Aug 10, 2011

garden giveaway {no. 4} :: etsy chat with Sweet Pea Totes

{I apologize for the lateness of this post}
It's giveaway day again! :) To-day I have a wonderful sponsor, who designs and sells lovely handbags, clutches, and wristlets. 
{click banner to visit}



:: the interview :: 


Me :: How delighted I am to have you in my garden! Thanks so much for joining me. Would you mind starting by telling my readers a little bit about yourself?

Mary :: My name is Mary Miele, and I am the owner of Sweet Pea Totes, where I sell handbags, wristlets, wallets, ebook sewing patterns, and a few other handmade items. I have been living in Tennessee for three years now. Prior to moving here, my family and I lived in western New York. I have a husband, Tony, of twenty-seven years, and four daughters. My oldest daughter Sara lives in New York and is a gym teacher; my daughter Danielle works at an antique jewelry store and is studying to be a gemologist; my daughter Alisha is going to college for fashion marketing, and my youngest, Brianna, is going to college for visual communications. I love spending time with them, going for bike rides, walks,movies,shopping,baking, cooking and sewing - of course!


Me :: What encouraged you to start an Etsy shop and when was it opened?

Mary :: I started out selling my handbags on Ebay in 2003 until 2007. A lot of sellers began to move to Etsy from there, as Ebay was getting quite expensive, so I made the move as well. I've been really happy with my business on Etsy ever since. I started my shop on Nov. 24, 2007. It's great to be a part of a community with such talented sellers. 


Me :: Are there any particular Etsy shops that inspire you?

Mary :: There are so many shops on Etsy with so many talented designers but I don't get too much time to check them out since most of my time I am sewing.

Me :: Name a few of your top-selling items.

Mary :: My Patterns, bridal clutches, wristlets and handbags.


Me :: What is perhaps, the most enjoyable part about owning your own shop?

Mary :: Being able to stay home and do what I love most design and create. It's such a joy to see my items bought from people all over the world.


Me :: What inspires you as a crafter?

Mary :: Fabric designs inspire me the most. While searching for fabrics in stores or online, I like to visualize them as a beautiful bags for someone to use and admire.


Me :: I love your shop’s name! Is there a specific concept or story behind it?

Mary :: My youngest daughter had a drawing that she did of a cute little pea in a pod. The little face was so cute and I wanted it to be a part of my business so I named my business Sweet Pea Totes.

Me :: For the new Etsy shop owners out there, do you mind sharing a few of tips or things that you have learned through experience?

Mary :: My suggestion would be to utilize every resource the internet provides us. Keeping a blog is really helpful in notifying your readers of new products in your shop, and informing them more about your life. You can also keep a twitter, facebook, or flickr page. Involve yourself in the Etsy community, and comment 
on the forums or talk to fellow sellers in the chats. Relisting frequently and presenting your product the best you can helps a great deal as well. 

Thank you so much for allowing me to interview you, Mary! I hope that business flourishes this year for you! 




:: a peek into the shop :: 

Mary designs and sells a beautiful arrangement of...


handbags...




wallets...



clutch sets...


and my favorites, wristlets...




She also sells a few e-patterns books as well...



such lovely bags she sells!:)

:: the giveaway :: 


Mary has generously offered to giveaway...
...a wristlet of the winner's choice valued at $26.00. 

So generous of her, no? Special thanks to Mary for kindly agreeing to sponsor my blog and contribute such a lovely prize. 

:: important information :: 
{before entering, please carefully read the information below} 


{one} You must complete the mandatory entry before completing extra entries.
 {If you fail to complete the mandatory entry, all other entries will not count, thus, you will not be entered in the giveaway}. 

{two} You must leave separate comments per entry you complete. 
{I use random.org when choosing the winners of my giveaway. If you leave all of your entries in one comment, it will be accounted as one entry}. 

{three} Giveaway ends later this month, and winner will be announced soon thereafter. 
All the past giveaways from this month have been extended to the end of August.

{four} The winner will have 24 hr. within the time of the announcement to contact me about her prize.

{five} Giveaway is open to young ladies in US only.


:: how to enter ::


:: mandatory entry :: 

alternate text
{click to visit} 


Visit Mary's shop, and let me know what wristlet you would choose if you won.  

