Spring Bash Artist Spotlight: Linsey of Mesa Blue Jewelry

Meet another amazing artist, Linsey Pisciotta of Mesa Blue Jewelry. We’re very excited to share Lindsey’s latest unique jewelry that showcases her love of metal, geodes, and gems!

Linsey started Mesa Blue in 2009 while attending Texas State University. Growing up in El Paso, she often went thrift shopping with her Mom - on the hunt for unique, vintage jewelry. Lindsey would deconstruct and redesign their finds. She inherited her passion for stones and minerals from her Dad, The Rock Hunter.

Today she uses her love of natural materials and timeless designs to create each piece in her Dallas area studio. Linsey currently lives in Plano, TX with her husband, two kiddos, and three pups.

From delicate and minimal to textured and glamorous, Mesa Blue is always a fan favorite at the show.

Be sure to visit Mesa Blue at the Spring Bash to get that perfect gem for moms, grads, or your next night on the town!

Spring Bash Artist Spotlight: Heather Romine of January

Our next Spotlight Artist is Heather Romine of January - Jewelry for your Shine. We’re so happy to have Heather joining us at the Spring Bash this year!

What led you to start your business. How did you get started and how has the journey been so far?

I started making jewelry in college and loved it. I was well into my degree as a designer at Savannah College of Art and Design when I started jewelry making classes as electives. After graduation I worked as a designer and a small business owner for years. Later on, I began making jewelry for friends and family, which kept me inspired. Fast forward to 2017, January is my established jewelry business. You can find me at shows and festivals all across Texas and online.

Tell us more about the products you make.

I make necklaces, bracelets, and earrings by hand. The pieces are whimsical, hippie chic or a combination of the two. Many of the items have handmade links, rings closures, and ear wires. Most pieces are made from glass, metal, and semi-precious gemstones. I also use a combination of vintage beads, hand-painted and artisan-made pendants, and focal beads for a unique look.

What does your art-making process look like?

When I am planning a new series I sketch out what the first several pieces will look like, and plan the colors and style combinations. I search for beads in shops, online, and bead makers and artisan glass sites. I look for the right gauge wire to make links, closures, and metal beads from time to time then I find the accent beads and get to work.

What is your favorite product that you create?

I don't have a favorite product but I do love working with the little glass birds and flowers. It is hard not to smile when you are working with something so bright and sweet. I also love finding vintage hand-painted beads, making a piece of jewelry come to life with something so unique.

Do you have a dedicated workspace?

My dedicated workspace is in my laundry room. It was quite a large room with cabinets and shelves running down the entire wall. It sounds funny but with all the storage it made for a pretty good spot.

What is your favorite part of running your business?

My favorite part of running my business is doing shows, getting out there and meeting people. The crowd, the physical work the general craziness, it is an interesting break from working at home.

What inspires you and how do you stay inspired?

I am inspired by art and nature, I love going to art museums and seeing what Egyptian queens wore or seeing the way colors and shapes work together in paintings. I love the illustrations in old books and children's stories and am equally excited when I see colorful birds and flowers in the park or shells on a beach.

Why do you think people are drawn to your style?

People are drawn to my style because of the colors and the uniqueness of design. I think most people would prefer to wear jewelry knowing each piece is an individual work of art not a mass produced item.

When you aren't running your business or creating, what do you spend your time doing?

When I'm not making jewelry (or all the photos, writing, social media, doing shows, and misc. other stuff associated with jewelry), I am hosting a morning workout class, doing bookkeeping and HR for our family business, sewing clothing for myself or drawing and painting.

Since Mother’s Day is coming up, which of your pieces do you think make for a meaningful gift?

I think most all of my pieces would make nice Mother's Day gifts. Each Mom has unique likes and dislikes, each piece is designed as part of a series created in various styles; everything from hippie-chic to whimsical.

10 Things I Learned as a Creative Entrepreneur

Artist post! Last fall, Kat French Design celebrated ten years!! We’re excited to have Kat joining us on the blog to share some of her wit and wisdom on being a creative. Woohoo!

HAPPY TENTH BIRTHDAY TO KAT FRENCH DESIGN! You guys, it’s been a DECADE. My little freelance graphic design business has grown up and become a wildly awkward preteen of a paper goods company! There have been a lot of highs, lows, change and growing pains over the years and I’m a better person because of it.

TO CELEBRATE I’ve decided that instead of listing all of the things that I’ve accomplished in the last ten years, I am going to list some of the things I have learned instead. The next ten days will be a glimpse into the old days of KFD and some of the creative entrepreneur knowledge I’ve been gleaning in this time.

I wouldn’t have made it this far if it weren’t for my amazing customers who somehow are on the same level of weird as me, my husband who has always supported me, my bestie who would drop everything to help stuff cards and work show booths, Proof to Product and Katie Hunt who are my compass in the product-based business world, and the amazing community of makers in Dallas who are always there to support, encourage and vent with…because some days I ugly cry. I deeply love you all. Here’s to the next ten years!

10 Things I’ve Learned as a Creative Entrepreneur:

1. Freelance Design – I think I learned that I shouldn’t be a freelancer. Inspiring, right? I did it for over five years and always felt a struggle between what the client wanted and what my natural design tendencies ended up actually creating. A lot of times this was okay and the end product was fine, but it created a tension in my emotions that got old really fast. My unintentional design aesthetic has always leaned toward colorful and thick designs and that wasn’t always a good fit for lawyers and real estate agents. So, I would have to dial back what my gut wanted to make so that it would be a better fit for my clients. After several years of this I felt ready to design for myself…but I had no idea what to make.

