The Big Bash Bag Reveal

Fifty-one early arrivers to the Jingle Bash got a Bash Bag of their very own. These swag bags were packed full of handmade awesomeness. Oh the luckiest of luckies!


We would like to thank the following artists from the bottom of our handmade loving hearts for their generous contributions:
Trizi-Tassel keychains
Ginnovations-Lampwork bead pendants
InYourBones-Embroidered snowman fingertip towels
Tiny Deer Studio-Photograph greeting cards
Mollson-Moody Mollies
Ember Paperie-Kindling letterpress pocket notes
Coco and Cocoa-Pompom ornaments
April Hiler-Floral resin magnets
Inviting Letterpress Boutique-Letterpress greeting cards
Pigsey Art- Read and write pins
Starfly Creations-Gift tags
ChetArt-Literary Pet magnets
The Modern Bazaar-Raffle tickets
Fisk and Fern-Greeting cards
Big T Woodworks-Wooden mustache magnets
Three R Designs-Upcycled record notebooks
Happy About-Magnets
Mint Cases-Leather Keyrings
Love, Burlap-Burlap ornaments
Designs by Denton/Love Shrinks-Clay Pendants
LemonGlaze-Ornaments
Wooden Leg Named Smith-DIY Peg Dolls
Both Hands Studio-Clay ornaments
Freckled Chicken-Gold dipped feathers
Cykochik-Mirrors and swatches
Dapper Guy Bowties-Bowties on a stick

Sponsor Spotlight: Etsy



If you could see us right now, you would see huge smiles and wild happy dances. That's how overjoyed we are to have Etsy as a sponsor for the Jingle Bash.

That's right! The big E is even coming to town to hang out with us at the Jingle Bash. Etsy is the marketplace where people around the world connect to buy and sell unique goods. Their mission is to re-imagine commerce in ways that build a more fulfilling and lasting world.

Etsy Dallas loves Etsy, of course, and we know you'll want to keep up with all they have to share too. You can follow Etsy on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest for all the creative goodness.

Set aside some time between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. November 15, 2014 for the biggest handmade party of the year. It's going to be so much fun!

Sponsor Spotlight: Dallas Makerspace



We are so excited to have Dallas Makerspace as a sponsor for the 2014 Jingle Bash. We are big fans! They are a non-profit, shared community workshop and laboratory located in Carrollton.

Members get 24/7 access to the space and tools as well as discounts for some classes and workshops. Dallas Makerspace has laser cutters, a full wood shop, 3D printers, an electronics lab and much more. So basically, we're saying you can make anything there.  

Dallas Makerspace hosts a weekly open house at 7 p.m. every Thursday. It's a great opportunity to meet makers and tour the space. They have an all-volunteer team. The 501(c)(3) organization is made up of local artists, engineers, makers and thinkers who enjoy creating and learning new skills.

Sponsor Spotlight: BCL of Texas


We are happy to have Business and Community Lenders of Texas as a sponsor for the Jingle Bash. BCL of Texas is a nonprofit economic development organization that provides business lending, SBA and community development programs.

In the more than 20 years since they began, BCL of Texas has created over 5,000 jobs for Texans, loaned nearly $15 million in business capital to growing business, and helped over 5,000 families to achieve home ownership.

The Business and Community Lenders of Texas Business Assistance Center #4 and #8 offer free technical assistance to low and moderate income microenterprise. Please call 214-217-8807 to schedule your free one-on-one appointment today.

Sponsor Spotlight: Midnight Snack

We are so happy to have Midnight Snack as a sponsor for the 2014 Jingle Bash. Christina's mouthwatering pieces will bring a smile to your face. And they might make you a little hungry too.


Although you won't find Midnight Snack goodies at this bash, you may meet Christina at the bash. Say hello! The plushes from Midnight Snack are works of art so we know you're going to love browsing Christina's shop. You can also enjoy a little Midnight Snack on Facebook and Twitter.



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.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/YLKphotography

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!

Sponsor Spotlight: Regal Cottage

Are you ready to take a royal adventure? Regal Cottage will deliver. Regina's beautiful toys are the perfect way to delight a child this holiday season. And parents will love you for choosing from a maker who uses certified organic cotton, eco-felt and vintage fabrics.


We are over the moon to have Regal Cottage as a sponsor for the Jingle Bash. Regina's sweet handmade toys are both classic and modern. She has lovingly created perfect items for young ones. (She's an expert on children! She has four.)


We adore Regal Cottage. "I love knowing that my toys will bring joy to children and their families while also helping to repair the world," Regina said.

 
Be sure to stop by Regina's booth at the Jingle Bash November 15, 2014. We are sure you will find something to love. Want to see more? You can follow Regal Cottage on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Sponsor Spotlight: DFW Child



Etsy Dallas is so excited to welcome back DFW Child as a Jingle Bash sponsor. We all know it's the go-to magazine for families in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. You can find DallasChild, FortWorthChild and NorthTexasChild online and in print. Each monthly publication focuses on a region of DFW and keeps readers updated on what is happening.

The award-winning magazines cover all areas of parenting – from prenatal care through adolescence. It's also free, which makes it perfect for any budget. They also publish special resources Thrive and DallasChildBaby. Thrive is a quarterly publication for local families living with learning differences and special needs. DallasChildBaby is biannual and focuses on new and expecting parents with specailized resources specifically targeted to first-time parents.

