{Tuesday Giveaway} and Preferred Sponsor Spotlight: Magnolia Creative

It is with great pleasure that I introduce to you one of our lovely new sponsors, Emily of Magnolia Creative.

She is sponsoring our fantastic giveaway this week, and also gave us the chance to get to know her a little better in a terrific interview.

Let's get to know Emily of Magnolia Creative (don't worry, giveaway details are at the bottom of the post)...

{Question} How did you come up with the name Magnolia Creative, and also, is there a story behind your color-scheme?

{Answer} I named my company after my dog, Magnolia. She is my first "furry" child. I originally started with a pink and green color scheme but changed it to the purple, green and gold I have today. I wanted to set myself apart and these colors are the colors of Mardi Gras, my favorite holiday and a real Louisiana tradition.

{Question} What brought you to starting Magnolia Creative?

{Answer} I was always the one friends came to when they needed party or event invitations or it was my assignment in hosting a party so it just became a natural transition to turn a hobby into a business. The ceramics part of the company kind of happened by accident. One of my retailers saw a wedding plate I did and asked me to do some for her and it just spread and has been so well received.

{Question} What new designs of your pottery products do we have to look forward to seeing you create? Do you do custom orders for clients?


{Answer} I am starting to do more entertaining sets and also personalized ornaments. I'm really excited about both items. I do a lot of custom orders and it's something I love to do. I like helping someone create EXACTLY what they want for their home or the perfect gift. No one should have to settle for almost right. The custom wedding platters are my favorite. I love to get as many details as possible about the day so I can create this perfect gift that I know the bride and groom will treasure and the customer will be proud to give.

{Question} What do you love most about Magnolia Creative, and what it has brought to your life?

{Answer} I love art, designing new things and the entire creative process. Not many people turn a passion into a college degree and then keep that as your career. I love that I can create little pieces of art to travel around and make someone's day. The phrase "Do do what you love and love what you do" fits me perfectly. I love the local events and parties I do to help people create the hand and footprint plates. It's nice to be a part of a special memory and capturing a special moment between a parent and child. I think I have inspired my two year old daughter to create some personalized work of her own. I caught her coloring the bottom of her foot with a Crayola marker and then trying to stamp it on a piece of paper. She looked up at me and said "Mommy, I'm just like you". It was really cute!

{Question} Tell us a little bit about you, the woman behind Magnolia Creative. What are your passions, hobbies and interests?

{Answer}  I'm blessed with a wonderful family and that is my true passion. My husband and daughter inspire me everyday and we are so excited to expand our family. I talk to my parents daily and have them to thank for fostering my creative drive. My hobby is I guess my job, expanding my line and turning more people onto art. I've also started teaching painting and it's become a true joy. I like to give back to my community. I started a non-profit organization and our main fundraiser, the St. Patrick's Day parade, raises money for a different local charity each year.

{Question} Any helpful hints in balancing family, work, and the holidays?

{Answer} I couldn't balance my very busy life without my very supportive husband/business manager/sounding board, an organized to do list and my iPhone. You just have to remember don't stress, it will always get done, just learn to prioritize and put family first. Starting early for the holidays is a huge help, my mom taught me that. Make your shopping list early, buy your wrapping paper as soon as you see it so you're prepared and sit back and enjoy the wonderful season with those you love.

{Question} How does your family celebrate birthdays? Any special traditions?

{Answer} Birthdays are always big in our family and one in particular combines perfectly with another favorite family tradition. As I've said Mardi Gras is my favorite holiday and part of the reason we bought the house we live in is because it's on the Mardi Gras parade route. My daughter's birthday falls during the Mardi Gras season so we have a BIG party. The most popular part of the party seems to be the Kiddie Krewe Parade. We pick a different theme each year and parents and kids decorate wagons and it's getting pretty competitive as the year's go by. We announced the 2011 theme back in September because parents were already starting to plan. We start in our circle drive then move into the street and the other parade watchers love to see all the kids dressed up and cheer them on. It's an all day event and we always have a huge turnout, my husband makes a big pot of jambalaya and we even have a live band in the front yard. Everyone has a ball!

{Question} What are your favorite websites and blogs that you find are daily reads for you? Any e-zines in there as well?

{Answer} Well, Kate Landers of course, Amy Atlas, Southern Living, Martha Stewart, P is for Party, Project Nursery and The Party Dress. I love Bakerella since I'm trying to learn to bake. My daughter is allergic to eggs so it's been quite a challenge.

{Question} What are your goals for Magnolia Creative?

{Answer} Like every business owner I'd like to keep growing but I still want to maintain the custom aspect of my business that makes me so unique. I originally started out in paper and now a lot of my business has turned to ceramics so I'm very excited what I'll do next. The most important thing is to adapt and keep learning and always be willing to try something new.

{Question}  Is your pottery lead-free, and dishwasher safe (or best hand-washed)?

{Answer} Every piece of Magnolia Creative pottery is lead free and microwave and dishwasher safe. The only pieces that are not food safe are the ones that have glitter on them.

{Question} Since we all want to order your products for the holidays, how soon should we place our orders to ensure delivery on time?

{Answer} Traditionally we work on a two week production schedule but rush orders are available. I never want a customer to be without their gift and we will do everything to get it to you on time. We have a lot of our pieces pre-painted and ready for personalization speeding up the production process to just two days. Get your orders in now!

{Question} Do you ship internationally?

{Answer} Yes, we will ship internationally.

{Question}  If you had to choose 3 of your favorite pieces of pottery you have EVER designed, what would they be?

{Answer} My daughter's first footprint plate for obvious reasons, any of my custom wedding platters and my travel coffee mugs. I use one every day.

{Question}  How much hand painted personalized pottery fills up your home?
 
{Answer} Probably not as much everyday pieces as you might think. I do have a lot of special serving pieces I use for special occasions like Christmas, Mardi Gras and my daughter's annual tea party with her friends.
 

A tremendous thank you to Emily, for giving such a thorough interview, allowing us to learn so much about the woman behind Magnolia Creative!!! I found it incredibly insightful and a good read! {Thank you to DeAnn Arnold Photography for all the beautiful images!}

AND NOW, for a *fabulous* giveaway sponsored by Emily of Magnolia Creative! A $100 (one hundred US dollars) gift certificate to her online shop! W.O.W. I can already think of many ways to spend that! Plus, complimentary shipping.

Here's how to enter:

1. Visit Magnolia Creative here, come back and leave a comment on this blog post telling us your two favorite pieces of pottery.

AND

2. Become a fan of Kate Landers Events, LLC (if you already are one, thank you!)

AND

3. Become a fan of Magnolia Creative (and feel free to leave Emily a note to introduce yourself!)

That's it!

For an EXTRA ENTRY, tell us in your comment what you would design or pottery product you would like to see in Emily's shop next!

The giveaway is open to people ages 18 years and older. Giveaway ends on Monday, November 8th at 11:59pm EST. A winner will be selected at random and announced later that week at the end of one of our blog posts, so stay on the lookout!

Good luck! AND...Leticia,  you WON the 8 custom tiaras from Tradewind Tiaras...please e-mail me landers.kate@gmail.com to accept your prize!!!!