Win a huge gift basket of Indie goodies and advertising!

Hi, I wanted to take a break from interviews, only because there is a cry for help. Carole Stites-Luka is my cousin's relative through marriage. You can read her story here:
http://liver4carole.blogspot.com

This Gift *Basket filled with Handmade (and vintage) goodies is to Benefit Carole Stites-Luka who is in desperate need of a Liver Transplant.

ONE GRAND PRIZE WINNER!!!!!
OPEN TO THE RESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES!!!
WIN ALL OF THE ITEMS SHOWN BELOW, including free advertising and gift certificates!!



Read about Carole's Story here:
http://liver4carole.blogspot.com/2008/12/about-carole.html




Paper Craft Kits YEAR SUBSCRIPTION
(value $150.00!!)
Donated by Wunderkrafts





....and all these goodies















The list of shops that have donated these items are listed below!
deborahspencer(bath products)
tackyhandmade(2 necklaces and green bag)
christiecottage(neckwarmer)
oodlesofpoodles(crocheted poodle)
Lolalynn(5 aceos)
lilbeansboutique(crocheted cap)
kimnettiedesigns(earrings and necklace)
laacesplaace(6 ice cream potholders)
elephantdance(3 thank you cards)
collectiblecachet(tea cup & saucer)



WOW!! FREE ADVERTISING for your Indie Shop or your Blog!! Front page of:
Indiesmiles.com for a 2 week run. Donated by Sue and El owners of Indiesmiles!

You can have your choice of a Showboat Feature or the Big Smiles 125x125 graphic.
Value up to $25.00!!

See:
Indiesmiles


PLUS 2 Gift Certificates for $20.00...each to these great shops
merilsart
sunnfox

(the pics are only examples from each shop, winner will receive the Gift Certificates)



WHO? Anyone located in the United States can participate (except where prohibited by law)

WHEN? Drawing to be held Jan 15, 2008 This is when Carole should just be getting settled in at the Mayo clinic!

HOW?

1)For every 1.00 donation made using Paypal that is made in Carole's honor, you will be entered into a random drawing to win the Grand Prize. So if you donate $1.00 you will receive 1 entry, if you donate $10.00 you will receive 10 entries, if you donate $20.00 you will receive 20 entries, and so forth. 2)Donations are to be submitted here via paypal for this contest;
Transplants.org/
MAKE CERTAIN to indicate that the donations are in honor of Carole Stites-Luka!
3)Each donation that you make to transplants.org/, copy and paste the paypal transaction details into an email and send to liver4carole@gmail.com with your shop name or full name. Use the phrase: I want to win, in the subject line of the email. (if you do not have the pasted details of the paypal payment, in your email, your entry is invalid)
4)The grand prize drawing will be held on 1/15/09.

Post comments here if you would like, but to participate in the drawing you MUST email (to liver4carole@gmail.com) the paypal receipt to win!! We will send you a confirmation of your raffle entry!

VOID where prohibited by law!!
A winner will be drawn on 1/15/2009 using an online randomizer. The winner will be notified by mail.

Once we have a winner, the items will be mailed from the individual Artisans, Vintage and Supply shops.



Spread the word, by linking to this post. Also Twitter this blog for Carole!



Help Carole have a second chance!!

*all items are included, gift basket is not included.

Liver for Carole Stites-Luka

Fellow Etsiers and other readers, this is a plea for help! Carole's blog has been built, her Twitter account is going strong,items have been donated, yet there is so much to do and I need your help!



Carole's daughter owns Candlemaker, an Etsy Shop. Yet, the project of coordinating her Mother's health insurance paperwork, Mayo Clinic paperwork and the endless amount of all other documents is her full-time job. Once she starts to get a handle on that she will be posting Candles for her Mom's Cause. I am donatng a couple items from each one of my shops:

100 Percent to CAROLE- Easy on Easy off - Turquoise and Cracked Ice Necklace

100 percent to Carole Stites-Luka Nestled Wooden bowls snacks


...and I will be adding more and more. Her cousin, Laacesplaace is donating any items sold from her shop to Carole's cause!

Now, I need your help. Please donate an item, if so I'll post it on my blog free of charge! In return, you will receive free exposure. I'll twitter your item and post your item here on Izzy-it.

Twitter for Carole, blog for Carole, pray for Carole and donate if you can. Donations can be made online thru paypal at:

Every little bit helps!

This is a woman who once saved a child's life as a Crossing Guard, a job she held for 22 years! Standing in the cold and other types of weather, helping children stay safe. She was also known for keeping extra gloves and hats on hand incase a child had none. Now it's her turn!

Read more about Carole here:


Follow Carole on Twitter:
Liver4carole

Here is an updated list of the Etsy items donated to Carole:
Handmade items donated to Carole's Cause
Donation List:

Laacesplaace:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11888060
http://laacesplaace.etsy.com/ (all items donated)
Tackyhandmade:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16245109
Tackybackintime:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17491695
ChristieCottage:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9215736
DeborahSpencer
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17906344
hemplady4u:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18675187
Krishenka
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17439698
Wunderkrafts
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php%20listing_id=17130366
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18661595
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18685120
wrappedNwarmth
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18343408
paratu
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18315037
rachelherzog
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15361004

Interview with Jangie!

