Last month we encouraged creative party animals all over the universe to hold an Etsy Craft Party in their community using the new (and exciting!) tool, Meetups Everywhere. Let us say, you guys sure know how to party: over 5,000 of you had over 500 Craft Parties all over the world, from Raleigh to Romania.
With the help of our awesome sponsors — Meetup, Kenmore, Plaid, Simplicity, Pebeo, Adagio Teas, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Lomography, Spoonflower, Blick and ReadyMade — Etsy sent out packages of party supplies to the 50 locations with the most attendees. We also created downloadable party guides, complete with excellent coupons, to all the party organizers (feel free to download it for yourself here). We had a blast checking out what you all did with your party supplies and creative talents and want to share a few highlights with you!
Note: Keep the crafty meet ups going! Feel free to start another event to keep the creative momentum going strong by using the Meetups Everywhere tool. When you create a new event, an alert will be sent to all the previous attendees in your area encouraging them to check it out. Also, we have three Craft-Night-in-a-Box kits that we can’t wait to give out to the groups who continue to use the Meetups Everywhere tool in interesting and exciting ways! On August 10, 2010, we’ll select the lucky groups and mail the boxes to arrive in time for meet ups happening on August 15 or afterwards.
Many, many of you shared photos, stories and blogged about your parties! Here are a few quotes and links to your recaps:
“Everyone had a great time and hopefully we encouraged those who were already creative to try new things and awakened the sleeping creativity in everyone else!” — Bosnia Herzegovina Etsy Craft Party
“I also thought I would tell you about my favorite guest from the Phoenix party. Her name is Idi and she is the craftiest fifth grader I know! She brought all kinds of amazing things to the Craft Party that she had made since we had seen her last. She had a bag decorated in appliqués, some fabric flowered hair pins, and the cutest necklace that looked like candies. She even gave me her necklace! Every time she comes in she inspires me. I am so happy that there is a community where her creativity and talent can flourish. Having even the smallest influence in that girl’s life is such an honor!” — Phoenix Etsy Craft Party
“Some of the guests were busy playing around with glass paint markers on glass jars they brought to the party. Others were busy making little calendar list books. ” — Orlando, Florida Etsy Craft Party
Maurille from Utrect organized an Etsy Craft Party for kids — too cute!
When people start printing “Etsy is Cool” on each other’s backsides, you know the party is officially epic. I can’t get over how colorful and awesome the San Antonio, TX Etsy Craft Party looked!
Mitsy (a.k.a. ArtMind) from Belgium had a Craft Party where everyone played with paper porcelain clay in her beautiful studio. “After explaining a bit about paper porcelain clay and the process, everyone got to work. Soon the tidy table became messy and lovely creations were in the making.” — Hasselt, Belgium Etsy Craft Party
“It was really neat knowing at our little gathering that others all over the planet were doing the same.” — Santa Ana Etsy Craft Party
“We first met, we talked, we laughed, we shared the experience of buying and selling on Etsy and it was fun! We are currently planning a new version of the meeting to deepen the friendship and disseminate Etsy in our country.” — Santiago de Chile Etsy Craft Party
“On June 18, close to 100 crafters piled into The Make Lounge’s newest venue to paint martini glasses, jars, tumblers and other glass goodies, fashion festive bunting, make flowers and create hundreds of badges!” — The Make Lounge’s Etsy Craft Party
“We had live bluegrass music, Etsy sellers in the shop selling their work, a greeting card station, a make-your-own vampire bite cupcake station (as seen on Etsy), snacks, and lots of happy faces!” — Bethlehem, PA Etsy Craft Party
Sui and Jeannie from Zurich had a DIY Tee Etsy Craft Party!
“The support and generosity of everyone involved was fantastic! People are still buzzing about it and I am seeing more pictures pop up on our East Coast Crafters Unite Night Facebook page!”
“Earlier in the week, Etsy informed me that Kenmore was gifting me a free sewing machine for making it into the top five parties. That was a huge surprise and I knew instantly that I would use that as a fifth raffle prize!” — Seattle, WA Etsy Craft Party
“We’re planning on making a monthly craft night because of it!” — Aurora, IL Etsy Craft Party
“No kick-ass birthday party is complete without some drinks and takeaway treats. Each guest received a mini-cupcake with a candle on it to blow out and a loot bag/goodie bag filled with candies, crayons, temporary tattoos, and an official Etsy button.” — Spins & Needles Etsy Craft Party
“We were fortunate to get to host our party at Tulsa’s amazing Philbrook Museum — such an awesome location! They were so kind and helpful with everything. They are having an Egyptian exhibit right now, so we had an Egyptian bracelet project made out of drinking straws, and a lot of our photos were in front of their exhibit prop.” — Tulsa Etsy Craft Party
Millie from Boise, Idaho set up multiple crafting stations at the Idaho Etsy Craft Party, including a screenprinting table, a Scrabble tile bookmark table, a paper craft area, a raffle for T-shirts, and a supply swap.
