Artist Interview & Giveaway - Kate's Paper Goods

Who's ready to meet another awesome blogger and Etsy artist? I found Kate's blog not too long ago and became mesmerized by her beautiful pictures. After clicking around a bit, I discovered her even more beautiful shop filled with hand-painted paper goods. I'm so excited to have her here!! She is even giving away a set of her chalkboard gift tags just for you! (For U.S. and Canada residents only.)

Introducing Kate...

Tell me a little bit about yourself!

I grew up in Southern California and then ventured up to Seattle for college. I'm back in LA now (Pasadena to be specific), but I absolutely love Seattle and imagine I'll live there again someday. I've always been a huge lover of art and design. I earned my degree in interior design, but have since realized how much I love graphic design/illustration. So right now I'm interning at MaeMae Paperie and learning about what it's like to be a stationer!

How did you get into creating paper goods? They are so beautiful!

Thanks!! I always made cards for all of my friends growing up, so I guess it's been a long time coming. Interestingly, when I was finishing up my interior design degree, I realized that one of the things I loved the most was putting together my portfolio-- which kind of turned me on to graphic design. When I graduated, the economy was in the dumps, so I didn't look too hard for an interior design position. I started working as a receptionist and in my free time I'd make cards. Within six months or so I created kate's paper goods, my etsy shop.

Your photography on your blog is also stunning! When did you decide to start blogging? Has photography always been a passion for you?

I didn't start blogging until last summer. I had recently gotten really into reading blogs (it was like I discovered this world that I didn't know existed. and it was AMAZING.) and thought it would be fun to have my own. I've always enjoyed taking photos, but I felt like there was more of a purpose once I started blogging. I was just using a point and shoot at first, which really inspired me to save up for my DSLR. Now I really enjoy taking photos... I think I'm getting a little better, but I'm still pretty dang inexperienced!

I've noticed a lot of pictures of food on your blog and it always makes me hungry! Do you enjoy cooking? Would you call yourself a "foodie"? haha! I'd love to know some of your favorite foods and places to eat in your area!

Oh gosh. Good question. I absolutely love food... and have fun trying to make new things. I also enjoy going out, but I don't eat at real fancy places or anything. I love unique ice cream (let's be honest- any ice cream), so Carmela's in Pasadena is a favorite. The Eveleigh also has an amazing brunch. Their banana bread is to die for. To DIE FOR. I'm also a huge fan of going to the farmer's market and buying a bunch of fresh fruit/veggies. I'm basically a vegetarian (eat fish very rarely), so it's all about finding new delicious ways to eat veggies. I love finding new recipes via blogs and Sprouted Kitchen is a favorite.

What is your favorite part about the handmade community?

Well I love that it really is a community. People are interested in what other people are doing and support one another. And I love that so much heart goes into creating handmade goods. I'd much rather support someone doing what they love than sweatshop labor. A million times over.

Random Question: If you could invite anyone and eat anything at your dream dinner party, who would it be and what would you eat?

Decisions, decisions. If I were going to choose just one person, it'd have to be Ira Glass. I'm obsessed with This American Life and I think he'd just be so fun to hang out with. He'd have lots of stories to tell, interesting perspective on things, and of course he's funny. And awkward, in the most awesome way. And what would we eat? We'd probably make pizza with lots of delicious toppings. Maybe asparagus, arugula, some goat cheese. Yeah. That sounds lovely.

Giveaway!!

I'd love to give away a set of my wooden chalkboard tags to one of your readers. My favorite thing about them is that they're reusable, so when you give someone a gift, they're receiving a gift tag as well!

To enter the giveaway you can do one or all of the following:
(For U.S. and Canada residents only.)

1.) Visit Kate's shop and leave a comment about your favorite item here.
2.) Follow Kate's blog, A Day with Kate and leave a comment here.
3.) Follow my blog, One Sheepish Girl and leave a comment here.
4.) Follow Kate on twitter and leave a comment here.
5.) Follow me on twitter and leave a comment here.
6.) Tweet about this giveaway. Leave a comment here. Use this phrase:

"Enter to win a set of chalkboard gift tags from @adaywithkate on @sheepishknit blog http://bit.ly/mSJtR6 "

7.) Don't tweet? You can still spread the word! Share this giveaway on Facebook, Tumblr, or on your own blog! Leave a comment here.

*However, make sure you leave a SEPARATE comment for each entry. Otherwise, your entry will not count. Also, leave some way for me to contact you if you win.*

*This giveaway is only open to U.S. and Canada.*

Giveaway ends June 26.

Thank you so much Kate!

I hope everyone loves her blog and shop as much as I do! :)