Saturday, May 30, 2009

An Interview with Steppie - and a Giveaway!



Herro! I am Steppie; an independent artist/designer, but more importantly, a lover of design with an enormous passion for creativity. I am 23 years old, and I started my business shortly after I graduated from college. I have less than one year of experience on my belt, but am already surprising myself with how much my work has evolved. One thing will stay true with my craft though: I will keep killing you with cuteness... one tee, tote, and painting at a time. :)



1.) What kinds of things inspire you?

I'm inspired by a lot of things: nature, animals, patterns, colors. But often times, it's just me and my sketchbook. One sketch will lead to another, and when I have something that jumps off the pages and makes me smile, I know I've found something. I like to think of my work as modern simplicity -- taking cute creatures + patterns, and infusing it with my own little fun twist.



2.) What is your favorite thing to create?

Ooh, this is a hard one to answer! If you take a peek into my shop, this will be no surprise as it's obvious I love working with a lot of different mediums. I think I'm more obsessed with processes and the materials that are involved in a process. So the idea of bringing charcoal in contact with a piece of wood, or pulling fabric ink across a mesh screen, those are probably my favorite parts of being creative in general.



3.) Do you have a studio, or a corner of your house for crafting?? What is it like?

Considering I just graduated from college last year, the only place I can call mine is a bedroom in my parent's house. While I would love to have my own studio someday, the space I've created in my bedroom to act as my faux studio will have to do for now! Photos of my creative space:




4.) Have you always been crafty? If not, how did you get into making things?

Yes, I've always shared a love for arts & crafts. Growing up, my mom was a wee bit overprotective at the time and didn't let me wander outside the house after school with the other kids in my neighborhood. While some may find this "limiting" for my childhood, I actually found that it helped me become more creative with how I spent my time. And in turn, helped me realize my passion for making things. To this day, I'm more of a homebody, and the thought of spending time indoors with my crafts is my idea of a good day.



5.) Tell us about a new skill or goal you have for the future, related to creative pursuits or otherwise.

A challenge I constantly have for myself is to never limit myself to what I think I can do. It's almost reaching a year since I've started my business, and I'm still learning a lot about myself and what I'm capable of. The next step for my business is to continue concentrating on my clothing line -- I want to introduce more accessories, and even start a baby/kid line! It's all new exciting things from here on out, it's just a matter of time. Oh, if only time could be my best friend!



Steppie has generously offered to give away one of her CUTE panda faced tote bags to a very lucky paper*cakes finds reader! :) Please check out her shop, and leave a comment with your fave item for a chance to win. For extra entries, you can blog about the contest, or tweet it, or post in on myspace/facebook - just be sure to leave an additional comment for each entry! The giveaway will close at Midnight Atlantic time, on Sunday.

Steppie has extended her 15% off her entire shop to any participants/readers until 3rd! She is also offering a free gift with any orders from paper*cakes readers!! Just put "PAPERCAKES15" in the message to seller box at check out. :) Yay!

+ ( BLOG ) : http://designsbysteppie.blogspot.com/
+ ( TWITTER ) : http://twitter.com/xoxo_steppie

Giveaway Winner Update:



Congrats to Lindsey Lu! Watch for an email from Steppie! xo

130 comments:

Erika Pitera said...

Great interview! It's so nice to hear about someone my age who is creating and accomplishing so much. Keep up the great (and cute) work! PS ~ I adore your I Heart Giraffe print; it made me smile.

Wendy City said...

Hello! :D

I just happened upon your blog (we're friends on Flickr, too) and everything is so lovely!

And Steppie is mega talented. I'm very impressed with everything I've seen and heard!

Wendy

Cindy and Mindy said...

Great interview, and a fabulous shop!!!
Thanks for sharing it with us.

72studios said...

great interview and I absolutely love the 'penguin has love on his mind' greeting card....very sweet!

