cupcakeMAG LOVES Gussy plus a GIVEAWAY!

When we first connected with Maggie the super talented brain behind the beauties of Gussy Sews - it was love at first sight! She whipped us up a custom laptop bag (also used as a diaper bag, tote, and well, for anything we can!) ruffle and all along with the sweetest little clutch that we can't stop wearing. We were immediately smitten with Gussy Sews. It was pure handmade perfection and we couldn't stop swoonin' over our little collection. We are beyond thrilled to share Gussy Sews with you and know you will LOVE them just as much as we do! Read our chat with the lovely owner and designer behind the pretty bags and accessories. And guess what? Thanks to Gussy you are getting a chance to win $100 to start you own Gussy collection! Oh and did we mention - we LOVE her blog. It is seriously a daily read so bookmark it now!

{1} Who is Gussy?

Gussy is a girl that has learned SO MUCH in so little. Two years ago, in January of 2009, my husband and I both lost our jobs. We were living in Michigan at the time and were married just 7 months prior. In a {wonderful} whirlwind we moved 12 hours from our home state to Minneapolis, MN, and somewhere in between moving to Minnesota I quit the job we moved here for to sew full time on Gussy Sews. But there's more to me than just sewing and sharing my journey on my blog. I love to have a good chat. I love to hug, I love to be around people. I love to cuddle our pup, Bauer, and I love to drink Coca-Cola!

{The girl behind the ruffles, Maggie Whitley otherwise known as Gussy & her work space}

{2} What inspired Gussy Sews?

In November of 2008, Zack and I were newly married and also living in a new city in Michigan. Zack was working a job that often meant late-nights or weekend work (TV commercial production). I couldn't stand the thought of watching TV when he was still working, and I had recently found Etsy... so I decided I was going to each myself how to sew. I went to the public library and (honestly) checked out 30 books. I soon became BFFs with YouTube (hello! it is hard to learn how to thread a sewing machine when you're looking at a black & white photo). From there I was sewing things that I would want to use (totes, zipped pouches) and over the last 2 years I'm seeing that sharing & encouraging are two things I love. These two things are what really inspire me :)

{Gussy's Favorite Item! The Yellow Woodgrain Tote Bag, $78}

{3} What is your favorite item currently in your shop?

This is easy! The yellow woodgrain tote bag. LOVE IT!

{we LOVE headbands especially the pink/red floral headband, $14.50}

{4} How do you choose your fabric?

I'm really drawn to colorful, fun, sassy prints :)

{ruffles & houndstooth, it doesn't get much better then that!, Medium Zipped Pouch, $18.50}

{5} When did your love affair with sewing begin?

I threaded my very first sewing machine in November of 2008. The affair officially started in March of 2009 when I branded my products as Gussy.

{6} What is up next for you?

Actually, I'd like someone to fill ME in. I never, ever thought I'd live out-of-state from family, let alone be the owner/designer of a business. For years I was a gal of security -- I always wanted to know what was going on, but so much changed once we lost our jobs. I realized fast that I'm really not in control, God is. And honestly, it's all been amazing. All the tough stuff has made me so much more wise, and all the uncertainty was never uncertain to Him. I'm very thankful.

{WHAT YOU DON'T ABOUT GUSSY!}

1. I like a lot of creamer in my coffee (hello, hazelnut)

2. I will never skydive.

3. I have a tattoo on my right wrist -- it's a Japanese symbol for joy. I got it when I was 18 ;)

4. I don't like shell fish.

5. I don't like to get up early.

6. I love to be cozy on the couch with tea and good friends/family.

7. When I was younger, I loved to read so much I'd often read 3-4 books at a time ;)

8. My mom gave me the nickname Gussy after Gussy the Goose from Charlotte's Web. (Something about the goose having a lot to say, and so do I...?)

9. I have a dual-major in Journalism (editorial) & Art (photography) and am so thankful to use this DAILY.

10. I have a fear of not being prepared, of forgetting things. I think this is why I over think so much :)

{All Things Gussy}

{Twitter}

{Facebook}

{Blog}

{Shop}

Well thanks to Gussy you can win $100 to get your shop on with Gussy Sews! Read on the enter now!


Giveaway: $100 gift certificate to Gussy Sews!
(US only; baby blankets and discount codes are exempt from the gift certificate.)

How to win: Visit Gussy Sews and tell us just what is on your wish list. This comment is mandatory. You also MUST be a follower of cupcakeMAG and cupcakeMAG for Littles. 

For extra entries you can do the following below and leave us a separate comment for each letting us know. The more you comment the better chance you have to win!

1. Follow cupcakeMAG on Twitter.

2. Follow Gussy on Twitter.

3. Make sure you "Like" us on our Facebook page.

4. Make sure you "Like" Gussy Sews on Facebook. 

5. Subscribe to our updates (top right corner above) - just sign up with your email!

6. Tweet about this giveaway and include @cupcakemag -- you must tweet, not just follow.

7. Tweet about this giveaway and include @gussysews -- you must tweet, not just follow. 

8. Write a blog post about this giveaway on your blog and send us the link.

We will select a winner via random.org on Friday, March 5th at 11pm. Please make sure you enter the mandatory comment first before doing the extra entries.



cupcakeMAG -- Home Edition! -- Featured Etsy Designer!

