Monday, August 31, 2009

Hall of Fame {Lilly Queen}

Hi all and welcome back to The Sunshine Studio for this week's featured artist. As I have said before, I love learning about and meeting new Etsians and reading the diversity in their answers and how each interprets my questions. I do hope that you enjoy it too!

Meet Sara, the darling behind vintage inspired jewelry shop Lilly Queen.

Read a little about Sara, learn just who is this Lilly Queen, and get in on a double dose of goodness at the end.



What inspires you?

My supplies inspire me. I don't normally plan out what I'm going to make, I start making and keep building until I'm happy with what I have.

Where do you call home? Are you from there originally?
Southern Connecticut is where I've called home for the last 24 years. Warm summers and bitter cold winters, a typical New England year.

Name something unique to where you live.
It is the home of Pez Candy. It is the birthplace of the can opener. In Hartford, you may not, under any circumstances, cross the street walking on your hands! Connecticut is home to the first hamburger (1895), Polaroid camera (1934), helicopter (1939), and color television (1948).
Share an interesting fact about yourself.
Both my arms are double jointed.

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

What made you decide to open up shop?
I found out about Etsy from Craftster.org. I have been making things since I was young and was always looking for a place to sell my things. Eventually I hope to open up my own storefront.
How did you come up with the name Lilly Queen? Any special significance?
My ferret's name is Lilly. Anytime I would come home from work I'd call out to her and ask where the queen of the house was... somehow "Lilly Queen" came out and decided it would be a cute name for my store.

Name your favorite thing about selling handmade.
Having people enjoy what I made.
Do you have a day job or sell on Etsy full-time?
I used to have a boring desk day job, but I was laid off a few weeks ago. It's been a bit of a blessing and a burden. I hated the job so much and wanted to do Etsy full time. So as of right now I'm working Etsy full time and I might go to hair dressing school and take a makeup class.
Give us a little glimpse into what a typical day in your life looks like.
I wake up on most days around 8, I get right onto my computer to see if I'd had any sales or convos. I'll respond and take care of what I need to. If I don't have anything new to post I'll try and relist a few items to keep my shop close to the top of the jewelry category.

I then start checking how many views my page got over night, how many hearts my shop and items got and then I check to see if I was featured anywhere. I also check the treasuries list. Then it's time for loads of coffee. Then back to my desk to make jewelry and list.

Around 4 my boyfriend gets out of work and I spend the rest of the evening with him. I go to bed really late and wake up early to do it all over again.
Share with us a favorite Etsy purchase or shop.
Every purchase I make is a favorite. I love supporting other shops on Etsy. Most of the time I spend all my money on supplies.

List a few of your most favorite pastimes.
Oddly enough, I like working on cars. My boyfriend has a crazy drift car and I like helping him work on it. My godfather used to race Porsches and I grew up on a racetrack, so I've always had cars and racing around me.

Read any good books lately?
No, I haven't had the patience to sit down and actually read lately. Just a bunch of gossip magazines, Vogue and Cosmo.

What is your most prized possession?
My growing Mac makeup collection. I know, it's a terrible (and expensive) obsession.
What are three of your favorite foods?
Beef Jerky, Steak, Coffee (it's not food, but it's a favorite!)

What would you like to learn to do?
Cut hair, do makeup, and learn a little more about cars.
What are you listening to right now?
Lots of dance and techno music.

Name one place you must visit in your lifetime and why.
I'd like to go to California. I know, it's not that special. I don't really like to travel.

It was so nice getting to know you, Sara! Thank you for sharing with us. Your jewelry is lovely!

Please take a minute to peruse Sara's shop and blog. She has some great sales going on right now, and an awesome 5 Dollar Section!

Time for a Giveaway!
And you're in for a special treat...

For the first time, there will not just be one winner, but two! Two readers have a chance to win one of the lovely pairs of earrings shown above! Either the Aqua Etch or Silver Baby Birds earrings. {Winner #1 will receive the aqua etch & #2 the baby bird}

To enter, please leave a comment on this post with your TWO favorite items from Sara's shop. Be sure to include your name and email address or Etsy username. Good luck!

For extra entries you can:
Tweet this giveaway: 2 additional entries (*NEW: Follow Lilly Queen on twitter for an extra entry!)
Follow my blog and/or Sara's blog : 5 additional entries
Blog about this interview/contest: 7 additional entries
Purchase from Lilly Queen: 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, September 6th at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen by traditional drawing and will be announced Monday, September 7th.

154 comments:

Sydney said...

I love her Dove in Flight necklace and the Baby Birds earrings! Such a beautiful shop.

**I follow your blog**

Sydney
sszumski @ Etsy

denise said...

I love the vintage oriental blues earrings and the tea rose ring. lovely pieces.
qwaszx024 at gmail dot com

MadeInCanarias said...

I like Antique Brass Heart - earrings and Black Eyed Susans - earrings.

I tweeted:http://twitter.com/MadeInCanarias

I follow Lilly Queen on twitter. (MadeInCanarias)
I follow your blog.

Ave @ Made In Canarias

avetaar@gmail.com

Sarah said...

I love the flutter ring and the aqua necklace. All of her items are beautiful.
Pretties4princesses.etsy.com

Lyndsay said...

i really love the milk glass earrings and the oyster shell earrings too!

Lyndsay said...

i'm also a blog follower!

3Ddoodles said...

Love the silver bird earrings.

Lisa said...

Faves: the Oyster Shell earrings and the Baby Birds Brass earrings - so cute!

http://maked.etsy.com

Lisa said...

I'm also a follower of your blog. =)

Abie said...

My two faves are the Thistle earrings and the Wet Berries earrings! So beautiful!

abigail.lee {at} gmail.com

Abie said...

I'm a follower of your blog.

abigail.lee {at} gmail.com

Abie said...

Follower #2.

abigail.lee {at} gmail.com

Abie said...

Follower #3.

abigail.lee {at} gmail.com

Abie said...

Follower #4.

abigail.lee {at} gmail.com

Abie said...

Follower #5.

abigail.lee {at} gmail.com

Heather said...

I adore the chocolate dots bracelet and the tea rose ring

heatherdemke(at)gmail(dot)com

Lily said...

i love the chic necklace and the brass locket necklace!
Lily- Lmhoot@flash.net

Anonymous said...

What a lovely giveaway my fingers are crossed. I adore the estate aqua earrings and aqua globe earring the colors are soooo pretty and go with a lot of my wardrobe. Thanks for the giveaway.Marian

mtzeenla@yahoo.com

Mandy Hornbuckle said...

Wow! Those are beautiful!!

mandyhornbuckle@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

my two favourite items are the silver Baby Birds earrings and the Distressed Bird Necklace!!

Am a follower

mint
ecchan5686(at)yahoo.com.au

fındıkfaresi said...

I love the "Flutter - ring" and "Spring Buds - earrings"!

findikim@gmail.com

DinaXYYan said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

I adore the "Baby Birds" earrings. Maybe because I collect jewelry in the shape of birds. Pearl Dots earrings are also my fav's. So many beautiful pieces!

Zoe
littlerabbitfeet@gmail.com

RNJen said...

I follow you and Lilly Queen!!!!
I love the plums bracelet and the vintage oriental earrings!!
I am placing an order now!!
I am blogging too!

http://peachykings.blogspot.com/
peachy_kings at yahoo.com
RNJen

Nicole-Lynn said...

Went to her shop, the brides delight and aquatic earrings are great! Love them both.

Would love to be entered for the contest! I am a follower!

Seasidesmitten@aol.com

Liz said...

I like the poppies earrings and the antique brass diamonds...you're talented!
girlygirlsboutique(at)gmail(dot)com

Suburban prep said...

I like the Grapes and Leaves -bracelet and the Texturized Pod Necklace.
Both are so interesting.

msgb245 at gmail dot com

Jessica said...

Ooh, I love those silver baby bird earrings! I also like the stardust and electra earrings. Great shops!

TopHat said...

I like the brass angel earrings and the tea rose ring.

Allison said...

I like the oyster shell earrings and the antique brass diamond earrings. Lots of gorgeous pieces!

Etsy username Solunastra

Becca said...

I adore your hydrangea and wine stack earrings! perfect! Becca (leccalave@yahoo.com)

Anonymous said...

love the princess and oyster shell earrings!

gemini5757 at hotmail.com

Unknown said...

I like the soaring blue bird ring, and the dove in flight necklace. I love birds.

soypea@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I'm following lillyqueen on twitter

@soypea

soypea@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I tweeted this giveaway

http://twitter.com/soypea/status/3690172742

soypea@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Tweet entry #2

soypea@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I'm following you blog

soypea@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Follower #2

soypea@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Follower #3

soypea@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Follower #4

soypea@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Follower #5

soypea@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Blog entry #2

soypea@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Blog entry #3

soypea@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Blog entry #4

soypea@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Blog entry #5

soypea@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Blog entry #6

soypea@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Blog entry #7

soypea@gmail.com

Jenn Milt Art said...

