BUTTER

Daily Discoveries: blue and orange

Some of the areas coolest artists will be at the 5th annual Etsy Dallas Spring Bash on April 27. Looking to spruce up your life with a fun new color combination? May I suggest a refreshing dash of Etsy classic: blue and orange. Click the photo to browse further...


Gift Guide: Cool Mom Must Haves

Mother's Day is just around the corner, and you can find some of the best gifts for cool moms at the 5th Annual Spring Bash.


Guest artist, Anna Tovar, paints amazing custom watercolor portraits. A mom who is always behind the camera and never in front would love a portrait of herself or maybe even the whole family!


Every mom appreciates nice jewelry, and this Gold Feather Necklace from f. is for Frank is a versatile piece that would dress up any outfit.


Stylish moms will love this Market Tote by Butter Design Lab. Made from reclaimed leather and Kantha quilts, it is both eco-friendly and gorgeous. It's large enough to carry all the essentials and still have room for the kiddos' tagalongs. 


Busy moms on the go can get their work done in style with an iPad Cozy from Jenni20 Designs. 



A Nature Textured Mug by Christie Cone Ceramics is a functional piece of art for the tea or coffee loving mom.


And, how about a Lace Embossed Pocket Planter from Both Hands Studio? Succulents are all the rage, and they are so stunning in these terra cotta planters. These can even be hung on the wall. 

So whether you are shopping for your own Mother, a new Mom, or a Mom-to-Be, the Spring Bash on April 27th is the place to find gifts that she is sure to love!

Etsy Dallas Pillow Talk

This past weekend, Dallas teased us with the first cold weather spurt it has seen in quite some time. After a million days of a million degree heat, the colder it gets, the more we all want to snuggle up with our loved ones by a cozy fireplace in a giant pillow and blanket palette.  Here to prepare you with the perfect cold weather pillow pile is me, Pamela Dowdy from Dowdy Studio.

We know a thing or two about pillows, as we create some for our shop too. Plus we have quite a collection of our own that are always great couch companions, fort builders and of course, house-maker-prettiers.

First, I want to make sure you are super excited:


Are you thrilled now? K, good

Now get ready for some unconventional pillow talk.

I've secretly stalked all the Etsy Dallas pillow maker members to find the best for your fireplace pillow palette collections. After all my pillow peepings, here's what I have for you:



Local Honey's Texas pillow reminds me of that one winter we had a couple years back where the Texas had strange white fluffy stuff all over it, and my cat was like "WTF, is this?!?! And why so fun to lick??"



BUTTER's Drop it Like it's Hot Pillow is totally talking about misplacing your body mass to the floor by the fireplace. Pass me the hot cocoa, but don't drop that, because it is hot.   



 Midnight Snack's Toast Pillow will butter up any pillow party situation. It's possible it will also make you hungry. So you should probably go ahead and get the matching bacon one too. 



 To add a full bucket of cuteness to this pillow palette party, grab one of these Owl Pillows from Regal Cottage. If you're sitting solo at your pillow party, add this guy as your plus one. He's a good cuddler, listener and his eyes are so dreamy, you'll be forgetting all about the chili weather outside in no time.



For you trekkies, who are like "Why make pillow palette when I can have Star-Trek marathon on the couch!?!" Set phasers to pillow mode and have Scotty join you....er well, his pillow formation of himself. And before I reveal too much about my Star Trek knowledge, go where no pillow party has gone before with Yellow Bug Boutique's Star Trek themed pillows.



Here's our Dowdy Studio contribution to the pillow party, Viking Wood Beard. Unlike the cute owl above, this pillow viking is more likely to steal your firewood, booze and take off in his giant wooden ship to pillage more pillow parties. We apologize for his behavior, but I guess that's what you get when you invite an unruly viking over for a quiet relaxing evening by the fireplace. What were you thinking?


Have a favorite pillow from the Etsy Dallas artists above? Let us know. Want to tell us how you enjoy the cold days inside? Tell us!

Shop more pillows and all the Etsy Dallas member's shops here.

