Etsy's Handmade Blog
A Dude's Perspective: Life as an Etsy Widower

I never dreamed I'd be a widower at age 35...an Etsy Widower, that is. My wife, Stacey, is survived by me, her husband, and our two daughters: Elle, age 3 and our new baby, Liv, due this August. I fear they will both grow up as Etsy Orphans. My only comfort is in the hope that others will hear our story and at least take solace in the fact that they are not alone. 

(Oh, I should clarify, my wife hasn't died, I lost her to Etsy.)

Stacey has always been "crafty," and for years I've been supportive of her artistic endeavors. When she found Etsy it seemed harmless enough. We were excited that she would have a venue to share some of the things she's made that make being a mommy easier and more fun for her, like slings and cart covers.  So, she opened the Elle Belle shop

I've come to the conclusion that this site should have come with a disclaimer.  I should have been warned — maybe a call, at least an email to the family members, something like "Beware, Etsy has been proven to be extremely habit forming."

I really underestimated the power of Etsy... the allure of the endless diversity of crafts, the variety of search methods, the vast network of like-minded artists.  At first my wife was sewing and crafting just on weekends, but before I knew it, the arm of our couch became an impromptu pincushion, our vacuum clogged with strands of discarded threads, and she would even bring the laptop to bed to be with Etsy.

Looking back, I should have seen the warning signs.  She had a whole different vocabulary.  All conversational roads led to "listings," "treasuries," "tags," and "gift guides." Not only was the home page of every computer in the house set to Etsy.com, but I think I even noticed her mood change following that spiraling string of fellow crafters and customers who hearted her shop.

I'll never forget that fateful day when I overheard what was to be one of Stacey's last conversations with our daughter, Elle.  She was trying desperately to convince our three year old that helping Mommy sort a box of mixed up ribbon was a fun way to spend an afternoon.  But I realized the end was near when she couldn't even run a quick errand without visiting the fabric pushers or one of her thread dealers.

Stacey is in a better place now. She's gone to be with her adoring customers, loving fellow members of the Florida Etsy Street Team, and the Etsy Bloggers. She still haunts her vendors, too.  I can tell from the charges that mysteriously appear in our checking account for designer fabrics, stabilizer, and crafting tools.  She lives on through her tireless efforts to keep up with custom orders and dedication to her blog.

I appreciate your heartfelt condolences, and ask that in lieu of cards and flowers you send fat quarters, ribbon, and embroidery floss.  Stacey would have wanted it that way.

Our daughter and I are getting along as well as could be expected, I guess, although we're worried about how the new baby will take it.  We appreciate your support and want you to know we wear our Etsy Widower and Etsy Orphan shirts proudly in solidarity with all the others who share our loss.  Hey, come to think of it, maybe my daughter and I should open an Etsy shop and sell those things.  What's the worst thing that could happen?

A Dude's Perspective | Browse the Gift Guides for Father's Day Ideas

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Tags A Dude's Perspective, Children, dads, ETC, etsy addict, etsyaholic, etsy widower, family, Father's Day, Florida, funny, humor, husbands, jokes, selling, St. Petersburg, supplies, wives
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235 comments     Login to add your own!

June 4, 2009 at 10:18 a.m. FlanneryCrane

What a great read...thinks for sharing. Maybe you should create a grief support group; my husband would join in a heartbeat. :)

June 4, 2009 at 10:18 a.m. SeaFindDesigns

Etsy widower...... tee....

June 4, 2009 at 10:19 a.m. FlanneryCrane

I should buy him the T-shirt, eh?

June 4, 2009 at 10:19 a.m. AliBaliJewellery

LOL, I enjoyed that!! Oh so true....

June 4, 2009 at 10:20 a.m. JAdamsDesigns

LOL Love the article! Very amusing and creative!

June 4, 2009 at 10:20 a.m. thehotcookie

Love it! I am guilty of doing the same thing to my husband.

June 4, 2009 at 10:20 a.m. BululuStudio

Oh God you scared me...

June 4, 2009 at 10:20 a.m. lilimandrill

haha!
this remind me something, or someone !
;-)

June 4, 2009 at 10:21 a.m. lostmitten

That was an awesome read...now I know how my fiance must feel :P

June 4, 2009 at 10:23 a.m. BeyondThePicketFence

i can now tell my husband that he is not alone

June 4, 2009 at 10:24 a.m. theblisscollection

So true! It's nice to know my husband and children are in good company :)

June 4, 2009 at 10:25 a.m. MGMart

Great, so true...that what my husband would say :D

June 4, 2009 at 10:28 a.m. adoreneko

Great perspective!

June 4, 2009 at 10:29 a.m. abacusbeadcreations

Does this apply to boyfriends too?

Although, he only minds when he stops playing video games and notices I'm not there!

June 4, 2009 at 10:31 a.m. IcingOnTheCupcake

Really cute article, I'm sure my husband would sympathize with you!

June 4, 2009 at 10:31 a.m. Earmark

this is too funny... love it and my condolences for sure... eventually my husband caved and joined the etsy ranks as well... :)

June 4, 2009 at 10:32 a.m. bungalowmarketplace

I love this perspective! So cute!

