Focus On... Soleil Girl! {And A Giveaway!}

Soleil Girl is a sweet shop perfect for kids and grownups. I love that Amy has created such wonders out of felt. FELT! I have worked with felt and it always ends up looking like I'm in a third grade arts and crafts class.  But Amy has figured out a way to tame the felt and she's turned it into brooches, hair clips, small pockets and pouches, even bookmarks! Read on for Amy's interview and a chance to win a Valentine's brooch!

Tell me some basic info about yourself.

My name is Amy Busch. I come from an artistic family, but only recently realized my own enjoyment of making things with my hands. I am the mother of 3 children, Caitlin: 5 years, Gavin 3 years, and Emma, 6 months. My family and I live in a 100 year old Arts and Crafts house in small city outside of Ann Arbor, Michigan. 

{ivory elegance rosette felt brooch}

What kind of mediums do you use and why?

I kind of fell into felt. I don't have or know how to use a sewing machine, and I liked that I could hand sew felt without having to worry about fraying fabric or hemming the edges.

{leaf peace symbol felt card holder}

What made you decide to sell on etsy?

- When Gavin was just a little baby, my sister, Autumn (mamazakka.etsy.com) told me about Etsy and I fell in love with the site and all the very cool and unique things I could find and purchase. It became kind of my hobby to buy things on Etsy, and I soon realized that I needed to support my spending habit. So, while my son napped and Caitlin played, I began the discovery process of what I could make to sell on Etsy.

{circles and polka dots felt bookmark}

Where do you get your inspiration?

From nature, from my love of the Arts and Crafts period, from my love of color.

{trio of Mod Little Posies felt ornaments}

What is your favorite music to craft by?

I like listening to podcasts of This American Life and The Moth.

{woodland rainbow felt and fabric brooch}

When it's cold outside...

you can find me inside making flowers.

{meadow flower in bright red and polka dots brooch}

When I'm hungry...

you need to feed me fast, or else I get cranky.

{warmly festive felt bookmark - my fave!}

When I need a boost...

I like to go running or practice yoga.

{set of two peppermint candy star ornaments}

I wish I was/were...

in France.

{trio of woodland sprays felt ornaments}

If I could give one gift to everyone I know, it would be...

a gift of tolerance and acceptance of different ideas and people.

{golden dijon felt brooch}

If I could have coffee with anyone, it would be...

Shiva Rea.

{plum and charcoal blossom felt pin}

If you were an animal, what would you be?

A lion.

{flowering hearts in red and turquoise felt brooch - love this colorway!}

What's your favorite piece of your own? 

Mother and Baby Nesting Playset. I love the tiny details, and it really speaks to me as a mother.

{in a pocket of love - mama and baby nesting playset}

What are your favorite blogs/websites right now? 

When I'm on the computer, I'm usually checking my e-mail or at Etsy.com! :)

You can find Soleil Girl 

on facebook and

on etsy.

One lucky winner will receive this beautiful heart-shaped brooch just in time for Valentine's Day!

- To be eligible for entry, you must be a follower of my blog through google friend connect or through your preferred RSS reader. -

- Make sure you leave me a way to contact you if you win. -

- Please leave separate comments for each entry. - 

First entry (mandatory):

- Visit Soleil Girl, select your favorite item and tell me about it.

Extra entries (optional):

- Like Soleil Girl on Facebook.

- Sign up for the Kate and Oli mailing list.

- Follow me on Twitter, tweet about this giveaway and leave me the link.

- Add my button to your blog.

- Like Kate and Oli on Facebook.

- Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link. 

Fine print: Giveaway begins when it is posted and ends at 11:59pm pacific standard time January 28, 2010. A winner will be selected by a random number generator on January 29, 2010 and will be emailed promptly.