February 6thIt’s been a week of creating around here. I saw a post online that read, Doing and Making are acts of HOPE. That landed in a way that I can’t put exact words to. All I know is that my gut says: keep making, stay hopeful, do what you can with what you have.
There’s been a lot of creative use around here. We took the rescued shop fixtures that we picked up last week and got some of them back together and up in the shop. Design elements are next. So far they are proving very useful as displays. I’m excited to make them artsy and a little more elSage in the next phase. See peeks of where we’re at below.
With the shop revamp and the addition of workspace in the back, we need to move the community board. I'm looking for more durability than the cork panels we used last time so we’re trying something different. With some rigid insulation, a drop cloth, and a little ink we created a whimsical bulletin board. Installation is next- it's going right by the door!
I’ve been playing around with old designs as I create examples for workshops. I’m beyond delighted with how this olive green trucker with oversized, canvas patch turned out. I’m calling her Unimpressed Girl. We're planning to have her printed on some totes and hats in the future. Maybe stickers too? What do you think? Is she all of us, or do we need to focus on happier themes?
I hosted another block print workshop last Sunday. It was absolutely delightful to watch students catch fire with their carving and printing process.
If you are someone or know someone who needs information and support with immigration issues the Mount Vernon School District + Skagit Legal Aid are putting on a zoom today 5:15pm-7:15pm. See the flyer here or click through directly to the zoom link.
Looking at the week ahead I’m excited to prep for Valentines Day, buying from small businesses only and making a few things. The shop is filled with jewelry, hats, beanies, small gifts, hoodies, and more. Our sale section is still full and all books are 40% off (we’re phasing books out of the shop 😢). In case you don’t know, elSage is women owned and operated (+ Jonathan 😜). Our business and team is always fighting for a better world in any sphere we have influence in. You can feel good about where your dollars are going when you shop with us. We're proud to be part of a strong network of small businesses that is doing good wherever we can. One impactful action that we can all take is to support what we want to see in the world through how we spend (or don't spend) our dollars.
Thanks for all of your responses to last week's newsletter. I enjoyed hearing form you. If you want to chat about anything, feel free to reply to this email. I hope you find some joy and calm this week/weekend.
xx,
Phoebe
February 12th
Indie Made Business, Behind the Scenes
We have been staying busy around the shop, our new card racks are moved into place. We're working on organization and signage and have more cards on the way to fill out the section even more! Our card offerings span general greetings to super niche notes and each card is made by an independent artist. In our greeting card section, and shop wide, we vet our sources to make sure that our dollars (and yours) are going to good people making a positive impact.
I've been thinking a lot about the power of our dollar. As we watch boycotts play out on a national and international level let us all remember that we do have areas of impact and great power. Everyday we choose to support what we want to see in the world. elSage is proud to be able to offer a shop and event series where you can find gifts, wearables, essentials, and treats from independent artists, makers, and entrepreneurs.
Our 2025 makers market series kicks off on April 27th this year. We are so excited for this opportunity for handmade commerce, community, live music, and joy. Maker applications are open now through February 28th. Scholarship Booth applications are open too. That opportunity is completely free and intended to reduce barriers for makers new to market work. There is not a fee to apply for the Scholarship Booth and chosen makers will receive a complimentary booth fee and the free use of a market tent, weights, table, and table cloth. If you know an emerging entrepreneur looking to try out market work, we would love it if you would forward this newsletter to them. Both maker applications can be found by clicking here.
I'm working on two custom designs right now and excited about how they're shaping up. I'll share peeks behind the scenes of those in the coming weeks. If you have a custom design project for your business that's on your mind don't hesitate to reach out, we're now booking select custom projects for May/June.
Coming up quick is our next Block Print Workshop on Saturday February 22. This is a 3 hour opportunity and will be hosted in our new workshop space in the back of elSage! If you're interested in learning how to carve your own design and printing a tote bag of your very own, click here to sign up! See the whole line up of workshops here.
We have a few seats left at our upcoming Valley Made Maker Mixer. The topic is Goal Setting, we will gather at elSage on February 23 from 9am-12pm. This event is free, sponsored by RAIN Catalysts (Jonathan's other gig) and aimed at helping support entrepreneurs. You do not have to be a Valley Made participant to join us, all entrepreneurs welcome!
