Etsy's Handmade Blog
Etsian and Blogger Critically Injured in Plane Crash: Nienie Recovery Project
Story by reachelbagley
Published on September 12, 2008 in Craftivism 		Photo by

Wendy Whitacre of Blue Lily Photography

On Saturday, August 16, 2008, Stephanie Nielson was in a plane crash with her husband, Christian Nielson, and his flight instructor, Doug Kinneard, near St. Johns, Arizona. Doug Kinneard passed away soon after arriving at the Maricopa County Hospital.
 
Christian and Stephanie remain in critical condition at the Maricopa Burn Center.  Christian has sustained burns on over 30% of his body.  His wife Stephanie’s body was burned over 80%.  
 
Since 2005, Stephanie has welcomed us into her charming abode through the NieNie Dialogues (nieniedialogues.blogspot.com). Woven into enchanting stories on home décor, vegetarian cooking, and joy filled parenting, a handcrafted life came into focus. Weeknight dinners were carefully conceived, organic celebrations, walls were an opportunity to display needlework or framed artwork by a four-year-old, and Christmas was a time dedicated to exchanging handmade treasures.

Afternoons were often spent crafting home art with her four children, all under the age of 6.  The results ranged from portrait silhouettes to Vintage Jane baby blankets. Stephanie was dedicated to a handmade lifestyle because she enjoyed the romance that came from using something that was infused with someone else’s love and talent.

The Etsy community has swarmed to help one of their own since hearing of the tragedy.  Stephanie aka stephanienie had purchased on Etsy and made friends. Hundreds of community members have hosted online auctions, dedicated sales to the family’s benefit, or joined in the upcoming Etsy Benefit Sale to be held September 23rd-24th.  Check into this Etsy shop for the Benefit. Etsy sellers can use this blog post as a starting point for getting involved or visit www.nierecovery.com or contact nierecovery@gmail.com.

Katie aka katelynjane.etsy.com also suggests checking for updates on Stephanie (Nie Nie) and Christian on Stephanie's sister's blog CJane http://blog.cjanerun.com/. Also see http://www.designmom.com/2008/08/nie-nie-day-is here.htm where all, most of the Nie Day auctions are listed. Their family recently appeared on the Today Show; view video here.

Tags Arizona, blogger, charity, Christian Nielson, CRAFTIVISM, donations, Nie news, nienie, nie nie, plane crash, reachelbagley, recovery project, stephanienie, Stephanie Nielson
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113 comments     Login to add your own!

Sept. 12, 2008 at 2:53 p.m. bayousalvage

bless their hearts. so sorry to hear this of this. get well soon nielson family

Sept. 12, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. Karmacrochet

My heart goes to them.. so sad. I wish them a speedy recovery.

Sept. 12, 2008 at 3:09 p.m. katelynjane

I was so sad to hear about their accident! There's bloggers all over having auctions for this cause and I was so happy to be able to be apart of one of the auctions.

My prayers are with the family!

Sept. 12, 2008 at 3:09 p.m. shelece

My prayers and loves goes out to them. What a beautiful family.

Sept. 12, 2008 at 3:17 p.m. foodchic

My prayers go out to them and their children.

Sept. 12, 2008 at 3:22 p.m. NestaUsa

WOW! I didn't even realize they are local.

Sept. 12, 2008 at 3:28 p.m. KentonBeadworks

Best wishes and prayers to them and their family.

Sept. 12, 2008 at 3:53 p.m. fernfiddlehead

Oh my this is too sad. Prayers and well wishes for the survivors.

Sept. 12, 2008 at 3:54 p.m. OiseauxNoir

this beautiful family is in my heart... wishing them health and a graceful recovery.

Sept. 12, 2008 at 3:54 p.m. beadinbythesea

What a terrible tragedy for such a lovely family. I will be praying...

Sept. 12, 2008 at 4:25 p.m. thistlenthat

What a beautiful family. My heart and prayers go out to them for a total recovery and good health.

Sept. 12, 2008 at 4:37 p.m. art2theextreme

They are in my prayers. I heard about this on Good Morning America and heard about her blog. I did not know she is an Etsian. Well wishes for all of them!

Sept. 12, 2008 at 4:52 p.m. LittleLovables

Oh my goodness, how tragic. They will be in my prayers.

Sept. 12, 2008 at 4:55 p.m. 4SevensSake

I just read this. I will keep her and her family in my heart and prayers.

