Some of our fellow NC Etsians - the Hornet's Nest team in Charlotte - are hosting a craft show later this year - Craft Attack!
Sounds like they've got a pretty great setup - and the booth sitting service for vendor breaks sounds delightful (and coffee & donuts - yummers!)
details are as follows:
This is an outdoor show, organized by the Hornet’s Nest Chapter of the North Carolina Etsy Street Team. You do not need to be a member of Etsy or the street team to participate.
The show will be held, rain or shine, on Saturday, October 11, 2008 in Independence Neighborhood Park (the large side). The park is located at 300 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte, NC 28204.
Show hours are 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. No resale, ready made items, imports, or retail items are permitted.Jurying will be done so that there is a good variety of merchandise.
We will provide:
the park and 10 X 10 booth space,
free parking,
port-a-john,
booth sitting services for vendor breaks,
coffee and donuts during set-up,
bottled water for vendors, and
promotion/advertising.
You provide the tent and booth setup, your wonderful handmade items for sale and a great attitude.
Vending spaces are 10 X 10 for a fee of $65.00.
Application deadline is July 18, 2008.
Please send an email to carolina.etsy [!at] gmail.com or convo SnitchesGetStitches or Happywhosits for an application!
By the way, Independence Park is a beautiful park in a scenic part of Charlotte. Lots of foot traffic AND we will provide lots of promoting beforehand.
We look forward to having people from fellow street teams apply to be part of our show. Plus, others that are NOT part of Etsy are encouraged to apply!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Really Now...Another Front Page?
It seems that I can't open Etsy without seeing an item from one of the team staring me in the face.... and that's a very wonderful thing. The Runny Bunny has made the front page again this weekend. Wow, just wow!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Do My Eyes Deceive Me....
... or are our teammates getting lots of Etsy love this weekend?
As I visited Etsy this evening, I saw that yet another Asheville Street Team member has an item on the front page. Amazing!
Here's a quick screen print of the front page treasury that featured foundling (that's her in the lower right). Congrats to another fabulous Ashevillian on her time in the spotlight!
As I visited Etsy this evening, I saw that yet another Asheville Street Team member has an item on the front page. Amazing!
Here's a quick screen print of the front page treasury that featured foundling (that's her in the lower right). Congrats to another fabulous Ashevillian on her time in the spotlight!
On the Front Page
Well, what do you know? A couple members of the Asheville Etsy Street Team have had items appear on the front page this weekend.First was a pottery treasury that included scrumdidlyump yesterday (a hundred thousand thanks to my friend James for calling my attention to this and emailing me a screenshot when I had no internet access!).
On the front page today was the runny bunny.
Congrats to you both!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Introducting Krys (dreadedkreations)
Most of us know Krys' shop as dreadedkreations, but the full store name is much more intriguing: Dreaded Kreations Shop Of Mischief. New both to Etsy and the Asheville area, Krys specializes in dreadfalls and hairpieces, but you never know just what you might find in her shop.On Her Awesome Crafts:
What are your favorite materials to use in your crafts?
Wool, synthetic hair, embroidery, SHARPIES!
How did you learn your craft or art?
The dreads were a trial and error. Everyone online has their own method, but I played around and wore my own creations!!
Other than the work you post to Etsy, what other creative endeavors are you involved in?
I am creating a zine for needle/thread hand embroidery featuring patterns, reviews and techniques.
Etsy/Business Related Questions: How did you find Etsy?
BUST magazine!
Is there a story behind your store name?
Well I have lotsa handles for different things, geekchic is my hairstylist dig, cherry hammer is my roller girl name, so I needed something that would stick, and more importantly I would remember! I like fake dreads 'dreaded' also being a lapsed gothette; dreaded works for the OTHER stuff I am working on. ;) Kreations is what I do with my first initial thrown in there!
Do you work another job in addition to Etsy?
Right now I am unemployed :( just moving to ashevegas broke me so I am selling like MAD on ebay getting rid of stuff. But by trade, I am a hairstylist that loves the funky!
Asheville Rocks!
What’s the best thing about living in the Asheville area?
Everything! natural beauty and a art scene that rocks!
What is your favorite off-the-beaten path place or activity in Asheville?
I haven't been here long enough to discover that one yet! Anyone want to give a newcomer some pointers?
What’s your impression of the local arts & crafts scene here?
I came from Wilmington, where they *say* there is an art scene, but asheville got it all! And everyone is really laid back!
