Rosalie Gale, a.k.a. UglyBaby, is a waterproof shower art maker, stand-up comedian and blogger, who is currently obsessed with German board games (Settlers of Catan, anyone?) and embroidery. She likes to ride bikes that fold up into small pieces and develop websites (like the Seattle Street Team site) in Drupal, an open source, database-driven, content management system that is currently her true love (along with her human husband, Doug).
bARTer Sauce is an experiment in trading for art and odd objects. The idea behind the project is that whatever I get, I trade for something else — and everyone I trade with has to tell me a story. I document it all on http://www.bartersauce.com. When I started this project, I planned to only run it for one year but I have been so captivated by people’s stories that three years have flown by already and I’m nowhere near stopping.
In the beginning, I was going to examine the transitory nature of objects that we “own.” That’s just a highfalutin way of saying that I like weird stuff in my life — but I don’t like it to stay around too long. I live in a tiny apartment so starting bARTer Sauce allowed me to trade for weird things, live with them for a bit, and then send them along on their way to a new home.
A few things I’ve learned along the way:
- It’s pretty easy to let things go. The question I am most often asked is whether I’ve ever gotten something I’ve been tempted to keep. I really haven’t*. I think I get more excited knowing that a really great item will lead to lots of trade offers with interesting stories from people I would have never met otherwise. *There is one exception to this rule (isn’t there always?). A nice lady named Ariane traded in a cardboard cutout shaped like me. I traded for that. Who wants a cardboard cutout of themselves hanging out in someone else’s house? No one.
- Good stories can increase the value of an item. Sometimes I’ll trade for a terrible item that has a great story just because I want the story to be part of the project. It’s great to have an item with an interesting story behind it. It makes you feel closer to the person who gave it to you. And it lets you have a tiny glimpse into what their life might be like.
- Bartering works. Period. Are you in need of something? Chances are you can trade for it and not spend a dime.
- Event planning sucks. One of my original ideas was to end the project with a big event where I invite everyone I’ve traded with to bring the item they received and we all get to exchange stories. I think this is part of the reason I’m hesitant to end the project. You see, over the years I’ve learned more and more about myself and I found that I really hate event planning. More than pretty much anything. Except spiders.
If bARTer Sauce does nothing else, at the very least it starts a conversation. I’ve traded with old friends. I’ve traded with new friends. I’ve traded with a friend of my boss. I’ve traded with countless people that I met once and with whom I would — under other circumstances — have never kept in touch. I’ve traded with total strangers. I once traded with myself. And whether the trade takes place in person or oceans away, I still get a little interaction with someone I would have never known otherwise.
I’ve traded with many Etsy folks during my project — and here are some of my favorites.
Betsy, a.k.a. baddinsdesign and happybetsy
We’ve traded twice. The first time she traded me Jar Grandma for a Tiny Landscape Painted on a Pill. Read my interview with Betsy after trade number one here.
In our second trade, she gave me Lord Bratnose in exchange for two Glitter Cats. Read my interview with Betsy after trade number two here.
Betsy’s thoughts about The Sauce:
“I think one of the most fun parts of the bARTer Sauce experience for me was writing the stories for the objects I traded. As an adult, I’m just not given enough short creative writing assignments. The challenge of coming up with a back-story for my barter items is a really fun, creative exercise that reminded me of everything I loved from my high school creative writing class. I still remember my teacher’s awesome mustache and brilliant poetry. Free entertainment + rekindling old interests + kitsch is a pretty awesome combo.”
Sara, a.k.a. rekoj
Sara traded me Two Red Screamers in exchange for the “Mona Didn’t Need Bling” shadowbox. Read my interview with Sara after the trade here.
Sara’s thoughts about The Sauce:
“My bARTer Sauce trade has graced my kitchen with a wonderful art shadow box. Many of my housemates have commented on just how lovely “Mona Didn’t Need Bling” is. It enhances our dining experience with a curious stare and lots of shiny stuff to look at. Basically, ever since I heard about bARTer Sauce (through our EtsyRain connection) I had my eye out for something rad to bring in to trade. When Marlo and I found the Two Red Screamers discarded and hiding in the bushes near her studio, I knew I had found my trade. The red screaming guys had to be brought to The Sauce right away!”
Tara, a.k.a. RevivalInk
Tara traded me a Twisted Tree Tee in exchange for Two-Headed Boy painting. Read my interview with Tara after the trade here.
Tara’s thoughts about The Sauce:
“I think bARTer Sauce is important because it brings people together both online, and in the real world. I think trading is always better than using cash, and I like to do it whenever possible. In fact, most of my favorite items were obtained by trading. Usually I only get to trade at craft shows and markets, but bARTer Sauce brings that experience to my computer! I was very happy with my trade because it was a gift for my nephew. When I get gifts for people, it’s very important that they are original. It’s also important that they are made locally. It’s my way of supporting other local artists, and letting my friends and family know what great things you can get that are made in Seattle. Most of my family is unaware of this, so it has become my mission to inform them. The painting I traded for was a perfect gift for my 3-year-old nephew. Initially, it frightened him very badly but he has warmed up to it. In fact, for Halloween this year he wants to be a monster, like the one in the painting.”
Sauce It Up Yourself:
If you would like to participate in the bARTer Sauce project, check out the Available Items. Then, make a Trade Offer that includes a picture and a story — about anything at all.
You can also keep in touch with The Sauce on Facebook and my blog, I Like Pretty.
Stay warm and eat more potatoes.
Items on Etsy Tagged “Object” | More This Handmade Life Posts | Keep it Weird Series
107 comments
Sign in to add your ownthebestvintage says:
I love that there are stories to go along with the barter experience!
2 years ago
4TheSparrowsNest says:
Whoa...this is fascinating! What a great concept! I'm quite intrigued.
2 years ago
TheDamnNation says:
HAHA I love that Monster Zombie Potato costume!
2 years ago
designlab443 says:
I have done one trade and it was great! I hope to trade more.
2 years ago
kissadesign says:
Neat concept and stories!
2 years ago
squidart says:
What an interesting idea and an interesting lady! I always wish that I thought of all of these wonderful ideas first!
2 years ago
objetpetita says:
love doing stories with items, so much fun! will definitely check out the site.
2 years ago
23rdstreetvintage says:
great story My favorite piece of art right now was a trade. A painting on silk love it
2 years ago
belaluna says:
Congrat's Rosalie on the fun Storque article!!!! Now the Stakes Is High on Barter Sauce!
2 years ago
UglyBaby says:
I'd love to trade with more Etsy folk in bARTer Sauce -- get in touch!
2 years ago
girltuesdayjewelry says:
I'm on my way to check bARTer Sauce out! Sounds like fun!
2 years ago
blackbirdtees says:
Go, go Etsyrain!
2 years ago
sandddolar says:
I'm so glad that my "Mona" box found such a wonderful home. bARTer Sauce is such a great idea and Rosalie is such a good tater. And I love the big wooden head that I traded for Mona.
2 years ago
TJToubeaux says:
This sounds so cool! And I never even heard about the site. I'm going over there now to check it out!
2 years ago
nicework says:
Trading is a great way to show mutual appreciation, I must trade more often! Great article, love the gran in a jar!
2 years ago
Crafterall says:
I absolutely adore Rosalie! What an awesome feature -- thanks for sharing! Keep on rockin, you wonderful nerd, you! ;)
2 years ago
soule says:
I LOVE trading! Everyone should trade!
2 years ago
SimpleJoysPaperie says:
This is so interesting!
2 years ago
ekohdesign says:
rosalie, i think you are the coolest chick ever. let's be best friends, okay? also, you're pretty much a genius.
2 years ago
craftpile says:
fun...I'm off to read barter sauce :)
2 years ago
1AEON says:
sooo cuute!!
2 years ago
thedoghouse says:
Cool article! & I love Settlers of Catan too ;-)
2 years ago
rosebudshome says:
great idea! I think it's great to support other artists.
2 years ago
piperewan says:
love it!
2 years ago
candacejean says:
This is really neat!!
2 years ago
DreamSome says:
Way to go Rosalie!!! Go EtsyRain!!
2 years ago
EvenAndy says:
I think that trading for a cool piece with a story is a great concept.
2 years ago
jodieflowers says:
Awesome! I love to trade stuff!!
