Extolling the Virtues of Etsy...and a Wonderful Giveaway!

Shabby Floral Oil on Canvas, available via my Etsy Shop

So how's the New Year treating you thus far?

I've been working 12 hour shifts at the hospital the past two days, and thankfully, there's been a minimum of holiday hospital drama. Those of you in health care will know exactly what I'm talking about...an ER full of hunters shooting themselves or each other, drunken driving mishaps, people who ate too much at the holiday meal mistaking heartburn for The Big One, and just generally all manner of holiday induced weirdness. An hour left to go in my shift, so I'm starting to perk up a bit.

Where's My Nuts Trinket Box, available via my Etsy Shop

You may have noticed how I've subtly (hehehe) inserted pics of my Etsy listings here.

You haven't? Well, by all means, let me call them to your attention!

I've been an Etsy seller now for a couple of months, and truth be told, I'm enjoying that far more than having a booth. Which was actually a huge surprise to me, but on further reflection, not so much.

Things you may not know about me, but have long suspected...

I am a ginormous control freak.

I am a worry-wart.

I have an OCD streak a mile wide.

An Etsy Shop allows me to maintain greater control over my product and my brand, in how I market and choose to present myself and my wares, and actually provides me with a greater sense of creative expression via my photography and photo editing and my listing descriptions.

Pretty Posh Pitcher available via Fiona & Twig on Etsy

Don't get me wrong, I love having a booth, but let's get real....I live 25 miles away from the shop, so I don't just pop in several times a week just to foof ( © VRS ) my booth or to straighten up the mess created by those seemingly incapable of putting something back where they found it.

Ya see??? My control freak and OCD tendencies in full bloom!

But with Etsy? My pretties sit right there in my house until I lovingly package them up and ship 'em out. If I decide I don't like the listing photos, all I've gotta do is set up my photo station and shoot some more. I can tweak the wording on my listings to possibly appeal to a different demographic, or add more tags so that I can be discovered by a whole new audience.

But in my booth?

An item can sit and sit and then sit some more until I pop back into town to dust it off.

Just a Spot of Tea (strainer) available via my Etsy

So bottom line, I heart Etsy big-time, and if you're one of those folks who've always wanted a booth but just haven't gotten one for whatever reason, I would encourage you wholeheartedly to give Etsy a try. It's nothing like eBay, so I wouldn't let a sour experience there hold me back. And there are lots and lots of us bloggers here who are also Etsy sellers, and would be more than happy to help you out! I know I would!

Speaking of Etsy, take a look at three of my most recent purchases...

Is that not the sweetest thing? I haven't received it yet, but I already have a primo spot already picked out!

I purchased it from fellow blogger and Etsy-ian Cathy at Treasured Heirlooms. Be sure to visit her wonderful Etsy Shop, New England Vintage.

I'm also waiting on this ridiculously cute little change purse to arrive...

Made from a beef flavor ramen noodle package covered in vinyl and lined with felt. Zipper closure to hold everything inside.

100% Made of Win as far as I'm concerned!

And then this...

I've been looking for a stamp set forever, and this one fit the bill perfectly!

So I'm not only an Esty seller, I'm also a customer, too!

Wanna know who else is an Etsy seller?

Why, that would Michelle of Vintage Junky, you can visit her awesome shop right HERE.

She is celebrating her 100th Post, and is having an incredible giveaway to celebrate!

One of these two fabulously lovely Grain Sack Pillows can be yours just for dropping by Michelle's blog and following her easy breezy steps to win! Click HERE to enter, and be sure to tell her Anne sent ya!

One more from the Etsy Files, then I'm outta here...

All you Texas Longhorn fans, be sure to visit my friend Stephanie's brand new Etsy shop,

Spoiled Lil' Princess.

She creates gorgeous hand crafted bows and beanies for the wee lil' girly girl in your life!

Those are her two daughters, aren't they precious?

She has sold TONS of bows and beanies locally, and even though she only has the UT bow listed as of now, she will be adding many more of her wonderfully crafted creations in the days to come.

In conclusion, let me take this opportunity to once again wish each and every one of you the Happiest of New Year's!

Stay safe and warm, and have a great weekend!