Etsy's Handmade Blog
Families of the Addicted
Story by aPassionForFashion
Published on October 3, 2007 in Etc 		Photo by Jason Meyers (Jennifer Meyers awake at 3:00 am finishing an order.)

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.

Tags A Dude's Perspective, ETC, Etsy addicts, family, husbands, men
All articles in Etc
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64 comments     Login to add your own!

Oct. 3, 2007 at 2:35 p.m. BethPeardonProds

All I can say is that I laughed through this whole article.....glad your husband has a good sense of humor.

Oct. 3, 2007 at 2:46 p.m. samann1121

Heehee... Gotta have my husband read this. At least then he'll know he's not alone!

Oct. 3, 2007 at 2:47 p.m. ruthdesigns

He is so like my husband it's spooky :)

Fab article!

Oct. 3, 2007 at 3:01 p.m. plenox

Seriously funny and so true. I will have to have my DH read this.

Oct. 3, 2007 at 3:10 p.m. staceyrebecca

I object! There was no yarn or felt at that meeting!

Oct. 3, 2007 at 3:17 p.m. HeyMichelle

Hilarious! Etsy addiction affects us all...

Oct. 3, 2007 at 3:24 p.m. TrilliumArtisans

Great story!

Oct. 3, 2007 at 3:26 p.m. aPassionForFashion

My son got a big laugh seeing himself on Etsy...He says.."Now I'm on Etsy all the time!"

Oct. 3, 2007 at 3:35 p.m. silentcheesecake

omg, this article was so funny. cheers!

Oct. 3, 2007 at 3:38 p.m. ColorMeBella

Hysterical!
I will show this to
my bf ASAP
to let him know that
he's not alone.

;)

Oct. 3, 2007 at 4:40 p.m. PicturesofLily

ha!

Oct. 3, 2007 at 4:58 p.m. BululuStudio

My husband needs to read this.

Oct. 3, 2007 at 5:10 p.m. stormcrowou

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!

Oct. 3, 2007 at 5:16 p.m. catiesblue

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 rooms”, consider moving to a bigger house with an actual “craft room.”

Awesome. :)

Oct. 3, 2007 at 5:51 p.m. katelynjane

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". (:

Oct. 3, 2007 at 5:55 p.m. QuiteLikeHome

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!! :)

Oct. 3, 2007 at 6:07 p.m. bunny

Hahaha, brilliant.
Awww, the photo of the kiddy with the plate is genuis!!!

Oct. 3, 2007 at 6:26 p.m. rhymeswithtwee

ahhaha! GREAT JOB!

sadly, my boyfriend and i followed this advice:
• If your living room, kitchen and bedrooms all become “craft rooms”, 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?

Oct. 3, 2007 at 7:38 p.m. Tamarasherbes

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!

Oct. 3, 2007 at 7:45 p.m. mollyart

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

Oct. 3, 2007 at 7:46 p.m. caughtredhanded

I am the husband of caughtredhanded. Your wife only stays up until 3?

Just wait- it gets worse :)

Oct. 3, 2007 at 7:57 p.m. kcbeana

This is hilarious! I am not letting my husband see this though. Then he'll have a good idea of what's to come. ;)

Oct. 3, 2007 at 8:01 p.m. OrganicHideaway

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!

Oct. 3, 2007 at 8:27 p.m. BroadwayBeads

Great article! Sounds like my husband could have wrote it! :)

Oct. 3, 2007 at 9:20 p.m. FrucciDesign

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!!!!

Oct. 3, 2007 at 9:25 p.m. SweetWolf

I'm going to get my hubby to read this so he knows he is not alone!

Oct. 3, 2007 at 9:49 p.m. bagladiesinpa

hahaha! So funny!! (and true)
Very well written!
Etsy addicts are also insomniacs!

Oct. 3, 2007 at 9:53 p.m. BeadsInTheBelfry

OMG I love it. I have to share this with hubby. Perhaps they can form a support group!