June 4, 2009 at 10:32 a.m. SoapScentsations

I think my family can relate to this!

June 4, 2009 at 10:34 a.m. PCFactory

I LOVE this blog! TOoooo funny! My husband said something along those lines when I started Etsy too!

June 4, 2009 at 10:34 a.m. ApertureAgog

This is so funny because the idea of a roller derby widow become very popular in derby culture starting around 2007. www.myspace.com/rollerderbywidowers

What does it say that we are generaion of women with partners who are sharing the housework and taking care of the kids? WOO! This is what feminism looks like in 2009.

June 4, 2009 at 10:35 a.m. beachhouseblues

Interesting perspective!

June 4, 2009 at 10:36 a.m. blynkenandnod

ROFL! It's so true! I need to show this one to my own poor widower.

Happy Father's Day, boys! (You've earned a day off from Etsy, I think) (if only I could get myself to give that gift...)

June 4, 2009 at 10:36 a.m. MichMade

hahaha very funny and true!

Have a great day everyone :)

June 4, 2009 at 10:39 a.m. dinafragola

Thanks for this fun article ^_^

June 4, 2009 at 10:39 a.m. Balanced

haha! That was fantastic.

Definitely gonna show that to the husband.

June 4, 2009 at 10:39 a.m. cozycottagecreations

Hee hee! That was fabulous - I love the part about the fabric pushers. I'm emailing this to my husband so he'll know he's not alone. And hey, if that support group gets started up, feel free to convo us the meeting time!

June 4, 2009 at 10:40 a.m. julieboyles

Great article! I think my husband would echo your sentiments! The first thing my poor Etsy orphaned son says when he walks in after school is "How's it going on Etsy today? Hmmm, I think our family has the same diagnosis as yours!

Happy Father's Day!

June 4, 2009 at 10:41 a.m. TheBrassHussy

I have to admit feeling a bit duped at the beginning of this article.

June 4, 2009 at 10:41 a.m. SusanFaye

HeeHee. My condolences to the bereaved. Etsy-itis seems to be sweeping the country as the list of grieving widowers grows...

June 4, 2009 at 10:42 a.m. beccamari

Too cute, and much sympathy!

June 4, 2009 at 10:42 a.m. slinkymalinkicat

My husband will enjoy reading this, and I think he will find solace in knowing he is not alone. I have grinned and nodded all the way through this wonderful article.
Thank you!!

June 4, 2009 at 10:43 a.m. Morado

OMG! I fell of the chair laughing! Hilarious. My husband feels the same :o)

June 4, 2009 at 10:45 a.m. MomNMiaQuilts

Oh, I literally have tears in my eyes from laughing so hard! Let me know if you'd like my husband's email & phone number - he can totally relate!

Now I must go - have to check the forums. tee hee

June 4, 2009 at 10:46 a.m. CarolinaCottage

Maybe he can start a support group - my husband would join.

June 4, 2009 at 10:46 a.m. worksofwhimsy

Sometimes my husband will convo me to get my attention. Yup, my name is Linda, and I am an Etsy addict. I love all the funny Etsy items featured!

June 4, 2009 at 10:46 a.m. lucywallis

fabulous article!
Lucy x

June 4, 2009 at 10:46 a.m. ShadySideFarm

Heh, heh...my kids have opened their own etsy shop, and dh helps with mine. But there's still a bit of disconnect. Great article!

June 4, 2009 at 10:46 a.m. aressa

I should hook you up with my husband! Thanks heavens my children have grown. They would have been orphaned too!! It's so sad!!!!! Love this story. Thanks so much for the laugh! You might do well selling your items!!!! :)

June 4, 2009 at 10:46 a.m. CrochetTLC

Love this article.

June 4, 2009 at 10:48 a.m. aBreathofFrenchair

Great article! I love the Etsy shirts!

June 4, 2009 at 10:49 a.m. RedMarionette

Brilliant! Congratulations you guys! Kyle wears his Etsy Widower shirt proudly!

June 4, 2009 at 10:49 a.m. AnniesWearableArt

omg i was afraid to read this at first. wow.

June 4, 2009 at 10:49 a.m. Huismus

True and so funny.. :-)))

June 4, 2009 at 10:51 a.m. theeye

bwaaaahahahahhaaahaha... pretty funny

June 4, 2009 at 10:52 a.m. eraseandrepeat

lol! too funny!

June 4, 2009 at 10:56 a.m. bluemonday

This is great!

June 4, 2009 at 10:57 a.m. helenaemmans

Too true!!!

June 4, 2009 at 10:57 a.m. Sigmosaics

that is super funny and so completely true! My kids understand not to interupt mummy when it's treasury time ;) .. this has been a brilliant read!

June 4, 2009 at 10:58 a.m. alfalfalovesme

woah...i went into reading this ready to feel all sad...!
hysterical!

June 4, 2009 at 10:59 a.m. strawberrykisses

HILARIOUS!!!

June 4, 2009 at 11:04 a.m. HendersonPipes

Yes you should open a shop! Being an Etsy widower was my original reason for opening my shop. I was missing my wife.

But be careful. I'm now on Etsy more than she is.

