All About Etsy FAQ Series: Welcome to the Etsy Labs

EtsyStore

Story by EtsyStore

Published on Sept 17, 2009 in Etsy News

Photo by Etsy Labs

We here at the Etsy Labs are often- asked questions about what the Labs are and how the community can get involved.  We hope this is helpful! If you are just looking for upcoming labs events check out the Events section of our site.

What are the Etsy Labs?

The Etsy Labs are creative community spaces, where we host a variety of public programming from hands on events to tech talks to business development workshops and beyond. We now have two Etsy Labs: one in Brooklyn, NY and one in Berlin, Germany (pictured on the right). We also host Etsy Labs Events on a regular basis in these locations:
San Francisco, Los Angeles, Paris, Netherlands, and Hamburg

Members of Etsy’s Community team run this community space and host events and visiting members of the press, design and make handmade Etsy merchandise, press kits and promos, manage the Etsy Store, host online workshops and tutorials each week and represent Etsy at off-site events. We also work as admin who are here to help you whenever you need shop advice. Whenever we have an event here at our offices, we try to broadcast it via webcam to the  Livestream. In short, we work to bridge the online and offline worlds of Etsy.

Can I come visit the Etsy Labs?
We welcome visitors at the Etsy Labs and love putting faces with names and avatars! The best time to come by the Etsy Labs Brooklyn and say hello is during community events such as our monthly Hands-On events.  Stay up to date by visiting the community section of our site.  We are now located at 55 Washington Street, Suite 712, Brooklyn NY, 11201. (We moved from our 325 Gold St, Brooklyn location in August 2009.) Come by for an event and be sure to take a photo in our Magnolia Photobooth!

For information about visiting the Etsy Labs Berlin, click here.

How do I keep up with what’s going on at Etsy Labs, like finding out about events and online workshops?
To find out about events at the Labs and any online workshops that are coming soon, we’d recommend joining the Etsy Labs mailing list to receive occasional updates from the Etsy Labs straight to your inbox.

Also, you may wish to keep an eye on the Events section of Etsy’s blog and Community Page on the site. We’re always updating what’s going on and how you can be a part of it! If you’re looking for information about what’s happening at Etsy Labs Berlin, click here.

If you’re a fan of Flickr, you can keep track of what’s going on at Etsy on our Flickr page and our Etsy Labs Show & Tell group.

What is Hands-On and Craft Night?
Craft Night has recently evolved into Etsy Hands-On, a focused, free monthly event with an extra big creative bang. Stay up to date on these events by checking Community Events Page.

If you’re not in the area, visit Etsy’s Livestream feed where we fire up the webcam and share the fun.   Watch live events or check out archived footage here.

If you would like to lead a Craft Night or have a suggestion for a project, send your ideas to labs@etsy.com. Have you participated in Craft Night? Share your photos with the Etsy Labs Show and Tell Flickr group and tag yourself on our Facebook photo page!

For information about events at the Etsy Labs Berlin, click here.

The Church of Craft meets monthly at the Labs, which also serves as an open crafting time, and you are welcome to join in. Check out Church of Craft’s site or our Meetup page to find out when.

Do you still offer classes at the Etsy Labs?
At the beginning of 2009, we discontinued our class program here at the Etsy Labs and embarked on a collaboration with the Brooklyn artist facility, 3rd Ward. This collaboration is called Etsy at 3rd Ward, and it is a craft education program born from Etsy and 3rd Ward’s shared spirit of hands-on innovation. Together we present the opportunity to learn skills to expand creative know-how and craft a handmade life. Check out this program for a host of exciting craft classes.

May I rent equipment from Etsy Labs?
Tools and supplies are available for use during our weekly Craft Nights. We have a slew of crafty equipment on hand and open for use during Craft Night, including our beautiful BERNINA sewing machines, sergers, a one-inch button maker, paper cutters, fabric, paper, sewing notions, rubber stamps, linoleum carving tools, irons, cutting mats, and a whole lot more. To use specialized equipment at the Etsy Labs, like sergers, we ask that you have demonstrated previous experience. To use the button maker, please bring your own button one-inch parts.

At this time, our screenprinting and letterpress equipment is reserved for use by Etsy for in-house production of promotional materials.

