Etsy's Handmade Blog
Etsy Minneapolis Meet Up: October 15, 2009
Story by indec, pesmou
Published on October 28, 2009 in Events 		Photo by

Jsandquist
UPDATE from Maria and Ian: 
 
Hello Minnesota Etsy sellers (and one from Wisconsin!),
 
Thank you so much for your recent warm welcome in Minneapolis. Ian and I enjoyed meeting all of you, and we appreciate that you took the time to join us at Nye's. We're especially grateful to the members of  HandmadeMN, a Minnesota Team — led by Kelly of kellybot and Toni of WildDogStudio — who presented us with a giant burlap bag of gifts made by members.  As promised, I waited to dig into the bag until I could share its contents with everyone who works at Etsy. We did so today and were simply delighted and awed. Thank you!
 
Thanks, too, for the Dossier which has been read and studied by many of us at Etsy. This is an incredible collection of sellers with their wishlists and ideas for Etsy.
 
We are incredibly grateful for your support and thank you for selling on Etsy. You can see more photos here.
[The following was originally published on October 6, 2009.]

Hello Twin City Friends,

This is Maria, Etsy's CEO, and I will be in Minneapolis next week for the American Craft Council Conference. Kelly and Toni from the Minnesota Etsy Street Team (Handmade MN) helped me arrange an informal meet up next Thursday evening. I look forward to an open dialogue with those of you who can make it about the opportunities ahead and what you'd like to see from Etsy.
 
I’ll be joined by Ian Malpass, a.k.a. indec, Etsy's Quality Assurance engineer (QA). Ian lives just north of Minneapolis, by way of the United Kingdom. (He's got a killer accent!) Many of you may be familiar with Ian from his EtsyHacks tools for sellers, and you might otherwise know him as ehax.
 
Light snacks and drinks will be served. Please RSVP here so we can let the nice folks at Nye's Polonaise Room know how many to expect.

Here are the details:
Time: Thursday October 15, 6-9 p.m. Central Time
Location: Nye's Polonaise Room
612-379-2021
112 East Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55414
Here's a Google Map.

Post in the comments if we'll see you at the meet up!

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Tags business, discussions, EVENTS, Maria Thomas, meetings, Meet ups, Minneapolis, Minnesota, research, selling
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129 comments     Login to add your own!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 3:47 p.m. beachhouseblues

I think Etsy's outreach to members is fabulous!!
It's a great company.

Oct. 6, 2009 at 3:50 p.m. lovelygifts

Wish I could go. I think it's great that you have these programs.

Oct. 6, 2009 at 3:55 p.m. Beesnetta

LOVE that Minnesota State Tshirt.

Oct. 6, 2009 at 3:55 p.m. ModernMeetsWhimsy

I will be there! I can't wait!!!!!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 3:58 p.m. musicalkitten

I'll be there and I'm stoked! Nye's is a great venue, too :D

Oct. 6, 2009 at 3:59 p.m. EJPcreations

HOW COOL! I wanna Go!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 4:03 p.m. ornamentsbydeb

Have fun!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 4:04 p.m. LieblingDesigns

You couldn't have picked a more "Minnesota" place to meet if you tried. Love Nyes!

I'll be there, can't wait to meet you both.

Jess
www.lieblingdesigns.etsy.com

Oct. 6, 2009 at 4:06 p.m. OpheliaBird

Sweet! Nye's rocks! Not sure if I can go, I really need a babysitter...

Oct. 6, 2009 at 4:08 p.m. pinkytoeclothing

Wish I could be there - I miss Minneapolis :)

Oct. 6, 2009 at 4:13 p.m. beadsandbits

Sounds great... hope the folks in the area get the chance to go!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 4:14 p.m. theLostEarring

Wondering if Etsy ever does anything in the Seattle area?

Oct. 6, 2009 at 4:16 p.m. recycledwares

darn, another great gathering that i'm gonna miss. but if you are ever in Texas sometime soon, i hope to be there.

