Featured Artist and GIVEAWAY :: One in the Hand

Cozy up this holiday season!

I'm so happy to introduce my latest Featured Artist, Ashley from One in the Hand!  In real life, she is one of my greatest long-time friends ever.  And I'm thrilled she's now on Etsy with her super adorable shop.  Ashley makes sewn and knitted cozies for mugs and those boring paper cups.  Why not make your warm, fulfilling beverages even more special and save the environment at the same time?  I know how much my morning coffee means to me, so why shouldn't it get the cozy treatment?  Even though I may still be in my jammies, at least my coffee mug can look good.  Ashley uses an eclectic mix of patterns and textures so there's something for everyone.  Whenever possible, she uses re-purposed materials (such as the insulating lining on the inside of the cozy).  Ashley also donates 10% of each and every sale to her local charity.  Currently, donations are going to Streetwise, a Chicago-area publication that helps homeless or near-homeless people get back on their feet.  It's no wonder that I adore her--she just has a giant, generous heart.

And speaking of generous, Ashley is giving away a set of THREE cozies (winner's choice)!  These would make great stocking stuffers or gifts.  Or you could keep them for yourself!  One for the office, one for the car, and one for home.  Giveaway details are below the interview.  She's also having a BLACK FRIDAY SALE (11/26 thru 11/29) - Everything will be 15% off plus free shipping; purchases of 3 or more cozies will be 25% off plus free shipping.

Thank you, Ashley!  Now let's get to know this lovely lady.  :)

.......................... the interview .........................

A random fun fact about yourself:
I greatly enjoy those icebreaker sort of activities that you have to do at work retreats.

The first 3 random words that pop into your mind: 

field

Kansas

fire

What's your favorite read of all time?
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver.

Any guilty pleasures?
Jersey Shore.  I can’t help it – I love Pauly D!  AW YEAH, ETSY YEAH!

If you could be any place in the world right now, where would it be?
At a magical concert in a small club where I get to pick the musicians.

(Ok, now onto business)
How would you describe your work?
Cute, bright, practical.

How long have you been at it?
I listed and sold my first item in November 2009.  I spent the year prior to that learning to knit and sew and slowly coming up with the idea.  First I just wanted to make gifts for people, but they said I should try to sell them, and I thought, why not?

So for you, is it an innate talent or practice makes perfect?
Both.  I’m somewhat of a tactile learner; I suppose I must have some talent since I was able to pick up knitting and sewing pretty easily . . . but I practice all the time and learn what works best through trial and error.
 

Do you dabble in any other forms of art?
I doodle.  No, really, I have some impressive notepads from office meetings!  :)  I am a former musician and dancer as well (I say former because I don’t create or perform anymore, I just appreciate).

Share something about your creative process that most people wouldn't know.

I really enjoy waiting until my family has gone to bed, and then sitting down at the kitchen table with my laptop and sewing machine.  I’ll listen to music or watch entire tv show seasons, movies . . . It’s meditative and I get a lot done.  I’ll stay up all night sometimes, doing this.

What do you do when your inspiration and creativity is tapped?
I take a break.  This isn’t how I earn my living, so I have that luxury.


When not hard at work on your designs, what would we most likely find you doing?
Cracking up with friends, trying to stay off of Facebook, hanging out with my husband and 3 kids. 

 

In a parallel universe where you are not an amazing artist, what would you be?

Oh, to be a singer/songwriter with an acoustic guitar strapped to my back.  Wait – a singer/songwriter who saves the world!

What are some of your favorite etsy shops?

Blue Order – Awesome music-themed practical art

Circa Ceramics – Modern, bright bowls and cups

Just Hatched – Wooden toys inspired by nature

Besu – Funky accessories – pouches, buttons, wallets . . .

What's at the top of your etsy wish list?
This kelly green messenger bag from theleatherstore

And, as a fun tribute to my inner psychologist, what might this be?  

It’s the Japanese flag in black and white!  Duh.

.......................... end interview .........................

And now for the GIVEAWAY!

The winner will receive 

a set of THREE cup cozies 

of his or her choice!
(winner will be selected on Wed. Dec. 1st) 

CONGRATULATIONS to Scott (Blue Order)!!!!

How to enter (required):

*  Visit OneInTheHand and tell us what your favorite pattern is (you can also browse the sold section)
*  Leave a separate comment about what you'd like to see more of (e.g., a particular theme, pattern, color, texture that you don't already see in the shop)

(you only need to answer one or the other to enter, but you'll get 2 entries if answering both. you must leave some way to contact you (email, blog, or etsy shop) so we can reach you if you win.)


Bonus entries:  Please leave a separate comment and contact info for each entry (each comment will be assigned a number and the winner will be selected by a random number generator).


1) "Like" One in the Hand on Facebook
2) follow Ashley's blog: http://thirstybabies.blogspot.com
3) follow Ashley on twitter: @ashjray
4) tweet the giveaway (include @ashjray and @eNVeDesigns for verification)
5) "Like" eNVe Designs on Facebook
6) follow me on twitter: @eNVeDesigns
7) follow my blog
8) join the mailing list

You have one week to enter.  The lucky winner will be selected at random next Wednesday, Dec 1st.  Good luck! :)

Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving holiday!