these vintage jars

this three-dimensional monarch display

this pillow

these dainty little studs

this custom cuddly cat snuggle bed (for one of my fur babies, of course!)

this wooden photo necklace

this french lace bag

and this leaf wrap ring

Worth Quoting

image sold {here}

Purse-aholic

sorry, but this baby is sold... to me! i finally snagged myself a madebyhank original!!! aren't you jealous? ;) check out her blog where she gives eagerly awaiting buyers a heads up when she's about to list some of her gorgeous bags.

A Winner, and a Giveaway

Congratulations to Heather, the winner of Susannah Tucker's "Today Would be a Lovely Day to be a Butterfly" photo block. One of her favorite pieces from Susannah's shop is the "Believe in the Magic" photograph.

Susannah, thank you so very much for stopping by to share with us. It was an honor to have you here at The Sunshine Studio. Be sure to add her shop to your favorites so you can keep up with her lovely work! Her blog is beautiful and inspiring, as well.

Now, my apologies are in order. If I told you everything that's been going on in my life the past few weeks, you probably wouldn't believe me... Three ice storms, snow, no internet, we moved, new computer (a mac... yeow!), new job... Just to name a few! There's still a lot to do to finish moving and get settled in, so I will be away from the blog for a few weeks. I will still post as time allows, but there will not be any Hall of Fame interviews until I return. However, I am going to leave you with a giveaway ;)

Would you like to own one of my romantic rose rings? Well, here's your chance! The Rosalie ring shown below is up for grabs! You'll have plenty of time to enter, so more chances. The contest ends Sunday, March 21st at midnight, and I'll announce the winner when I come back the next day.

To enter, leave a comment on this post. You can enter once per day!!! Don't forget to include your name and email address or Etsy username so I can contact you! You can also tweet this giveaway once per day or follow me on twitter and get an additional entry for doing so!

Regular posts will resume March 22nd. Until then! xo

Hall of Fame {Susannah Tucker Photography}

Good morning! Thanks for stopping by today. A warm welcome to new friends and old :)

Meet Susannah, a self taught photographer who's love for capturing moments in time began at the age of eight.

Her shop, Susannah Tucker Photography, is filled with beautiful images "inspired by my daughters laugh, my sons newborn deliciousness, the connection I see between people, the warmth of the sun, and a stark landscape. I love vibrant colours, watching the clouds drift across a blue sky, spring blossoms, the feel of sand and grass underfoot, rustic country scenes, all things vintage and brown paper packages wrapped in string. My favourite thing of all....getting lost in a daydream...."

Keep reading to learn a bit more about the girl behind the camera.

What inspires you?
So many things inspire me – a blue sky, sunshine, all things vintage ~ especially old cameras, pale pastel flowers, the beach, rustic country scenes, dandelions.......I could go on and on......

Where do you call home? Are you from there originally?
I’ve called Australia home for the past 6 years, and lived in the States, London, and Germany, but HOME will always be New Zealand.

Name something unique to where you live.
Koalas, Kangaroos, spiders...the Australian heat!
Share an interesting fact about yourself.
Not enough sleep + not enough coffee = a very grumpy Susannah

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

What made you decide to open up shop?
When I had my daughter and became a full time mother I needed a creative outlet. I had been pottering away at photography since I was given my first camera when I was 8, and thought why not? Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I am so glad I did, so many wonderful things have come from having an Etsy shop, and I would be lost without it!
How did you come up with your shop name? Any special significance?
I have dreams of opening a portrait business for families and children, and it just seemed right to use my name for the fine art side of things, and for any other future photography projects/businesses I get into.

Your work is stunning! Have you had any formal training?
No. I am self taught. I used to think I had to be formally trained to ‘be’ a photographer, but the more you experiment and teach yourself, the more your own style develops and you don’t need a piece of paper to follow your dreams.

Name your favorite thing about selling handmade.
I get to work at my own pace, doing what I absolutely love, and be at home with my little ones. Plus I think there is something unique about creating something you love, then wrapping it up and shipping it off to someone else in the world....hoping they love it too.
Do you have a day job or sell on Etsy full-time?
I am a full time mother to a 3.5 year old, Annabel and a 10 month old, Otis. I fit in the photography around my children, and while I would love to have more hours in the day (and dream of having my own studio), I wouldn’t change anything!

