Maggie Whitley Designs

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{featured artist :: Red Letter Words}

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This giveaway is now closed.

Here at Gussy Sews we love to look at all things beautiful. Beautiful items that reflect childhood, love, and a joyful spirit; beautiful items that we can share with others.

Today is week #32 of my series on Featured Artists, which is a bi-monthly event showcasing fun and sassy handmade shops! I love searching for new wares to show the Gussy community. You can read all back Featured Artist posts by clicking here.

This week’s Featured Artist is Dee from Red Letter Words, and I’m excited to share her work with you for many reasons ~

    Dee is amazing, I’m so glad we’re friends. I first met her at The Creative Connection {in September} here in Minneapolis, then at Relevant in PA {in October}. Dee’s heart is so wonderful. I am SO proud of her :] Her shop has such a heartwarming message. I love the simplicity of her work and the faith-filled words on her canvases.
    PS. Be sure to scroll down and see what she made just for ME! :]

***

What inspires you?

In one word? Everything! But here is the most important ~ the Word is endlessly inspiring to me.  I love Jesus and the unchanging truth of the Word.  And that could inspire any number of designs.

Where do you call home? Are you from there originally?

Grand Rapids, MI {woot! Gussy’s home town!}.  We have lived there since I was 12 except for a brief move to San Diego. When I was little we lived in Kansas.

Name something unique to where you live.

www.artprize.org ~  Love, love, love it!

Share an interesting fact about yourself.

If I concentrate hard enough I can usually tell what color m&m I am eating.  I know its freakish.  I can’t eat them in front of people anymore.  It makes me feel like a circus monkey.  My family and friends think this is hilarious.

How did you come up with your shop name?

RedLetterWords.  I love our red letter edition of the bible.  All the words that Jesus spoke are written in red.  Words that are full of life and love and grace and mercy and peace and joy and forgiveness and healing.  And how all those promises are available to all of us everyday we choose them.

Do you have a day job or sell full-time?

Being a wife and mom is my day job :]

List a few of your most favorite pastimes.

Cooking, baking,  going on walks, drinking coffee, traveling, trying new restaurants, playing games, scrapbooking…

Read any good books lately?

Yes!
* Leaving Yesterday by Kathryn Cushman
* My Bangs Look Good and Other Lies I Tell Myself by Sue Aughtmon
* Last Christmas I read The Christmas List – does that count as lately??  It was really really good!

What are three of your favorite foods?

Chips, guacamole and salsa.

What would you like to learn to do?

Cook Thai food really well.

What are you listening to right now?

Peace and quiet.  My house is totally silent.

Name one place you must visit in your lifetime and why.

Everywhere!  But Paris for the food and shopping, Israel for the history, and Italy for the scenery are on the short list.

***

The Giveaway Goods:

Red Letter Words is giving away a 12×12 cafe mount art print & matching 14 oz. candle ~
I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me {from Philippians 4:13},
an $80 combined value

Please note, this giveaway is open to US residents only.

To enter:

Leave a comment sharing something positive about your day.

For extra entries {leave a comment for each}:
  • blog or facebook it!
  • tweet this: I am inspired by the Red Letters ~ enter to win a 12×12 canvas & 14 oz. candle by @RedLetterArt via @GussySews’ blog! http://bit.ly/bgJzzp

EXTRA INFO:
  • The giveaway will close Sunday, November 7 at 10 pm CST,
    and the winner will be announced the following day
  • An email address must be listed on your blog profile or in the comment you leave
  • Find Red Letter Words on Twitter or their blog

    • Come on back Friday, November 19 for another Featured Artist post!

***

Dee recently made me a personalized Gussy 20×20 gallery wrapped canvas. And do you know what? IT. IS. GORGEOUS! I got to pick out the words I wanted it to have and Dee did the rest. It arrived in a fabulously packaged box and it is ready-to-hang {jaw drop}.

How fun is this?!

If you’re considering purchasing a canvas from Red Letter Words, plus do it! I know you will be pleased with your canvas. I was able to pick the words, font, and canvas color to match my brand. Love, love.

