handmade philly team blog (formerly known as the philly etsy team)

We Have Moved!

2009-04-17T09:24:00.001-04:00

Philly Etsy Team Blog = New Location!

2009-03-27T18:07:00.001-04:00

Our blog has moved! Please bookmark the new location: http://handmadephilly.wordpress.com/

Heather Ross On life, work, and Pocahontas

2009-03-24T08:49:00.004-04:00

When we found out that Heather Ross, fabric designer extraordinaire, was coming to Philly to promote her new book, Weekend Sewing, I jumped at the chance to be able to ask her some questions about her life, inspiration, and design process. I often find myself admiring the women who make everything seem so naturally simple, so perfectly effortless, as if the ideas have been there all along, and just flow out of their minds and into their craft like easy squeeze mayonnaise! Heather is the perfect example of this, which is one of the reasons I think she is so successful, another might be her secret lemon bars. Enjoy the interview below, and be sure to join Heather at Spool this weekend for a book signing and special project session!

You have been textile designer for a while now, and writing a book about what to do with all that beautiful fabric seems like a logical step. What were the most enjoyable parts of producing it? What obstacles or problems did you have to solve along the way?
I loved the process, but I loved the people more. Working with a publisher like STC gave me access to some of the most talented people in the industry. I also loved that we got to go to some of my favorite wild little places for the photo shoots. I had to learn how to “be edited”, which was huge for me, very challenging but extremely rewarding.

Weekend Sewing is coming out at a time when many people are cutting back on spending money on clothing, how do you see your book fitting into this new, simplified way of life?
Liesl (of Disdressed) and I made a little quilted jacket from the Lucys Kimono pattern, and were amazed that it looked like something that would have cost literally hundreds of dollars in a boutique, and yet required only about $10 worth of fabric! That’s a nice feeling, that we are providing resources that help people to have beautiful things without spending a lot of money.

What is your favorite project in Weekend Sewing, and which projects would you recommend for sewing beginners?
My answer changes every time I get this question! Currently I am obsessed with the smocked sundress, which is so much fun. Lots of patterns, like the sundress, employ elastic thread, which is such such a fun little trick...

Can you tell us a bit about your design process? What types of media do you use to produce your designs?
I start with a sketch, and scan it into Photoshop. I can then add color and fine lines and build repeats much more easily. I like my art to maintain a hand-drawn feel, and have never been able to accomplish that with Illustrator, even though I know plenty of designers who are very happy working in both. I draw and color everything using Photoshop channels, and build files that go directly to the engravers computer. I started doing this because if I just provided my paintings or my artwork on paper, the engravers would re-draw my stuff, and sometimes I would not be able to see my hand in it at all. I have been using a stylus and a wacom tablet for about 8 years, and am utterly incapable of managing a mouse! My friends get really annoyed when they try to use my computer and have to try to figure out the stylus, so I keep a mouse handy, but its definitely the cleanest, whitest thing on my messy desk.

A lot of your fabrics have a connection to nature, something that people don’t normally associate with the big city. How does living in New York influence your work?
I miss living in the country very much, which has driven me to develop some of my best work. There is a reason that love songs, when written while you are in love, sound so shmaltzy compared to the haunting post-heartbreak stuff. You just have so much more to say about something once you have lost it and begun to realize how much it meant to you, you know?

What inspires you, and if you could meet one person, who would it be?
I really honestly believe that if history had allowed it, Pocahontas and I would have been total BFFs.

Can you give us an idea of what a typical workday is like for you?
I work from home, so much of my day revolves around bargaining with my dog about when we will go for a long walk. I usually go for a long neighorhood stroll for coffee wiht him first thing then spend much of the day in front of my computer, drawing or emailing, and as much of my afternoon sewing or sketching. I am also on the phone and emailing a lot, the latter complicated by the fact that I do not know how to type properly. I really couldn’t see a need for it back in high school. Boy was I wrong.Recently I made a commitment to getting fully dressed every single day, things were getting a little too casual and a teensy bit sloppy. Its amazing how much better you feel when you have clothes on, as opposed to sweats and your husbands musty tee shirt.

Two team members featured on papernstitch!

2009-03-24T08:39:00.003-04:00

From March 23-April 26, two of our team members are featured on the juried online exhibition site papernstitch! Please go check out our work there and vote for us! (The exhibitor with the most votes wins a free showcase and $150).

Botodesigns

Jen McCleary

Photos from March Mtg

2009-03-23T11:33:00.002-04:00

We are in the process of relocating this blog to Handmade Philly. Please click HERE to see photos from this month's monthly mtg.

Philly Makes!

2009-03-13T11:49:00.007-04:00

As previously mentioned, quite a few of our team members recently participated in the Thing A Day project, making one thing each day for a month and then posting about it. I personally made it only halfway through…though I was continually making things, the daily posting requirement was very time consuming.

Some members of Handmade Philly and the Philly Etsy Team have decided to create a new project because we wanted to continue to have a place to share our projects and to see what others are working on. Philly Makes participants commit to making and posting one thing per week. We’re defining “thing” pretty loosely - it could be just about anything you make, even something cool you made for dinner or whatever. It doesn’t even need to be a completed project - if you have a work in progress you want to share, that’s cool too!

Want to join? Artists, crafters and designers can send an email to Jen with a brief description of what you make, how you would like your name listed in the Participants list, and your web URL if you have one!

Heather Ross is Coming to Philly!

2009-03-13T09:26:00.006-04:00

Fabric designer and author Heather Ross will be joining us on the Philly Etsy Team Blog Monday, March 23rd to talk about her fabulous new book, Weekend Sewing! Click here for a complete list of her blog tour and interview schedule. Then be sure to mark you calendars for her Friday, March 27th appearance at Spool, where she will be signing copies of her book. Spring is coming, and her simple and satisfying projects will have you whipping up a new wardrobe in no time!

Team members participate in Thing a Day!

2009-03-04T19:30:00.004-05:00

This past February some members of our team participated in the Thing a Day project. Participants were to create something daily and post it to the Thing a Day site every day for the month. Just about anything could count as a "thing," from a work of art to a new recipe to a shop update. This project was a lot of fun and was great for motivation and trying new things! Stay tuned for a similar weekly project forthcoming for the Philly Etsy Team!

Here's what some of our members made:

Crocheted beasties and other fun things by FlyingFox

New pattern designs from RedRedOrange(She's running a contest on her blog right now where you can pick your favorite patterns and win free cards featuring your favorite design!)

Cool jewelry and other things from Miss Koco:

Tomato seedlings, cute critters, and other projects from Sqrl

Lovely photos from Mojoroneno

Daily drawings on old computer punch cards from Jen McCleary:

Red = Power Color All Year! Etsy Treasury

2009-03-03T13:45:00.008-05:00

Here is the latest Philly Etsy Team Treasury!
Please leave a comment on Etsy while viewing.

"Red = Power Color All Year"

You can always search for Philly Etsy Team
items by using these colors:

Red // Orange // Yellow // Green // Blue // Purple

The following Etsy shops are featured:

Julre, Rebekah B, Klaatu Collection,
Jen McCleary, Mattson Studio, Becky Augustine,
Nicole's Threads, Tremundo, Sew Fragrant,
Say Hi Beth, Lilith's Apothecary, Antebelle

This Treasury will expire on Thursday evening, March 5, 2009.

Please leave a comment on Etsy while viewing!

Created by pigeonsintheattic

Philly Etsy Team Members Donate Items to Art Auction & Raffle

2009-02-28T08:57:00.005-05:00

Mew Gallery has become an important community hub for artists and crafters in the Philly area. Not only do they hold art exhibits and consign w/ tons of fabulous independent super-talented folks, they also serve as a meeting spot for Philly Etsy Team monthly meetings and events including Craftadelphia. When we were preparing for the Philly Sewing Collective’s Swap-a-rama-rama, Mew allowed us to set up tables and sewing machines which enabled us to work as a team to sew the goodie bags we gave out.

Once a year, Mew holds a Fundraiser. Now you might wonder why a for-profit organization would be having a fund-raiser but have you ever wondered why there aren’t more fabulous places just like Mew? Well one of the many reasons would be utilities and another is rent. Seriously…I want to be sure these guys are here for another year, because they in turn help to ensure that the Philly Etsy Team and all the independent artists in this community have a place to sell their glorious goods and a place to meet year round. So if you are in the area, please consider stopping by so that you can help support local arts and join us for the fun.

When: March 3, 2009 from 6 to 10 pm

Where: South Philly Tap Room, 1509 Mifflin Street, Philadelphia

What: Beer specials, silent auction, raffle, djs, dancing, and general merriment.

How much? $5 suggested donation

Win fabulous stuff (photography, paintings, prints, jewelry, clothing, zines, candles, ceramics, and sooooo much more!!!) from participating artists:

Alina tees & zines, Anna Burke photography, Beck’s Buttons jewelry, Bell Buoy Press, Boto Designs, Faceplant Wasted, Flying Fox, Gray Nation, Isaac Bushkin, J.L. Schnabel, Jessica Liddel, Joy Stember, KnitKnit, Lana Heckendorn, Lauren Lopez, Leslie Albend, Megan Dorien, Mike Geno, Miss Koco, Nicole Rae Styer, Rebelle Couture, Sarah Myers, Shannon McLaughlin, Sideways E, Tiny Airplanes, Tranquility jewelry, Un De Six clothing, WabiSabi, Warren Veith, and COUNTING!!!

Philadelphia Phavorites - Etsy Treasury

2009-02-27T21:11:00.007-05:00

Here is the latest Philly Etsy Team Treasury!

Please leave a comment on Etsy while viewing.

" Philadelphia Phavorites "

Sqrl & Bee Studio, Allison Ostertag, Handmade by Angela,

Jericas Jewelry, Blue Toad, Tranquility Jewelry,

Flying Fox Design, Boto Designs, Red Red Orange,

Cbeauty, Deidre Ryan Photography, Phea Jean

Created by pigeonsintheattic

This list will expire Monday March 2, 2009.

Philly Etsy Team wins 3rd Place at the Pabst Blue Ribbon Craft Challenge!

2009-02-22T23:07:00.065-05:00

Headliner Band, (as seen in above slideshow): Wes Mattheu and the New Way Down, myspace.com/wesmattheu. Thanks to all of the bands who played at the PBR Craft Challenge! The Sideshow Prophets, Kill You in the Face, The Great Unknown, and Univox

Congrats to all of the PBR Craft Challenge Winners!

