Monday, November 16, 2009

Hall of Fame {Pook & Thy}

Welcome back, everyone! You're in for another treat this week. I feel so privileged to be able to introduce you to these fabulous Etsy artists. After each interview, I feel as if I've made a new friend. I hope you will too. . .

Meet Wendy, the seamstress behind the sweet Etsy shop Pook & Thy. Her shop is filled with hand embroidered cards and tags, clutches, scarves, bibs, and handbags!

Wendy is a mother, nurse, thrift store addict, and artist who makes her lovely pieces mostly out of recycled materials.

Read on to learn more about her busy life, how she learned to sew, and just who is Pook. You'll also get to meet her adorable assistant! ;)

What inspires you?
I am inspired by colour combinations and elements of style all around me. I am an avid people watcher. I might see someone perhaps wearing a blouse with a certain type of ruffle which might inspire me to create something of my own with a ruffle as an accent. Also I have always had a love for vintage and classic things which truly never go out of style.

Where do you call home? Are you from there originally?
I am from Toronto and have lived within the same neighbourhood since the age of 8. I guess you could call me a real homebody. I'm really not that adventurous or a world traveler. I prefer to stay at home with my sewing machine.

Name something unique to where you live.
In downtown Toronto there is a textile museum and every year they have a massive fundraiser sale of donated textiles and vintage fabrics. For me this is like Christmas. I'm like a child in that I can barely sleep the night before the event.

{Wendy's "assistant" ~ click to enlarge}
Share an interesting fact about yourself.
I also work outside of the home as a registered nurse in an occupational health capacity. I started my nursing career working in maternity and labor and delivery.

If you had to describe yourself in a word, what would that word be?
Wow, this is a really tough question! ...so many options... how bout silly? I love being goofy sometimes, especially with certain friends.

What made you decide to open up shop?
I had been talking about doing something like a shop on another e-commerce site which shall remain nameless and then one of my best friends introduced me to etsy. She apologized when she told me about it because she said it was very addicting. She was right! My shop slowly evolved from there and I'm experimenting with new designs all the time. Sometimes I think my shop is too busy with too much variety and not enough consistency i.e. one item in many different sizes and colours etc., but then again I'm an artisan and not a catalogue company.
How did you come up with your shop name? Any special significance?
Pook = my 5 year old son's nickname
Thy = my dear friend Thyra - whom I met in nursing school and also loves to sew.

Name your favorite thing about selling handmade.
I LOVE to think there are people out there all over the world who love my work and are wearing my unique creations.

Do you have a day job or sell on Etsy full-time?
***see above.

Who taught you to sew and when?
My mother was trained as a family studies or home economics teacher in the 60s. She is an amazing sewer and actually taught me to sew on her vintage Singer machine when I was 5. This was after having sent back my plastic Holly Hobby machine for repairs for the upteenth time.
Give us a little glimpse into what a typical day in your life looks like.
Every day is quite different really at the moment because I am off work on maternity leave with a new baby who is now 4 months old. Between feeding the baby, getting Pook back and forth to Kindergarten and keeping the house in order I try to sneak in some sewing and etsy here and there.

Share with us a favorite Etsy purchase or shop.
Definitely I have to say that I'm addicted to mother of pearl buttons and belt buckles from grlyhead's shop on etsy. Lately I've also developed a rhinestone button and buckle fascination too.

List a few of your most favorite pastimes.
I love to sew (obviously)
I love love love to thrift shop
Hanging out at my parent's cottage in Muskoka and checking out the garage sales up there.
Playing with my kids and spending time relaxing at home with my husband.
Swimming and downhill skiing

Read any good books lately?
I have to say that I really don't have very much time for reading. I am trying to finish up My Sister's Keeper but it's taking about 6 months, lol.
What is your most prized possession?
Definitely my Singer Featherweight sewing machine. It's so beautiful - all glossy, gleamy and black - and sews like a dream.

What are three of your favorite foods?
Perogies for sure! (must be homemade)

What would you like to learn to do?
Speak Spanish I guess, I'm already bilingual in French.

