The {NewNew} Loves Etsy Labs

in , , , , , , ,
What? You don't know about Etsy Labs? Well let me tell you a little about this marvelous gem in Brooklyn, NY.

What started out as a few informal craft nights here and there has grown to become international and quite amazing. Etsy Labs is an amazing space located in the Etsy offices where Etsians from all over join to make amazing things and share ideas. The lab is full of fun things, like sewing machines, knitting needles, colorful paper and tons of yarn.

Many of these ideas are found at their CraftNights which are held a few times every month.
You can always check the Etsy Blog to find out when the next Craft Night is going to be held. Below is a short list of what local Etsians got to learn at past Craft Nights.

Not in the area you say? No problem! Etsy Labs has a ton of How To's from their How To Tuesdays to make you feel like your sitting right next to a Brooklyn Crafter! The Etsy Labs have also been traveling across the U.S. and around the world, spreading the word of teaching and crafting!!! Craft on!
Etsy Labs
55 Washington Street
Brooklyn, NY
when: check the blog regularly for the next Craft Night at Etsy Labs!











Alicia
Lingua Nigra

DIY Centerpieces

in , , , , , , , , , ,

Weddings are expensive, which is all the more reason to do as much as you can on your own. My sister is getting married in May, and even though she lives in Florida, the land of flowers, her centerpieces are going to cost about $400. I can't imagine spending that much on cut flowers that will end up dead and unappreciated, so I wanted to share an alternative for those looking for "greener" (and cheaper) options.

Last summer, my friends Coleen and Beth had a commitment ceremony at the lovely Full Moon resort in the Catskills. Though most of the details were taken care of by the planners at the resort, the ladies came up with some great, living centerpieces on their own.

First, they found small metal containers at Ikea, and baby palms at Lowe's.

Because they chose very small plants and containers, the centerpieces were able to do double duty as take-home favors for the guests.

The addition of some inexpensive vases filled with river rocks and candles (all from Ikea) emphasized the peaceful, natural atmosphere of the resort.

If you want to be both greener (ecologically-speaking) and more colorful, consider using plants from your local NYC Greenmarket.

All in all, Beth tells me they spent about $120 on centerpieces/favors for fifty guests, which is reason enough to skip the flowers (no offense to my sister, whom I love and adore).

--Ashley
nycrochet.etsy.com
nycrochet.blogspot.com