Frick Park Fashion- What's Hot and What's Not?

Fall Forest Fashion: In a Word? Leafy!

We're fresh from Frick Park Fashion Scene! What's new and fresh in woodland style? Plump berry and tall and twiggy are the season's most envied shapes. The hottest looks are trampled-grunge and earthy-crunchy, and a glimpse of nude branch is oh-so-sexy! Hats are all the rage in accessories as acorn caps make their debut. Brown is the new green- last season's greens look old and whithered next to the colors du jour, vibrant golds, oranges, and rusts. An occasional crimson or plum is daring and avant garde, and reveals itself to hushed oohs, ahs, chirps, and squeaks. A hint of what's to come? Perhaps...

Stay tuned for reviews of the latest in swamp-marshland couture!

Steel Town Etsy Members Join Roving Hordes of Zombies Invading Market Square

If some of you have been wondering if some of the Steel Town Etsy members are really crafty zombies, we now have photographic evidence that some of them are.

 On 10/10/10 the dead walked again as the It's Alive Show hosted Zombie Fest as a food drive for the Pittsburgh food bank and an attempt to break the official Guinness world record for the largest gathering of zombies.  Pittsburgh has held the record in the past but was beaten by Seattle last year.  The official count at the end of the day was 4,590 zombies which, for now, is enough to bring the record back to Pittsburgh where it belongs.  Among those zombies, were several members of Steel Town Etsy, some of whom were even vendors.

Market Square was the perfect setting for the event and it provided a wonderful backdrop for many great shots throughout the day.

It was wonderful to see so many creative people come together for a good cause, and good, clean, if not somewhat bloody, fun.   Local artists and a couple of small, local businesses sold their wares at the event, and the zombies in attendance showed that they had plenty of brains as they purchased many items from these vendors.  Lynne, who made the brains on chains seen below as well as the zombie sachets to chase away the scent of decay at the end of the day commented, "You know, even though some of the zombies look really scary, they're actually really nice."

Events like this help make Pittsburgh a fantastic city to live in and help promote the local art scene.  Thanks to all the zombies who supported the local arts and businesses at this event.  It was wonderful seeing so many like-minded people in one place.

 

The end to a fantastic day!

Name Contest & Decorating: The NEW Pittsburgh 'Local Handmade' Vending Machine!

Announcing the yet-to-be-named Pittsburgh traveling craft vending machine!! It may look like any ordinary cigarette vending machine right now, but soon it will be embellished, jazzed up and filled with local handmade creations! AND WE NEED YOUR HELP TO NAME AND DECORATE IT!



Inspired by the Art-o-Mat machines that offer mini OOAK art, our machine will offer a sampling of what is being handmade in Pittsburgh. Instead of each piece being different, we are embracing our industrial heritage and offering items that are crafted clones of each other like our own Andy Warhol's repeated printings.

The goal of the machine project is to spread the word about the local craft scene by placing the machine in different locations throughout the city - bars, art centers, welcome centers, museums.etc. There will be an under-glass posting area on the machine to advertise local craft events and craft groups. The idea is to share not only access to the crafts themselves but where else they can be found in a store, online and at local markets. Each item will have the biz card of the crafter that made the item, along with the facebook page (to be unveiled once the machine is named!) for the machine so they can post happy customer pics and find out where the machine is going to be next. They even get a folded biz card for the machine with a mini button attached instead of a pack of matches!! The machine will even have its own Facebook page, where all of the current handmade goods in the machine will be displayed via photo.


YOU'RE ALL INVITED!

WHAT: Decorate the Machine Open House
WHEN: Sunday, August 22nd, 2010, 4-6pm
WHERE: Wildcard in Lawrenceville, 4209 Butler Street (map)

Rebecca Morris has VERY graciously offered to let us decorate the machine in her wonderful store Wildcard in Lawrenceville. On Sunday August 22nd there will be a "Decorate the Machine" Open House from 4-6pm. Bring some E6000 (use a Michael's 40% off coupon) and some scrabble tiles, dominoes, glass globs, random fun stuff, steampunk or Pittsburgh-related items, etc., and we will artfully mosaic the machine into something eye-catching and snazzy.

