Weekend Guide: Sept 3-6

The weekend starts early this week. Make it down to Studio Four Eleven tonight for their Studio Open House. Then enjoy a fantastic giveaway from Karma Crochet.



Tonight: Studio Four Eleven Open House
Date: Thursday, Sept 3rd
Time: 5pm - 10pm
At: Studio Four Eleven N. Tyler St. Dallas
For more info click here
Pre-shop: Tara to the T



Karma Crochet Giveaway on Love Obsess Inspire
Date: Contest runs through Sept 8th
At: Online
For more info click here
Karma Crochet's Etsy shop: here

Etsy Dallas Weekend Guide: Aug 28-30

Hooray for the weekend! Most students started school this week, which means this is the first weekend of freedom. Well students and ex-students, let's grab some friends and go have some fun this weekend!

Harrilu Trunk Show

Date: Aug 28 - 30

Time: during regular store hours

At: Exhale Dallas 500 E. Mockingbird Ln, Dallas

For more info click here

Pre-shop Harrilu here



Dustbowl Arts Market

Date: Saturday Aug 29th

Time: 10am - 6pm

At: Campus Corner (Buchanan Street) Norman, Oklahoma

For more info click here

Pre-shop: One Up Designs, Three Yellow Starfish, Dowdy Studio, Cut Out and Collect, Pamela Michelle, Artful Expression



Super Sneaky Collaboration Project at the Dustbowl

Date: Saturday Aug 29th

Time: 10am - 6pm

At: Campus Corner (Buchanan Street) Norman, Oklahoma

For more info click here

Pre-shop: Dowdy Studio, Cut Out and Collect, Pamela Michelle



Studio Four Eleven Open House

Date: Thursday, Sept 3rd

Time: 5pm - 10pm

At: Studio Four Eleven N. Tyler St. Dallas

For more info click here

Pre-shop: Tara to the T



Etsy Dallas Weekend Guide: August 21-23


Lots of fun indie/crafty happenings going on this weekend. So many good deals on quality handmade items, your head will spin but your wallet will thank you. Don't miss out!

Style Stay-Cation Trunk Show
Come and enjoy a mini "Stay-Cation"! We're going to be serving up fun & fashion at a trunk show at Move Studio featuring hand-picked local designers. There will be great fashions for everyone-- accessories, jewelry & more. We'll also have chair massages, makeover consultations, a few treats & more. Bring your friends or come meet a few new ones!

Participating Etsy Dallas members include: Harrilu, Tara to the T, Tefi Designs, The Pig and the Peacock, and Haute Hardware

Date and Time: August 21st from 5-9pm and August 22nd from 3-7pm
Location: Move Studio, 17062 Preston Road @ Campbell, Dallas 75248
Cost: FREE
Click here for more info on the vendors at this event.


Late Nights Summer Block Party @ the DMA
The Dallas Museum of Art goes to the movies this summer and invites you to view works in its collections through a cinematic lens. Summer nights shine as the Dallas Museum of Art, Crow Collection of Asian Art, and Nasher Sculpture Center celebrate the stars of their collections.

Date: Friday, August 21
Time: 6:00 p.m. to midnight.
Cost: Admission to the DMA is $10 or less, free at the Crow Collection and Nasher Sculpture Center.
Click here for more info.

Silla Soup Trunk Show
See new styles from Silla's Fall line of handmade hair accessories.

When: Sat., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Little Bean, 5308 Junius St. (214-370-9111).
Click here to visit Silla's Etsy shop.

Lolafalk Mini-Zip Sale
The original Lola Mini-Zip is getting a makeover! To make room for the new Zips (in stock starting 8/24), all current Mini-Zip inventory has been marked down 30 percent - and includes FREE domestic shipping. Click here to visit Lolafalk's Etsy shop.

Also check out...

Flag Books with Paper Nerds
Aug. 23
$45 in advance, $50 at the door
http://papernerds.blogspot.com/

Etsy Dallas Member BBQ + Silent Auction

















Last month we held a silent auction in conjunction with an Etsy Dallas Member BBQ to benefit the La Reunion Art Chicas Unidas program. Dallas Etsians donated and purchased handmade items from each other to raise money for this wonderful program. We finally got everything settled and checks collected and sent to La Reunion. I'm happy to announce that we raised and donated $200. A big thanks to everyone who participated.

