Handmade RAIN of Western WA

The weather outside is frightful, is your crafting so delightful?

2012-01-19T15:07:00.000-08:00

We’re in the middle of one of the biggest snow storms this area has seen in quite a while. Most of us are used to given the snow report in inches (2, 3 or 4 really) but more than a foot of snow in some places? Wow! So, we’re trapped in with a limited agenda. Perfect conditions for crafting efforts, right?

Cari, who is just North of Poulsbo says she’s already cranked out several new pillow covers for her shop Seclusion Cove. She’s finalizing details of custom orders and gearing up to take some pictures of her latest work …after a short break, “My "snow day" project should be tidying up my workroom and re-doing some product photos, but now, I'm snuggled under a quilt and finishing a good British mystery novel, with a cup of tea close at hand.”

Amy Harris of Solstice Designs couldn’t make it in to open her shop at the Pike Place Market but says she’s sewing away at home in Burien, “It’s a crafter’s paradise,” she said via text.

That’s not the case for everyone. Keri of UPTown DownTown is too busy babysitting her grandson to get anything done in University Place where seven inches of snow fell.

Thankfully, a warm up is coming and that much needed run for supplies, whether it's food or crafting supplies is right around the corner.

Post Holiday Blues?

2012-01-09T10:47:00.000-08:00

Through the months of November and December the number of crafts fairs, holiday bazaars and Christmas shows shoots up exponentially. The Puget Sound offers at least a dozen each weekend to help Christmas shoppers cross off their lists, buy a few treats, pump up their winter accessories and wardrobes and complete their decorating efforts. Also, internet sales skyrocket too, sending many crafters on multiple trips to the post office. It’s a prime opportunity to sell your product to the masses. We lug around tables, display gear and our carefully made items …some have it worse than others. It makes for a busy holiday season that requires lots of energy and a never-ending smile.

Now that the season is behind us, it’s not unusual to feel a bit of a lull. The lack of activity can leave some feeling without purpose and possibly a little lost. That’s normal. It will pass. Many crafters see it as an opportunity to recoup and refuel.

Dawn of http://www.scarywhitegirl.etsy.com/ says, “I used the time when I wasn't as frantic with my crocheting to start planning the new things I want to do this year, to organize my craft room, and to look at the massive quantities of yarn that have somehow ended up in my closet."

Planning for the next year is a great way to focus your newly found free time. Reflecting on the good moments of the busy holiday craft season and doing your best to correct the not-so-special things.

“I have to admit that the lack of sales can be a real bummer. The spigot totally shuts off. It takes me a little while to re-train myself to stop checking my various online sales venues looking for activity," says Anne Sylte Bloom of http://www.seattlesundries.etsy.com/.

Anne uses this time to make a lot of changes to her product line. She creates new soap varieties, changes labels, and experiments with completely new items. “It’s really the most creative and rejuvenating time of year for me.”

Taking time away from your craft is another way to recover from the holiday rush.

“For me things tend to pick back up in February so I enjoy this time after the extreme craziness post holidays. In this time I catch up on side projects like knitting & quilting which isn't my "professional" craft. It’s like a nice diversion to do other things,” says Thea Starr of http://www.theastarr.etsy.com/ .

Good luck, keep crafting and Happy New Year!

EtsyRAIN Promotional Videos

2011-11-25T22:55:00.000-08:00

Huge thanks to Kris Keeker and all the participants!

Meet Our Vendors: Thea Starr

2011-11-24T07:45:00.000-08:00

Thea’s first official craft project was red electric-tape press-on nails, Lee (of the press on nails people) didn’t have nothing on Thea. She progressed to kanzashi in 2001, one of only two people in the states who made the traditional Japanese hair ornaments at that time.

Thea takes vintage kimonos, cleans and presses them and begins the folding process, one petal at a time, to craft them into flowers. Her standard hairclips are her most popular item because, she says, they come in fabrics to fit everyone’s taste.

Her superpower is so rare, marvel comics doesn’t even have this one covered. She can balance stuff in her fridge. Theo says other mom’s can appreciate this superpower more than most.

http://www.theastarr.etsy.com/

Meet Our Vendors: Garden Bon Bons

2011-11-24T00:55:00.000-08:00

If you enter Moulton’s kitchen you might mistake it for a chocolate shop, since her process is very similar. She puts all the ingredients for her Garden Bon Bons in a bowl and stirs. They are rolled out on baking sheets, dried on racks and wrapped for selling. The bon bons just need to be planted and watered and …magic! The perfect gift for anyone with a green thumb, or thumbs of any color.

Her Italian Herb bon bons are the most popular, since everyone uses basil, chives, parsley and thyme (well, everyone who cooks). Her unique creations will help you understand her superpower: the ability to make people see things a little differently.

http://www.gardenbonbons.etsy.com/

Meet Our Vendors: Margot Bianca

2011-11-23T08:21:00.000-08:00

Batik: a cloth that traditionally uses a manual wax-resist dyeing technique found in exotic places.

Once you understand that, and have a look at Margot Bianca’s line of napkins, tea towels, table runners and bandanas, you are transported to a third-world market filled with the smells and sounds of an extraordinary vacation.

She prints hot wax onto fabric, puts it into fabric reactor dyes, lets it sit for days (much patience required), then boils to remove the wax and the pattern is imprinted on the cloth. She tries to include as many eco-friendly practices as possible including using rainwater, which she will have plenty of this week as she gets ready for the Handmade Holiday show.

By the way, her super power is stamina …she never gets tired, hungry or cold. No rest for the weary and no rest necessary for Margot.

http://www.margotbianca.etsy.com/

Meet Our Vendors: Slide Sideways

2011-11-22T12:09:00.000-08:00

Scott and Jacqui Scroggin are living a dream that many crafters have. One day they decided to quit their day jobs and start working with their hands. They were hearing some good things about this new venture called etsy and they were off to the races.

They sell a variety of hand silk screened items including posters, tea towels and zip pouches. Their most popular item is a “Let The Sun Shine In” poster, because, they say, it puts a smile on everyone’s face and is a great reminder.

Their superpower is speed and accuracy; they can finish amazing amounts of work in just minutes!

http://www.slidesideways.etsy.com/

Meet Our Vendors: World of Whimm

2011-11-21T23:12:00.000-08:00

The wonderful World of Whimm is a magical and spectacular place created by the talented Kayce Quevedo. She vows that she started crafting in the womb (Likely a crowded place with fetus-Kayce AND the sewing machine). Her long time dabbling got serious when she quit her day job to raise her her kids. Now, her mermaid tails, crowns and superhero attire take up most of her free time.

She’ll bring all her popular whimsical creations along with a few new items to the Handmade Holiday show this Saturday. Could it be ADULT versions of her mermaid tails???

By the way, her superpower is denial. Amazingly, it’s how she gets everything done.

www.worldofwhimm.etsy.com

Meet Our Vendors: Orange Twist

2011-11-21T08:32:00.000-08:00

Her “Happy Birthday Sasquatch” card tells you a lot about Claire Jauregui. Witty and fun with a smarty pants dedication to the Pacific Northwest. She started making cards when she was eight, and opened her Etsy shop http://www.orangetwist.etsy.com/ a little over three years ago.

Claire gets a joke or pun in her head and pulls out her sketch book to work on a picture. She uses photoshopped pictures to complete her idea and heads off to the Pratt Fine Arts Center where she exposes her screens, prints her ideas and heads back to her home studio to put on the finishing touches.

She’ll have cards, posters, garlands and baby rompers at the Handmade Holiday show, all designed and screen printed in Seattle.

She might have a few treats hidden away too, since her superpower is the ability to consume large quantities of sweets.

Meet Our Vendors: 1Wood

2011-11-20T09:30:00.000-08:00

Todd started with a box of legos at age three and never looked back, Jill learned to sew at age six, now the husband and wife team has over 70 years of crafting between them.

They start out dumpster diving, it’s a very select dumpster; Todd shares a workshop with furniture makers. Their castoffs become Todd and Jill’s cutting boards, toys, building blocks, candle holders, furniture and even jewelry with tradition wood joinery techniques like cutting, sanding and rubbing.

They have impressive superpowers. Todd can fall asleep in 30 seconds, ANYWHERE! (an insomniac’s dream) and Jill has cat-like reflexes which she hones by curling up in front of the fireplace.

