Search results (tags) for: "art"

Etsy Finds: Getting Susanna Carrillo's Look - Home Decor Edition

2008-11-30T08:14:00Z

This weekend's Get the Look: Decor is inspired by the home of Susanna Carrillo of paper scissors oranges children’s art studio in Darien, Connecticut. We love the way she has created a clean white canvas with colorful accents using pillows, rugs, furniture and patterns. The bold pops of color make her home feel very playful and fun — the perfect environment for little budding artists. Today we're going to show you how to achieve Susanna’s colorful look using elements found on Etsy. You can view more inspiring photos of Susanna Carrillo’s home in the Sneak Peeks column on design*sponge.

Decorative Fabric Wreath with Birdie - Large

Greet your guests with a splash of color hanging on the front door. By HollandFabricHouse, $40.

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modern colorworks

You'll have sweet dreams for sure when you lie your head on the end of the rainbow. By pillowhappy, $68.

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Bright Alphabet Poster

This alphabet poster is perfect for your child's bedroom or your home office, and it's a fun way to teach your little ones their abc's. By CreativeNeesh, $85.

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Bird feeder. Bright Lights, Big City. Birdfeeder. Partial proceeds (5 dollars) go to the National Audubon. Hooray for birds

All kids big and small will love to watch your backyard friends stuff themselves with seeds. Why shouldn't the birds and sneaky squirrels hangout in a room that is just as stylish as your home? By redyellowandblueink, $65.

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Blues Ribbon Temari Ball

I am amazed by the intricate craftmanship in these beautiful temari balls. They will add a sweet little wash of color to your coffee table, or collect a few and create a colorful centerpiece. By suzik, $55.

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Lollipop Rack - Large

Hang your scarves, coats, pet leashes, or keys on these playful hooks. By Shauneil, $35.

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IMAGINATION (boy)

This adorable print will brighten any home office, children's room or library nook. By dazeychic, $20.

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Sloth Love Mug

This lovely sloth mug is perfect for a lazy tea sipping kind of day. By dolamakes, $26.

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Up in the boughs, the light flashes green. A vintage green glass bird paperweight.

You'll want to keep this little green bird on a bright sunny window sill when you see the amazing ways the light reflects though it. From PorchlightVintage, $18.

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Check out other Get the Look - Home Decor Editions

Looking for more home decor Finds? Try these Etsy links:

Entertaining and Decor Gift Guide | Housewarming Gift Guide | Housewares Category | Vintage Housewares

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Top 10 Gifts for Bookworms: Books, Zines & Comics from Sarah Nicholls of the Center for Book Arts

2008-11-10T16:54:00Z

In our increasingly digital lives, handmade books remind us to appreciate the tactile beauty of an interesting binding or the unique linework of the artist, or if it's a blank journal, that we have such a thing as handwriting (whether messy or neat)! Books, zines, and comics make great holiday gifts, and so we invited Sarah Nicholls, of the Center for Book Arts, to contribute her Top 10 List.

Do not underestimate the book. Books have been the traditional container for the knowledge and ideas of a culture for centuries. The more the book speeds towards obsolescence, the more options there are for people interested in making them. The Center for Book Arts in New York presents a rotating series of exhibitions of contemporary art related to the book, in the middle of a working hand bindery and letterpress printshop. Running the studio programs here at the Center grounds me in both the history and the future of the book, and lets me work with an amazing range of artists, writers, craftspeople, and performers, all of whom want to make books.

You can find your own cross-section of the wide world of bookmaking at Etsy: one-of-a- kind journals, artist's books, zines, comics, and more. Here are some of my favorites:

1. The Statistical Analysis of Things that Happen but Don't Matter

A reassuring zine by funiscool, $4. Find zines on Etsy.

2. Art Bureau 16

A collaborative zine by artbureau and various artists, it includes signed gocco prints, cartoons, stickers and other goodies, $16. Find comics on Etsy.

3. For Rent, Handmade Boardgame

A collector's item and amazing work of fun, functional art by veronicapress, $600. Find more books inspired by games.

4. Vivisection & Taxes Small Sketchbook with Recycled Ephemera

Notebook or sketchbook with salvaged science cover by kateblack, $36. Find more coptic bound books. Find more journals.

5. Kerbloom Letterpress Zine

Pittsburgh craftsmanship by artnoose, $3. Find more letterpress books.

6. Reader's Diary

For the bookish friends in your life, a way to keep track of what they're reading, by greenchairpress, $10. Find more diaries.

7. Mum's Closet

Limited edition book featuring the author goosedownpress' mum and her 1970s outfits. Perfect as a gift for a stylish sister. $75. Find more autobio books or nonfiction books.

8. Pale Berries Pocket Fairy tale #4

Embroidered one of a kind book, $37. Find more books made with fabric.

9. Mama and Child Handmade Book

Baby album with sustainably harvested wood cover by SleepingForest, $175. Find more items with a secret Belgian binding or albums.

10. Library Book

Handbound, blank sketch book/journal by rookery, $35. Find more books with tabs.

