Daily Discoveries: For Your Mom

Mother's Day is fast approaching! Be sure to show Mom how much you care with a special, handmade gift! Here are a few ideas from our Spring Bash artists!

Clockwise from top left: Margarita Soap from The Pink Sink, Geometry Travel Laundry Bag by Jenni20, Strawberry Recipe Cards by the Ruffly Owl, Lavender Lotion from Kitchen Beautician, Fringy Flower by Silla Soup, Austin Themed Cards by Jennifer M. Ramos, and Rosy Rosy Personalized Cards by Oh Louise!

What's in the Bash Bag?

Big, huge, monstrous thanks to the following artists, crafters and indie businesses for contributing handmade promos to our incredibly popular Bash Bags™, screen printed by Dowdy Studio:

• Amon Carter Museum - colored pencils
• Angels & Moore - earrings + coupons
• bonny beads - pocket mirrors
• Chet Phillips Illustration - art pins
• childsPLAYdesign - lavender sachets
• Christie Cone Ceramics - pins
• Craft Chi - rubber stamps
• DCimaginations - felt plush keychains
• Dowdy Studio - wooden coasters
• eye on the sparrow - guitar string keychains
• Good Time Junkin - chalkboard ornaments
• Harrilu - bird gliders + pins
• Imagine Hairy Friends - miniature wood paintings
• Jenni20 - corner keeper bookmarks
• K8 made - keychains
• Karmacrochet - pins
• La Alicia - pins
• Loop and Lil - mystery envelopes
• MadeByRori - postcards + mini notepads
• maggie may i - Scrabble tile pendants
• Maria Day Handcrafted Jewelry - jewelry pouches
• Modest Ambition - crocheted ribbon badges
• One Up Designs - small notebooks
• Ornamental Things - necklaces + earrings
• PaperBeatsRock - fabric garlands
• Red Tile Studio - art postcards
• Regal Cottage - scented sachets
• ReGeared - bike chain keychains
• Seen Studios - notecard sets
• seventy-five apparel - canvas prints + coupons
• Sheepish Knitting & Crochet - crocheted brooches
• Signifying Not - temporary tattoos
• Suzanne O'Brien - paper fortune cookies
• tefi - magnets + pushpins
• Textile Fetish - art postcards
• The Miscellany - art postcards
• the paper nest co. - fabric notecards
• The Pig and the Peacock - soaps
• The Ruffly Owl - embellishment kits
• TOOMASOOBA - matted prints
• Yellow Bug Boutique - bookmarks
• YLK Photography - photo magnets

Special thanks to Alicia of La Alicia for collecting these goodies in her home over the past few weeks, and to Bonnie of bonny beads for hosting the Bash Bag™ stuffing party at her home. Thanks, ladies!

So how do you score one of these gems? Come on down to the 3rd Annual Spring Bash this Saturday at South Side on Lamar. The first 50 shoppers will receive a Bash Bag™ chock full of handmade goodies. (Must by 16 years or older to receive one.)

Visit www.handmadebash.com for more info. See you tomorrow at the Bash!

posted by Stephanie of tefi

Daily Discoveries: For the Young & Young at Heart

Spring Bash is FUN! Fun people, fun activities, and fun, original stuff that you can buy! Where else can you find a mounted knit jackalope?


Clockwise from top left: Giant Pretzel Plush by Midnight Snack, Canvas Totes by Toomasooba, Mounted Jackalope by Crochette, City of Austin Tee by orangeheat, Little Birdie Mobile by Loop + Lil, ALL CAPS painting by Imagine Hairy Friends, and Sweetest Matryoshka Dolls by Regal Cottage.

Hey Spring Bash Shoppers - We Love You!