Catch them next weekend at the Handmade Holiday show, or at http://www.1wood.etsy.com/

Meet Our Vendors: Sucree

2011-11-18T09:34:00.000-08:00

One of her very first jewelry pieces was a necklace made from macaroni, a gift to her mother. Jill Jandreau’s jewelry has evolved well past pasta into intricately designed metalsmithing. Her ideas often come in the middle of the night and she’s compelled to get up, sketch and give it a go in her studio. Jill uses traditional techniques; hammering soldering and sanding, rinse, repeat. But she is very mindful of using recycled metal and other materials when she can.

Cuff bracelets and spinner necklaces are among her new items, possibly the brain child of insomnia. She’ll also bring her popular stacking rights and money clips to the Handmade Holiday show next Saturday and Sunday.

Jill’s superpower is telekinesis, which really helps her move metal.

http://www.sucree.etsy.com/

Meet Our Vendors: Norik

2011-11-17T11:23:00.000-08:00

Nora Retik follows a policy not often found in jewelry making; she uses only cold connection techniques, in other words, no soldering. Why? She wants to avoid using burning methods that release fossil fuels into the environment. It presents a challenge, but she likes challenges and has become very inventive in her methods.

She credits her success to plenty of encouragement from her family; especially her supportive husband who she says is her superpower.

She hasn’t quite figured out what her most popular item is, but she’ll have plenty of gemstone and precious metal jewelry on hand at next week’s Handmade Holiday Show.

http://www.norik.etsy.com/

Meet Our Vendors: Ugly Baby

2011-11-16T10:05:00.000-08:00

Rosalie and Doug Gale’s process is upside down and backwards, and most of the time a slap in the face. They build their sarcastic waterproof shower art in layers with rubber, letters, toys and glitter from back to front. So, the occasional typo and inverted letter are unavoidable.

Rosalie has been at this crafting thing since her first hideous sweater was knitted at about age eight. She grew up, met Doug and sarcasm bloomed.

This year they are bringing their sarcasm to a whole new level. Now, your soap dish can read “Suck, Crap, Poop and Doodie!” Or, get a post card and t-shirt that says, “Suck it, Stupidface!” The choices are endless! Find Rosalie, Doug and their new line of items at the Handmade Holiday show next week.

By the way, Rosalie says her superpower is productivity, but not necessarily backwards spelling.

http://www.uglybaby.etsy.com/

Meet Our Vendors: Bunny's Baked Goods

2011-11-15T10:47:00.000-08:00

Kate Drummond’s craft is a balancing act, literally. Her vintage three-tiered cupcake stands have already racked up enough broken plate pieces to start a mosaic business. But balance she does to build her fledging business and bring her unique creations to the masses.

She’s been at the crafting thing all her life and worshiped the shops on etsy.com, until she realized she had the talent to be there herself. She (and maybe her fuzzy brown bunny) will ‘carefully’ make their way to the etsyRAIN Handmade Holiday show with the cupcake stands as well as candles in vintage teacups.

Make sure to ask her a direct question, since her superpower is she must tell the truth! (she’s a self-proclaimed horrible liar).

http://www.bunnysbakedgoods.etsy.com/

Meet Our Vendors: Sweet Petula

2011-11-13T15:47:00.000-08:00

Cory Smith explains her process as: eating, drinking, breathing bath soap. That is dedication! She still makes it the old fashioned way with oils and lye, the way her great-great grandmother, who was also a soapmaker, did. Cory had a retail shop for years, but the tanking economy forced her to find another avenue and get re-inspired to create pretty things. She opened up her shop on etsy.com and Sweet Petula had a new home.

She’s been working so hard she admits to being sore from making pounds and pounds of soap for the holidays. She’ll bring a few of those pounds to the Handmade Holiday show but you can see her soap online at www.sweetpetula.etsy.com.

Oh, her superpower? She smells good, of course!

Meet Our Vendors: Squigglechick

2011-11-11T22:26:00.000-08:00

Her unofficial mantra is “if it’s not good for you to eat, I can use the packaging for my materials.” We’re talking soda bottles, chips and candy wrappers and BEER! Tracy Borders upcycles them into wallets, journals, dog collars, cuffs, eyeglass cases and her most popular item, luggage tags.

She got her start by giving her creations away to her friends and relatives, lucky to be on her family tree, right? Then she realized that she could SELL THEM and she was off to the races. Now, she’s got a long list of supporters who eat junk food just for her, so they can save the wrappers and ease the burden on their carbon footprint.

She says her super power is her husband who encourages her and contributes new ideas (and possibly helps with those junk food wrappers).

Come shop the Squigglechick booth at the Handmade Holiday show, and online at www.squigglechick.etsy.com .

Meet Our Vendors: Stitch Duchess

2011-11-11T09:04:00.000-08:00

If you heard Glenda Warmoth’s talents are sewing and cross stitching, you would think little old granny, right? Think again! Her ‘Smitten Squirrels’ cross stitch pattern is thoroughly modern and nothing a granny would ever dream up.

Glenda picked up her talent from her mother, who was a quilter. She started out making doll clothes and developed her skills to create a unique and eclectic mix of entertaining designs on www.stitchduchess.etsy.com .

At the etsyRAIN Handmade Holiday show she’ll be selling a smattering of handmade treasures including tea-themed tablewear, cross stitch wall art and fabric covered button accessories.

Her superpower is that she can make you rethink your recent action with just a look …SCARY!

Meet Our Vendors: Matthew Porter Art

2011-11-10T11:27:00.000-08:00

One can only image the mystery and intrigue floating around in Matthew Porter‘s head, when what comes out in his paintings is magical and mystical. He’s been at it since he was a wee lad, but really got serious a decade ago when he opened an art gallery with his wife.

Now, he focuses full time on his children’s book art prints, posters, magnets, keychains and clothing. His most popular item is a print that features a cat destroying the Space Needle (again with the mystery and intrigue!) His original pieces are created with acrylic paint and pine wood boards. Then he sands, adds a varnish and …voila!

His super power is that he can survive on toast and tea for days …the mark of a true artist! http://www.matthewporterart.etsy.com/ .

PLATINUM Sponsor: Etsy.com

2011-11-10T08:17:00.000-08:00

There are a few out there who still haven’t heard of it, and many ask, “How do you spell that?” But, Etsy.com is determined to empower people, handcrafters to be specific, to change the way the global economy works.

The world’s handmade marketplace is giving etsyRAIN’s Handmade Holiday show a giant boost by being a Platinum Sponsor!

The show’s organizers are thrilled with the financial and emotional support from “home base” and are working to make this show the biggest and best yet.

PLATINUM Sponspor: Seattle Weekly

2011-11-09T11:05:00.000-08:00

The award-winning publication has been around since 1976. It was founded by an art-starved East Coast transplant and has kept this area in the know about everything artsy ever since. It also has a hard edge with its finger on the pulse of the movers, shakers and politics of the city. It’s a great source for music and art happenings. EtsyRAIN is exuberant to have Seattle Weekly as a PLATINUM Sponsor for the Handmade Holiday Show and will have two full color ads on the back page prior to the event.

Meet Our Vendors: Renaitre A La Vie

2011-11-09T07:50:00.000-08:00

Kelly M. Cook has been an artist ever since she could put a pencil to paper. She was drawn (pun intended) to the idea of etsy because of the low setup price (free!)

Kelly started selling her paintings at shows in her home state of South Carolina. Now, she’s moved to Seattle and added shrinky dink jewelry and polymer clay pieces to the mix. Her fine art and much more will be available at the etsyRAIN Handmade Holiday this month and at www.renaitrealavie.etsy.com.

Her superpower? She’s INVULNERABLE!

Meet Our Vendors: Foamy Wader

2011-11-07T22:34:00.000-08:00

Alexa Allamano cranks out signature pieces organically …she lets the material dictate the style. She got her start in 2007 when the checker at her grocery store commented on the jewelry she was wearing.

Now, her delicately wrapped gemstone jewelry and pop-art button rings fly off her website www.foamywader.etsy.com . And don’t forget her knit beards ...the fastest way to get the feel of facial hair!

Alexa says she’s still working on her superpower, but Teleportation is just around the corner for her. She will delay her practicing long enough to be at this month’s EtsyRAIN Handmade Holiday show on November 26 and 27 at the Intiman Theatre.

Meet Our Vendors: Scary White Girl

2011-11-06T07:12:00.000-08:00

Dawn Vogel hops on the bus for her morning commute, and pulls out her crochet hook to work on her other job on the way. Her crocheted cupcakes, coffee cup cozies and bun covers are all made before she gets to the office.

