By Julie Finn •
April 4, 2009
Now, this may read as a little gossipy, since I, myself, am a member of this team (for now, the reasons for which you’ll soon see), but I think these recent struggles within one group of crafters are important to share, because they say a lot about where our contemporary culture is right now, politically, socially, even globally.
You see, the Craftivism Etsy Team recently had a really big fight, so big that a lot of us actually left the team. Feelings are still hurt, and a lot of those who are left for now are left wondering exactly what our team is, after all, and what it actually stands for.
What did we fight about, you ask?
We fought about the definition of craftivism.
By Kelly Rand •
March 26, 2009
Join me in the Etsy Virtual Labs as I talk about shopping green on Etsy - Today!
In conjunction with my Guest Curatorial post on the Storque, I will be sidling up to my computer to share some awesome Etsy finds that are both amazing and green to boot in a Shop Live.
If you’ve never participated in a virtual labs, this is a great way to [...]
By Lucille Chi •
March 22, 2009
Weeks back I highlighted Etsy and their brilliant blog curator spotlights. Now we’re on the topic again with our very own Kelly Rand! Here are some highlights from the exhibit:
Shown above is Glue and Glitter’s (another talented CAGW teammate) lovely Spring apron. What a darling color combination.
By Lucille Chi •
March 2, 2009
Oh Joy! was a curator on etsy recently for their Storque feature. I loved the items she curated so much that I simply must share her gorgeously displayed handmade exhibit:
Shown above is a necklace made of wood and thread by neawear:
tinctory’s smocked necklaces inspired by historic textiles are works of art, honoring handmade traditions.
This custom dress above by Makool is one of my favorite items featured. So flowing and natural, like a watercolor cloud, with a silk ribon sash wrapping it up.
Joy also shares these delicately cut metal nervoussystem pendants:
By Olga Orda •
February 18, 2009
1. Jill, you are an artist, designer and crafter. Tell us about what you do and what you create.
First and foremost I create detailed native nature drawings. With these, I create an eponymous line of paper goods and fabric accessories. I’ve been an “indie-craftpreneur” since 2001, selling my goods on my retail website and in boutiques worldwide. I also create murals, take on custom art commissions, and the occasional graphic design project for like-minded businesses.
By Lucille Chi •
February 11, 2009
1. Sculpture: Look at this inspiring upcycled artistic re-creation of metal made by artist LadybugCircus on etsy for an interesting wall hanging, clock, or hook.
2. Furniture and Lighting: A light fixture made out of an old shredder, or cheese grater looks cool. Perhaps you are into the steampunk look or modern, recycled metal for cabinets, sliding doors, cabinets on wheels and storage containers all look slick…
By Jamie Ervin •
February 4, 2009
I loves me some Etsy Shops. What’s not to love? There are three shops based out of Portland, OR (my hometown) which I am just thrilled with and wanted to share. Isn’t it great having that perogative?
Take this adorable onesie from BurdyFlyAway. It’s hand-dyed, organic cotton, appliqued with ecospun felt (made from recycled plastic bottles) and says, “i heart trees”. Each item is unique, truly a one of a kind because of the hand dyeing process and applique technique. (Not every item is organic cotton, so choose wisely.)
BurdyFlyAway also makes fabulous t-shirt dresses for Mama… they aren’t organic cotton but otherwise the process is the same.
By Jessica Gottlieb •
January 26, 2009
When I think of crafters, I imagine women of a certain age with sensible shoes sitting in wallpapered living rooms. They have a crochet needle in one hand and a cat rubbing at their ankle.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission probably thinks the same way. But wait, they’ll change their tune.
Come Wednesday, the US will see crafters differently. Crafters are coming together on Wednesday and for a blog-in to talk to the CPSIA about the negative ramifications of a new law that’s scheduled to be enacted on February 10th. Forbes has great coverage.
The law can be read here, and I’m a little concerned. I like resale shops, I don’t want to see them legislated out of business.
By Lucille Chi •
January 20, 2009
Have you ever wanted to expand your crafty side and try stitching a creative texture on a fabric, hanky, notecard or decoration? If so, here are a few neat finds and tutorials on the subject this season:
- The ideas for crocheted valentines are too cute (shown above) the step by step card stitching process is fun.
- Crocheted flowers on etsy are so soft, decorative, elegant and fuzzy, they are easily the perfect winter bouquet.
By Lucille Chi •
January 11, 2009
These Heidi & Seek designs are adorable. Her dresses shown above are made from unused factory remnants, and reinvented vintage clothing, but they are reworked into new, creative, and comfortable styles.
The designer writes us sharing: “I’m a young mother who designs and sews edgy, one-off women’s clothing from reclaimed materials for my label, Heidi & Seek. I aim to raise awareness and provide an alternative to mass-produced, sweatshop made clothing that pollutes and damages the environment through the use of new resources. “ Her outfits are currently found on Etsy at http://heidiandseek.etsy.com.
By Julie Finn •
January 10, 2009
So you may remember that a few weeks ago I looked up my representatives and wrote a letter each to Senator Richard G. Lugar, Senator Evan Bayh, and Representative Baron P. Hill about the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA for short).
On Wednesday, Senator Lugar wrote me back. Here is his reply:
Dear Ms. Finn,
Thank you for sharing with me your concerns about legislation that was recently enacted to modernize the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). I appreciate knowing of the difficulties individuals such as yourself and other small toymakers expect to face in complying with this new law.