We hope you are excited as we are about the upcoming 3rd Annual Spring Bash this Saturday. It will be our 9th craft show since our humble beginnings in 2007! There is so much fun stuff to do at the Bash - shop, craft, drink, groove - that we sometimes forget the boring stuff. Here's the low down on some important details for you, dear shopper:

RAIN OR SHINE!
Since the Spring Bash is all indoors at South Side on Lamar, no rain or yucky weather will stop us from having this party. Come one! Come all!! (and bring plenty of cash...see below)


CROWDS
The Bash has become one crazy popular show, and we couldn't thank you enough dear shoppers! There tends to be a mad rush of shoppers the first two or three hours of our show. If crowds aren't your thing, come on out to the Bash toward the end of the show so you'll be able to browse all the amazing art + craft, talk with the artists, and push those strollers down the aisles. If it's too crowded and you need to take a break, grab a drink at Absinthe's full bar, or have a warm cup of coffee at Opening Bell located in the building. Remember, there's no charge to get in, so come out whenever it best suits your needs. We'd love to see you no matter what time you show up and appreciate your support more than you know!

PARKING
Shoppers can park in several places at South Side on Lamar. There is a free 2-hour retail lot across from the main Bash entrance on Belleview Street, several larger $5 lots next to this small 2-hour lot, meter spaces along Lamar Street, and some free parking sprinkled throughout The Cedars neighborhood.

DART RAIL
Take the blue or red line to The Cedars stop on the DART rail, and save on gas and ugly carbon emissions!

BIKE ON OVER
We love our bike friendly citizens. Strap on your helmet and head over to South Side on two wheels!

MONEY STUFF
There are two ATM's on site, but the Bash cannot control if they are functioning and/or full of dollars. Please bring plenty of cash with you since some vendors don't accept credit cards or checks. Our DJ also accepts cash tips. Believe us - you're gonna love her and she's worth a few dollars to say "Thanks for the groovin' tunes!" Absinthe Bar will accept cash or credit for drinks. Etsy Dallas is collecting cash donations at the photo booth with all proceeds benefiting relief efforts Sendai, Japan - Dallas' sister city!

DOGS LOVE CRAFTS
It's true! Dogs just love the handmade way. Show them a good time by bringing your leashed pal to the show. South Side is a dog-friendly building, and the Bash is a dog-friendly event! Need another loving pup to add to your family? A dog adoption group will be on-hand from 10am-4pm with some super sweet adoptable doggies.

SEE YOU AT THE BASH THIS SATURDAY!!!

Daily Discoveries: For Your Jewelry Box

Spring Bash is a handmade jewelry lover's dream! Just look at these lovely choices from a few of our Spring Bash artists. Try your best not to drool on the keyboard!


Clockwise from top left: Clip on Necklace from estieMade, Large Alligator Earrings from F is for Frank, Electron Ring from Freeforged Jewelry, Painted Metal Filigree Necklace from Gleeful Peacock, Disc Earrings from Maria Day Jewelry, and Citrine and Antiqued Gold Necklace from Haute Hardware.

Sponsor Spotlight: FotoFuze

We are are happy to welcome back FotoFuze as a Spring Bash sponsor this year. FotoFuze is a free online photo enhancement service for product photography that is easy to use and uhh FREE! It doesn't get better than free my friends. Many Etsy artists use FotoFuze to clean up their images and give it a crisp white background that make those items pop!

Check out some samples from their site:

And give it a whirl for yourself here for free!

Thank you FotoFuze!

Daily Discoveries: Night Out on the Town

We looked through our Spring Bash artists and found some hot picks for your night out on the town. What's hotter than a Texas summer night? Black vinyl and a little black handbag...

Eye of the Tiger tote by Bolsa Bonita $68, Infinite Horizon Cuff by RevisionistDesigns $68, Crazy Little Thing Called Love Vinyl Charm Necklace by HiFiJewelry $50,

Clutch Purse by K8Made $40

Daily Discoveries: For the Stylish Girl

If you need to pick something up for your new girlfriend, your best friend's birthday, or each of your bridesmaids before your summer wedding, our Spring Bash artists have you covered!