Oct. 3, 2007 at 10:18 p.m. picklepot

this is a great article. loved it. thanks for making me laugh

Oct. 3, 2007 at 11:17 p.m. ficklefaerie

What a great article...which I had a husband so understanding!

Oct. 4, 2007 at 12:24 a.m. momomadeit

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!

Oct. 4, 2007 at 12:37 a.m. lisajoan

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!

Oct. 4, 2007 at 12:50 a.m. saplanet

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!

Oct. 4, 2007 at 1:22 a.m. natalierensink

I emailed this to my husband. I heart this article!

Oct. 4, 2007 at 1:47 a.m. beadygirlbeads

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!

Oct. 4, 2007 at 2:23 a.m. aPassionForFashion

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!

Oct. 4, 2007 at 2:48 a.m. CrochetandStitches

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.

Oct. 4, 2007 at 3:50 a.m. aPassionForFashion

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!)

Oct. 4, 2007 at 3:55 a.m. Cidtalk

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!!

Oct. 4, 2007 at 5:10 a.m. yumptatious

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!

Oct. 4, 2007 at 3:57 p.m. happywhosits

Or, you can do what some other 'etsy husbands' have done - open your own etsy store!

Eileen...

Oct. 4, 2007 at 8:50 p.m. bunky77

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

Oct. 5, 2007 at 1:22 a.m. aPassionForFashion

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.

Oct. 5, 2007 at 1:26 a.m. aPassionForFashion

OMG!!! Is this how it starts?? I just typed a reply on Etsy! Hellllp!

Jason

Oct. 5, 2007 at 4:43 a.m. brynnalex

What a great write-up! It made me cry!
Your friend, Elaine

Oct. 8, 2007 at 8:42 p.m. HappyHouseQuilts

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

Oct. 10, 2007 at 3:08 p.m. SimplySusan

Great article! Though, I find myself *wishing* I had my own craft cabinet like aPassionForFashion! I only have the dining room table. :)

Oct. 16, 2007 at 11:40 a.m. Figments

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!

Oct. 16, 2007 at 11:31 p.m. gingerblack

I sent it to my husband, too, with the subject line: You are not alone.

Love it!

Oct. 23, 2007 at 10:47 a.m. BEKAHknits

This article is hilarious!

Oct. 24, 2007 at 12:56 a.m. aPassionForFashion

Keep watching out for more from my husband...he is pitching another story!

Oct. 24, 2007 at 10:31 p.m. smashing

oh the poor etsians husbands, the forgotten victims of textile and bead love!

so funny! i can't wait to read more :)

Oct. 26, 2007 at 11:17 a.m. charmedlife

This was just too funny!

Nov. 6, 2007 at 11:34 p.m. aPassionForFashion

any day the new one is comming out!!

Nov. 9, 2007 at 7:56 p.m. livefunky

Fantastic! Going to email this to my husband right now! :)

Nov. 11, 2007 at 1:37 a.m. EvesOriginals

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!

Nov. 13, 2007 at 9:04 a.m. athousandnonedreams

"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!

Dec. 30, 2007 at 2:34 a.m. susanclare

OMG, it is UNCANNY how closely Jennifer's craft corner resembles my own!!!So nice to know that I am not alone! Susan

Jan. 1, 2008 at 10:36 p.m. foolingnobody

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

Jan. 2, 2008 at 8:34 p.m. luchi

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!

Jan. 3, 2008 at 1:11 a.m. LoucheLab

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!

June 4, 2009 at 6:14 p.m. Illusio

The most entertaining read I have had in a long time. Actually laughed out loud more than once..

Thanks :)

June 12, 2009 at 8:50 p.m. babycakesanddecor

this is priceless! maybe we should help our hubby's start a support group! :)

Oct. 26, 2009 at 1:53 p.m. steampunkjewelry

LOL

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