A Prairie Path Giveaway

 This giveaway is closed!  Go here to see who won.

 

I am so excited to introduce you to the artist behind this giveaway.  Her name is Marla and I am honored to know her personally.  I was good friends with her brother in college and soon Marla started attending as well.  We shared the same group of friends- Oh!  Don't you all just miss some of your college friends to bits?! I'm going to let Marla tell you a bit more about herself, her craft and the gorgeous pieces in her Etsy shops- Prairie Path and Prairie Path Vintage...

I have always been a creator/artist.  Growing up in rural Kansas left me with a strong connection to the land.  My inspiration comes from nature: vibrant flower blooms, the brilliant green of new grass, the golden rolling wheat fields just before harvest.  Being a mother, my children are constant sources of inspiration, as well.

As a child I would spend hours in my Grandma's sewing closet digging through her scrap fabric to make Barbie clothes.  Fabric has continued to be the mainstay of my work.  In high school, my senior art exhibit included tie-dyed shirts and corduroy caps.  While majoring in visual art at a small liberal arts college (where I met Thy Hand) silk painting and weaving were amongst my favorites.

Prairie Path offers upcycled items made from pre-existing wool and cashmere clothing.  I don't know when or who coined the word upcycle, but I like it.  Think of recycle, except elevating the recycled material to a new level of quality and beauty.  My Etsy shop has been a win-win-win situation for me.  First of all, 2 years ago when my family moved to the DaIlas metroplex so my husband could pursue a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, I was (and still am) staying at home (in an apartment) with our 3 kids and desperately needed a creative outlet for my own mental health.  Secondly, because I use pre-existing materials (primarily wool sweaters from the thrift store) I am keeping materials from the landfill, cutting down on fossil fuels and supporting the stores that make a difference in people's lives.  Thirdly, Prairie Path has generated some extra income for our family currently living on student loans (it's tough, folks!)  

Because I'm a thrift store junkie and love vintage items, I also have another Etsy shop called PrairiePathVintage, where I sell vintage clothing, etc.  One more shameless plug (it's the last one, I promise!).  Anyone in the DFW area in October can come see my  creations in person at the Urban Street Bazaar Oct. 2-3 and at the Coppell Farmer's Market Oct. 30.

Thanks, Thy Hand, for hosting this giveaway on your inspiring blog and for letting me sleep on your dorm room floor all those years ago.

The Giveaway:  The winner of this giveaway will get to choose an item of their choice from Marla's Etsy shop, Prairie Path (up to a $30 value!).

To Enter:  Visit Prairie Path and look around.  Then, come back here and tell me in the comments section which item you would choose if you win.  Please only one entry per household.  If you comment anonymously, please leave your first name or initial so I can identify you.

I will choose a winner sometime on Friday.  Thank you, dear Marla!!

I love hosting giveaways for my readers.  If you're a regular reader here, please let me know if you'd like me to host a giveaway of one of your creations (thyhand123@gmail.com).  It's a great way to support and get to know each other.

Photos courtesy of Prairie Path.

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