Interview with a Star - Maria (Lovelytrifles)

Today, we'd like to share an interview with our fellow teammate Maria who runs beautiful lovelytrifles shop on Etsy


- Please tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Maria and I live in Kiev, Ukraine. By profession I am a journalist and photographer. I have been working as fashion and beauty columnist in various magazines for quite some time. But, at certain point in time, I have decided to completely change everything in my life and now my passion is jewelry design.




- How long have you been creating? How did your journey in art and creativity begin?
Two years ago my little hobby had transformed into my everyday work. Now I have a web site, an Etsy-store and many of my products are sold in stores around Kiev and other Ukrainian cities. I love my new work and try to make every item with inspiration and love. I wish all the girls to look beautiful wearing my jewelry.


- What is currently inspiring you?
Right now I'm inspired by decorative painting, bright colors and nature themes. I continue to master the Petrykovka painting technique in order to create more and more sophisticated graphic. Also I keep discovering more and more interesting materials and techniques for making various new designs.



- Do you have a favorite item you have made?
Yes, now my favorite item is Double candy necklace – it’s so colorful and unique. It’s very stylish for summer.



- Name 3 things you can’t live without?
I can’t live without sea, sun and creating


- What items in your shop do you most enjoy making and why?
Most of all I enjoy making single copy items. It doesn't really matter what kind of technique did I use, how much effort did I put into it or how long did it take me to think of the design. Unique things that are not repeated - it is my weakness.


- What are your main sources of inspiration?
My work is about Ukraine and its traditions, memories of distant countries that I've visited, images and experiences that I'd like to share… It is the world that I am surprised and delighted with every moment of my life...


Also, please visit Maria's web site: http://www.lovelytrifles.com

Giveaway results, Grape Earrings

Thank you for participation in our latest grape earrings giveaway, dear readers!

We are happy to announce the winner, Klemm Family from Missouri! Her comment # 119 was selected by random.org as the lucky one!

Congratulations to our winner! Maria (Lovelytrifles) will contact you to verify the shipping address.

Thank you for participation, everyone!

Grape earring, new giveaway on our blog!

This very delicate grapes earrings will be great for summer!

The grapes and leaves are made of Czech glass beads. Artfully woven vine branch made of thin silver plated supplies, the hooks are 925 sterling silver. These earrings are 6cm long.

These grapes earrings are made by Maria (Lovelytrifles) who is a hostess for this giveaway. Visit her lovely shop on Etsy to see more of her wonderful creations!

To enter this giveaway:

1.Visit Lovelytrifles shop, browse around and leave a comment here on what your favorite item is. (1 entry)

2. Follow/subscribe Maria's facebook / blog (1 entry each)

3. Follow/ subscribe our blog (1 entry)

4. Grab Etsy Russian Team’s button and place it on your blog. (1 entry)

5. Share this giveaway on your blog/ facebook/ twitter. (1 entry each)

6. Share Maria's blog on your blog/facebook/twitter. (1 entry each)

Please leave a separate comment on each entry and don't forget to LEAVE US YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS so that Maria could contact you!

This giveaway will run from April 16 through the 25th, and the lucky winner will be announced on April 26th, 2011.

Good luck and have fun!

Sweet Valentine

Valentine is the sweetest holiday of all and not just because a romantic prospect. This day is all about sweet deserts!


So we'd like to share this recipe with you. It is easy to make and will look perfect on your Valentine's table! Maria (lovelytrifles), who is the author of this delicious strawberry cake calls it "Strawberry fields forever" because she is using strawberries from her own garden in the summer. For the rest of us, who do not grow organic produce it is time to make a list and start shopping!


Here is what you need:

For dough:
5 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 cup flour
Butter to grease a form (cooking spray will work also)
2 tablespoons farina
about 3 lbs of strawberries

For glaze:
2 stick of chocolate (200 gr)
50-70 ml of milk (1.5-2.5 oz)
30 gr of butter

Springform pan for baking

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 385'F.
Beat eggs and sugar with mixer. Add flour in two portions at the time while continue beating. The dough should be smooth with no lumps.


Grease your baking springform pan (about 12" diameter). Sprinkle the bottom and edges with farina. Arrange strawberries on the bottom of form, it can be done in two layers (reserve some strawberries for decoration). Pour the liquid dough on top of berries and bake for about 40 to 50 minutes or until ready (use a toothpick to check if it is ready). Let it chill in a form, then remove the sides.

Make the glaze:
In a double boiler melt the chocolate. Add the butter and the milk and stir occasionally until smooth.


While it is still hot pour the glaze over the cooled cake and spread it evenly. Let it cool slightly and decorate with strawberries.

Bon appetite and we hope your Valentine will like it!


Recipe by Maria (Lovelytrifles)
Translated by Tanya (Socksandmittens)