A Walk Through Renegade

Renegade SF has gone away (for now)... and if you missed it... Here's a look through Tickleandsmash eyes with her image-only Walk Through Renegade! It's like you were there with us!

 

All photos by Lisa of TickleandSmash

Along the way, Lisa spot SF Etsy everywhere she turned....

IMPRESSED BY NATURE

CLEVERHANDS

She even took a moment to help Emily of Cleverhands take a quick beer and bathroom break. Katy helped by taking over the booth and sold 5 of Emily's great journal bandoliers.

ZELMA ROSE

1BYLIZ

LADY ALAMO

THE RECOVERIE

Lisa was impressed by Dani's Grab Bag Air Plants! Katy bought one for her kitchen... the bags came with a vintage cup where a cute little air plant lives.

BUG UNDER GLASS

ETTA & BILLIE

Co-Captain Katy wearing FEISTYELLE

Katy got sucked into the sale bin at Feistyelle...and Lisa took this photo to show that the magenta was the proper pick.

TANGLEWEEDS

USAGI TEAM

LE PETIT ELEFANT

Lots of LOLz were had the whole day!

DOUBLE PARLOUR

JULIA LUCEY PRINTSHOP

DRYWELL

Meat - in black and white. Wow! Lisa liked seeing all the different cuts drawn out by Drywell.

MA HOO HOO

YES AND YES

She even stopped by Yes & Yes Designs to admire their vintage book jewelry... remember how we all helped with her Indiegogo campaign?! Well... all of this jewelry is now made in her home with her own machine! She was very grateful that SF Etsy helped her achieve her dream!

For more photos of the event: check out the Renegade Photos on Renegade Craft's Website Here

AND! Check out our Own SF Etsy Team member 1byliz who is on the homepage of the Renegade SF Site animation!

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If you're an Etsy seller in the San Francisco Bay Area, contact Katy or Steph about joining SFEtsy!

SJ Made -- and SF Etsians Are There!

 I've been hearing a lot about SJMADE lately, so I was very happy to make it over to San Pedro Square last Saturday and check out the handmade, gourmet goodness for myself!

It was the first time I'd had a chance to see the new San Pedro Square Market in San Jose, and it is a neat space! Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get there until about an hour before they closed, so I didn't have time to make it around to everything.

Other than having a little trouble finding folks due to the fair being held in several different places, I really enjoyed SJMADE. (Maybe in future, they'll consider putting together a vendor map -- if there was one, I couldn't find that either!) I had a very nice time chatting with several other SF Etsy folks, in spite of the very warm weather and feeling a little rushed to see as much as I could before it was over.

Liz of Therapy

  

Kathryn of Splendid Colors and Ilana of The Golden Gear

Nicole of Nicole Steward

Melissa of New Modern Love (it was her first craft show!)

 It was fun that they also had SJEATS there in force with quite a variety of food trucks. Yum!

It seems that SJMADE is becoming quite a crafty tradition here in downtown San Jose. All the vendors I spoke with seemed pleased with the venue and the amount of traffic. I saw good crowds and people with smiles wherever I went.There was sure lots to see and do and eat! Having the Saturday Farmer's Market also seems to have helped pull in people.

It's really neat to see some handmade goodness like this going on in the South Bay. I'm already looking forward to the next SJMADE -- and I'm sure SF Etsians will continue to be there in force!
 
They had the vendors set up in multiple locations, and since I didn't have time to wander leisurely around, I know I missed a lot! I know for sure that I didn't see some SF Etsy folks who were there -- I looked and looked for one of my favorite SF Etsians, Megan from Studio MME, but I never did find her! My camera was also acting up, so some of the pictures I took didn't turn out so well. I wonder who else I missed?

If you were there, but I missed you, please leave us a note in the comments... hope to see you next time!

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If you're an Etsy seller in the San Francisco Bay Area, contact Katy or Steph about joining SFEtsy!

Conference of Creative Entrepreneurs - All in One Place

Photo provided by CCE

If there's one thing we can understand as members of SF Etsy, it's the thirst for knowledge. Whether it's online in forums or in our Google Group, we're always asking questions about anything & everyting. And we love to help each other out - because we all want to get further with our businesses.

But what if I could tell you that you could have a chance at getting all of your small business questions answered in one weekend? What if there was a place where you could go right here in San Francisco and be schooled by the best people in our field?