On Saturday February 21st a few of the Philly Etsy Team members got together and shared a table for the Pabst Blue Ribbon Crafting Challenge, organized by the Philadelphia Independent Craft Market, and sponsored by Pabst!

1st Place: Michelle and Michael

New art collective, website coming soon!
Contact youngillustrators [!@] comcast . net

2nd Place: Stephanie and Luke
Exit 342 Design, exit343design.etsy.com
Luke Luke Luke, flickr.com/photos/lukeeee

3rd Place: The Philly Etsy Team!

Many thanks to Rebekah of Beck's Buttons, becksbuttons.etsy.com for getting the team involved in this unique craft show!

Other Philly Etsy Team members who participated in this special PBR event are: Sheila of Sheila and Sharon's Cookies, Etsy Shop Grand Opening - New Shop items coming soon! sheilaandsharons.etsy.com, please check out her blog in the meantime.

And Rebecca of Pigeon's in the Attic, pigeonsintheattic.etsy.com, please see her blog for more PBR Craft Challenge pictures not included here, including a fine art photo slideshow and detailed pictures of her PBR diorama!

Honorable Mention: Bettie and Earl

bettieandearl.etsy.com

Right next to the Philly Etsy Team Table was a member of the New York Etsy Team "Beadscarf" beadscarf.etsy.com. Please see the New New Team's, (NY,) Etsy profile, and their blog.

The Philly Etsy Team was also interviewed by Nick Diulio, Beer Expert, Writer, among many other things. Please visit Nick's blog to read more about him!

There were many other crafters who attended this all-PBR Themed Craft Challenge. If you were present at this event please leave a comment with your website information!

* It was just so difficult to include every crafter here, but we just had to give one last shout out to Amanda Shames Illustration!

Thanks to yelp.com for yelping about this special PBR Event!

Please click Play >> to view pictures of their Jenga game!

Follow yelp.com in Philly on Twitter

And last but not least a huge all-time thank you to Julie of the Philadelphia Independent Craft Market, and Daniel the Field Marketing Manager of Pabst!

Please be sure to visit the official PBR Website, and PBR Art Gallery!

More Pictures from the Monthly Team Meeting at Mew Gallery

2009-02-22T16:55:00.005-05:00

Just wanted to post some extra info, to make sure Allison gets a deserving highlight for explaining Google Analytics to the team. Please see below.

Additional pictures from our Monthly Meeting at Mew Gallery, February 2009

Slideshow pictures by Pigeons in the Attic

The Philly Etsy Team came together for their February Monthly Team Meeting at Mew Gallery. Many thanks to co-coordinator Allison Ostertag for preparing the agenda, and keeping us on topic as much as possible. Allison and all of the team coordinators are offering a "Shop Make Over Series," in which they will be giving us their collective advice on our Etsy shops. Make-over volunteers are able to sign up through the Philly Etsy Team's google group message board. Allison also presented a virtual display of Google Analytics. It is an important tool for anyone with a website, blog, Etsy Shop, or otherwise. Google Analytics allows one to track every visitor to their site, how long they viewed, and how they arrived upon your site in the first place. It will also tell you the exact geographical location of each visitor, from city to US state, to international countries. Allison suggested to view your visitor statistics by US State, then simply search through Etsy and heart all of the wonderful shops in states where there has been minimal internet viewing.

Most importantly, we had some wonderful guests, Leah and Andrew, from the new "Made in Philly". Their special project involves creating a "curated selection of handmade arts and crafts for the home" featuring artists in Philadelphia and the surrounding metro area. They expect to launch their first catalog in Mid-May, with biennial printings thereafter. "Made in Philly" has long-term goals of opening a retail venue, and carving a unique niche in the American craft market by featuring our favorite city of Philly. For more information on how to participate in "Made in Philly," please visit their website: Tree Boom, Made in Philly.

Thank you to all of the Philly Team Members who were present at Friday's meeting: Allison Ostertag, Pigeons in the Attic, MWM Designs, Suelynne in the City, Insitu Decorative Arts, Evening Star Gallery, Jen McCleary, Beck's Button's, and the new Made in Philly.

Friendly Reminder: You can find team member's shops by using "Philly Team" in the "All Items Search".

Team Meeting February: 3rd Friday of Every Month!

2009-02-22T16:18:00.007-05:00

Becky Lee demonstrated how to create a Treasury

Andrew told us about the Made in Philly catalog

Suzanne told us about her South Street storefront idea

Join us for the next meeting at 6:00 pm on March 20
at the Mew Gallery at 906 Christian St.

Team Member Yasha Butler is a Featured Seller on ETSY Front Page!

2009-02-19T09:59:00.004-05:00

Congrats Yasha! What an interesting interview!

Philly Etsy Team is on Facebook and Myspace...

2009-02-11T10:23:00.000-05:00

Become a fan of the Philly Etsy Team on Facebook!! And friend us on Myspace: PhillyEtsy Team MySpace Page. And of course, always check out the newest items on Etsy from all of the Philly Etsy Team members; simply search for "Philly Team" on Etsy. (Reposted from ARTisEVERYWHERE's blog.)

Thing-a-Day

2009-02-10T16:39:00.009-05:00

Thing-a-day is a month long project; each participant commits to make one new thing (project, sketch, etc.) per day and share it on the group blog. Here is a link to the thing-a-day blog. Quite a few members from the Philly Etsy Team are participating. Here are links to their posts: Jen McCleary, Girls Can Tell, Miss Koco, RedRedOrange, MaryJo Rosania, Studio Captura, Sqrl & Bee Studio & Flying Fox Designs.

Valentine's Day Gift Swap

2009-02-09T18:47:00.011-05:00

See Our Ad in GRID Magazine

2009-02-01T18:03:00.003-05:00

GRID Magazine is a new Philly magazine

focused on sustainability here in the city

and practical, low cost things to do, cook,

places to visit, ways to lower your bills and

HANDMADE stuff like ours. You can read the

whole magazine on-line at http://gridphilly.com/

Our ad is on page 7!

Philly Etsy Team Supply Swap!

2009-01-27T19:00:00.009-05:00

Monthly Meeting Photo Album January 2009

2009-01-17T00:19:00.001-05:00

Here are a few of our favorite pictures from the Philly Etsy Team Meeting at Mew Gallery! January 2009, 3rd Friday of the month.

Etsy shops who participated at the team meeting, and are in the following photographs: Sue Lynne in the City, Beck's Buttons, Jen McCleary, Best Available Productions, Studio Captura, Mousse au Chocolat, Red Red Orange, Say Hi Beth, The La - La Theory, Sqrl & Bee Studio, Jerica's Jewelry, Pigeons in the Attic, and many thanks to meeting leader Allison Ostertag.

Enjoy!

Philly Team Treasury

2009-01-04T23:20:00.004-05:00

Starting off the new year right with some Philly Love

Philly Team Treasury - Fascinating Flowers

2009-01-04T23:19:00.003-05:00

Congrats to the Philly Etsy Team!

"Fascinating Flowers" first Treasury ever created by "Eclectic Meadow"

Bridal Possibilities...

2008-12-23T22:24:00.044-05:00

The Etsy Options for a bride or groom are endless, you can find wedding favors, cake toppers, engagement and wedding rings, veils…you name it. It’s there. Here are just a few picks from the Philly Team (both individual items and shops) for bride and groom!

Let's start with the engagement:

Athena’s Disciple White Marble and Sterling Silver Ring

….and perhaps matching rings for the bridal party??

For the Bride…

Becky Augustine’s Botswana Agate and Silver Earrings

C Beauty’s green deep sea pearl necklace

Sue Lynn in the City – beautiful crystal jewelry

Glamorosi's beautiful jewelry for the bride

Lisa Kathryn Designs – fabulous headbands for the bride and the bridal party!

….this one is particularly great for a bride!

For everything Bridal…

The Bridal Dreamteam

_________________________

Nothing beats original art as a wedding gift....

gifts for bridal shower and the happy couple:

Make 14 Me's very special and unique wedding vases

Be sure to visit Make 14 Me's Etsy site to read the wedding vase story...

Boto Designs - unique and fun paintings

Allison Ostertag - photographs for a new home

Miss Pigeon’s Attic

SewFragrant

Girls Can Tell - printed pot holders and other must haves

Say Hi Beth - unique and fun magnets & more! (I actually just bought some myself...they are excellent!)

Wedding favors and gifts for the bridal party:

Lilith's Apothecary

For after the wedding….

Great for thank you cards, photos by Allison Ostertag

Just an idea....

Link your Etsy finds through Wish Pot!

At Wishpot you can compile a registry from a variety of sources…even Etsy!

Shops With Sales or Discount Shipping for the End of the Season!

2008-12-20T15:13:00.022-05:00

Great Gifts from the Philly Team!

2008-12-16T17:42:00.015-05:00

Click on any of the items to go to etsy.com to buy them!

Philly Etsy Team Gift Swap

2008-12-14T18:56:00.010-05:00

So I just got back from a Philly Etsy team gift swap. I got tons of great goodies and met some new folks! In attendance: the creators of Gigglepotamus, Gray Overcast, Sqrl & Bee, Nana Chic, Tremundo, Vermillion Frog and Flying Fox (that's me). Some of our friends were there too. Traci of Tremundo was awesome enough to put this event together, and hosted too. Thanks everyone!

Office Mate Gifts from $5-$10

2008-12-11T19:06:00.018-05:00

Our office is having Secret Santa this year with a $5-$10 range and/or handmade (since we don't want anyone breaking the bank or buy commercial since my office focuses on local produce and community building).

Here are some Philly Team items that would fit the bill:

Click on the item to go straight to the etsy page!

Philly Team Has It All Wrapped Up

2008-12-09T20:33:00.008-05:00

The Philly Etsy Team can take care of everyone on your shopping list because there are so many fantastic things for sale! Click on any of the items below to go straight to the etsy shop and buy it!

Check out some of the great buys I found:

For Dad:

Suburban Station Photo $10

Holga Moleskin $9.50

Stripes Pendant $10

Record Player Magnet Set $14

For Kids:

Peace Dove Kids Tee $20

Kitties for PSPCA $20

Diabolical Pea Plushie $20

Boto the Huggable Robot $20

Philly Etsy Team Will Represent at Mill Creek Farm Fundraiser

2008-12-05T09:26:00.009-05:00

Six of the Philly Etsy team members donated items to be auctioned off at the
Mill Creek Farm Fundraiser being held at the Ethical Society on Rittenhouse Square Park on Sunday, Dec. 7th from 3-7 pm. The items include a necklace from MWM Designs, cards from RedRedOrange, a headband, belt and two ceramic mugs from Nicole Carey, cards from Flying Fox Design , vegetable prayer flags from Flederhaus and a framed photo collage of the garden from me, Allison Ostertag. The items will be auctioned silently upstairs while live bands and orchestra members play downstairs. It was really fun last year and the raffle prizes were great.

