Etsy Seller of the Week: Niftyknits

Please welcome this week's featured Etsy seller, Niftyknits! I am a knitter myself, and it is so inspiring to see the amazing variety of items Nifty has come up with in her shop! Contact her via Etsy before buying, mentioning you read her interview on this blog, and she will give you 10% off your order!

How did you find Etsy?
My son’s girlfriend told me about Etsy. I’d started selling my knits on ebay but when I looked at Etsy I was in awe at the talent. I didn’t think my work was good enough, but she encouraged me to go for it…the rest is history.(Thanks LennyPenny!)

What do you love about Etsy?
I love the variety, I never know what I’m going to find next. I love curating treasuries, putting together beautiful quirky unique items.

What is your favorite dinner?
Traditional roast for me please! The pork from the farmshop near my house is gorgeous, with crackling and apple sauce and veg and gravy and roast potatoes. My husband makes the best roast potatoes in the world, all crunchy yet soft inside. Mmmmmm.

What would you like us to know about your craft/shop?
Tricky question, this one! I suppose my answer is that the knitted and crocheted items you see in the store are not everything. You name it, I’ll knit (or crochet) it! I love puzzling out new ideas … at the moment I’m knitting morris dancers, because I want to have a stall at a folk festival.

If you could take an all-expenses paid trip anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I always wanted to take my family to see Steve Irwin at Australia Zoo, but sadly that’s not to be :-(
My holidays are in different parts of the UK, we have so much beautiful countryside to wander in. I would like to retrace Steve’s adventures across Australia, but someone would have to turn down the temperature and remove all the biting things first, please.

What do you love about what you make/sell?
I enjoy that moment when I see it’s all coming together., but I LOVE the journey to that point. My favourite piece is still the fuschia flowers I designed and knitted. When I started I had no idea I would be using headpins and seedbeads…indeed I’m not sure I knew what they were at that point! I knew what I wanted it to look like, and had to find ways to make it happen. That’s the best bit.

What is your favorite way to relax or unwind?
Hot bubble bath and a book, preferably with a glass of red wine :-)

What do you like to shop for on Etsy, even if it is just browsing, not buying?
Steampunk! Again, I had no idea steampunk existed until I found MadArtJewelry on Etsy. I read a lot of Science Fiction so when I discovered her jewelry and asked her what it was about I was instantly hooked. My first piece is called Tempus Fugit (time flies) and was so appropriate at that time in my life.

Where in the world are you?
In the real world I live in the south east of the UK, in Kent (the county with the white cliffs of Dover). This area is known as the Garden of England because it is so beautiful – come and visit!
On the web I am at niftyknits.etsy.com and naughtyknits.etsy.com
I have also just helped my son set up a shop to sell his band's CD at AScandalinBohemia.etsy.com
Then there's my blog http://niftyknits-somuchyarnsolittletime.blogspot.com/
and last but not least my website
http://members.lycos.co.uk/heatherml/Up%20the%20Lone%20Piners/
(Actually that will change shortly as my son has shamed me into realizing what a truly atrocious URL that is!)

The Muppet Show: Season Three

If you are a Muppet fan, this four-disc DVD set is a must-have! I bought this for my kids as a special treat for while their Daddy was gone on a week-long business conference.

Well, I ended up watching it more than they did! I watched it after they went to bed every night that week! :)

Some of the guest stars: Danny Kaye, Loretta Lynn, Sylvester Stallone, Gilda Radner, Harry Belafonte, Raquel Welch, and Alice Cooper!

Danny Kaye, Gilda Radner, and Harry Belafonte are probably my three favorites.

Plus, you get plenty of well-loved classics: Pigs in Space, the Swedish Chef, Dr Bunson and Beaker, and an endless line-up of great songs and talented puppetry.

Look for it at Costco, Target, etc - or click the picture to find it on Amazon.com!

Etsy Seller of the Week: Greenbelts

Thrift shops and landfills applaud this week's featured seller! Greenbelts uses reclaimed belts to make all kinds of unique pieces - from dog collars to wrist cuffs (even dog collars and matching wrist cuffs!) AND until next Monday, July 28, she is giving blog readers 10% off any purchase over $10! Just put "Rainy's Blog" in the notes to seller. Now read on!

How did you find Etsy?
My neighbor (who has since moved) used to have a shop on Etsy. He saw some of my dog collars at a neighborhood party and suggested that I give it a try.

What do you love about Etsy?
I am a graphic designer by trade. I mainly specialize in printed pieces (ink on paper). I am not really excited about the idea of designing, producing, and upkeeping web sites - especially my own. Etsy is a perfect fit for me and my Greenbelts. They do it all for me and all I have to do is find time to list and create. I adore Etsy.

What is your favorite dinner?
My mouth is watering just thinking about it. I love a hot loaf of French bread with butter, a sliced crisp red apple, and a hunk of yummy cheese. With a glass of freezing cold milk. Mmmm, yum.

What would you like us to know about your craft/shop?
I worked out of my neighbors basement for my first year. They were nice enough to loan me a workbench on a temporary basis. After a year of their kindness I decided that I needed to give them some space. I begged my husband, Chris, to build me a tiny shed out in the corner of our back porch. So now, my 4yo son and I go out to the shed whenever we want to work. He has a little workbench too. He's learning how to hammer and use a electric screwdriver. He's been making some fun sculptures out of the scrap wood we have left over from building the shed.

