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!    

Drum Roll Please! Meet the 2016 Spring Bash Featured Artists!

Good afternoon, friends and crafters!  I've got a special sneaky peek for you today!  Spring Bash is just around the corner on April 30th, and these artists have gone out of their way to help make this bash the best one yet!  Check out their shops, and put them on your list.  It's time to get excited!

Big T Woodworks

Company Goods

Mesa Blue

Quirk & Thrift

Regal Cottage

Sarah Briggs

Shadow Box Inspirations

Swanky Bands

Taylor Custer Jewelry

The Pig and the Peacock

The Crimson Poppy

Wanderlust Wares

Whipped Up Wonderful

Wandering Paper Co.

Easter & Spring Gifts from Etsy Dallas

Celebrating with your family this weekend?  Check out these unique candy alternatives every bunny is sure to love, handmade in Dallas, Texas by our very own talented makers!  Click the pictures to take the link!

1. Knot Baby Headband by PreciousLittleTot
2. Organic Pastel Bunny Plush by RegalCottage
3. Wooden Moon Pendant by SurlyBunny
4. Cucumber Melon Bath Bomb by WhippedUpWonderful
5. Foxy Fox Baby Onesie by DowdyStudio
6. Owl Soap by ThePigAndThePeacock

Weekend Guide: October 30th, 31st, and November 1st, 2015

Happy Halloween weekend, everybody! We're back with another Weekend Guide series post that is sure to keep the fun going before and after the epic sugar crash that is Halloween. If you're in the Richardson area this weekend, be sure to hit the JJ Pearce Pacesetter Holiday Bazaar!

Date: Saturday, October 31st, and Sunday, November 1st

Time: Saturday, 9 am - 5 pm; Sunday, 11 am - 5 pm

Location; JJ Pearce High School, 1600 N Coit Rd, Richardson, TX 75080

Participating Etsy Dallas Members:

The Pig and the Peacock

Olessya Jewelry Designs

Tread Studios

The 30th annual JJ Pearce Holiday Bazaar will host over 200 vendors, including some non-Etsy Dallas members that will be at the Jingle Bash like Shadow Box Inspirations, April Hiler Designs, and Lemon Glaze. 

Have fun this weekend, and stay safe!

Shop Spotlight: The Pig and the Peacock

We are so excited to begin a new series highlighting the awesomeness of our Etsy Dallas Team Members! Each week, we will interview one of our members and showcase what makes them so special. Keep your eyes peeled - there are some really great things coming your way!

First up is The Pig and the Peacock, owned by sisters Sabrina and Jenny. They are currently running a crowdsourcing campaign on Etsy to help fund the introduction of their DejaVino Wine Bottle Candles. Click here to see the campaign and show support!

The Pig & the Peacock DejaVino Wine Bottle Candles

What year did you start your shop? 2008

Jenny & Sabrina's Studio

What is your shop's motto? Beautiful hand-crafted soap

Chamomile & Calendula Soap

What is your favorite item that you sell? Red Tea & Lychee soap (but the soap guns are most popular!)
Fun fact about you: We are both figure skaters and science/math geeks!
How did you get started? We started by making bath salts for a friend's gift, and it exploded from there.

Lavender & Mint Lotion Bar

Anything else we should know? Our shop is named in memory of our grandparents. Our grandfather raised pigs, and to class up the place, our grandmother raised peacocks.

All-Natural Body Butter

Thanks so much, ladies, and good luck on your Fund on Etsy Campaign!

For more info about The Pig and the Peacock, you can follow them on any of these social media sites: Instagram // Twitter // Facebook // Etsy Shop // Blog

Spring Things for the Kids at the Spring Bash

Oh the things you can find for the kids at the 2015 Spring Bash-really, really wonderful things! From art to toys to the cutest clothing, artisans will be on hand to share with you their process and the inspiration behind their adorable offerings. 

Nothing But a Pigeon

Iza Pearl Design

Fox Hollow Designs

In Your Bones

The Pig and The Peacock

Emmi Lee Designs

These are just a few of the adorable kid finds that will be available at the Spring Bash. There are so many more! It's one day only (Saturday, May 2nd). Bring the kids. They will enjoy shopping the Bash too. There will be Make and Take crafts that kids and grownups alike will enjoy, and there is a restaurant on site too. The crowds can be a challenge with a stroller, but if you come later in the day, the crowds tend to thin out and you can stay for dinner in the restaurant. 

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 ...

 

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

How to set up a craft show booth like a pro (part two)

Do you ever wonder what goes into prepping for those craft shows you visit? Have you been thinking about selling your work? We asked Jenny and Sabrina of The Pig and The Peacock for their expert advice on being a vendor. And they delivered! Check out their earlier post if you haven't already …

Prep for Doing Business

One or two weeks before the show, gather everything you need to do business and ring up transactions. Pens, calculators, invoice/receipt books, shopping bags, are must-haves.

Make a bank run to get change – think about your price points and plan your change based on that. If you take credit card payments via Square or any other device or app, make sure they are in working order and that you remember passwords for apps. Another thing we do is create a cheat sheet of all of our items pricing with tax. At the bottom we have every price point from $1-$100 with tax added for quick reference.