Team Meeting at Mew Gallery Nov. 21

2008-11-25T20:06:00.000-05:00

Craftadelphia this weekend!

2008-11-20T11:23:00.004-05:00

Don't miss the Craftadelphia! Sale this Saturday at Mew Gallery (906 Christian St. next to Sabrina's) from 11 am - 4pm. The vendors will all be Philly Etsy Team members with fantastic gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list. A great way to shop local and support the handmade movement!

Be sure to check out the Temple News article written about this show!

Meeting Maria Thomas, Etsy's CEO

2008-10-27T10:41:00.033-04:00

On Thursday, October 23rd, a group of 6 Philly Team Etsians met with Maria Thomas,
the CEO of Etsy. Rumored to be a simple meet-and-greet, the gathering quickly shifted from social pleasantries to a vibrant Etsy research and development session. Maria guided us with incisive questions. Her goal was to stimulate an informative talk session where she could be like a fly on the wall, listening and taking notes that could guide future improvements for Etsy.

Etsy's CEO was really interested in our experiences as individual Etsy sellers, so we started there. As we went around the circle introducing ourselves and sharing our stories about discovering and using Etsy, our small group revealed itself to be pretty diverse.This helped with the lively discussion that followed.

*One attendee, Jennifer of jericasjewelry, is new to Etsy.
*Suzy (KlaatuCollection) has been with Etsy since its beginnings.
*Sarah (RedRedOrange) relocated from San Fran.
*Allison (AllisonOstertag) is a strong member of Etsy and the Philly Team.
*Sarah ,our hostess, is head of all the Etsy teams world-wide as well as proprietress of girlscantell.
*And yours truly, Suzanne, is a one year etsian (insitudecorativearts) just returning to active membership.

One thing I love about Etsy is the ever-present evidence of thoughtful, supportive and persistent in-house development. New features and tools seem to be always in the works, which is a good thing. Yet with complexity and rapid growth come challenges. With these realities in mind, our group began sharing feedback about the pluses and minuses of the Etsy interface system as it impacts both sellers and shoppers.

Navigation and search capabilities are at the forefront of any talk about Etsy. We talked about tags, the linking search words entered by sellers. How can we make things even easier for shoppers searching for goods while increasing traffic and sales to appropriate shops? Search results from entering tags can number in the hundreds, with the most recently listed (or re-listed) goods given priority at the beginning of the long list. Is this helping people find the incredible items they covet or is it a daunting hindrance?

Our new member Jennifer was often the focus for questions about the Etsy system. She wasn't shy about pointing out the problems she had encountered as a first time seller setting up shop.
Maria made clear that making the site more user-friendly and fun for novices, whether they be buyers or sellers, is a priority for her.

The pros and cons of listing items was next on the agenda. It is a task that many busy crafters find overly time-consuming. The square format for thumbnails was bemoaned; Is there some way to have a tool where the seller could manipulate their photo within the square crop to avoid cutting off important features? How about sellers that have different colors, sizes, etc., available for one item? Is it possible to incorporate those choices into the listing process rather than requiring sellers to list each similar item separately? Or rely on customers using convos to indicate size, color and other variations, which buyers many times forget to enter? Customers would than have the option to fill out this info during a purchase transaction.

Support features for Etsy members were examined . Many described their difficulties in locating and using The Storque( the Etsy Blog), Community, Treasuries (did you know there was a Treasury West? I didn't), The Virtual Lab (Thursday event where you can log on and ask questions. I didn't understand this great feature either). Improvements seem to be on their way in this realm.

The benefits of teams, especially those based on locale like the Philly team, was discussed throughout. Locale teams, versus those defined by art form, used to be called Street teams but that moniker is kinda being fazed out. But the distinction still stands, and i think our members will agree that there are many benefits inherent in joining a real, rather than virtual, team.
Some of the team benefits delineated were:

*Pooling of skill sets to share for group projects.
*An ever-growing base to ask and answer questions about Etsy and crafting in general.
*Organizing of local craft events.
*Mentorship and support for new members.
*Resource sharing.

The possibilities seem endless.

So, our productive meeting sadly came to an end. We all stood up, drank a little more wine/mineral water while Maria was shown one of the teams' goodie bags from DesignPhiladelphia. Then, as we loosely gathered out front, Maria seemed to disappear. As we looked up Ninth street we could see her gamely hailing a cab, NYC style. We waved good-bye as she sped away to catch her train for Brooklyn. She truly is a busy CEO.

Philly Etsy Team at Swap-o-Rama-Rama

2008-10-19T22:29:00.015-04:00

The Philly Sewing Collective's event today was by all accounts a success. Swap-o-Rama-Rama, a clothing swap which was held at the Old Pine Community Center, featured workshops, a fashion show, a dj and vegan baked goods by Baked and Miss Rachel's Traveling Fare.

Members of the Philly Etsy Team were there, leading some of the workshops on sewing and manning a team table where we gave out handmade goody bags to the first 100 people who signed up for our mailing list. The goody bags were filled with items which were donated by our team members. Swap-o-Rama-Rama was held as part of Design Philadelphia 2008.

Photo Recap: October 11th's Craftadelphia!

2008-10-12T20:30:00.029-04:00

Saturday's show featured live music by David Janes,
(Shown: David and Emily)

...live music and vocals by Brian Dilts,

...crocheted and handcrafted assessories: Jade Vixen/ Mousse Au Chocolat,

...fine art prints: Lemondrops,

...sculpture & handcrafted bags: KJ Buck,

...funky handcrafted jewelry: Klaatu Collection,

...elegant handcrafted jewelry: Grace Christie,

...fun handcrafted jewelry: Bijoux by Allison,

...and greeting cards and books: Flying Fox Design.

Exciting Events in October

2008-10-07T18:55:00.001-04:00

There are a lot of great events to check out this month! Here's a quick list so you don't miss out:

October 11
Craftadelphia, to be held at Mew Gallery in Philadelphia. 11 fabulous vendors plus live music by Brian Dilts; David Janes and Emily Shick.

October 18, 2008
Craftadelphia, to be held at Mew Gallery in Philadelphia. This event is part of Design Philadelphia 2008, so vendors will be focusing on green and sustainable design.

October 19, 2008
The Philly Etsy Team will be giving away 100 FREE goody bags at Swap-O-Rama-Rama which is being held by the Philadelphia Sewing Collective on October 19th. The goody bags will be filled with handmade, independently designed items from our team members. Swap-o-Rama-Rama is being held as part of Design Philadelphia 2008.

Event Date: October 19, 2008 Time: 12:00pm – 5:00pm Location: Old Pine Community Center 401 Lombard Street Philadelphia, PA 19144

Description: Swap-O-Rama Rama is a clothing swap and series of do-it- yourself workshops in which a community explores creative reuse through the recycling of used clothing. ** Please bring clean clothes to swap as part of admission.

Admission: $20, $10 for seniors **
For More Information: sorrphilly.wordpress.com

September 2008 Craftadelphia!

2008-09-21T13:23:00.028-04:00

Another exciting show featuring the Philly Etsy Team at Mew Gallery—thanks to everyone who came out to show their wares and expand the team’s growing reputation as a group of creative artists eager to enliven the Philadelphia art scene. Even the wobbly economy couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the handcrafters and the customers who were wowed by their offerings. This is one cool group and our little corner of Philadelphia is making an impact on the rest of the city. Thanks to everyone who helped make this another wonderful day. Philly Etsy rocks!
Here are a few pictures from the show. If anyone has more to offer, please send them along.
(Text and Images by MWMDesigns)

Ahlen Moin’s science fiction paintings

Miss Koco’s eclectic wonders

Botodesigns’ Japanese-inspired art, dolls and clothing

Grace Christie’s meticulously made jewelry

Becky Augustine’s elegant jewelry designs

Bijoux by Allison’s fun jewelry

Tremundo’s original handbag designs

MWMDesigns setup and individual pieces

Friday Night's Team Meeting: Photo Recap

2008-09-21T12:31:00.013-04:00

Fun Upcoming Events in September

2008-09-17T03:01:00.010-04:00

There are a lot of great events to check out this month! Here's a quick list so you don't miss out:

Saturday, September 20, 11am-4pm
Craftadelphia!
Mew Gallery: 906 Christian Street, Philadelphia
Craftadelphia! is a sale featuring art, independently designed and produced items. The event is held inside and outside. This month's featured artists & designers:
MWM Designs - Unique jewelry made using semi-precious gemstones and natural materials
Botodesigns - a little world of Japanese inspired robots and a plant who is far away from home. You can find the lovable characters in many shapes, sizes and forms: painted on canvas, sewn into dolls, pins, tshirts and more!
Bijoux by Allison - Distinctive handcrafted gemstone and vintage jewelry
Becky Augustine Jewelry Designs, LLC. - creates simple, elegant, handcrafted jewelry for everyday wear.
Grace Christie - Sophisticated and meticulously handcrafted adornments to get you out of those sweats.
Ahlen Moin - Science fiction artist and writer
Tremundo - Handbags created from original designs and made from new, recycled and unique materials
Miss Koco - asian oddities, kinky crafts + upcycled wonders
Friday, September 26, 2008: 7PM
Crochet Basics and Intro on 3D Crochet Techniques / Toy Design/ Soft Sculpture Workshop
Location to be Announced
$15 to participate
You will learn the basic crochet stitches and how you can put them together to make different patterns. Supply list will be provided upon registration.
Instructor: Angela Davidson
Angela Davidon is a graduate student of Art Education in Philadelphia, PA and a member of the Philly Etsy Team.

Saturday, September 27: 3-6 pm
Meet & Greet
Cerulean Arts is hosting a “Meet and Greet” for the Philadelphia Etsy Team on Saturday, September 27 from 3-6 pm. For those interested in becoming Etsy members, the Meet and Greet is the perfect place to get started! For more information on Etsy, visit www.etsy.com (All members are welcome - those who are looking to get to know more about the team, and those who are already involved.)
http://www.ceruleanarts.com/
Cerulean Arts: 1355 Ridge Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19123
Directions / Map
T: 267-514-8647

Photoshop Tutorial - Recap

2008-09-14T17:08:00.007-04:00

Lynn (etsy shop: Lemondrops2) lead a FREE Photoshop Tutorial on Friday September 12th at CBeauty's House. The tutorial included: photograph editing, basic graphic design, designing banners for your Etsy shop, promoting your etsy shop, use of color and use of filters.