A special thanks to members Carrie and James of OneUpDesigns who hosted the event.

Photo above: Erin/Haute Hardware & Mr. Haute Hardware peruse the silent auction goodies Photo below: Allison Gillies/Fine Artist, Jodi/Jodi von Rotten, Susan/Sadie's Things, Stephanie/Tefi, and Mia/Mia Maria enjoying the BBQ.

Etsy Dallas Weekend Guide: Aug 14-16

Hello weekend! I cannot wait for you to get here and grace Dallas with your presence. This weekend we get to enjoy the music and arts event that is Sons Stock and go shopping for indie discounts at Make Studio.

Sons Stock - Dallas
Sons Stock is a yearly event held at the historic Sons of Hermann Hall in Deep Ellum. Yes, this is the same venue the Jingle Bash will be held at later in the year (mark those calendars, *wink). Sons Stock 2009 celebrates the 40th anniversary of Woodstock and benefits the Sons Of Hermann Columbia Lodge # 66.

The Halls will be filled with music, food, drinks and amazing art. A great event to bring the whole family to. Artists and crafters will be on site selling their goods, including the artwork of Sons of Hermann Hall members, rare records, posters, signs, tie-dye goods, woodwork, pottery, paintings, prints, jewelry and much more. LinkA couple of our Etsy Dallas artists will be showcasing and selling their handmade goods during the event. Please stop by anytime before 9 and say hello to The Kessler Craftsman (above) and The Pig and the Peacock (below)Date: Saturday, August 15th
Location: Sons of Hermann Hall, Deep Ellum, 3414 Elm St. Dallas, TX
Time: 10AM - Midnight
Web address: http://www.sonsofhermann.com/sohh_calendar.htm
Cost: FREE!!!

Make Shop & Studio: End of Summer Sale - Oak Cliff
Make is offering 10% all their entire stock this Friday and Saturday. Get down to the Bishops Art District early and shop from Etsy Dallas members Tara to the T, the Texas Tarts, Superchica, Pamela Michelle, Dowdy Studio, LolaFalk, Tigerbee and Harrilu.

Insider tip: become friends with @MakeStudio on Twitter to find out how to save an extra 5% while shopping this weekend.

Date: Friday and Saturday, August 14 - 15th
Location: Make Studio, 313 N. Bishop Ave Dallas, TX
Time: 12pm-8pm
Web address: http://www.blogger.com/www.themakesite.com
Save: 10%

written by: Pamela Michelle

Eco•Ideas: Back To School

Many students here in North Texas are going back to school the last week of August. With that in mind, here are some ways to make the return to the classroom more eco-friendly and fun.






This adorable bag from Nerdbomber would be great for carrying your lunch. It's totally reusable and will save brown paper bags. Save plastic bags too. This bright colorful bag from b.licious is great for books and easy to recognize as your own. Fabric sandwich/snack bags are cute, functional and washable from BlackandWhiteAffair and Gnomeclothes. Reduce your use of plastic bags for lunch and snacks.


Ever notice how writing tools seem to disappear? They all look alike and you couldn't pick yours out of a line up? With this unique, fabulous, hand-beaded pen from mandibeads-- chances are that this pen will become a personal favorite and rarely leave your hand.

A home for all those brand new supplies is a great way to keep up with them. CutOutandCollect has beautiful little pouches in tons of fun patterns to choose from. (There is a combo to suit your personality.)

Colored Pencils? A geography class favorite. Here's a great way to get the pencils and a home for them. Check out this fun pencil wrap from thegreenlizard.

Keep those extra curricular activity schedules organized throughout the year. BrendaSWhite has some fun embellished clip boards to help you do just that.


This is a great opportunity, whether you're a student or not, to work on adding some more green habits to your daily routine. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

posted by Alicia

Etsy Dallas Weekend Guide: August 6 - 9


1st Thursday – Dallas
Chill Out at Bishop Arts District! Visit any of these shops in the Bishop’s Arts District to get a ticket for a free palleta by La Original Michoacana:
Xpressions Boutique, Make, Green Pet, Hunky's, Indigo 1745, Zola's, Bishop Street Market, Cozy Cottage, THE Magazine, Decorazon Gallery, Shambhala Body Gallery, Salon on Bishop, Hattie's and Pretty In Pink.

Stop by Make Shop and Studio for the Peace Out Kimber and Summer Sale

Bring the dogs by Green Pet for a free doggy frozen yogurt treat. First come, first served.

Date: Thursday August 6th
Time: 7pm -9pm
Location: Bishop Arts District
Cost: FREE!
Website: www.bishopartsdistrict.com/1st-thursdays/

Cut Out & Collect: Happy Birthday Sale! - Online
Help Cheyne of Cut Out and Collect celebrate her birthday - buy YOURSELF a present!!! Free worldwide shipping on select items + free cupcake mini zipper pouch on all orders over $45.

Date: August 6th – 10th
Time: Etsy is always open
Website: http://www.cutoutandcollect.etsy.com/

The Girl Show - Dallas
The creative sisters of Dallas will gather for a two day festival celebrating vast individual talents. Live music will be featured both days including Iris Leu, voted "Next Big Thing" by the Dallas Quick. Live visual art will be on display both days including interactive, hands-on activities. Original T-shirts and jewelry, a fashion show, body art, and live photography are just some of the other exciting things that make 'girlShow' ArtLoveMagic's BIGGEST event of the year.

Date: Friday, August 7th & Saturday August 8th
Time: 8pm - 12 am
Location: Mokah Lounge 2803 Taylor Street Dallas, Texas 75226
Cost: $10
Website: http://www.mokahcoffeebar.com/


To Be Scene - Mural Wrap Party - Dallas
Date: Saturday, August 08, 2009
Time: 4pm – 10pm
Location: Kettle Art Gallery, 2714 Elm Street Dallas, TX
Website: http://www.kettleart.com/page2.htm

Stay Cool: Lemonade & Sangria

This summer is hot, hot, hot! But here in the Lone Star State, we know how to stay cool when the thermometer pushes 100 degrees plus.

Etsy Dallas is proud to bring you two simple recipes to stay cool this summer - one for the "drinkers" and one for the kids.

Larry's Sangria
1 bottle red wine; Torres Sangre De Toro
1/4 cup orange juice
1/2 cup Triple sec
1/2 cup brandy
1 sugar
1 cup Club soda

Mix all ingredients, except club soada and orange slices. Allow to sit in refrigerator for a few hours. When ready to serve, add ice-cold club soda and ice cubes. Garnish with
orange slices. Serve cold.



Dale's Lemonade (by Alicia)
1/3-1/2 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup super fine sugar
3 cups of water

Put the sugar and water in a sauce pan over medium heat. Stir until sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat. Let the mixture cool. Put the lemon juice and cooled simple syrup in to a pitcher. Serve over ice.

Fun Twist: Try adding a few bruised mint leaves or a handful of fresh raspberries.

posted by Stephanie

Talking Shop with Tara to the T


The incredibly talented Etsy Dallas member, Tara Tonini, of Tara to the T, and long-time Etsy Dallas friends Doug Voisin and Andrew Bayer (the masterminds behind the fantastically hip clothing line and vintage-meets-handmade retail shop, House of Dang) have some tricks up their sleeves. The House of Dang retail space closed it's doors after the final party this past Friday. We're sad to have seen the retail space go, but House of Dang and Tara to the T have bigger and better things in the works. Tara took some time to spill all the details about their new collective studio space, StudioFourEleven, opening in the Bishop Arts District.

Etsy Dallas: Tell us a little about the first time you met Doug and Andrew
Tara Tonini: I met Doug and Andrew at one of their awesome House of Dang store events, we danced near the spiked punch bowl and it was friendship at first sight!

ED: How did the three of you decide to open a studio, together?
TT: The three of us have taken some major steps this year to take our companies to the next level. Andrew and Doug wanted to close their retail store to be able to focus strictly on their design talent and creating their HOD line, and I wanted to focus on my Sky Girls line. So we thought it would be perfect to share studio space. We keep each other excited about the fashion industry and all the unexpected turns it takes. Doug, Andrew and I, all have back grounds in different areas of fashion. Doug is involved with Runway show production, Andrew is a stylist and I have a product development and sourcing background. We all have very different and useful skills and we are able to help each other out with the growth of our individual companies. Even though we have seperate businesses we work very well together as a team.

ED: Which of you is the messiest worker? Tell the truth!
TT: Me! I've been traveling a lot for shows so I've been coming and going though town like a tornado!

ED: So opening a studio is a BIG DEAL! (congrats/squeal!) Do you have any new items on the way to celebrate?
TT: We are always brewing up something new. There are some top secret projects that will take place in the fall. As for right now, we are both finalizing our Spring 2010 lines, so there is a lot to look forward to in the new year.

ED: Do you think you'll continue the House of Dang Summer Smackdown tradition with some bangin' studio parties?
TT: We have our Open House and Trunk Show event taking place at Studio Four Eleven on Thursday September 3rd. And our Tyler Street community will be hosting block parties a few times a year. Make sure to join our blog to stay updated with our progress on the studio and upcoming events.

interview by Cheyne of Cut Out and Collect

Etsy Dallas Weekend Guide: July 24-26

Strap on your weekend boots and howdy on down to some fun indie events in Dallas and beyond this weekend!

House of Dang Closing Party
The party’s not over yet at House of Dang. The House of Dang is throwing a last hurrah celebration with Paul Slocum from And/Or Gallery. Bring a friend and party it out one last time at the House of Dang on Bryant Street in Dallas.

For those of you who don't already know...House of Dang is closing its retail space on July 24, 2009 and moving its design headquarters and operations into a shared studio space with Tara to the T, in the Oak Cliff's thriving Bishop Arts District. The new studio collaborative, named Studio 411 will serve as The House of Dang and Tara to the T's design studio and showroom.

Date: Friday, July 24th
Time: 7:00pm
Location: House of Dang
Web: http://www.thehouseofdang.com/
Cost: FREE!

Top off your radiator and bring sunscreen for the Billetproof Car Show in Giddinigs, TX. There will be plenty of shade, and the Giddings Firemen will be selling cold beer (proceeds to benefit the volunteer fire dept.) There will also be a burnout contest, live shows and amazing vendors and artists to shop from.

Tara to the T just got back to Texas from her tour in CA at the Renegade Craft Fair, and is heading out to the Billetproof Car show in Giddings Tx. They've got lots of new merchandise including Johnny Cash T-shirts, new hats and pretty hair accessories. Come by the booth and say hello!

Date: Saturday July 25th - Sunday July 26th
Time: Day time
Location: Fireman's Park Hwy 290, Giddings, TX
Web: http://www.billetproof.com/billetproofnews/templates/?a=10&z=7
Cost: FREE!

Cooking With Etsy Dallas: Cake Balls

Cake Balls have been around for many years, but this is my take on them. Nope, they are not dietetic, but a great treat when you feel like you deserve it. The possibilities are endless: chocolate dipped in chocolate, red velvet or carrot cake dipped in white chocolate. Top with sprinkles, chopped nuts, chocolate shavings...you get the idea!

One of my favorite baking blogs at the moment is http://www.bakerella.com/. Check out how she decorates red velvet cake balls in December '07. Like I said, the possibilities are endless! Beware: While cake balls are easy to make, they are a tad time consuming. Now go make some balls!

YOUR BASIC CAKE BALLS

(1) 18.25 oz box chocolate cake mix
(1) 16 oz container chocolate frosting at room temp
(1) lb bag chocolate candy wafers

Prepare the cake mix according to package directions in a 13 x 9 x 2. First important tip: let the cake cool completely! Crumble in a large bowl and stir in frosting with a fork until well blended. Will not be pretty! Place in refrigerator to chill before rolling into balls.

Use a tablespoon to scoop and form balls of the chocolate cake mixture and place on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. If mixture becomes too soft, return to the fridge to chill. Once balls are rolled, place in freezer and leave overnight. If you do not have time to freeze overnight, leave in the refrigerator for several hours. This makes them easier to dip without breaking. If you prefer to make "cake pops," insert a lollipop stick into each cake ball before chilling.

