Dallas Arts Month 2023

Get ready Dallasites, because it's that time of the year again! This month marks the much-awaited Dallas Arts Month, where for the next 30(ish) days the city comes alive with a wide array of exciting art festivals, galleries, and events. From art exhibits to performances, there's something for everyone. So, if you're an art enthusiast or just looking for something fun to do, here are some of the must-see art events that you won't want to miss. We’ve pulled together a roundup of some of our favorite events and recommendations for you this week including events from our very own Dallas Craft Collective members and vendors, along with some of our supporters and sponsors!

April 12: Arts Trivia Night @ AT&T Performing Arts Center - Sammons Park RSVP Here

April 13: Afro Mingei: Ikebana Experience (Traditional Japanese Flower Arranging) @ Nasher More Info

April 14-15: Decades: Back to the ’80s @ Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center Info & Tickets

April 15: Tassel Talk - Tassel Making Workshop @ Makers Connect Info & Tickets

April 19: Cine de Oro Presents Enamorada (NR) @ Latino Cultural Center More Info

April 19: Fashion for Seeds - Sustainability Fashion Show @ Highland Park High School More Info

April 21-22: DBDT: Encore! Rising Excellence @ Moody Performance Hall Info & Tickets

April 22: Munger Place Wine Walk & Historic Home Tour @ East Dallas Info & Tickets

April 22: Dallas Art Fair Panel Discussion: The Arc of the Museum Acquisition @ Nasher More Info

April 22-23: Spring Art Walk @ Goldmark Cultural Center: Artspace & Studios More Info

April 26: Art Out in the Open @ Art on Main More Info

April 29-30: Artscape at the Dallas Arboretum @ Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden More Info

April 30: ADULT ART WORKSHOP Paper Marbling @ Oil and Cotton Creative Exchange More Info

April 30: Mixed Media Painting with Katherine Baronet @ The Mix Creative Space at WRMC RSVP

May 3: Adult Intro to Artistic Swimming @ Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas More Info

May 3: Artist Talk with Shepard Fairey @ Dallas Contemporary More Info

May 4-5: Cinco de Mayo Celebration 2023 Folklorico Festival of Dallas @ Latino Cultural Center More Info

May 6: Etsy Dallas Spring Bash @ Gilley’s Dallas More Info

Dallas Arts Month is truly a celebration of the vibrant arts scene in the city. With so many exciting events and exhibits happening throughout the month, there's never been a better time to explore the many facets of art and culture. So, grab your friends and family, and embark on a journey to discover the hidden gems of Dallas' artistic community. Let's make this a month to remember!

Spring Bash Artist Spotlight: tk tunchez of Las Ofrendas

One of the most amazing things about the Etsy Dallas Bashes is the community of local artisans we have gathered over the years. It’s such an honor to showcase talented artists every show. We’re excited to introduce you to tk tunchez of Las Ofrendas!

What led you to start your business. How did you get started, and how has the journey been so far?

Las Ofrendas was born out of a want and need to foster the flowing creativity by founder tk tunchez. From day one Las Ofrendas has focused on supporting folks in honoring their most authentic selves through maximalist statement pieces & accessories. Over the years Las Ofrendas has redefined what maximalism can look like through stonework, statement earrings, flower crowns, and power phrases on home goods. Las Ofrendas is a safe space that empowers everyBODY to embody their most maximalist style.

How did you get to where you are today? How long did it take?

Las Ofrendas' doors have been open for 8 years! Being a micro business founder, tk tunchez has taken it upon herself to learn & teach herself the skills necessary to grow Las Ofrendas year after year. Owning & operating a micro business means that there is ALWAYS something to learn & improve on, so keep an eye out as we continue to make magic!

Tell us more about the products you make.

We specialize in maximalist statement accessories & home good items! Our flower crowns are our most magical pieces, each one handmade and one of a kind. Las Ofrendas is small batch business & every item is had design/assembled in housed. Las Ofrendas produces designs that are lightweight, colorful & strive to normalize doing the most! We have recently released a home goods/stationary line with power phrases to remind all of their magic.

What does your art-making process look like?

As a creative, the art making process can be many different things! There are days where we have set designs we know we want to remake or we could want to completely try something new. In most cases, designs, ranging from flower crowns to earrings to even graphics are laid out & tweaked until we find the design that we absolutely love!

Do you have a dedicated workspace?

We do have a production room where all the magic happens!

What makes your pieces special?

Las Ofrendas take pride in producing pieces that make folks feel like magic. Everything is handmade & curated with such intention.

What makes Las Ofrendas special is that we strive to make every person who shops with us feel special.

How do you recommend styling your pieces?

We are a maximalist brand, so we are always encouraging folks to add a Las Ofrendas statement piece ( or two, or three) to any outfit. Our goal is to normalize wearing the big earrings, layering the necklaces & adding that crown! When you shop Las Ofrendas we support you in finding your own maximalist style that you feel comfortable in everyday!

With Las Ofrendas pieces, you do not need a special occasion to make a statement!

What is your favorite product that you create?

The flower crowns! Each flower crown is one of a kind & a true representation of all the creativity that flows through tk tunchez.

What is your favorite part of running your business?