[If you have pictures to add to this posting, please feel free! If you are not signed up as an author, let me know!]

Philly Etsy Team Sews Goody Bags...

2008-09-09T12:32:00.012-04:00

On Sunday, the Philly Etsy Team met up at Mew Gallery to sew goody bags, which we will be giving away for FREE at Swap-O-Rama-Rama* on October 19th. The goody bags will be filled with handmade, independently designed items from our team members. So far we have about 50 sewn, but we're hoping to make as many as 300.

[*Swap-O-Rama Rama (SORR) is being held at the Old Pine Community Center: 401 Lombard from 12-5pm. SORR is a clothing swap and series of do-it-yourself workshops in which a community explores creative reuse through the recycling of clothing. ** Please bring clean clothes to swap as part of admission. Admission: $20, $10 for seniors ** This event is being held as part of Design Philadelphia, the largest annual celebration of design to be found anywhere in the U.S.]

Etsy Friday Night Workshops

2008-09-02T18:48:00.003-04:00

9-16-08 Update: Unfortunately, the Cheltenham Arts Center has closed down. We are in the process of finding a new location for these workshops. Check back for details...

[click to view larger image]

Design Philadelphia + Philly Etsy Team: October 18

2008-08-28T16:37:00.001-04:00

Sewing Promo Bags!

2008-08-25T18:48:00.018-04:00

In preparation for this year's Design Philadelphia, we've started working on promo bags, which we'll be giving out at the Philadelphia Sewing Collective's Swap-a-Rama-Rama on Sunday, October 19th. Mew Gallery was kind enough to donate space for us to work, and supplied us with sewing machines...joy!

Meet & Greet at Cerulean Arts Gallery & Studio

2008-08-19T12:54:00.003-04:00

Mark your calendars!

Saturday, September 27: 3-6 pm

Meet & Greet

Cerulean Arts is hosting a “Meet and Greet” for the Philadelphia Etsy Team on Saturday, September 27 from 3-6 pm. For those interested in becoming Etsy members, the Meet and Greet is the perfect place to get started! For more information on Etsy, visit www.etsy.com (All members are welcome - those who are looking to get to know more about the team, and those who are already involved.)

http://www.ceruleanarts.com/

Cerulean Arts

1355 Ridge Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19123

Directions / Map

T: 267-514-8647

Photos from August's Team Meeting

2008-08-18T17:41:00.007-04:00

Video: Mew Fashion Show on Channel 10!

2008-08-15T11:47:00.006-04:00

This fashion show features handmade items from our very own Phea Jean and Nicole Carey! Go team!

Pictures from August's Craftadelphia!

2008-08-14T15:45:00.016-04:00

Thanks to everyone who participated in this month's show, we couldn't have done it without you: all of the artists and designers, the musicians, and our host, Mew Gallery. We really are building a community of handmakers. It's taking some time, but we're building self sustaining micro economies. Good job guys. And to the public: thanks for the support! This show was really well attended. (I guess it helps to have a press release!)

So here are a few pictures from the show. I'll be adding more as Heather Randall, this month's photographer sends them my way. (Thanks Heather!) If anyone else has photos, or would like to just write about the event, please feel free to contribute.

(Images: Angela Davidson's crocheted creatures, MWM Design's necklaces, masks made by Anna Cherniahivsky and Jon Vital, & greeting cards by Flying Fox Design.)

Philly Etsy Team: FRIDAY NIGHT WORKSHOPS

2008-08-10T17:18:00.012-04:00

9-16-08 Update: Unfortunately, the Cheltenham Arts Center has closed down. We are in the process of finding a new location for these workshops. Check back for details...

$15/workshop *unless otherwise noted.

Fridays, 7PM

See below for additional information regarding registration and transportation...

Crochet Basics and Intro on 3D Crochet Techniques / Toy Design/ Soft Sculpture

September 26, 2008

You will learn the basic crochet stitches and how you can put them together to make different patterns. Supply list will be provided upon registration.

Instructor: Angela Davidson

Angela Davidon is a graduate student of Art Education in Philadelphia, PA and a member of the Philly Etsy Team.

Papermaking Techniques Class

October 3, 2008

The process of papermaking was discovered nearly 2000 years ago in 105 A.D. by Chinese court official Ts’ai Lun. William Rittenhouse founded the first paper mill in North America at Wissahickon Creek in Philadelphia!
Papermaking is a great way to recycle all those bits of paper lying around your home and turn them into works of art. Learn how to prepare paper fibers with your assortment of recycled paper and discover basic papermaking techniques, such as sheet forming, pressing, and drying. Then, take your paper and use embellishment techniques such as coloring, watermarks, pressing, casting, and pulp painting to create unique papers to use at your leisure. Supplies: Any paper or cardboard lying around your home! If you have one or can locate one, please bring an old blender too. If not, we will share.

Instructor: Lynn Roberts

Lynn Roberts currently takes many classes at Tyler School of Art and the Clay Studio of Philadelphia and is interested in textiles, fibers, design, photography, and ceramics. She majors in fine art and music. She handles her own independent art business online and is soon to be featured in many art galleries and consignment shops with her professional photography. She is a Tang Soo Do Korean Karate instructor and yoga instructor and enjoys connecting with nature through her artwork and creating pottery with her boyfriend. Lynn is a member of the Philly Etsy Team.

Oil Paint and Gesso

October 3, 2008

Learn how to use gesso and oil paints together and have fun. This is completely irreverent and un-called for. But, it’s messy and fun as heck! All you will need is a piece of wood (any size, preferably recycled/ reused), oil paint (1 or 2 tubes) and some gesso. Oh, and some gloves…and something to engrave with – like a stick.

Instructor: Jon Vitale

Jon Vitale is an artist, a recorded musician and a film enthusiast. He recently relocated back to Philadelphia after living for a few years in Rhode Island and California.

Swap and Craft!

November 7, 2008

$5 to participate

Come join us as we Swap and Craft! What is a Swap and Craft, you ask? It's a supply swap and community craft time followed by light-hearted show-and-tell time. When you attend the swap bring your unwanted art, craft and design supplies (and maybe a snack to share). Every swap begins with piles of supplies, the unwanted supplies of all who attend. Everyone is welcome to dive in and find their next new/ used items from the piles. Take as few or as many supplies from the piles as you like, it's all free!

Now is the time to clear out that studio, workspace or closet. Those supplies you haven't used in forever? Help them find a nice new home. Help reduce waste while meeting new people and having some fun together in an arts environment. Here are a few tips on what to bring...

Fabric, remnants
Notions (buttons, zippers, ribbon, thread, etc.)
Beads (gemstone, glass, seed, lampwork, etc.)
Jewelry findings, wire
Painting supplies, pencils, paper products, drawing supplies
Various project supplies (screen printing, fabric printing, scrapbooking, book making, paper making, etc.)

DIY Workshops: After you have chosen your new supplies, slide on over to one of the sewing/ craft/ art/ design stations and start creating! If you've got skills you want to share, lead a how-to session/ tutorial. Or just sit back, relax and get to work.

Swap and Craft is organized by: Beth Richey: www.TranquilityJewelry.etsy.com and Traci Nelson: www.tremundo.etsy.com. Beth and Traci are members of the Philly Etsy Team.

Sewing Basics (with Machine)

December 12, 2008

Students will learn and perform sewing techniques and machine functions such as threading the machine, winding the bobbin and most common stitches. Students will have a choice of working on a pillow or tote bag. Supplies: A sewing machine if you have one; one spool of thread, scissors, pins, one yard of woven fabric (not knit). If you are working on a pillow, bring a pillow form or fiber fill. Optional: Bring notions such as lace, buttons, ribbons.

Instructor: Amber Zaraza

Amber Zaraza has over 10 years sewing experience. She holds a BA in Fashion Design. In 2004 Amber started her own company, Phea Jean, and she is currently at work designing one-of-a-kind handbags and accessories. Amber is a member of the Philly Etsy Team. www.pheajean.etsy.com

Elements of Knitting
January 17, 2009
We’ll learn the basics! How to cast on, knit, purl and bind off. Supplies: 2 knitting needles (size 8 wooden needles) and 2 skeins of worsted weight yarn.

Instructor: Lynda Schwechtje

Lynda Schwechtje is a life long learner and crafter. In the past she has constructed and tailored clothes (and doll clothes), sewed gowns for a church choir and she was formerly part of the Philadelphia Area Polymer Clay Guild. These days she has been focusing her attentions on knitting; she's made sweaters and quilts for countless babies. Lynda holds a masters degree in social work.

Create your own Stamps & Stencils

February 6, 2009

In this workshop you'll learn how to create your own stencils and stamps, how to choose inks, and how to make prints in a variety of ways including potato printing and printing using freezer paper.

Instructor: Sarah Greiner

Sarah Greiner is a professional packaging designer. She also independently designs stationary and is a member of the Philly Etsy Team.

This Saturday: Craftadelphia! from 11am to 4pm

2008-08-07T14:46:00.005-04:00

As seen in the City Paper & Uwishunu...

Join us tomorrow, August 9th, 2008 from 11am to 4pm for the second of many Craftadelphia! shows. What is Craftadelphia!, you ask?

Craftadelphia! is a sale featuring art, independently designed and produced items and tons of handmade goodness. It's brought to you by the Philly Etsy Team (http://phillyetsy.blogspot.com/) and Mew Gallery (http://www.mewgallery.org/). The event is held at Mew Gallery, inside and outside: 906 Christian Street Philadelphia, PA 19147.

Subsequent event dates: September 20, October 11, October 18 (special Design Philadelphia event), November 22 & December 6.

Additional info regarding August's Craftadelphia!:
Live music by Nicole Erin Carey and Horsey.

Featured artists & designers:
v girlscantell: original screenprinted designs
v nicolecarey: one of a kind clothes, jewelry and accessories
v allisonostertag: photographs and original paintings
v AngDavidson: fun, colorful and unique crocheted toys
v aardwolf: handmade plushies and stationary by Flying Fox Design
v mwmdesigns: jewelry made using gemstones & natural materials
v vivametal: original chainmaille and classic wire jewelry
v LemonDrops: photography, prints & crocheted accessories
v horsey: unique and unusual art

Blog updates!

