Etsy Dallas Weekend Guide: June 27-28

Its hot as an overheated sewing machine outside. It's time to strip down to your summer shorts and tank tops and head on out to some fun shopping this weekend.

Bishop Arts District Sidewalk Sale - Dallas
The Bishop Arts District has over 50 local merchants, boutiques, and restaurants all for your pleasure. This weekend, head out there early and enjoy the sales right out there on the street.

Be sure to swing by Make, a must stop indie boutique featuring many local handmade artists and designers. They will be having a fabric sale in front of the store, where you can find unique prints and designs to complete your next sewing project.

Date: Saturday, June 27th
Time: 11am-6pm
Location: N. Bishop Ave & Davis Street, Dallas
Cost: FREE!
Website: http://www.bishopartsdistrict.com/


San Francisco Art Show - California
For everyone traveling to San Francisco this weekend, make sure to swing by STEM for a group show featuring work by Etsy Dallas member, Lizardo Art.

Liz, of Lizardo Art, is artist from Arlington, TX who paints for the simple pleasure of fun and joy, and loves the feeling of freedom of expressing emotions that painting gives her. If you can't make it out to CA, then check out more of Lizardo Art's work in her online store, Here.

Date: Saturday, June 27th
Time: 5pm-8pm
Location: 3690 18th St. San Fran, California
Cost: FREE!
Website: http://www.stemsf.com/

Upcoming Events - Mark that Calendar
Indie Shop Soiree - Dallas
This incredible shopping weekend provides guests a chance to interact with and purchase the best fashion, accessories & art from the hottest up and coming designers/artists. It's a fun "girly" event with free cocktails, free chocolates, free goodie bags and the opportunity to shop from some amazing Dallas designers with beyond talent.

Etsy Dallas is proud to sponsor this event and we can't wait to go shop from Etsy Dallas members: Alicia Colina Ashby, Dowdy Studio and The Plaid Mushroom.

Date: Saturday, July 11th & 12th
Time: 11am-4pm
Location: House of Blues, Dallas
Cost: $15 at the door or in advance
Website: http://www.indieshopsoiree.com/


2nd Annual Jingle Bash - Dallas

Get ready for the 2nd Annual Jingle Bash! On November 21st from 1pm-7pm, Etsy Dallas, the original local craft collective, will offer up quality handmade goods from over 40 local artists, crafters, and designers - just in time for all your holiday shopping. The Jingle Bash will feature music, a full bar, free raffle, and free goody bags for the first 50 shoppers. Admission is free. 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!

Date: Saturday, November 21st
Time: 1pm-7pm
Location: Sons of Hermann Hall, Dallas
Cost: FREE!
Website: http://www.blogger.com/www.etsydallas.com

Posted by Pamela Michelle

Etsy Dallas Weekend Guide: Last Chance Giveaway!

Today is your last chance to win free handmade goodies from some fabulous local designers! Hurry hurry, Friday is almost over and so are these incredible steals.

Our friend Ashley Akers and dear Etsy Dallas member Harrilu have teamed up to bring you 2 amazing giveaways. Ashley Akers is hosting a Harilu Giveaway on her blog and Harrilu is featuring an Ashley Akers giveaway on her blog.

Oh, and it's super easy to enter. All you have to do is read the simple directions and drop a comment on their blogs. The winner will be choosen today! So again, HURRY HURRY!!!

Ashley Akers Giveaway on Harilu Blog:
Be the first to own this brand new design from Ashley Akers Jewelry! This coral branch pendant is hand cut from transparent red plexiglass, making it light as air. The pendant hangs from a 16" sterling silver bead chain. Visit the Harrilu blog to enter: http://harrilu.typepad.com/harrilu/2009/06/ashley-akers-givaway-also-checkout-her-blog-for-a-harrilu-givaway.html#comments

Harrilu Giveaway on Ashley Akers Blog
Harrilu hand screen prints their designs using eco-friendly, super soft water based inks. Harrilu tees are printed on the finest quality, 100% cotton tees that are made in the USA.
Visit Ashley Akers blog to win this Teal and White Peonies Tunic.
http://ashleyakers.blogspot.com/2009/06/win-harrilu-shirt.html

Posted by Pamela Michelle

Etsy Dallas Weekend Guide: June 19-21

Hey Hey! It's Weekend time again! Check out all the fun stuff to do in Dallas this weekend. If your fun meter isn't at max capacity after the weekend, swing on down to San Antonio on Tuesday for even more handmade excitement!

