Sponsor Spotlight: In Your Bones

As the 7th Annual Etsy Dallas Spring Bash approaches, we are so honored to continue with our Sponsor Spotlights!

Our newest sponsor is In Your Bones, an adorable shop filled with unique textiles for all aspects of your everyday life. Gabriela, owner and designer, takes enormous pride in producing one-of-a-kind pieces. Her shop name is entirely inspired by her drive to create. When asked by a teacher why she does what she does, she once replied, "Well, when you're passionate about what you do, it's not just in your blood, it's in your bones." It's this love for the craft that is evident in all of her products.

An additional passion is nature photography, which serves as an inspiration for her handmade designs. She is greatly committed to reducing her impact on the earth, and as such, all of her products are uniquely designed or made using a blend of re-purposed, vintage, and new fabrics.

Check her out on Facebook, Instagram, and her blog, and be sure to stop by her booth on May 2nd! She'll be selling her wares from 11 am to 6 pm at the Southside Events Center at Gilley's Dallas.

We will be posting artist previews and other information on our blog, Facebook page, and Instagram account, so make sure you're following us for up-to-the-date information. We will be using the hashtags #etsydallas and #2015springbash for all event posts, so check us out!

Sponsor Spotlight: Freckled Chicken

If you know some adorable little girls who need equally adorable clothing, then you are in luck, because another returning sponsor for this year's Etsy Dallas Spring Bash is Freckled Chicken!

Holly Hester, designer and owner, started Freckled Chicken in 2006. With over 25 years in the apparel industry, Holly found her true inspiration when her daughter, Avalon, was born. Ever since, she's been producing wholesome, comfortable children's clothing and accessories. Her designs are made for girls aged 12 months to 12 years, and the prints are SO cute! Take a look:

I mean, come on. And these Hanky Dresses? Too much!

You can see more of Holly's designs and daily happenings on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and her blog. And make sure to follow Etsy Dallas' Instagram account for even more artist and show previews!

See Freckled Chicken's wares at the Southside Events Center at Gilley's Dallas on May 2nd from 11 am to 6 pm, and make sure to bring a reusable tote to haul all of your handmade goods home! We'll see you there!

We will be posting artist previews and other information on our blog, Facebook page, and Instagram account, so make sure you're following us for up-to-the-date information. We will be using the hashtags #etsydallas and #2015springbash for all event posts, so check us out!

Spring Things for the Kids at the Spring Bash

Oh the things you can find for the kids at the 2015 Spring Bash-really, really wonderful things! From art to toys to the cutest clothing, artisans will be on hand to share with you their process and the inspiration behind their adorable offerings. 

Nothing But a Pigeon

Iza Pearl Design

Fox Hollow Designs

In Your Bones

The Pig and The Peacock

Emmi Lee Designs

These are just a few of the adorable kid finds that will be available at the Spring Bash. There are so many more! It's one day only (Saturday, May 2nd). Bring the kids. They will enjoy shopping the Bash too. There will be Make and Take crafts that kids and grownups alike will enjoy, and there is a restaurant on site too. The crowds can be a challenge with a stroller, but if you come later in the day, the crowds tend to thin out and you can stay for dinner in the restaurant. 

Win $$$ Bash Bucks $$$

Feeling lucky? Head on over to DFWChild Magazine for a chance to win $50 in Bash Bucks. Bash Bucks are our own snazzy little gift certificates that are redeemable at the Spring Bash to shop from any of our awesome 80+ artists.

The only way to get Bash Bucks in to win them! To enter, tell DFWChild Magazine your favorite Spring activity. And for even more chances to win, share a photo on Instagram of you springing into action with @EtsyDallas #SpringIntoEtsy. The contest end April 27th, so get on it!

Sponsor Spotlight: Midnight Snack

We are so proud to tell you all that Midnight Snack, a longtime sponsor of Etsy Dallas, is again returning to support this year's Etsy Dallas Spring Bash! Just looking at Christina's offerings is making me really, really hungry. If you haven't seen her items, you're about to understand!

