Friday Finds: BBQ in the City

August 01, 2014 by NY Handmade Collective

August 1st and you haven't had a bbq yet? What are you waiting for?! First you will need some bug spray, especially if you bbq in the park or my back yard! Susan from Naturally Susans is selling her all natural bug spray online and at Celebrate Brooklyn in Prospect Park.

Bug sprays, natural moisturizers and lip balms by Naturally Susans

So now that you aren't going to attract any mosquitoes you may want to attract a new friend. I love lobsters. Lobster prints, lobster salad, steamed lobster so of course I love this bow tie. If I wasn't married I definitely would be attracted to a guy wearing a lobster bow tie!

And if you don't know how to tie a bow tie don't worry, Minerva Knits will send you instructions. Talk about service!

Ok so you have your bug spray, you have a cool bow tie to wear, what are you going to bring? Instead of stopping at the local bodega and picking up a six pack how about doing something different? This is New York after all. Brooklyn DIY has the most unique gift you can bring to a BBQ or any party. Party goers will be so impressed when you show up with homemade mustard. And bring a kit for the host.

mustard kits, diy pickles,  and cocktail bitter kits can be found at Brooklyn DIY — mustard kits, diy pickles, and cocktail bitter kits can be found at Brooklyn DIY

Now get on your bicycle or your Citi-bike and get to the bbq! And if you don't have a bike you can wear one around your neck!

enamel and copper necklace by Be in the Moment

Have a great BBQ!

Tracey Toole

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

Keeping your Cool. 5 Friday Finds

July 25, 2014 by NY Handmade Collective

Summer is here, the heat is on and living in the city can be a bit like an oven. Here are five Etsy NY finds to keep you cool.

Sleeping in something light on hot summer nights. Here are some adorable, breezy shorts from Aurora Lingerie

Ice Cream Cone Onesie by The African Llama

Keep your little one cool with overalls from Overall Baby. Lightweight cotton overalls with a lightweight cotton lining. Perfect for hot weather!

Keep your lid covered with this new and beautiful chambray floppy hat from Rocks and Salt. Top stitched in bright red adds a unique touch to this sexy sombrero.

Want to find more Etsy NY? Just visit etsy and type in etsyNYteam. Support local!

Tracey

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

Your Summer Handbag

July 23, 2014 by NY Handmade Collective

What is it about purses? I swear I do get tired of mine after 2 to 3 months and am ready for a refreshing change. This past season in March I started using my neon pink Kate Spade leather handbag. Being bright neon pink really does perk me up in the "it's almost over, this horrible weather period" in NYC. "Where is Spring???" Then as the weather warmed up I moved onto my colorblocked black and cream vegan leather tote. In June, the temperature changed and so did my purse. It became warmer and I really didn't feel like carrying a leather or vegan leather bag. I needed something lighter and happier! I turned to my own inventory in my shop and began using a pink and white flower print canvas bag with bamboo handles. I am getting the itch again. It is almost August. Do I get something wicker? Or maybe something more durable like duck canvas that I can use at the beach and carry to work. Decisions. So I am turning to the Etsy NY Team and see what I can find in their shops.

Jess Switaj  coral silk clutch — Jess Switaj coral silk clutch

Large Leather Colorblocked Bag by Lola Falk Designs

Decisions, decisions and all from local New Yorkers!

Happy Bag Shopping!

Tracey

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

Nostalgic Toys - Marionettes

July 21, 2014 by NY Handmade Collective

Opening in 1967, the Bil Baird Marionette Theater at 59 Barrow Street in Greenwich Village presented plays for more than a decade.

Marionettes were used in performance theatre in Egypt as early as 2000 BC when string-operated figures of wood were manipulated to perform the action of kneading bread, and other string controlled objects. Wire controlled, articulated puppets made of clay and ivory have been found in Egyptian tombs.

With the rise in popularity of television and film, marionettes found a rise in popularity especially in children's programming. The story of Pinocchio and its Disney adaptation (Pinocchio), which was released in 1940, is a story about a marionette. In 1947, Howdy Doody introduced marionettes to children's television, with Howdy Doody (the main character) being a marionette, as well as some other characters.

Children of New York City watching a Marionette Show in the 1930's

One of the hidden treasures in Central Park is the Swedish Cottage MarionetteTheater. For more information go here http://www.cityparksfoundation.org/arts/swedish-cottage-marionette-theatre/

The Swedish Cottage is home to one of the last public marionette companies in the United States. Puppeteers have worked there since 1947. The cottage was originally constructed as a model pre-fabricated schoolhouse, and became Sweden's entry in the … — The Swedish Cottage is home to one of the last public marionette companies in the United States. Puppeteers have worked there since 1947. The cottage was originally constructed as a model pre-fabricated schoolhouse, and became Sweden's entry in the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. After the exhibit, Park co-designer Frederick Law Olmsted chose the rustic building for Central Park. After a string of diverse uses, the nature study center for children and an entomological lab, for examples, the cottage became headquarters in 1939 for the Parks Department's Marionette Theater. The marionette company has long been known for its whimsical productions of classics like Peter Pan and Cinderella.

