Local Craft Shows

Show your support this holiday season by shopping for local handmade arts and crafts at the following upcoming shows:

Kessler School Pumpkin Patch @ Kessler United Methodist Church: Saturday, October 11th from 9am-3pm

Urban Street Bazaar @ Bishop Arts District: Saturday, October 11th from 9am-3pm


Oak Cliff Artisans Fall Show @ Kidd Springs Rec Center: Saturday & Sunday, November 15-16 from 10am-5pm (Saturday) and noon-5pm (Sunday) MAP IT!


1st Annual Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash @ Sons of Hermann Hall: Saturday, November 22nd from 3pm-10pm
Don't miss this show! MAP IT!

Deck the Halls @ Southside on Lamar: Sunday, December 7th from 11am-6pm

Member Spotlight: Little Cookie


This week's member spotlight recognizes one of my favorite Etsy Dallasites -- Regina of Little Cookie! Regina makes gorgeous hand-dyed and folded kanzashi flower hair ornaments that burst to life. Who doesn't want that kind of sass going on upstairs? Check out Regina's kanzashi hair ornaments and her other adorable pieces (see my favorite below, the happy gyoza brooch)!



Shop Little Cookie in person at the upcoming 1st Annual Jingle Bash on November 22nd at the Sons of Hermann Hall!

by Carrie/Atom-In

September Birthdays


Happy Birthday to the following Etsy Dallas Members!

TigerBee Boxes: Patricia - Sept-1st

Binge & Purge: Jodi - Sept-4th

Glitz4Gals: Debra - Sept- 7

Piddle Stitch: Donna - Sept-12

Noodleloo: Kris - Sept-17

The Plaid Mushroom: Christy - Sept-18

Armhole: Ryan - Sept-20

The Polka Dotted Zebra: Stephanie - Sept-20

goodbloom: Holly - Sept-28

Knit Sisters: Constanza - Sept-28

Trinkets & Bows: Dena - Sept-28

O, Come All Ye Crafty!


The excitment is a-brewin'
Etsy Dallas will begin accepting applications from non-members beginning tomorrow, Saturday the 19th. Shoot us an email if you wish to receive a copy of our application.

Please note that spaces are super-duper limited as this has become (already!) a very popular event. This is a juried show and is for handmade only. Vendors must sell their own art and handmade goods.

Made a little clicky HERE if you are interested in receiving information on sponsorship opportunities. A million thanks to our official show sponsor, Funky Finds. Funky-tastic!

Etsy Dallas Meet Up Fun!

Etsy Dallas put together it's first ever Meet Up Friday night. We had a ton of fun chit chatting and socializing on the open patio at Lee Harvey's in Dallas. We dug into some great tasty burgers, sipped on a few drinks, and enjoyed the relaxing outdoor atmosphere of music and friends. It was definitely a great way to end the workweek and begin the 3-day weekend. Etsy Dallas wants to thank everyone who came out to play, and we hope to see yall at the next Meet Up.


We hope to do this again next month, so be on the look out for another invite. Keep in mind that these Meet Ups are open to anyone interested in hanging out with cool artsy folk. You don't have to be a member of Etsy Dallas to come play with us and join in on the fun. So I better see ya next time!!!!


Thanks for coming: The Kessler Craftsman and friends
Earth Essences
MiaMaria Designs and Chris
Memopause and Hubby

Tefi Designs and Jason
PunkRockPaperScissors
Grill'n Dylan and PamelaMichelle

Member Spotlight: LolaFalk

It is a truth universally acknowledged that no woman can have too many handbags. It's true!

So why not bulk up that handbag collection with a whimscial number from LolaFalk? Using bright, vivid colors and shiny fabrics like taffeta, LolaFalk's designs are both quirky and practical.