Melt chocolate wafers in a large pyrex measuring cup in the microwave, stirring occasionally until smooth. Once the balls are chilled, dip with a toothpick in melted chocolate (only use about 1/4 of the batch at a time while the rest are in the fridge or freezer). Dip and place on wax paper to set. Add sprinkles as each ball is dipped since the chocolate sets very quickly.

GOOD TO KNOW
*Dip two different ways - (1) dip each ball in chocolate and add sprinkles quickly, before the chocolate sets, or (2) dip and leave the toothpicks in while they dry and then gently twist to remove and add a little melted chocolate and sprinkles to the top of each one.

*If making red velvet cake balls with cream cheese frosting and dipping in white chocolate candy wafers, you will need to double-dip. The first dip will be pink!

*You can mix and match cake and icing flavors, as well as different colored chocolate wafers. Bags of the candy wafers are available at Michael's, JoAnn's and Hobby Lobby in the Wilton candy section.

Sometimes I make these the size of quarters - sometimes the size of golf balls. Either pile on a cake plate or place each one in a paper muffin cup. This recipe yields approximately 72 small cake balls. Enjoy!

by brendaswhite

----------------------------

Too lazy to make cake balls yourself?
Visit The Cake Ball Company in Dallas on the southeast corner of NW Hwy and Easton. In Austin, pull on into the best dang trailer lot in town and step up to Holy Cacao's counter, located on South First Street.

Jingle Bash: Call for Artists and Designers!

Call for Artists and Designers: If you or someone you know would like to apply to be a vendor at the 2nd Annual Jingle Bash, please visit http://etsydallas.com/TheBash.html to read the guidelines and download the application. Space is very limited and competitive. That means we will have the best of the best for Dallas to shop from, just in time for holiday shopping. Please read all instructions before applying.
If you are not an artist or crafter, we hope to see you as a shopper at the Bash. This is the place to buy special and meaningful holidays gifts handcrafted with love by artists in your community.

About the Bash

Kick off the holiday season! Etsy Dallas, who first brought you the famous Beer-B-Q trunk show, the 1st Annual Jingle Bash and the 1st Annual Spring Bash is doing it again - even bigger and better this time.

The 2nd Annual Jingle Bash will be held at the historic Sons of Hermann Hall at 3414 Elm St. in Dallas on November 21st from 1pm-7pm. The show will feature over 40 local artists and designers, music, 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!


Hope to see you at the 2nd Annual Jingle Bash!

-Stephanie & Pamela

Etsy Dallas Online Shopping: Free Shipping!

Free Shipping Sales: July 18-19
We had so much fun with our last free shipping event, that we decided to do it again! This time we decided to cast away our shipping fees for the weekend and board the free shipping boat. This is gonna be like one big boat party where we'll be touring all these fine Etsy Dallas members' shops. Each one has something amazing to bring to our seaward adventure.

The Plaid Mushroom
First to board our Free Shipping boat tour is The Plaid Mushroom. This shop offers quality handmade lipbalms perfumes, and lotions made from scratch with no bases, so you can completely indulge yourself. Items purchased between July 16 and 19th will receive FREE SHIPPING! See The Plaid Mushroom's Etsy Shop for more details.

it's not me, it's you.


Laura Davis Design Lab
Our next stop on the Free Shipping boat tour is Laura Davis Design Lab. Here you can find one of a kind embroidered pillows and repurposed vintage dinnerware for your empty tables and couches.

Banana Showcase
Hope you are planning on packing a lunch and some sunscreen for this fun boat ride. If you are you can find some really great bags at Banana Showcase to store all your extreme adventure supplies for the boat trip, or for everyday. Get free shipping until midnight on Sunday at Banana Showcase.

Pamela Michelle
As we reach Pamela Michelle's shop, we can indulge in her nature inspired wooden pendants, handmade art necklaces and original art prints. There's nothing like getting a little natural site seeing done on a free shipping boat tour. All item in Pamela Michelle's shop are free of any shipping charges to the US and Canada.

Dowdy Studio
Let's row on over to our favorite men's clothing shop, Dowdy Studio. These music inspired hand drawn illustrations will add some much needed audible flavor to our boat tour. Dowdy Studio is offering free shipping to the US and Canada through Sunday at midnight.