By Melanie Ann Mercado of M Ann M Creations

Tutorial: Wire Wrapped Briolette Earrings

July 14, 2014 by NY Handmade Collective

Admission: Initially, I was not very good at the whole process of wire wrapping. It takes some practice to get a feel for making the loops, but once you have the hang of it, you’ll quickly be on your way to making gorgeous jewelry!

Wire wrapping beads was my first introduction to jewelry making. Several years ago my friend Mimi invited me take a class to learn how to make chandelier earrings. I had never done anything crafty like this before, and since it was for her birthday, I enthusiastically said yes. The class was fantastic, though I quickly realized that I needed just a little more practice to become adept at this newly acquired skill. My first pair of earrings, it turns out, did not really fall into the chandelier category. For simplicity (and to ensure I had a complete pair of earrings by the end of the class) I made what I’ll call ‘simple dangly drops’ – that is, a briolette hanging from a chain, connected to an ear wire. They were minimal, stylish and I was proud I made them.

In this tutorial, I’ll take you through the steps of making this easy, pretty pair of earrings.

Supplies you’ll need:

Briolette crystals with a hole drilled through the top
Round nose pliers
Wire cutters or nail clipper
Two silver ear wires
26 gauge (or thinner) silver wire
Silver chain of any style (make sure it is large enough so that the sterling wire can fit through the loop)

Step 1: Cut two 1.5 to 2 inch pieces of wire. Thread the wire through each briolette, bending the wire into the shape of a U as pictured below:

Step 2: Next, you'll cross the two sides over one another, making an X.

Step 3: Hold one wire with the round nose pliers and gently bend the other wire around the tip of the pliers, making a loop.

Step 4: Thread your chain through the top loop that you just made.

Step 5: Hold the top loop with your pliers and wrap left wire around the center where the loops meet, ensuring you wrap around the wire on the right. If you are having difficulty tightening the wrap, hold the opposite side of the wire with flat nose pliers and pull taught.

Step 6: Continue wrapping 2-3 times around and clip off the excess wire. Thread the ear wires through the top loop of the chain and gently pinch the ear wire loop closed so that your chain will not fall out.

Voilá, you have just made a new pair of earrings! Variations on this are endless - you can add multiple chains and briolettes at varying lengths, multiple briolettes on the same chain, etc...

Looking back, and seeing how far my skills have evolved, I credit (and thank) my friend Mimi for introducing me to what continues to be an amazing edification through the vast field of jewelry making.

Rachael

5 steps to the perfect rooftop party

July 11, 2014 by NY Handmade Collective

Just because July 4th celebrations are over, it does not mean the end of summer entertaining! With the temperatures continuously on the rise, what better way to celebrate summer then throwing a rooftop party!

In New York City (or any of the surrounding boroughs), we have the luxury of viewing the city from high up! Nothing is better than chilling at a rooftop party on a breezy summer evening creating fun summer memories. So take advantage of spectacular city views and throw a summer shindig that will be sure to impress!

Here are some step-by-step tips on how to make your rooftop party memorable and fun!

Step 1: Get Permission

Before throwing your rooftop party, make sure you check with the building landlord to ensure that your rooftop is safe and secure!

Step 2: Decide on a theme

The second step is to decide how you want to entertain. Is your rooftop party going to a gathering for summer cocktails or a sit down dinner?

Based on your chosen theme, the next important step is to decide on the menu and drinks. Make sure to stock up on enough food and drinks to last throughout the night.

Step 3: Organize the space

Once you’ve decided on the theme, the next thing you will want to do is clean the area well. Examine the space layout and locate where the outlets are. In fact you may want to draw a quick sketch of the space.

Step 4: Decide on equipment and furniture

With your sketch in hand, decide on what equipment and furniture you’ll need and where it should be placed. Types of equipment and furniture to consider:

Extension cords
Cocktail tables
Sit down dinner tables
Sofa or seating arrangement
Side tables
Chairs
Lamps and lighting
Umbrellas / canopy

Step 5: Decorate the space

Transform your rooftop into the perfect outdoor sanctuary by adding color coordinated awnings and large umbrella. If this is an evening affair, consider candles, string lighting and lamps. Create a cozy atmosphere by adding outdoor rugs, large floor pillows and canvas cushions. Add a green touch with a few hanging flower baskets or potted shrubs.

For more inspiration to the perfect rooftop party, check out my Pinterest Board: Rooftop Party Ideas.

By: Rekha Krishnamurthi | ETSY Shop: DivineNYCo | Website: www.divineny.com