Thursday, October 8, 2009

Susie Q

Thank-you to Random.org for picking the winner!

AND THE WINNER IS:
THERESE!
CONGRATULATIONS!!


The Q Store is the most wonderful shop on Etsy. Susie Q has just the cutest pumpkins, bears, rabbits and ornaments. Susie is originally from Michigan but has traveled extensively and now resides in Florida. She also has a wonderful BLOG where she shows what she is working on, and things happening in her life. But before we see what wonderful prize Susie Q has for one lucky person - lets find out more about her!


How did you decide on your shop name? Why did you start your business?
One year ago I was exploring the idea of opening a shop on Etsy. I had done a few weeks of research about Etsy and its craftsmen and women. One night I decided to just go for it and knew I wanted my shop name to include a personal bit of myself. All of my life I have been called Susie Q and when I first started making my snowmen I called them “Q’s”, for Susie Q creations. It stuck! Now everything I make is a “Q” and my shop name, appropriately, The Q Store. My husband actually came up with the name. Every name I typed in came up already used. It was frustrating. After an hour of this he walked into the room and said “The Q Store”! I typed, and the rest is history. One note, it did not occur to me at the time that on Etsy the information section is called “The storeque”. I have had people mention that to me and wonder if I didn’t plan it that way, to get more accidental traffic in my direction. I did not plan it and I think in retrospect, if I were able to change my shop name I would call it Susie’s Q’s. But, that was taken.

I started my business as an outlet for my creative spirit. I love to create and develop new things. I thought I could go slow and expand as I wanted. This shop allows me to put my heart out to the public and let the wind of criticism blow. My feelings don’t get hurt if someone doesn’t like my style. I get to play with my work and it is fun.

When did you start sewing, who taught you?
I started sewing as a young girl. My mother and grandmother would sew when they needed a new outfit or I did. My mother used to make crafts to sell at craft fairs in the 70’s. She was very good and she taught me to love the business of selling your work. It really is more of a passion to create, than work. They made my Barbie doll clothes and that really got me into it. I got my first sewing machine at 10 years old and loved it to death. I spent hours at the local fabric shops with them, searching for that right pattern and fabric. It was a passion as a child really. I learned from everyone I could ask, about technique and process.

Where do you sew? Do you have a picture? If not what does it look like.
I sew in The Q Room! That is the official name of my craft room. It is a small 10 x 12 room with one window and a vintage dining room table I inherited from my parents as my work table. I made my own ribbon spool holder that hangs on the wall, holds about 75 spools. I have a computer and a tv. I have a bulletin board and a dry erase board with ideas and goals on one wall. I have bins of “Q’s” stacked up and bins of fabric. It is a creative area that allows me to have everything organized and quick at hand. I would love it to be larger, but then what crafts person wouldn’t.

Do you have a day job?
Not right now. I am looking for something that will allow me to have fun and be flexible. I was a retail manager for over 20 years. The joy of selling was in my blood. I think of my shop as my day job now and if it picks up I will keep at it. I really love what I do!

Which item in your shop did you enjoy making the most and why?
The “Q” I enjoyed making the most is Lil Puppy Q! Actually, I enjoyed making the Bunny Q’s allot too. They seem to have brought more joy to people. I have sold allot of them to friends and neighbors. They are just the right size for little ones to hug and cuddle. Oh, and did I mention they are so “Q-ute”!

NOW FOR THE GIVE AWAY!
The winner gets to pick any one pumpkin from "The Q Pumpkin Patch"!! (the picture below is my favorite!)
Each Q Pumpkin is made from satin and measures 6 x 6 inches around and approx 3 inches high. They are stuffed with fiber fill and weighted with rice pouches to help them sit pretty on your table.

large


THIS GIVE AWAY IS CLOSED!!


This contest is open to Every One Worldwide!
The draw will take place on: October 23 at 10PM Central time
Good Luck Everyone!!


***********************************************


Audrey's Country Crafts is in no way responsible for the mailing of the prize. After the name is drawn I will contact that person. They have 3 days to respond before another name will be picked! The name and address will be forwarded.
Thank-you for entering!!

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65 comments:

  1. I entered the Peanut Creations and the Handmade Piggy Bank giveaway. Thanks, Aimee K.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I would love to have the Boo Q Batty Pumpkin. Thankyou! :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I like the Lil Puppy Q. :)

    reflejo-del-alma (at) hotmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  4. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17380583

    ReplyDelete
  5. button at bloggysweeps.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. adorable!

    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25673404

    greentd@vcu.edu

    ReplyDelete
  7. entered $10 gc giveaway

    greentd@vcu.edu

    ReplyDelete
  8. entered bank giveaway.
    greentd@vcu.edu

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love the Boo Q batty pumpkin! its so cute!

    ReplyDelete
  10. entered painting giveaway
    greentd@vcu.edu

    ReplyDelete
  11. I like the Gold Q snowman. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16492088

    wearehappy@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  12. I like the Boo Q Batty Pumpkin...