Sept. 12, 2008 at 5 p.m. Thinkoutsidethebox

This story goes beyond horrific, tragic, unbelievable or any other thought that comes to mind when describing this. My heart so aches for their beautiful children who have obviously shared in a wonderful life led by their crafty and ingenuitive mother. I had no idea that this had happened, not knowing the family on any level. But this story hits home for so many of us etsians and mothers as we can feel deeply, the loss that both the husband, wife/mother, children and family must be going through. Let us all remember, through this, to appreciate our health, our children and the rest of our loved ones and for this family, lets give all of our cherished and extra hug today!

Sept. 12, 2008 at 5:55 p.m. Kymsart777

Oh, I am so sorry. This is horrible news. Prayers to the whole family, and hugs. You will be in my thoughts. What a beautiful family!

Sept. 12, 2008 at 6:08 p.m. reactivedesigns

My Heart goes out to the family and prayers for recovery.

Sept. 12, 2008 at 6:44 p.m. lela88

oh my gosh, I pray that the family will be okay, so many children and they need both of their parents. God help them get through this.

Sept. 12, 2008 at 6:48 p.m. elizabellajewelry

How tragic! I am very sorry to hear this. My prayers and thoughts are with all the families involved. God bless you.

Sept. 12, 2008 at 6:52 p.m. 1AEON

oh man...

Sept. 12, 2008 at 7:03 p.m. hamptonbeads

It's mind blowing to think that one day they were perfectly fine and happy, and the next....a nightmare beyond comprehension. God bless this family and may they have a speedy recovery. My prayers are with all of them.

Sept. 12, 2008 at 7:15 p.m. olivianeal

I'm so sorry to hear about this. What a beautiful family! My hopes and prayers are with the Nielsons and their family. I pray that they make it through, and that they receive everything that they need during this difficult time. I would like them to know that they are not alone. They have an extended family here at etsy,and we are right by their side. God bless you :)

Sept. 12, 2008 at 7:18 p.m. bittersweetdesign

tragedies like this on a smaller or larger scale happen to so many over a life time - coming together to help is healing - not only for the family - to have so many show their support - but also for those who help - because we realize, this too could be us...

God bless the Nielsons on this journey - we will keep them in our thoughts and prayers.

Sept. 12, 2008 at 7:35 p.m. treasurefield

So glad to see this story addressed here; I'm praying for the Nielsons, too!

Sept. 12, 2008 at 7:38 p.m. ObjectsOfAffection

I will be praying for their recovery.

Sept. 12, 2008 at 7:59 p.m. ArelelDesigns

What a heart breaking story. My thoughts and prayers will be with them all.

Sept. 12, 2008 at 8:24 p.m. corrmon

This is very sad, I ill be praying for them and for their beautiful children

Sept. 12, 2008 at 8:24 p.m. handsoncrafts

My prayers and loves goes out to them!!We will be praying for their recovery.

Sept. 12, 2008 at 8:29 p.m. bellebabies

How awful! I am so sorry to hear this and I wish them a speedy recovery!

Sept. 12, 2008 at 8:30 p.m. littlesparrowstuff

Goodness, that is so sad. My prayers are with them and their family!

Sept. 12, 2008 at 8:39 p.m. hadleygetscrafty

It pleases me so much that Etsy is using this forum to do something so helpful. Doesn't it just make you all feel so good?

Sept. 12, 2008 at 9:14 p.m. gigglinggoldfish

My heart and prayers go out to them and their family.

Sept. 12, 2008 at 9:18 p.m. simplypadproject

I'll pray with all my heart..
Jesus always be with you and family..Amen.

Sept. 12, 2008 at 9:22 p.m. capitolagirl

I'm stunned by this story. I recognized NieNie's picture in your article from a avatar photo that I'd seen recently on another site, and I had a hard time believing what I was reading. They are a beautiful family. My prayers and best wishes go out to Stephanie, her husband and their extended family for their recovery.

Sept. 12, 2008 at 9:28 p.m. LSKcrochet

Their family is in my prayer.......

Sept. 12, 2008 at 9:51 p.m. princesslotta

I am saddened by this tragedy and yet buoyed by the collective spirit on etsy that reaches out and touches the hearts of those involved, that despite our differences, cultural and language barriers, religious beliefs and political constraints join in supporting a fellow etsian. I pray for NieNie and her husband to make a recovery and be reunited with their beautiful wee children. And I am saddened at the loss of their instructor Doug Kinneard, may his family also receive the support of those here.