She’s been crocheting almost seven years and started her etsy shop, www.scarywhitegirl.etsy.com in 2006. Her eyeball cat toys are the hot ticket at most of the shows she does, something every cat household needs right?

She is a superfast crocheter but her real superpower is juggling work, play and her side business while keeping her sanity and "eyeball" sense of humor!

Meet Our Vendors: Boodlebags

2011-11-05T19:58:00.000-07:00

Angela Anderson was born to craft! She comes from a family of crafters on both sides, generations back, so there was no escaping it! She does all the design and most of the sewing.

Her new iSacha purse is storming the scene. It’s basic but tailored look lets the fabric take center stage. It’s designed for the iPad or other tablets but can be used for just about anything that you can stuff into it. She’s also working on wallets and holiday items for the etsyRAIN Handmade Holiday show.

Her superpower? …she can FLY! Pick out your new iSacha at www.boodlebags.etsy.com.

Meet Our Vendors: Elisa Shere

2011-11-04T08:02:00.000-07:00

Elisa Shere refers to herself as an art nerd. Her “nerdiness” started at pottery camp when she was a girl and blossomed into every art class she could schedule in high school. She went on to study ceramics and then started metal smithing six years ago. She opened her etsy shop in 2005 and quit her day job three years later.

Now, she starts her work with metal sheets and wire, adds vintage flowers and gemstones that she hunts for high and low and turns that into polished and pretty jewelry pieces. A nerd with a purpose!

Her superpower is multitasking! She balances renovating a 90 year old house with raising her 13 month old son AND building her inventory for the Handmade Holiday Show. Here’s the link for a sneak peak: www.elisasherejewelry.etsy.com.

Meet Our Vendors: WireTree

2011-11-03T08:11:00.000-07:00

Cramped in her tiny in-home studio (half the computer room hi-jacked from her son) Beth Goss starts her WireTree creations with a sheet of metal. She saws, files, drills and sometimes torches that metal until it’s transformed into pendants, earrings, bookmarks and keychains.

She got her official start in 2007 when she saw an article about etsy in a trade magazine, but she’s really been crafting for as long as she can remember. Her silver hand-cut pendants will be the big draw to her booth in this year’s Handmade Holiday show, but you’ll find those and so much more on her website www.wiretree.etsy.com.

Her super power? Right now it’s teaching her teenager to drive, but she admits not always being in control of said superpower.

Moyo Workshop

2011-10-31T10:01:00.000-07:00

Megan Cook Nikiema isn’t just in this to share her stunning creations with shoppers, she has a higher purpose. Proceeds from her business, Moyoworkshop, go to a cause that she deeply believes in, suicide prevention. It’s in honor of a beloved family member (….sigh.) But this is also her not-so-secret passion! She is descended from a long line of crafters. Sewing, baking and interior design are all in her background. You can see from her website www.moyoworkshop.etsy.com that she makes everything from scarves, to tiny paintings, to her favorite item: amigurumi creatures. “Because they have personality and hugability,” she says. Her superpower is a shocker, Teleportation! Can you image how much that cuts down on gas? Find Moyoworkshop at this year’s Handmade Holiday Show.

Haute Goat

2011-10-29T11:11:00.000-07:00

Call it cashcycling! Heidi Kappes Belinsky takes cast off cashmere and turns it into something cashtastic! She was inspired to take her business online four years ago when she read an article in the Seattle Times about etsy (sound familiar?) Now, her Haute Goat creations have moved to the next level and beyond. Her most popular item is a basic colorblock scarf. “Why?” she asks, “Because it goes with everything!” And by the way, her superpower is Macgyverability! Heidi, her colorblock scarves and all her cashtastic creations will be available at next month’s Handmade Holiday Show at the Intiman. If you want a sneak peak, her etsy shop is www.etsy.hautegoat.com.

EtsyRAIN Handmade Holiday Show

2011-10-27T11:38:00.000-07:00

SEATTLE’S LEADING CRAFTY COALITION GEARS UP TO SELL UNIQUE HANDMADE
HOLIDAY GIFTS

Fifty five hand-selected vendors are furiously building their one-of-a-kind inventory for the 3rd annual EtsyRAIN Handmade Holiday Show. This year’s show is set to open its doors at the historic Intiman Theatre at Seattle Center on the biggest shopping weekend of the year. The show moves to Thanksgiving weekend to give shoppers a chance to shop local and buy handmade as the holiday shopping season kicks off.

The show is free to the public and the first 50 shoppers through the door will
receive a free swag bag full of goodies crafted by exhibitors and some of the 1000
plus members of EtsyRAIN.

Instead of the standard stocking stuffers like Christmas-themed socks, candy
canes and dollar store finds (…BORING!), shoppers will be dazzled by a selection
of waterproof shower art, mermaid tails, knit wizard beards, fraidy cat earrings,
business monkey belt buckles, crocheted golden snitch ornaments, peacock
pendants and so much more.

“We had so many great applications this season, more than ever before. After
some tough decisions, we ended up with an amazing group of vendors that will
give shoppers a unique, handmade holiday shopping experience,” said organizer
Marlo Miyashiro.

This event is expected to be the largest yet for EtsyRAIN. It takes place
Saturday and Sunday Nov. 26 and 27 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Intiman
Theatre at Seattle Center, 201 Mercer Street. For more information on the
event, please, visit www.etsyrain.com or contact organizer Marlo Miyashiro,
teametsyrain@gmail.com, (206) 683-9733.

EtsyRAIN is Etsy’s official Seattle Metropolitan “Street Team”: A group of regional
artists and craft makers who own and operate independent shops on Etsy.com.

Eco-friendly goods from Handmade RAIN artists!

2011-07-16T11:01:00.000-07:00

Did you know there are several ways that our artists try to be eco-friendly? Here are just a few:

The sterling silver that Marlo Miyashiro from Marlo & Natasha Studio uses to fabricate her jewelry is certified reclaimed.

The soap that Kim Wilton at Pepo Park makes is vegan.

The paper that Sarah Rollinger at Tutta Lou Press prints on is part post-industrial waste cotton.

And of course Heidi Kappes Belinsky of Haute Goat Cashmere reclaims the 100% cashmere fabric for her scarves from second-hand sweaters.

Craft Show Open House & Retail Day at Buyers Market of American Craft

2011-07-02T18:46:00.000-07:00

Five members of the etsyRAIN street team will be selling at the Buyers Market of American Craft in Baltimore, MD this July. The BMAC is opening for the first time to the public for retail sales / preview on Sunday, July 10 at 1pm to 5pm. Stop by booth 1319 to say Hi! If you are a wholesale buyer, the BMAC will be open July 11-13 for wholesale accounts.

Meet the Makers: Heidi Kappes Belinsky of Haute Goat Cashmere

2011-07-01T10:35:00.000-07:00

Heidi Kappes Belinsky was given her first sewing machine around the age of 5 – about the same time she started reclaiming fabrics to use in her projects (doll clothes mostly). She is a true Gemini with degrees in both Apparel Design and Botany. She has melded her love of creating with the need to discover by teaching herself fiber forensics and learning how to recognize cashmere from other fibers using a microscope.

What is “reclaimed”?

Reclaimed is the term for recreating a discarded item (in my case, cashmere sweaters) into something usable - basically using it as a supply to create something new. I buy all of my sweaters second hand, many are destined for the land-fill.

How do you find so much cashmere?

I shop ALOT. I also have a team of friends and family that shop for me. We pretty much scour the thrift stores throughout the Puget Sound on a regular basis. I now also have someone shopping for me in California, Pennsylvania, and even Iowa. AND, I routinely get sweaters from loyal customers - it's so much fun to do a trunk show in a store and have fans bring me a bag of sweaters then buy a couple of scarves!

What handmade possession do you most cherish?

Other than my daughter, I have a burlap & yarn piece of art that I made in elementary school that says “Free to be you and me”. And my high school prom dress – it is a recreation of an 1890’s ball gown.

Apart from creating, what do you do?

I am on the leadership team for etsyRAIN (the Western Washington area etsy seller street team) and I help organize their 2 big craft shows each year. My passion is collecting and refurbishing old sewing machines. I also tap dance, urban hike, and lead a 4^th grade Girl Scout troop.

In ten years I'd like to be...

