We can't get enough teal, and neither can our Spring Bash Artists! We spotted some teal in their handmade collections this year and thought we'd better call them out on picking such a wonderful color. You, too, can help us spot more teal at the Spring Bash on May 1st.
Here are some great gifts you can pick up on May 1st at the 2nd Annual Spring Bash for Mom (and wife, sister, grandma, aunt, me) . See you there!
1) Mirella reversible purse by *annemarie*, 2) Quiet Time art print by The Miscellany, 3) Fused glass wine stopper by The Kessler Craftsman, 4) Crochet washcloths by Karmacrochet, 5) Cork board heart by La Alicia, 6) Lotus ceramic box by Rimrock View Studio, 7) Peonies tunic by Harrilu, 8) Haute plate by laura davis / design lab, 9) Silver fawn necklace by Haute Hardware
Earth Day is a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for our natural environment. So in honor of this green day, I’m stoked to highlight some of our own awesome eco-friendly members and artisans!
I love the way Abbie from Eye On The Sparrow uses re-purposed bass and guitar strings donated by many local musicians to make her inspired jewelry. Choose designs using guitar strings from Dallas' own Deathray Davies, Chomsky and Shibboleth.
Alicia of LaAlicia explains how her love for all things recycled began: “I began folding paper as a child, explored origami with my mom, and my grandmother's friend showed me how to fold paper chains. Being surrounded by creative people all my life makes creating things seem as natural as breathing. Over the years, I've spent many hours experimenting with paper folding and it has mushroomed. I'm always amazed by the potential held by flat sheets of paper and inspired by all the new tree-free paper that has popped up. This Spring, I'm delighted to be introducing my new line of hair accessories that feature recycled candy wrappers. They'll be available at the Spring Bash.”
Jacky from Texas Tarts uses recycled pieces of vinyl records to make her funky and cool jewelry. Karmacrochet and Maggie May I both use reused or repurposed game pieces for some pendants and often find vintage pieces from hunting estate sales!
I asked Stephanie of Tefi why it was important to her to use naturally and ethically raised wool in her felted pieces: “Wool is natural, abundant, and quite affordable. What makes mine so special is that it is raised and hand-dyed by a gal with her own farm in North Carolina. I know exactly where my wool comes from and can rest assured that the production and cultivation is environmentally- and animal-friendly. A dream of mine is to have my own sheep to raise, but here in the hot Texas heat that would be straight up animal cruelty! So until then, I buy my wool from someone I can trust to do the right thing for the environment and her animals."
I also love the way Laura of laura davis/design lab uses one-of-a-kind recycled, re-purposed vintage materials for her creations! From colorful upcycled pillow cases to kitschy plates and saucers, Laura's designs are a perfect blend of green-retro-kitsch.
Lastly, I use eco-spun recycled plastic felt to make my clips. I recently have ventured out into the environmentally friendly world of bamboo felt, and local fabric shop CityCraft carries a wide selection of this yummy eco-fabric.
The Lone Star Ladies present Austin’s 2nd annual SHOP AUSTIN, featuring a juried selection of 50 handmade artisans, a complimentary Beauty Lounge sponsored by milk+honey day spa, delicious sweet and savory gourmet food in the cafe, and the presentation of the Frontier Scholarship Recipient.
I bought many things at the Jingle Bash (which was amazing, by the way), but specifically put my Bash Bucks toward a precious reversible pinafore for my 2-year-old niece from Three Yellow Starfish. Margaret [of Three Yellow Starfish] was so nice and she had so many beautiful fabrics to choose from.So get your retweet button finger warmed up - it's almost time!
The Bash Bucks were a great help at the Jingle Bash, since I put a sizable dent in my pocketbook buying gifts for friends, loved ones, and myself of course! Best of all, that money was going to local artists and designers - and that's the BEST gift of all. Thanks Etsy Dallas!
-Amanda, winner of Bash Bucks and Author of Keeping Dallas Weird
bee things: This husband and wife team makes adorable prints. The combination of their solid color design and the cute illustrations of things like monkeys and birds makes them almost impossible to resist.
Chet Art: Chet Phillips is an amazingly talented artist. His attention to detail and texture in his illustrations are so eye-catching.
Noshii: Nosheen Iqbal makes jewelry and wall art by embroidering on wood. I love her use of combining the soft texture of floss (thread) with the harsher texture of wood. It makes for some beautiful contrasts.
Pamela Michelle: Artist Pamela Jackson offers a variety of items within her shop. I love how everything she creates is colorful, yet delicate.
Paper Fingers: Christina of Paper Fingers specializes in ink jet archival prints. I really enjoy their subtle color palette of greens, light blues, pinks, yellows, and browns. Any fan of typography will also be able to appreciate their ABC prints.
Seen Studios: Another husband and wife team, Karl Green and Kathleen Heikes of Seen Studios are undeniably talented photographers. They have the ability to capture the soul of the unique places they visit.
The Miscellany: Artist and teacher, Dianna Walsh, creates art prints that are so colorful and so full of personality. When you look at her gorgeous art prints you can’t help but love the characters within them.
more chances for rays!
Spring welcomes in the warm weather and blooming flowers! And we're pretty sure all of Dallas is thrilled to welcome it, too, after a crazy cold and snowy winter.
To shop our Spring-inspired collection of Etsy Dallas picks, click on the links below. Starting from top left:
Materials:
Poppytalkhandmade
2enju
ALL ARTISTS BY CATEGORY
95 artist outdoor craft festival amid 500,000 blooming bulbs at the Arboretum in Dallas.
Date: March 20 & 21
Location: Dallas Arboretum, Dallas, TX
More Info: click here
Cost of admission: Free with paid admission to the Arboretum ($10)
Participating Etsy Dallas members: Kessler Craftsman & Both Hands Studio
SXSW Artists Market at Guero's
When SXSW happens in Austin - the whole city comes out to celebrate. If you are looking for some free music, great food, and local shopping - come by Guero's Taco Bar on South Congress for three days during March!
Date: March 18-20
Location: Guero's Taco Bar, South Congress, Austin
Cost of admission: Free
More Info: click here
Participating Etsy Dallas Members: Tara to the T
Green beer not your thing? Warm yourself up with a cup of delicious Irish Creme coffee from one of Etsy Dallas' newest members, Downtown Roasters (green mug recommended, but not required).
Dress your four legged friends for warmth and style with crocheted creations from another Etsy Dallas newbie, Oh So Micro. Dressing them in green will keep them from getting a chill (and a pinch!) on this brisk St. Patrick's Day.
From another new Etsy Dallas member ILDVED, and viking jeweler extraordinaire, this lovely piece will help you feel the green with sterling silver and reindeer moss all wrapped up in a ring.
