Out of my Studio: Celebrating Karmabee

Karen Berelowitz in her Karmabee Store in Kingston NY

I wanted to write this blog post to celebrate Karen Berelowitz of Karmabee and to congratulate her on her amazing 4 years of business in her bricks and mortar store on the Strand in Kingston.

Karen has decided to close her well loved store for the time being but is set to continue being a fixture at local farmers markets, craft fairs and of course online.

The store opened its doors in 2011 and was one of the first to capitalize on the renewal of the area which today sees many visitors to the historic waterfront site and to the new stores, cafes and restaurants  that have since opened.

 

Karmabee Store

In her time on the Strand Karen has been instrumental in local community events including the monthly night markets, events such as Sinterklaas, Hooley on the Hudson, the Shamrock Run and many more. She also joined Re>Think Local and regularly contributed to small business shopping events.

 

 

 

The store not only sold Karmabees distinctive range of hand screen printed t-shirts, onesies and cards but Karen also championed local craft makers including many from the Hudson Valley Etsy Team. Thanks to Karen many of us have been able to count on regular sales from Karmabee and we have also benefitted from having a local store that we can send our customers to.

Personally I have really enjoyed popping into Karmabee every couple of months to bring in new stock and  to chat with Karen about what we have both been making and craft fairs we are doing. Working on a small craft business from home can be quite a lonely pursuit and having people like Karen to touch base with once in a while was such a blessing.

 

Gorgeous Karmabee themed cake at the store closing party

I hope everyone is together with me in wishing Karen  every success in her future endeavors. We are excited to see what plans she has in store for Karmabee.

In the mean time Karmabee can still be found on Etsy and Amazon and in the warmer months she will be returning to the uptown Kingston Farmers Markets.

 



Look out for Karmabee at local farmers markets and craft fairs

 

Good Luck Karen and Good Making!

 

Sarah

So Handmade

Where To Find Hudson Valley Etsy This Weekend

To Market on A Summer Evening 

 

Asymmetrical Vase by HestersStudio

Alas, Summer is winding down, but there's still plenty of time to explore the Hudson Valley, and Kingston offers an unusual opportunity, The Night Market, that takes place every third Friday through October. 

Hudson Valley Etsy's Hester from HestersStudio has been a regular at the market, and returns this week with her one of a kind, hand built ceramic work, so be sure to stop by to say hello, and bring home one of her unique pieces for your home.

 

Set of four cheese markers by Hester's Studio

Chronogram Block Party Recap - PICTURES!!

Did you miss it? This past Saturday was the 3rd Annual Chronogram Block Party and it was a party indeed! The Etsy market was in full swing at 5:00 pm.  Not only did it make this year's block party BIGGER but added more to the spirit of handmade art and creativity that the Hudson Valley thrives on which Chronogram celebrates every month in their magazine.

We have a lot of pictures to share from Saturday so make sure you click below the Etsy sign to see them all!

See a bunch more pictures after the jump!

So Handmade

Hester's Studio

Nixe Jewels

Beyond The Picket Fence

Karmabee

Incarnate Anew

Pulp Sushi

Beer and Wine Garden hosted by Keegan's Ale from Kingston, NY

This block party has become quite the shin-dig and an event not to be missed, don't miss it next year!

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!

Etsy Visits Karmabee - Kingston, NY

I recently had a visit from Etsy as part of their seller studio tours. Etsy staff visit sellers because, as they explain in a recent blog post, "...nothing beats visiting a seller in person to witness her creative process in action and the challenges she faces on a daily basis." It was lots of fun! The five Etsy staff who came to Karmabee from both the Hudson and Brooklyn offices had great questions about my business, and I got a chance to ask questions and make suggestions about all things Etsy.

Etsy visits Karmabee in Kingston, NY

First I gave them a tour of my store, which sells both my own Karmabee products and items by local artists and makers, including quite a few members of the Hudson Valley Etsy Team (many of whom have been with me since I opened in 2011!). We discussed my experience running a brick & mortar store and what a typical day is like.

I then showed them around my studio area, which I've reorganized many times since I opened, with its separate work stations and table surfaces that allow me to work on many different projects at the same time, as the multitasker in me loves to do. Unfortunately it's the the office portion of my studio that gets the most use, and they acknowledged that most sellers spend at least 50% of their time running their business rather than creating. They had lots of great questions about my systems, such as how I manage my inventory (my weakest area!), handle shipping, and manage social media.

