And we are back! This week’s Etsy Adore is a lovely, little, up and coming shop from a blog friend of mine. Ashley has such a mix of things in her shop, Joyful Star, there is definitely something for everyone and it is all adorable!
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m Ashley, 24 years old and married for a year-and-a-half to an awesome bearded man. I’m a vegetarian, the oldest of five kids, from Ohio, but lived everywhere (I mean, every. where.), currently residing in Cleveland and working at a university. I spend my days (stuck!) in a cubicle and my nights and weekends taking design classes, crafting, and designing. It’s a good life. I’ve blogged about being a 20-something tree hugger on my blog, Our Little Apartment for a while. (Though I tend to go off on tangents more often than not, just a fair warning.)
How did Joyful Star come to be?
Basically – an internet friend told me to. 
For the full story, go here.
You have a very eclectic mix in your shop. What is your favorite medium to work with? (fabric, paper, design)
That is difficult – I love, love, LOVE sewing because the feeling of creating a functional product is such an empowering, almost triumphant, thing. I love fabric a LOT, as well, and have been known to go far out of my way to pick up some cute fabric. Also, with sewing, there is so much more to learn. There are countless more things I’d like to learn how to sew, skills to develop, and ways to grow as a sewer (or is it seamstress? See! I still need to learn that.) But I also adore designing! In fact, I could say all the things about designing that I did about sewing – so much more to learn, such satisfaction, just wonderful! I guess I don’t have an answer, I just LOVE that I get to do all of this! Exercising creativity is an awesome thing, no matter what medium you use.
What’s your favorite item in shop?
Currently in my shop, probably this hobo bag, because it’s a pattern I created myself, I seriously adore the fabric, I’m all about functionality, and the photos show me looking like a total dork. I just made a couple of bags last night (including a yoga mat tote!), so look for those up soon!
Name three favorite Etsy shops.
Choosing is so difficult! First, definitely Hydra Heart – adorable, handmade, vegan, organic shoes! I haven’t saved enough money to buy a pair, but I’m so lusting after them. HappyTape is a fun store, I love to decorate my packages with the tape. I actually discovered it the DAY she started listing things, right now they’re pretty wiped out with all the attention they got from Apartment Therapy, but I have my eye on this tape. Lastly, KungFuCowgirl! Not only is her shop brimming with fun and cute things – she does business the way it should be done, insanely quick shipping, friendly communication, and freebies! Love her.
Ashley is going to be giving away either a custom blog header OR a hobo bag to one lucky reader. Winner’s choice!
You know the drill.
To enter:
- Go to Joyful Star and take a look around.
- Pick out your favorite item.
- Come back here and comment with the name or link to your favorite item.
- To get extra entries: blog or twitter about this contest and leave a link to it in a separate comment.
- Anyone with a valid email address can enter. You don’t have to have a blog.
- The winners will be chosen using the integer generator on random.org and notified via email.
- Get your entries in by Sunday, May 17th at 11:59PM and you’re in!
Don’t forget to subscribe to our feed! You’ll be the first to hear about all the great giveaways and features going on!
100 Comments so far
Leave a comment
take me with you – blue and chocolate tote.
1 Comment by Karen Mead on May 11, 2009 at 9:02 am
Oh, I love Ashley! Her blog is always a fun read and she’s always so positive and sweet.
I have always thought her coffee sleeves were the cutest, most original idea I’d seen…I don’t think I would have thought of it.
2 Comment by Alexis on May 11, 2009 at 9:30 am
Let’s Do This bag! How cute!
3 Comment by Shaba on May 11, 2009 at 9:32 am
Love the purple birds boxy pouch!
4 Comment by poodlegoose on May 11, 2009 at 9:34 am
Ashley is awesome! My favorite item is the fuchsia circles – embroidered felt coffee sleeve cozy
5 Comment by Maxie on May 11, 2009 at 9:36 am
Aside from the hobo bags, I love the little card wallets!
6 Comment by Megan on May 11, 2009 at 10:11 am
I like the Juicy little pears card holder. I need one now that I’m on the job hunt
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23051540
7 Comment by Leahchristine on May 11, 2009 at 10:13 am
purple houses boxy pouch. it’s so stinking cute!
8 Comment by pinkie on May 11, 2009 at 10:13 am
Ohhh, I love the tote bags. I think my favourite is the Take Me With You Bag
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22682151
But I also dig the Daydream Believer bag
9 Comment by Meri on May 11, 2009 at 10:15 am
I’m in love with the Daydream Believer tote. So cute!!
10 Comment by Jackie on May 11, 2009 at 10:16 am
I absolutely LOVE this little makeup bag:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23088671. I also love her felt coffee sleeves and even bought a couple of them for a friend of mine for her birthday.
And that hobo bag?! AWESOME!
