UK Street Team Blog

Mosaic Monday...It Must Be Love.....

2009-02-23T14:07:00.003Z

Love is always in the air during the month of February, and hearts always make great images, any time of year, here is a selection from the UK Street Team:

1.Valentine by KoolKookyCreatures. 2.Heart of Gold by Foundlings Jewellery. 3. My Secret Heart by Lost in the Forest. 4. Askey Illustration.
5. & 7. Knitted Rings by Chi-Chi Moi. 6.Heart brooches available at Cherry Pips. 8.Feel by Lost in the Forest
9. & 12. by Cherry Pips. 10.Heart Keyfob by Chi Chi Moi. 11. Kiss print available at Chickendog Hastings
13. Tiara by Jez Designs. 14. Kiss by Lost in the Forest. 15. Brooch by Cherry Pips. 16. Heart Keyfob by Chi Chi Moi.

Mosaic Monday with the UK Street Team

2008-10-13T12:20:00.006+01:00

1. Satin Heart Brooch , 2. Rosey Bloom 2008 (C365: day 99), 3. br3, 4. Damson Necklace, 5. Inky Flower Brooch, 6. chunkyheart-reddishpink, 7. Blue Anemone Asymmetric Necklace, 8. Etnika Necklace No.2, 9. My scottish thistle soaps

Created by Gilfling

Think Pink for October breast cancer awareness month!

2008-10-05T14:34:00.005+01:00

October is breast cancer awareness month so here are some fabulous pink items from the UK Street Team.

In the UK we are lucky enough to be entitled to free mammograms on the NHS but this isn't the case over the pond. If you'd like to help our friends in the US click here daily (it doens't cost you more than a click of your mouse) so that the Breast Cancer site's sponsors donate free mammograms to women who cannot otherwise afford them because early detection and prevention is always better!

Top row left to right:
Clutch in Alexander Henry Birdseed fabric with wristlet strap by Angharad
Pink and Mulberry ribbed scarf by Urbanknit
Mother May I pendant by PoorRobin
Petal the Bear by KoolKookyKreatures

Second row left to right:
Sock monkey - Jamie by Siansburys
Personalised pretty in paisley stationery by paperandcloth
Pink blush 12 x 8 fine art print by Artyallsorts
Collaboration pendant - ceramic and alcohol ink - claret flower by Seaurchin

Third row left to right:
Cherry blossom triptych by Askey
Rose mallow pendant necklace by GillyflowerJewellery
Pink garden passport cover by Saysie
Chinese silk corset by delectabledenim

Fourth row left to right:
Pink stripe felt brooch by Cherrypips
Pink fluffy long scarf by DaintyPrettyThings
Lavinia and Gladys by TheBirchtree
Crayon roll - Pink flowers by MadebyCara

Challenge Results for September's Theme Birds !

2008-10-03T13:59:00.004+01:00

As you can see from the previous post there were lots of exciting entries again this month so a difficult voting process all round but there has to be a winner!!

THE WINNER - Chaffinch by Debsmuddle

Tied for second place - Tiny Bird by Seaurchin & Winged necklace by Sakura Jewellery

Third place - "Fly Home Little Bird" Bag by Memake

September Challenge Voting Now Open

2008-10-02T02:39:00.010+01:00

The September challenge entries are now all in and its time to vote folks ----> here

Here are all the entries in no particular order:

Fly home Little Bird, Bag from memake

Tiny Bird by c-urchin

Winged necklace by Sakura Jewellery

Chaffinch by debsmuddle

Bird necklace from fromchaoscomesbeauty

Blue Birdcage Court Shoes from HippyofDoom

Reginald the Rooster from feltlikestitchin

Birdfeeder necklace by pennydogaccessories

Moonlit Owl by konyskiw

Bird Bracelet by myaphrodite

Swallows True love by fromchaoscomesbeauty

Swallow Chandelier from fromchaoscomesbeauty

Abstract Bird from Esmeart

Birdie hook from Sneddonia

Birdie Tree by SneddoniaArt

Handm@de Oxford Fair - A steep learning curve by MomentsbyMartha

2008-09-28T17:40:00.012+01:00

Having had much trouble finding a craft fair locally that was both within my budget and in a central location, I was inspired to arrange one myself by the first We Make craft fair. A small group of etsy sellers, including myself, decided to go ahead and arrange a fair in Oxford... for artists and crafters, to sell items made by their own hands... a fair where the price reflects the costs involved and which supports independent artists in their own right.

Our first task was to find a location. Oxford Town Hall was available for just 1 weekend date this side of Christmas – November the 9^th – we snapped it up!

The Town Hall, built in 1893, has stunning architecture and beautiful decor making it the perfect setting for us to sell our wares. The Hall is in a very central location, just about 50 metres from the main shopping area (map). Sue, who takes the bookings, has been very helpful (and patient) – giving me suggestions about places to advertise as well as an idea of a floor plan for 60 tables.

Having booked the space we realised the enormity of the task in front of us – would we be able to find 60 people to take stalls? Would we be able to get a decent mix of crafts? The answer in both cases is yes.

This week I took the booking for the last remaining table... an enormous relief. We advertised for sellers anywhere that was free. Forums, chat rooms, and as many postings on websites as we could manage! Many of these will remain until the event itself and will serve to direct visitors too.

As for the mix. Its amazing. We have a great variety of jewellery; classic, chunky, retro, funky; as well as bags (both fabric and leather) and toys, scarves and clothing... Stained and fused glass, a stonemason as well as a potter and several painters – not to mention handmade chocolates and delicious looking cupcakes and cookies!

We had an unprecedented response to our request for promotional items – I believe that we're well on our way to 2000 items with more arriving every day. These will be popped into bags and handed out, gratis, to visitors on the day helping them to choose to buy handmade this Christmas.

And so, with just 6 weeks until the "handm@de" Craft Fair takes place, the next step is advertising! A massive undertaking in itself with the objective of getting as many feet through the door as we possibly can. Flyers arrived today, posters have been ordered - and one of those 'Golf Sale' type signs is also on the books...

I just hope the fair is as much of a success as it truly deserves to be.

Check out the handm@made blog for more details and to see some of the fabulous artists/designers/crafters that will be there! http://handmadeoxford.blogspot.com

Article by momentsbymartha

Autumnal Treats from UK Street Team

2008-09-20T10:55:00.005+01:00

Top row left to right we have:
Golden Flowers Moleskin Notebook by Pinkangel
Hanne - Navy Blue Corduroy Skirt by Abibansaldesign
The Age of Man Archival Giclee Print by Gilfling
Grey Wool Neck Warmer by Urbanknit

Second row left to right:
Sock Monkey Paulie by Siansburys
Calendula Flower Ring by GillyflowerJewellery
Lost Mini Print by Askey
Sculptural Bowl - Ceramic - Eroded Sandstone by Seaurchin

Third row left to right:
Sundance Earrings by Myaphrodite
Scruff a Pooch Brooch by Debsmuddle
Wooden Lizard Decoration by Halfanacre
Doily Necklace by Lostintheforest

Bottom row left to right:
Textile Art - Tracks by Limegreenjelly
Autumn Nectar Earrings by lazygiraffe
Knit 5x5 print by Nonsuch
Bramble gemstone earrings by Sakurajewellery

New Logo - Its here!!

