Search results (tags) for: "american"

News From the Craft + Style Blogosphere: December 10, 2009

2009-12-10T16:15:00-05:00

"Nothing risqué, nothing gained." — Alexander Woollcott

This week's edition of News From the Craft + Style Blogosphere has costumed spiritual messengers, animations to make your eyeballs dilate (with fashion!), minerals as art and an inspirational stone house that makes being a Flintstone an appealing prospect.

Read on!

Reed + Radar's freaky deaky animated GIFs marry fashion editorial and Paper Rad-style animation. I prefer my fashion consumption in eye-dilating doses. [Via Style Bubble]

This bulbous stone house is reminiscent of Fred Flintstone's cavernous cottage. Located in the mountains of Fafe, Portugal, this modern sculpture makes me ache to be a cave dweller! Check out this video for a view of the home's interior. (I wish I knew Portuguese!) [Via FlyLyf]

The brightly costumed wooden katsina dolls of the Hopi and Navajo tribes are a serious source of fashion inspiration: the textures, the layers, the patterns and prints! These beautiful dolls are also believed to be spiritual messengers with supernatural powers. These powerful symbols are thought to have the ability to bring the rain, punish offenders of ceremonial or social laws, and, in general, to function as messengers between the spiritual domain and mortals. These vibrant paintings by Raymond John Poseyesva revive these icons for a new century. [Via Nothing is New on Art 21]

Nature is a curious sculptress, and these minerals and gems salute the skilled hand that is time's gentle progression. But wait — these are actually not photos at all, but mind-meltingly realistic mineral paintings by the very talented Carly Waito. [Via Design*Sponge]

Wanna give me some more artsy, style or design blogs to peruse? Leave them in the comments! And check out past installments of News From the Craft + Style Blogosphere!

Keep it Weird: Plymouth Rock

2009-11-27T12:30:00-05:00

If yesterday was a whirlwind of tofurkey and pie, sit back and relish the day-after food coma with some puritanical oddities. It's time to go against the grain in celebration of the pilgrims' journey for freedom. This week's Keep it Weird goes down real smooth with leftover gravy.

I give thanks for the Zombie Thanksgiving Turkey by IckyDogCreations, Vintage Pilgrim Candles from bythewayside, and Han Solo Being Harassed by the Puritan Squad by MattiasA. Check out the Related Items below for a curious cornucopia.

More Keep it Weird Posts | Thanksgiving Art | Vintage Turkey

Etsy Finds: My American Gothic Wedding

2009-07-07T12:00:00-05:00

What do you get when an Etsy addict and an independent artist fall in love? A very unique wedding. I spend all day, every day on Etsy (since I'm an editor of Etsy's blog, The Storque), and my husband Mickey is a cartoonist and designer, so between the two of us, equipped with our crew of crafty friends and family members, we strove to incorporate as many handmade and vintage details as possible.

This post came about because our wedding photographer was submitting his portfolio to blogs and magazines, and much to my surprise, Martha Stewart Wedding's editors chose to feature our wedding online — see their post here. This is all very convenient, since Etsy is doing a wedding contest with Martha Stewart this summer. Most of all, I'm excited because I get to talk up all the creative Etsy sellers with whom we worked and share some insider tips with you. Our wedding was the best day of my life, and I owe so much of that to Etsy sellers.

Clothing

Check out the Wedding Attire Guide for more finds.

Rubypearl Children's Party Dress

My niece Sabina Edwina le Bon Bon Bertozzi was our fabulous flowergirl. She said her dress was "the prettiest dress ever!" By rubypearl, $88. I think so too, but there are so many darling options for flowergirl dresses to explore.

View Item | View Shop

The cuteness of a colorful tutu, such as this one by tutusbliss, would also elicit "awwws" at your ceremony ($59). Find more tutus.
View Item | View Shop

Walborg Beaded Clutch

Stash some lipstick, double-stick garment tape, and a couple Advil in a tiny, vintage beaded purse. Trust me on this one. From jodiboutique, $28.

View Item | View Shop

Checkered rusty freestyle bow tie

It took a bit for me to convince Mickey that we didn't have enough time for him to design and custom print his own fabric and then learn how to make his own bow ties. You can't do everything! There are plenty of handmade and vintage bow ties on Etsy. By xoelle, $36.

View Item | View Shop

Reversible Party Dress-custom sized

I couldn't decide which color I wanted the bridesmaids' dresses to be, so this reversible design did the trick. And it really did feel like a magic trick when the bridesmaids flipped from the ceremony's yellow cotton to the reception's navy satin — in my parents' barn of all places. By missbrache, $148.

View Item | View Shop

Cupcake Vintage 1950s Petticoat

The detachable petticoats enhanced the 1950s style of the dresses and gave them that extra poof and versatility. Missbrache made ours, and you can find lots of handmade and vintage ones on Etsy. By LolitaVintage, $59.95.

View Item | View Shop

Pink Strapless Satin Party Dress Size Large

Here's another beautiful bridesmaid option. It was important for me to pick dresses that our sisters could wear again to all sorts of parties. By erinleighheart, $69. Look for more choices in formal dresses.

View Item | View Shop

MinnaK, the Brooklyn designer I worked with on my custom dress, is capable of making you look like a movie star. This Valencia dress, one of her unique designs, is $1,200. I also worked with an elderly Ukrainian woman who embroidered the train, a nod to Mickey's heritage. If you're getting a custom dress made, try working in some vintage lace for texture and detail.

View Item | View Shop

Search the Wedding Category for more wedding dress styles, and try searching for "white dress" in handmade and vintage too.

3 Piece Custom Tuxedo Suit for Your Pet

Hugo, my sister's beloved dog, was our ringbearer. Furkidfever made his custom suit from my sketches, and Hugo looked very dapper trotting down the aisle with the rings tied to a ribbon on his back ($64.99). Etsy has some jaw-droppingly cute pet clothes. Also check out this necktie by dogties, $8.

View Item | View Shop

Jewelry & Accessories

Paper Goods

Check out the Wedding Invites and Favors Guide for more.

folk LOVE (yellow and green)

I love the folk style of these cards by dutchdoor ($4). These could work as thank you notes — you will be writing many! Often letterpress artists, including dutchdoor, do custom invitations if you ask. You could probably even do a package with invitations and thank you cards. Find more letterpress thank you cards.

View Item | View Shop

The Seaside Fan Program

Since we expected a hot August day in New England, we decided to have our programs double as fans. Mickey designed the circular fans with Ukrainian inspired, psychedelic patterns. I cut them out and glued them onto tongue depressors. Here's a similar idea by mybluetulipdesign, $3.50.

View Item | View Shop

Custom Letterpress Wedding Invitations

I like wedding invites that express the personality of the couple. This one is great — old-timey and a little cheeky. By drenculture, $950. Find more custom letterpress invitations.

View Item | View Shop

Comic-inspired Save-the-Date

As a cartoonist, Mickey gave our invitations his all. We didn't get a chance to send out a paper save-the-date. This one by baumbirdy, $2.50, has that playful, comic book feel.

View Item | View Shop

Vintage Postcard Wedding Invitation

If you're working with an artist to make a custom design, ask them for examples of their fonts. I love the vintage feel of this design. By goldenrectanglepress, $7.

View Item | View Shop

Decor

Check out the Wedding Decor Guide for more.

Cobweb Buttons in Mini Bucket

Our flowers were from our friend Els' garden and a local farm. I had been considering potted plants or succulents, such as these by thesporeattic, $10, as centerpieces. I remember harassing our guests at the end of the night to take the cut flowers home and not let them go to waste — maybe potted plants would have been more apt to find a home.

View Item | View Shop

Vintage Armour lard Tin

Oh, man! I wish I'd found these vintage pure lard tins when I was planning the wedding. Imagine this filled with flowers — that would get your guests in the mood to laugh and joke with their table-mates. From moxiesisters, $19.99.

View Item | View Shop

Handmade Vintage Soumak Tapestry Rug

As a surprise, my parents bought the rug that we were standing on during the ceremony. It has a "tree of life" design — such a nice symbolic gift that we'll have for the rest of our lives. I've heard of folks doing similar things with custom quilts and wall hangings, which can be used in the home after the big day. From MountainsideTreasure, $750.

View Item | View Shop

As you can see, our taste is a mix of traditional, classic looks with over-the-top details. We wanted our wedding to be ecstatic — full of life, color, humor — but we didn't want it to end up looking like a circus. What do you think? Comment on the blog.

Choose Three Silkscreened Votives

I knew I wanted a little ambiance on the tables, so I designed a Ukrainian inspired pattern and printed little vellum sleeves for our votives. If I could do it over again, I'd get these votives by maryink, $27. Candlelight came in handy, since the dj's equipment kept blowing the power in the tent!

View Item | View Shop

Handpainted Wooden
Wedding Reception Table Numbers

If there's one thing my husband knows better than anything else, it's typography. He designed our little yellow and black table numbers. I like these wooden ones by Funkifolkart, $8.

View Item | View Shop

Wood Type Letterpress Monogram Coasters

These monogram coasters could also work as table letters. (Why does it have to be numbers anyway?) By marquandeditions, $10.

View Item | View Shop

25 Custom 2.25 Inch Pinback Buttons

My crafty sister-in-law Kim and my coworkers surprised me with a crafting night at Etsy Labs. We made tons of buttons together. You can design your own or have an Etsy seller make them for you. By Buttonhead, $17.75.

View Item | View Shop

Fantasy Wife Cake Topper

We ended up not coughing up the dough for the cake. But we did have an awesome cake topper by melabo, $40.

View Item | View Shop

Vintage Photo Album

We put our photos in a vintage photo album. This would also make an excellent guestbook for inscriptions. From LonesomeBrown, $10. Find more vintage photo albums.

View Item | View Shop

Vintage Souvenir Hanky Niagara Falls

One last tip: vinage hankies for all! From linensandthings, $12.

View Item | View Shop

Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

Wedding Category | Wedding Gift Ideas | Wedding Sellers' Picks | Handmade Weddings

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

Etsy Finds: The New Old School

2009-06-23T12:00:00-05:00

There are many things in life that you can teach yourself: sewing a hem, making delicious hummus, and playing the harmonica are some accomplished examples. The do-it-yourself ethos runs deep and strong here on Etsy, but there's another facet to this creative treasure trove. Today's Etsy Finds are devoted to the traditional craftsmanship of yore, as viewed through a modern lens. These trades have traditionally been passed down through guilds and apprenticeships, keeping the handicraft skill sets alive and well to this day.

