Sponsor Spotlight: FotoFuze


Want to make your product photography pop? What about your photo holiday cards? FotoFuze has got some amazing photo enhancement tools that can make that happen for you. Use your ordinary pictures from an ordinary camera, and create extraordinary, top-notch professional looking photos. It's super easy and it's free!


Etsy sellers will especially love FotoFuze's Etsy App. Your shop can be directly integrated with FotoFuze. You can select your product photos directly from your current listings, and like magic, FotoFuze will clean up, brighten, and make your photos pop off the screen! 


Be sure to check out FotoFuze in action at the FotoFuze Vs. Photoshop Challenge!  You won't believe how much easier it is. It really does work like magic.


You can find even more FotoFuze fun on twitter and Facebook. 

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!

Jingle Bash Giveaway: The Final Extravaganza!


This contest is closed. Please check http://etsydallas.blogspot.com for the winners.
We've had some fun the past few weeks with our Bash Bucks giveaway on the blog, and now it is time for the final blog giveaway.  This is big, folks....

Two randomly selected winners of this final giveaway will receive $30 in Bash Bucks and one VIP Bash Pass (total prize package $50). 




This contest is open 11.11.11 and will run through Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at 11:59pm.  Winners will be announced on the blog Wednesday the 16th. 


Contest rules:


Etsy is a sponsor of the 4th Annual Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash, so to celebrate their support, one way you can enter this giveaway is by creating a Jingle-Bash themed Etsy Treasury.  (Click here to find out more about treasuries.)

1. Create an Etsy Treasury featuring items from participating Etsy Dallas Members and Guest Artists. 
2. Tag your treasury with etsydallas and jinglebash so we can all see it and enjoy.
3. Post the link to your curated treasury on this blog.
4. Each treasury you make featuring ED Members and Guest Artists will give you five entries into this giveaway. 



Etsy Dallas is so proud to present a handmade holiday shopping event that is free-of-charge, so to celebrate our Members and Guest Artists, another way you can enter this giveaway is by visiting the artists' sites and selecting one item for your "wish list." 

1.  Visit the Jingle Bash Artists website.
2.  Browse through the artists' websites and collect the links to items you love.
3. Post the link to these items (one link per post) to be entered into our giveaway. 


Read more about BASH BUCKS.


Weekend Guide: November 11 + 12 + 13



Date: Fri, Nov. 11th, Sat, Nov 12th, and  Sun, Nov 13th 
Time: 7am-7pm Friday, 7am-7pm Saturday,  7am-3pm Sunday 
Location: Good 2 Go Taco's Parking lot, 1146 Peavy Rd, Dallas 
More Info: http://dowdystudio.blogspot.com/2011/03/wheres-that-wagon.html 
Participating Etsy Dallas Member: Dowdy Studio





Date: Sat, Nov 12th 
Time: 8am-1pm 
Location: 702 N. Bucker, Dallas (Green Spot Parking Lot) 
More Info: http://whiterocklocalmarket.com/ 
Participating Etsy Dallas Member: La Alicia






Date: Sat, Nov 12th and Sun, Nov 13th 
Time: 9am-4pm Sat, 11am-4pm Sun 
Location: Small Exhibits Bldg, Will Rogers Memorial Center, Fort Worth 
More Info: http://funkyfinds.com 
Participating Etsy Dallas Member: childsPLAYdesign 

Sponsor Spotlight: Oil and Cotton

Every year when the temperature starts to drop and the sun goes down way too early, I begin planning out what I am going to make my friends and family for holiday gifts. (Because handmade gifts are the best gifts!) Recently I've been clamoring to learn a new crafty skill and surprise everyone with something a little out-of-the-norm from what I usually send.

If you're feeling the same way, I would highly recommend checking out the classes offered at local studio Oil and Cotton, located in Oak Cliff. They are passionate about resourcefulness, doing things the old-fashioned way, and community involvement... the studio actually began as part of the Better Block Project and had such an overwhelming response that owners Shannon and Kayli decided to make it a permanent fixture.




Here is a highlight of some of the holiday workshops offered at Oil and Cotton:




In addition they offer several ongoing classes:

As well as art classes for kids, teens and adults.




So go on, get crafty!

Rescue Me!

It's no secret...Etsy Dallas loves pets! We are especially fond of rescues.  