2008-09-09T11:26:00.008+01:00

This past week, the Team has (a la Lloyd Grossman) "ruminated, cogitated and digested" the various new team logo entries and we are happy to unveil the winner!

Challenge Results for August's Theme Magic !

2008-09-05T13:17:00.008+01:00

The UK design challenge theme for the month of August was "MAGIC" :) The entries this month were as always of immensely high quality.

Here are the winners and you can check out all the entries here ---> [link].

THE WINNER - The Magicians Assistant by CorsetUs
"Silver silk velvet corset embossed with pointed stars, sequins, boning in the shape of magician's wands and is finished with tassels with tiny velvet top hats."

Second place - White Rabbit Magic Paperweight by pennydogaccessories
"Resin paper weight with top hat and white rabbits"

Third place - Mermaid Wand by Seaurchin
"porcelain wand with crystals at the tip, cords, silver plated wire, glass beads, agate, tigers eye, sterling silver beads and tiny shells"

New Logo - Team its time to vote!!

2008-09-01T12:25:00.004+01:00

UK Street Teamers - the submission deadline for new team logo is nigh so its time for you to go place your ---> VOTE

Voting closes at midnight on Friday 5th September and the new logo will be announced on Saturday 6th September :)

Monthly Guest Article "Art Cards - What, Why and How"

2008-08-28T15:09:00.015+01:00

Once a month we will be featuring an article about non UK Street Team members :) August's guest article is by the lovely Jennifer Rose of Fuzzy Dragons.

**********************************************************************************
There are many ACEO artists that live and create in the UK. ACEO stands for "Art card, editions and originals" and are, on the whole, sold in either fairs, galleries, or shops. ATCs are "Artist Trading Cards" and are traded back and forth. It's a nice way to start an art collection and perfect if you don't have lots of room to hang art on your walls.

Snow Leopard Eye Copyright Jennifer Rose Phillip

There are so many ways a person can make an ACEO and as long as it is 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches there are no rules as to what they are made of. I have picked 3 artists to ask them questions on how and why they have decided to work so small.

*************
1) thecyclingartist "Original abstract seascape paintings and drawings inspired by the English Coast". Tima Mamoser's work is gorgeous so go check it out...I have a really nice piece of her work that sits proudly on my shelf :)

For Sale here (thecyclingartist)

What materials do you use to create your ACEOs ?
All of my paintings are acrylic and for my ACEOs I work on commercial canvas board that I cut down to size. I sell original works so my ACEOs are all one-of-a-kind paintings too!

Why did you decide to make ACEOs?
I resisted ACEOs for quite a while but then did some as an experiment with the ACEO and 'painting a day' movements on eBay. While they weren't big sellers I decided I really enjoyed making them in order to explore colour combinations. So for me personally, they've actually become quite an integral part of my studio practice - they are small studies done in the process of preparing for my larger gallery work.

Favorite ACEO that you have made?
My very favourite ACEO has always been this one, with very dark wispy waves against a pale pink sky.

2) Grooveycrafts makes great ACEOs that use embellishments to make the cards 3D. Grooveycrafts shows that not all ACEOs need to be flat! :D And she has a great tip for people just starting to make ACEOs.

For Sale here (Grooveycrafts)

What materials do you use to create your ACEOs ?
I have started off with some of my ACEOs using poker cards as I like the rounded edge but I also have some pre-cut card in a variety of colours so it's always quite a task deciding which colour I want to use. I then select which image I'm going to use and work around that... so it could be buttons, ribbons, distress ink, rubber stamps, brads, paper etc.... so as you can see I use a variety of material. It all depends on the image and what inspiration I get from it.

Favourite ACEO that you have made?
That is quite hard to choose but I'm choosing this one to show you since it fit in well with Autumn coming up :).
Any advice to people wanting to start working small?
If you're just testing the water to see if ACEOs are for you I wouldn't recommend going out and buying all the supplies you feel you need as I can tell you it is so easy to do as you feel you need everything and everything looks great.

I would recommended buying a pack of playing cards, they only cost about 50p a pack and are the right size for ACEOs. In places like Tescos, Morrisons etc... they have packs of small cut paper at about A6 size with 5 or 6 varieties of colours, designs etc..., you should get quite a few ACEOs using those papers. The other thing you can use is newspapers and magazines for the writing but be careful as some let ink off.

Then, onto Embellishment, its now time to go through your wardrobe... yes I sound crazy I know! See what you really don't want anymore, what your partner doesn't need or your kids have grown out of and cut the buttons, ribbons, flowers etc off and work with those. For images you can get some very nice ones off Etsy from people who will e-mail you them. I haven't bought from anyone yet to be able to recommended any one.

Now you're ready to start creating. For sticking down items I use double sided tape, pritt stick (pritt stick and uhu glue sticks are the best for sticking) and glue dots. If you decide that ACEOs are for you then you can splash out on supplies but if you decide they aren't for you, you won't have spent more then £10 so you don't need to worry.

3) nuvonova makes ACEO albums that she can customise for you, and some gorgeous ACEOs to put in them.

For Sale here (nuvonova)

What materials do yo use to create your ACEOs and books?
I like to use silver pearlescent card as the front and back cover for the album, and grey, black or white (or all together) as the body of the book... this is so that the book acts like a blank wall as if you were in a gallery, and the ACEO's are like the paintings! The book is bound with satin ribbon and the front cover has a custom title. I name mine 'The Little Book of Art'. I have my ACEOs professionally printed onto archival paper so they last many many years and then I mount them onto pearlescent card to make them nice and sturdy!

Why did you decide to make ACEOs and your albums?
I loved the concept when I first found out about it and as I was already in the Art/Design/Fashion field, I had a lot of my own illustrations that I wanted to turn into mini pieces of art... and for people to hopefully buy them, which they do, so yay! Not only did I make ACEOs, but I bought them too, like crazy. I like to have empty walls and I get bored very quickly, so keeping them in albums makes them fresh to my eyes each time I look at them... so I made my own to store them in as I didn't like the typical 3x3 plastic slots you get to put in folders as it looked too cluttered.

For Sale here

Favorite ACEO that you have made?
My favourite fashion illustration that I turned into an ACEO is 'Twilight IV'. It's one of my most favourite drawings which I have turned into my own little mascot and actually, the original is in my fashion portfolio and every time I go on fashion job interviews, that one always gets the 'Oohs'.

