Celebrate the official start of summer with a nostalgic nod to playful patterns and vibrant colors. Shop local goods created by our NY Handmade Collective makers embracing the joy of the season. From retro pins and cheerful polka dot hats to fun graphic tees and gingham picnic blankets, this roundup of fun items will have you ready for summer!
Read MoreAs the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, let your imagination wander as you plan your next big adventure! Shop these local goods created by our NY Handmade Collective makers inspired by places near and far. From hand painted seashells and abstract landscapes to hiking stickers for your water bottle, tapestry overnight bags, and earrings the color of the sea—these items are sure to inspire future trips once it’s safe to travel again and remind you of cherished memories from past adventures.
Read MoreApril is Earth Month! Support these sustainable and environmentally conscious NY Handmade Collective makers. From delicious organic spices to repurposed kimonos and found natural objects to upcycled tees printed with eco-friendly ink, there are so many ways to celebrate!
Read More"MEET the ARTISAN" is a blog series that spotlights Etsy New York Team artisans and their craft. In this feature, we learn more about Dina, the creator of Bugged Out.
Q: What is Bugged Out? Can you briefly describe your business for us?
A: Bugged Out is a line of my screen printed whimsical bug, fruit, veggie and critter designs on organic cotton onesies and T-shirts, cotton fleece hoodies, recycled cotton canvas tote bags and note cards. All Bugged Out products are designed and hand printed by my husband and me in NYC.
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: Bugged Out has a very personal meaning and has to do with my diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis in 1998. In April of that same year I formed a team for the MS Walk and named it “Bugged Out." I designed team T-shirts with an ant design, and my friends, family, and even complete strangers loved them! For the next several years the same happened with our team T-shirts with my other bug designs - so many people commented how great these designs would be on kids’ clothes that I decided to start Bugged Out, the company, in 2007! A percentage of the proceeds from Bugged Out sales goes directly to Multiple Sclerosis research at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Q: Oftentimes, each artisan has a different strategy and objective for their business. What are the next steps for you and your business?
A: To keep growing and hopefully soon have a small Bugged Out store!
Q: Can you tell us some of the partners you have made? Retail stores where we can find your product?
A: You can find Bugged Out in many retail and gallery shops. A few of the local ones are the Shop in the Garden at the New York Botanical Garden, Better Than Jam, Willy’s Toy Box and Lab Brooklyn.
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: I strongly advise to consider the production process when designing.
Special thanks to Dina for sharing with us. You can find her products showcased on her Etsy shop at www.buggedout.etsy.com. And, details of her special product GIVEAWAY are below. Please enter for your chance to win!
Bugged Out reusable totebag made from recycled cotton canvas, with our fly design and “b.y.o.b. bring your own bug” on one side; the other side is blank.
Entry period ends at 11:59pm on Friday, May 15, 2015.
See the supermarket aisle in the photo…we live there! Okay okay…we don't actually "live" there, but you'll often find us there studying the ingredient labels on each bottle.
We've probably tried the majority of the green juices that you see on the shelves since we like to drink our fruits and vegetables as well as eat them. We often bring a bottle of green juice with us when we're at our various markets. But with so many types of green juices out there, how do we choose the "right" ones? Are all green juices created equal?
Here are some things we look for in green juices:
We hope this helps in decoding green juices. And, we hope to bump into you in the green juice aisles some time :).
Thank you for being kind to your body!
published by Susan Ng / www.NaturallySusans.Etsy.com / www.NaturallySusans.com