Welcome Wednesday with Paper Finch Studio and a GIVEAWAY

Please help me welcome Lisa from Paper Finch Studio for Welcome Wednesday!!!

Lisa creates whimsical fine art & quirky robot illustrations; Ethereal beauty combined with humor, wit and silliness from pen and ink, paints and pencil. I loved exploring her shop...and she has offered a giveaway of one of her prints. Check out all of the giveaway details at the end of the interview. Now please say "Howdy" to Lisa :)

What is the first creative memory you have?  

Pink Fantasy Woodland Acrylic Painting

When I was about 2 years old, I remember drawing all over my bedroom wall with a box of crayons. My Mom was not happy to put it lightly, but we both laugh about it now. I was scolding for drawing on the walls then but people pay me to draw and paint on their walls now!

What or whom inspired you to begin creating your craft?

I come from a creative family, so I grew up watching my grandfather paint to Bob Ross, my aunt creating modern art and sculpture, my mom writing children's books, my dad's music, and my cousin's illustrations. Creativity was strongly encouraged and supported, 

How did you come up with your shop name?

I was sitting on my floor one night, drawing little birds on paper. My husband came in and remarked about how fragile and free my little finch illustration looked, and encouraged me to start selling my art. With that first flame of inspiration, Paper Finch Studio was born.

Describe your creations

I create whimsical fine art & quirky illustrations; Ethereal beauty combined with humor, wit and silliness, and TONS of randomosity. I like for encouraging people to explore and discover new stories born out of my ink and paint. Full of rich color and palette knife texture on canvas, detailed pen and ink, and sometime even a few splatters of coffee my whimsical art is sure to captivate, amuse and inspire. It's a wild, beautiful, expansive wonderland!

Wooly Creature Ink and Coffee Mixed Media Art

What inspires you?

I'm inspired by the natural world, organic shapes, the illustrative brilliance of Edward Gorey and B. Kliban, Tim Burton films, and fireflies.

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

I have a very eclectic taste in music. Last night I edited listings to the tunes of Bob Marley, and the night before that painted to David Bowie. Last week I created a painting inspired by the soundtrack of the French film, Amelie. 

Spring Birds Oil Painting

Please share a favorite recipe

Basil Lemonade
(Makes about 6 cups. This drink goes fast, so you might want to double the recipe if you have the basil.)

Step #1: Make an Awesome Lemon Basil Syrup
4 cups packed fresh basil sprigs (top 4 inches; from a 1/2-pound bunch)
4 cups water
2 cups sugar
9 (4- by 1-inch) strips lemon zest (I just peel a bunch of lemons with a vegetable peeler. This also makes juicing a lot easier in Step #2.)
1. Bring all ingredients to a boil in a medium saucepan, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
2. Let stand at room temperature, covered, 1 hour, then transfer to an airtight container and chill until cold, about 1 hour.
3. Strain syrup thorough a sieve into a bowl, pressing hard and then compst the solid stuff. Your garden will love you! Syrup stays amazing for about a week. Then it starts attracting zombies.
Step #2: The Lemonade
2 cups basil lemon syrup
2 cups cold water
2 cups ice cubes
1 1/4 cups fresh lemon juice (I recommend getting a good-quality juicer if you become addicted to this drink)
Garnish: fresh basil sprigs; lemon zest strips
Stir together all ingredients in a large pitcher, then pour into tall glasses half filled with ice.
Lemonade, without ice, can be made 3 hours ahead and chilled.

What is one thing you cannot live without?

Most importantly: Air. After that, probably the chance to be inspired and to inspire others.

Now let's see what one lucky winner will receive...

...any robot art print of their choice!!! Check out the complete collection to choose one from here.

These are just a few you can choose from...and they would be so great in a child's room or any fun spot!

Ronny Did Not Want to Rust

Three Robots Chased Butterflies Outside

And my personal favorite...

Gene Loved His Nuts and Bolts

Now to enter...please remember you do not have to do all of the entries, but the more you complete the more chances you have at winning! Good luck :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Welcome Wednesday with A Full Cup Design and a GIVEAWAY!!!

What a beautiful Wednesday for another Welcome Wednesday! Please shout a "Hello Amy" for Amy and her Etsy shop A Full Cup Design.

