Sponsor Spotlight: Dallas Child



It is my pleasure to announce Dallas Child Magazine is one of our fabulous sponsors for the 4th Annual Spring Bash. As a Mom of 4, Dallas Child magazine has been a favorite on my nightstand for a long time.


From the moment Dallas area Moms find out they are expecting, they know Dallas Child is the magazine to turn to for all things baby and kid in Dallas. And here’s why:

Best for Families features help you locate the best of everything from "Best Maternity Store" to "Best Place to Take Tots When You Want Them to Take a Nap." 

When the kids are bored, this list of area activities has lots of great ideas that I bet you haven’t thought of yet.

Who needs Real Housewives when you can read all about the inspiring, really Real Moms right here in Dallas? 

And my favorite, find the best Kids Eat Free restaurants in town any night of the week. 

Oh, and the birthday parties…don’t get me started on the birthday parties!

In addition to all of these great finds about town, Dallas Child also has spot-on fashion trends for tots and Moms, as well as, thought provoking articles full of helpful parenting advice. 

You can find this award-winning free monthly parenting magazine all around town at book stores, doctors offices, grocery stores, fitness centers, childcare facilities and libraries. You can also read the current and back issues online at DallasChild.com. And, you can stay in touch by following along on Facebook and their blog.

Weekend Guide: April 21st + 22nd




The Dallas Flea 

Date: Saturday, April 21st
Time: 9am-4pm
Location: South Side on Lamar, 1409 South Lamar, Dallas
More Info: http://thedallasflea.com

Shop Etsy Dallas @ The Dallas Flea






Party for the Planet at the Dallas Zoo
 
Date: Saturday, April 21st & Sunday, April 22nd 
Time: Sat. 12-5pm, Sun. 1-5pm 
Location: Dallas Zoo, Dallas 
More Info: Pegasus News 


Shop Etsy Dallas @ the Party for the Planet




Oak Cliff Earth Day


Date: Sunday, April 22nd
Time: 1-5pm
Location: Lake Cliff Park, Dallas
More Info: http://www.oakcliffearthday.org/


Shop Etsy Dallas @ Oak Cliff Earth Day

Etsy Dallas Needs You!

What are you doing on Saturday, May 5th? Twice a year Etsy Dallas puts on the most amazing Shop+Party+Art+Craft show around, and we couldn't do without our awesome crew of volunteers. Would you like to rub elbows with the craftiest folks in town and help bring that extra special touch to the Spring Bash?
Volunteers help hand out the coveted Bash Bags
You may be wondering what exactly do Etsy Dallas volunteers do. Well, they help out in lots of fun ways:
*You know those pretty decorations at the show? Volunteers help the Deco Squad put everything in its place just so. 
*And what about those coveted Bash Bags that people stand in line for hours to get? Volunteers help hand out those babies which means they get the first peak at what's inside. 
*Also, volunteers lend a hand at the Photo Booth helping visitors dress silly and pose for the camera with our crafty photo props. Have you seen the Knit Bike yet? You can see it in person, and strike a pose with it at the Spring Bash! 
*Volunteers also relieve vendors when they need to take a break so they don't get even a tad bit grumpy after a long day of selling their crafty wares. 
*And, volunteers help shoppers get their craft on at the Make&Take Table. This year's Spring Bash Make&Take Table will be sponsored by the Dallas Yarn Bombers-so don't want to miss that!

Volunteers help shoppers craft it up at the Make&Take Table

If this sounds like the job for you, sign up here to help out with the 4th Annual Spring Bash.

Earth Day Celebrations 2012


Let’s Celebrate!
April is a great time to celebrate nature with both Arbor Day and Earth Day all in the same week. Why not stretch out your celebrating for the whole week? Today Alicia from La Alicia will share with us all the Earth oriented festivities going on around Dallas to help us get our nature and spring celebrations going!
Arbor Day
Arbor Day is April 27, 2012 and is a great opportunity to appreciate trees. Celebrate trees and all the benefits they give us - shade, lumber, paper and places to build tree houses. You could plant a tree in your own yard or find opportunities to volunteer as a family here.  Download a Celebrate Arbor Day Guidebook here to get ideas about different ways you can celebrate. 

