dallas artist

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{Artist Spotlight} Ox & Pine

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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! 

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{Artist Spotlight} Our Interview with Stephanie of Untamed Arte

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When Stephanie is creating pieces for Untamed Arte, her goal is to make something special and different. Each one-of-a-kind piece is just that – unique and eye-catching. Untamed Arte is all about trying new things and thinking outside the box. 

You’re going to want to explore all the pieces in the Untamed Arte booth at the Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash on November 10 at Fashion Industry Gallery in Dallas. We caught up with Stephanie recently for an interview.

Is your shop offering anything new, special or different at the 2018 Jingle Bash?

We are trying out new designs of our resin work. We are also offering 15 percent off. 

What is your favorite part of prepping for an upcoming show?

Gathering materials to make new inventory is the best feeling. Completing orders gives me such an adrenaline rush. 

What makes the Bash special for you?

Meeting our sales goal is always a great feeling but what matters is the feedback that we get. We want to feel like we’re creating a product that people enjoy and want to take home. 

Is there a story behind your shop’s name?

Untamed Arte came about from not knowing what to name the business. There isn’t one type medium or main style that we do. We really enjoy experimenting and pushing the limits. 

What is a typical day of work like for you?

A typical day consists of filling orders. Reviewing my planner. For every task I check off, I add 10 more. I do a lot of research on how I can improve my craft and what new materials I can use.

How would you describe your shop?

I would describe it as fun and colorful. And a place where you just want to hang out for a while and really look at all the texture and pigments used in each piece. 

Art has always been a passion for Stephanie. She knew it was what made her happy and that’s what pushed her to finally take it from a hobby to a business. She works with her family on Untamed Arte and she said she is excited about the atmosphere at the Jingle Bash. We are too!

 

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! 

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{Artist Spotlight} Our Interview with Stephanie of Ox & Pine

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Stephanie fell in love with creating leather journals and her passion for making beautiful pieces inspired her to launch Ox & Pine. You can shop the Ox & Pine handcrafted leather goods booth at the Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash on November 10 at Fashion Industry Gallery in Dallas. 

One of her favorite parts of prepping for a show is planning out her displays so that shoppers can feel and smell them. Ox & Pine goods make wonderful gifts for loved ones on your holiday shopping list. They’re also a wonderful way to treat yourself this season. We caught up with Stephanie recently for an interview.

What are you most looking forward to for the Jingle Bash?

I’m most looking forward to meeting everyone in person. It’s so fun to hear about how a special gift will be given and to add personalizations on the spot to our leather goods.

Is your shop offering anything new, special or different at the Bash?

We’ll have a few new special products available at the Bash this year including our new leather bracelets and leather lanyards – all with personalization options. 

What is a typical day of work like for you?

A typical day involves cutting leather, sewing pages into journals, stamping personalization on journals, prototyping new products, and helping customers with questions. 

How would you describe your shop?

My shop is full of high-quality leather journals and other leather goods that are personalized – perfect for a gift for you or a loved one.

Stephanie said she loves creating products that means so much to the recipients. And she loves getting to work with her hands to create leather goods every day. We think the love she has for Ox & Pine shows and we can’t wait to see her booth at the 2018 Jingle Bash. 

Shop from over 100 artists offering unique handmade wares at the Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash from 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! 

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Shop+Interview with Spring Bash artist Jaclyn of Precious Little Tot

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Jaclyn is the maker behind Precious Little Tot. The shop’s faith-based baby apparel and décor is handmade in Frisco.

Precious Little Tot has lots of new pieces to show this year including a new line of tunic dresses, harem shorts and headbands in premium jersey knit in size 0-3 months up to 4T. Jaclyn is also offering a new line of screen printed Christian graphic shirts with inspirational sayings. For those looking for décor, Precious Little Tot has a line of wall art in bold, vibrant colors with quotes and sayings perfect for Mother’s Day gifts.

Fans of the Spring Bash are already familiar with Precious Little Tot. “We have been attending this event now for the past three years, and it has always been one of my favorites,” Jaclyn said. “We love all the vendors, the Etsy Dallas team members, volunteers and, of course, all our supportive customers.”

Jaclyn said she is looking forward to the Bash and reconnecting with customers in person. “Many of our repeat customers attend this event every year to find uniquely crafted and great quality products. It’s great to hear the stories about how much they enjoyed their purchases from the last year.”

We couldn’t agree more!

Stop by the Precious Little Tot booth and say hello to Jaclyn at the 2018 Etsy Dallas Spring Bash where you can shop the best handmade artists from near and far. We will be at Gilley’s 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, May 5, 2018. We’ll see y’all at the Bash!

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Shop+Interview with Spring Bash artist Tyler of Wayne Works

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Tyler is the craftsman and designer behind Wayne Works. His handcrafted furniture, lighting and home décor is created at his shop right here in Dallas.

You may remember his work from previous Bashes. “This is the first show that I have done in over a year and I am excited to meet new people and see familiar faces!” Wayne Works will have new live edge slab pieces for custom projects for this show. He said he looks forward to meeting new people and discussing new projects with those in attendance.

