Since April showers bring May flowers, this exceptional May Monday brings a big bouquet of handmade May flowers plus one gorgeous giveaway...Today I'm delighted to introduce Dana, who creates the loveliest accessories for both wedding days and everydays. Dana is as inspiring as they come--a mama of 2, a dancer, active in her community, and of course, a fabulous crafter. Her shop is filled with darling accessories for girls+ladies and has spilled over into several great local boutiques.
Today Dana is kindly giving away one of her gorgeous cherry red satin flowers, as modeled below.
To win the prettiest pin you ever did see, simply leave a comment below telling your favorite May flower.
To double or triple your chances of winning, post a link to this giveaway on any of your social networking sites (and of course leave subsequent comments), and/or learn to like wyznia on facebook!
Enter by Thursday night (5/13)--the winner will be announced bright+early Friday morning (5/14)!
Q&A with Dana:
How did you find your niche in crafting?
I think I’ve been creating since I could breathe, or thereabouts. I was surrounded by creative folks as a kiddo, and I loved sitting by the side of a dear grandmother or a favorite babysitter to learn to knit or draw or crochet. When I became a mom to daughters, I paused from my jewelry making and started making accessories for these beautiful little people, their friends and other moms. A friend was wearing one of my pieces while visiting a local boutique that sells her wares; questions were asked, encouragement was given, and suddenly, a business was born.
We're all curious, is there a story behind the name?
The story behind the name Wynzia is a sweet one. When I was starting my business and brainstorming ideas for a name, my husband, out of the blue suggested the name "Wynzia." It was the name my oldest daughter had given to her first doll. I thought it so special and unique, and since she was my original inspiration for starting my shop, it seemed more than appropriate. I googled various spellings of the word to find one that had never been used, and "wynzia" it was.
Describe your perfect day.
A morning of play and laughter with my girls and my husband, an afternoon of creating in solitude, and a night of dancing in the studio with friends.
What inspires you most?
My daughters have that intrinsic creativity that I truly believe we all have when we’re young...I love seeing the color combinations that they choose for everything from their clothing ensembles to their crayon drawings. They are uninhibited by trends and other outside influences...they just like what they like. Being in their presence can break any creative block one might have.
Any tips on maintaining a successful Etsy shop?
Great photographs, continually listing items, and being part of an Etsy street team. (I’m part of the HandmadeMN and EcoEtsy teams...they are both fabulous!) And, network constantly!
What are your favorite supplies to work with?
Vintage fabrics, lace, buttons and beads, without question, are my favs. I enjoy reusing materials that were once loved in another form for the character they bring to my work, and doing right to the environment in the process. I enjoy the thrill of the hunt on a trip to a thrift shop, antique store or garage sale. ..sometimes that’s just as much fun as the process of creating.
Where else can we find your work?
Local brick and mortar stores that support me are:
Inspiration Dance Academy
C’est Chic Boutique
Capstone Gallery
Shoppe Local (before the devastating fire...fingers are crossed for a reopening in the near future)
Truly...
My blog and facebook page can keep you posted on art/craft shows that I’m doing throughout the year.
22 comments:
Oh my word! Love these! My favorite May flower would have to be the Magnolia. An odd choice I know, but their scent will always remind me of my wedding day when all the trees outside our tiny old church were in bloom and the breeze was wafting the scent through the open windows and we had bowls of them sitting around with floating candles. Nostalgia at it's best. :)
Thanks for the opportunity to win! I'll be keeping my fingers crossed until Thurs!
is it around may that the peonies bloom? if so, they are definitely my favorite!
My favorite May flowers are lilies, although, I don't know that they bloom in May. Very cute accessories!
How cool!! My friend Emily wears these sorts of things all the time!
I absolutely love these amazing flowers! They are beautiful and versatile! I must say, the fragrance of lilacs is the most delightful smell in spring!
I adore peonies as well as this fabulous giveaway :)
I adore lilacs...just wish they were around longer.
I was just telling a friend yesterday that no matter the season I love carnations. She looked at me funny, but when all of my girls were younger they thought carnations were roses and the smell is so fresh. Simple but I love them!
I am loving all the tulips I've been seeing. I'm not sure if they're just a May flower, but...
Lilacs and purple violets, which remind me of my grandmother and her magical garden. Dana's work reminds me of my grandmother, too - her love for fabrics, flowers, lace and beads would have delighted my grandmother, and make me smile. :-)
I love the flowers! She does such a great job. I would say my favorite spring flowers are tulips and flowering crab trees. It reminds me of our wedding day.
My favorite May flowers are bleeding hearts and lily of the valley.
Such gorgeous blossom! :)
Am I a cop out if I say that my favorite May flower is a pink carnation from my local grocery store?
Probably. Soo...I choose peonies. Even if they still need a few weeks to bloom. :)
I heart these flowers! So many talented artists and crafters out there... Anyway, I have to say peonies!! They are so pretty and so "all over the place" yet delicate. Their true colors, but unpredictable petals are a sign of Spring! (And I have to say I love bright moss too... I know it's not technically a flower but it needs love too!)
Lilies of the Valley! They're just so small and sweet and you can't kill them.
I don't know what flowers grow in May! Not really a gardener - LOL. So I'll just tell you my favorite flowers are Puakinekine (a Hawaiian Flower) and Morning Glories. :)
I'm a big fan of Dana and her work, and it's a real treat to see her featured here.
My favorite flowers found here in May would be the Trilliums that are in abundance in our woods.
The Queen of the Flowers, the ROSE!
Ohhh my, i LOVE this flower pin and great interview! It's beautiful!! I LOVE peonies, they are hands down my favorite flower!
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Such beautiful work! Favorite May flower around here in Ottawa would have to be the pink bleeding hearts (oh, the white ones are lovely too) but the pinks are my favorite.
lily of the valley and dogwoods are my May favorites...and Dana the accessories you craft are exquisite!
Thanks to you all for your kind words. My favorite garden flower in May is Phlox. I love how they create the sense of a fairy garden in the making. I'm delighted every time I look at those bright pink tiny blooms.
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