Etsy is headed to Austin, Texas and we’d love to see you there! If you don’t know about SXSW (South by Southwest) Conferences and Festivals, they bring together music, independent film and emerging interactive technologies from all over the world over two weeks in March. With attendees coming from 41 countries worldwide, what better place to connect our Etsy Community of crafters, coders, musicians, engineers and DIY fashion designers? We’ll be heating things up during the Interactive portion of the conference and invite you to join us at Venue 222 on East 6th Street from Saturday, March 12 through Sunday, March 13 for all manner of DIY goodness.
We’ll give you the chance to take a break from creating online content, to create something with your hands: upcycle T-shirts into bags, paint shot glasses, screen print your own band’s shirt, craft instruments out of technical doodads, make buttons to spread the word and glean inspiration from Burdastyle, Threadless and Pebeo. Our nights will be filled with rocking to the music of Neighbors, The Black Angels, Quintron & Miss Pussycat, and Deejay Rana (photo below). And dress to impress at the DIY fashion show of Etsy and Burdastyle members from across the US.
Our cracker jack team includes Chad (Etsy Chief Technology Officer), Kellan (Etsy VP of Engineering), Randy (Etsy Design Director) and Vanessa (Etsy Director of Community and Education). You can catch them on such panels as: “No Excuse, Designers That Can’t Code” and “Shopping as a Revolutionary Act?” If you can’t make it to the panels, be sure to come by our space to meet them in person and chat. They’ll be blogging about the events as they unfold on Code as Craft. Dave, Etsy’s social media guy will be live-tweeting from Austin during SXSW and you should totally tweet him — he might even have a surprise for you!
The fine folks of the Austin Street Team (members include Samantha Hlavaty, Anne Marie Beard, and Beth Hempton pictured at left) will be blogging a handy Austin city guide to help visitors plan their SXSW trip.
Not gonna be in Austin for SXSW? No problem! You can still join in the fun by staying tuned as we tweet using #EtsyAustin and post photos of our communal crafting, chatting and partying as it happens to our Facebook and Flickr profiles! We created a Facebook Event page that will be updated with all the latest activity while in Austin. Feel free to RSVP to events, upload pictures, offer tips and share with friends!
SXSW veterans, what tips do you have for us? Share in the comments below!
105 comments
Sign in to add your ownMegansMenagerie says:
Awesome!!!! =)
1 year ago
peaseblossomstudio says:
Sounds fun! I might just have to go. :)
1 year ago
CraftsByBabz says:
Sounds like fun!! I love the heart strings!!
1 year ago
TheVinylChalkboard says:
Sounds Great! I wish I could be there!
1 year ago
TwinkleStarCrafts says:
Terrific. Hope everyone enjoys!
1 year ago
LindenAvenueDesigns says:
Sound like fun!
1 year ago
hemingwayfun says:
Woohoo! Texas Love!
1 year ago
WakaWakaBeads says:
sounds like so much fun!
1 year ago
JudiPaintedit says:
You guys need to come to Philadelphia........ ;o)
1 year ago
tigersanddragons says:
Sounds like a great event, I've always wanted to visit Austin during SXSW.
1 year ago
JesseMosher says:
sounds great and seems my work would fit right in there
1 year ago
SugarCubeVintage says:
i heart austin...but a bit far! when you coming to portland?
1 year ago
maggiemaevintage says:
i'd love to check out austin!!
1 year ago
HisBlessings says:
Ya'll will love my Texas! Austin is crazy! Watch out for Willy, he has been known to appear out of nowhere. Wish I could be there, I would live in Austin if I could. Nicest people you will ever meet.
1 year ago
TipsyTimeMachine says:
I've heard that Austin is an awesome place to live and a happen' place to visit.
1 year ago
paramountvintage says:
now i really want to go!
1 year ago
PookieandPierre says:
Very cool. I wish I could go!
1 year ago
iWALLS says:
Awesome! Have Fun!
1 year ago
carousel2 says:
just because Texas is neat....
1 year ago
emilyleda says:
I will be there! My husband and I do SXSW every year!!!
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
It would be great to be in Texas!
1 year ago
ThornAppleMarket says:
So jealous! I would love to be there.
1 year ago
LoveTheBaby says:
Have fun in Austin. It's a great place. I heard the crowds at SXSW are monstrous, though. Austin is wonderful, Texas is wonderful. Don't mind me, I'm a native.
