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

Summer Reading List for Small Creative Business Owners

During the summer months it's always nice to relax your brain with some fun and easy beach reads, but I also like to use this time to read up on some non-fiction related to small business, self-motivation, and how-to. My shop is slower during the summer so now is a good time to absorb new information and make some plans for the fall, winter and spring months.

Below is a list of a few books I've recently read and recommend, and a few that are on my "to read the summer" list. Post a comment with any other suggestions!

Jim Henson: The Biography by Brian Jay Jones

I've been a huge Jim Henson admirer since childhood, but had never touched much on his personal life. This biography is incredibly thorough and honest, and details how Henson built his empire. He was an artist and a smart business person, but most of all he was unbelievably hard-working and dedicated to his passion.

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo

This much-talked-about and best-selling guide on decluttering your home truly works. Getting rid of things has always been a major problem for me, but somehow Kondo gave me permission to get rid of clutter guilt-free. I donated 6 garbage bags of clothes purged from my closet and drawers and it felt so good. I read this book on my Kindle in just a couple days, but my husband listened to it as an audio book and Kondo's voice is strangely hypnotizing.

The Effective Executive: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Right Things Done by Peter F. Drucker

This book is on my "to read" list. It doesn't exactly sound like a light read, but Drucker is considered one of the founders of modern management theory, and this book helps executives develop time-management and decision-making skills so that they can lead their organizations more effectively.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey

I've had this book sitting on my Kindle for a while and have been working up the energy to dive in. It's been in publication for 25 years and over 25 million copies have been sold so I believe it's going to be good, but it sounds like it requires a lot of interaction and it's recommended that you take notes, study and treat this book like a workshop or seminar.

Storms: My Life with Lindsey Buckingham and Fleetwood Mac by Carol Ann Harris

This book is nothing but pleasurable to read. Reward yourself with this gem after you commit to being effective, becoming minimalist, and building a legacy. Not only does the author give behind-the-scenes accounts of Fleetwood Mac rocketing to stardom, but also personal stories about Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton and Brian Wilson.
 

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

Out of my Studio: On Vacation!



Paper Airplane by Kitsch and Stitch

Hell Yes Ice Cream T-shirt by The Shayski Shop

This month I am very excited to be heading out to spend July in the United Kingdom with my family.

Here are a selection of my current favorite finds from the Hudson Valley Etsy team that bring the summer to mind.

Nautical Luggage Tags by H&J Star Creations

Blue Sea Glass Charm Necklace by Stone and Fiber


 




Fireworks Necklace by Get Glassy

Enjoy the summer, I know I will!

"Summer afternoon, summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language"  Henry James



 Good Luck and Good Making!

Sarah Omura
So Handmade


The Quest for Materials

There are many reasons to love summer; warmth, flowers, swimming, fireflies, grilling, gardening, and spending time outdoors.  One activity that I look forward to every summer is going to yard sales.

On the Saturday mornings that we have no plans, my husband and I have a ritual. We search through Craigslist for local yard sales. We usually don’t have to travel too far and rarely come home empty handed. Often, we meet interesting people in our town.

Today, we went to a barn sale, which was actually a garage and driveway sale,  and a flea market that was held on the grounds of a local church, and included multiple vendors who were selling vintage items. While my husband ran an errand,  I  was able to visit my favorite place for gathering supplies; Hoffman’s Barn in Red Hook, NY, which sells used vintage furniture and housewares.

At garage sales, my husband usually searches for computer parts, gardening tools, and musical instruments, while I search for materials to use in my mosaic pieces. I look for items that have a wooden base, china dishes, bottles, boxes, silver plated dishes, old photos, and vintage books.

Today, we both got lucky. I came home with a vintage wooden framed mirror, a wooden bread tray with handles, 2 vintage bottles, 4 flowered china teacups, a silver plated plate, and an aluminum bowl. My husband came home with a computer to refurbish, a mechanical drum set, and after having a conversation with a garage sale seller, he was offered one a free ticket to the Clearwater Festival for tomorrow!

