This article is actually written by aPassionForFashion‘s husband, Jason.
One night last week, I woke up at 3 a.m. and noticed my wife had not come to bed yet. After stumbling into our home office — there she was — sitting at the computer, clicking wildly on her new web site www.apassionforfashion.etsy.com. She looked possessed. I want to be supportive, but lately things have been getting out of hand. Our kitchen counters are covered in “crafty” things I don’t even recognize.
“Honey,” I said, “Are you coming to bed?”
She looked at me and asked, “Do you think my earrings will sell better than my chokers?”
I just stood there — frozen.
I am the husband of an Etsy-addicted wife and this is my story. (You know how some people become addicted to Internet porn? Well, this is the equivalent of an online craft orgy.)
My wife Jennifer Meyers whose creations can be found at aPassionForFashion.Etsy.com is on Etsy until all hours of the night…posting new merchandise, taking photos, networking with other members and fine tuning her marketing. I am very proud of her and can see that all those efforts are paying off with steadily increasing sales and a growing online following. People say that Jennifer’s product line stands out on Etsy because it offers a totally unique mix of beautiful and eclectic and fun, funky merchandise. I happen to agree. 
For years I’ve been very supportive of Jennifer’s artistic pursuits, but this time it feels different. There’s seriousness to what she’s undertaking now — a potential business — and a chance to reach a global audience of buyers.
That’s what I see as the true magic of Etsy. It’s gives talented people unlimited opportunity to create great work while reaching out to other like-minded artists and buyers. The challenge for me as a husband has been trying to cope with “Etsy-fatigue” while fielding questions about beads, earrings and other items I truly know nothing about.
Last week, my wife asked me to slap a bumper sticker on my car that said, “www.apassionforfashion.etsy.com. “
“Now honey, this is where I draw the line,” I said lovingly. “Please don’t make me do that.”
Now don’t get me wrong…I’m plenty secure in my manliness, but a guy’s car is his temple. That would be like asking a female who hates sports to paint their face at a game or hang out at a baseball card convention.
Left unchecked, Etsy addiction could have a negative effect on one’s relationships. One night, my young son noticed my wife on Etsy and said, “Mom…again with the Etsy?” Even my 2-year old daughter recognizes the Etsy logo. “Etsy! Etsy!” she says while pointing at the computer screen. So in an effort to be supportive and help others, I recommend you sit down and have a chat about what led to the addiction. Examine the root causes and ask some tough questions like, was there something in your upbringing that caused you to be attracted to yarn? Maybe it was a cat from your childhood or a cozy sweater from your Grandmother.…Same with beads.
Does your spouse moan in ecstasy at the sight of a bead store? Does your spouse become driving impaired during discussions about art fairs? Also talk about Etsy. If possible, try to get into group therapy and bring a laptop. Ask the psychoanalyst to monitor your spouse’s heart rate and brain waves before and after logging on to Etsy. Is there a significant difference? If so, what does it all mean?
Bottom line: support your spouse and try to fuel their creativity as much as you can. After all, there’s an opportunity to make money and have some fun. But be careful not to become Etsy-addicted yourself. I am finding myself at Michael’s and JoAnn’s several times a week.
For spouses who have been thrown into the Etsy culture, I offer these coping tips and advice:
• If your wife starts hanging out at yarn stores, you can offer support by going with her, but wait in the car outside
• Be sure to ask questions and find out your wife’s hidden agenda. If she asks to go to out to Sport’s Authority, it’s probably just a ruse to visit an art supply store next door.
• When she asks a question about beads, fabric or how much to price something on Etsy, just nod your head and say, “You’re awesome, honey! Good job!” DO NOT get trapped in a conversation about matching colors, shipping charges or bubble wrap.
• If your living room, kitchen and bedrooms all become “craft rooms”, consider moving to a bigger house with an actual “craft room.”
• Consider taking up a hobby of your own to offset the Etsy addicted spouse. For example, I am now training for a marathon and can use proceeds from my wife’s Etsy sales to help pay for running shoes and race registration fees!
• Finally, if you’re asked to accompany your wife to a crafty collective meeting with a room full of Etsy addicted women, yarn, felt and lots of fun and disorganized conversation — then G-d help you.
89 comments
Sign in to add your ownBethPeardonProds says:
All I can say is that I laughed through this whole article.....glad your husband has a good sense of humor.
4 years ago
samann1121 says:
Heehee... Gotta have my husband read this. At least then he'll know he's not alone!
4 years ago
ruthdesigns says:
He is so like my husband it's spooky :) Fab article!
4 years ago
plenox says:
Seriously funny and so true. I will have to have my DH read this.
4 years ago
staceyrebecca says:
I object! There was no yarn or felt at that meeting!
4 years ago
HeyMichelle says:
Hilarious! Etsy addiction affects us all...
