Search results (tags) for: "philadelphia"

Process: New Books with Old Materials by theblackspotbooks

2008-11-07T11:35:00Z

MP4 | Youtube | Blip.tv | Subscribe in iTunes

Margaux Kent, aka theblackspotbooks, has always had a love for old things. Her handmade leatherbound books have the feel of beautiful antique manuscripts, like something out of a Medieval library that was used by a monk once upon a time. Her books tell stories while waiting for the words of new owners. It's a magical thing.

Margaux made her first book after her well loved vintage Italian journal fell apart at the seams. She could then see how the book was held together and from that experience she learned how to bind books. Then came the next part: what to cover the journals with? Being vegetarian, Margaux didn't want to buy new hides, so she started scouring secondhand shops where she lives in Philadelphia for old discarded leather.

Since then she has repurposed all sorts of well worn leather, from antique chairs, saddlebags, gunbelts to old purses. Her hunt for leather with a past life continues, ever searching for forgotten pieces that she can transform into new treasures.

The books she sells are so gorgeous, they challenge their owners to write really amazing words, do drawings, or paste photos!

Process is a new Etsy video series that features the intimate relationship formed between Etsy sellers and the handmade items that
they create and make available to the world through their online shops. Process is not to be confused with a How-To video, as each video isintended to show each seller's unique artistic voice through the process by which their items come to be.

Did you know you can get videos downloaded automatically by subscribing in iTunes! You can also check us out on Youtube, blip.tv and get the MP4 video too. Embed the video on your blog and you might just get a special treat from us.

In the comments, let us know if there's an artist's process you'd like to see in a video!

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!

News From the Craft + Style Blogosphere: September 11, 2008

2008-09-11T15:00:00Z

This week's edition of News From the Craft + Style Blogosphere salutes autumn while bidding adieu to warm summer nights. The links ahead are all things that make me supremely happy—and I hope they will inspire similar emotions in you as well!

On the agenda today: The Happiest Book in the World (YES!), the oldest abandoned prison in the United States, tempting tarts and beautiful interiors. Onward!

Artist Alex Ostrowski's Happiest Book in the World is an intriguing project. According to his mission statement,

"In one way or another we are all looking for happiness. Some people even say that man's sole purpose for existence is to hunt down and capture this intangible and elusive treasure. In 2006 researchers at The University of Leicester concluded that Denmark is the happiest country in the world — this was good enough for me. In March 2008 I made the decision to visit happiness, and embarked upon a pilgrimage to find it. My experiences are presented in this book.
Only one copy exists."

As you can clearly see above, his aim is true. Have you visited happiness lately? [Via heartthrobs & villains]

James Merrell's photography is so awe-inspiring. I love the jumbled art effect in this room, and just learned that the artist behind the mysterious blue faced portraits is Vladimir Tretchikoff, sometimes referred to as Tretchiko. Mystery solved! [Via Design*Sponge]

Cannelle et Vannelle's food photography is heavenly. I haven't attempted to construct any sort of tart in this lifetime, but with results this decadent, I'll have to get on it asap. Beautiful!

Flickr photographers Curious Expeditions are mavericks, explorers and global adventurers, seeking out "the wondrous, the macabre and the obscure from around the globe." (In other words, my idea of a great time.) They recently ventured to Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The prison is an ominous fortress of a building erected in 1829, which makes it the oldest penitentiary in the United States. After closing in 1970 and being abandoned for many years, it now serves as a museum. The photos are amazing.

While Fashion Week is all fine and good, sometimes it's the clothing that's worn to the shows that deserves more attention. These stylish audience members were attending the Preen show, but made statements of their own on the street outside. (Doesn't that puffy hipped dress remind you of Leanne's design on Project Runway?) [Via Refinery 29]

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!

Etsy in the Press: July 2008

2008-07-31T15:19:00Z

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

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

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

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

For more Etsy Press coverage, go here!