Random Krys Facts:
What’s your favorite movie? Actor/actress?
LABYRINTH!!!!!!! as far as actors, i love love LOVE the Monty Python Boys!!!!
What quote do you find yourself saying most often?
NO ONE EXPECTS THE SPANISH INQUISITION! ::bong::
What are your non-crafting hobbies?
B/W photography of random things. I love hiking and cooking!
To see her "dreaded kreations", check out Krys' etsy shop. Fingers crossed that her fabulous dreadfalls will find a home in a salon near you!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Introducting Katie (scrumdidlyump)
Many of the team know Katie as the creative genius behind the first ever Asheville Etsy Home Show. Her shop, scrumdidlyump, now features fantastic organic-shaped ceramic pieces, but early in her Etsy career, Katie also sold lovely vintage sewing machines. Without further ado, let Katie tell you about herself and her craft in her own words...Crafty Goodness:
Where do you find your inspiration?
Robots, microorganisms, Dr. Who, Samuel Mockbee, toddlers, Jugenstil and Cowboy Bebop, among more mundane things. I am very spontaneous. I think my best work come from playing around in the studio and following an unplanned progression of designs. Sort of like a really dirty version of automatic writing.
What are your favorite materials to use in your crafts?
I like using found objects to make stamps, which I then use to texturize my pieces. Screws, bolts, weird medallions, leaves, plastic army men, foreign currency, and beer bottles have all been my minion of texturey goodness. I also like clay of varying textures. Really gritty clay is fun to throw with and so is porcelain. I find that I go for totally different textures depending on the clay I am using.
Other than the work you post to Etsy, what other creative endeavors are you involved in?
I have a son. I endeavor to help him survive into adulthood and be an open minded creative individual. I also sew, paint, make books, knit, garden and generally love anything and everything that involves making something interesting with my hands. I hate being bored.
It's All About Etsy & the Kids:
How did you find Etsy?
I googled "handmade keychain" sometime last spring. I got the coolest little crocheted pocket keychain thing, and then I forgot about it for about a year, when I was starting to look into galleries and venues to sell my work (I got my very first kiln in October!)
Describe your Etsy experience:
I have fallen in love with Etsy, head over heels. In my experience it is a very intuitive site, with a wonderful, if somewhat overwhelmingly large, community of crazy creative people who for the most part seem very devoted to a subversive way of looking at the world, which I find very appealing.
Do you work another job in addition to Etsy?
I have an in home daycare. I care for five preschooler from 8 am till 5:30 pm. I also have my previously mentioned five year old son. So I have two non-Etsy jobs.
On the Asheville Scene:
What's the best thing about living in the Asheville area?
When I go to other towns to visit and come back here, I feel very comfortable and remarkably tidy. When I visit Birmingham I feel messy and unkempt. I guess Asheville just suits my style, and my hairy armpits.
If someone is visiting the area, what is the one thing that they must see or do before they leave?
Go to Malaprops.
[Editor's note for out of towners... Malaprop's is a fantastic indie bookstore in downtown Asheville. It's a great place to grab a coffee and see what the locals are doing.]
What is your favorite off-the-beaten path place or activity in Asheville?
The Ashram on Ravenscroft. That's where my yoga class is. I love it.
Random Katie-ness:
What's your favorite movie? Actor/actress?
My favorite movie is Ikiru. My favorite actor is Gene Wilder. He can make me shoot liquids out of my nose.
Who are your heroes and heroines? Why?
I like the Tick because his battlecry is "SPOON!" Wait, did you mean the other kind of hero?
What quote do you find yourself saying most often?
"You can't always get what you want... but if you try sometimes you just might find you get what you need!" I do watch toddlers all day. They are big into "want," and they also seemed stunned to the point of distraction by advice in the form of a song.
To see more of Katie's work, check out her Etsy shop or catch her once a month vending outside Earth Fare in West Asheville. Katie does live shows as well, including the Asheville Home Show and LAAFF. She's everywhere!!!
Monday, June 2, 2008
Introducing Liz (cozyblue)
An Etsian since September 2006, Liz is one of the two founders of the Asheville Etsy Street Team. Her shop, cozyblue, began with a few dolls, some aprons, and lots of knit hats for the little ones. Since then, she's expanded her products to include toys, button flowers, flag banners, zippy pouches, blankets, and wool felt crowns. Sold exclusively on Etsy, her colorful and fun items are a delight to see.
