Featured Etsy Designer, Magnolia Creative Co. and HUGE giveaway!

Emily Welch is the one of the sweetest gals in the HANDmade community. Just one of the reasons we are thrilled to share her with our readers. The second reason? Because her biz, Magnolia Creative Co., is one of our go to places when having a party! We absolutely adore her custom work and her passion. Get to know Emily in our chat with her below. You don't want to miss the amazing giveaway either with not just ONE but 5 different vendors retailed at $345! 

1.) Tell us a little about yourself & your Etsy shop.

I'm a wife, mother of two and lover of parties, planning and color! I've always loved to create and make art and my shop shows that. I offer a variety of products including printed and DIY party collateral as well as a full line of ceramic and melamine gifts. I love custom jobs and unique themes for parties!

2.) When did you realize you wanted to open a shop an Etsy?

After my sister-in-law told me about it. It's a fabulous website where you can find so many unique products, who wouldn't want to be a part of that. Last May when I was in New York I was able to visit the Etsy Studio Labs on craft night, it was incredible!

3.) Do you have any personal party planning tips?

I love parties, growing up in the South we have a party for everything. I think the most important thing is to have fun and stay focused on the guest of honor because that is what the party is all about! I find it's always helpful to have a pantry full of supplies to make quick hor d'ourves and drinks as well as cute paper plates and napkins or classic clear glass plates so you can always put on a party in a flash no matter what the occasion. I learned that from my mother.

4.) What are some of your favorite Etsy shops?

Way to many to list, I'm sure. I love all the jewelry you can find on Etsy. I've ordered several pieces for myself. I also love all the handmade clothes and bags you can find. I found one of my favorite designers from my daughter on etsy, CourtneyCourtney. Every time I log on I find something new!

5.) What is up next for your shop?

The most important thing are all the new print collections. The holiday ones will be coming out soon along with coordinating ceramic and melamine items. All these new products will be available in the etsy shop and the newly designed website.

shop now: magnoliacreativeco.com

facebook

visit the blog: magnoliacreative.blogspot.com

Read on to get all the details on the giveaway hosted by Magnolia Creative Co. -- it is worth $345!! Enter now - details below!

Every new store opening is usually celebrated with flags and pennants so in honor of their new website design created by Coffee, Crafts and Cupcakes Magnolia Creative Co. is hosting a Pennant filled giveaway worth over $345 from several vendors including Two Sugar Babies, The Bakers Confection, Mimosa by Me, Lori Savage Custom Designs and Magpie and Cake 

The winner will receive: 

A  PERSONALIZED Pennant Collection Party Pack and a PERSONALIZED Pennant Ceramic OR Melamine Plate from Magnolia Creative Co:

The Party Pack includes:

24 printed invitations with white envelopes and matching address labels
1 "Happy Birthday" banner with name
12 cupcake toppers
3 − 4 inch party circle
12 paper cups with labels
12 plastic ware settings rolled with napkin rings
10 table tent cards
10 goodie bags
(topper and plastic bag to fill)
10 favor tags 

Fondant Cake Bunting from TWO SUGAR BABIES 

Perfect for a Birthday, Baby Shower, or many other events, these cake decorations are the perfect accessories to dress up your store bought or homemade cake and take it to the next level!

OR 

12 Pennant Initial Fondant Cupcake Toppers 

{Two Sugar Babies}

Rainbow Cupcake Liners and Paper Straws from THE BAKERS CONFECTION 

Your package will contain: 

Girls Rainbow Assorted Cupcake liners - 60 count

10 solid pink

10 orange dot

10 solid yellow

10 lime dot

10 jade green solid

10 purple dot 

AND 

Pastel Rainbow Paper Straw Five Color Combo - 30 count 6 raspberry pink stripe

6 orange stripe

6 yellow stripe

6 kiwi green stripe

6 aqua stripe 

Bunting Flag Necklace by MIMOSA BY ME

Wear your springtime celebration this season with this pastel bunting flag necklace! Each "flag" is hand cut ceramic, hand painted and kiln fired. They are linked together and attached to antiqued silver plated steel. 

Personalized Pennant Banner or a $30 shop gift certificate by LORI SAVAGE CUSTOM DESIGNS 

You pick the colors and your name. Pennants are 8 inches by 8 inches.

Oilcloth Banner from MAGPIE AND CAKE

These oilcloth banners are perfect for your outdoor party. Use them to brighten up an old barn, patio, balcony, stair railing, a sun-room, or porch. Each one is double-sided so they'll look good from any angle. Because they are water resistant, they are great for outdoor entertaining and can withstand a little water, wind, and sunshine. So add a little fun to your summer! Length is approx 10 ft and number of flags/pennants is 11. Flags are cut 8 1/2" long and 7 inches wide. Buy multiple banners for longer distances. 

Here's how to enter:

1. Like Magnolia Creative Co. on Facebook and follow their blog. Leave a comment on this blog telling us you did. Feel free to say hi and  introduce yourself on their Facebook page too! 

AND FOR UP TO FIVE EXTRA ENTRIES 

Like CupcakeMAG , The Bakers Confection, Mimosa By Me, Two Sugar Babies, and Lori Savage Custom Designs on Facebook. Leave a comment on this blog telling us you did! 

The giveaway is open to people ages 18 years and older. Giveaway ends on Friday, July 15th at 11:59pm CST. A winner will be selected at random and announced by cupcakeMAG on Monday, July 18^th so stay tuned!  

Good luck!

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!

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. 

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!