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The Sister Whimsy digital storefront was launched in February, 2006 as a creative outlet and to provide others with a fresh and fun alternative for stationery and gifts. The shop showcases a wide variety of beautiful handcrafted paper goods, including notecards, gift tags, decor, and scrapbook layouts. Shreveporter Ginger Garfield operates the Sister Whimsy shop at www.gingincal.etsy.com with the help of her sister, Laura Dean.

The sisters specialize in embossing and quilling (paper filigree) and even hand-carve original designs for block-printing. Because Sister Whimsy’s pieces are handcrafted, each is unique - there are no exact duplicates EVER. Sister Whimsy welcomes special orders.

The daughters of long-time Shreveporters Grace and Harry Simmons, both women grew up in Shreveport along with their younger brother, Chip Simmons. Ginger graduated from Southwood High School and LSU and works as a free-lance paralegal. Laura attended St. Vincent’s Academy, graduated from Southfield School and LSU-S and teaches 2nd grade locally. The sisters are Zeta Tau Alpha alumnae and live in Shreveport with their families. Ginger and her husband, Macy, have 4 children ranging in age from 8 to 22. Laura and USAF Sgt. William Dean are married and have 2 children, ages 7 and 3.

Touted as "Your place to buy & sell all things handmade," www.etsy.com is a global marketplace brimming with artistic talent and unique shops. With over 30 shopping categories, shoppers can find any imaginable handcrafted items: fabulous papercrafts, original paintings, bath and beauty products, candles, furniture, housewares, clothing, jewelry, knitting, music, paper goods, quilts, toys, and woodworking, and more. The Etsy website was launched only one year ago and has blossomed into a marketplace of 16,000 artists.