1 year ago
IntegrativeCreations says:
This sounds pretty exciting!
1 year ago
birdie1 says:
Wish I could be there ~ SXSW and warm weather, ahhh
1 year ago
buttonandthimble says:
Oh how I love SXSW. The crowds are insane. But my favorite part is walking around South Congress and shopping. I found a fabulous musician playing in an alleyway a few years ago. You never know what will happen. And bring sunscreen.
1 year ago
mylenefoster says:
Make sure you send us back a good report!
1 year ago
KittyNotIncluded says:
Austin is such an amazing city, and with sxsw, it brightens up even more when the most creative and savvy people in the biz flood the streets and share enthusiasm! Check out my Austin-themed treasury :) http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d5adae63cd66d9139e35f9d/keep-austin-weird?ref=pr_treasury
1 year ago
blueskyclouds says:
I happened to be there last year...wish instead it was THIS year!!!!
1 year ago
susantique says:
I've been to Austin dozens of times, but never for SXSW. Gotta say, South Congress is the place to go for vintage/bohemian decor and clothing. Think I'll make the treck in March to check it out! Oh yes, have to agree, bring the sunscreen by all means!
1 year ago
Parachute425 says:
Love Texas! Sounds like a great event. Y'all have fun.
1 year ago
GloryBDesign says:
I've always wanted to go to SXSW! This may be just the ticket!
1 year ago
pinkbijou says:
cool
1 year ago
BrynnBB says:
I'm so excited! Austin is right around the corner for me and I'll also have a chance to visit my family while joining in all the Etsy fun! My niece has a shop in SoCo (South Congress) area, we will be permanent fixtures for this event! Thanks Etsy!
1 year ago
maggiem09 says:
Good thing I live near Austin. I'll definitely be there!
1 year ago
ShoponSherman says:
Wish I could make it. Look forward to reading about it on Etsy.com.
1 year ago
sweet3leafprints says:
wonderful! just might have to check it out, as i am in austin. sxsw is crazy fun as well as acl.
1 year ago
tinalewis says:
Can't wait. Etsy and Etsy Austin have some fun things planned!
1 year ago
ikabags says:
Sounds like fun
1 year ago
WoodlandCottage says:
Have fun--we'll be thinking of y'all! Be sure to send a postcard!
1 year ago
AliceCouture says:
Unfortunately I don't live in USA! But I will be there with my spirit-soul!! :D A lot of fun for everyone!
1 year ago
vixensnaturaljewelry says:
I live in AUSTIN TX, gonna be fun!
1 year ago
PlumeandPetals says:
Sounds great!~ Austin is one of the cities in my "must-visit" list =)
1 year ago
theroyal says:
ahhhh, i wanna go!
1 year ago
hazelandhunter says:
step out of the main strip where most of the shows happen for a bit and find the parties going on in backyards and abandoned lots... austin is awesome!
1 year ago
MissTessaMelissa says:
I live in Austin, but I can't afford the badges to get in!!!!! I would love to be there, though. I have friends showing films there this year.
1 year ago
daydreamjewels says:
Looks like fun!!! Congrats Tex-etsians :)
1 year ago
LavenderField says:
Wish I could be there :0/
1 year ago
BethHempton says:
can't wait! thanks for including my pic w/ Anne Marie & Sam. : )
1 year ago
collectiblesatoz says:
Enjoyed!
1 year ago
WatchWithDaDa says:
One day Austin, one day...
1 year ago
TheLittleRagamuffin says:
For the past two years our band toured for SXSW and had a blast. This year they'll go on without my husband and I :( so we can focus more on the farm... we'll miss it for sure. I <3 Austin.
1 year ago
AmberGypsySky says:
Oh I wish I could go!! As it turns out I might have jury duty then :(
1 year ago
Sanmarcianart says:
Stay Hydrated! If you're really partying SXSW style you will be drinking, you will be sleep deprived and you will still be saying.. "How did I miss that?" Its a chaotic little world of its own for the duration, lots of fun and you will see things you've never seen before but if you want to see AUSTIN come another time.
1 year ago
Sanmarcianart says:
If you live in Austin and the price is too high (I only ever go because my hubby and I work sound at a couple of the venues) ask about volunteer badges. This is a BIG event and they do use volunteers to help it run. The ACL Fest uses volunteers also!
