etsy success holiday boot camp

my hand-carved "Boxwood with Berries" block print

This morning I'm reporting for duty....Etsy Success Holiday Boot Camp duty that is!

Yes, in the midst of working on a series of oil paintings and discovering the beauty of dyeing textiles with woad, I've decided to use up some lovely sustainable-crop textile remnants and a treasured hand-carved block print of mine to create some holiday ornaments and accessories my great-great grandmother would be proud of. All the art I create pays homage to the resilience and ingenuity my ancestors displayed as they homesteaded on the prairies of Colorado, Kansas and New Mexico.

As a participant, I am asked to pledge my commitment to helping fellow artisans rock the holiday season by sharing ideas and encouragement. See my pledge below.

In the meantime, I will give you a peek at some of the materials I'll be using for my eco goodies. I'll post more photos as they become available. Cheers to Danielle, Etsy -- thank you for the inspiration. Happy holidays!

100% organic cotton thread

block printed hemp/organic cotton + organic linen textiles (non-toxic ink)

I, Mandy Behrens, pledge to participate in the Etsy Success Holiday Boot Camp to the best of my abilities. I vow to check in every week, do my homework and support my fellow Holiday Boot Campers. I will read the weekly newsletters and blog posts, check in on the weekly forum thread, read the weekly blog post, check off the checklists and salute the mascot. I promise to share what I've learned with those who need it, support my fellow Etsy indiepreneurs and, most of all, have a positive and persistent attitude. I understand that together we can spread the word about our handmade and vintage goods, making this holiday season a more unique and meaningful one to gift givers and give-ees everywhere!