We use Etsy pretty consistently as a source for artist-made objects, craft supplies, fabrics, and vintage housewares. Over just five years, it's managed to become one of the largest online retailers of handmade and vintage goods, with hundreds of thousands of sellers.
Etsy's mission is "to enable people to make a living making things, and to reconnect makers with buyers." To this end, they operate by charging small listing fees to sellers who, in turn, use the site to establish an online store. Many people use Etsy as a side job, selling crafts or thrifted finds for a profit.
Our main complaint is that there's so much stuff that sifting through the—what's a nice way to say it? eclectic selection?—can be overwhelming. We get around this by bookmarking stores we like and coming back to them again and again. We also like the Shop Local search feature, which connects shoppers with sellers in their area.
We've listed a few of our favorite Etsy shops below. (Click on the photos above for links to specific products.) Add your favorite Etsy sellers in the comments!
FIRST ROW
• 1 26 Olive Street
• 2 Jenn Ski
• 3 Sarah & Bendrix
• 4 Filz Felt
• 5 Skinny laMinx
SECOND ROW
• 6 Hindsvik
• 7 Sweetshorn
• 8 Blue Bell Bazaar
• 9 JunkCulture
• 10 High Street Market










Comments (14)
Thanks so much for giving etsy a shout out! it's so nice to see because there are so many wonderful things on etsy.
Also, it gives artists (like me) a great venue to start our own businesses without having to borrow money to go to wholesale shows!
Love Apartment Therapy, it's one of the websites I go to everyday (most of the time, more than once a day).
cheers!
Marie
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Marie Khediguian, Designer & Founder
MarKHed Design
www.markhedcrafts.blogspot.com
www.markhed.etsy.com
http://www.fbook.me/markhed
Etsy is definitely one of my favorite places to buy and sell goods. There's nothing like a handmade item!
www.jackandjenn.etsy.com
I agree. Etsy can be a little overwhelming, despite the myriad of clever ways they've developed to browse.
Because it's got so many options, I'm always trying out new sellers. It's cool because I've pretty much always been happy with my experience, but sometimes I wish I was more of a loyal/repeat customer.
Like I said, I've had great experiences with all but one or two Etsy sellers; most go way above and beyond what I've come to expect of customer service. I almost feel guilty only spotlighting a few now:
BrazilEssentials -- soap and candles and fabulous customer service.
TravisBraun -- he hasn't had a lot of sales, but I loved a print I got from him for my little bro's Christmas present (and so did he!)
alyssaettinger -- kind of pricey, but I bought a beautiful vase for a shower gift, and I really wanted to keep it for myself!
devinerose -- for pretty, girly jewelry (and an occasional free gift)
I hope other people post some favorites, especially lesser known ones!
A new seller, snapdragon13, has some lovely textiles -- including gorgeous, hand-sewn Frida Kahlo dolls. Really unique pieces...
I think the botanical scanographs in http://www.etsy.com/shop/EarthPlusArt are really cool and different. The jewelry in http://www.etsy.com/shop/DownToTheWireDesigns is gorgeous. And I love the eco-friendliness of the recycled glassware from http://www.etsy.com/shop/bodhicitta.
Thank you so much for featuring my shop, so proud to be in such great company!
Please check out my blog!
http://junkcultureshop.blogspot.com/
Thanks so much for featuring the best kept secret on the internet....etsy for vintage. There are so many really good vintage items on etsy and so many creative ways to use them. There are also some creative ways to find those items...I especially like the new color search feature...lots of fun.
Deb
http://www.atomickatz.etsy.com
Katie Armour Home is a new Etsy store selling fabulous vintage items at amazing prices. She must be a master at the score: great items at low prices. Here is a link for more info: http://decorartsnow.com/2010/02/08/february-8-2010-introducing-new-etsy-shop-katie-armour-home/
Best,
Lynn Byrne
author, Decor Arts Now
One of my favorite sellers is Elsita, who makes amazing paper cuts and wonderful prints. Her blog is a lot of fun as well! Check it out at:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/elsita
nice prints for kids rooms: kristiana parn
dreamy photographs: irene suchocki
hilarious grafted black and white photographs: Grand Ole Bestiary
Etsy is such a great way to find out about artists from all over the world. I recently stumbled across the work of this Dutch artist, and I love her whimsical and colorful ceramics: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ninainvorm
One of my favorite Etsy new sellers is FrenchByDesign, who sells amazing vintage finds and industrial pieces. Her blog is just as exquisite! Check it out at:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/FrenchByDesign
i get all of my vintage glass containers for my herbs either dug up from the rocky mountains, or on etsy, as well as my art & ceramic dish ware. it's always best to support handmade!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/twigandleafbotanical
I love picture perfect soaps! They have beautiful homemade soaps with vintage pictures in them!