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Friday, June 29, 2012

Hands On Dumbo

Before I tell you about another fun Etsy adventure a friend and I went on this week, I would like to thank everyone who commented on my last post about the fires that are ongoing in Colorado, and for your prayers. My family is safe, but my heart goes out to all the people who have lost their homes and businesses. Thankfully, up to now, loss of life from the varied fires has been small, but extreme danger remains. I hope all the Western states that need a good, long, soaking rain get it very soon so that the fires will be fully extinguished and the danger of future fires will finally be over.


Now on to "Hands On Dumbo"! The headquarters of the popular online e-commerce handmade and vintage craft store called Etsy is located in Brooklyn, NY, in a friendly little neighborhood called DUMBO, which is an acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. They, along with the Dumbo Improvement District, hosted a "Hands on DUMBO" event to allow participants to explore this unique Brooklyn neighborhood and take part in craft projects hosted by seven local businesses.


The Hands-On DUMBO meeting began at the Archway area of the Manhattan Bridge, with music being played by DJ Colleen Crumbcake, photos at a photo booth, and a pinprick card project led by Etsy staff. A map of the DUMBO neighborhood was also handed out listing the locations of all the evening’s crafting festivities.


The Archway is actually part of the Manhattan Bridge overpass and has been turned into a unique meeting place! The 7,000 square foot space has seating, lighting, electricity, and free wifi, all provided by the DUMBO Improvement District year-round for use by the community. It is also available for use for special events.


The entire Hands On Dumbo event was free, with pre-registration. The main office of Etsy on 55 Washington Street also hosts a free open monthly craft night called "Etsy Labs," that offers a wide assortment of different crafts projects and tutorials.  You can read a prior post I wrote about visiting the Etsy Lab for a felting workshop on this link.


This sign shows the line up of events hosted by seven local businesses. We could chose to personalize a sweatband, and try out boxing and jump rope moves with the trainers at the famous Gleason’s Gym, or visit Pomme to create an animal mask with Anna Donado of the ETSY store goose grease. The store Recycle-A-Bicycle had instructions on how to make a rubber tire pouch from this ETSY Labs online How-Tuesday post, and One Girl Cookies and learn a marbling cookie decorating technique. Since my friend and I also wanted some time to explore the DUMBO neighborhood a little on our own, and go shopping, we decided to participate in the following three nearby Hands On DUMBO activities:

At Neighborhoodies, located at 26 Jay Street, we made hand-sewn patches, just like they produce for their custom sweatshirts and tees for men, women, and children, which they sell individually through internet orders, along with bulk orders. They showed us the process of ironing on decals and then surrounding the design with stitches. We loved their space on the ground floor of an old warehouse, and they graciously allowed us to walk around to see more.

At the Brooklyn Roasting Company located at 25 Jay Street, we learned how to turn a coffee can into a DIY ice cream maker, and made a pouch of coffee flavored ice cream that we enjoyed on the spot. I think I will have to return to their cafe someday soon to enjoy some of their Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, and Organic certified and sustainable coffees, and have one of their Italian Affogatos, which is ice cream smothered with strong brewed coffee. They also sell their coffee beans online.



In the retro and nostalgic candy store Dewey’s Candy, located at 141 Front Street, we had fun browsing the supplies of all kinds of hard to find candy we remembered from our youth. There we had fun making buttons with retro candy wrappers with Michele Boudreaux of the Etsy shop "Lollypops by Mihow." Dewey'shost's parties and events and can make up customized gift baskets of all your favorite candies! It is easy to see why they are called the "sweetest shop in DUMBO!"


My friend and I always find it interesting to walk around the vintage cobblestone streets of the DUMBO neighborhood. It is a mix of old industrial factories, some of which date back to the 1800's, that are now being converted into a mix of new artisan businesses, condominiums, artists lofts and stores. The Brooklyn Museum recently sent me an e-mail that stated that Brooklyn, New York is now home to more artists than anywhere else in the United States, making it one of the world's capital of creativity, and that is certainly evident in DUMBO. You can learn more about the DUMBO community and its businesses and culture on this link.

The approaching evening was pleasantly mild in temperature, so we decided to take a walk over to the waterfront and walk along the Brooklyn Bridge Park path. Large bushes of pink, purple and blue hydrangeas were blooming so beautifully outside the chic River Cafe restaurant.


From our vantage point in the park, we had another wonderful view of the entire span of the Manhattan Bridge -- one of three bridges that connects Brooklyn to Manhattan over the East River.




In the other direction, we could see the Brooklyn Bridge, and we lingered awhile on the path to watch the sun begin to set behind the buildings of lower Manhattan.


