GIVEAWAY from ZappyTurtle HAS ENDED!

This giveaway has ended!
^ Read post for more details!

And the winner is...
Kimi!


I will randomly choose the winner (using Random.org) and contact them via email. They will have 24 hours to respond with their home address.

Here are your random numbers:
5
Timestamp: 2009-05-05 13:07:01 UTC

GIVEAWAY from ZappyTurtle!

Featured Seller, ZappyTurtle has decided to offer a GIVEAWAY along with her feature!

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS BEEN EXTEND UNTIL APRIL 30TH!

Enter now to win this set of coiled coasters, $12 Value!

From Etsy Listing: "This is a set of four coasters made in a coils. Each one measures 4" across. Each coasters is made from leopard print material. They feature browns, tans and black. These are great to keep those water rings off your tables."

RULES & DETAILS:
(1) This giveaway is open to US Residents ONLY! ZappyTurtle will ONLY mail the prize to an address in the United States!
(2) The winning comment number will be randomly chosen (using Random.org) and I will contact them via email. The winner will only have 24 hours to respond with their home address.
(3) Comment this blog with your favorite item in ZappyTurtle's shop! Make sure to leave your email address and/or your etsy shop so I can contact you! I will NOT contact you through your blogger account!
(4) For an extra entry, tweet this "@manniemandible ENTER ME TO WIN YOUR COILED COASTER GIVEAWAY http://tinyurl.com/giveturtle" and leave a comment here with your twitter username.
(5) This giveaway will end on April 30th at 11:59pm, est!

*** IMPORTANT NOTE ***
PEOPLE SUBMIT A COMMENT BUT DO NOT TOLD ME THEIR EMAIL ADDRESS OR ETSY SHOP SO I CAN CONTACT THEM! YOUR ENTRY IS NOT VALID WHEN THE RULES ARE NOT FOLLOWED!!!!!

Good Luck!
♥Mannie

Featured Seller: ZappyTurtle

CLICK HERE FOR GIVEAWAY!

(1) Who are you? I'm a Stay at home Mother of two, though it never seems I am at home. I'm a crafter, gardener, a cook, volunteer, wife and mother. (2) What is your shop name and how did you come up with it? Zappyturtle - I was trying to come up with a user id for a site with turtle in it. Tried several and they were all taken, then came Zappy Turtle. It wasn't taken so I use it for just about everything. Seems like someone did like it and uses it to play Halo...not me=) (3) What do you create and sell? Right now I'm creating useful items from recycled materials. It started with gift cards two years ago and now includes just about anything made of plastic or vinyl. (4) What is your source for inspiration? I hate to throw anything away, I feel it is wasteful. Besides there is so much you can do with your "trash" (5) What is your favorite piece from your shop & why? http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17062040 This is a bracelet made from a vinyl record. I love astronomy and this is just up my alley. I honestly think if it doesn't sell I'm keeping it=) (6) Is running your shop your only job? The only one that pays me=D I do volunteer at the school copying and what ever else they ask me to do. That keeps me busy during the school year. (7) When did you start your business? June 13, 2007 Started with a Fishbowl purse and grew from there (8) How long have you been selling on Etsy? Almost 2 years (9) Do you sell outside of Etsy? Not yet (10) What do you like best about Etsy? The friends I've met along the way (11) Do you belong to any teams? Yes I belong to the Etsyfriends' Team and the Recycler's Guild (12) Do you have more than one Etsy shop? I did but my other shop is on permanent vacation till I see what is going on with the Whole CPSIA thing. (13) What do you do to promote your shop(s)? I don't promote as much as I should. But I participate in sales, contests and talk ALOT in the forums. People do shop from others in the forums. (14) What do you do in your spare time? What is spare time? (15) What is your blog or website url? zappyturtle.blogspot.com zappyturtle.etsy.com (16) Are there any blogs you follow regularly? Mostly the etsyfriends blog and cake wrecks blog ( if you need a really good laugh) (17) Are there any particular Etsy shops you follow regularly? Mostly my team mates shops and others I find along the way. (18) Any advice (business, or otherwise) for fellow sellers? Stay positive, don't be afraid to try something new or change what you do a bit. You are never to old to learn something new. Make friends and enjoy what you do or you will start to dread what you do and it shows.

GIVEAWAY from JudyJem HAS ENDED!

This giveaway has ended!
^ Read post for more details!

And the winner is...
Heather!

I will randomly choose the winner (using Random.org) and contact them via email. They will have 24 hours to respond with their home address.

Here is your random number:
3
Timestamp: 2009-04-01 12:58:22 UTC

Featured Seller: JudyJem

Click here for GIVEAWAY!



(1) Who are you?

My name is Judy Jewell and I live in CT.

(2) What is your shop name and how did you come up with it?

My shop name is KidKnitz and I came up with it because I thought it was catchy and relevant.

(3) What do you create and sell?

I make mostly hand knit and crocheted items for children and moms. I make everything from hats to booties to neckwarmers and coffee cozies.

(4) What is your source for inspiration?

I am inspired by color and natural fibers such as wool and cotton yarns.

(5) What is your favorite piece from your shop & why?

One of my favorite pieces from my shop is a taupe colored baby sweater and hat set. I sold one just like it in raspberry.

(6) Is running your shop your only job?

Not at all. I am a full time second grade teacher and mom.

(7) When did you start your business?

I got serious about it in 2006.

(8) How long have you been selling on Etsy?

I've been serious about it since 2006.

(9) Do you sell outside of Etsy?

Yes, but mainly to friends, family, and co-workers. I've also dabbled in consignment.

(10) What do you like best about Etsy?

I love everything about Etsy but my favorite thing is the community spirit and ease of managing my shop.

(11) Do you belong to any teams?

Yes, the CT Street Team and Etsy Kids.

(12) Do you have more than one Etsy shop?

No, but I've been toying with the idea!

(13) What do you do to promote your shop(s)?

I post in the forums alot, list/reslist often and I post photos on my Facebook account and Flickr.

(14) What do you do in your spare time?

I don't often have spare time but when I do I like to take walks, read, organize, surf the internet, and knit and crochet. I also teach knitting and crocheting classes to kids.

(15) What is your blog or website url?

http://www.judyjem.etsy.com/

(16) Are there any blogs you follow regularly?

I am a religious follower of the Nie Nie Dialogues and C Jane Run.

(17) Are there any particular Etsy shops you follow regularly?

I am a huge fan of my sister's shop, greenmountain and my mom's shop, merrymoon and my sister's friend's daughter's shop, vermontfairies.

(18) Any advice (business, or otherwise) for fellow sellers?

My advice is to constantly find new ways to reinvent yourself. Keep your photos crisp and clean and use quality materials to make your items. Keep your shipping costs as low as possible and list as often as you can. Be nice to your fellow Etsyians, give advice whenever you have something valuable to offer. The forums are a great place to do this. Make what you love and love what you make!! Finally, have fun and never take yourself too seriously.

GIVEAWAY from JudyJem!

Featured Seller, JudyJem, is offering this GIVEAWAY to go along with her feature!

Enter now to win this cute little spotted mushroom, $7 Value!

RULES & DETAILS:
(1) This giveaway is open to US Residents ONLY! JudyJem will ONLY mail the prize to an address in the United States!
(2) The winning comment number will be randomly chosen (using Random.org) and I will contact them via email. The winner will only have 24 hours to respond with their home address.
(3) Comment this blog with your favorite item in JudyJem's shop! Make sure to leave your email address and/or your etsy shop so I can contact you! I will NOT contact you through your blogger account!
(4) For an extra entry, tweet this "@manniemandible ENTER ME TO WIN YOUR CUTE GIVEAWAY http://tinyurl.com/givemush" and leave a comment here with your twitter username.
(5) This giveaway will end on Tuesday, March 31st at 11:59pm, est!

*** IMPORTANT NOTE ***
PEOPLE SUBMIT A COMMENT BUT DO NOT TOLD ME THEIR EMAIL ADDRESS OR ETSY SHOP SO I CAN CONTACT THEM! YOUR ENTRY IS NOT VALID WHEN THE RULES ARE NOT FOLLOWED!!!!!

Good Luck!
♥Mannie

GIVEAWAY from TheYarnChick HAS ENDED!

This giveaway has ended!

^ Read post for more details!

And the winner is...
Amber!

I will randomly choose the winner (using Random.org) and contact them via email. They will have 24 hours to respond with their home address.

Here are your random numbers:
15
Timestamp: 2009-03-24 13:35:58 UTC

Featured Seller: TheYarnChick

Click here for GIVEAWAY!





(1) Who are you?
I am a mom. I am a wife. I am a military spouse. And I am an artist and crafter. I enjoy time with my family, but enjoy my alone time a great deal as well.

(2) What is your shop name and how did you come up with it?
The Yarn Chick. My husband had always called me “chicky” so I combined that with my obsession (addiction) with yarn. Pretty simple!

(3) What do you create and sell?
I create modern crocheted accessories. Mostly hats just because I enjoy making them so much and I think they look so darn cute on my kids. I’ve also sold coffee cozies and wrist warmers.

(4) What is your source for inspiration?
My kids first of all, like I said. Next is color. I love every color of the rainbow and every color in between. I have favorites of course. I love coming up with color combinations. I also draw a lot of inspiration from texture. I’m one of those people who walks through a department store and can’t help poking my hand out every chance I get to feel different fabrics and textures. On products for sale of course, I don’t cross any personal space boundaries ;)

(5) What is your favorite piece from your shop & why?
This is such a hard question because I only sell things I love. If I don’t like it, it doesn’t go up in my shop. My monkey hat was completely inspired by my daughter, who I call “my li’l monkey” so that’s a top favorite. I also really love the slouchy caps I have right now. They’ve done really well and I wear one myself most days, they are so comfy.

(6) Is running your shop your only job?
No, I am a mom! But…I do not work outside of the home. J

(7) When did you start your business?
I started this shop in December of 2008. I registered the name in October, but didn’t start listing until December. I had listed some crocheted hats in my first Etsy shop since the summer of 2008, but when they started to take over the shop I opened a home of their own.

(8) How long have you been selling on Etsy?
Since February of 2008.

(9) Do you sell outside of Etsy?
Yes, I have a shop on 1000 Markets, same name. I have not done craft fairs yet, but am preparing to do a small one in the fall to get my feet wet and then hopefully a bigger one in the winter. I have a lot of inventory building to do for that. I do not put items in brick and mortar shops because being military we move around a lot. I’d want to be near to the shop and I’d hate to get going in one and then have to pull everything out to move.

(10) What do you like best about Etsy?
I love the variety of things you can find. It amazes me the talent of people. Their creativity and determination to create what they see in their head. I have spent way more money on Etsy than I have made!

(11) Do you belong to any teams?
Yes. I belong to one team. I have thought of joining others, but the team I am on is important to me. I like to have time for them and the events we hold. It’s the Homefront Team for military spouses. I love those girls. We also have a market on 1000 Markets that I help manage.

(12) Do you have more than one Etsy shop?
Yes! My other shop, and the first one I created is http://bethjt.etsy.com. I sell my artwork, prints, jewelry, and other gifts like magnets and other things that I feel like making. Most of my jewelry is made from seaglass, but I also like using crystals and beads. I work with mainly sterling silver.

(13) What do you do to promote your shop(s)?
I have a blog. I have tried out some paid advertising that went well. When I get a good amount of inventory built up again I will do that again. I also twitter. And being on an Etsy team is a great promotion tool. I also have a small decal pasted on both of our vehicles, that has brought me an amazing bit of traffic.

(14) What do you do in your spare time?
This IS what I do in my spare time. I crochet, I draw, I make jewelry, I hunt for seaglass, I take pictures, I doodle and brainstorm. My mind never seems to shut off. If I didn’t sell my creations I’d still be doing this, I enjoy it that much. Spending time with my family is the other thing.

(15) What is your blog or website url?
I have a blog where I ramble about whatever is going on or one my mind with my shop and the selling venues I am on. http://bethetsy.blogspot.com I also have a dotcom for my drawings, although I admittedly haven’t updated it in a while. http://www.thompsonportraits.com.

(16) Are there any blogs you follow regularly?
I follow my Etsy team’s blog http://www.homefrontartistryteam.blogspot.com/ There are also quite a few Homefront member blogs I follow. I also like to follow some blogs that regularly feature shops and do giveaways.

(17) Are there any particular Etsy shops you follow regularly?
Too many to list! I spend a LOT of time on Etsy, selling and shopping. I love bags, screen printed Ts, baby apparel and accessories, etc etc etc. There are just so many cool shops, I can’t think of just one to mention.

(18) Any advice (business, or otherwise) for fellow sellers?
Since I’m coming up on a year on Etsy, I guess I qualify to give a little advice. The first thing I consider important is customer service. Answering questions in a timely (and polite) manner is really important. While they are waiting for you to answer, they have time to find another shop to buy from. Take pride in your product and make it the best you can. Package it nicely and include a handwritten note. It is a turnoff for me to get a package in the mail to find my product just stuck inside and mailed off without a bit of personal touch. That personal touch is what I love about purchasing handmade.

I am a big believer in good quality product photos. When I stumble into a shop that hasn’t taken the time to take nice photos and I can’t tell what it really looks like or what the real color is supposed to be, I click right back out. It amazes me how many shops put up a blurry photo that tells me nothing about the product, then on top of that write two lines in the description. Won’t be spending my hard earned money there, sorry. If they won’t put the time and effort into their shop, then what does that say they will do with their product?

Don’t sit and wait for people to find you. Consider your shop a little corner of a really huge city of shops. If you don’t put up signs, tell people you are there, and rent billboards you are relying on a stray shopper to stumble in on their own accord. This happens, yes, but not as often as the people who come looking for you because they saw your link, or ad, or blog entry, or google search entry, or their friend who is friends with your friend who told them about it.

I could go on and on about the things I’ve learned and made mistakes doing on my own. But I’ll leave it at that. ;)

GIVEAWAY from TheYarnChick!

Featured Seller, TheYarnChick, is offering this GIVEAWAY to go along with her feature!

Enter now to win a CUSTOM slouchy beanie, $26 Value!

^ Beth will let the winner know what colors are available and the winner also has their choice of cotton/acrylic blend (as pictured) or a 100% cotton version. Beth will need two weeks to make the winner's hat!

RULES & DETAILS:
(1) This giveaway is open to US Residents ONLY! TheYarnChick will ONLY mail the prize to an address in the United States!
(2) The winning comment number will be randomly chosen (using Random.org) and I will contact them via email. The winner will only have 24 hours to respond with their home address.
(3) Comment this blog with your favorite item in TheYarnChick's shop! Make sure to leave your email address and/or your etsy shop so I can contact you! I will NOT contact you through your blogger account!
(4) For an extra entry, tweet this "@manniemandible ENTER ME TO WIN YOUR HANDBAG GIVEAWAY http://tinyurl.com/giveyarn" and leave a comment here with your twitter username.
(5) This giveaway will end on Monday, March 23rd at 11:59pm, est!

*** IMPORTANT NOTE ***
PEOPLE SUBMIT A COMMENT BUT DO NOT TOLD ME THEIR EMAIL ADDRESS OR ETSY SHOP SO I CAN CONTACT THEM! YOUR ENTRY IS NOT VALID WHEN THE RULES ARE NOT FOLLOWED!!!!!

Good Luck!
♥Mannie

GIVEAWAY from Carapace HAS ENDED!

This giveaway has ended!

^ Read post for more details!

And the winner is...
http://www.beaddance.etsy.com

I will randomly choose the winner (using Random.org) and contact them via email. They will have 24 hours to respond with their home address.

Here are your random numbers:
10
Timestamp: 2009-03-18 19:16:34 UTC

Featured Seller: Carapace

GIVEAWAY!



(1) Who are you?
I'm the tall one, dressed all in green, looking for the handicap
entrance. The one who'll give you a lecture on ancient Minoan society
when you ask if I like greek food. On Etsy, I'm Carapace, and I am even more life threateningly verbose. And you know this, and gave me a questionairre anyway! Bwahahaha!

(2) What is your shop name and how did you come up with it?
My shop is Carapace. The ultra-super-secret origin of the name has
never been revealed until now, because it's deeply geeky. I was part
of a roleplaying group at the time, and Carapace was the name of my
anthropomorphic insect character (if you don't do tabletop gaming,
you'll have to trust me when I say this is a perfectly normal thing in
such games). When the time came to start my Etsy shop, I realized I
had no focus in mind, and didn't want to sound too down-homey, so I
grabbed a word that I already identified with that had no particular
artistic meaning at all. And then the tagline came to me, and bingo,
shop name. I've had many people ask me what the word means, so apparently my
attempt to not trigger word-associated prejudice has been successful.
For those who don't know: A "carapace"is the hard protective outer
shell on things like turtles, bugs, and myself.

(3) What do you create and sell?
I make jewelry and illustrations with an unavoidable fantasy
component. Even when I'm trying to do very basic still life stuff. I
could delve deep into the uses of fantasy as allegory, or try to
explain the fantastic in my work as the result of my own tendency
towards visual hallucinations, but I think really I just find making
straight representations boring.

