{feature:Laura Belle & giveaway}

Hello loves! I would like to introduce you to the very talented Laura Belle!

Well hello there! My name is Laura Belle and I'm 25 years old and hail from the great northern state of Minnesota. I love it here. I studied graphic design in college, spent a stint in Germany at a small design school and eventually graduated and got a job in Chicago at a little advertising agency. I learned a lot about the business (good and bad) and after 2 years packed my bags and moved back to my lovely Minnesota this past February to start my own little venture, OhHi Shop. I like working and I love what I do. I've found that the most successful and fulfilling projects are the ones that I really believe in and can stand behind. I love getting excited about work, excited to get up in the morning and being able to make something for someone else to enjoy. I hope to grow OhHi into something great, something that is constantly evolving and adapting with time.

What inspires you most?

I'm always inspired by simple, happy things. Things with a story or a history. Rummaging through old salvage stores, yard sales and antique shops is such great motivation. Also...it's sometimes helpful for me to find inspiration in work of other designers and artists, particularly if they have completely differing styles or themes. Since it's so unfamiliar and new, it pushes me out of my safe zone and helps me think in a different way. I love that!

What are your top 5 fave blogs?
Oh man....only 5? I tend to cycle around a lot but here are the 5 of the moment:

MadMade [www.manmadediy.com]
I was so so happy when I came across this one. There are tons of fun and practical projects that aren't overly "crafty".

The English Muffin [http://englishmuffinblog.blogspot.com/]
She's a smart girl with a head for business and I love her little illutrations. I've only just discovered this one but it's already become a regular.

Yvestown [http://www.yvestown.com/]
Aesthetically I melted when I saw it. Her photos and style are fabulous and she brings out some really interesting projects.

A Beautiful Mess [ http://www.abeautifulmess.typepad.com/ ]
Always a constant inspiration! I've been reading for almost 2 years now and Elsie is always bringing something new.

Girl Goes East [ http://girlgoeseast.com ]
This girl is hilarious! I read one entry and I was hooked.

Where can we find more of you?
Here's a few quick links...enjoy!
OhHi blog: www.ohhishop.com
OhHi shop: www.etsy.com/shop/ohhishop
Locality shop: www.etsy.com/shop/locality
Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/locality/
GatheredGoods: www.gatheredgoods.tumblr.com/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/OhHiShop

What are you current projects?
Currently I'm swapped but loving it! I'm working on building up OhHi and doing some product development in the coming weeks, fun blog things, finishing some custom orders, etc. I've got an exciting new product idea for Locality (my other etsy shop) and am about to post that soon. I'm working on starting a circle journal with a few other ladies. My friend Megan and I are going to start up a fun little DIY exchange blog which we're both VERY excited about, it'll be way fun! Other than that I take on freelance design work on the side here and there...oh, and I'm also in the middle of crocheting my first granny square blanket. (little dream project that's been on the list for a while). So ya, those are just a few things...haha, always room for more though!

Laura would love to give away this super cute 2x2 mini stitched heart to one lucky winner!

To enter:

*Leave a comment below telling me what your favorite item in OhHi shop is along with your email address to be contacted at if you win.

For extra entries:

*Become a follower of my blog & leave a comment saying so
*Become a follower on Twitter & tweet about the giveaway & leave a comment saying so
*Blog about this giveaway with the picture from above & leave a comment saying so

Do all the above & that gives you 4 chances to win! =)

Remember, if you would like to be featured on my blog, please email me at oneartsymama(at)yahoo(dot)com