Earth Day
Dallas Earth Day 2012 
April 21-22, 10a-6p, Fair Park 

Free admission
You can see the schedule of fun events here.  Be sure to visit the Eco Expo area to learn all about the newest technologies and ways to be your greenest from the exhibitors.
Bring a two item snack and participate in the Picnic for the Planet to help break a world record. 
April 22, 12-5p, Historic Lake Cliff Park
Free admission
Check out the all green exhibitors and later in the day, join in the fun with the First Annual Oak Cliff Earth Day Mutt Strut beginning at 2p. 


image via Oak Cliff Earth Day Mutt Strut
Happy Spring! Don't forget to stop by and enter our Treasury Giveaway. One lucky winner win an entire Treasury from Etsy Dallas team members worth more than $160! 

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.


Member Spotlight: Local Honey

Hi everyone! This is Meredith from Sheepish Knitting & Crochet. I am excited to introduce you to Kelly Christine and her lovely shop Local Honey. I hope you enjoy getting to know this inspiring lady! 



Hi Kelly! Tell us a little bit about yourself. 
Hey there! Thanks again, Meredith, for choosing to interview me! Now a little about myself... I'm a 21-year-old cat lover and small business owner. I come from the tiny East Texas town of Golden (population 300), but moved to Dallas almost 3 years ago to start school and a new adventure. Since then, I've finished college and have 2 businesses,  Local Honey (my Etsy shop!) and Kelly Christine Photo + Films (my wedding & portrait photo/video biz). When I'm not shooting a wedding or making an Etsy order, you could find me eating Mexican food, blogging, spending time with my honey or working on a craft project.







How did you get started sewing your beautiful burlap pillows?
I have loved sewing since my Grandmother taught me at 13, but it wasn't until I attended school that I really got to focus on my sewing skills. I attended a small college nearby and got a dual associates degree in fashion design & merchandising. Once graduation time came around and all of the school projects were finished, I was feeling creatively frustrated. I was so used to being in school and making something everyday, so when I was done, I was thinking..."Okay. Now what?" Since I was passionate about sewing and had a lot of ideas, I thought I should open an Etsy shop. At that time, I was interning at a local children's boutique called Little Bean. I approached the owner one day about my ideas, and she encouraged me to go for it. It only took me about a week to decide on a name and what exactly I would be selling. 




You also create lovely watercolor paintings! Where did that skill come from?
I come from a long line of all kinds of artists: painters, graphic designers, wood carvers, soap makers, sheep farmers, authors...the list goes on. I have always loved to paint, but while in school, I rarely ever got to. It was only just recently that I got inspired to pick it back up again. Watercolor is my favorite, and I really love making custom items for people. I wanted to change up my shop a little bit and thought this was a perfect way to do so!



Do you have any advice for other young people (like myself) who want to make a career out of a passion for crafts and creativity?
My advice would be just to go for it! Right now. Find something that you really, really love and are passionate about. Make sure it's something you're 100% proud of and want to share with the world. It might take a while to get to where you want to be, but that makes it all the more rewarding. I'm also a believer in making your own rules. There's no handbook to starting a business. Figure it out, and make it happen! :-] I also have an amazing support system behind me. My parents are both small business owners too, so I'm always asking them for advice! 



