Chantelle Nicole Designs is offering a $40 gift certificate to one lucky Pink of Perfection reader to use in their shop of of sweet and lovely hand-stamped silver jewelry. Enter to win by leaving a comment about what makes you feel your prettiest by Sunday, March 14, 12 midnight EST. One winner will be selected at random, but everyone else is free to use this 10% of coupon: POP10
In an effort to raise awareness of their cause, One Village Planet–Women’s Development Initiative is giving away a free 2-ounce jar of pure, deeply moisturizing shea butter that can be used to treat dry, chapped skin anywhere on the body. Proceeds from Just Shea are used to buy protective boots, gloves, and coats for the women in Ghana who harvest shea butter as their sole source of income — 30,000 of whom are fatally bitten by poisonous snakes each year. To enter to win, leave a comment about a random act of kindness you performed or that you were the recipient of by midnight EST, Friday, December 18th. US mailing addresses only. And for those who don’t want to take their chances, Just Shea is offering free shipping for the holidays.
And the winner is….
Congrats to Brooke!
Feeding people graciously and lovingly is one of life’s simplest pleasures: a most basic way of making life better for someone, at least for awhile. –Anna Thomas
On a sunny Saturday, on our way to the farmer’s market, we popped into Paper Love, a sweet shop, perfectly edited, walls lined with charming letterpress cards, notebooks, and other paper delights. I immediately fell in love with these miniature books from Brookfield. The size of a deck of cards — but infinitely more delightful — each letterpress book is filled with quotes and tiny illustrations on a given topic: “Cheerful Thoughts,” “House and Home,” “Incomplete Book of Dog Names.” I picture a pretty bowl on the coffee table, home to a stack of loose photographs, crowned with this gem. Also, what great hostess presents!
Lisa Leonard’s jewelry is a breath of what we all need now and then: simplicity and inspiration. She has generously offered to give away a $50 gift certificate to a Pink of Perfection reader. Leave a comment on this post by midnight EST Thursday May 14 and you’ll be in the running; I’ll draw a name on Friday, May 15. But you don’t have to be a winner to get a deal on some new jewelry. Lisa has offered a 10% discount code to use on her site. Enter tellafriend at checkout.
When did you start making jewelry and what have you learned about yourself running your own business?
I started making jewelry in high school, but got serious about it after my first son, David was born. I’ve learned that I am more driven that I thought. Sometimes it’s hard to stop my brain and just rest.
What or who most inspires you?
I definitely get inspired when I’m outside. I love the sunlight and the contrast of green grass to blue sky or warm sand. My sister Chrissie is amazingly insightful and creative. And she totally ‘gets’ me. When we are together we talk talk talk and it’s hard to keep from getting inspired!
What’s the essence of great style?
One of the most beautiful things a woman can be is herself. I love to spend time with friends who are genuine and willing to share their hearts openly. So great style would be a woman who is comfortable with herself and maybe a great haircut and the perfect pair of jeans. I’m always looking for the perfect pair of jeans.
What’s some of the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
I clearly remember my dad pulling me aside one day and asking me what I wanted to accomplish when I grew up. I shared some dreams and he challenged me to dream bigger. I think his advice shaped me.
What’s your surefire way to unwind after a stressful day?
Surefire way during the day is a pedicure. Heaven. But at the end of the day-snuggling on the couch with my husband and watching our favorite shows. Have you seen Better Off Ted? Hilarious! Oh and maybe a cup of decaf with lots of cream.
What’s in your fridge right now?
Our fridge is stocked with kid snacks like string cheese, yogurt, apple juice and raisin bread. And my favorite snacks are fresca, toast with apricot jam, and lowfat milk with cereal. And of course lots of cream for my coffee!
My cousin Ashley is a little firecracker. Not only does she have guns to rival Michelle Obama, but with her company Sunup Jewelry she hand-makes the most gorgeous glass jewelry that is an beguiling mix of durability, delicacy, and whimsy. Not unlike her. Her etsy store has more than a few charmers I’ve got my eye on…
Tell us a little bit about Sunup Jewelry and what you have learned about yourself and the way you work since starting your own business?
