Now that the holiday rush is over and you have done a bit of relaxing, it is time to get ready for the New Year! If you are anything like me, which I think you may be, there might be a little feeling of “ what now?”
Well, there is plenty do in this “what now” period of time.
When having your own business, work is never done. There is always something to do!
Sometimes, you just may find that you have a little more time to do it.
Well, now that you do, use it productively.
I have made a list of “ things to do” and listed it here. The list is not to overwhelm you, but to provide guidance for entering the New Year. I’m sure I have skipped many things (feel free to add) , but if you start with one step a day, I promise you will feel that you have accomplished a great deal by the end of January.
1. Fill any orders.
2. Sit back and look at you last year. Determine successes and failures.
3. Determine your bests and worst: products, shows, events, etc.
4. If you haven’t already, mark events on calendar and buy a new calendar. I find it helpful to write down how much was made at each show on the calendar to get any easy visual of my sales during the year. Would also be helpful to indicate when your sales were made on Etsy. Which were your stongest months?
5. If you sell to stores, check to see if you have received all your payments.
6. Go through receipts and total and determine where you spent your money.
7. If you haven’t done it already, check charge receipts and determine taxes due.
8. Clean up workspace. Throw out any old supplies (dried out paints, markers, etc.)
9. Take inventory of you supplies so you prevent yourself from buying things that you already own. Those things that you don't use and are still useable, possibly offer up to another Etsy person. Make a list of the supplies you need and order so you have them when you need them.
10. Now is the time to work on those things you may not feel you had time for when you were in the busy season. This could be working on a new business card, developing a postcard, a printed catalog or a flyer describing a product or service you may offer.
11. Analyze website and Etsy site. What worked and what did not. May want to change out products that have not been selling. Also, a perfect time to line up new items to add to Etsy site. Resize photos and group according to category. Descriptions can also be prepared for items to be posted.
12. Were you happy with your display? If not, take the time to think about what you would like to change. What design ideas have you seen others use that you think would work well with your product? May want to test displaying on another color.
13. Clean up your computer. Organize photos and files.
14. Make a list of shows that you absolutely want to do this year. See if the applications are available yet and when they must be submitted. Mark on your calendar.
15. Now would be a good time to photograph any new work.
16. If you have thought about selling to stores, now is a good time to think seriously about it. Start to look for where and if you afford to go wholesale. And if so, which products? Make a plan.
17. See if there is anything to piecework to prepare to make things easier when it is time to produce.
18. And lastly, when you think you are complete work on building up your inventory.
Hope this check list helps!
Have a happy, healthy and productive New Year.
-Joan
www.citybitz.etsy.com
December 31, 2008
December 30, 2008
Happy New Year: Japanese-American Potato Salad Recipe
All over Asia, New Year's is the family holiday of the year, and Japan is no exception. Back in the old country, people sit around on New Year's Day reading their enormous stacks of New Year's cards and eating Osechi, but we've gotten a little more casual this side of the pond. (A friend of mine calls it the "hang-over party.") The main traditions we've saved at my household are spending a whole day eating delicious food enjoying the company of family and close friends.
Try this Japanese-American twist on good old potato salad!
Japanese-American Potato Salad
(serves a crowd)
5lbs of Russet Potatoes, peeled and in large dice
8 hard boiled eggs, shelled and in large dice
1 cup frozen peas
1/2 carrot, roughly grated
2 Tbsp. dried baby shrimp
2 cups mayonnaise (more or less depending on your taste)
Salt and Pepper
Boil potatoes in lightly salted water until tender, but firm. In a large bowl, combine potatoes, eggs, peas, and carrot. If necessary, mince baby shrimp finely (you shouldn't be able to see them once incorporated into the salad), sprinkle over salad and combine. Add mayonnaise until it reaches the consistency you like, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. This salad tastes best if left in the refrigerator overnight to let flavors combine.
You might tuck this recipe away until the Lunar New Year, it's never failed on Chinese New Year's either!
~Kari
http://ikyoto.etsy.com
Try this Japanese-American twist on good old potato salad!
Japanese-American Potato Salad
(serves a crowd)
5lbs of Russet Potatoes, peeled and in large dice
8 hard boiled eggs, shelled and in large dice
1 cup frozen peas
1/2 carrot, roughly grated
2 Tbsp. dried baby shrimp
2 cups mayonnaise (more or less depending on your taste)
Salt and Pepper
Boil potatoes in lightly salted water until tender, but firm. In a large bowl, combine potatoes, eggs, peas, and carrot. If necessary, mince baby shrimp finely (you shouldn't be able to see them once incorporated into the salad), sprinkle over salad and combine. Add mayonnaise until it reaches the consistency you like, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. This salad tastes best if left in the refrigerator overnight to let flavors combine.
You might tuck this recipe away until the Lunar New Year, it's never failed on Chinese New Year's either!
~Karihttp://ikyoto.etsy.com
December 28, 2008
A Four-Hole Binding How-to
Here's a great way to compliment all your etsy gifts and in a pinch this can serve as a last minute gift too. This binding is simple, elegant and adds a unique touch to the everyday card or book. You can use single sheets of paper, so you can use smaller pieces of paper, even scraps. You can use as many pages as you’d like, for a little book, or a few, like I’m doing now, to make a card. This ones for my pops.
Heres what you’ll need:
+ a selection of papers (best to have heavy stock papers for the covers)
+ thread, linen thread is best but floss will work well too. Cotton/sewing thread can be used too, but be careful not to pull too tight or you can rip your paper.
