Handmade Feature & Giveaway – Rosebud Lips

February 3, 2010 separator giveaway

Rosebud Lips, today’s gorgeous handmade feature, was pretty enough, but what really stood out to me was Lauren’s drive to help others. Philanthropy has always been important and necessary, but right now, it’s especially crucial. Lauren puts some of the proceeds from every Rosebud piece sold toward care packages for women who have escaped from slavery. I won’t spoil all the details though – read on to learn more about Mini-Me (and the necklaces to match Mom to Mini!), Set Hope Free, and pantyhose mishaps…

Q. What’s the story behind Rosebud Lips?
A. Rosebud Lips. That’s the nickname that my mom gave me when I was a little girl, and then my daughter (her grand-daughter). All three generations shared the Rosebud Lips.

I have always been creative, and learned to sew at a young age. I was taught by my grandmother (Nana) and my mom (Tama). I have always loved fashion, and at a young age moved to New York City. I had the opportunity to intern for designer Cynthia Rowley, which was an amazing experience.

To tell you why I became a designer would have to be because of my sweet memories of being a little girl (about 4) and dancing around in my Nana’s silk bed sheets (my cape), adorned with her costume jewelry. I felt like a princess. My Nana has collected jewelry from my family generations back, and I felt like each piece had a story. This inspired me to use antiques in my pieces. I love textures, antiques, fabric and jewelry. Together, these form my concepts for my collection– Making every woman feel beautiful

I started the company in 2009, shortly after my mom passed away from Cancer. She was my best friend, and my biggest supporter. She was an artist herself, and she told me to follow my dreams and be creative. This motivated me to leave the marketing/PR world that I worked in for over 5 years. She has changed the course of my life, and I’m so excited for what the future holds.

Q. What inspires your pieces?
A. Anything and everything really. I see inspiration all around me. From the stranger walking on the sidewalk to my daughter mixing up my silk fabrics on the floor.

Q. What’s the best part of being a stay at home mom?
A. The best part is being there for my little girl. I can’t imagine missing anything that she does during the day. My mom stayed home with me, and it was the best gift that she ever gave me! I can work and play (assuming that she will take her naps) and enjoy both. It was so important for me to teach my values to my daughter, and to just be there for her.
Q. If you could work with any designer on your children’s clothing line, who
would you partner up with, and why?
A. Denise Demarchis, the designer behind Matilda Jane. She designs clothes that kids will wear. From comfortable fit, to soft silhouettes. Her accomplishments are such an inspiration. She was a mom that started out without any formal fashion training, and just went for it… and made it! I love her style and story.
Q. Tell us about Set Hope Free.
A. Set Hope Free is a project that I’m so passionate about. It’s about redeeming women who have been held captive and have been sold into slavery. Human trafficking doesn’t just happen in other countries, but in our cities. Every item that is sold through Rosebud Lips contributes to a care package that is being sent to help these women reclaim their dignity. To make them feel beautiful again. My heart desires to set hope free among these women and children. To bring awareness of trafficking, so that we may protect our loved ones, and rescue those that have been enslaved. To learn more, go to www.iamchange.org and see what we are doing.
Q. You have a 10 day all expenses-paid vacation anywhere in the world. Where
are you going?
A. I would start by going to Thailand. I would take my camera, Chloe strapped down on my back, and a journal. I would keep a journal of pictures to diary my events. I would go visit the brothels and the red light district. See most of the places that I know most tourists don’t visit. I have always wanted to just sit and absorb the surroundings, in a country that I’m not familiar with. I would then go visit “The Well” an organization that sets up safe homes for women to live in after they have been trafficked. I would show the women in the homes how to make my products as a means to emancipate them from sexual slavery. This would make me smile 🙂
Q. Describe your baby girl in six words.
A. Radiant. Spirited. Blessing. Love. Independent. Mini-Me.
Q. You’ve got quite the sales record for under a year – what’s your secret?!
A. I would have to say, always be thinking about your business when you are out. Wear your products, dress others around you in them! Find out what events are coming up in your hometown, and find a way to be involved. Always carry business cards, and have great pictures of your products. I also believe that if you put God fist, everything else falls into place 🙂
Q. I recently fell & rolled noisily down a snowy hill on campus. What was
your most awkward moment ever?
A. Haha.. I have too many to list. I think one of the top ones, is when I went to a a formal military ball with my fiancee. Omaha. Dead of winter. Freezing outside. We walked in late, and I was wearing my new anthro dress, tights and heels. It didn’t get any better than this outfit. Or did it? As we walked in all eyes were on us. I turned around to be seated, and had to wait a minute or two. Just as we were being led to our table, I felt a little tap on my shoulder. It was a lady that I’ve never met. She whispered in my ear that my dress had static and was above my bum on my pantyhose. I almost fell over. I ended up taking those panty hose off 🙂 If you ever live in Omaha in the winter, and wear a dress, Keep a dryer sheet or hairspray nearby to avoid embarrassment.