Contemporary bookmakers come in an infinite variety of flavors, and have an almost limitless number of options available to them. Binders create contemporary adaptations of historical book structures; experiment with materials both traditional and non: leather, felt, handmade paper, rubber, wood, etc.; recycle the insides and outsides of books, and create tactile book sculptures. Artists, writers, and zinemakers can reach an audience in a portable accessible format with the book, combine digital design with hand-bound elements, play with time and pace in a comic, and expand their community by starting a press. Books whisper in the ear of a captive audience of one.

Be sure to check out the Center for Book Arts' website. Thank you Sarah!

Watch this video about theblackspotbooks' handbound books.

Etsy Labs is offering a bookbinding class on December 17, 2008. If you're in the New York area and would like to attend, buy your slot here.

Books & Zines Category | More Posts about Books | Bookworms & Writers Gift Guide

My Top 10 Decor: Giving Thanks for Primitives

2008-11-04T14:17:00Z

Here are our picks for the Top 10 Primitives with Autumnal flavor!

Vintage Spoon "Turkey Time" Ornaments by ohmybuttons.
Find more holiday ornaments.
Primitive Pumpkins by MariePattersonStudio.
Find more primitive pumpkins.
Felt Acorn Candle Mat by KeepsakeKorner.
Find some candles to go with it.
Thanksgiving Pilgrim Dolls by DollyDepot.
Find more primitive dolls.
Needle felted Acorns by truLuxe.
Find more items with acorns.
Scoop Sconces by Sawdusty.
Find more colonial primitives.
Primitive Crow Pie by hotprims.
Find more primitive pie!
Family Home sign by familyattic.
Find more primitive signs.
Make your own Jake the Turkey with this pattern by thegoodewife!
Find more holiday patterns made by Etsy sellers.
Crochet Centerpiece by RSSDesignsInFiber.
Find more crocheted holiday items.

Primitives Gift Guide | Entertaining and Decor Gift Guide
Items tagged "Primitives" | Holidays Category

Find more Primitives posts on the Etsy Blog.

Got an idea for a Top 10 List? Send us your picks through our pitch form!

Quit Your Day Job: StephanieFizer

2008-11-03T16:20:00Z

Stephanie of StephanieFizer quit her day job back in 2006 to become a full time artist, but it didn't quite work out according to plan. She found that she wasn't truly following her heart (or game plan) with painting, and she eventually found herself back in a day job. The second time around, she had a plan and started painting what she wanted, rather than what she thought other people would buy. Since her second Etsy launch in May of 2007, she has been happily and successfully supporting herself and loves the freedom of being her own boss.

When you first started selling on Etsy did you have dreams or goals of eventually quitting your day job? How long were you selling before deciding to take the plunge?
Those dreams existed before I even discovered Etsy! My parents own a small business, so I think it’s just in my blood, but I always imagined I would be self-employed — although it took years before I found a way to make that happen. In 2006 I ditched my day job with vague plans to become a full time artist. At the time, I didn’t have any actual plans, but I did have enough money saved up to muddle through a year.

I found Etsy in June 2006 and opened my first shop. I spent too much time painting what I thought people wanted instead of what I felt compelled to paint, and at the end of the year I learned a lot, but ended up having to get another office job to pay the bills for a bit. In May 2007 I opened my current Etsy shop with intentions of being true to myself this time. I started posting items in September 2007 and almost immediately noticed a difference — not only in sales, but in the positive way I felt about it. So while working my day job, I threw myself into my illustrations and my shop in the evenings and on the weekends, until finally in July 2008 I felt ready to take the plunge again.

What was the deciding factor resulting in your pursuing Etsy as your full time job?
Honestly, I think it was the desire to preserve my sanity. Office jobs are just not my cup of tea in the first place, but working all day, then rushing home in the evenings and on the weekends to paint, package orders, work out new ideas, etc. became stressful. And I knew that my business would never grow to its full potential unless I was willing to put a full time effort into it, so once I felt financially sound I just went for it.

Did you do to prepare ahead of time the 2nd time around?
Well, you know, I did goof up my first attempt at self-employment, so I did put a little more preparation into the second attempt. The most important preparation for me was working out a budget — living expenses and business expenses, so I knew how much I needed to bring in on a monthly basis to survive. I also laid out some short and long term goals for my business, which has helped me stay focused thus far.

What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business? What's your best marketing tip?
I actually don’t do a whole of marketing, I’m just a bad girl like that. I have a blog that I use to keep people up to date on new shop happenings and just things in general. I also post fairly regularly on Flickr, but other than that I just try to list frequently here on Etsy, whether it’s new items or relisting oldies. I think my best marketing tip would be to provide wonderful customer service. I know it doesn’t really seem like marketing, but honestly just packaging items well, shipping them quickly, and communicating with my buyers has been the best thing I’ve done for my business. Happy buyers come back for more and they tell their friends and family how lovely you are, and it all just circles back to you. (see the Service Tips for Sellers series)

What have you found to be an unsuccessful promotion?
Social networking sites like Myspace and Facebook. I know they work for a lot of people, but perhaps because I’m not all that social in real life either, social networking sites just don’t work for me. I put a decent amount of effort into Myspace and didn’t see much payoff, so I focused my efforts on more fruitful labors like making more illustrations and new stuff for my shop.

