Aloha From a Sponsor: Emily Katherine Designs

Today's featured sponsor is very near and dear to my heart. Emily is a close friend from college! We filmed ridiculous music videos, made up silly nicknames for each other and suffered through long Spanish classes together. She is incredibly sweet, hilarious and oh-so-creative! Emily and her husband, Jake run Emily Katherine Designs where you can find beautiful jewelry that is perfect for adding some girly sparkle to your day! I love that you could wear their designs in a wedding dress or jeans and a white tee! 

Say 'aloha' to Emily (and Jake!)

Hi Emily! Could you tell Aisle to Aloha readers a little bit about yourself and your shop? 

1. Hello there! I'm Emily. My husband, Jake, and I own Emily Katherine Designs, an online shop of high quality, handcrafted beaded jewelry. I personally have been designing and making jewelry for about twelve years. After my husband and I got married, he helped me fulfill my dream of turning my love of making jewelry into a business. Our shop includes beaded bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings, and a whole bridal collection. Check out our newly redesigned blog for updates, giveaways, and more fun stuff! 

Emily Katherine Designs is a joint effort with your hubby, Jake. What are the best and most challenging things about working alongside your husband?

2. Yes, our business is a joint effort. I absolutely LOVE working with my husband on this business. We are a good pair because, well, he is my best friend, but our skills also compliment each other very well. He is very business savvy and does most of the technical work on the website, while I am more artsy. My husband is also a great support for me and is always encouraging me in my work. The most challenging thing about working with my husband is...hmmm...that his hands are too big to help me make the jewelry :)

Where do you draw inspiration for your jewelry?

3. The biggest inspiration for the jewelry itself are the amazing people in my life. Most of our jewelry is named after people that I love and are designed to match their personality. We have a blog segment called "Behind the Bracelet" that focuses on the people behind our jewelry. 

What is your favorite color and what do you think it says about your personality?

4. My favorite color would have to be purple. Or bright pink. I did my wedding in both of these colors. I think it says that I am bright and girly! As far as our jewelry, I especially love to use metallic colors, like the pearls in the Holly bracelet. 

Ok, don't they have some gorgeous pieces? My favorites are definitely their bracelets! Emily even created a bracelet inspired by ME! Check that one out here. 

Want more of Emily and Jake? 

Check out their blog here!

Find them on twitter!

Fan them on Facebook! 

Go shopping! 

They have graciously offered a whopping 20% off your purchase with the code ALOHA20 at checkout!  

Aloha From a Sponsor: Moxie Mandie

Today's featured sponsor is Mandie from Moxie Mandie! Her shop is filled to the brim with richly colored goodies-- from pillow covers, burp cloths, clutches, and even yards of fabric! I had such a hard time choosing what to feature on today's post, so be sure to go check out her shop and see what else this creative girl's got to offer! Without further ado, here's Mandie! 

Aloha Mandie! Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your shop?

Hi! I'm Mandie from moxiemandie. I love fabric, my hubby, our camera, and movies. Not necessarily in that order. I opened my shop last October with a few zippered pouches, and it's evolved to a little shop full of accessories for you, baby, and home. I love mixing old & new to create unique options that you won't find anywhere else. Thrifted fabric is my favorite- I LOVE giving new life to something that's been set aside. :)

Where do you do most of your creating? Studio? Dining room table? Living room couch?

I currently sew in our living room. We have a spare room, but my fabric is usually strewn all over it, so I tend to drag my table in front of the tv most evenings and get some work done while watching tv. 

Everyone has those inspiration funks. How do you get out of a funk?

When I get into a funk, I usually let myself walk away from my fabrics and machine and take a breather for a day or two. If that doesn't get the juices rolling, I head over to Anthro or World Market to look at their pretty linens and after bringing something new home with me, I get to creating. ;)

What's your favorite color and what do you think that says about your personality?

I don't feel that I have a favorite color, but I've noticed that most of the fabrics I reach for are blue, yellow, and green. I'm not quite sure what that says about me, but those are the colors you'll find in my home usually, too! 