I would like to be fluent in French, more organized, and able to use the toaster oven without burning myself. Oh, and I would love to open a sewing machine museum!

Meet the Makers: Kim Wilton of Pepo Park

2011-06-30T20:43:00.000-07:00

Kim started making soap with a friend way back in 2000. She loved delving into the science of soapmaking and creating luscious scent combinations with essential oils. Not to mention, her dry skin felt so much better after using handcrafted soap. Fast forward to 2005 and PepoPark was created.

Pepo means sun ripened in Latin.
Our focus is using botanical ingredients to create luxurious, skin nourishing products. We use traditional methods, make our products in small batches with great care and are devoted to creating safe, natural and healthy products that are good for your skin and your senses.

We use pure essential oils, which are oils extracted from plants through steam distillation or cold-pressing, to scent our products. We use food-grade fruit, vegetable and nut oils and butters as the base for our line that includes cold processed soap, lotion, salve, body scrub and lip balm.

Pepo Park is committed to:

Handcrafting products that are an affordable luxury. You and your skin deserve it.
Providing you with high quality products you'll use, give and recommend.
Using high quality ingredients.
Using recycled or recyclable packaging, where possible.

The shrink-wrap used on our soap is 100% biodegradable.

Using essential oils to scent and flavor wherever possible. We don't believe in polluting your home or body with unnecessary chemicals.
Ensuring that Pepo Park products will never contain any petroleum-based ingredients.

We are a proud member of the Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild and The Indie Beauty Network .

Attention to every detail guarantees you'll receive a quality product every time you order. We use our products and "test" them on our neighbors and friends. All of our products come with our personal guarantee: 100% satisfaction or your money back.

Meet the Makers: Sarah Rollinger of Tutta Lou Press

2011-06-30T10:23:00.000-07:00

How did you get started printing?

All my life I have enjoyed creating, whether it be baking, sewing, cooking or refinishing furniture, the simple pleasures of life have been mine to share with family and friends. With a background in architecture and design, I started Tutta Lou Press because I wanted to create simple luxuries for others with an emphasis of creating a handmade yet professional-quality product.

What do you like best about letterpress printing?

For me, the impression a printing-plate pressed into paper leaves behind is one of the most beautiful and simple things in the world. My designs are simple and playful; urban living, architecture, lines, patterns, vintage ephemera, typography, and flora and fauna inspire my designs.

Will you tell us more about your press?

Chandler? He is an amazing beast! The press stands almost as tall as me at 5'6 and has me beat in the weight category at 2,000 lbs! Thank goodness! The press was build in 1926 in Cleveland, Ohio. When I decided I wanted a press of my own, I started searching the northwest classifieds. There were a few presses available, but none seemed to be a good fit for me and what I wanted to do. Then a month later, at thanksgiving dinner, my uncle tells me that he has two presses and has been trying to sell one of them. I buy it, have it moved to Seattle and set out cleaning it and looking for parts. Parts came from all over the USA from other printers who had saved part from other presses!

Are you working on anything new for the Buyer's Market of American Craft?

Yes! We will be showing new calenders, a series of blind impression card along with mini art posters that are framable and mailable, along with our most popular cards!

Countdown to BMAC - 13 days to go!

2011-06-28T17:56:00.000-07:00

come and visit us - we will be in Booth #1319!

Handmade RAIN of Western WA heads to the Buyers Market of American Craft

2011-06-07T16:43:00.000-07:00

Five members of the RAIN team will be heading to the Buyer's Market of American Craft July 11-13 in Baltimore, MD.

"The Buyers Market is the largest wholesale trade show where retailers place orders directly with artists who produce luxury goods for home and fashion. The event is unique among gift tradeshows, as all works on display are exclusively designed and studio made by artists in the United States and Canada – no imports or mass-manufactured products allowed."

The five members are:

Marlo Miyashiro from Marla & Natasha Studio

Kim Wilton from Pepo Park

Sarah Rollinger from Tutta Lou Press

Alexa Allamano from Foamy Wader

and Heidi Kappes Belinsky from Haute Goat Cashmere

Check back often for more info about the artists, their products and the show. We will also be tweeting from Baltimore, so follow us on Twitter!

2010-04-30T04:11:00.000-07:00

We have a new GOLD Sponsor for the
Spring 2010 EtsyRAIN Spring Craft Show: Pacific Fabric & Crafts!

We are so excited to have Pacific Fabrics & Crafts on-board as an official show sponsor!

In addition to their generous financial support, they are giving us some goodies to put into our swag bags along with coupons for discounts in their stores. How cool is that? Very cool, I'd say! We are honored by this incredible show of support by a wonderful Seattle-owned company and we are SO grateful.

Have you been to a Pacific Fabrics & Crafts store lately? Did you know that they have 6 locations? Indeed. Bellevue, Bremerton, Everett, Northgate, Puyallup and an Outlet Store on 4th Avenue in Seattle. Every one of them are super-crafty havens where you'll find a of everything from books to batting, fabric to foam, notions to novelty items plus yarn, needlework supplies, home decor fabrics and a whole lot more.

Want to learn a new hobby or just improve your skills on the one(s) you have? All Pacific Fabrics & Crafts locations offer great classes too! Take a look at their class and event calendars and you'll see why Pacific Fabrics & Crafts is such a beloved part of the Puget Sound handmade community.

We should really have some EtsyRAIN Field Trip events to visit their shops together, right? Oh heck yeah. We're totally doing it! Yay for Pacific Fabrics & Crafts! :)

2010-04-30T04:09:00.000-07:00

NEW sponsor for the upcoming EtsyRAIN Spring 2010 show!

Teachstreet.com is an official trade sponsor of the 2010 EtsyRAIN Spring Show!

Teachstreet makes it easy to find great classes in your area on everything from Art to Zoology and everything in-between.

Teachstreet makes it easy to teach great classes too! Signing up is easy and very effective for teachers of all disciplines to find students in their area.

Banish boring days by joining Teachstreet then get out of the house and learn something! :)

EtsyRAIN Spring Craft Show

2010-04-27T21:12:00.000-07:00

Join us for EtsyRAIN's 2nd Annual Spring Craft show at the fabulous Intiman Theater at the Seattle Center from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 8, 2010.

Bring your friends! Bring your family! Be sure to Shop EARLY! First 50 customers receive FREE swag bags full of goodies from local artists!

EtsyRAIN members like to help the community as much as they like to help each other. For each show, they choose a charity to support. The featured charity for this year’s spring event is Lifelong Aids Alliance.

Admission to the event will be a suggested donation of $1 that will go directly to Lifelong Aids Alliance or a canned or non-perishable food donation for their meal delivery program.

In addition to the canned food drive, Lifelong Aids Alliance will be selling raffle tickets for gift baskets filled with handmade full-sized donations from EtsyRAIN artists.

All participating artists are members of EtsyRAIN - Etsy.com' official Seattle Street Team. For more info, please visit our website at http://etsyrain.com/shows/2010-spring-show and become a fan at http://www.facebook.com/EtsyRAIN

Saturday, May 8th, 2010

11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Intiman Theater

Visit us at EtsyRain.com

2009-11-23T05:56:00.000-08:00

EtsyRain has moved to EtsyRain.com. Please visit us there for updates on shows and other local events, crafty tutorials and articles, and to learn more about our members!

Belated Birthday's - part 2

2009-07-12T08:51:00.000-07:00

Melissa of Bumble Bea Green - June 3 (no photo available to share)

Julia of Entangles by Julia - June 6

Hope of Vlucas Designs - June 9

Betsey of Ellie Blue Bell - June 10

Marilyn of Phase Three - June 13

Cindy of OriginalCyn Studios - June 18

Michele of Favorably Fashioned - June 19

Belated Birthday's

2009-07-11T07:08:00.000-07:00

May was a hectic month for EtsyRain with the super successful Spring show at SODO Pop, which means we've missed a whole bunch of EtsyRain birthdays. With many apologies to all of our Late May and June folks, here's part 1 of a quick recap.

* Kari of Mama K's - May 19

* Allegra of Cassius Designs - May 21

* Tamara of Memory Bean Designs - May 23

* Dale of Two of Three's - May 24

* Laney of Silent Goddess - May 25

* Leslie of Lowell and Son - June 2

Etsy Summer Tour '09 - Meet a Few of Etsy's Admins!

