giveaway: wynzia accessories

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?

My etsy shop

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.