Storque articles by mtraub

From Brooklyn to Burning Man: An Artistic Experiment

2008-09-09T14:21:00Z

At the end of this past month, I left the humidity and concrete of Brooklyn to camp in the desert of Nevada for the sake of art and the American Dream. I had just finished my Summer Internship at the Storque, and with some handmade buttons in tow, I embarked on my first Burning Man journey.

["Altered State" by Kate Raudenbush: The structure looks like the Capitol, but is composed of white steel carved in the style of Pacific Northwest Native-American imagery.]

The Burning Man festival is a week long affair, where fifty thousand participants make the pilgrimage to the center of an otherwise uninhabited desert. Large-scale art installations that spit fire or provide a climbing challenge sit out in “deep playa” while the theme camps that compose the “city” hold bluegrass jams, tuna melt-offs, and post-modern breakdancing.

[Michelle in a mustache, watching a fireworks show at the Flaming Lotus Girls' piece.]

This year’s Burning Man theme was the American Dream, which translated to covered wagon art cars, political tepees, and Alexis de Toqueville quotes. I camped with friends of friends, drinking pickle juice with whiskey, eating dolmas, and building shade structures in colorful tutus.

["Dr. Rainbow" and Michelle contributing to a mural on our ride back from breakfast at The Shady Waffle camp.]

There are a few central tenets to the Burning Man community, such as a “gifting” economy in which I was gifted from strangers an orange peeler, a necklace, a bloody mary. Litter on the ground is called MOOP (Matter Out of Place) and is swiftly picked up by any passerby. No one is allowed to be a spectator, only a participant. At Burning Man, I was encouraged to hug strangers, contribute to sculptures, and make the place more beautiful.

[Giant night wire man sculpture!]

Everywhere I looked, I was inspired. These artists construct giant glowing ketchup bottles from which to serve the masses fresh (and remember, free!) French fries, giant pirate ship vehicles that glow on the horizon and blast James Brown, or bicycles pimped out in fake fur and EL wire. These projects were clearly labors of love. The only motivation here is bliss, and consequently the results were high quality, innovative, and affecting. I couldn’t help but be reminded of Etsy, in this collective joy of making things out of passion, contributing to a community, and believing that we can help each other do more.

[Michelle amidst Gary Miller's "Papover Rubrum Gigaxiticum"]

For more stories of the artistic and handmade experience, check out This Handmade Life.

Etsy Finds: New "Undiscovered" Favorites

2008-08-18T10:14:00Z

I was looking for some fresh blood for my Favorites, so I decided to browse Pounce Undiscovered, and I found a whole slew of talented newbies. Pounce Undiscovered is the best way to find a sweet shop before someone else does. Plus, I love speed-Pouncing until something catches my eye; it's so much more efficient than window shopping!

Yellow strapless seersucker dress

Since I will be heading to California come September, I could prolong summer by wearing this pretty yellow seersucker dress. katemdot, $50.

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Sunset Mug

As a dedicated tea drinker, this Sunset Mug caught my eye: its shape is somewhere between a mug and a tea cup. Lovely! rebeccalowery, $20.

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Lillian the Monster Brooch

Lately I've been thinking about starting a brooch collection, and while I assumed I would fill my jewelry box with vintage gems and filigree, this Monster Brooch would definitely lighten the mood. MonsterFarm, $9.

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Lanter Wing Pewter Pendant

I love how the lacquer on this pendant makes the little lantern look like an artifact preserved in formaldehyde. By Kakalak, $28.

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fully alive (original acrylic painting)

This expressionist painting goes on my graduation wishlist. I love that the artist chose to tag the piece with "courage" and "no limit." By faithfulartist, $180.

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Kaew...Teddy Mouse Pad with Wrist Rest

This 2-in-1 mouse pad and wrist rest is just really freaking adorable. By qOOp, $15.99.

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Because My Mother Told Me I Could

I would use this blank booklet for to-do lists and deadlines; my mother would be so proud. By MarlenaWagner, $9.

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blue bag for your notebook or other items which need a cosy environment

This cheerful laptop bag would lift my spirits as I trudge to the library to work on research papers. fuchsundbaer, $130.