It's really great how Karma works, this gal owns a blog where she also spends her time interviewing other Etsy shops, so how appropriate that she won the random drawing for this interview on Izzy-it!

1.How did you first hear about Etsy?
I first heard about Etsy from another forum I was surfing. I checked it out and was pleasantly surprised by what I found. I was shocked I had never heard of it before as this is my kind of place. I signed up last December as a buyer and waited until July to set up my own shop. Here I am now. :)


2.Tell us about a little about yourself and your favorite craft/art!
I'm an art student finishing up my bachelor's degree in Art. The focus of my shop is threefold: ceramics, crochet and cards. Right now I crochet the most. I've been doing that for about 7 years now and I like making scarves and scarflettes the most. Baby blankets are my second favorite.

3.What inspires you to create?
I like doing things with my hands. I can't sit still. I crochet while watching TV, waiting for classes to start, I'd crochet while surfing the Internet if it was possible!

4.Tell us something about yourself that would surprise others!
Something about me that would surprise others. I always think I'm horrible at this question, but I'll give it a go. When I was 19 I had the opportunity to spend a night on a docked destroyer at a state attraction in Massachusetts. It was wintertime, my watch broke the night before and there were no windows or anything to look outside to see what the weather was like. I'm definitely not cut out to be in the navy, that's for sure!

5.How do you get the word out about your shop and Etsy?
I have a blog that I promote a lot in forums: http://jangiesetsyshop.blogspot.com. I feature sellers I have marked in my favorites Monday-Thursday and Fridays I tally up the comments I get during the week and pick a lucky winner to promote on Friday. So, it pays to have audience participation. The feedback has been really good for only having the blog up for a few months. I also have another Etsy team that I'm on, and right now we're having giveaways until Dec 12th. http://artsydangerladies.blogspot.com.
In public I always carry business cards with me and I work on my crocheting a lot so people know me for what I do!

I hope Jangie had some of her warm, beautiful scarves along for that stay on the destroyer!

Visit Jangie


I want to feature your shop! If you want to win a free interview and Etsy Mini feature on Izzy-it...read this:
Continue to leave comments, your shop could win an interview at Izzy-it. I will draw a random shop from all of the comments received each week....using an online randomizer.

To maximize your exposure I will be promoting the Featured interview on my Twitter Channel!

Get Free Shipping, many handmade shops!

Special Announcement from Izzy-it!

This week Izzy-it is showboating a brand new Indie Coupon Portal "Indiesmiles"!

Run by Myself, Tackyhandmade and Elephantdance,designed with you in mind, Indiesmiles will bring deals to YOU!

Many handmade, supply and vintage shops post their sales on the internet with hopes that you'll find them. Well, scour no more. You can now find great deals all in one great spot!


From December 1st thru the 15th, get Free Shipping in these shops using the code FREESMILES, please see the coupon directory located at the Indiesmiles website for full details.




Feel free to leave a comment, next week Izzy-IT will resume it's free interviews. I will choose a shop using an online randomizer from all the comments left each week. If you have left a comment in prior weeks and are still waiting for your free interview, go ahead...leave another comment!

Interview with Christie Cottage!

As an avid shopper in Chrisie's shop, I must say I was so happy to interview her in Izzy-it. I'm sure that you will agree with me, that of all the shops on Etsy, you will find Christie Cottage to be very heartwarming!

1)How did you hear about Etsy?I made a type-o and ended up on Etsy's site. I was thrilled to find it!

2)Why did you decide to sell your handmade items on Etsy? I thought it was the perfect venue for selling my many handmade items, especially during the off-season for shows.




3)Tell us about a little about yourself and your favorite craft/art! My favorite craft is painting. When my husband died, painting became my therapy. My son told everyone that came to the house "Don't sit still too long, my Mom will paint you!"

4)What inspires you to create a new design? Looking through Miss Dorothy's supplies. Miss Dorothy, at the age of 93 years, was going to be moved into an assisted living facility. Her daughter was going to throw all Miss Dorothy's sewing and craft supplies away. Miss Dorothy called her neighbor, who is a friend of mine. The deal was I had to use them all. I am slowly working my way through them. Currently in my shop, anything embellished with a vintage button is from Miss Dorothy's button box. Even the western boot purse I have listed has some of Miss Dorothy's vintage trim on it.

5)How do you intend to promote your Etsy shop? I plan to advertise in a National Magazine next year. I also include my business card in each Ebay item I ship, hoping to introduce those customers to etsy.

5)Tell us something about yourself that would surprise others! I think what surprises most people about me is that my hair is over 4 feet long.


Wow, 4 foot long hair, it must be beautiful! What a wonderful story about Miss Dorothy and her supplies, thanks for sharing that with us!

Visit Christie Cottage

I want to feature your shop! If you want to win a free interview and Etsy Mini feature on Izzy-it...read this:
Continue to leave comments, your shop could win an interview at Izzy-it. I will draw a random shop from all of the comments received each week....using an online randomizer.

To maximize your exposure I will be promoting the Featured interview on my Twitter Channel!

Interview with Cthings!

