Christy Petterson, a.k.a. abardis, signed up for Etsy on June 19, 2005. She’s a beloved member of the community — both on Etsy and in her local city, Atlanta, where she founded ICE, Indie Craft Experience.
Please introduce yourself and talk a bit about what you make.
My name is Christy Petterson, and I’m an Atlanta native, which is quite the rarity. My day job is in public relations, and I co-organize the Indie Craft Experience, a twice-a-year craft market in Atlanta.
I’m also an avid writer, and I’m secretly working on a project that I hope will turn into a book someday. My parents made me wait until I was 12 years old to get my ears pierced, which is the only explanation I can come up with for why I am so obsessed with earrings! I do not leave the house unless I’m wearing a pair, and they are pretty much all I make these days.
My name is Christy Petterson, and I’m an Atlanta native, which is quite the rarity. My day job is in public relations, and I co-organize the Indie Craft Experience, a twice-a-year craft market in Atlanta.
I’m also an avid writer, and I’m secretly working on a project that I hope will turn into a book someday. My parents made me wait until I was 12 years old to get my ears pierced, which is the only explanation I can come up with for why I am so obsessed with earrings! I do not leave the house unless I’m wearing a pair, and they are pretty much all I make these days.June 18, 2005 was a big day! Not only was it the day Etsy launched, it was also the date of the very first Indie Craft Experience. Somehow I perked up from my exhaustion-induced coma on June 19th long enough to join Etsy! My Etsy ID is #116, which makes me the 21st person to sign up.
Hearken back to the old days of Etsy…Any fond memories?
It’s funny: I feel like I got a sneak peek of Etsy before it was Etsy. When Rob was developing the idea for it, he posted on GetCrafty.com to see who might be willing to chat with him about some of the logistics of the site. He and I ended up emailing a bit, and one result of that was the original Indie Craft Experience cotton tote bag. A tradition we’ve carried on throughout our events is to hand out swag bags to the first 500 attendees. So Etsy, before it even launched, volunteered to sponsor our event by printing these amazing, multi-colored tote bags. I think Matt and Rob printed them by hand, which probably just about killed them…they really went way, way, way above and beyond. It was one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for us, and I cherish my tote to this day!
It’s funny: I feel like I got a sneak peek of Etsy before it was Etsy. When Rob was developing the idea for it, he posted on GetCrafty.com to see who might be willing to chat with him about some of the logistics of the site. He and I ended up emailing a bit, and one result of that was the original Indie Craft Experience cotton tote bag. A tradition we’ve carried on throughout our events is to hand out swag bags to the first 500 attendees. So Etsy, before it even launched, volunteered to sponsor our event by printing these amazing, multi-colored tote bags. I think Matt and Rob printed them by hand, which probably just about killed them…they really went way, way, way above and beyond. It was one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for us, and I cherish my tote to this day!
Christy’s booth set-up at a craft fair.
How has what you create changed over the past few years, if at all?
It has changed so much! When Etsy launched I was sewing bags and purses out of recycled fabrics. Nowadays, I make earrings that I screenprint with my own designs. I also make hairpins out of fabric buttons. I design some of my fabric and have it printed on Spoonflower and the rest of the fabric I’ve picked up along the way. I’m a real sucker for fabric! So the hairpins allow me to keep in touch with my love of fabric, and the earrings allow me to keep up my love affair with printmaking. I’m proud of myself for learning how to incorporate my designs into my creations. One of my patterns that I use on earrings is based on a photo I took of the Atlanta skyline, and another is based on a photo I took of wallpaper in my grandmother’s guest bathroom. It is straight from the 70s and an amazing floral design.
It has changed so much! When Etsy launched I was sewing bags and purses out of recycled fabrics. Nowadays, I make earrings that I screenprint with my own designs. I also make hairpins out of fabric buttons. I design some of my fabric and have it printed on Spoonflower and the rest of the fabric I’ve picked up along the way. I’m a real sucker for fabric! So the hairpins allow me to keep in touch with my love of fabric, and the earrings allow me to keep up my love affair with printmaking. I’m proud of myself for learning how to incorporate my designs into my creations. One of my patterns that I use on earrings is based on a photo I took of the Atlanta skyline, and another is based on a photo I took of wallpaper in my grandmother’s guest bathroom. It is straight from the 70s and an amazing floral design.
