Member Spotlight: Dowdy Studio

Let's give a round of applause for our Etsy Dallas newcomver Dylan Dowdy of Dowdy Studio! I've had the opportunity to watch this up-and-coming artist grow and develop over the past year. He's gone from virtual unknown to Mr. T-Shirt/Caterer Extraordinaire.

It's been very exciting to see what can come out of his head and on to a t-shirt. He is growing in leaps in and bounds, and bouding in leaps and growth! All of his creations are hand-drawn and silk-screened to perfection. Check out his cool t-shirt designs and show him some love. He was not only a vendor at the 1st Annual 2008 Jingle Bash, but he was also our great caterer. Thanks Dylan!

by b.liscious/brenda

Eco•Ideas: Green Gift Wrap

Green Gift Wrap

Have you thought about making an effort to use green gift wrap this year? It's unusually pretty and you'll feel good about using it.

Using the newspaper after you've read it for gift wrap is great -- it gets one more use before it hits the recycle bin. Newspapers in other languages are good for this use -- since you can't read the words, they kind of form a pattern. The cartoon section is also good for this use since they are generally the most colorful pages. For small packages, using a page from a magazine can make a beautiful gift presentation. Just pick a page with a pretty picture and get to wrapping.

Click here for a tutorial on how to make your own gift bows out of magazine pages.

Set aside that sturdy little box that previously contained soap, a box that once housed cookies and perhaps a couple jewelry boxes before they get to the recycle bin. Hoard those little white plastic inner seals from juice and milk. Used in a group they make a cute little "bow-like" decorations for packages. Ornaments can also make beautiful package decorations.

There are so many gift items that can be used as the outside wrap and contain another gift inside. Just be creative! For instance, a fun little evening bag could be great gift wrap for opera/symphony tickets. A large glass storage container could contain a gift certificate for a cooking class and be disguised by a lovely set of kitchen towels. A gift card can easily be disguised in a box or other container. For those items that are just too big to wrap or have a shape that would be a giveaway, treasure hunt hints can be left to lead the recipient to a closet where the items are waiting.

article by Alicia of Alicia Colina-Ashby

Etsy Dallas Helps Out the Community

The 1st Annual Jingle Bash @ Sons of Hermann Hall wasn't just about arts and crafts. Etsy Dallas got a little boost of those feel-good warm and fuzzies by reaching out to the community to lend a hand.

The junior girls of Girl Scout Troop #1637 of Irving ran the famous Etsy Dallas Make-&-Take craft table, coordinated by ED's own Carrie Partch of Atom-In. Jingle Bash shoppers chose to craft either a holiday ornament or festive ring for free. All supplies were either donated or purchased by Etsy Dallas and its members.

In addition, the girls ran another table collecting food donations for Irving Cares Food Pantry. They collected 48 food items and raised $29 in cash donations. Etsy Dallas surprised the troop by donating an additional $50 toward the food drive. We were thrilled to help out those in need!

Check out the Girl Scouts in action at the Jingle Bash HERE. Thank you girls!

article by Stephanie of Tefi Designs

November Belated Birthdays

Happy birthday to the following Etsy Dallas members:

Ashley Akers Jewelry: Ashley - November 12th

Modest Ambition: Anne - November 14th

Karma Crochet: Patricia - November 15th

Bead Genie: Lesley - November 29th

Atom-in: Carrie - November 30th

Hums & Tiddlely Poms: Camary - November 30th

created by Patricia of Karma Crochet

Member Spotlight: Karma Crochet

Wrap up some warmth with great gift selections from Karma Crochet.

Lemongrass Asymetrical Neckwarmer

Raspberry Cable Wrap
Half Moon Shawl
Handcrafted Coffee Sleeve

by Pamela Michelle

Thanks DFW Quick!

If you picked up a copy of your DFW Quick Newspaper today you might have noticed the best spread in the world. Quick picked 8 of our own very talented Etsy Dallas teammates to feature in their Holiday Gift Guide.

Read the full article here.

Gift locally here

Also, visit the featured artist's sites.

