Bumble Bee-Knees: Pay It Forward Friday

It's that time again! I'm SO excited about this week's edition featuring Camilla of Avonli Cottage and CioCo Photography. She's definitely mastered the art of creating gorgeous bonnets, fabric canopies, headpieces, and crowns. You can visit her shop here.

Here are some of my favorite items from her shop:

Let's get to know Camilla a little better with Five Fast Questions!

1. Could you tell us a little about yourself and what inspires you?

Hello! I live in the blistering heat of Salt Lake City. Okay, it's not terrible, but I am strongly considering moving to Canada. Or Antarctica. Or having a summer home in both places! :) I am the mother to one darling and very strong willed 18 month old girl and the wife to my equally strong willed 25 year old man. We have lived in 2 countries, 4 states, and lots of cities - not always together. I speak Spanish, Spanglish, English, and the occasional 18 month jabber. I adore books an am pretty sure I was born a century late and should have been friends with Jane Austen. Plus, my husband would have looked super hot in those old outfits! He politely disagrees. I draw my inspriation from old books, regency era inspired films, from nature, from all pretty things. I am SUPER girl at heart, which is why my shop leans heavily to the feminine side. (I did break down and made some cute boy things, so don't worry!) I love art and all forms of it.

2. How long have you been in business, and when did you start crafting?

I opened Avonli Cottage on Etsy back in October, but I never added or did anything with it mostly because I wasn't sure what I wanted to sell. I am a wedding photographer by profession and thought that I wanted to venture into newborn photography. So, I scoured the web looking for things for the little ones, and while my enthusiasm for newborn photography as a profession faded, my interest in props never did. I adore gorgeous newborn photography, and I knew that I could help the images be unique. In February of this year, I decided to pursue making newborn props. I contacted some photographers that I admire, sent out some work, and voila, here we are almost six months later. I have been sewing (sort of, does a hem count?) since high school. My real passion for sewing, however, started when I was pregnant with little Eva. I made pretty much everything in her nursery, and I learned so much while doing it. I love that I can have an outlet for creativity through the things I make.

3. What is your favorite item in your shop?

Currently, it's my Strawberries and Cream Bonnet. It's so sweet and girly and incorporates a vintage inspired dusty rose with linen. My daughter's nursery is in similar colors, and it sort of inspired the combo.

4. What are some of your favorite materials to use?

Currently, I am in love with lace and corduroy. Especially corduroy. I LOVE the texture and character of it. I also love linen; it feels and looks so peaceful. Is that possible? LOL!

5. Tell us a little about your work space. Feel free to include a picture if you would like.

My work space used to be a small office on our top floor. But, after much protesting, I finally took over the entire family room in the basement. (We don't miss it, since we live in this great townhouse but really only on two of its levels). Now, I have this great area with my desk for photography and orders, a sewing area, my husband's desk, a reading couch and comfy chair, and LOTS of storage. I'd send a picture but the mess would probably diminish any loving feelings you were perhaps sending my way...and we wouldn't want that! Unfortunately, I never changed when I moved into the basement for work. I just have a larger area to clutter now. And sure, I could clean it and then take a picture, but let's be honest, I am not that motivated! ;) I love being able to do what I do, and I love those who have made it possible.

Thank you so much, Camilla, for taking some time out of your busy schedule to visit with us today!

As a special thank you to all my amazing fans, Avonli Cottage will be offering a prize to TWO lucky winners in our easy to enter giveaway below. One person will win this gorgeous lace bonnet and another the beautiful headwrap in the second picture.