What is your favorite part about Dallas? Favorite shop? Restaurant?
Coming from such a small town, it really took me a while to accept Dallas as my home... But over the last few years, I've grown to love it so much. My favorite thing about this city is probably my neighborhood. I live off Henderson around the M-streets & Greenville Ave. If you don't know this area, you need to! I love all the independent shops, restaurants, and the people. My favorite store in Dallas (this is a tough one) is probably The Gypsy Wagon. Aside from having amazing stuff, it's also within walking distance to my house (that can be a bad thing for my wallet!) My favorite coffee shop/drink stop is definitely Pearl Cup. My favorite restaurant at the moment is Bankok City. They've got the best thai food around!





Describe your creative personality in three words.
I think the phrase "work in progress" could describe my creative personality pretty well. It seems I'm never quite finished with something whether it be my website design, a new pillow idea, or the layout of my living room furniture. At times, I wish my creative brain had an "on/off" switch, haha. 

Thank you so much, Kelly!

Visit Kelly around the web:

Craft Blast from the Past: Eraser Stamps

Hi, this is Esther from estieMade, kicking off a series called Craft Blast from the Past. The series is all about taking an old school craft and using it in a new and modern way.
Today's topic? Turning erasers into stamps! Remember how we used to use potatoes in grade school and carve them into stamps? Well, this is pretty much the same thing, except you use erasers instead of potatoes. This is a easy and cost effective way to spice up a card (Mother's Day is coming up), gift wrap, or packaging. Plus, you can reuse the stamps you make for a long time. To make your stamps, you will need: 
-no.2 pencils with new/unused erasers 
-X-acto knife 
-ballpoint pen 
-stamp pads 
-paper, or something else to stamp on 
-a damp paper towel

step one Take your ballpoint pen, and draw out the desired stamp shape on your eraser.
I made a triangle and a heart. *I also tried doing this on the big white eraser you see in the images above, but it didn't work out for me. The erasers were too porous for the stamp pads I had, and the shapes that I stamped out looked more like blobs than hearts. Perhaps I should try with a larger design or a different kind of eraser next time.

step two Using your x-acto knife, carefully cut the excess eraser away, leaving just your shape.
You'll want to cut down to the base of the eraser, where the metal piece is. I made the heart by cutting right angles to get the general shape, then shaving down little pieces of eraser to give it a more rounded shape.

step three Admire your fancy work. Then bust out the stamp pads. It's time to go stamp happy! Make sure your damp paper towel close by, so you can wipe off the stamps when you switch colors.

I ended up making a bunch of different patterns using my stamps, then went back with a Micron pen to add accents. I thought this one (below) would make a cute name card for a dinner party. (Or in my case, a tea party that has pb&j.)
So there you have it – the first Craft Blast from the Past. The more you use the stamps, the more ideas you come up with. I promise!

If you're interested in seeing more tutorials, stop by my blog.

Blog Crawl 2012


Blog Crawl: Week One
Welcome to the first installment of the Etsy Dallas Blog Crawl! Like any good pub crawl, our Blog Crawl will entertain you and introduce you to a different side of our fearless participants. Frothy beverage encouraged but not required. 


Many of our members author a blog, and these sites are as diverse and rad as the artists themselves. Make sure you add these to your daily readers; we love groupies!

This week, we feature two Etsy Dallas Members:


Meredith of Etsy Shop SheepishKnitCrochet
Meredith’s blog, One Sheepish Girl, began back in August of 2010.  It’s been amazing to watch this blog grow over the years.  She has a great eye for color and composition, and, let’s face it, she’s just the cutest thing ever! 
Three things you’ll love about OSG: tutorials that are coherent and totally do-able; photographs that showcase Meredith’s quirky cool style; and her curatorial feature: The Blush List. 
Ok, maybe four things you’ll love—she is a prolific blogger.  Updates all the time!  More eye candy all the time!!!!

Alicia of Etsy Shop LaAlicia

Alicia’s blog, creative adventures, began in January of 2008.  Throughout this blog, you’ll note Alicia’s commitment to making our world a better place.  Her particular brand of craftivism is evident not only in her works but also in her EcoMonday posts which feature products that are all at once functional, fabulous, and eco-conscious. 
Three things you’ll love about creative adventures: Alicia is a funny lady (her new Word for Wednesday posts never fail to make me giggle); her Meet the Artists posts feature cool folk that you’ll want to know more about; and you know when you read this blog that Alicia is a real, cool person. 



