Learning Opportunities from Etsy Dallas

We are delighted to continue to offer learning opportunities with the Etsy Dallas Team and Dallas Makerspace. Our first class of the year is Craft Show Like a Pro. If you are new to craft shows, need help with your booth and displays, or are just a little rusty this would be a great class to attend!

Class info
Date: April 2nd
Time: 12:00-2:30pm
Where: Dallas Makerspace, 1825 Monetary Lane #104 Carrollton TX 75006
Cost: $15
Ticket Info

In the class we will cover everything from how to prep inventory, booth designs, displays, what to bring and how to take payments. We will also have an open discussion/booth critique at the end.

Hope to see you there!

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!

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: 13th, 14th, and 15th, 2015

If you're looking for something fun to do this weekend, you're in luck! Because we're running another post in our Weekend Guide series! This weekend, there are quite a few awesome shows to choose from. 

You could head over to the Moms In Action Christmas Market - 

Date: Saturday Nov 14^th

Time: 9am-5pm

Location: First Baptist Church Grapevine, 301 E. Texas St, Grapevine, TX 76051

Participating Etsy Dallas Member: Paddy Wick Lane

Or the Pigment Art Show -

Date: Friday Nov 13^th and Saturday Nov 14^th

Time: Fri 5:30-8:30pm, Sat 12-2pm

Location: Pigment School of the Arts, 605 W Lovers Ln Dallas, TX 75209

More Info

Participating Etsy Dallas Member: Wayne Works 

Or the LECPTA Auction Party -

Date: Friday Nov 13^th

Time: 7:30-10pm

Location: Belo Mansion and Pavillion, 2101 Ross Ave, Dallas TX 75201

More Info 

Participating Etsy Dallas Member: Kathleen Care Jewelry 

Or if you'd like drive a bit, head to Austin for the Junior League of Austin's 2015 Christmas Affair -

Date: Wednesday Nov 18^th – Sunday Nov 22^nd  

Time: Wed 6pm-7:30pm, Thurs 12pm-9pm, Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 11am-4pm

Location: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704

Participating Etsy Dallas Member: Precious Little Tot 

//

See you this weekend!!

Weekend Guide: November 5th, 6th, and 7th, 2015

Hello, lovers of handmade! And welcome to another installment of our Weekend Guide series!

This weekend, we have two incredible shows to share with you. Seriously - this weekend is going to be AMAZING.

First up, we have the Northwest Bible Church MOPS Merry Market:

Date: Friday, November 6th

Time: 10:30 am to noon

Location: 8505 Douglas Avenue, Dallas, TX 75225

Participating Etsy Dallas Members:

Wayne Works

And last, but certainly not least, is the Dallas Flea:

Date: Saturday, November 7th

Time: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Location: Trinity Groves, 2900 Bataan Street

Participating Etsy Dallas Members:

Wayne Works

Precious Little Tot

Paddy Wick Lane

Stop by The Flea for a huge assortment of really incredible makers - over 110 of them! 

Have a great weekend!

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!

Announcing the 7th Annual Jingle Bash!

Yes friends, it's almost our favorite time of the year! The 7th Annual Jingle Bash will be here before you know it! 

This year, we will be back at Gilley's Dallas, but with the addition of an extra room. We have made more space for even more artists, crafters, and makers. We will have lots of your returning local favorites and new guest artists to meet too. We are absolutely thrilled about our lineup this year! You can check out the full lineup on our Artists page. 

Planning on attending? Helpful Jingle Bash tips: 

• Get there early! Doors open at 11 am, and the first 50 attendees receive limited-edition Bash Bags stuffed with free goodies from sellers. 
• Bring the kids! The Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash is a kid-friendly event! There will be make-and-take crafts for kids and grown-ups alike. There is a restaurant on-site as well for those post-shopping hungries. FYI: crowds can be a challenge to navigate with a stroller, so if you're worried, feel free to come later in the day when the crowds thin a little bit, and you'll be able to shop with ease. You can even eat at the restaurant when you're done!
• Bring cash as well as cards. Many sellers accept credit cards nowadays, but sometimes it is easier (and quicker) to pay for your purchase with cash. There is an ATM at Gilley's, but if you'd like to avoid fees, you should probably withdraw cash from your bank's ATM. 

Over the next few weeks, we will give a preview of all the talented artisans that you will have the chance to meet at the Jingle Bash here on the blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Stay tuned and keep up to date with all the latest Bashy info with hashtags #etsydallas and #2015JingleBash.

Applications for Jingle Bash 2015 Now Open!

GET EXCITED, EVERYONE! We are now accepting applications for this year's annual Jingle Bash!