Christmas is coming and Red Letter Words can help you share the Word, which {swoon}, those Red Letters can provide so much comfort and peace.

I’m going to hang my new canvas in my studio ~ it will serve as a great reminder of where my talents come from, the friendship that have formed from sewing, and of course where my trust is.

*Red Letter Words provided me with a 20×20 canvas but the words in this post {aside from the interview questions/answers} are MINE! When Gussy has a lot to say, those words can’t be bought ;] To read more click here.


Comments

  2. kirstie says

    she is so awesome! i’ve had my eye on her canvases for some time! i’ve been awake since 4:10am (again!!) but on a positive note, we won’t be late for school ;-) but the biggest positive of my day thus far is reading His words on your blog – God knew what i needed ;-)

  3. Suburban Sweetheart says

    I’m not entering because, well, I’m Jewish, & this print isn’t exactly up my alley. Dee’s things are beautiful & inspirational & bold; while I certainly understand drawing inspiration from fait & incorporating it into your work, I wish the print you guys are giving away here was one we could all enjoy. :/

  5. Jill says

    I LOVE Red Letter Words, and not just because she’s a Grand Rapids girl! Her Jeremiah 29:11 canvas has been on my wish list for a long time and was finally going to make it to my actual Christmas list this year!!

    Something positive about my day : my daughter has been sick with a cold for days and finally woke up seemingly healthy, so we’re going to get out of this house and do something fun!!!

  8. Catherine says

    I’ve only been up a couple hours…but so far, I’ve gotten a shower, nobody has cried or fought with each other, my husband made it out the door on time, and I enjoyed a quiet breakfast. That’s a positive start! :)

  10. Jen says

    I think the most positive thing about my day has yet to happen! It’s Friday and at 5 p.m. it will be the weekend! Lol. That, and I am going to a free dinner tonight :-)

  12. vann says

    i love typography. sometimes i dont even read what it says but just view the text [that’s the graphic designer in me :P] something positive about my day is that i received my engagement photos and they look fantastic :) i love each and every one of them and will share my lovely photographers to everyone.

  16. jenn says

    I love this! So beautiful! And one of my favorite verses too! :)

    A postive thing about my day? I just opened the first of several boxes containing Christmas gifts for my family members. Now if my budget could just catch up with the rest of the list so I can order the rest of the stuff… :)

  19. Julie S. says

    The best part of my day is getting my son up in the morning. His eyes are so curious and he can’t wait to get started doing something! These prints are amazing. Definitely adding them to my wish list!

  20. Blair@HeirtoBlair says

    hmmm, something positive about my day….It’s Friday! & I fully plan on having a deliciously clean house & turning on my Scentsy warmer & baking some cupcakes or pumpkin bread & then cozying up by the fire with the boys.

  23. Melissa says

    I’m working outside the home right now and that stinks because I just want to be home with my babies. But this morning on the way to work god painted the most beautiful sunrise. Definitely the highlight of my day and a sweet reminder that he is with me.

  24. Tina says

    Most people don’t look forward to coming to work. I love coming to work every morning to see my co-worker Karen. She is such an inspiration to me and is a loving, kind, wonderful friend to have in my life. She makes every day a little bit brighter!

  27. Julie says

    I woke up this morning to a sick son. Now he’ll be home from school which means I’ll have to miss my Mom’s Connection group. The thing I’m thankful for is that I am able to be home and take care of him. Coffee is already made!
    Thanks for such an awesome giveaway!

  28. tara says

    Love it! Those are so special! I would love to have one with “as for me and my house we will serve the lord” my favorite house saying!

  30. Alison says

    What a cute shop! And I *love* the one she made for you!
    Something positive about my day…it’s Friday, which means that my husband gets off work early and we get to spend the afternoon hanging out together with our little boys :)

  31. Piper says

    After 18 months of marriage I still have my maiden name due to moving overseas right after getting hitched. Finally getting it changed to my husband’s name today!!