Christina (most unfortunately!) will not be selling at this year's bash, as she will be roaming around, making sure everything is going smoothly. If you see her, make sure and say hello! She does a great deal for Etsy Dallas, and we sure do appreciate her!

Isn't this Bacon Plush absolutely hilarious? Even as a vegetarian, I would LOVE one! 

And as a longtime lover of all things carby, I'm seriously crushing on this Baked Potato Plush.

You can follow her current adventures on Facebook and Twitter. And make sure to come to the Southside Events Center at Gilley's Dallas on May 2nd from 11 am to 6 pm for the Spring Bash! Bring a reusable shopping tote to haul all of your goodies home!

We will be posting artist previews and other information on our blog, Facebook page, and Instagram account, so make sure you're following us for up-to-the-date information. We will be using the hashtags #etsydallas and #2015springbash for all event posts, so check us out!

We can't wait to see you on May 2nd!

For the Dudes: A Spring Bash Buyer's Guide

There will be SO MUCH good stuff at this year's Spring Bash that making this round-up was really, really hard! There will literally be something for EVERYBODY, and the dudes are no exception.

T-shirts are always a good choice, and Dowdy Studio really delivers. This "Drink Local" tee is one of the many, many garments they will bring to the Spring Bash.

Wayne Works is new to the team this year, and we're really excited about what they'll bring to the Bash! One of the pieces that stood out to me the most was this Industrial Reclaimed Wood Strut Shelf. Minimal, slightly rustic, and super sturdy. I want one in my office!

Tread Studios is also a new addition to the team. I'm sure you've probably seen their work circulating around town - their watercolors are so great!

Let us not forget about Father's Day, which is coming up on June 21st. Use Toko Dots' colorful card to tell Dad how you feel!

Help the guy in your life be prepared for, well, ANYTHING, with this Zombie Apocalypse Survival Guide notebook from Made by Rori. You never know when they'll need it!

You can never have too many places to stash keys, cash, or other small items, and this Mojave Leather Bowl from SCOUT + LILLY will do the trick quite nicely.

Beard maintenance can get tiresome, I'm sure, but this beautifully made beard comb will surely alleviate some of that stress. You can find this at new member Big T Wood Works' booth on May 2nd.

And finally, this really gorgeous Lava Rock Bracelet by Expressions Bracelets is a great, subtle accessory. And bonus: a portion of each sale goes to Autism Awareness.

Come and see all of these artists (and so many more!) on May 2nd at the Southside Events Center at Gilley's Dallas! The Bash will run from 11 am to 6 pm. Be sure to bring your reusable tote bag for all of your goodies.

We will be posting artist previews and other information on our blog, Facebook page, and Instagram account, so make sure you're following us for up-to-the-date information. We will be using the hashtags #etsydallas and #2015springbash for all event posts, so check us out!

Sponsor Spotlight: Dallas Child

As you may or may not have heard, the Etsy Dallas Spring Bash is almost upon us! And we could not have done it without the support of our incredible sponsors. We are so pleased to welcome back some familiar companies, including DFWChild, a longtime sponsor of Etsy Dallas events!


DFWChild is a fantastic resource for DFW and North Texas parents. They publish three completely free magazines for local parents featuring information on all aspects of parenting from prenatal to adolescence. Keep your eyes peeled around town for your local publication: DallasChild, FortWorthChild, and NorthTexasChild. And in case you aren't able to pick one up in person, each edition is available online for round-the-clock access!

You can also find other child-related content online. Here are some (but definitely not all!) examples of parenting resources they offer:

• The Find-A-Doctor page, where you can find a “Mom-Approved” physician in your area, which is especially wonderful if you’re new to the DFW area;

• A Travel section, where you can find recommendations for vacations that are fun for the whole family, as well as advice for travelling with kids;

• DFWEverything, a collection of resources geared especially to parents. Find everything from child care to party resources and information on government support; and

• A Things to Do page and a Calendar, listing upcoming local events and activities for families. 

In addition to all of this, they offer special editions geared toward specific parents, including:

• Thrive: a quarterly publication focusing on parents or caretakers of children with learning differences and/or special needs; and

• DallasChildBaby: a biannual issue geared toward new and expectant parents.

