Weekend Guide: May 12 + 13



Motherhood Matters: Pregnancy Expo

Date:  Saturday, May 12th
Time: 10am-2pm
Location: Fellowship Dallas, 2nd Floor Atrium, 9330 N. Central Expressway, Dallas
More Info: Wings for Wellness
Participating Etsy Dallas Member: Regal Cottage



Collective Memory

Remember all the fun we had with those awesome knitted photo props at the Spring Bash Photo Booth? We will certainly never forget that breathtaking yarn bombed bike! If you loved that as much as we did, you won't want to miss this. K Witta aka Sally Ackerman (leader of the Dallas Yarn Bombers) will be at the Mary Tomas Studio Gallery through June 9th.

Date: Opening Reception Saturday, May 12th 6-9pm. Show runs through June 9th
Location: Mary Tomas Studio Gallery, 1110 Dragon Street, Bldg. 1080, Dallas 75207
More Info: Mary Tomas Studio Gallery

Are you Ready for the Spring Bash?


Are you ready for the best handmade shopping event around? The Spring Bash Artisits are ready for you! We've collected some tidbits to help you as you make your way to see us on Saturday. We can't wait to see you!






Where is the Bash?
The Spring Bash will be at The Palladium's South Side Events Center. The same place we had the Jingle Bash last November! The South Side Events Center is located at 1135 Lamar, Dallas, TX 75215.



Where Do I Park?
Parking for the Bash will be in the big lot behind the Palladium building. Parking
will be $5 a car, or take the DART! The Palladium is within walking distance 
from the Cedars DART station.




Do I Need Cash? 
Admission to the Bash is free. Many of the vendors do accept cradit cards for payment, 
but we do recommend bringing some cash. There is an ATM on site if you would like 
to get money the day of the show.




Things to Do?
Oh yes! The Bash is not just about shopping, the Bash is an all out party! You'll be able to 
enjoy free make and take crafts and some tunes by DJ Juan Solo. Commemorate your day 
by taking some snapshots with the awesome yarn-bombed bike in DYB's yarn-bombed 
photo booth!



Food? Drinks?
The Palladium has a restaurant on site, The Jack Daniels Saloon. Click here for the menu. 
We'll also have a full bar available if you would like to purchase some drinks.


Local Shopping?
While many of our artists are local to Dallas, the Bash boasts some from Chicago, 
Austin, and Shreveport! Not only that, but the Bash is all handmade goodness all the time. 
To see where you favorite artist will be on Saturday, check our map!

Sponsor Spotlight: Friends of the Dallas Public Library

While I'm no stranger to the Dallas Public Library (especially the brand new one right by my house--plus I check out eBooks every week), I am a stranger to the Friends of the Dallas Public Library.  But I won't be a stranger for long!

An independent, tax-exempt organization, the Friends of the Dallas Public Library has been raising funds for our library system since 1950!


Many programs benefit children: Bookmobile, Born to Read, and the Children's Library.  But they also fund raise for adult programs and services.  Authorspeak brings established and up-and-coming authors to libraries for speaking engagements.  (Marking my calendar now!)

Want to be a part of this great effort?  You can become a Friend at various giving levels.  And, while funds generated from membership are vital, so too are the volunteer opportunities. 

If you'd like to learn more about the Friends of the Dallas Public Library, come out to the 4th Annual Spring Bash on Saturday, May 5th.  There, you'll be able to mix and mingle with great FODPL volunteers plus you'll be able to take part in their MAKE AND TAKE table. 

Art + Craft + Community + Reading = a beautiful thing!


Sponsor Spotlight: FotoFuze




Have you heard of this magical site called FotoFuze?  If you are an etsy seller, it is pretty much the best thing since sliced bread.  It enhances your photos to look professionally shot by removing the background and improving the 

You can simply sign up using your etsy login and it connects automatically to your shop so that you can create and renew listings, update existing listings and more directly from FotoFuze.com.  Seriously, it's magic.   You know what else?  It's free.  Yes, FREE!

Want to see just how magical and easy it is?  Here we go...

Step one:  choose a listing from your etsy shop.

Step two:  select a photo you would like to enhance.

Step three: use the highlighter tool to highlight the item and it's shadows.

Step four: watch the magic happen, then hit publish to update your listing in your shop and admire your suddenly-pro photography!


Not only can FotoFuze improve your photos, there are tools for making listing new items easier like signatures, and amazing new features in the works such as automatic sale adjustments!  The FotoFuze team always has new things cookin'.

Check them out on twitter, facebook, their blog and in etsy apps!