Full of beautiful accessories...I love the fabric choices Amy uses for her handmade creations. She is also offering one of her items as a giveaway for one lucky winner!!! See all of the details for the giveaway after the interview...now please welcome Amy :)

Hipster Bag

What is the first creative memory you have? 

My mom gave my friends and I sewing lessons. I think we must’ve been 6 or 7. I made sleeping bags and Christmas stocking for my favorite stuffed animals. I loved to help my mom sew and pick out fabric.

What or whom inspired you to begin creating your craft?

My mom taught me to sew and always encouraged me to sew and take needlepoint, sewing, and other craft classes. She says that having a hobby or interest you are passionate about is the secret of happiness!

Several years ago, I left the high-stress corporate world behind to start a family. I still needed a creative outlet, and kept on sewing. When my children were very small, I made pillows, curtains, and purses for myself and for friends and family.
In 2010 when my youngest started school, I opened up my shop. I wanted to try my hand at sewing for a wider audience. I love to buy fabric and try out new patterns, and thought an online shop would be a great way to do all of those things.

How did you come up with your shop name?

It is from an English proverb: A full cup must be carried steadily. 

For me, it has several meanings: taking time and care to do things right, optimism, and my love of a good cup of Earl Grey.

Clutch Wristlet

Describe your creations

I love putting colors and patterns together. The items I sell in my Etsy store are accessories: purses, wallets, messenger bags, tablet/computer carriers. That goes back to carrying your stuff steadily! I also make Nuno felted scarves when I want to take a sewing break and experiment with mixing pure color combinations.

What inspires you?

Many things: nature, colors and patterns, travel, my friends and family, food, literature. I just returned from a vacation to Paris and have so many new ideas.

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

I have several genius mixes and play whichever one strikes my fancy. Mixes include blues/classic rock, 80s & 90s pop, jam bands, current band favorites, Brazilian music, jazz, and classical.

Nook Tablet Cover

Please share a favorite recipe

Chicken Marbella from The Silver Palate Cookbook

4 chickens, 2 1/2 pounds each, quartered 
1 head of garlic, peeled and finely pureed 
1/4 cup dried oregano 
coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 
1/2 cup red wine vinegar 
1/2 cup olive oil 
1 cup pitted prunes 
1/2 cup pitted Spanish green olives 
1/2 cup capers with a bit of juice 
6 bay leaves 
1 cup brown sugar 
1 cup white wine 
1/4 cup Italian parsley or fresh coriander (cilantro), finely chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl combine chicken quarters, garlic, oregano, pepper and coarse salt to taste, vinegar, olive oil, prunes, olives, capers and juice, and bay leaves. Cover and let marinate, refrigerated, overnight. 

Arrange chicken in a single layer in one or two large, shallow baking pans and spoon marinade over it evenly. Sprinkle chicken pieces with brown sugar and pour white wine around them. 

Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, basting frequently with pan juices. Chicken is done when thigh pieces, pricked with a fork at their thickest, yield clear yellow (rather than pink) juice. 

With a slotted spoon transfer chicken, prunes, olives and capers to a serving platter. Moisten with a few spoonfuls of pan juices and sprinkle generously with parsley or cilantro. Pass remaining pan juices in a sauceboat. 

To serve Chicken Marbella cold, cool to room temperature in cooking juices before transferring to a serving platter. If chicken has been covered and refrigerated, allow it to return to room temperature before serving. Spoon some of the reserved juices over chicken.

Reusable Snack Bags

What is one thing you cannot live without?

A book to read

Where can we find you?

Etsy
Facebook
Twitter
Blog
Pinterest

AND NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY!!!

Here is what one lucky winner will win...An Animal Print Wallet!!! So cute...please see more details here.

***IMPORTANT ENTRANT INFORMATION***
Shipping is:
$2.25 US first class
$6.75 to Australia, Canada, China, France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, UK

And now to ENTER...please remember you do not have to do all of the entries...but the more you do the more chances you have at winning :)


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Welcome Wednesday with Hugs & Love by Sabrina

Please join me in a big 'ol "HOWDY" for Sabrina and her Etsy shop Hugs & Love by Sabrina for Welcome Wednesday!

A fellow Tennessee Etsian who offers a rather unique item that I was not even aware existed...weighted blankets for individuals with sensory disorder. So please welcome my friend Sabrina!

Little Girl Receiving Blanket

What is the first creative memory you have? 

