Creative Business Classes from Etsy Dallas Pros

I hope you are having a fun and creative Summer! It is such a great time to collect, refocus, plan and dream. Etsy Dallas would love to help you get your shop in tip top shape for the upcoming holiday season! Check out the classes below, connect with us on Facebook, and let's work together to get people pumped about shopping small in DFW!    

2016 Spring Bash Bag Reveal!

The Spring Bash kicks off at 10:30am this year, but you may want to get there early for a chance to snag one of our ever popular Bash Bags. The first 50 shoppers in line for the Bash will get one of these reusable bags chock full of Spring Bash vendor swag!

At the Bash Bag stuffing party we got a sneak peek at what's in the bag and are pretty excited (anyone wanna wait in line for us?!) and we think you will be too!

{makes me smile} ain't no party like a Bash Bag party #2016springbash #EtsyDallas #etsydallas2016 #etsydallaspad #teamwork #creativeminds

A video posted by Etsy Dallas (@etsydallas) on Apr 17, 2016 at 2:11pm PDT

A huge thank you to our amazing Bash Bag sponsors this year:

Guys & Ties - Bow Ties
Wandering Paper Co - Cards
Precious Little Tot - Key Chains Wristlet
The Pig and the Peacock - Handmade Soap
Of Earth - Necklaces 
Captivated Calligraphy - Cards
Quirk + Thrift - Coin Purse
A Cheery Blossom - Leather Cord Wraps
Unboxed Studio - Pencils 
Expressions Bracelets - Charms
InYourBones - Embroidered Appliqués 
Land of the Thread - Bracelets
Lemon Glaze - Charms
Makers Connect - Buttons 
Kathleen Care Jewelry - Bracelets 
Tessa Bunny's - Organic Play Clay
Silver Tines Spoon Jewelry - Key Chains 
Tesoro Jewelry - Engraved Bracelets
And some surprises from Pop Shop America, PediaQ, and Etsy Dallas!
Don't forget, to get your very own Bash Bag you'll have to get there early! See you Saturday!

Spring Bash Applications Are Closing Soon!

Don't miss your chance to be a part of the 2016 Etsy Dallas Spring Bash! We are looking for handmade artists, crafters and makers of all kinds! Visit the Handmade Bash website for more details and to apply. Applications close this Friday March 4th at midnight!

DIY: Valentine's Day Cards

Want to make a thoughtful handmade Valentine's Day card for someone special (or you waited till the last minute and there are zero cards left at the store?) We have a fun and easy tutorial for you today!

Materials needed:

Cardstock - folded in half

Heart cut out of a piece of paper

Embroidery needle

Embroidery floss in your choice of color (or go crazy with several!)

1. Take your heart cutout and trace it lightly on the front of your card - use a pencil for this part
2. Using your embroidery needle poke holes around the heart tracing - be sure to space them out. For the heart on the left you will also need to poke a hole in the center of the heart.
3. Once all the holes have been made, erase the pencil tracing. Select your embroidery floss color.
4. Starting from the top of the heart start making big stitches from each hole to the center.
5. Keep working your way around the heart. You can change colors part way through too.
6. Once complete, tie a knot on the back side of the card to secure the floss and write a message of your choice!

Instead of making stitches through the center you can randomly make stitches all around the hear for a more abstract look, or do lines straight across for a clean look.

Happy Valentine's Day!

#LoveLetters

This month, our team joined DoDomething.org's Love Letter campaign to make Valentines Day cards for senior citizens in our community that are home bound and face isolation due to disability, location, and language barriers. It was a really fun project that family and friends participated in and we got cards from all over Dallas and Austin too!

In total we made over 100 handmade cards that Meals on Wheels will deliver over the next few days, and we hope it will put smiles on many faces!

Valentine Finds

Here's a little roundup of sweet finds for all your valentines. Here's hoping you can get yourself something lovely too.

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/55063355/lychee-red-tea-soap-handmade-olive-oil

https://www.etsy.com/listing/266537869/gold-plater-arrowhead-necklace

https://www.etsy.com/listing/206714638/horizons-limited-edition-8x10-silkscreen

https://www.etsy.com/listing/253563158/the-mercedes-geometric-table-lamp-red

https://www.etsy.com/listing/257528511/limited-edition-coral-arrow-travel

Etsy Dallas Weekend Guide Dec 11th & 12th

Time for another Etsy Dallas weekend guide! Still looking for the perfect gift for that special someone? Check out this weekends handmade shopping events where you will find Etsy Dallas members along with other great local handmade artists.

