Search results (tags) for: "tv"

Etsy Finds Decor: Modern Inspiration from the Experts at HGTV

2009-09-20T09:19:00-05:00

This weekend's Get the Look: Decor features Etsy's take on modern homes designed by professional architects and interior designers as featured on HGTV. These inspiring spaces show how investing in a few pieces of modern handcrafted furniture allows the architectural details of your home to stand out. Pair these special pieces with your choice of colorful artwork and decorative elements to create your own distinct mood and setting.

"Our increasingly complex and stressful lives make us crave simplicity. Modern style, with its clean lines and neutral palette, takes us back to the basics. But this isn't a carbon copy of mid-century modern. Today's modern is softened with rustic or natural elements like the stacked nesting tables, fossil lamp and French oak stool below." — HGTV

Visit HGTV's Designers' Portfolio for even more great spaces and styles to help you create the home of your dreams. The following Etsy Finds provide basic decorating ideas that will give your home a modern minimalist aesthetic using handmade and vintage furniture and decor accents available on Etsy.

Living Room

Andreas Charalambous, AIA
Principal Architect, FORMA Design, Inc.

"Traditional go-to colors for modern spaces: white and black. Get the updated version of this look by using a neutral, natural palette: soft gray, muted khaki or creamy oatmeal. It creates a clean yet simple look, which is the keystone of modern style." — HGTV

U - White and Green Chair / Bench

By poaplum, $400.

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Small Mini Sprout Vase

By whitneysmith, $68.

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60s Pair Black & White Pottery Lamps

From fabulousmess, $350.

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Black and White Circle Pillow Cover

By Modernality, $26.

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Stacked Plywood Nesting End Tables

By michaelflynn, $285.

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Photographic Stone Coaster Set

By tansyandco, $35.

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Set of 3 Micro Tiles

By elementclaystudio, $200.

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old school rockaway train - pillow cover

By bungaloe, $25.

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White Wall Wedge 8 x 8

By OmniArtDisplay, $32.

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Modern White Baby Head Vase / Planter

By mudpuppy, $30.

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Felted Pebble Coaster Set

By delica, $24.

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Group Of Miniature Porcelain Doves

By SweetLoveVintage, $18.

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Kitchen

Alia Meyer
Interior Designer, Jessica Hall Associates

Bright blues set against a gorgeous marble counter with dramatic lighting would be any cook's dream come true.

"The pendants in this kitchen use the beauty of semi-precious quartz to add glitter and create a division from the kitchen into the bold yellow dining room." — HGTV

Pair Shower Shade Pendants

By kamlampcompany, $200.

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Looped Wire Basket Vintage Tabletop

From BrightWallVintage, $11.

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Blue Pyrex Divided Dish w/ Lid & Cradle

From kittyBcreative, $14.99.

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3 Vintage Glass Storage Jars w. Blue lids

From MODERA, $34.

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Sunshowers - Weeping Cherry

By BellStudios, $45.

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16x20 Barnwood Frame (choose color)

By 2DogsWoodWorking, $19.

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Hazel Atlas Blue Glass Dish

From CrankHeartPony, $9.

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Large Dansk Blue Dutch Oven

From annwares, $65.

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Bedroom

Daniel Bodenmiller
Bodenmiller & Associate

Modern elements combined with natural woods and colorful artisan pillows create a relaxing retreat away from the stresses of daily life.

Wall Art Vinyl Decal Sticker Headboard

By artwallproject, $28.

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Low Top

By tenebras, $525.

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Steel Panel Bed

By deliafurniture, $600.

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Fossils of Old

By awanderingsoul, $125.

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Natural edged walnut and white oak table

By sjswoodworking, $365.

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Ikat Pillow

By NolaFeather, $60.

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Modern Stacked Chrome Ball Lamps

From fabulousmess, $400.

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Original abstract 30 x 30 on canvas

By brianelston, $195.

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Pasiley Indian Silk Brocade Pillow Cover

From clee27, $15.

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Indian Sari Pillow--Diamond

By tweedylane, $37.

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Bathrooom

Christopher J. Grubb
Principal, Arch-Interiors Design Group, Inc.

The cool blue tiles and pebble vanity top give this bathroom a clean, relaxing look.

"An aquatic feel is created using dual colors of blue tiles on the floor and walls. A cantilevered vanity topped with pebbles in resin rises up the wall and contains a semi-recessed sink on top. Sleek vertical lighting on each side of the mirror was used for soft indirect lighting." — HGTV

Eco Friendly Concrete Vessel Sink

By fiddlehead11, $350.

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RECYCLED solid French white oak stool

By StilNovoDesign, $120.

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Black Raspberry Vanilla Goat Milk Soap

By Soapcupboard, $4.

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Blue and Gray and a Yellow Line Plate

By impurevessels, $35.

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love - 2 Translucent porcelain cup

By stepanka, $56.

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Vessel Sink in Celadon Green Glaze

By MudworksPottery, $200.

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Which style should we explore in our next edition? Post your requests in the comments!

Looking for more styles and interiors? Check out our video series, There's No Place Like Here, where creative types show us their unique spaces — infused with their aesthetic and filled with the treasures they collect. Get involved and show us your amazing space in this Flickr pool.

Check out other Get the Look: Home Decor Editions.

A Cozy Home Gift Guide | Housewares Category | Vintage Housewares

Browse More Etsy Items Tagged "Sleek" & "Modern"

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

That's What She Said: Notes From The Office

2009-09-17T17:01:00-05:00

At the risk of sounding like all I do is watch television (I don't even have a television, mind you. Thanks a lot, Internet!), I've got to say that no show is capable of systematically making me laugh until I cry like The Office can. There's just something about the painfully awkward, at times inappropriate, and yet charmingly earnest humor that gets me every time.

Some of my favorite moments from the show are better communicated with visual aids, so come along on a stroll down memory lane as we prepare for tonight's season premiere.

That's What She Said Sign

The battle cry of Michael Scott. By soadypopdesigns, $13.

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TWO - Premium Soy 16 oz Jar Candles

For only $10,000, you could become a co-owner of "Serenity by Jan." By blisscandles, $34.

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Pinup Office Hussy

Speaking of Angela...(I kid, I kid! Though who could forget the duel between Andy and Dwight?) By sweetheartsinner, $9.99.

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Trousers - print

I was in hysterics when Oscar fell through the ceiling in the Stress Relief episode. His dangling legs will forever be burned into my memory. By GollyBard, $15.

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I Like Naps Ladies T-Shirt - Sizes S, M, L, XL

I wouldn't mind a birthday party planned by Dwight and Jim. Kelly's one lucky lady, in my book. By theboldbanana, $12.

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beet love

"Beets. Bears. Battlestar Galactica." By lesophie, $30.

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Emerald Lettuce quality seeds

Note to self: Caprese salad and marijuana are two very different things. By GardenItaly, $2.

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Develle's Blondies

Speaking of blondies — why, Ryan, why? By devellesbakery, $12.

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Hot Heads CARD for all occasions

Let Meredith's (literally) flaming red hair be a lesson to us all: Drunken bellydancing at an office holiday party is always a bad idea, even if it is Moroccan themed. By kinsellaart, $5.

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This Ain't No Disco Print - Martha - 8x10

...it's a cafe. Oh wait, it's a disco too? By jaimers, $18.

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Are you watching tonight? What's your favorite Office moment? Let us know in the comments below!

Browse Items Tagged "Office" | View More Television Posts

Fashion Sense: Alison Kelly's Picks for Fall

2009-09-15T13:30:00-05:00

You may remember Alison "Dahl" Kelly from Season 3 of Bravo's hit television show (and perennial Storque favorite), Project Runway. Today the woman behind Dahl by Alison Kelly recounts her experiences as an up-and-coming designer, gives the dish behind Project Runway (and tips on getting your designs out there), and gives her expert take on this season's hot fashions. Alison will not disappoint!

I've always had an interest in clothing, seeing that my mother made matching outfits for my sister, me and our dolls when we were little. I made my own 25-minute outfits (literally: I'd rise 30 minutes before I had to leave for school and make something) throughout high school — primarily dresses that were tied shut by piercing holes with the scissors' tips into the fabric and lacing it onto my body, and countless elastic-waist hippie skirts à la Stevie Nicks.

It wasn't until my second year of college that I began to take a serious interest in fashion design. I had grown eager to learn how to drape and make proper patterns to obtain a custom fit. I moved to Florence, Italy, and enrolled in an intensive fashion program at the Lorenzo de'Medici Scuola d'Arte and became thoroughly immersed.

After college I began toting around my mini-collections of one-off dresses to shops in Los Angeles. I'd walk in wearing one of them, and as luck would have it, the shop girl would normally ask about it — so I kept about 10 more in the car to show them! Matrushka Construction on Sunset Boulevard in Silverlake was one of the first shops to pick up my first line, Run R1ot (the "1" symbolizing one-offs), on consignment.

I moved to New York city in the winter of 2006, feeling that it was time for a change of scenery. My sister came with, as she wanted to move back east from San Francisco. My plan was simple: to launch a new line. But how was I going to do that? I did not know.

My mother and sister urged me to try out for Project Runway; conveniently, auditions were taking place as we were apartment and job hunting. I hadn't had a television in my house since high school, and reality TV wasn't even a part of my vocabulary (nor my psyche) — it was a joke to me. However, I had noticed the rise of some of PR's past contestants, so I put my morals aside and auditioned with one goal: exposure for my line.

One thing led to another, and before long I was filming the show — which was like being in jail while being overworked, underfed and sleep deprived. I would literally wake up to boom mics leering over me with film crews next to my bed — does that sound conducive to creativity? However, I harbor no resentment; on the contrary, it was an interesting journey, to say the least, which has provided me with valuable experiences and brought a name to my line.

There are various methods to launch a clothing line and some organizations that speed up that process, like GenArt, Ecco Domani, CFDA and scholastic competitions. Most big-name designers today were working under various fashion houses before they were confident (and obtained the capital) to go off on their own. But today things are a bit different; I honestly believe one could launch a career online. If you have talent, something you're good at and you create a collection you love, you can definitely succeed online. For instance, you can build an Etsy shop without taking expensive risks, so there's very little to lose.

My Top Picks for Fall:

The Carly Dress by mydearthing, $118.

Slinky, edgy, refined not-so-basic basics with a twist — and most of her pieces are eco-friendly! The Carly dress is the perfect in-between-seasons piece for playing dress-up.

Two Piece Magenta Dress by janeyclothing, $75.
Gem colored clothing is what I dream of this autumn. Cute, realistic, wearable and photographed well, this magenta dress is lovely and would be great with lace leggings and a little black jacket — and a designer from Dublin is hard to come by!

kool.moedee military jacket by joodito, $160.

Anyone can wear a beat-up leather jacket and look cool, but I want more of a twist. The asymmetry of this jacket made from salvaged materials is what I find interesting — yet is still has clean tailored lines.

oatmeal soopascarf by Yokoo, $150.

I went wild when I first saw Yokoo's knitwear. I very much dislike the shoulder pain knitting gives me, so I appreciate someone crazy enough to make these fantastic, sculptural pieces. I want them all in purples, oatmeal and black.

crocheted fingerless gloves by Catwalk7, $30.
These gloves are wonderful. I love anything to do with crochet and antique lace, and these gloves have just the right amount of elegance and quirk.

Luxe lace & sequence leggings by iheartnorwegianwood, $49.
I like all of these leggings, and this season you will see more fashionable legs in lace and decolletage than ever before.

Further Resources:

My Editor's Pick blog on Burdastyle
"A Young Designer's Diary," my personal blog

See More Fashion Posts on Etsy's Blog | More Posts About Project Runway

Etsy in the Press: Dog Days

2009-08-14T10:24:00-05:00

The dog days of summer are upon us once again. What exactly is a dog day? I am always interested by the origins of such terms, and luckily, Wikipedia is there to help:

The term "Dog Days" was used by the Greeks, as well as the ancient Romans (who called these days caniculares dies [days of the dogs]) after Sirius (the "Dog Star", in Latin Canicula), the brightest star in the heavens besides the Sun. The dog days of summer are also called canicular days.

Dog Days were popularly believed to be an evil time "when the seas boiled, wine turned sour, dogs grew mad, and all creatures became languid, causing to man burning fevers, hysterics, and phrensies."

Good times! Luckily, we've managed to avoid the burning fevers and hysterics. (And thankfully, not everyone has become languid.) Take, for instance, the authors of the following pieces. The Globe and Mail and The San Francisco Chronicle discuss how Etsy is a great place to shop for home decor. Meanwhile, News Channel Five in Nashville, TN recommend us for wedding planning. The folks at TampaBay.com say, "Looking for a unique gift in a hurry? Turn to Etsy." Another notable press mention: PC Magazine selected Etsy as one of their Top 100 Web Sites of 2009, in the shopping category, of course! AlwaysOn also selected Etsy as one of their AO Global 250 Winners in the consumer category.

I think that one of the reasons that Etsy is such a great place to shop is because of the connections that can be made. This is the theme of a recent post on Willamette Live. Speaking of connecting, there is a great interview with our own Sean about our new Facebook Connect feature on All Facebook.

Another powerful tool for connecting is Twitter. The Business 101 series onTwitter.com featured Etsy as a case study recently, and ecommerce-guide offers some thoughts on tweeting as well.

Under the heading of fun seller news, drivebybags was profiled on Twin Cities Live, sharing the story of how their unique tote bag business came to be. In other exciting television happenings, RitzyMisfit had one of her necklaces featured around the neck of The Bachelorette on ABC! And finally, a love letter, featured on Auctionbytes, involving Italian boyfriends, Etsy, and vintage.

Happy Canicular Days to everyone! Enjoy the dog-themed Etsy items!

For more Etsy in the Press, go here!

Get Glamoured by True Blood

2009-08-02T15:30:00-05:00

Let me share a little secret with you. If I was living among the characters of HBO's hit show True Blood, I'd be a fangbanger (the vampire equivalent of a groupie!). The gorgeous vampires gliding through Bon Temps and Dallas! are hot as hell. I avoided the show for far too long thinking it was a niche series, but after one episode I was hooked. With the show halfway through its sophomore season, waiting for the new episodes on a (gasp) weekly basis has me hungry for an Etsy fix:

Flipping Burgers Earrings

Warning: Lafayette's tasty burgers may pack quite a punch.

By PinkHelloKitty, $7.50.

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Two Hand Engraved Wine Glasses , 'Reaching Branches'

"...you can bring me a glass of red wine, so I have a reason to be here."

By daydreemdesigns, $27.50.

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Metal sculpture of a viking helmet

Me thinks “She is Mine” means little to viking vampire Eric.

By SkinzNhydez, $145.

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Bride and Groom in Coffin Box

With Vampire-Human marriages now legal, will Sookie and Bill have their happily ever after?

By mrstildos, $98.

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Little Nude Nouveau Witch - 5x7 Blank Greeting Card

Maryann is sure shaking things up this season.

By EmilyBalivet, $4.

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Love Drops . Sacred Love Oil . For Love, Romance and Passion . White Magick Alchemy

“Do you have any of that synthetic bottled blood?”

By whitemagic, $12.

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Law and Order Necklace

Isn't there's something to love about bumbling detective Andy Bellefleur?

By crumpetcake, $19.75.

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Border Collie 11x14 Signed Art Print

Shapeshifter Sam finally found himself naked in Sookie's bed...probably not the way he imagined it.

By dogartstudio, $24.50.

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Vintage Connie Commuter Pumps in Cherry Red Hot 8.5 US (39 EUR)

"Pam, those were great pumps."

From ResourceClothing, $20.90.

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MAN WHORE--Hand Stamped Oxidized Sterling Silver Disc Necklace--22 inch chain

Jason is trying to change, but even the reverend's wife wants a piece of him.

By MetalTaboo, $62.

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I leave bite marks t-shirt

Mainstreaming vampires should at least be honest with their dessert.

By Muncheys, $15.

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Are you feeling your fangs twitching? Let us know in the comments!

Camera Obscura: Lightning Bolt's 13 Monsters

2009-07-24T17:30:00-05:00

"PAPER RAD is a Pittsburgh, PA/Northampton, MA collective that has bubbled under the elastic waistline of the world’s slacks for over a decade, tickling its privates and filling its diapers." — Load Records

The collective behind the music video 13 Monsters, Paper Rad, utilizes a low-fi style that crosses many genres and art movements. Their frenetic collage-like animations match the pace and explosive vibe of the noise band Lightning Bolt. For me it's a perfect match of intensity in sound and vision. Paper Rad's DIY aesthetic uses pure RGB colors, no scanning of images and no use of a wacom tablet for digital imaging. This work takes pop art a step further by collaging images from culture's near past and reclaiming them into a mash-up of pop nostalgia and cartoon chaos.

The band Lightning Bolt came out of the RISD / Fort Thunder art and music scene in the mid-nineties. Fort Thunder was known for the brightly colored posters that covered the walls to promote the underground music concerts they hosted.

I find Paper Rad's use of bright primary colors, frenzied cutting and playful cartoon look exhilarating. In searching for related items for this video I went looking for neon and fluorescent colors, animal masks, gnomes, cartoons, rock posters, graffiti, lightning bolts, monsters, superheroes, unicorns, skulls and analog video goodies.

Set of 5 Colorful Gnomes

By happysilence, $20.

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Skull Bandana Digital Print

By TurnerHillikerArt, $12.