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Sparks

I had a hard time picking just one light drawing from vickyloufox's shop to feature. With this one, I can almost hear the popping electricity. $30.

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Still feel like being surprised? Try these Etsy links:

Pounce | Treasury | Time Machine

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Back to School: XY

2008-08-15T16:43:00Z

Whether it's drinking 40s or drinking juice boxes, the boys who rule school rely on fresh fashion and accessories to cement their reputations. The cool cats of the playground don't flaunt their testosterone with motorcycles or platinum, just badass pencil cases. With these picks, any guy can be a pioneer of back to school style.

Looking for more back to school items? Bring some flair to the chain-link fence or the see-saw!

Back to School Showcase | Back to School Gift Guide

Etsy Press Club: July 2008

2008-08-07T15:47:00Z

July brought the heat! The sidewalks were sizzling, the ice cream trucks were sweating, and Etsians were blazing in the press. The latest edition of the Etsy Press Club is ready. These are all of the clippings that I found or received during July. As always, if you get mentioned in the press, please send an email with your shop name and links to pressclub@etsy.com to be included in our roll call. Grab a lemonade from the fridge and sit down for some perusing!

Print

The NewsTimes - gooseontheloose
Philadelphia Weekly - madebyhank
STYLE - TheBrokenPlate
Baltimore Sun - jenmenkhaus
NewWitch Magazine - PagansOfEtsy
Knit Scene Magazine - fringe
Smart Woman - TheBrokenPlate

Web

the house that a-m built - jennifersquires
minor details - Chalkydoodles
ThreadBanger - prixprix
hearthandmadeblog - madebyhank
qbranchltd - JoannaGoldman
Fabulously Broke in the City - juneshin
passitonplates - JessicaSimanowski, UneekDollDesigns
mixed plate - jennifersquires
myNLA - niftythriftyowl
phillyBurbs - JoannaGoldman
uncrate - avrilloreti
Daily Candy - juneshin
onthedotcreations - madebyhank
Crafting with Cats - JoannaGoldman
decor8 - Stockton, smallsquaredesign, Studiotto, sycamorestreetpress, sweetpaperie
themaudeblog - designsbycolleen
rarebirdfinds - OnTheInside, janebonbon
SimplyGrove - jennifersquires
kitchen and residential design - craftyhag
aisle dash - handykane
Grandia Road - winsomehollow
apartment therapy - avrilloreti
now voyager - madebyhank
vintage indie - birdandmonster, AquaVelvet, grandmothersattic, SilverNebel, niftythriftyowl, softspoken, MariesVintage, FlightoftheRadish, morelle, madebyhank
Pretty Little Love Objects - JoannaGoldman
Rev Magazine - jennifersquires

Radio

Vegan Radio - ThisIsBexx

Check out previous editions of the Etsy Press Club here! Send your press mentions to press@etsy.com to be included in the next edition.

Dorm Duel: Dark and Victorian

2008-08-07T13:52:00Z

This Fall, I will be entering my senior year at Stanford, and that means I have one last chance to do a dorm room right. The primary obstacles in decorating a dorm room are:

1. It is an empty, depressing, white box, for which you usually have only a few days to decorate before problem sets and Alexander Pope papers begin.
2. Everyone else owns that futon from Ikea as well.

PLASTICS offers the solution of bright and colorful shapes to transform your space in this post. I say, California sunshine may be overrated, and it's time to bring the darkness, intricacy, and clutter of New York out West. The duel is on!

These plates by SarahBurden give some old world charm to late night batches of Easy Mac.

This vintage frame from MagiaMia would be perfect for that portrait of Mom and Dad; sadly, tuition money does not grow on trees.

That institutional fluorescent overhead light is a monster. I'd rather fill my room with warm lamps like this one by lamplighter, and bask in the soft glow.

When your boyfriend's can of Natty Ice has left one too many wet rings on your Origins of Totalitarianism report, these French Elegance Coasters by HaileyLuDesigns will come in handy.

There are so few mirrors in college dorm rooms, yet so much vanity. This Hand-Carved Cherry Mirror by elleny will do the trick — and avoid the messy wall removal typical of most mirrors.

