And Now Those Etsy Parties!

The Activities for the Party

Now, don't think I forgot about the parties!  I was trolling EventBrite as I sometimes do (I know, I'm a total loser, but sometimes...) and I saw a local Etsy party.  What was an Etsy Craft Party, I wondered?  Being an Etsy addict, I knew I had to check it out and meet some other local Etsy nuts.  Apparently, Etsy Craft Parties happen once a year, all around the country, wherever there are Etsy artists around.  Etsy is really into the community of bringing artists and consumers of art together, and the Craft Parties are a perfect venue to bring local artists together.  I thought it was cool that the theme for this year's party was "Craft for Community", focusing on how artists can use their crafts to improve their communities.

I had a great time, met some local artists selling their wares on Etsy, some local Etsy hounds like me, and just some great, friendly people. 



Some of the ladies I met, including Etsy shop owners: Jennifer (left) & Renee (right)!

 

Jennifer

I also discovered two cool local businesses that I never would have found otherwise: CraftyStitches.  It's the business run by the two leaders of the Etsy Craft Party, Jennifer & Nicole.  Jennifer teaches sewing classes, sewing parties, Girl Scout troops, and sells fabric, of course!  Since the party, she's also upgraded to a big, new space in the local shopping center (check out her blog for pics and updates).  And in her Etsy Shop, she's Queen of the Travel Jewelry Rolls!



Nicole








Nicole, owner of Finch Sewing Studio (who also teaches classes in the shop), opened her home office area for the party, and it was just beautiful!  She helps run the boutique sewing studio and specializes in offering the best selection of beautiful fabrics around.  Take a look at some of the pictures I took of her adorable space!






Cute wall arrangement!

 



Don't you just want to live here?!?


 If your in the Northern Virginia area, and sewing is your thing, I suggest you check these ladies out!  Also, if you want to support some hometown businesses, follow these links to some other locally owned Etsy shops to see their wares and join the ranks of those of us who "Buy From Real People":

• The Print Love: Custom Stationary & Save the Date Cards by Renee

• Oh So Good Organics: Organic Handmade Soaps, Candles and Lotions by Jennifer

• Not So Perfect Friends: Handmade Softies and Other Cute Stuff by Jennifer



Etsy! It's So Great & Did You Know They Had Parties?!?!

The Etsy Homepage always has a fun mix!

So, you don't know about Etsy?!?  Have you been living under a rock?  Haha, just playing!  I love Etsy, and I'm really happy to share it with you if your a newbie.  If not, I think I can show you some great new things!


I got turned onto Etsy by a crafty friend, bless that friend.  At first, I thought I had found a treasure trove of hand-crafted items of all kinds.  Gifty items, toys for kids, clothes, tools, wood, art, I could go on and on.  Anything you can imagine that could be handmade by an artisan, you can find on Etsy.  But not only can you find these great, one-of-a-kind items, you can talk directly to the artist.  You can even commission custom pieces, which I have done with great results.  I think that's one of the best things about Etsy, the easy connection with the shop owner.  They are receptive to questions and will often work with you on a payment plan if you need it.


And then I discovered that Etsy had vintage!  And I've really been hooked ever since.  Whatever era your into, whatever items your looking for, make sure you check Etsy!  And if your looking for somewhere to start, check out My Favorites on Etsy.  My personal collection of the best things on Etsy, handmade and vintage.  I honestly couldn't fit all my favorite shops in one post, so keep an eye out for separate posts late that will highlight my very favorites that you cannot miss!


I wanted to put a little note in this post explaining why I've been away so long, and to apologize for that!  Currently, my personal life is dreadful, going through a bad break-up, and finding the motivation for anything other than eating, sleeping and working has been tough.  But you deserve better! (and I need to get to it!)

So thanks for being patient!  I hope you find some great new treasures on Etsy!  And I haven't forgotten about the party, stick around for the next post to find out all about it!