garden giveaway {no. 8} :: etsy chat with pieces of april

Before, I introduce the last sponsor of my August Garden Party, I would like to take a moment and thank all of my guest writers and my sponsors of this month. My "gardeners" did such a lovely job tending my garden! 

I also wanted to thank Miss Bethany especially for contacting a sponsor and arranging such a lovely giveaway, and congratulation Miss Haley on winning the lovely earrings. {may you enjoy those ;)}. 

~~~~~

Alrighty, the last giveaway of my garden party is sponsored by.... 

{click the banner to visit shop}

April is such a sweet person and her shop is filled with the cutest handmade delights; 'twas my pleasure to interview her to-day :: 

Me :: How delighted I am to have you here in my garden. Thank you so much for joining me to-day. 

Would you mind starting by telling my readers a little bit about yourself?

April :: My name is April. I am originally from West Texas but now live in South Louisiana. I am hispanic which is why you will find some of my items have a Spanglish (Spanish & English) name. My wonderful husband Michael and I have been married 8 years. I have a chocolate labrador, Daisy who is my little baby. I love fishing, college football, and anything my husband cooks!

Me :: What encouraged you to start an Etsy shop and when was it opened?

April :: Two reasons compelled me to open my shop. One, my mother who is an artist needed help opening a shop. Secondly, I had recently quit a full time job at a stationary store to help my husband with his trucking business. I missed the creative side of the stationary business but did not miss the long hours so I opened my shop to keep that creative part of me alive.

Me :: Are there any particular Etsy shops that inspire you?

April :: I was an Etsy customer before I was a shop owner so I have quite a few different shops that I love. Two shops that have inspired my craft are Woodland Belle (she makes her work an art form) & ; Earmark is another great shop which I love. They are both so unique.

Me :: Name a few of your top-selling items. 

April :: My top sellers are bobby pins in sets of 3 and custom rings. I love to help someone custom design their rings in a favorite color or flower. As an added perk I customize gift tags by adding a personal message, name or quote.

Me :: What is perhaps, the most enjoyable part about owning your own shop?

April :: The relationships I create with other shop owners and customers from all over the world. I now have customers who keep up with me and my daily life. We even chat up a storm on Facebook. 

Me :: What inspires you as a crafter? 

April :: My mom. She thinks outside of the box. Her ideas never end.I also find inspiration where most others do, in the highs and lows of life, in love and sadness, my dog Daisy, and my husband Michael.

Me :: I love your shop’s name! Is there a specific concept or story behind it?

April :: My mother named me from the song "Pieces Of April" by Three Dog Night, a rock band. Her inspiration became mine and it just seemed to fit the shop so well since every little thing I make is a little piece of me. 

Me :: For the new Etsy shop owners out there, do you mind sharing a few of tips or things that you have learned through experience?

April :: I have learned the importance of a great photo. Customers should touch and taste with their eyes. I think if you provide a nice shop front with a few great quality items you will find success. 

Me :: Is there any thing else you would like to add? 

April :: I believe in doing what I love even if I only get to do it part-time. I am so very grateful to you for allowing me to share a little about myself and for sharing Pieces Of April with your readers!

Thank you so much, April, for allowing me to interview you! I hope that your shop flourishes with business this year! {I LOVE all of your products!!!}

a peek into the shop 

April sells some of the cutest things 'round including...

earrings...

rings...

hair clips...

and paper goods....

the giveaway

Dear April sweetly and generously agreed to give away a little packet that consists of three beautiful bobbies as well as a pair of rosette earrings...

Are they not darling? April specifically reserved this listing just for my garden party!

 I am quite jealous of the winner, for this color pallet is one of my favorites. :)

~Listing~

Ahhh, purple regal and rich. This set is made up of 3 Gold Plated Bobby Pins and a set of earrings.

Bobbies: Large Rose, Medium Dahlia and Orchid, in different shades of purple 

Earrings: Lilac Rose Bud on Gold Plated Posts Pins measure about 3 to 2 1/2 inchesEarrings measure a little under 1/2 inch

Special thanks to April for contributing this lovely packet of bobbies and earrings.

:: important information :: 
{before entering, please carefully read the information below} 

{one} You must complete the mandatory entry before completing extra entries.

 {If you fail to complete the mandatory entry, all other entries will not count, thus, you will not be entered in the giveaway}. 

{two} You must leave separate comments per entry you complete. 

{I use random.org when choosing the winners of my giveaway. If you leave all of your entries in one comment, it will be accounted as one entry}. 

{three} Giveaway ends Monday, September 5th, and winner will be announced soon thereafter. 

All the past giveaways from this month have been extended to the beginning of September.

{four} The winner will have 24 hr. within the time of the announcement to contact me about her prize.

{five} Giveaway is open to young ladies in US only.

:: how to enter ::

:: mandatory entry :: 

{click to visit} 

Visit April's shop, and let me know what catches your eye in her shop.  

 :: extra entries :: 

heart April's shop. 

add April to your Etsy circle. 

like April's business on facebook. {link is coming soon} 

spread a little love to my guest posters, and read their articles, leaving a sweet comment.

{{leave separate comments per article you comment on}}

be or become my follower on this blog, on facebook, or pinterest.

{{leave separate comments per one you complete}}

post about this giveaway on your blog or facebook.

{{leave a separate comment for each you do}}

enter one of my this month's past giveaways.

{{leave separate comment per giveaway you enter}} 

purchase something from April's shop. {worth ten entries; leave ten comments} 

You may begin entering now!