One of the things that I love about Etsy is that when you meet someone you are bound to meet them again...somewhere! I was Cthings 1st (and they were lovely pink earrings!), so imagine my surprise when the online randomizer choice her shop for the interview! Wow, I had to add the Garnet Wire Wrapped Pendant, it's amazing...I'm sure you'll agree!

1)What did you think when you first found Etsy?I first found Etsy through a friend. She gave me this piece of paper from a magazine in which Etsy advertised in so then I checked it out and thought Etsy was cool! So I’m hooked.


2)Tell us about a little about yourself and your favorite craft/art!I have been married for 18 years to my wonderful husband and we have one son who is 11 years old. We have one dog that is a beagle. I work out of my home as a Licensed Massage Therapist for the past 11 years. It is hard for me to pick one art/craft. I think I would have to say wire wrapping jewelry is what I love at the moment. I have worked with drawing, painting, sewing, knitting and now jewelry. I guess I find pleasure in just working with my hands.

3)Tell us something about yourself that would surprise others!I’m a big fan of “Oprah”

4)How do you get the word out about your shop and Etsy?To get the word out I have told friends, family, clients, using the blog, Etsy forums, Etsyforanimals team, twitter and now neatostuff. I want to check more out as time goes on. Maybe advertise on a blog sometime.

5)Without the luxury of a picture, how would you best describe your work area?Work area? Are we supposed to have one of them? I just sit at our dining table and sprawl all over it. My guys sure put up with quite a bit. Thanks guys!

Oprah is great, I gained a tremendous amount of respect for her, once I watched the footage showing Oprah crying (with her mascara running I must add) on the guys shoulder when Obama won the election! Funny part was, that guy was so mesmerized that I don't think he even noticed!! Gosh, how could you not feel for her and the endless amount of adults that cried that nite?

Visit Cthings and see the other stunning jewelry pieces she has to offer!



I want to feature your shop! If you want to win a free interview and Etsy Mini feature on Izzy-it...read this:
Continue to leave comments, your shop could win an interview at Izzy-it. I will draw a random shop from all of the comments received each week....using an online randomizer.

To maximize your exposure I will be promoting the Featured interview on my Twitter Channel!

Announcing Indiesmiles.com!!

How exciting! My partner, El and I have rolled-out our new "Coupon Advertising Portal" Indiesmiles.



Presently we are offering Free Smiles in our Smile Program, hurry these spots are limited. With the Smile Program your coupon sale will be advertised by Indiesmiles in numerous blogs and goodle adwords! Sure to bring Smiles to your inbox!

Dismayed in the chaos of finding great indie deals, El and Sue envisioned a convenient and fun spot where indie minded consumers could find great sales at shops run by eclectic and talented artists and crafters. Indiepreneurs themselves, El runs Elephant Dance and Sue runs Tacky Handmade, they found that their teamwork and vision brought about Indiesmiles.

Because El and Sue’s common cause to help animals created Indiesmiles, Indiesmiles is dedicated to the welfare of animals around the world. For that reason, you will find a section on Indiesmiles featuring items that donate 100% of the proceeds to animals charities around the world. In addition, 10% of the proceeds from Indiesmiles are donated to animal charities each and every month!

If you would like to submit your item that provides 100% Donation to the Animals, or if you would like to shop for items that provide 100% of their proceeds to the Animals.....feel free to do so in our Smiles for the Animals program.

You can visit Indiesmiles, read more about our exciting new services and sign-up to get your Free Smiles...hurry spots are limited!!
Get Free Smiles

Continue to leave comments, your shop could win an interview at Izzy-it. We at Izzy-it will continue it's weekly interview starting next week, I will draw a random shop from all of the comments using an online randomizer. Feel free to leave another comment if you have not won in previous weeks.

To Maximize your exposure I will be promoting the Featured interview on my Twitter Channel!

Interview with Sew Happy Fabric Shop!

Wow, what lovely designer patterns you can find at Sew Happy Fabric Shop, I adore her florals and especially love the retro design featured here!

1)Since you are a fairly new shop, please tell us how you've enjoyed Etsy so far.
I love etsy! I’ve actually had another shop, themodernmama.etsy.com, up for about a year where I sold organic and eco-friendly baby items. I love the camaraderie of fellow Etsians, I love the uniqueness of being a buyer on etsy, and I love supporting the handmade community by being a seller on etsy!



2)What inspired you to open a fabric shop?
I’m a military spouse, and we have moved yet again over the last few months, with another move scheduled for next summer. With two young children, I desperately wanted to have the creative outlet and career that etsy offers, but my sewn items from my other shop took up more time that I really had to give. I’m a perfectionist, and my seamstress skills often resulted in spending hours on one item! I’m crazy about fabrics, and suddenly it all made sense—sell fabrics on etsy! It’s a portable career, and it’s much quicker work than sewing was for me. I’m also quite experienced in inventory, supply, and shipping from my previous work. I work on it when the children are out at preschool, during naps, and after their bedtime. So far it is really a wonderful fit for me.

3)Tell us something about yourself that would surprise readers.
I have a masters in international relations, and my previous career was with the Air Force as an engine manager to include F15s, F16s, and C130s among others!

