signifying not

Etsy Dallas Artist Playlist Spotlight







Hi everyone! This is Meredith from Sheepish Knitting & Crochet. I spoke with Summer of Signifying Not about what she likes to listen to when she is feeling inspired, or is searching for inspiration. Enjoy getting a glimpse into Summer's creative process!




M: What kind of music do you listen to when you create? Don't listen to music? TV Shows? Movies?

S: I really like to listen to audiobooks and podcasts when I am creating. I listen to episodes of This American Life and podcasts about illustration and art like Big Illustration Party Time and Escape from Illustration Island. When I do listen to music, it depends on my mood, but I really love indie, folk, and instrumental.



M: Do certain genres of music affect your creative process?

S: Yes, I feel more inspired by music that has a literal or implied story or vivid imagery.



M: How does music fit into your creative routine?

S: Sometimes I use music as a well to break out of a creative block. I prefer to listen to music during the idea/brainstorming stage and podcasts during the actual creation of the work. Usually I am not planning to come up with an idea, but when I am listening to a really good song, something just comes to me.



M: Name some of your favorite artists/bands.

S: I've gotten really into British folk scene recently - Laura Marling, Mumford & Sons, Johnny Flynn. I also love The Decemberists, Tegan and Sara, Sufjan Stevens, Iron & Wine



(Pictured in Collage - Mumford and Sons, Tegan and Sara, Sufjan Stevens, and Iron & Wine)

M: Thank you so much for sharing Summer! Now it's time to turn up some tunes and get back to being crafty! ;-)


Member Spotlight: Signifying Not


Magical, creepy, beautiful and mysterious: those are the words that pop into my mind when I look at the amazing work of Signifying Not. Summer's gorgeous illustrations are not only available as prints, but t-shirts, accessories and cool gifts. Read on as Summer Ortiz answers a few of our questions...

ED: How did you get started selling your art?

SO: I had taught myself to screen print and had been making shirts for myself and friends since high school. People had been encouraging me for years to sell the shirts, but I never took their advice until last January when I had a little bit of extra cash and took the plunge into running my own business.


ED: What kind of products do you sell, and what materials do you work with?

SO: Clothing, prints, magnets, plush creatures, really anything we have the time and imagination to create. Work with all kinds of materials, but mainly tees and paper.

ED: What are your future plans for Signifying Not?

SO: We are always expanding and creating new things, but this year I am hoping to have some new tee designs and think of some new ways to display our designs - more prints, bags, etc. We are also looking to expand and sell our wares in more shops around Dallas and possibly elsewhere.

ED: What are you most inspired by?

SO: I am inspired by all things weird/odd/strange - Victorian traditions and fashion, unusual historical figures and events, wunderkammers, fairy tales (original versions), literature, vintage illustrations and prints.



Summer lives in North Deep Ellum with a chihuahua named Oliver, and works as a designer for the Texas Woman's University. You can find her products on Etsy as well as Dolly Python.


Daily Discoveries: Stripes


I love stripes! They are bold, graphic, and crazy versatile. These three picks from our Spring Bash vendor lineup are sure to bring a pop of striped whimsy into your life! That pillow has a pocket! Yes!



Clockwise from top left: Sailor Stripe Yoke Tote by RACHELelise, Captain and Merbaby Medal Pin by Signifying Not, Upcycle Recycle TV Remote Pillow by Yellow Bug Boutique.

Be sure to enter to win some Bash Bucks, and stay tuned for more Daily Discoveries!

Etsy Dallas Weekend Guide: July 9-11




Date: Friday, July 9
Time: 8pm -12am
More info: click here
Shop Etsy Dallas: Eye on the Sparrow



Local food, local goods and local friends are what make our community special. Facilitating the sale of fresh and nutritious produce, meat and dairy, breads, and artisan foods is a solid step to strengthening our community. But not just food – we also introduce vendors selling their art, pottery, clothes and more.

Date: Saturday, July 10
Time: 8am-12pm
Location: The Green Spot. 702 Buckner Blvd. Dallas TX 75218
More info: click here
Shop Etsy Dallas: Eye on the Sparrow Designs




Date: July 10 - 11
Time: Seating starts at 7, show starts at 8:15
Location: Samuell-Grand Park Dallas
More info: click here
Shop Etsy Dallas: Signifying Not

May Category Spotlight: Clothing

Growing up, I watched my mother make beautiful clothing. Tell her what you wanted and voila! She would whip it up. When my children were born I thought I would make cool, funky clothes for them. I bought some great fabric and set out to make a pair of pajama pants for my daughter. It wasn't pretty. It is very hard to put on a pair of pants when the waistband has been sewn shut. I have since decided to leave all things clothing to the experts. And believe me, there are plenty of experts on the Etsy Dallas team!

As a stay-at-home mom / theater teacher, my wardrobe is what can best be described as casual and comfortable. Thank goodness for the team's three "Clothing" crafters: Megan of Harrilu, Summer of Signifying Not Designs, and Dylan of Dowdy Studio. These guys make my dream of living in t-shirts and hoodies possible!

Since I hadn't clued any of these three in on my wardrobe dreams, I couldn't help but wonder: Why t-shirts?

Summer of Signifying Not said she started making t-shirts because she wanted to take the idea of fine art and make something usable with it. "I wanted to make art that could be lived in." Gotta love that!

Dylan Dowdy began screen-printing in late 2007 as something fun and art-related to do at home. The graphic artist spends time in his studio drawing and hand printing tees with the tunes turned up really loud, coffee flowing and loads of fun. "I enjoy the creative freedom I give to myself to do whatever I want each day. Nothing can beat that."

So, it looks like whatever the occasion, Etsy Dallas has your back - well that and your front, part of your arms - covered! (Had you left the job to me I can't gurrantee that would have been the case.)

written by Maggie of Maggie May I

Crafty Sidenote: Many of our Etsy Dallas members cross-categorize. For example, we have a lot of baby, kids and maternity clothing crafters who were spotlighted in March, and our own Tara to the T makes fabulous feather and steampunk accessories in addition to clothing. Every member will be spotlighted throughout the year in their primary category. Enjoy our spotlights and stay tuned to all the great things our members are making and designing!