Search results (tags) for: "celebration"

Etsy Video 2009: Year in Review

2009-12-31T15:12:00-05:00

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As 2009 comes to a close, we here at the blog are taking time to reflect on an exciting year in video for Etsy. We met and collaborated with many incredibly talented Etsy artists and had a chance to delve deeper into who they are and what they make. We launched a new video series about home decor and collections called There's No Place Like Here. We look forward to 2010 as a year to explore more amazing spaces, discover new narratives and show how makers do what they do.

We compiled a playlist from our Handmade Portraits, Process and There's No Place Like Here video series to highlight some of the Etsy sellers who have worked with us over the past year. See our free iTunes podcast for all of our videos.

There's No Place Like Here
Artists and designers invite Etsy into their homes to reveal their collections, creations, and uniquely customized living spaces. Find out what captures these tastemakers' imaginations, where they unearth their treasures, and how they have fine-tuned their aesthetics. There's No Place Like Here! Take a peek at Made With Love By Hannah's German chalet, overflowing with vintage kitsch, in downtown Los Angeles. Design duo Something's Hiding In Here give us a tour of their renovated Philadelphia loft full of woodland vintage and an indoor porch swing. Tour the Santa Cruz grounds of Niki Silva's communal living paradise La Selva.

Handmade Portraits
What makes the creative mind tick? Discover the story behind the maker in this mini-documentary series. Handmade Portraits introduces viewers to the creative universe that is Etsy's community. Canadian artist Sarah Faber of Black-Eyed Suzie creates delicate, Gothic art dolls that evoke Victorian times. It took woodworker Fred Jakubiec from Birdhouseaccents 25 years before he made building birdhouses his full-time job. It was well worth the wait.

Process
Get into the creative flow with Etsy's Process series. These illuminating videos provide an intimate glimpse into the relationship between artist and material. Witness the techniques behind the design lifecycle. It's a truly transfixing experience to observe Kim Westad throw one of her signature Sweet Pea bowls on the wheel in her tranquil studio. BeyondthePicketFence is not just a soap maker; she's her own research and development lab — one might go as far as to call her a bathmatician.

[Clockwise from top: Recycled Cotton Tote Bag by forestbound, Maximum Fringe Necklace by iheartnorwegianwood, Vintage Paint-by-Number USA by somethingshidinghere, Ivory Tulle and Pearl Bridal Shrug by Holly Stalder, Girl with Band-Aids by mimikirchner, White Sea Glass Pendant by wildpen, Naked Twirly Vase by Kim Wested, Primitive Birdhouse by birdhouseaccents, Little Bunny Felted Mary Janes by prettylittle]

Thanks for a great year! Post your favorite Etsy video in the comments.

Watch more videos!

Vilte Wins the Glam New Year's Eve Vote!

2009-12-21T11:30:00-05:00

Not that you need an excuse to wear sequins, but isn't it fun to get dolled up for New Year's Eve? Last week's poll gives you some fresh ideas for outfits — whether you're hosting a party or going out on the town. And who won this poll? (Cue the noise-makers...) 3-2-1! Vilte's one-of-a-kind felt dress rocked the vote! Congratulations, vilte! To see the other top picks, scroll down or check out the Members' Choice Gift Guide.

Get Involved in the Next Round
For next week's round, we're looking for items along the theme of relaxation. Nominate that cozy sweater you've had your eye on, or bath and beauty products for freshening up winter skin. Think of the comforts of home like blankets and piping hot tea in handmade mugs. Show us your pick by linking to it in the comments below. (If you're a seller nominating one of your own items, please just nominate one — even if you have more than one shop!)

Voting Posts | Voter FAQ

Etsy Finds Decor: Party Like It's 1999!

2009-12-20T08:56:00-05:00

This week's Get the Look: Decor will show you how to get your home ready for the New Year's celebration of the decade. Take inspiration from our friends at CasaSugar to make your New Year's party one that will leave a lasting impression for years to come.