Would you walk us through what a typical workday might entail being your own boss?
So when I first dropped my day job I tried to force myself to adhere to a pretty strict schedule every day, but I found it pretty creatively stifling after the first couple of weeks. Now I start each day with a simple list of things I need to get done at some point during that day, but even so I have a pretty general routine:

I’m usually up around 7am-ish checking my emails, going over my to-do list for the day and reading my daily blogs and websites while sipping some tea and munching a light breakfast.
The rest of the morning is usually spent packaging orders while picking up around the house. I take a break at some point to work out for a bit.
Lunchtime is spent with my wonderfully supportive boyfriend.
The rest of the afternoon I’ll either paint, work on digital illustrations, or design/print/package/photograph new items for the shop.
Then while cooking dinner, I update my shop with new items and "relists" and I finish up any emails for the day.
I usually don’t stop just because it’s 5pm, but I do move operations out into the living room. Normally during the evening I will work on sketches or line art for various projects, although sometimes I enjoy painting in the evenings too.

What do you enjoy most about not having a day job? Is there anything you miss?
Although it’s taken me a bit to get used to the idea, my favorite thing is being able to do what I want, when I want to do it. It’s empowering to no longer be tied down to someone else’s schedule, and I love that I can work on my illustrations whenever I want, or if I’m feeling crummy I can just curl up with a book and have a bit of time to myself. I certainly don’t miss my day job at all, not even for a second. Part of me misses receiving a paycheck every two weeks and knowing exactly how much it will be, but so far money hasn’t been a problem, so even that doesn’t cause much worry. So far, it’s actually going better than expected. I’m able to pay the bills, take care of my business and still have money leftover in the end.

If you could go back in time before you took the plunge, what advice would you give yourself knowing what you know now?
Just be yourself and make sure you are doing something that you truly love. If you feel passionately about your work, everything else will just fall into place.

What goals do you wish to accomplish in the coming year?
Like every small business, my goal is to grow over the coming year. I’d like to be doing more wholesale orders a year from now and I’ve got my mind set on some lovely new products I’d like to offer as well. But mostly I would just like to be as happy and creatively fulfilled as I am right now while still paying the bills.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Just that I love Etsy and I can’t imagine that I would be enjoying this success as an illustrator without Etsy. Not only have I enjoyed selling here, but I’ve met some lovely people and I’ve been given some wonderful design opportunities that I probably wouldn’t have gotten otherwise.

Thanks to Stephanie for sharing her story and business with us! Check out the related items below to see some of their items. You can find some of our previous Quit Your Day Job posts here.

Fan Art Talk in the Virtual Labs: Special Guest Professor Henry Jenkins

2008-10-31T12:22:00Z

UPDATE: This is the podcast of the conversation with Prof. Jenkins that took place October 16, 2008 in Etsy's Virtual Lab.

All Etsy podcasts are published under Creative Commons licenses so please feel free to embed audio and video on your blogs or websites.

For other Etsy videos and podcasts please subscribe to our channels in iTunes and Youtube!

Please share your thoughts in the comments!

[The following was originally published on Oct 10, 2008.]

MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) Professor Henry Jenkins accepted Etsy's invitation to participate via webcam in a Virtual Lab talk about fan art. All are welcome to participate (all you need is an Etsy username, and it is free to register). Please join us in the Storque room of the Virtual Labs (Etsy's interactive chat room), Thursday October 16, 3-4pm EDT.

Fan art is a fascinating example of the intersection between art, pop culture and commerce. In fact, some fan artists sell their work on Etsy. Due to the nature of fan art, there are many intellectual property issues. Etsy is a venue and, as such takes very seriously issues of copyright and intellectual property. See our policies here. However, this talk is not meant to address the many legal issues concerning fan art, offer legal advice to artists or to talk about specific items on Etsy. Rather, Professor Jenkins will give context and history to fan art and speak about its transformations in the digital age.

Fan art — what is it and what is its history? Where did it come from and why did people start making it? Professor Jenkins wrote a seminal academic book — "Textual Poachers" published in 1992 — about fandom — television and science fiction fans and their art, writings and fan culture. His book challenged much of the theory about spectatorship and the consumption of popular culture, and he presented a new model — one in which the audience plays an active role in creating meaning from entertainment and cultural properties.

Much has changed in the world of media and fandom over the past 15 years. Whereas much of fandom used to exist largely through the exchange of zines through snail mail and face-to-face meet ups at conventions, today many fan activities and communities have moved online and sought immediate though media-ted relationships with each other and to the authors and corporations that offer stories and characters — often very immursive worlds — to consumers. Professor Jenkins's recent book "Convergence Culture" (2006) details some vivid accounts how these 21st century media properties connect deeply with fans and how in turn, fans are seeking deeper, more participatory relationships with those works. These present challenges both to fans — who are now more visible and therefore vulnerable to media giants' lawyers — as well as to companies and authors who have legitimate rights to protect their properties but at the same time don't want to alienate their fans.

These are really complicated issues! The goal of the talk is to give creators and customers reference points and a deeper understanding of those complexities. We're so excited to welcome Professor Jenkins to share his knowledge with us and fuel some lively discussion about the role of fan art in our society.

We're looking forward to it and hope you can make it!