Lola Mini-Zip: $22

My favorite: The Urban Lola Tote in shades of teal, fuschia, and avocado. To quote the designer, this tote is, "Strictly for schlepping in style. This roomy tote does double duty as both a vessel for toting your wares and as an artful statement piece." I couldn't agree more!



Urban Lola Tote: $32

-by Stephanie of Tefi Designs (owner of many, many handbags)

Mark Your Calendars

THE JINGLE BASH CRAFT SHOW!!
Kick off the holiday season! Etsy Dallas, who first brought you the famous Beer-B-Q trunk show, is doing it again - even bigger and better this time.

The First Annual Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash will be held at the historic Sons of Hermann Hall at 3414 Elm St. in Dallas on November 22nd from 3pm-10pm. The show will feature over 40 local artists and crafters, live music, karaoke, great food, and a full bar. There is no cost to the public for admission or entertainment. While this show will be family-friendly, the vibe will be a fun, night-time holiday bash full of handmade love and good times. Think of it as a party - not your typical craft show!

Don't miss this one! We'll keep ya updated on new news related to the Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash!

by
pamela/pamelamichelle

August Birthdays



Happy happy birthday to the following Etsy Dallas members:

August 2nd: Caroline of Pink Lemonade Bags - handmade bags and totes for all occasions

August 10th: Camille of Carmen Colletti - couture clothing and handbags

August 14th: Kim of Poisoned Creations - kids' clothes and accessories that'll rock you out

August 17th: Cheyne of Cut Out & Collect - handmade bags, purses, and wallets

August 18th: Mandi of Scribble Scrabble - beaded pens and handbound journals

August 27th - Mary of Mary's Madness - beaded, charm jewelry with a twist

Photo Party! Rave Reviews!


Esty Dallas has done it again! One photo party down and hopefully more to come.

"It was an awesome event. I have a lot of photos to sort through but I think I got some good ones. Special thanks to Mandi of Scribble Scrabble and Alicia of Alicia Colina-Ashby for loaning me various body parts to photograph with my jewelry and notebooks."
Kara of Memo-Pause

"Thanks Carrie and James for being awesome hosts! I look forward to doing something like this again with Etsy Dallas."
Pam of Pamela Michelle

"We had a great time! Thank you to everyone who came by to support the team and have a good time. It was nice to meet some newbies!"
Stephanie of Tefi Designs

"The "Photarty" (as Kara of Memo-Pause called it) was THE place to be Sunday. The event was great -- there was talking, snacking, giggling, and photographing. It was really fun to model each others handy work while we got to know each other. Hope this become a regular ritual for our group!"
Alicia of Alicia Colina-Ashby

"I've never seen anything like it. The food, music, art and fabulous hosts. Flying home has never been so tragic. I really miss Etsy Dallas."
New York Post


"We had a great time and it was inspiring to see everyone's amazing work. Looking forward to more events like this in the future!"
Carrie of Atom-in

posted by Brenda of B.liscious

Member Spotlight: Designing Diva


Randi-Sue Deckard, AKA The Designing Diva, makes fabulous, organic jewelry in the old-fashioned way; with silver sheet and wire, and then using precious metal clay (PMC), stone and warm-glass cabochons.

Although Randi-Sue will tell you she started her successful gig as an artist-entrepreneur about five years ago, don’t believe it for a minute! This girl’s way too talented (both as an artist and as a self-employed Diva)! Her upbringing, her travels and her non-art interests have ‘percolated’ for years, resulting in fabulously synergistic creations.

About five years ago, she tried bead weaving but it just didn’t have the right fit. She stumbled upon a book on traditional silver smithing and started making Diva history.

Today, Randi combines her love of art glass, using homemade molds, art and dichroic glass and frits (colored glass powders) with hand-wrought silver to create truly beautiful custom pieces.

In describing her processes, Randi says “My designs tend to be organic and inspired by nature: the stone and glass dictate what I will do with the design. I’m inspired by the connection that my hands have with these materials; it’s like they have a mind of their own!”

