlandherscout" at check out to receive your discount.

Artist Highlight and Giveaway: Daisy Dog Creations!!

I am so excited to introduce Laurie of Daisy Dog Creations to you today!  She has a great shop filled with pet accessories and has a great heart.  She donates 10% of all proceeds to a local animal rescue group that she works with.  Snaps for that!!  See below for Laurie's interview which includes great shop tips,  A GIVEAWAY, and a DISCOUNT CODE for her shop for all A Girl and Her Scout readers!

Hi Daisy Dog Creations! Welcome! Tell us a little bit about yourself and your fun pet accessories.
My name is Laurie and I live in Connecticut with my two cats, Sabrina and Sam and my newly adopted Cocker Spaniel, Charlie. Charlie is a rescue that came with a lot of medical problems.   Let's just say I call him my little money pit.  LOL. I started out fostering him but then fell in love immediately so I had to adopt him. I love to craft; I've been crafting since I was a small child.  If I didn't have a constant creative outlet, I'd go crazy.

I think my favorite thing to do in the craft area is sew home accessories and decor and craft items.   I could absolutely live in a fabric store! I will buy fabric just because it's pretty and have no idea what I'll do with it but I gotta have it.  When I adopted Charlie earlier this year I began looking for really  nice collars and leashes; I found a few but they were expensive. One day I was looking at one of his collars and I thought "I could make this."  I went to the store, got some supplies (and of course, more fabric!) and made a collar that night.  The problem was, Charlie now had too many collars!  So I decided to try my hand at selling them to friends and family and when that went well I decided to try selling them on Etsy.    I  just started on Etsy but so far so good.  I'm now working on a line of leash bags (to hold the poop bags), harnesses and leashes.   I still don't have all my inventory on Etsy but I'm getting there.  The name DaisyDog comes partly from my beloved cat, Daisy, who passed away earlier this year at age 17.   I also donate collars to non-profit animal rescue groups. 

 

Besides the dog collars you have in your Etsy store, what else do you like to do?
I love to garden when I have time.   I also love to scour flea markets and garage sales for vintage items for my home.   The older the better!   I also like to scrapbook and make jewelry.   And thanks to Charlie, I now really enjoy walking on a new trail behind my house. 

What first drew you to pet accessories?
I started working part time at a local dog bakery/store and I saw all the accessories available for dogs and was surprised by the variety.  I hadn't lived with a dog since I was a child (many, many years ago) and at the time I only had cats.    Then when I adopted Charlie, I just turned my sewing and crafting in that direction.  I "test" all my products on Charlie (he's very patient) and if I won't let Charlie wear it, I won't sell it.   

What advice would you give to aspiring artists and Etsy shop owners?
Don't give up.   I really started this as a hobby and it's slowly but surely taking off.   I just got a couple requests for wholesale orders!   I would also strongly recomment networking.  I had no idea what that was when I first started but the more you get your name and product out there, the better.   Another thing I strongly believe in is "pay it forward".  I got a lot of help with my Etsy shop from total strangers on Etsy; we are all competing for sales and yet many people helped me out when I first started.  I try to do the same for other Etsians.    I've even purchased a couple items on Etsy to help out a new seller.  

Where else can we find you?I just started my blog:  Daisy Dog Creations.    It's mostly about my adventures as a first time dog owner and some great items I've found on Etsy.   You can also find DaisyDogCreations on Facebook.  

In addition to such inspiring words, Daisy Dog Creations is hosting a giveaway here at A Girl and Her Scout! She will be giving away a dog collar of the winner's choice from her Etsy shop plus an added surprise!  The winner will be chosen (via a random assorter) on 10/01/11 so be sure to get in your entries by then!

To enter, head over to her Etsy Store, Daisy Dog Creations, and leave a comment here about your favorite item(s). Additional entries for: 1) becoming a first time follower of A Girl and Her Scout 2) Posting this giveaway with a link to my blog on your blog 3) Posting this giveaway with a link to my blog on your facebook and/or twitter 4) “Hearting” or adding DaisyDogCreations to your “Favorites” on Etsy 5) Following Laurie's blog and/or 6) making a purchase out of her store (one entry for every purchase). Be sure to leave a new comment for each additional entry!

In addition, until 10/01/2011 she will be offering a 15% discount to all A Girl and Her Scout readers! YAY!!! Just use key word “girlandherscout" at check out to receive your discount.

Want to be featured?

Multicolor Paper Garland by hoopdaloop

Back in the day, I used to have lots of artist features.  They were really fabulous with wonderful tips and inspirations and lots of giveaways.  Well, good news!  I am working on bringing those features back!  The cost to you, the artist, is totally free.  I recommend a giveaway, but only because I love giveaways (and so do many readers).  So if you are interested in being a featured artist over here on A Girl and Her Scout, email me!  I would LOVE to have you!  It's a great way to spread the word about your art and/or blog.

agirlandherscout@gmail.com

See my past Artist Highlights here.

