Philly Etsy Team: FRIDAY NIGHT WORKSHOPS

9-16-08 Update: Unfortunately, the Cheltenham Arts Center has closed down. We are in the process of finding a new location for these workshops. Check back for details...

$15/workshop *unless otherwise noted.

Fridays, 7PM

See below for additional information regarding registration and transportation...

Crochet Basics and Intro on 3D Crochet Techniques / Toy Design/ Soft Sculpture

September 26, 2008

You will learn the basic crochet stitches and how you can put them together to make different patterns. Supply list will be provided upon registration.

Instructor: Angela Davidson

Angela Davidon is a graduate student of Art Education in Philadelphia, PA and a member of the Philly Etsy Team.

Papermaking Techniques Class

October 3, 2008

The process of papermaking was discovered nearly 2000 years ago in 105 A.D. by Chinese court official Ts’ai Lun. William Rittenhouse founded the first paper mill in North America at Wissahickon Creek in Philadelphia!
Papermaking is a great way to recycle all those bits of paper lying around your home and turn them into works of art. Learn how to prepare paper fibers with your assortment of recycled paper and discover basic papermaking techniques, such as sheet forming, pressing, and drying. Then, take your paper and use embellishment techniques such as coloring, watermarks, pressing, casting, and pulp painting to create unique papers to use at your leisure. Supplies: Any paper or cardboard lying around your home! If you have one or can locate one, please bring an old blender too. If not, we will share.

Instructor: Lynn Roberts

Lynn Roberts currently takes many classes at Tyler School of Art and the Clay Studio of Philadelphia and is interested in textiles, fibers, design, photography, and ceramics. She majors in fine art and music. She handles her own independent art business online and is soon to be featured in many art galleries and consignment shops with her professional photography. She is a Tang Soo Do Korean Karate instructor and yoga instructor and enjoys connecting with nature through her artwork and creating pottery with her boyfriend. Lynn is a member of the Philly Etsy Team.

Oil Paint and Gesso

October 3, 2008

Learn how to use gesso and oil paints together and have fun. This is completely irreverent and un-called for. But, it’s messy and fun as heck! All you will need is a piece of wood (any size, preferably recycled/ reused), oil paint (1 or 2 tubes) and some gesso. Oh, and some gloves…and something to engrave with – like a stick.

Instructor: Jon Vitale

Jon Vitale is an artist, a recorded musician and a film enthusiast. He recently relocated back to Philadelphia after living for a few years in Rhode Island and California.

Swap and Craft!

November 7, 2008

$5 to participate

Come join us as we Swap and Craft! What is a Swap and Craft, you ask? It's a supply swap and community craft time followed by light-hearted show-and-tell time. When you attend the swap bring your unwanted art, craft and design supplies (and maybe a snack to share). Every swap begins with piles of supplies, the unwanted supplies of all who attend. Everyone is welcome to dive in and find their next new/ used items from the piles. Take as few or as many supplies from the piles as you like, it's all free!

Now is the time to clear out that studio, workspace or closet. Those supplies you haven't used in forever? Help them find a nice new home. Help reduce waste while meeting new people and having some fun together in an arts environment. Here are a few tips on what to bring...

• Fabric, remnants
• Notions (buttons, zippers, ribbon, thread, etc.)
• Beads (gemstone, glass, seed, lampwork, etc.)
• Jewelry findings, wire
• Painting supplies, pencils, paper products, drawing supplies
• Various project supplies (screen printing, fabric printing, scrapbooking, book making, paper making, etc.)

DIY Workshops: After you have chosen your new supplies, slide on over to one of the sewing/ craft/ art/ design stations and start creating! If you've got skills you want to share, lead a how-to session/ tutorial. Or just sit back, relax and get to work.

Swap and Craft is organized by: Beth Richey: www.TranquilityJewelry.etsy.com and Traci Nelson: www.tremundo.etsy.com. Beth and Traci are members of the Philly Etsy Team.

Sewing Basics (with Machine)

December 12, 2008

Students will learn and perform sewing techniques and machine functions such as threading the machine, winding the bobbin and most common stitches. Students will have a choice of working on a pillow or tote bag. Supplies: A sewing machine if you have one; one spool of thread, scissors, pins, one yard of woven fabric (not knit). If you are working on a pillow, bring a pillow form or fiber fill. Optional: Bring notions such as lace, buttons, ribbons.

Instructor: Amber Zaraza

Amber Zaraza has over 10 years sewing experience. She holds a BA in Fashion Design. In 2004 Amber started her own company, Phea Jean, and she is currently at work designing one-of-a-kind handbags and accessories. Amber is a member of the Philly Etsy Team. www.pheajean.etsy.com

Elements of Knitting
January 17, 2009
We’ll learn the basics! How to cast on, knit, purl and bind off. Supplies: 2 knitting needles (size 8 wooden needles) and 2 skeins of worsted weight yarn.

Instructor: Lynda Schwechtje

Lynda Schwechtje is a life long learner and crafter. In the past she has constructed and tailored clothes (and doll clothes), sewed gowns for a church choir and she was formerly part of the Philadelphia Area Polymer Clay Guild. These days she has been focusing her attentions on knitting; she's made sweaters and quilts for countless babies. Lynda holds a masters degree in social work.

Create your own Stamps & Stencils

February 6, 2009

In this workshop you'll learn how to create your own stencils and stamps, how to choose inks, and how to make prints in a variety of ways including potato printing and printing using freezer paper.