1 year ago
piecemakerjewelry says:
SXSW is one of the best music festivals. You don't really need a festival pass; there are MANY free shows ALL over Austin. Enjoy!!!
1 year ago
thebeachhousegallery says:
I read about this event every year, but it is a very long travel for this cat. Hope to hear something new from my favorite musician, Jim James, My Morning Jacket and anything from Monster's of Folk! P.S. Sunscreen and beer do go together. Inez Dunn
1 year ago
purpleribbonstudio says:
so great that your guys coming to Austin! we're so exited!!!
1 year ago
MuKee says:
I'll be at SXSW can't wait to see all the action! Here is an Austin beltbuckle made from reclaimed skateboard. http://www.etsy.com/listing/66789168/reclaimed-skateboard-beltbuckle
1 year ago
mjanssen9 says:
i'll be there-i'm guessing we rsvp through facebook?
1 year ago
Alfonzi says:
@SugarCubeVintage be in Portland this Friday actually for I Heart Art Portland! http://iheartartpdx.com/2011/02/23/be-there-or-be-square/#more-750 Come by and say hello! @emilyleda definitely RSVP to the facebook event and come by and say hello @BrynnBB Awesome! Bring your creativity! @MissTessaMelissa No badges needed to come visit our space, free to come in mjanssen9 YES! RSVP on facebook
1 year ago
LS1061 says:
As an Austin resident and SXSW attendee for the past 4 years my recommendations are as follows: 1. Bring both warm and cold weather clothes, you really never know what tomorrow will feel like. 2. Try to have some sort of plan that will ultimately change for the better. 3. Expect to stand in line. 4. Do things alone, you meet amazing awesome wonderful people this way. 5. Just because it is free doesn't mean it's going to be fun or cool. Plan around the bands/movies/panels that interest you more than how many free beers and tacos you can consume in one day. 6. Eat local! Austin has tons food trailers that will blow your mind. My top picks: G'raj Mahal, East Side Kings, and Odd Duck. 7. And my final tip is: If you want to get away from the madness for a few hours, I recommend heading north to Burnet Road where there are some fabulous vintage stores that can't be missed. ENJOY!!!!!
1 year ago
frommylifetoyours says:
So cool for Texas. Have fun
1 year ago
RivalryTime says:
I grew up in Austin and LOVE it. Thank you for using my Texas Plane as your picture!!! I'm honored.
1 year ago
KettleConfections says:
So wish we could be in Texas for this awesome event!
1 year ago
PieceofPeace says:
ahhhh, this makes me miss home. I love you Kerbey Lane queso and pancakes (and tacos).
1 year ago
CustomDogBandanas says:
I think I'll take a drive up to Austin to check this out. I've never attended and it sounds like a fun and enjoyable weekend!
1 year ago
lindaketelhut says:
I'll be there! Can't wait!!
1 year ago
LaPluieBelle says:
Sounds like a blast! Neighbors is amazing!
1 year ago
poorjimsvintage says:
We have family in Texas.
1 year ago
kathyjohnson3 says:
It sounds like so much fun! And a chance to feel warm weather again! Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
WoodenAle says:
Make sure to RSVP for all the parties, especially Fader Fort (http://www.thefader.com/2011/02/23/introducing-the-fader-fort-by-fiat/). Guero's (S. Congress) is a great place to hit up for day music, mini tacos ($2ea) and Tecate's. If you'd like a grand tour of our greenbelt or want to go rock climbing, lmk.
1 year ago
strawberryluna says:
yay Excellent! We will be there working our Flatstock booth again with about 100 (that's right ONE HUNDRED!) rock poster artists in the Convention Center for Flatstock 29, a rock poster show & convention that happens during SXSW. Many of the poster artists there have Etsy shops, we're all artists, designers and most of us hand screenprint our posters for the bands we love. Please come through & say hi! Can't wait to see you all there and be in snow-free, sunny Austin next month! Here's the info: http://flatstock.wordpress.com
1 year ago
hazelandhunter says:
also, i've never had to buy passes/badges because there are SO MANY free shows everywhere - don't let that stop you from going!
1 year ago
AustinModern says:
Yeay, Hope you love Austin and have wonderful stories to take back home with you! We are so lucky to live and create here!
1 year ago
thelittlecanoe says:
I made a poster for a SXSW showcase for Paper Garden Records. You can see it here: http://brookeweeber.com/#1072686/Paper-Garden-SXSW Check out Little Tybee, I think they're fantastic. Wish I could be there. Have fun!!