72studios.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I am a big fan of Seppie's! I love all her stuff and would love to win the tote bag! I love the penguin has Love card in her shop!

Anonymous said...

I am a big fan of Steppie's! I love the penguin has love on his mind card!

Anonymous said...

Just tweeted the giveaway!!

orange sparrow said...

There are so many adorable things in her shop!

I love the panda face bags, so cute! But I also really love the tree carving (heart to heart).

sassypackrat said...

So many lovely images in her shop! My 3 favorites are the "I Heart Panda" print, "Bunny Love" print and "Mel the Unicorn" print. Couldn't pick just one!

andrea creates said...

Such a cute panda!
I love everything in her shop-but especially the hedgehog-the chillin series and anything with pandas~
Her workspace is so neat and, 'neat'.I'm jealous :)

Christina said...

I really like the shop! I have hearted it.
My favorite would be...Into the Woods - printed wood plank. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21410392 How cool! The Oh Deer journals are so cute too.

Unknown said...

I really love steppie's workspace, its looks really calming ♥
My favourite piece would have to the I am a ninja print, but any of the pieces with the ninja on I absolutely love, they're just so fun and sweet :)

erma said...

I love the panda face bags.
erma.hurtt@sbcglobal.net

Lilly said...

What a cute tote!! I love it.
My favorite is the Bowtie Pocket Tee - Ultraviolet. It is great!
Thanks a lot.

Angie L said...

The penguin has love card is the best!

mverno said...

this is really interesting mvern@roadrunner.com

Unknown said...

You are very talented! I am jealous!!!! I don't have an artistic bone in my body!!! I really like the Bunny Love - 6x6 Print! Thanks!

sherri419 at gmail dot com

KimberleyAnn said...

Hi :)

Wow! Steppie's stuff is just GORGEOUS!!
I especially love the Tree Carvings (Heart to Heart) .. if only I had the money to buy one :( .. but seriously everything that she makes is just SO cute!!

xx.

KimberleyAnn said...

I also just tweeted about this as well!! :)

And I'm heading over to Facebook to put it in my status with a link!! :)

mar said...

Flying Panda - Golden Yellow Tote Bag is my favorite item. I collect bears!

Faith said...

oh my gosh, i love pretty much every single thing on there. my love for pandas takes the cake though -- i especially love the messenger bag.

The Merry Death said...

What cute stuff! I love the Flying Panda Tee - Light Blue. :)
meredycat*lycos*com

Cherie said...

I love the shirt - the card - the bag with the flying panda - SUPER CUTE!!!!

Unknown said...

Hello! I love all the 'flying panda' stuff - the tees (especially the light blue!) and greeting card!

shrimpsaladcircus@gmail.com

Cherie said...

Just posted it to my facebook page

amy@articulations said...

Wonderful shop. I really like your style. My daughter's best friend loves pandas, so we are always looking for them. I love this shirt:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25545517

FlightFancy said...

What a nice interview. Steppie's shop is so cute. I love that flying panda tote bag in yellow.

Danie B. said...

I love the designs! What a cute shop-- my two favorite images are the hedgehog and the penguin. They're so adorable. Thanks for the chance at the giveaway! Danielle [danielle.bracken@live.com // avanilayne.etsy.com]

Casie said...

I truly love that Panda Face Tote Bag. It is so adorable.

The Merry Death said...

Tweet! https://twitter.com/meredycat/status/1972654175
meredycat*lycos*com

melissa kaye said...

I like the flying panda print! Super cute and a wonderful idea ;-) I would love to have that print on my desk.

Ali said...

I love all the NINJA stuff! So cute! But I'd also love the Panda Tote Bag.

JACLYN said...

The Bowtie Pocket Tee caught my eye and I love all the Panda items. :)
firstrosegrrl@yahoo.com

Betty A. said...

I like the purple pin-back elephant design!

bantibus@aol.com

irish said...