Places in the Heart
Tefi Designs
If you dressed for this boat tour, then you can easily grab yourself some beautiful summery jewelry from Tefi Designs. This designer knows how to attract attention with color, and what girl doesn't want that when she's on the Free Shippng boat? Tefi Designs is offering free shipping on her fabric pendants and fuzzy ball necklaces until the endo of July, so if you miss out this weekend, you still have time to snag one of these beauties.

Colorful Alphabet Poster
Design Roots
And last on the tour, but certianly not least is Design Roots. Join her in celebrating the birth of their first daughter, bridgette eloise - born july 2nd, 2009! Everything in this shop will be ON SALE through the month of July.

by Pamela Michelle

Etsy Dallas Weekend Guide: July 17 -19

Time to get all dolled up in your weekend clothes and head out to some fun indie events going on this weekend. Stay tuned for some great weekend deals from our Etsy Dallas teamies in our Weekend Online Shopping Guide.

Artist Reception: The Abstract Art of Liz Ballard – Arlington
Lizardo Art’s fun abstract paintings will be on display and for sale at the Coffee Haus Downtown through the end of July. An artist reception will be held this Friday from 7pm-8pm at the Coffee Haus Downtown. Liz, the master behind Lizardo Art will be there in person for an informal meet & greet.

Date: Friday, July 17th
Time: 7 - 8pm
Location: The Coffee Haus Downtown in Arlington
Web address: www.thecoffeehausdowntown.com
Cost: FREE!

House of Dang Closing Sale - Dallas
Our friends, Andy and Doug, over at the House of Dang are closing their doors. The House of Dang has been with us since 2006 and has been a stew of youthful creativity for Dallas. Andy and Doug are moving off to the south, the artsy city of Oak Cliff in the Bishop Arts District, to open Studio Four Eleven with our Etsy Dallas gal Tara to the T. But they’re not leaving Dallas without going out in style with a huge bang’n sale. Stop by House of Dang and shop their vintage, which is marked down 30%. Also get your hands on some original Cut Out and Collect goodies marked down 10-20% off, along with other marked down Dallas designers.

There is a lot more to come from these boys. Go ahead and mark that calendar for Thursday, July 24th, 7pm. This will be their final blow out party at House of Dang!

Date: Now thru July 24th
Time:
Location: 4219 Bryan St, Dallas
Web: http://www.blogger.com/www.thehouseofdang.com

Renegade Craft Fair: San Francisco
Over 200 artists are traveling from all over the country and abroad to participate and sell their handmade goods at Renegade Craft Fair – San Francisco. From clothing and accessories, to stationary and concert posters, with everything from bath products and ceramics in between – there’s surely something for everyone! Be sure to check out their artist page to start working on your wish list.

Etsy Dallas members Tara to the T and Harrilu will be rocking it at the Renegade Craft Fair. You'll get your chance to see Tara to the T's wonderfully handcrafted accessories and Harrilu's amazing screenprinted clothing.

Date: July 18–19th
Time: 11am - 7pm
Location: Fort Mason Center Festival Pavilion, San Francisco, CA
Cost: FREE
Website: http://www.renegadecraft.com/san-francisco?site=sf

Talking Shop with LizardoArt

Crazy, Acrylic on Canvas by LizardoArt

Etsy Dallas members Liz Ballard, of LizardoArt, and Cheyne Little, of Cut Out and Collect and The Coffee Haus Downtown, sat down to talk shop, earlier this week. LizardoArt's abstract paintings will be on display at the Coffee Haus through July. You can meet Liz and view her work at an after hours reception this Friday, July 17th 7-8pm.

Cheyne: How long have you been painting?
Liz Ballard: For about 5 years now. I didn't intend to learn how to paint. I was doing a simple project for my apartment and that turned into this.

C: What inspires you to create art?
L: I like to listen to music and if I find something I like, I can paint for quite a while. Otherwise I usually want to paint after I've been hanging out in Dallas or any new city. I'm inspired by any kind of cool textures I see and old, weathered buildings. I also love fashion magazines and find inspiration in that too.

C: How often are you able to paint?
L: It depends on the time of the year. I can paint more right now because I have no classes. I have two semesters of college left and then I hope I can paint a lot more.