Want more of MoxieMandie? 

Go say "aloha" over on her blog! 

Become a fan on Facebook! 

Chat with her on twitter! 

Take 10% off your MoxieMandie purchase with the code AISLE2ALOHA through July!

Aloha From a Sponsor: Erika of Bird E Studios!

Our featured sponsor today is the lovely Erika, of Bird E Studios! She's an incredibly talented seamstress with an eye for beautiful color and her shop is gorgeous! It's filled with all sorts of items to make your baby (or niece, nephew, etc.) the stylish kid on the block. From sweet quilts and blankets, bright bibs and  genius diaper clutches, she's not helping my baby fever at all! 

Check out a few of her beautiful creations and her interview with me below! 

What are three things Aisle to Aloha readers should know about the girl behind Bird E Studios?

Three things that y'all should know about me....this is tough!

1. I cannot sit still, no matter how hard I try. This is a helpful characteristic when it comes to the shop! If sitting down to watch TV you can bet I am working on products at the same time. 
2. I would rather have a small handful of really, really great friends than an enormous circle of acquaintances. Knowing the heart of each of my friends is far ore important to me than having tons of social obligations.
3. And for a silly one, I can eat the first end of a hot dog but not the second end. It grosses me out too much. And yes, I know I could have very well eaten the second end first and been just fine with it. Such a weird quirk I haven't grown out of! 

Besides sewing, what's another creative outlet that you enjoy? 

I really love the idea of interior decorating. I have so many sets over on Polyvore of dream rooms that I have pulled together that I will have someday in the Craftsman home I dream of buying and restoring here in Seattle. When it comes to actually decorating a room I am far more practical than the rooms in my day dreams, but it is still fun to dream! 

What advice would you offer to someone looking to jump into handmade biz? 

Oh goodness, I will be the first person to tell you that I am still figuring out all of the things that go into having a shop. But I think one of the most important things to remember when you are starting your own business (because that's what it is, no matter how small you feel like your little shop is. YOU are a business owner!) is to not give up when you don't instantly see results. It WILL feel like you are putting in endless hours to get your shop up and running with little return in the beginning. But I promise, if you stick with it, and if your heart really is in this, you will succeed. Set small goals at first, but always keep your sight on achieving what you dream for your shop. Remember, though, to always have fun with this!

What's your favorite color and what do you think it says about your personality?

Choosing just one color is really tough....but my favorite color combo of the moment is light gray and coral. The brightness of the coral just pops against the subtle gray and makes me happy! What does this say about me? Maybe that I am calm and collected (the gray), but have a spunky side that comes out (the coral)! Ha.

Loves coral, interior design and makes beautiful creations?? Check, check and check-- we love this girl!

Say "aloha" to Erika on her blog!

Chat with her on twitter!

Check out her gorgeous shop!

Aloha From a Sponsor: Geeky & Sassy

Happy Friday, friends! I've got a fabulous shop to share with you today and a giveaway too! Meet Virginia of Geeky and Sassy! She uses beautiful, high quality fabrics to create accessories for your home-- including table runners, pillows, kitchen towels, and more. Check out her interview with me and stick around for a great giveaway at the end! 

Aloha Virginia! Can you tell us a bit about yourself and the beautiful things you make?

Aloha!  I'm so excited to be sponsoring Lindsay's blog and to be able to share a little about me with all of you!  I'm a klutzy, diet coke loving, coffee drinking mom of 2 and wife to a wonderful man.  I've just recently resigned from my job to stay at home with my kids.  I'm not one to sit still, so I opened a shop to share my love of sewing and fabrics with others.  My Mom and my Grandmother got me started with sewing when I was tiny, so I blame this on them ;-)  In my shop I have items for your home, including pillow covers, kitchen towels, table runners and banners.  I've done custom items such as baby sets, quilts, curtains and more.  Pretty much if I can sew it on my machine, I'm up for the challenge.  I also may be a bit of a fabric snob - I'm pretty particular in my choices for both look and quality.  