What are you listening to right now?
My fussy baby, Lol. He likes to be held ALL the time and doesn't like that I've put him down.
Name one place you must visit in your lifetime and why.
Paris! Paris! Paris! Who doesn't want to go to Paris??? Well it's the french in me I guess and the style there of course.

Wendy, thank you for stopping by to share with us. It was a pleasure getting to know you better.

Time for a Giveaway!
This week's winner will receive Wendy's Pink and Black Tie Clutch. Lovely!

To enter, just leave a comment on this post with your favorite item from her shop. Don't forget to include your name and email address or Etsy username!

Good luck!

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 Pook & Thy: 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, November 22nd at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen by traditional drawing and will be announced Monday, November 23rd.


67 comments:

Framed by Grace said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Framed by Grace said...

Teri est Belle Black Damask and Baby Pink Purse-It's beautiful!
I follow you too!

BTW...Her stuff is so georgeous!!

fede said...

here's my post (http://wwwnew.splinder.com/myblog/post/563435/21709566/yes) +7!!
i was already a follower +5!!
and i love everything in her shop!! how can i choose?
- Job Interview Purse/Tote in Beige and Seashell Pink
- Kimberley Silk Clutch 1
- Pink and White Houndstooth Clutch with Lime Green Velvet
- Victorian Inspired Clutch 2
- Little Wedding Wallet, Card Holder, Ring Pouch, Gift Pouch...in Champagne with White Satin Ribbon
- Black Velvet and Aqua Lace and Ruffle Clutch
- Rosy Grey Herringbone Suiting and Lace... Clutch in Vintage Fabric with Vintage Buttons
and the best one is the one gifted in the give away!! i want it so much!!

federica (fedechica85@hotmail.com)

Ashley said...

I love the Vibrant Red & Dark Chocolate purse. So gorgeous & vibrant!

I am also a follower!


ashley_c_014 at hotmail dot com

Lisa said...

I like the Flirty Little Retro Floral Handbag. I love vintage fabric.
iluvchrisnlevi@aol.com

Anonymous said...

Pretty giveaway my fingers are crossed i'd love to win. I like the hand embroidered linen greeting cards especially the lovely mushroom one. Thanks for a great giveaway.Marian

mtzeenla@yahoo.com

Chacoy said...

I L-O-V-E the: Dark Grey Alpaca and Satin Pink Tote
GORGEOUS:)
ma21cuteboy
chacoyaguayo(at)yahoo(dot)com

Chacoy said...

+5 I follow The Sunshine Studio:)
chacoyaguayo(at)yahoo(dot)com
ma21cuteboy

Sherry Go Sharing said...

I like
Brown Floral and Lilac Scarf Tote and Purse


sherrygo at hotmail dot com

Sherry Go Sharing said...

blogged http://iluvcontest.blogspot.com/2009/11/cute-clutch-bag-giveaway.html

sherrygo at hotmail dot com

Qxela said...

my favorite would definitely have to be the Black and White Check Purse with Wintergreen. sooo cute!and i'm a sucker for the roomier kinds of bags :)

kazeqor@yahoo.com

Qxela said...

#1 i am a follower of your blog already :)

kazeqor@yahoo.com

Qxela said...

#2 i am a follower of your blog already :)

kazeqor@yahoo.com

Qxela said...

#3 i am a follower of your blog already :)

kazeqor@yahoo.com

Qxela said...

#4 i am a follower of your blog already :)

kazeqor@yahoo.com

Qxela said...

#5 i am a follower of your blog already :)

kazeqor@yahoo.com

MadeInCanarias said...

I like Taupe Wool Suiting and Lace... Clutch in Vintage Fabric with Vintage Buttons. madeincanarias(at)yahoo(dot)es

MadeInCanarias said...

I'm already a follower!
madeincanarias(at)yahoo(dot)es

MadeInCanarias said...

Tweet: http://twitter.com/MadeInCanarias/status/5791583789.
madeincanarias(at)yahoo(dot)es

Anonymous said...