11 Comment by Lily on May 11, 2009 at 10:36 am
I love the juicy pears little card wallet! So cute!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23051540
12 Comment by Je on May 11, 2009 at 10:39 am
tweeeeeeet!
13 Comment by Lily on May 11, 2009 at 10:40 am
yay! ashley’s being represented! LOVE her shop and her blog – my favorite items are her coffee sleeves and boxy pouches.
14 Comment by thatShortChick on May 11, 2009 at 10:53 am
I love the Oh, Happy Day bag the best! It is SO cute! Love the inside color pop!
15 Comment by Jingle on May 11, 2009 at 10:55 am
I love the Sunshine tie head band!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24744319
16 Comment by Nina on May 11, 2009 at 10:56 am
aannnd here’s my tweet: https://twitter.com/thatShortchick/status/1764159501
17 Comment by thatShortChick on May 11, 2009 at 10:57 am
in a field of wildflowers – boxy pouch.
18 Comment by MRS.MOMMYY on May 11, 2009 at 10:57 am
I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/nina0205/statuses/1764164334
19 Comment by Nina on May 11, 2009 at 10:59 am
I love the embroidered felt coffee sleeves…I wish she had one that said “I love chai!”
20 Comment by Bernadette on May 11, 2009 at 11:28 am
Tweet: http://twitter.com/somewhatvoluble/status/1763814902
21 Comment by Megan on May 11, 2009 at 11:58 am
Daydream Believer roomy tote bag: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23106008
I’m such a fan of colorful apples.
22 Comment by Kerri Anne on May 11, 2009 at 12:18 pm
Im going to stick with Joyful Stars pick with the hobo bag. I’ve been eyeing it for a while.
23 Comment by Mel on May 11, 2009 at 1:02 pm
I really love the wallets, but I wish they were a little bigger. And actually, I think my favorite thing is the blue hobo bag… so cute!
24 Comment by seven on May 11, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/ohmyseven/status/1765393517
25 Comment by seven on May 11, 2009 at 1:23 pm
Rainforest head wrap! My summer days are spent in pony tails since I work outside, and this is absolutely lovely!
26 Comment by LovelyAnomaly on May 11, 2009 at 1:42 pm
i like the purple birds boxy pouch.
27 Comment by Vicky Boackle on May 11, 2009 at 1:45 pm
oh i love the daydream believer bag, it’s so cute!
28 Comment by katelin on May 11, 2009 at 1:48 pm
I love all of her custom blog headers
They’re my favorite – and her argyle felt key chain!
29 Comment by Heidi on May 11, 2009 at 1:53 pm
I am constantly checking Joyful Star to see what’s new! I ordered a custom coffee sleeve from her a while ago for a friend and it was awesome! I’ve been eyeing a few of her things for a while… love the boxy pouches and the tote bags. My two favorites are actually ones that have already been sold: the “noticed.” shoulder hobo bag and the “chocolate chip rainbow butterfly boxy pouch.”
30 Comment by stephanie on May 11, 2009 at 1:59 pm
And I tweeted!
31 Comment by stephanie on May 11, 2009 at 2:03 pm
My fave item is the sunshine – tie head band/head wrap. Why? Because I am wearing it on my head right now!
32 Comment by Erin on May 11, 2009 at 2:31 pm
I literally just left a comment last week on Ashley’s blog about how I can’t wait to purchase one of her blog headers for my new little blog. All of her designs are so cute!
I also like these note cards: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24689691
33 Comment by Holly Golightly on May 11, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Such cute things! I really like all of the wallets, but my favorite is the oh happy day shoulder hobo bag http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24888220. So cute!
34 Comment by Mary on May 11, 2009 at 4:01 pm
Ohhhh I love the hobo bag!! and her embroidered felt coffee sleeve cozy are so beautiful too
Thanks for the giveaway
35 Comment by meninheira on May 11, 2009 at 4:04 pm
I love Ashley’s store! I already have an adorable wallet. It’s so hard to pick just one favorite, but I think my new favorite is definitely the hobo bag.
36 Comment by Erin on May 11, 2009 at 5:01 pm
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23106008
This is my favorite!
37 Comment by Haley Faye on May 11, 2009 at 6:53 pm
http://twitter.com/HaleyFaye/status/1768235601
I tweeted!
38 Comment by Haley Faye on May 11, 2009 at 6:54 pm
[...] August 2008 (3) I want this! May 11, 2009, 7:57 pm Filed under: Shopping Cute givaway at Oh! How Lovely! [...]
39 Pingback by I want this! « It’s Only Natural. on May 11, 2009 at 6:56 pm
I blogged it, too!
http://onlynatural.wordpress.com/2009/05/11/i-want-this/
40 Comment by Haley Faye on May 11, 2009 at 6:56 pm
Her Sweet and Simple thank you notes are perfectly named. I adore them. A close runner-up would be the coffee cup holder “latte” although I’d want one that said “Buzz Off” now that I’m drinking de-caf. (And if I won, I’d like the “Oh Happy Day” hobo.) Thanks!