Sunup Jewelry began roughly two years ago, but has really taken off only in the last year. Jewelry is certainly my favorite part of an outfit and I’m sure I’ve been making various bracelets, earrings and necklaces since I was a kid. The reason fused glass really strikes my liking is twofold. A big canvas would completely deter me if I were a painter; glass gives me a very small canvas, usually only a square inch or two, on which to work. This concentrated surface area prevents me from being too overwhelmed. Secondly, I love the surprise element that is involved with a kiln – the wait and anticipation, the uncertainty of how your product is going to turn out. I live for the moments when I get to open my kiln and see my finished jewels.
Several months ago I jotted down in a notebook the reasons why I would not thrive as a self-employed person. But alas! Life is ever-changing, and here I am, self-employed. To my surprise – and relief – I’m much more happy with my life now (since quitting my day job) than I ever thought possible. The world really is your oyster.
I never thought I would work well without having structure to my day. After several months of waking up whenever I’d like, and having no one to tell me to do anything, I’ve found that I rather enjoy working when I feel like being productive. Sometimes it’s really nice to work late into the night when there are no distractions, and then have the morning to sleep or go for walks.
What do you love most about living in Portland? What do you love least?
There are lots of things competing for the top spot on the ‘love’ list. I love that everyone who lives in Portland is just head-over-heels for this city. We all seem to adore it and get excited when talking about it. I also love the fact that this city allows me to make a living doing what I love. Living is cheap, so I don’t have to make a fortune to get by. I get a kick out of looking out my window and seeing someone on a 6-foot tall bike pedal by (and it happens frequently!). There are theatres that sell movie tickets for $3 and then let you watch the film while eating a calzone and enjoying a cold local beer – all on nice couches and tables. The abundance of restaurants that never let you down, the amazing summers… the list is endless. What do I love least? Well, not much, but I suppose it’d be nice to see my friends and family a little more frequently; I don’t get back to the East coast very often.
I’m a big fan of the sweet exuberance of Elsie Flannigan’s work and blog. There’s a simple wholesomeness — and hopefulness — about it that never fails to put a smile on my face. Learn more about this young mogul below.
Tell us a little bit about A Beautiful Mess and Red Velvet Art. Why did you start each?
I started A Beautiful Mess for fun but I never realized what a big part of my life it would become. I have really enjoyed sharing my evolving interests in art & craft. I started Red Velvet Art (RVA) 7 years ago with my sister and best friend. We started out making merch for bands and it has evolved into a way for us to encourage each other artistically and creatively.
Running your own business seems so stressful, but you seem to handle all the details so gracefully. What advice do you have about staying organized and managing a big project?
It’s actually a team effort. We try to work together really well and keep everyone in a place where they are doing the stuff that they are best at. I could never do this by myself!
What do you think the significance of the crafting movement is, particularly for young women?
I think it is amazing! The most inspiring thing for me is discovering all the stuff going on. I am just so happy to be a part of it all and helping to make the DIY industry more beautiful every day. 
What most inspires you? Who most inspires you?
The most inspiring person in my life is my boyfriend, Jeremy Larson. Also, I am very inspired by my mom, who is a painter. My favorite painter is Jim Houser. My favorite band is the Flaming Lips. My favorite album of the month is the new Animal Collective. My favorite new movie is Synedoche, New York.
What’s some of the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
“What doesn’t get done, doesn’t need to get done.”
What are some things on your life list (things you want to do before you die, or as I like to think of it, to feel like your living a great life)?
Just a couple of things on my list is that I would love to visit Japan, live in a cabin, have a baby, and design my own line of children’s toys.
What’s your ideal day look like?
Wake up early-ish. Coffee with the boy. Eat pancakes. Work. Go thrift store shopping!!!
If you could invite anyone to a dinner party, living or dead, who would come?
Charlie Kaufman, Bjork, Barack Obama, and my grandma!
You just won $100 on a scratch-off. How do you spend it?
On coffee and thrift store dresses.
What’s in your fridge right now?
Pineapple, left-over pizza, and orange juice.
If you’re hungry for more q & a’s, Jen at the Haystack Needle asked to do an interview with me; you can read it here! Thanks, Jen!
