Friday, June 24, 2011

Where To Find the Hudson Valley Etsy Team This Weekend!

School's out-- Happy Summer from the Hudson Valley Etsy Team!

On Saturday the 25th, Lynn of 1846 House Soaps will be at the Pine Bush Farmers' Market in Pine Bush from 9am until 1pm. This market is held on the second & fourth Saturday of each month.
On Sunday the 26th, Debi of Tink's Treasure has a booth at the 4th Annual Highland Falls Spring Street Fair, at 233 Main St in Highland Falls, at the West Point Gate from 9 am - 4pm.



If you don't get out and see the Hudson Valley Etsy Team in person, click here for a quick and easy way to shop local from the comfort of your home computer!

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Member Spotlight - BZB Designs


Tell us a little about yourself (name, where from, where you are now, your Etsy shop).
Hi! I’m Beckie, from bzb designs and bzb paperie. I grew up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania (and no I am not Amish – people love to ask!) and now live in Pearl River, New York.

What is your professional background?
I am a textile designer/colorist from 9-5 for a commercial upholstery company but whenever I am not at this job, I am immersed in work for my two shops.

What led you to your current craft?
Being the daughter of a professional photographer and a teacher/interior decorator, I have always been surrounded by creativity. I grew up playing and creating in my dad’s studio while my mom sewed curtains and pillows for his various room sets. Scraps of fabrics were instantly taken off the floor and turned into dresses for my dolls.

In high school, I won a few awards in the county’s art show and my pieces hung in a gallery in downtown Lancaster. While walking around the show, my parents and I noticed a very eclectic artist’s studio with a huge wooden loom on the second floor. My mom called around to see where I could take weaving lessons and I ended up taking classes from the woman in the gallery!

All throughout high school I would go to weave every Saturday with Bernie and also work at an artisan’s jewelry store making and selling jewelry after school. In college I decided to pursue textile design because I saw the struggle and demand Kathryn, my boss, went through, doing craft shows on the weekends while keeping her wholesale customers and retail clients happy. Ironically, I am now juggling my day job with doing craft shows and creating for my Etsy stores!


How do you feed your creativity and deal with a creative block?
I get inspired by lots of different mediums. Sometimes a walk in the park or flipping through a fashion magazine or looking at home décor blogs I find a color combination or texture that gets my mind going again to work through a creative block. I love looking at everyday items and things that might be thrown away and try to find a different way to utilize them into something useful. This is how my recycled grocery bags and caution tape bags came about – I refused to throw plastic bags out and slowly ended up with a closet full of bags. The little trash bins in our apartment never filled up quickly enough to go through this stash so I looked for other ways to use them. And voila! The zippered pouches were my result.

Describe your work area.
My husband Bill and I live in a very small apartment, so my work area is also our living room, dining room, guest bedroom, and office. It’s a pain when we have company to have to clean up my fun, just to get it all out again when they leave. I keep dreaming of a day when we have a bigger place and I will have a room for my creativity so that I can just shut the door and the craftiness is contained!

Our families live in Pennsylvania, so when we go visit for a weekend, Bill will drive and I will be knitting or assembling wedding programs in the passenger’s seat. He calls the car my “second studio” and keeps telling me he wants to take a picture of me working in the car to show people how their goods are made!

Favorite time of day to work?
Late at night

How did you end up on Etsy?
I was dealing with the winter blues a few years ago and needed to express myself creatively, so I started knitting and weaving for people. Then Etsy just fell into my lap and I’ve been hooked ever since!

Other than your supplies and  materials, what do you want with you on a stranded island?
I would love my Kindle, running shoes, knitting needles, and my family.

Any guilty pleasures?
Stephen Starr restaurants! My aunt started taking me to his restaurants in Philadelphia when I was in college and I love them! Each one is so different, yet each has a great atmosphere and even better food. I haven’t been to Morimoto or Buddakan in NYC, but the ones in Philly are amazing!

Words of wisdom for aspiring artists?
Do what you love and love what you do. Whatever that evolves to, keep it truly you.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Have You Seen This?




I work with my hands.  I mean, I really work hard with my hands.  I used harsh glues, concrete, I cut ceramics and glass and I use paint and stains.  When I clean my hands I have to scrub and often have to use substances that anyone would rather not use.  So after all that torture there is nothing like climbing into something lush, rich and creamy.  A natural and handmade cream for Working Woman Hands.  Beyond The Picket Fence has natural, artisinal products for bath and body made with quality ingredients.

