Growing up, sometimes we forget to exercise our creative activities. For some, our creative drive dies right along with the hand-me-down car from Grandma senior year in high school. Sometimes our creative energy is put on the backburner as stresses and responsibilities of being an adult such as finding a job, keeping a job, paying bills, the mortgage and providing for our families take over… or our creative energy fades away completely. Here in Sacramento, we love each other. We support each other. Seriously, we do. Just stop for a moment and think back on how many creative projects, ideas and businesses that have thrived in the last decade or so. Regardless if the doors of any of these i

Everything was pink, sparkly, floral and cute at the Etsy Party & Craft Supply Swap on Friday in Fremont Park. The event was part of a “global craft party” orchestrated by the e-commerce site Etsy, and hosted by Amy Cluck of IndieSacramento. All handmade enthusiasts were invited to attend. Tables covered with vintage floral sheets and topped with handmade goodies were drenched in contrasting golden specks of light and early evening shade, adding even more charm to the already charmingly intimate gathering. There was a “MacBook photobooth” with handmade props to wear while taking silly photographs, plenty of free swag like Etsy buttons, heart stud earrings from Sweet-N-Salty (Amy Cluck’

Chances are you’ve heard of Etsy. It’s the world’s most expansive marketplace for handmade and vintage items. With neighborhood networks and a shop-local function, Etsy is revolutionizing the way people shop online. I spoke to artist and team leader of SactoMetro Etsy Street Team, Marianne Bland, about her team of local artists and craftsmen representing the Sacramento area on Etsy.com   Tell me about Sacramento’s Etsy Team SactoMetro Etsy Street Team has soap makers, painters, people making spiritual items, fine art…just a huge variety of items. We have people doing it to supplement jobs, full-timers, mothers at home school… It's an interesting group of people trying to help each other

IndieSacramento’s biannual trunk show and craft bazaar happens once again this May 2, from 10am-3pm at Fremont Park in the Midtown/ Downtown Sacramento area. The IndieSacramento May Market hopes to spread a DIY ethic throughout the Sacramento area, encouraging patrons to live both cheaply and creatively during these trying financial times. The May Market boasts over 40 craft and fashion vendors, carrying a wide variety of affordable and fashionable handmade goods. Besides having the opportunity to support local small businesses and crafters, IndieSacramento is also giving patrons the opportunity to dabble in DIY themselves by offering IndieSacramento's first ever Craft University. The Cra