Photo from when Vanessa met Christy at ICE in 2007.
Do you see yourself on Etsy for the long haul?
Yes, I plan on sticking around!
Yes, I plan on sticking around!
What have you learned about selling and shopping on Etsy?
Well, you’ll notice I haven’t sold much during my years on Etsy. Organizing the Indie Craft Experience (plus my day job, writing and spending time with my equally busy husband) takes up so much of my time that I don’t have too much of a chance to sell. I have tried to support Etsy and its sellers by buying, though. So, I’ll tell you what I’ve learned from buying and observing. Be nice. Be consistent. Have beautiful photos. Build relationships. Promote your shop whenever you can. And make a quality product.
Well, you’ll notice I haven’t sold much during my years on Etsy. Organizing the Indie Craft Experience (plus my day job, writing and spending time with my equally busy husband) takes up so much of my time that I don’t have too much of a chance to sell. I have tried to support Etsy and its sellers by buying, though. So, I’ll tell you what I’ve learned from buying and observing. Be nice. Be consistent. Have beautiful photos. Build relationships. Promote your shop whenever you can. And make a quality product.
What do you want for the future of Etsy?
My biggest wish for Etsy is staying power. I’d hate for the general public to look at buying handmade and Etsy as a trend. It’s up to all of us to continue on the crusade of how important it is to buy handmade. I’m extremely hopeful!
My biggest wish for Etsy is staying power. I’d hate for the general public to look at buying handmade and Etsy as a trend. It’s up to all of us to continue on the crusade of how important it is to buy handmade. I’m extremely hopeful!
Read more Old School Etsians Posts | Shop Local Atlanta
Are you an Old School Etsian? Leave your memories of the early days in the comments!
122 comments
Sign in to add your ownIrinaPhotography says:
Great story. Thank you.-)
2 years ago
moonstr says:
great article! yaayyaay!
2 years ago
PoPkO says:
Happy Birthday Etsy! Stolat! Im happy to have been a part of this for as long as I have. THANKS!
2 years ago
beachhouseblues says:
I haven't sold very much on Etsy. Most of my sales happen with people who see my photographs and jewelry in person. When they buy I usually get repeat business! That said, I do really enjoy being part of the Etsy Community. It's so interesting to read the stories and see the work made by other artists. It makes this life path less isolating!!
2 years ago
mazedasastoat says:
I just wish I'd known about Etsy way back then...
2 years ago
SquidInkKollective says:
Love it! And a trend we are not!
2 years ago
thebestvintage says:
I think Etsy will continue to grow, It's a unique environment that allows artists from around the world to connect and share their stories. And, it's a great place sell vintage!
2 years ago
Cance says:
love the fresh perspective of abardis! and of course, happy birthday wishes to etsy.com (and here's to many, many more!)
2 years ago
juicychristians says:
How cool!
2 years ago
4TheSparrowsNest says:
I only wish that I had known about Etsy years ago. If I had, I would have signed up right away. I didn't discover it until 2008, however, when I happened upon a blog that mentioned it. I missed out, but I am making up for it now! :o)
2 years ago
happyfamily says:
Wish we had joined back in the day! We browsed the shops, but were preoccupied in NOLA during '05. Just moved our studio to Atlanta though and can't wait to check out ICE!
2 years ago
circlesareforever says:
cute story love her items too!
2 years ago
MrFilthyRotten says:
So glad I found etsy last year and I make sure wherever I go to spread the word!
2 years ago
aimeesarmoire says:
WHERE have I been all these years (oh yeah, that on-line marketplace with many grumpy people **shudders at memories**) I'm so glad I found Etsy, or it found me. :-)
2 years ago
peaseblossomstudio says:
Great article!
2 years ago
JosiesBeadedJewelry says:
Hurray for Christy! Thanks for another great ICE Atlanta show (I was booth #20).
2 years ago
baconsquarefarm says:
Nice to meet you christy and great story as well. Neato all the things you've done with the community~
2 years ago
undertheroot says:
we will march on, handmade has always been an artform, and it will continue to mutate and grow, like dandelions on your neighbors' lawn. thank you for sharing, Christy!
2 years ago
aBreathofFrenchair says:
Great story! Thanks for sharing with us.
2 years ago
KOALACaddie says:
I am always so impressed by people of vision like Christy and Rob. Kudos on believing in yourselves and doing the hard work. There's just nothing like something made by hand.
