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Friday Feature : Made by Melephant

2/26/2016

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We are featuring Made by  Melephant this month. Owner Melissa Fong offers a variety of handmade headbands, scarves and skirts in her shop. She has been sewing for over ten years and it all started when her friend had asked her to make  a few skirts to wear to San Diego Comic Con. They were an instant hit and she has steadily added more offerings to her collection since then.
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SFEtsy:  What's your work schedule/routine like?
Melissa Fong: I am currently working two part-time jobs and taking classes in addition to running my shop, so my schedule changes up all the time and can be a little hectic. I usually work in the day, and I work on my shop at night, whether it's completing orders or creating new products. I don't have a set routine of the exact amount of hours I work on my shop every day, it's just trying to find small pockets of free time to sew when I can.

SFEtsy:  Tell us about your work space - where do you create?
Melissa Fong: My "studio" is basically a hobby room where I also have a TV and a computer in addition to my sewing machine and fabric stock. I would love to have a space where I could freely spread out and dedicate all to my shop, but space is limited so I try to make as much use of all the free spots in the room as possible. I only have one table in the room to use freely for sewing, gluing, etc. so whenever I need to sew or cut, I need to rotate my tools around depending what I need at that very moment. My fabric is stored in bins around the room labeled with each particular theme or fabric.
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SFEtsy:  What tools do you use that are absolutely essential and makes a huge difference in your day to day process?
Melissa Fong:  I would not have a shop at all if it weren't for my Kenmore sewing machine. I bought it over ten years ago from Sears and it's still going strong! Other essential tools include my titanium fabric scissors by Fiskars, pin cushion and pins, measuring tape, an iron, and cutting boards. When I make headbands, I use a bodkin and a Turn-It-All set, which makes sewing headbands so much easier. I'm not a fan of the safety pin method to turn fabric tubes inside out, so thank goodness for the Turn-It-All!

SFEtsy:  How did you get involved with Etsy?
Melissa Fong:  I've known about Etsy for a long time, and I always had the desire to open up a shop, but for the longest time, I didn't know what I wanted to make. Then a few summers ago, my friend asked me to make her some skirts for San Diego Comic Con. She loved them and got lots of compliments on them, so I decided to try my hand at selling them on Etsy. From there, I expanded to headbands, scarves, and mouse ears.

SFEtsy:  What is your biggest challenge related to your Etsy shop? (optional)
Melissa Fong: ​ My biggest challenge at the moment is time management and dedicating enough time to run my shop. There's so much I want to do to expand and grow my business, yet I feel like I never have enough hours in the day to keep up with the work I want to do for my Etsy shop. My business is primarily a hobby and I love it, but perhaps one day I might want to grow it into something bigger. I would love to start doing craft fairs and shows this year, but dedicating the time for that is something of a challenge. 


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SFEtsy:  What has been your biggest success and/or proudest moment since opening your Etsy shop? (optional)
Melissa Fong:  One of my proudest moments has been hitting 100 sales and realizing how far I had come within that time span to be able to sell that many items. Imagining 100 customers coming up to my virtual website and actually having an interest in what I've created is just mind-blowing. The positive feedback I've received as well has been so wonderful and meaningful, and I'm so grateful and happy when my customers are excited and ecstatic about my products. My business has grown so much in the last year and a half, and I hope to expand and grow more over the next year.

SFEtsy:  What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)? Why is it your favorite?
Melissa Fong:  It's hard to pick one favorite, but probably my R2-D2 mouse ears is one of my favorite items I sell, just because he's my favorite character and it was one of the first mouse ears I had created. I also adore the fabric, and am still debating on what to make with it for myself (possibly to wear to the premiere of the new movie).

SFEtsy:  What are your favorite tools or apps that help you with your business?
Melissa Fong: ​ I use the Sell on Etsy app to run my business on the go. It's very easy to use and it's super convenient and handy. I also have an Instagram account for my shop that I use a lot to promote my business, and whenever I need to take product photos or pictures for my Instagram, I use Camera+ to edit my pictures. I also use Microsoft Excel for my bookkeeping, and I order my business cards from Vistaprint.
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SFEtsy:  What crafting skill(s) do you wish you had or hope to learn someday?
Melissa Fong:  I love sewing, but someday I wish to build upon my sewing skills and perfect my alterations skills. I have lots of dress patterns, specifically vintage, that aren't exactly my size, and I'm mostly self-taught so I wish to dedicate some time one day to learning the art of altering patterns.