Beyond The Picket Fence has a process video on it's Etsy site featuring owner, Gwen Neucall that is a joy to watch.  "Process video" doesn't necessarilary sound entertaining but Gwen has a way about her that is sweet and gentle, her voice is lovely and what she does is really interesting.  Her bookish approach to her craft gives a deeper feel to what she is making and by the time you finish watching, you just want to buy everything she makes.  You can just tell her products will love your body!

Monday, June 20, 2011

Save The Date

Saturday August 6, 2011 at Cornell St Studios in Kingston, NY
Featuring members of the Hudson Valley Etsy Team
Check out the flier for details!

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Friday, June 17, 2011

Where To Find the Hudson Valley Etsy Team This Weekend!

It's a big weekend as the Hudson Valley Etsy Team kicks off the summer!

On Friday, Lynn of 1846 House Soaps will be at the Goshen Farmers Market in Goshen, NY from 10 am - 5 pm. She'll be there on the first & third Friday of each month through the season.


Margaret of Owenart will be selling her beautiful handpainted silk scarves at Crafts at Rhinebeck at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds on both Saturday and Sunday from 10 am - 6 pm each day.

On Sunday, the Hudson Valley Etsy Team joins the celebration at Hudson Family Pride Day in Hudson! From noon until 4 pm, these talented artists will be showing their beautiful work in booths all around the Etsy craft tent on the 100 block of Warren Street:

Kathy of Gnorasaurus
Amy of Sweet Olive Jewelry
Noelle of Moonfire Studio
Karen of Karmabee
Judy of JSW Metalworks
Lynn of New Prospect PotteryAnne of Felt It Come see, shop, and spread the word!

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Have You Seen This?

You know, Etsy has grown at rocket speed these last few years and it can often suffer from the "dime a dozen" syndrome.  One of the things both Etsy sellers and craft art buyers often comment on is the plethora of jewelry available.  So what sets one artist apart from another?  Care.  Thought.  Love.  What I love about Tink's Treasures is you can feel how much she cares about her customers.  First of all, read her headline and you see she is thinking about a broad clientele by offering easy use clasps and closures when so often those functions can be an issue for many people.  Everything she makes is pretty and sometimes a girl just needs a gigantic dose of plain ole' pretty.  After all, when I hear Tink, I think about Tinkerbell and when I think Tinkerbell I remember twinkle lights and jewelry boxes with ballerinas twirling to a music box version of "Someday My Prince Will Come".  Right?   What I really like about the piece I have featured is it's a  heart ( I love hearts) and all the care in the tiny details really sums up that Tink's Treasures is a store full of love.  You can't beat that. 

Bridal Items in Hudson Valley Green

Check out this post on Hudson Valley Green featuring items for the team.  Hudson Valley Green searches out the best the Hudson Valley has to offer for eco-conscious weddings.  In their latest post, they are showcasing items for your bridal party or a gift for your bridesmaid you can find from the HV Etsy team.  Thanks for having us Lizzie!

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Craft Party in Hudson

Just a quick recap of the Craft Party held at the Etsy office in Hudson, NY this past Friday.  For the office's first event, it was a great turnout! It was a very chill environment where everyone worked on various projects such as recycled planters, indoor and outdoor containers for plants of all kinds, garden markers, terrariums, sewn fabric planter bags, window boxes and more.  And now, pictures courtesy of Flickr!
Craft Party Hudson-29
Craft Party Hudson-11

Craft Party Hudson-0

More pictures can be seen in the Etsy Labs Hudson set or you can check out pictures from the other Craft Parties that went on by visiting Etsy Labs on Flickr.

Monday, June 13, 2011

And the winner is....

of the lovely print from Innersasa is Karen! Congratulations! Alison will be in touch with you shortly for your mailing address.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Where To Find the Hudson Valley Etsy Team This Weekend!

Here comes another gorgeous weekend in the Hudson Valley!

On Saturday, Hema of Anjali Creations will be at the James House Craft Fair at Phelps Memorial Hospital in Sleepy Hollow. Show hours are from 10 am until 4 pm, and the rain date is Sunday.


Also on Saturday, Lynn of 1846 House Soaps will be at the Pine Bush Farmers' Market from 9 am until 1 pm. She'll be there on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month.



On Sunday, Debi of Tink's Treasure and
Kim of Pink Snake Jewelry
will be at the
Beacon Strawberry Festival
from 12 pm until 5 pm.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Member Spotlight - A Girl & Her Dog


Tell us a little about yourself
I'm Jenn Lee Bunker, my pooch is Casey Double Burger Samich, she is a Boston Terrier named after Good Will Hunting, and our (yes, Our) shop is inspired by her! My love for animals and others' love for their pets is how our Etsy shops were born. And our little joke is~while everything thing I craft isn't based on Casey, she thinks it should be.