Art Star Craft Bazaar: Philly DIY

2008-07-17T16:13:00Z

The Art Star Craft Bazaar, is an annual event that finished its fifth year this past May. The event was well documented by Street Talkin', Philidelphia's self-proclaimed Internet video channel.

More about Art Star via their site:

Art Star is a gallery and boutique located in Northern Liberties, Philadelphia. We exhibit and sell handmade work and limited edition products by emerging artists across the globe. Hailed by Philadelphia Magazine as the “the city's first cutting-edge craft shop," we strive to carry work that is innovative and superbly crafted. We have also created and continue to support a growing network of burgeoning artists. Our exhibitions rotate every 6 weeks and our boutique offers shoppers everything from handmade clothes, jewelry and accessories to dolls, ceramics and prints.

More about the Art Star Craft Bazaar:

In 2003, recent Tyler School of Art grads Erin Waxman (BFA, ’99) and Megan Brewster (BFA, ’00) were searching for places to show and sell their work. They quickly realized that the options were few and far between. They decided to create a new venue for themselves and like-minded-artists in Philadelphia and the Art Star Craft Bazaar was conceived; an open-air market, where emerging artists & crafters could sell their wares to the public. Twenty vendors were chosen on a first-come, first-serve basis and the event was held at The First Unitarian Church over the course of a few weekends that summer. During the show, Megan and Erin met many talented artists who were all looking for viable venues for their work.

Looking for more content related to Philadelphia? Check out our past coverage...

Team Tip: Form a Shop Chain!

2008-07-07T12:20:00Z

Now that Etsy sellers have the ability to include live links to other places on Etsy in their shop announcements, public profiles and item listings, Teams have a great opportunity to promote one another from shop to shop! For example, let's say that pheajean, aardwolf, mwmdesigns, insitudecorativearts and JenMcCleary from the Philadelphia Etsy Team decided to form a chain throughout their shops. Setting that up might work a little something like this:

They should all agree on a little blurb of information to include with the live links. For example, a good, descriptive sentence might be, "Click through the shops listed in our announcements to find all the creative work of the Philadelphia Etsy Team," or something similar, followed by a link to the next shop on the list, with the last person linking back to the first shop.

pheajean would post: "Click through the shops listed in our announcements to find all the creative work of the Philadelphia Etsy Team - http://aardwolf.etsy.com" in her shop announcement.
Then aardwolf should include: "Click through the shops listed in our announcements to find all the creative work of the Philadelphia Etsy Team - http://mwmdesigns.etsy.com" in her shop announcement.
Pidge from mwmdesigns would post: "Click through the shops listed in our announcements to find all the creative work of the Philadelphia Etsy Team - http://insitudecorativearts.etsy.com" in her shop announcement.
insitudecorativearts should post: "Click through the shops listed in our announcements to find all the creative work of the Philadelphia Etsy Team - http://JenMcCleary.etsy.com" in her shop announcement.
And JenMcCleary would link back to the top of the list, and write: "Click through the shops listed in our announcements to find all the creative work of the Philadelphia Etsy Team - http://PheaJean.etsy.com" in her shop announcement, bringing the chain to full circle.

Promoting the work of your Team members by promoting their shops is a big way for Etsy sellers to join together to help bring each other success! Be creative about other ways you can all drive more traffic to one another's shops. Forming a strong alliance among your fellow Teammates, encouraging each other and working as a group is what Etsy Teams are all about. We'd love to hear your suggestions in the comments below!

Team Tips are a weekly series of tips and ideas from the Etsy Teams. You can find more Resources at team.etsy.com. Etsy Teams are growing really quickly, and we love that so many sellers want to join in to promote their shops, Teams and Etsy. For more information on Etsy Teams, check out the Teams pages and this page of Frequently Asked Questions. Keep up the great work, Etsy Teams!

Ignite! Five Minutes, Twenty Slides and an Idea...