(4) What is your source for inspiration?
I wish I could name a source for inspiration! Then I could put
inspiration into a condensed form in a little bottle, and stopper it
up, and uncork it when I had time to use it properly.
Unfortunately, I find inspiration to be more like humidity. All
around, in sometimes stifling quantities, but nigh impossible to get
usable amounts in usable form until it suddenly solidifies and falls
on my head for four hours straight, ruining the laundry in the
meantime. I think for the purposes of this metaphor, "the laundry" is my mood. I
am not a pleasant person to interrupt in mid art-gallop.

(5) What is your favorite piece from your shop & why?
Right now, it's probably my FisherBird River Queen Print:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21030089
Just because it's rather different than my usual work, and I tried out
a new technique and it worked, so looking at it makes me feel all
triumphant. But really, nothing goes up on my Etsy site unless I
personally love it and would have it on my wall.

(6) Is running your shop your only job?
I have a Day Job,doing basic clerical work, which I enjoy because it
gets me out of the house. But I consider my artwork my real career.

(8) How long have you been selling on Etsy?
I properly started my Etsy shop in August 2008. But I've been hanging around Etsy as a buyer for a lot longer. I've sold my work erratically at fairs and such since I was 15. But I
consider Etsy my first real attempt at making a business out of my artwork.

(9) Do you sell outside of Etsy?
Indeed! At any in-person venue that seems like it might be fun. I've
done renaissance fairs, anime conventions, and random craft fairs.

(10) What do you like best about Etsy?
The people, no contest! I really appreciate Etsy's technical aspects--
I opened shop there because it was the simplest site with the lowest
entry fees-- but the people are why my shop stays up. My street teams
and forum friends help keep me focused, and having other artists
always around keeps away that "what am I doing with my life" panic
that often comes by when I realize the grand total of my weeklong
effort is a single painting.

(11) Do you belong to any teams?
I do indeed, and fine people they all are, to put up with a slacker
like me! I'm in the new Creatability team, which is small but capable,
and the Etsy Texas Team, which is properly Texas-sized, and the
FAEteam, who are the only people on Etsy liable to get half my
references. And there's also a chatty bunch who call themselves the
Etsy Friends Team, who I have dealings with on occasion.;)

(12) Do you have more than one Etsy shop?
No.

(13) What do you do to promote your shop(s)?
Not enough, sadly. I find I'd rather create than promote. Any small-time art managers out there? Blogging's been pretty good for me, when I stick with it. I may someday explore the fascinating world of advertising. Or I may go paint.

(14) What do you do in your spare time?
You're looking at it. Seriously, the internet eats more of my free
time than actually eating, and I am a woman who loves her feed. I try
to keep it down to an hour of dawdling most days, though.
Then again, the things that most people consider hobbies- art,
writing, crafting-- are my main occupation, so there's really nothing
but the internet to spend my discretionary time on. Unless one counts
housework as a distraction, which I'm happy to do.

(15) What is your blog or website url?
My blog is
www.caramakes.blogspot.com
It's tragically neglected, but still loved.
My shop is
http://carapace.etsy.com
It is somewhat less neglected.:)

(16) Are there any blogs you follow regularly?
Not as many as I should. The blogs I mostly follow are linked off my blog.
I will say, if you want me to follow your blog, don't load it down
with animation, soundtracks, or giant images.

(17) Are there any particular Etsy shops you follow regularly?
I check in on all my team mates with fair regularity.

(18) Any advice (business, or otherwise) for fellow sellers?
Spellcheck. Then do it again. Otherwise you'll miss out on searches.
Sell overseas. Just do it. Shipping is not that complicated, and
there's a huge international audience on Etsy who can and frankly
should snub you if you ignore their presence.
And finally, promote. Don't be like me, kids!

GIVEAWAY from Carapace!

Featured Seller Cara of Carapace has decided to offer a giveaway with her feature!

Enter now for your chance to win a CUSTOM piece of art!!
$30 Value!

^^ One custom drawing, in color, of any single character the winner likes. Character from a novel, themselves as a snow demon, a seahorse playing cards, whatever. Check out Cara's shop or blog to see examples of her work...there's a lot there! And she'll convo with them to make sure she's getting this custom piece right.

RULES & DETAILS:
(1) This giveaway is open to US Residents ONLY! Carapace will ONLY mail the prize to an address in the United States!
(2) The winning comment number will be randomly chosen (using Random.org) and I will contact them via email. The winner will only have 24 hours to respond with their home address.
(3) Comment this blog with your favorite item in Carapace's shop! Make sure to leave your email address and/or your etsy shop so I can contact you! I will NOT contact you through your blogger account!
(4) For an extra entry, tweet this "@manniemandible ENTER ME TO WIN YOUR ART GIVEAWAY http://tinyurl.com/asxrcl" and leave a comment here with your twitter username.
(5) This giveaway will end on Friday, March 13th at 11:59pm, est!

*** IMPORTANT NOTE ***
PEOPLE SUBMIT A COMMENT BUT DO NOT TOLD ME THEIR EMAIL ADDRESS OR ETSY SHOP SO I CAN CONTACT THEM! YOUR ENTRY IS NOT VALID WHEN THE RULES ARE NOT FOLLOWED!!!!!

Good Luck!
♥Mannie

GIVEAWAY from Hamncheezr HAS ENDED!

This giveaway has ended!

^ Read post for more details!

And the winner is...
minishoes

I will randomly choose the winner (using Random.org) and contact them via email. They will have 24 hours to respond with their home address.

Here is your random number:
5
Timestamp: 2009-03-07 00:49:53 UTC

GIVEAWAY from Hamncheezr!

Featured Seller, Desiree of Hamncheezr, has offered to incorporate a giveaway with her feature!

