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 - 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

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 - 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

Cure for Sarcoma...

Calling all shoppers AND crafters!!! Please take a look at this wonderful upcoming event hosted by the wonderful Rachel of Paper Cakes by Rachel of Etsy.

Personally, I love to mix my love of crafting with supporting beautiful charities. I found this wonderful opportunity through this Tradeaholic teammate who recently lost her loving mother to Sarcoma.

Here is Rachel's message:

Greetings to our Family, Friends, and Community,

We are writing to see if you would be interested in contributing to our important event. Our success depends on your contributions. We are aware that in these economic times, making a contribution for a cause can be challenging. Our event, Shop for the Cure, will raise money to fund research and raise awareness for Sarcoma. We are requesting that you donate one or more items that will be sold during our online event being held April 8th-10th. 100% of the purchase price for you item(s) will benefit our cause. Your generosity will be recognized by your name appearing on our website as being an important contributor to this special event.

The cause is living and fighting Sarcoma, a rare cancer that affects approximately 12,000 Americans each year. Sarcoma is an aggressive form of cancer. It represents 15% of all childhood cancers and 1% of adult cancers. Although there have been some advances in treating the side effects of chemotherapy, there has been virtually no significant progress in finding newer treatment methods for all forms of Sarcoma. Shop for the Cure is in partnership with the Sarcoma Foundation of America. The research funded at the Sarcoma Foundation of America relies on contributions from everyday people; people who want to find a cure.

Our mission is to build awareness for Sarcoma and raise funds for research to find a cure. It was an extremely painful experience to watch my Mother suffer due to cancer. We do not want others to go through what she and so many have endured. So we ask you from the bottom of our heart to please contribute in her honor and for all of those who have lost their battle with Sarcoma.

Every gift truly makes a difference. We hope that despite the current economy, you will still consider a generous donation as we continue to strive to raise awareness and find a cure.

Sincerely yours,

Rachel Schroeder

Founder

Rachel@cureforsarcoma.com
http://www.cureforsarcoma.com/

By Your Side Blog has Featured Us!

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Thank you so much to Michele at By Your Side blogspot for the kind feature of our charity shop Courage for Kristi. Please check it out.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Please Support

Another wonderful feature of Courage for Kristi on Designing Impression's Blog!

http://designingimpressions.blogspot.com/2010/09/october-is-breast-cancer-awareness.html

Courage for Kristi - Featured

My lovely Dteam friend Sassybellewares featured my charity shop Courage for Kristi in her wonderful blog.

Please take a moment to look:

http://sassybellesspotlight.blogspot.com/2010/09/courage-for-kristi.html