Etsy Interview & Giveaway with Middleburg

Monday, March 8, 2010

(Psst... just a couple more days to enter the giveaway from Beth Stone Studio!)

I am IN LOVE with the primitive whimsical feel of Susan's creations in her wildly popular shop, Middleburg. Susan is an amazing artist and a SUPER-successful seller to boot. I think we can learn a ton from her...

Middleburg
twitter
blog


Tell us a bit about yourself, Susan.
One of my life long dreams is coming true. I read a book years ago about a lady who would fix up old houses and would sell them, way before "flipping" ever became a term. I begged my husband for years to consider some dilapidated old house that we could fix up together and make our own. He would always say "Well, we have to be able to live in it." That nixed so many. My dream always included a studio for us, since we met in the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. And some of our favorite memories included the studio classes we took together. Well, we finally did it, after 25 years in advertising and marketing. We bought a historic house and farm in North Carolina, we transplanted ourselves, the Middleburg studio, and have been here just 6 months. Believe you me, it's dilapidated in spots. But it is my dream, and I'm getting to live it right now.

Some other things about me that I used to never tell anyone are; I love TV, but have purposely cut myself back when I moved and refuse to get dish or cable. But I don't know how much more I can take. TV here is really dated. I have a quirky favorite ice cream sundae my dad used to make with vanilla ice cream, fruit cocktail (from a can), real whip cream and topped with chopped nuts (pecan or almonds, but never peanuts they only belong on a hot fudge sundae). I enjoy mayonnaise, real mayonnaise and I have made it from scratch, but love Helman's the best and will do with out rather than substitute a different brand. I used to cook a lot and very well from what friends and family will attest to, but I think I'm over it. One of my new loves is documentaries and my favorite of late is "I Like Killing Flies." The guy it's about is so real, nothing phony. I realized from watching it that food and restaurant going has been a hobby of mine for years. There's nothing I like better than finding a good restaurant and taking people and family to it. It really can be my happy place. But being from Chicago it is almost a religion when you live in the city. Also been giving that up of late as Eastern North Carolina is not the foodie capital you would expect it to be.

What 5 words would you use to describe yourself?
Creative, tenacious, patient (more so than I give my self credit for), resourceful, original, hard-worker, Yes that is 6, but it's OK!

Tell us a bit about your Etsy shop.
When I opened it was because I saw it on the evening news with Katie Couric. I looked at it the next day and signed up immediately. I remember calling my husband and saying "I'm going to sign up for this site called Etsy." That was March 2007. I remember my first sale, and then the next and the next. I still feel the same each time I sell something. It's a cross between grateful and surprised. I never take for granted that this Etsy has played a major role in my success, and if I could give them a big hug in New York I would! My 4 year Anniversary on Etsy was March 5th!

What 5 words would you use to describe your shop?
Not perfect but Very Good, Classic, Bright, Unique and Sweet

What are your 5 favorite websites?
It's been changing lately. Twitter tops my list. It's short, quick and its really interesting what people share about themselves. I recently told a friend it is like eating potato chips but without the calories.

I'm looking at more art sites these days (see a trend, planning a trip really)

American Folk Art Museum
Museum of Modern Art
Guggenheim Museum of Art

And of course, what would my list be with out a good antique site? Still like Ruby Lane,one of the beast search engines.

What are your 5 favorite Etsy shops?
I going to give two lists.
MY ALL TIME favorites FOREVER are:

Marmee Craft
Danita.Art
HeliS
Sushipot

There are some really unbelievable shops on Etsy that only come up once in a while.
Here are just a few I like:

this is all I know
Loran Scruggs
Cornflower Press
doubleparlour
GalaFilc, amazing life like flowers!

What advice would you give other Etsy sellers?
Good photos are the key. I'm constantly trying to perfect my photos. When I get good light, it's like magic to me. I shoot everything outside. I'm originally from Chicago and have shot on days when it is 20 degrees and lower, but there was good light. I would get out there and set up my shabby backdrop door and vintage pedestal and snap away. Your descriptions need to have a little bit of you in them. Lets face it, this is not the classified section of the newspaper, people. We all put a lot of time, energy and love in to what we make. Stop making it sound like it was made by robots.