4 years ago
TrilliumArtisans says:
Great story!
4 years ago
aPassionForFashion says:
My son got a big laugh seeing himself on Etsy...He says.."Now I'm on Etsy all the time!"
4 years ago
silentcheesecake says:
omg, this article was so funny. cheers!
4 years ago
ColorMeBella says:
Hysterical! I will show this to my bf ASAP to let him know that he's not alone. ;)
4 years ago
PicturesofLily says:
ha!
4 years ago
BululuStudio says:
My husband needs to read this.
4 years ago
stormcrowou says:
It's true. I've been there, man. Come to think of it, I'm still there. We husbands should start a support group or something. Hello, samann1121!
4 years ago
catiesblue says:
I was smiling the whole way through, till I got to these two tips - then I was laughing: • When she asks a question about beads, fabric or how much to price something on Etsy, just nod your head and say, “You’re awesome, honey! Good job!†DO NOT get trapped in a conversation about matching colors, shipping charges or bubble wrap. • If your living room, kitchen and bedrooms all become “craft roomsâ€, consider moving to a bigger house with an actual “craft room.†Awesome. :)
4 years ago
katelynjane says:
Hahah, loved the comparison of Etsy addictions to porn (: My husband will get a kick out of this article (: My dad was over the other night and asked about my bags, Brett looked at him and said "Now you've done it". (:
4 years ago
QuiteLikeHome says:
HILARIOUS! My husband could have written this article as well! Actually, we did move into a bigger house... half way across the country and I GOT MY CRAFT ROOM!!... as well as my own craft attic!! I think my husband is hoping that if all my craft stuff is upstairs behind closed doors that I'll forget about it for a little while! FAT CHANCE!! I just took over the dining room as well. Y'all, pray for my hubby!! I actually had him beading with me last week... I think he's questioning his purpose in life!! :)
4 years ago
bunny says:
Hahaha, brilliant. Awww, the photo of the kiddy with the plate is genuis!!!
4 years ago
rhymeswithtwee says:
ahhaha! GREAT JOB! sadly, my boyfriend and i followed this advice: • If your living room, kitchen and bedrooms all become “craft roomsâ€, consider moving to a bigger house with an actual “craft room.†BUT if he wants to see me at all, then i end up taking over the living room. poor boo. i sent him the link to this article. maybe they should have a support group for the bfs/gfs of etsy addicts?
4 years ago
Tamarasherbes says:
Oh, my hubby can so relate to this article! Let me tell ya, though, moving to a bigger house doesn't help....it only gave me MORE spaces to stash my craft piles!
4 years ago
mollyart says:
Jeff say's (DH) he totally agrees with all these points.He offers a solution ...when walking by the addict close her laptop ,and by the time she logs back on the thread should be locked ....(Hmmm i think not !!!) I so resemble that crafting space except ive got 2 cupboards,actually sshhh almost 3
4 years ago
caughtredhanded says:
I am the husband of caughtredhanded. Your wife only stays up until 3? Just wait- it gets worse :)
4 years ago
kcbeana says:
This is hilarious! I am not letting my husband see this though. Then he'll have a good idea of what's to come. ;)
4 years ago
OrganicHideaway says:
I'm going to copy that into my blog! LOVE IT! I think I log onto etsy at least 20 times a day. Heck, i do that BEFORE NOON! lol I will be sending that onto my husband so he knows I'm not the only one up at 3:00 checking and re checking my store and sewing "one more thing." Thanks for the laugh!
4 years ago
BroadwayBeads says:
Great article! Sounds like my husband could have wrote it! :)
4 years ago
FrucciDesign says:
great and so true story here too!!! And both of us (my BF and I) dream of that day when we'll have the craft room!!!!
4 years ago
SweetWolf says:
I'm going to get my hubby to read this so he knows he is not alone!
4 years ago
bagladiesinpa says:
hahaha! So funny!! (and true) Very well written! Etsy addicts are also insomniacs!
4 years ago
BeadsInTheBelfry says:
OMG I love it. I have to share this with hubby. Perhaps they can form a support group!
4 years ago
picklepot says:
this is a great article. loved it. thanks for making me laugh
4 years ago
ficklefaerie says:
What a great article...which I had a husband so understanding!
4 years ago
momomadeit says:
yes - this hits home, very nice! my sweet guy is becoming a connoisseur of apron fabric and trim... we don't always agree but i love him for being my right and left hand man!
4 years ago
lisajoan says:
i love it! i think all crafters have turned all rooms in the house into craft rooms! and you still need just one more room!
4 years ago
saplanet says:
This is wya hilarious and such nice read! I almost nodded my head off when I tried to relate the scenerio to my husband. LOL My husband is now (right now!) at the yarn store buying the yarns for me. LOL.. He has several of my amigurumi dolls in his car, and he uses the crochet pouch I made for him. He would 'brag' to everyone about my work. Love his super supportive spirit. I am one lucky woman!
