I am the CEO of 1000 Markets and we are so pleased to see you showcase these fine artisan merchants. These craftspeople work amazingly hard at their craft. When you buy directly from a merchant, the money goes directly to support that merchant and their craft -- there's no retail distribution markup. You get a more unique product and you support a dedicated artisan!

Matt Trifiro

Wow those are all awesome items. You picked some good ones to point out to all of use. Thank you.

Wow, what a cool writeup! And those are some awesome products you've highlighted. As a member of 1000Markets, I can say that it truly is a neato place.

What a great post about 1000 Markets! As a member there, I am thrilled to see that the word is getting out about what a wonderful place it is to shop! The market concept makes it a real pleasure to browse and discover truly unique items.

I'm very excited about this fabulous new marketplace and am so glad to see it spotlighted here. Shoppers will have a much more pleasant shopping experience sitting in the comfort of their own homes and browsing through all the unique shops at 1000 Markets. No need to go out into the cold and fight traffic and the crowds at malls. Grab yourself a cup of coffee, stop and chat with the merchants there (yes, there are places to write comments and blogs to read!) and have a fun time shopping. What a concept!

I am thrilled that fellow members of 1000markets have been recognized for their amazing work!

Thank you for such a lovely post about 1000 Markets! The Markets are a well-run, thoughtfully-planned, *juried for quality* venue. I am proud to be a member.

People who know that I am pretty frugal and devoted to clearing out the STUFF in my life ask me why they should spend money on hand-made goods this Christmas, I reply that simplicity and frugality are not about buying the cheapest thing possible only when one is wearing rags, but on making thoughtful choices about the balance in each individual's life between time, money, and value. One person's balanced point may not be another's.

Simply put, buying handmade is good value for me. If I can only afford one gift for someone I love, I want it to be unique, well-made, and thoughtful. In addition, I would prefer that the money I spend to support other independent artisans like myself, not a large-scale operation.

Thank you again for such a good post!

Lovely write up and wonderful call outs. I was shopping just last night ~ shopping by market is a great concept. Thanks!

Thanks for the article,as a merchant of 1000 markets I am so thrilled to see it bursting forth...watch out world!

It is great to see such a positive plug for this new online marketplace. You've picked some terrific items to lure shoppers -- thanks for giving our shops the boost they deserve.

What a wonderful article! As a merchant on 1000 Markets, I'm thrilled to be involved. 1000 Markets features some of the most unique and high quality artisans I've had the pleasure to work with.

How exciting to see an article about 1000 Markets and some of my fellow merchants! I love 1000 Markets because there are high quality handmade items and it's a beautiful site that is easy to shop. Please stop by!

Thanks so much for the feature on your blog! I really like being part of the inspired by nature market, it is great to be among such a variety of talented artists! Thanks Again! ~Beth

What a great article- and what lovely products!
Thanks.

Real Simple is my favorite magazine and I'm so happy to see an article about 1000Mkts! This just assures me that this great magazine is always on top of the best of the best out there!

Love the clutch and the dress-up doll.

what a wonderful article feature fantastic artists!

Great post, all items are so beautiful!

Such a classy site. Love it! I was so impressed I submitted and opened my own recycled shop there... thanks for sharing these wonderful finds. If you get a chance, search zJayne when you're at 1000 Markets and stop by!

Beautiful gifts. Thanks ;)

Beautiful picks!
I LOVE the new venue 1000 markets--I'm hoping it will be a much better alternative to Etsy once the word gets out. http://www.wiredoriginals.1000markets.com

It's clean design and ease of use makes it one of my favorite places to sell.

So glad you reviewed this online shop. They are still small, but need more publicity! Their interface is stunning, and the option for blogging is very cool.
As an out of work TV designer/manager, it's fantastic to know that my long held dream of selling my paintings can finally come to fruition.

QVC had a similar business model for 20 years-at least the buy before you see it part - but the online variable wasn't strong.

Long live online shopping!

I love 1000 Markets - it's such a fantastic marketplace for showcasing high-quality, unique handmade goods. I can spend hours just browsing through the different markets because each and every shop has an interesting story behind it. I hope 1000 Markets starts to get all the attention it deserves!

I just discovered 1000 Markets and really love the feel of it. I love your picks here. Delicious and simple. Thanks for promoting independant artists sites, it's the new economy I think!