Monday, December 7, 2009

Hall of Fame {Genevieve Gail}

Welcome back y'all! I am so excited to introduce you to this week's featured artist!

Meet Genevieve, the beautiful and creative gal behind Etsy shop Genevieve Gail. Her shop is filled with unique accessories - "a mix between what you would find in your Grandma's jewelry box and a trendy Soho Boutique."

Genevieve is a master of many traits and is quite popular among the handmade community and craft world. Her work has been featured in several publications, including Boho Magazine and Cooking with Paula Deen. She also has designed not one but two beautiful fabric collections for Windham Fabrics - Gypsy Garden and Flower Bucket.

And she doesn't stop there! Genevieve also writes a fabulous blog filled with her own DIY projects. Stop by! You'll be inspired!

Keep reading to learn more about this lovely lady, get a peek at her work, and enter to win one of her little pieces of art!


What inspires you?

Fashion, music, nature, vintage jewelry, old rusty things, boxes of buttons and trims...

Where do you call home? Are you from there originally?
I'm from the Athens, Ga area and have been here pretty much all of my life. I love it here!
Name something unique to where you live.
Athens is a college town (home of UGA) and has an awesome music scene. There are always great shows going on and it's where bands such as R.E.M., The B-52's, and Widespread Panic got their start.

Share an interesting fact about yourself.
I got married in cowboy boots :)
{Genevieve on her wedding day}

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

Creative

What made you decide to open up shop?
I've always loved making stuff and thought Etsy was so unique because it featured Handmade artists. It also seemed like a user-friendly format as far as getting an online shop started.

Name your favorite thing about selling handmade.
I really enjoy the human connection with selling handmade. When someone buys a piece of my jewelry that I have put a lot of time and thought into making, it's a pretty nice feeling when someone appreciates it enough to purchase it!
Do you have a day job or sell on Etsy full-time?
In addition to Etsy I work on other freelance projects such as my fabric collections for Windham Fabrics. I'm trying to get some other things up and running so we shall see what happens...

You are so talented - creating jewelry, crafts, illustrations, and fabrics! Have you had any formal training?
Well thank you, Lory! Yes, I went to UGA and graduated from the Graphic Design program. My focus was in illustration so I took a lot of drawing and painting classes in addition to the computer classes.

Give us a little glimpse into what a typical day in your life looks like.
No day is really quite the same- I like to switch up what I'm working on so I don't get burnt out on one particular project. One day I might work on jewelry, the next day I might be working on a new fabric line, etc. I also like to catch up on blogs and twitter (I'm addicted)!

Share with us a favorite Etsy purchase or shop.
Ooh, that's a tough one, there are so many! One of my favorite spots in my home is what I call my "Etsy Art Wall." I have a small collection of prints grouped together above my desk from irenesuchocki, danitashop, theblackapple, ipullprints, and mcaplan.
List a few of your most favorite pastimes.
Playing with my 3 dogs, road trips, going to concerts, date night with my Hubs at our Local Barnes & Noble (he reads the golf magazines and I read the craft magazines)!

Read any good books lately?
It's been hard to find the time lately since I'm getting ready for some Holiday craft shows, but one of my favorite books of all time is The Secret. I can't lie, I'm also in the middle of the Twilight series ;). Oh, and I have My So-Called Freelance Life and Birthing the Elephant business books that are sitting on my shelf waiting to be read (hopefully soon)...

What is your most prized possession?
My wedding rings are really special to me. My band is from the 1920's and belonged to my great-grandmother, and the engagement ring my husband gave me is a reproduction from that same time period. They make me happy.
{a look at her flower bucket fabric collection}

What are three of your favorite foods?
Anything chocolate, anything Italian, anything Mexican. Sorry, that's pretty vague, but it's true! How about drinks? Starbucks White Mochas, Lavender Mojitos, and frozen Margaritas.

What would you like to learn to do?
I would like to learn more about web design and eventually build my own site. I took a course in college years ago, but web design is one of those things if you don't keep up with it you will forget how to do it. HTML makes my brain hurt...

