Spring: Living An Inspired Life

It’s official: Winter is over and Spring has come! Finally! I love this time of year. Actually, I don’t just love it; I absolutely adore this time of year. If I could grab up Spring and kiss its sweet cheeks I would (that’s face cheeks for those of you wondering, although I wouldn’t mind kissing Spring’s backside if that means it’ll show up on March 20th next year).

I also love this time of year because Spring is synonymous with hope. It’s the time of year we clear out the habits that no longer serve us and (hopefully) start new healthier practices. A practice I love is using quotes to inspire me to be my highest self. To that end, I’ve scoured Etsy for locally, handmade products that are uplifting and inspiring to all. Enjoy.

At eighteen dollars this tote bag by Pink Olive, is a great deal and reminds you to be kind to yourself. It’s a win-win.

This is one of my favorite quotes and Honey Bee Trinkets does a beautiful job of making this soulful quote into a necklace.

Your phone needs a case and you take your phone with everywhere. Why not find inspiration everywhere you go every time you use your phone? Rove Studio uses geometric shapes with this cool phone case.

Lucky Elephant Shop has created this clever reminder to hold a natural soy candle. If you just can’t feel inspired no matter what you read today, at least remember you always have your friends.

Live an inspired life.

By Kate Davey Love Notes By Kate

MEET the ARTISAN: J. Topolski + 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 Jenny, the creator of J. Topolski.

Q: What is J. Topolski? Can you briefly describe your business for us?

A:  I create unique jewelry mostly inspired by animals, along with some urban landscapes. I work primarily by traditional acid-etching, wax-carving (by hand), metalsmithing, and with an eco-friendly resin. Everything is handmade in my studio.

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: I tend to create work that I am interested in, and that I believe is different than the other options in the marketplace. However, when an animal or theme is requested from me repeatedly, I try to find a way to go with the trend.

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 have been introducing gemstones in a more major way, and that's main goal for this year. I have been using small stones to accent pieces for a while now, but I'm excited to start designing around some big rocks.

Q: Can you tell us some of the partners you have made? Retail stores where we can find your product?

A: I have work in the Harvard Museum of Natural History shop, The Brass Owl in Astoria, Better Than Jam in Bushwick, and Space Montrose in Houston, to name a few of my favorites. I also have a partnership with Urban Utopia Wildlife Rehabilitation (NYC's first mammal-focused wildlife rehab group), and a portion of profits from my squirrel necklaces go to them.

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: Set your business up properly at the beginning, instead of trying to backtrack and get organized as you become more successful. Figuring out sales tax, bookkeeping, licenses, etc. only becomes scarier as you get further behind.

Special thanks to Jenny for sharing with us! You can find her products showcased on her Etsy shop at www.jtopolski.etsy.com. You can find Jenny at her May 1st market event at Artrider at Lyndhurst. And, details of her special product GIVEAWAY are below. Please enter for your chance to win!

Enter to WIN HERE! 

The GIVEAWAY this month from J. Topolski is a personalized 18" gold-filled chain with lobster clasp with a 1/2" brass locket and elephant charm!

Entry period ends at 11:59pm on Wednesday, April 15, 2015.

published by Susan Ng

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

Setting the Easter Table

a rainbow of hand painted eggs from Schemata on Etsy

Easter will be here in one week and Spring is slowly arriving.  The Etsy NY Team has no shortage of table decor for your celebration. 

Wishbone Letterpress 

There will be no confusion between drinks when your guests use these fish scale coasters from Wishbone Letter Press.  If you are aren't the host they make a great gift! Bright, cheery and trendy neon! 

Kamspots African Violet Pot

Your floral arrangement will shine in this beautiful robin's egg blue vessel.  Kamspots has designed this individually wheel thrown African Violet Pot specifically for the plant.  A double ceramic creation will keep your African Violet strong and healthy. 

Schemata on Etsy

And don't forget the most important item of Easter and I don't mean the chocolate bunny.  Eggs! Schemata offers handprinted eggs each one individual and unique, unable to be duplicated.  Buy a half dozen and you have a  basket of eggs for your table.  These eggs are painted thru the inside with a metallic outlining on the exterior.   

I hope you have a lovely Easter  and may your table usher spring in!

Tracey Toole

Nostalgic Toys ~ Paper Planes

What better classic toy is there than a good ol' paper airplane?  Any one can make it and I'm sure everyone has.