SFEtsy:  What's next for you?
Melissa Fong: I'm always working on new designs for the shop. Someday I would love to sell in person at a show, but for now I'm sticking to online because it works better for me and my schedule.
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Made by Melephant can be found on Instagram  @madebymelephant
​
https://instagram.com/madebymelephant/
Friday Features are run by Raji of Red Kerria Designs. To see your own shop featured, please contact her.
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The Romantic and The Ecologist : Trends 2016

2/25/2016

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Mini Embroidery Hoop, Burgundy Pendant with Embroidered Daisies by PlaidLoveThreads
Part four of this blog post series  features both the Ecologist and the Romantic archetypes for 2016   trends. These are two of the projected trends for 2016  that was unveiled at the 75th anniversary of the CHA MEGA Conference & Trade Show by their key note speaker, Philip Fimmano from his presentation "A World Of Craft".  

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Lola - One Shoulder Backless Pleated Couture Pin Up Dress by Black Licorice Boutique


Archetype: The Romantic
  • Vintage textile and couture sewing techniques like pleating, smocking and  ruching. 
  • Lace in fashion for both for women and men
  • The use of perforations and holes (inspired by lace)  influencing both paper and textiles
  • The use of wire transformed to look like lace
  • Revival of stucco, cement and moldings
  • Embracing an antique way of dressing - go vintage!
  • Weddings.. are in ! But this time grooms are equally as important as the brides .  Be sure to include them in your vision.

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Lace Black Party Dress with Round Neckline from Eledjo

Archetype: The Ecologist.
  • Embraces nature
  • Natural dyes, for makeup, food and coloring things
  • Safe and healthy origins
  • Printing using leaves and nature in techniques
  • Felting
  • Farming own materials and making your own natural dyes
  • Becoming part of every step in the making process
  • Food industry using local ingredients, being healthy, and beautifully displayed 
  • Natural fibers and the use of them in weaving
  • Block printing revival  - and making your own prints
  • Piling different patterns on top of each other
  • Marbling
  • Combining natural materials with today's technology

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Pit Fired Ceramic Bottle Vessel from Boii Studio

To read part one, two and three of this series or if you would like to know more about the key note speaker and the CHA MEGA convention read  -The Crafter - Archetype One , The Urbanite - Archetype Two and The Archivist  - Archetype Three ​

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Robin Goodfellow (A Midsummer Night's Dream) Necklace by Elements Artifacts

written by Lisa Spinella @TickleAndSmash

The Urbanite Trend 2016 Pinterest Board
The Crafter  Trend 2016 Pinterest Board 
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The Archivist Trend 2016 Pinterest Board
The Romantic Trend 2016 Pinterest Board
The Ecologist Trend 2016 Pinterest Board

Featured Etsy Shops:  The Romantic Trend
​PlaidLoveThreads
Eledjo
Black Licorice Boutique

Featured Etsy Shops: The Ecologist Trend  
Boii Studio
Elements Artifacts
​The Heated

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Pair of Flour Sack Cotton Napkins - Ponderosa Pine design by The Heated
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The Archivist - Trends 2016

2/16/2016

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Sea Green Swallowtail Framed Butterfly Display by BugUnderGlass

Part three of this blog post series  features the Archivist trend for 2016  which is sure to inspire.  This series of blog posts on trend archetypes for 2016  was unveiled at the 75th anniversary of the CHA MEGA Conference & Trade Show by their key note speaker, Philip Fimmano from his presentation "A World Of Craft".  To read part one and part two of this series or if you would like to know more about the key note speaker and the CHA MEGA convention read  -The Crafter - Archetype One and The Urbanite - Archetype Two 
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New Luna Arm Cuff by Taxil Hoax

The Archivist: is focused on the documentation, collecting, archiving, world history, and the individual's continued education about the world of yesteryear.. 

