Artisans of Houston

September Meeting Results

2011-09-27T08:23:00.000-07:00

Up for vote was whether or not Artisans of Houston will continue, in response to low interest in the last year. The result is that it will not, so this blog will most likely have no more updates and the group will have no more meetings.

Thank you for your interest and participation in the past, and good luck to everyone in the future!

July Meeting Notes

2011-08-03T10:47:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delay. July's meeting was sparsely attended (6 people). We discussed technology questions, mostly how things work on Etsy, and off topic subjects since there weren't many people asking questions. I left a little early so don't know if next meeting time was discussed, but perhaps plan for third Wednesday again? That will be August 17th. More info to be posted later.

Upcoming meeting topics are:

August: wholesale and consignment selling: how to do it and how to find opportunities. A number of our group members have experience with this and will be contributing their valuable insights! Will include how to market toward wholesalers and consignment stores.

September: Amanda Howe, a new member and amateur photographer, will be speaking on the topic of photographing your items, using a camera in general, and what to do with the photos after you take them.

If we're going to have a show, the planning needs to be happening soon! I have no information on that either, so more posts will probably be coming about that. Looks like the date is set for October 22, tentatively at Bethany Christian Church, the same place as last year.

AOH June Meeting Notes

2011-06-22T16:35:00.000-07:00

AOH MEETING NOTES JUNE 15th

We had another close to record breaking attendance at the June meeting! With several new members and some returning newish members we had a really busy and productive couple of hours.

Mitch Cohen (owner http://FirstSaturdayArtsMarket.com,
stopped in, much to our surprise and delight. He suggested we could go to www.gravyballs.com to sign up for his mailing list with Art Valet.

There were lots of questions and answers for our topic of Marketing our Business through Online Social Media.

Here are a few of the suggestions:
1. Start with two social media (instead of several) such as Facebook or Twitter and a blogspot or a newsletter format such as Constant Constant. Other suggested sites: The Hive – artisans from around - and the Tumblr (microblogging).

2. Utillize the widgets such as Google Analytics on Etsy, Open Graph (open posting) on Etsy, Feed Burner RSS which sends auto emails with real time comments/updates, QR code on Smart Phone (I hope I got that right).

3. Put yourself out there through your blogs, Facebook, Twitter, newsletters, etc. by showing who you are, what your interests are.

4. Various ways to do this: sharing experiences, giving how-to’s with your area of expertise, sharing your successes and failures, networking by involvment in other’s sites/blogs, promoting and showing interest in and promoting other’s businesses, offering/selling e-books. Many people will follow a blog which holds their interest: ex. Cat lovers, travel, social concerns, photography. For those who are allergic to blogging there are those who can be bought to do it for you. I think I fall into that category!

Thanks Amanda Howe, a professional in Social Media, for your very helpful advice and concrete ideas, and those other’s who were helpful.

We voted to have our Fall Show on October 22. I’ve reserved, tentatively, Bethany Christian Church (where we had it in 2010) for this date. If we decide on another place at the next meeting, I’ll cancel right away so as not to inconvenience Bethany. Café Boeme was suggested by several people to be preferable to a church setting – one reason being that the restaurant has their own following which translated into a fairly reliable art show attendees. One or more artisan at the meeting has experienced a successful art show at Café Boeme. Also the location is in an artsy area where there tend to be more art followers and buyers. Valerie will report on this possibility. Other places mentioned for the same reasons above: Griff’s Shenanigans Café, Antidote, Down House, Kitchen Incubator. If anyone else has a strong possibility for a prospective location it needs to be brought forward with details and availability at our July meeting.

Our next meeting will be Wed. July 20th at (again – Yay) The Black Labradore on Montrose, 7:00.

The Topic will be Technical/Computer help for your Online Business. The Black Lab has WIFI so bring your laptops, notebooks, I-Pads so we can be hands-on. If you don’t feel you need help please come to help others and to give input about our October Show! Examples of what we can learn/teach at the July meeting can be found above under Number 2.

Special AOH May Meeting with Guest Speaker: Mitch Cohen!

2011-05-02T13:33:00.000-07:00

The fabulous Mitch Cohen, Manager and Founder of the First Saturday Arts Market (FSAM), will be joining us at our May Meeting!

Mitch will be there to talk about his future plans for the FSAM(http://www.firstsaturdayartsmarket.com/), and for world art domination! Don't miss this chance to ask his advice, and to hear some great anecdotes from FSAM years past and present...

Meeting Information:

Tuesday, 17 May 2011
7-9:00 pm

Cafe Express Uptown Park
1101 Uptown Park Blvd (Galleria area)
Houston, TX 77056

We generally gather in the side room to the left as you're facing the ordering/serving counter. This is an informal meeting, and you are of course welcome to eat- we encourage it!

Here is the link to the Facebook Invitation:https://www.facebook.com/culturedcrittercollective#!/event.php?eid=142981925772958

Guest Speaker at our May AOH Meeting!

2011-04-21T11:44:00.000-07:00

Great news everyone!

Mitch Cohen, Founder and Manager of the First Saturday Arts Market, has agreed to be our featured speaker at the next Artisans of Houston Meeting. Please save the date and time:

Tuesday, 17 May 2011 from 7-9:00 pm. Location is TBA- more info soon!

April Meeting Reminder

2011-04-08T15:40:00.000-07:00

The April meeting of Artisans of Houston will be held at Uptown Cafe Express, April 19th at 7:00 p.m. We generally gather in the side room to the left as you're facing the ordering/serving counter. Hope you can join us. If this will be your first Artisans meeting, reading the post entitled Artisans 101 will be helpful.

We do not usually make an actual reservation with Cafe Express, so employees there are unlikely to be able to give you information about our meeting - it doesn't mean we won't be there!

CAFE EXPRESS
April 19th
7:00 pm
1101 Uptown Park
In Uptown Galleria area.

March 15th Meeting Reminder

2011-02-27T11:26:00.000-08:00

The March meeting of Artisans of Houston will be held at Uptown Cafe Express, March 15th at 7:00 p.m. We generally gather in the side room to the left as you're facing the ordering/serving counter. Hope you can join us. If this will be your first Artisans meeting, reading the post entitled Artisans 101 will be helpful.

We do not usually make an actual reservation with Cafe Express, so employees there are unlikely to be able to give you information about our meeting - it doesn't mean we won't be there!

CAFE EXPRESS
March 15th
7:00 pm
1101 Uptown Park
In Uptown Galleria area.

If you have an etsy shop, and have joined our team inside etsy, the minutes of the last meeting have been posted in the discussion area. Thanks, Pam!

If this will be your first meeting with the Artisans group, please read the post Artisans of Houston 101 linked from the top of the right sidebar to be better ready for the meeting.

February Meeting Reminder

2011-02-03T16:43:00.000-08:00

The February meeting of Artisans of Houston will be held at Uptown Cafe Express, February 15th at 7:00 p.m. We generally gather in the side room to the left as you're facing the ordering/serving counter. Hope you can join us. If this will be your first Artisans meeting, reading the post entitled Artisans 101 will be helpful.

We do not usually make an actual reservation with Cafe Express, so employees there are unlikely to be able to give you information about our meeting - it doesn't mean we won't be there!

CAFE EXPRESS
February 15th
7:00 pm
1101 Uptown Park
In Uptown Galleria area.

Meeting Reminder for January 18th 2010

2011-01-06T11:50:00.000-08:00

January meeting for Artisans will be held at Uptown Cafe Express, January 18th at 7:00 p.m. We generally gather in the smaller room to the side of the restaurant. Hope you can join us. If this will be your first Artisans meeting, reading the post entitled Artisans 101 will be helpful. We are returning to our original location. Many of us eat a meal during the meeting. Don't worry if you are late arriving. Be sure to sign the sign-in sheet, so that we can get your email address.

CAFE EXPRESS
7:00 pm
1101 Uptown Park
713-963-9222
77056 - In Uptown Galleria area.

