I opened up my Etsy shop UpcycleFever last March and to celebrate, it's CONTEST time! My shop has definitely grown and I've learned SO many things this past year. I'm having so much fun creating things and figuring out ways to upcycle items into awesome wearables.
So, here's what you have to do! Very simple really! Comment below with EITHER your favorite upcycling DIY project idea (link or quick explanation) OR the best advice you would give to a new Etsy shop owner!
The winner will receive a pair of studs and a bottle cap key chain (of their choice), and I will make new blog posts with all the coolest replies!
There are some uber cool events going on in March! Catch me at Big Bang Bazaar in Maitland & Night Owl Market in Fort Lauderdale! Check back every once in awhile for updates & additions.
3/1 - Food in Motion
Time: 5-12am Address: 800 NE 8th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Details - FREE Beer & Admission, Food Trucks, Food Market, Vintage Vendors,
3/2-3 - City Wide Market Fort Lauderdale
Time: 9-5pm Address: 800 NE 8th St Fort Lauderdale, FL
Details - Vintage, locally made, edibles & more. FREE admission & parking
Details - $10 admission, Bring your drawing materials to sketch live models
3/8 - Girls Vs. Boys Art Show Opening at Bear and Bird Gallery
Time: 7-10pm Address: 4566 N. University Drive, Lauderhill, Florida 33351
Details - 4 boys vs 4 girls in an art faceoff, beer & cupcake tasting, and more
Time: 10p-5am Address: 109 SW 2nd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Details - Music, videos, & art. Submissions due 3/7
3/10 - An Evening With The Onion
Time: 7:30pm Address: The Parker Playhouse in Fort Lauderdale
Details - The Onion, will bring its parody-news broadcasts for a live performance
Time: 6:30-11:00pm Address: 36 Street to 20 Street, NE 2 Ave to NW 6th Ave
Details - Free admission to all galleries, local craft vendors, & food trucks!
Time: 7-11pm Address: 308 S Federal Hwy, Boca Raton, Fl
Details - Local artists, crafters, specialty food, & other businesses
Time: 5-10:30pm Address: Mary Brickell Village Area
Details - Contemporary artists, avant garde curators, etc
3/29 - Cos Play Friday *Every Last Friday
Time: 10pm-4am Address: 109 SW 2nd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Details - Cos players welcome! Music & drink specials all night
3/30 - F.A.T. Village Art Walk *Every Last Saturday
Time: 10-4:00pm Address: NW 1st Ave & NW 5th St., Ft Lauderdale, FL 33301
Details - Free admission to exhibitions, galleries, community theaters, & more!
3/30 - Night Owl Market***
Time: 5-11pm Address: 541 NW 1st Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Details - FREE admission & drinks. Indie Local Vendors. Music. Food. Art
Market at Memorial Hospital Miramar *Every Sunday
Time: 9-2:30pm Address: 1901 Southwest 172 Avenue, Miramar, FL
Details
- FREE Admission & Parking. Full of local produce & other organic products
2/2 - Retro Indie Market
Time: 11-6pm Address: 1010 S Federal Hwy, Boynton Beach, FL
Details - $5 admission, fresh vintage & handmade finds!
2/2-3 - City Wide Market Fort Lauderdale
Time: 9-5pm Address: 800 NE 8th St Fort Lauderdale, FL
Details - Vintage, locally made, edibles & more. FREE admission & parking.
2/2 - NOBE art walk
Time: 7-11pm Address: 3320 NE 32nd St Fort Lauderdale, FL
Details - Handmade items, live music, access to galleries & exhibits
2/8 - Dwntwn Concert Series
Time: 6pm Address: 301 North Biscayne Boulevard Miami, Florida
Details - FREE festival, farmer's market, craft venders, beer garden, concerts
2/10 - Chili Cook Off at Pinecrest Gardens
Time: 12-5:00pm Address: 11000 Red Road, Pinecrest, FL
Details - $5 admission, Rides, live music, line dancing, kids crafts, etc
Time: 7-10:00pm Address: 2716 S Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, Fl 33405
Details - Art celebrating video games, Star Wars, Anime, 80s shows, etc
Time: 6:30-11:00pm Address: 36 Street to 20 Street, NE 2 Ave to NW 6th Ave
Details - Free admission to all galleries, local craft vendors, & food trucks!