Happy pillow party!
-Pamela

Weekend Guide: September 22nd + September 23rd

Two Art Studios*One Party 
Date: Saturday, Sept 22nd
Time: 6pm - 9pm
Location: Dowdy Studio & Napkin Art Studio - 10025 Garland Rd #G & #H
Dallas
More Info: Dowdy Studio Blog
Participating Etsy Dallas Members: Dowdy Studio, Napkin Art Studio 

Dallas Handmade Arts Market 

Date: Saturday, Sept. 22nd and Sunday, Sept. 23rd
Time: 10am-7pm on Saturday, 11am-5pm on Sunday
Location: 327 Cole St, Dallas
More Info: http://www.dallashandmade.com
Participating Etsy Dallas Members: Pamplemousse1983 

Munger Place Days Home Tour 2012 

Date: Sunday, Sept. 23rd
Time: 12-6pm
Location: 4900 Tremont Street, Dallas. See this helpful Map.
More Info: http://www.mungerplace.com/tour_2012.html
Participating Etsy Dallas Members: K8made, Butter

Time to Hit the Books in Style


Popsicles, summer school, vacations and fun times - they just flew by! Now it's time to get serious and hit the books. With that in mind, here are a few fun essentials for easing back to your studies.


Whale notebook, $9, Made by Rori



Periodic Table Book Bag, $22.50, Yellow Bug Boutique




Lemon Verbena Soap, $5.50, ThePigAndThePeacock




iPad Case, $30, BUTTERdesignlab

Prepare to have a great fall semester.

The Queen is my Hero

Queen Elizabeth proved to the world that she does indeed have a keen sense of humor when she "dropped in" to the 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony by parachute!

Here are a few Her Majesty-inspired picks from Etsy Dallas:

Retro Floral Envelope Clutch by K8Made

Keep Calm and Carry On Notebook by MadeByRori

Shade of Purple Bunting by Three Yellow Starfish
Dainty Lace Cuff by estieMade

Crochet Teacup Ornament by Sheepish Knit Crochet

Vintage Scarf Pillow by Butter Design Lab

Be Courageous Letterpress Art Print by Honeycomb Print Shop
Three Cheers for the Queen!

Big Ideas for Little Ones-Yellow and Gray

One of the hottest trends when designing nurseries for boys, girls or delivery surprises is the color combination of sunny yellow and cool, neutral gray. Etsy Dallas members present eight creative ways you can liven up a baby’s space so it is ready for sleepy, cloudy days or the bright, Texas sunshine.

1. Linocut poster – 12 x 16 – Dream Big Penguin
Honeycomb Print Shop
Your little one will be dreaming of North Pole adventures thanks to this sweet penguin with an inspirational message we can all appreciate. Each print is hand inked, so the colors may be varied, but will all fall in the gray, marigold, black and cream families.


2. Here Comes the Sun 5x5 Fine Art Photography Print for the Home
Pamplemousse1983
Scrabble letters spell out the title of George Harrison’s Beatles classic “Here Comes the Sun” on a cheerful yellow background dotted with white, and you can’t help but sing along. This original photo is printed professionally on archival paper to frame on your walls.


3. Monogrammed Hanging Hoop
estieMade
Available in gray or honey, these personalized monograms can celebrate your new favorite name with modern vintage style. The 8-inch hoop can be used in the baby’s room or later in your study or office.


4. Hello Day - 8.5x11 Print
Dowdy Studio
Whether baby slept through the night or kept you up, you can still greet your day in style with this cheerful “Hello Day” print.  Each print is carefully made by the husband and wife team at Dowdy Studio from start to finish and is digitally printed on heavy weight matte photo quality paper.



5. Cheese Pillow
Midnight Snack
There’s nothing cheesy about the way this adds a little yellow and gray to a nursery! You and your little mouse can read books or play on the floor with this 18-inch square pillow. Its backside has a funky, navy blue, khaki and green circle and square pattern as well.


6. YeeHaw Kitty – 5x7 Print
Dowdy Studio
“Yeeeee haw!” This pen and ink illustration is the perfect addition to a room for a young Texan. The whimsical design with fine details like a bandana print and lines in the kitty’s straw hat is printed digitally on heavy weight matte photo quality paper.


7. Hooked on a Feeling… Screen Printed Pillow
Butter Design Lab
While you’re falling in love with the new bundle of joy rocking in your arms, your back will appreciate the soft support of this 18” x 18” screen-printed pillow. Metallic gold letters in gray suiting on one side – cool plaid on the other.


3dot4
This print packs a punch with bold gold and black, along with red and white accents. Your little one will enjoy counting the circles and numbers with you down the road, too.


Local Honey
Your new main squeeze will have you feeling like you’re living on cloud nine – so why not throw in a pillow to shout it out? Toss this 12” x 16” bit of handcrafted fluff on your rocking chair so you always remember this feeling. The back is made of collected fabric scraps, so you can make a special request to match the rest of your nursery.

Posted by Meredith from Meredesigns

Golden Summer


Oh Texas summer, your breath beats upon the backs of our necks like a bull chasing a rodeo clown, we run for our lives in concentric circles with no escape in sight. But wait, what's this? A shining beacon of hope…bright, golden, and handmade, here to save us from the most certain of deaths… with style, and grace. Thank the good artists of Etsy Dallas, our heroes!


