Thursday, December 31, 2009

Happy 2010


Happy New Year from the Hudson Valley Etsy Team!

Monday, December 21, 2009

Holiday Homeshow

On Friday December 18, 2009, some members of the Hudson Valley Etsy Team held a last minute holiday shopping event at the home of Letitia from MaryJane's Heirlooms. A Holiday Homeshow! It was a great way to meet and socialize with fellow teammates, check out some great work, and celebrate everyone's creativity. Please enjoy some of the shots below...




Thursday, December 10, 2009

Rock Painting Workshop

This past weekend I had the privilege of being invited to give a workshop on rock painting at the Rural Women's Conference in Binghamton, NY. This was the fourth year for the conference whose purpose is to provide an opportunity for rural women who often experience isolation due to "location, launguage, culture, or resources" to come together to network and develop strategies for change.

These workshops are usually geared towards health, social justice, domestic violence, families, and various resources. This year they decided to offer two creativity workshops as well, acknowledging that this is an area that is often neglected and yet so important to nourishing a healthy life.


Jill Austen was asked to do a session on storytelling, encouraging women to examine their own stories after hearing one that she would share. I was to provide a class in rock painting. As Jill and I were discussing how to arrange the room, we decided that the two workshops could blend together very well. I often find that the stones I paint tell stories, they allow people to share the things that are important in their lives, the things that make them laugh, or that give meaning to their days.


Rock painting is a great way to get people to engage in art. So many folks tell me about how they used to do it as a child. It's so unintimidating - you can start with just some color. Maybe the shape suggests a theme. And the focus on something small is utterly relaxing. The women who attended the workshop were exclaiming how wonderful it felt to just have a little time and space to play like that.
I love the idea that I am able to take something simple like this, that has added so much joy to my life, that has led me to a very different way of being in the world, and share it with a larger community. Creativity is contagious.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

This weekend in the Hudson Valley (& NYC) Dec 5 + 6

With the holidays fast approaching, the first weekend of December will be a BIG selling weekend for the members of HVNY so remember to shop local and handmade. Let's check out who is going to be where....



Saturday, December 5th


  • Melissa from Hobo Camp Crafts will be at the 2nd Annual Holiday Craft Fair at the Shambala Yoga Center at 4 South Chestnut Street Beacon, NY. Handmade gifts all priced under $75. 11 am to 5 pm.

  • Kim from Pink Snake Jewelry will be at St. Denis' Christmas Silver Tea and Craft Fair in 604 Beekman Road Hopewell Jct. from 10 am to 4 pm. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while you listen to the sounds of our holiday music selection. Browse our crafters' tables and select the perfect gift for that someone special.

  • Tamara from Angel Dog Designs will be at the Martha Stewart Holiday Craft Sale located at the Starrett-Lehigh Building, 601 West 26th Street, 9th Fl. in Manhattan from 12 pm to 6 pm. Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia's Holiday Craft Sale, open to the public for the first time. Dozens of artisans and crafters, including many from within the Martha Stewart family, will be selling their handmade projects and crafts. As a Martha Stewart Living alumni, Tamara will be selling her handmade jewelry at this sale along with many other talented artisans.

    You can also check out Tamara's workat the 15th Annual Craft and Art Sale at The Lodge (Bldg. #8), Tilly Foster Farm, 100 Rte. 312, Brewster, NY. This sale runs from Dec 5-20, Tuesday-Sunday, noon - 5pm. Find out more at Putnam Arts Council

  • Marilyn from Pulp Sushi will be in New York City both Saturday & Sunday for two big holiday events. The Holiday Handmade Cavalcade with The {NewNew} Etsy Team in Nolita at the Open House Gallery on the 5th, 11 am to 8 pm.

  • Norma from Dough Roses will be St. Joseph's Sugar Plum Shoppe in Millbrook on Saturday, Dec. 5th.

  • Marcieann from ExquisiteCustomJewel will be at St. Augustines Craft Fair in Ossining, Saturday, December 5th.



    Sunday, December 6th