41 Comment by Kelly K on May 11, 2009 at 8:52 pm
The ‘let’s do this’ shoulder hobo bag is perfect for Spring. Love it!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23627695
42 Comment by Lisa C. on May 11, 2009 at 10:54 pm
It’s a pleasure to meet you Ashley
I’m a 50 year old tree-hugging vegan and also from Ohio (cinti). And I absolutely love your Joyful Star shop – eclectic is good – with my favorite item being the DAYDREAM BELIEVER ROOMY TOTE BAG
43 Comment by Mary D on May 11, 2009 at 11:02 pm
I love all the bags (such great fabric choices!) and the embroidered felt coffee sleeve cozies…love my coffee!
44 Comment by JJ on May 11, 2009 at 11:49 pm
I love this tote: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23106008
But I really, really need a new header. Please pick me!!
45 Comment by Jane on May 12, 2009 at 12:07 am
i like the sunshine – tie head band/head wrap.
46 Comment by Raelena on May 12, 2009 at 3:35 am
oh happy day. – shoulder hobo bag. SO CUTE!!!
47 Comment by Nina on May 12, 2009 at 3:45 am
oh happy day. – shoulder hobo bag.
48 Comment by Valorie on May 12, 2009 at 5:12 am
My favorite is the Take Me with You bag. All of them are so sweet though – it was hard to choose.
49 Comment by Jean on May 12, 2009 at 5:44 am
I love the feel the love – little card wallet. It is super cute!
Thanks a lot.
50 Comment by Eliane on May 12, 2009 at 6:38 am
I think my fave, other than a custom blog header, is the ‘feel the love – little card wallet’.
51 Comment by Nicole M. on May 12, 2009 at 6:39 am
I love the let’s do this – shoulder hobo bag! thanks
52 Comment by Laura Royal on May 12, 2009 at 7:01 am
What a sweet little card wallet!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23625762
One of my favorites!
53 Comment by ALLY in WA on May 12, 2009 at 7:38 am
I love the argyle keychains (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21356893)! I must admit, I have a bit of a “thing” for argyle and bright colors…
54 Comment by Lauren on May 12, 2009 at 7:45 am
The Scroll Tree Stickers are just perfect for Spring correspondence, and the design is very appealing! All of the items and especially the giveaway tote are spirited and fun!
55 Comment by Elsie on May 12, 2009 at 8:28 am
I love this little card holder!
Even if I don’t win I might be back to buy it.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23625762
56 Comment by Lauren Forest on May 12, 2009 at 8:35 am
I love Ashley, her blog, and her Etsy shop! I’m loving the daydream believer – roomy tote bag right now.
57 Comment by Stephanie on May 12, 2009 at 8:42 am
I love the Oh happy day bag. Its so roomy and trendy! thanks
58 Comment by jacque on May 12, 2009 at 8:43 am
I love the daydream believer tote bag, I would carry it everyday for a cheerful bit of Spring!
Thanks! foxsquirrelrabbit at gmail dot com
59 Comment by oona b on May 12, 2009 at 9:25 am
in a field of wildflowers – boxy pouch is so cute!
60 Comment by Fresh Peaches on May 12, 2009 at 9:53 am
Oh I am definitely “feeling the love” for the little card holder! Perfect…
Hugs!
Expat Kate
61 Comment by Kate on May 12, 2009 at 10:03 am
I am loving the hobo bag pictured at the beginning of this post!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24888220
62 Comment by Lily Bean Designs on May 12, 2009 at 10:44 am
Tweeted!
http://twitter.com/LilyBeanDesigns/statuses/1774460159
63 Comment by Lily Bean Designs on May 12, 2009 at 10:46 am
I like the Let’s Do This Hobo Bag
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23627695
64 Comment by Tanya on May 12, 2009 at 11:19 am
I like the Let’s Do This bag
65 Comment by Celeste on May 12, 2009 at 11:50 am
I love the daydream believer – roomy tote bag! Thanks for the chance to win.
66 Comment by Michelle C on May 12, 2009 at 11:54 am
The daydream believer would make the cutest teacher’s bag!
67 Comment by Abby on May 12, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Cute stuff! The hobo bag you’re giving away is my favorite! But, I also like the Daydream Believer Tote: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23106008
68 Comment by Leslie on May 12, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Hard to pick just one — though I do love the coffee cozies!
69 Comment by becky on May 12, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Oh!!! Super cute stuff, great shop and blog! Love the hobo bag… would be great for quick trips to the market (and good for the earth), and would be great for my toddler to fill up with junk! I’m also in LOVE with the Thank You cards, love the simplicity!
