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!