Give us a little glimpse into what a typical day in your life looks like.
I am normally woken by my little girl tip toeing in to ask me if I am awake (her face millimeters from mine)– better than an alarm clock! We have breakfast together, I have coffee (mmmm, coffee....) and check emails, respond to any queries, check orders etc. We get ready (which as a lot of you with stubborn little people at home will know, can take hours), and head out of the house for the morning - to the zoo, the park, playgroup, music, depends what day it is and what we have on. During the afternoons when the kids are sleeping it’s my quiet time to package up orders, list new items, work on new photos, email, read a few blog favourites. I have a wonderful husband who takes over when he gets home from work so I can go to the gym and/or do some more photo work. I call it work but it never feels like work!

Share with us a favorite Etsy purchase or shop.
My favourite Etsy shop is Erin Carver. She is the most incredibly talented artist – www.ErinCarver.etsy.com
List a few of your most favorite pastimes.
Long summer days at the beach or swimming pool, hands down my favourite past and present time!

Read any good books lately?
A Song in the Daylight – Paullina Simons. That lady is such a good storyteller!

What is your most prized possession?
My camera collection, box of polaroids, and family photo albums.

What are three of your favorite foods?
Chocolate, coffee, sushi. Does coffee count as food?
What would you like to learn to do?
Speak Italian

What are you listening to right now?
The sound of summer – cicadas and other insects outside in the garden. I love that sound.

Name one place you must visit in your lifetime and why.
Italy. I’ve spent 2 weeks there, and it is the most romantic, incredible, cultured place I’ve ever been to. The light is incredible. It is AMAZING. We want to spend a year in an Italian village while the kids are still young, and I would spend my days biking around the villages taking Polaroids. Heaven!

***

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

While you're visiting, stop by Susannah's blog and facebook page!

Time for a Giveaway!
This week's lucky winner will receive Susannah's beautiful "Today Would be a Lovely Day to be a Butterfly" Photo Block!

To enter, tell us your favorite piece from her shop. Don't forget to include your name and email address or Etsy username so we can contact you!

For extra entries you can:
Tweet this giveaway, and/or follow me on twitter
Follow my blog and/or Susannah's blog
Blog about this interview/contest
Purchase from Susannah Tucker Photography

Just leave a comment with your answer. Then, an additional comment if you are applicable for extra entries.

For example: If you want to enter and you also tweet the giveaway and follow my blog; leave your original comment + another that you tweeted + another that you are a follower = a total of 3 comments. Don't hesitate to contact me with any questions.

You can also tweet this giveaway once per day or follow me on twitter and get an additional entry for doing so!

Contest ends Sunday, January 31st at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen at random and will be announced the following day.

Good luck!

Hall of Fame {Poor Pitiful Pearl}

Hello everybody! Coffee is brewing, the sun is shining, and I know this is going to be a wonderful day!

Meet Shauna, the passionate mom behind Poor Pitiful Pearl. Her shop is filled with beautiful and unique clothing, that she creates in between devotions and nap time.

Shauna is very enthusiastic about helping those in need, and donates a portion of her profits to helping others.

I encourage you to visit her website, and read this interview. You'll be inspired!

Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. Isaiah 1:17

What inspires you?
Everything. I love colorful happy things. Things you wouldn't expect to go together. Things that don't match, mixing the old with the new. I love the texture of certain fabrics and am drawn to things like nubs on an old worn out dish cloth. I love rummaging through bins of junk, finding a treasure amongst it all. That is so rewarding. I love taking things that are seemingly trash to someone else and make it into something unforgettable and special. I am very much a visionary... a dreamer. I lie awake a lot, feeling a sense of urgency to put my ideas to paper. When I design an article of clothing, I paint a visual picture of a moment and a person in that moment... I think all things tell a story and that's why I feel like I sell more of a lifestyle rather than clothing. The clothing I make is inspired by the girl who lives life without the worry of spilling a bit of coffee on her shirt... I embrace the beauty in imperfections and am attracted to things that are real and authentic.
Where do you call home? Are you from there originally?
For now... I reside in Texas. For the last three years that is. Currently... we are building a home in the country. ( that is another design process that has my mind whirling) I love the country and its quietness... the smell of cedar burning... my husband all rugged, chopping wood and me digging up dirt in my organic herb garden. With all that being said... I am a born and raised southern californian... and my husband and I both surfers and lovers of the ocean. He's a lot better of a surfer than I ... lol We hope to live near the ocean again someday. I feel a little off centered when I am not near the pacific. The smell of the salt, the gusto of the unpredictable waves. The ocean is one of my favorite things that the Lord has made. It's one of the few things that calms me and actually silences my ever going mind.