2009-07-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

Monday, July 13, 2009 @ Greenwood Collective

* Who: Maria (Etsy.com CEO), Matt and Anda (Etsy Admins) will be in Seattle for one night to visit, talk a bit and answer questions!
* What: Etsy Summer Tour '09 Seattle: www.etsy.com/storque/events/west-coast-etsians-lets-get-together-4326/
* When: Monday, July 13, 2009
* Where: Greenwood Collective, 8537 Greenwood Ave N Suite 1, Seattle, WA 98103
* Time: 6:00pm to 8pm (open to the general public!)

Want to know more about Etsy.com? Please join EtsyRAIN (Etsy's Seattle Street Team) in welcoming a few of the Etsy Administrators as they stop in Seattle on their Etsy Summer Tour '09 on Monday, July 13, 2009 at Greenwood Collective, 6pm to 8pm. The meeting is open to all Etsy buyers, sellers and anyone who wants to know more about Etsy.com.

In attendance for the Seattle meeting will be:

Maria, Etsy.com's CEO
Matt and Anda - Admins in the Community and Labs department.

We'll have a chance to meet them in person, ask a few questions and generally hang out for a bit. You don't have to be an EtsyRAIN member to attend - this meeting is open the public! See you there!

Happy Birthday Shannon, Daren, and Liz !

2009-06-30T08:48:00.000-07:00

We have some Birthday post catching up to do and boy, are there some treasures to be seen!

Happy Belated Birthday you EtsyRain members!!!
Shannon - May 14
Daren - May 14
Liz - May 18

Shannon's etsy shop lanningslee has the most wonderful embroidered items for everyone in your family. The quality is unmatched and her reputation flawless.
...and who could resist her model.

Don't miss her Lavender Dryer Bags.

Daren of dbdesignsit makes and sells awesome, unique boxes.

This particular design can be customized just for you!

With the busy summer Festival schedule his shop is light on inventory but if you email him through his shop, I bet you could get a custom order in no time at all! Browse his Sold inventory to see some of the things he can do!

Liz from Just Yesterday, custom designs scrapbook albums, pages and notecard sets that are incredible!

Her scrapbook albums are all put together and waiting for you to add your own photos. Talk about making it easy for you...
My favorite has to be these beautiful flower note cards. What woman wouldn't love to receive one of these on a gift or in the mail?

Hope you all had Happy, Happy Birthdays!

Birthday Posts have been delayed...

2009-06-26T13:58:00.000-07:00

The EtsyRAIN leadership team apologizes to all of our members who's birthdays we've missed. We are working on catching up on everyone, so please stay tuned for more birthday celebrations!

Thanks to all of our fantastic EtsyRAIN team members and a Super BIG Thank You to the hard working all-volunteer EtsyRAIN leadership team without whom none of this would be possible!

Go EtsyRAIN Go!

Indie Banditas Bazaar & Punk Rock Flea Market

2009-06-01T08:53:00.000-07:00

This weekend, both Friday and Saturday, many members of EtsyRAIN will be showing their wares at the second Indie Banditas Bazaar on Bainbridge Island. If you are local, be sure to be there! You can check it out on Facebook for more information.

If you don't make it over the water and decide to spend your Saturday in Seattle - be sure to check out the Punk Rock Flea Market as there will be EtsyRAINers at that show as well. It is located at Underground Events Center, 2407 1st Avenue in Seattle. More information can be found here!

Happy birthday, Mara and Lori!

2009-05-11T12:19:00.000-07:00

Birthday wishes go out today to two of our EtsyRain members: Mara of Nastrovia Gifts and Lori of One Eyed Collie!

Nastrovia Gifts is a team effort of Mara and her husband, David, who make beautiful wood items, including pens and bottle stoppers. This super elegant pen and pencil set would look great on anyone's office desk!

Lori of One Eyed Collie primarily makes jewelry, but she also makes great business card holders, also suitable for an office desk. Just more proof that when two EtsyRain members share a birthday, they often share other commonalities! :)

Please stop by Nastrovia Gifts and One Eyed Collie today to check out Mara and Lori's shops, and also to wish them both a very happy birthday!

Happy birthday, Jen!

2009-05-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday wishes go out today to Jen of Weaving One! Jen makes great purses and other items out of repurposed materials. Be sure to stop by Weaving One today to wish Jen a happy birthday, and to check out all of the wonderful stuff her shop has to offer!

Shop EtsyRain at SodoPop!

2009-05-08T19:00:00.000-07:00

This week, the EtsyRain blog will be featuring artists who will be showing their work at SodoPop this Saturday, May 9th (see bottom of post for more information). If you're local to Seattle, stop by the blog each day this week to get a preview of the amazing stuff you can find at the show. If you're not local to Seattle, you're still in luck! Each of these artisans has a shop on Etsy, so you can still buy their creations!

1) Titta Me
2) Ugly Baby
3) Under Your Breath
4) Wicks and Wire
5) Wire Tree
6) Woven Chains

Seattle artist collective, EtsyRAIN is hosting their first in-city Spring Craft Show on Saturday, May 9, 2009, 10am to 4pm. Over 30 artists will be showing their handmade work at SodoPop (2424 1st Avenue S) in the SoDo area just across the street from Starbucks headquarters. Admission: Bring a non-perishable food item for donation to the Cherry Street Food bank or a suggested donation of $1 per person. The first 30 customers receive a FREE swag bag full of goodies from local artists! Buy Handmade - Buy Seattle-made. Go EtsyRAIN Go!

Shop EtsyRain at SodoPop!

2009-05-07T19:00:00.000-07:00

1) Skybox
2) Station 1528
3) Steel Toe Studios
4) Stir Textiles
5) Sweet Nature Designs
6) Tiny House

Seattle artist collective, EtsyRAIN is hosting their first in-city Spring Craft Show on Saturday, May 9, 2009, 10am to 4pm. Over 30 artists will be showing their handmade work at SodoPop (2424 1st Avenue S) in the SoDo area just across the street from Starbucks headquarters. Admission: Bring a non-perishable food item for donation to the Cherry Street Food bank or a suggested donation of $1 per person. The first 30 customers receive a FREE swag bag full of goodies from local artists! Buy Handmade - Buy Seattle-made. Go EtsyRAIN Go!

Shop EtsyRain at SodoPop!

2009-05-06T19:00:00.000-07:00

1) Patina Party
2) Queen Heron Creations
3) Revival Ink
4) Seattle Sundries
5) Selena Eon
6) Sima Bella

Seattle artist collective, EtsyRAIN is hosting their first in-city Spring Craft Show on Saturday, May 9, 2009, 10am to 4pm. Over 30 artists will be showing their handmade work at SodoPop (2424 1st Avenue S) in the SoDo area just across the street from Starbucks headquarters. Admission: Bring a non-perishable food item for donation to the Cherry Street Food bank or a suggested donation of $1 per person. The first 30 customers receive a FREE swag bag full of goodies from local artists! Buy Handmade - Buy Seattle-made. Go EtsyRAIN Go!

Shop EtsyRain at SodoPop!

2009-05-05T19:00:00.000-07:00

1) Jill MacCorkle
2) Kimmi
3) Maluhia
4) Norik
5) One Eyed Collie
6) One Heart Studio

Seattle artist collective, EtsyRAIN is hosting their first in-city Spring Craft Show on Saturday, May 9, 2009, 10am to 4pm. Over 30 artists will be showing their handmade work at SodoPop (2424 1st Avenue S) in the SoDo area just across the street from Starbucks headquarters. Admission: Bring a non-perishable food item for donation to the Cherry Street Food bank or a suggested donation of $1 per person. The first 30 customers receive a FREE swag bag full of goodies from local artists! Buy Handmade - Buy Seattle-made. Go EtsyRAIN Go!

Shop EtsyRain at SodoPop!

2009-05-04T19:00:00.000-07:00

1) Alise's Pieces
2) Boodle Bags
3) Debra Linker
4) Dream Some
5) Glass Elements
6) Hasenpfeffer Incorporated

Seattle artist collective, EtsyRAIN is hosting their first in-city Spring Craft Show on Saturday, May 9, 2009, 10am to 4pm. Over 30 artists will be showing their handmade work at SodoPop (2424 1st Avenue S) in the SoDo area just across the street from Starbucks headquarters. Admission: Bring a non-perishable food item for donation to the Cherry Street Food bank or a suggested donation of $1 per person. The first 30 customers receive a FREE swag bag full of goodies from local artists! Buy Handmade - Buy Seattle-made. Go EtsyRAIN Go!

