We Will Not Forget, 9-11-01

Above::  Small Knitting, Project Tote Bag from thesewingmachine

Red Infinity Scarf, Cowl from DemetersCharisma

Royalty Hair Adornment from TheQueensEnvy

Red and Blue Burp Cloth Bundle from TinyStitches

Below::  Kimberly Clutch from thesocialseam

Red White and Blue Patriotic Rolled Fabric Rose Hair Clip from youbowgirlshop

Royal Blue Simple Necklace, Bracelet, Earring Set from MeadowlandDesigns

Custom Simple Garter with Date from MondeDesign

2nd Saturday's at JerUSAlem Stone

Stop in tomorrow and shop great locally made handmade finds!  

Maker Faire: Kansas City

Looking for a family-friendly, educational event to take the family this weekend?  Head to Union Station and attend the Maker Faire: Kansas City! This two day event is a family-friendly event to MAKE, create, learn, invent, CRAFT, recycle, think, play and be inspired by celebrating arts, crafts, engineering, food, music, science and technology.  It celebrates things people create themselves — from James Bond-worthy electronic gizmos to Martha Stewart-quality “slow made” foods and homemade clothes. Inspiration is ubiquitous at the festival and there are surprises around every corner for people of all ages.  Admission ticket information can be found here.

Saturday, June 23, 2012, 

9:30 am – 7 pm

 

Sunday, June 24, 2012, 

9:30 am – 5 pm

WHAT YOU WILL SEE AT MAKER FAIRE: KANSAS CITY

ROCKETS & ROBOTS • DIY SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY • ARTS & CRAFTS • BICYCLES • ELECTRONICS • ARTISAN FOODS • URBAN FARMING • SUSTAINABLE LIVING • WOODWORKING • CIRCUIT BOARDS • ALTERNATIVE ENERGY VEHICLES • FIRE ARTS • LIVE MUSIC • ART CARS • TESLA COILS • ARDUINO & KITS • AND SO MUCH MORE!

Local Show Saturday - Handmade & Vintage

Have any of you braved the shopping malls and big box stores on a Saturday?  What a nightmare.  Crowded parking lots, crowded shops, crowded restaurants, everything is crowded, and most of the people unpleasant.  If you still have shopping to do for the holidays and are looking for something unique handmade with artisan craftsmanship, than you want to be at Jerusalem Stone this Saturday from 11am-5pm.  Where there's plenty of free parking, just the right amount of space and friendly happy people who want to help you find the perfect item for you or your loved one.  KCEtsy Team Members Kitty from KisforKitty and MaryAnn from  TangoPony will be in attendance along with other local artists and vintage sellers.  See Jerusalem Stone's facebook event page for a complete listing of vendors, what they are offering, and a map to their store in KCMO.  

    

Christmas in Kansas City

Kansas City Etsy Shops are pooling resources and giving back to the local community, this holiday season by raising money for Harvesters - Community Food Network.  5-10% of all sales from participating shops between now until Christmas is being sent to Harvesters.  It might not seem like a significant amount at first, until you realize that Harvesters is able to turn every $1 donated into 5 meals.  That's a lot of bang for a single buck! 

This holiday season, as your making your list and checking it twice, look to Kansas City Etsy shops to fulfill your list, and provide some hot meals to those in need this holiday season.  Together we can make a difference - join us.

Many of these shops are donating a percentage of their sales::

Top 40 Under 40

KCEtsy's very own iamthemandy has been nominated for KC Connections Class of 2011 Top 40 under Forty!

We are so proud of Mandy and the impressive success of her shop this year. Please show your support and cast a vote for her at: connectinkc.com/node/268 (Mandy Stos)

A minimum of $5 is required to cast one vote and will be placed in the charity pool. If iamthemandy receives the most votes and wins the title, all proceeds raised in the voting process will be donated to her charity of choice, Parisole Arts Foundation based in Kansas City.  Of course you are always welcome to up your donation to your desired amount, thereby casting multiple votes.

KC's Artist Easter Craft Fair

There has been a lot of planning in the last two months in preparation for a great new showing up Easter weekend, Saturday April 23rd in Independence. Ring-o Craft has organized 40 local crafters and retailers, for a KC Artists Easter Craft Fair at the Rodger T. Serman Center Gymnasium, located at the corner of Truman and Noland Roads in Independence, MO.

5 Kansas City Etsy Team members are participating in this show and we encourage everyone to stop by say hello and do some shopping. You'll find great finds ... and I'm thinking you'll even find a few treasures for Easter Baskets, Mother's Day and maybe even Graduation.

Here are the KCEtsy participants, click on their shop name to visit their Etsy shop and see examples of their product line:

• Ring-o Crafts - (organizer) Hair Bows, Ribbon Sculpture and All things Girlie
  
  
• Alexanders Designs - Handmade Ugly Glass and Hand Forged Jewelry
  
  
• Tobias Designs, Handcrafted Jewelry - Fun, Colorful, Intriguing and One of a Kind
  
  
• Steam Time Jewelry - Stylish and edgy necklaces and rings handmade from vintage watch parts and polymer clay by artist Anne Berry.
  
