Meet Our New Members: The Summer Edition!

As the days start to lengthen and Summer starts to wane, we get new members!  Please join me in welcoming the newest members of the Hudson Valley Etsy team, they've got some great stuff that I'm sure you'll like.

Graceful Feather Watercolor in a Vintage Wood and Gold Frame by KatieGroveStudios

First off is KatieGroveStudios by none other then Katie Grove of Rosendale, NY,  Her artwork is full of feathers and a few other bird related items, such as nests.  Each is displayed is a gorgeous hand picked frame, all vintage or antique.  The feathers are so soft and lovely! She'll also paint a feather you have if you'd like - maybe you have one from a special trip of hike?  Welcome to the team!

Faceted Ruby Quartz, Dumortierite, Kyanite Sterling Silver Necklace by OmiSilver

OmiSilver is brought to us by Mary Rembach of Hudson, NY.  Her shop is full of some yummy jewelry often made with stones and silver, and some lovely linked pieces using silver and/or cooper rings.  Her work was recently at the Emmys! You just have to check out her work! Nice to meet you.

Rabbit Necklace, Sterling Silver by Hoshika

We wrap up this set with Hoshika of Marbletown, NY, but you don't have to have lost your marbles to enjoy this work! Her jewelry is reminiscent of hand cut silhouettes, and often features soft edges and sweet animals. Other pieces feature geometric designs, but retain a certain fluidity that I really like.  Glad to have you here!

Well that's all I've got for you now, but what a great group it is! I can't wait to see what new shops will find their way here to join us next season. And remember shop local! That way you support your neighbors and our community.

Enjoy!

Amber

What's New In February

It's the last day of February and many of us on the team were cooped up in our homes letting our creative juices flow!  Today we want to share some of our new items added to our shop in February.

Agate Necklace from Pulp Sushi

Beard Oil from Hudson Naturals

White and Silver Leather Owl Mask from Dara Gallery

Monster Tooth Pillows from So Handmade

Organic Cotton Long Scarf from Huzzah! Handmade

Ugly 70s Mug from Hester Studio

Silver Heart Felt Cup Sleeve from Quarter Life Luck

Polymer Clay and Mix Stone Necklace from Melissa Anne Designs

There is a lot more where that came from. You can see our full list of February new items on our Etsy page.

Happy Valentine's Day!

We wanted to celebrate Valentine's Day a day early on the blog by sharing a couple of Valentine's theme Etsy treasuries featuring items from our members.  Have a wonderful weekend!

Meet our new members! Fall edition

As the seasons change, we welcome new members to our lovely team.  I hope you enjoy their work and stop by their shops to say hello!  Maybe even start a bit of holiday shopping. Every local purchase really counts!

Planet Love Card - As long as I'm on this planet, I will love you by Cynla 

Cindy LaColla of Cynla hails from Beacon, NY.  Her shop is full of lovely and whimsical cards with the illustrations being made from a combination of hand drawing, traditional painting, and digital work.  She also pulls inspiration from her partial Japanese heritage.  Just gorgeous!  Welcome to the team.

Handmade Sterling Silver and Amazonite Dangle Earrings by apogeejewelry

Heather Sorrell artist of apogeejewelry works in the delicious town of Sugar Loaf, NY.  This shop is full of silver and gold jewelry with some gorgeous stones thrown in.  I adore all the textures she uses and wish I could buy them all for myself!  Thanks for joining.

Avocado Oil Soap with Lemon by HudsonNaturals

Christina Silvestris of Gardiner, NY runs HudsonNaturals, a shop full of soaps!  All of her soaps and other body products are made with natural materials and avocado oil.  All of her creations sound like they would taste delicious, and I'm sure they smell that way. She even has beer soap!  Nice to meet you.

HAMAKO - Mobile or Garland- Soft Green Yellow Blue Neutral by GINandRUMMYstudio

Shannon Anastasia, the artist behind GINandRUMMYstudio, folds in Highland Falls, NY.  Her shop is full of sweet and colorful paper crane mobiles and other paper goods.  Although they seem to be marketed for kids, I'd certainly hang one in my room!  Hope you like it here.

Yellow Star Pillow - Plush Felt Toy / Childrens Pillow by QuarterLifeLuck

Kim L. runs QuarterLifeLuck while based in Windham, NY.  This shop is full of super cute fabric goodies ranging from cup cozies and banners to the sweetest stuffed pillows.  I'm a huge fan off all the colors she uses, but how can I decide between all the wonderful fall cup cozies! - I'll just have to get them all.  Good to see you here.