Pinky
This year at the Jingle Bash you can have your picture taken in the Photo Booth and give to a great cause. All proceeds from the Etsy Dallas Photo Booth will 
benefit DFW Rescue Me, an all volunteer animal rescue organization. 
Their goal is to save as many dogs as possible from euthanasia and adopt them into loving homes where they will be cherished.  

Katie

Patches

Freddy

And guess what? They are bringing some of these adorable, adoptable pups to the Jingle Bash so you can pick out a new forever friend to take home with you. 
I think I've already got mine picked out. How about you? 
You can see lots more available cuties at the Rescue Me website, 
on Facebook, and twitter @DFWRescueMe.

Jingle Bash Deco Preview Party

Rosemary from Rock Beats Paper and the Deco Squad have been hard at work dreaming up and creating lovelies for the Jingle Bash. 

At each Bash, no matter the venue, you walk into a wonderland of awesomeness. This year will be no different. 

Check out some pix (taken by Regina from Regal Cottage). Oh yes, that is Tefi with the coveted Bash Bags. I'm collecting goodies for the bags, and, let me tell you, I'm tempted to keep everything!!!!

















Just some magic Etsy Dallas elves hard at work to make your 4th Annual Jingle Bash an amazing party!


Yours truly,
Jenni

Weekend Guide: November 4 + 5 + 6

The Girlie Show
Date: Friday, Nov. 4th and Saturday Nov. 5th
Time: 7pm-11pm (Friday), Noon-5pm (Saturday)
Location: Farmer's Public Market Building, 311 S. Klien, Oklahoma City, OK
More Info: http://thegirlieshow.net/home/ 
Participating Etsy Dallas Members: Dowdy Studio, Hi-Fi Jewelry


Southlake Carroll PTO Craft Fair 

Date: Saturday, Nov. 5th and Sunday, Nov. 6th
Time: 9am-5pm (Saturday), 11am-5pm (Sunday)
Location: Southlake Carroll High School, 1501 West Southlake Blvd., Southlake
More Info: http://www.carrolldragons.com/index.php/community/
Participating Etsy Dallas Member: childsPLAYdesign

Daily Discovery: Who's on your shopping list this year?

It's November already? C'mon, really? As sad as I am that summer is over, now is the time to get excited about holiday shopping time! And of course, you already know that the best place to do all that shopping is at the Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash. Here are some ideas for everyone on your list...

For your sister, who just got a fancy new job:

For the special someone in your life:

For your little brother who is about to apply to art school:

For your niece (who will grow up loving good design, you are determined!):

For your mother, who will spend most of the holiday season in the kitchen making her famous caramel fudge:

For your longhorn-lovin' father:

And a little something for yourself, of course:


Whew... so much to choose from - check out all the Jingle Bash vendors right here!


Sponsor Spotlight: Etsy, Inc.


 We go together like bread & butter, needle & thread, rainbows & unicorns, narwhals & mustaches...


Etsy is a global online marketplace like no other! It's know as, "Your place to buy and sell all things handmade, vintage and supplies." But what really makes Etsy so special is the opportunity that comes with every purchase. Every single purchase comes with the ability to connect directly with a designer, artist, creator, or collector on a personal level. Every item has a story, and every purchase matters. In addition to this, Etsy offers unique resources to buyers and sellers. At Etsy, you can hone your craft, grow a business, and all the while, build a community. From Teams to Craft Nights, there is truly something for every one! Visit their Community section to see just what I mean. 

Etsy Dallas is thrilled to announce that Etsy, Inc. is one of our top sponsors for the 4th Annual Jingle Bash. Be sure to stop by the Etsy, Inc. booth at the Jingle Bash and see what goodies the fine folks from Etsy have to share. 
In addition to the awesome website you know and love, did you know you can also keep up with all the Etsy fun on twitter @Etsy and Facebook? 

Haute Hauntings

And if you didn't get enough of a kick from your sugar high and scary frights...

Cat Ears Dog Costume by DCimaginations,  The Debonair Lycanthrope by Chet Art,
 Shea Butter Skull Soap by The Pig and The Peacock,
Fused Glass Skull Bracelet by Kesseler Craftsman

Anne of Modest Ambition with her darling daughter in her handmade owl costume.

WHOooo can believe all the adorableness? 

Bash Bucks Giveaway #2

You know Crafty, and bEtsy, and Bash-Full, and Ruben, Skippy, and Marley, and Murphy, and Glitzen…..but do you recall the most famous Etsy Dallas Reindeer of all?


