Press for Me - Wheeeeeee!

I was super duper thrilled to see two articles about the upcoming 1st Annual Etsy Dallas Spring Bash featuring quotes by yours truly.

Many thanks to Jenn Emerson for her article in Hello Dallas, which features Etsy Dallas members Designing Diva and Silla Soup, and guest vendor adaptive reUse who comes to the Bash all the way from Austin!

I also tip my crafty hat to Lyndsay Knecht Milne for her article in NBC DFW About Town, featuring Etsy Dallas member Scribble Scrabble and me, and guest vendor Laura Davis Design Lab.

Thank you, lady scribes! I *heart* the support of the Dallas media. To read more press I have received, go HERE.

And go ahead and raise the roof. (whoop! whoop!)

Mark Your Calendars!

We at Etsy Dallas are planning our first annual Spring Fling. Save the date and save your dollars so you can stock up on local handmade art and crafts!

When: Saturday, May 16th

Time: 11am-5pm

Where: South Side, 1409 S Lamar, Dallas

Cost: FREE!

Why: Over 40 local artists and crafters, Free raffle, and Make-&-Take crafts for the whole family!

I'm In the Paper! Part 2

Today our local big paper, The Dallas Morning News, made the decision to turn its daily freebie the Quick into a weekly rag. Lucky me! Today I'm featured, along with several other fellow Etsy Dallas members, and I'm lucky enough to get seven days of exposure versus one measely day. YAY!! When I founded Etsy Dallas back in September of 2007, I had no idea it would go this far.

The article features my Opah! hair bobbies (bottom left). Click here to see the pdf version and read the text.

2008 Jingle Bash Featured Artists

For the past several weeks I've been working my tail off co-organizing Etsy Dallas' 1st Annual Jingle Bash. A million thanks to my crafty gal pal Pamela Michelle for stepping into the leader role for this event since I am belly-deep into my third trimester. Yay Pampers!

Needless to say, we at Etsy Dallas are super-duper excited to present you with the following Jingle Bash Featured Artists. Show some love; click on the following links and check out their Etsy shops! No time like the "present" to begin your holiday shopping...



Clockwise from top left:
Nerdbomber - wallets, bags, clutches
Bijoujuju - art pendants
Sassy Hoops - hula hoops for kids and adults
Tefi Designs - gemstone, wire, and felted jewelry
Going Coastal - beaded and hemp jewelry
Karma Crochet - knitwear and accessories
Alicia Colina-Ashby - recycled, repurposed housewares
Official Jingle Bash logo
Designing Diva - glassware, metal and glass jewelry
Pinkfairywand Creations - art pins, prints, candles
Pamela Michelle - art pendants and prints
Cut Out & Collect - bags, clutches, wallets
Freeforged - metalsmith jewelry
SugarLoveHoney - children's clothing and goods
Earth Essences - beaded jewelry
Official Etsy Dallas logo

MARK YOUR CALENDARS ALREADY!! This is going to be a mega-super off the hook craft show that you do not want to miss. It's 100% volunteer-run and we aren't keeping a dime for ourselves (really!). It all goes back to the team to work towards promoting our crafts and the handmade movement in general.

So get yer shoppin' done early this year, buy American, and support your local artists and crafters!

Money Woes Turn Happy!

In the wake of WaMu, Wachovia, Lehman Bros., AIG, Fannie Mae, etc. etc. etc. why not show the economy and U.S. Treasury a little love?

Now don't go emptying out those savings accounts and stuffing your cash under your matress. That won't do! Instead, don a Tefi Designs' fashion button accessory made with money-printed fabric!



Necklace: Made with a 1.5 inch pendant on silver-plated chain or wire choker
Bobby Pins: Made with 3/4 inch buttons on silver-plated pins
Ring: Made with 7/8 inch button on adjustable ring base
Bookmark: Made with 1 1/8 inch buttons on silver-plated bookmarker

Contact Tefi Designs today to purchase!