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LOCA CHICA

By taylorsays, $200.

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Mega-Bytes Finger Puppets (set of three)

By TheHookery, $7.

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Macrame Owl Necklace - Golden Poppy Yellow

By macraMe, $10.

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Super Hero Doll

By MiniMonster, $19.

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RED DEVIL Happy Monster Backpack

By ArtsiBitsi, $35.

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Panda Mask

By lupin, $19.75.

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My Pet Monster Palm Puppet (Super Monster)

By TheHookery, $17.

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KolOr BReaKdOwn

By SCHiZO, $130.

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Calculator Robot Pouch

By anatomyofaskirt, $40.

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Paper Mache bike 012

By mumbreeze, $20.

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Olive the Recycled Curtain Unicorn

By handmadepretties, $25.

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CUSTOM LEGGINGS TEMPLATE

By ruffeoheartslilsnoty, $78.

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Keyboard Zipper Pouch w/Detachable Ring- Red

By TooToo, $14.

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AQUA FACE - size medium

By joshreames, $20.

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Little T.V. Brooch

By zoxi, $6.

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Jokull the Ice Deer

By amccahon, $17.

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What Etsy items would you add to this post? Leave a link in the comments!

Items Tagged "Neon" on Etsy | The Paper Rad Collective | More Camera Obscura Posts

Etsy in the Press: Summer Reading

2009-07-15T14:00:00-05:00

It's time to hit the beach, and accordingly, there's a need for some light reading. Personally, I prefer nonfiction for most of the year, but as things heat up, I like to find myself a nice page-turner. With that in mind, I'll be dishing up some quick reads from the interwebs and beyond, and maybe even some celebrity gossip. Feel free to read this poolside on your iPhone.

First up? Shopping. We love it! And we love it even more when it's done on Etsy. Which is why I was pleased to find just such recommendations from the San Francisco Chronicle, Examiner.com, Rhode Island Monthly, Wallet Pop, and Shelter Pop. The New York Times also covered Marian Lizzi's Etsy-fueled shopping habits, which you can follow on her blog, kraftomatic. It's a fun read.

Trends. They're trendy. They also offer valuable insights into the zeitgeist of a particular place and time in a given cultu— oops. Sorry, sorry. Light and fun. Well, I'll compromise. Here's a brainy take on a recent trend, the "Keep Calm and..." courtesy of The New York Times Magazine, by Rob Walker, who is no stranger to Etsy. One trend that is much more than a passing fancy is Craftivism, covered here in The Storque, and recently in The Times-Picayune in New Orleans. Another is the green, or eco-friendly movement, mentioned on the Mother Nature Network, and on Planet Green (congrats to the Etsy Organic Team!). Speaking of teams, the Etsy Plush Team snagged a cover story in Stuffed Magazine. Actually that is not a trend. I've gone off topic. Again.

Celebrities! We love/hate/stalk them. Sadly, Michael Jackson is no longer, but Paste Magazine chose to honor his memory with a collection of MJ tribute items from Etsy. Happily, Sarah Jessica Parker's new twins are healthy, and dressed up in these shirts from stoopher. Project Runway winner Leanimal gave us a nice little shout-out on her blog recently, as did Sheena Matheiken, half of The Uniform Project duo, on Glamour's blog. Speaking of shout-outs, Etsy was also mentioned on the hit Showtime series, Weeds.

For those of you who would like to contemplate deeply, you can ponder this bit from The Age, in Australia — where it is obviously not summer at the moment. An interesting read nonetheless. Thanks for stopping by, now go get to work on that tan! But wear sunscreen.

For more Etsy in the Press, go here!

A Handmade Moment

2009-06-01T15:50:00-05:00

Attention all artists, videographers, film students, DIY addicts, advertising students, home video makers, professionals, camera nerds and other creative members of the Etsy community: here's your chance to show the world how talented you are, and help us spread the Etsy gospel while you are at it!

And if that's not enticing enough, we are also giving away pantloads of cash. We're hosting a new contest at http://www.etsy.tv.

Etsy wants promotional videos, and since our community is creative, artistic and unique, we're turning to you. For the next few months we will be accepting submissions for :15 and :30 (second) videos promoting Etsy and the handmade movement. This is your opportunity to express your passion (or is it an obsession?) for Etsy.

The guidelines are simple: your ad's theme must be "A Handmade Moment" and must legibly display the text "Etsy.com".

We will select 10 finalists from those submissions which surpass a minimum score based on a variety of criteria, and then invite the community to vote on a winner. The winning submissions will receive a total of $10,000 (and we'll use the video, too)!

First Prize: $3,250
Three Runners Up: $1,250
Six Finalists: $500

We're calling the contest the Handmade Moment, and you're invited.

FAQs:

Wait, WHAAAAAAAAAT? I want that fame and glory and money. How does this work?
1. Make a :15 or :30 (second) long Etsy promotional video. The length must be exact.

2. Upload your video(s) to Etsy at http://www.etsy.tv. Submissions will be accepted through August 31, 2009, at 11:59 p.m. ET, to be exact. You must have permission to use all of the content in your video.

3. Start promoting your video and sharing the heck out of it. One of the criteria for the selection of finalists will be view counts, sooo...

Embed your video in blogs, on Facebook or MySpace, and anywhere you think people will see it. On August 31st the 25 videos with the most views will be well positioned to form the pool from which our jury will select the 10 finalists. (Our friends at Magnify.net are powering the video pages and will keep count for us.) We will be taking other criteria (keep on reading) into consideration to select the finalists, because being popular doesn't necessarily mean you're the best.

What should the video promotion be about?
The advertisement should be for Etsy.com in general (and must not be for a particular seller). Your ad's theme must be "A Handmade Moment," and it must legibly display the text "Etsy.com." Other than that, go nuts. Be original. One of the criteria when we pick the winners will be creativity.

For real? Does my video ad have to be made from any specific media?
Nope! Animation, claymation, film, live action, silent movie, dance, mime. The sky's the limit. Just make it awesome!

Rad, I can do that. How does Etsy choose the finalists?
We're looking for something great. Etsy will choose finalists based on our not-so-top-secret scoring criteria, awarding points for: (1) creativity and originality, (2) handmade ethos, (3) humor and whimsy, (4) technical skill, (5) catchiness and (6) brand appropriateness.

Once the ten finalists are selected we will invite the community to vote for up to three favorite videos to help determine the winners, alongside a panel of expert and celebrity judges who will score the entries.

I have a ton of ideas. What should I do?
You can make and submit as many videos as you like.

How long does the contest last?
Submissions are accepted for three months, but the sooner you upload your video the more time you'll have to get views, so hustle! Submissions can be entered beginning June 1, 2009 through August 31, 2009 at http://www.etsy.tv, so start crafting your video ideas today. Finalists will be announced in September.

I use Youtube/vimeo/blip/odeo/elsewhere to host my videos. Can I still enter?
No, sorry (darn lawyers!). You have to use our upload tool at Etsy.tv. Click the "submit video" button at http://www.etsy.tv to learn more, and then use our widget to promote your video. There's a long explanation for how and why, so be sure to fully read the Official Rules before you hit that submit button.

Remember, views will only be counted through Etsy.tv, so be sure to use our sharing tools when placing your video elsewhere on the Internet. After you register your video at http://www.etsy.tv, be sure to grab your embed code and start sharing. We encourage you to post your video to your blog, Facebook page, MySpace page... wherever you think you can get people to click and watch!

My ad is twenty two seconds long. Does that disqualify me?
Sorry, but the rules state your ad must be either exactly 15 or 30 seconds long. Remember, a great ad is short and sweet, and attention spans tend to drop in a matter of seconds online.

Will Etsy help?
Fear not, aspiring creative director! We've created a resources page with some music and logos you can use. However, you don't have to use these resources, so be creative.

My friend is a film student and would be so good at this. Can I tell them about this?
Yes!

My friend is in advertising and would be so good at this. Can I tell them about this?
If you or your friend are employed professionally in the advertising industry, you are ineligible to participate. Sorry! (Etsy employees are ineligible, too, by the way.)

My work is really abstract, I'm not sure I could make a promotional spot. Making a commercial just sounds so...commercial.
We still want to see it. Etsy loves artistic and creative and unique, it's what handmade and our community is all about. Just make sure you display "Etsy.com" somewhere in the video, and we'll all agree it's a promotional video.

Etsy needs to make their own darn ads!
We believe our huge and talented community can do a better job. And that's why we want to pay you to do it.

I'm not in the United States. Can I enter?
It depends. The contest is open to residents of the United States, Canada (except Quebec), United Kingdom, and Australia. We are trying to be as inclusive as possible, and we have obtained legal representation in as many countries as possible. Unfortunately, as contest law differs from place to place, we are not able to offer this opportunity in all countries and territories. (Anyone can submit a video, they just won't be eligible for the prizes.)