Time: 12:00pm Address: Margate Blvd & 441
Details - Free admission, carnival rides, food, dancers, car show, arts & crafts, etc
Time: 7-11:00pm Address: 308 S Federal Hwy, Boca Raton, Fl
Details - Local artists, crafters, specialty food, & other businesses
2/22 - Cos Play Friday *Every Last Friday
Time: 10-4:00am Address: 109 SW 2nd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Details - Cos players welcome! Music & drink specials all night
2/23 - F.A.T. Village Art Walk *Every Last Saturday
Time: 10-4:00pm Address: NW 1st Ave & NW 5th St., Ft Lauderdale, FL 33301
Details - Free admission to exhibitions, galleries, community theaters, & more!
Time: 11-7:00pm Address: Downtown Miami Lakes, main street
Details - FREE entertainment, live music, kids activities, giveaways & more
2/24 - Indie Craft Bazaar at Revolution Live
Time: 12-5:00pm Address: 100 SW 3rd ave Fort Lauderdale, Fl
Details - Indoors with local artists & crafters, plus activities & drink specials
Time: 5-10:30pm Address: Mary Brickell Village Area
Details - Contemporary artists, avant garde curators, etc
Check back for changes & inform me of errors or broken links!
Lined it up for the New Year! Trying to get into Night Owl Market on the 26th.
Time: 7-10:00pm Address: 2716 S Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, Fl 33405
Details - Art celebrating video games, Star Wars, Anime, 80s shows, etc
Time: 6:30-11:00pm Address: 36 Street to 20 Street, NE 2 Ave to NW 6th Ave
Details - Free admission to all galleries, local craft vendors, & food trucks!
Time: 2-3:00am* (on Fri) Address: 711 NW 72nd Ave, Miami, Fl 33126
Details - Anime, Animation, & Cosplay Convention. Don't miss 3 days of fun.
Time: 2-11:00pm Address: NW 1st Ave & NW 5th St., Ft Lauderdale, FL 33301
Details - A catalyst to connect community; food trucks, live music, arts & more
Time: 7-11:00pm Address: NW 1st Ave & NW 5th St., Ft Lauderdale, FL 33301
Details - Free admission to exhibitions, galleries, community theaters, & more!
Time: 5-11:00pm Address: NW 1st Ave & NW 5th St., Ft Lauderdale, FL 33301
Details - Free alcohol, craft & arts vendors, vintage dealers, & more
Time: 5-10:30pm Address: Mary Brickell Village Area
Details - Contemporary artists, avant garde curators, etc
As always, check back often for detail changes & new additions!
Our first feature for November is a fellow Floridian & Team FEST member from Miami, FL. Welcome Rosemarie from Just4UWearables, and check out her links at the bottom!
When did
you know you wanted to create and sell handmade items?
After
I learned how to crochet and I made a crochet dress as a gift for someone, my sister encouraged me to sell my creations.
Where
does your inspiration come from?
Everywhere!
What’s
the most memorable custom item you’ve created?
A
poncho, hat and mitten set for my niece.
Besides
creating things, what do you do?
I love
to decorate, entertain, and exercise to keep fit.
What is
the most important advice anyone has given you?
First, knowledge is power. Second, always
think before you act.
What is
the most important advice you'd like to give to other Etsy sellers?
As
long as you are enjoying what you do, keep on doing it. Don't let financial
gains define your creativity.
Check out the links below & feel free to comment!
Upcoming events for the month of November! I will be at Formula Ink, Geekfest, & Itty Bitty Blazar!! See y'all around!
11/02/12 - South Florida DAY of the DEAD Celebration
Time - 3:30pm - until
Location - FAT Village ARTS District, NW 5th St. at NW 1st Ave
Details - Programming includes skeleton processional, family day, nocturnes, craft crypt, boneyard bandstand, community art, artwalk, ofrendas, and more! Most events are free!!
11/03/12 - NOBE Art Walk
Time - 7pm-11pm
Location - A1A & North East 32nd, 33rd, 34th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Details - Open Art Studio exhibitions, live music, outdoor cafes, jewelry & craft vendors, fashion, etc. NAC GALLERY will be continuing their Fine Art Auctions.
Links - https://www.facebook.com/events/163180157153540/
11/10/12 - Wynwood Art Walk
*Every second Saturday each month
Time - around 7pm-11:00pm
Location - 36 Street to 20 Street and NE 2 Avenue to NW 6th Avenue.
Details - Community wide, free admission to all art galleries, local craft vendors, & food trucks!
11/10/12 - Pancakes & Booze Art Show
Time - 8pm - 2am
Details - Over 75 artists exhibiting, all you can eat pancakes, live body painting, live art battle! $5 cover, 21+.
11/11/12 - Art Show, Car Show, & Food Trucks
Time - 10am - 4pm
Location - 2050 Civic Center Place, Miramar
Details - Come out for something different. Guys like to go to car shows, but girls love to go shopping, this event is a win win for everyone!