  
• Rawr Dino Hats - Fleece hats, plush animals baby toys ... if it's made with fleece, RawrDinoHats probably has it.

Learn about the other 35 participants, all KC locals, and many fellow Etsy sellers, on the shows facebook page, and get free admission coupons. Concessions will be available on-site for breakfast and lunch. Doors open at 10:00 am and will stay open until 2:00pm.

Admission is $2 and kids 14 and under are FREE! Free admission coupons are available online.

KC Artist Easter Craft Fair
Saturday, April 23, 2011
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
The Gymnasium of the Rodger T. Sermon Ctr, Independence, MO

Weekend Festivals

The weather this weekend is sure to be fabulous for hitting some of the outdoor festivals that have started up this fall. Take advantage of the sunshine and cool breezes and stop in and say hello to these two Kansas City Etsy Team members!

Thyme2dream has set up shop at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival at booth 266, behind the Souvenir Shop near the Merlin's Berm Stage. The Festival is open Saturdays 10-7 until October 17th. Karla and Ian, the amazing artisans behind Thyme2dream, specialize in handcrafted elven fairy jewelry and fanciful things for magical spaces. Their circlets (crown/tiara), ear and arm cuffs, earrings and necklaces are stunning and very popular among fae and elven folk as well as us mortals.

* * * * *

Valerie Preston Design is showing this weekend at the Longview Art and World Music Festival this weekend. Admission to this weekend long event is free and located at the New Longview Commercial District, 3rd St. at View High Drive in Lee's Summit, MO 64081. Valerie will be showing her designer hand crafted jewelry in booth number 75 on the south side of the strip, along with 80 other local and regional artists. The Art Festival is open this afternoon from 3-9pm, Saturday 10am -9pm and Sunday from 11am - 5pm.

Midwest Fiber Craft

Over the last few years the interest in and popularity of Fiber Crafts have exploded. No longer are fiber crafts like wool felting, crocheting, knitting, just to name a few, a thing of your grandmothers era. Fiber Crafts are urban, they are green, they are chic, and they are a growing industry on and off Etsy.

Enter a new blog for Midwest Fiber Crafts. The goal of MFC is to freely promote Midwest fiber events of all kinds, as well as provide a good information source for Midwestern fiber enthusiasts. If you enjoy attending fiber events or activities, or just want to learn more about the craft, tone into this blog. Additionally, if you know of any fiber event or activity happening in the Midwest this year, submit it to MFC for posting. MFC also has a facebook fan page you can follow, fans can post their events directly to the MFC facebook fan page wall, upload photos as well as start discussions.

Creator, Shalana Frisby (thefunkyfelter), says, "Other than some sponsorship ads, this is mainly a labor of love. My husband and I really enjoy attending fiber events. (I think we'd go to one every weekend if we could find them!) I hope this new blog helps others to find great fiber events to attend and support fiber farmers and other fiber business people."

Take a minute to check out this new blog and see what fiber events are coming to your neighborhood. Then invite your fiber loving friends to follow this new blog and facebook fan page.

Hello Spring!

If you are ready to say good bye to winter let me hear you say "OH YEAH!"
If you are ready to say hello to spring let me hear you say "FOR SURE!"

The Gypsies are too, so come celebrate the return of the sun with us at Gypsy Emporium.

Gypsy Emporium is a multi faceted event designed to bring together artists, musicians, dancers, dreamers, shoppers and eaters for one fun filled, life affirming day of good times. This event is free to attend and open to the public, so please bring your drums or hoops, invite friends and bring the family along! There will definitely be something for everyone.

KCEtsy Team Members, HarvestofPeace (organizer), glazedearth, SkiDoodle, ExcessoriesKC, DumbKidDesigns, Thyme2dream, deannaburasco, upcycledjewelry, StirDesigns along with many other local artists will have a wide variety of great art available for purchase.

There will be live music throughout the event, special activities for the kids and young at heart, including face painting, hair wraps and henna tattoos. And if you're getting married soon, Gypsy Emporium will feature local wedding and event service providers who can help make your day special.

Stage Schedule:
10am Native American Flute with Cary Gilmore
10:30 Ziggy Hoop Dancer
11:30 Asteroid Advocate
12:30 Livella Brothers Jam
2pm Fashion Show
2:30 Rain Barrel drawing
2:30-4pm Open Drum circle and hoop party

Kansas City's Gypsy Emporium Spring Equinox Celebration, will be at the Madrid Theater, 3810 Main Kansas City, MO 64111, Saturday March 20th from 10am - 4pm. Admission is FREE and open to the public so bring the family and help us welcome spring the GYPSY WAY!

Spring Equinox

Red Applique Clutch by ExcessoriesKC
Sweet Dreams Pendant Necklace by DeannaBurasco
Egyptian Musk Body Silk by HarvestofPeace
Felted Wool Flower Pin by SkiDoodle

See these KCEtsy Team artists will also be participating in the Gypsy Emporium Spring Equinox Celebration this Saturday, March 20th at the Madrid Theater in Kansas City.

