Handmade Ho-Down

Mini Marzipan: Taste for Artisans Call for Vendors

2010-02-22T11:09:00.000-08:00

East Bay Express and Mini Marzipan Presents
Taste for Artisans

April 3, 2010
5pm - 11pm
Jack London Square
98 Broadway Avenue, Oakland.

(Previously Barnes & Noble Books)

30,000 square feet of awesomeness!
Anticipated Attendees: 3-4k
Vendor Application Deadline: Friday, March 12th
Vendor Fee: $150.00

Please go to: www.minimarzipan.com to apply now!

Questions: vendors@minimarzipan.com

Taste for Artisans pays tribute to Americana but with a modern, urban twist.

Celebrate local craftsmanship with over 100 of the Bay Area's best artisans selling their handmade wares in the Handmade Ho Down Village, local farmers filling our plates, local breweries filling our glasses, live local bands/djs, and educational activities from the De Young Museum.

East Bay Express and Mini Marzipan have a reputation for throwing amazing parties, and this will be no exception. Our idea of urban Americana includes cream corn wrestling, mechanical bull riding, hay bales and picnic tables, pie eating contests, square dancing competitions, live craft making, old school games, and more!

Meet local artisans, musicians, and farmers while at the same time
supporting Drawbridge, a bay area local organization bringing art awareness
to children in need.

Be a part of the Handmade Ho Down Village and get down at the Ho Down!

Immediate Call for Vendors and Artists!

2010-01-26T09:17:00.000-08:00

Mini Marzipan has paired up with BridgeHead Studios, a local art gallery in Alameda, to do a fun, monthly gallery crawl.

This will be a show with a smaller, more intimate, high-end feel than Handmade Ho Down, but with the same flare and promoting and energy that made Handmade Ho Down such a success!

Estuary Art Attack is an open studio, occurring monthly every 2nd Friday night, of over 19 galleries surrounding the Alameda and Oakland estuary. Go here: www.estuaryartattack.com to read more about
Estuary Art Attack.

Mini Marzipan is looking for 6 - 12 Bay Area local, high-end artists and artisans to make the February Estuary Art Attack a success. Just in time for Valentine's Day gift purchases!

Wine, snacks and a live DJ will be a part of this part-swank, part- love atmosphere.

And of course, in true Handmade Ho Down style, time is of the essence!!

General Deets:

When:
Friday, Feb 12, 2010
5pm-11pm

Where:
BridgeHead Studios
2516 Blanding Ave, Alameda, Ca

Who:
There are 7 spaces available and 1 studio space (perfect for clothing
vendor) available for vendors, and 4 spaces for Artists:

Artist/Fine Artist/Photographer:
$50 fee + 40% of gross sales goes to the gallery.
(all artist spaces are studio/wall spaces only)

Artisan/Crafter 8x8 Space:
$75 fee + 10% of gross sales goes to the gallery.

11'x8' Studio Artisan Space:
$150 fee + 10% of gross sales goes to the gallery. (please note this includes wall space.)

Deets on the 10% and 40% Commission:
Now, I know many of you may be thinking "10%??!! OOF!!"

But allow me to point out: 40% is standard gallery commission, so if you aren't a fine artist, you are essentially getting a gallery party, for a artisan/crafter price.

Also, the gallery and the planners then have an even higher vested interest in making their show - YOUR show - a smashing success.

It is suggested that as an artist or artisan, you simply raise your prices for this particular show 40% or 10%, respectively. As an artisan, if you make $100, you only have to pay $10. Your booth fee and percentage of sales goes to the swank wine and snacks spread, paying our kick ass DJ's and hopefully paying our hot graphic designer for some kick ass promotional graphics.

**Please note that these percentages of sales will not be a Mini Marzipan standard, but comes from the Gallery itself (and it really is a kick booty Gallery).***

We are super excited about this venue and this show, and this our way of putting some crafty feelers out there to see who is interested.

And hey, spread the word!

As Estuary Art Attack is a monthly show at BridgeHead Studios, we'd love to know if you are interested in this show or other future shows.

If you are, please send an email to: erin@handmadehodown.com WITH your name, business name and 3-5 photos of your work OR your website url asap - especially if you'd like to be a part of February's
show - as we'd like to get all our vendors locked in as soon as possible.

Thank you again so much for all you do! Hope to hear from you soon
(like right NOW! :D )

Hearts,
Erin and Rebecca
Mini Marzipan Productions
erin@handmadehodown.com

Introducing Mini Marzipan Productions!

2010-01-25T09:10:00.000-08:00

Hey team!

Rebecca (Jim Dandy's), Erin (Eristotle) and Didi (Little Red Bicycle) of the Handmade Ho Down (Too Live) Crew are putting on another show!

Hold on to your hats now, its going to be a little different...

From (a few) of the makers of Handmade Ho Down, we are pleased to announce Mini
Marzipan Productions, an exclusive craft show planning company!

We have a bunch of BIG events already in the works for 2010, and we
wanted to let you all know.

We are still working on all new business deets such as website etc, so please bare with us!

HHD in the press, and Thank You!

2009-12-16T00:13:00.000-08:00

First off, we would like to thank our awesome sponsors, kick-ass volunteers, our wonderful vendors, and all 1800+(!!) of our lovely guests for making our first event so fantastic. The entire committee was completely blown away by the response, and this is definitely not the last you're going to hear of the Handmade Ho Down!

We've also have a review in Ashcan magazine's online issue! Thanks again and keep in touch - we'll keep the blog alive and keep us updated on any and all craft-tastic news! Have a great holiday!

Love,

the Handmade Ho Down (Too Live) Crew!

What you callin Ho Bag?

2009-12-02T09:57:00.000-08:00

The Handmade Ho Down (Too Live) Crew is excited to present to you, a new term in the Official Handmade Ho Down Dictionary of Cool Slang.

HO BAG.

a Ho Bag is a stylish, eco-friendly alternative to shopping bags, that let's everyone around you know, that you not only buy Bay Area local goods from your Bay Area local artists and craftisans, you also care about supporting DrawBridge- a Bay Area Local charity organization that helps underprivileged youth.

Ho Bags are also a great carrier for all your amazing finds at the Handmade Ho Down. not to mention a must have accessory while avoiding the maddening dis-spirited frenzy at your nearby shopping mall. (but if you happen to find yourself at one, these bags are so roomy you can fit lots of ripped off heads!) (ok that was gross!).

we came up with a list of ways you can use a Ho Bag:

perfect for carrying groceries
it avoids the use of wasteful plastic bags
how could you look any cuter?
great for storing knitting projects
one-upping forever 21, as they don't have the Handmade Ho Down Ho Bag design on any of their bags
sneaking popcorn, snacks, and beer into the movie theater
picnics!
diaper bag
a sweet and charitable way to present a gift
to carry wine bottles at your next holiday party
trips to the library
lug around heads you have chopped off while shopping at the mall instead of Handmade Ho Down
let everyone know that you were at the very first Handmade Ho Down!
cat/small dog carrier
its an old tradition to have a "carry all" dating back the 17th century
put over your head when running into your ex!
collect pine cones on walks outside
frame it and hang on the wall
use to hide behind when the scary parts come on tv
when in a crowd, you can use a ho bag to wave at your peeps so they know where you are!
A Ho Bag is a retro comeback from the stylish fashion of wearing a "tote" while shopping in the 40's
buying one means you have contributed to DrawBridge, who bring art awareness to thousands of children in the Bay Area who deserve to see the beauty in their lives, despite their situations

these Ho Bags are exclusive to the Handmade Ho Down 2009 event, happening TOMORROW, December 3rd at 1015 Folsom St. San Francisco.

Ho Bags are $5 each, and proceeds benefit DrawBridge. how can you resist? sign me up for 6.

Drawbridge Raffle

2009-12-01T21:09:00.000-08:00

There are many amazing things about the Handmade Ho Down show (photo booth, DJ's, live art, booze, amazing vendors) but one of my favorites is the charity Raffle benefiting Drawbridge (read more here). Thanks to the generous donations of vendors and some of our sponsors (Brainwash and Magnolia Photo Booth to be exact) we have some pretty kick ass items ranging from jewelry to gift certificates to undies (yep underwear). Raffle tickets will be 1 for $2, 3 for $5, 6 for $10 for all items except, the photo booth, which will be 1 ticket for $5 and 5 tickets for $20.

So make sure to check out a few of the items below so you can scope out what you really want and don't forget to check out the list of vendors who have donated items. Thank you!

Shaya Durbin Jewelry
Eristotle

Gemini Designs

Invisible Hero Clothing

Kendra Renee Jewelry Design

Picture Yourself Inside the MAGNOLIA PHOTO BOOTH!

2009-11-30T12:25:00.000-08:00

Just when we thought this event couldn't get any cooler, Magnolia Photo Booth jumps in and pumps it up another notch!

The Magnolia Photo Booth Co. combines the classic privacy and spontaneity of the photo booth with the latest in professional digital studio photography to make sure the fun comes fast and the memories last.

So, what can we expect from the MAGBOOTH at the Handmade Ho Down?

Not only will there be an attendant who will bring along a variety of props and accessories (I am so being a pirate!); but we'll also be able to get in the booth as many times as we want and take home hundreds of photos that print in under 15 seconds a pop!

