ETSY team captain summit 2018

Over 40 European ETSY team captains representing 20 different countries

It was a privilege to represent our Norwegian etsy seller at the 2018 European ETSY team captain summit in Warsaw earlier this month.

 

This was my fourth summit and while each one has been slightly different, the thing that never changes is the enthusiasm and dedication you feel not just from other ETSY sellers and team captains, but also from the etsy administrators (admins) who organized, participated and contributed to the event with either a presentation, a workshop, or even just as an attentive listener, eager to know about your team, your country and your experience on the etsy platform.

This is also the year I celebrate 10 years as an etsy seller, and while etsy as an online market place has changed a lot through the years, adapting and keeping up with the online commerce trends it still remains at its core a place for creators and artist to showcase their creations and make a living, or contribution to their income by selling on a website designed just for them.

Made In Norway etsy team

Find Norway based etsy sellers here: Instagram, blog

Seller Panel with Tess Duncan (The voice behind the etsy podcast), Tania from Belgium and Helen from the Uk

Trend expert Dayna Isom Johnson gave us some insight not just into what is trending at the moment, but how ETSY sellers are contributing to the fashion and design industry with their original ideas and concept. - Keep creating ! Maybe your idea is the next 'big thing !'.

Bright and cheery summit venue

The summit venue was on the top of a tall building, with a panoramic view of Warsaw. The big globe reminded me of the daily planet, I wondered if Superman would come pay us a visit ?

Summit veterants. Some of us had attended ETSY summit before, but there were many new faces this time too.

Photo credit: Studio 1, Nafsika Kokkini. (If I have forgotten someone please let me know and I will add your name )

For more photos of the summit check out #etsycaptainsummit2018

Christmas ornament 2018, free pattern

Free Christmas ornament design

This beautiful Christmas ornament is inspired by a small Bargello exercise from an antique spot sampler in my collection.

I adapted it by using Christmas reds and greens, and framed it with a border in crewel wool in Gobelin. The back side is worked in Gobelin and tent stitch.

The pattern is simple, and self-repetitive so you can make it any size or shape. I chose to stitch it on canvas, but the design can also be stitched without the wool border on linen or even weave cloth.

I hope you have fun with this little design, and stitch some beautiful heirloom ornaments.

Pattern available as a free instant download here: https://www.roland-designs.com/free-christmas-patterns

Here I'm stitching the ornament on even weave with a simple border of running stitches

Details of mitred corners. Notice how I pulled a thread around the pattern to help mark my place and make it easier to fold the corners.

The inspiration behind the design is and antique spot sampler with a variety of interesting stitches.

La mode illustrée - 8 March 1868

I have a stack of old French ladies weeklies from the late 1800’s, and much like modern magazines they include stories to be continued, recipes, household tips , fashion guidelines, and craft projects.

If I had more time on my hands I would go through them meticulously and re-chart  all the patterns, then try out the designs and recipes. But, alas I do not think I will ever have that kind of extra time even if I lived to be a hundred years old! But, I can try to chart the most interesting patterns and share them with you. 

In the issue for the 8^th of March 1868 there was a beautiful Angel's trumpet posy originally designed to decorate a small table top screen, as well as a decorative cross intended for a priest's chasuble.

These are available in a combined PDF both on etsy and the website.

I did try out a simple cookie recipe from that particular magazine, which you can find here: Cookie recipe from 1868

La mode illustrée - 8 March 1868

Needlepoint cross design for a chasuble

Angel's trumpet posy