Best of Texas' What Not to Wear viewing party - Dallas
If you're in the Dallas area, swing on by Best of Texas' What Not to Wear viewing party starring local maven Amanda Warr who recently got a fashion redux on the hit television show. The fun is happening at Jack's Backyard, a swell new dive in Oak Cliff.

Come out and support, Attitudes and Attire, a very worthy cause that provides stylish clothing and job interview training for low-income women searching for viable employment. There will be a huge raffle starting at 7:45pm benefiting this cause.

Items for auction by fellow Etsy Dallas-ites include a pair of earring by f. is for frank and a set of notecards by design roots, and a Juicy Fruit necklace from Tefi Designs.

Date: Friday, June 19th
Time: 6pm – 9pm
Location: Jack’s Backyard, 2303 Pittman Dallas, 75208
Web site: bestoftexas.com/promotions/wntw-viewing/
Cost: FREE!! Please RSVP online (above)

Creative Circle – Oak Cliff
Ever get that itch to get a little crafty and socialize at the same time? Come down and visit Etsy Dallas member, Larry, the Kessler Craftsman, in his studio, stay a while, enjoy good conversation, meet new friends, snack on good foods and get your built up artsy out.

Larry’s laid back and casual studio welcomes anyone with any skill level or medium. He also welcome’s you to bring whatever you’d like to eat or drink or share. He’s been hosting Creative Circles in his home studio since March in 2008, and is always willing to teach or learn something new.

If you ask, he might even show you some of his glass mosaic lamps or handmade furniture.

Date: Friday, June 19th (also eveyr 1st and 3rd Friday of each month)
Time: 7pm
Location: 1027 N. Windomere, Dallas (Home of the first Etsy Dallas Beer-B-Q)
Website: http://kesslercraftsmanblog.blogspot.com/
Cost: FREE

LolaFolk Summer Sale - Online
The Lolafalk brand was born out of a love of bright colors, shiny fabrics and the initial need to develop a line of handbags that satisfied its originator’s insatiable desire for all things subtly eclectic and understatedly quirky. All Lolafalk handbags and accessories are cut and sewn by hand, and every last detail is accounted for – from the carefully crafted design of each item, to each item’s description, to the overall attitude and style of the brand.

And now till June 30th, you can get Lolafalk ‘s designer Urban Lola Totes at 15% off!

15% off all Urban Lola Totes through June 30.
(Discount will be applied at time of purchase).

Date: Thru June 30th
Location: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5641738&section_id=5479143
Discount: 15% off! Woo!
Website: http://www.blogger.com/www.lolafalkdesigns.etsy.com

Tefi Designs Trunk Show - Dallas
Stop by Move Studio to shop Tefi Designs in person (and why not take a yoga class while you're at it?). Stephanie will be showcasing her signature pieces, including: Ming Pottery
Shards, gemstone jewelry, and Nuts & Seeds (Colombian rainforest creations made with real nuts and seeds). 10% off your total purchase at this trunk show only!

Date: Saturday, June 20
Time: 9am-1pm
Location: Move Studio, 17062 Preston Road in north Dallas
Cost: FREE
Web site: http://movestudio.com/

Alamo City Etsy's 1st Haute Pink Bazaar – San Antonio
Down in San Antonio, our friends at Alamo City Etsy are putting their first trunk show. Alamo City Etsy's 1st Haute Pink Bazaar will be held Tuesday, June 23rd and boy are they excited! Come out to meet the Alamo City Street Team, mingle with other Alamo City natives and support the Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation.

The event will feature the work of over a dozen artists and artisans, music, wine, hors d’ oeuvres and fun. You can even bid on an autographed Audrey Hephburn Photograph in a silent auction to benefit the Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation.

Date: Tuesday, June 23rd
Time: 7pm - 11pm
Location: 707 S. St. Mary's, San Antonio
Website: alamocityetsy.blogspot.com
Cost: FREE

Posted by Pamela Michelle

Member Spotlight: design roots

Heather Bloem is the graphic designer behind design roots, a print design shop that was born from a background in landscape architecture and a love for graphic design. The artist believes that "inspired design is the product of a creative eye and an expressive imagination." I couldn't agree more! I love all of her designs, but I have my eye on this sweet little bird cage Thank You card, pictured below.


And who can resist this parade of elephants on a set of personalized note cards?