2008-07-29T08:34:00.001-04:00

I just updated the blog template... If you look down at the very bottom of the page you'll find a link to Lena's website. She did the original template design and I tweaked it. Thanks Lena!

Please give me feedback on anything that you think should be changed, or added.

Thanks!

-Liza

A Meeting in July (minutes)

2008-07-21T10:00:00.007-04:00

First of all, I'd like to introduce myself in case there's anyone reading who didn't make it to the team meeting this month...
My name is Liza James and I am the owner and proprietor (read: designer) of Altered States Clothing.
This was my FIRST team meeting, and I am thrilled and excited to be a part of this growing community.

Here's me (the blond with no face):

On to business.
Here are a few things we'd like you all to follow up on (or take note of) when you have the time:
~ Please stop by Mew Gallery and pick up flyers to pass around the city! We need to promote!
~ send your upcoming news re shows, etc to artiseverywhere (please comment if this is an email address or an IM name? I'm a little confused).
~ Take a look at the "how to get involved" page (website? Please comment with link).
~ If you know any musicians (acoustic or mild) who'd be interested in playing during a Craftadelphia show, pass on their info! Our current possibilities are:
- Allison't fiance brian plays keyboard.
- Sondra's roommate steve sings and plays guitar.
- Liza is friends with young gene buffalo.
Each of these people will follow up with their respective friends and report back.
~ Beth is putting the group list-serve together, we need to draft and
send out a press release soon for Craftadelphia.

Learning events we'll be setting up (and the folks who will be leading):

Liza has started a google calendar called "Etsy Philly Team". Please search this calendar and use it! It will be invaluable as we gear up to schedule events.
Also, we will need to discuss dates for the following:

~ Class on crochet basics (Angela - 3d toys and creatures) this will be held at the Cheltenham Art Center in August or September.
~ Marketing event at Nicole Carey's place in S. Philly. Draw, paint, and print flyers to color, copy and distribute. Liza will lead.
~ Computer/Web tutorial at Mary's place in Fishtown, lead by Lynn and Liza
~ Meet and greet at Allison's place in W. Philly
~ Swap-a-rama at Beth's place in S. Philly
~ Paper making with Lynn at Cheltenham Art Center (other suggestions?) We need old blenders... keep an eye out when thrifting!
~ Sewing machine basics and hand-sewing with Amber and Liza (September) at Amber's?

Suzanne offered to host an event at her day camp in Bensalem. This
can be a retreat with skill swaps (we could do the paper making class
here, for example). They have pool, lake and plenty of outdoor space. - we were thinking about holding this event sometime on labor day weekend. How does August 31st sound?

We'd still like to learn:
~ knitting basics
~ gocco printing
~ screen printing

Selling events we can participate in:
~ DesignPhiladelphia suggested by Suzanne. Ruth will follow up w/ Beth Van Why.
~ Allison's (bijoux by) neighborhood holds a porch sale in the fall (Powelton Village). It's $20 to participate. She'll tell us more about it when she finds out.
~ Amber mentioned an event/ art sale/ craft sale that tours around
from bar to bar: franks, 700 club, etc. Amber, can you find a link for this, or more info?
~ Open Studio tours: registration may have passed but keep it on the radar - we can pick one member and host a group event at their studio or house. The fee is $80 and they do a nice job promoting this event.

Places to research for sales events:
~ Eastern State Penitentiary
~ Studio 34 across from clark park, near the green line cafe.
~ Jamaican Jerk Hut has a nice yard
~ Zot (society hill) has a FABULOUS space... Liza will look into this.

Suggestions for Promoting US, and YOU!
~ Check out a.viary, a user-friendly imaging software currently in beta.
~ Liza and Lynn will be designing a few "team images" (avatars, buttons, etc) to appeal to both male and female sellers and buyers.
~ update your shop info to include info on the team and Craftadelphia
~ CVS sells folding tables for about $20 if you need one for sales events.
~ credit card sales: pro pay costs $30/yr. Recommended by Grace. some people (not in our group) also use cell phones.
~ If you know anyone at a media organization send their email address to phillyetsy@gmail.com with "mailing list" in the subject line. If you know the person well, we could invite them to an event.
~ Do you have a blog or website? Facebook account? Myspace? Promote the team! Post buttons leading to our blog, post about our events, and leave a comment here with your links, so that Liza can include them whenever your name is mentioned!

A few more notes:

~ Sondra is friends w/ coordinator of the Boston Etsy team. We may
try to connect with her to brainstorm team management.
~ Some teams (chicago, brooklyn) add a "teams" image when posting new items on etsy,
Let's try to do this too. Watch for avatars and buttons from Lynn and Liza in the days to come.
~ Liza's going to take a look at our website and make recommendations.
~ Bring swap materials to the monthly meetings (3rd
Friday of each month) to share.

*WHEW*

I think that's everything... please, please comment... your input as members of the Philly Etsy team is invaluable!

Hugs and sauerkraut,
-Liza

two.one.five magazine: slideshow

2008-07-19T22:55:00.010-04:00

Check out the slideshow of photos* from Craftadelphia! on two.one.five magazine's site. The show, which was held at Mew Gallery last weekend, featured Phea Jean custom handbags and hats; jewelry, clothes and accessories by Nicole Erin Carey; greeting cards and one of a kind plushies by Flying Fox Design and artwork, clothes and accessories by Boto Designs.
*Photos by Evan Molyneaux

Craftadelphia!

2008-07-16T07:02:00.011-04:00

Thanks to everyone who stopped by on Saturday! Next month's Craftadelphia! event, taking place on August 9th, from 11am to 4pm at Mew Gallery is already completely booked with vendors, so it promises to be a great show.

Swap-A-Rama-Rama!

2008-07-15T15:59:00.017-04:00

As you can see, much laughter and swapping (and eating, yum) ensued. Thanks to all who attended! I personally (Beth) got some great beads from Pidge and some kid's craft supplies from Angela and Mary which I have already begun using for art therapy materials at work (one kid already used up most of the jewels!) Shanda and Lynn got beads as well, and I saw Amber walk away with some fabric. The treats brought and shared were great, thanks to all who cooked and shopped. I think this would be a great event to hold once every few months and I am happy to host again. More pictures to be posted in a bit!

Craftadelphia! THIS SATURDAY!

2008-07-07T12:52:00.007-04:00

This month's Craftadelphia will be featuring art, handmade crafts and live music by Nicole Erin Carey.
Event takes place THIS SATURDAY, July 12th at mew gallery: 906 christian street from 11am to 4pm. Now's your chance to buy handmade items directly from the artists. This month's vendors will be selling independently designed and produced purses, hats, jewelry, greeting cards, etc.

So, what's so great about buying handmade? According to the lovely folks over at buyhandmade.org, here are three reasons you can be proud to join the handmade movement...

1/ Buying Handmade makes for better gift-giving.

The giver of a handmade gift has avoided the parking lots and long lines of the big chain stores in favor of something more meaningful. If the giver has purchased the gift, s/he feels the satisfaction of supporting an artist or crafter directly. The recipient of the handmade gift receives something that is one-of-a-kind, and made with care and attention that can
be seen and touched. It is the result of skill and craftsmanship that is absent in the world of large-scale manufacturing.

2/ Buying handmade is better for people.

The ascendancy of chain store culture and global manufacturing has left us dressing, furnishing, and decorating alike. We are encouraged to be consumers, not producers, of our own culture. Our ties to the local and human sources of our goods have been lost. Buying handmade helps us reconnect.

3/ Buying handmade is better for the environment.

The accumulating environmental effects of mass production are a major cause of global warming and the poisoning of our air, water and soil. Every item you make or purchase from a small-scale independent artist or crafter strikes a small blow to the forces of mass production.

6/20/08 Team Meeting at Mew

2008-06-26T13:51:00.001-04:00

Last month’s meeting? Rainy, dark, I got a parking ticket (groan), hordes of members present. This month’s meeting? Sunny and cool, easy parking—and hordes of members off for the first real “high summer” weekend. But a treat anyway, three new members on the scene: Angela, crocheted stuffed animals (angdavidson.etsy.com), who has agreed to do a workshop for the team; plus Nathan, photographer, and Emma, sculptor, painter, jewelry designer. Look for the latter two at an etsy shop still under construction.

One good thing about welcoming new members was the chance to review the tips and ideas we’ve developed since we began. So while we were all looking smart passing on the info to the newbies, it allowed us to remind ourselves of what we’ve all learned in these last months—about production, setting up our shops, marketing, photography, and just spread the word about the “handmade in Philly” phenomenon. We also got to introduce the new folks to the Mew Gallery—the women who run this cornucopia of handmade goods could not be more generous.

Next trunk show, the “Philly Craft Explosion,” will take place on Saturday, July 12, at the Mew, and five more are scheduled for the following months. The last one was a lot of fun, with food, drink, live music, and lots of customers. Come join the blast.

Pictures from June's Etsy Meeting

2008-06-26T13:43:00.012-04:00

Here are some photo's from the Etsy Teams June Meeting at Mew Gallery.

Want to join the Philly Etsy Team?

2008-05-28T14:46:00.000-04:00

...Great! Send an email to phillyetsy@gmail.com. Please put 'Join Philly Etsy' in the heading and add a link to your etsy shop and (if you want) a little about yourself in the email. All new members are encouraged to come to our meetings at the Mew Gallery, 906 Christian Street Philadelphia, PA 19146 (held the third Friday of every month, 6-7:30pm).

Philly Etsy Team's Trunk Show at Mew! This Saturday!!

2008-05-20T14:51:00.001-04:00

Team Meeting Schedule!

2008-05-15T16:03:00.002-04:00

Philly Etsy Team: Featured in Uwishunu!!

2008-05-08T16:43:00.004-04:00

Check out the write up regarding Not Your Grandma's Craft Show!!

Philly Etsy Team Treasury!

2008-05-04T12:30:00.003-04:00

Hooray! Another Philly Etsy Team Treasury, full of wonderful things made right here in Philly.

Here's a link, which expires on Wed. May 7 at 10:15 am. And for posterity's sake, a screenshot:

Class: Starting Your Own Etsy Shop

2008-04-28T10:05:00.002-04:00

~ Wednesday, 5/21 from 7:00 to 9:30 PM
Instructor: Sara Selepouchin of the Philadelphia Etsy team and Girls Can Tell
Location: Coral Street Arts House
By now, if you’re a crafts lover, then you’ve heard of Etsy. But what about turning your love into $$ by opening your own Etsy shop? In this class, students will learn the basics of setting up an Etsy shop and a general primer in selling and marketing online. Class topics will include: item naming and descriptions, getting involved in the Etsy community, promoting your Etsy shop, photographing for online selling, pricing your work for internet (retail) sales, creating a consistent brand and visual consistency for your shop, and much, much more!
Cost: 35.00 For more info and registration details, please email Megan.

