More Learning Opportunities with Etsy Dallas and Dallas Makerspace

We are delighted to offer more opportunities to come learn with the Etsy Dallas team at Dallas Makerspace. For the month of September, we are offering Getting Started on Etsy and Social Media Marketing for your Small Business.


The feedback on this beginner's workshop has been awesome! This is your chance to come learn from an experienced Etsy Dallas seller all the secrets to get that Etsy shop you have been dreaming of off to a successful start.
Getting Started on Etsy
Friday, September 18th
Dallas Makerspace
10:30 am-12:30pm
$25


If you want to build brand awareness, create a buzz and increase your sales, this is the class for you! Social media is one of the best tools to use to help grow your business. 

Social Media Marketing for your Small Business 
Saturday, September 26th
Dallas Makerspace
3:00-5:00pm
$25
Ticket Info


Shop Spotlight: Lawless Souls

 Hello, again, and welcome back to our weekly installment of our Shop Spotlight Series! This week, we're featuring another new member, Lawless Souls. Nickie Feddersen and Desiree Reid create fun and cute clothing for women featuring music lyrics.

Let's get started!



What year did you open your shop? 2014
What is your shop's motto? Live in the Lyrics
What is your favorite item that you sell? Women's vintage-inspired clothing that is inspired by music.
Fun fact about you: We met in college at Oklahoma State in 1996.
How did you get started? Lawless Souls was born out of a late-night phone conversation of us talking about how many unwearable concert tee shirts we own because they are all ill-fitting and ugly! We set out to create a way for women and girls to express themselves and still look amazing.
Anything else we should know? We both LOVE and are inspired by vintage items - be it clothing, jewelry, or furniture. We are inspired by the same "vintage" music!


Thanks, ladies! Your stuff is really, really great!


To learn more about Lawless Souls, you can check them out on their other sites: Web // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram


 

Applications for Jingle Bash 2015 Now Open!

GET EXCITED, EVERYONE! We are now accepting applications for this year's annual Jingle Bash!

This year's Bash will again be at the South Side Event Center at Gilley's Dallas on November 21st from 11 am to 6 pm. It's a seriously great show with a LOT of traffic!


If you're an artist and you would like to be considered as a vendor, you can click this link to apply. We're accepting applications from August 9th - 30th. And please do apply! We're always looking for great makers to participate, and you don't have to be local to Dallas or an Etsy Dallas member. We love to hear from anyone and everyone!

Thanks so much, and good luck!


xo,
The Etsy Dallas Team

Shop Spotlight: Unboxed Studio

Good afternoon, everyone! We here at Etsy Dallas hope your summer is going well (it's ending far too soon in our opinion)! But we're also looking forward to crunchy leaves, comfort food, and cooler weather (especially after this past week!). 

We're back with our weekly post in our Shop Spotlight Series. We're so happy to introduce you to Unboxed Studio, a jewelry line designed and created by Jennifer Latham. Jennifer creates unique jewelry for pop culture fans and beyond. 

Beaded Tassel Bracelet

What year did you open your shop? 2014
What is your shop's motto? Fan-inspired jewelry for the modern geek!


Gold Bangle with Wire Wrapped Silver Quartz Stone

I Would Walk Into Mordor Scrabble Tile Necklace

What is your favorite item that you sell? My miniature bottle necklaces.


Miniature Phone Box in a Bottle Necklace

Fun fact about you: I'm a HUGE Dr. Who fan!


Silver Bangle with Wire Wrapped Purple Stone

 How did you get started? As a fan of a lot of pop culture, I found there was a huge void of modest and high-quality options out there for an affordable price.


Thanks so much, Jennifer! Your pieces are beautiful!


To find out more about Jennifer, you can also check out her Facebook page.



 

New Workshops from Etsy Dallas and Dallas Makerspace

The Etsy Dallas team has had such a blast partnering with Dallas Makerspace to teach the key principles of operating a successful Etsy shop. We've had lots of good feedback on the classes so far and have been encouraged to keep the knowledge flowing. 

 Next up, we have Photography that Sells. Come learn how to improve your photography for online sales. And then,  Craft Show Like a Pro to learn everything you need to know for craft show success.


Saturday, August 8th
1-3pm


Saturday, August 22nd
12-2pm
$25


Tickets are required for each of these classes. Be sure to click on the links above to purchase yours.

Shop Spotlight: Curious & Fanciful

Hello, everybody, and welcome to another installation of our Shop Spotlight series! This week we are featuring Curious & Fanciful, a truly unique shop with incredible hand-painted and letterpress designs.


 What year did you open your shop? 2008
What is your shop's motto? Live Long and Prosper

One of Katrina's letterpress designs.

 What is your favorite item that you sell? For my large shows, especially Jingle Bash, I make 4 or 5 glass shadow boxes to sell. They are very unique gifts. I reproduce my feather and butterfly paintings, cut them out, and shape them to look real. I then mount them in hand-crafted glass boxes to hang on the wall. People can't believe they are paper!

A butterfly in-process

The finished 3-D paper butterfly

Watercolor feathers

What is a fun fact about you? I can write with my toes!

Katrina spends much of her free time painting larger canvas pieces.

How did you get started? I grew up in a small town and never had the opportunity to be involved in art classes because my electives were filled up with band and journalism. When I moved to Denton to study interior design at UNT, I learned that I had quite a bit of catching up to do. I had always loved doodling, but never considered it my calling. Suddenly, I was immersed in fine arts classes studying drawing, design, and computers in art, model making, color theory, and print making. I even did some study abroad in the Czech Republic to learn about Mucha, Art Nouveau, and architecture. I also learned a lot about beer, and got engaged!

When I returned home, I decided to change my major to Art History, and began planning my wedding. I fell head over heels for letterpress wedding invitations and HAD to have them. Better yet, I had to make my own. Better yet, this is what I could do after college! One thing lead to another, and before I knew it, I had convinced my future husband and father to take a road trip to Kansas City to purchase a Chandler & Price letterpress made in 1897.

I graduated with a degree in Interdisciplinary Arts & Design Studies because I truly studied a little bit of everything to try and find my niche. What I found was that I am passionately curious about learning new art mediums. I am curious and fanciful, and my shop is all about different types of art and what you can do with a little bit of practice and courage.


Thanks so much, Katrina! What a wonderful insight into your life as an artist. We're so glad to have you along as a team member!


You can find out more about Curious & Fanciful on her social media sites: Twitter // Instagram // Web // Blog



Shop Spotlight:EstieMade

Another Monday, another Shop Spotlight post! This week, we're featuring Etsy Dallas Team Member EstieMade. Esther Kao, owner and designer, creates unique, modern, and versatile jewelry pieces that will last you a lifetime.

EstieMade Aquamarine Half Moon Ring

What year did you start your shop? 2011
What is your shop's motto? Simple + wearable jewelry that is elegant enough for everyday wear.


EstieMade Dainty Tourmaline Rope Ring

What is your favorite item that you sell? Rings!
Fun fact about you: I rarely buy clothes - I spend my money on jewelry supplies instead!

EstieMade Geometric Stacking Bracelets

How did you get started? My first jewelry pieces were necklaces for my bridesmaids in 2009, and from there I got hooked on making jewelry. 


EstieMade Hand-Textured 14k Gold Stacking Rings

Anything else we should know about you? I have a background in graphic design and advertising, which has come in handy for developing my Etsy shop and branding.

EstieMade Triangle Malachite Necklace

Thank you so much, Esther! Your pieces are truly beautiful, and we're proud to have you on the team!

If you would like to know more about EstieMade, you can check out her other social media sites. And I definitely would, if I were you - she's usually posting some killer sneak peeks of upcoming designs and behind-the-scenes shots of her process!

Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // Web

2nd Annual Crafts for Crayons School Supply Drive and Craft Event


Want to make a difference in a young girl's life? Join Etsy Dallas at the 2nd Annual Crafts for Crayons event on Saturday, August 1st, at the NorthPark Center. 

For a donation of school or art supplies, you can have a fun afternoon crafting away with your friends or kids. And bonus - you get to take your crafts with you when you leave!

You can find us in the NorthCourt between Nordstrom and Macy's from 1-5 pm - it's sure to be a blast!