Hm, that is a tough one as I have always been one to try different, creative things.

What or whom inspired you to begin creating your craft? 

I started sewing for my daughter. She was getting a doll from Santa and I wanted to make some bedding for a cradle that I had when I was little. So I borrowed a sewing machine, made the bedding...and some clothes for her, and another blanket. :)

How did you come up with your shop name? 

Something I have said for a long time to people that was hurting or sick or was just sad, was hugs and lots of love. So when trying to think of a unique name, I chose Hugs & Love by Sabrina. I want my customers to know that with each item, I send a hug and love.

Describe your creations

A little bit of everything, lol. My main selling item is the weighted sensory blankets, which I started making due to my daughter being diagnosed with SPD and her OT recommended one. But I also enjoy making receiving blankets and applique baby bodysuits.

Eagle Silhouette Body Suit

What inspires you? 

Colors, patterns, my daughter, my family, just life in general

What do you listen to or watch while creating? 

Depending on my mood, I either have Pandora or my MP3 playing (which ranges from country to 60's music, to pop) or I just sew in silence.

Please share a favorite recipe

Crockpot Ham! It is super easy and yummy. You get a boneless centerpiece ham, take off all wrappings, put it in your crockpot, pour dark soda (I use Dr. Pepper) over half of the ham, cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours. Serve with your fav sides!

What is one thing you cannot live without? 

Baby Bib and Burp Cloth Set

My family! But material wise, sadly it is my cell phone. :(

Where can we find you? 

Etsy
Facebook
Twitter: @tngal1977
Blog
Pinterest

Welcome Wednesday with Not Your Average Bow-tique and a GIVEAWAY

Thank you all for joining me for my first Welcome Wednesday where I will be featuring a fellow handmade artisan. Read along and discover just a bit more about the creations and the artists!

Please help me welcome Samone and her Etsy shop Not Your Average Bow-tique!!!

Samone offers bows beyond your wildest dreams! She is also offering one of her spectacular creations as a GIVEAWAY!!! Please find all of the details at the end of the interview...now please say "HELLO" to Samone! 

Pink Elephant Bow

What is the first creative memory you have?

As a child, when I wasn't putting on my own dramatic theatre productions (for myself), I spent most of my time drawing. I dreampt of being an artist when I grew up. I remember I loved Winnie the Pooh and one day when I couldn't have been more then 4, I spent a whole evening drawing this replica of classic pooh standing on a chair, attempting to reach his infamous honey jar. I loved that drawing and will always remember it as my first masterpiece! lol! I cherish the picture to this day! 





What or whom inspired you to begin creating your craft? 

My love of bows began when I married the man of my dreams and found the bow of of my dreams for the flower girls to wear at our wedding. From that day fourth, I promised to love, honor and cherish bows (and the tutus that complete them) all the days of my life! 

How did you come up with your shop name?

I spent most of my life trying to find ways to fit in. It took me growing up and really learning to follow God's word to learn that my purpose in life was not to fit in but to stand out! Now I want to show the rest of God's children that they too are meant to shine! So, I named the shop Not Your Average Bow-tique because when I began making bows I didn't want to make them look just like everybody else's "average joe selection". I wanted to make items that were as unique as the little angels that would adorn them...and that's just what I did!

Detail of Post Poodle Petti Tutu Dress

Describe your creations 

Not Your Average Bow-tique specializes in stacked and over the top bows, none of the "average joe" selection here. I make over the top bows, bow ties, tutus, tea hats, and stay tuned for dresses. My style is anything but ordinary and always original. My designs are inspired by my children, so every bow is destined to be as unique and whimsical as the crown of the angel it adorns. These are bows beyond your wildest dreams because I love love to help you design accessories that let your imagination run wild!


What inspires you?

My whimsical style is a reflection of my children. With three under six (two girls and one boy) my life is filled with enough excitement to inspire fairytale's and legends. So when it's time for crafting I have enough imagination to make any little darlings wildest dreams come true! 

What do you listen to or watch while creating? 

Although I love music my "business hours" are usually set within the wee hours of the morning and with three little ones at home and a tired husband, I can't take the chance that the music might wake them up. So, I usually watch tv. I love to watch Everybody Love's Raymond, Seinfeld, King of Queens, and The New Adventures of Old Christine. Anything that can make me laugh till ribbon spills out my nose is welcome!