2 years ago
LoveMeKnotCreations says:
UglyBaby/bARTer sauce/Rosalie is amazing ♥ she's made quite the awesome site for etsyRAIN! whoot whoot! and everyone needs a lil shower art in their bathrooms. c'mon. you know you want one.
2 years ago
proteales says:
So cool! I love the idea of the stories! We have a group here on etsy, the tradeaholics. Here's our current thread with all our info. Check us out! http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6307727&page=1
2 years ago
blueskyclouds says:
What a great idea. Trading spreads art around for everybody. I love a good trade. Thanks for the info, very interesting!
2 years ago
GlassElements says:
Yay! We love our shower art and love to gift it to friends who need a little joy in the shower. :) And, Rosalie made one sweet website for Etsyrain! Thanks so much! :)
2 years ago
PuzzleBoBuzzles says:
Rosalie, You're kind of my hero now. What a brilliant idea. I always told people that I was bartering on Etsy because the money I make from my sales stays in my PayPal account until I use it to buy something from another Etsian. I never actually see the money, so it feels like trading. I think you might find this interesting: Significant Objects Project: http://significantobjects.com/about/
2 years ago
beezmiller says:
Fantastic idea. Thanks for the great article.
2 years ago
BululuStudio says:
Fun post.
2 years ago
UglyBaby says:
PuzzleBoBuzzles -- I didn't know about Significant Objects -- but that's right up my alley. Thanks so much for the tip!
2 years ago
OwlandMouse says:
Cute idea!
2 years ago
spareGus says:
I love that bartering/trade is getting more participants, it's way more fun than buying things!
2 years ago
breadandroses2 says:
Shower art. Brilliant! Terrific post!
2 years ago
breadandroses2 says:
Great concept. Love your shower art, too, UglyBaby!
2 years ago
oldworldprimitives says:
I love trading! I need to go check out bARTer Sauce now.
2 years ago
Morado says:
Such an unusual and weirdly awesome idea!
2 years ago
TrilbyMade says:
Great Article Rosalie! I have some stuff for BARTersauce, can't wait to see what shows up now!
2 years ago
sucree says:
Rosalie, Fabulous article! Great to learn more about bARTer Sauce and see you featured here!
2 years ago
JetWhitePonytail says:
trades make the world go 'round
2 years ago
valkasinskas says:
*with a huge smile* GREAT IDEA!
2 years ago
underoakstudios says:
This is awesome. I would love to play Settlers of Catan with you.
2 years ago
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2 years ago
DulceVinte says:
I had the pleasure of trading with you @ I Heart Rummage and I absolutely love your Shower Art. <3
2 years ago
DulceVinte says:
I had the pleasure of trading with you and I absolutely love your Shower Art!
2 years ago
anemonecomms says:
who needs cash? yay for trading! ps your shower art rocks :)
2 years ago
RedorGrayArt says:
what a happy idea ...filled with possibilities! bravo!
2 years ago
QuiltFinger says:
Wonderful, wonderful post! Amazing project.
2 years ago
cassidycay says:
What a cool idea!
2 years ago
thestapeliacompany says:
Neat way to get some good art and give your items to people who can appreciate them. :)
2 years ago
emcee says:
thanks for the great tips...
2 years ago
SaraBJewelry says:
what a great concept! i love the story telling, too! i think the whole world needs to barter a little more.
2 years ago
candythomasgourdart says:
really amazing idea
2 years ago
heatherberry says:
Great story! I've never traded, but it sounds like so much fun. Oh- and we should have an Etsy forum where we can play online Catan :) Love that game too!
2 years ago
d1era says:
Wow! very Different! cool!
2 years ago
GemmaBeads says:
I've had some awesome barter experiences here on Etsy. Makes Christmas and birthday shopping so much more fun.
2 years ago
StudioCherie says:
Fun article. I have noticed that artists have the best art collections - from trading with friends.
2 years ago
rekoj says:
Rosalie ROCKS that is all there is to it! Congrats on this super rad article. And as a super bonus I now know the etsy shop of the artist behind Mona Don't Need No Bling so I can stalk her. Sweet!
2 years ago
recycledwares says:
what a fun and wonderful idea. i'll have to read the website to see what other crazy and artful things you've had the chance of owning.
2 years ago
ArtisticIntentions says:
How fun!! Thanks for sharing!!