Sponsor Spotlight: Unanimous Craft


You probably already know Unanimous Craft is full of resources for indie businesses, but more than that, it's a place for indie shoppers too! Think of it as Yelp for crafty types.  It's a directory full of resources for crafters, artists, and independent business owners.

But what makes a resource like Unanimous Craft really wonderful is you! They need your input and your opinions on your favorite crafty places, spaces, and people. You can even review events like the Spring Bash.  

All you need to do to start writing your own reviews is:
1. Sign up for an account (this is super quick)
2. Search for your favorite indie businesses and 
3. Scroll down to the red "Review this Resource" button at the bottom of the page. 

----Easy, peasy way to add your voice to the crafty community!

Unanimous Craft Logo

You can stay in touch with Unanimous Craft on Facebook and twitter too.  

Bash Bucks Blowout GIVEAWAY

Two winners will receive $20 in Bash Bucks to be used at the 4th Annual Spring Bash! 

Please use the rafflecopter (after the jump) for the giveaway.  Winners will be announced Thursday afternoon, so get started!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Daily Discovery: Gift Ideas for Mom

Hello everyone! I'm Kelly from Local Honey. I blog over here. I'm excited to share with you today some wonderful gift ideas for your mama!

Don't forget Mother's Day (May 13th) will be here before you know it. Don't get Mom that same scented candle and picture frame set you buy her every year. If you want to get her something really special then look no further because these items are all handmade... and what's more unique than a handmade gift?!

If you want to see these awesome items in person, you're in luck! All of these artists (and more!) will be at the Handmade Bash on May 5th selling their goods! If you can't make it to the Bash, be sure to stop by their shops in the links below!


1 // "Mother" Periodic Table Apron by Yellow Bug Boutique - $27
2 // Napkin Set (made from vintage fabric!) by BUTTER Design Lab - $14
3 // Clutches by K8 Made - $40
4 // Lace Embossed Ceramics by Both Hands Studio
5 // Handmade Soap by The Pig and The Peacock - $5
6 // Pair of Orange & Purple Mugs by Two Clay Hands - $45
7 // "Double Vision" Owl Print by Dowdy Studio
8 // Earrings by The Mossy Fox
9 // Capri Blue Teardrop Necklace by Northern Roots
10 // Soap Dish by Christie Cone Ceramics

Shop Feature: Midnight Snack


Are you hungry? Have an appetite for awesome? 

If so, meet Midnight Snack. 

Christina and I had booths next to each other at the Jingle Bash last November, and believe me, I wouldn't have wanted to be next to anyone else on that crazy busy day.  She is so fun to hang out with!

I recently sat down with Christina (okay, so there might have been sitting on both ends, but we weren't actually sitting next to each other--oh, the joys of the internet) and asked her a few questions.

I hope you have as much fun with this Q&A as I did!


Jenni: Ok, so it looks like you've been a part of Etsy Dallas for, well, maybe forever.  Wanna share anything about that?

Christina: I've been in Etsy Dallas since 2008 and I'm so proud of how much the team has grown. 

Jenni: Is there a secret to balancing a 9-5, a successful indie biz, being on the Etsy Dallas Leadership Team, oh and being a wife to a cutie hubs (more on him to follow)?

Christina: If there is a secret to doing it all well, then I'm not quite sure I've found it yet.  For me, it's best to create for Midnight Snack right when the ideas pop into my head.  If I try to schedule time to create, I often don't feel inspired.  I need to create when I want a project created so badly that I can't stop thinking about it. 

Jenni: Why food? I'm guessing it has to do with the huge smiles you see on peoples' faces when they see your stuff.  (Believe me, next door to this lady at the Bash, nothing but smiles for miles around!)   But seriously, did you just wake up one day and think: a bacon plushie pillow would be genius! (And reader, it is!)

Christina: I make food plushes for a couple of different reasons.  I think everyone loves food, and it's one of those weird things that in real life is not very cute, but as soon as you make it soft and cuddly it's adorable. 



(Christina, cont.) I also love how you can really get the essence of a lot of different foods by putting together a few shapes.  My most popular plushes tend to be the ones with the least complicated patterns. 

And speaking of cute: Christina and her husband have known each other since middle school! 

Meet Christina this Saturday at the Spring Bash--she's more than just awesome plushes.  Check out her jewelry and clothing designs, too.  (Sadly, she won't be my booth neighbor this year, but I can guarantee all those around her will be smiling!) 

