I can thank my good girlfriend Dianca for introducing me to the world of etsy (dot com, that is), which has come darn close to replacing my addiction to craigslist.
Etsy.com is this FABULOUS online marketplace for things that are handmade. From matchbook notepads to eclectic wall art to ipod cozies made out of recycled vintage blazers, jewelry made from unique beads, funky handbags, or trendy screenprint tshirts, it's on etsy.com. Whether your style is ethnic, vintage, chic, industrial, classic, whimsical or witty, there is a creator on etsy.com with something to sell to you. Because everything is handmade, a lot of items are one-of-a-kinds. People can ask you where you got it, but they probably won't be able to get one just like it. And the prices can range from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars, so there is something that will suit every budget and style. And many times, the seller will provide the option for you to have something customized just for you just to suit your exact desires of the moment.
Etsy allows shoppers the opportunity to choose how they want to shop...you can browse by category, search for something specific, view sellers by location or items by color, shop by which seller has a birthday on that day, and one of my favorite search options is to "pounce", which is just clicking a button and seeing what they show you, three items at a time. There is also a showcase of the top sellers, which is refreshed daily. Each seller has their own virtual "location" on etsy.com. They can tell a little about themselves and their craft(s), and then shoppers can view all of the items that each seller is selling.
Even though etsy.com claims to be a marketplace for handmade items, they have a vintage section which contains items that definitely aren't handmade by the shop owner. And I suspect that some items are potentially not handmade...but cute nonetheless. So if you're ever looking for something that's unique, creative, or handmade, there's probably something for you on Etsy.
Etsy reminds us of how great it is to be creative and even better to support craft-making. Everytime I look around on etsy, it makes me want to go straight to Michaels and buy a ton of stuff. But for those that don't have that creative itch, you can appreciate and support these artists, seamstresses, and creators by buying their products. There is no fee to shop, and the fees to post are minimal.
Here are some things I thought were really cute on etsy.com:
Cute clutch:
Cute bag:
Matchbook notebooks:
Stand for Change Obama wallet:
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