*************

So great advice. I encourage everyone to try doing a few ACEOs of their own, but be aware that they can become addicting to make. Of course you could just buy from the lovely people here and support the artists. Lots of different types of cards being made and all at different prices.

Meet the team: part one of many!

2008-08-24T22:27:00.008+01:00

Here we go with our very first (how exciting!) meet the team feature :)

This week, meet Christine Hembling, the fabulously talented chick behind www.paperandcloth.etsy.com.

Christine is an almost-30 year old crafty bride-to-be, living in Sunny Suffolk with her fiancé Ben and utterly adorable Yorkie, Toby. She fits her making of beautiful things in around a full time job as a project manager for an international company, and is also about to start the fifth and final year of a part-time degree – Busy Lady!

Over to Christine…

So, What do you make & where can we buy it?
I make screen printed (gocco) stationery and sell it here: http://paperandcloth.etsy.com/ and here: http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/paperandcloth

How long have you been making things, & how did it all start?
I started making "stuff" at a young age but didn't do it for years until I took up card making a few years ago. Now I try a bit of everything but concentrate on the stationery mainly.

Set the scene for us - where do you do your making?
Well I have just got a lovely new craft room/study/spare room with a custom made desk (thank you lovely man).

How much of your time do you spend making beautiful things?
As much as possible but I have to fit in the degree, house stuff, fiancé and friends occasionally ;)

Is there a craft or technique that makes you think "oooh, I wish I could do that!"
Throwing a pot on a wheel. I tried it a few times and quickly went back to pinch pots!

What's been your proudest crafty achievment to date?
My very first sale. It was amazing to think that someone else actually wanted to buy something I'd made.
I think this may be overtaken by my current project though- the Fab Flower Collaboration, once I get the flowers all together it's going to be pretty spectacular (I hope).

What's your favourite item you currently have for sale?
This set: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13984632, I adore pink so I had to do a pink set of cards!

Describe your work in three words…
Simple, colourful & fun

Pick three materials you couldn't live without…
Card, my gocco and my rounded corner cutter!

.........................................................................

Sensible stuff out of the way, Christine steps up to the challenge of the quick fire round – the real burning questions, LOL!

- Johnny Depp or Brad Pitt? Johnny
- Last thing you spent money on? food from Tesco!
- Peanut Butter - Crunchy or Smooth? Smooth
- Last movie you saw? Juno
- Text messages or emails? email
- Tea or Coffee? coffee
- Dream holiday destination if money is no object? Australia

Lastly, Christine, is there any message you'd like to leave for our blog readers?
I've already mentioned this but I'd love it if everyone could contribute a flower to my Fab Flower Collaboration Project (link as above).

.........................................................................

If you haven’t already, go click on the link to Christine’s project – it’s a fantastic idea, and I for one plan on sending a pretty flower of some sort to be included. (Adds to ever-increasing to-do list!!)

And while you’re at it, have a peek at Christine’s shop!
Her cards are absolutely beautiful, this set:
is definitely on my own wishlist – perfect for that note you’ve been meaning to send forever but keep forgetting… you know the one I mean! Yes, email is all well and good, but a note from a friend in the post is one of life’s simplest pleasures – and what better motivation to send one than to show off your beautiful new stationery!

Many thanks to Christine for her time, and of course her permission to use her beautiful images.

Look out for another interview with someone wonderful soon!

Design Challenge Themes for September and October!

2008-08-21T11:14:00.011+01:00

To refresh our collective minds (or to clear the cobwebs from mine!) here's a quick recap explanation of the monthly design challenges:

Every month a new design challenge is set with a specific theme for the month. All items created are kept TOP SECRET by their makers until they are posted to the flickr challenge group by or on the closing day, which is normally the end of each month. The challenges are open to all UK sellers.

Themes are suggested by all involved and get put into a hat and drawn at random by the wonderful Kezzaroo. Themes for September and October have just been announced: "Birds" (Sept) and "King Arthur" (Oct).

Image Copyright Menno Stassen

When the deadline for entries has closed a voting thread is started in the Etsy Forums by a Street Team member (currently the lovely Debsmuddle) and the voting commences. The winner and runners up are announced in the flickr challenge group :)

Tempting Treats from UK Street Team

2008-08-20T01:39:00.007+01:00

Top row left to right we have:
Flow ceramic and glass jewellery/trinket dish by Sakurajewellery
Button purse by Nonsuch
By the pond - blue topaz set in 18k gold ring by Kalicat
Endlessly waiting to light the way home Giclee print by Gilfling

Second row left to right:
Icy blue and navy twisted scarf by Urbanknit
Silver hammered D shape ring by Daintyprettythings
Peacock feather barette by pamdas
Denim corset by delectabledenim

Third row left to right:
Pretty in paisley note cards by paperandcloth
Odd gloves by knithappens
Deep blue sea earrings by Lazygiraffe
Ceramic pendant with glass crater by Seaurchin

Bottom row left to right:
Abalone and pearl earrings by Momentsbymartha
Leather business card holder by Littleblackduck
Handpainted fiber by Limegreenjelly
Felt heart brooch by Cherrypips

Hello New Street Team - The Spark!

2008-08-18T15:06:00.007+01:00

I’m sure that when it first reared its head, our parents were thrilled.

That spark. The one that allowed us to take a pile of random materials or ideas and turn them into something new. These nascent sketches, collages, glueings and shiny bits of tin foil were hung proudly on the refrigerator door, spurring us on to what we could do NEXT time. How much better we could make them. How much neater. How much shinier.

As adults, the world can often get in the way of creative impulses. We rarely have time to just sit down and get an idea onto paper, onto fabric, onto metal. It’s not in our daily schedule. “8 am- Wake up the kids. 8.30 am- take a shower. 9 am- breakfast.” It isn’t often that we get to pencil in, “10 am- MAKE.”

The unique thing about the UK Street Team is that we ARE the people who manage to sweep a small, clear space in the cluttered kitchen floor of our lives to sit down and indulge in our imaginative impulses. To make that next idea better. Neater. Shinier. We are a colourful rag bag of creators, designers, artists and makers who have banded together to make the craft scene in the UK a little more visible. To let consumers know that yes, they DO have a choice when it comes to the things they buy. To support each other in our efforts. And, just occasionally talk about cake.

Some of us craft for a livelihood. Others do it as a hobby. But we’re all governed by the same impulse for innovation. An impulse that’s lead us to revamp our team and start afresh in order to more efficiently share our unique gifts with each other and the public at large. We all want to donate our time and efforts into spreading the gospel of the UK craft scene, chapter and verse.

In the coming months, watch for interviews, competitions, show dates and goodies from our happy little collective. We’ll be hanging our wares on the giant refrigerator door of cyberspace.

