{New New} York Etsy Team, USA

by Tara Gentile on August 3, 2009

I was very lucky to be invited for the Buyers Market of American Craft this weekend. This show is not open to the general public – only press (that’s me!) and buyers for stores, boutiques, and galleries that feature handmade work.

Two Sweet Peas by KnitKnit

This year, the event organizers made a concerted effort to invite the indie crowd to participate in the show. They sent out personal invitations to Etsy teams, offering shared booths and exposure to a whole new level of business! At least 7 teams participated – forgive me if I lost track, this event was massive – and they truly represented the best of indie craft!

Tina the Llama Cloth Napkins by Cakehouse

My friend Alex, a boutique owner, and I spent a good while talking to the ladies from the {New New} York Etsy Team. The ladies were excited to be some place where so many people were making a living from their craft.

Pillows by Alexandra Ferguson (felt made from plastic bottles)

We had a great conversation about the new ways we approaching reading & news in contemporary society, spurred by the “read books not blogs” bookmark by Beacon Bookmarks. I made the point that the former bookstore employee in me totally stands behind their product. However, the blogger in me is slightly offended! But truly, each of us agreed that both books & blogs have their place – whew! – and it’s magazines that are going the way of the dinosaur.

“Read books not blogs” bookmark by Beacon Bookmarks

In the shop local column, I’ve tried to shy away from featuring really large metropolitan areas, like New York City. But these guys were awesome!! So personable and so passionate about their work.

Silkscreened tank dress by Kimmchi

So I had to share them with you, dear readers.

Tara Gentile is the editor of Scoutie Girl - the blog with a penchant for the passionately handmade! She is also creator & editor of Handmade in PA, a blog and online community that supports arts & crafts in Pennsylvania.

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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }

1 me me handcrafted August 3, 2009 at 5:18 pm: Shop Local: {New New} York Etsy Team :: Featured on Try Handmade: I was very lucky to be invited for the Buyers .. http://bit.ly/OQLts
2 Alexandra Ferguson August 4, 2009 at 5:43 pm: did I mention what a good time we had at BMAC this weekend http://bit.ly/WrwZ9
3 urban craft August 5, 2009 at 8:34 am: I love the “read books not blogs” bookmark. It a total cool diss to bloggers. I also came across a t-shirt that says ” No one cares about your blog” that I also must get my hands on.
.-= urban craft’s latest post: This is not how this was supposed to work! =-.

Who We Are

Erika Jurney
Palo Alto, CA, US
Erika is the founder of Try Handmade. »more...

Kim O'Brien
Pawtucket, RI, USA
Kim is a metalsmith who isn't afraid to push the limits of function and color. When she doesn't have a torch or hammer in her hand she can be found buying handmade goods at craft fairs and local businesses, playing with her beloved dog or blogging. »more...

Diana Prichard
Mid-Michigan, US
Diana is a freelance writer and wanna-be homesteader living in rural Michigan with her husband, two daughters, two dogs, three horses, a small flock of chickens and an ever-changing menagerie of other farm animals large and small. She writes about life and work at dianaprichard.com. »more...

Sarah Safranski
Honolulu, HI, US
Sarah is a metalsmith, jewelry designer, and owner of the Etsy shop Lilacs&Ginger, sweet and spicy handmade treasures. She works primarily with sterling silver and vintage finds. »more...

Valerie Williams
Washington DC Metro Area, US
Valerie is a sewer, designer, and crafter. She loves fabric and making things to wear, but will try any craft at least once. After being a lobbyist for ten years, Valerie has had enough of politics but still loves DC, and is anxious to share the goodness that the area has to offer. You can see the handbags and accessories she makes in her shop Holland Cox. »more...

Rebecca Hadfield
Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Rebecca constantly finds beauty in that which is often overlooked. She combines found objects with decorative papers, ephemera, vintage images and text to form the basis for her collage pieces, magnets, and pins, which she sells online and at local craft shows in her home town of Winnipeg, Canada. »more...

Zoe Grant
Suffolk, UK
Zoe is a self confessed fabric addict having learnt to sew, embroider and knit when she was little.� She also adores printed papers and loves discovering new stationery designers.� In between being a mother and wife she writes about small creative businesses on her blog and sells ribbons and buttons on Etsy and Folksy. »more...

Amy L.
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Amy is a freelance web designer, blogger and Etsy shop owner. When not scouring the web for the latest in handmade or building websites she can be found either hiking in the woods, visiting art galleries, or sampling treats at local candy and cupcake shops. Amy is passionate about the burgeoning handmade movement. »more...

Ellie Thouret
Manchester, UK
Ellie is a UK-based designer of handknit and crocheted accessories. In her rare time away from the needles and hooks, she can be found scouring Etsy and Folksy for cute and quirky handmade items, and chatting to indie sellers via Twitter, Facebook and blogs. »more...

Beverly Rustica
St. Simons Island, GA, US
Beverly Rustica, aka BeachyRustica, is a supporter of the handmade movement and an advocate for artisans of handmade goods. Her Practical Art for Beach & Cabin can be found at www.beachyrustica.com. »more...