Tyler is a mechanical engineer by trade. “I am naturally creative and I find my engineering side helps with proper fabrication of my designs,” Tyler said. “My lean manufacturing background aids in taking objective looks at how I handle my business and challenging me to try something new or different to see how it works.”

“Conversations with fellow creatives is the best motivation for me,” Tyler said. “When you hear the passion in someone’s voice, it can be very inspiring, and makes me want to get to work in the shop.”

Stop by the Wayne Works booth and say hello to Tyler at the 2018 Etsy Dallas Spring Bash where you can shop the best handmade artists from near and far. We will be at Gilley’s 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, May 5, 2018. We’ll see y’all at the Bash!

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Meet the 2018 Etsy Dallas team

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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

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

SaRatta, Vice President of Etsy Dallas, runs Expressions Bracelets

SaRatta, Vice President of Etsy Dallas, runs Expressions Bracelets

Molly, Secretary for Etsy Dallas, runs Tokodots

Molly, Secretary for Etsy Dallas, runs Tokodots

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

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

Rori, Social Media Director for Etsy Dallas, runs MadeByRori

Rori, Social Media Director for Etsy Dallas, runs MadeByRori

Lesia, Graphics Queen of Etsy Dallas, runs SurlyBunny

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. 

Spring Bash Applications Are Closing Soon!

Don't miss your chance to be a part of the 2016 Etsy Dallas Spring Bash! We are looking for handmade artists, crafters and makers of all kinds! Visit the Handmade Bash website for more details and to apply. Applications close this Friday March 4th at midnight!


Handmade Days - Jonathon of Napkin Art Studio

Making your art your day job isn't necessarily a conscious choice for some. When you ask an artist what made you want to become an artist, most will tell you that it really wasn't a choice, it just was, since as far back as they can remember. Likewise, when some artists decide to become their own boss and work for themselves full-time it's not just a choice, but the way they've always envisioned it to be. Common perception is that artists as have a fun and easy job, but most artists we know are also some of the hardest working individuals out there. It's hard work making it fun. One of these self-employed and driven artists is Jonathon Kimbrell, the brains, brush and squeegee behind Napkin Art Studio. We asked him a few questions to see what his full-time art business is like so we can peek into his handmade days.


Quick facts:
Name - Jonathon Kimbrell
Shop - Napkin Art Studios
web links - jonathonkimbrell.com + etsy.com/shop/napkinart
How long have you been creating art full-time? - Been creating custom paintings and making silk screen prints professionally for seven years now.


What inspired you to start your very own handmade business?
Mostly, I never pictured myself working for 'the man' for too long after I graduated from college, and the only thing I ever wanted to be was a professional artist. I was finally able to start making a living off my paintings and silk screen prints beginning in July 2010. The painting is what started it all, and then I added silk screen goodies to the mix in late 2009. Since I'm a big music fan, and collect gig posters from some of my favorite studios around the country, I wanted to be a part of that creative industry on some sort of level. Thankfully, the ball in that department is beginning to gather some speed and my poster work is getting some notice.


What's your daily work routine like from morning to night?
It really varies. Some days I may only work 2-3 hours, some days I may work 12-15, just depending on the workload and the deadline schedule. I've been better at disciplining myself in waking up and get to work by 10am. Sometimes it is easier said than done! Since my home and studio are essentially one in the same, I find myself working in some form or fashion all hours of the day, every week.What new projects are you working on right now?
Since my latest art exhibit, "We Are Modern" just wrapped up, I'm about to finish another tour poster for the Old 97's and a few other local bands. I have a slew of new print designs ready to be printed and made available on my Etsy shop, as well as starting work on my next exhibit opening in the fall. Also, I'm working on a photography book consisting of my iPhone and Polaroid photography, as well as revamping my independent t-shirt line, "Deathray of Sunshine". This year still has a few surprises left for me, and I don't see the workload slowing down anytime soon.Why do you feel it's important to buy from handmade artists like yourself?
I think many people are growing tired of mass produced goods, especially since the quality of the things we buy from 'big box stores' has dwindled over the last 50 plus years. I don't see the handmade thing as a trend, either. I think handmade is starting its renaissance and will continue to grow and be appealing to artists and purveyors of quality in the coming years. Part of America's identity was wrapped in with the things we manufactured, things that we were extremely proud to make. We've lost that somewhere down the line, and now I think those who are excited to make things with their hands are on a mission to restore some of that pride.

Why do you think the Dallas area is a good place to be full-time handmade artist?
Dallas is a very diverse city when it comes to art collectors, designers, and creative types. There is a growing sense of community here when it comes to DIY and it's exciting to see where this will lead to in the future. There is a support system for artists and crafters like no other here. We're a big city and there is plenty of room for all of our talents!


Thank you Jonathon for giving us a glimpse into your day job and sharing your art with Dallas and beyond. Check out more art by Napkin Art Studio here.

interview by Pamela/Dowdy Studio

Stay tuned for the next Handmade Days featuring: Laura from ChildsPlayDesgin