For additional information and up-to-the-moment local happenings, check them out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Google+. 

Also be sure and stop by their table at the Spring Bash! They'll be at the Southside Events Center at Gilley's Dallas on May 2nd from 11 am to 6 pm. We can't wait to see you there! 

Etsy Dallas will be posting artist previews and up-to-the-minute updates on our Instagram account and will be using the hashtags #etsydallas and #2015springbash, so make sure you're following us!

7th Annual Etsy Dallas Spring Bash!

It's official! The 7th Annual Spring Bash has been set! We are pleased to announce that this year, the Spring Bash will be held on May 2nd at the Southside Events Center at Gilley's Dallas from 11 am to 6 pm!

For those of you who attended the Jingle Bash this past holiday season, we will be in the exact same location.

A lot of the artists from the Jingle Bash will be there, in addition to some new faces. For a full list of who will be there, visit our Artists Page.

Planning on attending? Here are some helpful tips!

• Get there early! Doors open at 11 am, and the first 50 attendees receive limited-edition Bash Bags stuffed with free goodies from sellers. And once we're out, we're out!
• Bring a reusable tote bag for your purchases. Recently, Dallas passed an ordinance banning the use of plastic shopping bags, and Etsy Dallas will be participating in the effort to reduce waste. So come prepared with a way to carry your purchases, because you'll want to buy everything!
• Bring the kids! The Etsy Dallas Spring Bash is a kid-friendly event! There will be make-and-take crafts for kids and grown-ups alike. There is a restaurant on-site as well for those post-shopping hungries. FYI: crowds can be a challenge to navigate with a stroller, so if you're worried, feel free to come later in the day when the crowds thin a little bit, and you'll be able to shop with ease. You can even eat at the restaurant when you're done!
• Bring cash as well as cards. Many sellers accept credit cards nowadays, but sometimes it is easier (and quicker) to pay for your purchase with cash. There is an ATM at Gilley's, but if you'd like to avoid fees, you should probably withdraw cash from your bank's ATM. 

We will be posting artist previews and other information on our blog, Facebook page, and Instagram account, so make sure you're following us for up-to-the-date information. We will be using the hashtags #etsydallas and #2015springbash for all event posts, so check us out!

We can't wait to see everyone on May 2nd!

Mother's Day 2015: A Spring Bash gift guide

We are busy getting ready for the best handmade show of the year. The 2015 Spring Bash is May 2. We can't wait to buy something awesome for all the mamas on our shopping lists. Mother's Day is May 10, and our Spring Bash vendors have you covered.

Check out these finds from a few of our bash artists. Just click the image to visit the shops ...

 

Spring Bash Applications are Closing Soon!

Awesomely talented artists, makers, and crafters don't delay! Applications for the 2015 Spring Bash will close this Saturday, March 14th. Head on over to handmandbash.com to apply.

{Be Mine} Valentine finds from Etsy Dallas

If you want to really impress your Valentine this year, find them something extra special. These pretty finds from Etsy Dallas are perfect ways to spread a little love. These lovelies will last much longer than flowers and chocolate so go ahead and treat yourself while you're at it.

 

P.S. If you're a local maker and want to join the best team ever, find out how to join the 2015 Etsy Dallas Team. Applications are available through January 31, 2015.

ZOOMOS Pop-Up Shop + Etsy Dallas = Good Cause

This Saturday, you can shop small to make a big difference in our community. It's that time of year when we are scurrying around buying gifts for our loved ones. We should also remember those who are going without. Etsy Dallas has partnered with ZOOMOS Pop-Up Shop for a one day only charity event.

We will have seven Etsy Dallas artists selling their handmade items and 20 percent of the proceeds will benefit Promise House. For more than 31 years, Promise House has focused on supporting homeless youth in the Dallas area by providing a safe shelter, counseling and outreach services.

The goal for this event is to raise enough money to buy some much needed items for Promise House and help spread some holiday cheer to the kids and teens they serve. And it just so happens that this event takes place on Small Business Saturday, so come shop for a cause with our Etsy Dallas team members and help support local businesses at the same time.

