Quietside Crafts Feature & Giveaway

As I sit here at my desk typing this, I can look out the windows and see the bright sunshine, I can feel the gentle breeze, and I can here our resident Mocking Bird singing, singing, singing! It's a beautiful day that the Lord has given us!

I am so excited to finally be able to once again have the time to share with you one of the wonderful shops I've discovered since beginning to sell on Etsy and Artfire. My custom orders are just about caught up now, and I can take time to introduce you to a shop you might not be familiar with yet.

Does your day need a little brightening? Do you need some encouragement? Or maybe you're looking for the perfect birthday or graduation gift. I don't know about you, but I think personalized or inspirational photography prints and cards make wonderful gifts, and can be such a beautiful encouragement!

If you think like I do, then you'll love Quietside Crafts as much as I do! Step right in and let me introduce you!

Please tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Susan and I grew up surrounded by my family in the country.  I still live in New England and love photography.  My faith, family and friends are the most important parts of my life.

Where did your shop name come from?
Quietside is the name of my grandparents' farm.  It's where I spent a lot of time growing up and where my aunt introduced me to the creative world of crafting and photography.

What inspires you to create your work?
I am inspired by the beauty of God's creation.  I also love family history and am captivated by photos from years gone by.



Where/How did you learn your craft?
I started taking pictures when I was around age eight and haven't stopped!  Auntie had a Kodak Brownie Hawkeye camera and one spring day she told my sister Sara and I we could each take 5 pictures.  We spent all afternoon on the farm finding the perfect shots. After that, I was hooked!  I carried a camera around with me to document everything from summer camp to fuzzy kittens, and from first snow to maple time.  

In your opinion, what sets you apart from the rest?
My photography work can be personalized and makes unique keepsake gifts to celebrate a birth, adoption, graduation, wedding, anniversary - you name it! 

Describe your creative process.  What inspires you?
I am inspired by God's beautiful creation, special milestone events, the Word of God, and inspirational quotes.  I love combining these elements into a work of art!

What are 5 things that you could never do without in your craft?
God's beautiful creation, support and encouragement from my family and friends, my Canon G9 camera, my love for the outdoors, and my computer.

What is your favorite item in your shop?
My favorite items in my shop are the photographs that can be personalized for a baby.  When I was born, my family was given a decorative plate with my name, the date, time and location of  my birth, as well as my height and weight.  It has always had a special place on my wall and I cherish it.  I have many seasonal backgrounds and writing styles available and will work closely with my customers to create unique keepsake gifts.         



What is the most exciting thing that has happened since you've started?
I have been very greatly encouraged by those who have been uplifted by my work.  It makes my day to know that I've helped bring a smile or a reminder of God's love and faithfulness to someone.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given in regards to what you do?
Growing up, I tended to go for the landscape pictures and usually centered my subject in the middle of the frame (unless kitty or doggie decided it was time to move right then!)  My sister Sara taught me to look up and look down for the amazing shots I might otherwise miss.  I've also learned that the focus of the piece doesn't have to be right in the middle.

Do you take custom orders? If so, how do they work?
Absolutely!  I'm happy to do custom orders to help create personalized photo gifts.  First, choose a personalized photo from my studio then leave me a note during check out with the information you would like incorporated.  I will send you a proof to OK, make any adjustments you'd like, and soon you will have your custom photograph.

Aren't they just beautiful photos? Every time I look through this shop, I'm encouraged and refreshed by the beauty of God's creation captured by Susan's photography and the truth of the Scripture verses and inspirational quotes so wonderfully paired with the photos!

Any of these prints whether framed or unframed, would make meaningful gifts for someone special! Or choose from one of the beautiful cards to brighten and cheer someone's day. Plus, Quietside Crafts is offering my blog readers a 15% discount for any item in the studio from now until September 8, 2012. Just use the code save15 at checkout to receive your discount.

I also have the pleasure of offering you the opportunity to enter for your chance to win any 5x7 print of your choice (including inspirational prints) from Quietside Crafts! Just follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter form below to enter the giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway