The Feature Café

GIVEAWAY from ZappyTurtle HAS ENDED!

2009-05-05T09:07:00.002-04:00

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!

2009-04-16T10:56:00.013-04:00

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

2009-04-16T10:56:00.011-04:00

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!

2009-03-31T23:59:00.001-04:00

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

2009-03-24T06:02:00.002-04:00

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!

2009-03-24T06:00:00.003-04:00

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!

2009-03-23T23:59:00.001-04:00

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

2009-03-14T10:03:00.001-04:00

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!

2009-03-14T10:00:00.001-04:00

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!

2009-03-13T23:59:00.000-04:00

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

2009-03-06T07:01:00.001-05:00

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!

2009-03-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

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!

2009-03-06T00:59:00.000-05:00

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!

2009-02-26T12:02:00.000-05:00

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

2009-02-26T11:41:00.000-05:00

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!

2009-02-26T10:31:00.000-05:00

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

2009-02-22T20:12:00.000-05:00

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!

2009-02-18T03:00:00.000-05:00

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!

2009-02-17T03:01:00.000-05:00

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

2009-02-10T11:01:00.000-05:00

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!

2009-02-10T11:00:00.000-05:00

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!

2009-02-10T08:40:00.000-05:00

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

2009-02-02T15:06:00.000-05:00

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!

2009-02-02T14:56:00.000-05:00

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!

2009-01-28T10:12:00.000-05:00

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:

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

Featured Seller: MondrysYKnotShop

2009-01-20T04:00:00.000-05:00

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!

2009-01-20T03:59:00.000-05:00

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

Featured Seller: RecupeFashion

2009-01-19T20:00:00.000-05:00

(1) Who are you?
Nathalie Brault

(2) What is your shop name and how did you come up with it?
Recupe/Fashion R-e-c-u-p, from Recuperation and F-a-s-h-i-o-n from Fashion

(3) What do you create and sell?
I create all sorts of little accessories helpful, practical and beautiful to women and at an affordable price.

(4) What is your source for inspiration?
Actually anything and everything, Whatever my hand fall on I turn it into something new. Anything that's unwanted I find a use for it, so it never stays lying there for very long.

(5) What is your favorite piece from your shop & why?
Thant's very hard, it's like asking me which one of your 3 children is your favorite? but if I had to choose I'd have to say that they're my tea wallets, and they're my best sellers also. They are fun to make up and they are oh so practical.

(6) Is running your shop your only job?
yes but it doesn't brings much money yet, because it still need a lot of publicity though I work very hard on that everyday. My husband is the main salary, thanks to him I' can work on my shop

(7) When did you start your business?
March 2005

(8) How long have you been selling on Etsy?
August 2008

(9) Do you sell outside of Etsy?
yes

(10) What do you like best about Etsy?
the friends I make

(11) Do you belong to any teams?
yes, teamecoetsy---etsyfriends---tradeaholics

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

(13) What do you do to promote your shop(s)?
I do a lot of forum posting, I belong to a lot of communities like twitter, MIM, indie, Artfire, my blogs, etc

(14) What do you do in your spare time?
I chat on Etsy and publicize my blogs

(15) What is your blog or website url?
http://women-prenuergalore.blogspot.com which is a feature and giveaway blog,
http://nathaliebrault.blogspot.com this is my personnal blog, and http://thegoodieboxsampler.blogspot.com/ which is my goodie box blog where crafters can contribute to the box with samples and get their shops publicized that way when I sell the boxes, customers get to try their samples products. So when they want the full size product they just go and buy it from the crafter's shop.

(16) Are there any blogs you follow regularly?
A ton but here are a few, Nana's box, Whip up, The Apronista, I saw your nanny, Check out my blog to see the who list

(17) Are there any particular Etsy shops you follow regularly?
The ones from my etsy friends when I'm on line with them I check often as soon as they list an item,I'm off to check it in case I might need it.

(18) Any advice (business, or otherwise) for fellow sellers?
Never give up no matter what others may tell you, believe in yourself and always work hard and never give up even if it seems worthless because there a lot of competition out there.

GIVEAWAY from SassyGlassJewelry HAS ENDED!

2009-01-19T03:01:00.000-05:00

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

AND THE WINNER IS.....
Judy Brittle

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:
22
Timestamp: 2009-01-20 00:03:23 UTC

Featured Seller: SassyGlassJewelry

2009-01-11T13:01:00.000-05:00

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

(1) Who are you?
Sandi Carrico

(2) What is your shop name and how did you come up with it?
Sassy Glass Jewelry. I had some friends tell me my jewelry was sassy. I looked the word up in the dictionary and I felt the definition fit perfectly with what I try to convey in my designs…stylish, fashionable, chic, & bold.

(3) What do you create and sell?
Jewelry using high-quality metals such as sterling silver, copper, and brass with natural stones used to embellish the pieces. I also use my lampwork beads in some of my designs.

(4) What is your source for inspiration?
Usually I see something that makes me think it would look cool with a piece of jewelry designed around it. It could be a stone, a bead, a crystal, clay…just about anything…they all spark ideas in some way.

(5) What is your favorite piece from your shop & why?
My favorite piece is probably “Circles of Change”. I love the stone and how the design came together; on that day my muse was sitting very close to me.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17249684

(6) Is running your shop your only job?
Yes and no! I also help run our goat farm but spend most of my time at my bench or at my torch. I worked in the corporate world for almost 30 years but now work at my dream jobs…metalsmithing and making lampwork beads.

(7) When did you start your business?
My husband is a machinist and has a fully equipped machine shop. We had discussed for several years ways to collaborate on some projects. A friend of mine took a silversmithing class which was something I had always wanted to learn. Jim and I decided that may be the path to our collaboration. We began silversmithing classes together about 7 months ago and it has grown from there. I actually have a couple of pieces in my Etsy shop that he and I worked on together. For this piece, Jim actually drew the Kokopelli design on his computer and then programmed his CNC machine to cut it out of copper. I then used this as the backpiece for my design and bezel-set the stone on top of it. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18005620

(8) How long have you been selling on Etsy?
I opened my first shop in January, 2008; my 2nd shop, Sassy Glass Jewelry, opened in November, 2008.

(9) Do you sell outside of Etsy?
Yes, sometimes I sell on eBay and I do a lot of custom work. I have a website but haven’t had anything on it for sale for several months. All of my work is now going into my Etsy shops.

(10) What do you like best about Etsy?
Instant gratification – for both buyers and sellers. You see something you want, you can buy it immediately.
(11) Do you belong to any teams?
No. There are a couple that I follow but haven’t made the decision to join yet.

(12) Do you have more than one Etsy shop?
Yes. I also make lampwork beads and I was selling both beads and jewelry in the same shop but felt I needed to a shop for each venue.

(13) What do you do to promote your shop(s)?
I have a website that features both shops; I usually send out a newsletter to my customers twice per month at which time I also have a drawing for free beads/jewelry; I just started a blog and I have an account on flickr.

(14) What do you do in your spare time?
I don’t have any spare time…I need to retire from my retirement. Seriously, I am an avid reader, amateur photographer, love my GameBoy, and I have a 1-year old Schnauzer who requires a lot of attention.

(15) What is your blog or website url?
Website: www.sassyglassdesigns.com
Blog: www.sassyglassdesigns.blogspot.com

(16) Are there any blogs you follow regularly?
I follow the blogs posted in the Etsy forums but not anyone in particular…I enjoy them all.

(17) Are there any particular Etsy shops you follow regularly?
Yes, blockpartypress, knottyknotty, LizardsJewelery. I just purchased some items from blockpartypress that I want to design some jewelry around and from knottyknotty, I just purchased a great rack for organizing my glass. As for LizardsJewelery, I love her style and am always interested in what she designs.

(18) Any advice (business, or otherwise) for fellow sellers?
I think the best advice I can give other sellers is to communicate with your customer and treat your customer like you would like to be treated.

GIVEAWAY from SassyGlassJewelry!

2009-01-11T13:00:00.000-05:00

Featured Seller, Sandi from SassyGlassJewelry, has offered to incorporate a giveaway with her feature!

Enter now to win this "Ancient Pathways" necklace!
$55 Value

RULES & DETAILS:
(1) This giveaway is open to US Residents ONLY! SassyGlassJewelry 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 SassyGlassJewelry'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 Sunday, January 18th 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 MaggieSueDesigns HAS ENDED!

2009-01-11T03:00:00.000-05:00

This giveaway has ended!
The winner of the handmade demin and groovy flower front pocket bag by MaggieSueDesigns is Nancy J. from Fraser, MI!

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
48
Timestamp: 2009-01-11 16:11:31 UTC

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.

A HUGE thank you to MaggieSueDesigns and to everyone who entered! Make sure to follow/subscribe to this blog so you'll be the first to know about new featured sellers and giveaways!

Featured Seller: MaggieSueDesigns

2009-01-03T13:46:00.000-05:00

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

(1) Who are you?
Meredith Chiatello

(2) What is your shop name and how did you come up with it?
The shop name, Maggie Sue Designs, came from an old nickname. In high school Spanish class there was no direct translation for Meredith so I was called Margarita instead. My middle name was Sue and somehow that was shortened to Maggie Sue. Some of my old friends still call me that!

(3) What do you create and sell?
Handmade handbags and accessories made with fabric. Items include cup cozies, key fobs, headbands and ponytail holders, wallets, coasters, tissue holders, fabric magnets, and more.

(4) What is your source for inspiration?
Really this whole endeavor is just a way to justify my fabric obsession. Maybe I should call it an "interest" rather than an obsession, I don't want to sound like I'm totally bonkers. I'm not sure I've truly been "inspired", maybe this is just a phase. Only time will tell...

(5) What is your favorite piece from your shop & why?
My current fave is this Vibrant Patchwork Bag and Key Fob set; I just love these bright Kaffe Fassett fabrics mixed together!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9202607

(6) Is running your shop your only job?
Running the household (which is a bit of a joke around here as I'm not the best cook or housekeeper) and being a mom and wife is my unpaid full-time job. Well, I get paid with hugs and kisses once in a while but no salary to speak of. I am a registered nurse but have not worked since our first child (we have two) was 9 months old.

(7) When did you start your business?
Sometime around the fall of 2005.

(8) How long have you been selling on Etsy?
Since April of 2006.

(9) Do you sell outside of Etsy?
I participate in 2 to 3 local craft shows each year but I really prefer to sell on-line. I don't really have that "inner salesperson" personality, I'm a people person but not when I have to toot my own horn. Then I get flustered and babble. Luckily the things I make can usually sell themselves in person, I just put them in pretty shopping bags and collect the money.

(10) What do you like best about Etsy?
The ease of both setting up shop and of selling are the top two. Also I really enjoy using Etsy's Pounce and Time Machine 2 features. That is how I find most of the shops I blog about. I do have fun curating treasury lists, but I refuse to stay up until 4am waiting for one to open so I only get a list once in a while if I happen to be logged in at the right time.

(11) Do you belong to any teams?
I'm a member of EtsyKids and CREST, the Capital Region Etsy Street Team for members from MD/VA/DC.

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

(13) What do you do to promote your shop(s)?
Word of mouth. I post in the forums IF if feel that I can add something of value to the thread. I rarely start my own topics there yet I know I've had some past sales just from chatting in the forums. I've recently put a few very inexpensive ad boxes on Project Wonderful but mostly I use free networking sites. I'm on Flickr, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and a bunch of ning.com sites like Indiepublic, Swanky Moms, We Love Etsy, Posh Mama and a few others. I have not been active on most of those in the past few months while I've been setting up my blog but I have had people contact me from some of these places in the past. I think once I get a few more blog followers I'll be able to offer some giveaways there which I hope will make people happy AND drive traffic to my shop.

(14) What do you do in your spare time?
I really enjoy reading fiction, hanging out with friends, having a cup of tea or a glass of white wine. I like the crostic puzzles on allstarpuzzles.com and we watch some movies and TV too. And I LOVE eating chocolate, can't forget that one! Which is why I go to Jazzercise, but luckily I enjoy that too.

(15) What is your blog or website url?
My shop can be found at http://maggiesuedesigns.etsy.com and I have a blog that I just started in October at http://www.maggiesuedesigns.com

(16) Are there any blogs you follow regularly?
I've gotten great marketing and selling advice from http://timothyadamdesigns.blogspot.com, and lately I've been checking giveaway sites like http://loveetsyfeedback.blogspot.com and http://etsygiveaways.blogspot.com I also just found http://ecoetsy.blogspot.com and http://www.designspongeonline.com

(17) Are there any particular Etsy shops you follow regularly?
There is a fair chance that if you are a fabric seller, your shop is in my favorites list!

(18) Any advice (business, or otherwise) for fellow sellers?
Strive to do what you enjoy, whether you do this to make a living or more as a hobby like me. There is no point in spending your time on something that is making you miserable. One thing I learned as a nurse is that life is short! If you need to work for the money, keep searching until you find a balance of what you like and what you can live on. I'm aware that it sounds easier than the reality of it, but working towards finding that place can be well worth the struggle. When we went from two full-time salaries down to one, it was interesting to see what we really could live without when necessary. Lower your heat setting and throw on two sweaters. Give up smoking!! Besides the fact that tobacco might kill you, you'll save a lot of money (FYI, I've never smoked~ this is just an example). Drink coffee from home instead of stopping at Starbucks. Try boxed wine once in a while, there are some decent ones out there. Make dinner instead of going out (I know, that one stinks!) But you get the idea :)

GIVEAWAY from MaggieSueDesigns!

2009-01-03T13:32:00.000-05:00

Featured Seller, Meredith of MaggieSueDesigns, has offered to incorporate a giveaway with her feature!

Enter now to win her
Denim & Groovy Flower Print Front Pocket Bag!!
A $26.50 VALUE... FOR FREE (if you win)!!

RULES & DETAILS:
(1) This giveaway is open to US Residents ONLY! MaggieSueDesigns will ONLY mail the prize to an address in the United States!
(2) I will randomly choose the winner (using Random.org) and contact them via email. They will only have 24 hours to respond with their home address.
(3) Comment this blog with your favorite item in MaggieSueDesigns's shop! Make sure to leave your email address or your etsy shop so I can contact you! I will NOT contact you through your blogger account!
(4) This giveaway will end on Saturday, January 10th 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 TagsAndButtons HAS ENDED!

2008-12-19T02:59:00.000-05:00

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

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 and will be sent the other prize that winner number one did not choose!

Winner one, http://365daysinthetriangle.blogspot.com/
Winner two, http://caveclan-chloenme.blogspot.com/

Featured Seller: TagsAndButtons & DAMDesigns

2008-12-11T10:38:00.000-05:00

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

(1) Who are you?
I am Danelle, a creative person who can never sit still for very long before I have to start doing something else haha! I love being creative and I’m a 22 year old female.

(2) What is your shop name and how did you come up with it?
Well I have 2 shops. My first shop, DAMdesigns.etsy.com is from my initials. My second shop, Tagsandbuttons.etsy.com, came because I knew I was going to sale buttons and some small paper goods and I wanted something that reflected both, and Tags was the shortest paper good I could think of that I would sale some of.

(3) What do you create and sell?
DAMdesigns is based around my art, so everything in that shop has something to do with my art. Tagsandbuttons offers tons of fun promotions and custom buttons for all your events, gifts and fun needs.

(4) What is your source for inspiration?
Just trying to prove to the people around me that I can be successful. Anytime I have a moment where I don’t feel like doing what I need to do, I just think about the people who think I’m wasting my time, and how I want to prove them wrong.

(5) What is your favorite piece from your shop & why?
From Tagsandbuttons I love the Custom Earrings http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14063548 I made myself some of the cupcake ones and I love wearing them. Bold and fu. From DAMdesigns I love this keychain http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9015653

(6) Is running your shop your only job?
As of right now yes. There was some stuff going on so I couldn’t go and get a job out of fear of having to move shortly after. The problems are resolved for now so I’m thinking of looking for a job soon. As much as I love running my shops, I need to make more money lol.

(7) When did you start your business?
I started DAMdesigns in like October 2007. I don’t spend much time in that shop right now so its pretty empty. I started Tagsandbuttons in June this year and I'm very proud of this shop.

(8) How long have you been selling on Etsy?
Since October 2007.

(9) Do you sell outside of Etsy?
Not yet. It is something I will eventually get around to.

(10) What do you like best about Etsy?
I like the community and the fact that I can make friends and not just have a shop and feel alone.

(11) Do you belong to any teams?
Yes! EtsyFriends!

(12) Do you have more than one Etsy shop?
Yes, DAMdesigns and Tagsandbuttons

(13) What do you do to promote your shop(s)?
I think the best kind of promotion is word of mouth. I work really hard to do the best job possible for each customer and hope that they tell someone else about my shop, or just love their stuff!

(14) What do you do in your spare time?
This, and I run a blog that takes up a ton of time ( Loveetsyfeedback.blogspot.com ). I also love reading, and I actually love playing video games.

(15) What is your blog or website url?
Loveetsyfeedback.blogspot.com also I co-run this awesome blog: etsygiveaways.com

(16) Are there any blogs you follow regularly?
http://blackboxreviews.blogspot.com/ and http://nothing-like-it.blogspot.com/

(17) Are there any particular Etsy shops you follow regularly?
Nothinglikeit.etsy.com

(18) Any advice (business, or otherwise) for fellow sellers? Never give up. Even if it seems daunting, like your wasting your time, like your not getting anywhere, that’s the time when you should work harder. It is NOT impossible. I wanted to quit, but then I dug down and I opened Tagsandbuttons. It would have been so sad if I had just stopped I wouldn’t be here anymore.

GIVEAWAY from TagsAndButtons

2008-12-10T19:24:00.000-05:00

Featured Seller, Danelle of TagsAndButtons and DAMDesigns, has offered to incorporate a giveaway with her feature!

She will be giving away TWO things (one from each shop)....
- One Winner gets a set of 16 holiday mini envelopes (comes with small papers that fit inside) in this style:

- The other winner gets a signed 3.5 x 5” print of this:

RULES & DETAILS:
(1) This giveaway is open to US Residents ONLY! TagsAndButtons will ONLY mail the prize to an address in the United States!
(2a) 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 listed above!
(2b) 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 and will be sent the other prize that winner number one did not choose!
(3) Comment this blog with your favorite item in TagsAndButtons shop! Make sure to leave your email address!

(4) This giveaway will end onThursday, December 18th at 11:59PM, EST! And the winner will be announced on Friday, December 19th.

PLEASE NOTE: QUITE A FEW PEOPLE HAVE COMMENTED THIS BLOG BUT HAVE NOT TOLD ME THEIR FAVORITE THING FROM HER SHOP AND/OR HAVE NOT INCLUDED THEIR EMAIL ADDRESS! YOUR ENTRY IS NOT VAILD WHEN THE RULES ARE NOT FOLLOWED!!!!!

Good luck!
♥Mannie

Featured Seller: KrazyFashion

2008-12-09T16:01:00.000-05:00

(1) Who are you?

My name is Brittany and I am 19 years old. I am easy to talk to, a good listener, and striving to do better everyday. I love to design and create.

(2) What is your shop name and how did you come up with it?
Well my shop name is KrazyFashion. I had come up with a TON of different names for my business but some how this one just stuck. :)

(3) What do you create and sell?
At the moment I create accessories such as bags, wallets, jewelry, etc.
I really want to have every sort of accessory in my shop.

(4) What is your source for inspiration?
I get inspired by shapes and colors. I LOVE color! It is funny that I love color so much these days because I went through a phase of "black" when I was younger lol. I think we all do at some point haha.

(5) What is your favorite piece from your shop & why?
I don't have a favorite piece. I have a favorite design. At the moment that design is my wallets. I got inspiration from other wallets and fabrics. I put the two together and it just worked in my opinion. :)

(6) Is running your shop your only job?
Yes at the moment it is my only job and I love every second of it. Don't get me wrong I would love to do other things but right now this is what I like to do.

(7) When did you start your business?
I started my business at the beginning of 2008 "officially" but I found Etsy like 9 months later.

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

(9) Do you sell outside of Etsy?
At the moment no but I do hope to be doing so very soon. A little research and people skills never hurt. :p

(10) What do you like best about Etsy?
I like that it is a place where you can be productive and still have a great time all in one. You learn something new everyday and Etsy is a great way to learn new things whether it be about marketing or what happened in the news yesterday lol

(11) Do you belong to any teams?
I wouldn't say "belong" lol but I do associate myself with two teams.
1) EtsyFeast! I have been neglecting them a lot lately but only because I found another team! Hahaha I sound like I am cheating.
2) EtsyFriends Team. This team is indescribably. These women are the most strong, fun, nice, supportive, honest, caring, etc people in the world. When you need to vent you vent your little heart out and you receive so much support I love it! I usually tend to forget that there are still good people on this earth but whenever I talk to this group I am reminded they still exist.

(12) Do you have more than one Etsy shop?
No. I thought about opening a new shop but it is still a thought that floats around my big head. At the moment though I think I am just gonna stick with the one I have. :)

(13) What do you do to promote your shop(s)?
I don't do TONS but I have Flickr, Twitter, Etsy Teams, I learn something new everyday but that doesn't mean it is helpful lol
I like to try new things but most of them are unsuccessful lol

(14) What do you do in your spare time?
Well I love to spend time with my boyfriend. We do EVERYTHING together lol.
Video Games, Mall, Movies, Dinner, Beach, Vacation, drive off into the Florida sunset when we get annoyed with the local Floridians lol. I love to try new things. Just as long as the don't involve deep open water hahahaha.
I also love to sew just for me or do things just for me to keep myself sane hahaha

(15) What is your blog or website url?
-Blog (I don't blog much just read others)
http://krazyfashion.blogspot.com
Website: www.krazyfashion.etsy.com

(16) Are there any blogs you follow regularly?
-I follow this blog. :)
Not really anyone specific but I do read blogs from time to time.

(17) Are there any particular Etsy shops you follow regularly?
-Well there are a few. I am not at stalker status or anything lol
I do like to see if others have improved though. (especially my competition) ;p

(18) Any advice (business, or otherwise) for fellow sellers?
-Follow your heart. If you design something and think "oh someone will hate this" WHO CARES! Show it off anyways. Do what you love and fuck the rest! (EXCUSE MY POTTY MOUTH)

Featured Seller: SygnetCreations

2008-12-08T18:08:00.000-05:00

(1) Who are you?
My name is Amanda. I am the owner of Sygnet Creations. I am also a mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend.

(2) What is your shop name and how did you come up with it?
My shop is called Sygnet Creations. Cygnet is the name for a baby swan. My husband grew up being the sygnet of his household (his last name is Swan) and when we married I took on that name.

(3) What do you create and sell?
I specialize is 'Unique Fabric Needs' to suit the individual personality and style. I sell fun neck pillows, blankets of all sizes, aprons, and more.

(4) What is your source for inspiration?
My family plays a big part of what I make and sell. The travel neck pillows were created when I could not find one to fit my son's neck. Blankets of course are my very first creations and there is nothing more special than a blanket made especialy for YOU!

(5) What is your favorite piece from your shop & why?
Ohhh there are so many but I really fell in love with the fabrics I used to make the monkey twin blanket. It is ultra soft and the perfect size for snuggling on the sofa or curling up in bed with a good book. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9245085

(6) Is running your shop your only job?
It is my only paid job.. but not my ONLY job by far. I also run a military household and raise 4 beatiful children. On occassion, I have been known to plan and organize events.

(7) When did you start your business?
I started Sygnet Creations in April of 2007 but I didn't open shop on Etsy until Aug 2 2007

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

(9) Do you sell outside of Etsy?
Yes I also sell in person and through my website http://sygnetcreations.com

(10) What do you like best about Etsy?
I love the community feel. I enjoy the way others work together and answer questions when needed.

(11) Do you belong to any teams?
Yes I am a member of the Homefront team made up of Military spouses and loved ones. I am a member of Team SASsy where we help mentor young sellers with all the aspects of selling on Etsy. Last but not least I am the Team Leader and one of the founding member of the EtsyFriends Team. This team is by far one of the closest groups and I am very proud to know each and everyone of our members by name.

(12) Do you have more than one Etsy shop?
No I only have the one as I love to be a one stop shop... I often think about opening another for woodwork but that will be further down the road.

(13) What do you do to promote your shop(s)?
I have been featured in The Spotted Box, and The Little Black Box. These are boxes filled with samples from various shops and sold to buyers who love homemade. I love to blog and I have found that keep a regular pace on the internet will help you been noticed in the long run. I also use project wonderful, craigslist, craft forums, and directories.

(14) What do you do in your spare time?
My other love is photography. Where ever I go I bring my camera. My children are often the subjects but I find a lot of beauty in the nature around us. Baking is another past time of mine. I have been baking cakes for my family and friends for so long. I specialize in 3D birthday cakes. My favorite creation was a huge Crocolator (that is what we called him) and he was big enough to feed an army!

(15) What is your blog or website url?
http://sygnetcreations.blogspot.com is my main blog but I write for many =)
http://sygnetcreations.com is my business website.
http://WhyIHeartHomemade.blogspot.com The name says it all =)

(16) Are there any blogs you follow regularly?
I follow a couple of my friends and try to keep up with new tips and tricks for selling online.. There is no one specific blog that I read regularly.

(17) Are there any particular Etsy shops you follow regularly?
I keep my eyes on my ladies from the EtsyFriends and I try to keep up with some of the soap makers... I just love sooo many that it is hard to keep up with just one =)

(18) Any advice (business, or otherwise) for fellow sellers?
Be friendly and personable with your customers. When talking in the forums keep your wits about you and only comment in heated discussion when the words you use are those that a child could read.... you can't take it back no matter how much you wish you could. Although online selling can be done in your PJs it is better to act as though you are in your office.... This is your business.. Make sure you opperate as a business no matter where you are online!

Feature On Myself, an example

2008-12-02T11:10:00.000-05:00

I figured it would be nice for all of you to get to know me... the girl behind all the features. The best way to do so, I guess, is to answer all the questions I plan to ask the featured shops (: That's only fair right? So here you go... a feature on me.

(1) Who are you? I'm Mannie. I'm twenty-one years young living with my boyfriend and kitten. I'm waiting to be accepted to the University of South Florida and I plan to study Anthropology and Classics. I love to learn.

(2) What is your shop name and how did you come up with it? MannieMandible, a friend of mine gave me the nickname and it just kinda stuck (:

(3) What do you create and sell? I create handmade jewelry and crochet. My jewelry is mostly beaded, and I use sterling silver, gemstones, swarovski crystals, and more. I've only recently added some crohcet work to my shop, and plan to have far more in there soon!

(4) What is your source for inspiration? My Uncle Joe and the rest of my family! My uncle came up with the idea (many, many years ago) of everyone making their gifts for Christmas. I grew up crafting and preparing for presant making all year long! My Uncle Joe has since passed, but my family still holds strong to handmade Christmas gifts. My grandmother was the one to teach me crochet; she's fabulous.

(5) What is your favorite piece from your shop & why? My Wonderland Bracelet. My obsession (other than mermaids) is Alice in Wonderland! I love the books, the movies, everything. When I made this bracelet it just reminded me of Alice. This piece also made it to the front page of etsy, so if it's good enough to make an appearence there, it's good enough to be my favorite (:

(6) Is running your shop your only job? Currently, yes. I moved to the Tampa, FL area this past August. I left home and two great jobs, thinking I could easily find a new job or two here.... not so much. I am a qualified receptionist and barista, it's just NO ONE is hiring. I'm jsut going to "keep on swimming" for now.

(7) When did you start your business? I started years ago making things for family and friends. I started seriously selling on Etsy under my business name in September 2008.

(8) How long have you been selling on Etsy? Since September 2008

(9) Do you sell outside of Etsy? No, but I've looked in to some other venues.

(10) What do you like best about Etsy? I really like the true community feeling. Every seller I have ever spoken to have been wonderful and helpful. I also really join the teams.

(11) Do you belong to any teams? yes, the EtsyFriends! They are a wonderful group of artisans who are super supportive in everything each member does, whether is business or personal (: I am also apart of EtsyU, a team for college Etsians!

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

(13) What do you do to promote your shop(s)? I play in the Etsy forums quite often, I blog regularly, I participate in my team's promotional deals, I use Twitter, and I hand out my business cards when possible, I network... nothing too unusual.

(14) What do you do in your spare time? What everyone else does... I enjoy cooking, drinking espresso or hot tea, reading, writing, playing with my kitten, spending time with my boyfriend, visiting family, watching old movies, blah blah.

(15) What is your blog or website url? Blog, http://manniemandiblenews.blogspot.com

(16) Are there any blogs you follow regularly? Quite a few... I enjoy my blog reading time. I follow my team member's blogs, a few crochet pattern/tip blogs, and a few random blogs.

(17) Are there any particular Etsy shops you follow regularly? Not particularly... I try to keep track of my team member's shops and I watch the front page of Etsy to find new favorite shops.

(18) Any advice (business, or otherwise) for fellow sellers? In these hard times, my fellow EtsyFriends team members have said it best (and originally from Dori of Finding Nemo)... just keep swimming (:

There you have it! I hope this helps you get to know me a little better, and give you an idea of how the features will be done. Check back soon for a new feature!

♥Mannie

Ode to Artists!

2008-12-01T19:12:00.000-05:00

Hello and welcome to my new blog, The Feature Café!

I have decided to create this blog as a place to feature all the amazing shops and lovely owners I have found/met on Etsy! Occasionally I will feature shops who are willing to donate for giveaways, too!

So mark this blog to your favorites, follow it, and tell all your friends!

MORE COMING SOON!

♥Mannie
ps (make sure to check out my main blog)