Crafty Inspirations

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Before I started crafting, I frequently visited craft shows to marvel at things that I thought I could never create. Fast forward years later, I am actually making and selling handmade soaps in my etsy shop Nordea Soaperie!

I always wonder what drives a person to choose their craft, and what inspires them to create on a daily basis. I know that I am inspired by my love of food...as strange as that sounds. I LOVE food, and I love to cook. Making soap is simply following a recipe, and I am always thinking of different ways to incorporate food and beverages into my soaping projects. Many of my more popular soaps include fruit purees or liquids like aloe juice and beer.

I asked another member of the EtsyNY team what inspired their crafty creations, and Alison from Koto Designs gave me the following answer:

"I would say that I'm inspired by what I encounter in my day-to-day life. I always have an eye out for anything with a simple geometry that would translate well into embroidery. For example, my brother is a huge bike fanatic and for his birthday I made him a card featuring his super customized bike. I made another (more generic) version for my etsy shop for all the bike lovers out there."

To see the beautiful work from many more members of the EtsyNY team, make sure you come to the annual Holiday Handmade Cavalcade which will be a two-day event kicking off the Holiday shopping season! This show will feature artisans from all over the tri-state area. Don't forget to mark your calendars, December 1 & 2 in Brooklyn, NY....Hope to see you there!

-Nordea

nordeasoaperie

Handmade Gifts for Teachers

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Only a couple more weeks before the 3rd Annual Holiday Handmade Cavalcade, and as you put together your shopping lists don't forget some of the most important people in your child's life... teachers! My daughter just started preschool this year, so I'm searching for some handmade gifts that will show her teachers how wonderful I think they are. Here are some things that I am eyeing...

Jody's beautiful lamp work creates wonderful swirls of color that is sure to please the most cheerful preschool teacher.


Teachers are experts at making something incredible out of recycled materials. How better to acknowledge their resourcefulness than this beautiful handbag made out of a tie?

Colony Collapse Read Bee Necklace by JTopolski
Science teachers are sure to love this colony collapse necklace, not only stylish but educational.

Vintage 1960s Dress Pattern by luckx4
This fun dress pattern is a perfect gift for that fashionable teacher.

We Move Mountains Print by VirginiaKraljevic
Remind your teacher of just how valuable they are with this original print.
Eco Friendly Hemp Blend and Leather Handle Tote Bag by SansMap
Give your teacher the gift of a sophisticated and practical bag! Perfect for toting around graded papers and lessons in style.

The gift ideas don't end there. For more ideas before the big shopping day, check out the vendor page of the Holiday Handmade Cavalcade website. You'll be inspired!



Karina

Decorating for the Holiday Handmade Cavalcade!

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Everyone has been busy as bees preparing for the upcoming Holiday Handmade Cavalcade (this Sunday!), and we thought we would give you a little sneak peek at our decorations that we have been making.  
Make sure you stop by on Sunday, December 5th, 2010 from 11am-8pm, to check out our fabulously decorated window display and to do your holiday shopping from over 40 amazing vendors!

Handmade Cavalcade Sponsor Feature: Knitty City!

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One of the main sponsors of the Holiday Handmade Cavalcade is Knitty City, a beautiful yarn store on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Opened in January of 2006, Knitty City is the realized dream of Pearl Chin, who designed it as a “ Yarn Studio”. It is devoted to beautiful materials for knitting and crochet, instructional classes and community connection.

Pearl and Arvin Chin

Knitty City’s selection of yarns reflects some of the best brands in the business. New and interesting yarns, and the products that complement them, are always popping up at Knitty City. In addition, the store has one of the most comprehensive and up-to-date collections of knitting, crochet and needle art books, magazines and patterns in New York.

Knitty City is committed to the people behind the yarn and designs, with a shared passion for the artistry that goes into their products. Book signings and events that allow friends and customers to meet authors and designers are regularly scheduled, and new and emerging young talent is highlighted with a monthly “Young Designer” Series.

The store offers classes to students at every level that are facilitated by experienced and friendly instructors. A weekly class for children allows them to explore their creative interests through knitting and crochet. A group of friendly and knowledgeable people is always on hand to help you in whatever way you need.


When I first walked into Knitty City, I was a new knitter and was a little apprehensive at entering into an unknown world of yarn, needle sizes, and indecipherable patterns. Pearl and the staff at Knitty City immediately swooped in, recommending projects for beginners and helping me choose a yarn fiber and weight to complement my design. I was hooked immediately, and have kept going back since.

Pearl keeps her store looking beautiful, with walls of shelving holding any yarn you could ever want. One corner of the store is devoted to the binders of free in-store patterns that you can browse through for as long as you want. The back of the store has tables where beginner and veteran knitters alike sit, share stories, and swap helpful knitting hints.


One of the most fantastic things about Knitty City is the dedication to community. Pearl wanted her store to benefit people in need, but instead of giving away finished products to charities she thought to supply non-profit groups with yarn & needles. She had already seen many friendships develop among her customers, and, with that in mind, she sought to develop “Knitting Circles” within non-profits. Knitty City's first project at the New York Asian Women’s Center, they provided yarn & needles for 40 women in two “safe houses” where they are protected from violence and abuse.

Knitty City is one of those precious New York City stores that makes the city worth living in. Conveniently located on the Upper West Side, this gem is a must see destination. Be sure to stop by the next time you're in the neighborhood!

Knitty City
208 West 79th Street (Broadway and Amsterdam), Manhattan
Hours: Monday, 11am - 6pm; Tuesday, 11am - 6pm (from 11/26 - 12/24 only; usually closed on Tuesdays); Wednesday, 11am - 8pm; Thursday, 11am - 8pm; Friday, 11am - 6pm; Saturday, 11am - 6pm; Sunday, 12pm - 5pm



Karina

Holiday Gift Guide from the {NewNew}

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Nothing says happyholidays-happybirthday-happyhanukkah-merrychristmas-happynewyear-iloveyou like a good, old fashioned piece of paper. Somehow, now matter how hard you try, the absurd graphics of e-cards, the strange language of texting, or an update on Facebook doesn't cut it when you're trying to make an impression. This year at the Holiday Handmade Cavalcade at OpenHOUSE Gallery in Nolita, New York, over forty designers will be selling perfect gifts for every occasion. In particular, the artisans doing their work on paper are exceptional. Be sure to come on by on Sunday, December 5th to see these beautiful paper products for yourself!





More fantastic products will be available at the Holiday Handmade Cavalcade, so keep checking back between now and December 5th for more product and artisan features!



Karina

Holiday Gift Guide from the {NewNew}

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As our mailboxes get inundated with all sorts of circulars and holiday catalogues, you might be concerned that your only options for gift giving include a deviled egg plate with painted holly on it or a plastic napkin holder. For a truly special, unique gifts, you cannot go wrong if you shop with the {NewNew}. And for the third year in a row, you can see your favorite New York City artisans in person at the Holiday Handmade Cavalcade!

This year we'll be at Open House Gallery in Nolita. The selection of wonderful handmade goodies has never been better! Here are some teasers to whet your appetite...



Happy holiday shopping!



Karina