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: WarpedandWonderful

This week brings us to the world of WarpedandWonderful! I have one of her handwoven baby blankets and all I can say is WOW! I drooled over it every time I saw the listing online, but holding it in person was immensely better. The quality and workmanship is superb. My daughter is snuggled in her blanket right now as a matter of fact!

Now is a great time to give WarpedandWonderful a try, because she is offering 10% off all orders during the week of her feature! Convo her with "Rain's Blog" and she'll adjust the price or mention "Rain's blog" in the notes at checkout so she can send an adjusted invoice. Offer ends July 6th.

Now for her interview....

How did you find Etsy?
I first stumbled upon Etsy soon after it started but I was not ready to set up a shop at the time. A little over a year ago it was mentioned in a forum and I decided to join.


What do you love about Etsy?
I love the community. There are not many places that everyone answers questions and gives so much of themselves to help others. The variety of crafts represented is staggering. Where else can you find so many wonderful things in one place?


What is your favorite dinner?
Wine and lobster ~or~ steak and salad ~or~ roast beef and potatoes ~or~ roasted chicken um - I can’t make up my mind....


What would you like us to know about your craft/shop?
Weaving is not a lost art. There are handweavers around the world exploring and rediscovering what masters of our craft knew centuries ago. Many of the designs I use come from old manuscripts written by weavers in the 1600's and 1700's. They were struggling to compete with the factories of the industrial revolution. Some master weavers decided to break with tradition and share the information they had been keeping secret in the guilds. They hoped to help weavers in outlying areas be able to continue to earn a living with their craft.


If you could take an all-expenses paid trip anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Anywhere in Europe. I am fascinated by old buildings. Here in Idaho the oldest buildings are the old cabins of early settlers and they are just over 100 years old. I dream of wandering through old castles and ancient ruins.


What do you love about what you make/sell?
The fact that I am able to do it! Weaving fascinates me. I love the process and am mesmerized as I watch the patterns grow on the loom in front of me.


What is your favorite way to relax or unwind?
A good book, once I start one, I can’t put it down till I’m done. I’m looking for new authors all the time and would love suggestions!



What do you like to shop for on Etsy, even if it is just browsing, not buying?
I love to look for several things on Etsy. One of my “fetishes” is fountain pens. I am searching for just the right one when I have money to spare. The turned wood pens are so beautiful. I also discovered a love for lampwork beads. The ones I have found on Etsy are amazing.


What are you working on right now?
Right now I am working on my Certificate of Excellence in Handweaving. I completed Level 1 two years ago and am finishing up a specialized study for Level 2. It has been an all consuming task the last few months. I will be able to call myself a “Master Weaver” if the judges approve of the work I have done. I will be so relieved when it is finished and I can focus on adding new things to my shop in the fall.