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Maggie Whitley

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

You are here: Home / blog & handmade advice / featured artist / {featured artist :: Paper Sparrow}

{featured artist :: Paper Sparrow}

February 25, 2011 ·
Filed Under: featured artist

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 ~

***

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.

***

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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Filed Under: featured artist

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Comments

  1. Pam Keener says

    February 25, 2011 at 6:39 am

    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

    February 25, 2011 at 6:45 am

    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

    February 25, 2011 at 7:14 am

    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!

  4. Stephanie C. says

    February 25, 2011 at 7:25 am

    I got to finish my coffee before it had to be reheated today! That’s all I’ve got at the moment but I’ll take it!

  5. Emma says

    February 25, 2011 at 7:27 am

    Looking forward to spending the weekend with my husband and son!

  6. Tara says

    February 25, 2011 at 7:30 am

    Kisses from my girls!

  7. Katrina Kelly says

    February 25, 2011 at 7:49 am

    I woke up not as tired as I thought I’d be!

  8. Katrina Kelly says

    February 25, 2011 at 7:49 am

    I tweeted this post!

  9. Allison says

    February 25, 2011 at 7:55 am

    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!!

  10. Liz says

    February 25, 2011 at 7:55 am

    I had sales in both of my shops yesterday and my daughter lost her first tooth!
    Tweeting now…

  11. Liz says

    February 25, 2011 at 7:59 am

    3 tweets & 3 FB’s! (different accounts)

  12. resourceful red says

    February 25, 2011 at 8:19 am

    I am so blessed to be spending today closing on our new home!!!!

  13. resourceful red says

    February 25, 2011 at 8:20 am

    tweeted about it
    @resourcefulred

  14. resourceful red says

    February 25, 2011 at 8:22 am

    i posted on facebook about the giveaway!

  15. Shelby says

    February 25, 2011 at 8:44 am

    I am home for the weekend with my grandparents. :)

  16. Shelby says

    February 25, 2011 at 8:48 am

    tweeted!
    @shelbyisrad

  17. Catherine says

    February 25, 2011 at 8:52 am

    The kids are spending the night with my mom, so the hubs and I get an evening out. Bow Chicka Wow.

  18. Georgia says

    February 25, 2011 at 8:55 am

    It is friday and my husband is home!!

  19. Allison F says

    February 25, 2011 at 9:07 am

    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!

  20. Allison F says

    February 25, 2011 at 9:07 am

    *schedule* (oops!)

  21. FoxyMomma says

    February 25, 2011 at 9:10 am

    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!

  22. Brit says

    February 25, 2011 at 9:25 am

    I love those prints! And the necklaces are cute too :) No classes today! Just napping and sewing :)

  23. Catlyn Lawson says

    February 25, 2011 at 9:42 am

    its snowing badly here so ill get some cleaning and sewing done :)

  24. liz says

    February 25, 2011 at 9:45 am

    it’s friday!! we’re so excited for some good family time tonight :)

  25. Kelly says

    February 25, 2011 at 9:51 am

    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

    February 25, 2011 at 10:05 am

    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

    February 25, 2011 at 10:10 am

    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

    February 25, 2011 at 10:24 am

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

  29. Valerie says

    February 25, 2011 at 11:02 am

    It might snow today for the first time in like 30 years! Exciting!

  30. Ann says

    February 25, 2011 at 11:14 am

    Today I get to work on a paper for school; this is actually really positive for me! :)

  31. Shauna Lobre says

    February 25, 2011 at 11:16 am

    Knowing that my 3 boys are healthy is a positive start to EVERYday!!!

  32. Ann says

    February 25, 2011 at 11:22 am

    And I tweeted! @annswindell

  33. thechattymommy says

    February 25, 2011 at 11:27 am

    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

    February 25, 2011 at 11:48 am

    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!

  35. katy says

    February 25, 2011 at 12:11 pm

    it is finally friday!

  36. Jessica says

    February 25, 2011 at 12:21 pm

    So happy that it’s raining today! We have had too much snow this winter, and I’m just glad this wasn’t another snow storm.

  37. Kathleen says

    February 25, 2011 at 12:22 pm

    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

    February 25, 2011 at 12:24 pm

    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

    February 25, 2011 at 1:11 pm

    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

    February 25, 2011 at 1:45 pm

    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

    February 25, 2011 at 2:02 pm

    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

    February 25, 2011 at 2:54 pm

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

  43. Marcia @ Taking Thyme says

    February 25, 2011 at 2:56 pm

    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!

  44. Marissa says

    February 25, 2011 at 5:50 pm

    I love the bright colors and contrast that she uses! How perfectly unique and talented!

  45. Kate @ Songs Kate Sang says

    February 25, 2011 at 5:53 pm

    It is Friday and I only worked a 1/2 day today! Thank you for this wonderful opportunity. Sincerely, Kate

  46. Kate @ Songs Kate Sang says

    February 25, 2011 at 5:54 pm

    Tweeted!

  47. Deidre says

    February 25, 2011 at 7:09 pm

    I received a cute little surprise from My Dearest today. It was sweet and thoughtful. :)

  48. Lacey says

    February 25, 2011 at 7:18 pm

    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

    February 25, 2011 at 8:23 pm

    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

    February 25, 2011 at 9:36 pm

    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!

  51. Kiki_Dawn says

    February 25, 2011 at 9:49 pm

    I had a great lunch with my guy today. I was super happy when he texted me and requested lunch together :)

  52. Lola P says

    February 26, 2011 at 9:04 am

    Had dinner with my friends and did some shopping ;-)

  53. Vicki @ Crowning Victoria says

    February 26, 2011 at 9:42 am

    Honestly? being introduced to the Paper Sparrow has brightened my day! I LOVE those prints!!!!!!!!!