2008-06-24T14:12:00Z

Last week, a group of people working on a variety of amazing projects in Philadelphia got together for an event called Ignite Philly. The concept of Ignite, originally created by Brady Forrest and Etsy's own Bre Pettis, is nice and simple: presenters have 5 minutes and 20 slides that rotate automatically after 15 seconds while presenting on any topic.

I took this opportunity to present a project that I have recently been talking about with other amazing, socially-minded and innovative members of Philadelphia's creative community. Philadelphia has great collaborations right now — a successful coworking space called Indy Hall, a monthly meeting of the minds known as the Junto, the Philadelphia Sewing Collective, which holds classes and hosts fantastic events like the Swap-O-Rama-Rama, plus a host of great little art centers around the city. Aside from thinking about small arts-based businesses, my other passion is improving the neighborhood and city where I live. I'd love to see a productive space where people in Philadelphia can go to use crafting equipment that is either too big or too expensive for them to keep in their living space. Ideally they would have access to physical resources that would help them run their small creative business (fax machines! postal scales! paper cutters!) or simply use big, fancy, expensive machines (spinning wheels! sergers! wood working machines!) that they might not otherwise splurge on for a hobby they enjoy.

As much as I love talking about ideas on how to enhance the creative community in Philadelphia, the best part of Ignite Philly was hearing what the wide range of presenters had to say and seeing all the brilliant things happening in the city I love. Visit Ignite Philly's website to see more videos from this event!

Fresh Shops: johnmurphy

2008-06-19T13:34:00Z

I had the pleasure of meeting John Murphy at the Brooklyn Flea, a flea market that takes place every Sunday in Ft. Greene, Brooklyn, where he was selling his photography in the most colorful of frames. I immediately recognized his work, as I had been eyeing it on Etsy for weeks before our run in.

There was quite a buzz around his booth at the flea market, and when I checked out his Etsy shop later that week I was astounded to find that he had not yet had one sale.

I have set a goal for myself that once I get my apartment shaped up into a clean, organized living space rather than the messy, cluttered work studio it has become, I am going to treat myself to a colorful work of art by the very talented JohnMurphy.

I don't quite know what has gotten into me lately, but it feels strange to admit that I'm in love with his work, and it doesn't even have a moustache! Shocking!

See more Fresh Shops and say hey to a new seller!

Etsy in Action: Upcoming Events June 20 - 26

2008-06-19T12:21:17Z

Ah summer, and another weekend full of handmade goodness. The toughest part will be deciding what to do first! (Perhaps geography will whittle it down for you.)

Baltimore, Maryland; June 20

Baltimore, Maryland's Charm City Craft Mafia presents Pile of Craft this weekend. Fair organizer Annie Chau of Imogene has this tip for visitors:

"We are huge fans of the Waverly Farmer's Market that takes place just a few blocks north of the event. It opens up at 6 am and runs until noon. It's a great place to pick up some local produce, flowers, and munchies before the show!

Our tip: check out the list of vendors (including lots of Etsians) to plan your shopping in advance!

Montreal, QC, Canada; June 21-22

Heading north, there's Fringe Bazaar, brought to you by the dangerously talented ladies of Craft Mafia Montreal.
With sixty exhibitors and a chance to win one-of-a-kind goodies, you're sure to make a killing — in crafty finds. And if that's not reason enough... Valerie Parizeault, of the Montreal famiglia offers:
“To buy handmade is to participate in the local economy, to pose an ecological gesture and to encourage the culture and artist from here. So buy handmade, Capiche?!”

...You won't get any trouble from us.

Philadelphia, PA; June 20-22

POPPED! Music Festival, a 3-day, all-ages festival aims to focus on environmental sustainability and highlight Philadelphia's local flavor. The lineup includes Vampire Weekend, Mates of State, Gogol Bordello, Slick Rick, Daniel Johnston and more.

