Monday, March 14, 2011

Focus On... SewZinski {And A Giveaway!}

I'm super excited about this week's Focus On post. It's features the one and only SewZinski. One look through Sarah's shop and I was instantly in love. I mean, look at all that color! {And for those that don't know me, I'm a huge (HUGE) travel mug fan. I'll have to post something on that later. It's really quite obscene} Anyways, her shop is full of fun stuff like the said travel mugs, hand-stitched leather wallets, hair bows, coasters and more!

Sarah has even generously offered up this Geometric Blooms porcelain travel mug to one of our lucky viewers!

Sum up your craft in 5 words or less:
colorful, eco-friendly, modern, folk, pop


Tell us a little about yourself:
My name is Sarah. I'm an Iowa girl transplated to Florida, living and working in what I like to refer to as the craft cave in the Pineapple Compound. I designed furniture for a folk art furniture company for over 10 years, then decided to take my part time indie craft company, sewZinski, to full time and work for myself. I am a self taught embroidery artist and I love working with resourced materials. I've recently added hand painted ceramics as a new sewZinski line. I enjoy being able to bounce back and forth to different mediums. It keeps my brain fresh and designs ever changing and evolving.


What made you decide to sell on Etsy?
When I started making hand embroidered wallets locally in Des Moines years ago, I was doing 60% of my business with custom orders. I also had pieces that I created ready to sell but no real way of sharing my work without building my own website, which I didn't have the time, patience, or money to do. I also wanted to reach a larger audience that appreciates handmade over Walmart. Etsy was the perfect solution.


Tell us a little about your creative process:
I'm a pretty spontaneous person when it comes to design. I rarely draw out the images first on paper. I usually just dive right into drawing directly onto whatever medium I happen to be working with and see what happens from there.

Color is usually my first inspiration. It instantly triggers a memory, mood, or overall theme for the piece I'm doing. The rest just happens from there. I guess it's pretty organic, I'm not really a linear thinker.

Where does your inspiration come from?
I love history and anthropology, so I pull a lot of inspiration from different cultures and their story telling and heritage. Pop culture and nature play a big part in my designs as well.

How does your craft stand out from the rest?
I think the fact that I am self taught in the art of drawing and embroidery makes my work have it's own distinctive look. I like to embroidering flowers, or drawing ships, but they are my own made up versions of the real thing. I would never call my work realistic. It's my own crazy mind's version of a flower or ship. A more stylized version. Plus I really like color and I think it shows in my work.

How do you advertise your products?
The one thing I realized within the last couple of years is crafting for craft's sake is great, but if you want to sell your work you have to be active in social media.

Twitter's played a huge role in that for me. It's helped me make a personal connection with like minded people that also enjoy crafting and the arts, and it's also helped me spread the word about what I do for FREE, which is a bonus.
I've started using my Facebook page a little more, but because I'm a twitter addict, I tend to find more time intensive. I also have a blog, but again I need to find more time to post to it.

Etsy Stalker, Papernstitch, Holiday showcases online, Soopsee, Flickr, Cargoh and various other websites have helped me get the word out about what I do. Blog mentions are great too!



What is your favorite music/tv show/movie to craft to?
I love listening to podcasts while I work: Missed in History, This American Life, Doug Loves Movies, RadioLab, Hardcore History, Pod F.Tompkast, the Nerdist. I also enjoy a little pre-war Blues, and whatever station I'm in the mood for on Pandora..
What is your favorite Etsy shop?
I will admit I'm a bit of an Etsy junkie, so my favorite Etsy shop's change on a weekly basis. There's just so many amazing artists and crafters on there. Right now I'm really into Pyxus dress's, Nervous Sysytem's jewelry, and I will always be in love with Ashley G.

*******************************************************************
We've got lots of ways to win this weeks giveaway!

- Make sure you leave me a way to contact you if you win. -
- Please leave separate comments for each entry. -

First entry (mandatory):
- Visit SewZinski, select your favorite item and leave a comment telling me about it.

Extra entries (optional):
- Add SewZinski to your favorites on Etsy
- Add
to your circle on Etsy
-'Like'
on Facebook
-Follow
on Blogger
-Follow
SewZinski on Twitter
- Follow me on Twitter, tweet about this giveaway and leave me the link.
- Purchase an item from
- Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link.
- Follow our blog via Google Connect

Fine print: Giveaway begins when it is posted and ends at 11:59pm pacific standard time March 28, 2011. A winner will be selected by a random number generator on March 29, 2011 and will be emailed promptly.

139 comments:

  1. http://www.etsy.com/listing/69128011/eco-friendly-ceramic-travel-mug-purple?ref=v1_other_2
    tumblemumbo at gmail.com
    location intl.

    ReplyDelete
  2. added to my faves / squirrel33
    intl.