11/11/12 - Formula Ink Tattoo Grand Opening
**I'll be vending here!
Time - 1pm-7pm
Location - 1218 NE 4th Ave. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Details - The FREE event is an Artist Bizarre to help celebrate the grand opening for Formula Ink Tattoo! Other small businesses inside the plaza will be open with their own specials going on as well!
11/18/12 - Downtown Open Market
*Monthly, on Sundays
Time - 10am-4pm
Location - Royal Palm Place, 308 S. Federal Hwy Boca Raton, Fl 33432
Details - Arts, crafts, & vintage goods. FREE admission & FREE parking!
11/18/12 - The Market at Memorial Hospital Miramar
*Weekly each Sunday, this date has special programming
Time - 9:00am - 2:30pm
Location - 1901 Southwest 172 Avenue, Miramar, FL
Details - FREE Admission & Parking. Full of local produce
& organic products. Harvest market, pumpkin & apple pie baking contest, and Shrek is coming!
11/18/12 - GeekFest Florida
**I'll be vending here!
Time - 10am-7pm
Location - FAU Grand Palm Room, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431
Details - Expo of all things geek like Comics, Games, Collectables, Anime, Sci Fi, DVDs/Movies/TV, Tech Gadgets, Cosplay, Art, Toys, Sports & Non Sports Cards, Star Wars, Star Trek, Apparel, Posters and more !!!
11/24/12 F.A.T. Village ArtWalk
*Last Saturday of each month
Time - 7pm - 11pm
Location - west of Andrews Ave, east of the railroad tracks, and
bordered on the south by NW 4th Ave. and the north by NW 6th Ave
Details - Day of the Dead Event Preview
11/24/12 - Itty Bitty Blazar Gala Part IV
**I'll be vending here!
Time - 7pm-12:00am
Location - IWAN gallery, 810 NE 4 Ave, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304
Details - Fashion, art revue, and musical experience. $10 cover, free drinks all night! Attire is Avant-garde / Glam / Rock & Roll.
11/27/12 - Brickell Art Walk
*Last Tuesday of each month
Time - 5pm - 10:30pm
Location - Mary Brickell Villege Area
Details - Venues will not only offer exceptional and iconic contemporary artists, but also some of the most avant garde curators
Check back often!! This list is regularly updated!!
The next shop feature for the month of October hails from Lehigh Acres, Florida. Let's give Natalee Wright from Black Willow Soaps a virtual round of applause for taking the time to share her story. As always, check for links below and shower us with comments!
When did
you know you wanted to create and sell handmade items?
My
mother and her friend, Kurt, had been talking about selling handcrafted items
at craft shows in our area. They asked me to join them and bring my soaps and
candles. So, I made a bunch of soaps to go to the craft fair. Unfortunately, it
never panned out and I was left with all of these soaps. Christmas had just
passed, so I couldn’t really gift the items. I had sold on Etsy before with
just original artwork and really couldn’t get it to work out. But, I figured
why not try it again with my new products. So far, it has been a wonderful
journey.
Where
does your inspiration come from?
I gain
inspiration from everything. Most of the time, you can tell what I have been
looking at with my new products! The beach themed tealight candle holder came from a
trip to the beach with my husband. The rose candle holder came from the memory
of the beautiful roses that my mother had in our yard when we lived in Indiana.
My friends and family are a big inspiration and usually the last word on
whether or not one of my products will be listed. Chances are if they like it,
someone else will enjoy it as well.
What’s
the most memorable custom item you’ve created?
My Aunt
Amy told me that she couldn't use certain soaps because they caused her to get
a rash. I created the Lavender Oatmeal Shea Butter Soap just for her. It didn't
cause her to get a rash and she loved it.
Besides
creating things, what do you do?
During
normal business hours, I am a case manager for senior citizens. I help provide
services to senior citizens that allow them to stay in their home instead of
going to a nursing home. If I am not at work, I am usually working on my shop.
My hobbies kind of surround my shop. I like to paint, create, and grow herbs to
put in my soaps. I spend time with my family whenever I can. Most of my family
outings even seem to encompass my shop, like the beach, thrift stores, and the
flea market. In a sense, I am always working…at least in my mind. My brain
never stops thinking about what I could be creating or doing for my shop.
What is
the most important advice anyone has given you?
It will
all work out. In fact, my husband says it repeatedly.
What is
the most important advice you'd like to give to other etsy sellers?
Dive in!
You never know what will happen until you try. I firmly believe that dreams
never die, they just change a little over the years. So, I would say to anyone
who wants to create their own business or exclusively work in the products that
I work in, that they should go for it and see what is waiting at the other end.