I bet the lawyers want to say something. So what's the "but..."?
They sure do, and our lawyers are sweet, so be nice! Be sure to read the Official Rules before you submit your video. Here are some highlights that we want to call to your attention:

Your video must be made by you.
Your video must not break any laws.
You must have the rights to all content (visual, music, audio, or otherwise) used in your video.
Your video must be exactly fifteen or thirty seconds long.
Etsy approves all submitted videos, and reserves the right to remove any video we find objectionable for any reason.
Your video must include the text "Etsy.com."
Etsy will have a non-exclusive license to all videos, in perpetuity.
Videos will be accepted beginning on June 1, 2009 and ending on August 31, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
You can enter as many different videos as you like.

And your video cannot:

display any non-Etsy trademarks or logos or obvious variations thereof (you can write Etsy.com anyway you wish, or use a logo from the resources page).
contain any photos, imagery, music or video clips that you did not create yourself and own the rights to (as well as those found on the resources page).
contain more than three identifiable people.
contain a minor who you aren't the parent or legal guardian of.

You can find all the details at http://www.etsy.tv. This contest is open to most humans, except as noted above and in the rules, and is, of course, void where prohibited. Good luck and tell your friends!

If you have questions or comments, please see this forum thread. We're closing the comments on this Storque post so we can follow the conversation over there.

Etsy in the Press: Signs of the Times

2009-05-07T15:00:00-05:00

What times? Spring time? These rough economic times? Time to buy your mom a gift? All of the above.

You may be familiar with Tory Johnson, television personality, founder of Women For Hire, author of Will Work from Home: Earn the Cash — Without the Commute, and fan of Etsy. Tory has been a busy bee this spring, first talking up Etsy on The View (see the clip on YouTube from EdwinTV25), where she highlighted work from CrazyKBathandBody, EveBehar, isabellaboo, missrubysue, mom2twogals, and thecoolpuppy.

Tory also appeared on Good Morning America on May 5, 2009. The GMA story was all about mothers, specifically on buying gifts for moms, that were made by moms. She featured great products from Etsy mothers/sellers ASugarAffair, homespunhoney, palomasnest, SugarMohawk, suziesconfections and TheFetchingHound. What a sweet idea! (Author's note: pun fully intended.)

Spring time is a green time, and in April, much attention is given to another type of green, namely the environmental type. That is the focus of this piece from CBS 3 in Philadelphia, which zooms in on the efforts of local sellers CouchDesign and fabrik, two shops who are seeking to raise awareness of these issues.

Another thing on minds lately is also green — the financial sort. A recent post on Bizzia talks about the new artisan economy, of which we are an integral part. My favorite quote? "Back in Colonial times, before the Industrial Revolution, all business was small artisan business. It seems we are going back to the past. I am over-simplifying, I know. But I for one am looking forward to it." Me too!

But how are good sales numbers possible in such a dire economy? Perhaps it's because Etsy is simply a great place to shop for unique handmade products. But don't take it from me. Take it from The Chicago Tribune and Gloucester County Times of New Jersey. Or perhaps it's just because craft is cool. That is the essence of this story in The New Zealand Herald. In either case, we'll take it.

Finally, in ultra-local news (and by that I mean our office), Ina Steiner of Auctionbytes paid us a visit recently. It was a pleasure to meet her in person, and you can check out a few more snapshots of our space in the article. And with that, it is time for me to go. (Apologies for the awful puns, sometimes I can't help myself.)

For more Etsy in the Press, go here!

Enterprising Star Trek Fans

2009-05-07T14:00:00-05:00

Long before stranding Ricardo Montalban on Ceti Alpha 5, Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the USS Enterprise had all kinds of wacky adventures. To celebrate the May 8th release of the Star Trek prequel which chronicles these events, we're featuring some of the greatest creations this side of the Delta Quadrant!

Ladies, you can attend the premier event in your very own handmade trekker corset, along with some Vulcan peace earrings! And why not get a vintage Star Trek belt buckle or handmade t-shirt for the captain of your starship? Of course, you don't want to show up without a mini-Spock plush...if things get out of hand he can give a little pinch to any troublemakers. Check out these items and more below...Live long and prosper!

Find out more about Fan Art | Shop the Geekery Category

Thank You for Being a Friend, Bea Arthur

2009-04-27T11:30:00-05:00

Bea Arthur passed away this weekend at the age of 86. To those that know and love her, Bea's contributions to the world of television as democratic dynamo Maude Findlay and teacher-cum-Brooklynite Dorothy Zbornak will not soon be forgotten. This woman epitomized dolman sleeves, oversized tunics, pantsuits, and a fashion sense very directed by gold lamé. (Who else could pull off a mint green velvet suit, complete with bow tie?)

In short, Dorothy owned her style and her attitude. She stood up for a different kind of woman that conventional television audiences had never encountered. Her dry wit and zingers always left Golden Girls audiences laughing. Bea made aging seem not quite so scary for women, and her performances as Maude and Dorothy were groundbreaking and memorable.

Here's to you, Bea! Thank you for being a friend! Here are some of our favorite items inspired by Bea and the Golden Girls gang. See you on the lanai!

Shop Live with Rosie O'Donnell

2009-03-09T15:01:00-05:00

This week's Shop Live host is none other than Rosie O'Donnell! You may know her as a talented television host, comedian, actress, singer, and author, but she is also an avid crafter, as you can see from her Etsy shop. Rosie will be showing items from some of her favorite Etsy sellers, and the proceeds from sales of many of the items will be donated to Rosie's Broadway Kids, an arts education organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children through the arts. Rosie's Broadway Kids provides instruction in dance and music and a professional theater experience for children who might otherwise not have the opportunity.

It's a great cause, so join us live and chat with Rosie in Etsy's Virtual Labs on Friday, March 13, 2009. The doors open at 2:45pm EDT and the event starts at 3pm EDT. There are only 120 seats, so make sure you get there on time!

Gift Guides | Guest Curators | Past Shop Live Participants | Gift Ideas

Featured Buyer: Joy Behar of The View

2008-12-03T14:24:00-05:00

Today's Featured Buyer is Joy Behar of popular daytime tv show The View, where her sassy wit shines along with those of her co-hosts. Lucky for us, Joy has a talented daughter too: Eve Behar, ceramicist and Etsy seller. Eve kindly connected us to her mom and below, you'll find a little interview with did with Joy and some of her favorite items from Etsy.

How did you hear about Etsy and why do you like it?
I first discovered Etsy through my daughter, Eve, who is a ceramic artist and has an Etsy shop — evebehar. She turned me on to it and I really like it because of all the great handmade merchandise and how easy it is to navigate.

Will you be buying any handmade gifts this holiday season?
Of course. I prefer original handmade gifts to mass produced because they are just more special.

Do you craft/make anything?
I've made a few paper mache puppets in my day, but lately all I do is talk — except I often make my own Christmas cards and I think people enjoy that.

Why should people shop on Etsy, and why do you think it is a viable alternative to big box stores?
I like personal items that are unique and thoughtful. Also, the environment needs a break from all mass production.

Here a few of Joy's favorite items on Etsy.

I love the graphic style of the illustration of the cat. What a treat for treats. By lbegley, $18.

This hoodie is so cute for your furry pal. By gilesk, $8.95.

This is charming and personal. Anything with dogs gets me every time. By hughesstudio, $75.

Great photo. I love the colors of Italy and they're captured in a very original way here. By hlkparis, $12.

I love yummy soaps. These are fun stocking stuffers. By Onyka, $4.

I have a similarly glazed vase from my daughter like this one. It's wonderful for flowers like sunflowers or daisies. It's so bright and cheery. By evebehar, $60.

I like to have dinner parties, and why not look good down to your apron? By punchanella, $35.

This bag is so well styled. Comes in a few colors too. By morelle, $92.

Thanks to Joy for all of her amazing picks!

Looking to do more shopping?

Featured Buyer Series | Trends | Get the Look: Home Decor Edition | Home Decor Posts

Etsy in the Press: Elevator, Goin' Up!

2008-11-20T15:58:00-05:00

The Dow Jones may be stuck in the basement for a while, but the Etsy Express is heading straight to the top, and just in time for the holidays!

First floor, TV land. Last week, Good Morning America held the first of many Great American Job Fairs, hosted by our friend Tory Johnson. If you saw it live, you could see our own Matt and Christina standing right behind Tory during the broadcast, along with a poster bearing the Etsy logo. Hats off to them, as their on-screen presence involved a long flight and extra-early wake up call. Also on the telly, weesf, aka Nicky Batill, was featured on The Martha Stewart Show, demonstrating how she creates her charming animal portraits. She and Martha had a brief but glowing discussion of Etsy. Great job Nicky! On this floor, we also find not one, but two local news outlets touting Etsy as a great place to buy and sell this holiday season. Check them out at TMJ4 Milwaukee, and WREX 13 Rockford.