Artist Highlight and Giveaway!! Ancienesthetique

A little contrary to my typical midweek post {it's been a crazy busy week},  I am hosting a wonderful international artist, Victoria from ancienesthetique.  Victoria and her husband reside in France but have a wonderfully romantic story of traveling around the world, which has resulted in a beautiful style illustrated by her store.  Some of my favorites:

Vintage Espresso Cups

 Vintage French Keyring 

 Vintage Floral Espresso Cups

Hi Victoria! Welcome!  Tell us a little bit about yourself and your wonderful vintage collection.
Well I’ve recently ( a year ago) moved to France with my husband and baby.. he was just a bump when we moved, he’s now ten months!
Previous to that we lived in Bolivia where we were doing volunteer work for some months….then I found out I was pregnant! SURPRISE! So we thought we should be sensible and be in one place for a bit, why not try France? Where my brother and family just live down the road….
Originally I’m Welsh and Trevor is from Oxford…we met in sunny Malta..
As to our vintage collection, well it’s a life project! Trevor is an antiques furniture restorer so he loves the old and the broken! We are avid goers to all things such as car boot sales in England, vide greniers ( empty attic in French) here and garage sales in the states…I LOOOOVE flea markets..
Some of my best finds have been out of skips or off the pavement in Oxford!
So basically we collect all over the place and have a constant space dilemma, we currently live in small apartment so it was time to share our finds with the rest of the world in a shop!
MMM the smell of old books.
We will never be minimalist , hard as we try!

{Bloggers note: SO JEALOUS!!!!!!}

Besides the vintage goods you have in your Etsy store, what else do you like to do?
I love sport, snowboarding and skiing particularly, I love reading and writing letters to my friends… not much time for the latter these days though! I love swing dancing and any excuse for a party, getting together with friends, picnics and swimming in lakes and rivers…
CHOCOLATE and RED WINE!!
Making jewellery, bits of stuff out of stuff!

What first drew you to vintage wares?
I’m a keen enviromentalist so try to recycle wherever I can, I don’t like having or wearing the same as everyone else, I like bargain hunting and feel like I’m getting a good deal and treasure find, and I simply find that with vintage you get something that has stood the test of time so therefore in my eyes has increased greatly in value… I also love handmade which many vintage items are…

What inspires what you put in your shop?
I just pick up things that I would like to have in my home or wear myself… in fact it’s pretty hard to part with some things and they stay in my home for awhile before I give in!
I also like to keep an eye on current London fashions as it always seems at the forefront of vintage and new trends that way.. so I like to read magazines on vintage clothing or homewares..
Also I think travel broadens my taste for different pieces or styles…

What advice would you give to aspiring vintage artists and Etsy shop owners especially the international sellers since you are in France?
Be careful how you post stuff!! I had a few breakages at first, and especially around christmas when the postal service is less careful it seems…don’t skimp on bubble wrap!
Try and explain as accurately to customers as possible how long it will realistically take, there have been major shipping delays recently due to increased U.S security but hopefully improving now….
I think get involved in the etsy world, join some teams, participate in bnr’s, make treasuries, comment on others…
I also have a recycled jewellery shop on etsy which is sorely neglected, and so I know the difference these efforts can make, as I practically don’t bother with my first shoo…due to time, not lack of love!
And also just really enjoy the ethos of etsy and promote it where you can.,,….have fun, don’t get too stressed!

What is your favorite part of French culture?
Ooooh la la, that’s a tricky one! It’s so different in some ways here… you know the scene in the film ‘Love Actually’?? where Rowan Atkinson is wrapping a necklace gift up for the customer’s mistress and he’s trying to be quick but it’s taking ages with all the wrapping, and the trappings and the faffings… well that’s very French I think! Why say it in three words when you could use fourty three?? Why just have a sandwhich when a five course meal is available…why start the wedding on time when you could delay by and hour or two by chatting about it first?
So basically I think I’m trying to say that the pace of life here is lots slower and smaller things, like eating, and talking to each other are more greatly valued.. so the quality of our life feels good!
I also love the markets, food or flea, I loooove them!

In addition to such inspiring words, Victoria is hosting a giveaway here at A Girl and Her Scout! She will be giving away an espresso cup of your choice like one of these.

This is open to all international entrants!

 

The winner will be chosen (via a random assorter) on April 30th so be sure to get in your entries by then!

To enter, head over to her Etsy Store, Ancienesthetique, and leave a comment here about your favorite item(s). Additional entries for: 1) becoming a first time follower of A Girl and Her Scout 2) Posting this giveaway with a link to my blog on your blog 3) Posting this giveaway with a link to my blog on your facebook and/or twitter 4) “Hearting” or adding Ancienesthetique to your “Favorites” on Etsy and/or 5) making a purchase out of her store (one entry for every purchase). Be sure to leave a new comment for each additional entry!