What a fun site! I loved so much but especially the Flying Panda Print and the Hedgehog. I love the way she puts her heart into her work and where she gets her inspirations from. Everything is absolutely adorable!

kristen said...

everything is sooooo cute!
the panda face bags are adorable and i really love the hedgehog greeting card!

Amber said...

Steppie's shop is just too cute! I love her "I Heart Panda 8x10 print"

Thank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

*heart* steppie. she has such amazing creativity :)
my fave is the flying panda. too sweet - who can resist balloons + pandas?
thanks :)

Unknown said...

I Am A Ninja - Ocean Blue Tote Bag is my favorite.

Unknown said...

Tweet http://twitter.com/dddiva/status/1974868228

KMalinkaVintage said...

Great Blog!

mrs.mommyy said...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21400245
mrs.mommyyatgmaildotcom


count me in

Everyone have a great week!

Anonymous said...

the panda face tote
snowyatnite@yahoo.com

Rebecca said...

Her work is adorable! It's hard to choose one favorite, but I like the Mr. Hedgehog in Love journal!

dawns41 said...

I like the Flying Panda -Golden Yellow Tote Bag.

dawns_horizen(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

Cute, cute stuff. I would love to win!

Lindsey Elisabeth said...

I adore the ninja shirt! That would be perfect for my fiance!!

Great giveaway!
Lindsey Lu
lostandfawned(at)gmail(dot)com

Melanie @ Whimsical Creations said...

I love the I Heart Panda - 8x10 Print! Too adorable!

=) melanie
http://melaniescrafts.blogspot.com
melanieadey at hotmail dot com

covercover said...

I like the Purple Elephant - 8X10 Print

ktanjatk(at)gmail(dot)com

amy dame said...

jeez, how can anyone pick a favourite!? i've narrowed it down to a few things though - i love all the 1" pins, i feel the need to collect them all! the oh deer journals are so so lovely, i'd be scared to write in them! but i really really love Paper airplane chase. that is so gorgeous!

thanks for the giveaway!!

slb3334 said...

I love the flying panda tee.

vboackle said...

i like the ultraviolet Bowtie Pocket Tee.

Unknown said...

I lov everything in her shop...wow just to win something from her shop would be great.

Melissa Copeland said...

...count me in!!! i love every freakin' thing in her shop.. but i think my fave is her little headgehog cards... and i do love her original paintings...if only i could afford one.

-Melissa
http://www.adiqshun.net
adiqshun@verizon.net

Melissa Copeland said...

I tweeted your giveaway!

-melissa
xoxo
http://www.adiqshun.net
adiqshun@verizon.net

My Heart Blogged said...

the i am a ninja shirt are my fav

Anonymous said...

I love the "Bird Talk (white)" print. So fun!

Thank you for introducing me to another blog for google reader :)

Sara said...

twitter update: http://twitter.com/DIYSara/statuses/1976965097

That tote is just too cute!

Katherine Fellows said...

Her stuff is adorable! Love it.

Wehaf said...

It is hard to choose a favorite, because I like so many pieces in her shop. The "I Am A Ninja" tee is marvelous, as is the "Gossip" acrylic painting!

urchiken at gmail dot com

ethnically ambiguous said...

what a tough decision... all of Steppie's pieces are awesome but since I am a lover of cute melancholy little creatures I would have to say the On a Rainy print is my favorite

C.Sarah said...

Steppie really WILL kill me with cuteness. How am I supposed to pick my one favorite thing?? One of my favorites is the Hedgehog/Penguin in love journal (see? Still can't make a decision!)

atomic[.]unicorn[@]gmail[.]com

Cat said...

Very cute products! My favorites are the panda items... I couldn't just choose one fave =) The panda face messenger, and panda face and flying panda (golden tote) are very adorable!

Brooke said...

cute, adorable, love it all but my son... now HE would love any of the I am a Ninja stuff

Ashley said...

I loooove that Panda tote, how incredibly cute! From her store, I'm definitely a huge fan of the Flying Panda tee, especially in the grey v-neck style. Great store!