Pamela Michelle

Bijoujuju

Midnight Snack

Tefi Designs

Nerdbomber

Pig and the Peacock

Ishi

Goodbloom

by Pamela Michelle

Congratulations to Becki our Funky Finds Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations to fellow Dallas-ite Becki Howard who won some handmade goodness in the Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash Give-away sponsored on Funky Finds.

Christmas has come a month early from Becky with over $270 in handmade loot from these talented artists/crafters:

• Dowdy Studio: Original Owl silk screened tee (retail value, $25)
• Pamela Michelle: Art print (retail value, $35)
• Tefi Designs: Juicy Fruit Necklace (retail value, $32)
• Patti Haskins: Stuffed Drawing-Flying Dog (retail value, $20)
• Bijoujuju: ‘Treelightful’ polymer pendant (retail value, $11)
• Karma Crochet: Wool Headband in Red shades (retail value, $20)
• LolaFalk: The Lola Mini-Zip Pouch (retail value, $22.00)
• MiaMaria Designs: “Calavera” craft apron (retail value, $24)
• Michele Cook Designs: Copper & Blue bead earrings (retail value, $15)
• Cut Out & Collect: Japanese Linen Scooter Pouch (retail value, $15)
• Freeforged Jewelry: Ionic-Sterling silver molecule post earrings (retail value, $16)
• Starrydance: Lucky Cat necklace (retail value, $12.00)
• Designing-Diva: Pink Fused Glass Guitar Pendant (retail value, $25.00)

Posted by Randi/ Dallas Designing-Diva

Save The Date!

Jingle Bash on Funky Finds Giveaway Contest!

Now's your chance to get an unbelievable collection of hot Etsy Dallas items on Funky Finds.

To celebrate the Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash, the Etsy Dallas group is sponsoring a Swag giveaway. You have the chance to win some awesome swag with a retail value of $270 pictured above! The Swag includes the following items donated by Etsy Dallas members.

Items included in the Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash Swag Bag:

• Dowdy Studio: Original Owl silk screened tee (retail value, $25)
• Pamela Michelle: Art print (retail value, $35)
• Tefi Designs: Juicy Fruit Necklace (retail value, $32)
• Patti Haskins: Stuffed Drawing-Flying Dog (retail value, $20)
• Bijoujuju: ‘Treelightful’ polymer pendant (retail value, $11)
• Karma Crochet: Wool Headband in Red shades (retail value, $20)
• LolaFalk: The Lola Mini-Zip Pouch (retail value, $22.00)
• MiaMaria Designs: “Calavera” craft apron (retail value, $24)
• Michele Cook Designs: Copper & Blue bead earrings (retail value, $15)
• Cut Out & Collect: Japanese Linen Scooter Pouch (retail value, $15)
• Freeforged Jewelry: Ionic-Sterling silver molecule post earrings (retail value, $16)
• Starrydance: Lucky Cat necklace (retail value, $12.00)
• Designing-Diva: Pink Fused Glass Guitar Pendant (retail value, $25.00)

To enter: Go to http://www.funkyfinds.blogspot.com/
Then, visit the Jingle Bash Vendor shops listed on the Etsy Dallas blog and choose something you think would be a great gift for someone on your holiday shopping list. Leave a comment THE FUNKY FIND'S POST noting the item you have chosen. A winner will be randomly selected & announced on Saturday, November 22. The winner must live in the continental U.S. and must provide a mailing address upon winning.

Good Luck!

Etsy Dallas
by Pamela/Pamela Michelle

Jingle Bash Music!

Etsy Dallas is proud to announce the Jingle Bash music crew:

Nathan Jones is a seasoned musician playing in bands since 1997 going across the board with genres and instruments. He is now going towards uncharted territory as a solo artist hoping to bring his life lessons and history to the ears of many.

Mc Bammer is our karaoke specialist from 8-10pm in the upstairs ballroom. Bammer is an artist, photographer, and my favorite: she loves to decorate cakes.

DJ Jappy X is the mix master extraordinaire, mixin' with the best of em! Let's get jiggy with him, because he is our second floor DJ. Word!

