Summer Reading

I don't know if it was having to read 5 books on summer vacation while in high school or going to the beach or pool with a book but summer always feels like it's a great time to chill out and read.  I currently am reading 4 books and magazines.   I try to have something to read at bedtime, something educational, something lightweight for trips on the subway and something inspirational.  It just happens that way. Here are my current selections.  Some of them you may recognize.  

Just received today! Go Set a Watchman

The Signature of all Things by Elizabeth Gilbert, educational and entertaining

My current favorite mag, Sweet Paul Magazine.  Good ideas, good recipes and good photos.  

The Art of Instruction.  Beautiful photographs and drawings.  

Whether you are in the mood for a good book, some light reading or eye candy each of these can  do the job.  

Happy Friday! And remember shop local! 

Tracey Toole

etsy shop

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Simple DIY: Repurposed Yogurt Containers

Aren’t yogurt containers great for storage?  I collect and use yogurt containers all the time in my design studio – mainly as water containers or to hold supplies.

But I got bored of looking at these plain old, drab containers and decided it was time for new color and to give my desk area a makeover!

This is a simple and easy DIY project that you can do anytime. 

All you need is:

• Acrylic or craft paint
• Paintbrush
• Paint tray or paper plate to hold the paint
• Washi tape, decorative duck tape or masking tape

Step 1:

Paint the container in your selected color.

Depending on the type of paint you chose, you may need several coats in order to cover the branding on the yogurt containers.  My preferred choice is Blick Matte Acrylic paint.  It glides on easy and provides great coverage with just one or two coats. 

Let it dry completely.  Acrylic paint dries quickly, but I suggest leaving it to dry for 12-24 hours. 

Step 2:

Embellish with washi or decorative masking tape or duck tape.  I kept my design simple as the purpose of this project was intended as a quick and easy DIY craft, but you could get creative with the tape and cut into shapes, add multiple colors etc.

That’s it – real easy!

What simple DIY craft projects are you doing this summer?

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

Best Travel Bags for A Long Weekend Away

If you're headed away for a long weekend this summer, you'll need a bag in which you can fit everything you need and even everything you think you need (like five pairs of shoes for a three day weekend -- we've seen it happen). The following bags were picked to help you pack seamlessly for your long weekend away.

Girl Candy offers monogrammed nylon bags in many colors and you can even get a small travel case to match.

This handmade leather bag by Shop Azul has compartments to keep all of your items organized for your trip. This doubles as excellent carry-on luggage.

We love this large tote bag from Roses Handbags because it is made from waterproof canvas, which means if you're traveling to the beach, your items will stay dry.

If you're looking to treat yourself with a beautiful travel bag that you'll have forever, then the Medicine Travel Bag by Leatherfinerwork is for you. It's simply an exquisitely handmade bag and it comes in a dark brown and honey natural stain.

By Kate Davey

Summer Must Haves

With over 250 members in the NYC area, EtsyNY is sure to have some seasonal must haves for summer.  We are in many markets and fairs so you can shop local all summer long but if you can't get to a market you can always order online.  

Here are some summer must haves from the Etsy New York Team. 

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lip balm kit from New Leaf Naturals

From Pauletta, do July 4th in style.  Bright blue quartz druzy.

sun hats by Ellis Design

picnic blanket for the beach or park from tracey toole

a tote from Bugged Out to carry everything in.

To keep up to date on all the local markets Etsy NY is part of check out our Facebook page.

Happy Independence Day!

Tracey 

etsy shop

Letting Go and Finding Independence

Many of us live our lives passively because we are afraid of change. We accept what happens around us, making slight course corrections when really good or really bad things intersect with our paths, but generally just going with the flow. But we are constantly being pushed and pulled by the forces of change. That resistance to change creates a conflict with our basic human nature to take the course of least resistance and results in an inner turmoil, a feeling of being at odds with ourselves.

Rosie the Rhino plush by RusteriorThreads

We think we are sheltering ourselves from pain by not taking risks. We attach to things that are familiar even if they are transitive (which everything is) or negative. We put up with situations and people that limit our ability to experience joy. We isolate ourselves or expose ourselves, but we often feel empty and alone. Interdependence and interconnectivity with those around us is crucial. We are social beings. We have reliance on others and others rely on us. Independence comes by letting go of the fear of change, accepting risk as a necessary means of growth, while providing value and worth to ourselves and not expecting anyone else to give it to us.

Risk alone doesn’t cause pain. Risk is a catalyst that can facilitate change. We picture the definition of success and failure in our head and then we feel joy or disappointment based on the outcome we perceive. We build the stage for the emotions we feel. We are the writers, directors, producers and actors of our own play and we have the power to let go of what isn’t working for us and create something new.

Let go of the things that are hindering your joy. Embrace and seek out those that support and encourage you. Practice mindfulness and positive thinking. Accept risk and change. Embrace your independence. 

Shawn Carney Art
https://www.etsy.com/shop/shawncarneyart

MEET the ARTISAN: Wandering Laur Fine Art + 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 Lauren, the creator behind Wandering Laur Fine Art. 

Q: What is Wandering Laur Fine Art? Can you briefly describe your business for us?

A: I paint watercolors of various animals - dogs, cats, birds, and more - and produce limited edition high-quality prints, greeting cards, posters, and commissioned one-of-a-kind portraits. 

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: When I was a little girl, I loved animals and art so much that I used to tell anyone who asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up that I wanted to be a "veterinarian with pictures all over the walls," but ultimately, I decided I would rather wield a paintbrush than a scalpel.  So, you might say I was practically born with the inspiration! As the daughter of a veterinarian and an art dealer, my passion for both painting and animals was established very early.  I've painted all my life, and have done commissioned pet portraits for over a decade.  Most of the originals of the dog and cat prints in my shop currently hang in my father's animal hospital, in Rockaway Beach, New York. The hospital was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy, and when he rebuilt and reopened, I created watercolor paintings of my favorite breeds of dogs and cats to adorn the new walls. 

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 made Wandering Laur Fine Art official only a short time ago (the end of 2014), but it's been such fun so far, and I hope to keep expanding: I would love to partner with boutiques, especially pet boutiques and children's stores, and to continue to paint commissioned portraits, which I love to do!

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

A: My handpainted seaglass jewelry (available at www.etsy.com/shop/wanderinglaur) is available at several boutiques (including the End of the A mobile boutique in my hometown, Rockaway Beach!), and Wandering Laur Fine Art will be at various markets around NYC this spring and summer, starting with the opening weekend at Hester Street Fair, and every Saturday in June at the Renegade Craft Fair.

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: Do what you love!  I work full time and have two Etsy shops, but only because I enjoy all of it, and making art and sharing it on Etsy makes me happy. 

Special thanks to Lauren for sharing with us. You can find her products showcased on her Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/WanderingLaurFineArt. And, details of her special product GIVEAWAY are below. Please enter for your chance to win!

Enter to WIN HERE! 

Wandering Laur Fine Art: 8.5 x 11 Giclee Print

The winner will receive a limited edition, 8.5 x 11 free giclee print of his or her choice from Wandering Laur Fine Art - choose from any of the nearly 40 images in the "Limited Edition Prints" section of the shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/WanderingLaurFineArt?section_id=16104663&ref=shopsection_leftnav_1

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

published by Susan Ng

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