+ heavy weight needle (to poke holes)
+ awl
+ binder clip
+ cardboard
+ ruler
+ embellishments- photo corners, pictures, paper scraps, anything you’d like…
Prep: Gather your supplies and papers to bind. Cut pages to the size you want and embellish as you’d like. I’m using scraps of vintage lined paper, so I can write a note, and photographs with photo corners. Think about having a combo of lined, blank and decorative pages. Keep in mind that the binding will fall on the left hand side, the spine, so leave 3/8 inch for this. It’s better to do whatever writing/decorating before binding.
1.Order your pages and with a binder clip secure them together to keep them from wiggling around. Score or draw a faint line 3/8 inch from the spine to mark the line you’ll stitch.
2.Place pages on the cardboard and punch holes with an awl or heavy weight needle along the 3/8 inch line. You can eye ball it or measure out four evenly placed holes. Like this----->
<--3. Knot the end of the thread and you’re ready to bind. Remember to pull the thread taunt but not too tight, because you can rip the paper. (You can follow these steps and images here or use this detailed diagram, at right and click to enlarge. This might sound complicated, but really it's so, so easy. Just try it!) 
In hole 3 insert the needle in between the center pages and come out through the top of the book. 
4. Make a loop around the spine of the book and into hole 3 again. Your thread and needle are now at the top of the book.------>
5. Pull the needle down through hole 2, from the top to the bottom of the book. Again loop around the spine and pull the needle through hole 2 once more. Needle and thread will be at the back of the book.
6. Repeat step 5 for hole 1, but after you loop around the spine now loop around the top of the book. You will pass through hole 1 three times. Once you’ve done that your needle and thread are at the top of the book. (image right)
7. Now pass down through hole 2, from the top to the bottom of the book, up through hole three, and down through hole 4. You are basically stitching down the book filling in the gaps.
8. At hole 4 make a loop around the spine, bringing the needle up form the bottom of the book and then down through the top. Loop around the bottom of the book, needle passing from bottom to top.
<---9. Last step… You’re ready to complete the binding by returning to the original sewing station, hole 2. Instead of pulling the needle and thread all the way through hole 2 pierce the hole from the back of the book towards the top, but only go to the center of the book—just like when you started. Meet the begining thread and tie a knot to finish.
10. Did! Done! You’re great…. Make it happen!
If you have time I hope you’ll try this . I know you’ll love what you make and so will those who you share it with! While it would be great, not everyone has the time to devote to making so check out warpeDesign, waisze and JournalisticTendency for great cards and books.
Thanks and I hope you enjoyed this!
Jessica
MiniatureRhino
Heres what you’ll need:+ a selection of papers (best to have heavy stock papers for the covers)
+ thread, linen thread is best but floss will work well too. Cotton/sewing thread can be used too, but be careful not to pull too tight or you can rip your paper.
+ heavy weight needle (to poke holes)
+ awl
+ binder clip
+ cardboard
+ ruler
+ embellishments- photo corners, pictures, paper scraps, anything you’d like…
Prep: Gather your supplies and papers to bind. Cut pages to the size you want and embellish as you’d like. I’m using scraps of vintage lined paper, so I can write a note, and photographs with photo corners. Think about having a combo of lined, blank and decorative pages. Keep in mind that the binding will fall on the left hand side, the spine, so leave 3/8 inch for this. It’s better to do whatever writing/decorating before binding.
1.Order your pages and with a binder clip secure them together to keep them from wiggling around. Score or draw a faint line 3/8 inch from the spine to mark the line you’ll stitch.
2.Place pages on the cardboard and punch holes with an awl or heavy weight needle along the 3/8 inch line. You can eye ball it or measure out four evenly placed holes. Like this----->
<--3. Knot the end of the thread and you’re ready to bind. Remember to pull the thread taunt but not too tight, because you can rip the paper. (You can follow these steps and images here or use this detailed diagram, at right and click to enlarge. This might sound complicated, but really it's so, so easy. Just try it!) 
In hole 3 insert the needle in between the center pages and come out through the top of the book. 
4. Make a loop around the spine of the book and into hole 3 again. Your thread and needle are now at the top of the book.------>
5. Pull the needle down through hole 2, from the top to the bottom of the book. Again loop around the spine and pull the needle through hole 2 once more. Needle and thread will be at the back of the book.
6. Repeat step 5 for hole 1, but after you loop around the spine now loop around the top of the book. You will pass through hole 1 three times. Once you’ve done that your needle and thread are at the top of the book. (image right)7. Now pass down through hole 2, from the top to the bottom of the book, up through hole three, and down through hole 4. You are basically stitching down the book filling in the gaps.
8. At hole 4 make a loop around the spine, bringing the needle up form the bottom of the book and then down through the top. Loop around the bottom of the book, needle passing from bottom to top.
<---9. Last step… You’re ready to complete the binding by returning to the original sewing station, hole 2. Instead of pulling the needle and thread all the way through hole 2 pierce the hole from the back of the book towards the top, but only go to the center of the book—just like when you started. Meet the begining thread and tie a knot to finish. 10. Did! Done! You’re great…. Make it happen!
If you have time I hope you’ll try this . I know you’ll love what you make and so will those who you share it with! While it would be great, not everyone has the time to devote to making so check out warpeDesign, waisze and JournalisticTendency for great cards and books.
Thanks and I hope you enjoyed this!
