Treasury Roundup

Congratulations to Rachel of Artzymorena! Rachel is our newest Team Treasury contest winner!

We hope everyone is staying cool during this hot weather! And we hope you'll also enjoy browsing our latest treasuries featured talented Etsy Team Columbus artists!

*Pink Lemonade

Curated by: PaperPiecesByVicki

*Dark. Stylish. Vintage.
Curated by: TheDarkAtHeart

Summer Breeze Makes Me Feel Fine
Curated by: Artsymorena

Watch the video!

Here's our first ever video for the Eco-Chic Craftacular we put on this month. It's got great shots of the booths, vendors, food carts and more. We hope you enjoy!!


Many thanks to Sue Lacy for compiling this for us!

We want your feedback!

Now that the Eco Chic Craftacular has come and gone, we would love your feedback about the show!

Leave us your feedback, you favorite part, your memories, favorite music, vendors, etc. and you will be entered to win

our last Craftacular XL Tshirt! So keep those comments coming and we will pull a winner on June 4th!

UPDATE!

Congrats to Ellen for sharing and winning
a Etsy Team Tshirt!

Columbus' Awesome Arts Scene

Greetings everyone! I just wanted to remind you all that this weekend, there are THREE fabulous art happenins in town, all on Saturday, May 21st.

First...You MUST get to AGORA. Noon to 10pm at Junctionview Studios in Grandview. Hundreds of pieces of art will be on display and fifty artists' studios will be open for you to wander through. There will also be performances by dancers, musicians, comedians and theater groups. This is one of Columbus' PREMIERE art events!

Next, it's get "Off your glass" at CS Gallery in Olde Towne East 66 Parsons Ave (one block south of Broad St.) Some of the areas hottest glass artists have been challenged to break all the rules and take their art "off the pedestal." They will melt it, twist it, stretch it, blow it and hang it. Whether on the wall or the ceiling, be it big or small, it's all gonna be BADASS.

Finally, Check out Green on the Green, a free community festival in Worthington. Learn about worm composting, beer and wine making, healthy gardening & lawn care, rain barrels, solar energy and more. Shop local, reduce your carbon footprint and discover which local groups and businesses are concerned about their environmental impact.

Now for Sunday...The Columbus Torah Academy is hosting Spring Fling & Craftstravaganza. There will be food, rides, bonfire, live music, vendors of handmade goods and more! It runs 11am to 8pm.

Hope to see some of you out and about this weekend! Namaste.

Treasury Roundup

The talented Etsy Team Columbus artists were busy getting ready for the third annual Eco-Chic Craftacular this weekend - May 14 & 15 - but they still managed to submit a couple of team treasuries for our readers' browsing pleasure.

We hope you were able to visit the Craftacular this weekend and we hope you'll enjoy viewing these lovely collections of items from our team mambers' shops!

*Freshly Home From Nature

Curated by: Mobotrobile

*Treats to Delight the Senses

Curated by:  PaperPiecesByVicki

MEET KAREN BUONCRISTIANO OF CRAFTY BY NATURE!

 Quick Note:  Karen will be at the EcoChic Craftacular at the Whetstone Community Center in Clintonville this weekend.  May 14th and 15th! May 15th from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

1.) Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My husband and I started Crafty by Nature by narrowing down the many crafts we were making to 2 main areas, Pottery and Lotions/Natural Skincare.  We both produce pottery on the wheel in our studio.  Together, we are able to offer a variety of different styles of pottery and offer my skincare and lotions line.  I also teach pottery classes for both individuals and groups.  You can contact us to sign up for a class or a kiln share by visiting our website  http://www.craftybynaturestudio.com/.  A kilnshare is when you have pottery to fire but no kiln, so you have Crafty by Nature to fire your pottery!

2.) What do you do apart from creating things?
We both have full-time jobs that keep us very busy.  We also spend time hiking with our two cute dogs, kayaking, gardening, and basically spending time outdoors.

3.) What first inspired you to become an artist?
I think I was definitely encouraged to produce art and crafts from an early age by my creative parents.  I was always reminded about the value and enjoyment of art and we often visited art galleries and we produced our own art.