Everyone will also be able to view the event photos, order re-prints, or download files to make their own prints on the magnolia website!

Use of the photo booth are entirely complimentary, but there will be a tip jar for all to show your appreciation. Portions of Magnolia Photo Booth will go towards DrawBridge, so be sure to tip your Photo Booth attendant!

What's more, Magnolia has really stepped up by donating a $1000 gift certificate for our charity raffle to go towards a MAGBOOTH for your own event! Wow, Magnolia has proven they love our community and we LOVE Magnolia!

So, I guess the only question we have left is, "How many Handmade Ho Down crew members can we fit into a MAGBOOTH?"

Ana Apple Designs

2009-11-28T11:58:00.000-08:00

What is the craziest gift you have ever received?

My cat Salsa brought me an undead gecko once. Although I have been given the gift of double-jointedness, a party trick that never fails to impress.

How did you get started on Etsy/Making things?

It was as simple as asking my boyfriend for a sewing machine for Christmas last year. My curiosity quickly turned into obsession, which mutated into my headfirst leap into 'Hey, this is kind of neat-o. I would pay money for this.' The rest is a crazy months-long blur of research, trial and error, and much-needed encouragement from family and friends.

How did you learn your craft?

Took a night class from the feistiest woman to ever rock a blue plaid blazer, Miss Beverly, who taught me the once-confusing basics, nurtured my supposedly unconventional desire to sew white fabric with hot pink thread, and gladly offered constructive criticism (albeit with an occasional raised brow) on my original designs.

From there, it's just been an experimentation with different fabrics and techniques that catch my eye, logging miles on my trusty Kenmore machine. I've developed a love-hate relationship with my seam ripper.

Pomegranate Ink

2009-11-28T11:47:00.000-08:00

"I'm addicted to making things, always have been. I paint, sew, make music, draw, scrapbook, and do a lot of digital art. By day I am a manager of creative services for a software company, by night and weekends I am driven to create..." -- Samantha Brown, of Pomegranate Ink

If you had to live out the rest of your life as a famous fictional character, who would you be and why?

Elizabeth Bennett, Pride and Prejudice, the clothing would be beautiful but hard to keep your hems clean when frolicking through a muddy green pasture. She's is smart and capable, passionate, beautiful. What I aspire to be on most days that is.

If money were no object for just one day, what would you do?

Give lots and lots of it away. Find everyday people and hungry people and just give it all away. When you buy something you feel good for a while, but when you give something, especially when the receiver really needs it--but is not expecting it, the feeling lasts a long time. Pure goodness.

How did you get started on Etsy/Making things?

Funny story, I used to work as a Sr. Manager of Creative Services for a software company and our VP of Marketing came back from a trip to talk with an analyst who could not stop talking about how Etsy was on the forefront of search technology, with color searching, geolocation, etc. My boss said "I have to show Sam, she would love it" and I signed up right away and listed a few abstract paintings. I was in love, and told people, and told people.

Transient Treasures

2009-11-28T09:34:00.000-08:00

Among an incredible variety of treasures keys, spoons and vintage jewelry, the amazing wind chimes from coffee and tea pots have to be among the most creative items to be found. One look at those and we understand why owner of Transient Treasures, Nora Matthes-Kniveton is so fascinated with Tea Parties and Alice in Wonderland!

Her treasures are inspired by the desire to see "worthless" items turned into something that makes others see as aethetically pleasing and marketable. She learned her craft mostly by trial and error. Having an Etsy shop for vintage objects, launching the artistic vintage-based creations seemed like a logical next step.

Nora loves really strong, fresh coffee and oaky Chardonnay. Her "If money were no object" dream is going to Greece, eating seafood, drinking local wine, and soaking up the seascape. Another person joining the list of wanting to come be a cat for a week, Nora's secret TV crush was Robin ("Batman and Robin") - and then Magnum PI.

She loves doing craft shows and seeing how people react to her products.For Nora, the spirit of giving means doing what you can, each day.

Crow's Nest Shop, handcrafted jewelry

2009-11-26T10:02:00.000-08:00

There are many highly creative jewelry makers on Etsy. Probably the only one who offers jewelry and also a "Catch a Criminal Kit" is the Crows Nest Shop. This Mental Map Maker includes graph paper, colorful thread, and instructions to help those who always get lost or budding crime fighters. Brandi Chalker found out about Etsy during a "Stitch and Bitch" night with friends while living in West Virginia.

She is inspired by beaches and oceans around the world, and uses shells she finds in her necklaces and earrings. Her crafting career began while working in a craft store as a teen, and she was an established jewelry maker by age 18.

The famous fictional character she'd like to be is Elizabeth Swann of Pirates of the Caribbean, saying "I'd give anything to be around Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom for the rest of my life." Brandi would love to be her dog for a week, enjoying treats, walks, attention and just being cute. Her favorite cities are San Francisco, San Cristobal de las Casas (Chiapas, Mexico) and Edinburgh. Her favorite drink is the hibiscus mojito she makes with mint from her garden.

Brandi tries to promote and educate people about the Fair Trade movement through her business. She feels consumer responsibility and knowledge about supporting positive economic relationships with artisans in developing countries is important and valuable. Buying locally helps our communities economically.

The Enchanted Square

2009-11-26T09:40:00.000-08:00

Ruth Tillman of The Enchanted Square credits Martha Stewart for getting her started on Etsy. She had struggled for awhile to start a website and sell her quilts, dolls and bags. After seeing a Martha Stewart show that featured an Etsy seller, Ruth checked out the website, loved the look, and jumped right in. Now she's recruited her housmate Mary and her Aunt to Etsy.

Inspired by color, pattern, construction, books and websites, she constantly carries her camera to help the mental notes she makes. She finds that the creative chances taken by others encourages her own boldness. Ruth's sewing teachers were her grandmother, mother and great aunt. She began making quilts at age 10.

Born and raised in Alameda, she loves the cool nights and fresh air of the holidays, crazy discussions with her children, cuddling, and the light of the short days. Her "Day as President Obama" would be spent encouraging all to take part in our future.

The mother of three is thrilled that the HHD supports an art program for kids. She helps teach art in her childrens' schools, in response to budget and program cuts there. She believes that learning about art teaches appreciation, techniques, and expressiveness.

Laser Kitten

2009-11-26T09:23:00.000-08:00

Laserkitten crafts custom jewelry pieces with DJs, artists, web personalities and others. Artisan Marisa Ravel is inspired by the 80's, idol Lisa Frank, bright colors, city lights, bling, and anything sparkly, flashy or metallic. She began making and designing jewelry in childhood, and in her designs she has tried metal, glass beads, vintage, polymer clay and resin, knitting and crochet before settling on her laser-cut acrylic mirror style.

Marisa believes that "You can feel the love/time/effort/passion when you wear something handmade. It's like owning a little bit of somebody's soul." The spirit of giving is "the best feeling in the world."

Her favorite neighborhood is San Francisco's Mission, favorite cities are San Francisco and New York. The song she loves to sing is "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler.

kartwheel

2009-11-26T08:58:00.000-08:00

Cats and birds are favorite animals for Lorena Pinon of Kartwheel. The famous character she would love to be is Cat Woman. She would love to be a bird for a week - especially a pigeon - to travel far and spy on folks! After all that traveling and spying, her dream day would be spent at an all day spa, getting a number of treatments to "make the noise in my head go away." Then, rested and refreshed, Lorena would be President Obama for a day and make the banks pay back the bailout money!The lifelong Bay Area native finds writing copy for her website to be brain-challenging, as she believes she is much better at talking about her designs and selling herself in person. Her art show experience to date is Indie Mart. HHD is the first "true craft show" she is doing because "it sounds like a cool thing to be part of," she says. A graphic designer by trade, she gives back by donating time designing bilingual books for Children's Book Press in San Francisco.

Creating her own art has affected her buying habits - she now thinks twice about who will beneift the most from her purchase, and keeps her buying local or at least in the US. She is happy to support local artists and cutting out the middle man.

satin corset

2009-11-25T20:23:00.000-08:00

Inspired by old-world items, dreams, nature, and the bright colors floating across her eyelids are some of the sources that inspire Tyler Pimental of SatinCorset. The delicate and colorful jewelry found in her shop certainly show the fruits of her inspirations.

"Loose Control" (by backtednted) is the song of her life - because "We all need to lose control sometimes". She would love to be a fish going "whoop" while driving a car - mabye in a panic ... and out of control. Vodka Rockstar Juiced - orange, carbonated, sweet and tart - is her favorite drink. Working out a Japanese quiz challenges her, and she says Tokyo is her favorite city.

The Handmade Ho Down is her first craft show, though she's all about the indie, local, handmade creatife force. Unlocking the creative force of one's own two hands helps her appreciate what other local artisans create. "The kinds of things you can buy from handmade artisans are just too cool, so much better than what's available at the mall!"

GabriellaDesign

2009-11-25T20:07:00.000-08:00

California native Maryann Peper-Reynolds has a delightful range of crafted items in her shop, GabriellaDesign - paper flowers, moody abstract paintings, holiday cards, skull and gemstone jewelry offer something of interest for all seekers. She claims to be addicted to paper, and her creations involve paper in many forms. The bright red paper ranunculus she makes are quite eye-catching, and her desk calendars are quite popular!

