{Gratitude} 18 Thoughtful Thank You Gift Ideas

Showing you're thinking about someone always brightens their day. When stress and anxiety are high, thanks and appreciation can mean the world to those we care about. From beautiful thank you notes to budget-friendly gift ideas, we have something thoughtful for everyone. And when you shop local, you brighten a maker’s day too.

Letterpress thank yous by i latina creative.

Show your appreciation with an inspirational gift by Expressions Bracelets.

Succulent earrings by Valerie Morgan Designs.

For the makers, handcrafted crochet hooks by Nik-Naks & Knots.

Earrings by JGrumbling Handmade Jewelry

Inspirational accessories by Expressions Bracelets.

Stacking rings by JGrumbling Handmade Jewelry

Lace shawl by Nik-Naks & Knots.

Paper goods by i latina creative.

String art by Lil Bits of Mona

Artisan jewelry by Valerie Morgan Designs.

Crochet wall handing by Nik-Naks & Knots.

Say thank you, or almost anything, with custom string art by Lil Bits of Mona

Appreciation for the sisters we’ve chosen, by Expressions Bracelets.

Paper goods and gifts by i latina creative.

Bronze feather necklace by Valerie Morgan Designs.

Glass spike earrings by JGrumbling Handmade Jewelry.

Lil Bits of Mona knows sometimes the best way to say thank you is with a laugh!

{Hit the Books!} Handmade Gifts for Back to School

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.

Professors and students will love these stylish, refillable leather journals by Ox & Pine. Personalize it with initials, graduation year, or a favorite quote.

Be sure to get a teacher thank you card by Kat French Design for those everyday super heroes.

On the professor’s desk or away at college, display cherished memories with this desk photo holder by Creteation.

Rock your school ID with a personalized leather lanyard by Ox & Pine.

When it’s time for a little R&R, relax with a DIY kit for watercolor cacti by Maya X Kiwi.

Mark your page with a personalized leather bookmark by Ox & Pine. Make it a truly special gift by adding their name, graduation year, or favorite quote.

Even during finals, remember to breathe with these gorgeous hand stamped mini cuffs by Kathleen Care Jewelry.

Teachers and parents alike deserve to unwind with these DIY watercolor kits by Maxa X Kiwi.

Handy gifts for all the super manly teachers and students in your life, Sasha’s Hand Poured.

Some teachers make a difference beyond words. Show your appreciation with a customizable teacher bangle by Expressions Bracelets.

{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.

Creteation

Expressions Bracelets

Earrings by Eryn

Mesa Blue

Ox & Pine

Uptown Pet Wear

Sasha’s Hand Poured

The Pig & The Peacock

Whipped Up Wonderful

Calisher Glass

Martolana Studio

Maya & Kiwi

The Crafter Way

Wandering Paper Co.

Designs by Andrea

{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.

Liz Wiley

Kat French Design

Heidy Henke Jewelry

Papertate

Nest in Progress

Mesa Blue

Wandering Paper Co.

Uptown Pet Wear

Expressions Bracelets

Whipped Up Wonderful

Calisher Glass

Tokodots

Ox & Pine

Designs by Andrea

Let's go back to school in style with these handmade finds from Dallas artists

There's more to back-to-school season than No. 2 pencils and late nights wrapping up new lesson plans. We put together a roundup of handmade gifts for students, teachers and parents gearing up for the new academic year. 

Expressions Bracelets has wearable inspiration for all you teachers and professors.

Get those college or high school beards in shape with The Immaculate Beard. 

These personalized graduation necklaces from Kathleen Care are lovely gifts for grads, moms and college students looking forward to wrapping up their studies. 

Show your kid's teacher you care with these hilarious cards from MayaXKiwi based on that Dena Blizzard video you may have seen. 

Keep it together (or at least keep your earbuds from tying themselves into a hundred knots) with one of these gorgeous cord wraps from Ox&Pine. 

Pro Tip: Those teachers deserve a relaxing bath and we know the perfect bath bombs. Scoop up some Whipped Up Wonderful for yourself while you're at it. 

Prioritize coffee before those things you need to get done while the kids are at school, with this Kat French Design notepad.

Pack all of your kid's essentials in this cute pouch from Hearts and Sharts.

Use the start of the new year to jump-start a new habit with this gratitude notebook from MadeByRori.

Maybe you would rather list your to-do's on this colorful kantha stitches notepad from tokodots.

However you start the school year, just remember, it means sweater weather is around the corner.  Right??  Get ready for fall with this mug from Fresh Out of Ink.

Celebrating Etsy's Birthday with Special Sales

We have a roundup of Etsy Dallas member shops with sales celebrating Etsy's 13th birthday. Set a reminder, the sales event is June 18-22. You don't want to miss these deals! 