*Note- Please make sure there are no sharp edges or anything that would catch anyone or their clothes.

The machine will stay at Wildcard after the Open House for a trial run to work out any kinks. It is so wonderful to have someone who supports and loves local crafts like Rebecca to do this.

So put together your colorful doodads and join in the decorating fun!

~~* The person who brings the most nifty item to decorate with will win a fabulous prize submitted by a talented local artisan(s). *~~ :)

Light refreshments will be served.


NAME-THE-MACHINE CONTEST!

We are looking for your fabulous ideas for naming the vending machine! Submit names by commenting on the contest's Facebook Page through midnight EST on Saturday, August 21st. The winner will be announced at the machine-decorating open house at Wildcard on August 22nd (details above) and will get a tote bag full of awesome local handcrafted goodies!! If you would like to donate a handmade something to the winner prize bag, please bring it with you on the 22nd to the open house. We would love to see all entrants at our Open House, but those who cannot be present may pick up their prize bag at Wildcard after the event.


BE IN THE MACHINE

Interested in having your own crafty creations for sale in the machine? Please let us know!

Submission Guidelines:

*All types of art and crafts will be considered, and Pittsburgh-themed creations are especially welcome. In order to ensure that a diversity of items are available in the machine at any given time, not all artisans will be accepted to be vendors.

*Items must be smaller than a pack of cigarettes and priced at either $5.00 or $10.00 (the machine will have one row of $5.00 items and one row of $10.00 items). Boxes that fit the machine will be at the Open House (details above) for test-runs of your item size.

*Those who are accepted must submit 20 finished pieces to start.

*The fee to vend in the machine will be small, mostly to cover cost of boxes, printing and any rent charged. 100% OF VENDING MACHINE SALES GO BACK TO THE ARTIST!

*Email a clear picture of your items to Lynne of Charmed By Nature at slkrop@comcast.net for consideration.


Please offer any suggestions for the project including places you think might be interested in hosting the machine. Once the Facebook page is up, please suggest it to your friends!!

Thanks!!

An Action-Packed Indie Crafts Weekend for STE Artisans!

Steel Town Etsy artisans have got a busy buzzy weekend of indie craft shows this weekend with I Made It! Market! Come and see our wares in person and say hello! :) Shop local, buy handmade! Hope to see you there!

WYEP Summer Music Festival- Friday, June 25th, 4-8:00 pm, Schenley Plaza in Oakland. Enjoy an evening of free live music and fun, including a kids area and a local crafter marketplace. I Made It! Market artisans will be outside on Schenley Drive between the Carnegie Museum and Library. For more information on this fantastic outdoor celebration of music and arts, visit WYEP's Website at: http://www.wyep.org/.




Handmade in Marriage- Saturday, June 26th, 11-5 pm, Wildcard in Lawrenceville. The first annual indie wedding showcase featuring 20 local vendors who can help make your day PERFECT! Meet local photographers, disc jockeys, designers specializing in: jewelry, clothing, invitations, flowers and more. This event is free to attend. Visit www.handmadeinmarriage.com for more information.




I Made It! Market Indie Craft Sale and Birthday Party, sponsored by The Cotton Factory- Sunday, June 27th, 12-5 pm, Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Squirrel Hill. There will be cake, balloons, kids activities, a local indie artisan marketplace. See I Made It! Market's website for more details.