Two Friends and Junk

Date: Friday Dec 11^th – Sat Dec 12^th

Time: Friday noon-7pm, Saturday 9am-5pm

Location: Exchange Center Expo, 4148 E 21^st St, Tulsa OK 74114

More Info

Participating Etsy Dallas Member: Lawless Souls 

Admission is $6, kids under 12 are free plus $6000 in door prizes

Dallas Farmers Market Holiday Hall

Date: Saturday Dec 12^th

Time: 10am – 5pm

Location: Dallas Farmers Market 1010 S Pearl Expy, Dallas, TX 75201

More Info: http://dallasfarmersmarket.org/

Participating Etsy Dallas Members: 

Regal Cottage

The Shed is a great one-stop-shop for your fresh produce, artisan foods and Dallas flavored holiday meals and gift shopping! This weekend will kick off the Grand Opening of the new Dallas Farmers Market in the re-done enclosed shed that fronts Harwood Street! Come and meet your local vendors!

Cowtown Indie Bazaar

Date: Saturday Dec 12^th

Time: 11am – 5pm

Location: Will Rogers Memorial Complex 3401 W Lancaster, Ft. Worth, TX 76107

More Info

Participating Etsy Dallas Members: 

Wayne Works

There will also be lots of Jingle Bash vendors at Cowtown as well like April Hiler Designs, Mush Tushy and Big TWW

Weekend Guide Dec 4th-5th

Happy Friday! We have two handmade events for this weeks Weekend Guide. See below for where you can find some of our team members over the next few days!  

Holiday Open House and Gallery Reception

Date: Friday Dec 4^th

Time: 5-7pm

Location: North Haven Gardens 7700 Northaven Rd, Dallas TX 75230

More Info

Participating Etsy Dallas Members:

  Off Avenue Studion 

In addition to shopping with local artisans, enjoy a glass of wine and sample flavors from the menu of the upcoming Cafe at NHG. Stroll through the gallery and stop by the Animal Rescue of Texas' Angel tree too! There will also be a pop-up DIY class at 5:30 where you can learn to make seasonal decor.

Move Studio Abundance Boutique Trunk Show

Date: Saturday Dec 5^th
Time: 9am-1pm
Location: Move Studio 17062 Preston Rd Suite 108, Dallas TX 75248
More Info
Participating Etsy Dallas Members: 
 Kathleen Care Jewelry 
The Abundance Boutique also carries handmade items by several other Etsy Dallas members!

Ultimate Girls Night Out

Date: Wednesday Dec 9^th
Time: 7-10pm
Location: Dallas Palms 2424 Marsh Ln, Dallas TX 75006
More Info
Participating Etsy Dallas Members: 
Whipped Up Wonderful 
Entry is free but please bring a toy to donate to Toys for Tots!

Mother's Day 2015: A Spring Bash gift guide

We are busy getting ready for the best handmade show of the year. The 2015 Spring Bash is May 2. We can't wait to buy something awesome for all the mamas on our shopping lists. Mother's Day is May 10, and our Spring Bash vendors have you covered.

Check out these finds from a few of our bash artists. Just click the image to visit the shops ...

 

{Be Mine} Valentine finds from Etsy Dallas

If you want to really impress your Valentine this year, find them something extra special. These pretty finds from Etsy Dallas are perfect ways to spread a little love. These lovelies will last much longer than flowers and chocolate so go ahead and treat yourself while you're at it.

 

P.S. If you're a local maker and want to join the best team ever, find out how to join the 2015 Etsy Dallas Team. Applications are available through January 31, 2015.

ZOOMOS Pop-Up Shop + Etsy Dallas = Good Cause

This Saturday, you can shop small to make a big difference in our community. It's that time of year when we are scurrying around buying gifts for our loved ones. We should also remember those who are going without. Etsy Dallas has partnered with ZOOMOS Pop-Up Shop for a one day only charity event.

We will have seven Etsy Dallas artists selling their handmade items and 20 percent of the proceeds will benefit Promise House. For more than 31 years, Promise House has focused on supporting homeless youth in the Dallas area by providing a safe shelter, counseling and outreach services.

The goal for this event is to raise enough money to buy some much needed items for Promise House and help spread some holiday cheer to the kids and teens they serve. And it just so happens that this event takes place on Small Business Saturday, so come shop for a cause with our Etsy Dallas team members and help support local businesses at the same time.

Join us for some wine and holiday treats while you shop. You can also get your photo taken with Santa on the popular you + me = love mural at ZOOMOS!

