Peddler's Podium - Marolsha and Giveaway!

M a r o l s h a. . . rolls off the tongue and carries with it a sound of exquisite beauty. Very fitting store name for this week's featured seller, Maddy. Read on to learn a few tidbits about this full time jewelry designer, and drool over the yummy recipe she shares. Oh! and of course the details of this week's
g i v e a w a y!

Where do you currently live and who do you live with?

We currently live in Toronto, Canada. We were previously living in Singapore - that's where we met and fall in love :P We are currently engaged... and plan to get married sometime this year :) Its just the two of us in our condo apartment. We hope to adopt a pet.. i love cats, whereas my husband loves dogs.

When did your creative ways come to life?

I have always loved jewelry. I would go to the stores, or on line to search for that piece of jewelry to match my outfits. My shoes, bags had to match and come together. So, jewelry to me was the final component to complete that look ! When we moved to Toronto, I had some time in my hands, so I decided to take up a hobby. I haven't looked back since and enjoying every moment creating and coming up with new designs.

Is there any specific event/thing/person that inspired your creativeness?

It was mostly having that treasured time. I used to work as a secretary and used to clock in long hours, that I would hardly have any time to relax, let alone take up a hobby. After moving to Canada, I had some time, and that gave me the opportunity to learn a new hobby and it has been the most rewarding and satisfying decision I have made.

What motivated you to sell your goodies on Etsy?

It was by chance. I happened to visit a jewelry site while surfing on the web and discovered a jewelry designer had a link to her etsy shop as well. I was so amazed and fascinated by the numerous talented artisans on etsy. I was overwhelmed by it initially.

Where do you create your jewelry?

At the moment, I share a small desk area that has been converted to a work space to create my jewelry. We live in a condo with limited space... Sometimes, I would be working on 4 to 5 design pieces at the same time... and it can be challenging to have a flow of things when I have an idea in mind. Most of the time, I have to scribble them in a note book and go back to it another day to finish it.

Describe yourself in 5 words.

Passionate

Sense of Humor

Generous

Kind

Soft spoken

If you could be famous for doing something you don’t currently do, what would it be? I would love to be on Dancing with the Stars! I just admire the dance movements and the partnership/teamwork bet ween two people. Each type of dance requires skills ranging from upbeat to gracefulness, and at the same time to always be in time with your partner! I think it's lots of fun, hard work, and great for weight loss too!!

Is there one thing you are Superfabulous at or think is Amazing, and can share with my readers?
There is a simple and nutritious dish that I have been making quite regularly now. It's broccoli and pine nuts!
- heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in pan or wok
- add a cup of pine-nuts
- you may add more if you have more broccoli or if you love pine nuts like we do.
- stir fry pine-nuts till they turn golden brown... watch for the heat as they do get brown/burnt easily
- remove and set aside - with the same oil, stir fry the broccoli
- return the pine-nuts to the pan/wok, a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste
- remove and viola! A simple, low fat, and yummy vegetable dish!

List 3 things you hope to accomplish/see/do in your lifetime.
Do as much traveling as possible. I would love to see the world. It really opens up your horizons and perspectives of other cultures... Its so fascinating. Skydive - I am afraid of heights.. but wish to do it one day for the experience and to overcome my fear!

G I V E A W A Y!

Maddy is generously offering one lucky reader $15 in credit to her store, so that the winner may choose a prize that best fits their taste! (No change will be issued if less then $15 is redeemed.) Additionally, with any purchase from her shop, recieve 50% off an additional item of equal or lesser value. Just enter code: SkylarkDawn in the notes to seller upon checkout.

Here's how to enter:

Leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite piece of Marolsha jewelry. You must include your first name along with your email address or Etsy username with each entry. (So we have a way to contact you in the event you win!)
For additional entries, you can do the following and post ea. individually in the comments to let me know:
* Twitter about this feature
* Follow/Subscribe to my blog
* Blog about this feature and post a link with your entry

Contest closes just before MIDNIGHT CST Tuesday, June 23rd and the winner will be randomly drawn and announced on Wednesday June 24th. Thank-you so much for playing and Good Luck!