Sara will be covering a pretty wide range of topics on how to really rock your shop, including: * photo tips * tagging tips * a bit on branding / consistency throughout your shop * how to write effective item descriptions * information on how to set shop policy * best ways to promote on and off of Etsy * using flickr to promote your shop * building a customer base * information on a blog as a promotional tool (if a blog is right for you...) * ideas and links / sites for great promotional items for your shop * any questions or topics you'd like to discuss

There are a few spaces left in the class, which is listed on the PSC site: http://www.phillysewing.org/classes.shtml

In case the email link there doesn't work, the contact through the Philly Sewing Collective is Megan: needlethrea...@aol.com.

Pictures from the 4/18 monthly meeting

2008-04-21T23:19:00.003-04:00

Candid pictures from the meeting. Please excuse the blur!

Urbancheek Interview

2008-04-20T20:24:00.007-04:00

(Interview with Kara of UrbanCheek by Jen McCleary)

Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff).
I am a 32 year old work-at-home mom, married with two small boys. We just moved to the Philadelphia area (Belmont Hills) last summer. I'm originally from Akron, Ohio but have spent the past 6 years in Louisiana, following my husband where his schooling and jobs take him. I should add that he (Scott) is the other half of Urban Cheek. Scott is an architect, and he teaches architecture at Temple University. He also runs a not-for-profit called the International Design Clinic which does humanitarian design-build projects around the world. In my former life (pre-Mom), I was a special education teacher for 8 years. I enjoyed teaching, but my favorite part of the job was the creative part (making materials for lessons), and I've always been an avid crafter.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?
I love to cook, but cooking for two little picky eaters has added an element of difficulty to putting dinner on the table. My cooking over the last few years has morphed from an eclectic mix of adventurous ethnic dishes to hidden vegetables in something that looks like toddler food. I guess that's still creative in nature! I also love to read, and often have about 5 books going at once (which drives me crazy, but somehow it still happens). I do finish them all. Usually. I wish I could write a long list of interesting hobbies here, but the truth is that being a full-time Mommy takes up most of the minutes in my day. I'm fortunate that they still take naps, which is when I get crafty.

What first made you want to become an artist?
I struggle with this question, because I'm not sure I consider myself an artist. I have always been a crafter, and have loved making things since I was small. I was about five when my mom first taught me to cross-stitch and sew, and I've loved giving handmade gifts ever since. Art class was another story. I didn't have outstanding drawing or painting ability, so art teachers didn't spend much time encouraging my skills (I have vivid memories of one art teacher in particular who was very DIScouraging). Perhaps if we had more of a variety of mediums in my school's art program (fabric/sewing especially), I would have experienced more success. Despite that, art was still one of my favorite classes! And I had plenty of confidence in my artistic ventures outside of school, making and selling jewelry to classmates, sewing things for family and friends.

Please describe your creative process (how, when, materials, etc).
It's a two-person process. Scott and I brainstorm ideas together and sketch them out. He polishes them up (it is he who has the natural drawing ability) and puts them into Illustrator. Once we have a final design, I cut the stencils by hand and bleach the shirts. It has been fun to see how each of our strengths are utilized to create something we both love. And it has been a treat to collaborate on something that isn't related directly to our house or kids -- although our kids are our inspiration!

What handmade possession do you most cherish?
My husband designed and built a hope chest for me when we got married. He was quite the romantic back then, and its design is chock-full of symbolism and sap. I adore it. Ironically, it's still being stored at my parents' house.

Name your top five books, movies, songs/musical groups, and web sites
(besides Etsy).
Books: The Kite Runner, What is the What, Blue Like Jazz, The Hundred Secret Senses, The Bible

Movies: The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Amelie, Almost Famous, Love Actually, Oh Brother Where Art Thou (quite an eclectic mix, I guess)

Music: Also an eclectic mix. . .I love Counting Crows, Cowboy Junkies, Billy Bragg, and whatever is on an indie station at any given time.

Websites: Craftster.org is fun, and I spend way too much time on Facebook and MySpace, but I've moved so often that those are the best ways to keep in touch with my friends!

What do you like most about selling on Etsy?
I have seen friends struggle to succeed with their own website, and that is what kept me from taking the leap and trying to sell items online. Etsy is such an opportunity, because it brings traffic to my shop that wouldn't otherwise be there. It is also a great place to connect with other artists/crafters and feel supported. I also appreciate the heart behind Etsy. There is a real movement away from the Stuff Mart mentality, back to supporting independent artists and craftsmen. I'm proud to be a small part of that.

How do you promote your work? Do you show/sell your work anyplace other than Etsy?
I'm on TrunkT and various social networking sites online. I carry business cards with me and give them to anyone who seems remotely interested in what I do! I sell my tees on consignment at Vix Emporium in West Philly, and also at Mew Gallery in South Philly. I was recently a vendor at Baby Loves Disco (also in Philly, it's a monthly event). In addition, I've had wholesale orders from boutiques in a variety of states. Still, most of my orders come from family and friends!

In ten years I'd like to be...
"out of the red" in this business venture! I hope by then that Urban Cheek will be a second income for our family. I've been so blessed to work from home right now and give my boys the attention they need. I'd like for it to continue!

VISIT URBANCHEEK ON ETSY!

Not Your Grandma's Craft Show

2008-04-17T10:50:00.003-04:00

The Philly Etsy Team is joining up w/ the Mason Dixon Etsy Team and organizing this event! It's being held at the Church of Divine Energy (48th and Woodland Ave.) on May 10th!

Please be sure to come out to the event to show your support! We are currently signing up vendors, so if you are interested in participating, contact Heather at zencreations04@yahoo.com. [Tables are $20 each.] Please be sure to include your name, shop name and dimensions of your table that you will be using at this event. Vendors, please remember that tables will not be provided.

We have a myspace page for this event. Add it as a top friend, forward the page to your other friends! Blog about this event! Post bulletins! http://www.myspace.com/notyourgrandmascraftshow.com

Jen McCleary Interview

2008-04-16T12:09:00.012-04:00

[Interview by Kara of Urban Cheek]

Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff).
I'm 30 years old, and have lived in the Philadelphia area my whole life. I currently live in the Mt. Airy section of town with my boyfriend, two chinchillas and a parakeet. I went to Tyler School of Art for painting and printmaking, then also did a continuing education certificate program in graphic design at University of the Arts. I'm currently in an interdisciplinary Master of Liberal Arts program at UPenn where I'm studying the intersections of art and other aspects of culture. My thesis project will be on the connections between the art of Joseph Cornell and sixteenth-century cabinets of curiosity. I also work fulltime at UPenn as a graphic designer, and do freelance design work as well.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?
I play violin- not terribly well since I've only been playing for three years. It's very challenging, in a good way. I love music, and it's been rewarding to see my own progress from starting out making terrible screeching sounds to something that sounds like actual music. I also love cooking- I think it is similar to making art in a lot of ways- combining different elements to form a harmonious whole.

What first made you want to become an artist?
I have always loved making things- drawing, painting, whatever. It's just a part of who I am and I can't imagine not doing something creative.

My parents are both very hands-on people. They have a huge garden and so I spent a lot of my childhood helping with that. At the time I resented having to spend so much time doing work in the garden instead of playing, but in retrospect I think it instilled a love of "making things" in me, and an appreciation of how much more you can enjoy something that you worked hard to create.

My dad had a woodworking shop in the basement and made toys and furniture and other things, either for our use or for gifts. My mom used to do a lot of counted cross-stitch projects, and made clothes for my sister and I too. She tried to teach me counted cross-stitch, but I hated having to follow the pattern. I just wanted to sew and see what happened. I think that feeling of experimenting, playing with colors and textures, making my way through a process and hopefully coming out with something beautiful at the end is what I love most about making art.

Please describe your creative process (how, when, materials, etc).
Right now I don't get to spend as much time creating as I'd like since most of my time is spent either at work or school, or doing school-related reading and writing. I squeeze my art time into evenings and weekends. I probably don't get nearly as much sleep as I should.

I usually like working on multiple projects simultaneously, but sometimes I really focus in on one thing, usually when it is nearing completion. I make both digital and traditional collages, as well as jewelry, but the process is really similar for all three even if the media is completely different. I have many boxes of paper scraps for the regular collage, digital folders of photos and scans for the digital collage, and little boxes of beads and watch parts for the jewelry. I basically just dig through the boxes or folders, adding or removing things as I go, seeing how the pieces fit together. The beauty of doing digital work is how easy it is to undo mistakes. But sometimes good things come from having to accept a mistake since it might push a piece into a new direction. I work pretty intuitively, usually not really having a specific plan. I might set out to make a collage that is mostly blue, or contains trees, but I like to remain open to new ideas as I go. It's boring if I know in advance exactly how it will turn out. Making art, for me, works best when I am able to find the middle ground between being in control and letting go.

What handmade possession do you most cherish?
A leather purse my grandfather made for me. My sister has one too. He died last year and this purse really reminds me of him. I remember going to the store with him and my sister, and picking out which kit we wanted. The pieces were pre-cut, but he did all this beautiful stampwork on it and sewed the pieces together. Mine has a cat and flowers, and my sister's has a horse. He gave us little scraps of leather and let us play with the stamping tools which was a lot of fun.

Name your top five books, movies, songs/musical groups, and web sites
(besides Etsy).
I love things that make me go "wow, I wish I could do that!" Books that make me want to write, music I wish I was skilled enough to make. Even though I can't make exactly those things, I think they inspire my art process somehow.

Movies- I love the stop-motion animation of the Brothers Quay. Beautiful, bizarre and wonderful. Lots of old and rusty things.
Music- I seem to be really into dreamy layered instrumental music lately. Stuff that's good to listen to while making art- interesting but not too distracting. My current favorite band is Destroy All Dreamers, from Montreal. I also like Godspeed You Black Emperor and Mogwai a lot.
Books- Hmm, all I've been reading recently is Japanese history and stuff about Buddhist art, for school. I recently re-read the entire Harry Potter series, just for something easy and fun to counteract all the academic reading. I like a lot of Margaret Atwood's writing. She has a wonderful way of describing things. I also like Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" trilogy.