Expressions Bracelets is offering 20 percent off the entire shop (excluding the sale section). You'll also get free shipping (U.S. domestic orders only) on orders of $50 or more. 

MayaXKiwi is offering 15 percent off all prints and cards. 

The Pig and the Peacock is offering 15 percent off the entire shop (excluding favors and custom orders). 

Sasha's Hand-Poured is offering 15 percent off the whole shop plus free shipping on orders over $40. 

Wandering Paper Co. is offering 20 percent off everything in the shop. 

Whipped Up Wonderful is offering 15 percent off plus free shipping on orders of $35 or more. Cannot be combined with other coupons. Free shipping on U.S. domestic orders only. 

Whispers in the Glen is offering 20 percent off the entire shop.

Tokodots is offering 15% off everything in the shop.

Ahaha Home is offering 15 percent off everything in the shop. 

Earrings by Eryn is offering 10 percent off most items in the shop. 

Here's wishing you a happy 13th, Etsy! And happy summer to all of you. Enjoy the deals and the sunshine. 

Gifts for Teachers: Show your appreciation with a handmade gift

Teacher Appreciation Day is May 8 and we have a roundup of handmade gifts teachers are sure to love from some of our favorite Dallas artists. We love these pieces and we know you will too. 

University of Texas Map - Joy Street Maps

Modern Gold Hoop Earrings - Kathleen Care Jewelry

Hand painted Canvas Clutch - Liz Wiley

Coffee Henna Art Print - Selah Vie Studios

Dried Wild Flower Pendant Necklace - Gnome Stones

Teacher's Quote Wood Sign - The Chatham Collective

Sea Salt Sage Soy Candle - Mythology Candles

Personalized Leather Journal - Ox & Pine

Dallas Skyline Print - Wandering Paper Co.

The Apple Pi Soap - The Pig and the Peacock

Personalized Teacher Appreciation Bracelet - expressions bracelets

Geometric Planter - DCD Design Co

Forget Me Not Cuff Bracelet - Whispers in The Glen

HELLO Boxed Note card Set - Hearts and Sharts

Upcycled Silk Tassel Necklace - Handing by Threads

Meet the 2018 Etsy Dallas team

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

SaRatta, Vice President of Etsy Dallas, runs Expressions Bracelets

Molly, Secretary for Etsy Dallas, runs Tokodots

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

Rori, Social Media Director for Etsy Dallas, runs MadeByRori

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. 

Stock up on handmade goodness this holiday season

We know y'all love handmade art and the makers who create it. And we are so grateful that you do. We have put together a list of local Dallas-area finds from our member shops for you, just in time for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Support local businesses and get some holiday shopping done this Thanksgiving season. And don't forget to treat yourself! 

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*

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.

Spring Bash Shopping Guide: Mother's Day Gifts

Mark your calendars, Mother's Day is May 14th. Let's honor those super-women in your life with something special and handmade this year. I have you covered for all the mamas you know:  Mom, Mother-in-law, Grandmother, and maybe something special for yourself!  You can find it, smell it, and feel it all at the Spring Bash on May 7th. Check it out!

Ceramic Planter from Kristen Saksa Juen

Tassle Hoop Earrings from Mesa Blue

Natural Boutique Soap from My Dearest Danae

Floral Mandala Floral Specimen Art from Glass House

BOHO Natural Bead Bracelets from Expressions Bracelets

Small Batch Soy Candles from Luna Tigre

Marbled Leather Valet Tray from Byndr Leather Goods

Large Angled Serving Board from Gaston Made

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!

Creative Business Classes from Etsy Dallas Pros

I hope you are having a fun and creative Summer! It is such a great time to collect, refocus, plan and dream. Etsy Dallas would love to help you get your shop in tip top shape for the upcoming holiday season! Check out the classes below, connect with us on Facebook, and let's work together to get people pumped about shopping small in DFW!    

Autism Awareness with Expressions Bracelets

Today is Autism Awareness Day, and Etsy Dallas' very own, SaRatta Murphy of Expressions Bracelets spoke with Good Morning Texas about her inspiration behind each of her bracelets.

There are few things I admire more than a woman working hard to bring awareness and change. Watch her spotlight below, and visit her shop to support her cause.  Beautiful and inspirational.

Local Woman is Bringing Awareness to Autism Through One-of-a-Kind jewelry

Weekend Guide: November 28th

It's Small Business Saturday, and we know you are wondering how and where you can make the biggest impact on your community. Here are two really fun options where you can shop small and also find some Etsy Dallas favorites.  