Q. What’s your favorite quote?
A. “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.”- Walt Disney

shop
site
facebook
________________________________________

The Giveaway

One of you fortunate creatures will be the lucky recipient of the Root Beer Float Rosebud Necklace. This necklace is the perfect combination of neutrals and elegance to go with any outfit, from jeans and a tee to cocktail attire! Can you tell I love it and am having trouble not ‘randomly selecting’ myself as the winner? This giveaway will end at midnight on Sunday, February 14. Wouldn’t it make a nice little Valentine for yourself?!

  • To enter visit Rosebud Lips, and select a favorite item. You can also suggest a new item , color combination, etc. that you’d love to see in the shop. This step is mandatory, and please make sure to leave your e-mail address in your first comment.
Additional entries (Leave one comment for each entry.):

  • Tell me what inspires you. Whatever you do – even it’s not ‘artsy’ – has a drive behind it. What’s yours?
  • Become a follower of Shrimp Salad Circus (the blog) using one of the blog subscribe options on the middle sidebar or at the top right under the search bar.
This is up to three entries per person. Feel free to help me spread the word by Tweeting, blogging, Facebooking or grabbing my button for your blog’s sidebar!

Align Center

139 comments

  1. I’m a full time artist, music and visual arts but I am most inspired while working in my gardens, lots of time to daydream
    cathyhorner at embarqmail dot com

  3. I love the Ramona Rosebud necklace. In vintage fabrics these rosebuds would look beautiful on pillows and sweaters too.
    cathyhorner at embarqmail dot com

  7. What inspires me is seeing all the pretty things on etsy- I would love to make so many things

  10. I’m inspired by strong bold color, textures and faceted jewels! With a touch of quirkiness 🙂

  12. WOW – lovely shop! I love fabric rosettes!!! My fave is: “Rosebud Statement Bib Necklace- Set Hope Free”.

    Great dark jewel colors (i love the dark jewel tones, silver, gold with black)

    imelda(dot)dickinson(at)gmail(dot)com

  13. I am a gardener, and what is inspiring me now are all the the seed catalogs I get in the mail, along with the brave little crocuses starting to peek out.

  20. I like the Mercy Rosebud Brooch or Hair Clip – Set Hope Free because the rose color is so pretty!

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    brc668 (at) gmail (dot) com

  22. The sky is my inspirational drive!

    It’s so beautiful and changes within seconds. Even cloudy days are so charming to me. The thunder in dark sky.. the beautiful rainbow on perfect blue..

  23. I heart everything listed on the shop and honestly can’t think of a better way for the shop’s item variety nor colors. They’re perfect..

    But If I have to pick from each category…

    Children : The Countess Rosebud Headband- Set Hope Free

    headwear: Evelyn Rosebud Head Piece or Belt , New 2010 Collection- Set Hope Free

    necklace :Janae Rosebud Necklace- Set Hope Free

    nostalgia : The Beatrice Bib Necklace

    bridal suite : Old, New, Borrowed, Blue Garter Belt- Perfect gift for bride-to-be , got everything in there 😉

  24. I’m really inspired by beautiful views of nature, especially of the mountains uncovered by any civilization. There’s just something wonderfully stunning about the colors, the smells, and the sounds.

    Ronit
    internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
    http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com

  26. This is such a beautiful, unique necklace! Thanks for giving us the chance to win it. 🙂

    I really loved the Mariella Rosebud Headand. The colors and shapes of the flowers are wonderful! It would look great on my hair.

