holidays

Weekend Guide: October 30th, 31st, and November 1st, 2015

Happy Halloween weekend, everybody! We're back with another Weekend Guide series post that is sure to keep the fun going before and after the epic sugar crash that is Halloween. If you're in the Richardson area this weekend, be sure to hit the JJ Pearce Pacesetter Holiday Bazaar!




Date: Saturday, October 31st, and Sunday, November 1st
Time: Saturday, 9 am - 5 pm; Sunday, 11 am - 5 pm
Location; JJ Pearce High School, 1600 N Coit Rd, Richardson, TX 75080
Participating Etsy Dallas Members:

The 30th annual JJ Pearce Holiday Bazaar will host over 200 vendors, including some non-Etsy Dallas members that will be at the Jingle Bash like Shadow Box Inspirations, April Hiler Designs, and Lemon Glaze

Have fun this weekend, and stay safe!



Save the Date for Jingle Bash 2015!


It's official! Save the date, everybody, for this year's annual Jingle Bash! Kick off your holiday shopping with us at Gilley's Dallas on November 21st from 11 am to 6 pm - it's going to be a blast!

(We know it's a little bit early to be thinking of the holiday season, but we're just SO EXCITED!)

If you're a maker, we're looking for YOU! Applications to show at the Bash will be available around mid-August, so keep an eye out for another blog post announcing the launch. Non-members are encouraged to apply for the show - we're always on the lookout for really great talent!


All the Best,
The Etsy Dallas Team

Daily Discovery: Unique gift ideas!

One of the many awesome things about buying handmade is that you are buying something totally unique... which makes for an awesome gift! This Saturday at the Jingle Bash you can stock up on gifts for everyone on your list (plus a few for you!) Here are some highlights from a few of our bash artists:



Handmade Glycerin Soap Guns by The Pig and The Peacock - $4.50/set of 3


Tin Man Keychain by Maggie May I - $15


Knit Wrist Warmers by Sheepish Knit Crochet - $27


Crocheted Award Ribbon Badge by Modest Ambition - $6


Oilcloth Passport Cover by Jenni20 - $12


Oven Roasted Turkey Plush by Midnight Snack - $25


See you Saturday at the Jingle Bash!

Daily Discovery: Stocking Stuffers!

Stockings are one of my favorite holiday traditions... a bunch of little gifts all in one package! I've found lots of items from Jingle Bash artists that I would love to get in my stocking this year! (hint, hint... )

F is for Frank - Gold Jefferson Necklace

Silla Soup - Feather Bloom Clip



butter design lab - Eco Zipper Pouch

Revisionist Designs - Camera Lens Cuff


ReGeared - Star Keychain


KarmaCrochet - Texas Magnets


Haute Hardware - Feather and Tusk Necklace


Bee Things - Monkey Snack Sacks





Only a week left until the Jingle Bash - get ready to fill your stockings!

DIY Gift Wrap Ideas

reposted from tefi's blog

It's December 23rd, and I betcha half of you haven't finished wrapping gifts yet. Am I right? I, on the other hand, finished a couple of days ago at which point pigs actually began to fly. I know, crazy.

So for those of you still in need of some gift wrapping encouragement and ideas, I've scoured the interwebs to find some simply, fun and totally DIY gift wrap ideas. No grab those scissors and get ready to wrap!

Shoestrings and kerchiefs never looked so cute.

A pair of baby socks look like mini-stockings. Gimme gimme.


A sweet collection of gift wrap ideas by Greg Likes Weddings.


Potato stamps, marbling and googly eyes, I would expect nothing less from UO.

And finally, here's a list of some of my very own DIY gift wrap must-haves:

- fabric scraps
- baker's twine
- raffia in various colors
- burlap
- pine cones, acorn caps and other things gathered from my backyard
- old clothes that can be cut up to use as wrapping
- large wooden beads

Happy Wrapping, y'all!

by Stephanie/tefi

The First Green of Spring

It's almost spring and that means - almost St. Patrick's Day!

No matter how you choose to celebrate – going to a parade, wearing green, drinking green beer or pretending to be Irish – you're sure to enjoy these beautiful handmade gift finds for St. Patrick's Day!

Green beer not your thing? Warm yourself up with a cup of delicious Irish Creme coffee from one of Etsy Dallas' newest members, Downtown Roasters (green mug recommended, but not required).

Find Downtown Roasters in person at the Coffee Haus Downtown in Arlington, Texas!


Dress your four legged friends for warmth and style with crocheted creations from another Etsy Dallas newbie, Oh So Micro. Dressing them in green will keep them from getting a chill (and a pinch!) on this brisk St. Patrick's Day.







