Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Meet the Artist and Giveaway: Erin from goodbyebluemonday

You guys aren't going to believe what we are giving away next!
Erin from goodbyebluemonday has graciously agreed 
to give this one of a kind 
handmade doll, Flora, to one luck winner!

Buy one like it here
Erin sent along Edith with Flora, this adorable little red head. She'll fit right in with my Eleanor, Henry & George, don't you think?
Edith - handmade cloth doll with linen bow
Buy it here
When they arrived, I sat down at the table with my baby boy in my arms and opened the package. Inside were these fun brown paper bags adorned with spray painted clouds and twine.


I opened them up and studied them carefully. Suddenly, I looked down and my baby had this huge grin on his face. I guess the joy I felt was contagious! I sat and thought..this would kill any blue mood! Erin, you've come up with the perfect store name!

My next thoughts were of all the little girls I want to buy one for! There are so many to pick from, and they are customizable! I love the clothes and accessories, they really give each a personality of it's own.

Penny - handmade cloth doll
Buy it here
Let's get to know Erin, one of the masterminds behind these great dolls, while having a look at some other fun stuff from goodbyebluemonday:


Q: I understand goodbyebluemonday is a joint effort, run by yourself and shoshana. Tell us a little about how that came to be?

Where the magic happens

A: Shoshana and I have been friends for about six years now; we bonded quite a bit over knitting and crafts in general. We would always be working on a project whenever we got together, so eventually, we figured why not open up a shop on Etsy and see if everyone else might enjoy our work as much as we enjoy making it.

Q: Your dolls are amazing! Do you remember the first one you made? How did it come to be?
A: I’ve been making dolls for about two years now; I started by making one for my daughter Josephine. It was pretty remedial, but I learned a whole lot from the process and was able to see so many possibilities for future work. There’s something so exciting about producing art that is functional. It pleases me so much to know that what I make won’t just be looked at, but instead, will be touched and held, played with and (hopefully!) loved.

Q: Which of your products holds the most personal meaning to you?
A: Hmnnn. I guess my cloud dolls, because they are completely original, and they reference my most favorite occurrence in nature. I’ve always responded to the soft, impermanent and somewhat moody attributes that clouds represent.

Hug A Cloud in pink and gray
Buy it here
Q: Whilst getting to know each other, we talked about our children's name and your doll names. I really love the classic names you have chosen! How do you come up with these?
A: I have a running list of names that I like, but I actually almost never name a doll until I’m setting up a listing for it. I do favor old fashioned names for my dolls, for one because I prefer them, but also, I like how they references the more traditional nature of doll making.

I Heart You Cupcake
Buy it here
Q: I've noticed you carry both sewn and knit items in your shop. Do you have any other hidden talents? (painting, photography, taxidermy ;) )
A: Well I am a formally trained fine artist first and foremost, so I can handle all sorts of different mediums, but, beyond that, I’m a pretty decent bread baker, and I can wiggle my ears.

Q: What inspires you?
A: Everything. I take in a lot of media in general; old movies, lots of children’s book illustrations, lots of music. I’m a pretty sentimental person, so I reference a ton from my own childhood; I was in love with all of my dolls when I was a child, and I think that I unintentionally incorporate certain characteristics of my favorites into my doll designs.

Q: You've been very successful in your Etsy shop. To what do you attribute your good fortune?
A:I think that having an honest and personable relationship with our customers has benefited our shop greatly. It's definitely affirming when you start seeing previous customers return for other purchases. We try to work wholeheartedly, with each step cared for equally, and it is my hope that that shows in the quality of our items. I really am appreciative of it all, especially of the fact that people are choosing more and more often to buy handmade products for their kids and choosing to support small and uniquely niched businesses like ours.

Lewis - Large, 28" cloth doll
Buy it here

Q: What are your future plans for your shop?
A:One of the issues with having a busy shop, is finding the time to develop new items. Luckily, my super talented assistant, Dru ( Shoshana's husband), helps me immensely in that regard, so I am able to work on new designs from time to time. I do plan to add some more boy dolls, some basic babydolls with removable clothing, and perhaps finding a way to simplify the customization process. 


Q: Just for fun, what is the last thing you bought yourself on Etsy? 
A:The last thing that I bought on Etsy, were some wonderful, handmade felt fruit (strawberries and a banana) from AlphabetEmporium, for my children (Benjamin,9 and Josie, 4). They are so beautifully made, and my daughter insists on tucking them into her backpack every morning before school, just in case she ever feels like  having a little "snack".

After you've gone and checked out Erin's shop, come on back and enter to win the fabulous OOAK Flora!

How to Enter the Giveaway:
1. Follow this blog
and leave a comment here saying you did.


2. "Like" goodbyebluemonday on Facebook & let them know I sent you
and leave a separate comment here saying you did.