About The Crafts She Creates:
What are your favorite materials to use in your crafts?
I really like to use natural materials when I can - soft merino wool yarn, wool felt, cotton fabric - also vintage fabrics, trims, and buttons.
Where do you find your inspiration?
I find inspiration in so many places. A lot of my inspiration comes from my children - kids are naturally SO creative - it's irresistable! My daughters' drawings; her love of animals, nature, and the world around us; the illustrations in the books we read together; the 'pretend play' games that she creates - it's all so imaginative, colorful, and fun. I also love to find inspiration in new fabrics, all things vintage, and japanese crafts.
How did you learn your craft or art?
Most of my crafting is self-taught. My mom taught me to use a sewing machine and read patterns when I was young. Those skills have definitely stuck with me, and everything else I've figured out along the way! I've always been a real DIY-er, and I love teaching myself new techniques, using new materials, and seeing new ideas unfold in the process.
On Etsy and Her Other Jobs:
How did you find Etsy?
A friend of mine opened a shop on Etsy. Soon after, I checked out her shop, browsed around etsy, and loved it! With some gentle nudges from good friends and family, I got my shop up and running, and was hopelessly addicted (and still am)!
Do you work another job in addition to Etsy? If so, what is it?
My most important (and very full-time) job is being the best mom I can be to my two kids - they are 4 1/2 years old (Adella), and 7 months old (Griffin). I also work as a nurse in a long-term care facility, where I've worked weekends for about 4 years.
How do you balance Etsy with other commitments?
It's a hard balance sometimes. right now, while my kids are at such a wonderfully young age, family takes top priority, and I'm pretty limited in the amount of crafting I can do. I have to prioritize on a day-to-day basis. some days I am able to devote a lot of really productive time to etsy, and other days not at all. I squeeze in my etsy time whenever I can get it! I often wish I had more time to concentrate on etsy-related things, but for now I just do what I can without overextending myself. it's really important to me to keep my creating at an enjoyable level - making the things I love and getting my stuff 'out there' a little bit at a time.
Do you have any advice to someone who is new to Etsy?
Get involved! Take time to poke around and participate in all the great things etsy has to offer - forums, virtual labs, the storque newsletter, showcases, treasuries - there are so many great folks on etsy. The more involved you get, the more you make yourself seen, and the more opportunities you can create for yourself.
And - pictures are important! Take the time to learn to shoot great photos - they make all the difference.
About the Local Scene:
What’s the best thing about living in the Asheville area?
There's just so much happening here! Arts and crafts, music, outdoor activites, great schools and opportunities for kids, the natural beauty all around, the great sense of community, lots of progressive movements happening - I could go on and on - we love Asheville!
What is your favorite off-the-beaten path place or activity in Asheville?
Well, I guess our most frequented places are parks and playgrounds :) but another fun event we look forward to each summer is the Shindig on the Green - every saturday downtown - old-timers and bluegrass pickers, cloggers, and performers - everyone just brings a picnic blanket and hangs out, enjoying the summer evenings together.
What’s your vote for best place to eat in Asheville?
We always enjoy the asheville pizza & brewing co - good food, great brews, and a super-laid back, fun atmosphere.
Random Liz Facts:
What’s your favorite movie? Actor/actress?
I'm a big movie fan, and I have many favorites. My all-time favorite is The Princess Bride. It's got it all - fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles...!
What was the last book you read? Did you like it?
Right now i'm reading 'eat, pray, love' - by Elizabeth Gilbert. Love it!
About The Crafts She Creates:
What are your favorite materials to use in your crafts?
I really like to use natural materials when I can - soft merino wool yarn, wool felt, cotton fabric - also vintage fabrics, trims, and buttons.
Where do you find your inspiration?
I find inspiration in so many places. A lot of my inspiration comes from my children - kids are naturally SO creative - it's irresistable! My daughters' drawings; her love of animals, nature, and the world around us; the illustrations in the books we read together; the 'pretend play' games that she creates - it's all so imaginative, colorful, and fun. I also love to find inspiration in new fabrics, all things vintage, and japanese crafts.
How did you learn your craft or art?
Most of my crafting is self-taught. My mom taught me to use a sewing machine and read patterns when I was young. Those skills have definitely stuck with me, and everything else I've figured out along the way! I've always been a real DIY-er, and I love teaching myself new techniques, using new materials, and seeing new ideas unfold in the process.
On Etsy and Her Other Jobs:
How did you find Etsy?
