Sandy a la Mode
Women + Kid's Fashion and Lifestyle Blog
Sponsor Love

Sponsor Love + Giveaway – Sunshine and Carousels

{shop} {blog}

Today’s Sponsor Love + Giveaway post is brought to you by the super talented Erin from Sunshine and Carousels!  She has a beautiful shop full of hair accessories, pins, shoe clips, jewelry, belts, headbands, and purses, oh my!  I happen to be a proud owner of the Ms. Charlotte fabric bow shoe clips, I’m kind of a fan of bows, in case you didn’t know.  😉  And yes, these are my feet and purple shoes.

Some of my other favorites from her shop are…

Oh, and did I mention her fabulous blog too?  She shares tons of fabulous tutorials like this DIY Christmas Tree Table Topper, DIY Fall Wreath, and DIY Party Invitation!

Erin will also be sharing another fabulous holiday tutorial on my blog next week, so don’t forget to come back and check it out!  🙂  I asked Erin to answer a few questions so we could all get to know her a little better, here’s the interview…

{MEET THE ARTIST}

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m a wife and mother of one cute little red head.  My friends would say I live in ‘la la land’ but I call it carousel land.  I’m inspired by color, nature, vintage and sparkly things. I’m obsessed with coffee and I love reading fashion magazines.  I’ve always been in the arts, started as as an advanced fine arts painter at the age of 12 but now I am the proud owner of my own indie business Sunshine and Carousels where I make pretty little accessories and jewelry and I hope to soon start designing and making clothing.

2) How did you get into making such cute accessories?
I got started making accessories by fate.  Sounds strange but the story goes like this.  I started this huge New Years list of resolutions and one was to deep clean and organize my house.  This led me to go through my crafting and art supplies which I had the idea to start making cute fun things with the supplies I already owned (rather than toss them) and start an etsy shop.  My handmade flowers were a hit! I quickly began experimenting with fabrics and colors and one thing after another I have a full fledged business.  I absolutely love where life has unfolded, it has been the best year ever!

3) Have any advice for new shop owners?
If I could give any advice to those in the handmade industry or just starting out it would be this:
– Be yourself, don’t try to copy others really dig into yourself and let your personality show through the things you create. Do your research and be sure that you are making one of kind items that aren’t easily attainable at any given etsy shop or your local department store.
– Practice, practice, practice.  Continue making your handmade items over and over and over, I believe that being unique and having quality items are the most important selling point.
– Have fun, don’t stress and stress and worry about what everyone thinks or what everyone else is doing. Just do what makes you happy.

4) What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?
Mint Chocolate Chip.

{GIVEAWAY}

Erin is offering up a deep rose colored rosette hair clip/brooch (it’s both) and a pair of ‘Bringing Gift‘ bird earrings from her lovely shop!


How to Enter:

1. Visit Sunshine and Carousels and leave a comment with your favorite item!

For additional entries (please leave separate comment for each action):
2. Follow this blog with Google Friend Connect on right (if you already do, please let me know)
3. Follow Sunshine and Carousels blog with Google Friend Connect (if you already do, please let me know)
4. Tweet about this giveaway

Feel free to use this tweet:

Win a rose hair clip and a pair of bird earrings by Sunshine and Carousels on @sandyalamode! http://bit.ly/fvBnjx

This giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY and closes on Thursday, December 9, 2010 at 5PM CST.

Entries for this giveaway have been closed.  Thanks!


105 Comments

  1. chelseabird
    December 7, 2010 / 10:52 am

    My favorite item is the Miss Penelope – Sage Green Feather and Flower Headband!

    -Chelseabird

  2. chelseabird
    December 7, 2010 / 10:52 am

    Also, I am for sure a follower of your lovely blog :]

  3. jillian
    December 7, 2010 / 10:59 am

    i am already a follower but i would love to win this giveaway 🙂 xoxo jcd

  4. Melissa
    December 7, 2010 / 11:01 am

    Following both of you 🙂 I love love LOVE the Out at Sea necklace. She is so creative!

  5. Mandy S
    December 7, 2010 / 11:06 am

    I love the A Walk in the Woods necklace.

  6. Mandy S
    December 7, 2010 / 11:06 am

    Tweeted!

    @amschotter

  7. Mandy S
    December 7, 2010 / 11:07 am

    I follow your blog. :0)

  8. Mandy S
    December 7, 2010 / 11:07 am

    I follow her blog, too! :0)

  9. Krysten
    December 7, 2010 / 11:11 am

    Oooh I love the Miss Penelope headband, so cute!

  14. Jude
    December 7, 2010 / 11:19 am

    Aw, another amazing shop, thank you for sharing this and the interview! I’m in lust over those Spanish earrings and also the walk in the woods necklace (since I posted on my walk in the woods yday, they jumped straight out at me of course!)

