Love is in the air (along with yet another wintery chill this weekend in Dallas) and we’ve rounded up some of our team members best Valentine’s Day gifts to show your special someone how much you love them
10 Things I Learned as a Creative Entrepreneur
Artist post! Last fall, Kat French Design celebrated ten years!! We’re excited to have Kat joining us on the blog to share some of her wit and wisdom on being a creative. Woohoo!
HAPPY TENTH BIRTHDAY TO KAT FRENCH DESIGN! You guys, it’s been a DECADE. My little freelance graphic design business has grown up and become a wildly awkward preteen of a paper goods company! There have been a lot of highs, lows, change and growing pains over the years and I’m a better person because of it.
TO CELEBRATE I’ve decided that instead of listing all of the things that I’ve accomplished in the last ten years, I am going to list some of the things I have learned instead. The next ten days will be a glimpse into the old days of KFD and some of the creative entrepreneur knowledge I’ve been gleaning in this time.
I wouldn’t have made it this far if it weren’t for my amazing customers who somehow are on the same level of weird as me, my husband who has always supported me, my bestie who would drop everything to help stuff cards and work show booths, Proof to Product and Katie Hunt who are my compass in the product-based business world, and the amazing community of makers in Dallas who are always there to support, encourage and vent with…because some days I ugly cry. I deeply love you all. Here’s to the next ten years!
10 Things I’ve Learned as a Creative Entrepreneur:
1. Freelance Design – I think I learned that I shouldn’t be a freelancer. Inspiring, right? I did it for over five years and always felt a struggle between what the client wanted and what my natural design tendencies ended up actually creating. A lot of times this was okay and the end product was fine, but it created a tension in my emotions that got old really fast. My unintentional design aesthetic has always leaned toward colorful and thick designs and that wasn’t always a good fit for lawyers and real estate agents. So, I would have to dial back what my gut wanted to make so that it would be a better fit for my clients. After several years of this I felt ready to design for myself…but I had no idea what to make.
2. Etsy – Experiment! Etsy is SO amazing for new business owners. It’s a great platform to put your stuff out there with very little risk. When I first started on Etsy I had just decided to stop taking freelance clients and was ready to design for myself, but I had no idea WHAT to make. At first I made some kids stationery and it was okay, but I don’t think there’s a super strong market for that and I also wanted a more adult creative outlet. So, then I experimented with art prints then handmade journals. Those actually did well and I enjoyed making them, but they were too time consuming and I couldn’t make a profit off of them when I calculated the time investment. So then I played around with a couple of Valentine’s Day cards and had a lot of fun coming up with the phrasing and found out these did pretty well (I think I sold 16 of one of them and that felt like a lot). I also added some digital downloads and then kind of felt a little lost, but a few months later I realized on a road trip with some friends (even longer story) that I wanted to try tackling a card line and just went for it. Etsy was such a great avenue for me to spend that year experimenting. With that time I was able to “find myself” and figure out what the right fit for me was going to be. After that I focused on: developing a lot of different items, improving photos, telling my story and pricing right.
3. Aesthetic – I had to just keep creating until my style emerged. I mentioned the other day how my design aesthetic has always steered toward colorful and thick, but when I decided to start my own card line I wasn’t sure what look I wanted to go for. I drafted about 10 different versions of my first card (some of these are posted here) until I finally made one that felt very “me.” From there I took the look of that first card and carried it over to another 20 or so cards. From there I just kept illustrating more and more and eventually my line developed even more of its own look. As I continue to illustrate more and more cards I continue to find my aesthetic evolving. It’s just the natural effect of continuous work. The more you make, the more your style will emerge.
4. Family Life – I’m still learning to be okay with setting work down. The main reason I work for myself is because I wanted to be at home with my kids. This means my studio time is only one or two hour chunks while kids are sleeping. Usually this works really well, but every once in a while I find myself overloaded with new designs, orders and craft show prep. It’s in these seasons that I find it really hard to enjoy the time I need to spend with my toddler while a to-do list burns a giant hole in my brain. I have gotten a lot better at being able to put a project down, but sometimes it’s so hard. I just have to allow myself grace and, at the same time, think to the future when I’m old and wretched and know I’ll be thankful that I stopped working so I could focus on kid squabbles, spilled milk and quiet snuggles because those days will be long gone.
