For Immediate Release: NY Handmade Collective (formerly Etsy NY Team) is back at BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! with NYC’s handmade finest

Back for a seventh season, the NY Handmade Collective (formerly known as the Etsy New York Street Team), a local community of professional artisans, will again be the sole merchandise vendor for BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!, the premier outdoor summer festival concert series in Prospect Park.

From June 7th through August 12th, NYHC will give show attendees exclusive access to a diverse, all-handmade capsule market of goods made by local artists – your friendly staff during all of the shows. Come in and talk shop with any one of them to find out more about NYC and the handmade market collective, the techniques that go into producing their wares, or just to say hello!

With the products this year, you can: adorn yourself with a wide selection of jewelry featuring natural gemstones, textured enamels, and vintage-inspired metals; make a fashion statement with one-of-a-kind fascinators and headpieces along with unique upcycled clothing and handmade purses, adult neckties and t-shirts; unleash your child’s creativity with magical dragon monster toys, while updating their attire with clever onesies and tees.

You’ll also be inspired to treat your skin to all-natural bath and body products; beautify your meal with hand-sewn picnic blankets, and jazz up a party with personalized crocheted and sewn decorations; and write a heartfelt handwritten note on quirky cards or organic-inspired block printed stationery.

Whether a local Brooklynite or a visitor to the borough, anyone attending BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! this summer will be drawn to supporting the NYHC artisans by shopping local and taking home a one-of-a-kind gift as a tangible reminder of the experience.

And what an experience it will be! Headliners for the free concerts this year include big name headliners such as Andrew Bird with Esperanza Spalding, Yeasayer, Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, and Amadou & Mariam. There will also be a handful of terrific benefit concerts to attend throughout the season, including The Shins, Fleet Foxes, and Conor Oberst. These benefit shows help to raise vital funds to provide for all of the other free world-class performing arts programming that happens at BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!

About BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!

In its 38th season, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! is one of New York City’s longest running free outdoor performing arts festivals. Launched in 1979 as a catalyst for a Brooklyn performing arts scene and to bring people back into Prospect Park after years of neglect, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! was an early anchor in the park’s revitalization. Over its history, the festival has presented over 2,000 artists and ensembles reflective of the borough’s diversity. Most BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! performances are free.

About BRIC Arts | Media | Bklyn

BRIC Arts | Media | Bklyn is a multidisciplinary arts and media non-profit dedicated to presenting contemporary arts, performing arts, and community media programs that are reflective of Brooklyn’s diverse communities, and to providing resources and platforms to support the creative process.

About the NY Handmade Collective

Created in the summer of 2007, the NYHC is made up of over 250 artists, designers, and crafters based in the metro New York area who create and sell handmade items on Etsy.com, a global marketplace for handmade goods. NYHC is a vibrant, nonprofit group of regional artisans committed to educating the community and developing the potential of its members through mentorship, market opportunities, and small business development. By focusing on selling events, clarifying the creative process, and the promotion of quality handmade goods, NY Handmade Collective broadens individual possibility while bringing people together, expanding the circle of community in our wider world. To learn more about the NY Handmade Collective visit http://nyhandmadecollective.org.

What: NY Handmade Collective Back with BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!

When: June 7th – August 12th

Where: Prospect Park Bandshell - 9th Street and Prospect Park entrance - Park Slope, Brooklyn

Websites:    http://nyhandmadecollective.org/celebratebrooklyn/  

Contact:  Jenny Topolski, CBK Marketing Lead

Brooklyn Flea's New Home in DUMBO

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Brooklyn Flea in Williamsburg just moved to Etsy's home turf: DUMBO! Today was opening day, and it will be open every Sunday for the rest of the Market Season. 

If you are looking for anything from Buffalo Nickles to Succulent Plants, you will find it at the Brooklyn Flea.  

One of my favorite vendors was Dan's Parents' House, from whom I purchased a Creepy Doll. But that was just the beginning of what you could get at Dan's - everything from bottle caps to a Madeline Doll. 

