I have been saying that I would write about Etsy for a couple of weeks and haven't gotten around to it yet. I have had a hard time knowing how to start. I've known about Etsy since fall of 2005 but didn't really start buying anything from it until the beginning of last year. Since then I've bought a lot of things, from necklaces for myself and others, a plethora of magnets, cards, prints, more and more prints, bags, t-shirts, and have bookmarked many more.
I love that you can read about the people who make everything. You can often visit their blog and get a feeling for who they are. You can ask them to make special things just for you (by messaging them and asking) or bookmark items that you can come back and salivate over later.
I love that you can search by category, color, geographic location, and by word. Everyday is a different group of selected items, which is perfect for browsing. Every week has a featured seller, with interview. At the very bottom you can see the latest items uploaded onto the site.
You can see some items I bookmarked here. I tend to just bookmark the sellers instead, though, and you can see my list here. The best way to start exploring Etsy is to find someone you like and look at their favorites. I bookmark a lot, because I never know when something might be perfect for someone. I'm always on the lookout for the perfect gift.
Below is a picture from my cubicle. There are lots of little things I've bought on Etsy (or the internet in general) that color my walls and keep me sane. I encourage the Etsy-uninitiated to start browsing and building bookmark lists. It's a fun way to shop, and it's good to know my money is going directly to the producer.
Claire, you (followed by my sister) were the first to turn me on to this wonderful site. What a great way to sell ones merchandise and how fun to see where it's coming from.
Your cubicle looks downright homey and inspiring... that says a lot for a cubicle! I have always loved Hopper's "Automat". :)
Have a Happy Valentine's Day!
Posted by: Jennifer | February 14, 2007 at 09:53 AM
Thanks for the Etsy links. I'll have to check it out.
Happy Valentine's Day, Claire! To both you and Franky.
Posted by: blue girl | February 14, 2007 at 10:37 AM
I love how pretty your cubicle is. My office on the other hand is a sad sad little place. It has some art that came with it and that's about it.
You should think about being a cubicle designer. And yes, I do know someone who does that and she enjoys it.
Posted by: Adorable Girlfriend | February 14, 2007 at 10:56 AM
I'm fascinated to know more about someone who designs cubicles. I think that's remarkably clever.
Claire keeps me in the goods, too - I don't know what I would do if she wasn't constantly introducing me to new sites, like Etsy. I don't think I can buy jewelry in a department store anymore.
Posted by: Natasha | February 14, 2007 at 11:36 AM
Seriously, AG, how does one become a cubicle decorator?
Posted by: Claire | February 14, 2007 at 12:03 PM
You've mentioned Etsy to me before and I never spent enough time there. Just did so and I love it--definitely found another place to shop. Thanks!
Posted by: Sharon | February 15, 2007 at 12:58 AM
Claire, you look closer than you appear.
Posted by: blue girl | February 16, 2007 at 11:12 AM
Sooo very dangerous!
Posted by: grasshopper | February 16, 2007 at 12:45 PM
A friend of mine's wife does this. I will have to ask her.
Posted by: Adorable Girlfriend | February 16, 2007 at 05:28 PM
I had heard about Etsy but never really explored it until I started reading your blog. I'm too much in poor-grad-student mode to buy anything at the moment, but I'm looking forward to shopping once I have a salary... and I'm sure I'll look to this post for ideas! Thanks!
Posted by: Sara | February 17, 2007 at 07:43 AM