Etsy Finds: Warming Up Piece by Piece

2008-10-29T08:00:00Z

Oh, is it ever a cold and dreary day here in Brooklyn! Makes me want to do nothing but snuggle up with some fine quilted blankies, sip hot cocoa and read a good novel. (Set in a warm location!) Luckily, Etsy has a whole section of beautifully detailed quilts to choose from — an art form that (believe me, I've tried it!) is not easy! Here are my picks for cozy quilts...

Stepping Up for Red Quilt

This quilt makes me want to find a fireplace and hunker down for the rest of fall. By warmnfuzzies, $65.

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Angel's Trumpet Quilted Wall Hanging

I love the Art Deco feel to this artful quilt. This would make a lovely wall hanging too! By withhugsnstitches, $55.

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For This Child Baby Quilt

Love, love, love turquoise and red! This would make a great baby gift for a boy or girl! By kimbuktu, $115.

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Fall Splendor Quilt- Double/Queen Size- FREE SHIPPING

You can tell there was so much work and love put into this large quilt by MountainHomeQuilts, $300.

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Little Birds Quilt

"Fantastic for taking in the car, snuggling and watching TV or just an extra at the foot of the bed." By LagunaLane, $55.

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Memories of the Titanic - Show Quilt

Have a seaside cabin you need to keep warm in? By Pamelaquilts, $1,500.

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Bees Knees Tablerunner-REDUCED PRICE

I could see this on a long natural wood dining table. Very homey for Thanksgiving! By cachecreekquilts, $30.

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Scrappy Spool Quilted Wall Hanging or Baby Quilt

Spruce up your craft room with this scrappy spool quilt. By OriginalsbyLauren, $125.

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Quilted Warm Shadow Wall Hanging

Love the soft, feminine colors in this 100% cotton quilt. By JabaroDesigns, $100.

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Find more quilts on Etsy to cuddle up with in the Quilts category, or check out the fabulous Quiltsy Team! In other Etsy quilting news, our very own Christina, aka MissBatch, went down to Houston, Texas last week for the International Quilt Festival & Market where she met some Etsy sellers face-to-face and saw some of the latest and greatest work! See photos of her trip here.

News From the Craft + Style Blogosphere: October 23, 2008

2008-10-23T15:00:00Z

Eccentrics make the world go 'round. If not for the "out there" thoughts of a certain courageous and wacky brand of individual, a lot of great ideas would never come to fruition. With that in mind, always make sure to give new ideas a chance, or you could miss out on something really special. (Yes, I've been reading the inspirational blog mentioned below. You'll love it, too! Trust me.)

This week's edition of News From the Craft + Style Blogosphere is all inspirational messages, pagan ritual, Iowa (!), honeycomb and interiors. Onward!

Bohemia in midtown: Yes, it once was. This profile shows the artists that are desperately holding on to rent-controlled studio apartments above New York's famed Carnegie Hall. Many have lived in the building for 50+ years, and have built their own universes, like concert pianist Donald Shirley, shown above. Pretty amazing. [Via New York Magazine]

Looking for some inspiration? Do it the post-modern way and get it via Tumblr. New Resolution's many short, boxed quotes are totally refreshing. [Via design is mine]

Photographer Estelle Hanania's "Demoniac Babble" series profiles the ancient folk tradition of the "silvesterklause" in Switzerland, wherein local men get "dressed in wild, demonic outfits. They roam the landscapes from farm to farm, singing, drinking to celebrate the winter to come, and to frighten the bad spirits away." Their costumes are unlike anything I've ever seen — totally earthy and spooky. Pagan rituals, I love you!

Artist Hilary Berseth's sculptures are more than a little interactive — in fact, I'd call them collaborative. You see, he does part of the work, then bees do the rest. The resulting beeswax sculptures are the very picture of delicious. Check out the slideshow at New York Magazine. [Via For Me, For You]

Klas Fahlen's illustrations are pretty cute. [Via Design For Mankind]

A recent trip to my homeland (Iowa!) revealed a new book on my state's history. As a teen, amateur photographer Everett W. Kuntz spent his days taking photos of Ridgeway and its residents — so much so that he earned the nickname "Scoop." However, he didn't have the money to print said photos, and forgot about them after going to college. It was only sixty years later, as he lay on his deathbed, that he remembered the negatives. This virtual time capsule is "Sunday Afternoon on the Porch: Reflections of a Small Town in Iowa, 1939-1942," and the photos are incredible. Read the article here. [Via New York Times]

The Art of the Display photo pool on Flickr has many treasures waiting for you. This particular display comes came of ATLITW. Don't you just love the chairs? [Via PoppyTalk]

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!

Featured Buyer: Holly Becker of decor8

2008-10-22T12:33:00Z

This week's Featured Buyer is Holly Becker, the editor and founder of the inspirational design and decorating blog decor8, drawing 20,000 worldwide readers daily. She has been blogging non stop since January 2006 and we’re particularly fond of her weekly column on decor8 called Etsy Take Five Tuesdays. She also authors a popular Etsy slideshow series for Domino magazine online, authors a monthly design column in the Boston Globe, and is a contributing editor at RealSimple.com. With 160 purchases made on Etsy, Holly demonstrates her support of independent designers by promoting their work and shopping from them. Today she’ll share some of her favorite Etsy artists and show some of their work in her own home.