Prepare for the Day

Bring bottled water or soda and snacks even if there will be food/drinks on site. You may be too busy to take a break! Be sure to snack when you can so you don't run out of energy toward the end of the day. It's also great if you can recruit friends to help, whether it is to drop off lunch, give you a break or support.

Prepare for the Unexpected

Know that no matter how much planning you do, you can't plan for everything, but you can try your best to be prepared so if the unexpected does happen, you have it covered. We always bring a disaster kit. In this kit, along with our pens and invoice books, we keep the following:

• Stapler
• Scotch tape
• Duct tape 
• Packing tape (no joke we bring 3 kinds of tape with us and have used them all!)
• Kleenex and napkins
• Safety pins
• Advil (you will be glad you had it)
• Calculator
• A multi-use tool
• Lighter
• Power strip
• Extension cords
• Bungee cords
• Band-Aids
• Purell
• Sharpies
• Blank index cards (for ad-hoc signage)
• Business cards
• Notebook – we like to take notes of things we forgot or wish we had and items customers asked for that we currently don't make
• We also bring a hand truck and a thick floor mat to stand on

Have Fun Selling

The best part of being at a craft show is being able to talk with your shoppers, and tell them about your process and your passion for your craft. Have fun selling and they will have fun shopping.

If you are on the shy side, think about an opening line to break the ice – perhaps something that makes your items special or what inspired you to make it. Instead of answering questions with a yes or no, take advantage of the opportunity to tell people more about the item too. Even a simple hi and a smile will go a long way to make people feel welcome. We like to chat with people and ask them how they are enjoying the event as a whole, and find out what cool things they have seen at other booths. 

How to set up a craft show booth like a pro (part one)

Do you ever wonder what goes into prepping for those craft shows you visit? Have you been thinking about selling your work? We asked Jenny and Sabrina of The Pig and The Peacock for their expert advice on being a vendor. And they delivered! Check back soon for part two …

Craft shows are a great opportunity to boost sales and meet your customers face to face so you can show them what you are all about. In order for you and your shoppers to have the best experience possible, you need to plan ahead and prepare.

Make Enough Product

First and foremost you need product – and plenty of it. You should aim to still have a relatively full display toward the end of the show. If your booth looks empty, you might get passed by. Depending on your price points, you should expect to sell 1/4 to 1/3 of the inventory you bring. The best way to be prepared is to make a production schedule and try to stick to it. Then bring everything to the show, even if you aren't sure you will sell it.

Lay Out Your Booth Space and Displays

About three weeks before the show, plan your booth space. Decide what your table layout will be, how your displays will be set up and where chairs and product storage will go but still be easily accessible. Tape off the booth space on the floor or driveway and be sure everything fits. Once you have a "floor plan," decide how your goods will be displayed.

You want to be sure your displays hold enough product, are easily shop-able, and add height and interest to your booth. Anything can be used as a display, from old crates and quirky vintage suitcases to simple metal hanging racks or risers. Bring tablecloths for your tables to create a visually appealing display that allows you to hide stuff under the table. Remember to consider lighting needs. Check out this Flickr Craft Show Group for ideas.

Create Signage

On average, a customer will ask the price of items only twice before they feel uncomfortable asking again. Put them at ease by creating signage or putting price tags on all of your items. Make sure the sign is easy for them to spot and big enough to read from a distance. Also be sure you have business cards handy and in a place that is easy for shoppers to find. 

Freshly picked finds for spring

It's official: Spring has arrived. Here are some fresh picks from the Etsy Dallas team to brighten up your world. Now it's time to kick back with a tall glass of iced tea and enjoy the sunshine.

 8x10 Original Photographic Print Hello Friend by YLKphotography

 Spring Time Bunting Fabric Banner Flags Party by InYourBones

 Hand Painted Floral Folded Greeting Card by Magnolia Tree Paperie

 Dainty Pendant Necklace by estieMade

Handmade Glycerin Soap Green Butterfly by The Pig And The Peacock

A Jingle Bash wrap and a bit of a treat

Big thank you hearts to everyone who made Jingle Bash 2013 a success. We're looking at you, volunteers, sponsors, photographers, vendors and savvy shoppers. We wanted to share a few of our favorite photos from the day. And we want to thank you, dear reader, for your continued support of independent artists and makers. 

A few of our member shops have special coupon codes for you! Check out these Etsy Dallas team shops and save. 

MariForssell: Use code ETSYDALLAS20 to save 20 percent through March 31, 2014.

FreckledChicken: Use code PEEP2014 to save 20 percent through March 31, 2014.

Regal Cottage: Use code WONDERSOFWONDERS to save 20 percent through January 31, 2014.

Creative Input by Liz: Use code Creative2014 to save 20 percent through March 30, 2014.

The Pig & The Peacock: Use code ETSYDALLAS20 to save 20 percent through March 31, 2014.

MadeByRori: Use code JINGLENEWYEAR to save $2.14 through March 31, 2014.

Breakfast of (handmade) champions

Rumor has it September is National Breakfast Month. Are you ready? We can think of no better reason to pretty up your kitchen. If you need a little handmade inspiration to wake up early, we've got you covered. Save us a seat. We'll bring the coffee. 

Squint Photography

miamaria

The Pig and The Peacock

Both Hands Studio

Urban Spindle

Christie Cone Ceramics