Etsy Love: Dainty Hippo + giveaway
‘Etsy Love’ is a brand new feature, offering exposure to those running creative businesses. Every other week, I will showcase one Etsy shop, and meet the face behind the shop. If you’d like your business to be featured, email me at [email protected]
Hey there! Tell us a little about yourself and your shop
I graduated from college about 2 years ago from a school in New England and moved back to be closer to my family during some big family trials and changes. I majored in neuroscience, but I don’t know if that’s what I really want to dedicate my life to. I’ve been really inspired to work in the media and try to change some of the trends and attitudes that are damaging our cultural discourse, especially towards women and children. I want to do a million different things, so that might easily change again!
During my free time, I run the daintyhippo shop on Etsy–it’s been a great creative outlet for me to bring to fruition all the things buzzing around in my head. I love to create beautiful additions to brighten peoples’ lives. I began making simple bags using fun fabrics–makeup, toiletry, supply bags that so many of us need to organize all the little things in our lives…why shouldn’t they have fun patterns and colors to reflect our personalities? I then added fabric flowers to my brand. I love finding bright colors and experimenting with new shapes and sizes. I wear flowers in my hair or on my clothes almost everyday, so it’s an integral part of my style.
About 6 months ago, I saw a big box of battered books that were destined to go to the local incinerator. The bindings and/or covers were ripped or broken, but the pages inside were still beautiful and I wanted to give them a new life. From that experience, the paper line at daintyhippo was born. The vintage paper flowers, wreaths, etc. have definitely been the most popular items in my shop. I love how unusual they are and that I’m able to save the books from being thrown away. I’ve made a bunch of flowers for weddings and parties, as well as personal accessories and home decor. I’ve also started using maps to make the same items as well. Maps are great because I’ve been able to create customized orders from specific geographic locations.
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I’m always looking for new things to experiment with. I just started selling coasters and lightswitch plates using fun papers, the vintage book pages, and maps. I have a bunch of new ideas I’m still itching to get started, so I’m excited to announce the new additions via my Facebook page as the holiday season progresses.
What is your inspiration?
I find a lot of patterns in the real world I want to replicate somehow with unexpected objects. Or like typical home items made with unexpected parts. Example–right now I’m stuck on this idea of making a coat rack with round antique doorknobs as hangers instead of hooks. I love using bold and bright colors and patterns in my fabric items. I love giving new life to old items.
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Have you always wanted to have a creative career?
I always knew I did not want to have a 9-5 cubicle job. I know I’d be good at administrative-type jobs, but the thought of it gives me no pleasure. I knew I wanted to do something creative but I didn’t know what it was. I am a classically trained musician and entertained that idea for a career for a long time. As a scientist, I think there’s something very creative about the research process and I love that. Ideally though, my dream would be to work in the media somehow or expand dainty hippo into something to support myself.
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Describe a typical day in your life
Disclaimer: This day is SO not going to sound glamorous or exciting. I spend the majority of my day working in a local school as a volunteer doing consultant work and educator support. After work, I usually have some kind of volunteer work to do with/for my church. I try to spend a little bit of time everyday working on the dainty hippo brand–anything from product design, filling orders, shopping for supplies, social media marketing, etc. I have dinner with my mom almost everyday recently. I just moved as well, so I’m doing a lot of unpacking and organizing. I then drag myself to the gym later at night after all the huge grunting guys leave :). Rinse and repeat the next day.
What are you currently obsessed with?
Pinterest. The addiction is BAD. Also, probably because of the recent move, I’m obsessed with interior design and home improvement. Clothing wise, I’m always addicted to wearing dresses/skirts. I haven’t worn a pair of jeans in over 2 years.
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Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
Hopefully married. Maybe with a baby or one on the way. In 5 years, I hope to have an amazing and fulfilling career I can be proud of. I hope to be able to serve others with the same passion and energy I have today.
enter NOVEMBER15 to recieve 15% off the Dainty Hippo shop until the end of the year!