What's the best advice you've ever received?

I hope this doesn't come across like I've got it all together or think i do - far from it,  but I honestly cling to the verse Phillipians 4:4-7 -   Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

it not only reminds me that I'm not in control, not to worry, trust in God, and be full of joy (in the midst of toddler tantrums and the unknown).

I also remember ~ Don't sweat the small stuff and ask myself ~ What will matter 100 years from now?  

What's your favorite piece of art in your home?

Oh, this is a tough one.  I would have to say the retro couch I am planning to reupholster with my Mom (does a couch count? - I haven't bought my A2A painting yet!)  It was the couch my Mother-in-law grew up with.  Shaggy green with more of a Danish twist.  It's sadly in our basement waiting to be restored to it's former glory.

What's your favorite color and what do you think it says about your personality?

Pink.  Pink is my signature color.  (reference to Steel Magnolias anyone!?)   Always has been, always will be....the brighter pinks.  (Although with home decor I'm currently obsessed with teals, greens and golden yellows.)  I think it may say that I love to have fun, be girly and am not afraid to stand out a little.  Popular or not I stand by her.  When pink was "out" I was nicknamed the 80s girl in college - not cool in the 90s.  That's ok, I think all of us who appreciate art and color have a bit more boldness.  

Thanks Virginia! Can't wait to see that reupholstered couch-- how cool!

So, who wants to win a $30 shop credit to Geeky and Sassy?? You have your choice of a variety of colorful pillows, table runners, even fabric!

To enter, go visit Geeky and Sassy and come back here to leave a comment telling me what you might purchase with your $30 shop credit!

*Additional entries!* 

Follow Geeky and Sassy blog and leave a comment on this post telling me that you do! 

Follow Geeky and Sassy on twitter and leave a comment on this post telling me that you do! 

Tweet about the giveaway and yep, you got it, leave a comment on this post telling me that you did.

You can use this tweet if you want:: 

Woohoo! I entered to win a $30 shop credit to @geekyandsassy on @aisletoaloha-- have you entered? http://bit.ly/igbsck/ 

Good luck! Giveaway ends 7/6! 

lindsay

Aloha From a Sponsor: Rags to Stitches Boutique

Good morning, friends and Happy Thursday! I've got a super cute sponsor to introduce to you today! Alissa is an adorable mama and talented seamstress and she operates the blog and shop, Rags to Stitches Boutique. I love the colorful combinations of colors that she uses in making the iPad snuggies, diaper wipe cases, checkbook sleeves and even custom crib bumpers in her shop! And her blog is filled with lots of sweetness--- I especially love the summery pinwheel inspired birthday party she threw for her daughter recently! 

Meet Alissa! 

Aloha Alissa! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, your blog and shop?

Hi! My name is Alissa I have a blog and shop called Rags to Stitches Boutique. I'm married to the love of my life and we've been together for almost 7 years. In that time we've had our fair share of adventures and I'm so excited for the many more to come. I'm a mommy to  a 3 year old and a 19 month old. Being 17 months apart, I'm not going to lie, they keep me on my toes, but I'd rather dance around on my toes all day, then miss a single moment with them. And I love Jesus with all my heart!

Rags to Stitches Boutique the shop was born in 2009. I had begun sewing when I was pregnant with Katelyn. You know that constant urge to create, organize and nest.... well that's where it started for me. A self-taught sewer, not perfect, but learning, I began sewing things for my little girl and suddenly others began asking me if I would make those things for them. After some nudging from my husband, the loving entrepreneur, I created Rags to Stitches. I could have never imagined it would grow into the business it has and I'm so blessed to be a work at home mom.

Sewing can be a bit daunting for beginners. How did you get started?

I really had no idea what I was doing when I started, I just knew I really wanted to sew and create. I got my very first sewing machine as a Christmas gift from my mom and it was love at first sight. Over the last couple years I've picked up new tricks here and there from Youtube and online tutorials. I know it can seem a little bit intimidating, but I promise, it's not as hard as it looks. Go on, you know you want to give it a try!!

