Trendy Tuesday

Loving the soft hues in this week's ensemble. I'd love to go for a stroll in Paris wearing this. C'est la vie!

Vintage Amber Necklace (Inspired by a trip to Paris!) by Elisa Shere Jewelry
Swept Away Top in pink by Anthropologie
Yoked Hip Slung Pants in parchment by Gap
Mallie Peep-Toe Wedge in tan by Target

I'm so pleased to announce that Erin, over at Perfect Sentiment, has featured me on her blog today. And that's not all! There's a giveaway going on too!! Take a look around her lovely blog, and while you're there enter to win one of my rose rings in your choice of color! Psst, stop by her shop too... Thanks again, Erin!

Drumroll Please. . .

The winner is, Martha in California, whose favorite animal is the cat! Martha gets her very own Sugar Bunny - congratulations!

I appreciate each and every entry - I loved reading your answers! Thanks for taking the time to enter.

A huge THANK YOU to Tamara, for sharing a peek into her life, and craft, with us, and for offering her adorable bunny.

A new Hall of Fame Interview & Giveaway started today, so be sure to stop by while you're here for your chance to win a $20 gift certificate from Etsy seller, Laura Trevey! Have a great day!!

Hall of Fame {Laura Trevey}

Hi again! I'm so glad you stopped by. Today's Hall of Fame Interview & Giveaway is sure to brighten your day...

Meet Laura, the artistic woman behind Watercolors by Laura L. Trevey and her new shop, L and L Designs. Laura paints "bright, bold, and beautiful" watercolors. Her original and limited edition prints are sure to catch your eye. She has partnered up with a friend for her new shop, where her paintings are transferred onto fabrics to make beautiful custom items from pillows to tea towels.

Stay tuned for a glance into Laura's life and a chance to win a piece of her lovely artwork for your very own!

What inspires you?
Beauty all around me! You just have to open your eyes to the world...

Where do you call home?
I've always lived in Virginia ~~ and love it! I love the change of the seasons...

Name something unique to where you live.
It is not far from the beach!! I love the ocean ~~
Share an interesting fact about yourself.
When I get in bed at night, I am already excited about coffee in the morning!

What made you decide to open up shop?
I love to paint, and share it with others!

When did you first learn to paint?
As a child...
Name your favorite thing about selling handmade.
The people are amazing, and I have my watercolors worldwide ~~ Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Greece to name a few!

Do you have a day job or sell on Etsy full-time?
I paint and promote my Etsy shop full time.
Many of your watercolors are filled with beautiful flowers. What's your favorite bloom?
I love looking out at a field of beautiful wildflowers!! Black eyed Susan's catch my eye too!

Share with us a favorite Etsy purchase or shop.
I love Cindy Spangler's jewelry shop! Very unique...
List a few of your most favorite pastimes.
Painting, painting, painting!

What is your most prized possession?
My children ~~ all three of them!

New Red Crab Pot Holders - Perfect for the 4th of July!

What are three of your favorite foods?
A good summer tomato, avocados, and blueberries!
Thank you, Laura, for sharing your love of painting with us! Stop by her blog to learn more...

Giveaway Time!
Laura is generously offering a $20 gift certificate to either of her lovely shops! This will cover the cost of one of her fabulous prints (example) or you can use it towards the purchase of something else.

Tell us what your favorite color is! I'm sure you can find it in her shop. ;)

To enter, please leave a comment on this post with your answer, name, and email address or Etsy username.

For extra entries you can:
Tweet this giveaway: 2 additional entries
Follow my blog: 5 additional entries
Blog about this interview/contest: 7 additional entries
Purchase from Laura: 10 additional entries
(Please include this info, if applicable, with your comment for additional entries. You do not need to leave separate comments for additional entries. Important: Don't forget to include your name and contact info!)

Contest ends Sunday, July 5th at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen by traditional drawing and will be announced Monday, July 6th.

Worth Quoting

In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope. In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort. In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream. And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe.

The meaning of life is contained in every single expression of life. It is present in the infinity of forms and phenomena that exist in all of creation.

If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with.

~Michael Jackson

This week, we mourn the passing of the King of Pop. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time.