 :: extra entries :: 

heart Mary's shop
add Mary to your Etsy circle. 
like Mary's business on facebook
follow Mary's blog.
follow Mary on twitter.
be or become my follower on this blog, on facebook, or pinterest.
{{leave separate entries per one you complete}}
post about this giveaway on your blog or facebook.
{{leave a separate comment for each you do}}
enter one of my this month's past giveaways.
{{leave separate comment per giveaway you enter}} 
link up your craft project to my latest "tutorial + sew and tell tuesday" post
purchase something from Mary's shop{worth ten entries; leave ten comments} 

Alrighty, ladies! I am quite sure you want to enter this lovely giveaway! Good luck!:)


125 comments:

  1. I follow your lovely blog, dearest Grace!

    Love,
    Rachel

    ReplyDelete
  2. I entered your first giveaway. (entry 1)

    Love,
    Rachel

    ReplyDelete
  3. I entered your second giveaway! (2nd entry)

    Love,
    Rachel

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  4. I entered your third giveaway. (third entry)

    Love,
    Rachel

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  5. Actually, I think I would choose the pink rosey wristlet, with the cute ruffle at the bottom!

    Love,
    Rachel

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  6. I would either have to go with the red and green Amy Butler print (http://www.etsy.com/listing/47489749/zip-and-go-wristlet-amy-butler-fabric) or the one shown above when you mention that the giveaway is for a wristlet. Thanks for the chance to win! :)
    annesaprons@gmail.com

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  7. I'm a garden follower! :)
    annesaprons@gmail.com

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  8. I love the Sweet Pea ZIP & GO WRISTLET Amy Butler Fabric

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  9. I entered your one of your other giveaways!

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  10. OH my ! I want to win this lovely giveaway SO much! If I won, I would most likely choose this lovely clutch ::

    http://www.etsy.com/listing/61719027/sweet-pea-zip-and-go-wristlet-amy-butler

    Blessings,
    ~Johanna

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  11. I hearted her shop... which is now one of my very favorites!

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  12. I added her to my Etsy Circle.

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  13. And, of course, I follow your blog, my dear! *smile*

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  14. Thank you for another lovely giveaway!

    While all of the totes are adorable, one of my favorites is the blue, white and red Hummingbird Tote.

    samanthahartzell93{at}gmail{dot}com

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  15. I added Mary's shop to my circle
    (Shop name Emariecreations)

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  16. I follow Mary's blog

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  17. I follow your sweet blog!

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  18. I follow you on Pinterest

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  19. I love the blue and yellow half circle wristlet

    katietamblingson at yahoo dot com

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  20. I follow you on pinterest.

    katietamblingson at yahoo dot com

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  21. I should pick the "Sweet Pea Zip and Go Wristlet / AVIARY 2 by Joel Dewberry" one. Such a pretty print!

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  22. What a lovely shop! She has so many beautiful things! I really like her Amy Butler Fabric Wristlet, as well as the Rose Fabric Wristlet... so adorable!

    Many Blessings,
    ~Shannon~

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  23. I have psoted about your lovely giveaway!
    http://brightlight412.blogspot.com/p/giveaways_28.html

    ReplyDelete
  24. I have entered giveaway number 1...

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  25. I have enterd giveaway number 2...

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  26. I have entered giveaway number 4....

    Thank you for hosting such thougtful givewaways. May the Lord bless your summer day!

    ~Shannon~

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  27. Ooh, I love her bags! So cute! I would probably choose either the black and white damask zip and go, or the fuschia wishing flowers one.