Name something unique to where you live.
Coming from California... Everything in Texas is unique. People are much more friendly to strangers out here... people wave at you when you drive past them... at first my husband and I wondered if they had mistaken us for someone else... Texas Pride is also very unique... so many of the people born and raised here have never left Texas and never intend to.

Share an interesting fact about yourself.
The Toms Shoes commercial makes me cry every time I watch it. I have such a heart for the orphans. My dream is to someday be able to be successful enough with PPP, that I can take personal trips to orphanages and bring clothing and necessities to them. This is the dream in my heart that breaks up the routine of everyday life and makes my life full of purpose and intention.
If you had to describe yourself in a word, what would that word be?
As generic as it may sound.... I would say passionate.

What made you decide to open up shop?
After I finished design school, I was waitressing at my friends Mexican food restaurant, El Gringo. I would roller skate to work and pop on my flip flops to sling burritos... it was a nice simple life.. I always had a big dream to own my own shop and be my own boss. I was driving around with a friend and a starbucks when I saw a "for lease" sign in a small cottage style shop right on the beach in Hermosa. That was five years ago. I filled out an application and got the shop, just like that. I had no money or business plan.. I just winged it and it was a great success. I didn't take out a huge loan that hung over my head... instead I moved in an old vintage sofa, a vintage TV that played Disney movies all day long and brewed tea or coffee at the front door. I hung clothes in the shop like it was my home and people came in and hung out like it was their second home. It was very warm. After being in business three months.. My shop was named best one of a kind clothing store in the South Bay's easy reader. Business was plentiful. However.. When I became pregnant with McCoy.. After only a year of being in business, I knew I couldn't juggle running the shop and being the Mom I wanted to be.. I decided to close shop... and sell on ebay. Then someone told me about etsy and it was love at first sight.
How did you come up with your shop name? Any special significance?
Many significances actually. My grandmother, the most amazing woman who ever lived.... Called me that. She would say I reminded her of the doll that was very popular in the 50's, because of the hobo way I would dress.. . Poor Pitiful Pearl was a doll who came in an orphan dress and then had a nice dinner dress you could change her into. It's pretty symbolic because that's what I do in a sense with scrap.. And turn rags into something valuable. The fact the Pearl was an orphan too.. Is all the more significant having later realized that was my calling. I am sure I am sounding redundant by now... but that is the KEY to my heart... the orphans.

Name your favorite thing about selling handmade.
There is something so personal and rewarding about making something... and it's a nice escape from all the mass manufactured garbage out there. I also have a very rebellious attitude towards trends.. For example I detest Coach bags, McDonalds and Black Friday shopping at the mall. I just don't like things that are over advertised and produce conformity.... And because I don't like following trends, it seems natural for me to make trends.

When did you learn to sew? Who taught you?
Funny because I learned to sew in college... you would think like most people who are crafty they have learned their trade as a young child. I should tell you that my grandmother or mother taught me how to sew or that I dressed up my dolls or something... but that wasn't the case at all. I really had no interest in sewing in my younger years... I was a social butterfly and sewing required too much patience and stillness for me.. In fact I took a home-ec class in high school and was terrible at it. I don't like to follow directions very much. I like to just throw stuff together and see what happens... ( you should see what happens in my kitchen... the food turns out good... but it gets really messy) In college, I had to retake pattern making class a few times, because it was so precise and it involved math.... I cried several times in that class. I swore I would never make a collar or follow a pattern... but I do use pattens now... only I make them how I want them. I find I do better when I make the rules.
Do you have a day job or sell on Etsy full-time?
I sell on etsy full time.... and am a stay at home Mama...