We at home decor site CasaSugar delight in keeping our readers informed on the latest home decor indulgences, as well as providing readers with a source for information on eco, economical, and unique ideas for maintaining, decorating, and organizing their homes.

This fabulous Swedish home, formerly a slaughterhouse, really blew me away, instantly qualifying as what I like to call a coveted crib. The home has an impressively curated mix of furniture and accessories from various decades and far off places, as well as an extensive collection of artwork. All in all, it seems like an ideal place to ring in the new decade.

Vintage Street Sign // 2nd Street

From junkyardgarden, $18.

3 solid brass candle holders

From ImSoVintage, $39.

White eames era vintage chair

From Boomboxblitz, $95.

Neoteric no. 8

By LBrandt, $40.

Brass Art Deco Deer Pair

From TheCottageCheese, $129.

XXL Vintage telephone head

From bluebellbazaar, $69.

Vinyl Decal Sticker Tree Hanger

By artwallproject, $32.

Upcycled silver pot lid Clock

By OldNewAgain, $24.

Bearded One Toile Throw Pillow

By utilitarianfranchise, $30.

Scrolled Feather Bookends

From HausProud, $36.

Framed Vintage Bakery Poster

From GoodBehavior, $70.

Recycled T-Shirt Rug

By talkingsquid, $54.

Copper Candlestick

By McGdesign, $45.

White porcelain Ming style horse

From highstreetmarket, $89.

Bergere Silhouette Chair pillow

By PillowPallooza, $72.

60s Danish Nesting Tables

From moderntoretro, $295.

Pair of Vintage Chairs in Zebra

From Inged, $680.

Mona Lisa Print

By briancrete, $50.

Smile on the Mona Lisa Poster

By thefabmissb, $65.

Safari Zebra Pillows

By PillowsCollection, $85.

Rose Gilded Candlabra Pair

From LiseVintageLighting, $110.

Target Practice Pillow

By PillowPallooza, $93.

Mod Deer

From HausProud, $34.

Regency Gold Leaf Mirror

From AustinModern, $175.

Mod Cottage Wood Star

By baconsquarefarm, $20.

about your eye

By ghosthaus, $95.

Faux Bearskin Rug

By fringecollection, $1000.

Vintage UK Bus Roll

From economica, $400.

Black ball and marble lamp pair

From deepoca, $80.

Vintage White Ceramic Quail

From thesundaytimesmarket, $14.

Modern Cats, a ceramic pair

By NomadClayworks, $28.50.

Birds in Flight

By findingfabulous, $24.

Eat, Drink and Dance Until Dawn

Maple and Walnut Candle Holder

By BrazanDesign, $45.

Red Lobesters Audio Speakers

By ikymagoo, $200.

Steamboat tumblers set of 6

From beenie2847, $28.

Contour Platter Set

By amischievousmarriage, $105.

Hot Orange Divided Trays

From ionesAttic, $22.99.

Silver Ombre Cocktail Serving Set

From vintageonthemake, $85.

Leather Serving Tray & Barware

By DailyMemorandum, $45.

Set of 6 Stainless Coasters

By RobisonMetalWorks, $32.

Space Age Stereo Speakers

From openairmodern, $350.

Vintage Nesting Snack Bowls

From five6seven8, $22.

Vintage Dansk Teak Tray

From sevenbc, $75.

Bohemian Modern Bar Glass Set

By solsticehome, $24.

The FlatLine Incense Burner

By DrCraze, $8.

Shot Glass Liquor Dispenser

By fabulousmess, $85.

WATSON. WOOD COASTERS

By mediumcontrol, $20.

6 Plaid Drinking Glasses

By FASHIONRERUN, $32.

Vintage Modern WoodenTray

From bouquet, $16.

Condiment tray with wood base

From milkglassandmetal, $18.

Wine Wedge

By DrCraze, $30.

Modern Renaissance Coasters

By infraredstudio, $16.

60s Teak Wood Nesting Tables

From fabulousmess, $295.

Vintage Hotel Silver Ice Bucket

From AustinModern, $55.

