Etsy Spotlight and a Valentine's Giveaway!

Thank you for stopping by today! My post is much longer than usual, so please be patient with me! There's a prize at the end :)

One of the things I love so much about Etsy is the feeling of community and the great people I've met. One Etsy seller that has gone out of her way to offer GREAT advice and suggestions on my shop is TheeGreenPea. In addition to her being so sweet and helpful, she is SUPER talented and has some really cool, unique things for sale in her shop.

It is really hard for me to pick a favorite, so I will just share a few different items.

This bracelet is really pretty and I think it can be worn casual or dressy.

She also makes cigar bracelets that are really fun!

Another popular choice are her salt and pepper shakers, I need a set of these!

So, enough about me and my faves! I want you to learn a little bit about Heather, the owner of TheeGreenPea.

1. Tell me a little bit about yourself (family, location, profession, etc.)

I'm originally from Nashville, TN. I graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor's of Science degree from Middle Tennessee State University. I am currently working as a Leasing Agent and enjoying the switch from working mainly in the Human Resource field. Working in sales has taught me a lot about advertising and how to get the word out there about my new shop on Etsy. I opened at a great time...Christmas this past year! New Year's Eve 2006 changed my whole life and is also why I am now living on the West Coast! I was in Hawaii on vacation with a friend when I met my husband who is currently serving in the United States Navy. He had just pulled in for his last liberty port at the end of a six month deployment. We met New Year's Eve and danced the night away. We married in July 2008 and we are currently stationed in Bremerton, WA...about an hour ferry ride from Seattle. Yes, it rains all the time, but I love it out here! We do not have any children yet, but are anxious about starting a family.

2. Do you sell your creations anyplace other than Etsy?

No, not yet. I am hoping to start another shop on a different site as soon as I get this one up and running with lots of frequent shoppers!

3. How did you come up with your shop name?

Actually, it is kinda interesting...my friends love the different things I have made in my house and they are really why I finally opened a shop up. The #1 favorite item I sell among my friends is the sample liquor bottle salt n pepper shakers. They are always bringing me different things they would normally throw away and tease me into trying to think of something to make out of it...so, it has become a challenge. So, 1 night I decided "you guys want me to open a shop give me some names!" My hubby, my biggest fan and supporter actually came up with it and won the contest of name that shop!

4. Do you consider yourself an artist or a crafter?

That is a good question...I look at it this way...every crafter is an artist in essence. I love making jewelry which is a craft. Because I don't follow a pattern...that makes me an artist because I put my thoughts, my design, my ideas into crafting jewelry.

5. If you do not do this full time, would you like to someday?

Honestly, opening this store is a dream come true. Doing this full time? Now that would be a wonderful extension of that dream. Being a military family we move a lot. It is hard enough to find a job in a town you have lived in your whole life, but when you move like we do..it's hard to keep with the same trade. This is actually why I started my Etsy buisness! I can take this with me no matter where we are located in the world!

6. When did you start creating? and have you done other crafts/art or just what you currently do?

I have been creating gifts for people since I knew what giving was..lol I have always loved making/giving. My other hobby is card making and scrap booking! I go to a class once a week. It's amazing to me how many times I come home from that class where I have worked with paper and stamps all day and incorporate a new technique into my shop art.

7. What are your other interests or hobbies outside of crafting/art?

I love biking, hiking, fishing, dancing, reading, rock climbing, yard selling, playing Xbox/Wii, geocashing, and charity work.

8. What are some other crafts you would like to get into in the future?

Making purses...got to know how to sew for that 1! I have some ideas for recycling cloths into purses/bags. I also want to learn how to make resin items. Wire art is another! I got a kit for Christmas so, watch out for some new items!

9. Is there anything else you would like to say?

You never know what you will find in my shop so, be sure to check back each week! I will ship internationally! If you are an international customer, please email me and we can figure up the shipping! I also wanted to give a big thanks to you Nora Anne for giving me this opportunity to share! Also, if you mention in your order you found out about my shop here on Nora Anne's blog I will reimburse your shipping costs thru PayPal.

Now, I bet you thought I forgot about the GIVEAWAY!!!! No, of course I didn't!

I'm getting there now. One lucker winner will receive this set of Valentine's wine glass charms from my Etsy shop.

All you have to do is visit Heather's Etsy Shop, TheeGreenPea, (that in itself is a treat, I'm sure you will like what you see!) then leave a comment back here on this post letting me know what your favorite item in her shop is. To earn 5 extra entries into the drawing, make a purchase from her shop. Comment back here with your Etsy Transaction ID # and you will be entered a total of SIX times!

On Friday, January 9th, my very unbiased 2 1/2 year old son Luke will be picking the winner out of a hat! or maybe a bowl....we'll see :)

Good luck to everyone who enters and thank you!

xo, Nora Anne