Thank you Funky Finds!

Thanks a million to Funky Finds for featuring our first-ever trunk show! We couldn't be more thrilled or honored. Jessica - you rock! Check it out here.

Pics from Trunk Show

We had a blast at our first-ever Etsy Dallas trunk show! Thanks to everyone who came out to support your local artists and crafters. The handmade movement is catching on!


View from the Top (with Pam!)


Brenda/B.Liscious - bags, photos, babywear


Constanza/Knit Sisters - scarves


Jean/UnePromesse - gemstone jewelry


Stephanie/Tefi Designs - jewelry & accessories


Mini-display with some of Tara to the T's items


Pamela Michelle - wood-etched & graphic pendants, art


Mandi/Scribbles - beaded pens and ornaments


Linda/ebraunnagel - purses, bags, pouches


James/One-Up Designs - vinyl wall art


Carrie/Atom-In and Abby/Pulp Reality - resin pendants, paper-covered frames, etched glass, housewares (with Jessica of Funky Finds)

FREE Gift Bag Raffle!

Stop by our Holiday Trunk Show (see blog entries below) and register to win a free gift bag chock full of items from Etsy Dallas members. (A special thanks to those who donated to our bag even though they could not participate in our trunk show!) Here's a sneak peek at some of the items you can find at the show:



Participants include: Atom-in, B-Liscious, ebraunnagel, Knit Sisters, Mary's Madness, One-Up Designs, Pamela Michelle, Pulp Reality, Scribbles, Tefi Designs, and Une Promesse.

Trunk Show - Change in Location

There is an ever-so-slight change in locale for Etsy Dallas' first ever Holiday Trunk Show.

Rather than it being in the main entranceway, it will be on the main level near the coffee shop of Southside on Lamar. The receptionist at the main entrance will guide all shoppers to our new set-up. Here's a map to Southside.

Also note that most artists and crafters will be accepting only cash or checks. There is an ATM located in the main entranceway near the Angel Tree.

Please contact etsydallas[at]gmail[dot]com should you have any questions.

Holiday Trunk Show

How to Join Etsy Dallas

Thank you for your interest in Etsy Dallas!

OFFICIAL BASIC GUIDELINES
(1) You must have an active Etsy shop.
(2) You must sell your own handmade goods, following Etsy's policies.
(3) You must live in the Greater Dallas metroplex (immediate surrounding areas are acceptable, however our trunk shows and events will be focused in the Dallas area).

Please keep in mind that the feel and theme of Etsy Dallas is original, trendy, and modern handmade goods. Our goal is to spread the love of the handmade way and reach a hip demographic, keeping in step with Etsy.com's style. We encourage you to check out our current members' profiles to see the variety of talent we support.

Ready to join? Great! Please click here to fill out an application. Thank you for your interest!

3 Great Craft Shows - THIS WEEKEND!!

Come one, come all! Several Etsy Dallas members will have booths at the Urban Street Bazaar on Saturday and Deck the Halls this Sunday. A couple members will also have booths at the Frisco Merry Market off Main Street in old downtown Frisco. This is a great alternative for those Northies who won't be venturing south this weekend.

Urban St. Bazaar @ Market Hall MAP
Deck the Halls @ Sons of Hermann Hall MAP
Frisco Merry Market WEBSITE

Avoid the malls and support your local crafters and artists. Make it a handmade holiday!

Giveaway Fine Print

+ Previous winners, members and participating 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 via email by 8PM FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20TH IN ORDER FOR US TO SAVE YOUR BASH BUCKS FOR YOU. You must be present the day of the Jingle Bash to collect your the certificates and redeem them.
+ Bash bucks are not transferable, if YOU win them, YOU have to spend them.
+ Bash Bucks cannot be redeemed for cash. They must be spent at one of the Jingle Bash 09 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).
+ Bash Bucks are void after Nov 21st 2009 at 7pm, and may not be used at any other event or online.
+ Play Nice. Don't lie, cheat, or steal

*Etsy Dallas Trunk Show*

The final details are set and we are ready to go! Come on down to the old Sears building, now Southside on Lamar, to shop for hip crafts and handmade goodies. Make it a handmade holiday!