June 4, 2009 at 11:05 a.m. aimeesarmoire

OH. MY. WORD. I am not letting The Man anywhere NEAR this article. (He thinks I need a 12-step program.)
This story is a gem!

June 4, 2009 at 11:08 a.m. OneSmallSummer

too funny. too too funny.

June 4, 2009 at 11:09 a.m. thebrickkiln

My husband and kids should be in this article!!! My husband always says he is going to make a t-shirt like this. My poor kids draw pixs of jewelry and come and tell me to put these in my treasuries. I have to limit the time I am on the computer at night cause my hubby starts huffing and puffing aways if he thinks I have totally ignored him when he gets home. I wait til he goes to sleep and then get up and get back on the computer. And, of course, everyone know to stay away from mom when she is trying to snag a treasury!!! I am so glad to know I AM NOT ALONE!HA!!!

June 4, 2009 at 11:12 a.m. somewhereinntime

OHHHH, has he been talking to my husband who thinks I'm addicted to this too and when our power went off last night we actually had to talk to each other :)

June 4, 2009 at 11:13 a.m. iragrant

hahaha, hubby will love this!:)))))

June 4, 2009 at 11:15 a.m. penguinandfish

hah, so cute!

June 4, 2009 at 11:18 a.m. CollectionObsession

Love this story! I told my hubby last night that I need to add some listings, and he said something about priorities and housecleaning. Huh? And he sometimes even wants to use the laptop and I have to sulk till he hands it back to me.

June 4, 2009 at 11:19 a.m. asundrynotion

Funny. But the ribbon sorting IS a fun way to spend an afternoon! I learned to count, do arithmetic & measure by sorting through my mom's button box & playing with her measuring tape. My kids learned the same playful way. All good. Condolences to Etsy widowers, including mine. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em!

June 4, 2009 at 11:22 a.m. animalartista

oh my gosh great story. Very eye catching title!! Now come on Etsy Etsy Etsy!! I know how she feels, I do the same!

June 4, 2009 at 11:26 a.m. littlepinkpebble

dude where's my car...

June 4, 2009 at 11:27 a.m. LaveMeSoapCo

what a shame. my heart goes out to you

June 4, 2009 at 11:27 a.m. jessiemccann

So true! I should have my husband signed a contract to make sure what he is getting into. Even have him read the ETSY glossary to understand what I am talking about.

June 4, 2009 at 11:27 a.m. shopkim

I love this and am going to be forwarding it to my husband right now!

June 4, 2009 at 11:29 a.m. HibouCards

I'll pass it along to my hubby to see if it sounds familiar to him ;) It's true that I have become totally "obsessed" by my shop and I am very serious about it, for me it's a real business :) Maybe I'll be sorting ribbons and threads with my son too... my ribbons box definitely needs some sorting out!
thanks for the article!

June 4, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. anniepoo

This was adorable! At first I really thought you lost your wife and I thought "Oh what a poor soul" and then I realized that THIS must be the way MY family sees it too! Thanks for the fun read!!!

June 4, 2009 at 11:31 a.m. sewthatsit

Great writing! I think you are destined to join the etsy bloggers.

June 4, 2009 at 11:32 a.m. FarAwayDesigns

Excellent read - my fiancee is close to joining the "Etsy Widowers'" ranks...
LOL

June 4, 2009 at 11:37 a.m. wireddesign

That is great! And so, so true for our poor dear husbands...

June 4, 2009 at 11:39 a.m. BeautifulSoaps

How money... I mean funny! I think my dog is an Etsy orphan... he looks longingly at me for his daily walk while I list and relist. You have a beautiful daughter, and ElleBelle is great! Congrats on your August blessing :-)

June 4, 2009 at 11:41 a.m. TulipsTreasureBox

OH I remember way back when this was first posted!

Loved it then, love it even more now that I too have etsyBUTT!

~Lily

June 4, 2009 at 11:42 a.m. LisaFerinDesigns

Thanks for this funny and well written post! You should definitely keep writing here. Great selection of items too. Best wishes to you all.

June 4, 2009 at 11:44 a.m. SunshineandRavioli

Oh How funny! this is SO my husband too. Maybe they need a support group...Etsy Widowers Unite...

June 4, 2009 at 11:46 a.m. thestapeliacompany

Funny stuff.

June 4, 2009 at 11:54 a.m. OffTheHooks

oh jeez, i fear my hubby could say similar things...

June 4, 2009 at 11:54 a.m. humblebea

I haven't laughed so hard in a LONG time! This is fantastic, I can't wait to have my husband and kids read this... just as soon as I remove the pins from my couch...

June 4, 2009 at 11:55 a.m. RomanceCatsAndWhimsy

That was hilarious! ha ha... very well done. :) You really have a great attitude and way of looking at what your wife is doing. Love it. :)

June 4, 2009 at 11:56 a.m. bylynnkrestel

oh i hear you!
i feel bad for my family all the time - just not bad enough to find the cure!!

go etsy!!!

June 4, 2009 at 11:59 a.m. DeborahVoizin

Too funny!

June 4, 2009 at 11:59 a.m. pinkdragonfly98

So funny and cute! Hope to hear more....

June 4, 2009 at 12:03 p.m. notebooksetc

Wahahaha funny read! I LOLd at the part where you said you lost her to Etsy.

