cupcakeMAG HOME Featured Etsy Designer -- It's Written on the Wall plus a giveaway!

When we first meet LaNae of It's Written on the Wall we were thrilled to find her Etsy shop full of our favorite Audrey Hepburn & Marilyn Monroe vinyl wall quotes. And we mean, thrilled! It's Written on the Wall is your go-to place when wanting to re-vamp a wall in your home or even put them on a canvas so you always have them with you! We just adore LaNae and her Etsy shop & think you will too which is why we are giving you a chance to win a $75 shop credit to get your shop on! 

Read on to get to know more about LaNae & her FABulous biz! 

Don't forget to scroll down and enter the giveaway too!

{Marilyn Monroe Wall Quote, $24}

{What made you start It's Written on the Wall?}

Starting this business was something that I would never have imagined doing. Not that I'm not creative, I've been creating things most of my life but this was a surprise.  My daughters were interested in selling vinyl lettering/wall quotes and needed someone to design and make them and I thought, "I can do that" and so I bought my first Gerber and taught myself all about the world of vinyl and design and have been doing it for the past five years.  I had been selling on eBay for 8 years prior to that so I already knew everything about the business end. Designing wall quotes is such a wonderful creative outlet for me and I love doing it.

{One of our FAVEorite Audrey Hepburn quotes, $14.99}

{How did you come up with your shop name?}

It was easy to come up with the busines name "It's Written on the wall" mainly because that's what it looks like....to quote my brother "It looks like you've been writing on your walls"  He's right except it actually looks like someone hand painted the walls. You can change the mood of a room with a wall quote, whether it is an inspirational quote or something funny or profound.

{Coco Chanel Wall Quote, $19.99}

{Tell us about some of the quotes you  have in your shop.}

We have over 400 designs in our Etsy shop with categories ranging from quotes for girls, boys and home and family to celebrity quotes. If you like Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Coco Chanel then we have something you'd like. We also have Vince Lombardi, Nick Saban and Lou Holtz to name a few. There's 

something for everyone in our shop.

{Because everyone needs a little Carrie Bradshaw on their wall! $18.99}

{What are you are not designing the items in your shop what can we find you doing?}

If I'm not designing then you'll find me in the kitchen. I love to bake. I've just recently put together a family cookbook that was a lot of fun. I have three granddaughters ages 9, 5 and 2 that love to bake too so they are in the kitchen with me whenever they come over and, of course, sweet treats are our favorite recipes.

{We are in LOVE with this Scalloped Circle Monogram, $23.88}

{What is up next for the shop?}

There's always a new design in my head waiting to be put into play. I never worry about running out of ideas for my designs. A simple ride in the car, a magazine or photograph can inspire a new design. So I guess what I'm saying is that I am here to stay, I love doing it too much to stop.

{All Things It's Written on the Wall}

{blog}

{shop}

{facebook}

Read on to enter the $75 shop credit to It's Written on the Wall! 

Stay tuned for when we launch our new re-vamp'd site -- 

we have a few more of our It's Written on the Wall projects to show-off on cupcakeMAG Home! 

Giveaway: $75 shop credit to It's Written on the Wall! 

Head over to It's Written on the Wall and tell us what item you just LOVE. This comment is mandatory. You also MUST be a follower of cupcakeMAG and cupcakeMAG for Littles.

For extra entries please do the following and make sure to leave your email in at least one comment. Good luck! 

1. Follow cupcakeMAG on Twitter.

2. Make sure you "Like" us on our Facebook page.

3. Make sure you "Like" It's Written on the Wall on Facebook!

4. Subscribe to our updates (top right corner above) - just sign up with your email!

5. Tweet about this giveaway and include @cupcakemag -- you must tweet, not just follow.

6. Make It's Written on the Wall a favorite on Etsy. 

7. Write a blog post about this giveaway on your blog and send us the link.

We will select a winner via random.org on Friday, May 20th at 11pm! Please make sure you enter the mandatory comment first before doing the extra entries.

Featured Etsy Designer -- Mandy of MandolinGoose PLUS a giveaway!

Mandolin Goose is one of our favorite shops for our home on Etsy. Filled with upcycled goods we just love - from mirrors to frames - the designer loves to re-vamp her vintage finds and we love her for doing it. 

Meet Mandy of Mandolin Goose & fall in love with her Etsy shop!

{Mandolin Goose on Etsy}

{We paired this blue mirror with our collection of milk glass vases}

{1} What made you begin your shop?

