Saturday, October 8, 2011

From Russia with Love...NEW GIVEAWAY!

 Meet Anastasya Kaufman from Meushop 
http://www.etsy.com/shop/meudeus 
She is all the way from Russia where she sells her beautiful leather flowers, bags, and purses.  I was browsing Etsy one day and found her amazing shop!  I love trying to find shops from far away places like Europe.  Her leather work is exquisite and definitely not something you can get here in the states. I hope you fall in love with her shop as much as I have.  Anastasya has been generous enough to giveaway one of her lovely, hand made, leather flowers.  I am so excited about this interview because I am always intrigued by others in other countries.  Anastasya is my first interview with someone from Europe!

 
This is one of my favorite purses in her shop.
 

When I asked her to tell me a little about herself she replied, "In my "previous" life I worked as translator on MTV Russia and in Kremlin Ballet.  I was also an artist in graphics.  I used to draw portraits. Now I found my favorite work and it has already become a small business here in Russia.  I am very interested in the global market. I want my works to travel :)."  Well, I hope this blog helps you do just that!  :)

I asked Anastasya when she started to make these items and why?  She said she only started to work with leather a year ago.  Bags and accessories had been her passion her whole life.  She loved to shop for them and buy them, but never thought she could make the things she loved as a profession.  She said, "First I decided to sew a bag for myself, and then I just couldn't stop. :)" She went on to say she had a really great teacher in Moscow who taught her everything she knows.  It is amazing to me that in Moscow...where I think it is cold and dreary (although I have no idea, since I have never been there...just my narrow minded thinking), that Anastasya was inspired to make these delicate, floral, light colored accessories and bags.  When I asked her what inspires her art she said, "Many things - mostly nature and traveling. I always have the best ideas when I return home from a trip."  As for Russia, she says, " I live in Moscow region, Russia. I love Moscow, it is a great megalopolis.  It is very busy, with it's own specific energy."  Interesting.  I don't think I have heard of Moscow like that before.  Now I want to go visit!

I thought her shop name was unusual and asked her how she decided on that name.  "I always wanted to go to Brazil and I even learned Portugal. "Meu deus", in English it is "Oh, my god".  Those were the first words, that I learned, so it became my nickname. My shop is called "meushop"  - just  like "myshop". "  Cute huh?

Anastasya is also a mom of two little girls of 5 and 2.   She says she works at home and that is her full time job.  She said, "I cannot say it is easy to combine work and maternity, but if you really want something, everyone and everything around you starts to help you. My husband, my mom and my husband's mom help me as they can. I really appreciate it. "  That is so awesome!!!

I asked what her favorite Etsy shops were and she replied, "I like many shops, but these ones absolutely kill me with their art:"

http://www.etsy.com/shop/irenagasha












http://www.etsy.com/shop/arosha
























http://www.etsy.com/shop/staroftheeast











One of the reasons why she likes being on Etsy is because it links so many creative people together like the shops you see above.

Nastya, as she signed her email to me,  entertained some of my crazy and self indulgent questions.  I asked, If I were to come visit  your country....what would be the number one place you would tell me to visit?
 "I would tell you to visit some old towns like Suzdal or Tula… Moscow is like other global megalopolis, it looks like them. Small old towns better show russian character. No bears;)"  HAHA  I just saw a bear in my back yard yesterday here in Massachusetts.  lol

 What is your favorite local dish and please explain what it is:
 "I like pelmeni. It is meatballs in dough, look like Italian ravioli. It tastes great. "  Wouldn't that be great if she could give us the recipe....I will ask her!!!

If you could live any other place in the world where would it be and why?
"I could live in Barcelona, I love it."  Soooo many people love Spain.  Gotta go there someday too!


HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO WIN THIS???????!!!!!
This is how this will go down for this giveaway from Russia with LOVE!!!  This is a classy flower for your hair or a pin ( I will have to ask which).  So cute!
Entries:
First make sure you are following my blog to enter.  As always, come back and post after you completed and entry thanks!  It would be great if you either posted your email here on the post or you could email me privately at lillollipops@gmail.com.  This giveaway will end Saturday, Oct. 22.  Once the winner is announced, you will have 48 hours to claim your prize or we will choose the next person on the list. 

1.  Go to her shop on Etsy http://www.etsy.com/shop/meudeus heart her shop and your favorite item. = 2 entries
2.  Go to her webpage: http://meushop.ru/ and search all her items.  click on the one you like best and come back here and paste the web address of that item and tell us what it is and why you like it best. = 2 more entries
3.  If you are the first one to buy something from her Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/meudeus, you automatically will win this giveaway!!!!!  :)  So it would be like...buy something, get something free!