We hope you like what you’ll see and come back often.

by Myaphrodite

UK Street Team Members Guide: Cards and Papercrafts

2008-08-18T05:14:00.004+01:00

CARDS & PAPERCRAFTS

http://paperandcloth.etsy.com (cards, stationary)
http://pinkangel.etsy.com (cards, notebooks, gocco prints)
http://tinyislandbooks.etsy.com (books for children)

UK Street Team Members Guide: Supplies

2008-08-18T05:12:00.002+01:00

SUPPLIES

http://limegreenjelly.etsy.com (fibre supplies)
http://redskyrocks.etsy.com (jewellery supplies)
http://tinyisland.etsy.com (fabric and decorative supplies)

UK Street Team Members Guide: Art & Photography

2008-08-18T05:08:00.003+01:00

ART & PHOTOGRAPHY

http://artyallsorts.etsy.com (photography)
http://askey.etsy.com (digital illustration & graphic design)
http://cookiechang.etsy.com (mix media art)

UK Street Team Members Guide: Homewares

2008-08-18T05:06:00.001+01:00

HOMEWARES

http://bluemarmalade.etsy.com (soaps)
http://halfanacre.etsy.com (wooden ornaments)
http://madebycara.etsy.com (bunting)

UK Street Team Members Guide: Plush, Dolls, Toys

2008-08-18T05:02:00.004+01:00

PLUSH, DOLLS, TOYS

http://kezzaroo.etsy.com (plush)
http://koolkookykreatures.etsy.com (plushies)
http://Siansburys.etsy.com (sock monkeys)

UK Street Team Members Guide: Clothing & Shoes

2008-08-18T04:54:00.009+01:00

CLOTHING & SHOES

http://abibansaldesign.etsy.com (dresses, tops, bags)
http://birchtreeboutique.etsy.com (dresses)
http://delectabledenim.etsy.com (skirts, corsets, bags, purses)
http://hippyofdoom.etsy.com (shoes)
http://knithappens.etsy.com (knitwear, gloves)
http://thebirchtree.etsy.com (underwear, tshirts)
http://urbanknit.etsy.com (knitwear)

UK Street Team Members Guide: Accessories

2008-08-18T04:48:00.010+01:00

ACCESSORIES

http://cherrypips.etsy.com (brooches)
http://debsmuddle.etsy.com (brooches)
http://littleblackduck.etsy.com (bags)
http://nonsuch.etsy.com (purses, brooches)
http://pollysdolly.etsy.com (bags, belts, brooches)
http://saysie.etsy.com (pouches)
http://yumptatious.etsy.com (pouches)

UK Street Team Members Guide: Jewellery

2008-08-18T04:39:00.011+01:00

JEWELLERY

http://allthosethrees.etsy.com
http://daintyprettythings.etsy.com
http://gillyflowerjewellery.etsy.com
http://kalicat.etsy.com
http://kookyboutique.etsy.com
http://lazygiraffe.etsy.com
http://lostintheforest.etsy.com
http://momentsbymartha.etsy.com
http://myaphrodite.etsy.com
http://numpty.etsy.com
http://pamdas.etsy.com
http://sakurajewellery.etsy.com
http://seaurchin.etsy.com
http://thedominoeffect.etsy.com

UK Street Team Membership Review

2008-08-07T23:45:00.006+01:00

Tomorrow evening membership review surveys (along with new membership guidelines) will be circulated to everyone who's name is on the Etsy UK Street Team profile page. Members then have until midnight on Friday 15 August to respond.

In the meantime all members have been removed from the UK Street Team flickr group so that we can make sure that we determine who is in the team before anything else rolls on. After survey responses have been reviewed by the membership committee invitations will be sent out to re-join the Street Team flickr group.

Sorry about the drastic measures but it is to try and keep things simple and to follow a logical order.

KoolKoookyKreatures
Hippyofdoom
Sakurajewellery

UK Etsy July Challenge by Kool Kooky Kreatures

2008-08-05T10:13:00.006+01:00

Well, another month and another brilliant set of entries for the UK Etsy Challenge! This months challenge was to produce a piece based on the theme of Mushrooms.

You can see all the entries here but here are the top 3 entries.

In joint third place with 6 votes each were Debsmuddle and Rachelscards

debsmuddle.etsy.com

rachelscards.etsy.com

In joint second place (with 7 votes each) were Seaurchin and CuriosityKilled

seaurchin.etsy.com

curiositykilled.etsy.com

And in first place with 10 votes was the wonderful Lovealittle with this beautiful fabric mushroom!

Well done!

lovealittle.etsy.com

Next months (August) challenge is "Magic" so get making!

More Entries for the UK Etsy June Challenge

2008-07-01T19:28:00.004+01:00

Here are some more entries for the Uk Ety June Challenge - Seven Deadly Sins!

A wonderful Envy bag by Memake.

Lust Necklace by Bee Emporium.

And a fantastic Lust dish by Bombus!

UK Etsy June Challenge

2008-06-30T20:58:00.013+01:00

Here are the brilliant entries for the June UK Etsy Challenge. This months challenge was "The Seven Deadly Sins"

First up is the entry by Paisley Chainsaw - a fabulous bag!

Next is a gorgeous necklace and earrings set by My Aphrodite

Here is a superb collection of plushies by Fur Will Fly depicting all the deadly sins.

Saysie came up with this Lustful pillow!

And Claire Payne produced these envious Green Eyed Monsters.

Trees Challenge Results (December)

2008-01-19T23:42:00.000Z

December's design challenge theme was (rather appropriately) "trees" - as usual this challenge resulted in a wide variety of interpretations of the theme, in lots of different creative mediums.

In third place came Konyskiw's "Bluebell Woods" painting:

In second place was Gracefell's tree stump pincushion:

And the winner was TheDevilsWallpaper with "Crow Folk"

The other great entries were...

Memake's Christmas tree tags:

KittyPinkStars Candy Tree:

The NuttyKnitter's knitted tree:

Siansburys' Haycorn the sock monkey:

LiveCreations' painting:

... and last but not least, Quintessentially's Secret Garden:

Fairytales Challenge Results (June)

2007-10-12T12:10:00.000+01:00

The UK Etsy challenge theme for the month of June was Fairytales, and it proved to be a very inspiring theme, with the standard of work entered reaching new heights of "wow"-inducement

In third place came Askey for her spooky illustration "Lost" (photo coming soon!)

Second place went to Bunny for her incredible "Alice in Wonderland" art shoes

... but the winner of the challenge was Seaurchin for her awesome ceramic Frog Prince

The other excellent entrants were:

"The Dish Ran Away with the Spoon" embroidered bag by Stitchworks

"Cinderella" photograph by Tiinateaspoon (photo coming soon!)

"Princess Painting" by MadameBogg

"Fairytale" illustration by Askey (image coming soon!)