4.) Please describe to us what your creative process is.
For pottery, we try to think of making things that people will find useful and actually make good use of.  A lot of times, we see people wanting to find a purpose or use for each piece of pottery, so we try to plan for that. 

For lotions and skincare, I try to make my skincare items as natural as possible, and I get inspired by natural ingredients and try to find uses for them.  I often try to make my own recipe of lotion and then have to use trial and error to get the recipe just right.  Sometimes it takes several tries.  Once I get it, though, I know it right away!

5.) What handmade possession do you most cherish?
I cherish my wonderful handmade purple earrings and necklace made for me by my amazing friend, Cathy.                                       Thanks, Cathy!

6.) What advice would you give to artists that are new to Etsy Team Columbus? 
I would encourage artists new to Etsy Team Columbus to be patient with the process of getting slowly woven into the group and to give it at least a year.  I have made several really great friends with Etsy Team Columbus, and countless contacts, but it did take some time to get there.  Be patient and try to come to the in-person meetings.

What advice would you give to an aspiring artist?
For an aspiring artist, I would recommend you just keep trying no matter what.  Keep promoting yourself because you are your best, and perhaps only, promoter.  Keep trying no matter what and never give up.  Promote using blogs, websites, etsy, and facebook.  Print ads are not so effective verses their extreme cost; I learned that the hard way!

7.) What do you like most about being a member of the Team?
My absolute favorite thing about being a member of Etsy Team Columbus is whenever I have a problem or question and I can post it to the entire group easily.  Usually within minutes or hours, I have several very useful responses and/or solutions!

8.) What features do you like most about the Etsy website?
I really like the feature that allows us to copy a listing.  It is very useful when we need to list similar items but don't want to re-type everything out again each time. 

9.) How do you promote your work?
We use facebook and have a facebook fan page / company page that is www.facebook.com/craftybynature.

We have a blog that we try to write to as much as we can at http://www.craftybynaturestudio.wordpress.com/.

We have our wonderful etsy page at http://www.craftybynaturestudio.etsy.com/.

And finally, we have our main website and store at http://www.craftybynaturestudio.com/.

10.) How are you surviving the economy in relation to your business?
We started our company, Crafty by Nature, in early 2010 and had lots of initial big purchases to deal with such as a kiln, potter's wheel, supplies for lotions, glazes for pottery, and festival fees.  We just keep on pushing forward as best we can.  We have noticed that people see the real value of buying handmade wonderful pottery, or "real" pottery.  Also people have been more than willing to purchase handmade, natural lotions and skincare.  People seem to be aware of getting back to real, handmade, and from the earth types of goods.

11.) Where would you like to be in 5 years, 10 years?
We are really hoping to be doing more sales online through etsy as well as through our main website and to get into bigger craft shows within 5 years.  Within 10 years, I am extremely hopeful and motivated to do my very best to have one of us be able to go fulltime with pottery and skincare.  Yes, I am saying within 10 years, I hope to have one of us quit our current fulltime job and go into lotions and pottery fulltime!  It might just be a dream, but I hope we can make it happen!

PS:  Word from the blog writer:  I personally have tried Karen's Lotion and lip balm and it's wonderful!

Let Me Introduce You To....Curly Pigtails

Curly Pigtails is a local hand made clothing business, owned by earth-friendly artisan Elizabeth Winchester.
The business came about around a year ago, brought into being from her desire to see better quality and organic materials among the choices parents had for their children to wear, that had a more playful style.
She follows her eco-conscious standards, from the organic textiles she chooses to create clothing for toddler girls, to the packaging in which they are shipped. That aspect, as well as the fact that Curly Pigtail clothing is mix and matchable and adjustable for all body types, gives the company an unique niche. One other thing that makes Elizabeth's designs so adored is that she includes hand crocheted embellishments in every outfit. They are so cute!
A favorite from the line, is her Hug Around the Neck Scrunch-Top Sleeveless Tunic. It's bright, comfortable and fun. "...it came out even better than I imagined when I originally sketched it out." she told me. "I think it looks really sweet with the Bloomin' Bo Peep Bloomer Shorts, which are also a part of my Spring/Summer collection.".
Over the next years, Elizabeth wants to grow her business along with other women who share her vision for bringing color and excitement to eco-friendly clothing, while maintaining the handmade aspect.
When she's not working she enjoys tending her large garden and spending time with her husband, daughter and their two pugs-who provide hours of entertainment.
She offers those who have a similar dream this great advice: "If you don't ever jump in with both feet, you'll always wonder what might have been. It may not turn out exactly how you expected or hoped, but at least you know that you gave it your best. Also, find a mentor or two- they will be invaluable to you as you start your journey."
Elizabeth told us she has many to thank, but wants to thank the key people here: "...my husband and daughter for being amazingly supportive and loving; my mom for her encouragement and sewing consultations; and my mentors (and friends!) in figuring out this crazy, indie craft scene, Laura and Talia, thanks so much!".
I can't wait for you to see her wonderful designs and meet the woman behind Curly Pigtails this Saturday at the 3rd annual Eco-Chic Craftacular! 
Check out her website here: http://www.curlypigtails.com.

