Etsy Shop Feature - KnittingNY

A super huge thank you to Stacy of KnittyNY for contacting us to make a donation! Please take a moment to learn more about her shop and her lovely creations!

How long have you been crafting?I've been crafting for for about 20 years; I started out cross-stitching and then switched to knitting about 3 years ago. It's a lot of fun, I love to create and have fun with different patterns!

When did you turn your hobby into a business?I started my Etsy shop in June, this is my first try at doing my hobby as a business. :*)

What is your favorite Etsy shop?

It's difficult to choose just one Etsy shop as my favorite but I can narrow it down to two - The first one is VillaCollezione, which is a vintage shop that I love to browse since she's always got very funky, unique things for sale. My second one is HandicraftsByKaren which is a crochet shop and the seller just happens to be my mom. ;*)

How has Breast Cancer affected your life?
I work part-time in a small local pharmacy (it's like one of those old 'mom & pop' type pharmacies) and I've met so many brave, wonderful customers who currently have or they've battled breast cancer. This is a small town so I know my customers well and it does affect me when I hear their sad news and listen to their struggles. But the best part of my job is when these same women come in strong and healthy and tell me that, after struggling with chemo and everything else, they are free and clear of the cancer. I love to see their smiles when they tell me the good news.

HUGS!
Julie
http://www.blogger.com/www.CourageforKristi.etsy.com

Etsy Shop Feature - Elephant Beads

A super huge thank you to Molly of Elephant Beads for contacting us to make a donation! Please take a moment to learn more about her shop and her lovely creations!

How long have you been crafting?
All my life! Once upon a time I planned to become an artist, but then turned to writing and teaching. But throughout my life I have enjoyed creating things and modifying the space around me to reflect my inner sense of harmony.

When did you turn your hobby into a business?
About a year ago I set up my Etsy shop, "elephantbeads," and began selling jewelry and metalwork bookmarks. I have a full time corporate job, but doing this creative work keeps my inner artist completely happy!

What is your favorite Etsy shop?
There are so many that I love! But here are some shout-outs for some of my favorite shops for purchasing supplies, because they may not get recognized as often as those of us who sell finished products, and they are such an important part of my creative process:
- PottyMouthGems - exceptional quality gems, pearls, and metalwork copper pieces, and her descriptions always make me laugh!
- VintageBeadNut – I love the unusual beads I can find in this shop. Working with vintage or unique beads is so much fun.
- UncommonBeads – I find some great beads in this shop, and exceptional values. It’s a pleasure just to see what they have in stock!


How has Breast Cancer affected your life?
A very important member of my family won her battle with breast cancer and has been in remission for many years. Her sister, however, continues the fight, and her exceptionally positive approach to the process has set a new standard in my world for bravery. I have had other very close and dear friends who have lost the battle against other forms of cancer. We each have a different path to walk, and along my path I have appreciated the opportunities I’ve had to support others.

Thank you so much Molly for your generousity!!!
HUGS,
Julie
CourageforKristi.etsy.com

Etsy Shop Feature - Nesting Pretty

When I look at Tamara's Nesting Pretty shop one word comes to mind...HAPPINESS! Tam's shop is so full of joy and beauty it always puts a smile on my face. Of course, the creator behind these beautiful delights is just as sweet and lovely! Read on to learn more about Nesting Pretty: How long have you been crafting? For as long as I can remember I have always been a crafty gal. My favorite thing to do is repurposing items. When I was younger my Mother would take me shopping for new clothes and within the first week I would somehow manage to change what she bought me into a new creation. I simply adore fabric, but I must admit that I do not know how to sew. So for now my fabric collection is just something pretty for me to look at. I started making jewelry about 5 years ago and instantly fell in love with how creative I can be with it.

When did you turn your hobby into a business? Funny that I never even toyed with the idea of selling my creations. It wasn't until my wonderful hubby came home one day to tell me about this funny conversation that he listened to on The Mark and Brian Radio Show that morning about a gal that was selling on Etsy. While he was telling me this story light bulbs started going on in my head. That very day I poked around on Etsy literally all day long. I was in love and new this was something I wanted to do. I had my shop set up within a few weeks and have loved it every since.

What is your favorite Etsy shop? Oh my. there are sooooo many shops here on Etsy that I love. However I did just stumble upon this adorable shop called Misala Handmade yesterday and I instantly fell in love with her creativity. My favorite little bag is this adorable little sheep clutch. I just might have to get this for my daughter who is turning 3 next week. She will Love it!

How has Breast Cancer affected your life? Cancer has touched my life through loved family members and friends. My Father, Uncle and Aunt having all passed from Cancer, My Aunt having breast cancer. It saddens me that so many people are affected by this terrible disease and struggle daily not knowing what the outcome of there fate will be. I had just a pinch of this feeling a few weeks ago when I had my routine mammogram. When the test came back with a diagnosis of we see something and want to re-test I was crushed, nervous, scared and extremely anxious to re-test and know the answer of MY soon to be fate. I have to admit that waiting for those results was the longest week of my life. I seriously thought my head was going to explode from all of the thoughts running through it. So when the results were in that it was benign and I was OKAY my first thought was how blessed am I. Instantly after my first thought I had a second that this is what it feels like for so many everyday who are struggling with cancer. I was sad and happy at the same time. My eyes were opened just a little bit wider that day and continue to stay open wide today.

Thank you Tam for supporting Courage for Kristi again this year.

HUGS!
Julie

www.CourageforKristi.etsy.com

Etsy Shop Feature - QsFlowerStand

A super huge thank you to Erika of Q's Flower Stand for contacting us to make a donation! Please take a moment to learn more about her shop and her lovely creations!

How long have you been crafting?

I've been a crafter for as long as I can remember. I learned how to knit and sew at a young age. However, I didn't really get into it until after High School. I am from Southern California, but I moved to Missouri for college. It was my first experience living in cold weather, so I remember getting out the knitting needles and making scarves. I haven't stopped since and it's been over 10 years!

When did you turn your hobby into a business?

Within the last month! As my daughter is getting older, she's been a lot more independent so I have had more time to make things. I enjoy crocheting outside in the sun as she plays by my side. Because I was able to do this, I decided, why not, let's start Etsy. I love the etsy community, so I am excited to now be a part of this. I've got a lot more things coming that I am excited for! In fact, I'm offering Free Shipping right now with the code QSHIP.

What is your favorite Etsy shop?

Wow! How do you choose? There are so many wonderful shops. The creativity is amazing!! However, being a new mom, I gravitate towards the children boutiques. I've always adored Gifts Define and Lippy Lou Design, which have the cutest shoes for little girls!! I just bought some cards from Mad Lucy Paper that are really cute, too!

How has Breast Cancer affected your life?
I feel like it's almost safe to say that we all know someone who has been affected by this. That's really scary! I feel very humbled and thankful to say that the women I know who have been diagnosed have all conquered it with a clean bill of health and while they may or may not have had a mastectomy, it was caught early enough to allow them their life. I hope that my contribution will give those going through this, the hope and opportunity that will allow them to live their life!

Thank you so much Erika!

Hugs,
Julie

http://www.courageforkristi.etsy.com/

Etsy Shop Feature - Crimson Mosquito

This is the only kind of mosquito I love...Crimson Mosquito on Etsy! Lexan of Crimson Mosquito AND Lime Grasshopper has been kind enough to donated to Courage for Kristi two years in a row now!

Read on to find out more about her:

How long have you been crafting?
I have been crafting all my life, My mom was a crafter (macrame, cross stitch), and we have always been a hands-on family.

When did you turn your hobby into a business?
I turned the crafting into an Etsy business a little over 2 years ago with my alter ego, Lime Grasshopper (satrngrl.etsy.com).

What is your favorite Etsy shop?
I love T Gurley Bath & Body (www.etsy.com/shop/tgurleybathandbody)! Her soaps and other goodies are just awesome. And she happens to be a fellow North Carolinian.

How has Breast Cancer affected your life? I feel like it's almost safe to say that we all know someone who has been affected by this. That's really scary! I feel very humbled and thankful to say that the women I know who have been diagnosed have all conquered it with a clean bill of health and while they may or may not have had a mastectomy, it was caught early enough to allow them their life. I hope that my contribution will give those going through this, the hope and opportunity that will allow them to live their life!

