{Artist Spotlight} Mesa Blue Jewelry

Linsey combines textile, metal, gemstones, geodes and more in her Mesa Blue Jewelry line. We can’t wait to see her booth at the 2019 Etsy Dallas Spring Bash on May 4. And we know many of you are looking forward to shopping Mesa Blue again this year.

All of Linsey’s work is handmade by her and photographed right here in Dallas. She has been creating jewelry since she was a little girl. You’re sure to find something perfect for those on your Mother’s Day shopping list, graduates and a little something (or three) for yourself too.

She launched Mesa Blue on Etsy a decade ago and now the line is her full-time job. Because she makes every piece herself, each is one of a kind. We love how special that makes her work and we know you do too. Be sure to stop by her booth and tell Linsey hello. We’ll see y’all at the Bash!

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! 

{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

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 ...

1. 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!

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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. 

10. 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.

11. 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!

12. 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.

13. 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! 

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

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!

Shop+Interview with Spring Bash artist Jillian of Vintage Static

Jillian and Matt are the makers behind Vintage Static. Her modern, handcrafted soaps, scrubs and bath products are made locally in Frisco.

Vintage Static is bringing new bar soap scents and all of their beard oils to the Spring Bash. “This is our first show,” Jillian said. “We are so grateful and excited to be included.” If you’re shopping for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, she recommends her whipped soaps/scrubs and bath bomb hexes, and the solid shave soaps and beard oil.  

The shop’s name came to her in a dream. “It derives from the nostalgic feel of listening to records, which we do all the time, and the static at the end of the LP side,” Jillian said. She describes their shop as modern and muted, using natural colorants and clean lines with a restrained color palette. 

Jillian describes herself as high-energy and finds inspiration by scanning her Instagram feeds. After sharing some of her favorite grammers, she said, “And of course the Texas ladies crushing it! There are so many. I am constantly impressed by the talent here in Dallas.” We couldn’t agree more! “To see all the talent out there really drives me,” she said. The challenge is to not create every scent or color that comes to mind and to remain selective and focused, she said.

Stop by the Vintage Static booth and say hello to Jillian 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!

Shop+Interview with Spring Bash artist Stephanie of Ox and Pine

Stephanie is the bookbinder and artist behind Ox & Pine. Her personalized leather journals, handmade notebooks and other leather goods are made here in the Dallas area.

She will be offering personalization stamping on the spot at the Spring Bash. “We’ll have some fun designs stamped onto leather luggage tags for a special price only available at the Bash,” Stephanie said. “It’s so fun to see customers face-to-face, and to be able to physically show them our leather goods.”

Stephanie said she is excited to meet people in person at the Bash. “I don’t do other any other in-person events, so this is a special occasion for me to meet and talk with customers in person.”

If you’re looking for a meaningful, lasting gift for a loved one for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduation or some other special occasion, something from Ox & Pine may be the perfect fit. “I love creating leather goods and working with my hands,” Stephanie said. “I’m always on the lookout to create something special that will be useful and beautiful.”

Stop by the Ox & Pine booth and say hello to Stephanie 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!

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 ...

 

Delightful Discoveries: Best Mom Ever

Show mom a little love this Mother's Day with one of the lovely handmade finds from our Spring Bash artists. Bonus: You can browse the works in person today at The Shops at Park Lane!

Got a grad you need to buy for? We have you covered there too. And why not do a little shopping for yourself while you're browsing? Come on over and say hello. 

 

Texas Bluebonnet State Flower Print from Anna Tovar

Dots Mug by Blue Flame Studios

Purple Iolite Teardrop Ring in Silver from EstieMade

Abstract Art Print by Liz Wiley

Sweet Citrus and Lavender Pure Soy Wax Candle from The Pig and The Peacock

Turkish Fig Glycerin Soap from The Pig and The Peacock

Sponsor Spotlight: K8made

We just adore the stunning clutches from K8made, and we are so excited to have our own Kate as a sponsor of the Spring Bash. Mother’s Day is coming up and we know lots of moms who would love to rock one of these exquisite clutches.

K8made bags are sold in boutiques across the country and are especially popular for bridal parties and brides. 

We caught up with Kate for a quick chat about the handmade shows…

“I believe the bash is one of the best handmade shows in the Dallas area,” Kate said. “As part of the team, I enjoy doing what I can to help make the event a success for everyone.”

Kate said the bash provides a great opportunity for local artists to interact with the community and to share their work with a much larger audience. “This can be instrumental in furthering the handmade movement and each individual artist’s business,” she said.

She is also a big supporter of independent artists. She loves to buy handmade when shopping for gifts for friends and family. “When you buy handmade, you’re guaranteed to get a unique product that was made with care and purpose,” Kate said. “When you shop at the Spring Bash, you’ll never be disappointed.”

We couldn’t agree more. Be sure to visit the K8made booth at the Spring Bash on April 26, 2014.

For the love of mom

There's so much to love about the special women in your life--the moms, grandmas, aunties, and other ladies who give you so much love and encouragement all year long. 

And though there's absolutely no way one gift can really express just how grateful you are, I know a few ladies in my life who wouldn't turn a gift down! 

So in the spirit and loving and giving, we've curated just a few things in the treasury below from our artists and members--simple, thoughtful gifts that will let someone know in a small way just how much you really care. 

Click through, and you'll find gifts for the traveler, the gardener, the fashionista, the minimalist...