Blog Crawl authored by Jenni of Jenni20 Designs. 

Daily Discovery: Sunshine Inspired Happiness


The 4th Annual Etsy Dallas Spring Bash is just a few weeks away! We're beyond excited to share a few of our members' products that have us in the mood for some springy sunshine. Be sure to join us on May 5th to see these sellers and many many more!


1. Small Bicycle Necklace, by Maggie May I 
2. Hand Carved Poster - Good Day, by Honeycomb Print Shop 
3. Cherry Dot Bloomers, by Three Yellow Starfish 
6. Hello Day - 8.5x11 print, by Dowdy Studio 
7. Handmade Shea Butter Soap - Lavendar Mint, by The Pig and the Peacock 
8. E is for Egg Alphabet Art Print, by Paperfingers 
9. Red Iridescent Dragonfly Pendant, by Kessler Craftsman 

This sunshine inspired happiness brought to you today by Christina from Paperfingers.

Weekend Guide: March 31 + April 1


Arlington Courts Spring Market 

Date: Saturday, March 31st 
Time: 10am-6pm 
Location: Arlington Courts, 3120 Pioneer Pky, Arlington, TX 76010 
More Info: http://www.arlingtoncourtsmarket.com/ 
Participating Etsy Dallas Member: La Alicia




Deep Ellum's Big Folkin Festival 

Date: Saturday, March 31st 
Time: Doors open @ 5pm 
Location: The Prophet Bar, 2548 Elm Street, Dallas, TX 75226 
More Info:  http://www.facebook.com/deepellumBFF 
Participating Etsy Dallas Members: Dowdy Studio 

Weekend Guide: March 24 + 25

FWCAC 2012 Biennial Exhibition 
Date:  March 24th, 6pm -9pm

Location:  Fort Worth Community Arts Center, 1300 Gendy Street  Forth Worth
More Info:  http://www.fwcac.com/
Participating Etsy Dallas Member:  3dot4 
Date: Saturday, March 24th and Sunday, March 25th
Time: 8am - 2pm
Location: 1146 Peavy Rd. Dallas
More Info: http://dowdystudio.blogspot.com/2011/03/wheres-that-wagon.html
Participating Etsy Dallas Members: Dowdy Studio 



Dowdy Studio Wagon @ Good 2 Go Taco 

Weekend Guide: March 16 + 17 + 18


Artscape At The Arboretum 

Date: Friday, March 16th, Saturday, March 17th, and Sunday March 18th
Time: 9am- 5pm
Location: 8528 Garland Road, Dallas
More Info:  Dallas Arboretum Artscape website 
Participating Etsy Dallas Members: Kessler Craftsman, Both Hands Studio




Deep Ellum Outdoor Market 
Date: Saturday, March 17th
Time: 11am-5pm
Location: 2820 Indiana Blvd, Dallas (behind Cafe Brazil)
More Info:  Deep Ellum Outdoor Market website
Participating Etsy Dallas Member: Honeycomb Print Shop



Brofest
Date: Sunday, March 18th
Time: noon - midnight
Location: Club Dada: 2720 Elm St. Dallas, TX
More Info:  Brofest website
Participating Etsy Dallas Member: Dowdy Studio

Weekend Guide: March 9 + 10 + 11



Open Studio + The Wagon's 1st Birthday party!! 