Oct. 6, 2009 at 4:17 p.m. LUMBERjane

Sounds awesome. I love Nye's!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 4:42 p.m. imfromthewoods

UGH i just left there to visit my parents!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 4:45 p.m. KLUpholstery

Nye's is just a minute from my house. I am excited to go this!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 4:45 p.m. paramountvintage

etsy meet up's are popping up everywhere. can't wait until you're in san diego!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 5:06 p.m. mediumcontrol

sounds great - we are going to try to make it and will spread the word to other MN sellers - thanks

Oct. 6, 2009 at 5:10 p.m. shopgoodgrace

This sounds like so much fun! I'm next door in SD, but I'm totally willing to make the drive.

Oct. 6, 2009 at 5:16 p.m. simplyworn

More good work Etsy....keep reaching out and spreading the word. Have fun!!!!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 5:24 p.m. SundraSandrusi

Wish I could be there :)

Oct. 6, 2009 at 5:35 p.m. workingforpeanuts

Hello Hometown Minneapolis! I'm in Brooklyn now. I do love Nye's!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 6:01 p.m. pesmou

Hi Everyone, We look forward to seeing you soon in Minneapolis. To theLostEarring: we were in Seattle in July: http://www.etsy.com/storque/events/we... Maria

Oct. 6, 2009 at 6:15 p.m. penguinandfish

bummer, I'll be out of town. I hope all y'all have a good time! GO MPLS!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 6:16 p.m. kellybot

Yay! I'll be there, ready for some polka!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 6:31 p.m. ArtDecoDame

wish I could go

Oct. 6, 2009 at 6:44 p.m. fromoutofthecracks

Another fun night in Minneapolis and I will be there!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 6:44 p.m. pickleberries

No school that day so I'll be out of town road tripping with the kid. Thank you for popping in to Minnesota though!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 6:52 p.m. cayennepeppy

oooh..fun!! i'll be there :)
~Amy
www.cayennepeppy.etsy.com

Oct. 6, 2009 at 7:07 p.m. warpedLaurie

wish I could go.

Oct. 6, 2009 at 7:22 p.m. athenaslittleowl

Can't wait :) See you at Nyes.

Oct. 6, 2009 at 7:25 p.m. MaryFosterCreative

Sorry I won't be able to attend. Enjoy your visit to Minnesota!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 7:29 p.m. breadandroses

Etsy & the American Craft Council - winning combo and most impressive to boot. Wish I could be there. Come to Cleveland soon. Great town, world class cultural amenities and LOTS of great artists.

Oct. 6, 2009 at 7:29 p.m. palettepassion

I will be there!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 7:34 p.m. VixVintage

Oh you should go Minnesotans, I had the good fortune to go to the meet up in Chicago. What a great group of people we met and I hope to go again.

Oct. 6, 2009 at 7:34 p.m. HelloVictory

Yay for MN!!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 7:50 p.m. rainydayyarnshop

Looking forward to this!

aka BathNBeads.etsy.com

Oct. 6, 2009 at 8 p.m. MinceCo

come to australia!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 8:30 p.m. waternymph

I will be there and I am really looking forward to meeting everyone! :)

Oct. 6, 2009 at 8:30 p.m. infraredstudio

I am going to try to make it...

Oct. 6, 2009 at 8:42 p.m. ConservationClothing

Wish I could be in MN...

here's a Savage/TWIN CITIES, MINNESOTA HARLEY DAVIDSON unisex shirt:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Oct. 6, 2009 at 8:47 p.m. catchastarcreations

I'm definitely going to try to be there!!! :D So looking forward to it!!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 9:31 p.m. designlab443

Have a super swell time!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 9:48 p.m. beckarahn

I'm going to try to be there. Sounds fun!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 10:09 p.m. worksandfinds

Sounds great. I wish I was closer. Have fun.

Oct. 6, 2009 at 10:21 p.m. SmoreGasBored

We want to go, but already have plans :(

Oct. 6, 2009 at 10:58 p.m. baconsquarefarm

Pesmou~ add me to the list, I'll drive up from southern minnesota, how exciting is this? can't wait. Got it marked on my calender, now if I could lose 25 pounds that would be even better. lol~!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 11 p.m. retrovertigo

I'm always up for a shot of Nye's Polish blackberry brandy! See you (and apparently several hundred others) there!