Join us for some wine and holiday treats while you shop. You can also get your photo taken with Santa on the popular you + me = love mural at ZOOMOS!

When: Noon to 6 p.m., November 29, 2014
Where: 504 N. Madison Ave. Dallas, TX 75208 (in Bishop Arts)

Participating Artists:
The Pig and the Peacock
Kathleen Care Jewelry
InYourBones
Scout & Lilly
The Crooked Hook
Mesa Blue
Off Avenue Studio

The Big Bash Bag Reveal

Fifty-one early arrivers to the Jingle Bash got a Bash Bag of their very own. These swag bags were packed full of handmade awesomeness. Oh the luckiest of luckies!

We would like to thank the following artists from the bottom of our handmade loving hearts for their generous contributions:
Trizi-Tassel keychains
Ginnovations-Lampwork bead pendants
InYourBones-Embroidered snowman fingertip towels
Tiny Deer Studio-Photograph greeting cards
Mollson-Moody Mollies
Ember Paperie-Kindling letterpress pocket notes
Coco and Cocoa-Pompom ornaments
April Hiler-Floral resin magnets
Inviting Letterpress Boutique-Letterpress greeting cards
Pigsey Art- Read and write pins
Starfly Creations-Gift tags
ChetArt-Literary Pet magnets
The Modern Bazaar-Raffle tickets
Fisk and Fern-Greeting cards
Big T Woodworks-Wooden mustache magnets
Three R Designs-Upcycled record notebooks
Happy About-Magnets
Mint Cases-Leather Keyrings
Love, Burlap-Burlap ornaments
Designs by Denton/Love Shrinks-Clay Pendants
LemonGlaze-Ornaments
Wooden Leg Named Smith-DIY Peg Dolls

Both Hands Studio-Clay ornaments

Freckled Chicken-Gold dipped feathers

Cykochik-Mirrors and swatches

Dapper Guy Bowties-Bowties on a stick

Sponsor Spotlight: Etsy

If you could see us right now, you would see huge smiles and wild happy dances. That's how overjoyed we are to have Etsy as a sponsor for the Jingle Bash.

That's right! The big E is even coming to town to hang out with us at the Jingle Bash. Etsy is the marketplace where people around the world connect to buy and sell unique goods. Their mission is to re-imagine commerce in ways that build a more fulfilling and lasting world.

Etsy Dallas loves Etsy, of course, and we know you'll want to keep up with all they have to share too. You can follow Etsy on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest for all the creative goodness.

Set aside some time between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. November 15, 2014 for the biggest handmade party of the year. It's going to be so much fun!

Sponsor Spotlight: Dallas Makerspace

We are so excited to have Dallas Makerspace as a sponsor for the 2014 Jingle Bash. We are big fans! They are a non-profit, shared community workshop and laboratory located in Carrollton.

Members get 24/7 access to the space and tools as well as discounts for some classes and workshops. Dallas Makerspace has laser cutters, a full wood shop, 3D printers, an electronics lab and much more. So basically, we're saying you can make anything there.  

Dallas Makerspace hosts a weekly open house at 7 p.m. every Thursday. It's a great opportunity to meet makers and tour the space. They have an all-volunteer team. The 501(c)(3) organization is made up of local artists, engineers, makers and thinkers who enjoy creating and learning new skills.

Sponsor Spotlight: BCL of Texas

We are happy to have Business and Community Lenders of Texas as a sponsor for the Jingle Bash. BCL of Texas is a nonprofit economic development organization that provides business lending, SBA and community development programs.

In the more than 20 years since they began, BCL of Texas has created over 5,000 jobs for Texans, loaned nearly $15 million in business capital to growing business, and helped over 5,000 families to achieve home ownership.

The Business and Community Lenders of Texas Business Assistance Center #4 and #8 offer free technical assistance to low and moderate income microenterprise. Please call 214-217-8807 to schedule your free one-on-one appointment today.