Love b.liscious/brenda

Art & Seek Blog

Yay! We made it into the Art & Seek blog run by local NPR affiliate KERA. This blog is a great venue for finding out about local art happenings, and we are honored to have the Jingle Bash chosen as a blog entry of "must do" events!

posted by Stephanie of Tefi Designs

Meet the Jingle Bash Vendors!

We are a mere 5 days away from the 1st Annual Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash. Get your shopping shoes ready and check out our fabulous vendors below! Shop from these local artists November 22nd, 3pm-10pm at the Historic Sons of Hermann Hall in Deep Ellum.

In order as they appear above:
1. Lolafalk

2. DowdyStudio
3. Tefi Designs
4. Karma Crochet
5. Freeforged
6. The Carpenter Collection

7. SugarLoveHoney
8. Michele Cook Designs
9. Going Coastal

10. Scribble Scrabble

11. Modest Ambition
12. Scrapalooza
13. Pinkfairywand Creations
14. Knit Sisters
15. Jewelry by Ashley Hope
16. Miamaria Design

In order as they appear above:
1. Nerdbomber
2. Sassy Hoops
3. Carmen Colletti
4. designcandie
5. Rat Trap Press
6. Pamela Michelle
7. Siennabelle
8. Cut Out & Collect
9. Pulp Reality
10. The Plaid Mushroom
11. Little Cookie
12. Alicia Colina-Ashby
13. XY Factory
14. Lena Marie Echelle
15. rhea-cycled
16. Kara Lennox

In order as they appear above:
1. The Kessler Craftsman
2. Backbone
3. Providence Pottery
4. Bijoujuju
5. Ashley Akers Jewelry
6. TP Design
7. Patti Haskins
8. Atom-In
9.
10. Squoog Design Studio
11. B.Liscious
12. Binge&Purge
13. Starrydance
14. Jill Whitfill Pottery
15. Designs by Cathy
16. Designing Diva

Make & Take Crafty Greatness

O come, all ye crafty!

Etsy Dallas Make & Take, Beer-B-Q May, 2008
Photo credit: KERA Art&Seek

Get your glue guns ready... Etsy Dallas is proud to announce that we'll have another fabulous Make & Take table at the upcoming Jingle Bash. Irving Girl Scout troop 1637 has volunteered to help the fearless crafters of Dallas partake in two organized crafts from 3-5 pm. Jingle Bash attendees will have the opportunity to decorate a glass ornament or bling up a ring with an endless supply of crafty bits and sparkles, all for FREE!

Please consider helping the community while you craft! Our favorite Girl Scout troop will be collecting non-perishable food items for their holiday food drive, so please bring a few cans of food to help them exceed their goal! Etsy Dallas will match food donations with a cash donation, so come get your craft on and help the needy in our community.

Food drive benefits Irving Cares' food pantry.

posted by Carrie of Atom-In

Etsy Dallasites In the News

Yay! We were thrilled to find this Pegasus article showcasing three Etsy Dallas members:


Houndmade


Harrilu


Binge & Purge

Congrats teamies!

posted by Stephanie of Tefi Designs

Many Thanks to our EDers!

While the leadership team works tirelessley to get the Jingle Bash underway, our vendors are also doing what they can to make sure this event is the super-duperest it can be. Our hats off to the following:

Thank you Cheyne of Cut Out & Collect for creating a Facebook event for our 1st Annual Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash! Be sure to add this event to your calendar and tell all your friends: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=32906553385

Thank you to Kara Lennox, Regina of Little Cookie, and Tamara of TP Design for serving on our Jingle Bash application jury. You ladies rock!

Thank you to Alicia Colina-Ashby and Tamara of TP Design for serving on our Decorating Squad. We can't wait to be blinded by your tinsel!

Thank you to the Leadership Team for putting this craft party together: Pam of Pamela Michelle, Stephanie of Tefi Designs, Randi the Designing Diva, Carrie of Atom-In, Brenda of B.Liscious, Larry the Kessler Craftsman, and Mandi of Scribbles.