Do you accept donations of crafting supplies?
Through your generosity we have a full house of donated craft supplies and equipment at the Etsy Labs, and we are pretty much filled to the brim. We are limiting what we can take at this time, so if you would like to send a donation, just send us an email to labs@etsy.com to work out the details.

Can we have an Etsy Labs in our city/area?
It would be wonderful to have an Etsy Labs in every state or in non-U.S. countries. It is our hope that through the Etsy Teams and partnerships, people will be able to meet up and form their own community workspaces in their areas where they host skill shares, get donations, and generally help each other spread the Etsy love. If you’d like to take on a project like this, please keep send your idea to labs@etsy.com.

Soooooo…all you ever wanted to know about the Etsy Labs! Didn’t see the answer to your question in this article? Send us an email to labs@etsy.com or post in the comments below, and we will be sure to get back to you with your answer!

Love,

The Etsy Labs

Discuss: 71 comments

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  • projectfelt

    projectfelt  says:

    Hi guys, thanks for clearing things up with the labs. I hope to one day take a trip up there and visit. I would also love to have a shop critique!

    4 years ago

  • ByJuliet

    ByJuliet  says:

    Hi guys, still new to Etsy and finally manage to find my way here. A friendly hug and appreciation to you all guys at Etsy admin for making this a great place and venue for making our dream coming true. Hope to visit you someday soon. xoxo from Malaysia {^:^} ".....

    3 years ago

  • villavillakula

    villavillakula  says:

    I am so excited. I am new to etsy and have been looking for a community just like this. I cant wait to come to your classes. Do you guys have any type of flea market besides the online thing?

    3 years ago

  • pattirussellfineart

    pattirussellfineart  says:

    I just joined your group and am excited about having a way to market my paintings on line AND learn more about what other artists are doing. IN FACT, I have already made a purchase from member Alicia Walsh! (I know I'll spend all the money I make . . . but so what!) Hope you are all having fun, Patti

    3 years ago

  • Toriapasquinucci

    Toriapasquinucci  says:

    ...hoping I can make it this christmas to NYC, the island girl is headed to visit the etsy lab!

    3 years ago

  • HawaiianEye

    HawaiianEye  says:

    Online classes sound great, especially since the 3,000+ miles between the Pacific NW and you is just too far to drive.

    3 years ago

  • jodieflowers

    jodieflowers  says:

    I wish I worked there! : )

    3 years ago

  • detailinminiature

    detailinminiature  says:

    looks like tons of fun!

    3 years ago

  • yarnlab

    yarnlab  says:

    Just attended an on-line shop critiques lab. Wow! This newbie learned alot. muchas gracias!

    2 years ago

  • bjewels

    bjewels  says:

    I love the labs.

    2 years ago

  • celiayan

    celiayan  says:

    interesting.

    2 years ago

  • foxlor

    foxlor  says:

    I wish I was in Brooklyn!!

    2 years ago

  • Psweeneydesigns

    Psweeneydesigns  says:

    You all at ETSY are amazing! I'm new to this but am so inspired by all you have to offer. Being a Parsons graduate, I can't wait to come and visit one day.

    2 years ago

  • zeldababygurl

    zeldababygurl  says:

    Another member turned me on to this site and I have been seriously addicted for the last week, lol. I hope to be able launch my own handmade creations and make a little extra cash as well. My creative side has been going wild with ideas in fabric and yarn and jewelry. I wish I could make it to NYC, but that would be dream in the future. In the meantime, thank you for being here, and many thanks to the current members for the inspiration and joy that you all bring me.

    2 years ago

  • SimpleJoysPaperie

    SimpleJoysPaperie  says:

    If I lived closer, I would definitely visit Etsy Labs! Thanks for explaining everything!

    2 years ago

  • Lunatiger

    Lunatiger  says:

    I would love to go to Etsy Labs! ^_^ I hope you guys have more crafting sessions in the future!

    2 years ago

  • blueberryshoes

    blueberryshoes  says:

    pretty sure its my dream to come meet all you guys

    2 years ago

  • daniellexoAdmin

    daniellexo  says:

    Come for a visit!

    2 years ago

  • sonyarasi

    sonyarasi  says:

    I would very much like to go to the Etsy Labs!

    2 years ago

  • sugarraindrops

    sugarraindrops  says:

    I would love to visit and take part in a craft night!

    2 years ago

  • uncharted

    uncharted  says:

    thanks for the info!

