Shop Spotlight:EstieMade

Another Monday, another Shop Spotlight post! This week, we're featuring Etsy Dallas Team Member EstieMade. Esther Kao, owner and designer, creates unique, modern, and versatile jewelry pieces that will last you a lifetime.

EstieMade Aquamarine Half Moon Ring

What year did you start your shop? 2011

What is your shop's motto? Simple + wearable jewelry that is elegant enough for everyday wear.

EstieMade Dainty Tourmaline Rope Ring

What is your favorite item that you sell? Rings!

Fun fact about you: I rarely buy clothes - I spend my money on jewelry supplies instead!

EstieMade Geometric Stacking Bracelets

How did you get started? My first jewelry pieces were necklaces for my bridesmaids in 2009, and from there I got hooked on making jewelry. 

EstieMade Hand-Textured 14k Gold Stacking Rings

Anything else we should know about you? I have a background in graphic design and advertising, which has come in handy for developing my Etsy shop and branding.

EstieMade Triangle Malachite Necklace

Thank you so much, Esther! Your pieces are truly beautiful, and we're proud to have you on the team!

If you would like to know more about EstieMade, you can check out her other social media sites. And I definitely would, if I were you - she's usually posting some killer sneak peeks of upcoming designs and behind-the-scenes shots of her process!

Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // Web

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

Pop-up Shop at Pouf

Our long-time Team Etsy Dallas fans will remember distinguished alumna, Maryam, the creative force behind the lifestyle blog and shop Pamplemousse1983. She’s recently put her blog on hiatus, and closed her cutie pie Etsy shop some time ago, but she hasn’t been sitting idle, that’s for sure.

Together with her business partner Nas, Maryam opened Pouf at the end of April. Pouf is Mockingbird Station’s best blowout spot—and I daresay the best in Dallas. This jewel box blowout salon is so luscious it makes you want to move right in or at least schedule a weekly appointment. It’s luxurious, stylish, and locally owned: three of our favorite words here at Etsy Dallas.

So when Maryam contacted us about hosting a Pop-up Shop at Pouf, we said yes so fast our perfectly-coiffed tresses shook. (Okay, when she called, our tresses were not perfectly coiffed, but they will be when you see us next because we booked an appointment ASAP.)

On Saturday, August 17, 2013, from 3-7pm, Pouf and Etsy Dallas are hosting a Pop-Up Shop featuring five Etsy Dallas artists, carefully curated by Maryam to reflect the vibrancy of her Pouf clients.

We hope you’ll join us on Saturday and pop in for some shopping and maybe some ‘do la la! Check back tomorrow for feature on the five Etsy Dallas artists who'll be joining us on Saturday (K8 Made, The Freckled Chicken, YLK Photography, estieMade, and Silla Soup). 

You'll look fabulous, dahling! 

--Jenni

Hello, Summer!

A few finds to sweeten your summer. 

Mer-Jack Ladies Tee by Dowdy Studio
Sweet Citrus and Lavender Body Scrub by The Pig and the Peacock
Obsidian and Coral Chevron Necklace by estieMade
Travel Laundry Bag by Jenni20 Designs
Red Bicycle Notebook by MadebyRori
Blue Yonder Photographic Print by YLK Photography

Weekend Guide: May 30 - June 1st

Design District Market

Date: Thursday, May 30th

Time: 6-10pm

Location: 300 Cole St. Between Dragon and Slocum, Dallas 

More Info: http://designdistrictmarket.com

Participating Etsy Dallas Members: Regal Cottage, Dowdy Studio, estieMade

Etsy Pop-Up at West Elm

Date: Saturday, June 1st
Time: 1-6pm
Location: Mockingbird Station, inside West Elm store 
More Info: West Elm blog
Participating Etsy Dallas Members: YLK Photography, Honeycomb Print Shop

KXT's Summer Cut

Date: Saturday, June 1st

Time: 4pm+

Location: Gexa Energy Center, Fair Park, Dallas

More Info: KXT's Summer Cut website

Participating Etsy Dallas Members: Dowdy Studio

Daily Discoveries: all that glitters ...

Add a little shine to your week. Go for the handmade gold with these lovely finds from the Etsy Dallas team. (Clockwise from top left): YLK photography, Jenni20 Designs, estieMade, Creative Input by Liz

For the love of mom

There's so much to love about the special women in your life--the moms, grandmas, aunties, and other ladies who give you so much love and encouragement all year long. 

And though there's absolutely no way one gift can really express just how grateful you are, I know a few ladies in my life who wouldn't turn a gift down! 

So in the spirit and loving and giving, we've curated just a few things in the treasury below from our artists and members--simple, thoughtful gifts that will let someone know in a small way just how much you really care. 