New Team Page on Etsy ~ Link to current team

2010-11-24T10:47:00.000-08:00

http://www.etsy.com/teams/5517/artisans-of-houston

Links to our team page on Etsy, so you can see current members shops. We are always interested in finding new members for our team, or vendors who don't wish to join the team, but live in the area. We are currently in the early stages of developing a show for this spring and next fall.

To join our team page on Etsy, you must have attended at least one meeting, and paid your yearly dues($25.00). These dues help us to have the operating funds necessary to pay for the facility, and buy insurance for the events. We do give team members a reduced fee for booths at our shows.

November Meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 16

2010-11-08T17:56:00.000-08:00

Our next meeting is Tuesday, the 16th, at 7pm at the Forum.
777 N Post Oak Rd
Houston, TX 77024

map

Here are the more detailed directions:
Once you turn into the driveway of the Forum, drive straight and pass a red building on the left and a small white building on the right. After that is a parking garage and a parking lot - the garage gate sometimes does not work, so parking in the lot seems better. The meeting is in the red building, on the fifth floor in the room called the Bistro (immediately outside of the elevators). The person at the front desk where you sign in can direct you as well, just tell them you're there for Artisans of Houston. Please feel free to bring things to show around!

We will be discussing the show that we had in October.

A Successful Show!

2010-10-24T12:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, October 23rd was our second annual A FAIR TO REMEMBER. It was a beautiful day, we had a nice turnout, and the Fellowship Hall at Bethany Christian Church was filled with happy Artisans and shoppers. Our miniteam is very eclectic, with jewelers, graphics designers, party ware banners, mobiles, monsters, apparel for women and children. Reclaimed and Recycled part pieces, Handmade pens and boxes, and fiber arts...

The staff at Bethany did a great job assisting us get ready for the show, and were super to work with. A number of vendors donated items to the silent auction held by the school, so we hope that will add to the items offered this year. Last year we auctioned off chances at baskets at our other church and raised a bit over $100. for their youth ministry. This year items donated to the silent auction were worth more in their value, so how much they actually raise will depend on the bidders. :)

A special thanks to Doug Threeton, who was our contact at the church. He was a pleasure to work with! Celina our on the day of custodian, fulfilled every request, and did a great job too. If you were one of our shoppers at the Fair, we hope you'll look for our next A FAIR TO REMEMBER. First word of it, will appear here on this blog. We hope you'll come back to see us again, and tell your friends to come too.

Second Annual Artisans of Houston Show

2010-10-23T17:00:00.000-07:00

Our second annual show, A Fair to Remember, will be on Saturday, October 23rd, at Bethany Christian Church from 10am t0 3pm.

All information posted about the show can be seen by clicking here.

Artisans Confirmed For our Show

2010-10-17T08:53:00.000-07:00

A great day to get an early start on your Holiday Shopping! We hope to see you there!

www.amaria.etsy.com/
www.doodlink.etsy.com
www.vmgceramics.etsy.com
www.serendipityrose.etsy.com
www.acute-accent.com
www.cottoneyedjo.etsy.com
www.ahhwow.etsy.com
www.DVineLittleDivas.etsy.com
www.TatusWelle.etsy.com
www.armedwithstyle.com/
www.starcatdesigns.com
www.frilledandfeathered.com/

We have other Artisans as well,
Ginnie Murphy Jewelry
Kay Herndon Jewelry
Nan Stombaugh Jewelry
Emily Hall Stationary and greeting cards
Jenifer Kirby Baby and Children's Clothing
Melissa Quinones Everyday Accents
Jerry Harmsen Handmade pens and toys
Natthan Mack Discovery Green Sunday Market - Recycled Art

Next meeting of Artisans of Houston is October 19th! Show on 23rd!

2010-10-08T22:54:00.000-07:00

The Forum, an assisted living center located right at the intersection of I-10 and 610. Map here:

October 19th, 7 pm in the Bistro Room at the forum. We will be discussing final planning for the show on Saturday, October 23rd. If you are a vendor at the show, who is considering joining, this would be a great meeting to come to.

Here are the more detailed directions:
Once you turn into the driveway of the Forum, drive straight and pass a red building on the left and a small white building on the right. After that is a parking garage and a parking lot - the garage gate sometimes does not work, so parking in the lot seems better. The meeting is in the red building, on the fifth floor in the room called the Bistro (immediately outside of the elevators). The person at the front desk where you sign in can direct you as well, just tell them you're there for Artisans of Houston. Please feel free to bring things to show around!

September Meeting Reminder

2010-09-19T09:30:00.001-07:00

Our next meeting is this Tuesday, the 21st, at 7pm at the Forum.

Here are the more detailed directions:
Once you turn into the driveway of the Forum, drive straight and pass a red building on the left and a small white building on the right. After that is a parking garage and a parking lot - the garage gate sometimes does not work, so parking in the lot seems better. The meeting is in the red building, on the fifth floor in the room called the Bistro (immediately outside of the elevators). The person at the front desk where you sign in can direct you as well, just tell them you're there for Artisans of Houston. Please feel free to bring things to show around!

We will be discussing the upcoming show.

Forms and Information for Show

2010-08-31T12:01:00.000-07:00

Here are the Registration form, the Rules and Information document, and the promotional flier (internet sized) for the Fall 2010 A Fair to Remember!

Registration Form (.pdf)

Rules and Information Document (.pdf)

Promotional Flier (.jpg)

Inquiries may be directed to artisansofhouston [at] gmail.com

Press Release: 2010 A Fair to Remember

2010-08-28T14:58:00.001-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday August 28, 2010
Artisans of Houston presents: A Fair to Remember
Contact: artisansofhouston [at] gmail.com
HOUSTON, TX

Come shop early for all of your holiday gifts at the 2nd Annual "A Fair to Remember", hosted by the Artisans of Houston.

This artisan market extravaganza will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2010 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at a new location: Bethany Christian Church, at 3223 Westheimer Road between Kirby and Buffalo Speedway, next to Lamar High School. The parking lot is behind the church off Bammel Lane.

Both admission and parking for this event are free. Participating artisans will be donating some of their handmade creations for silent auction to the church.

All items for this event have been handmade by the artisans, and include: fiber arts, handbags, jewelry, mixed media art, paintings, photography, sculpture, stationary, stained glass, wallets, decor, and more.

Artisans of Houston is a group of artists and crafters in the Greater Houston Area. Members of the group have individual online shops on sites such as Etsy.com and sell their handmade goods at shows throughout Texas and the United States.

Don’t miss it!

Next meeting of Houston Artisans is scheduled for August! :)

2010-07-04T12:08:00.000-07:00

The Forum, an assisted living center located right at the intersection of I-10 and 610. Map here:

We will be announcing information about the date and location of our fall show after that meeting, and discussing it there. So if you attend, you will be among the first to know. We have adopted some bylaws, which will make it possible for our group to be a non profit. This has many advantages to us as a group and as individual members.

Third Tuesdays in August(17), September, October, and December will begin at 7:00 pm at:

The Forum
777 N Post Oak Rd
Houston, TX 77024

We are allowed to bring food in to this location, but it is not a restaurant, so brown bag or drive through on the way. :) After a long summer break, we'll all enjoy seeing each other again. Be sure to bring along new creations to share after the business portion of the meeting is completed. We will begin planning for the fall show, which will be at a great location!

If this is your first meeting to attend, please read the Artisans of Houston 101 post so you can have an idea of how the meetings run. You do not need a personal invitation from a current officer or member if you are a Houston area artist or artisan with or without an Etsy shop.

Look Outside the Box!

2010-06-17T06:50:00.000-07:00

Good morning all! My Part 2 article about the amazing artist, Deb Hil is up and this one is about her studio! Yall will LOVE it!!! The main picture was donated my a wood artist where the box is all wood as well as the ribbon!!! I sure do hope yall mosey on over there and I'm leaving yall a link where you can go directly to the comment section. I had so much fun making this article and going on location. I felt like Alice in Wonderland, it's that gorgeous!!!
The link is:
http://www.indiesmiles.com/think-outside-of-the-box-part-2/#respond
Happy reading and visualizing!
Linda :)

Summer Meetings

2010-06-14T16:19:00.000-07:00

Artisans of Houston will not be meeting in June or July. Our next meeting will be in August. Details of time and location will be posted later.