    ReplyDelete
  13. I entered the giveaway for the Decoupage Handmade Piggy Bank.

    snhodgers(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  14. I entered the Peanut Creations Giveaway.

    snhodgers(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  15. I love the silk pumpkins and also the heart is gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I'm a HUGE fan of halloween decorations... so I'd have to say my favourite item at the store is the BooQ Pumpkin! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28335141

    email is bc.foisy@hotmail.com

    fingers crossed!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I like the Cheerful Snow Q, he is such a cute snowman.

    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16599951

    ReplyDelete
  18. I tweeted:
    http://twitter.com/lunaj1456/status/5044029171

    ReplyDelete
  19. I like this one: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28341222
    erma.hurtt@sbcglobal.net

    ReplyDelete
  20. the silk pumpkins make my heart swoon

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  21. The Autumn Q pumpkin is my fave! Thanks!

    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31043849

    ReplyDelete
  22. I tweeteD!

    http://twitter.com/MaddyRu/status/5079430709

    ReplyDelete
  23. I'd love to give the Lil Kitty Q (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21522821) to my nephew for Christmas. He just visited me for the first time and really enjoyed my cats!

    Thanks for doing this giveaway,

    betscontest@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. I think the Wrapped Around Your Heart-Q is pretty

    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20117023

    ReplyDelete
  25. The Lil Puppy Q in Pink is so adorable!

    ReplyDelete
  26. tweet
    http://twitter.com/ohstac/statuses/5083190557

    ReplyDelete
  27. My favorite items is the litlte brown puppy with the blue bow, Puppy Q.. Would love this for my daughter (she is called Audrey too!) Thanks for the opportunity!

    ReplyDelete
  28. I just LOVE the Atumn Pumpkin!!!

    Link: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31043849

    macd82 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  29. Awww! Wabbit Q is so cute :)

    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=25049896

    thank you bunches

    saddleoneup at att dot net

    Manda

    ReplyDelete
  30. tweet tweet

    http://twitter.com/PegasusFeathers/status/5089146373

    saddleoneup at att dot net

    :)

    ReplyDelete
  31. I love the Wabbit Q-Bunny.

    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25049896

    lankylegslass(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  32. I really like the Boo Q Pumpkin Set

    Nora SP
    neneelynn@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. I twittered
    http://twitter.com/threefrogs/statuses/5095444923

    Nora SP
    neneelynn@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28339362

    The Boo Q Purple Skeleton Pumpkin Trio.

    kngmckellar@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. I love the Autumn-Q Pumpkin at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31043849# asthenight at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  36. I love the BooQ purple Skeleton Pumpkin trio. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28339362


    heatherstamper09@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. I HEART this:

    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17380583

    ReplyDelete
  38. tweet

    http://twitter.com/lilshuga2001/status/5100774174

    ReplyDelete
  39. The pumpkins really are my favorite. I like the purple pumpkin set.

    tlannan30[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  40. i love the http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16599951

    ReplyDelete
  41. http://twitter.com/klp1965/status/5103470918

    ReplyDelete
  42. I love the Lil Kitty Q, thanks!

    Hotsnotty2@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. I like the orange satin Boo-Q Pumpkin best!

    ReplyDelete
  44. My fav is lil puppy
    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24686232
    Thanks
    lubaska dot k at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  45. I tweeted
    http://twitter.com/Lubaska/status/5105668504
    lubaska dot k at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  46. I entered Original Painting Giveaway by TyeJ
    lubaska dot k at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  47. I entered Rhoda Rose Chocolate Covered Giveaway
    lubaska dot k at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  48. I like the Boo Q Batty Pumkin http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31198429

    ReplyDelete
  49. Entered the Chocolate Covered Giveaway

    ReplyDelete
  50. tweet tweet http://twitter.com/loadsoffreebies/status/5107567973

    ReplyDelete
  51. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32157229

    ReplyDelete
  52. I like the Lil Puppy listing

    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32154484

    Thank you

    candieluster(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  53. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28341222

    ^ The best pumpkin she has!!! I love this giveaway, I have GOT to win. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  54. Link back:

    http://tastyhealthfood.blogspot.com/2009/10/popchips.html

    ReplyDelete
  55. The Boo-Q Purple Skeleton Pumpkin trio. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28339362 garrettsambo@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  56. I love the Holidaze-Snow-Q Set.So
    adorable
    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16484384

    CharlieGurl57@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  57. Tweeted:Swtlilchick
    http://twitter.com/Swtlilchick/status/5113506609

    CharlieGurl57aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  58. i love the purple one with the black batts http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31198429

    vbarton24 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  59. blogged http://vickiescontestblog.blogspot.com/2009/10/q-store-giveaway.html

    ReplyDelete
  60. twittered http://twitter.com/morgaine24/status/5113784140 vbarton24 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for entering! Good Luck!!