Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Blog updates!

I just updated the blog template... If you look down at the very bottom of the page you'll find a link to Lena's website. She did the original template design and I tweaked it. Thanks Lena!

Please give me feedback on anything that you think should be changed, or added.

Thanks!

-Liza

Monday, July 21, 2008

A Meeting in July (minutes)

First of all, I'd like to introduce myself in case there's anyone reading who didn't make it to the team meeting this month...
My name is Liza James and I am the owner and proprietor (read: designer) of Altered States Clothing.
This was my FIRST team meeting, and I am thrilled and excited to be a part of this growing community.

Here's me (the blond with no face):


On to business.
Here are a few things we'd like you all to follow up on (or take note of) when you have the time:
~ Please stop by Mew Gallery and pick up flyers to pass around the city! We need to promote!
~ send your upcoming news re shows, etc to artiseverywhere (please comment if this is an email address or an IM name? I'm a little confused).
~ Take a look at the "how to get involved" page (website? Please comment with link).
~ If you know any musicians (acoustic or mild) who'd be interested in playing during a Craftadelphia show, pass on their info! Our current possibilities are:
- Allison't fiance brian plays keyboard.
- Sondra's roommate steve sings and plays guitar.
- Liza is friends with young gene buffalo.
Each of these people will follow up with their respective friends and report back.
~ Beth is putting the group list-serve together, we need to draft and
send out a press release soon for Craftadelphia.


Learning events we'll be setting up (and the folks who will be leading):

Liza has started a google calendar called "Etsy Philly Team". Please search this calendar and use it! It will be invaluable as we gear up to schedule events.
Also, we will need to discuss dates for the following:

~ Class on crochet basics (Angela - 3d toys and creatures) this will be held at the Cheltenham Art Center in August or September.
~ Marketing event at Nicole Carey's place in S. Philly. Draw, paint, and print flyers to color, copy and distribute. Liza will lead.
~ Computer/Web tutorial at Mary's place in Fishtown, lead by Lynn and Liza
~ Meet and greet at Allison's place in W. Philly
~ Swap-a-rama at Beth's place in S. Philly
~ Paper making with Lynn at Cheltenham Art Center (other suggestions?) We need old blenders... keep an eye out when thrifting!
~ Sewing machine basics and hand-sewing with Amber and Liza (September) at Amber's?

Suzanne offered to host an event at her day camp in Bensalem. This
can be a retreat with skill swaps (we could do the paper making class
here, for example). They have pool, lake and plenty of outdoor space. - we were thinking about holding this event sometime on labor day weekend. How does August 31st sound?

We'd still like to learn:
~ knitting basics
~ gocco printing
~ screen printing



Selling events we can participate in:
~ DesignPhiladelphia suggested by Suzanne. Ruth will follow up w/ Beth Van Why.
~ Allison's (bijoux by) neighborhood holds a porch sale in the fall (Powelton Village). It's $20 to participate. She'll tell us more about it when she finds out.
~ Amber mentioned an event/ art sale/ craft sale that tours around
from bar to bar: franks, 700 club, etc. Amber, can you find a link for this, or more info?
~ Open Studio tours: registration may have passed but keep it on the radar - we can pick one member and host a group event at their studio or house. The fee is $80 and they do a nice job promoting this event.



Places to research for sales events:

~ Eastern State Penitentiary
~ Studio 34 across from clark park, near the green line cafe.
~ Jamaican Jerk Hut has a nice yard
~ Zot (society hill) has a FABULOUS space... Liza will look into this.



Suggestions for Promoting US, and YOU!

~ Check out a.viary, a user-friendly imaging software currently in beta.
~ Liza and Lynn will be designing a few "team images" (avatars, buttons, etc) to appeal to both male and female sellers and buyers.
~ update your shop info to include info on the team and Craftadelphia
~ CVS sells folding tables for about $20 if you need one for sales events.
~ credit card sales: pro pay costs $30/yr. Recommended by Grace. some people (not in our group) also use cell phones.
~ If you know anyone at a media organization send their email address to phillyetsy@gmail.com with "mailing list" in the subject line. If you know the person well, we could invite them to an event.
~ Do you have a blog or website? Facebook account? Myspace? Promote the team! Post buttons leading to our blog, post about our events, and leave a comment here with your links, so that Liza can include them whenever your name is mentioned!


A few more notes:

~ Sondra is friends w/ coordinator of the Boston Etsy team. We may
try to connect with her to brainstorm team management.
~ Some teams (chicago, brooklyn) add a "teams" image when posting new items on etsy,
Let's try to do this too. Watch for avatars and buttons from Lynn and Liza in the days to come.
~ Liza's going to take a look at our website and make recommendations.
~ Bring swap materials to the monthly meetings (3rd
Friday of each month) to share.

*WHEW*

I think that's everything... please, please comment... your input as members of the Philly Etsy team is invaluable!

Hugs and sauerkraut,
-Liza

Saturday, July 19, 2008

two.one.five magazine: slideshow

Check out the slideshow of photos* from Craftadelphia! on two.one.five magazine's site. The show, which was held at Mew Gallery last weekend, featured Phea Jean custom handbags and hats; jewelry, clothes and accessories by Nicole Erin Carey; greeting cards and one of a kind plushies by Flying Fox Design and artwork, clothes and accessories by Boto Designs.
*Photos by Evan Molyneaux





Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Craftadelphia!

Thanks to everyone who stopped by on Saturday! Next month's Craftadelphia! event, taking place on August 9th, from 11am to 4pm at Mew Gallery is already completely booked with vendors, so it promises to be a great show.





Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Swap-A-Rama-Rama!

As you can see, much laughter and swapping (and eating, yum) ensued. Thanks to all who attended! I personally (Beth) got some great beads from Pidge and some kid's craft supplies from Angela and Mary which I have already begun using for art therapy materials at work (one kid already used up most of the jewels!) Shanda and Lynn got beads as well, and I saw Amber walk away with some fabric. The treats brought and shared were great, thanks to all who cooked and shopped. I think this would be a great event to hold once every few months and I am happy to host again. More pictures to be posted in a bit!







Monday, July 7, 2008

Craftadelphia! THIS SATURDAY!

This month's Craftadelphia will be featuring art, handmade crafts and live music by Nicole Erin Carey.
Event takes place THIS SATURDAY, July 12th at mew gallery: 906 christian street from 11am to 4pm. Now's your chance to buy handmade items directly from the artists. This month's vendors will be selling independently designed and produced purses, hats, jewelry, greeting cards, etc.




So, what's so great about buying handmade? According to the lovely folks over at buyhandmade.org, here are three reasons you can be proud to join the handmade movement...

1/ Buying Handmade makes for better gift-giving.

The giver of a handmade gift has avoided the parking lots and long lines of the big chain stores in favor of something more meaningful. If the giver has purchased the gift, s/he feels the satisfaction of supporting an artist or crafter directly. The recipient of the handmade gift receives something that is one-of-a-kind, and made with care and attention that can
be seen and touched. It is the result of skill and craftsmanship that is absent in the world of large-scale manufacturing.

2/ Buying handmade is better for people.

The ascendancy of chain store culture and global manufacturing has left us dressing, furnishing, and decorating alike. We are encouraged to be consumers, not producers, of our own culture. Our ties to the local and human sources of our goods have been lost. Buying handmade helps us reconnect.

3/ Buying handmade is better for the environment.

The accumulating environmental effects of mass production are a major cause of global warming and the poisoning of our air, water and soil. Every item you make or purchase from a small-scale independent artist or crafter strikes a small blow to the forces of mass production.