I don't have much for political commentary this week. I've been largely unplugged and trying to connect with community IRL. Everything is shocking and pretty dark, which is a hard place for me to live. I've been thinking about leadership and burnout, boycotts and resistance. I'm not ready to put any of those thoughts to words but look forward to organizing my curiosities into ideas and sharing in the future. In the meantime, I'm reminding myself that a strong community is the foundation of resistance, places to shop that don't fund the billionaire ruling class are more important than ever, and gathering together can create real positive impact. I'd love to hear what you're holding onto this week- reply to this email if there's anything you want to share.
In solidarity,
Phoebe
February 19th
Indie Made Business; Staying Busy
How are you holding up? The consensus of folks that I see IRL seems to be that everyone is seeking healthy coping mechanisms. I hear a lot about diving into hobbies or new endeavors, trying not to doom scroll, & finding people/places/and activities that are kind to the nervous system. We are right there with you. There's been more baking, knitting, walking, reading, and Duolingo than normal around our house.
We've been creating more than ever. Our trucker hat workshop preparations created such fun prototypes that we added a few new designs and one of a kind block print trucker patch hats! Now you can join us for a workshop and make your own or grab one that I printed and sewed myself >>> more details here
For the first time in years I'm block printing art prints, framing along with a few special tote bags. You'll see new framed and unframed artwork at the shop when you come through! See a few peeks above.
Our team has been working hard behind the scenes on the 2025 season of Valley Made Market. If you are a maker or know a maker, our applications are open NOW! Click here for information about the regular Maker Application and the Scholarship Application (totally free!). Both applications close on February 28th at midnight. This Sunday we're hosting a free entrepreneur meet up around goal setting at elSage. Sign up in advance here, space is limited.
Fresh greeting cards are starting to arrive and we're filling out our new fixtures even more! Need a card to make someone laugh, to say something in Spanish, to congratulate gay dads, to say sorry, I love you, or your dog was the best? We have an excellent selection of cards that are niche and others for just about anyone. Stop by and see all the options- we dare you not to giggle as you ready through them all.
I have a question for you this week. What are you hoping to see from elSage & Valley Made Market this month? What could we do to be helpful to you during this ever-so-strange time in history? Reply to this email with any thoughts- we would love to hear from you!
With heart,
Phoebe
Feb 26 2025
What day is it? How is it almost March? Also: bring on the sun!
This week the shop was restocked with new yard signs and I keep overhearing "what would my neighbors say?" and then they buy one (lol). It seems like the general human vibe right now is fierce authenticity and I'm here for it. From what I'm seeing locally and online, people appear to be done with the MAGA agenda and are ready to push back in ways big and small. That feels hopeful and actionable.
We framed more art and got in some fresh art prints. We have so many things in our online shop and even more in person. Yard signs, prints, and baskets are all in-store items so take this as your sign to pop by and visit us!
New shop arrivals are flowing in with work from Art by Ciara, Heartell Press and other lovelies! You'll see fresh tulip themed items starting to arrive as we get ready for flowers in the fields. As I'm curating elSage Shop, I'm prioritizing things that make me laugh because joy is more important than ever! Browse all the new online offerings here.
There's a lot of talk lately about where to shop/not shop. We hosted a group of entrepreneurs at a Maker Mixer last Sunday at elSage. We were all chatting about how, as a maker community, we have what people are looking for. Handmade goods made by real people who care about the community, earth, and public good. No billionaires involved. The world we want starts with what we choose to support. Invest in the change you wish to see, lift up what you want to thrive, and find hope in community, intentionality, and sisterhood. Find all of these things at elSage daily, and Valley Made Market kicking off on April 27th!
I'm working on a new carving that will be the artwork for this year's outdoor Valley Made Market season. It's looking quite cute so far and might have to become a tote bag and sticker! See a sneak peek below!
Coming up:
-Applications for Valley Made Market close on Friday at midnight. If you are someone or know someone who should apply here's the link.
-Sunday March 2nd Block Print Party, Print your own tea towel + t-shirt. Use pre-carved blocks to block print your own unique tea towel and t-shirt. Fill your tee and towel with designs, get creative, make something lovely. Space still available. Register here.
-We're opening up custom combinations for certain spring designs. To be honest, we keep saying we're never going to offer these again after every one that we do. This means that every special order opportunity might be the last ;) If you are looking for a specific color & style, now is the time to ask. We're trying a more focused list of design options this time in the hope that we can streamline the process.
If you have questions about special orders reply to this email and we'll help you out! There's nothing cooler than designing your own special piece. As always, thanks for all of your support of small business- we love seeing you come through the shop, shipping your orders, and hosting you at events! Cheers to strong community and creativity.
Stay fierce out there,
Phoebe
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