Gift Guide: Cool Mom Must Haves

Mother's Day is just around the corner, and you can find some of the best gifts for cool moms at the 5th Annual Spring Bash.

Guest artist, Anna Tovar, paints amazing custom watercolor portraits. A mom who is always behind the camera and never in front would love a portrait of herself or maybe even the whole family!

Every mom appreciates nice jewelry, and this Gold Feather Necklace from f. is for Frank is a versatile piece that would dress up any outfit.

Stylish moms will love this Market Tote by Butter Design Lab. Made from reclaimed leather and Kantha quilts, it is both eco-friendly and gorgeous. It's large enough to carry all the essentials and still have room for the kiddos' tagalongs. 

Busy moms on the go can get their work done in style with an iPad Cozy from Jenni20 Designs. 

A Nature Textured Mug by Christie Cone Ceramics is a functional piece of art for the tea or coffee loving mom.

And, how about a Lace Embossed Pocket Planter from Both Hands Studio? Succulents are all the rage, and they are so stunning in these terra cotta planters. These can even be hung on the wall. 

So whether you are shopping for your own Mother, a new Mom, or a Mom-to-Be, the Spring Bash on April 27th is the place to find gifts that she is sure to love!

Etsy Dallas Announces Handmade Bash for 2013

We here at Etsy Dallas have been on a crafty roll lately. We've welcomed back many old friends as members and have gathered a crop of new ones, too. And our board members have been working on secret stuff that we can now share with you!

That's right: our 5th Annual Spring Bash will be held on April 27, 2013, just in time for all of the spring and summer weddings you'll be attending, graduation gifts that you'll need to send off, and of course we can't forget Mother's Day and Father's Day!

Everything that makes the Spring Bash the best (FREE!) ticket in town will be available this year at our new venue: The Shops at Park Lane. Our shop + party + art + craft will be held on the green, a gorgeous tree-lined green space right off Central and Park Lane.

We hope you will make plans now to spend the day with us under the big white tent. Our famous BASH BAGS will be available for the first 50 shoppers, there will be DIY crafts at make and take tables, along with great jams playing, excellent food available, and free and plentiful parking!

If you're a vendor (you don't have to be a member of Etsy Dallas!), check out our application packet.

Treasury Giveaway: Gifts for Mother

Hooray! Hooray! A giveaway! And just in time for Mother’s Day! That’s enough rhyming … for now. Sure, mom loves those flowers and chocolates, but why not get her something that lasts?

One lucky winner will get this entire treasury from some of the fabulous artists of Etsy Dallas. Whether you’re searching for a gift for your mom, yourself or someone who deserves a little handmade awesomeness, Etsy Dallas members have the perfect item.

Here’s how to enter:

1)    Comment – Sign in to your Etsy Account and comment on this Treasury.

2)    Share – Share the love on your blog, facebook page or twitter account.

3)    Let us know – Post in the comments below all the places you shared this giveaway.

The winner will be chosen through random.org and announced on April 18, 2012. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

Big thank you hearts go out to the generous shop owners who contributed to this giveaway. Please check out their shops to see all the lovely items they have to offer:

Paper Beats Rock, Dowdy Studio, Modest Ambition, YLK Photography, Butter Design Lab, Jenni 20 Designs, Both Hands Studio, ReGeared, Midnight Snack, Three Yellow Starfish, Karma Crochet, Two Clay Hands, Silla Soup, estieMade, Maggie May I, and K8made.

And thank you to Rori from MadeByRori for curating this lovely collection.

Etsy Dallas: What Our Moms Make

In honor of mothers everywhere, we asked Etsy Dallas members to show and tell us what their moms make. Every Etsy Dallas member has their own unique artistic talents, and we have a suspicion that at least some of those skills can be accredited to our hardworking and amazing moms.

We love you moms! Thanks for passing down the passion for handmade in that gene pool!

"My maternal grandmother was the seamstress in the family and she passed down her skills and so forth to my mom who helps me out in her free time, and in her summers off (since she's a teacher) she quilts and works on additional home decor sewing projects."
-Cut Out and Collect

"For Christmas my mom hand knitted a beautiful red scarf to keep me warm throughout the cold Texas winter."
-Dowdy Studio (Pamela)

"My mother is a sewing genius--from my favorite Rainbow Bright Halloween costume in the 80s, to my favorite Sunday dresses, to every conceivable theatrical costume--my mother made them all with more love and care than the finest haute couture modiste."
-Jenni20Designs

"My mom, Monta, spent days hand-painting and crafting wooden directional signs for our wedding last October."
- Dowdy Studio/Dylan

"Not only did my mom teach me how to sew, but she is super crafty, always working on projects with us, baking us the most amazing cakes (like the Easter cake that was a tree stump with tiny rabbits living in it), and today she continues to make jewelry along with my Dad."
-Mia Maria

"Oh yeah, you could definitely say I get my crafty spirt from my craftabulous Mom who embroiders, paints amazing oil paintings, and makes awesome all natural soap."
-Regal Cottage


"My mom knits sweaters, caps and tiny little boy scarves for Ian, my son".
-Tefi

My mom, Ruth - costumer extraodinaire!

-maggiemayi

My mom hand sewed all of my winter coats when I was a baby/toddler because they couldn't afford a sewing machine (dad was a struggling medical resident), and she knew nothing of reading a pattern, so she eyeballed everything she made.
-YLK Photography