olivebrown

Name: tracy hachler
Shop Name: olivebrown
Shop Link: http://olivebrown.etsy.com
Blog: http://simplyolive.blogspot.com/
Location: wisconsin
Ships To: everywhere

What materials do you use for your ECO friendly products?
-i use hemp for my hand knit market bags, which is a renewable resource. the plant thrives without any pesticides or herbicides. i also buy wool sweaters from thrift stores, that i felt (shrink on purpose) in the washing machine, and use for my recycled coasters. (i also plan on making purses/bags -hopefully- for this fall/winter.)

Why did you decide to make ECO friendly products?
- not all of my products are eco-friendly... however, i have had an interest in reusing & recycling since college, when i presented a collection made entirely from recycled clothing. when i designed my hemp market bag, i did so with myself in mind--i wanted a reusable bag to carry with me to the store. (i wasn't liking any of the existing bag patterns i came across in the yarn shop where i worked.)
it's also featured in this month's (april) bon appetit magazine and on the blog, which i am so grateful for! to have national coverage like this has been amazing!!


What inspires you?
- everything inspires me!!

How long have you had your shop on Etsy?
- my shop officially opened july 4th, 2008.

Is this a job for you or a hobby?
- it's been my job...as i job hunt! i was laid off last spring (yes, 1 year ago!) from a specialty yarn shop. during the 3 years i was there i perfected my knitting skills, and designed sweaters, accessories, bags, etc. for the shop collection; and was responsible for the visual displays and merchandising. but knitting has been a hobby on and off since childhood, that i rediscovered in college, and then again in adult life when i got a dog and decided she needed a wardrobe of sweaters...

Besides your business practices, do you do other things to live a green life?
- recycle & reuse...everything! basically, i try to be mindful of everything i do.


How did you get into your craft?
- I've always done hand crafts ever since i can remember. my mom has always sewed, knitted, crocheted, embroidered, etc. and she taught me everything as a child, and I've never stopped!

Do you have any advice for fellow Etsy shop owners?
- everyone says this, but just do what you love and make a quality product, and you will succeed (it make take a little time...I've learned to be patient!). great photos of your work ALWAYS helps, and great customer service (i always include a hand written note in all my packages).

Anything else you would like to add?
- just a THANKYOU for your interest in my little 'ol shop!!
...and I encourage everyone to buy handmade and to support all the small shops out there, and of course our fellow Etsyians! (I've met some great sellers through my own purchases and conversations).

Giveaway Details

The giveaway will run from today Friday, April 10th 2009, until Thursday, April 16th Midnight.
The winner will receive a set of coasters from olivebrown! This giveaway is open to the US, Canada, and International.

To Enter:

* Official Entry: You MUST visit olivebrown tell me what else you love or your favorite color that she uses.

*1 extra entry: Follow this blog with email subscription.

*1 extra entry: Put my blog button on your blog-you can find the code on the right sidebar.

* 1 extra entry: Blog about this giveaway and link to this blog. Leave a comment with your blog address.

*1 extra entries: Email 3 friends about this giveaway and CC me. (greenearthjourney@gmail.com)


*Please leave a separate comment for each of your entries.
* You MUST leave me a way to contact you.
* If winner does not respond to the winning email within 72 hours, a new winner will be chosen.


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Labels: Giveaway, Etsy seller