Not only is Heather passionate about graphic design, she has a big heart. As part of a charity raffle benefitting Attitudes & Attire, Heather donated a pack of her notecards for Best of Texas' upcoming What Not to Wear viewing party. Hmmm, perhaps they should send her a sweet little bird cage Thank You card?

Visit her Etsy shop and web site today. Heather offers a discount on large quanity orders and is eager to custom design something for you.

by Stephanie of Tefi Designs

Etsy Dallas Weekend Guide: June 12-14

It's that time again. Get out your date book and pencil in some fun this weekend. The Etsy Dallas Weekend Guide is pleased to announce 5 great events that you just can't miss. From Friday night to Sunday evening, there's just no excuse this weekend to sit around.

The Dark Carnival - Deep Ellum
Join Etsy Dallas's Tara to the T at the Dark Carnival as she presents her new Fashion Accessories with a Vintage Twist. Along with her will be the sensational smells of Vicious Vixen Candles by Dark Candles.

Jugglers, Mimes, Magicians, Tarot Card Readers, Face Painters & Freak Shows,

DJ "Wild In The Streets" live...in the Video Bar

Free Cotton Candy & Popcorn

Date: Friday, June, 12th
Time: doors open at 9pm
Location: The Church, Dallas
Web: www.thechurchdallas.com
Cost: Admission: $10 over 21/ $15 under 21
$5 off with Church VIP or Dog Tags
18 + welcome

"Dudescapes" by Alan Tolleson - Coffee Haus Downtown, Arlington
The Coffee Haus Downtown, which regularly features a boutique with the work of Etsy Dallas members Cut Out and Collect, Tefi Designs, Pamela Michelle, Texas Tarts and Tara to the T, is pleased to present a mixed media artwork collection by the artist Alan Tolleson. As a middle school art teacher, Tolleson finds an endless source of inspiration in the unintentional humor his students convey in their own work. When this inspiration is mixed with a few of his daydreams and the juxtaposition of oddities found sprawled across Arlington, Tolleson's spontaneous art becomes a handful of insights and hilarious surprises. Join the Coffee Haus in a special artist’s reception this Friday.

Date: Friday, June 12th
Time: 7pm-8pm, Alan Tolleson’s artwork will hang through June
Location: The Coffee Haus Downtown in Arlington
Web: http://www.thecoffeehausdowntown.com/
Cost: FREE! But do try their coffee while you’re there. Yum!

City Arts Festival - Dallas
This FREE festival will offer new attractions and showcase the outstanding cultural, performing, visual and culinary arts of Dallas and the region. Plus, the CityArts Celebration will, for the first time, feature the works of visual artists nationwide, in addition to original works of art and fine crafts by Texas artists.

Visit Etsy Dallas members: Beading Genie will be in booth FE39 (FE stands for Flora East, meaning in front of the Meyerson). And next door in booth FE40 will be the Kessler Craftsman.

Date: Friday June 12th – Sunday june 14th
Time: (F) 6-10, (S) 11-10, (Su) 11-6
Location: Downtown Arts District, in front of the Meyerson
Web: http://www.blogger.com/www.dallascityarts.com
Cost: FREE

Oak Cliff Visual Speed Bump Art Tour 2009 - Oak Cliff
This event is free and open to the public. This is your opportunity to leisurely tour Oak Cliff and see local artists in the natural habitats. Maps are available at each of the stops. The tour runs from 12:00-6:00 PM, and is followed by a reception at Mighty Fine Arts Gallery. A whole day full of art and fun!

Date: Saturday, June 13
Time: 12pm-6pm
Location: Oak Cliff
Web: http://www.blogger.com/www.chuckandgeorge.net/map.html
COST: FREE!
Richard Ross' Solo Show
Kettle Art is hosting Richard Ross' solo show, 100% Recycled: Landscapes of a Landfill, from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday.

As a visual artist, Ross experiments with all types of media, from pencils, acrylics and oils to found collage materials. His hope is to communicate his search for beauty and glimpses of the Platonic Forms into a new mythology. It seems he is always searching for new icons by sifting through old beliefs and a disposable contemporary society. With an inventory of works well into the hundreds, this show will be something to see first hand.

Date: Saturday, June 13
Time: 7pm-10pm
Location: Kettle Art, Dallas
Web: www.kettleart.com/richardross.htm
Cost: FREE!

Paper Nerds Cyanotype Workshop
The cyanotype process, also known as the blueprint process, was first introduced by John Herschel in 1842 and has remained virtually unchanged since its invention. The class will introduce students to the history of the cyanotype process and will mostly take place outside, as sunlight will be used to expose the cyanotypes. This workshop is adaptable for participants of all ages and levels of experience.