50 comments:

  1. Wow, amazing shop!
    I've hearted her shop and a few of her items (I couldn't pick a favorite) as a secret admirer. Love her brooches and bags, the leather flowers are amazing!

    Thanks so much for loving/ mentioning our shop!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Amazing selection! I hearted several items but when I clicked on the heart to add her as a favorite nothing happened??? I will try again tomorrow but wanted to add my comments for entry. http://www.etsy.com/listing/80971253/dark-blue-leather-floral-bag-arts26r76
    I love this bag for 2 reasons- #1 it is navy blue, not black and the inside is a great peach color.
    #2- The floral design is absolutely stunning and hard to believe the detail of the flower with the beading!

    #2

    ReplyDelete
  3. BEAUTIFUL creations, absolutely BEAUTIFUL!

    1) Hearted her Etsy shop & my favorite item there which is the Leather Clutch with Leather Flower Art.
    2) Searched her website & LOVE this: http://meushop.ru/index.php/checkout/product/show/cid-20/name--v4r53-04/category_pathway-0 I love the colors & it looks so REAL! Stunning!

    Thank you so much for the opportunity! (piinkorchid@hotmail.com)

    ReplyDelete
  4. i am a followe of ur blog

    diemydollie@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. i hearted her esty shop

    diemydollie@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. my favorite esty idem is
    http://www.etsy.com/listing/77576779/leather-clutch-with-leather-flower

    diemydollie@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. http://meushop.ru/index.php/checkout/product/show/cid-3/name--v4r45-03/category_pathway-0

    went to web site thats my fav

    diemydollie@yahoo.com

    entry 1

    ReplyDelete
  8. http://meushop.ru/index.php/checkout/product/show/cid-3/name--v4r45-03/category_pathway-0

    went to web site thats my fav

    diemydollie@yahoo.com

    entry 2

    ReplyDelete
  9. Fabulous Exclusive Ivory White Leather Blossom Headband is my absolute favorite!! and I also love the brown suede flower scrunchie

    ReplyDelete
  10. I followed your blog

    karaloutopia@gmail.com

    (think I forgot to leave my email in the other 2 comments)

    and thank you for this awesome opportunity...her shop has BEAUTIFUL things!

    ReplyDelete
  11. My favorite from her site is

    http://meushop.ru/index.php/checkout/product/show/cid-58/name--v3r43/category_pathway-0

    because its simple, yet gorgeous and something about it makes me smile. With that in my hair (or in my daughters hair) it definitely screams beautiful!

    Karaloutopia@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. I follow your blog publicly with google friend connect and my favorite item from meudeus's shop is the Orange leather purse with leather flower art.S37R01req43452:
    http://www.etsy.com/listing/78276311/orange-leather-purse-with-leather-flower

    I heart both her shop and the purse - my Etsy name is Hurdler4eva
    Thank you for the giveaway :)
    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com
    #1

    ReplyDelete
  13. I follow your blog publicly with google friend connect and my favorite item from meudeus's shop is the Orange leather purse with leather flower art.S37R01req43452:
    http://www.etsy.com/listing/78276311/orange-leather-purse-with-leather-flower

    I heart both her shop and the purse - my Etsy name is Hurdler4eva
    Thank you for the giveaway :)
    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com
    #2

    ReplyDelete
  14. My favorite item from her website is this purse:
    http://meushop.ru/index.php/checkout/product/show/cid-65/name--s26r7661/category_pathway-0

    because I love the color and shape!

    Thank you for the giveaway :)
    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com
    #1

    ReplyDelete
  15. My favorite item from her website is this purse:
    http://meushop.ru/index.php/checkout/product/show/cid-65/name--s26r7661/category_pathway-0

    because I love the color and shape!

    Thank you for the giveaway :)
    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com
    #2

    ReplyDelete
  16. her work is fantastic!

    I am following you as eugenia g. and my email is bohemian_sin@yahoo.com.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I -ve added her shop to my favorites. on etsy i am bohemian sin /eugenia. i ve added also a pink gorgeous flower trough my favs there

    ReplyDelete
  18. from her site, altough i hardly understand russian :))) , my fav is this one http://meushop.ru/index.php/catalogue/product/show/cid-44/name---v3r44/category_pathway-10

    ReplyDelete
  19. I follow your blog as deb_oro

    DESPINA
    deb_oro@yahoo.gr

    ReplyDelete
  20. I hearted her shop and my favourite item, the Leather Blossom Dark Blue Clutch Ready to Ship art.S60R21req43452 -simply amazing!!