Please share a favorite recipe 

Tea Time Hat

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls (I got this recipe from food wishes.com I love Chef John and thank him for making me a better cook).
Ingredients for 16 Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls: 
(I used a deep 13 x 9 baking dish)
Bake at 350 degrees F. for 30 minutes 

For the dough: 
1 package of dry yeast 
1/4 cup very warm water (about 100-105 degrees F.) 
1/2 tsp white sugar 
1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) 
1/4 cup heavy cream (can sub milk, but cream is better) 
1 tsp fine salt 
1/4 cup melted butter 
1/2 tsp vanilla extract 
3/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger and 1/4 tsp allspice) 
1 large egg 
1/4 cup granulated sugar 
3 to 4 cups all purpose flour (divided), as needed 
(add enough flour to mixer so that dough just barely pulls away from sides, and a very soft, slightly sticky dough is formed) 
*knead for at least 6-7 minutes 
For the filling: 
5 tbsp melted butter, brushed on rolled dough 
3/4 cup packed brown sugar 
1/4 cup of granulated sugar 
2 tbsp ground cinnamon 
*For the glaze: 
1/4 cup room temperature cream cheese 
1 cup powdered sugar 
1/4 cup milk, or as needed 
1/4 tsp vanilla extract, optional 
*adjust glaze by adding more powdered sugar or milk to achieve desired consistency 
1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds to garnish 


What is one thing you cannot live without? 

I can't live without my family! My whole family has always been my source of love, faith, encouragement, and inspiration, and I would'nt be here with out them!-O and lots and lots of GOLDEN OREO COOKIES!

Where can we find you? 

My Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/notyoaveragebowtique 
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/notyouraveragebow-tique 
Instagram: @notyouraveragebow
Twitter: Samone Burge @notyoaveragebow 

And now let's see what one lucky winner will get!!!
*US ENTRANTS ONLY
*Shipping is INCLUDED

Pink and Lime Over the Top Bow

Please click on the photo caption to see all of the details of the bow.

NOW TO ENTER...please remember you do not have to do all of the entries...but the more you do the more chances you have at winning :) Good luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mommy Monday with Elephants for MOM!!!

I am, I will, I plan...to blog more and have brainstormed a few different themes/ideas that will allow me to add more blogging into my already hectic schedule!!! So here goes the first one...Mommy Monday...dedicated to none other, then Mom, Mommy, Mum, Momma or as my son has recently started calling me, "Mom - Mom". I will focus mainly on wonderful gift ideas...and what better timing with Mother's Day approaching this weekend!

I will be choosing weekly themes and sharing with you what fantastic goodies I find on this wonderful information super highway I like to call the internet! This weeks theme: ELEPHANTS in honor of my little peanut :)

So here's to you Mom...

Mother's Day card from Cardtorial on Etsy

Burlap Elephant Pillow from Modern Rustic Girl on Etsy

Me and Mama Slouchy Top from Nica and the Newfie on Etsy

Elephant Scarf from Daily Accessoriez on Etsy

Elephant Locket Necklace from Pollini on Etsy

Elephant Wallet from Komono Art on Etsy

Elephant Saddle Pad from Paddled Ponies on Etsy

Meet Monday with Zappy Cat

Everyone please welcome and meet Melissa and her Etsy shop Zappy Cat for Meet Monday

Quilts and jewelry...two of my favorite things :) Let's discover Melissa's creative story

Turquoise Poppy Trellis Patchwork Quilt

What is the first creative memory you have?

When I was maybe in the 9-12 age range, I started doing a lot of cross stitch and latch-hooking, all from kits at first. I remember being really thrilled to get all those colors of yarns and flosses, and loving the way the picture emerged as you followed the diagrams. But eventually, I wanted to do my own thing, so I started graphing designs of my own. The first one I can remember was a small latch hook rug with a unicorn and, um, I think there might have been a rainbow, too. Ok, so I didn't have any taste, but I had creative impulse like you read about!

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

That'd have to be my sister-in-law, Jenn. Her current shop is Writesy Press, an independent-title self-publishing house. She just self-published "Ripple the Twine" – which she calls “a tomboy-meets-townie love story.” And before that, she made and sold cool things of varied descriptions from repurposed materials. (She recently closed that shop to focus on her writing.) She is also a whiz with faux paint finishes...the entire end wall of my kitchen and living room is faux brick: my idea, her paint expertise. It's so real-looking most people have to go up and touch it. She is a pioneer with nerves of steel, and I stand in awe, and then slooooowly try to follow her example. And darn it, she's younger than I am!

