City Murals and Street Art: Part 2

September 15, 2016 by NY Handmade Collective

I recently met up with a friend who is a longtime New Yorker and shares my fascination with street art. "Have you seen this recent mural?" ha asks, showing me the picture above on his cell phone. My reaction mirrored the expression on the girl's face. There's something magical, and even dangerous about art in an urban landscape. The viewer's experience can be affected by the place, and the art can evoke responses very different than if it were viewed indoors in the context of a museum or gallery setting.

"Throwing Darts in Lovers' Eyes", DeeDee *image: r. ocot*

After spotting another image downtown, I was beginning to recognize the art as the work of the elusive and mysterious "DeeDee". The viewer is struck not only with the hyper-surrealism, but also the elements which inspired the work. DeeDee remains intentionally anonymous, only identifiable through her artwork, currently spotted outdoors in downtown NYC, and indoors at the Parlor Gallery in Asbury Park, NJ.

"Thinker with Cell Phone" by B.D. White

This streetlight base by Brooklyn artist B.D. White features the iconic image of Rodin's "Thinker" holding a cell phone. Having painted hundreds of streetlight bases throughout NYC, B.D.'s "mindful vandalism" is created from his wheelchair, the result of a spinal injury at age eighteen.

Evolving from his early years of painting billboards and dumpsters, to designer, today Tristan Eaton is a prolific street artist, whose work is recognized the world over. These two images can be seen in Little Italy, NYC. With any luck, you can nab a sidewalk seat next to Audrey Hepburn, and sip your cappuccino in style.

Post by: Nicoletta Siccone / ETSY Shop: ArtologieDesigns / Website: www.art-ologie.com

Nicoletta is a lifelong artist and art educator, with an M.A. in Art Education and Administration. She travels the world seeking cultural inspiration for her art, and has worked in fibers, acrylics, oils, and sculpture. Her current work is inspired by the reinvention of the mundane zipper, elevated to an art form into unexpected jewelry designs. Nicoletta’s artwork is shown throughout New York/New Jersey area and worldwide.

Upcoming Workshop - Protect Your Brand: Trademark & Copyright Dos and Don'ts

September 14, 2016 by NY Handmade Collective

Join Etsy NY Team members on Thursday, September 29, 2016 at Pearl Studios NYC from 6:45 PM to 8:45 PM to discuss Trademark and Copyright Do's and Don'ts with Deanna Clark-Esposito and Laurie Marshall.

In today’s hyper-competitive business world, establishing a strong brand and creative presence is important to any business success. Otherwise known as "intellectual property," brands, names, logos, artwork and designs can become the most important and valuable asset of a business. Yet many business owners either fail to undertake this consideration or are unsure how to properly protect their IP.

This workshop will help you understand the legal aspects of branding, the risks in not undertaking proper IP clearances, the steps to prepare for licensing of IP and the benefits derived from registration of IP. This is a great way for entrepreneurs and small business owners to learn the basics about intellectual property and the reasons they need to invest their time and effort into brand protection.

Speakers:

Laurie Marshall

As a trademark attorney with close to 20 years of experience, Laurie currently represents hundreds of small businesses and entrepreneurs in a variety of industries, assisting them with the legal aspects of branding their company at an affordable, flat fee. Many of these clients have come through Shark Tank’s Daymond John Academy. Previously, Laurie handled the trademarks for Major League Baseball for 10 years and continues to represent many MLB clubs and the National Basketball Association.

Laurie speaks regularly on the Legal Aspects of Branding a Small Business at events and conferences throughout the country.

For more about Laurie, visit her at Marshall Law Group Home

Deanna Clark-Esposito

Deanna is an attorney who helps companies grow their business through global trade and fashion compliance, whether it is in relation to labeling, testing, or contractual issues, among others.

In addition to managing the Clark-Esposito Law Firm, P.C., Deanna is an adjunct professor at NYC's Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and LIM College where she teaches Business Law from a fashion perspective, and she is currently writing a book with Fairchild Books of Bloomsbury Publishing entitled "A Practical Guide to Fashion Law and Compliance."

