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/