Isn't the Taupe Wool Suiting and Lace... Clutch in Vintage Fabric with Vintage Buttons beautiful? I love it!
I'm a follower.
I put a link to this giveaway on my right side bar.
ghainsom
ghainskom at yahoo dot com

Tracey said...

Love her shop! My favorite is Teri est Belle Black Damask and Baby Pink Purse

Tracey
strasfamily at cox dot net

Peach Rainbow said...

i love the Flirty Little Pink Flowers Purse

i follow!

fsarah09 at gmail dot com

Nicole-Lynn said...

My favorite item from her shop is the Rosy Grey Herringbone Suiting and Lace... Clutch in Vintage Fabric with Vintage Buttons! Very pretty.

Seasidesmitten@aol.com

Life's Simple Pleasures said...

Black and White Damask with Baby Pink Purse Tote is my fave item! Real classy!

Nikki
reviewsbyabby at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I am digging the Black Wool and Taupe Belt Clutch with Vintage Mother of Pearl Shell Buckle.

Selene
shiki6210 at gmail dot com

Ezzy said...

I love the Dark Grey Alpaca and Satin Pink Tote !!!

+5 for being a follower

itzme(dot)insi(at)gmail(dot)com

Sydney said...

I'm completely smitten with the Oatmeal Wool Suiting and Lace... Clutch in Vintage Fabric with Vintage Buttons!

**I follow your blog**

Sydney S
sszumski @ Etsy

Carol said...

I love this shop. I was just earlier today wrapping a few items that I had recently bought from Wendy that are going to be Christmas gifts!
Anyway.... I think my current favorite item is this clutch:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30395221
It was a toss up though with the two scarves.

I also just became a follower of your blog.

Bachuchay said...

I love the Coffee Brown Velvet and Silver Purse

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21662302

huggie0109@yahoo.com

Bachuchay said...

I blogged

http://peacelove-etc.blogspot.com/2009/11/sunshine-studio-hall-of-fame-pook-thy.html

huggie0109@yahoo.com

Monica said...

What a lovely shop!

I love the Victorian Inspired Clutch 2!

I follow your blog :)

Thanks!

icitea said...

^_^ Hello!Name's Clare.

email at chibi_nu at yahoo dot ca.

I love this blue and cream blanket purse~ http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10990321

Blog post: http://tamensei.livejournal.com/313843.html

Tweet: http://twitter.com/icitea

Following through Google Friends Connect!

In total, fifteen entries.

Good luck, everyone!

Aik said...

I love the Black Wool and Taupe Belt Clutch with Vintage Mother of Pearl Shell Buckle.

Tweet this giveaway: 2 additional entries
http://twitter.com/aikchien/status/5828935426

Follow my blog: 5 additional entries

Blog about this interview/contest: 7 additional entries
http://aik-friendsnfamily.blogspot.com/2009/08/list-of-worldwide-giveaways.html

aikychien at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I LOVE The oatmeal wool clutch with the pale aqua ribbon! It's SO pretty!
Marjory
marjory.bejos@yahoo.com

Cherry Blossoms said...

I love the Kimberly Silk Clutch!

CherryBlossomsDesign at hotmail

Kiley Smith

Etsy Shop: CherryBlossomsDesign

Cherry Blossoms said...

I follow your blog!

CherryBlossomsDesign at hotmail

Entry 1

Cherry Blossoms said...

I follow your blog!

CherryBlossomsDesign at hotmail

Entry 2

Cherry Blossoms said...

I follow your blog!

CherryBlossomsDesign at hotmail

Entry 3

Cherry Blossoms said...

I follow your blog!

CherryBlossomsDesign at hotmail

Entry 4

Cherry Blossoms said...

I follow your blog!

CherryBlossomsDesign at hotmail

Entry 5

Cherry Blossoms said...

Blogged:
http://peonieblossoms.blogspot.com/2009/11/pook-thy.html

CherryBlossomsDesign at hotmail

Entry 1

Cherry Blossoms said...

Blogged:
http://peonieblossoms.blogspot.com/2009/11/pook-thy.html

CherryBlossomsDesign at hotmail

Entry 2

Cherry Blossoms said...