  35. FoxyMomma says

    something positive about today is that it’s friday.. and tonight, we’re having friends over to roast weenies for chili dogs or frito pie & making smores over a fire!! can’t wait!

  38. Jennifer Thoma says

    These are lovely! My day is always improved after perusing the crafty blogs that continue to inspire me to pick up my old crafting habits. Thanks for the inspiration Gussy! BTW – would you mind sharing with me where you get the tags/labels for your products?

  42. Jesica says

    After a long, busy week – today, I get to do nothing, go nowhere, and enjoy a day at home in my PJ’s just being mom to my favorite little person! Today is a good day!

  43. Meg says

    Love your Gussy print! Something positive about my day, so far my little girl hasn’t been too grumpy!
    xoxo~Meg

  45. Jennifer says

    It’s a rainy, cozy day in the northeast and i’m crafting! perfect atmosphere for it! I LOVE seeing Red Letter Words around the net and want to own one for myself someday. :) Too many wonderful ones to choose from!!

  46. Lindsay says

    Hello! I’m visiting from Frecklednest! You have extremely cute stuff! Thanks for the visit!

  47. Suzanne says

    Hi from a FN visitor! Exciting – I was reading about Red Letter Words, and I live in Grand Rapids, MI too! :) She mentioned ArtPrize, which I also love.. And I’m happy to learn about Red Letter Words b/c I think it’s a great way to make the Bible visually beautfiul. Thanks for this feature! :)

  48. Lisa says

    That verse has encouraged me so many times. But I love all the verses she’s chosen to make into word art. My positive for today is getting up early and getting some reading done with a cup of coffee before beginning the work day – and my husband delivering me a donut, too!

  55. Jessica says

    Loving this giveaway! I just stumbled onto Red Letter Words recently and love her products! I would love to win this giveaway!

    It’s Friday and I am so happy and thankful for that. That means that I’m one more day closer to vacation! (We’re going to California for a week in a week! :) )

  61. Roberta says

    OMG…I love your PINK canvas ;) Today I’m waiting for my son to call to tell me that he got the cookies that I sent him ;) I put a clue on my blog but he didn’t get it…instead he thinks I’m sending him a copy of the magazine that I was published in…NOT! I can’t publish my post for Foodie Friday because it’s a reveal of his cookies…lol Thanks for a great giveaway Gussy…this would be perfect for my other son for Christmas…because it’s so him but also because it’s his birthday: 4/13…woo hoo!

  63. Katie @ Frugal Femina says

    When I was going through a rough patch, I said that verse to myself multiple times a day. The canvas would be a lovely reminder that I got through it.

    A positive thing about my day is that the dishes are in the dishwasher, the laundry is in the washer, supper is in the Crock Pot, and I’ve had a fun morning playing with my kiddo. A good start to the day!

  68. Laura says

    I’ve had a great morning with my kids. Today we read Ex. 15:2 — “The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.” It’s so fun to learn with my kids about the amazing Lord we serve. I love your artwork!

  69. Abby says

    what fabulous work…..one very positive thing about today is I just got ANOTHER order from my website!!!! Wooo Hooo.

  70. Monica says

    The hightlight of my day came out of a “not so hot” trip to Hobby Lobby with two kids 3 and under… Baby crying the whole timein the store, 40 min ride there, 15 mins in the store due to crying, 40 min ride home… BUT the highlight came from the conversation I had with my 3 year old on the way home. She wanted to know where every animal lived… Tropics, Rain Forrest or Desert (thank you Baby Einstein for teaching her to classfy!) It was just such a cool conversation to hear her tucking away new information into that little mind of hers. And, for the record… I might have told her Pandas come from the Rain Forrest, but I definitely need to Google that one. :)
    Thanks for letting me share!

  71. JESSICA says

    Today, my morning work has flown by. I have a girl friend coming over this afternoon and tomorrow is a craft show about 45 minutes away! Productivity, fellowship and creativity in such a short time! Wonderful!