Anything else you'd like us to know?
I'm like a horse. I feel better if you give me a job, then let me roam the pasture. I've ridden horses at three different stages of my life; when I was young 3-8, then as a teen and then again about 8 years ago when I was doing some pretty cool jumping. And as I look back, riding and being with horses has taught me a lot. Of the last time, sit back and wait for it, referring to the bump you get from the horse before going over the jump to tell you to get your butt out of the saddle or I'm leaving you behind, sorta good lesson to live by. Patience is good, but procrastination will leave you sitting in the dust. I'll get off my horsey soap box now.

This all has been a long journey or path and I'm still on it. I sometimes discount all I can do and forget how much I have learned and how far I still have to go. Remember to dream, they can come true!


GIVEAWAY!
Middleburg is so kind to offer one of YOU wonderful readers a...
Classic Spring Garland of Choice
to bring a little Spring into your home!
You can choose from Dogwood, Rose, Daisy, Cone-flower, Poppy or Hydrangea.
This is a $32 value and includes Priority Mail shipping.
(Thanks so much, Susan!)


Here's how to enter:
Visit Middleburg and leave a comment on this post mentioning your favorite item.


For more chances to win, leave a separate post for each of the following:
*Subscribe to the Middleburg Folk Art Studio Blog.
*Follow Middleburg Folk Art Studio on Twitter.
*Become a friend of Middleburg Folk Art on Facebook.
*Become a Follower of Etsy Interviews.
*Subscribe to Etsy Interviews via RSS.
*Tweet about this giveaway (please leave link to tweet).
*Follow B.Inspired Mama on Twitter.
*Become a fan of B.Inspired Vintage on Facebook.
*Share the giveaway on Facebook.
*Blog about the giveaway (please leave the link)
*Add Etsy Interviews to your blogroll.
*Submit to be Featured on Etsy Interviews, too!

The winner will be chosen via Random.org on Monday, March 15th at 9PM EST. The winner will be emailed within 24 hours. Please make sure your email is in your profile or in the comment. GOOD LUCK!

93 comments:

Bethany said...

I think this: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20364432

is awesome! I could really see myself getting one of my three kids, and what an awesome mother's day gift! (Hint, hint, honey! lol)

logan 4301 @ yahoo.com

Bethany said...

I'm a follower of this blog.

logan 4301 @ yahoo.com

~ Cee ~ said...

I really want the Spring Wreath of Flowers and Vintage Buttons for our front door. How lovely is that? Thank you so much for this great giveaway! ~cee~
ceevegnashville [at] gmail [dot] com

Anonymous said...

I can't decide! I love both the blue bird and the dogwood garland! Thanks for the giveaway!
e.estt[at]yahoo[dot]com

Unknown said...

love the bird wedding cake toppers!

Beth Stone said...

I love all of the mice, the bee skep, and the birds! Lovely work!

Beth Stone said...

I follow Middleburg's blog!

Beth Stone said...

I added Middleburg as a facebook friend!

Beth Stone said...

Etsy Interviews is on my blogroll!

Beth Stone said...

I follow on twitter - @bethstonestudio

Beth Stone said...

I follow this blog on Google friend connect!

Beth Stone said...

I have already submitted/been featured on Etsy Interviews! Thanks!

Amber said...

The Pear Ornament Hanger is my favorite!
Thank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

Amber said...

I follow Etsy Interviews!
Thank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

J.E. said...

I love, love, love the Folk Bird Tree. I need that in my house. I could browse that shop forever, very cute stuff!
jmeelle*at*gmail*dot*com

J.E. said...

I am a Follower of Etsy Interviews.
jmeelle*at*gmail*dot*com

Agnes said...

I really love the learning apple! :)

Email: SweetFantasyStar@hotmail.com

Agnes said...

I Follow Middleburg Folk Art Studio on Twitter @ArtsyImage

Email: SweetFantasyStar@hotmail.com

Agnes said...

I follow Etsy Interviews :)

Email: SweetFantasyStar@hotmail.com

Agnes said...

I Follow B.Inspired Mama on Twitter @ArtsyImage

Email: SweetFantasyStar@hotmail.com

Agnes said...

I have Etsy Interviews on my blogroll :)

Email: SweetFantasyStar@hotmail.com

Julia said...