Thank you so much for your support Lexan!

Hugs!
Julie

www.CourageforKristi.etsy.com

Heartsy Love for MuffinTopDesigns

Just a heads up for all you jewelry lovers!!!!!! One of my favorite Etsy artist is featured on Heartsy this week and offering a deal too good to pass up!!! Check out Muffintopdesigns amazing offer: Heartsy Deal If you have not used Heartsy before, it is an amazing opportunity to buy beautifully handcrafted items at over 50% discounted prices. Be sure to check out through Heartsy first, before ordering your gorgeous ring or earrings from Muffintopdesigns!

Happy shopping!
Julie

Etsy Shop Feature - TheGoodOleDays

I am excited to feature the wonderful shop TheGoodOleDays!!! Here you will find beautiful handmade items for the home (personally, I am on a big aptron kick as of late!). Check out the beautiful pillow case cover donated to Courage for Kristi!
More about TheGoodOleDays:
How long have you been crafting?I've been sewing on and off for some time now, but I started sewing in earnest last year. I was looking for something to do to help earn some extra money while I homeschooled my son.

When did you turn your hobby into a business?
Working outside of the home was not really an option, so this was a fun way to do something I like and feel useful at the same time. My shop is nowhere near the business I'd like it to be, but it's been a great learning experience so far.

What is your favorite Etsy shop?

Favorite Etsy shop? Impossible. There are so many incredibly talented people out there, I could never pick just one.

How has breast cancer affected you?
Until last year breast cancer never really affected me. No one in my family nor anyone I knew personally had had it. However in April my best friend had a mastectomy. I had no idea she had breast cancer or had bad it was. In December she was admitted into the oncology ward at the hospital. I still had no idea how bad it was. I stayed with her as long as I could each day and within five days she was gone. She had told only a few family members and one or two others about her ilness because she wanted everone to treat her the same as they always did; no pity, no tears. She came to terms with her illness and decided to spend her time celebrating life each and every day....So, how has it affected me? Well, I lost my best friend and I'll never have another. I will get a mammogram every year and be proactive with my health. There is so much more I could say, but the truth is I will never be the same. (see Lisa's tattoo honoring her dear friend at right)

Thank you so much!
HUGS,

Julie http://www.courageforkristi.etsy.com/

Etsy Shop Feature - dropmetal

Besides raising money to help Kristi's three young daughters, one of the greatest things about opening Courage for Kristi is meeting warm hearted and generous Etsy sellers...like Kacie and Micha of dropmetal! Please take a moment to read about how they started their shop and take a peek at their amazing creations.

Tell us about your shop.
Drop Metal was started by two designers with a strong passion for all things handmade, the simple country life, and creating unique products out of metal. Drawn together by overlapping creative fields, our goal is to reveal the true relationship with a product when quality is valued over quantity. When did you turn your hobby into a business?

We have both been crafting since we were old enough to have a curiosity about the world around us. We turned our hobby into a business in March 2011 - I quit my job in Seattle and moved to Tennessee to help Micah start this creative endeavor.How has breast cancer affected you?

I had a childhood friend who went through breast cancer when we were in middle school and I remember how hard it was for her and her family. Also, my college best friend's mother battled breast cancer while we were in school. She is one of the hardest working, most loving women I know - she has been a foster mother for over 30 years.

You can find other beautiful creations by this duo here:

www.dropmetal.com/

dropcloth.org/

Thank you so much for supporting our cause!
HUGS,

Julie http://www.courageforkristi.etsy.com/

Etsy Shop Feature - Home Shop Creations

I am so happy to introduce you to a wonderful Etsian who has so thoughtfully donated to the Courage for Kristi fundraiser: Bill of HomeShopCreations. Bill so kindly offered to donate one of his handcrafted pens after I featured his item in a Breast Cancer Awareness Treasury. How sweet! Please read on to learn about Bill and his wonderful shop.
How long have you been crafting?
I have been directly involved in the hands-on of lathe turning and penmaking for about 18 months now. I had to take an early retirement from my job of 33 years, and finding this craft really fit the bill to better utilize my time. I am totally infatuated by this craft. I did start out by making and gifting pens and other items to family and friends, but the requests from others "outside the circle" made me turn to selling my wares. My biggest thrill is creating a pen from something original or sentimental like family trees, or even waist belts to make laminated leather pens.