Blogged:
http://peonieblossoms.blogspot.com/2009/11/pook-thy.html

CherryBlossomsDesign at hotmail

Entry 3

Cherry Blossoms said...

Blogged:
http://peonieblossoms.blogspot.com/2009/11/pook-thy.html

CherryBlossomsDesign at hotmail

Entry 4

Cherry Blossoms said...

Blogged:
http://peonieblossoms.blogspot.com/2009/11/pook-thy.html

CherryBlossomsDesign at hotmail

Entry 5

Cherry Blossoms said...

Blogged:
http://peonieblossoms.blogspot.com/2009/11/pook-thy.html

CherryBlossomsDesign at hotmail

Entry 6

Cherry Blossoms said...

Blogged:
http://peonieblossoms.blogspot.com/2009/11/pook-thy.html

CherryBlossomsDesign at hotmail

Entry 7

Cherry Blossoms said...

Tweet::
http://twitter.com/CherryBlossBaby/status/5830318306

CherryBlossomsDesign at hotmail

Entry 1

Cherry Blossoms said...

Tweet::
http://twitter.com/CherryBlossBaby/status/5830318306

CherryBlossomsDesign at hotmail

Entry 2

Kathleen Curtin Lynch said...

I love the Golden Milk Chocolate Damask and Lilac Tablecloth Purse Tote. It is so vintage without being stale. Nice job!

Best to you!

Anonymous said...

I like the Coffee Brown Velvet and Silver Purse. JD

SamneneD@aol.com

Abigail said...

(+1) The first item in her shop REALLY stuck out to me..i really love it:
Rosy Grey Herringbone Suiting and Lace... Clutch in Vintage Fabric with Vintage Buttons.

(+2) tweeted - http://twitter.com/AMPaway/status/5848721939

(+5) I follow your blog

(+7) Blogged here: http://amplegoodies.blogspot.com/2009/11/sunshine-studio-giveaway.html


peters.ab0124(at)gmail.com
amplegoodies.blogspot.com

Kaye Prince said...

My favourite clutches would have to be the Kimberley Silk Clutch 2 and the Taupe Wool Suiting and Lace... Clutch in Vintage Fabric with Vintage Buttons. They're both go gorgeous!

Anna M said...

I loved the Black Wool and Taupe Clutch. So simple and stylish

Lisa B. said...

I love the Coffee Brown Velvet and Silver Purse...so stylish and classy!

lisabradford101@gmail.com

Lisa B. said...

I'm a follower!

lisabradford101@gmail.com

Julie said...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7020211
chocolate suede and baby pink heart purse-darling

aunteegem@yahoo.com

Julie said...

# 2 follow blog


aunteegem@yahoo.com

Julie said...

# 3 follow blog

aunteegem@yahoo.com

Julie said...

# 4 follow blog

aunteegem@yahoo.com

Julie said...

# 5 follow blog

aunteegem@yahoo.com

Roxy said...

I love the oatmeal wool clutch with the pale aqua ribbon

hockiemack at hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

I love the Coffee Brown Velvet and Silver Purse

I added your candy on my blog: +7
http://ecobetsabea.blogspot.com/2009/11/sunshine-studio-candy.html

I'm a follower +5

roro said...

My favourite clutch is this one:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19619639



+ I'm now following your blog! :D

Thanks for the chance!!

xx
Rossi
youmey0u@yahoo.com

Katie said...

I love the Black Wool and Taupe Belt Clutch. It's just so classic looking and would math many different outfits.

kstreinz@gmail.com

Farnum Ink said...

I am a follower of your blog! It is amazing.
Your shop is simply lovely and brilliant, there are so many wonderful items, but my favorite is : The Tiffany, Kimberley Silk Clutch in Turquoise and White Velvet. I love Tiffany & Co. and hope to one day find my Prince Charming holding an engagement ring in that "little blue box" and we'll live happily ever after. Maybe the clutch will be my lucky charm!!

Farnumink@gmail.com

Michelle said...

Rosy Grey Herringbone Suiting and Lace... Clutch in Vintage Fabric with Vintage Buttons

LOVE IT!

Michelle... mandm_2002@hotmail.com