Did we leave someone off? Oh my. Email us right away!

Early Press for the Jingle Bash

Thank you Pegasus News and UnFair Park for featuring the 1st Annual Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash. You guys rock!


Click here to read the post.


Click here to read the post.

Thanks also go out the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau and Hello Dallas for including us in their list of "must do" events. We'd love to have out-of-towners stop by the Bash and support Dallas artists and crafters!

2008 Jingle Bash: Featured Artists

We are super-duper excited to present you with the following Jingle Bash Featured Artists. Show some love; click on the following links and check out their Etsy shops! No time like the "present" to begin your holiday shopping...

Clockwise from top left:
Nerdbomber - wallets, bags, clutches
Bijoujuju - art pendants
Sassy Hoops - hula hoops for kids and adults
Tefi Designs - gemstone, wire, and felted jewelry
Going Coastal - beaded and hemp jewelry
Karma Crochet - knitwear and accessories
Alicia Colina-Ashby - recycled, repurposed housewares
Official Jingle Bash logo
Designing Diva - glassware, metal and glass jewelry
Pinkfairywand Creations - art pins, prints, candles
Pamela Michelle - art pendants and prints
Cut Out & Collect - bags, clutches, wallets
Freeforged - metalsmith jewelry
SugarLoveHoney - children's clothing and goods
Earth Essences - beaded jewelry
Official Etsy Dallas logo

posted by Stephanie of Tefi Designs

October Birthdays!

Happy Birthday to the following Etsy Dallas Members!

Catherine of Designs by Cathy - October 1st

Brenda of B.liscious - October 3rd

Misty of Retro Villain - October 6th

Ben of Squoog Design Studio - October 11th

Christina of Midnight Snack - October 15th

Jacky of Texas Tarts - October 17 th

Jennifer of Bead on a Wire - October 25th

Jenny of The Pig and the Peacock - October 25th

Amy of Kute Klipboards - October 27th

Post and video by Patricia of Karma Crochet

New Web Site - Check It Out!

www.etsydallas.com

Check out our new look! Our website has had a makeover and it's ready to par-tay.
It's hip, slick and very informative. Oh yeah!

Member Spotlight: Cut Out & Collect

Cheyne of Cut Out & Collect sure knows how to put together fun graphic patterns and fabrics to create modern, kawaii-inspired wallets, bags, and clutches. How did she get into this crafty job? Says Cheyne's Etsy shop:

"Cut Out and Collect began as Cheyne Little's attempt to avoid graduate school, jobs involving fax machines, and other acceptable adult endeavors. When she's not behind a sewing machine, Cheyne can be found operating an espresso machine, playing with cameras, rollin' with her art peeps, conquering mountains of books, or planning her third trip around the world."

My favorite? The Scooter Pouch featuring zippy Vespas, stripes, and polka dots. Va-va-va-room!

Shop Cut Out & Collect online in her Etsy shop or in person at House of Dang!. And come see her at the upcoming Jingle Bash on November 22nd at the Sons of Hermann Hall!

posted by: Stephanie of Tefi Designs

Local Craft Shows

Show your support this holiday season by shopping for local handmade arts and crafts at the following upcoming shows:

Kessler School Pumpkin Patch @ Kessler United Methodist Church: Saturday, October 11th from 9am-3pm

Urban Street Bazaar @ Bishop Arts District: Saturday, October 11th from 9am-3pm


Oak Cliff Artisans Fall Show @ Kidd Springs Rec Center: Saturday & Sunday, November 15-16 from 10am-5pm (Saturday) and noon-5pm (Sunday) MAP IT!


1st Annual Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash @ Sons of Hermann Hall: Saturday, November 22nd from 3pm-10pm
Don't miss this show! MAP IT!

Deck the Halls @ Southside on Lamar: Sunday, December 7th from 11am-6pm

Member Spotlight: Little Cookie

This week's member spotlight recognizes one of my favorite Etsy Dallasites -- Regina of Little Cookie! Regina makes gorgeous hand-dyed and folded kanzashi flower hair ornaments that burst to life. Who doesn't want that kind of sass going on upstairs? Check out Regina's kanzashi hair ornaments and her other adorable pieces (see my favorite below, the happy gyoza brooch)!