    2 years ago

  • magickalrealism

    magickalrealism  says:

    Having been to the old EtsyLabs, I can attest to the wealth of crafty material. I do hope you guys hit a point where you open your own retail space, too - it just seems like a natural extension of what you do!

    2 years ago

  • HibouCards

    HibouCards  says:

    Thanks for the info and great picks! I love the vintage Samsonite :)

    2 years ago

  • girltuesdayjewelry

    girltuesdayjewelry  says:

    Visiting you in Bklyn is on my short list of things to do. I have no excuse as I am in NJ only 12 miles from NYC.

    2 years ago

  • ooty

    ooty  says:

    Thanks for the info...Now I wish I was closer =D

    2 years ago

  • itsastitch

    itsastitch  says:

    When I move up to Brooklyn in February, I'm totally going to be hitting up some craft nights :D

    2 years ago

  • ambergoulet

    ambergoulet  says:

    Nice to have all the details spelled out. :)

    2 years ago

  • lilworkerb

    lilworkerb  says:

    I wish there was a craft night in Michigan.

    2 years ago

  • lovelygifts

    lovelygifts  says:

    Good to know. Thank's for explaining.

    2 years ago

  • TwistedCrystals

    TwistedCrystals  says:

    super! thank you for putting this together, i wish i were closer to nyc. :)

    2 years ago

  • paisleybaby

    paisleybaby  says:

    If I ever visit NYC I am definitely coming for a visit.

    2 years ago

  • rawfish

    rawfish  says:

    thanks so much for the amazing tour & endless awesome craft nights, julie! it was great to swap recipes with you, danielle! and yay for moontreepress's awesome letterpress!! and double yay for yumminess provided by sweettoothofthetiger (aka my popsicle twin!). :D

    2 years ago

  • bytheway

    bytheway  says:

    Thanks so much for putting this all down in one place! I would love to visit Etsy labs and it is on my list of must-do next time I'm in the Big Apple!

    2 years ago

  • MyMoms

    MyMoms  says:

    Thanks for the info!

    2 years ago

  • ajoyfullife

    ajoyfullife  says:

    Wish I lived closer - looks like lots of fun!

    2 years ago

  • FrillyButts

    FrillyButts  says:

    I wish I lived closer too, but for now I will have to check out the virtual labs! Thanks for the info!

    2 years ago

  • 2TrickPony

    2TrickPony  says:

    3000 miles away, sounds like it would be fun though, you never know, maybe one day I'll make it out there...thanks for writing this article♥

    2 years ago

  • somavenus

    somavenus  says:

    love love love the labs! even in the lab rats team :D wish i could visit etsy! way out in portland oregon :P

    2 years ago

  • VixVintage

    VixVintage  says:

    I'd like to make it there one day.

    2 years ago

  • Kimmay

    Kimmay  says:

    this is awesome! I can't wait to stop by!!

    2 years ago

  • UglyBaby

    UglyBaby  says:

    Everytime something about the labs gets posted I silently weep for the fact that I live all the way over here and can't go. Sniff.

    2 years ago

  • paramountvintage

    paramountvintage  says:

    great to know! wish i was in NYC!

    2 years ago

  • bhangtiez

    bhangtiez  says:

    Great informations! Thanks ETSY!

    2 years ago

  • jessgonacha

    jessgonacha  says:

    I'll have to try to stop by next time I'm in NY! Sounds like a fun and inspiring place! (I'm a bit jealous of all the people that get to work there.) :)

    2 years ago

  • Maykela

    Maykela  says:

    Thanks for the info.

    2 years ago

  • steinschmuckdesign

    steinschmuckdesign  says:

    Wish I could be there:) So great!

    2 years ago

  • philosophi

    philosophi  says:

    I wish Etsy had an Australian office!

    2 years ago

  • southstreet

    southstreet  says:

    great place to visit! I would like that you were closer to my country, Argentina! Sounds you are nice people working hard! thank you!

    2 years ago

  • Morado

    Morado  says:

    Looks like soooooooo much fun!! http://twitter.com/MoradoShop http://www.facebook.com/MoradoShop

    2 years ago

  • GladiatorGarageWorks

    GladiatorGarageWorks  says:

    Thanks for sharing the info on Etsy Labs! We have DIYers who'd love to read this, too. We'll be sure to share it with our Facebook community! http://www.facebook.com/pages/GladiatorGW/52058828971

    2 years ago

  • kaylovesvintage

    kaylovesvintage  says:

    love the tshirt

    2 years ago

  • MODERA

    MODERA  says:

    fantastic!