Life’s journey begins with a single step, right?
Show Natalee some virtual love! Her back story is truly inspiring, don't forget to stay positive out there!
Upcoming events! I'll be vending at the Country Roads Arts and Crafts Festival, Witch{Craft} AND The Devil Made Me Do It!! Enjoy!
10/06/12 - Stitch Rock
Time - 12pm-6pm
Location - Old School Square Vintage Gymnasium 51 N. Swinton Ave Delray Beach , Fl. 33444
Details - $5.00, 12 & under free, tons of handmade vendors & crafters
Links http://www.RockTheStitch.com
10/06/12 - NOBE Art Walk
Time - 7pm-11pm
Location - A1A & North East 32nd, 33rd, 34th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Details - Open Art Studio exhibitions, live music, outdoor cafes, jewelry & craft vendors, fashion, etc
Links - https://www.facebook.com/events/100994936724020/
10/07/12 - The Market at Memorial Hospital Miramar *Weekly each Sunday, this date has special programming
Time - 9:00am - 2:30pm
Location - 1901 Southwest 172 Avenue, Miramar, FL
Details - FREE Admission & Parking. Chock full of local produce & organic products."Wear Pink Day" for cancer awareness and get a free pink cupcake
10/13/12 - Wynwood Art Walk *Every second Saturday each month
Time - around 7pm-11:00pm
Location - 36 Street south to 20 Street and between NE 2 Avenue and NW 6th Avenue.
Details - Community wide, free admission to all art galleries, local craft vendors, & food trucks!
Links - http://www.wynwoodartwalk.com/
10/14/12 - Downtown Open Market *Monthly, on Sundays
Time - 10am-4pm
Location - Royal Palm Place Monument Piazza 308 S. Federal Hwy Boca Raton, Florida 33432
Details - Arts, crafts, & vintage goods. FREE admission & FREE parking!
Links - http://www.downtownopenmarket.com/boca.asp
10/20/12 - Southwest Ranches’ 5th Annual Country Roads Arts and Crafts Festival ***I'll be vending here***
Time - 10am-4pm
Location - Sunshine Ranches Equestrian Park, 5840 SW 148 Avenue, Southwest Ranches, FL 33330
Details - Enjoy music, food, fun, & talented crafters! Pretty sure its Free all around!
Links - http://www.southwestranches.org/calendar.php
10/21/12 - Indie Craft Bazaar: Witch{CRAFT} ***I'll be vending here***
Time - 12pm-5pm
Location - Revolution Live, 100 SW 3rd Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Details - $5 admission, $3 mimosas, over 65 local independent artists and crafters, pumpkin patch, FREE trick or treating, DIY Resin Jewelry Make N Take station, live music..... costumes encouraged!!
Links - https://www.facebook.com/events/474423829255299/?fref=ts
10/27/12 - The Devil Made me do It ***I'll be vending here***
Time - 6pm-11:30pm
Location - IWAN's The Bubble 810 NE 4th Ave Ft Lauderdale Fl 33304
Details - $10 cover, Free beer & drinks all night, Tons of local artists, crafters, & food vendors. A satellite event of South Florida Day of the Dead Festival
Links- https://www.facebook.com/events/321892314573120/
10/27/12 F.A.T. Village ArtWalk *Last Saturday of each month
Time - 7pm - 11pm
Location - west of Andrews Avenue, east of the railroad tracks, and bordered on the south by NW fourth Ave. and the north by NW sixth Ave
Details - Day of the Dead Event Preview
Links - http://fatvillage.com/main/?page_id=34
10/28/12 - The Market at Memorial Hospital Miramar *Weekly each Sunday, this date has special programming
Time - 9:00am - 2:30pm
Location - 1901 Southwest 172 Avenue, Miramar, FL
Details - FREE Admission & Parking. Chock full of local produce & organic products. Costume contest with prizes for kids & pets.
10/30/12 - Brickell Art Walk *Last Tuesday of each month
Time - 5pm - 10:30pm
Location - Mary Brickell Villege Area
Details - Venues will not only offer exceptional and iconic contemporary artists, but also some of the most avant garde curators
Links - http://www.brickellartwalk.com/
PS I do update the list when I learn of more events! Check back every once in awhile!
Aaahh, my first craft show is next Saturday night and I'm getting nervous! Who's got some last minute tips?
And no, I'm still not ready. O_O. I still need to work on getting a table, how to set up my displays, and making signs. Aacck!
In case you forgot, its the Night Owl Market in Fort Lauderdale, Florida!!