Happy birthday, Robin!

2009-04-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

Very happy birthday wishes go out today to Robin of Artistic Detour! Robin creates a variety of jewelry items, with a specialty of creating pieces incorporating sea glass. Stop by Artistic Detour today to check out all of her pieces, and wish Robin a very happy birthday!

Happy birthday, Heather!

2009-04-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday wishes go out today to Heather of Enchanted Arbor. Heather makes table decor, great for dressing up your table or for creating a unique wedding table decor theme. Stop by Enchanted Arbor today to check out what Heather has to offer, and wish her a happy birthday while you're there!

Happy belated birthday, Meredith!

2009-04-23T19:46:00.000-07:00

In my birthday blitz of a couple of weeks ago, I managed to miss the birthday of a new EtsyRain member, Meredith of Sweet Anthem. Please join me in wishing Meredith a very happy belated birthday! Meredith creates perfumes in a variety of great scents and formats, including custom scent blends. Stop by Sweet Anthem today and check it out! :)

Belated birthdays!

2009-04-09T19:05:00.000-07:00

April has been a hectic month for me, which means I've missed a whole flock of EtsyRain birthdays. With many apologies to all of our early April folks, here's a quick recap!

1. Marja of Glass Elements (April 1)
2. Angie of A Bizness Digital (April 1)
3. Deborah of Satori Fire (April 2)
4. Jill of John Met Betty (April 2)
5. Stefanie of Scatter Good (April 6)
6. Tiffany of Room 3 Designs (April 7)

Also, Kim of Pepo Park had her birthday on April 3rd, but her shop is totally sold out at the moment, so no photos!

Please stop by all of these EtsyRain member shops to check out what they've got to offer, and to wish them all very happy belated birthdays!

Happy belated birthday, Roxanne!

2009-03-31T12:22:00.000-07:00

Extra special belated birthday wishes go out to Roxanne of Homespun Alpacas, who had her birthday on Saturday (which I completely forgot to post about)! Roxanne has a farm with a herd of 14 alpacas, and creates handmade items from the fiber produced by the alpacas. She offers fiber at several stages: loose fiber, yarn, and finished products.

So whether you're looking to make something from alpaca fiber or to purchase something already completed, Roxanne of Homespun Alpacas has you covered! Stop by her shop to wish her a belated happy birthday and check out what she has to offer!

Happy birthday, Marlo!

2009-03-29T08:27:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday wishes go out to our fearless leader, Marlo, who has three shops on Etsy: I Make Cute Stuff, Tote 2 Go, and Marlo M. Jewelry. She makes cactus pincushions, fun and elegant silver jewelry, and eco-friendly shopping totes, all of which are just as cute as can be! Stop by one or all of Marlo's shops today and wish her a very happy birthday, while you check out all of the adorable things she makes!

Happy birthday, Jill!

2009-03-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

Today, please join EtsyRain in wishing Jill of Jill MacCorkle Designs a happy birthday! Jill makes jewelry, primarily necklaces. Her shop is filled with stunning pieces with wonderful names!

So stop by Jill MacCorkle Designs today to wish Jill a very happy birthday, and while you're there, check out what her shop has to offer!

Happy birthday, Anne!

2009-03-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday wishes go out today to Anne of Seattle Sundries. Anne makes wonderful handmade soap in a variety of scents and colors. She has plenty of soaps that will appeal to members of either gender, without being too strongly scented to chase off manly men.

Stop by Seattle Sundries today to check out Anne's great soaps, and while you're there, wish her a very happy birthday!

Happy birthday, Terri!

2009-03-10T12:00:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday wishes go out today to Terri of Reiki Dolls. Terri makes dog shelf sitters, which are stuffed fabric dogs made to resemble your own dog or any other dog you like. You can contact her for information about custom dog shelf sitters for yourself or to give as a gift. Stop by Reiki Dolls today to wish Terri a happy birthday and to check out her great creations!

Happy birthday, Beth and Erin!

2009-03-09T12:05:00.001-07:00

EtsyRain again celebrates two members with birthdays today! First we have Beth of WireTree. Beth is one of the original members of EtsyRain, and it has been wonderful to watch her shop change and grow over time. She makes a variety of jewelry items, but perhaps her most notable items are her hand stamped pendants and tags, particularly these focal point birth pendants.

Our second EtsyRain birthday today is Erin of Red Boots Design. Erin screenprints her original designs onto clothing. Many of her designs are bike related, but she also has a variety of other designs.

So stop by Wire Tree and Red Boots Design today to wish Beth and Erin very happy birthdays. While you're there, check out the other items they both have in their shops!

Happy birthday, Selena!

2009-03-08T12:30:00.000-07:00

Many happy birthday wishes go out today to Selena of Selena Eon! Selena makes fabulous clothing from a mix of repurposed and new fabrics. All of her clothing designs are great for when you want to stand out from the crowd.

Be sure to stop by Selena Eon today to check out Selena's great fashions and to wish her a very happy birthday!

Happy birthday, Megan!

2009-03-07T12:35:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday to Megan Z. of Bellflower Textiles! Megan makes a great variety of sewn objects, including these tooth fairy pillows that are just too adorable! Her shop has lots of great items for little ones, as well as items for adults!

So stop by Bellflower Textiles today to check out Megan's creations and to wish her a very happy birthday!

Happy birthday, Ryan and Kristi!

2009-03-04T12:07:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday wishes go out today to Ryan of Umbilicus Designs. Ryan makes sterling and fine silver jewelry that is inspired by and created from organic objects. She has a variety of one of a kind pieces of jewelry to fit many budgets and tastes!

Stop by Umbilicus Designs today to wish Ryan a very happy birthday, and also to check out her great jewelry items!

Today we also celebrate Kristi's birthday, of DreamSome Designs. Kristi makes fine silver jewelry, with a variety of objects as her inspirations. I'm always intrigued when two of our EtsyRain members share a birthday, and when they work in similar media, it's great to see how their shared birthday gives them similarities, but their unique personalities lend themselves to distinctive qualities in their work.

Be sure to stop by DreamSome Designs today to wish Kristi a happy birthday, and check out her gorgeous jewelry!

Happy birthday, Lauren!

2009-02-26T19:22:00.000-08:00

Today's happy birthday wishes go out to Lauren, of LaRu. Lauren makes jewelry that features her original illustrations. If you're into skeletons, robots, or a variety of other adorable drawings on pendants and earrings, you'll be sure to love Lauren's work. So stop by LaRu today to wish Lauren a very happy birthday and see some of her creations!

Happy birthday, Ana and Sima!

2009-02-25T12:13:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday wishes go out today to two EtsyRain members: Ana of The Pretty Peacock, and Sima of Sima Bella. Both Ana and Sima are jewelry artisans, though their jewelry styles are totally different.

Ana makes hand-stamped jewelry pieces out of metal that she hand cuts and forges. She offers a variety of custom options for pieces in her shop, particularly in the realm of personalization.

Sima makes beaded jewelry pieces, and her style reflects a great eye for color choices. Her woven beadwork pieces are simply exquisite!

Stop by The Pretty Peacock and Sima Bella today to wish both Ana and Sima very happy birthdays. While you're there, check out the wonderful jewelry offerings that both of these great EtsyRain members have to offer!

Happy birthday, Caren!

2009-02-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday wishes go out today to Caren of 4Emphasis! Caren is one half of the 4Emphasis team, which specializes in graphic design. No matter what the graphic needs of your online business may be, Caren (and Chris) have you covered.

Stop by 4Emphasis today to wish Caren a happy birthday, and to check out what she and Chris can design to help improve your web presence!

Happy birthday, SLCStudio!

2009-02-15T08:00:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday wishes go out to SLCStudio! SLCStudio makes adorable plushies and cards, which she sells in her shop on Etsy. Stop by SLCStudio today to wish her a very happy birthday, and check out her great plushies and cards!

Happy birthday, Laurie!

2009-02-11T12:11:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday wishes go out today to Laurie of Green Leaf Knitting. Laurie makes all kinds of wonderful knitted items, many of which are made from natural fibers.

I'm particularly fond of these striped armwarmers, which look just perfect for chilly Seattle days (or chilly days anywhere else in the world)! Stop by Green Leaf Knitting today to check out the rest of Laurie's offerings, and also to wish her a great birthday!

Happy Birthday Theresa & Trina!