4)How do you intend to promote your Etsy shop?
Right now I’m promoting with weekly giveaways on my blog (sewhappyfabricshop.blogspot.com) and having featured buyers on my blog who have etsy shops and purchase from me. I’m thinking about doing some blog advertising, but I haven’t found quite the right one yet! Other than that, I hope that simply doing an excellent job will be its own promotion--I want lots of repeat customers due to my fast shipping, great prices, and super customer service.

I can just see this Sew Happy Mom now, managing those fighter plane engines, then coming home to sew! We had a good friend, who is no longer with us, that worked with fighter planes, as well as my Dad who also is no longer with us. So in this is my salute to you...Sew Happy, as well as Louie and my Dad, Richard Parker!

Visit sewhappyfabricshop

I want to interview your shop, I will draw a random shop from all the comments...so leave a comment for a chance to win. Be sure to put your mention your Etsy shop...all types of shops are welcomed! An online randomizer is used to choose the winner....each week as your chance to win! Good luck!

If you've left a comment in previous weeks, and haven't won just yet, then just leave another to qualify for the next weeks drawing...!

Interview with 1Maddie And Me

What little girl would not love a vest with hoot owls and pumkins, or a jumper flaunting holiday ornaments...1Maddieandme is a must visit to find unique ideas for your children's wardrobe!

1)What were your thoughts when you first found Etsy?
My Aunt has sold on ebay for years now, not handmade stuff but just stuff in general. When I was searching for online ways to sell my children’s clothing she suggested that ebay would not benefit me, but etsy would. I did some research on the items similar to what I was already making and selling locally and was ecstatic to find that the prices were comparable to what I thought was fair for my work. I first set up the crudest (most embarrassing now I look back on it) version of my shop and went straight to the critiques to get nice honest appraisals of what I needed to do. This was just under a year ago and everyone was so nice and most helpful.

2) Tell us about a little about yourself and your favorite craft/art! Well since I have two shops on etsy and two on Hyena Cart I am very busy trying to keep up with it all. I am a wife and mother and I work for my mom’s Interior Design Firm. I went to school for an English Literature degree and promptly went to work in the business world using very little of my degree knowledge. My favorite craft is hard since I have two shops I love doing the items I do for each of them. I think that when I start to burn out on one is when I begin focusing more strongly on the other. I love making children’s clothes, but in the same token I love coming up with new bath & body products. My creativity extends as far as I’ll let it on any given day. Some days my creativity is coming up with new ways to market my products.

3) Tell us something about yourself that would surprise others! Well most people who know me know that I am very out spoken and I like to share the knowledge I have (whether or not you’ve asked my opinion, which is the down side). I think it would surprise people to know that although many people consider me the “go to” girl when it comes to how to run a business or market products, I just don’t see that in myself. I suppose I’m still a little unsure of myself.

4) How do you get the word out about your shop and Etsy?
Word of mouth (or e-mouth) is the best way so far. My favorite way to start a conversation with someone is “Have I told you ____?” Have I told you about etsy? Have I told you about the new items I’m releasing next week? Have I told you about America’s Handmade Homefront? Have I told you___?” I use facebook, myspace, post card mailings to previous customers, business cards, emails, but the best of all is word of mouth.

5) Without a picture, how would you best describe your work area? Organized clutter, that’s how I’d have to describe my work area. Most unfortunately having 2 businesses on 2 e-commerce sites running out of the same 300+/- square feet it is usually a mess. My lead times and are kept on a calendar; my fabrics are kept in shelves according to season and weight. My bath and body products are never worked on in or around the fabric areas, but it is hard to keep it neat and tidy all the time.


This "go to" girl was lucky enough to win this interview and what a wonderful job she is has done! I enjoyed hearing her story and sure hope you do too!

Visit 1maddieandme

I want to interview your shop, I will draw a random shop from all the comments...so leave a comment for a chance to win. Be sure to put your shop name in the comment, all types of shops are welcomed! An online randomizer is used to choose the winner....so leave a comment each week as your chance to win! Good luck!

If you've left a comment in previous weeks, and haven't won just yet, then just leave another comment to qualify for the next weeks drawing...!

Interview with Piggy's Little Shop

There are Etsy shops that just sort of "stand out" above the rest and Piggy's Little Shop is one of them. Professional, great photos and lovely items...the recipe for success! Her jewelry is so lovely. And she resides in Singapore..... the other side of the world from my location!

1)When did you start making your craft/art?
I started making jewelry a few years back and it was purely self-taught and out of interest. I only started selling them online Ebay & Etsy only about slightly less than 2 years ago. I got to know Etsy via another local artist at a craft show.



2)Tell us about a little about yourself!
I am the eldest in my family. I am currently engaged to the most wonderful man and soon to be married to him in Dec! I come from Singapore (a small country aka a dot on a world map). I have a day job working in the IT department in a Bank. So everyday after work, I will come home and work on my jewelry. I spend more time at my craft during the weekends as compared to the weekdays.

3)What inspires you to create?
I get inspired from everything and anything that I come across. I love reading magazines, surfing the net, reading blogs & design sites. I also love going to the museums and art galleries. So I guess I get my inspirations from there.