C: What music do you listen to while you paint?
L: I usually listen to podcasts or di.fm when I paint. I like trance music like Tiesto. Di.fm is good because it keeps going and I don't get distracted playing with CDs and things. I also have a thing for gangsta rap...lol

C: (As an abstract artist, texture and color must be important) Do you use color to express emotion/subject matter - or do you work with whatever inspires you?
L: I think I am expressing emotions but not because I set out to do that. I guess you can't really help it when you are doing something artistic. I am usually inspired by a certain color that I can't get enough of. Also, I like to find new techniques and playing around with those usually inspires me. If I find a new way of making a texture, I'll want to keep playing with it and that inspires me to paint.

C: Why did you want to be part of Etsy Dallas?
L: I really liked the idea of meeting people who lived near me. I also love that everyone does different things, complementing each other. Plus it just looked like a cool team.

Etsy Dallas Loves: Austin!

Austin, Texas is home to the birth of the handmade movement, thanks largely in part to the ladies of the original Austin Craft Mafia. We especially love Naughty Secertary Club's kitscky colorful costume jewelry and Sublime Stitching's eye-catching embroidery patterns. These crafty businesses opened the door for crafters and collectives like Etsy Dallas and Etsy Austin to blossom.

Necklace by Fat Cat Creations

Road Trip: AustinBound!
Today, Austin boasts a host of indie businesses, in particular the burgeoning trailer movement. On a recent road trip, Etsy Dallas founder and former Austinite, Stephanie of Tefi Designs, toured some of the capitol's best indie eateries and shops. Since beads are her mainstay, Stephanie stopped by Sea of Beads in north Austin and Legendary Beads in south Austin and walked away with some great finds.

The new Parts + Labour digs at 1117 S. Congress Ave.

The shopping didn't end there! Stephanie and family spent an afternoon on South Congress and visited Parts + Labour for local handmade goods, and Tesoros, a store that specializes in imports from South America, Asia and Africa. With shopping comes hunger, so it was off to Magnolia Cafe for a Neptunian Landscape (no verde sauce) and a bottomless cup o' joe.

Owner Ellen Kinsey serves up a cake shake to Jason Wright, tireless Etsy Dallas supporter.

The trailer tour in Austin's southern sector included some great eateries. Holy Cacao offered up delicious handmade cake balls and a yummy vanilla cake shake, and Izzoz Tacos makes the best migas around. Lulu B's is known for their delish Vietnamese sandwich's, so fresh and flavorful. It was a great road trip with tons of indie shopping and handmade fun!

A Whale-Respected Man tee by Squid Ink Kollective

A Move to the Capitol City
Austin got a brand spankin' new addition this week! The super-powered screen-printing duo known as Squid Ink Kollective has ditched North Texas for our great state capitol. Browse Brian and Lynnea's bright tees, flawlessly constructed handbags, and hilarious little oddities in their etsy shop. They'll be missed, but we think they'll do so well in Austin, we can't pout for very long!

written by Stephanie of Tefi Designs and Cheyne Little of Cut Out and Collect

Etsy Dallas Weekend Guide: July 11-12

Hooray weekend! It's that time again to bust out your pocket calendar and mark yourself down for some great weekend events!


Sizzling Summer Sale - Fort Worth
The Texas Pottery & Sculpture Guild’s biannual Sizzling Summer Sale will be held in Fort Worth on July 10th, 5-9 PM, and July 11th, 10 AM-4 PM, at the Fort Worth Community Arts Center. Participating will be artists from North Texas, featuring functional and decorative artwork. Included in the activities will be a silent auction benefiting TPSG, and the Emergency Artists Support League. And there also will be the raffling of a distinctive tea pot. In addition, on Friday night there will be a special “meet the artists” wine and dessert reception. Come enjoy custom pieces from the Etsy Dallas gal who put this whole show together, Jill of Rimrock View Studio.

Date: Friday, July 10th - Saturday July 11th
Time: (F) 5-9pm, (S) 10-4pm
Location: Fort Worth Community Arts Center, 1300 Gendy Street
Cost: FREE!
Website: http://www.blogger.com/www.tpsg.biz

Indie Shop Soiree - Dallas
Ladies, grab a gal pal and your best cocktail dress and head out to the House of Blues for some seriously fun shopping. This incredible shopping weekend provides guests a chance to interact with and purchase the best fashion, accessories & art from the hottest up and coming designers/artists. It's a fun "girly" event with free cocktails, free chocolates, free goodie bags and the opportunity to shop from some amazing Dallas designers with beyond talent.

