Nostalgic Toys - Paper Models

New York City Paper Model (from Build Your Own New York)

Paper models vary from simple press-out shapes, to more complex objects that require cutting, folding and sticking to produce their intended shape. Models come in various forms; boxed sets, postcards, pages from magazines, and jig-saw puzzles.  Collections include famous landmarks, fictional locations from television, lighthouses,  houses and buildings; to name a few.

Vintage Little Red Riding Hood House Paper Model (from Castle in the Air)

The first paper models, those to be cut out from a sheet and assembled, appeared in Europe in the 17th Century, The earliest commercial models were recorded appearing in French toy catalogues in 1800. From then on paper models became popular across Europe particularly in Germany, and in the later half of the century, the UK. Manufacturers such as Pellerin and Schreiber began producing series of hundreds of models, from famous landmarks to farmhouses and specific scenes.

Eiffel Tower Paper Model and Book Art (from Castle in the Air)

Originally designed for children, paper models gave their owners the chance to learn about places and people in other parts of the world. 

Castle Paper Model and Book Art (from Castle in the Air)

Old Town Paper Model (from 32NorthSupplies)

Towards the end of the 20th Century paper modelling became increasingly popular with an adult audience with many kits being designed for a more sophisticated modeller.  During this time television tie-ins also started appearing on the market reflecting the emerging trend of media merchandising.

Golden Girls House Paper Model (from Everyday Miniatures)

More recently with the development of the Internet, models have appeared online and these have been printed and added to the collection. Some of these models are stand alone items, while others can be used with model railways or in fantasy role playing games.

New York City Paper Model (by Terada Mokei)

By Melanie Ann Mercado of M Ann M Creations

Hot Town, Summer in the City

If you’re like me, you’ve probably been waiting for summer since, well, last September. To get in the mood for all of the fun seasonal adventures that lay ahead, I’ve compiled a list of the five top things to check out around NYC while the weather is warm and city is buzzing. 

5. NYC Summer Concerts

There are tons of music events happening all the time in New York, but there's nothing like listening to your favorite artist perform on a hot summer night. Here's a glimpse of free (yes, you heard me right) concerts happening this summer. No matter what kind of music you like, you're sure to find something that will please your ears. Visit http://ilovefreeconcerts.com/ for a complete list of events.

JUNE                                    JULY                               AUGUST

04- Janelle Monae                 04- Ed Sheeran                02- Kes the Band

20- Fall Out Boy                   17- Mobb Deep               07- Temples

28- Club Classics Live          25- One Republic            29- Ariana Grande

 

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4. While Away the Weekend on Fire Island

If you're feeling city-bound, take a break on one of Long Island's famous enclaves, Fire Island. A haven for beach-lovers and outdoor enthusiasts and it's blissfully car free. Take the LIRR to one of the three ferry terminals and hop on the ferry to your city-getaway. Ferry rides range from 30-55 minutes depending on your departure & arrival ports. www.fireisland.com

 

3. Shop 'Till You Drop!

Who doesn't like a little retail therapy every now and then? These fine establishments will satisfy your shopping urge, fill your bags and empty your wallet!

Artists & Fleas - Open year round at Chelsea Market & N. 7th St. in Williamsburg - Featuring local artists & designers. http://www.artistsandfleas.com

The Ultimate Trunk Show - June 7 from 4-9p, 135 W.18th St, NYC -  Featuring emerging designers and boutiques from all over the country. http://www.theultimatetrunkshow.com

The Strand - A city landmark for over 80 years, this bookstore houses 55,000 sq feet of new, used and rare books. http://www.strandbooks.com

Better than Jam on Governors Island- Handmade Gifts (Governors Island a great day trip in and of itself). Bonus: Some EtsyNY team members will be featured sellers here! Nolan Park House #16. Open May 24-September 30, Fridays and Mondays 11am-5pm, Saturday and Sundays 10am-6pm  http://www.betterthanjamnyc.com/#/governors-island/4563429818

2. Stuff Yourself Silly at Smorgasburg

The place to be during the weekend for foodies. Vendors occupy two huge lots by the East River to serve you up a taste of the local food scene. You'll find just about anything to please your palette from coffee & doughnuts to cuisines from all over the world. There's even a beer garden where you can rest your weary feet with a cold beverage after a long day of eating your heart out. In Dumbo & Williamsburg: http://www.smorgasburg.com

1. Drink Like a Local

Hang out on a rooftop and soak up the view while sipping your craft beer or vodka lemonade...here are a few Brooklyn bars with amazing views of the NYC skyline.