What do you like most about selling on Etsy?
I love being part of a (virtual) community of people who love to make things, and a (real) community of local sellers too! I think the internet is doing so much to revolutionize the way people make, sell, and view art. I love being able to sell my work directly to people from all over the country. I've even made a few sales to people from other countries. I also love buying things from other Etsy sellers- I think it's important to support my fellow artists.

How do you promote your work? Do you show/sell your work anyplace other than Etsy?
Word of mouth is always good. I always have business cards available at any shows that I sell at. The big thing I want to work on is increasing my online presence- I have a Trunkt portfolio, I'm on a bunch of social networking sites (Indiepublic, Facebook, StumbleUpon), I recently started a blog...It's a lot to keep up with.

I sell my work at Vix Emporium and Curiosity Shoppe here in Philly, and usually sell at a few craft shows during the year. I'll be at Art for the Cash Poor this year on June 14-15. I'll do gallery or coffee shop shows if people contact me and ask me to do it, but I haven't actively been trying to get that kind of show recently, just because of not having enough time. A lot of my mixed media work is currently being shown at Papercuts & Gluesticks gallery in Rocky River, Ohio.

In ten years I'd like to be...
Still making art. Anything else is extra. A lot of people who go to art school give up after few years because they can't figure out how to support themselves at it. I don't know if I'll ever be able to support myself entirely with my art, but I don't ever want to stop making things because of that.

http://www.jenmccleary.com/

http://JenMcCleary.etsy.com

Cbeauty Interview

2008-04-07T18:01:00.005-04:00

[Interview conducted by Sarah Greiner.]

What is your name, and where are you from?

My name is Mary and I live in Philadelphia with my boyfriend and 2 dogs. I grew up right outside of West Philadelphia. I moved into the city about 2 years ago.

What is your day job, i.e. what do you do when you are not creating beautiful work to sell on Etsy?

I am currently looking for a job. I am a psychology student and am currently applying to graduate programs.

Your Etsy Store is called CBeauty, does that have any significance?

I named my shop Cbeauty because I want to remind people to take the time to look around and see the beauty that is all around us.

I noticed in your profile that you say you have never taken classes in jewelry making or design. How did you learn to create your jewelry?

I started off making hemp jewelry. Then I was at an art show with my parents and one of the dealers was selling strands of pearls. I decided to buy a couple of strand to mess around with. I used the internet and written resources to teach myself to make jewelry. It took a lot of practice and trial and error, but now I can make professional quality jewelry.

Your Etsy store has two very different types of products; jewelry and stencil work. Do you prefer creating one of them to the other?

I get into moods. Sometimes for a few weeks I will purely work on paintings and stencil work. Then I will get an idea for a piece of jewelry and I will work mostly on that for a little while. I really enjoy creating both kinds of art, along with many other arts and crafts items.

Do you do any other craft or fine art that we have not yet seen in your store?

I do a little bit of everything, but mostly what you see. I have experimented with fabric, scrap booking, sketching, photography, candle making, mixed media and dream catcher making. I am always looking to learn new art techniques and constantly trying to incorporate different elements to all of my art.

When did you become involved with Etsy and how did you hear about it?

I opened my Etsy shop in September. I found out about Etsy when I was set up at The Big Art Show in University City. I had been sitting there all day without a sale and someone who was looking at my art said to me, “You should sell your stuff on Etsy.” I looked into what Etsy was as soon as I got home and decided to try it.

How long have you been a Philly Etsy Team member?

I have been involved with the Philly Etsy Team for about 3 months.

Have you ever had the chance to sell your work at a craft fair or table? If so, did you like the experience? If not, would you like to?

I have sold at a few craft fairs. I haven’t sold much at any of the shows I have set up at but I do want to continue to try. Hopefully my luck with sales will turn around soon!

What sorts of things inspire you?

I am inspired by everything, but especially by nature, loved ones, and other art / artists.

What artists do you admire?

I have many artists I admire. It almost seems unfair to just pick a few, but if I had to name some I definitely have to include Warhol, Howard Finster, and Keith Haring. I also greatly admire the unknown yet incredible street artists, who give their art to the world on a regular basis even though it is constantly covered, torn down, and destroyed. The street artists that I admire the most are Stikman, Bob Will Reign, Space Invader, D*face, Banksy, Blek le Rat, and Swoon to name a few. If you want to know more about street art you can check out a couple sites dedicated to the art form – woostercollective.com and streetsy.com.

Where do you find the supplies that you use in your pieces?

A lot of the supplies I use are things I find, have laying around, or have been given to me. I also buy a lot of supplies at Home Depot, AC Moore, and Pearl Art Supplies. I get my jewelry supplies mostly online, and I get my high quality pearls at buyers' marts and craft fairs.

What do you think about the handmade revolution?

I think buying handmade is a great idea. It can, of course, be difficult and expensive at times, but I think it is very important to support independent artists and crafters as much as possible.

If you could be an animal what would you be?

Hhhhhmmm… That’s a tough one. I guess if I would be any animal I would want to be a phoenix. I know that is a mythical creature and that might be cheating, but that’s what I would want to be. =)

What is your favorite book, movie or music?

Favorite book = I love psychological non-fiction. One of my favorites is When Rabbit Howls by Trudy Chase.

Movie = I like dark comedies and drama mostly. I love movies like Nightmare Before Christmas, Fight Club, and Momento.

Music = I mostly listen to heavy metal and industrial, but I enjoy many different types of music. My favorite would have to be Don McClosky (he is an amazing local singer song writer, you should definitely check him out!), NIN, StainD, Slipknot, and G Love.

If you could tell people one thing about yourself that nobody knew, what would it be?

I am an emotional person. I put a little piece of myself into everything I make. It might sound cliché but I truly make art because I love it. I just wish others loved it enough to buy some of it.

Cbeauty's etsy shop: Cbeauty.etsy.com

miss koco

2008-04-04T13:37:00.000-04:00

Imagine, upon meeting a beautiful stranger,
she asks you if you want to play with her nipples...

Fortunately, and perhaps unbelievably, she's serious
and it's okay for you to crack a smile.
After all, it's artist Nicole Dupree aka miss koco
and she's got her hands out-

full of crocheted nipples.
It's this light-hearted ice-breaker that miss koco uses to spread the word about Nipples for Breasts, an ongoing project created to start conversations about our bodies, play with art (and nipples), and raise money for great organizations that investigate environmental causes of breast cancer, educate the public, and fund programs that provide free mammograms for women in under served communities.

miss koco prefers to steer away from providing information that is fear based. Instead, her approach is joyful and slightly erotic, yet still informative. The nipples represent something positive: people laugh and smile. To miss koco, it's about charity and being proactive towards making changes she wants to see.

miss koco offers a variety of nipple designs including
crocheted pins, key chains, cell phone charms, pillows,
and my personal favorite and miss koco must-have
golden nipple clay magnets!

A portion of the proceeds from each nipple sold will benefit
Breast Cancer Fund and National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.

miss koco's talent goes beyond just creating nipples and breasts. Self described as creatively fickle, miss koco has her hand in a number of on-going projects from art to film. There is no one medium she wants to work in; she wants to do it all! Although she is overflowing with ideas, there are undeniable commonalities that draw her to a project: the interactive aspect that's about making connections with people through art objects and making something from nothing.

Through her travels miss koco has visited communities where the locals use and re-use anything and everything to produce salable objects. In Northern Thailand, on the "walking street", miss koco noticed vendors using plastic candy bags with added string as gift bags and table cloths made from rice bags. No doubt this impacted and influenced her own work perspective.

miss koco has a habit of always collecting items fueled by her inability to get rid of sentimental clothing and objects. She says, "It feels like I'd be deleting pieces of my life and memory." From stamps to clothing to paper goods, these items always find a way back into her work. This is what gives much of miss koco's art pieces a story.

At the time of our meeting, miss koco was working on a red nipple in mid production comprised of different fabrics/textures from garments she acquired in other countries. A look of happiness came across her face when talking about the piece as if she was ready to pass on these pieces of her life to be loved and experienced by someone else.
miss koco also showed me cd jackets she handmade. Some years ago, a friend was intending to getting rid of wall posters that once hung in his room. miss koco saved the posters not knowing at the time exactly what she would do with the paper, but knowing that in some way, someday these paper goods could be re-used and not go to waste. Unknowingly, this friend is about to receive his once loved, yet no longer useful posters, as upcylcled cd jackets! In the simplest terms, upcycling is the practice of taking something that is disposable and transforming it into something of greater use and value, combined with the thoughtfulness of these little gifts, this is a win-win sitaution for miss koco's friend and the environment!

Similarly, in an attempt to "keep the spirit running" miss koco prefers to incorporate goods that originated from someone else's passion, love, and care. For example, she uses yarn from small family run companies like Koigu, where no two dye lots are the same having been impacted by the personality, mood, feelings, and thoughts of the Koigu artist/creator. When I asked what she liked to shop on etsy for she revealed that she liked to purchase handmade items from other sellers that she could in turn use herself (her latest purchases were hand embroidered note cards).

For now, miss koco is working on coming into her own and accepting herself as an artist. Her goals are to make polished and well constructed art pieces of high quality.
Clearly, this is just a taste of what miss koco has in store for the future. She already has a diagrammed plan for a nipple tent and nipple rug! To find out more and keep abreast on her latest projects please visit misskoco.com and her etsy shop!

RedRedOrange Interview (Sarah Greiner)

2008-04-03T18:41:00.008-04:00

[Interview conducted by Mary Volk.]

Tell me a little about yourself.
I am from Minnesota, and have lived in Washington, D.C., Barcelona, San Francisco and now Philadelphia. I am a packaging designer for a firm in San Francisco, and work with clients like Ocean Spray, Dentyne, Lipton and Pepsi. I am engaged to a fabulously supportive man, Jon, who is in medical school. We have two cats, Papi Chulo and Hamachi, who provide me with endless comedy and distraction. I am really into cooking, seeing puppies on walks, and dreaming of the beach.

When did you become interested in art?
Growing up, my dad was really into doing projects with me, he sewed my halloween costumes and we built things together. I think he really exposed me to using my hands to create. Before college, I hadn’t really ever taken a fine art class before except for the required credits in middle school (I can’t draw to save my life), but I was always into crafts; making necklaces, mosaics, latch hook rugs, making candles. Then during college, I spent my junior year in Barcelona, Spain and it hit me like a ton of bricks. I needed art in my life!

