Friday, April 24, 2009

Today is Etsy Day!

etsy car sign finalAlign Center

Over at Etsy.com they have declared today Etsy Day. When I first set up my Etsy shop, I posted a link to it and assumed everyone knew all about Etsy. But a lot of people still don't know much about it, so for readers unfamiliar with Etsy, let me explain. It's an e-commerce site for artists and crafters and purveyors of some of the best vintage finds on the Internet. I like to think of it as a Renegade Craft Fair/One of A Kind Show that's open 24/7. If you're an artist, it is a great place to sell your work (even original music) and get supplies. If you are an art collector, it is a great place to find work by emerging artists. If you love to wear original, cutting-edge fashions, you can also find clothing and accessories on Etsy. If you like to collect vintage items but don't feel like rummaging around garage sales and flea markets, there is an entire vintage section you can explore from the comfort of your computer.

Shopping on Etsy is similar to shopping on eBay in that you are often dealing with individuals selling things out of their homes, or small businesspeople. And just like on eBay, PayPal is often the preferred method of payment. But that's where the similarities end. While the eBay shopping experience can sometimes feel as impersonal as shopping in a big box store, Etsy shopping is more like perusing a boutique or a craft fair. Most of the sellers I've purchased from on Etsy take the time to enclose hand-written notes, and some include freebies. One seller threw in a pair of vintage earrings with the purse I bought from her. I've even found items for The Doll Project on Etsy.

Here are a few of my favorite things I've gotten there so far:


Raspberry beret from DzyndbySharon.etsy.com



Yoga mat bag from impromptudesigns.etsy.com


Camera strap from tanybug.etsy.com



So when the time came to set up my own online store, I could think of no better place for it than Etsy.

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
tjgholar.etsy.com


Before I end this post, let me take the time to say once again that Etsy is for everybody:
moms, dads, kids, democrats, republicans, independents, brides, grooms, doll collectors, computer nerds, gardeners, businessmen, trendsetters, jet-setters, yoga enthusiats, bellydancers, burlesque girls, rockers, rappers, djs, goths, emo kids, bohemians, and socialites alike.

Stand out or fit in.

You can re-vamp your wardrobe, add to your library, get new furniture for your home and replace your grandmother's missing Pyrex casserole dish. If you still can't find what you're looking for, you can even place an order for a custom-made item. And you can feel good knowing that you are supporting the growth of small businesses and entrepreneurial artists while also helping the environment.

It's an honor and a privilege to be a part of such an interesting and diverse community. So if you haven't visited Etsy before, come and join us today.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Share This Post