{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}
{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 ::
{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.
{{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" postpurchase 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!:)
I follow your lovely blog, dearest Grace!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Rachel
I entered your first giveaway. (entry 1)
ReplyDeleteLove,
Rachel
I entered your second giveaway! (2nd entry)
ReplyDeleteLove,
Rachel
I entered your third giveaway. (third entry)
ReplyDeleteLove,
Rachel
Actually, I think I would choose the pink rosey wristlet, with the cute ruffle at the bottom!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Rachel
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! :)
ReplyDeleteannesaprons@gmail.com
I'm a garden follower! :)
ReplyDeleteannesaprons@gmail.com
I love the Sweet Pea ZIP & GO WRISTLET Amy Butler Fabric
ReplyDeleteI entered your one of your other giveaways!
ReplyDeleteOH my ! I want to win this lovely giveaway SO much! If I won, I would most likely choose this lovely clutch ::
ReplyDeletehttp://www.etsy.com/listing/61719027/sweet-pea-zip-and-go-wristlet-amy-butler
Blessings,
~Johanna
I hearted her shop... which is now one of my very favorites!
ReplyDeleteI added her to my Etsy Circle.
ReplyDeleteI now follow Mary's blog...
ReplyDeleteAnd, of course, I follow your blog, my dear! *smile*
ReplyDeleteThank you for another lovely giveaway!
ReplyDeleteWhile all of the totes are adorable, one of my favorites is the blue, white and red Hummingbird Tote.
samanthahartzell93{at}gmail{dot}com
I added Mary's shop to my circle
ReplyDelete(Shop name Emariecreations)
I follow Mary's blog
ReplyDeleteI follow your sweet blog!
ReplyDeleteI follow you on Pinterest
ReplyDeleteI love the blue and yellow half circle wristlet
ReplyDeletekatietamblingson at yahoo dot com
I follow you on pinterest.
ReplyDeletekatietamblingson at yahoo dot com
I should pick the "Sweet Pea Zip and Go Wristlet / AVIARY 2 by Joel Dewberry" one. Such a pretty print!
ReplyDeleteWhat 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!
ReplyDeleteMany Blessings,
~Shannon~
I follow your dear blog...
ReplyDeleteI have psoted about your lovely giveaway!
ReplyDeletehttp://brightlight412.blogspot.com/p/giveaways_28.html
I have entered giveaway number 1...
ReplyDeleteI have enterd giveaway number 2...
ReplyDeleteI have entered giveaway number 4....
ReplyDeleteThank you for hosting such thougtful givewaways. May the Lord bless your summer day!
~Shannon~
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.
ReplyDeletephotographeratheart832[at]gmail[dot]com
I follow this blog
ReplyDeleteand I entered giveaway 3
ReplyDeleteand I entered giveaway 2
ReplyDeleteOh, 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}
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Bethany,
www.royal-daughters-of-the-king.blogspot.com
I hearted her shop!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Bethany,
www.royal-daughters-of-the-king.blogspot.com
Her shop is in my circle!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Bethany,
www.royal-daughters-of-the-king.blogspot.com
I follow her blog!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Bethany,
www.royal-daughters-of-the-king.blogspot.com
I follow you!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Bethany
www.royal-daughters-of-the-king.blogspot.com
I entered your giveaway #1!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Bethany
www.royal-daughters-of-the-king.blogspot.com
I entered your giveaway #2!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Bethany
www.royal-daughters-of-the-king.blogspot.com
I linked the Reversible Bible Cover tutorial on your link up!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Bethany
www.royal-daughters-of-the-king.blogspot.com
I entered your giveaway #3!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Bethany
www.royal-daughters-of-the-king.blogspot.com
All the giveaways you have hosted thus far have been so wonderful, my dear friend!
ReplyDeleteI would choose the following wristlet:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/68588324/sweet-pea-zip-go-wristlet-amy-butler
Many Blessings,
Jenna
wheretheheartremains.blogspot.com
I hearted Mary's lovely shop!
ReplyDeleteMany Blessings,
Jenna
wheretheheartremains.blogspot.com
I added Mary's shop to my Etsy circle!
ReplyDelete~ Jenna
wheretheheartremains.blogspot.com
I already follow your VERY sweet blog!
ReplyDeleteYour Sister In Christ,
Jenna
wheretheheartremains.blogspot.com
I have entered all of your August giveaways thus far... Because they are all SO wonderful!
ReplyDeleteMany Blessings,
Jenna
wheretheheartremains.blogspot.com
I entered giveaway #2!
ReplyDelete~Jenna
wheretheheartremains.blogspot.com
I entered giveaway #3!
ReplyDelete~Jenna
wheretheheartremains.blogspot.com
I posted about your giveaway on my blog. Here is the link:
ReplyDeletehttp://wheretheheartremains.blogspot.com/p/giveaways.html
Many Blessings,
Jenna
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.
ReplyDeleteEtsy username: KnittNerd
I hearted Mary's shop on Etsy! :)
ReplyDeleteEtsy username: KnittNerd
I added Mary to my Etsy circle! :)
ReplyDeleteEtsy username: KnittNerd
I liked Sweet Pea Totes on Facebook! :)
ReplyDeleteEtsy username: KnittNerd
I follow your blog on Blogger! :)
ReplyDeleteEtsy username: KnittNerd
I follow your blog on Facebook! :)
ReplyDeleteEtsy username: KnittNerd
I entered your first giveaway! :)
ReplyDeleteEtsy username: KnittNerd
I entered your second giveaway! :)
ReplyDeleteEtsy username: KnittNerd
I am now a follower of Mary's blog! :)
ReplyDeleteEtsy Username: KnittNerd
I would LOVE the Cobalt Blue Hobo Handbag
ReplyDelete~Hannah L.
galloping4god@charter.net
I hearted her shop.
