Create Your Voice Workshop

Don't forget next Wednesday evening is the speaking engagement with Amy Turn Sharp of Little Alouette. She will discuss how to Create a Voice for your company and really connect to your customer base. This event begins at 6:30pm at 400 W. Rich St (please enter from Rich St entrance). Parking is available in empty lots along side of the building. There IS a FEE for at the door...$7 for ETC members, $10 for non ETC members. (cash only)
Feel free to bring a snack or beverage for yourself or to share. We look forward to seeing you there!

Birthday of Trees AKA Jewish Arbor Day

Our member, Casey McCarty, gives us a little background on the event she just participated in

Sine Metu Designs, recently had the wonderful opportunity of working with PunkTorah and OneShul to design two styles of tree pendants exclusively for their Tu B'Shevat fundraiser. I've found myself explaining this little gem of Jewish customs to several of my friends and acquaintances as I've spoken about our work on this project, and I'm pleased to be able to share the backstory with you!
"Jewish Arbor Day?"
Tu B'Shevat is sometimes referred to as the "birthday of trees" or "Jewish Arbor Day" by our gentile friends. It stems from an ancient tradition stemming from Leviticus 19:23-25 where the fruits of of new trees were pronounced off-limits (or not Kosher) until their fourth "birthday," and the 15th day of Shevat (the name for the Hebrew month which started yesterday) marking a "new year" for the purpose of counting the trees' age. Culturally this tradition may have had a another implications besides religious ones-- preventing people from chowing down on all the fruits from a young tree (and as you may know, it often takes many years for a tree to mature enough to fruit) prevents it from becoming over-spent and allows for it to re-seed, and in a harsh arid climate, it would be critical not to over-pick your young fruiting trees!
Since the Hebrew calendar is lunar-based, our holidays fall on different days each year on the Gregorian calendar, but this year Tu B'Shevat falls on February 8th. Modern traditions to observe and enjoy this minor holiday include eating fruits and foods which would have been abundant in biblical Israel, such as grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates, and planting trees, even paying to have a tree planted on your behalf in Israel.
100% of the sales go to OneShul, which is an online independent Jewish learning community--there are interactive streaming lay-led services, meditations, classes, discussions and more. They have a library of free Jewish-oriented eBooks, and candid discussion forums. OneShul is non-denominationally Jewish--meaning the spectrum from Reform to Orthodox Jews are represented. It provides open and inviting resources for exploring faith and traditions, connecting folks who are be physically all over the world with modern technology! Besides OneShul, PunkTorah also runs Modern Kosher, another online resource.

I Heart Trees!
When Patrick Aleph, the executive director for PunkTorah, asked if I could design something special for this Tu B'Shevat fundraiser, obviously something to do with trees was my first thought! And since you don't have to be Jewish to love trees, tmy creations would make great gifts for anyone! So I created two tree pendants: both are sculpted copper wire-one design features brilliant faceted Czech glass and one is unbeaded with the sculpted copper wire for a unisex look.

There are also a few tree charm bracelets on copper chain with a lobster-claw clasp, a small copper tree charm, and a single Czech glass bead in olive, which are also unisex. No photo up yet, but you can request when you order.

In addition, you will also receive a card I designed and made for them especially for Tu B'Shevat, featuring a hand inked and watercolored tree scene on the front of these acid-free heavyweight white linen tri-folds and the relevant Leviticus quote from which the Tu b'Shevat holiday stems. All are signed by me.
The fundraiser runs through January 31st over at: http://punktorah.org/featured/tu-bshevat-necklaces-on-sale-now

The Precious Tree of Life

Greetings readers! One of our lovely teammates, Casey Mccarty has created these unique necklaces as a fundraiser for a cause near to her heart, a Jewish "Arbor Day-like" fundraiser (Tu B'Shevat) for the online resource website http://oneshul.org

We want to support her and show off her incredible talent by sharing the information with you. If you would like to pick up one of these pieces, please follow this link: http://punktorah.org/featured/tu-bshevat-necklaces-on-sale-now

At just $14 and $18, they are very affordable. But be sure not to delay! These are only available through Jan 31st at midnight!