4 years ago
natalierensink says:
I emailed this to my husband. I heart this article!
4 years ago
beadygirlbeads says:
Ditto what everyone has said! I am emailing this to MY husband too! Your husband could write commentary ALL the time. He's funny! LOVE your shop too! Congrats on the article!
4 years ago
aPassionForFashion says:
Thank You! beadygirlbeads He just auditioned tonight to be a host on our local PBS channel during pledge drive..and he got it! So he writes, is on Tv...and is quite funny!
4 years ago
CrochetandStitches says:
I normally don't throw out such high praise, but this article was the best thing I've ever read on this site. That last line literally had me laughing out out.
4 years ago
aPassionForFashion says:
CrochetandStitches ..wow thank you! You will really make my Husbands day.( of course he is asleep.. it is almost 2 am!..but hear I am!)
4 years ago
Cidtalk says:
Love it. I think we all rock for supporting the hand made artisans of the world. It's a wonderful thing to have such a supportive spouse... I'm lucky too!!
4 years ago
yumptatious says:
I've just sent it to my hubs too. My 'craft room' is the kitchen: dinner isn't dinner without the extra flavouring of felt and thread. Genius article: thanks!
4 years ago
happywhosits says:
Or, you can do what some other 'etsy husbands' have done - open your own etsy store! Eileen...
4 years ago
bunky77 says:
Jason my friend, I feel your pain. I too am the partner of an addcit. My girlfriend Amanda(ackoelade.etsy.com)has been using for almost three months now. It all started out harmless enough, just on weekends and special occasions. That quickly escalated into a full blown addiction. Sleep is her only respite, even that has dwindled to a few minutes here and there. Thanks for your article, it's good to know we are not alone. Mark
4 years ago
aPassionForFashion says:
Thanks Mark. I wish you luck. Know of any good 12 step programs? We should start the Etsy men's support group. We could go hiking...have a nice bon fire..y'know burning old cloth and clutter that our wives/girlfriends can't use anymore...sit around, tell guy jokes..BS the night away...craft-free. Ahhh Heaven.
4 years ago
aPassionForFashion says:
OMG!!! Is this how it starts?? I just typed a reply on Etsy! Hellllp! Jason
4 years ago
brynnalex says:
What a great write-up! It made me cry! Your friend, Elaine
4 years ago
HappyHouseQuilts says:
I am still laughing...I roll my eyes and sigh when i have have to go to the grocery store...I say..."oh, if i HAVE to go, can i just leave the kids at home?" "i'll be so much quicker without them!" oh my gosh...cuz i can go to Michaels first as it's on the way...giggle! Just had to confess to my hubby! LOL! thanks for a great write up! Jodi
4 years ago
SimplySusan says:
Great article! Though, I find myself *wishing* I had my own craft cabinet like aPassionForFashion! I only have the dining room table. :)
4 years ago
Figments says:
I suspect my husband would know exactly what you are talking about. He and my 11 year old daughter both tell me I am obsessed!
4 years ago
gingerblack says:
I sent it to my husband, too, with the subject line: You are not alone. Love it!
4 years ago
BEKAHknits says:
This article is hilarious!
4 years ago
aPassionForFashion says:
Keep watching out for more from my husband...he is pitching another story!
4 years ago
smashing says:
oh the poor etsians husbands, the forgotten victims of textile and bead love! so funny! i can't wait to read more :)
4 years ago
charmedlife says:
This was just too funny!
4 years ago
aPassionForFashion says:
any day the new one is comming out!!
4 years ago
livefunky says:
Fantastic! Going to email this to my husband right now! :)
4 years ago
EvesOriginals says:
Although I personally have a studio in my home, my etsy addiction has carried the theme throughout my house now since my studio has become more of a etsy shop warehouse. My only hope for my family... seperate homes...one for the etsy shop and one for the family...we will be able to see each other via intercom and web if need be ;) Loved your article!
4 years ago
athousandnonedreams says:
"i laughed so much i got stitches" there is three EBAY addicts in my house, I'm the first ETSY addict. my parents way to get me to listen to them is to threaten to ban me from etsy. since i don't have my own coumputer 'yet' i don't have a choice but to listen. ether i spend my time in my stdio (bedroom) or on the computer. sometime i go to sleep at 6.00 in the morning . if i get caught I'm dead! lol!
4 years ago
susanclare says:
OMG, it is UNCANNY how closely Jennifer's craft corner resembles my own!!!So nice to know that I am not alone! Susan
4 years ago
foolingnobody says:
oh it's so time to move into a bigger house with it's own craft room ;) though i think stuff would be all over the house still... my husband started his own etsy profile to buy me some Christmas presents and now he wants to set up a shop! though i did get to buy him more Christmas presents cause i sold some items on etsy! i love the line about "when she starts asking questions" - my husband does the same thing what a cool family! best wishes with your shop! i added you to my fav's
4 years ago
luchi says:
I just found a purse/bag in my cart and I don't remember putting it there, nor do I need it. I do really, really like it, but it really should not be in my cart. I think that the Etsy addict inside of me is taking over and doing things without me knowing! Oh and I do need a craft room too!