STE Takes on Lawrenceville Little Flea

We went, we vended, we bought, we roasted. Tam of Barker's Herbs & Heirlooms, Kathryn of Go Carr Go, and I (SilentLotus Creations) headed to Lawrenceville this past Saturday to take part in the charming and eclectic Little Flea! The Lawrenceville Little Flea is a weekly neighborhood marketplace that happens every Saturday at 36th & Butler, with rotating local vendors of both typical flea market fare and handcrafted goods. From 8am - 3pm, the three of us peddled our handmade creations and vintage goods in the sweltering heat with 12 other vendors, using the temp and hot sun as an excuse to seek out thirst- and tummy-quenching treats from Butler Street's yummy coffee and bake shops (thanks for the iced coffee & chai and vegan cupcakes, Espresso A Mano and Dozen). :)



Tam indulges my picture-taking urges and oversees our tent. :)



Kathryn's fabulous paper-cutting work!

The other vendors were in good spirits, chatting and laughing with one another and with flea shoppers. It was great to meet the friendly bunch, who provided us with some handmade, vintage, and thrifted bargains when we needed a break from our tables. I found an old rocking chair and vintage pieces to use in my jewelry making. :) There were clothes, dishes, photographs, textiles, chairs, tools and hardware, and plenty of supplies for upcycled art and craft projects. Chris from Signworks managed to sell a ginormous disco ball- wish I had a picture of that guy rolling away his enormous (seriously, I betcha two people could curl up inside) purchase, the glass tiles flashing in the sun and blinding passersby. lol




Little Flea.

Customers were friendly, too, and curious, quick to ask questions, join in a conversation, and or express support of our wares. Sales were okay, but I'm told there has been a much better turnout in previous weeks. And, in any case, I witnessed plenty of folks carrying their finds happily away. Like any market, success ebbs and flows on any particular day. I'd definitely recommend giving Little Flea and the Lawrenceville area shops a visit as either a vendor or shopper. It was a great day, and the rotating vendors promise new treasures every week!



Tamara's unique steampunk creations made with upcycled materials.



My original art prints and magnets.

Introducing today's featured seller: Paula from Pootinkies

The Steel Town Etsy team is thrilled to have so many new members! We'll be featuring interviews with them from time to time.

The first of these is with Paula of Pootinkies.  We hope you enjoy our interview!

STE:  Tell us a bit about yourself name, location, affiliations, personal stuff.

Pootinkies:  I'm Paula Luna :) I live South of Pittsburgh. I moved around a bit in my life but Pittsburgh is my heart and soul. I started my company Pootinkies on Etsy after having my son. I saw a serious need for baby things that were not your typical pink and blue. Or ducks. Or nauseating pastels in general. *gag*

STE:  Apart from creating things, what do you do?

Pootinkies:  Number one I am a Mom! I am also a pediatric nurse. I have also done ER and Labor and Delivery as well.

STE:  What first made you want to become an artist?

Pootinkies:  I don't think I ever really sat down and thought-hey! I should become an artist! I have been doing creative stuff all my life really. My Mom is like that too so I am sure I got a lot of it from her. I never really liked the latest fashions or whatever was "in". So I have always done my own thing. I am just really lucky at this time in my life that people are liking what I do!

STE:  Please describe your creative process how, when, materials, etc.

Pootinkies:  Things just come to me. My brain is a funny thing. Most of the time I am laying in bed half awake and half dreaming and I will think of something. Then the next day I will attempt to create whatever is in my mind. Everything I would want for my kid that isn't available I just try to create. Then I add a dash of weird, a teaspoon of quirky, and a touch of scary and then voila! Success! I use soft fuzzy fabrics. My favorite is cotton. I can't stand the things out there for babies in the corporate stores. One layer of half polyester half cotton doesn't do it for me when it comes to a drooling teething kiddo.

STE:  What handmade possession do you most cherish?

Pootinkies:  My zombie weiner dogs, definitely. There is nothing like them. Everyone needs one to have a complete fulfilled life ;)

STE:  Name your top five places to be in the Pittsburgh area, books/authors, movies/TV shows, songs/musical groups, and web sites besides Etsy.