Las Ofrendas is constantly growing! Being able to adapt & introduce new products that we are so proud of is such a wonderful feeling. We work so hard to create products that are impactful for EVERYONE & settling on power phrases, designs & even new merchandise is such a powerful experience.

What are some challenges you’ve had to overcome?

We are constantly learning. During COVID we had to make a huge shift in order to ensure we could continue to grow. Like many other businesses we had to pivot quickly to social media to make sure we were being seen. Its amazing to say that we were able to not only adjust but keep growing during a difficult time for many businesses.

What inspires you, and how do you stay inspired?

Flowers are a HUGE inspiration for Las Ofrendas. From the flower crowns and the botanical theme in our earrings, stationary & home goods. But staying inspired, that can be hard! Sometimes we can get caught up in the logistics and operational need & forget that much of the inspiration can easily from stepping away & taking a moment replenish ourselves to allow the inspiration back in.

Why do you think people are drawn to your style?

We are big, bold & encourage you to do the same! Las Ofrendas is the place to come when you need a hype person, a person to remind you to wear the big earrings, rock the crown daily & remind yourself that your are magic. We work to create the most exciting & unique shopping experience that will leave you feeling like your most authentic self.

When you aren't running you business or creating, what do you spend your time doing?

We have a team mascot, Little Bear who loves walks! Movies, concerts & eating yummy foods are some things we prioritize on off days. But to be honest, it is sometimes it is difficult to tear away from the new & exciting projects that are in the works!

Since Mother’s Day is coming up, which of your pieces do you think make for a meaningful gift?

Our statement earrings! Mother's deserve to feel like the main attraction & adorning any of your maternal figures with a Las Ofrendas original design will do just that!

13 Tips for Shopping the 2019 Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash Like a Pro

The highly anticipated Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash is November 9 at Gilley’s Dallas. Admission is free! We will have an adorable photo booth and fun make-and-take crafts. Here are a few tips for making the most of your Jingle Bash shopping experience ...

1. Bring your favorite shopping buddies and be sure your phone or camera is charged. There are fun photo booths in the works and you’re going to want those selfies. Don’t forget to tag @etsydallas so we can see too!

2. Prep a shopping list before Bash Day so you won’t forget anyone or anything. Don’t forget that Christmas, winter holidays, and wonderful family gatherings will be here before you know it. You can even browse the 2019 Jingle Bash Artists to plan your must-have stops for the day.

3. Grab a map when you arrive so you can head straight to your favorite booths. We will have some Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash swag at our information booth - get ‘em while supplies last! And be sure to visit the free make-and-take craft table hosted by the Creative Arts Center of Dallas.

4. Bring a tote bag for the goodies you buy to keep your hands free to shop all the gorgeous handmade pieces our artists will have at the Jingle Bash. We will have extra totes for sale but supplies are limited.

5. The first 50 adult shoppers in line get our coveted Bash Bags — it’s the first 50 who show up, y’all. Please don’t yell at our volunteers if you weren’t in the first 50. We promise there is plenty of amazing work available for purchase at the Bash. We’re all in this to support handmade artists, right? We are always excited with the contributions for the Bash Bags. Those 50 lucky shoppers who are first in line will love what they find inside.

6. Don’t stress if you arrive at opening to see people lined up outside the door. Experienced Bash shoppers may be there to get their hands on our Bash Bags or to get first dibs in the booths. Once doors open, everyone gets ushered right in without a wait. Pro tip: If crowds aren’t your thing, you probably don’t want to arrive in the first hour.

7. Our all-volunteer leadership team works on planning for our Bashes all year long! We are passionate about putting on an event you will love but we can’t control the weather or traffic. If you’re planning to wait in the line before the show, be prepared.

8. Expect traffic. Plan your route ahead of time. It’s downtown Dallas, y’all. Check the news for construction or any big events that may affect your route. Consider carpooling with friends or taking DART if driving downtown stresses you out.

9. Thankfully there is parking at Gilley’s for $5. We will have tasty food trucks and a bar onsite as well. 

10. Expect a crowd. We love how the community comes out to show support for our artists! If you want to browse with a little more elbow room, arrive after lunch. Don’t worry. Our artists are stocked for the whole day.

11. You may want to leave the stroller in the car or at home. If possible, wearing your little one may make shopping the Bash easier for you and other shoppers trying to navigate the aisles.

12. Find the Etsy Dallas table to find out how to win Bash Bucks (that’s money that only works at this Bash, y’all). We want to give you extra $$ to spend at the Bash, so don’t miss out!

13. If you haven’t already, sign up for our newsletter. We promise we only send out fun and happy emails. It’s a great way to get the scoop on all our upcoming events.

13 Tips for Shopping the 2019 Etsy Dallas Spring Bash Like a Pro

The highly anticipated Etsy Dallas Spring Bash is May 4 at Gilley’s Dallas. Admission is free! We will have a free photo booth and fun make-and-take crafts. We put together a few tips for making the most of your Spring Bash experience ...

1. Bring your favorite shopping buddies and be sure your phone or camera is charged. There are fun photo booths in the works and you’re going to want those selfies. Don’t forget to tag @etsydallas so we can see too!

2. Make your list before Bash Day so you won’t forget anyone on your shopping list. Don’t forget Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduation and summer travel are right around the corner. You can even browse the 2019 Spring Bash Artists ahead of time.