I work with a lot of silhouettes as well as some vintage images of girls and dogs. And yes cats too. And sometimes even boys.

We live in New York city part time and Garrison part time. Casey isn't a huge fan of NYC, so she spends more time in the Hudson Valley than I do! And while she is super camera shy, you won't see her modeling much for the shop, but she is a great Facebook Promoter! She has over 1300 fans for our shop page and more than 3000 FB friends. While I have about 300.

What is your professional background?
I am in book publishing, I am a copywriter and work in Ad Promo. I am a writer at heart.

What led you to your current craft?
Oh see #1. Casey. It's all about my pooch. And pretty things.

How do you feed your creativity?
I love to sit back and look at all of my finished projects, and especially at all of the supplies I have, and items I don't know what to do with--and sometimes a brand new item is born! Like the Leash Holders, I had wood, I had lovely knobs from Anthropologie... I already had the screen prints and paper and paints...and WaaLa! I really just like to make things that I love and want to keep.



How do you work deal with a creative block?
I will finish up other things, like painting sides of frames, or sealing leash holders, gluing pins to the brooches. There is always busy work. Stickering bags, stamping boxes and notepads! I also always have more than one project going on, if I'm not in a jewelry mood, perhaps I will screen print. Or leave crafts alone for a while and go Write. Or most likely, Play with the dogs and kids! Also looking at art, being outside, shopping (on Etsy and otherwise) looking at lovely colors and things always helps the brain power.

Describe your work area.
I have a room in a basement with new shelves for drying, and its messy and full of crafts and supplies and it is all for the art. I have a great desk top, or two, to sit and do the work on. I have no guilt about split paint or glue. It's a great space, even if it isn't too pretty! I'd love to work on that though...

Favorite time of day to work?
Evenings.

How did you end up on Etsy?
I started buying on Etsy after the local newspaper did a huge article on it a few years back. I knew I wanted to sell on it too eventually. Now I have two shops, http://www.agirlandherdogshop.etsy.com/ is my pet lovers shop and http://www.jennleebunker.etsy.com/ is still transitioning into my other items, like my Starving Artist line and picture frames that aren't just screen printed with dogs!

Other than your supplies & materials, what do you want with you on a stranded island?
My dog! And music, a notebook, and diet Pepsi.


Any guilty pleasures?
Oh, do I have guilty pleasures! Boybands, CW shows and WB repeats, 80/90's freestyle dance music.... And they all inspire me, because they are So much fun.

Words of wisdom for aspiring artists?
Just keep creating! For years I made crafts that were fun, and not very artistic. Eventually I found my niche, and am still aspiring... And still making crafts just for fun too.

http://www.agirlandherdogshop.com/
http://www.agirlandherdogshop.etsy.com/ and http://www.jennleebunker.etsy.com/
www.facebook.com/agirlandherdogshop
www.twitter.com/AGirlHerDogShop

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Have You Seen This?




Two things I love the most - color and flowers.  They can be bright colors, saturated, subdued, pastel, dark or light.  One of the great arts is combining colors and I admire a person that can do it with flair.  Marilyn of Pulp Sushi is one of those people.  Her talent for combining her resin chrysanthemums, metals and beads with eye catching color palettes makes me feel happy!  Though when I think of Pulp Sushi I generally think of vibrant, saturated color, this piece is flowery soft.  The contrast between the confection colors of the pearls and chrysanthemum and the dark metal is a soft, sexy statement.  Wouldn't this be beautiful on a bride or a bridesmaid?  Or a summer outdoor party.  So adorable with one of the seasons flowery, billowy sundresses. It's vintage and modern all at the same time.  Sweet as a "Fairytale Sunday"!



Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Fishkill Craft Fair Recap

The weather held out and the turnout was great for the first Craft Fair featuring the HV team in association with Fishkill Business Association.  THANK YOU to everyone who came out to support, shop, or were just passing by and saw the tents and signs and decided to pull over. :)

Special thank you to the Fishkill Business Association for approaching us with this great opportunity and wanting to collaborate with the team. They helped with a lot of the promotion which looks like it paid off. We hope this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Also a big thank you to Anthony Kulver for providing us with live music throughout the entire day. Click his name to check out his website and sample his music.







You can view a lot more pictures in our Facebook album.

Friday, June 3, 2011

Where To Find the Hudson Valley Etsy Team This Weekend!

Today-- Friday, June 3, you can visit with Lynn of 1846 House Soaps at the Goshen Farmers Market in Goshen, NY from 10am-5pm. She'll be there the first and third Friday of each month.

