SHOPPING IS FUN AGAIN
The April’s Army charity shop on Etsy is once again open and ready for business!
April’s Army is one of the largest teams on Etsy, and is comprised entirely of Regretsy members.
During the last week of each month, participating sellers set aside at least one handmade item to benefit Regretsy’s charity fund. ALL profits go directly to the person in need.
Last month was our second sale. The team raised nearly $4000 for an Etsy seller who lost everything in a devastating fire.
This month, we’re raising money to benefit Etsy seller Katie Cowen. Katie is asking for help for her mom, who has been through a lot lately:
A few years ago, my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer. Despite surgeries, aggressive chemo and radiation, it spread to his liver, spine, and brain. My mom became the sole income-earner for the family. Medical bills in the hundreds of thousands of dollars were piling up, and somehow she still managed to sit with my dad 24 hours a day when he was in the hospital.
We eventually had to move a few cities away (we could no longer afford the rising rent), and my mom made a daily three hour commute back without complaint. If I could nominate her for sainthood as well as April’s Army, I would.
My wonderful, amazing, awesome dad died last May, and somehow she’s kept us all from falling apart.
She works 7 days a week. I’ve never seen her take a vacation. She’s supporting me and my little brother while crushing medical debt hangs over her head. Yesterday, her sister called to tell her that her mother is dying. Now, on top of worrying about how to pay rent, how to make ends meet and how to survive with so much debt, she has to take time off work and pay to fly across the country for her mother’s funeral.
My mom has endured more in one year than any person should. I’ve left college to help, but I can only do so much. She needs more. She deserves more.
Even the smallest bit of help would lift a huge burden off her shoulders. And to see that someone out there cares, to see some human kindness from the world after a year of totally being shit on by life…I know what that would mean to her. It would mean everything.
I was really touched by Katie’s story, and her selfless request. If you would like to be a part of this effort, there are three ways you can help.
1. Visit Katie’s Etsy store, and purchase something directly from her. She makes all kinds of wonderful soaps, and nothing is over $6.
2. Make a contribution via Katie’s web site.
3. Visit April’s Army on Etsy. Everything in the store this month was made and donated specifically to benefit Katie. A great group of talented sellers have given so much of themselves, and there are some incredible things for sale.
Even if you can’t afford to buy anything or don’t see something you want, please take a moment to visit these stores and show some love for these sellers. They have been unbelievably generous with their time and talent. And you can always share the link to the April’s Army Etsy store.
I’m now in the process of choosing a recipient for July’s effort. If you know someone who needs help, let me know!
And click here to like April’s Army on Facebook, and get news, updates and sneak peeks of upcoming inventory!
Thanks to everyone for their kindness and support.
June 28, 2011 at 9:57 am
Gak! Where is the FUCKING BAG OF FUCKING FUCKS cross-stitch? I must have it!!
June 28, 2011 at 10:24 am
http://www.etsy.com/shop/packodales?ref=pr_shop
That’s the person who made it according to the listing.
June 28, 2011 at 8:28 pm
I must have said “FUCKING BAG OF FUCKING FUCKS” at least a dozen times today. It was just one of those days.
June 28, 2011 at 10:00 am
Arrrggg. SOAP? Katie sells SOAP? Shit. Adorable soaps in fun, unusual scents are my “No more shopping. I don’t need more stuff.” kryptonite.
June 28, 2011 at 11:26 am
I used the excuse that my mom’s birthday is this week, and I can give her the soaps a little late.
She’s as big a soap whore as I am!!!
June 28, 2011 at 11:21 pm
That has to be the most genuinely pleasant kind of whore I have ever encountered.
June 28, 2011 at 10:02 am
Hooray! I got the crocheted flouncing cat-bottoms! And the ejaculating muscle-boy charm! I win! You losers can buy all the rest of that crap, I got mine.
June 28, 2011 at 11:26 am
Damn, I wanted the cat bottoms….
June 28, 2011 at 7:19 pm
I got the adorable purple elephant!
June 28, 2011 at 10:03 am
I’ve been following Regretsy for over a year now, never commented, it’s just not my thing. But I love Regretsy and love April´s Army. Sitting here drinking and smoking my cigarette I found myself crying and ordering. Thank you all for making me laugh and making me buy shit and cry and drink wine all at the same time. You guys fucking rock!
June 28, 2011 at 10:29 am
Oh I am so glad that I’m not the only one who cried. And Regretsy usually leads to me doing some combination of laugh/cry/drink/buy shit, but today I will ensure my cleanliness for at least the next year.