  73. EFY says

    Today, as all days and all circumstances, God is our good God. Mighty to save. Lover of my soul! I have totes cut out ready to be sewn. My house is in order. Wow! What a win!

    Blessings

  75. Kristi King says

    a couple positives about my day….it’s friday! and, my daughter’s friend is celebrating her bday at the paint your own pottery place! yay! we love going there!

  77. Kara Peach says

    What an awesome giveaway! Something positive for today… I woke up in my right mind with Jesus and he’s been with me all day! :)

  79. Leigh says

    The best thing about today is that since my week was so busy, today I’m staying home all day with the kids and I am not getting out of my pj’s! ;)

  80. Emily says

    Beautiful work and yay for Grand Rapids!! My hometown too, although now we live an hour south in Kalamazoo! :) I’m leaving for a women’s retreat this afternoon and I’m super excited to have that time to reconnect with God and the women in my church.

  81. Ashley says

    The most positive thing about today is though our car broke down Tuesday God has provided us with money, mechanic and wonderful bosses who let us leave our jobs to get it taken care of:] We are so blessed.

  86. Angie says

    I am sitting in a quiet house, even though my 2 daughters are home after a short school day. And it is QUIET! This is my blessing of the day, they are playing nicely and loving each other right now! Nothing better….

    I keep scriptures on my studio walls all of the time, but they are usually handwritten on scraps of paper, certainly not worthy of the words scribbled on them! I would love a beautiful print of this wonderful verse to inspire me as I work every day!

  87. Shelley Miller says

    I check out your blog all of the time, but today, I am referred from Freckled Nest! Thankfully, it’s Friday & I get to spend the entire weekend with the one I love!

  88. Crystal says

    Highlight of my day – a big, snuggly, encouraging hug from hubs before we left for work, and an email later in the day to tell me he was praying for me. Reason #5893 why I love him :)

  92. Courtney says

    I love redletterwords!!! Something positive about my day…. my husband and I are going on a date tonight for the first time in months…. so looking forward to it!

  96. Talysa says

    Oh wait…I was supposed to say something positive about my day…sorry.
    My cup of pumpkin spice coffee…with whip cream on top! ;-)

  98. Tracey says

    I loved meeting Dee and her husband at Relevant and it just made me love her art even more. I would love to win!!!

    The most positive thing in my day was selling 2 things on Craigslist that I was going to throw out or donate~probably counting my chickens since the items haven’t been picked up yet. But I am optimistic

  99. Marissa Hess says

    So very beautiful and inspiring! I would love to have this hanging in my home! Thanks for the great giveaways….

  100. Diane says

    My positive thing is that I got my new mouse to FINALLY work! It may seem boring and lame but to a web designer it is awesome!

  101. Rachael says

    I LOVE this art! Thank you so much for featuring it! Those red letter words are dear to me, as well. Now I have one more thing to add to my wish list (which already includes a Gussy bag!). I just recently found your work and fell in love with it!

    Something *positive* about my day…it’s happening in just over an hour—my husband and I get to keep our sweet niece tonight! She is beyond adorable. :)

  103. Courtney says

    First off, these are beautiful! Just looking at the samples you have on your site, well I want them all, and I’m sure there are more available! Something positive about today… 1) It’s Friday! (can I get an Amen!), and 2) Lincoln Brewster is putting on a free worship concert tonight at my church.

  104. Suz B says

    I love your Gussy one! The highlights of my day: free ice cream at work, realizing I was current enough to leave work at 3, dinner & drinks with friends in 30 minutes!

  109. Ellen Moore says

    The positive things that happened to me today: The dog is starting to take me seriously, I had a great night’s sleep, and my husband went shopping with me for a dress for our grand daughter’s wedding and I found one on sale! Yipee!

    I was at Red Letter Word’s site recently and loved everything. I am thinking that the “Two Are Better Than One” would be a nice wedding gift for our grand daughter. A good reminder on a hard day.

  112. Melissa says

    I love Red Letter Word. I have been to the site many times to look. Every day is a blessing. I am looking forward to tomorrow. I get to spend time with my oldest daughter and help her pick out some thing for her and her new husband’s home. This canvas and candle would look great in their home by the way!

