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 #35 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 Jamie from Julia’s Poppies, a shop full of pretty jewelry & prints ~
***
What inspires you?
Creation, Long Runs, Good Music, Vintage Prints, Mountains, Old Buildings, Photography, Textiles, Family, Anything Floral, Scripture, Antique Shops
Where do you call home? Are you from there originally?
Ha. Great question. I am somewhat of a gypsy and have had the freedom to travel around and spend time with family and friends all over the country. Is my car an option? :) Though, I just moved to North Georgia, outside Atlanta to be closer to my sister. It’s not home yet, but I’m working on it. I am originally from Greenville, Michigan. It’s a small town northeast of Grand Rapids.
Name something unique to where you live.
That has yet to be discovered. :]
Share an interesting fact about yourself.
I can touch my nose with my tongue. Okay, that’s just weird… What’s more interesting is I went to New Zealand by myself. I explored the south island in a little rental car (where I also slept) and took hundreds of pictures. It was a-maz-ing and such a blessing!! I had the best time of my life.
How did you come up with your shop name?
Julia’s Poppies is named after my grandmother. She’s very special to me and was very involved in my life. She went by “Julie” and I can remember one time in middle school I saw her drivers license with “Julia” printed on it. I always felt like her “true identity” was my little secret. Another childhood memory of her is the paper poppies she would buy from the veterans on Memorial Day. She would put the poppy on her car visor or on the buttonhole of her jacket….hence, “Julia’s Poppies.”
Share a little bit about yourself.
I have a “thing” for vintage dresses and like to dabble in sewing to altering my clothes. I thrive on the challenge of creating something out of nothing. Thrift stores are my own little heaven on earth… the more unorganized the better (and often cheaper). I love the thrill of the hunt! I am passionate about proclaiming the love of Christ and the needs of those whom have no voice. I have the best friends and family in the world and strive to live each day to the fullest.
If you had to describe yourself in a word, what would that word be?
Adventurous… I am always up to try something new.
What made you decide to open up shop?
I was experimenting with graphic design for creating promo materials for work events. I soon found myself designing wedding/event invitations and stationery for coworkers and friends in my spare time. I continued to get more referrals and decided I should list some stationery on Etsy. Most of my work is custom design and I specialize in Wedding Invitation Suites and Brand Identity.
Do you have a day job or sell full-time?
I work full-time as a freelance artist.
Give us a little glimpse into what a typical day in your life looks like.
Right now it’s wedding season… at least in the invitation world, so it’s a little crazy and long hours, but I love it. No day looks the same, but they all include: coffee, emails, edits and sending proofs to clients, meeting with my printer in person or on the phone, more coffee, blogging and creating new designs. Most of my time is spent in front of the computer.
Share with us a favorite handmade purchase or shop.
My favorite shop is Red Velvet. I got to go to the store this fall and it’s just too cute. They are always creating and always inspiring.
List a few of your most favorite pastimes.
Thrifting, Running, Cooking, Entertaining, Drinking Tea, DIY Projects
Read any good books lately?
I’m currently reading Creative, Inc. It’s full of great insights for freelance designers.
What is your most prized possession?
The relationships in my life…God, family & friends. They shape the core of who I am and who I desire to be.
Name one place you must visit in your lifetime and why.
Italy. I dream of driving along the coast and soaking in the beautiful scenery, people and food!
The Giveaway Goods:
Julia’s Poppies is giving away one set of custom monogrammed cards & a necklace.
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 {heart} @JuliasPoppies and hope to win 2 items from her *gorgeous* shop via @GussySews’s blog >> http://bit.ly/gHfVEJ
EXTRA INFO:
- The giveaway will close Sunday, January 23 at 10 pm CST,
and the winner will be announced the following day - Connect with Jamie online ~ blog, twitter, facebook, website
Come on back Friday, February 11 for another Featured Artist post!
xxoo.
wow she is amazing and i just love that floral design…would make a great tattoo! something positive about my day…that one is hard as waking up next to the mister everyday is the best start to any day but today i had the pleasure of going to my favorite breakfast pit spot and had the most incredible pear muffin! this place makes fresh right out of the oven muffins and they use only fresh fruit. they are truly heaven sent…especially when you get them and they are still warm and you can see the steam coming out of it when you take your first bite…aaww life <3
xo,
cb
Today has been great! I took my first certification test for my grad school program and had an awesome workout! TGIF!
Tweeted it @Neelykins
I decided to “stop building walls, and start building bridges”, I made some great friends this week!!
I’m doing a good job not beating myself up for the things I didn’t accomplish this week, and looking forward to next week.
My husband gets off early today, and it’s a night for just our family to spend time together. (my baby is getting his first haircut!) Thanks, as always, for the give-aways.
what a lovely artist- thanks for the intro
I’m having dinner with my family + my mom & dad for my dad’s birthday, so that positive thought is getting me through this workday.