June 28, 2011 at 10:04 am
Wow, that’s a horribly sad story. It also reminds me that that’s exactly the situation that bankruptcy is designed for. Katie, please please please, tell your mom to stop killing herself and get a bankruptcy lawyer. There’s only so much one person should be expected to handle ever. *sends hugs and heads to make a contribution*
June 28, 2011 at 10:10 am
Agreed. No shame in a bancruptcy in this type of situation. That being said, let’s all go buy, buy, buy!
June 28, 2011 at 10:24 am
On her website, Katie said that her mom had to get cosigners on her loan–would bankruptcy hurt their credit also? Man, what a tough situation all around.
June 28, 2011 at 10:34 am
Yes, and the co-signers are her employers, so it’s NOT a good situation.
June 28, 2011 at 10:44 am
There should be some sort of bankruptcy/ re-organization she can undertake here. Medical bills are the number one reason for filing bankruptcy in the USA. I hope she will at least talk to a bankruptcy lawyer.
June 28, 2011 at 10:55 am
Her mom’s co-signers are her employers, which means they have great faith in her and that, at least, is one less stressful thing in her life.
June 28, 2011 at 2:23 pm
Ditto what kidc said. Talking to a good bankrupcy lawyer will cost a little money, but it won’t hurt anyone’s credit and it may give her options. No matter what happens I’ll have my fingers crossed that she can find a way out.
June 28, 2011 at 10:58 am
Not a lawyer, but I believe she can choose which debts to write off, so maybe she could keep the loans cosigned by employers and discharge the medical bills and other debts.
June 28, 2011 at 11:28 am
Depends on what style you file, so to speak. We were able to leave out co-signed loans from our bankruptcy back ALMOST 10 years ago (only 6 mos to go before it’s off our credit, whooot!). I think they’d be able to file for the medical at the very least….
June 28, 2011 at 4:06 pm
After my ex ran up huge bills in my name, I wound up filing. My parents had co-signed on my car loan, and I went to the credit union and signed a paper saying I intended to honor the debt, and there were no repercussions for my parents. Of course, that may vary from state to state, so talking to a bankruptcy lawyer is the way to go. BTW, mine did not charge to talk to me, but I had to pay him before he’d file anything.
June 28, 2011 at 10:35 am
I headed over and made a contribution so the shop wouldn’t sell out as quickly as usual.
But I did it in all my Regretsy fat-assed loser way.
Can’t have people thinking I’ve gone soft.
June 28, 2011 at 10:57 am
I’ll keep your secret, Bratfink, don’t worry. And those aren’t emotional tears in your eyes. It’s allergy season.
June 28, 2011 at 11:05 am
Of course. Zyrtec makes my eyes water. A LOT.
June 28, 2011 at 10:06 am
These items in the April’s Army story are getting better and better every month!
June 28, 2011 at 10:10 am
Someone needs to get on making buyable prints for flounce cats. Those would sell like hot cakes made out of bedazzled bieber pubes.
June 28, 2011 at 10:29 am
wow. that actually made me say “ew” while laughing so I sounded a bit like a sheep. Not much makes me say “ew” but that hit me just right.
June 28, 2011 at 2:11 pm
Does anyone believe Beiber has pubes?
June 28, 2011 at 2:26 pm
Of course he does! Fangirls send him all kinds of weird things.
June 28, 2011 at 3:02 pm
*high fives Pammyhead*
June 28, 2011 at 10:08 am
April’s Army, the Regretsians, and Our Fearless Leader are all awesome with extra sauce. Good Karma all around!
June 28, 2011 at 11:06 am
As long as I don’t have to get up and go to church on Sundays.
June 28, 2011 at 10:10 am
The cross-stitch that says “Things with vaginas remind me of you” is hilarious.
June 28, 2011 at 11:38 am
But wait…I AM a thing with a vagina! How meta!
June 28, 2011 at 10:14 am
Ugh. I have $18 to my name and I am considering spending 1/3 of that on soap…
June 28, 2011 at 11:29 am
I bought a bunch, so save your $18 for gas or food…..:)
June 28, 2011 at 11:56 am
Same here. I was going to say I’ll think of you when I lather up, but that just sounds so wrong.
June 28, 2011 at 2:14 pm
Wrong, but fun.
June 28, 2011 at 6:39 pm
DO IT.
June 28, 2011 at 10:15 am
If I could turn into Derren Brown and win the lottery for this lady, I would do it WITH JOY.
