community

,

Calling all procrastinators: apply now for Etsy Dallas 2018

,

Time is running out to apply for the 2018 Etsy Dallas team. Etsy Dallas is a group of local artists and crafters who are serious about their handmade businesses as well as the success of the team and its endeavors. Members are also invested in the Dallas community, working with Etsy Dallas to benefit different aspects of the creative community and culture that makes Dallas a great city. 

Our mission is to promote awareness and support of the handmade movement in Dallas and the surrounding Metroplex; to establish and maintain the integrity of the local handmade movement; to act as a cooperative resource and mentoring network to grow businesses within the handmade industry; to foster higher business standards within the handmade industry by encouraging better business practices and methods; to educate the public in the creation of modern handmade crafts in order to inspire and empower individuals and bring together communities. 

Applications close January 12, 2018. If you live in the Dallas area and are interested in applying for our team, apply now!

,

8 handmade finds for your best 2018

,

We have big plans for 2018 and a list of resolutions to prove it. How do you motivate yourself to stick to your goals? We have a roundup of 8 local finds which are great for helping us meet our goals and for rewarding ourselves for our achievements. 

1. Track goals with pretty stationery from Kat French Design. We love this to-do list notepad (and the calendar notepad above) for helping us knock out our daily and monthly tasks. 

2. Keep things tidy and smelling fresh with soy wax candles from The Pig and the Peacock. This one in Lemongrass Sage is uplifting with garden and citrus notes that leave us feeling refreshed and energized. 

3. Recover from workouts and practice self-care with a bath bomb from Whipped Up Wonderful. This Honey Almond bomb is made with hand-ground honey and oat powders that will pamper your skin and is thought to reduce the signs of aging. Yes, please!

4. Take better care of your skin with soothing lotion from Sasha's Hand Poured. We love this silky Spearmint Eucalyptus lotion for winter. 

5. Make more meals at home. Pro tip: We hear good things about the Instant Pot. Don't forget a cute apron while you whip up something yummy. We love the selection from Mia Maria.

6. Feed your friendships. Send your friends some real mail and let them know you're thinking of them. When is the last time you got some happy mail? Didn't it feel great? We love the Texas Knit notecards from Tokodots. 

7. Remember to meditate. The Texas Zen Garden from SurlyBunny has everything you need. 

8. Keep a journal in 2018. We love these personalized leather journals from Ox & Pine. 

Here's wishing you all a magical and adventurous 2018! We hope you have a good one. 

, ,

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! 

, , ,

Sneak a peek in the Bash Bag for the 2017 Jingle Bash

, , ,

We just wanted to drop in with a quick sneak peek at some of the fabulous and wonderful swag in our coveted Bash Bags. The first 50 adult shoppers at the 2017 Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash get the bags. And this is just some of what the lucky early birds will find inside...

, , ,

Etsy, Inc. sponsors 2017 Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash

, , ,

We are honored and thrilled to have Etsy, Inc. as our official sponsor for the Jingle Bash. As you can probably guess, we are huge fans of Etsy around here. Etsy was founded in 2005 and now boasts buyers and sellers from nearly every country in the world.

Etsy is the global marketplace for unique and creative goods. Etsy’s mission is to Keep Commerce Human. You can read more about the positive impact Etsy has on people and the planet.

As Etsy’s website reads: People make Etsy possible. We provide a meaningful space for sellers to turn their creative passions into opportunity. We enable buyers to discover unique items made with care. And we treat our employees and our community with respect. We’re here because the world needs less of the same and more of the special.

We couldn’t agree more and we are so excited to have Etsy’s support of our Bash. The Jingle Bash provides savvy shoppers with the opportunity to shop the best handmade artists from near and far.

The 2017 Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash will be at Eddie Deen's Ranch 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, November 11, 2017. See y'all at the Bash!  

, ,

Shop+Interview with Inviting Letterpress Boutique

, ,

Ashley is the stationery addict and press-woman behind Inviting Letterpress Boutique and Trent is the professional designer. They run Inviting from their south Austin home studio and they are bringing their passion for fine paper, great design and vintage charm to the Jingle Bash.

Ashley and Trent know prepping or a show is a lot of work. Ashley says the best part is the extra studio time. “Never a bad thing,” Ashley said.

“It’s always great to be around those who ‘get’ you,” Ashley said. “The Jingle Bash is also very well organized and promoted. Participating in a show where the organizers put in as much time and effort as the vendors do is special.” Don’t mind us. We’ll just be over here blushing.

