What's New In June

Our newsletter is back!  Our June newsletter went out last week which you can check out here but if you want you get it in our inbox, please sign up for our newsletter. 

Ok let's see what was new items came out in June from the team!

Red Brass & Agate Slice Pendant from Incarnate Anew

Rope Basket from Twisted Thread and Hook

Turquoise and Coral Beaded Beach Necklace from Pulp Sushi

Fourth of July BBQ Invitation design from Silently Screaming

Where To Find Hudson Valley Etsy This Weekend

Made + Collected + Rescued 

This weekend, our members will be traveling far and wide to participate in some very diverse events: from the shores of the Hudson to the Garden State of New Jersey. One of our newest members, Paul of KmiotekArtWorks, will be trekking to Hudson, N.Y. on Saturday and Sunday to participate in the Hudson Exchange, Made + Collected.

 

Columbia County Cornfield by KmiotekArtWorks

It's quite possible that you'll pass by some of the iconic Hudson Valley scenery that Paul so beautifully captures in his drawings on your way to the riverfront park to meet him in person.

You will also want to find Hester, of HestersStudio. Hester's been busy this summer and the Hudson Exchange is just one place where you can find her lovely, hand-built ceramics and sculpture.

Scalloped Serving Tray by HestersStudio

 

Joann, from Lollypups Designer Petwear will be in the lower Hudson Valley on Saturday at Petapalooza, in Neparan Park, Tarrytown, N.Y. from 10 - 3. 

 

Crocheted Dog Sweater by Lollypups

 

On Sunday, JoAnn heads to New Jersey for The 11th Hour Rescue Event in Stanhope, from 11-5. Who wouldn't fall in love with the beautiful, adoptable best friends at these events? Even if you've found your soul-mate, stop by and choose one of JoAnn's wonderful handmade accessories and share the love.

 

Flamingo Road pet harness and leash, by Lollypups

Summer Reading List for Small Creative Business Owners

During the summer months it's always nice to relax your brain with some fun and easy beach reads, but I also like to use this time to read up on some non-fiction related to small business, self-motivation, and how-to. My shop is slower during the summer so now is a good time to absorb new information and make some plans for the fall, winter and spring months.

Below is a list of a few books I've recently read and recommend, and a few that are on my "to read the summer" list. Post a comment with any other suggestions!

Jim Henson: The Biography by Brian Jay Jones

I've been a huge Jim Henson admirer since childhood, but had never touched much on his personal life. This biography is incredibly thorough and honest, and details how Henson built his empire. He was an artist and a smart business person, but most of all he was unbelievably hard-working and dedicated to his passion.

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo

This much-talked-about and best-selling guide on decluttering your home truly works. Getting rid of things has always been a major problem for me, but somehow Kondo gave me permission to get rid of clutter guilt-free. I donated 6 garbage bags of clothes purged from my closet and drawers and it felt so good. I read this book on my Kindle in just a couple days, but my husband listened to it as an audio book and Kondo's voice is strangely hypnotizing.

The Effective Executive: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Right Things Done by Peter F. Drucker

This book is on my "to read" list. It doesn't exactly sound like a light read, but Drucker is considered one of the founders of modern management theory, and this book helps executives develop time-management and decision-making skills so that they can lead their organizations more effectively.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey

I've had this book sitting on my Kindle for a while and have been working up the energy to dive in. It's been in publication for 25 years and over 25 million copies have been sold so I believe it's going to be good, but it sounds like it requires a lot of interaction and it's recommended that you take notes, study and treat this book like a workshop or seminar.

Storms: My Life with Lindsey Buckingham and Fleetwood Mac by Carol Ann Harris

This book is nothing but pleasurable to read. Reward yourself with this gem after you commit to being effective, becoming minimalist, and building a legacy. Not only does the author give behind-the-scenes accounts of Fleetwood Mac rocketing to stardom, but also personal stories about Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton and Brian Wilson.
 

Where To Find Hudson Valley Etsy This Weekend

Illuminate, by Day and by Night

Pocket Jar with Bird, by Hester's Studio

The Weekend starts early this week for Hudson Valley Etsy with two very diverse events. The venerable river towns of Kingston and Newburgh, perched proudly on above the Hudson provide the settings for our members starting Friday night.