Recipe Share {Hot Olive & Artichoke Dip}

Hot Olive & Artichoke Dip
by The Pioneer Woman

New Stuff

I introduced a new necklace into the shop today! I also have these adorable birdies in teal (Mystic Flight) and gold (raw brass). Let me know if you're interested in reserving one of these simple but stunning necklaces.

On the Wings of a Dove

AND... I'm so happy that I was able to find the components to make a few more of my Nesting bracelets!!! Besides my Mystic Flight necklace, these have been my bestseller! I will have four - three in the original blue (seen below), and one in the same speckled bead, but it's a peachy-pink/tan color...pretty! Please let me know if you need one. ;-)

Nesting

Weekend Whimsy

No theme. Just warm reds and yellows. Have a great weekend!

1st row:
Like a Poppy - Necklace No15 by MarianneS
Vintage Victorian Rose Choker by JessJamesJake
Recycled Sterling Earrings with Red Coral by lilyja

2nd row:
i heart books print by Vol.25
LOVE decor letters by Mooza Designs

3rd row:
Brown Roses in Truffle Wristlet by EightSeasons
Blooming Vine Scarf in Sweet Corn by fray
Interlude - 4x4 print on wood by stiletto heights

Purse-aholic

This week's adorable, handmade bag is by dottie angel. Isn't it sweet?!

dara, i like deer, large bucket bag

Updates

Have you entered the current giveaway yet? You could win a cute, little sugar bunny from Marjji! Details here.
I've re-introduced my Twiggy earrings back into the shop. Stop by and have a look!
Lastly, The Sunshine Studio is now on facebook! Click here to become a fan.

Creative Corner

I've been so preoccupied, that I totally forgot about Creative Corner today! So, I picked the first three items out of my favorites. Hehe! Here they are...

In Touch Clutch
Love is Magical
Spring Picnic Pillow

Wordless Wednesday

Trendy Tuesday

bangles, dress, clutch

Leavin' the shoes up to you this week. ;)
Feel free to comment with your link to shoes you'd wear with this!

Drumroll Please. . .

The winner is, Sara of KittyBabyLove! Who said, "I make lists and calendars. I just graduated from a project intensive college program (fashion design and on quarter system) so I am pretty good at keeping focused on things I need to do, so long as I have them written down so I don't forget!"

Sara gets to pick beautiful, artisan jewelry from Pearl's shop! Sara, let us know what you choose!

Here's a great big THANK YOU to all of you who stopped by to enter. Thanks for supporting my humble blog - and handmade!

Many, many thanks to Pearl for taking time to share with us. I really enjoyed learning more about her and reading her meaningful response.

A new Hall of Fame interview/giveaway started today, so be sure to stop by while you're here for your chance to win a Sugar Bunny from Etsy seller, Marjji! Have a great day!!

Hall of Fame {Marjji}

Welcome back! Thanks for stopping by for this weeks Hall of Fame Interview and Giveaway!

I'm so pleased to be able to introduce you to these talented artists with their variety of handmade goods. Which brings us to this week's artist...

Meet Tamara, the skilled woman behind Marjji - the cutest little shop filled with her animal creations.

Tamara shares a bit about herself below...


What inspires you?
Inspiration comes from materials, process, and the ideas that creep into my mind. If I ‘get stuck’ …a trip to the thrift shop moves things right along.

Where do you call home?
Home is an area in Northern Ohio known as the Firelands. However, growing up, we call The Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania home because that is where my Parents and Grandmother who liked to sew cats lived.
What made you decide to open up shop?
I have a BFA in Printmaking Minor Ceramics and a Masters in Art Education from Kent State. I teach Middle School Art as a day job. Although, I do enjoy showing others how to make things and find the creative spirit…something was missing – I needed to make things. I discovered Etsy in March of 2008 and read the site like a book, textbook. I opened a shop in July of 2008. I was attracted to crafting in that one could put down a project, walk away and resume without a problem. Unlike painting and printmaking, which requires an uninterrupted thought process in my case. . . and so fiber arts, my secret love, was my Etsy shop idea. First came the Cats, a pattern I drew from a memory of little calico cats with a curl tail that my Grandmother made from extra fabric. Then came Wee Hedgehogs (originally a cat toy experiment) Owls and Bunnies. I look forward to many more wool discoveries and am thankful for the Etsy Venue.
Name your favorite thing about selling handmade.
My favorite thing about selling handmade is happiness - Happy customer and Happy me.

