Handmade Feature and Giveaway - Lisa Leonard Designs

Lisa Leonard is an absolute saint. She makes some of the most beautiful jewelry you've ever seen, plays mommy to two little guys, takes breathtaking photos, and brightens our every day with her inspiring blog. She's one of those people who seems able to find the silver lining in every moment, and she's become one of my favorite reads and shops. Lisa's work has been featured all over the place, so you probably recognize some of her pieces.

Q. What's the story behind Lisa Leonard Designs? A. I started the jewelry business when my first son David was born. He was born with a disability and I really wanted to be able to work from home. His birth lit a spark in me and even though I was afraid, I decided to jump in and take a risk by starting my own business.

Q. Tell us a little bit about you.

A. I'm an indentical twin, married to an amazing man, and blessed with two fun-loving boys. I have to create. Everyday. I'm also realizing I'm an introvert and I need alone time. I love the beach, eating breakfast out, watching movies, Target, and good coffee with close friends. And lately I can't get enough hot chocolate with lots of marshmallows.

Q. What is your favorite thing about your art?

A. Definitely creating something unique and meaningful and seeing people resonate with it. Q. Least favorite? A. Trying to protect my work.

Q. I'm officially obsessed with your blog for the way you are able to make any typical moment sparkly and meaningful through a camera lens. What is your favorite thing to capture, and what inspires your stunning photography?

A. I love capturing my boys playing on the beach. The light is perfect and they are genuinely happy. I also love to catch sunlight in my camera lens. I love the glow.

Q. You've been featured all over the place from Glamour to Parenting and Pregnancy magazines (and the list goes on...) and have a wildly successful shop. What's your secret? What bit of wisdom would you most like to impart to Shrimp readers?

A. Network with everyone, but be genuine. Never use people just to further your business. Reciprocate when someone helps you. Be fresh, unique and make sure you love what you're doing!

Q. You're in the business of gifting (and quite good at it!), but if you could give everyone in the world a little something special, what would it be?

A. Well, since we're dreaming here, I would love to give everyone the gift of contentment. How amazing would that be?

Q. What five things make you happier than anything else in the world?

A. Hot coffee, snuggling with my boys, Anthropolgie, Target, my sisters.

Q. If you could never make jewelry again, what would you do instead?

A. Oh wow, that's a great question. I love photography, I love paper and stationary. I also love weddings. It would definitely be something creative.

Q. What would be your ideal getaway right this minute?

A. Carpinteria, CA. It's a little beach town near Santa Barbara and it's my favorite place in the whole world. Someday I hope to own a little home there.

Q. Congratulations - you've just been giving your own talk show! The only thing is, your guests are all children's television and movie characters (cartoons and puppets included!). Who will your first guest be?

A. My boys are totally into superheros right now. My youngest would completely freak out if he saw me interview Superman.

Q. What is your most profound memory from your life?

A. The most transforming moment in my life was when my first son was born. We didn't know he was going to have a genetic disorder and it was the most crushing, devasting experience. But slowly we built a new life with him and I am more happy, content and blessed than i ever thought possible.

Q. What are your favorite blogs and shops?

A. For clothes, Anthropologie and Target For beautiful words and insight the best days of my life For creative inspiration, bluebirdbaby and smile and wave and tara whitney

Lisa Online
Shop
Blog
Twitter

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The Giveaway

I can't tell you how excited I am about this one. Lisa is giving one of you lovelies $75 bucks to spend on anything at all from her shop. Do you have any idea how hard it's going to be to pick something out? Very. This giveaway will end at midnight on Sunday, December 6.

• To enter, you must visit Lisa Leonard Designs and then leave a comment here with a favorite item. You can also suggest a new item that you'd love to see in the shop. This step is mandatory, and please make sure to leave your e-mail address in your first comment.

Additional entries (Leave one comment for each entry.):

• Tell me what your favorite Shrimp Salad Circus feature or aspect is and why! You could also tell me what you'd like to see changed or to see more of.
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