Las Vegas, Nevada; June 20-21

The Green Living Expo and Eco-Job Fair
On hand: over 100 exhibits, including organic health and beauty products, an eco-fashion show and green kids' zone. Make sure to print your resume on recycled paper, because top green companies will be represented at the Eco-Job Zone and accepting applications.

None of these near you? Tell us what's happening in your area by leaving a comment below. Better yet, why not show us? Share your photos at the Etsy in Action flickr pool.

Check out the related items for a sampling of the vendors representing at Pile of Craft and Fringe Bazaar!

Etsy Design Face-Off Part III Back with a Vengeance: The Votes Have Been Tallied

2008-06-18T12:14:00Z

We received some amazing Etsy logo designs as part of the Etsy Design Face-Off. The Etsy Community voted and the ballots have been run through our special vote tallying machine.

If you missed out on the Face-Off, check out the Competitions & Opportunities Featured Column within the Storque for more info.

Congratulations to argylewhale.etsy.com! The community has decided that design #1 is the supreme champion of Etsy Logos!

Design #1 by argylewhale

The Etsy Labs has printed a limited edition run of bandannas with her design, which are now available in the EtsyLabs shop. The community also expressed so much interest in the designs of JuliaPott and somethingshidinghere that we decided to print their designs on Etsy Merch as well.

Check out the shop for some amazing JuliaPott tote bags as well as Etsy stationary sets with the designs of somethingshidinghere.

Design #2 by JuliaPott

Design #5 by somethingshidinghere

Thank you so much to the Etsy Community and our featured designers for all their hard work and input. You are helping the Etsy Labs create a more diverse style of merchandise to offer to everyone interested in spreading the handmade love that is Etsy.

See posts in the Competitions & Opportunities series.

Etsy Design Face-Off: Part III Back with a Vengeance

2008-06-10T16:25:00Z

UPDATE:
Voting will be ending on Wednesday June 11 at 7pm Eastern time (that's tomorrow, folks!)

The Etsy Labs has noticed your requests for a more diverse style of promo merchandise and have created the Etsy Design Face-Off with the intention to involve you, our beloved Etsy community, in the design process of our new line of Etsy goodies.

The Etsy Admin have hand-selected three designers that are already doing an awesome job on the site. We asked them to create up to three new Etsy branded designs, and now it's up to you to decide whose Etsy Design will reign supreme! Just cast your vote for your favorite new Etsy Logo Design in the comments below.

The voting will be open until Wednesday, June 11, and the design selected by the community's vote will be screenprinted at the Labs and featured in an exclusive limited edition run of merchandise for sale in the official Etsy merch shop. This month's contenders will also have their designs featured on hundreds of Etsy promos that will be available at the Renegade Craft Fair on June 14th & 15th. Stop by and visit the Etsy booth to talk with admin and get some of your very own!

Let's Meet The Contenders:

This month's competitors are strong, established designers with a large bag of skills. With all artists weighing in at over 50 sales each, this match up is going to be a very exciting race!

On the Purple & Green platform we have argylewhale, hailing from right outside the Boston, Massachusetts area. She has been a member of Etsy since October of 2007 and has already sold over 81 items! You may have also seen her work at lazerbeanz where she collaborates on projects with her talented husband.

On the Green & Gold platform we have juliapott , hailing from the East end of London. She is a fairly new member of the Etsy community, joining in February of 2008 and has already sold over 51 items!

On the Pink & Blue platform we have somethingshidinghere, hailing from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They have been a member of Etsy since May of 2007 and have already sold over 723 items!

Let's check out the designs!

Be sure to click on the designs below to view the full image, then cast your vote in the comments section by copying and pasting the following text:

My favorite design is (#_)!

#1 (argylewhale)

#2 (juliapott)

#3 (juliapott)

#4 (juliapott)

#5 (somethingshidinghere)

#6 (somethingshidinghere)

#7 (somethingshidinghere)

If you'd like to discuss the Face-Off or your favorite designs, please do so in the dedicated Face-Off Forum discussion. Please try to leave the Storque commenting for voting only. Leave your vote below!

