Father's Day

13 tips for shopping the etsy dallas spring bash like a pro

The highly anticipated 10th annual Etsy Dallas Spring Bash is almost here! Admission is free. We will have a free photo booth and fun geofilters. 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 May 5 so you won’t forget anyone on your Spring Bash shopping list. Don’t forget Mother’s Day, graduation, Father’s Day and summer travel are right around the corner. You can even browse the 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 (hooray for pencils and buttons) at our information booth while supplies last. And be sure to visit the free make-and-take craft table provided by the 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 some totes for sale but supplies are limited.

  5. Yes, the first 50 shoppers in line get our coveted Bash Bags. But, y’all. We got so many amazing contributions for the Bash Bags this year that those 50 lucky shoppers who are first in line will probably need another tote bag too.

  6. That line tho! Don’t stress if you get there at opening and see people lined up outside the door. Diehard shoppers are there to get their hands on our Bash Bags. Once doors open at 10:30, everyone gets ushered right in without a wait.

  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 on-site parking at Gilley’s is only $5, which is great for downtown. We will have food trucks at the Bash 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. Hooray for free hands and extra baby cuddles!

  12. Pets shopping with their humans are welcome at the Bash but remember those crowds may not expect little paws on the floor so if your furiend will be stressed out by music and lots of people, you may not want to bring them along.

  13. Find the Etsy Dallas table when you get there and fill out a survey to be entered in our hourly drawing for 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 it! 

Shop+Interview with Spring Bash artist Jillian of Vintage Static

Jillian and Matt are the makers behind Vintage Static. Her modern, handcrafted soaps, scrubs and bath products are made locally in Frisco.

Vintage Static is bringing new bar soap scents and all of their beard oils to the Spring Bash. “This is our first show,” Jillian said. “We are so grateful and excited to be included.” If you’re shopping for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, she recommends her whipped soaps/scrubs and bath bomb hexes, and the solid shave soaps and beard oil.  

The shop’s name came to her in a dream. “It derives from the nostalgic feel of listening to records, which we do all the time, and the static at the end of the LP side,” Jillian said. She describes their shop as modern and muted, using natural colorants and clean lines with a restrained color palette. 

Jillian describes herself as high-energy and finds inspiration by scanning her Instagram feeds. After sharing some of her favorite grammers, she said, “And of course the Texas ladies crushing it! There are so many. I am constantly impressed by the talent here in Dallas.” We couldn’t agree more! “To see all the talent out there really drives me,” she said. The challenge is to not create every scent or color that comes to mind and to remain selective and focused, she said.

Stop by the Vintage Static booth and say hello to Jillian at the 2018 Etsy Dallas Spring Bash where you can shop the best handmade artists from near and far. We will be at Gilley’s 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, May 5, 2018. We’ll see y’all at the Bash!

Shop+Interview with Spring Bash artist Stephanie of Ox and Pine

Stephanie is the bookbinder and artist behind Ox & Pine. Her personalized leather journals, handmade notebooks and other leather goods are made here in the Dallas area.

She will be offering personalization stamping on the spot at the Spring Bash. “We’ll have some fun designs stamped onto leather luggage tags for a special price only available at the Bash,” Stephanie said. “It’s so fun to see customers face-to-face, and to be able to physically show them our leather goods.”

Stephanie said she is excited to meet people in person at the Bash. “I don’t do other any other in-person events, so this is a special occasion for me to meet and talk with customers in person.”

If you’re looking for a meaningful, lasting gift for a loved one for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduation or some other special occasion, something from Ox & Pine may be the perfect fit. “I love creating leather goods and working with my hands,” Stephanie said. “I’m always on the lookout to create something special that will be useful and beautiful.”

Stop by the Ox & Pine booth and say hello to Stephanie at the 2018 Etsy Dallas Spring Bash where you can shop the best handmade artists from near and far. We will be at Gilley’s 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, May 5, 2018. We’ll see y’all at the Bash!

Handmade Father's Day Gift Guide with Heidy

IMG_4676.JPG

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 18th. Do you have your present yet? We’ve shopped through the best of local Dallas Etsy artists to find unique, handcrafted gifts for Dad and gathered our favorite fifteen here.

From left:  Kat French Designs, Tokodots

But first, the card. Designer, Kat French on her inspiration:

“I made this card thinking of my own dad and my husband who labor all week long then give it their all on the weekends taking care of the house, cars, yards and do it all without complaining.”

And Tokodots’ card is, of course, perfect for anytime you want to thank Dad.

The Top 15 Handmade Father’s Day Gifts

Clockwise from left: Jenny N Design, Mesa Blue, Wingbean Woodworks 

​1. The Professional Backpack from Jenny N Design, $253

2. Leather Wrap Bracelet from Mesa Blue, $25

3. Drink Local Bottle Opener from Wingbean Woodworks, $35

4. Docking Station and Organizer from Piece of Shards, $59.95

5. Best Dad Ever Keychain from Expressions Bracelets, $15.95

6. Fahrenheit 451 Literary Quote from Rhapsody Letterpress, $20.00

7. Personalized Leather Notebook from a Cheery Blossom, starting at $30.00

​8. The Trio Multi-tool Pocket Beard Comb from mini-Fab, $34.99

9. Tobacco and Leather Scent Soy Wax Candlefrom The Pig and the Peacock, $10.00

10. Beard Balm from Sasha’s Hand-Poured, $18.00

11. Paduak and Zebrawood Beard Comb from Big T Woodworks, $28.00

12. Hand Drawn Map of Dallas Print from Joy Street Maps, starting at $25.00

13. Dallas Skyline Linocut Block Print from Wandering Paper Co, $20

14. Jimmy Buffet Lyrics on Reclaimed Vinyl Record Wall Art from Vinyl Revamped, $15.95

15. Dallas Cowboys Inspired Wall Art from Mush Tushy, $55.00

Happy Father's Day to all our wonderful dads, and thank you for all you do!

A Day for Dad's


What will you do to show your dad how much he means to you?
Super Dad Apron by Yellow Bug Boutique

I suggest  keeping it fun, healthy, handmade and local. Here are a few ideas in case you haven't decided yet.

1. Healthy
A basket or reusable shopping bag full of local produce would be a great gift for a dad who loves to cook or eat. Find your closest Farmer's Market at localharvest.org by simply entering your zip code.

2. Handmade and Local
Even if you don't consider yourself crafty, there's a whole local team of handmade artists that can help you find the right gift for your dad. Even if it's late, he'll still love you!  
Meet the Etsy Dallas Team here, and click to see their shops and handmade goodies. And of course, the blog has a weekly guide so you can find us all around town too.

3. From the Heart
Write your dad a sweet note anytime, to tell him how much you appreciate him. It doesn't have to be Father's Day for you to tell him how you feel!

Have a Happy Father's Day!
Posted by Alicia from La Alicia