Three Yellow Starfish

Gift Guide: For the Kiddos


Are you feeling stumped on what to get your kids (or nieces and nephews, neighbors or friends’ little ones) for the holidays? Don’t wander aimlessly around a big box store for another tired present. Instead, support handmade retailers and give the kids a gift that could inspire their budding creativity with these picks from Meredith of mere designs. Meredith has found great gift ideas for babies to teens. Today we'll see what she has in mind for babies and toddlers. Check back soon for her picks for the older kids.


Infants
Baseball Onesie
By Nest Designs

Batter up! Dress your little Rangers fan in this cotton onesie decorated with red felt stitching. Tennis and football fans can also find similar onesies for their athletic offspring.



Wooden Toy Teething Rattle
By Regal Cottage

This ViewMaster Teether has the retro styling of the original ViewMaster reels, and it's safe for the youngest of babies, as it is made of smooth maple wood sealed in natural beeswax.



Modern Nursery Mobile
By mere designs

Delight your little one’s eyes with high-contrast, bold designs of these paper mobiles, hanging from above. They may also buy you some extra time on the changing table once the little one starts to resist your diaper-changing efforts! Custom designs are available to coordinate with any nursery theme or color scheme, as well.


Toddlers

Tiny Ice Skater Reversible Pinafore
By Three Yellow Starfish

Get your little girl ready for a photo with Santa in this lovely, reversible pinafore. Available in sizes 6 month, 9 month, 12 month, 18-24 month or 2T; or, for an additional $3 for extra fabric, order sizes 3T to 6 as well. Matching bloomers are available (of course!)



Custom Russian Nesting Doll Playset with Pockets
By Regal Cottage

Soft enough to nap next to or bring along in the car on the trip to grandmother’s house, this set of Russian nesting dolls is bright, colorful, and sure to make your toddler happy for hours of play. Regal Cottage also sells the dolls individually or in smaller sets. Each doll is made from organic cotton, designer fabric, premium hypoallergenic Ingeo fiberfill, and eco-felt with hand-stitched faces.



Perfect 10 Giclee Print
By 3dot4

As your little smartiepants learns his alphabet and numbers, reinforce it with this colorful print made from an original painting of the numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4. The design is 10”x10” but fits nicely in a 12”x12” frame.

*Don't forget to register your Etsy Dallas purchases in our Shop Hop: Jammie Bash to win Etsy Gift Cards. Enter the Giveaway here. 


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!

Daily Discovery: Sunshine Inspired Happiness


The 4th Annual Etsy Dallas Spring Bash is just a few weeks away! We're beyond excited to share a few of our members' products that have us in the mood for some springy sunshine. Be sure to join us on May 5th to see these sellers and many many more!


1. Small Bicycle Necklace, by Maggie May I 
2. Hand Carved Poster - Good Day, by Honeycomb Print Shop 
3. Cherry Dot Bloomers, by Three Yellow Starfish 
6. Hello Day - 8.5x11 print, by Dowdy Studio 
7. Handmade Shea Butter Soap - Lavendar Mint, by The Pig and the Peacock 
8. E is for Egg Alphabet Art Print, by Paperfingers 
9. Red Iridescent Dragonfly Pendant, by Kessler Craftsman 

This sunshine inspired happiness brought to you today by Christina from Paperfingers.

Weekend Guide August 20 + 21

Babytique Grand Opening Showcase

Date: Saturday, August 20th
Time: 11am - 2pm
Location: Babytique, 5211 Forest Lane, Dallas
Cost: Free

Beat the Heat with Some Etsy Dallas Treats

1. Pick a Bloomer by threeyellowstarfish
2. Whooping Crane Limited Edition Print by beethings
3. Crocheted Award Badge by modestambition
4. Persephone Square Button by bonnybeads
5. Large Blue Narwhal by Crochette
6. Whimsical Zipper Flower Brooch by artTdolls
7. Camera Strap Sleeves by fortheloveofjoy
8. Crochet Bow Brooches by SheepishKnitCrochet

Thank you to Anna from For the Love of Joy for sharing these lovely cool picks to beat this sizzling summer heat.