Needing a pair of earrings to go with a shirt she planned to wear, young Maryann made some earrings - and quickly began making more to go with her outfits and give to friends. She hasn't stopped since, working in different mediums over the years.

While her heart might be in Florence, Maryann loves the time spent with family and friends during the holidays. "Giving a piece of yourself embodies the holidays," she says. This might mean some time, cookies, and/or a good dinner. A good bottle of wine brightens the occasion, and she claims chardonnay as her favorite.

Ticky Tacky

2009-11-25T19:54:00.000-08:00

Add Jane Naimark of Tickytacky to our list of people who want to be a cat living with awesome people for a week! She wants to poke into corners and chase bugs. Except for the bug chasing part, that's alot of what she really likes to do - going to antique and junk shops looking for treasures - finding those awsome doo-dads that call out to be made into treasures. Her craft grew out of interest in making "things."

This long-time San Francisco resident loves kombuchas!

Meghan Patrice Riley, handmade fine jewelry

2009-11-25T19:38:00.000-08:00

"Making jewelry is the best job in the world" says Meghan Patrice Riley. She learned her craft by taking classes everywhere and apprenticing with a fine jewelry maker. Her "other job" is working with nonprofits and government agencies to provide housing to low-income families - exactly in line with making handmade things and supporting locally made goods.

The Mission is her favorite neighborhood for tossing one back. And the drink of choice is a Kombucha - tasty and fizzy! Singing Radiohead's "Creep" is her Karaoke song. She dreamed of fighting ghosts with Slimer.

What is the craziest gift you have ever received?

I was surprised with a wax pen by my amazing fiance. It's great! I can sculpt in wax more easily with this tool.

Which one song describes your life the best? Why?

Mad World by Tears for Fears. It's has a depressing sentiment which I would say is not an echo of my life, but I absolutely love this song. I work a lot, am involved with a lot of projects and I run around a bit "mad."

We are beyond excited to have Meghan vend at our show, can't wait to see you in her booth!

Jenny Kim, custom jewelry.

2009-11-25T15:54:00.000-08:00

Jenny Kim, of San Mateo California, has been making jewelry since 2004. Her pieces are original, delicate, feminine and hold a the eye with their organic shapes and beautiful finish.

How did you get started on Etsy/Making things?

I've been making art in various forms since before nursery school. My first "mural" was a crayon portrait of my family in my childhood bedroom. In the third grade, I began selling mini-picture and puzzle books to classmates for the going-rate at the time of 50 cents apiece. I was a student in the Advanced Placement Studio Art Program at a Los Angeles-city high school, taking nine semester-courses of art before graduating.

Years after finishing an undergraduate degree unrelated to the arts, my instinctive urge to make pretty things with my hands cried out again, and I began taking metalsmithing courses at the City College of San Francisco, in the evenings after my long workdays. Metal immediately became my favorite medium. I have a hard, edgy side to my personality, juxtaposed against an equally-present soft, sensitive, and sensual side. Working in metal, and particularly creating organically-inspired forms with the lost-wax casting method, spoke to me like no other medium had in the past. I have now been creating jewelry and metalwork on a full-time basis since 2007.

What does buying and selling local handmade mean to you, and how has it affected your life?

Buying and selling locally handmade products means that I am supporting my neighbors, my community, and my local economy. I have also purchased items that were locally made in places where friends and family live to give as gifts. For example, I've made an effort to buy handmade products from artisans in, say, Seattle, to give as a gift to my sister who lives in that city, with a note: "This was handmade in Seattle. Just supporting your local artisans."

Shaya Durbin Jewelry -- As Unique as the People Who Wear It

2009-11-25T15:19:00.001-08:00

Shaya Durbin has jewelry making and crafting in her blood. We caught up with her and she had this to say:
"Hi! I am a jeweler from a family of artists and crafters. You could call me 3rd generation DIY.
I was taught to solder by my father when I was six years old. Since then I have been designing and creating with metals, my vision advancing as my skills increased.

Even though jewelry has always been in my life it has not always been my primary medium. In college I worked in other arts and only returned to my roots after I graduated. This shift had a profound influence on my sensibility as a jeweler. I do not approach my art from aesthetic of a traditional jeweler. Because of my work as a printmaker I think about jewelry in terms of layers and composition. I use textures, patinas, and contrasting metals to create complexity and compositional integrity. This is not formulaic but a sensitivity to what creates visual balance, and since it is different for each piece, and generally not repeatable, each piece is unique.

For me jewelry has been the great exploration of form, presenting the perpetual challenge of translating sculptural ideas into designs that accentuate the human body. This creates a captivating dialog between the sculpture and the wearer, making my relationship with the metal very personal. Because each finished piece will be more than purely visual art, the future intimate nature of the work is directly present in my own creative process. It is about a translation from artistic sensibility to practical form. I look not only at the aesthetic but at the comfort and the way the design will interact with the wearer. In this way my art is about creating intimate experiences. My philosophy is that people want jewelry as unique as they are."

We at the Handmade Ho Down are pretty unique ourselves, Shaya, so we wondered:

If you had to live out the rest of your life as a famous fictional character, who would you be and why?
Batman. He kicks butt.

If money were no object for just one day, what would you do?
Today I would fly to Turkey.

If you were invisible for one day and could go anywhere without being detected, where would you go and what would you do?
Fort Knox. That's where they keep the good stuff.

Did you have a crush on a TV character when you were little? Spill it!
The Goblin King.

What does buying and selling local handmade mean to you, and how has it affected your life?
If I have money to spend, I want it to go to an actual person, not a vast money-sucking machine.

Well, we couldn't agree more, Shaya. Thanks for the interview, we all look forward to seeing your beautiful jewelry in person!

Shayafinejewelry.com
finejewelrybyshaya.etsy.com

Vintage Oddities

2009-11-25T12:19:00.000-08:00

Longtime Oakland resident Janyce Engan, of Vintage Oddities has created needlework and various forms of fiber art since childhood. She learned to sew and knit from her grandmother, who shared many tricks and secrets from her own learning during the Great Depression about how to do amazing things like making making a bit of cloth stretch and look lovely at the same time.

A year ago, Janyce branched out into exploring different styles, focusing mainly on vintage and historic fashion. Her Etsy shop opened in April 2008. A delightful selection of colorful vintage beads, buttons and findings are offered in her shop - check out the YUMMY green grape headpins. Janyce's creations are inspired by beautiful fashion plates, Art Deco items, and even World War II images.

She would really love to be a pampered house cat for a week... or really lifetime (wouldn't we all?). She would just eat, play, and be petted all week long. Adores Cosmopolitans. A big part of her "give back to the community" time is donating time and materials that are helping Berkeley High music fundraiser.

Crafty Girl 05

2009-11-23T22:49:00.000-08:00

Jeanine DeSoto creates colorful bright quilts and pillows in her adorable shop Crafty Girl 05.

How did you learn your craft?
First I started sewing fleece blankets with store bought binding, which slowly progressed into quilts and now pillow cases.

How did you get started on Etsy/Making things?
I saw etsy on a yahoo article of the top stay at home jobs and from there decided to give it a try. I started sewing after my grandma passed away and inherited her sewing machine, one day I decided to go to the fabric store and try to make a blanket I had seen for my self.

Where's your favorite neighborhood to toss one back?
I enjoy hanging out in Clayton, California, this small community has my favorite essentials; hair salon, dog groomer, coffee, and good sandwich shop.

Did you have a crush on a TV character when you were little? Spill it!
Yes, of course it would have to be Dylan McKay from 90210.

Kendra Renee Jewelry Design

2009-11-23T22:28:00.000-08:00

How did you get started on Etsy/Making things?
I learned how to work with silver from a jewelry artist in Boston. I became an addict, and knew I wanted to own my own jewelry design business. I began amassing quite a collection of tools, and started producing my own line.

What inspires your creations?
I think about jewelry all the time. I am inspired by many things- the simplest of which are the tools I work with every day. I find architecture and mechanical objects to be incredibly beautiful (I kind of drool over the Bay Bridge) but I am also inspired by regularity in natural objects, like the spirals formed at the center of a sunflower.

What does buying and selling local handmade mean to you, and how has it affected your life?
I try to do it as much as I can because I truly appreciate all who have done it for me. They have made it possible for me to do what I love, all day, every day.

As this is a charity event for DrawBridge, give us some insight on how you personally, or your shop, gives back to your community.
I am pumped that the Ho Down is working with Drawbridge, they sound like an amazing organization, and I am proud to donate some of my work to their benefit. I am really new to this community and I am looking for other ways to give back too.

If you were invisible for one day and could go anywhere without being detected, where would you go and what would you do?
I would visit to Louvre at night when there was nobody there to get in my way of the Mona Lisa. (I have night vision too, right?)

Dee & Lala

2009-11-23T21:47:00.000-08:00

So, who's Dee and who's Lala?

Christen Cutrona is "Dee". A family nickname that was shortened from Christie Dee (a name literally given to her by her older sister the day she was born). A proud mom of one, owner and creative director of designeka, a boutique graphic design studio.

Mable Lee is "Lala". With an affinity for all things paper, she took a letterpress class and fell deeper in love with the paper arts. A few years and 7 presses later, she is the brains, muscle and proprietor of Lala Press, a design and custom letterpress studio located Los Angeles.

When Christen and Mable met in a design group in 2007, they knew immediately a collaboration was in the future and shortly thereafter, Dee&Lala was hatched!