4)Tell us something about yourself that would surprise others!
Hmmmm... let's see.. I am NOT a technie even though I hold an IT job. I always tell people that I am the "I" of IT instead of the "T" which stands for Technology. "I" stands for Information. In fact, I am not a gadget person and quite a dummy to technical terms. =)

5)How do you get the word out about your shop and Etsy?
Friends, Family, Forums (I am on the forums EVERYDAY), blogs, Providing good customer service which helps me build a good rapport with my existing customers.

6)Without the benefit of a picture, how would you describe your work area?
Lack of SPACE.. My work area is a small flat round sturdy cushion seat that I have placed in front of the TV. My supplies are nicely packed in ziplock bags and in big paper boxes. I love to work in front of the TV. For some reason, it does not distracts me and sometimes gives me more inspiration than distraction.



Congrats to Piggy on her upcoming wedding...best of luck to you!!


Visit Piggy'sLittleShop

I want to interview your shop, leave a comment, I draw a random shop from all the comments received each week. Be sure to put your shop name in the comment, all types of shops are welcomed! An online randomizer is used to choose the winner....so leave a comment each week as your chance to win! Good luck!

If you've left a comment in previous weeks, and haven't won just yet, then just leave another comment to qualify for the next weeks drawing...!

Interview with Lawsonfolkart!

How can you not love folk art? With subjects such as People, flowers, and birds...and Lawsonfolkart displays her talent well in those areas! You can't help but enjoy the soulful and fun prints, aceos and original art offered in her shop. Stop by and show her a little love!

1)How did you first hear about Etsy?
I heard about Etsy on ebay when I was looking for an alternative site. I registered in 2006, bought one piece of art, but did not actively participate until recently.


2)Tell us about a little about yourself and your favorite craft/art!
I'm the youngest of four daughters and started drawing when I was just a little one. I come from an artistic, musical, dancing, writing family - very artistic. I guess I could say I inherited the artistic tendencies and my kids inherited the writer's tendencies. My favorite art/craft is to paint in acrylics, oils, watercolors, work with Sculpy and using my "man" tools to do woodworking. I attended Parsons School of Design before it became the Parsons NEW School of Design and when it was still on Sutton Place. Now it's located in Greenwich Village. I call myself a schooled folk artist, even though that's not the definition of folk artist. A true folk artist is unschooled. That's why I say it's funky folk art (with a flair.)

3)What inspires you to create?
Nature above all, bright colors, museums, art galleries, all are inspirations.

4)Tell us something about yourself that would surprise others! think my voice and soft nature in person would really surprise people online. I'm a very compassionate person, but a real practical joker. I love to laugh, dance, sing and play with my dogs. I love to make my children laugh and if that means hopping on one foot down the aisle of a supermarket (empty aisle) or dancing the salsa down the aisle, I'll do it.

5)How do you get the word out about your shop and Etsy?
I was advertising on a site, but word-of-mouth and Google would be my choices. I don't do a lot of advertising yet, but plan to in the future. I sometimes put the url as my email siggie.

I can see Lawsonfolkart now...hopping down the cereal aisle! I'm sure she's having fun!

Visit Lawsonfolkart

I want to interview your shop, leave a comment so that I can draw a random shop. Be sure to put your shop name in the comment, all types of shops are welcomed! An online randomizer is used to choose the winner....so leave a comment each week as your chance to win! Good luck!

If you've left a comment in previous weeks, and haven't won just yet, then just leave another comment to qualify for the next weeks drawing...!

MissKnits Interview!

Miss Knits has these wonderful "throw a fit" dolls, and you can't help but love the Special Edition Breast Cancer Awareness Throw A Fit Doll! The proceeds for which
will be donated to the Susan G Komen Foundation. Her knit items will have you coming back for more!

1)How did you first hear about Etsy?
Well it was kind of a fluke really. I read my cousins blog regularly, so i can catch up on family stuff and family photos since they live so far away. And, i was reading some of the comments left for her, and followed a link from another blogger that led to her site here on etsy. I just loved it! I knew instantly this was the venue i was looking for! As i have never tried to really sell my stuff before and Etsy seemed liked the perfect start!



2)Tell us about a little about yourself and your favorite craft/art!
Well boy where to begin! lol I have always loved crafting/making things! Ever since i was a kid! My grandma taught me a lot of what i know today. She was very much into ceramics and crocheting mostly, but did almost everything! I would love to stay with her on weekends and just make ceramics, paint. She even had her own kiln, which was very cool! She taught me to sew, and i cant tell you how many projects we worked on together! And as i got older she taught me to crochet. She wanted to pass it on to someone, since her kids never took it up. And when she passed on i was lucky enough to get all her needles, and yarn and patterns which i cherish to this day! Once i learned to crochet, knitting was second nature. I've only been knitting about 2 years now, but i love it! It's definitly my addiction! Painting, sewing, ceramics, crocheting, knitting, you name it! I may not be a master or pro at any of these, but i am passionate about them, and they are a part of who i am.

3)What inspires you to create?
What doesnt! lol I think just daily things, nature, colors we see every where, other peoples work! I see some of the things my cousin does, and it inspires me to try and be as good as her. I dont know, i constantly am inspired. Getting ideas even from just looking at a skein of yarn and thinking ooo i could mix it with this and make that. I never work from patterns though. I like to freely create and just see what i come up with! sometimes it doesnt always work out, but often its more fun that way and always guarantees a one of a kind piece!

