Happy St. Patrick's Day!

March 16, 2015 by NY Handmade Collective

A photograph by Jennifer Kelleher of Kilarney National Park available in her Etsy shop, JMK Photo Art.

If celebrating Irish history has you in the mood to bring a little bit of Ireland into your home, the Etsy NY Team has you covered. The following are a few of my favorite locally made items by New Yorkers that may just bring a bit of the ole’ Irish luck into your life (okay, I can’t guarantee the luck part, but I can guarantee local and the New Yorker part!).

I absolutely love this Contemporary Typography Word Map of Ireland by Flatiron Design. It’s simple design and wrap canvas make it perfect for any room in your home, even if it’s not an Irish home!

Shop Gina Michele's black, wool, cable knit sweater.

Growing up in an Irish family, wearing an Irish sweater on St. Patrick’s Day was mandatory. If you’re interested in keeping the tradition alive, but want to bring a vintage twist, this sweater from Shop Gina Michele is your go-to. It’s a black, wool, cable knit sweater and get this, it was made in Ireland. All of your Irish boxes have been checked!

Premalove Jewelry’s Fiona, Smooth Emerald Drop necklace

We haven’t touched on green yet and since it is a day all about the green, we’d be remissed if didn’t mention Premalove Jewelry’s beautiful, handmade Fiona, Smooth Emerald Drop necklace hung with .925 matte sterling silver. Sara McCormick, the owner of Premalove Jewelry, writes that this is one of her favorite stones and that “Emeralds are used by healers to help heal the heart. Emerald is a stone of great harmony, wisdom and love.” How perfect for St. Patrick’s Day!

A photograph by Jennifer Kelleher of Kilarney National Park.

Lastly, we leave you with a beautiful (and inexpensive!) photo series of Ireland by Jennifer Kelleher. This photo was taken in May 2014 during her trip to Killarney National Park and is one of many phenomenal photos offered in her shop, JMK Photo Art.

So whether you decide to spend St. Patrick's Day, watching New York City's St. Patrick's Day Parade, celebrating with a Guinness, or some Irish retail therapy, enjoy your day!

By Kate Davey

DIY Fun For St. Patrick’s Day!

March 13, 2015 by NY Handmade Collective

Celebrate the luck of the Irish with fun DIY crafts! This month I’m going to share with you some of my favorite projects.

Shamrock Boutonnieres

The Shamrock, the Irish national emblem is proudly worn on Saint Patrick’s Day to honor the Emerald Isle and its patron saint.

Create your own unique designs with fabric and glue!

Get the directions by MarthaStewart.com.

Magic Vases

With puffy paint and spray paint transform jars destined for recycling into something pretty for your home!

Lucky Penny Letters

With 3 dollars worth of pennies, copper paint and a glue gun, make the perfect Saint Patrick’s Day display for your mantle.

Get the directions and watch the video tutorial by Momtastic.com

Pot of Gold

With a little glitter, Mod Podge and black acrylic paint, whip up this DIY Pot of Gold for your St. Patrick’s Day festivities!

Get the directions by The36thAvenue.com.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!!

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

Irish Linen

March 06, 2015 by NY Handmade Collective

In the past year I have started to work with linen and linen mix fabrics. What I know of linen is that it is expensive. But I have learned much more in the past year. However, what is Irish Linen. Being half Irish descent and it being the month of St.Patrick I thought I would do some exploratory research.

Yes linen is expensive. Irish linen is also quite expensive. But do you know why? Flax, which also appears in our diet and grocery stores lately, is a strong fibre. Linen comes from the flax fibre, which is stronger than cotton and more durable. What makes something Irish? Well being made in Ireland. The majority of "Irish Linen" in the past 200 to 300 years was used for the upper class. The more yardage used in a garment the wealthier you were. Seven yards for a shirt! That's quite a lot. Today a regular man's woven button down shirt consumes about 3 yards.

the flax plant and seeds photos from Irish Linen.com

Since the 1950's and 60's flax has been imported to Ireland. Most linen today is custom designed and to carry the "Irish Linen Guild" logo the linen must be spun, woven and designed in Ireland. The flax usually comes from somewhere in Europe.

If you come upon some Irish Linen, look for the logo and treat yourself!