Oct. 6, 2009 at 11:33 p.m. NikashaDesigns

I'll be doing my best to make it there. Can't wait!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 1:14 a.m. MyMoms

I wish I could come.

Oct. 7, 2009 at 4:56 a.m. BPyarns

Sounds like a great time ~ American Craft Council & a fab city! Too far for me to go ~

Oct. 7, 2009 at 7:01 a.m. littlethings1

I would love to go , I am next door in ND , but I have a sale that weekend ! :(

Oct. 7, 2009 at 8:21 a.m. BlueCrushBeads

I WANNA GO

Oct. 7, 2009 at 8:25 a.m. JulieMeyer

Count me in!!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 8:43 a.m. mulch

Sounds like fun.. I will make one of these one day..

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Oct. 7, 2009 at 8:56 a.m. SimpleTraditions

I LOVE every pick! How cute is that baby?!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 9:03 a.m. IMHDesigns

I'll be there. Very excited!!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 9:12 a.m. WildDogStudio

Can't wait to meet you Maria!

Toni

Oct. 7, 2009 at 9:24 a.m. MaryLittfin

I'm in! Can't wait!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 9:53 a.m. BizzieLizzie

Oh, I'm so stinking jealous! I LOVE Minnesota!! Y'all have a great time!!

I want a meet up in Richmond, VA!! Come on Etsy - come to Richmond for a meet up!! =0)

Oct. 7, 2009 at 10:05 a.m. LeBlossom

Yay! I will definitely be there!!!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 10:16 a.m. ImJewelee

Oh man, how far is Minneapolis from Birmingham Alabama?

I will check to see if I can come . . . WOULD LOVE it!

♥ Julee

Oct. 7, 2009 at 10:26 a.m. CindyLindgren

I'm a HandmadeMN etsy team member and we're all excited to meet Maria. She will love Minneapolis and all the talented artists who live here. See you!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 10:53 a.m. blueskyclouds

I've never been to Minneapolis, but I would like to get there someday. I hear it's a great town!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 11:05 a.m. wynzia

wow...we might have quite the crowd! looking forward to a very fun night!!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 11:29 a.m. bethanylorelle

YEAH!! I think this will be a a lot of fun. I will be there, and I love that the events is at Nyes.

bethany lorelle

Oct. 7, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. MorrisPottery

this looks like a great opportunity, See you there!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. hans1247

Nyes! What a great choice! I have community ed Spanish class...but I want to be at this event too!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 11:37 a.m. CityChicCountryMouse

Fun times! Putting it on the calendar!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 1:41 p.m. steinschmuckdesign

Wish I could be there,
wish you all lots of Fun!!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 2:14 p.m. magickalrealism

Looking forward to meeting you. A few tips before you go:
Minneapolis and Saint Paul are DIFFERENT CITIES. Do not confuse them lest you really anger the natives, and the natives do get upset about that sort of thing. Do not, under any circumstances, use the phrase "flyover."

If you wish to refer to Minneapolis and Saint Paul together, use the phrase "Twin Cities."

Nye's is in Northeast Minneapolis. This is two different highways away from the Craft Council show in downtown Saint Paul. These are not terribly far (perhaps about the equivalent of distance between Brooklyn and Manhattan) but people in one neighborhood will not be able to give you directions to the other neighborhood.

And at Nye's, order the pierogi. It's fantastic.

I'm looking forward to meeting you!

Oct. 7, 2009 at 3:02 p.m. JoyandWhimsy

That Nye's Polonnaise Room you're all going to makes me hungry. Looove Polish food.

Oct. 7, 2009 at 4:53 p.m. CrazyBusy

I hope I can go too! Must confer with other half....

Oct. 7, 2009 at 8:26 p.m. rockfabricscissors

I'm excited to join all of you! It's an hour 15 min. drive for me but will be worth it!

Love Nye's - will there be karaoke that night? It's a hoot watching the regulars sing there.

Oct. 7, 2009 at 9:28 p.m. laurabrownart

nye's, that cracks me up. it's right in my neighborhood (yay, northeast!), so i will be there and i'm looking forward to meeting everyone.