Do you have a day job or sell on Etsy full-time?
As mentioned above, I teach Middle School Art as a day job. Sometimes I forget that it is work. I truly enjoy the energy of 10-14 year olds. For example, a boy once told me that writing about art is like painting with words. This year an 8th grade girl felt that we are what we make and we make what we are…I walk through those thoughts for a couple of days…
Share an interesting fact about yourself.
I wait all year to make Caprese Salad fresh from the garden…and this summer I will try my hand at making fresh mozzarella cheese.

What's on your playlist this week?
This week my little one has discovered Rock and Roll. So, Splish Splash, Wooly Bully, and Rockin’ Robin are house winners.
Share with us a favorite Etsy purchase or shop.
My favorite etsy shops: cathycullis & mummysam
Simply outstanding.
List ten of your most favorite things.
1. Marjji, my sweet little dog
2. Summer night scents
3. Fresh peaches
4. Happy children
5. Ocean water
6. First warm day in the spring
7. Caprese Salad
8. Finding things
9. Cozy bed
10. Making things
Name one place you must visit in your lifetime and why.
I would very much like to visit the United Kingdom - my Father’s side of the family.

Giveaway Time!
One of Tamara's adorable Sugar Bunnies is up for grabs! Thank you, Tamara, for taking time to take part in this interview and offering one of your beautifully handcrafted critters.

Tell us what your favorite animal is! Maybe we'll see it in her shop one day...

To enter, please leave a comment on this post with your answer, name, and email address or Etsy username.

For extra entries you can:
Tweet this giveaway: 2 additional entries
Follow my blog: 5 additional entries
Blog about this interview/contest: 7 additional entries
Purchase from Marjji: 10 additional entries
(Please include this info, if applicable, with your comment for additional entries. You do not need to leave separate comments for additional entries. Don't forget to include your name and contact info!)

Contest ends Sunday, June 28th at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen by traditional drawing and will be announced Monday, June 29th.

Worth Quoting

There's beauty all around our paths, if but our watchful eyes can trace it midst familiar things, and through their lowly guise.

~Felicia D. Hemans

Weekend Whimsy {Midsummer Dream}

I have had a most rare vision.
I have had a dream,
past the wit of man to say what dream it was.
~William Shakespeare

zephyr ~ butterfly crown by whichgoose

little flowers tealight cover by Hannah Nunn
butterfly place cards by Timeless Paper
linen placemat by LinenMe
art deco cake forks by Cabbages and Queens
twirl print by mkendall photography

Purse-aholic

Thursday is here! God, I love this bag by Tortilla Girl. . .

Soft French Lace Bag

Why, thank you!

I have to say, that I feel so loved today! My friend, Amy, of the b-line, has so sweetly nominated me with the "One Lovely Blog Award!"

The outpouring of comments and support for my blog has been amazing. Thank you to each and every one of you - and to all my followers (whom I like to call friends).

Thanks again, Amy. God bless!

I want to spread the love, so here are my nominees:
Inside My Sewing Box
Genevieve Gail
The Maisy Report
Mia Beads
olivebites

Update 9:45pm~
I told you I was feelin' the love today! Coincidentally, I have been nominated for this award again today, unbeknownst to the giver. Wow! Her name is Kara and she has a very lovely shop and blog - check it out. Thank you, Kara!

Update July 3rd~
I have so graciously been nominated for this award a 3rd time, and I could not go without recognizing the awesome giver and her shop! Thank you, Lily! Here is her shop and blog.

News Flash

I couldn't keep all of these fabulous contests to myself, so here I am! You'll be glad you didn't miss out on these!