Have a good summer!

Etsy Craft Party on June 18th

2010-06-11T16:46:00.000-07:00

Jun 18 Houston, TX

When:
Friday, June 18, 2010
8:00 PM

Where:
Sew Crafty, 321 B West 19th St
Houston, TX

Etsy is encouraging crafters to set up local parties to connect. This is the place and time for the Houson Party. If you might attend please go to: http://www.meetup.com/Etsy-Craft-Party/ and let them know you are interested. :) 228 people have signed up already as interested.

AoH button for your blog

2010-03-02T11:13:00.001-08:00

I have created a button to use on your blog or wherever to lead people back to our blog. Here is what it looks like:

Blogger is not letting me give you cut-and-paste code, but just put that picture wherever you want it and make it a link to the blog - http://artisansofhouston.blogspot.com.

Congrats to Linda Jones!!

2010-02-26T13:39:00.000-08:00

I want to announce that Linda Jones of Visual Smiles Gallery placed 6th in the Etsy Design Contest for January with her "Jack Russell Love" sculpture. He's really very cute. If you want to see a picture you can go to Linda's Etsy shop listed above.

Congrats Linda - we're proud of you!!!

ETC from Etsy has a monthly Design Contest with a different subject each time. If you are interested you can go to ETC's Ning site to get info.

February 2010 Feature - Acute Accent

2010-02-26T12:59:00.000-08:00

Continuing the Artisan Feature series for February 2010:

Acute Accent is the creation of Shan Johnson Sevcik, who started making wallets and purses in frustration at the selection available to her. She has yet to come up with the perfect design, but is always working on it. All the designs for items made by Acute Accent are original - no patterns are used. Functional, durable, and beautiful are the goals for the items at Acute Accent, and with a perfectionist at the sewing machine, the quality of construction is excellent.

Shan started her business in early 2008, and it has been growing slowly but steadily. She hopes to continue this trend, as it is her only job and she is full of enthusiasm, new plans, and new designs.

Our First Meeting of 2010

2010-01-19T21:12:00.000-08:00

Our first meeting of the new year had quite a bit of business, old and new. We are starting to discuss the date and location for our spring show. If you are an artisan in the Houston area, watch the blog for further details. We are thinking next show will be around the last week in April, or the first week in May.

We are going to showcase various members of our group. If you are a member with authoring rights to the blog, you may post your own article, provided at least a week has passed since the last artisan posted theirs. :) Ana Maria did an awesome job with hers last year, so we are bringing it back up to the top of the blog.

Reminder: upcoming events for artisans are posted in the Ning discussion group, if you need an invitation to it, and have paid your yearly dues, email Jo

OUR NEXT MEETING will be February 16th, 7pm at
La Madeleine
770 W. Sam Houston Pkwy N
Houston, TX 77024 US map Location #1 on the map is where we will be meeting.

Introducing Ana Maria Sanchez of Amaria

2010-01-16T08:06:00.000-08:00

The designer behind Amaria is Ana Maria Sanchez. Born to Paraguayan parents, Ana Maria was raised in Houston, Texas. As a child, Ana Maria was impressed by her family’s South American style. She was taught the importance of style and an appreciation for all things handcrafted at an early age. Her mother taught her that women must always respect and adorn their bodies.

Ana Maria studied the native lace making in Paraguay called nanduti which means spider web. Her logo incorporates the nanduti. She pursued her love for design, studying fashion design and merchandising. The pursuit of luxurious, impeccably made designs fine tuned her eye for the exquisite.
Her family and friends encouraged her to pursue her longtime dream of creating her own designs. In 2007, Ana Maria started her own company. She is currently designing feminine, delicate, jewelry in sterling silver and 14 karat gold fill. Her designs catch and intrigue the eye.

Happy New Year! Monthly Meeting Jan 19th

2010-01-09T19:13:00.000-08:00

This will be our first meeting in 2010! We are meeting January 19th at 7:00 in a new location. so check out the map! We will have a private meeting area. As there is a small cover charge for the area, please let them know that you are with the Artisans group if you are buying a meal, beverage, or dessert . :) It will be wonderful to hear each other with ease! Hope to see you there.

La Madeleine
770 W. Sam Houston Pkwy N
Houston, TX 77024 US map Location #1 on the map is where we will be meeting.

If this is your first time to attend an Artisans meeting, please read the linked post called Artisans 101 to be ready for the meeting , and make it most useful to you.

A Quick Thank You!

2009-11-15T21:00:00.001-08:00

A Quick Thanks to the folks at Bethany United Methodist Church where we were able to hold our Fair on Saturday! More details later, but for now just saying if we asked for something it was there in a jiffy!

Our donation drawing for 3 baskets with items donated by Artisans members raised the amount of the donation to the Bethany Children's Ministry, was $131.00! Thank you to the Artisans that donated items, and visitors to the fair who donated!

With all of us working together, this show was a success. We look forward to our next one which we hope will be around Mothers' Day. More details on that later!

No More Meetings till January!

2009-11-15T11:24:00.000-08:00

Just to remind everyone again, there is no meeting November 17th, as well as no meeting in December!

We'll see everyone again the third Tuesday in January, at the new meeting place of La Madeleine near Hwy 10 and Sam Houston Toll way. More information will be posted and sent around in January.

Houston Artisans First Show and Sale

2009-11-14T15:56:00.000-08:00

first fall show on Saturday, November 14th
Bethany United Methodist Church
3511 Linkwood,
Houston, Tx 77025 map to church
The show will be in the church gymnasium from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm.

No entry fee! 3 baskets of items donated by Artisans will be raffled off during the day. Total proceeds of the raffle for the baskets will be given to the Bethany Children's Ministry

Please follow this link for all the information on the show!

Article about Artisans of Houston

2009-11-06T13:55:00.000-08:00

I've just written a new article about "Artisans of Houston" !!! It has a slide show too! Please check it out on this date, as it is featured on the front page! Go to www.Indiesmiles.com
If you miss it will be in the left section column and you can scroll down to see it!
Linda ;)

Press Release for Artisans of Houston Show!!!

2009-11-03T20:58:00.000-08:00

Press Release for Artisans of Houston Show!!!

Reminder of Next Meeting!January 19th

2009-10-20T20:30:00.000-07:00

We will not have a meeting late in November or December. Our next meeting will be in a new location! We're going to be able to meet in a private room at the La Madeline's French Restaurant and Bakery near I 10 and Sam Houston Parkway. January 19th, the time will still be 7:00 pm.

La Madeline French Bakery and Cafe
770 W Sam Houston Pkwy N, Ste 100
Houston, TX 77024
713-465-7370

Hope your holidays are merry and bright! If you are an artisan but not yet a member of our team, it would be great to meet you at our show on the 14th of November. Details in the postings above.

*If you have receipts for reimbursement for the November show, please bring them to the January 19 meeting .

Reminder Monthly Meeting

2009-10-17T21:18:00.000-07:00

October meeting for Artisans will be held at Uptown Cafe Express at 7:30 p.m. We generally gather in the smaller room to the side of the restaurant. Hope you can join us. If this will be your first Artisans meeting, reading the post entitled Artisans 101 may be helpful.
CAFE EXPRESS
7:00 pm
1101 Uptown Park
713-963-9222
77056 - In Uptown Galleria area.

We will be discussing a change of location for meetings beginning in November.

Come to our Fair!