We had some awesome entries for our Name the Reindeer contest, but the two drawn at random from the comments were:
Amelia Prunedeckle said...
He looks like a "Franklin J."

Very dapper!
October 25, 2011 5:20 PM
Mike@dot4dot said...
I just named the @EtsyDallas Bash mascot Walker, Texas Reindeer.
October 27, 2011 7:57 AM

Franklin J  or Walker, Texas Reindeer?  The random generator has spoken: now you decide. 

Giveaway #2 Rules:
Vote for your favorite Reindeer Name (once per day until 11:59pm on November 2, 2011).

Make sure you leave a comment each time you vote, so you can be counted in the contest. 

One comment will be drawn at random and will receive $40 in Bash Bucks.  (Additionally, Mike and Amelia, you’ll be up for $10 extra Bash Bucks if your name is selected!)

So vote proudly! Campaign. Spread the word!
(Mike and Amelia, please email jenni20designs [at] att [dot] net to learn how to claim your prize.)

Official BASH BUCKS rules.

Weekend Guide: October 28 + 29 + 30



Pegasus Plaza Outdoor Market 
Date: Friday, October 28th
Time: 11am-3pm
Location: Pegasus Plaza, at the corner of Main St. and Akard, Dallas
More Info: http://www.deepellummarket.com/pegasus-plaza-outdoor-market.html
Participating Etsy Dallas Member: Dowdy Studio

Dowdy Studio Wagon @ Bolsa Cafe 

Date: Saturday, October 29th and Sunday, October 30th
Time: Sat 11am - 9pm, Sun 11am-3pm 
Location:  Bolsa Cafe's Parking Lot, 614 West Davis Dr., Dallas
Participating Etsy Dallas Member: Dowdy Studio 

J. J. Pearce Pacesetter Holiday Bazaar 

Date: Saturday, October 29th and Sunday, October 30th
Time: Sat 9am-5pm, and Sun 11am-5pm
Location: J.J. Pearce High School, 1600 Coit Rd, Richardson
More Info: http://www.pearcepacesetters.com/Bazaar/tabid/619/Default.aspx
Participating Etsy Dallas Member: The Pig and the Peacock




Shop Local


Yesterday I walked past my favorite neighborhood children’s store and was dismayed to see a for rent sign. I stopped in to chat with the owner. There are lots of children’s stores in Dallas, but this one was special. They carry handmade clothes, accessories, and toys, most of it locally made. While there, I found out another favorite store, that also carried local handmade goods, had already closed.

The image above has been passed around on Facebook lately. It’s a reaction to the protests, but I think it’s popular because it gives people a directive—something concrete that they can do. If you think it doesn’t matter, it does. And it’s not just the shop owners that are affected; each has local artists that depend on these shops.

In response to the image a friend messaged me to ask, “How do I shop local handmade?” Here are some suggestions to get started:

1. Etsy has a “Shop Local” button on the front page, lower left. I don’t see it on the mobile version, but on the regular website it’s pretty easy to find and even easier to use.

2. Visit your local brick and mortar shops, especially the ones that carry local artists. If you’re not sure if the merchandise is local, ask the store clerk.

3. Shop at arts and crafts events. You can talk to the person who made it! But don’t forget to make up your mind. Sometimes it’s hard to track down a particular vendor and item after the show, so be decisive with your purchasing so you don’t regret what you didn’t buy. (Etsy Dallas’ Jingle Bash is less than a month away!)

4. Buy local for more than just the holidays. What about birthdays, baby showers, decorating, and custom needs?

5. Pop-up shops are all the rage! We love a good party, especially when you can also buy local handmade goods for a limited time in a temporary location. Keep your eyes open for these limited-time only shops, especially around the holidays!

It seems like we're all thinking more carefully about how to spend money nowadays. I would say that it is just as important to think about where you're spending it too.

Posted by Modest Ambition

Bash Bucks Giveaway


Announcing Bash Bucks Giveaway #1: Name the Reindeer!
This contest is closed. Please check http://etsydallas.blogspot.com for Winners.


Pamela of Dowdy Studio designs our Bash graphics each year. (Oh yeah, take a moment to flip through the annals of Etsy Dallas Bash fabulousness--scroll down.) While each graphic is awesome in its own way, this year's reindeer has endeared himself (or herself?) to our collective Etsy Dallas heart.

What better way to celebrate the arrival of the Fourth Annual Jingle Bash than a NAME THE REINDEER contest for our first Bash Bucks giveaway?