Vegan Clutch Purse from John Met Betty

Last we have John Met Betty from Croton-on-Hudson featuring fun retro style accessories designed with unique vintage fabrics and buttons dating from the 1950's to 1970's.

That's all I have for you this season, I hope you'll check out some of these new members and their shops to give them some love, And remember, when you shop local, you're helping your neighbors follow their dreams! 

Enjoy,

Amber

Gone to the Beach

It's time to go to the Beach

with the Hudson Valley Etsy Team

It's full on summer and one's thoughts turn toward the shore.  Here are some lovely handmade items from the team inspired by a love of the waters around us!

Charms of Faith

Unnamed Road

RG Clay Designs

Huzzah Handmade

a Studio by the Sea

Stone and Fiber

Jody
a Studio by the Sea

A New Year, A New Project

As a creator of mosaics, I am drawn to the patterns and colors of china and pottery. In my studio, there are stacks of plates, bowls, and teacups, that are waiting to be incorporated into a mosaic. There are also several bins full of leftover shards from the pieces of dishes that didn’t make it into a mosaic. 

Recently, I have been experimenting with utilizing leftover shards to make shard pendants, with a soldered edging.  

To learn the process, I purchased a book called Simple Soldered Jewelry & Accessories, written by Lisa Bluhm.  This book gives instructions on tools and supplies that are needed, and provides easy to follow visual instructions on the process of soldering.

I bought the most essential supplies first, to give myself time to decide if this is a project that I wanted to pursue.  I purchased a soldering kit from Michaels, which included a soldering iron, a roll of copper foil, and a container of solder.

My most used tool, a tile nipper is what I used to cut a particular design out of a dish, or to even out the sharp edges of an existing china shard.

Copper foil, which has one sticky side, is wrapped around the edges of the shard, pressed down, and smoothed. Then using the soldering iron, solder is melted over the foil, and pulled around the front, side and back edges, with the tip of the soldering iron; sort of like painting with the solder.  The copper foil should be covered completely with solder.  A jump ring is soldered in place.

There is so much more to learn about different metals, melting temperatures, and materials  that can be used.  Now, I am ready to purchase more supplies and tools, and with more practice, I may be able to refine, and perfect my technique.

Jenny - Reclaimed Designs

January New Members

It's a new year and the Hudson Valley Etsy Team has some wonderful new members. I hope you'll enjoy them and give everyone a warm welcome!

The Aerialist - Surreal Conceptual Fine Art Photography Print by Jen Kiaba Photography

Jen Kiaba is a photographer based in Rhinebeck, NY.  She offers some wonderful, surreal, dark, and creative photographic art.  They're all gorgeous, and I'm sure would look great  on your wall! (It would on mine, at least.) Welcome to the team.

Hand Dyed Sock Yarn, Superwash Merino Wool and Nylon: Meteorite by RiptideeDyeWorks

Dario Cavaliere of  RiptideeDyeWorks colors his yarns in Scarsdale, NY.  His shop is filled to the brim with lovely, hand-dyed yarns in a nice array of colors.  I wish I knew how to knit so I'd have a reason to get them! Happy to have you.

necklace, Jasper, Lariat, Drop, Floral, Red by SimoneSutcliffe

Simone Sutcliffe creates her work in Kingston, NY.  She specializes in wonderful tribal style jewelry using vintage materials.  Her creations are sure to make a statement wherever you go!  Hope you like it here.

Antique hexagono Portuguese Ceramic mosaic Tile Scrabble Pendant by TarryTiles

TarryTiles are made in Tarrytown, NY and all are super cute!  Their family-run shop is just chock-full of these small, ceramic tiles with everything from photographs and saying to illustrations, with tons of different themes to choose from.  Glad to have you!

Royal Blue Brocade Bird Masquerade Mask with Diamonds and Pearls by DaraGallery

Last but certainly not least is Dara T of DaraGallery who is based in Shandaken, NY.  Masks (and a handfuls of other items) fill her shop pages.  They're elegantly decorated with lush fabrics, beads, and even some metals.  They just ooze fantasy and would fit in the most elegant masquerade party.  Welcome!

So there you have our first batch of new members for the year! Check them out, give them a warm welcome, and maybe pick up something for your sweetie.  Remember Valentine's Day is coming!

Enjoy,

Amber

Where To Find The Hudson Valley Etsy Team This Weekend

How about a little trip to Woodbury, New Jersey this weekend? Woodbury is just south of Philadelphia which means a little balmier temperatures - a weekend of mid 70s and sunny? Count me in! But don't worry, we have a team member selling local, too, scroll to the end of the post for a Hudson Valley event.

