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.

Sponsor Spotlight: YLK

She’s an Etsy Dallas member, a self-taught photographer and a true artist. We love Yony and her work. That is why we are so honored to have YLK Photography as a sponsor for the Spring Bash coming up this Saturday, April 26, 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. 

Sponsor Spotlight: Freckled Chicken

If you’re shopping for a little girl, prepare to fall in love with Freckled Chicken. We love Holly’s sweet handmade pieces, and we are very happy to have her as a Spring Bash sponsor. 

We love the unique and whimsical clothing from Freckled Chicken. Looking for something specific? Holly offers custom pieces too. 

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. 

Holly joined Etsy in late 2010 and said she immediately recognized its importance. “Etsy has definitely been a game-changer for many artisans,” Holly said. She is looking forward to another great turnout for the bash.

Stop by the Freckled Chicken booth at the Spring Bash 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on April 26, 2014.

Sponsor Spotlight: K8made

We just adore the stunning clutches from K8made, and we are so excited to have our own Kate as a sponsor of the Spring Bash. Mother’s Day is coming up and we know lots of moms who would love to rock one of these exquisite clutches.

K8made bags are sold in boutiques across the country and are especially popular for bridal parties and brides. 

We caught up with Kate for a quick chat about the handmade shows…

“I believe the bash is one of the best handmade shows in the Dallas area,” Kate said. “As part of the team, I enjoy doing what I can to help make the event a success for everyone.”

Kate said the bash provides a great opportunity for local artists to interact with the community and to share their work with a much larger audience. “This can be instrumental in furthering the handmade movement and each individual artist’s business,” she said.

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. “When you shop at the Spring Bash, you’ll never be disappointed.”

We couldn’t agree more. Be sure to visit the K8made booth at the Spring Bash on April 26, 2014.

Sponsor Spotlight: DFWChild

Etsy Dallas is thrilled to welcome back Spring Bash sponsor DFW Child. Parents in the know are likely already familiar with the go-to magazine for families in the DFW area. DallasChild, FortWorthChild and NorthTexasChild area available online and in print. Each issue of the monthly publication focuses on a specific part of DFW and lets readers know what is going on around town.

The award-winning free magazines cover everything from prenatal through adolescence. They also publish two special print resources – Thrive and DallasChildBaby. Thrive is a quarterly publication for DFW area families  living and thriving with learning differences and special needs. DallasChildBaby is a biannual publication for new and expecting parents that provides specialized resources specifically targeted to first-time parents.

You may want to check out their Contests page (*hint hint*) for a chance at some pretty fabulous prizes. And you will never again have to look for something fun to do if you read their Things To Do page.

Child(ish) is their fabulous blog. Sign up for blog newsletters and never miss out on the latest local events and news. Can't get enough? Follow them on Twitter and Facebook for even more great info.

Be sure to check out their table and pick up a copy of the magazine at the Spring Bash 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. April 26.

Sponsor Spotlight: Midnight Snack

It's snack time! Don't worry. Midnight Snack has you covered. Snuggle up with some yummy pancakes or a juicy steak. 

We are thrilled to have Christina as a sponsor for the Spring Bash. (We are also hungry from browsing her shop. Ice cream, anyone?) Seriously, her handmade plushes are works of art.

Christina's shop is stocked with whimsical plushes and pillows perfect for your favorite foodie. All items are handmade to order. Which is your favorite Midnight Snack? 

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

Spring Fever

Spring isn't officially here until March 20, but these Etsy Dallas shops are ready to brighten up your world now. Click the image to browse this lovely treasury.

(Oh, and don't forget to spring forward. Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 9.)

2014 Membership Drive

It's time to do a happy dance! The annual Etsy Dallas membership drive is here.

If you have a handmade Etsy shop in the immediate Dallas area and want to build your business while having tons of fun with local artists, apply now at http://etsydallas.com.

Applications are open for two weeks, January 30th through February 13th, and then, they will close for the entire year.