Hawaii is really special to you. Can you tell us more about that?

Hawaii is truly a special place for me. I'm Hawaiian Chinese, can't you tell? I know I look completely Haole, but I was born in Hawaii and lived there till I was 5 when my Dad's job took us overseas till I was 18. But that's a whole other story. Stop by sometime and I'll tell it to you over virtual coffee. hehe. Much of my family still lives in Hawaii and although I don't get to visit every year like I used to, it will always be a part of my heart.

Okay, let's get a little psychological here. What is your favorite color and what do you think it says about your personality?

Umm, well right now I don't think I could pick just one, but it's a palate of bright yellows, pinks with some blues and grays. ::swoon:: These colors make me feel bright and cheery and when I think of them it brightens up my mood. I think it says that I'm a colorful person and sometimes I'm upbeat and cheery, but the gray will tell you that I still have days where I struggle with being a better version of myself. Ok that was kinda deep! 

Go shopping in her shop! 

Say aloha on her blog!

Chat with her on twitter! 

lindsay

Aloha From a Sponsor: Nicole from Olive Blue

I had the privilege of meeting sweet Nicole, of today's featured sponsor, Olive Blue, in April at Creative Estates. This girl is gorgeous, inside and out and she's also really hilarious. Aaaand she makes really beautiful fabric goodies in her shop, like colorful clutches, sweet baby leg warmers and super comfy cowls (I have the one below and I wear it alll the time!) 

Nicole, meet Aisle to Aloha readers. Readers, meet Nicole. 

Hey Nicole! Could you tell me a little bit about your shop and the beautiful things you make? 

  Why, thanks for asking! OliveBlue was a vintage store at first. My dad buys and sells vintage items and he really encouraged me to share my love of vintage finds with others.  Then my loving husband bought me a sewing machine and the vintage slowly faded away.  I just adore sewing and fabric and am so blessed that I get to share it with everyone.  The things that I make are things that I use and love.  My baby girl wears leg warmers in every color, I use my wrist pouch everyday and on those cool, June gloom mornings, I sport a cowl.  I would not make something that I didn't absolutely adore and believe in.  I just find it such an honor when someone makes a purchase, It's one of the largest compliments in the world to me. 

What's the best piece of advice you've received regarding your handmade business?

  Just go for it!  If you want to sell your handmade wares, Do It! If you want to take your business to a boutique, Apply! If you want to network with other amazing business owners, Talk to them! Do not be afraid of growing your business, if you are not confident in your product, then how can you expect others to be?  If you fail, then you fail...and you go another route or try something different.  

All of us have those days when we just feel uninspired. What do you do to revamp that inspiration? 

Look at or buy fabric. Or just start cutting and sewing.  OR I invite some friends over for a crafting/sewing night.  Once I get going, it's hard to stop and the ideas and inspiration come from everything, it's when I take a break that I have to do one of the above to motivate the inspiration again. 

What's your favorite color and what do you think it says about your personality? 

My favorite color is green... It's been green for a very long time.  Although some might think it's turquoise, due to the fence I lug around to boutiques, but it's actually green! I think that says that I am fresh and spunky.  I like people and chatting, but I also like to relax and enjoy the scenery.  

Thanks for answering my questions and chilling with us today on Aisle to Aloha, Nicole!

Want more of Nicole and her sweet shop? 

Go hang out with her on her blog. 

Shop the goodies in her shop. 

Chat with her twitter. 

** Nicole has generously offered a whopping 30% discount to anything from her shop with the code ALOHA at checkout-- good until June 15th! Happy shopping, friends!* 

**Seriously, someone buy that blue cowl, then we can twins. **

Aloha From a Sponsor: Three Leaves Toys

Meet Levi and Alissa! They are the creative couple behind the handmade business, Three Leaves Toys. They fashion eco-friendly, adorable children's teething toys out of poplar wood. I'll let you see for yourself how cute their toys are and get to know Levi and Alissa a bit better.

What are three random facts about you guys that Aisle to Aloha readers should know?