Letterpress Coaster Set

By luckybeepress, $12.

Cowboy Zen Oil Lamp

By TheCeremonialHome, $48.

Extra Large Red Circles Bowl

By luckalilly, $50.

Vintage Pintel Silver Bowl Set

From BrightWallVintage, $18.

Nesting Scallop Bowls

By elementclaystudio, $150.

Cathrineholm Black & White Dish

From TraceyAnns, $45.

Stoneware Bowl

By CaroleEpp, $32.

Chrome &Bakelite Tray & Dish

From caffeinequeenie, $25.

Modern Aluminum Ice Bucket

From vintagehomerecycled, $22.95.

Vintage Pair of Candleholders

From WHIMSYlove, $19.

Vintage 1970s french shot glasses

By CristalinaIC, $15.

Teak Handle Corkscrew

From eyeformodern, $15.

Set of 3 Cathrineholm Lotus Bowls

From SauceForTheGoose, $160.

Giraffe and Bird Plate

By FoxAndClover, $68.

Here are some tips for hosting an equally hip New Year's bash in your own digs:

Make some doily decorations and hang them to look like snowflakes from your ceiling for a wintry effect.
Don't forget to hang mistletoe to facilitate smooching.
Make your own New Year’s Eve confetti.
Decorate outdoors with frozen cranberry wreaths.
Repurpose ball ornaments into vases.
Add some winter girls to your wall art collection.
Turn that Christmas wreath into one that’s fit for a New Year’s party.

For more fun with Casa Sugar, check out CasaSugar's Coveted Crib series or CasaSugar's Etsy Finds.

Bonus Reader Challenge! CasaSugar wants to see your party decor picks inspired by this same space. Share links to the Etsy items you'd like to see at your New Year's loft party in the comments below. We'll let the whole community vote on the their favorites. The top-rated items will be featured on CasaSugar and in CasaSugar's Etsy picks Gift Guide.

Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

Gift Guides | Guest Curators | Trends | Gift Ideas

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

Vote for the Glitziest New Year's Eve Glamour

2009-12-15T16:03:00-05:00

We asked our readers to nominate their favorite items to dress up the New Year. Now it's your turn to vote!

Next Monday we'll announce the winner, which, along with some of the top picks, will be featured in the Members' Choice Gift Guide and here on the Etsy blog. Show your favorite sellers some love and get out the vote!

Voting Posts | Voter FAQ

Show Us Your Crazy Christmas Tree

2009-12-14T18:30:00-05:00

PollyPainting's blue Christmas tree literally made me squeal with delight. It really does look like something out of Dr. Seuss! How's that for holiday cheer!

What's your interpretation of holiday decor — whether you celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah or another holiday? Are you a classic traditionalist or do you go in for zany vintage kitsch? Contemporary, monochromatic, all white?

Paste links to photos of your family's tree or other fabulous seasonal decorations in your home in the comments or add pictures to our There's No Place Like Here Flickr group. Show us what you got!

Etsy Israel Team Wishes You a Happy Hanukkah!

2009-12-11T10:40:00-05:00

Hanukkah, or The Festival of Lights, is an eight day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabees Revolt of the 2nd century BCE.

The holiday is observed by the kindling of the lights of a special candelabrum, the nine-branched Menorah or Hanukiah, one light on each night of the holiday, progressing to eight on the final night. An extra candle called a Shamash (Hebrew for "guard" or "servant") is also lit each night for the purpose of lighting the others, and it is given a distinct location, usually above or below the rest.

The holiday bears different meanings to the members of the Etsy Israel Team. Ever since I rented my first apartment, lighting the Hanukiah meant I am the queen of the castle. Even though Passover is considered the celebration of freedom, for me, it is Hanukkah that symbolizes accountability, self-sufficiency and standing on my own two feet. This Hanukiah shows a young family — mother, father and a young child waiting to light the Menorah, which is traditionally following by singing.