June 4, 2009 at 12:03 p.m. vitamini

That was great! I'm sure my family can sympathize.

June 4, 2009 at 12:05 p.m. erinelizabeth

Ha! Reminds me of this story too -
http://www.etsy.com/storque/etc/famil...

June 4, 2009 at 12:08 p.m. TheFancyLamb

Teehee! I think my husband feels the same way. He'll get a kick out of this posting.

June 4, 2009 at 12:10 p.m. KentonBeadworks

Hilarious! I had to show this to my Husband, he got a chuckle out of it too.

June 4, 2009 at 12:15 p.m. beadcreationsbydawn

I so have to share this blog with my hubby~ He will be your biggest supporter from one guy to another~ My hubby has told me over and over~ you are always on the computer! Doing what you may ask??? ETSY of course!!!

June 4, 2009 at 12:21 p.m. hunneyfrog

If she going to be an addict she picked the perfect site

June 4, 2009 at 12:21 p.m. Greenbriar

LOL!!! This is the cutest article ever! Congrats Elle! My husband is going to read this tonight. How does he get one of those shirts?

June 4, 2009 at 12:24 p.m. Karmacrochet

I'm really sorry for your lost! Thanks for writing this great article! It made me smile!

June 4, 2009 at 12:30 p.m. OccasionallyBrill

I don't even have the excuse of selling, and my husband comments all the time that if I love Etsy so much, why don't I marry it?

I feel for him. Sort of. Wait, I think the front page has a new treasury up.

June 4, 2009 at 12:36 p.m. EJPcreations

So true so true!!!

June 4, 2009 at 12:38 p.m. WooZlys

Love the article. Just opened my own etsy store, not even a month ago and my husband says to our daughter "Watch honey here comes the Esty-lady" ;). Oh, my what am I in for?! Should I stop now, I can't, (just try), I am trying , I can't! let me go please and see what's going on on esty, PLEASE!

June 4, 2009 at 12:46 p.m. DonnaGi

Great perspective and totally understandable - we're all quite addicted!!

June 4, 2009 at 12:50 p.m. FreshlySkweezed

Too funny! You had me reaching for a Kleenex there for a minute!

June 4, 2009 at 12:53 p.m. babypop

HA Ha love the tees. My hubby and Kids need those. I have spent many a day asking my daughter to help sort velcro or my son sortting letter. Lets put it this way all the post office employees know my kids by names, hobbies, and favorite candy.

June 4, 2009 at 12:54 p.m. LunasaDesigns

OMG! Hilarious! I need to send this to my husband!

June 4, 2009 at 12:55 p.m. MouseTrapVintage

Ha! I should get that t shirt for my bf. This sounds all too familiar ... :)

June 4, 2009 at 1:01 p.m. SimpleTraditions

How awesome is that! I think this has been the best storque article yet. I had to send it to my husband, I know he'll truly appreciate it!

June 4, 2009 at 1:12 p.m. copperlilly

Absolutely hilarious!

June 4, 2009 at 1:13 p.m. sleepypillow

Come to think of it, it is soooo true!

June 4, 2009 at 1:13 p.m. jenkasun

This is PRICELESS! SO TRUE. I sent it on to my husband who thought the article was about me!

June 4, 2009 at 1:20 p.m. mydistinctcreations

I loved your article. Like your wife I spend most of my time on Etsy, but I have an advantage over you and your wife. I'm not married so I can do whatever I like, like staying up until 3:00 to 4:00 in the morning making jewelry. I then get up between 7:00 to 9:00 later in the morning and start over again.

June 4, 2009 at 1:21 p.m. BeadsInTheBelfry

hee hee! This was hilarious.

June 4, 2009 at 1:21 p.m. WoollyWonka

Love the t-shirts...!

June 4, 2009 at 1:22 p.m. MayaBella

Funny!

June 4, 2009 at 1:31 p.m. dlkdesigns

so funny! must get my hubby that shirt :) I have actually started making him help me with a few things..he's okay though becuase I just bought him a new surf board :)

June 4, 2009 at 1:43 p.m. sweetsmilesbaby

Super funny. My husband actually made new pattern pieces for me yesterday while I went to playgroup with the kiddies. Awesome

June 4, 2009 at 1:44 p.m. ericawalker

hahaha! too funny.
my man would "die" for one of those t-shirts.

June 4, 2009 at 1:46 p.m. memoriesforlifesb

Hillarious! You have no idea how many can relate :)

June 4, 2009 at 1:51 p.m. kmwatkins

Funny stuff!

June 4, 2009 at 1:57 p.m. CutieDynamite

So true! Great article!

June 4, 2009 at 1:59 p.m. retrothreadz

This is so cute I love it. Love the button

June 4, 2009 at 1:59 p.m. thebestvintage

It's so addictive!!

June 4, 2009 at 2:03 p.m. moonovermaize

LOL! I'm sure my hubby has similar feelings!

June 4, 2009 at 2:14 p.m. chakrapennywhistle

FUNNY! Hits home for sure :) That first photo is hilarious too! You guys are fabulous!