Enter now to win this handbag!
$15 Value



^ This bag is 100% cotton throught. It measures roughly 8" x 8.5" and fastens shut with a pink vintage button. It has a "cellphone" pocket on the outside and 2 pockets inside, one long and thin for pens or double-pointed knitting needles (for sock-knitters).

RULES & DETAILS:
(1) This giveaway is open to US Residents ONLY! Hamncheezr will ONLY mail the prize to an address in the United States!
(2) The winning comment number will be randomly chosen (using Random.org) and I will contact them via email. The winner will only have 24 hours to respond with their home address.
(3) Comment this blog with your favorite item in Hamncheezr's shop! Make sure to leave your email address and/or your etsy shop so I can contact you! I will NOT contact you through your blogger account!
(4) For an extra entry, tweet this "@manniemandible ENTER ME TO WIN YOUR HANDBAG GIVEAWAY http://tinyurl.com/giveham" and leave a comment here with your twitter username.
(5) This giveaway will end on Thursday, March 5th at 11:59pm, est!

*** IMPORTANT NOTE ***
PEOPLE SUBMIT A COMMENT BUT DO NOT TOLD ME THEIR EMAIL ADDRESS OR ETSY SHOP SO I CAN CONTACT THEM! YOUR ENTRY IS NOT VALID WHEN THE RULES ARE NOT FOLLOWED!!!!!

Good Luck!
♥Mannie

Featured Seller: Hamncheezr

This seller is has opted to offer a GIVEAWAY to go along with this feature!! Check out THIS POST for more details!



(1) Who are you?
Who I am is a loaded question, LoL! I am a Christian 23 year old stay at home Mom to 2 great kids, wife to my wonderful husband and quilter, knitter, spindler, and voracious reader when there is a spare minute.

(2) What is your shop name and how did you come up with it?
My shop name is Hamncheezr, which has been my screen name since I was about 15. It started as a little joke about my sister Veronica always being a ham and cheesing when she smiled and kind of just stuck with me.

(3) What do you create and sell?
I mostly create and sell quilted handbags made from scrappy batik and/or handdyed fabrics. Occasionally a "regular" quilt or knitted item will pop up in my shop.

(4) What is your source for inspiration?
I like the freedom of just grabbing random pieces of fabric and sewing them together. There are no rules, no right or wrong way to do it. It is usually very stress relieving to sit down and piece a bag.

(5) What is your favorite piece from your shop & why?
My favorite piece right now would probably be my HANDbag--it has a machine appliqued outline of my actual hand on it, with antique buttons from my great-grandmother sewn on as finger nails!

(6) Is running your shop your only job?
It's the only thing I do to make a little money on the side, yes, but as a stay at home Mom my lists of "jobs" is endless! : )

(7) When did you start your business?
I've been making quilts for people for pay for years but only started with making the bags in March of 2008. My first bag was for my hippy sister Diantha for her birthday.

(8) How long have you been selling on Etsy?
I started selling on Etsy in August of 2008.

(9) Do you sell outside of Etsy?
Occasionally I sell quilts or bags to people by word of mouth. Also this month a local store has started to carry some of them for me which is really exciting! I love using Etsy and have no complaints but it's so neat to have my items in an actual, physical store!

(10) What do you like best about Etsy?
It's so easy to use! The people are friendly and respectful of each other, the fees are lower than other sites and I just love it!

(11) Do you belong to any teams?
Yes, I am on the Carried Away Bag team, the CAST team, the Quiltsy team and the Tattoo'd Moms of Etsy team.

(12) Do you have more than one Etsy shop?
Nope, just the one.

(13) What do you do to promote your shop(s)?
I host giveaways from my blog from time to time, and I had business cards made that I hand out and sometimes I run specials that I post about on AD days on lists I'm on.

(14) What do you do in your spare time?
LOL! I just learned to spin this year using a drop spindle and I LOVE it! I also read just about everything I can get my hands on, cook and occasionally I paint. Mostly I quilt and play with my kids though.

(15) What is your blog or website url?
http://hamncheezr.blogspot.com is my blog where I talk about my items, my life and whatever else pops into my head.

(16) Are there any blogs you follow regularly?
Yes! I follow http://mysevenkids.blogspot.com okay, it's my Mom's but the stuff that happens to her is really funny and she's till got 6 kids at home so it's always interesting. Also:
http://sunshineofautumnquilts.blogspot.com/ and http://alattequilts.blogspot.com/

(17) Are there any particular Etsy shops you follow regularly?
Yes, the Dreamy Giraffe http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=50177
Yarn by Ashley B http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=50177
HeartFeltFun http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6378722

(18) Any advice (business, or otherwise) for fellow sellers?
Do whatever you can to make your product the best that you can. Money is hard to come by these days, if you wouldn't spend yours to buy it--don't sell it. Have fun with your craft and enjoy your artwork!

GIVEAWAY from ReesasFavorites HAS ENDED!

This giveaway has ended!
^ Read post for more details!

And the winner is...
Nikki!


I will randomly choose the winner (using Random.org) and contact them via email. They will have 24 hours to respond with their home address.

Here are your random numbers:
3
Timestamp: 2009-02-26 15:34:17 UTC

Featured Seller: Reesa's Favorites

GIVEAWAY!

(1) Who are you?
Teresa Rollan

(2) What is your shop name and how did you come up with it?
ReesasFavorites – it is clothes and accessories for some of my favorite dolls, and I do my favorite crafting while making the items—sewing, crocheting, and making jewelry.

(3) What do you create and sell?
Handmade doll clothes and accessories and some vintage dolls.

(4) What is your source for inspiration?
I imagine what a real little girl would like to wear and then make it in a doll version for the baby and little girl dolls. Then for the fashion dolls like Barbie and Blythe, I like to create clothes that I would like to wear (if I had their figures!)