Ashley and Trent believe authenticity is important. And it shows in their unique and beautiful work. Their studio includes more than 130 metal fonts. Each of their pieces is printed on their vintage printing press, Vera. You may remember Inviting from previous Bashes.

They are bringing back favorites including their You Suck at Parking cards as well as new stationery and greeting cards. “We have three to four collections per year so there is always something new,” Ashley said. “I’ll be accepting orders for personalized stationery sets that utilize our collection of metal type, curated and priced for the Jingle Bash. They’ll be completed and ready to ship at the end of November or early December – in time for holiday gifting!”

Stop by and say hello to Ashley and Trent at the 2017 Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash where you can shop the best handmade artists from near and far. We will be at Eddie Deen's Ranch 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, November 11, 2017. See y'all at the Bash! 

, ,

Shop+Interview with Sarah Manning Paintings

, ,

The Jingle Bash is almost here, y'all. This show features the best handmade artists from near and far. Sarah Manning - of Sarah Manning Paintings - will be there with her rich and vibrant abstract paintings. 

She has been busy prepping for the Bash. "I really enjoyed painting the super small canvases," she said. "Especially the ones for holiday ornaments." We can't wait to see them in person! 

Sarah uses a masking technique with acrylic paint and mixed media to create her pieces. The result is layers of rich color which illustrate her state of mind during the creation of each work. Her passion has played an essential role in her development as an artist and a professional. "After years of not picking up a paintbrush, I slowly began to make it more of a daily routine," she said. "And now it is essential to my sanity and creative wholeness." 

She has been a graphic designer for more than 15 years but painting has remained her passion. Her mother, an art teacher, introduced Sarah to painting early on. "I had a paintbrush in my hand since I can remember," Sarah said. Over time, painting became her creative outlet and served as a conduit to self-discovery. She uses painting to find clarity. 

Stop by and say hello to Sarah at the 2017 Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash where you can shop the best handmade artists from near and far. We will be at Eddie Deen's Ranch 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, November 11, 2017. See y'all at the Bash! 

, ,

Shop+Interview with A Cheery Blossom

, ,

Leather journals are Stephanie's passion. Each of her journals and leather products is handmade with the finest craftsmanship and highest quality materials. We are excited to see A Cheery Blossom's new pocket journals and refillable journals at the show. 

Stephanie and her team are sticklers for details and only use the highest quality leather and other supplies. She loves coming up with new ways to display her items and meeting her customers in person. 

"Our headphone cord wraps have always been a hit," Stephanie said. "So we've added a larger cord wrap for computer chargers." We love the richness and details in her pieces and we can't wait to shop her booth in person at the Jingle Bash. "This show allows me to connect with individuals who are often searching for that special and meaningful gift for someone else," she said. "And I love to hear their stories." 

We love Stephanie's cheery personality. And we are big fans of her work. She even offers personalization. "Come connect with me at the Jingle Bash," she said. "And share in my leather passion for a few minutes!" 

Stop by and say hello to Stephanie at the 2017 Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash where you can shop the best handmade artists from near and far. We will be at Eddie Deen's Ranch 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, November 11, 2017. See y'all at the Bash!

, ,

Shop+Artist spotlight with Cayenne Gypsy

, ,

We are excited to see the beautiful wood-turned pieces from Dallas-based Cayenne Gypsy at the Jingle Bash. The hand-turned bowls are so unique. We love how the creative process brings out all the richness and details in the wood.

Cayenne Gypsy pieces are perfect for fall and winter décor. They add a warmth, Bohemian style and earthy vibes, which we love. Ashley's vases made from combinations such as oak, walnut and cherry woods are conversation starters, to be sure, and would make a lovely addition to your centerpiece or mantle.

Ashley is regularly working on and updating her products. We are excited to see what she has for you at the Bash! The natural edges around some of the pieces really add to the one-of-a-kind beauty of some of her bowls. Those are some of her favorites and we can see why. Other pieces feature freehand wood burning designs around the outside. 

Stop by and say hello to Ashley at the 2017 Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash where you can shop the best handmade artists from near and far. We will be at Eddie Deen's Ranch 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, November 11, 2017. See y'all at the Bash!

Halloween Playlist

Only one week until Halloween, folks, better liven up your playlist! We chose a few creepy favorites to share that may not feel as played out as MJ's "Thriller."  Click here to listen on Spotify. Enjoy!