Etsy Dallas is proud to sponsor this event and we can't wait to go shop from Etsy Dallas members: Alicia Colina Ashby, Dowdy Studio, Three Yellow Starfish and The Plaid Mushroom.

Date: Saturday, July 11th & 12th
Time: 11am-4pm
Location: House of Blues, Dallas
Cost: $15 at the door or in advance
Website: http://www.indieshopsoiree.com/


Renegade Craft Fair - Los Angeles
Over 200 artists are traveling from all over the country and abroad to participate and sell their handmade goods at Renegade Craft Fair – Los Angeles. From clothing and accessories, to stationary and concert posters, with everything from bath products and ceramics in between – there’s surely something for everyone! Be sure to check out their artist page to start working on your wish list.

Etsy Dallas members Tara to the T and Harrilu will be rocking it at the Renegade Craft Fair. You'll get your chance to see Tara to the T's wonderfully handcrafted accessories and Harrilu's amazing screenprinted clothing.

Date: Saturday, July 11th - Sunday, July 12th
Time: 11am-7pm (both days)
Location: California Market Center
Cost: FREE!
Website: http://www.renegadecraft.com/los-angeles?site=la

Posted by: Pamela Michelle

Cooking with Etsy Dallas: Tiramisu Cupcakes

I came across this amazing recipe for Tiramisu Cupcakes from the book Vegan Cupcakes Take Over The World. In this book you can find 75 dairy free recipes for cupcakes that simply rule! I know, I know, when you hear the words "dairy free" it's usually followed by a groan. But I swear by this recipe and trust me! No one will ever know they are vegan or even remotley close to it. I made these for my family at a birthday party and someone actually thought they were bakery bought. I couldn't believe it!

First! Make the vegan cream cheese frosting. You will need:

1/4 cup nonhydrogogenated margarine (softened)
1/4 cup vegan cream cheese (softened)
2 cups of confectioners' sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Second! Prepare the cupcake batter. You will need:

1 cup soy milk
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
2 tbsp cornstarch
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup canola oil
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp almond extract

Last! Finish the cupcakes. You will need:

1/3 cup espresso or strong coffee
1/3 cup Kahlua or other coffee flavored liqueur
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
12 chocolate covered coffee beans or chocolate chips


These do get a little messy, so serve on a little plate with a fork. They are simply to die for! Your guests will be impressed. Enjoy!

-Margaret of Three Yellow Starfish

CLICK HERE TO READ THE COMPLETE RECIPE WITH INSTRUCTIONS.

Eco•Ideas: Aluminum Foil

Have you noticed that your scissors aren't cutting like the used to? Have your favorite pinkers built up some gunk on the blades? Aluminum foil to the rescue. (Something you probably have in your kitchen already.) Who knew it could be useful to sharpen your craft tools?

Just use a small piece of foil and cut it with your not as sharp as they used to be/gunky scissors. Cut the foil several times with the scissors the same way you cut paper or fabric. The foil will sharpen them a bit and get the gunk off. It works the same way for paper punches. Put a single ply of foil in the punch at a time and punch away. Best thing about it all? When you get finished -- the foil is recyclable. Happy Cleaning and Sharpening!

Posted by Alicia of LaAlicia

Get Ready to Jingle

Mark those calendars: As we brace ourselves for a hot Texas summer, Etsy Dallas is revving up for a cool holiday season with the 2nd Annual Jingle Bash on November 21st at the Sons of Hermann Hall (3414 Elm Street, Dallas). Shop from over 40 local artists and crafters, enjoy a full bar and DJ tunes, and get there early to get one of your very own FREE goody bags stuffed full of handmade goods. They have become the hit of the Bash and there are only 50 available!

Etsy Dallas will announce details and deadlines for the 2nd Annual Jingle Bash vendor applications in mid July, so stay tuned for more info.

Wanna sponsor the Jingle Bash? We love our sponsors. Check out our affordable sponsorship opportunities here.

Would you like to include your handmade goods in our 50 legendary goody bags? Click here for more info.