As an entrepreneur, Randi-Sue runs her business via her online site, having built her customer base through various means, the most important of which is meeting prospective customers face-to-face at shows. She adds “Etsy has helped my art gain exposure and helped me to network with some fabulously talented, artistic entrepreneurs who have inspired me to try new things.”

Designing Diva…fabulously artistic and a model businesswoman for us all!


Check her out!
http://www.dallasdesigningdiva.etsy.com/

By Larry Pile The Kessler Craftman

Show Pony Show

Join Etsy Dallas at the upcoming Show Pony Show on August 17th! We'll be hosting a "progressive craft" project where shoppers will get to make their very own bookmark to take home with them. Look for the Etsy Dallas table to get started on this crafty project.



Not only will Etsy Dallas help you get your craft on, we'll have a raffle giveaway and a fun scavenger hunt. Find all the Etsy Dallas members participating in the event and get a free goodie bag full of promos and coupons!

For the raffle, guess how many beads in the Guessing Jar, jot down your email address so we can contact you, and cross your fingers and toes. That's it! The closest shopper to getting the exact number of beads will win a big ol' pile of free handmade items - all donated by Etsy Dallas members. Wow!

See you on the 17th.

posted by Stephanie of Tefi Designs

Member Spotlight: The Pig and the Peacock

I'm a huge bath and shower product junkie and just love scoping out new scents to try. Must have something to do with being hot and sweaty all the time living in the Big D!


The Pig and the Peacock Etsy shop
The Pig and The Peacock was started as an outlet for the creative passions of two sisters, Jenny and Sabrina Abney. The sisters started out making gift baskets for family and friends. Then they started making bath salts, then soaps, and the rest is history. They found that the process of making the soaps, salts, etc allowed them to express their creative sides in a way that they can't at their day jobs. Now, doesn't that sound familiar, all my crafty friends?



Here are my favorite picks:
Tahitian Fruit Punch Shea Butter Soap
Silk Road Blood Orange & Ginger Body Polish
Peacock's Hawaii Plumeria Shea Butter Soap
Mini-Purse Favors (set of 6 favors)

But why pick the name, The Pig and The Peacock? The sisters's fondest memories are the times the summer and holidays spent on their grandparents farm in Georgia. Their grandfather raised pigs and, to add some class to the place, their grandmother had peacocks. So, there you have it!

There are so many tempting "flavors" to try that I asked Jenny and Sabrina to share their favorites with us and why.

Jenny's Pick ( and hey mine too!)
Anything Silk Road Blood Orange and Ginger scented
Why? Citrus & Zingy

Sabrina's Pick
Tropical Papaya and Passion Fruit Shea Butter Soap with Glycerin Chunks
Why? Fruity & Exotic

I'm sure after checking out their shop, The Pig and The Peacock, you'll find at least one or two favorites to try. Plus, you get a free bath sample with every purchase.

Post written by Randi-Sue of DallasDesigningDiva

Member Spotlight: Modest Ambition

Ever since Anne of Modest Ambition joined Etsy Dallas back on Valentine's Day (oh so sweet!), I've admired her warm and colorful crocheted designs. Her shawls, hats, and bookmarks remind me of the classic and charming items I drool over during my weekly visits to Anthropologie.


The beauty of her items is that you don't have to wait for a cold autumn breeze to come your way to enjoy them. Mark your favorite Jane Austen passage with one of Anne's bookmarks, throw one of her capelets on top of a summer dress, or simply plan ahead for the approaching cool months with her cute Little Red Riding Hood cap. Either way, you're sure to feel pretty in a Modest Ambition creation.

posted by Stephanie/Tefi Designs

Member Spotlight: Tefi Designs



I decided it was about time that someone from the leadership team had their moment of glory, and what a brilliant choice than the woman who started Etsy Dallas? Let’s put our hands together for the wonderful Stephanie Hindall of Tefi Designs. Her original vision was to keep the group to around 5 members. I think she was open to maybe 10 members. Yikes! Look what it has become. Etsy Dallas is way past 100 members and is still growing. She has organized the bleep out of Dallas Etsy members and there is more to come. So cheers to you Tefi!