Together these two produce some extremely fantastic letterpress cards and wall prints. You can find Dee&Lala's original artwork on their letterpress wares in over 200 stores across the US and abroad.

Here Christen answers a few random questions from the HHD crew.

What do the holidays mean to you?
A time to step back and spend quality time with family and friends.

What inspires your creations?
The observation of life and it's wonderful little quirks.

If you had to be an animal for one week, which animal would you choose to be? And what would you do?
No question, a bird. Who doesn't want to fly?

What's your favorite drink?
Coffee. I've been drinking coffee since I was 5.

Did you have a crush on a TV character when you were little? Spill it!
Randolph Mantooth from Emergency 1. Crazy.

Mangosteen Jewelry

2009-11-23T10:59:00.001-08:00

"The East Bay Express described me as "public interest lawyer and mega-traveler."
I like that. In my day job I work for a non-profit that helps people and communities become & remain economically secure." -- Gabrielle Lessard, of Mangosteen Jewelry.

How did you learn your craft?

I'm learning all the time. I started beading and have gradually moved to more work with metal & wire. I am just getting into metal clay & enamels. I have taken several classes at the Crucible in Oakland & recommend it highly: www.thecrucible.org

As this is a charity event for DrawBridge, give us some insight on how you personally, or your shop, gives back to your community.

My 'day job' is as a public interest lawyer for a non-profit, the Insight Center for Community Economic Development. I get to work with lots of other non-profits that are doing amazing work in thier communities.

Also, I have another business where I purchase hand-crafted items from organizations that help artisans in the developing world develop thier businesses and market their products. Most are fair-trade certified; one works with survivors of human trafficking. www.mangosteenoakland.com

Gooseberry Press

2009-11-23T10:51:00.000-08:00

After working for years in scientific research at various universities Nina started Gooseberry Press to pursue her love of art and design. She loves vintage fabric & ribbon, funky color combinations and is crazy about pattern. Most days you can find her in the studio trying to get some work done, staring at fabric swatches and "coloring" in Adobe Photoshop as she pleads with her cat Jules to "stop helping" and get off of the keyboard. She dreams of traveling around the world to "research" more cities... for work of course.

If you had to be an animal for one week, which animal would you choose to be? And what would you do?

I would choose to be an Emperor Tamarin. Ever since my daughter and I first saw them at the San Francisco Zoo we make it a point to visit them whenever we are over there. They are such cheeky little things. They look like little Dr. Seuss characters - you know which one? The Lorax! They look like they are always having such a good time jumping from branch to branch...I wish I could do that all day.

If your life was a book, what would be the title and how would your story end?

A Perfect Circle. I think that if my story would end with me surrounded by my family and I could think back on all of the things that I wanted to do and truthfully say I tried my best to accomplish them - I would be happy.

All One Word

2009-11-23T10:42:00.000-08:00

"My name is Mary Elizabeth. I live in the East Bay right across from S.F. California. I went to Mills College and studied Art History. It is all pretty normal stuff really, this part of my life.
However, a year and a half ago many of the things in my life changed: I started to ride my bike. " -- Mary Elizabeth, of All One Word.

Which one song describes your life the best? Why?

Cornflake Girl by Tori Amos. It seems like so many times in my life things could have gone horribly wrong. But, at the last second, I am steered away from the cliffs edge towards safety.

What does the spirit of giving mean to you?

Supporting people in your life and beyond. Not just folks you know but all the people in your life. Do no harm. The golden rule. You know that kinda thing.

Is this your first craft show? How come Handmade Ho Down got to be so honored?

Yes this is my first real craft show. You folks let me in. We will see if that was such a good idea.

Dish on your most embarrassing moment. We won't tell...a WHOLE lot of people.

I was bowling with my then boyfriend and others. I was a young teenager. Believe it or not I was super shy then. When I came to my turn I could hardly walk up get the ball, and get it down the ally. To get it over with I grabbed the ball and hurled it down the ally. What I failed to notice was the thing that comes down over the pins was still in the way. CRACK! My ball hit it. The noise was so loud that all other play, talking, anything stopped. Then the ball started to roll back up the isle to me, and then it stopped. I had to go half way down the ally to retrieve it. My friends have recovered and were laughing so hard tears streamed down their faces.

Yup, there are other more embarrassing moments in my life, but I was drunk and don't remember them.

Field Day Wearables

2009-11-23T10:23:00.000-08:00

Field day offers wearables made with organic cotton, bamboo and recycled materials.
All our wearable seeds are sewn in the field and are cut, sewn, dyed and printed one at a time in Oakland California.

What inspires your creations?

Used materials thrown by the way side, recreating them in to something wonderfully beautiful and unique. Mother nature and wanting her to suffer not for what I make.

What do the holidays mean to you?

Lots of great feasting, the smell of nutmeg, fireplaces, cuddle puddles with friends.

What does buying and selling local handmade mean to you, and how has it affected your life?

I only buy clothing from indie designers and thrift stores. Its so important to not support slavery and to support creative expression.

CCStar, unique, vintage accessories

2009-11-23T10:13:00.000-08:00

"I fell in love with vintage textiles the first time I went through the garage and found my mother's old clothes from the 1970's. This started my love affair with thrift store shopping. I've always been attracted to the patterns and color choices of the 1960's and 1970's. There's always a sense of hope in these patterns, like a bright new future waiting to be enjoyed. I want to express that sense of fun, of youthfulness, in my line. My work is an expression of my personal aesthetic of bold colors and fun patterns." -- Celeste, owner of CCStar

If you had to be an animal for one week, which animal would you choose to be? And what would you do?

Godzilla! Does that count? Though I would try and be nice Godzilla, which means I would spend most of my time trying not to step on things.

If money were no object for just one day, what would you do?

I would buy tickets to travel all around Europe and go to art fairs for my boyfriend and I and pay off a month's rent so I could enjoy it all. Maybe that's cheating. If I had to enjoy the fruits of my spending all in that one day I would go on a major clothes and shoes shopping spree, and then buy the most expensive amazing dinner for all of my close friends and then see a a really great concert of a band I like.

How did you learn your craft?

I picked up sewing in the Costume Department at UCLA while I was in the Theater program there. My mom had only taught me one stitch, but I taught myself how to embroider, needlepoint, and sew some rudimentary things. The rest I taught myself.

Eristotle Designs,

2009-11-23T10:00:00.000-08:00

Born and raised in Oakland, Ca. Erin owns and operates Eristotle Designs, a business focused on creating funky, kitschy, eco-smart home accessories.

If you had to live out the rest of your life as a famous fictional character, who would you be and why?

Beauty, from the Disney version. She had the hottest dresses, and the best castle with SERVANTS, the hottest prince, AND the best songs. But of course I'd be her at the end of the movie.

What's your favorite drink? Oo, how come?

Depends on my mood. Jameson and Ginger is yummy for being well, oh-so-silly to put it mildly. But chocolate soy milk is good. Cause its chocolatey. And my new favorite tea is Wild organic Huckleberry from Wyoming. Its warm huckleberry perfection in a hippy mug.

Toys By Veta (Cute cute cuuuute!)

2009-11-23T09:51:00.000-08:00

Toys By Veta are a collection of soft, whimsical creatures that help develop your baby's emerging senses. Darling faces and highly contrasting colors appeal to your baby's eyes; fun noisemakers delight her ears; soft materials and small, lightweight proportions stimulate his sense of touch.

Blue Ribbon Salvage

2009-11-23T09:34:00.001-08:00

Melissa runs Blue Ribbon Salvage out of Petaluma, California. We're excited to have her at Handmade Ho-Down this year, and hope you enjoy her booth!

As this is a charity event for DrawBridge, give us some insight on how you personally, or your shop, gives back to your community.

I'm a planning commissioner for the City of Petaluma and I have worked for several years as a volunteer in many capacities for my local government. I avoided politics all my life but once I had my sons I knew I needed to make sure that I knew the issues effecting our community and used my voice as required.

It's funny but many of my craftiest moments have been in areas I would hardly have considered creative. I think creative people should share their voices in all aspects of their lives.

What does buying and selling local handmade mean to you, and how has it affected your life?

I ran a sustainable development campaign focused on localized economy and services. It's a high priority to me to support my neighbors and local business owners. I like knowing the maker of what I own, I like trading directly with and end user, and I love knowing the back story behind the things that surround me.

What inspires your creations?

The past. I like recontextualizing objects, people, and images. Tying them into the present. So much of our day to day life is devoid of historical context or perspective. My objective is to create pieces that have a sense of place or time. I like to think that half of my creative process is being in the role of a hunter tracking down creative inspiration. From there, I fashion the best format to showcase and tell the story of my treasures.

Meet Bubbles and Boo

2009-11-18T19:50:00.000-08:00

Meet Louise Bedsworth, the designer at Bubbles and Boo, based out of Oakland, Ca. She creates fun, functional products for stylish and creative moms and kids, including project and tote bags, fabric strorage buckets, and children's clothing.

What inspires your creations?

I love fabric and pattern - and, I have a ton of it! So, mostly, I guess that I would say that I am inspired by great fabric. I also tend to look at things and think, "I can make that." - even if there is really no way that I probably could. So, I tend to try a lot of

things. While I have been sewing for our kids and our home for a while, I think that my husband is glad that I am finally working through some of my fabric stash.