This first Bash Bucks giveaway has a quick turnaround: all entries must be submitted by 11:59pm, October 27, 2011. Two entries will be selected at random and each will win $40 in Bash Bucks!

$40 in Bash Bucks for naming our reindeer!


Two ways to enter:

1. Leave a comment on this blog post with the name you've selected for our Bash mascot. (Make sure we can reach you via email.)

2. Tweet about our contest and leave a comment on this blog post with your tweet and the name you've selected for our Bash mascot. (Make sure to @EtsyDallas so we can see your tweet.)

Feel free to copy and paste these tweet ideas:

-I just named the @EtsyDallas Bash mascot _________. Check out http://etsydallas.blogspot.com on Friday to vote for a winner!

-I'm going to SHOP+PARTY with @EtsyDallas and a reindeer named __________ at #jinglebash4!

-40 Bash Bucks up for grab on http://etsydallas.blogspot.com. I'm winning by naming the @EtsyDallas Reindeer ___________.


On Friday the 28th, the two random names will be posted and we'll VOTE for our favorite reindeer name. (Plus: the winning name-giver will win an additional $10 in Bash Bucks!)

Do you know what Bash Bucks are? If not, take a moment to read through the fine print.


Good luck!

About Etsy Dallas Bash Bucks


About Etsy Dallas Bash Bucks

So, what are Bash Bucks? They are gift certificates that equal cash and are redeemable only at the current Bash event on November 19, 2011. They cannot be kept and spent at a future Bash event. 
How do I win Bash Bucks? Anyone can enter to win them. To enter, participants will comment on the Etsy Dallas blog or tweet about the contest as specified in each contest’s instructions. Winners will be picked at random. Winners will claim their Bash Bucks in person the day of the current Bash. Bash Bucks cannot be mailed to the winners.
Okay I won! Now how do I spend them? Bash Bucks come in increments of $10 and spend like cash. The winner cannot receive change from Bash Bucks, and they cannot be split up to spend at two different booths. For example, if you want an $8 item, you must pay with your $10 Bash Bucks and forfeit the remaining $2 since change cannot be made. Additionally, you cannot spend that remaining $2 at a different vendor's booth.
Who's paying for these anyway? The Bash is footing the bill so we can spread the love to our wonderful shoppers and our artists.
What do they look like? The appearance of the Bash Bucks changes with each Bash event and is not publicized whatsoever. These are currency and therefore will have several unique distinguishable marks making them impossible to counterfeit and awesome to behold!
The Very Fine Print
+ Previous winners, members, and participating Bash artists ARE eligible to win.

+ If your comment or tweet is chosen, you will be required to give your full name and date of birth via email. You will be given instructions on how and where to pick up your Bash Bucks (any time during the event). You must reply to the congratulatory/instruction notifications by Midnight November 18th and must be present the day of the 2011 Spring Bash to collect your certificates and redeem them. Failure to respond to the email with correct information by the deadline will forfeit your right to Bash Bucks.

+ Bash bucks are not transferable. If you win them, you have to spend them. If you win, please be prepared to bring a proper ID (driver's license) to claim your Bash Bucks.

+ Bash Bucks cannot be redeemed for cash. They must be spent at one of the Jingle Bash 2011 vendor booths the day of the event. You are responsible for paying any total over the value of your certificate. Any balance after purchase is surrendered to the vendor (change will not be given).

+ 2011 Jingle Bash Bucks are void after November 19th at 8pm, and may not be used at any other event or online.

+ Play Nice. Don't lie, cheat, or steal.

+ We love you! See you at the Bash! (SHOP+PARTY+ART+CRAFT)

Weekend Guide: October 21 + 22 + 23


IndieGenius Bazaar and Handmade + Vintage Fashion Show
Date: Saturday, October 22nd and Sunday, October 23rd
Time: Saturday 12-6pm and Sunday 12-4pm; Fashion Show Saturday 5pm  
Location: IndieGenius 409 N. Zang, Dallas
More Info: http://tinyurl.com/3svlc6a
Participating Etsy Dallas Members: maggie may i, Regal Cottage, ReGEARED, Both Hands Studio


Pegasus Plaza Outdoor Market 
Date: Friday, October 21st
Time: 11am-3pm
Location: Pegasus Plaza, at the corner of Main St. and Akard, Dallas
More Info: http://www.deepellummarket.com/pegasus-plaza-outdoor-market.html
Participating Etsy Dallas Member: Dowdy Studio