When: Saturday, December 8th
Time: 11am-3pm
Where: Southside on Lamar's main lobby - Here's a map.
Who: Tefi Designs, Atom-In, One Up Designs, PamelaMichelle, B-Licious, Une Promesse, ebraunnagel, Knit Sisters, MandiBeads

Lots of new members!

Here are just a few of Etsy Dallas' newest members. Please take a look at the list of all Etsy Dallas members (on the LEFT >>>) and visit their shops. What a great collection of talent!


Harrilu


Orange Bead



The Pretty Bean

Trunk Show Date/Time Finalized!

We had a fun and successful first meeting yesterday at Carrie's and James' great loft at Southside. What a view! The big news is that we've nailed down a date and time for our holiday trunk show (drumroll, please):

Saturday, December 8th, 11am-3pm

We are still working out the exact site at Southside, but most likely we are looking to set up shop and open our trunks smack dab in front of the main doors and lobby. More details to come...

If you are a member (see side panel) but have not signed up for the Google group, please do so now! This is the best way to stay in touch with all the great Etsy Dallas happenings.

Cheers,
Stephanie, Tefi Designs

Simple Ways to Promote Etsy Dallas

ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS: Please join our Google Group ASAP (see sidebar >>) so that you can get in on all the messages and happenings, like the one below:

Hey you guys! Our list of members has grown, which is fanstastic. I'd like us to take some time over the next week or so (me included) to do the following, pretty please:

* Mark all members' shops (see list on blog) as Favorites.

* Put a mention about Etsy Dallas in your Shop Announcement and/or Profile.

* If you get a chance to make a Treasury, could you do one for Etsy Dallas members? That would be a great way to get our name and shops out in the public eye. (Please let the group know if you b/cm one of the lucky few to make a Treasury.)

* I saw that Shaybot mentioned ED in her personal blog. That's awesome! Please follow suit with blogs, newsletters, etc. if you haven't already.

These are all free and simple ways to publicize Etsy Dallas and get the word out. I look forward to meeting you all October 28.

-Stephanie, Tefi Designs
Team Leader, Etsy Dallas

New Logo

Thank you thank you thank you to Pamela Michelle for designing our logo and doing it so quickly! Check it, but mind the oohs and ahhs:

To top this off, Pamela's also doing a banner for our Etsy profile so we will not only be official, we'll look official! Whoop whoop.

- Stephanie, Tefi Designs

Etsy Dallas' First Meeting!!

Hear ye! Hear ye!

Etsy Dallas, the official street team for the Greater Dallas area (well, well...), is having its inagural meeting. All who meet our 3 basic guidelines are welcome to join us!

Date: Sunday, October 28th
Time: 3pm-5pm
Place: South Side lofts (please see Google group posting for exact location)
Agenda: meet-and-greet, plan Dec 8 trunk show, marketing opportunities, etc.
Bring: munchies (optional)

If you aren't already a member, please contact Tefi. We'd love to hear from you!

- Stephanie, Tefi Designs

Banana Showcase joins the Etsy Dallas Street Team

Hi everyone! My name is Kelly and I am the owner of Banana Showcase. I design and make purses and accessories. I have been selling on Etsy for a year now and I have enjoyed it. I make a few sales off Etsy also.

Right now I am concentrating on filling up my shop a little more and I am working on marketing my shop outside of Etsy. I have found marketing to be my weak spot. If anyone has any tips on marketing for me, I'm all ears!

I look forward to getting to know more crafters and Etsians in my area! :)

--Kelly
http://www.bananashowcase.etsy.com/

unepromesse = Blue Jean Designs

Hello all!

Wanted to introduce myself a little. First off, I'm excited and thrilled to join etsy Dallas. I can't wait to get acquainted with the rest of the members in this group. I'm a Californian girl at heart, but moved back to the Lone Star state two years ago. Does this make me an honorary Texan? =D

Currently, I'm a graphic designer by day but moonlight as a jewelry designer by night. If you need some help feel free to ask me! I'd have to say that my experimentation and passion for jewelry began in high school. It wasn't until a few years ago when I became serious about selling my work. (It's so hard to part with something you've created!)