  1. Our Border Collie is named Mercedes. (No, not like the car, like the character in The Count of Monte Cristo!) 
 2.  We eloped (as in, told our parents afterward) less than a year after we met. 
 3.  We live in an old brick bungalow in downtown Denver that we are slooooowly remodeling.

You work as a husband and wife team. What are some quirks that you have learned as you work with each other?  

Working together has been surprisingly smooth so far.  Opposites definitely attracted with us, we are each skilled in very different areas and go about our work in very different ways.  A quirk I learned about Levi is that he likes to listen to ridiculous hip hop and 80's rock and roll turned up reaaallly loud when he works.  He says a quirk he learned about me is that I CAN NOT be productive in a messy house.  Which is sometimes annoying when I need to work on something and we have to clean the house first. (;

What's your favorite part of running a handmade biz?

 Definitely the community that we have stumbled upon and been supported by!  It is so cool to get to know some local and not-so-local handmade biz owners and supporters through our blog and twitter and Etsy!

What are your favorite colors and what do you think they say about your personalities? 

  Levi's favorite color is black.  He doesn't really wear a lot of black, but if we are playing a game he is always the black piece.  I think it is because he is a pretty relaxed kind of guy.  He doesn't need a lot to be happy, and likes thing to be simple and drama-free. 

 My favorite color is gray (man we are boring! haha!) I think most because it goes with almost anything.  We have a gray bedroom so that I can have any kind of crazy print or color bedspread I want.  I have a lot of gray clothes because they allow me to wear bright and funky accessories or shoes. That kind of thing.  I think this probably has something to say about my slightly neurotic nature and affinity for saying "I know this sounds like a crazy idea, but..." (:

I love the simplicity of their products and the story behind their family and business. Find out more about Three Leaves Toys and Levi and Alissa through their shop, blog and twitter! 

Got a Handmade Shop or Blog??

I have a few sponsor spots left in June so if... 

... you have an awesomely unique and fabulous handmade shop

... or a super dee duper blog that you write... 

... check out my updated sponsorship page 

and shoot me an email if you're interested! 

[aisletoaloha[at]gmail.com]

Aloha From a Sponsor: Hiya Luv

Before we dive into the sponsor post for today, I just want to say a very heartfelt thank you for all your encouraging comments on my post yesterday. I was so excited to "meet" some of you commenting for the first time and am thankful that so many of you could relate to my post! Looove you all! 

And without further ado! I'd love to introduce you to my friend and sponsor, Gina of Hiya Luv! Gina creates bright and happy fabric creations such as kindle cases,  pin brooches, and wristlets. I've had a great time getting to know her via twitter over the past few months and she is such a sweet girl! 

Check out my interview with her below and look for a suh-weet discount code at the end! 

Hi Gina! Thanks so much for hanging out on my blog today! What are three random facts that Aisle to Aloha readers should know about you?

Hiya Aisle to Aloha readers! I am thrilled to be visiting with you today and hope you will stop by my blog and visit! 

1. In undergrad I was in ROTC to fulfill all my elective credits just for fun. I took 2 years of ROTC and loved every minute of it.

2. I work at a University and counsel students with alcohol, substance abuse, mental health and behavioral issues. Between my commute and the hours I clock at the office, I spend 60 hours a week at work. My blog {Hiya Luv!} and Etsy shop {Hiya Luv Handmade} are my creative outlets and give me an opportunity to focus on positive aspects of life since I am surrounded by challenging situations at work all the time.

3. I love sewing and have been sewing since middle school; taking short breaks in between but always going back to it because I love it so much! 

What is your favorite part of running a handmade business?

I enjoy meeting new people and designing new items. I find inspiration in beautiful fabrics. I have a list so long of items I want to design and sew up but I just lack the time to do it because of my professional work schedule. Because of this list, sewing never gets boring because I am always trying to perfect my craft with the little amount of time I have to spend with it. The friendships I have made have also been priceless. The people in the handmade community are so fun and welcoming!

You recently were on vacation. What's your favorite way to kick back and relax?