2009-09-29T21:30:00.001-07:00

Print version:

ResinObsession Needs You or Someone you know

2009-09-27T08:24:00.000-07:00

ResinObsession is the leading resin jewelry supplier to Etsy resin jewelry superstars. Resin is used to embed photos for the popular photo memory jewelry. ResinObsession is moving in a new direction creating resin silicone molds. Because of this growth I am in need of an assistant and am hoping someone in the group might know someone, that might know someone, you get the idea. Here is the ad:
Home based ecommerce auction & website craft business looking for part-time contract person for shipping orders, updating social sites, answering emails, packaging products and listing items on auction sites. General internet and computer skills needed. Hours are flexible, no nights or weekends. Ideal person would be a high school student in an early release program, Moms wanting school hours or person wanting to re-enter the workforce. Starting pay is $7.50 an hour. Champion Springs area of Louetta & 249. Email resumes to cindy@resinobsession.com or call 713-598-0330.

Thank you. Hope to see you guys soon, Cindy

Forms needed to apply for Booth

2009-09-24T21:37:00.000-07:00

Here are the forms to save, print out, and use to register for a booth at our coming show:

A Fair To Remember.

Information and Guidelines (.pdf)

Registration Form (.pdf)

Ning Chat Time Change

2009-09-22T16:19:00.001-07:00

Our Tuesday Night Ning Chat is changed from 7:00 to 9:00 so it doesn't interfere with dinner time.

Artisans will Meet Next:

2009-09-16T08:50:00.000-07:00

Our next regular meeting is in 2 weeks Sept. 29th at 7:00 pm, Cafe Express
The discussions and decisions for getting our fall show ready will continue. If you have not reserved a booth, this will be your last opportunity before the deadline of October 1st.

Even if this is your first time to attend a meeting, please come along. At our meeting on Saturday , September 12 th we had 4 new members join the team. :) Dues collected are going to be used for things such as advertising for our show.

Tuesday Nights at Ning

2009-09-15T17:10:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a large afternoon meeting at Cafe Express! Next Tuesday will be our regularily scheduled evening meeting. If you can come into the chat but not drive to the face to face meeting, come in at the regular 7:00 time. One of the members at the meeting will log in to the group, hopefully soon after 7:00.

Ning discussion area for Artisans of Houston This is a private group by invitation only, but if you have attended meetings, are going to have a booth, etc. you can get an invitation by letting in touch by making a comment. Such as cottoneyedjo.etsy.com has not received an invitation to Ning. You must live in the great Houston area to qualify.

Most of the other information about the upcoming event will be available only within the Ning group for members of Artisans of Houston. Please try to attend one of the next two meetings, if you would like to participate in the show. Several members at the meeting confirmed and prepaid a booth at the November 14th show.

We are going to schedule a weekly chat at Ning on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 until the show has happened. If you are working on a committee like Publicity and would like to schedule a chat for another evening please check the discussion thread about scheduled chats.

Houston Artisans will be having an Art Show November 14th

2009-09-03T15:23:00.000-07:00

Not too many details to share on our blog, but more information will be available in our Ning discussion area. We would like folks to try to join in the chat next Tuesday evening(September 8th, 7 pm). If you are interested in having a booth, please make every effort to attend one of the next two meetings, on September 12th or 15th. More details about those meetings are available in an earlier post.

Please save the date. If you are an Artisan looking for a fall show, this is our big event we've been discussing at the meetings. More information will be available on the Ning site after the upcoming meetings. Such as the hours of the show, price for booth, etc. We want our show to be successful, and are discussing having drawing for a donation basket. The theme of the basket is yet to be determined but will be something like Holiday Giving, or Celebrate the Holidays! Since the show will be before Thanksgiving, so your items for sale could be fall, winter, or non seasonal.

Tonight was our first chat in Ning Group!

2009-09-01T17:39:00.000-07:00

Tuesday nights at 7:00 pm are our face to face meeting time. A couple of us tried an online chat in the Ning group this evening. It was fun, and no long drive to get to our favorite meeting place!

Perhaps we could select a better time for everyone to join in, but Tuesdays at 7 is easy to remember. Hope you'll try to join us sometime!

Bloggy changes

2009-08-27T17:05:00.000-07:00

Making some changes to the layout and design here! Please leave any feedback for instance:
Like the colors?
Easy to read?
Should things be in a different order?
Want more features?
Anything else you can think of, I want to know!

Weekend Meeting!!! on September 12

2009-08-20T15:30:00.000-07:00

CAFE EXPRESS
7:00 pm
1101 Uptown Park
713-963-9222
77056 - In Uptown Galleria area.

On Sat. Sept. 12, at 2:00 p.m., we will have an extra September meeting for further planning. Hopefully those who have difficulty making the night meetings will be able to attend. We also hope to assist members in learning how to use some of the computer tools such as blogging to augment their participation in the team.

The regularily scheduled meeting will take place the following Tuesday evening, September 15th at 7:00 p.m. Please check out Artisans 101 if this will be your first meeting.

We have finalized a date and location for a local show that will take place on November 14th.

2009-08-19T10:27:00.000-07:00

Artisans of Houston Meeting Notes August 18th, 2009

We made plans for our first A of H Show.

We all agreed that our first show needs to be simple and low cost since it's our first.

The preference for a date is November 14th, with Nov. 7th as the alternate date.

We are checking into some Churches in good traffic locations, including Bethany Christian at Westheimer, west of Kirby. Jo is checking into this possibility with a friend, who attends Bethany.

If anyone knows of another Church/Synogog, or other like place that we should check into please let us know.

Having our show inside will make it much easier for most of us - not having to bring canopies and worrying about the weather will help tremendously.

However we would like to continue to grow and have bigger shows and gather a following in the future by presenting good shows from the beginning. We want to get the interest of people who love quality, handmade, original and unique pieces and are able and willing to pay what it's worth.

We also agree that advertising will be the key. We will work to reach as many people as possible through radio, television, and printed news. For the good of future shows we will invite our guests to add their email addresses to our future email list that will advertise shows each year.

On Sat. Sept. 12, at 2:00, we will have an extra September meeting for further planning. Hopefully those who have difficulty making the night meetings will be able to attend.

Please make it a point to join us each month on the 3rd Tuesday evening, 7:00pm at he Cafe Express in the Galeria area!!!

Meeting Reminder

2009-08-10T21:38:00.000-07:00

Hi Artisans!

Our next Artisans of Houston meeting is Tuesday, Aug. 18th.

We'll be meetiing each month on the third Tuesday, unless otherwise stated.

CAFE EXPRESS
7:00 pm
1101 Uptown Park
713-963-9222
77056 - In Uptown Galleria area.

If you are new to our group, please read the entry Houston Artisans 101 to see some nuts and bolts of our team and to see where we keep track of meetings and events.

Please bring some of your crafted pieces to show-n-tell.

We'll share marketing ideas and info on upcoming Houston area Artisan events.

So bring your 'lovelies', your ideas, info and questions.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Artisans of Houston

There has been some discussion of having weekend meetings during the day. If you are interested in attending one, please leave a comment indicating whether Saturday or Sunday would be more likely for you to attend.

Recap of this Evening's meeting and decisions

2009-07-21T21:53:00.000-07:00

Members casting a vote this evening or by a proxy ballot in email, unanimously accepted the Mission Statement for Houston Artisans! The dues set at $25. were also agreed to unanimously.

Some possible locations were discussed for a fall event. If you know of a festival, church or other facility like a personal home or clubhouse that could be used please go into the Ning group to share with other members.

Our next meeting will be August 18th. If you have a laptop, and can bring it, they have wifi available.

- Cafe Express
- 1101 Uptown Park
- 7:00pm
- 1101 Uptown Park
- 713-963-9222
- 77056

Mission Statement Feedback Requested

2009-07-12T14:08:00.000-07:00

In the meeting today (Sunday July 12), we had discussions about organization and a Mission statement for the Artisans of Houston group. Here is a suggestion.

Artisans of Houston is a group committed to furthering the cause of personally designed, handcrafted arts in the Houston area. We are small business owners promoting our individual businesses internally, externally, locally, and internationally. Success will be achieved through networking, advertising, making use of online resources, and organization within the group, with the goal of holding our own art shows.

Membership fees of $25 are planned to support the above goals.