Ceramics and Pottery

Whether it's thrown, molded or cast, ceramics and pottery are a delight to observe (and carefully touch!). To learn more about this often utilitarian art form, check out our recent Facts and Fancies series on the subject.

Swiss Lamp in White

By jillrosenwald, $775.

View Item | View Shop

Blue Teapot

By lawatson, $175.

View Item | View Shop

Lace Bottle

By holepot, $1000.

View Item | View Shop

White Porcelain Fruit Bowl with Holes

By isabelleabramson, $350.

View Item | View Shop

Glass

Glass is one of the most ancient and time honored crafting traditions. Blown, stained or mosaic, glass making is a complex art form. Learn more about how glass is blown here.

Aqueous Stars

By leibenaller, $1250.

View Item | View Shop

Vivid Orange Blown Glass Vase

By corporanglass, $375.

View Item | View Shop

Damselfly

By TobyUptonGlass, $425.

View Item | View Shop

Biodiversity Sculpture

By AustinArtGlass, $575.

View Item | View Shop

Woodworking

Is there a more noble profession that that of the woodworker? The range of creations that can be hewn from a single tree is staggering. Furniture and musical instruments are but the tip of the iceberg.

Mahogany Butcher table

By attiladesign, $3200.

View Item | View Shop

Bamboo Electric Guitar

By liceaguitars, $1750.

View Item | View Shop

Large Flickering Lone Star Oak Table

By woodmosaics, $8500.

View Item | View Shop

Roll Top Desk - Available for commission

By janiesmash, $8600.

View Item | View Shop

Jewelry

These one of a kind pieces are sure to wow. Goldsmithing is a craft I wouldn't mind learning, if only for the decorative advantages (ahem, new rings weekly!).

Holding Hands Necklace

By margauxlange, $495.

View Item | View Shop

Papallona

By masaoms, $180.

View Item | View Shop

Large Spheres Knots Necklace

By SNoU, $625.

View Item | View Shop

Perelandrian Ring

By nanopod, $350.

View Item | View Shop

Leatherworking

Leather is such a malleable, yet durable, material. These pieces are sure to last a lifetime.

Grape Leaves and Tendrils Deluxe Cuff

By sunnyrising, $119.

View Item | View Shop

Leather in Antique Brown and Brass

By moxieandoliver, $750.

View Item | View Shop

Custom Red Retro Platform Pumps

By zerkahloostrah, $500.

View Item | View Shop

Nenjuu Leather Bag

By JMBCanada, $450.

View Item | View Shop

Fine Art

Etsy's Art Category holds countless aesthetic wonders. These gallery-worthy pieces are just a sampling.

Grace.

By jdmphotographs, $200.

View Item | View Shop

Original Oil - Made of the night

By thisisalliknow, $1600.

View Item | View Shop

Further West Metal Sculpture

By NoClassic, $285.

View Item | View Shop

How Is One.....

By olivamoon, $475.

View Item | View Shop

Fiber Art and Textiles

This collection encompasses the worlds of crochet, needlecraft, quilting, with some mixed media fiber art thrown in for good measure. The intricacy and attention to detail is awe-inspiring.

Beret21

By dadaya, $128.

View Item | View Shop

Moist Mother Earth

By TheFaerieMarket, $8000.

View Item | View Shop

Textile necklace nO.395

By kjoo, $280.

View Item | View Shop

Fallow Fields - Rag Quilt, Reversible

By wiccked, $599.

View Item | View Shop

You need not look very far to see all of the quality craftsmanship on Etsy! What's your favorite medium?

Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

Gift Guides | Facts and Fancies Series | Trends | Gift Ideas

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

Join Etsy in Support of The American Cancer Society

2009-05-04T16:30:00-05:00

Etsy is a proud sponsor of The First Annual Pink & Black Tie Gala of the Brooklyn Regional Office of the American Cancer Society. Hosted by Brooklyn’s own Stacy London of TLC’s What Not to Wear, the event promises to be a fantastic night to remember in the fight against cancer. More than 300 guests are expected to don pink and black, enjoy an elegant dinner highlighted by some classic local specialties, take part in a live auction kicked off by Brooklyn’s own Borough President Marty Markowitz, and join together to dance the night away.

Please join us:

When: Thursday, May 7, 2009 from 6:00 pm 10:30 pm

Where: Stage 6 at Steiner Studios
15 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, New York
Click here for printable directions
Complimentary parking will be provided

Why: Your participation in the Pink & Black Tie Gala will help to ensure that the American Cancer Society can continue to provide hope, support and answers to those touched by cancer. Proceeds go directly to fund services to help local cancer patients and their families, programs for cancer prevention and early detection, as well as national life saving research.

Who: The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service.

If you are in New York City, and want to support a great cause, tickets are still available. Plus, you'll walk away with an eco-friendly tote bag, hand-printed right here at the Etsy Labs in Brooklyn. Even if you aren't in NYC, you can still support the fight against cancer.

Search for Cancer Awareness Items | More Craftivism Posts

Gift Ideas: Shop Local Baltimore with the BEST

2008-12-17T10:19:00-05:00

Shop Local this holiday season and support independent craftspeople. It's a great way to reduce your carbon footprint! We are pleased to have jenmenkhaus here from Baltimore, Maryland. That's her, in the red scarf. She's picked some of her favorite local crafters, and is spreading the word about the Baltimore Etsy Street Team!

Here I'm standing in front of the mosaic wall at the American Visionary Art Museum. My husband and I had one of our first dates here, we got married here, and now we bring our daughter here. We actually traveled to London to see the Automata Exhibit, which was ironically on its way to the States to reside at AVAM. Lucky for us, the exhibit is still here, and our daughter can't get enough of it. I just hope our next little one (due this spring) loves it as much as we do!

The Baltimore Etsy Street Team proves that there is power in numbers. In their banner year, BEST's membership has gone from 7 to over 60+ with the local media taking notice of their talent, professionalism and (of course) their super-awesome craftiness. With a hard working team and a core of 12 really motivated ladies, they have successfully made a blip in Baltimore's history. You may know Baltimore from Homicide and The Wire, but we know Baltimore as one of the most charming — and crafty — cities around. Take some time to see the sights of Charm City with members of BEST and friends from the Charm City Craft Mafia. These good people represent just a fraction of the hundreds of crafters and artists living in our fair city.

Check out the craft stars of Baltimore featured this holiday season in the December Buy Local Issue of Baltimore Magazine Made in Baltimore Feature. Baltimore Magazine also noticed the BEST team earlier this year in the Best of issue: Baltimore's Best Locally Made Crafts.

tigerlillyshop: "One of our city's most memorable landmarks stands high on a western hill in Patterson Park. 'The Pagoda' was built in 1892, a high Victorian Oriental style observation tower overlooking the park. I love our neighborhood green space and feel lucky to have such a great outdoor public place in Baltimore. I walk there with my daughter; we hunt for nature things together to preserve in my copper jewelry line. Finding nature and the subtle essence of the seasons can be a challenge in the inner city, but we can find them in Patterson Park."

vwstudios: "Tucked in a dell in the middle of an urban Baltimore neighborhood is the Baltimore Museum of Art's sculpture garden. I used to live around the corner and visit regularly, now I stop by on occasion to be inspired by one of Baltimore's jewels! It's a small garden, nestled between the museum and the Johns Hopkins University campus. I love the intimate setting and the lush greenery. The criss-crossing paths bring many pedestrians through on their way to somewhere else, but the benches are always full of people stopping to take a moment with the art."

jennyjen42: "Here I am in one of my favorite hiding spots...the Cylburn Arboretum, a nature preserve and city park of about 207 acres, located in northwest Baltimore City. I first came here on a field trip in the fourth grade and we went on a nature hike looking for birdies. There is a Nature Museum which contains a collection of Maryland birds, most of which are mounted in habitat arrangements, and collections of bird eggs from the late 1800's, butterflies and moths, rocks and minerals, fossils and seashells, games, and habitat dioramas. When you are here you can't believe that you are still in parts of urban Baltimore. I like to think of this place as my little oasis. I like to come here in search of more subjects for my birdy bird products. I am pictured here trying to persuade some friendly fellas to come closer for more in-depth research!"

spatherapy: "This is me and my dog Lacey hanging out by the the Chesapeake Bay in the suburbs of Baltimore. I grew up in the city, but quickly learned to love the peacefulness of the 'burbs. Living in an old little town by the water with easy access to the city is the perfect place for me."

jillpopowichdesigns: "While I no longer live in downtown Baltimore but rather on the outlying region, I spend much of my time in the city for either work or play. I love that every neighborhood has its own unique personality and the residences are as unique and different as the many experiences you can have in Charm City. I find its quirkiness inspiring: it makes you want to explore its many facets and tell its story. This picture was taken in Fells Point, which in its day was a shipping port and playground for sailors. Now it is known for its quirky shops and concentration of bars and pubs."

sweetpepita: "My husband took this photo of my daughter and I at the zoo in Druid Hill Park. We are somewhere in the park, either at the zoo, the conservatory, or walking the maze of access roads through the thick woods with our dog Jakey. We have neighbors who remember when horse drawn mowers kept the park manicured and trimmed, and we've heard stories of entire families sleeping on the large expanses of lawn, trying to keep cool during the hottest months of the year. When the City stopped mowing, the trees and vines reclaimed the land. It was once a refined kind of glorious. It's scruffy now, but magical."

greenstarstudio: "I love living in Baltimore because there is art EVERYWHERE! As a muralist, illustrator and teacher, I'm constantly immersed in public art. Baltimore has a wonderful community arts scene and the city really embraces the idea of living with art; from the galleries, to the art classes, to the murals & the stores featuring handmade, local work — it's the perfect place to live WITH art. (This is me in front of my most recent mural in Baltimore, on 21st and Boone, near Greenmount.)"

bowerbox: "What I love about Charles Village is that it's a fun neighborhood where people aren't afraid to paint their house bright pink or yellow or blue — and they're proud of it! I live on one of the most colorful blocks of Calvert Street, and have lived in a few different colored painted ladies. Pictured is my former apartment, in a rowhouse voted Best in Charles Village for years — and it's just as beautiful inside, with original woodwork, stained glass, and peacock wallpaper!"

spaghettikiss & pinkkiss: "The Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) campus is a well known breeding ground for Baltimore artists. Not only did we get married here, but it is also the place where we learned our craft, where we met and where we started our businesses, Spaghetti Kiss (Mikey) and Pink Kiss Pottery (Shawna) together. In this picture we are walking in front of MICA's Brown Center, on our way to our wedding reception."

redprairiepress: "Baltimore may have a rough reputation, but once you're here, you realize this city is just proud of itself, and thus, proud of you for making art in its borders. People here love knowing that what they're buying comes from here, and they love having certain things to claim as Baltimore's own. The city is big enough that it has a diverse mix of happenings, but small enough that on any given day, most people are connected to at least one of them because they'll know one of the organizers or artists. Enormous community pride and a small-world feel? That's the best support you can ask for, as a local business."

Great picks, jenmenkhaus! Shop Local in 2009 and meet your talented neighbors (shrink that carbon footprint too)! Find sellers belonging to local Baltimore Etsy Street Team and check out their blog too at baltimore-etsy.blogspot.com. Check out their website at baltimorecraft.com.

Shop Local Posts | Gift Ideas | Shop Local in Your Area

Shop Live: Expert Shoppers in the Virtual Labs

2008-12-12T18:19:00-05:00

Last one tonight!!! Lucky Magazine - Fri, 12/12 @ 7pm EST.

Ever wish your favorite style-savvy magazine would somehow come to life and help you navigate the wide variety of items on Etsy? Imagine if your favorite blogger would magically appear and point you to the perfect holiday gifts for your friends and family... (sound of fingers snapping) Your wish is our command!

Etsy is teaming up with a bevy of talented tastemakers to bring you hot picks for the holiday season live in the Virtual Labs. If you've never visited the Virtual Labs, now is your chance to join in Etsy's multi-user, webcam-enabled chat space (yes, where you can also throw around virtual paper airplanes and toss hearts at people). It's going to be a whole lot of fun, so please spread the word and login here at the appointed hour!

Schedule of Shop Live events all in the Treehouse of the Virtual Labs:

Wednesday, December 3rd @ 7pm EST

Brett Bara, host of PBS' Knit and Crochet Today and Editor in Chief of Crochet Today, (which, by the way, is chock-full of amazing presents to crochet) picks her top crocheted gifts — and gifts for crocheters — available on Etsy.

Thursday, December 4th @ 7pm EST

BurdaStyle, your destination for do-it-yourself style, picks top gifts for the fashionista. See some of their previous stylings on the Storque.

Friday December 5th @ 7pm EST

Wired Magazine, your source for the coolest gear for everyone on your shopping list, picks their top gifts for the geek in your life.

Monday December 8th @ 7pm EST

Garth Johnson, the rock star of craft blogs, ExtremeCraft, shares his extraordinary Etsy picks.

Tuesday December 9th @ 7pm EST

Andrew Wagner, Editor in Chief of the illustrious American Craft Magazine, picks his favorite contemporary crafts on Etsy.

Wednesday December 10th @ 7pm EST

Jonathan Butler from Brooklyn's biggest blog-about-town, Brownstoner, picks must-have housewares and art for the holidays.

Thursday December 11th @ 7pm EST

Aya Kanai, senior fashion editor of TeenVogue, your source for Style-conscious girls everywhere, picks the best fashion-forward gifts for teens.

Friday December 12th @ 7pm EST

Ami Pak, Senior Online Editor, Lucky Online (known for combining shopping + style) will share style savvy gifts for her.

So snuggle in and shop with us every weeknight until December 12th! Remember there are only 100 seats in the Treehouse of the Virtual Labs, so get there on time! You don't want to miss these picks! If you want to find out more about this newfangled Virtual Labs thing, check out this post.

Want to help spread the word? Why, thank you! Aren't you a doll?! Here are some cute graphics (thanks, Anda!) for your website or blog. Please link your readers back to this article, so they can be in the know!

Shop Live: American Craft's Picks

2008-12-10T17:00:00-05:00

Last night we were excited to have Andrew Wagner live in the Virtual Labs sharing his favorites! Andrew is editor-in-chief of American Craft Magazine and has impeccable taste (as you can see from his picks below!) This month's American Craft is overflowing with fascinating articles like Brooklyn, New York: Craft Over the Bridge, where we spotted Etsy seller Elasticco's work!

Having fun with Andrew in the Virtual Labs!

If you were there, let us know what you thought in the comments below. And don't miss tonight's guest, Jonathan Butler from Brooklyn's biggest blog-about-town, Brownstoner, picking must-have housewares and art for the holidays. Be sure to tune in tonight at 7pm EST in the Virtual Labs.

See the complete Shop Live schedule here.

Handmade Portraits: Bruce Metcalf with Bonus Audio Podcast

2008-10-10T12:43:00-05:00

MP4 | Youtube | Blip.tv | Subscribe in iTunes

(music by Lineland, photos by John White Wilson)

Bruce Metcalf has dedicated almost forty years of his life to the creation and historiography of American Studio Craft. He makes his exquisite jewelry with the utmost care and precision. On average most of the pieces take two months to create, whereas some take years before he perfects the final nuances.

After stints as sociology and architecture majors, Metcalf found himself transferring to the jewelry department during college in 1970. It was a bold move because the crafts weren't highly regarded within the fine art establishment at that time. However, the move felt right, and studio craft is where Metcalf has stayed ever since.

Because “fine artists” wrote about craft only as functional and not for display, Metcalf decided to set the story straight and represent himself. He began writing about craft history and theory. Currently, Metcalf is in the process of finishing up a text book on the history of American Studio Craft, the first of its kind.

Over the course of the last decade, the number of craft departments across the country has continued to dwindle. Although newer generations of artists embrace studio craft, academia still does not embrace its importance within the fine art establishment. Metcalf spends much of his time — when not producing work — talking to heads of art schools, academics and art critics about the importance of studio craft as part of formal fine art training. Although Metcalf acknowledges that many talented and successful artists are self taught (he himself is self trained in woodworking), he maintains that the best training still lies within a formal setting with a teacher as a mentor.

Metcalf has become an outspoken figure at the intersection of craft and fine art worlds, but recently at the Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG) conference, his comments led to another controversial role in the eyes of a new crowd. He sparked a dialogue between generations of crafters — his peers in the older, more established Studio Crafts/Craft as Fine Art generation, and the younger, technology-infused, DIYers of "Alt craft."

After the conference, crafter imogeneANDannie posted "Confessions" on her blog that, in a very personal way, focused in on Metcalf's remarks, and in doing so, unveiled the perceptions of the two disparate sides. Folks chimed in with their opinions, and in some cases the conversations were heated: the generations clashed over technology and the role of formal education, as well as the differences between spontaneous, punk rock craft for the masses vs. the carefully crafted, luxury pieces sold through dealers or galleries.

At the Connect/(Dis)connect talk at the American Craft Council, Metcalf discussed these matters with Chanel Kennebrew (you can get to the podcast through our Storque post). During the talk, Metcalf was in part amused, recalling his rebellious student days — and another part of him was willfully steadfast in his views on the social and economic differences in practices. History seemed to be repeating itself, as a younger generation with new tools and a shifted horizon line bucked "the way things are done."

In addition to this Handmade Video Portrait, we've produced an audio podcast with out-takes from the interview with Bruce Metcalf. His theories on the relevance and importance of craft have helped bring clarity to the discussion of studio craft's place within the art world. And because we just couldn't get enough of discussing the Alt vs. Studio craft debate, we invite you to listen in.

Watch our other Handmade Video Portraits and subscribe to our Youtube Channel!

See Bruce's website for more of his work: www.brucemetcalf.com

Please share your thoughts in the comments!

Etsy in Action: Upcoming Events September 13 - 19, 2008

2008-09-17T14:00:00-05:00

Reminder! The live talk at the American Craft Council (and Virtual Lab streaming of that talk) is tomorrow, Thursday September 18, 2008 from 6-7pm EDT. Speakers include KnitKnit's Sabrina Gschwandtner, Knitting Nation's Liz Collins, and New York Times columnist Rob Walker. More details below!

[The following was originally posted on September 11, 2008.]

Summer is winding down, and the holidays are soon approaching. Why not start planning early and take a peek at what your favorite arts and craft lovers are up to? Here are a few of our picks.

Renegade Craft Fair: Chicago, IL, September 13 & 14

Chicago's 6th Annual Renegade Craft Fair is just around the corner. Come out September 13 & 14 to see over 300 of the best craftsters from all over the country and abroad, and stay for the live music at the end of the day! Find all these happenings along Division St. between Damen & Hermitage in Wicker Park.

American Craft Council: New York, NY, September 18

Bringing the best of the old and new together in the historic American Craft Council library, the Summer in the City Salon Series aims to further conversation and foster ideas about the state of craft in contemporary culture. In the next lecture in the series, KnitKnit's Sabrina Gschwandtner, Knitting Nation's Liz Collins, and New York Times columnist Rob Walker weigh in on craft's role in addressing issues of urgency in our world today.

Join us from 6-7pm EDT at the Council Library located at 72 Spring Street, 6th floor, New York, NY. This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required. Contact Monica Hampton at mhampton@craftcouncil.org or (212)274–0630 x272 to RSVP.

Not in New York? Join us in the Virtual Labs as we broadcast the lecture live.

Crafty Bastards: Washington, DC, Volunteer Opportunity

The fine folks at Crafty Bastards are looking for volunteers to help out at this year's fair.

If you'd like to volunteer, the two shifts you can pick to work are: 5am-10am or 2pm-7pm. The morning shift helps with booth set up and getting vendors' wares from their cars to their booth spaces. The later shift works at the CP booths, and also helps with clean up. Any shift that you can work is greatly appreciated! Breakfast and lunch will be provided by Whole Foods.

Aside from the reward of helping out the crafting community and working with a great group of people, you'll also be eligible to receive a gift bag ($100 value), including a limited edition Crafty T-shirt. All crafters who volunteer for a 5 hour shift will be in a drawing to win a free, non-juried booth space at Crafty Bastards 2009! If you work more than 5 hours, you'll get a bonus entry into the drawing to double your chances of winning. We'll pick two winners from our pool of volunteers. You must sign up before Friday, September 12th at 5pm in order to take advantage of the free booth drawing.

