I am so excited to introduce you to my new friend Gina from Isola Bella! I recently stumbled across her beautiful work and then discovered her blog (like most beachonistas, you will want to follow this blog too!) and I was instantly smitten. To my happy surprise Isola Bella's home is in the Virgin Islands. If you follow my blog, you might know that the VIs are a huge love of mine and the inspiration behind sealaura. Gina's shop is full of hand-printed linen pillows, eco-printed stationery, wall art, linens for kitchen and bath, wine totes and more. Now don't you want one of these beauties? First let me share with you a little bit more about Isola Bella.

Gina, the artist behind all of these pieces was kind enough to share a bit about herself in a mini interview avec moi!

How did you get started with Isola Bella?

I have been an artist all of my life and formally trained in NY having studied and graduated from college with presidential art honors back in the late 90's.

Shortly after graduating college I opened my own gallery in New England and also worked in display and merchandising design for top home and fashion companies. Wanting to teach myself something new I began to dabble in printmaking in 2007. After carving my first block and printing it I knew I was hooked. This was to become my new medium of choice!

You say your work is inspired by seaside living, and you are drawn to organic patterns. Is there any aspect of the sea or beach life that is your current focus? For instance, are you enamored with a certain plant or shell?

I am always snapping photos around the island, beach combing for treasures and enjoying nature and casual seaside living which is my daily inspiration! For me the beauty I see I want to recreate and share with others. It is my passion to create beautiful useful things while keeping the look natural and eco-friendly.

My favorite subjects include coral and urchins which I love to view underwater while snorkeling around parts of the island.


You have beautfiful prints on your totes notecards, and pillows. What are some future isola bella projects?

My 2010 collection just launched and I am currently working on some fashion ideas. I am currently working on a new line of Russian Linen Hobo Bags which will be out within the next two months. I feel like a trip to the grocery store will be very chic with one of these intow. The possibilities are endless for me. My block-printing started with a stationery line and then took on a life of it's own with linens, pillows, gift totes, wall art and more to come...


You live in the beautiful VIs (my dream!) but do you have any other favorite beachy destinations?

My fascinaton with island life began the first time I stepped foot on the beautiful island of Capri as a young tween spending every summer of my childhood in southern italy. I remember admiring the beautiful red coral jewelry in all the window shops. Just the color and textures of the mountains, landscape, and sea was something that always stayed with me. Trust me a girl who grew up in Long Island now living by the sea on one of the most beautiful islands in the world creating art everyday. I am very lucky and blessed.


Isola Bella has been kind enough to sponsor a giveaway on my little blog and if you enter, YOU will be the happy recipient of the notecards you see above as well as the gorgeous coral tote. Are you in ? I thought so :)
The winner will receive one red coral gift tote,filled with small wave gift cards, two seagreen bubble coral cards, and one green-printed coral notecards set of 5 cards.

To enter you have a few options:
1. for one entry leave a comment here

2. for an extra entry tweet about this giveaway and include the key words sealaura and Isola Bella in your tweet. and while your at it why not follow isola bella on twitter?

3. This giveaway is open to all of my followers and if you want to join the party follow me and voilá you can get in on this fab giveaway!

Bonne chance/ Buena suerte amigas! The winner will be announced next Monday at 6:00am Pacific Time.

Do you want to be friends with Isola Bella? Well you can :)
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