How did you learn your craft?

I am fairly self-taught. My roommate in grad school got an old sewing machine and this fabulous stash of fabric (left from one of her grandparents who was a tailor/seamstress). She helped me make my first skirt ( a cute little plaid number) and then I went from there.

What does buying and selling local handmade mean to you, and how has it affected your life?

I love to buy something from the person who made it. It has been great to see more and more people selling handmade items locally through street fairs, farmers'

markets, etc.. I also have to say, it has been really inspiring to me.

As this is a charity event for DrawBridge, give us some insight on how you personally, or your shop, gives back to your community.

These days, most of my time is given back through work with environmental agencies and on environmental issues. It was great to read about DrawBridge - it sounds like a terrific organization and one that I would love to support and get involved with.

Taryn Lin Design: Urban Chokers and Metal Arts

2009-11-18T16:23:00.000-08:00

Welcome Taryn Bilstein of Taryn Lin Designs! Taryn uses her skills in the metal arts, making unique and urban chokers, earrings and rings.

Which one song describes your life the best? Why?

"Put the Blame on Mame. It may not describe my life but its a great song. I'm not sure I would

want to be Mame and be blamed for the worlds disasters but, she has a lot of power that way."

How did you learn your craft?

"Made it up along the way and took classes in metal arts."

What inspires your creations?

"Everything really but looking at all the latest runnway creations

on line is very inspiring."

If you were Barack Obama for one full day, what would you do with your presidential power?

"I would tell the GM factory they had to start making high speed trains and public transit. Put people back to work."

What does buying and selling local handmade mean to you, and how has it affected your life?

"Well selling local handmade means a lot of fun. I have a great time selling the things I make and its makes me happy."

Linda Yu, of YUL Designs: Gemstones anyone?

2009-11-18T15:38:00.000-08:00

Two decades of collecting fine gemstones and jewelry evolved into a passion for jewelry making, and voila, YUL Designs was born! Meet Linda Yu: she loves to work with beautiful gemstones and see them transformed into wearable pieces.

If money were no object for just one day, what would you do?

"Go ga ga over at Harry Winstons, Tiffany's, Cartier, and Mikimoto and come home with enough bling to fill up a bathtub and BATHE in them.. do they really need to go back after that??"

As this is a charity event for DrawBridge, give us some insight on how you personally, or your shop, gives back to your community.

"I donate a toooon of my pieces annually to local events that auction off in raffles or silent auctions... Cancer Schmancer (most recently), local crab feeds, professional organizations (California Dental Association), church events to sponsor missions, events, etc..., local hospice groups. One can never give too much... you sure can't take it with you..."

If your life was a book, what would be the title and how would your story end?

"One Dolce Vida (One Sweet Life).. not that there hasn't been some craptastic moments in it... but we can always hold a positive outlook for the present and the future... story ends with world domination... one BLING piece or gemstone at a time.. that is my motto in my supply shops and on Facebook!! somehow I must contribute to making this world a beautiful place.."

Volunteers needed...pretty pretty please!

2009-11-18T11:49:00.001-08:00

Photo from White Tail Resort

The Handmade Ho Down is in need of some volunteers! If you haven't already marked our event on your calendar, now is a good time! The event itself is December 3rd from 6pm til midnight, but we have stuff for people to help out with before the show as well!

Our core committee is a rag-tag group of 7, and we could definitely use some help. We're asking for just two hours of your help, and we have spots open to help set up before the event, as well as lots of stuff to do during the event! From checking people off the VIP guest list to selling raffle tickets to hanging out at the info table to posting flyers and posters, there's something for everyone!

If you could spare a bit of time to help, we would really appreciate it! If you are interested at all in helping out in any way, either day of (please!) or before, please contact the volunteer chair Rick Kitagawa at: thekitagawa@gmail.com. He's friendly, won't bite, and likes meeting enthusiastic volunteers.

Thanks a bajillion!

Amy Zee's hats, scarves and Harry Potter gear.

2009-11-17T10:07:00.000-08:00

Amy is an East Coast transplant to San Francisco, by way of Colorado, who misses snow but loves the city. She knits and crochets fantastic cozy accessories, often inspired by Harry Potter. This is her first event, so make sure to stop by her booth and congratulate her! Welcome to the craze, Amy. ;)

What is the craziest gift you have ever received?

It would be difficult to understand the irony of this gift if you don't know how similar to a 4-year-old boy I am. However, it was a ridiculously horrible, white porcelain tea cup and saucer, with matching old lady giant pink flowers. This was given to me by an ex who said, "I couldn't think of anything that was more perfect for you than this". He was dead serious, and it is no surprise that we did not last long.

What inspires your creations?

I wish I could say something profound here, like the beauty of dawn, or babies being born. Honestly, I'm inspired by different yarn colors and fabrics that stand out to me. I try my best to create something that I think someone could fall in with, and that they feel good wearing. If I'm making something for someone I know, I try to find something in the color or fabric that inherently reminds me of them.

What do the holidays mean to you?

Honestly, I'm obsessed with the entire month of December. It brings back amazing memories of my crazy and wonderful family in NJ, celebrating both Christmas and Hanukkah. I love the way the entire world seems to get a little bit nicer, and the spirit of the season.

I love covering my tiny apartment in handmade decorations to make it feel like it's snowing in San Francisco, because I miss snow a ton. I love holiday movies, and hot chocolate, and ice skating....every bit of it reminds me of being a very happy little girl.

Recession Clothing: Organic, funky, sexy.

2009-11-16T23:23:00.000-08:00

Recession Clothing, based out of Oakland, focuses on creating original, one-of-a-kind clothing made from organic materials. Their fresh outlook, and amazingly comfortable panties (wink), make getting ready for work something to look forward to!

If money were no object for just one day, what would you do?

Promote Recession's Underwear of the Month Club! We've just released it and though we've gotten a great reception, we really want the club to grow! Who doesn't want a new pair of underwear, featuring screen-printed images from a new artist each month?! So, I'd get every fashionblogonista out there covering it, get it in every fashion magazine... I'd also purchase a life time's supply of organic cotton/lycra blend fabric. Then I suppose I'd fly with Leah down to South America to hang out on the beach for a while...

How did you learn your craft?

I made my first piece of clothing in High school and I’ll never forget it.

At some point I decided that footy pajamas were the coolest thing ever and it was a sin and a crime that these things weren’t available for me, 180 lbs, 6’1”. I went to a local fabric store and bought a couple of yards of black fleece.

My parents were going into NYC so I had the house to myself for the night. I put on a bunch of jazz CDs, and hauled my mom’s sewing machine into the dining room. I just went right for it, took off all my clothes, hacked up that fabric and got mega crazy on those jammies.

By midnight I finally had a really really weird piece of clothing. It was a full body onesie, and I climbed in through the neck and then fastened one of the shoulders with random buttons. If I’d had a pair of peg legs, weighed 300 lbs, and had twigs for arms, then it would have fit like a glove. I wore that sucker to school the next day. Take that High School.

My "skill" developed from then on. I studied art in college, and afterward wanted to do something creative that would make me some money. I first just screenprinted on clothes. Moving onto sewing my own garments to print just followed.

Red Stem Studio

2009-11-16T23:03:00.000-08:00

Drawing upon her art history training and informal background in applied arts, Anna creates a handmade jewelry line that is playful, stylish, and versatile. Her designs are inspired by Chinese ink painting-turned-technicolor and are created on recycled plastic. The hardware found on the jewelry is hand-crafted from recycled sterling silver.

How did you get started on Etsy/Making things?

I have always been a tinkerer.

I came across Etsy and knew that I had found a good thing. I knew that I wanted to sell on Etsy, but I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted to sell. Before I knew what I was going to make I read all of the Etsy tutorials on setting up shop, creating a brand for yourself, how to market and that sort of thing.

I created Red Stem before I knew what Red Stem was going to sell.
I fell into jewelry naturally. My mother is a jeweler and entrepreneur herself, only she deals with precious stones and metals. She helps me create a business strategy, shows me where to get supplies, and counsels me daily.

What inspires your creations?

Supply-wise, I try to be as eco-conscious as I can. My works are created on recycled lucite and recycled sterling silver. All of my packing and display materials are recycled, reused, or both. It was very important to me that sustainability be part of the underpinnings of Red Stem.

Design-wise, I have a graduate degree in Chinese art history and draw my (current) inspiration from seventeenth century Chinese ink paintings of bamboo and flowers. I have always loved bright colors in unexpected combinations.

Earth Cultured healing crystals

2009-11-14T17:24:00.000-08:00

While on a year-long global backpacking adventure, Nilu and her husband spent four months living just outside of Nepal, in the Himalayas. By chance (well, what’s “chance” anyway?), they entered a shop run by a fellow known locally as Mala Walla (Hindu for "Necklace Master"). Amazing macramé necklaces were everywhere! 

While sharing some chai in the shop, surrounded by the beautiful macramé necklaces, Nilu learned the history behind Mala Walla's jewelry. He told her that ancient monks bound their powerful healing stones with macramé to facilitate everyday wear, thus keeping the strong healing properties of the stones with them at all times.

During the four months that Nilu and her husband spent in the Himalayas they became fast, close friends with Mala Walla. The couple spent their days and nights listening to Hindi house music, eating fantastic foods, and mastering the skill of macramé under Mala Walla’s tutelage.