If you can work a shift, email Heather McAndrews with the shift you would like, and she will be in touch later this week with more information.

Let us know what's happening in your area by sharing in the comments below.

Etsy Finds: Native American Culture and Fashion Inspiration

2008-09-10T08:39:00-05:00

If you've been keeping an eye on fashion blogs and magazines lately, you've probably noticed a lot of trends blending Native American crafts and dress with contemporary street fashion and a splash of 1970s retro. If you're not quite ready for summer to end and want to take your free-spirited fashion into early fall, have no fear: Native American-inspired accessories abound! Think beaded earrings in traditional designs, pouches with leather and beads, feather earrings and hair pieces, and wooden jewelry. Check out vintage items, too, where you can find fringe vests, moccasins, and retro jewelry galore.

Native American sellers like 3sistersbeads, Leelinau and many others have authentic pieces to offer, and their listings describe the meaning behind the imagery and materials in their work. 3sistersbeads recalls one of her art teachers in college posing a question: Should all Indian themed art only be made by Native American Indians? 3sistersbeads reflects on this now as an Etsy seller, "While I thought at the time that, yes it should, I now feel that if the work is tastefully made and not made to discriminate against or poke fun at Native American Indians it can be made by anyone. One problem that seems to occur when non-Indians are making 'Indian' art is that cultural mistakes are made in the piece of art... It is important to be educated about the work that you are doing and the work that you are purchasing period." Leelinau points out that you can look for Etsy sellers who are "federally recognized tribal members, which is supported by the Indian Arts & Craft Law of 1990."

When asked about her experience as a tribal member selling on Etsy, Leelinau says, "I love learning about other cultures as well as sharing my culture with others."

Summery Necklace

By Ferociter, $28.

View item | View Shop | Add to Etsy Favorites

Turtle totem painted feather and beads Chippewa American Indian made

By Leelinau, $28.

View item | View Shop | Add to Etsy Favorites

Extra Small Gorgeous Brick Red Indian Cotton Skirt - xs

At santokivintage, $33.

View item | View Shop | Add to Etsy Favorites

Heathers feather necklace - Meredith

By smoobage, $22.

View item | View Shop | Add to Etsy Favorites

Pendleton Blanket Weight Wool Purse Hand Bag Leather Strap Turquoise

By timberlineltd, $26.

View item | View Shop | Add to Etsy Favorites

Deer Hide Pouch / Medicine Bag

By aosLeather, $25.

View item | View Shop | Add to Etsy Favorites

pleated boat neck tunic

By betsybdesign, $36.

View item | View Shop | Add to Etsy Favorites

Native American Thunderbird Earrings

By jstinson, $10.

View item | View Shop | Add to Etsy Favorites

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

P.S. If you're a Native American artist on Etsy, check out this call for art by for an Art Market hosted by the National Museum of American Indian and the Smithsonian. The deadline is September 15th, 2008. Good luck!

P.P.S. The National Museum of American Indian's Identity by Design project gathers photos, video interviews and info about contemporary female Native American designers.

From Brooklyn to Burning Man: An Artistic Experiment

2008-09-09T14:21:00-05:00

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 in Action: Upcoming Events August 7-14

2008-08-07T11:55:00-05:00

Summer is in full swing. Why not get out and see what your fellow art and craft lovers are up to? Here are a few of our picks. Let us know what's happening in your area by sharing in the comments below.

Chicago, IL: August 7

Faythe Levine is a filmmaker, author, independent curator and creative director who is currently documenting the rise of DIY and the new wave of art, craft and design in the United States in her film, Handmade Nation. The heart of this new wave of creativity is the community, which is equally influenced by traditional handiwork, modern aesthetics, politics, feminism and art. More information here.

Stop by the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum to see a 20 minute sneak preview from a work-in-progress from the feature film to be released in 2009. After the screening we will hear from Faythe about her thoughts on craft, community, and the nature of DIY. Crafters, artists, filmmakers, labor artists and the general public are all encouraged to attend!

Brooklyn, NY: August 11

Come visit the Etsy Labs for a very special edition of Craft Night. The Etsy Labs and Sweet Tooth of the Tiger join forces to create a recipe slam! We'll be sharing recipes with one another and binding them into little cookbook zines. Come early for a reception from 5-6pm replete with sweet treats. The serious crafting will run from 6-8pm. Learn all about the event here.

San Francisco, CA: August 15

Join the American Craft Council for a lively conversation on the topic of The Politics of Craft and Design. The conversation will delve into how craft and design manifest at the cultural cutting-edge and how makers respond to issues of urgency in the current political climate.

Featuring :

Tina Barseghian, Editor in Chief, Craft Magazine

Garry Knox Bennett, Artist, American Craft Council Fellow

Rob Forbes, Director, Studio Forbes

Robin Petravic, Co-owner, Heath Ceramics

Edie Kahula Pereira, Artecnica

Stephanie Syjuco, Artist

Moderated by Andrew Wagner, Editor in Chief, American Craft

When: Friday, August 15, 2008 from 6-8 p.m.
Where: The Golden Gate Room, Fort Mason Center
Admission: $12 (cash only), includes entrance to the American Craft Show on Saturday or Sunday.
Free with Friday show admission and for American Craft Council members

RSVP by August 11, 2008 to ahenry@craftcouncil.org or call 212-274-0630 ext. 274.

While at Fort Mason, visit the American Craft Show, where over 250 craft artists will be presenting their latest jewelry, furniture, clothing, home décor and more. Enjoy fine wine tastings, new artists, a featured green component, live demonstrations and walking tours. Friday and Saturday, August 15-16 (10 am-6 pm); Sunday, August 17 (10 am-5pm).

Call for Volunteers: The American Craft Council is also looking for volunteers to help run the event. They need assistance with everything from light set-up to registration at the door to light clean-up. In exchange, you'll receive eternal graditude and free admission to the program. If you're interested in volunteering, please contact email MHampton@CraftCouncil.org.

San Francisco: Call of Vendors

Bazaar Bizarre SF and the curator of Plush You are teaming up to bring you the indie collaboration known as You Bazaar! This event, held on November 2nd, 2008, will feature 30 select craft vendors selling quality handmade wares and a series of rotating workshops throughout the day with some of your favorite plush designers.

The deadline for applying is August 15. This is a first come first served show. Applications will be approved as they come in and will be juried by the organizers, so apply here asap.

Made it out to any events we've listed in this column? Upload your "Etsy in Action" photos to Flickr here.

Podcast from the ACC talk with Bruce Metcalf & Chanel Kennebrew: Connect/(Dis)connect

2008-07-25T18:15:00-05:00

The American Craft Council (ACC) hosted a lively talk last night at their Salon series in New York: a conversation between the Chanel Kennebrew of Junkprints — representing the "whipper-snappers" — and jewelry designer and educator Bruce Metcalf — representing the "old fogeys" (Bruce's words).

Bruce had sparked debate at the Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG) conference this past year, and subsequently, imogeneANDannie's orginal blog post reacting to his comments at the SNAG conference served as the starting point for last night's event. At SNAG, Bruce had challenged the DIY or "alt" craft movement and publicly reflected on the perceived differences in methods, training approaches, economic models, and values of his generation and peers vs. those represented by Etsy sellers and the digital crafting era at large.

Last night, the ACC brought Chanel and Bruce together to work through some of the disconnects between the two sides and to see what we all have in common. Some major differences: the highly rarified and exclusive gallery and private collector system vs. a non-juried, searchable, "cluttered" venue such as Etsy...The intensive investment of time and resources into a refined, expensive object vs. the iterative, speedier process of making relatively affordable yet unique handmade objects... Graduate school, advanced degrees and formal critique vs. peer advice and informal education through online community. Above all, Chanel underscored that one can't really make assumptions about Etsians — since they come from so many backgrounds — and she emphasized the need for today's artists to "find their own paths"...

At the end of the night, it became clear that we have a lot to learn from each other's perspective despite very real differences — and also that face-to-face discourse is much different than online!

We were on hand with a live Virtual Labs broadcast last night, but in case you missed the event, we wanted to point you to the ACC's Zoom blog. Here's the podcast embedded below. You can also download it through iTunes for free.

Thanks to the ACC for including us and thanks to both Bruce and Chanel who aren't afraid to voice their opinions and listen to those of others.

For more events of interest, please check out the Storque's Events Section and pencil in the September 18 Salon talk on politics and craft with KnitKnit and Rob Walker! Details here.

News From the Craft + Style Blogosphere: June 26, 2008

2008-06-26T14:23:00-05:00

Summer vacation: mine approaches! This week's installment of News From the Craft + Style Blogosphere is full of excitement. I got to see the new Buckminster Fuller and Paul McCarthy exhibits at the Whitney, which I'm so pumped to share with you! There are also some great new artists and blogs on the scene ripe for the pickin', delicate summer fashion, mid-century home decor and some of the usual blogosphere fare.

Read on!

Design Milk clued me into the amazing work of Ernesto Burgos. So cool! Check it out.

Looking to define your summer aesthetic? Abby Try Again has some great inspirations! It's all lace and slips and feminine delicacy. I can most definitely get down with this.

I had an opportunity to get a sneak peak at the Buckminster Fuller exhibition, "Starting With the Universe," opening today at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York. If you're in the area, it's a definite must see. That man's brain is truly something to marvel at. Read more about the exhibition in The New Yorker.

This apartment "before and after" was really not looking so terrible in the first place. However, the owner totally took this place to the next level, simplified the excess knick knacks and made all the elements work. I want to live there! [Via Apartment Therapy LA]

Wonting has such good taste! This scarf by Little Factory is laser cut uppercase letters. Tres chic! Keep your eye on Wonting's blog: it's definitely worth a look.

A Print A Day has been totally into terrariums recently. I can't say that the Storque disagrees! We're pretty plant addicted over here.

Wanna give me some more artsy, style or design blogs to peruse? Leave them in the comments! And check out past installments of News From the Craft + Style Blogosphere!

Seller How-to: International Tagging, Yeah Baby!

