2012 New Year's Resolutions with HVNY

2011 was a great year for us and we took some pretty big steps to getting out name out there.  We had more events as a team, participated in more markets, had a team tent at HudsonFest, and a Pop-Up store which has been hugely successful!  We can't wait to see what 2012 will have in store for us.  We continue to grow as a group and as small businesses, here are some of our wishes for the upcoming year....

I hope in 2012 I can take Pulp Sushi on the road and do a craft show out of state. And also get my jewelry into more stores too. :) - Marilyn from Pulp Sushi

I hope in 2012 I can get my work into more galleries, become organized and find more shops to carry my kids' monsters.  - Jess from Knot By Gran'ma


In 2012, i hope to find some time to get back to FUN art stuff... not just HAVE TO stuff. And I want to write/record a rock album.  - Chris from Remaining Nameless


Hope in 2012 I can produce enough pots for a really big shows.  - Lynn from New Prospect Pottery


This upcoming year I'm going to work on increasing my online presence and sales, find more stores to carry my line(s), and focus on finding (and getting in to!) better shows. - Judy from JSWMetalworks


My goal is the same as last year (haha that's not a good thing!): to put together a print catalogue and update my website so I can start approaching shops.   I have a second goal for the second part of the year: develop a professional social media presence in whatever seems most natural and comfortable (Facebook, blog, twitter?) - Amy from Sweet Olive Jewelry


In 2012, I would like to expand my line with unisex items, items for men, and items that will be marketable for year-round use. I am experimenting with non-traditional fibers for these projects. I will continue to participate in higher-end shows that have proven track records, try to bump-up my online sales and perhaps seek out stores to carry my items as well. Oh, and losing 10 more pounds doing Zumba would be nice as well. - Kathyrn from Huzzah Handmade


I am going to focus on creating items that i actually enjoy knitting (dolls etc) keep spinning, and refocus on soap, since that seems to be where I have the most demand. Michele from The Knit Chix & LuLu's Soap Co


I think I'll commit to not over commiting! - Becky from Gemini River Rocks


No more dinky shows! :) More items, more items, more items. Pushing 'Our Table' to the next level (Lynn....no laughing.....it's a process and I know we (I) haven't even come close to 'a' level. roflol). More organization on the inventory side...oh.....and the tax side too. Applefest, Bethel Woods, Woodstock New Paltz Craft Fair.........maybe another pop up (woo hoo!). Design design design. :) - Shannon from Sunrise Lodge Fiber Studio


More bead weaving - this is what I really love to do. List, list, list! On Etsy & my own website. Better record keeping - I keep everything, but I let months & months build up in folders before entering my sales & expenses, until it's a huge ordeal to catch up!  - Debi from Tink's Treasure

Some of my goals for next year include: Doing my first craft fair.  Hosting an Open House at Mother's Day and Christmas. Submitting more designs to magazines and blogs. Getting more organized. Being kinder to myself. List items more often. Attend Bead Fest. Take at least 1 jewelry related class. Schedule time to create so it doesn't get tossed to the side when I get busy with family and salon obligations. - Shannon from For My Sweet Daughter

A big one for me is determining the best advertising & online marketing strategies for the store! - Karen from Karmabee

Happy Hanukkah!

From your friends in the Hudson Valley Etsy Team....

Where To Find The Hudson Valley Etsy Team This Weekend!

It's not too late to finish your holiday shopping! Come catch the last few fairs of the season and enjoy the gift of giving handmade.

On Saturday, Virginia of Cerulean Blue will host  a holiday home sale  at  63 Falconer St. in Beacon    from 10 am - 5 pm. For details call 845-765-1938.   
                                              
Virginia will also have a booth at the Beacon Farmers' Market at the Beacon Sloop Club on Sunday the 18th from 11am-3pm.  

Ceruleanblue

                                                  
Marilyn of  Pulp Sushi and Kathy of Gnorasaurus  will both have booths at the Yelp Holiday Market in SoHo, 82 Mercer (at Spring) in NYC. The show will be held both Saturday and Sunday from 12 pm - 6 pm each day.                                                                                     

Pulp Sushi

Gnorasaurus

Becky of Gemini River Rocks will be at the Catskill Mountain Artisan's Guild show at Belleayre Ski Center on  Rte 28, Belleayre Mountain   on Saturday and Sunday from 9 am - 5 pm daily.

Gemini River Rocks

And you can always stop in to the Hudson Valley Handmade! Pop-up Shop in Pine Bush. Lots of new, beautiful one-of-a-kind crafts are still coming in to re-stock the shelves.                                            

Where To Find the Hudson Valley Etsy Team This Weekend

As you know, the hot ticket this weekend is the Hudson Valley Etsy Team's Holiday Craft Fair at the Howland Cutural Center in Beacon from 11 am until 9 pm on Saturday. You'll find an amazing assortment of perfect gifts for you & your loved ones, from Anjali Creations, Faith Adams Ceramics, JSWMetalworks, Pulp Sushi, RoArt, Reclaimed Designs, Karmabee, Gnorasaurus, Tink's Treasure, The Knit Chix, James Zellinger, Margot Kingon, Beth Poag, Kokma Toys, SidePony, 3 Petites Madeleines, Stephen Knowles, Molly's Purl , Beyond The Picket Fence , Spinning Mule Fibers, and more!


If you're further north on Saturday, check out the Gnorasaurus booth at the Hudson Valley Sudbury School's 5th Annual Winter Gift Fair from 10 am - 6 pm, and if you're further south, visit Laura of Beacon Knits at the Holiday Shop at PS321, 180 7th Avenue in Brooklyn from 10am-5pm.