I got a raise yesterday and am still riding the high! :)
She’s so cute! Love her stuff. I got to sleep in a little this morning…much needed and now I can face today well rested and ready for anything! (Well, almost anything.) ;)
What an awesome shop! the most postitive thing about today is that it is FRIDAY! Can’t wait to spend the weekend with my family.
Beautiful work!
My kiddos and I are SNOWED IN! Which means sleeping in, extra cuddles, and a long weekend.
Today I had the day off and had time to relax…which doesn’t happen very often. I can’t wait to see my man and my sweet girls for some family time this weekend!
A positive thing today, was watching my son get so excited to play with some “new” toys. They are just some plastic food and skillets, so he can cook like daddy!
She sounds very inspiring! Thanks!
I just tweeted!
I gave blood today!
B-EAUtiful!!
I am visiting family I haven’t seen in a very very long time and it is wonderful!
today has been perfect by getting some crafting and sewing done, which is always good! :)
So many good things about my day: casual Friday, lunch with my hubs, and fresh snow!
What an adorable shop!
i tweeted the giveaway! http://www.twitter.com/ZombieCupcake90
My hubby quit his job that he hates today to start a better one next week!
I love hearing about crafty people from MI! (I’m from Jenison).
I’m happy my hubby comes home from Vegas today! (rough job…;)
Something positive? That’s easy…. it’s Friday!!!
Such great design!!
I love those recipe cards!
I’m happy that I will see friends this weekend, to celebrate a birthday!
Also, I tweeted it!
every day i spend with my daughter is positive :) i am so lucky to take her to work with me!!
i tweeted! http://twitter.com/taprilcrosier/statuses/28536215636545536
Love the perspective in all her work!
Today: I’m a first-year teacher enjoying a snow day! Off for some tea and songwriting with my best friend!
my positive for today is that i feel much better than i did last night! :)
Beautiful flowers! My something positive is dinner is in the crockpot, both kids are napping and today is FRIDAY! Thanks for the giveaway Gus!
i tweeted it! :)
Something positive- I’m going to be on the local news tonight. They filmed a short segment today of me because I work from home. :) Unfortunately, I’m not working and handmade business from home yet but I love working from home anyways!!
oh my goodness, that stationery is absolutely gorgeous!! and what a lovely idea for a necklace – love the texures! it’s beautiful!! i would be really excited to win this one.
something positive about my day :: got tickets to see one of my all-time favorite bands (arcade fire) in chicago!!!
very pretty! wish it was open to canada…
tweeted!!
These are really beautiful! Wish I would have known about her when I was getting married two years ago. Those would have been great invites!! Lovely.
It reminds of when I was younger and y mom would make cards for every event. She was very good and could have started a small business from it. Thanks for the flashback. :)
An artist she is! What beautiful work.
Something positive about my day.. it’s Friday! I’m looking forward to spending the weekend with my sweetie. โฅ
The sun is shining and it’s Friday!
I am truly inspired….its always wonderful to hear about peoples relationship with God and how He can fulfill our lives and bless our relationships. Thanks for inspiring my day!!
Beautiful work! And something about my day – thought I’m at the computer, I have a window to my left with the bright winter sun streaming in. And I had coffee shop coffee this morning. All in all, not too bad.
no work, no school, just me and …NOTHING! days like this are rare now that I’m back in school so I’m enjoying it immensely :-) :-) :-)
Today is my due date!! (but baby hasn’t decided if she wants to come or not yet:)
It snowed today. Again. :)
Awesome gal! I love following her blog.
Sharing cookies with my two year old! Makes me smile.
Having a blueberry muffin, scrambled eggs, and caramel covered apple all before noon.
:)
tweeeted.
(@shelbyisrad)
Date night with my husband planned tonight – courtesy of a Christmas gift card to Outback:-)
I am super excited!!! My birthday is today and my precious husband just presented me with a certificate he made for anything Gussy I want!!! I am thrilled! I have been wanting a Gussy piece for a long time! You will be seeing a order come through for me very soon :) By the way, I think you are too precious!! I love your blog and all of your beautiful handmade lovelies!!
Just finished a nice little lunch with my Dad – just him and me! :)
Tweeted!
http://twitter.com/#!/hornedfroggy/status/28558341944901632
The day has been flying by due to lots of productivity!
I PAID OFF MY CAR TODAY!! (AND I’M GOING TO TWEET NOW!)
I’m doing my first photo shoot today with my new backdrop set, AND I won a camera strap cover from Eclectic Whatnot!
Today is family day! My sister, cousins, and I get together once a month and this is the day :)
Something positive about today — I met a dear friend for coffee and we chatted! It feels so good to have life long friends ;)
I tweeted!