3. Grab a map when you come in so you can head straight to your favorite booths. We will have some Etsy Dallas Spring Bash swag at our information booth while supplies last. And be sure to visit the free make-and-take craft table hosted by Craft Guild of Dallas.

4. Bring a tote bag for your purchases if you want to keep your hands free for browsing all the beautiful handmade pieces our artists will have at the Spring Bash. We will have extra totes for sale but supplies are limited.

5. The first 50 adult shoppers in line get our coveted Bash Bags — it’s the first 50 who show up, y’all. Please don’t yell at our volunteers if you weren’t in the first 50. We promise there is plenty of amazing work available for purchase at the Bash. We’re all in this to support handmade artists, right? We are always excited with the contributions for the Bash Bags. Those 50 lucky shoppers who are first in line will love what they find inside.

6. Don’t stress if you arrive at opening to see people lined up outside the door. Experienced Bash shoppers may be there to get their hands on our Bash Bags or to get first dibs in the booths. Once doors open, everyone gets ushered right in without a wait. Pro tip: If crowds aren’t your thing, you probably don’t want to arrive in the first hour.

7. Our all-volunteer leadership team works on planning for our Bashes all year long! We are passionate about putting on an event you will love but we can’t control the weather or traffic. If you’re planning to wait in the line before the show, be prepared.

8. Expect traffic. Plan your route ahead of time. It’s downtown Dallas, y’all. Check the news for construction or any big events that may affect your route. Consider carpooling with friends or taking DART if driving downtown stresses you out.

9. Thankfully there is parking at Gilley’s for $5. We will have food trucks and a bar onsite as well. 

10. Expect a crowd. We love how the community comes out to show support for our artists! If you want to browse with a little more elbow room, arrive after lunch. Don’t worry. Our artists are stocked for the whole day.

11. You may want to leave the stroller in the car or at home. If possible, wearing your little one may make shopping the Bash easier for you and other shoppers trying to navigate the aisles.

12. Find the Etsy Dallas table to find out how to win Bash Bucks (that’s money that only works at this Bash, y’all). We want to give you extra $$ to spend at the Bash, so don’t miss out!

13. If you haven’t already, sign up for our newsletter. We promise we only send out fun and happy emails. It’s a great way to get the scoop on all our upcoming events.

Join Etsy Dallas at the Dallas Opera for La Bohème

Photo courtesy Atlanta Opera

Join us with the Dallas Opera in welcoming Puccini’s popular opera, La Bohème, as we present the Montmartre Artist Village opening weekend, March 15 -17. Before the show and during the first intermission, enjoy perusing a special bohemian market in the Winspear lobby with some of our favorite artists—Friday, March 15 and Sunday, March 17th only. If you’re interested in seeing the show, please take advantage of our special ticket offer for 20% off single ticket purchases with code ETSY20 on the Dallas Opera website. Scroll down for a full listing of opening weekend artists below. Hope to see you there!

Photo courtesy Karen Almond Photography

Photo courtesy Karen Almond Photography

Friday, March 15th Artists

Whipped Up Wonderful

Covert Metals

Maya X Kiwi

Glasshouse Collection

Valerie Morgan Designs

April Hiler Designs

Ox & Pine

Ahava Home

Martolana Studio

Artist Sierra Barnes

Sunday, March 17th Artists

Whipped Up Wonderful

Covert Metals

Maya X Kiwi

Glasshouse Collection

Valerie Morgan Designs

April Hiler Designs

Martolana Studio

Sasha's Hand Poured/The Immaculate Beard

Kathleen Care Jewelry

Ahaus Pottery

{Sponsor Spotlight} Etsy, Inc. partners with Etsy Dallas for 2018 Jingle Bash

We are so honored and excited to have Etsy, Inc. as an official sponsor for the 2018 Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash. Etsy is the global marketplace for unique and creative goods. Many of our Jingle Bash artists can be found on Etsy.

With 2 million active sellers and shops in nearly every country in the world, Etsy’s mission is to keep human connection at the heart of commerce. Etsy works to make a positive impact on the community, environment and the global economy. We are excited to partner with Etsy for the 2018 Jingle Bash, and to work toward our mission to promote the handmade movement in the greater Dallas area and beyond. 

Please join us in sending a huge thank you to Etsy for supporting the Bash and for helping our nonprofit achieve its goals and continue to put on premier art and craft shows in Dallas. We’ll see y’all at the Bash! 

Shop from over 100 artists offering unique handmade wares at the Etsy Dallas Jingle Bashfrom 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 10. From original art, home goods, and artisanal soaps to local jewelry designers, leather workers and so much more! Check out the event on Facebook here. And find out how to shop the Bash like a pro here. We’ll see y’all at the Bash! 

13 Tips for Shopping the Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash Like a Pro

The highly anticipated Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash is November 10 at F.I.G. Admission is free! We will have a free photo booth and fun make-and-take crafts. We put together a few tips for making the most of your Jingle Bash experience ...

1. Bring your favorite shopping buddies and be sure your phone or camera is charged. There are fun photo booths in the works and you’re going to want those selfies. Don’t forget to tag @etsydallas so we can see too!