Standing on the edge of the water I could actually hear the hum and vibration of the city as the sun slowly dipped down below the horizon. New York is so full of life and excitement -- I think you can see why I love living here so much. Thank you, Etsy, and all the shops that participated in Hand On DUMBO, for a wonderful evening!
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59 comments:

  1. It looked like a fun day spent at DUMBO (I love the acronym) visiting all the little places. What a beautiful area and how fun to get in on some crafts. I think you always know how to enjoy your city- so many people probably don't even know all the things that they are missing. We are still praying for all the fires to abate.

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  2. I've been out of the blogosphere for a few days but am so glad to hear that your dear ones are safe. What a conflagration! So terrible for the loss of one's home.

    It is an amazing area you live in. Your photos made me feel as if I were right there with you.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  3. What fun Pat!!! I would love to attend something like that! Your photos, as always, make us feel like we are there with you. Your posts always make me miss NY!!!
    Hugs,
    Kris

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  4. Sounds like fun, and free, two nice words. Beautiful shots as always. Glad your family is safe in Colorado, I do hope they get the much needed rain. xo

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  5. You know how to get the most out of your fantastic part of the world - and I love the way you share! It sounds like it was a great day - DUMBO - I thought your post was going to be about the elephant!

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  6. No kidding about Brooklyn? I never would have thought. I would have guessed Boston or somewhere in California. These last pictures are beautiful and that archway is very impressive! Glad you had fun here, lots and lots of very cool things going on!

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  7. What a cool event! I would love to attend and see all of that talent. Glad to hear that your family is safe. Such a tragic situation in Colorado.

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  8. What a pleasant evening walk. Your photos of the bridge are stunning. I'm sure I could have happily enjoyed shopping for some of those treats!

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  9. This looks like so much fun!!!!!

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  10. How great is that!? Your photos are all great and that last one...amazing.

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  11. Pat, you have a real eye for photographs. You seem to know just the right angle and subject. Love looking around at things from your camera's eye view!

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  12. What a fun day!

    Your pictures of the bridge are really unbelievable!!!!

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  13. You always find the best things to do! Looks like a great day in DUMBO. Your shots of the bridge are just spectacular.

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  14. Your photos are simply stunning Pat - especially of the Manhattan bridge. you make me want to move to Brooklyn.

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  15. Sounds like such a fun adn creative outing. I love ETSY, and would love to learn more about them, but the candy place really looked interesting! Happy Fourth of July and Pink Saturday too. ~Marti

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  16. Sounds like another really fun day Pat! Great pics of the bridges:@)

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  17. Pat it seems whatever you do - you have fun and great photos. So sharp and so crisp. I feel like I am taking the trip with you - which we had fun by the way. lol And I am glad your family is safe. sandie

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  18. Fabulous photos! I love going to the Park by the river when I'm in Brooklyn. Have you done any blog posts about the way Red Hook is attracting artists these days? I was over there in March - http://aliwalks.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/short-wanders-round-red-hook-and.html

    So pleased that your family is safe.

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  19. Wow, lots going on in Brooklyn. It looks like you had lots of fun.

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  20. Pat, How could anyone ever be bored in N.Y.C.??? I love that you can always find something fun and exciting to do. Thank you for being my guide.:):) Smiles, Susie

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  21. How wonderful that people do this to have a great neighborhood for the people who ;live there.

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  22. I'm guessing that not everyone who lives in NYC appreciates it as much as you do! You take time to explore and see the beauty! What a fascinating day you had!

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  23. WOW WOW WOW LOVE LOVE .
    I will be back .Love to hear about New York.
    going to try and e-mail you. Laura Quaglia

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  24. What a fun day...you do live in a wonderful city. Great photos especially the two of the Manhattan bridge.

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  25. Pat, you make ME want to live there, too!! LOVE the DUMBO idea.

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  26. Oh what fun!! I love NY, I love Brooklyn...I went to an etsy event a few years ago in McCarren park, loved it!! Would have loved to go to this one.
    Happy Pink Saturday!! ~Lorraine ♥♥♥

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  27. You always do the best things. What a fun day you two had.

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  28. I love your city too! This sounds like a really fun day!

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  29. I've been out of pocket for several days and didn't get to write to you about the awful fires out west. So glad to hear that your family is safe. Even though I wasn't able to write, I was thinking of you.

    This sounds like a place I could stay all day. Thanks for taking us along. I feel like I was actually there with you.
    Sam

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  30. I love DUMBO and will forever associate it with all things bridal at The White Gown on Jay Street. I was glad to see your post about Colorado and know that your family is safe. So much worry in the world this summer!

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  31. I would have loved exploring the DUMBO neighbourhood with you. It looks like a vibrant part of the city. Your photos of the bridges are wonderful Pat. Good to hear that your family is safe and hopefully the heavens will open with much needed rain before too long.

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  32. Pt, it sounds like a wonderful day at DUMBO and ETSY! Making the crafts and ice cream sounds like fun. I enjoyed the photos and love the last two of the sun setting. Have a lovely week ahead.