See you on Cinco de Mayo!
Jenni of Jenni20 Designs



Sponsor spotlight: Dallas Yarn Bombers

You may have noticed Dallas has been a bit cozier lately... since 2010 the Dallas Yarn Bombers have been injecting warm fuzzies and feel-good color across the city via yarn!  They are promoting yarn bombing as a new, fun art form that is truly by and for the community.  They raise funds for several charities through raffles, as well as yarn-related charity efforts such as baby hats and blankets for the Parkland Hospital and baby booties for the Gendercide Awareness Project.


(above photos: celebrating National Yarn Bombing Day at Michaels)



(above photos: yarn bombing for Hair at the Winspear)

(above photo: yarn bombed golf cart at the 2011 Texas State Fair)

(above photo: bike by Sally Ackerman/K Witta, photo courtesy of Can Turkylimaz)

You'll be able to see their work in person at the Spring Bash next Saturday at the photo booth!!


Shop Feature: Maggie May I

Today's spotlight focus is on Maggie May I!  Maggie Younkin is a mixed-media collage artist out of North Richland Hills specializing in jewelry made from repurposed game pieces.


Maggie says she had been trying for years to implement family game night at her house. But since no one wanted to join her she turned to the next best thing - jewelry.   She uses repurposed dominos, found objects and game pieces to create the most amazing pendant necklaces and keychains.


pendant made from vintage anagram - $8.50

twin mustache pendant made from repurposed domino - $15

bicycle necklace from recycled checker - $15

bird key recycled domino pendant - $18


candy sprinkle pendant - $10


Visit Maggie at the Spring Bash next week!

Daily Discovery: Big Ideas for Little Ones-Rockets and Robots

(This was submitted by meredesigns - thanks, Meredith!!)

Who didn’t dream of having a personal robot to clean your room, make your breakfast or hold the other end of the jump rope for you? Robots and space themes are white hot for nurseries and children’s rooms right now, and Etsy Dallas Spring Bash vendors give you several ways to add geek chic to your little one’s room.


Paperfingers
You love your little one right up to the moon and back – so show him how to get to the moon with this bold and playful alphabet print. Available in brown and deep blue or brown and purple, it measures 11” x 8.5” and looks great matted in a 14” x 11” frame.


Regal Cottage
Robots and planets and space ships, oh my! Your little ‘bot is sure to love tossing, kicking and catching these as he or she learns important motor skills – and you can feel confident that the certified organic fabrics and fluffy chenille won’t hurt one bit. This is a set of three balls: 5”, 7” and 9” diameters.


ReGEARED
Bike Clock - $38
The only thing cooler than a robot is the stuff on the inside that makes it tick! Gears are the perfect accessories for robot- and space-themed rooms, and every room needs a great clock. ReGEARED offers dozens of cool bike clocks made from upcycled bicycle chain rings in a rainbow of bold colors.


The Pig and the Peacock
The Robots from Space soaps have landed and they want you to take them to your leader. . . or your shower. OK, these are not for your little ones, but wouldn’t these 2½” glycerin soaps make the perfect baby shower or birthday party favors? Pick your favorite color and any scent from The Pig and the Peacock’s shop.


mere designs
Your babe can imagine the bleeps and blips that these robots, gears and space-inspired globes would make as the images twirl above him or her. These mobiles feature ten ornaments that add color and bold prints to your nursery. Each one is hand made and can be customized to fit your room’s color or design scheme.


CatCanCrochet
Crochet Raygun in White and Red - Baby’s First Raygun - $20
Whether used to defend the planet from an alien invasion or to toast an imaginary marshmallow, this will be sure to get a few laughs when friends see your armed baby. The 6" crochet raygun has a classic, sleek design, complete with fin and trigger. Made out of 100% acrylic yarn and premium polyester fiberfill, there are no hard or removable parts, so it's completely safe for space cadets of any age.

38 Stitches
Baby Bib – Robots on Teal Minky - $8
Why limit your theme to the bedroom? Show off your geek chic at mealtime, too, with this funky robot bib. On one side, see orange, yellow, green and blue robots on a dark chocolate brown background; on the back, plush teal minky fabric that is soft against baby’s skin.

Bash Bucks are Back!


It’s time again for Bash Bucks - they're like gift certificates redeemable at any artist booth at the Bash event. We’re thrilled to bring these back for our 4th Annual Spring Bash at the Palladium’s South Side Events Center.

The only way to get Bash Bucks is to win one of our upcoming blog contests or TWO upcoming twitter contests. That's right, you'll have THREE chances to win!

The contests will begin today and run through May 3rd—just in time for our Cinco de Craft Party (aka the Spring Bash.)

First contest via Twitter. April 27, 2012, tweet the following by 4pm to be entered to win $10 Bash Bucks: "Hey @ I'll be at the and I want ___________." 