    photographeratheart832[at]gmail[dot]com

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  28. Oh, I REALLY want to win this. BAD! :D If I won I'd get the Zip and Go Wristlet {the black and white floral pattern...soooo cute! :D}
    Blessings,
    Bethany,
    www.royal-daughters-of-the-king.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. I hearted her shop!
    Blessings,
    Bethany,
    www.royal-daughters-of-the-king.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. Her shop is in my circle!
    Blessings,
    Bethany,
    www.royal-daughters-of-the-king.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. I follow her blog!
    Blessings,
    Bethany,
    www.royal-daughters-of-the-king.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. I follow you!
    Blessings,
    Bethany
    www.royal-daughters-of-the-king.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. I entered your giveaway #1!
    Blessings,
    Bethany
    www.royal-daughters-of-the-king.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. I entered your giveaway #2!
    Blessings,
    Bethany
    www.royal-daughters-of-the-king.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. I linked the Reversible Bible Cover tutorial on your link up!
    Blessings,
    Bethany
    www.royal-daughters-of-the-king.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. I entered your giveaway #3!
    Blessings,
    Bethany
    www.royal-daughters-of-the-king.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. All the giveaways you have hosted thus far have been so wonderful, my dear friend!
    I would choose the following wristlet:
    http://www.etsy.com/listing/68588324/sweet-pea-zip-go-wristlet-amy-butler

    Many Blessings,
    Jenna
    wheretheheartremains.blogspot.com

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  38. I hearted Mary's lovely shop!

    Many Blessings,
    Jenna
    wheretheheartremains.blogspot.com

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  39. I added Mary's shop to my Etsy circle!

    ~ Jenna
    wheretheheartremains.blogspot.com

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  40. I already follow your VERY sweet blog!

    Your Sister In Christ,
    Jenna
    wheretheheartremains.blogspot.com

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  41. I have entered all of your August giveaways thus far... Because they are all SO wonderful!

    Many Blessings,
    Jenna
    wheretheheartremains.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. I entered giveaway #2!

    ~Jenna
    wheretheheartremains.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. I entered giveaway #3!

    ~Jenna
    wheretheheartremains.blogspot.com

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  44. I posted about your giveaway on my blog. Here is the link:
    http://wheretheheartremains.blogspot.com/p/giveaways.html

    Many Blessings,
    Jenna

    ReplyDelete
  45. Oh, my, it is so hard to pick a favorite item! One of my favorite items in Mary's shop is the Pleated Hobo Handbag.

    Etsy username: KnittNerd

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  46. I hearted Mary's shop on Etsy! :)

    Etsy username: KnittNerd

    ReplyDelete
  47. I added Mary to my Etsy circle! :)

    Etsy username: KnittNerd

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  48. I liked Sweet Pea Totes on Facebook! :)

    Etsy username: KnittNerd

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  49. I follow your blog on Blogger! :)

    Etsy username: KnittNerd

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  50. I follow your blog on Facebook! :)

    Etsy username: KnittNerd

    ReplyDelete
  51. I entered your first giveaway! :)

    Etsy username: KnittNerd

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  52. I entered your second giveaway! :)

    Etsy username: KnittNerd

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  53. I am now a follower of Mary's blog! :)

    Etsy Username: KnittNerd

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  54. I would LOVE the Cobalt Blue Hobo Handbag
    ~Hannah L.
    galloping4god@charter.net

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  55. I hearted her shop.


    my shop A Farmgirls Boutique

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  56. my fav. item is .SWEET PEA ZIP AND GO Floral Pearl Wristlet

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  57. I added her shop to my circle.

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  58. I love this wristlet:
    http://www.etsy.com/listing/71999831/sweet-pea-zip-and-go-wristlet-aviary-2

    es1237 at gmail dot com

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  59. added to my circle
    emmyloucotton
    es1237 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  60. hearted the shop
    emmyloucotton
    es1237 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  61. I like her on facebook
    emily c
    es1237 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  62. I follow her blog
    emily c
    es1237 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  63. I follow her on twitter
    @missemmielou
    es1237 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  64. I follow your blog
    emily c
    es1237 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  65. I follow you on pinterest
    emily c
    es1237 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  66. I like you on facebook
    emily c
    es1237 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  67. Ah, what a refreshing way to start the week...with visit to the Sweet PeaEsty shop. Her hummingbird bag is the one I would like to be on the run with.

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  68. I hearted her shop

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  69. My favorite item from Sweet Pea Totes would have to be (this is REALLY hard, don't I always say that, though): http://www.etsy.com/listing/71551225/sweet-pea-zip-and-go-wristlet-aviary-2

    ~Johanna

    Proverbs 16:3

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  70. I hearted Sweet Pea Totes. My etsy name is CreativityStartsHere.

    ~Johanna

    ReplyDelete
  71. I added Sweet Pea Totes to my etsy circle.

    ~Johanna

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  72. I follow your blog already.

