Meet jewelry designer Mary Sahagian of Hope & Celebrate, our feature sponsor for June!

In the previous post Aaron let you guys know what we've been up to for the past few months. It was an unscheduled hiatus, and therefore we didn't really have a clear idea of when we'd resume a more normal schedule. We have been keeping current on our Instagram, and sharing bits of daily life and work. But we're super psyched to get back to blogging. We recently went to the Country Living Fair in beautiful Rhinebeck, NY and we had a fantastic time. We also attended the CL Fair back in 2014 and blogged about it here. We have yet to share the details of this year's excursion and we look forward to getting that post up very very soon. We'll also be blogging all about a recent awesome weekend of New Jersey flea marketing and antiquing. As you know we've been away from blogging for quite a while, and we're planning on cramming a whole lot in this summer. Which is exciting for us…More Blogging equals More Living. We're looking forward to More Living…lots More Living!  

As far as this specific blog post goes…we couldn't be more thrilled with the subject. Our favorite aspect of blogging is getting to share cool stuff and great people with you guys. Hope & Celebrate perfectly embodies "cool stuff and great people". We got to know Mary through Instagram and we hit it off instantly. She definitely approaches her work with the same spirit that we approach ours. And we share the same "celebrate everyday" philosophy. We hope you enjoy this little interview with Mary of Hope & Celebrate. And make sure to read to the end for a special discount on her super sweet stuff!

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1. What is your name and/or business and blog name?

My name is Mary, and I am the creator behind Hope and Celebrate.

2. What do you do? ...and when did you start?

Before my kiddos were born, I was a 5th grade teacher. However, for the past 3 years, I have been a stay at home mom to my two little ones. Evan will be 3 in August, and Emma,  is a year and a half.  During my 2nd pregnancy with my daughter, I thought of Hope and Celebrate and wanted it to become a reality. Soon after adjusting to a toddler running around and a newborn, I plunged right in and opened up shop May 2014. I've been loving every single second of this new chapter in my life. I love minimal and dainty jewelry so it made sense that I would create pieces that I myself would wear.The whole idea behind hand stamping is to preserve that memorable moment/date, or that special person by wearing the piece of handmade jewelry close to your heart. I've slowly started introducing beads and crochet wire into the mix. I have so many ideas, but for now, finding time seems to be my only challenge. 

3. What/Who are you inspired by?

I am inspired by so many things and people. Where do I start? Nature, art, color, music, my children, family, images I come across Instagram/Pinterest. Really, anything and everything. 

4. Where do you create? home studio? kitchen table? sofa?

We have a guest room in our home that is part office/ part craft room. I have a corner table with all my metal stamping supplies. I've created a very pink, and mint colored working area covered with macarons, doughnuts and cupcake die cuts from Everyday Is a Holiday, along with a scented candles, and multiple nesting doll sets. I foresee a cotton candy die cut to add to my collection in the near future. It is in my very sweet corner where each piece of jewelry is made. 

5. What are some of your fave movies/shows/bands/music?

I love Three's Company, Friends, Seinfeld, The Office, Mad Men, and Homeland. I could watch reruns of these all day if I could! 

When it comes to movies, it's has to make me laugh. Nothing too serious. As for music, it depends. When I'm tucked into my corner making jewelry, I like to listen to different Pandora stations. Right now, I'm really into Milky Chance Radio. 

6. Do you collect anything?

Can one collect too many things? Yarn (this one is an addiction really), Craft Books (knitting, crochet, felt, sewing, mixed media arts), rubber stamps, fabric, colorful beads, nesting dolls, cute stationary, washi tape, and my newest addition, metal stamps. 

7. Favorite art/craft supplies?

My favorite art/craft supplies are my metal stamps, yarn, and my knitting needles/crochet hooks.

8. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years, both kids will be in school! They will be 8 and 7 years old! Wow!  I could be doing one of two things. I could either be back in the classroom doing what I love and teaching full time, with Hope and Celebrate on the side. Or, I could put all my focus and energy into Hope and Celebrate and take it to the next level. Who knows? Only time will tell. 

9. Three favorite websites/blogs/shops...etc

 DIY and colorful craft blogs are my favorite types to read. If I had to choose my top favorites, it would be Everyday Is a Holiday, Mochimochiland, Studio DIY, Oh Joy, and A Beautiful Mess.  