June 4, 2009 at 2:16 p.m. LoveYourBling

LMAO that was the best thing I've read all week, I must send this to my husband immediately, so he can join this support group of other widowed husbands!

June 4, 2009 at 2:19 p.m. Chennapenna

So funny! My husband was grumbling about all the thread in our vacuum just yesterday! Great read!

June 4, 2009 at 2:20 p.m. embellishedlife

Forwarding to hubby...

June 4, 2009 at 2:45 p.m. skw1967

this is a hoot! thanks for sharing.

June 4, 2009 at 2:54 p.m. JustForTheShellOfIt

This is too funny! Hubby needs to see this!

June 4, 2009 at 3:06 p.m. InuInspirations

haha this is great!

June 4, 2009 at 3:12 p.m. OrganicElements

Funny because it is so true!

June 4, 2009 at 3:12 p.m. RecreationalArt

That is hilarious!! Way to go Elle Belle ! nice to know I am not alone out there....I will have to share this with my family so that they understand that there are others...EA anyone? (Etsy Anonymous)

June 4, 2009 at 3:21 p.m. Fantasticfigments

I really think I laughed too hard.. I might have pulled something in the process. Ahhh the ugly side of Etsy with a great streak of humor. Love it!

They were going to call Intervention for me.... But even my family was too embarassed by my addicition to Etsy

Smooches
Steph

June 4, 2009 at 3:43 p.m. karmascreation

oh this is golden - what a great read!!!!!!!!

June 4, 2009 at 3:55 p.m. VintageBookStore

You really should start selling those shirts!
That was such a great article:) ..hilarious!

June 4, 2009 at 4:14 p.m. ellebelleonetsy

Having so much fun reading all your comments... I had a sneaking suspicion I wasn't the only one ;)
Can't wait for the Widower to get home from work to commiserate!
And for the couple of people who have asked, the shirts are for sale in my shop.
Thanks!

June 4, 2009 at 4:37 p.m. annashoub

I am writing from the great etsy beyond. Please contact my husband and child. I think they need a sympathetic shoulder to cry on.

June 4, 2009 at 4:40 p.m. lovelygifts

Very cute!! LOL

June 4, 2009 at 4:48 p.m. TianaCHE

Such funny! That's true! Awesome article!

June 4, 2009 at 5:01 p.m. LittleAdorables

This is Tremendously Funny!

We seriously need to start an Etsy's Anonymous for all of us Addicts.

Awesome & Creative Article!
Thank you for giving me a laugh :D

June 4, 2009 at 5:06 p.m. tadalyn2006

I laughed a lot, too funny!

June 4, 2009 at 5:29 p.m. 1AEON

go babies, go babies!!!!!!

June 4, 2009 at 5:36 p.m. weewoobies

omgoodness! this was just so funny...and t r u e.
My husband would agree, wholeheartedly. Perhaps you should form a support group, heehee!

June 4, 2009 at 5:45 p.m. MagnoliaFern

teehee, the ending made me happy, it's all funny and strange until he gets his own shop, then the fight for the computer begins!

June 4, 2009 at 6 p.m. lionfish53

Dude!! You are hysterically funny!! Wow- did reading about your plight make my day:)

June 4, 2009 at 6:10 p.m. DalkullanJewelry

At least you've still got a sense of humor.

June 4, 2009 at 6:58 p.m. FinnFancies

LOL!! That is me to a perfect t!! My husband is totally an etsy widower!

June 4, 2009 at 7:46 p.m. roseworksjewelry

LOL

June 4, 2009 at 7:51 p.m. ObjectsOfAffection

such an adorable article...i know my husband and kids feel the same way!

June 4, 2009 at 8:13 p.m. MercuryOrchid

That was hilarious! I was really concerned in the beginning! That sinking feeling ... until it dawned:)

June 4, 2009 at 8:40 p.m. recycledwares

what a great article. love the twist you put on this. I don't know whether to laugh or cry - just kidding.

June 4, 2009 at 8:51 p.m. apiecebydenise

What a cute article! At some point with a "new baby", she must have closed the laptop at some point in time ;o)

June 4, 2009 at 9:11 p.m. pogoshop

So funny! Believe me, we all understand. But I beg you, don't name the new baby Etsy just to get long lost mom to notice the poor little thing.

June 4, 2009 at 9:38 p.m. That70sShoppe

Great story and shirts to go with it. :-)

June 4, 2009 at 10:01 p.m. budpnq

I've sent this to my husband so he will know he's not alone in his grief. Sometimes, I really miss the guy.

:D

June 4, 2009 at 11:30 p.m. michon

you have my most sincere condolences

;)

June 5, 2009 at 12:20 a.m. NaturalBornKilners

Lucky for me my husband started an Etsy shop too, and now we craft together - leaving the entire world behind in our own Etsyverse!

June 5, 2009 at 12:29 a.m. vsimonds

What phenomenal wit and candor! OMGosh that was entertaining!! Thank you for that.

It's funny that we always feel compelled to share our own stories after reading such spot on articles like this; probably part of what makes Etsy so great! So, I'll share the short version--

Is my husband the only one that is really, really NOT amused by my addiction? I'm guessing not b/c people have said that this article makes light of the dark underbelly of Etsy's web. Just had to mention that not only is this article gut achingly funny--YOU have an excellent attitude and you are clearly a patient and forgiving human being. Wish there were more guys like you out there who could put this forgiving spin on it!