3. Tweet about the goodbyebluemonday giveaway
and leave a separate comment here saying you did.


Don't forget to visit the Giveaway Page for other great giveaways :)

Fine Print:
Only 3 entries per household please
1 winner will be chosen September 22nd at midnight PST
Winner will be chosen by random.org
Entries will be validated
Winner will be announced here
Winner will have 3 days to contact me, 
after which a new winner will be chosen
Must be 18 years of age or older to enter 

99 comments:

  1. following the blog already via GFC (popartheart)

    ReplyDelete
  2. tweeted here https://twitter.com/#!/popartheart/status/113650005671288832
    yay!
    kandulidemusikken @ gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. following your blog by email! :)

    becca reddig

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  4. i "liked" goodbyebluemonday on facebook already!

    becca reddig

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  5. "Liked" goodbyebluemonday on facebook

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  6. I follow you via GFC. These dolls are adorable! Thanks so much for the opportunity to win one!

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  7. I am following your blog. The dolls are lovely, cute little faces.

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  8. I'm already a fan of goodbye blue Monday! I looooove her dolls! I think I need one for my twin baby girls! And I don't have a twitter account :( but thanks for the giveaway and the lovely post!

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  9. A beautiful giveaway thank you!!
    GFC: Mary Preston

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
  10. "Like" goodbyebluemonday on Facebook : Mary Preston

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Dominique...

    I follow you on GFC: Dominique

    couponcookie at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Dominique...

    https://twitter.com/#!/laylees/status/113866187280097280

    couponcookie at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  13. I am already a follower. x

    Katie

    jogblogjog at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  14. I tweeted

    https://twitter.com/#!/LLMG1960/status/113899594278117376

    ReplyDelete
  15. I am a blog follower!

    thecountryblossom at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Tweeted!

    http://twitter.com/#!/KatyLMA/status/113904324396072960

    **I tried to like her facebook page...but the profile is unavailable...?

    thecountryblossom at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  17. I follow GoodByeBlueMonday on Facebook and left a comment

    http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10150450143080031&id=235224040030

    ReplyDelete
  18. I'm now following you via email. Would love to win this for my little girl!

    Erin

    erinchris07@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. I follow with GFC :)
    cam22190 at gmail

    ReplyDelete
  20. I follow this blog publicly with google friend connect as Amber!
    Thank you for the giveaway :)
    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  21. I like Goodbyebluemonday on Facebook, my FB name is Amanda Moore, and posted on their wall that you sent me:
    https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10150450266445031&id=235224040030
    Thank you for the giveaway :)
    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  22. I tweeted about the giveaway, I'm @AmberGoo:
    http://twitter.com/#!/AmberGoo/status/113948992265658368
    Thank you for the giveaway :)
    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  23. Following you by email, these are adorable!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Tweeted here: http://twitter.com/#!/woltmansr/status/113971063083368448

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  25. I follow your blog on GFC (sirentattoo)
    Dagmar B.
    sirentattoo at hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. trying to like goodbyebluemonday on facebook, but the profile isn't working! will keep trying, then like them!
    Dagmar B.
    sirentattoo at hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. I tweeted!
    http://twitter.com/#!/sirentattoo/status/114013563634454530

    Dagmar B.
    sirentattoo at hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. I am already a fb fan of goodbyebluemonday!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I tweeted! http://twitter.com/#!/chickadeechicka/status/114018848688185345

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  30. Awww that is the cutest doll ever! My little girl would go nuts for her!
    I'm a blog follower

    ReplyDelete
  31. Im a follower.

    saulpaugh.chelsea(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  32. Liked goodbyebluemonday on facebook and told them you sent me!
    http://www.facebook.com/pages/goodbyebluemondayetsycom/235224040030?sk=wall#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=10150451105780031&id=235224040030

    saulpaugh.chelsea(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  33. Tweeted.
    http://twitter.com/#!/csaulpaugh89/status/114125769617326081

    saulpaugh.chelsea(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  34. following your blog via gfc
    brendawitherspoon at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  35. https://twitter.com/#!/BeeWBedard/status/114134238319755264
    brendawitherspoon at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  36. already a gfc follower
    gustosagiveaways atymaildotcom

    ReplyDelete
  37. gustosa giveaways like goodbyebluemonday on fb and commented on their wall
    http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10150451142830031&id=235224040030

    gustosagiveaways atymaildotcom

    ReplyDelete
  38. tweet
    http://twitter.com/#!/gustosagiveaway/status/114136437254922241
    gustosagiveaways atymaildotcom

    ReplyDelete
  39. Following as GFC Pabkins! Thanks for the giveaway these are gorgeous
    tlabunski **((gmail))**

    ReplyDelete
  40. Tweeted here!
    http://twitter.com/#!/Pabkins/status/114144188492288000

    ReplyDelete
  41. just became a FB fan of goodbyebluemonday - but just to let you know - today the link to their FB page says it's unavailable! So you might want to check that - I had to do major digging to find it. Oh yes and left them a comment mentioning you! tlabunski **((gmail))**

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  42. I already "like" goodbyebluemonday on facebook. I LOVE their dolls!!