There are plenty of vintage skeleton keys like these from theginghamgirl, and I think they would make for an awesome craft project — perhaps string a whole bunch to hang across a wall instead of those cheap Christmas lights everyone loves so much.

I love these velvet sachets that smell like pine from Inkandescence. They would add such a richness to an otherwise flat space.

The glaringly empty walls of a dorm room are begging to be covered. I'd pick this beautiful polaroid emulsion lift by TiffanyTeske, rather than the Animal House poster that has managed to build a monopoly on college wall art.

Wall decals are the college student's best friend. I love this end table decal by BadassCustomDecals for the illusion of furniture in a tight space.

Part of the problem with the dorm room is that it not only is a temporary space, but it continues to look like one, even when inhabited. I want to fill my space with history and tchochkes, in an effort to beat back the soulless modernity of the room. This Six Legged Lamb by melabo is perfectly cute and creepy.

I think this antique medicine bottle from shunklies would make for a great crayon holder. If only I could replace the windows with this aged glass as well.

I may not be allowed to light candles in my dorm room, but this crystal candelabra from sheriscrystals would still bring the drama when I gather my friends together to discuss Oscar Wilde or Facebook.

Vote in the comments for which dorm room you'd rather inhabit! And check out PLASTICS' post to see the Vibrant and Bold dorm room. For previous duel articles, click here.

Etsy Finds: Entomological Picks

2008-08-07T10:30:00Z

I was hosting a dinner party in my backyard the other evening, when my friends and I were driven inside, not by rain or nosy neighbors, but instead, by slugs. From ants at a picnic to mosquitoes by the lake, insects have long been the cliche of summer annoyance. What I love most about the bugs on Etsy is their inanimation. These Entomological Finds are creatures I can appreciate without a can of Raid, which is good news for my lungs and my karma.

Heliconius Sara

I've always coveted those insect displays at natural history museums for my own mantel. This embroidered painting is even better, because there is no glass to keep me from running my fingers over those textured wings. By FestiveRoad, $55.

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1910s Antique Large BUG-I-CIDE Poison Label

I kind of want to put these vintage poison stickers over all my food in the refrigerator, to deter both bugs and roommates alike. By cOveTableCuriOsitIEs, $8.

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Grasshopper Belt Buckle

My friend's grandfather has a badass scorpion belt buckle from Mexico; I may rival his style with this lovely grasshopper. By rockwell23, $73.

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scarab necklace

Beetles are so much more palatable when still, and gilded. By automaton, $18.

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Garden Slug 4 x 5 Card w/envelope

These cards would be perfect to invite my friends for Dinner Party Round 2: Take Back the Garden. By katwright, $3.50.

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insect woodburning

Woodburning seems like the perfect medium in which to express the admission that yes, we know, bugs will still be here post-apocalypse. By thekid, $64.

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Slug O Stache - 100 Percent Organic Cotton - Alternative Apparel - 6005 Crew T-Shirt

A slug with a mustache? Well, now, that's just fitting for my Brooklyn soiree. By partybots, $31.95.

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Invasive Africanized Honeybee

I plan on buying every piece in this Invasive Species Dinnerware set. I'd gladly share my falafel with these wood blocked bees. By nonfictiondesign, $16.

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Bugged Vinyl Messenger

This bag would be delightful for walks in the park, and perhaps suggest an alliance that will keep me in entomological good will. By SugarLust, $50.

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Looking for more Entomological Finds? Try these Etsy links:

Items tagged "Bugs" | Items tagged "Entomological" | Eco Gift Guide

Need a daily fix of Etsy Finds? Sign up for the Etsy Finds e-mail! Conveniently delivered to your inbox!

Etsy Press Club: June 2008

2008-08-06T16:48:00Z

In Roman mythology, Juno protected the finances of the empire. How fitting then, that June should be such a prolific press month for Etsians! The latest edition of the Etsy Press Club is ready. These are all of the clippings that I found or received during June. As always, if you get mentioned in the press, please send an email with your shop name and links to pressclub@etsy.com to be included in our roll call. Throw on that goatskin cloak, and reflect on the press of June.