(5) What is your favorite piece from your shop & why?
The little poncho with the heart on it is my favorite piece, just because it is so cute and was fun to make.

(6) Is running your shop your only job?
Yes.

(7) When did you start your business?
November, 2007

(8) How long have you been selling on Etsy?
15 ½ months

(9) Do you sell outside of Etsy?
I sometimes sell at craft fairs, yard sales, and to individuals.

(10) What do you like best about Etsy?
I like the people—they are friendly and helpful. I’ve learned so much from them!

(11) Do you belong to any teams?
I belong to the EtsyFriends team. They have been friends and supporters and helpers every step of the way.

(12) Do you have more than one Etsy shop?
Yes, I have just recently re-opened RetroReesa, where I have retro-style jewelry items and more coming soon.

(13) What do you do to promote your shop(s)?
Etsy forums, EtsyFriends team promotions, blogging, twitter, stumbleupon. Being featured in a blog like this is a wonderful promotion!

(14) What do you do in your spare time?
Mostly make crafts! I like to sew, crochet, and make jewelry. Of course I love to play with my 8-month-old granddaughter whenever I get the chance! And I love to play games -- cards, board games, and Mexican Train dominoes.

(15) What is your blog or website url?
http://www.ReesasFavorites.blogspot.com and http://www.MySpace.com/ReesasFavorites and I’m ReesasFavorites on twitter too.

(16) Are there any blogs you follow regularly?
Yes, I follow people on blogger (Etsy people, other crafters, and my daughter-in-law) and on MySpace (Etsy people and family members and friends.)

(17) Are there any particular Etsy shops you follow regularly?
EtsyFriends team members shops, and http://www.noneoftheabove.etsy.com for awesome PIFs.

(18) Any advice (business, or otherwise) for fellow sellers?
*Life is short. Do what you love!*
*When you have to choose between being right and having a relationship – choose the relationship!**If you are looking for love, don’t look in all the wrong places – God is love!*

GIVEAWAY from ReesasFavorites!

Featured Seller, Reesa of Reesa's Favorites, has offered to incorporate a giveaway with her feature!

Enter now to win this doll heart pajama outfit!
$15 Value

^Outfit entails top with heart applique, elastic-waist pants, top snaps in back, the red fabric is knit. Crocheted blanket included 11"x12". The pajamas fit at least 3 different dolls: (1)The brunette American Girl (as shown above), (2) the blonde MySize Kelly, and (3) the 12" tall Cabbage Patch doll. The length of the pants on different dolls will be different. They fit as capri length on the American girl (as shown above; she is 18" tall. The pants will be full length on the MySize Kelly (15") and Cabbage Patch (12"); they are shorter dolls.

RULES & DETAILS:
(1) This giveaway is open to US Residents ONLY! Reesa's Favorites will ONLY mail the prize to an address in the United States!
(2) The winning comment number will be randomly chosen (using Random.org) and I will contact them via email. The winner will only have 24 hours to respond with their home address.
(3) Comment this blog with your favorite item in Reesa's Favorites's shop! Make sure to leave your email address and/or your etsy shop so I can contact you! I will NOT contact you through your blogger account!
(4) For an extra entry, tweet this "@manniemandible ENTER ME TO WIN YOUR GIVEAWAY http://tinyurl.com/giveawayreesa" and leave a comment here with your twitter username.
(5) This giveaway will end on Wednesday, February 25th at 11:59pm, est!

*** IMPORTANT NOTE ***
PEOPLE SUBMIT A COMMENT BUT DO NOT TOLD ME THEIR EMAIL ADDRESS OR ETSY SHOP SO I CAN CONTACT THEM! YOUR ENTRY IS NOT VALID WHEN THE RULES ARE NOT FOLLOWED!!!!!

Good Luck!
♥Mannie

GIVEAWAY from JoyWhite HAS ENDED!

This giveaway has ended!
^ Read post for more details!

And the winner is...
Shel!


I will randomly choose the winner (using Random.org) and contact them via email. They will have 24 hours to respond with their home address.

Here is your random number:
3
Timestamp: 2009-02-17 15:15:18 UTC

Featured Seller: Joy White

THIS SELLER HAS ALSO OFFERED TO DO A GIVEAWAY! SEE THIS POST FOR DETAILS!



(1) Who are you?
I am a compassionate person that loves to create and finds joy in the simple pleasures of life and strives to be grateful everyday.

(2) What is your shop name and how did you come up with it?
The name of my shop is JoyWhite. It's not very creative but I do free lance graphic design in addition to my jewelry and my goal was to have one name that would work for everything.

(3) What do you create and sell?
I sell personalized sterling silver charms, inspirational charms and PMC silver jewelry. I also work with fused glass and lampworking.

(4) What is your source for inspiration?
My background is in advertising so much of my inspiration comes from print and graphic design

(5) What is your favorite piece from your shop & why?
It has to be my "Believe It" charm. I am a big fan of the power of positive thinking.

(6) Is running your shop your only job?
Right now yes.

(7) When did you start your business?
I started the silver jewelry in 06, prior to that I had a sign and display company for 22 years.

(8) How long have you been selling on Etsy?
Since Feb. of 07. I had opened the shop with good intentions but really never did anything with it till 08.

(9) Do you sell outside of Etsy?
Yes, I sell at a local art gallery, Art Fire, and a shop in Arizona

(10) What do you like best about Etsy?
I like the ease of ETSY and the overall look of the site.

(11) Do you belong to any teams?
I belong to the Cleveland Handmade Team

(12) Do you have more than one Etsy shop?
No just one.

(13) What do you do to promote your shop(s)?
Word of mouth, my blog http://joywhitellc.blogspot.com and on the Etsy Forums

(14) What do you do in your spare time?
I volunteer for "Guardian Angels" a program to help the elderly who are alone and I volunteer at my local art gallery. Other than that I take classes whenever I can, bike ride (weather permitting) do yoga, read, and hang out with my dog Ginger.