2008-06-17T12:15:00-05:00

How can thousands of items boost their visibility? Why would most British men steer clear of your handmade suspenders? Why is my mother blushing at your listing for a fanny pack?

scatterboxoriginals, one of Etsy’s growing number of international members, invites you for tea, cucumber sandwiches and a lesson in the wonderfully weird world of British English…

International tagging, yeah baby!

When I first started selling on Etsy, as a Brit trying to reach a predominantly American market, I thought translating my descriptions and tags into American English would be easy as pie. After all, I was partially raised by Elmo and the cast of Friends, I like to think I speak pretty fluent American. But, in the two years I’ve been here, I’ve learnt a lot and I’d like to return the favour (or, indeed, favor).

Since Etsy began, many British sellers and customers have signed up, and right now, the UK stands as the third largest group (after the US and Canada, and followed up by Australia). Etsy's popularity continues to spread around the world, but English speakers are predominently the audience right now. All those potential customers! You want to be sure they can find your items too, right? Or maybe you’re a Brit like me, still getting your head around the linguistic differences.

Here are a few hints that you might not be aware of.

Vocabulary is a useful thing to be aware of while you’re tagging and describing your listings. For instance, what we Brits call a purse isn’t a bag; it’s a wallet or coin purse. If you’re selling one of those bags you clip on around your waist, very handy for keeping change in at craft fairs … please be aware that fanny means something a bit different, and quite a lot ruder in Britain. We call them bum bags (‘bum’ meaning posterior, not hobo — though hobo is also a type of bag). We also often refer to backpacks as ‘rucksacks.’

One of my favourite colours is a sort of deep purple – I know it as aubergine, you may know it as eggplant (both referring to the same food). Today, typing eggplant into the search gives 588 results, while aubergine gives 146. Only 35 items are using both tags and maximising their potential to show up in a search.

There are also a few odd differences in names for clothing. What Brits call braces, Americans call suspenders, while what Brits usually call suspenders, Americans call a garter (that’s one I learnt from being on Etsy, not from Elmo). We call sneakers trainers, sweaters jumpers, sweater vests tank tops and tank tops are vest tops. Confused yet? Now you know how hard it can be for a non-American customer to find what they’re looking for.

It’s not just an international issue: there are various words that have more than one commonly used spelling in English speaking countries. Brits generally spell ‘gray’ with an ‘e’ - ‘grey.’ At the time of writing this, there are 7906 items on Etsy tagged ‘gray’, but not ‘grey.’ 10369 items are tagged ‘grey’ but not ‘gray.’ Only 3283 items tagged both ‘grey’ and ‘gray.’ Thousands of listings could be missing out on being found here; you can’t be sure your potential customer will think to search with both spellings.

British English also loves to add extra letters – e.g. ‘jewellery,’ ‘aeroplane,’ ‘moustache.’ Try using alternative spellings if you have tags to spare — you may be able to check using your word processing software’s spell-check by changing the language setting.

The exchange rate between British pounds and American dollars is great for British customers right now, so a lot of Brits are looking at buying from America. It doesn’t mean you have to talk like Austin Powers through your whole listing (in fact, please don’t) — just bear in mind while you’re listing your item what else it might be called and try adding in the alternative words in your tags or description.

Don’t forget Etsy’s many other international members — Canadian English and Australian English have their own differences too. There are numerous resources on the internet that you can use to find out alternative words, or perhaps you can ask someone who’ll know. You could see an increase in views, hearts and sales – groovy, baby!

Celebrate the differences!

American English – British English

Gray – grey
Eggplant – aubergine
Fanny pack – bum bag
Suspenders – braces
Tank top – vest top
Sweater vest – tank top
Sweater – jumper
Jumper – pinafore or pinny
Sneakers – trainers
Airplane – aeroplane
Jewelry – jewellery
Pillow – cushion
Purse – handbag
Candy – sweets

Gotta Travel On | Travel Showcase | Etsy World Tour

Etsy in Action: Upcoming Events June 6 - 13

2008-06-05T12:03:00-05:00

Hey Etsians! Get off the internet (but come back to us later) and meet your crafty friends in person at the following events...

Friday, June 6th

World's Largest Plush Show: Crammed Organisms from 7pm - 11pm, June 6th in St. Louis, Missouri. Starclipper's gallery will be filled to the brim with a collection of unique plush art. Browse the exhibition and see pieces from some of the best plush designers working today! Check out the featured items to see Etsy sellers who are participating in this show!

Saturday, June 7th

Indie Craft Experience (or ICE), kicking off in Atlanta, Georgia from 11am - 6pm in Centennial Olympic Park. In addition to an amazing assortment of handmade goodies, ICE offers crafting workshops, vegan baked goods, live bands and a clothing swap benefiting local charities.

Connecticut Etsy Team Jewelry Spectacular in North Haven, Connecticut from 10am - 4pm. Get to this early — they are giving away 200 pieces of jewelry to the first people to attend! See their Jewelry Spectacular site for details.

Printing Party with Lotta Jansdotter in San Francisco, California from 5pm - 8pm. Get your hands dirty with Lotta Jansdotter, the fabric printing queen! Wine, music and crafting? What else do you need in life? See Lotta's blog for the details. Not on the west coast? Keep reading for a Lotta event near you!

Monday, June 9th

Craft Night at the EtsyLabs in Brooklyn, NY from 4pm - 8pm. Join us and learn how to make lip balm! You can also bring your own project if you wish. Lots of chit chat and giggling.

Coming Soon!!!

And don't make any plans for next weekend if you are close to NYC. You're not going to want to miss this summer's Renegade Craft Fair, June 14th & 15th, featuring a whole slew of Etsy sellers and a giant Etsy booth!

If you are coming into town for Renegade, do not miss Lotta Jansdotter's printing party here on the east coast on June 13th in her studio in Brooklyn. See Lotta's blog for the details.

News From the Craft + Style Blogosphere: May 29, 2008

2008-05-29T13:35:00-05:00

After a long and leisurely Memorial Day weekend, my Google Reader was full up of cool stuff from the blogosphere at large. Also, it's worth mentioning that while writing this post, I spent most of my paycheck. Oops!

Let's see what's in store this week...

If you love rings (or just love really amazing ring design), you have got to check out The Carrot Box. They highlight some of the most beautiful, crazy rings, and I want — well, all of them. The "growing rings" featured above are from Danish jeweller Marie Borgen. Sprouts!

Tricia Royal of wardrobe_remix and bits+bobbins fame has started a tumblr blog that has so many rad images and links — it was really hard to choose just one to illustrate this! The photo above is from Fak! It is also blowing my mind.

Pincushions can be pretty amazing (as the Etsy Finds article on the subject clearly proved!). Fashion and function meet in one modular bracelet. Love it. (Via Design Milk)

Illustrator Emily Sutton has a collection of three dimensional sculptures called High Street Ladies — they have so much personality! So cute. [Via About Today]

Illustrator/comic book artist Chris Ware has recently started collaborating with the fine folks over at This American Life (Hi, Ira!) on animated shorts for the television series. They are so captivating! The video above is from the show entitled Every Marriage Is a Courthouse. Cool stuff.

That's it for this week! For previous editions of News From the Craft + Style Blogosphere, check out the archive. And post the blogs that make you sweat! I'd love to hear them.

Etsy in Action: Upcoming Events & Call for Vendors

2008-05-29T12:37:00-05:00

Check out what's next in Etsy-sponsored events...

Saturday, June 7th, marks the 7th Indie Craft Experience (or ICE), kicking off in Atlanta, Georgia from 11am - 6pm in Centennial Olympic Park. In addition to an amazing assortment of handmade goodies, ICE offers crafting workshops, vegan baked goods, live bands and a clothing swap benefiting local charities.

Organizers Shannon Mulkey and Christy Petterson, (who also stay busy producing the Starlets of Craft Calendar), will be on hand running the show and representing their lines, Patina and a bardis, respectively.

If you haven't heard, Monday Craft Night is back! And, to help keep you in the loop, The Etsy Labs is now on Meetup.com! So if you're in the NYC area, dust off your crafty pants and come by June 2nd, from 4-8pm. This week: learn the Pamphlet Stitch, an ever useful bookbinding technique. Or, if you'd rather work on your own project, you are welcome to use our sewing machines, Gocco machines, buttonmaker and paper cutters. Just bring your own supplies! The Etsy Labs is located at 325 Gold Street, 3rd floor. If you're not in the area, join us live online in the Virtual Labs.

In other local events, the Brooklyn Tee Party, still has a few spots available. It's free and open to ages 12 and up. (Got a crafty kid — or niece or nephew? Bring them on down!) June 1, from 1-3pm, in The Etsy Labs and live in the Virtual Labs.

Call for Vendors! We love it when the music scene wants to share in the handmade love...It's time to apply for the DEPART-ment off-site show, at the Pitchfork Music Festival – July 18, 19 & 20 at Chicago's Union Park. Check out their FAQ for details.

UPDATE: The American Craft Council kicked off it's Summer in the City Salon Series with furniture designer Tyler Hays, of BDDW. If you missed it, you can listen to the podcast from the discussion about handmade work and its relationship to industry.

Mark your calendars now for the next ACC event, July 24th, exploring the broad spectrum of craft makers today, including the lovely Chanel Kennebrew of junkprints.etsy.com.

Visit the American Craft Council for more information and to view the complete series' schedule.

Check out the items below to get a sneak peek at the Etsy Sellers who will be selling their handmade wares at the Indie Craft Experience.

Etsy in Action: Upcoming Events

2008-05-14T13:10:00-05:00

UPDATE: Here's the podcast from the Industrial Complex talk!

Fine furniture and fancy fleas? That's right! Check out what's happening this week in Etsy-sponsored events.

First up, the American Craft Council kicks off its Summer in the City Salon Series, with furniture designer Tyler Hays, founder of the Brooklyn-based company, BDDW. On the agenda: a discussion of handmade work and its relationship to industry. The talk is called "The Industrial Complex" and it's happening at the Council Library located at 72 Spring Street, 6th floor, New York, NY.

If you can't make it to NYC, join us in the Virtual Labs as we broadcast live, this Thursday, May 15, 6-7pm, EST. While you're at it, mark your calendars now for the next ACC Salon Series' events:

Thursday, July 24, 6-7pm, Connect/(Dis) Connect: Chanel Kennebrew, aka junkprints in conversation with jeweler Bruce Metcalf as they "explore the complicated relationships among the broad spectrum of craft makers today."