We hope you will become an active, participating member of Artisans of Houston. We'd like any input you have to give on any point discussed above!

Discussion will be held at the meeting on Tuesday July 21 at 7 pm, and a consensus reached. Please attend, or reply to this discussion, to share your thoughts on this!

Two meetings in July! One on a Sunday afternoon.

2009-06-16T20:37:00.000-07:00

Sunday July 16th at 2:00 pm at our same Cafe Express ~ you are invited to come discuss ways to promote your shop at Etsy using a variety of computer networks such as Twitter or utilities such as Google Analytics. If you have a laptop with wi-fi, Cafe Express has it too. If you haven't learned your way around Ning, or are still trying to figure out the difference between Facebook and Flickr this could be the chance to ask.

Next regular meeting for local Mini Team July 21st

If you are interested in joining us at the next meeting of our mini street team please come to Cafe Express (the Uptown location) at 7:00 pm on July 21 (3rd Tuesday evening). We try to use the side room to make it easier to hear information being shared. So far 3 tables have been moved together, so look for us!
- Cafe Express
- 1101 Uptown Park
- 7:00pm
- 1101 Uptown Park
- 713-963-9222
- 77056

If this will be your first meeting, look down to early post of the basics of team meetings. Check out Artisans of Houston 101 . It is a good idea to bring some things with you, business cards, your calendar, and some of your creations. If you have a laptop with WiFi please bring it. There are several ways that we can use one at the meeting, to help you receive invitations to discussion group, help with adding google analytics to your shop, or perhaps something you don't know how to do...

Unless the meeting is canceled or changed, this is about all we have to share online this month.
Our meetingshave been in the evenings, as many of our members have other jobs during the day. We are currently discussing the inclusion of Saturday or Sunday meetings. To make it easier for members to plan ahead, we've set the third Tuesday as a standing date for team meetings.

2009-05-14T10:34:00.000-07:00

Next meeting for local Mini Team May 19th

If you are interested in joining us at the next meeting of our mini street team please come to Cafe Express (the Uptown location) at 7:00 pm on May 19th (Tuesday evening). We try to use the side room to make it easier to hear information being shared. So far 3 tables have been moved together, so look for us!
- Cafe Express
- 1101 Uptown Park
- 7:00pm
- 1101 Uptown Park
- 713-963-9222
- 77056

If this will be your first meeting, look down to early post of the basics of team meetings. Check out Artisans of Houston 101 . It is a good idea to bring some things with you, business cards, your calendar, and some of your creations. If you have a laptop with WiFi please bring it. There are several ways that we can use one at the meeting, to help you receive invitations to discussion group, help with adding google analytics to your shop, or perhaps something you don't know how to do...

Unless the meeting is canceled or changed, this is about all we have to share online this month.
We had several new members join us in April. Our meetings are in the evenings, as many of our members have other jobs during the day. To make it easier for members to plan ahead, we've set the third Tuesday as a standing date for team meetings.

Houston's Weekly Chic: Jewelis Designs

2009-04-28T11:32:00.000-07:00

Houston's Weekly Chic: Jewelis Designs
http://JewelisDesigns.com

Google Analytics for Sellers- Etsy Style

2009-04-28T06:41:00.000-07:00

Did everyone see the email from Etsy about the lab on Goggle Analytics for Etsy Sellers? Perfect timing, right? If you missed it here is the link http://www.etsy.com/storque/how-to/web-analytics-recap-seller-chat-in-the-virtual-labs-3596/.

Next meeting for local Mini Team April 14th

2009-04-06T20:41:00.000-07:00

If you are interested in joining us at the next meeting of our mini street team please come to Cafe Express (the Uptown location) at 7:00 pm on April 14th (Tuesday evening). We try to use the side room to make it easier to hear information being shared. So far 3 tables have been moved together, so look for us!
- Cafe Express
- 1101 Uptown Park
- 7:00pm
- 1101 Uptown Park
- 713-963-9222
- 77056

If this will be your first meeting, look down to early post of the basics of team meetings. Check out Artisans of Houston 101 . It is a good idea to bring some things with you, business cards, your calendar, and some of your creations. If you have a laptop with WiFi please bring it. There are several ways that we can use one at the meeting, to help you receive invitations to discussion group, help with adding google analytics to your shop, or perhaps something you don't know how to do...

Unless the meeting is canceled or changed, this is about all we have to share online this month.
We had several new members join us in March. Our meetings are in the evenings, as many of our members have other jobs during the day.

Shan's Shinies is now Acute Accent!

2009-02-09T12:33:00.000-08:00

My new store, Acute Accent, is now open. Hopefully I'll be listing things fairly regularly for a change, it would be nice anyway. I've got new business cards to hand out at the next meeting, isn't that exciting. ;)

http://AcuteAccent.etsy.com

Also, I am using the team tag "houstonartteam" on any new items I am listing, but I did a search on it and only my items and one from Jo showed up. I put it in my shop announcement, so join in, everyone!

Houston Artisans 101

2009-01-22T08:47:00.000-08:00

Note: To join Artisans of Houston, just come to a meeting! We have a form with some basic information for you to fill out, and we have a $25 annual membership fee (paid when you join, and in subsequent years in September).

Nuts and Bolts

This blog is for keeping track of upcoming meetings and events.
Team tag for ETSY shop listing is houstonartteam Nice to suggest searching the term in shop appearance. :) The Artisans tag should be added in addition to other street team tags such as teametsytx. You may find this tag used by members on other sites such as Artfire as well.
We meet face to face and do team emailings .To get the benefit of these things, you must participate. Other team members are willing to HELP, but are not responsible to do things for you. We are all busy adults.
Bring lots of business cards to the meetings to give to other team members, you are also encouraged to bring examples of your handmade items. We don't sell at our meetings, and time to share work is limited, in general done after the business meeting. A notepad is a great idea. Meetings will move to
The Forum
777 N Post Oak Rd
Houston, TX 77024 Meetings are scheduled for the 3rd Tuesday of each month to simplify planning for all of us.

It gets long, but does add information, so if you're curious...
Our group started as an Etsy team for the Houston area in the spring of 2008, but is now an independent Houston area handmade arts and crafts trade association.

This blog is to keep members in touch with team news, and also to help people find our team.
At the meetings (which will be posted ahead of time on this blog) we meet and greet, and discuss current business, share events for selling that are coming, bring contact information, and alert each other to ways to improve our online shops.
Although we'd like for people to attend every meeting, Houston is spread over a huge geographical area. So in addition to the blog, we get people's email addresses and add them to a distribution list. Messages to remind about upcoming meetings, or vote about a topic that came up for discussion. Decisions are generally made by members attending that months meeting, rather than polling everyone.
We will be meeting at The Forum,777 N Post Oak Rd, Houston, TX 77024. Meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, beginning at 7 pm.
New members are sent an invitation to post to this blog. Attendance of at least one face to face meeting is required for that to happen. Blog administrators reserve the right to remove that invitation for inappropriate posts. We encourage members to post, and include tags as a part of their post.
Generally, we do not email to answer questions posted to this blog. We also welcome members who do not yet have an Etsy shop.
Our meetings begin at 7:00 and our new location at the Forum is not a restaurant, so if you need supper at that time, feel free to bring food in to eat at the meeting. Most of us leave by around 9:00, but you can leave earlier if needed. :)

It worked!

2009-01-21T10:26:00.000-08:00

Cool, it worked fine. :0)

New Handmade arts site

2009-01-21T10:20:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,
I wanted to let you know that there's another site similar to etsy that is only for handmade items. You can see it at www.artfire.com and my shop name there is www.hausofglass.artfire.com (I hope I got that correct...it may be @artfire.com instead of the dot).
There's a place where I can copy and paste a "taster" of my glass onto blogs, and other sites and I want to try it here to see if it actually downloads the pictures. So bare with me if it doesn't work.

here goes...

