SuziArtist Scarf & Pin Giveaway!

SuziArtist Scarf & Pin Giveaway!

I'm thrilled today to introduce you to an artist and reader who has recently opened an Etsy store called SuziArtist. She knew that I love scarves and asked if she could send me one-and one to give away to you (follow the directions at the end of this post to enter to win a scarf and handmade pin!) I think this would be a great thing to add some color to your outfits-and also a GREAT mom gift. And, she asked if I would suggest a few ways to wear her scarves with "panache and flair!" I hope I did them justice, Susan!

StartCloseIn: I've never seen anything like your scarf/pin sets! They're just gorgeous! How did you decide to take the leap of faith that here was a need for this style?  What is your creative process in making them?

Susan: I adore scarves - especially in the business world. They make quite a fashion statement without the larger investment of individual pieces of clothing if you are on a limited budget. One jacket -say in a royal blue color-can appear quite different depending on the colors in the scarf you choose and the material!

You can find pins, but I never found any that sparked the excitement that a one of a kind handcrafted pin that is created just for a particular scarf does. I discovered a technique that lets me create gorgeous, unique paper. I knew I had to find a way to showcase it. Along with my interest in using oxidized copper, colored foils, clay and Swarovski crystals, the brooches I have created are very unique and can stand on their own as jewelry even without the scarf.

 As a female small business owner, what do you find rewarding or challenging about your business? Do you have any tips for small business owners like me?

It's harder for small businesses to get noticed and takes a while to get going, unless you have a huge circle of friends to help spread the word. Most people recomment using Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook and all of the media out there, but for me...I'd never have time to actually make my creations if I socialized for hours! Lol I started an Etsy store, so we'll see how that goes.

 

Who do you imagine wearing your sets? Where does she go? What does she like?
I think age is irrelevant to who wears the scarves and pins! The main thing is to incorporate the look into your individual style. The scarf sets look just as great with jeans and a t-shirt as they do with business attire. The scarves I carry are brilliantly colored and really catch the attention. I get stopped by total strangers every time I wear one ...because I try to wear it with artistic flair!

How thick are your scarves? Can they be worn in the summer, too?
The season determines the weight of the scarf I think. A floaty chiffon scarf isn't as approoriate in the fall and winter as one with a heavier material, but the colors can still be brilliant and go with anything.

Are you excited? The scarf above is the beautiful one that Susan graciously sent to me (here, I swirled it around a solid black infinity scarf), and here is the giveaway scarf and pin along with how to enter to win!

Here's how to win! Earn 1 point for each of the below. Tell me what you've done in your comment. I'll announce a winner on Monday morning. That's it!

1. Visit Susan's site.

2. Comment with something that you saw on Susan's site that you liked.

3. Follow StartCloseIn on Pinterest.

4. Follow StartCloseIn on Instagram.

5. Follow StartClosein by email via the link on the right side of this home page. 

That's it! Good luck!