Brooklyn Flea's New Home in DUMBO

Brooklyn Flea in Williamsburg just moved to Etsy's home turf: DUMBO! Today was opening day, and it will be open every Sunday for the rest of the Market Season. 

If you are looking for anything from Buffalo Nickles to Succulent Plants, you will find it at the Brooklyn Flea.  

One of my favorite vendors was Dan's Parents' House, from whom I purchased a Creepy Doll. But that was just the beginning of what you could get at Dan's - everything from bottle caps to a Madeline Doll. 

Dan's Parents' House 

Shop Dan's here: http://www.dansparentshouse.com/home

Another vendor that I really loved was The Gifted Putterer! She had some fantastic vintage classroom decorations, and was just a really sweet person in general. It is no surprise that she is also an Etsy Seller. 

A table from The Gifted Putterer

Find out more about The Gifted Putterer: http://www.thegiftedputterer.com/

My goodies: 

It was a fun outing to pick up some unique goods that I will use both as gifts and in my jewelry display. Flea Markets are great places to pick unique gifts and display items. And I bought the doll just because. She looked a little sad and needed a new home. 

Thanks for reading A New York Art Adventure written by Sophia Di Vitto from Wine Cellar Jewelry!

Have an Adventure Today!

Post by Sophia Di Vitto from Wine Cellar Jewelry

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MEET the ARTISAN: Featuring Mezze Designs + GIVEAWAY

"MEET the ARTISAN" is a blog series that spotlights Etsy New York Team artisans and their craft. In this feature, we learn more about Rachael, the creator of Mezze Designs. 

Q: What is Mezze Designs? Can you briefly describe your business for us?

A: Mezze jewelry is handcrafted from gold, silver and mixed metals. I create pieces in limited quantities to preserve the exclusivity of each design. My studio is in an area of Brooklyn that is undergoing rapid change; it is an influential hub for indie rock and has a thriving local art community, which provides endless inspiration. The beauty of handcrafted jewelry lies in fact that each piece is inherently unique. My style is raw and organic and as such, some pieces have been left with a purposefully unfinished appearance. Whenever possible, I use recycled metals as well as ethically sourced stones. 

In Arabic, mezze refers to an assortment of small appetizers. For me, it refers to something that stimulates a desire for more. Mezze \'me-'zei\ to relish, take pleasure in; enjoy

Q: Some artisans develop their products to meet consumer needs, while others craft products based on things and/or experiences that inspire them. What is the inspiration behind your business?

A: Mezze jewelry is designed to create tangible vestiges of memories, extrapolating them for the wearer to form and discover those of their own yet to come. I am an avid traveler and the places I’ve been and people who have touched my life have influenced many of my designs. Most pieces have a very personal meaning to me and I make an effort to share some of those stories in the product descriptions; they are physical reminders that evoke memories I will always cherish. I love all that is simple and elegant, but every now and then I get a little mischievous and will make something edgy or whimsical.

Q: Oftentimes, each artisan has a different strategy and objective for their business. What are the next steps for you and your business?

A: I started Mezze as a hobby and as a creative outlet from my corporate career in the pharmaceutical industry. Since moving to New York, I have had the time to shift that focus with the intent to make it a sustainable business.  I am in the very early stages of the process, so my current goal is to increase my market presence both online and in boutique stores. Part of my strategy has been to get involved with the Etsy NY team and use this network to build and maintain relationships with other artisans who have turned their art into successful businesses.

Q: As many artisans look to grow and further develop their businesses, do you have some advice that you can share with fellow artisans?

A: Don’t be afraid to take risks. I am always experimenting with ideas, taking classes and asking for input on designs. Not everyone will like everything that you make and that is ok. Some things will work, others won’t and that is all a part of the learning process. Your style and ability will change along the way, which means you are evolving. There is a niche for everything out there, so keep working until you find the one that fits you and your product.

Special thanks to Rachael for sharing with us. You can find her products showcased on her Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/mezzestudios. And, details of her special product GIVEAWAY are below. Please enter for your chance to win one of her beautiful silver stud rattlesnake vertebrae earrings!

About the earrings: Tiny rattlesnake vertebrae have been cast into sterling silver to make these spiny stud earrings. They are intricate, unique and have been lightly tumbled to maintain the natural texture. Earrings measure about half a cm.  They are the perfect accessories for your nights out and weekend getaways! 

Please allow up to 2 weeks for delivery.

Like Mezze Studios on Facebook and enter to WIN here!

Entry period ends at 11:59pm on Tuesday, July 15, 2014!

Are You Ready to Craft? Are You Ready to Party? Lets Meet at the Etsy Craft Party!

The time is here fellow makers, crafters, and Etsy lovers to meet across the globe (and in DUMBO) to celebrate Etsy's annual Craft Party! This year's theme is "Recapture: bringing new life to your photographs" and focuses on transforming photographs into display-worthy works of art using a variety of craft supplies and creative techniques.  Visit the Etsy Craft Party Page for more details including details on how to host your own party!

Samples of some photos retouched.

Etsy New York Team Members will be on hand to help Etsy staff put on this large craft event on Friday, June 6th between 5:00 pm and 8:30pm at the Manhattan Bridge Archway Plaza.  The event in DUMBO is free and open to the public. To reserve your space, please visit Eventbrite.

This year's Craft Party highlights include:  a video made by the Etsy Design Team projected on the bridge. Each guest will get their own embroidery DIY kit to embroider photographs that includes one unique vintage photograph, as well as a kit friendly coloring kit for the first 50 kids.  On each table will be a tablecloth with photobooth frames drawn on for easy photographing and instagraming!  And of course, food trucks will be on the premises for those hungry crafters.

Etsy has been encouraging other hosts to share examples of the DIY ahead of time.  You can see some lovely examples of embroidered photographs if you search the hashtag #craftparty.

To view images from past Etsy Craft Parties around the world, visit Flickr.  If you're hosting a Craft Party, you may find some inspiration sorting through the photos.

We hope to see you next Friday as we celebrate crafting, community, and the spirit of making new friends and sharing in the power of craft.