Search results (tags) for: "texas"

Etsy Team Grants: Success!

2008-11-21T13:38:00Z

The past few months have been busy with lots of really fantastic Etsy Team events. Here's a wrap up of some of the wonderful Etsy Team Grant projects that have been recently completed, along with the sellers and their items. See here to learn more about Etsy Team Grants, and to learn how to join an Etsy Team, check the Teams Join page.

The Etsy Texas Crafters had a booth at Maker Faire in Austin, Texas, where they presented demos and gave information to Faire attendees. You can read a great blog post on the event with links to their participating members' shops and profiles here. Some of the members who lent a hand to the Team include TimaryArts, who makes crochet and felted items, like this Oatmeal Chubby Nesting Trio (on the left below), and crabappledesign, who incorporates vintage elements into her handmade items, such as this Vintage Paper Doll note card (on the right). Find more items from sellers in the Lone Star State by searching "TeamEtsyTX".

In North Carolina, the Hornet's Nest Team had great success with their "Craft Attack!" show in October. For great photos from this show, you can search "CraftAttack" on Flickr. The Team had beautiful weather, and below are items from a vendor and an organizer of the show. On the left is LazyDogPottery's Robin's Egg Blue Coffee Mug (on the left, below) and from HappyWhosIts, a Hyacynth Whypple - Hippo Hand Puppet - Crochet Amigurumi (at right, below).

EFA, or the Etsy for Animals Team, had a really great idea for celebrating its Etsy-versary. The Team organized a great ad campaign on fantastic shopping blogs, like Modish and Hostess blog. They tracked visitors from those sites by using a coupon code incorporated into the ad designs, so that they could tell how many sales the advertisements generated. You can show your support for this Team, which raises money for animal charities through their shops, by searching "EFA Team". On the left, below, is a set of Owls in Fables - Nesting Owls, by SavageArtworks, and on the right, the Offset Sapphire Ring from AlphabettiSpaghetti.

The Boston Handmade Team had a commanding presence at Boston's SoWa Open Market the weekend of October 16, and it was wonderful! They distributed business cards that were made up for the Team, and everyone loved the cards. They used the promotional cards to chat up Etsy, their shops and why buying handmade is important to everyone. Congratulations on your success at the market, Boston Handmade! Below is a Needle Felted Lobster, from Team member CozyCottageCreations, and a Poppy Princess Vintage Necklace, from Glamourpuss. Find more items from this Team by searching "BostonHandmadeTeam".

Thanks to all the wonderful Team members who make these fantastic events happen! We're looking forward to some exciting Team Grant events in the upcoming months. To find more information on Team Grants and learn how your Team can apply, be sure to check this Team Tip.

Team Grants | Featured Teams | Team Tips

Etsy in Action: Upcoming Events August 15 - 21, 2008

2008-08-14T11:26:00Z

While it's still summer, why not grab the family and get out to see what your fellow art and craft lovers are up to? Here are a few of our picks, plus lots of ways for you to get involved. Let us know what's happening in your area by sharing in the comments below.

August 16, Craftin' Outlaws, Columbus, Ohio

This is an event not to be missed, with cool free swag bags given out to the first 100 people through the door, free ice cream, crafty workshops and entertainment on stage, a fun game to play to benefit charity, and of course, amazing handmade creations to buy!

For more information, and a complete schedule of crafting demos (oh yeah!) check out the site.

August 17th, Grand Rapids, Michigan

The Fulton Street Artisan's Market is hosting an Etsy Day. The EtsyWMI team will be attending along with many other local crafters. Come out and meet the team. The market is open from 11am-3pm every Sunday, now through September.

Calls for vendors: Mark your calendars now for these upcoming events, better yet, why not get involved?

Maker Faire, Austin, Texas

This two-day, family-friendly event celebrates the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) mindset and features interactive exhibits organized by individual enthusiasts, hobbyist groups and clubs as well as student groups. It's for creative, resourceful folks who like to tinker and love to make things. Maker Faire is an opportunity to share what you do with others.

Call for Makers! Are you a maker who would like to show off your project at Maker Faire Austin, October 18th - 19th? The call for makers is now open!

Click here for entry details.