Jessica
MiniatureRhino
December 26, 2008
The Celebration of Kwanzaa
For many around the world, 26 December is Boxing Day but for many African Americans and Pan-Africans it signifies the start of Kwanzaa. It is a holiday that celebrates family, community and culture. Kwanzaa beings 26 December thru 1 January and its origins are in the first harvest celebrations of Africa from which it takes its name.
The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase "matunda ya kwanza" meaning "first fruits" in Swahili.
Traditionally, it is a time of gathering and the creation of hand-crafted gifts for members of the family and revolved around seven principles:
[photo taken from officialkwanzaawebsite.org]
Today we'll show you how to make a kinara, which is the candle holder. It represents the roots of our ancestors, the continental Africans. The kinara is also a part of the seven basic symbols of Kwanzaa. On each night of Kwanzaa, a new candle is lit.
What you'll need:
Tips:
The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase "matunda ya kwanza" meaning "first fruits" in Swahili.
Traditionally, it is a time of gathering and the creation of hand-crafted gifts for members of the family and revolved around seven principles:
[photo taken from officialkwanzaawebsite.org]
Today we'll show you how to make a kinara, which is the candle holder. It represents the roots of our ancestors, the continental Africans. The kinara is also a part of the seven basic symbols of Kwanzaa. On each night of Kwanzaa, a new candle is lit.
What you'll need:
- Egg carton, you need 7 egg cups
- 7 jumbo craft sticks
- Yellow and orange construction paper
- Acrylic paint: green, red, black, and brown
- Glue
- Scissors
- Paint brush
- Hot glue gun
How to make it:
- Cut 12 place egg carton down the middle to create 2 lengths of six cups. Cut one of those lengths in half, creating 2 lengths of three cups each. Cut one egg cup from the other length of 6. You will need the 2 sets of 3 and the single cup, set aside the other cups for another project.
- Trim the egg cup edges with scissors to clean them up and so that it will stand evenly, cup opening pointed down. Hot glue the single egg cup between the two three piece egg cups to create one long 7 cup piece. Ask a grown up to use a pair of scissors to carefully poke a slit into the top of each egg cup.
- Paint the egg cups brown. Let dry.
- For the craft sticks, paint one black, three green and three red. Paint both sides and add another coat if you prefer. Let dry.
- Cut out simple flame shapes from yellow construction paper, large enough to fit at the top of each craft stick. Cut out smaller versions from orange construction paper. You will need 14 of each color.
- Glue the yellow flames to the tops of the craft stick candles, one on each side so that the project can be viewed on both sides. Glue the orange flames to the yellow flames.
- Insert the craft stick candles into the egg cup slits that someone helped create for you in step 2. The black candle goes in the middle, the red candles on one side and the green on the other.
Tips:
- For smaller children, instead of making the flames from two colors of construction paper, simply use yellow and let them draw on the orange part with crayons or markers.
- During each day of Kwanzaa, a new candle is lit. The first is the black candle, followed by the green and the red, alternating a different one each day.
- Craft foam is a great substitute for construction paper if you are running low.
Your final product should look something like this:
[instructions & photo taken from kaboose.com]
Blessings,
Sherisa
http://lelephantrose.etsy.com
http://lelephantrose.net
December 25, 2008
Crafting with Christmas Scraps
If your family is anything like mine, Christmas day meant a garbage bag filled with wrapping paper, ribbons, tags and bows after all the presents were opened. Here are some simple craft ideas for reusing those holiday trimmings!
Origami Lucky Stars: I'm partial to these, and they're so simple to make. Cut your paper into strips, then follow the directions on Foldastar.com. Once folded they can be used to make a garland, or fill a hollow ornament. They look great in jars too! I made this garland for my sister , it uses Sephora holiday catalogs, delica seed beads, green ribbon and beading cord.
Greeting Card Garland:
Punch out your cards, or alternately draw 1" circles and cut them out. Apply glue to one side of
each circle.
For the first circle make a little loop with the ribbon as shown.
Glue the ribbon down the center of each subsequent circle. I used a ruler to space them out evenly.
Glue additional circles on top of the ribbon, pressing down firmly to get a good seal. Finish with another loop, let dry and hang!
Greeting Card Gift tags & notes:
Using blank greeting cards, scraps and bits of ribbon create thank you notes, or tags for next year. Use what you have on hand- rubber stamps, calligraphy pens, ribbons, glitter, specialty scissors, etc.
Geodesic Paper Ornaments are a little more advanced, but the result is beautiful. You can also try this tutorial from ZenCrafter for larger origami stars.
I hope these ideas have inspired you to make Christmas a little greener, Happy Holidays!
~Lauren
http://paperelle.etsy.com/
http://paperelle.blogspot.com/
Origami Lucky Stars: I'm partial to these, and they're so simple to make. Cut your paper into strips, then follow the directions on Foldastar.com. Once folded they can be used to make a garland, or fill a hollow ornament. They look great in jars too! I made this garland for my sister , it uses Sephora holiday catalogs, delica seed beads, green ribbon and beading cord.Greeting Card Garland:
For this project I used a 1" circle hole punch (any symmetric shape will work), ribbon, a glue stick, 2 greeting cards and an envelope liner (the pretty silver paper).
Punch out your cards, or alternately draw 1" circles and cut them out. Apply glue to one side of
each circle.For the first circle make a little loop with the ribbon as shown.
Glue the ribbon down the center of each subsequent circle. I used a ruler to space them out evenly.
