Christie of ChristieCottage
September 12, 2009 | By
Meet Christie of ChristieCottage who has a variety of interests, as you will soon see when entering her shop. She knits, crochets, paints, works with paper, and she is also the creator of the ChristieCottage's BNS thread on Etsy.
What is a BNS thread you ask? BNS stands for Buy and Stay. One makes a purchase from one of the shops on the list, which entitles your name added to the list; to remain on the list, check in once a day. What would be the advantage to this you ask? Well, the list of shops is constantly being posted to the top of the promotions section due to the active participation of the members of the thread. As of the time of this writing, total sales for all shops is over 3600, and that has only been since last November. So, there must be something to be said about active participation in forums.
Let's find out more about Christie:
Name: Christie
Location: Oklahoma
Shop Name: Christie Cottage
Tell us a bit about your craft/medium and why you chose that medium?
I pretty much “do it all”, with the exception of cross stitch. My favorite is painting. I do have to be in a certain mood to paint on canvas, but simple things like flowers and such, I can paint anytime.
So...you create in more than 1 medium?
Yes, as many as possible and I like to stop in the middle of projects and move on to another medium until the urge to return to the original medium returns. I generally have a painting project going, 2-3 knitting projects and a stack of pinned and ready to sew items all going at once.
Did someone teach you?
My great-grandmother taught me to crochet. I learned to knit by looking over the shoulder of a girl that lived down the street from us when I was very young. My first knitting needles were actually pencils.
What has been your most successful marketing technique?
Setting up at craft shows. I get custom orders from it. Another marketing method I use is always having business cards ready and with me. If I see someone looking for a piece of paper to write a note on, I give them a card. I figure it’s one way they’ll have my information on them when they get home.
Do you have a favorite item that you have made?
Veil boxes. They are beautiful and I sit and admire them for a couple of days before I store them in the shipping boxes.
Where can we find your work? http://christiecottage.etsy.com/
Where can we find you?
www.christiecottage.etsy.com and my blog
Do you have your own space for creating, or has it taken over the entire house?
I have my own space. It does wander into other rooms, but I gather it back up and return it to the office. My knitting is done in my bedroom while I watch television.
When are your most productive times?
Early morning with a cup of coffee and time to decide what is on the agenda for the day.
Who is your hero - artistic or otherwise?
My Dad. For all he was while he was here on earth and even now as he has become an Angel.
What do you do when you get a creative block?
Look through my supplies. That always stirs up the creative juices!
Do you have a favorite handmade item that you like to buy for yourself?
Fudge from hillsidebakery.etsy.com It is delicious! There’s usually a box arriving here approximately every two weeks. I am her unofficial taste tester.
How about some of your favorites?
Food? Steak, mashed potatoes and green beans
Movie? The Notebook
TV show? Ghost Hunters
Quote? If HE leads you to it, HE will lead you through it.
Thank you Christie for taking the time to do this interview. Please visit ChristieCottage and wander through the different sections in her shop. You never know what treasures you may find waiting to be discovered.
Photos courtesy of ChristieCottage
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