2. Etsy – Experiment! Etsy is SO amazing for new business owners. It’s a great platform to put your stuff out there with very little risk. When I first started on Etsy I had just decided to stop taking freelance clients and was ready to design for myself, but I had no idea WHAT to make. At first I made some kids stationery and it was okay, but I don’t think there’s a super strong market for that and I also wanted a more adult creative outlet. So, then I experimented with art prints then handmade journals. Those actually did well and I enjoyed making them, but they were too time consuming and I couldn’t make a profit off of them when I calculated the time investment. So then I played around with a couple of Valentine’s Day cards and had a lot of fun coming up with the phrasing and found out these did pretty well (I think I sold 16 of one of them and that felt like a lot). I also added some digital downloads and then kind of felt a little lost, but a few months later I realized on a road trip with some friends (even longer story) that I wanted to try tackling a card line and just went for it. Etsy was such a great avenue for me to spend that year experimenting. With that time I was able to “find myself” and figure out what the right fit for me was going to be. After that I focused on: developing a lot of different items, improving photos, telling my story and pricing right.

3. Aesthetic – I had to just keep creating until my style emerged. I mentioned the other day how my design aesthetic has always steered toward colorful and thick, but when I decided to start my own card line I wasn’t sure what look I wanted to go for. I drafted about 10 different versions of my first card (some of these are posted here) until I finally made one that felt very “me.” From there I took the look of that first card and carried it over to another 20 or so cards. From there I just kept illustrating more and more and eventually my line developed even more of its own look. As I continue to illustrate more and more cards I continue to find my aesthetic evolving. It’s just the natural effect of continuous work. The more you make, the more your style will emerge.

4. Family Life – I’m still learning to be okay with setting work down. The main reason I work for myself is because I wanted to be at home with my kids. This means my studio time is only one or two hour chunks while kids are sleeping. Usually this works really well, but every once in a while I find myself overloaded with new designs, orders and craft show prep. It’s in these seasons that I find it really hard to enjoy the time I need to spend with my toddler while a to-do list burns a giant hole in my brain. I have gotten a lot better at being able to put a project down, but sometimes it’s so hard. I just have to allow myself grace and, at the same time, think to the future when I’m old and wretched and know I’ll be thankful that I stopped working so I could focus on kid squabbles, spilled milk and quiet snuggles because those days will be long gone.

5. Craft Shows – I had a big learning curve at my first show where I had spent several months designing the perfect booth with my husband. I had made it to look kind of like a candy shop or bakery with a high counter and wooden walls behind the counter to display art prints. After my first show and only selling ONE art print TO A FRIEND, I realized I needed to get my prints out in front to the customers. So, now I put my wood wall to the side of the booth with prints all up and down that thing so shoppers can walk up close to it. This simple shift has transformed my sales. So, yeah…get your items in front of your buyers without a moat…and make eye contact, say, “Hi”, smile, let the customers be critical, try to hide your annoyance when customers take pictures of your work instead of buying it and just have fun.

6. Community Over Competition – Dallas is really special. There are a ton of other makers here and they are so awesome. I’ve been a part of the Etsy Dallas Team for the last 4 years and have had the chance to be a part of several awesome local stores that are run by local makers. These groups really focus on helping each other grow as entrepreneurs and artisans and I cannot emphasize how much this has been amazing for both business AND personal sanity. It can be isolating to work for yourself and I found I really needed those friends who were in the same boat. If your area doesn’t have any groups like this then I encourage you to get to know other makers and start a group yourself. Craft shows are a great way to meet other makers, but don’t just walk the show – be a part of it to earn some cred and comradery. It’s a game changer, I promise

7. Wholesale – When I first started selling wholesale I was terrified of breaking the rules. (You can totally see my personality type here.) I was afraid that I was going to do something wrong and totally screw up my first wholesale order.

Four years later I have learned that there really aren’t any rules. I mean, there are definitely industry standards that are best to follow for your benefit like minimum order requirements and payment terms, but outside of that a lot of shops are just making it up as they go…just like us! So, some stores will buy months before a holiday hits and others will purchase like a week before that holiday. Some stores will want to order online and some will just want to send you an email. Some stores want zip code exclusivity and others don’t. Every store is different.

This means that the key factor to success with each and every wholesale buyer is COMMUNICATION. If you’re unsure about anything with an order it’s so important to just ask for clarification and when, inevitably, you DO end up making a mistake just be willing to humble yourself, apologize and try to make amends with a special offer. After all, we’re all human, right?

8. Marketing – I really feel like I don’t know jack about marketing, but I think something I’m really trying to do is be myself and show my face more. I want my customers and followers and target audience to know me and to know what I do and why I do it. I’m not sure I’ve been successful in doing that, but that’s my goal nonetheless. I don’t have much time to pour into marketing and I don’t really enjoy the idea of making it so construed and in a box, so I don’t know….thats about it. Maybe I’ll have more to say about it on my 20th anniversary.

9. Product Development – I used to dive head first into creating new products without giving much thought to costs, inventory storage, packaging woes, etc. I’ve learned to be more cautious and selective with adding new types of goods to my line because I’ve seen how much space inventory can take up and I’ve seen product just sit. I’ve also discovered that packaging products isn’t a favorite pastime of mine. Plus, you don’t know how your audience will respond and you don’t want to be out hundreds or thousands of dollars on a dud that never sold.

So, to be more careful in my product development, I created a secret focus group on Facebook of friends whose opinions I value. When I’m working on a new product and I’m not sure about it, I post it there and get their input. It’s been really helpful and has helped me make up my mind on a number of occasions. Also, I’ve started asking myself if I would feel compelled to buy it if I saw it in a store. I’m confident that one question has saved me a lot of time and money over the past few years.

10. Ruts – Push through them. Every couple of months I either end up in a creative rut or I just feel all bummed because sales have slowed down. I have learned these are totally normal cycles in creative businesses! There have been several times where I’ve thought that I might want to shut down shop, but I told myself that I was committed and needed to keep going…and within just a few weeks I was inspired or sales had picked back up. I can’t discount how much prayer and trusting God to provide comes into play here, too. He has always been faithful and has taught me that slow growth is good growth for a stay at home mom who has tired brain and two crazy kids. Could you imagine if my business exploded? I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be able to handle that and God knows it. I’m thankful that He knows me better than I know myself. But, yeah, I have seen a surprising number of businesses similar to mine who seemed bigger and more successful decide to close up shop for one reason or another. I have decided that I don’t want to be one of those. I really love what I make and I want to be in it for the long haul, so I have to push through the inevitable ruts. You can, too.

{Sponsor Spotlight} Sparkwit Shines in Marketing for Makers

We are excited to have Sparkwit Marketing as an official sponsor for the 2019 Jingle Bash. This passionate team understands that handmade artists and Etsy sellers often don’t have time or experience to market their business successfully. That’s why Sparkwit is dedicated to marketing for makers and supporting the handmade movement.

Your handmade business is not just a side gig, it’s a labor of love and you deserve to shine. Services include a full suite of small business digital marketing, ranging from personalized onsite training to logo design – makers at any level can benefit from what they have to offer.

Sparkwit is made of makers too, so they know how to market for makers. And they can help you navigate the differences between Google SEO and marketplace SEO, build your website, or get your social media going. Getting started is easy – just shoot an email to info@sparkwitmarketing.com, or click on over to sparkwitmarketing.com and schedule a free introduction meeting.

13 Tips for Shopping the 2019 Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash Like a Pro

The highly anticipated Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash is November 9 at Gilley’s Dallas. Admission is free! We will have an adorable photo booth and fun make-and-take crafts. Here are a few tips for making the most of your Jingle Bash shopping experience ...

1. Bring your favorite shopping buddies and be sure your phone or camera is charged. There are fun photo booths in the works and you’re going to want those selfies. Don’t forget to tag @etsydallas so we can see too!

2. Prep a shopping list before Bash Day so you won’t forget anyone or anything. Don’t forget that Christmas, winter holidays, and wonderful family gatherings will be here before you know it. You can even browse the 2019 Jingle Bash Artists to plan your must-have stops for the day.

3. Grab a map when you arrive so you can head straight to your favorite booths. We will have some Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash swag at our information booth - get ‘em while supplies last! And be sure to visit the free make-and-take craft table hosted by the Creative Arts Center of Dallas.

4. Bring a tote bag for the goodies you buy to keep your hands free to shop all the gorgeous handmade pieces our artists will have at the Jingle Bash. We will have extra totes for sale but supplies are limited.

5. The first 50 adult shoppers in line get our coveted Bash Bags — it’s the first 50 who show up, y’all. Please don’t yell at our volunteers if you weren’t in the first 50. We promise there is plenty of amazing work available for purchase at the Bash. We’re all in this to support handmade artists, right? We are always excited with the contributions for the Bash Bags. Those 50 lucky shoppers who are first in line will love what they find inside.

6. Don’t stress if you arrive at opening to see people lined up outside the door. Experienced Bash shoppers may be there to get their hands on our Bash Bags or to get first dibs in the booths. Once doors open, everyone gets ushered right in without a wait. Pro tip: If crowds aren’t your thing, you probably don’t want to arrive in the first hour.

7. Our all-volunteer leadership team works on planning for our Bashes all year long! We are passionate about putting on an event you will love but we can’t control the weather or traffic. If you’re planning to wait in the line before the show, be prepared.

8. Expect traffic. Plan your route ahead of time. It’s downtown Dallas, y’all. Check the news for construction or any big events that may affect your route. Consider carpooling with friends or taking DART if driving downtown stresses you out.

9. Thankfully there is parking at Gilley’s for $5. We will have tasty food trucks and a bar onsite as well. 

10. Expect a crowd. We love how the community comes out to show support for our artists! If you want to browse with a little more elbow room, arrive after lunch. Don’t worry. Our artists are stocked for the whole day.

11. You may want to leave the stroller in the car or at home. If possible, wearing your little one may make shopping the Bash easier for you and other shoppers trying to navigate the aisles.

12. Find the Etsy Dallas table to find out how to win Bash Bucks (that’s money that only works at this Bash, y’all). We want to give you extra $$ to spend at the Bash, so don’t miss out!

13. If you haven’t already, sign up for our newsletter. We promise we only send out fun and happy emails. It’s a great way to get the scoop on all our upcoming events.

Bash Bag Sneak Peek for the 2019 Jingle Bash

Thanks to all the artists who contributed to the 2019 Bash Bags.

Ahaus Pottery

Albright Illustration

Baitx Made

Basil & Wood

Both Hands Studio

ChetArt

Cimarrona

Color Box Design & Letterpress

Coral Bunny and Lo

Dandelion Leather Co.

Earrings by Eryn

Eddie BrassART

Expressions Bracelets

FunCoolWallClocks

Gaston Made

Hearts and Sharts

HiRuna Island Soaps

Kat French Design

LemonGlaze

Lindsey Owen Custom Jewelry

Lucky Franklin

Martolana Studio

OldNewMiddle

onderkast studio

Ox & Pine

Que Rico T-Shirt Co.

Sarah Briggs Jewelry

Sasha's Hand Poured Bath and Body/The Immaculate Beard

Savor Patisserie French Macarons

Seamingly Artful

Steph Renea

Stica Jewelry

Talonklaus

Tesoro Jewelry

The Crafter Way

The Knottarie

The Pig and the Peacock

The Sweet Hive

There’s An Angel Watching Over You 

Untamed Arte

Uptown Pet Wear

Wanderlust Wares

Wild Oak Co.

It’s that time of the year again. We are sharing a sneak peek at what is in the 2019 Jingle Bash Bash Bags. We’ll be stuffing the coveted swag bags in the next couple days. This is the perfect opportunity to us to do some pre-Bash shopping planning.

If you are not familiar with the Bash Bags, they are swag bags filled with goodies from Jingle Bash vendors. The first 50 shoppers in line for the Bash get to take home a Bash Bag.

We are so excited for the Jingle Bash, sponsored by Etsy, on November 9. We can’t wait to see you all at the Bash!

Here are just some of the goodies our early birds will get …

{Artist Spotlight} Sasha's Hand Poured & The Immaculate Beard

Sasha’s booth is full of self care and dynamite holiday gifts, so we know you’ll be pumped to find Sasha's Hand Poured and The Immaculate Beard joining us again for the 2019 Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash. We connected for a quick Q&A just for y’all …

What are you most looking forward to for the Jingle Bash?
Personally I always love shopping our fellow vendors and making new friends at the Bash!!! The shoppers are so enthusiastic for the handmade movement, it always encourages me to keep on doing what I do!!

Is your shop offering anything new, special or different at the Bash?
I introduced Bubble Bath Bombs to the line this fall and am excited to share them at the Bash!

What is your favorite part of prepping for an upcoming show?
Definitely the new product offerings! So fun to experiment and bring the winners to the show!

What makes this event special for you?
The friendships we have made over the years at this event are priceless!! Shoppers and vendors both.

Is there a story behind your business name?
True to the name, every item we make is mixed, poured, packaged, and labeled by hand!!

What is a typical day of work like for you?
Coffee, wake up kids, breakfast, start schoolwork (I homeschool 3 boys!), out to workspace to start checking off the list. I try to always have a plan for the next day waiting when I get out to the workspace.

What is your professional background and how did it lead you to the creative work you are pursuing now?
I have an educational background in chemistry and mathematics which led to working in education and educational software. So basically unrelated except chemistry makes me want to make things so I can feel like a chemist! HA!

How would you describe your shop?
I have Sasha’s HandPoured, which is a handmade line of fun, great smelling bath, body, & home fragrance goods. Then there is the men’s line, The Immaculate Beard, which is intended to help the bearded, AND clean shaven look, smell and feel their very best. My motto is LOOK GOOD, SMELL GOOD, FEEL GOOD!

What do you enjoy most about working with your team?
Learning and sharing experiences. The pros are so willing to help and the new ones are eager to learn!

What do you find the most challenging about your work?
Time management.

Do you have any tips for finding work/life balance?
I wish I did. HA! I do try to have certain times and days totally off limits for working in the workspace. But every fall I break all my own rules. It is a work in progress for me!

Shop from dozens of artists offering unique handmade wares at the Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 9. From original art, home goods, and artisanal soaps to local jewelry designers, leather workers and so much more! Check out the event on Facebook here. And find out how to shop the Bash like a pro here. We’ll see y’all at the Bash! 

{Artist Spotlight} Fun Cool Wall Clocks

Denah is another first timer at the Bash, and we’re sure you’ll want to snag a few minutes at the Fun Cool Wall Clocks booth during the 2019 Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash. We gave Denah a penny for her thoughts in a quick Q&A just for y’all …

What are you most looking forward to for the Jingle Bash?
I am new to Dallas and this is my first show since moving here. I’ve participated in many shows, but never one as large as the Jingle Bash! I’m so excited for this experience and to get to meet many new customers.

Is your shop offering anything new, special or different at the Bash?
I will have a 42” diameter mandala clock with me, which is one of my signature designs. It is usually a custom order piece, but I will have one available for purchase that day AND it just may (wink, wink) have a special show price. I will also have quite a few one-of-a-kind coin clocks for sale.

What is your favorite part of prepping for an upcoming show?
I’m building a brand-new display for this show and I’m thrilled to see how it’s coming together.

What makes this event special for you?
I sell primarily through my Etsy shop online, so while I “talk” to customers daily, it is almost always via computer message. I love getting the chance to interact with people in person.

Is there a story behind your business name?
People frequently use the words “fun” and “cool” when they see my work, so it evolved from that. One customer called me “The Bad-Ass Clock Lady” and I was tempted to rename my shop at one point!

What is a typical day of work like for you?
I am an early riser. Since I work from my home, I am often in my studio by 4-5am. A typical week is 6 or 7 12-hour days, but I do enjoy taking a week or two off whenever I have the chance to visit with my two adult daughters. I do occasionally try to work in some time with my husband, two dogs and the gym!

What is your professional background and how did it lead you to the creative work you are pursuing now?
I have a degree in graphic design and worked in advertising for years. After my kids were born, I began working as a commissioned pencil artist and drew homes and churches all over the world. It was great part-time work while I had little ones to care for. After doing that for many years (and also working in the public school system for a while), I needed a change. My husband fully supported my desire to make a go at becoming a full-time artist. I had a vision for a penny clock and just felt compelled to make it. I did and it sold, and then another, and another, and all of a sudden I knew I was on to something. I am continually having new ideas for designs and it is extremely satisfying to turn them into reality. My father was a wood-worker and built clocks for many years. I did not consciously set out to follow in his footsteps, but that is exactly what I ended up doing. He no longer builds, but is great at giving me advice when I need it and it has become a wonderful connection for the two of us. And I have received many free tools!

How would you describe your shop?
Over 80% of my listings are for custom work. I love talking to my customers and giving them exactly what they need. My designs range from rustic to industrial to modern to farmhouse.

What do you enjoy most about working with your team?
I don’t have a team, no employees.

What do you find the most challenging about your work?
Since I do work alone and at home, it can be isolating. Especially since moving to Dallas from North Carolina, it has been hard to connect with others. I do enjoy the Etsy Dallas group and hope to get to know them better as I become more involved.

Do you have any tips for finding work/life balance?
No, I'm not very good at it! I tend to be a bit work-obsessive.

Is there anything you would like to add?
I once had a customer give me a very unusual but extremely flattering review. Not sure if you can use it, but here goes… This lady had been messaging me about one of my backwards clocks for a week or two. She wanted it but was anxious to spend $200 on a clock. But finally, she said “I have been thinking about this clock constantly as if it is a new lover of mine. I must have it.” HAHA and wow!!!! And yes, she did buy it.

Shop from dozens of artists offering unique handmade wares at the Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 9. From original art, home goods, and artisanal soaps to local jewelry designers, leather workers and so much more! Check out the event on Facebook here. And find out how to shop the Bash like a pro here. We’ll see y’all at the Bash! 

{Artist Spotlight} Lindsey Owen Custom Jewelry

If you love unique, stunning cuffs, we know you’ll be excited to visit Lindsey Owen Custom Jewelry at the upcoming 2019 Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash. We squeezed in a fun Q&A with Lindsey just for y’all …

What are you most looking forward to for the Jingle Bash?
I'm looking forward to seeing all the creative talent! It is so exciting to be apart of this wonderful maker movement and well known event. It’s a lovely feeling, knowing I am walking into an event that attracts the exact client that I look for: people that appreciate the maker!

Is your shop offering anything new, special or different at the Bash?
I am hoping to be finished with a line of adjustable cuff bracelets with gorgeous enamel stones. I will be offering a discount on Gift Cards as well!

What is your favorite part of prepping for an upcoming show?
My favorite part of prepping for a show is the feeling I get when I have everything loaded up in my car ready to go, and there's nothing left to do but get some sleep and head out!

What makes this event special for you?
This event is super special to me because I have done well known craft fairs in other big cities but not in my own city of Dallas! I'm so excited to meet many new clients that I can cater to within the DFW world!

Is there a story behind your business name?
When I got married, I kept my maiden name in my business name for a few reasons- the O is shaped like a cuff (thanks to my talented graphics guru brother Garrett!) and because my mom and dad both gave me the creative and technical skills that I have honed over the years. My dad is a master mechanic and welder, and can build anything out of anything. My mom is a talented illustrator and general crafty person. I wanted to keep my roots in my name. Owen is where my creative path began. :)

What is a typical day of work like for you?
Up early! I try to get some exercise and some peace with a walk or a bike ride and a talk with God. In the production studio by 10a, and work until I'm hungry. Break for lunch, maybe answer some emails or work on PR projects... then back to the grind. I try to put in 6-10 hours into production since my process is so labor intense. If I'm not in my studio making the jewelry, I am photographing pieces in my front yard, or delivering custom fit cuffs to beloved clients.

What is your professional background and how did it lead you to the creative work you are pursuing now?
I achieved my BFA in Jewelry Design + Silversmithing in 2007 at The University of Kansas. The last semester of my senior year I could NOT stop making cuff bracelets of all kinds. I dabbled in a blacksmith apprenticeship, working in traditional jewelry stores, and finally decided I wanted to be my own boss when I moved to Dallas in 2010. I had started working professionally as a jewelry maker in 2008 but I did not have the sales to support myself without a second job waiting tables until 2018.

How would you describe your shop?
My favorite and most uttered phrase from newcomers when they visit my booth is "I've never seen anything like this."

What do you enjoy most about working with your team?
I love working with my mother in law at shows! She knows how to talk with clients and is so incredibly helpful with tear down and loading up.

What do you find the most challenging about your work?
Cutting thick metal with a small handsaw and sanding it down is taxing. My studio is in my garage, which is not insulated, which means 80% of the year I'm sweaty or freezing.

Do you have any tips for finding work/life balance?
Make time to take care of your body and mind. Otherwise the creative juices don’t flow as freely!

Is there anything you would like to add?
Buy local! You're making your community a better place! Thank you for reading what I have to say! :)

Shop from dozens of artists offering unique handmade wares at the Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 9. From original art, home goods, and artisanal soaps to local jewelry designers, leather workers and so much more! Check out the event on Facebook here. And find out how to shop the Bash like a pro here. We’ll see y’all at the Bash! 

{Artist Spotlight} Ellion

We’re delighted that ellion is joining us at the 2019 Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash with her beautiful hand poured candles. The signature scent of fresh cut roses and red currant makes the perfect holiday gift - or treat yourself! Ellion took a moment for a quick Q&A session just for y’all …

What are you most looking forward to for the Jingle Bash?
Meeting new people and shopping for myself at other vendor booths!

Is your shop offering anything new, special or different at the Bash?
Lots of new candle cloche knob options!

What is your favorite part of prepping for an upcoming show?
Honestly, I’m usually pretty stressed out until I'm there and all set up. My favorite part is when the market starts!

What makes this event special for you?
This will be my second time at Jingle Bash and it is special to me because we come from Houston to visit with family and meet new artists and customers!

Is there a story behind your business name?
I've always enjoyed making things and I talked about starting a business for years. I knew I didn't want to limit myself creatively with the name of my business so I branded with my name. I stand behind everything I make therefore why not have my name on it! Most people call me "Ellie" however my real name is in fact, Ellion. I was named after my great grandmother. Being that ellion isn't a common name, I decided it would stand out! My family and name are both from Cajun French heritage, so I wanted to pull that into my brand which is why all of my candles have French names.

What is a typical day of work like for you?
I am actually a civil/structural engineer full time. My days used to look like working at the office all day and making candles at night and markets on weekends, however now there's a little one in the picture that makes it a little harder to make candles on week nights!

What is your professional background and how did it lead you to the creative work you are pursuing now?
Like I've said I've always liked to make things. I originally wanted to be an architect for my love of structures, home decor, and mathematical/creative background however life lead me into structural engineering instead. Once I graduated from college and started to work full time, I filled my free time with creative hobbies which lead me to home decor and candle making! I work in the energy/oil & gas industry so my candle business is my creative outlet.

How would you describe your shop?
I would describe my shop as a candle shop with a sophisticated and interesting design of candles and scents. My candles set a mood and bring the perfect finishing touch to a room.

What do you enjoy most about working with your team?
My team consists of mainly myself! However I am lucky to have family and friends to help out when I need! I'm also hoping to hire on some help soon as my hands are full with the little one around now.

What do you find the most challenging about your work?
The most challenging part is probably work/life balance and growth. I have been known to be a "yes, I can do it all" person, however there has to be some balance when you're trying to plan for growth including keeping your sanity and quality work/products!

Do you have any tips for finding work/life balance?
Guess I didn't see this question coming! My advice is to learn how to say no and how to make wise decisions based on pros and cons. With everything you give up you can gain something else!

Is there anything you would like to add?
I would just like to add that I am super pumped to be back at the Etsy Dallas Jingle bash along with so many other inspiring people!

Shop from dozens of artists offering unique handmade wares at the Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 9. From original art, home goods, and artisanal soaps to local jewelry designers, leather workers and so much more! Check out the event on Facebook here. And find out how to shop the Bash like a pro here. We’ll see y’all at the Bash! 

{Artist Spotlight} Ox & Pine

Stephanie is a fan favorite at the Bash, so we know you’ll be excited to find Ox & Pine joining us again at the 2019 Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash. We visited her for a quick Q&A just for y’all …

What are you most looking forward to for the Jingle Bash?
I'm most looking forward to seeing and talking to everyone in person! It's so fun to visit and show everyone our products in person and see their creativity in the personalization they want on their leather goods!

Is your shop offering anything new, special or different at the Bash?
We'll be offering our Personalized Leather Tote Bags for the first time, and personalizing everything on the spot at the show, so you can get your leather good personalized right then and there. Also, don't forget to stop by for our famous ON SALE leather luggage tags and Almost Perfect leather goods sold at a HUGE discount!

What is your favorite part of prepping for an upcoming show?
Figuring out how we can best display our products so everyone can see and handle everything easily!

What makes this event special for you?
We only do the Spring Bash and Jingle Bash, so that makes this one of 2 special shows for us :).

Is there a story behind your business name?
We work with leather (Ox) and paper (Pine) since we technically do bookbinding and leatherworking.

What is a typical day of work like for you?
Answering messages and getting leather dust all over my clothes while cutting out leather goods and prototyping new items.

What is your professional background and how did it lead you to the creative work you are pursuing now?
I've spent a lot of years developing my leatherworking and bookbinding skills. It's been a passion for me to learn as much as I can to use the best techniques and top quality materials.

How would you describe your brand?
Personalized handmade leather goods.

What do you enjoy most about working with your team?
We have a lot of fun and believe in working together to create the best quality product made of the best quality materials. Also, we believe in and support each other and love working together to reach goals!

What do you find the most challenging about your work?
Learning a new technique and practicing it to perfection! For example, when stamping personalization onto a new product, it takes a lot of practice to get it just right before it's ready for each of our customers to purchase!

Do you have any tips for finding work/life balance?
I've learned you often don't have balance and that the balance will shift from family to work and back again. Recently, I've made an effort to make sure I'm doing fun things with my family and on my own. That rejuvenates me to find better solutions when working on my business and with my team!

Is there anything you would like to add?
My team and I are so excited to meet everyone at the show!

Shop from dozens of artists offering unique handmade wares at the Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 9. From original art, home goods, and artisanal soaps to local jewelry designers, leather workers and so much more! Check out the event on Facebook here. And find out how to shop the Bash like a pro here. We’ll see y’all at the Bash! 

{Artist Spotlight} The Crafter Way

Krys is a newcomer to the Bash, and we think you’ll be excited to find The Crafter Way joining us at the 2019 Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash. We connected with her for a quick Q&A just for y’all …

What are you most looking forward to for the Jingle Bash?
Making people laugh. I love meeting customers in person and connecting for a moment over a snarky joke or cheesy pun.

Is your shop offering anything new, special or different at the Bash?
We have a ton of new cards for the Bash, including some cheeky holiday cards. We also have new mix packs for the forgetful folks who never have a card when they need one.

What makes this event special for you?
The community and collaboration of this group is just magical. It makes me feel whole. I’ve also been lucky enough to volunteer with Etsy Dallas in coordinating the event this year, so I can’t wait to see it come to life!

Is there a story behind your business name?
Most definitely! I love being a crafter of words, but the story is much dorkier than that!

In the late 90s, my bestie, Christine, and I were craft shopping. She’d changed her mind about buying yet another photo box and dropped it on the nearest shelf rather than returning it to where it belonged. I instinctively shouted, “that is not the crafter way!” It became our motto of sorts, and I knew someday it would be my brand.

What is a typical day of work like for you?
I need structure. And I love alliterations. So, my schedule is marketing mornings and art afternoons. After my coffee, I start by working on my Etsy shop, social media, and whatever is on my marketing to do list. After lunch (or my second coffee), it’s time for product development, so illustrating and writing .

What is your professional background and how did it lead you to the creative work you are pursuing now?
In my undergrad, I studied photography and design, and this year I’m finishing my MBA/MS in marketing. My designer and copywriter sides play nicely together for The Crafter Way.

How would you describe your brand?
We make greeting cards and gifts that push the envelope: snarky meets sweet. We want to give you a laugh and it be contagious.

What inspires your work?
I find inspiration in the little awkward moments of day-to-day life. I love to laugh, especially at myself.

What do you enjoy most about working with your team?
Overwhelming love and support. My husband and dearest friends support me at shows, laugh at my jokes, and never complain. Plus they’re my favorite people in the world!

What do you find the most challenging about your work?
Definitely the hardest part for me is knowing when the joke will land with my audience - and not just me, LOL. Also, when the creative spark hits (often at 12 am), I’m notorious for being so absorbed that I forget to do important things… like sleep and eat.

Do you have any tips for finding work/life balance?
No, do you?

Jokes aside, I heard something powerful at a conference recently that really struck a chord. Elizabeth Gilbert shared the story of her journey to becoming a writer, and at a pivotal point her mentor challenged her, “What are you willing to give up to get the life you’re pretending you want?”

I’m a work in progress, but that sentiment inspires me to focus on the good stuff.

Is there anything you would like to add?

We can’t wait to meet you at the Bash!

Meet the Team: Christine, Matt, Krys, Tara (left to right)

Shop from dozens of artists offering unique handmade wares at the Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 9. From original art, home goods, and artisanal soaps to local jewelry designers, leather workers and so much more! Check out the event on Facebook here. And find out how to shop the Bash like a pro here. We’ll see y’all at the Bash! 

{Red, White & Blue Roundup!} Your Local Gift Guide for July Shopping

Summer is sizzling, and your to do list is a mile long, so let’s make shopping easy for you. Whether you’re looking for amazingness for your BFF's birthday, a thank you for that special coworker you share glares with during meetings, or some long overdue self care, we have the perfect summer gifts from local handmade artists in the DFW area. Shop local, support your community, and feel all warm and fuzzy knowing you mean the world to a small business. Enjoy our gift guide of modern Americana-inspired favorites and not-so-traditional red, white, and blue goodies.

Creteation

Expressions Bracelets

Earrings by Eryn

Mesa Blue

Ox & Pine

Uptown Pet Wear

Sasha’s Hand Poured

The Pig & The Peacock

Whipped Up Wonderful

Calisher Glass

Martolana Studio

Maya & Kiwi

The Crafter Way

Wandering Paper Co.

Designs by Andrea

{Artist Spotlight} Rebecca Ramos Jewelry

We know many of you love Rebecca Ramos Jewelry. We are thrilled Rebecca will be back as one of our vendors for the 2019 Etsy Dallas Spring Bash on May 4. Rebecca took a few minutes to do a little Q&A session just for y’all …

What are you most looking forward to for the Spring Bash?
I love the Etsy Dallas Spring Bash because the weather is always beautiful and shoppers are out and about looking fresh and happy. They are usually looking for gifts for mom as well as special little treats for themselves. It’s a bright and shiny show for sure.

Is your shop offering anything new, special or different at the Bash?
This show I have some fantastically trendy materials to work into my line. The new mother of pearl and acrylic accents blend flawlessly with the layered looks that are so popular right now. It’s very exciting and airy for Spring and Summer.

What is your favorite part of prepping for an upcoming show?
I love changing up my displays and jewelry offerings. Finding all the newest trends and doing them in my style. It’s always a super rewarding challenge.

What makes this event special for you?
I absolutely love seeing all my past customers. I love it so much that I even offer a “super customer” discount. If you are wearing a piece of Rebecca Ramos Jewelry that you purchased at a past show, you get a discount on your purchase at this show. I especially love it when the customer just happens to be wearing a piece and didn’t even know about the special discount. That’s the best!

What is a typical day of work like for you?
A typical day starts off with all the business part of business. Yuck. I get that out of the way first thing so I can move on to all the fun. The afternoons are spent getting dinner ready and hanging out with my kiddos. I don’t really get moving and creative until the later hours. I am definitely a night owl.

What is your professional background, and how did it lead you to the creative work you are pursuing now?
I always knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the arts — I was very lucky in this matter. I studied Industrial Design in college and then ended up working at a marketing company after graduation. I went on to open my own advertising agency and helped others with their brands for about 10 years. From there I found my love of making again and taught myself all about metal clay and jewelry making processes.

What inspires your work?
There is a strong form and function theme that runs through my work. I love when a piece just has that perfect “movement.” The way the metal moves from one shape to another. Each of my sculpted pieces are true one-of-a-kinds, and I love that aspect of my work.

What do you find the most challenging about your work?
It’s very challenging to stay innovative and relevant in this industry. There are so many amazing makers — especially at the Etsy Dallas shows. Each maker is constantly bringing their “A game” and it is a challenge to stay on trend while still remaining true to the vision that you have for your work.

Do you have any tips for finding work/life balance?
For me, it comes down to segmenting my day into little pockets. When my family is at work and school, I’m working. When they are home, I stay present and available for them. It doesn’t always work out this way. I definitely haven’t won any mom or wife awards lately. But when the family is home, I try my best to be here — both physically and mentally — even if it does mean that I miss out on a bunch of sleep when I have to work into the late hours to get my work finished.

Shop from dozens of artists offering unique handmade wares at the Etsy Dallas Spring Bash from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 4. From original art, home goods, and artisanal soaps to local jewelry designers, leather workers and so much more! Check out the event on Facebook here. And find out how to shop the Bash like a pro here. We’ll see y’all at the Bash! 

{Artist Spotlight} Ox & Pine

Stephanie’s booth is always one of the most popular spots at the Bash so we know many of you will be excited to find Ox & Pine at the 2019 Etsy Dallas Spring Bash. We caught up with her for a quick Q&A just for y’all …

What are you most looking forward to for the Spring Bash?
Seeing and meeting customers in person. I love being able to talk one-on-one and to learn about the special gifts they're giving that we can help a little with.

Is your shop offering anything new, special or different at the Bash?
We have our famous leather luggage tags and will be selling our lovingly dubbed cheery mishaps for a big discount (leather journals that are cut a little funky or have a large scar).

What is your favorite part of prepping for an upcoming show?
It's exciting to think what fun and special personalizations everyone will have us stamp on their leather good.

What makes this event special for you?
We really only do the Etsy Bashes, so we really put our heart and soul into it.

Is there a story behind your shop/business name?
We went with something descriptive of what we do — ox for the leather and pine for the paper.

What is a typical day of work like for you?
I look through messages and go over orders each day. Then, it will vary from product development to working on social media and other marketing.

What is your professional background and how did it lead you to the creative work you are pursuing now?
I spent years learning leatherworking and bookbinding before starting to sell my leather goods.

How would you describe your shop?
We make personalized, handcrafted leather goods that create a connection through meaningful gift-giving.

What inspires your work?
A desire for beautiful and functional leather goods that mean something and will last forever.

What do you find the most challenging about your work?
Figuring out the best processes and fine-tuning our products to what others need.

Do you have any tips for finding work/life balance?
It's a daily challenge that sometimes you feel like you're winning at and other days you don't.

Shop from dozens of artists offering unique handmade wares at the Etsy Dallas Spring Bash from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 4. From original art, home goods, and artisanal soaps to local jewelry designers, leather workers and so much more! Check out the event on Facebook here. And find out how to shop the Bash like a pro here. We’ll see y’all at the Bash! 

13 Tips for Shopping the 2019 Etsy Dallas Spring Bash Like a Pro

The highly anticipated Etsy Dallas Spring Bash is May 4 at Gilley’s Dallas. Admission is free! We will have a free photo booth and fun make-and-take crafts. We put together a few tips for making the most of your Spring Bash experience ...

1. Bring your favorite shopping buddies and be sure your phone or camera is charged. There are fun photo booths in the works and you’re going to want those selfies. Don’t forget to tag @etsydallas so we can see too!

2. Make your list before Bash Day so you won’t forget anyone on your shopping list. Don’t forget Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduation and summer travel are right around the corner. You can even browse the 2019 Spring Bash Artists ahead of time.

3. Grab a map when you come in so you can head straight to your favorite booths. We will have some Etsy Dallas Spring Bash swag at our information booth while supplies last. And be sure to visit the free make-and-take craft table hosted by Craft Guild of Dallas.

4. Bring a tote bag for your purchases if you want to keep your hands free for browsing all the beautiful handmade pieces our artists will have at the Spring Bash. We will have extra totes for sale but supplies are limited.

5. The first 50 adult shoppers in line get our coveted Bash Bags — it’s the first 50 who show up, y’all. Please don’t yell at our volunteers if you weren’t in the first 50. We promise there is plenty of amazing work available for purchase at the Bash. We’re all in this to support handmade artists, right? We are always excited with the contributions for the Bash Bags. Those 50 lucky shoppers who are first in line will love what they find inside.

6. Don’t stress if you arrive at opening to see people lined up outside the door. Experienced Bash shoppers may be there to get their hands on our Bash Bags or to get first dibs in the booths. Once doors open, everyone gets ushered right in without a wait. Pro tip: If crowds aren’t your thing, you probably don’t want to arrive in the first hour.

7. Our all-volunteer leadership team works on planning for our Bashes all year long! We are passionate about putting on an event you will love but we can’t control the weather or traffic. If you’re planning to wait in the line before the show, be prepared.

8. Expect traffic. Plan your route ahead of time. It’s downtown Dallas, y’all. Check the news for construction or any big events that may affect your route. Consider carpooling with friends or taking DART if driving downtown stresses you out.

9. Thankfully there is parking at Gilley’s for $5. We will have food trucks and a bar onsite as well. 

10. Expect a crowd. We love how the community comes out to show support for our artists! If you want to browse with a little more elbow room, arrive after lunch. Don’t worry. Our artists are stocked for the whole day.

11. You may want to leave the stroller in the car or at home. If possible, wearing your little one may make shopping the Bash easier for you and other shoppers trying to navigate the aisles.

12. Find the Etsy Dallas table to find out how to win Bash Bucks (that’s money that only works at this Bash, y’all). We want to give you extra $$ to spend at the Bash, so don’t miss out!

13. If you haven’t already, sign up for our newsletter. We promise we only send out fun and happy emails. It’s a great way to get the scoop on all our upcoming events.

Skratch helps small business owners access affordable workers

The wonderful people at Skratch App understand that Etsy sellers often don’t have access to low-cost dependable labor. Skratch solves for that.

Skratch is the mobile app that gives small businesses access to an affordable worker — the teenager. Think: helping with inventory, prepping products for shipment and setting up or promoting an event.

Getting started is simple! Small business owners download the app, post a “gig” with instructions and details for the task, and a teen accepts the gig based on their location, interests and qualifications. Use promo code ETSY to try for free!

Other small businesses in DFW such as Samantha’s Slime Shop and Reful are using the app to assist with inventory and packaging. Want to learn more? Email support@skratch.co or visit www.skratch.co.

{Artist Spotlight} Untamed Arte

The unique pieces from Untamed Arte are sure to dazzle. We are so excited to see what Stephanie has for you in her booth at the 2019 Etsy Dallas Spring Bash on May 4. Stephanie took a moment for a quick Q&A session just for y’all …

What are you most looking forward to for the Spring Bash?
The Etsy Dallas team always does an amazing job putting the event together so I'm just excited to see the turnout.

Is your shop offering anything new, special or different at the Bash?
My shop is working on new designs, making the Spring Bash the first market where people can see them in person. I will also be giving out special discounts.

What is your favorite part of prepping for an upcoming show?
Creating my inventory and just hoping whatever I make will bring joy to the person who purchases it because I make my things with a lot of love.

What makes this event special for you?
Mostly the team that creates it. It really shows how hard they work. The Bash is one of very few events I've seen that has such a loyal following. 

Is there a story behind your business name?
I name my shop Untamed Arte because I have a ton of ideas that sometimes have no connection to anything I have created in the past or plan on creating. I just love experimenting and exploring new concepts. 

What is a typical day of work like for you?
A lot of prep work. For me its probably 90% prep and 10% of actually creating. 

What is your professional background and how did it lead you to the creative work you are pursuing now?
It has always been a hobby. My passion for it never stopped growing, and I finally decided to go full force with it. 

How would you describe your shop?
Random and colorful. I try to make eye catching items that pull you in. 

What inspires your work?
Lately, western decor has been inspiring me. 

What do you find the most challenging about your work?
I would say trying to find the most efficient way of making my products. 

Do you have any tips for finding work/life balance?
It's okay to take breaks. 

hop from dozens of artists offering unique handmade wares at the Etsy Dallas Spring Bash from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 4. From original art, home goods, and artisanal soaps to local jewelry designers, leather workers and so much more! Check out the event on Facebook here. And find out how to shop the Bash like a pro here. We’ll see y’all at the Bash! 

{Artist Spotlight} Mesa Blue Jewelry

Linsey combines textile, metal, gemstones, geodes and more in her Mesa Blue Jewelry line. We can’t wait to see her booth at the 2019 Etsy Dallas Spring Bash on May 4. And we know many of you are looking forward to shopping Mesa Blue again this year.

All of Linsey’s work is handmade by her and photographed right here in Dallas. She has been creating jewelry since she was a little girl. You’re sure to find something perfect for those on your Mother’s Day shopping list, graduates and a little something (or three) for yourself too.

She launched Mesa Blue on Etsy a decade ago and now the line is her full-time job. Because she makes every piece herself, each is one of a kind. We love how special that makes her work and we know you do too. Be sure to stop by her booth and tell Linsey hello. We’ll see y’all at the Bash!

Shop from dozens of artists offering unique handmade wares at the Etsy Dallas Spring Bash from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 4. From original art, home goods, and artisanal soaps to local jewelry designers, leather workers and so much more! Check out the event on Facebook here. And find out how to shop the Bash like a pro here. We’ll see y’all at the Bash!