Store not available

Next meeting for local Mini Team February 17th

2009-01-20T20:40:00.000-08:00

Tonight's meeting of Artisans of Houston had several first timers! We had a great time discussing some individual needs or interests. As an outgrowth of the discussion, we'll be looking for an "internet cafe" for our March meeting. If you have a laptop with wi-fi capability, be sure to bring it in March. If you don't have a laptop, but would like to learn how to do a listing, write a blog post, or other computer related task, you might want to bring along a cd with picture of item to list, or for a blog posting. If you'd like to reccommend a location with wi-fi, be sure to post a comment!

Next month, we'll be returning to Cafe Express,

- Cafe Express
- 1101 Uptown Park
- 7:00pm
- 1101 Uptown Park
- 713-963-9222
- 77056

Next Meeting for our Mini Team

2009-01-04T20:54:00.001-08:00

Our next Artisans of Houston meeting is Tuesday, Jan. 20 at the same restaurant:
- Cafe Express
- 7:00pm
- 1101 Uptown Park
- 713-963-9222
- 77056 - in Uptown Galleria area.

Turn on Uptown Park, then turn into the Uptown Park Center, and Cafe Express is the 2nd or 3rd bldg in center.

Don't forget to ask Pam about her daughter's wedding! ;)

2008-12-07T15:53:00.000-08:00

Hi again,
I wanted to share with you the two larger stained glass panels I sold this weekend at LaCenterra Fa la la market. The lavender one I had just completed this past week, and the Texas State Flag I've had since October. They both went to a kind gentleman who seemed to love them both, so I know they're going to a good home! {:^/ Sort of a bitter sweet parting of the ways with my panels. I know, crazy, huh? I get attached...

Thank you, Milt, for taking these two home with you!

2008-12-07T15:29:00.001-08:00

Hello everyone!

Ana Maria and I were at the LaCenterra Farmer's Market for the Fa La La Christmas Market this Saturday, Dec. 6th. It was a beautiful day; sunny, clear skies, lots of good foods: coffee, fresh brown eggs from free-range hens, lots of lovely gift items around the square. I met three new artisans who are very interested in joining our group, looking for more exposure, as are we all. I will be inviting them to our blog site soon. They wish to come to our January meeting and are excited to meet up with other artisans. I explained that we want to grow our group so that eventually we can have our own "Artisans of Houston Art Fair" or even our own Trunk Shows and they all seemed to like that idea. Slow but sure, we are getting closer to our goals.

I was encouraged by people who took my "Custom Orders" form to fill out at a later date. I'm hoping to get more commissions for windows this way. It seems each time I attend an art fair, there are more people asking for commissions. I want to pass this encouragement along to everyone else out there, because it can be done in any art form. I know several of us have "Custom Order" forms...have you thought about doing this for yourself? It's another opportunity to advertise, which eventually may increase sales. At least, that's what we're all hoping.

If I don't get back on here before Christmas, everyone have a beautiful, loving Christmas with whoever is important to you in your life.

Diane
Haus of Glass

Fa- La- La- La Holiday Market at Lacenterra in Katy

2008-12-03T08:20:00.001-08:00

Artisan Fair & Farmers Market at Lacenterra in Katy
Originally uploaded by Amaria Studio

This Holiday Market is on December 6, 2008 from 8 am to 6:00pm. Please come out and support your local artisans. Please check website http://www.farmersmarketatlacenterra.com for a complete list of artisans participating. I hear Santa will be there!

We have a tracker now!

2008-11-26T18:10:00.001-08:00

I have just installed a tracker on the blog, so we can keep track of visitors (in general terms, no worries on privacy). We'd like to find out if it would be worthwhile to add an RSS feed, so if you're interested leave a comment, or join the "follow this blog" thing on the side, or, I don't know... reload a lot so I can see you like looking at the page (since I know no one leaves comments). :)

Show off and tell!

2008-11-26T17:25:00.000-08:00

I was just featured in a website as a fave & wanted to share with yall.
This may only be up a week, so if you don't get to see it you may also go to my Flickr page as I copied it there which had to be 3 pics.
Http://www.Flickr.com/photos/VisualSmilesGallery
The link to the website is: http://indiesmiles.com/favs/sues-fav-visual-smiles-gallery

Following Widget

2008-11-19T09:18:00.000-08:00

We discussed adding a feedburn to our blog, but need to determine our followers first. If you are following our blog, please join at the widget at the top of the sidebar. If you are local to Houston, not an artisan, but love to purchase handmade one of a kind items, following would be a great way to find out where to find us locally!

Members of Artisans Team, please join the Widget, to help us see how many "other" followers we have. ;)

Next Meeting for our Local Mini Team will be on January 20

2008-11-19T09:14:00.000-08:00

Because Cafe Express has worked so well for the last two meetings, we have decided to meet there again in January. If you are a local etsy shop owner, or artisan interested in becoming active with our team, please join us at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, January 20th. We were able to push several tables together in the side room and have a great get together! So be sure to look around for a large group of ladies, we usually eat first and then discuss upcoming opportunities.

Uptown Park next Meeting Tuesday Evening

2008-11-16T12:59:00.000-08:00

MapQuest is great when it is understandable. One of our etsy miniteam members shared this satellite photo to help us find Cafe Express. Thanks Shan! Tuesday, November 18th, 7:00 pm at Cafe Express. Hope you can join us if you are interested in joining Artisans of Houston a local mini team of the Etsy Texas Crafters.

Discovery Green Market Thursday Evenings

2008-11-11T20:24:00.000-08:00

Etsy shops, Parrish Pretties and Cotton Eyed Jo have joined the vendors at Houston's Discovery Green Park for the remaining Thursdays in November and December(except Thanksgiving). Parrish Pretties took this picture, right after we set up last week.

HRBrown is in the background. Discovery Green Park is across the street from it. The market opens at 4:00 pm . With water features and a concerts scheduled for Thursday evenings, a stroll through the park may be a great time to stop by our booth for a holiday item or gift. Be sure to let us know if you saw this article on the blog! This coming Thursday evening will be the same as the Latin Grammy Awards, so you might even catch a glimpse of a favorite star! A concert by Cumbia Rock Latin Pop Revue will begin at 6:30. The rain should be gone, and a lovely warm evening to enjoy the music! We hope you'll stop by and visit with us...

Autumn Rainbow featuring Houston

2008-10-27T15:50:00.000-07:00

Here is a Treasury I just grabbed with our team members as ones we invited, along with Houston artists!!!

Enjoy!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=17734

Linda

Last Thursday + Maker Fair, Austin

2008-10-20T12:08:00.001-07:00

Hi...Wanted to quickly share my experience with my first texas fair.
I just got back from Austin's Maker Fair/ Bizarre Bazaar. It wasn't a super busy craft fair although it was HUGE. I met tons of wonderful people and had some good trades with the other crafters. So i would say in that sense it was pretty successful. I think this being the first year that the two fairs join force + there was a bit Missouri Texas game that same weekend not to mention 2 other fairs...might have lended to its low turnout for customers. Although the kid/food/ exhibit part of the fair was pretty busy and very interesting. Maybe the next couple of years they might have worked out the kinks and planning. We'll see. ;)

Also I wanted to quickly post these two photos taken with the iphone... not the best quality but definitely cute pics. I had a wonderful time meeting everyone and look forward to seeing everyone again soon.

CHEERS! Lucia

Next Meeting will be November 18th

2008-10-16T19:42:00.000-07:00

Just a quick informational note, that our team met again tonight, October 16th. Team members check our Ning group for details. Our next meeting is currently scheduled to take place on November 18th at Cafe Express in Uptown Center. Two new members came and joined this evening!

Something to look forward to... our team will have a Flickr Pool soon. Ana Maria of www.amaria.etsy.com will be setting it up, so that you will be able to see samples of team members items past and present.

Remember that many of us are willing to do commission work. Check our etsy shop Alchemy announcements!

Houston's Display of Brown

2008-10-07T14:09:00.000-07:00

Just grabbed a new Treasury featuring Houston artists only!!!