What is your favorite Etsy shop?
My favorite shop is Skyspirit8. That wonderful lady named Deb hand paints various glassware and creates some of the most beautiful pieces of art I have seen. I connected with her because I supply her with some of her special bottles.

How has Breast Cancer affected you?
As far as how Breast Cancer has affecting me, the saddest part is that this terrible disease is so widespread, that it seems to touch every family in some way. My wife and I have lost many wonderful women to this disease, and I am always in awe of the courage these women display. Occasionally, some of the lucky ladies beat the cancer, but more often than not, they don't. I try to do whatever I can to help defeat this disease.

Thank you so much for your generous donation!
Hugs,
Julie http://www.courageforkristi.etsy.com/

Etsy Shop Feature - SweetVegan

I am very excited to introduce a new contributor to the Courage for Kristi shop - Sweet Vegan. I think pictures ARE better than words when it comes to these products. YUM. Please take a moment to learn a little more about Kim and her delectable creations.

How long have you been crafting?

So many years now that I don't really remember when I just know that I started at an early age with my mother sewing, but especially baking. As I became older I fell in love with floral arranging artificial, dried and fresh flowers.

When did you turn your hobby into a business?

In 2008 I opened my own flower shop and decided I need an online presence for my silks. That is when I found Etsy and I haven't looked back since. Then in January of this year I started Sweet Vegan Delight which brought me back to one of my earlier passions, baking.

What is your favorite Etsy shop?

Favorite? Just one? I can't pick just one so I will give you a few...
Love For Earth - Awesome re-useable bags that I use every day and my produce bags I so Love, perfect at the grocery store!

One Clay Bead - I can look so long and often at all the wonderful pieces. One day I will get to buy something :D www.etsy.com/shop/OneClayBead
Teaman - Such a great variety of hand blended teas, I always come back for more. www.etsy.com/shop/teaman

How has Breast Cancer affected your life?

Most people know someone that has been affected by cancer, not just breast, including me, so I support them all. Anytime I can donate (grocery store, event, etc.) I do because I've lost many friends and family to all different types of cancer. They all need our support in finding a cure!

Thank you Kim for your wonderful donation!!
HUGS,
Julie http://www.courageforkristi.etsy.com/

Etsy Shop Feature - Mynski and Libelle too

A HUGE thank you to Mynski & Libelle Too of Etsy for the wonderful donation to Courage for Kristi! Britt's lovely creations were a big hit last year and I know they will be again this year! Please take a moment and learn a little bit more about this wonderful Etsy artist!

How long have you been crafting?
I've been crafting since I was really young. I remember begging to go to the craft stores instead of the toy stores when I was little.

When did you turn your hobby into a business?
My crafting became a business when I lost my job in June 2010. I opened my first Etsy shop to sell my handmade jewelry and photography prints. Photography has been an obsession for me just as long as crafting has. From there I have expanded to 2 shops for my various wares.

What is your favorite Etsy shop?
There are so many awesome shops on Etsy it's hard to pick a favorite. I think Jude McConkey's shop is great. I found her shop when I first joined Etsy and was checking out the photo competition. I love her moody, sort of creepy images. She's a very talented artist.www.etsy.com/shop/judemcconkey
How has Breast Cancer affected your life?
I have been very fortunate not to have had too many close friends or relatives who have had Breast Cancer, but I do know many people who have. My best friend's mother had a double mastectomy a few years ago, and tomorrow she goes for a biopsy for a very rare, very aggressive form of cancer that attacks the tailbone or base of the skull. She and her family have already been through so much it's hard to see them go through this too.

I donate to Courage For Kristi because I have seen how much families suffer when a loved one is diagnosed with any cancer. Kristi's girls deserve to know that her life mattered to many people, and they deserve to have the best life they can in her abscence. I think the college funds that will come from the proceeds are a great way to acomplish those things.

Thank you so much Britt for all of your support!!! Your generousity is amazing!
HUGS,
Julie