Oh Etsy: What you do to me! I started buying handmade on Etsy in February 2006 — my first purchase was a cosmetic bag from SeaBreezeStudio based in England. I remember when it arrived how excited and impressed I was with the quality. I also recall the responsive and friendly seller who made a great impression on me immediately. After such a positive first time transaction, I felt inspired to shop Etsy again and purchased from Simply Photo.

To date I’ve made 160 purchases and I’ve not had a single issue with any of them. I’ve shopped from sellers as far away as Singapore and items always arrive on time and exceed my expectations. Some sellers even include sweet little notes and extras, like stickers or candy. The whole personal touch thing is super addictive, as you’ll never see big box stores include personal notes expressing their gratitude for your support. It’s one of the reasons shopping handmade is so special and worthwhile. There are beating hearts behind the products, real people creating items that give them joy and they spread that happiness to others, giving us a chance to own a piece of their special worlds.

When my purchases arrive I feel positively giddy! I give so many of my purchases to friends as gifts. They always ooo and ahhh over everything; the response is so positive that I shy away from giving big box gift cards (I once gave only gift cards) and shop Etsy when I’m looking for the perfect present. It’s far more personal and you have a chance to show your friend that you really put some thought into the gift. At one time I only shopped big box for everything. Now it’s my last stop. I feel proud that I’ve changed the way I purchase and as a result I‘m contributing to the success of small business not only in America but worldwide.

I thought that you may like to see a few of my favorite art prints and original paintings that I’ve purchased from Etsy ‘at work’, living in my home. My husband and I primarily reside in New Hampshire, but we just took on a second residence in Germany, where we live five months each year. I’m in Germany as I write this, and over the past eight weeks I had to take an empty apartment and create a home from scratch. Throughout the process my big white walls kept screaming for love, and since I’m not at the point yet to decide on wall color or pattern, I went ahead and placed some of my beloved prints from artists who sell on Etsy in my living room to make the room feel more like home.

[Work above is, from left: SamanthaHahn, JenniferDavis, Caitlin Shearer of Pepperminte, LabPartners, Kareem Rizk, Bubbo, and Ez Pudewa of WrenandChickadee.]

This is my art wall. Nearly everything is from Etsy, with the exception of the vintage gold swallows and the limited edition JenniferDavis print of a Mississippi riverboat. I installed these pieces to look as though they were flying upwards, away with the birds. I like to hang artwork in a fun, non traditional way.

Also, all of the prints can be removed and swapped out with others of equal size so I can rotate my collection without adding new holes to the wall. Huge perk!

I pulled this small city apartment (under 60 square meters) together on a limited budget, which is why you’ll spot some IKEA pieces. The trick when buying from stores like IKEA is to fill in the ‘blanks’ with things acquired from indie sellers and flea markets. This brings in your personality and a sense of history. I still have lots to do in this space and a coffee table to buy, but placing Etsy art around has helped to make me feel at home.

[Artwork on this shelf includes: Pepperminte, JenniferDavis, Bubbo, CreativeThursday, AliciaBock, and a brooch by Toast. I cannot recall where the darling bunny is from, as it was a gift, so if anyone reading knows, please comment below so others can find the seller who made it.]

The best part about having a picture ledge above the sofa (don’t worry, no one can hit the ledge if seated) is that it is my rotating art gallery. I can put whatever up on the ledge that inspires me at the moment, so it‘s fun to play around with and I do not have to mess up the walls.

This is my small, very naked dining room. I still plan to install a pendant light over the table, paint and upholster the chairs, and etc. but this is what it looks like today. In my cabinet is where I keep lots of handmade and flea market finds along with books and fabric. Lots of these things came from Etsy and were given to me by friends.

One of my favorite treasures inside of this cabinet is the original painting from Brooklyn artist CaitlinKeegan (top right).

This is my home in New Hampshire and a peek into my living room, where I also have an art wall. Not all of this work is from Etsy, and some are original paintings, but I’ll highlight those that are: MyFolkLover, mcaplan, JenniferDavis, ashleyg, MicheleMaule, even the little soft mushroom is an Etsy find from littlebirds, along with the vintage dish via bluebellbazaar, and the ceramic deer is vintage from pinkshowercurtain.

This is what you’ll find around my bedroom in New Hampshire. The photograph is from AliciaBock, and the plant and pot are also from Etsy (yup!) via GreenwareDesign.

This is what was on my dresser last time I checked. An original painting from CreativeThursday, along with a lion she made out of clay, and jewelry by JadeScott.

Further Resources:
In addition to Etsy, I am continuously inspired by the blogs on my visual blogroll.

Thanks, Holly! Your space is quite inspiring (and Etsy filled!) For more of Holly's great taste, check out her blog at decor8blog.com. Looking to do more shopping? Check out our decorating posts and Featured Buyer series.

News from the Etsy Labs: Sock Monkey Workshop!

2008-10-19T10:00:00Z

Join us for an afternoon of creating original sock monkeys for fresh art's sock monkey program. fresh art is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing expanded artistic, personal development, and entrepreneurial opportunities to New York City artists with special needs. The sock monkeys we create this afternoon will be sold to raise funds to support fresh art's programs. All skill levels are welcome, though basic hand sewing skills are helpful.