Casey's other work can be admired on her etsy website: http://sinemetudesigns.etsy.com

February 25th at 400 West Rich Street Studio

Come join the fun as Etsy Team Columbus participates in the first Mardi Gras celebration at our studio at 400 West Rich Street! Our team will be offering a 'make your own VooDoo dolls' craft and other studios will also be participating with their own activities.
Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to the date...thanks to our team member Kristin Ellis (Silver Flame) for coordinating our efforts for this event.

Congrats to O Joy Photography at Golden Globes!

Joe Mantegna

(David Rossi from Criminal Minds)

holding O Joy! Photography's

Gather Up Your Dreams

Just another note of congratulations to Joy for being featured in the Golden Globes' lounge/gift shop..you go girl!

Vintage-like Flower Tutorial-Part Two

Part Two of making coffee filter posies from Gina Lewis

Step 3

Put a strip of glue completely around the bottom of the flower center and place it on the filter that's next size up. You can also add a bit more glue.

Step 4

Take the filter and fold up around the small one (flower center). Make small folds around it (See step 3 picture in the Open Bud tutorial above)

Step 5

Once again glue around the bottom and place this on top of the filter that's the next size up. Repeat all the steps until you've used all 5 filters

Step 6

If you want to add color, use a dry brush technique

Thanks to Gina for this great tutorial. For questions or comments, please contact her at :

La Belle Avenue www.facebook.com/labelleavenue

www.labelleavenue.com/

Vintage-looking Paper Flower Tutorial - Part One

Have you ever wanted to make your very own eco-friendly paper flowers? Well, thanks to our member, Gina Lewis, you can learn how!
Follow her simple directions for lovely results!!

I've included a couple different tutorials to give you a variety of looks. I recommend practicing a time or two before gluing them in place. And don't worry if you paper becomes wrinkly, it adds to vintage look.

You need:
*coffee filters (Unbleached filters give you the vintage look. You can also be eco-friendlyby using your old coffee filters. Just rinse grains off.
*glue (I prefer Beacon Fabri-Tac. Instantly tacky, dries clear & quick)
*paint
*brushes

Option: depending on what you are planning to use the flower for you can add wire to create a bouquet, or wreath. Fastening pin to create a brooch, the list is endless.

Tight New Bloom

Step 1
Cut filter in a spiral to the middle







Step 2
Place on a smooth surface like wax paper or counter top.
(Do Not lay them on top of paper)Water down paint and brush on filter. You only need to do one side as it will soak through. Let dry




Step 3

Fold one edge over all the way down. This will give the petals a nice rounded appearance. Start from the center and tightly wrap. This is where a few practice tries helps. Once your happy with how tight or loose you need to wrap it, re-wrap adding a dot of glue at the base once in a while.

Opening Bud

Do Steps 1-2 as above.

Step 3

Start in the middle wrapping your filter, after a few times around you're going to fold the paper back on itself just a little, then forward, then back again. This will give the appears of opening petals. Do this the rest of the way around. Glue randomly. Nice thing about thin coffee filters is the glue will soak through a couple layers so you can use it sparingly.

Full Bloom

Step 1

You'll need 5 coffee filters. 1st filter: do NOT cut;2nd filter: cut a little off the top; 3rd & 4th filters: cut making them smaller each time; 4th filter:cut so its the exact size of the filter bottom. 5th one will be cut a little smaller than the coffee filter bottom

Step 2

Take one of the strips you cut off and simply wrap it tightly around itself. This will be the flower center.

Studio Brunch this Saturday Morning!

Studio Brunch
9am-11am Saturday Jan 21st–

Join us in your PJ’s for Mimosas and a light snack. Let’s chat and socialize just because we can! Sign up in the team FB group (to bring OJ, or champagne or breakfast muffins/rolls).
Hope to see you there!

2012 Eco Chic Craftacular Arrives in May

Indie art and craft lovers take note, the 4th annual Eco-Chic Craftacular, an indie arts and crafts show created by Etsy Team Columbus, will be held at the Whetstone Community Recreation Center in Clintonville on May 19th and 20th. The website for the event is www.columbuscraftacular.com
The Eco-Chic Craftacular is Columbus' first alternative craft show with an environmentally-friendly focus. This unique shopping experience combines handmade artisan goods that have an ecologically-aware approach to creation with a fun event program that heavily emphasizes community involvement.

