{Featured Artist: englishmuffinshop}

this giveaway is now CLOSED!

Here at Gussy has a lot to say we love to look at all things beautiful. Beautiful photographs, beautiful art by amazing artists, beautiful stories about family life.

This Friday starts the beginning of many featured artist posts in hopes to introduce some new eye-candy and give back some thanks! to all those who've welcomed Gussy into their blog. Most features include a giveaway -- not all of them do, but all are amazing. Please join me in welcoming Bess at English Muffin Shop.

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What inspires you? I am inspired by bright colors, clean lines and simple shapes, and by the wonder and imagination of children.

Where do you call home? Are you from there originally? I am currently living in Vienna, Austria with my fiancé and our dog. We moved here a couple of years ago and are thoroughly enjoying the European lifestyle. Originally I am from Toronto, Canada, and we hope to end up there again someday soon.

Name something unique to where you live. I would say Austrian food is very unique as well as the traditional dress. It's not unheard of to see men and women out around the city in their dirndl and lederhosen. My favorite local delicacy would have to be Marillenknödel, here's a great recipe if you'd like to give them a try! http://www.deliciousdays.com/archives/2009/06/30/seasonal-dumplings-marillenknodel/


Share an interesting fact about yourself. I've never seen Star Wars. I don't think it's such a big deal but every person who finds this out about me thinks it is.

What made you decide to open up shop? I decided to open my Etsy shop after we moved to Vienna as a way to stay engaged in the design world and keep myself inspired. I'm so glad I did because English Muffin has really started to take off.


Do you have a day job or sell on Etsy full-time? I do have a day job. I teach English to Kindergarten and Elementary school kids here in Vienna a couple days a week. The rest of my time is devoted to English Muffin.

List a few of your most favorite pastimes. I love going to the markets, walking around the city, and taking photos. The best part about living in a new city is that you get to play tourist all the time. There's always something new to see or do, and when we can pry ourselves away from our work, my fiancé and I love to travel.


Read any good books lately? I'm currently reading Pride and Prejudiced and I highly recommend it. I don't know why it took my so long to pick it up!

What is your most prized possession? My engagement ring!!! It's designed by architect Frank Gehry for the collection he did for Tiffany's. I adore it!


What are three of your favorite foods? Popcorn, Dark Chocolate, Cheese.

What would you like to learn to do? Speak Italian.


What are you listening to right now? This is dorky but, Journey. Since that first episode of Glee, "Don't stop believing" has become my new {old} favorite song. Otherwise, lots of CBC, NPR and PRI podcasts while I'm working.

Name one place you must visit in your lifetime and why. I'd love to visit Morocco so I can experience an exotic and completely different environment from what I'm used to. They also have some beautiful hotels!

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Bess has offered to give away a
Printable Custom Holiday Gift Tags and Cards Set.

How does that work?

Simply tell Bess what design {Santa, snowman, dog or mittens} and text you want on your tags and cards. Bess will then email you a PDF so you can make unlimited prints. Hooray!

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To enter, leave a comment {just one, please} with your favorite winter home-decor item. The giveaway will close Sunday, November 8, and the winner will be announced the following day :)

Please check back Friday, November 13 for yet another feature artist post!