Howland Holiday Craft Fair Sneak Peek!

Just wanted to give you a taste of who will be vending at our Holiday Craft Fair this Saturday! The banners below are just members of the team who will be there. There will also be vendors from the area selling their handmade wares, and don't forget about our raffle!





Thank you Bard College!

On behalf of the team, special thanks to Bard College for having us as part of your wonderful show.  Here are some pictures of us taken by Judy from JSWMetalworks

 Gemini River Rocks

 Felt It

 Gnorasaurus

JSWMetalworks

 Karmabee

 Molly's Purl

Pulp Sushi

We hope you'll have us back next year!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/geminiriverrocks

Holiday Gift Guide: The Teen Girl

I'm in my 30's now, but it doesn't take much to think back to those years between ages 14 and 18 when I was struggling to define my identity while still fitting in among my peers.  It was tough back then because we were all shopping at the same mall, but happily these days it's much easier to find unique accessories to help your teen create her own style.

Song Bird Mini Harmonica Necklace

This pretty little harmonica necklace is perfect whether or not the recipient is a musician - great for annoying parents and composing music on the road. The bird charm adds a feminine touch to the 24 inch brass chain.

City Skyline Custom TOMS Shoes

Does your teen dream of moving to the big city when she grows up?  Get her a pair of custom painted TOMS shoes.  She can sport her favorite city skyline TOMS shoes are incredibly comfortable and give back to those in need.  Artist Shawna Handke also contributes part of her profits to The Mocha Club.

Lady Skeleton Brooch - Pink, Black and Purple

Looks like a sweet old-timey cameo brooch from far away, but up close you're in for a little surprise.  The teen in your life will appreciate the shock value and the pretty colors!

Fingerless Gloves

"You'll catch your death of cold!" mom yells as her daughter runs out of the house in a t-shirt in the middle of a blizzard.  But these fingerless gloves look cool, keeps fingers free for text messaging, and still offers some protection from the elements.

Zip Pouch in Coral Red

This zip pouch is small enough to fit in a backpack or purse and is great for makeup, loose change, or can be used as a pencil case for school (they still use pencils, right?)

Holiday Craft Fair - Beacon NY - Sat December 10th

Our 2nd annual Hudson Valley Etsy Team Holiday Craft Fair is fast approaching - Saturday December 10th!  This year we will also have drawings featuring handmade items from our members you can win for yourself or give as a gift.  December 10th is the last 2nd Saturday in Beacon before Christmas.  It will also be the city's tree lighting later that evening.

For only one dollar ($1) a ticket, you place your ticket in a basket designated for the item you want. The first 35 people get 4 free tix, you write your name and number on the ticket.  Winners will be announced by the end of the day and you will be notified.  We can call you at the end of the day to pick up your item, or it will be held for you for up to a week.

Where To Find the Hudson Valley Etsy Team This Weekend-- And Then Some!

Okay, I'm just going to launch right into this because we have SO MUCH going on!


TONIGHT! From 6 until 9 pm, Elena of Tickled Pink Knits will be participating in a very special shopping event at the West Elm & Etsy Holiday Pop Up Shop at the West Elm store, at 1870 Broadway on the Upper West Side. This would be a perfect opportunity for those of you who work in NYC and want to catch a little extra shopping before heading back home!

Tickled Pink Knits

Anjali Creations

Thursday  through Saturday, Elena  heads "upstate" to join Hema of Anjali Creations for the ArtsWestchester Holiday Boutique held at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue in White Plains, NY.
The show begins with an opening reception on Thursday from 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm, continuing with Friday and Saturday hours from 11 am - 6 pm and Sunday hours from 11 am - 4 pm.

On Friday December 2, you will not want to miss the 8th Annual Bard College Holiday Craft Fair in Annandale-on-Hudson! It's a great event featuring work from student artists and local crafters. Look for the following Team members:

Kathy of  Gnorasaurus

Gnorasaurus

Neely of NellsBelles

NellsBelles

Audrey of Molly's Purl

Molly's Purl

Karen  of Karmabee 

Karmabee

Judy of JSWMetalworks 

JSW Metalworks

Marilyn of Pulp Sushi 

Pulp Sushi

and Becky of Gemini River Rocks

Gemini River Rocks

On Saturday, December 3, the Primrose Elementary School in Somers, NY will host Hema of Anjali Creations and Judy of JSW Metalworks for their annual holiday fair. Hours are 10 am - 4 pm.

Spice Grove Designs

Get Glassy

Also on Saturday, Charlotte  of Spice Grove Designs will have a booth at the  Christmas Craft and Vendor Day Hewitt, NJ from 10am - 4pm, and Patti of Get Glassy will be at the Sloatsburg Library Holiday Vendor Fair in Sloatsburg, NY from 10 am - 4 pm.





Kathryn of Huzzah Handmade will have a booth at the Holiday Market at Bethel Woods in White Lake. The show will take place on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am - 4 pm.

Huzzah Handmade

On Sunday, Virginia of Ceruleanblue will be at the Beacon Farmers Market in  Beacon from 10 am - 4 pm, and Hema of Anjali Creations proves that three's a charm with another show at the Montebello Jewish Center on Montebello Road in Montebello, NY. Hours are 11 am - 3 pm.

Ceruleanblue

Also on Sunday, Audrey of Molly's Purl will be having a trunk show in midtown Manhattan:

And if that just isn't enough for you, why not stop into the Hudson Valley Handmade! Pop-Up Shop in Pine Bush? They are open the following hours: Thursday 11 am - 8 pm; Friday 11 am - 7 pm, Saturday 11 am - 6 pm, and Sunday 12 am - 4 pm.

Happy Shopping!