We love Mary and her adorable aesthetic! Isn't everything so sweet?! 

As I said up top, Mary has a special discount code for Everyday is a Holiday readers! 

This weekend only…use code HOLIDAY15 for 15% off all jewelry, except the 14K gold stackable rings. 

Visit her shop here.

You can also find Hope & Celebrate on Instagram, so be sure to check her out 

 @hopeandcelebrate

Thanks so so much for reading! Check back soon. We've got lots more to share. We've been working hard 24/7 but we also plan on playing hard this summer. And we'll make sure to report back here as much as possible!

xo, Jenny & Aaron 

Meet artist Katie Holland our Feature Sponsor for April!

You may already know a bit about our feature sponsor if you've clicked and visited her button on our side bar. But in case you haven't then this is a great introduction for you! And if you're already familiar with her work, now's your chance to dig a little deeper and see what a talented, dedicated, down to earth, and unique artist she is. We're so thrilled to share this little Q & A with you all today! Grab a cup of coffee, (maybe iced) or maybe a cup of tea (that you'll make too hot, let cool, and then have to heat up again. ha! isn't that so so true?!), and get to know a little more about Katie Holland.

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1. What is your name and/or business and blog name?

I'm Katie Holland and my business is called simply "Katie Holland Art"

2. What do you do? ...and when did you start?

I've been back and forth with making crafty items and doing fine art, but recently I've been mostly focusing on the art side of things. 

I've been making ever since I was a kid and seriously got in to painting about 2002 when I was in college. I've kept on ever since, 

I really can't imagine art not being a part of my life! 

3. What/Who are you inspired by?

Generally I am really inspired my vintage items such as etiquette books from the 50's and 60's. I collect them and they have been a huge source 

of inspiration for my work. 

As far as artists who inspire me, I would have to say Tracey Emin is at the top of that list. Her work is so bold, I really admire her. 

There are so many other people, too many to list! I truly enjoy following my favorite artists on social media and seeing what they are up to. 

A (very) short list would be Ashley Goldberg, Tuesday Bassen, Lisa Congdon, and Michelle Armas. And of course Aaron and Jenny here :)

4. Where do you create? home studio? kitchen table? sofa?

We have a small second bedroom in our apartment that is office/studio space. It's a bit cramped, but I make it work! I am hoping for a bigger space one day of course, but it's a lot better than working in my kitchen, which I have done before.

5. What are some of your fave movies/shows/bands/music?

I'm starting to realize that I have a bit of a TV problem, haha. Recently I've been watching Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, West Wing, Trailer Park Boys, House of Cards, and House Hunters. 

For music it depends what mood I'm in, but I listen to most genres and tend to listen to punk the most. I love listening to comedy podcasts too! 

6. Do you collect anything?

It's probably for the best we have a small space and it limits what I can collect! For now I collect buttons and vintage postcards. I don't really have anything on display at the moment, it's mostly just for my enjoyment. 

7. Favorite art/craft supplies?

I have really been into a more fluid acrylic paint lately as opposed to a heavy body one. For crafting I love washi tape, it's so fun.  

8. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I hope to make more of a name for myself in the art community. I would like to be a homeowner by then as well and be able to make a cozy home filled with art (our walls now are full!).

9. Three favorite websites/blogs/shops...etc?

Curbed Chicago (I love looking at architecture and interior design)

Pinterest

Tumblr- I love following such a variety of blogs (comedy, architecture, art, etc)

10. anything else you'd like to add :)

Thank you for having me! It's so nice to share my work and what makes me happy. I've been following your blog for years and am SO glad I found it way back in the day :)

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Katie's great! We love her style and we're so happy we could share this little profile with you guys. 

If you'd like to see and know more make sure to visit her blog and her website.

And if the urge to shop strikes you, visit her Etsy shop where Everyday is a Holiday readers can use code: HOLIDAYANDKATIE 

for free shipping on anything in her Etsy shop (US only).