Let Me Introduce You To...Carroll Baker & Co

Carroll Baker and Co is a company owned by local Magician, Carroll Baker that has been around for about 10 years and appears all around Central Ohio.
I asked him what sets him apart from other magicians. "I am one of four full time professional magicians in the central Ohio area. I perform at five places per week and always have a deck of cards with me. ", says Carroll.
His favorite piece is when he closes at large shows with a routine that involves a piece of ultra-violet thread and black light, that he breaks into small pieces, then puts them back together as the lights fade out.
Carroll told me his inspiration comes from "...the faces of the young and old that I get to entertain.".
As a six-year-old, he had the honor of meeting Harry Blackstone, Jr. and was hooked at that moment!
Carroll Baker and Co is available for your future event. You can contact him and see his work at http://carrollbaker.net or book a birthday party performance at http://the columbusbirthdaypartymagician.com.
The magician has hopes of adding even more convention performances to his books and to finish writing another book on magic.
His advice for those who may want to follow their dreams at becoming a magician is, "Never give up. Follow your ideas and dreams and market them to everyone you meet.".
In closing he wanted me to send a "Thank you" to his "lovely wife and two beautiful girls, Allisa and Elise, the true magic of my life."
You can catch some of Carrolls act at this year's Eco-Chic Craftacular on Saturday, May 14th from 10:30-12:30.

Let Me Introduce You To.... AnCar Photography

AnCar Photography is a local photography business owned and operated by Andrea and Carroll Baker.
This husband and wife duo had so much fun photographing, they decided one day to combine their skills to make a unique company. Andrea enjoys nature and translates the delicate details of what she sees into lovely floral photographs and nature scenes. Carroll adores classic cars and rustic images around him, which are reflected in the nostalgic sense he brings to his photos. They both have a passion for translating what they see and turning it into workable art for their clients to enjoy.
Andrea is starting to work on mixed media art and Carroll has been busy touching up Senior portraits. They do take custom orders at this time, however.
It's no surprise that they go for walks and photograph their journeys, spending quality time together, when they need to unwind.
One of their goals they have for AnCar is to see more of their works published, as they have already seen a couple of them out there already.
Carroll and Andrea offer this advice for those who may want to go into the photography business: "Keep working at it. It might take some time, but it will happen when you are least expecting it."
They also want to thank the inventors of film and digital media and their families.
You can find AnCar's art photography at http://www.AnCarPhotography.etsy.com and we will be seeing them at this year's Eco-Chic Craftacular. Come and meet them and prepare to be impressed!

Let Me Introduce You To....Handmade by Andrea Baker

Today, I'd like you to meet the owner of Handmade by Andrea Baker, Andrea Baker!