5. Craft Shows – I had a big learning curve at my first show where I had spent several months designing the perfect booth with my husband. I had made it to look kind of like a candy shop or bakery with a high counter and wooden walls behind the counter to display art prints. After my first show and only selling ONE art print TO A FRIEND, I realized I needed to get my prints out in front to the customers. So, now I put my wood wall to the side of the booth with prints all up and down that thing so shoppers can walk up close to it. This simple shift has transformed my sales. So, yeah…get your items in front of your buyers without a moat…and make eye contact, say, “Hi”, smile, let the customers be critical, try to hide your annoyance when customers take pictures of your work instead of buying it and just have fun.
6. Community Over Competition – Dallas is really special. There are a ton of other makers here and they are so awesome. I’ve been a part of the Etsy Dallas Team for the last 4 years and have had the chance to be a part of several awesome local stores that are run by local makers. These groups really focus on helping each other grow as entrepreneurs and artisans and I cannot emphasize how much this has been amazing for both business AND personal sanity. It can be isolating to work for yourself and I found I really needed those friends who were in the same boat. If your area doesn’t have any groups like this then I encourage you to get to know other makers and start a group yourself. Craft shows are a great way to meet other makers, but don’t just walk the show – be a part of it to earn some cred and comradery. It’s a game changer, I promise
7. Wholesale – When I first started selling wholesale I was terrified of breaking the rules. (You can totally see my personality type here.) I was afraid that I was going to do something wrong and totally screw up my first wholesale order.
Four years later I have learned that there really aren’t any rules. I mean, there are definitely industry standards that are best to follow for your benefit like minimum order requirements and payment terms, but outside of that a lot of shops are just making it up as they go…just like us! So, some stores will buy months before a holiday hits and others will purchase like a week before that holiday. Some stores will want to order online and some will just want to send you an email. Some stores want zip code exclusivity and others don’t. Every store is different.
This means that the key factor to success with each and every wholesale buyer is COMMUNICATION. If you’re unsure about anything with an order it’s so important to just ask for clarification and when, inevitably, you DO end up making a mistake just be willing to humble yourself, apologize and try to make amends with a special offer. After all, we’re all human, right?
8. Marketing – I really feel like I don’t know jack about marketing, but I think something I’m really trying to do is be myself and show my face more. I want my customers and followers and target audience to know me and to know what I do and why I do it. I’m not sure I’ve been successful in doing that, but that’s my goal nonetheless. I don’t have much time to pour into marketing and I don’t really enjoy the idea of making it so construed and in a box, so I don’t know….thats about it. Maybe I’ll have more to say about it on my 20th anniversary.
9. Product Development – I used to dive head first into creating new products without giving much thought to costs, inventory storage, packaging woes, etc. I’ve learned to be more cautious and selective with adding new types of goods to my line because I’ve seen how much space inventory can take up and I’ve seen product just sit. I’ve also discovered that packaging products isn’t a favorite pastime of mine. Plus, you don’t know how your audience will respond and you don’t want to be out hundreds or thousands of dollars on a dud that never sold.
So, to be more careful in my product development, I created a secret focus group on Facebook of friends whose opinions I value. When I’m working on a new product and I’m not sure about it, I post it there and get their input. It’s been really helpful and has helped me make up my mind on a number of occasions. Also, I’ve started asking myself if I would feel compelled to buy it if I saw it in a store. I’m confident that one question has saved me a lot of time and money over the past few years.
10. Ruts – Push through them. Every couple of months I either end up in a creative rut or I just feel all bummed because sales have slowed down. I have learned these are totally normal cycles in creative businesses! There have been several times where I’ve thought that I might want to shut down shop, but I told myself that I was committed and needed to keep going…and within just a few weeks I was inspired or sales had picked back up. I can’t discount how much prayer and trusting God to provide comes into play here, too. He has always been faithful and has taught me that slow growth is good growth for a stay at home mom who has tired brain and two crazy kids. Could you imagine if my business exploded? I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be able to handle that and God knows it. I’m thankful that He knows me better than I know myself. But, yeah, I have seen a surprising number of businesses similar to mine who seemed bigger and more successful decide to close up shop for one reason or another. I have decided that I don’t want to be one of those. I really love what I make and I want to be in it for the long haul, so I have to push through the inevitable ruts. You can, too.
{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!
{Artist Spotlight} Our Interview with Lyndel of Uptown Pet Wear
We know many of you have pets on your holiday shopping lists and that’s why we are so excited to have Uptown Pet Wear as one of our artists for the Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash, sponsored by Etsy, on November 10 at the Fashion Industry Gallery.
You can shop Lyndel’s booth and find the perfect handmade gift for your pets at the Bash. We caught up with Lyndel for a quick interview recently.