Glue additional circles on top of the ribbon, pressing down firmly to get a good seal. Finish with another loop, let dry and hang!Greeting Card Gift tags & notes:
Using blank greeting cards, scraps and bits of ribbon create thank you notes, or tags for next year. Use what you have on hand- rubber stamps, calligraphy pens, ribbons, glitter, specialty scissors, etc.
Geodesic Paper Ornaments are a little more advanced, but the result is beautiful. You can also try this tutorial from ZenCrafter for larger origami stars.
I hope these ideas have inspired you to make Christmas a little greener, Happy Holidays!
~Lauren
http://paperelle.etsy.com/
http://paperelle.blogspot.com/
December 23, 2008
Sweet Holiday Treats & Traditions
Though every family has their own traditions over the holidays, I think the best ones involve food! From the special potatoes my grandmother makes every Thanksgiving to the elaborate Victorian gingerbread houses my mom made when I was a kid, food reminds my of family, friends, holidays and joyful times. My mom and I almost always make gingerbread cookies (we like this recipe: from Martha of course!) for Christmas. I have spent many holidays in her kitchen rolling out dough, mixing up icing and decorating our work with glittering sprinkles and candies. My step-father, who hates to waste anything, noticed that an awful lot of dough was going to be tossed out and he made his very own holiday dessert with the gingerbread scraps: the Christmas Trout. I'm not sure if anyone ate the gingerbread fish but it was set out on the holiday table and we still laugh about it every year!
Like my mom, I have always been drawn to baking: I get revved up and excited for holiday baking by September and usually like to take on some new baking challenge in addition to the tried and true favorites. I remember my freshman year of college, home on my holiday break, I made marzipan from scratch, then painted and shaped them into fruits. It was time consuming and tedious but worth the effort (not to mention the bragging rights!). I think that food is one of the best gifts: it is rewarding to make, to give and to receive!
A couple of years ago I decided to make handmade marshmallows for family and friends. I packaged them up with a few gingerbread cookies and a tin of hot chocolate and it was really a great gift.People are still asking me to make more!
Marshmallow making is a bit messy and I recommend a standing mixer as gripping a hand-held mixer on high for fifteen minutes is akin to some obscure form of torture. Also, the candy thermometer is your friend! Pay close attention!
Here's a good peppermint marshmallow recipe. If you want to get really fancy, add a few drops of red food coloring to the marshmallows after you pour them into a pan and swirl the color with a knife.
If you need even more holiday baking inspiration, check out Gourmet Magazine's website where they feature a favorite cookie from the past 68 years!
I hope your holidays are filled with joy, restfulness and great eats!
Kayte
loveforever.etsy.com
Like my mom, I have always been drawn to baking: I get revved up and excited for holiday baking by September and usually like to take on some new baking challenge in addition to the tried and true favorites. I remember my freshman year of college, home on my holiday break, I made marzipan from scratch, then painted and shaped them into fruits. It was time consuming and tedious but worth the effort (not to mention the bragging rights!). I think that food is one of the best gifts: it is rewarding to make, to give and to receive!
A couple of years ago I decided to make handmade marshmallows for family and friends. I packaged them up with a few gingerbread cookies and a tin of hot chocolate and it was really a great gift.People are still asking me to make more!
Marshmallow making is a bit messy and I recommend a standing mixer as gripping a hand-held mixer on high for fifteen minutes is akin to some obscure form of torture. Also, the candy thermometer is your friend! Pay close attention!
Here's a good peppermint marshmallow recipe. If you want to get really fancy, add a few drops of red food coloring to the marshmallows after you pour them into a pan and swirl the color with a knife.
If you need even more holiday baking inspiration, check out Gourmet Magazine's website where they feature a favorite cookie from the past 68 years!
I hope your holidays are filled with joy, restfulness and great eats!
Kayte
loveforever.etsy.com
December 22, 2008
THE MONDAY GIVEAWAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS
It's MONDAY! Which means its time for our brand new Monday Giveaway. Each and Every Monday Stop by to enter to win something fabulous from members of The {NewNew} York Etsy team. This Monday we are giving away a small zipper bag from from Red Bridge Studio.This square zipper bag from Red Bridge Studio is hand screen printed and has an olive green leather strap. Perfect for holding little things.
Red Bridge Studio is named after a print of the Brooklyn Bridge, Red Bridge Studio (RBS), is a textile design and lifestyle products company founded by Tyshawn Henry in Brooklyn, NY. Many RBS patterns are hand drawn. All are original designs which are hand screen printed and exclusively featured on Red Bridge t-shirts, bags and pillows.
How to Enter:
1. To enter to win, tell the world why you want this bag. Post about your love of this product and your love of Red Bridge Studio on Myspace, Facebook, livejournal, wordpress, blogger, or your own personal blog or website.
2. Post a LINK back to your personal post right here in the comments section.
3. Entries can be submitted through 10pm Saturday, December 29, 2008.
4. Winners will be selected randomly and will be announced the following Monday with the New contest item.
~jen pepper
peppersprouts.etsy.com
Hanukkah - Festival of Lights.....
The photograph on the left, is of a large menorah in front of the Washington Monument in honor of Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights. It was shot on assignment for National Geographic Magazine.
The nine-branched Hanukkah menorah commemorates the Miracle of the Oil, when, during the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem, a day's worth of candle oil lasted eight days.
Hanukkah began yesterday, Sunday, December 21, 2008, at sundown.