This year's Bash will again be at the South Side Event Center at Gilley's Dallas on November 21st from 11 am to 6 pm. It's a seriously great show with a LOT of traffic!

If you're an artist and you would like to be considered as a vendor, you can click this link to apply. We're accepting applications from August 9th - 30th. And please do apply! We're always looking for great makers to participate, and you don't have to be local to Dallas or an Etsy Dallas member. We love to hear from anyone and everyone!

Thanks so much, and good luck!


xo,
The Etsy Dallas Team

New Workshops from Etsy Dallas and Dallas Makerspace

The Etsy Dallas team has had such a blast partnering with Dallas Makerspace to teach the key principles of operating a successful Etsy shop. We've had lots of good feedback on the classes so far and have been encouraged to keep the knowledge flowing. 

Next up, we have Photography that Sells. Come learn how to improve your photography for online sales. And then,  Craft Show Like a Pro to learn everything you need to know for craft show success.

Photography that Sells

Saturday, August 8th

1-3pm

$25
Ticket Info

Craft Show Like a Pro

Saturday, August 22nd

12-2pm

$25

Ticket Info

Tickets are required for each of these classes. Be sure to click on the links above to purchase yours.

The Jingle Bash: Call for Artists!

Awesome makers, crafters, and artists, we are looking for you to join us as we produce an even bigger and better Jingle Bash! 

We will be returning to the South Side Event Center at Gilley's Dallas, a world-class entertainment venue that is a perfect fit for our biggest Shop + Party + Art + Craft event of the year.

The Jingle Bash is a premier handmade shopping event and party that will showcase the finest in handmade apparel, bags, jewelry, home décor, accessories, art, pottery and more! 

Help us make the 2014 Jingle Bash the greatest yet! Applications are open until September 8th, so don't delay!

Artist Info and Applications 

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. 

A call to artists from the Jingle Bash!

Hey artists! The Jingle Bash is pleased to announce that artist applications will be available to you starting July 18th through July 31st on the Handmade Bash website.

Artist info is available now here

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!

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!

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.

3rd Annual Spring Bash Artists Announced!

For the third year in a row, the Etsy Dallas Spring Bash will offer up the very best in handmade apparel, bags, jewelry, housewares, accessories, art, pottery and more from nearly 60 hand-picked artists, crafters and designers, featuring the work of:

Dowdy Studio
tefi
Cut Out and Collect
Ferrochie
bee things
Midnight Snack
Karmacrochet
maggie may i
Seen Studios
Harrilu
silla soup
Signifying Not
bonny beads
Christie Cone Ceramics
TOOMASOOBA
Jane Joss
Maria Day Jewelry
Oh Louise!
Re-GEARED
Regal Cottage
The Miscellany
Yellow Bug Boutique
seventy-five apparel
and much more!

Top notch artists and crafters from Dallas and beyond will take over the Artists’ Quarter and Janette Kennedy Gallery at South Side on Lamar in the hip Cedars neighborhood just south of downtown. As always, admission is free. Shoppers can also enjoy:

• Free DIY crafts to make on-site
• Free photo booth benefitting a local charity (TBA)
• Full bar courtesy of Absinthe Lounge
• Music by DJ Wild in the Streets
• Free admission
• Family and pet friendly
• Wheelchair and stroller accessible
• Plenty of secure parking ($5 fee, some free, some metered)

A crowd favorite, the Spring Bash will offer up free Bash Bags™ for the first 50 shoppers. These collectible canvas bags – chock full of handmade products – have become a thing of legend. At the 2010 Jingle Bash held at The Palladium, shoppers arrived three hours early to stand in line for a Bash Bag™.

Shoppers are invited to come out to the Spring Bash, a hip, modern craft event full of shopping, music, and handmade good times – just in time for Mother’s Day. The Bash is more than your typical craft show; it’s a celebration of local art, craft and talent!

About the Bash - Since 2007, Etsy Dallas has hosted nine independent art shows in support of the handmade movement in Dallas, winning the enviable title of Best One-Stop Shop by Dallas Observer readers in 2009. The twice-annual Bash events are organized by Pamela Dowdy and Stephanie Hindall (under the umbrella of Handmade Bash Inc.) and presented by Etsy Dallas, the city's original independent all-volunteer local craft collective.

by Stephanie/tefi

Spring Bash Artist Applications Now Closed

**Update** The Spring Bash artist applications are now closed. Be on the look out for our Spring Bash Artist line up announcement March 9th on handmadebash.com.

We still have sponsorship opportunities available.

The Spring Bash Artist Applications are now here. We are looking for close to 50 uniques and talented artists to showcase their goods at the 3rd Annual Spring Bash. Click here to apply and to learn more about being an artist in the Spring Bash.