I really love the different shades of browns so much & doesn't Houston have so much talent!
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=13803

New Treasury - Blown Away by Hurricane Ike

2008-10-01T02:49:00.001-07:00

First, let me say that I hope that everyone reading this blog came through the hurricane with minimal damage to themselves and their property. Well, after 12 days without power and 13 days without internet, I am still struggling to catch up! Between dealing with contractors, dealing with insurance companies and dealing with FEMA, I feel like there are many forces conspiring to keep me in Houston for another month. I felt the need to let my turmoil spill out into a Hurricane Treasury, so here it is: http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=12320 - please click all the items. The comments have already filled up, but feel free to leave your comments here. I would love to know what you think. Unsurprisingly, the best Hurricane art can be found from people living in Hurricane territory. So, my Treasury features several Houston artists and a smattering of artists who either live or have lived in Hurricane prone areas. I hope you enjoy it!

Connie (Tulip36) is Featured!

2008-09-22T16:59:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to post that Connie (Tulip36) is in this beautiful Treasury!http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=26542

Treasury: Houston Beauty within a Glimmer of Color

2008-09-20T19:15:00.000-07:00

Here is the latest Houston Treasury. I hope yall are able to visit it! We need everyone to comment, and click on each item to move us up more to the front of the page. Tell your friends to do the same!
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=10385
Thanks!!!!
Linda

Hearts for Houston tries Again!!! Treasury

2008-09-16T15:48:00.000-07:00

I got us the Treasury this time. I changed things around a little but hopefully, if yall see this you will visit, comment, and click away to get us up to the front page!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=9655

Thanks!!!!

I can not wait to do another one!!!!

Linda

Treasury Finding!

2008-09-10T09:31:00.000-07:00

I was strolling through the treasuries, my messed up one is on page 1 now. My title, my name, not my choices!!! LOL! Then I kept going to each page and found a yellow star by one of the Treasuries, and it was made by Ruth of Rhadcliffedesigns, hers was even messed up, but she left a comment that this was her Treasury, but not her name or title!!! Some of us are in it, including some of our members we had the lovely chance of meeting last night!!! So I just thought I'd post it here and yall can go visit this link. Next Treasury I grab, will be a repeat of the one that got lost in cyber space!!!
Linda

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=6557

Another Houston Treasury!

2008-09-03T16:31:00.000-07:00

I just wanted yall to know that I grabbed another Houston Treasury.
Please visit, comment and click away!
Thank You!
Linda
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=5471

Cindy Featured in Art After Dark

2008-09-03T07:43:00.000-07:00

Linda sent this info from Art After Dark - First Saturdays-Heights - Yale Street Art Markets.

Click on the link and scroll down to see Cindy's Bundle of Joy featured.

http://us.mc823.mail.yahoo.com/mc/showMessage;_ylt=Aix67wU2Fo2Rs8Br.fhlcq1hk70X?

New Treasury Announcement!

2008-08-29T09:58:00.000-07:00

I've grabbed us a New Treasury Yall!

Please visit, post, & click away!

Linda :)

Meeting - Tuesday, September 9th, 7:00pm

2008-08-29T08:28:00.000-07:00

Our next meeting is Tuesday, September 9th at 7:00pm. If you are a Houston Area Artisan and are interested in attending this meeting or have questions about the meeting or our group, please email Pam at: pamelawhite2@yahoo.com to get details of the meeting restaurant and location.

Two more DiscoveryGreen Mtg. Group Pictures

2008-08-28T16:35:00.000-07:00

Artisans of Houston Group Pics

Artisans of Houston - Aug 26, 2008 D.Green Group Pics

2008-08-28T16:00:00.000-07:00

Here are 2 pictures of our group at Discovery Green August 26th meeting with Tiffany, board member of Central City Market. See previous post for details of the meeting.

September 9th meeting

2008-08-28T11:37:00.000-07:00

Pictures..

2008-08-28T09:41:00.001-07:00

Here are some of the pictures from yesterday. Ain't we cute!!!??? ;)

Hi everyone,

Thanks a lot, Pam, for all the information you posted. Here are some of the pictures of the group from discovery green. Pam, you and I were both taking pics at the same time for the last ones, so we're not in some of those photos. I'm going to try to download them on here and see if it works. If not, I'll try on the other site.

I also clicked on all the people on Cindy's treasury...wrote to each on inviting them to our blogspot (Jo's) and to come to our meetings.

It was great to finally meet you Jo!! Hope to see you again soon. If you'll email me at dbechardcr2@hotmail.com we can discuss the cleaners you were going to tell me about.

And it was nice to meet you Karri and hope to see more of you! Did you get my email?

Tiffany was very clear about everything involved in the Christmas Green Market. It sounds like it will be fun and possibly profitable. Also sounds like a good thing to get involved with on the ground floor.

I did apply for a teaching job in the Lamar School District thinking I probably wouldn't get a job. Well, I've gotten two emails from former teacher friends in Roswell saying the Lamar schools requested reference letters from them, which they sent. So I may be getting a full time job! We'll see, and I'll keep you posted. I'd like to know soon though, because if I do take a job with them, I won't be able to manage the Discovery Green Market on Thursdays. I will find out as soon as possible.

Thanks and that's it for now,

Diane

Central City Holiday Market

2008-08-27T20:08:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, August 26, at 11:00am, Artisans of Houston met with Tiffany, a board member of the Central City Market. Central City Market is at Discovery Green which some of you may know is an urban park which opened in April of 2008 and is still building. It's located in downtown Houston very near the George Brown Convention Center and the Toyota Center.

FYI: An important detail for us as prospective Vendors to know is: according an article in the Houston Chronicle- August 17, that an estimated 250,000 people visited Discovery Green in it's first 3 months! People have come from all areas of Houston, including the Woodlands, Sugar Land and other Houston areas.

We had lunch at Lake House near the Market vendors area. Tiffany told our group of seven ladies all about the ins and outs of being a Vendor in Central Market's Holiday Market, which will be an extention of the year around, weekly market program. The year around Market which has been in existence for about four months is made up of vendors of naturally grown produce, and other, environmentally green products.

Artisan Vendors of Central Market are advised to use natural components when creating, using very little if no, synthetic ones, although Tiffany stressed that the parameters are mucn looser for the Holiday Market vendors. As of yet there are no hard and fast rules for the Holiday Market as the program is new and will continue to evolve.

Tiffany told us Market Vendors could expect loyalty and fair play from the organizers. An example given: One coffee vendor has been with them from the beginning and has worked very hard to build up his sales. When another coffee vendor (a well known according to Tiffany) approached her to become a vendor, she had to turn him down because she believed the first vendor could not stand the competition at this time.

It was suggested by Tiffany that vendors often don't always make much in sales the first day, but the sales have increased (in the experience of the current vendors) later. The most lucrative time for sales has been between 5:30 and 6:00, when employees in the area high rise buildings leave work. The office people can see the vendors from their windows which draws them over.

Aside from making sales, we were told that some vendors have experienced a growing customer following and more vistors to their websites.

Suggestions of what may further our business: business cards, flyers, books with pictures of other pieces.

In attendance: Tiffany, a board member and temporary promotions rep for Central City's Market, Cindy and son Ethan , Connie , Diane , Jo , Karri , Linda , and Pam

We will be provided with: 10x10 covered area
2-tables (most likely 6ft. each)
2-chairs

It's recommended that we bring a pair of rain walls which can be found at Academy for under $30.00 for 2.

It's recommended that two artisans occupy a booth for purposes of safety and cost effectiveness.

Cost per Vendor area (booth): $270.00 which includes 6 Thursdays: Nov. 6, 13, 20 and December 4, 11, 18, from 4:00 to 6:30.

There will be rain day vendor cost rebates according to Tiffany.

Drive in and Out Time: (the time that cars are driven on the grounds by the venders transporting - loading and unloading): 2:45 - 3:15 - this may change by 30 minutes on either side with Daylight Savings Time - (we'll be told at the time).

The necessity for strict procedures during the Drive in and Out was explained, the main emphasis was on the safety of the children who will be in the area.