4)Tell us something about yourself that would surprise others!
Wow, hmmm this is hard.... ok how about something odd? lol i have a food issue - as in i cant stand condiments! no salad dressing, no mayo, no mustard, no ketchup! yea call me a bit wierd!

5)How do you get the word out about your shop and Etsy?
Well thats the continual struggle isnt it! I have a great supporter - my aunt! She wears my stuff everywhere and is constantly taking my business cards and promos to work and functions! Of course i give her a big Aunt's discount too! lol (i often kid her she does get free shipping too!) but also i do a lot of promo swaps here in the forums, they send me their cards i send them mine. I also blog regularly, which i have noticed has helped a lot the more i do it! I am active on flickr, ning, indie public, we love etsy, places like that too. i've even been known to drop a business card here and there. I'm hoping to have my first home show here in another month or so too, which i hope goes over well!



Visit MissKnits!

Who needs salad dressing, right? Certainly would save on calories!

I want to interview your shop, leave a comment so that I can draw a random shop. Be sure to put your shop name in the comment, all types of shops are welcomed! An online randomizer is used to choose the winner....so leave a comment each week as your chance to win! Good luck!

Interview with Topaz08!

Topaz08 will wow you with her wire wrapped jewelry! You can't help but enjoy this interview. The shop owner is dedicated, has many ways that she promotes her Etsy shop and has a home life that many of us have thought about...yet she is doing it!


1.)How did you first hear about Etsy?
I first heard about Etsy through one of my LieJournal accounts. Some Etsians regularly post Etsy Minis there, and I figured, "Why not?".



2.)Tell us about a little about yourself and your favorite craft/art!
I have been married nearly 28 years (to the same man!) and have three wonderful kids. Well, not so much kids anymore. The 'baby' is 15 now. After many years in the cold weather of Colorado and Michigan, we decided life in the desert would be a nice change. That was almost three years ago, and we love New Mexico. We have four pets - two dogs, a cat, and a Pueblan Milksnake.

Art of all varieties has been a lifelong love of mine. I learn as many crafts as I can, from crocheting to ceramics and jewelry. On my list, I want to learn tatting and silversmiting.

3.)What inspires you to create?
Everything inspires me. My daughter might ask "Mom can you make that?" and then I have to try. Lapidary inspires me. I dig up plain old rocks in the desert and turn them into jewelry. You never know how something is going to turn out until you try.

4.)Tell us something about yourself that would surprise others!
A suprise, huh? Let's see. I lived next to the real South Park for many years. I was in the Air Force at one time. Now I live in an RV (for real) because I'm a gyspy at heart.

5.)How do you get the word out about your shop and Etsy?
I advetise my Etsy everywhere I can - my LiveJournals (topaz08, gypsy_blue, topaz08_etsy), my InsaneJournal (topaz08), my website and I've recently made a blog, I've recently made a A Facebook and a Myspace. I also have a booth yearly in March at the Rockhound Roundup in Deming New Mexico.

6.)Without the benefit of a picture, how would you describe your work area?
My work area? Very compact. I have a small area where I do my designing and beading. The local Gem & Mineral Society has a wonderful shop, where I do a lot of my lapidary. Because space is a premium for me, everything has a place and storeage is gold!

Visit Topaz08!


I want to interview your shop, leave a comment so that I can draw a random shop. Be sure to put your shop name in the comment, all types of shops are welcomed! An online randomizer is used to choose the winner....so leave a comment each week as your chance to win! Good luck!

Interview with kookababy!

Kookababy is one of those great sellers that is looking for their first Etsy sale, so stop by and show her some love. I adore her sweaterbunnies; they look so soft and cuddly...who could resist?

1)How did you hear about Etsy?
The real answer is that I have no idea. I think it was one of those things where the name got thrown around by some people and I looked it up. I set up an account and then did nothing about it until now. I also read Coolmompicks and they are talking about etsy all the time.




2)Why did you decide to sell your handmade items on Etsy?
I decided to sell my wares on Etsy because It seems like a great community of crafters and artists. I feel like some of my favorite things I read about and covet have been on etsy. I wanted to make things that people covet (and hopefully buy!).

3)Tell us about a little about yourself and your favorite craft/art!
Right now I'm a mostly work at home mama trying to find the time to sew, knit, and brainstorm ideas. I acutually went to school for fashion design and have a degree from The School of The Art Institute of Chicago (BFA). I really hated the whole bussines, cutthrought world of fashion. It wasn't all about great design, love of clothing, fabric and style like I thought. I took a break and then for some crazy reason I though it would be a good idea to get an MFA in fiber arts, so I have that too from the Univeristy of MIchigan. I got it so I could teach college kids but then learned I hate teaching collage kid's .Whoda thunk it?

I really love, love knitting and have spent several hours/years trying to find a way to make a living from it, but have yet to figure that out. Sewing is my second love born out of nessesity. I have all these ideas that I want to come to life and the method that works best is sewing. Oh, I adore sewing paper, I made a dress out of maps once (for my MFA) , unfortuantly there is not a great market for paper dresses and the like :)

4)What inspires you to create a new design?
A lot of the times it comes from the fabric or yarn, I feel like I can see a new idea in pattern and textures. Also, I know this is going to sound sappy, but my son is inspiration too! The sweaterbunnies were born because I was trying to come up with a cuddly sleep-mate for him.

