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.

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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...!