    ReplyDelete
  3. added to my circle / squirrel33
    intl.

    ReplyDelete
  4. liked sewzinki on fb / ana amanti
    intl.

    ReplyDelete
  5. following sewzinki on blogger under va
    tumblemumbo at gmail dot com
    intl

    ReplyDelete
  6. blogged using blogger button
    http://va-internationalgiveawaysblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/this-girls-life-focus-on-sewzinski-and.html

    ReplyDelete
  7. gfc follower of your blog
    tumblemumbo at gmail dot com
    inl
    thanks

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love the mod wallet - so beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Liked shop, added to circle and like on FB!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Your product photos are so nice, bright and colorful. Purty.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Since joining Team FEST I have come across and had my eye on sewZinski. I love the colorful embroidered wallets and have one added to my favorites...and my birthday wish list.
    Shop has been added to favorites...in addition has been LIKED on FB

    ReplyDelete
  12. The link to my favorite item...continued from above comment
    http://www.etsy.com/listing/57940940/wallet-black-leather-embroidered-flowers

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love the Eco Friendly Ceramic Travel Mug Hand Painted Red Flowers Graffiti because the flowers remind me of the beautiful cherry blossoms :) 2pmishere(at)gmail(dot)com

    http://www.etsy.com/listing/64394550/eco-friendly-ceramic-travel-mug-hand

    ReplyDelete
  14. I follow your blog with google friend connect as fanny. 2pmishere(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  15. My favorites are the feather travel mugs
    http://www.etsy.com/listing/69057633/eco-friendly-travel-mug-with-lid-yellow
    rnjkerr@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. I love the travel mug with a ship painted on the side!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I like the Wallet Leather applique metallic leaves embroidery green handmade by sewZinski on Etsy
    http://www.etsy.com/listing/60375946/wallet-leather-applique-metallic-leaves
    lusizova at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. 'Like' SewZinski on Facebook = Lyudmila Sizova
    lusizova at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Follow your blog via Google Connect = Lyudmila
    lusizova at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Wallet Leather Embroidery Orange Owl Applique Tree Nature would be my favorite from the shop! I love the owl!

    ashy_lu05(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  21. I hearted sewzinksi's shop!

    ashy_lu05(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  22. I liked sew Zinski on FB

    ashy_lu05(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  23. I now follow your blog via GFC!

    ashy_lu05(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Thanks for the chance to win the travel mug. I also love the Scream Queen Horror ring!
    Zoe08252verizon.net

    ReplyDelete
  25. I LOVE the blue lotus mug.

    ellaetc(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  26. Added to my etsy favorites (Ellaetc)

    ReplyDelete
  27. following sewzinski on twitter. @ellaanachronism

    ReplyDelete
  28. following and tweeted: http://twitter.com/ellaanachronism/status/47354994185338881

    ReplyDelete
  29. My favorite item from the shop is Eco Friendly Travel Mug Hand Painted Red Fox Leaves White Porcelain.
    i love foxes because my grandmother used to call me that.
    violet.porto[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  30. I hearted the Etsy shop, etsy name Viorela25. violet.porto[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  31. I added the etsy shop to my circle, etsy name: viorela25..
    violet.porto[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  32. I like it on facebook, my fb name is Viorela Violet.
    violet.porto[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  33. Following SewZinski on Blogger as Viorela.
    violet.porto[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  34. Following SewZinski on Twitter as Vilet_porto.
    violet.porto[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  35. I am a follower on twitter as violet_porto.
    I shared this giveaway:http://twitter.com/#!/violet_porto/status/47359298627584000
    violet.porto[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  36. I love the Leather Brown Embroidery Flowers Blue Green Art Nouveau wallet.
    e.estt[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  37. I love the rooster wallet and the leather applique leaves wallet. Great shop!

    karen (dot) erkert (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  38. I love the red flowers mug: http://www.etsy.com/listing/64394550/eco-friendly-ceramic-travel-mug-hand
    steph4575 at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  39. I added sewzinski to my favorites on etsy (name: steph4575)
    steph4575 at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  40. Following sewzinski on twitter @steph4575
    steph4575 at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  41. I blogged about the giveaway: http://hirschhousehold6.blogspot.com/2011/03/30-days-of-giveaways-day-11-12-13-and.html
    steph4575 at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  42. My favorite item is the clutch wallets! Any of them! They are all gorgeous!


    alexandra_digiorgio at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  43. I "heart" SewZinski on Etsy!

    Etsy ID: lexacd


    alexandra_digiorgio at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  44. I "like" SewZinski on Facebook!

    Alexandra D.


    alexandra_digiorgio at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  45. I follow this blog via GFC (lexacd)!

    alexandra_digiorgio at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  46. I love the green and metallic leaves wallet!
    myheehaw@hotmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  47. I love the black and white hand-drawn feathers ceramic mug.