Over 60 independent artists and crafters from the DIY community will come together to sell their high-quality creations side-by-side with food carts, live music, workshops, kid's activities, and local organizations. Shoppers will find products ranging from jewelry, clothing, accessories, home items, to stationary and fair trade items.

When: Saturday, May 19th and Sunday, May 20th
Where: Whetstone Community Recreation Center, Clintonville
Admission: Free
First 50 customers on each day receive free swag bag totes full of goodies!

Etsy Team Columbus is a collective of local handmade artisans who sell their creations in individual online shops at Etsy.com. Visit www.etsyteamcolumbus.com for more information about the team, and www.columbuscraftacular.com for more information about the Eco-Chic Craftacular.

DATES FOR ECO-CHIC CRAFTACULAR SET

We are happy to announce that the dates for the EcoChic Craftacular have been determined!
Join us on May 19-20 at Whetstone Community Center for crafts, food, music and fun! More details to follow.

Workshops to be Offered at 400 West Rich Studio

We are happy to announce that we will be hosting 2 workshops for artists in February! Thanks to Kellie Gedert for arranging these for us:) Please note that these are both open to non-ETC members.


CREATING A VOICE FOR YOUR COMPANY
Wednesday
2/1/12
6:30-9:30pm

Join us as we host Amy Turn Sharp, owner of Little Allouette, as she explains ways to connect with your customers, network and add value to your product. in our team studio.
FEE is $7 for ETC members (due at the door) and $10 for non members. We would appreciate your RSVP on the EVENT PAGE on Facebook.

Copyright Issues for Artists
Wednesday
2/15/12
6:30-8:30pm

"How do I trademark my ideas?" "How do I copyright my goods?" "As soon as I list an idea on etsy, someone steals it!" Sound familiar? Phyllis (with Kegler, Brown, Hill and Ritter) and her partner will speak with us on the hot topic of copyright issues for small artists. They will address the how to's for small artists and the process you need to take. Is it worth it? Is it easy? We will find out! :) PLEASE NOTE: This event is free for Etsy Team Columbus (ETC) members and $2 suggested donation for non_ETC members. We would appreciate your RSVP under the EVENT PAGE for this on Facebook.

Featured Artist January 2012

Kathryn Gorney is our January 2012 artist

One of Kathryn's latest!

Did you know that Etsy Team Columbus now has over 80 members, all of whom are talented artists/crafts people? Because we are one of the largest art collectives in Columbus, it's easy to forget that we are comprised of individuals representing a vast array of art forms.

In order to help personalize our group, we thought our blog readers might like to 'meet' some of our members through interviews about their shops, their art and their inspirations/aspirations.

Each month we will feature one artist/member and we encourage you, our fans, to post comments or questions for the featured artist.

Kathryn Gorney (http://www.arteest.etsy.com/) is our artist of the month for January. She has been a member of ETC since it's inception in 2008. She has served on the leadership committee and volunteered for a number ot ETC projects that include: ECC, grant writing, A-Holes Event, Columbus Arts Festival game (Angry Birds), blog writing and so much more!

Although painting is her passion, her degrees are in Psychology (BA) and Mental Health Counseling (MS). She currently works at her father's CPA firm and is on-call one night a week for the community mental health center.

She is essentially a "self-taught" painter although she has taken painting classes at the Cultural Arts Center over the last three years. Most of her artwork is impressionistic/ surreal and focuses mainly on landscapes although she often goes through phases with a variety of other subjects. She gathers inspiration from sunsets/sunrises, unique cloud formations, storms, bright colors, others' artwork, her pets and friends. When asked what techniques she uses, she stated that she 'makes it up as she goes along.' Her most important artistic recognition has been from her 6 year-old niece who thinks she is a great and professional artist!

Her artwork has been featured in several local businesses, restaurants and offices. Currently, she has paintings in Scioto Valley Coffee in Circleville and at the Ohio Department of Mental Health in Columbus. In addition her paintings will be for sale at the Art Studio Clearance Sale on January 28 and 29 at the Lausche Building/Ohio Expo Center. (http://www.experiencecolumbus.com/event-detail.cfm?id=30423)

We are so pleased that Kathryn is a member of ETC and we wish her the best at her upcoming show!

Kathryn can be contacted at:

kitharr@yahoo.com

ttp://www.arteest.etsy.com/

and her prints are available at: http://www.arteest.imagekind.com/

Upcoming Events at Studio 400 West Rich

The studio at 400 West Rich Street is busy making plans for a variety of activites/events that will include the Etsy Team Columbus. Below is a listing of events scheduled for 2012. Show your support of the arts (and ETC!) by joining us for these:

Friday, February 11th...
The DewDroppers Sweetheart Dance
9:00 p.m-2 a.m.
This will take place in the gallery area
More details to follow!

Saturday, February 12th ...
Found Art Project's Valentine's Art Show
This event will take place on the first floor of the sudio.
Times to be announced

Saturday, February 25th
Mardi Gras
First floor studios will convert into a Bourbon Street theme for a Mardi Gras celebration with drinks, games, contests, prizes, live music, etc
Stay tuned for details

April, 2012
Franklinton Art Show
This will be a Frankltinton themed art show held in our gallery, open to tenants and nontenants


June, 2012
Columbus Arts Festival related event

October, 2012
Fear Hundred 2
Join tenants as they celebrate a second year of terror with our very own haunted house

December 2012
Festivus
Studio Holiday Open House


These events are all in the planning stages so please check back frequently to learn more about what is happening at the studio!

Classes at the Studio 400 W. Rich Street

Classes at the Studio!

We're happy to announce that now that we have our own studio at 400 West Rich (Franklinton), our members will be offering classes! Stay tuned for upcoming offerings and details as we begin this exciting new venture. We welcome members of the public as well as members of our team to these and hope that you will take advantage of the creativity that abounds at Etsy Team Columbus.

Also stay tuned for upcoming events at the studio. A schedule of events will be posted soon:)

New Blog Editor!

Etsy Team Columbus Has a New Contributor/Editor!

As of January 2012, Vicki Oster (www.paperpiecesbyvicki@etsy.com) will be taking over the job of editor of our blog. She is new to blogging so please be patient with her and feel free to give suggestions, contribute articles, etc. :0)

ETC Artist to Shine at Golden Globes!

As the Golden Globe nominations were announced on December 15th, a Central Ohio artist was looking ahead to the awards program in Beverly Hills, California next month. Joy St. Claire's work will be featured in the "swag bags" given to celebrities at the event on January 15, 2012. Her nature scenes which capture the beauty of The Franklin County (Ohio) Metro Parks are part of the 2012 desk calenders included in the celebrity gift bags. In addition, one of St. Claire's 11 x 14 prints will be on display in the Golden Globes gift lounge.
St. Claire is excited to be a part of the Golden Globes. "This is a great showcase for my work. I look forward to sharing my photographs on such a grand stage. My love for gardening, walking in the woods, and along seashores inspires many of my prints. Many tell me they find my work restful and reflective. I am honored by their support and this opportunity."
Photography from Joy St. Claire has been featured in TRAVERSE, Artful blogging magazine and Lake Superior magazines, as well as on many websites. Homes and businesses around the U.S. and the world also display St. Claire's work.
To learn more about Joy St. Claire and Oh Joy! Photography call 614-446-6569 or email Joy at joy@ohjoyphotography.com. View her work at http://www.ohjoyphotography.com/

***Congratulations to our kind and talented teammate Joy!! We are so happy for you :o)

Vintage or Antique?

Fans of styles and collectibles from a bygone era may find themselves often stumped by the distinction of terms used to describe said items. Lately any and everything old has become all the rage. Recently popular television shows such as Mad Men, Boardwalk Empire, The Tudors, Game of Thrones, and a handful of others, have lent a sense of nostalgia and romanticism to the past. The same goes for movies such as Sherlock Holmes, Captain America, Immortals, Water for Elephants, Super 8, and The Help. Actresses and celebrities frequently walk the red carpet in vintage gowns. Songs and stories from the past are being retold and/or retooled. Rockabilly and swing-dancing sub-cultures are growing in number. "Old" Fashion, Music, Jewelry, Literature and Art are all enjoying an apparent resurgence.

So why the fascination with the past? Could it be its familiarity is somewhat comforting? Or is it something more? Could it be a new generation simply appreciating the fine handiwork of their predecessors? What causes the personal emotional connection so many of us feel for the old above the new?

One might argue the current popularity of antique and vintage trends goes hand in hand with the growth of the "green" or recycling movement. Shopping at flea markets, thrift stores, estate sales and auctions is very hip. Outlets such as Etsy.com and Ebay also make it easier to get our hands on those once elusive treasures. No longer is owning something "second-hand" considered undesirable (as in when "hand me downs" were the bane of all children). Re-using formerly owned items equates to reducing our demand for newly manufactured ones. That in turn results in lower expenses, pollution, transportation costs and so forth.

In an economy as rough as our current one, vintage or antique finds may sometimes be more affordable than their newer counterparts. There are definitely many which are not, and whose price might even shock you.

Some of these purchases could also be regarded as an investment or a hallmark of taste. Values may increase...you may find a "diamond in the rough"...meaning you can turn around and sell an item for much more than you originally paid. This sort of logic appeals to the "treasure hunter" in us all. Who amongst us has not wished we were as lucky as the latest "Antiques Roadshow" guest to discover that piece of supposed junk in their basement is actually worth a pretty penny?

So what should you know before buying and/or collecting that which is "old?" Here are some tips:

1. Antique generally refers to items 100 years or older. There can be some discrepancy or flexibility here...depending on the nature of the collectible itself. Ultimately, according to Webster's, it must be "made in an earlier time and appreciated for its beauty or rarity." Another frequent specification is that said item remains unaltered from its original state (where possible). An antique item may be found to have "most" of its original parts and still be desirable, but the more "complete" its state, generally the better in terms of value.

2. Vintage refers to anything not quite antique but from an era before the present. It should have an enduring appeal and may often be described as a "classic."

3. Collectible is defined as any object regarded as being of value or interest to a collector. You know, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" and all that. There are numerous types of collectibles.

4. Watch for creations dubbed vintage or antique "inspired"...these are NOT the "real thing"...but may bear a close resemblance. They may be newly created and then "distressed" or made to look older than they actually are. See also reproduction.

5. Antiquities are remains of art and everyday items which are in themselves considered ancient artifacts. These items are generally considered priceless and collected by museums, researchers or the very wealthy elite.

6. "Retro" is short for retrospective, and usually refers to something which IMITATES the style of a previous era.

7. A reproduction is a newly-made, but faithful copy of an older item.

8. Provenance, derived from the French for "to come from," means the chronology of an item's ownership or location. Often times the story of an item's history may increase its perceived value. Documentation may plan an important role in any collectible item's provenance.
9. Heirlooms are items passed down for generations through family members. They may be vintage OR antique. As with collectibles, the value is often increased and/or determined by the collector's sentimental attachment to the piece.



*Our team has four members who sell Vintage items on Etsy.com if you would like to check them out (our photos are from their online shops).

Top photo is from http://paperdiva.etsy.com


From http://AdornmentsbyKarla.etsy.com

From http://TheRecycledCatholic.etsy.com

From http://Bluegirlink.etsy.com

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

The members of Etsy Team Columbus want to extend a heartfelt greeting to our friends, peers, neighbors, fans and patrons...we wish you a very safe and happy and bountiful Thanksgiving holiday.

Also, forgive us for mentioning, when your bellies are full, you've had enough excitement and are dreading the shopping crowds...consider staying in and doing your holiday shopping ONLINE! It's stress free and super easy. We are having a fabulous giveaway of several individually crafted items from our talented teammates. Purchase ANY item from ANY of the shops listed at right...then return here and say "this is me, this is what I bought and from whom"...you will automatically be entered in the prize drawing. It's so simple! Our previous blog post indicated the promotion would run 11/25 thru 11/28, but scratch that---we're kicking it off officially a day sooner, 11/24/11.

Got a fashionista on your shopping list? Might we suggest the gorgeous crocheted flower pin pictured above from http://TheDarkatHeart.etsy.com? It's sure to be to her liking!

How about a pumpkin onesie for one of the little pumpkins you know? This one was created by http://Hounddogdesigns.etsy.com

Gift ideas for the MUSIC fan

Who wouldn't love to own this magnificent piece of art by http://artisticflair.etsy.com ?

This graphic design was printed on vintage sheet music and is suitable for framing. Several other images are also available at http://adornmentsybkarla.etsy.com

This is the epitome of tasteful gift giving if you ask us! Consider this contemporary solid cherry wood music stand by http://Tarikyousef.etsy.com

These are just a small sampling of items from our members...by clicking on any of the shop names at right you can visit their online shops for many more wonderful HANDMADE or vintage creations.

Are you planning to take part in our Black Friday/Cyber Monday prize giveaway? See our post dated 11/19/11 for more details.

Gift ideas for TEACHERS

Everyone can use picture frames, right? This one from http://Tulaneroadpottery.etsy.com is especially nice.What about a classroom quilt? The teacher and her students can make a lasting project together. Found at http://Adornmentsbykarla.etsy.com

Candles are another great gift idea. We really love these natural soy ones with an evergreen forest scent. Pick one up at http://craftybynaturestudio.etsy.com

Isn't this just brilliant and super cute at the same time? It's a nameplate for that special teacher's desk...custom made from classic Scrabble tiles. Grab one at http://Barefootlake.etsy.com

Yummy! Pick up some cinnamon spice soap made from natural honey and beeswax at http://Honeyrunfarm.etsy.com

More Gift Ideas...

Today we are providing gift suggestions FOR THE HOME. Pictured above is a beautiful blue and white butter dish with lid. It and other pieces of glazed stoneware may be found at http://TulaneRoadPottery.etsy.com

Here we have a retro pattern lightswitch cover or plate by http://Melsclay.etsy.com

What a lovely piece of ceramic raku wall sculpture by http://Eclecticlay.etsy.com

I've got a crush on this cobalt blue serving bowl from http://Potteryheaven.etsy.com

Breathtaking is the only way to describe this original painting by Kathryn of http://Arteest.etsy.com

The colors in this precious lap quilt lend such a festive air! It can be found at http://Nevernotquilting.etsy.com

Gotta love the elegant curves and simple style of this Cantilever Coffee table by http://Tarikyousef.etsy.com

What a difference a sunny color can make when doing a mundane task, such as ironing. Brighten their day with this ironing board cover by http://Barefootlake.etsy.com

This upcycled wine cork board is ready to hang in any home or might double as a trivet. It features reclaimed barn wood and was created by http://Bluegirlink.etsy.com

Last, but definitely not least, a colorful pillow cover from http://Dontletsbesilly.etsy.com

Gift ideas for...

Leading up to the holidays, we decided to provide a few suggestions for our faithful followers who might be doing some gift shopping. The delicious honey you see pictured would be absolutely perfect for the FOODIE on your list. Find it and many other yummy gifts at http://honeyrunfarm.etsy.com

Know a BRIDE TO BE? We bet she'd love one of the personalized hangers offered by http://Originalbridalhanger.etsy.com

Got a CAT LOVER to shop for? Take a look at this glass art created by Deb of http://artisticflair.etsy.com

Stay tuned for MORE gift suggestions over the coming days! And please don't forget to enter our Black Friday/Cyber Monday prize giveaway. Details may be found in the post dated 11/19/11.

SUPER giveaway for Black Friday & Cyber Monday

Etsy Team Columbus is pleased to announce a giveaway for our fans who choose to shop with us Friday Nov 25th thru Monday Nov 28th 2011. Purchase anything from a shop listed at right during those four days, then come back to our blog and leave a comment here. Tell us what you purchased and from whom. We will compile all the information and randomly select winners for an assortment of prizes our artists have donated. Winners will be posted here and emailed for their shipping address. Here are just a few of the items we will give away. First, above, a gorgeous pair of earrings from http://shaterra.etsy.com. Check out her shop for truly lovely ceramic and wire wrapped beads and pendants.

Next, an Alice in Wonderland children's journal/scrapbook created from an upcycled Little Golden Book. Visit http://paperdiva.etsy.com for more similar items.

The lovely owl print you see here will also go to one lucky shopper! The digital image is printed on vintage sheet music and suitable for framing. If you like the concept of giving a "green" gift, visit http://AdornmentsbyKarla.etsy.com for an array of images offered on the same paper.