How did you come up with your shop name?

Pretty literally. I'd been thinking for months about what the heck to name a shop that I could live with for a while...something that kind of captured my personality, and hopefully, the personality of my work. But I had come up with nada. Then, it just kind of happened.

I'm a cat person...surprise, right? One day I was following my orange tiger cat George down the carpeted steps to feed him, and when he stopped at the bottom, I gave him a rub and got a nice little “zap” of static electricity, and said, out loud to George, “Ooh, zappy cat!” And then, “Oooh! ZappyCat!” Eureka.



Disk & Dangles Wire Wrapped Bracelet

Describe what creations you have in your shop

I sell quilts and smaller quilted or patchwork things, like table runners and pillows, and right now, am wrapping up a prototype of a quilted weekend bag. That covers the “quilts” part of “Quilts, Jewelry and Things in Between” – my tagline. The jewelry is my outlet for my bead obsession – earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings, so far, made from beads, wire and whatever new technique I am on the scent of. The “things in between” is a work in progress...I have been working on a shoulder bag prototype made from repurposed jeans, fabric scraps and beads. You can see a little piece of that in my shop logo, actually. Beading on fabric is slow work, but I'll get there eventually. I'm impatiently waiting for a shop I found recently to offer a class so I can learn more about that. The owner there made the bracelet of my dreams (but, sadly, not my budget), and I can just see the perfect way to whittle down my bugle bead stash (so I can reorder, of course!).

What inspires you?

Color...interesting materials...texture...movement...pattern. In everything. You name it!

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

Usually, iPod shuffle or Pandora internet radio. Lately, I can't get enough of my Jeff Buckley station, but I also rotate pretty heavily between my Elvis Costello, Joe Jackson, Blondie, the Pretenders, Modest Mouse and Arctic Monkeys stations. Just depends on whether it's a melancholy day or a manic one. And whether I'm feeling 80s, 90s or 00s!

Amber & Blue Leaf  Earrings

Please share a favorite recipe

It's getting to be soup weather, so I think I'll go for my version of my mom's version of Tortellini Sausage Soup. I'm kind of a just-go-for-it cook, so apologies to any of you out there who are in need of accurate quantities!

Beef stock (homemade's the best, but a couple of vacuum-sealed containers or about 5 regular sized cans – preferably reduced sodium – will do fine)
Two 28 oz cans of tomato puree
One can of peeled whole tomatoes
One regular size can of tomato sauce
One can of tomato paste
Your choice of veggies: I use onions, sweet peppers and garlic all the time, but sometimes occasionally throw in a sliced carrot or two just for some extra veg
One pound of sausage...good quality, non-gristly is the way to go here...cheap sausage will be a dealbreaker! Also, I've made this with pork (my favorite) and with chicken or turkey sausage (good, too)...go with whichever you like
Optional: a nice belt of red wine (make sure it's one that goes with tomatoes...some don't! Nothing too sweet or too sharp, in other words.)
Grated parmesan (even better if you have a rind to toss in the pot)
Spices: Again, go with what you like, but I use dried basil and oregano, and a bit of salt
Package of either fresh or frozen tortellini

The directions: Chop the veg. Brown the sausage and drain all but a tablespoon or two of the fat. Toss the veg in the remaining fat and cook until things start to soften up a bit. Then it's all about dumping: dump the stock and all the tomato products into a big stock pot and dump the veg and sausage in that. Add that glug of red wine, if you want, and your parmesan. Then simmer until everything's heated through and you're happy. Just before you're ready to serve, add whatever spices you want and add the tortellini and cook til it's done. Then eat up. If you're a cheese nut like me, sprinkle some Parm on top of your bowlful. Good, good stuff on a chilly day.

By the way...pretty sure you could do this in a slow cooker without much difficulty. You slow-cooker people know who you are and what you need to do!

Where else can we find you?

Right now, it's just me and Etsy, but I'm working with the goal of starting the craft fair circuit one of these here days! I have the tent...now I just need to produce! Anyone got some extra hours you want to send my way?