Pootinkies:  Oh boy. This question is a tough one.  I think I am going to go with just the top 5 places in Pittsburgh:

1. Primantis-Because they do it up right. You put your fries and slaw all on your sammich. You have a cold Iron City beer to wash it down with. Then for at least an hour afterwards you must speak in a thick Pittsburgh accent that only people from here could possibly understand. It's a total out of body experience.

2. The Strip District-You can get anything you want here as far as food goes. Everything from Chinese food to Italian food to Mexican food. You can get it there. Plus I love the feel of the place. The vendors are out on the streets all summer long. It is the ultimate place to get your Steeler gear!!!!

3. Mt. Washington lookouts-You just can't get that kind of a city view anywhere else. It is breathtaking. It's cool to ride the incline up the hill and walk around on a cool summer night. Especially when there is a Steeler or Pirates game going on because you can see right down into the stadiums.

4. Kennywood Park-I love amusement parks. Kennywood has that nostalgic feel to it. Just the smells and the sounds as soon as you walk into that park. It just makes me feel like I am ten years old all over again.

5. The Point-This is a beautiful park that has an awesome fountain! You just can't experience three rivers all at once anywhere else.

STE:  What advice would you give to artists who are new to the Pittsburgh craft scene?

Pootinkies:  Be true to your own art. Don't be afraid that someone else isn't going to like what you are making. Plus-you are your biggest sales person. You can't be shy. Don't be afraid to ask your friends for a little help in the advertising department. Word of mouth is key. So don't be quiet about it.

STE:  How do you promote your work?

Pootinkies:  Facebook is a big one. I have a fan page on there that really helps. People all over the world are viewing it. I have business cards too. Plus meeting people and talking to everyone and anyone. I have met some of the coolest people just getting involved in groups like Steel Town Etsy. They are really creative and inspiring people. I have flyers and posters that I hang up in various places as well.

STE:  Please finish this sentence, "In five years I'd like to be..."

Pootinkies: A Mom of two ♥

Build Your Crafty Skills- Polymer Clay Necklace How-To

Making Necklaces with Leaves and Polymer Clay
Feb 9, 2010
The PCC is proud to present the following class:
Now’s your chance to learn to make beautiful one of a kind pendants from leaves and polymer clay. All materials will be supplied (leaves, clay, paint, cord, tools) for each person to make 2-3 finished necklaces.

Location: Wildcard in Lawrenceville Time: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pmDate: Sunday March 7, 2010Cost: 20.00 for PCC Members. All others 25.00
Class size is limited to 8. If you’d like to RSVP for this class, please do so topghcraftcollective@gmail.com. We do require that you pre-pay for this class to reserve your spot.
Due to the limited class size, if you must unavoidably cancel, please let the PCC know no later than 48 hours before the class. A waiting list will be maintained if slots become available.
Bio: Lynne Kropinak is a self-taught jewelry maker, flea market addict, and enthusiast of all things crafty. Her work is inspired and constructed with found and salvaged materials: scraps of paper, gemstones and leaves, polymer clay, paint, recycled trinkets, conversations heard in line at the grocery store, and other things too good to throw away. She has been making and selling crafts for over 25 years and delights in sharing skills and inspiration with other crafters.

Fall in Love... With Local Handmade!

It's Valentine's Day! Celebrate love the handmade way, and feed your passion for shopping as we celebrate Heart's Day!! Handmade love is about lots more than general and unabashed love of fabulous handcrafted and vintage goodies, though. It's about the love that each indie-artisan puts into their craft makes every piece special, and about showing indie small business owners the love by choosing to buy handmade over mass-produced items and by supporting local businesses. Steel Town Love doesn't get any better! So indulge in your desires and spread the love- shop your heart out! :D You can start right here!

Steel Town Etsy News: Snow, Fans, and Newbies!