I like the Blue Dots earrings and the Buttercup earrings :)

jrerwin6 at gmail dot com

Jenn Milt Art said...

I follow your blog!

jrerwin6 at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

♥Frosted Cake - ring

nice color:) really noticeable

♥Flutter - ring

so cute


Jo-An(name)
embutidomylove(etsyname)
embutidomylove(aT)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Follower#1

Follower of you and Sara's blog(Lilly queen)

Jo-An(name)
embutidomylove(etsyname)
embutidomylove(aT)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Follower#2

Follower of you and Sara's blog(Lilly queen)

Jo-An(name)
embutidomylove(etsyname)
embutidomylove(aT)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Follower#3

Follower of you and Sara's blog(Lilly queen)

Jo-An(name)
embutidomylove(etsyname)
embutidomylove(aT)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Follower#4

Follower of you and Sara's blog(Lilly queen)

Jo-An(name)
embutidomylove(etsyname)
embutidomylove(aT)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Follower#5

Follower of you and Sara's blog(Lilly queen)

Jo-An(name)
embutidomylove(etsyname)
embutidomylove(aT)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Tweet#1

Tweet about it

http://twitter.com/janeuarymmiv/status/3691531947

Anonymous said...

Tweet#2

Tweet about it

http://twitter.com/janeuarymmiv/status/3691531947

Anonymous said...

Following Lillyqueen on twitter".)
www.twitter.com/janeuarymmiv

Jo-An(name)
embutidomylove(etsyname)
embutidomylove(aT)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Blog#1
Blog about it

http://janeuarymmiv.blogspot.com/2009/09/aqua-etch-or-silver-baby-birds-earrings.html

Jo-An(name)
embutidomylove(etsyname)
embutidomylove(aT)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Blog#2
Blog about it

http://janeuarymmiv.blogspot.com/2009/09/aqua-etch-or-silver-baby-birds-earrings.html

Jo-An(name)
embutidomylove(etsyname)
embutidomylove(aT)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Blog#3
Blog about it

http://janeuarymmiv.blogspot.com/2009/09/aqua-etch-or-silver-baby-birds-earrings.html

Jo-An(name)
embutidomylove(etsyname)
embutidomylove(aT)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Blog#4
Blog about it

http://janeuarymmiv.blogspot.com/2009/09/aqua-etch-or-silver-baby-birds-earrings.html

Jo-An(name)
embutidomylove(etsyname)
embutidomylove(aT)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Blog#5
Blog about it

http://janeuarymmiv.blogspot.com/2009/09/aqua-etch-or-silver-baby-birds-earrings.html

Jo-An(name)
embutidomylove(etsyname)
embutidomylove(aT)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Blog#6
Blog about it

http://janeuarymmiv.blogspot.com/2009/09/aqua-etch-or-silver-baby-birds-earrings.html

Jo-An(name)
embutidomylove(etsyname)
embutidomylove(aT)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Blog#7
Blog about it

http://janeuarymmiv.blogspot.com/2009/09/aqua-etch-or-silver-baby-birds-earrings.html

Jo-An(name)
embutidomylove(etsyname)
embutidomylove(aT)yahoo(dot)com

clenna said...

I love the Antique Brass Diamonds - earrings and the Milky Flare - earrings.

clenna at aol dot com

clenna said...

I follow your blog #1
clenna at aol dot com

clenna said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
clenna said...

I follow your blog #2
clenna at aol dot com

clenna said...

I follow your blog #3
clenna at aol dot com

clenna said...

I follow your blog #4
clenna at aol dot com

Casandra said...

My favorite two pieces of jewelery are Wet Berries - earrings and the Estate - Crystal - earrings ...

Unknown said...

Love the Juniper Earrings and the Aqua Celsian Necklace!

-Sally
bellsandunicorns@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Following your blog (1)

-Sally
bellsandunicorns@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Following your blog (2)

-Sally
bellsandunicorns@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Following your blog (3)

-Sally
bellsandunicorns@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Following your blog (4)

-Sally
bellsandunicorns@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Following your blog (5)

-Sally
bellsandunicorns@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Follow Sara's blog (1)


-Sally
bellsandunicorns@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Follow Sara's blog (2)


-Sally
bellsandunicorns@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Follow Sara's blog (3)


-Sally
bellsandunicorns@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Follow Sara's blog (4)


-Sally
bellsandunicorns@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Follow Sara's blog (5)


-Sally
bellsandunicorns@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Following on Twitter (bellsnunicorns)


-Sally
bellsandunicorns@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Tweeted! (1)

http://twitter.com/bellsnunicorns/status/3698655868

-Sally
bellsandunicorns@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Tweeted! (2)

http://twitter.com/bellsnunicorns/status/3698655868

-Sally
bellsandunicorns@gmail.com

Sherry'sPaperie said...

