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.
How to make the most of National Self-Improvement Month
Hello, everyone! My name is Alex Hughes, and I sell my globally inspired prints and illustrations through my business, Wandering Paper Co. I went to college at TCU, where I majored in graphic design, and I now live in the DFW area with my husband Philip and our cat Athena.
I don't know about you, but I'm so excited fall is here. The breeze is blowing, football season is upon us, and the infamous PSL is back. Yes, I know it’s still 90 degrees outside, but 90 is better than 100, and in Texas, we’ll take what we can get.
It's funny, every year when school starts I have the urge to take up a class or two myself. Maybe it’s the shiny new school supplies (it’s hard to say no to a new leather-bound notebook from Ox and Pine, or a witty to-do list from Kat French Design) or maybe it’s just the feeling of working toward a goal, but I miss the feeling of satisfaction that comes with learning something new. It’s fitting, then, that September is National Self-Improvement month. It's the perfect excuse to take a class, read a book or take on a new challenge. So I've put together a few ways to make the most of self-improvement month. Feel free to give them a try.
Start a Journal
I’m a recent fan of journaling after reading The Artist’s Way and doing the corresponding journal exercises. According to the Huffington Post, journaling can help boost self-confidence, create mindfulness, and even help you achieve your goals. For the full list of benefits, check out the full article on the benefits of keeping a journal. Plus, starting a journal is a great excuse to buy a cool new notebook.
Ox & Pine premium leather notebook
MadeByRori Dickens gratitude journal
Visit a Museum
The Dallas Museum of Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center, and the Perot Museum are three of my favorites. The best part is, they are all within walking distance of each other. Take yourself on a museum date, then stop by the food trucks at Klyde Warren Park for lunch or a mid-afternoon snack.
Take a Class
I love Oil & Cotton and the wide array of adult classes and workshops they offer. I’ve taken portrait watercolor and marble paper workshops there and loved both. They have lots of new offerings this fall, including felting, interior painting, photography, and intro ceramics. Check out their full fall lineup here.
Join a Gym
Yes, I know, everyone’s favorite subject. Luckily, there are tons of fun alternatives to a boring 30-minute treadmill jog. Go climbing at Summit Climbing Gym, try kickboxing at Title Boxing Club or join a recreational kickball league at Big D Sports. You may have so much fun you forget you're exercising.
De-Clutter and Decorate
Okay, maybe this is less ‘self-improvement’ and more ‘life-improvement,’ but de-cluttering always makes me happier and less stressed. First, choose a small area of the house, like a bathroom or a closet — somewhere that can be organized in one day. Next, take a page from Marie Kondo and keep only the things that spark joy. Once you have de-cluttered and organized, a new piece of art is a great way to give a space new life. I've always been a fan of these origami koalas from Tokodots, and I've had my eye on this hand-drawn map of White Rock Lake from Joy Street Maps for my living room.
In any case, once you have given away all the clutter, every time you pass that space you will feel lighter and more carefree.
Learn a Language
I love to learn new languages, which is why I’m a big fan of the app Duolingo. It's free, and the exercises are only 5 minutes long, so it’s easy to practice every day. Plus, you can find your friends and keep track of points.
Take a Bath
You deserve a reward after all this self-improvement. Taking care of yourself will give you the energy you need to stick with you new habit. Winding down with a bath, a book or a good movie is a great way to de-stress and get ready to tackle the day tomorrow.
What are your plans for self-improvement month? Do you have any self-improvement tips you would like to share? Let us know in the comments.
Celebrating Etsy's Birthday with Special Sales
We have a roundup of Etsy Dallas member shops with sales celebrating Etsy's 13th birthday. Set a reminder, the sales event is June 18-22. You don't want to miss these deals!
Expressions Bracelets is offering 20 percent off the entire shop (excluding the sale section). You'll also get free shipping (U.S. domestic orders only) on orders of $50 or more.
MayaXKiwi is offering 15 percent off all prints and cards.
The Pig and the Peacock is offering 15 percent off the entire shop (excluding favors and custom orders).
Sasha's Hand-Poured is offering 15 percent off the whole shop plus free shipping on orders over $40.
Wandering Paper Co. is offering 20 percent off everything in the shop.
Whipped Up Wonderful is offering 15 percent off plus free shipping on orders of $35 or more. Cannot be combined with other coupons. Free shipping on U.S. domestic orders only.
Whispers in the Glen is offering 20 percent off the entire shop.
Tokodots is offering 15% off everything in the shop.
Ahaha Home is offering 15 percent off everything in the shop.
Earrings by Eryn is offering 10 percent off most items in the shop.
Here's wishing you a happy 13th, Etsy! And happy summer to all of you. Enjoy the deals and the sunshine.
Gifts for Teachers: Show your appreciation with a handmade gift
Teacher Appreciation Day is May 8 and we have a roundup of handmade gifts teachers are sure to love from some of our favorite Dallas artists. We love these pieces and we know you will too.
Meet the 2018 Etsy Dallas team
Etsy Dallas is a local craft collective run by a juried group of crafters, artists and designers in Dallas who sell their wares on Etsy. (No, we aren't the same as Etsy. We have the blessing of Etsy as the official team for the Dallas metroplex.) We are an all-volunteer group who are serious about our handmade businesses and the success of this team and its endeavors.
Etsy Dallas began in 2007 and was the first city team in Texas. Since the founding, our members have been invested in the Dallas community, working with Etsy Dallas to benefit different aspects of the creative community and culture that makes this a great city. The team is run by a group of volunteers known as the Leadership Team.
Sabrina and Jenny, Co-Presidents of Etsy Dallas, run The Pig and the Peacock
SaRatta, Vice President of Etsy Dallas, runs Expressions Bracelets
Molly, Secretary for Etsy Dallas, runs Tokodots
Alexis, Community Director for Etsy Dallas, runs Whipped Up Wonderful
Rori, Social Media Director for Etsy Dallas, runs MadeByRori
Lesia, Graphics Queen of Etsy Dallas, runs SurlyBunny
The mission of Etsy Dallas is to promote the handmade movement in the Greater Dallas area and beyond. You can browse all our member artists for some of the best handmade wares around.
We hope to see y'all at our events this year. We had a great start to the year with our Love Letters Challenge. And there is much more to come! You can sign up for our newsletter to be sure you don't miss anything.
8 handmade finds for your best 2018
We have big plans for 2018 and a list of resolutions to prove it. How do you motivate yourself to stick to your goals? We have a roundup of 8 local finds which are great for helping us meet our goals and for rewarding ourselves for our achievements.
1. Track goals with pretty stationery from Kat French Design. We love this to-do list notepad (and the calendar notepad above) for helping us knock out our daily and monthly tasks.
2. Keep things tidy and smelling fresh with soy wax candles from The Pig and the Peacock. This one in Lemongrass Sage is uplifting with garden and citrus notes that leave us feeling refreshed and energized.
3. Recover from workouts and practice self-care with a bath bomb from Whipped Up Wonderful. This Honey Almond bomb is made with hand-ground honey and oat powders that will pamper your skin and is thought to reduce the signs of aging. Yes, please!
4. Take better care of your skin with soothing lotion from Sasha's Hand Poured. We love this silky Spearmint Eucalyptus lotion for winter.
5. Make more meals at home. Pro tip: We hear good things about the Instant Pot. Don't forget a cute apron while you whip up something yummy. We love the selection from Mia Maria.
6. Feed your friendships. Send your friends some real mail and let them know you're thinking of them. When is the last time you got some happy mail? Didn't it feel great? We love the Texas Knit notecards from Tokodots.
7. Remember to meditate. The Texas Zen Garden from SurlyBunny has everything you need.
8. Keep a journal in 2018. We love these personalized leather journals from Ox & Pine.
Here's wishing you all a magical and adventurous 2018! We hope you have a good one.
Stock up on handmade goodness this holiday season
We know y'all love handmade art and the makers who create it. And we are so grateful that you do. We have put together a list of local Dallas-area finds from our member shops for you, just in time for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Support local businesses and get some holiday shopping done this Thanksgiving season. And don't forget to treat yourself!
Don't miss these Labor Day sales from a few of our Etsy Dallas shops
Don't miss out on these Labor Day deals from some of our favorite Etsy Dallas shops. Here's wishing you all a fun and safe long weekend.
Expressions Bracelets - 20% off all hand-stamped jewelry. No coupon needed.
Custom maps - 20% off. No coupon needed.
Mesa Blue Jewelry - Free shipping on all orders over $75. Code: FREESHIP
The Pig and the Peacock Soaps & More - 20% off. No coupon needed.
Wandering Paper Co. - 30% off with code LABORDAY
Whipped Up Wonderful Bath Bombs - 20% storewide sale. No coupon needed.
P.S. Our newsletter subscribers got the scoop about these deals first. *hint hint*
Spring Bash Artists Featured on Good Day Fox 4
Our Etsy Dallas vice president SaRatta Murphy visited Good Day Fox 4 to talk about some unique items for sale at the upcoming Spring Bash this Sunday. Watch the clip below if you missed it, and scroll down for more details on the artists featured in the piece.
http://www.fox4news.com/news/252637591-story
mini Fab
Matt McCoy of mini Fab uses wood, leather and cork for his creations. He creates personalized beard accessories, including all natural beard balm as well as wallets, cuff-links, flasks and bottle openers.
Joy Street Maps
Kim Dresdner of Joy Street Maps creates one-of-a-kind maps with watercolor and ink, featuring the local area and beyond. Prints and originals will be for sale at the Spring Bash.
MushTushy
Emily Curtin of MushTushy started out creating sock monkeys which eventually evolved into wood art, metal art and custom pet portraits. Most of her wood and metal designs are crafted from upcycled wood and license plates.
Odin Leather Goods
Odin Clack of Odin Leather Goods is known for using vintage baseball gloves and mitts to craft some of his most unique one-of-a-kind pieces. From key chains to handmade leather briefcases, each piece is designed and stitched in his local studio.
The Pig and the Peacock
Jenny and Sabrina at The Pig & The Peacock create handmade bath luxuries using all natural ingredients. Check out their line of soy candles made from recycled and etched wine bottles.
Tokodots
Molly Lam created Tokodots, a stationery and gift brand, after spending nine years in Japan. Look for her care package gift certificate for a unique high school graduation gift, along with other colorful cards and prints this weekend.
We can't wait to see y'all at the Bash!
Learn to Craft Show Like a Pro with The Pig and the Peacock
Don’t miss our Craft Show Like a Pro workshop this Sunday. Etsy Dallas co-president’s Sabrina and Jenny of The Pig and the Peacock share their pro tips for craft show success from 1-3 p.m., April 9, at Dallas Makerspace. You can get your tickets here.
Attendees are encouraged to bring photos and examples of your booth setup for discussion and feedback. The workshop will cover topics including:
- How to select the right show for you
- Inventory needs
- Booth layout and setup
- Taking payments
- Promotion
- Do’s and Don’ts
- Preparation timelines
These are just a few of the topics Jenny and Sabrina will cover. Craft shows are your chance to set up a mini pop-up show showcasing your work. It takes a lot of preparation and careful planning to put your best foot forward. We know you will have fun and learn a lot at this class. Hope to see you there!
Calling all procrastinators: Spring Bash apps are due March 10
Okay, procrastinators, time is running out for Spring Bash apps. The deadline to apply for the Etsy Dallas Spring Bash is March 10, 2017. We reached out to a few of our previous vendors for feedback and here’s a little bit of what we heard …
“The Bashes are always so much fun.” - Heidy, Heidy Henke Designs
“I love our shoppers. They are always excited to see what’s new at the Bash. Many stop by, just to say hi and check in on you while they shop. Spring Bash shoppers are the best!” - SaRatta, Expressions Bracelets
“The energy, quality and variety is always a fun way to prepare for some of those spring and summer events. I can always find a perfect gift for mom, a gift for dad, and something for those June brides.” - Alexis, Whipped Up Wonderful
“It’s like a super concentrated show set on fast forward! I just love the energy!” - Lynn, Both Hands Studio
“It is so fun to get to share our art and craft with our shoppers face-to-face. I am always blown away by all the talent of all the other vendors too!” - Sabrina, The Pig and The Peacock
We are counting down the days, y'all. We hope you're as excited as we are! If you want to apply to be part of the Spring Bash this year, be sure to get your application in no later than March 10!
Sponsor Spotlight: The Pig and the Peacock
Etsy Dallas favorites, Sabrina and Jenny of The Pig and the Peacock make beautiful handcrafted soaps, lotions, and candles. Their booth is an aromatic feast, so be sure check them out on Saturday! Look for the huge crowd surrounding these two lovely sisters, smiling and packaging orders, you can't miss them!
Are you debuting any new items at the Spring Bash?
We have made several new soaps that we will introduce at the Bash including Black Currant, Honeysuckle, and Cranberry Salsa. You’ll have to check out our booth to find the rest! We’ll also have some new Spring/Summer scents in our candles.
Do you have any favorite stories from your customers about your products?
I think our favorite story is not from any specific customer, but many people tell us our soaps look good enough to eat, and in fact, it’s true! We have had a couple of people receive our soaps as gifts and take a bite out of them before realizing what it was!
How has your work evolved since you began The Pig and The Peacock?
Our collection is constantly changing and growing. We have more ideas and designs in our heads than we can possibly ever make so we have started rotating out scents and designs to make room for new ones. We have also added new product lines the past couple of years, like our new lip balms and our DejaVino Wine Bottle Candles.
{Be Mine} Valentine finds from Etsy Dallas
If you want to really impress your Valentine this year, find them something extra special. These pretty finds from Etsy Dallas are perfect ways to spread a little love. These lovelies will last much longer than flowers and chocolate so go ahead and treat yourself while you're at it.
P.S. If you're a local maker and want to join the best team ever, find out how to join the 2015 Etsy Dallas Team. Applications are available through January 31, 2015.
P.S. If you're a local maker and want to join the best team ever, find out how to join the 2015 Etsy Dallas Team. Applications are available through January 31, 2015.
Happy Haunting!
Time to get your happy hauntings on! These Halloween picks from Etsy Dallas will add some frightening sweetness to your ghoulish festivities.
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| Friendly Monster Letterpress Print by Honeycomb Print Shop |
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| Shave the Whales by Dowdy Studio |
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| Vintage Plaid Wallet by moose + pine |
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| Shea Butter Skull Soap by The Pig and the Peacock |
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| Classic Monsters Silkscreen Print Set by Napkin Art Studios |
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| Fused Art Glass Wine Stopper by Kessler Craftsman |
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| Polyphonic Spree Record Release Poster by Napkin Art Studios |
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| Candy Corn Art Glass Earrings by Kessler Craftsman |
Add Some Awesome to your October
October is my very favorite month is Dallas. The heat has mostly left us, pumpkin spice lattes are in full froth, and spooktacular fun is just around the corner. Here are my picks from the Etsy Dallas team to add some awesome to your October!
Record Store Day 2013 Gig Poster by Napkin Art Studios
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Apple Cinnamon Soap with Exfoliating Orange Peel by The Pig and The Peacock |
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| Raven Porcelain Earrings by Both Hands Studio |
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| Dallas Bridge Framed Art by Soza Designs |
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Organic Tribal Swaddle Blanket by Wren and Rumor
Cheers!
Regina from Regal Cottage
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We're Having a Halloween Costume Contest!
Etsy Dallas wants to see your ghouls and goblins! Post a photo on the Etsy Dallas Facebook Page to enter our Halloween Costume Photo Contest.
One lucky winner will win all of these fabulous Fall themed handmade items:
Owl Alphabet Print from MereDesigns
YeeHaw Kitty Print from Dowdy Studio
Trick or Treat Bobby Pins from La Alicia
Candy Sprinkle Necklace from Maggie May I
Must. Have. Brains. Shea Butter Soap Set from The Pig and The Peacock
We want to see your creativity and fantasmagoria! You've got until Friday, November the 2nd at 3:00 PM CST to enter.
Time to Hit the Books in Style
Popsicles, summer school, vacations and fun times - they just flew by! Now it's time to get serious and hit the books. With that in mind, here are a few fun essentials for easing back to your studies.
Whale notebook, $9, Made by Rori
Periodic Table Book Bag, $22.50, Yellow Bug Boutique
Lemon Verbena Soap, $5.50, ThePigAndThePeacock
iPad Case, $30, BUTTERdesignlab
Prepare to have a great fall semester.
Daily Discovery: Gift Ideas for Mom
Hello everyone! I'm Kelly from Local Honey. I blog over here. I'm excited to share with you today some wonderful gift ideas for your mama!
Don't forget Mother's Day (May 13th) will be here before you know it. Don't get Mom that same scented candle and picture frame set you buy her every year. If you want to get her something really special then look no further because these items are all handmade... and what's more unique than a handmade gift?!
If you want to see these awesome items in person, you're in luck! All of these artists (and more!) will be at the Handmade Bash on May 5th selling their goods! If you can't make it to the Bash, be sure to stop by their shops in the links below!
1 // "Mother" Periodic Table Apron by Yellow Bug Boutique - $27
2 // Napkin Set (made from vintage fabric!) by BUTTER Design Lab - $14
3 // Clutches by K8 Made - $40
4 // Lace Embossed Ceramics by Both Hands Studio
5 // Handmade Soap by The Pig and The Peacock - $5
6 // Pair of Orange & Purple Mugs by Two Clay Hands - $45
7 // "Double Vision" Owl Print by Dowdy Studio
8 // Earrings by The Mossy Fox
9 // Capri Blue Teardrop Necklace by Northern Roots
10 // Soap Dish by Christie Cone Ceramics
Don't forget Mother's Day (May 13th) will be here before you know it. Don't get Mom that same scented candle and picture frame set you buy her every year. If you want to get her something really special then look no further because these items are all handmade... and what's more unique than a handmade gift?!
If you want to see these awesome items in person, you're in luck! All of these artists (and more!) will be at the Handmade Bash on May 5th selling their goods! If you can't make it to the Bash, be sure to stop by their shops in the links below!
1 // "Mother" Periodic Table Apron by Yellow Bug Boutique - $27
2 // Napkin Set (made from vintage fabric!) by BUTTER Design Lab - $14
3 // Clutches by K8 Made - $40
4 // Lace Embossed Ceramics by Both Hands Studio
5 // Handmade Soap by The Pig and The Peacock - $5
6 // Pair of Orange & Purple Mugs by Two Clay Hands - $45
7 // "Double Vision" Owl Print by Dowdy Studio
8 // Earrings by The Mossy Fox
9 // Capri Blue Teardrop Necklace by Northern Roots
10 // Soap Dish by Christie Cone Ceramics
Daily Discovery: Big Ideas for Little Ones-Rockets and Robots
(This was submitted by meredesigns - thanks, Meredith!!)
Who didn’t dream of having a personal robot to clean your room, make your breakfast or hold the other end of the jump rope for you? Robots and space themes are white hot for nurseries and children’s rooms right now, and Etsy Dallas Spring Bash vendors give you several ways to add geek chic to your little one’s room.
Paperfingers
You love your little one right up to the moon and back – so show him how to get to the moon with this bold and playful alphabet print. Available in brown and deep blue or brown and purple, it measures 11” x 8.5” and looks great matted in a 14” x 11” frame.
Regal Cottage
Robots and planets and space ships, oh my! Your little ‘bot is sure to love tossing, kicking and catching these as he or she learns important motor skills – and you can feel confident that the certified organic fabrics and fluffy chenille won’t hurt one bit. This is a set of three balls: 5”, 7” and 9” diameters.
ReGEARED
Bike Clock - $38
The only thing cooler than a robot is the stuff on the inside that makes it tick! Gears are the perfect accessories for robot- and space-themed rooms, and every room needs a great clock. ReGEARED offers dozens of cool bike clocks made from upcycled bicycle chain rings in a rainbow of bold colors.
The Pig and the Peacock
The Robots from Space soaps have landed and they want you to take them to your leader. . . or your shower. OK, these are not for your little ones, but wouldn’t these 2½” glycerin soaps make the perfect baby shower or birthday party favors? Pick your favorite color and any scent from The Pig and the Peacock’s shop.
mere designs
Conrad Mobile – Modern Nursery Mobile – Funky Robot Globes in Blue, Red, Green, Yellow and Charcoal - $40
Your babe can imagine the bleeps and blips that these robots, gears and space-inspired globes would make as the images twirl above him or her. These mobiles feature ten ornaments that add color and bold prints to your nursery. Each one is hand made and can be customized to fit your room’s color or design scheme.
CatCanCrochetWhether used to defend the planet from an alien invasion or to toast an imaginary marshmallow, this will be sure to get a few laughs when friends see your armed baby. The 6" crochet raygun has a classic, sleek design, complete with fin and trigger. Made out of 100% acrylic yarn and premium polyester fiberfill, there are no hard or removable parts, so it's completely safe for space cadets of any age.38 StitchesWhy limit your theme to the bedroom? Show off your geek chic at mealtime, too, with this funky robot bib. On one side, see orange, yellow, green and blue robots on a dark chocolate brown background; on the back, plush teal minky fabric that is soft against baby’s skin.
Daily Discovery: Sunshine Inspired Happiness
The 4th Annual Etsy Dallas Spring Bash is just a few weeks away! We're beyond excited to share a few of our members' products that have us in the mood for some springy sunshine. Be sure to join us on May 5th to see these sellers and many many more!
1. Small Bicycle Necklace, by Maggie May I
2. Hand Carved Poster - Good Day, by Honeycomb Print Shop
3. Cherry Dot Bloomers, by Three Yellow Starfish
4. Two Butterfly Clips - You Pick Color, by Silla Soup
5. Sweetest First Easter Basket, Crochet, by Modest Ambition
6. Hello Day - 8.5x11 print, by Dowdy Studio
7. Handmade Shea Butter Soap - Lavendar Mint, by The Pig and the Peacock
8. E is for Egg Alphabet Art Print, by Paperfingers
9. Red Iridescent Dragonfly Pendant, by Kessler Craftsman
This sunshine inspired happiness brought to you today by Christina from Paperfingers.