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Dainty Hippo is offering a $15 gift certificate to one lucky person!
To Enter:
For optional extra entries you may:
Follow PixieMama on Bloglovin
Follow PixieMama on Twitter
Follow @pixie_polly
Like PixieMama on Facebook
Follow PixieMama on Twitter
Follow @pixie_polly
Like PixieMama on Facebook
Favourite Dainty Squids Shop
Like Dainty Hippo on Facebook
Tweet about the giveaway Tweet
Blog about this giveaway
(leave a seperate comment for each entry please)
(leave a seperate comment for each entry please)
This giveaway will end 13th November at midnight GMT and a winner will be announced on the 14th November.
54 Comments
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pixiepolly
November 3, 2011 at 11:13Thanks for introducing us to a lovely lady and shop!
I think if I won I’d go for one of those pretty cotton lapel flowers, and a supply pouch in one of the amazing fabrics available!
theowlclub {@} rocketmail {.} com
pixiepolly
November 3, 2011 at 11:16I tweeted here: http://twitter.com/#!/theowlclub/status/132053420575166464
pixiepolly
November 3, 2011 at 11:17I follow @pixie_polly already!
pixiepolly
November 3, 2011 at 15:09Fund you thru Miss Mommy’s Blog hop! You are too cute! Looking forward to following your adventures!!
My favorite item in your shop is:
Medium woven wooden wreath with vintage book blooms–home decor, weddings, autumn, back to school
Love everything! So pretty!
Kristine
J&M’s Eye Candy
Blog
J&M’s
Eye Candy Shoppe
J&M’s Eye Candy
on Facebook
J&M’s Eye Candy on
Twitter
pixiepolly
November 3, 2011 at 15:10I now follow you on twitter :)
Kristine
J&M’s Eye Candy
Blog
J&M’s
Eye Candy Shoppe
J&M’s Eye Candy
on Facebook
J&M’s Eye Candy on
Twitter
pixiepolly
November 3, 2011 at 15:11I “like” you on FB :)
Kristine
J&M’s Eye Candy
Blog
J&M’s
Eye Candy Shoppe
J&M’s Eye Candy
on Facebook
J&M’s Eye Candy on
Twitter
pixiepolly
November 3, 2011 at 15:34I love the small woven wooden wreath with vintage book blooms! Luv luv luv…
clisserloo at gmail dot com
pixiepolly
November 3, 2011 at 15:35My favorite is the Large pom pom flower: accessory, hair clip, brooch pin, gift topper (over 40 colors available)
Thank you for the giveaway :)hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com
pixiepolly
November 3, 2011 at 15:35I heart Dainty Hippo on Etsy – my Etsy name is Hurdler4eva
Thank you for the giveaway :)hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com
pixiepolly
November 3, 2011 at 15:36I tweeted, I’m @AmberGoo :
https://twitter.com/#!/AmberGoo/status/132118788480049152
Thank you for the giveaway :)hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com
pixiepolly
November 3, 2011 at 16:26I love the pom pom flowers and the wreath with paper flowers!
[email protected]
http://kimberly-theaveragejane.blogspot.com
pixiepolly
November 3, 2011 at 16:28liked pixi mama on FB!
http://kimberly-theaveragejane.blogspot.com
pixiepolly
November 3, 2011 at 20:14I like
Custom light switchplates
pixiepolly
November 3, 2011 at 20:15tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/LilleaBrionn/status/132188296305590273
pixiepolly
November 3, 2011 at 20:15following on Twitter @LilleaBrionn
pixiepolly
November 3, 2011 at 20:19I was impressed with the Medium woven wooden wreath… nice stuff.
