In The Box

I would like to introduce Lisa of MiasMunchies:

Introduce yourself:
Hello! I'm Lisa Reese creator and baker of Mia's Munchies. I make homemade dog treats.

What pets do you have and their names?
I have only one pet, an English Bulldog named Mia. She is my inspiration for my store name and everything I bake!

What is the name/location of your Etsy shop?
My Etsy shop is called Mia's Munchies. You can find it at www.MiasMunchies.etsy.com

How did you happen to start selling on Etsy?
I have been admiring Etsy and purchasing from sellers for several years. I think it's so wonderful that there is a site for all artists and crafters to come together. I always enjoy going to local art shows and with Etsy it's like an art show every day of the year! I started experimenting and making dog treats in early 2009. It all started when I took the time one day to actually read the ingredients on the dog biscuit box. I was shocked at all of these “ingredients” that seemed to me more like chemicals! I decided then that I no longer wanted to feed my baby Mia that crap! I was busy planning my wedding at the time so I opened up my shop a few months after I got married. I wanted to share my treats with all of you!

What's your favorite item in your store?
Right now my favorite item is my new Cheesy Bites! They are little mini hydrants made with cheddar cheese! I think they are so cute and great for training snacks or small breeds.

What's your most popular line of products?
My biscuits (or hard treats) are my most popular “line”. PB Bones and Pumpkin Paws are my most popular treats but most people enjoying getting a sampler pack and choosing their own.

Where do you get your inspiration/ideas for new items?
I was first inspired by a few recipes I found. I try to keep things simple and not add too many flavors into one treat. I think of all the things that Mia and other dogs like to eat- peanut butter, cheese, etc. and add them into my treats. I still have more ideas I’m working on!

What do you want us to know about you as a person?
I love to shop. I married the greatest guy I have ever met. I can’t go anywhere without lip balm- not even to the gym. I love cotton candy. I live in Southern Maryland- known for its crabs but I do not like seafood.

What do you want us to know about you as a crafter/artist?
I use low fat ingredients whenever possible. We all want to stay in shape and keep our pets healthy too. Having a bulldog, a breed that is often overweight I know the importance of health in your dog’s diet. I take pride in my treats.

What do you want us to know about your shop?
I am working on new listings and products to add to my shop. I plan to make a listing for a sampler of treats for small breeds and also add more large treats for the big breeds. I also now offer a discount to all returning customers.

What would you be doing/making/selling if you weren't doing what you're doing now?
I think I would be reading a lot more, drawing, and scrapbooking. I started a large painting of Mia about a year ago and rarely seem to find time to work on it. I also want to learn and crochet and felt. Sometimes I think I have too many hobbies.

Where else can we follow you (twitter, flickr, facebook, blog, other online stores, etc.)?
You can follow me on facebook and twitter.
http://www.facebook.com/MiasMunchies
http://twitter.com/lareese23

What do you have in the Pet Sampler boxes?
I always have samples of my biscuits. The type of biscuit I include varies each month. I often include PB Bones, Honey Oat Biscuits or Wheaty Chicken Hydrants. This month I plan to include my new Cheesy Bites!

In The Box

I would like to introduce Janice from DogsRule:

Introduce yourself:
Hi! I am Janice...and I live in Sussex County, Vernon, New Jersey...with my husband, 6 + dogs and yellow canaries! I have 2 awesome grown kids~ Jason and Danielle, and 2 granddaughters Cecilia Grace and Natalie Pearl from my daughter Dannie and her husband!

What pets do you have and their names?
Well, I have "6" that are always with me...and then one that is usually here visiting/socializing...so, sometimes 7 ...and a Co Own that lives with the Breeder!

Pin Oak's Calista...Callie Ann...Beagle Driftwood's Raising a Ruckus...Mikey...Beagle AM Champion Farfalle's Fleder Maus...Spider...Papillon AM Champion Forevr's Belly Dancer...Jasmine...Papillon Farfalle's Volpe Nella Neve...Blaze...Papillon Medlee's Movie Star Kisses...Toot...Papillon

Medlee's Just Press Play...Press..."BEST PUPPY" Patriot Papillon Specialty 2009...my Co Own with the Breeder, Sue Austin...Batavia, NY

What is the name/location of your Etsy shop?
dogsrule
www.dogsrule.etsy.com

How did you happen to start selling on Etsy?
I went into etsy to make a purchase! And looked around and decided to open a shop as I was currently selling on ebay!

What's your favorite item in your store?
Well, from what I have listed now, there are a lot of things that I am very happy with, but, if I had to pick one, I guess it would be a 'special' set of my butterflies:


What's your most popular line of products?
Probably my Origami Butterflies...when I opened my shop that is what I started with! My crocheted doilies came next, and then my Origami Cards/Tags etc. which I also do very well with, and lastly my dog crate pads and blankies.