“Amy (a.k.a. Craft Chi) also stopped by to screen print the *famous* Etsy is Cool screen design that Etsy commissioned her to make for the birthday goodie boxes. So, you could say we had an Etsy celebrity on hand, which is pretty cool if you ask me.” — Austin, TX Etsy Craft Party!
At our Craft Party at the Etsy Labs in Brooklyn, we had 5 crafting stations set up for screenprinting, glass painting, button making, creating mini-bunting, and a party hat making contest, as well as photo-op areas and an impressive array of snacking options.
Author and artist Kate Bingaman-Burt of Obsessive Consumption was also in the house beautifying our office wall with a new mural illustrating favorite Etsy purchases, as suggested by Etsy members on Twitter. Etsy Admin helped paint this lovely mural during the Craft Party.
Do you have a tale from a Craft Party that you attended? Share with us in the comments below!
How to Throw Your Own Craft Night | How-Tuesday Projects | DIY Party Ideas
72 comments
Sign in to add your ownmartice says:
Unfortunately had to miss Artminds party :((( but maybe you can encourage her to organise one again ;) Love your wall painting!
1 year ago
greeniemarie says:
What a great post and what fun!!! I love the Etsy cake!
1 year ago
SeaFindDesigns says:
We had a blast at our Etsy B-Day party!! Thanks to Kristen at Craftland for hosting it! Hope to do it again next year!!
1 year ago
WeeBindery says:
I love it! Sorry I missed the parties!
1 year ago
VintageEye says:
Par-Tay!
1 year ago
candacejean says:
This is awesome! That is so neat that so many people got together and have craft parties. I still have yet to plan mine and make it happen..
1 year ago
undermyfeet says:
Looks like everyone had fun.
1 year ago
VelveteenHabbit says:
who doesn't love a pretty party????? then add etsy creative types and supplies and that's all you need to have a LIVE party!!!!!!!
1 year ago
Tefi says:
No mention of the BIGGEST Etsy Craft Party in the entire world? Check out all the fun we had in Dallas! http://www.flickr.com/photos/edpresspics/collections/72157624306963170/
1 year ago
BululuStudio says:
This looks fun, now I'm jealous.
1 year ago
akcArt says:
Looks like a blast! We ALL should be getting together to do this!
1 year ago
VintageZen says:
how great!!
1 year ago
DowdyStudio says:
We had fun in Dallas! Can't wait to have another Etsy birthday party!
1 year ago
saintesmariesjewelry says:
looks like fun...
1 year ago
thelittlemarket says:
What fun....Looks like everyone partied hard!!!
1 year ago
SweetMojoApothecary says:
I can't wait to surf all of the links! The Etsy Maine Team has done some of these gatherings, but it's a winter thing for us since our summers are so short. I'll pass this article onto the team! Jes
1 year ago
NaiyaArtBoutique says:
people sure had so much Fun.. I am Jealous now.. lol
1 year ago
maggiemaevintage says:
party animals!!!
1 year ago
bayousalvage says:
nola craft mafia had a recycle tshirt demo & learn to silkscreen party and 5 yr birthday party that same week: http://www.flickr.com/photos/uproar/4740066774/ money was raised for gulf oil spill relief and much beer was had
1 year ago
BareTree says:
We had a huge turn out in Madison Wisconsin! and score for me, I was the only dude!
1 year ago
outoftheframe says:
yay! thanks for sharing all the pictures and quotes and thanks for featuring us :)
1 year ago
LuRuUniques says:
Looks like sooo much fun.
1 year ago
KettleConfections says:
We had the best time at the Etsy craft party- so inspiring to see everyone get together for the love of making things!
1 year ago
girltuesdayjewelry says:
looks like everyone had a blast!
1 year ago
lovelygifts says:
Great post! Looks like you all had a lot of fun!
1 year ago
artangel says:
This was such a great idea! I'm jealous too lol!
1 year ago
bhangtiez says:
These are great photos & stories, thanks 4 sharing u'r craft party joys!
1 year ago
ilovehearts says:
I love parties too x
1 year ago
yolandasclay says:
That cake was sure good!! Santa Ana group had lots of fun too!
1 year ago
SuperflyLullabies says:
nice feature! xo
1 year ago
ohbabydotcom says:
C O O L! don't be tardy for da' party : )
1 year ago
Goldneys says:
This is sooo cool!!!
