Summer is winding down fast, and that means back to school shopping is in full force. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or student, our gift guide of must-have school accessories and teacher gifts will help you hit the books.
{Red, White & Blue Roundup!} Your Local Gift Guide for July Shopping
Summer is sizzling, and your to do list is a mile long, so let’s make shopping easy for you. Whether you’re looking for amazingness for your BFF's birthday, a thank you for that special coworker you share glares with during meetings, or some long overdue self care, we have the perfect summer gifts from local handmade artists in the DFW area. Shop local, support your community, and feel all warm and fuzzy knowing you mean the world to a small business. Enjoy our gift guide of modern Americana-inspired favorites and not-so-traditional red, white, and blue goodies.
{Artist Spotlight} Ox & Pine
Stephanie’s booth is always one of the most popular spots at the Bash so we know many of you will be excited to find Ox & Pine at the 2019 Etsy Dallas Spring Bash. We caught up with her for a quick Q&A just for y’all …
What are you most looking forward to for the Spring Bash?
Seeing and meeting customers in person. I love being able to talk one-on-one and to learn about the special gifts they're giving that we can help a little with.
Is your shop offering anything new, special or different at the Bash?
We have our famous leather luggage tags and will be selling our lovingly dubbed cheery mishaps for a big discount (leather journals that are cut a little funky or have a large scar).
What is your favorite part of prepping for an upcoming show?
It's exciting to think what fun and special personalizations everyone will have us stamp on their leather good.
What makes this event special for you?
We really only do the Etsy Bashes, so we really put our heart and soul into it.
Is there a story behind your shop/business name?
We went with something descriptive of what we do — ox for the leather and pine for the paper.
What is a typical day of work like for you?
I look through messages and go over orders each day. Then, it will vary from product development to working on social media and other marketing.
What is your professional background and how did it lead you to the creative work you are pursuing now?
I spent years learning leatherworking and bookbinding before starting to sell my leather goods.
How would you describe your shop?
We make personalized, handcrafted leather goods that create a connection through meaningful gift-giving.
What inspires your work?
A desire for beautiful and functional leather goods that mean something and will last forever.
What do you find the most challenging about your work?
Figuring out the best processes and fine-tuning our products to what others need.
Do you have any tips for finding work/life balance?
It's a daily challenge that sometimes you feel like you're winning at and other days you don't.
Shop from dozens of artists offering unique handmade wares at the Etsy Dallas Spring Bash from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 4. 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!
{Artist Spotlight} Mesa Blue Jewelry
Linsey combines textile, metal, gemstones, geodes and more in her Mesa Blue Jewelry line. We can’t wait to see her booth at the 2019 Etsy Dallas Spring Bash on May 4. And we know many of you are looking forward to shopping Mesa Blue again this year.
All of Linsey’s work is handmade by her and photographed right here in Dallas. She has been creating jewelry since she was a little girl. You’re sure to find something perfect for those on your Mother’s Day shopping list, graduates and a little something (or three) for yourself too.
She launched Mesa Blue on Etsy a decade ago and now the line is her full-time job. Because she makes every piece herself, each is one of a kind. We love how special that makes her work and we know you do too. Be sure to stop by her booth and tell Linsey hello. We’ll see y’all at the Bash!
Shop from dozens of artists offering unique handmade wares at the Etsy Dallas Spring Bash from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 4. 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!
{We love you, Mom!} Your Local Gift Guide for Mother's Day Shopping
Whether you’re shopping for your mom, a friend, that coworker two cubicles down who is always covered in cat hair or your bestie who’s expecting, we have the perfect Mother’s Day gifts from makers right here in the DFW area. Shop local, shop small and support your community. It’s a win all around, if you ask us. Here are a few of our favorite finds for all the moms in your life.