Sept. 12, 2008 at 10:06 p.m. DuBuhDuDesigns

Thank you for posting their story here :)

Sept. 12, 2008 at 10:59 p.m. southerncreations

It is true that terrible things often happen to good people. The Nielson family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks for publishing this and please keep us updated...they have such a long road ahead of them.

Sept. 12, 2008 at 11:14 p.m. dahliasoleil

Whoa.I recently tried to get an ad on her blog through Project Wonderful.I had no idea. This is really sad to hear.What a beautiful family.Wishing a full recovery to survivors.

Sept. 12, 2008 at 11:23 p.m. cthings

I'm shocked to have read this. Will be thinking of the family and praying.

Sept. 12, 2008 at 11:30 p.m. MoonlitHerbals

My heart goes out to their family and I will definitely be sending healing thoughts their way.

Sept. 12, 2008 at 11:34 p.m. EliteElishi

it's a terrible tragedy, my prayers are with your family

Sept. 12, 2008 at 11:53 p.m. atouchofvintage

i will pray for your family

Sept. 12, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. HouseThatCrowBuilt

This family is in my thoughts. There is a long road ahead of them. It won't be easy but I hope the support of fellow etsians will make a difference to them.

Sept. 13, 2008 at 12:54 a.m. AureliaandAnnalise

we are thinking of you, hope your recovery goes well. So sorry:(

Sept. 13, 2008 at 2:59 a.m. oceangypsy

They are in my prayers

Sept. 13, 2008 at 5:50 a.m. AutumnLeavesJewelry

Please recover!!! I'm so sorry to hear about the instructor! You are all in my thoughts and prayers!

Sept. 13, 2008 at 6:44 a.m. kellyvanhook

we just never know day to day what we are in store for...I am so sad by this news...I pray they will be okay...they are a beautiful family.

Sept. 13, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. Chuletindesigns

Thanks Etsy. Best whishes for the Nielson family.

Sept. 13, 2008 at 9:34 a.m. cheli387

May God bless you and keep you in His loving care. I wish you all a speedy recovery.
Cheli

A new member of the Etsy family

Sept. 13, 2008 at 9:55 a.m. Ardene

All of my prayers are with this beautiful family. What a horrible tragedy.

Sept. 13, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. KalliopeBeads

My heart goes out to the family. Well wishes and good thoughts to them for a speedy recovery. Blessings!

Sept. 13, 2008 at 11:20 a.m. brownbunnybyiris

I wish them to recover perfectly. It's such a sad experience for this lovely children!

Sept. 13, 2008 at 12:23 p.m. shamila

My thoughts go out to them. What a beautiful family.

Sept. 13, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. TwoHandsCrafts

It's so wonderful to see how many are praying for this family. I know that prayers work! I'm living proof!!

May God bless them and all of you praying for them.

I too will keep them in my prayers!

Sept. 13, 2008 at 1:05 p.m. SaliJoGems

My heart dropped when I read this article. I can't imagine what the children are doing ..hope they have strong family members to care for them.
All at Etsy will hold them in our hearts during this hard time. Sandra

Sept. 13, 2008 at 1:39 p.m. bizzybcreations

My thoughts and prayers are with this family.

Sept. 13, 2008 at 2:17 p.m. Cinderelics

Oh Dear Lord be with this truly dedicated and beautiful family. I know there must be a plan for them that we may not understand right now but will anxiously await to see how you work this out. It certainly will help when they realize just how many fellow artisans really do care about them and will be waiting to hear about their much wished for recovery of their health
and hearts. Much love, Cinderelics

Sept. 13, 2008 at 2:17 p.m. pumpkinhaus

nielson family... I will keep you in my thoughts. take care.

Sept. 13, 2008 at 3:41 p.m. CreationsbySparks

My heart broke when i read of the Nielson family tragedy.My heart felt prayers goes out to them.I pray that all artisans will help with donations and the auction and pray for the family.Prayer works.Thank you Etsy.

Sept. 13, 2008 at 4:12 p.m. Tulle

I just became aware of this and I, too, am terribly sad to hear this news. I will be using TuLLe and tenthings as a means to donate. God bless them.