Shop Little Cookie in person at the upcoming 1st Annual Jingle Bash on November 22nd at the Sons of Hermann Hall!

by Carrie/Atom-In

September Birthdays

Happy Birthday to the following Etsy Dallas Members!

TigerBee Boxes: Patricia - Sept-1st

Binge & Purge: Jodi - Sept-4th

Glitz4Gals: Debra - Sept- 7

Piddle Stitch: Donna - Sept-12

Noodleloo: Kris - Sept-17

The Plaid Mushroom: Christy - Sept-18

Armhole: Ryan - Sept-20

The Polka Dotted Zebra: Stephanie - Sept-20

goodbloom: Holly - Sept-28

Knit Sisters: Constanza - Sept-28

Trinkets & Bows: Dena - Sept-28

O, Come All Ye Crafty!

The excitment is a-brewin'
Etsy Dallas will begin accepting applications from non-members beginning tomorrow, Saturday the 19th. Shoot us an email if you wish to receive a copy of our application.

Please note that spaces are super-duper limited as this has become (already!) a very popular event. This is a juried show and is for handmade only. Vendors must sell their own art and handmade goods.

Made a little clicky HERE if you are interested in receiving information on sponsorship opportunities. A million thanks to our official show sponsor, Funky Finds. Funky-tastic!

Etsy Dallas Meet Up Fun!

Etsy Dallas put together it's first ever Meet Up Friday night. We had a ton of fun chit chatting and socializing on the open patio at Lee Harvey's in Dallas. We dug into some great tasty burgers, sipped on a few drinks, and enjoyed the relaxing outdoor atmosphere of music and friends. It was definitely a great way to end the workweek and begin the 3-day weekend. Etsy Dallas wants to thank everyone who came out to play, and we hope to see yall at the next Meet Up.


We hope to do this again next month, so be on the look out for another invite. Keep in mind that these Meet Ups are open to anyone interested in hanging out with cool artsy folk. You don't have to be a member of Etsy Dallas to come play with us and join in on the fun. So I better see ya next time!!!!


Thanks for coming: The Kessler Craftsman and friends
Earth Essences
MiaMaria Designs and Chris
Memopause and Hubby

Tefi Designs and Jason
PunkRockPaperScissors
Grill'n Dylan and PamelaMichelle

Member Spotlight: LolaFalk

It is a truth universally acknowledged that no woman can have too many handbags. It's true!

So why not bulk up that handbag collection with a whimscial number from LolaFalk? Using bright, vivid colors and shiny fabrics like taffeta, LolaFalk's designs are both quirky and practical.

Lola Mini-Zip: $22

My favorite: The Urban Lola Tote in shades of teal, fuschia, and avocado. To quote the designer, this tote is, "Strictly for schlepping in style. This roomy tote does double duty as both a vessel for toting your wares and as an artful statement piece." I couldn't agree more!



Urban Lola Tote: $32

-by Stephanie of Tefi Designs (owner of many, many handbags)

Mark Your Calendars

THE JINGLE BASH CRAFT SHOW!!
Kick off the holiday season! Etsy Dallas, who first brought you the famous Beer-B-Q trunk show, is doing it again - even bigger and better this time.

The First Annual Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash will be held at the historic Sons of Hermann Hall at 3414 Elm St. in Dallas on November 22nd from 3pm-10pm. The show will feature over 40 local artists and crafters, live music, karaoke, great food, and a full bar. There is no cost to the public for admission or entertainment. While this show will be family-friendly, the vibe will be a fun, night-time holiday bash full of handmade love and good times. Think of it as a party - not your typical craft show!