2009-02-03T13:19:00.000-08:00

Today EtsyRAIN celebrates the birthday of Theresa - the creative force behind Prayers for Theresa.

In the Prayers for Theresa shop on Etsy, you will find a wonderful variety of rosaries, chaplets, pins, charms and magnets all adorned with beautiful crosses.

Visit her shop and send her some birthday wishes!

EtsyRAIN is also celebrating the birthday of Trina of My Idle Hands.

Trina has a great selection of earrings - like the ones I've pictured to the right. The Amethyst matched with the green jade makes for a beautiful combination.

Stop by her shop to browse her other suggestions and wish her a Happy Birthday while you are at it!

Happy birthday, Kerste!

2009-01-29T12:00:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday wishes go out today to Kerste, of Twist and Giggle. Kerste makes knitted wool soakers for little ones. She offers a variety of sizes and colors of yarn, and is happy to do custom work. Stop by Twist and Giggle today to check out Kerste's work, and wish her a very happy birthday!

Team Challenge in a treasury

2009-01-27T17:03:00.000-08:00

The EtsyRAIN team has completed another Team Challenge - this one's inspiration was Fire. I think it came out beautiful! The treasury will expire on Thursday at 10:56 PM - but until then, you can click and comment!

Included in this treasury:

Brilliantly Boxed (item is in the Team Store)
Tradeur Beads (item is in the Team Store)
Sawatou (item is in the Team Store)
Baubles By Hand
Flanders Field Photography
A Crafty Arab
Ambika (Into The Fray)
Blythe By Design
Zebra Lilly
EbonRaven (Corvid Creations)
Nastrovia Handmade Gifts
Small Impressions Paintings

Happy birthday, Anne!

2009-01-26T12:00:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday wishes go out today to Anne K., of Corvid Creations. Anne makes lovely jewelry, attractive to members of the Corvid family of birds as well as humans who like shiny items. She has a variety of jewelry items available, as well as a limited amount of photography in her shop. Stop by today to check it out and wish her a very happy birthday!

Happy birthday, Jessica and Meghan!

2009-01-21T12:09:00.000-08:00

Two of our EtsyRain members are celebrating their birthdays today: Jessica of MetalSmitten, and Meghan of Baubles By Hand and It's Made at Home.

MetalSmitten features Jessica's silversmithed jewelry and new enamel pendants, like the one pictured to the right. She offers a variety of ring designs, but the colors of her pendants caught my eye as soon as I visited her shop. Stop by and check them out today, and wish her a happy birthday while you're there!

Meghan divides her attention between her jewelry shop, Baubles By Hand, and her homemade playdough at It's Made at Home. In addition, Meghan is a part of the EtsyRain leadership team, and is responsible for the gorgeous graphics and logos that the team uses here on the blog, on Etsy, and for our local shows. Stop by either or both of Meghan's shops today and give her some birthday love!

More belated birthdays!

2009-01-12T07:20:00.000-08:00

Once again, I've gotten a bit behind on the birthday wishes, so we have two EtsyRain members to wish belated birthdays today!

The first is Lissa of Cascadia Art, who celebrated her birthday on January 4th. Lissa makes jewelry inspired by nature, and also does graphic design work. If you're looking for a banner or other graphic items for your Etsy shop, check out Lissa's work!

Our other recent EtsyRain birthday was Brenda of Brenda's Beads and More. Brenda celebrated her birthday on January 11th. Brenda is also a jewelry maker, with a variety of earrings and other items in her shop.

Please join me in wishing both of these EtsyRain sellers very happy belated birthdays!

Belated birthdays and happy new year!

2009-01-03T08:43:00.001-08:00

Since I was traveling over the holidays, I missed a handful of EtsyRain birthdays!

December 28th was the birthday of two of our members, Colleen of BCharmer and David of Nastrovia Handmade Gifts. Colleen's shop features a variety of sewn goods, while David's shop (which he shares with his wife) contains woodworking and jewelry.

December 30th was the birthday of Christy of Columbia Lily Designs. Christy's shop features fabric creations, like purses, fabric covered magnets, and more.

And, of course, we have now passed into a new year. May 2009 be the best year yet for all of our readers and all of our EtsyRain sellers! :)

(Calendar pictured above created by two of our EtsyRain members, Sara and Betsy.)

Happy birthday, Jill!

2008-12-24T07:29:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday wishes go out today to Jill of York Patty. Jill makes some of the cutest kids clothing, for babies all the way up to a girls size 14. She also sews other items and knits beanies.

Stop by York Patty today to wish Jill a very happy birthday, and check out the great items in her shop. She's got clothing for any season, whether your little one needs more stuff for a cold winter day, or whether you're preparing for the coming spring!

Happy birthday, Danielle!

2008-12-14T07:05:00.000-08:00

Many happy birthday wishes today go to Danielle, of Ravenna Girls. Danielle is one half of the Ravenna Girls team, and their shop features vintage finds and handmade items.

While the bulk of their shop is vintage, I couldn't resist this cute little onesie, with custom lettering, to show off. Stop by Ravenna Girls today to wish Danielle a happy birthday, and to check out all of the other neat stuff they've got to offer in their shop!

2008-12-11T22:15:00.000-08:00

Belated EtsyRAIN Happy birthday wishes go out to Jennifer of TudorDesigns.etsy.com! (Sorry this is late Jennifer!)

Check out her Etsy shop and consider adding some of Jennifer's fantastic handmade one-of-a-kind clocks, calendars, books, nightlights and other "FUNctional" home accessories to your gift shopping list! Her Quote Calendar s (pictured at right) come in packs of 3 -- one for yourself and two to give away! How great is that!?

Happy Birthday Jennifer!

Happy birthday, Itaya! :)

2008-12-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday wishes go out today to Itaya, of Divinity Gardens Artistic Expressions and Divinity Gardens Creative Designs. The former shop contains Itaya's paintings, while the latter contains her handcrafted items, like soaps and plush owls.

So stop by one or both of Itaya's shop today, wish her a happy birthday, and check out the variety of great items she's got to offer! Her owls are too cute, her paintings are beautiful, and her soap looks divine!

Get your Christmas shopping done!

2008-12-06T07:23:00.000-08:00

If you're local to Seattle, there are two great opportunities to get a lot of your Christmas shopping out of the way.

Urban Craft Uprising is at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall today (Dec. 6th) and tomorrow (Dec. 7th), from 11 a.m. till 5 p.m.

The Punk Rock Flea Market is at the Underground Events Center, 2407 1st Ave., Seattle, WA, today (Dec. 6th), from 10 a.m. till late. It costs $1 to get in, but the proceeds benefit the Low Income Housing Institute. And if you stick around past 6 p.m., there are bands playing!

Other shows are occurring today as well, but these two shows feature a TON of EtsyRain folks. Stop by and say hello! :)

Happy birthday, Debbie!

2008-12-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

Many happy birthday wishes go out today to Debbie of Baubles Buttons Beads. Debbie makes jewelry, including bracelets, necklaces, and earrings, from vintage and repurposed items.

Stop by Baubles Buttons Beads today to wish Debbie a happy birthday and to check out more of her creations!

Happy birthday, Trina!

2008-11-29T08:00:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday wishes go out today to Trina of Woven Chains. Trina creates chainmaille jewelry, mixing bright colors with traditional metallic colors to make fun and elegant pieces!

I know Trina loves making the bracelets like the one pictured to the right, and they're a lot of fun to play with and wear! So stop by Woven Chains today to wish Trina a very happy birthday, and check out all of the other great chainmaille items she offers!

No need to leave the house for Black Friday!

2008-11-26T09:00:00.000-08:00

Get great deals in the comfort of your own home! EtsyRAIN members are celebrating Black Friday (and many through the weekend) with some great offers! Check them out... (please be sure to check each store's announcements for details).

LoveMeKnotCreations

Buy ONE (at retail) Get ONE Half Off! (Item must be equal or lesser value.)Buy TWO (at retail) Get ONE Free! (Item must be of equal or lesser value)
Plus Free USA Domestic Shipping, and discounted International Shipping.

A revised invoice will be sent via Paypal or if customer has already paid, money will be refunded via Paypal.

Sucree

Thanksgiving Day thru CyberMonday first paid sale of the day gets a free pair of "Fine Hoops"earrings.
Thanksgiving thru Dec 6th free shipping and gift wrapping/gift card if wanted.