There are people who have been where we have been & gained what we seek. Through lots of trial, error and a few sage tips along the way, these individuals have helped gather a wealth of knowledge throughout the years of pioneering their own dreams into realities.

And they're all here this week!

This [weekend] the Conference of Creative Entrepreneurs comes to San Francisco, bringing three days of specific, hands-on programming aimed at helping creative professionals become better business owners.  The conference covers both universal issues like intellectual property and small business taxes as well as grander topics like opening a brick-and-mortar location or getting your first book deal.

This year’s event takes place at the historical San Francisco Women’s Building and features dozens of prominent speakers with complicated titles such as: designer, paper engineer, and TV-and-radio personality Jeff Rudell; artist and illustrator Lisa Congdon; and author, publisher, and designer Meg Mateo Ilasco. 

According to 2010 attendee (and 2011 volunteer) Samantha Barsky, “I could try to gather all of the information I need from various web sites, books, workshops and college courses, but at CCE I  got most of my questions answered in a single weekend for half the cost of one continuing ed. class. 

Get your passes to CCE here!

As if that wasn't enough incentive to get you excited about CCE, plenty of our SF Etsy folks will be there SPEAKING! Look out for:

• Genevieve Robertson & Shelly Kerry of Lightbox SF
• Kevin Clarke of Bug Under Glass
• Samantha Barsky from Noteify! 

Check out their discussions & workshops on the schedule here.

I know I'm trying to pin down my schedule of discussion, but there's so many great topics, it's hard to make any final decisions! I hope you'll be able to join us this weekend!

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

Upcycled To-A-Tee Workshop with GoGo Craft at Teahouse

There are many exciting things to be had in Berkeley, but a more than a few gems are found when you ask around. I recently was speaking with my friends at Teahouse Studio about the goings-on in their fair city and was excited to hear about something happening right there next week!

Teahouse Studio is a new space in Berkeley run by local artists that enjoy promoting wonderful creativity & sustainability in our everyday lives. It's no wonder that they would want to host a workshop with GoGo Craft! Creativity & sustainability is totally their market! And in fact, they usually bring it to you!

Check out this fun new workshop next Tuesday at Teahouse! It's only a hop, skip & a jump away from BART, too!

Upcycled To-A-Tee Workshop

Join GoGo Craft at the fabulous Teahouse Studio in Berkeley, CA for a series of modern and hip make-and-take projects.  With fun friendly attitudes and the expertise to inspire any level of maker, our crafting workshops are a fun way to embrace your creative side.

What Do I Get?

• All materials, tips, and tricks provided
• Expert instruction
• Drinks and light refreshment
• Participants come away with a cool and stylish handmade item

What  Does It Cost?

• $20/person

What Can I Make?

Upcycled To-A-Tee- Tuesday, June 28th 7-9pm

Got a closet full of tee shirts that are just taking up space?  GoGo Craft will show you how to make a boring, stretched-out old tee into a gorgeous necklace!  Not too handy with a sewing machine?  Not to worry!  This low-sew projects can be completed in one “crafternoon” with our patterns and a needle and thread.   If you aren’t quite ready to cut up your own tee, GoGo Craft will provide you with one.

Sign up here

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

Berkeley's Knit One One March 5th Craft Sale

After a group of sales in December, the owner of Knit One One studio, Sile Convery, took a bit of a break, gathered up some strength & a group of fantastic vendors for this Saturday's MARCH 5th Craft Sale!

In long-standing tradition, there will be fabulous local vendors from 10 AM to 4 PM this Saturday. Even our own Kevin Clarke from Bug Under Glass will be showing his lovely wares. With his recent article in SF Bay Guardian, his items are sure to be a hit!

Here's a list of the artists being featured:

---Bug Under Glass ---Slainte Bags ---Gail Splaver ---Moriah726 

---Dab Chick Vintage Gems ---Marie Kelzer Designs ---Metalight 

---Nosh This ---Jessica Niello ---Bird Mafia ---The Briare Patch ---Shama

Feel free to stop by Knit One One studio at 3360 Adeline Ave, Berkeley 

tomorrow from 10-4 for some great spring shopping.

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

Renegade Craft Fair Preview - Etta + Billie Snapshot & More!