This holiday is celebrated by Jewish people for 8 days and nights. It celebrates the achievements of Ancient Jewish heroes.
The Hanukkah light symbolizes the light of religious, national and cultural freedom won by the Maccabees for their people.
In 175 BCE the King of Syria tried to abolish Judaism in favour of Zeus worship. There was a revolt (164 BCE) and the temple was restored. It gave new force to the faith that had waned under the influence of Hellenism and Jewish culture began to flourish again. Also the Hebrew language, which had been largely supplanted by Greek, came into its own once more.
The lighting of the Menorah is a very important Hanukkah tradition.
December 20, 2008
kwanzaa, a celebration of family, community and culture
We sometimes need to be reminded that Christmas is not the only holiday that occurs at this time of the year. We all bring from our various roots, celebrations and activities that honor our history, ancestors and religions.
One such celebration is Kwanzaa, the seven days starting December 26th which highlight the seven principles important to those us who are of African descent.
Those seven principles are:
Umoja – unity, of family, community, nation and race
Kujichagulia – speaks to self-determination
Ujima – collective work and responsibility to build and maintain our community
Ujamaa – cooperative economics as a means of building our businesses
Nia – purpose, a collective vocation to build and develop our community
Kuumba – creativity, to do as much and in any way we can to leave our community more beautiful than we inherited it
Imani – faith in our people, our parents, teachers and leaders and in the righteousness of our struggle.
Besides those seven principles, the symbols that mark our celebrations include crops, the mat, kinara (candle holder), seven candles, corn, unity cup, gifts (called zawadi), kwanzaa flag and poster.
Kwanzaa speaks to creativity, to community building, to business development, commitment and faith – and so does etsy.
These stockings from vyphuisdesigns are a perfect celebration of Kwanzaa
One such celebration is Kwanzaa, the seven days starting December 26th which highlight the seven principles important to those us who are of African descent.
Those seven principles are:
Umoja – unity, of family, community, nation and race
Kujichagulia – speaks to self-determination
Ujima – collective work and responsibility to build and maintain our community
Ujamaa – cooperative economics as a means of building our businesses
Nia – purpose, a collective vocation to build and develop our community
Kuumba – creativity, to do as much and in any way we can to leave our community more beautiful than we inherited it
Imani – faith in our people, our parents, teachers and leaders and in the righteousness of our struggle.
Besides those seven principles, the symbols that mark our celebrations include crops, the mat, kinara (candle holder), seven candles, corn, unity cup, gifts (called zawadi), kwanzaa flag and poster.
Kwanzaa speaks to creativity, to community building, to business development, commitment and faith – and so does etsy.
These stockings from vyphuisdesigns are a perfect celebration of Kwanzaa
December 19, 2008
Weekend Events: Last Minute Handmade Holiday Shopping Trail
Did you miss the boat for online shopping, yet still want interesting gifts just in time for the Holidays? If you're in the New York City area this weekend you're in luck. Get on the the "Last Minute Handmade Holiday Shopping Trail," where you can find fabulous handmade gifts from Etsy sellers and meet the makers too! It's like getting a two for one. And all three holiday fairs are within a 2 mile radius.
Chapeau Rouge, 1920
First stop is NYCreates, at the Brooklyn Historical Society. NYCreates runs from Thursday December 18 to Tuesday December 23. Among the the 30 plus vendors you will find 1920 who makes beautiful 1920's inspired hats, bags and accessories from TESAGE by Yukiko Sato of Long Island City Gifts, and whimsical earrings by Milkmade.
The second stop on the trail is the Brooklyn Indie Market on Smith Street, run by fashion designer and Etsy seller Kathy Malone, aka Fofolle. This weekend BIM partners with St. John's Bread & Life, "Brooklyn's largest emergency food provider." A percentage of market sales will benefit the charity. Here you can find decoupage jewelry by Wabi Sabi Brooklyn as well as beautiful hand decorated ceramics of Take Me Homeware.
Oh what a man Soap, Nordea's Soaperie
Moleskin Screen Printed Notebook Journals, Fisk & Fern
A ten minute walk southeast on Union Street will lead you to the third and final stop, the Brooklyn Lyceum's Holiday Craft Market. There will be over 50 local area vendors, including the lovely knitted wares of KnitKnit, yummy soaps of Nordea's Soaperie and nature inspired journals and scarves of Fisk & Fern.
So don't despair, there's still time to find plenty of unique handmade gifts this weekend. Bundle up, put on your walking shoes, grab your metro card, and hit the "Last Minute Handmade Holiday Shopping Trail."
December 18-December 23
NYCreates @Brooklyn Historical Society
128 Pierrepont Street
Brooklyn Heights, Bklyn
2,3,4,5,R trains to Court Street
December 20& 21
Brooklyn Indie Market
Red & White Tent on Smith Street @ Union Street
Carroll Gardens, Bklyn
F or G trains to Carroll Street
Holiday Craft Market @ The Brooklyn Lyceum
227 4th Avenue, between Union and President Streets
Park Slope, Bklyn
R train Union Street
December 18, 2008
Shop to End Hunger in Brooklyn
This Saturday and Sunday, December 20 and 21, participating vendors at Brooklyn Indie Market will donate 15- 20% of proceeds from sales (which will be doubled by a matching grant from Independence Community Foundation) to St. John’s Bread and Life, Brooklyn’s largest emergency food provider.
