An Interview and Giveaway with Elizabeth Caldwell

I am a stay at home mom of two beautiful kids and a freelance surface and graphic designer. My designs have been on all kinds of stationery products and party supplies sold at stores such as Target, Michael's, Walmart, Dollar Tree, and Party City. I love Jane Austen, Vampires, and Vintage. I am a featured designer at TinyPrints.com and WeddingPaperDivas.com and I also have a little Etsy shop that I try to fill with things I love so much that I have to make something to prove it.



1. What inspires you to come up with new designs?

My kids inspire me the most but I get my inspiration from just about anywhere. It could be a magazine, a trend, my favorite film or book, a color or even a feeling. If I feel happy I want to immediately create something that expresses that happiness.



2. How long have you been creating?

Probably since I could hold a crayon. I have ALWAYS been creative and felt most at peace as a kid when I was coloring or making something. I had a huge collection of disney books and I used to trace the characters until I was good enough to draw them freehand. I was very determined. =)



3. Where do you do your work? Do you have a dedicated area of your home, or?

I don't have an official studio or office space but my dining room has recently been taken over by my supplies and laptop. Because I have a laptop and I stay at home with my almost 3 year old, it all depends on the day and my son's mood. If he needs me to be in his room while he plays I bring my laptop up there. I love the flexibility of my laptop but I am definitely working on creating a studio somewhere in my house. A MUST for any creative! It really helps you be more efficient.



4. Tell us about a goal you have for your business

My goal is to create enough residual income from licensing my art so I can focus more on reviving my brand on Etsy. I have soooo many ideas for new products, just not enough time to make them a reality. Another goal I have is to learn web design and launch a website showcasing my patterns for licensing and merge that with my blogs and shops. Yes, I could pay someone to do this, but I have always been the kind of person that needs to know how to do everything. =)



5. What is your favorite album?

Wow. That's tough. I love so much different music it would be hard to pick an all-time favorite. I would have to say Radiohead's In Rainbows. I can listen to that over and over and there isn't a track on that album I don't love. I think they are brilliant!



6. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Living somewhere in the country in a big house with a porch, a HUGE studio that gets lots of natural light with a very successful licensing brand that includes fabric, home goods, stationery and gift wrap.



7. What is your favorite thing to do on a weekend?

Spending time with my kids and hubby and having FUN! We also really love to curl up in front of a fire, eat popcorn, and watch a family movie together. =)



8. Tell us about a new skill you'd like to learn

Web design!! Oh and I would LOVE to learn to sew and embroider. I have lots of ideas for my shop but need to learn to sew first!

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THREE winners will each win a a 2011 desktop calendar!

To Enter;

Visit Elizabeth's Shop and pick your fave item, and leave it in a comment.

To qualify for additional entries you can..

2. Become a fan of Elizabeth on Facebook
3. Blog about this giveaway
4. Follow this blog on GFC
5. Follow Papercakes on Twitter
6. Put my button in your sidebar
7. Tweet this giveaway
8. Like Paper*Cakes on Facebook
9. Follow PaperGlitter on Flickr
10. Share this giveaway on your Facebook status
11. Follow the EcDesign blog on GFC
12. Follow Elizabeth on twitter

Closes Feb 14th - 1 comment for each entry please