  54. Vicki @ Crowning Victoria says

    February 26, 2011 at 9:43 am

    Tweeted!!! (@CrowndVic)

  55. Leanna says

    February 26, 2011 at 9:55 am

    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 :)

  56. Jen says

    February 26, 2011 at 12:18 pm

    I saw the sunshine this morning :)

  57. Alicia B. says

    February 26, 2011 at 2:18 pm

    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!

  58. Alisha in Ohio says

    February 26, 2011 at 3:18 pm

    i am finally getting to see Despicable Me tonight after dinner with the Mr. (Thank you Netflix!)

  59. Marci Girl says

    February 27, 2011 at 3:02 pm

    The brightest part of my day is getting to stay home each and every day with my little boy!

  60. Melissa B. says

    February 27, 2011 at 9:29 pm

    I spent the day with my adorable little sidekick/baby girl and that’s always positive! :)

Trackbacks

  1. Tweets that mention {featured artist :: Paper Sparrow} -- Topsy.com says:
    February 25, 2011 at 12:34 pm

    […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by papersparrow, Maggie Whitley. Maggie Whitley said: Andrea with @PaperSparrow is inspired by nature walks in New Forest, England. Check out her interview + giveaway: http://tinyurl.com/48kzh8p […]

ABOUT MAGGIE WHITLEY DESIGNS:
Maggie Whitley weaves her writings around joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith, and simple living. She homeschools her children, enjoys a quiet room while reading, and roars with laughter over the challenges & delights of motherhood. Maggie and her husband, along with their four young children, live in metro-Detroit. She has been writing online since 2008.
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JOY in motherhood & homemaking 🧺🌿💓✨

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“We are preparing to wind down for the school ye “We are preparing to wind down for the school year with just a few more weeks of intentional table lessons. We will then transition to a lighter learning schedule during the summer months. Today I am grateful for the books and resources I’ve read that have helped keep me in my own lane. (Visit my blog to see a personal favorite.)

Even now, three years in, I appreciate the reminder to stay on the path that was designed with intentional thought just for me.”

✨ see #maggiewhitleydotcom for the full post ✨
I took off my “comparison / contemplation” gla I took off my “comparison / contemplation” glasses last month and it’s been soooooo good. See also: sooooo hard (because life is never and/or). I’ve been writing more, reading more, spending more time outside. Talking to friends faces and smelling their detergent. My heart feels lighter. I’m sharing a few updates on my blog if you’d like to read? 🌾🤓blog reading & writing is a much better pace for me. You too? Link in profile.
Reflecting on this today 💓🕊 When I reflect o Reflecting on this today 💓🕊 When I reflect on the moments I’ve felt my mind spinning, my emotions swirly, it’s almost always when I’m not feasting on the word of God. Not that reading scripture is the cure for anxiety —no! Rather, it’s hard to worry when we’re worshipping.
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A quiet night: the furnace is running, the tea is A quiet night: the furnace is running, the tea is hot, and the whisper of a page turning. ♨️☕️📖 // We are breaking from school this week, my plan is to read a lot, walk a lot, and rest a lot. How about you?

#mothersofinstagram #tea #winterreading #hygge
I fought every internal comment I could think of a I fought every internal comment I could think of and took my kiddos for a looooong walk today before dinner. ❄️✨ There’s just so much work required to raise children! I’m feeling like a tired lady. But sunshine & fresh air are good companions to keep around. 

We came home and I made “the best dinner ever”. Max specifically announced, “it’s so great you’re launching new meals to the world”. LOL— kids! 🤣👏🏻💓
How about a little Wednesday night introduction? 😘Social media sure has changed over the years and we don’t always SEE who we’re following or remember WHY we’re following certain accounts. 

So, hello! As you can gather, my name is Maggie ;) 

I started writing online (almost 13 years ago) to share the handmade products I was sewing. My shop was called Gussy Sews. ✂️👛I love the community that has grown from sewing & sharing online.

Let’s FFW to today: Zack and I live in Michigan and have four young children (2 boys & 2 girls). I slowly left the handmade industry and walked right into homemaking, homeschooling, and encouraging women through writing. 💕📝

Motherhood has been very hard on me. (And not just because of how close in age our four children are.) It’s been hard for me because I fought for years to accept that *it’s supposed to be hard*. 

I mean, how do you effectively teach another person to know and love the Lord? Bc that’s how I think of motherhood: a calling to nurture others by studying the One who nurtures me. So I gotta make the first move: study the Bible and seek Him first. As my friend Autumn reminded me, vulnerability births transformation. 

(I’ve had to be really vulnerable!)

So, yes motherhood has fully transformed me. But even more so, Christ has fully transformed me. My list of “all that He’s done for me” is off to a beautifully long start.

Something else I want you to know about me: I stalled for years before acknowledging I have anxiety and depression. It’s hard to talk about this because of course this isn’t forever “my hardship”, but rather because acknowledging this means to heal I have to work through some really difficult things. ✨

But my friend Jesus walks alongside me. He’s already done a mighty work in my heart, including helping me process my anger in healthier ways. I’ve also adopted a heart for sisterhood, mothering, and Titus 2 mentorship.

Sometimes our greatest losses are our greatest gains? That’s what I’m clinging to!

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Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to read this year. Plus my reading goal for the year. And a few practicals ways I fit in reading as a mama of four young children & homeschooling them. Basically, all the good stuff ☺️💓📖 #maggiewhitleydotcom #readersofinstagram #read #readmorebooks
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