Sunday, February 1, 2009

February Featured Member & Giveaway!

Introducing...


NAME: Rebecca Cason

ETSY SHOP NAME: edward and lilly

1. Can you please describe the item you are giving away to one of our readers?

Lavender Scented Bird

The aroma of lavender lingers after this sweet little bird. The flowers are hand embroidered on linen set in felt. The bird’s belly is full of lavender flowers and scented with essential oil sourced from Australia. A cute little ribbon holds the bird to a coat hanger, hook, door handle, anywhere you like the scent of lavender.


Lavender Scented Bird Giveaway

2. How would you describe your work?

Edward and lilly designs begin as a gift for a loved one and the design evolves from there. The current rage includes softies, scented birds and zip pouches which are all handmade original designs. Sewing and embroidery are my favourite creative outlets and feature predominantly in my shop. I enjoy the creative process from original sketch through to a completed product line. I feel attached in some way to every piece I create. I believe in the value of handmade to effect change environmentally, culturally and socially hence the edward and lilly blog

3. How did your Etsy shop come into being?

Last year I designed my first softie, a blue dog in a basinet for my animal-loving niece. I uploaded it to flickr and the response took me by surprise. Soon after, a fellow Brisbanite contacted me to commission a similar design in a different colourway. She became my first client. I was still teaching myself to sew and hadn’t thought seriously about selling my designs until then. I was already an Etsy shopper so it seemed to be the best option. I soon followed this up with a madeit shop for Australian buyers.


4. Who or What inspires you?

Every day I feel inspired by something or someone different. Lately I’m inspired by French magazine Marie Claire Idees, Apolline, Julie Arkell, Dries Van Noten, nature, fashion photography, linen, Japanese fabric and the many crafty blogs I read each day. I’m always craving new inspiration so if you have a great find I would love you to leave me a comment on my blog.

6. Can you describe your studio / work area?

My sewing area is the dining table so I try to keep projects fairly contained in case we need to use the table. Every couple of days I like to pack everything away so things don’t get too carried away. The design process usually takes place while I’m walking, that’s when I have my most creative ideas/solutions to problems.


7. What is your favourite thing in the shop at the moment?

That’s easy, the ear flap beanie zipper pouch. It was very difficult putting that one in the shop.


8. Do you have any other places that people can view/purchase your work?

Blog
Madeit (Australian online selling place)
Flickr (Photo gallery)

Thanks so much Rebecca!

The rules: Simply leave a comment on this post to be in the running to win this giveaway. Be sure to leave a way for us to contact you. If you don’t have a blog, please include your email address. Only one entry per person. You may enter twice if you mention this giveaway on your blog. If you choose to do this, please pop back after posting to your blog and include the url address to the post it was mentioned on here in the comments. This will count as your second entry. International folk are welcome to enter. BrisStyle members and their immediate families (ie: husbands/partners, dependent children, and their computer savvy pets) are excluded from entering all BrisStyle giveaways. A name will be randomly drawn on the 25th of this month and the winner will be announced on the blog on that same day.

The very best of luck to you all!

83 comments:

Dee said...

Wow, what a great contest. I loved reading about the history of the artist. I never knew about the "madeit" site either, so I learnt something too!

I will post a link on my competition side bar on my blog too

Hey Harriet said...

The Lavender Scented Bird is adorable! Such a lovely giveaway item. I'd love to win, but sadly I can't enter :(

It was great learning more about the super talented Rebecca.

Ellie said...

Oh Rebecca I just love that beanie zip pouch. I have such a fascination with those ear flap style beanies that even though I live in Cetnral Qld (not really beanie wearing country) all my kids have been forced to wear one should the temp slip under 20 degs.

Bris style I love this idea and look forward to 'meeting' all your members.

rubyredstudios said...

Thanks Rebecca for sharing your story and getting all those who can enter excited about winning your most gorgeous lavender scented bird.

Good luck everyone and thanks for sharing your blog and flickr pages for all of us to ooh and aaah over!

xhelen

Selina said...

oooh, oooh, would love to enter this one please! Love edward and lilly! i'll be back with my second entry soon!

Selina said...

http://selinasvintage.blogspot.com/2009/02/brisstyle-giveaway.html

please tell me if I did something wrong in the link! new to all this blogging stuff!

hope i win!

Anonymous said...

Mmmm...I love the scent of lavender and your little bird is so sweet!