1st choice from the etsy shop is the
Pineapple Delight - earrings -- such a delicate yellow. And my 2nd choice is the Milky Flare - earrings.

momma said...

I really like the Cycle Sterling Silver Ring and the Moon earrings. Great stuff!

I also follow your blog now :)

Aik said...

I love the Aqua - necklace and Puffed Love - necklace.

I'm having my first September giveaway, check it out!

http://aik-friendsnfamily.blogspot.com/2009/09/september-giveaway-1-shapes-and.html

Win 2 digital arts of your choice from the Shapes and Memories collection!

aikychien at yahoo dot com

Aik said...

I tweeted.

http://twitter.com/aikchien/status/3710542604

aikychien at yahoo dot com

laia said...

I love many pieces, but my favourites are:
Baby Birds earrings, Antique Brass Diamonds earrings and Vintage Old Hollywood necklace!
My email:
laiafortuny(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I love the retro styling of the pieces! My two faves are the SPINDLE earrings and the GRAPES & LEAVES bracelet!!!!
Zoe0825@verizon.net

janil said...

Aqua Celsian necklace and Brass Locket Necklace are my favourites!

cal_rubies at yahoo dot es

janil said...

I'm your follower!
cal_rubies at yahoo dot es

Andrea Hatfield said...

I like the hydrangea earrings and the antique brass diamond earrings.

simplyandreah at gmail dot com

Joanna said...

I actually had three items that I liked from the shop.

Silver - earrings
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30119740

Antique Brass Diamonds - earrings
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28409085

Cuffed in Glamour
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25907775

Great stuff!

Joanna
jmeyer814@yahoo.com

Katie said...

I like the:

Lavender earrings

and

Black Eyed Susans. So cute!

Katie Harrison
katieharrison13@gmail.com

Damsels said...

oh wow so many comment s already .


well i liked the cherry tomato earring and the frosted cake ring .

bison61 said...

Chinese flower earrings and the grapes & leaves bracelet
vicki wurgler

tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

i like minty hair pins and soaring blue ring!!

so cool
love birds!

ecosampler@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Fussy Peacock. Earrings - Choose Your Color &
Fiona Floral Earrings
It is hard to only choose 2!
Thanks
aprilfunshowers@ymail.com

Joanne J said...

Thanks for the giveaways and wish me luck :)
I like the Flutter - ring and the Spring Buds - earrings. They're both beautiful.

joanne.j@hotmail.com

Joanne J said...

I'm following your blog and Sara's blog (1)

joanne.j@hotmail.com

Joanne J said...

I'm following your blog and Sara's blog (2)

joanne.j@hotmail.com

Joanne J said...

I'm following your blog and Sara's blog (3)

joanne.j@hotmail.com

Joanne J said...

I'm following your blog and Sara's blog (4)

joanne.j@hotmail.com

Joanne J said...

I'm following your blog and Sara's blog (5)

joanne.j@hotmail.com

Rachael (Roscata on Etsy) said...

Thanks for hosting a lovely giveaway!

I'm so glad we're choosing two because it's so hard to choose one! :)
I love the Robin's nest necklace and the minty hairpins (I'm a bird biologist so I love anything with feathers!).

I tweeted! http://twitter.com/roscatastuff

I follow LillyQueen on twitter!

I follow your blog!

I follow the Lillyqueen blog!

I also blogged about this giveaway!
http://roscata.com/blog/?p=602

XO
Rachael (aka Roscata on Etsy)
www.roscata.com

Rachael (Roscata on Etsy) said...

I hope it's okay that I put all that into one comment! :)

Rachael

andrea v said...

i like puffy clouds and Emerald City Streets - bracelet
vickers at comcast dot net

Anonymous said...

my favorites are the robin's nest necklace and the silver baby birds earrings! <3
randomness.blue@gmail.com
-Dana

Anonymous said...

My favorites are the wine stack earrings and the baby bird earrings. Beautiful!

Sarah
french_mk at yahoo dot com

Huguette En said...