In lieu of that, I’m gonna buy some very beautiful hello kitty soap and send my warmest wishes for a happier future.
June 28, 2011 at 10:58 am
I’m sending the link for that soap to a Hello Kitty fan I know. Unfortunately I don’t know her e-mail but will see her this weekend. I’m sure if she wants the soap that Katie can make more.
June 28, 2011 at 10:16 am
I’m in love with the cupcake with goggles but can’t find it in the store. sure it’s gone but who is the artist… I can’t find it?
June 28, 2011 at 10:20 am
http://www.etsy.com/shop/smallandpissed
June 28, 2011 at 10:22 am
Thank you thank you!
June 28, 2011 at 12:31 pm
ARRRRG! I love those cupcakes so much but I don’t have a spare $165 lying around.
June 28, 2011 at 1:10 pm
Because I am a big, fat, jealous, loser whore, I am just gonna say that I am happy to do payment plans and/or lay-away. There are a lot of hours in those little bastards and I would be breaking a promise to one of my artist idols if I charged any less for them. I am not going to get all choked up about how nice, and flattering you have all been about them.
June 28, 2011 at 10:21 am
this was my question. ^^ Steampunkcake? I love him!
June 28, 2011 at 10:22 am
I was going to say that but then I was afraid someone might say “Things not remotely steampunk”
June 28, 2011 at 10:28 am
smallandpissed is fantastic. Buy from her!!!
June 28, 2011 at 11:00 am
Thanks so much! I really needed a cupcake too!
June 28, 2011 at 11:18 am
You can look through the past sales to find the stuff in the picture which has already sold (hint: ALL). on the other hand, it also makes you sad about all the awesome stuff you missed out on.
June 28, 2011 at 10:18 am
I bought some soaps. Would have bought more if they were in the shape of flounce cats. =/
June 28, 2011 at 10:19 am
Man, too bad the octopus underpants aren’t still available. I can only imagine the look of politely restrained horror on my husband’s face if I got those for him…
June 28, 2011 at 11:19 am
http://ragnar-anchorage.tumblr.com/post/4775972272/ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahhahahahaha
June 28, 2011 at 8:15 pm
Who made those? I wanted them for the boyfriend so badly
June 29, 2011 at 1:50 am
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CreativeCallipipper?section_id=7709032
June 28, 2011 at 10:22 am
Bought a minty smelly soap!
I’m an unemployed single mother…it’s the little I can do.
Y’all got this.
June 28, 2011 at 10:59 am
You are awesome!
June 28, 2011 at 11:33 am
You rock!
June 28, 2011 at 10:28 am
gah, that story made me cry. off to shop and share links everywhere.
June 28, 2011 at 10:28 am
Damn, I really liked the cupcake. The things you miss out on when you have crazy emotional breakdowns and then sleep too late
June 28, 2011 at 10:30 am
And guys, please leave feedback for whichever of the shops you puchase from. If you are feeling super generous a nice thank you convo to person who donated your item would be great as well.
June 28, 2011 at 10:32 am
Canada’s mail strike ended just in time. Yay!
June 28, 2011 at 10:46 am
yes! perfect timing! I’ve been meaning to donate items to the AA shop but with all those Canada Post issues I was too hesitant. Now I’m going to look into donating for next month!
June 28, 2011 at 10:35 am
Shopping *IS* fun; both of my items sold, AND I got the adorable baby bear hat! (The hat will arrive long before my kid does, but I can’t wait!)
June 28, 2011 at 10:41 am
Which ones were yours?
June 28, 2011 at 11:00 am
I contributed the Flounce
Kittehnecklace as my Regretsy item, and a Sun pendant as my Summer theme item(sorry if this posts twice, it didn’t show up the first time)
June 28, 2011 at 11:22 am
I tried responding, but I think I’m being censored b/c of the name of my piece. (I may end up with three replies now…oops!)
I contributed the Flounce Kitty necklace and Sun pendant.
June 28, 2011 at 11:42 am
I don’t do a lot of Etsy or even on-line shopping, but if I did it right this time then I think I bought your sun pendant.
June 28, 2011 at 1:26 pm
I’m going to guess from your avatar, and the last name of the person who bought it, that it was you
June 28, 2011 at 4:51 pm
Oh no! You’ve found out my secret identity! Does that mean I have to be nice now? YOU KNOW WHERE I LIVE! I’VE SAID TOO MUCH ALREADY!
