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Do you shop Etsy? Not eBay, Etsy, ya know it rhymes with Betsy? Etsy is a virtual marketplace filled with mostly handmade items created by both male and female crafters, artists, and designers worldwide. I say mostly because there are stores that specialize in flea market finds or arts and crafts supplies such as how-to books, fabric, notions, equipment, etc. Outside of a few exceptions, one-of-a-kind is the norm, prices are affordable, and my favorite, it's auction-free so no one is battling for the item you've just fallen in love with. On Etsy you see, you love, you purchase - period. And there's a lot to love, from furniture and art to fashion and fabric, the selection is hard to beat. Prints & original artwork by Michele Maule, Jennifer Davis, Donna Compton, and Lush Bella.
On Etsy, each seller maintains their own storefront where you can view what is currently in stock, along with others details such as product photos, price, dimensions, color, materials, and the store owner's profile so you know who you're dealing with. Most contain links to blogs or websites so you can see more examples of their work. There are many great features on Etsy, I encourage you to click here and learn the basics so you can get started and set up your free user account. Why Etsy? I shop Etsy because it's my way of showing support for the independent crafts movement, it's important to support those engaged in work that they love. I've purchased over 100 items over the past two years and never had a bad experience. My purchases arrived on time, in flawless condition, and often exceeded my expectations. Whenever I am looking for a unique gift, I visit Etsy first.  Globe from Wren and Chickadee, Wreaths by Haru, Tags from Elfrida, & SusyJack Journals. Would you like to view a few of my favorite stores? Here are some helpful links to get you started:
Do you have any favorite Etsy stores that you'd like to share with Real Simple readers? Please comment below because we'd love to see where you're shopping! (images all linked to original owners above)
Posted by: Ez| March 05, 2008 at 11:56 AM I love this feature! and Etsy too. Whenever I am looking for something unique for my home I also go there first. Sooooo exciting to find you on Real Simple!!! etsy is great for finding well-made, affordable gifts, I buy and sell on there! great etsy feature! Have you seen "appleandeve" ? Such beautiful, beautiful work, and she is one of the sweetest sellers on Etsy. What a wonderful article! I'm so glad you enjoy my blog! Wow, so great to see Etsy being mentioned as a great place to find unique gifts. I buy and sell and it is so much fun! I can't wait for a birthday or special event to buy someone a gift :) Just wanted to share my favorite Etsy shop... J. Mundo Designs! One of a Kind jewelry created using vintage & new elements.... http://www.jmundodesigns.etsy.com I am always excited to see Etsy featured! It has certaintly opened the doors for me as well as for many others! Thank You! Thanks for the Etsy plug. I have three shops right now. Etsy is addicting ;) For jewelry: goldnsoft (Tiny Treasures Jewelry) Great article! I love reading decor8 and I love being part of the big Etsy family! I was so excited about being featured here I didn't even realize until just now that I could scroll down and leave a comment! Thanks so much! Some of my favorite shops are: scarletbeautiful.etsy.com Scarlet Beautiful i love etsy...of course i am a seller there... Etsy is such a wonderful place! Before I was a seller I was a buyer. and I was amazed by the workmanship and artistry found there. What a wonderful article! I love to shop Etsy. One of my favorites is Pampering Beki http://pamperingbeki.etsy.com. She has the cutest accessories for little girls and hot jewelry items for their moms. Etsy is such a wonderful place! Before I was a seller I was a buyer. and I was amazed by the workmanship and artistry found there. Oh how cool! We LOOOVE etsy! It's great to see it getting more attention. Have you seen EarthBabyDesigns? Soooo stinkin' cute!! She has so many cute things. http://EarthBabyDesigns.etsy.com I am absolutely in LOVE with Etsy! I have grand visions of having my own store there one day, but it hasn't happened yet. :) It's the place I go for unique gifts too. They have very cute maternity shirts- that's my current favorite! :) I don't know the site, but if you just search for "maternity" or "prgnancy" you'll find tons of them! Holly, What a wonderful article. How exciting to see you here over at Real Simple. I already subscribed to the feed and can't wait till Friday for your next post! Congratulations:) so great to now see you here on real simple holly! there are so very many gifted and creative designer/makers to be found on etsy. your featuring my little shop means so much to me. you're a champion. I create one-of-a-kind pieces from abandoned treasures, including antique lockets, old vintage Chanel chain, rare charms, chandelier crystals, watch chains and other resurrected finds. Now, they are grateful to be worn again. The link to my website is: www.vintagerehab.etsy.com. Handmade with love by Stacey Samuels. I'm in love with Etsy too! Thanks for getting the word out. I'm addicted to all the Eco-Friendly artists on there. There's one seller, A SECOND CHANCE, who makes hand knitted pieces from recycled sweaters. Really funky and totally unique, plus she gives part of the proceeds to charity. http://asecondchance.etsy.com There are a lot of charitable stores on Etsy too. It's amazing how many unique pieces are out there. I love Mugwort Maggie's Apothecary....I first found her home-made laundry soaps on Etsy, now she's at http://mugwortmaggies.myshopify.com/ The scents of her soaps are AMAZING and they work really well, too!! Laundry nirvana...and the cost is less than the Eco-friendly liquid I was buying at Costco :) I'm so inspired by Etsy folks, I'm going to try my own shop, where I'll feature my "B-string" bookmarks that I make (and everyone keeps saying I should sell them!!) So, look for me soon! :) mamacid Thank you all, especially for the great leads to other etsy sellers. If you think of any in addition, please keep me in the know and I'll do the same here at Simply Stated. Holly |
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Congratulations on your new (and beautifully written) column Holly! I've already subscribed to the feed and will certainly enjoy reading all your delightful posts in the months to come!
Oh... and thank you so much for featuring our Wren and Chickadee etsy shop! You're simply the best!
xox
Ez