2. Make your list before Bash Day so you won’t forget anyone on your shopping list. Don’t forget holidays are right around the corner. You can even browse the 2018 Jingle Bash Artists ahead of time.

3. Grab a map when you come in so you can head straight to your favorite booths. We will have some Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash swag at our information booth while supplies last. And be sure to visit the free make-and-take craft table hosted by Creative Arts Center of Dallas.

4. Bring a tote bag for your purchases if you want to keep your hands free for browsing all the beautiful handmade pieces our artists will have at the Jingle Bash. We will have extra totes for sale but supplies are limited.

5. The first 50 shoppers in line get our coveted Bash Bags. We are always excited with the contributions for the Bash Bags. Those 50 lucky shoppers who are first in line will love what they find inside.

6. Don’t stress if you arrive at opening to see people lined up outside the door. Diehard Bash shoppers are there to get their hands on our Bash Bags. Once doors open, everyone gets ushered right in without a wait.

7. Our all-volunteer leadership team works on planning for our Bashes all year long! We are passionate about putting on an event you will love but we can’t control the weather or traffic. If you’re planning to wait in the line before the show, be prepared.

8. Expect traffic. Plan your route ahead of time. It’s downtown Dallas, y’all. Check the news for construction or any big events that may affect your route. Consider carpooling with friends or taking DART if driving downtown stresses you out.

9. Thankfully there are several parking options for F.I.G. We will have food trucks and a bar onsite as well. 

10. Expect a crowd. We love how the community comes out to show support for our artists! If you want to browse with a little more elbow room, arrive after lunch. Don’t worry. Our artists are stocked for the whole day.

11. You may want to leave the stroller in the car or at home. If possible, wearing your little one may make shopping the Bash easier for you.

12. Find the Etsy Dallas table to find out how to win Bash Bucks (that’s money that only works at this Bash, y’all). We want to give you extra $$ to spend at the Bash, so don’t miss out!

13. If you haven’t already, sign up for our newsletter. We promise we only send out fun and happy emails. It’s a great way to get the scoop on all our upcoming events.

Craftcation 2019 will change your life {and our friends get a special perk}

We’re excited to post today about an event put on by our partners in California especially for makers and creative business owners in April 2019. Craftcation: Business + Makers Conference is an annual life-changing four-day event featuring industry professionals leading attendees in over 100+ hands-on DIY workshops and creative business classes.

If you’ve ever thought any of the following, it’s time to plan a trip to Ventura, CA:

• I wish I could take a vacation where I get to make things with like-minded people.

• I have this idea for a business that I want to turn into my full-time job but it’s too overwhelming to figure out where to start.

• I have a successful business and I’m ready to take it to the next level but I’m not sure how.

• I want to make meaningful connections with people in my field but I don’t have the time or opportunities to make it happen.

Craftcation is the place where you can make any one of those things happen!

If you’re a maker, blogger or creative business owner then it’s time to get ready for four inspiring days that you’ll never forget. Craftcation has over 100 hands-on workshops and business classes, so whether you’re coming to craft, grow your business or a little bit of both, there’s lots of making, meeting and learning in store for you.

Craftcation takes place April 3-7, 2019, in the beach town of Ventura, CA – about an hour north of Los Angeles. Craftcation utilizes Ventura’s historic downtown buildings and businesses as well as the beach for special events like networking meet & greets, cocktail socials, a pop-up shop, opening celebration, yoga, as well as food and art tours.

Registration opens today and the first 50 people to register get $50 off! After that, you can still get $20 off as a friend of Etsy Dallas if you apply through this link. Will you be there next spring?

Our Top Picks for International Podcast Day

International Podcast Day is September 30 and Etsy Dallas members have been discussing our favorite podcasts. We decided it’s the perfect day to share these with you. Did we miss your favorite podcast? Let us know which podcast you’ve been bingeing in the comments.

For creatives and makers who need inspiration, motivation or a change of perspective…

Creating Your Own Path

Proof to Product

Creative Pep Talk

How I Built This

One Girl Band

Etsy Jam

99% Invisible

Recommendations from some of our favorite moms…

Story Pirates

Ear Snacks

The Longest Shortest Time

Wow in the World

For when you want to learn more about the world…

This American Life

Today, Explained

For your inner geek…

The Inner Gamer Podcast

Starships, Sabers and Scoundrels

And just in time for Halloween, we have a few recommendations on the disturbing side…

Swindled

Dr. Death

Disgraceland

My Favorite Murder

How to make the most of National Self-Improvement Month

Hello, everyone! My name is Alex Hughes, and I sell my globally inspired prints and illustrations through my business, Wandering Paper Co. I went to college at TCU, where I majored in graphic design, and I now live in the DFW area with my husband Philip and our cat Athena. 

I don't know about you, but I'm so excited fall is here. The breeze is blowing, football season is upon us, and the infamous PSL is back. Yes, I know it’s still 90 degrees outside, but 90 is better than 100, and in Texas, we’ll take what we can get.

It's funny, every year when school starts I have the urge to take up a class or two myself. Maybe it’s the shiny new school supplies (it’s hard to say no to a new leather-bound notebook from Ox and Pine, or a witty to-do list from Kat French Design) or maybe it’s just the feeling of working toward a goal, but I miss the feeling of satisfaction that comes with learning something new. It’s fitting, then, that September is National Self-Improvement month. It's the perfect excuse to take a class, read a book or take on a new challenge. So I've put together a few ways to make the most of self-improvement month. Feel free to give them a try.