June 28, 2011 at 10:41 am
I got the Flounce Face earrings!! *doing a happy dance*
By the time I got PayPal straightened out (anxiety! oh no, someone’s going to buy them instead of me!) the other earrings I was going to buy–the Mobius Rose–were bought by one of you fat, ugly, jealous, wonderfully generous losers. I’m so proud to be one of you!
Club Fuckery 4 Lyfe!!
June 28, 2011 at 11:11 am
THE MOBIUS ROSE CHAINMAIL EARRINGS WENT BACK UP AND I GOT A PAIR!!!
*doing extra-happy dance–more cool earrings and more money for Katie’s mom!!*
June 28, 2011 at 10:45 am
I bought some soap because my daughter’s first apartment is all cute and perfect that way and I figured she’d like the soap. But then I bought two because I know I’d like the soap.
Now I’m just hoping someone buys my donation to the shop. (not saying which one it is, so you’ll have to buy everything to find out).
June 28, 2011 at 10:47 am
I can’t afford to buy much right now, but I did post her shop in my facebook for all my fans to see!
June 28, 2011 at 10:48 am
I scored the “Self-Pollination” drawing, Hooray!!!
June 28, 2011 at 11:03 am
I wonder what my teenage sons are going to think when I replace their “manly” soap with some cute floral shaped soaps?
June 28, 2011 at 11:08 am
They might decide they REALLY like soap.
June 28, 2011 at 11:16 am
How do I make a donation to April’s Army? I can’t buy cause I’m too broke to eat, but at least I can donate some of the stuff I’ve made…
June 28, 2011 at 11:43 am
If you have “liked” Regretsy on facebook she usually asks there for anyone who wants to donate to send in items by a certain deadline.
June 28, 2011 at 11:45 am
My mistake, like April’s Army on facebook and then you’ll see her updates and calls for items. Time for a nap…
June 28, 2011 at 12:06 pm
Guidelines for Contributions to the shop
Also, that’s on the Facebook page for the shop, so you should go “like” it too.
June 28, 2011 at 7:24 pm
Super! Thanks
Too bad I seem to have missed this one — next month I guess!
June 28, 2011 at 11:21 am
It’s probably good that http://www.etsy.com/transaction/52608474 sold before I saw it, as I have entirely too many friends it would be appropriate for to ever decide on just one.
June 28, 2011 at 11:42 am
That is gorgeous! I don’t know what the price was, but the work is very well done.
Sigh. At least I got to see it, even if I can’t own it. Thanks for the link!
June 28, 2011 at 9:08 pm
I think that’s my Cthulhu egg you linked to… maybe I’ll make another one for the next sale! I’m so happy it sold and I’m getting some nice feedback. I was also thinking about doing a baby dragon hatching, not sure if that would be as popular as Cthulhu but it could be soooo cute, and the snake skin would make awesome dragon scales.
June 28, 2011 at 11:22 am
This is another example of why this country needs, no MUST have, universal health care.
Crying now, damn it.
June 28, 2011 at 2:29 pm
*sniff* That story really put everything in perspective.
The purple soap would make a great addition to a gift for a friend. All the best to you, Katie and family!
June 28, 2011 at 11:24 am
Looooooove the vintage dress….
http://www.etsy.com/listing/76699326/vintage-60s-home-sewn-dress
SOO SAD that my bust hasn’t been a size 42 since I was a teenager.
June 28, 2011 at 1:14 pm
Isn’t that dress awesome? I’d wear the hell out of it, but I’m not that great at resizing clothes past the pattern stage.
June 28, 2011 at 5:58 pm
42! I haven’t been a 42 since the day that it rained and, to protect it, I stuffed my suede purse under my blouse.
June 28, 2011 at 11:49 am
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
June 28, 2011 at 11:57 am
A big pat on the back for everyone who contributed or bought something, and to the peeps who set up the listings!
I am very proud of my little contribution to the shop. It has been fun explaining to my friends what April’s Army is all about, and why the heck I have been crocheting naughty things… o_O
June 28, 2011 at 12:03 pm
All 3 of my donates jewelries have been bought! I’m so happy xD
June 28, 2011 at 12:17 pm
Love the cupcake!! Must make more money to buy mean cupcakes!!
June 28, 2011 at 12:46 pm
I love the soaps <3 Though, I'm already somewhat of a hoarder of beauty products…at any rate, I made a donation instead! Wouldn't it be cool if everyone in the community donated $1, that would add up really fast. Katie, I wish you and your family the best!