pixiepolly
November 4, 2011 at 00:41I follow via GFC as deb_oro and my favourite is the
Pink coral ruffled flower: accessory, hair clip, brooch pin, gift topper
pixiepolly
November 4, 2011 at 00:42I like PixieMama on Facebook as Despina Vnt
pixiepolly
November 4, 2011 at 00:42I like Dainty Hippo on Facebook as Despina Vnt
pixiepolly
November 4, 2011 at 00:43And favourited the shop as DESPINA VNT
pixiepolly
November 4, 2011 at 08:25I love the Large grey ruffled flower: accessory, hair clip, brooch pin!
aikychien at yahoo dot com
pixiepolly
November 4, 2011 at 08:25Follow PixieMama on Bloglovin
pixiepolly
November 4, 2011 at 08:25Follow PixieMama on Twitter @aikchien
pixiepolly
November 4, 2011 at 08:25Like PixieMama on Facebook – Aik Chien
pixiepolly
November 4, 2011 at 08:26Favourite Dainty Squids Shop –
bloomingblossom
pixiepolly
November 4, 2011 at 08:27Like Dainty Hippo on Facebook – Aik Chien
pixiepolly
November 4, 2011 at 08:32Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/#!/aikchien/status/132374111602229248
pixiepolly
November 4, 2011 at 18:34Love her paper flowers!!! I am a new blog follower. :)
pixiepolly
November 4, 2011 at 18:36I liked Dainty Hippo on Facebook :)
pixiepolly
November 7, 2011 at 19:40I follow on GFC
[email protected]
pixiepolly
November 7, 2011 at 19:41I like the
Pink pearl centered flower: accessory, hair clip, brooch pin, gift topper
[email protected]
pixiepolly
November 7, 2011 at 19:41I follow on Bloglovin
[email protected]
pixiepolly
November 7, 2011 at 19:42I follow on twitter
redshadow1606 gmail.com
pixiepolly
November 7, 2011 at 19:42I liked pixie mama on FB
redshadow1606 gmail.com
pixiepolly
November 7, 2011 at 19:42I hearted your shop
redshadow1606 gmail.com
pixiepolly
November 7, 2011 at 19:43I liked dainty hippo on FB
redshadow1606 gmail.com
pixiepolly
November 7, 2011 at 19:44I tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/meffordj/status/133629266062606336redshadow1606 @gmail.com
pixiepolly
November 7, 2011 at 19:44I blogged
http://redshadow1606.blogspot.com/[email protected]
pixiepolly
November 8, 2011 at 16:39following you!
my favorite item is the
Medium cotton flower with button center (:
katmckid at aol dot com.
pixiepolly
November 8, 2011 at 16:39following you on twitter!
katmckid at aol dot com
pixiepolly
November 8, 2011 at 16:40I tweeted about the contest(:
katmckid at aol dot com
pixiepolly
November 8, 2011 at 16:41favorited your shop on etsy as ktmcp
katmckid at aol dot com
pixiepolly
November 8, 2011 at 19:56I follow via GFC I like the
Oversized vintage book paper flower
littlegray88 at yahoo dot com
pixiepolly
November 9, 2011 at 16:39love the wristlets
http://www.etsy.com/listing/73992252/wrislet-pouch-over-70-custom
diarygirl at live dot com
shaha
pixiepolly
November 11, 2011 at 00:34Following via GFC
pixiepolly
November 11, 2011 at 00:36Oh ya and my favorite item is
Large crepe flower: accessory, hair clip, brooch pin, gift topper
pixiepolly
November 11, 2011 at 00:36Im following on twitter
pixiepolly
November 11, 2011 at 00:37I liked on facebook
pixiepolly
November 11, 2011 at 00:37I favorited dainty squids shop
pixiepolly
November 11, 2011 at 00:38I liked dainty hippo on facebook
pixiepolly
November 11, 2011 at 00:38I tweeted about it
pixiepolly
November 12, 2011 at 04:21I follow. My favorite items are the flowers! I love all of them!
pixiepolly
November 12, 2011 at 04:22I hearted the shop: FrancescaElena
pixiepolly
November 12, 2011 at 04:23I liked the shop on FB as The Hand That Rocks the Cradle.