I love working with sterling silver and semiprecious stones. Elegant, whimsical, and delicate would probably best describe my designs.

Looking forward to many conversations!

Jean
www.unepromesse.etsy.com

Pamela Michelle Says: Hello Etsy Dallas!

Hello Etsy Dallas!

It's great to be here. I'm so excited to be a part of Etsy Dallas. Woo Hoo! I've been living in the Dallas area my whole life. The people, the art, the environment! Love it!

I've always been dabbling in painting and drawing, and just recently I decided to put my work out there. Thus joining Etsy and participating in craft shows. I'm having tons of fun!! Right now I'm working on paintings, and making art necklaces out of prints of my paintings and etched wood.

Hope I get a chance to meet everyone of you at craft events and gatherings! Till then, have fun crafting Dallas!

-pamela michelle
http://www.pamelamichelle.etsy.com
http://pamelamichelle.blogspot.com/

Hi New Here!

Hi I just discoverd EtsyDallas and am so excited. I have lived in Dallas pretty much my whole life. I love Dallas and I love making jewelry. This would seem to be the perfect place to be.

It would be so cool if I could meet some Etsy Dallas ladies. I am looking forward to this new venture.

I recently broke my hand and am healing nicely and am VERY ANXIOUS to getting back to work.

I am part of the Etsy Texas group...but I am having a hard time keeping up with some of the events they do ...i.e. going to New York, etc.

Well, Hello and come say hi.

I am getting ready to go heart everyone!
Donna aka DRyan327 (my shop=www.dryan327.etsy.com)

p.s. I love to call my shop "Purple Toes Jewerly" after my daughter who loves to paint her toes purple. ;-)

Knit Sisters Join Etsy Dallas

Hi there and hola! We are the Knit Sisters: Constanza from Dallas and Yoli from Bogota, Colombia. (Okay, so Yoli is a bit out of the geographic region for Etsy Dallas, but Constanza will represent!)

We both knit scarves and only recently opened a shop on Etsy at the behest of our daughter and niece, Stephanie of Tefi Designs. (She also makes some stitch markers that we sell in our new Etsy shop.) We are thrilled to be a part of Etsy Dallas!

Etsy Dallas Is Official!

I just posted the following message in Etsy's forum. Hooray!

We just received our official status from Etsy last night and couldn't be more thrilled! Membership is open to anyone who meets these basic standards:

1) You must have an Etsy shop that is current and stocked. It's okay if you haven't made any sales or are new to Etsy.
2) You must guarantee that all of your products are handmade by you or are supplies for crafters/artists (beads, yarn, paint, etc.)
3) You must live in the Greater Dallas metroplex area.

We are still working on a logo and banner, so bear with us! Contact Tefi (tefi.etsy.com) if you're interested in joining. Please include a link to your Etsy shop.

We have our first meeting scheduled for October 28 @ 3pm to discuss a trunk show we'll be doing on December 8. Yay!!

-Stephanie, Tefi Designs

shayO/shaybot

hi! my name is shay and i live in east dallas. im an art director by day, and blogger and creator by night. i love collage, painting, folding origami balls and screen printing. let's just say my etsy store isn't stocked with just one kind of object. im inspired by mid-century modern design and ideas and i love to collect. my husband and i are in the process of starting up a new brand but it won't launch until sometime in november. ill keep you posted.
im excited to be a part of the dallas street team and can't wait to meet everyone.
****shayO

Watch us grow!

Wow, we have two new members to Etsy Dallas! I am so excited about all of our members. We are each unique and talented and I think show the creativity that is alive and well in the Dallas metroplex. Let's welcome:

Roses Are Red - vintage & kitschy creations

Lavendar & Burgundy Deer Brooch

AND

Lassie Girl - hip, modern kidswear

Fall Carnival reversible girls' pinafore

-Stephanie, Tefi Designs

Welcome New Etsy Dallas member!