Give us a little glimpse into what a typical day in your life looks like.
Oh my gosh are you ready for this? I wake up... first thing... coffee... and if I wake up before my daughter.. I open the bible to a random spot and let God lead me in his wisdom for the day. I then take my scraggly lady in the tramp look a-like dog out for some frisbee. His name is Rigster and he was rescued from a land rig. One day my husband and I would like to start a men's clothing line called Rigster Benny in his honor. He is a wild man who sometimes sports a faux hawk.

Then we do breakfast and I check emails. That's when I package up any sold items and respond to etsy questions. I then make a to do list.. I'm neurotic about it... and get my daughter and I ready to head out and conquer... usually these errands include going to the post office, going thrift store shopping, buying threads and elastics, etc. I rack my brain to find ways to make these mundane activities seem like play for my daughter, by letting her hide in the clothes racks and pretend I can't see her or let her count and carry the elastic rolls to the cash register. I always make a park date or picnic in the midst of my running around that gives McCoy and I a nice mommy and daughter break. I try to get an exercise session in there... but being 8 months pregnant. This takes much willpower.

Then we have lunch and rally McCoy up for her nap. I have been blessed with a good napper. McCoy is almost four and still naps for about three hours in the afternoon. The minute her head hits that pillow, I go into work mode and it's nutty over here. I cant stop for even a phone call.. This time is precious to me. When my husband gets home from work we have dinner, and then he does all the bedtime routine stuff, bath time, story time and puts McCoy to bed... McCoy enjoys this Daddy time and I enjoy this time to creatively re-charge. I am able to sew some more, write some on my blog and maybe cut some squares or rummage through my bins for new projects. My husband is very supportive of my job and is very appreciative that I am able to stay home with McCoy and still bring in an income.

Prized time at the end of the day is connecting again with my husband with some hot cocoa and some back gammon, gin rummy or a netflix. .... I am married to my best friend..I feel truly blessed to be in love.

{Rigs & McCoy}

Share with us a favorite Etsy purchase or shop.
I can't get enough fire daughter burn out tees and she will make customs too.

I don't really buy clothing from anyone because I make my own.. But these tees are super comfy. Not to mention Samya the owner is one of my favorite etsyers.

List a few of your most favorite pastimes.
I lived in Costa Rica when I was 20... I got a one way ticket and took my dog Rocky. At the time I was a certified massage therapist. I stayed at a surf camp and massaged traveling surfers. My dog Rocky was my wingman, I had Rocky since I graduated from high school.. He was a great swimmer... and ball connoisseur. He was my best friend for many years and the coolest dog ever known to man. He passed away one year ago, I miss him greatly...and will always savor that time in my life when life was simple and it was just he and I on the beach.

Read any good books lately?
Yes! I love books... and the bible is my favorite... I dig up gold chunks everyday in the bible that keeps me centered and encouraged.... I read anything from CS Lewis, Beth Moore, and anything from my quiver of holistic books on herbs and medicine. I recently ordered Caesar Milan's Dog training book.. Lord help me... Rigster Benny is in need of training in the most embarrassing way.

What is your most prized possession?
I try not to prize possessions... but I love my pictures and films of family and past times... those things are priceless.. I also made McCoy a baby blanket out of my grandmothers pajamas. I love it.
What are three of your favorite foods?
SUSHI.... Mexican and the Whole Foods Buffet.

What would you like to learn to do?
This question gives me anxiety. I just signed up for a knitting class in january and would love to learn before my baby comes( I am 8 months pregnant) so I can hunker down and knit while breastfeeding and cuddling with the new babe. I want to learn Decoupage, lamp remaking, mosaic art, get more creative with my stores photography.... I am also slowly going through an online degree in holistic medicine.. So I'm always reading health books on alternative medicine and I love applying what I learn to our mealtime so that my family and I are always eating well and taking care of ourselves.