Thanks again for reading! Happy Sunday! 

xo Jenny & Aaron

Meet artist Michelle Lauritsen

As far as blogging goes, one of the best perks is getting to share my favorite emerging artists with all of you. This month's feature sponsor, Michelle Lauritsen, creates some of my most beloved items to collect…paper mache dolls/figures. And right at the top of this post I wanted to illustrate what a fan I am of her work. The above pic of those three wonderful bunnies, is a photograph that I took here in my own home. Those were the first three pieces I got from Michelle about 6 months ago. I can't believe how perfect they are. Everything about them compliments my personal aesthetic…from the pale pastel tones and polka dots, to their vintage style and faint antique wash.

I love every new series she creates. I was saying to Aaron that if we came upon her work at a show…something like the Country Living Fair…that one stop at her booth would probably break my budget for the entire day!

Anyway, I'm thrilled to be able to share this interview with you guys. Michelle is great…total sweetheart…and it's so awesome when the personality of the artist perfectly matches how lovely their artwork is. I hope you enjoy this little behind-the-scenes glimpse. 

 What is your name and/or business and blog name?

My name is Michelle Lauritsen and my business/blog is A Pinch of Prim.

 What do you do? ...and when did you start?

I make Paperclay/Mache dolls and whimsical characters. I started playing 

around with Paperclay in 2010.

What/Who are you inspired by?

My dad is very creative and artistic. He used to have a side business 

making ice carvings. Huge, heavy pieces that started out as a block of ice, 

then were roughly cut with a chainsaw, and detailed and perfected with a 

bevy of chisels and tools. It's funny how different yet similar our art is 

to each other’s. He definitely inspired me growing up. There are also many 

artists that inspire me, including Nicol Sayre, Colleen Moody,  Jenene 

Mortimer,  Danita Art,  Jenny and Aaron!, etc….

 Where do you create? home studio? kitchen table? sofa?

Luckily, we have a spare room that I converted into my studio. It's one 

of my favorite places to be.

What are some of your fave movies/shows/bands/music?

We probably don't even need cable in my household. I love Netflix. There 

are plenty of shows on TV that I like, but I prefer to watch them on 

Netflix. I can watch at my own speed with no commercials! Some of my 

favorites are: Sons of Anarchy, The Killing, Scandal, The Walking Dead, Hell 

on Wheels, any Jane Austen movie Sense and Sensibility, Jane Eyre. 

Documentaries!! I LOVE a good documentary. I love all different kinds of 

music. While I'm typing this I'm listening to some Brandi Carlile.

 Do you collect anything?

 Although I'm not sure how it happened, I have a big collection of old 

jars. I love finding teeny tiny ones.

Favorite art/craft supplies?

 My favorite art supply is definitely Creative Paperclay. It's soft and 

very easy to work with. Oh yeah, I also have to have on hand, Folk Art's 

Vintage White and Burnt Umber acrylic paint. I use those on every single 

piece I make.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I'm happy with how I've improved these last 5 years. So, in 5 more years 

I hope to improve even more. I would love to have my work licensed one day. 

I'm hoping to start selling some illustrated pieces in my Etsy shop in the 

future and there are a few other things I have up my sleeve!

Three favorite websites/blogs/shops…etc?

Pinterest, Instagram, and FB.

Anything else you'd like to add?

I'm 38 years old. I graduated High School in 1994. I just celebrated my 18th wedding Anniversary to my husband Mike. I have 2 amazing kids. My 16 year old son Dylan and my 14 year 

old daughter Casey. I don't ever discuss my personal life on FB, but I love 

my family so, so much!! They're my true inspiration!

I'm doing my first Halloween Art Show on Sept. 20, 2014. The name is 

Hallowbaloo, it's produced by Robert Eberz and Dennis Haynes and there will 

be some great artists attending this year. It's in Bothell, WA, so if you 

are around the Seattle area, be sure to check it out! You can find 

Hallowbaloo on FB.

Thank you Jenny and Aaron!

…………………………………………….

As I said…total sweetheart! Don't you just love discovering talented people, and then getting to know a little bit about their artistic process and personal lives? I know I do.
Be sure to visit all the links above…and definitely reach out and say hi to Michelle!

You can find Michelle on Instagram, Facebook, and on her blog.
And if you're a fan like I am…you can shop 'til you drop in her Etsy shop!

Thanks for reading!
xo, Jenny…and Aaron says hi!