Where do you get your inspiration/ideas for new items?
I think my inspiration comes from all the things I love! My dogs, birds, and all my hobbies that I love doing! Origami is just the greatest thing for me to sit and fold! I love my dogs to have nice crate pads and blankies so, they have inspired me to do them! I have been crocheting and sewing since I was young~ and I found it a fun way to be creative...most of my doilies are one of a kind, seldom do I make the same doily twice! I love working with unusual, hand dyed yarns and fine threads.

What do you want us to know about you as a person?
I love, love, love, my dogs...they are my life now that my kids have left to work on their own lives! One of my 'most-est' favorite things to do is go to dog shows! I love my breeds...papillons and beagles! I love the quiet and beauty of the county where I live, the seasons of Spring and Fall...and oh, the Ocean!!!! We want to retire there in a little house on or as close to the beach as we can get! We love Maine and Massachusetts and lobster tails with drawn butter! I love to read...I treated myself to a KINDLE last Christmas, and I adore it...I don't think I have done so much reading since I was younger! It is such a cool device! My favorite colors are blue, purple and green! And, I am addicted pasta and bread lover!

What do you want us to know about you as a crafter/artist?
I think that I am a perfectionist! I take very much pride in my work! I am not happy until I have perfected whatever I am working on! I made those butterflies for years before I felt I had created them in perfect like-ness to their originator/designer. Most of my idea's come to me in bed at night when I should be sleeping! LOL One thing leads to another, and then I am wide awake and can't get back to sleep afraid I might forget the list of things I want to do!

What do you want us to know about your shop?
I love my shop! I look at it and say to myself ..."Oh, it is so ME"! I wish I had more time to do all the things I want to do with it, but, well, there is always tomorrow!

What would you be doing/making/selling if you weren't doing what you're doing now?
I am a retired Montessori Teacher, and enjoyed my 20 years in school with the little ones~ now, I am doing just what I want to be doing...enjoying my grandchildren, spending time with my son and daughter, and totally 'sharing my life' with 'my dogs' and dog friends!

Where else can we follow you (twitter, flickr, facebook, blog, other online stores, etc.)?
I am on facebook....Janice Lagard...pop on in and say hello!

What do you have in the Pet Sampler boxes?
I make different things for the pet sampler boxes...tags, cards, butterflies, bookmarks...whatever little creative thing I can come up with! I am hoping to do more with some fun 'origami' pieces!

In The Box

I would like to introduce Molly from Petables:

What pets do you have and their names?
Phthalo Blue (Thay Thay) The American Fuzzy Lop (Named after the tube of paint color I accidentally splattered on him when he was a baby.)

Parchofi (Parchie) The Quaker Parrot (He is named after the Italian word for an instrument used in glass blowing. I did my college internship with a glass blower. That is how I know.)

Draco (The Drake) The Domestic Long Haired cat (Kinda obvious he is named after the Harry Potter character) Isosceles (Icy) The Australian Shepherd/ Border Collie (He is named after the triangle, my hubby said he liked the name cause he is a physics major and I liked it cause I like strange names if you couldn't tell)

What is the name/location of your Etsy shop?

www.petables.etsy.com

How did you happen to start selling on Etsy?

I was looking for supplies and found it.

What's your favorite item in your store?

I can't decide between my fuzzy cat toys and dog poop bag holders.


What's your most popular line of products?

I really don't have one that is more popular then another. They all sell the same.

Where do you get your inspiration/ideas for new items?

Usually my crazyness of staying up until 3 am helps inspire me for fun new things. My brain never shuts off.
What do you want us to know about you as a person?

Animals are my passion. I have loved animals since the day I was born and have always known that I need to be surrounded by animals and have them be who I work for.

What do you want us to know about you as a crafter/artist?

I went to Northwest College of Art in Poulsbo, Washington from 1998 - 2001. I double majored in Fine arts and design and got my BFA. I have always been creative and artistic, I feel art and animals are the most calming and relaxing kind of therapy.

What do you want us to know about your shop?

I like to keep my shop packed with all kinds of fun and unique things for pets. I am always expanding cause if I only made a few different things I would get bored of making the same thing all the time.

What would you be doing/making/selling if you weren't doing what you're doing now?

I would be in an insane asylum cause no other job would keep me sane. This is the best job I have ever had. I get to make things for animals, talk to people who love animals and be creative. I get all the things I love best.

Where else can we follow you (twitter, flickr, facebook, blog, other online stores, etc.)?

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/pages/Petablesa-dog-treat-company/50585811730

What do you have in the Pet Sampler boxes?