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  33. Oh my Stars! i would have loved to be right by your side in this wonderful adventure! I would have been making things, tasting food, drinking coffee, and snapping photos and smiling from ear to ear! YOu are one fortunate lady to live in what I think is the greatest city in the world. Last time I was in NYC I ate at River Cafe and it was terrific. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful experience with us!

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  34. I like the name Dumbo too. I love city adventure like this. ^_^ Happy 4th of July.

    Kim,USA

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  35. You really got amazing photos of the Manhattan bridge! I'll show your post to my hubby...he will love your pics! And Etsy is just my favorite place to hang out online. Did they tell you that they know me at Etsy? heeheehee!

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  36. So good to hear your family is fine. It seems so bad everywhere this year, doesn't it?

    Oh man. I would sooo love to go to a craft night at Etsy.

    Geez. That just makes me all wishin' I was heading East instead of North for vacation this summer!

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  37. Pat, it's a relief to know that your family is safe. Such a sad time for many. Loved seeing your images. Wow, what a sight from below the bridge.
    All the best ~ Sarah

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  38. Wonderful shots of the place. Real cool place.

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  39. «Louis» fixed your link...
    He thanks you for your participation in Sunday Bridges. Excellent post!

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  40. Beautiful sunsets. The idea of having crafts out there for people to try is great.

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  41. What great FUN to see about... and as always Pat, your photos are stunning and take us right there! :o) Happy Days ((HUGS))

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  42. Hi Pat!

    Our prayers are certainly for the people in Colorado... What a horrible tragedy for everyone there.

    I love seeing the pics of NYC, especially the bridges! Looks like you had lots of fun on your outing. Great support for Etsy folks.

    I had to close my blog for a bit and have teamed up with Marie @ Dolls by Marie Antionett Blog, she needs someone to create her posts for a while due to health issues. We're having lots of fun.

    Please stop by to wish Marie a happy birthday if you have a chance! We'd love to hear from you!

    Hugs, "Edie" (Sherry from Edie Marie's Attic)

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  43. How cool to know that etsy is a physical place. I thought it was just in cyberspace. Loved the tour and the views. Valerie

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  44. I've learned so much today. My granddaughter makes jewelry and has an ETSY shop. I'll bet she doesn't know it's a real place. Thanks for sharing these interesting blues.

    Happy Blue Monday, Pat.

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  45. WE had a great pizza last July sitting under the Manhattan Bridge.

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  46. Great post, lovely Pink!

    Visiting for Pink Saturday- hope you can stop by..

    http://www.cassandrasminicorner.com/2012/07/pink-backpack.html

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  47. It sounds a great day out. I didn't know Etsy headquarters were there.
    Hope your family stay safe and thinking of all affected by those dreadful fires.

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  48. Hi Pat, DUMBO is one of those 'hoods that I'd love to check out if I EVER get to NYC again! I've seen so much of it on HGTV and other shows! Hopefully this Autumn!

    Happy 4th of July!

    Mary

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  49. It sounds like you had a great creative adventure! I'm glad to hear your family in Colorado is safe--the whole sitaution is incredibly scary.

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  50. Now this looked as if it was a fun day! I've heard the name "Dumbo" before, but had no idea it was actually an acronym for something. Glad that our family is safe- I have friends who were evacuated and only just went back to their home yesterday. Fires are so scary and it has been so dry out west. That's one thing I don't miss about living in NM. Enjoy the holiday this week! :-) Sue

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  51. An interesting and informative post to go with your amazing photos of the DUMBO neighborhood. I live in CO, and we continue to hope for rain.

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  52. Such gorgeous pink post! Late visit from Pink Saturday, been busy but don't want to miss the PINK party so here I am catching up.

    My PINK, please come by when you get a chance. Have a great week!

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  53. Your photos are always lovely!

    These fires seem to be everywhere or other types of disasters! Just keep praying. My mom would say "You know it if tough so pray then pray harder!" It is my motto! My sister has a friend who lost their home near Colorado Springs! Loss of life has been very minimal! It is one blessing I suppose!
    I have tried to watch the Olympic trials and take my mind off the worries in the world!
    My hubby likes Guy Fieri so we catch up with him too! LOL! We want his job!

    Pat you are a remarkable photographer! Love all the photos you share!

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  54. Interesting BLUES!

    Visiting for Blue Monday- hope you can stop by..

    http://www.sweetposh.info/2012/07/denim-jacket.html

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  55. Gee, what an incredible post. Hats off to Dumbo for a great job. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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  56. Love this post, Pat. You know how much I LOVE that whole area and the bridge though I rarely get a chance to see it anymore. But when I do, I'm always awe-struck.

    But your posts keep me connected.

    Great photos.

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