Enjoy the cool breeze of your lovely central air and listen to some favorite tunes while you lounge on this silkscreened pillow by Butter Design Lab.


While you're there taking a break with Butter, you might as well do a little light summer reading, which can only be accompanied by Haute Hardware's librarian chic eyeglasses necklace.


Now that you've had a nice relaxing afternoon indoors and safe from the oppressive Texas sun, its time to pack your bags and take a summer holiday (in style, of course) Jenni20's nautical striped passport cover is most definitely the coolest way to travel. 


Don't leave your friends behind on your style adventures! Send your bestest a little shiny package of magical thinking from Paper Beats Rock.


Posted by Christina of Paperfingers.

Daily Discovery: Gift Ideas for Mom

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

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

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


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

Holiday Sales!

Hey y'all! Hope everyone had a very wonderful Thanksgiving, full of family, friends and good food! We wanted to spread the word that a few Etsy Dallas members are running holiday sales in time for the infamous Cyber Monday shopping extravaganza... check 'em out!

Regal Cottage is offering free shipping today and tomorrow - use code 'REGALSHIP'

Butter Design Lab is offering 25% off your entire order through the end of November - use code 'THANKYOU2011'

Bee Things is offering free shipping through Christmas - use code 'HOLLYDAYS2012'

The Pig and The Peacock is offering free shipping starting midnight tonight through 11:59 pm tomorrow - use code 'CyberMonday'

Modest Ambition is giving 50% off Rosette Barrettes on Monday only, found here, and free shipping until Dec. 31 using code 'freeshippingJB11'

Happy shopping!

Weekend Guide June 4 + 5

Date: Thursday, June 2nd through July 31st
Time: Shop hours: Wednesday-Saturday 12-7pm, Sunday 12-4pm
Location: Make + Made (previously Make Shop & Studio), 313 N Bishop Ave, Dallas
Cost: Free

More Info: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=206004559437550

Etsy Dallas Member Participating: Butter Design Lab


Date: Saturday, June 4th and Sunday, June 5th
Time: 7am-3pm
Location: Good 2 Go Tacos Parking Lot, 1146 Peavy Road, Dallas, TX
Cost: Free
More Info: http://dowdystudio.blogspot.com/2011/05/dowdy-studio-wagon-goes-to-go...
Etsy Dallas Member Participating: Dowdy Studio


Meet Your Free Make & Take Craft

Texas is pretty dang crafty. The state has a history rich in traditional crafts and tradesmen from metalsmiths to textile artists and everything in between. We're proud to continue some of these craft traditions. Naming the craft Texas is most well known for, well, that's a tough one... but when it comes to glue, glitter, and shiny monstrosities, there's one clear queen: the Texas homecoming mum. If you grew up anywhere but Texas, you might be unfamiliar with the craze. Either way, you should check out this fantastic little trailer "The Queen Mum" about this ultimate Texas craft.

We've developed our own version of the homecoming mum - modern, simplified, completely adorable - and we'd like you to come create one with us at the Spring Bash's FREE Make&Take craft table! Katrina of Ma Joie Press will be on hand all day to walk you through these fantastic little crafts.


Not ready to rock the mum? Think it might insult your manhood? We'll also be offering a second, equally awesome craft. You've already decided to attend the Spring Bash so clearly, you're a winner and every winner needs an award ribbon to prove it. Katrina will be sure you can paper craft one to perfection! With Mother's Day right around the corner, hope to see some #1 Mom ribbons floating around the Bash!


Once you've donned your new handmade beauty, we hope you'll capture the moment in our FREE Photo Booth! Laura of BUTTER has been working on a backdrop fit for a homecoming king and queen. Not dressed for that crowning moment? We'll have some sweet formal wear and props for you to try out for the photo op.

You can purchase a 4x6 print of your photo for $5 and all of the proceeds will be donated directly to The Japan-American of Dallas/Fort Worth to benefit relief efforts in Dallas' sister city of Sendai, Japan. You may also download your image for free online after the Bash.

We can't wait for homecoming! Oh! I mean we can't wait for the Spring Bash!

Daily Discoveries: Homeward Bound



So you've finally gotten through spring cleaning... now it's time to spruce up the place! Check out these picks from Etsy Dallas Spring Bash artists, and start making some room in your house!



Clockwise from top left: Wave Candleholder by Ferrochie, Vintage Salvaged Wood Shelf by Good Time Junkin, Josie Side Chair by BUTTER, New Belgium Meets Bike Magnet by ReGeared, Joy Tumblers by Christie Cone Ceramics.