Print

Venus Zine - {New New} York Etsy Street Team
The Ventura County Star - beenznrice
Boston Business Journal - KMajkut
Small Magazine - PamelaAngus, astulabee
Sunday Times Style Magazine - Bombus
Domino - wowout888, rubenacker, scottgarrette, joncarling, hughillustration, danielsroka, andymathis, artofandrewdaniel, monpetitfantome, johnclark, phippsart, mincingmockingbird, berkleyillustration, Jimbot, nateduval, davidmoore
Canadian Home & Country - NightjarBooks

Web

Craftzine - ChristinaWard
thesmallobject - somethingshidinghere
Jewelry Hunter - lindalayden, paraphernalia, kangas, esdesigns, OctopusMe
perfectbound - applepieorder
craftystylish - BoxingDay, PickalaPoopa
rarebirdfinds - dahliasoleil, HiAnnie
dearyouloveme - somethingshidinghere
All Over Albany - esdesigns
Chicagoist - GartersByKristi
girlobsessed - somethingshidinghere
poststar - InspirationByKaren
rachelbestblogs - AidaCoronado
vintageindie - leavesofclay, TrinityRS, chictochic, miajoie, ThePeach, paperhill,
ms bliss - winifredStudios
realfanshitonly - somethingshidinghere
vintagefashionguild - joules

Sorry this one was late - too much press to cover! Check out previous editions of the Etsy Press Club here! Send your press mentions to press@etsy.com to be included in the next edition.

Etsy in the Press: July 2008

2008-07-31T15:19:00Z

The Etsy community is becoming the go-to source for inspirational shopping tips on all things innovative and exquisite. Word is spreading to a variety of news media, touting the value of Etsy for buyers and sellers alike. Interior designer and contributing editor for ELLE Decor, Elaine Griffin, was on the The Today Show July 29th, giving tips for buyers to acquire affordable art, and needless to say, Etsy was one of those hot tips. Griffin's philosophy—that art should not be viewed as a luxury, but rather accessible and enriching for the average consumer—is enthusiastically supported in the work of Etsy artists every day.

On July 16th, Foxbusiness.com published an article and video, profiling Etsy as part of their series on young entrepeneurs. The piece particularly highlights Etsians' diversity: from pottery to zombie bunny finger puppets. The video interview with Rob Kalin focuses on buying handmade and buying local as the future of consumerism. As they stroll through customer support and the Etsy Labs, the vision and community that makes Etsy so unique is visibly evident.

In the Canadian newspaper, the Edmonton Journal, Etsy is credited for local success stories babyleila, leilaandben, and Majestyinc. The sellers behind these powerhouse shops celebrate the community, exposure, and financial opportunities provided by Etsy. On the blog, Baltimore by Hand, Etsy seller Christy Zuccarini spreads the good word, encouraging buyers and sellers to check out the handmade marketplace, as well as all of Etsy's great features, such as Alchemy, Pounce, and of course, the Storque!

Philadelphia family newspaper, The Bulletin, praises Etsy for its "attractive, contemporary, and user-friendy" atmosphere, particularly enthusiastic about the lack of outside advertising on the site. Lastly, Syuzi Pakhchyan, author of Fashioning Technology, showed up on New Hampshire Public Radio's "Word of Mouth" program to talk about Etsy and crafting, specifically, "smart materials," such as LED lights and conductive thread. For more crafting with technology, check out the Geekery category or this How-To on LED Baby Booties.

For more Etsy Press coverage, go here!

Etsy Finds: Surrealist Picks

2008-07-29T10:00:00Z

In an effort to escape the heat, I've been spending a lot of time lately in museums and movie theaters. The new exhibition at the MOMA, Dali: Painting and Film, was an ideal synthesis of the two. My favorite film from the show was a collaboration Dali began with Walt Disney, Destino, set to music by Mexican songwriter Armando Dominguez. The animated short brings some of Dali's signature motifs to life, and I was inspired to look on Etsy for some surrealist Finds.

Melting Clock

Time is never an absolute reality. Especially on the subway platform. By PragmaticEffects, $60.

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Shell - hand bag

I love that the color for this handbag is "desert." This accessory captures Dali's sandy abandoned landscapes for me, and it looks like it would be warm to the touch. By mishidesign, $179.