The origin of folded paper gliders is generally considered to be of Ancient China, although there is equal evidence that the refinement and development of folded gliders took place in equal measure in Japan. Certainly, manufacture of paper on a widespread scale took place in China 500 BCE, and origami and paper folding became popular within a century of this period, approximately 460-390 BCE. It is impossible to ascertain where and in what form the first paper aircraft were constructed, or even the first paper plane's form.  

In recent times, paper model aircraft have gained great sophistication, and very high flight performance far removed from their origami origins, yet even origami aircraft have gained many new and exciting designs over the years, and gained much in terms of flight performance.  There have been many design improvements, including velocity, lift, propulsion, style and fashion, over subsequent years.

Go ahead, give yourself a break and act like a kid a again.  Watch the following video to be reminded how to make an awesome flying paper airplane.

"Paper" Plane.  Surprise Ball made by Etsy NY Team member Watermelon Party Shop.

This will be the last Nostalgic Toys post I will write for the ETSY NY TEAM .  It's been fun reminiscing with you all; stay young my friends. 

Written by Melanie Ann Mercado of M Ann M Creations

March Madness on Etsy

Filling out brackets, eating great bar food and cheering on your team...for sports fans and non sports fans alike watching the NCAA Men's Basketball tournament on television can be a good time. Etsy can be an excellent place to look for unique fan gifts or even something special from your alma mater. 68 teams are in the big dance and five of them are featured below in the best Etsy has to offer for March Madness fans!

If it's setting a mood your looking for, look no further than this awesome Kentucky basketball card from Hop Skip Jump Paper. Personally, I'm not sure I love anyone more than Kentucky basketball so it would be hard for me to find a use for this...but it's a great card none the less.

If the Kentucky Wildcats are not your team maybe the Arizona Wildcats are? This adorable girls hair clip is made by our own Etsy NY team member Brooklyn Owl. It's a kind reminder it's never to early to start cheering for your team!

Wearing team gear on game day is important, decorating your home YEAR ROUND in support of your team is a must. This bold and graphic Oregon print from Painted Post will ensure all of your house guests know this is Ducks territory.

And while your guests are admiring your walls, you can prepare their game day feast on one of the beautiful cutting boards from AHierloom in Brooklyn. Even though Texas Longhorns didn't make it past the second round in the tournament, your home will definitely be a game day destination well into the Final Four featuring spreads like this!

Last but not least, every fan needs to show their pride with a awesome sticker. On the car or laptop this North Carolina Tarheels sticker from Pink House Press will let everyone know you chose the right North Carolina school to cheer for in March!      

Best of luck to your team in March and cheer on your team below in the comments section! 

~Amberlee Isabella

Apron Picks on Etsy

As a designer of aprons I have to admit I don't have one, specific favorite apron.  I do have a certain style I like.  I like a full size, long, butcher apron with adjustable straps and a few pockets.  I still struggle with do I want velcro on the pockets so my phone doesn't fall out when I am cooking or baking.   Then I think, I don't want to be carrying my phone.  But of course I usually end up carrying it in my back pocket. 

I've been looking at aprons on Etsy and of course being a handmade market place globally, there is quite a selection.  I chose a few of my favorites all domestically made. First up is from White Barn Mercantile from Southern Minnesota. What I like about these aprons they are a clean design, simple, and sturdy.  I am speaking from seeing the photos and reading the descriptions. But canvas which most of the aprons are made from is strong, durable cotton fabric.  Grommets will keep your ties held down securely. This apron would be good for a crafter, wood worker or gardener.  It may get a bit hot in the kitchen because canvas is a heavy fabric. 

white barn mercantile orange canvas apron

Next up is this depression era style pinafore.  I think I may have a photo of my grandmother wearing one of these in 1934. A beautiful, simple and utilitarian fabric, linen is lightweight and sturdy coming from the flax plant.  This pinafore is great for the mom on the go.  She can throw this over her jeans and shirt and get down to cleaning house. Retrohome is based out of Florida and I like her shop bio, "reinventing simple". 

pinafore apron by Retrohome

From Fayetteville, Arkanasa meet American Native.  If you work in a woodshop or with any other heavy duty materials where there is much hammering, sawing or other manly type things this apron is for you. Denim and leather.  Not just any denim but cone denim.  The best you can get in the US.  

denim apron from American Native

Do you have a favorite apron?  What do you wear it for? What do you love or hate about some aprons?

Have a great weekend!

Tracey Toole

www.traceytoole.etsy.com | www.traceytoole.com