Re-Use Market

In September, Aimee (Beach Chicken) and I went to the Re-Use Market in Nampa. When we got there, there was a guy with a big camera taking footage. I didn't think too much of it until Aimee told me that it had made it on to the news. Click here to see the clip that was shown on KIVI Channel 6. If you look closely, you will also catch a glimpse of Aimee and my daughter perusing through some stuff.

The Re-Use Market is located in the back of the White Pine Boutique at 115 13th Ave S in downtown Nampa. The market is open only a few hours each month and there are all kinds of fabric swatches, ceramic tiles and paper goods to be re-invented into new items. Check out their website to find out more. (Scroll down to see a picture of Millie digging for treasures.) And don't forget to browse around the boutique too. Several IIW team members have items for sale there. Look for items from Aimee (Beach Chicken), Trish (Bella Grano) and Mary (Mary Makes Art).

Hyde Park Fair 2009

This past weekend was Hyde Park's 30th annual fair. Idaho Indie Works set up a giant booth this year featuring many talented artists. It was three days of busy selling and hanging out together. It was a lot of fun.

We couldn't have pulled this off if it wasn't for everyone working together. There was a real team spirit this weekend. I think we have the best Etsy Street team out there.

Winner!

Congratulations 2 Raven Chicks!! You just won yourself this beautiful bracelet!

Booth Displays

It's one thing to sell your work anonymously on Etsy from the comfort of your own home, but it's a totally different experience to set up a table with your items for the public to see. Not only can it be a little intimidating to have to talk to strangers face to face, but then trying to figure out how to set up your items can be a challenge. I recently decided to revamp my whole set up when it finally dawned on me that just having my items out wasn't enough to sell them. I had no idea what to do so I started surfing the net to find inspiration. I wanted to see what other people were doing. Some of what I saw was brilliant and some, not so much. But that was good. I got to see what NOT to do. Here are a few sites that really helped me out:

• Craft Show Success
• Inspiri Art and Craft
• Flickr
• Google Images

And for all of you jewelry artists out there, here is another site to check out:

• Jewelry Display Ideas

It's OK to get out there and give it a try. If you find that your display isn't working, change it. Sometimes it just takes a little while to get the feel of it. And what you do for an indoor event might not work for an outdoor one. I'm sure that almost everyone doing craft shows and markets today will say that they have all changed there set up at least once. And if you need help, please feel free to ask your fellow IIW team members for help. I have and I'm so grateful for the advice. We all want everyone to succeed because if you don't, then we don't.

If you can recommend any other websites please leave a comment and let us know.

polkadotdreams giveaway

Our Robyn of polkadotdreams is offering up this swirly turquoise bracelet for one of you lucky readers...



...lovely, eh?

About the artist:

Q: Why are you a member of the IdahoIndieWorks Etsy street team?

A: I first joined Idaho Indie Works because I thought it might be fun to belong to a group. I had no idea how much I would get out of it. Not only have I been able to get involved with opportunities like First Thursday and Eagle Market and the upcoming Hyde Park fair, but I've met so many great people. I've had so much fun getting to know everyone and I'm inspired by all the talent that is in the group. I think we have the best Etsy Street Team out there.

Q: What is the inspiration behind your item?

A: I really like gold and turquoise together and I thought it would be a fun piece for summer. The colours are cheerful and goes great with any wardrobe. ~and I couldn't agree more!

The Rules:
1. Go to polkadotdreams etsy page. Leave a comment telling us your favorite item.

2. Giveaway ends 25 July 2009, high noon.

3. Anonymous comments will be ignored/removed, make sure we can contact you - leave your email address or etsy store.

4. One entry per person please.

5. One winner per giveaway.

First Thursday....again!

It's official, Idaho Indie Works will be at the Pioneer Tent Building for First Thursday as an on-going event. We hope to become your local handmade shopping destination!