Thursday, September 18, 6-7pm, The Politics of Craft: KnitKnit's Sabrina Gschwandtner, Knitting Nation's Liz Collins and New York Times's columnist, Rob Walker weigh in on craft's "role in addressing issues of urgency in our world today."

Visit the American Craft Council for more information and, if you're in the New York area, details on attending these events in person.

Next up, May 17 & 18, are Etsy Days at Artists and Fleas, one of the hippest indie shopping venues in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. This weekend's market will be chockful of fabulous Etsy vendors. Stop by to shop and chat with local New York Etsy sellers from 12-8pm each day. Click here for directions.

(Since this weekend signals the start of the International Contemporary Furniture Fair, see below for a sampling of fine contemporary housewares and furniture available on Etsy.)

Call For Entries: American Craft Council Show, San Francisco

2008-05-09T18:43:00-05:00

The American Craft Council Show will be taking place in San Francisco from August 15-17, 2008. We just found out that they are currently accepting entries for the AltCraft section of the show. The deadline is soon, so I encourage everyone to get a move on! Here are the official details:

Due to the success of the AltCraft (formerly New Wave) section in Baltimore, the American Craft Council is now accepting applications for the San Francisco show at Fort Mason Center, August 15-17, 2008.

Ten makers will be juried into this bustling section, which celebrates the populist, experimental and youthful vitality of the renewed handmade movement. Artists who have never exhibited at an American Craft show may apply.

Located on the San Francisco waterfront between Fisherman’s Wharf and the Golden Gate Bridge, this show serves a well-established audience of Bay Area craft enthusiasts, including a growing demographic of younger craft admirers. The average booth is valued at $1,000 but as part of the Council’s commitment to indie crafters, the cost of participation is just $300, which includes a 10-ft table in a shared loft space. Plus, there’s no application fee!

The deadline is May 23. Please submit:

(3) low-resolution images of your work
A brief description of your work (materials, dimensions, techniques)
Your contact information (mailing and email addresses)

Send submissions and inquiries to Erika at ebrown@craftcouncil.org.
The subject line should be: San Fran AltCraft Application

Finalists will be announced in June.

“I am excited to see the American Craft Council reaching out to our creative community and providing us with an affordable opportunity to participate in their established craft show. I see this as a positive step, opening the dialogue between generations and a chance to expose a new audience to our way of thinking.” - Faythe Levine, Director and Co-Author of Handmade Nation

About the Council
The American Craft Council is a national, nonprofit public educational organization founded in 1943 by Aileen Osborn Webb. The mission of the Council is to promote understanding and appreciation of contemporary American craft. Programs include the bimonthly magazine American Craft, annual juried shows presenting artists and their work, a leadership conference, the Aileen Osborn Webb Awards honoring excellence, workshops, seminars, and a research library.

We posted a piece with Monica and Andrew as Featured Buyer not too long ago. You can also check out other posts about more Competitions & Opportunities.

Etsy in the Press: Busy-ness News

2008-05-01T16:44:00-05:00

Hustle and bustle. There is a lot of talk these days about the state of the economy, and as that relates to Etsy, we are no exception. Except... much of the Etsy-buzz in the press lately has actually been good news. Huzzah!

Yesterday, the American Morning show on CNN featured Etsy as part of a story about low-risk online entrepreneurial opportunities during a recession. Co-host Kiran Chetry and Polly LaBarre (co-author of the bestselling book Mavericks At Work) mentioned several key Etsy stats, and featured items from theblackapple and girlsavage. They also shared a few anecdotes, and had many kind and upbeat things to say about Etsy in general. We'll post a link to the video when it becomes available.

Another bastion of business news, namely Business Week, chose Rob as one of their "Best Young Entrepreneurs of Tech." Click the link with that name to see the interview (Rob is number seven) and glean a few words of wisdom.

Down under, The Age newspaper wrote a nifty piece about how Etsy is moving some of the local craft scene online, and what that has meant to local entrepreneurs. The story includes a few choice quotes from Vanessa, as well as a few Melbourne-based crafters. Tuesday saw, or rather heard, an interview with Jean Railla (founder of getcrafty.com) on New Hampshire Public Radio. The topic was the monetization of the DIY craft movement, and in part how Etsy fits into that puzzle. Finally, in our own backyard, the New York Post mentions us as part of a round-up of promising new web companies based in the Big Apple. Busy, indeed! And with that, I'm going back to work.

Looking for more Etsy in the Press mentions past? Check out the EtsyinthePress Featured Column!

News From the Craft + Style Blogosphere: April 10, 2008

2008-04-10T15:12:00-05:00

This week we've got some trends, plants, notes from long ago (on Greta Garbo, no less!), a fashion music video and much more.

Check it out!

I'm quite the wardrobe_remix stalker as of late, and I must say that piksi_ is pretty much queen and master of the high waisted skirt. She manages to pull off just about anything she tries, so it seems. (Jealous!)

I discovered my new favorite blog this week. Nothing is New is an amazing treasure trove of photos and ephemera that is meant to breathe new life into old ideas to "inspire your creative contemporary lifestyle." (Which it so does for me!) This particular blog post muses on the idea of the little notes and doodles that are so indicative of your thought process. This note by photographer Nickolas Muray, entitled "Notes on Greta Garbo, between 1930 and 1950," came from the Smithsonian Archives of American Art. (Great source!) Get inspired today at Nothing is New. There's tons of great stuff to get your artistic juices flowin'. I love it.

These terrariums are totally inspiring, especially with the dinosaurs added for extra oomph. I totally want to make some of these for all my plant babies. (Psst! We also talked about terrariums here!) Check it out at Two Straight Lines. (Via Apartment Therapy: ohdeedoh)

If you're in New York tonight, Thursday, April 10th, you might be interested in checking out this amazing Blythe exhibit. The show, called Lilliput: My Little Friend, was put together by Japanese art collective Theatre Alfort and looks to be pretty intense and dreamy: it's "an alternate world surrounding an imaginary ballet company...the 80 dolls in the exhibit are customized to create a dreamlike scene of little people that find themselves on the shore of unconsciousness, both eerie and ethereal." All this and more can be found at Gallery Hanahou. (via Worship Worthy)

Monochromatic fashion designer Rebecca Turbow has put together a really cool video look book for her spring/summer collection. It's a great idea for anyone looking to showcase their work in a really interesting way.

That's it for this week! Leave your newest craft + style finds and blogs in the comments! News from the Craft + Style Blogosphere, signing off!

Join Etsy's Founder Rob Kalin via Webcam for a Special Event!

2008-04-02T13:18:00-05:00

Tomorrow evening, April 3rd, Rob Kalin, Etsy's CEO, will be participating and presenting at a specialized symposium at Virginia Commonwealth University. We will be broadcasting the symposium through a live webcam stream and would like to extend an invitation to you to join us in the Virtual Labs to attend and participate in the event!

Please read up on the details of the symposium in this Storque article, and join us in the Business room of the Virtual Labs at 5pm Thursday evening, April the 3rd, 2008.

See you there,

Etsy

You're Invited: Etsy Visits Richmond, Virginia

2008-03-28T15:22:00-05:00

Next week, Rob, Matt, Anda, and Julie will be traveling down to Richmond, Virginia to participate in a specialized symposium at Virginia Commonwealth University in conjunction with the American Craft Council, VCU, and Quirk Gallery. If you are in or near the area, we would be thrilled for you to come to the symposium.

Here is the Press Release from the American Craft Council:

Making Meaning and the Marketplace: Craft and the Next Generation of Thought
A three-part symposia of the American Craft Council

The American Craft Council is pleased to announce the debut of a traveling program series, dedicated to exploring the next generation of craft artists and their burgeoning influence in the market and culture. The symposia will engage students, faculty, alumni and the public at three of the nation’s leading schools for craft media, and seeks to motivate curricular innovation, reveal student/alumni hopes and needs, and develop a future audience for the craft field.

The April 3rd event, developed in partnership with VCU’s Craft/Material Studies department, will feature Rob Kalin, president and founder of Etsy, your place for buying and selling all things handmade, in conversation with Sonya Clark, chair of the Craft/Material Studies department at VCU. They will be discussing the impact of the internet on the craft market and the role of the craft gallery in a booming art market.

The symposium will kick off with a lunch-time program designed for the Senior Seminar class, giving practical information for professional artists who want to “make a living making things.” Etsy will stream the program in an Online Workshop.

Please join us for the evening portion:

Thursday, April 3, 2008
5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Virginia Commonwealth University
The Grace Street Theater
930 West Grace Street
Richmond, Virginia
Reception to follow.

For further information, please contact Monica Hampton, Director of Education, at the American Craft Council, 212.274.0630 x272 or mhampton@craftcouncil.org

About the American Craft Council
The American Craft Council is a national, nonprofit public educational organization founded in 1943 by Aileen Osborn Webb. The mission of the Council is to promote understanding and appreciation of contemporary American craft. Programs include the bimonthly magazine AMERICAN CRAFT, annual juried shows presenting artists and their work, a leadership conference, the Aileen Osborn Webb Awards honoring excellence, workshops, seminars and a research library. For additional information about the American Craft Council, call 1-800-836-3470 or visit: www.craftcouncil.org.

Please help us by spreading the word about this event to everyone you know that might be interested or might learn something new from attending!

xoxo,

Etsy

Black History Month: Voices from the Etsy Community

2008-02-22T11:00:00-05:00

In honor of February being Black History Month in the US, we at the Storque asked the Etsy community of all races to weigh in on what inspires you about African American culture, be it influences in your art, inspirational people like Martin Luther King, Jr., artists who have inspired you, and any inspiration garnered from black culture or a black subject (like Nina Simone, for example), and how this relates to your making handmade items. We discovered that there is a strong and vibrant community that has joined together, with an Etsy Artists of Color Team and associated blog. We've collected but a few insights from the many brought forward.

Beautyconnesuier: I am an African-American Etsyian and am very pleased to be a part of this community. My work is filled with vivid color and depicts the urban life. As an African-American artist and a woman, the majority of artwork in the mainstream is not representational of my group. So, I sought out a way to inspire others by creating artwork that gave the African-American woman a chance to be anything she dreamed of. High fashion: if she was not depicted in a magazine she could still imagine herself as so by looking at one of my pieces.