Peddler's Podium - Elle Moss Photography and Giveaway!

Remember Elle? I first did a mini introduction of her work here and was so taken with it, that I just had to find out more! So read on to hear how she got started, what inspires her, and all the details of this week's fabulous giveaway!

Where do you live and who do you live with?
I'm from Ann Arbor Michigan and live with my husband of 16 years, our 2 children(a boy and a girl, 16 and 3), and 2 cats.

When did your creative ways come to life?
I've always been creative, but never had a good outlet for it.
Attempted writing, fashion design, all forms of art...nothing let me express myself the way photography does. Though I have always taken
photographs and loved it dearly, I didn't become serious about it until 2006, when my husband bought me my first DSLR.


Is there any specific event/thing/person that inspired your creativeness?
The Mexican surrealist Remedios Varo has been an influence of mine
since I was 17. My grandmother, Muriel, is another source of inspiration. She was forever creating and never gave up.

What motivated you to sell your goodies on Etsy?
I liked the idea of having complete control over my prints and the community was friendly.

Where do you do the creation of your art?
My house is my most common backdrop, and my basement office is where I do all of my post processing. I spend the most time there, at my desk, creating and promoting.

Do you currently create full time, or do you also have a day job?
This is it!

If you could be famous for doing something you don’t currently do, what would it be?
I'd love to be a famous actress, ballerina, or opera singer!

Describe your personality in 5 words.
kind. determined. sensitive. introverted. creative.

What is one trait you wished you possessed?
confidence!

What is one trait you possess but wished you didn’t?
fear of public speaking.

Besides your craft, what things do you enjoy doing in your down time?
Decorating my house, hiking, listening to music, making jewelry (well, I'm just learning, but i like it!), crossword puzzles, and dancing.

If you could eat one food in any quantity for the rest of your life with no ill effects, what food would you choose? C H O C O L A T E

Is there one SuperFabulous life tip you could share?

My only tip is to never doubt yourself and never give up. Do only what feels right to you and stick to your guns. You can do and be anything you set your mind to, so Dream Big!

List 3 things you hope to accomplish/see/do in your lifetime.
I would like to see Europe. Ive been to London, but I've never been to France or Italy or Spain and I'm dying to go!
I want to see my kids get married and have grand kids.
I want to be financially independent.

Any future plans for your business?
I want to start shooting film for awhile and have some ideas for a book that I'm tossing around. I would like to see it grow slow but steady and be something I can do for a long, long time.

G I V E A W A Y!

Elle is offering one lucky reader a copy of her new 8/09-1/11 Calender filled with 20 of her dreamiest photos! Additionally, she is offering all entrants a FREE print with any purchase from her shop. Just mention the giveaway in the notes to seller upon checkout.

Here's how to enter:

Leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite Elle Moss photograph and the feeling it invokes in you. You must include your first name along with your email address or Etsy username with each entry. (So we have a way to contact you in the event you win!)

For additional entries, you can do the following and post ea. individually in the comments to let me know:
* Twitter about this feature
* Follow/Subscribe to my blog
* Follow/Subscribe to Elle's blog
* Blog about this feature and post a link with your entry

Contest closes Wednesday, June 16th at 12 am EST and the winner will be randomly drawn and announced on Wednesday June 17th. Thank-you so much for playing and Good Luck!

Peddler's Podium - Artistic Edition and GIVEAWAY!

I am so excited about my new featured seller format and am just thrilled to be kicking it off with MN local Jenna, of Artistic Edition! I met Jenna back in February when I joined the HandmadeMN team (of which she leads), and quickly became aware of her limitless passion and creative energy!
Jenna is in the hair B L I N G business and makes these ingenious little hair accessories that just snap into place. Created in multiple colors and made with genuine Swarovski crystals, there isn't an ensemble that Jenna doesn't have a snap to match! Not to mention, she recently expanded her line to include elegant pearls, glitzy mirrors, casual fabric buttons, and (my personal favorite) retro styled feather fascinators! Doesn't it look just fabulous in my hair? (Yep, that is my head!)
Read further to learn more about Jenna, and to get all the details of this week's GIVEAWAY!