Teams Go Green: April Teams Digest

2008-04-25T16:39:00Z

In the spirit of the Earth Tones series in the Storque, we asked Teams what they did to celebrate Earth Day, how they're being more environmentally responsible, and what they're doing to bring awareness to being green. For other ideas on how you can incorporate more eco-friendly practices into your Team, check out this Team Tip.

In celebration of World Book Day on April 23rd, the Bookbinding Etsy Street Team created books for a fun Team Challenge and members are also holding a sale in its honor until the 26th. Check out their Team Blog to see the Challenge entries and find out which shops are participating in the sale! The Team's charity drive for H.E.L.P. International finished this past Monday. They are very proud of their members and what they have contributed toward literacy, and can't wait for their next charity drive. Keep on searching for the team tag "bookbindingteam" on Etsy and check out their Flickr Group to see all of the fantastic new books their members are making, especially their many eco-friendly upcycled books (hooray for Earth Day!).

Procyonidae does some woodcarving at the SW Ohio Team's Hobby Night (photo by NancyGamon)

A new team is currently growing to celebrate the unique craft of horticulture arts on Etsy, called EtsyPHAT (Etsy Plants and Horticultural Arts Team). They're aiming to provide plants, seeds, bulbs, and ornaments that embetter our earth and impart beauty to even the smallest corner. Check the shops of the members of EtsyPHAT to find listings of plants, seeds, and related things. Plant sellers that are interested are also encouraged to check it out, and consider joining! The EtsyPHAT is going to do a Kitchen Garden Challenge in honor of Earth Day. These kits will help make fruits, veggies, herbs, and other kitchen grown plants available to fellow Etsians.

Members of the EtsyTrashion Team in the New England area banded together to hold a show with more than ten upcycling Etsians! When looking to organize the show, organizer and Trashion member NatureMadeScents said, "When it came time to find amazing artists and artisans working with recycled materials, I knew just where to look... Shop Local on Etsy!"

The NYC-based {NewNew} Etsy Team will be using their blog during the entire month of April to celebrate Spring and Earth Day by highlighting projects, products and organizations that help you live a greener life.

NewNew Swap Night (photo by JoanneTracyDesigns of the NewNew Etsy Team)

For more information on the Etsy Teams, check out http://team.etsy.com, and check here for more information on how to join an Etsy Team! Leave a note about your Team's green events in the comments!

Etsy Teams: Valentine's Day Sweetness

2008-01-20T12:06:00Z

We asked the Etsy Teams what their plans are for the upcoming Valentine's Day holiday, and got some really great responses! To find out more about what an Etsy Team is, you can browse around the Team Pages. You can also join the Etsy Teams email list to keep up to date on important Teams information or visit us in our weekly workshop at noon (EST) on Thursdays!

The PLUSHTEAM is having a valentine's day contest called PlushLove. Plushteam members have been asked to create some love filled plush items within three Valentine's day themed categories and we are asking everyone at Etsy to pick their favorites within each group. Your vote is needed and as a plush perk, anyone who cast a ballot will randomly be placed into a drawing to win a $20 gift certificate into one of the participating plushteam shops. Voting begins Tuesday February 12-13 and you can vote at www.plushteam.com.

In Scandinavia, Valentines Day is not popular. Surveys done by local television show that most Nordic people feel Valentines Day is an example of North American commercial propoganda, with no history and therefore no place in that part of the world. With the new found interest in hand-made/heart-made products growing on a global level, maybe a commercialized Valentines Day can be turned back to something with more meaning, bringing forth the made-from-the-heart-values. Members of the Creative Scandinvian Etsy Team hope to help make this happen. Etsy has been the best thing for them, "and has allowed us to expand in our crafts in ways unimaginable, we do see some of the paradoxes between cultures." Nicole6697, a founder of the Creative Scandanavian Etsy Team says, "The same resistence many every-day Scandinavians feel about the overwhelming influence of American culture is usually echoed by other artists and crafters within Etsy." As this holiday approaches, check out the shops of the Creative Scandanavians to bring handmade, heartfelt items to your loved ones.