Ooty created this festive and happy Hanukiah, which elicits warm feelings of family and holiday time. She says, "This is my favorite holiday. Eight days of family and friends gathering, eating lots of holiday goodies and sharing little gifts and love. Feeling warm in the heart and around the house when it is wintry and cold outside."

Another popular Hanukkah tradition in Israel is eating fried doughnuts and potato latkes. At the rededication following the victory of the Maccabees, there was only enough consecrated olive oil to fuel the eternal flame in the temple for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, which was the length of time it took to press, prepare and consecrate fresh olive oil.

Shay Aaron, who creates wonderfully realistic miniature food jewelry, says, “There are a variety of doughnuts around the world, but for me, the ultimate doughnut must be filled with jelly and powdered sugar. It reminds me my father, who used to work at night in our local bakery shop. That was our breakfast every day in December.”

Inbar talks about the tradition of Hanukkah coins: "Money is often distributed to children to enhance their enjoyment of the holiday. The amount is usually in small coins, although grandparents or other relatives may give larger sums as an official Hanukkah gift. In Israel, Hanukkah coins are also known as Dmei Hanukkah."

The dreidel, or "sevivon" in Hebrew, is a four-sided spinning top that children play with on Hanukkah. Each side is imprinted with a Hebrew letter. These letters are an acronym for the Hebrew words that mean: "A great miracle happened here" (or “there” on dreidels created outside of Israel), referring to the miracle of the oil.

Tamar, who created these colorful dreidel cards, says: “Hanukkah, for me, is the holiday for extended family and friends. The fact that it is celebrated for eight days gives you the opportunity to be both a guest and a host and the whole week becomes one long colorful and tasty feast."

Neta loves the homey aspect of the holiday: "Hanukkah always reminds me of cozy gatherings with the family on winter evenings when it is cold and rainy outside. As a young girl, I was always fascinated by the beautiful flickering lights of the candles. One of the things I liked most was creating amorphous forms by dripping the candle wax into small bowls of water."

These slippers remind me of the beautiful colors of the candlelight, and the cozy atmosphere associated with Hanukkah.

P.S. Silly Pinky tells the kids about lighting the candles in this video.

The Etsy Israel Team wishes everyone a wonderfully bright, homey, loving and happy Hanukkah!

More Posts About Jewish Culture & Holidays

RedMarionette Wins the Holiday Decor Vote

2009-11-23T10:40:00-05:00

Congratulations to RedMarionette whose Green Holiday Wreath was picked as the community favorite! This winner, along with some of the top picks shown below, will be featured in the Members' Choice Gift Guide.

Thanks to everyone who voted. I would love to see photos of your homes, festively decorated for the holiday season. (You can share photos of your home decor in the There's No Place Like Here Flickr group.)

Get Involved in the Next Round

For next week's round, we'll be featuring high-end holiday gifts on Etsy. While this is a pretty subjective term, for the sake of clarity I'm going to say items $500 and above. Nominate your favorite by pasting a link in the comments below. (If you're a seller nominating one of your own items, please just nominate one — even if you have more than one shop!)

Voting Posts | Voter FAQ

Halloween Hosting: Kill Devil Punch Recipe From Food & Wine Magazine

2009-10-29T15:31:00-05:00

Your guests will be reeling (in a good way) from this punch! The recipe for Kill Devil Punch came to Food & Wine Magazine from Phil Ward, bartender at the aptly named Death & Co. It features a block of raspberry ice that melts, slowly releasing its juices (a.k.a. raspberry blood) into the bowl throughout the evening.

Ingredients

Raspberry Ice

12 ounces water
18 raspberries

Punch

9 ounces amber rum
6 ounces pineapple juice
5 ounces simple syrup
4 ounces fresh lime juice
5 ounces chilled champagne
12 raspberries
12 lime wheels

Directions

Make the Raspberry Ice: Pour the water into a plastic container and arrange 12 raspberries in the container. Freeze for at least 6 hours.
Make the Punch: In a pitcher, combine the rum, pineapple juice, simple syrup and lime juice and refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour.
Stir the punch and strain it into a punch bowl. Add the raspberry-studded ice. Pour in the chilled champagne and stir once. Garnish the punch with the raspberries and lime wheels. Ladle into teacups or small rocks glasses.