Not only is she a great leader, but she is also a seasoned artist! My favorite items of Tefi’s would be her one of kind necklaces. From delicate peapods to her fun hot dog necklace, the girl has something for everyone. Lately she has been felting up a storm and has the sore fingers to prove this. She has named this latest venture fiddleheads. "Fiddlehead: a young fern waiting to unfurl and burst to life." I’m partial to the fuzzy green ball, Moss, necklace. In the all mighty words of Linda Ronstadt, “It’s so easy to fall in love with Tefi”.

I’ve only mentioned a few of her items so check out Tefi’s fabulous work at the following sites:

Etsy: http://www.tefi.etsy.com/
WEB SITE: http://www.tefidesigns.com/
BLOG: http://www.tefidesigns.blogspot.com/

by b.liscious/brenda

Seeing Double

When you check out our Member page on our web site that lists members' shops, you might notice that there is more lurking behind the scenes...

Many of us creative people have more than one passion, and we display that passion by opening various Etsy shops. This blog entry is an ode to those other doppleganger shops. So check them out and see all the great variety Etsy Dallas has to offer!

Member: Carrie of Atom-In
Focus: resin jewelry
What's for sale there: vintage glass beads and supplies



Member: Brenda of B.Liscious
Focus: patchwork bags
What's for sale there: photography



Member: Mary of Mary's Madness
Focus: charm and beaded jewelry
What's for sale there: off-the-wall supplies



Member: Caroline of Pink Lemonade Bags
Focus: bags and totes
What's for sale there: fabric scraps and yardage



Member: Cindi of Rustique Art
Focus: wire and beaded crosses
What's for sale there: vintage collectibles



Member: Susan of Sadie's Things
Focus: antiques brass jewelry
What's for sale there: beaded and knitted jewelry



Member: Stephanie of Tefi Designs
Focus: gemstone, wire-wrapped, felted jewelry
What's for sale there: fabric and felt crafts (soon to merge with Tefi Designs' main shop)



Member: Jacky of Texas Tarts
Focus: vinyl cuff bracelets
What's for sale there: vintage goods



Member: Ashley of Ashley Akers Jewelry
Focus: metalsmith jewelry
Alternate shop: http://www.oliveandaqua.etsy.com/
What's for sale there: jewelry beads and supplies

Member Spotlight: The Plaid Mushroom



Christy Wolfe is the crafty wonder behind the scented scenes of The Plaid Mushroom.

Lip lickers beware - this stuff actually tastes as good as it smells. Take a tropical vacation without the passport with "macadamia" or "pina colada" lip balm.

Get kissable lips for only $3. What a steal!

This is Christy's 2nd artistic sprouting, her first being sewing and knitting related.

by Randi/DallasDesigningDiva

THANK YOU!!



1st Annual (or bi-annual!) Etsy Dallas Beer-B-Q THANKS go to:

The hundreds of wonderful shoppers and supporters who came out en masse to show their love for the local handmade movement and the indie-est, rockin'-est art/craft show in town.

Dylan Dowdy (future owner of the best catering service in the metroplex) for grillin' the food and serving up the beer and Punchy Party Punch.

Constanza of Knit Sisters, Abby of Pulp Reality, Jason Wright, James of One Up Designs and all the other volunteers for helping man the Make & Take tent, the food and drinks corner, and so much more!

DJ Modchap and the Garrett Heinrichs Band for playing the perfect mix of tunes - for free!

James of One Up Designs for making our directional signs that we can use again and again.

Magic the Magician for wowing us with his tricky ways.

The contributors to our free raffle and 25 free goody bags - most of them ED members, but also The House of Dang! and Armhole.