They were very patient with my various questions (and a couple of complaints) about the technical side of Etsy. For example, I mentioned the problem of not being able to adjust shipping rates for different quantities in the same listing (e.g., 1 notecard vs a pack of 10: either this has to be two separate listings, or buyer has to pay crazy shipping for the single item). They are aware this is an issue, and explained that this feature was originally intended for color/size variations of the same item, and thus wasn't set up to handle different shipping weights, which makes sense. I also begged for more bulk editing options, especially for tags, titles and descriptions (as Craftopolis and Betsi offer), and they said they're on it! Yay!

After many more questions and ample time satisfying my dog Annie's need for belly rubs, they perused the store and made some purchases, which I really appreciated. I used my Etsy payment swiper for the first time, and learned that it's a great way to have in-person sales adjust online inventory and to gather customer reviews.

As both Etsy and the controversy surrounding Etsy's definition of handmade continues to grow, I am happy to know that the company dedicates time and effort to hearing from sellers. We all hope Etsy finds a way to support handmade sellers in a marketplace free of cheap mass-produced competition.

Karen - Karmabee

Where To Find The Hudson Valley Etsy Team

This week we're heading back to Kingston, but this time we're going straight to uptown, to the gorgeous Stockade District. Head on over to John Street and at #36, right next to Lucy's Tacos, you'll find The Art Riot. The Art Riot is a boutique, but they see themselves as a union, and they offer activities including classes, craft nights and gallery showings. Several members of the Hudson Valley Etsy Team are represented at The Art Riot.

Pulp Sushi

Pulp Sushi

Gemini River Rocks

Gemini River Rocks

Amber H Lynn

Amber H Lynn

Knot by Gran'ma

Knot by Gran'ma

Spinning Mule Fibers

Spinning Mule Fibers

H&J Star Creations

H&J Star Creations

Karmabee

Karmabee

New Prospect Pottery

New Prospect Pottery

So go on by and happy shopping at The Art Riot!

Bones & Stones at The Art Riot

Here is a fun workshop just in time for Halloween! Becky Nielsen of Gemini River Rocks will be at The Art Riot hosting a workshop where she will be teaching how to paint sugar skulls and skeletons on natural stones in her signature style! This Friday, September 28th from 6 pm to 8 pm.

Check out her work on her Etsy page at geminiriverrocks.etsy.com.
$10 per person, materials will be provided. Class size limited to 12 participants so please RSVP as soon as you can to make sure you get a spot! All skill levels welcome.

Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/events/280389662067287/

The Art Riot
36 John Street
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 331-2421

Animal Soiree Art Show

Next month some members of the group will be participating in Cornell St Studios upcoming show in Kingston.

There you will see work from

Allison Braun

Karmabee

Jenny Strohm

Mosaic Workshop with Jenny Strohm

Did you miss this class last month in Kingston?  Have no fear!

Ever wondered what to do with your favorite broken, chipped or cracked china? Cornell St Studios is hosting a two-week class lead by the team's own Jenny Strohm. You'll design and create a small decorative or functional mosaic.

Bring along any broken china you wish to use in your mosaic. Tools/materials provided.

$80 for 2 sessions, Saturdays 1 pm - 4 pm, March 24th & 31st, 2012

Cornell St Studios ~ 168 Cornell St, Kingston, NY

Instructor: Jenny Strohm

Jenny Strohm is a self-taught mosaic artist. A constant collector of vintage and junk finds, Jenny uses these objects to create decorative and functional mosaics that can be used for home decor. Jenny sells her mosaics online and at crafts fairs and stores in the Hudson Valley, and is a member of the Hudson Valley Etsy Team.

Mosaics Basics Class

Ever wondered what to do with your favorite broken, chipped or cracked china? Karmabee is hosting a two-week class lead by the team's own Jenny Strohm. You'll design and create a small decorative or functional mosaic.

Bring along any broken china you wish to use in your mosaic. Tools/materials provided.

$80 for 2 sessions, Saturdays 10am-12pm, starting February 18, 2012

Instructor: Jenny Strohm

Jenny Strohm is a self-taught mosaic artist. A constant collector of vintage and junk finds, Jenny uses these objects to create decorative and functional mosaics that can be used for home decor. Jenny sells her mosaics online and at crafts fairs and stores in the Hudson Valley, and is a member of the Hudson Valley Etsy Team.

Karmabee Grand Opening

This past weekend was the grand opening of Karmabee in Kingston. Karmabee was started by team member Karen Berelowitz.  She was a Member Spotlight feature on this blog back in May.  You can read more about Karen and Karmabee here (*click*).

The store also includes items from other members of the Hudson Valley Etsy team including Gemini River Rocks, Reclaimed Designs, Beaconknits, Pulp Sushi, JSWMetalworks, Huzzah Handmade, Gnorasaurus, H + J Star Creations, and Sweet Olive Jewelry and with more to come.  A great place to get some holiday shopping done and looks like it's been well received by the area.


Visit Karmabee at 73A Broadway, Kingston, NY (Downtown Rondout

Where To Find the Hudson Valley Etsy Team This Weekend!

It's another glorious summer day in the Hudson Valley, and we have a great weekend in store!

Today, from 10am-5pm, Lynn of 1846 House Soaps will be at the Goshen Farmers Market in Goshen, NY , and will have her booth there on the first & third Friday of each month.


And have you heard about the

Cornell St. Studios Summer Craft Fair Featuring the Hudson Valley Etsy Team ?

It's going to be held tomorrow, and it is going to be amazing! Don't miss the art event of the Summer Season!!

Saturday August 6th, from 11am-6pm. FUN for ALL ages!!

Food Vendors, Live Music with Vektor and The 5 Creations (a Do Wop Band)

Zumba for kids demo with Alicia Bailey at 11:30am!

Vintage & Handmade Crafts!!! Jewelry, Ceramics, Soap, Art, Photography, Clothing, Scarfs, Candles, and much more!
Hudson Valley Etsy Team members Pulp Sushi, Karmabee, Gnorasaurus, Felt It, Mother May I, Reclaimed Designs, Jeri's Jewelry, Carli Bruno Glass Things, Lulu's Soap Co., and Sunrise Lodge Fiber Studio will be joined by Mike Modugno, Moxie Cupcake, Joanna Estes, High Falls Mercantile featuring Art by Canace, At My Grandmothers Knee, Dave Ryan Photography, ezerd, Vintage Flair, Imagine it Originals, Eija Lindsey Studio, Gunni Guida Stained Glass, Artisan Candles, Pflum's Thumbs, Beth Post Johnson Jewelry, Tanya Monique, Shoshona Snow, Jen Jeglinski, Juda Leah Boutique with Alicia Stang, A & H Jewelry Design, Shelley Davis, ChiChi, Megan Suave, Sarah Omura, Maya Nahshon, Suzanne V. Paddock, Deep Earth Designs, Jen Kiaba Photography, Linda Stella/Stellahats, Courtney Johnson, Judy Go Vintage, Corner Copia, Brine Barrel Pickles, Birds in a Bog, JJ's Rocking Cupcakes and Cakepops, Headspace, Fresh N' Easy Bakery, Ariel Collages, Lemon Love & More!

The family-friendly event will be held at Cornell St. Studios, a multi-studio complex for the ARTS at 168 Cornell Street Kingston, NY. For information, call 845-331-0191 or email rdarmstadt514@gmail.com Follow them on Facebook to learn about other events in the studios. You can also RSVP to the event.

Kingston Craft Fair this Saturday!

Last month we brought you a Sneak Peek of what to expect at our next event at Cornell St Studios this Saturday.  This will not be your typical craft fair folks!  In addition to members of our awesome team being present and other great local talent, there will be live music from Vektor and The 5 Creations, tasty treats from  JJ's Rocking Cupcakes and Cakepops,  Fresh N' Easy Bakery, and Lemon Love.  Plus a Zumba demonstration and more. We got you covered!   This event was also recently featured in UlsterHappening.com and Come To Woodstock.  This will not to be missed, see you on Saturday!

Kingston Craft Fair Sneak Peak

Members who will be at this event are...

Cornell Street Studios is a multi-studio complex for the ARTS in Kingston, NY (168 Cornell Street, Kingston, NY 12401). Follow them on Facebook to learn about other events in the studios. You can also RSVP to the event.