Savvy Entrepreneur: Bazaar Bizarre 2011 Recap

This past weekend was the beginning of the Holiday Craft Fair season and many of us were at Bazaar Bizarre, including myself. I had the opportunity to be there all day Saturday in the Etsy booth representing both Etsy and SF Etsy. I have never been on that side of a craft fair for the whole day, surprising I know, but I don't sell products. I've spent time helping out friends for a few hours here and there, but have never been there from setup to break down before. I have to say the morning set up energy was my favorite part of the day. It was great to see everyone loading in boxes, structures and tables and making them into their own little storefronts.

We got set up quickly and then our morning volunteer, Claire, started heading out to find each of the SF Etsy team members that we knew of to get a sample for our booth. She made 3 or 4 trips to gather everything. Both of us were really impressed by the talent of the group.

We also had the opportunity to offer up a table for some of the team members to have a few hours of vending time. I must say I enjoyed having the company all day and the chance to get to know a few of the team members much better.

Moment of Focus

Scene, Not Heard

Jen Oaks

Bunnycone

In addition to the selling and making friends we also got the chance to talk to a lot of people about Etsy and the SF Etsy Street Team. I remember one gentleman in particular that was asking on behalf of his wife, how to set up a shop and get involved in the local team. Our afternoon volunteer, Stephanie, also got to talk to a lot of folks about how supportive the local team is.

All in all it was an amazing day of handmade and great people. I loved being surrounded by all the talent. Thank you Etsy and Bazaar Bizarre for making it happen!

---

I encourage comments directly to this post, but also feel free to email me directly with questions, reactions, struggles, etc. genevieve [at] lightboxsf [dot] com

---

If you're an Etsy seller in the San Francisco Bay Area, contact Jen from Mama's Magic Studio about joining SFEtsy!

Feature Friday - Bunnycone Designs

Happy Friday!

Today, as far as I'm concerned, is officially the first "holiday" Friday! It's dark at 5pm, the air is crisp, and Thanksgiving is coming close. I LOVE the holiday season...Mostly for the shopping! Buying super cute stuff is always fun - but it's even better when you're buying for someone you care about. Today's interview is with Bunnycone Designs whose shop is brimming with an adorable variety of earrings and necklaces. She uses various gemstones, metals, and techniques when designing the pieces. My favorite, maybe because they make me think of Christmas, are her Silver and Jasper dangle earrings. So pretty and elegant, the jasper adds subtle color and texture that balances well with the matte gloss of the silver.

Enjoy the interview!!

1. What is your shop name and URL?

www.dhoris.etsy.com

2. To which Etsy Teams do you belong?

SF Etsy Team and 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 make handmade sterling silver jewelry and use semi-precious gemstones. I learned by reading books and watching videos. I use a torch to solder sterling silver wires and hand form them by hand. Each of my jewelry is unique, I never make anything twice, unless someone makes a request.

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

I work for a subcontract electrical company as a project coordinator. I love knitting and crocheting, specially during the fall/winter when it's cold. I like to make scarves to everyone. :) I live with my boyfriend in San Francisco and we have a 15 year old siamese cat named Monkiss.

5. What inspires your creations?

My inspirations come from everywhere, but mostly nature... flowers, leaves, bugs... etc. I carry my sketchbook around with me incase I come up with an idea. I have to draw it on paper so I don't loose it.

6. What does buying and selling local handmade mean to you, and how has it affected your life?

I've always had an appreciation for handmade items ever since I can remember. I was always curious about how things were made. When I was 9, I crocheted my very first dress for my Cabbage patch kid doll! LOL... I love going to and selling at craft shows, I always get inspirations and find the most unique gifts.

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

http://www.facebook.com/bunnyconedesigns
http://bunnyconedesign.blogspot.com/

---

If you're an Etsy seller in the San Francisco Bay Area, contact Jen from Mama's Magic Studio about joining SFEtsy!