Jenny - Reclaimed Designs

Hudson Valley Etsy Treasuries

Treasuries are a great way to check out many of our items at once. See more of this month's Etsy treasuries from Hudson Valley Etsy here: June Hudson Valley Etsy Treasuries

 

 

THIS SUNDAY! Fishkill's 21st Annual Fine Art & Craft Fair

Our annual outdoor market is here again and we're ready to take over Fishkill this Sunday June 1st!

The weather looks promising and it's going to be a great day! Here's a taste of what you'll experience by paying us a visit this Sunday!

Where To Find The Hudson Valley Etsy Team This Weekend

Enjoying that gorgeous late summer weather with a little trip to Maine? Wishbone Letterpress has you covered!

Wishbone Letterpress

They'll be selling their letterpress cards, coasters, crowns and brand-new notebooks at the 6th Annual Picnic Music+Arts Festival in Portland, Maine on Saturday, August 24, 2013! The festival will run from 11am to 6pm, and promises to be a ton of fun with over 100 vendors, live music and yummy food. So go, hit the road and tell Wishbone Letterpress we hope to have them back soon!

Wishbone Letterpress

Wishbone Letterpress

Wishbone Letterpress

Happy shopping!

Meet our new members: Summer 2013

Have I got a treat for you! This group of new members of the Hudson Valley Team are all local artisans with some awesome stuff to share.  I hope you'll check them out, give them some well-deserved love, and maybe find an item that's just what you've been looking for.

Grapefruit Lazy Susan by Jane Suzanne

Jane Suzanne from this shop of the same name makes her creations in Suffern, NY.  All her fruit-themed lazy susans and serving trays are hand-painted and look delicious! I can almost feel the summer sun and smell outdoor get-togethers when looking at them.   It's awesome to have you here!

Large Lacework Platter - Black Cherry by LaceworkCeramics 

Jonathan Torres of LaceworkCeramics does his work in Ossining, NY.  His ceramics feature intricate lace designs in wonderfully varied colors.  I just love the texture and how the colors enhance it! Welcome to the team!

Repurposed and Recycled Sweater Shrug by  lovemadevisiblestore 

Mourning Dove of lovemadevisiblestore fashions her creations in Hudson, NY.  All of her wonderful clothing is made with up-cycled and reclaimed materials that she uses to create some wonderfully creative designs.  They look so warm and soft!  It's nice to meet you. 

Silver Gilded Deer Antler by CustomAntlers

Jason of CustomAntlers does his work in New York, NY.  He specializes in naturally shed deer (and other animal) antlers.  I adore the colors he adds to them, ranging from silvers, golds, and bronzes to iron, sapphire, and emerald.  He even uses them to make candelabras and chandeliers.  Welcome!

Apple Green Seamless Legging by NatsExoticCreations

  
Natalie of NatsExoticCreations is also based in New York, NY. She makes abstract art, not only for hanging on the wall but also for wearing on your legs! I love all the shapes and colors she uses, especially the triangles.  Glad you could join us!

Those are all the new shops I have for you today, I hope you like them!  Drop by their websites and have a look around, and I hope you'll give them a warm welcome as well.  Maybe you can make this their best summer yet!  Check back in a couple months to meet even more members and don't forget to stop by their shops and spread their work around. I'm sure someone is already doing their holiday shopping!

Enjoy!

Amber

Sneak Peek #2: Fishkill Art & Craft Vendors

We are just a few weeks away from the FBA's 20th Annual Fishkill Art & Craft Fair and we're so excited! We will be sharing this month the vendors who will be participating just to get you planning ahead and your shopping list together.

Merry Alchemy

Wishbone Letterpress

Anjali Creations

Felt It

My Stitch In Time

Daisy de Puthod Fine Art

View our sneak peek from last week .

Sneak Peek #1: Fishkill Art & Craft Fair Vendors

We are just a few weeks away from the FBA's 20th Annual Fishkill Art and Craft Fair and we're so excited! We will be sharing this month the vendors who will be participating just to get you planning ahead and your shopping list together.  More to come next week!

Amber H Lynn

Knot by Granma

A Studio By The Sea

Huzzah Handmade

Get Glassy

Cindy Hoose

Bliss Co-Op