Maggie Whitley

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

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{featured artist :: Paper Sparrow}

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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 #36 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 Andrea from Paper Sparrow, a shop full of art & accessories ~

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Please introduce yourself to us: what’s your name, what is the product you create, where do you live, etc.

My name is Andrea Lauren and I am the artist and creator behind Paper Sparrow. I create a variety of products (prints, pouches, mirrors, buttons, magnets, etc.) based on my paintings and illustrations. I grew up in England but now I live in Florida. I love being outdoors, cooking vegan food, playing with my cat and going on road trips in my trusty wagon.

What inspires you?

I find inspiration comes in waves, sometimes when I’m out and about I have to scribble down ideas that just pop into my head. But, I’m mostly inspired when I’m out on a nature walk, flipping through a vintage children’s book or remembering walks in the New Forest as a child.

Share something you absolutely LOVE about your shop/your product.

All the color! I love colors and patterns all mixed together – so that is something I like seeing in my shop. (And the happy animals of course!)

If you had to describe yourself in a word, what would that word be?

Eclectic! I have many moods, tastes and interests. Sometimes its hard to figure out a thread that ties it all together!

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

Paper Sparrow is my full-time job. I am a musician by trade and play cello with the Orlando Philharmonic and various other small groups, as well as for weddings. The work is enjoyable and since its free-lance it doesn’t take up a lot of time in my schedule. Its the perfect combination for where I am with Paper Sparrow at the moment.

Based on your answer above, what a current challenge you’re facing?

I work best with a busy schedule, but changing gears between music and Paper Sparrow can be tough at times. I try to stay really focused and set myself small attainable goals so that I’m not too distracted to get anything done. Its definitely a work-in-progress though.

Give us a little glimpse into what a typical day in your life looks like.

7 – 7:30ish I get up and make breakfast for me and Paul. I love a fruit smoothie or juice in the morning.
8 – Paul leaves for work. I get on the computer and catch up with any etsy convos, emails, blog comments etc.
9 – Practice and warm-up on the cello.
10 – Start my Paper Sparrow activities. This can be anything from sketching out ideas, making/designing business cards. Editing photos/tutorials. Dreaming up new ideas, etc.
12 – Play cello a little more.
12:45 Make Lunch. Paul is home for lunch on most days.
1:30 – Some days I make runs to the post office and do errands in the early afternoon.
3 ish – Play cello again and sometimes I work out, too. But some days I’m in the middle of a blog project, tutorial, sewing experiment so this is a very loose schedule in the afternoon that gives me room for a lot of spontaneous projects or trips to the thrift store.
6-7 Make and eat dinner. I have so many wonderful cookbooks and I love making delicious vegan food.
7:30 – Relax with Hulu or Netflix. I like to sketch or start painting in the evenings. I also like to package up any orders in the evenings.
11ish I try to go to bed early, but some nights I get back on the computer and browse my favorite etsy shops and what have you.

Share with us a favorite handmade purchase or shop.

This is so hard since there are so many wonderful handmade things I’ve purchased over the past few years. Most recently I’ve fallen in love with Sea of Bees Jewelry. I met Stephanie last year and l absolutely adore everything that she makes.

What would you like to learn to do?

In the crafting world – Embroidery and Crochet are on my learn-to-do list this year. But outside of crafts, I’d love to learn some sort of water sport. I love swimming and canoeing and did a little scuba in high school, so I’d probably like to revisit scuba and/or trying synchronized swimming.

What are you listening to right now?

I mostly listen to Classical music – but outside of that I’ve been listening to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Decemberists and Asobi Seksu.

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The Giveaway Goods:

Enter to win 2- 8×10 prints of your choice

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

To enter:

Sign your name below sharing something positive about your day.

For extra entries {leave a comment for each}:
  • share on your blog or facebook
  • tweet this: i {heart} @PaperSparrow and hope to win 2- 8×10 Prints of my choice from her *gorgeous* shop via @GussySews’s blog >> http://bit.ly/gHfVEJ

EXTRA INFO:
  • The giveaway will close Sunday, February 27 at 10 pm CST,
    and the winner will be announced the following day
  • Connect with Andrea online ~ blog, twitter, facebook, tumblr

Come on back Friday, March 11 for another Featured Artist post!
xxoo.