5)How do you intend to promote your Etsy shop?
Blog, blog, blog some more http://www.kookababy.blogspot.com, talk about it on facebook, send emails to friends, friends of friends, family, strangers. Talk it about anywhere I can to generate buzz.

6)Tell us something about yourself that would surprise others!
I would really like to write children's books and I've never seen any of the Godfather movies.


Children's books sound like a great idea! How about a bunny book? Kids would love'em!

Visit Kookababy!


I want to interview your shop, leave a comment so that I can draw a random shop. Be sure to put your shop name in the comment. An online randomizer is used to choose the winner....so leave a comment each week as your chance to win!

Interview of Etsy Shop - Montagyoo

Montagyoo's shop owner shows incredible talent, she takes the everyday and turns it into something fun and unusual. It was hard just choosing one item from her shop to illustrate, so stop by her shop and take a look at more...you have to!

1)How did you first hear about Etsy?
I somehow stumbled onto a fantastic blog called decor8, which features lots of awesome etsy sellers and products. I had to check it out, and I was hooked pretty quickly.

2)Tell us about a little about yourself and your favorite craft/art!
A little about my self... I'm a graduate student in counseling psychology. I just moved to Mississippi from Kentucky, but I went to college in Virginia. I love reading, traveling, and worshiping. And of course, I love being creative! Taking pictures and making collages are just hobbies, but they're both wonderful means of creative expression and add a lot of richness to my life (internally, if not externally.)

3)What inspires you to create?
Oh, goodness. Everything. Nature, people, interesting places, God, language, artists, random objects, psychology, music, books... life in general.

4)Tell us something about yourself that would surprise others!
I don't put milk on my cereal.

5)How do you get the word out about your shop and Etsy?
I tell everyone I know about etsy and all the cool things I've bought there! I also spend a little too much time in the etsy forums. :) I have a blog as well, but sometimes (like now) I don't update as much as I should.


No milk on her cereal...he..he...now that's different!

Visit Montagyoo and also check out her Blog.


I want to interview your shop, leave a comment so that I can draw a radom shop. Be sure to put your shop name in the comment. An online randomizer is used to choose the winner....so leave a comment each week as your chance to win!

WOW - 20% off - Look at all the shops!

Help us celebrate the one year anniversary of EFA (Artists for Animals) by saving 20% in the following stores. Just use the code TACKY and wait for a revised invoice before paying.





Accessories
annieswearableart
FallenFey
jarvisgift
makemesmile
popalicious
StrandedTreasures
Trendcycle
weiopensecret
whimseys
9livesphotography

Art
aktie9
alteredgirl
arnicae
backroomtreasures
bethgumnick
brownrose
dboudre
DonnaPellegata
dragonhouseofyuen
ellebeephotography
fenrislorsrai
gingercatpress
glittergirlgalleries
jcatphotography
jcollander
jenis1321
jenrosesegrest
jmcguinness
karenkayartworks
kyeliza
lancerika
latejuly
LolaLynn
mimilove
mistyisle
mvegan5
pigatopia
PurrPrints
Schmoomunitions
SharonFosterArt
sherryart
shessochic
SnapHappyPhotos
snitterdog
StrayNation
teaandcakeriot
westcorinthstudio
wolfgangzehen
wonderfulworld
Zuppaartista
DragonRags

Bags and Purses
HazelHoney
louisiana1966
MidnightRabbits
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Bath and Beauty
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Women'sWit

Books and Zines
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Candles
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Ceramics and Pottery
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Children
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Clothing
Xenotees

Crochet
laacesplaace
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Housewares
cricketapollo
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Jewelry
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LieblingDesigns
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thefrogbag
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VictoriaB2007
whskr
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Knitting
linesdesigns
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Needlecraft
aguavino

Paper Goods
birdhaven
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sallers Shellsnoel
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thisisit
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Pets
AcmeCouture
BazStore
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Lizart
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tejana54
TheModDog
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UniqueTreatDogBones
uniqueXpression
VivaleChat

Supplies
pinkee
polymerpamela
TantalizingStitches
theknottysheep

Vintage
Everthesametreasures
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lynnaddison
SharonFosterVintage
Tackybackintime
thefaeriecupboard
deermountainwoodart

Interview with ChristopherandTia

Welcome to the bright, neon world of ChristopherandTia, I found their interview to be more of the same...colorful! Recipe boxes and cards are so very popular and their work should tickle your kitchen fancy!

1)What did you think when you first found Etsy?
I felt like Alice in Wonderland. Or, Alice in Handmade Wonderland. I think that like most people, I was instantly addicted.



2)Tell us about a little about yourself and your favorite craft/art!
Christopher is in the Air Force, and I'm a stay at home mom. We've got a beautiful 2 year old daughter, and another baby due in December. We like to do arts and crafts together. We use our kitchen table for more of a painting station than we do eating on. Now that our daughter is a toddler, we're really looking forward to starting some Halloween crafts. Ya know, puffy cotton ball ghosts and silly things like that, haha.