In general, it was the non-represenational idealism that allowed me to look at the unequal situation from a multicultural and gender viewpoint, because it happens in various groups. In urban America, women of all walks of life are becoming the forefront of business more than ever. So, I wanted to commemorate that by saying we as women are multifaceted and we can be all things while still being a woman. I want women to not be afraid of stepping out of the domestic sphere and into the patriarchal sphere...We can straddle both spheres and become powerhouses no matter the race. We should all run this marathon together.

gingerlime: So my art is not always apparently Afrocentric...not what I've posted on Etsy so far, at least. Honestly, I was waiting to "feel it out" here. So anyway, I'm influenced by the '80s, when I wanted to be a rocker chick, but none of them looked like me, so I didn't think it was possible. I loved Pat Benetar, Heart, and Stevie Nicks as much as I loved Janet Jackson (and all the Jacksons, for that matter...).

The heart behind my art is just being my goofy self and hoping that I can represent my culture's diversity...That I can rock and be African American (along with my other roles). It's hard sometimes because of where I'm from: things are so segregated that I felt like I had to tone down my edge a bit because my African American associates would see my style as too "white." It hurt, but then I was also advised not to put my face on stuff because then white people wouldn't buy it.

I was happy to find Etsy because then I could start trying to put more of me out there without getting strange looks. I even had my picture on my shop (I think it was there when I made my first — and only — sale; it was definitely there when I got some of my hearts) and that meant a lot to me. I took it down because it got weird seeing my face everywhere as I joined posts and stuff. It's still on my blog though: www.restingplace-jpd.blogspot.com.

So the style is still emerging, and I look forward to seeing what happens. That was a lot, but I've been thinking about this a lot...Peace

BeadsInTheBelfry: My work primarily focuses on nature, but pretty much everything I do is an extension of who I am. And one of those HUGE influences is being black.

I think one thing that has always influenced the way I live my life is that I like to make people look again. What I mean by that is to look past what they see. After all, as an African American, this is a day to day struggle.

My parents are originally from Panama, and it would always crack me up when I'd run into people (outside of the New York metro area) who did not think black people should speak Spanish. That is probably my earliest memory of turning people's pretensions on their heads.

This definitely influences my process. As a child I used to love cutting up frilly socks to make clothes for Barbie. (Seeing past the sock and what have you.) I find the same satisfaction in working with metal and beads. I try to see past the materials to something more.

One piece I'm really proud of to this end are my caged bird necklaces (shown above). As soon as I saw the beads I was like, oh yes, I know what these are. Not everyone would have seen them that way (in fact, another jewelry artisan told me she had those same beads and could not make heads or tails of them — which come to think of it is basically what I did. Ha! Hey — I'm corny). That brings me great satisfaction.

Nina

VeronicaWillingham: I am an African American woman and have been running my jewelry design business since 2001, and on Etsy almost a year now. I'm 99% self taught and learning everyday. Later this month I'll be coming out with a ring line that I'm really excited about.

Growing up in the South (Dallas, Texas) and of African American descent with extremely artistic parents I gained an eye for color quite early....my other inspirations stem from being a little girl and seeing the amazing colors being worn by Aretha Franklin, Chaka Kahn and the like. I think I always wanted to do something artistic; then in 2001 my calling to jewelry design took hold and now its my full time vocation.

Thanks,
Veronica

Thank you to all the artists who chimed in! Post in the comments below with your inspirations or thoughts on being African American artist or craftsperson!

Kwanzaa: A Handmade Holiday

2007-12-20T16:02:00-05:00

antb celebrates the holiday season in a special way that is tailored to her family. "When we adopted a sibling group of mixed race kids, we decided to make Kwanzaa the focal point of our winter." According to Wikipedia, Kwanzaa is "a week-long Pan-African festival celebrated primarily in the United States, honoring African American heritage. It is observed from December 26 to January 1 each year."

We were struck by the creative, handmade quality of antb's family celebration: they've taken traditions and reinvented their meanings in a very personal way. "While we follow the seven themed days of celebrating, we also have added to and changed the holiday to fit our family. On New Year's eve, we have a family dinner and exchange handmade gifts. We have a libation ceremony, remembering the struggles of the races. We remember our ancestors, distant and recent, and talk about where we have come from as a family... It is the way a holiday should be. I love it." What follows here is a peek into the family life of an Etsian, expressing the unique qualities of her family and the universal holiday spirit on Etsy in general.

I think back to when our family grew in one day from a family of four, to a family of nine. It’s been almost fourteen years, but I still remember the sheer busy-ness of life that occured when we adopted a sibling group of five kids from Chicago. I wondered how to teach our new children about their heritage. I couldn’t see them finding a lot of pride in their adoptive parents with Viking forefathers.

My sister asked me if we were going to celebrate Kwanzaa, now that our family was mostly African American. I think she was joking, but the idea appealed to me on many levels: It would be a dedicated time of year to talk about African American role models and was based on African traditions and rituals. It was all about what we as individuals could do when we worked together – an idea I was anxious to instill in my children as part of a newly blended family. It was also about handmade – using what you have, honoring craftsmanship, and taking pride in what we can do ourselves.

Yes, this was a holiday I could embrace! I couldn’t ignore the signs of a commercial Christmas all around, but I could make Kwanzaa into the handmade, family centered holiday I had always wanted for my family.

As we set the table for Kwanzaa, my youngest daughter Grace sets out baskets and sings"The 12 Days of Christmas," repeating the phrase, “Two Turtle Doves” about a half bajillion times.

“Grace, honey, that’s the wrong holiday,” I tell her.

“Oh right. Harambee!”

Renee and Jasmine finally find the kinara, the special candle holder, and begin arranging it on top of the mkeka mat. Jens and Tasha bring platters full of fresh fruit, crackers, corn and peanuts in from the kitchen.

“Who remembers the seven principles of Kwanzaa?” I ask. Everyone crowds closer around the table, picking the piece of fruit which will represent them in the basket. Nearly everything on the table is handmade, including the pine needle baskets, made by my sister who learned the craft from the granddaughter of a slave who learned it from her grandmother.

“Umoja!” Grace yells. “That’s my candle.” She carefully lights the central black candle.

“And that means Unity,” I remind her.

“Kujichaguilia,” Jasmine says, careful not to say “Goochee-Goo-Ya” as she did as a child. “It means Self Determination.”

“Ujima: Collective Work and Responsibility,” Renee says.

“So you’ll be doing all the chores?” I deadpan. Nobody responds.

“Ujamaa, which is Cooperative Economics,” Jens says, stealing a cracker from the bowl.

“Does Etsy count?” Tashaasks.

“Sure does!”

Snow hurries us on to her candle. “Nia. Purpose.” She has dropped by on her way to work and wears her uniform instead of a traditional dashiki.

It’s my turn now. “Kuumba, Creativity. By the way, how are everyone’s gifts coming along? Do we need a craft store run?”

The kids look guilty. While everyone no doubt has a plan for the handmade gifts we give each other on January 1st, I have a feeling they’re in the Kuumba stage and don’t have much Nia.

“Imani,” my husband Danny says. “Or Faith. And then we name our ancestors.”

“Kutoa Majina. For honoring those who have gone before us, maybe they’ve died, maybe they no longer live with us, but they’re a part of us anyway.” The kikombe cha umoja, or cup of togetherness, is filled with sparkling apple juice and set front and center during the seven days of Kwanzaa. But tonight, we pass the cup and everyone names someone who has influenced their lives. We drink a toast to them.

“And then Jens' drums!” Grace says.

“And what part does bingo have to do with all this?” Jasmine asks, cynically.

I smile. “The first year you lived with us, Aunt LeeAnn came from Montana to visit during Kwanzaa. She brought a bingo set as a family gift, and little gifts for you all. We played bingo with the gifts as prizes, so you could each pick what you wanted. We just kept bingo in from then on.”

“Actually, aren't there lots of games of chance played during holidays and festivals all over the world? So, I’m pretty sure there is an African tradition somewhere that would translate into something like bingo,” interjects Tasha.

“Leave it to a Pagan to rationalize bingo during an African holiday,” Jens laughs.

Jasmine won’t be put off, however. “Mom, come on. White parents, black kids. Hel-loo! How does Kwanzaa compute in a family like this? Most families don’t celebrate this, why do WE?” Grace looks up expectantly – she senses a story coming.

“Jasmine, we celebrate Kwanzaa because I am the mom, and I said so.” “Yes, Mom,” she answered in mock obedience, rolling her eyes. “Can we play bingo now?”

“Help me with the food, and then I get to call the numbers first!” We set up a buffet of southern food and spicy African dishes. As the kids pick their bingo cards, and find pillows to sit on, I look around at my family, and find myself completely content in life. This is how a family holiday is supposed to be.

“Bingo!”

Further Resources:

http://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/index.shtml

http://www.swagga.com/kwanzaa.htm

Featured Buyer: Shopping through the Lens of American Craft Council with Monica & Andrew

2007-11-21T11:25:00-05:00

In the spirit of Thanksgiving and looking back at American history, we wanted to feature some buyers who have a real sense of perspective. The American Craft Council, while deeply informed by this history, has its finger on the pulse of the contemporary craft and folk art scene. We'd like to introduce Monica Hampton, Director of Education and Andrew Wagner, Editor-in-Chief, American Craft Magazine, American Craft Council.

Andrew and I are colleagues at the The American Craft Council, a nonprofit educational organization that is dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of contemporary American craft. When we were asked to be part of Etsy’s Featured Buyers series, we were excited because we explore — on a daily basis, through our magazine American Craft and through our roster of programs, symposia, and conferences — what American craft is today, who is doing it, why, and how.

When Mrs. Aileen Osborn Webb founded the The American Craft Council in 1943, craftsmen and people involved in the field recognized that they were — even then — in the midst of a revival in the interest in the crafts and in the increased activities in schools, art centers, exhibitions, in the hobby and do-it-yourself movement. When I read Mrs. Osborn Webb’s words, I feel as if I’m hearing about the revival of interest in the crafts today as witnessed by the amazing things that Andrew and I found on Etsy. Clearly, then as well as now, people are finding in craft a significant value for a wealth of reasons.