A friend of mine opened a shop on Etsy. Soon after, I checked out her shop, browsed around etsy, and loved it! With some gentle nudges from good friends and family, I got my shop up and running, and was hopelessly addicted (and still am)!
Do you work another job in addition to Etsy? If so, what is it?
My most important (and very full-time) job is being the best mom I can be to my two kids - they are 4 1/2 years old (Adella), and 7 months old (Griffin). I also work as a nurse in a long-term care facility, where I've worked weekends for about 4 years.
How do you balance Etsy with other commitments?
It's a hard balance sometimes. right now, while my kids are at such a wonderfully young age, family takes top priority, and I'm pretty limited in the amount of crafting I can do. I have to prioritize on a day-to-day basis. some days I am able to devote a lot of really productive time to etsy, and other days not at all. I squeeze in my etsy time whenever I can get it! I often wish I had more time to concentrate on etsy-related things, but for now I just do what I can without overextending myself. it's really important to me to keep my creating at an enjoyable level - making the things I love and getting my stuff 'out there' a little bit at a time.
Do you have any advice to someone who is new to Etsy?
Get involved! Take time to poke around and participate in all the great things etsy has to offer - forums, virtual labs, the storque newsletter, showcases, treasuries - there are so many great folks on etsy. The more involved you get, the more you make yourself seen, and the more opportunities you can create for yourself.
And - pictures are important! Take the time to learn to shoot great photos - they make all the difference.
About the Local Scene:
What’s the best thing about living in the Asheville area?
There's just so much happening here! Arts and crafts, music, outdoor activites, great schools and opportunities for kids, the natural beauty all around, the great sense of community, lots of progressive movements happening - I could go on and on - we love Asheville!
What is your favorite off-the-beaten path place or activity in Asheville?
Well, I guess our most frequented places are parks and playgrounds :) but another fun event we look forward to each summer is the Shindig on the Green - every saturday downtown - old-timers and bluegrass pickers, cloggers, and performers - everyone just brings a picnic blanket and hangs out, enjoying the summer evenings together.
What’s your vote for best place to eat in Asheville?
We always enjoy the asheville pizza & brewing co - good food, great brews, and a super-laid back, fun atmosphere.
Random Liz Facts:
What’s your favorite movie? Actor/actress?
I'm a big movie fan, and I have many favorites. My all-time favorite is The Princess Bride. It's got it all - fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles...!
What was the last book you read? Did you like it?
Right now i'm reading 'eat, pray, love' - by Elizabeth Gilbert. Love it!
Bags Everywhere!
How many Etsians does it take to make a bag? We're not sure but eight of our team members whipped out 50+ promo bags in record time yesterday. To be given out at the Home Show on July 12th and at the Lexington Avenue Arts & Fun Festival in Septemer, these colorful cloth bags will hold all kinds of promo goodies, including business cards and samples. If you're one of the first to visit us at the shows, one of these fabulous bags and all the goodies inside could be yours!
Thanks to Katie (scrumdidlyump) for the generous use of her home to do this project. Thanks also to all the fabulous Etsians who donated their time, knowledge and spare fabric to make this happen: wonderland5, pliabletrade, therunnybunny, merkabajewelry, theflyingtrapeze, and woolenphoenix. You guys rock!
Thanks to Katie (scrumdidlyump) for the generous use of her home to do this project. Thanks also to all the fabulous Etsians who donated their time, knowledge and spare fabric to make this happen: wonderland5, pliabletrade, therunnybunny, merkabajewelry, theflyingtrapeze, and woolenphoenix. You guys rock!
Giving our H(Arts) Away
Hello everyone! Colleen’s Creative here : )
Now I know we are of course here on Etsy to be selling our work, but do you ever feel that in the process, you are giving little pieces of your H(Art) away?
This weekend I was leaving the parking lot after buying fabric in our small little town and I got the most enthusiastic response from a group of strangers about my Secret Pocket Star Purse. When these wonderful people stopped me, I was thrilled! But…conversely, I realized, unless I really really really : ) KNOW that they love it as much as I love do- it is not going to leave my hands!
Well, this is just not a practical attitude! But it is SO hard the few times I have sold something, to let go! I anxiously await feedback so I know my H(Art) has arrived safely and pray they let me know. What about you?
How about we all edit this post by adding pictures with what we H(Art) most in our own shops. Or - something you won't even list because you love it too much. Sound good? And lets remember to let others know how much we appreciate their Harts.
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