Initially, my Etsy shop was a way to whittle down some of the many, many vintage items I've collected over the last 20 years. Then I found myself collecting more (it's an addiction!), and would often spot an item that could use some sprucing up, with some paint, or another alteration, and ta-da! It was new all over again, but still with some of the original character. I certainly can't keep every item I work with, so I sell them, and it helps support my collecting habit.

{2} What is your favorite item to upcycle? 

The frames are probably my favorite, because there are so many different styles and shapes, and once they've been dressed up, or painted and distressed, they're so versatile. They look great in a grouping with similar items, or mismatched for a more eclectic feel. I like to place them on the mantle with an assortment of candles for a look that can easily be changed... seasonally or for a particular theme.

{English Tin, $10}

{3} What are some of your other favorite Etsy shops? 

Wow, there are so many! I really like waterpath, vintagespecial, yystudio, sushipot, WearableArtz, and poordogfarm... and 1000 more! I bought a great netbook case from freemoment. There are so many talented Etsians. Personally, I love textiles, knit items, original art, vintage anything, and so many sellers will do custom work, which makes the Etsy experience even more amazing.

{Vintage Faux Wicker Mirror in a super-FAB pink, $14}

{4} What inspires your work? 

My inspiration depends on what I'm working on, really. It may be the shape of the item, if it's to be upcycled, and pairing that with a modern color will really make it pop. I'm often inspired by textures, color, character, or the "personality" of the piece. When I work with paper, I tend to choose vintage illustrations, and unusual text, often in a foreign language. I love mathematical text, too, as I'm a bit of a math geek. I've been a casual artist all my life, and always have at least a few projects going on at once, and there's still so many crafts I want to try, and media I'd like to work with. I've also got The Sillymobile, my car, that's an ongoing project that I hope is never finished. In addition to my many hobbies/crafts, I'm fortunate to have a profession (chef) where I'm able to express my creativity.

{Mandy's car, otherwise known as Sillymobile}

{5} What is up next for you?

I've started making jewelry, and have an Etsy shop for that at SplendidLulu.Etsy.com. It's a small collection so far, but I'm having fun! I'm also getting into doing more work with vintage ephemera, another passion of mine... Etsy shop for that soon to follow. I have too many hobbies!

{We also added in a set of Mandolin Goose vintage scones for  a slash of color}

Lovin' Madolin Goose? Check out their shop on Etsy and make them a favorite. In the meantime, check out the FABulous giveaway below. We are giving one cupcakeMAG reader a chance to win our current favorite in the shop! 

{WIN THESE BELOW!} currently our fave in the shop!


{THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED. CONGRATS TO KAITLYN M. FOR WINNING. 
YOU HAVE BEEN EMAILED!}

Giveaway: Pictured above, The Moderne Farbe Candlestick Collection, 5 piece set, Retail Value of $42. 


Head over to Mandolin Goose and tell us what item you just LOVE. This comment is mandatory. You also MUST be a follower of cupcakeMAG and cupcakeMAG for Littles.


For extra entries please do the following and make sure to leave your email in at least one comment. Good luck!

1. Follow cupcakeMAG on Twitter.

2. Make sure you "Like" us on our Facebook page.

3. Subscribe to our updates (top right corner above) - just sign up with your email!

4. Tweet about this giveaway and include @cupcakemag -- you must tweet, not just follow.

5. Make Mandolin Goose a favorite on Etsy. 

6. Write a blog post about this giveaway on your blog and send us the link.

We will select a winner via random.org on Friday, May 6th at 11pm! Please make sure you enter the mandatory comment first before doing the extra entries.

Annette Tatum Giveaway for cupcakeMAG readers! Win a Queen Duvet and Pillowcases of choice!

As a follow up to our fantastic crib-set giveaway last week on cupcakeMAG for Littles - we didn't want our cupcakeMAG readers to feel left out.  So, BIG THANKS to Annette who has has kindly offered one more giveaway this Spring! Only this time it's just in time for Mother's Day! Win it for yourself or give it as a gift for Mother's Day!

We can't wait for one of our readers to win a Queen Duvet of choice plus a set of standard pillowcases.

{Please keep in mind delivery will take 4-6 weeks as duvets are made-to-order.}

Make sure you check out our chat with Annette here! {just in cased you missed it!}

Enter below.....you don't want to miss this giveaway!


{THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED. THE WINNER was announced VIA Twitter} 

Note: Please make sure you leave your email address after each comment so we can contact you if you win!


Giveaway: Queen Duvet of choice plus a set of standard pillowcases. Head over to Annette Tatum now and leave us a comment with what duvet you would LOVE! This comment is mandatory. You also MUST be a follower of cupcakeMAG and cupcakeMAG for Littles.

1. Follow cupcakeMAG on Twitter.


2. Follow Annette Tatum on Twitter.

3. Make sure you "Like" us on our Facebook page.

4. Make sure you "Like" Annette Tatum on Facebook.

5. Subscribe to our updates (top right corner above) - just sign up with your email!

6. Tweet about this giveaway and include @cupcakemag -- you must tweet, not just follow.

7. Tweet about this giveaway and include @atatumstudio -- you must tweet, not just follow.

8. Write a blog post about this giveaway on your blog and send us the link.

We will select a winner via random.org on Monday, May 2nd at 11pm! Please make sure you enter the mandatory comment first before doing the extra entries.

Featured Etsy Designer -- Ashley, The Vntage Queen -- Plus a giveaway!

Coming across this Etsy shop changed our life. Okay, maybe it didn't really change our life but it certainly made it just a little bit more amazing! Ashley, the super-sweet Queen of Vintage is one of the nicest people we have ever worked with and we just can't stress that enough. She adores her customers and wants everyone to be happy when they shop at the Vntage Queen. We are so excited to share this shop with you and the beyond FABulous lady behind it! Read on to get all the details on the shop we have fallen in love with -- plus, win $50 to get your shop on! 

{1} Tell us a little about yourself, the true Vntage Queen. 

My name is Ashley!  I am a mother, full time college student, girlfriend and Etsian. I am a US Navy Veteran!  I served 4 years and was aboard two Destroyers, USS Stout and USS Gonzalez.  And yes did the whole 6-month out to sea bit! I am back in school for a second time!  It is quite a bit different being older (and yes wiser) and being a mother!  I originally planned to become an Earth Science teacher.  With all of the nation wide cuts lately, I have decided to follow my dream and become an Interior Designer.  Thanks to my Etsy shop, I now have the confidence to know I can do it and be great! 

I have always loved Interior Design.  I used to play Sims just so I could create and decorate the house!

I am a mother to Brianna (who I call Boopy), a cute and sassy little 4 year old!  She is amazing and a genius, literally.  My favorite part of the day is taking her with me on errands and she asks the most random person if they want to talk about dinosaurs.  She then will go on about every detail she knows (which is quite a bit).  She amazes me!

I am a girlfriend to my soul mate, Jeffrey.  He is so amazing!  He too is a veteran, Marine Corp.  Which I think helps us click better. We just get one another!  He is also a full-time college student and is Civil Service for the Air Force.

Jeffrey is super supportive and expects nothing from me.  He puts no pressure overhead just gives me room to grow.  I couldn’t ask for a better partner! 

{2} Where do you find the items in your shop? Flea markets, yard sales? We are dying to know where you score such awesome vintage treasures? 

I travel all over the state to find my goodies (as I call them).  I have three favorite places that I frequent each week.  Two are thrift stores and another is an antique shop.  The key to finding great vintage is staying away from big name and over browsed thrift stores.   It’s the hole in the wall, maybe in a not so great part of town places that have the treasures! 

I also love flea markets.  The flea markets in the country are the best!  You usually have the sweetest little lady that call you sugah, or honey! 

{Ashley's own wall of art collection}

{3} What made you decide to start a vintage shop on Etsy? 

I stumbled upon Etsy one day when I was researching an item I purchased.  Checked out a few stores and said, wow I can do this!  I have a collection of vintage items at home that all of friends have asked, “where in the world did you find this?” So I knew I could find great vintage pieces for a shop.  It was perfect timing too with being in school.  I didn’t want to work, but wanted a little extra spending money and voila, there you have Vntage Queen. 

{4} Do you have any personal faves in the shop currently? We do! All of them! 

Oh goodness, where do I begin?  Hold on, let me browse….

I absolutely love my goddess cocktail glasses.  I just think they are so different and amazing!  And my Moschino Cheap and Chic velvet skirt!  The pictures just do not do that piece justice.  It is amazing!

My two all time favorite pieces have sold though, the Lucite Pyramids and the Mid Century Horse lamp. Those are the two that I second-guess myself about selling. 