KikiZoe86(at)yahoo(dot)com

sarah donnelly photography said...

I think that my fave in your shop is the "On a Rainy Day" greeting card. My friend's mom just had breast cancer surgery and the second I saw it, I thought I had to get it for her. I love her as though she were my own and want to send my regards.
Thanks for offering up your cute bag for the lucky poster- it's great for business!!

Cabootique said...

Cute interview and I adore the shop. My favorite item is the Bird Talk (white) print.

carethediva[at]hotmail[dot]com

Michaela R said...

I'm totally in love with that bag, my god!!

i tweeted you!
http://twitter.com/outfromunder/status/1977799271

Anonymous said...

love it:) My other fave: Flying Panda - Golden Yellow Tote Bag:)

Anonymous said...

Yay for Steppie! I purchased a cute little owl pin a while back. So cute! Don't give a hoot is still my favorite!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25467333

Anonymous said...

I love the Bunny love print!

autielady[at]live.com

Hetal said...

I like tree carving.

throuthehaze said...

my fave is the I Am A Ninja (retro) - 8x10 Print

Nina said...

The tote is cute!!

janetfaye said...

I like Into the Woods - Greeting Card.

Thank you!

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

janetfaye said...

Tweet:
http://twitter.com/Janetfaye/status/1978867519

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

Mishia said...

I love the items in her shop! Very cute!

Mishia said...

I absolutely love the The "I Am A Ninja" tee. Tough decision.

Anonymous said...

I love your panda items. So cute!

lifeofkaos@gmail.com

bloggytreasures said...

I just adore the little Bird Talk framed print!
quelleheure4[at]gmail{dot}com

bloggytreasures said...

I tweeted! http://twitter.com/quelleheure4/status/1979214212

Eliza said...

I love this one: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21760948

My gosh, I think it's so beautiful!
Very inspirational.

Great giveaway, thanks!

fairy_lizz@hotmail.com

AshleyMariePaperie said...

I was introduced to steppie a few days ago during Etsy Chat. She is such a wonderful person! I was looking for ideas on how to set-up my craft show display and she graciously forwarded me pictures of her own display to help me get jump-started with ideas... her ideas are all so unique and gorgeous! You just can't help but heart her shop!

My favourite item in her store is the Panda Face Messenger bag.

janil said...

I love Steppie's work... I choose the fantastic Gossip - Acrylic on Canvas (10x10).

thanks!

cal_rubies at yahoo dot es

Sarah Z said...

I really like the Flying Panda Tote - so cute!
Thanks
Sarah
believedreamcourage (at) gmail.com

Unknown said...

I love the Flying Panda Original Wood Art. Very cute!

Aisling said...

I really like the Flying Panda Tee in light blue.

Unknown said...

It sounds like her business is off to a great start! I love the I Am A Ninja Tee!
saidera1@gmail.com

Becky Pool said...

I'm all about the gray v-neck Flying Panda shirt.

So cute!!!



rebekahjpool@gmail.com

Taylor said...

I'm going with the Penguin card because I can't get enough of them!

Kelly g said...

I like Panda Face - Messenger Laptop Book Bag

Mo Pho said...

I LOVE the I heart Panda print! So cute! krherning at yahoo dot com

mariza said...

such a cute bag! I also love the I Ninja Pinback Button!

Anonymous said...

What adorable artwork on all the products!! I love the I Heart Giraffe - Printed Greeting Card. Awww....sooo cute!!

talonsmom731 at gail dot com

Anonymous said...

I tweeted about this super cute giveaway
http://twitter.com/talonsmom731/status/1981327879

talonsmom731 at gmail dot com

JuliaA said...

i love the 'i am a ninja' tee. i'd love to see it in kids' sizes and onesies. such a great design.

j_bdules at hotmail

Chelsea Ann said...

Thanks for sharing this amazing artist with us!
I love Tree Carvings (Heart to Heart) if I only get to pick one!