Elaine R
emrosser@shaw.ca

Bec said...

Wow Rebecca, I have really enjoyed reading this interview and learning more about your the emergence of your craft and your Etsy shop! I LOVE the idea of the lavender scented birdy - Good Luck to everyone who can enter (wish I could...wwaaahh!!!)
Cheers, Bec

Chocolate and Steel said...

I'm shocked that she has only been doing this for a year. The detail to her softies is just amazing

Alexandra said...

Please please!

Ali said...

Thanks Rebecca for sharing your creativity - it was a lovely read. I love that little earflap pouch!
Good luck to all the giveaway entrants! :)

bubbachenille said...

Beautiful bird Rebecca !!

Unknown said...

me! pick me!
totally love rebecca's work - that little bird would go GREAT in my bedroom. :D
xo

BowSweet said...

So sweet! Lovely items.

erika@bowsweet.com

'fancypicnic' said...

Lovely interview...I would LOVE to win this little darling! My bird I have already is lonely - it needs a mate!!

sewfunky said...

Please enter me in the draw :)

Hot Fudge said...

I can't enter. I'm ineligible. Weep.

Congratulations Rebecca on your lovely story. I really love that zippy pouch.

Anonymous said...

oooh what a lovely giveaway I love love love Rebecca's Birdies!! so sweet

mia finney said...

So sweet Rebecca. What a darling lavender birdie, it would look lovely in my mum's beedroom.

Yard Sale Princess said...

Amazing talent and creativity! I absolutely love that bird. I would love to put it in my daughter's room since it goes with her "theme" but I might just sneak it into my room!
yardsaleprincess1@yahoo.com

Leslie said...

I love her birds! I'm so excited about the chance to possibly win. Yeah!

Digital Misfit said...

My sewing area is the dining table as well. I do have a desk where I keep most of my sewing & art supplies, but the stash has taken over and there is just no room on the desk to sew!
I love your sweet softies.
heidig@gmail.com

sfer said...

Thanks for this opportunity to win a piece of your artwork. I love birdies! :-)
Contact:librosfera(at)gmail(dot)com

Lou said...

I have seen your work before and you have lots of great stuff. That beanie is so clever on that purse. Your little bird would be very welcome to come and live at my house :)

Anonymous said...

The lavender bird is adorable! Thanks for the chance to win.

sandyandcosmo@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

What a lovely lavender bird and I wholeheartedly agree about your philosophy about the ability of handmade and upcycled goods to effect environmental and social change. Buying unique, local artisan-made goods instead of choosing something made abroad in a sweatshop, using unsustainable processes and materials makes so much sense now.

Anna S.
annasoc1 (at) verizon (dot) net

Carin said...

That bird looks really lovely and I can imagine it smells even better. Don't know if I can enter in the contest to win this smelly bird but sure would love to have the patern to make one myself. It's oh so cute.

Unknown said...

so pretty!
4ewings@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

The bird is so cute, I bet it smells so good.

Gilly said...

Well done - beautiful craft and beautiful philosophy.

Will be linking in blog too!

Thanks for the giveaway
xxGilly

Gilly said...

Heres the plug!
http://sewmuchtomake.blogspot.com/2009/02/giveaway-at-brisstyle.html

Amy said...

Rebecca, your work is beautiful! Please count me in!

Amy said...

I am spreading the word!

http://switz-art.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

You are soooo clever and your birds are so special just like u! I'll pass this site on.

Love Charmaine
charmainevaneyk@yahoo.com.au

Liz said...

Love getting to know the creator! And what a gorgeous bird :)

Anonymous said...

I agree with Charmaine - you're very talented Rebecca!

I'd love to win the Lavender Scented Bird because it's so cute and unique.

Also like the fact that it's scented with essential oil sourced from Australia. Pretty cool.

Dana

danamorcan@hotmail.com

Amanda W said...

On my - absolutely devine!!!! My fingers are crossed I win.

I am also linking in my blog.

Lisa said...

Gorgeous!

manda said...

I love the edward and lilly blog, and often check back to see what she's been up to. I'd love to win her little lavender bird!

Kelly said...

What a precious bird! I find comfort in the fact that you work from your dining room table.

Phase II said...

it sure is beautiful i would love to win it
barbara

Unknown said...

Gorgeous work, Rebecca! The ear flap beanie zipper pouch is simply brilliant. It's like a whole little narrative in which you can conveniently store your loose change and what have you.

boldnessbe(at)gmail(dot)com

Genevieve P said...