The shopping event will be part of Bread and Life’s “Give Where You Live Campaign,” which seeks to involve the local Brooklyn community in charitable programs. The organization provides meals to more than 1,500 people each day both at its location on Lexington Avenue in Bedford Stuyvesant and via its Mobile Soup Kitchen which makes deliveries throughout Brooklyn and Queens. In addition to sales at the market, local designers, artists and merchants have donated prizes to be raffled off during the December 20/21 weekend, including designer clothing and accessories, art, dinners and bottles of wine. Donations will help Bread and Life reduce poverty and hunger, which affects one in five of every New Yorker.
The event will take place at Brooklyn Indie Market, on Smith Street between Union and President in Carroll Gardens.
-MaryAnne, wabisabi brooklyn
December 17, 2008
HANDMADE HOLIDAY GIFTS PERFECT FOR GROUPS
My family is large... and Italian.. therefore, food is always a big hit. For the past few years I've come across a few great recipes that are perfect to give out in groups. You can go crazy with packaging (as I tend to do) or just keep it really really simple. Here are two of my favorites. I couldn't find my original photos.. and it is way to early for me to have this year's gifts ready to shoot.. so I'll try to provide as many relevant pics as possible! ENJOY
••••••MARINATED BOCCONCINI in MASON JARS•••••
"Bocconcini" are those little balls of fresh mozzarella. In this recipe they will live in a mason jar, marinated in a combination of olive oil, vinegar, rosemary, pepper, salt etc. You can design a label for the top of the jar (here's what I did last year), or tie some ribbon around the top and attach a gift tag..This looks so elegant and colorful when you're finished that it doesn't even need any fancy packaging.
12 fresh basil leaves
12 sprigs fresh thyme
4 sprigs fresh rosemary
4 whole cloves garlic, crushed
Crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt
4 pounds bocconcini (small mozzarella balls, about 2 inches in diameter) * You can call your local deli ahead of time and they can set aside a larger amount for you.
Extra-virgin olive oil
4 pint-size mason jars, sterilized
In each mason jar add 3 basil leaves, 3 thyme sprigs, 1 sprig fresh rosemary, 1 clove garlic, a pinch red pepper flakes and salt, to taste. Fill the jar half way up with extra-virgin olive oil and add 10 to 12 drained boccocini balls. Top off with more extra-virgin olive oil. Cover and seal the jar. Repeat with the other 3 jars. Turn the jars over several times to incorporate the flavors. Refrigerate for 3 at least days before serving. Lasts for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
••••• PEPPERMINT BARK •••••
I modified a Martha Stewart recipe because I wanted to use dark and white chocolate together... To package these guys I broke them up and filled a candy-friendly plastic bag I then sealed each bag with a custom-designed sticker. You can even just tie the bag closed with a ribbon, attach a gift tag. This is a very easy recipe and a perfect to give out to co-workers, friends, hair dresser, landlord, UPS driver, etc. The recipe below makes about 2.25 lbs of bark.
1 lb white chocolate chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
1 lb dark chocolate chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
12 large candy canes
1/2 teaspoon peppermint oil ( this is easy to find at any specialty baking store)
1. Coat 11 x 17 baking sheet (I only have small baking sheets.. which are fine to use, it just takes longer to finish the batch) with parchment
2. Melt dark chocolate first in double boiler (if you have one.. if not I just use a saucepan filled up about 1/4 with water and put my chocolate fondue pan inside...making sure the water does not overflow)
3. pour dark chocolate into baking sheet... chill for about 10 minutes.. or until it is just starting to harden.
4. Melt white chocolate the same way you melted the dark... When it is all melted, add peppermint oil and chopped candy cane.
5. pour white chocolate mixture over the top of the dark chocolate.. you can be playful and drizzle it around.. or completely cover the dark chocolate.
6. Allow the combination to cool for about 30-40 minutes. Beak into pieces... distribute into your containers or bags...
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
These will last for a while if they are kept refrigerated.. probably about a week or so.
••••••MARINATED BOCCONCINI in MASON JARS•••••
"Bocconcini" are those little balls of fresh mozzarella. In this recipe they will live in a mason jar, marinated in a combination of olive oil, vinegar, rosemary, pepper, salt etc. You can design a label for the top of the jar (here's what I did last year), or tie some ribbon around the top and attach a gift tag..This looks so elegant and colorful when you're finished that it doesn't even need any fancy packaging.
12 fresh basil leaves
12 sprigs fresh thyme
4 sprigs fresh rosemary
4 whole cloves garlic, crushed
Crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt
4 pounds bocconcini (small mozzarella balls, about 2 inches in diameter) * You can call your local deli ahead of time and they can set aside a larger amount for you.
Extra-virgin olive oil
4 pint-size mason jars, sterilized
In each mason jar add 3 basil leaves, 3 thyme sprigs, 1 sprig fresh rosemary, 1 clove garlic, a pinch red pepper flakes and salt, to taste. Fill the jar half way up with extra-virgin olive oil and add 10 to 12 drained boccocini balls. Top off with more extra-virgin olive oil. Cover and seal the jar. Repeat with the other 3 jars. Turn the jars over several times to incorporate the flavors. Refrigerate for 3 at least days before serving. Lasts for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.••••• PEPPERMINT BARK •••••
I modified a Martha Stewart recipe because I wanted to use dark and white chocolate together... To package these guys I broke them up and filled a candy-friendly plastic bag I then sealed each bag with a custom-designed sticker. You can even just tie the bag closed with a ribbon, attach a gift tag. This is a very easy recipe and a perfect to give out to co-workers, friends, hair dresser, landlord, UPS driver, etc. The recipe below makes about 2.25 lbs of bark.