So what's up with the Bucks, you ask?

So, what are Bash Bucks? They are gift certificates that equal cash and are redeemable only at the current Bash event on May 5, 2012. They cannot be kept and spent at a future Bash event.

How do I win Bash Bucks? Anyone can enter to win them. To enter, participants will comment on the Etsy Dallas blog or tweet about the contest as specified in each contest’s instructions. Winners will be picked at random. Winners will claim their Bash Bucks in person the day of the current Bash. Bash Bucks cannot be mailed to the winners.

Okay I won! Now how do I spend them? Bash Bucks come in increments of $10 and spend like cash. The winner cannot receive change from Bash Bucks, and they cannot be split up to spend at two different booths. For example, if you want an $8 item, you must pay with your $10 Bash Bucks and forfeit the remaining $2 since change cannot be made. Additionally, you cannot spend that remaining $2 at a different vendor's booth.

Who's paying for these anyway? The Bash is footing the bill so we can spread the love to our wonderful shoppers and our artists.

What do they look like? The appearance of the Bash Bucks changes with each Bash event and is not publicized whatsoever. These are currency and therefore will have several unique distinguishable marks making them impossible to counterfeit and awesome to behold!

The Very Fine Print
+ Previous winners, members, and participating Bash artists ARE eligible to win.

+ If your comment or tweet is chosen, you will be required to give your full name and date of birth via email. You will be given instructions on how and where to pick up your Bash Bucks (any time during the event).
+You must reply to the congratulatory/instruction notifications by 11:59pm on May 3rd and must be present the day of the 2012 Spring Bash to collect your certificates and redeem them. Failure to respond to the email with correct information by the deadline will forfeit your right to Bash Bucks.

+ Bash bucks are not transferable. If you win them, you have to spend them. If you win, please be prepared to bring a proper ID (driver's license) to claim your Bash Bucks.

+ Bash Bucks cannot be redeemed for cash. They must be spent at one of the Spring Bash 2012 vendor booths the day of the event. You are responsible for paying any total over the value of your certificate. Any balance after purchase is surrendered to the vendor (change will not be given).

+ 2012 Spring Bucks are void after 4:59pm on May 5th, and may not be used at any other event or online.

+ Play Nice. Don't lie, cheat, or steal.

+ We love you! See you at the Bash! (SHOP+PARTY+ART+CRAFT)

Sponsor Spotlight: Helmutwalker Photography

Raelyn and Laura are the two amazingly talented chicas behind Helmutwalker Photography.  They specialize in an artistic, photojournalistic style, documenting both the emotions of once-in-a-lifetime events and the magic of everyday moments.  And you'll see them at the Etsy Dallas Spring Bash next Saturday snapping photos of the event!


Here are some samples of their photos from weddings, which give couples the opportunity to relive the excitement and happy tears of their special day - from that first glance to the last dance!






And here are some samples from kids and family sessions that feature kids doing what they do best - running around, playing and just being a kid.  They shoot on location right at the kids homes so they feel most comfortable and can just be themselves!  









Find out more info about Helmutwalker Photography here: 

Weekend Guide: April 27 + 28 + 29



Fabulous Four Artist Workshop 

Date: Friday, April 27th, Saturday, April 28th, and Sunday, April 29th
Time: Friday Reception 6:30pm / Sat+ Sun 8am-5pm Location: Lockheed Martin Rec Area, 3400 Bryant Irvin Rd., Ft Worth 76109
More Info: $225 registration. See more details here. 
Participating Etsy Dallas Member: Christie Cone Ceramics 


Pegasus Plaza Outdoor Market

Date: Friday, April 27th
Time: 11 am-3pm
Location: Pegasus Plaza, at the corner of Main St. and Akard, Dallas 
Participating Etsy Dallas Member: Dowdy Studio 


Dustbowl Arts Market 

Date: Saturday, April 28nd
Time: 11am-7pm
Location: 100th block of East Main St., Norman, OK
More Info: Dustbowl Arts Market
Participating Etsy Dallas Member: Dowdy Studio 

Shop Feature: Modest Ambition

Anne Lawrence of Modest Ambition started her shop in 2007, but has been creating crocheted clothing and accessories since the age of 8.  Today she is an amazingly talented artist, a new mom, and an advocate for the arts.
hair clips: $9


One of the things I find most interesting about Anne is her outlook on her craft... she says she does "not find crochet soothing, but rather challenging and complex."  You will always find new and original designs in her shop, and you can expect to see more baby and child items as her own little one grows!


silk mohair orange shrug: $85


ribbon badges: $6


baby poncho: $45


Modest Ambition will be at the Etsy Dallas Spring Bash on May 5th, stop by and check out what's new!