Deanna is the President of the NY Chapter of the Organization of Women in International Trade, is an Executive Member of the Fashion Group International where she serves on the Membership Committee, and has done a number of programs with the U.S. Small Business Administration on compliance and trade.

Location:

Pearl Studios NYC.
500 8th Avenue (between 35th & 36th Sts). 12th Floor - Room 1205

Subway: Take A / C / E or 1 / 2 / 3 trains to 34th St Penn Station.

Purchase Tickets

EtsyNY Travels: Brimfield Antique Fair

September 13, 2016 by NY Handmade Collective

I adore a good flea market, and always have. I suppose a love of fleas and antique fairs is in my blood; I have been attending the king of antique fairs - Brimfield Antique Show in Massachusetts - since before I was even born (as an unwitting shopping assistant to my pregnant mama)! Brimfield occurs annually every May, July, and September, and I try to go whenever I have the opportunity. Thousands of vendors converge for nearly a week of sales, deals, treasures, trades and steals. The first few days typically have more dealers, designers, wholesalers and other vendors making their buys, while the weekend is packed with retail shoppers hunting for treasures. There's something so special about discovering that perfect item, filled with history, and taking it home to make it part of your story. Antique markets also inspire my creativity: whether it's seeing a motif or color story I want to recreate, bringing a special item home to spark inspiration for years to come, or purchasing something to repurpose and recreate into something entirely new.

Here are a few of the wonderful things I spotted this year:

My parents purchased a set of these adorable plates and bowls for a song; they'll be perfect for summer sweets around the fire pit and will bring a bit of log cabin life to New York. I got this great vintage Hudsons Bay blanket for the same reason. I've been searching for one for years and am so happy to have found it.

I suppose if you are searching for one specific thing, a tracksuit (and matching t shirts underneath) will help others direct you to it!

I was swooning over the wonderfully bright and original rugs in Heja Homes's booth.

Fiestaware might be a little colorful for my everyday kitchen purposes, but it looks so lovely all laid out in its rainbow of colors.

I use printer's drawers to display my collection of miniature animals I've picked up on my travels, so it's great to see some similar inspirations.

Yes, these are chairs made out of bones. Very unique, but also super creepy.

The Pendleton blankets in this booth were gorgeous and meticulously maintained.

I wanted to cuddle all of these little Steiff creatures!

I'm in the midst of painting a peacock, so it was pretty cool to be able to examine this taxidermied one up close.

The intricate embroidery on this vintage kimono reminded me of the incredible kimonos I saw in Japan.

Sadly, this unicorn didn't fly through any rainbows, but maybe he did keep those storm clouds at bay.

I love painting leopards, but I never would have thought of a pastel backdrop! I'll definitely be trying that out soon.

Lauren // Wandering Laur Fine Art

Loman Art Bazaar

September 12, 2016 by NY Handmade Collective

A Day with the Lisa Project & The Sticker Social Club

From street art to street food living in New York gives an abundance of the two. If it's art you seek most of us just have to step out our front doors to see something vibrant & eye catching. Urban art can stop you in your tracks, there really are some masterpieces out in those streets. The Lisa project NYC brings diverse artist together to create Manhattan's only mural arts district. Starting in little Italy in 2012 they have since grown into a premiere public arts program reaching SoHo, Lower Eastside, East Village, Chinatown & Chelsea. The Sticker social club host events & drawing meet ups as a means for young, upcoming artist to gain exposure as well as meet & learn from other likeminded artist. The two recently came together for a fun filled day pop-up event featuring an outdoor street art gallery & artwork for sale from emerging & established artist.

Here are some photos from the event.

Until next time friends.