 

1. Tarantula - Bob Schneider

2.  Wolves Without Teeth - Of Monsters and Men​

3. Zombie - The Cranberries​

4.  Every Breath You Take​ - The Police

5.  Time Warp - The Rocky Horror Picture Show​

6.  Someone's Watching Me - Rockwell​

7.  This is Halloween - The Nightmare Before Christmas​

8.  Tainted Love - Soft Cell​

9.  ​Seven Devils - Florence + The Machine

10. I Want Candy - Bow Wow Wow​

11. Season of the Witch - Donovan​

12. The Reaper - Blue Oÿster Cult​

13. I Put A Spell On You - Annie Lennox​

, ,

Shop+Artist interview with Lavender+Mint

, ,

We are so excited to see the Lavender+Mint booth at the Jingle Bash. Bree and Carlos create beautiful farmhouse tables, handcrafted by their family for your family. Bree grew up in a home with a farmhouse table. "They bring back those childhood memories that only equaled happiness," Bree said.

Bree's mother grew lavender and mint, which inspired the shop name. She would send Bree to gather some for tea every night before dinner. "To this day, when I smell lavender or see mint, I have this warm feeling and a sense of peace that comes over me," Bree said. 

This will be Lavender+Mint's first Jingle Bash. They are introducing Lavender+Mint's new round farmhouse table, a kids line (with wood, colors and style selected by their adorable 6-year-old twin boys), and the Giving Table Project. For every table a sold, Lavender+Mint will give a table to a family in need. "This is a project that is very dear to us," Bree said. "Because we believe every family should have the opportunity to share meals, memories and moments around their very own handcrafted farmhouse table." 

"Growing up my parents always had dinner parties, brunches and other social gatherings," Bree said. She grew up helping prep stuffed mushrooms for appetizers and rolling lemons to soften them for sweet tea. "Fabulous food and entertainment fueled me," she said. "So here we are building the tables for ones to enjoy and entertain on." 

Stop by and say hello to Bree at the 2017 Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash where you can shop the best handmade artists from near and far. We will be at Eddie Deen's Ranch 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, November 11, 2017. See y'all at the Bash!

, ,

Shop+Artist Interview with Salt Water Swim

, ,

Ann and her sister started Salt Water Swim five years ago. They are inspired by the beauty of the world around them. Their hometown is Honolulu but they have traveled and lived all over and Ann said they wanted to share their love of Hawaii with the world. 

"Our favorite place to be is on the beach," Ann said. "We love this so much that we wanted to have this be a part of our name. Salt Water Swim is a culture of living simply and beautifully with the inspiration of the ocean." 

A typical work day for the pair begins with checking their weekly to-do list. "It is a quick realistic punch list of what we need to get done," Ann said. "Then we bring out all our gems, pearls and metal and play around with ideas and trends. There are only two of us so we have to wear many hats and multitask all duties."

The Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash will be Salt Water Swim's first time as a vendor at the Bash. "We are so excited to launch our new collaborations," Ann said. "We have created one-of-a-kind ceramic ring holders, door tassels and beach bags." The shop will also launch a new holiday collection of their jewelry with more statement pieces for special occasions. 

Ann said she and her sister love merchandising their jewelry boards. "We want our customers to be inspired when they see our collection and to get excited to find their own style within ours," Ann said. 

Stop by and say hello to the Salt Water Swim team at the 2017 Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash where you can shop the best handmade artists from near and far. We will be at Eddie Deen's Ranch 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, November 11, 2017. See y'all at the Bash!

, ,

Shop+Artist interview with Innerglow Art

, ,

The shop: Innerglow Art
The artist: Sarah Hickey

The name Innerglow was inspired by one of Sarah’s favorite songs in middle school. She loves the word and what it represents. “To me it means letting your inner light shine. True beauty is on the inside and is then reflected outside by the actions and deeds,” Sarah said. “We all have an ‘innerglow.’ We all have a story to share with the world.”

Innerglow Art will be available at the 2017 Jingle Bash. This is Sarah’s first time as a Jingle Bash artist and we are thrilled to have her share her work with you. “I’m looking forward to meeting new people and just being a part of a show I’ve heard so many good things about from other vendors,” Sarah said. She is bringing some new items to the Bash. “I’m excited to put my art on objects other than canvases,” she said. Be sure to visit her booth to check out the coasters, kitchen items and more.