Every Etsy Dallas member who cleaned out their studio to donate craft supplies galore for the Make & Take tent. It was a big hit!

All the Etsy Dallas members who were not selling their goods but came out to show love and solidarity!

A special thank you to Etsy.com - the mothership - for granting Etsy Dallas some funds to help cover the cost of the event. Everything was provided for FREE and this grant really helped! Etsy Dallas is very proud to be among the first recipients of Etsy Teams grants ever offered.

The superfab Etsy Dallas leadership team (who had the large booth in Larry's workshop):

Brenda of B.Liscious
Carrie of Atom In - special thanks for manning the Make-n-Take booth
Larry of Kessler Craftsman
Mandi of Scribble Scrabble
Pam of Pamela Michelle
Randi of Designing Diva
Stephanie of Tefi Designs

And the wonderful Etsy Dallas Beer-B-Q vendors:

Alicia Colina-Ashby - cigar box home goods
Bending Light Studio - photography, prints
ebraunnagel - bags, purses
Freeforged - fine metal jewelry
HipHazel - ceramicware
Honeydew Baby - hair bows, kids' clothes
HOUNDMADE - dog accessories
Karma Crochet - crocheted housewares, blankets
Kathy D. Keith - photo cards, art, and more
Little Cookie - kanzashi hair accessories, plushies, bags
Memopause - notebook necklaces
Miamaria - purses, aprons
Modest Ambition - crocheted clothes and accessories
Sadie's Things - antiqued brass jewelry
SugarLoveHoney - blankets, tutus, baby clothes
The Carpenter Collection - beaded jewelry
The Plaid Mushroom - Lip balms & key chains
TP Design - paintings, home décor, cards
XY Factory - baby goods, maternity clothes

And who can forget the press? Thanks to all our local Dallas journalists, writers, and bloggers who supported Etsy Dallas' first ever Beer-B-Q. Click here to read all about it!

Beer B-Q tomorrow!


Welcome the Summer Season with Etsy Dallas

On Sunday, May 18th Etsy Dallas will kick off the summer season with a festive trunk show at the home and studio of The Kessler Craftsman.

Etsy Dallas’ first annual Beer-B-Q will boast over 20 local artists and crafters selling their handmade goods. Shop for jewelry, stationery, photography, bags, hair accessories, glass art, soap and bodycare, clothing, home décor, and so much more!

Customers will also be greeted with the delicious smell of grilled meats and veggies, cold beer on tap, Punchy Party Punch, and live music – all free to the public! The first lucky 25 customers will receive a goody bag chock full of promo items and coupons. (Special thanks to The House of Dang! and Armhole for their goody bag promo donations. You rock!)

Etsy Dallas will also offer a free Make-&-Take crafts booth for all ages. Customers can explore their creative side for free and experience first-hand the joy of the handmade way!

Please bring plenty of CASH as many of our indie handmade vendors will not be able to accept credit cards. But remember: The food and drinks are FREE!! Click here to see who will be selling at the Beer-B-Q.

So bring your appetite, your creativity, and your support for local artists and crafters, and get ready for a day full of handmade food, music, and fun with Etsy Dallas!

Where: 1027 N. Windomere, Dallas 75208
CLICK HERE FOR A MAP
When: Sunday, May 18th
Time: 11am-5pm
Music by: DJ Modchap and the Garrett Heinrichs Band

by Stephanie/tefi

Etsy Dallas in Quick DFW!


Woo Woo! Go team Etsy Dallas and your fabulous celeb-status!!

Did you see that our very own Tefi Designs and B.Licious were featured in this week's Quick!!

We're gonna have to get these girls private dressing rooms at the Beer-B-Q to give them a safe haven from the press and paparazzi!!! Practice your autographs girlies!!! Congrats!

If you didn't grab your own copy of Quick, check out the online version here.

by Pamela Michelle