Little D Holiday Market

Date: Saturday Nov 28^th

Time: 12pm-6pm

Location: Community Beer Co, 1530 Inspiration Dr, Dallas TX 75207

More Info

Participating Etsy Dallas Members:

  Wayne Works 

Magnolia Tree Paperie 

The Letter Lounge 

Lawless Souls 

Additional Details: Little D is popping up at Community Beer Co on Small Business Saturday with dozens of local vendors, holiday music, hot food and, of course, seasonal beer from Community!

EAT & DRINK:

CASA MASA tamales

Eat Jo Dawgs

Boss Hoggs BBQ

Bombay Street Food 

Tribal Juice

Community Beer Co.

SEE & DO:

Nails by Ms. Pattycake

Holiday films on the big screen

Mobile art walls

Live music by Zuriel Merek & Drink Up 

Small Business Saturday HolidayBlack Market 

Date: Saturday Nov 28^th

Time: 12pm-4pm

Location: Lakewood Brewing Co, 2302 Executive Dr Garland, TX

More Info

Participating Etsy Dallas Members: 

Dowdy Studio

Expressions Bracelets

Additional Details: LBC has also teamed up with the The Heart of Gold Foundation and are hosting a toy drive benefitting Children's Medical Center and Cook Children's hospital. Bring in an unwrapped, unused toy to donate and receive a complimentary beer from us as a thank you. Plus The Great Australian Meat Pie Co will be on site cooking up 

their bundles of joy!

Shop Spotlight: Expressions Bracelets

Hullo, and welcome back to our weekly Shop Spotlight series! We are so proud of all of our team members and are thrilled to continue showcasing their amazingness.

This week, we are highlighting Expressions Bracelets. Owner SaRatta Reeves is a Jack (well, Jane)-of-all-trades with a tangible love for life and helping others. She sells unique, personalized jewelry with the intention of helping the wearer express his or her true self.

What year did you open? 2012

What is your shop's motto? Freedom to Express Your Style

What is your favorite item that you sell? Personalized engraved cuffs.

Fun fact about you: I am a spoken word artist (poet).

How did you get started? After experiencing two corporate layoffs within two years, I began looking for a different career. I created bracelets for my niece's Autism Walk, and since they were a big hit, I turned it into a business. A portion of our sales go to Autism Awareness.

Anything else we should know? I spent ten years as a public speaker.


Thanks, SaRatta! We love your pieces and your mission -  thanks for being a team member!


You can follow Expressions Bracelets on the following social media sites:
Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // Blog

For the Dudes: A Spring Bash Buyer's Guide

There will be SO MUCH good stuff at this year's Spring Bash that making this round-up was really, really hard! There will literally be something for EVERYBODY, and the dudes are no exception.

T-shirts are always a good choice, and Dowdy Studio really delivers. This "Drink Local" tee is one of the many, many garments they will bring to the Spring Bash.

Wayne Works is new to the team this year, and we're really excited about what they'll bring to the Bash! One of the pieces that stood out to me the most was this Industrial Reclaimed Wood Strut Shelf. Minimal, slightly rustic, and super sturdy. I want one in my office!

Tread Studios is also a new addition to the team. I'm sure you've probably seen their work circulating around town - their watercolors are so great!

Let us not forget about Father's Day, which is coming up on June 21st. Use Toko Dots' colorful card to tell Dad how you feel!

Help the guy in your life be prepared for, well, ANYTHING, with this Zombie Apocalypse Survival Guide notebook from Made by Rori. You never know when they'll need it!

You can never have too many places to stash keys, cash, or other small items, and this Mojave Leather Bowl from SCOUT + LILLY will do the trick quite nicely.

Beard maintenance can get tiresome, I'm sure, but this beautifully made beard comb will surely alleviate some of that stress. You can find this at new member Big T Wood Works' booth on May 2nd.

And finally, this really gorgeous Lava Rock Bracelet by Expressions Bracelets is a great, subtle accessory. And bonus: a portion of each sale goes to Autism Awareness.

Come and see all of these artists (and so many more!) on May 2nd at the Southside Events Center at Gilley's Dallas! The Bash will run from 11 am to 6 pm. Be sure to bring your reusable tote bag for all of your goodies.

We will be posting artist previews and other information on our blog, Facebook page, and Instagram account, so make sure you're following us for up-to-the-date information. We will be using the hashtags #etsydallas and #2015springbash for all event posts, so check us out!

Mother's Day 2015: A Spring Bash gift guide

We are busy getting ready for the best handmade show of the year. The 2015 Spring Bash is May 2. We can't wait to buy something awesome for all the mamas on our shopping lists. Mother's Day is May 10, and our Spring Bash vendors have you covered.

Check out these finds from a few of our bash artists. Just click the image to visit the shops ...