  Andrea Baker is a local artisan who designs and makes wallets, handbags, business card cozies and does beautiful embroidery. Getting much of her inspiration from nature and from the textile, she has a been quite successful in the business.
 Her priority to add a personal touch, connecting with her clients is paying off. She has many customers who adore her work and are always happy with the quality, design and the sense of community she gives them. "I want to be able to take your vision for your custom item and make it as much of you as possible. So you are with me every step of the way. It's a valuable relationship to be sure.", says Andrea.
 The designer tells us that her favorite aspect of running her business is getting to do very specific custom orders, as it is a challenge and makes her happy to see her customers to get exactly what they want. So, in case you were wondering, yes, she taking custom orders.
 Right now, she's working on a beach bag design for a family member. She's been working on some mock-ups, but won't make the final bag until it has just the right stylish, summery feel.
 I asked Andrea how she got started with all this. "I started selling on Etsy because I was a stay at home mom, filling my free time with being creative. The next step was to sell what I was making. Etsy seemed the logical place. My momma was a seamstress by trade. She made beautiful wedding gowns. Also, my grandmother is a quilter. So it was inevitable that I would pick up some sewing skills."
 When she is not working, Andrea likes to spend her time winding down by knitting and listening to music.
 Over the next 5-10 years she wants to expand her market to local boutiques. Says Andrea, "I'm not looking to take over the world with my brand. I'd just like to make a living with it."
 And she offers those who want to follow a similar dream some great advice. "For anyone starting out, just keep at it. Make sure you respect your fellow artisan and the handmade community and they will respect you. Get to know people in your area with like interests and you will find a circle of friends."
 Andrea wants to thank some important people in her life: "I'd  like to thank my momma, grandma, my girls for putting up with my endless sewing, my husband, who always and will always support me in everything I do. And of course my best friends for being my biggest cheerleaders."
Handmade by Andrea Baker can be found on line here: http://www.AndreaBaker.etsy.com, as well as the 2011 Eco-Chic Craftacular show, May 14-15 at Whetstone Community Center in Columbus, Ohio. Come out and meet her!

SWAG Night! What's that?

Our SWAG night was held for Eco-Chic Craftacular last night at Whetstone last night.
What's a SWAG?!

Well, vendors and sponsors participating in the show have a chance to market themselves by bringing small Thank You gifts for us to hand out to our shoppers. These gifts have a business card attached or a brand label on it. We then divide them into 100 reusable Craftacular shopping bags for a much coveted SWAG bag. The first 50 purchasers on Saturday, then Sunday will receive a voucher to trade in for one of these.
Check out the photos that I took of a very small percentage of what came in last night. I wanted to take more pictures, but there just wasn't enough time. Between greeting and meeting all the participants and organizing the awesome gifts that streamed in, there was little time to do anything else.
The turnout for this was overwhelming and we even received some of the raffle prizes that will be included in the show. You will be able to see the prizes and purchase tickets at the information table near the front of the entrance at Whetstone on May 14th and 15th.
The raffle prizes range in value from $15 all the way up to a whopping $500!
AND...if you bring your reusable 2009 or 2010 Craftacular shopping bag back, you will qualify for free raffle tickets, too!
See you all at the show!

Let Me Introduce You To....Goathill Productions

 The 3rd annual Eco-Chic Craftacular is about to take place and I want to introduce to you one of our vendors: Goathill Productions.

Goathill Productions, founded in 2001, is a local business where Michelle Geissbuhler, wife, mother, community volunteer and brand strategist/marketing communicator, creates handcrafted items from vintage books, board games and other finds.

 Her interest in art has always been there, causing her to consider teaching art. Michelle's family always made their own holiday cards. "I was the designer, my father cut the screens, and we all chipped in on the production and assembly lines." So Michelle continued making her own cards over the years, and at some point she realized it was time to market them. From there, making recycled and upcycled art from those cards, then from vintage and found items seemed like a natural transition.

 Michelle told us her favorite piece is a large memo board made from a very old Chinese Checkers game. It has been mounted onto a canvas and framed with vintage yardsticks. She likes it because the board was a rare find, beautiful and aged, just laying under a chest of drawers in a junk shop. "The hunt is almost as fun as the creation!, says Michelle.

 "So what are you working on now?", I asked her. She told me she's trying to figure out what she can "fashion from the wooden tile holders from Scrabble games." Michelle is also taking ceramics and oil painting classes.

 In the future, she'd like to explore options on the arts and crafts side. As I viewed the photos from Goathill Production's website,  it looked like she already had that down.

 Michelle is one busy lady, but I went ahead and asked her what she does to wind down when she's not running Goathill Productions. Going for walks, listening to music and working in the garden are how Michelle spends her down time.

 I can't wait to have her wares at the show and for you to meet her. She's made some amazing creations you should really check out at http://www.goathillproductions.com