2 years ago
KisforCalligraphy says:
Hallelujah to handmade to infinity! Thank you Christy for sharing your Etsy inspired experience. And Hallelujah to all the incredibly talented Etsians featured in this post!
2 years ago
tascha says:
Great article!
2 years ago
beccamari says:
So nice to here from you! I'm always looking for fabulous Indie shows to be a vendor at! Very exciting stuff!!!!
2 years ago
lovelygifts says:
Nice story.
2 years ago
smidgebox says:
what an awesome article! i wish i had been around for etsy's beginnings. i've now been shopping here for about a year, and just opened my shop last month! i love this community. keep it up!!
2 years ago
yaelfran says:
what a great story!!!!
2 years ago
BlackStar says:
Great article! Happy Birthday Etsy. :)
2 years ago
sandali says:
Awesome -- thanks for taking us back in time with you -- happy days -- I LOVE old fond memories -- happy days ;)
2 years ago
MyJunkyTrunk says:
now that was a fun article! thanks for sharing!
2 years ago
beautifulbridget says:
Fantastic story!!
2 years ago
tldgrainwear says:
Very encouraging story. Thanks, cheers!
2 years ago
missindie says:
awesome! great story!! :]
2 years ago
LuttrellStudio says:
Great article! Nice to meet you Christy! :-)
2 years ago
SweetwaterGifts says:
Great story - I didn't hear about Etsy until the end of 2008! Wish I knew about it way back when... But forward we go...maybe someone will say the same of us in another 4 years!
2 years ago
bobnstitch says:
Hey old timer. I have been around a while also!
2 years ago
FluteTeacher says:
Cool! Very neat to read about someone who's been here since the beginning.
2 years ago
sugarcookie says:
Hip hip hooray for Christy. You are my hero.
2 years ago
sugarcookie says:
PS - thank you for showcasing my Sleeping Bunny Necklace, too. ;) You are a true inspiration!
2 years ago
artwithallie says:
Hi Christy - how I wish I could check out the Indie Craft Experience!! One day if, no...when I make some 'real' Etsy money I may visit from Australia!
2 years ago
blendastudio says:
Hi Christy, Wow, you are a busy lady! I'm impressed!
2 years ago
BirdhouseBlessings says:
Thank you for your story. I get inspired when I read how other artists fight to be successful and keep the joy.
2 years ago
asundrynotion says:
Great read & important point made about staying power for Etsy, instead of trendiness. And since this theme is 'old school', how about re-emphasizing the Indie, DIY ethic that got this all started, instead of trends. Happy Birthday, Etsy!
2 years ago
sleepymoondesign says:
Happy birthday Etsy!
2 years ago
MintyFreshFusions says:
I'm another who was preoccupied with NOLA, and volunteering till August 'O6, then joining Etsy in July 'O7, 4 months after my daughter was born. Surely I would have heard of it sooner and joined if I didn't live in a tent without electricity for so long :] Sweet story, and Happy Birthday Etsy!
2 years ago
poppyswickedgarden says:
Wow that's pretty great! I haven't been here quite as long but It will be my 3 year Etsyversary in July and I'm loving every minute of it!
2 years ago
EJPcreations says:
Happy Birthday Etsy!!!!
2 years ago
buttonarcade says:
Yay, Christy! Happy birthday, Etsy! I can't believe it's been four years already! I still think of you as being a new site! I joined right after hurricane Katrina, when CraftRevolution started their benefit shop. I stuck around because I saw Etsy as a great way to reach new customers.
2 years ago
DreamsandJewelry says:
Great Article!
2 years ago
misohappi says:
thanks for taking the plunge & paving the way for newbies like me! i'm impressed with your tenacity and creativity. buy etsy!!!
2 years ago
sinatrafan103 says:
I've been around since 2006, and since then etsy has slowly managed to take over my life :) I don't know what I'd do without it!!
2 years ago
abardis says:
thanks for all the nice comments everyone! xoxo
2 years ago
simpledream2 says:
Impressive......since 2005. I'd love to be around for the long haul as Etsy is a great place to be.
2 years ago
gt5948c says:
I love this article! Christy - you are a modern pioneer of the craft world. You're so amazing in every way. Love you!!!