    2 years ago

  • rebeccasanchez

    rebeccasanchez  says:

    Next time I'm in NY...

    2 years ago

  • fawa

    fawa  says:

    I will love my visit to NY & be there on craft night!!! surrounded by creative people!! yaay Im going!!!

    2 years ago

  • SundraSandrusi

    SundraSandrusi  says:

    Thanks for the info!

    2 years ago

  • coffeepurse

    coffeepurse  says:

    Cool, thanks!

    2 years ago

  • SweetwaterGems

    SweetwaterGems  says:

    I'm so impressed with the quality and amount of knowledge you share so readily. Thank you for being so thorough and making a lovely place for artists to display their wares as well as offering such creative encounters. I wish I could pop over and visit the labs, but we are just a few thousand miles away...

    2 years ago

  • ikoplus

    ikoplus  says:

    Thanks

    2 years ago

  • designsbyLANAIE

    designsbyLANAIE  says:

    I have been an etsian since April and I am still finding out new things about Etsy everyday. I love, love everything about Etsy and I want to thank you all so much for such a unique community. I hope to get to know other Etsian's along my adventure here. Sincerely Lanaie

    2 years ago

  • LavenderField

    LavenderField  says:

    I love the Etsy world and I'm so proud of being a seller (and buyer) on here! It feels like it's one big family (even though I live on the other side of the world....) lol

    2 years ago

  • CraftStylist

    CraftStylist  says:

    One day I would love to come to New York for a craft night. Until then I will use the virtual labs. Thanks for all the help and advice you give to us as sellers!

    2 years ago

  • pinkfelix

    pinkfelix  says:

    that sounds like a great group! I love etsy!!!

    2 years ago

  • hippiechickchic

    hippiechickchic  says:

    If only my dream of living in NYC came true... What a great company!

    2 years ago

  • bgstyle

    bgstyle  says:

    I wish I'm in NY!!!! ¸.·´¸.·*´¨) ¸.·*´¨) (¸.·´ (¸*´¨(♥ (¸.·´ (¸.·´♥

    2 years ago

  • ChiarandCo

    ChiarandCo  says:

    thank you for all the wonderful info about etsy labs...i live in the finger lakes (upstate NY) and SOOOOOOOOOO would love to work with EtsyLabs!!!!!!!!!!! As "Etsy" grows, do you ever think of extending the "Labs" to other cities/towns (kind of like EtsyLab children that report back to the mothership)? If so, I would LOVE to be a part of that team! Let me know...I know you're always thinking! :) chiara

    1 year ago

  • pieintheskyjewelry

    pieintheskyjewelry  says:

    thanks labbies..question, I would love to join you for a lab. Do I have to have a web cam to do so?

    1 year ago

  • handmaidrosary

    handmaidrosary  says:

    My mom and I are planning our Spring Break trip around the craft night at Etsy. Does anyone know a place we can get good vegan food nearby on our way there? My online searching has not been fruitful. Thanks and see you Monday!

    1 year ago

  • ikabags

    ikabags  says:

    Thanks for clearing things up with the labs.

    1 year ago

  • VibrantTrains

    VibrantTrains  says:

    AWESOME.

    1 year ago

  • ChiarandCo

    ChiarandCo  says:

    hello everyone...i have been on etsy for a short time and am not completely familiar with how things work. I also do not know where to ask the right questions since i can't find the "contact us" link to send Etsy headquarters the right questions...thank you for your patience! here i go: how does one get picked for the handpicked items? when is the best time to promote myself in a showcase spot? everytime i try, there are no spots left...never!!! How do I advertise better? i am on facebook, but that's about it...and that's only goes to the people i know! I am a mother of three, my husband is a chef and works long hours, and i work 4 days a week outside the house restoring paintings...i don't always have time to read through all of the Etsy info!!! sorry! sincerely, chiara

    1 year ago

  • mudslingerceramics

    mudslingerceramics  says:

    New York, Berlin...........Sydney, Australia??? One day we'd love an Etsy downunder!!!! Top class crafters at the bottom of the world - Yay!!

    80 days ago