What are you listening to right now?
Kids Playing and laughing... McCoy has her little buddy over and they are playing dress up.

Name one place you must visit in your lifetime and why.
Italy, my husband is Italian and I think it would be so romantic to go on a gondola ride in Venice.. I imagine Italy being a very romantic place.

Anything else you'd like to share?

I donate 10% to Casa Hogar Orphanage in Puerto Escondido from all my PPP profits.

***

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

Don't forget to visit her website to learn more about her efforts to help kids in need. You can also read more about her, her business, and visit her blog.

Time for a Giveaway!
Shauna is so graciously giving a $30 store credit to one lucky reader!

To enter, tell us your favorite piece from her shop. Don't forget to include your name and email address or Etsy username so we can contact you!

For extra entries you can:
Tweet this giveaway, and/or follow me on twitter
Follow my blog and/or Shauna's blog
Blog about this interview/contest
Purchase from Poor Pitiful Pearl

Just leave a comment with your answer. Then, an additional comment if you are applicable for extra entries.

For example: If you want to enter and you also tweet the giveaway and follow my blog; leave your original comment + another that you tweeted + another that you are a follower = a total of 3 comments. Don't hesitate to contact me with any questions.

You can also tweet this giveaway once per day or follow me on twitter and get an additional entry for doing so!

Contest ends Sunday, January 24th at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen at random and will be announced the following day.

Good luck!

this necklace

this wreath

these studs

this hook board

this moisturizing balm

these earrings

this clutch


what are you wishing for?

Hall of Fame {Baked by Joanna}

Welcome back! You're in for a sweet treat this week, so I hope you didn't eat too much candy over the holiday weekend ;-) Don't worry, it's ok to indulge a little, right? And who could resist the sweet treats this girl comes up with. Meet Joanna, the baker behind the Etsy shop aptly named, Baked by Joanna.

A baker at heart, Joanna has found the best way to express herself to be through her oven. Now, her virtual bakery is her creative outlet. Learn more about her below, and see first-hand what she's cooking up in her Dessert Lab.


What inspires you?
Luckily for me, I feel as though I have always been the creative type. My mom was just as creative and perhaps that was where it all began. She is a terrific cook and loves to create anything from crocheted blankets to jazzing up plain, old shirts. Growing up I participated in theater, the symphony, art exhibits and tons of other stuff just to always keep busy, and I loved it. I even worked in a bakery for a little while several years ago in Texas; nothing too big, but I had a great time and always loved having a finished product that people enjoyed looking at and eating. With all the creative and fun things I’ve done, it’s molded my craft into what it is today. I can find inspiration in everything, even imperfections…those are the best!
Where do you call home? Are you from there originally?
I would say that home for me, right now, is Tempe, AZ. With the support of all my friends here, how can I not feel like this is home? To top it off, I have the encouragement of my husband Ben and the love of my dog Halo to complete my family. Their support has meant the world to me and keeps me going. Originally, I am from Beaumont, TX.

Name something unique to where you live.
The Phoenix Suns are located here! I absolutely love this team and even have a Christmas tree that I put together, and handmade most of the decorations, every year. They are so exciting to watch and though they are not the same team today as they were when I first watched them, they are the team that made me love basketball.

Share an interesting fact about yourself.
When I was little, I wanted to grow up and be an ice cream woman. I know, not so glamorous, but when you are 5 years old, it sounds great!

If you had to describe yourself in a word, what would that word be?
Imaginative
What made you decide to open up shop?
I have a dream of opening up a bakery one day, by 30 I hope, and thought this would be a great way to get an idea of what it feels like to own one. Plus, I love the Etsy idea of selling all things handmade. It is important to me that we support the arts, local entrepreneurs and anything that allows us to express ourselves, so Etsy was a no-brainer when choosing a place to open a virtual bakery.

Who taught you to bake and when?
I actually taught myself. Growing up, we weren’t allowed any sweets really unless it was a special occasion and even then, it was store bought. I truly began baking probably about five years ago when I first started working in a bakery. With all the ingredients and tools at my disposal, I learned to primarily decorate baked goods while doing some baking on the side.

