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 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 a Competition

I have enjoyed the last 4 months off from blogging...but have missed you all!!! Last year I ended up trying to blog at least 5 days a week...it got OLD for me to be so committed to trying to blog that much a week and I was burned out. I am a busy, busy momma!!! So this year I am not committing myself to any certain times a week to blogging.

I will at least try to blog once a week on one of the following days:
- Mommy Mondays in which I will share some adventures in mommyhood
- Tummy Tuesdays full of nom nom nom recipes
- Welcome Wednesdays for featuring fellow Etsy shop owners or Etsy products
- Treasury Thursdays I will share my latest treasury I currated on Etsy
- Fun Fridays will be filled with kids crafts and activities
- Shop Squalor Saturday will be focused around my Etsy shop

Thank you to all that have followed my blog and adventures :)

STARTUP NATION LEADING MOMS IN BUSINESS COMPETITION

Last year I came across this fantastic contest for mom based businesses...and thought I would submit my little company. I ended up ranked 164th out of over 1000 contestants!!! I was so thrilled :) You can vote daily until April 30th...and then through votes and a panel of judges; the top 200 US mom-based businesses will be selected and the women that run them honored.

Here is a link to vote for my shop...and thanks in advanced for all of the votes!
fAveritte creations - 2013 StartupNation Leading Moms in Business Competition

Here is a little more information on the contest:

A TRIBUTE TO MOMS IN BUSINESS from StartupNation

Everybody knows one. Like a super hero, she balances running a family with the heroics of running her own business. We’re talking about moms in business, of course. And now, StartupNation is conducting its third annual ranking of these astonishing entrepreneurs and the businesses they run.

But, how do we know who’s the best of the best? We’re leaving that in part to you. Over the next few months, it’ll be your daily votes that determine the top 200 Leading Moms in Business. In addition our judges will determine special awards and accolades for moms within the top 200 who deserve special recognition.

IMPORTANT DATES

April 30, 2013: You can enter your business until midnight Pacific Time on. Judging and vote tabulation will occur after April 16. StartupNation will select a variety of moms from among the finalists and create editorial feature stories about them.

May 8, 2013: Winners are announced.

AS A HUGE THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOU THAT VOTE FOR FAVERITTE CREATIONS, MAKE SURE AND ENTER BELOW TO WIN A GIFT CERTIFICATE TO MY ETSY SHOP!!! I will announce the winner after the rankings are posted on or after May 8, 2013.

One lucky voter will win a gift certificate in one of these values:
If my final rank is...
- 201 or higher, $25
- 101 through 200, $50
- 2 through 100, $75
- 1st place, $100

And remember you can vote daily and come back and enter here daily :)


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Salutations Sunday with Josh and Teo and a GIVEAWAY

Please shout out your salutations for Jenny and her Etsy shop Josh and Teo for my Salutations Sunday feature!

Practical but stylish handmade creations for babies and mamas!

Jenny has also offered one of her creations for a giveaway...please see all of the details after the interview. Now let's discover her creative story...

Toy Leash Tether Strap in Rainbow Stripes

What is the first creative memory you have?

The first time I remember being called artistic was in Grade 1. I had just finished painting a picture of a tree and my teacher Mrs. Patterson asked me if she could keep it. I was so proud of myself! My Mom told me later on that my teacher was really impressed with my painting because it was so realistic – with lots of branches and leaves. There’s a bunch of other moments but this one was my first. My forte is sewing and I remember experimenting quite a bit with a needle and thread before my Mom would allow me to use her Singer. I tried to sew clothes for our dolls and even stitched up Barbie’s head! At the time, I didn’t think to use beige thread so we ended up with FrankenBarbie. Please don’t ask why she needed to be sewn up :) Let’s just say that 3 sisters and 1 Barbie equals trouble!

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

My second child was 7 months old when I opened up my ETSY shop. Prior to that, I was posting pictures on Facebook of all the stuff that I made. Like many here on ETSY, I kept hearing “you should sell your stuff!” I opened up my shop at the end of April 2011 and listed 5 items. After my first sale, my shop took off and I’ve had the opportunity to sell to customers worldwide. ETSY is known for handmade and that’s why I chose to sell on ETSY vs other websites. In fact, I got my first national magazine feature when an editor at Chatelaine magazine saw my toy leash on ETSY.

How did you come up with your shop name?

I kept bouncing ideas off of my husband but nothing stuck. One day, I thought about why I was doing this and who I was doing this for and decided to name my shop after my two boys. Both boys are such an inspiration to me so I decided to name my shop after them. As they start to grow, I’m sure my shop will evolve too. Everything I make is designed and tested for them. If it works, then I put it in my shop.

Toy Leash Tether Strap in Green, Brown, Yellow

Describe what creations you have in your shop

My shop mirrors what I was searching for when I was pregnant with my first son. I ended up sewing many items for my baby boy (now toddler) because I could not find stylish products for baby boys. Hence, all of my fabric choices are unisex so that moms with boys aren't left in the cold! I sell toy leashes, wrist wallets, mini coin wallets, toddler backpacks, tricycle bags, nursing covers, and slim stroller bags.

My most popular items are my toy leashes. I love them and still use them to hold snack cups and toys. I originally designed it to be used with Sophie the Giraffe but it can be used for so much more. I also sell a slim stroller bag which is invaluable to me. I designed it after I got tired of lugging around a clunky big bag. The stroller bag is one of my favourite designs and follows my motto of “practical but stylish”. Lately, I have been sewing toddler backpacks, which I love. Each backpack is custom made and discussed at length by myself and my customer. Throughout the process, I usually end up getting to know these customers very well and I love seeing the pictures they send of their little ones with their new backpacks. I am currently designing some new items and hope to share them soon!