The Glass House Swap Meet, Pomona, CA

Saturday September 20th, 10am-3pm at The Glass House ...with To Die For Clothing, Kid Robot, Obey, Paul Frank, Rockett, Alphacult, Hooligan Skate, The Militia Group, Kung Fu Records, Trey Q, SP Radio 1, London Calling, and many more to be announced!

Plus, The Handmade District featuring Etsy sellers: AnnieRexic, Armas, CutthroatBodyArt, EveryLittleCounts, JaneClothing, LeanDogPottery, LuckyFindDesigns, MJPartetc, SkullFlower, SpittingImage, SpunByVer, Susuten, VozClothingandArt, Windchime, and ZombieFactory.

We are still looking for more handmade vendors. For more information, please convo LuckyFindDesigns.

City of Craft, Toronto, Canada

Becky of Sweetie Pie Press, and one of City of Craft's organizers, passed on this post, she says:

(Note our hilarious Canadian spelling differences):

City of Craft returns December 13th for a second year of craft vendors, local craft organisations, installations, activities & more!

This community-based craft culture event invites local community-arts groups, craft based initiatives/projects, studios, and other organizations to do outreach to the public alongside a large-scale curated craft fair and craft-based installations. The 2008 City of Craft event will also feature crafty activities in satellite West Queen West neighbourhood businesses and galleries.

Applications are being sought through August 31st (midnight deadline) for craft vendors, community exhibitors, and craft-based installations. Check cityofcraft for FAQ's, applications and more information as it arises.

See below for a small sampling of the Etsy sellers exhibiting at this weekend's Craftin' Outlaws. Best of luck to all involved!

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

Gotta Travel On: A Dog's Life in Greece

2008-06-30T12:49:00Z

In the coming weeks, the Storque will be posting content about pets and animals. aegeansea offered the story of her Greek pooch DeeDee as a transition from the Gotta Travel On series to the Etsy Pets series. She included some of her surrealist pet collages too. Enjoy!

Born in a Greek village in the south of Greece, my dog DeeDee was gifted to me, and I moved her to northern Greece, where I now live. She now calls Panorama, near Thessaloniki, her winter home. She summers in Gerakini, our beach home located on the beautiful coastline of the Aegean Sea. DeeDee quickly adjusted to the northern lifestyle and became fluent in both Greek and English. Without a doubt, since she is a Griffon, I’m sure that her skills in French would be more than adequate, given a little exposure to it.

Living in a bi-cultural family, she is surrounded by English, my native language, and Greek, the language of her home-country and of my husband and sons. Like many bi-cultural offspring, she has the opportunity to live and travel in two countries, and the advantages of both. Recently, DeeDee had a great adventure visiting Texas. She had a blast hanging out with the cowboys and horses (got a little dusty!), sampling spicy bbq (licked her paws!) and, of course, doing country western dancing! Her new red kickers (boots) were the envy of every gal on the dance floor. The day we spent in Canton, Texas, the largest open-air trade and craft fair in the world, was a highlight. More handcrafts and artwork than one could ever hope for, in one location. We had our share of lemonade and sausage links that day.

Home in Greece, DeeDee is happy to be back in the "cradle" of civilization, and the "spring from which creativity sprung." Since ancient times until today, Greeks have continued to create some of the world's most beautiful pottery, paintings, jewelry, woven fabrics, needlework, architecture, and the list goes on. Creativity knows no borders or language barriers. Any world traveler knows hand-crafted artworks are as important as history, scenery and cuisine. Even without a common language, we can understand the wonders of a culture through its distinctive ethnic creations.

When you visit Greece, a world filled with antiquities, art, farmlands, mountains and Aegean Blue seas and sky, take every opportunity to see as much as you can. Visit the markets, the villages and the gift boutiques, where DeeDee promises you will find the greatest of Greek Treasures, the handcrafted works and arts of this richly creative land. You never know where you'll bump into DeeDee. She's known to frequent the little shops with homemade marmalades and sweets. Each is a work of art. Or, maybe you’ll see her on the beach.
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Don’t forget your sunscreen and sun glasses. You’ll need them in sunny Greece. In the evening when it cools down, be sure to take a stroll and you’ll find the perfect handcrafted souvenir to remind you always of this beautiful country. The nights in Greece are indescribable! Stop by at one of the tavernas (local restaurants) and enjoy a delicious Greek salad with grilled fish or meat and a glass of your favorite wine, ouzo or lemonade.

