Saturday, February 27, 2010

News from Mini Marzipan




Did you know that some of our very own talented SF Etsy members have set out to expand on the fantastic success of the Handmade Ho Down? Even better: they are now accepting vendor applications! Here's the skinny:






*Now Taking Applications For Taste for Artisans - Handmade Ho Down Village!!*




From a few of the makers of Handmade Ho Down we introduce Mini Marzipan Productions, an exclusive craft show planning company. We have teamed up with East Bay Express to bring you a whole bale of BIG events already in the works for 2010, and we are now taking applications for the first one of the year!



East Bay Express and Mini Marzipan Presents



Taste for Artisans



April 3, 2010
5pm - 11pm
Jack London Square 98 Broadway Avenue, Oakland
(Previously Barnes & Noble Books)

30,000 square feet of awesomeness!



Anticipated Attendees: 3-4k
Vendor Application Deadline: Friday, March 12th
Vendor Fee: $150.00



Please go to: http://www.minimarzipan.com/ to apply now!
Questions: vendors@minimarzipan.com




Taste for Artisans pays tribute to Americana but with a modern, urban twist.
We celebrate local craftsmanship with over 100 of the Bay Area's best artisans selling their handmade wares in the Handmade Ho Down Village, local farmers filling our plates, local breweries filling our glasses, live local bands/djs, and live demos and classes from the De Young Museum.



East Bay Express and Mini Marzipan have a reputation for throwing amazing parties, and
this will be no exception. Our idea of urban Americana includes cream corn
wrestling, mechanical bull riding, hay bales and picnic tables, pie eating
contests, square dancing competition, live craft making, old school games,
and more!



Meet local artisans, musicians, and farmers while at the same time
supporting Drawbridge, a bay area local organization bringing art awareness
to children in need.



Come be a part of the Handmade Ho Down Village and get down at the Ho Down!

Friday, February 26, 2010

Feature Friday


Happy Friday!

Lets kick this weekend off with an exciting interview of a smashingly successful woman and her unique crystal healing jewelry.


1. What is your shop name and URL?


I Dig Crystals: Sheila Satin Originals http://sheilasatin.etsy.com


2. To which Etsy Teams do you belong?


SFETSY & CCCOE


3. Please tell us about the items in your Etsy shop. What do you make? How did you learn your craft? What is involved in your creative process?


I create one-of-kind crystal healing jewelry pieces and accessories. I took a simple beading class in 2008 not expecting to have the patience for the art, but soon discovered that creating jewelry is my passion! I combined this with my current occupation as a crystal healer and shop-owner at Satin Crystals in San Francisco and I know this is what I will love doing for the rest of my life!


4. Tell us two (or more) other interesting things about you!


I am half-Thai, half-Indian, but I was raised in the USA in an open-minded, non-traditional household where the only rule was "Do good". Satin Crystals started out when my late-father took an elective course on Crystal Healing at his school of Hypnotherapy. He and my mother would travel around the world teaching energy healing classes and when the right time came they offered for me to start selling crystals locally. We started out mainly at tradeshows, eventually went to online and then my sister, Lisa, opened our retail shop and healing community in Nob Hill, San Francisco in May 2009. I moved up from Southern California to the Bay area in 2009 to help her run the shop!

Some people find it interesting that my boyfriend is a medical doctor and I am a crystal healer. Our cat, Charles, is neither, so it works out ;)

Besides creating, I love traveling, cooking, throwing parties, organizing, watching tv, reading fantasy books and eating sushi.


5. What inspires your creations?


Universal energy - the mystery of life and all of its unexplained forces.


6. How did you get involved with Etsy?


I was already selling online at ebay, but etsy was a much better venue for my handmade creations, so I started my etsy shop as soon as I had enough inventory!


7. What is your biggest challenge related to your Etsy shop?


Marketing. Or rather, the implementation of marketing. I have all the ideas, just need someone to implement them!


8. What is your favorite item in your shop? Why is it your favorite?


http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34896036 This is one of my first metalsmithing pieces and I like that it reminds me of one of the few videogames I ever enjoyed while incorporating Garnet - the stone of ultimate health!


9. What advice do you have for other folks selling or buying on Etsy?


You will get back as much time you are willing to put in.