Those interested in being a Vendor in the Holiday Market should email Tiffany by the first of October. She will have the Vendor applications ready by the end of this week - August 29th.

Tiffany's email: ttcentralcity@gmail.com

If anyone would like to add anything that I may have missed or not explained well or needs further comments please post them. Also - any discussions on the subject are encouraged so we can have and idea of how many of us are planning to get involved and who might want to team up with who etc.

Pam
http://serendipityrose.etsy.com

Houston in Living Color

2008-08-27T01:39:00.000-07:00

I was prompted by Linda's example to create a Houston Treasury of my own. I was inspired by the photo that is top and center to create this Treasury. All the featured people in this Treasury would make great additions to our team. Alas, none of them are currently on the team, though some of them are on the Etsy Texas Crafters Team. Want to join the Houston group? Just leave a comment to that effect. We'll sign you up straight away! Here's the link to the Treasury: http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=23268 - please go visit it while it is still active. Leave a comment and click on every picture to move it up the hotness chart! Thanks!

Linda's Treasury Featuring Houston Artists

2008-08-27T01:33:00.001-07:00

I grabbed an image of Linda's Treasury when it was still up. I'm sharing it here so you can see what she created. Go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cindyjoy/2801910973/sizes/o/ to view it on my flickr page, where you will be able to read all the writing. Great mixture, Linda!

Wishlist requests as a comment?

2008-08-25T09:33:00.000-07:00

If you are an Etsy shopper, and you would like to request a specific type of thing to be created for you, you might leave a comment to this post. At Etsy, you can convo(message) individual artisans by looking for the link that is called contact. You must be a registered user to convo, bid or sell on Etsy.

Lately, I think because of the limitations on our own time, cost of living, and the wider availability of cheap(often cheaply made) imported craft/home items we've forgotten the pleasure of an individually made item. OOAK stands for one of a kind, and in my youth, more things were OOAK because they were made by an individual.

They cost more because: in addition to time, the materials for making things can be quite expensive. Even working from my stash of fabrics for a quilt, it is necessary for me to purchase batting for the middle of the layers. This might run around $20.00 or even more for specialty sizes or types.

So, if there were a chartreuse quilt or whatever your heart desires, just what would that something be? Feel free to ask for anything, and one of us might be inspired to create it. After all, asking for what you want is part of receiving it sometimes...

Yale Streets Art Market

2008-08-25T04:41:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let yall know that SerendipityRose (Pam) and LindaGJ (me) are going to be in the Yale Streets Art Market on the 1st Saturday of November. The times are iffy right now, but it will be during the day and usually is from around 10am to 6pm. It costs 65.00 per booth and it's a blast to do, well at least I think so. Music, food, around 36 booths, and the people are really nice there. It's located in the Heights, which is on a fabulous street with great shops to also enjoy.
Location: Parking lot of the Wind and Water GalleryStreet: 19th Street, a few blocks west of Yale Street & in Houston, TX.
Website or Map: http://www.yalestreetmarket...
This event takes place every 1st Sat. of the month. During the hot days, it's held during the night and when it gets cooler, it's held during the day. Check it out!!!
Linda

New Houston Treasury

2008-08-24T13:15:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to let yall know that there is a new Treasury I made featuring all us Artisians of Houston, except for me, and also including other Houston artists.
The link is: http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=3487
Take a look, leave a comment and click away!!!
Linda

Yale Street Art Market on Saturday, September 6

2008-08-24T11:45:00.000-07:00

I will once again be exhibiting at the Yale Street Art Market. The market will be from 6 pm to 10 pm on Saturday, September 6. In addition to the Art Market, there is always tons of things going on in the Houston Heights on the First Saturday of every month. Check out these web sites for more details:

Yale Street Art Market http://www.yalestreetmarket.com/Main/HomePage and
Houston Heights First Saturdays http://www.heightsfirstsaturday.com/index.html

Come on by and check out my wares in person. In addition to my usual fare, I will have costumes for Halloween and the Renaissance Festival and Some new clothing items with pieced appliqués and other decoration. I hope to see you there!

Christmas Market at Discovery Green

2008-08-24T11:01:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, August 26th at 11:00 am, we will be meeting with Tiffany Tyler Kuffner to discuss participating in the Christmas Market at Discovery Green, which takes place every Thursday from the first one in November and until the last one before Christmas in December. The only exception is Thanksgiving Day. There won't be a market on that day. I am really excited to be able to have our group in on the first Christmas Market to be held at Discovery Green. This fabulous new downtown outdoor space is very popular with the affluent, near-town crowd. They started an organic food market earlier this year, which gets part of its funding from grants, making it an affordable place to have a booth. Discovery green sets up the pop up pavilions and can even process credit cards for you. The credit card service is currently paid for by one of the grants Tiffany managed to get hold of, so there is no cost to you for this service. Really. No cost. The customers buy "Market Bucks" from the market's stall and then they pay you in those "Market Bucks". You turn in the bucks at the end of the day, and the market gives you the full face value of the bucks. Too cool. They even designed the park with such markets in mind, meaning that you can drive right up to your booth space for loading in and out. In addition to all the other marketing the Discovery Green people are doing, an outdoor skating ring will open on Thanksgiving Day. That rink is going to attract quite a crowd, and Tiffany anticipates that some of the skaters and parents of the skating kids will come get some of their Holiday shopping done while they are there anyway. Additionally, we'll have the regular market customers, many of whom come to buy their produce every week. It isn't a big leap to think that people who buy organic produce directly from the farmers will want to buy handmade goods directly from the artist. I think it will be a great opportunity for all the artists, and the price is reasonable as well! Come to the lunch meeting and learn more, just please let us know you're coming so that we can get the right size table. If you want more information, leave a comment and a way to get hold of you!

Here are the meeting details from Tiffany:

I look forward to seeing you and the other Etsy crafters at lunch on Tuesday the 26th at 11:00.

http://www.discoverygreen.com/dining/

gives some details about the Lake House. They do open right at 11:00.

The directions and map at

http://www.discoverygreen.com/directions/

will help. I really recommend a meter space if you can get one. That hour of the morning should be OK for it.

More information about Central City and its operations at the Park can be found at:

http://www.centralcityco-op.org/discoverygreen.html

details about the holiday market are not up yet. I'm still working on the materials and trying to confirm things with the park before I write something that ends up not being true. We can talk about all of that on Tuesday.

I look forward to meeting all of you!

Tiffany

Miss Peanut Jones wants to Join in the Fun!

2008-08-12T17:24:00.000-07:00

Hi Yall!

This is the 1st time I've been able to check out the new Blog page & I wanted to add Miss Peanut in her Cowgirl Costume for a little more Texan pizzaz. We have a lot of talent in this little Team of ours here in Houston!

Kudos to the Blog Page Jo!!!

Linda

Learning more at Etsy

2008-07-31T10:56:00.000-07:00

http://www.etsy.com/virtual_labs.php is a page that lists upcoming events in the virtual lab. Some are craft lessons, many others are about team issues, and you don't have to give a password to get in. lol If you have some spare time you might find them worth checking out. Jo

2008-07-22T08:48:00.000-07:00

Polymer Clay Necklace

2008-07-21T08:52:00.000-07:00

This is a necklace I made Friday. I have not posted it on Etsy yet. But thought everyone would like to take a look at it. It's made with polymer clay bead and copper beads.

Notice what a great use Cindy made of labels!

2008-07-21T07:34:00.000-07:00

By including labels in the window at the bottom of the window where you write your posting, Cindy is able to quickly navigate viewers of the blog to her postings, including the same labels. This works like the tags in Etsy, and helps show how useful tags/labels can be for sorting quickly through a multitude of postings! Check out the labels on the upper left and click on each one, to see how it works.... CottoneyedJo

Let's Get This Party Started!

2008-07-20T14:18:00.001-07:00

We're hunting for opportunities here at Bundles of Joy, and I am excited about the world of possibilities for this team! Look for me at the Yale Street Art Market on Saturday, September 6!