    Ronit
    internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
    http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com

  27. I am very inspired by food. Color combinations that exist in nature always work together– whether its decorating, fashion or even painting that I’m looking to gain inspiration from. When you pick up something as simple as an apple…there is a specific shade of brown in the stem, reds on the outside, beiges on the inside and the greens on the foliage. Famers markets are so great for this!
    [email protected]

  28. I have been checking out your store on Etsy regularly over the past few months, as I would love to purchase multiple pieces for my bridesmaids to wear in my wedding this fall. The Root Beer Float necklace is actually one of my favorite pieces, as I am focusing on metal tones for the wedding colors!

    [email protected]

  33. I find music inspires me. It can change my mood when I’m down. cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com

  38. What inspires me? Often color combinations that I see, or just playing with color and texture.
    aschertle at yahoo dot com

  39. The giveaway necklace is really my favorite. The color combo is stunning. (I love it when neutrals are stunning, since they’re often so blah.) Thanks for offering it!
    aschertle at yahoo dot com

  40. Great giveaway!
    I like the Sweet N Sassy Rosebud Headband.

    Please count me in. Thanks.

    avalonne83 [at] yahoo [dot] it

  43. pictures inspire me. They’re stationary and give you time to observe and critic, you can change the lighting, the set, anything basically with computers now and it can inspire you to try and do the same with everything else. To capture that moment of beauty!

    Anna
    perfectbluemoon@gmail[dot]com

  44. I love the candy wrapper! Abosolutely gorgeous with the right amount of whimsy!

    Anna
    perfectbluemoon@gmail[dot]com

  50. Stories of underdogs overcoming things inspires me. My faith, family, and just the world around me also inspires!

  51. Lovely shop.
    One of my favorites is the Marilyn Black Trio rosebud necklace. 🙂 I also love the necklace that is in this giveaway!
    Christina, considerthecoffee(at)gmail.com

  53. The South inspires me… the charm, the hospitality, the landscapes, yes, even the heat. All these things, and more… that is why my best girly and I write at SweetIcedTea.net. Come and check us out!

  54. What a beautiful necklace… I love the Antoinette, the Terra, LOVE the Punk, the Margarette, the Marilyn, and especially the colors of the Ramona! Le sigh. Please oh please oh please email at [email protected]!!!

  58. I love the Rosebud Statement Bib Necklace. Gorgeous! (And it’s now a favorite of mine on etsy!)

    heysunnyside at gmail dot com

  60. I love the Breast Cancer Awareness Necklace most! Deep royal purple hues would be nice too!!
    bunnybx at gmail . com

  61. I really love your products 🙂 The rootbeer float rose necklace is really beautiful! I love the one being offered up for the giveaway, too!

    brinnet =at= gmail =dot= com

  62. Thank you for hosting this giveaway — I love the neutrals in this necklace and would rock it so hard. 🙂 My favorite item in the shop is the Vivienne Rosebud bib necklace. It’s so elegant in its muted color and I could see it working as a bridal party piece.

    – JoAnn, Sidewalk Chalk
    [email protected]

  64. I’m inspired by a lot of things…sometimes even if its just something I see on the street, I will become motivated to do something better for the environment, other people, or myself!

    musicxisxlovex19(at)aim(dot)com

  67. Watching figure-skating inspires me!
    Thank you for the giveaway 🙂
    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

  68. My favorite is the Old, New, Borrowed, Blue Garter Belt- Perfect gift for bride-to-be
    Thank you for the giveaway 🙂
    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

  69. I am usually inspired by random acts of kindness that I see or by my favorite movies like Amelie.

  71. Wow, beautiful items. I love the Single Rosebud Clips- 2010 Collection of Set Hope Free.

    carethediva[at]hotmail[dot]com

  72. I love the candy wrapper necklace, though I also really like the necklace you’re giving away. My sister just started jazz singing at night and the necklace is totally her style, so if I win, it’s going to her!

    the.blue.turtle at hotmail dot com

  73. The beauty of nature inspires me–I love photography and some of my best photos have been of sunsets, flowers, and landscapes.