Second floor, Business News. The hot question these days seems to be, "How Can I Save/Make Money Online This Year?" The answer, apparently, is Etsy. At least that's what CNN, Business Week, and Time think. On the mezzanine level, the Courier-Journal of Louisvile features a nice piece about the revival of craft, and how the economy may spur its growth even further.

Third floor, Favorite Shopping Sites. It turns out we're making waves over at Lucky, down south in Baton Rouge, and just up the way at the Hartford Courant. Last stop, everybody out!

And this just in! tinaseamonster will be on NPR's Weekend Edition Sunday this Sunday.

"The air time is different in each city, NPR station. There should also be a video of me making stuff and showing off some handmade purchases online. Then I will be doing a chat on their website at 1pm EST at http://www.npr.org/gifts.

Sunday 11/23/08
LIVE online chat with Tina Seamonster, craftswoman and artist 01:30 PM - 02:00 PM EST Weekend Edition Sunday Chat Live with Tina Seamonster

Chat LIVE online right here on our Eco-Nomical Holidays group page with Tina Henry-Barrus, AKA Tina Seamonster (http://www.tinaseamonster.com) She's a D.C.-based crafter and artist, affiliated with the Washington City Paper's Crafty Bastards collective. Tina will join host Liane Hansen during the show and offer her crafty ideas to anyone who wants to particpate in the online chat this Sunday at 1 p.m. EST. She has a podcast at her crafting blog, http://www.hellocraft.com."

For more Etsy in the Press, go here!

History Hacker: On Your TV Tonight!

2008-09-26T16:00:00-05:00

About a year ago, I started down the road to developing a TV show to explore historic inventions. Tonight my TV pilot, History Hacker, will be on TV! It's is all about exploring technological history by hacking the inventions of the past. If you can, I'd love it if you can watch it with your kids! While making it, I imagined families watching the show and enjoying it together!

The show is fresh. There are a billion jumpcuts in this show and we achieved some special split screen and in-camera effects. It doesn't look like anything I've ever seen on TV. Also, it's an hour long, so I have time to get into some projects that break down some of the principles that Tesla pioneered and fought for in "the war of the currents." I make a neon bulb, an AC generator from a bike, and I muck about with an old telephone magneto. I also go check out the power plant in the basement of The New Yorker and the space systems lab at MIT to see how the principles that Tesla pioneered are being used today.

Tonight, this show is really in your and your family and friend's hands. It's a pilot and so it will only go forward if it gets the ratings and response from viewers like you! If you feel so moved, write an email with your feedback, ideas for future episodes, or just what you think of the show! I've set up an email address that goes to the people at the network who need to hear your feedback.

I'll be posting live back channel commentary on Twitter and I'll be reading all the Twitters with the words "history hacker" and "bre" in them. I'll also be reading all the responses in the History Hacker Facebook group. I am also going to be checking out all the photos that folks post of themselves watching the show in the History Hacker flickr group.

Etsy in the Press: Good Morning America

2008-08-08T11:40:00-05:00

UPDATE: Here is the link to the video.

Tory Johnson, founder of Women For Hire, was on Good Morning America on Wednesday, August 6th, 2008, presenting Etsy as a great place to open a home-based business. Johnson recently authored a new book, Will Work From Home: Earn the Cash Without the Commute. Chanel Kennebrew from junkprints was highlighted as a successful seller who makes a living working from home. To see more of Chanel, check out her Handmade Video Portrait.

We experienced a record number of page views as a result of the GMA spot—our first 12 million page view day. We also had a record number of new buyers (nearly 4000!) sign up for the site.

The video featuring Johnson is not yet available on the web, but we will post it as soon as it is live.

For more Etsy Press coverage, go here!

Etsy Press Club: July 2008

2008-08-07T15:47:00-05:00

July brought the heat! The sidewalks were sizzling, the ice cream trucks were sweating, and Etsians were blazing in the press. The latest edition of the Etsy Press Club is ready. These are all of the clippings that I found or received during July. Grab a lemonade from the fridge and sit down for some perusing!

Print

The NewsTimes - gooseontheloose
Philadelphia Weekly - madebyhank
STYLE - TheBrokenPlate
Baltimore Sun - jenmenkhaus
NewWitch Magazine - PagansOfEtsy
Knit Scene Magazine - fringe
Smart Woman - TheBrokenPlate

Web

the house that a-m built - jennifersquires
minor details - Chalkydoodles
ThreadBanger - prixprix
hearthandmadeblog - madebyhank
qbranchltd - JoannaGoldman
Fabulously Broke in the City - juneshin
passitonplates - JessicaSimanowski, UneekDollDesigns
mixed plate - jennifersquires
myNLA - niftythriftyowl
phillyBurbs - JoannaGoldman
uncrate - avrilloreti
Daily Candy - juneshin
onthedotcreations - madebyhank
Crafting with Cats - JoannaGoldman
decor8 - Stockton, smallsquaredesign, Studiotto, sycamorestreetpress, sweetpaperie
themaudeblog - designsbycolleen
rarebirdfinds - OnTheInside, janebonbon
SimplyGrove - jennifersquires
kitchen and residential design - craftyhag
aisle dash - handykane
Grandia Road - winsomehollow
apartment therapy - avrilloreti
now voyager - madebyhank
vintage indie - birdandmonster, AquaVelvet, grandmothersattic, SilverNebel, niftythriftyowl, softspoken, MariesVintage, FlightoftheRadish, morelle, madebyhank
Pretty Little Love Objects - JoannaGoldman
Rev Magazine - jennifersquires

Radio

Vegan Radio - ThisIsBexx

Check out previous editions of the Etsy Press Club here! Send your press mentions to press@etsy.com to be included in the next edition.

Etsy Press Club: May 2008

2008-07-03T18:22:00-05:00

UPDATE: We have decided to discontinue the Etsy Press Club. We can no longer keep up with all of the emails sent in and cannot give the proper attention to each of these wonderful stories. The Press Club has become a victim of its own success, which is not such a bad thing.

Etsy seedlings blossomed in the month of May. The end of springtime season brought sunshine, frisbee, and of course, blooming Etsy press. The latest edition of the Etsy Press Club is ready. These are all of the clippings that we found or received during May. My, such flourishing buds!

Print

A is For Apron - momomadeit

Perfect Match: Earring Designs for Every Occasion - ShySiren

San Francisco Chronicle - birdnerd, soap

Real Simple - avrilloreti

quickdfw - pattihaskins

Frontiersman - swanmountainsoaps

Money - FatDaddyBakeShop

In Style - oktak

Argus Leader - shopgoodgrace

Country Living - BusyBeading

The Sidney Daily News - BauerDesigns

Romantic Homes - somelikeitvintage

Murfreesboro Post - wickedmoxie

The News and Observer - Batteriesnotrequired, megrnc

Express - CandaceAng

Kiki - pukashell, heavyeyeliner, magicbeanbuyer, lunaricsales, hapslappy, pinkspiderwebs

New Hampshire - bagsbymelanie

Web

thestreet - Madebydina

perfectbound - myrakim

poppytalk - kellywilsonantiques, stepanka, therunnybunny, andreayates, CircaCeramics, MayLuk, palomasnest

alistairkatemilan - MayLuk

shine.yahoo.com - MayLuk

babygadget - scottbergman

parents - dlkdesigns

decor8 - MayLuk

drawn - chetart

insidescoop - jellybeans

decor8 - tollipop, vol25, therunnybunny, jasna, NestaHome, tempestdelfuego, KupKup, appleandeve, SiebenMorgen, bunnybum, autumntomay, InvitaPaperStudio, stepanka, robayre, samplescrap, lorenasiminovich

vintageindie - littleredcaboose

wonderlandblog - Saltygal

fashionmefabulous - shopgoodgrace

realsimple - LovesMeNot, Domestikate, LadiesandGentlemen, wrenandchickadee, LeslieJanson, ArthursCircus, BlueBellBazaar, ThePinkBoutique, GreyBrocketsHome, ModishVintage, Sirkus, TheAviary, TheVintageKitchen, PorchlightVintage, NICE, EdelweissVintage, TheVintageButterflyBoutique, FunkeyFinds, DeadBirdFinds, SweetRice, GoodLookin, HowNowDesign, PeacockModern, HistoricallyVintage, GoGoAbigail

funkyfinds - cloud9designstudio

divinecaroline - shopgoodgrace

genartpulse - stewwie

cuteable - cloud9designstudio

vintageindie - BraveMoonman, BlameTheMafia

theq - brookthere, bonzie, tangente, WindysDesigns

elizabethannedesigns - Kutuu

dynamitejewelry - renatamann

vintageindie - Eclecticas

perfectbound - Kutuu

blogtalkradio - pitterpainter

cnn - Reiter8

lilsugar - cloud9designstudio

domino - wowout888, rubenacker, scottgarrette, joncarling, hughillustration, danielsroka, andymathis, ArtOfAndrewDaniel, monpetitfantome, johnclark, phippsart, mincingmockingbird, berkleyillustration, Jimbot, nateduval, davidvmoore

vintageindie - PoeticReflection

kellyloveswhales - MayLuk

thatgirldesigns - palomasnest

shesabetty - shopgoodgrace, ktjean, kieutiepie, Rivkasmom

vintageindie - Crazy4Jewels

casasugar - insaneity

ohjoy - domestikate

designsprout - palomasnest

cleanhomejournal - art2theextreme

vintageindie - reggieana

wired - edmdesigns

modish - palomasnest

Check out previous editions of the Etsy Press Club here! Send your press mentions to press@etsy.com to be included in the next edition.