    ~Johanna

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  73. I posted about it: http://texasskies.blogspot.com/2011/08/go-here-for-great-stationary-giveaway.html.

    ~Johanna

    P.S. don't let the link name fool you! :)

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  74. I entered the Olive Tree giveaway.

    ~Johanna

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  75. I would choose Sweet Pea zip and go wristlet featuring Tina Givens Chandelier Medallion in Green from her Fairy Tip Toes Collection. Super cute!!

    ReplyDelete
  76. I am following you on pinterest

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  77. Love, love her designs! I would get the wristlet made with Amy Butler fabrics. It is eclectic and fun!

    ReplyDelete
  78. I've also entered giveaway #5. Thank you!

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  79. Oh my goodness, Mary's shop is one of my FAVORITES! I would love to enter. :)

    I would either choose the black and white wristlet, or one of the Amy Butler fabric ones. All of her stuff is so cute!

    <3

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  80. I've already hearted her shop!

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  81. Just added Mary to my Etsy circle!

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  82. I am now a follower of Mary's blog!

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  83. I just entered the "brighter day" wristlet giveaway!

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  84. I entered the Olive Tree giveaway.

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  85. I also entered the Brydferth giveaway!

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  86. And... the Polka Dots and Blossoms giveaway. ;D

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  87. Hello Grace!

    When I went to Miss Mary's Etsy shop, Etsy said that the shop was closed because Mary was on vacation... so sadly I can't pick my favorite wrislet! But they all look very nice I am sure :-) Hope this still counts as an entry...

    Blessings
    xoxo Miss ALK

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  88. I follow your blog! :-)

    Blessings
    xoxo Miss ALK

    ReplyDelete
  89. I liked Mary's FB page!!

    Blessings
    xoxo Miss ALK

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  90. http://confessionsofamaineteenager.blogspot.com/p/giveaway-page.html

    ^ I posted about this on my give-aways page!

    Blessings
    xoxo Miss ALK

    ReplyDelete
  91. I entered give-away #2 as well :-)

    Blessings
    xoxo Miss ALK

    ReplyDelete
  92. I fallowed Mary's Blog! *wink*

    Savanna~

    ReplyDelete
  93. My Favorite thing is: Sweet Pea Zip and Go Wristlet with Flap!

    Savanna~~

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  94. I have entered garden giveaway chat with olive tree designs!

    Blessings,
    Savanna~

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  95. I have entered etsy chat with brighter day!

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  96. Oh, I did not Know I had to enter a $26.00 Thing, In that case, I like the Sweet Pea ZIP & GO WRISTLET Amy Butler Fabric!

    Sorry about the Mistake! (Although I might have to Bye the other one) ;)

    Your Friend,
    Savanna!

    ReplyDelete
  97. I have entered...garden giveaway etsy chat with shop Brydferth...!

    ReplyDelete
  98. I have entered Pretty things by Meg Giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  99. I have entered...sponsored by shop ruby jean!

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  100. I have entered...etsy chat with polka dots and blooms!

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  101. I have entered...Ruby Jean Give-away!

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  102. I would love to have the wrist clutch featuring Tina Givens chandelier medallion in green. mamabear2four (at) att (dot) net

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  103. I entered your Pieces of April giveaway!
    Blessings,
    Bethany
    www.royal-daughters-of-the-king.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  104. My favorite is the Taupe and White with Blue Parrot Bird / Pleated Hobo Handbag.
    ~Kaydee

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  105. I like the Black & White Dots / Attached Red Flower.
    ~Emma

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  106. We follow Mary's blog.
    ~Kaydee & Emma

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  107. We follow your blog.
    ~Kaydee & Emma

    ReplyDelete
  108. We posted about your giveaways!
    ~Kaydee & Emma

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  109. I have entered your other giveaways!
    ~Emma

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  110. I've entered your past giveaways!
    ~Kaydee

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  111. I would love to win the sweet pea zip and go wristlet!
    http://www.etsy.com/listing/69923460/sweet-pea-zip-and-go-wristlet-amy-butler

    ReplyDelete
  112. I added Mary's shop to my circle.

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  113. I entered giveaway with pieces of aprils!

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  114. I entered giveaway with polka dots and blooms!

    ReplyDelete