In addition, until April 30th she will be offering a 20% discount to all A Girl and Her Scout readers! YAY!!! Just use key word “girlandherscout" at check out to receive your discount.

And the winner is...

And the winner of the Mellow Mermaid giveaway is....

Opendoor Studio who said...

I really love hearing about our team members! this is wonderful! beteabon and rhett are doing interviews too! love it! making this huge team feel a little smaller already! thank you Dovie! and Lori... i LOVE that pillow! martha opendoorstudio.etsy.com 

Congratulations!!! Email me your mailing address and I will pass it on!

Thank you to all who entered!  Be looking for another interview and giveaway post later today!

And the winner is....

The winner of the Reinvintage Art giveaway is 

jhitomi who said...

hearted the shop (etsy name jhbalvin) jhbalvin at gmail dot com 

Congrats jhitomi!  and thanks to everyone who entered!

Check out Scott's wife's interview and giveaway here in case you missed it yesterday!

Midweek Artist Interview and GIVEAWAY!!! Reinvintage Jewelry

It's time for the midweek artist people!! Get excited!! Today I am welcoming Traci, the lovely wife of one of our previous featured artists Scott from Reinvintage Arts. (Love a creative duo in love!)  She is a jeweler that repurposes vintage wares into beautiful designs and sells the in her store, Reinvintage Jewelry.  Sustainable? yes. Creative? yes. Wonderful? yes!

Some of my favorite items from her store:

 Token Travel Charm 

 Keys, Keys, and more Keys Necklace 

 A Pair In the Hand Earrings

Hey Traci! Welcome! Tell us a little bit about yourself and your wonderful jewelry design.
I've been in Florida for several years now and it is, by far, my favorite of our temporary homes. My husband Scott of 19 years has a job that requires relocation from time to time and we've lived throughout the southeast. I have home schooled my two wonderful daughters from elementary to high school. They are my pride and joy. I work primarily in the re-purpose or altered art part of the craft, using vintage jewelry elements and an odd lot of antique collectibles, basically anything interesting I can fashion into jewelry. Whenever I look at an old object, whether it's a frozen Charlotte doll, a few milk bottle toppers or a tintype photo, I find myself asking “Can I use that in a piece of jewelry?”.

Besides the jewelry you have in your Etsy store, what else do you like to do?
I love music and I love to dance. Give me a new playlist and enough room to move my feet and I'll dance for hours. My girls and I frequently find ourselves singing and dancing until we collapse.

What first drew you to jewelry design, especially re-purposing vintage items?
I've always gravitated to older jewelry, but only recently stumbled across altering them, essentially by need. I had a couple of older pieces that were damaged and refashioned them into one new piece. At first I wasn't sure I could do it, but then I found myself “dissecting” other pieces I had that I didn't like the way they were. After a dozen new pieces, I was hooked.

What inspires what you put in your shop?
Everything inspires me. For instance, we went to the Renaissance Fair in early February and as soon as I got home, I started thinking of different ways to incorporate some of the feminine elements I saw at the fair. The lovely pinks and greens of the fairies and the deeper blacks and reds adorning some of the wenches. As a general rule, I never make anything that I won't wear myself. In fact, it's often difficult to let go of a piece once it's complete.

What advice would you give to aspiring artists and Etsy shop owners?
Whether you are online or working locally, networking is essential. I've learned so much from all the local craftswomen here and made some great new friends. Online, I've found more answers about the origins of my pieces from teams and forums than from the research sites.

Where else can we find you?
If you're local to South Florida, you can probably find me at any of the underground Craft shows. Next week I'm doing my first “mainstream” event, the Green Expo with the City of Plantation, comprising of eco-friendly businesses and vendors. In March, I have an event at the Kreepy Tiki, hosted by the Kreepy Kittens and also will be a vendor at the Odd Duck craft show. For more local events or to keep up with my new listings, visit my facebook fan page here.

In addition to such inspiring words, Traci is hosting a giveaway here at A Girl and Her Scout! She will be giving away this Keying of the Forest Necklace. This one of a kind gold necklace has a painted turn of the century skeleton key, a lion pendant, and is accented with an orange ribbon and amber beadwork.

 

The winner will be chosen (via a random assorter) on April 23rd so be sure to get in your entries by then!

To enter, head over to her Etsy Store, Reinvintagejewelry, and leave a comment here about your favorite item(s). Additional entries for: 1) becoming a first time follower of A Girl and Her Scout 2) Posting this giveaway with a link to my blog on your blog 3) Posting this giveaway with a link to my blog on your facebook and/or twitter 4) “Hearting” or adding Reinvintagejewelry to your “Favorites” on Etsy and/or 5) making a purchase out of her store (one entry for every purchase). Be sure to leave a new comment for each additional entry!

In addition, until April 23rd she will be offering a 10% discount to all A Girl and Her Scout readers! YAY!!! Just use key word “girlandherscout" at check out to receive your discount.