{cupcakeMAG fave: Fabulously Ornate Brass Candle Sticks, $38}

{5} What are your favorite Etsy shops?

I just recently ordered a bracelet from monpetitchouboutique.  It is super cute, nicely made and was packaged in the cutest box.  I also have a dinosaur necklace (thanks to my daughter and boyfriend) from ANORIGINALJEWELRY.  It is super cute!

My favorite vintage shops would be AMradio, fabulousmess, experimentalvintage, shavingkitsuppplies, and littlebyrdvintage.  And many more!  There are some really great Vintage shops on Etsy. 

{You may notice this Milk Glass Vase from our Birthday Feature on Pizzazzerie.com, $12}

{6} How would you describe your own personal decorating style at home? 

I like a neutral background with pops of uniqueness.  I want to be able to change with the seasons, with my mood or if I find a piece that is so amazing I need to redecorate to build around it. And I love pops of color!  I lean more towards Hollywood Regency and Oriental pieces for myself.

{All Things Vntage Queen}

Etsy Shop

Twitter

Now, it is your lucky day! cupcakeMAG readers have a chance to win $50 to the Vntage Queen. Read on to enter and start marking your favorites now! 

Giveaway: Enter to win a $50 Gift Certificate to the Vntage Queen!

Enter now! Head over to Vntage Queen on Etsy and tell us what would fill your cart. This comment is mandatory. You also MUST be a follower of cupcakeMAG and cupcakeMAG for Littles! 

For extra entries you can do the following below and leave us a separate comment for each letting us know. The more you comment the better chance you have to win!

1. Follow cupcakeMAG on Twitter.

2. Follow Vntage Queen on Twitter. 

3. Make sure you "Like" us on our Facebook page.

4. Subscribe to our updates (top right corner above) - just sign up with your email!

5. Tweet about this giveaway and include @cupcakemag -- you must tweet, not just follow.

6. Tweet about this giveaway and include @vntagequeen -- you must tweet, not just follow. 

7. Write a blog post about this giveaway on your blog and send us the link.

We will select a winner via random.org on Friday., April 29th at 11pm. Please make sure you enter the mandatory comment first before doing the extra entries.

cupcakeMAG Home: Fresh Centerpiece Ideas from Country Living

One of our favorite things is getting the Country Living newsletter in our inbox - we just can't get enough of their monthly issues so daily newsletters are heaven. So you ask, what are we currently obsessing over? Fresh centerpieces & oh-so-stylish table decorations! Spring has sprung in our homes!

{we LOVE these painted tin vases coffee & soup cans recycled with Benjamin Moore sample jars!}

{Learn how to re-create this centerpiece here}

Head over to Country Living now for loads of Spring ideas for your home! 

A cupcakeMAG Fave: The Office Stylist plus a giveaway!

Read on to enter an awesome giveaway plus our chat with The Office Stylist 

herself, Sayeh Pezeshkim CEO/Fonder of Sorting with Style.

We have a serious obsession with stationary goodies, office pretties and all of the above. This is why we adore The Office Stylist and their must-see shop, Sorting with Style. Who doesn't love a pretty office? Well, The Office Stylist is the go-to place to style your office and we love it. Of course, we also adore the CEO/Founder of both the online magazine and store. She is the perfect stylist for your office and like she says it is all about great "office style in a manila world."

{home office makeover featured on The Office Stylist}

1) What are your top decorating tips to make your office space cozy and unique?

Here are my top 3 tips:

1.    Pick a Theme: It’s really easy and you can start with something like your favorite color or think of things you love in your home like antiques. A great example is my favorite is Purple + Black

2.    Think about how you like to work: Are you a messy worker or an organized worker?  Choose functional and stylish products that fit into your theme.  For Ex. Binders, pencil cups, pens, magazine holders.

3.    Put it all together: This is the fun part! Switch out all those dull and boring supplies for new office accessories that fit into your theme.

It’s simple. It’s easy, and you can do it on a budget.

{Mirror Mirror Pencil Cup}

2) What are your favorite items that you like from Sorting with Style?

Everything! It’s both a blessing and a curse that I love absolutely everything from SortingwithStyle.com. BUT, if I had to choose a few favorites they would definitely be:

- Our entire collection of Mirrored Desk Accessories. The mirrored desk accessories are so glam and beautiful, it really makes a difference on a desk.

