Friday Finds: Rain, Rain, Go Away

We're having some of our patented bizarre weather here in the Sooner State. Earlier this week, it was sunshine and butterflies. Today, it's dark as night, and a threat of snow (?!) lingers in the air for the evening. There's nothing we can do about it (I'm still trying to figure out how to control the weather), so today's Friday Finds try to celebrate rainfall and its aftermath.



What's your favorite thing about rainy days? Do you like to hop in puddles or stay inside and drink tea?

Cleveland County Show

Come out to the Cleveland County Fairgrounds in Norman this weekend for the Spring Creative Craft Festival! The doors open at 9 a.m. Saturday, and the 90+ sellers will have their goods available for purchase until 4 p.m. While you're there, look out for Disciples of Etsy member NickAnny who will be set up. Parking and admission are free, so stop by if you're in the area.

Swap-O-Rama-Rama 2009!

Last Saturday was Swap-O-Rama-Rama in Tulsa, and I'm pleased to announce that it went amazingly well. A hundred or so people came out to trade clothes, use their creativity, and come home with totally unique pieces of wearable art. All six sewing stations stayed busy, and when all was done, a ton of clothes were left to donate to Youth Services of Tulsa. It was a big success, and Christine plans to do it again next year.

There have been some great blogs posted about it, so instead of repeating myself, I'll link you to places to see pictures and read about the festivities.

• Caffeinated Radio -- Adventures in Swapping
• Tasha Does Tulsa -- Look What Tasha Did Today
• Rhymes With Grunt -- Sew Amazing
• Grey Eye Designs Studio -- Swaptastic Weekend
• Hollyrocks -- Swap-O-Rama-Rama Came to Tulsa!
• Tara's Swap O Rama Rama photos
• Justin's Swap O Rama Rama and Swap O Rama Rama 2 photos
• My Swap-O-Rama-Rama 2009 photos

If you know of other blog entries or photos from the event, let me know and I'll link them here.

Meet Our Members: Triogirls

It's another mighty Monday. The sun isn't peaking through here in Green Country, but it still promises to be a warm, windy, possibly rainy day. Spring is upon us, and what better way to outfit the little girls in your life than with clothing made by Triogirls? Learn more about the brains behind the operation in today's interview.

1. Introduce yourself.
I'm Anna Cordova of Triogirls. I sew little girls clothes. I'm from Oklahoma City, married 16 years to a great guy, and have 3 gorgeous girls.

2. Tell us about what you make. When did you start making it and why?
I make all types of little girls clothes. I started sewing in 1994. I started sewing little girls clothes in 1999 when my first daughter was born. As far as what makes it unique would be the love I put into each piece.

Patchwork Party Dress

3. How long have you been crafting? When did you decide to start selling your handmade goods?
I have been crafting for as long as I can remember. Started sewing alot since 1994. I opened my shop in August 2008, but just listed my girls clothes in Jan or Feb 2009.

4. Other than what you sell, what's your favorite thing to do?
Spending time with family.

Wacky and wavy pillowcase dress

5. What do you love best about Etsy?
Seeing all the neat stuff people create.

6. What's your favorite thing about Oklahoma?
Having the convenience of everything being close by.

V Neck Dress/Top with Double Ruffle Pants

7. Do you sell anywhere else or have a blog, Twitter, MySpace, etc.?
I do not sell anything else, but my husband has an etsy shop also, thepenmaker. My Twitter is http://twitter.com/triogirls.



Check out the cuties in those photos! Thanks for being a team member, Anna. :)

Friday Finds: Weddings!

