I Heart Etsy

Some said it would never happen, but it has: I'm in love.

It's a real love… you know, the kind that you think of the moment you awaken and throughout the day. Nothing else seems to matter -- just the object of your affection and all of the possibilities for the future. You wonder how things will progress as the seasons change and your love grows even deeper.

Everything I see or even think of reminds me of the object of my affection. I can hardly work; I haven't been eating; I cannot sleep. All I can think about is what we could create together.

Oh, did I mention? It's not a fellow who has captured my heart, it's Etsy.

Yes, Etsy. A website. Etsy.com is the full name of this entity that has brought my attention span down to the size of pea. I know -- I've got a book to write, and things to pack for my move, and crafts to make for the next craft fair, but I'd rather hang out with Etsy. It's an online community for artisans, crafters and people looking for handmade treasures that are so reasonably priced you'll hit the refresh button to make sure that you're seeing straight.

You might be wondering how I connected with Etsy. This past weekend I participated in "SoWa" (South of Washington), an open air market in Boston's historic South End. My friend Mattie and I set up a booth and had a fabulous time selling cards, jewelry, and other handmade goods. The market manager, Katy, stopped by our booth to check in with us. When I commented on how much I adored the crafts exhibited in a neighboring booth, Katy said, "Oh, those are Etsy people!" Etsy? She told us about on online buying and selling community and after the fair, I checked it out. I haven't been the same since.

Etsy is a little bit like eBay, but so much better. It's a P2P site with some very cool features (check out the time machine function!). Etsy's "lab" is in Brooklyn, New York. Think: cool kids who know their way around a computer.

What is most stunning to me is that Etsy is relatively new, founded just two years ago, and already has tens of thousands of members. Buyers, sellers, and browsers can all find something at Etsy. If you're a seller, you'll appreciate the low listing fees (bye, eBay!).

If you're looking for something absolutely amazing, check out Katy's shop, Muchacha K. I covet the Bonanza key pouch: a merging of Japanese print and cowboys that is carried out with aplomb.

The artists whose items led my heart to Etsy have cool shops there. Liz from Made in Lowell does something wild with wool -- I don't fully understand it but it’s light and sturdy all at once. She also works in other media; check out this gorgeous ornament.

For an inspiring mix of flora and fauna and funk, go straight to Intuitive Designs' Etsy shop. I love the tree swing pendant.

I can't wait to make the ultimate commitment with my new love: start my own Etsy shop. Right now I'm thinking of just the right name... so much like naming a child. It seems like all the good names are taken. My favorite is Trashion. Hey, if you're in NYC, check out Trashion's trunk show this Friday. You'll find "upcycled" clothing, jewelry and housewares.

This is the longest I've been away from my new love during the past few days. It's time for me to get back to getting to know Etsy.

Until next time,

Conna