    Thanks,
    D
    dbyrne1[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  48. I looove Headband Metallic Blue Leather Embroidered Star handmade by sewZinski on Etsy! So cute.

    ReplyDelete
  49. my favorite item is the Eco Friendly Travel Mug with Hand Painted Brown Feathers because I love the simplicity of it and I'm also a fan of mugs :)


    -tamanishajohn@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  50. I added SewZinski to my favorites on etsy and my etsy username is tamjej0h

    ReplyDelete
  51. I like SewZinski on Facebook and my name is Tamanisha John

    ReplyDelete
  52. I like them all, but I particularly like the scissors mug. My crafty siblings would all like it!

    ReplyDelete
  53. I blogged about this giveaway

    http://tamjejoh.tumblr.com/post/3864325512/sewzinski-giveaway

    -tamanishajohn@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  54. I follow this blog via GFC


    -tamanishajohn@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  55. My favorite is the Wallet Leather Cream Brown Asian Flower Leaves Embroidery

    http://www.etsy.com/listing/30438433/wallet-leather-cream-brown-asian-flower

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  56. I love the green and black wolf ring! Menacing, and yet somehow girly :)

    marija.majerle at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  57. following sewzinski on twitter @mrsclutterbuck

    marija.majerle at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  58. hearted sewzinski on etsy0 username bokononist

    marija.majerle at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  59. I LOVE this:
    http://www.etsy.com/listing/64324505/eco-friendly-travel-mug-with-lid

    Libbi H.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Like this: http://www.etsy.com/listing/60366422/clutch-black-leather-embroidery-modern

    ReplyDelete
  61. Follow on Facebook as Laura Sánchez Murillo

    ReplyDelete
  62. Follow on Twitter as @LauraSanMur

    ReplyDelete
  63. The octopus embroidered wallet is so cute! I love octopus's so much!!

    ReplyDelete
  64. I added her shop to my favorites on etsy.

    ReplyDelete
  65. And I added her to my circle :)

    ReplyDelete
  66. I liked sew Zinski on Facebook.
    Chandler A.

    ReplyDelete
  67. Brand new follower of sew Zinski's blog :)

    ReplyDelete
  68. I follow @sewzinski with @girlygirlmoment.

    ReplyDelete
  69. I am loving the Headband Leather Super Hero Lightning Bolt!
    Lilyhoot at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  70. I follow sewzinski on twitter, @slowclublover.

    ReplyDelete
  71. My favorite, favorite, favorite item is this:

    Bowl Geometric Decorative Black and White Ceramic Painted by sewZinski on Etsy

    I saw it when it was on the front page of Etsy, too, and I were I not desperately broke at the moment, I would have bought it in an instant. Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  72. sewZinski is now one of my Etsy favorites (hellokiki)

    ReplyDelete
  73. My favorite is the Mug with French star cloud white green.
    skklemm at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  74. Added SewZinski to my favorites on Etsy. skjohnson11
    skklemm at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  75. 'Like'SewZinski on Facebook. Stephanie Klemm.
    skklemm at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  76. Follow SewZinski on Twitter. @momtoemmett
    skklemm at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  77. Follow you on twitter. Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/momtoemmett/status/47748549324181505

    ReplyDelete
  78. I like the Headband Black Felt Flower Retro Noir Rockabilly. It makes me happy and I can picture it as the final touch on many an outfit!
    cheatingpiggies at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  79. I don't think you even know how wonderful the timing of this was. I decided to splurge a little and by one of these eco-friendly travel mugs, and when it arrived, it was in TINY pieces! I was so upset, and I couldn't get the cash I paid back. So I am really crossing my fingers for this!

    My favorite things are:

    http://www.etsy.com/listing/69127316/star-ring-blue-black-geometric-lines

    and

    http://www.etsy.com/listing/64596406/mug-eco-friendly-travel-lid-ceramic

    alionandalamb at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  80. I have added SewZinski to my favorites on Etsy.

    alionandalamb at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  81. I am a liker on Facebook.

    alionandalamb at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  82. I follow SewZinski via Google Friend Connect.

    alionandalamb at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  83. I am a follow of SewZinski on Twitter.

    alionandalamb at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  84. I am a follower of yours via Google Friend Connect.

    Pardon my previous comment's terrible grammar!

    alionandalamb at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  85. I love the Bowl Geometric Decorative Black and White Ceramic!

    craftyfusion at gmail

    ReplyDelete
  86. i like the travel mug with ship tattoo! jmmccarr@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  87. I'm drawn to bold, bright, colorful trinkets. My fave color scheme is yellow, red, pink & orange, so I'm in loveeeeeee with your leather wallet: http://www.etsy.com/listing/55301080/leather-wallet-floral-hand-embroidered .