10. What crafting skill(s) do you wish you had or hope to learn someday?


I am currently in the process of expanding my line to include crystal healing wands and other useful tools to bring natural energy healing to the masses! Ideally I would like to learn all the crafting skills out there, but I know I must stay focused!



11. Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations?


You can find more information about me, my creations and crystal healing at: http://www.idigcrystals.com


You can find out more about me, my family, healers, events, classes, meditations, crystals and join our mailing list at: http://www.satincrystals.com


To read or submit crystal healing related questions: http://sheilasatin.blogspot.com


To see our online commercial for Satin Crystals: http://www.jippidy.com/satin_crystals


http://www.facebook.com/satincrystals


12. Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about your shop or your work?


What I want most is for us all to realize that we have the power to manifest anything we want for our current lives. We should all take responsibility for what happens to our health and happiness for as long as we should be so blessed to live on this Earth.



Thanks so much, Sheila, for taking the time to let the team get to know you a little better. Your entrepreneurial and spiritual success is truly admirable

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

The Savvy Entrepreneur




Tax time. It's been that time of year since it turned 1/1/10. If you're like me, you gather everything you need, put it in a pile, near/around your eyes' view and wait till almost the last moment. My reasoning is that I have everything I need, but the energy to get it done is just not there. But, I finally tackled it! Federal taxes can be scary, and I want to double check it before I send it in. So it's sitting again, waiting for the right moment.

I have been doing my own taxes since I was 18. It was easy enough and even though I am a right brainer, there is something about working with numbers within boxes that is kind of fulfilling. My dad taught me. He has also been doing his own taxes for decades! Doing taxes for a small business is a bit of a different ball game. Carlos and I have a Limited Liability Company (LLC) and I did my first set of taxes for it last year. It was overwhelming and I didn't want to do them again, to tell you the truth, but since time is money (and I have more time than money), I decided to take the plunge...again.

Let's talk about this. There are so many resources out there for small businesses, so we don't have to feel alone, scared and angry at our taxes! The first rule of thumb, which I am also still working on, is keeping your documents organized. I cannot stress enough how much easier it is to do your quarterly and yearly taxes when paperwork is organized. I get better at it every year. A filing cabinet is a MUST (or something like it).

What are quarterly taxes? Good question! You will only have to worry about that question if you meet any of the criteria below:
  • Are engaged in business in California
  • Intend to sell or lease tangible personal property that would ordinarily be subject to sales tax if sold at retail (this includes wholesalers, manufactures and retailers.)
  • Will make sales for a temporary period, normally lasting no longer than 30 days at one or more locations (for example, fireworks booth, Christmas tree lots, garage sale)
If you meet the criteria, you must apply for a seller's permit. It is, basically, how the state of California collects taxes on what you sell, in turn, you are able to also purchase goods wholesale and not be charged tax (until you sell the product). There are four quarters a year, and you must report all your sales and pay the 9.25% tax (that hopefully you collected). It's pretty easy, but once again, is easier when your paperwork is organized. And they have deduction options, for postage, internet, etc.


Please enjoy this mental break. Painting by Carlos Rodriguez.

The easiest thing to do, is to go into the Board of Equalization and sign up! Click the link and it will take you to a list of field offices in California. It's pretty quick, easy and FREE! I suggest going into the office to be familiar with the folks there and where it's at. At some point you're going to have to go there anyways...make friends with them now!

Okay...now on to the difficult stuff...Federal Taxes. Yikes! The first, and best, place to check out, before you even start is the IRS Small Business and Self Employment Tax Center. Don't be scared of the IRS, they are really here to help us out and they have given us A LOT of resources to make it less painful.

Here is one of THE BEST resources they offer. Whether you need a refresher, or new to small business tax, check out the small Business Tax Virtual Workshop! You can watch it at your own pace and watch what is relevant to you.

Mental break #2. Painting by Carlos Rodriguez.
He painted a series of mask paintings for a fund-raising event for the nonprofit he works for. Lucky bastards!

Now you know how to get started, let's look at a couple ways to keep those receipts in order!

First, Woman's Finance suggests creating a list of receipts and paperwork that you'll need to file your taxes. Then, create a filing system that you can easily organize and pull paperwork out quickly, if needed. You have many choices! Manila folders, accordion style file, or you can kick it old school and use shoe boxes. What ever works for you is what is best.