All donations will benefit Girls, Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas, a philanthropy whose goal is to empower girls to be come strong, smart, and bold women who positively contribute to our communities and who understand, value, and assert their rights. Girls, Inc. teaches leadership and gives girls the tools to change their situation. 

Their programming includes such activities as: 
Last year, we raised over $2,000 in addition to bags and bags of school and art supplies for the organization, and we hope to exceed that this year! Your donations help ease the burden on teachers to provide their own supplies (much of which comes out of their own pockets) and give girls the tools they need to succeed in the classroom. You will be directly affecting change in your own community!

So please come and join us for what is guaranteed to be a great afternoon of camaraderie, crafting, and community improvement - we can't wait!


For more information about Girls, Inc., you can visit girlsincdallas.org, or on any of these social media sites: Twitter // Pinterest // Tumblr // Instagram


Shop Spotlight: Expressions Bracelets

Hullo, and welcome back to our weekly Shop Spotlight series! We are so proud of all of our team members and are thrilled to continue showcasing their amazingness.

This week, we are highlighting Expressions Bracelets. Owner SaRatta Reeves is a Jack (well, Jane)-of-all-trades with a tangible love for life and helping others. She sells unique, personalized jewelry with the intention of helping the wearer express his or her true self.








What year did you open? 2012

What is your shop's motto? Freedom to Express Your Style

What is your favorite item that you sell? Personalized engraved cuffs.


Fun fact about you: I am a spoken word artist (poet).

How did you get started? After experiencing two corporate layoffs within two years, I began looking for a different career. I created bracelets for my niece's Autism Walk, and since they were a big hit, I turned it into a business. A portion of our sales go to Autism Awareness.

Anything else we should know? I spent ten years as a public speaker.


Thanks, SaRatta! We love your pieces and your mission -  thanks for being a team member!


You can follow Expressions Bracelets on the following social media sites:
Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // Blog



Shop Spotlight: Whipped Up Wonderful

Hullo, and welcome back to the official Etsy Dallas blog!

It's Monday, and you know what that means! Today, we're continuing with our weekly Shop Spotlight series with Whipped Up Wonderful. Alexis Strickland, owner and maker, makes unique and fun handmade soaps, bath bombs, and other skin care goodies.

Alexis Strickland, owner
What year did you open? 2010
What is your shop's motto? Creating spa-quality bath treats with a conscience.

Aphrodisiac Bath Bomb, with notes of grapefruit, lemon, mandarin, and green tomato leaf.  

 What is your favorite item that you sell? Bath bombs of all colors and fragrances.

A custom gift box.

Fun fact about you: I'm a part-time art teacher and sweet tea enthusiast.
How did you get started? The short story? Boredom. Never leave me alone with a book on making your own soaps and bath products. Companies get founded, and things get messy!

Lavender Dreams Bath Bomb topped with organic lavender buds.

Anything else we should know? Each item is made with a genuine focus on ingredient sustainability and biodegradability. I use locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible and make a point of supporting other local businesses and charities.


Thanks, Alexis! I can only begin to imagine how amazing your studio smells with all of these goodies lurking about.

You can follow Whipped Up Wonderful on Instagram, Facebook, Tumblr, and Twitter.

Have a great week, everybody!




Save the Date for Jingle Bash 2015!


It's official! Save the date, everybody, for this year's annual Jingle Bash! Kick off your holiday shopping with us at Gilley's Dallas on November 21st from 11 am to 6 pm - it's going to be a blast!

(We know it's a little bit early to be thinking of the holiday season, but we're just SO EXCITED!)

If you're a maker, we're looking for YOU! Applications to show at the Bash will be available around mid-August, so keep an eye out for another blog post announcing the launch. Non-members are encouraged to apply for the show - we're always on the lookout for really great talent!


All the Best,
The Etsy Dallas Team

Shop Spotlight: Precious Little Tot

Happy Monday, everyone! Today, we're continuing our Shop Spotlight series with Precious Little Tot. Owners Jaclyn Kostrzewa and Julie Boldt design and make modern baby accessories for moms, including diaper bags, diaper clutches, and teething blankets.