The Future of Handmade for Children

Today supporters of children's safety and handmade products around the world are having a blog-in ... we're all blogging about the exact same topic in an effort to bring awareness to an issue that has far reaching effects locally, nationally and globally.

*As parents and concerned citizens most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.

Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.

The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.

How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:

To the Parents of Young Students:
Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader:
Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all. Article from the American Library Association and The Phoenix.

To the Lover of All Things Handmade:
Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist:
Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper:
Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Although the CPSC recently clarified a portion of the law stating, "Sellers of used children’s products, such as thrift stores and consignment stores, are not required to certify that those products meet the new lead limits, phthalates standard or new toy standards." Still, many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together or are simply closting their doors, to avoid future lawsuits.

To the Entrepreneur:
Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Antique Toy Collector:
Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

To the American Economy:
Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Worldwide Economy:
Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.

If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html

And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.*

Contact your local representative and ask them to urge the Committee on Energy and Commerce, the congressional committee that sponsored the CPSIA, to hold a hearing on the CPSIA before February 10th. This Act, while well meaning - we must keep our children safe, we all agree on this point! - is, as you can plainly see, poorly written. It needs to be clarified and severely amended in order to be truly effective.

* * * * *

More Information on this Issue:

Handmade Toy Alliance
Etsy Storque Article - CPSIA Updates and Calls for Action
Reform CPSIA - An Oraganization of Reltailers and Consumers Focused on Reforming CPSIA
Fashion Incubator - Kathleen Fasanella explains the CPSIA in a straightforward and clear way - highly recommended!
Buy Handmade - The handmade consortium is keeping this blog up to date with CPSIA news and press.
Business Week Article on the Misinformation and the CPSIA
Contact your local Congressional Representative

* Written by Etsyian's Holly of Winklepots & Gretchen of Chichiboulie. Additional information provided by KCEtsy Team Member, TinyStitches.

KCEtsy Art Helps Support Charities

Etsy artists and crafters are an extremely giving lot. The following KCEtsy artists donate either a portion of their sales or are matching the donations of their clients to local and national charities.



lbloter - Pink Ribbon Soldered Pendant Charm
A portion of the sale of each Pink Ribbon pendant will be sent to the Susan G. Komen Foundation in support of breast cancer research.

threeredtrees - Hilde
10% of every Original Sock Dog purchase from three red trees is donated to the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City, a wonderful, caring, no-kill animal shelter where I have been volunteering since January 2005.

nicherndesigns - Small pouch, Ginger Blossom
10% of all proceeds are donated to Prevent Cancer Foundation (preventcancer.org)!

bbesigns - Handmade Cards and Gift Tags
bbesigns is participating in, Mission Soldier Support organized by EtsyGreetings Street Team. Each participant is sending blank cards for our soldiers overseas to use. You're welcome to join in and purchase one or more cards to donate. The cards will be sent to capturedtimebooks.etsy.com who is shipping them to the soldiers. bbesigns will DOUBLE the amount of cards purchased for this cause. If you buy one card, I will send two. If you buy six cards, I will send twelve and so on. More information is available here.

Giving Back

KCEtsy had the unique opportunity to contribute to a deserving charity function this month. Tomorrow night will be the Third Annual Rose Brooks and Alpha Chi Omega Foundation Wine Benefit at Kansas City Southern Cathedral Square. The fundraiser event will benefit Kansas City-based Rose Brooks’ Center and the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation, both of which support victims of domestic violence.

The mission of Rose Brooks Center is to break the cycle of domestic violence so that individuals and families can live free of abuse. In 1978 a group of caring volunteers saw a need and began a crisis hotline for domestic violence victims. They were immediately inundated with calls. Soon after, the family of Rosa Brooks (a woman who took homeless individuals and sick children into her home) donated her home to the cause. In 1979, Rosa's home was opened as one of the first domestic violence shelters in Kansas City. Within 24 hours of opening, all 19 beds were full!

Today, Rose Brooks Center offers an emergency shelter for up to 75 women and children, a violence prevention program in 37 schools, a hospital advocacy program located in six area hospitals, a children's therapeutic program, court advocacy, outreach counseling and a Transitional Housing Program. All programs are offered from one site helping to provide victims of domestic violence a full continuum of care to heal and become independent from violence. You can find out more information about the center at their website, rosebrooks.org.

Our KCEtsy group had many members who were able to donate to a basket being put up for auction at the charity event. The donation had a combined value of $180! What a way to give back! You can see the wonderful items received included jewelry of many forms, baby items, a wallet, canvas and much more.


If you are interested in attending the event you can still do so and pay at the door. It’s a worthy cause.

Kansas City Southern Cathedral Square
427 W. 12th Street Kansas City, Missouri
Tickets $25.00
Entertainment provided by the Olathe East Jazz Combo

Visit our Contributing Artists’ Etsy stores for more of their items:
BBesigns
CollageContessa* & CollageCuriosities*
DumbKidDesigns
NiChernDesigns
NMPhotos & ElegantSolutions
SemiPrecious1
StirDesigns
SylviaC
TheFunkyFelter
TinyStitches

*Charity Basket Organizer.

*Written by CollageContessa