Next, start using a tabbing system that makes it easy to organize and sort your paperwork. Color or number coding is a good way to start. Martha Stewart suggests in order to keep the filing system going, set time aside to dedicate to organizing. Keeping a shredder around also helps in getting rid of clutter. Remember it takes 22 days to make something a habit.

Lastly, create categories to organize your files. The schedule C form (what is used to file small business Federal taxes), is a good place to start to look for categories. For my rule of thumb, one of the first categories I create is for the receipts for good that go into directly making our products. There are 19 deductions you can use if you run the business out of your home (which equals 19 categories, not all of which you will use as a beginning business person).

Some good places to look for good inexpensive organizers check out IKEA, Target, Goodwill, Savers and craigslist.

Good luck! Join me next week as I discuss life and business. Till then, keep your head high, think happy thoughts and love yourself.

**Do you have a business question you want answered? Email me!**

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

sfetsy Tuesday Treasury: Color of the Year-- Turquoise!

Well, it's official. The color gurus over at Pantone have proclaimed Turquoise to be the color of the year! Looks like sfetsians agree-- Although we're not in Miami or the Caribbean, Turquoise is a color well loved in the City by the Bay! Enjoy these turquoise picks from our talented group!

Who can resist this dynamic duo? What a great accent for a child's room, or any room in the house for that matter-- filled with brilliant turquoise and a pop of chartruese!

Wear your hair up, and put on these unique loop, hoop earrings! You're sure to get noticed!

I can just see the bowl or oranges sitting on the kitchen counter in this great turquoise infused basket. Not only is this a great green addition to your home, you'll also be happy to know it's truly San Franciscan-- as Sarah says, "The outside colorful part of the bag is made from strips of plastic cut from bags I collected from the San Francisco Legion of Honor and De Young Museums wonderful gift shop bags. "



This turquoise is all wrapped up-- like a treasure from the sea! Filled with purifying powers you'll feel energized when you wear this piece!


Tiny bubbles of turquoise, and a pendant swirled with Vanilla, Turquoise and Chocolate... looks yummy enough to eat! This necklace will wow folks at a San Francisco Symphony performance, or a quiet evening just with friends.


So long to that large handbag-- good bye achy shoulder-- Stash that cash, or that secret wish in this super-soft tiny pouch!


Here's some turquoise that's ready to go... and this jersey isn't just for bike messengers! Show everyone your pizazz with a bright bold splash of color.


As most of us know, SF is a literary town! So many great independent bookstores and cafés to curl up in on a foggy day. When you pull out your book with this hip, bejeweled bookmark, it won't be long for that the fog lift away!


Aren't these little balls of turquoise great? Perfect for a night out in SoMa, hanging out with friends!


Look what's popping up from this bed... a little bit of turquoise charm!

Monday, February 22, 2010

Art for Kids from The Enchanted Square

Got kids? Got kids who love art? Then you'll be very interested in this fun news from SF Etsy team member Ruth of The Enchanted Square!

The Enchanted Square is thrilled to announce our first camp, Color for Kids! It will be held Spring Break week, April 5-9, in the mornings from 9am-12pm.

Ruth says, "My classes focus on nurturing the budding artist in your kids. I teach them techniques on how to use color in various ways in their art. This class will expose them to color theory in fun lessons. From basic color skills through how to combine colors in various projects in amazing ways."



Classes are designed for 3rd grade through middle school. For more information, check out the webpage for The Enchanted Square.

Craft Bar with Etsy Labs at MOCFA

Looking for something fun and crafty to do next month? Join Etsy Labs (and hopefully other SF Etsy team members) for a Craft Night at the Museum of Craft and Folk Art in San Francisco!

The next one will be held on Thursday March 4th from 6-8 p.m. and will include guided knitting lessons as well as learning how to crochet with recycled plastic bags. Hope to see you there!

For more info, check out the MOCFA site here.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

The Savvy Entrepreneur


Photograph by Westfall Photography

Welcome to the first of many blogs about the life and times of us savvy entrepreneurs!

Savvy meaning to know and understand and entrepreneur meaning a type of personality who is willing to take upon herself or himself a new venture or enterprise and accepts full responsibility for the outcome.