I like the Portrait of a Hare, such character and humor. Thanks!

sugareaterATgmailDOTcom

Amy (ArtsyBookishGal) said...

Everything is so cool, but I love the Blue Birds. These guys:: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41124735

Amy (ArtsyBookishGal) said...

Fanned Middleburg on FB!

Amy (ArtsyBookishGal) said...

Fanned B.Inspired Vintage on FB.

Anonymous said...

I love the "He loves me, he loves me not - Daisy Flower Hanger."
june_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I'm a facebook friend.
june_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com

♥ meninheira ♥ said...

My favorite items are the garlands, the Birthday Girls and the Custom Children's Portrait :)

meninheira at gmail dot com

Deb (Two Cheeky Monkeys) said...

I like the Mushroom of the Forest Box, it is so cute!

debyeo at hotmail dot com

Deb (Two Cheeky Monkeys) said...

I follow Etsy Interviews via Google.

debyeo at hotmail dot com

Deb (Two Cheeky Monkeys) said...

I follow B.Inspired Mama on Twitter (dspdavey).

Deb (Two Cheeky Monkeys) said...

I follow Middleburg on Twitter (dspdavey).

Deb (Two Cheeky Monkeys) said...

I have already submitted to be featured on Etsy Interviews.

debyeo at hotmail dot com

Jennifer L. said...

I love the Daisy Garland. I've never seen anything like these garlands before -- they're fantastic!
jentam777 AT gmail DOT com

mim said...

miriam dot nussbaum at gmail
i love the Dove Pair Wedding Cake Topper and the White Swan of Fabric
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40808419

mim said...

miriam dot nussbaum at gmail
etsyintervies follower

mim said...

miriam dot nussbaum at gmail
etsyinterviews subscriber

Aura said...

I really like the Caterpillar Alice in Wonderland
aahaft at gmsil dot com

Aura said...

blog follower
aahaft at gmail dot com

Sidewalk Chic said...

I really love the garlands -- especially the Daisy and Rose garlands. They would be so cute with a sundress for spring.

Sidewalk Chic said...

I'm a new follower of yours!

Sarah Siwicki said...

I am in love with the Folk Birds on a swing...fantastic creations <3

monkeychild92(at)gmail(dot)com

Sarah Siwicki said...

I'm a follower of Etsy Interviews.

monkeychild92(at)gmail(dot)com

Sarah Siwicki said...

Twitter follower of BInspired Mama

monkeychild92(at)gmail(dot)com

Sarah Siwicki said...

I am a Facebook Fan of B.Inspired Vintage

monkeychild92(at)gmail(dot)com

Cabootique said...

Mum and Baby Chick Spring Box is so cute.

carethediva[at]hotmail[dot]com

Damla said...

I like the Squirrel Love Wedding Cake Topper. I'd like to win the Daisy Garland.

annabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com

Damla said...

Follow Middleburg Folk Art Studio on Twitter: http://twitter.com/sweepstakelover

annabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com

Damla said...

Tweeted: http://twitter.com/sweepstakelover/status/10217242035

annabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com

Damla said...

Follow B.Inspired Mama on Twitter: http://twitter.com/sweepstakelover

annabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com

Damla said...

Blogged: http://sweepstakelover.blogspot.com/2010/03/giveaway-with-middleburg.html

annabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com

Abie said...

I think the poppy flower is adorable! I love it!

abigail.lee {At} gmail.com

Brooke said...

I love http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41898777 So cute!

brooke.foster12@gmail.com

Shelby said...

I love the Love Birds in the Garden with White Doves Cake Topper!

KimmieKarma♥ said...

This is my fave: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41050677

kimberlymarquez@gmail.com

KimmieKarma♥ said...

I am following Middleburg's twitter

@karmascrafts

KimmieKarma♥ said...

I am following BInspiredMama on twitter too!

Unknown said...

I love the garlands especially the rose one.

CathyH said...

I like Justice with Apples doll, so much character
cathyhorner at embarqmail dot com

CathyH said...

follower of etsy interviews
cathyhorner at embarqmail dot com

CathyH said...

facebook fan of B.Inspired
cathyhorner at embarqmail dot com

Christina said...

Christina - xristya@rock.com - I truly love the Folk Bird Tree!

AmbreRose said...

