{gussy} + giveaway

I will admit it - this is one of my favorite shops. Maggie, the creative gal behind Gussy, makes the most darling, fun, feminine, spunky, sweet (okay, okay, I could keep on goin' with the adjectives!) vintage-inspired pouches, wallets, laptop sleeves, and even blankets :)
Some of my faves...

Don't you just love that "signature" ruffle? :)

and, here's a little q & a with Maggie:


Celeste (me): What made you decide to open an Etsy shop - or how did you first learn of Etsy?
Maggie: I first learned of Etsy from a website that listed "10 great sites to waste time on" -- or something like that! I clicked over and instantly fell in love. I bought my first item from The Wren. She makes great purses :) (www.thewren.etsy.com)
I decided I wanted to learn how to sew last November. The thought literally popped into my head and the next thing I knew I was at the library checking out how-to books.

C: What is your favorite part of the "sewing process"? (is it picking the fabric combos, the actual construction, seeing the finished product, or something else?)
M: I love the entire process. I have a large stock of fabrics to work with and I usually sit down one evening and get them all out. I start pairing them, then I cut them and never look back! I also really love to sew the ruffles on. They are so fluffy and pretty. Super cute. Another favorite part of the process is taking the pictures. When I need to make multiple trips to my little photo set-up because I can't carry it all -- that is THE BEST! Besides, they all look so cute together, standing tall waiting to be photographed.

C: What would you say is your favorite piece you've made...have you ever made something for your shop - but then decided to keep it for yourself?
M: My favorite sewn item is probably a laptop bag I made from Melissa at The Inspired Room (www.theinspiredroom.net). The damask I used for the base is so gorgeous -- and I love the dull raspberry-colored ceramic button.

C: Do you have a favorite fabric designer (or type of pattern, etc.)?
M: Believe it or not, all the patterns I use are designed by me. I don't like store-bought patterns. No thanks ;) And Heather Bailey creates some bright, fun prints (www.heatherbaileystore.com)

C: Any other hobbies?
M: Cooking, talking, and enjoying a glass of wine :)


And - get to know Maggie better by visiting her blog or following her on twitter/facebook :)

I actually have a Gussy pouch that I use to hold my cell phone in my purse. So, I can personally vouch for these! The quality is top-notch.

Now, how about a little Gussy spending money?

Maggie is going to give one of you a $30 gift certificate to her shop!
{I'm a tad jealous - okay - maybe a lot jealous!}
...you could keep this for yourself - or give the certificate as a gift :)

Mandatory: Run on over to Gussy - then come back & let me know what you're lovin'!

Extras:

• Purchase anything from Gussy (+5 extra - leave 5 comments)
• Follow Maggie's blog & give her some comment ♥
  
• Follow my blog!
• Add my blog button to your blog/site
• Subscribe via email to my blog
• Blog about this giveaway (+2 extra - leave 2 comments; w/ link)
• Tweet about this giveaway (leave link)

Open to everyone!

Open through December 21st


*leave separate comments*