Etsy BeadWeavers have put their time, their love, and their passion into weaving wonderful creations in RED so that you can express your love. Twenty-nine members of the Etsy BeadWeavers team submitted 42 entries into the RED Challenge, and 276 people visited the EBW blog to vote for their favorite. The winner of the Challenge was Fennel Skellyman with his Fire Garden Necklace. Fennel has the honor of being the first male member of the Etsy BeadWeavers team, and this was his first entry into an EBW challenge.
Check out the Etsy BeadWeavers blog to see all the entries and the runners up in the RED Challenge. Stay tuned, as the team members are now working on their entries for the next challenge: Spring Break

Eco-Etsy, a team dedicated to spread the word about reducing, reusing and recycling, are doing a secret valentines swap. Members who participate will receive an Eco Friend gift from another member of the team as well as send an eco-friendly gift to their secret valentine. No one knows who there valentine is! The idea is to receive something eco friendly,recycled, sustainable, upcycled etc. You can also check their blog for an Eco tip of the week, where team members suggest ways Etsians can help reduce their global footprint.

In sunny Florida, EtsyFEST Team members across the state will be creating multiple handmade, stamped, designed valentines. They will then be taking our valentines to different senior homes, since Florida has a lot of older people who could use some handmade love this Valentine Season!

Team EJA, the Eclectic Jewelry Artisans, is doing another fantastic giveaway of handcrafted jewelry and gifts that is valued at $50! To enter the drawing: visit TeamEJA, click on "Collaboration", choose your favorite item to vote for. Then cast your vote by filling out this form. Please only one vote per person. Drawing will be held on Valentines Day, February 14, 2008.
Three people will win!

For in-person events, check out EtsyCREST, the Capitol Region Etsy Team. They are sponsoring a craft fair on February 16 - details can be found here. The Philadelphia Etsy Team is holding a trunk show at the Mew Gallery on February 8 (6:30-9pm).

Cupid needs your help to find his bow & arrow! Bow bear has been wondering around looking through the EtsyBABY Street Team shops trying to help cupid find special things for those special some ones, but now he's lost! Cupid is offering a reward and has been posting pictures of his bow & arrow in EtsyBABY shops. When you purchase the item where bow's picture is found you'll receive your cupids reward! This promotion runs from January 20 - February 29, and you can participate by searching the tag "EtsyBABY". For a complete list of shops included in this promotion, visit the EtsyBABY blog.

The etsyBEAD street team will be having a Valentine Themed Scavenger Hunt on February 3rd, 4th, and 5th. There will a different scavenger hunt held each day and players will be required to find specific Valentine's themed images hidden within participating etsyBEAD shops. Watch out, though! Some shops will have decoy images which will not count. The first hunter to find all the correct images for each day will be awarded a Valentine prize pack. Everyone is eligible (except members of etsyBEAD) so watch for game details in the etsyBead promo thread February 3rd, 4th and 5th. Detailed information of the event, a list of prizes, and links to the shops in this contest will be available in the team blog. Many of the team shops will also be running Valentine's Specials. Check out the team blog for more information on this, as well.

Many thanks to all the Etsy Teams for their enthusiam and creativity with these events! For more information on how to join a team, you can check the Team pages.

Etsy on Your TV. And Your Computer. And in Print.

2007-12-17T14:30:00Z

Update:
Try to tune into the segment on Rachael Ray tomorrow December 18th! Online Shopping Ideas.

Let’s start with an update. In case you missed it, you can catch the news segments featuring Etsy sellers katinkapinka and gorgeousredhead on KEYE 42 CBS in Austin, Texas. Also, take a gander at Anne Holman talking about crafting on WTTE FOX 28 in Columbus, Ohio. Great job ladies! Out on the west coast, EyePopArt is featured on the HGTV show That's Clever! which airs on Friday, December 14.