Start a Journal
I’m a recent fan of journaling after reading The Artist’s Way and doing the corresponding journal exercises. According to the Huffington Post, journaling can help boost self-confidence, create mindfulness, and even help you achieve your goals. For the full list of benefits, check out the full article on the benefits of keeping a journal. Plus, starting a journal is a great excuse to buy a cool new notebook. 

Ox & Pine premium leather notebook

MadeByRori Dickens gratitude journal 

Visit a Museum
The Dallas Museum of Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center, and the Perot Museum are three of my favorites. The best part is, they are all within walking distance of each other. Take yourself on a museum date, then stop by the food trucks at Klyde Warren Park for lunch or a mid-afternoon snack. 

Take a Class
I love Oil & Cotton and the wide array of adult classes and workshops they offer. I’ve taken portrait watercolor and marble paper workshops there and loved both. They have lots of new offerings this fall, including felting, interior painting, photography, and intro ceramics. Check out their full fall lineup here.

Intro to ceramics workshop

Wet felting workshop

Join a Gym
Yes, I know, everyone’s favorite subject. Luckily, there are tons of fun alternatives to a boring 30-minute treadmill jog. Go climbing at Summit Climbing Gym, try kickboxing at Title Boxing Club or join a recreational kickball league at Big D Sports. You may have so much fun you forget you're exercising.

De-Clutter and Decorate
Okay, maybe this is less ‘self-improvement’ and more ‘life-improvement,’ but de-cluttering always makes me happier and less stressed. First, choose a small area of the house, like a bathroom or a closet — somewhere that can be organized in one day. Next, take a page from Marie Kondo and keep only the things that spark joy. Once you have de-cluttered and organized, a new piece of art is a great way to give a space new life. I've always been a fan of these origami koalas from Tokodots, and I've had my eye on this hand-drawn map of White Rock Lake from Joy Street Maps for my living room.

In any case, once you have given away all the clutter, every time you pass that space you will feel lighter and more carefree.

Origami koalas by tokodots

White Rock Lake map by Joy Street Maps

Learn a Language
I love to learn new languages, which is why I’m a big fan of the app Duolingo. It's free, and the exercises are only 5 minutes long, so it’s easy to practice every day. Plus, you can find your friends and keep track of points. 

Take a Bath
You deserve a reward after all this self-improvement. Taking care of yourself will give you the energy you need to stick with you new habit. Winding down with a bath, a book or a good movie is a great way to de-stress and get ready to tackle the day tomorrow. 

Japanese Cherry Blossom candle by The Pig and The Peacock

Lavender bubble bath taffy by Whipped Up Wonderful

What are your plans for self-improvement month? Do you have any self-improvement tips you would like to share? Let us know in the comments.

How to Plan a Craft Show

Have you ever wondered what happens between, “Hey, let's put together a craft show and call it the Spring Bash!” and “Whew, the Spring Bash is behind us now and I need a nap…”

The Etsy Dallas Bashes are a labor of love for all of us, so we thought it would be interesting to give you a glimpse of what goes into a show like the Spring Bash.

A line of shoppers wraps around Gilley's Dallas before doors open for the 2018 Spring Bash. The first shoppers arrived at 7 a.m. to wait in line for the event that started at 10:30 a.m. on May 5, 2018. Photos courtesy of Mirrorless Mind Studio for Etsy Dallas. 

Let’s start by picking a date and a venue.

Venues book up way in advance, so in November as we prep for Jingle Bash, we have already been planning Spring Bash. We usually know where we want to be and when we want to do the show. Oh, but wait, Gilley’s isn’t available both dates we want (we need to book two days so we can set up), and the weekend before/after is Earth Day, Mother’s Day, or the same day as some other show that many of our vendors may want to do. Or, as happened with our 2018 Spring Bash, the NRA Convention came to town and POTUS would be coming in to speak. What would that do to traffic? You can't plan for everything!

After some back-and-forth about the venue and dates, we make a decision and put down our deposit. At this point it's time to start cheering. Yay! We can start telling people to save the date!

Shortly after the holidays, people start asking when the applications are going to come out for Spring Bash. Before we can put out the call for vendors, we need a rough budget. Yeah, Bash prep involves a fair amount of administration, accounting, and budgeting.

The budget looks something like this:

Cost of Bash $$$$$ = Venue $$$$$ + Ads $$$$ + Bash Bags $$$ + T-shirts $$$ + Lighting $$$$ + Printing $$$ + Marketing $$$ + Photographer $$$ + Deco $$$

Next we’ll see if we can get some sponsors lined up to offset some of the costs. Big Etsy sometimes sponsors the Jingle Bash, but we are on our own for Spring Bash. This is the time where we hit up our day jobs, friends, former sponsors, and anyone else who might want to sponsor the Bash.

The next question is, “Will that many vendors fit in our venue?” After some measuring and mock layouts, we're good to go. 