When: Saturday, October 25, 2008; 10am-3pm
Where: 325 Gold St, 3rd floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Who: Ages 12 & up are welcome

Brought to you by fresh art, the {NewNew} York team, and Etsy Labs.

Please RSVP at rsvp@etsy.com for this free workshop.

Not in Brooklyn? Join us on Thursday, October 23 at 6:30pm EDT the Treehouse room of the Virtual Labs for a chat with AnnMarie Harris from fresh art. In this online workshop, we will discuss how to use crafts to fund your non-profit organization.

See more posts about crafting for good in our Craftivism section.

You might also enjoy this chipmunk project!

Etsy Finds: Partners in Design, Is it a Crime... ?

2008-10-18T09:00:00Z

...to steal this look? We think not! This weekend's Get the Look: Decor is inspired by the home of design duo Ryan and Sarah from Lab Partners. Their space is filled with a colorful variety of mid-century inspired artwork and furniture, which adds a nostalgic feeling of childhood fairy tales to every room. You can view more inspiring photos of Ryan and Sarah's home in the Sneak Peeks column on Design*Sponge. Check out the Etsy Finds below for some items that will help you get the look.

J (jellyfish)

What two alphabet animals make up you and your loved one's initials? Mine is a crab and a jellyfish, and they make a really cute couple. Hang them on your wall with this “&” symbol between them to celebrate your love for one another! By JennSki, $14.

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Retro Red Glass Light

While you're all excited about celebrating your love, you might as well add a tiny touch of romance to the corner of the room with this lovely vintage red glass lamp. From JollyPollyPickins, $20.

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Antique arts and crafts mission mahogany chair early 1900

I love the way Ryan and Sarah used an old chair as a mini bookcase. This amazing mission style chair would look great in the corner with a stack of your favorite books. From thevintagesupplyco, $99.

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Jefferson Bullet Clock

Top off the pile of books with this beautifully designed modern vintage clock. From BooandPie, $50.

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Secret Book Box

I love a neat and organized living space, and these secret book boxes are the perfect way to hide little odds and ends, store your craft supplies or file away paperwork. From Antebelle, $24.

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large charlie bird print

A colorful and organized work area is sure to inspire many moments of creativity. The bird illustration in the upper right corner or Ryan and Sarah's office space is a print by the wonderful matteart, $60.

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Medium Jewelry frame-Ocean Blue with Silver

These gorgeous jewelry organizers are a great way to display a collection of earrings and necklaces, but I think they would also look great in an office covered in a collection of artwork, photographs, postcards and post it notes. By MorganDesign, $30.

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handsewn gold 7 inch wool felt owl plush

I love the funny collection of friends overlooking the Lab Partner's office desk. This stuffed wise owl will look very cute perched on a shelf or bookcase, and may even help you with your homework or Etsy shop listings. By wonderland5, $18.

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Frankenbot the Mega Scary Robot

Your owl friend will need a buddy, and this Frankenbot makes the perfect bodyguard and companion. According to Spaceboyjordo, Frank was built to protect your home from ninjas, cowboys, aliens, pirates, dogs w/ sweaters, creepy uncles, and emo kids. Just in time for Halloween! By Spaceboyjordo, $50.

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Check out other Get the Look - Home Decor Edition

Looking for more home decor Finds? Try these Etsy links:

Entertaining and Decor Gift Guide | Housewarming Gift Guide | Housewares Category | Vintage Housewares

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Etsy Finds: 3D Mixed Media

2008-10-16T08:38:00Z

In my mind, three dimensional mixed media equals infinite combinations and possibilities. Not only does this type of art combine disparate methods and materials, but it's also in your space — not simply meant to hang on a wall, but to function as an object to provoke discussion and interaction. I recently took a stroll around the 3D Mixed Media section of Art to see what Etsy artists had in store, and they did not disappoint! Any of these would make unique gifts for the holidays — with the added benefit of supporting independent artists.

Pantheon - Sean Hennessey - Mixed Media - 2006

This inventive piece is actually composed of old gocco bulbs cast in concrete. Genius. By scenicartisans, $35.

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G is for Gnome, Petit Four no 47 - Original Mixed Media Assemblage

Creepy or cute? This gnome leaves it up to you. By sushipot, $35.

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Assemblage. Object 3. Original Mixed Media Art Object

I have a thing for antique dolls and ceramics, so this piece by triciamckellar spoke to me. $65.

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the spotted bazaar- a recycled paper pulp painting

This 3D painting reminds me of something from Pee Wee's Playhouse. Not only is it visually intriguing, it's made from recycled junk mail! By teamzvoniktoo, $51.

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Tree Ghost - Stump with Golden Acorn - Mini Sculpture

PearsonMaron's creations never cease to amaze me. Put this tree ghost on your desk to fill your day with wonder. $19.

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Carried by Birds

This shadowbox is really quite awe-inspiring. I can see this fitting perfectly in a child's bedroom. by Roadside, $350.

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the fun one

Um, I love this...Just look at the whiskers! By RochellesLittleOnes, $51.

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Embroidered Gold Eye

This hand-tatted eye is pretty amazing. By knitmotorcycle, $190.

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Italian Map Paper Bird

What a delicate little bird! And made of a map, no less. By cottonbirddesigns, $98.