Date: Friday, March 9th
Time: 5pm-8pm
Location: Dowdy Studio - 10025 Garland Rd., Suite G, Dallas
More Info: http://dowdystudio.blogspot.com/2011/03/wheres-that-wagon.html
Participating Etsy Dallas Members: Dowdy Studio 



White Rock Local Market 

Date: Saturday, March 10th
Time: 8am-1pm
Location: Green Spot Parking Lot, 702 N. Buckner Blvd., Dallas
More Info: http://whiterocklocalmarket.com/
Participating Etsy Dallas Members: La Alicia, Dowdy Studio 



Whole Foods Market Craft Faire 

Date: Sunday, March 11th
Time: 10am-8pm
Location: Whole Foods - Lakewood
More Info: http://wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/lakewood/store-calendar/
Participating Etsy Dallas Member: La Alicia 

Hello My Name is....Vote for Your Favorite Name Tag Contest


Well, hellooo there, Etsy Dallas blog readers! Last weekend the Etsy Dallas team got together for our Annual Membership Event, and we decided to include you in on a little friendly competition. We each were asked to create a handmade name tag to represent our shop. We need your help to decide which is the Official Best Name Tag. 

Please take a look at all of the gorgeous entries and post your vote below in the comments or on Twitter with the hashtag #EtsyDallasWinner. There will be two lucky winners of this competition: one for the winner of the Official Best Name Tag title and one random voter. The prizes up for grabs are a $10 gift card to a local establishment (such as, Starbucks, Target, Whole Foods, or Barnes & Noble) for the Best Name Tag and $10 in Spring Bash Bucks for the luckiest voter. 

Kelly from Local Honey

Brandon from Honeycomb Print Shop

Rori from Made by Rori

Anne from Modest Ambition

Jeff and Laura from Butter Design Lab

Mere from Mere Designs

Silla from Silla Soup

Lynn from Both Hands Studio

Esther from estieMade

David from Ferrochie

Sabrina and Jenny from The Pig and The Peacock


Christina from Midnight Snack

Maggie from maggiemayi

Yony from YLKphotography


Cyndy and Randy from Yellow Bug Boutique


Kate from K8Made

Rachel from ReGEARED

Stephanie from 3dot4

Emilie from Gildem


Traci from ArtTdolls

Jonathan from Napkin Art Studios



Dylan from Dowdy Studio
Pamela from Dowdy Studio

Jenni from Jenni20 Designs

Regina from Regal Cottage

Maryum from Pamplemousse1983

Christie from Christie Cone Ceramics
Decisions, decisions...Which one will you choose?  
One vote per person please. Voting ends March 15, 2012.

Weekend Guide: March 1 - 4


FWCAC 2012 Biennial Exhibition Art Drop Off

The North Texas Community is invited to bring one original artwork per person to exhibit in the 2012 FWCAC Biennial.  The Biennial is an open exhibit - all may enter and will be shown.  Entry fee: $10.  Any media; size restriction: 36" maximum with frame.  Artwork should be ready to hang, special needs must supply hanging hardware.  Sculptors should bring their own pedestals, video artists should bring their own equipment. For prospectus and more information: visit the FWAC website or contact Elaine Taylor at 817-298-3021 or gallerymanager@fwcac.org
Artwork will be on display through Spring Gallery Night, March 24, 2012. 

Date:  March 1st--3rd 
Time: 9am -9pm 
Location:  Fort Worth Community Arts Center  1300 Gendy Street  Forth Worth, TX  76107 
More Info:  http://www.fwcac.com/ 
Participating Etsy Dallas Member:  3dot4 


Flea Harvey's 

Date: Saturday, March 3rd 
Time: 10am-5pm
Location: Lee Harvey's, 1807 Gould Street, Dallas
More Info: http://www.facebook.com/events/356623807694177/
Participating Etsy Dallas Member: Pamplemousse1983



Dowdy Studio Wagon @ Good 2 Go Taco 

Date: Sat + Sun, Mar 3-4 
Time: 7am - 2pm 
Location: 1146 Peavy Rd. Dallas
More Info:  http://dowdystudio.blogspot.com/2011/03/wheres-that-wagon.html 
Participating Etsy Dallas Members: Dowdy Studio