Kathleen Care Jewelry

{Hit the Books!} Handmade Gifts for Back to School

Summer is winding down fast, and that means back to school shopping is in full force. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or student, our gift guide of must-have school accessories and teacher gifts will help you hit the books.

Professors and students will love these stylish, refillable leather journals by Ox & Pine. Personalize it with initials, graduation year, or a favorite quote.

Professors and students will love these stylish, refillable leather journals by Ox & Pine. Personalize it with initials, graduation year, or a favorite quote.

Be sure to get a teacher thank you card by Kat French Design for those everyday super heroes.

Be sure to get a teacher thank you card by Kat French Design for those everyday super heroes.

On the professor’s desk or away at college, display cherished memories with this desk photo holder by Creteation.

On the professor’s desk or away at college, display cherished memories with this desk photo holder by Creteation.

Rock your school ID with a personalized leather lanyard by Ox & Pine.

Rock your school ID with a personalized leather lanyard by Ox & Pine.

When it’s time for a little R&R, relax with a DIY kit for watercolor cacti by Maya X Kiwi.

When it’s time for a little R&R, relax with a DIY kit for watercolor cacti by Maya X Kiwi.

Mark your page with a personalized leather bookmark by Ox & Pine. Make it a truly special gift by adding their name, graduation year, or favorite quote.

Mark your page with a personalized leather bookmark by Ox & Pine. Make it a truly special gift by adding their name, graduation year, or favorite quote.

Even during finals, remember to breathe with these gorgeous hand stamped mini cuffs by Kathleen Care Jewelry.

Even during finals, remember to breathe with these gorgeous hand stamped mini cuffs by Kathleen Care Jewelry.

Teachers and parents alike deserve to unwind with these DIY watercolor kits by Maxa X Kiwi.

Teachers and parents alike deserve to unwind with these DIY watercolor kits by Maxa X Kiwi.

Handy gifts for all the super manly teachers and students in your life, Sasha’s Hand Poured.

Handy gifts for all the super manly teachers and students in your life, Sasha’s Hand Poured.

Some teachers make a difference beyond words. Show your appreciation with a customizable teacher bangle by Expressions Bracelets.

Some teachers make a difference beyond words. Show your appreciation with a customizable teacher bangle by Expressions Bracelets.

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Join Etsy Dallas at the Dallas Opera for La Bohème

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Photo courtesy Atlanta Opera

Photo courtesy Atlanta Opera

Join us with the Dallas Opera in welcoming Puccini’s popular opera, La Bohème, as we present the Montmartre Artist Village opening weekend, March 15 -17. Before the show and during the first intermission, enjoy perusing a special bohemian market in the Winspear lobby with some of our favorite artists—Friday, March 15 and Sunday, March 17th only. If you’re interested in seeing the show, please take advantage of our special ticket offer for 20% off single ticket purchases with code ETSY20 on the Dallas Opera website. Scroll down for a full listing of opening weekend artists below. Hope to see you there!

Photo courtesy Karen Almond Photography

Photo courtesy Karen Almond Photography

Photo courtesy Karen Almond Photography

Photo courtesy Karen Almond Photography

 

Let's go back to school in style with these handmade finds from Dallas artists

There's more to back-to-school season than No. 2 pencils and late nights wrapping up new lesson plans. We put together a roundup of handmade gifts for students, teachers and parents gearing up for the new academic year. 

Expressions Bracelets has wearable inspiration for all you teachers and professors.

Expressions Bracelets has wearable inspiration for all you teachers and professors.

Get those college or high school beards in shape with The Immaculate Beard. 

Get those college or high school beards in shape with The Immaculate Beard. 

These personalized graduation necklaces from Kathleen Care are lovely gifts for grads, moms and college students looking forward to wrapping up their studies. 

These personalized graduation necklaces from Kathleen Care are lovely gifts for grads, moms and college students looking forward to wrapping up their studies. 

Show your kid's teacher you care with these hilarious cards from MayaXKiwi based on that Dena Blizzard video you may have seen. 

Show your kid's teacher you care with these hilarious cards from MayaXKiwi based on that Dena Blizzard video you may have seen. 

Keep it together (or at least keep your earbuds from tying themselves into a hundred knots) with one of these gorgeous cord wraps from Ox&Pine. 

Keep it together (or at least keep your earbuds from tying themselves into a hundred knots) with one of these gorgeous cord wraps from Ox&Pine. 

Pro Tip: Those teachers deserve a relaxing bath and we know the perfect bath bombs. Scoop up some Whipped Up Wonderful for yourself while you're at it. 

Pro Tip: Those teachers deserve a relaxing bath and we know the perfect bath bombs. Scoop up some Whipped Up Wonderful for yourself while you're at it. 

Prioritize coffee before those things you need to get done while the kids are at school, with this Kat French Design notepad.

Prioritize coffee before those things you need to get done while the kids are at school, with this Kat French Design notepad.

Pack all of your kid's essentials in this cute pouch from Hearts and Sharts.

Pack all of your kid's essentials in this cute pouch from Hearts and Sharts.

Use the start of the new year to jump-start a new habit with this gratitude notebook from MadeByRori.

Use the start of the new year to jump-start a new habit with this gratitude notebook from MadeByRori.

Maybe you would rather list your to-do's on this colorful kantha stitches notepad from tokodots.

Maybe you would rather list your to-do's on this colorful kantha stitches notepad from tokodots.

However you start the school year, just remember, it means sweater weather is around the corner.  Right??  Get ready for fall with this mug from Fresh Out of Ink.

However you start the school year, just remember, it means sweater weather is around the corner.  Right??  Get ready for fall with this mug from Fresh Out of Ink.

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Gifts for Teachers: Show your appreciation with a handmade gift

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Make Macramé Bracelets with Kathleen Care

Howdy crafty buddies!  My friend Kathleen Care is here today to show us how to make these simple, modern macramé bracelets!  Oh, the color and supply possibilities are endless!  Make some for yourself or with your kiddos and their besties!

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Materials: .8mm Chinese knotting cord                
Cut cord: 2 x 15” pieces, 2 x 3’ pieces, 1 x 16” piece

Step 1: Attached cord to each side of the connector. Fold the 15” piece in half and thread through connector. Bring ends back through the loop and pull to tighten.

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Step 2: Attached one of the 3’ pieces. Center under the 2 middle strands and tie with simple knot to attach. Fold the RIGHT cord over the Middle strands and under the LEFT cord. See below picture. Pull the LEFT cord under the RIGHT and MIDDLE strands and through the loop on the RIGHT side. See picture below.

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Pull tight and slide the knot up to the top next to connector. The knot you just completed in the first step in making a square knot.

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Step 3 Finish the second half of the square knots by folding the LEFT cord over the MIDDLE strands and under the RIGHT cord. Pull RIGHT cord under the LEFT and MIDDLE strands and through the loop on the LEFT side. See below pictures.

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Pull to tighten. This completes the square knot. See picture below.

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Step 4: Repeat this pattern until desired length is reached. Keep in mind the clasp will take up about ½”. Leave all the tails of your working cord until you have completed both sides to make necessary adjustments. Step 5: Repeat all the steps on the other side of the connector. Clip tails of the working cord but make sure you leave the tails of the MIDDLE strands to attach the clasp. See picture with labels for clarification.


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Step 6: Making the clasp. Use the same square not pattern used to create the first parts of the bracelet, only you will have 4 middle strands now instead of 2. See pictures below.

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1. To make the sliding closure, shape the bracelet into a circle and overlap the middle strands. Use wire or scrap cord to temporarily tie the cords together at each end if needed.
 2. Take the 16” cord piece and cent it under the strands.
 3. Start tying square knots exactly the same way you did to make the bracelet.
 4. Stop after about 1/2” of knotting.
 5. Remove temporary binding cords.
 Step 7: Finishing. The 2 sets of middle strands are now the adjustable ties of the bracelet. Adjust to fit over the hand and wrist and tie each end into simple knots. Step 8: Fire. Clip and burn all excess cord ends to keep from fraying. See closure in picture below.

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Enjoy, and show us what you make with the #etsydallastutorial hashtag on Instagram!  

Etsy Dallas Weekend Guide Dec 11th & 12th

Time for another Etsy Dallas weekend guide! Still looking for the perfect gift for that special someone? Check out this weekends handmade shopping events where you will find Etsy Dallas members along with other great local handmade artists.
Two Friends and Junk
Date: Friday Dec 11th – Sat Dec 12th
Time: Friday noon-7pm, Saturday 9am-5pm
Location: Exchange Center Expo, 4148 E 21st St, Tulsa OK 74114
More Info
Participating Etsy Dallas Member: Lawless Souls 

Admission is $6, kids under 12 are free plus $6000 in door prizes


Dallas Farmers Market Holiday Hall
Date: Saturday Dec 12th
Time: 10am – 5pm
Location: Dallas Farmers Market 1010 S Pearl Expy, Dallas, TX 75201
More Info: http://dallasfarmersmarket.org/
Participating Etsy Dallas Members: 
Regal Cottage


The Shed is a great one-stop-shop for your fresh produce, artisan foods and Dallas flavored holiday meals and gift shopping! This weekend will kick off the Grand Opening of the new Dallas Farmers Market in the re-done enclosed shed that fronts Harwood Street! Come and meet your local vendors!


Cowtown Indie Bazaar
Date: Saturday Dec 12th
Time: 11am – 5pm
Location: Will Rogers Memorial Complex 3401 W Lancaster, Ft. Worth, TX 76107
More Info
Participating Etsy Dallas Members: 
Wayne Works

There will also be lots of Jingle Bash vendors at Cowtown as well like April Hiler Designs, Mush Tushy and Big TWW

Weekend Guide Dec 4th-5th

Happy Friday! We have two handmade events for this weeks Weekend Guide. See below for where you can find some of our team members over the next few days!  


Holiday Open House and Gallery Reception
Date: Friday Dec 4th
Time: 5-7pm
Location: North Haven Gardens 7700 Northaven Rd, Dallas TX 75230
More Info
Participating Etsy Dallas Members:
  Off Avenue Studion 


In addition to shopping with local artisans, enjoy a glass of wine and sample flavors from the menu of the upcoming Cafe at NHG. Stroll through the gallery and stop by the Animal Rescue of Texas' Angel tree too! There will also be a pop-up DIY class at 5:30 where you can learn to make seasonal decor.



Move Studio Abundance Boutique Trunk Show
Date: Saturday Dec 5th
Time: 9am-1pm
Location: Move Studio 17062 Preston Rd Suite 108, Dallas TX 75248
More Info
Participating Etsy Dallas Members: 
 Kathleen Care Jewelry 
The Abundance Boutique also carries handmade items by several other Etsy Dallas members!


Ultimate Girls Night Out
Date: Wednesday Dec 9th
Time: 7-10pm
Location: Dallas Palms 2424 Marsh Ln, Dallas TX 75006
More Info
Participating Etsy Dallas Members: 
Whipped Up Wonderful 
Entry is free but please bring a toy to donate to Toys for Tots!

Weekend Guide: 13th, 14th, and 15th, 2015

If you're looking for something fun to do this weekend, you're in luck! Because we're running another post in our Weekend Guide series! This weekend, there are quite a few awesome shows to choose from. 

You could head over to the Moms In Action Christmas Market - 



Date: Saturday Nov 14th
Time: 9am-5pm
Location: First Baptist Church Grapevine, 301 E. Texas St, Grapevine, TX 76051
Participating Etsy Dallas Member: Paddy Wick Lane


Or the Pigment Art Show -


Date: Friday Nov 13th and Saturday Nov 14th
Time: Fri 5:30-8:30pm, Sat 12-2pm
Location: Pigment School of the Arts, 605 W Lovers Ln Dallas, TX 75209
More Info

Participating Etsy Dallas Member: Wayne Works 

Or the LECPTA Auction Party -



Date: Friday Nov 13th
Time: 7:30-10pm
Location: Belo Mansion and Pavillion, 2101 Ross Ave, Dallas TX 75201
More Info 
Participating Etsy Dallas Member: Kathleen Care Jewelry 


Or if you'd like drive a bit, head to Austin for the Junior League of Austin's 2015 Christmas Affair -



Date: Wednesday Nov 18th – Sunday Nov 22nd  
Time: Wed 6pm-7:30pm, Thurs 12pm-9pm, Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Location: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Participating Etsy Dallas Member: Precious Little Tot 

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See you this weekend!!

Shop Spotlight: Kathleen Care Jewelry

As we gear up to the Jingle Bash in just 9 days, we're taking a teensy break from our regularly scheduled programming for another Shop Spotlight post. It's been a month or two, so if you're just joining us, let us recap for you!

Etsy Dallas is extremely proud of its members, and this summer, we decided to start a series of blog posts that highlights the various shops that make up our awesome team. We've interviewed some really wonderful makers - all of which you can see here.


This time around, we're showcasing Kathleen Care Jewelry - one of our longtime members.


What year did you open your shop? 2010
What is your shop's motto? Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. The more you leave out, the more you emphasize what you leave in.


What is your favorite item that you sell? My favorite item is my wire-weave earrings with garnets (see below). 


Fun fact about you: My greatest passion in life (besides family) is travel. I get a lot of inspiration from architectural lines. 


How did you get started? I wanted very specific wedding jewelry and couldn't find exactly what I wanted. I decided to make it myself. I designed my wedding ring (but didn't make it myself). I didn't have any experience or classwork in jewelry design and loved what I made. My friends started inquiring about my jewelry and 2 years later, I started my business. 


Anything else we should know? I am a very proud mother of twin girls. There is nothing in this world more important than my girls.

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Thank you so much, Kathleen! We're so happy to have you as a member!

To see more of Kathleen's work, you can swing by the Jingle Bash on November 21st, or you can follow her on any of her social media sites: Facebook // Instagram // Twitter

ZOOMOS Pop-Up Shop + Etsy Dallas = Good Cause


This Saturday, you can shop small to make a big difference in our community. It's that time of year when we are scurrying around buying gifts for our loved ones. We should also remember those who are going without. Etsy Dallas has partnered with ZOOMOS Pop-Up Shop for a one day only charity event.

We will have seven Etsy Dallas artists selling their handmade items and 20 percent of the proceeds will benefit Promise House. For more than 31 years, Promise House has focused on supporting homeless youth in the Dallas area by providing a safe shelter, counseling and outreach services.

The goal for this event is to raise enough money to buy some much needed items for Promise House and help spread some holiday cheer to the kids and teens they serve. And it just so happens that this event takes place on Small Business Saturday, so come shop for a cause with our Etsy Dallas team members and help support local businesses at the same time.

Join us for some wine and holiday treats while you shop. You can also get your photo taken with Santa on the popular you + me = love mural at ZOOMOS!

When: Noon to 6 p.m., November 29, 2014
Where: 504 N. Madison Ave. Dallas, TX 75208 (in Bishop Arts)

Participating Artists:
The Pig and the Peacock
Kathleen Care Jewelry
InYourBones
Scout & Lilly
The Crooked Hook
Mesa Blue
Off Avenue Studio

Gift Guide: A Few of My Favorite Things...

The Jingle Bash is the perfect place to find a few favorite things from talented artisans that are perfect for giving or receiving. *hint, hint*


Organic Hot and Cold Pack by Regal Cottage

Original Canvas Fine Art Painting 1 painting a day series by Liz Wiley: 



Selections by Kathy from Kathleen Care Jewelry who will also be at the Jingle Bash. 

Etsy Dallas on The Broadcast: DIY Repurposing Picture Frames

Karen from Pinwheel Fair and Kathy from Kathleen Care Jewelry joined the hosts of The Broadcast to show off beautiful ways to recycle your old picture frames. 


Karen makes all kinds of gorgeous chalkboards, pushpins, and pillows in her Etsy shop. We are so happy she shared some of her talent and creative skills with us on the show today and gave us all the details for her Framed Magnet Board. 
Framed Magnet Board:

Supplies:
- Frame
- Sheet metal & tin snips (Home Depot or Loews)
- Ruler & sharpie
- Spray Paint
- Decorative paper or fabric
- Mod Podge & sponge brush
- Foam core
- Duck tape
- Utility knife & cutting mat
- Magnets
1. Remove glass, frame backing and spray paint the frame the color of choice - for best adhesion, lightly sand and prime first.
2. Measure inside of frame from the back - this will be your sheet metal dimensions. If your frame has a glass insert, simply use it as
an easy template to draw onto your sheet metal. Be careful - the sides will be SHARP!
3. "Paint" a thin layer of Mod Podge on to your sheet metal insert and smooth out your decorative paper/fabric carefully removing any air bubbles.  (Don't worry about the overage yet...)
4. Let dry overnight.
5. Cut off paper or fabric edges using your utility knife & a cutting mat to protect work surfaces. 
6. Carefully place your steel insert back into your frame.
7. Cut layers of foam core board to fit, until the frame back is level to the frame.
8. Seal all edges with your duck tape to complete!
Kathy from Kathleen Care Jewelry designs and hand crafts beautiful jewelry. How lovely it would be to make one or two of her display boards to organize all of your jewelry. Here's all the details Kathy shared with us:

Jewelry Display from a Picture Frame

Jewelry Display Board: 

Supplies:
- Fabric
- Frame
- Spray Paint
- Cotton batting
- Straight Pins
- Pearl Pins
- Duct or heavy duty tape 
- Double sided tape or glue dots

1. Pick a frame large enough to display your jewelry, hair bows, etc, and make sure the fabric you use extends at least 2 inches on each side.
2. Remove glass, frame backing and spray paint the frame the color of choice
3. Adhere cotton batting to the card board back of your frame. I use either glue dots or double sided tape, cutting off any excess batting.
4. Tautly pull the fabric over your frame backing and secure with either duct tape or framing tape (some people even like to use a heavy duty stapler)
5. Put newly covered frame cardboard back in the frame without the glass.
Done!

See Karen and Kathy in action on The Broadcast!

Studio Snapshots: Kathleen Care Jewelry


Ever wonder where all the lovely things you see on Etsy are made? It’s time to take a behind-the-scenes look at the workspace of Etsy Dallas teammate Kathleen Care of Kathleen Care Jewelry.


Kathleen created has converted a corner of her bedroom into her own studio space. It’s about 5’ x 4’ and a step up from the early days. “I started my business working on my couch with four plastic storage bins filled with gemstones, metal wire and chain,” Kathleen said. “My husband felt sorry for me (or maybe he was annoyed) and bought me a proper desk.” She has since added a second desk. 


In her current space, Kathleen uses two different size torches (fire), Dremel tools for sanding, buffing, polishing, etching, texturing, etc. She has a solid wood desk, a plywood desk and a granite surface. “Each of my surfaces work differently with the metal and gives me the ability to do a range of texturing on the jewelry,” she said.