Sept. 13, 2008 at 4:13 p.m. dbhoyleart

What a horrendous tragedy for this young family! My heart and thoughts are with them, their children and all their loved ones! wishing them all strength, peace and prayers!

Sept. 13, 2008 at 5:44 p.m. details2112

Thoughts and prayers to all. May God bless you with strength and peace.

Sept. 13, 2008 at 6:20 p.m. MarthasVintage

What a gorgeous family. My prayers are with them for a speedy recovery.

Sept. 13, 2008 at 9:18 p.m. topstitchstudio

God be the Nielson family. My prayers are with them for strength and peace & a speedy recovery too.

Sept. 13, 2008 at 9:19 p.m. topstitchstudio

God be with the Nielson family. My prayers are with them for strength, peace, & a speedy recovery.

Sept. 14, 2008 at 12:14 a.m. inafrenzy

This family touched me by seeing the first photo. My prayers are with each and every one of them. My heart goes out to you all. May God be with you now, even more than He already is.

Sept. 14, 2008 at 1:35 a.m. najmuthakib

hi, i am donating 10% from all of my "Dainty Pearl Earrings". Please do anything you can to help me help them.

my shop:
najmuthakib.etsy.com

Sept. 14, 2008 at 8:36 a.m. ClairesArtfulThings

Best wishes for a strong recovery! They will be in my thoughts!

Sept. 14, 2008 at 1:36 p.m. BigSkyDreamer

Spirit, prayers and tears for the Nielson family and the Kinneard family. Thanks to the faithful Etsy family.

Sept. 14, 2008 at 2:22 p.m. purplepaint

Oh my gosh! I hadn't even heard about this until now! Sending up prayers for Stephanie's entire family! Thanks Etsy for letting us know.

Sept. 14, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. babypeasandcarrots

When I heard about this horrible accident I had to help out by donating a few of my items. I really hope the money I raised will help their family.

Sept. 14, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. ModFarmgirl

This is so sad.... My love and prayers goes out to them. My God bless and help them!

Sept. 14, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. MeadowbelleVintage

My heart is broken for them. Let's see just what the Etsy community can do. I am going to run (click) to my store and see what I can find to donate! I hope everyone who reads this does the same. My prayers are for the family.

Sept. 14, 2008 at 4:32 p.m. staroftheeast

Such a big tragic, hope they will soon be like in this beautiful picture: healthy and together...

Sept. 14, 2008 at 8:16 p.m. peakahsoh

best wishes and recovery to this beautiful family! :) my prayers are with you...

Sept. 14, 2008 at 9:05 p.m. mizusugi

I will keep them in my prayers. Such a beautiful family! Best wishes and speedy recovery.

Sept. 14, 2008 at 9:30 p.m. autumnsarrival

We will keep the family in our prayers. I cannot imagine! Bless them and theirs and well wishes for a speedy recovery.

Sept. 14, 2008 at 10:23 p.m. AnnieandOlive

this really touched my heart...prayers are being sent up....remember the Lord is good! What a precious family...

Sept. 14, 2008 at 10:39 p.m. dollsforfriends

Thank you for posting this important article. Such a lovely family, it is truly heartwrenching to hear of this tragic accident. We will be thinking of you all, and waiting for good news.

Sept. 15, 2008 at 1:23 a.m. momgoosiepie

What a beautiful family. Right from my own home-state.

I will certainly hold them in my thoughts, with love and good fortune. Looking forward to a healthy recovery, and return to their children.

Sept. 15, 2008 at 4:58 a.m. Patterns4All

This touches me so much. My heart goes out to their entire family.

Sept. 15, 2008 at 11:32 a.m. mountainvintage

I'll keep them in my thoughts! Please update us when possible!

Sept. 15, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. vividstudio

I will keep them in my thoughts! Thank you for posting this. This way we could help out the Nielson with donations.

Sept. 15, 2008 at 5:52 p.m. ChicHatsandMore

May you feel the Lord's arms wrapped around your entire Nielson family. And may the blessing overflow to you for a speedy recovery.

Sept. 16, 2008 at 12:36 a.m. shuvah

I hope you will be standing in front of your house, with your beautiful children, again, very soon. Envision it. Constantly.

Sept. 16, 2008 at 3:13 a.m. rkdsign88

My prayer always for their recovery.