The biggest news in the Steel Town area over the past couple of weeks is SNOW that has womped Pittsburgh twice! Urgh. One good thing about this blanket of sticky fluff covering everything, besides the pretty snow globe effect, is that lots of time holed up inside with hot chocolate and a blanky means lots of extra opportunity to craft!

As we know, a boatload of snow brings a huge number of hassles, too, not the least of which is making it impossible for anyone to get out and shop local handmade! :( Last weekend on February 6th, I Made It!, the area's most craft-tastic indie craft market, was forced to cancel its Valentine show "I Made It! Mine" due to inclement weather! Lots of hard work down the drain, or at least put on hold. And lots of time, footwork, and fundage lost by I Made It! admin on advertising and on renting space and tables and chairs! If you were scheduled to vend at the show, please consider waiving the return of your vending fee to help I Made It! recoup costs, or donating a little something to help reduce loss. Send an email for info on how to do so.

Help local crafters recoup costs and time, too, and while you're stuck in the house in this white out, take an online jaunt through some terrific Pittsburgh Etsy shops and spend some of your hard-earned mula on local indie artisans! ;)

In more team happenings, we've got a brand new Facebook fan page and group page! It really is brand-spankin' new, so please be patient while we spiff it up. ;) And please become a fan and join our group, and suggest the pages to all of your pals! Feel free to post there about any team and local crafty news you'd like to share. Also, we've started a new Flickr page to replace our old one- fresh starts and all. ;) Please come join, members, and post your crafty pics for all to see!

Last, but certainly not least, Steel Town Etsy has grown! We've got some awesome new members joining our crafty bunch. Please check out their shops and give them a warm welcome:









MandyGiehll - Handmade Topiaries, Wrapped Bangles, Hemp Jewelry, and Photography












JennyKayDesigns - Original Paintings and Home Decor

America Unchained! Support and Celebrate Local Businesses and Artisans!

On November 21st, 2009, take part in America Unchained, a campaign by the American Business Alliance (AMIBA) in which everyone in the US is encouraged to support only locally-owned independent businesses for the entire day! This is a great opportunity to build awareness of indie artisans and crafters in your local economy, as well as any other non-chain businesses. Whether shopping, eating out, or doing other business for this entire day, AMIBA says, can "maximize the impact of your dollars and inject potentially millions more into the local economy!"


As the holidays and shopping madness fast approach, consider purchasing local handmade gifts for everyone on your list! Did you know that local independent businesses create about three and a half times the local economic activity as chains do?! AMIBA director Jennifer Rocke explains that indie biz "pays local employees, use the goods and services of other local indie biz, and give back to the community far more than chains." According to Rockne, independents generate 70% more local economic impact per square foot than chain stores! Pledging to buy only handmade for the holidays (or anytime) can give a huge boost to your neighborhood's economic well-being. You'll have the perfect opportunity at Pittsburgh's I Made It! for the Holidays at the Union Project on December 5th, when 50 crafty area vendors will gather to vend their handmade goodies!

The choice of what businesses to patronize can have huge and lasting consequences. Take America Unchained on the 21st as a chance to spread the word that small indie businesses like artisans and crafters are critical parts of your cities' cultural, social, and economic impact. Supporting them is better for us and for the community's health and prosperity!

Thanks to Karen Holsopple of Pittsburgh's East End Food Co-op for her article that inspired this one!

Pittsburgh's Crafty Scene: I Made It! Market on Vid!

Pittsburgh, PA's indie craft community is unique in it's richness, visibility, connectedness, intitiative, and commitment to supporting local artisans and all things handmade. A huge force in the 'Burgh's crafty scene is the I Made It! Market, the area's only "nomadic" indie arts & crafts market, which sets up in different city neighborhoods several times throughout the year. By doing so, and by partnering with organizations and venues sharing a similar vision, I Made It! seeks to connect Pittsburgh and surrounding communities with the economic and cultural vitality of local arts, artisans, and the craft scene. I Made It! was founded by Carrie Nardini (a former Etsy Pittsburgh member- yay!), a powerhouse in the local Handmade Revolution who has made Craftivism and supporting area artisans the "cool" thing to do, while creating a strong presence and following for the market and those like it.

