Cool Art Recap!

{Reposted from Dowdy Studio's blog.}

A couple weeks ago there was snow on the ground, it was quiet outside and a few of us Etsy Dallas artists decided to hold an intimate trunk show called All You Need is Love + Cool Art. Here're some pics of what happened.

A view from our front window the day before the + Cool Art show.

Outside Larry's house, where we held the show. Luckily the snow melted a bit that day. You know Texas shuts down when it snows, so we're really excited that we were able to make it.

It was warm and cozy inside where we set up out handmade goodies all over Larry's house. Larry, the Kessler Craftsman, and Tefi took over the dining room.

A close up of Tefi's pretty fabric yo-yo necklaces.

Here's the Dowdy Studio set-up. We shared the living room with Cut Out and Collect and blocked the TV with our ginormous display.

That's okay, because Cut Out and Collect blocked the fireplace. We joked about turning it on....but we're too nice for that. Plus we *heart* her handmade bags and like them better when they aren't on fire.

Thank you Pamela for the great photo tour of our show!

Hellos, Hugs, and Smiles

Here's my weekend in two words: exhausted and exhilerated. This weekend wiped me out. It was the final - and my fifth - Urban Street Bazaar. Since 2008 it's taken place in my corner of the world, Oak Cliff, home of Espumoso - a little coffee shop in Bishop Arts with the best latte and Colombian empanadas in Dallas. I ran into so many people I hadn't seen in awhile, including my favorite councilperson, Delia Jasso. I also met some great new friends, namely my awesome neighbor, Lindsay of House of Introspection. She and her mom, Mary Ann, were just the nicest. I had a bit of an epiphany this weekend. It's a simple idea, but a weighty one: I love friendly people. I love people who say HELLO. I love shoppers who make eye contact and smile and tell me they like my work. I love friends who give hugs. Good times.

My New Favorite Picture

My buddy, Larry Pile, snapped this photo at the recent Craft Party hosted by Etsy Dallas at Make - the largest Etsy Craft Party in the WORLD, mind you! In addition to DIY crafts, party punch and party favor bags, we (Etsy Dallas) had our very own photo booth starring Paco the donkey piñata, a backdrop by Laura Davis, and photographer Cheyne Little. Read more about the party here. Good times, y'all!

Celebrate Urban Birds

In my office building parking lot, I've been spotting the most beautiful birds. They are about the size and shape of a standard sparrow, but with bright yellow tails and a shocking splotch of red on the end of their tails. Gorgeous! In my backyard we have a family of cardinals who swoop about over our deck and garden. They even built a nest in a tall holly bush that abuts our sunroom. I think they decided it was too human-accessible (I can reach out and grab it), so they seem to have abandoned it. On a recent trip to the zoo, we spotted a crane from our dear Trinity River who had inserted itself into the pelican exhibit to chow on free zoo grub. There were also local wild ducks in several exhibits, as well (not the crocodile spaces, luckily). For more info on Dallas' awesome Trinity River basin, visit our very own Audubon Center. Feel like celebrating urban birds in your neck of the woods? Check out the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's web site for all sorts of info and resources, and download your very own Celebrate Urban Birds Kit for free!

Spotted At the Bash: Bradley Whitford

This is an article I wrote for the Etsy Dallas/Handmade Bash blog. Enjoy! Holy Toledo, Batman! Several vendors - Silla Soup, Hip Hazel Hoops, and Wrap Couture - got a glimpse (and even talked with) super actor, Bradley Whitford at Saturday's insanely fun Spring Bash - our 7th show to date. Best known for his roles in The West Wing and Studio 60 (and lesser known role of a smarmy Fed in A Perfect World), Whitford is in Dallas filming his upcoming TV show The Good Guys. The [ahem, good-lookin'] actor took time out of his busy filming schedule to stop by the Bash in support local artists. Incredible! We are truly humbled and star-struck with his visit. Hey Bradley - did you buy anything? Email us! We are dying to know... More about The Good Guys (from Wikipedia): The series is being filmed primarily in Dallas, Texas and is making use of the Fair Park area as much as possible for its diverse shooting locations and so as not to disturb the residents. The show was originally planned to be set in Los Angeles until Dallas city officials convinced creator Matt Nix to set the show in Dallas. Nix said of Dallas, "It’s a great city to jump on the hood of a car." Production work on the series began in January 2010 and principal photography of the pilot wrapped in early February 2010. Cast members spent time shadowing their real-life Dallas counterparts to prepare for their roles.