Atom-in is Etsy Dallas' newest member! Soon as she sent me an email to join, I checked out her shop and bought this super cool magnet:



One of these days I might graduate from semi-precious gemstones and sterling silver to sweet bling like this diamond ring. Until then, a girl can only dream...

Welcome Carrie of Atom-in!

-Stephanie, Tefi Designs

Urban Street Bazaar

Attention Etsy Dallas members!! Make is hosting another Urban Street Bazaar the first weekend of December. I've done it twice and it was immensely successful for me! If any of you want to apply with me, we can get a full tent: 10 x 10. Otherwise, I plan to do my usual 5 x 10. Applications aren't out yet, but be on the lookout...Good luck!

-Stephanie, Tefi Designs

Hi from Sea Dream Studio

My name is Dale McLain and I live in 'burbs of Dallas... Allen to be exact. I love collage, assemblage, mixed media and altered art. I paint and make jewelry, also. I'm a mom of four (ages 11,15,18 & 22). I am very excited to be a part of the Dallas Etsy Street team. I look forward to getting to know other Dallas area Etsy artists.

Welcome Etsy Dallas-ites!

This is the (soon-to-be) official Dallas Street Team for Etsy. What is Etsy? Etsy is an online marketplace for all things handmade. From jewelry to scarves to artwork, Etsy is a place to find anything you're looking for with the guarantee that it was handmade with love.

Etsy Dallas, is a group of local artists and artisans who sell their wares on Etsy and wish to promote themselves, Etsy, and each other. We will meet when necessary to plan trunk shows, share ideas, discuss ad space and marketing, etc. The idea is that we are all stronger when we band together!

Membership is open to anyone with the following guidelines:

1) You must have an Etsy shop that is current and stocked. It's okay if you haven't made any sales or are new to etsy.
2) You must guarantee that all of your products are handmade by you or are supplies for crafters/artists (beads, commercial yarn, paint, etc.)
3) You must live in the Dallas area (the metroplex).

That said, here are the current members of Etsy Dallas - all selling handmade goods! (Click on each name to be directed to each member's Etsy shop.)

One Up Designs - modern wall graphics
Sea Dream Studio - collage jewelry
Shayo - graphic art/prints
B-licious - bags, baby goods, fabric crafts
Tefi Designs (facilitator) - handcrafted jewelry

If you can answer yes to the 3 guidelines above, please consider joining us!

- Stephanie, Tefi Designs

Complete Recipe: Tiramisu Cupcakes

I came across this amazing recipe for Tiramisu Cupcakes from the book Vegan Cupcakes Take Over The World. In this book you can find 75 dairy free recipes for cupcakes that simply rule! I know, I know, when you hear the words "dairy free" it's usually followed by a groan. But I swear by this recipe and trust me! No one will ever know they are vegan or even remotley close to it. I made these for my family at a birthday party and someone actually thought they were bakery bought. I couldn't believe it!

First! Make the vegan cream cheese frosting. You will need:

1/4 cup nonhydrogogenated margarine (softened)
1/4 cup vegan cream cheese (softened)
2 cups of confectioners' sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract

1. Cream together the margarine and cream cheese until just combined.

2. Use a handheld mixer to whip while adding the confectioners sugar in 1/2 cup batches. Mix until smooth and creamy, then mix in the vanilla.

3. Keep tightly covered and refrigerate until ready to use.

Second! Prepare the cupcake batter. You will need:

1 cup soy milk
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
2 tbsp cornstarch
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup canola oil
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp almond extract

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line muffin pan with cupcake liners.

2. Whisk the soy milk and vinegar in a measuring cup and set aside a few minuted to get good and curdled.

3. Beat together the soymilk mixture, oil, sugar, vanilla, and other extracts in a large bowl. Sift in the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until no large lumps remain.

4. Fill cupcake liners to two thirds of the way and bake for 20 to 22 minutes till done. Transfer to a cooling rack and let cool completley before frosting.