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Looking for more mixed-media Finds? Try these Etsy links:

Art Collectors' Gift Guide | Mixed Media Art Category

Items tagged "Assemblage" | Storque Posts tagged "Sculpture"

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Handmade Portraits: Bruce Metcalf with Bonus Audio Podcast

2008-10-10T12:43:00Z

MP4 | Youtube | Blip.tv | Subscribe in iTunes

(Music credit: 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!

High End Etsy: Fiber Arts

2008-10-09T16:05:00Z

What does one gain from raising one's own alpacas? Bonnie Samuel aka bonniesamueldesign.etsy.com knows the value of homegrown fiber, the material she works with to create unique knit and woven pieces. "My knowledge of the nature and structure of natural fibers — from the impact of animal husbandry on quality production to the end product — gives me a unique understanding of certain fibers in design." But it's not just the intimate knowledge of raising animals — she has also trained in how to sort and grade her annual clip. "Working with natural fibers brings the beauty of nature's palette and textures to your work."

Bonnie approached Etsy's blog, the Storque, with her story and with those of other high-end fiber artists on Etsy. These artisans steep their fibers in their deep skill and knowledge, and their high-end items' price points reflect that. We invited them to explain what's behind the drape of a sumptuously woven shawl or the details of a painstakingly crocheted art necklace.

[Jesse James & John Brown, two of Bonnie's alpacas]

Etsy offers a grand opportunity to both emerging and established fiber artisans. Since its inception, Etsy has evolved through layers of quality each in turn attracting buyers at the emerging level.

Truly talented fiber artists – weavers, dyers, textile designers, skilled knitters, art quilters and those reviving traditional fiber crafts in new dimensions – are now establishing shops on Etsy. The traditional “art” market is out of reach for many artists because of costs to enter the market of galleries, agents and promotion, while Etsy, however, offers wide internet exposure for little cost. Indeed, this trend may be changing the way art is marketed and sold as Etsy increasingly becomes the place to find and purchase unique and finely crafted, high quality art pieces in many mediums.

We’ve chosen just a few fiber artisans of the many talented on Etsy to showcase here...

Hedda Vatter aka HeddaVatter, who lives in Rapina, Estonia, creates wearable beauty in crochet.

As a romantic, I love crocheting and lace. I learned to crochet in school when I was eight years old. My favorite materials are high quality cotton crochet thread, linen and worsted for the woolen lace.

I am inspired by Irish lace in all of its richness and beauty. I try to bring the elements of the old lace into modern day using the lace for accessories and jewelry. I also add beads to Irish lace which makes it even more gorgeous. I have added felt, Irish lace and mond stones to my jewelry – the result is an interesting contrast. Red mélange crocheted necklace (pictured above) is inspired by Irish lace. The cotton thread is hand dyed, making the necklace unique.

As I was studying in art school, textile was my favourite subject. After graduating, I studied three years of calligraphy and two years of decorating. I acquired my higher education in library science. Most of my life I have worked as an artist. The last three years I have worked as a self-employed entrepreneur/artist. I have sold my work in Finland, Sweden, Italy, Germany and in France. And of course, I have made handcrafts for myself, my three children and for my home.

Scarfguy on Etsy is Fred Ullom, who is an accomplished weaver from Ohio.

As a career mathematician and computer scientist, my initial interest in weaving was as a science. It is, after all, an exercise in applied binary mathematics. When you look closely, all cloth is "pixelated". Beginning as a diversion from the stress of a high-tech career, I soon discovered that creating something tangible with my hands was much more rewarding than the abstraction of creating lines of programming code. There is no greater enjoyment than to take an idea and turn it into something real: a piece of cloth, a scarf, a garment that stands on its own, and provides warmth, softness, and pleasure for its owner. Unlike most fiber "artists", who are artists first, my greatest struggle has been to allow my creativity to flourish. I retired early from the high-tech world and now weave full-time (although at a leisurely pace). I don't often take inspiration from my surrounding as many do.

[Scarfguy at the loom]

My structures are usually just mathematical "play" with twill progressions. My color combinations are usually spontaneously sparked by fondling through my yarn inventory. I have a passion for exotic natural fibers. I'm always searching for the finest Merino wools, cashmere, silk, yak, and the elusive arctic muskox (qiviut).

Artmixter is Marion Barnett’s shop on Etsy, which features imaginative fabric art.

I am Marion Barnett, a Scottish artist living and working in Norfolk, England. In creating my art quilts and other fiber works, I work predominantly with lutradur, a non woven polyester fabric that is versatile and easy to use. I even wrote a book about it, 'Lovely Lutradur', with Dijanne Cevaal. I have a passion for layers and texture; as lutradur is semi transparent, it is an ideal medium for such work. Most of my work has pattern and texture combined over several layers of cloth, with some areas of cloth cut back to show clearly what is lying underneath. Colour, too, is an essential part of my art; I dye or paint much of my own cloth, cottons, silks and lutradur, and use a wide range of paints to get the effects I want. It’s very rewarding when people are drawn to touch the work; textiles are a very tactile medium, and I encourages people to pat and stroke the cloth and the finished works.

Rebecca Burgess' fiber art and skills fulfill a mission. Her Etsy shop is ecologicalartist.