Playing In the Backyard

Earth Day is coming up next week, but really isn't every day "earth" day? I mean, yeah, sometimes I feel I'm living on Mars but still. Jason and I try to practice what we preach: we recycle, compost, use canvas shoppers, throw our coffee grounds in the garden, shop locally, grow some veggies, catch rainwater, plant trees, and eat at home as often as possible. In the future, I want chickens! One simple thing we do to celebrate the earth and all that is spend time outside. That's it! Ian, Jason, Oliver and I have a grand time hanging out in the backyard, enjoying nature, playing with rocks and water, talking to the flowers, and yelling at the birds (all Ian). I sometimes make my jewelry out there or work on a crossword puzzle, all the while with an endless cup of coffee (naturally). Jason works in his veggie garden, tending to the blackberries, tomatoes, grapes, cabbage, peppers, and broccoli. Sometimes, I even scoop poop. So you - yeah you! Go outside and play. And if you're in the Dallas area, come on out to the 3rd Annual Oak Cliff Earth Day festival at Lake Cliff park. I'll be selling my handmade jewelry alongside friends Jacky of Texas Tarts and Larry the Kessler Craftsman. Lots of family fun things to do: buy plants, learn to compost, support local green businesses, eat yummy food, adopt a homeless pet, shop local art, and enjoy the spring season. Stop by the Jefferson Median Beautification Project booth, as well. This is a group that I volunteer for and believe in. Our goal is to beautify our little corner of Oak Cliff along Jefferson Boulevard and create a rich urban forest of plants, trees, community art, and walking trails.

And this is what I look like when I sing karaoke.

Needless to say, it was for a good cause. We raised $3,500 in support of the 7th Street Mural project. The evening, dubbed Pints for Paint, consisted of free beer samples at the new Eno's Upstairs Pub, camaraderie, and karaoke. Good times - pass the mic:

photo by Andrea Roberts

And hey look! I'm wearing one of my new LiaMolly sweaters purchased on mega-sale at the recent Shecky's. Her booth was the one shining light in the whole place (um...except for the free bars, right Pam?), which was full of imported, trendy, Sam Moon-ish, Made In China yuck-yuck crap-crap. LiaMolly is an indie designer out of New Orleans and my new favorite place for unique knitwear.

Bash Recap

Holy crikies, what a show! The 2nd Annual Jingle Bash went off without a hitch (okay, one slight parking glitch that was out of our control) and everyone had so much fun! We estimate that about $50,000 poured into the hands of the 51 artists and crafters that were on hand selling their wares. I did better in a 6-hour show than I've ever done in my art/craft show career. It was in a word: INCREDIBLE. There's a reason Dallas loves us so much they voted us Best One-Stop Shop. We've got tons of pics HERE and Cindy Chaffin of KERA's Art+Seek even made a sweet little video of the event. Thanks, Cindy!
Pam and I are already planning the 2010 Spring Bash, so stay tuned! Sign up for our mailing list HERE to get the latest scoop on Bash happenings.

I Love Happy Customers!

My Etsy shop offers a feature called "Customer Feedback" which has a sub-feature called "Appreciation Photos." Once a customer buys something, she can click on the Feedback button in the left sidebar of her profile and leave me comments on how much she loves her new Tefi piece! Some customers take it a step further and upload a pic wearing their new jewelry. This makes my heart smile. Big thanks go to Ginger for posting a photo wearing her new pottery shard piece. Ginger happens to be a local crafter who makes beautiful and stylish hats for gals under the shop name Millinerium. Pictured below is Ginger modeling her new necklace, along with two of her hats: Ginger's hats and my pottery shards can be purchased locally at Move Studio in north Dallas at Preston & Campbell near UTDallas.

Jingle Bash Treasury

My gal Cheyne is kicking off the viral online promotion extravaganza for the upcoming 2nd Annual Jingle Bash put on by yours truly, Pamela Michelle, and the Etsy Dallas leadership team with a fun team treasury! Click here, visit each listing, leave a comment and come get your holiday shopping done on November 21st! My listing in this treasury is for one of my Scotland Is for Me plaid rings. One of these rings is featured in the November issue of Country Living. Exciting!

Meet Me at Cliff Fest

I live in the coolest part of Dallas, a small arts community called Oak Cliff. I love the Cliff, and where I live there is an eclectic mix of classes and races, artists and foodies, and big dreamers. Meet me at the first annual Cliff Fest on Sunday, November 15. I'll be sharing a tent with Larry, a.k.a. the Kessler Craftsman, and we will be unveiling a collaboration of his fused glass and my fabric crafts. He'll be making special fused glass buttons that I will then use to create one-of-a-kind fabric brooches, much like the ones pictured below. The weekend after Cliff Fest, come on by the 2nd Annual Jingle Bash, which I am lead organizing with my pal Pamela Michelle and the rest of the awesome Etsy Dallas leadership team. The first 50 shoppers get a FREE goody bag chock full of handmade goodies. See you soon!

CityCraft Opens in Dallas

So excited! Been waiting for weeks for CityCraft to open. From their web site: The first of its kind in Dallas, CityCraft is a modern fabric boutique and sewing lounge featuring sought-after fabrics and sewing patterns by Amy Butler, Kaffe Fassett, Heather Bailey, Anna Maria Horner, Joel Dewberry, and Alexander Henry among others, in addition to sewing classes for all skill levels. If Ian allows, we're headed that way after work. He may even wave Hello to all the pretty, pretty fabric.

Tefi Loves: Fair Day!

Me, Jen, and big mound of tater swirls

Yesterday I went to the State Fair with Ian, Jason, my parents and BFF Jen. It has been Jen's and my tradition to go each year, ever since we taught together way back in the day. This year we invited the rest of our family in on the fun times (with us, my family = her family). I ate: cotton candy, a pupusa, Greek salad, tater swirls, funnel cake, a candy apple, Fletcher's corny dog and some beer. Hard to believe I'm still a size 6.

Ian and Jason taking in the sights and sounds

To celebrate, I made a treasury on Etsy, highlighting some great handmade State Fair-themed items. Here are a couple of my selections:

Autumnal Sweets ACEO $10.50 by Loxly Hollow

All the Fun of the Fair photograph $25 by Laura Evans

We Are the Best! Thank you Dallas!!

Holy cow holy cow!! Our Bash shows got voted as Dallas' "Best One-Stop Shop" in the coveted and uber popular Dallas Observer's Best Of annual issue. It's on stands today!! This is a huge. mega. deal. Here's the write-up: Sure etsy.com—the online boutique community for crafters, jewelry designers, knitters, tailors, bookbinders, vintage sellers and collectors of everything—is a surefire way to kill an afternoon and build up a wish list, but an Etsy Dallas event is even better. Prices are great, the craftsmanship is fantastic, it feels good to support local crafters and you'll still cover everyone on any gift list you might have for the next two years. But the downside is you'll also empty your bank account with little to no effort without some preventive measures. We have a friend keep us from purchasing on the first lap through the show. We spend only cash (even if a booth takes cards). And we buy no more than we can carry on our own person. It's hard, but, well, you gotta leave something for the rest of the shoppers to look at. On the other hand, screw everyone else, retail therapy rocks! The Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash takes place November 21 at Sons of Hermann Hall. Sharp elbows stimulate the economy, people. In case you're wondering, What the heck is the Bash?, let me fill you in. The Bash is the premier arts and crafts event in Dallas that we started back in 2008. The Bash is put on by me and co-conspirator Pamela Michelle, with support from the Etsy Dallas leadership team (Larry, Carrie, Cheyne, Alicia, Mandi, Dylan, and Randi). This year's 2nd Annual Jingle Bash will take place at the historic (and David-Lynchian) Sons of Hermann Hall, November 21st (that's a Saturday) from 1am-7pm. More deets here.

Indie Parade

We crafty types have to stick together. I mean, c'mon we aren't Van Gogh. We don't work in a vacuum. So big fat thanks to my gal Pamela Michelle who submitted my Fire Walk with Me gemstone necklace to Indie Parade. You'll find my piece showcased alongside her Nature Abstract wooden necklace, Dowdy Studio's Viking tee, and Cut Out and Collect's Bamboo Leaf zip pouch. All of us will be selling our handmade goodies at the 2nd Annual Jingle Bash this November 21st at the Sons of Hermann Hall. Find something for everyone on your holiday list at this, the "Best show in Dallas, ever." (We heard customers say this over and over at the last Bash.) You can also apply to be a vendor or sponsor today!

What are you waiting for?

Pam and I are working furiously to get the 2nd Annual Jingle Bash off the ground. It is our goal to make it bigger and better than last year's, and we've got some great help from the Etsy Dallas Leadership Team. We are all dedicated to the success of this show! As I plow through the applications, I can't help but marvel at what a great opportunity the Bash affords crafters, artists and designers who make quality handmade items. If I'm talking about you, then make a little clicky on Pam's sweet image below!

2008 Jingle Bash, Revisited

The 2009 Jingle Bash is underway! I've been foelding applications, working on sponsorships, and will be looking into a national ad campaign in the next few days. All of this unpaid labor-of-love work got me to reminiscing about last year's Jingle Bash when I was weeks away from giving birth to Ian. I went back and looked at the photos, and here are my favorite picks:
A preggo Carrie of One-Up Designs, my mom of Knit Sisters, and a preggo Tefi
Me and Pam of Pamela Michelle checking in vendors
There go my mom again with her adorable Anthro sweater and handknit scarves
The fabulous Mandi of MandiBeads and our popular free Goody Bags
The crowd cannot wait to get in! The line was down the hall, out the door, and winded down the street. Holy cow!Apply today to be a vendor at the 2nd Annual Jingle Bash this November 21st at the historic Sons of Hermann Hall. If sponsorship if more your bag, click here to read more about how you can take advantage of the hugely successful Jingle Bash to promote your business! Or maybe you just like to shop? (C'mon, we all know the answer to that.) Come on down to the Bash and get meaningful, locally-made gifts for everyone on your holiday list - including you! Visit Etsy Dallas for more info and mark those calendars.

A Day at the Dallas Farmer's Market

Today Jason and I had the day off in honor of July 4th, so we loaded Ian into the car and headed to Dallas' convenient and abundant Farmer's Market in downtown. This place never disappoints. We had lunch first at El Mercado (read my Yelp review) then walked the produce pavillion. What a beautiful sight!

Hey hey! Check out my beautiful custom-made "I heart Ian" pendant by Pamela Michelle. Click the photo to enlarge.

Know your onions!

TThere's my bargainin' man!In the spririt of community and independence, we love soupporting local businesses and farmers. And altho it was sweltering, Ian held out long enough for a trip to Starbucks (the indie cafe was closed), where I happily nursed him, then a stop at Splendor, a cute little bead shop in Lakewood. Happy 4th everyone! Here's to supporting the community!

Tefi Loves: Linda Lee Studio

I met Linda over 25 years ago. We were in the children's choir at First Presbyterian in downtown Dallas. We went on countless youth group trips together, camping, having fun. My favorite: choir trip, Montreat, NC in 1987. Today, Linda and I share the jewelry-making passion. I ran into her at my very first craft show back in 2006, and we've kept in touch since. Enjoy my interview with her below. Are her pieces beautiful, or what? What was the first handmade object you made? I think it was a little wreath made out of a pipe cleaner and plastic beads. Or maybe it was a reindeer made from three clothespins? When did you start making jewelry? I picked up jewelry making as a hobby in 2004 (I'd been on-again-off-again up till that point), and I decided to make it a business in 2006. That's when I opened my Etsy shop and started going to craft fairs. Tell me about your "real" job. A leadership insights business analyst in the business innovations department for an international snack food company. That sounds so technical, doesn't it? How do you balance your jewelry business with other things in your life? I end up working in spurts. I'll spend an entire weekend making jewelry. Or during the week I design in the evenings and then end up making that design another evening. Jewelry is a creative outlet for me, and if I don't get enough time to create, my mood definitely sinks! I try to make sure that doesn't happen. Where do you find your inspiration? Honestly? Everyday life. I once received a free set of beads from a lampwork artist that were technically wonderful, but she felt the color combination was a bit of a stretch. I let them sit in my bead box for almost a year, and then one day I pulled [them] out and turned them into a necklace that makes the color combination successful. I will place limitations like that on myself specifically to flex my design muscles. What's your workspace/studio like? My work space is my "comfy chair" in the living room. My jewelry supplies are in bins that fit under the coffee table. When I'm working, the ottoman, coffee table, and a TV tray are all occupied with wire, tools, beads, etc. It's a pain to keep everything organized, but for now it's what I've got. Tell me about a favorite piece you've made. This is still my favorite necklace, made with this focal bead by Sarah Hornik (below). This was one of the first beads Sarah made after a trip to Murano. This bead does a good job representing the magic - love, light, freedom, whimsy, and happiness - that we all felt during our time in Italy. I feel extra confident and happy when I wear this piece. I suppose my emotional connection serves to elevate the design and my feelings when I wear it. Any future plans for Linda Lee Studio? At this point, I want to continue growing the business online through my Etsy site and blog. I enjoy writing, and I'm getting better about updating my shop. I'd like to continue that trend. Shop: http://lindaleestudio.etsy.com/ Blog: http://lindaleestudio.blogspot.com/ Location: Frisco, Texas