What year did you open? 2012
What is your shop's motto? Products designed by two moms for the modern mom and baby.

The Black Arrow Diaper Bag

What is your favorite item that you sell? Our diaper bags and clutches.
Fun fact about you: We have a fabric obsession!

Precious Little Tot wares in action.

How did you get started? We started in 2012 for fun as a hobby, and it slowly built from there. My main motivators to make products were my two kids.

Gray Arrow Diaper Bag

Chic wares for the modern mother.

 Anything else we should know? My business partner is Julie Boldt, who is located in Chicago. She handles all of our marketing.


Thanks so much, ladies! For more information about Precious Little Tot and some behind-the-scenes shots, you can follow them on the following social media sites: Instagram // Facebook // Twitter // Web



More Learning Opportunities!

Etsy Dallas and Dallas Makerspace have teamed up to offer more learning opportunities for those that want to build a stellar Etsy shop. Our next workshops will cover everything from Etsy shop basics to product photography to advanced seller networking. 

Saturday, July 11th
12-2pm
$25
Tickets Info

Saturday, July 18th
1-3pm
$25
Ticket Info


Saturday, August 8th
1-3pm
$25
Ticket Info

Tickets are required for each of these classes. Be sure to click on the links above to purchase yours.

Shop Spotlight: Off Avenue Studio

Hullo, everybody, and welcome back to our Shop Spotlight series!


This week, we're featuring the ever-awesome Off Avenue Studio. Teresa Wyatt makes gorgeous botanical-inspired prints and cards. You can also check her out on Facebook for a further glimpse into her shop and process.

Teresa in action!

What year did you start your shop? 2013
What is your shop's motto? Images from nature that can only be captured once.
What is your favorite item that you sell? Monoprint note cards.

Some of Teresa's colorful and unique monoprint cards.

Fun fact about you: I love to get cards in the mail!
How did you get started? I couldn't find Mother's Day cards that I liked, so I made my own!
Anything else we should know? The botanicals that I use for my prints are all local - mostly from around White Rock Lake.

Thanks so much, Teresa!



Shop Spotlight: The Pig and the Peacock

We are so excited to begin a new series highlighting the awesomeness of our Etsy Dallas Team Members! Each week, we will interview one of our members and showcase what makes them so special. Keep your eyes peeled - there are some really great things coming your way!

First up is The Pig and the Peacock, owned by sisters Sabrina and Jenny. They are currently running a crowdsourcing campaign on Etsy to help fund the introduction of their DejaVino Wine Bottle Candles. Click here to see the campaign and show support!

The Pig & the Peacock DejaVino Wine Bottle Candles

What year did you start your shop? 2008

Jenny & Sabrina's Studio
What is your shop's motto? Beautiful hand-crafted soap

Chamomile & Calendula Soap

 What is your favorite item that you sell? Red Tea & Lychee soap (but the soap guns are most popular!)
Fun fact about you: We are both figure skaters and science/math geeks!
How did you get started? We started by making bath salts for a friend's gift, and it exploded from there.

Lavender & Mint Lotion Bar

 Anything else we should know? Our shop is named in memory of our grandparents. Our grandfather raised pigs, and to class up the place, our grandmother raised peacocks.

All-Natural Body Butter

Thanks so much, ladies, and good luck on your Fund on Etsy Campaign!

For more info about The Pig and the Peacock, you can follow them on any of these social media sites: Instagram // Twitter // Facebook // Etsy Shop // Blog



Spring Bash 2015 Photos Are Up!

We hope everyone's summer is off to a fantastic start! Here in Dallas the weather has been pretty mild (aside from the monsoons), so we're pretty grateful that the real heat hasn't set in yet.

It is once again time to show off the AWESOME photos from this year's Spring Bash. Former Etsy Dallas Team Member Yony Kim of YLK Photography was kind enough to document the whole shebang, and the photos are now available for viewing on Flickr. Follow this link to see the album!

Here's a quick preview - enjoy!

The new Freckled Chicken bus looks great next to the line of shoppers waiting for Bash Bags!

Eager guests grabbing free goodies from our awesome volunteers. The absolutely gorgeous entry designs were provided by Iza Pearl Designs - thank you!