  74. I love the Kennedy Rosebud Headband- Set Hope Free! So nice!
    june_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com

  75. the isabella rosebud headband is so pretty!

    eirngarrisondesign (at) gmail (dot) com

  77. I really like the Cameron hair clip, the bit of netting is so dramatic! It would also be fantastic as a pin, on a 40’s inspired coat lapel or hatband!

    sugareaterATgmailDOTcom

  79. I am inspired by my materials. I love picking up something I’ve never created with and trying something brand new!

  81. I am inspired mostly by music. But also my surroundings, flowers, pretty things!

    Thanks for this!

    reviewsbyabby at gmail dot com

  83. Liking the Rosebud Lips Old, New, Borrowed, Blue Wedding Collection. Very sweet.

    reviewsbyabby at gmail dot com

  84. I love doing family history/genealogy. It inspires my home decor, my clothing, the names I like, just about everything.

  85. I LOVE Rosebud Statement Bib Necklace, Beaded Rosebud Scroll Necklace, and Terra Rosebud Brooch.

  87. This is rad! Punk Diva Rosebud Necklace- Set Hope Free- (Most Popular Statement Necklace)

    shiki6210 at gmail dot com

  88. Photography is my passion, and what inspires me is the challenge of telling a story without saying a word. I love to create a scene and let the viewer’s mind wander, thinking about the meaning behind the photo.
    And I’m preserving history, one click at a time. 🙂

    logan4301 @yahoo.com

  92. Hello I would like to own The Dutchess Rosebud Necklace! I have the perfect strapless dress to go with it 🙂

    liis177 at gmail dot com

  93. I love to cook, and what inspires me is providing my daughter and husband with delicious and nutritious food that has my love cooked into it.

    Deirdre
    dbyrne1[at]gmail[dot]com

  94. I love the Mini Rainbow Rosebud Necklace — adorable. Thanks so much for the opportunity.

    Deirdre
    dbyrne1[at]gmail[dot]com

  99. OMG i love these pieces! Loving the Root Beer but also Jenalynn Rosebud Necklace! Another color combo that could be cute is nice is magenta, coral and orange! thanks SOOOO much for the opportunity!!

  102. I am inspired by color and texture. I work with beads and gemstones mostly. I also am frustrated mixed media artist who saves every scrap of paper for collage. I desperately need a studio to let loose my creativity in.

    rubymoonstone at gmail dot com

  104. Wait…is it for international readers, as well?

    Anyhow, I think they’re gorgeous, girly!

  106. I love the Kammy Punk Diva Rosebud Necklace- JADED- and I love the necklace you are giving away! Hope I win!

  115. My kids inspire me to be a very good mom and spoil them rotten but also teach them lessons to live as an adult.

  122. I love the Lady Rachel bib necklace, and the Vintage Garden Beanie Hat ‘Chloe’, and I could go on and on…. L-O-V-E her stuff, it is very whimsical. All I have to say is “WHAT ABOUT THE BOYS?” I have an adorable boy and need some boy stuff that is whimsical, yet handsome;} tee hee

    chacoyaguayo@___yahoo{dot}com

  126. Reading and writing is a huge inspiration for me. When I read something new it brings out new ideas and different ways of thinking which then channel new thoughts and writings. It is a great feeling, to be inspired.

  127. The items in this shop are beautiful! I am a big fan of the Margarette Rosebud Bracelet. Just a little wrist decor can make a huge difference to an outfit!

  128. that necklace is SO pretty! i actually have one very similar to that, so i won’t enter & take from someone else. what a great contest!
    xoxo alison

  129. What drives me? I often find myself tired and overworked, but then I will have these little moments when I feel as if God breaks through. I’m driven by the realization that it is possible to change the world- even just my little bit of it.

  131. I am totally loving the punk diva rosebud necklace- I can’t get enough of it! I might like it even better if the colors were a bit more neutral so I could wear it to the office…

  135. What a great giveaway!

    My favorite thing in her shop is the Sweet N Sassy Rosebud Headband. I just love the bright colors; it’s very spring-y!

    Email: Katie[at]KatieJaneParker.com

  139. Beautiful necklace.

    My favorite item is The Charity Rosebud Brooch because it is bright and has a little sparkle.

    etsygadgetgear (at) gmail (dot) com

Comments are closed.