Don't miss this one! We'll keep ya updated on new news related to the Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash!

by
pamela/pamelamichelle

August Birthdays

Happy happy birthday to the following Etsy Dallas members:

August 2nd: Caroline of Pink Lemonade Bags - handmade bags and totes for all occasions

August 10th: Camille of Carmen Colletti - couture clothing and handbags

August 14th: Kim of Poisoned Creations - kids' clothes and accessories that'll rock you out

August 17th: Cheyne of Cut Out & Collect - handmade bags, purses, and wallets

August 18th: Mandi of Scribble Scrabble - beaded pens and handbound journals

August 27th - Mary of Mary's Madness - beaded, charm jewelry with a twist

Photo Party! Rave Reviews!

Esty Dallas has done it again! One photo party down and hopefully more to come.

"It was an awesome event. I have a lot of photos to sort through but I think I got some good ones. Special thanks to Mandi of Scribble Scrabble and Alicia of Alicia Colina-Ashby for loaning me various body parts to photograph with my jewelry and notebooks."
Kara of Memo-Pause

"Thanks Carrie and James for being awesome hosts! I look forward to doing something like this again with Etsy Dallas."
Pam of Pamela Michelle

"We had a great time! Thank you to everyone who came by to support the team and have a good time. It was nice to meet some newbies!"
Stephanie of Tefi Designs

"The "Photarty" (as Kara of Memo-Pause called it) was THE place to be Sunday. The event was great -- there was talking, snacking, giggling, and photographing. It was really fun to model each others handy work while we got to know each other. Hope this become a regular ritual for our group!"
Alicia of Alicia Colina-Ashby

"I've never seen anything like it. The food, music, art and fabulous hosts. Flying home has never been so tragic. I really miss Etsy Dallas."
New York Post

"We had a great time and it was inspiring to see everyone's amazing work. Looking forward to more events like this in the future!"
Carrie of Atom-in

posted by Brenda of B.liscious

Member Spotlight: Designing Diva

Randi-Sue Deckard, AKA The Designing Diva, makes fabulous, organic jewelry in the old-fashioned way; with silver sheet and wire, and then using precious metal clay (PMC), stone and warm-glass cabochons.

Although Randi-Sue will tell you she started her successful gig as an artist-entrepreneur about five years ago, don’t believe it for a minute! This girl’s way too talented (both as an artist and as a self-employed Diva)! Her upbringing, her travels and her non-art interests have ‘percolated’ for years, resulting in fabulously synergistic creations.

About five years ago, she tried bead weaving but it just didn’t have the right fit. She stumbled upon a book on traditional silver smithing and started making Diva history.

Today, Randi combines her love of art glass, using homemade molds, art and dichroic glass and frits (colored glass powders) with hand-wrought silver to create truly beautiful custom pieces.

In describing her processes, Randi says “My designs tend to be organic and inspired by nature: the stone and glass dictate what I will do with the design. I’m inspired by the connection that my hands have with these materials; it’s like they have a mind of their own!”

As an entrepreneur, Randi-Sue runs her business via her online site, having built her customer base through various means, the most important of which is meeting prospective customers face-to-face at shows. She adds “Etsy has helped my art gain exposure and helped me to network with some fabulously talented, artistic entrepreneurs who have inspired me to try new things.”

Designing Diva…fabulously artistic and a model businesswoman for us all!

Check her out!
http://www.dallasdesigningdiva.etsy.com/

By Larry Pile The Kessler Craftman

Show Pony Show

Join Etsy Dallas at the upcoming Show Pony Show on August 17th! We'll be hosting a "progressive craft" project where shoppers will get to make their very own bookmark to take home with them. Look for the Etsy Dallas table to get started on this crafty project.



Not only will Etsy Dallas help you get your craft on, we'll have a raffle giveaway and a fun scavenger hunt. Find all the Etsy Dallas members participating in the event and get a free goodie bag full of promos and coupons!

For the raffle, guess how many beads in the Guessing Jar, jot down your email address so we can contact you, and cross your fingers and toes. That's it! The closest shopper to getting the exact number of beads will win a big ol' pile of free handmade items - all donated by Etsy Dallas members. Wow!

See you on the 17th.

posted by Stephanie of Tefi Designs