Below we've picked a few spooky items to give your Halloween party some bite. Have a creepy Halloween!

Get More Halloween Decor | More Posts From Food & Wine Magazine

Orange and Black Recipes on Food & Wine Magazine

Handmade Weddings: Personalized Wedding Gifts From Fashion Illustrator Brooke Hagel

2009-10-15T10:15:00-05:00

I graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a BFA in Fashion Design. Illustrating was always my favorite part of the design process, but I was told repeatedly that there was no longer any demand for fashion illustrators.

I’m now at the age where many of my friends are getting married, so I had to figure out the perfect custom gift to give them. I started drawing bridal illustrations of my friends for their wedding gifts. They’d hang in their homes, friends and neighbors would see them and want one for themselves, and before I knew it I had a fledgling illustration business with brides and grooms being my core clientele.

Whether it’s a baby shower, engagement party, birthday or wedding, I pride myself on giving a gift that is so fabulous, personal, and creative that it nearly brings the recipient to tears. I’m an artist, always have been. That being the case, gifts that really leave an impression usually involved me personally creating something or adding that special artistic touch to customize a store bought item.

Here are some of my favorite Etsy picks that would make perfect custom gifts — gifts that stand out from the crowd and have that personal touch.

If you're interested in giving one of my custom drawings as a gift, feel free to Convo me. I have some custom listings in my shop with more details too.
For the engagement party (or as a congratulatory engagement gift), this adorable customized vase with your newly engaged friends' initials on it would be ideal. After all, a newly engaged and excited couple is reminiscent of young love. And what symbolizes that more than carving you and your sweetheart’s initials in a tree or doodling your names in your notebook? By LittleRetreats, $40.
As a bridal shower gift, one idea is to order monogrammed or custom stationery. Brides get a lot of help along the way in planning a wedding, so some nice custom letter pressed stationery would really come in handy, especially before the invitations and thank you cards are ordered. It’s also her last few months of having her maiden name so why not feature it! By simplesongdesigns, $27.
There are also many gifts to help the bride personalize the wedding day. One of my closest friends made charms and lockets that she incorporated by hanging from her bouquet. Each one had a memory or photo of her grandparents who had passed away, so they were there with her on her special day. These custom silhouette charms would be great to remember those who couldn’t be there. By luckymebeads, $88.50.
Another unique and sentimental gift for the actual wedding day is this custom ribbon label that can easily be sewn into the dress. Have it embroidered with her new initials or new name and the wedding date. She will now have her something blue! EmbroiderybyLinda, $10.
For the “big” wedding gift there are tons of options available to make it something special and truly unique to the couple. These custom hair portraits would be ideal for the artsy modern couple. And the couple portrait option would be great if you have a fantastic photo from their wedding. You do have up to a year to send your wedding gift, so it’s perfectly fine to wait until after the wedding to have their gift made, especially if you're using wedding photos and making the gift all the more special. By MissCrowland, $41.
Their new last name captured in architectural photography is another distinctive custom gift option. By kelsyhenke, $100.

Further Resources:

http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/gifts

http://www.rustdesigns.com/

http://toastandtables.blogspot.com/

http://bklynbrideonline.com/category/gift-ideas/

http://www.polkadotbride.com/wp/index.php/category/gifts/

http://etsywedding.blogspot.com/

http://designyourown.jonathanadler.com/

Handmade Weddings | Wedding Gift Ideas

A Cornucopia of Well-Wishes to our Canadian Friends

2009-10-11T21:00:00-05:00

The second Monday in October is the traditional date of Thanksgiving Day in Canada. The holiday has roots in the European tradition of harvest festivals, and a common motif is a "cornucopia" or horn filled with seasonal fruits and vegetables, the horn of plenty.