1 lb white chocolate chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
1 lb dark chocolate chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
12 large candy canes
1/2 teaspoon peppermint oil ( this is easy to find at any specialty baking store)
1. Coat 11 x 17 baking sheet (I only have small baking sheets.. which are fine to use, it just takes longer to finish the batch) with parchment
2. Melt dark chocolate first in double boiler (if you have one.. if not I just use a saucepan filled up about 1/4 with water and put my chocolate fondue pan inside...making sure the water does not overflow)
3. pour dark chocolate into baking sheet... chill for about 10 minutes.. or until it is just starting to harden.
4. Melt white chocolate the same way you melted the dark... When it is all melted, add peppermint oil and chopped candy cane.
5. pour white chocolate mixture over the top of the dark chocolate.. you can be playful and drizzle it around.. or completely cover the dark chocolate.
6. Allow the combination to cool for about 30-40 minutes. Beak into pieces... distribute into your containers or bags...
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
These will last for a while if they are kept refrigerated.. probably about a week or so.
December 16, 2008
Happy Hannukah!
Celebrate Hanukkah with The {NewNew} York team, here are some great items that can help elevate your spirit in this Holiday of light!
Here is a lovely Hanukkah greeting card from mshoelace's shop:
Here's a tiny friend for your tiny one, from smallestfriend's shop:
This adorable PigBearMouse is a toy for kids age 5 to 123, made by thesorceress770:
I know your little dancer will appreciate this tutu from trescouture's shop:
But if your kid is more into soccer, this T shirt from charlieandsarah will not only be fun to wear, but will also help them learn to speak British - in preparation for their future as professional players!
Here is a lovely Hanukkah greeting card from mshoelace's shop:
You'll find these hand-poured unscented soy candles to light your Menorah at DewOnAPetalHome's Shop:
And of course what is more important than gifts for our little ones? KarensMonsters's monsters are liked by kids at every age! (what am I talking about, liked? kids are crazy about them!):
Here's a tiny friend for your tiny one, from smallestfriend's shop:
This adorable PigBearMouse is a toy for kids age 5 to 123, made by thesorceress770:
I know your little dancer will appreciate this tutu from trescouture's shop:
But if your kid is more into soccer, this T shirt from charlieandsarah will not only be fun to wear, but will also help them learn to speak British - in preparation for their future as professional players!
The Brooklyn Lyceum Holiday Craft Market
by Lorina of The Original Beadscarf
Whether you made it to the epic signature event “Holiday Handmade Cavalcade” or not last weekend, has the {NewNew} got something for you! This weekend, the historic location of The Brooklyn Lyceum will host a Holiday Craft Market featuring over 60 handmade vendors, many of which will be some of your favorite {NewNew} crafters. So have no fear if you couldn’t make it to last week’s event, here’s your chance to meet your favorite local crafters!
This coming weekend, December 20th and 21st, from 11am to 7pm you will have a chance to do your last minute shopping at The Brooklyn Lyceum, located at 227 4th Ave, between President St. and Union St., in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Just take the R train to Union St. and it will be right there when you emerge at the stop.
The Brooklyn Lyceum has a colorful history dating back nearly 100 years ago as a 1910 public bathhouse. It has since converted to a theatre space hosting a variety of entertainment for the entire family. The location also offers a relaxing café.
The Holiday Craft Market taking place this entire weekend will not only have local vendors selling everything from unusual handmade accessories for the home, body and other accoutrements which make gift giving easy, but also DJ’s, food and drink specials. The indoor space will provide just the right atmosphere to wrap up some serious last minute holiday shopping. There will also be a super special promotion in which $100 worth of purchases will get you a pair of tickets to one of the Brooklyn Lyceum’s many productions!
On behalf of the {NewNew}, I look forward to seeing you there!
December 15, 2008
New Monday Giveaway
It's MONDAY! Which means its time for our brand new Monday Giveaway. Each and Every Monday Stop by to enter to win something fabulous from members of The {NewNew} York Etsy team. This Monday we are giving away felt brooch from La Pistolera.
This colorful brooch was inspired by the popular Mexican holiday Day of the Dead. It is decorated with embroidery done by hand as well as hand-drawn teeth. The brooch is approximately 2.75" tall and 2" wide; it also includes a pin in the back.
"La Pistolera" is Misty, who is originally from Southwestern Texas, currently dwelling in New York City. The inspiration for her handmade accessories comes from a combination of where she grew up along the border of Mexico incorporated with the modern and diverse images she see on the streets of the city.
How to Enter:
1. To enter to win, tell the world why you want this cluster necklace. Post about your love of this product and your love of La Pistolera on Myspace, Facebook, livejournal, wordpress, blogger, or your own personal blog or website.
2. Post a LINK back to your personal post right here in the comments section.
3. Entries can be submitted through 10pm Saturday, December 20, 2008.
4. Winners will be selected randomly and will be announced the following Monday with the New contest item.
there was a problem with last weeks post so we will be posting the necklace again very soon!
Can't wait to see your posts! And stay tuned for next week's giveaway.
~jen pepper
peppersprouts.etsy.com
Prize Bags from The Holiday Handmade Cavalcade 2008
OMG - look at all this loot!