What a cute little bird!
parknj at verizon dot net

The Stewart Stuff said...

She has such a cute shop. Thanks for the chance!
-10oneworld on Etsy

Sharlene said...

I love the smell of lavender and I love birds. What could be better.

Sharlene

Sharlzndollz.blogspot.com

Sharlene said...

I couldn't resist adding to my blog as well: http://sharlzndollz.blogspot.com/2009/02/lavender-lovely-giveaway-on-brisstyle.html. It gives me more chances to win you see.

Sharlene

djbebe said...

ooo such pretty things!

Unknown said...

I love it Rebecca ... and your story. I love how ppl kind of stumble into creating beautiful things for people.

Tins and Treasures said...

Such sweet creations! Thanks for entering my name. Natalie

HerAnatomy said...

So cute!
I would love to be entered. Thanks =D
overthemoon43@yahoo.com

Pen said...

Love reading about australian etsy sellers - that bird is adorable!

nina said...

thought I'd give it a shot, it's a cute little bird! I also love the smell of lavender, mm.

idyll hands said...

What a darling bird! I've spied this shop before and it's a lovely, fresh shop. I hope I win :)

glam.spoon said...

I love just about anything lavender scented. :)

Taylor said...

The cuddly cat is adorable!
The whole shop is. Such fresh and classic items.

You're great for doing this!

Melanie Gray Augustin said...

I so love her little birdies and it was a great interview to read. Count me in!

Anonymous said...

Hi!
I love your little lavendar bird! What a cute idea! The little cat doll is adorable too! I am going to have to check out your etsy shop now!!

email is groy_1 at hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

Just found your site and Edward & Lily's site via Sew Mama Sew. Thanks for the giveaway. Such a cute bird!

Anonymous said...

I love the little birds!

Unknown said...

What a lovely little bird! I love lavender! This would be a wonderful thing for anyone to win!

Anonymous said...

Your embroidery work is beautiful! Gorgeous work.
debyeo@hotmail.com

Belinda Y said...

Wow, I just checked out the Edward and Lilly Etsy shop and their products are adorable. I love the little birds! Thanks for the chance to win.

Anonymous said...

thanks rebecca - love your work, there is something so special about hand embroidery

Anonymous said...

How beautiful. I love your work.

said...

What precious art. Please add my name. :o)

autumnsensation@yahoo.com

said...

I've added your giveaway to my Current Giveaways link on my sidebar here:

http://joytotheblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/current-giveaways.html

Anonymous said...

Love the lavender bird! How I wish I could have one like that. Nice contest, keep up the good work.

Anonymous said...

Cute, cute, cute. I love anything with bird. Would love to win this.

She Knits Flying Monkeys said...

What a sweet little bird! I love trolling Etsy and just admiring the talent.

Debbie said...

I just love birds and lavender. What a cute bird.I really liked learning about the artist.

Thanks for the chance to win.

debbie
deb.peysen@sbcglobal.net

Unknown said...

What a sweet little birdie.

demmi said...

very cute work con5459(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I hope I get picked. One more thing it a beautiful piece.
Rita
ritabarriga@yahoo.com

ittybittyandpretty said...

i have been following edward and lilly for a while and would love to win one of her pieces. i am new to the blogging world and have only been delving into my crafty side for less than a year but have been inspired and encouraged to open up my own etsy shop. i am in the slow process of doing that right now. good luck to all the other bloggers who have the chance of winning her art!
%*_*% rosey

Cecile/DreamCreateRepeat said...

Very sweet little cachet!

Anonymous said...

I've always admired your work from afar. Lovely.

Anonymous said...

I work on my dining room table too! I have a very supportive SO, and I make things for him, so I am allowed to spread out.

Your work is fantastic, I love all the dolls. I would love to win the adorable lavender bird. Congratulations on your etsy success and I wish you great creativity in the future.

Gina
gina@sti.net

Geek+Nerd said...

What an adorable little birdie! I'd love to have that in my home!

Anonymous said...

What a sweet bird. And that kitty...too cute.

Anonymous said...

I love those sweet old fashioned stitches - yum

dianasfaria.com said...

what talent! Love this little bird.

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous lil' bird! My daughter's favorite color is purple, she would just love this.

Anonymous said...

How very sweet! I feel the love put into the products.