Instant Karma

Things have been silent on the Tefi blog front as of late. Cannot believe how busy I've been with pregnancy, family crisis-y type stuff, Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash planning, and work - you'd think raising money for homeless kids would be easy, but in this economic climate? Eesh. Fuggedaboudit.

So my crafty endeavors have suffered a bit, become secondary. Short of a few chunky beaded necklaces for myself, I haven't done much at all lately! Shame too, since I have so many completed pieces yet to be photographed and shared with the world (and in my Etsy shop). But I continue to get a sale here and there, and it always makes me smile - instant karma! I feel lucky to be able to outfit and adorn women around the world with my jewelry.

That said, here are a few of my favorite pieces for sale at my Etsy shop. Purchase a Tefi original today!

Let's Get Ready to Jingle!

Mark your calendars, folks. It's nearly time to kick off the holiday season!



Etsy Dallas, who first brought you the famous Beer-B-Q trunk show, is doing it again - even bigger and better this time. The First Annual Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash will be held at the historic Sons of Hermann Hall at 3414 Elm St. in Dallas on November 22nd from 3pm-10pm.

The show will feature over 40 local artists and crafters, live music, karaoke, great food, and a full bar. There is no cost to the public for admission or entertainment. While this show will be family-friendly, the vibe will be a fun, night-time holiday bash full of handmade love and good times. Think of it as a party - not your typical craft show!

Stay tuned to the Etsy Dallas blog for updates on this one-of-a-kind local shopping experience.

Show Pony Flyer

Check it out - Tefi Designs is listed as a Featured Vendor. Can't wait to see you there!

Pamelita's Flyer

Too often I forget to mention the super-awesome craft collective I belong to - Etsy Dallas - and founded, um, by the way!

The leadership team (LT) is revving up for the coolest, most awesomest, most fantastic holiday show Dallas has ever seen (Can you tell I'm excited?), and I have to give my girl Pam of Pamela Michelle some major props for leading this particular show and taking care of our team graphics, to boot!

As you all now know, I'm going to be late into my third trimester by the time we hold our show on November 22nd, so Pam has bravely agreed to be the leader of this here crafty bash. The rest of us on the LT are also working our tails off to make this show rock. More details to come...

And while I'm bragging on Pammers, check out her latest design for a general team flyer (up top). Awesome work, Pam Pants

Show Pony Show

Join me and my gal Brenda of B.Liscious for a day of handmade shopping fun! This August 17th we'll be at the Continental Lofts in Deep Ellum for the Show Pony Show from 11am-7pm.

This may be my last show for awhile SO PLEASE COME SEE ME and take advantage of all my great "Preggie Promotions." I'll have some items discounted up to 20%, a free pair of earrings for any purchase of $100 or more, AND a free necklace giveaway - give me your email address and I'll sign you up for a drawing to win one of my handmade beaded necklaces!

And don't miss out on some of my new items: fabric wall art, coffee cup cozies, coasters, and Kitty Nippers (copyright) catnip toys. Wow!

In addition to selling my own handmade goods, I'll be working the Etsy Dallas table with my fellow EDers helping out with a fun "progressive craft" project. Shoppers will be encouraged to make their own crafty bookmark to take home with them - at no charge! Look for the Etsy Dallas table to participate and also to enter to win all sorts of free goodies. Celebrate the handmade movement in Dallas!

FAME! I'm Gonna Live For...a Few Minutes

Making it on the front page of Etsy.com was bittersweet. Sweet, because I got some major face time on the premiere international online marketplace for all things handmade; bitter because I missed seeing it and reveling in the greatness.

Here's the item that was featured, my Dark Crystal bracelet - and it's still up for sale! It was featured alongside a fellow EDer's handmade item, a coffe cup cozy by Patricia of Karma Crochet:



This instant and fleeting fame of mine was due to my grant writing skillz. No, really! See, I wrote a grant request (with input and edits from my trusty leadership team), and we were accepted for some grant funds to help defray the costs of our big ol' rockin' indie craft event - the infamous Beer-B-Q.

Check out the Etsy article here!

Shopping at the Beer-B-Q

The 1st Annual Etsy Dallas Beer-B-Q is a mere five days away. Are you ready?

When you come out to support your local artists and crafters, please bring plenty of CASH as many of our indie handmade vendors will not be able to accept credit cards. But remember: The food and drinks are FREE!!

Check out all of the great Etsy Dallas members who will be at the trunk show:

Alicia Colina-Ashby - cigar box home goods
Atom-In - resin jewelry, magnets, bags
B.liscious - bags, photography, journals
Bending Light Studio - photography, prints
Carol Vega - art print jewelry
Designing Diva - glass & metal jewelry
ebraunnagel - bags, purses
Freeforged - fine metal jewelry
HipHazel - ceramicware
Honeydew Baby - hair bows, kids' clothes
HOUNDMADE - dog accessories
Karma Crochet - crocheted housewares, blankets
Kathy D. Keith - art, prints, cards
Kessler Craftsman - glass art, lamps, votives
Lena Studio - fine metal jewelry
Little Cookie - kanzashi hair accessories, plushies, bags
Memopause - notebook necklaces
Menagerie - clay home art and accessories
Miamaria - purses, aprons
Modest Ambition - crocheted clothes and accessories
Pamela Michelle - art pendants, prints, paintings
Purple Toes - beaded jewelry
Sadie's Things - antiqued brass jewelry
Scribbles - beaded pens
SugarLoveHoney - blankets, tutus, baby clothes
Tefi Designs - felted jewelry, hair goods
The Carpenter Collection - beaded jewelry
The Plaid Mushroom - Lip balms & key chains
TP Design - paintings, home décor, cards
XY Factory - baby goods, maternity clothes

Originally I posted this on the Etsy Dallas blog. Check it out!

Olives update: 72 + 3 I already had made (Yeah, I cheated.)

Paging Donna Reed

While I'm pretty sure you won't ever catch me wearing a hoop skirt and petticoat in public, you will see me wearing an apron at tomorrow's Urban Street Bazaar. Thanks to Miss Pamelita, the ED leadership team now has aprons with our official logo (which she designed back in October).

The original plan was to wear them at the BBQ, but it seems we will be debuting them en force this weekend. So look for the bright blue and orange colors and stop by our booths to show some crafty love. I mean, just look at how cute they are (that's Pam!):



Olives update: 56

Etsy Dallas Beer-B-Q!!

On Sunday, May 18th Etsy Dallas will kick off the summer season with a festive trunk show at the home of one of its members, Larry, a.k.a. the Kessler Craftsman.

Etsy Dallas’ first annual Beer-B-Q will boast over 20 local artists and crafters selling their handmade goods. Shop for jewelry, stationery, photography, bags, hair accessories, glass art, soap and bodycare, clothing, home décor, and so much more!

Customers will also be greeted with the delicious smell of grilled meats and veggies, cold beer on tap, soda, and live music – all free to the public! The first lucky 25 customers will receive a goodie bag chock full of promo items and coupons.

Etsy Dallas will also offer a Make-&-Take booth for all ages. Customers can explore their creative side for free and experience first-hand the joy of the handmade way! All unused supplies will be donated to a local children’s charity.

So bring your appetite, your creativity, and your support for local artists and crafters, and get ready for a day full of handmade food, music, and fun with Etsy Dallas!

Where: 1027 N. Windomere, Dallas 75208
When: Sunday, May 18thTime: 11am-5pm
What: shop for local handmade goods - jewelry, bags, stationery, accessories, home decor, glass art, bodycare, and more!
Bonus: FREE food, drinks, live music, goodie bags, and Make-&-Take booth for all ages!

Crafty Good Fun...and Wine!

Last Friday night was a blast. Several Etsy Dallas crafters and I convened in Larry's workshop armed with beads, glass, silkscreens, guacamole and wine! Brenda and I made some super cool dichroic glass pendants. Just check it out! B's is the one on top and mine are the two at the bottom. Her yellow nubbin turned out quite well, I daresay...



And here're all of the ones we made (me, Larry, Brenda, and Mandi - Pam and Dillon were silkscreening like crazy and didn't do glass this time around.)

Saturday - A Craft Story

Wow and wow again!

My fellow Etsy Dallas members and I had such a great time at our second and largest trunk show. In celebration of Cupid and his arrow shootin' ways, over 40 local artists and crafters filled the corridor of South Side offering up such great items as jewelry, art, soap, bags, photography, scarves, and stationery. Be on the lookout for a video of the event, shot and edited by Jason, my fabu boyfriend-slash-videographer.

Alright, you've been hearing me go on and on about this event since we began organizing it a month ago, so I'll leave you with this simple, eloquent statement: Etsy Dallas Rocks!!!!

P.S. Did you see the great press we got in the Quick and The Dallas Morning News? Whoa nelly!

P.P.S. While I'm always sad to see my pieces go, I'm thrilled to know that they are going to people who will love them, treasure them, and wear them with pride. Here are a few that I sold over the weekend. Goodbye my darlings!


Coral Celebration I


Little Treasures


Little Peacock


Wish Box

Press for Etsy Dallas!

Oh boy oh boy oh boy. I'm super excited. Can you tell?

Etsy Dallas got some great press this morning. First off, we got top listing in Pegasus.com's Valentine's Day events listing. Yay! Also, we got a blurb in today's Dallas Morning News Guide section along with a fabu picutre of one of Patricia's boxes.

And, and, AND...We supposedly got a mention in DMN's Quick guide - the daily freebie that focus' on what's happening around town. But I haven't seen it yet! Have you?

Etsy Dallas - New Stuff That's Too Cool To Keep To Myself

Back in early September of 2007 I founded Etsy Dallas, a little group of local artists and crafters who sell their wares on Etsy.com. We were a simple group with a simple mission: to promote each others' craft, to find friendship and networking opportunities within each other, and to spread the indie handmade movement across Dallas and beyond!

Today this little group isn't so little anymore. We are now at a whopping 75 members, many of which are active in one form or other. 42 of us will be at the upcoming Valentine's Day Trunk Show on February 9th at South Side on Lamar, and every week I get 2-3 new requests for membership. Whoa nelly! I mean, just look at some of the greatness we have to offer:



To support the work of Etsy Dallas and its members, please consider scoring yourself some fabu merchandise at our brand spankin' new Cafepress shop, featuring our official logo designed by Miss Pamelita of Pamela Michelle. All profits will go right back into the group to help cover marketing, overhead, etc. Or better yet, open that wallet a teeny bit wider and shop at any of the 75 wonderful Etsy Dallas members' shops.

And while you're at it, take a look at our smokin' new web site. Because we are all about free and cheap, the site contains yucky ads from the company who is giving us free hosting. Try to ignore them! And as always, check out our blog for updates and neat-o crafty goodness.

SUPPORT LOCAL . BUY HANDMADE . LOVE INDIE

Funky Finds

Thanks to Jessica of Funky Finds for giving me a shout out in her blog yesterday. She came by my booth at the Deck the Halls show and couldn't have been nicer. Check out her site and keep up-to-date on some crafty happenings! Looking forward to seeing Jessica at our Etsy Dallas trunk show this Saturday (11am-3pm!).

Stress-diggity

The countdown is on! The craft world's longest weekend is about to commence, and I'm just about ready. Got my new necklace displays today, made a new earring/necklace display board last night, got my signs printed and ready, made enough product to accessorize half of Texas...is that all? Oh yeah, and I need to sleep. But I can do that later. Listening to Beth Orton's "Concrete Sky" right now, and it's calming my nerves in a mellow, floaty way. In case you're scratching your head wondering why I'm so crazed and loony, here's what I'm preparing for. (It's going to be so much fun - and work, but I'm wierd in that I love to work. Go figure.):

Saturday, December 1st from 11am-10pm
@ Dallas Market Hall off I-35 in Dallas' design district
Click here for a map.


Sunday, December 2nd from 12noon-7pm
@ the historic Sons of Hermann Hall in Deep Ellum
Click here for a map.