We are unable to do so without the proper information or support. This blog will consist of many things related to business and entrepreneurship!



My business partner, is also my soul mate. When I first met him, he was selling t-shirt's from his men's clothing line, Reyes Muertos. I loved it! It spoke about things that I was passionate about; revolution, culture and urban art. We often spoke about these things and one day starting talking about creating a woman's line with the same feeling, but more feminine. I was excited and on board. Some of my favorite tees were from businesses with the same feel; Evolve Universal and Acrylick (to name a few). That is where Dope Orchid Creations was started! Although, down the line, the name was changed to Divine Orchid Creations. (Dope is such a generational term, to us it was hip hop, to others it was a term for drugs and the younger generation had no idea, we were able to snag our target market, but using a term that is more universal and has more of a spiritual connotation.)

While I was browsing craigslist, I came upon an ad for women entrepreneur classes. It sounded perfect! I started attending Women's Initiative classes. It is an 11 week course, twice a week and at the end of the course, to graduate, you have a business plan. Since graduating, I have expanded my business and have become the savvy entrepreneur I am today! Women's Initiative is worth checking out, for those of you who would like solid information on how to grow and expand your business. Women's Initiative has classes all over the Bay Area!

Our first run of clothes was a mixture of our logo and Reyes Muertos designs put onto tees, one of a kind vintage clothing and a custom made dress.





As we evovled as a couple and individually, so did our clothing and designs. Frida Khalo is an artist we both look up to and it seemed fitting to have a design in her honor. Maria Felix is another Mexican icon whom we thought appropriate for a design. She is a actress from Mexico during the silver screen era. She was eccentric and talented and represented Mexico during that time.





We're now at the place of having our fashionistic ideas come into life! We are getting ready for our first Fall/Winter line and are excited about things to come. The thing about business, and about entrepreneurship, is that giving up is not an option. When I'm feeling helpless, or frustrated, I remind myself that my bigger cause is myself, my future family, and most of all, knowing that doing what makes me happy takes hard work. We both still carry day jobs, he is a high school counselor for gang impacted youth and I teach middle school art as an intervention for low-achieving students. We also operate a silk screening business out of our family's home. We take on many roles and tasks, as we do all of this on our own dollar. No loan, yet, but hopefully soon so we may commit full-time to our passions. It's important for us to diversify our talents to make sure no matter where the road takes us, we have skills in many areas of life. One day we plan on having a home with lots of land to roam, with our children and many pets. Till then, we'll work out of our apartment, with our soon to be dog and always push forward.

A sneak preview into our Fall/Winter line...our first dress! It's just a sample, the fabric is going to be different.

Join me next week as I discuss taxes and the BOE. Fun stuff...well I'll make it fun. Till then, love yourself, love your neighbor, and always keep your head high!

www.divineorchid.etsy.com
www.twitter.com/Cr84empowerment
Fan us on Facebook: Divine Orchid Creations

**All photographs (except the first one) are taken by myself and my pop's, Tom Ehrlich**

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

February Birthdays (and one January)

I made my mom a cake for her birthday.
Chocolate cake with vanilla frosting.
It was my second attempt at making it from "scratch".
It was so delicious! Happy Birthday Mama!


It comes once a year and once a year you either look forward to it, or you pretend like it never happens. Either way, the day of your birth is a big deal...especially if you're a member of the sf etsy team. Why you ask? Well, it just so happens that sf estyians are pretty amazing crafters, artists and people. Once a month I'll share the b-days of members of the sf etsy team, some fashionistic facts and some of the items from their favorites. It will be like a mini b-day party and everyone is invited!

We're going to give a shout out to January birthdays, first.
Jan. 7th was Kendra's, from Kendra Renee, birthday!
www.kendrarenee.etsy.com


As a Capricorn your fashion chart for 2010 gives you the opportunity to add some stunning fashion items to your wardrobe, now. The underlying theme of power and authority and status that will be in evidence throughout the year will make your fashion shopping trips a real delight. The Moon in your opposite sign of Cancer means you can try out some daring contrasts – a silver lace shawl tied around a black silk evening dress – that will work for you this year, more than in any other.

