{Featured Artist: FernAndFloraDesigns}

This giveaway is now closed!

Here at Gussy has a lot to say we love to look at all things beautiful. Beautiful wall art, beautiful accessories, beautiful stories about family life.

Today marks week #4 of my series on featured Etsy artists. It is my goal to introduce some drool-worthy eye-candy. Over the next few months I'll be showcasing hand-selected Etsy artists that offer products that I think will appeal to you, my readers :) Please join me in welcoming Emily at FernAndFloraDesigns.

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What inspires you? I find inspiration in a variety of different places. Movies like Amelie and Chocolat lure me in with their settings, soundtracks and color schemes. Music like Puccini's "Chi il bel sogno di Doretta" or "Outro" by M. Ward makes me swoon. I love old things, too. Vintage jewelry, old magazines, retro Christmas ornaments, buttons -- anything that takes you back or makes you feel something good or lovely when you look at it.

Where do you call home? Are you from there originally? Currently, home is Denver, CO, a town which I've grown to love over the last two and half years. Home home is Omaha, NE. Omaha is a cool place, believe it or not. They have a fabulous zoo, a strong art and music scene and the BEST antique/junk/vintage shops I've ever poked around in.

Do you have a day job or sell on Etsy full-time? I'm a pretty lucky gal. I get to work from home as a floral designer. That's sort of my day job and one I've always wanted. My background is in interior design and the floral realm is something I've always dabbled in. The exploration into the world of hair accessories stemmed from a desire to promote my floral business via local craft shows. I couldn't sell fresh flowers at one particular show due to a non-compete clause with another shop, so I thought I would give headbands a go -- and people bought them!

How did you come up with the name FernAndFloraDesigns? I decided to name my business Fern & Flora because it sort of has an old fashioned feel. It made me think of two old ladies who putz around together but also played nicely with the concept of all things related to flowers. I think it ties back to my love for old things.

Name your favorite thing about selling handmade. One thing I love about making things by hand is the personal element. I really think about each item that I make. I think about the colors and textures and the kind of feeling or vibe the item will evoke. Plus, with my work, each piece is one-of-a-kind.

Share with us a favorite Etsy purchase or shop. Every day I'm discovering new Etsy shops that I adore. One of my current favorites is Mary Not Martha. It's a lovely shop with gobs of beautiful millinery items and ribbons.


What is your most prized possession? I don't have one prized possession, but I do cherish anything from my dear uncle Steve who passed away 4 years ago. He was a brilliant artist and one of the funniest and most creative people I've ever known. I have several pieces of china as well as a charming hutch that were his along with some illustrations that he drew. I'm so glad to have things that he created and loved in my home now.

List a few of your most favorite pastimes. Music is a big part of my creative process and life in general. Currently I'm listening to the latest Andrew Bird album, Blossom Dearie, Laura Marling and Bach, always lots of Bach.


What would you like to learn to do? One thing I would love to learn is the art of letter press. I want that workshop in the movie Seven Pounds with the old dusty letter press! It's such a rich look and a wonderful and interesting process.

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Now for some excitement!

Emily has offered to give away one Ginger Tweed Headband.

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To enter, leave a comment with your favorite item from her shop.

For multiple entries:
-follow my blog
-tweet about this {come back and share the tweet URL}
-blog about this {come back and share the post URL}

RULES:

• The giveaway will close Sunday, December 6 at 10 pm CST, and the winner will be announced the following day

• You ABSOLUTELY have to have an email address listed on your blog profile, blog, or the comment you leave. Don't make me hunt you down {'cuz I'll pick someone else!}

Please check back Friday, December 11 for yet another featured artist post!