Hop over to the Perfect Sentiment blog, and enter to win a lovely 8x10 print of your choice from inspiration board! Inspiration board is the brand spankin' new shop belonging to the lovely Amy of the b-line.
Get Ready, Set, Go is offering up $30 towards anything in her shop. And let me tell you, there are some fabulous pieces in there under $30...you won't be able to pick just one! Kristin of {sweeter than me} is hosting the giveaway on her blog. Enter here!
This next artist, who happens to be a fellow North Carolinian, has a beautiful, little shop that I just discovered! Meet Musette and stop by the b-line to enter to win some lovely earrings.
Last, but not least, don't forget about the giveaway going on right here at The Sunshine Studio! Pearl, of Maya & Ruhi, was inducted into the Hall of Fame, and you can enter to win a piece from her shop valued at $32 or less. Click here for details!

Creative Corner

Here's your midweek dose of handmade goodies. These Etsians like to play in the mud. ;)

Nesting Lotus Bowls
Sculpted Cream & Sugar Set
Chartreuse Owl Planter

Wordless Wednesday

Newest Addition

Meet Mila-June, the newest addition to our family. My husband found her June 11th, near the highway on his way home from work. Having a soft spot for kitties, and all animals for that matter, he scooped her up and brought her home. We surely don't need another pet, given that we're about to burst at the seams with six cats already and one stray we feed (shhh....), but we just couldn't turn her away. She was very sick and malnourished. I've never seen such a traumatic wound on any animal in person. Apparently, she had been bitten by some animal on her neck, leaving a nasty puncture wound turned abscess. After advice from our vet, we've been 'doctoring' on her for a few days now, and I'm happy to report that the sore is almost gone! I wouldn't have believed five days ago that she would look so much better already! She is acting like a normal, healthy kitten now - not lethargic anymore. She's hyper and playful with a big appetite. Her new "brothers and sisters" are coming around and getting used to the fact of a new addition too. Having her run up to me, cuddle up on my chest, and instantly start to purr, just warms my heart.

Trendy Tuesday

Father's Day is Sunday, so keeping dad in mind, this week's collection is for men! This whole outfit is versatile - the shorts are reversible (how cool is that?), and you can dress the shoes up or down. The tee is by isotope who offers many quirky, graphic tees for men. You won't be able to choose just one! What are you getting dad for Father's Day?

t-shirt
cuffs
shorts
shoes

Drumroll Please. . .

The winner is, Danielle! Who said, "My favorite heirloom is a serving platter that was my Great Great Grandmother's and was given to me by my Grandmother. It sits in my china cabinet and occasionally I pull it out and just think about how many meals were served on it as the family sat around the table and talked and laughed. It's neat for me to know that even though I never met my Great Great Grandmother, I can hold something that she once held and lovingly served meals to her family on."

Danielle gets to pick a bag for her very own from Amanda's shop! Danielle, let us know what you choose!

To those who entered, I can't thank you enough. Another great turnout!

Also, much thanks to Amanda for participating in the interview and so generously offering one of her bags.

A new Hall of Fame interview/giveaway started today, so be sure to stop by while you're here for your chance to win a lovely piece of jewelry of your choice from the talented Etsian, Pearl, of Maya & Ruhi. Have a great day!!

Hall of Fame {Maya & Ruhi}

Hello again! Thanks for coming by. I hope your Monday has gotten off to a great start. Reading about awesome artisans cheers me up, and I hope it does you too. Another talented Etsian has been inducted into the Hall of Fame!

Meet Pearl, the talented woman behind Maya & Ruhi. Pearl, is a stay-at-home-mom and self-taught jewelry maker. Learn about the passion that has overtaken her dining room table, and get a look at her exclusive designs.

Read on to find out what inspires her, discover the real Maya and Ruhi, and how she finds balance in her life.

Where do you call home? Are you from there originally?
I was born in Singapore, and live here now. I lived in England and Dubai for about 10 years, over University and after getting married, but moved back to Singapore about 8 years ago, because my husband and I agreed that Singapore was a good environment to be bringing up kids.
What inspires you?
Anything or everything, really. It just depends whether I am "in the zone" at that moment. If I am receptive, anything can become an inspiration.

