Where To Find Hudson Valley Etsy This Weekend

“The first week of August hangs at the very top of the summer, the top of the live-long year, like the highest seat of a Ferris wheel when it pauses in its turning." Natalie Babbit, Tuck Everlasting

Floating Orchids Nuno Felted Shawl by HuzzahHandmade

Summer's apex falls on a weekend this year, and Hudson Valley Etsy is perched up top of the Ferris Wheel, catching the breezes. This Saturday, Kathryn, from HuzzahHandmade heads back to the beautiful Poconos to participate in the Lake Naomi Art and Craft Show in Pocono Pines, PA. from 10 - 5. This juried show is held indoors at the community center. and features a diverse group of fine artists and crafts people in a lovely setting surrounded by nature.

Large Felted Wool Clutch with Chain by HuzzahHandmade

Where To Find Hudson Valley Etsy This Weekend

Raise Your Paw if You're Up For Some Pampering!

Maxine dog sweater by Lollypups

This weekend, it's all about the pooches, and JoAnn from LollyPups Designer Petwear will be in New Rochelle at The Humane Society Dogwash Fundraiser. The event promises to be a day of fun and pampering for your four legged friend and you. There will be a nice variety of vendors and, of course, adoption-eligible dogs looking for their forever homes. So, you don't need to be a current dog owner to attend, and maybe you'll find your new best friend. Don't forget to pick up some designer duds for him or her when you're there.

Mr Trixter for the male dog by Lollypups

Sparkle and Shine harness by Lollypups

Where To Find Hudson Valley Etsy This Weekend

"A true conservationist is a man who knows that the world is not given by his fathers, but borrowed from his children."  John J. Audubon

 

Tree of Life Nuno Felted Shawl by HuzzahHandmade

Thought-provoking words from one of the world's most beloved artists. Nature as inspiration links the work of our featured members this week. The weekend finds them in two beautiful areas of the Northeast that were very familiar to John J. Audubon: the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania and the upper Hudson Valley of New York. Kathryn, of HuzzahHandmade, will be at the 30th Annual Audubon Art and Craft Festival in Hawley PA. on Saturday and Sunday from 10 - 5. The festival features over 100 artists and craftspeople. 

Felt and Leather eReader case with embroidery by HuzzahHandmade

 

Two of our members will be in Kingston on Friday night, July 17, participating in the Kingston Night Market. Take a drive when the temperature cools down to visit Karen, of Karmabee to choose one of her delightful, doodle-based designs on items ranging from note cards to tee shirts.

 

Organic Cotton Onesie with Owl Trio by Karmabee

Penguin Note Cards by Karmabee

Also, back at the Night Market you'll find Hester of Hester's Studio. You can choose from her selection of beautiful nature-inspired ceramics for your home or garden.

Textured Pocket Vase by HestersStudio

Set of Three Herb Markers by HestersStudio

Pathmakers: Women in Art, Craft, and Design Midcentury and Today

I made my first trip to the Museum of Art and Design near Columbus Circle in Manhattan to see Pathmakers: Women in Art, Craft, and Design, Midcentury and Today (through September 30th). As I walked the small exhibit, I tried to take some photos of works that I thought would be inspiring to other Hudson Valley Etsians.

The first work that struck me was the Belly Button Divider by Eva Zeisel. I didn't really make the connection until I read the title, but I love the colors and the sense of humor in the piece. She calls herself "a maker of things" because innovation is not a part of her work though I wonder if many would disagree. 

Belly Button Screen, Eva Zeisel

Belly Button divider on permanent display at the Standard in Hollywood

Another ceramic work that I thought was really cool was the piece below by Rut Bryk, a designer of ceramic tiles and objects for Arabia . The abstract modular piece below was inspired by the folk art of India and Southeastern Europe. The show is very tactile so don't be surprised if you feel like reaching out and touching the pieces. 

Rut Bryk

As a pattern maker, I really loved the two examples from Vuokko Eskolin-Nurmesniemi. She worked for Marimekko and then for her own company, Vuokko Oy until 1988. She started another company, Vuokko Nurmesniemi Oy which she still runs today. She is a pattern trailblazer inspired by nature.

This knitted piece by Mary Walker Phillips blew me away. Walker Philips cut her teeth as a weaver for Frank Lloyd Wright and Dorothy Liebes but in 1960 started to focus on experimental textiles and knitting. Wow! This is such an amazing piece. I love the delicate stiffness of the string.

Habu Textiles  comes to mind for materials for your next experimental knitting project.

These are two beauties by Lenore Tawney. So light but so powerful:

ink on paper

linen thread woven form

Lenore Tawney, (1907-2007)

 Michelle Grabner's paper weavings also inspired me. It is amazing what happens when artists co-opt their kids crafts with better materials and more experience.

Michelle Grabner, Paper Weaving

So the next time you are in Manhattan, add the Museum of Art and Design to your roster. In addition to the galleries, they have a gift shop featuring local and national makers and offer programs for artists, designers, crafters. See the schedule here.

Susan - Lunule.etsy.com

Where To Find Hudson Valley Etsy This Weekend

"To see the Summer Sky Is Poetry, though never in a Book it lie, True Poems flee." Emily Dickinson

 

Art Print Mounted on Wood by digiliodesigns

Sweet words from one of our most beloved poets capture the fleeting nature of summer days perfectly. It's time to experience and explore all the Valley has to offer while summer is in full bloom. Outdoor markets are a great way to enjoy a lovely summer day. Plan a day trip to The Makers' Market in the beautiful village of Warwick, N.Y. where You can meet Sue, from Digilio Designs.  Sue's nature inspired work pairs beautifully with Ms. Dickinson's words.  