As for me, aegeansea, I was born in the USA, near the Gulf Coast of Texas. I have always loved the sand, surf and sun. After marrying my Greek husband, we moved to the Aegean Coast of Greece. It wasn't long before I realized my new homeland was a natural delight for my spirit. Watching my energetic doggy run along the shoreline, I chased her and picked up as many seashells as I could along the way. I could say DeeDee inspired me to begin my Aegean Sea coastal creations that opened the door for my Etsy shop. She is my greatest encourager and sits beside me as I design and create. Coastal shell chimes are her favorites, but we’re both excited about the doggy scrapbooks and collages. The possibilities abound when surrounded by such a wealth of inspiration.

Yassas (so long), until we meet somewhere in Greece.

Gotta Travel On | Etsy World Tour |Etsy Pets | Special Pets Showcase

Choose Good! Austin SXSW Party

2008-03-11T14:10:00Z

Etsy is going to be kicking it with GOOD magazine and NRDC and in Austin tomorrow night. Join us at the Hotel San Jose on Wednesday, March 12 from noon to 9pm. This is a free event, so all are welcome, but it won't hurt to RSVP!

Wednesday, March 12
Noon to 9pm

Hotel San Jose
1316 South Congress
Austin, TX 78704

Performances by: Lightspeed Champion, Deadly Syndrome, Scissors for Lefty, Mason Jennings, The Exit, Langhorne Slim, Hello Stranger and surprise guests.

This is a FREE event.

Free live silkscreened T-shirts, Bamboo Hope Equity T-shirts, Loomstate tote bags, a photobooth and much more.

It's Time For Stitch 2007!

2007-11-09T14:26:00Z

I am wearing a Texas-sized smile because I am headin’ down south to Austin tomorrow to represent Etsy at The Stitch Fashion Show and Guerrilla Craft Bazaar. The event, now in its fifth year, is a celebration of independent design, artistry and creativity.

I encourage all Etsians who are there to come by and give me a big ol’ "HOWDY!"

For more info please check out the Stitch website.

When: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10
Where: The Austin Convention Center - 500 E. Cesar Chavez St / 78701/ Exhibit Hall One
Doors: 4:00 pm
Fashion show: 9:30 pm

Tickets are still just $10!

November Storque Newscast

2007-11-04T16:21:00Z

It's time for another jam-packed newscast from the crew at Etsy Labs. This time we've got another weather report from Chaz aka winenutnyc, interviews with our visiting street teams from Texas and Portland, and lively performances from our artists-in-residence Majestica. HeyMichelle is our newscaster; her wardrobe courtesy of handmadecrafter, tubularist, MrsTsChains (store coming soon), leakarts, and featherwitch. Vanessa interviews Rokali with a special ironing-board chat: we look into the updates to the Showcases.

See all newscasts.

Maker Faire, Austin: The Round-Up

2007-10-24T12:29:00Z

Chillionaire and I made it home in one piece, a little bit dusty, but very excited about all the amazing creations we saw and fabulous folks we met at the Maker Faire in Austin. It was such a pleasure to see everyone's eyes light up as they turned the corner and saw the Etsy booth, complete with a giant pillow and paper airplane décor.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to chat with us, and an extra special thanks to fabfrills, happyday, katinkapinka, JojoVandiver, lindylou2, lucybluestudio, SweetWolf, and TrinaBrielle of the Etsy Texas Crafters Street Team. Y’all were extremely generous and welcoming, and it was a pleasure spending time with you.

Check out our photos on Flickr!

Etsy at Maker Faire, Austin!

2007-10-19T08:55:00Z

Maker Faire is here again!

If you're in or around the Austin, Texas area this weekend, come down to partake in the madness that is Maker Faire. Etsy's Chillionaire and Adam will be holding down the Etsy fort, handing out awesome promos and informing all the makers and looky-loos about the wonder that is Etsy. Come down and say hello!

When: October 20-21, 2007
Where: Travis County Expo Center, 7311 Decker Lane, Austin, Texas (view map)
Hours: Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 10am-5pm

See you there!

