Star Sponsor and Giveaway: UUPP *CLOSED*

Carrie from UUPP (Unique Uplifting Positive Prints) is one of my personal favorite Etsy artists. I have this lovely print sitting on my desk:

1. What made you decide to open a shop, and how did you decide on your shop name?

My store started in an interesting way. I wanted to make my teenage daughter, who struggles with depression and bipolar disorder, something uplifting for her room. I created for her, one of the "Life Is Worth Living" posters that are currently in my store .  She has one hanging in her room.

She was so excited and grateful for the poster and message. It made me think of how much an uplifting message can mean to someone. I started to focus on other messages that were inspiring or that just made me smile.  Dealing with the  special needs of others can take a lot out of the caregiver.
I made the poster, "Take Time To Do The Things That Make Your Heart Smile", for me.  It is a reminder to find the joy in each day no matter what challenges you face. 

 I decided to open an Etsy store and I thought of the name UUPP. (Uplifting Prints). It just seemed to capture the spirit of what I was trying to do with my work. I now can’t wait to make new work. I have more ideas than one can possibly handle! It is really exciting to run your own store and make all of the decisions of what gets created. Right now I am simply making work that makes me smile. If someone else enjoys it, I am just thrilled and also very honored. 

2. What is your favorite thing to make / what supplies to do you love to use most?

I enjoy working with vintage papers and finding interesting patterns and combinations to incorporate into my work. I am always thinking of ideas for new work.

3. What do you spend too much money on?

Definitely children's books.  I bought tons before I even had kids. I also illustrate children's books.

 4. If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

A tie between fresh fruit and French pastries!

5. What is your favorite thing about winter?

Sharing cups of hot cocoa and giggles with my husband, two teens and 2 year old and watching the snow gently fall from the windows of my art studio.

***GIVEAWAY***

Carrie is giving away a $25 gift certificate to her shop!

Here's how to enter:

MANDATORY: Visit UUPP and leave me a comment with your favorite item.

EXTRA ENTRIES (optional):

+1 Heart UUPP on Etsy and leave your username

+1 Follow Carrie's blog

+1 Follow UUPP on Facebook

+1 Follow UUPP on Twitter

+1 Tweet/Facebook about this giveaway

Sample tweet: Enter to win a $25 gift certificate from @uuppstore on @yes_teacher 's blog http://tiny.cc/9fccv

Giveaway ends March 4th at 11:59 PM and winners will be announced and emailed on Saturday, March 5th.

If you're interested in promoting your business by becoming a Star Sponsor, see rates here!