Name your favorite thing about selling handmade.
I can make my products reflect what I envision them to be. The best part, I suppose, is sharing my art with others so they can enjoy them.

Do you have a day job or sell on Etsy full-time?
Well, like many, I still have a day job (marketing). I also go to school part-time. One day, I hope that I will be able to just focus on my baking and treats.
Give us a little glimpse into what a typical day in your life looks like.
7:30am Wake up and get ready for work.
8:30am-5pm Work my day job.
5pm-7pm Workout at the gym.
7pm-11pm A mixture of completing school work, making/eating dinner, bakery/Etsy stuff and then getting cleaned up for bed.
I am a busy bee.

Share with us a favorite Etsy purchase or shop.
I have really been eyeing this store on Etsy called Oktak. They sell framed pouches, like clutches almost, that are way too cute. They use very unique fabrics that I think completes their product line. I will be buying one in the near future!

List a few of your most favorite pastimes.
That’s easy! Baking, spending time with my husband & dog and hanging out with my girls. Also, I love every Christmas when a few of my girlfriends and I get together to mass produce tons of baked treats for gifts…great times and memories.
Read any good books lately?
With school, I spend more time reading textbooks lately than books for fun. My favorite, though, is The Notebook. I loved it! In the future, I would like to read the Twilight series, so many people rave about it.

What is your most prized possession?
I would have to say that I would never be able to live without my cell phone. I know it’s materialistic, but it’s true. I use it as a PDA, to check the internet, make and receive calls and tons of other things. It keeps my life in order. I am lost whenever I forget it at home.

What are three of your favorite foods?
I love sushi, soft cheddar & jalapeño pretzels (with a side of cheese, of course) and all Vietnamese foods.
What would you like to learn to do?
I’ve never been rock climbing and would love to learn how to do that. (The rock climbing gym does not count; although, it is a lot of fun!)

What are you listening to right now?
The television is on, so of course, I am listening to the football game. Go Cardinals!

Name one place you must visit in your lifetime and why.
I would love to go to Greece. I never really had a reason why other than I think it would have great hiking and lots of cool architecture to see.

Joanna, thank you for stopping by to share with us. It was a pleasure getting to know you better. Best of luck with your new shop!

Don't forget to stop by Joanna's blog to stay up-to-date!

Time for a Giveaway!
This week's lucky winner will receive a dozen of Joanna's scrumptious cupcake lollipops! Sweet!!

All you have to do is comment on this post and tell us what your favorite sweet is. Please leave your name and Etsy username or email address along with your answer.

*Important note: This giveaway is open to residents of the US only.

Good luck!

For extra entries you can:
Tweet this giveaway: 2 additional entries
Follow my blog and/or Joanna's Blog: 5 additional entries
Blog about this interview/contest: 7 additional entries
Purchase from Baked by Joanna : 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 8th at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen by traditional drawing and will be announced Monday, November 9th.

Hall of Fame {The Empress Jewel}

Welcome back everybody. Thanks for joining me again this week to learn about another Etsy artist.

Meet Jenn, the creative gal behind The Empress Jewel. With a passion for creating beautiful and unique jewelry, your sure to find something to love in her shop, which is overflowing with works of art in a range of different styles.

Read on to discover what inspires her, her day job, the unique way her shop name came about, and who is Spazz and Feist.

What inspires you?
Everything inspires me. I will be listening to music, watching a movie, reading a magazine, or going for a hike and suddenly think of a new design. I think this random creativity leads to my eclectic mix of jewelry that suits every age and style.

Where do you call home? Are you from there originally?
Growing up I moved around a lot and have lived in every region of the United States. Out of all the places I've landed, I am now proud to call Portland, Oregon home.
Name something unique to where you live.
The culture and the way of life. People here are open minded, environmentally conscious, and support independently owned businesses with a passion.

Share an interesting fact about yourself.
I have a genetic disorder called Hemochromatosis. Hemochromatosis (HHC) is the leading cause of iron overload disease. People with Hemochromatosis absorb extra amounts of iron from their daily diet. Over time, these excesses build up in major organs such as the heart, liver, pancreas, joints and pituitary gland. If the extra iron is not removed, these organs can become diseased. Untreated Hemochromatosis can be fatal. I like to tell people about it because it is one of the most common genetic diseases but not well known yet. If you would like more information visit www.hemochromatosis.org.

If you had to describe yourself in a word, what would that word be?
Compassionate
What made you decide to open up shop?
I began making jewelry as a hobby. Then friends and family would see my creations and ask if I could make something for them. Pretty soon I was making custom pieces and having jewelry parties. I started with my own website complete with shopping cart, but when I began studying for my Veterinary Technician license it took up too much time. I found Etsy and loved their mission to promote handmade products so I set up shop. I still have my own website but now it is more of a gallery.

How did you come up with your shop name? Any special significance?
I went through a weird phase in high school when I was interested in tarot cards. One of my favorite cards, and the only one I remember, is the Empress. I loved the meaning behind the card which includes the power of creation.

Name your favorite thing about selling handmade.
The idea that the individual artist puts their heart and soul into their craft resulting in something truly unique. The community the supports each other instead of large-scale manufacturers.

Do you have a day job or sell on Etsy full-time?
I have a full time job as a Licensed Veterinary Technician at a diagnostic imaging company. My job is to anesthetize and monitor animals (dogs & cats) for MRI and CT. I also assist the radiologists with ultrasounds and care for cats undergoing our Radioiodine Therapy.
Give us a glimpse into what a typical day in your life looks like.
If it is one of the four days I work, then I get up around 6:30am, get ready, feed my cats, and get to work around 8am. Usually I leave work around 6pm unless there is an emergency or it has been a really busy day then it could be later. Because of the long hours on these days I don't typically make jewelry but I fill orders, answer conversations, and hopefully post some new items. On my days off I'll make new pieces and take pictures while watching movies.

Share with us a favorite Etsy purchase or shop.
I order some of my beads from Ollie & Jo, a fellow Portland, Oregon resident. They sell beautiful gemstones at a reasonable price and I like supporting local independent businesses.

List a few of your most favorite pastimes.
Time spent with my family traveling, watching movies, and camping/hiking.

Read any good books lately?
I enjoy reading non-fiction, especially Buddhist philosophy. The last book I read was The Wisdom of No Escape by Pema Chandron.
What is your most prized possession?
Being an animal lover I would say my kitties Spazz & Feist. Spazz is my 6 year old gray/white domestic shorthair who was found outside someone's apartment complex. He brought him to the first veterinary hospital I at and was and was going to be taken to the humane society but I took him home instead. Despite his name he actually has a very chill personality and just wants to be loved on. Feist is my 1 year old tabby domestic long hair who I found at a veterinary hospital I was at doing a mobile ultrasound. She is much more like her name, running around, constantly talking to me and oddly enough drools when she gets the attention she seeks.
What are three of your favorite foods?
I love food!!! This is by far the most difficult question...sushi is definitely number one. Give me some fresh sake or unagi and I am a very happy girl. I enjoy a big bleu cheese burger with fries and a local microbrew (IPA). And lastly, ice cream...any kind but preferably Ben & Jerry's Crème Brûlée.

What would you like to learn to do?
I am currently working with stained glass right now. The next creative outlet I would like to learn is lampwork beading or fused glass.

What are you listening to right now?
Kings of Leon - Only By The Night
Name one place you must visit in your lifetime and why.
Australia. I want to experience the culture and explore the land, especially the Great Barrier Reef.


Thanks for sharing with us Jenn! It was so nice getting to know you better.

Jenn's shop is filled with so many lovely things! Stop by her shop and website to see more.

Time for a Giveaway!

Check out those awesome earrings to the right! What can I do to win those you ask? It's simple. Just leave a comment on this post with your info - name and email address or Etsy username. And since this weekend is Halloween, let's mix it up a bit. If you're dressing up this Halloween, tell us what you (or your kids) are going trick or treating as!

One lucky winner will receive Jenn's beautiful Silver Moon Pendant Earrings.

Good luck!

For extra entries you can:
Tweet this giveaway: 2 additional entries
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Purchase from The Empress Jewel: 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 1st at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen by traditional drawing and will be announced Monday, November 2nd.