Hester, of Hester's Studio will bring her hand-built ceramics to the Kingston Night Market, a pop-up street festival that takes place every third Friday of the month from May to October. Friday June 19, from 5 - 9 PM. 


On Saturday, June 20 from 11 AM - 12 AM, Newburgh Illuminated will debut with great panache. This day long event celebrates the 150th anniversary of the city and will feature art, music, vendors, trolley tours, and much more. Two of our purveyors of all things bath and body will be there as well.

Lumberjack Soap by Hudson Naturals

Christina, of Hudson Naturals will be there so take a stroll, check out her products and perhaps pick up some all natural, avocado oil based soap for you favorite Lumberjack. 

Rosey Glow Hand and Body Cream, by Beyond the Picket Fence

With gifts in hand for Jack, don't forget about Jill! Seek out Gwen, of Beyond the Picket Fence, at the the event as well. Handmade in small batches, Gwen's body products will sooth your body and your soul.

Now it's time to plan your weekend adventure, city-hopping up and down the river and shop-hopping from one Hudson Valley Etsy shop to the next!

Where To Find Hudson Valley Etsy This Weekend

 "And what is so rare as a day in June? Then, if ever, come perfect days; Then Heaven tries earth if it be in tune,  And over it softly her warm ear lays." 

James Russell Lowell

Flower of the Month 3 x 3 Print by digiliodesigns

 June brings lush greenery, blossoming flowers and lovely weather to enjoy the outdoors. What better way to celebrate the glorious Hudson Valley Spring than to visit an outdoor fair or market? This weekend Hudson Valley Etsy members are out in force with a plethora of handmade wares. 

Travel to the lovely village of Warwick, NY where you can meet several of our members at The Makers' Market in Railroad Green Park from 9 - 3 Sunday June 14.  

Owl Soft Sculpture by digiliodesigns

 Sue of Digilio Designs will be there with an array of original art prints, note cards, and primitive soft sculptures that celebrate nature in the most delightful way. 

Kathryn from HuzzahHandmade will also be at the Makers' Market with her hand knit accessories, nuno felted scarves, felted home decor items and more. 

Nuno Felted Silk Scarf by HuzzahHandmade

After meeting Sue and Kathryn at The Makers' Market this Sunday, say hello to Cindy of Cynla. Cindy runs a one-woman card and design shop featuring note cards for all occasions, with emphasis on a "stress free life."  

Dog Flat Notes set of 8 invites, by Cynla

Father's Day Card by Cynla

 

 

For a complete change of pace, visit Dara of DaraGallery at the Capitol District Renaissance Faire in Altamont, N.Y. on June 13 and 14 for two days of revelry and fun. Make sure you choose a mask or accessory from Dara's finely crafted selection while you're there.

Phoenix, jester mask by DaraGallery

Celtic Cross Leather Hair Slide by DaraGallery

In My Studio: Instagram 2.0

Recently our very own Hudson Valley Etsy started an Instagram account. I wrote a blog post introducing our new account and how to get started with your own Instagram account (click this link to view the original blog post)

When writing it I realized I had only touched on the tip of the iceberg and there was so much more to discuss. In this follow-up blog I hope to give some more tips and suggestions on how to get the most out of this uber popular social media platform.

To curate the best possible Instagram feed, create a cohesive look. By making sure your photos are of great quality and similar themes it will encourage people to follow you when they look at your profile. 

Think carefully about your posts content, don't be too "salesy." Bring your followers closer to you by showing them behind the scenes photos, your techniques and tips, your studio and inspiration and most importantly your personality.



Mira's Naturals have great continuity in their Instagram feed

Apps and Programs to enhance your feed:

1) If you generally do most of your craft business on a PC or laptop it is still possible to post to your Instagram feed without using your device. Download Gramblr a free program enabling you to select photos from your desktop and download them straight to your feed.

2) Also a useful program for your PC or laptop is Fotor. In this free program it is possible to manipulate, edit or collage your photos. Alternatively from your device you can use the Overgram app to add text to your pictures or Pic Stitch to make a collages and add frames.

Collage I put together using Fotor

3) To help understand your audience look at Iconosquare. This is a free service to keep track of your statistics, who follows/ unfollows you, which of your posts is the most liked, comments on your posts and successful hashtags

Iconosquare summary of the Hudson Valley Etsys Most Liked Instagram Posts

A bit about Hashtaging:

Using hashtags in Instagram as a way to help you grow your business is really important. The right hashtags will help you get more likes, followers and comments. Hashtags dramatically increase the reach of your post which means more Instagram followers. Hashtags can also help you find people on Instagram with similar businesses, interests as you.

When deciding which hashtags to use after a post the simpler the better and try to be specific. Hashtag what your product is, its color, who its for, where it is for sale, where it was make- anything that will foster interest.  Here are afew good generic ones:

#etsy

#handmade

#shopsmall

#crafts

and of course if you are a member of the Hudson Valley Etsy don't forget:

#makersonhudson

#hudsonvalleyetsy

Linking with your other social media platforms:

Don't forget to share your instagram posts across your other social media accounts. It is very easy to link Instagram with your business facebook page, twitter, tumblr, flickr and foursquare.

1) From instagram go to your profile page (the person icon at the bottom)
2) Click the gears icon at the top of the page.
3) Scroll down to settings and click on 'Linked Accounts'
4) There should be a list of different social media platforms. Tap on the one you want to link.

For example linking to your facebook page: After tapping on the facebook link it will say Share to. Tap on this and the pages you manage will pop up. Mark the correct page.

5) Next time you post on instagram the last page will have all the social media platforms listed. Tap on the ones you want to share your post with before you tap the 'share' icon.



For a reminder here are all the team instagrams:

Elena Rosenburg is  @elena_knitsandbits

Pulp Sushi is @pulpsushi

The Pudgy Rabbit is @thepudgyrabbit

Quarter Life Luck is @quarterlifeluck

So Handmade is @sohandmade1

Hudson Naturals is @4crispycorncakes

Melissa Anna Designs is @madcat03

Cynla is @cynlastudio

Twisted Thread and Hook is @twistedtah

Beyond the Picket Fence is @beyondthepicketfence

Lollypups is @lollypupspetwear

Hesters Studio is @hesterkeith79

Charms of Faith is @Jackie_charmsoffaith
Karmabee is @karmabeekaren
Miras Naturals is @mirasnaturals
Pve Shop is @pvedesign
Pergamena NY is @pergamenany
Harp & Thistle is @harpandthistlestitchery

Good Luck and Good making!

Sarah

SO Handmade

Where To Find Hudson Valley Etsy This Weekend

Drop Anchor at a River Town This Weekend

"Dancing" pocket vase

Ahoy all seekers of handmade! Set your sails and compasses for Peekskill, N.Y. this Saturday, June 6, 12 - 5 PM. Upon arrival, disembark at Embark Peekskill Open Studios and meet Hester from Hester's Studio.

Hester's hand-built, slab ceramics are heavily influenced by nature in the Hudson Valley. She also creates ceramic sculptures that explore human emotions, and because her work is built by hand, no two pieces are ever alike. 

Hand ceramic sculpture

Embark Peekskill Open Studios is hosting an event that includes Hester along with artists working in many other mediums. Drop anchor and check it out. 

Cheese board with markers

Getting Ready For Show Season

Show Season is fast approaching and is already here for some. I usually don't do any before June and since June is almost here I am reviewing my show "necessities" the items that come with me to each and every show, the items that never change throughout the season. One of my most important items is... THE BOX.

It is a pretty little thing that I purchased at a Michaels Store on sale of course.

This holds all of my most important items to run my craft fair business. The items are always packed and when they run out are quickly replenished.

My Square reader really gets a workout! I have yet to try the Etsy reader but it's there just in case.

I have some office supplies, a small stapler and extra staples, a roll of sticky tags, small scissors, calculator, small notebook.

Advil, one for my knees and one to share.

Receipt books, business cards, lots of pens and sharpies.

 VERY important.... Tax ID Number and Breath Mints!

Everything fits neatly into this box.

And we are ready to go.

What items are your necessities?

Any good suggestions to add?

Have a great show season!

Susan DiGilio

digiliodesigns.etsy.com