"The birth of Thumbelina" drawing and "Little Mermaid" necklace by SakuraFubukiDesigns
(photos coming soon!)

"Red Riding Hood" painting by NovemberMoon

"Fairytale" notecards by Alicub (photo coming soon!)

Transforming "Pumpkin Carriage" by CharlotteNarunsky
"Princess" illustration by Bunny

A very bling "Gingerbread Man" by Memake

Siamese twin art dolls by TheDevilsWallpaper (photo coming soon!)

"The Elf's New Shoes" and "Anansi and the Ant" tie by KoolKookyKreatures

"The Snow Queen" by LAMdesigns

"Little Red Riding Hood" earrings and necklace by Honeybeedz

"Little Red Munkie Hood" modelling a shawl by AmandaWilliamsDesign who didn't want to get left out of this month's challenge!

"Fairytales" collage by Rosehip71

"Snow Queen Coronet" by BlueMarmalade

"Once Upon a Time" textile artwork by Lupin

"A Long Tale" and "High Tea" photos by SugarSnaps
"Thumbelina" by PinkAngel (photo coming soon!)

"The Little Mermaid" art quilt by Swirlyarts

And last but not least...

"Gingerbread Men" playset by Lovealittle

UK Team shout out on the Etsy Labs blog!

2007-07-03T09:12:00.000+01:00

Mary of Etsy Labs was kind enough to give our lovely street team a shout-out on their blog at the start of the month - you can read the full post here, or peruse these handy extracts:

"We just got the latest word from the UK Etsy street team updating us with all the exciting news that is going on with their team! They are not only binding together as team by utilizing the Etsy forums and other online sites like Blogger and Flickr to create design challenges, keep up with each other, organize swaps, and communicate...but they have just recently planned their very first meet up scheduled for this coming August!"

"You guys are such a wonderful example of how a team can bind together and make events and challenges happen by communicating not only in person, but over the web!"

Hurrah! :D

UK Etsy Challenge: notice of themes

2007-06-14T09:47:00.000+01:00

So we're all currently working on items for this month's theme of "fairy tales" (deadline the end of June) but what about next month? and the month after that?? Well, to give the old creative juices plenty of time to flow, we are happy to report that the theme for JULY is MEDICINE and the theme for AUGUST is CLOUDS. Happy making!

Flowers Challenge Results

2007-06-08T17:54:00.000+01:00

The deadline for our latest design challenge was May 31st, and this time we had a whole month to work on our entries... and the response was huge! Loads of artists and crafters entered flower-themed items to the challenge group over on Flickr, most created specially for the challenge. With so many entries, it was hard to decide to vote for, but after much umming and ahhing, the winners were declared:

In first place was Greygoat with her San Francisco art knickers "If you're going to San Francisco or indeed anywhere even slightly groovy, be sure to wear some flowers on your pants"
Second place went to TheDevil'sWallpaper for two paintings. 'Daisies' - "Because the floral theme was all looking so bright and happy"...
...and 'The Fake Lily' - "Some of us are not lotuses. Some of us drown in an environment where others thrive" And third place went to Reform for this page from her sketchbook:
The other awesome entries were:

Alicub's modern florals cards
AmandaWilliamsDesign's flower photo
Askey's "Rose" illustration
Arty Allsorts' "Geum" and "Primrose" photos - images to be added soon!

Bianca Snow's caramel dot hair flower

Bunny's "Freesia" illustration

Feltbug's felt vessel with flowers
Gilfling's "The fuscia lantern" and "Traces of flowers"
Gillyflower's "Woodland Flora" necklace
Honeybeedz's crystal flower necklace

Koniskiw's "the little bee" ACEO
KoolKookyKreatures' flower brooch and "down the garden path" painting

LittleMissRiver's flower painting

Lovealittle's slashed silk flower bag and flower needlecase

Lupin's urban rose garden photo

Marmalady's crochet bookmark, smiley flowers cards, spring flowers cards and crochet brooch

Memake's blue flower bag

Nonsuch's 'high tea' card

Pinkangel's fabric flower pendant
SakuraFubukiDesigns ceramic and pearl sakura necklace and melted glass sakura tapas dish - images coming soon!

Seaurchin's "forget-me-not" pendant and "mermaid flower" pendant
Stitchworks' handmade felt bag and flower pin

Swirlyarts' flower brooch
... and Yumptatious' "flowers of joy" felt brooches

Many of these items are now for sale in the entrants' Etsy shops... or you can see all these photos and more over on Flickr.
This month's challenge theme is "fairy tales" and the deadline is the end of the month - midnight on 30th June. The themes for the next few months are due to be selected soon, to give everyone plenty of time to fit the challenges in to their busy lives! New themes will be announced in the challenge group and reported here shortly afterwards.

Featured Seller: Askey

2007-05-22T11:40:00.000+01:00

Our second featured seller is Jo Askey, the lovely lady who is currently very busy matching everyone up with their secret swap partners!

Would you describe yourself as an artist? an illustrator? a graphic designer? or something else entirely?
I think of myself as an illustrator, at least I try to be. I know that as soon as type is added, my work actually becomes graphic design, but I usually begin with the illustration. I would be far too embarrassed to ever refer to myself as an artist. I just draw pictures of daft things like peoples feet.

What was the first thing you sold? Are you still proud of it?
I can't remember what the first thing I sold was! I think it may have been a commission for some artwork for a friend. I'm not sure I would say that I'm really "proud" of any of my work, I always pick fault with it and aspire to improve for my next piece.

How has your style changed over the years?
I think the change in my style has occurred more because of changing the medium in which i work rather than maturing in anyway. Using illustrator has allowed me to better control my creative energies and focus them more neatly and precisely. Back in my 'fine art' days at college, I worked mainly in print (e.g. lino) and sculpture usually giant wire creations. I seemed to be unable to make anything smaller than around ten foot square and I had a habit of working mainly at two o'clock in the morning, or whenever the creative urge hit me. I'd like to think I'm slightly more disciplined and controlled now.

You do quite a lot of custom work... how does your creative/working process differ with custom work than with your original drawings?
When I do an original illustration, and I can wait for inspiration, I have the freedom to change direction at any time and just let the process take me to it's natural conclusion. With custom work, I've always had a brief. Which means that there are always elements that must be included, this can make design solutions more limited but can also be a great challenge.
I love doing commissions and creating company logos, it's a great contrast to the freedom of creating my own artwork with no boundaries. It can be really useful for getting the creative juices flowing (probably the same reason us UK Etsy sellers love our monthly 'challenges') and with every job I feel like I've learned something new.

[Custom print for Gillyflower by Askey]
[Custom banner and logo for BlueMarmalade by Askey]

Do you have a favourite or most-hated colour?
My favourite colour changes weekly, and is more a favourite combination of colours rather one colour. Today it is dusty lavender with chocolate brown. At the moment I'm not really into brights - fuschia pink, electric blue etc. But there are no colours I hate, they are all beautiful in the right context.