Instructor: Sarah Greiner

Sarah Greiner is a professional packaging designer. She also independently designs stationary and is a member of the Philly Etsy Team.

RedRedOrange Interview (Sarah Greiner)

[Interview conducted by Mary Volk.]


Tell me a little about yourself.
I am from Minnesota, and have lived in Washington, D.C., Barcelona, San Francisco and now Philadelphia. I am a packaging designer for a firm in San Francisco, and work with clients like Ocean Spray, Dentyne, Lipton and Pepsi. I am engaged to a fabulously supportive man, Jon, who is in medical school. We have two cats, Papi Chulo and Hamachi, who provide me with endless comedy and distraction. I am really into cooking, seeing puppies on walks, and dreaming of the beach.

When did you become interested in art?
Growing up, my dad was really into doing projects with me, he sewed my halloween costumes and we built things together. I think he really exposed me to using my hands to create. Before college, I hadn’t really ever taken a fine art class before except for the required credits in middle school (I can’t draw to save my life), but I was always into crafts; making necklaces, mosaics, latch hook rugs, making candles. Then during college, I spent my junior year in Barcelona, Spain and it hit me like a ton of bricks. I needed art in my life!

How did you discover your talent for art, design, and screen printing?
I think design for me is 20% talent and 80% really hard work. There are some people who just pick up a pencil and draw something fabulous, but for me, it is more of a challenge but that is what makes it fun. I am not an artsy-type who just goes with the flow and whatever happens, happens. I plan and measure and plan more and calculate and measure again. That is what I like about graphic design, it is a blend of science and art, cerebral and creative. Screen printing plays off of that same idea for me, I use the computer to scale designs and predetermine which colors I want to use, but then I get to get dirty and use my hands to create the finished product.

What things, people, and places have influenced your art?
Spain has been the biggest influence on me thus far. The food, the wine, the art, the people, the practicality of everything is really inspirational to me. Travel in general is always good, even if it is just for a morning walk around the neighborhood to see, smell and hear something new. As far as artists go, Rex Ray is amazing, his use of color and texture makes me melt. I love Nate Williams, he does the most quirky, fun typography and illustration. Antoni Gaudí, a catalán architect famous for his modernist buildings in Barcelona, took some serious risks, and I love him for that. Also Frank Lloyd Wright, the way that he built around the land and the path of the sun, he really began the green movement!


How did you find out about etsy?
I was at a farmers' market in Boston last year and met a woman who sold wooden bowls that she carved from downed trees on her property. I got her business card, and a link to her Etsy website!

What do you think about etsy and the handmade movement?
I think it is great for both creators and consumers. People like me who could never afford to start their own store now have an outlet for their crafts.

Why did you decide to start selling your art?
I just like seeing it up there next to such amazing products. It feels good to have this sort of record of what I do, and if it sells or if someone else likes it, even better!


What are your favorite materials and why?
Paper and fabric are what I really like to use. I must admit that I am still trying to narrow down what my shop will sell. Every day I see something else that I want to try, so it is really difficult to sort of hone in on what I really like to make. Stay tuned!

When did your first get involved in screen printing?
I took a class in college and loved it, but I really hadn’t planned for how quickly I had to move, and some of my creations ended up less than perfect. When I moved to Philadelphia this past summer, I took a continuing education class at the University of the Arts to try to meet new people and to create my "Two Fish" Card that I had designed. It was awesome, and my teacher, Marisha Simmons, was so supportive. She taught us how to create our own at-home studio which I am in the process of finishing right now.

How do you feel your day job as a package designer influences or affects your art?
It is interesting, I love the process of creating something and then going to the grocery store and seeing it on the shelf! I always feel like during the day I design things that are eye catching, and scream out to the consumer, and then at night I like to make quiet things that speak softly.

Where do your ideas come from? Can you describe your creative process (how, when, materials, etc.)?
Just being out in nature and building off of other things I see. I like to sketch and also use resource material from books and the web to create. Tracing paper is a must, and a big fat eraser.

What are your favorite hobbies and activities besides crafting?
Rock climbing with my boyfriend, hiking, going to the gym, cooking, playing with my cats and refurbishing old furniture.

What challenges have you found in your work?
Remembering to create what I like instead of making things that I think other people will like. I have to trust in the fact that some people will like it, and others won’t and that is okay! Practicing drawing, I try to sketch everyday, but it is hard for me, especially people and animals.
What are your goals in having an Etsy shop?
Just to try to connect with people who will enjoy my products. I think there are so many amazing artists, to have even one person buy something you made is something to be proud of.

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out on Etsy, or thinking about trying to sell their art?
Go for it! It is so easy, and it is a great way to learn the basics of running a business.

Sarah's Website: RedRedOrange.esty.com

Raising the Bar of Awareness

Did you do your holiday shopping yet? Were you planning on buying your special someone the same gift that everybody else gets at Target or would you rather buy something unique, something that tells a story about the artist from the extra thoughtful touches like what materials were used, instructions on how to care for the item, or what region it was made from?

Please come and shop at our First Fridays Trunk Show at Mew Gallery (www.mewgallery.org) which starts at 6:30p.m. on Friday, December 7, 2007 for some terrific gift ideas made from our very talented, local artists.

You can be confident about buying handmade!

-- Grace