Oct. 7, 2009 at 11:12 p.m. pesmou

Thanks to all of you who will be making a drive for this event. Looking forward to it. Maria

Oct. 8, 2009 at 7:29 a.m. valnorthwoods

Nye's is a great place to meet! I will be in the Twin Cities the FOLLOWING weekend. But, have FUN!

Oct. 8, 2009 at 11:52 a.m. MysticLily

Wish I could go, but I'm already planning to attend a Russian performance event that night at the Russian Museum of Art in Minneapolis (tmora.org)! Have a great event, and you must attempt a polka while you are at Nyes. We Minnesotans grew up doing the polka!

Oct. 8, 2009 at 12:22 p.m. NikkyLeeDesigns

I plan to be there too. LOVE Nye's. My day job company had our holiday party there last year - totally Minnesotan and lots of fun.

Oct. 8, 2009 at 1:20 p.m. inkadinkadoodle

Wish central Wisconsin wasn't quite so far away - have a great time!

Oct. 8, 2009 at 1:33 p.m. WhiteEarthStudio

Wish I lived closer. Have a great time.

Oct. 9, 2009 at 11:52 a.m. VantasticDesigns

I will be there!

Oct. 9, 2009 at 12:15 p.m. slgdesigns

Can't wait! =)

Oct. 9, 2009 at 12:29 p.m. michaelangela

I am signed up to attend! Very excited!!

Oct. 10, 2009 at 4:24 p.m. SuzAndRoo

I'm so there! Can't wait.

Oct. 11, 2009 at 9:35 a.m. westernartglass

Pierogi, Zywiec, accordion & etsy--boom!

Oct. 13, 2009 at 2:21 a.m. Marleyjanedotcom

How about Portland, OR? Would loooove to see you here!

Oct. 13, 2009 at 7:27 a.m. pesmou

Hi Marleyjanedotcom, We were in Portland, OR in July. http://www.etsy.com/storque/events/we... All the best, Maria

Oct. 13, 2009 at 5:59 p.m. woolyredrug

So sorry, I won't be able to make it!
~Laurie

Oct. 14, 2009 at 3:12 p.m. mandamariedesigns

Just set up my shop today finally!!

I'll be there!

Oct. 14, 2009 at 11:27 p.m. pesmou

looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow!

Oct. 14, 2009 at 11:48 p.m. clubviv

wow that's great! Hope to see everyone

Oct. 15, 2009 at 12:08 a.m. VeraVague

Come to Michigan!

Oct. 15, 2009 at 12:57 a.m. RatBoygirl

UGH! I wish I wish I wish I could go....wah wah wah

Oct. 15, 2009 at 5:14 a.m. dafnadagan

grate job Minneapolis

Oct. 15, 2009 at 8:11 a.m. breadandroses2

Can't make it Minneapolis today but it's bound to be a mind stretching experience. ACC has been around a long time and inspired me from my beginnings as a textiles artist so I'm excited that Maria will be on the discussion panel. ACC & Etsy - could never imagined it back then. Etsy, consider coming to Cleveland. It's still a very cool place. Have fun. Fill us in afterwards!

Oct. 15, 2009 at 8:22 a.m. thirtyonedesigns

Love the moss ring! :) Fun idea!

Oct. 15, 2009 at 8:54 a.m. lovelygifts

How about Michigan!

Oct. 15, 2009 at 9:49 a.m. Fairyfolk

Enjoy!!
Wow... that beer bottle Elm Leaf is gorgeous!
Blessings and magic.

Oct. 15, 2009 at 11:06 a.m. cassidycay

That sounds like so much fun! Come to Texas Etsy!

Oct. 15, 2009 at 11:41 a.m. uniqueartpendants

See you there!
-Molly
Unique Art Pendants

Oct. 15, 2009 at 11:46 a.m. zippityduda

I'm planning to be there... if I can find my way out from under this mountain of fabric! Desperately in need of a polka. : )

Oct. 15, 2009 at 12:15 p.m. ExLibrisPurses

Darn! Wish I could be there.