Visit Modest Ambition on Etsy for more inspiring items:
modestambition.etsy.com


And find out more about Anne here:
http://modestambition.com
http://y-e-arning.blogspot.com 

Daily Discovery: Gifts for the Good Guys

This one is for the Good Guys! Yes, the good guys can be really difficult to shop for, but Brandon of Honeycomb Print Shop decided to give us a little help with his picks from the Spring Bash lineup. 

1. Small Steak Plush - by Midnight Snack


2. Property of Man Cave Pillow - by Yellow Bug Boutique


3. Marfa Water Tower - by Seen Studios


4. Old 97s Spring Tour Poster - by Napkin Art


5. Bike Clock, desk clock - by RE-GEARED


6. Anchor T-Shirt - by Seventy-Five Apparel


7. Camera Lunch Bag/Six Pack Cooler - by Dozy Doats Totes


8. Upcycled Saw Clock - by BUTTER Design Lab


9. Viking Wood Beard T-Shirt - by Dowdy Studio

Sponsor Spotlight: Dallas Child



It is my pleasure to announce Dallas Child Magazine is one of our fabulous sponsors for the 4th Annual Spring Bash. As a Mom of 4, Dallas Child magazine has been a favorite on my nightstand for a long time.


From the moment Dallas area Moms find out they are expecting, they know Dallas Child is the magazine to turn to for all things baby and kid in Dallas. And here’s why:

Best for Families features help you locate the best of everything from "Best Maternity Store" to "Best Place to Take Tots When You Want Them to Take a Nap." 

When the kids are bored, this list of area activities has lots of great ideas that I bet you haven’t thought of yet.

Who needs Real Housewives when you can read all about the inspiring, really Real Moms right here in Dallas? 

And my favorite, find the best Kids Eat Free restaurants in town any night of the week. 

Oh, and the birthday parties…don’t get me started on the birthday parties!

In addition to all of these great finds about town, Dallas Child also has spot-on fashion trends for tots and Moms, as well as, thought provoking articles full of helpful parenting advice. 

You can find this award-winning free monthly parenting magazine all around town at book stores, doctors offices, grocery stores, fitness centers, childcare facilities and libraries. You can also read the current and back issues online at DallasChild.com. And, you can stay in touch by following along on Facebook and their blog.

Weekend Guide: April 21st + 22nd




The Dallas Flea 

Date: Saturday, April 21st
Time: 9am-4pm
Location: South Side on Lamar, 1409 South Lamar, Dallas
More Info: http://thedallasflea.com

Shop Etsy Dallas @ The Dallas Flea






Party for the Planet at the Dallas Zoo
 
Date: Saturday, April 21st & Sunday, April 22nd 
Time: Sat. 12-5pm, Sun. 1-5pm 
Location: Dallas Zoo, Dallas 
More Info: Pegasus News 


Shop Etsy Dallas @ the Party for the Planet




Oak Cliff Earth Day


Date: Sunday, April 22nd
Time: 1-5pm
Location: Lake Cliff Park, Dallas
More Info: http://www.oakcliffearthday.org/


Shop Etsy Dallas @ Oak Cliff Earth Day

Etsy Dallas Needs You!

What are you doing on Saturday, May 5th? Twice a year Etsy Dallas puts on the most amazing Shop+Party+Art+Craft show around, and we couldn't do without our awesome crew of volunteers. Would you like to rub elbows with the craftiest folks in town and help bring that extra special touch to the Spring Bash?
Volunteers help hand out the coveted Bash Bags
You may be wondering what exactly do Etsy Dallas volunteers do. Well, they help out in lots of fun ways:
*You know those pretty decorations at the show? Volunteers help the Deco Squad put everything in its place just so. 
*And what about those coveted Bash Bags that people stand in line for hours to get? Volunteers help hand out those babies which means they get the first peak at what's inside. 
*Also, volunteers lend a hand at the Photo Booth helping visitors dress silly and pose for the camera with our crafty photo props. Have you seen the Knit Bike yet? You can see it in person, and strike a pose with it at the Spring Bash! 
*Volunteers also relieve vendors when they need to take a break so they don't get even a tad bit grumpy after a long day of selling their crafty wares. 
*And, volunteers help shoppers get their craft on at the Make&Take Table. This year's Spring Bash Make&Take Table will be sponsored by the Dallas Yarn Bombers-so don't want to miss that!

Volunteers help shoppers craft it up at the Make&Take Table

If this sounds like the job for you, sign up here to help out with the 4th Annual Spring Bash.