Show and Tell: Margaret and Dakota


Meet Margaret, the official cutie pie behind Three Yellow Starfish, who makes adorable clothing for kids and baby. She says she was freakishly swamped with online orders this summer, but she did have a few chances to take a break and have some fun. Let's see what she did this summer.

Margaret at the Dustbowl Arts Market in Norman, Oklahoma.

Margaret's handy helper was there too!

Margaret debuted her adorable new knot dresses this summer.

She's really good at mixing fabrics and colors! This is one reason why we heart her.

Three Yellow Starfish also presented her amazing items at the White Rock Local Market, and will be at the Jingle Bash November 20th! So for all of you looking to give those little ones in your life cute little gifts, find Margaret and check out her wares.

As a nice break Margaret and her friends enjoyed some yummy
Polish dishes at For You Cafe in Plano.

Dakota, Margaret's son, Dakota was also the ring bearer at her brother-in-law's wedding.

Handsome!

posted by Pamela Michelle

Cooking With Etsy Dallas: Decadent Turtle Brownies

Here's a recipe I wanted to share with all of you with a sweet tooth! I used to make these for family gatherings a few years ago but I get requests for them to date!

Ingredients:

Brownies:
-3 ounces of unsweetened chocolate-chopped
-12 tablespoons or 1 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter, cut into pieces
-3 large eggs
-1/2 cup brown sugar
-1 cup granulated white sugar
-1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
-1/2 cup and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
-1/4 teaspoon salt

Caramel Topping:
-40 Kraft caramels (10 ounces) unwrapped
-1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream
-2 cups toasted pecan halves

Ganache Topping:
-2 ounces of semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
-1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and place rack in the center of the oven. Butter, or spray with a non stick vegetable spray, a 9 x 13 inch (23 x 33 cm) rectangular baking pan.

For the brownies: melt the chopped chocolate and butter in a stainless steel bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water. Remove from heat and set aside while you make the brownie batter. Meanwhile, beat the eggs and sugars with an electric or hand mixer until smooth. Beat in the vanilla extract and then the melted chocolate mixture. Beat in the flour and salt on low. Then pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for about 20 minutes.

For the caramel: put the unwrapped caramels and cream in a saucepan and melt, over low heat (stirring frequently), until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the toasted pecans, making sure all the pecans are coated with caramel. Spread the caramel topping evenly over the still warm brownies and let cool to room temperature. Then cover and refrigerate brownies for about an hour or until the brownies are firm.

For the chocolate ganache: put the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat the cream in a small saucepan over medium heat (or in the microwave). Bring just to a boil. Immediately pour the boiling cream over the chocolate and allow to stand for 5 minutes. Stir until smooth.

Remove the brownies from the refrigerator and, using a fork, drizzle the Ganache over the brownies in a zigzag pattern. Cover and refrigerate until the chocolate is set.

Store, covered, in the refrigerator for 7 to 10 days, or in the freezer for longer storage. Makes about 48 brownies.

My turtle brownies turned out like this:


Bon Appetit!
-Margaret of Three Yellow Starfish

Sources:
Sutton, Judith. Sweet Gratitude. Artisan. New York: 2005.
www.joyofbaking.com

Category Spotlight: Baby, Kids and Maternity

I'm proud to present you with a new blog article that will come out each month spotlighting one of our team member categories. As a new mom (okay, newish - my son is over a year old), I jumped at the chance to shine a light on our members who make stylish and adorable handmade goods for babies, kids, and preggies. Check out the talent!

Amanda of Loop + Lil is new to our team, but she's no Bash newbie - we were fortunate to have her participate in last year's Jingle Bash! According to her Etsy profile, "Loop + Lil creates one-of-a-kind baby and toddler clothes as well as accessories for children and adults using vintage and vintage-inspired fabrics and simple, classic designs." Better yet, all items are crafted by hand right here in Dallas. My favorite are her little birdie mobiles.


