Monday, September 7, 2009

Come See...What Art-Is-In {Artisan} Chat and Giveaway!

Welcome to the second installment of Come see...What Art-Is-In {Artisan} Chat and Giveaway! I discovered Diane from Pixiebell Elfinwear when I was lucky enough to win the April Flowers contest on byhand.me. When I opened the box of goodies, I put on that hat and wore it all night! And secretly...just a little bit of me looks forward the upcoming cool days so I can don it again!


So, without further adieu, on with the chat!



Where can we find your work?
You my find my work on etsy, artfire, 1000markets and in some select boutiques around the US.


{cloche hats on display in Bento Honesdale, Pennsylvania}


What inspired the name Pixiebell?
Several years ago I belonged to a chatroom and had wanted to use the name Pixie, but it was already taken. Elfin, Gnome, Faerie...all taken. Tinkerbell and even Stinkerbell were taken, so I tried on last ditch effort with pixiebell and got it. There really is no story behind the name, I just have always liked mythical type creatures. it is just sheer coincidence that I would, years later, come to knit pixie and elfin style hoods.



What type of environment do you create in?
I'd love to tell you about some vast and glorious studio that I create in, but I really do most of my work in my living room, on the couch with my family, watching movies. I even considered naming my hats in the same style that "Friends" episodes are named. "The Beret I Knit While Watching 'Practical Magic' " or "I Did My Best Not To Cry On This Hood While Watching 'The Notebook'." Some day there will be a studio, but I imagine I will still be sitting on the couch, watching movies.



What inspires you?

I grew up in Vermont, knitwear was essential! I remember discovering my mother's collection of scarves and hats on an upper shelf in a closet one year. I borrowed a long dark blue plaid scarf and a hat in the colours of cole slaw that winter. Keep in mind, I was 11 or something and proper colour combinations were an afterthought. It was nice having something different than what all the other kids were wearing. I felt special.


I grew up and we moved away, but I never lost that want for something cozy. I find my inspiration in the fantasy of still being a kid getting ready to go race down a hill on a toboggan. I still hope to look up in a closet and find big woolen hats, just a little oversized.




{photo credit: Cassidy Jean}

I live in Florida now and although we very rarely require warm knitted hats, I believe I have come to fulfill the comfort I seek, in making these hats. Perhaps I even live vicariously thru them. Parts of me are scattered all over the world, seeing the sights, squealing with delight over the first fallen snow of the season, breathing the crisp mountain air again. It's the next best thing to actually being there.




Do you use social networking? How has it worked for you?
I love to Tweet! I have found Twitter to be an amazing way to connect with other artisans and people of similar interests. I love being able to share funny little moments without much effort. I love reading and interacting with my friends and followers and getting instant reactions to new ideas and shop listings. I am http://twitter.com/elfinwear if you would like to follow along.

{photo credit: Cassidy Jean}

What do you look forward to?

I look forward to the hustle of the fall and winter seasons. I love that feeling that productivity brings. I look forward to being the hand behind creations that will turn into gifts at the holidays.


Thanks so much for joining us and sharing your thoughts Diane!


And now, on to the giveaway! As a special treat Diane is offering this adorable fuzzy blue beret! You can enter to win by visiting Diane at her Etsy, Artfire or 1000Markets Pixiebell shop and leave a comment here with a link to your favorite item. Want to enter again? Follow Diane or me on Twitter. One more time? Tell us about your favorite hat or scarf and why it was special to you. Make sure to leave your email or add it to your profile so I can contact you if you win! Giveaway will end on Friday, September 25th at 9:00 pm (EST) and the randomly chosen winner will be announced on the evening of Sunday, September 27.





Good Luck and Thanks for Joining us!

66 comments:

  1. I visited her etsy shop and I found this beautiful Urchin Beret in Raspberry http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29706398. Thank you for the chance! dikatzen@yahoo.fr

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  2. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29705476

    I love this one!

    laiafortuny(at)gmail(dot)com

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  3. Oh, I really love this one here:

    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29805898

    It's gorgeous!

    fairy_lizz@hotmail.com

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  4. My favourite scarf is one in a dark red shade, simply because it seems I wore it each time something special happened. It's beautiful. I also love the feeling I get when I wear it in the morning and it keeps a scent of perfume from the day before.

    fairy_lizz@hotmail.com

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  5. i love the cable beret in red cranberry: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26671843

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  6. my favorite scarf was teal and long and it was special because i crocheted it for my sister for her birthday.