June 5, 2009 at 12:44 a.m. toprem

It's just so tragic.. That little face haunts me!

June 5, 2009 at 12:49 a.m. StacyRaeT

To funny!!!!!!! I know my husband can relate at times.

June 5, 2009 at 2:17 a.m. PunkieGrace

Oh, my gosh, I was laughing through the whole thing...it is so true in my house too! Fortunately my husband is a web programmer/designer so there is at least a mutual understanding :) Nice shirts!

June 5, 2009 at 3:23 a.m. SundraSandrusi

Funny stuff!

June 5, 2009 at 4:37 a.m. PetitPlat

hahahaha!
Sooooooooooooo true!
My poor boyfriend feels the same :D

June 5, 2009 at 4:42 a.m. lapomme

love this article! such fun morning reading.

June 5, 2009 at 4:43 a.m. staroftheeast

He heeeeeeeeeeeee too funny!
*Ahum*, I'm very sorry for your loss...

June 5, 2009 at 4:56 a.m. ingermaaike

HAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA the best laugh in ages!

Whoops....*sorry for your loss she says with a straight face*

June 5, 2009 at 4:57 a.m. vilte

fun reading :) though i'm afraid my husband and boths kids have also lost their mother...

June 5, 2009 at 5:29 a.m. CarolineRoseArt

What fun! I am lost to etsy too, I'm sure I have a toddler here - somewhere?

June 5, 2009 at 5:30 a.m. JaneBoFelt

Thank you for this article! My husband'll like it - he feels the same))))))))))))))

June 5, 2009 at 5:32 a.m. triskela

too cute, too true. love the ts!

June 5, 2009 at 5:45 a.m. Allthingsmade2287

Loved the article. Love the t-shirts as well. I am not where your wife is yet, but I am hoping to be in that better place by end of yr. Then the other half will have to wear one of those t-shirts.

June 5, 2009 at 7:40 a.m. TheFlippyFlea

This is too funny. I'm sure my husband can relate. I no longer spend my free time watching TV with him. Now I leave him with the baby monitor and go to my sewing room to be at-one with my sewing machine! LOL!

June 5, 2009 at 7:52 a.m. dkskinner

Enjoyed the article, very cute!

June 5, 2009 at 7:56 a.m. oldcrowfarm

So So true! I can't wait to have my husband read this article. Or maybe thats a bad idea?

June 5, 2009 at 8:04 a.m. lokiwomanwares

Hee-Hee! I know my kids and hubby can relate!

June 5, 2009 at 8:14 a.m. kathryncole

Great article!

June 5, 2009 at 8:40 a.m. younghairlove

yOU ARE TAKING THE MICKEY, MAN!! I WAS SO SAD READING ON AND THEN REALISE YOU WERE TAKING THE MICKEY!!! WHAT IS UP? YES, DO GET AN ETSY SHOP AND BECOME EVEN MORE ADDICTED TO IT THAN YOUR WIFE!!
BUT, I AGREE, YOU KNOW WHEN MY BOYFRIEND SPENT £200 ON AN X BOX, AND MORE FOR THE GAMES, COUNTING THE TIME HE WILL BE TOTALLY HYPNOSED BY IT, NOT EVEN NOTICING THE HOUSE IS ON FIRE, OR WHEN YOU GUYS ARE GLUED TO THE TV WITH FOOTBALL ON, THEN YOU REALISE IT'S ONLY FAIR.

I SAY YOU GO GIRL!!, AND TO YOU: BOOOOO FOR SCARING US!!

June 5, 2009 at 8:42 a.m. Birchangel

HA!LOVE THIS! I am sure my husband thinks the same thing!

June 5, 2009 at 9:24 a.m. OrdinaryMommy

I love a good dry sense of humor! I send along my condolences, and would send my own husband along to play if we lived in Florida. At any rate, I will definitely have him read this so that he can see that he doesn't have it so bad ;)

June 5, 2009 at 9:26 a.m. bluepisces76

Brilliant! That's too funny, I'm sure many out there relate to this story and now WE have an idea of how the men in our lives (or women) feel!

June 5, 2009 at 9:31 a.m. Grandmothershouse

LOVE IT! What a great sense of humor and understanding you have at such an early age - it usually takes much longer to train the husband! You probably will never really know how much your support means to your woman - one day you'll be able to retire in style because of her passions.

June 5, 2009 at 10:43 a.m. tendermomentsllc

Too Funny! Every since joining Etsy, I have had a surge in the amount of time I spend in my "crafting corner" + my husband says I "get lost" for hours (that I innocently deny and say was only minutes-oops!) at the computer. As an Etsy Neophite, I am beginning to see more and more how time flies when you are having FUN! :-)

June 5, 2009 at 12:34 p.m. nekidesu

hehehe :) my condolences to you and your daughter

June 5, 2009 at 12:52 p.m. additionsstyle

This was a great post!

June 5, 2009 at 1:01 p.m. postroadvintage

..my house is orphaned too! those dishes get so lonely in the sink all day with nobody to wash them! thanks for the good laugh!