Berry Park - http://berryparkbk.com

The Ides - http://wythehotel.com/the-ides

Alma - http://almarestaurant.com

  Upper Elm - http://www.kingandgrove.com/nyc-hotels/hotel-williamsburg/upper-elm

 

Here's to a great summer!! 

Rachael

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Celebrate Brooklyn Artist Lineup

Last Friday we talked about Celebrate Brooklyn in Prospect Park.  The summer long concert series.  Etsy NY will have a booth there one again.  There will be 18 artists selling their wares and on the blog here we will be introducing them to all of you, our readers.

Let's take a moment to get to know some of the wonderful Celebrate Brooklyn! vendors up close and personal!


                                                                      &nbs…

                                                                                                Citybitz 

Citybitz is a line of personal and home accessories. All pieces are designed and created by Joan Huggard at her studio in Dumbo, Brooklyn.  Citybitz products feature Joan’s original photography combined with metal, resin and glass.  The photos focus on New York details, both large and small, capturing the icons, colors, textures and energy of the city that never sleeps. She loves the personal connections people have to her photography. This is Joan’s third year at Celebrate Brooklyn. She returns each year because she enjoys the collaboration as well as connecting with customers at this unique venue.

                                                                  NYC Vinyl Dreams

                                                                  NYC Vinyl Dreams

NYC Vinyl Dreams began when Wade  moved to the city in 2010 from L.A. the day before Hurricane Sandy.  His friend Jennifer Eolin, art partner in crime, came together to create art they both loved. It wasn’t hard to see beauty in the large and small details around every corner.  Wade really enjoy the subway system and has mostly focused there. Whether it’s a train coming into a station or simply a call box there is so much for the eyes to enjoy. This year he is selling subway/NYC vinyl art  and trying a few new items such as art clocks and more fun decals for laptops and walls. All of his work is created in his studio in Washington Heights.  Wade's art is created from full sheets of vinyl based off of photos he takes.   Wade tells us "It is such a wonderful moment when you know something you made has found a loving home and will be enjoyed for many years to come. This is my second year at Celebrate Brooklyn and I am happy to be back.  The crowds that come for the music are naturally artistic and I enjoy their energy."

                                                                      &nbs…

                                                                               prairie funk

Prairiefunk, based out of Brooklyn, NY, specializes in modern handmade jewelry for the chic bohemian. Featuring elegant, hand-hammered metals, wire wrapping and rich natural gemstones, the collection seeks to meld modern design with the enduring aesthetics of the ancient world. No piece comes out the same way twice and many can be worn in multiple ways.  This will be the first time for Prairiefunk at Celebrate Brooklyn, and the chance to combine fantastic live music, terrific new people and a wonderful array of local, all-handmade goods is an amazing opportunity. Can’t wait to see you there!

 

Does that whet your handcrafted appetite? If not, be sure to stay tuned for more blog posts that celebrate all of the varied and vibrant local, handmade offerings that will be at Celebrate Brooklyn! all summer long!

 

Melisssa Hile and Tracey Toole

https://www.etsy.com/shop/prairiefunk

https://www.etsy.com/shop/traceytoole

Etsy NY Team back at Celebrate Brooklyn

  • When:            June 4th – August 9th
  • What:             Etsy NY Street Team and BRIC at Celebrate Brooklyn!
  • Where:          Prospect Park Bandshell – 9th Street and Prospect Park entrance
  • Website:       https://www.facebook.com/EtsyNYatCBK 

Etsy NY Back at Celebrate Brooklyn! with Vibrant Offerings of NYC’s Handmade Best

Back for a fourth season, the Etsy New York Street Team, part of the world’s most vibrant handmade marketplace, will be partnering again with BRIC as the sole merchandise vendor for its Celebrate Brooklyn! concert series in Prospect Park. 