Etsy Teams Spotlight: Etsy Texas Crafters

2007-09-28T07:12:00Z

The Etsy Texas Crafters Team is taking Brooklyn by storm this weekend, and they're kicking things off with a trunk show at the Etsy Labs on Friday evening. I had a chance to ask their fearless leader, Milly of Thistlecraft, and their Trunk Show coordinator, Danielle of FabFrills, some questions about running such a large location-based Etsy Team. The Etsy Texas Crafters Team currently encompasses teams for the entire state of Texas. You can find out more about the team and their current projects at http://www.etsytx.org.

What's most rewarding about being on an Etsy team for you?

Danielle: Lots of things! I've enjoyed getting to know the other crafters in my area, and all around Texas. It is really a nice group of people we have on our team. I also appreciate how much Milly does in marketing the team and all of our activities. I'm not so good at the whole marketing thing — mostly it's related to the limited time I have after my full time job and my family. Participating in the team events has helped me with that aspect.

Milly: I have to agree with Danielle — there are many rewards from being on an Etsy team! I really enjoy getting to know our members, providing and receiving support — both professional and personal, and working together to get the word out about Etsy and especially the Etsy Texas Crafters Team members. We are quickly approaching 300 members. This may seem like a lot, but it is much more manageable (and tangible) than the 75,000+ sellers currently on Etsy.

What are the team's general goals, and what do you consider success for the team?

Danielle: Defer to Milly on this one!

Milly: Our goals are simple: To promote Etsy, the Etsy Texas Crafters Team, our fellow team members, and ourselves! What do I consider success for us? Having close to 20% of our team members send items for a Trunk Show in New York! Holding monthly sales/promotions events (ETC First Mondays) that continues to grow each month — in number of participants, number of sales, and in number of new shop hearts (nearly 1/4 of our members participated last month!), having new members continually requesting to be a part of our team, having members volunteer not only to participate in our various activities/events but to also take on leadership roles for them. It is true that not all of our members are "active" — but we have a very large core of members who are incredibly active and supportive of one another, and that is the best success of all!

How do you all delegate work among the team?

Danielle: I think when Milly needs our help, she asks for volunteers — that's how I ended up coordinating this show. I've taken that same approach with the work for the trunk show. I tell them what we need and ask who can do that. Most of the time, there is someone who jumps right in. There are also frequently suggestions from the team on what should be done, which is really nice! Working on this show has been a very collaborative effort from the team.

Milly: I do exactly what Danielle said, whenever there is a need, I simply ask for volunteers. And most of the time, I get them! Recently, I asked for volunteers for a project, and had to turn down folks because I received more than twice as many volunteers as I needed! And oftentimes, a member will contact me and simply ask, "How can I help?" And I work with them to find the "job" that best fits their time and interests. This really is a team effort!

In what ways does your team communicate? Do you communicate daily, weekly,etc.?

Danielle: Milly arranged for the team to have a website — she can give you details on who to give credit for that piece of work! Part of the site is a bulletin board. We've used that extensively in planning this show. I check it daily for new info and comments. Prior to the bulletin board, we had a yahoo email group.

Milly: We initially used Yahoo! Groups for team communications, as well as a team email distribution list (to which only I have access). However, this really wasn't meeting our needs, so one of our members (Robert aka goldenhour) contacted me about creating a website for us — http://www.etsytx.org. Our website includes a calendar of events, an articles section, a blog (we have several volunteer bloggers), and our bulletin boards (forums). I still send team announcements to our email distribution list, but most of the day-to-day communications goes takes place on our website's bulletin boards.

How do you balance running a successful Etsy shop and leading up a large team?

Danielle: Actually, I'm not so sure you can call my shop successful yet! I've been a neglectful shop keeper this last couple of months. I don't know how Milly does all that she does on a longer term basis! I think she really could answer that question better than me!

Milly: I have been our team leader and our team shop manager since March — I have not yet learned to successfully balance leading our team, managing our team shop, and creating for & managing my own shop. But I'm working on it! I will be looking to delegate more team stuff so that I can spend more time on my own crafting.

How excited is the Texas Team for the Trunk Show?