Many months later, Nilu returned to San Francisco and began creating her own beautiful, wearable, healing pieces of netted jewelry. Her Etsy shop, Earth Cultured, is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the beauty and healing properties of natural stones that incorporate ancient macramé techniques.

Getting to know 57thirtythree

2009-11-14T13:18:00.001-08:00

James, the brain behind 57ThirtyThree, makes his art in Oakland. His screenprinted hoodies, shirts, accessories and skate decks are unique, moving, and urban.

If you had to live out the rest of your life as a famous fictional character, who would you be and why?

James: Bond, James Bond. First off he's got a license to kill, not that i actually want to kill anyone, but things happen. It's nice to know that if I should "accidentally" kill anyone there would be no repercussions. Also, he gets a limitless supply of really nice cars and apparently never has to file an insurance claim. He's also quite a player and apparently immune to STDs.

What's your favorite drink? Oo, how come?

James: Pellegrino. It makes me feel better than other people. ;)

What does buying and selling local handmade mean to you, and how has it affected your life?

It means you get what you buy. If all you buy is cheap goods from big box stores, than sooner or later that's all that will be available. If there is no market for things they disappear. We all vote everyday with our dollars.

Squishy Sushi

2009-11-13T16:38:00.001-08:00

Squishy Sushi makes Asian influenced eco-friendly jewelry. These imaginative pieces are made from vintage game pieces, old magazine clippings, and other recycled/upcycled materials. Squishy Sushi's jewelry is handmade by Nichole in her San Francisco Studio.

What to look for:

ECO BANGLE BRACELETS:

These bangles are thoughtfully crafted out of upcycled Japanese paper. Each tells a story about where they've been and who they're from, bringing energy from other places. A perfect accessory for anyone looking to show a roadmap to their heart, these bangles make wonderful gifts for special friends and significant others.

We're excited to host Nichole, and we hope you enjoy her fantastic shop!

OctopusME

2009-11-13T14:51:00.000-08:00

  Take earrings, necklaces, body jewelry. Add tentacles, suction cups, cephalopods. Put those together and you get organic, slightly creepy, totally unique and fascinating jewelry. Great as a gift for a loved one, better as a gift for yourself.

  Deana, inspired by people and nature, uses her jewelry as a journal without words. She's embraced passion about creating art. No two necklaces are alike making every purchase unique, every gift heartfelt. Each piece in her shop is crafted by her hands, and her hands alone.   

What to look for: 

TENTACLE JEWELRY:

PENDANTS:

Bathing in Luxury

2009-11-13T14:37:00.000-08:00

Several months ago I took the handmade hygiene plunge and ordered vegan deodorant from Hiromi at Soap.Etsy.com. The deodorant arrived super fast, along with a little bag full of her bar soap samples. Her mega-hippy-super-vegan-deodorant was love at first swipe. What happened next? I converted. I've since used her lip gloss, soap, deodorant, and lotions without any disappointment.   

When I found out that Hiromi would be vending at our awesome event, I dashed to her shop(link) to get a shopping list going ahead of time. Here's what to look out for in her Handmade HoDown booth:  

VEGAN LIP LUBES :

 You may be attached to your Burt's Bee's, your Lush lip balm, and your convenience store chapstick, but these will change your life. The lip lubes (and tints!) from Soap are smooth, fragrant, and long lasting. I’ve had one lip lube, in the Mojito scent, that has lasted 4 months with frequent use.   

BAR SOAPS:

  With a thrilling scent that doesn't overwhelm, these soaps make me feel both squeaky clean and confident. My favorite scents are Pumpkin Pie, Lemon (pictured above) and Green Apple. These make fantastic gifts for mothers, grandmothers, girlfriends and stinky co-workers. Hiromi also makes Manly Soaps for the lumberjack in your life. ;)  

We are beyond excited to have Bathing in Luxury vending at our event, and we hope you enjoy her products as much as we do. Happy shopping!

Let the Window Shopping Begin!!

2009-11-10T15:38:00.000-08:00

The Handmade Ho Down (Too Live) Crew has been running up and down, left and right, even sideways!, getting things in gear for this crazy amazing event of awesomeness!

We have gone through the vendor approval process, are collecting vendor interviews, and working on the website so all our kick ass vendors are featured properly.

Starting RIGHT NOW, you can go to the Official Handmade Ho Down Website, click Vendors, and start window shopping!

Be sure to clink the shop photos to get to all of our vendor shops. If you want to go all out, go right ahead and give out those hearts!

Have we mentioned that we LOVE our vendors? We sooooo do.

Handmade Ho Down is a Charity Event for DrawBridge

2009-10-30T09:37:00.000-07:00

DrawBridge is the official charity of Handmade Ho Down 2009. The entire Handmade Ho Down (Too Live) Crew felt that we wanted to use this event opportunity of providing local handmade items to provide something back to the local community.

When we came across DrawBridge while researching potential charities, how could we say no? I mean, helping beautiful children of the Bay Area with… ART?!

DrawBridge - an expressive arts program for homeless children and other vulnerable youth operates in seven California counties: San Mateo, Alameda, San Francisco, Sonoma, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and Marin.

DrawBridge's founder developed a highly effective method of using expressive arts to help these children and youth work through the complex emotions associated with homelessness and family dysfunction. While offering this method for art groups at two Marin County emergency shelters, social workers, community leaders, and formerly homeless parents had an opportunity to observe the transforming effect of this process on the lives of homeless kids.

In late 1991, DrawBridge was created as a vehicle to expand this work. Today, DrawBridge is dedicated to mitigating the appalling effects of homelessness on children presently residing in family emergency shelters, transitional and low-income housing facilities and Domestic Violence Shelters. Families residing in these facilities may stay for anywhere from 1 day to many years depending on the type of facility.

The average age of a homeless person in America is nine. An estimated 44,000 children in 66,000 Bay Area families were homeless in 2005. Homeless children commonly experience loss, anger, depression, hopelessness, and isolation. These emotions have an overwhelmingly negative impact on children. Ideally, increased support would be provided during this time, but the reality is that there are few outlets for the emotional needs of children in shelters.

Shelters focus on the survival needs of parents. Parents are unable to provide the extra support needed by their children because their own emotional resources are depleted in a time of crisis. The children, sensing the parents' stress, often subjugate their own needs. At school, homeless children often begin a cycle of poor performance that has severe long-term effects.

Art helps these children release the build-up of potentially destructive emotions. The nonjudgmental and loving support of the DrawBridge staff enables the children to rebuild a sense of control and self-worth. Trained facilitators use art to transform self-hate into self-respect, violence into compassion, and powerlessness into active participation. The children put into images feelings they are unable to speak. Slowly, their stories emerge and their voices are heard. The art facilitator can then begin a much needed process of communication between the child and their parents, shelter staff, the schools, and the larger community. DrawBridge reaches over 1700 children in the various sites each year.

All proceeds from our Handmade Ho Down Raffle and HHD Zine will benefit the children of DrawBridge. We invite all vendors and attendees to bring along any unused or unwanted art supplies to the door at Handmade Ho Down. Tax-deductible receipts will be given if needed, along with a free gift!

Requested donations include the following:

Color and white paper

Tempera and acrylic paints

Face Paint

Finger Paint

Paint brushes

All forms of Clay: Self hardening, Model magic, Sculpey

Feathers

Mini Pom Poms

Googly Eyes

Paper maiche strips

Masks

Masking tape of all colors

Irons

Small or Child Safe Scissors

Buttons

Wire cutters

Colored Pencils

iPods and speakers for art groups

Polaroid cameras and Film

Digital cameras

We also want all shoppers to take advantage of the Official Handmade Ho Down Gift Wrapping station, to get all your holiday gifts hand wrapped by volunteers of DrawBridge. All donations for this gift wrapping go directly to DrawBridge!

Meanwhile, take a look at this video:

http://www.youtube.com/v/IuCnvHezEXY&hl=en&fs=1&

Become a fan of DrawBridge on Facebook!

Stay tuned for more insights to DrawBridge!

Behind Handmade Ho Down- Meet the Committee

2009-10-29T09:38:00.000-07:00

In today's Behind Handmade Ho Down, we meet Rebecca Gatanis, our Vendor and Logistics Chair, Sponsor Cohort, and Music coordinator.

Rebecca Gatanis of Jim Dandy’s started selling on Etsy in January of 2009, and loves spending what’s left of her paycheck on all the sweetest Etsy items possible!

As a writer by profession, skill, and inclination, Rebecca is also a single mother (to a remarkable and bright 7 year old little girl), Girl Scout troop leader (of another 13 amazing 7 year olds), thrift store ninja, dinner party hostess with the most-est, owner of a wrinkly and adorable Shar-Pei, and an aspiring adult who loves to be surrounded in eclectic and inspiring environments.

“I never considered myself the hands-on crafts type, as my creative outlet has typically been my writing. I've always had really cool ideas, but felt like I just wasn't the type to be able to construct them into reality.

Then one day I made a few feather hair pieces for the girls and me, for a night on the town. Everywhere we went, with our feathered hair pieces adorned in our hair, we were bombarded with flattery. Before we knew it, the whole city was going crazy trying to get a hold of these unique feathered objects of obsession. Men and women alike were falling at our feet. We found ourselves immersed in pools of salivation. At one point, as the love thirsty mob chased us down and almost killed us, I thought to myself… Hey, I can make enough for everyone!”