From another new Etsy Dallas member ILDVED, and viking jeweler extraordinaire, this lovely piece will help you feel the green with sterling silver and reindeer moss all wrapped up in a ring.

Crafty New Year: New Year's Resolutions for Crafters



So you made it through Christmas, congratulations! While you’re recouping from your holiday indulgences (or planning for more at a New Year’s party), it’s time to start thinking about those New Year’s resolutions. In addition to your usual list--travel to Europe, run a marathon, organize the closet--what about adding a few craft-centric items to the list?

Here are a few suggestions:
1. Try your hand at something new and learn a new crafting skill. It could be something related to what you already do or something completely different! You’d be surprised how creative activity in one area can inspire you to rethink things in another. Say you’re a knitter, maybe you might want to try working in clay?

2. Craft with kindness. Those of us who are crafty don’t think twice about making and giving homemade gifts over the holidays, but why not throughout the year? How special would it be to show a little thoughtfulness with a homemade gift for a neighbor, a coworker, or a friend? Everyone appreciates a little pick me up.

3. Look out for UFOs! That’s right, Un Finished Objects, the ones that you can’t even remember what they were that sit in a box tucked under a table. It’s a real challenge to try to salvage or complete an unfinished mess, but it could make you think about things in a new way.

4. Reduce, reuse, recycle. Crafters are natural environmentalists. The first of the year might be a good time to destash and take inventory of your supplies. What can you make to use up the last of the scraps or how can you make your process more efficient and environmentally friendly? As a bonus, that usually also means more budget-friendly too!

5. Craft-bonding. Now is a great time to find a new craft circle and make new friends to share your love of craft with. Many of the local libraries have knitting groups, or, form your own group at a local coffee shop. Hooking into the online craft community can be a great way to virtually share your passion for the handmade and Etsy is a great place to start.

6. Be a cultured crafter. Visit a museum or gallery seeking out something you don’t know anything about. Throughout history people have made beautiful objects with care and skill. Explore the 3rd and 4th floors of the Dallas Museum of Art for their non-Western collections and decorative arts or go across the street to the Crow Collection of Asian Art. You’ll be amazed and inspired by the intricacy and originality of the work.

7. Keep a journal. Okay, this is on the standard New Year’s resolutions list, but how about a craft-related/inspired/idea journal? Clip out pictures, collect scraps, jot down ideas. At the end of the year you’ll have a physical journal that traces all your ideas and inspirations for 2010—and this isn’t just for makers, use it to track your gift-giving ideas, interior decorating schemes, and hot items to look for.

8. Shop local. There are so many talented crafters and artists in the Dallas Fort Worth area! You can go to local markets and shows, like the ones listed here each week, or you can search by area on Etsy. Some local Etsians even offer free hand-delivery as an alternative to shipping. You can’t beat that and you’re supporting your community!

Posted and illustrated by Anne/modestambition
Post your New Year's resolutions in the comments!

Eco•Ideas: Holiday Gift Wrap

It's that time of year again, time for the rockin' Jingle Bash featuring lots of Etsy Dallas members - check out the full list of Bash artists here!

Below are some holiday gift wrap items brought to you by three Etsy Dallas members. Click on the pictures below for all the deets on these great handmade items. La Alicia and design roots will be at the 2009 Jingle Bash, so check them out in person on November 21st at the Sons of Hermann Hall!

Check out this beautiful reusable gift wrap option from WrapCouture,
suitable for any holiday:


And don't miss out on this fun assortment of cutie gift tags for any occassion
from designroots printed on recycled stock.


Give these recycled magazine and junk mail ornaments a once over from
LaAlicia -- great on the tree and to dress up packages.


Be sure to mark your calendar for the Jingle Bash -- November 21, 1-7p at the Sons of Hermann Hall. We'll see you there!

posted by Alicia

Scaring Up for Halloween

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Celebrate Mom with these great gift picks, perfect for that special woman in your life. See our favorites below or browse all of the wonderful Etsy Dallas members' shops HERE.