Etsy Press Club: April 2008

2008-06-05T17:10:00-05:00

April showers are no more! The latest edition of the Etsy Press Club is ready. These are all of the clippings that I found or received during April. Commence your applause!

Print

Cloth Paper Scissors - moonwild

Wausau Daily Herald - LitttleBits

St. Petersburg Times - fatorangecat

Metropolis - nervoussystem

El Pais - nervoussystem

The Age - KellyZarb, jellibat, mycharliegirl

D Beauty - BodyLovin

Belle Armoire Jewelry - TotusMel, CherylStrait, lynndavis, millori, mocknet, shootingstarartists

Lowell Sun - AlysaMerle

Step by Step Beads - SandFibers

The Charlotte Observer - BirdandBloomPhoto

Los Angeles Times - molecularmuse

Houston Chronicle - artallnight, Gearbunny, surly, louiseblack

Chicago Tribune - candypopcreations

Hybrid Mom - capitolagirl

Minneapolis Star Tribune - SoulSister

Quad Cities Papers - rockriverstitches

The Detroit News - talkingsquid

Belle Armoire - lorimarsha

Shojo Beat - whiletheyplay, theghostfactory, MistyRidgeBeads, stacyleigh

The Daily Page - haleystudio

Elle - BoringSidney

Quick & Easy Painting - artisticrenderings

Let's Knit - Urbanknit

Inside Weddings - leighannkline

Arizona Daily Star - Woolies, TNKerr, ModMoxie, CCforkids

Burbank Leader - MaidofClay

Web

finestationery - DripStick

vintage indie - PoeticReflection, canyouhearme, mosey, Middleburg, LadyFran, psoriginal, joules, tigerluxe, BlackStar

poppytalk - mosey, domestikate

modish - mosey

About - rachelmira

apartment therapy sf - DearDodo, ohmycavalier, vidazakka, LittleRobot, SuspectShoppe

printpattern - jenskelley

photojojo - gemmafactrix

decor8 - dandeedesigns, chewingthecud, Ninainvorm, petekguven, kirbyvintage, 1000chairs, dillondesigns, grandiflora, autumntomay, stepanka, robayre, lorenasiminovich, InvitaPaperStudio

junebugweddings - gemmafactrix

onlytheblogknowsbrooklyn - wabisabibrooklyn

craftzine - pulpsushi

casasugar - RusticsReborn, remake impromptujewelry

columbusalive - SweetStella

sfweekly - BellaVendetta

celebrations - InkspotWorkshop, Bumblebeebaby

designspongeonline - nervoussystem selflesh

designboom - nervoussystem

businessweek - centaur

popgadget - whimsyandspice

perfectbound - winifredStudios lorenzstudio selflesh

craftzine - wabisabibrooklyn brooklynsoul

Wall Street Journal Online - MVKnits

dataisnature - selflesh

alternativeconsumer - gaiaconceptions

nestledin - selflesh

capitolagirl - buildersstudio, LynziAnn, gigglinggoldfish, Wenchie, muyinmolly, beadifulthings, theflyingtrapeze, dancingmonkeyjewelry, kgarnerdesigns, PamperingBeki, bluembrownlee, skygirlstyle

poshmama - muyinmolly, beadifulthings, theflyingtrapeze, dancingmonkeyjewelry, kgarnerdesigns

unearthing - slowshirts

Daily Candy - ADrauglis

chicagoist - DJBeads

bwfov - mincingmockingbird

wired - toybreaker

murketing - toybreaker

thebridalwishlist - creationsbylonni

workingmother - elmstudiosonline

inhabitat - uglykitty

Bead & Button - time2cre8

allthingsgirl - earthart

artfulparent - DanaLeeDesigns

myroanokestory - soapdeli

modishhandmade - soap

datelinecarolina - vandiva

ptpamedia - Mimiandlola

etsyvintage - ikonic

The Young & The Restless - PalleikoDesigns

The Real World Hollywood - beenznrice, heavenlyskull

House Hunters - slowshirts

Check out previous editions of the Etsy Press Club here! Send your press mentions to press@etsy.com to be included in the next edition.

Handmade Music Night Featured on Current TV

2008-05-16T12:01:00-05:00

Current TV visited Etsy, Make Magazine, and CreateDigitalMusic's Handmade Music Night at the Etsy Labs this spring. It's an experience of wonder and geekery! Their video has been posted...Perhaps it will make it to their TV channel if you give it some love on their site!

Here are some more posts about Handmade Music Night.

Hey! Log into Current.com to give us a thumbs up on this page!

Etsy Press Club: March 2008

2008-04-17T15:44:00-05:00

Take 2. The latest edition of the Etsy Press Club has arrived. These are all of the clippings that I received in the month of March. Huzzah to all the newly famous Etsians! And heeeeere we go...

Print

Computer Arts - artyfakt

Button! Button! - AllAboutTheButtons

Chicago Tribune - pickalapoopa

Idaho Statesman - Idaho Etsy Street Team

Tennessee Living - DesignsbyBaerreis

944 - rachelmira

Chicago, Best Life, Bride's, Readymade - paperstories

The Brooklyn Paper - metalandthread

LMNOP - mylittledear

Craft & Design - guerillaembroidery

The Detroit News - talkingsquid

St. Petersburg Times - Florida Etsy Street Team

The Daytona Beach News Journal - LoveLeeSoaps, sdcreations

Woman's World - Jeanetiks

Intelligencer Journal - maggiefrenchfolkart

The Philadelphia Inquirer - JaneTexCat, MissBunnyFace

The Washington City Paper - shoofly, CircaCeramics, margauxlange, meganauman,

Venus Zine - shoofly

Web

vintageindie - polkadotsquare, inky56, Atomicveggiecom, nijoli

lilyandtulip - polkadotsquare

decor8 - paperstories, blair, JMNPOTTERY, syko, jacquelineknits, breadandbuttershop, ErinTyner, annarubyking, rosiemusic, ReLoveProjects, irisschwarz, simplijessi, lbegley, papersparrow, gypsyandtwink

purplepinkandorange - haleystudio, Bubbledog

ctatattler - ChristineRenee

polkadotmom - polkadotsquare

whatsonsouthwest - Romeria

apartmenttherapySF - LASdesigns

nerve - jessicapouindstone olive

mouemagazine, kinichiriver, wordworkshop - jessemosher

design*sponge - paperstories, groundwork

marthastewart - paperstories

dailycandy - paperstories, shoofly

onemillionpeacesigns - VioletsNewVintage

plushyou, craftzine - PillowMonsters

yorkpress - sugarcane

design-milk - janicej

girlfriendology, girlfriendologytoo - capitolagirl

perfectbound - shopgoodgrace, sunshinecitylassie, allencompanyinc, colorada, HomeMadeOriginals

joannagoddard, samanthahahn, armasdesign, howaboutorange - shopgoodgrace

sarazucker - cubistliterature, timberps, toybreaker, wildewear, shannonlynnette, recycledglamour, rivkasmom, paraphernalia, brooklynrehab, mammalia, arebycdesign, greenbelts, shopgoodgrace, glittersniffer, vintageitville, synchronicity313, deadbirdfinds, wonting

apartmenttherapyNY - insaneity

CuteOverload - girlsavage

omiru - jessicajane

diything, craftzine - yaelfran

inhabitat - UglyKitty

geeksugar - rarebeasts

chicagoist - bakeanddestroy

thechicksguide - makristababy, muchachak, stilettoheights, juliespace, zombieromance, armatodesign, repaper, junkprints, boringsidney, jewellace, JunglesofBrooklyn, mezzo, MissKarina

babygadget - jacksprat

jewelryandbeading - creationsbylonni

fatchic - Phonyart

boingboing - molecularmuse

realsimple - michelemaule, jenniferdavis, donnacompton, lushbella, wrenandchickadee, haru, Elfrida, SusyJack

bostonist - amyjjewelry, EtceteraMedia, transaction

southendopenmarket - stonesoupjewelry

jacksonville - dlkdesigns

TV

Fortune Hunters - bijouxbead

House Hunters - Slowshirts

Check out previous editions of the Etsy Press Club here! Send your press mentions to press@etsy.com to be included in the next edition.

