I am beyond excited today to be introducing you to a girl who started off as one of my customers and now I consider to be a friend! Though we have never met, she has quickly become someone that I admire and think the world of.
This is one of my favorite things about owning an online business. I get to meet some of the greatest people. Someday, I swear I am going to throw a big party and invite EVERYONE I have met! And of course, I will have Katy Moran of KATHERYN MORAN PHOTOGRAPHY to take all the pictures because she is just amazing!
Erin is the owner and creator of Dusty Daylight. Through talking with her, she had told me that she opened up her shop a while back, but really as of late, was inspired to really take it to the next level. She sent me her link and I fell in love with her Elizabeth Lace Journal. So, naturally...I had to have it!! Not long after, it arrived in the mail and I opened up the mailing envelope to find this...
Aren't you in love??? Her attentional to detail is amazing. The journal is such a piece of art. Now the question is, what will be deemed worthy enough to mark the pages of this with! I might be mulling this one over for several weeks before I touch my pen to the pages. This journal is worthy of some professional calligrapher out there!
I asked Erin to answer a few questions so that you could all get to know her a little better!
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The most darling little shop ever: Dusty Daylight
The most darling little shop ever: Dusty Daylight
What inspires you?
In terms of design, I tend to gravitate towards things that are clean, pretty, and have great detail. Floral fabrics, textured linens, and delicate laces are a few of my favorites to work with. Hand bound books have become somewhat of a lost art and I love creating something new with a nod to the past. There is something so lovely and personal about a handmade book and I love mixing that with a slightly old-fashioned, dainty design.
What are some plans you have for your business in the future?
My plan for now is to continue expanding on journal designs. I'd also love to begin working with brides to create customized journals as bridesmaid gifts.
What types of things do you do in your free time when not working?
Hang out with my husband, coffee dates with friends, read, eat dark chocolate, play violin, watch White Collar (the best show!).
When did you start creating?
I don't know if I can pinpoint a specific time that it began, growing up I was always making something. When I was 7, I was selling painted rocks (yes.. rocks.. and people really did buy them!). When I was 9, I was selling beaded hair clips and head bands at a consignment shop down the road. The desire to create things with my hands started long before these 2 business endeavors, and hasn't stopped since. I suppose it's in my blood! As for book binding, I tried it for the first time in October 2011. It didn't turn out very pretty, but I loved the entire process and the potential there was for a lovely end product. I kept at it, and I still love it.
Tea or Coffee? I like both!
Favorite meal? Artichokes. Or white pizza.
Favorite dessert? Rhubarb pie! Also, anything involving dark chocolate.
When did you get married? Our wedding was October 21, 2012! So we'll have been
married 6 months in a few weeks
What is the best quality about your husband?
I know this is going to sound cheesy but I'm sitting here trying to choose just one and it's really hard! He has a lot of great qualities. Can we go with top 3? or 4? Okay. 1) He loves God. 2) He is incredibly patient (which comes in SO handy when we're driving somewhere and I'm in charge of directions.. and forget) 3) He hardly EVER has anything negative to say about anyone. If he has a negative impression of a person, I know to pay attention. 4) When he commits to do something, he truly commits to it. He's a man of his word. Added bonus: Sometimes he makes wonderful, fresh mozzarella cheese. Right in our kitchen. It's fantastic.
What is the biggest thing you're learning right now?
That no matter what, pleasing God trumps pleasing people in every situation in my life. If I live my life and make my decisions to please people, I'm ruled by their opinion. If I live my life and make my decisions to please God, I'm ruled by his opinion. Honestly, people don't always have your best interests at heart, but God always does. "I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for" Jeremiah 29:11 (the message).
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Erin wants to give one lucky person a chance to win a journal of choosing from her darling little shop! Yes, I KNOW!!! Exciting!!
Go ahead...do a little happy dance!
The giveaway will run from today 4/8 until Monday 4/15 at 12:00am.
Winner will be chosen at random using Rafflecopter (below). The winner will be notified by email and the name will be displayed on the widget below.
Good Luck! And make sure to give Dusty Daylight lots of love for being so awesome!
