I am so happy to tell you all about this new little venture on my blog. This post begins a regular monthly giveaway around here, featuring some favorite Etsy artists of mine...Ones you don't necessarily read about on all the "big" blogs. Not yet, at least.
Etsy has become really big. Head-spinningly so. There are little shops tucked away here and there in (to use an Annabelle word) the "humongous" vastness of Etsy . For whatever reason these shops aren't immediately visible on the front page. And it's a shame but these wonderful little shops tend to only surface after a little treasure hunt. The other day while browsing the nooks and crannies of Etsy , I happened upon Chouettes, a most delightful little gem of a jewelry shop.
Lily's vintage inspired, candy colored pieces are both playful + exquisite...Her shop Chouettes is just brimming with bright and lovely earrings, cameo necklaces and rings...And she's graciously agreed to send the winner of this giveaway any one of the beautiful pieces in her shop.
Here is the fascinating interview she agreed to do for us:
We would love to know a little more about you:
My name is Lily and I live in a port town in the city of Los Angeles. I have many interests, including anything vintage, French culture, English culture, Middle Eastern and Asian cultures, animals, knitting, jewelry making, film, art, and music.
How did you get into jewelry design?
My interest in jewelry design was stimulated years ago as I was observing my friend's four year old daughter making a beautiful beaded necklace made with colorful African glass beads. When I was in college, I started making very colorful tribal necklaces made with antique Middle Eastern and African coins and beads for myself and for my friends. I have always loved vintage costume jewelry and started designing and making vintage jewelry last year.
Please, do tell us the meaning behind your shop name?
The word "Chouettes" (noun, feminine, plural) means "owls" in French. It also means, "brilliant", "great", "smashing", and "Nice" (adjective form used when describing a person). The selection of the word "Chouettes" for my Etsy shop reflects my love of owls and love of the French language. I wanted a simple, monosyllabic word for my shop that reflects my interests, and I thought "chouettes" would be the perfect. Just in case you are wondering, "Chouettes" is pronounced "shwet" (you do not pronounce the "s").
What inspires you?
I am inspired my many things, including nature (rainbows, animals, plants, flowers), art, anything vintage (especially images of vintage circuses and carnivals), and other vintage jewelry artists.
What's your simplest pleasure?
My simplest pleasure in spending time with animals. I love all animals and enjoy observing them, feeding them, and taking care of them. I have many pets and feed many stray animals.
Do you have a favorite Etsy shop/source of inspiration?
My favorite Etsy shop and source of inspiration is called HeyYoYo. HeyYoYo sells vintage popcorn bags, cute striped and polka dot cupcake liners, vintage striped paper straws, and many other super colorful vintage and vintage inspired items.
To enter this giveaway, please leave a comment with the name or a description of your favorite piece from Chouettes .
Winner will be sent the one piece of her choice from Lily's beautiful shop. Isn't that so generous of her? Thank you Lily. Also, she mentioned that she is planning to add new items to her shop in the near future.
I'll leave you with my personal favorite:
( this super cute polka dot pair, but then as most of you know already, I have a crippling weakness for polka dots...in fact this happy little pair is already on it's way to my mail box and I am planning my " Farm Chicks outfit " around it... )
This giveaway ends a week from today, on Wednesday June 16.
Winner will be announced first thing Thursday morning.