Click the {banner} to visit the shop

.....they are so much more then pillow covers. they are the latest home accessory......

Kenilworth Place is something we have been fond about for quite some time. We just LOVE the shabby chic style and cottage comfort of Kenilworth Place. The designer, Sandra, gives us the perfect accessory for our home - something special to brighten up a chair, couch or your little one's room. The choices are endless with pages of to-die-for shabby chic pillow covers. They instantly re-vamp your space and make it look inviting and cozy - and oh my gosh, the quality - it is beyond amazing. Read on the WIN your very own Keniworth Place Pillow Cover and get to know the lovely designer herself. 

Reversible Cottage Chic Pillow Cover. $30

Spruce up your space with a little pink, $25 

{What made you begin your shop?}

I am entrepreneur by nature. I owned my own boutique for many years before I had children. After they began school, I wanted to start another business. I discovered Etsy and was able to create a business around my family time. I work out of the studio I designed and built behind my home and love not having to deal with retail space and landlords.

The designer, Sandra

{What inspired the name Kenilworth Place?}

Our first house was an English Tudor in a designated historic district. The avatar for my shop is a picture of this home which was located on Kenilworth Place. Built in 1905, we became the home’s first owner occupants. It had been a rental property for over 80 years and needed significant work. With so much money being invested repairing the “bones” of the house, this is where I started designing and sewing home décor – draperies, slip covers, table cloths, pillow covers, napkins and of course draft snakes (which I sell at my other Etsy shop Shakerville).

The Studio.....dreamy right? 

{How long have you been sewing?}

Basically my whole life. I still remember my first customer. Her name was “Barbie” and I made her a towel to wrap around her red swim suit. I believe I was eight years old. My mother Ripple and grandmother Ada Mae were and still are my inspirations. My mother had an eye for prints and my grandmother never needed a pattern, just an idea.

Inside the studio....ah, fabric galore! 

{When you aren't sewing, what can we find you doing?}

Spending time with my three kids and my husband. We are an active family and love what Oregon has to offer, from hiking around Mt. Hood to relaxing at the coast, nothing is more than an hour away from Portland. When we are at home, you can find me in the garden with my dogs.

{What are some of your other favorite Etsy sites?}

There are so many wonderful and talented Etsy shop owners it is hard to choose only a few, but I really like Retrofide, abushelandapeck, Afra, DrikaB, sohomode.

The perfect playroom pillow or for your Littles special place, $28

{What is up next for you?}

Short-term is launching a new collection of pillow covers. This will be a unique and different style from my current offerings, yet complementary. You will be able to mix these pillows with anything currently on my site and create a great look.

Longer-term I will be moving my operations to the farm. We are looking for the right property with a large barn to house my studio and enough land to create my English Garden and allow my English Mastiffs more room to roam.

Are you LOVE yet? We are. So why not win one! Read on below to enter your choice -- any pillow cover in the shop! You can thank Sandra for it. 

Visit the shop and tell us which pillow cover you want to win. This comment is mandatory.  You also must be a follower of cupcakeMAG and cupcakeMAG for Littles. 

For each extra entry just let us know (each in a seperate comment) telling us you have done so! The more you comment the better chance you have to win! 

1.) Follow cucpakeMAG on Twitter

2.) "Like" us on Facebook!

3.) Subscribe to our updates --- just sign up with your email in the top right corner above. 

4.) Tweet about this giveaway and include @cupcakemag -- you must tweet, not just follow. Also, make sure you tell us YOUR twitter name. 

The winner will be selected by random.org on Feb. 4th after 11pm. Please make sure you leave us your email in one of the comments as well! 




Details: Giveaway winner to be chosen on the date above. You will have 24 hours to respond if you are the chosen winner. Another winner will be chosen if you do not respond within this time period. Open to US. The opinions expressed in this review/feature are strictly cupcakeMAG opinions & we were not paid to show our love. However, we were given a few samples for review purposes. 

Featured Etsy Designer -- Hailey of Shop Brydferth plus a giveaway!

Hailey of Shop Brydferth (welsh for beautiful) is one of the sweetest gals we have worked with at cupcakeMAG. Hailey's passion for her shop shines through and we are thrilled to share our chat with all of you! Her shop is filled with plenty of beautifil one-of-a-kind creations we are just lusting after. You will instantly fall in love with the sweetness. 

 {1} What made you begin your shop?

I have always loved fabric.  I get this feeling of excitement when I walk in a fabric store and my mind races with ideas.  I decided I had to find something to make using fabric.  My middle name is Rose, after my Grandmother and like my Grandmother, I've always loved roses.  So I put the two together and started Shop Brydferth. 

th designer {Hailey}  photo credit: NHS Photo Company

{2} What are some of your other favorite Etsy shops?  