What insprires you?

Every day things inspire me. I look to my children for a lot of my inspiration as well as my day to day life. I market my items as stylish and practical because I love things that are stylish and practical. If it’s not useful, I don’t care how pretty it is. Sewing for boys is a great opportunity to demonstrate some creativity. The marketplace doesn’t have enough “boy” themed items so the sky’s the limit!

Slim Stroller Diaper Bag

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

I usually don’t like to listen to anything while creating as I find it distracting. However, I have started listening to audio books. That gives me the best of both worlds… crafting and reading. I like to sew when I’m at my happiest. If I am tired or not in a good mood, I do not sew. When I sew relaxed and happy, the outcome is always a good one!

Please share a favorite recipe

I have lots but a favorite recipe that I make for my kids is yogurt pops. I posted a tutorial on my blog : handmadebyjt.blogspot.ca/2011/10/tutorial-chocolate-and-yogurt-pops.html . I like to layer them with pudding, applesauce and yogurt. The trick for me is to make them in tiny ketchup cups so that the portion size is smaller. Little kids just can’t eat big popsicles and that’s just more mess for me.
I post my other fave recipes on my blog: handmadebyjt.blogspot.ca/p/recipes.html

Where else can we find you?
I love to blog about the stuff I make. My blog name isn’t my shop name because my blog is a mish mash of stuff I make, stuff I sell, time with the kiddies, and random musings!
Blog: handmadebyjt.blogspot.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/joshandteo
Pinterest: pinterest.com/joshandteo
Twitter: twitter.com/joshandteo


And now let's find out what creation Jenny is offering for her giveaway...

Toy Leash in Black and White

 

• 1 toy leash from Josh and Teo's Etsy shop of the winners choice (this black and white one shown is just one example...there are many to choose from in her shop)

***Shipping included for US & Canada entrants ONLY...all other international entrants will have to pay a $5.50 shipping fee

Now to enter...please keep in mind you do not need to do all of the entries, but the more you do the more chances you have at winning!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3a999e69/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

Welcome Wednesday with We Three Bees and a GIVEAWAY

It's time for Welcome Wednesday with Nicole and her Etsy shop We Three Bees

Nicole is offering free worldwide shipping on any order from now until the end of 2012 (Easter-Standard Time) with coupon code: WTBFREESHIP412

And DON'T FORGET HER GIVEAWAY!!! Details after the interview...now let' discover Nicole's creative story



Bandana Bib

What is the first creative memory you have?
Well… apparently I was creative even before my memories were established. My mother just LOOOOVES to tell this story about me! I was little enough to still wear a diaper (you can see where this is going) and, during my afternoon nap, I wasn’t very tired. I slowly came down the stairs, holding a handled mirror out in front of me, very carefully balancing “cookies” to offer to her guest. I can only imagine the horror on my poor mother’s face when she saw what I had used to make the “cookies.” I also, in my careful descent down the stairs, left a hand painted mural behind me on the wall. Oh my! The joys of motherhood :)

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?
A relative recommended it to me after seeing some of my sewing projects and I was hooked!

How did you come up with your shop name?
Bees have always been so interesting to me, the way they’re so fragile and yet, so mighty. Just like humans, I guess. “We Three” came from one of the happiest times in my life when my first son was born. It was my loving and supportive husband, Ben, my new little Jack and me, we three. We’ve since had our second son, Dexter and we have to have one more to make my shop name relevant! (At least that is what my husband tells me.) So, if we’re lucky, bee number three will be making an appearance next summer or fall!

Describe what creations you have in your shop

Goodies for babies and children. I’m drawn to cold weather clothing and styles. Not the cold weather, just the clothing. There are lots of different hats and jackets but you'll also find bunting, blankets, and a new addition, The Dapper Fox softie.

Bicycle Bunting & Dapper Fox Softie

What insprires you?
Nature and love, especially the bond that exists between parents and their children. It’s bewildering, overwhelming and bittersweet but being a parent has made me happier than I could have ever imagined. And I’ve always been fascinated by nature- so complex and beautiful.

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

If I don’t hear Papa trying to wrangle two little boys upstairs, I’m listening to Van Morrison or Christmas music (I know. It’s too early… but I know you’re secretly thinking of Bing Crosby and wanting to hear some White Christmas; it’s okay. This is a safe place.)

Toddler Reversible Corduroy Jacket

Please share a favorite recipe
I hate cooking. Well, that’s not entirely true. I hate cooking when I (1) don’t have time, (2) don’t have ingredients and/or (3) don’t have any ideas on what to cook. Usually, all three attack me at once! However, a true fall-time staple in our house is spiced apple cider. You need: one gallon of cider, three cinnamon sticks, a tea blotter filled with equal parts whole cloves and whole allspice, ¾ cup sugar. Dump it all in your crockpot on low heat, give it a stir and wait for the delicious aroma to waft through the house! Perfect for get-togethers. Also, when the party's over, put it in the fridge and re-heat in the microwave- instant "Mmmm!"

Where else can we find you?

Facebook www.facebook.com/wethreebees
Twitter @WeThreeBees
Pinterest www.pinterest.com/WeThreeBees 
Etsy www.WeThreeBees.etsy.com


NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY

Nicole is offering one free children’s hat with worldwide shipping included. Made to order or ready to ship, any style (bomber/trapper, earflap or pixie hood), size newborn to 8 years. Production time is 2 - 3 weeks and items ship USPS First Class or USPS First Class International. Visit her shop here to see the variety of hats you can choose from!

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!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3a999e68/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway