Treasury Roundup

With preparations for the holidays, fewer Etsy treasuries have featured Etsy Team Columbus artists this week, but we hope you'll still enjoy the following two treasuries.

Happy Holidays and best wishes for a Wonder New Year!

Featured Artist: Distinct Signs

Love is the Key

Featured Artist: Designs By Shauna

Gifts $15 and Under

Etsy Team Columbus' Holiday Art Show SUCCESS

Today as I sat down to write a retrospective of our group’s holiday Art event, it struck me that many of you might appreciate knowing a bit more about all the behind-the-scenes work which goes into pulling off a well-attended and publicized show.

First, a dedicated individual agrees to spear-head the entire process, becoming the main “point person” and logging hours of planning, communicating and errand-running. Our much-valued coordinator for this year’s show was Kellie Gedert of Blue girl Ink and Blue raccoon girl. (You may find her links on this blog or go to etsy.com and search for her by seller)

Kellie first considered which venue might be most appropriate and compatible with our needs. Columbus has several wonderful locations, galleries, small businesses and spaces we might have approached. Our group has built strong relationships with a select few, one of which is Wild Goose Creative. They are a multi-disciplinary arts company originally formed by college pals…and they are all about community partnerships and artistic collaboration. If you’d like to know more about them…please visit this link: http://www.wildgoosecreative.com/Wild_Goose_Creative___Home.html

Next, we determined which of our members were officially interested in participating. Those names included Kellie of course, as well as: Jan Dennison of Indiefinable, Jamie Hevener of HevVin Designs, Kristin Ellis of Silverflame, Kathryn Gorney of Arteest, Amy Ressa of Distinct Signs & Aressa, Shauna Roush of Designs by Shauna, Andrea & Carroll Baker of Ancar Photography, Kerri Mackey of Louie’s Hardware, Megan Corwin of Cram, Robyn Skowronski of From My Eye Photography (and Taylor Baskin Designs), Anna Moran of Felt Here, Martina Morton of Pottery Heaven and myself, Karla Ross of Adornments by Karla.

We applied to Etsy.com for grant monies to aid us in advertising. They kindly agreed to extend those funds (for which we are undyingly grateful). We marketed our show via Facebook, Columbus Underground (an online site with its finger on the pulse of our city), and Columbus Alive (a local weekly newspaper for which the same can also be said). The next thing you know, and to our pleasant surprise, our city’s daily paper, The Columbus Dispatch featured our event as one of their weekly “staff picks” and we also received mention in 614 magazine’s event calendar! Wow…what a great beginning we were off to. I don’t mind saying this particular member suddenly develop a swagger in her step Ha Ha!

Our hardworking Kellie ordered promotional postcards and contacted a local caterer for some fancy eats (Baked brie anyone? Holiday cookies?) Oh, and how could I forget the fabulous SANGRIA our wise lady concocted??? The rest of us conspired to add some munchie and snack contributions in hopes of keeping our guests sated. Christmas tunes were selected to play unobtrusively in the background.

Our fellow teammates assisted us in building momentum by using their personal blogs, twitter and FB pages to continue spreading the word.

Two days before the big day arrived, Kellie and Wild Goose’s fabulous intern Katie were on-hand to accept hanging artwork for inclusion in a gallery-style curated wall arrangement. One half of Wild Goose has exposed red-brick walls, while the other half was perfectly white and ready to display our best works. It always seems as if a million random, last second issues and questions come into play at this point before a show. Kellie dashed here and there, picking up supplies and reminding us that we would also be accepting food pantry donations during our holiday show.

Finally, the moment was upon us as each artist began setting up their table displays just hours before guests were due to arrive. We joked and laughed…spirits were high and not only did the excitement of sharing our work motivate us, but also the joy of being able to socialize with our fellow teammates in a relaxed atmosphere.

I was tasked with flitting about to help Kellie and snap photos as our evening transpired. The doors opened, and before we knew it…many local supporters and fans were stopping in with smiles, gift lists and pals in tow. Our talented artists proudly discussed their wares, process/techniques, inspiration and more with as many individuals as would allow. We bragged on one another too since we truly are friends in this group

Allow me to mention some of the items you’d have found available for purchase had you been with us that evening: Buckeye Christmas ornaments, Screen-printed tees, aromatherapy shower tablets, glazed pottery, felted sculptures, plush animals, notecards featuring original photographic images, glass pendants with same, clutches and handbags designed from vintage and recycled fabrics, glass/ceramic mosaics, graphic prints, knitted/crocheted hats, acrylic paintings, hand-cut stone & sterling jewelry, spoon rings, vinyl wall decals, bridal themed hangers, multi-media artwork, magnets and wood ornaments, Swarovski crystal beaded baubles, hand sewn hair accessories, brooches, recycled cork memo boards, decorated frames and much more.

Time seemed to fly past. A yawn or two might even have escaped us. I looked around at the subtle lighting, the glazed grins, impressive art displays, the many individual conversations, and the flurry of wrapping and packaging going on. The feeling I got was unmistakable. It was sentimental, happy and warm. Without a doubt I knew…THIS was what the holidays are about…SHARING. It may sound simple, but in the hustle and bustle of our drive-thru, want-it-yesterday, internet-based lives, so often a personal touch is lacking. THIS evening involved slowing down, meeting someone new, discussing a topic meaningful to them and “smelling the roses” so to speak.

Once the guests were gone we began packing away our goods. (The hanging artwork gallery will remain at Wild Goose through Jan 4th ) Chairs were stacked and tables torn down. Still, I couldn’t shake the mood, nor would I have wanted to. It was peaceful. Promise and anticipation filled the room and the brisk night air. Without a doubt, every single one of us was ready to do it all over again and will look back on the night fondly.

The members of Etsy Team Columbus wish to extend their heartfelt gratitude to you, our readers, and also our peers and community for the outpouring of acceptance and support we have received, particularly over the past year. We appreciate how you’ve chosen to spend your hard-earned money locally and in support of small businesses/artists. Our wish to you and yours this holiday season is for an infinite supply of those moments just described…the slow, warm, relaxing, personal, and unmistakably happiest of interactions. We look forward to sharing a fabulous 2011 with you all. Namaste!

Holiday Gift Basket Winner

We have a winner!  We did a random number generator to determine our winner of the Holiday Gift Basket.

And the winner is...........

Debbie !!!! 

YAY!! WOOHOO!!

Thank you for everyone who entered in our drawing. 

It's for wonderful people like you who support what we do.

Treasury Roundup

Are you done with your holiday shopping yet? If not, perhaps the following Etsy Treasuries will give you some ideas for those last minute gifts. And if you do have all your shopping done, congratulations, you've got the time to browse these Treasuries too! Either way, enjoy!

Featured Artist: Adornments by Karla

Bittersweet Butterfly

Cherry Oh Cherry

Featured Artist: Mada's Place

Happy Houndstooth Holidays!

Poinsettia

Etsy Mom Silver, Red and Gold for the Hoilidays

Featured Artist: Arteest

Gifts of Winter Sunshine

Featured Artist: BlueGirlInk

It's a "Golden Girls" New Year's Eve

Featured Artist: ReduxJewlery

Ohio Etsy Artists

Featured Artist: Redu4u

A Winter Sunset

Orange, Black, Red

Featured Artist: AustismLoveHope

Doe, A Cable Knit Female Deer

Teammate Interviews - Kathyrn Gorney

Tell us a little about yourself and your designs.
My name is Kathryn Gorney, shop name is Arteest. I create and sell
acrylic and oil paintings. I enjoy painting with bright, dramatic
colors. Lots of landscapes and trees. Surrealism and
impressionism.

How long have you been designing?
I've been into all kinds of art since I was a child, but I'm all self
taught and started painting consistently about 6 years ago. Haven't
stopped since. I opened my etsy shop in 2007.

Where do the ideas for your designs originate?
I get inspired by art. Looking at art and being around other artists
is where most of my inspiration comes from. I love the classic
artists as well as lots of emerging artists. Anything from old, old
oil paintings from the greats to digital art and photography.

What makes your items different from others?
I think something that is found in most of my paintings is a kind of
simplicity in the design. I don't like to spend TONS of time working
on one painting (ADD) so I think I'm drawn more to creating less
"busy" art. Don't get me wrong, I love looking at complicated, time
consuming art, I just don't have the patience to actually create it.
Plus, then I'd have to charge much much more for my work:) I also am
almost always painting in bright, dramatic colors.

Do you offer custom orders?
I do lots of custom orders! I've done many coordinating nursery or
children's room decor as well as more "traditional" custom art. Love
that stuff.

Are you featured anywhere locally?
I've hung in shops, restaurants, banks, offices, and a few gallerys,
all temporary shows. Depends on the month. I also do lots of art/
craft shows throughout the year.

Favorite professional artists? Local artists?
Old timers: Dali, VanGogh, Haring.
Local...So many!: Jan Dennison (painting, digital art, etc), Karla
Ross (mosaics!), Beth Himsworth (glass mosaics), Kellie Gedert (multi
media), Ahhh! I can't get away from ETCers! Ummm...I guess we're
just a talented group:)

Mist ORIGINAL 12X24

Blue Seeds ORIGINAL 9X12

Sunflower on Purple ORIGINAL 18X24

ETC Holiday Gift Basket Giveaway

Etsy Team Columbus

Holiday Gift Basket Giveaway

Enter for a chance to win a gift basket full of items donated by some of our Etsy Team Columbus members!

Here’s how to Enter:

In order to be eligible to win the gift basket you must leave a comment on this blog post, along with your email address so we may contact you.

Giveaway ends Thursday, 12.16.2010.  Winner will be drawn on Friday, 12.17.10

Gift Basket will include:

1. OSU Buckeye Earrings from AutismLoveHope

2. Raspberries and Lemonade 5 x 7 Fine Art Photograph from Joy St. Claire Photography

3. OSU FAN - Red 1947 Ford Sedan - 8x10 Fine Art Photograph from FromMyEye Photography

4. Ivory & Lavender Fabric Brooch from DesignsByShauna

5. Mosaic 3 ½ x 5 ½ Handmade Picture Frame from AdornmentsByKarla

6.  Holiday Wreath Decal Window Sticker from Distinct Signs & The Painted House and More

Retail Value over $ 80.00

This giveaway is now closed.
Winner will be name on 12/17/2010

ETC Art and Trunk Show is Here!

We can hardly believe the ETC Art and Trunk Show is tomorrow!

Spread the word and join us for some great shopping and hors' devourers!!

Don't forget to bring some canned goods for the local food shelter, they need more for those in need during the holidays!

The event is at 

Wild Goose Creative

2491 Summit St

6-10pm

Want a taste of what you can find at our event? here's a sneak peak...

ETC won an Etsy Grant

In November we applied for a grant through Etsy.  It is our pleasure to announce that yes, we surely won that grant!  We are really excited about this since it means we are able to purchase local advertising for our Wild Goose Creative Art and Trunk Show!

Etsy Team Grants November Winners Announced

Columbus ALIVE has featured ETC

This past weekend Columbus Alive has featured ETC and the Holiday Art and Trunk Show we will be doing.  Its fabulous to see ourselves featured locally!  We hope you will take a moment to check us out at Columbus ALIVE and at the Holiday Art and Trunk Show.

Staff Pick: Etsy Team Columbus Holiday Art and Trunk Show :: Alive! - Columbus, Ohio

Treasury Roundup

Yet again, the artists of Etsy Team Columbus have been featured in a number of treasuries this past week. Please enjoy browsing the following links. Maybe you'll also find some holiday gift ideas!

Featured Artist: Autism Love Hope
Christmas Gifts for Your Child, As They're All Special
Puzzle Ribbon for Autism


Featured Artist: Arteest
Holiday Gifts for Everybody
Born Into This River
The Height of A Season


Featured Artist: From My Eye
Black and White and Beautiful
Your Little Piece of Heaven
Fotogirl Creation's Fotography Frenzy


Featured Artist: Tscrapper
Think Pink!


Featured Artist: Redux4u
My Blues


Featured Artist: Andrea Baker
Beautiful Bags
CABTeam Creations


Featured Artist: Designs by Shauna
Dreaming in White
Trio
Evening Accessories
Gifts $15 and Under


Featured Artist: Hound Dog Designs
Curated By: Arteest
Awesome T-Shirts!

And, finally, just for fun, Andrea of AnCar Photography has been "exposed" in this treasury! The Female Photographers of Etsy Artists Exposed

December Birthdays

Please join us as we extend birthday wishes to the following Etsy Team Columbus member with December birthdays. Photos and links to their shops are below.

Patti, Christine, Jamie, and Julie

Happy Birthday!

Wishing you a wonderful day, week, month, and year ahead!

Patti of Gardenia's Garb--Renaissance and Regency Custom Clothing and More

http://www.gardeniasgarb.etsy.com/

Christine of ChristineCecelia--

http://www.christinececelia.etsy.com/

Jamie of HevvinDesigns--Handmade bags and ecochic clothing

http://www.hevvindesigns.etsy.com/

Julie of Michael Creations--Handmade sewing and crafting for your family and home

http://www.michaelcreations.etsy.com/