Connections short-sleeve hoodie from Harrilu, Modern Marie from SunshineAndCarousels - $18.00, feather wood panel from 75 Apparel - $35.00, Owl and Vintage Moon Necklace from Ornamental Things - $48.00,

Sponsor Spotlight: South Side on Lamar

Meet our top sponsor South Side on Lamar. We love this place! As you can see, Etsy Dallas has proudly chosen to call South Side on Lamar our home for the past 3 Spring Bashes.

South Side on Lamar has welcomed and embraced its artist community by catering to Dallas' creatives. We'd even call it a beacon for aspiring artists, designers and art lovers all around. Not only do many artists call South Side on Lamar home, they also work, create and grow there. From it's unique shops and artists studios and gallery openings, to its restaurant, coffee house and bar, this is a place not lacking at all.

Come see this vibrant Dallas gem at the Spring Bash on Saturday, April 30th.

Looking to learn more about South Side on Lamar? Please visit their website here, and tell them the Spring Bash sent ya!

Meet Your Free Make & Take Craft

Texas is pretty dang crafty. The state has a history rich in traditional crafts and tradesmen from metalsmiths to textile artists and everything in between. We're proud to continue some of these craft traditions. Naming the craft Texas is most well known for, well, that's a tough one... but when it comes to glue, glitter, and shiny monstrosities, there's one clear queen: the Texas homecoming mum. If you grew up anywhere but Texas, you might be unfamiliar with the craze. Either way, you should check out this fantastic little trailer "The Queen Mum" about this ultimate Texas craft.

We've developed our own version of the homecoming mum - modern, simplified, completely adorable - and we'd like you to come create one with us at the Spring Bash's FREE Make&Take craft table! Katrina of Ma Joie Press will be on hand all day to walk you through these fantastic little crafts.


Not ready to rock the mum? Think it might insult your manhood? We'll also be offering a second, equally awesome craft. You've already decided to attend the Spring Bash so clearly, you're a winner and every winner needs an award ribbon to prove it. Katrina will be sure you can paper craft one to perfection! With Mother's Day right around the corner, hope to see some #1 Mom ribbons floating around the Bash!


Once you've donned your new handmade beauty, we hope you'll capture the moment in our FREE Photo Booth! Laura of BUTTER has been working on a backdrop fit for a homecoming king and queen. Not dressed for that crowning moment? We'll have some sweet formal wear and props for you to try out for the photo op.

You can purchase a 4x6 print of your photo for $5 and all of the proceeds will be donated directly to The Japan-American of Dallas/Fort Worth to benefit relief efforts in Dallas' sister city of Sendai, Japan. You may also download your image for free online after the Bash.

We can't wait for homecoming! Oh! I mean we can't wait for the Spring Bash!

Ain't No Party Like a Crafty Deco Party!

It's pretty well known that the Etsy Dallas members like to party... we even make our craft shows into parties, you know? Each spring and fall right before the Spring Bash and Jingle Bash, we gather at Larry's house & home studio to put decorations together for the event. Larry lets us craft until the floor is covered in tissue scraps, yarn, and at least one person is literally wearing a glass of wine.

This year was no different. Our members got together with some of our guest artists and a few of the best volunteers on the face of the planet to make enough tissue pom poms to fill a house and get our free Make&Take craft table completely stocked for all your DIY desires. Fun was had by all and no one lost any fingers in the antique paper cutter. I'd call that a success!









We hope you'll come party with us at the Spring Bash and enjoy our handmade decorations. Stay tuned to hear more about the DIY crafts we've prepared for you to do at the Make & Take table!

Etsy Dallas Weekend Guide: April 23 + 24

Dowdy Studio Wagon @ Bolsa Cafe

with Featured Artist One Up Designs

Date: Saturday, April 23 and Sunday, April 24

Time: Saturday 11am-10pm, Sunday 11am-3pm

Where: Bolsa Cafe, 614 West Davis, Dallas

Cost: FREE!

