Handmade Gift Feature, GIVEAWAY, and Promo from Mi So Happi! ~ Diane's Vintage Zest!

For today's "25 Days of Handmade Gifts" feature, I have Sandy from Mi So Happi! All of the shop's creations are designed, sewed, stamped, packaged, and mailed by Sandy herself! There are so many items in her shop, that I had to make collages just to share my favorites. :) Definitely check out the shop because there were so many other items that I could not include in the post.

Also, Sandy is offering one of her creations to you as a giveaway! And for those of you interested in one of her fantastic aprons, handbags, tea towel sets, totebags, or more, she is offering an exclusive discount code to my readers. Thanks, Sandy! Make sure to read up on all of the details after the interview. :)

But first, find out what how kale inspired one of her most popular items and how her favorite item was produced from upcycled upholstery fabric!

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Tell me a little bit about yourself!

My name is Sandy Shishido and I am the owner/designer of Mi So Happi located in the Silver Lake section of Los Angeles. I have a fashion degree from the University of Hawaii and also attended FIDM in Los Angeles. The Mi So Happi studio is packed with fabrics, trims, a large cutting table, a vintage "wolf" dress form and a few industrial machines. It's here that I sketch, make patterns, sew, carve out stamps, hand print and package fun & exciting fashion items and kitchen accessories like aprons, tea towels, table napkins and produce bags.

Where did the name of your store come from?

The name "Mi So Happi" is a play of words. During a conversation with my boyfriend mentioning that all I wanted to do was to stay home and sew all day and that would make me "so happy." He blurted out "Mi So Happi"!

Why did you start making goods for Mi So Happi?

I've been making clothes all my life. My mom is an expert sewer/knitter and made clothes for me and my siblings. I remember doing a very early craft fair in Silver Lake that was really fun which gave me the opportunity to chat with customers and to get to know them. I just continued on that path and shared a farmer's market booth with a friend for a while and did a bit of retail and trunk shows as well. This evolved into making a complete line that was represented by a downtown showroom.

What is your favorite item?

My favorite item is a leather patchwork bag that I made several years ago using scraps of leather in shades of taupe and gray with natural upholstery fabric accents. I used my vintage zig zag machine to stitch up this bag and got so many compliments for its uniqueness and originality. I love the idea of repurposing, repairing and that even small scraps of leather can be turned into a functional unique object.

What is your most popular item?

My most popular items are my aprons and produce bags. I've sold aprons to customers in the United States and countries around the world through the internet. In the New Year I plan to introduce a new line of hand printed aprons that will be an extension of my tea towels, produce bags and napkins.

Where do you get the inspiration for your work?

My inspiration comes from living in a culturally diverse area, the museums and art scene of Silver Lake, music and food. I hand carve all of my stamps using several carving tools. The kale print was an inspiration from the red Russian kale that I grew in small pots during the summer. The blood orange stamp was made when my 3 year old orange tree yielded beautiful fruits of purple and orange.

What makes your store unique?

The Mi So Happi label offers quality, fashion and fit made with carefully selected natural fabrics and materials. My aprons are fitted and refitted on the "wolf" form for a perfect fit that may go through a second or third fitting. Even craft aprons need a curved waist to fit properly. That's where my technical background is handy in assuring clean sewing techniques and best fit. I pride myself in hand crafting fashion items that are produced locally in Los Angeles that will last a long time.

What is the toughest part about making your goods/your artistic process?

Limiting my product line to a few items! I like to offer a varieties of things to keep my shop attractive & interesting -- and I just can't stop designing and creating!!

Do you take custom orders?

I welcome custom and wholesale orders, and strive for a quick turnaround. I will gladly answer any questions regarding the process by email at sandy@misohappi.com. Wholesale deliveries are dependent on quantities.

Where can I see more of your work and buy a gift?

Etsy: www.misohappi.etsy.com

Website: misohappi.com

Facebook: facebook.com/misohappi
Twitter: twitter.com/misohappi
Pinterest: pinterest.com/sharumi/
Flickr: flickr.com/photos/99728698@N07

Are you going to be at any shows soon, so I can see your work in person and say hello?

Next event: WAREHOUSE CRAFT FAIR, Dec. 14, 9-3 pm Pasadena, CA @234 N. Allen Ave---Allen Ave Storage. Come and enjoy the sun, holiday shopping and free hot cider!

I will have a full line of all of my aprons, tea towels, produce bags and more.

Anything else to add?

I have met the nicest people by getting involved in craft shows, from customers to fellow vendors to show organizers. Mi So Happi is a one person shop and I get to do all of the designs, sewing, marketing, packaging and shipping. All inquiries are answered by me and customers can email sandy@misohappi.com for any questions regarding my products.

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Sandy really is a one-woman shop, and I cannot believe how much she produces and creates! Now for the details of the promo: use the code "DIANEVINTAGE" to receive 10% off at Mi So Happi's Etsy shop!

Now, for the produce bag giveaway! It is a super-cute, well-made bag with hand stamped oranges, cute polka dot trim, and a ribbon closure. What a great way to carry your produce from the market, right? :) To enter, just follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter widget below. Please be patient because it may take a while to load.