When did your creative ways come to life?

The first memory of my first creative moment was in first grade. We were coloring paper Native Americans for Thanksgiving. There happened to be a penny under the paper and I colored over it. I thought it gave it a cool look, so I started doing the whole piece with penny rubbings. I remember my teacher coming by and he was very upset and said something to the effect that it looked horrible and that it didn’t go with what everyone else was doing, but I didn’t care. I continued to use that penny and was very proud of the result. It wasn’t until 8^th grade that I realized that I had true potential in art. That’s when I concentrated on my calling and the rest is history!

Is there any specific event/thing/person that inspired your creativeness?

I’m always inspired by different things, people and events. Once I get inspired I have to make it, build it, or sketch it out right away. I just can’t stop thinking about it until it’s complete, or at least given a good try.

Where do you create your crafts?

I am one of those types of people that just can’t create in one spot. I like changing my environment. I could be working at the kitchen table one day or at my desk the next.

Do you currently create full time, or do you also have a day job?

I have a full time job[graphic designer], but I would love to be working on my creations full time at some point. I am working towards that goal everyday!

If you could be famous for doing something you don’t currently do, what would it be?

I would love to be famous for inspiring others to be creative. I have a passion for creativity and I love sharing it with others, it would be so fantastic if, someday, I could take it global and inspire all around the world.

Besides your craft, what things do you enjoy doing in your down time?

I love playing the piano when I have access of one. Hanging out with friends and family. I also enjoy the occasional road trip with my husband.

Describe your personality in 5 words.

Humorous, Quirky, Passionate, Imaginative, Sincere

What is one trait you wished you possessed?

Concentration with a little bit of focus.

What is one trait you possess but wished you didn’t?

Indecisiveness

Any future plans for your business?

I would like to expand my hair snaps business into bridal shops and hair salons. I would love to be able to do Wedding Expos one day. At least that’s a goal I have!

G I V E A W A Y!

Jenna is offering one lucky reader a variety pack of her Hair Snaps! (5 Swarovski crystal and 5 Swarovski pearl) Additionally, she is offering FREE shipping on all purchases good now through June 30th! Just enter the code SkylarkDawnFreeShip in the notes to seller and wait for a revised invoice.
Here's how to enter:
Leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite Artistic Edition hair snap.
You must include your first name along with your email address or Etsy username with each entry. (So we have a way to contact you in the event you win!)

For additional entries, you can do the following and post ea. individually in the comments to let me know:
* Twitter about this feature
* Follow/Subscribe to my blog
* Blog about this feature and post link with your entry

*Jenna is also interested in hearing what your first impression of her hair snaps was so that she can better understand if they are being clearly described. Any feedback in this area would be much appreciated and worth an additional entry!

Contest closes Tuesday, June 9th at 11:59 pm CST and the winner will be randomly drawn and announced on Wednesday June 10th. Thank-you so much for playing and Good Luck!

Peddler's Podium - Just Desserts!

If you know me at all then you know that I have an insatiable appetite for sweets. When others around me say "Oh this is just so rich I can only eat a few bites", I say "Grab me a fork!". I have very little understanding of too sweet and too rich (and sometimes too full), so therefore I have to take some measures to prevent myself from going overboard. One of the ways I do this is to seek out mini desserts, or as I like to call them, little bites O' yum. Built in portion control is all I have to say! Today instead of featuring only one remarkable seller, I am featuring multiple sellers who all have one thing in common... they make delectably luscious little desserts!