    ReplyDelete
  43. I am following your blog through the email follow feature (google friend connect kept giving an error)
    butterflyanla6318@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. I like goodbyemonday on facebook
    (Anla Etheridge)
    butterflyanla6318@gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  45. im already a blog follower =)
    GFC: Jel

    punkme15 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  46. im an FB fan of goodbyebluemonday and commented on their wall =)
    FB Name: Jung Rae Woo

    punkme15 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  47. tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/jelaiii_x/status/114206972588457984

    punkme15 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  48. I'm a blog follower now! And I like those it look very well made.
    thebookish96(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. Liked goodbyebluemonday on Facebook and commented!
    thebookish96(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  50. Following your blog on GFC

    lisstells(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  51. I'm a new follower of your blog! Lovely give-away, supercute dolls

    ReplyDelete
  52. Adorable!! I love Clouds:)
    GFC blog follower(ginger)
    thanks

    cyclona66 at ao ldot com

    ReplyDelete
  53. I follow GFC.

    nordstromemily at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  54. Liked and left a comment on goodbyebluemonday.

    nordstromemily at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  55. i follow you here by email =3

    kuharo-again_mizumoto at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  56. already tweet it http://www.twitlonger.com/show/d4sngh

    kuharo-again_mizumoto at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  57. like and comment on goodbyebluemonday fb =3

    kuharo-again_mizumoto at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  58. I Like" goodbyebluemonday on Facebook- Michelle Frame
    mframe00@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  59. I follow via email (deb_oro@yahoo.gr) and GFC (Debbie)

    DESPINA
    deb_oro@yahoo.gr

    ReplyDelete
  60. I like goodbyebluemonday on Facebook (as Despina Vnt)& let them know you sent me

    DESPINA
    deb_oro@yahoo.gr

    ReplyDelete
  61. GFC Follower: Austin Patrick @acidicfantasy
    Liked on Fb:Austin Patrick & I commented letting them know i was sent there by this blog!
    Also tweeted about this giveaway:http://twitter.com/#!/acidicfantasy/status/115227765673963520

    Thank you for hosting this & for the chance to win one of these kawaii dollies. C:

    ReplyDelete
  62. I already follow your blog <3

    darlingcupcakez@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  63. I like Goodbye Blue Mondays page on Facebook, and left a comment saying I was sent from here!
    [Sierra T.]

    darlingcupcakez@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  64. I follow you on GFC as zaira_faith

    megnate at telus dot net

    ReplyDelete
  65. I like goodbyebluemonday on facebook (same name)

    megnate at telus dot net

    ReplyDelete
  66. I follow through GFC as Puff Pastry Shop
    puffpastryshop(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  67. I liked Goodbyebluemonday on FB and commented.
    puffpastryshop(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  68. I follow with GFC as A. Tolar.

    supaflychikenpi2 AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  69. I like goodbyebluemonday on facebook as Alison Faith Tolar.

    supaflychikenpi2 AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  70. I follow you via GFC
    nikxmarie at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  71. I like goodbyebluemonday on FB and left a comment saying you sent me

    ReplyDelete
  72. I follow goodbyebluemonday on Twitter as @coakleynicole

    ReplyDelete
  73. I like goodbyebluemonday on FB (Suzanne Gregg).

    kiddomsg at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  74. I tweeted.

    http://twitter.com/#!/kiddo47/status/115893369225494529

    kiddomsg at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  75. I followed your blog
    threekiwikids at bigpond dot com

    ReplyDelete
  76. Flora is utterly adorable as are all of Erin's marvelous creations/creatures (which I Etsy "hearted/favorited" - I'm Salleefur) and I thank you both for this fine giveaway!

    jessterlyn(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  77. My Blogger account is not functioning right (GFC - not letting me add new blogs)- So/BUT I am a FOLLOWING as a Confirmed Email Subscriber!

    jessterlyn(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  78. I LIKE goodbyebluemonday on Facebook AND
    posted a comment with Modern Typography (accidently in triplicate - but I did apologize for my clumsy, cat-assisted blunder!)
    Jesselyn A on FB

    jessterlyn(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  79. tweeted
    https://twitter.com/#!/robinlscott/status/116383214385381376
    robinlscott4 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  80. follow you on gfc
    Robin Scott
    robinlscott4 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  81. like her on fb
    Robin Scott
    robinlscott4 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  82. i'm a new follower with gfc-- Lisa Otis
    lisa.otis6 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  83. I am new follower of your blog! (ksyshenka)

    Thank you for great sweet giveaway!

    ksyshenka(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  84. I Like goodbyebluemonday on Facebook & let them know that you sent me!

    https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10150462886810031&id=235224040030

    (oksana vladimirovna)

    ksyshenka(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  85. Tweeted:

    https://twitter.com/#!/oksana2372/status/116815007932628992

    (@oksana2372)

    ksyshenka(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Thank you for the chance!

    ReplyDelete
  86. I am a new follower! lilsis_75@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  87. I liked them on facebook! lilsis_75@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  88. http://twitter.com/#!/giveawaymommy/status/116951409332727808

    ReplyDelete
  89. What a great story. I really enjoyed it. I need someone to give one to! I hope this article brings you lots of sales. And yes, I am now a fan on your sites. Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  90. following your blog with GFC-jenniferb

    ejxd95 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  91. New follower via GFC. khaski78 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  92. Winner announced soon. Clink on the giveaway tab above for more great opportunities to win!

    ReplyDelete