Fall Craftstravaganza by Fair Lady Markets This Coming Saturday, October 29th!

2016 Fall Craftstravaganza

October 29, 11:00am-5:30pm

West 17th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues

Fair Lady Markets presents the Fall Craftstravaganza, an outdoor free handmade craft fair featuring over 30 local, indie artists and crafters, food, animal adoption van, and more

Shop for jewelry, clothing and accessories for kids and adults, bath and body, gifts, art, ceramics, pet products, home decor and more!  EtsyNY Team Members: Wallcojr, RebelIdeal, *Paper*Crane*Heart*, JantarHandcraftedJewelry, Citybitz, LavazzonGallery, Astridland, Angie Colombo Jewelry, and A Life Full of Charms.

Nosh on goodies from Daly Pie ($5 off first 40 whole pies bought or ordered), Empanada Sonata, and The Awkward Scone.

Adopt or just cuddle a critter on Animal Care Centers of NYC's animal adoption van, talk to a real urban wildlife rehabber, and learn everyday Mindfulness techniques.

All to benefit the NYC Museum School and all free at the one-day-only Fall Craftstravaganza!

Next Team Workshop on November 2nd - "Planning Your Etsy Shop Video"

Our next team workshop is scheduled for Wednesday November 2, 6:30 - 8:30pm and is open to the public. 

The key to launching a successful Etsy shop video is to plan before you start to shoot.  In this workshop, you'll learn the following:

• How to write a video outline and script
• Planning work scenes vs. talking scenes
• How to record voiceovers
• Tips on how to shoot with your iPhone
• Recommended tripods to use
• Shooting with natural light
• Basic editing in iMovie

Another workshop will be held in January/February 2017 on how to shoot your shop video...stay tuned!

Host:  Rekha Krishnamurthi (Etsy Shop:  DivineNYCo) designer of home accents, hand-dyed textiles, unique prints & craft kits will share with you her tips and strategies on how to launch a successful Etsy shop video

Location: Pearl Studio, 500 8th Avenue (between 35th and 36th St.), Rm:  405

Tickets: Members: $5,  Non-Members:  $10

Amberlee Isabella Home + Macy's!

This past weekend I had the amazing opportunity to host a two-day trunk show at Macy's on 34th street Herald Square in New York City to sell products from my Etsy store, Amberlee Isabella Home. Since 2012, I have sold bright, charming art, home decor and stationery. My products aim to empower women to be the best version of themselves by encouraging, supporting and reminding us not to take life too seriously. 

I've received a lot of questions about this opportunity from other sellers so I wanted to use this space to share my experience and offer some insight into the process. 

A few weeks ago, I was approached by Esty Wholesale and Macy's about an order for the holiday season in the existing Etsy shop-in-shop there. The space was established in January 2016 and the Etsy vendors inside rotate approximately every 2 months. 

How did Macy's pick you for wholesale and trunk show opportunities?

Macy's found my products through the help of the Etsy Wholesale team. Etsy Wholesale searched shops for items that were unique and could be personalized. I was informed those were two important factors of the selection process. 

What did you do at the Macy's trunk show?

I spoke to customers about my products and process. I also explained a lot about Etsy and handmade retail. Less than 1/4 of the shoppers I spoke to were familiar with Etsy. This was an eye-opening experience and not one I anticipated. A lot of the time spent at Macy's was educating international consumers about Etsy as a place to buy handmade and vintage goods from independent makers. 

One of the things I enjoyed most about the show was offering customized prints in person for the first time. I had my laptop and portable printer to design artwork directly alongside customers. It was rewarding to help them bring their ideas to life in real time. 

How many people were chosen for the Macy's trunk show?

A total of five Etsy sellers from across the US were selected to host trunk shows at five different Macy's stores this past weekend. I was the only trunk show vendor this weekend in New York City. 

How much did Macy's order?

The wholesale order and trunk show request were large for my small business. It was as much of a logistical and planning puzzle as it was a strain on my time from a design and production standpoint. While having a full-time job and teaching put a lot of pressure on my time, my family helped support me through the process. I could not have done it without my patient and committed boyfriend, and his valuable SUV which is a blessing here in New York City.

What did you learn from working with Macy's?

You never know who is looking at your shop or what opportunity is just an email away. That's why it's always important for your shop and social media to be up to date, accurate, and professional.

What's your advice for someone who thinks their products are a good fit for Macy's?

Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way, big or small, that's a good fit for your business. Smaller experiences play an important role in laying a foundation of knowledge for a bigger opportunity. I had invaluable experience as a smaller wholesale vendor by working with amazing retailers such as Story in Chelsea. That primed me to seize this opportunity. 

What are your next steps after the Macy's trunk show?

Starting this week, you will be able to shop Amberlee Isabella Home products at Macy's in Herald Square! I look forward to developing a strong relationship with the entire Macy's and Etsy Wholesale team and working to grow the Etsy shop-in-shop in Herald Square.

If you have any questions or are curious about anything, feel free to comment below and I will respond. Thank you!

~Amberlee

This Holiday Season Don't Miss the Etsy NY Team's 9th Annual Holiday Handmade Cavalcade

Dates: December 5th through December 11th  

Times: 10AM to 7:30PM

Location: Chelsea Market (side entrance), 410 West 16th St

Admission: Free when you RSVP here,  $2 at the door

The Etsy NY Team is happy to announce that the 9th Annual Handmade Cavalcade will be making a return to Chelsea Market this holiday season. Come support handmade artists and artisans who are all based in the tri-state area. With the broad selection of handmade goods, from jewelry, greeting cards, art, beauty products, clothing, sweet items for baby, and more, you will find the perfect gift for everyone and anyone on your holiday shopping list.

For the first time ever, the market will be held for seven days, starting on Monday, December 5th. The hours will be 10AM-7:30PM each day with a special Sip 'n' Shop event sponsored by the Brooklyn Brewery on Thursday December 8th from 6:30 to 9pm. Guests of this special event will enjoy complimentary cocktails and swag bags while they meet the vendors and shop. As an added bonus, guests can also take fun photos of their handmade finds at the free photo booth to snap and gram their holiday handmade finds.

Once again, amazing swag bags featuring a selection of goods from various members of the Etsy NY Team and the Cavalcade's sponsors will be given away on Saturday and Sunday to the first 100 people in line on those days. These swag bags will not disappoint anyone (who knows, you may even find the perfect gift for someone inside)! With every purchase, shoppers will receive a raffle ticket and a chance to win handmade prizes made by the talented makers of the Etsy NY Team.

Admission to this event is $2 at the door, but free to attendees who RSVP through our Eventbrite page.

For more information about the Etsy NY Team's Holiday Handmade Cavalcade, visit www.handmadecavalcade.com.

Drop Everything and Draw! Sketching a Pumpkin

Let's take a break and draw a pumpkin! What is your favorite pumpkin shape?  A tall oval or traditional round? What kind of stem do you like? Short and sturdy, or  long and twisted? Imagine your pumpkin, or go pick your own pumpkin so you have a real one to look at (highly recommended!).  No fancy supplies needed, just grab a pencil and paper. These steps illustrate the basic elements of my particular pumpkin. Feel free to go wild and add your own creativity to your sketch!

Step 1: Draw your favorite pumpkin shape: oval, round, or bumpy. Tip: be fearless!  Add a stem using only curved lines. Sketch a jagged line where it connects to the pumpkin. Make the stem short, long, bent, wide, thin, broken: any way you wish!

Step 2: Draw the contour lines. These are curved lines which follow the shape of the pumpkin. Sketch the lines spraying out from the stem down the sides of the pumpkin. Add more coming up from the bottom of the pumpkin.

Step 3: Angle your pencil and add dark outlines to edges and contour lines. Smudge the sides of the pumpkin with your finger. Add final smudges to represent surface shadows.You can erase if you oversmudge. And remember, practice makes perfect!

Post by: Nicoletta Siccone / ETSY Shop: ArtologieDesigns / Website: www.art-ologie.com

Nicoletta is a lifelong artist and art educator, with an M.A. in Art Education and Administration. She travels the world seeking cultural inspiration for her art, and has worked in fibers, acrylics, oils, and sculpture. Her current work is inspired by the reinvention of the mundane zipper, elevated to an art form into unexpected jewelry designs. Nicoletta’s artwork is shown throughout New York/New Jersey area and worldwide.

Protein Packed Peanut Butter Pick-Me-Up

Just in time for apple picking season! This protein packed pick-me-up is a sweet treat that will crush sugar cravings & keep you energized. The light creamy texture of the yogurt is like ice cream, but much better for you to snack on in the middle of the day. 

I use peanut butter because I am an absolute peanut butter fiend! You can substitute almond butter, or sunflower seed butter, or even 'soynut' butter for a nut-free alternative. 

Here is all you need to whip up this deliciousness:

• 5oz Greek Yogurt
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon honey (more if you have a sweet tooth)
• Cinnamon, Cinnamon Sugar or McCormick Chai Spice
• Mixing Bowl
• Spoon or spatula
• Fruit, cookies, anything you like snacking on!

Gather your ingredients & your mixing bowl to get started

1. Add the peanut butter, yogurt and honey to the mixing bowl

You'll need a nice sturdy spoon to mix with, that peanut butter doesn't mellow out easily!

2. Choose your spice and sprinkle it on! I usually go with McCormick Chai Spice Blend. It adds a nice little zing :-)

3. Mix mix mix! Whip the ingredients together until the peanut butter is smooth and the honey is all blended in. 

5. Enjoy! I especially love dipping apple wedges into this peanutty delight; but it's just as yummy on pear slices, nilla wafers, anything you like to snack on!

Post by Coleen Phoenixx

Etsy ° Instagram ° Facebook