I usually have a fun tasty little bag of treats for dogs.

In The Box

Today, I would like to introduce DianaDesignsNY:

Hi Diana, please introduce yourself:

My name is Diana. I am married to a wonderful man, have 2 great little dogs, and 7 grand children!

I have always loved crafts - crocheting, knitting, sewing since I was 7 yrs old.

Even as a little girl, I had always signed all of my “art work” Diana Designs. So when I opened my own on-line shop it was only natural that I maintain that name.

I am a country girl at heart, even though I have never lived in the country. If I did, I would probably have so many animals. I LOVE animals. No, I am crazy about animals.

What pets do you have and their names?

I have 2 dogs, Giupetto and Gianna. Their breed is called a Toy Mi-Ki (pronounced Me Key). They bring such joy to my husband and I.

I also have 4 birds. A Sun Conure parrot, named Sinbad. I have had him18 years.

I have a Spectacled Parrottlet, named Giacomo. He thinks he is a tough guy, standing at only 4 inches tall.

I have 2 little Zebra Finches, Sonny and Cher, who have had lots of babies.

What is the name/location of your Etsy shop?

I have 2 etsy shops. My first is DianaDesignsNY.etsy.com , which I started last April 2008. This May I added an additional shop, StylinDogsBoutique.etsy.com.

How did you happen to start selling on Etsy?

I started selling at groomer shops, fairs and on eBay. When a friend told me about etsy, and I set up shop there, many new things started happening, and opening up for me. I love etsy, and all the events I am now involved in, and other etsians I have met. I no longer have the time to sell at the groomers’ shops, or on eBay, but I still enjoy selling at the fairs. There is something very special about meeting people face to face and chatting about their dogs in the open air at the fairs.

What's your favorite item in your store?

Oh gosh, that is a tough one. I sell a lot of holiday items. Currently Halloween has taken over my shop. My favorite Halloween item is “Spider Hugs”.

My favorite girl’s sweater is “Lil Mermaid”. My favorite skirt-ter is “Skulls So Sweet”.

I also have a special affinity to my “Fuzzy and Friends” line. I just keep creating more characters, and I have taken Fuzzy through all the holidays as well.

What's your most popular line of products?

The sweaters specifically are my most popular.

My Halloween costumes have been a big hit this year.

During the summer, I sold a lot of harness vests. I was so pleased when these finally started to take off. I had come up with the idea of this little shirt/ vest look for my boy to match my girl’s dresses.

Where do you get your inspiration/ideas for new items?

First, I would say my dogs, also known as my kids.

My sweaters were created just for them. I wanted a sweater that was comfortable, that would fit them right, and one where you could access their harness from under the sweater. So I created my own.

The designs jump into my head at the strangest time. I could be sitting eating dinner when an idea pops into my head and I must sketch it right there.

Many times a fabric will trigger an idea, or a fancy yarn.

My Fuzzy and Friends line was created around this eyelash yarn that I bought, and then the characters grew from there.

What do you want us to know about you as a person?

I love all animals, but especially those wonderful creatures that God put on this earth for us to love and enjoy - dogs. All sizes, all breeds.

I have always loved to craft, knitting, sewing, crochet, wood burning, leather crafting, and the list goes on.

I love fashion design. My favorite show is Project Runway. I believe I have combined all of these loves into one, with my shop on etsy.

But the most valuable of all, is all of the wonderful people I have met, and all the stories and photos I have shared with fellow animal lovers.

What do you want us to know about you as a crafter/artist?

With me it is first and foremost about the pet. I am dedicated to the comfort of the dog. It is also important that I provide quality and originality. I put a lot of love and attention into each and every outfit I make. It is important to me that the customer be happy. I therefore provide an exchange on any item that does not fit their dog perfectly.

What do you want us to know about your shop?

My first and primary shop is dedicated to providing a unique variety of clothes for toy breeds, in tailored sizes, as well as custom designs. I create and sell sweaters, costumes, dresses, vests, bandanas and my own creation - skirt-ters (skirt with sweater combo).

My second shop is where you would go to get a ready to ship pre-made item, and dog and cat toys.

What would you be doing/making/selling if you weren't doing what you're doing now?

I have a full time job as controller of a contracting firm. If I did not have to work full time, I would dedicate even more of my time to pet items and branch out to other areas, perhaps dog beds. Patio furniture for dogs has been in the back of my mind for some time. LOL

Where else can we follow you (twitter, flickr, facebook, blog, other online stores, etc.)?

Right now, it is only my blog – DianaDesignsNY.blogspot.com , which I call “Gianna and Giupetto Tails”, where I share mostly pet photos.

