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Sponsor spotlight: Expressions Bracelets

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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.

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Sponsor spotlight: mini-Fab

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We are counting down the days until the Spring Bash! Matt, of mini-Fab, recommends arriving early for a chance at snagging a Bash Bag. We've seen what's in those bags and we can tell you it is awesome!

You'll want to check out mini-Fab's great gifts for men, groomsmen, dads at the Spring Bash on May 7. Father's Day and graduation are just around the corner. 

Matt took a moment to participate in our Q&A ...

What are you most looking forward to for the 2017 Spring Bash?

I'm really excited to have a chance to get out of the workshop for a bit and visit with everyone that will be coming to the Spring Bash. That might be saying something, because I really like my workshop! These Etsy Dallas events always draw amazing crowds, and it's a pretty great opportunity to talk to cool people and share the things I enjoy making.

Is your shop offering anything new/special/different at the Bash?

I'll be bringing pieces that are new to the Spring Bash, like my Manly Candles (Campfire or Bacon might be my favorite), personalized shave kits, Father's Day gifts, and a super-secret project that I'll unveil the night before the Bash on my Instagram, @GOminiFab.

What is your favorite part of prepping for the Spring Bash?

Well, the conclusion of prepping is the best part. It's a lot of work, but once you get everything wrapped up, you do enjoy the satisfaction of a job well-done and then just relax, drink a cold one, and look forward to a good time at the Bash. 

What makes this event special for you?

I really enjoy being around all the creative and talented artists, designers, and makers at the show. It's very inspiring to see all the fine work and learn about their process. You can genuinely see that everyone puts their heart and soul into the things they make and exhibit an authentic enthusiasm to share it with good folks at the Bash.

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Sponsor spotlight: The Pig and the Peacock

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If you’re counting down until the Spring Bash, join the club! Sabrina and Jenny of The Pig and the Peacock said they can’t wait to get the party started on May 7. We are excited to check out their new scents.

The Pig and the Peacock’s handmade, skin-loving bath and body products are locally sourced and vegan. If you haven’t discovered them yet, be sure to visit their booth at the Bash. 

Sabrina and Jenny joined us for a quick Q&A and a few hints on what to expect from The Pig and the Peacock on May 7 …

What are you most looking forward to for the 2017 Spring Bash?

We are looking forward to seeing familiar faces from previous shows, and getting to know new shoppers as they discover the bash.

Is your shop offering anything new/special/different at the Bash?

We have a few new scents in our most popular products like soaps, lotion bars, and candles. You’ll have to check out the booth to see if you can spot ’em!

What is your favorite part of prepping for the Spring Bash?

It’s really promoting the event, like making gift guides for our blog and IG posts. It gives us an opportunity to see all the amazing things that will be at the show and start our shopping lists!

What makes this event special for you?

The energy. From the shoppers to the vendors everyone is so upbeat that it really makes it a fun event to be a part of.

Sponsor spotlight: Tokodots

We love Tokodots stationery and we are so happy Molly is going to have a booth at the Spring Bash. Her beautiful quilt-inspired cards and prints are so colorful and fun. Be sure to check out Molly's booth at the Bash. 

We got with Molly for a quick Q&A and the inside scoop on what to expect from Tokodots at the Bash on May 7 ...

What are you most looking forward to for the 2017 Spring Bash?

All of the good shopping! I was too busy at the Jingle Bash (my first big show) to shop. This year I am making a plan so I can still get my shopping done.

Is your shop offering anything new/special/different at the Bash?

Yes! I am excited to offer a new care package gift certificate for high school graduation gifts that I have been thinking about for a long time. I also have a new origami print and card to debut that isn't in my shop yet.

What is your favorite part of prepping for the Spring Bash?

All the bright colors. I have a bunch of cheerful new designs for spring and summer that I am having fun putting together for the Bash.

What makes this event special for you?

I don't do many in-person events so the Spring Bash is a really big deal for me! I'm looking forward to meeting customers in person and getting feedback on my designs.

 

Spring Bash Make & Take with MakersConnect

Dallas locals, I have a really cool group to share with you today. MakersConnect is an artist collective with a mission to help out fellow artists. They host classes teaching different arts and techniques, and events to sell creations. 

They are all about creative reuse, community involvement, and embracing micro-economics, just like us. We are lucky enough to have them man the Make & Take table at the Spring Bash, so swing by to craft and chat with these awesome people. 

Christine has some really fun projects planned for all ages and levels of crafters. Popsicle stick bracelets for the kids, coffee filter flowers for headbands or bouquets, and layered tissue paper sunset cards. Etsy Dallas hearts MakersConnect!

Etsy Dallas and Paws in the City

Last month the Etsy Dallas Team hung out with Paws in the City. A local all-volunteer, no kill organization with a commitment to ending overpopulation, neglect, and abuse of DFW area cats and dogs.

No one is on a payroll at Paws in the City, so all funds raised goes straight to the dogs (and kitties)! And that’s a very good thing!

We hung out with some amazing fluff balls and made a variety of dog toys while raising awareness and funds for their amazing charity.

 

We thought this would be a great time to share with you how to pull together an event for a worthy charity in your area.

 

Step One: Look for charity organizations in your area.

We know that you are following at least 5 different charities on Facebook. Reach out! They want to hear from you!!

 

Step Two: Grab your crew

Your book club, your Girl Scouts, your craft guild, your friends!

 

Step Three: Make a plan!

Each charity has different needs. Usually the bottom line is raising funds. Find out what the charity needs and work for them.

Some ideas -

Pets : make some handmade toys/bankets/treats to raise funds

Kids : make handmade toys, arts and crafts and more to - help a book or School supply drive

Seniors : art is so therapeutic! (and we sort of LOVE art for all causes), use to help raise awareness for Meals on Wheels and other great senior charities.

 

Step Four: Buy the supplies

Or ask for donations! You don’t have to break the bank. Work with upcycled items, supplies from your own private stash (between the Etsy Dallas team, we have enough “extra” supplies to outfit a craft army.

 

Step Five: Decide a date and rally!!

Work with the Charity’s schedule (not yours). Send out social media blasts, create an event on Facebook or another good event planning platform.

 

Step Six: Get to crafting and have fun!

We had so much fun! We made super cute dog toys, we got to know more about the foster parents of the dogs that came out, and learn more about what they do. We even raised some money for their amazing cause!

 

 

A note from the President here at Etsy Dallas:

Thank you everyone who came out to our Craft + Adoption event today at Café Izmir benefitting Paws in the City! Etsy Dallas volunteers had a great time teaching others how to make DIY dog toys many of which were enjoyed by the PITC foster dogs!

 

Foster pups enjoyed the nice spring weather and all the attention they were getting. Several applications were put in for foster dogs and we hope they all find their forever home soon! Thank you to Cafe Izmir for offering up their patio for such a wonderful cause.