2 years ago
wanderthisway says:
This is absolutely wonderful, I love it!
2 years ago
ChavarriaDesigns says:
Ok, this is too cool. I just found and read this for the 1st time and I am already thinking about what to trade or if what I will end up trading even exists yet. No, no I don't think that it does.
2 years ago
Iammie says:
Nice work!
2 years ago
UglyBaby says:
Hey kittens -- Here's the link of currently available items in The Sauce if you want to make a trade offer: http://www.bartersauce.com/available-items. And here's the link to make an offer: http://www.bartersauce.com/make-an-offer -- you'll need to create an account first but then you're golden. Huzzah!
2 years ago
JesseMosher says:
trading is a good thing -anyone who cares to offer -I'm game . Fair deals , same worth let me know
2 years ago
JesseMosher says:
bookmarked bartersauce as well ,gonna check that out !
2 years ago
jbeaudet says:
What a great idea!
2 years ago
beachhouseblues says:
I really love trading on Etsy!!
2 years ago
EpicBones says:
woah, barter sauce is SUCH a good idea, smart people everywhere. i need to work harder
2 years ago
jlovesupreme says:
Yippie Skippie! Wow, thanks so much for featuring the primitive hand art from my site. I love the concept behind barter sauce. I love to hoard things & I think I'd have a hard time letting go. :) I've always been interested in the objects people have in their home & what it says about them.
2 years ago
MoonstarGifts says:
Thank you for sharing!
2 years ago
tinymishaps says:
love it!
2 years ago
tomatored says:
Sounds like a great concept, I'm up for it!
2 years ago
sweetsmilesbaby says:
Genius!
2 years ago
sharonclancydesigns says:
I love this! what a great idea. Thanks for sharing!
2 years ago
imakecutestuff says:
YaaaaaaaY Rosalie! Great article...and bARTer Sauce ROCKS as always. I can't wait to see what you trade for next :) oh yeah - Go EtsyRAIN Go!
2 years ago
imakecutestuff says:
Go bARTer Sauce Go!
2 years ago
Parachute425 says:
Great fun! I look forward to reading more of the stories.
2 years ago
MarcellasExcess says:
(Not on bARTer Sauce) but locally...I traded a treadmill (aka dust collector) for a fabulous original painting and don't regret it for one millisecond!! Trade away all ~ it's the best!
2 years ago
CaptiveStudio says:
Very wonderful idea I think I could do that with my stuff...
2 years ago
urbana says:
I love BS! Egggselent article
2 years ago
bstrung says:
I love the idea!
2 years ago
Tokyoinspired says:
Great article, and a great idea.
2 years ago
HoppittyAngora says:
Great article, I really enjoy the blogs here on etsy.
2 years ago
samsstuff says:
I love reading the stories that go with the objects. I haven't found anything to trade, yet, but it's always fun to look at all the objects offered for trade!
2 years ago
bbrunophotography says:
It's a good thing Rosalie isn't a packrat. What opportunities she'd have to hang onto all that good stuff! Another great piece. Makes me want to keep my eyes open a little better. (I love Antique Roadshow, mostly for the expressions on those people's faces when they learn that an ugly $3 vase is worth $4,000. Priceless!)
2 years ago
econica says:
this is so awesome! I am off to get the tell me a story blocks!
2 years ago
indigocomet says:
I love this site, thank you! I went to a Phish festival about 6 years ago, and tried to trade my jewelry with others (since so many of us were selling hemp chokers at that time that it was kinda ridiculous, lol)! Many people were just there for the money and looked at me strangely, but a few were open to the idea, and I traded with four artists that weekend, and felt like I had gained something more valuable than money...And I think I taught a few young people a new concept...
2 years ago
orchardfarmsoap says:
i love a great barter! it's so nice to give and recieve handmade goodies.
2 years ago
natbears says:
Great idea...iii loooove a good trade !! Its great to exchange art !!
2 years ago
ArtBoxDesigns says:
I've done trades and love it!!
2 years ago
taintbosh says:
Trades anyone?
2 years ago
artofjane says:
I love the idea of sending things along. I live with packrats and it drags me down.
2 years ago
thomes2010 says:
I love trading stuff its really cool when you get trading some one. free barter exchange
1 year ago
thomes2010 says:
I love trading stuffs
1 year ago