What are you listening to right now?
I really love Pandora! You type in an artist that you like and they make a "station" for you that plays that artist and ones that they think you will like. It's really cool because I come across new bands all the time that I have never heard of before. I'm constantly on the search for new music...

Name one place you must visit in your lifetime and why.
I was lucky enough to visit a lot of different countries when I used to be an Art Director, but I have not really gotten to explore the U.S. as much as I would like. I really want to take a road trip out West. I will be turning 30 in a few months so I think now would be a good time to do it!
Anything else you'd like to share?
Thanks Lory for asking me to participate in this interview! For all of you out there debating on whether or not to start your own Etsy shop, I encourage you to take the plunge!


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


To keep up with her and her work, visit her flickr page, follow her blog and twitter, and add her shop to your favorites. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!!

Time for a Giveaway!
Genevieve is so generously awarding the winner with the lovely Bee Charmer necklace pictured over there to the right!

To enter, just leave a comment on this post with whatever you'd like... A favorite piece from her shop? Favorite photo? Something you'd like to see in 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 and/or Genevieve's blog - : 5 additional entries
Blog about this interview/contest: 7 additional entries
Purchase from Genevieve Gail : 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, December 13th at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen by traditional drawing and will be announced the following day.

109 comments:

Olivia said...

I'm having a giveaway today as well! Check out Of Such is the Kingdom!
I follow your blog and I love the bee charmer necklace!

wolfiemitrestone said...

I am following the blog. I wanted to say that I graduated from UGA also and love Athens. Definitely a creatively inspiring town. Also, I am now following Genevieve's blog too.

Thanks!

grace.e.wallace at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

i follow your blog :)

Unknown said...

Be Free Bird Necklace in Turquoise Finish is my favorite piece! thanks for the opportunity! i LOVE bee things!

Lily said...

this is so cute!!

jasmine said...

aw i low vintage-looking jewellry. :) my fave it the treasure bird wooden cameo earrings...so pretty!
i follow your blog too. :) thanks for holding this giveaway!

Unknown said...

So impressed with all your creations!!! I love the bee charmer necklace the best :)

Lui said...

I love the Treasure Bird Wooden Cameo Earrings! So cute:)

luibright@yahoo.com

Kittyj (Etsy user name) said...

LOVE the wooden birdie cameos! Sweet!

Unknown said...

lace leather cuff is simply awesome!

piccoladonna2006@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

Following this blog!
piccoladonna2006@hotmail.com

Ashley said...

Wow. I'm really loving her work.

I am a follow of this blog as well.

Anonymous said...

I really love the flower necklace

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32856149

Nicole M.

Mancusni@bc.edu

picnut1512 said...

I love the blue/green Crafty Gal Necklace...how unique!

picnut1512@yahoo.com

Bachuchay said...

I love the Jewelry made out of your vintage piece

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33434358

Bachuchay said...

I blogged

http://peacelove-etc.blogspot.com/2009/12/sunshine-studio-genevieve-gail-giveaway.html

Anne said...

I love the Craft Addict Necklace - Gypsy Garden Pink Dot that would be such great inspiration!annemolino at hotmail dot com!

Anne said...

tweeted # 1
http://twitter.com/amolino/status/6454048604

Anne said...

tweeted # 2
http://twitter.com/amolino/status/6454048604

Anne said...

blog follower # 1

Anne said...

blog follower # 2

Anne said...

blog follower # 3

Anne said...

blog follower # 4

Anne said...

blog follower # 5

Anne said...

I didn't see a way to follow her blog, so I'm following genevieves blog in a reader # 1

Anne said...

I didn't see a way to follow her blog, so I'm following genevieves blog in a reader # 2

Anne said...

I didn't see a way to follow her blog, so I'm following genevieves blog in a reader # 3

Anne said...

I didn't see a way to follow her blog, so I'm following genevieves blog in a reader # 4

Anne said...

I didn't see a way to follow her blog, so I'm following genevieves blog in a reader # 5

Anne said...

I blogged about this # 1
http://iheartgiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/12/bee-charmer-necklace.html

Anne said...

I blogged about this # 2
http://iheartgiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/12/bee-charmer-necklace.html

Anne said...