When: Noon to 6 p.m., November 29, 2014
Where: 504 N. Madison Ave. Dallas, TX 75208 (in Bishop Arts)

Participating Artists:
The Pig and the Peacock
Kathleen Care Jewelry
InYourBones
Scout & Lilly
The Crooked Hook
Mesa Blue
Off Avenue Studio

Yony's playlist helps us ring in the Jingle Bash

The Jingle Bash is indoors this year so don't worry about this wintry weather ruining your holiday shopping. We don't know about you, but this weather has us thinking thoughts of twinkling lights and hot cocoa. Etsy Dallas' social media expert, Yony, put together a Christmassy playlist to share. We think you're going to enjoy it.

We also had a little Q&A session with Yony about the season...

Q: What is your favorite thing about the holiday season?
A: Firstly, I love the cold. Secondly, I love everything else about the holidays. Everything else begins and ends with family and loved ones.

Q: Do you have any special traditions?
A: I love Christmas ornaments and have bought an ornament on every trip I have taken since geting married in 1996. Since having children, I have bought ornaments for them each year so that when they get married, they will each have a set of ornaments to take with them that have been with them since they were born.

Q: Have you started holiday shopping?
A: Yes, I actually started my shopping in September when I used a coupon code to get a great deal on a custom portrait drawing by Rob Polivka on Etsy. It's a gift for my daughter. That's it, though.

Q: How did you choose the songs for your playlist?
A: It wasn't that difficult to choose the songs for this playlist because I just threw in what I thought would make a decent mix with a flow that made some sense. I like variety, as my music taste isn't so much "one trick pony," so you will hear a few different sounds. I think I was feeling kind of mellow when I made it.

This has been Yony's first year on our leadership team. We think she's awesome! She says the Jingle Bash is going to be awesome too. "I have to say that I had no idea how much work the leadership team put into the planning of these shows," she said. "They who have taken up the torch for the past few years are simply amazing and I feel, in a way, that this show will be that validation and fruition of all of the work that they have put into making Etsy Dallas what it is today."

Gather your friends and family Saturday, November 15, 2014, and come check out all the Jingle Bash has to offer. "It's just going to be a lot of fun," Yony said. We couldn't agree more!

Fall in love with these Etsy Dallas finds

Fall is finally here, although the weather hasn't quite gotten the memo here in Big D. We are ready for all things autumn and pumpkin spice everything. What is your favorite part of this season?

Check out this treasury of fall goodness selected from Etsy Dallas member shops. Click the photo to browse the items. 

Etsy Dallas kicks off Crafts for Crayons to benefit Girls Inc.

Etsy Dallas is excited to announce what we hope will become an annual event to benefit Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas. We have some fun make-and-take crafts planned, and we are collecting donated school and art supplies (or cash). All donations go to Girls Inc.

 
Did you know?

• 1 in 3 children in Dallas cannot afford basic school supplies
• Across the country teachers spend $500 each year out of their own pockets to buy school supplies for their students
• Back-to-school time is very stressful for many families who cannot afford school supplies
• You can help

The Crafts for Crayons event is scheduled for 1-5 p.m. August 30, 2014, at NorthPark Center. Find us between Nordstrom and Macy's in the NorthCourt. We hope to see you there!

Studio Snapshots: Liz Wiley

It’s time for another behind-the-scenes look at an Etsy Dallas studio. This time we have a special Q&A with Liz Wiley as well as a look at her workspace. 

 

What mediums do you work with?

I make paintings on canvas using oil and acrylic. I used to work only with oils, then I started experimenting with acrylic paints for my “1 painting a day series” paintings, because I needed them to dry fast. Now that’s about all I use unless a customer requests I use oil paints.  

How is your workspace set up now?

My studio is located in a large commercial space. The front wall is ceiling to floor windows. I love all the light. Sometimes I don’t even turn on the lights. 

I have a 4' x 10' steel table in the middle of my room that I had made to work on. There is a shelf for baskets with tools and a rod to hang rolled canvas. In the corner I have a shelving system to hold all my paints. I keep brushes and tools on the top. 

I have a small office space in the back. There is a desk for my computer, book case and three idea boards. Plants everywhere. I don’t usually have the best luck with plants, but they are doing OK so far.

How is it different from when you started?

I started working in the garage at our house. It was hot, cramped and not very inspiring. The biggest difference is the amount of work that I am able to accomplish in my studio v. the garage (where there were too many distractions). I am also able to create larger paintings. It’s so inspiring to have a dedicated space to work.  

What is your favorite thing about your workspace?

I just love having my own space to work. I love that I can leave my works in progress out and not worry about it being in the way or getting touched by my little kids.

Pretty up your pics at the Etsy Craft Party

It’s time for the annual Etsy Craft Party and you’re invited! Etsy Dallas and City Craft are hosting a local gathering. Come join us for snacks, drinks and photo crafts. This free event includes three craft projects.