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  7. Another item from Diane's Etsy shop I really liked is the "ribbed knit beanie in rocky road". Thanks for the chance to win!
    Zoe0825@verizon.net

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  8. turtleneck cowl is so cute! love the lemongrass color also! thanks for this opportunity!

    meredith(.)targarona(@)gmail(.)com

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  9. I had a Snoopy hat in 1969 that was my favorite, because I was and am still a big fan of THE PEANUTS GANG. Thanks again for the chance to win!
    Zoe0825@verizon.net

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  10. My favorite is the apricot capelet. How nifty! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27457286

    hrfarley at gmail dot com

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  11. My favorite is a spring soft scarf in white and light pink. I like to tie it not only to my neck and to have that romantic look but also I like to tie it to my wrist as a bracelet.

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  12. My favorite is http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27457286 this is beautiful that caught my eyes

    sherrygo at hotmail dot com

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  13. blogged http://anothercontest.blogspot.com/2009/09/fuzzy-blue-beret-giveaway.html

    sherrygo at hotmail dot com

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  14. I love the cable hat in purple fig. So beautiful. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30221568 Thanks for the giveaway. mybabyappleseed(at)yahoo(dot)ca

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  15. My favourite scarf is one of those fuzzy ones and it's silver. It's special because my Grandma made it for me and I always think of her when I wear it. She made me lots of sweaters and dresses when I was young, but this is the only article of clothing she's made me as an adult. (She does make clothes for my kids now though!) mybabyappleseed(at)yahoo(dot)ca

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  16. I love the Pixiebell Elfinwear and could totatlly see myself wearing it. The link is at http://www.1000markets.com/users/pixiebell

    wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  17. My favourite hat/scarf ever was a fuzzy white one that my mom bought for me when I was a young girl. I wore it til it fell apart.
    wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  18. What a beautiful giveaway my fingers are crossed. I love all your goods they are beautiful my fav are the autumn cloch hat it is sooo pretty.Thanks for the giveaway.Marian

    mtzeenla@yahoo.com

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  19. My favorite idem is here :) Elfin Hooded Scarf Hat in Green Apple http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18033054

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  20. I LOVE the cable beret in lemongrass! All of the hats are amazing!! Thanks for the giveaway!

    sarsosariATgmailDOTcom

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  21. When I was a little girl, my favorite hat ever was a red hat that had small yellow wings on the sides. I loved it...I would even wear it to hat day at school! Now my favorite is a beautiful brown sunhat :)

    sarsosariATgmailDOTcom

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  22. I really love this one:

    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26671843

    The cranberry is a very pretty color.

    -Lauren
    lauren51990 AT aol DOT com

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  23. I follow Diane on twitter: @shootingstarmag


    lauren51990 AT aol DOT com

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  24. My favorite scarf is this purple one I have, and it means a ton because a friend of mine made it herself for my birthday one year.


    lauren51990 AT aol DOT com

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  25. Hello, I am following you on twitter I already left a comment but I don't know how to link my favourite item.My fingers are crossed I'd love to win the hats are gorgeous.Marian

    mtzeenla@yahoo.com

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  26. I love the oversized beehive beret hat in red cranberry! Such a great style and color!
    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30606538

    malibu.bunny.xo@live.ca

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  27. And my favourite scarf is a silk scarf that was my great grandma's, her son gave it to me when she passed away. It's navy blue with a gold leafy pattern, and I wear it because it reminds me of her.

    malibu.bunny.xo@live.ca

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  28. Gosh ..don't mind me ..I just had to mention that reading these comments really lifted my spirits today! Thanks everyone! Thanks Kristen!

    Diane :-)

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  29. This licorice hat with the skull buttons is wonderful!
    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29955188
    Thank you, Martha

    msakelley at gmail dot com

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  30. Hmm, my favorite hat story, it's a toss up between the Irish Tweed cap that all of us in the family have or my crazy multicolored wool cap made by Tibetan women to help them improve self sufficiency. Super cute and a great cause! Thank you so much and so nice to find you on etsy.