And thus, Jim Dandy's was born. Ever since, Jim Dandy's has been adorning the heads of many and quenching the fanciful obsession of many.

Rebecca is the Vendor and Logistics Chair for Handmade HoDown (Too Live Crew), as well as Website Designer, Facebook addict, and Music coordinator!

Currently her etsy shop does not have any listings, until Handmade Ho Down happens, but she is available for consignment, is participating in craft shows throughout the end of the year, and welcomes custom orders. Visit the official Jim Dandy's website for more information.

You can also try to keep up with her, on her blog, Running With Feathers.

The Genesis of the Handmade Ho Down

2009-10-28T01:34:00.000-07:00

Legend has it that the idea for the Handmade Ho Down started on fateful September night in an Etsy chat room where the SFEtsy weekly team chat was taking place.
Monkey + Seal had just joined the SFEtsy team a few nights ago, and after coming home from his day job, Monkey remembered that there was a chat going on, and decided to log in. Even though he was late to the chat, everyone else was late as well, and things eventually took a turn to holiday craft shows.

Who knew that an innocent question like "Hey everyone, why don't we start our own craft show?" would gather up such a rowdy crew to actually make it happen. After a massive exchange of emails, a date was set for a tentative face-to-face meeting, and although Jim Dandy's was the only other shop to make it, the Handmade Ho Down committee was born.

That first meeting was said to be destined, fated, magical. After recruiting a cadre of top-notch fellow SFEtsians, the Handmade Ho Down (Too Live) Crew was complete and has dedicated themselves to putting on a kick-ass craft show for your holiday shopping pleasure!

Despite the fact that the band Genesis, has no actual connection (that we know of) to Handmade Ho Down, or the HHD (Too Live) Crew,wasn't Phil Collins a cutey?

Behind Handmade Ho Down- Meet the Committee

2009-10-27T08:33:00.000-07:00

In today's Behind Handmade Ho Down, we meet our Promotions and Advertising Chair as well as the Ruler of All things Financial, Nilufur Smith of Earth Cultured.

Nilu grew up in an artistic family in San Francisco, but only recently found her "artsy" niche. She probably never would have found it, if it wasn't for her travel bug.

After living in Hawaii for 6 years, Nilu and her husband decided to dump all of their "possessions" and buy 2 backpacks. They were ready to leave the islands for some adventure. With packs on their backs, they traveled for one year throughout Oceania, South East Asia and India. Once they arrived in the Himalayas of India after almost 10 months of on-the-go travel, there was a strong desire to "settle down" for a bit. They ended up living in the Himalayas, 1.5 hours West of Nepal, for 4 months. The sites, the smells, the people and the natural beauty drew them in deeper every day.

One day, by chance, Nilu entered a store run by a very young man, known locally as the Mala Walla (in Hindi, "Mala" means "necklace" and "Walla" means "Master"). Originally enticed into the store by the homemade poi hanging on the door (Nilu spins fire), her attention was immediately diverted to all of the really cool necklaces hanging on the wall.. Seeing the sparkle in Nilu's eyes, the Mala Walla insisted that Nilu and her husband stay for some chai tea and conversation.

While sitting on the floor, drinking chai, and listening to Hindi house music, they had the chance to look through most of the beautiful stones the Mala Walla had stocked up for his necklaces. He explained the ancient technique monks used to bound their healing stones, so that they could wear them daily.

From that day forward, a cherished friendship was formed. Nilu would sit with him for hours on end, every day, drinking chai, all while learning about the art of macrame, selecting and netting beautiful cabochons, and learning of the healing properties of gemstones. After four short months, her clumsy fingers (along with her husband’s) were creating beautiful necklaces that enabled any wearer to carry healing properties with them.

They left India and the island life, to start a life again in San Francisco, where Nilu was raised and has family. Now a year late, when she is not designing necklaces, you can find Nilu and her wares at the Coastside Farmers Markets in Pacifica and Half Moon Bay. Other times, you are sure to find her bouncing around town to live music, house music, and anything in between (which usually involves a costume of sorts). :D

Nilu is an amazing member of the Handmade Ho Down (Too Live) Crew. As the latest member and addition to our Crew, Nilu has had no problem taking responsibility to a different level, and her attention to detail makes her the best person to be handling our purse strings.....

You can buy her necklaces from her Etsy Shop, Earth Cultured.

To learn more about Earth Cultured, feel free to check out the Earth Cultured website.

Early Bird Registration Closed, Now the Jury is In!

2009-10-26T12:10:00.000-07:00

Although the early bird registration for Handmade Ho Down 2009 is closed, you can still apply to be a vendor at the event with a late registration fee.

We have tons of vendor applications, and the Official Handmade Ho Down Jury is psyched to start the jury process on the plethora of vendor applications that we have received.

With over a 100 applications to review and only 60 vendor spots to fill, the HHD Jury has a lot of work ahead of them!
If you’ve are wondering how the jury works, here’s an inside glimpse into how we are selecting our vendors.
In general, selection is based on quality, creativity, and originality with an eye towards attaining a wide variety of crafts at this show. We accept only original work made by the artist and will not accept any vendors that sell imports, work from kits, or pre-fabricated wholesale items.

If you are sharing a booth, each vendor’s items will be juried. If only one of you is accepted, that vendor will have an opportunity to pay the full vendor fee and still participate in the show without a partner.

The jury process takes about a week, to allow the jury members to meet on a daily basis and go over each application and accompanying photographs.

Each vendor application is judged individually, with special attention paid to photos and vendor statements. From there, each juror is rated based on the following categories:

Craftsmanship/Skill:
How well-made are the crafts? We keep in mind some things are meant to look rough or undone, but quality is key.
Inventive Use of Materials
Labor/Time Investment:
Was a lot of time invested in the concept/design/product?
Physical Design:
How much thought was put into the aesthetics/function of the work?
Rarity/Singularity:
One of the awesome things about buying handmade and local products, is the unique factor. We want to make sure that each of our vendors has a unique aspect to them. In other words, WalMart has nothing on our event! :D
Excitability:
Would we buy this or recommend it to someone?
Appeal:
We want to make sure each vendor is a success at our event. Given that, we will review each vendor based on their appeal to a large group of shoppers, or to a specific niche group.
Pricing:
We want to make sure there is something for everyone at this event. It is important to us to have vendors that represent a variety of price ranges.

While all this sounds super formal and daunting to some, we do want to express that we provide an equal opportunity for all crafters to participate in Handmade Ho Down 2009!

This time around the Handmade Ho Down Jury is comprised of the Handmade Ho Down (Too Live) Crew. Acceptance is based solely on the above criteria, no matter if we know you, have bought items from you in the past, exchanged a toast with you, or know what your living rooms look like! ;p

Vendors will be notified of their acceptance by October 29th, 2009 at midnight!!

We can NOT wait to see you there!

Bazaar Bizarre Loves Us Too!

2009-10-16T08:15:00.000-07:00

When most of us think OMG BIG KICK BOOTY CRAFT SHOW, Bazaar Bizarre probably comes to mind.

Which is why we were SO STOKED to see OUR event posted on THEIR blog!

A lot of us SF Etsy peeps and a few of the Handmade Ho Down (Too Live) Crew are vending at their December event.

Maybe we should do some cross promoting? Not a bad idea!

To read their post about us, click here.

Thanks Bazaar Bizarre!

Behind Handmade Ho Down- Meet the Committee

2009-10-15T08:59:00.000-07:00

In this edition of Behind Handmade Ho Down, we introduce you to Erin Cadd, our Sponsor Chair and Vendor Co-Chair.

Erin lives in a small old house in Oakland, Ca with her Shih Tzus and her very tall boyfriend. She has a particular propensity for things in miniature, as evidenced by her car, her dogs and her curio shelf.

Erin started sewing when she was just a wee tot. Well, she was more like 6, but you get the idea. Her grandmother taught her on the sewing machine she now uses in her own studio. She’s been sewing clothes for friends, swim meets, and Barbies ever since. It wasn’t until Erin went to design school for Interior Design that her love – nay, borderline addiction – for fabrics and color became truly realized.

When a friend told her about Etsy a few years ago, it was just another (wicked) fun place to shop. But recently, as many may know, the market has slowed drastically in the Interiors and Architectural fields, just like everywhere else. When Erin lost her job in February, she took a few months of wondering where to go next, looked for a new job unsuccessfully, and decided Etsy was her next big adventure.

Her very own Etsy shop, Eristotle opened in July of this year. Eristotle is about fun and funky ways to decorate your pad and your life with reduce-reuse-recycle front and center to every design. All of her items are handmade by using vintage, upcycled, thrifted or eco-friendly materials whenever possible.

"It has been one learning experience after another", she says.

Yet the adventure continues even still, as do the learning experiences, and hey let’s face it, life in general. Erin joined SF Etsy, one of the Bay Area Etsy Street Teams just a few months ago. She fell into chatting online one night with a truly hilarious group of Etsy artisans, who turned out to be a dedicated and wonderful group of people as well.

The idea was posed (by MonkeyandSeal, if she remembers correctly and she is mos def right!) that a craft show would be a great endeavor to pursue. Hey! they all said, we might even get backed by Etsy!