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Comments

  1. Pam Keener says

    It’s Friday and although I have a full day I get to spend Sat & Sun with my girlfriends.
    Love & Hugs,
    Pam

  2. Melanie says

    We woke up to a blizzard…all of the kids are home from school, still in their jammies, and ready for an entire day of cuddling, games, and togetherness!! I am SO excited!!!!

  3. Rebecca says

    I made it to work right before a big snow blizzard started…that’s kind of a plus! Oh yeah and it’s Friday which means I have the weekend free!

  9. Allison says

    I usually don’t get to spend time with my daughter in the morning because I leave the house first and she is still sleeping but this morning she woke up a little early and I got to get her ready for her day, make her bottle and watch cat in the hat. Makes for a great start to my day!!

  19. Allison F says

    Friday is the first day this week I get to cook a meal because of such a busy scheudle. I am looking forward to wearing my favorite apron and dancing around the kitchen (barefoot – even in winter) in delicious smells!

  21. FoxyMomma says

    i am currently on a staff retreat in the beautiful hills of branson.. staying in an awesome house on the lake!! i’m loving today!

  25. Kelly says

    Had a great week with my daughter, play dates, trips to the aquatic center for some pool time in February, and a trip to the library today. I love being a stay at home mom!!!

  26. Sydney S says

    I just ordered the PERFECT gift for my mom for her birthday, I seriously CAN NOT wait for her to open it. I swear it’s the best feeling when you have tha “Ah Ha!” moment ~ Happy Friday Everyone!

  27. Nicole says

    Yay, it’s FRIDAY!! I hope to accomplish a little crafting that I need to get done and a little surprise birthday party planning for someone very special…then it’s off to see my folks this weekend <3 Nothing but blessings ;)

  28. Anna Morales says

    I’m just looking forward to playing with my kids inside all day due to the rain, any excuse to have a snuggle fest!

  33. thechattymommy says

    God is so good, because we have a flat tire for the second time this week and we have free roadside assistance with our insurance company.
    That is why my day is good today!

  34. Heather B. says

    I love this girl’s style! Also? Cello is one of my most favorite instruments. Today I get to go on a little road trip to visit my sister and all my nieces and nephews!! Can’t wait to hug their necks!

  37. Kathleen says

    My brother, his wife, and little nephew are stopping by momentarily for a visit. And we’ve had some BEAUTIFUL weather here in SC lately. =)

  38. Kate says

    It’s Go Texan Day here in Houston which is the kick-off to rodeo, the trail riders and coming into town and I am wearing jeans to work. All of the above make me smile and I need to remember that when I get stuck in traffic behind a covered wagon. (Believe me, it’s happened.)

  39. Joy says

    It’s only 11a in my corner but I’m so thankful for the sunshine, my morning workout, and surprise french toast breakfast with hubby! Oh, and the chance to have 2 lovely prints in the new house we’re moving to in 3 days!!! :)

  40. Alyssa says

    Today, my toddler has slept for over 2 hours and that is something very, very positive about our day! Happy toddler afternoon, here we come!

  41. Bethany says

    waking up to the sun shining and the breeze blowing, making cheery jewelry, and laughing!
    All of these things (and many more) make me smile & my day a happy one!

  42. Dani says

    I’m finally feeling better today after fighting the flu! I think I might get the vaccine next year. ;)

  43. Marcia @ Taking Thyme says

    I have had the absolute joy of spending the last 2 days with my daughter who just turned 16 and my 5 year old. My daughter has had the flu, but the upside is that I have got to sit around on the couch with her and visit and take care of her!

  48. Lacey says

    I’m Lacey, andddddd the best thing that came from today is the bunch of tulips sitting on my mantle. They’re at that most exciting just-about-to-bloom stage right now. Perfect solution for my monotonous Friday!

  49. Allison says

    Despite that someone hit my car in a parking lot today without leaving a note, I’m staying positive because I have my good health and family which make me very happy. Don’t sweat the small things in life

  50. ErinMakesItWork says

    Yay! I love this because I already follow and love Paper Sparrow, and I love you. My Friday was pretty awesome. I got to have a date night with my wife and I got accepted to an exculsive writing group at my freelance studio. Sweet!

  55. Leanna says

    I watched “Fantastic Mr Fox” yesterday! one of my favorite movies! i listen/watch it while sewing on fridays… yes, every friday! so, this art work makes me very happy :)

  57. Alicia B. says

    The brightest part of today is being about to spend time with my husband after a long hard week and eating a wonderful breakfast. Cute art work!

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