2 years ago
zeropumpkin says:
great article! :)
2 years ago
PomLove says:
This is so fascinating! I love how Etsy has grown, and how people are changing the way that they buy & sell because of this amazing site! I know people who do most of their shopping on Etsy & have pledged to be faithful buyers of handmade and it just makes me so proud of our not-so-little community!:) Happy Bday Etsy!
2 years ago
klacustomcreations says:
love hearing from people who have been w/ Etsy from the beginning!
2 years ago
micropolis says:
Enjoyed reading this interesting and inspirational article. Thanks!
2 years ago
AFarmersDaughter says:
Thank God for ETSY!!! so we can have jobs,money and all live the handmade life. I to organize a small market all of ETSY SELLERS in Vancouver BC. We pack about 3o of us in a small hall 3 times a year and sell our wares. Next one is Nov 21st. If I am ever in the Brooklyn and see Rob on the street I just might give him a great big THANK YOU KISS. hahah
2 years ago
heatherjeany says:
Awesome article :) and happy birthday etsy!! July 11th will be my 3 year etsyversary. I remember looking at every item in the paper goods category, it didn't take long at all. Now it's almost 8000 pages long! It seemed like everyone in the forums knew each other, definitely fun times. The old days were great, but it's amazing to see how everyone (including etsy) has grown since then!
2 years ago
CrownBindery says:
Happy birthday ETSY! SO SO fun! I wish I had known about etsy back in the day! Glad my time finally did come! I love ETSY!
2 years ago
BeadFloraJewels says:
i wish i knew about Etsy way back when!
2 years ago
scrappysewsweet says:
Great Story! Hold my glass up to the handmade life. My glass of Diet Coke - my weakness!
2 years ago
bylynnkrestel says:
happy bday etsy! i wish i'd known about you in 2005..but so glad i do now!! thanks etsy!!
2 years ago
OliviaClare says:
Somebody told me that I should sell my stuff on Etsy and when I asked, "what is Etsy and who buys on Etsy?" they told me people who sell on Etsy. I laughed and I thought that made no sense at all! Little did I know ;) 6 months later my Etsy shop is thriving and I am loving it! Happy Birthday Etsy!
2 years ago
vesselsandwares says:
Hi Christy! Happy Birthday to ICE and etsy! Great to see Christy's interview. Looking forward to Holiday ICE this winter, and had a blast just a couple of weeks ago at Summer ICE.
2 years ago
brianslittlegirl says:
Yay! Christy is awesome. :) My last two years volunteering at ICE have been awesome, and it was great getting to hang out with some of the more "old school" etsy and indie folks this year. :) Those swag bags are crazy crazy popular... I was the mean person who had to make people wait for ICE to open when they got there 2 hours early, lol.
2 years ago
HomeStudio says:
Love this Old School Etsians article. Fantastic idea. Can't wait to read more of them.
2 years ago
littlepinkpebble says:
wow~!!
2 years ago
Sudstress says:
I was a vendor at that ICE festival at Centennial Olympic Park! That's where I met jimiyo - one of my favorite artists ever! That was pretty fun :) Great article! One person makin' the Atlanta indie art scene bigger and better.
2 years ago
StudioCherie says:
Great article. Thanks Christy.
2 years ago
steinschmuckdesign says:
Such a sympathic Photo of you!
2 years ago
zemphira says:
Wonderful! Thank you.
2 years ago
evihan says:
sooo lovelyyy:-)
2 years ago
Iammie says:
Nice story!
2 years ago
MonjioCreations says:
wonderful story! Thanks for sharing!
2 years ago
fernfiddlehead says:
I loved reading this.
2 years ago
envellop says:
This was incredibly interesting. I really love the feeling of nostalgia it gave... Even though I have only known about Etsy for less than a year!
2 years ago
LaughingMoonCreation says:
Such a great story. Made me smile this early morning. Which is hard to do. Not a morning girl! Well done.
2 years ago
BeadinBabe says:
What a sweet seller!
2 years ago
FlanneryCrane says:
I like her and her earring obsession. Thank you for a great introduction and story.
2 years ago
stilettoheights says:
what a wonderful idea to highlight "old school" etsy members. As someone who has been here 3+ years and doing this full time for over 2.5 years, this is really appreciated. wonderful interview too.
2 years ago
nfall2rt says:
Wow, the 21st person to sign up! That begs the question who was the first?
