Happy Birthday EtsyRain!

*UPDATE* - Etsy liked our gift so much that they made a little video "reopening" our gift. The first video got accidentally taped over, OOPS! But, we loved that they reinacted the opening for us. Here it is.

What on earth is an EtsyRain you may ask. EtsyRain is the Seattle Metropolitain Street Team for Etsy.com. Our team was founded a year ago by Carrie of Glitzconcepts (Finny's Funny Fleece) in August of 2007. In celebration of the event many of our memebers pitched in to send the gang at Etsy.com a little birthday present. The team has been a great support to me an all its members and we couldn't wait to give back.

Marlo of I Make Cute Stuff has taken over the helm and is steering EtsyRain into a really exciting second year! With plans for group booths at various local events, promotions, and a new website in the making we have a lot to look forward to.

The artists and artisans of EtsyRain are as diverse as the faces of Seattle's residents. Amongst our members you will find everything from handmade knits and organic soaps to beautiful one of a kind jewelry pieces and fantastic photography. Our shows will surprise you, and I dare you to walk away empty handed! Just take a look at a few of our member shops or our blog and see for yourself. If you are in the Seattle/Tacoma area keep a look out for that crazy word "EtsyRain" we might just be coming to a show near you!

(Images shown are the donations for the EtsyRain birthday present to the team at Etsy.com)

Happy Solstice

Seattle is a city of beautiful diversity. I sometimes think that the folks who were born and raised here, although I it never seems like anyone is actually "from" here, take this city and all it has to offer for granted. From the lively atmosphere at Pike Place to the unique shops of Ballard and Fremont there is always something new to experience. Then there are the mountain trails, the lake side parks, and ferry trips to the surrounding islands - oh, I could go on forever!

Well, I had the opportunity a couple weekends ago to experience one of those special "Seattle" events. I attended the Solstice Parade in Fremont and it will definitely be an occasion I will be adding to my calendar for years to come. If you'd like to learn a little more about this Seattle tradition head to the Fremont Arts Council website and if you would like to see my pics you can check them out here. The best part about the Parade was the way everyone, participants and onlookers alike, joined in and celebrated! Everyone seemed to embrace the opportunity to rejoice. Some took part in the tradition of celebrating the human form, in all its naked glory. But others pushed the envelope politically with controversial statements on American life. I was just happy to be part of it all, even if only as a spectator. Who knows maybe next year I'll be pushing a float myself, and yes I said pushing, there are no motorized vehicles allowed at this show!