A packed house.

Kidlets crafting away at the make-and-take craft tables.

Photobooth fun! Backdrop provided by Iza Pearl Designs - thanks!

Happy makers and shoppers.


All these and so much more at our Flickr site. Thank you SO MUCH, Yony! They look great!


Come Learn with Etsy Dallas and Dallas Makerspace!

Etsy Dallas and Dallas Makerspace have teamed up for some exciting, new creative learning opportunities. Our first course will be for those that are thinking of setting up their own Etsy shops to sell their handmade or vintage finds. 

Regina Frydman from Regal Cottage will share all the best tips to get your shop started on the path to success in an interactive, two-hour workshop that will cover choosing a shop name, understanding how to get items found in search, and what you can do to create buyer confidence and make the first sale.


Dallas Makerspace
Wednesday, June 17th
10:00am-12:00pm
$25 

Get your tickets at http://bit.ly/1KHE56k
Questions? Email: reginafrydman@sbcglobal.net

Come Craft Party with Etsy Dallas!

Etsy Dallas Craft Party at Zoomos

Crafters and creatives, meet us for an afternoon of collective crafting and frivolity at Zoomos Pop Up Shop in the Bishop Arts District to celebrate Etsy's Birthday. We have a great craft for you to make and take, and the playlist is simply inspired. This event is free and open to the public. Be there or be square! Be sure to RSVP so we can save you some goodies! Can't wait to see you!

June 6th
504 North Madison Avenue
Dallas, TX 75208 
4:00-7:00pm 


Sponsor Spotlight: Regal Cottage

Sometimes, I feel like kids get all of the good stuff. Ever know what I mean? The fun clothes, the cool toys, the daytime napping... I do get jealous! Especially after seeing Regal Cottage's line of handmade organic toys and plushes. And you'll feel the same way, too, I'm sure, because Etsy Dallas is pleased to showcase Regal Cottage as one of this year's Spring Bash sponsors!

Regina Frydman, owner and designer, is the brainchild behind this super cute line of children's toys and gifts. However, Regal Cottage is truly a family affair. While Regina designs, illustrates, and sews all of her products, her husband loves woodworking and handles the bookkeeping, and their four kids are designated as the "in-house product review committee."


Regina makes all products in her home studio from eco-friendly base materials, such as vegan leather and organic fabrics. I know that I want to buy SO MANY things, including this Metallic Gold Moon Pillow:


I've always loved Russian Nesting Dolls, so this large plush is on my list:


And I'm pretty sure that anything with a Narwhal on it is automatically awesome:


You can see more of Regina's work on her Facebook page, her blog, and her Instagram account. And on May 2nd, swing by the Southside Events Center at Gilley's Dallas from 11 am to 6 pm to see her in person! Make sure to bring a reusable tote to transport your goodies home - we'll all be doing our part to reduce waste!

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'll see you on May 2nd!


Sponsor Spotlight: K8 Made

I don't know about you, but I'm getting seriously excited for this year's Etsy Dallas Spring Bash! There are SO MANY excellent artists who will be there, and I know I will be bringing my wallet to buy from fellow sellers when the show is over!

One of these sellers is K8 Made, who is one of this year's sponsors! I've loved Kate's creations for a long time, and I can't wait to support her at this year's Bash.

Kate Alfermann, owner and designer of K8 Made, creates gorgeous, modern accessories. Most prominent are her clutches, which are just beautiful. I've been eyeing this sparkly number for a while. And as anyone who knows me can attest, the sparlklier, the better!


And this Teal Chiffon Clutch is just gorgeous. A friend bought one at the Jingle Bash as a gift and the receiver was smitten!


If you're looking for something more casual, this wristlet is just the ticket. The Navajo fabric is fun, and so great for spring!


Follow Kate on Instagram and Twitter to see behind-the-scenes action and previews of products she will be selling at the Bash. You might even catch a glimpse of the custom work she's done for lucky bridal parties!

Come and see K8 Made in person at the Southside Events Center at Gilley's Dallas on May 2nd from 11 am to 6 pm. Make sure to bring a reusable tote to haul all of your new goodies home! We can't wait to see you!

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!