Dan's Parents' House 

Dan's Parents' House 

Shop Dan's here: http://www.dansparentshouse.com/home

Another vendor that I really loved was The Gifted Putterer! She had some fantastic vintage classroom decorations, and was just a really sweet person in general. It is no surprise that she is also an Etsy Seller. 

A table from The Gifted Putterer

A table from The Gifted Putterer

Find out more about The Gifted Putterer: http://www.thegiftedputterer.com/

My goodies: 

It was a fun outing to pick up some unique goods that I will use both as gifts and in my jewelry display. Flea Markets are great places to pick unique gifts and display items. And I bought the doll just because. She looked a little sad and needed a new home. 

Thanks for reading A New York Art Adventure written by Sophia Di Vitto from Wine Cellar Jewelry!

Have an Adventure Today!

Post by Sophia Di Vitto from Wine Cellar Jewelry

MEET the ARTISAN: Featuring Mezze Designs + GIVEAWAY

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"MEET the ARTISAN" is a blog series that spotlights Etsy New York Team artisans and their craft. In this feature, we learn more about Rachael, the creator of Mezze Designs. 

Q: What is Mezze Designs? Can you briefly describe your business for us?

A: Mezze jewelry is handcrafted from gold, silver and mixed metals. I create pieces in limited quantities to preserve the exclusivity of each design. My studio is in an area of Brooklyn that is undergoing rapid change; it is an influential hub for indie rock and has a thriving local art community, which provides endless inspiration. The beauty of handcrafted jewelry lies in fact that each piece is inherently unique. My style is raw and organic and as such, some pieces have been left with a purposefully unfinished appearance. Whenever possible, I use recycled metals as well as ethically sourced stones. 

In Arabic, mezze refers to an assortment of small appetizers. For me, it refers to something that stimulates a desire for more. Mezze \'me-'zei\ to relish, take pleasure in; enjoy

Q: Some artisans develop their products to meet consumer needs, while others craft products based on things and/or experiences that inspire them. What is the inspiration behind your business?

A: Mezze jewelry is designed to create tangible vestiges of memories, extrapolating them for the wearer to form and discover those of their own yet to come. I am an avid traveler and the places I’ve been and people who have touched my life have influenced many of my designs. Most pieces have a very personal meaning to me and I make an effort to share some of those stories in the product descriptions; they are physical reminders that evoke memories I will always cherish. I love all that is simple and elegant, but every now and then I get a little mischievous and will make something edgy or whimsical.

Q: Oftentimes, each artisan has a different strategy and objective for their business. What are the next steps for you and your business?

A: I started Mezze as a hobby and as a creative outlet from my corporate career in the pharmaceutical industry. Since moving to New York, I have had the time to shift that focus with the intent to make it a sustainable business.  I am in the very early stages of the process, so my current goal is to increase my market presence both online and in boutique stores. Part of my strategy has been to get involved with the Etsy NY team and use this network to build and maintain relationships with other artisans who have turned their art into successful businesses.

Q: As many artisans look to grow and further develop their businesses, do you have some advice that you can share with fellow artisans?

A: Don’t be afraid to take risks. I am always experimenting with ideas, taking classes and asking for input on designs. Not everyone will like everything that you make and that is ok. Some things will work, others won’t and that is all a part of the learning process. Your style and ability will change along the way, which means you are evolving. There is a niche for everything out there, so keep working until you find the one that fits you and your product.

Special thanks to Rachael for sharing with us. You can find her products showcased on her Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/mezzestudios. And, details of her special product GIVEAWAY are below. Please enter for your chance to win one of her beautiful silver stud rattlesnake vertebrae earrings!

About the earrings: Tiny rattlesnake vertebrae have been cast into sterling silver to make these spiny stud earrings. They are intricate, unique and have been lightly tumbled to maintain the natural texture. Earrings measure about half a cm.  They are the perfect accessories for your nights out and weekend getaways! 

Please allow up to 2 weeks for delivery.

Like Mezze Studios on Facebook and enter to WIN here!

Entry period ends at 11:59pm on Tuesday, July 15, 2014!