The Greta Purse by LolaFalk
Made of taffeta and cotton, comes with a detachable brass chain/shoulder strap.
http://www.lolafalkdesigns.etsy.com/


Bird Tails Print by Pamela Michelle
5X7 inch print of an original acrylic painting, printed on heavyweight matte photo paper and mounted on high quality matte board
http://www.pamelamichelle.etsy.com/


Peapod Pendant Necklaces by Tefi Designs
Made with wire-wrapped sterling silver and jade on a silver-plated chain. Pods come in 2 or 3 peas - or any number you choose!
http://www.tefi.etsy.com/


Tea Bag Cozies by Karma Crochet
Holds up to 5 tea bags, sugar, or sweetener and comes in a variety of colors.
http://www.karmacrochet.etsy.com/


Custom Mommy Bracelet by Bead Genie
Up to 15 charms are handstamped and strung on a sterling silver chain alongside freshwater pearls.
http://www.beadgenie.etsy.com/


Dipped Rose Petals by Signature Scentsations
Vegan-friendly glycerin dipped rose petals come wrapped in a box and are available in several scents.
http://www.signaturescentsation.etsy.com/


Circuit 003 Ring by Eve M Metalsmith
Made with a gold rutillated quartz stone with a silver bezel and mounted on a sterling silver shank.
http://www.evemmetalsmith.etsy.com/



Wallflower Handbag by Cotton Candy Boutique
Roomy with several pockets, this bag is available in a variety of fabrics.

Now go hug your mom already, and tell her how wonderful she is!

O, Come All Ye Crafty!


The excitment is a-brewin'
Etsy Dallas will begin accepting applications from non-members beginning tomorrow, Saturday the 19th. Shoot us an email if you wish to receive a copy of our application.

Please note that spaces are super-duper limited as this has become (already!) a very popular event. This is a juried show and is for handmade only. Vendors must sell their own art and handmade goods.

Made a little clicky HERE if you are interested in receiving information on sponsorship opportunities. A million thanks to our official show sponsor, Funky Finds. Funky-tastic!

Pics from Trunk Show

We had a blast at our first-ever Etsy Dallas trunk show! Thanks to everyone who came out to support your local artists and crafters. The handmade movement is catching on!


View from the Top (with Pam!)


Brenda/B.Liscious - bags, photos, babywear


Constanza/Knit Sisters - scarves


Jean/UnePromesse - gemstone jewelry


Stephanie/Tefi Designs - jewelry & accessories


Mini-display with some of Tara to the T's items


Pamela Michelle - wood-etched & graphic pendants, art


Mandi/Scribbles - beaded pens and ornaments


Linda/ebraunnagel - purses, bags, pouches


James/One-Up Designs - vinyl wall art


Carrie/Atom-In and Abby/Pulp Reality - resin pendants, paper-covered frames, etched glass, housewares (with Jessica of Funky Finds)

FREE Gift Bag Raffle!

Stop by our Holiday Trunk Show (see blog entries below) and register to win a free gift bag chock full of items from Etsy Dallas members. (A special thanks to those who donated to our bag even though they could not participate in our trunk show!) Here's a sneak peek at some of the items you can find at the show:



Participants include: Atom-in, B-Liscious, ebraunnagel, Knit Sisters, Mary's Madness, One-Up Designs, Pamela Michelle, Pulp Reality, Scribbles, Tefi Designs, and Une Promesse.

Trunk Show - Change in Location

There is an ever-so-slight change in locale for Etsy Dallas' first ever Holiday Trunk Show.

Rather than it being in the main entranceway, it will be on the main level near the coffee shop of Southside on Lamar. The receptionist at the main entrance will guide all shoppers to our new set-up. Here's a map to Southside.

Also note that most artists and crafters will be accepting only cash or checks. There is an ATM located in the main entranceway near the Angel Tree.

Please contact etsydallas[at]gmail[dot]com should you have any questions.

*Etsy Dallas Trunk Show*

The final details are set and we are ready to go! Come on down to the old Sears building, now Southside on Lamar, to shop for hip crafts and handmade goodies. Make it a handmade holiday!

When: Saturday, December 8th
Time: 11am-3pm
Where: Southside on Lamar's main lobby - Here's a map.
Who: Tefi Designs, Atom-In, One Up Designs, PamelaMichelle, B-Licious, Une Promesse, ebraunnagel, Knit Sisters, MandiBeads

Trunk Show Date/Time Finalized!

We had a fun and successful first meeting yesterday at Carrie's and James' great loft at Southside. What a view! The big news is that we've nailed down a date and time for our holiday trunk show (drumroll, please):

Saturday, December 8th, 11am-3pm

We are still working out the exact site at Southside, but most likely we are looking to set up shop and open our trunks smack dab in front of the main doors and lobby. More details to come...

If you are a member (see side panel) but have not signed up for the Google group, please do so now! This is the best way to stay in touch with all the great Etsy Dallas happenings.

Cheers,
Stephanie, Tefi Designs