What is your favorite part of prepping for an upcoming show?
My favorite part when it comes to prepping before a show is making all the inventory. It always feels good to know I can offer customers a variety of items to purchase. I also like buying décor to spice up my booth.
Is there a story behind your shop’s name?
I came up with Uptown Pet Wear because when I first moved to Dallas, I lived in Uptown. I loved how dog-friendly the neighborhood was. There are so many dog-friendly restaurants and very nice dog parks. And that’s how the name was created.
What is a typical workday like for you?
A typical workday for me is juggling two kids, my pup, Moose, and answering emails during the day. Then at night, pet accessories are sewn, which is from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. If I’m lucky, sometimes I can make collars while everyone is napping.
What is your art background and how did it lead you to the creative work you’re pursuing now?
When I was 7, my grandmother taught me how to sew. I would sew dresses, pants and all kinds of clothing. I dreamt of becoming a fashion designer. Fast forward years later, I stopped sewing and started working in finance. It wasn’t what I imagined my career would be but it felt safe. Then my pup, Moose, came into my life and inspired me to start sewing again. Now I get to make fashionable pet accessories.
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!
{Artist Spotlight} Our Interview with Jillian of Vintage Static
We love the minimalist geometric vibes Jillian brings to her products. Vintage Static’s handcrafted soaps, scrubs and bath products are made in small batches in Frisco. They smell amazing too.
Be sure to stop by their booth at the Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash, sponsored by Etsy, on November 10 at the Fashion Industry Gallery. We caught up with Jillian for a quick interview recently.
What makes the Bash special for you?
It was our very first event after starting our company and the Etsy Dallas community is absolutely incredible. We are thrilled to be to be chosen to return.
Is your shop offering anything new, special or different at the Bash?
Yes! We have candles, wax melts, wax warmers and solid lotion this year as well as our fave whipped soaps and scrubs.
What do you enjoy about working with your team?
My team is myself and my boyfriend, Matt. We have a blast making and creating and talking about the future together while celebrating the little wins.
What do you find the most challenging about your work?
Balance, balance, balance. And not buying every essential and fragrance oil on the planet.
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!
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!
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 ...
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
Don't miss these Labor Day sales from a few of our Etsy Dallas shops
Don't miss out on these Labor Day deals from some of our favorite Etsy Dallas shops. Here's wishing you all a fun and safe long weekend.
Expressions Bracelets - 20% off all hand-stamped jewelry. No coupon needed.
Custom maps - 20% off. No coupon needed.
Mesa Blue Jewelry - Free shipping on all orders over $75. Code: FREESHIP
The Pig and the Peacock Soaps & More - 20% off. No coupon needed.
Wandering Paper Co. - 30% off with code LABORDAY
Whipped Up Wonderful Bath Bombs - 20% storewide sale. No coupon needed.
P.S. Our newsletter subscribers got the scoop about these deals first. *hint hint*
Etsy Dallas teams with NorthPark Center for 4th annual Crafts for Crayons event
We are hosting our 4th annual Crafts for Crayons school supply drive and craft event at NorthPark Center from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, August 26. Find us in the NorthCourt between Nordstrom and Macy's.
We have fun crafts ready for kids and adults. Just stop by with supplies and donations. "School is starting for so many kids but nearly one in three children in Dallas County cannot afford basic school supplies," Etsy Dallas member Jenny Abney Sivie said. "Crafts for Crayons is a fun afternoon of crafting that also raises supplies and donations for kids to have a better start to the school year."
All donations will go to Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas, a non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire girls to be strong, smart and bold through life-changing programs and experiences that help girls navigate gender, economic and social barriers. Research shows that empowering girls and women yields benefits for entire families and communities, but many girls face gender stereotypes, narrow expectations, and negative media messages. With support from our communities, young girls can learn that they are strong and can achieve whatever they want in life.
Not sure what to bring? Girls, Inc. is in need of school and art supplies such as paper, crayons, scissors, pencils, pens, glue, markers, and erasers, as well as sports equipment, games, books and more. Everyone is invited to come out, make some crafts and support this supply drive. Every little bit helps!
Spring Bash Artists Featured on Good Day Fox 4
Our Etsy Dallas vice president SaRatta Murphy visited Good Day Fox 4 to talk about some unique items for sale at the upcoming Spring Bash this Sunday. Watch the clip below if you missed it, and scroll down for more details on the artists featured in the piece.
http://www.fox4news.com/news/252637591-story
mini Fab
Matt McCoy of mini Fab uses wood, leather and cork for his creations. He creates personalized beard accessories, including all natural beard balm as well as wallets, cuff-links, flasks and bottle openers.