4 years ago
LoucheLab says:
This is so awesome! I love this article, both me and my husband were laughing out loud. It sounds all to familiar! only he's taking the photos for our store so there's nobody to help us out of the addiction... Oh well! I can always kick it tomorrow!
4 years ago
Illusio says:
The most entertaining read I have had in a long time. Actually laughed out loud more than once.. Thanks :)
2 years ago
babycakesanddecor says:
this is priceless! maybe we should help our hubby's start a support group! :)
2 years ago
steampunkjewelry says:
LOL
2 years ago
bellacruz says:
Awesome article! I have a wonderfully supportive family (hubby & kids)! Actually, my DH has taken charge of my beads and organized them (shudder). He's used to beads covering the dining room table, fabric on the coffee table and tripping over the occasional card making supplies. From an early age, my kids have respected the "sacredness" of my crafting supplies. I rarely find my ink pads smudged with tell-tale fingerprints. Although, I recently found a treasure trove of swarovski crystal butterflies under my little girls dresser.
1 year ago
ScenicRoots says:
So funny and yet so true. Thank you for sharing.
1 year ago
MindieleeSupplyz says:
Oh this is fabulous. My husband doesn't even bother to ask what I've been up to if he's gone for a few hours on the weekend ... he knows it's connected to etsy. Hey, let's laugh all the way to the bank! Can't argue with success, lol!
1 year ago
hotpinkchick says:
That is so funny, so true and so sweet all at the same time. :D
1 year ago
SEOWebDesign says:
Very nice to have such a supportive husband . . . who can write!
1 year ago
BeadCactus says:
I really enjoyed this article. I currently own a three bead room house, so I can certainly relate to the craft taking over the space.
1 year ago
JoshuaByOak says:
Your hubby is a riot! I loved this article from his point of view, and especially the pic of what I'm assuming is your son with the empty dinner plate. LOL Much continued success to you!
1 year ago
CustomAisle says:
Such a humorous article! My husband also waits in the car for me when I'm in the craft store. :)
1 year ago
byKEONA says:
I just found out I have the Etsy addiction. Is admitting the first step to recovery? But what if I don't want to be cure?
1 year ago
loosethreads2 says:
This was a wonderful read! My husband very much enjoyed it as well. ;)
1 year ago
loosethreads2 says:
Oh, and since I started Etsy, he's learned to play the guitar!
1 year ago
chantalmarieliving says:
I just found this article and it is great. Men must all be alike. I could see my hubby's shaking his head as I read it. And I took over the dining room too. May be that'll convince me to give me the garage finally.
1 year ago
sparklingtwi says:
Hilarious and oh so true :)
1 year ago
VelvetBitchOriginals says:
LOL! This is the greatest story! I always joke and say that my bf is an etsy widower...cant wait to show him that he is not alone! Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
LilBittyBows says:
That was very funny and SO true.
1 year ago
firbreheart says:
OMG!!! ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This should be put into a package and mailed out to the spouse of every newly registered buyer and seller on Etsy.
1 year ago
percivalroad says:
very funny - need to show my hubby this - he will relate!!
1 year ago
KanzashiHime says:
Lol that is so hilarious but absolutely adorable at the same time =D What a great husband for being so supportive and yet still managing to have a good sense of humor about an etsyholic wife.
1 year ago
flirtdeux says:
always good to know we are not alone. my husband has tennis, I have Etsy!
1 year ago
codyscreations says:
What a fabulous article, my husband is still laughing at some of the comments!
1 year ago
WoolyBumblebee says:
I loved this!!! I printed it out and gave it to my husband, who also loved it. Thank you :)
1 year ago
moxiegrace says:
So hilariously true! We have a "craft room" but it's just not big enough since it doubles as an office and exercise room and it's a just a little bigger than a walk-in closet. So, I still take over the dining room table for days at a time when I'm working on projects.
1 year ago
lilabelledesign says:
brilliant ;o)
1 year ago
1022SeaShellAve says:
Our family room has slowly become my art studio, every flat surface is occupied by me, before going to bed the hubby stops in and says "Good night Etsy". Tonight I'll hand him this article :)
1 year ago
AChildsDelight says:
This is funny...I was heading to bed early for a change, and decided to log back on to read about Etsy addiction, as I too suffer from it (as a seller). Well, I ended up in your shop, looking at page after page...not what I set out to do! Lol...but your stuff is gorgeous - will have to shop when I can...thanks for the great post!
1 year ago