Archetype - The Archivist 

  • Photo printing. Technology now allows us the opportunity to print our own high-quality photos on just about anything now.  Images on pillows, wallpaper, bags, artwork to memorialize moments will be seen in home decor and style.
  • Collectors.  Anyone who knows a collector knows that their treasures need to be visibly  displayed and featured in their  homes not unlike a museum. The fun is not only finding the items for your collections  but the art of displaying these collections will be equally important.
  • Photo documentation. Chronicling  significant, relevant events in history and everyday life
  • Natural ingredients - an interest in knowing  the origin stories and materials used in the products you make.
  • All botanicals  - images or products relating to or made with  plants
  • Historical drawings, illustrations or vintage ephemera
  • Maps of all kinds
  • Beachcomber - the ocean and beach washing up surprising organic and inorganic materials of all kinds in use within products.
  • Shift towards prehistoric and what came before us. 

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40's Hawaiian Art Slim Wallets by Heathered

written by Lisa Spinella @TickleAndSmash

The Urbanite Trend 2016 Pinterest Board
The Crafter  Trend 2016 Pinterest Board 

Featured Etsy Shops:
Bug Under Glass Etsy Shop 
Taxil Hoax Etsy Shop
Heathered Etsy Shop  
​
Crow Woodcraft Etsy Shop 

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Rose Resin Wood Pendant Necklace by Crow Woodcraft
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The Urbanite - Trends 2016 

2/11/2016

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Rumi Leather Necklace with Gold Drops by SanazKhosravi
This post is part two from the series of blog posts on trend archetypes for 2016 which was unveiled at the 75th anniversary of the CHA MEGA Conference & Trade Show by their key note speaker, Philip Fimmano from his presentation "A World Of Craft".  To read part one and to know more about the key note speaker and the CHA MEGA convention read our first blog post -The Crafter - Archetype One. 

The Urbanite: is inspired by the younger generations - the Millennialist and  Generation Z . The trend blends tastes together. Rules are irrelevant and the freedom to explore craft without discretion is encouraged.
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Turquoise Blue Dessert Pedestal by The Roche Studio

Archetype - The Urbanite:
  • Combination of elements
  • Use of raffia string
  • Knitting revival - particularly with men in mind
  • Creative socks
  • Recycling and not wasting anything. Being thrifty
  • Redesigning pattern making with the importance of having zero waste products
  • New materials use - like concrete , mold making  and the resurfacing of pieces and furniture
  • Inflating items with air - like cushions
  • Movement toward the quilted form
  • Marbling revival
  • Recycling plastics 
  • Embracing the old and new together. Technology and vintage
  • Consumers now want to make things themselves -  DIY 
  • Mirrors - New ways of framing and seen used as more sculptural accents
  • ​Shelving and organizing units. Organization tools to help make sense in your chaotic life. A shift towards embracing organization but in an aesthetic way.
  • Simple packaging
  • Will see hardware used with more aesthetic colors and unusual shapes .
  • Denim use and the recycling of denim - you will see this casual textile transformed and seen used in more formal wear. 
  • Chalk/Blackboards - Using blackboard paint  to make items more multidimensional, more sculptural and present in life.
  • Illustration,  and the use of more personalized imagery.
  • Coloring books as a way to bring calmness and well being info life. ​
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USA chalkboard by 265 Design
written by Lisa Spinella @TickleAndSmash

The Urbanite Trend 2016 Pinterest Board
Featured Etsy Shops:
Sanaz Khosravi Etsy Shop
The Roche Studio Etsy Shop 
265 Design Etsy Shop

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The Crafter - Trends 2016

2/9/2016

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​Whimsical Monster Yarn Bombed Chair by KnitsForLife
Inspired.. I drank my morning coffee and observed the creative buzz from the LA convention hall I found myself in. Attendees and retailers from the 75th anniversary of the CHA MEGA Conference & Trade Show piled into the auditorium waiting for the speakers to start. CHA MEGA Conference & Trade Show  showcases the latest in crafting trends, and maker innovations that will influence our creative industry in the coming year.  Everyone there was waiting to learn more from the key note speaker, Philip Fimmano,  who was about to address the audience.  Fimmano is a well respected, contemporary fashion and design specialist, who provides strategic guidance to international brands on all upcoming trends. He is a contributor to Trend Union and Bloom Magazine, and the co-curator of Edelkoort Exhibitions. He gave a presentation on, “A World Of Craft”  where he discussed trends in fashion, décor and art for 2016. He reviewed his trend forecast for the future styles, colors, materials and techniques that you will see impact the craft and DIY market .