Participating Etsy Dallas Members: Dowdy Studio, and One Up Designs

And don't forget, we'll see you next weekend at the 3rd Annual Spring Bash! Shop+Party+Art+Craft

Daily Discoveries: Homeward Bound

So you've finally gotten through spring cleaning... now it's time to spruce up the place! Check out these picks from Etsy Dallas Spring Bash artists, and start making some room in your house!

Clockwise from top left: Wave Candleholder by Ferrochie, Vintage Salvaged Wood Shelf by Good Time Junkin, Josie Side Chair by BUTTER, New Belgium Meets Bike Magnet by ReGeared, Joy Tumblers by Christie Cone Ceramics.

Daily Discoveries: What's Black, White + Read All Over?

These awesome picks from our Spring Bash vendor lineup!


Clockwise from top left: Texting Cards from the Paper Nest Co., Fabric Leaves Venice Script Branches from Jane Joss, Latitude Earrings from Ornamental Things, Keyboard Shortcuts No. 2 Pencils from One Up Designs, and Morning News - Japanese Linen Brooch from Tefi

Daily Discoveries: Birds of a Feather...

Flock together at the Etsy Dallas Spring Bash! These Dallas artists certainly know how to "put a bird on it". (Portlandia, anyone?)

Welcome the warm Texas weather and take flight with these beautiful pieces.

Clockwise from top left:

I heart you a latte by Dowdy Studio, Falling Feathers Handbag in Purple Linen

by cut out and collect, Owl Mah Jong Tile Pendant by maggie may i, Modern

Chairs Quilted Pillow Cover by childsPLAYdesign

This Daily Discovery was brought to you today by Meredith of SheepishKnitCrochet.

Etsy Dallas Groovin' to the Beats

We asked our Etsy Dallas members as we get closer to the Spring Bash what tunes they prefer to listen to in their studios while creating. We wanted to know what they're go to music was, and this is what they said:

Regina/Regal Cottage says - I've always got Pandora on whilst I'm sewing. I like to mix it up.
Lately, my favorite stations are:
1. Feist
2. Johnny Cash
3. Kelly Buchanan
4. the Smiths (when I'm in funk, this kinda makes it worse)

5. Daniel Johnston (pulls me right out of it)

Laura/childsPLAYdesign said: Prince. Nothing but Prince. Forward, backwards and upside down.


Maggie/maggiemayi said: If I am in the closet I watch all kinds of stuff on Hulu. But it has to be something that won't totally steal my focus. Tried to watch Glee and that so does not work. That is like an hour of "not so productive!" If I am working on other parts of the house I usually put on the tv for background noise. I learned an awful lot about prison gangs last week while making my Bash Bag favors!


Pamela/Dowdy Studio said: So the best thing to keep my focus in our studio is to crank up some great music that gets the blood pumping and the endorphins flowing so all the creativity and artistic muscle can come on out and do it's thang to get ready for the big show.
On my studio playlist right now:
1. Vetiver
2. Akron/Family
3. The Woods
4. Man Man


Stephanie/Tefi said: I have the TV on! Something police drama-related or a good BBC production gets me through the tedious hours of packaging and labeling. :) The Smiths station on Pandora is one of my favorites! I also love these Pandora stations:
1. Belle and Sebastian
2. She and Him
3. Cocteau Twins (but not if you're sleepy)
4. the bird and the bee

And here's a little something to get you going on your projects. Cheers!



Posted by: Pamela/Dowdy Studio

Daily Discoveries: A Cure for Bare Walls

Bare walls can be a sad thing, but the artists of the Etsy Dallas Spring Bash are here to help! Spice up your place and be inspired every day with some of these fabulous pieces from the Bash artists...

Clockwise from top left: F Scott Fetchgerald by Chet Phillips Illustration, Rainy Day Roses II by YLK Photography, Meadowlark Limited Edition Print by Bee Things, Amor by The Miscellany, and La Kiva by Seen Studios.