Spring has sprung, which means everyone you know will be getting married, serving as a bridesmaid for the umpteenth time, or attending a wedding sometime in the next few months. Etsy is an unbelievable source for everything you might need to plan your own wedding. Oklahoma sellers have quite a bit of great nuptial-inspired pieces, too, including faux-flower bouquets, great favors, your "something blue," and the answer to all your monogram needs. Check out just a few of the wonderful floral, frilly and fancy pieces to get us all through wedding season:



Question: What is your gift-giving MO when you attend someone's wedding? Do you get something from the registry or have an old stand-by when shopping?
I like to buy from the registry if I have access to it, but if I don't, I like to get a nice picture frame to help display fabulous wedding photos.

Great displays

Our very own AScrappyDesign was featured on Indie Craft Shows this week because of her gorgeous booth display. Congrats to Heather! Go check out the post to catch the buzz. It's a great way to get inspiration for sprucing up our own craft-show set-ups. Having a fun-but-functional display is one of the best ways to draw in shoppers.

If you have links to other great display photos, leave them in the comments!

Disciples at Deluxe!

Acceptance notices went out to Deluxe Indie Craft Bazaar applicants this week, and I'm excited to announce that many, many team members will be taking part in the festivities! If you haven't already made plans to attend this amazing event sure to be teeming with talent, then mark your calendars now. Even if you aren't from Oklahoma City, this event will be worth the drive.

Deluxe Indie Craft Bazaar

Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 9

State Fairgrounds in OKC

Free admission

Here are great items from just a few sellers who will be there:

Meet Our Members: sewcute7

It's a gorgeous Monday here in our fine, flat state. The the birds are singing, the sky is blue, and the air is warm. It's the perfect time to gear up for spring! What better way to do so than with one of Sew Cute's adorable totes? First, let's meet Twila, the crafty hands behind the business.

1. Introduce yourself.
My name is Twila Doucet, my etsy name is sewcute7, I live in the country south of Ringwood, OK.

2. Tell us about what you make. When did you start making it and why?
I do sewing, alterations, etc. I have started making purses to sell on my Etsy site.

Springy Tulip Jelly Tote

3. How long have you been crafting? When did you decide to start selling your handmade goods?
I love sewing and have been since a child. I have been sewing for others for several years. It is fun to look at a fabric and decide what I would like to make with it. I have recently started making aprons. I take pride in what I make and make it with quality. Most of my purses have pockets all the way around the inside to have plenty of room to keep things organized.

4. Other than what you sell, what's your favorite thing to craft?
I love to sew and like making anything. I have also made baptismal robes for several churches. I enjoy working in the garden when I have time. I like the outdoors. I help my father out with farming and caring for his cattle.

Cell Phone Holder -- cute as can be

5. What do you love best about Etsy?
I like Etsy because it has handmade items. It is a one stop shop for everything handmade.

6. What's your favorite thing about Oklahoma?
My favorite thing about living in OK is living in the country. I like the peacefulness. My favorite thing to do is be outside.

Snowball Purse

7. Do you sell anywhere else or have a blog, Twitter, MySpace, etc.?
I do have a blog but don't get to keep it up very well. The address is http://www.sewcute7.blogspot.com/.


Thanks so much, Twila! Your bags are perfect for this warmer weather.

Environmentally Friendly Gift Guide

I wanted to send a "Congratulations!" to two team members currently featured in the Environmentally Friendly Gift Guide on Etsy.

The very first item on page one is this journal by BurgundyDistrict.

On page four, you will find this great ring by KeysAndMemories.

Way to go, ladies!

Friday Finds: St. Patrick's Day

Happy Friday the 13th! In celebration of St. Patrick's Day, which is this Tuesday, today's finds all celebrate everything green, Irish and full of luck. Check out these great items made by Oklahoma artists:




Remember: If you like being pinched, don't wear green on Tuesday! ;)

Spring into Summer show

If you're looking for a place to buy handmade goods, then head to Cowboy country tomorrow, March 14, for some great items! The Spring into Summer Arts & Crafts Show will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Payne County Expo Hall in Stillwater. You can see a little bit more information on the show here.