Regina Lewis, otherwise known as, “Your advisor to the best online” has caught the Etsy bug. Not only did she mention us in not one, not two, but three of her recent blog posts, but she also talked Etsy up on a recent episode of The Today Show, and again on The Rachael Ray Show which airs on December 18.

Moving on(line), the folks at Babble.com made some great choices for their holiday gift guides, featuring Etsians in the handmade, green, and stocking-stuffer categories. SF Station, a local guide site in San Francisco, mentions us among their favorite holiday shopping options too. And they always manage to find fun stuff over at Apartment Therapy NY and Los Angeles, this time it’s felted bowls and photography. Chicagoist featured interviews with wickedpen and Up in the Air Somewhere, and decor8 by Holly Becker rolls on with her Take Five Tuesdays.

And in the printed word, we’ll start with today’s mention in USA Today, followed by several mentions in the Philadelphia City Paper’s Holiday Gift Guides, and continue with a lovely piece in The Capital Times of Madison, Wisconsin. There is also a very cute baby wearing a pdxbeanies creation in the January issue of Parents magazine. Also, check out stonesoupjewelry in the Boston Globe. Looking northward, you’ll find a piece on Etsy in the Calgary Herald. Both of these also have a thing or two to say about the handmade pledge as well.

A Moment with the Monome

2007-10-19T14:32:00Z

I recently visited Brian Crabtree and Kelli Cain at their loft in Philadelphia. Located within earshot of the rattling El train, their home also doubles as the laboratory for their unique digital creation, the Monome. Part looping station, part scientific gadget, the Monome is a simple white square filled with several rows of buttons that can be programmed for a myriad of sounds, samples and functions. "People have used it as a drum machine, sequencer, as an egg timer..." said Crabtree. The open-source software can be used and altered by anyone.

Crabtree and Cain assemble most of the Monomes at their loft, a daunting process that involves countless hours of wiring and soldering. A new Monome, the 256, was about to be released to the public when we visited. Crabtree assembled one for us on the spot. Click the video below to watch several performances and some of the other creations Crabtree and Cain cooked up including silk-screened shipping boxes, felt electronics, and a mud oven for cooking homemade pizza!

Etsy Finds: Spicy and Sweet, Quite the Balm

2007-10-03T07:34:00Z

I'm a big fan of unexpectedly amazing flavors for lip balms, and so the huge variety of balms one can find of Etsy is undoubtedly one of my favorite things about the site. So when I stumbled across Loth&Volta's excellent shop full of amazing bath and body products, I was pretty excited about their Black Pepper Orange All-Natural Lip-Balm.

And what's even better than buying something handmade that you're sure to love? Buying it locally! Lucky for me, Loth&Volta also live in the great city of Philadelphia, so I know I'm supporting someone in my own community with my purchase. I don't think it gets much better than that! (If you're not lucky enough to live in Philly with these great bath and body makers, you can use the geolocator to find some awesome Etsy sellers near you...)

College Tour Wrap Up

2007-09-25T13:21:00Z

Last Friday night, Michelle and I returned to Etsy, exhausted but unscathed (minus one flat tire), having completed the first-ever Etsy College Tour. We had a great time, and we hope you did, too! It was great to see so many fresh faces, eager to be schooled in the joys of Etsy. We taught them well, in addition to finding new homes for some great items from Etsy sellers.

But all good things must come to an end. The students have (presumably) returned to class, and we to our daily duties in Brooklyn. Keep an eye out next fall, because the College Tour II might be headed your way...

A special thanks goes out to all of the staff and students at Wesleyan, Swarthmore, and Bryn Mawr who helped us make this trip a success. Also, if you would like Etsy to come to your campus next year, please let us know!

For more information on the College Tour and to see some of the sellers involved, go here.