  113. Alexandra says

    I love these canvases, especially the ones with Bible verses on them. Having Scripture promises visible around the house is sooooo good for my soul. It reminds me to practice God’s presence.

  114. Katie @ Making This Home says

    Something positive today is that tomorrow I’m meeting up with my parents. My mom and I are going to a favorite fabric store. yippee! I love how Dee works with the words to share the message. Beautiful.

  117. Sandra says

    Highlight of the day- got my first round of Christmas shopping done for the Christmas we celebrate with my family over Thanksgiving!

  119. Traci says

    Beautifully creative! What an awesome job on the Gussy art! I adore the quote from Zephaniah 3!
    My day was so blessed. I was able to sleep in, relax, get some work done and now my family is home and we are snuggling up by the fire.

    xoxo

  121. kim schmidt says

    Love these! Thanks for sharing. Something great about my day today – I finally got some answers to my migraines that I’ve been having for two years now. Sweet relief!

  123. MamaBear says

    How lovely! I could use some inspirational words on my office walls. They are completely blank and so boring!

    Something positive from my day? I won a drawing at our new library’s grand opening today. Maybe my good luck will continue????? :)

    Blessings,
    Carrie

    4theloveoffamily@gmail.com

  124. Shannon Vytlas says

    I only worked half a day today, the rest of the day I got to spend with my babies and husband! I love Fridays :)

  125. Alaina says

    LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! I love Zeph. 3:17.

    My day has been great- it’s a Friday after all! AND, I get to have a special dinner tonight with my honey. :)

  127. Lesley says

    Tonight I went to prayer meeting at my church. Anyone can come and we share requests, sing a few songs and then pray together. I left so full of God’s love and reminded of all the things he has promised to his children. I love love the canvas’. What an amazing way to showcase God’s word. lesleyking08@yahoo.com

  129. Karla says

    Cool site! Something positive about my day today- I made 2 new friends today through a new group I just joined. Happy Friday!

  131. Saira says

    I love the canvas!! Beautiful and inspirational!!
    A positive thing about my day is that I have a.wonderful hubby and two happy healthy kiddos that love me and told me how much they appreciate me :) So blessed!
    sewwhatbysaira@yahoo.com

  134. Karen Bailey says

    I love your signs. The best thing of my day is Jesus. I am so thankful for all the good gifts he has blessed me with. One gift that I am especially thankful for is gift of life. My daughter received an organ transplant a year and a half ago. She lives because someone choose to be an organ donor. I am thankful everyday.

  135. cindy says

    I enjoyed my day with my daughter and granddaughter at a craft fair for bumblebee and sophie…even though it was not a success selling wise. Rejoice always again I say rejoice!

  136. Sarah says

    A positive of my day was going to Christmas Made In The South for the first time, and getting to see all of the wonderful handmade goodies for sale. I love Red Letter Words.

  139. Donna S says

    I love your custom sign LOVE it!

    Something positive from today – Bought some Pumpkin Pecan Butter from work (Williams Sonoma) which means – PUMPKIN dessert bars tomorrow :) yummo!

  140. Cassie C says

    Red Letter Words is so inspiring and creative!

    Today was a good day, I’m about to head out for the night to meet the boyfriends friend for his girlfriends birthday! I love meeting new people! Yay for fellowship!

  145. Ruthanne says

    Something positive about my day . . . . My sweet husband got up with our children {who could care less about Day Light Savings Time}, so I could have some extra {much needed} sleep!

  150. Dedra says

    LOVE your Gussy canvas girl! How gorgeous is that? I am so inspired by Dee and her faith! How awesome!!

    Positive about my day? The sun is shining, got to worship with a bunch of great people.. and headed out to pick up my new running shoes!! ;)

  156. anna says

    Today I got to go to church with my sweet husband, and later am going to a BlogLove event! So it’s been a positive day in and of itself! (girlwithblog@gmail.com)

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