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  31. I like the Autumn Harvest Cloche Hat in Spice and Cream with Pirate Skull Button.
    jswandrn @ gmail.com

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  32. I love the The Flirty Librarian Capelet in Apricot.

    aikychien at yahoo dot com

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  33. I'm following Diane on Twitter @aikchien

    aikychien at yahoo dot com

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  34. My favourite hat is a simple one, handmade with love by my dear old grandmother.

    aikychien at yahoo dot com

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  35. My personal fave is the Elfin hooded scarf hat in Butterscotch.

    ghainskom at yahoo dot com

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  36. i really like the design of this! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30306825
    but this hat would keep my head warm in the winter and looks really cute too!
    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30683964
    ah i can't decide! :D
    randomness.blue(at)gmail(dot)com

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  37. i follow you on twitter!!!
    randomness.blue(at)gmail(dot)com
    :D

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  38. my favorite scarf is one that my aunt knit for me a long time ago. when i was little i really wanted a scarf so i asked her to make one for me. While she was knitting me the scarf, she taught me how to knit. so i tried to knit my own scarf for the first time. when my aunt finished, she game me the scarf she made. and i gave her, mine. even though mine was hideous compared to hers XD
    randomness.blue(at)gmail(dot)com

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  39. my favorite is the The Slouch Hat in Oatmeal
    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28043326

    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

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  40. The favorite hat I own has really long earflaps and is orange and green. Ive had it since high school and everyone always tried to steal it from me cuz its just that cool.

    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

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  41. I follow you both on twitter @throuthehaze
    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

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  42. I like the slouch hat in blueberry twist found at
    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27565705

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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  43. Fun giveaway! We LOVE the Chunky Cloche hat in blue:

    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16890059

    Thanks!

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  44. The Pixie Hat in Raspberry is awesome.

    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24998022

    carethediva[at]hotmail[dot]com

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  45. I love this: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28237594
    It's so fancy!

    andthen at me dot com

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  46. I follow Diane on twitter - andthencrafts

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  47. I have this super soft pink striped scarf that I've had forever. It's warm and I love how it feels!

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  48. I love this one:
    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30812628
    cal_rubies at yahoo dot es

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  49. I love hats during the fall months!
    My favorite item is the Cable Beret in Porridge. So cute! Thank you for the chance to win.
    lilygreig(at)gmail(dot)com

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  50. I really love the Chunky Mobius Cowl in Oatmeal.

    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30220738

    Caroline
    design4less at yahoo dot com

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  51. I love the Slouchhat and the Cable Beret :)
    eod_army_wife04(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  52. My favorite is the Cable Beret in Lemongrass. So beautiful! Thanks for the chance to win.

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  53. My favourite is Urchin Beret in Blue Raspberry.

    pozytywniej@gmail.com

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  54. My favourite scarf is on I made myself. I made him during my winter holidays in Paris. And it brings out so many memories...

    pozytywniej@gmail.com

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  55. Oh so many hats! I love knit and crochet hats SO much, but I am unable to make either.
    One of my favorites is the gorgeous Cable Beret in Spicy Rust - the knit is amazing, and the color so rich for fall.
    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30007996

    heidig@gmail.com

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  56. All of my favorite scarves have been handknit by crafty friends. One of my favorites is a delicious cream wool thick & thin yarn knit with a brown, green and pink ribbon yarn. It is SO long and soft. I received it in a craft swap from a talented and sweet knitter.

    heidig@gmail.com

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  57. I love the very basic slouch hat in cream!
    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27020018

    samoore at gmail &dot& com

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  58. Also have been following you both on Twitter!
    http://twitter.com/scraparcs

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  59. Cable Beret in Red Cranberry

    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26671843

    Deborah
    comfortjoydesigns AT gmail DOT com

    Michigan Addy Ready

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  60. I like the chunky cloche hat in butterscotch with amber buttons
    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31041089
    tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

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  61. They are all so pretty But my favorite one has to be the Oversized Beehive Beret Hat in Cracked Pepper
    tanyainjville@yahoo.com

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  62. I love the hooded scarf in pink, perfect for Maine winters http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17595554

    micaela6955 at msn dot com

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  63. Back in the day, when temps were sub zero here in Maine during the winter I had a pink ski mask with scarf that was soooo warm.... I wore it from the time I was 5 till I was about 11 and it kept my face, neck and head super warm. I can't seem to find one for my daughter, so they probably don't make them anymore.

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  64. following you on twitter @micaela6955

    micaela6955 at msn dot com

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  65. I really like the Chunky Mobius Cowl in Oatmeal
    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30220738


    ldsmom2201 at yahoo dot com
    The Happy Wife
    Homeschool Unit Studies

    ReplyDelete

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