June 28, 2011 at 1:56 pm
Oh, I had a big happy when I saw the title and cartoon of this post – and then a big sad when I read Katie’s story. Jeezaloo. So I’m taking $20 of my big whoop-de-frickin’-do yard sale winnings (42 big ones) and donating it to Katie and her mom. Even though hubby and I are unemployed I know it’s the karma-ly right thing to do. And I really don’t need any more stuff, though I’m sorely tempted.
June 28, 2011 at 1:59 pm
AAHHHH I want to buy soap NOW! But I have to wait until I get paid on Friday. I only have $8 until then because I’ve been supporting my drinking habit. Oops. lol
June 28, 2011 at 2:35 pm
Her soaps are so cute! I made an Etsy account just so I could buy the tangerine and lychee roses. Yum!
June 28, 2011 at 2:58 pm
I got a soap (mmmm… plumeria…). And last night, I was browsing the shop and saw this and knew I must have it:
http://www.etsy.com/transaction/52633620
Lovelovelove it. It’s going to make my budget for next month hard, (stupid increasing rent) but I loved it too much to pass it up. AND for a good cause.
June 28, 2011 at 3:52 pm
Just bought two sets of soaps for my boyfriend’s sister as a housewarming gift. She just bought her first house so she needs tons of adorable unnecessities to fill it with.
June 28, 2011 at 4:33 pm
I bought 3 of the minty soaps to give as Christmas presents. It’s the first time I’ve been able to purchase something, so I’m happy to help. Good luck to her and the family.
June 28, 2011 at 5:50 pm
I’m trying to buy but Etsy is having problems connecting to PayPal! ARGH!
June 28, 2011 at 5:51 pm
Nevermind. Got it to work. Bought some soaps to set aside for Christmas.
June 28, 2011 at 6:41 pm
As an uppity Canadian who benefits from universal health care, this simultaneously breaks my heart and infuriates me. My own mom is dying of lung cancer and we are not one dime out of pocket. Yes, there are serious drawbacks to our system, specifically the wait times and bureaucracy, but I will take those any day over this heartless profiteering on the backs of good people like Katie and her parents. Bless people like you for coming to their aid. (OK, I’ll go die of communism now.)
June 28, 2011 at 8:02 pm
You fat jealous losers make me proud. *sniff* And Yay for that lovely person that bought my arts
June 28, 2011 at 8:22 pm
Bought a set of six mini-star soaps, her shop is nearly cleaned out. You all are so awesome! (still sad I didn’t get to the octopus undies first)
who made them, I can’t figure it out!?
June 28, 2011 at 9:06 pm
I think this approach is solid. Having been in financial straights before, I can attest that obtaining an ass-ton of cash addresses the problem. I didn’t get an ass-ton of cash, actually, so I suppose this is a hypothesis. But it is a sound one.
.
Get some cash to this girl.
.
I pledge my vibrating adult diaper idea to her cause.
June 29, 2011 at 6:17 am
Once again I’m so happy Regrestsy started this program. I ordered soap – small treat for me, much needed help for someone else. Win-win.
June 29, 2011 at 3:28 pm
How can we donate some things to be sold in the April’s Army shop?
June 29, 2011 at 4:27 pm
Holy crap, I go away for a day and you vultures buy up everything! Dammit, you generous, awful bitches!
June 30, 2011 at 9:23 am
I KNOW!! I went there today and all the ones I had wanted to buy ARE GONE! What a bunch of fat, generous, jealous, GREEDY, wonderfully smelling losers! Guess I’ll buy a different scent….
June 29, 2011 at 7:29 pm
I NEED MOAR STUFF!!!!!
DAMN YOU PEOPLE WITH MORE INTERNET ACCESS THAN ME
June 30, 2011 at 11:15 am
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
July 1, 2011 at 5:50 pm
Whoever made the “Two-Faced Bitch Dog Collar and Leash Set” I wish I had 50 bucks lying around. This beautiful piece of whimsicle fuckery that my dog produced before he passed away, would look fucking excellent in it.
July 1, 2011 at 5:52 pm
July 1, 2011 at 6:22 pm
Now.. I loves me this idea, but I’m just going to play devil’s advocate for second… April, how do you know that the people telling you these stories are genuine? That all of these lovely generous people aren’t being played? Perhaps I’ve just met too many shitty people in my life and am naturally suspicious. I WANT to believe, dammit. MAKE ME A BELIEVER.