Choose your own project:

1) embroidering directly onto photographs or photocopies of photos;

2) embroidering on photos that have been printed onto fabric (we have two photos, courtesy of our amazing and talented Yony of YLK Photography, on fabric for you to choose from: blue bonnets and Big Tex);

3) and especially for kids: making photo collages with cropped photos, scrapbook paper, etc.

Guests are encouraged to bring their own photos to use for the projects. We will have some supplies for those who don't bring photos. And be sure to get your photo taken in the photo booth too.

In addition to the photo crafts, City Craft is opening their sewing machines to those who may want to try sewing. How amazing is that?!? It's going to be a great night. We can't wait to see what you create. Save the date!

Time: 7 - 9 p.m.

Date: Friday, June 6, 2014

Place: City Craft

2104 Irving Blvd.

Dallas, TX 75207

Studio Snapshots: Kathleen Care Jewelry

Ever wonder where all the lovely things you see on Etsy are made? It’s time to take a behind-the-scenes look at the workspace of Etsy Dallas teammate Kathleen Care of Kathleen Care Jewelry.

Kathleen created has converted a corner of her bedroom into her own studio space. It’s about 5’ x 4’ and a step up from the early days. “I started my business working on my couch with four plastic storage bins filled with gemstones, metal wire and chain,” Kathleen said. “My husband felt sorry for me (or maybe he was annoyed) and bought me a proper desk.” She has since added a second desk. 

In her current space, Kathleen uses two different size torches (fire), Dremel tools for sanding, buffing, polishing, etching, texturing, etc. She has a solid wood desk, a plywood desk and a granite surface. “Each of my surfaces work differently with the metal and gives me the ability to do a range of texturing on the jewelry,” she said. 

Save the date: Etsy Craft Party 2014

We are happy to announce our location for the annual Etsy Craft Party is City Craft. The theme this year is all about taking your photographs to new artistic levels. It's BYOP (bring your own photos) but we will have extra photographs for your use, if you don't have prints on hand.

You don't want to miss this little shindig. It's 7 to 9 p.m. on June 6. You can RSVP now for Etsy Craft Party 2014: Recapture. Enjoy an evening of food, drinks and crafty fun. We can't wait to see what you create.

Spring Bash Bags for the first 50 shoppers

More than a few of you know about the Bash Bags, and if you don't ... make sure you come early to find out.

We kick off the Spring Bash at 11 a.m. (officially), but some start their Bash celebration hours earlier. Why? To get one of the free Bash Bags we hand out to the first 50 attendees of course!

This super cool tote bag is filled with Etsy Dallas swag just for you. Our artisans put on their creative thinking caps and come up with some really neat stuff.  Here's a sneak peek at the goodies inside! 

We hope to see you bright and early Saturday. It's going to be a blast!

Thanks to the following artists:

Bunting – In Your Bones

Pens - Made by Rori

Buttons - Mama Said Studio

Original Art - Liz Wiley

Postcard - Blue Flame Studio

Head Scarves - Freckled Chicken

Magnets - K8Made

Hot/Cold Packs - Regal Cottage

Soap - The Pig & The Peacock

Stickers - Etsy Inc.

Turquoise Charms - Kathleen Care Jewelry

Greeting Cards - Magnolia Tree Paperie

Mirrors and Fabric Swatches - Cykochik

Spring Bash Sponsor Spotlight: The Shops at Park Lane

We at Etsy Dallas are super pumped to return to The Shops at Park Lane for the 2014 Spring Bash! Located in the heart of midtown Dallas, The Shops at Park Lane pairs the best in shopping with distinctive dining and entertainment options, in a modern urban environment.

Find us in the Spring Bash Pavilion and on Springtime Avenue to discover the more than 40 handmade artists who will be selling their goods. It’s free fun for the whole family. There is even a playground area for the little ones.

In addition to all the handmade goodness, you will get to meet some of The Shops’ premier tenants. Gordon Biersch is our official beer provider. Bowl & Barrel will be selling food on site. And Whole Foods (the largest Whole Foods in North Dallas!) is providing some yummy samples. 

Plan to spend the day at The Shops at Park lane. Our vendors will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., but before that you can stroll through some of the flagship stores, maybe get a mani/pedi, take your kids to the playground, and find some delicious food. After the Bash, you can grab some groceries or meet a few friends and compare Bash finds at one of the five restaurants on site. (And that’s not including the food and fun to be had at Bowl & Barrel.)

Located directly across Central from North Park Center, The Shops at Park Lane is a destination for fun and great finds. Add the Spring Bash to the mix and you are guaranteed an awesome Saturday. Oh, and there’s plenty of free, on-site parking. 

Check The Shops at Park Lane for store directories and maps. We will be on site April 26, 2014.