Date: Sunday, June 14
Time: 1-4pm
Location: 4101 Commerce, Suite#6, Dallas
Web: http://papernerds.blogspot.com/
Cost: $95 in advance/$100 at the door

Posted by Pamela Michelle

Eco•Ideas: Bookmark

Today is exactly two weeks until Father's Day. Here's a fun little project to do with the kiddos for dad for Father's Day - create a fun book mark from things from around the house.

Some things to start with;
• a couple paint chips (these are around the house from selecting colors for those DIY projects)
• a map from a family vacation or adventure
• glue
• ribbon, string, odd shoelaces or cord
• scrapbook punches
• markers
• scissors
• stickers
• stamps

Start by picking a couple paint chips with fun color names or dad's favorite colors. Use punches and markers to decorate, glue the two chips together back to back. If you'd like to add a tie to the bookmark, punch one hole at the top and run your tie through and knot. Add a little note for dad wishing him a Happy Father's Day or telling him why you're happy he's YOUR dad. Embellish more with stickers, stamps, doodles, or fingerprints.

No two could possibly be alike and it's customizable depending on what you have around the house. No trip to the store and you're putting things that currently have no purpose to fun use.

Happy Crafting!

Posted by Alicia of LaAlicia

Etsy Dallas Weekend Guide - Online Shopping Edition!

Etsy Dallas Member Online Sales and Giveaways!
Don't wanna go out this weekend, or plan on taking a lazy Sunday? Well then hop online and check out some amazing deals that your local artists and crafters are putting on just for you.

Blue Fawn Bag - $42.00 (regularly $55.00)

SALE - Cut Out and Collect
Find great markdowns on unique independent designer bags made by the delicate two hands of Cut Out and Collect. Visit the Sale Section in her Etsy shop for more.

-Fabric Sample Giveaway - FREE!

Giveaway - Three Yellow Starfish
If you feel like diving into your own crafty fun, then check out the free giveaway over at Three Yellow Starfish blog. They're giving away a mailer full of brightly colored energetic patterns. They claim "you won't be disappointed!" Check the Three Yellow Starfish Blog to see how to enter.

-Roses are...Green - $8.50

Sale - Tefi Designs
Many handmade jewelry items are marked down in Tefi Design's shop. You can find beautiful necklaces and earrings all for a great price.

-Pink Petal Purse - $20.00 (regularly $27.00)

Sale - La Alicia
La Alicia makes great one of a kind paper and upcycled items. She is also our Etsy Dallas Environmental Guru. You can find her Earth friendly blog tips here on the Etsy Dallas blog.

-Planet Unicorn Necklace - $28.00 (regularly $35.00)

Sale - Haute Hardware
Haute Hardware is definitely hot! Check out this gal's jewelry line. You'll get so hot, you just might shed some clothes. (into a bikini of corse). Welcome summer!

Etsy Dallas Weekend Guide

It's happy fun weekend time! Grab your friends and let's go out, and get fun hangovers for Monday!

Mansfield Arts Festival
The Mansfield Arts Festival will feature local artists and craftsmen as well as live music throughout the day and into the night. And it's all just a short stroll over to Main Street where you can experience a whole new world of Historic Mansfield.

Join the Kessler Craftsman Saturday at the Mansfield Arts Festival.

Date: Saturday, June 6th
Time: 10am - 10:30pm
Location: Depot Street and surrounding Stevens Garden & Grill, Mansfield, TX
Cost: FREE!
Website: www.historicmansfield.net/2009artsfestival

Member Spotlight: Bonny Beads

I've always had a fondness for (and jealousy of) people who could make their own lampwork glass beads. I've seen it done and it is no easy feat. That's why I'm so craftily in love with Bonny Beads, one of Etsy Dallas' new 2009 members.

Bonnie Beard is the woman behind Bonny Beads and, like all artists and crafters, she really loves what she does. "I love sitting down in front of my torch, with some music or an audio book, surrounded by glass and tools and perhaps a cat or two... a plethora of options for creativity all around me," she writes on her main web site.

My favorite beads for sale in her Etsy shop are a mix of greens and oranges she calls Caramel Apples. Delish!

If you missed her at the recent Etsy Dallas Spring Bash, stop by her Etsy shop where she offers free shipping for all U.S. orders.

posted by Stephanie of Tefi Designs