DKdesignshawaii on The Martha Stewart Show

2008-04-03T19:05:00-05:00

DKdesignshawaii, also known as Diane Phillips, (and actually located in California) was featured on The Martha Stewart Show yesterday, demonstrating how she makes her beautiful clay flowers. Kudos, Diane! You can read about her process here. And you can watch the video clip here.

We are very proud of Etsy sellers who get on tv and spread the word about buying handmade! Go Diane!

Etsy Press Club: Jan - Feb 2008

2008-03-27T15:54:00-05:00

It's been a while since I first mentioned the Etsy Press Club, but finally, the first installment is ready! The Press Club is where we recognize Etsy sellers who have been featured in the media. The mentions below are sorted by date, so those at the top of each list are the most recent.

So, without further ado, please welcome The Etsy Press Club! *applause*

Print

Crochet Today - pepperberry, lindamade Belle Armoire Jewelry - TotusMel

The Wall Street Journal - allisonstrine, sksullivan667 

Country Living - t8designsThe News Tribune - greenchairpress

DIY City Mag - futurowoman

The Bee - EyePopArt

Boston Metro - Boston Handmade Street Team

West Roxbury Transcript - ReclaimedToYou, CreativelyAnew, HoosierMagnolia

Portland Press Herald - grapeislandglass

The Daily Collegian - knittykittie, sweetAnnieJeanne

Now Toronto - chrysdesignsjewelry

Idaho Statesman - misscourageous, BellaGrano, revive, LovelyLittleLovelies

Traverse - AliciaBock

Somerset Wedding - pammaro

Family Circle - AshleyHunter

Brilliant -  ballandchain

Art Doll Quarterly - sarahogren

Venus Zine - lemonoakstudio, EyePopArt, JKnodell, brooklynhandmade

Craft - molecularmuse

Handwoven - JDStar

The Boston Globe - AliciaBock

Small - cozyblue

Philadelphia City Paper - inediblejewelry

Knit Lit Too - tobyhanna

BeadStyle - Butterflyjewelry

The Sun Chronicle - Beadoodles

Decor - AliciaBock

Leadership and Lifestyle - Urbanknit

Web

chicagoist - essimar

megsmakeup - themefragrance

The Beading Gem's Journal - creationsbylonni

casasugar - yumiyumi

arkansasonline - Sypria

apartmenttherapy - fiskandfern

theputnamscoop - StephanieFizer, Chambers, hillbillyfairy, gr8clay

sustainablestyle - floriddesigns

casasugar - lucybirdphotos

geeksugar - lostmitten

casasugar - sarahridgley

casasugar - MichelleBrusegaard

decor8 - mimidoodles, LarrisonGo, jengsshop, dolamakes, labpartners

casasugar - appetitehome

capitolagirl - ForQuiltsSake

decor8 - kissui, spindesigns, mollyjey, JoshuaStone, drawflowers

thechicksguide - JunglesofBrooklyn, mezzo, MissKarina, muchachak, stilettoheights, juliespace, zombieromance, repaper,
junkprints, jewellace, makristababy, armatodesign, BoringSidney

families - art4milkbones

edessedesigns - leeluandpiggy

knitty - zero

commercialappeal - karterskardz

newsday - Moonchaser

indiefixx - AliciaBock

decor8 - lushbella

theindiepath - dlkdesigns

handmadedetroit - pinkroses1220

scoopalicious - kimbermouse, turtlepapers, Dilkabear, six06, jessieoleson, Birchangel, BillPicklesDogCo

plushyou - Leafpeople

vintageindie - ShySiren

roadsidescholar - shandke

The Martha Stewart Show - theblackapple

The Martha Stewart Show - BellaBludesigns

Foxtel Channel V - curlysue

AM Northwest - EyePopArt

Fox 4 News Kansas City - KC Etsy Street Team

That's it for January and February! Email pressclub@etsy.com with your press mentions to be in the next edition!

Featured Buyer: Call for Teen Crafters from Craft Guru Cathie Filian

2008-03-26T12:42:00-05:00

This week's Featured Buyer is Cathie Filian, host and executive producer of Creative Juice on HGTV and the DIY network, craft designer, author and all around crafty lady. She has chosen some of the coolest items on Etsy that fit with the casting for her new teen and young adult crafting show. (Interested? Read on to see how you could be featured!) Here's Cathie.

I have been crafty my whole life. I began sewing when I was 8, glittering when I was 13 and baking by the time I turned 18. 37 years later I have spun those sparkly threads and a high-def camera into a full time creative career, producing how-to television and books.

When I got the idea for my new “Untitled - Teen Craft Show” and started thinking about the giant task of casting, my first thought was Etsy! I knew Etsy would be the first stop because of all the fabulously talented artists and crafters that are here.

So here it goes! I am thrilled to announce that my production company, Two Bees and a Pea, is casting young adult and teen crafters (teens to 28 years old) for a new "untitled" teen craft show. This show will be guest based — so you could be the star of the show.

We are seeking crafty guests from all over the USA and will begin the process with DVD submissions. (The DVD's are strictly for casting purposes.) Fear not if you don't have access to a video camera. Just send a photo of yourself (big smile!) holding or showing off your handmade items. (Editorial note: This would be the perfect time to do Your Handmade Story! See GiantDwarf's video for a good example.)

Here are a few guidelines: your crafts should be current, hip, cutting edge — think Etsy, Urban Outfitters, Anthropology, Gossip Girl, Project Runway, MTV! You can make anything: room decor, jewelry, clothing, soap, knitted and crochet goods, lip balm, art, etc. The most important thing is that you know your stuff and can explain how you make it in a clear and fun way.

Here are a few hand picked items from Etsy that fit into the show's theme and are just plain cool. Look for all of the guidelines for submission at the end of this article!

The charms that seller mylavaliere picked are so fun. I just want to scoop this necklace up.

I have a sweet spot for seller sophiassweetspot. Her designs are hand painted and I love the way she blends trinkets with her paintings.

This ring is a favorite of mine. I love the graphic bird and vibrant orange. missficklemedia really has her finger on the pulse.

Seller JamieKeiles really knows how to re-craft books. This cuff is perfect for a trip to the library.

Hoodies are a staple fashion item for me! I adore seller aorta’s octopus hoodie.

I love this wallet by kittyempire3. The sweet shape of the deer and fantastic topstitching is perfect for carting around a few bills.

This book bag from seller ThePeach is loaded with personality and practicality. She also has many pretties for dressing up cupcakes!

Oh how I do adore Project Runway! Seller matsudabunch blends pop culture with charming style! Love it!

When I saw this in ChristineRenee’s store I had to laugh! My sister is really into romance novels and is starting write one of her own — this would be perfect for her.

Posters! HeroDesignStudio has some fantastic designs. I just love the mustard yellow on this Elvis Costello poster.

Robot art is cool and seller johnwgolden has so many different designs that you could decorate every room with his art.

Everyone should pop by seller PillowMonsters' shop. They have the most adorable and whimsical pillows around. Isabella can be adopted for a small fee.

Pencils and pens will always be close at hand with the adorable zipper case by seller tamar.

I love the aged screen print by seller MoxieMadness. This little ipod cozy has so much flair and the construction is wonderful. Check out the sew a go-go t-shirt they have.

You can really impress a teacher with this hand knit apple protector. Jacquelineknits has loads of fun things in her shop.

Here's more info on the guidelines for your audition video!

1. Have high energy and be yourself. State your name, where you are from, how long you have been crafting and what your craft project is. Try to hold your project in your hand or have it next to you and briefly explain to us how you made it. You can show a step or two on how you made it if you want.

2. Try not to shake the camera (using a tripod helps), and make sure you have lots of light so we can see you.

3. Fashion tips for the camera: please don't wear prints, all black (even if you are goth), white or red. Tattoos, elaborate hair dos, and punky attire are just fine.

4. Videos should be no longer than 3 minutes and should be submitted on DVD only. Tapes cannot be viewed. On the DVD please include your name, your craft, email, city, phone number and age if you are under 18.

Please mail to:
Casting - Untitled Craft Show
c/o Cathie Filian
1531 Randall St
Glendale, CA 91201

The deadline is May 1st, 2008. Age range: teens and young adults (28 and under).

Further Resources:
Craft Tutorials, Blog and Recipes: CathieandSteve.com
Shop for Crafty Goodies: cathiefilian.etsy.com
Networking: myspace.com/cathiefilian
Production Company: TwoBeesandaPea.com

We're so excited to see what ends up on Cathie's new show! Will you be auditioning? What's your best how-to? Leave it in the comments!