GlassElements

BOGO Sale involving my Fused Glass Christmas Ornaments. Buy one ornament, get any one other item in the store (equal or lower value) half off.
As well as free shipping for any jewelry items!

NueToMe

All Recycled Tshirt dresses 30% off (reduced price reflected in listings)

WorldofWhimm

All Quilts, Burp Rags and Bibs 20% off (reduced price reflected in listings)

GBaneyx Designs

20% off jewelry (reduced price reflected in listings)

Haute Goat

Free recycled Nt'l geographic gift box w/ purchase of wide scarf

ArtbyNorm

50% off ArtByNorm original paintings Fri-Mon

Wire Tree

Free shipping anywhere with purchase of $30 or more

Scary White Girl Designs & Counting Stars

Free shipping on any purchase of $30 or more (which can be across the two shops), and it'll run from Nov. 27-Dec. 2.

Entangles

Free Shipping on orders of $15 or more

Stark Horizons

November 27 through December 1 - 20% off everything in the shop
Free Shipping to the US.

Sew Cherie

Cloth napkins:$1 each AND Buy 10 Get 1 Free (free item will be chosen at random)

ABiznessDigital

FREE shipping with purchase of $20+.
FREE MAGNET (my choice) w/ any purchase for items under $20

Pepo Park

Free lip balm (flavor of my choosing) with every order.
Free soap ball (scent of my choosing) for the first 20 orders over $20.

DandylionEggs

Free shipping Friday through Monday

Happy Shopping!

Happy birthday, Lauren!

2008-11-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

Today, EtsyRain is wishing a very happy birthday to Lauren of Dress Green. Lauren makes a variety of bath and body products, including soaps, lip balms, exfoliants, moisturizers, and more.

Stop by Dress Green today to wish Lauren a happy birthday, and to check out the many great products she offers there!

Happy birthday, Morgan!

2008-11-21T08:59:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday wishes go out today to Morgan, of Bygone Arts. Morgan does calligraphy, and creates beautiful one of a kind frameable pieces of written artwork! These are really spectacular!

So stop by Bygone Arts to wish Morgan a happy birthday, and to check out the lovely calligraphy work that she offers!

Open and Ready for Business!

2008-11-18T09:30:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time coming, but the EtsyRAIN team store is finally open and ready for business! Currently featuring the items from our first Premium Member challenge for "stocking stuffers" - you will find a wide selection of handmade arts.

Items are slowly being updated, so check back frequently for new selections.

All items are donated by EtsyRAIN members to help support the various activities and the marketing efforts of the group.

Happy birthday, Kelly!

2008-11-17T09:22:00.000-08:00

Many happy birthday wishes go out today to Kelly, of tomato TOMATO. Kelly is a graphic designer who mainly makes custom items for weddings, baby showers, and other life events.

Every once in a while, Kelly does have an item that doesn't involve customization, like this cute daisy card. This card could be wonderful for all sorts of occasions! So stop by tomato TOMATO today to wish Kelly a happy birthday, and to check out the other great items in her shop! :)

Happy birthday, Heather!

2008-11-15T08:00:00.000-08:00

Join us in wishing Heather of Blythe by Design a very happy birthday today! Heather makes beaded jewelry and also sells her photography in her shop.

While I do love the stunning black and white photos that Heather takes, I have to say that her beaded rings are what really catches my attention. Simple, elegant, and brilliantly photographed! So stop by Blythe by Design today to wish Heather a happy birthday! While you're there, check out her photography and all of her lovely beaded jewelry!

EtsyRain virtual trunk show and SALES!

2008-11-13T22:00:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, November 13th, at 6 p.m. Pacific time, 10 of the artisans of EtsyRain will be featured in a trunk show in Etsy's virtual labs. You'll be able to find the event in the Treehouse.

In conjunction with this trunk show, some of our EtsyRain members are holding sales in their shop. Check out this list for the details of the sales!

Shop(s)	Dates	Sale terms
Baddins Design	11/13	Vintage Clothing Blow Out! All Vintage clothing is 25% off. All Art by Betsy is 25% off, too!
Little Overcoat	11/13	Free shipping on any order over $30!
Love Me Knot Creations	11/13-11/16	Buy one item, get the second (of lesser or equal value) at half price!
Nits Kreations	11/13-11/16	50% off everything in the shop!
Norik Designs and The Lyre of King David	11/11-11/26	Buy one item, get the second at 50% off! Buy 3 or more items, get 30% off your entire order!
ScaryWhiteGirl Designs and Counting Stars	11/13-11/16	Free shipping on any purchase of $25 or more! Your purchases can come from one or both shops!
SR Designs	11/10-11/15	All items on sale!
WireTree	11/13-11/19	Spend at least $40 and get a personalized antiqued copper and leather bookmark for free ($20 value)!

(Italicized shop names are featured in the trunk show.)

Happy birthday, Jennifer!

2008-11-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

Birthday wishes go out today to Jennifer of Tudor Designs. Jennifer makes a wide array of items for her shop, including magnets, stickers, other paper products, clocks, and night lights! There's definitely something for everyone at Tudor Designs!

It's hard to pick just one thing to showcase, but I like these magnets for a bright splash of color on an otherwise plain fridge or filing cabinet. So stop by Jennifer's shop today to check out the variety, and while you're there, wish her a very happy birthday!

Happy birthday, Nora!

2008-11-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

Many birthday wishes go out today to Nora, of Many Faces of Eve and The Lyre of King David. Nora makes beautiful jewelry creations, focusing on Judaica in her second shop.

I'm always surprised to see purple and green together, as I think I'm one of the few people in the world who really loves that color combination. Looks like I might not be the only one, though! Check out the rest of the jewelry in both of Nora's shops, and wish her a happy birthday while you're there!

Happy birthday, Samantha!

2008-11-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

Blow out the candles and make a wish! Today is Samantha's, of Witts Wicks and Knits, birthday! Like her shop name implies, Samantha makes candles and knits, along with assorted other items.

Personally, I think this very vanilla candle would be to die for, but check out Samantha's shop and see what else catches your attention! While you're there, wish her a very happy birthday!

Happy birthday, Jessica!

2008-10-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Many happy birthday wishes to Jessica of Sew Many Little Things. Jessica sews bags out of T-shirts and organic lavender filled eye pillows and sachets.

Stop by Jessica's shop today to wish her a happy birthday, and shop around to see if you find anything that you're looking for!

Happy birthday, Janea!

2008-10-25T11:52:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday wishes go out today to Janea, of Daisie Mai Creations! Janea makes all sorts of lovely jewelry, including toe rings--not something I've seen a lot of on Etsy!

Stop by Janea's shop today to wish her a happy birthday, and take a look at her jewelry designs. You might just find something that would make a great gift for someone you know!

Happy birthday, Mollie!

2008-10-24T07:25:00.001-07:00

Happy birthday wishes go out today to Mollie of Mollie Fabric! Mollie makes a variety of items for her Etsy shop, and describes herself as "a digital artist and traditional craftswoman from the Great Northwest!"

Of course, what Mollie may be best known for is her posters of photographs of meat in the shape of words. When my youngest sister's birthday rolled around, and I told her I'd be in Texas just before her birthday, she told me that she wanted beef for her birthday. I immediately thought of Mollie's meat posters, and guess what my sister got for her birthday? :)

So stop by Mollie Fabric today and check out the meat poster and other items in her shop, and wish Mollie a happy birthday while you're there!

Happy birthday, Halina!

2008-10-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

Many happy birthday wishes today go out to Halina, of HalinaB Designs. Halina makes lovely jewelry for women, as well as strong, masculine pieces for men, or for anyone who wants a more unisex jewelry piece.

Personally, I'm a big fan of both the metalwork and the beads on this bracelet, but no matter what sort of jewelry you're looking for, Halina has many options--bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. She also makes flowers that don't wilt or die from metal and beads--super cute! So stop by HalinaB Designs today and wish Halina a wonderful birthday!

Happy birthday, Laura!

2008-10-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

Please join EtsyRain in wishing Laura of LAS Designs a very happy birthday! Laura makes a variety of clay items, including plates, bowls, banks, and, my personal favorite, mugs. I have one of Laura's spiky mugs (with some serious spikiness) at home, and I love it! The handle is nice and roomy, and it works well as a mug for hot or cold beverages.

So check out Laura's shop and wish her a happy birthday. She's running birthday week sales from the 13th through the 17th of October, so you can get an amazing deal in honor of her birthday!