If you could take an all-expenses paid trip anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I'm not picky. I have only been to 3 countries (Canada, USA, and Mexico) in my lifetime. I feel like I have so much more to discover. I would love to go ANYWHERE. Especially Europe, Australia, Africa and anywhere that is warm. :)

What do you love about what you make/sell?
Because I base my pieces on recycled items, I love the thrill of the hunt. When I find a really cool belt that makes me want to run home and start cutting it up immediately, or a super-cool button that is just begging to be sewn onto a piece of leather, that is FUN! There are more and more of us belt recyclers out here on Etsy now. It's important to me that I find really unique pieces to start with so I can keep my items fresh and interesting. Searching and reclaiming the findings is half the fun.

What is your favorite way to relax or unwind?
I pound, cut, punch, and sew all my pieces by hand. I get my aggression out on my poor belts while I sip a glass of wine and listen to my favorite music. That's pretty darn relaxing. Even when we go camping or sit in front of the television, I'm cutting out leather flowers or sewing on buttons. That's still 10x more relaxing to me than sitting in an office all day (which I used to do). I have no complaints.

What do you like to shop for on Etsy, even if it is just browsing, not buying?
I'm obsessed with earrings right now. And necklaces. I can't seem to get enough of them. And, of course, buttons and buckles.

What is your favorite sound?
The sound a dry, puffy pine cone makes when you step on it. That crunchy, crackly, smooshy sound. Love it.




Thanks for stopping by!

Etsy Seller of the Week: MerkabaJewelry

Feast your eyes on this week's Etsy Seller of the Week, MerkabaJewelry! Her beautiful designs and great eye for color combine to create gift-worthy pieces - even if the gift is for yourself! :)

Plus, she is offering 10% off to all blog readers! Just put "Rainy's Blog" in the notes to seller at checkout and she'll send you an adjusted invoice.


How did you find Etsy?
I found Etsy through other online crafters who were fed up with eBay and looking for another venue to sell their handcrafted goods.

What do you love about Etsy?
I love the community and all the people I've met through forums, groups, and treasuries. I attended two local craft shows this past weekend in Asheville where the majority of vendors were Etsy sellers. It was great meeting the folks behind the shop name :)

What is your favorite dinner?
I love pineapple pizza and wish my metabolism allowed me to eat it every day!

What would you like us to know about your craft/shop?
I am getting ready to introduce a line of gourd jewelry. Gourds grown in my garden, dried and cured, then cut up into large beads and pendants. I enjoy expanding my craft and trying new things.

If you could take an all-expenses paid trip anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Italy. I've always dreamed of going there to experience the culture, art, food, etc.

What do you love about what you make/sell?
I love that each piece is unique and my customers enjoy knowing that they are the only person that has it.

What is your favorite way to relax or unwind?
Actually making jewelry is my zen time. With an active toddler, I am always on the go. I like being able to spend time totally focused on each piece. It also allows me to be uninterrupted and spend time with just me! Seems a lot of my personality comes out in each design.

What do you like to shop for on Etsy, even if it is just browsing, not buying?
I love all things handmade. Soaps, handbags, cards, jewelry, etc.

What is the best thing about your business?
The greatest thing about my business is how it allows me to stay at home with my son, Camden. I thoroughly enjoy spending my days with him. As much as I teach him things, I constantly feel like I'm the one who is learning. It's an amazing journey. The icing on the cake is the freedom to be with him and also work on my craft.

Etsy Seller of the Week: flauntitmaternity

Having just had my third (and most likely last) baby, I really wish I'd discovered this shop earlier!! Flauntitmaternity has the coolest maternity shirts at a very reasonable price!

Now YOU can get it at an even better price because for the week of this feature, you can save 10% off any one item (except sale items) or buy two maternity tees and get free US Shipping (or just $5 everywhere else). Simply mention "Rainy's blog" in notes to seller at checkout and wait for an adjusted invoice!

Learn more about this great shop and seller!

How did you find Etsy?
A friend of mine told me about Etsy.

What do you love about Etsy?
I like that thousands of people from all over the world have access to see your product.

What is your favorite dinner?
I love grilled salmon.

What would you like us to know about your craft/shop?
I have stylish maternity tees of all varieties that are affordable, comfy and cool. Personally being pregnant twice, you have so many days that you don't feel beautiful. With my first pregnancy, I was frustrated finding something to wear on an every day basis and didn't want to spend big bucks for maternity clothes or wear "tent like" maternity that makes you look larger than life, so I started this line! Women shouldn't hide their miracle, but Flaunt It!

If you could take an all-expenses paid trip anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I would go to Switzerland, always wanted to go there since I did a report on it 3rd grade, plus I love chocolate and know they have awesome chocolate there!

What do you love about what you make/sell?
I love that women can feel good in it and enjoy it.

What is your favorite way to relax or unwind?
I love to work out-run, swim, lift weights etc.. gives me more energy and I feel good after I do it.

What do you like to shop for on Etsy, even if it is just browsing, not buying?
I love shopping for skin care, lotions and scrubs, but ones made with all natural ingredients, not chemicals!(funny I put this, I just looked at your shop and the scrubs look delicious!)

Why, thank you, flauntitmaternity! :) Now everyone run off to her shop. She has gift certificates as well, so think about all those mothers-to-be who want something different and fun to wear!