Bash Bucks: Contest Closed

Contest now closed - Thank you for entering!!

It's that time again! Our Third Annual Spring Bash is right around the corner. As promised, the artists of the Spring Bash are hosting another Bash Bucks giveaway here on the blog and twitter! Here's your chance to win Bash Bucks, redeemable only at the Spring Bash on April 30th at South Side on Lamar in Dallas. Bash Bucks are like gift certificates you'll pick up the day of the Bash - and you can spend them at ANY participating artist's booth during the Bash. You can't go wrong. There are three ways to win 'em!

*CLICK HERE TO READ THE BASH BUCKS RULES*

(1) Comment On This Post: Look through our Spring Bash Artists and leave a comment below, telling us what you'd spend your Bash Bucks on. Include your email address! The comments will close at 11:59pm April 26th and TWO lucky commenter will be picked at random to receive $20 in Bash Bucks. You can enter as much as you like, so get comment crazy.

(2) Tweet It Out: Hop on Twitter and tweet about the Spring Bash all you want. Add #SpringBash3 and a link to this blog post or www.handmadebash.com in the text. You can tweet as much as you want until 11:59pm April 26. We'll pick one tweet at random to receive $20 in Bash Bucks and ONE MORE tweet to win $30! You'll need to direct message your email address to us if you win. Feel free to copy and paste these tweet examples:

- I'll be at the #SpringBash3 April 30 in Dallas to buy handmade Mother's Day gifts! http://www.handmadebash.com/

- RT for a chance to win BashBucks for the #SpringBash3 in Dallas April 30 http://tinyurl.com/3rsew37

- I'm going to SHOP+PARTY+ART+CRAFT at the @etsydallas #SpringBash3 http://www.handmadebash.com/

(3) Enter over on Dallas' own The Hidden List, who will be hosting their own little Bash Bucks contest all week!

Good Luck!!

Daily Discoveries: Stripes

I love stripes! They are bold, graphic, and crazy versatile. These three picks from our Spring Bash vendor lineup are sure to bring a pop of striped whimsy into your life! That pillow has a pocket! Yes!



Clockwise from top left: Sailor Stripe Yoke Tote by RACHELelise, Captain and Merbaby Medal Pin by Signifying Not, Upcycle Recycle TV Remote Pillow by Yellow Bug Boutique.

Be sure to enter to win some Bash Bucks, and stay tuned for more Daily Discoveries!

Sneak Peek: Inside the Bash Bag

Image Credit: Y(E)ARNING

Weekly Blog Walk

Hello friends and fans! We have a great week of posts from some of our members today!

YLK Photography is celebrating a milestone, and giving you the present! Be sure to visit her blog for a beautiful, free high resolution image, perfect to print and frame or as your new desktop wallpaper!

Dowdy-Studio shared some fun DIY projects from around the internet.

Haute Hardware gave us a sneak peek of some of the beautiful items they plan to sell at the Spring Bash!

Oh Louise! shared inspiration for a sweet way to fill up a sunny windowsill.

Tefi debuted several new, lovely products!

The Paper Nest Co. has some fun new cards up, perfect for the typophiles and texters in your life!

The Ruffly Owl is in love with yellow, and collected a board of her favorites. She also gave us a peek into her Spring Bash booth!

Thanks for blog walking with us! Have an awesome weekend!

Weekend Guide 16 + 17

Shop Crafty

Date: Saturday, April 16th
Time: 10am - 5pm
Where: The Marchesa, 6406 N. IH-35, Ste. 3100, Austin, TX 78752
Cost: $5
Participating Etsy Dallas Member: Signifying Not

Oak Cliff Earth Day

Date: Sunday, April 17th

Time: 12-5pm

Where: Lake Cliff Park, Dallas-

Cost: Free

Participating Etsy Dallas Member: Dowdy Studio Wagon