My work, my passion, lives within the relationship between restoration ecology and sustainable art materials. I seek to create art whose strength lies within its process: a process that is restorative for the native plants that I harvest for dyes, for the women ranchers I buy my wool from, and is, most importantly, restorative for me as the composer and creator. I use local natural resources in a manner that supports the thriving and regenerative cycles of those resources. The end product is equally important for me, in its quality, attention to detail, and how well it functions.

[ecologicalartist at work with some natural dying]

I envision a growing world of artisans and interested folks, making beautiful art from naturally dyed yarns and batts, and wearing naturally dyed organic clothes. As this happens, our culture will become both aesthetically and ecologically richer. While I enjoy the larger vision, I personally am restored by the feel of soft angora moving through my hands and onto the spinning wheel, or counting my warp threads in preparation for my loom. The value of having one more happy and restored person on the planet is an immeasurable gift in itself.

designbynihan is the Etsy shop of Nihan Altuntas, a very creative designer and handknitter from Istanbul, Turkey.

I’m Nihan Altuntas, a 27 year old Turkish woman, whose passion is creating and designing. I’ve been crafting since I was old enough to pick up a crayon. My favorite childhood toys were boxes, yarns, pieces of cloth and all kinds of paints… I should add that I’m thankful for the support of my family. When I converted my jeans into bags or painted my canvas shoes, they never said a word!

I majored in cinema studies with a minor in marketing. During college, I got back to knitting to relax and to express myself. I never liked pattern books or reproducing brand sweaters. I would design authentic knitwear by improvising with needles, sometimes not even knowing what the result would be. The appreciation and approval for all of that hard work is the basis of my motivation to improve myself in this field.

I’m inspired by almost everything, even a simple button. I can suddenly decide to knit a sweater suitable for that button. My favorite material is cashmere, but the most important thing is to be able to discover the perfect match of the yarn and the pattern.

“Design by Nihan’s” success on Etsy is a combination of my talent, marketing and business knowledge and my personality too. I try to bring customer preferences and original patterns together. All “Design by Nihan” customers have an opportunity to choose the color and material, since all of the products are always knitted according to the customers' measurements. Each item is totally unique to its owner.

Dottie Scher, aka ccdzs, whose excellent crochet skill reflects her heritage.

My mother was an old fashioned Southern Lady who taught me the age old art of handcrafts as we were growing up. I started knitting when I was five and needlepoint, embroidery, tatting, pottery, sewing soon followed. When I was 15 I found a book of crochet motifs and I was hooked, literally. I love the way the work flows and how quickly something can come together in my hands. This is an art that has been passed down through the generations of my family.

I work "during the day" as a Child Protective Services In Home Services/Foster Care Supervisor. My days are long and quite hectic. When I get home, after homework, supper, baths and smaller people's bedtime, I can sit down with a hook and thread and just shut out everything else. Crochet is my refuge, my special place where everything is simply the hook, the yarn or thread, the colors, the texture.

When I'm designing my own patterns, it's all about texture and counting stitches. The doilies are designed with their appearance from a distance in mind. So much of the design is not apparent unless you look at it from across a room or down a hallway. I love the symmetry and the geometrical design. I have been heavily influenced by Patricia Kristoffersen, a renowned crochet artist. Many of my framed pieces are based on her designs. But I also feel I learn from anyone's designs and thus can bring my own ideas to bear, such as my two nautical sunbursts.

Constance Rose aka constancerosedesigns

I have been a textile artist since the early 1970s. Prior to becoming a weaver, I was a custom clothing designer, silk painter, papermaker, beaded jewelry designer, knitter, crocheter and handspinner. I've had a lifelong interest in fabric and thread/yarn, so I've explored any number of ways to create them and work with them. I started college as an art major, then veered into and graduated in psychology. Making art, although my first love, was always something "else" to do; that is, until I retired, recently, from the work world as we know it to focus on my art. Although I've taken an art class here and there over the years, essentially I am self taught, propelling myself toward whatever felt like the next technique for me to learn.

I've always been inspired by nature, as well as art of other times and places — including the florescence of Art Nouveau and Victoriana, the stylized and repetitive geometrics of Art Deco and ancient Egyptian designs, Native American and ethnic tribal patterns, and the Arts & Crafts and Craftsman styles in functional and decorative arts and architecture. My recent work creating woven shibori has been a way for me to pull together all of these design genre.

My work today is about TEXTURE — the tactility of cloth and fiber surfaces, what textiles feel like in your hands, as well as visual texture, the orchestration of patterns and colors that your eyes see. My work is also about PATTERN — line, shape, form, and directionality inherent in the woven cloth or imprinted or dyed onto the fabric. And it is about COLOR — how color lays on or becomes part of the cloth, how colors interact together, the patterns that areas of color create on a piece. My textiles explore the fusion of these components on handwoven fiber structures. Most recently I have begun creating Art Cloth — non-wearable fabric, wall and space hangings — combining loom-controlled and handstitched shibori, and surface design techniques on handwoven fabrics.

Thanks to bonniesamueldesign for putting this post together! If you want to find more great fiber work, check out items tagged EtsyFAST team. You might also want to read more Storque posts tagged "Fiber".