Each week we feature a Local or Global Etsy Team that catches our eye.  Boston Handmade has always been a great resource: not only within the group, but also to other Teams.  We're in awe of the work they have done to promote buying handmade!  They are always sharing skills, knowledge and enthusiasm... and for this, Boston Handmade, we salute you! (Insert trumpet solo)

Can you tell us a bit about your Etsy Team? What's the glue that holds your team together - location, craft, etc.?

Boston Handmade is a locally based team with members located throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The group was founded in March 2007 by Jessica Burko (aka ReclaimedToYou). Burko’s interest in developing the group was to gather local Boston area artists, craftspeople, and artisans who were actively engaged in selling their handmade work on Etsy. Gathering like minded, independent, creative people to work together towards reaching their common professional and artistic goals was the original driving force behind Boston Handmade and continues to be the focus of the group. 

[Boston Handmade Photography Workshop]

What does your Team do to help each other?

Our group originally came together to lend support, share information, and promote the handmade life utilizing our wide diversity of skills and experiences. Members of Boston Handmade lead skill-share workshops, share supplies through swapping events, carpool to shows and team gatherings, and no one hesitates to post art, crafting, supply, advice or questions to our email list. The biggest help we each provide to one another is being available and active in the group.

[Boston Handmade Knitting Workshop]

How does your Team promote Etsy and each other's shops?

We have a blog featuring each member of the group with links to individual shops, and a link to search for Boston Handmade Team items on Etsy. All members of our group regularly contribute articles to the Team blog, and we publish new content seven days a week, sometimes more than once a day. We also post a list of individual blogs maintained by our members, and our blog address is linked from Team member sites. Additionally, we produce several Team-only shows during which we tell everyone all about Etsy and happily distribute Etsy promo items.

[Boston Handmade's Marketplace! Sponsored by Etsy!]

Tell us a bit about a current or past Team event or promotion.

Our biggest event to date was this summer's Boston Handmade Marketplace held in June in Somerville, MA. We had enough space at this show site to include all Team members who were able to attend, and we were thrilled to have room to invite other Etsy sellers from Massachusetts. The show had live music, twenty-eight exhibitors, and was a fantastic day for all of us!

Does your Team have an exciting promotion, event or announcement to share?

On Sunday, October 12 (10am-4pm) we will be exhibiting as a group at the Boston's South End Open Market. There will be more than 25 members of Boston Handmade showing and selling original one-of-a-kind and limited edition works in textiles, wood, ceramics, paper, jewelry, photography, fine art, and more! We are so thrilled to be able to present our work together like this in such a well known and prominent venue.

Many thanks to Jessica and the Boston Team for working so hard together!  Did their story inspire you to join an Etsy Team? Check out our informative Teams section for all the info you need!