Flower of the Month Pendant Necklace, Larkspur by digiliodesigns

Sue joins a diverse group of craftspeople and artists on Sunday, so make it a day of strolling the Green, stocking up at the Farmer's Market and finding a unique handmade treasure, before the "True Poem" of a summer day flees.

Butterfly Notecards by digiliodesigns

 

 

 

In My Studio: Listening to Podcasts

My varied podcast subscriptions

While I work in my studio I love listening to all manner of podcasts. I listen to business and entrepreneurship podcasts to get useful tips for running a small craft business. I listen to crafty podcasts to get inspiration and motivation for my products and I listen to drama podcasts for pure pleasure while I get busy in the studio.

In the blog today I want to share with you some of the popular ones that fellow Hudson Valley Etsy team members listen too:

First, Marilyn from Pulp Sushi recommended a podcast to her Instagram followers a while ago called Being Boss. I started listening to this one on her recommendation and love it! On it, two creative boss ladies - Emily Thompson and Kathleen Shannon, talk about their experiences starting and running their own businesses. As they themselves say:

 "Being Boss is hard. Blending work and life is messy. Making a dream job of your own isn't easy. But getting paid for it, becoming known for it and finding purpose in it, is so doable- if you do the work."

I highly recommend this one for some great advice, motivation and real life inspirational tips to grow your business.

Download: Available from iTunes (search Being Boss) or from www.lovebeingboss.com

Another podcast of a similar genre is called Elise Gets Crafty.

This is one that I have been following for a while and I also love it for its down to earth, no nonsense advice from blogging, to running an Etsy shop, to juggling motherhood and working. Elise Blaha Cripe is a creative entrepreneur with a successful blog www.elisejoy.com  she sells online courses as well as owning her own shop selling handmade items. Her podcasts mainly take the format of discussions with guests who are invited on the show to talk about specific topics.

Download: Available from iTunes (search Elise Gets Crafty) and from www.elisejoy.com

Elena Rosenberg loves listening to A Way with Words podcasts while she works. Although not directly related to crafts and making, it is all about words and language and their creative usage. Hundreds of thousands of language lovers from around the world tune in each week to hear author Martha Barnette and dictionary editor Grant Barrett take calls about slang, grammar, English usage, old sayings, word origins, regional dialects and family expressions.

Download: Available from ITunes (search A Way with Words) or from www.waywordradio.org

Beyond the Picket Fence enjoys listening to Fresh Rag. This creative and business minded podcast also gives lots of great tips and advice about running a small craft business. Dave Conrey, the shows creator says:

"If you’re an artist, designer, crafter or other independent, creative entrepreneur looking to build your business and make more sales, you’ve come to the right place.

If you’re tired of busting your butt, with an ever-increasing work load, for a business that was supposed to be your dream, and you’re looking for a way to ease the pain, you’re also in the right place."

Download: Available from ITunes (search Fresh Rag) or from  www.freshrag.com


Good Luck and Good Listening!

Sarah
SO Handmade

Happy 4th of July

All American Rat Card by Drusilla

Have a safe and happy 4th of July from the Hudson Valley Etsy Team!

Meet our new members! Spring part 2

It might officially be summer now, but don't think that means we forgot about the new members that need to be introduced! What have you been up to since then? Shopping for goodies at the last group of new members' shops, I bet.  They were pretty awesome, but so is this batch. So, without further ado, I shall begin my introductions.

Avocado Pin. Punchneedle Embroidery by HarpandThistle

Erin and Corey of NY, NY make up the harp and thistle of HarpandThistle!  Their shop is full of wonderful and cute punch needle embroidery, ranging in size from mini to small and ready to hang on your wall, holiday tree, shirt, keys, neck or even on your skin! (There is a temporary tattoo.) I'm kind of in love with the avocados and their Easter collection.  Welcome to the team!

Blue Lace Agate "Teeth" Necklace by incarnateanew

Erica G. Bushell is the mind and hands behind Incarnate Anew in Poughkeepsie, NY. She has filled her shop with metal, gemstone, and beaded jewelry, many with stamped accents flowing a celestial and geometric bend.  Her whole line has a wonderful earthy feel I just love, I can't wait to see what else she comes up with!  Nice to meet you.

artist designed limited edition packing tape: scarab blue by Lunule

Lunule is run by Susan Rowe Harrison of Dobbs Ferry, NY.  She does hand cut vinyl designs for all kinds of situations, and her shop is full of creations made with her designs.  I love the colors and designs, even the kid-like ones - and especially the chalkboard ones. Chalkboard things are always in my favorites. Glad to have you!

Autumn Scarecrow Note Cards by KmiotekArtWorks

Paul Kmiotek of Lake Carmel, NY created his shop KmiotekArtWorks to share his original artwork.  He is a wiz with pen and ink and I love his textures and use of selective coloring. Most of his pieces are of animals, but houses and flowers grace his paper as well.  Much of his work is available on note cards or as prints, but he even has some on wooden magnets and in a book! Great work!

Undyed Heavy Goat Splits - Vegetable Tanned by PergamenaNY

PergamenaNY creates in Montgomery, NY.  Their shop is full of vegetable tanned leathers, some dyed with a water-soluble aniline dye in some great colors.  They have a couple different thicknesses depending on what you're going to use it for, and even have some examples of what the leather can be used for in their shop, such as a leather bound journal.  I've never made a leather mask, but some of the colors makes me feel like I should be! So soft.  Welcome!

What a fun group that was!  I can't wait to see what new members we'll get next time.  Until then, keep on keeping on and keep in mind our local sellers for whatever shopping needs you happen to have - or at least lend them some support by talking about them to your friends.

Enjoy!

Amber