Check out this nifty vid by KeystoneEdge featuring Carrie (and and several of us Etsy Pittsburghers) at a recent I Made It!. Look for Lynne, me, and Tam there in the background vending. :)

Why Pittsburgh Rocks!

As if having the best dang indie craft community anywhere wasn't enough to make Pittsburgh a city to flock to, our Steel City offers a plethora of unique and awesome reasons to visit (and remain). Here are just a few of the reasons that Pittsburgh is in a category of its own among world class destinations, and a logical site to host the upcoming G-20 Global Economic Summit (from VisitPittsburgh.com):

•Pittsburgh is the only city in the United States with the distinction of being named "America's Most Livable City" twice by Places Rated Almanac.

•Pittsburgh has 446 bridges, more than any other city in the world.

•Pittsburgh is a leader in the environmental movement, with 33 green-certified buildings. The David L. Lawrence Convention Center is the first – and largest – certified green convention center in the world.

•Pittsburgh is ranked among the Top 10 of the World's Cleanest Cities, Forbes magazine (2007).

•Pittsburgh is home to the world-famous Andy Warhol Museum, named after Pittsburgh native and renowned pop artist.

•Pittsburgh is sometimes referred to as the "San Francisco of the East Coast" for its hills and beautiful vistas.

•Pittsburgh is the birthplace of Heinz Ketchup.

•Pittsburgh is named one of the Top Travel Destinations for 2008 Worldwide by Frommer's, a leading publisher of international travel guides.

•Pittsburgh boasts the second-most beautiful nighttime view in the United States, according to USA Today.

•Pittsburgh is consistently named one of the best arts destinations in the United States by AmericanStyle magazine.

•Pittsburgh's Carnegie Museum of Natural History has been named one of the best places in the world to see dinosaurs by the Discovery Channel and Forbes. With more than 103,000 specimens, the museum has the finest Jurassic dinosaur collection in the world and is the world's third-largest repository of dinosaur fossils.

•Pittsburgh is home to many "firsts" – the first U.S. public television station (WQED), the first U.S. radio station (KDKA), the first all-aluminum building (Alcoa), the first polio vaccine (Jonas Salk), and the first robotics institute (Carnegie Mellon University).

•Pittsburgh is safer than 82 out of 100 metro areas in the United States, according to Places Rated Almanac.

•Pittsburgh is located less than 90 minutes from Fallingwater, the world-famous home designed by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Two other Wright-designed homes are also available to tour nearby.

No wonder Pittsburgh was recently, once again, named the most livable city in the United States in 2009- and 29th worldwide- by The Economist magazine and sixth best city in "Ten Cities For Job Growth In 2009" by Forbes Magazine. (Pittsburgh Post Gazette). And the crafty scene is just as fantastic as the city! But you already knew that...

Support Pittsburgh crafters and EtsyPittsburgh!

Introducing Jenn Mack Fiberworks! Today's CityCraft Handmade Holiday Happy Hour Market Featured Artist.

I'm pleased to introduce you to today's featured CityCraft artist - Jenn Mack Fiberworks.

Jennifer Mack of Jenn Mack Fiberworks, says "I knit and crochet unique items including finger puppets, bags, and purses. There will be hooded scarves and the line of one-of-a-kind upcycled clothing. There will be new addition of men's clothing."

From her Etsy profile, "I've been sewing and crocheting since 3rd grade. Since then I've learned to knit, bead, embroider, and quilt. I love the challenge of knitting complex pattern work. I'd happily create custom knit pieces all the time.My love for making things turned into a fulfillment of my need for clothing that fit me. Pattern altering happens for every garment. Individualized items are the norm here."