Do you work from home? What is your workspace like?
I work from home, and the room I work from varies. At the moment I've set my workspace up in a corner of the living room, this allows me to keep an eye on the kids and have mooch on Etsy at the same time. My workspace consists of my mac and my printer on a white ikea table - very minimalist!

Do you ever suffer from creative block?
I don't suffer from creative block - I'm very easily excitable and have a long mental list of things that I want to draw when I get the chance. Whether my work is worth getting excited about is a matter of opinion though!

What is your favourite item in your Etsy shop at the moment? Why?
My favourite item from my shop at the moment is 'do you like my shoes?' But if you asked me again next week, I'd probably answer differently. Why? I just like the colours and how the girl is standing in that, slightly awkward but beautifully vulnerable way that children stand.
[Do You Like My Shoes?, limited edition print by Askey]

What five words would you use to describe Etsy?
Etsy is - addictive, inspiring, fun/funny, eclectic, sociable

What is your current favourite shop on Etsy? What was your last Etsy purchase?
My last purchases were some fabulous tags by Lupin and a retro cushion cover by ruthscrafts.
[Recycled Map Tags by lupin]

[Retro Flower Cushion Cover by ruthscrafts]

I really love Kinchi at the moment - - I haven't bought anything yet, but I'm loving these little belts![Vintage Ribbon Belts by Kinchi]

And finally, do you like your shoes?
Yes, I love my shoes! But because i don't drive my shoes get a lot of hammer. I walk miles and miles every week, so get through shoes quite quickly. My all time favourite shoes were a pair of light brown strappy high heels from Jones the bootmaker. But I wore them so much that eventually the heels were little more than stumps. I still miss them; they really were fabulous shoes...

More featured seller interviews coming soon!

UK Etsy Bloggers Unite!

2007-05-20T12:09:00.001+01:00

Thanks to the html-based efforts of the lovely Jen (aka Numpty) the UK Etsy Sellers now have our very own blog ring! Hurrah! You can now surf around a ring of UK Etsy blogs via the link down on the left there (once Jen has approved this site's ring membership, of course!) and check out the creative ups and downs, works in progress, schemes, successes, failures, passions, obsessions and all round general ramblings of many awesome UK Etsy people :)

P.S. don't forget the May design challenge ends soon! All entries on the theme of "flowers" must be submitted to the challenge photo pool by 1pm on 31st May. There are some great entries already - go check them out...

UK Etsy Sellers Blogs!

2007-05-16T11:32:00.018+01:00

Fancy browsing some of our sellers' blogs on your tea break? Check out the great blogs on the list below, or use the "UK Etsy Sellers Who Blog" webring down on the left there...

If you are a UK Etsy seller and would like your blog added to this list (or removed from it) please contact Sakura Jewellery. If you'd like to join the blog ring - run by the lovely Jen of Numpty - please visit: uketsybloggers.blogspot.com

Featured seller: Sakura Jewellery

2007-05-06T16:15:00.002+01:00

Our very first featured seller is the lovely Anna of SakuraJewellery.

How did you get started with jewellery-making?
I would like to say something awfully creative and inspiring like "it was my calling" or "I have been making jewellery since I was a child" or something like that but the truth is that it all started with a jewellery-making kit from my good friend Nick one Christmas. I tried my hand at it and found it so much fun and such good stress relief that I just continued and have never looked back!!
I would make tons and tons of jewellery and give it away to friends and family and then one day one of them suggested that I sell it. My initial reaction was complete horror...I was so fearful that turning my passion into a business venture would steal the pleasure from the experience but luckily it didn't so here I am today with my little corner of Etsy

Do you have a dedicated studio space? If not, where do you work?
I so wish I could answer yes to this question but alas my kitchen table and half the living room have to double as my home studio space at present.
My materials stash is rapidly taking over our living areas so I am seriously considering converting the spare room into my dedicated studio space. We will have to see what [my boyfriend] Menno says about it though!

Do you wear your own jewellery? Do you just make things you would wear yourself?
You are going to laugh but actually I can't stand wearing any kind of jewellery at all (well perhaps the odd ring). I know that sounds so strange coming from someone who makes jewellery. I have an inkling that it may be to do with self esteem as I notice that people who wear eye-catching jewellery are often very confident in their appearance. But hey I am working on it! There is one designer though for whom I make an exception and that is ishdesigns on Etsy. She makes jewellery with Japanese washi/yuzen paper on mother of pearl which she then resins to give a glossy glassy finish.
I tend to make jewellery that I find visually appealing using materials and colours that put a smile on my face. But I do try to vary my style somewhat to appeal to a broad spread of tastes but at the end of the day, because I do this for my own pleasure, my pieces inevitably end up being things that delight me (rather selfish I know) - unless of course it is a custom order.

Are you yourself as elegant and stylish as your jewellery suggests?
Hmmmmm I must admit I am never up on current trends....I tend to stick to clothing that I like and that I know suits my body whether it is in fashion or not. Back in my law school days I used to wear ponchos and knee high boots to college all the time (this was before they were fashionable) and I used to get called "Clint" (as in Eastwood) quite regularly. The same story with knee high boots...I have a HUGE collection and wear them regardless of current fashion trends :D Needless to say, I felt rather smug when they became all the rage!!
I like to think I have my own style....whether or not that is elegant or stylish is a matter of opinion I guess hahaha

What is your number one favourite material that you absolutely could not imaging crafting without. If it had never existed, how would it change your work? what might you be making instead?
Wow this is such a hard question to answer because there are so many materials I find essential for my designs. I guess the number one material would be sterling silver as this forms the basis for all my jewellery. Another would probably be gemstones. I just love the range of colours and that little added sparkle they give to any design.
I think if I didn't have access to these materials I would try my hand at making silk and hemp jewellery.

Do you ever get crafter’s block?

This question made me laugh out loud as I have been majorly suffering with lack of creative mojo of late. My frustration with my creative block growing so great that I even ended up blogging about the whole episode. I am happy to say, however, that loss of creative mojo is, thankfully, not a regular occurence. On the odd occasion that this does happen, I just tend to give myself time to step away from my jewellery-making and go off and do other things I enjoy which tends to reignite my enthusiasm for designing and making pieces.