Etsy to be Featured on the Martha Stewart Show on Friday, February 29th

2008-02-26T20:44:00-05:00

Update: Rob Kalin, Etsy's Founder, did a great job talking with Martha, though he didn't get a chance to say everything he wanted to say. We hope to post a Storque follow-up with him soon. Watch the video on Martha's website.

We are very excited to announce that Etsy will be featured on The Martha Stewart Show on Friday, February 29th.

Rob and I spent the day at M.S. headquarters filming the segment, chatting with Martha and her staff, and generally spreading the gospel of Etsy. Best of all, the producer of the program selected a cornucopia of exquisite Etsy product that Rob got to show off on air. Thanks to all who sent in product . Not everything could make it to the table this time, but we hope to do more with Martha in the future. Happily, items from the following Etsy sellers will be seen on air this Friday:

GirlSavage.etsy.com, LuxeDeluxe.etsy.com, annacote.etsy.com, sweetestpea.etsy.com, charmdesign.etsy.com, littleputbooks.etsy.com, toybreaker.etsy.com, JanineKingDesigns.etsy.com , Boringsidney.etsy.com, RobandLean.etsy.com, LoveLeeSoaps.etsy.com, EveryJotandTittle.etsy.com, KathrynRiechert.etsy.com , ilee.etsy.com, EsDesigns.etsy.com, fringe.etsy.com, and yearofthegoat.etsy.com

Check here for local listings.

Show replays on Fine Living Network Monday, March 3 at 8pm and midnight Eastern Time.

Rob told us about his wardrobe. He'd stayed up past his bedtime with cubistliterature and desirapesta making a "hand"made shirt!

Rob and Matt said all Martha's producers are Etsy-obsessed!

Tune in to your local TV on Friday and hopefully the segment will be posted on Martha's website soon after for those of you who miss it!

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel while you're at it...

Autism into Art: Siobhan Forrester

2007-12-13T23:30:00-05:00

My daughter Siobhan is 3 years old, and she paints with her hands and fingers. Big deal, you’re thinking, right? Actually, it is a big deal. Here’s why:

Siobhan was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 2 and a half . She is relatively non-verbal, and soon after her diagnosis, she began to eat only dry, crunchy foods. She has a fit in the bath tub when it’s time for soap and shampoo. She screams if the family dog licks her hand. Basically, my daughter cannot stand to touch or even come in contact with anything wet, slimy or squishy.

We started painting with a brush as a form of “art therapy” to try to get her used to different textures, and possibly to start trying new foods. At first, Siobhan would only use a brush, and any paint that got on her hands had to be wiped off immediately. We went on like this for some time, because she enjoyed the activity. One day, out of the blue, she threw her brush down on the floor & started beautifully blending the colors with her hands. I couldn’t have been any more amazed.

Since that day, we have let her start painting on canvases. She quickly progressed as a little artist… she started to gesture to or even say the name of the color she wanted next for her painting. She chooses her colors very carefully, and puts a lot of thought into it. If I make a mistake, and give her the wrong color, she will throw the canvas on the floor, or scrape the paint off with her hands & fling it. After cleaning up many HUGE messes, I realized that if I hold the colors in front of her 2 at a time, she will tap on or grab the color she wants when I get to it. I’ve also started letting her choose what shape or size canvas she wants to use. When Siobhan is really pleased with her work, she flaps her hands with excitement, which leads to splatters on many of her paintings. She brings me her smock or asks for “colors” about once or twice a week.

One day, just for fun, I made a little video of Siobhan painting, and I uploaded it to Youtube….

In October, we were asked for four of my daughter’s paintings to display in Rhode Island (my home town) at the Neurodevelopment Center’s Autism Project Art Gallery. Recently, a local paper did an article on Siobhan and her unique paintings. The story was quickly picked up by the Associated Press and then it was all over Florida and several other states as well. About 2 weeks later, I was contacted by the Good Morning America show. They wanted to do a story on Siobhan. We were so excited that there was a positive story about autism having such an impact on people! I agreed to let them do the story if it was minimally invasive. My daughter doesn’t like artificial lights, loud noises, or anything out of her normal routine. A close friend in the film industry offered to do the taping for us, since Siobhan was already very familiar with him.

I lined up all of Siobhan’s paints on the kitchen table, set up her baby wipes, paper towels, and canvases. (She still doesn’t like to get too much paint on her hands, so I need to wipe them of often.) Once we were set up, and she got her smock on, she was ready to paint… and the film started rolling!

Even with minimal lighting, and just one camera set up, Siobhan was uncomfortable and distracted. She did two paintings during the filming, but I could tell she was very anxious, and she wasn’t into it or enjoying it the way she usually does, so we stopped after that.

The next night I was interviewed on film. I was asked to tell Siobhan’s story, how the painting came about, and the progress she has made. I talked about our Etsy shop, (SiobhansDream.Etsy.com) and what we do with the money we make from the sales of Siobhan’s work. One of the ways we use the money she makes is to purchase more art supplies for her. It also helps us to cover the costs of some of her special diet, treatment & therapy needs. We also donate to various Autism related charities, so that Siobhan can help other families like ours.

And all I have to say to people who think art therapy doesn’t help is this: My daughter uses more words when she is painting then at any other time. And Siobhan, who wouldn’t eat anything that isn’t dry or crunchy, and won’t touch anything wet or squishy other than her paint... started eating ice cream a few weeks ago.

I’ve been told that Siobhan’s story on Good Morning America will air right after the Holidays.

Siobhan will also have a small spot on an upcoming episode about Autism on Dr. Phil. It’s scheduled to air on December 18, 2007.

Please visit our website: www.SiobhansDream.com to see and learn more about Siobhan’s Art. Our Etsy shop is SiobhansDream.Etsy.com.

Etsy in the Press: JenniBOriginals on the Martha Stewart Show

2007-12-07T05:07:00-05:00

I met up with Jenni of JenniBOriginals yesterday in Manhattan. What brought her to our fair city? She's taping live for the Martha Stewart Show!

I did a little video pre-interview (which is loading up) and Jenni seemed a little nervous — more excited than nervous, really. One of the shows producers had found her through Etsy and convoed her. And the next thing you know, she'll be demonstrating how to make one of her faux cakes on tv today! Jenni is here in NYC with her mom and she's really excited, so tune in. I know she's going to do great!

You can read her forum thread here.

Etsy Finds: Television Takes Time

2007-11-29T05:21:00-05:00

Today's Etsy Find is prieto808, who reminds our inner couch potatoes in colorful fashion that we've got to turn off the TV and get out into the world! Among her other works, she sells very vibrant, original acrylic paintings that snatched up my attention and didn't want to let go.

Her paintings make me feel like she's illustrating the places where imagination roams; or, on a lesser day, where it stays inside and channel-surfs for some decent reruns. Check prieto808 out! Her pieces make great gifts for indie art collectors.

Etsy Featured on Blip.TV

2007-11-28T07:06:00-05:00

The Storque was psyched to hear that Etsy's videos are being featured on the front page of Blip.TV! Check out our segment on the Gotham Girls Roller Derby in their "Hot Episodes" section and watch for the Storque icon in the "Featured Shows" rotation. We'll be posting more How-Tos, Studio Tours and more in the coming months, so keep checking in! In the meantime, make sure to catch up on all of Etsy's videos at Etsy.Blip.TV or in The Storque.

Also, remember to send us your videos for our on-going Handmade documentary project. The Storque is collecting videos (and photos!) in conjuction with the Buy Handmade Pledge. Our project has two veins: one for sellers, called "My Handmade Story," and one for buyers, named "Why I Buy Handmade." Any Etsian is free to participate by making a short video that expresses these ideas. We'll be watching and uploading the next set of videos on December 1st, so trot yourself over to the mailbox soon!

To read more about the project and our guidelines, click here. For more information on the Buy Handmade Pledge and how you can contribute during the holidays, go to BuyHandmade.org.

Etsy in the Press: The Today Show!

2007-11-26T08:36:00-05:00

We at Etsy came back to the office today to find a special treat waiting for us: a plug on NBC's "The Today Show" over the weekend!

The mention occurs in a story about buying American-made gifts for the holidays after many recalls of international imports, specifically toys. According to dreamalittle7 (in the forum thread about the mention), the name of the woman who plugs Etsy is Regina Lewis, a consumer advisor for television and radio. She's featuring Etsy as her website of the day on her site, http://www.reginalewis.com.

We at Etsy believe that the emphasis is not about buying American, but about buying handmade. When craftspeople have a sense of pride and responsibility for the items they create, the result is a quality product that brings together both the buyer and seller on a personal level. Handmade is love, and an international phenomenon!

Check out the video to see the plug for yourself! (The mention occurs at the 4:08 minute mark.)