Unlike its sister to the South, Canada's Thanksgiving Day has nothing to do with Pilgrims or Plymouth Rock though it does celebrate a "new found land." An English Navigator named Martin Frobisher who was seeking a northern passage to Asia fell short of his destination but ended up settling in what is now Newfoundland. In 1578 he held a formal gathering to give thanks for his surviving his long journey and officially kicked off Thanksgiving in Canada as we know it today.

We at Etsy wish all of you in Canada, and around the world, a season of abundance!

Shop Local Canada | Find Fall Harvest Items

Check out our Canadian Teams:

Alberta
  Atlantic Provinces
  BritishColumbia
  Manitoba
  Ontario
  Quebec
  TransCanada

Etsy Finds: Culture Vulture

2009-10-10T10:00:00-05:00

When it comes time to assemble a Halloween-worthy costume, I worship at the altar of the visual bon mot. Zombies and sexy nurses — I can take 'em or leave 'em. The costumes that get my attention tend to be elaborate puns ("Freudian slip," anyone?) and clever pop culture references. There's something so thrilling about running into a beloved character from stage or screen on a witch and vampire-laden sidewalk (I almost had a panic attack when I bumped into a sassy Officer Dangle lookalike a few moons ago). Today's Etsy Finds were inspired by the many pop culture references ripe for reinvention. Peruse the Halloween Costumes style guide for more out of the box ideas.

Lady Gaga

If there's one musician whose wardrobe beckons imitation, it's Lady Gaga. Her over-the-top getups have revived the lost art of costumes as showmanship. Gaga is infamous for her "hair" bows, dresses composed of plush animals and three dimensional geometric outfits.

Search results (tags) for: "celebration"

Etsy Video 2009: Year in Review

Vilte Wins the Glam New Year's Eve Vote!

Etsy Finds Decor: Party Like It's 1999!

Eat, Drink and Dance Until Dawn

Vote for the Glitziest New Year's Eve Glamour

Show Us Your Crazy Christmas Tree

Etsy Israel Team Wishes You a Happy Hanukkah!

RedMarionette Wins the Holiday Decor Vote

Halloween Hosting: Kill Devil Punch Recipe From Food & Wine Magazine

Ingredients

Directions

Handmade Weddings: Personalized Wedding Gifts From Fashion Illustrator Brooke Hagel

A Cornucopia of Well-Wishes to our Canadian Friends

Etsy Finds: Culture Vulture

Etsy Finds: A Toast to Oktoberfest

Innocent Corset Wins the Oktoberfest Vote

Oktoberfest Memories With BurdaStyle

Vote! Which Oktoberfest Item Fills Your Stein?

Fashion Sense: Alison Kelly's Picks for Fall

My Top Picks for Fall:

Trends: People Pets With the Latest in Fall Pet Fashion

Party Planners: Garden Swap with Food & Wine Magazine

Ingredients

Directions

Special Subscription Deal for Etsy Friends:

Party Planners: Picnic Party Like It's 1969 with Food & Wine Magazine

Ingredients

Directions

Make Ahead

Special Subscription Deal for Etsy Friends:

Party Planners: We Heart Julia Child Party with Food & Wine Magazine

Special Subscription Deal for Etsy Friends:

Party Planners: Ice Cream Party with Food & Wine Magazine

Special Subscription Deal for Etsy Friends:

Etsy Finds: An Affair to Remember

The Traditional Wedding

The Modern Wedding

The Beach Wedding

The Nature-Friendly Wedding

The Alternative Wedding

Party Planners: French Riviera Soiree with Food & Wine Magazine

Etsy Finds: My American Gothic Wedding

Clothing

Jewelry & Accessories

Paper Goods

Decor

Party Planners: Firecracker Feast with Food & Wine Magazine

Summer Entertaining Showcase: On Sale Thursday, June 25, 2009 12 p.m. ET

Etsy Finds: Nice Day for a White Wedding

Happy Father's Day!

Crafting a Handmade Wedding With 100 Layer Cake

From Seedling to Sachet: Growing Your Own Wedding