What do you have in the Pet Sampler boxes?

I am having so much fun creating my new line of dog and cat toys, and have chosen these as the items I include in the pet sampler boxes. The month of October they are Halloween toys. Also included with the toy, is a coupon good towards a dog outfit in my DianaDesignsNY shop.

In The Box

This is a new series called "IN THE BOX" where you can get a more in depth look at the artisans who contribute to the Pets Jubilee Box. Today we're talking to SassySashaDoxie:

Introduce yourself:

Hello. My name is Athena and I am owned by Sasha, who is a very spoiled wiener dog. As a hobby we do a little "pawmade" shop on ETSY called SassySashadoxie.ETSY.com. On there, we are devoted to giving our fans and customers a little bit of pet related humor and sharing the joys of relationships with wiener dogs.

What pets do you have and their names?

Sasha. She is a spoiled rotten dachshund and you will all get to know her sassy attitude soon enough. She is my diva girl. Charlie is my mom's dog. He is a rescue foster that came to become a part of the family when we couldn't find the right home for him. Turns out that he had found his forever home with us, and new it before we did. He is a Jack Russell cross breed.

What is the name/location of your ETSY shop?

http://SassySashadoxie.ETSY.com

How did you happen to start selling on ETSY?

I sent a friend's dog a birthday card that I had made using his photo, and she suggested that I start selling my computer made items on ETSY. I put it off for a while thinking what I do is not exactly something that would make any money because anyone with a computer and photo editing software could do it. Well, after situations in my life changed for me, I found myself pondering the idea more. With a little more encouragement, I signed up and put a few items up just to see what would happen. Well, I sold some items, and then a few more. So I was hooked on ETSY after that. I can have fun creating with all my wacky wiener dog ideas and make just a little bit of money while I am at it.

What's your favorite item in your store?

I have so many favorites. It is hard to pick just one. However, I really love the humor displayed in my corn dog cards. They are wacky and cute at the same time.

I also love several of my recent abstract paintings. They are actually painted on with my own hands and not a computer. I find that the painting process is so relaxing, and I never quite know what it will be in the end. Usually, with my computer projects, I have a bit of an idea and work with it from there. In my paintings, it is just moving and mixing the paint on the paper with various objects until it looks like something to me.

What's your most popular line of products?

Well, I had to look. I have so many different products that it was hard to tell. After checking, I believe my dachshund greeting cards and bookmarks seem to be very "PUP-ular".

Where do you get your inspiration/ideas for new items?

From my dachshund, Sasha, of course! I do believe she gives me thousands of ideas all the time. It is almost like a little doggy voice going off in my head. You really have to live with a wiener dog to understand how much they add to the creative process.

What do you want us to know about you as a person?

I am a kind person that loves pets and wiener dogs especially. Sasha and I found each other almost 3 years ago, and my life has changed so much in that time. I think sometimes you developed a special bond with an animal that is like no other. She and I started an ETSY shop to spread the love of wiener dogs around. Most of the items in my shop are inspired by her and what I imagine her thoughts or words would be. I really believe that animals are in a sense human, too. They just speak a different language.

What do you want us to know about you as a crafter/artist?

I love creating and taking pictures of my Sasha. I have combined my love of computer designed art, making usable printed items like cards, other crafts, and dachshunds all in one. It is truly like having your cake and eating it, too. I was once told to find a job that you would be willing to do for free and find people who will pay you to do it as the secret of success. Well, just maybe, this store of mine is that secret.

What do you want us to know about your shop?

My store is 99 percent devoted to dachshunds and about one percent to my recent hobby of painting. I do on occasion have a few non-dachshund items, and I can custom make printed items with people's pets if they wish. However, the personality that comes out in the items words is very Dachshund in nature. You have to be owned by one to know what I mean. The wacky sense of humor and my Sasha's expressions that she has in her photos are just too cute. My shop can easily be any dog or wiener dog lover's favorite store.

What would you be doing/making/selling if you weren't doing what you're doing now?

Well, I probably would still be making the occasional items for friends and family's gifts. I have grown so much over the last year on ETSY and my artistic style has developed in the process. Also, I have developed other skills through this selling process. I have learned about on-line selling, and have gotten over my fears of purchasing items on-line. There is so much that this ETSY experience has given me beyond just my crafting.

Where else can we follow you (twitter, flickr, facebook, blog, other online stores, etc.)?

http://sassysashadoxie.blogspot.com/

What do you have in the Pet Sampler boxes?

I have contributed to the sample boxes a wide range of my products like stickers, bookmarks, gift tags, greeting cards, and so much more. You just never know what might be in the box from me at anytime. However, you can pretty much guess that it will have a wiener dog on it.