Need another reason to go? It will be team member NickAnny's first show ever! She's been preparing for it by creating great items to sell and practicing her booth set-up. Head out to Stillwater to give her a friendly hello and pick up some of her wonderful bags and soaps. Rumor has it a couple other team members might also be selling, too, so keep a look out for them all.

What: Spring into Summer Arts & Crafts Show
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 14
Where: Payne County Expo Hall in Stillwater
Cost: Admission is free!
Why: To purchase great handmade goods produced right here in Oklahoma, of course. :)

Meet Our Members: LaFleurdePapier

It's a warm, cloudy Monday in much of Oklahoma. Spring is taunting us with its looming presence -- at least until it cools off on Wednesday. What better way to celebrate March blooms than with the amazing blossoms created by LaFleurdePapier?

1. Introduce yourself.
My etsy name is LaFleurdePapier, but my friends call me Amanda. I currently reside in Edmond, and have lived here for the last few years going to school. I graduate from UCO in May with a Bachelors of Fine Arts with an emphasis in drawing/painting.


2. Tell us about what you make. When did you start making it and why?
I make paper roses. I'm thinking now that that sounds much easier in print than in action. I started making them as a hobby, as I'd seen the lady from mommymakesroses.com on Martha Stewart show. At the time, school wasn't as busy, and I had holidays to work. Right now, it's a challenge to get enough sleep at night. I think the roses are unique, not only for the fact that I've altered and refined the pattern, but also that every single one of them turns out just a little bit different, like a real rose might. Also, each one finds its personality when painted. You can control the colors, but you can't control the way they run together. There's a surprise with every stroke of the brush.

Rose pens

3. How long have you been crafting? When did you decide to start selling your handmade goods?
I guess you could say I've been crafty since the day I was born. My mom decided to stay home with my brother and I. To make the ends meet, she worked as a high end interior design seamstress. I grew up underneath the sewing table playing with scraps of fabric, and whatever else I could get my hands on. I never ever would have tried to sell the roses, except a friend of mine decided she wanted a whole suite of them for her wedding and that she was going to pay me, regardless of what I thought on the matter. I'm actually really glad she pushed me. Making the roses has branched me out and put me in contact with people all over the globe. One of my roses went to Norway for Valentines! Can you imagine?

4. Other than what you sell, what's your favorite thing to craft?
I'm addicted to texture and fiber. At the moment, I'm playing with wet felting. I also love to crochet. I went nuts crocheting over the holidays. Everyone got a beanie.... and I do mean everyone. In my fine arts life, I'm working with kozo paper to create what I've been calling "soul containers" and to create surfaces for my 2D work.

Bee o' mine

5. What do you love best about Etsy?
I'm incredibly enamored with the flexibility of Etsy. If you need to put it away for a few weeks and ignore it, you can, as long as you can keep up with any convos. I also love how the favorites works. I've gotten a few referals from one friend getting on another friend's favorites and finding me.

6. What's your favorite thing about Oklahoma?
There's something about the open road... and those places, like old gas stations where you can stop and imagine the glory of huge sedans cruising down the road with 2.5 children, mom, dad and the dog on vacation. And there's something about the wide open sky. We always have a good sunset here.

Yellow Nosegay Wedding Bouquet

7. Do you sell anywhere else or have a blog, Twitter, MySpace, etc.?
I have a blog on MySpace... but at the moment, I'm just concentrating on school. It is http://profile.myspace.com/358018559, or you can search for lafleurdepapier@yahoo.com. But, like I said, it's inactive right now. I guess I'm just an Etsy loyalist... and have too much to keep up with!

Thanks for answering my questions, Amanda. Now, everyone, go check out her amazing shop!

Friday Finds: Flowers!

Spring is creeping in here in Oklahoma. From Green Country in the northeast to Lawton in the southwest, it's going to be above 80 degrees throughout the state today. To celebrate, this week's Friday Finds feature our floral friends. As always, click on the images to check out the items and others available from these amazing sellers.