    The head candy bows are SUPER adorable too! http://www.etsy.com/listing/57653802/hair-clip-felt-bow-multicolored-head

    -Thanks for the opportunity to possible win this super neat travel mug, as the colors are phenomenal!

    Jess =]
    Jessence22@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  88. I like the geometric black and white bowl :D cute!


    rg86(at)nau.edu

    ReplyDelete
  89. I love the Hand Painted Black White Floral travel mug!!

    http://www.etsy.com/listing/64881766/eco-friendly-travel-mug-with-lid-hand

    lianne-nichols at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  90. love the mg with the circles atomic blue yelow retro starbursts!
    hancoci_s at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  91. i hearted her staycelyne
    hancoci_s at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  92. i added her to my circle staycelyne
    hancoci_s at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  93. fb fan of hers! stacy lynn b h
    hancoci_s at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  94. follow her on twitter @ organicmommyluv
    hancoci_s at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  95. ifollow your blog on gfc!
    hancoci_s at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  96. I love the Wallet Leather Embroidery Red Asian Bird Flower!

    darcylee99 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  97. I follow SewZinski on twitter - smartbottomkids

    ReplyDelete
  98. I love this:http://www.etsy.com/listing/60441862/wallet-leather-applique-embroidery-brown

    mariliis1206 @ hot.ee

    ReplyDelete
  99. My favorite, other than the giveaway item, is hands down the Fantastical Four Coaster Set Ceramic Hand Painted Crypto-zoology Sasquatch Yeti Nessie Kraken by sewZinski on Etsy.
    the_outsider01AThotmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  100. My favorite item is the Blue Lotus hand painted travel mug

    danielleaknapp at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  101. My favorite is the geometric decorative bowl.

    ~Kristin
    anticonformity_chick (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  102. Hi! I love the simplicity of the feather cup http://www.etsy.com/listing/64483169/ready-to-ship-mug-eco-friendly-travel
    Email: jennmariemc(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  103. I'm a follower on GFC! username: Jenn M
    email: Jennmariemc(at)gmail (dot)com
    or Jennifer(dot)mcgreevy(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  104. I like the Clutch Leather Wallet Burgundy Brown Green Purple Owl Eye Vine Stars handmade by sewZinski on Etsy.
    jswandrn at gmail

    ReplyDelete
  105. I adore the Headband Leather Super Hero Lightning Bolt.

    kiddomsg at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  106. I added SewZinski to my favorites on Etsy (houseofplush).

    kiddomsg at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  107. I added SewZinski to my circle on Etsy (houseofplush).

    kiddomsg at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  108. I like SewZinski on FB (Suzanne Gregg).

    kiddomsg at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  109. I follow SewZinski on Blogger.

    kiddomsg at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  110. I follow SewZinski on Twitter @kiddo47.

    kiddomsg at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  111. I am in love with the Red Leather Black Bird Gothic Wallet! Way cute!

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  112. Tweet: http://twitter.com/coriwestphal/statuses/51857986355855360

    I follow you on Twitter @coriwestphal

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  113. I'm a Google Friend (follower): Cori Westphal

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  114. I'm a SewZinski Google Friend (follower): Cori Westphal

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  115. I heart SewZinski on Etsy: coriwestphal

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  116. I like SewZinski on FB: Cori Eckstrom Westphal

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  117. I follow SewZinski on Twitter @coriwestphal

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  118. wow great giveaway! :)

    I just love this headband http://www.etsy.com/listing/59267271/headband-black-felt-flower-retro-noir

    mel_sunrise@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  119. I hearted her shop :)

    mel_sunrise@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  120. i also added her to my circle on etsy :)

    mel_sunrise@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  121. i also added have added her on facebook!
    mel_sunrise@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  122. i also am following her on twitter!

    mel_sunrise@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  123. I love the Travel Mug Ceramic Painted Tattoo Black Stars Swirls Gold Metallic Eco friendly handmade mug
    rmaslow a@t yahoo d.ot com

    ReplyDelete
  124. twitter follower - rmfollow

    rmaslow a@t yahoo d.ot com

    ReplyDelete
  125. twitter follower of this girls life - rmfollow

    rmaslow a@t yahoo d.ot com

    ReplyDelete
  126. tweet:

    http://twitter.com/#!/rmfollow/status/52228943645908992

    rmaslow a@t yahoo d.ot com

    ReplyDelete
  127. I like the black leather mod deco floral wallet. I love the color.

    mrs dot marcus2 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  128. i like the Wallet Leather Embroidery Orange Owl Applique Tree Nature

    ReplyDelete
  129. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you to everybody that participated in the giveaway and joined joined me via social networks and Etsy. I really appreciate all the wonderful support and feedback. Just wanted to stop by and say hello!

    ReplyDelete

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