Be sure to check out their Contests page (hint hint!!) for a chance at some awesome prizes. Looking for some fun activities for the family? Check out their Things To Do page. They have you covered!

Need more? Follow them on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for even more great info. Be sure to check out their table and pick up a copy of the magazine at the Jingle Bash 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. November 15, 2014.

Sponsor Spotlight: Freckled Chicken

Sugar and spice and everything nice, that's what Freckled Chicken is made of. And we love it! Holly's adorable handmade pieces are sure to bring a smile to little girls this holiday season. We are so happy to have Holly as a sponsor of the Jingle Bash this year.


 
Holly earned a degree in fashion and spent much of her career focused on grownup clothes. Then she began making clothing for her daughter and something magical hatched. “I have to say children’s wear is a lot more fun,” she said. Looking for something specific? Holly offers custom pieces too.

 
You can shop the Freckled Chicken booth at the Jingle Bash 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 15, 2014. And you can browse some of her lovely creations on Instagram and Facebook.

Sponsor Spotlight: K8made

We are thrilled to have Kate of K8made as a sponsor of the 2014 Jingle Bash. The holidays are almost here, and we know lots of ladies who would love to find one of Kate's beautiful pieces under the tree.
 
 
K8made bags are sold in boutiques across the country and are especially popular for bridal parties and brides. 

She is also a big supporter of independent artists. She loves to buy handmade when shopping for gifts for friends and family. “When you buy handmade, you’re guaranteed to get a unique product that was made with care and purpose,” Kate said. 
 
 
We couldn’t agree more. You can follow K8made on Instagram and Twitter for behind-the-scenes scoops on Kate's upcoming projects. And be sure to visit the K8made booth at the Jingle Bash on November 15, 2014.

Gift Guide: A Few of My Favorite Things...

The Jingle Bash is the perfect place to find a few favorite things from talented artisans that are perfect for giving or receiving. *hint, hint*


Organic Hot and Cold Pack by Regal Cottage

Original Canvas Fine Art Painting 1 painting a day series by Liz Wiley: 



Selections by Kathy from Kathleen Care Jewelry who will also be at the Jingle Bash. 

Sponsor Spotlight: YLK Photography

Yony is a photographer with a keen eye and an Etsy Dallas member. We love her work. You will too. We are truly honored to have YLK Photography as a sponsor for the Jingle Bash coming up Saturday, November 15, 2014.


Yony specializes in lifestyle and portrait photography. The mesmerizing pieces she creates conjure feelings both nostalgic and timeless.


Be sure to check out her shop. And you can also follow YLK Photography on Instagram and like it Facebook to see more of Yony's work.

Help out at the Jingle Bash!

Want to spend a Saturday with some of the most creative and fun people in Dallas? Want to help add that extra touch of magic that makes the Jingle Bash the best Shop+Party+Art+Craft show around? We would love to meet you!




Etsy Dallas is on the search for volunteers for the highly anticipated Jingle Bash. Come hang out with some awesome and fun people at Gilley's. The Bash happens there from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, November 15. We will need volunteers for the following shifts: 
  • 9 a.m. to Noon
  • Noon to 3 p.m.
  • 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  • 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Wondering what Jingle Bash volunteers do?


Well, they help out in lots of fun ways:
*You know those pretty decorations at the show? Volunteers help the Deco Squad put everything in its place just so. 
*And what about those coveted Bash Bags that people stand in line for hours to get? Volunteers help hand out those babies which means they get the first peak at what's inside. 
*Also, volunteers lend a hand at the Photo Booth helping visitors dress silly and pose for the camera with our crafty photo props. 
*Volunteers also relieve vendors when they need to take a break so they don't get even a tad bit grumpy after a long day of selling their crafty wares. 
*And, volunteers help shoppers get their craft on at the Make&Take Table. 

Sign up to volunteer for a few hours. We would be super-excited to have you on board and make this the very best Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash ever!

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 

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!

DIY: patriotic pinwheels for a sparkly Fourth of July

We've got something festive and sparkly just in time for your Fourth of July. Katrina of Ma Joie Press put together this great DIY. These make great party favors and decorations. Katrina added some to a bouquet of flowers for a holiday centerpiece, and it's adorable. Have a fun, safe and crafty Fourth!


1. What you need: 4.25" cardstock or scrapbook patterned paper squares, flat tacks, chopsticks, scissors, hot glue gun, hole punch, paint brush, glitter, and Elmer's glue.

If you love the paper design in the photos, Katrina was kind enough to share! Here is a letter-size PDF for easy printing. Print one side, then turn it over and print the back.

2. Cut from each corner to about two-thirds to the center of the square.

3. Put a dot of hot glue in the center of the square, and fold a point to the center. Continue dotting the glue and folding until you have a pinwheel.

4. Use your hole punch to make a hole in the center of the pinwheel, right through the dried hot glue.

5. Paint the edges of the pinwheel with Elmer's glue. Add glitter.

6. After the glue is dry, use a tack to secure the pinwheel to a chopstick. Careful not to push it in too tightly or the pinwheel won't spin.

Enjoy!

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.