Last! Finish the cupcakes. You will need:

1/3 cup espresso or strong coffee
1/3 cup Kahlua or other coffee flavored liqueur
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
12 chocolate covered coffee beans or chocolate chips

1. Mix together the espresso and Kahlua.

2. Use a measuring spoon, a regular teaspoon, or a paring knife to carve out a small cone in the center of the cupcake. Place spoon about 1 inch from the center of the cupcake, then dig the spoon in about 1 inch deep and cut a circle around the center. Carefully, scoop out a cone, trying your best to keep the chunk as intact as possible.

3. Pout the Kahlua mixture in the cavity of the cut cupcake, making sure that all sides of the cavity are drenched, using up to 2 tablespoons of liquid per cupcake.

4. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the vegan cream cheese frosting you prepared earlier into the cavity and smooth over with the back of the spoon. (Make sure to reserve a few tablespoons of frosting to dallop on top of the cupcake). Dip the bottom of the cut out chunk into the Kahlua mixture, but keep the top part of it dry. Place the cut out chunk on top of the frosting and gently pat it into place. Continue this process with the remaining cupcakes.

5. Place chocolate and cinnamoninto a small strainer and dust over the cupcakes. Dallop a small amount of frosting on top and place the chocolate covered coffee bean on the dollop. Let sit for about 10 minutes and serve. Makes 12 cupcakes.

These do get a little messy! So serve on a little plate with a fork. They are simply to die for! Your guests will be impressed.

- Margaret of Three Yellow Starfish

Member Blogs

Cut Out & Collect
Ferrochie
Harrilu
Haute Hardware
Karma Crochet
Kessler Craftman
LaAlicia
laura davis / design lab
Loop and Lil
Midnight Snack
Modest Ambition
Pamela Michelle
Signifying Not
tefi
The Miscellany
The Pig and the Peacock
Three Yellow Starfish

About Bash Bucks

So, what are Bash Bucks? They are gift certificates that equal cash and are redeemable only at the current Bash event. They cannot be kept and spent at a future Bash event.

How do I win Bash Bucks? Anyone can enter to win them in the blog and Twitter contests. To enter, participants will comment on the blog or retweet a specific phrase. 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.

The Very Fine Print

+ Previous winners, members and participating 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 April 28th and must be present the day of the 2011 Spring Bash to collect your the certificates and redeem them.

+ 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 Spring 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 Spring Bash Bucks are void after April 30th at 5pm, 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!

Recipe: Whiskey Sauce Bread Pudding

BREAD PUDDING

Ingredients
* 12 to 14 cups 1-inch cubes day-old white bread, such as French or Italian
* 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
* 2 cups heavy cream
* 4 cups whole milk
* 6 large eggs
* 1 3/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
* 4 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
* 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup raisins
* Confectioners' sugar, for garnish
* 1 recipe Whiskey Sauce (recipe follows)

Directions

1) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

2) Place the bread in a large bowl. Grease a 9 by 13-inch casserole dish with the remaining tablespoon of butter and set aside.

3) Combine the heavy cream, milk, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and raisins in a large bowl. Whisk to mix. Pour the cream mixture over the bread, and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes.

4) Transfer the bread mixture to the casserole dish and bake until the center of the bread pudding is set, 50 to 60 minutes.

5) Garnish the bread pudding with confectioners' sugar and serve warm with warm Whiskey Sauce (recipe follows).

WHISKEY SAUCE

Ingredients
* 2 cups heavy cream
* 1/2 cup whole milk
* 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch
* 3/4 cup bourbon or other whiskey
* Pinch salt
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1) In a 1-quart saucepan set over medium heat, combine the cream, milk, and sugar.

2) Place the cornstarch and 1/4 cup of the bourbon in a small mixing bowl and whisk to blend and make a slurry.

3) Pour the slurry into the cream mixture and bring to a boil. Once the sauce begins to boil,
reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.

4) Remove the sauce from the heat, add the salt, and stir in the butter and the remaining 1/2 cup of bourbon. Serve warm.

submitted by Silla of silla soup