I blogged about this # 3
http://iheartgiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/12/bee-charmer-necklace.html

Anne said...

I blogged about this # 4
http://iheartgiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/12/bee-charmer-necklace.html

Anne said...

I blogged about this # 5
http://iheartgiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/12/bee-charmer-necklace.html

Anne said...

I blogged about this # 6
http://iheartgiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/12/bee-charmer-necklace.html

Anne said...

I blogged about this # 7
http://iheartgiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/12/bee-charmer-necklace.html

littledeadmommy said...

She's got a great shop, so many different styles but they all seem to go together. She's definetly got her own style.

littledeadmommy@gmail.com

littledeadmommy said...

I am following your blog.
littledeadmommy@gmail.com

Heather said...

Oh wow...I love the lace leather cuff


heatherdemke(at)gmail(dot)com

Steffanie said...

I really would like to see something like the Antique Lace Leather Cuff made into a hair accessory, a barrette or something else to hold hair up.

dotted lines said...

I love the spool-of-thread earrings! So cute!

kmp8 at sfu dot ca

Samantha said...

What an adorable necklace!
dmb161@aol.com

Amy said...

I like the Treasure Bird Wooden Cameo Ring. laprochaine@gmail.com

Amy said...

I tweeted, http://twitter.com/laprochaine/status/6467527725, laprochaine@gmail.com

Heather! said...

Ooooh,...I loveLOVEloveLOVElove the "Be Free" Bird Necklace!!!! It's beautiful!

h4schaffer at gmail dot com

Heather! said...

I follow on Google Connect. #1
h4schaffer at gmail dot com

Heather! said...

I follow on Google Connect...please enter 4 more times! :)

h4schaffer at gmail dot com

Beat Black said...

i love her brighter pieces. I cant believe I haven't seen her shop until now... this ones my favorite:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34717837

sarahnorton1@hotmail.com

i-am-amazed said...

i love Jewelry made out of your vintage piece

Ula, pozytywniej@gmail.com

Linda Kish said...

I like the Be Free bird necklace in turquoise

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

ktkins said...

I absolutely love this necklace!

orangegirl779@hotmail.com

. miss anna . said...

love the antique/vintage inspiration. The rings pictured in this post are my fave!

Thanks for the great giveaway :-)

moltergeist at gmail dot com

. miss anna . said...

also, I follow the blog! extra entry puh-lease.

Michelle said...

i LOVE the guitar earrings!! SO cute!!!

mandm_2002 at hotmail dot com

Michelle said...

Following your blog!

mandm_2002 at hotmail dot com

jakiesmom said...

i really like the necklace..thanks for the chance

Ronnie said...

I love Genevieve's jewelry! It's all so unique, elegant and fun :) She's got quite the talent

Ronit
internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com

Ronnie said...

I'm following your blog!
Entry 1

Ronit
internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com

Ronnie said...

I'm following your blog!
Entry 2

Ronit
internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com

Ronnie said...

I'm following your blog!
Entry 3

Ronit
internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com

Ronnie said...

I'm following your blog!
Entry 4

Ronit
internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com

Ronnie said...

I'm following your blog!
Entry 5

Ronit
internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com

Ronnie said...

I blogged about this awesome giveaway!
Entry 1

Here's the link:

http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/12/necklace-from-geneieve-gail.html

Ronit
internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com

Ronnie said...

I blogged about this awesome giveaway!
Entry 2

Here's the link:

http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/12/necklace-from-geneieve-gail.html

Ronit
internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com

Ronnie said...

I blogged about this awesome giveaway!
Entry 3

Here's the link:

http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/12/necklace-from-geneieve-gail.html

Ronit
internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com

Ronnie said...

I blogged about this awesome giveaway!
Entry 4

Here's the link:

http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/12/necklace-from-geneieve-gail.html

Ronit
internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com

Ronnie said...

I blogged about this awesome giveaway!
Entry 5

Here's the link:

http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/12/necklace-from-geneieve-gail.html

Ronit
internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com

Ronnie said...

I blogged about this awesome giveaway!
Entry 6

Here's the link:

http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/12/necklace-from-geneieve-gail.html

Ronit
internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com

Ronnie said...

