Shopping blog featuring products made by people not factories.
Syracuse is a great little university town! Nevermind, of course, that ne’er a day goes by that it doesn’t snow between October and April…
A university with killer academic programs and great sports means there’s no dearth of good spirits, great food, and even better design.
I’ve never been to Seattle. But I have a fantasy that there is a cool, light rain all the time and that there are quaint little streets lined with nothing but fantastic espresso bars. Please someone tell me my paradise is out there?
Oh well, enjoy these picks from Seattle’s craft scene, brought to you by Team EtsyRAIN!
You may be familiar with the annual South by Southwest Festival (SXSW) that happens every year around this time in Austin, Texas. Originally meant to be a showcase for music, SXSW has now become a first stop for the newest technologies on the block–Twitter was introduced there in 2007. As a nod to the festival I thought I’d showcase some lo-fi indie talent from the world of handmade. Technology is cool and all, but mostly because it gives me more access to unique handmade stuff that I can’t get anywhere else.
Necklace: Amy Holton combines turquoise, tiger’s eye, and mother of pearl in this lovely necklace. Amy left the corporate world to start her business creating wearable pieces of art.
Dresses: Ivana Krejci designs her peasant-inspired garments using repurposed, reclaimed, and new notions. I could see myself spinning around in the Alps signing the hills are alive wearing one of these dresses, what about you?
Hand Stamped Fabric: Malka Dubrawskyis the author of the book Color your Cloth: A Quilter’s Guide to Dyeing and Patterning Fabric. She also sells her hand stamped fabric in her online store, which is excellent in case you’re like me and not as talented as Ms. Dubrawsky. But if you want to give it a try, she also sells autographed copies of her book.
Flowers in Your Hair: When I read about Tiffany in her shop profile, I immediately thought about the movie Giant, and the role Elizabeth Taylor played–Leslie. Like the movie, Tiffany says that she always felt a little out of place living in Texas and loving the fancy frills that define the roaring twenties. But I think these blossoms are bold enough to make a big splash, even in the great big place like Texas.
Baltimore, Maryland is this week’s focus of the Shop Local post. I found lots of great crafters who will all be showing at Squidfire’s Art Mart on May 9 from 11am – 6pm. Baltimore is a perfect spot for a day trip for a lot of people – DC, Central PA, Philadelphia, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware. If you’re looking to get out of town but not spend the night, Baltimore might be the place for you!
This adorable scarflette is woven by hand by Carly Goss, a graduate of the fiber arts department of the Maryland Institute College of Art, using tencel and hand-dyed silk. I can almost feel the luscious fibers on my neck! Carly says she “[specializes] in bringing a new, modern aesthetic to traditional weaving patterns.” If you’re in the Baltimore-area, you can take a class at Carlybird Studio to try your hand at weaving!
JennyJen specializes in appliqued housewares & totes. This owl pillow is created from cotton, then the tree is appliqued with a quilted, mushroom color fabric, and then a felt owl is appliqued on top. Each of JennyJen’s pieces feature this whimsical flair with expressive animal characters.
“Naughty Kitten! Please don’t eat the fish.” Lana Kole designs wall decals to add a unique touch to your rooms. Being a renter, I love wall decals! They provide so much personality to a blank wall but leave no holes or other marks that need to be covered up. Lana Kole Studio also specializes in textile and surface design.
For more great artists and crafters in the Baltimore area, check out the Charm City Craft Mafia. And the Baltimore Etsy Street Team. You can also use Etsy’s Shop Local feature to find Baltimore artisans.
Megan Nolton, of Art Shark Designs, created this awesome print representing her hometown – but her shop also includes many prints representing other cities, including Philly, Venice, and Portland. Trained in graphic design, Megan also fancies printmaking and painting. Her “city love” prints are created using a Gocco printer and the red umbrellas are delicately added with watercolor. [Read more…]