What a sweet person! Thanks for sharing her with us ; D
Beautiful work! I’m happy that I got off work an hour early and could spend more time with my 8 month old son!
This morning I started cooking soup to eat for dinner. It’s been cooking away all day and it smells awesome!
Love those cards! Super cute!
Today was my second day as an elementary school art teacher and it was awesome! I can tell it’s going to be a good semester. :]
lovely products!
I spent the entire morning with the hubs – a rare treat!
What’s positive about today – it’s FRIDAY – which means we’ll be doing movie night with the kids. Always fun…
Such pretty prints! A warm fire in the fireplace and watching the kids draw little pictures of little people.
Wow, what gorgeous artwork!
I got my first fan email today, and it made me feel like a million bucks. :) Plus, I found a beautiful dress on my lunch break for only $12! Can’t wait to wear it out somewhere fun.
I made 30 magnets today with help from my mom. :)
We’re roasting marshmallows for dessert!
Positive about today! …. Wedding planning! YAY!!
I tweeted the giveaway!
Tweeted …
http://twitter.com/#!/Kiki_Dawn/status/28592739494928384
i joined a new bible study group today. that was wonderful!! :]
I love those poppy notecards! So pretty!
Something positive… I’m getting ready to send you (Gussy) an email for the giveaway day! :) :)
Well, I have two things. One, I got to wear the newest scarf I made for a the first time (it rarely gets cold enough for that in Texas!). And, I got The Versatile Blogger award, which I am now nominating you for. It’s just a cute little meme, and if you want to accept, just follow the link to my blog. Happy Friday!
Something positive: First day with energy since recovering for the stomach bug. Got so much done! I feel inspired!
Those peony notecards are beautiful! Might have to pop on over to her store and buy some!
It was busy at work today so I made a lot of money and the time went by so fast! :) So glad that it’s time to start the weekend.
Tweet:
http://twitter.com/#!/mellisarock/status/28615564985376768
wow, gorgeous! :)
Positive today? Cuddling with my doxies on the couch :)
Positive today? Yikes, that’s gonna be a hard one. It’s Friday and I get to leave work in 6 minutes and my husband is picking up pizza for dinner. There ya go :)
i got to see my best friendโฅ
We got to have dinner tonight with some good friends that we rarely see anymore. It was wonderful!
im honestly obsessed with everything that just happened!
My coworkers surprised me with cupcakes today since my birthday is on Monday:)
Keeping my granddaughter while still being able to homeschool my 8-year-old and get some sewing done. That’s a full, great day!
frozen yogurt and tangled with a special little girl. who could ask for a more fun day?!
love love love! so pretty are her wares :-)
something positive about my day was seeing my niece. she is 8 months old and such a happy baby – even when she has a cold! i just love her smile and her laugh.
I was able to spend time a relaxing evening with my boyfriend tonight ~ a special treat when dating long distance! so thankful for cozy dinner & a movie [in]!
i shared about this giveaway on twitter: @missnmiller
Hi! I am coming over from Freckled Nest. I have loved your stuff for awhile and hope to own some Gussy myself. I love Jamie’s blog. I think it is so cool that you are featuring her.
So pretty! The positive for my day: mall & target shopping then a friend’s baby shower!
positive for the day…. the sun is shining!! clothes on the line outside (and here’s hoping they don’t freeze! haha)
xo,
christen
tweeted!!
http://twitter.com/#!/christenkrumm/status/28835997714227200
xo,
christen
i facebooked!!
xo,
christen
Today I get to spend time reading and reading and reading! Yay!
aren’t grandma’s awesome. my shops name is in honor of my grandma. her and i are much alike. my shop is lil’ alice.
thank you for such a great story! i love it!
I LOVE her cards! I am always looking for something cute and unique and girly. My husbands bff is a graphic designer, but he’s so….dude-sih :)
My day is lovely. There are piles of beautiful, puffy flakes falling that I do not have to venture out on (hence the beauty), I am in sweats, drinking hot cocoa, grading and entering this giveaway! What better saturday!?!
tweeted!
Hmm, something positive about my day? I got my hair to look cute, yay!
I enjoyed a cup of coffee by myself this morning!
Tweeted!!
baking cookies with my boys!
I looooove sleeping in with my husband and my kitty. That’s the best start to any day I can think of. :0)
I tweeted that I’d like to win some pretties from your shop.
And I Like Julia’s Poppies Design on FB.
I got to stroller in the sunshine with my man and babe today. It was so calm, fun and relaxing. I love them so much!
My husband volunteered to go to the mall (an outdoor one) with me and our toddler this afternoon to get some things done! It was a first and I was so appreciative!
What talent! Today was my mom’s birthday and it was the perfect evening spent with family!