How did you discover your talent for art, design, and screen printing?
I think design for me is 20% talent and 80% really hard work. There are some people who just pick up a pencil and draw something fabulous, but for me, it is more of a challenge but that is what makes it fun. I am not an artsy-type who just goes with the flow and whatever happens, happens. I plan and measure and plan more and calculate and measure again. That is what I like about graphic design, it is a blend of science and art, cerebral and creative. Screen printing plays off of that same idea for me, I use the computer to scale designs and predetermine which colors I want to use, but then I get to get dirty and use my hands to create the finished product.

What things, people, and places have influenced your art?
Spain has been the biggest influence on me thus far. The food, the wine, the art, the people, the practicality of everything is really inspirational to me. Travel in general is always good, even if it is just for a morning walk around the neighborhood to see, smell and hear something new. As far as artists go, Rex Ray is amazing, his use of color and texture makes me melt. I love Nate Williams, he does the most quirky, fun typography and illustration. Antoni Gaudí, a catalán architect famous for his modernist buildings in Barcelona, took some serious risks, and I love him for that. Also Frank Lloyd Wright, the way that he built around the land and the path of the sun, he really began the green movement!

How did you find out about etsy?
I was at a farmers' market in Boston last year and met a woman who sold wooden bowls that she carved from downed trees on her property. I got her business card, and a link to her Etsy website!

What do you think about etsy and the handmade movement?
I think it is great for both creators and consumers. People like me who could never afford to start their own store now have an outlet for their crafts.

Why did you decide to start selling your art?
I just like seeing it up there next to such amazing products. It feels good to have this sort of record of what I do, and if it sells or if someone else likes it, even better!

What are your favorite materials and why?
Paper and fabric are what I really like to use. I must admit that I am still trying to narrow down what my shop will sell. Every day I see something else that I want to try, so it is really difficult to sort of hone in on what I really like to make. Stay tuned!

When did your first get involved in screen printing?
I took a class in college and loved it, but I really hadn’t planned for how quickly I had to move, and some of my creations ended up less than perfect. When I moved to Philadelphia this past summer, I took a continuing education class at the University of the Arts to try to meet new people and to create my "Two Fish" Card that I had designed. It was awesome, and my teacher, Marisha Simmons, was so supportive. She taught us how to create our own at-home studio which I am in the process of finishing right now.

How do you feel your day job as a package designer influences or affects your art?
It is interesting, I love the process of creating something and then going to the grocery store and seeing it on the shelf! I always feel like during the day I design things that are eye catching, and scream out to the consumer, and then at night I like to make quiet things that speak softly.

Where do your ideas come from? Can you describe your creative process (how, when, materials, etc.)?
Just being out in nature and building off of other things I see. I like to sketch and also use resource material from books and the web to create. Tracing paper is a must, and a big fat eraser.

What are your favorite hobbies and activities besides crafting?
Rock climbing with my boyfriend, hiking, going to the gym, cooking, playing with my cats and refurbishing old furniture.

What challenges have you found in your work?
Remembering to create what I like instead of making things that I think other people will like. I have to trust in the fact that some people will like it, and others won’t and that is okay! Practicing drawing, I try to sketch everyday, but it is hard for me, especially people and animals.
What are your goals in having an Etsy shop?
Just to try to connect with people who will enjoy my products. I think there are so many amazing artists, to have even one person buy something you made is something to be proud of.

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out on Etsy, or thinking about trying to sell their art?
Go for it! It is so easy, and it is a great way to learn the basics of running a business.

Sarah's Website: RedRedOrange.esty.com

phea jean

2008-04-01T13:56:00.002-04:00

I had the chance to interview Amber Zaraza, the designer and creator of phea jean (pronounced fee-ah jean, jean as in blue jeans that you wear). Amber's sassy/funky style and light-hearted easy going vibe spills over into her designs and gives them a truly unique edge.

Though she proclaims, "Fashion is so not serious," it is clear that her creative process and the materials she chooses to work with make her hats and bags more than just accessories. Most of her 22 designs were created as a result of a person close to her requesting a certain type of bag. She then names the style after them. The Addy, for example, was made for her brother Adam. This bag, like many others, is reversible, so you get two bags out of one. I love the handle, the pockets all over and the boxy shape.

One of the most interesting elements of her pieces is the wild combination of fabrics, colors and textures she mixes together. This is the show-stopping characteristic that makes people ask, "Where did you get that bag?" When asked where she buys her fabric, she replied that she hasn't really bought fabric in years as a result of the many donations she receives and the fact that she likes to work with deconstructed vintage garments. Bag patterns don't require a lot of fabric, so it's easy for Amber to turn just about anything--from an old frock with a hole to fabric shower curtains--into fabulous funky accessories. Phea jean bags take upcycling to a whole new out-of-control level; you might find grandma's vintage tablecloth with a leopard trim!

The reuse of materials is what draws in most of Amber's custom orders. Clients give Amber clothing they love but can't wear anymore for whatever reason and she creates something new for them. For me, someone who gets unnaturally attached to objects for the memory and history they hold, this was the most brilliant part about what Amber does. The energy, memories, and stories woven into the fabrics could be kept in tact, sewn together to create a new life that could be useful and go out and collect more adventures.

Memory, experiences, and their relationship with objects come up a lot in my own work, so Amber and I had a lot to discuss when we met up at a cafe this past week. She was willing to give me great sewing tips, and shared a lot about her crafty history with me. As she dumped her 5th pack of sugar, followed by yet another half & half, into her coffee, we talked about the great craft community of Philly. My attention trailed off for a moment as I thought about how fortunate we are to have a designer who is willing to share stories and teach tidbits of what she knows. I giggled about how she likes it light and really sweet. I had no concept of time but wanted to talk about everything and ask a million questions. Our conversation went on for hours, but ended too soon.

If you see her at a craft fair or trunk show definitely go chat her up and ask about her bags. Every one seems to have a fascinating story and she's pretty fabulous, too.

For more phea jean, check out www.pheajean.com, and a selection of Amber's designs at her etsy shop. If you're interested in having a custom bag or hat made, contact Amber at pheajean@gmail.com.

March Etsy Team Meeting

2008-03-28T15:50:00.004-04:00

On March 7th 2008 the Philadelphia Etsy Team met at the Mew Gallery. The turnout was great and a variety of topics were covered. Among the things discussed the team focused on some upcoming group shows and projects including the Philly Sewing Collective Etsy Class - May 21, 7-8:30 pm at the Coral streets arts house; handmade in Philly; a possible PA/ Mason Dixon craft fair at 48th and Baltimore in West Philadelphia, and having skill swapping session in which members could share knowledge about their crafts as well as learn new techniques and art forms. The teams change in leadership to more shared responsibilities among members was also discussed. Finally, members talked about ways to improve our Google discussion group. Some suggestions that were made (and have now been implemented) include: having separate pages for resources, a calendar, upcoming art shows, and other information that is important to members of the group.

The Second Annual Mew Gallery FUNdraiser!

2008-02-29T18:37:00.006-05:00

Mew Gallery LLC Announces: The Second Annual Mew Gallery FUNdraiser! Philadelphia, PA - March 5, 2008 -Mew Gallery will be hosting its second annual fundraiser on March 5, 2008 at North Star Bar (27th and Poplar Streets). The event starts at 8 PM, it's $5 at the door, and 21 to enter.

Last year's fundraiser was a gigantic success so this year the girls at MEW are making it BIGGER and BETTER with musical performances by:Rio Vouga Rarebirds Movable Type SICU, and Nicole Carey. Like last year, there will be a silent art auction and raffle featuring work from Hobo Arona, Itty Bitty Bags, Melissa Crotty, Aviaire, j.l. Schnabel, Alaina G, and many more talented local artists! Raffle tickets give you a chance to win jewelry, ceramics, clothing, journals, stationary, and lots more hand made awesomeness. All proceeds will go toward The Mew Gallery Recession Repression Fund so the art exhibitions, opening celebrations, boutique, craft nights, and general Mew Gallery goodness can keep on keepin' on. Can't make the fundraiser but still want to help out? Sure, Mew Gallery accepts donations!! Visit Paypal to send an electronic gift using the following email address: Mewgallery@yahoo.com. Thanks for your love and support!!!

Friday March 7, 2008: Team Meeting!!

2008-02-20T17:43:00.001-05:00

[ click on image to see full size]

Raising the Bar of Awareness

2007-11-26T19:15:00.001-05:00

Did you do your holiday shopping yet? Were you planning on buying your special someone the same gift that everybody else gets at Target or would you rather buy something unique, something that tells a story about the artist from the extra thoughtful touches like what materials were used, instructions on how to care for the item, or what region it was made from?

Please come and shop at our First Fridays Trunk Show at Mew Gallery (www.mewgallery.org) which starts at 6:30p.m. on Friday, December 7, 2007 for some terrific gift ideas made from our very talented, local artists.

You can be confident about buying handmade!

-- Grace

2007-11-20T20:57:00.001-05:00

The Philly Etsy Team enjoyed much success at the Locust Arts Walk on Penn's campus earlier this month!
We sold handmade items by Etsy Team members Oceano, JenMcCleary, MWMDesigns, GraceChristie, Wondercabinet and girlscantell.
It was a great chance for faculty and students at Penn to learn about Etsy and think about buying handmade for the holidays. We look forward to many more successful shows!

Super Philly Team!

2007-08-23T12:27:00.000-04:00

The Philly Team had it's first meeting last Friday, at the Mew Gallery and it was a lovely success of a meeting! We met, introduced ourselves over some snacks, talked about what we make and how we found Etsy, and discussed our goals for the group.
We decided that, between monthly in-person meetings at the Mew, we'd like to keep in touch via GoogleGroups. If you're in or very near Philly and would like to join our group, send an email to phillyetsy@gmail.com, and we'll invite you to join in the discussions!

Also, if any Philly sellers are interested in helping to represent Etsy on Etsy's fall college tour, please email sara@etsy.com ASAP! We need a seller for Swarthmore on Sept 19, and BrynMawr on Sept 21.

Enjoy your weekend!

Welcome to the Philadelphia Etsy Team Blog!

2007-08-09T21:46:00.001-04:00

The Philadelphia Etsy Team will have a Meet and Greet Welcome Session at the Mew Gallery on Friday, August 17, at 6:30pm. At this meeting, we hope to make some decisions as to the goals for our team and get to know each other, as well as make some logistical decisions, like finding a convenient means of keeping in touch.

If you'd like to join the team, you can email phillyetsy@gmail.com with "Philly Street Team" in the subject (please include your Etsy username in the email!) or simply attend the meeting on Aug. 17.