June 5, 2009 at 1:13 p.m. crochetgal

This is absolutely priceless. At least you had the nerve to come out and say in public what many spouses and partners have been saying in privat for years!

My partner has decided NOT to be an Etsy widower though. He joined Etsy and will now convo me from the other room!

June 5, 2009 at 1:44 p.m. LoveAppleBoutique

Great story, Etsy is addicting. So much goes undone while im on etsy. I can relate to this story. Its like if my husband wrote it about me. LOL.

June 5, 2009 at 3:27 p.m. uncljohn

My partner is not gone completly, I get to see her on the third Thursday of the month and occaisionlly her voice is heard some what muted off in the distance. Sorta ghostly. Gottaluvit!

June 5, 2009 at 3:29 p.m. laralewis

oh my gosh this is hysterical!!! so true...i have to get those t-shirts for my family, i know they can relate!!

June 5, 2009 at 4:04 p.m. PipocaHandmade

Too funny! Great article and picks! My sympathies...!

June 5, 2009 at 5:12 p.m. staceylyndesigns

So cute! Love the TShirts!

June 5, 2009 at 5:53 p.m. sineminugur

CUTE:)

June 5, 2009 at 8:03 p.m. theivorymagnolia

i totally love this. a great read for my hubby.

June 5, 2009 at 8:12 p.m. pixiecampbell

yes, my husband and son got quite a laugh out of this!!

June 5, 2009 at 8:31 p.m. wovendreams

How much fun! I read the article to my husband and he truly sympathizes. We're still laughing! Continue on writing! We'd love to hear/laugh more.

June 5, 2009 at 10:51 p.m. hannmade

I can't even show my husband this article because I can only go on Etsy when he's out of the house... and then i erase my cache so he doesn't know... i swear my son is sleeping right now- he doesn't mind.... :0)

June 5, 2009 at 11:37 p.m. VitalTemptation

My husband is in the support group too! Funny!

June 5, 2009 at 11:45 p.m. SpiritedWoodland

This was absolutely fantastic! I couldn't stop laughing and thinking of my poor husband who is probably next in line. Thank you! This was great :)

June 6, 2009 at 12:51 a.m. MosaicTileBuffet

Ohhhh, this was the Best story yet! I am new here to Etsy, but hooked...I'm hoping I can keep from looking around and seeing hubby and two cat sweeties wearing "Widower" and "Orphan" shirts! Great read!

June 6, 2009 at 5:16 a.m. vintageapparel

Your daughter's face really does look sad in the reflection of the glass. Who knows, maybe one day, you will break out with an etsy shop of your own, maybe kids t-shirts and have your daughter model. Then the competition is on!

FREE USA SHIPPING THIS WEEK-END ONLY. AND FOR MY INTERNATIONAL FRIENDS...50% OFF!

June 6, 2009 at 7:01 a.m. midnightcoiler

Heartwarming and funny! I thought it would be sad at first. Great writing!

June 6, 2009 at 2:07 p.m. BDOODLES

LOL, no truer story has been told. I'm just sure one day I'll wake up to find my computer MIA and hubby looking like the cat that swallowed the canary :))

June 6, 2009 at 3:13 p.m. SarahBeeCreations

My husband would probably join, but that would mean he would have to have access to the computer. :)
Now to spend an hour looking through searches after I get back from the fabric store...
while I shop on Etsy via the new iPhone app (Handmade) by taking photos of fabric swatches and matching them up to things I must have

June 6, 2009 at 5:31 p.m. SewnGreen

Ha my husband would join in a heartbeat! My husband is terrified to let me leave home with the children because he knows at least they slow me up a bit. On my own, craft stores watch out!

June 6, 2009 at 11:51 p.m. beadinbythesea

Oh, this is so funny...and so true. My husband has called himself an Etsy widower many a time.

June 7, 2009 at 12:02 a.m. PrudenceOctavia

oh so true!

June 7, 2009 at 6:11 a.m. allthosethrees

Whoa you scared me too!

lol. Hilarious.

June 7, 2009 at 7 a.m. maybeads

Hilarious! I love the shot of your poor Etsy orphan - priceless!

June 7, 2009 at 8:23 a.m. rolanddesigns

Ha ! I think my husband is heading the same dirsction. I have two web sites, I have an E-bay and ETSY shop, and my mind is continually filled with ' new' ideas.
I craft every minute I have free, and spend a lot of time with my nose glued to the blogs, and forums, ideas etc...on ETSY

June 7, 2009 at 8:39 a.m. SignsByDiane

Haha! This is so true! My husband is also an Etsy widower and I am an Etsy addict! My kids are grown but at least my son is home from college now that summer is here and he and dad can share watching the Phillies on TV! What will he do in the fall?

June 7, 2009 at 3:56 p.m. raisinlike

This is so true LOL

Thanks for featuring my Etsy sales fairy :o)

June 7, 2009 at 5:21 p.m. 8milecreekdesigns

GREAT STORY & love the T-SHIRTS! I think everyone in my family needs one!

June 7, 2009 at 6:45 p.m. blackbird72

LOLOLOL

June 7, 2009 at 7:55 p.m. Love2BInspired

Fun article!! I think alot of our families can relate. Thanks for the laugh!