What's your favorite spring flower? Mine is grape hyacinth. They smell like heaven and remind me of my childhood.

Promoting the team

Your leaders are working to spread the good word about the Disciples of Etsy!

The team now has a Facebook page here, so if you haven't yet, go become a fan. Feel free to update the page, too, with pictures, comments, or anything else. If you know of upcoming shows, please share that information.

This blog is also now a member of the Blog Oklahoma ring. The ring is a great resource for Sooner bloggers to connect with others from the area. If your blog contains more than just advertisements for your Etsy store, then go to the Web site and apply to be a member as well. Also, make sure to check out the ring (check out the link on the left) for other local scribes.

We're cooking up new ways to get the team name out there, but if you have any other suggestions, please let us know!

Meet Our Members: katherineniccum

We've just started a new week, so please join me in meeting Disciples of Etsy team member katherineniccum!

1.Introduce yourself.
My name is Kathy and I own Made with American Hands. I have always had an interest in crafts since I was a child, but had never really been settled enough to attempt a serious business venture until settling in Oklahoma four years ago. My grandmother spent many hours with me after everyone else was down for the night teaching me different things, ceramics, needlepoint and crochet to name a few. I used to be an avid crocheter until teaching myself to sew about 6 years ago. I'm a stay at home mom to two boys, 7 dogs, a cat and two parakeets.

Party School Jumper

2. Tell us about what you make. When did you start making it and why?
I started making doll clothes years ago when my sister and nieces got their first American Girl dolls. I would make them clothes for their dolls for Christmas mostly. After the girls got older I still had an interest in making the clothes and worked some small craft bazaars to see if I could make any money at it. I finally got computer literate, tried Ebay without success and somehow discovered Etsy. Since discovering Etsy, I have also found other marketing tools. I was approached by someone to do a flowergirl dress replica last April and got the idea to advertise that. That has brought me many sales and I have ad on liweddings.com. I am doing tshirt/memory quilts now as well. I was approached by someone last summer about one. I did some reading and taught myself how to make them. What I love about the quilts is that no one is the same since I'm always an different individuals memorabilia. I consider it a priveledge when someone trusts me to do their quilt.

3. How long have you been crafting? When did you decide to start selling your handmade goods?
I have been doing many crafts since I was a child. I started out on needle work. I always figured I would go to art school since I loved all mediums of art in highschool. I don't draw anymore or paint outside of water colors and sidewalk chalk with my three year old son Ben.

Tshirt/Memory Quilts

4. Other than what you sell, what's your favorite craft?
I love gardening, canning and preserving foods. I especially love making jams and jellies. We've got bookoo wild blackberries around our property. In the summer when they're ready, I wake up, grab coffee and head to picking, every morning, till the season is over. I like to cook , especially on the grill.

5. What do you love best about Etsy?
My favorite things about Etsy is the simplicity of use. I have met some of the most wonderful, honest and patient people. Etsy is what has kicked my business off really by allowing me to get the word out about what I offer.

Replicas of Wedding Party Dresses

6. What's your favorite thing about Oklahoma?
My favorite thing about Oklahoma is the rural life of where we live in Cushing. I come from bigger, fast paced places. I love the folks here and my sons have blossomed. I go to Tulsa often to the Joann's store. I'm impressed that the Oklahoma Aquarium had so much to offer and enjoy my zoo visits as well. I love our vet here in Cushing! He's good and reasonable which helps with a pack the size of mine.

7. Do you sell anywhere else or have a blog, Twitter, MySpace, etc.?
I don't sell anywhere except Etsy. I do one craft show a year in Stillwater at the Expo Center for 3 days in the fall. It's more of a marketing and advertising tool for me than money maker. I love visiting with the vendors every year. It's like our annual social affair. I have a MySpace, mrsclniccum. Also Facebook, Katherine Bowles Niccum.

Check out katherineniccum's ad on liweddings: http://liweddings.com/vendors/gifts/American-Hands/!