Sept. 16, 2008 at 10:38 p.m. HiJinx

Extremely touching. My prayers, like so many others, are with the entire family. I watched the video and was very impressed by the families positive attitude and smiling faces. I'm sure that family trait is what makes Stephanie such a unique individual. What a wonderful gift to share. I'm sure they will pull through this with such wonderful support.

Bless you all.

Sept. 17, 2008 at 5:04 p.m. jamauerer

That's just terrible. I hope they make a quick recovery.

Sept. 20, 2008 at 12:08 a.m. carlycupcake

God bless the healing of this family... prayers will continue from my whole family...

Sept. 20, 2008 at 2:10 a.m. pinkshowercurtain

This is truly a heartwrenching story. My thought and prayers are with this family.

Sept. 21, 2008 at 4:15 a.m. Xenotees

Please give us updates- this is a terrible tragedy (of course an understatement)! I'm glad you wrote the article- everyone needs to mentally rally for them. I'll send as many healing vibes as I can muster! It's devastating to hear about such unfair turns of events.

Sept. 21, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. JeanAnnPoore

My prayers for comfort and recovery for this beautiful family. May God comfort them all, especially these precious babies.

Sept. 21, 2008 at 7:56 p.m. bri1967

I'm praying for all of you.

Sept. 21, 2008 at 10:54 p.m. JewelsByDesign

My prayers are included for this entire family.

Sept. 22, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. thepaintedlily

My prayers can be added to the heap... for the Stephanie and Christian, the children and their extended family that is doing so much. It is inspiring to see a family to full of hope and to see the Etsy community reach out to a family in need!

Sept. 22, 2008 at 5:53 p.m. aevan

Please keep us updated - I hope and wish them the best, and am glad that she has so many supportive friends and family to help out in their time of need. I'll be wishing them the best and providing the support that I can as well.

Sept. 23, 2008 at 6:28 a.m. Mirthquake

Goodness, I hope this family soon will shine like they do in the picture. The very best for them!!

Sept. 24, 2008 at 2:28 p.m. PolkaDotTurtle

My prayers go out to them and their entire family.

Sept. 25, 2008 at 3:10 p.m. annettemusick

I'm so sorry to hear about this. My prayers are with the family as well.

all my love,
annette

Sept. 26, 2008 at 6:40 a.m. MyMagicMe

I will pray for them, this is such a sad and heartbreaking story.

Sept. 26, 2008 at 10:42 a.m. seedwingwonder

~~~sending prayers & love to the whole family~~~<3

Sept. 26, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. Oliba

truely sad to hear. it's such a wonderful thing that as a community, we are pulling together to help.

wishes for a fast recovery for the whole family.

Sept. 29, 2008 at 6:19 p.m. TheAlteredAngel

What a beautiful family. I'm so sorry to hear this news
especially for those precious children. You're in my
thoughts for a positive outcome.

Sept. 30, 2008 at 6:24 p.m. Ania55

All we can do is pray! please do it!!
God will help us.......

Oct. 1, 2008 at 9:25 a.m. VeronicaClaire

I will hold them in my daily prayers. God bless this family as they fight their way back.

Oct. 1, 2008 at 2:31 p.m. starshinestainedglas

I am in awe of the loving support for these families - I just found out about it, and pray God heals them speedily, and gives their family strength and comfort. I pray for the family of the gentleman who lost his life.

Oct. 7, 2008 at 3:01 a.m. jonwen45

May our God of mercy and love hold them gently in his hands while they heal.

Oct. 13, 2008 at 10:22 p.m. BirdWatching

That is so sad. I live in AZ, I think I heard about this. I will keep them in my prayers.

Nov. 2, 2008 at 11:29 p.m. spoiledrockin

I too am from AZ....god be with you fine folks, so sorry for your loss. I wish you all a speedy recovery both mentally and physically!...good luck to you and yours.

Nov. 16, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. parltradet

Tears are rolling down my cheeks as I read about the fate of these two families. We live almost half a world away, but it feels as if we were neighbors. We share our love of crafts and family.
I pray for comfort for the survivers of Mr. Kinneard and for the Nielsens, a good recovery and the very best to those beautiful children.

Dec. 21, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. PoppysGarden

May 2009 be a bring a blessed recovery. My thoughts and good wishes are with all the family.

April 20, 2009 at 10:08 p.m. santosleather

Such a touching story ! It is encouraging to hear and read that people come together to help a family in need. Such a remarkable outpouring of love and support. These parents are blessed to be alive, they will make it, they seem so strong !

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