3)Tell us something about yourself that would surprise others!
I don't know if its much of a surprise, since I spend way too much time in the etsy etc forum, but, I have about a million food allergies. We cook everything from scratch, and haven't been out to eat in over a year. I'm on a gluten/soy/dairy/egg/corn/potato/cellulose/amaranth/sorbitol/carageenan/caffeine/avocado free diet. Meal time sure gets interesting, haha.

4)How do you get the word out about your shop and Etsy?
I don't do much in terms of advertising. I spend a lot of time, probably too much time, in the etsy etc forums. And I like to update my blog daily.

5)Without giving us the benefit of a picture, how would you best describe your work area?
Well, our work areas are kind of spread out from the craft table in our bedroom, to the bar in the kitchen. We do a lot of our paper crafts upstairs in our bedroom, where little 2 year old hands can't reach. All of our paintings stay downstairs in the kitchen area. The clutter can get overwhelming, but it comes to a point where we have to say "who cares?", its our house, and we can craft how we want to craft, haha.


VisitChristopherandTia and enjoy their great blog!

Get 20% off in over 180 shops!!

What is EFA? Artists helping Animals! When you purchase something from an EFA member, in most cases, they are donating a portion of that sale to a local charity. I donate 10% of sales from both my shops to Town Cats of Ocean City MD! EFA members also donate items to our team shop:
All the proceeds from the sales from the team shop go to the Animal Charity of the Month!

We are having our First Birthday Bash Extravaganza..help us celebrate by shopping in over 180 shops and receive 20% off! Use code TACKY in the buyer's comments!

Here is a list of the shops that will accept the above code:
EFAartistshelpinganimals.org

HoydenDesigns - Interview!

HoydenDesigns was chosen as my 3rd interview on Izzy-IT. Her artwork is so whimsical; yet exudes with love! I want to highlight her fantastic original watercolor titled "Be Still My Heart".

HoydenDesigns was so excited to win, here is her interview. I'm sure you will find it fun to read as well as very interesting!:

1)How did you first hear about Etsy?I’m a member of a fabulous website for artists called wetcanvas.com, and one of the members had mentioned Etsy in the forums. I came and was immediately hooked! I signed up on the spot.


2)Tell us about a little about yourself and your favorite craft/art!
I’m married to my childhood sweetheart and am mommy to one. I have a full time day job, so my art is pretty much put on the back burner until late at night when the house has settled a bit. But my family is so supportive of me and makes sure I have the time I need to create!
I’ve been drawing and painting since I can remember. I took art in high school but put it aside almost completely from the time I graduated until the birth of my child. Then, it seems, my imagination exploded! I haven’t stopped painting since!
I usually work in acrylic paints, but have recently picked up watercolors as well. I love painting anything from a large stretched canvas to a tiny pendant. And the bookmarks have given me another method to express myself as well. I love to push myself with my craft, so a challenge is something I look for often!

3)What inspires you to create?
My most obvious way of getting inspired is to read Jane Austen novels or watch the movies based on her books. But I also see things differently since I’ve become a mom. I see things through a child’s eyes, and everything is new. So even a trip to the grocery stop is like candy for my imagination now!

4)Tell us something about yourself that would surprise others!
I’m allergic to pineapple and kiwi…but also have a dog named Kiwi (who I also happen to be allergic to!).

5)How do you get the word out about your shop and Etsy?
I’m often in the forums at Etsy, and joined a fantastic team called SFEtsy there. I’ve also just started blogging obsessively. I like to wear my pendants as often as I can. I have contests ever now and then. And I send out a newsletter every few months. I’m not as active in this department as I’d like, but I’m getting there!

Stop by and visit:

HoydenDesigns

I want to interview your shop, leave a comment so that I can draw a radom shop. Be sure to put your shop name in the comment. Winners are chosen each Sunday nite and the interview is then posted that Thursday morning. I use an online randomizer to choose the winner....so leave a comment each week as your chance to win!

This weeks winner is HoydenDesigns. Look for her exciting interview this Thursday! Each and every week we will choose a radom winner from the comments left on our blog (using an online radomizer tool). The contest ends each Sunday Evening and the interview is posted that following Thursday. If I do not draw your name one week, just leave another comment for a chance at winning the interview!

So, please leave a comment...and make sure you mention the name of your Etsy shop. I will convo you if you win!


This weeks Winner (our 3rd), her interview will be posted right here on Izzy-IT! So be sure to stop back!




Thanks again for visiting and let us know what you think of our new blog! I will choose another winner (at random), from the new comments this week. Be sure to put your shop name in the comment. Best of luck, I'm looking forward to interviewing your shop!

Tacky
Tackyhandmade

Voting has ended - EFA Sept. Challenge

We have a winner for the EFA Sept. Challenge! With over 350 voters, I'm sure it was tough just picking one! With 30% of the votes congratulations to Uniquetreatdogbones ..as the winner with her unique Doggie Muffin!!






From TheKnottySheep
Handpainted Birthday Bash Tote Bag! I will feature one of the EFA Challenge items, every couple of days. So check back often!

Use the Coupon Code TACKY for 20% off in over 180 shops Sept. 15th thru Sept. 30th.

Shops that accept the 20% off Coupon