Chelsea Ann

Unknown said...

My favorite is the "Into The Woods" greeting cards. I am a crafter myself and love Steppie's workspace!!!

janetfaye said...

Tweet:
http://twitter.com/Janetfaye/status/1982098921

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

Angie said...

Great interview! You stuff is too cute! :)

Your "I Am A Ninja" shirt is my fav item from your store :)

getpalmd said...

I Heart Panda - 8x10 Print ♥ ♥

judybrittle said...

I think the Flying Panda - Golden Yellow Tote Bag is really cute! Thank you!

judybrittle said...

I tweeted
http://twitter.com/kewpiedoll04/status/1982665158

lezanac said...

Love the Bird Talk - Matted and Framed Print

AmishDancer said...

My favorite is I Heart Whale - 1 Inch Pinback Button. Thanks for the giveaway!

AmishDancer said...

I blogged: http://prize-apolooza.blogspot.com/2009/05/papercakes-finds-steppie-giveaway.html

AmishDancer said...

I tweeted: http://twitter.com/amishdancer/status/1983119293

AmishDancer said...

I posted on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=1764442156&v=feed&story_fbid=86199934759&ref=nf

Elsie said...

The "Mr. Hedgehog in Love" Journal is just one of the many items that caught my eye, and made me smile....
I love pandas since I saw one face to face about a year ago, never will forget that adorable animal which Steppie captured with her heart and art! She has a flair for cute and sweet!

pumpkinlady430@yahoo.com

Sweet Design Inc said...

Oh what a talented artist! I will be hearting her etsy shop! I love the I heart Giraffe print. I love giraffes and this one is so cute!

Melissa said...

Flying panda things were beautiful. :D

natalie said...

Oh, I absolutely love your "I Am A Ninja" tee! So freakin' cute!!

natalie said...

I tweeted about the giveaway! :)

Aleda said...

The "I am a ninja" t-shirt just cracks me up. :)

Distressing Delilah a.k.a. jenn said...

Omg..what a beautiful, clean and neat workspace! Envy. Not to mention the adorable work that takes place there!

kym said...

The ninja shirt!! Does this count as an entry? Lol <3 you koochie!!


-bisnar

Mary P. said...

The Panda Face - Zippered Canvas tote bag rocks pretty hard:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25363413

PrettyGoodThings{at}gmail{dot}com

Unknown said...

love the cards! too cute. On A Rainy Day - Greeting Card is my favorite

The Paper Flower Shop said...

I might be biased for cards, but I LOVE the "all you need is love" greetings card!

~Sheila
The Paper Flower Shop
www.thepaperflowershop.etsy.com

The Paper Flower Shop said...

I tweeted for another entry!

~Sheila
The Paper Flower Shop
www.thepaperflowershop.com

Suzanne said...

What a wonderful giveaway. I'm just in love with that sweet little tote. I'll be crossing my fingers extra tight! :-)

remarker/fcffollower said...

Tons of nice stuff but Aurora Birdealis (Lemon Sherbert) cheered me right out of my funk

suzanne said...

Just tweeted this
@suzanneb2

Jamie said...

Oh, wow! Definitely a favorited shop! There's so much I love, but if I had to pick a fave, it would be the penguin journal (i heart journals!) or the wood plank heart piece! Looove it!!!

js22 said...

Tree Carvings (Heart to Heart) is lovely!

Thanks for the giveaway!

email in blogger profile.

Chris said...

I'm in a panda mood, so right now my favorite is the Panda Face Messenger Laptop Book Bag!

danunepthys(at)hotmail(dot)com

Helen said...

I adore the Bowtie Pocket Tee.

cstironkat said...

I like the I am a ninja t-shirt and the panda face tote.

melanie.joy said...

This is so inspiring! I'm in the same situation with having recently graduated from college. Thanks for the post! :)

Mechelle said...

What absolutely adorable designs!