Economy Schmeeee-conomy: Etsy Posts Plus Signs

Those of you who have only been reading along for the last year, might not have noticed the frothy edges of Marimello's mouth when speaking about buying handmade. Suffice to type that Marimello toots the importance of buying handmade for a number of reasons, yet begrudges the need to consume and buy anything in almost the same breath.

Let's not get into the complete description here.

We gotta keep it short, because it's time to hit the road for Maker Faire, but we don't want to rub it in that we are going to the most fantastical geek fest, so here's some good news to leave you with:
Not making it to Maker Faire is nothing to be sorry about because there is SO MUCH going on this weekend. Check out the calendar for other options.
OK so what's the good economy news? While news about recession/slow economy growth keeps pouring in, Etsy news looks bright.
One one level, for sellers, maybe Etsy is sending out the "nothing to see here" message of calm. The last month has seen growth, but maybe not as much as projected.
Sales are out of this world though, so on another level it would seem that Etsy is succumbing to the same old slow down that most retailers are experiencing. Which is not as sad as it sounds! This might be the sign that Etsy really is legitimizing the handmade movement as a force to be reckoned with. Sure, Etsy has been making big waves in the smaller realm of the handmade community, but now it looks like some of those waves might be big enough to appear on the larger online consumer economy. Etsy certainly has the mainstream press to prove its influence on a larger social scale and reporting these kinds of numbers might fall on more mathematical ears as a sign of a new type of consumerism.

Your thoughts are welcomed...is Etsy's glass half full? What on earth does that mean? Should the handmade movement necessarily move forward in the mainstream?

Marimello Meetup at Maker Faire

Marie is going to be up at Maker Faire this weekend and would love to see some of your shining faces--like, in person. Drop a note to marimellodesign [at] gmail [dot] com, if you'd like to chat over some suds.

Craft Internship: Plush You/Schmancy

Wow, the jobs just keep rolling in! Marimello promises a serious post soon...in the meantime, if you are looking for experience in an indie shop, here's a good crafty internship. Let us know if you get it. We'll be jealous.

In case you aren't familiar, Plush You is an annual plush show that recently opened up a great brick and mortar up in Seattle called Schmancy. Here's the plea:

Folks, I just can't do it anymore all on my own. Elena is awesome and I wish I could clone her so I would have more of her but I can't. I am looking for an intern here at Schmancy to help with the gallery portion of my job. All the aspects of my job are like one full time job after another. BUT the internship is a part time gig that would help you learn the ins and outs of running a gallery.

Here are more details:

We are looking for an intern to help us manage the gallery side of Schmancy. This would be a part time position with us that can be done mostly from your home.

Description of job duties:
*update blog for gallery
*communicate with artists on a regular basis
*manage preview list
*promote the shows
*contact media about upcoming shows
*hang art with artist on day of openings (second friday of the month)

We are looking for someone right away. Resumes are due by April 25th. Please email me or drop them off directly at Schmancy 1932 2nd ave

Craft Job: Wm. Wright Co.

Wm. Wright Co. is a leading manufacturer of sewing and craft products such as Boye knitting & crochet implements, EZ Quilting tools, as well as trimmings, ribbons, home decorator trimmings and more!
This position is geared for a third or fourth year college student enrolled in a marketing or fashion merchandising program. You will be responsible for assisting the marketing team with preparation of new product presentation materials for the sales team, trade show materials, and assisting the marketing team in the day-to-day activities of the department.

This position will work with the Advertising and PR Manager for approximately 6 weeks and work with the Product Development team for 6 weeks.
Job Requirements:

• Should have working knowledge of Microsoft Office; knowledge of MS Project a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work, juggle several projects at once.
• 20 hours per week minimum (2-3 days/week) for a twelve week period. Must have own transportation.

This is a paid position. College credit may be available depending on the requirements of your college or university.

• Location: Antioch, TN
• Compensation: $10 / hour
• This is a part-time job.
• This is an internship job
• Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
• Please, no phone calls about this job!
• Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

See the original post over here.