Joy Street Maps
Kim Dresdner of Joy Street Maps creates one-of-a-kind maps with watercolor and ink, featuring the local area and beyond. Prints and originals will be for sale at the Spring Bash.
MushTushy
Emily Curtin of MushTushy started out creating sock monkeys which eventually evolved into wood art, metal art and custom pet portraits. Most of her wood and metal designs are crafted from upcycled wood and license plates.
Odin Leather Goods
Odin Clack of Odin Leather Goods is known for using vintage baseball gloves and mitts to craft some of his most unique one-of-a-kind pieces. From key chains to handmade leather briefcases, each piece is designed and stitched in his local studio.
The Pig and the Peacock
Jenny and Sabrina at The Pig & The Peacock create handmade bath luxuries using all natural ingredients. Check out their line of soy candles made from recycled and etched wine bottles.
Tokodots
Molly Lam created Tokodots, a stationery and gift brand, after spending nine years in Japan. Look for her care package gift certificate for a unique high school graduation gift, along with other colorful cards and prints this weekend.
We can't wait to see y'all at the Bash!
Sponsor spotlight: Expressions Bracelets
The Spring Bash countdown is on, y’all. You don’t want to miss the Expressions Bracelets booth at the Bash. SaRatta's hand-stamped jewelry makes the perfect gift. Be sure to stop by to see her beautiful work and get your story on some jewelry.
SaRatta took a moment for a quick Q&A with us …
What are you most looking forward to for the 2017 Spring Bash?
The Bash Bag line. It is so amazing to see people lined up and excited to get their Bash Bags. I mean, I would be excited too, there are a lot of cool items in those bags!
Is your shop offering anything new/special/different at the Bash?
eb will have some really cool mantra cuffs for moms and girl bosses. Cuffs with phrases such as, Raising lil humans, MOTHER HUSTLER, Nevertheless, She Persisted, BOSS LADY and our most popular phrase Be Badass Everyday.
What is your favorite part of prepping for the Spring Bash?
Planning my booth layout is my favorite part. It is the time where I get to shop for and create cool additions to add to my booth. From new banners to creating product displays, it is a whirlwind of excitement.
What makes this event special for you?
Our dedicated shoppers. The shoppers make this event special. They help to create the excitement. Some come to look for your booth and talk to you. It's like catching up with old friends.
Calling all procrastinators: Spring Bash apps are due March 10
Okay, procrastinators, time is running out for Spring Bash apps. The deadline to apply for the Etsy Dallas Spring Bash is March 10, 2017. We reached out to a few of our previous vendors for feedback and here’s a little bit of what we heard …
“The Bashes are always so much fun.” - Heidy, Heidy Henke Designs
“I love our shoppers. They are always excited to see what’s new at the Bash. Many stop by, just to say hi and check in on you while they shop. Spring Bash shoppers are the best!” - SaRatta, Expressions Bracelets
“The energy, quality and variety is always a fun way to prepare for some of those spring and summer events. I can always find a perfect gift for mom, a gift for dad, and something for those June brides.” - Alexis, Whipped Up Wonderful
“It’s like a super concentrated show set on fast forward! I just love the energy!” - Lynn, Both Hands Studio
“It is so fun to get to share our art and craft with our shoppers face-to-face. I am always blown away by all the talent of all the other vendors too!” - Sabrina, The Pig and The Peacock
We are counting down the days, y'all. We hope you're as excited as we are! If you want to apply to be part of the Spring Bash this year, be sure to get your application in no later than March 10!
Weekend Guide: Pacesetters Holiday Bazaar
Happy Friday, readers! What are you up to this weekend? It is too glorious outside for binge watching Netflix. If you are looking for something fun in the area, several of our members are setting up for the J.J. Pearce Pacesetters Holiday Bazaar! This event looks like a party! There is a "famous" bake sale, sweepstakes with tons of prizes, and of course, awesome handmade shopping. Check out their event website for more info, and be sure to say "Hi" to Sabrina and Jenny of The Pig & the Peacock, Alex of Wandering Paper Co., and Emily of MushTushy!
Papaya & Passion Fruit Shea Butter and Glycerin Soap - The Pig and the Peacock
Moroccon Linocut Block Print from Wandering Paper Co.
Handpainted Sugar Skull from MushTushy