  15. Jude
    December 7, 2010 / 11:20 am

    And I follow via GFC of course 🙂

  16. beth
    December 7, 2010 / 11:20 am

    oh boy, so many beautiful items to choose from! I love the Miss Saundra – ‘Grey Flower Headband’ most 🙂

  17. beth
    December 7, 2010 / 11:20 am

    following your beautiful blog with GFC 🙂

  18. beth
    December 7, 2010 / 11:21 am

    following Sunshine and Carousels’ blog too!

  19. Nikki
    December 7, 2010 / 11:21 am

    Love the sweet heart necklace!
    Nikki

  20. beth
    December 7, 2010 / 11:21 am

    tweeted and really hope I win!

  21. Michelle Huynh
    December 7, 2010 / 11:32 am

    I love the Miss Saundra – ‘Grey Flower Headband! 🙂

  22. Michelle Huynh
    December 7, 2010 / 11:33 am

    I am a definite follower of your blog!

  23. Michelle Huynh
    December 7, 2010 / 11:33 am

    I am a follower of Sunshine and Carousels 🙂

  24. Emily
    December 7, 2010 / 12:03 pm

    I love all of her shoe clips, especially the bow ones! 🙂

  25. chelsea
    December 7, 2010 / 12:03 pm

    miss penelope

  26. Emily
    December 7, 2010 / 12:03 pm

    I follow your blog.

  27. chelsea
    December 7, 2010 / 12:03 pm

    follow via gfc

  28. chelsea
    December 7, 2010 / 12:03 pm

    i follow her blog

  29. chelsea
    December 7, 2010 / 12:05 pm

    i tweeted

  30. Emily
    December 7, 2010 / 12:05 pm

    I now follow the Sunshine and Carousels blog.

  31. Emily
    December 7, 2010 / 12:06 pm

    I tweeted!

  32. Kel
    December 7, 2010 / 12:20 pm

    I love the Miss Penelope Flower and Feather headband! I love it so much it might have to get for my wedding!!

  33. Kel
    December 7, 2010 / 12:21 pm

    I’m following her blog now!

  34. Ivana
    December 7, 2010 / 1:15 pm

    erin has so many adorable items! some of my faves: the black bead + bow holiday 2010 earrings, miss charlotte shoe clips, and the “our at sea” necklace.

  35. Ivana
    December 7, 2010 / 1:16 pm

    and i’m a follower of your blog, of course 🙂

  37. Ashley
    December 7, 2010 / 1:47 pm

    I’m a follower!

  38. Ashley
    December 7, 2010 / 1:48 pm

    I love the Miss Saundra – Pink Flower Headband! Really cute!

  39. Michelle
    December 7, 2010 / 1:55 pm

    Love this giveaway! And of course I’m a follower. 🙂

  41. Somer
    December 7, 2010 / 2:02 pm

    I am a follower of your blog

  42. Somer
    December 7, 2010 / 2:03 pm

    I am a follower of Sunshine and Carousels

  43. amylou
    December 7, 2010 / 2:26 pm

    my favorite item is the let me fly necklace.

    great giveaway!

    <3

  44. amylou
    December 7, 2010 / 2:27 pm

    I’m a follower of your blog!

  45. amylou
    December 7, 2010 / 2:27 pm

    I’m a follower of Sunshine and Carousels!

  47. Diana Mieczan
    December 7, 2010 / 3:02 pm

    Those “bringing gift‘ bird earrings are so sweet! I love this giveaway, sweetie
    Kisses and hugs

  48. Piper
    December 7, 2010 / 3:25 pm

    I dig the Hello Owl necklace and earrings!

  49. Brittany
    December 7, 2010 / 3:28 pm

    I have been eying the Rachel Flower Braided Headband for a while. I just love it!

  50. Brittany
    December 7, 2010 / 3:28 pm

    I already follow you!

  51. Brittany
    December 7, 2010 / 3:31 pm

    I now follow S&C via GFC!

  52. Violeta Petrova
    December 7, 2010 / 3:33 pm

    I love the Walk in the Woods necklace

  53. Violeta Petrova
    December 7, 2010 / 3:33 pm

    I am already a follower

  54. Violeta Petrova
    December 7, 2010 / 3:34 pm

    I Follow Sunshine and Carousels blog

  55. Suburban Sweetheart
    December 7, 2010 / 3:35 pm

    I loooove her “A Walk in the Woods” necklace. So dainty!

  56. Ashley K
    December 7, 2010 / 4:04 pm

    I love the Miss Sarah brown/yellow hair clip. So cute!

  57. Inspired Shares
    December 7, 2010 / 5:25 pm

    How cute is that..great giveaway!
    Julie xo

  58. Birgit
    December 7, 2010 / 6:05 pm

    Following through GFC!

  60. Camille
    December 7, 2010 / 6:13 pm

    My favorite Item at the shop is the Pearls and Coral – Antique Brass Chain Pearl Necklace with a Coral Flower (hair clip and brooch). 🙂

  61. Camille
    December 7, 2010 / 6:14 pm

    I now follow your adorable blog!