There are many reasons why people love craft fairs, but one of my personal favorites is supporting local artists! And SF Etsy has plenty of local artists to get behind!

That's why I've decided to put together a few photos from this past summer to showcase a few of the local artists that will be featured at this holiday 2nd annual Renegade Craft Fair!

There will be a comprehensive SF Etsy Member list of the artists at the end of the post to help you make your lists and check 'em twice. Let's get to know one of our SF Etsy Members, Alana Rivera from Etta + Billie to give you a little taste of what the story is behind handmade.

I first met Alana at this summers Renegade Craft Fair after taking on a position at the SF Etsy Blog to be a Roving Reporter. I met SO many amazing artists there that it was hard to keep track of everyone - but I knew they were all awesome. Alana and I really connected over a love for great body care products and a passion for handmade. I loved her story so much that I thought I'd share a little more about Etta + Billie.

Citrus Poppy Seed Soap
Etta + Billie - $9 USD

Who are you? And what drives to you create!?

I'm a small town girl who loves San Francisco, laughing until I cry, making up words that I incorporate as my own private slang, baking, cooking, bargain hunting, reading, and window shopping on the internet. The things that drive me to create are my passion for food (seriously, I am obsessed and have been since I was 2) and pushing the limits for creating beautiful useful 100% natural products.

When & why did you start your Etsy shop?

I started my Etsy shop in February of 2009.  After making soap for almost four years I realized that I wanted to share my passion with others and grow my hobby into a real business.  I had been enamored with Etsy for a while and knew that it was a great platform for my products.  Plus getting my own website together seemed ridiculously daunting.

Geranium Patchouli Whipped Body Butter
Etta + Billie - $20 USD

Describe your creative process

A lot of my inspiration comes from food.  I peruse Tastespotting and Bon Apetit regularly.  I tend to get some of my best ideas when I am just about to fall asleep or while I am on the bus (random I know).  I always keep a notebook with me so I can jot my ideas down.  I will go through my lists and figure out what I think will actually work with my product lines.  For most of my soaps I sketch out the design on paper first and figure out what ingredients will give me the colors I need.  Sometimes I do test batches and sometimes I just go for it and make a whole batch.  I love the anticipation of cracking open one of my soap molds after 48 hours and cutting into my latest creation to see how it turned out, its always a surprise.

Find out more about Alana by checking out Etta + Billie online:

ETSY // FACEBOOK // TWITTER // BLOG

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Handmade shopping at its finest - Renegade Craft Fair

Now here's a few of our local SF Etsy Etsy Members that will be selling at Renegade Craft Fair's Holiday Sale this Saturday and Sunday.

1byliz 

Bug Under Glass

byleedesign
Crooked Sister

drywell

Eristotle

Etta + Billie

finchdesignsf 

hopejohnson

LemonadeHandmade

skeletal dropkick

Sora Designs

Studio MME

Tangleweeds

the heated + This Humble Abode

The Local Branch

Vivi Kids

For more information about the free workshops, activities & hours for Renegade Craft Fair in San Francisco this weekend, click here!

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Steph Cortés from nerd JERK is the Roving Reporter, one of the newest members of the SF Etsy Blog Team. She enjoys going out to new crafting events and supporting the handmade movement. Look forward to more reports on her artsy shenanigans in weeks to come.

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

Holiday Craft Sale at KnitOneOne in Berkeley - TONIGHT!

Just a hop, skip & a jump across the Bay, Sile Convery's studio, Knit One One, will be hosting their final Holiday Craft Sale.

For anyone who loves shopping local and buying handmade gifts, this promises to be one of the best places to do so.

I've sold at Knit One One in the past with nerd JERK and I really enjoyed the vibe! Great music, lovely food for the vendors & quite a sense of community. They've also recently been featured in the SF Chronicle so that helped bring in quite a steady strem of traffic!

Since it's in the evening, it promises to be quite a party! Sile says of the event: "We have Fist of Flour pizza selling outside. Complimentary Sangria inside. And.....lots of fabulous goodies for your shopping pleasure!"

Among those that will be vending are some of our very own: This Humble Abode & recent Etsy Featured Seller, KatherineJLee! Also, AngelMade Eco Spa (my recent favourite - I even interviewed her) will be selling her lovely organic bodycare products to keep everyone's skin fabulously fresh this holiday season.