70 Comment by Ashley Romero on May 12, 2009 at 1:19 pm
I like the Daydream Believer tote.
71 Comment by Catherine on May 12, 2009 at 1:21 pm
I love the Let’s Do This Hobo Bag Huge Green Fan And well that’s and awesome Bag
72 Comment by Casey Reyes on May 12, 2009 at 2:00 pm
I like the “i love coffee – embroidered felt coffee sleeve” a lot!
sarahbcrawford(at)gmail(dot)com
73 Comment by SarCraw on May 12, 2009 at 2:02 pm
I tweeted: http://twitter.com/hellojournalist/status/1776231192
sarahbcrawford(at)gmail(dot)com
74 Comment by SarCraw on May 12, 2009 at 2:02 pm
I love the scroll tree cards. They are perfect for love letters!
75 Comment by Wehaf on May 12, 2009 at 2:18 pm
I love the Oh Happy Day shoulder hobo tote. So fresh and bright – having it on my shoulder would be a happy day.
76 Comment by Pam on May 12, 2009 at 2:23 pm
I <3 the Daydream Believer tote! The inside pocket is so cute!
77 Comment by Tara on May 12, 2009 at 2:24 pm
I like the i love coffee – embroidered felt coffee sleeve cozy – I wonder if it would work on Kleen Kantines because they get really cold.
78 Comment by Maryann on May 12, 2009 at 2:26 pm
I just twittered this. I hope more people find it now but at the same time I don’t because I want to win. I love this Hobo bag!!
79 Comment by Debbie on May 12, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Love the Let’s Do This Bag – it’s cute and roomy, which are important to me since I often feel and look like a Bag Lady (not in a good way!)
Thanks for offering this giveaway. Cheers!
-Sara
http://modernlunacy.com
80 Comment by Sara at ModernLunacy on May 12, 2009 at 3:30 pm
I love the fuscia circles coffee sleeve! Adorable!
Your shop is really cute!
rbkcreations@gmail.com
81 Comment by Ariela B on May 12, 2009 at 4:09 pm
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23627695
i like the hobo bags can be used for so many things! thanks great shop.
82 Comment by Mary on May 12, 2009 at 4:14 pm
I LOVE the “in a field of wildflowers” boxy pouch! It’s too cute!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24744251
83 Comment by Brooke on May 12, 2009 at 4:38 pm
I like daydream believer – roomy tote bag
84 Comment by Linda Lansford on May 12, 2009 at 6:27 pm
i like the in a field of wildflowers – boxy pouch
85 Comment by susan varney on May 12, 2009 at 7:07 pm
The Hobo Bag is for Abigail
86 Comment by prsantee on May 12, 2009 at 7:15 pm
oh happy day shoulder bag is my favorite
87 Comment by ChristieC on May 12, 2009 at 8:07 pm
My favorite is the oh happy day. – shoulder hobo bag.
88 Comment by Suzanne on May 12, 2009 at 8:25 pm
I tweeted.
http://twitter.com/kiddo47/status/1779759859
89 Comment by Suzanne on May 12, 2009 at 8:27 pm
I love the hobo bags!!! This is my favorite:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23627695
90 Comment by Audrey on May 12, 2009 at 8:36 pm
The in a field of wildflowers – boxy pouch is one of my favourite items, but everything is so great! Thanks for the giveaway.
91 Comment by Chelsey on May 12, 2009 at 11:31 pm
The “in a field of wildflowers” – boxy pouch is one of my favourite items, but everything is so great! Thanks for the giveaway.
92 Comment by Chelsey on May 12, 2009 at 11:35 pm
Oh Happy Day Shoulder Bag is neat!
93 Comment by Gloria McKellar on May 13, 2009 at 8:25 am
I like the take me with you – blue and chocolate tote.
94 Comment by Ashley on May 13, 2009 at 9:23 am
I adore the daydream believer – roomy tote bag!
95 Comment by Heather S on May 13, 2009 at 9:31 am
i like the daydream believer – roomy tote bag.
96 Comment by ecky on May 13, 2009 at 2:53 pm
This is my fave bag: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24888220
Love the print!!
97 Comment by Vanessa on May 13, 2009 at 10:15 pm
purple birds boxy pouch is really cute, I love the fabric and the size of the pouch!
98 Comment by AmandaSue on May 13, 2009 at 11:11 pm
I think the “Lists are Lovely–Little Notepad” is sooooo cute!
99 Comment by Pamela S on May 13, 2009 at 11:25 pm
[...] in Plaid giveaway ends tonight so make sure you enter. On the Shops blog, Ashley of Joyful Star is giving away a custom blog header or a hobo bag. That one ends in a [...]
100 Pingback by Oh! How Lovely! { jamieann dot net } » Blog Archive » happenings on May 16, 2009 at 3:31 pm
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