Tracey Toole

MEET the ARTISAN: Amberlee Isabella Home + GIVEAWAY

March 01, 2015 by NY Handmade Collective

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

Q: What is Amberlee Isabella Home? Can you briefly describe your business for us?

A: Amberlee Isabella Home is a brand of bright and charming home decor and stationery designed and made by me, Amberlee Isabella. I am an interior and graphic designer based in New York City, who uses pattern, typography and color to bring to life inspirational and playful products. My designs aim to be sophisticated and tailored for the apartment in the Upper West Side but casual (and affordable enough) for the studio apartment in Brooklyn.

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: For the past 7 years, I have been fortunate to work for a large commercial design firm focused on retail design. Spending so much time designing retail stores for other amazing brands, I was inspired to share my own vision. The aesthetic of Amberlee Isabella Home is a direct reflection of things, ideas and places that are important in my own life. While all my designs are personal, I have been fortunate to find that the playful and approachable spirit of my designs has resonated with others.

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

A: The next steps for my business are to expand my wholesaling outside of New York City. The past year, I participated in many craft fairs and markets which allowed me to meet customers, get feedback and determine my target market. I look forward to using that increased knowledge to help my small business grow.

Q: Can you share with us some of the craft fairs and markets that you've participated in to help move your business forward?

A: The markets in New York City that have taught me the most about my business have been Crafts on Columbus in the Upper West Side, Hester Street Fair in the Lower East Side and the Etsy Handmade Calvacade at Chelsea Market. Each were a very different experience but they all helped me fine tune not only my product design but product display and presentation as well.

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: The biggest piece of advice I can give to others is to emphasize the importance of a constant and professional looking brand. While you may consider your Etsy business a hobby or part time endeavor it's critical to put your best foot forward in every aspect. As creatives we tend to only want to design and not approach other parts of our business with as much passion. While it can be overwhelming at times it's critically important. I'm a firm believer that presenting yourself and your designs in a professional manner is well worth the investment of funding and time.

Special thanks to Amberlee for sharing with us. You can find her products showcased on her Etsy shop at Amberlee Isabella Home. And, details of her special product GIVEAWAY are below. Please enter for your chance to win!

The giveaway this month is a bestseller from Amberlee Isabella Home!

Enter to WIN H ERE!

Entry period ends at 11:59pm on Sunday, March 15, 2015.

An 8x10 'Happy Girls Are the Prettiest!' by Audrey Hepburn print in mint green. This is the perfect print to brighten any office, bedroom or dorm! This print is handmade and printed on 100% cotton paper. Please note, frame is not included.

published by Susan Ng

www.NaturallySusans.Etsy.com | www.NaturallySusans.com

Spring is almost here...

February 27, 2015 by NY Handmade Collective

Weather is on everyone's mind. It's the topic of conversation. March begins on Sunday and it will be in the mid 20's here in New York City. I'm tired of the blacks, grey, browns of my surroundings. But I am filling up with Spring hope with colors starting to come out. Although the bulbs I planted are 12 inches underground, maybe more. I can still find some pleasure online.

Sugared lavender flowers and citrus tarts are tasty ways of bringing energy into my home.

This weekend go buy some oranges, lemons, limes or grapefruits and arrange them in a vase or bowl as a centerpiece. Bring warmth into your home and your hands.

Tracey Toole

Nostalgic Toys ~ Weaving Loom

February 24, 2015 by NY Handmade Collective

Weaving loom toys date from an era when children often amused themselves by making things and doing crafts. Children felt proud when they created beautiful potholders, scarfs,and other practical items that they could use at home or give as gifts.

Weaving loom toys gave hours of constructive amusement and fun to girls and boys alike. The kits didn't take up a lot of space, they weren't messy and they were perfect for a long car ride or sick days spent in bed. A weaving loom was a toy that could foster personal expression and build self-esteem. Vintage inspired weaving looms are available for purchase online at Amazon.com and HobbyLobby.com.

If you'd like to see results of REAL weaving, Etsy NY Team member, Jean Poli of Fiber Dance Weaving Studio spends countless hours creating exquisite blankets and throws that are woven on a traditional hand loom using only the best natural fiber yarns.

Post written by Melanie Ann Mercado of M Ann M Creations