Time to get some vendors.
We update the dates and info on the online application and make them live on the website. Applications come (hopefully) flooding in. Yay! But we can only take about 80 vendors and there are so many good ones to choose from. Boo!

It’s time to jury. Out of ~150 applications, we have to narrow it down to ~80. On top of that, we have to make sure there’s a good mix of product categories. Jewelry and home goods are 40% of the applications, so we have to make sure we have the right number of each category and that the one’s we pick are different enough from each other to make sure there is variety within the category as well. We just can't fit all the good shops in.

After a long day of deliberation, we get the vendors down to ~80 and now we need to see how many 10x10s and 8x6s are on our list. There are always more 10x10s requested than we can fit in our venue. A lot more. So we have to review all the vendors who requested 10x10 booths and narrow that down to the ~30 available 10x10 spots (imagine furniture vs jewelry type discussions). We’ve narrowed it down and have the final vendor list with the appropriate number of 10x10 booths. We celebrate with a glass of wine!

More administrative stuff happens.
During the next month or two we send and receive lots of emails about the Bash. Things like we need your logos, don’t forget to pay your invoice, remember to send your Bash Bag goodies in time, no really, we still need your logo, and so on.

We are also updating the Etsy Dallas website to add vendor and sponsor info and promote the Bash and deciding when Deco Party is and what we are going to make. Did I mention that we all have Etsy shops, children, and/or day jobs too… It’s ok, we can sleep again after the Bash.

Time to get the food trucks lined up. What about coffee… that's right, we can't serve food or drinks inside because it's Gilleys. But we can have donuts, right? Yep! Mmm donuts…

There’s also a lot of marketing collateral and graphics to create now. Every ad website wants a different size graphic. Plus flyers, postcards, Bash Bag art, t-shirt art, Facebook frames, Snapchat filters, sharable images for Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc., parking passes, Bash Bucks, banners, maps, and more.

Whew…

Where's my booth?
If you have ever planned a wedding reception where your aunt Jo can't sit next to your Aunt Jane, your friend can't sit next to your other friend because she stole her boyfriend in high school, and this side of the family can't be in the same side of the room at the other side of the family because of that thing Uncle Bob did in '82, then you know what planning the Bash booth layout is like. Except instead of family, it's product categories.

We work hard to keep like products away from each other in the booth layout. This is harder than it sounds because we have to consider the booth sizes and products, then sometimes shops drop out, but the next shop on the waiting list sells the same product category as the booth next to the one that dropped, so now a couple people have to move around to make it work.

The day before. It's almost here!
We made it through all the planning and now we are just 1 day from the Bash. Woohoo? We show up the morning the day before and… umm, was that column there in the floor plans? Wasn't this a door last year? Welcome to the chalk game we call booth marking.

Ok, we got this. Move this booth here and those a few feet to the right, a couple more moves and we're good to go. Booths marked, signage up. We have 12 hours before Bash day load in. We are so ahead of schedule.

Bash Day! Bash Yay!
Back to the venue bright and early. I know it seems like we are yelling, "Unload on the curb and move your car" a lot, but we have to keep this traffic flow going. We've got to get about 30 shops an hour to load in. About 6 cars line up on the curb at Gilley's, that only gives us about 10 minutes per car.

By this time, the volunteers are running around, people are in line for the Bash Bags, and you can feel the excitement. It's time to have a great show!

Thank You for Supporting the 2018 Spring Bash

We want to give a huge thank you to everyone for supporting the 10th annual Etsy Dallas Spring Bash. Thank you to the 80 artists who brought such incredible work to share with our more than 2,200 shoppers who came out to Gilley's Dallas on May 5. 

Thank you to Animal Rescue of Texas and to the adorable and very good boy, Nigel. 

Thank you to 7-Eleven for the yummy coffee, snacks and great coupons before doors opened. 

Thank you to Tacos, Bites & Beats, Dough Boy Donuts, The Hot Potato, and The Guava Tree food trucks. So much delicious food, y'all! We are still talking about it. 

And thank you to Julie and Beech-Nut for generously keeping our youngest Bash attendees full and keeping them (and their grownups) happy. 

Thank you to Craft Guild of Dallas for the fun make-and-take crafts. 

And a huge thanks to our photographer Cigi, of Mirrorless Mind Studio, for documenting it all. You can browse all the photos on flickr.

Of course, we couldn’t do it without our Bash volunteers. Thank you to Jan Allison, Rachel Timmons, Caitlin Miller, Amber Jones, Jenn Wells, Carisha Davis, Jenny Chang, Amberly Sisneros, Astrid Mendez, Ellie Pope, Sidney Kintzing and Marta Kihn. 

If you missed the Spring Bash, we hope to see you at the Jingle Bash in the fall. Stay tuned. We will announce the date soon. You can keep up with us and all our upcoming events on our social media and by signing up for our newsletter. 

And again, if we haven't said it enough already, from all of us at Etsy Dallas: Thank you!

{Sneak peek} Y'all Won't Believe What is in These Bash Bags

It's almost Bash Day, y'all. And we know many of you are hoping to get there in time to get your hands on one of our coveted Bash Bags. The first 50 people in line for our 10th annual Spring Bash will get one of these beautiful bags full of handmade goodness. 

We want to thank all the artists who contributed to the 2018 Bash Bags. Check them out. There is some incredible handmade goodness here ...