As Andrew and I sat down to select our favorite picks from the current roster of Etsy offerings, we tried to find objects that represented work from across all ranges of craft media; from metals, fiber & textiles to wood working, ceramics, and jewelry arts. We came up with what we think is a fun group of things that speak to what the heart of American Craft is and can be: fun, fresh, expressive, simple, thoughtful and finished products that are all handmade.

It was hard work, culling through all the categories. So many of the pieces that we were drawn to are individual and unique and reflect an evolved process on the part of the maker. We find this very inspiring and exciting to see work that has a keen sense of functionality, but that also shows the relationship of the maker to their materials.

And very poignantly, Andrew and I felt that the objects we chose demonstrate a sense of the joy of making something by hand.

We hope you enjoy our picks, and we hope that you will support Etsy and the individual makers who choose to sell their work through Etsy by taking the BuyHandmade pledge.

This coffee table by NeilCollins is awesome. Great texture, super cool, inspired by architecture, funky looking, but it all comes together. We particularly love the collaboration aspect between a metal worker and the ceramic tile artist.

You can probably tell that the girl in the duo selected this one from the start, but my partner came around to this hair clip's beautiful simplicity. All of the pieces by gochemoche are thoughtful, finished and complete.

Sweet Pea in Red, indeed. We loved this pot and had to take a peek to see what other lovelies this maker had up their sleeve. We think KimWestad is one of our 'favorite sellers' for sure. As Andrew says "I'm always a fan of the clean look." I can just imagine picking it up — so tactile.

"I'm all for those" was the first thing Andrew said when we looked at these felted slippers. These are one of those things that we both had to admit to wanting for our very own. I'm such a fan of the german-esque felted slipper by superfay.

Teensy, they may be, these earrings are simple, but have a depth to them — maybe it's the color choice or just the palette in general...We both agree that what makes these work is that the maker is not trying to do too much with them. People often have such a hard time knowing when to stop. Not dandelionblu.

Solos' Murrine glass objects are definitely some of our favorites, but this red bowl might steal the show for us. We enjoyed the shape. It's non-typical, fun and it all works together well.

"Nice Stuff." We loved seeing larger furniture on Etsy — it was refreshing for us. This rocking chair by elemento, in particular was "totally rad" according to Andrew.

Ahh, the turquoise vase by redhotpottery. This item “had me at thumbnail image.” It just spoke to us both from the form to the color. We noticed, after gazing at it for a while, that there are lots of color variations even in that sea of blue.

We selected VeronicaButtons because we just loved this idea of someone still making buttons by hand. And ceramic buttons at that.

Delicious orangealicious ring by marstinia. So simple, such a great color.

We both dug this seller' Kelgwo's work so much...if pressed, we'd have to say that the white, 'open weave' dress was our favorite. Shape is simple, texture is not. The shape is also dependent on the texture.

And here it is — the open weave dress.

The Convexities of Life Ring by thenoisyplume. Simplicity principle. Simple but not to a fault.

Andrew Wagner is the editor-in-chief of American Craft magazine. Prior to coming to American Craft in late 2006, Wagner was the executive editor and founding/managing editor of Dwell magazine, pushing the boundaries of architecture and design journalism and helping the publication win the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) General Excellence Award in 2005.

Monica Hampton is the Director of Education for the American Craft Council. Prior to coming to the Council, Ms. Hampton worked in the field of design and design education at Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, Smithsonian Institution. Her background is in museum education, shaping educational opportunities and program partnerships in nontraditional learning environments. She has worked in a variety of cultural institutions including the Smithsonian Institution in both Washington, D.C. and in New York City to Sesame Workshop (formerly Children’s Television Workshop).

American Craft Council Salon Series: Boutiques and How They Blog

2007-10-08T12:25:00-05:00

Etsy recently attended one of the American Craft Council's excellent salons. The Council's book-filled offices (it's actually a library that's open to the public — a well-kept NYC secret!) in Manhattan were filled to capacity. What brought people down? Brooklyn store owners Amy Shaw of Greenjeans and Rena Tom of Rare Device shared their secrets on successful blogging. (Rena's new partner in the San Francisco store, Lisa Congdon, was actually one of our Featured Buyers here on The Storque!)

Creative Director Jeanette Abbink brought us up to speed with the Council's events:

"In May the American Craft Council, a national nonprofit educational organization founded in 1943 by Aileen Osborn Webb, kicked of its Summer in the City salon series in its historic and extensive library on 72 Spring Street, New York. It began with a presentation by New Zealand based furniture maker David Trubridge about his adventurous travels, luminous career and the unification of contemporary craft and design. Then in July came Reverend Callie Janoff of the NYC Church of Craft and Hodge Podge clothing designer Cal Patch who stirred the crowd with their talk on the do-it-yourself renaissance and its effect on today's marketplace.

Brooklyn gallery owners Amy Shaw (Greenjeans) and Rena Tom (Rare Device) capped off this popular series with their discussion on how lively and topical blogs can bring together craft and design lovers. The series along with the relaunch of American Craft magazine is part of the new and fresh voice in craft."

Further Resources:
For those of you interesting in seeing what the event was like, go to (where else?) the blogs of Greenjeans and Rare Device. Here's Greenjeans round-up from the talk.

The Indie Craft Documentary's Faythe Levine was there too. Check out her Etsy shop indiecraftmovie where she's raising funds for the doc.

Church of Craft is a network of crafters. Find a chapter near you!

Grace of DesignSponge was at the event as well. She's got a great blog about design and art. She was also a Trendspotter on the Storque.

Trends: South West Style

2007-10-02T08:00:00-05:00

Jennifer Perkins resides in Austin, TX where she runs her jewelry company Naughty Secretary Club out of a room in her house. Not just any jewelry mind you, kitschy revamped jewelry made with a wink and a smile. She recently came to the realization she had more jewelry supplies than she did space and that is where her line of Crafty Curios on Etsy came about. Jennifer also co-produces a fashion show and craft bazaar called Stitch with a few of her fellow Austin Craft Mafia friends. Oh and if you want to see her in crafty action tune in week days to DIY Network and catch an episode of Craft Lab.

Last year when my younger sister Hope Perkins of Hot Pink Pistol (hotpinkpistol) fame started painting her infamous series of Dead Rappers in Native American Headdresses I thought she had officially inhaled too much glitter and fabric paint.

Fast forward a few months and I am out jewelry shopping for myself and find myself picking up huge beaded necklaces in the turquoise and red color combination.

Next thing I know fellow Austin Craft Mafia member Karly Hand (and next door neighbor to Hope) comes home from a trip to Vegas with shoulder dusting suede leather and feather earrings and it dawns on me: we are on to something here. Before I know it I am commissioning Horses in Headdresses to be painted on my jumpers and pining away for a pair of brown fringed moccasins.

Every where I looked all I could see was the South West coming back. For years I had mocked fashion involving dream catchers and coyotes howling at the moon, and suddenly I loved it. Just this weekend I went to a wedding where a Choctaw blessing was bestowed upon the bride and groom. It was clearly a sign.

Like any fashion trend, I am not saying it is wise to rawk this look from head to toe. No style or trend looks good when overdone; you end up looking themed or in costume. I have found that incorporating bits and pieces of my new love of the South West into everyday wear works best. Trends are best when finessed with subtlety. Here are a few suggestions from Etsy and beyond…

Let me start by saying that I LOVE big earrings. The bigger the better. When they are big enough to also double as a Christmas ornament and shaped like a Native American Headdress, this makes me extra happy. Not only are these earrings made by a dude (BeadedArt) but look closely the Headdresses are made with bead covered safety pins. I want them so bad it hurts and they sell necklaces too!

So you say you don’t have pierced ears? Well first of all, that is hard for me to wrap my brain around, but don’t you worry your pretty little head, because you should be sporting ear cuffs instead. Cuffs? Who? What? You heard me right. I can’t believe I am saying it out loud even, but I think ear cuffs have come full circle and are officially ok to wear again. When they are in rainbow colors with mismatched feathers like the ones made by dystructiondesigns they are even better! I think I am going to wear mine some gold chains, ala Mr. T style! Um please also note the cute model's turquoise Native American flair necklace.

Moving on in the jewelry department let us not forget our necks. As mentioned earlier I started dabbling in the big necklaces earlier this year. Well who are we kidding — I’ve always worn big necklaces. Let me rephrase that: I started dabbling in big necklaces with a South West feel to them. Here is a picture of a friend and I from this past spring at SXSW where I was feeling the big beaded necklaces. Please also note my handpainted horse in a headdress jumper.

Somehow I dream of even bigger necklaces. I want my jewelry super-sized at all times. Bear with me on this next one … I just know that a breastplate by tandscreations would look awesome on top of a white men’s tank top with a jean skirt and boots. Sure it’s not Peta approved, being made of 68 coyote foot bones, but I suppose if you were crafty you could whip yourself up your own vegan version. I love the fringe on the sides, they would match my moccasin booties perfectly!

If the breastplates are a little too much for you, maybe you should look into the designs of pipertree. Her large chunky necklaces still have the feel of a breastplate without being quite so obvious about the effect you are going for. Notice the subtle feather charms on the first example. pipertree also reminds me of another hot trend I am seeing more and more of and wanting for myself: the color gray.

Another look I love is clothing that appears to have jewelry on it. Several of my friends and fellow Stitch producers here in Austin have been going crazy for an Etsy designer named Avalove. They are smitten on her silk-screened T-shirts and dresses which have feathers on them. The Southwest flair of these tops is understated and obvious at the same time. Again notice the gray, but also take a peeksie at both models' belts, not just any belts but variations on the traditional Concho Belt!

Here are a handful of more obvious nods to the look by Etsy sellers crostini, Ahpeele, begonia44.

Other trends I am hot for right now include…

I must have a yellow purse, the larger the better and preferably in more of a mustard shade. I am also smitten on purses that have straps that go across your chest like a messenger bag or satchel. Royal Blue Crocheted tights — I can’t wait until Austin gets cool enough for me to wear my pair. What I am really keeping my trendspotting-eye on is the fact that my sister has now started painting past presidents like JFK and George Washington onto clothing. All I know is the Abe Lincoln jewelry on Naughty Secretary Club sells like hot cakes and she was right about this Southwest thing so I am stocking up on anything that bares a resemblance to our founding fathers. The presidential look is going to be hot in 2008. Trust me.