1 year ago
blithegardens says:
Might come down and check it out.
1 year ago
texarrakis says:
Oh crap, I think I'm gonna be in San Angelo that weekend :(
1 year ago
girliepains says:
All my favourite musicians come from Texas. Tyler James is one of them!
1 year ago
SweetNSassySewing says:
That sounds like fun! I've always wanted to go to this festival!
1 year ago
WildHoneyPieVintage says:
Yay! Can't wait to see you guys here in my home town! You will NEVER know the weather you will get here in March, totally a mixed bag, bring your cutest outfits, and don't be afraid to ask anyone for help! We're all super freindly down here! :) And HEY!! is this Free? Or do you need to have a SXSW Badge to get in?
1 year ago
lillysshoppe says:
My two kids were born at Seton in Austin. We are now in Houston. We miss Austin!
1 year ago
OldRags says:
Yay! see you all at the DIY Fashion Show, March 13th!
1 year ago
daisyvortex says:
SXSW is awesome and crafts will be a welcome addition!
1 year ago
kristytrance says:
SXSW is going to be big this year. That's how we do it here in Texas! Yeehaw I've lived in Austin my whole life, any questions about it ask me!
1 year ago
GrueneSoapWorks says:
This will be a great time! Don't forget to come south and visit Gruene...home of Gruene Soap Works!
1 year ago
rocketbetty says:
Super excited to be one of the designers chosen for the runway! See y'all there! xoxox
1 year ago
CraftyArtist says:
Can't wait. Does anyone know how to make reservations for etsy at this event in Austin? Thanks!, Annie
1 year ago
PeculiarMaterialist says:
Yay! I can't wait :) I usually try to skip town when the craziness of SX blows into my neighborhood, but this is a great reason to stay put!
1 year ago
KitKatCabaret says:
Deep in the Heart of Texas, With my shop so new little difficult to travel right now, Wishing that I could attend, seems like a wonderful time
1 year ago
theonutmegotree says:
i'll be there!
1 year ago
whatahussy says:
GOOOOOOOO US!
1 year ago
Alfonzi says:
@LS1061 Thanks so much for all the great tips! Think i will be doing Etsy events the whole time, this way i don't have to chance it that something may not be fun! @CustomDogBandanas hope to see you there! @hazelandhunter all of our events are free and open to the public! @OldRags YAY! Excited for the Fashion Show CraftyArtist all of our events are first come first served, so come early!
1 year ago
texasnan says:
Austin is so awesome. My son lives, works, plays music there so I visit often. Lots of fun things to do and great places to eat. Welcome to Texas!!!
1 year ago
AutumnJo says:
Aw, I'm there the weekend after :( I'll tune in via tweets!
1 year ago
hammeritout says:
Can not wait for Etsy to hit town!
1 year ago
mbriones1 says:
I'm just a short drive from Austin. You guys will love it. Its the eccentricity capital of Texas. Great funky thrift stores, live music, friendly people and outdoor fun. Check out shops on South Congress or the drag (Guadalupe Street). Snag yourselves a "Keep Austin Weird" sticker. Hope to stop by your SXSW events :)
1 year ago
Ellibra says:
So glad I was introduced to Etsy!!! I was born and raised in Austin, Texas & am more than stoked on this event!! :) I hope to meet many of you there. :D
1 year ago
debbiecarroll says:
We can't wait for the event, thanks for including our Etsy Austin team in all the fun!
1 year ago
SoCoDivka says:
I can't wait! Team Etsy Austin is gearing up and ready! I created a treasury today in anticipation - http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d79296ed6196d91dc1d99bf/austin-mix-tape
1 year ago
EclecticVisions says:
that was a great show, I'm so happy I got to be a part of it!
1 year ago
EclecticVisions says:
that was a great show, I'm so happy I got to be a part of it!
1 year ago
CrankIt says:
SO I am an Austinite, and just saw the post about Etsy being at SXSW :( AND during "interactive" which is far less insane than the music portion, thus making it easier to attend. I will have to wait until next year to experience your awesomeness! My band did however play 6 shows in 5 days during SXSW and it was CRAZY! It is kind of a good thing SXSW only happens once a year :)
1 year ago
ShaXity says:
wao.. your items are really nice. please check out http://www.etsy.com/listing/73042192/coat-of-arms?ref=pr_shop
1 year ago