Click through, and you'll find gifts for the traveler, the gardener, the fashionista, the minimalist...

Gift Guide: Loveliest Wishes

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and it's time to think about your sweeties. Today, Regina from Regal Cottage shares her loveliest wish list from the Etsy Dallas team. Hope her lovey dovey is tuned in...

Cotton and Linen Clutch by K8made

Love Parasol by DCimaginations

Heart Pocket Planter by Both Hands Studio

Violet Geode Slice Necklace by estieMade

Craft Blast from the Past: Puffy Paint Candleholder

Welcome to Craft Blast from the Past, brought to you by Esther from estieMade! When I think of craft supplies from my childhood, puffy paint seems like a staple. I remember making many puffy painted shirts from when I was young and even up to my high school days (for volleyball team spirit). I'm no longer glamming up my shirts with puffy paint, but I'd like to show you how an easy way to use it to make holiday candleholders. It's a fun way to dress up table settings during Christmas!

Materials -small jar (I used a mason jar) -puff paint -Ribbon -battery-powered tealight Steps Take your puffy paint and paint on a design. I found the paint came out most evenly when I squeezed the bottle gently. My mason jars already had X's all along the middle, so I just painted on top of these in different colors. I I alternated between a sparkly gold puff paint and a white one, and ended up with this design. Once you're done with your design, let the paint dry, then cut out a length of ribbon that fits inside your jar. You can glue the ends together if you'd like. Place your battery-powered tealight in the jar, and turn it on. Now admire your new candleholder! Hope you enjoyed this Craft Blast from the Past. Good luck with prepping for the Holidays!

Craft Blast from the Past: Washi Tape Magnets

Esther from estieMade bring us another installment in her awesome Craft Blast from the Past series.

Craft Blast from the Past is back! We're focusing on DIY magnets today. Remember making magnets when you were young? It usually involved gluing circular magnets to some kind of art piece we made, or using magnetic tape on the back of a photo. Today I'm going to teach you to make your own with washi tape and magnetic business cards. It's a quick and easy way to spruce up your fridge or office filing cabinet. I got the inspiration from this tutorial.

Materials

-washi tape

-business card magnets 

-cardstock 

-scissors

Steps

Peel the plastic covering off the magnets to expose the sticky side. 

Place the magnet onto the cardstock and press down firmly. Make sure there are no air bubbles between the magnet and cardstock. Then trim off the excess paper.

Place the washi tape parallel to one of the edges of the business card, then use your scissors and cut along the tape line. Lastly, cut the edges of the magnet. You can either do straight cuts, or you can cut zig zags to mimic the torn edges of washi tape.

Since washi tape is so thin, I thought it'd be fun make a couple magnets with colored paper underneath the tape instead of plain white cardstock. I used sheets from a paper sample book I had at home. (If you're in Texas, you can get these books free from Clampitt for free.)

Since I used pastels, the color underneath came out pretty subtle. I like how it adds just a hint of color to the magnet though. 

Like I said, this is a super-quick project. What will you use your washi tape magnets for?

Weekend Guide: October 12 + 13 + 14

Pegasus Plaza Market 

Date: Friday, Oct. 12th
Time: 11am - 2pm
Location: Main & Akard in Downtown Dallas
More Info:  http://dowdystudio.blogspot.com/2011/03/wheres-that-wagon.html
Participating Etsy Dallas Members: Dowdy Studio 

Arts Goggle

Date: Saturday, Oct. 13th
Time: 4pm-10pm
Location: Near Southside in Ft Worth (1207 W. Magnolia) 

More Info: http://www.fortworthsouth.org/community/events/arts-goggle/
Participating Etsy Dallas Members: Christie Cone Ceramics, ReGEARED 

Urban Street Bazaar

Date: Saturday, Oct. 13th and Sunday, Oct. 14th
Time: Saturday 12-8pm, Sunday 12-4pm
Location: Bishop Arts District, Dallas
More Info: http://makeitindiegenius.squarespace.com/urban-street-bazaar1/
Participating Etsy Dallas Members: Pamplemousse1983, estieMade, Dowdy Studio 

Product Spotlight: A Brave New World

Columbus Day this year is October 8th. Here are a few picks from the Etsy Dallas team to inspire your adventures.

Go & Be Daring art print by Honeycomb Print Shop

Morning at Sotol Vista art print by Seen Studios

Blue Quartz Branch necklace by estieMade

Hungry Blue Fish wall vase by Two Clay Hands

Super Ride Tee by Dowdy Studio

Make Christopher Columbus proud. Get out there and conquer the world!