June 7, 2009 at 11:45 p.m. CHenry

Oh my, That was fabulously funny. Great article !!! One of these days there could be a new group ! Etsy annonymous !!! A twelve step program for all of us Etsians. I don't think so !!!! LOL

June 7, 2009 at 11:50 p.m. salvagenotes

Hilarious! My boyfriend loves Etsy "craft time" because it has such a calming effect on me. LOL.

June 8, 2009 at 1:05 a.m. MissTiara

VERY CRAFTY WRITER YOU ARE! I enjoyed reading!

June 8, 2009 at 1:37 a.m. honeypielove

HAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHHAHAH!!!!!!!
So funny and well put. My boyfriend feels the same way about me-----
I don't me to laugh about this-
It is a serious habit- if it means not being around those you love as much and making them upset.
But as my etsy addiction grows stronger- I'm finding it harder and harder to want to spend time with...well....anyone!

Good luck with everything- and thanks for the story! I'm going to email it to my boyfriend right now- I suppose i could get up from my computer and tell him about it , but that would involve leaving etsy for a few minutes- can't bare the thought of that....

June 8, 2009 at 1:48 a.m. corysportraits

at first I was like omg this is so sad.
Then it was really cute when I read that she wasnt really dead!

June 8, 2009 at 3:37 p.m. craftyfolk

very clever!

June 9, 2009 at 3:57 a.m. lyptis

This was fun to read!
So true.., im sure alot of men will understand!:)

June 9, 2009 at 4:44 a.m. jivah

Hilarious - especially loved the bit about "fabric pushers" and "thread dealers" :)

June 9, 2009 at 10:42 a.m. urartist

Bravo! This should be one of the web's Top 10 wittiest and funniest blog ever written. Great job, widower dad. Say hi to my hubby when you bump onto him in etsy-widow land :)

June 9, 2009 at 3:38 p.m. MelanieMathieu

So great...and so true! LOL!!

June 9, 2009 at 8:46 p.m. couturedesignsbym

Etsy needs EA instead of AA, except it doesn't have to be anonymous...we all know who we are. My husband is looking at me right know, as my children nearly kill each other wrestling, and is saying...GET OFF ETSY!

I have a problem, but I like it.

June 10, 2009 at 12:22 a.m. soule

That is Hilarious!!! Thanks for the laugh!

June 10, 2009 at 12:50 a.m. minniesheart

Hehehehe. Couldn't stop giggling, I can almost see my husband writing this very same article. LOL

June 10, 2009 at 11:44 a.m. RubyStudios

Just stumbled on this. My hearty condolences (and chuckles!!!)

June 10, 2009 at 4:20 p.m. ArtsyPicks

What a delightful piece of satire! Priceless. This one's a keeper!

June 11, 2009 at 7:28 a.m. secretjewellz

What a great read. lol. My partner is a widower too.

June 13, 2009 at 12:16 p.m. sleepymoondesign

Haha this is great! My son needs an Etsy orphan shirt!

June 13, 2009 at 2:09 p.m. VENUSCANDLES

That was so cute!! That is what my husband says about me :) At least I am not the only one!!

June 13, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. PixieSoap

That was fabulous! Loved the story and had lots of giggles. :)

June 13, 2009 at 8:19 p.m. GlamBlasphemy

Great writer! Really love it.♥
I'm only 17 years old and I spent most hours of my days on Etsy.com, and the other hours, crafting for my shop.

I'm an Etsyholic.
And proud. ☺

~Wednesday.
Glamblasphemy.etsy.com

June 15, 2009 at 1:19 p.m. floresdelsol

oh so true. my poor poor hubby

June 16, 2009 at 9:35 a.m. inalather

Well done! What a supportive guy =D

June 18, 2009 at 3:19 a.m. haptree

This is hilarious! I had to put a link on my blog!

June 18, 2009 at 3:55 p.m. decoratethediva

Too funny!!! My family feels the same way!!!
~Renee

June 18, 2009 at 8:25 p.m. smellyrhino

omg. as I write this, we are having our time together on the couch, me with the laptop, him watching tv!

June 20, 2009 at 3:49 p.m. PerfectlyPractical

A really standout blog! I really enjoyed reading it.
My husband probably feels the same way but I won't ask him. I'll just serve him his reheated meatloaf.

June 20, 2009 at 11:16 p.m. JPMYERSLURES

Dude, pry the wifie's fingers from the keyboard for a bit & hang out in my store for a little while.. I have plenty of "Dude" related items.., well if you're into outdoor fun such as fishing..Drop by, be a Dude..
John

June 23, 2009 at 3:18 p.m. fineheart

Very funny. You're a talented writer. Read it to my husband (who now works from home) also known as my bandwidth hog! He relates.

June 29, 2009 at 3:01 a.m. gemheart1

My hubby would relate,too. for years my he lived with my "quilting insanity," so it's nothing new for him to see my "jewelry insanity," as I weld away on precious metals and string semi-precious beads (once a rockhound, always a rockhound).

July 4, 2009 at 12:55 a.m. MagnetGames

that was such a fun read!

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