Well there were five bag completely filled with great goodies for the 5 lucky winners of our rafflle at the Holiday Handmade Cavalcade. Thought you might be a winner? Here is the post where our very own Fubabee announces the winning shoppers.
These generous and talented shops donated items:
DewOnAPetalHome - candle + sachet gift set
AdornmentsNYC - earrings
Wabisabi Brooklyn - cufflinks
Jantar - earrings
JDavisstudio - necklace
WishByFelicity - necklace
ThirdFloor - hand bag
The Original Beadscarf - gift certificate
ThePeachTree - earrings
WaiSze - card + gift certificate
Pulp Sushi - Sweetie Ring
MShoelace - card set
East4thstreet - gift certificate
KnitKnit - peapod pins
Ikyoto - neckties
cakehouse - pair of napkins
bluestitchbooks - set of notecards
Loveforever - Complete Embellishing
Allene La Spina - pin and shoeflake
fubabee - print
sarahkathleenwarner - earrings
bshorr - gadget cozy
persuede - earrings
Yania Creations - earrings
Nordea's Soaperie - soap set
cajajewelry - necklace
l'atelier des bijoux - earrings
Beacon Bookmarks - bookmark
L'elephant Rose - necklace
TheHandOfFatima - necklace
Citybitz - pendants
Dirty Loves Clean - bar of soap
Thanks to all those talented shops that donated items, and thanks to all those shoppers whose each purchase increased their chances to win one of these great bags.
-KimmKimmChi.etsy.com
December 14, 2008
Last day for 10% off
JEWELRY:
Caja, Jantar, AdornmentsNYC, WishByFelicity, LinguaNigra
CLOTHING:
KimmChi
HANDBAGS:
Groundsel
HOUSEWARES:
Cakehouse., Luckx4, LoveForever, RedBridge
PAPER GOODS:
BlueStitchbooks, CollectiveElements, Fubabee, WaiSze
TOYS:
Karensmonsters
December 13, 2008
Where to find The {NewNew} at Bust Craftacular tomorrow!
Click map to view larger. Print & bring to BUST with you!
14- Hand Of Fatima Design: Urban Jewelery Designed from Antique and Vintage Wears- Handmade in NYC.
25- Dirty Loves Clean: Vegan bath & body products including: holiday themed handmade soaps, lip balms, cameo-shaped soaps & gift sets.
25- Peppersprouts: New York themed shadow boxes and other hand-cut art
77- Red Bridge Studio: silk screened home & personal accessories, t-shirts
86- KimmChi: bold, abstract silkscreened women's shirts
86- wabisabi brooklyn: decoupage jewelry. handmade in the county of kings.
89- Charlie and Sarah
89- Chestnut Farmer
90- Cakehouse: Handmade Refashioned Home Accessories
90- Take Me Homeware: Handmade ceramics by May Luk
94- Lingua Nigra: Jewelry.
102- Metal Sugar: Deliciously Original Jewelry
119- Jill K Davis Jewelry: Sterling silver, brass and gold plated jewelry. Houses, trees and "Hi" and "Bye" earrings, necklaces, bracelets and charms.
166- Nordea's Soaperie: Handmade soap, whipped body butter, lip balms, & perfumes
178- Beacon Bookmarks: Wooden Bookmarks
178- Blue Stitch Books: Vintage inspired paper goods, journals and sewn accessories
Great Gifts to Keep on Hand
It's happened to all of us: regardless of how much list-making, careful planning, and shopping we do, we're surprised by a present from an unexpected source.
What ensues is a classic case of mixed emotions: DELIGHT! (who doesn't like a present?) commingles with embarrassment (shazbot - I didn't get her anything.)
You may think it could never happen to you. But we are all vulnerable. Rather than be caught unawares, take a gander at these fabulous, quirky, handmade ideas for gifts to keep on hand JUST! IN! CASE!
Cakehouse's cute coasters are always a good bet.
Mellowbeing's adorable wrist warmers are another great option.
Ikyoto's Ninja Star is a funny gift to have on hand for a last minute guest,
since it is a hilarious ice breaker, and can be used to keep unruly family members in line.
CLine Creations makes a Chinese knotted key chain that is a unique addition to the standard emergency gift arsenal.
And be sure to add these folks to your shopping list so you'll be better prepared next year.
-MaryAnne
wabisabi brooklyn
wabisabibrooklyn.etsy.com
wabisabibrooklyn.com
What ensues is a classic case of mixed emotions: DELIGHT! (who doesn't like a present?) commingles with embarrassment (shazbot - I didn't get her anything.)
You may think it could never happen to you. But we are all vulnerable. Rather than be caught unawares, take a gander at these fabulous, quirky, handmade ideas for gifts to keep on hand JUST! IN! CASE!
Wai Sze Designs Set of 4 Handstamped Thank You Greeting Cards: something for the thoughtful guest who thought to get you a gift though it slipped your mind.
Cakehouse's cute coasters are always a good bet.
Mellowbeing's adorable wrist warmers are another great option.
Ikyoto's Ninja Star is a funny gift to have on hand for a last minute guest,
since it is a hilarious ice breaker, and can be used to keep unruly family members in line.
CLine Creations makes a Chinese knotted key chain that is a unique addition to the standard emergency gift arsenal.
And be sure to add these folks to your shopping list so you'll be better prepared next year.
-MaryAnne
wabisabi brooklyn
wabisabibrooklyn.etsy.com
wabisabibrooklyn.com
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