A lot of the time, I look through history books on art, jewelry, architecture, cultural movements. My particular favourites are those on the Pre-Raphaelite and Art Nouveau movements, Elizabethan and Baroque jewelry, and the treasures of the Mughals. These amaze me to no end. The ostentatiousness, the artistry, the creativity, the inspirations. I also am an avid magazine "flicker-through-er". I am always bowled over by the gorgeously styled photo shoots of VOGUE.
Share an interesting fact about yourself.
I have 3 pretty large tattoos. One sugar skull on my leg, one Japanese demon on my arm, and the Chinese character for 'love' at the back of my neck.

What made you decide to open up shop and create jewelry?
I started dabbling in making jewelry about 5 years back. My sister is a fashion designer, and has her own boutique, so I put them in her shop on a consignment basis. It was an outlet for my creative energies, and to stay sane while being a stay-at-home-mom.
How did you select the name Maya & Ruhi? Any special significance?
Maya and Ruhi are my daughters. Maya is now 10, and Ruhi is 5. Both are Sanskrit names - my husband is of Indian origin. "Maya" means "illusion", and "Ruhi" means "spirit". They also have Chinese names, as I am of Chinese origin. But I think MAYA & RUHI sounds much more alluring than SHAN & MIN. ;)
Name your favorite thing about selling handmade.
Hands down, my favourite thing about selling handmade is the relationships I develop with my customers when I work on a custom piece. It gets unbelievably fun bouncing ideas off each other, seeing how things inspire other people, and helping them materialise their visions.

Many customers have become good friends over the years, and I have customed many meaningful pieces, including for weddings, and family pieces. By family pieces I mean jewelry sets made entirely of the birthstones of the whole family, intended to be heirlooms. I am just so honoured to be able to do these things for my wonderful customers who have become really good friends.
Do you have a day job or sell on Etsy full-time?
My day-job is the real Maya and Ruhi. And that's really a 24/7 job. No weekends, no off days. Etsy is my escape! ;) I work mainly after they go to bed. But now that both are in school, I do get the mornings to myself, and get some work done then as well. Timing has been pretty good, 'coz they are getting more and more independent, and I am able to spend more time on my growing business.
Share with us a favorite Etsy purchase or shop.
I bought this Watching Ring from DillonDesigns, and this Folded Wings Ring from RagTrader. I wear them ALL the time.

Just a few days back, I bought a couple of feather headbands from AFarmersDaughter. I can't wait for them to arrive.

Right now I am thinking of getting some art from MyPinkTurtleStudio. I love Frida Kahlo, and Lulu's interpretations and visions are just out-of-this-world. I am seriously in love...
List a few of your most favorite pastimes.
Reading
Watching The Style Network.
Yoga
Surfing the Net
Playing Junior Monopoly
Blogging (here)
Hanging out at Borders The Bookstore
What is your most prized possession?
I don't really have one. Possibly the real Maya & Ruhi's few pieces of baby clothing that I have preserved. Other than that, I try not to accumulate stuff. I used to be a serial hoarder, keeping every single thing for any sentiment's sake. Until I met my husband, who taught me the importance of De-cluttering. Just one of the things that I so admire about him. :)

The one other thing...
Yoga is my lifesaver. Since I began doing yoga regularly (again) about 6 months back, my energy levels are up, and I feel more in control of things. In turn, I am finding more balance in my life, setting aside crafting time from being at the computer, and being in-the-moment when I am with the real Maya and Ruhi, instead about worrying about a certain project or completing orders.
Giveaway Time!
Pearl is going to let the winner choose any piece from her shop valued at $32 or less (this includes shipping) *If the piece you choose exceeds $32, just checkout normally, but wait for a revised invoice (for the difference) before paying.

Pearl would like to know the things YOU do to keep your lives in balance!

To enter, please leave a comment on this post with your answer, name, and email address or Etsy username.

For extra entries you can:
Tweet this giveaway: 2 additional entries
Follow mine and Pearl's blogs: 5 additional entries
Blog about this interview/contest: 7 additional entries
Purchase from Maya & Ruhi: 10 additional entries
(Please include this info, if applicable, with your comment for additional entries. You do not need to leave separate comments for additional entries.)

Contest ends Sunday, June 21st at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen by traditional drawing and will be announced Monday, June 22nd.