I'm a lucky guy. I'm married to an amazing woman. I probably don't have to tell you how amazing Betsy is, but just in case you're new here: She's built a business from nothing in 2 years. She's got this incredible knack for following her gut to beauty, humor, truth, and the more than occasional perfect pair of earrings. I don't think I've met anyone else who's more well liked by more people in less time. She's magnetic. Well, my good fortune doesn't stop with Betsy; my friends are pretty excellent as well. I met Kari Chapin in quaint Montpelier, VT during the summer of 2004. In fact, she was my boss for a whirlwind 3 months of creemees, mint juleps, Grimm fairy tales, late nights, and early mornings of yard sale hopping. Yeah, she was a real slave driver.
Czar Chapin lays down the law
I introduced Betsy and Kari right before Betsy and I won $75 in nickels in the loose slots of Atlantic City. Since then, Betsy's begun making her living in the handmade marketplace and Kari's written a book about it (not just about Betsy). The Handmade Marketplace: How to Sell Your Crafts Locally, Globally, and Online is the current top seller at Powell's, and in three categories on Amazon. Kari basically walks you through how to be Betsy (and many others like her) in 218 pages. It feels good in the hand; it's got Kari's joy, optimism, and hard-(and fun)-work-will-pay-off ethos on every page in addition to thoughts, tips, and inside advice from heavy hitters in the handmade world (Betsy is on pgs 50-51). I'm so proud of Kari. This book is fantastic. But you don't have to take my word for it... Well, Betsy wants to brighten your day and de-blight-en your bookshelf (I know, I have a way with words) by giving you your very own copy of this gem! We'll mail the book out to one lucky commenter (haikus about Vermont summer days are encouraged.) Be sure your email address is valid so we can find you if you win. We'll pick a winner at random on Saturday, 2.27.10, so comment away until then! Thanks for sharing your blog with me, Betsy. xoxox