A typical day for Sarah begins with coffee (us too!), journaling and quiet time. Then she starts work on commissions. She spends her days painting, dropping off paintings, picking up frames and getting more supplies. You can keep up with her on Instagram @innerglowart for more behind-the-scenes looks. “I love the excitement of creating new things,” she said. “And getting my friends and followers excited about what to look forward to.”

Sarah says she loves color, exploring new techniques, and painting with purpose. She has always enjoyed art but didn’t really pursue it until after college. “One day, I started painting abstract paintings on large canvases and got so much positive feedback from friends and family I started painting more. Before I knew it, I was painting part-time while working my home health speech therapy job,” she said. Now Innerglow is her full-time job. She said it has been fun getting to create her own schedule.

She donates a portion of her earnings every quarter to a non-profit in the Philippines. “I think what people value most in their life will be reflected in their actions day to day. A good priorities check every now and then is good for the soul,” Sarah said. “At the end of the day, ask yourself, did I live my day to its fullest? What would I have wanted to spend more time doing if I could?”

Stop by and say hello to Sarah at the 2017 Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash where you can shop the best handmade artists from near and far. We will be at Eddie Deen's Ranch 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, November 11, 2017. See y'all at the Bash!

, ,

Shop+Artist interview with Mod + Jo

, ,

The shop: Mod + Jo
The artist: Jordan Flynn

When Jordan created Mod + Jo, she wanted to provide unique and affordable accessories that women could buy for themselves and the other women in their lives. “I wanted to fill the gap between inexpensive mass-produced accessories we find at fast fashion shops and high-end designer accessories that make your wallet cringe,” Jordan said. 

Jordan has always been drawn to vintage or “mod” color combinations and modern style with a blend of what is current. That is part of what inspired her shop name. She incorporated that inspiration with "Jo," her childhood nickname. Her typical workday begins with coffee and emails. After taking care of the administrative end of things, she begins working on orders.

“I majored in merchandising at North Texas with a minor in business,” Jordan said. “I also worked at a high-end lifestyle store in Dallas. Having the hands-on experience working with a buyer and artisan pieces really helped push me into the direction of wanting to build something for myself.”

She grew Mod + Jo into what it is now while living abroad for a few years while her husband was on assignment for work. “I had the time to sit back and rebrand,” she said. “Without having the experience overseas through living and traveling, I don’t think Mod + Jo would be what it is today.” 

A big fan of the Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash, this will be Jordan’s first time as a vendor at the show. “I’m excited to meet our customers in person, help them style our pieces, and make new relationships,” she said. “I have always been a spectator and shopper at the Bash. It will be exciting now to be on the other side.” Mod + Jo will be introducing some new pieces during the Jingle Bash in addition to offering special discounts for shoppers. 

Stop by and say hello to Jordan at the 2017 Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash where you can shop the best handmade artists from near and far. We will be at Eddie Deen's Ranch 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, November 11, 2017. See y'all at the Bash!

, ,

Etsy Dallas Craft Party hosted by Mudhen Meat and Greens

, ,

We hope you can make it over to Mudhen Meat and Greens from 2 - 4:30 p.m. this Saturday, Sept. 9. The annual Etsy Dallas Craft Party features pendants, pompom keychains and leather earrings this year. It's going to be a fun afternoon. And it's free! Let us know you are coming on the Etsy Dallas Craft Party Facebook Event Page. See you this weekend!

Etsy Dallas teams with NorthPark Center for 4th annual Crafts for Crayons event

We are hosting our 4th annual Crafts for Crayons school supply drive and craft event at NorthPark Center from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, August 26. Find us in the NorthCourt between Nordstrom and Macy's.

We have fun crafts ready for kids and adults. Just stop by with supplies and donations. "School is starting for so many kids but nearly one in three children in Dallas County cannot afford basic school supplies," Etsy Dallas member Jenny Abney Sivie said. "Crafts for Crayons is a fun afternoon of crafting that also raises supplies and donations for kids to have a better start to the school year."

All donations will go to Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas, a non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire girls to be strong, smart and bold through life-changing programs and experiences that help girls navigate gender, economic and social barriers. Research shows that empowering girls and women yields benefits for entire families and communities, but many girls face gender stereotypes, narrow expectations, and negative media messages. With support from our communities, young girls can learn that they are strong and can achieve whatever they want in life. 