Vintage Confections The Jupita Caramel Espresso Truffle

La Bella Vita 198 Moist Mini Cakes

Del Alma Bakery Elegance Mini Cake

Sweetie Pie Delights Old Fashioned Mini Pecan Pies

Suzies Confections Hazelnut and Nutella Chocolate Cups

Cupcakes in Jars Sweet Chi O'Mine cupcake

Peddler's Podium - Waste Not Saks

Forget disposable plastic wrap and Ziploc baggies! A mother of two, part time pediatrician, and founder of Waste Not Saks, brings to us reusable, stylish, Eco conscious food storage options, that make toting snacks and packing lunches easy. From deli wraps and cup cozies, to snack and sandwich bags, Waste Not Saks has definitely got you covered! But it doesn't stop there! Not only does using reusable pouches help reduce our landfill contributions, but these foodie accessories were handmade with great care. A water resistant nylon lining keeps nasty chemicals away from your food (unlike plastic baggies!), and they are exceptionally fabulous to look at (which makes them both fun and functional)! Show Mother Earth some love and treat yourself today ♥

Peddler's Podium - Have It Sweet

One of my most favorite food indulgences in life (outside of the cupcake), is a soft, ooeygooey, melt in your mouth, buttery, handmade caramel! Like cupcakes, caramels come in a tempting array of flavors, most of which I will devour without hesitation (Except those black licorice flavored ones!). However, nothing quite tops a well made salt caramel, or a Fleur De Sel caramel as the French refer to it.

I remember having my first one ever. It was at Marshal Fields of all places. I must have been like 15. Even at that tender age I knew that I was eating something special. It was dipped in chocolate and had a stripe of gray salt sprinkled across the top. Mmm... I have been on the lookout for those little bites of yum ever since! Just so happens that I stumble upon a shop on Etsy that sells some! Let me tell you that these have just been added to my MUST TRY list, along with their Mayan Chocolate and English Tea Time flavors! Wouldn't this just make the perfect Mother's Day gift? (hint, hint /wink)


I found these delectable yummies in a shop called Have it Sweet, and it is run by the Eco-conscious duo Vincent and Bethany of Glendale, California. Sweet confections may be the base of their business, but it seems to be that they put just as much time and effort into making sure they are running an eco responsible business as well! Check out their profile here to read about all the great ways this company takes strides to lessen their impact on the environment and the cause your purchases help support. Gives new meaning to guilt free snacking!

Peddler's Podium - Purpose Design

Always a sucker for delectable packaging, my heart once again skipped a beat when I stumbled upon the spice kits offered at Purpose Design. I have always thought that the color and textures of spices were naturally beautiful and am so excited to see them showcased in such a perfect way! The designer behind these creative kits is Julie, and her take on your basic kitchen spice is nothing less then an art form. From test tubes to tins, she makes spicing your food not only convenient, but surely inspiring! With kits spanning many different flavor families including customized kits, I am positive you will find a collection to suit even the pickiest of taste buds. A fan of Chai Tea? You can find tea kits, salt blends, and a smattering of homeware goodies in Julie's shop too. Wouldn't one these kits make the perfect gift? With all the upcoming summer celebrations, (weddings, graduations, housewarmings, etc.) you could guarantee your gift to be something unique, stylish, and handmade(my personal favorite)!

Peddler's Podium - Julie Meyer

I bought these fancy shmancy gloves as a gift for my mother from fellow Minnesota Etsy seller Julie Meyer. I thought they would be just perfect for her as a self employed Cleaning Lady. Somebody has got to do the dirty work, and as a woman who has been doing it successfully for over 15 years, she has experienced her fair share of dry chapped hands. I am guessing she is going to love these! I am also betting she has never seen cleaning accessories quite this cutified since the apron I made her last year, so I am very excited to give them to her this weekend. But don't think these gloves stop when the housework ends. With all the upcoming gardening work to be done, you just might want to pick yourself up an extra pair. Nothing screams manicure meltdown like unprotected hands, and with the soft flocked lining and high durability of these gloves, they should find a home in your tool shed too. If you want to pick yourself up a pair, you can purchase them in Julie's store here. She also carries other adorable oilcloth loveliness, like her reusable Snack-in-Style and Lunch-in-Style bags. They just scream Spring and make "brown bagging it"

fashionable! Not to mention they make a fabulous gift and are perfectly Eco friendly! Who doesn't want to be apart of that?

Peddler's Podium - Elle Moss

Elle Moss of Elle Moss Photography was so sweet and featured a pair of my hair pins on her blog yesterday. After checking it out, I was delighted to that she is a highly talented chic and thought I would share some of her work with you.

more of her work can be seen here and prints of her work can be purchased here.