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Ants wall graphic

At one point in the film, ants crawl out of a crack in one's palm, only to then turn into men riding bicycles. I can imagine similar metamorphoses as these ant wall decals climb through shadows on my ceiling. By oneupdesigns, $16.

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Zen continuity dress - made from scratch

This dress reminds me of the delicate garment in which the mortal girl twirls and slides, the fabric an organic extension of the body itself. By thimblescratch, $80.

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small bowl eyes (black)

Throughout Dali's body of work, eyes are a recurring theme. I'd love a little surrealism with my cereal in the morning. By CircaCeramics, $40.

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dandelion wish pendant necklace

Dandelions have always fascinated me, their survival dependent on their ephemeral beauty. For Dali, a dandelion can evolve even further, bursting and leaping into dancers. There seems to be so much potential energy in this dandelion pendant. By umbrellashop, $28.

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A Dreams Boatride - Shadow Puppet

The endless possibilities lurking in a stretched shadow or child's imagination are intricately explored in A Dream's Boatride Shadow Puppet. Dali would be so pleased. By IsabellasArt, $24.

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Home for the Holidays - 8x8 Fine Art Print

This photograph is simultaneously warm and eerie. If Dali ever lived in the Great Plains, this would be his home. By irenesuchocki, $30.

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Self-Sealing Postcard

When I've lost myself so completely in Dali's fantasy world of ever-changing forms, I can use this surrealist postcard to write home. By fieldandsea, $3.50.

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Looking for more Surrealist Finds? Try these Etsy links:

Paintings tagged "surreal" | Art Showcase | Items tagged "Surrealist"

Need a daily fix of Etsy Finds? Sign up for the Etsy Finds e-mail! Delivered straight to your inbox!

Etsy Finds: Baby Bloomers

2008-07-21T09:53:00Z

Inspired by the Handmade Kids series, I can't help but imagine my fantasy baby (who will, of course, come post-graduation, post-financial stability, post-flourishing literary career, etc.). My imaginary baby would coo to Robert Johnson lullabies and salivate for cumin. And I know I would feel the urge to dress her in bloomers for all occasions, to show off that lil' booty. Here are my top picks for fantastic baby bloomers on Etsy! If only these came in my size...

Fancy Pants

These over-the-top bloomers would be perfect for Burning Man or the Big Apple Circus. By Mellika, $24.

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Modern PINK DAHLIA Diaper Cover/Bloomers

I love the colors on this pink dahlia diaper cover. Paired with an animal print dress, she would be a kaleidoscope of jungle. By lassiegirl, $16.

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Pat the Tatting Medium Baby Bloomers

It's Grandma's tablecloth on your baby's tush! Classy, yet cheeky. By Monicaj, $20.

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Vintage PATCHWORK Skirted Gingham BLOOMERS Sz 6-12 Mo OOAK

My baby would have to know her hippie roots. Sporting these patchwork bloomers, we would go to the park to listen to Joan Baez and munch on edible flowers. By LittleEmpress, $16.50.

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Daisy bloomies bloomers with vintage lace and trim

The vintage lace and gingham fabric on these bloomers make my day; we could go straight from the picnic to the Brooklyn Academy of Music. By louandlee, $15.

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Minnie Bloomer Shorts

These blue and white bloomers inspire me to take my baby boating, perhaps to Bermuda, or Staten Island. By LucysPlace, $33.

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Bloomer and Bows

Interchangeable bows and flowers for the bottom of my baby's bum? Ingenious. I'd stick a "Gerber daisy" just about anywhere on my wee one. By GalsWithGirls, $18.

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Bellasofia Bloomers in white

For museum hopping on the Upper East Side, these soft and delicate bloomers by Bellasofia would only enhance the art. By bellasofia, $28.

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Fashion Bloomers -Tan Flowers

These fashion bloomers suggest Elizabethan rock star, clearly perfect for Shakespeare in the Park. By RaeGun, $12.50.

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Find more gifts for new babies in the links below:

Handmade Kids Series | Special Kids Showcase | Baby Gift Guide | Children Gift Guide