She is an invaluable member of the Etsy Pittsburgh Team!

Come to Navarra on December 18th from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm to shop local, shop handmade, and see Jenn Mack Fiberworks along with numerous other talented artisans.

Introducing Barker's Herbs and Heirlooms! Today's CityCraft Handmade Holiday Happy Hour Market Featured Artist.

I'm pleased to introduce you to today's featured CityCraft artist - Barker’s Herbs and Heirlooms!

Tamara Barker of Barker’s Herbs and Heirlooms, is a self-taught mixed media collage artist & photographer. She offers an eclectic array of unique jewelry, gift tags, & collage art accessories with a focus on vintage images & recycling.

From her Etsy profile, Tamara admits to having “a deep affinity for things from the past.” She tries to “follow current trends and combine the old & the new whenever possible.” Tamara has also adopted the motto “making treasures from trash” based on a comment made by a customer at a recent show & has appointed herself “Queen of the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle).”

Tamara is an integral member of the Etsy Pittsburgh Team and is the coordinator for CityCraft.

Come to Navarra on December 18th from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm to shop local, shop handmade, and see Barker’s Herbs and Heirlooms along with numerous other talented artisans.

CityCraft Handmade Holiday Happy Hour Market

As part of their ongoing effort to create local selling opportunities for artisans in and around the Pittsburgh area, the Etsy Pittsburgh Street Team is happy to announce the CityCraft Handmade Holiday Happy Hour Market on Thursday, December 18, 2008 from 5:00 to 9:00 pm at Navarra (next to Bossa Nova) 131 7th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

This event, in downtown Pittsburgh, will feature 40 local artisans selling their handmade wares, performances by local musicians (schedule and details TBA), and how-to crafting demonstrations.

Mark the date on your calendar and come join us for a last chance to buy handmade for the holidays!

A few vendor spaces are still available. For applications, questions, or more info, email barkerbellheirlooms@hotmail.com.

Stop Motion Crafting!

Etsy Teams

Here's our write up in the Etsy Teams Digest:

EtsyPittsburgh has been all about motivation this summer! Members have been super busy teaming up to vend at events like the city’s unique nomadic indie craft fair I Made It! Market, spearheaded by team member zippull. By getting together at fairs and markets to root each other on and to share spaces, tents, supplies, advice, and laughs, Team Pittsburgh has established a supportive crafting community in the Steel City! To find out more about the team, its recent goings on, and why you should join, visit their Team blog. See some of their fabulous creations in the team’s Flickr pool.

Here's the link. We're in the middle of the page.
Thanks Silentlotus for the excellent write-up.

Merlinsbark at the Storque

Merlin's Bark Products is one of Pounce's Undiscovered Shops featured on the Storque!

We just met them at I Made It! Sundae Market.

Since they were discovered, they've made a few sales. Their large product line is sure to have something for you, too.

Congratulations to our old friend LemonCadet

LemonCadet was recently featured in a Storque Spotlight. She was with us at the very beginning of our team formation, even though she lives far away. Congrats friend of Pittsburgh!

Help Spread the Etsy!

The new Etsy referral feature is great.

Tech Updates: Invite a Friend
from Etsy :: The Storque

We are pleased to announce the addition of an Invite a Friend feature to Etsy. Registered Etsy members can now send an email to a friend or contact, inviting them to check out Etsy. Eventually, this new feature will tie into a referral program. For now, please help us by telling all your friends about Etsy in a quick and easy way and watch the number of referrals that have become registered Etsy members because of you grow straight from Your Etsy!

You may have noticed a few changes to the look of the top right of your Etsy screen! We have added an additional text link between Help and Logout called Invite.

Try it on your mailing list. Your mom. (ha) All your friends from college. Your Facebook contacts. Your crafty friends. People you work with. People who buy too much at Target. Your neighbor.

We'll be checking back in a week to see how many people you got signed up!