My fiance and I love sports. I am a girly girl but also can't get enough of a good college football game or a baseball game. On vacay we slept in, went to the gym every day, went shopping, to the movies, and to 4 Phillies games. We love to go to our local bar, watch games and eat dinner. Simple. ;)

I'm a color freak and I love all your colorful products! What's your favorite color and what do you think that says about your personality?

My favorite color is pink. Pink is girly, cheerful, carefree, and fun. 

Gina's having a fabulous sale in her shop and on top of that sale, she's offering a 10% discount to Aisle to Aloha readers! Use the code ALOHA10 now through May 10th to snag yourself something sweet! 

Make sure you stop by Gina's blog, and chat with her on twitter too! 

Aloha From a Sponsor: K. Davis Creates

 Today's sponsor is a friend who is beautiful, inside and out. And her bright and colorful blog (Celebrate Life) and shop (K. Davis Creates) reflect that! Karen creates sweet fabric creations with delightful color combinations. While her shop is filled with colorful goodies, her blog is filled with gorgeous, bright photography. She and her husband live in Korea and are excitedly going through the process of an adoption!

I shot some questions her way and Karen was fabulous to share a little bit about herself.

Aloha Karen! What are three {random} things that Aisle to Aloha readers should know about the woman behind the blog and shop?

-I was sprayed by a skunk when I was 9 (while visiting my grandparents farm, in Canada, for a summer)... yes, bathing in tomato juice certainly does the trick... my husband can't smell the difference!

-I LOVE coffee and peanut butter... not together (although that might be an interesting combo to try somehow)... those are my two staples in my EVERYDAY... even when I travel, I travel with a tub of peanut butter and instant coffee packets.  Always want to be prepared for the worst.

- I have over 23 stamps in my passport... for those that don't understand "travel speak" that means I've visited over 23 different countries in the last 5 years that I've had my passport (and I didn't include the US)... like to travel much? why yes, yes I do.  I'd LOVE to have my own travel show like "Rick Steves" one day... doesn't "Karen Davis" have a ring to it? Oh, and I'm about to add another stamp in my passport within the next month! You have to visit my blog to figure out where....

Living in Korea, I imagine you see a lot of strange eats! What's the strangest food you've tried?

The strangest thing I've ever tried in Korea:  There are a TON of things I want to try here in Korea still... have another 1.5 years to do it (like eating a cut up live octopus), but right now, I'd have to say dried squid.  You know how we as Americans munch on a bag of chips, or some popcorn as our "go to " snack... in Korea, it's bags of dried squid! Lets just say, I'll stick with the bag of chips.

Do you have any advice for people thinking about starting a handmade business?

One piece of advice- Like Nike says, "JUST DO IT"... there's no better time like the present to commit to a handmade shop... I was on the fence for awhile whether or not I should start up shop ( as photography is my primary focus), but just "digging" right in, was the best thing I could have done... it's such a wonderful community to be a part of (buying and selling), that sometimes I regret not starting sooner.  And I also suggest that you create what you LOVE to create. You're going to be making A LOT of it, day in and day out... so make sure you enjoy it first. 

Ok, so, everyone knows that I love color! And I know you do too! What's your favorite color and what do you think that says about you?

Favorite color:  Ohhhhh this is a toughy.  I really do enjoy most colors.  But, I'd have to say my ultimate favorites, yes... there are 3: apple green, turquoise, and yellow.  Don't they just make a darling color combination? I'm usually drawn to fabrics with those colors and therefore those colors tend to inspire me to create!

Don't you just wanna go out to coffee and spend the afternoon with her? Well, I would. Instead, I'll have to settle with hanging out on her blog, checking out her bright shop and chatting with her on twitter. 

Karen has graciously offered a 15% discount to Aisle to Aloha readers with the discount code ALOHALOVE -- go shopping and pick out something fun! 

Psst.... wanna win $25 towards some gorgeous handmade jewelry? Today is the last day to enter the giveaway for an Amy Cornwell gift certificate! Go enter!