Ahaha Home

Art of Shannon M. Valentine

Atavist Studio

Byndr Leather Goods

Covert Metals

Eternal Summers Press LLC

Expressions Bracelets

Finn + Remy

Gaston Made

Hearts & Sharts

HiRuna Island Soaps

Inviting: Letterpress Boutique

It's My Party Kids

Jewelree

Lemon Glaze

Love Studio Ceramics

Lucky Franklin

Martolana

Midwest Handcrafted Goods

Mythology Candles

Onderkast Studio

Ox & Pine

Pressed Flowers Crafts

Rat des Champs

Selah Vie Studios

SOS BLISS Natural and Vegan Bath Products

Tesoro Jewelry

The Letter Lounge

The Pig and the Peacock

The Pour Painter

The Velvet Rockbed

Tokodots

Valerie Morgan Designs

Vintage Static

Wandering Paper Co.

Wanderlust Wares

We also have a limited supply of Bash totes and shirts for sale during the show for $10 and $15 respectively. Just stop by the info table to purchase yours. We'll see y'all at the Bash! 

13 tips for shopping the etsy dallas spring bash like a pro

The highly anticipated 10th annual Etsy Dallas Spring Bash is almost here! Admission is free. We will have a free photo booth and fun geofilters. We put together a few tips for making the most of your Spring Bash experience ...

1. Bring your favorite shopping buddies and be sure your phone or camera is charged. There are fun photo booths in the works and you’re going to want those selfies. Don’t forget to tag @etsydallas so we can see too!

2. Make your list before May 5 so you won’t forget anyone on your Spring Bash shopping list. Don’t forget Mother’s Day, graduation, Father’s Day and summer travel are right around the corner. You can even browse the Bash Artists ahead of time.

3. Grab a map when you come in so you can head straight to your favorite booths. We will have some Etsy Dallas Spring Bash swag (hooray for pencils and buttons) at our information booth while supplies last. And be sure to visit the free make-and-take craft table provided by the Craft Guild of Dallas.

4. Bring a tote bag for your purchases if you want to keep your hands free for browsing all the beautiful handmade pieces our artists will have at the Spring Bash. We will have some totes for sale but supplies are limited.

5. Yes, the first 50 shoppers in line get our coveted Bash Bags. But, y’all. We got so many amazing contributions for the Bash Bags this year that those 50 lucky shoppers who are first in line will probably need another tote bag too.

6. That line tho! Don’t stress if you get there at opening and see people lined up outside the door. Diehard shoppers are there to get their hands on our Bash Bags. Once doors open at 10:30, everyone gets ushered right in without a wait.

7. Our all-volunteer leadership team works on planning for our Bashes all year long! We are passionate about putting on an event you will love but we can’t control the weather or traffic. If you’re planning to wait in the line before the show, be prepared.

8. Expect traffic. Plan your route ahead of time. It’s downtown Dallas, y’all. Check the news for construction or any big events that may affect your route. Consider carpooling with friends or taking DART if driving downtown stresses you out.

9. Thankfully on-site parking at Gilley’s is only $5, which is great for downtown. We will have food trucks at the Bash as well. 

10. Expect a crowd. We love how the community comes out to show support for our artists! If you want to browse with a little more elbow room, arrive after lunch. Don’t worry. Our artists are stocked for the whole day.

11. You may want to leave the stroller in the car or at home. If possible, wearing your little one may make shopping the Bash easier for you. Hooray for free hands and extra baby cuddles!

12. Pets shopping with their humans are welcome at the Bash but remember those crowds may not expect little paws on the floor so if your furiend will be stressed out by music and lots of people, you may not want to bring them along.

13. Find the Etsy Dallas table when you get there and fill out a survey to be entered in our hourly drawing for Bash Bucks (that’s money that only works at this Bash, y’all). We want to give you extra $$ to spend at the Bash, so don’t miss it! 

Gifts for Teachers: Show your appreciation with a handmade gift

Teacher Appreciation Day is May 8 and we have a roundup of handmade gifts teachers are sure to love from some of our favorite Dallas artists. We love these pieces and we know you will too. 

University of Texas Map - Joy Street Maps

Modern Gold Hoop Earrings - Kathleen Care Jewelry

Hand painted Canvas Clutch - Liz Wiley

Coffee Henna Art Print - Selah Vie Studios

Dried Wild Flower Pendant Necklace - Gnome Stones

Teacher's Quote Wood Sign - The Chatham Collective

Sea Salt Sage Soy Candle - Mythology Candles

Personalized Leather Journal - Ox & Pine

Dallas Skyline Print - Wandering Paper Co.

The Apple Pi Soap - The Pig and the Peacock

Personalized Teacher Appreciation Bracelet - expressions bracelets

Geometric Planter - DCD Design Co

Forget Me Not Cuff Bracelet - Whispers in The Glen

HELLO Boxed Note card Set - Hearts and Sharts

Upcycled Silk Tassel Necklace - Handing by Threads

The 100 day project

If you're on Instagram, you've probably seen many different iterations of 100 day projects throughout your feed. It's simple in theory, just pick an action, and commit to repeat it for 100 days. But THE 100 Day Project was started by Elle Luna and Lindsay Jean Thompson and it can be argued that the collective power of a community of people working their way through 100 days of *something* at the same time makes it even more meaningful. It starts on April 3 if you're thinking about joining in this year. You can read all about the project here but if you want some tips and ideas on how to make it happen for you this year, read on and let us know about your project in the comments so that we can follow along!