From June 4th through August 9, amongst the dynamic array of music and performing arts at the Prospect Park Bandshell, the Etsy New York Street Team will be providing attendees with a highly-curated, down-to-earth, pop-up shop chock full of handmade goods being sold on-site by their makers. Come in and talk shop with any one of the artisans working to learn about the various techniques that go into producing their wares. 

                                                                      &nbs…

                                                                               city bitz

Included this year amongst the offerings are earthy gemstone, graceful enamel, edgy geode and animal-inspired, etched jewelry pieces, along with many elegant and practical reclaimed and eco-friendly houseware items. Also featured are screen-printed t-shirts, whimsical children’s clothing and accessories (unicorn horns!) along with plush toys. In addition, the shop will feature all-natural skincare, cool and easy DIY kits, giclee prints, greeting cards, hand-sewn picnic blankets and linens, as well as so many completely unique, NYC and subway-inspired accessories and wall art that nobody visiting one of the terrific events at Celebrate Brooklyn! this summer will want to go home without scooping up at least one of these carefully-crafted and locally-made goodies as a souvenir to mark the experience.

                                                                      &nbs…

                                                                                       vinyl dreams 

For the next few weeks we will be featuring the 18 artists who will be selling at Celebrate Brooklyn! 2014 so keep checking in with us!

                                                                      &nbs…

                                                                                     jewelry by Prairiefunk

About Celebrate Brooklyn!

In its 35th season, Celebrate Brooklyn! is one of New York City’s longest running, free, outdoor performing arts festivals. Launched in 1979 as a catalyst for a Brooklyn performing arts scene and to bring people back into Prospect Park after years of neglect, Celebrate Brooklyn! was an early anchor in the park’s revitalization. Over its history, the festival has presented over 2,000 artists and ensembles reflective of the borough’s diversity. Most Celebrate Brooklyn! performances are free!

About BRIC Arts | Media | Bklyn

BRIC Arts | Media | Bklyn is a multidisciplinary arts and media non-profit dedicated to presenting contemporary arts, performing arts and community media programs that are reflective of Brooklyn’s diverse communities, and to providing resources and platforms to support the creative process.

About the Etsy New York Street Team

Created in the summer of 2007, the Etsy New York Street Team is made up of close to 200 artists, designers and crafters based in the metro New York area who create and sell handmade items on Etsy.com, a global marketplace for handmade goods. The group was formed to provide a forum for local, Etsy-based artisans to support one another in their business endeavors and to promote the beauty and availability of locally made, carefully crafted products to the public. To learn more about Etsy New York Street Team visit www.etsyny.com

Author: Melissa Hile

Ahoy Mates! Announcing the 2014 Better Than Jam Pop-Up Shop on Governors Island!

Join Etsy New York Artists at the 4th Annual Better Than Jam Summer Pop-Up on Governors Island at the grand opening on May 24th 2014.  

WHAT: Better Than Jam Summer Pop-Up

WHEN: May 24th-September 29th Fridays through Monday             

WHERE: House #16 in Nolan Park on Governors Island

WEBSITE: www.betterthanjamnyc.com/governorsisland

For the 4th year, the Bushwick Brooklyn boutique, Better Than Jam, will be once again hosting a collective of local designers in its summer location on Governors Island.  The Brooklyn shop of all locally handmade products will be taking the ferry ride over, and bringing with it the creations of New York City's most talented designers, artists, and crafters.  From May 24 through September 29, house #16, a yellow Victorian house in Nolan Park, will be filled with the work of talented people who have created some amazing products for the island shop.  And this year, for the first time, the shop will be open 4 days to celebrate the greatly anticipated grand opening of new park land The Trust for Governors Island has been working so hard on.