I blogged about this awesome giveaway!
Entry 7

Here's the link:

http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/12/necklace-from-geneieve-gail.html

Ronit
internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com

jc said...

The Treasure Bird Antiqued Heirloom Necklace is absolutely divine!
yumihamano@gmail.com

jc said...

Blog follower.
yumihamano@gmail.com

Esme said...

I really like the butterfly cameo.

chocolate and croissants at yahoo dot com

Esme said...

cococroissants

http://the-sunshine-studio.blogspot.com/2009/12/hall-of-fame-genevieve-gail.html

chocolate and croissants at yahoo dot com

Esme said...

I am following you and G. on twitter.

chocolate and croissants at yahoo dot com

Aik said...

Love the OOAK She Sells Seashells by the Seashore Set!

+5 Follow your blog

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

aikychien at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

I love her Be Free Bird Necklace in Turquoise Finish

Unknown said...

Follow your blog-1

Unknown said...

Follow your blog-2

Unknown said...

Follow your blog-3

Unknown said...

Follow your blog-4

Unknown said...

Follow your blog-5

Michelle Frame said...

This giveaway is so cute.

Cherry Blossoms said...

I love the flower bucket ring!

CherryBlossomsDesign at hotmail

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 1

Cherry Blossoms said...

Tweet:
http://twitter.com/CherryBlossBaby/status/6502270388

CherryBlossomsDesign at hotmail

Entry 1

Cherry Blossoms said...

Tweet:
http://twitter.com/CherryBlossBaby/status/6502270388

CherryBlossomsDesign at hotmail

Entry 2

Unknown said...

omg! That bee necklace! That is exactly the necklace I want! I was eyeballing that necklace a little while ago, and I even bookmarked the page.

Unknown said...

I'm following your blog =D

Unknown said...

I am also following Genevieve's blog!

Lucky Finds said...

The Tumbledown Leaves bracelet is my favorite at your etsy shop

emiliana.sison(at)gmail(dot)com

Lucky Finds said...

I follow your blog #1

emiliana
emiliana.sison(at)gmail(dot)com

Lucky Finds said...

I follow your blog #2

emiliana.sison(at)gmail(dot)com

Lucky Finds said...

I follow your blog #3

emiliana.sison(at)gmail(dot)com

Lucky Finds said...

I follow your blog #4

emiliana.sison(at)gmail(dot)com

Lucky Finds said...

I follow your blog #5

emiliana.sison(at)gmail(dot)com

laura west kong said...

I can't decide if I like Genevieve's jewelry or fabric designs better. Thanks for sharing.

I tweeted the contest (@laurawestkong) and now follow/subscribe to both of your blogs (yeah ... creative new blogs to follow!)

Birgit said...

Oh, the bee charm is BEAUTIFUL! :)

What can I say about a woman who married in cowboy boots? Well, she is my role model. :)

Greetings from Munich,
Birgit

Gandhali said...

ahh it's cute and beautiful!!!!

Kasie said...

I love the
Be Free Bird Leather Cuff - SMALL to MEDIUM Fit!

Stephanie R. said...

i love the be free bird
steph.rutledge@gmail.com

Daer0n said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Daer0n said...

All of her jewelry is unbelievably cute! i love the Flower Bucket Ring!

I tweeted [+2]:
http://twitter.com/daer0n/status/6606094029

I follow your blog [+5]:

I blogged [+7]:
http://ohmygiveaway.blogspot.com/2009/12/bee-charmer-necklace-giveaway.html

Nury77 at live dot ca

Rosa Forino said...

WOW!!! This is really some wonderful candy.. Thanks for a chance to win..
saluti dall'italia
Hugs, rosa

I follow your blog [+5]:

I blogged [+7]:
http://kreattiva.blogspot.com/2009/12/sunshine-studio.html

Melanie @ Whimsical Creations said...

Love the Treasure Bird Antiqued Heirloom Necklace.

follow your blog

=) melanie
http://melaniescrafts.blogspot.com
melanieadey at hotmail dot com

Glo said...

I really like this one:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26757801
contest82[@]gmail[.]com