Another team newbie, Dora of Mama Dee's Boutique decided to create boys' clothing when she was pregnant and unable to find a good selection. I have a boy toddler monster - I know what she means! Lucky for us moms with boys, Mama Dee's makes adorable baby clothing using the applique method. And you doesn't love an appliques octopus?

The newbie trend continues. Meredith of Mere Designs may be new to our team, but she is a talented graphic artist who's cultivated a beautiful online Etsy shop for almost two years. Meredith specializes in mobiles and prints perfect for any nursery needing a splash of color or touch of quality handmade. I love love love her paper mobiles.

You may recognize Margaret of Three Yellow Starfish. As a seasoned Etsy Dallas member, we have featured her adorable product photographs starring some of the most adorable babies I've ever seen. While the babies may be the center of these photos, her pinafores and bloomers are the stars. Made with quality designer fabric, Margaret sews some of the best robot pants my son, Ian, has ever seen!

Stephanie of XY Factory makes rockin' maternity clothes featuring latino-inspired motifs like La Loteria images and Day of the Dead skulls. Who says being pregnant means being reduced to wearing kaftans and Snuggies? Rock that bump out with some of Stephanie's designs!

Pictured above #1: paper mobile by Mere Designs, girl's top by Loop + Lil, and bloomers by Three Yellow Starfish

Pictured above #2: t-shirt by Loop + Lil, baby onesie by Mama Dee's Boutique, and maternity top by XY Factory

Article written by Stephanie of Tefi Designs

Etsy Dallas Weekend Guide: Oct 1-4


October Market
The St. Thomas Aquinas Mothers' Association's October Market is a gift show with vendors presenting a unique and wide variety of gift items. Stop on by to see clothing from Harrilu, letterpress designs from Color Box Designs and Letterpress, fun accessories and clothing from Midnight Snack and adorable children’s clothing and accessories form Three Yellow Starfish. In addition to all of the fabulous shopping. All proceeds from the Market benefit the St. Thomas Aquinas Mothers' Association and the charities it supports. Founded in 1961, the St. Thomas Aquinas Mothers' Association (STAMA) is a Catholic organization whose purpose is to aid parents in providing a Catholic home atmosphere for pre-school children.

Date: Saturday, Oct 3rd
Time: 10am-6pm
Location: St. Thomas Aquinas in Lakewood
More info: click here




24th Annual Art & Crafts Spectacular
This Saturday, Our own very lovely Alicia Colina-Ashby, will be at the 24th Annual Art & Crafts Spectacular selling her amazing paper pouches, bags and accessories. This is an outdoor and indoor show, so be sure not to miss all the artists.

Date: Saturday,Oct 3rd
Ttime: 9am-4pm
Location: Woodhaven Presbyterian Church
Cost: FREE
More info: click here



Austin City Limits
Austin City Limits Music Festival will have awesome music, food, arts and much much more. The SoCo Art Market features art, crafts items, and cool merchandise from Austin’s creative community. Tara to the T will be there selling her handmade accessories and her new fashion line.

Date: Oct 2 - 4, 2009
Location: Zilker Park, Austin, TX
More info: click here

Member Spotlight: Three Yellow Starfish

At Three Yellow Starfish, it's good to be a baby! As one of the newest members of Etsy Dallas, we are proud to spotlight Margaret Weimer's shop. She offers adorable baby and kids clothing in a variety of fabric designs and styles. In fact, she just got in some lovely new fabric designs just in time for Spring!


Don't forget to take advantage of her monthly giveaways at her blog http://threeyellowstarfish.blogspot.com/.

Visit Three Yellow Starfish in person at the upcoming 1st Annual Etsy Dallas Spring Bash on May 16th. Stay tuned for more info and visit http://www.etsydallas.com/!

photography by Misty Jones

posted by Stephanie of Tefi Designs