Graphic & Web Design | Desirai Labrada

This past Friday I got the privilege of attending an Etsy Labs event. Finally!! Living in FL for the opening of Etsy Labs was so frustrating. It’s such an amazing place for crafters to network and learn. I was so jealous and hated that I was too far to be a part of it, graduating from school however has changed this. and being back in NY has allowed me to be a part of something I was much looking forward to.

A few months ago Etsy Labs started holding Last Fridays Trunk Show, which are :ta-da!: held on the last Friday of each month. Trunk Shows provide a great promotional outlet for both Etsy and the Street Team being showcased. The Street Team members set up little stations where they are able to sell their stuff. In addition, there are snacks, drinks, and relaxing music. All this provides for a great social, networking and shopping experience.

Invited to particpate in 7/27/07 Trunk Show was the Trashion Street Team. The Trashion Team describe themselves as ‘a group of over 80 artists from around the world who specialize in turning trash into treasure. The Etsy Trashion Street Team is about visualizing beauty in unconventional objects and materials. We fabricate art, jewelry, fashion and objects for the home from used, thrown-out & found elements. For us, trashion is a philosophy and an ethic. It encompasses environmentalism and innovation, and respects the human creative and healing potential.’

Trashion Team members unable to attend sent in some of their designs and creations. This gave everyone an equal opportunity to participate and promote their work. To help facilitate the acceptance of payment, Etsy set up a Paypal terminal. Not only was it great that guests could pay for items with either cash, credit, or Paypal, but team members who sent in their work could receive immediate payment after each item sold.

SIDE NOTE: Since my digital camera is unfortunately still in FL, I’ve had to take pictures using my Canon Rebel 2000 SLR. Yes, that means I’ve been using film. If you don’t know what that is I’m not telling you. I’ve already been made fun of enough with people refering to it as ‘archaic’. lol anyway, I hope you guys appreciate the fact that I’ve not only been buying film to shoot these pictures, but then having to pay to develop and get them on CD to share them with you.

In addition to being seen by all the participating guests, the Trunk Show was also web casted in an Etsy chat room. The chat room action was projected onto a wall at the labs allowing for interaction between guests and online Etsy members. I got to shove my face in front of the web cam a few times so that my etsy friends were finally able to see what I look like.

I took so many pictures one person actually asked if I was the official Etsy Photographer. :ponders the thought: Man that would be cool! However, I don’t think Etsy is interested in my lack of Photography skills. lol

I also had the pleasure of meeting several Etsy Admin while I was there, including by not limited to: Rob, Anda, Danielle, Michelle, Matt, and Sarah. Such a lively, social bunch! It was nice finally meeting them all in person.

The Trashion Trunk Show was a great success and I look forward to attending many more Trunk Shows in the future.

For more information on Etsy Lab events, the Trashion Street Team, and pictures of the event please visit:

Etsy Lab Events
Etsy Labs Blog
Trashion on Etsy
Trashion Blog
Trashion Trunk Show Pics