Rough Rider Bazaar 
Date: Saturday, October 22nd 
Time: 9am-5pm
Location: Saginaw HS , 800 N Blue Mound Rd, FE, 76131
More Info: http://www.emsisd.com/saginawhs/site/default.asp 
Participating Etsy Dallas Member: maggie may i


Dowdy Studio Wagon @ Good 2 Go Taco 
Date: Saturday, October 22nd and Sunday, October 23rd
Time: 7am-3pm
Location: Good 2 Go Taco, 1146 Peavy Rd, Dallas
More Info: http://dowdystudio.blogspot.com/2011/03/wheres-that-wagon.html 
Participating Etsy Dallas Member: Dowdy Studio 


Texas State Veggie Fair
Date: Sunday, October 23rd
Time: 11am-6pm
Location: Winfrey Point @ White Rock Lake, Dallas
More Info:  http://texasstateveggiefair.com/
Participating Etsy Dallas Member: La Alicia 




Crochet Necklace Workshop with Anne Lawrence
Date: Sunday, October 23rd
Time: 11am-2pm
Location: Oil and Cotton, 837 W. 7th Street, Dallas
More Info: http://shop.oilandcotton.com/product/oct-22-crochet-necklace
Participating Etsy Dallas Member: Modest Ambition

Weekend Guide: October 14 + 15 + 16 + 17


Pegasus Plaza Outdoor Market 
Date: Friday, October 14th
Time: 11am-3pm
Location: Pegasus Plaza, at the corner of Main St. and Akard, Dallas
More Info: http://www.deepellummarket.com/pegasus-plaza-outdoor-market.html
Participating Etsy Dallas Member: Dowdy Studio 

Cowtown Indie Bazaar 
Date: Saturday, October 15th
Time: 9am-5pm
Location: Will Rogers Memorial Complex, Amon G. Carter Exhibits Hall, 3400 Burnett Tandy Drive, Ft. Worth
More Info:  http://www.COWTOWNINDIEBAZAAR.com/
Participating Etsy Dallas Members: K8Made, maggie may i,  Modest Ambition, Regal Cottage

Deep Ellum Outdoor Market 
Date: Saturday, October 15th
Time: 11am-4pm
Location: Deep Ellum, 2820 Indianna Blvd, Dallas
More Info: http://www.deepellummarket.com/
Participating Etsy Dallas Member: Dowdy Studio 


Dowdy Studio Wagon @ Good 2 Go Taco 
Date: Sunday, October 16th
Time: 7am-3pm
Location: Good 2 Go Taco, 1146 Peavy Rd, Dallas
More Info: http://dowdystudio.blogspot.com/2011/03/wheres-that-wagon.html 
Participating Etsy Dallas Member: Dowdy Studio 


Dowdy Studio Wagon @ Goodfriend Beer Garden & Burger House's Grand Opening 
Date: Monday, October 17th
Time: 4pm-9pm
Location: Goodfriend Beer Garden & Burger House, 1148 Peavy Rd, Dallas
More Info: http://dowdystudio.blogspot.com/2011/03/wheres-that-wagon.html
Participating Etsy Dallas Member: Dowdy Studio 

Don't Miss This: Sit Down to Stand Up for Kids

You definitely don't want to miss out on this! Thursday night, Etsy Dallas is throwing a shindig for charity! We invite you to come party with us, and help raise money for a great cause. Sit Down to Stand Up for Kids: Little Chairs for a Big Cause is Etsy Dallas' first ever charity-spotlight event benefiting Dallas Children's Advocacy Center (DCAC), a non-profit agency serving abused children in Dallas County. 


During this event, guests will have a chance to bid in a silent auction, and maybe, if you're lucky, you can take one of these handmade, uniquely decorated small chairs home.  

See What You Can See by K8Made
Each chair has been transformed by a member of the Etsy Dallas team in their own unique style, using a myriad of materials and techniques. 


Eggs Over Easy Chair by Midnight Snack
Whatever your style, you are sure to find something that will amaze and delight you. 



Adventure Awaits by maggie may i
While browsing these, and many more, creatively designed and decorated chairs, enjoy free food, drinks, music and great company. Admission is free, but voluntary charitable donations will be accepted at the door. All proceeds benefit the Dallas Children's Advocacy Center (DCAC). 
If you like, you can RSVP on the Facebook page for this event. An RSVP is appreciated, but not required.  See you there!