- The Ceramic Memo Pad. This thing is so convenient and really is a big paper saver. I put this in my kitchen though a lot of customers have it on their desk at work.

- Fun and gorgeous Lipstick Pen. I get compliments on this pen daily. Every time I’m at a store and I whip this out, I’m always asked where I got it from!

- A favorite of mine and one of our biggest sellers right now which is the iPhone Sticky Notes Pad. Seriously, it can’t get any cooler than this!

{cupcakeMAG pick: we love these feel like Spring file folders}

3) If there was one must have that you need in an office, what would it be?

It’s tough to say because there really isn’t only ONE thing you need in an office but many.  If I had to choose one thing you should invest in/need it would definitely be a desk. You will have this piece for years and it can make or break the style of your workspace so take heed when shopping!

Now, if you don’t have a choice in your desk because you’re working for someone else, then definitely a pencil/pen holder. No matter what you do for a living you need this desk accessory. It’s something that can help you style your desktop, when you don’t have the option to haul in new furniture.

{on The Office Stylist, they tell us how to find the perfect candy bowl for your office!}

4)‎ ​ What is up next for the Office Stylist and Sorting with Style?

We have a lot of things coming up for both the magazine and store but for right now they are super top secret. One thing I will say is to be sure to follow me on twitter at @officestylist because that’ll be the first place an upcoming announcement will be made!

5) Can we hope for a retail store one day?

Yes definitely! You can be sure it will be in an amazing location and filled with tons of fabulous office supplies and desk accessories. We’ll definitely keep everyone in the loop when that time comes.

{GET TO KNOW SAYEH A LITTLE MORE!}

5 Likes

-Pretty Office Supplies(obvious one right?)

There is nothing I love more than shopping for pretty office supplies or decorating an office space. Something about pretty office supplies just brings a smile to my face J.

-Sushi

Absolutely addicted! For anyone who has tried sushi and didn’t like it, I say try it again and this time with someone who is an avid sushi go-er. YUM!

-Chocolate

I love it, plain and simple.

-Baking

 I could bake all day. If there were a way to incorporate baking in an office makeover, I would probably do it. Ha!

-Reading

To make it simple, I could drown in books. I read all the time and usually have a book with me in the car in case I’m early for a meeting or stuck in line somewhere. I use the Amazon.com app on my iPhone a little too much actually…

5 Dislikes

-Cucumbers

 Yuck! For some reason I just can’t stand the taste, though some argue cucumbers don’t really have a taste.

-A Messy Office

There is no reason an office

-Traffic

I live in LA and have yet to see a worse highway than the 405. I’m thankful I don’t have to commute but when I have errands across town, the traffic is unbearable.

-Being on an airplane

I love to experience new places and cities but can’t stand to get on a plane. I feel like I’m trapped and the fact that you can’t choose who your neighbors are makes it that much harder. Doesn’t stop me from traveling but it definitely made it on my dislike list!

-Salad

I know it’s kind of random but I have never found a salad that I’ve liked; I’ve tried them all, trust me. Chinese chicken salad, Caesar, mixed greens, BBQ chicken salad etc. No offense Salad, but I would not be heartbroken if you disappeared from restaurant menus altogether.

{All things Sortying with Style}

{Office Style in a Manila World}

Store: http://SortingwithStyle.com

Magazine: http://TheOfficeStylist.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/officestylist

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sortingwithstyle

Read on to enter to win a $50 gift certificate to help style your office! 

Giveaway: $50 to Sorting with Style! 

How to win: Visit Sorting with Style and tell us just what is on your wish list. This comment is mandatory. You also MUST be a follower of cupcakeMAG and cupcakeMAG for Littles. 

For extra entries you can do the following below and leave us a separate comment for each letting us know. The more you comment the better chance you have to win!

1. Follow cupcakeMAG on Twitter.

2. Follow The Office Stylist on Twitter.

3. Make sure you "Like" us on our Facebook page.

4. Make sure you "Like" Sorting with Style on Facebook. 

5. Subscribe to our updates (top right corner above) - just sign up with your email!

6. Tweet about this giveaway and include @cupcakemag -- you must tweet, not just follow.

7. Tweet about this giveaway and include @officestylist -- you must tweet, not just follow. 

8. Write a blog post about this giveaway on your blog and send us the link.

We will select a winner via random.org on Tuesday, March 15th at 11pm. Please make sure you enter the mandatory comment first before doing the extra entries.