  62. Camille
    December 7, 2010 / 6:14 pm

    and I now follow Erin’s blog!

  63. Kathleen S
    December 7, 2010 / 6:16 pm

    Following your blog now!
    Thanks!

  64. Kathleen S
    December 7, 2010 / 6:17 pm

    Already following Sunshine & Carousels blog.
    Thanks!

  65. Kathleen S
    December 7, 2010 / 6:20 pm

    My fav item is the Miss Charlotte bow clips. Too cute for words.
    Thanks!

  66. Kathleen S
    December 7, 2010 / 6:21 pm

    I already follow Erin’s blog. That’s how I found your blog!
    Thanks.

  67. Kathleen S
    December 7, 2010 / 6:22 pm

    Just tweeted. Yeah for bonus entries. 🙂
    Thanks!

  68. Krystal/Village
    December 7, 2010 / 8:39 pm

    I am loving the spanish love earrings very very much!!! I love her advice to be unique for new shop owners. good advice 🙂

  69. Piper
    December 7, 2010 / 9:01 pm

    I follow you on GFC!

  70. Piper
    December 7, 2010 / 9:02 pm

    And I follow Sunshine & Carousels!

  72. noella
    December 8, 2010 / 3:49 am

    Greeat accesories, I’m in love with the Walk in the Woods necklace!

  73. Shea
    December 8, 2010 / 6:19 am

    I love the Holiday 2010 necklace, it’s beautiful!

  74. Shea
    December 8, 2010 / 6:19 am

    And I follow you with Google Friend Connect 🙂

  75. Becky
    December 8, 2010 / 10:08 am

    I can’t decide between the velvet and feather headband and the gold Holiday 2010 headband!

  76. Becky
    December 8, 2010 / 10:09 am

    I’m a GFC follower!

  77. Ms. Megan
    December 8, 2010 / 10:14 am

    I love her carousel necklace!!
    xo

  78. Ms. Megan
    December 8, 2010 / 10:14 am

    I follow your beautiful blog through GFC
    xo

  79. Ms. Megan
    December 8, 2010 / 10:15 am

    I follow Erin’s enchanting blog through GFC
    xo

  81. Aime
    December 8, 2010 / 12:26 pm

    I love the Rachel Teal Braided Headband! My fav colors!!!

  82. Aime
    December 8, 2010 / 12:27 pm

    I follow Sunshine and Caruosels blog too!

  83. Aime
    December 8, 2010 / 12:27 pm

    I follow Sandyalamode too! Love your blog, Sandy!

  84. Aime
    December 8, 2010 / 12:31 pm

    I tweeted too! =)

  85. Lacretia
    December 8, 2010 / 4:48 pm

    I love the Miss Penelope – Black and Gray Feather Flower Headband!

  86. Lacretia
    December 8, 2010 / 4:48 pm

    I follow Sandy a la Mode via GFC!

  87. Megan
    December 9, 2010 / 8:37 am

    I love the Miss Penelope Flower and Feather headband. I need it. NOW.

  89. Megan
    December 9, 2010 / 8:38 am

    I also follow Sunshine and Carousels!

  92. va
    December 9, 2010 / 9:27 am

    i follow w/ gfc .

  93. va
    December 9, 2010 / 9:28 am

    following sunshine with gfc now .

    tumblemumbo at gmail.com
    thanks

  94. G Summers
    December 9, 2010 / 11:25 am

    Love the let me fly necklace!

  95. leslie
    December 9, 2010 / 12:38 pm

    Love the Miss Kate Has Feathers clip/brooch.

    Thanks!
    lesliedoll at hotmail dot com

  96. Julie B
    December 9, 2010 / 1:03 pm

    love the A Walk in the Woods necklace.

  97. Julie B
    December 9, 2010 / 1:03 pm

    I follow on gfc as jhb.

  98. Sarah
    December 9, 2010 / 2:03 pm

    My favorite item is the Miss Saundra – Purple Flower Headband.

    Thanks, Sarah (sarit.gabay1@gmail.com)

  99. Sarah
    December 9, 2010 / 2:04 pm

    following on Google Friends Connect.

    Thanks, Sarah (sarit.gabay1@gmail.com

  100. Sarah
    December 9, 2010 / 2:05 pm

    Following Sunshine and Carousels blog with Google Friend Connect.

    Thanks, Sarah (sarit.gabay1@gmail.com

  102. Sandy
    December 9, 2010 / 2:08 pm

    I love the Holiday 2010 necklace, thanks for the giveaway!

  103. Sandy
    December 9, 2010 / 2:09 pm

    I’m already a follower of your blog through GFC as sandyandcosmo.

  104. jacqueline v
    December 9, 2010 / 4:12 pm

    the falling leaves earrings are my fav! jmmccarr@gmail.com

  105. Justine
    December 9, 2010 / 4:36 pm

    Love this: Pearls and Mint – statement necklace with removable hair clip and brooch.

    It would be perfect for one of my bridesmaids!