From tasty treats to treatments and ties, the last Holiday Craft Sale at Knit One One will be awesome!

The show runs from 5 to 9 PM TONIGHT in Berkeley (3360 Adeline Sreet), right up the way from Sweet Adeline Bakery. For more info call Sile (pronouced Sheila) at 510.891.1355 or visit knitoneone online.

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Steph Cortés from nerd JERK is the Roving Reporter, one of the newest members of the SF Etsy Blog Team. She enjoys going out to new crafting events and supporting the handmade movement. Look forward to more reports on her artsy shenanigans in weeks to come. Feel free to email her comments & tips on shows anytime.

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

Etsy Success Holiday Boot Camp - Another Way to Pump Up Your Brand

I drew this in honor of the "Holiday Boot Camp Pledge"

As we all know, the busy Holiday Season is just around the corner. September went with the blink of an eye and craft stores are already putting up their pine wreathes & golden ribbons.

Being owners of our micro-businesses, we are often pushed into the roles that big-box businesses might have several (hundred) people filling. Store managers, sales associates, stock people & marketing teams are all encompassed in each one of us. Although we are expected to wear these many hats, we may not all know how to wear them well just yet.

That's where DanielleXO comes in.

DanielleXO is the Etsy admin in charge of helping Etsy Sellers find the resources they need to become successful in a virtual handmade marketplace. Having taken a survey about the Etsy Success mailing list earlier this year, we were asked how we felt about being given tasks to designed to help us reach our business and sales goals in the year to come. A moderate portion of the Seller population welcomed this idea & patiently awaited the start of a "boot camp" email for months.

The first email finally arrived on Thursday, 23rd September, 2010 (click here to see it in HTML format). Etsy Success Holiday Boot Camp is a task-driven regime in which you, the Seller, can pump up your shop into tip-top shape, just in time for this Holiday Season's rush of shoppers.

Some of us may be new to the role and some of us are Holiday Season veterans, but all of us could use help with sales. What better way than to utilize our networking skills to promote ourselves & each other in order to generate yet another venue for free advertising of our brands?!

With a community that's becoming ever-aware of the need to buy handmade & support local business, how can we pass up the opportunity to learn how to reach the masses? With exercises on branding, Google Analytics, merchandising & more, the Etsy Success Holiday Boot Camp hails to be one of the best places to be these upcoming weeks.

One of the first items of business is to pick a Mascot for the Etsy Success Holiday Boot Camp Team. Check out the treasury they put together.

'Etsy Success Holiday Boot Camp Mascots' by daniellexo

Who should be the Etsy Success Holiday Boot Camp Mascot? Let me know in the comments below!Keep your eyes on Etsy's blog for more information about the Holiday Boot Camp on Thursday!

Roman Warrior Hat G... AlyInBloom $	Birds in Helmets n0... poordogfarm $10.00	Camouflage Cutie Do... ProperPuppy $14.99
Camouflage Monkey homehooked $20.00	French Bulldog Camo... TheFabFrenchie $	Punkin tu2couture $50.00
Army Boy 2 piece ha... DownUnderDogDe... $50.00	Cat Art Fine Art AC... TaraFlyPhotos $5.00	Dog Sweater Small B... aandboriginals... $25.00
Lou the brown monst... MonstersEtc $35.00	Camouflage Print Do... dogties $8.00	Alfreda -Woodlands ... JanisCarletonA... $16.00
Norwegian Viking Ca... Olsentrademark... $15.00	Woodland Warrior - ... BeaumontStudio $11.00	Boot Camp Bandana rocstardogbout... $14.95

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

Another awesome inclusion to the Boot Camp is having weekly forum threads set up to help everyone help each other with sharing tips & tricks, links & success stories. You can check of those out here. There's even a Facebook Page from which you can take the Holiday Boot Camp Pledge!

For more info on how YOU can join the Etsy Success Holiday Boot Camp & pump up your brand, check out the article in the Storque.

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Steph Cortés from nerd JERK is the Roving Reporter, one of the newest members of the SF Etsy Blog Team. She enjoys going out to new crafting events and supporting the handmade movement. Look forward to more reports on her artsy shenanigans in weeks to come. Feel free to email her comments & tips on shows anytime.

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