I like the mermaid bracelet and the flutter ring!

Huguette E.
henglish(at)nb(dot)sympatico(dot)ca

Ľubaša said...

I like Marble and Patina Necklace and Copper Bracelet. Thanks. Lubaska
lubaska dot k at gmail dot com

Ľubaša said...

I follow Lilly Queen on twitter
Lubica
lubaska dot k at gmail dot com

Ľubaša said...

I tweet this giveaway 1
http://twitter.com/Lubaska/status/3797984693
Lubica
Lubaska dot k at gmail dot com

Ľubaša said...

I tweet this giveaway 2s
http://twitter.com/Lubaska/status/3797984693
Lubica
Lubaska dot k at gmail dot com

Huguette En said...

http://twitter.com/henglish/status/3798725476
#1

Huguette En said...

http://twitter.com/henglish/status/3798725476
#2

Huguette En said...

I'm a new follower on twitter - henglish

Huguette En said...

I'm a new blog follower #1

Huguette En said...

I'm a new blog follower #2

Huguette En said...

I'm a new blog follower #3

Huguette En said...

I'm a new blog follower #4

Huguette En said...

I'm a new blog follower #5

Jules said...

My favorites are the Robin's Nest Necklace and the Brass Baby Birds Earrings! I follow Lily Queen on twitter, and I tweeted this contest( @jules79200)!

janetfaye said...

I like I like Estate - Aqua -earrings and Something Blue - earrings.

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

janetfaye said...

1. I follow your blog and Sara's blog - janetfaye

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

janetfaye said...

2. I follow your blog and Sara's blog - janetfaye

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

janetfaye said...

3. I follow your blog and Sara's blog - janetfaye

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

janetfaye said...

4. I follow your blog and Sara's blog - janetfaye

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

janetfaye said...

5. I follow your blog and Sara's blog - janetfaye

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

janetfaye said...

1. I blogged:
http://blog-giveaways.blogspot.com/2009/09/hall-of-fame-lilly-queen-giveaway.html

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

janetfaye said...

2. I blogged:
http://blog-giveaways.blogspot.com/2009/09/hall-of-fame-lilly-queen-giveaway.html

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

janetfaye said...

3. I blogged:
http://blog-giveaways.blogspot.com/2009/09/hall-of-fame-lilly-queen-giveaway.html

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

janetfaye said...

4. I blogged:
http://blog-giveaways.blogspot.com/2009/09/hall-of-fame-lilly-queen-giveaway.html

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

janetfaye said...

5. I blogged:
http://blog-giveaways.blogspot.com/2009/09/hall-of-fame-lilly-queen-giveaway.html

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

janetfaye said...

6. I blogged:
http://blog-giveaways.blogspot.com/2009/09/hall-of-fame-lilly-queen-giveaway.html

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

janetfaye said...

7. I blogged:
http://blog-giveaways.blogspot.com/2009/09/hall-of-fame-lilly-queen-giveaway.html

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

alovelymadness said...

The "cherry tomatoes" earrings are so cute.
And I like the "robins eggs" necklace.

littlepurpleroom58 at yahoo .com

alovelymadness said...

I'm following #1

littlepurpleroom58 at yahoo .com

alovelymadness said...

I'm following #2

littlepurpleroom58 at yahoo .com

alovelymadness said...

I'm following #3

littlepurpleroom58 at yahoo .com

alovelymadness said...

I'm following #4

littlepurpleroom58 at yahoo .com

alovelymadness said...

I'm following #5

littlepurpleroom58 at yahoo .com

Anonymous said...

i follow lillyqueen on twitter! -deylala
randomness.blue@gmail.com

MauiDiveGirl said...

love the milky flare and silver birdie earrings.
lisa
llappeonmaui@yahoo.com
mauidivegirl.etsy.com

Jane Hee said...

I like "Mermaid - bracelet" and "Tempting - earrings"

luvwendy87@hotmail.com

Jane Hee said...

I'm a follower #1

luvwendy87@hotmail.com

Jane Hee said...

I'm a follower #2

luvwendy87@hotmail.com

Jane Hee said...

I'm a follower #3

luvwendy87@hotmail.com

Jane Hee said...

I'm a follower #4

luvwendy87@hotmail.com

Jane Hee said...

I'm a follower #5

luvwendy87@hotmail.com

Ladytink_534 said...

My favorite item is the Queens Lace - earrings & the Chinese Flowers - earrings. I'm a follower.
Ladytink_534(at)yahoo(dot)com