In coming to Governors Island, Better Than Jam hopes to create context around artisanal processes and inspiration. Better Than Jam’s gift shop will complement and add to the Island’s growing popularity, allowing visitors to take home a tangible memento from their Governors Island visit—a souvenir that was designed and crafted nearby with the island in mind.  With the help of the Etsy New York Street Team, the shop will also host family-friendly demonstrations and workshops on Saturdays, to show and teach visitors some of their skills.  On June 28th Alison Grande of Koto Designs will be teaching embroidered cards and on July 19th Lu Lasson  of Lu Crafts will be demonstrating bookmark making for those interested in learning a new skill.

About Better Than Jam

Established 2010 in Bushwick Brooklyn, a neighborhood rich in history and brimming with an artistic community, Better Than Jam showcases a variety of clothing, jewelry, accessories, and artwork  created by some of NYC’s most talented artists and craftspeople.  It brings to the forefront local accomplished designers that make 100% handmade and high quality items at a fair price.

Learn more on our Events page!

Setting the Table: Sewing 101 Lesson 2

A few weeks ago I wrote about DIY and Setting the Table.

 I taught you how to make a reversible napkin.   In today's tutorial I will teach you how to make a Tea Towel.  I like giving tea towels as hostess gifts.  I usually will give two wrapped up in pretty packaging.  Tea towels are great to use for many reasons.  You can hang them on a stove for decoration.  You can use them on a small table or coffee table for serving hors d'oeuvre.  You can use them in a basket as a bread roll blanket or under a dish rack as a drying cloth.  It is a very multi purpose textile.

In this week's edition of Setting the Table I will show you a quick and easy way to make a tea towel.  Very easy for the beginner.  There is also an option at the end of the tutorial to add a ribbon detail.

Supplies:

5/8 yard of home dec weight or medium weight cotton woven or cotton linen fabric

6" of 1/2" or 3/8" wide twill tape or trim (I use a linen cotton webbing)

3/4 yard of 5/8" wide ribbon or twill tape for decoration (I use a ribbon called Fettucia

from Purl Soho)

Pre-wash all fabric.

1. Cut a piece 20" wide and 28" long

2. fold all 4 sides in at 1/2" and press

3. fold in again 1/2" seam allowance and press.  I press with the pins in to hold down the fabric for me. You can pin the pins all the way but I just push them into the ironing board. If you are more comfortable you can pin the seam allowance completely.  Once you press it with steam, the seam allowance should stay flat without the assistance of the pins.

(note: pressing is with the iron on steam)

5.  Cut 6" of your thinner webbing or ribbon for your hanging loop.  My fabric has a directional print, there is an actual top.  Fold your webbing in half.  At the top of my towel on the shorter side and 1" in from the side seam place the raw edges of the loop under the seam allowance and fold towards the top so it overlaps the top edge and pin in place.

Now sew a 3/8" seam allowance.

4. Sew all four sides at once, pivoting at each corner.

(note: Pivoting is sewing down one side to the corner, leave the needle in the fabric and lift presser foot.  Turn your fabric, place presser foot back down and sew the next side. There is no need to back stitch since this is one continuous seam.)

5. Press.  Finished!

Now an optional decoration is adding a ribbon, rick rack or pom poms to your tea towel.  You will need 22" long of trim. (Or 25" if you want to make a loop on one of the sides, read step 7).

I used a beautiful yellow ribbon called Fettucia.

6.  2" from your bottom fold place your ribbon with 1" overlapping each long edge.  Pin in place.

7. Fold underneath twice so the raw edge is not shown.  If you want, you can cut this ribbon at 25" long and on one side fold a loop to the back side.  You then have a side hanging loop. This is shown in the photo.

8. Sew an edge stitch, pivoting. Normally you shouldn't have your fabric underneath your arm of the sewing machine.  But in this case since you are pivoting you will need to roll up the fabric when you sew the other side of the ribbon.

9. Press and finished.

If you would like to give this as a gift I suggest making two so buy double the amount of fabric or buy the same amount in a complimentary print.

Happy Crafting!

Thanks!

Tracey  //  http://traceytoole.etsy.com/