2 years ago
livingstonandporter says:
Great article! Sweet stuff...LOVE ETSY...What would we do without ETSY?
2 years ago
Vanessa says:
nfall2rt We did the first member last year. Here's the interview: http://www.etsy.com/storque/handmade-life/old-school-etsians-momentofstars-1987/
2 years ago
fromthefigtree says:
Yay for us old timers :P 2005 doesnt seem that long ago!
2 years ago
Morado says:
interesting article!
2 years ago
FiddlyFingerWork says:
I love reading about other peoples' stories, how they make their art and what they're interested in. Really enjoyed reading about Christy's interest in fabric and screen printing :)
2 years ago
chandistreasurechest says:
It's interesting to learn about the history and journey--andthe hurdles that others have. crossed. Thanks for sharing
2 years ago
abardis says:
I just re-read momentofstars's interview (http://www.etsy.com/storque/handmade-life/old-school-etsians-momentofstars-1987/) and I'm so happy to see that the tote bags actually helped Etsy get the word out! The first person to sign up learned about Etsy from the tote they got at the first ICE :) Fawne, thanks for coming out to the first Indie Craft Experience!
2 years ago
lilworkerb says:
I wish I could get to know all the Etsians, all these stories are really great, and inspiring.
2 years ago
henatayeb says:
i am hopeful too. thanks for the interview.
2 years ago
shecological says:
This is such an inspiring and heart-warming article! Thanks for sharing it with us! Nice to meet you!
2 years ago
FancyPantsAndMore says:
Very nice article. I am pretty much a newbie by these standards, but hoping to be here for the longhaul.
2 years ago
CustomCoffey says:
I had just found out about etsy in March of '09 and I was wondering when etsy started. Very interesting and informative article! Thanks!!
2 years ago
Angelheartdesigns says:
Nice article! I'm Cindy and I play with clay!I make all kinds of fun stuff!
2 years ago
anatomyofaskirt says:
woah, we joined on the same day! Yay for Etsy old-timers!
2 years ago
TheFancyLamb says:
I really love this new series about Etsy’s original residents. As a newbie, their stories inspire me to keep at it and not give up...thanks for paving the way!
2 years ago
TipsyTimeMachine says:
It's very interesting to hear about Etsy's early days. Happy Birthday Etsy. No wonder I felt immediately drawn to your site, we're both Geminis!
2 years ago
VIKukA says:
Wonderful story, thank you
2 years ago
intrinsicimagination says:
Thanks for sharing! I'm really glad to be a part of something that is so organized and well-known for being so new.
2 years ago
CutieDynamite says:
Great story!
2 years ago
kimquinndotcom says:
Great interview Christy!! From a fellow Atlanta Artist...
2 years ago
PipocaHandmade says:
Super story, super earrings!!!
2 years ago
lifeinpinkhitops says:
great interview!
2 years ago
dragonhouseofyuen says:
wonderful advice from Christy! a treat to read this article! thank you for bringing these 'old timers' out on show!!
2 years ago
jayleen7 says:
Enjoyed the story! I will have to keep my eyes and ears open for the next Indie Craft Experience in Atlanta!!!
2 years ago
jodieflowers says:
Love them all!
2 years ago
SquaresOfFlair says:
Very cool! I love these interviews.
2 years ago
michon says:
loved this interview, thanks!
2 years ago
sweatshopbytiqcom says:
I always miss ICE when it comes around! I am defintely going to try to attend next year if I can
2 years ago
PristineCreations says:
Awesome Interview - Thank you
2 years ago
knittingguru says:
Great article! I started on Etsy in April, 2006, so I consider myself an old timer. Etsy was small then, so there have been a huge number of changes due to size and the internal changes to listings, sections, forums, teams, blog, etc. Etsy has become a permanent part of my life. Do you hear that administrators? Keep Etsy going and growing :)
2 years ago
thedot says:
I've had the pleasure of meeting Christy and she is such a sweet, hardworking lady! I'm so glad she's helped keep the ATL craft scene alive and thriving with ICE and Kraftwork!
2 years ago
creativeladybug1 says:
Hi Christy- My old Agnes Scott friend. So many congrats on your designs- you are very inspiring! Hope you are doing well. Are you still in KY? It's EJ....
2 years ago
karenmeyers says:
ICE is the best!
2 years ago