What blogs, books or magazines have you read recently that you found inspiring?
I recently picked up a series of books by Elizabeth Chadwick at the airport and have become somewhat of a fan. Her stories tend to be loosely based on historical facts and are mostly set in medieval times with plenty of knights in armour and maidens occassionaly in distress but mostly quite fiesty!
Images in my mind from Chadwick's books have strongly influenced my most recent pieces: the "Camelot" and the "Montroi" choker/necklaces which both, to my mind, have a strongly medieval feel about them. Both these pieces were also strongly inspired by the gorgeous beads I received from Lupin via the UK Etsy swap group.
[Montroi choker]

What is your favourite item in your shop right now?
Oh that would have to be my Juicy Delight bracelet with Mexican fire opals. Just looking at it makes me feel happy and the colours are just perfect for summer. Plus it's my avatar and banner for my store and I even have it on my business cards!
[Juicy Delight bracelet]

What other creative outlets do you have?
I sometimes have flashes of inspiration and just come up with a particular project I want to do.
I made a chandelier a while ago using 8000+ Swarovski crystals because I couldn't find anything I liked in the shops and knew exactly what I wanted. I tend to be rather fearless (or naive depends how you look at it) when it comes to new projects.....I never for a moment thought that I wouldn't be able to make the chandelier.....perhaps overly confident lol It took 3 months! I don't think I'd do it again hehehe

[the finished chandelier]

Menno and I go to ceramics classes every week which we both enjoy and I paint and draw when the mood takes me.
[sashimi plate by Anna]

What five words would you use to describe Etsy?
Fun, Addictive, Sociable, Colourful, Friendly

What is your current favourite shop on Etsy?
I think my favourite shop on Etsy would have to be ishdesigns. The oriental look of the jewellery really appeals to me probably because I am half Japanese. I feel like it's a small celebration of my Japanese side when I wear it. Seriously I think I have about 15 pieces of her jewellery!! Slight ishdesigns addiction!
[Anna's most recent purchase from ishdesigns]

What was your last Etsy purchase?
My last Etsy purchase was a custom order from Askey of my 2 siamese cats Maru and Luna. Askey is a seriously talented lady and a dream to work with!!
[custom print by Askey]

And finally, what is your favourite kind of cheese?
My favourite cheese would have to be Dutch young cheese which is very mild but absolutely scrummy. I can never seem to find it in the UK so have to bring back huge blocks whenever we visit Menno's folks in Holland.

More featured sellers coming soon!

Moviestars Challenge Results

2007-04-17T19:48:00.000+01:00

The entries for the "moviestars" design challenge were revealed on Sunday, and after many votes were cast the award for best item went to...

... memake for her Cary-er Bag featuring the lovely Cary Grant appliqued in denim
In 2nd place was reform's distressed collage of Virginia Grey
3rd place went to lupin for a selection of star pins - one set literally stars themselves, this set inspired by 13 yr olds who want to be "famous" when they grow up.
The other challenge entries were...

"You know my name" collage made and brilliantly staged by littlemissriver
"Brad's necklace" by honeybeedz who describes her design as "just the kind of thing that Brad would wear to declare his love for Angelina. Far more tasteful than a vial of her blood!!"
And (last but by no means least) "MM backstage" by askey who says "please don't report me to the copyright police!!"
The next challenge:
As mentioned in an earlier post, we've decided to switch to monthly challenges from now on as a new theme every fortnight is rather a lot of crafting to squeeze into our busy schedules... So, we'll be taking a break for a couple of weeks and then the challenge for May will be "Flowers", deadline Thursday May 31st, when entries will be posted to the flickr group by 2pm BST and voting will be conducted for 24 hours via the Etsy forums (voting is open to anyone on Etsy).
Then in June our theme will be "Fairy Tales", perfectly timed for Midsummer!

Press Mentions and Blog Features

2007-04-12T10:11:00.000+01:00

Lots of the UK Etsy sellers have been turning up in the press and on all sorts of blogs lately...

Gorjuss did an exhibition in Glasgow that was covered by the local press, and has a painting in the "Cats and Dogs" exhibition at the Angles Theatre, Wisbech Cambridge which runs until the end of April. She was also recently interviewed by FREEDOM magazine in Taiwan. Not in Engish, the interview is apparently very similar to one Gorjuss did a while back for Paradox Etherial. Gorjuss is also mentioned in Advanced Photoshop Magazine who this month are offering 'gorjuss brushes' on their cover CD.

Kezzaroo's mini Mr T. was featured on the MTV Style Blog, accompanying a Mr T. t-shirt as product of the day: "Complete with chains, big and bad attitude, but small enough to keep in your pocket!"

Gilfling collaborated with stilettoheights and made an art corset which Izabella's Blue described as "the most amazing corset I have seen in a long time!!"... the project was also blogged by stilettoheights

I myself (Lupin) was asked some questions about my "sunny and cheerful" design aesthetic by the lovely Angela of Ambient Design

The Independent Artists Group blog featured an interview with The Devil's Wallpaper about her life & work which left the interviewer convinced that "I'm interviewing a genius". Very much in the spirit of Etsy, The Devil's Wallpaper remarks: "If you buy a painting from me, it will make a big difference to my life. If you buy a print from Ikea, then who have you helped? Does anyone write you a handwritten thank you note?"

... and that is all the news for now!

Next Design Challenge: Moviestars

2007-04-04T18:11:00.000+01:00

The theme for this fortnight's design challenge has been selected and it is "moviestars"... All entries will be posted to the challenge group on flickr by 2pm on Sunday April 15th, and voting will begin soon afterwards.

Votes can be cast in the Etsy forums (only one vote per person - pick your one favourite!) and will be totted up 24 hours after voting begins (to allow people in all timezones a chance to vote). Results will be posted in the voting thread and then later on this blog. Enjoy!

EDIT: A Change of Plan: advance notices of all the challenges will be given from now on, and the challenges will be MONTHLY to give everyone more of that valuable planning time & a chance to fit the extra crafting in around their already busy schedules. After Moviestars will come "Flowers" (deadline 31st May) and then "Fairy Tales" (deadline 30th June).

Ninja Challenge Results

2007-04-04T12:44:00.000+01:00

The entries for the Ninja Challenge are in, and the winners have been declared!

The grand winner and newly-crowned Ninja Queen was Kezzaroo with a cuddly plush bedtime ninja.

Kezzaroo explains: "Having worked closely with the ninja for many years i have decided to show you what the ninja looks like at bedtime. Wearing his pink pyjama onesie *with feet attached of course* How does he get into such a snug ensemble i hear you ask? Just a regular bum flap..."

In joint 2nd place were Lilley with a trio of polymer clay ninjas...

... and memake with a ninja purse designed so "you know your money is protected"

3rd place went to askey for this ninja greetings card (image shows card opened flat - folds at central line)

The other great challenge entries were:

Ninja Ted by Wildcat Designs. "During the day, he's Tartan Ted. But at night...he becomes NINJA TED!!!"

Ninja Baby, Ninja Kitty & Ninja Bunny Brooches by Lupin.

Cloud Ninja by Little Miss River - "The only problem with being a cloud ninja, is that unless its night time...you're still pretty visible"

Kooky Boutique's earring & necklace combo "for the the nin-jette about town".

Ninja Cuff Bracelet by Honeybeedz

Goldyone's Ninja, pictured "hiding under the cliff looking for a fight".