There are so many wonderful shops on Etsy with such amazing sellers and crafters behind them.  Some of my favorites are:

TimelessPaper: http://www.etsy.com/shop/TimelessPaper 
{A dear friend whom I have met on Etsy, I love her product and she has a great blog}

NatalieFrench: http://www.etsy.com/shop/NatalieFrench  
{I admire her photography and her blog}

TaylorHouse: http://www.etsy.com/shop/taylorhouse  
{I have one of her cowls and it is lovely!}

k9knits: http://www.etsy.com/shop/k9knits 
{My little toy poodle loves her Alpaca sweater}

WaterRose: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Waterrose  
{Her embroidery work amazes me}

{3} What is your favorite item currently in your shop?

I really like my wedding pieces and my couture statement bib necklaces like this one. I love the idea of having the secret pocket on the back to stash that secret money for "just in case" or for those nights out when you don't want to carry a purse.  

{4} What is up next for you?  

I have so many ideas that I dream up constantly.  Right now I am feeling that I need to do more for bridal pieces.  Best thing is to just keep checking back as my designs are always improving and the inspirations are endless.  I like to work as the inspiration moves me at that time and on that day.  

Hailey's {work} space

All Things Shop Brydferth

{Shop}

{Facebook} 

Read on to enter to win $40 to Hailey's oh-so-pretty shop! 

We are simply dying over this Chic Silk Rosette Headband! 

Giveaway: Choice of headband under $40! 

Visit the shop and tell us which headband you want to win. This comment is mandatory.  You also must be a follower of cupcakeMAG and cupcakeMAG for Littles. 

For each extra entry just let us know (each in a seperate comment) telling us you have done so! The more you comment the better chance you have to win! 

1.) Follow cucpakeMAG on Twitter

2.) "Like" us on Facebook!

3.) "Like" Shop Brydferth on Facebook! 

5.) Subscribe to our updates --- just sign up with your email in the top right corner above. 

6.) Tweet about this giveaway and include @cupcakemag -- you must tweet, not just follow. Also, make sure you tell us YOUR twitter name. 

The winner will be selected by random.org on Monday, Jan. 24th after 11pm. Please make sure you leave us your email in one of the comments as well! 


Details: Giveaway winner to be chosen on the date above. You will have 24 hours to respond if you are the chosen winner. Another winner will be chosen if you do not respond within this time period. Open to US. The opinions expressed in this review/feature are strictly cupcakeMAG opinions & we were not paid to show our love. However, we were given a few samples for review purposes. 

Featured Etsy Designer -- Milk and Honey Handbags

Milk and Honey Handbags is one shop we were thrilled to come across. We set out to find the cutest HANDmade clutches and found them! When we saw them in person we were amazed with the construction and quality - simply amazing and the clutches were just adorable and super-stylish! Check out our cupcakeMAG picks from the shop & get to know the FABulous designer herself - don't forget to comment and show her some LOVE! 

cupcakeMAG picks! 

Black & White Clutch is perfect to match Spring brights! 

We just LOVE this Brown & White Clutch. It is oh-so-chic!

Who doesn't LOVE ruffles in a super soft yellow. 

1.) How did Milk & Honey Handbags become reality?

When I was in high school, I decided I wanted to learn how to sew. I asked for a sewing machine for my birthday, bought some books, and taught myself. I loved it! The first thing I made was a pair of pants and I still can’t believe that they were wearable! After really getting the hang of the craft, I started to focus on designing and creating bags. I really hit my stride. I knew that I wanted to make and sell handbags and accessories, I just did not know how I could turn this dream into a reality.

Fast forward a few years later, I was working at a small organic bath and body company. The girl I was working with was talking about Etsy and I couldn’t believe I had not heard of the site before. When I got home, I found Etsy and knew immediately that I wanted to open a shop. I started doing a lot of research, planning, sketching designs and a couple of months later Milk & Honey was born.

Designer of Milk and Honey Handbags, Amanda 

2.) What is your favorite item in your shop?

Right now I love the star print pouch. The idea had been floating around my head for a while and I love the way it turned out! Plus hand printing fabric has been new and fun. I can’t wait to design some new prints!

3.) Do you have any favorite Etsy shops you love to browse?

There are so many shops on Etsy I love! Some shops of the moment are Pine & Main, Lanyapi, and Isla New York. 

4.) Tell us a little bit about yourself - the brain behind the beauty!

When I am not behind my sewing machine, you can find me reading a good book or spending time with family and friends. In the winter I love to snowboard. I also love the change of season, strawberry lemonade, sailing, andgood TV shows [like Dexter and Lost]. 

5.) What is up next for Milk & Honey?

I have a lot of new styles that I am working on for the new year, a clutch, a tote, and a messenger bag. I would also love to see some of my designs in leather and suede. I hope to start working with these new materials soon!

All Things Milk & Honey 

{Etsy Shop}

{Facebook}

{Twitter}

{Blog}