Viva la Handmade
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Ice cream, jewelery, blankets- know what they all have in common? They’re all better when they’re handmade! It could be said about almost anything. There is something so great about making eye contact with the person who made your item. It’s the bond you don’t get at say…Wal-Mart. Cause I looked into the eyes of the girl who rang up my Tide last week, she didn’t seem to care one way or the other. But say you don’t have a local farmer’s market or get the chance to go to a craft fair? That’s where the amazing world wide web comes in. I swear I say this once a day, but thank god for the internet! Because now there are so many ways to buy from artists all across the globe, all at the click of a mouse. You may not get to look into their eyes, but you still get the satisfaction of knowing that your purchase was made by hand, and with love. Today we want to bring you some of the best sites dedicated to all things handmade…
Etsy is the gold standard, the largest site out there to both sell your items and buy other artist’s wares. They’ve got it all – clothing, purses, art, housewares, beauty products, etc. With over 2.8 million offerings, you could literally spend all week there. But to help you through the maze, the site is organized really well. Etsy showcases several photo lists a day on it’s homepage from it’s “Treasury”, member-curated galleries of favorite items organized often by theme but sometimes just by love. If your short on time, just reload the homepage a few times to see some of the best the site has to offer. But if you’ve got time to peruse, you can shop by color (this interactive page is really fun, check it out). You can Pounce on shops that have newly listed items or items on sale. Or you can go with the Editor’s Picks and check out their favorite items recently featured on their blog.
Within literally 2 minutes, check out what I found (all images above). Crafty yourself? Try your hand at this Robot Crochet Pattern ($5). I must have this chic Italian Leather wristlet ($62) and this set of 3 delicate Gold rings ($23). And the photographer in me loves the work of ELBfoto ($40).
I heart Design*Sponge, which may just be the cutest site design I’ve ever seen (except this one, of course). And a DIY dream! Check out the inspirational before and afters for those looking for some motivation to tackle a project of their own. Not feeling up to a bathroom remodel? How about making your own Cat scratching post? It’s shown above and really couldn’t be easier! Plus City Guides to find local crafts in your area. And as if they haven’t given you enough already, they offer scholarships competitions for budding art and design students and host the Biz Ladies series which connects local women running their own art and design-based businesses. They travel across the country to host these events in various cities where women gather to talk, network and receive free advice from local experts on the topics of PR and Marketing, Wholesale/Retailing, Business/Legal advice. LOVE that.
We were also recently introduced to Viva La Moda, a new bi-monthly web zine created to showcase especially gorgeous handmade finds. From soaps and green bath products, to fashion and accessories-they source some of the finest artists on the web and bring it to you in one great package. Plus, you have to love the do-gooder aspect to an online magazine, save that paper for letterpress stationary!
So, are you convinced that handmade is where it’s at? Then pledge it at Buy Handmade, a site run by nine prominent forces in the DIY and handmade worlds (2 of them listed here). They explain perhaps the best reason to buy handmade “The ascendancy of chain store culture and global manufacturing has left people all dressing, furnishing, and decorating alike. The connection between producer and consumer has been lost. Buying handmade helps them reconnect.” Viva la Handmade!
Filed in: etsy 4 for Friday
I love Etsy! Handmade items just have a certain charm and vibe that mass produced items don’t. My good friend, Amy, has a shop on Etsy—her seller name is Esma and she has a website: http://www.esmastudios.com —she makes handmade sterling silver jewelry and everything is made by hand—every link, every clasp—I am in awe of her. She gave me one of her Floria necklaces for Christmas, which kind of matches that wristlet in Stef’s post: (http://esmastudios.bigcartel.com/product/floria-necklace) and I have had over 10 complete strangers ask me where I got it. I realize I’m shamelessly plugging her, but that’s how you have to get the word out about talented craftspeople. I do wish Etsy offered more search criteria, however, because there are SO many sellers and products to sift through–it can be time-consuming.
So, who’s gonna crochet me a robot?!
I’ll crochet a robot for you! It will look like a big pile of knotted year with button eyes, but I’ll try! I also want to make the homemade scratching post – it’s pretty cat and the cat looks happy. I love this post Stef, there are so many things to look at and say ‘how pretty!”
Oh Krista, I’m glad you’re shamelessly plugging. Her stuff is gorgeous. Everyone-check out the link above. Love it!
Etsy rocks! I just ordered two adorable hand knitted newborn hats for my sister-in-law’s about to be born baby and a funky camera strap. I’ve got about a dozen favorites saved of things I would love to buy…mostly handmade clothes for my 3 year old daughter. I could spend hours on there. Love it!
Oh I love Etsy too!! Being a maker of hand-made goods myself I know how much work goes into some of the amazing creations people sell on etsy! My friend has the most amazingly gorgeous hats she sells on there. Shameless plug one: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5443073 It’s the perfect place to shop for that one of a kind gift! Stef that robot is adorable!!! And shameless plug two is my shop =) http://www.christykane.etsy.com
Krista, your friends jewelry is beautiful!!!
Etsy is the best! I really love the Italian Leather wristlet above and checked out the their store. The bags are feminine and rock and roll at the same time. Loves it.
Such a cute array!! I adore Etsy!!! I find the best Bats on there!!!!!!
So honey, are you saying next year for your birthday
you would love a “macaroni portrait” of me??
You can’t get anymore handmade.