-Rachel leigh

Therapy Helps! - Adventures in the Life of a Working Artist with ADHD

September 01, 2016 by NY Handmade Collective in Creative Process

Ah, when last we met I was alone with my ADHD. Since then I started therapy. My therapist sent me to a psychiatrist to get meds for my ADHD. I was hoping for Albuteral or some other speedy drug that would make me clean up and lose weight without having to talk about my feelings or do any deep psychic investigations. Oh well, I guess there is no free lunch. The doc put me on Bupropion HCL XL. It's a generic form of Welbutrin. This drug was developed to help people quit smoking and cheer them up. You have to take it for a long time for it to work for those things. I take it Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. The doc said it would give me "a pop of energy" and help me focus. Well, it's not speed but I have noticed some changes.

Thus far, I have gone through almost every box, bag and drawer in my studio/living room. I have put the pearls with the pearls with the pearls, the tourmaline with the tourmaline, etc, etc. I have measured all the wire I have, labeled it, and put it into labeled drawers. I separated and sized all my sheet metal. I dusted. I found all the parts of the 3D machine I bought 3 years ago that my daughter never put together. I separated my work stations. Cleared all the surfaces. Let in more light because I could get to my second window and open the blinds.

I have spent a lot of time doing this. At this point, I really don't know if I feel anymore creative, but I can find the material I need to be creative. Even with all this "improvement," I resent the fact that everyone thought "this was a great thing."

I finally, after having the equipment for years, found my way through to my enameling stuff. I really want to enamel. I've read and reread three books about kiln fired enamel. I've owned a custom made kiln for three years, but have never plugged it in. I've become brain dead working on the line I've been selling for years.

But, now, here I was ready. I read the directions - "You must have ventilation, an open window with a fan." There's a heat index of 110 degrees outside and I don't have enough electricity to run the air conditioner and the kiln! I felt defeated. And after all that cleaning! What to do? What to do? Torch fire? Yes!!!!!!!!

I had most of what I needed. For what I didn't have I ran up to Allcraft and sat quietly while I painfully watched the woman who works there dig through piles of mess to find what I needed. Anyone who's been there knows what I'm talking about.

Back at the ranch, after watching a four minute video on YouTube I dove in. I'm very satisfied. Here's some of my new work. I don't know if the therapist, the psychiatrist, and the mess are helping, but they're not hurting!

I am Stacey Miller. I am a jewelry designer, silversmith, painter, writer, and improv performer. I have ADHD, which is attention deficit hyperactive disorder. This means I have trouble focusing and following through. Hyperactive behavior in children becomes thrill seeking behavior in adults. I was not diagnosed until last year; I am middle age. So if any of you have symptoms don't think you're too old. My company name is Stacey Miller Unlimited.

The 2016 Holiday Handmade Cavalcade Is Now Accepting Sponsors

August 29, 2016 by NY Handmade Collective

The 2016 Holiday Handmade Cavalcade is returning to New York City once again and it’s the perfect opportunity to present your brand to thousands of shoppers who love all things indie and handmade. The December holiday shopping event features more than 45 vendors and attracts more than 20,000 attendees. In addition, our location at the bustling Chelsea Market puts us in front of at least 200,000 shoppers strolling through the market.

The Etsy NY Street Team goes above and beyond every year to ensure that the Holiday Handmade Cavalcade continues to be the go-to spot for local holiday shopping by promoting on our social media platforms, established mailing lists, media contacts, and at other markets leading up to the event. The team has had such success in its past two years at Chelsea Market, that for the first year in its history, the Holiday Handmade Cavalcade will be expanding from a weekend event to a full week of activities, giveaways, shopping, and connecting with shoppers.

Want in on the action? There are various ways you can get involved in this year’s holiday event, including promotion and logo placement on our marketing materials, event signage, and coveted swag bags; an exclusive sponsor booth to introduce your products to shoppers; hosting intriguing workshops or raffle prizes for attendees throughout the week; and more.

If your company is looking to reach our audience and introduce your brand inside one of Manhattan’s busiest shopping centers, please contact us through the Sponsors Interest Form. To view our list of sponsorship opportunities, please visit handmadecavalcade.com/sponsors.

Hope to see you and your brand at the 2016 Holiday Handmade Cavalcade at Chelsea Market this December!

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