ReplyDeletemy shop A Farmgirls Boutique
my fav. item is .SWEET PEA ZIP AND GO Floral Pearl Wristlet
ReplyDeleteI added her shop to my circle.
ReplyDeleteI love this wristlet:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.etsy.com/listing/71999831/sweet-pea-zip-and-go-wristlet-aviary-2
es1237 at gmail dot com
added to my circle
ReplyDeleteemmyloucotton
es1237 at gmail dot com
hearted the shop
ReplyDeleteemmyloucotton
es1237 at gmail dot com
I like her on facebook
ReplyDeleteemily c
es1237 at gmail dot com
I follow her blog
ReplyDeleteemily c
es1237 at gmail dot com
I follow her on twitter
ReplyDelete@missemmielou
es1237 at gmail dot com
I follow your blog
ReplyDeleteemily c
es1237 at gmail dot com
I follow you on pinterest
ReplyDeleteemily c
es1237 at gmail dot com
I like you on facebook
ReplyDeleteemily c
es1237 at gmail dot com
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.
ReplyDeleteI hearted her shop
ReplyDeleteMy 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
ReplyDelete~Johanna
Proverbs 16:3
I hearted Sweet Pea Totes. My etsy name is CreativityStartsHere.
ReplyDelete~Johanna
I added Sweet Pea Totes to my etsy circle.
ReplyDelete~Johanna
I follow Mary's blog.
ReplyDelete~Johanna
I follow your blog already.
ReplyDelete~Johanna
I posted about it: http://texasskies.blogspot.com/2011/08/go-here-for-great-stationary-giveaway.html.
ReplyDelete~Johanna
P.S. don't let the link name fool you! :)
I entered the Olive Tree giveaway.
ReplyDelete~Johanna
I would choose Sweet Pea zip and go wristlet featuring Tina Givens Chandelier Medallion in Green from her Fairy Tip Toes Collection. Super cute!!
ReplyDeleteI am following you on pinterest
ReplyDeleteLove, love her designs! I would get the wristlet made with Amy Butler fabrics. It is eclectic and fun!
ReplyDeleteI am a follower!
ReplyDeleteI've also entered giveaway #5. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI follow Mary's blog!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, Mary's shop is one of my FAVORITES! I would love to enter. :)
ReplyDeleteI would either choose the black and white wristlet, or one of the Amy Butler fabric ones. All of her stuff is so cute!
<3
I've already hearted her shop!
ReplyDeleteJust added Mary to my Etsy circle!
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog...
ReplyDeleteI am now a follower of Mary's blog!
ReplyDeleteI just entered the "brighter day" wristlet giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI entered the Olive Tree giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI also entered the Brydferth giveaway!
ReplyDeleteAnd... the Polka Dots and Blossoms giveaway. ;D
ReplyDeleteHello Grace!
ReplyDeleteWhen 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
I follow your blog! :-)
ReplyDeleteBlessings
xoxo Miss ALK
I liked Mary's FB page!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings
xoxo Miss ALK
http://confessionsofamaineteenager.blogspot.com/p/giveaway-page.html
ReplyDelete^ I posted about this on my give-aways page!
Blessings
xoxo Miss ALK
I entered give-away #2 as well :-)
ReplyDeleteBlessings
xoxo Miss ALK
I fallowed Mary's Blog! *wink*
ReplyDeleteSavanna~
My Favorite thing is: Sweet Pea Zip and Go Wristlet with Flap!
ReplyDeleteSavanna~~
I have entered garden giveaway chat with olive tree designs!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Savanna~
I have entered etsy chat with brighter day!
ReplyDeleteOh, 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!
ReplyDeleteSorry about the Mistake! (Although I might have to Bye the other one) ;)
Your Friend,
Savanna!
I have entered...garden giveaway etsy chat with shop Brydferth...!
ReplyDeleteI have entered Pretty things by Meg Giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI have entered...sponsored by shop ruby jean!
ReplyDeleteI have entered...etsy chat with polka dots and blooms!
ReplyDeleteI have entered...Ruby Jean Give-away!
ReplyDeleteI would love to have the wrist clutch featuring Tina Givens chandelier medallion in green. mamabear2four (at) att (dot) net
ReplyDeleteI entered your Pieces of April giveaway!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Bethany
www.royal-daughters-of-the-king.blogspot.com
My favorite is the Taupe and White with Blue Parrot Bird / Pleated Hobo Handbag.
ReplyDelete~Kaydee
I like the Black & White Dots / Attached Red Flower.
ReplyDelete~Emma
We follow Mary's blog.
ReplyDelete~Kaydee & Emma
We follow your blog.
ReplyDelete~Kaydee & Emma
We posted about your giveaways!
ReplyDelete~Kaydee & Emma
I have entered your other giveaways!
ReplyDelete~Emma
I've entered your past giveaways!
ReplyDelete~Kaydee
I would love to win the sweet pea zip and go wristlet!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.etsy.com/listing/69923460/sweet-pea-zip-and-go-wristlet-amy-butler
I hearted Mary's shop.
ReplyDeleteI added Mary's shop to my circle.
ReplyDeleteI entered giveaway with pieces of aprils!
ReplyDeleteI entered giveaway with polka dots and blooms!
ReplyDeleteI am a follower.
ReplyDelete