Not sure what to bring? Girls, Inc. is in need of school and art supplies such as paper, crayons, scissors, pencils, pens, glue, markers, and erasers, as well as sports equipment, games, books and more. Everyone is invited to come out, make some crafts and support this supply drive. Every little bit helps!

,

Spring Bash recap with YLK Photography

,
YLK Photography

YLK Photography

We were so lucky to have Yony, an Etsy Dallas alumna and a professional photographer, as our official Spring Bash photographer. Her photos are beautiful. We love YLK Photography! Yony is self-taught. She specializes in lifestyle and portrait photography.

You can follow Yony on Facebook or Instagram to see more of her amazing work. She is a true talent. Here are a few of our favorite photos she captured at the Bash ...

YLK Photography

YLK Photography

YLK Photography

YLK Photography

YLK Photography

YLK Photography

YLK Photography

YLK Photography

YLK Photography

YLK Photography

YLK Photography

YLK Photography

YLK Photography

YLK Photography

YLK Photography

YLK Photography

, ,

Spring Bash Artists Featured on Good Day Fox 4

, ,

Our Etsy Dallas vice president SaRatta Murphy visited Good Day Fox 4 to talk about some unique items for sale at the upcoming Spring Bash this Sunday. Watch the clip below if you missed it, and scroll down for more details on the artists featured in the piece.  

http://www.fox4news.com/news/252637591-story

mini Fab

mini Fab

Matt McCoy of mini Fab uses wood, leather and cork for his creations. He creates personalized beard accessories, including all natural beard balm as well as wallets, cuff-links, flasks and bottle openers. 

Joy Street Maps

Joy Street Maps

Kim Dresdner of Joy Street Maps creates one-of-a-kind maps with watercolor and ink, featuring the local area and beyond. Prints and originals will be for sale at the Spring Bash.

MushTushy

MushTushy

Emily Curtin of MushTushy started out creating sock monkeys which eventually evolved into wood art, metal art and custom pet portraits. Most of her wood and metal designs are crafted from upcycled wood and license plates.

Odin Leather Goods

Odin Leather Goods

Odin Clack of Odin Leather Goods is known for using vintage baseball gloves and mitts to craft some of his most unique one-of-a-kind pieces. From key chains to handmade leather briefcases, each piece is designed and stitched in his local studio. 

The Pig and the Peacock

The Pig and the Peacock

Jenny and Sabrina at The Pig & The Peacock create handmade bath luxuries using all natural ingredients. Check out their line of soy candles made from recycled and etched wine bottles. 

Tokodots

Tokodots

Molly Lam created Tokodots, a stationery and gift brand, after spending nine years in Japan. Look for her care package gift certificate for a unique high school graduation gift, along with other colorful cards and prints this weekend.  

We can't wait to see y'all at the Bash! 

, ,

Sponsor spotlight: Whipped Up Wonderful

, ,

We love Whipped Up Wonderful’s amazing line of bath bombs, bubble bars and perfumes. Alexis is a top seller of bath bombs on Etsy for a reason. You’ll love her items, all made with biodegradable and renewable ingredients. Everything in her shop is cruelty free and most are vegan. 

Be sure to stop by her booth and treat yourself at the Spring Bash this Sunday, May 7, at Gilley's Dallas. We will be there 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Alexis took a quick break from whipping up all the things for a Q&A with us ...

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

Shopping! I always look forward to getting to meet some local makers. 

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

I’ll be offering some debut products, like my rainy days bath bombs , my bath macarons, and hopefully my new Jelly Bean Bath Melts.

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

I love planning my booth. Spring and Summer require different looks than Fall shows, so I get to really have fun and experiment. Also the time crunch - nothing makes you more creative than a deadline!

What makes this event special for you?

This will be the first year I’m attending the show not only as a vendor, but as part of the Etsy Dallas Leadership Team! I always make time for the Bash’s any way (being that they are the best independent handmade art and craft show in Dallas), but being such a part of making this show happen makes it all the more special.

Sponsor Spotlight: DallasChild

Dallas-Fort Worth is booming! We live in such an exciting city with so much to offer, it can sometimes be overwhelming to keep up. Enter Dallas Child. Etsy Dallas is so happy to have a long standing relationship with this awesome local resource. I have sung their praises a few times before. If you have a family, and live in the area, you need to check out their site and publication! You will never have to wonder what you might be missing, or who the best doctors in town are, or which Summer camp is right for your kiddo again.