(15) What is your blog or website url?
www.joywhite.com
www.joywhitellc.blogspot.com

(16) Are there any blogs you follow regularly?
http://mayhemarts.blogspot.com when I need a bit of inspiration
http://hauntedvisions.blogspot.com when I want to see amazing photography
http://www.beluadesigns.com when I need a little smile
These are just a few; there are so many wonderful bloggers out there.

(17) Are there any particular Etsy shops you follow regularly?
I don't follow the shops as much as I follow the blogs, although I am always looking for cool shops to add to my favorites

(18) Any advice (business or otherwise) for fellow sellers?
Stay true to yourself and do what you love.

GIVEAWAY from JoyWhite!

Featured Seller, Joy of JoyWhite, has offered to incorporate a giveaway with her feature!

Enter now to win a customizable monogrammed charm!
$42 Value

RULES & DETAILS:
(1) This giveaway is open to US Residents ONLY! JoyWhite will ONLY mail the prize to an address in the United States!
(2) The winning comment number will be randomly chosen (using Random.org) and I will contact them via email. The winner will only have 24 hours to respond with their home address.
(3) Comment this blog with your favorite item in JoyWhite's shop! Make sure to leave your email address and/or your etsy shop so I can contact you! I will NOT contact you through your blogger account!
(4) For an extra entry, tweet this "@manniemandible ENTER ME TO WIN YOUR JOYWHITE GIVEAWAY http://tinyurl.com/adeane" and leave a comment here with your twitter username.
(5) This giveaway will end on Tuesday, February 17th at 11:59pm, est!

*** IMPORTANT NOTE ***
PEOPLE HAVE SUBMITTED A COMMENT BUT HAVE NOT TOLD ME THEIR EMAIL ADDRESS OR ETSY SHOP SO I CAN CONTACT THEM! YOUR ENTRY IS NOT VALID WHEN THE RULES ARE NOT FOLLOWED!!!!!

Good Luck!
♥Mannie

GIVEAWAY from ClareBare HAS ENDED!

This giveaway has ended!
^ Read post for more details!

And the winner is...
Angie!


I will randomly choose the winner (using Random.org) and contact them via email. They will have 24 hours to respond with their home address.

Here are your random numbers:
23
Timestamp: 2009-02-10 13:43:14 UTC

Featured Seller: ClareBare

THIS SELLER HAS ALSO OFFERED TO DO A GIVEAWAY! SEE THIS POST FOR DETAILS!

(1) Who are you?
My name is Clare Herron- I am a designer and artist who lives in Brooklyn.

(2) What is your shop name and how did you come up with it?
My shop name is Clare Bare. The name formed kind of naturally over time- I've been called Clare Bear my whole life, but I had a friend at Parsons who suggested that I play around with the spelling and make underwear. It was a funny idea, but then it kind of stuck and I felt obligated to make good use of such a clever name! So I guess the name pretty much determined and narrowed down a lot of things for me- which was very helpful, because if you knew me, you'd know that I want to make EVERYTHING! Maybe even someday I'll make bare wood furniture- I could call that Clare Bare too....!

(3) What do you create and sell?
I create one of a kind and limited edition pieces for my eco lingerie collection. All of my materials are made from either vintage fabric or organic cotton, with the exception of trim and elastic.

(4) What is your source for inspiration?
Right now I'm really inspired by color combinations I remember in random objects that I was obsessed with when I was little. For example, I had an ice cream cone shaped cup that I would drink chocolate milk out of when I was little. It was mint with dark shiny plastic chocolate sauce on it, and it had a hole for a straw. And then there was this cup that I got from Clementon Park in New Jersey when I was little- it was coral and seafoam green with black writing on it. Basically everything that I'm designing for spring will be either pastel and black or floral and black- I'm really excited about it!



(5) What is your favorite piece from your shop & why?
My favorite piece (and also one of my top selling pieces) is the Picknickers that were featured in BUST Magazine this month. I love the ruffles! They make everyone's butts look good- they make small butts look bigger, and they disguise and distract from any flaws that you might be self conscious about because they're so over the top and eye catching.

(6) Is running your shop your only job?
No, I actually work as public artist as well. Right now I'm working with the NYC Department of Transportation on a mosaic project on a concrete barrier between the bike lane and the car lane where the Brooklyn Bridge lets out.

(7) When did you start your business?
I started my business about a year and a half ago, after 2 years of just sitting on the idea.

(8) How long have you been selling on Etsy?
I've been selling on Etsy for a year and a half- Etsy really made it easy for me to get started.

(9) Do you sell outside of Etsy?
I also sell at a few online stores, and this year I am starting to accept wholesale orders for boutiques.

(10) What do you like best about Etsy?
My favorite thing about Etsy is the community feeling that it has. It's really great to get to know other sellers and customers on a level that you wouldn't reach selling through other sites.

(11) Do you belong to any teams?
I do not at the moment, but I should probably get on that!

(12) Do you have more than one Etsy shop?
I only have Clare Bare for now.

(13) What do you do to promote your shop(s)?
I actually don't do much to promote my shop. I've been really lucky that people have contacted me for placements in magazines, blog write-ups and such.

(14) What do you do in your spare time?
I literally have NO spare time, but I'm doing all the things that I love so I don't mind at all. Sometimes it's nice though when I visit my boyfriend in Philly, because I can't bring my work with me. That's the only time I really have to relax.

(15) What is your blog or website url?
My website is http://www.clarebare.com and I will have a blog on there hopefully by the end of the month.

(16) Are there any blogs you follow regularly?
I read the Knickers blog a lot to see what other lingerie designers are up to.

(17) Are there any particular Etsy shops you follow regularly?
I really love iheartnorweiganwood.etsy.com, imyourpresent.etsy.com, valhallabrooklyn.etsy.com, santokivintage.etsy.com, just to name a few.