1) Look at your calendar
Think about what you have going on between April 3 and July 11. Are you going out of town for 2 weeks? If you, are you considering an action that you can only do at home, or does it work on the road too? Or does that even matter to you? You might be fine with missing a day here or there, but make sure you decide if it's important to you to finish on the same day as everyone else or not.  

2) Pick an action
This can be anything! Try to stretch yourself--it can be something you've been meaning to do for a long time, a new skill you want to work on, or something you need to get better about dedicating your time to. You may want to think seriously about your personal goals and how you can use these 100 days to take a step in a new direction, or you may want to pick something really light and fun and see where it takes you. Browse old posts from the #the100dayproject hashtag on Instagram if you are looking for ideas or inspiration.

3) Get your supplies ready
If you're doing an art or crafty project that will take some supplies, go out to Michaels, Asel Art, or wherever you like to stock up so that you have what you need on hand to get started. Maybe you even want to set up a corner of your home where you can go to work on your action every day--getting your life organized to make time for something new each day will help you stick with it for the first week or two and by then you'll have a great routine established to keep it going for the full 100 days.

4) Come up with an original hashtag
This is the fun part. When you post your images on Instagram, you can use the #the100dayproject official hashtag, but you're also encouraged to pick your own unique hashtag to post with all of your updates. Nothing beats taking a look at your 100 days of fun all together on their own hashtag (here are my past projects if you want to take a peek: #100daysoftokodotslettering (2017) #100daysoftokodotscrochet (2016)

5) Throw your insecurities out the window and get ready to go!
If you're not used to sharing a lot on social media, it can be unsettling to commit to posting your progress on a certain project every day, even if it's not "perfect" or "ready." In some ways this is the biggest challenge, but the best part, too. You will be surprised about which posts your followers love and the energy it will give you as you continue your project.  

See you on April 3!

Meet the 2018 Etsy Dallas team

Etsy Dallas is a local craft collective run by a juried group of crafters, artists and designers in Dallas who sell their wares on Etsy. (No, we aren't the same as Etsy. We have the blessing of Etsy as the official team for the Dallas metroplex.) We are an all-volunteer group who are serious about our handmade businesses and the success of this team and its endeavors.

Etsy Dallas began in 2007 and was the first city team in Texas. Since the founding, our members have been invested in the Dallas community, working with Etsy Dallas to benefit different aspects of the creative community and culture that makes this a great city. The team is run by a group of volunteers known as the Leadership Team.

Sabrina and Jenny, Co-Presidents of Etsy Dallas, run The Pig and the Peacock

SaRatta, Vice President of Etsy Dallas, runs Expressions Bracelets

Molly, Secretary for Etsy Dallas, runs Tokodots

Alexis, Community Director for Etsy Dallas, runs Whipped Up Wonderful

Rori, Social Media Director for Etsy Dallas, runs MadeByRori

Lesia, Graphics Queen of Etsy Dallas, runs SurlyBunny

The mission of Etsy Dallas is to promote the handmade movement in the Greater Dallas area and beyond. You can browse all our member artists for some of the best handmade wares around. 

We hope to see y'all at our events this year. We had a great start to the year with our Love Letters Challenge. And there is much more to come! You can sign up for our newsletter to be sure you don't miss anything. 

Join us for Love Letters for Meals on Wheels + how to host your own Love Letters party

We are so excited to see y’all at our Love Letters Challenge event. Every year we team up with Meals on Wheels in Dallas to make Valentine’s Day cards for homebound seniors. This year, we have created a public event so everyone can join us to spread the love around.

Join us at noon on January 27 at Café Izmir in Plano. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Crafts are supplied. Please keep in mind that although this is a family-friendly event, there are a limited number of volunteers to help out so your kids will need your help.

If you can’t attend our event, here are some quick tips to get your own Love Letter Challenge going:

1. Set the date. You’ll want to get your tribe together before Valentine’s Day so the cards make it to Meals on Wheels (or your chosen destination such as a retirement home, hospital, etc.) on time.

2. Get some supplies together.

The fun thing about Valentine’s Day cards is the sky is the limit with creativity and you don’t have to be shy about your abilities. They can be simple and sweet and heartfelt or fancy and flowery!

Ingredients for a nice card:
Assorted construction paper or scrapbooking paper
Ribbon
Scissors
Pencils

Optional:
Glitter
Paper doilies
Stickers
Washi tape
Lace
Stamps

3. Grab some wine and get your friends together. Make it fun! Maybe host a kids party or a mom meet-up. Or host a craft night with your friends. Still need some creative inspiration? Check out this DIY Valentine’s Day card tutorial from The Pig and the Peacock.

4. Spread the love around! Once the cards are finished, deliver them to your chosen destination or mail them to your local Meals on Wheels.

Dallas’ local Meals on Wheels:
VNA Haggerty Center
1440 W. Mockingbird Lane
Dallas, Texas  75247
214-689-2639