    DESPINA
    deb_oro@yahoo.gr

    ReplyDelete
  21. And browsed through her website, my favourite item being this beautiful brooch:
    http://meushop.ru/index.php/checkout/product/show/cid-22/name--v4r53-01/category_pathway-0
    I love the striking contrast of bright red and mustard yellow!!

    DESPINA
    deb_oro@yahoo.gr

    ReplyDelete
  22. I have given the etsy shop and this item my heart:
    Leather Blossom Dark Blue Clutch
    What amazingly lovely pieces. I didn't realise leather could be so feminine and pretty.
    rosewendy
    wendyhatton(at)yahoo.com.au
    1

    ReplyDelete
  23. This bag is my favourite from her web site. It is such a beautiful colour and very elegant.
    http://meushop.ru/index.php/catalogue/product/show/cid-49/name---s16r76-41/category_pathway-11

    wendyhatton(at)yahoo.com.au

    ReplyDelete
  24. Loved the shop. Ma favorite item is here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/81446640/beige-tassel-leather-belt-with-leather because I love tassels, beads, leather, and the color!
    ghainskom at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  25. Thank you so much for offering such a beautiful and generous gift! I hearted her shop and my favorite item: http://www.etsy.com/listing/81445464/yellow-leather-flower-headband

    My Etsy name is hellcatvintage

    clogzilla(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  26. My favorite item from her website is the red flower headband: http://meushop.ru/index.php/checkout/product/show/cid-20/name--v4r53-04/category_pathway-0

    I chose it as my favorite because red is one of my favorite colors. :)

    clogzilla(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  27. I'm a follower

    +2 Hearted the shop and Black Leather Clutch art.S28R01req43452 - bloomingblossom

    +2 I like this one the best because grey is a trendy colour
    http://meushop.ru/index.php/checkout/product/show/cid-53/name--s22r74/category_pathway-0

    aikychien at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  28. I followed your blog
    lakizka(at)yandex.ru

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hearted your Etsy shop and large blac bag as Olena SunshineFelt
    lakizka пёсик yandex.ru

    ReplyDelete
  30. I follow this blog through GFC

    mubinster at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  31. I love Anastasya's Etsy store...

    mubinster at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  32. I hearted the Etsy store and my fav is this Olive Green Beige Orange Flower Leather Clutch

    mubinster at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  33. I hearted her Etsy shop, and I hearted Leather Bag Art.S27R01req43452 as PunkFunky on Etsy.

    My email is on my blog:
    Born To Be Styled

    ReplyDelete
  34. I like this item the best from her website: http://meushop.ru/index.php/checkout/product/show/cid-7/name--v3r25-02/category_pathway-0

    My email is on my blog:
    Born To Be Styled

    ReplyDelete
  35. I follow your blog.
    arianiah@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. I hearted meushop!!
    arianiah@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. i hearted my fav. item (entry #2)
    arianiah@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. I love the inside of this bag and how the flower pops/contrast with the bright pink against the blue...love it!!
    http://meushop.ru/index.php/checkout/product/show/cid-15/name--s02r21/category_pathway-0

    ReplyDelete
  39. Favorite item search and paste entry #2
    http://meushop.ru/index.php/checkout/product/show/cid-15/name--s02r21/category_pathway-0
    arianiah@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. Blog following you!!

    :)

    trishatoo at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  41. Etsy faved her shop--and the evening coat--amazing things!

    :)

    trishatoo etsy me

    trishatoo at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  42. Here is my second etsy hearting entry, for her shop and the evening coat!

    trishatoo at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  43. I like this flower:

    http://meushop.ru/index.php/catalogue/product/show/cid-24/name--v4r44-03/category_pathway-12

    entry 1

    trishatoo at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  44. I like this flower:

    http://meushop.ru/index.php/catalogue/product/show/cid-24/name--v4r44-03/category_pathway-12

    entry2

    trishatoo at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  45. I follow your blog (My email is attached to my profile)

    ReplyDelete
  46. I <3'd Meushop. And the Turquoise leather clitch. (I love turquoise! color and the stone!)

    I'm GypsiesJewels there.

    ReplyDelete
  47. I like this from her website http://meushop.ru/index.php/catalogue/product/show/cid-15/name--s02r21/category_pathway-11
    because it's the right tone of blue for this Fall Fashions!

    ReplyDelete