ETC's Star shines bright at the North Market Holiday Open House!

The always delightful Michelle in action http://babygees.etsy.com/

Greetings Faithful followers! I am quite excited to bring you the following photos taken literally minutes ago! Like many of you, I try to make as few stops as possible during my holiday shopping sojourn. Searching for just the right items (unique, affordable, interesting) can be a tall order. Well, not today OR tomorrow! Just visit the North Market Holiday Open House and Craft Extravganza. Local residents in Columbus can tell you how scrumptious the food offerings are within this unassuming building. The crowds and filled parking lot can also attest to this fact.

However, now is the "best-ever" time to visit since 50 artisans of handcrafted wares have set up in the upstairs section to consolidate your shopping experience. We're talking independent labels, small businesses and budding talent! You will find screenprinted tees, baby layettes and outfits, handrolled polymer clay buttons and pendants, designer handbags from upcycled materials, vintage fabrics, felted pins and rings, clay covered knobs, pens, tins, etc. There's also dazzling stone cut and set in sterling...glittery crystals wired together with shots of color... its an event sure to stimulate all your senses!

Remember, buying local and buying handmade also helps the economy :-) It's not too late for you to check this awesome event out. Here are further details and a peek at some of our teammates making us proud.

Location: 59 Spruce St. Columbus, OH Sat 12/5 hours 8am to 5pm Sun 12/6 12pm to 5pm

Gotta love Heather's display! She runs http://imasmartypants.etsycom/

Here's her booth mate, Jamie's bags and cluches http://hevvindesigns.etsy.com/

Don't miss out on Melanie's intriguing clay stash http://melsclay.etsy.com/

Kristin's rings always whisper my name and say "buy me buy me" http://silverflame.etsy.com/

Mara is the queen of combining art and recycling http://maram.etsy.com/

Last but not least...entrancing baubles by Jen http://jsadlerdesigns.etsy.com/

Special Announcement...

We have a new member in our Etsy Team Columbus family. He is Ethan Reed Harris. Welcome to the world, baby boy! Congrats to Mama and Papa Harris as well. These photos were too adorable not to share. Enjoy.

Monday's Featured Item of the day from BabyGee's

Good morning everyone! Today we shine the spotlight on a core team member with her self-penned introduction...

I am Michelle T., a stay at home mom with 2 great kids. My little business, Baby Gee’s, is home-based and all sewn by me. I offer items for babies, such as blankets, burp cloths, bibs and hooded towels. I can embroider names and dates on items to make them even more special. I also have ventured into making bags and totes, which you can never have too many of I think. Stop by often for new handmade items. If you are looking for something handmade and cannot find it, let me know - maybe I can make it for you.

*The items pictured are the Green Sunburst bib and burpcloth. They are appropriate for a girl or a boy and are generously sized. Note the tie closure which prevents your little one from pulling it off easily. Both are machine washable.

To get to know Michelle and her creations better, please visit any of the links listed below. Thanks!

http://babygees.etsy.com/

http://babygees.com/

http://babygees.blogspot.com/

Wednesday Item of the day from Kunklebaby

Good morning all! Today's selection is by team member Jessica of Kunklebaby. Take a gander at this adorable sushi bib for toddlers. It is handmade of 100% cotton with a snap closure. Many of you parents know that even when your wee one graduates from pureed foods, they can still make messes. Jessica has cleverly brought us a stylish and modern bib that will fit up to 4 years of age. And if you happen to be having a bad day...photos of her happy baby modeling her creations always provide a smile or two. Her shop is beginning to offer an organic line. Be sure to stop by when you need a fun, colorful and uniquely elegant children's item or gift!

http://kunklebaby.etsy.com/

Concerned Over the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act?

For those of you that have been following the issues with the CPSIA and how that's affecting handmade children's items from small businesses, you may want to read through this article for some enlightening points based on the latest developments:

Don't Throw Yourself Under the CPSIA Bus

Also...

Come join the Community Chat tomorrow to ask questions and help catch you up to speed.

Community Chat on the CPSIA: Friday, January 23rd, 12:00pm EST in the Auditorium of the Virtual Labs on Etsy.com.

General Agenda:

1. Briefing/Updating on CPSIA Regulations - To the best of my ability, I will discuss, in layman's terms, what the law says, where it stands now, and what the time frame is.

2. Hypothetical CPSIA Pricing - What are the pros and cons of Etsy sellers placing theoretical prices on items that may be affected by the CPSIA.

3. Take Action - Ideas for getting the word out to the media, lobbying politicians, and educating the community.

4. Resources - Links, resources, contacts.

Thursday Feature Seller: Bitchen Stitchen

Meet Danielle Blockston! Her shop is called Bitchen Stitchen and is a fabulous name if I do say so myself!

Danielle's a wife and mom of 3 who started making her own bibs, blankets, totes and baby gear when she couldn't find anything that fit her style in the regular stores. Ducks and bunnies really aren't her thing, she's much more a funky, hip, punk rock child of the 80's.

She started making things for herself and for friends with young children, and 3 years later, her business is booming. She's a member of the Baltimore Etsy Street Team and you can find her vending at practically every craft festival in Maryland throughout the year.
Check her out at http://bitchenstitchen.etsy.com

Article by Heather Wirth