'Rubbish Ninja' by The Devil's Wallpaper. "He is only a yellow belt and he wears it on his head and he wears his stars as acessories so he got kicked in the eye"

Ninja Dog by Bunny who says "this isn't really a 'proper' entry. I just didn't want to be left out!"

Ninja bib by Blue Marmalade

And last but not least: Wizard of Oz Ninjas by Alicub. "Not all ninjas are 24-7 killing machines you know! Some like nothing more than hiring costumes from the local shop, dressing up and signing along to their favourite musicals....."

NEW: Fortnightly Design Challenges

2007-03-25T16:35:00.000+01:00

The Great Pants Challenge was so much fun that we wanted more! Not more pants (although, frankly, can you ever have too many pairs of knickers?) but more challenges... and so the fortnightly design challenge was born.

It's pretty simple really. Every fortnight we will be set a new challenge, all items to be kept secret and then posted to the flickr group by or on the closing day. Any of the UK sellers can join in with any of the challenges that take their fancy, or sit as many of them out as they like.

Everyone is involved in suggesting possible themes for the challenges, and Kezzaroo is currently in charge of selecting one of these themes at random from the box of ideas. Suggestions so far have included fairytales, seasons, birds, film titles, insects, signs of the zodiac, and found objects...

The first theme to have been selected is: Ninjas! Deadline: Sunday April 1st, 2007.
Will people make actual Ninjas? Items suitable for the stylish Ninja-about-town? Or things more broadly inspired by these sleek killing machines? Only time will tell.

The Great Pants Challenge

2007-03-24T12:31:00.000Z

Inspired by the general madness that is Comic Relief, and encouraged by the various quirky obsessions of the UK Chat thread in the Etsy forums... the Great UK Pants Challenge was born.

Any UK Etsy seller could enter, donating a 50p ($1) entry fee to Comic Relief. The challenge was simple: create a pair of pants/knickers/panties/underoos in any medium, the results to be posted by 1pm GMT on Friday 16th March 2007. Voting was open to all the peoples of Etsy via the forums, and the votes were to be totted up and the winners announced at 9pm that evening.
The list of entries was pretty huge! A strong desire to raise money for the cause? Or something deep rooted in the British psyche that makes us totally delighted by the word PANTS? Who knows?

The winners were...

1st Place: Bunny with a drawing of The Annual Pants Day Festivities in Knickerville:
2nd Place: Seaurchin with His 'n' Hers ceramic pants pins:

3rd Place: Kezzaroo with felt Mr T pants:

The other entrants were...

Alicub with a Plenty of Pants ACEO

AmandaWilliamsDesign with a knitted and bejewelled thong
Askey with The Pants of Etsy
TheDevilsWallpaper with a Pants Monkey Card featuring a paper doll monkey & his pants
Gillyflower with a Pretty Pink Pants Necklace
GreyGoat with a real pair of pants!
HoneyBeedz with mini beaded pants
KnitClicking with a Knitted thong & pair of Y-Fronts
KnitHappens with The Big One knitted pants
LittleMissRiver with Felt Sock-Monkey Pants
Lupin with a Lucky Pants ACEO and also some Pants Badges
MeMake with "Have You Felt My Pants?" pants
MemoryIsArt with a Vintage Stockings and Suspenders greeting card
Nonsuch with Knitted Johnny Pocket pants
Reform with Tin Knickers
WildCatDesigns with Knitted Frilly Knickers

Many of these items have been sold to raise further funds for Comic Relief, and some are still on sale. More photos are available at the UK Pants Challenge flickr group.

Red Nose Day Fundraising...

2007-03-22T10:30:00.000Z

Every 2 years here in the UK we have "Red Nose Day" when we all go a bit mad to raise money for a great charity called Comic Relief whose vision is "a just world free from poverty". To raise money for this great cause lots of the UK Etsy sellers made special red items to sell in their shops, or donated all or part of the sales from some of their red items to the cause.

Gillyflower offered sparkling red bracelet & earring sets:

Kezzaroo did a roaring trade in Red Ninjas:
Seaurchin made ceramic red nose day beads:

And Reform made a RND slate:

Other sellers getting in on the charitable act: AmandaWilliamsDesign with a red sparkly shrug and felted handbag, WildcatDesigns with a red corsage, TinyIsland with red-nosed cheeky monkey cards, Alicub with clown cards, Kalicat offering a % of sales, Nonsuch with a red "doodle" corsage, Bebopgirl with 20% of cards & red jewellery sold, DichroicDazzle with 50% of several items being donated, TheDevilsWallpaper with faux Tibetan beads, Askey with retro circus-themed cards, KoolKookyKreatures with Dermot the Robot, and EclecticB with a whole selection of jewellery including this newly-listed bracelet:

The lovely Amanda of AmandaWilliamsDesign put lots of these lovely items into a treasury list on Etsy. The treasury is a great way for users to show off their favourite items... and it's also the way that Etsy Admin chooses items to put on the Etsy.com front page. Much to our great delight, Amanda's list got picked and our fundraising items were front page news for over 24 hours! We don't seem to have saved a screenshot of the treasury on the front page of Etsy, but here's a shot of it in the treasury section (taken by the lovely alicub):

Etsy in the UK Press

2007-03-21T10:34:00.000Z

Here in the UK Etsy is still fairly unknown. There has been an increasing amount of press about the site over in the US, including a large piece in the New York Times and a recent TV appearance on CBS Morning news (see the Etsy.com Blog press page for these & more press clippings). We have therefore been completely delighted this spring to find not one but two mentions of wonderful Etsy in our weekend papers.

Firstly, Etsy was mentioned in The Guardian's "Craft" guide, 03/Feb/07. Extolling the delights of crafting and the pleasures of the handmade this was the perfect place for what we reckon is the very first mention of Etsy in the UK National Press. "Crafty Websites we love" features Etsy's currently out-of-service feature Alchemy (part of the site which allows buyers to commission bespoke items from sellers) and, marvellously, ends by mentioning "There are a number of UK craftsters, if you can't wait long for shipping."

Secondly, the Etsy experience received rave reviews in and The Sunday Times "Style" supplement, 11/Mar/07. (Hilariously dubbed "The London Times" on the Etsy press page!) "Cyber Craft: Want to find one-off pieces for your home? Danielle Proud* explains why the internet has become the place to shop for everything hip and handmade."

Etsy is described as having "an alternative village-fête vibe" and as having lots of "scope for spontaneity and serendipity" in its shopping experience. We were also very proud to see several UK Etsy sellers mentioned, and their items pictured! Swank's jewellery was mentioned and a lampshade and this cool retro cushion cover from Hunkydory also made an appearance:*For those who have not heard of Danielle Proud, she is a fairly famous British crafter and author of "House Proud: Hip Craft for the Modern Homemaker"