Saturday? Rest up, and get ready for... (fanfare, please!) Hudson Valley Magazine's "Hot Ticket" for this weekend...
SUNDAY, JUNE 5th! Our biggest event yet-- The Hudson Valley Etsy Team Spring Craft Fair in Fishkill from 11 am to 4 pm.

Get Glassy, Moonfire Studios, Reclaimed Designs, Felt It, JSW Metalworks, AnjaliCreations, Tink’s Treasure, BeyondThePicketFence, Gnorasaurus, PinkSnakeJewelry, ,Digilio Designs, Sweet Olive Jewelry, KarmaBee, Emmi009, LuLuSoaps, Gemini River Rocks, Dough Roses, New Prospect Pottery, Sunrise Lodge Fiber Studios, Carli Bruno, WatchpitolSewItSeams, VirginiaPiazza, RemainingNameless, LiliannaBlue, BZBDEsigns, RoArt, InStitches, HCY Creative, Olive Farrell, Janet Tasetano, LeanneF Designs, Nemesis Jewelry, Mother May I, Artisan Candles, Patrica Broun, Buzzards Branch Crafts, AtMyGrandmothersKnee, Creations By Judy, Curro’s Italian Ice, The Cupcake Lady, and BotoDesigns will transform Village Square Plaza on Main Street into a one-of-a-kind shopping destination with the best selection of handmade goods the Valley has to offer. See you there!

Click to join the Hudson Valley Etsy Team Spring Craft Fair on Facebook

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Member Spotlight - Lilianna Blue


Tell us a little about yourself
My name is Nydia Kehnle I am 28 years old and was born and raised in Rockland County. I have since moved to Harriman with my Husband, daughter and son. My etsy shop is www.etsy.com/shop/liliannablue.

What is your professional background?
I am a stay-at-home mom, photographer (nydiakehnlephotography.com) and a absolute craft junkie. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't have thread all over me or paint and glue all over my hands.

What led you to your current craft?
I think I was inspired by my daughter. She loves fashion and accessories.

How do you feed your creativity?
I am able to feed my creativity all day long. As a SAHM I am able to catch time here and there to work on my jewelry and accessories. In addition to my jewelry and accessories I love to try creating new things... nothing really specific... Just OHHH I WANNA DO THAT.......... I taught myself how to sew and quilt... which I usually do at night to relax.

How do you work deal with a creative block?
I think my husband would agree that I will rarely get a creative block... I may just move onto something else for a while and then come back to it when I am ready. My crafting stuff has just about taken over my house... because I am never willing to put anything into "storage" because... "HEY, I MAY NEED THAT THING."


Describe your work area.
OK don't laugh at me... or do... I have taken over my kids craft table... I literally sit in their tiny chairs hunched over their my table. I have stuff all over the living room in those canvas pull out bins... My sewing machine is stashed on my dresser in my room... but don't be surprised if you trip on your way to the kitchen... when I am working.

Favorite time of day to work?
My favorite time to work is all the time :-) I am non stop playing, experimenting, and crafting... SHHHHHHH I really meant to say... I spend all day cleaning, doing laundry, washing dishes, ohhhh and umm organizing shelves... HAHAHAHA.

How did you end up on Etsy?
I was always obsessed with Etsy. Its so nice to be able to get unique gifts for friends and family AND ME! My sister really convinced me to sell my items.... She has her own shop selling recycled crayons.


Other than your supplies & materials, what do you want with you on a stranded island?
MY KIDS... Although my son may eat all of the food supply in a day. Oh and my hubby... OH and my Camera and computer... OH and my sewing machine...

Any guilty pleasures?
I love a regular soda every once in a while... ohh with ice cream.... yummmm..... BRB going to the ice cream shop :-)

Words of wisdom for aspiring artists?
Mix and match mediums and don't be scared to do something a little different or to try something new.

You can also follow Nydia on her Facebook page.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Have You Seen This?

The clean, delicacy of these decoupaged images are sensuous and eye catching.  The simplicity of the circular pendant and the focused design of the single images are striking.  I love vintage images and the fine lines and delicate detail are a gourmet treat for the eyes.  This black swan is a particular favorite of mine, I suppose because I wear a lot of black, but take a look at what else Retropage has to offer.  Red roses, golden jellyfish, song birds, complex patterns, animals and portraits of women of days gone by.  Some are pendants, some are ornaments and now Retropage offers 4x4 plaques.  Wood is decoupaged with fine paper and finished with quality varnish.  Sometimes simple is the most interesting and in this case it is so true.  I love these captivating images.  Find this item and more at http://www.etsy.com/listing/62638137/pendant-vintage-black-swan-handmade.