"Now look at all these people on our Street Team, just as excited as we are to be part of something like this!"

Erin is the official Handmade Ho Down Sponsor Chair and Vendor Co-Chair and there would be no Handmade Ho Down (Too Live) Crew without her.

Where can we get some of that tasty pie Erin? dang.

IndieSacramento Featured Us!

2009-10-14T08:23:00.000-07:00

Word is spreading like swine flu about Handmade Ho Down, and we are all just thrilled with the peep love and enthusiasm of all our supporters!

IndieSacramento was the first craft show for one of our committee members, and we were bummed when they announced the cancellation of their holiday show.

But we were just blown away when they featured our event on their blog. How gracious! We love you IndieSacremento and we can not wait for your next show, so we can be sure to return the favor!

To read their posting click here!

We love you IndieSacramento......xoxo

Behind Handmade Ho Down- Meet the Committee

2009-10-13T13:06:00.000-07:00

As part of the series, Behind Handmade Ho Down, we invite you to meet the committee members who have helped make this event possible.

Today we meet Alana Rivera, our Sponsor Co-Chair and Tweeter.

Born and raised in the beautiful yet painfully small town of Willits, Alana escaped the first chance she got to the lovely slightly larger small town of Santa Barbara...

In 2004 Alana moved to San Francisco with happy thoughts of working for the man in a PR firm. After a horrible stint at a "electric rental car" company for tourists and a multi year "what if I want to be a lawyer" adventure in legal support, Alana finally found a dreamy PR job. Fortunately, via this PR miracle, Alana realized that she really didnt want to do PR or work for the man after all.

Lucky enough for her, right before the PR job, Alana had received a book on soap making after complaining about her lack of hobbies to her mom.

Eventually, she realized that her true passion was products, and after completing a Certificate in Herbalism (study of medicinal qualities of herbs) she started an eco conscious bath and body company, and thus Etta + Billie was born.

She loves to cook and is an avid reader who is absolutely obsessed with the True Blood series at the moment. She desperately wants a dog but must resign herself to fish for the time being. Alana likes to dress up in 80s prom dresses and trys to live her life in a more earth friendly manner.

Alana is the Sponsor Co-Chair, the official Handmade Ho Down Tweeter, and is responsible for keeping us all clean.

Behind Handmade Ho Down- Meet the Committee

2009-10-12T21:45:00.000-07:00

As part of the series, Behind Handmade Ho Down, we invite you to meet the committee members who have helped make this event possible.

Today we meet Rick Kitagawa, our Volunteer, Social Networking, and Graphics guru.

Rick started selling pin-back buttons on Etsy in January of 2008. He is a San Francisco-based multi-disciplinary artist who lives and collaborates with his life/business/artistic partner, Eve Skylar, and together they form Monkey + Seal. He has only recently started becoming more involved with the Etsy community and joined the SFEtsy street team last month.

Rick (aka Ri.S.K.) found Etsy when one of his friends asked if she could buy some of the buttons he was wearing.

"I had bought a button maker a few years back to help promote some of the theatrical shows I was part of back in college. I was wearing one I had just made for the hell of it and my friend wanted one. She told me that I should sell my buttons on Etsy, and the rest is history. Kinda."

After eventually letting his button shop drift by the wayside, Rick and Eve came up with the concept of Monkey + Seal for the San Francisco Zine Fest. "I wasn't putting enough time into the shop, and just sorta let it die a slow, quiet death. We were focusing on going back to school for our 2nd Bachelor's in Art (Rick has a Biology degree and Eve studied Narrative Theory), and we were approached by my friend who ran the Zine Fest. He told me about the Fest, and we got our act together and started making zines, comics, and art for the show."

After their overwhelmingly positive reaction at the Zine Fest, Rick decided to start up a new shop and Monkey + Seal was born. "Our name comes from our baby pictures. When you look at us when we were kids, I'm pretty obviously a little monkey and Eve is most definitely a seal."

Ever the overachiever, you can find out more about Rick (and Eve) at www.monkeyandseal.com, www.littleyeticave.com (his wedding invitation design studio), or at www.rickkitagawa.com (his artist site).

"Why did I want to help start the Handmade Ho-Down? Because I want to take over the world!!! Just kidding. Sort of."

Rick is the Volunteer, Social Networking, Graphics, and everything Monkey Business Chair.

What Application Process Snafu?

2009-10-06T17:19:00.000-07:00

Hey all you Handmade Ho Down peeps!

Just a quick post to let you all know, that we know, that some of you may have been having problems with the actual application on the website.

This snafu has been updated and repaired. We have modified our application process so you should be good to go!

We apologize for any frustrations and really do hope this new format works better for you.

If you are one of the many vendors that have already applied, you don't need to worry about a thing. We have everything we need for now!

Thank you for bearing with us as we iron out the small kinks in this new system, and thank you for your understanding.

Can’t wait to see more application submissions and we’ll see you at the show!

(if you are still really irritated with everything just look at this puppy and kitten duo...)

Registration Now Open

2009-10-01T07:55:00.000-07:00

Can I get a "Ho Down"!?

bells and whistles please.....

Please visit us at www.handmadehodown.com. The Handmade Ho Down Crew has worked their behinds off getting the website ready in time for today, and guess what? WE DID IT! It is on this brand spanking new site that we have revealed the location and our official charity of the event!

Registration for Handmade Ho Down 2009 is now officialllllllllly open! Registration closes October 22nd so be sure to get to it!

The registration process is simple, quick, and easy. There are just three steps! From the website, just click on the Vendors page, then click the magic button to register. It is all mapped out for you.

On behalf of the Handmade Ho Down Crew, I would like to personally say that this whole event has been put together with you, the vendor, in mind. I can not wait to see you there!

Feel free to email us at info@handmadehodown.com if you any questions or feedback.

Behind Handmade Ho Down- Meet the Committee

2009-09-30T11:04:00.000-07:00

As part of the series, Behind Handmade Ho Down, we invite you to meet the committee members who have helped make this event possible.

Today we meet Sandy List, our Editor-In-Chief and Charity Liason.

Sandy joined Etsy when she opened her Sagehealer shop in Sept. 2009. She is a spiritual healer, long time meditator, and shamanism student. Currently, Sandy lives in Marin, CA with her dog Nina. She has been a member of the SF Etsy Street team since last year.

The journey to Etsy came about after a year-long class with cultural anthropologist Angeles Arrien.

"We were given "click sticks" and encouraged to use beads or personal marks on them to give them power. After picking up some gemstones and charms, I started making smudge sticks (which I had used for years but never made) and then combining them with the beads I brought home. A special talisman emerged much to my surprise", she says.

After giving many as gifts, Sandy was encouraged to sell them on Etsy.

"As a result of my late-blooming craft as an artist, I see the world around me with new awareness and deeper connection to nature and Spirit in all things."

Sandy makes healing talismans, shamanic rattles, and smudge sticks. These beautiful and spiritual items can be found on her etsy shop, SageHealer.

Sandy is the official Editor-In-Chief of all things Handmade Ho Down as well as the Charity Chair for this event.

its getting hot in here

2009-09-29T08:07:00.000-07:00

The Handmade Ho-Down crew is busy finalizing images, flyers, website content, working with our charity group, verifying the vendor application process, spreading the word to potential vendors all over the Bay Area, and frequently meeting as a group to come up with even more ideas to make this event kick some booty!

We are all so excited about this Thursday, October 1st! On this awesome day, we will be revealing our official website, announcing our venue location, and opening up the registration process!

If you are already on the Potential Vendor list, this means that we will contact you as soon as the website goes live, with instructions on how to apply!

Do you hear that sound? It's the Handmade Ho-Down crew giddy with anticipation!

word on the street.....

2009-09-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow artist/craftisans!

Are you, or someone you know, interested in being a vendor at the first (ever!) SF Etsy craft show, Handmade Ho-Down? Then fill out this Potential Vendor Interest Form.

Event Details:
Handmade Ho Down
Thursday December 3, 2009.
6pm-12am
TBA in San Francisco, Ca
please note venue change

Vendor Fee:
TBD (more details to come)

For many shows, the vendor fee is what helps support the costs of this event. It is the goal of Handmade Ho Down to ensure quality vendors who offer quality prices, while the event itself aims to give back to the vendors with a perk filled package that is too sweet to resist!

This craft show will be promoted consistently and with an intense eagerness to bring in buyers. We not only intend to make the attendee experience out of this world, but the vendor one like no other craft show. Keep in mind that this is an OFFICIAL Etsy sponsored event!

Such perks include:

extreme press exposure
full support up to end of the show
an intense marketing strategy to bring in muchos shoppers
free t-shirts
gift wrapping station
VIP break/press room
dj music
tons of promotional opportunities

There will be music, art, all types of craftisans, a charity raffle, press, and fully stocked bars to get us all in the holiday spirit and much much more! Not to mention we plan to make this event kick off the long list of Holiday craft shows already scheduled for later in the month!

If you are potentially interested in vending at this event, please complete the form below. We will contact you within the next two weeks with more details for submitting applications and how amazing it will be to be a vendor.

Please complete the Handmade Ho Down SF Etsy Craft Show Potential Vendor Interest Form.

When the application process opens, you will be immediately notified (before anyone else!).

wooooooooooooot!

Thanks so much on behalf of the entire Handmade Ho Down committee!