(18) Any advice (business, or otherwise) for fellow sellers?]za
*()If you have an idea, all you have to do is act on it to make it happen- don't rely on anyone else to make things happen for you. When you make things with love, you'll pass it on to other people- and I think that's the most important thing in the world, so make sure you love what you do!

GIVEAWAY from ClareBare!

Featured Seller, Clare from ClareBare, has offered to incorporate a giveaway with her feature!

Enter to win these Organic Cotton Bloomers!
$24 Value

RULES & DETAILS:
(1) This giveaway is open to US Residents ONLY! ClareBare will ONLY mail the prize to an address in the United States!
(2) The winning number will be randomly chosen (using Random.org) and I will contact them via email. The winner will only have 24 hours to respond with their home address.
(3) Comment this blog with your favorite item in ClareBare's shop! Make sure to leave your email address and/or your etsy shop so I can contact you! I will NOT contact you through your blogger account!
(4) For an extra entry, tweet this "@manniemandible ENTER ME TO WIN YOUR CLAREBARE GIVEAWAY http://tinyurl.com/agwttg" and leave a comment here with your twitter username.
(5) This giveaway will end on Monday, February 9th at 11:59pm, est!

*** IMPORTANT NOTE ***
PEOPLE HAVE SUBMITTED A COMMENT BUT HAVE NOT TOLD ME THEIR EMAIL ADDRESS OR ETSY SHOP SO I CAN CONTACT THEM! YOUR ENTRY IS NOT VALID WHEN THE RULES ARE NOT FOLLOWED!!!!!

Good Luck!
♥Mannie

GIVEAWAY from MondrysYKnotShop HAS ENDED!

This giveaway has ended!
^ Read post for more details!

And the winner is...
Erin of From Son Up To Son Down!


I will randomly choose the first winner (using Random.org) and contact them via email. They will have 24 hours to respond with their home address and their choice of one of the two prizes. I will randomly choose the second winner (using Random.org) and contact them via email. They will have 24 hours to respond with their home address!!

Here are your random numbers:

14

Timestamp: 2009-01-28 15:14:52 UTC

Featured Seller: MondrysYKnotShop

THIS SELLER HAS ALSO OFFERED TO DO A GIVEAWAY! SEE THIS POST FOR DETAILS!




(1) Who are you?
My name is Jennifer Mondry, I am a wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, crafter and small business owner

(2) What is your shop name and how did you come up with it?
My shop name is Mondry's Y Knot Shop, I came up with this name, well by chance. lol Obviously my last name and then I am Irish and I wanted to incorporate it into my shop name. So I did a spin on "Why not shop?"

(3) What do you create and sell?
I specialize in microwaveable heat pads but also sell hand knotted satin jewelry and hair accessories.

(4) What is your source for inspiration?
Everything around me is my source for inspiration.

(5) What is your favorite piece from your shop & why?
OMG, I don't really have a favorite. I am quite proud of my new hand warmers and my knot jewelry but that is probably because they are kind of unique.

(6) Is running your shop your only job?
Right now it is my only job, but I am looking for stable pay.

(7) When did you start your business?
My business started long before I found etsy. It has been in many different aspects for about 15 years, but I have been on etsy since August of 2007, which is when I got SERIOUS about my business.

(8) How long have you been selling on Etsy?
Just over 1 year.

(9) Do you sell outside of Etsy?
Yes I do sell at various craft shows and a weekly market.

(10) What do you like best about Etsy?
My friends and the fact that I can sell stuff that I make. That just amazes me.

(11) Do you belong to any teams?
Yes I do. I belong to the EtsyFriends Team and I am also a member of the EtsyWMI Team.

(12) Do you have more than one Etsy shop?
Yes I do have more than one shop but my second shop is closed until I am able to market two shops at once.

(13) What do you do to promote your shop(s)?
I pass out business cards, put up fliers where permitted and I chit chat in the etsy forums.

(14) What do you do in your spare time?
I play around on this silly computer when I am not crafting.

(15) What is your blog or website url?
My blog is http://MondrysYknotShop.blogspot.com, my etsy shop is http://MondrysYknotshop.etsy.com, and my website which is under construction by my 15 year old son is http://MondrysYknotShop.com

(16) Are there any blogs you follow regularly?
I follow a bunch of blogs, I couldn't even begin to name them.

(17) Are there any particular Etsy shops you follow regularly?
I don't really follow shops, if I am in the mood to get something I search for it but will always check my teams first.

(18) Any advice (business, or otherwise) for fellow sellers?
Keep up the faith, it will come when it is time. Keep your numbers up, listing and relisting is your best friend.

GIVEAWAY from MondrysYKnotShop!

Featured Seller, Jenni from MondrysYKnotShop, has offered to incorporate a giveaway with her feature!

Enter now to win a hand warmer set of your choice!
$7 Value

RULES & DETAILS:
(1) This giveaway is open to US Residents ONLY! MondrysYKnotShop will ONLY mail the prize to an address in the United States!
(2) The winning number will be randomly chosen (using Random.org) and I will contact them via email. The winner will only have 24 hours to respond with their home address.
(3) Comment this blog with your favorite item in MondrysYKnotShop's shop! Make sure to leave your email address and/or your etsy shop so I can contact you! I will NOT contact you through your blogger account!
(4) This giveaway will end on Tuesday, January 27th at 11:59PM, EST!

*** IMPORTANT NOTE ***
PEOPLE HAVE SUBMITTED A COMMENT BUT HAVE NOT TOLD ME THEIR EMAIL ADDRESS OR ETSY SHOP SO I CAN CONTACT THEM! YOUR ENTRY IS NOT VALID WHEN THE RULES ARE NOT FOLLOWED!!!!!

Good Luck!
♥Mannie