Anjali Creations and Merry Alchemy will be selling their jewelry at the Fall Arts Festival in Woodbury, NJ, this Saturday, September 28, from 11AM-6PM and Sunday, September 29, from 12-4PM.

The Fall Arts Festival is a celebration of the arts with a weekend of over 300 Artists, Artisans & Craftsmen featuring Five Stages of Free Music, Acoustic Music Lounge, Performing Arts, Fine ARTS Gallery, Gourmet Foods, Interactive Fun for Kids and Adults, Wine & Cheese Experience, Craft Beer Tasting, Art Battles, Chili Cook-off, Cake Wars & other Creative Activities.

Here's a small taste of Anjali Creations' pieces:

Anjali Creations

Anjali Creations

Anjali Creations

 And here's Merry Alchemy:

Merry Alchemy

Merry Alchemy

Merry Alchemy

If you're staying in the Hudson Valley this weekend go check out the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Harvest Fest in Bethel, NY, for their Rustic Craft Event. New Prospect Pottery will be there selling her beautiful pottery on Sunday, September 29, from 11AM-4PM.

New Prospect Pottery

New Prospect Pottery

Happy shopping!

Featured Member: GetGlassy

Hudson Valley Etsy Team's April featured member shop is GetGlassy, the fused glass creations of Patti Ursel. Congratulations!

her booth at the 2012 Fishkill show

One busy April evening, I got a chance to speak with Patti about her wonderful works in fused glass!  I certainly learned a lot about the process, but first a bit of background on this lovely lady.  Patti has always been a crafter, starting with crocheting when she was only 7, from there going on to knitting and then everything from polymer clay to stained glass.  So how did GetGlassy get started? Patti had spent years working for an advertising firm in NYC before moving to the Hudson Valley and taking an early retirement.  She promptly got bored and started taking a stained glass class.  Through this, she learned much about glass but was continually drawn towards the fused glass process, eventually breaking down, buying a kiln, and becoming a self-taught fused glass artist. And thus GetGlassy was born in March of 2007!

Fish (SOLD) by GetGlassy

Fused glass itself is an interesting and relatively new practice especially when compared to the long histories of blown glass, lamp work, and stained glass.  It involves cutting different types of sheet glass, then layering and fusing them together inside a kiln to create the desired effect.  Glass kilns run a bit cooler than ceramics kilns, going from 1,300-1,500 degrees Fahrenheit depending on how melted you would like the glass to become.  When preparing the glass to be fused, you have to be careful what types of glass you use.  If you mix the wrong types of glass, cracking and other disasters could ensue.  You also have to run the kiln for approximately 24 hours without peaking, as glass needs slow temperature changes to prevent cracking.

getting ready to fuse!

Once the fused glass is done and out of the kiln, cold work must be done, like grinding, molding, and placing it in jewelry settings.  Also, on occasion when the kiln is done, you open is up and everything has gone wrong.  Patti compares opening the kiln to Christmas morning, the excitement she gets to see all the glittering colors she may have created but sometimes she ends up with coal.  When that happens, she has to repair the pieces and then put them back in the kiln.  I was intrigued to hear that glass work has such incredibly low waste; every little piece can be used for something.  There are even frit artists who use the tiniest shards of glass to create their works. 

Blue Green Link Bracelet by GetGlassy

So what does Patti love most about fused glass?  Definitely the color, she says.  There are just so many different choices and gorgeous combinations.  I’m personally a fan of how shiny Patti can get her jewelry. She does this by using Dichroic glass which was developed by NASA. The shiny effect is caused by the various fumes the glass is subjected to. 

Filigree Ring with Dichroic Fused Glass Stone by GetGlassy - Looks like space to me

Patti loves creating pieces with nature themes, inventing new designs, and finding ways to work the glass that no one has tried yet.  She even does lamp work beading for accents for her fused glass pieces, so, if the unthinkable happened and she lost her kilns, she wouldn't have to stop working in glass.  She also keeps up her knitting and crocheting, as you can see in her other shop GetTangled, which she creates on the train as one drawback of glass work is you can’t really work on it outside of the studio! 

Fused Glass Cheese Board in Warm Ambers by GetGlassy

So I hope you enjoyed learning about Patti and her fused glass! I know I did.   Keep an eye out for her at local craft fairs for goodies you can’t find in her etsy shop, including large fused glass pieces on canvas. She’ll be at the Hudson Valley etsy team Fishkill show on June 2^nd (and so will I, so don’t miss out!).  And don’t forget to check out her creations at her shops GetGlassy, GetTangled, and GetGlassySupplies, like her on Facebook, and stop by her website. I’m sure you know someone who needs a little glitter in their life!

Enjoy!

Amber