Need to get KendraRenee a belated gift, or a Capricorn yourself? Treat yourself! Here are some perfect gifts from her favorites!

Peacock Headband


Match these accessories with a form fitting pant or skirt, with high slits, and show off those Capricorn legs! Stay away from synthetic fabrics, beads and fringe.

February

February holds a special place in my heart. Not only is it my mom's birthday, but it's my own! But before I talk about me, let's find out who else shares this special month!

February 15th was Christina from Leaf and Tendril
www.leafandtendril.etsy.com
Asymmetrical Necklace. Sweet.

Aquarians love the unconventional, the bizarre, the different and even the shocking and this is true of their personal style in clothes as well as their approach to life. It will be quite a challenge for your sign, this year, to create this effect from the somewhat sombre tones of black, grey, brown, and deep reds that are predominantly around. Team up these colours with silvery fabrics in ways that show you do things differently and you will achieve the look you want – or, at least, enough of it to keep you satisfied until 2011!

February 16th was Nicole, from gocco*boom's Birthday!
www.goccoboom.etsy.com
Thursday 11:47am


A belated gift for the Capricorns can be found here, from Christina's and Nicole's favorites:

Hot Pink Pleats and Crimson Bag

Fiber Art Freeform Reef Necklace

Water bearers are fashion mavericks. They are the first to wear a three piece suit with combat boots (and maybe the necklace above?). Asymmetrical cuts appeal to their offbeat sensibilities. Keep shopping at those vintage stores and keep your fashion real with classic styles, but remember to keep the spandex and vinyl to a minimum.

Pisces
You will love the soft romantic lightweight fabrics in creams, whites and silvery tones against geometric black patterns that will be available throughout this year. There should be some stunning evening wear on the High Street fashion rails that will spark your imagination. End summer will be particularly successful for you, when there should be many bargains to be had in exactly the items you want!

February 21st is Lori, from Lori Delisle birthday!
www.loridelisle.etsy.com
Abundance of Heart

Another February 21st Birthday is Alicia from, Stardust.
www.stardust.etsy.com
Pegaeae

February 26th is Diana's Birthday, from Fits Your Fancy.
www.fitsyourfancy.etsy.com
Shaerazade Necklace

Last, but not least....ME!
February 28th is Helene, from Divine Orchid Creations Birthday!
www.divineorchid.etsy.com
Heartfelt Tee

Pisces love the color blue and have an array of shoes (hidden under the bed, behind the door..). The female Pisces tend to love dresses and will pick flowy chiffon or soft silk, rather than heavy fabrics. In honor of my 30th birthday, the birthday picks below are from our favorites and have us ready for a night celebrating us!


Light Mocha
Skirt/Dress Asymmetrical

Happy, Happy Birthday to all the February Birthday! May your year be full of prosperity, health and happiness.

Till next month!

sfetsy Tuesday Treasury: The Year of the Tiger

With such a vibrant Chinatown at our daily disposal in San Francisco, it's no wonder sfetsian's have a plethora of items just right for this Year of the Tiger! Check them out!

Celebrate the Year of the Tiger with a mini tiger print all ready to hang on your wall.


Slip this one-of-a kind crystal healing bracelet with natural facet-cut golden Tigers Eye and facet-cut clear Quartz crystals on 3 coils of memory wire for a brilliant cat-like iridescence that will bring confidence and courage.

These cleaver and creative gift pouches are perfect for hiding a little New Year fortune, or gift anytime of year!

These pants are perfect for a cozy night in with friends, ordering Chinese take-out, or a great look out on the town at any number or excellent Asian restaurants in San Francisco!

Head over to SF Chinatown in these hand-shaped black leather earrings, wrapped with copper wire for an urban, yet subtle Asian look!

Here's what Sagehealer has to say about her Tiger entry, "Tiger - Passion, Strength, Transformation in Year of the Tiger - Chinese sources are saying that the New Year of the Tiger will be filled with drama. Tiger energy indicates an atmosphere of tension and unpredictability is in the air. Legend says that having a Tiger in the house is great protection against fire, theft and evil spirits. African, Western, and Chinese cultures consider Tiger a symbol of strength and valor."


Angie's subtle ying/yang design in her orange felted ball is a perfect toy to play with this Chinese New Year!
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