Our society has changed and you will see this reflected in the life style trends influenc
ing us daily. For example, you may have noticed that your audience's age bracket is not necessarily your personal age anymore. We are in an era of a no age mentality, from Millennials to the elderly,  we are experiencing more and more creative freedoms.  Rules are now meant to be broken! The family dynamic has also noticeably changed how and what we think of  as "family".  Gone is the stay at home mother, working  father, plus two kids and picket fence. It now includes your pets and extended family.  Men are also more involved with parenting. Roles are being reversed. Men are staying at home and taking on newer more sensitive roles within the family. Our society is becoming more 
 community oriented.  We are sharing information, skills and technique and passing it along freely to others.  We are now more computer savvy because of our understanding and fascination with technology. We are seeing makers mixing materials in new ways . The sense of touch and tactile surfaces are becoming significant to consumers as they grow more interested in how things are done. Consumers are now wanting to be involved in the process, from the ethical treatment of animals to the organic processes in which products are made.  Customers are interested in what is handmade,  unique and what can be personalized just for them.. 
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Mohair dress tunic top hand knit and OOAK by GBDesign
Here are the eight archetypes described by Fimmano that you will expect to see in 2016. The Crafter, The Urbanite, The Archivist, The Ecologist, The Romantic, The Cultural, The Surrealist, and The Nostalgist.
The first archetype to be discussed in today's blog post and on Pinterest is the Crafter.


      Archetype: The Crafter
  • Expressing creativity in free way. Embracing new techniques.
  • Textile art and culture of craft focusing on handmade process throughout ages.
  • Weaving revival - hand loom weaving.
  • Embroidery and textile art.
  • Design - coiling and wrapping using yarn and colored string.
  • Over sized yarn use - inspired by doll house furniture.
  • Polka dots and big round shapes .  
  • Exploring our folklore - learning and applying techniques from past.
  • Being thrifty and transforming remnants .  
  • Yarn - wool and mohair - or harder to find fiber like yak, goat.
  • Knowing where and how animals are  treated and the origins of ingredient used
  • Dyes and creative makeup and hair.
  • Stenciling 
  • Color sophisticated - monochrome or natural dyed colors. Less primary.
  • Revival of basket weaving with wire construction indoors/outdoors.
  • Focusing on shades and colors found in nature
  • Roller painting  and playing with color..
  • Leaving edges unfinished  - as beautiful as finished. 
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Hand Loomed Girl's Dress by SugarcaneSF
Spotting Trends: 
Be ahead of your consumer needs. Where does a maker start to look for new trends? Trade shows, Pinterest, Instagram, and your community are a great place to start. Trends can change quickly so be vigilant. Cut through all the noise you see and  be aware of all the fads.. Be true to your brand and be relevant to your customer as you do your research and make decisions.  Take risks but trust in your gut instinct because you can't always be sure. Timing is crucial - think.. is it an emerging or a mature trend? Remember, always take the time to listen to your customers and understand what they are asking for.

Lisa Spinella

@TickleAndSmash

​The Crafter Trend 2016 Pinterest Board 
Knits ForLife Etsy Shop 
GBDesign Etsy Shop
SugarCaneSF Etsy Shop 
​
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    Welcome to SF Etsy

    We're a collective of over 2700 Etsy sellers in the San Francisco Bay Area. 

    The SF Etsy Street Team is 100% in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

    We condemn the violent acts, murders, crimes, and police brutality inflicted on the BIPOC community. These terrible and senseless acts must come to an end!

    As a team, we will continue to share and raise awareness for our community of artists, specifically, black, indigenous, and people of color.

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    We strive to support and promote local Etsy sellers by sharing expertise and advice, hosting local shows and events, and providing a valuable network of local talent and resources. 



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SF Etsy is a collective of Etsy sellers and not an official part of Etsy.com. 
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