1 year ago
underthepyramids says:
The Etsy Party in my mother's Tearoom, in the heart of Provence : http://missmapletearoom.wordpress.com/2010/06/28/notre-soiree-tricot-the/ http://verveineetcompagnie.over-blog.com/article-on-a-bien-tricothe-et-crafte--12-52561929.html x x x ___mathyld___
1 year ago
TStyles says:
great photos and stories
1 year ago
ArtMind says:
SO glad Etsy gave us an excuse to party! :) I loved having a lot of crafty peeps over and we had a blast! You can check out all our activity in this Flickr set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/artmind_etcetera/sets/72157624125713089/ YAY for Etsy! :)
1 year ago
BonTons says:
Thanks for sharing the parties!
1 year ago
JoshUrsoDesign says:
What fun everyone had! Wish we had organized an event!
1 year ago
FreakyOldWoman says:
Great pics! Looks like all in all it was a super fun time had by all!
1 year ago
DanceLikeIts1492 says:
Chicago needs more parties! Let's go Chicago!
1 year ago
julessabjewelry says:
These are wonderful! I can't wait for the next one here in Charlotte, NC!
1 year ago
2TrickPony says:
lol at bare tree. see whatcha get for being an artsy guy
1 year ago
inaluxe says:
totally cool! Love all the photos! such a fabulous idea!
1 year ago
NYCrochet says:
I attended the Brooklyn party with my pal Milly of Cutie Pie Co. I got to screenprint a tote and drink too much wine. Thanks Etsy!
1 year ago
pattiathobe says:
We had lots of fun in Aurora, Il., making owls and origami boxes and meeting fellow etsyers!!!
1 year ago
designedbyDiana says:
In Miami, FL we made friendship bracelets and munched on cupcakes from a new mom & pop bakery!
1 year ago
gingerpopps says:
Looks so great, does anyone fancy arranging one for the Hertfordshire, UK area?
1 year ago
mamacateyes says:
you know I work at a craft store, and had all sort of people talking about "craft parties" which of course sparked Etsy related conversations.
1 year ago
evihan says:
seeing lots of ETSY friendships is sooo wonderfullll....
1 year ago
KristyLynnJewelry says:
How awesome, great pics!! Looks like everyone was having a fabulous time!!! Thanks for sharing!!!
1 year ago
wristcandycreations says:
Looks like everyone had a blast!!
1 year ago
designMatter says:
Etsy unites!
1 year ago
polkadotmagpie says:
How fun! So nice to see faces with names.
1 year ago
BabongoHome says:
Yay for craftparties. I so enjoyed the craftparty at Mitsy's (aka Artmind) in Belgium. She's the best host ever and it was fun, crafty and eatsy! Thanks, Etsy :)
1 year ago
BabongoHome says:
Yay for craftparties. I so enjoyed the craftparty at Mitsy's (aka Artmind) in Belgium. She's the best host ever and it was fun, crafty and eatsy! Thanks, Etsy :)
1 year ago
amoronia says:
It was a lovely get-together in Athens, Greece too! Thank you Etsy!!!! :)
1 year ago
nowonder says:
Looks like such fun!!! Wish I could have been there!
1 year ago
bellasnest says:
Awesome!
1 year ago
MontanaSnowVintage says:
what a great idea?
1 year ago
Parsimony says:
Oh my goodness, i still can't stop smiling and thinking about our SO FUN party! We made: key chains silhouettes covered buttons scrabble tile necklaces bunting & felt appliques I wish we could do it every Friday night!!! Thanks for all the fun gift items, Etsy. YOu can check out photos on my blog: www.sosewsomething.com I can't wait for Etsy's next birthday!
1 year ago
FerntreeStudio says:
Unfortunately I wasn't in Atlanta when we had ours, I was in Australia visiting my family. I sincerely hope Etsy does this again though. I want to play too! angie
1 year ago
pasin says:
How great.
1 year ago
recycledwares says:
looks like so much fun. my car broke down a week before the Fort Worth party, i was so bummed that i couldn't go.
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Great to see so many people united by craft, its really sweet!
1 year ago
thunderrose says:
So cool! Looks like alot of fun.
1 year ago
BLinkDesign says:
We indeed had a great time at the San Antonio Party!!! Thanks so much for featuring us!
1 year ago
jubilee82 says:
Sooooooooooooo cute!!!!!!
1 year ago
earthygirlshop says:
What fun! Can't wait for the next one!!
1 year ago
MyPricelessCreations says:
Hopefully soon I will make a meeting in San Antonio.
1 year ago
muchuanlin says:
who doesn't love a pretty party????? then add etsy creative types and supplies and that's all you need to have a LIVE party!!!!!!! www.magnets-fasts.com/custom.html
1 year ago
ellenmj says:
Sounds like a load of fun - sorry I missed it all!
1 year ago
SsanchezV says:
Crafty party looks like fun! Sandra @ www.birthday-party-ideas-for-kids.com
1 year ago