Danielle: Hmmm....not sure how to quantify that....but here goes... So excited about it that I probably bugged the heck out of Michelle with hundreds of questions and details! So excited about it, there are 50 shops participating! Getting all the details worked out and shipping items to be included in the show has been no small undertaking! So excited about it that we had a huge response of swag to put in the swag bags — I can't wait to see them in person. In the pictures that were taken by the person who collected all that stuff and put the bags together, they look amazing! So excited about it that I was up all night last night getting all the last minute stuff together to bring with me...on top of the boxes I shipped yesterday! So excited about it that several people have gone above and beyond to help with the planning and execution of the show. Overall, I'd say we're really excited about it :-)

Milly: Danielle's answer is perfect. I can't think of anything to add!

Which sellers will be coming up to Brooklyn for the show?

Danielle: There are 8 of us who are supposed to be there....
beckymae, carolinableu, fabfrills, katinkapinka, lucybluestudio, narchi, nutraj, scribbles

Any other thoughts on teams and Etsy?

Danielle: I love the idea of the teams, and feel very fortunate to be involved with such a great, supportive group of people (the ETC team). There are a couple of other teams that I'm interested in — just haven't had time to really look into them yet...much less participate! I'm also quite happy to be part of the creative community that Etsy has facilitated/created. It's nice to know there are lots of others out there like me :-) Can't wait to see the labs!!

Milly: I, too, love the idea of the teams! As I mentioned earlier, teams make the vastness of Etsy more manageable/tangible. While the original intent of the Etsy teams was to help promote and spread the word about Etsy, it has evolved into a wonderful system of promoting, marketing, supporting, and teaching/learning. It is, by far, my favorite aspect of Etsy! And I am thrilled and honored to be a part of such an amazing team! I am also just as thrilled and honored to be a part of Etsy! No, my shop is not one of the most successful ones out there. And I may never have an item featured on the home page or be selected as a featured seller. But that's okay! I get to have my very own online shop, and make my crafts available to the world — without having the headaches of running/managing the website! It is an amazing venue, and I have been able to get involved in some incredible projects and work with some of the most amazing people....things I would not have been able to do without Etsy.

If you'd like to attend the Etsy Texas Trunk show in Brooklyn, please email rsvp@etsy.com

The Etsy Labs are located at 325 Gold St. 6th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201
(A/C/F to Jay St. or B/M/Q/R to DeKalb) and the Trunk show will be held on Friday 6-8PM + Saturday 1-5PM.
Door prizes and free goodies galore!

See the Etsy Events post here.

Texas Team takes over the Labs

2007-09-27T12:06:00Z

The Etsy Texas Crafters are doing Brooklyn in a big way. They're hosting the Last Fridays Trunk Show at Etsy Labs, and then heading down to the Brooklyn Indie Market on Smith Street on Saturday afternoon to sell their handmade Texas wares.

Here's what you need to know:

Friday, September 28, 6-8PM, Etsy Labs

Stop by and browse handmade jewelry, bags, and clothes. Swag bags if ya get here early, and door prizes throughout the night. Free wine (and whatever random liquor we have in the freezer if/when we run out of wine) will be served. Very good!

See you then, here: Etsy Labs, 325 Gold St, Brooklyn 6th Floor, 11201. Take the A/C/F to Jay St., B/M/Q/R to DeKalb.

If you're far away, and just want to watch the festivities and chat about it, check out the workshop, Etsy's interactive chat room.

Saturday, September 29, 11AM-7PM

The Brooklyn Indie Market is on Smith Street in Brooklyn, the awesomest shopping mecca in all of NYC (if you like indie boutiques and good places to eat when the shopping is through, like I do!).

It's at Smith St. at Union St., Brooklyn, 11231. F or G to Carroll St.

See y'all soon!

This is an update of this posting.

Texas Does New York

2007-09-18T13:19:00Z

The Texas street team is coming out this month to sell their wares and teach us how to square dance! (Even though its more than probable that none of them actually know how to square dance. But we here at the Labs are intent on square dancing this month!)

If you're in the neighborhood come on by EtsyLabs (325 Gold St., Brooklyn, NY) for some fresh Texas goods! Friday Sept. 28 from 6pm-8pm and Saturday Sept. 29 from 1pm-9pm. The Texas Street Team is giving away door prizes and representing over 40 Etsy sellers from Texas!

Sellers you already know and love like:

katinkapinka.etsy.com narchi.etsy.com muttsywonder.etsy.com

We know a lot of you can't make it but might like to join in our excitement so we're holding a little giveaway. Check out the forum post to see how you can win a big bag of Etsy ~~junk~~ merch!