Paying It Forward...(or Backwards) Part 2

Before I get started on this post, I am going to shamelessly ask my readers if they are interested in sponsoring my son in his readathon fundraiser. Basically the kids have to read 30 minutes a day for 2 weeks. Then they get donations (flat fee) and they get to buy brand new books with 50% of the money they raise. The other 50% goes to their teacher to buy new books for their classroom. The budget is bad and no cost of living adjustments this upcoming year so the teachers need all the help they can get. You can email me at productsoftheday@gmail.com. I do have a paypal account if that is easier. Just put "fundraiser" or "books" in the subject. Ok..now to my POST.

I posted awhile back about the PIF phenomenon on Etsy. Well....I've been very lucky to find some really wonderful items via the PIFs and I wanted to pay it back to those great Etsian sellers. These are amazing items that I can't believe went at such a low price. What wonderful people these Etsians are to do such a kind act.

I'm going to start with a really cute jewelry shop that is top notch when is comes to customer service! Like A Rolling Stone on Etsy run by Eryn. I found a great PIF..this necklace called Hurricane with all the lovely purple shells and beads. So, of course I bought it...well Eryn convo'd me right away and told me she had searched all over her house and couldn't find the necklace. She told me either she'd refund me or offer me a similar necklace as a PIF item. She also said that whatever path I chose, if she found the original necklace she'd send it to me. She sent me a photo of this other necklace with rose quartz, amethyst and garnet (the one on the right) and I thought it was very pretty. I decided to go with that one. Eryn also ended up sending me a pair of gorgeous earrings for all my trouble (really it was no trouble at all). And, a couple of weeks later I get another package from Eryn, this one had the Hurricane necklace..finally found. Talk about FANTASTIC customer service. You find these every now and then but they are rare and Eryn's generosity is perhaps even more rare. She's having a special offer right now in her shop where every purchase in May will receive a free pair of earrings (designed based on your order). Plus, she's got several PIFs, very low prices and fair shipping costs. I highly recommend Like a Rolling Stone, great jewelry and great customer care!

This next PIF I got is one that just blew me away with it's quality. This lampwork bead pendant from Fencer Lady. I got it for 20 cents (listing fee on Etsy) plus a low shipping cost. When I got it I couldn't believe that she let this go as a PIF. It's a beautiful piece and the photo doesn't do it much justice. I finally bought myself an antique brass chain to wear it on. It's just an amazing pendant. This could've easily sold for $15 but WOW did I get lucky. Now, not all PIFs are 20 cents plus shipping but you can find a gem of a deal and she's got some gems in her store.

Now, I do recommend that you look carefully when you shop for PIFs. Some people charge a low cost and then jack up the shipping costs to no end. I've seen some beautiful necklaces that I got all excited about for 99 cents but the shipping was $10. And, try not to be greedy in one store....some won't allow you more than one anyway but don't be greedy. And, be sure to pay it forward to someone else who could use a pick me up.

P.I.F.!

I've recently discovered something quite wonderful on Etsy, it's called PIF or Pay It Forward. Basically, alot of Etsy sellers will list something for 20 cents or some low low price...you just have to pay that price plus shipping and either list your own PIF or just do something nice for someone else. I got myself a couple of PIFs recently and now it's my turn to PIF by posting about the 2 PIFs I got.

First up is this great bag from Hazel Honey. I saw her post on the forum for a free bag and took a look. I loved this bag and told her I would take it. She is trying to reduce her current inventory right now as she is preparing to restock the store. This is a great patchwork tote bag with a tan courdoury (I know I butchered the spelling right) and an art print fabric. There's three great fabric flowers for embellishment and the handles are nice and strong. No pockets inside but I can live with that. And, even my husband said it's a really nice bag and he never says anything about the stuff I get :-) I think the bag was $18 originally but like I said it was free. Prices range from $3 (for a cute pincushion) to $18 (tote bag). I have hearted the shop and intend to take a look at her new items when they are up.

Next is this cute Sterling Silver Star charm that I snagged up from The Ivy Leaf. I did a search for handmade items with PIF in the title, tags or description. While perusing the items I found this little charm. The title, Sterling Silver Star Dangle Pendant - One Stinking Buck - JUST TO SEE IF ANYBODY IS OUT THERE, just made me laugh and I wanted to let them know someone was out there. Yes folks, $1 plus $1 shipping is all I paid for this charmer. I just got it in the mail today and it is a cute little star...just need to find a chain for it uggh. There's all kinds of these charms plus earrings on the site. Check out the Build a Necklace section where you will find charms and chains to put something together. There's also the "Stinking Buck" section which is my fav ;-) So, please check them out!

You can do your own search on Etsy either by category or whatever to see what PIFs turn up. Just remember to Pay It Forward and do something nice for someone else.