Sponsor Spotlight: Midnight Snack

We are so happy to have Midnight Snack as a sponsor for the 2014 Jingle Bash. Christina's mouthwatering pieces will bring a smile to your face. And they might make you a little hungry too.

Although you won't find Midnight Snack goodies at this bash, you may meet Christina at the bash. Say hello! The plushes from Midnight Snack are works of art so we know you're going to love browsing Christina's shop. You can also enjoy a little Midnight Snack on Facebook and Twitter.

Yony's playlist helps us ring in the Jingle Bash

The Jingle Bash is indoors this year so don't worry about this wintry weather ruining your holiday shopping. We don't know about you, but this weather has us thinking thoughts of twinkling lights and hot cocoa. Etsy Dallas' social media expert, Yony, put together a Christmassy playlist to share. We think you're going to enjoy it.

We also had a little Q&A session with Yony about the season...

Q: What is your favorite thing about the holiday season?
A: Firstly, I love the cold. Secondly, I love everything else about the holidays. Everything else begins and ends with family and loved ones.

Q: Do you have any special traditions?
A: I love Christmas ornaments and have bought an ornament on every trip I have taken since geting married in 1996. Since having children, I have bought ornaments for them each year so that when they get married, they will each have a set of ornaments to take with them that have been with them since they were born.

Q: Have you started holiday shopping?
A: Yes, I actually started my shopping in September when I used a coupon code to get a great deal on a custom portrait drawing by Rob Polivka on Etsy. It's a gift for my daughter. That's it, though.

Q: How did you choose the songs for your playlist?
A: It wasn't that difficult to choose the songs for this playlist because I just threw in what I thought would make a decent mix with a flow that made some sense. I like variety, as my music taste isn't so much "one trick pony," so you will hear a few different sounds. I think I was feeling kind of mellow when I made it.

This has been Yony's first year on our leadership team. We think she's awesome! She says the Jingle Bash is going to be awesome too. "I have to say that I had no idea how much work the leadership team put into the planning of these shows," she said. "They who have taken up the torch for the past few years are simply amazing and I feel, in a way, that this show will be that validation and fruition of all of the work that they have put into making Etsy Dallas what it is today."

Gather your friends and family Saturday, November 15, 2014, and come check out all the Jingle Bash has to offer. "It's just going to be a lot of fun," Yony said. We couldn't agree more!

Sponsor Spotlight: Regal Cottage

Are you ready to take a royal adventure? Regal Cottage will deliver. Regina's beautiful toys are the perfect way to delight a child this holiday season. And parents will love you for choosing from a maker who uses certified organic cotton, eco-felt and vintage fabrics.

We are over the moon to have Regal Cottage as a sponsor for the Jingle Bash. Regina's sweet handmade toys are both classic and modern. She has lovingly created perfect items for young ones. (She's an expert on children! She has four.)

We adore Regal Cottage. "I love knowing that my toys will bring joy to children and their families while also helping to repair the world," Regina said.

 
Be sure to stop by Regina's booth at the Jingle Bash November 15, 2014. We are sure you will find something to love. Want to see more? You can follow Regal Cottage on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Sponsor Spotlight: DFW Child

Etsy Dallas is so excited to welcome back DFW Child as a Jingle Bash sponsor. We all know it's the go-to magazine for families in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. You can find DallasChild, FortWorthChild and NorthTexasChild online and in print. Each monthly publication focuses on a region of DFW and keeps readers updated on what is happening.

The award-winning magazines cover all areas of parenting – from prenatal care through adolescence. It's also free, which makes it perfect for any budget. They also publish special resources Thrive and DallasChildBaby. Thrive is a quarterly publication for local families living with learning differences and special needs. DallasChildBaby is biannual and focuses on new and expecting parents with specailized resources specifically targeted to first-time parents.

Be sure to check out their Contests page (hint hint!!) for a chance at some awesome prizes. Looking for some fun activities for the family? Check out their Things To Do page. They have you covered!

Need more? Follow them on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for even more great info. Be sure to check out their table and pick up a copy of the magazine at the Jingle Bash 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. November 15, 2014.