I think the Yellow Rose Fabric Garden Topiary would be so cute in the corner of my living room. Great shop! ambrerose(!at)aol.com

PerfectBlueMoon said...

I absolutely adore her Sheep, Cow, and Pig Mini Boxes but that bride and groom silhouette would look darling on the top of our cake! <3

Anna
perfectbluemoon@gmail[dot]com

PerfectBlueMoon said...

I'm a follower of etsy interviews!

Anna
perfectbluemoon@gmail[dot]com

PerfectBlueMoon said...

I follow B Inspired Mama on twitter! (perfectbluemoon)

Anna
perfectbluemoon@gmail[dot]com

PerfectBlueMoon said...

I'm a facebook fan of B.Inspired Vintage!

Anna
perfectbluemoon@gmail[dot]com

PerfectBlueMoon said...

I changed my facebook status to let my friends know about this giveaway! (and included a link duh lol)

Anna
perfectbluemoon@gmail[dot]com

PerfectBlueMoon said...

I follow Middleburd Folk Art Studio on twitter! (Perfectbluemoon) (and I just had to add her shop and a couple items to my favourites!)

Anna
perfectbluemoon@gmail[dot]com

PerfectBlueMoon said...

I blogged about this giveaway!
http://perfectbluemoon.blogspot.com/2010/03/march-11th-giveaway-list.html

Anna
perfectbluemoon@gmail[dot]com

janil said...

I love Family Portrait !!!!
cal_rubies at yahoo dot es

May said...

I love the Life Lemon!

musicxisxlovex19(at)aim(dot)com

That Bald Chick said...

I love the Strawberry Pillow Box and the Chick Chick Chick.
Thanks for the chance.
ladyvdzine[at]yahoo[dot]com

That Bald Chick said...

Following EI as ladyvdzine.
ladyvdzine[at]yahoo[dot]com

That Bald Chick said...

subscribed.
ladyvdzine[at]yahoo[dot]com

jakiesmom said...

i love the bee skep
nannypanpan@sbcglobal.net

Sarah Simplifies said...

I love the Garden of Flowers Garland- what a breathe of fresh air! Its kicking my spring fever into even higher drive!

fisiwoman said...

Enter me! my favorite item is: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42134204


Ana Belén R.M
fisiwoman@hotmail.com
Spain

fisiwoman said...

Following Middleburg Folk Art Studio on Twitter (@fisiwoman)


fisiwoman@hotmail.com
Spain

fisiwoman said...

I'm a fan of Middleburg Folk Art on Facebook (Ana Belén R M)

fisiwoman@hotmail.com
Spain

fisiwoman said...

Tweeted: http://twitter.com/fisiwoman/statuses/10393862947


fisiwoman@hotmail.com
Spain

fisiwoman said...

Following B.Inspired Mama on Twitter (@fisiwoman)


fisiwoman@hotmail.com
Spain

fisiwoman said...

I'm a fan of B.Inspired Vintage on Facebook (Ana Belén R M)

fisiwoman@hotmail.com
Spain

fisiwoman said...

Sharing the giveaway on Facebook (Ana Belén R M)

fisiwoman@hotmail.com
Spain

Lyudmila said...

I like the Daisy Garland

Anonymous said...

Birthday Queen is cute

kuda1976(at)mail(dot)ru

momtoem said...

I like the Folk Birds on a swing
lejn05@yahoo.com

momtoem said...

Subscribe to the Middleburg Folk Art Studio Blog.
lejn05@yahoo.com

momtoem said...

friend of Middleburg Folk Art on Facebook (lena naef)
lejn05@yahoo.com

momtoem said...

Follower of Etsy Interviews.
lejn05@yahoo.com

momtoem said...

I subscribe to Etsy Interviews via RSS.
lejn05@yahoo.com

momtoem said...

fan of B.Inspired Vintage on Facebook (lena naef)
lejn05@yahoo.com

Mrs.Kwitty said...

Ok...my favorite item from the absolutely delightful shop is the "I raised him from a pup", or wait...I think I like the bluebirds better....or the Black Pup...no, I think my favorites are actually the garland (which I have secretly been coveting for a while now)...HOPE I win one! *fingers crossed*
Smiles, Karen
contact via etsy convo
misseskwittys.etsy.com