Oct. 15, 2009 at 5:18 p.m. steinschmuckdesign

Wish I could be there and
wish you all lots of fun!!

Oct. 15, 2009 at 6:12 p.m. Emmamaha

Beautiful Fall Colors! Love these pics:)

Oct. 15, 2009 at 9:26 p.m. etnakamura

loved the collection!

Oct. 15, 2009 at 10:24 p.m. zippityduda

Very fun and informative! Thanks Maria, Ian & Julian!

Oct. 15, 2009 at 11:50 p.m. LollyBopBaby

It's 10:46 pm Oct 15th and I am just finding out about this now :(
I need to learn my way around etsy, I am missing out!

Oct. 16, 2009 at 2:43 a.m. magickalrealism

I am in the process of uploading videos to Youtube of Maria's visit.

You can see them here:
http://www.youtube.com/magickalrealism

Oct. 16, 2009 at 8:06 a.m. glorioushats

It was super to see the videos by Di of Magickal Realism, and participate as a voyeur for those of us who could not attend live.

Here is a treasury celebrating the event:
When Maria came to Minneapolis
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_wes...

Oct. 16, 2009 at 11:07 a.m. asapdesigns

Wish I could have made it...Thanks for posting to YouTube magickalrealism!!

Oct. 16, 2009 at 11:35 a.m. musicalkitten

It was a great meet up! Lovely to see everyone.

Oct. 16, 2009 at 6:51 p.m. TheNeedleWorks

It was a great time. Thanks to both Maria and Ian for letting us see into Etsy & how it all works. Very informative and cleared some things up. Thanks again for comming.
Diana

Oct. 17, 2009 at 3:02 a.m. annprintz

We were so fortunate to have this time with the folks from Etsy. Maria, Ian and Julian were all so warm and down to earth. It was great to hear about what they are doing from a top level, business perspective, and how that helps us do what we do on our own. What a great community we all belong to! Thanks!
ann printz

Oct. 17, 2009 at 12:02 p.m. baconsquarefarm

Enjoyed the meet up with maria~Ian~Julian~! Not good with expressing myself with words but it was incredible and rewarding experience one I'll not forget. Etsy is such a happening place I'm just thrilled to be a small part of it.

Oct. 17, 2009 at 3:16 p.m. loosewirestudio

I cannot believe I missed this!!!

Oct. 18, 2009 at 11:09 p.m. munkeebizness

Hope I'm in town next time!

Oct. 19, 2009 at 9:27 a.m. looksSEWnice

I heard it was a blast! I wish I could have made it, but it was a busy school/out of town weekend here in the City of the Lakes. Please come back!

Oct. 28, 2009 at 3:19 p.m. seababejewelry

If you all ever want to meet up in Hawaii, let us know!

Oct. 28, 2009 at 4:42 p.m. MyMoms

Wish I could be there, love the picks!

Oct. 28, 2009 at 8:02 p.m. paramountvintage

can't wait for one to happen in san diego!

Oct. 28, 2009 at 11:37 p.m. everydayelegant

I wish could have been there, but because I was on vacation.. my fault!! I missed it! I love etsy and the venue that it has provided.! I hope you sang a few songs at the piano bar ;)

Oct. 29, 2009 at 3:51 a.m. SundraSandrusi

Wish I could be there :)wish you all lots of fun!!

Oct. 29, 2009 at 6:40 a.m. harvestmoonbyhand

It was great seeing pictures of the bag filled with products from the handmadeMN team. From the pictures on Flickr, it looks like everyone at Etsy had fun seeing what was included. Even saw the window star that I made for Maria and the Etsy staff being held in one of the pictures!

Oct. 29, 2009 at 6:50 a.m. evihan

adjustable ring is beautifulllllll

Oct. 29, 2009 at 10:36 a.m. ShaggyBaggy

hoooray for MN

Oct. 29, 2009 at 11:37 a.m. believeinmagick

Oh shute! I missed it!!

Oct. 29, 2009 at 12:32 p.m. Iammie

Nice picked!

Oct. 30, 2009 at 9:45 a.m. thirtyonedesigns

Lovely!

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