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

Crafts Across America

Did you know that March is “National Craft Month”? I have to admit that I had no idea until I began researching this blog entry, because for me every month is craft month.

As I’ve written here before, I grew up in a very big family and one of the ways our parents kept us from getting into (too much) trouble was to keep us busy making things. I remember, fondly, the little leather wallets we strung together (it was a ’70s thing), making clocks on big slabs of natural wood and of course, tie-dye.

My first foray into the world of business was a local craft fair. My brother and our across-the-street neighbor and I painted our little hearts out. We’d start with plain ceramic figurines and signs, paint and seal them, and then sell them for a whopping $5 or $15, a fortune for a ten-year-old.

These days I make handmade, all-natural soaps. Everybody likes soap and hey – it’s a dirty world. I make the molds from vintage jewelry, tea tins, kitchen magnets… anything that’s three-dimensional with a solid backing works. Then I mix up the soaps and a few hours later I’ve got gifts for friends and family. The thing is, my friends and family are up to their ears in handmade soaps and I have plenty of supplies on hand.

The solution: I’ve applied to sell my soaps (and handmade cards and jewelry) at a local craft fair. I am so excited about this: a day in the sunshine, no computer, drinking lemonade and meeting new people. If I make some money, too, that’s the icing on the cake.

This is a good time to think about spring and summer craft fairs. Lots of people have a craft specialty – from woodwork to knitting to gluing buttons on picture frames (people buy those!). If you haven’t yet discovered your inner artist, don’t despair. Start at Joann.com’s website and click on the “Project Ideas” tab. You’ll find all sorts of free craft instructions, written like recipes: start with this, add that, and voila! While you’re visiting Joann.com’s website I suggest that you take advantage of the 40% off sale on Ott-Lite® lamps to brighten up your workspace and protect yourself from eye strain (we never worried about that as ten-year-olds).

I’ve found two websites that provide extensive lists of craft fairs across America. The first is EventLister.com. Use this site to apply for craft fairs and also post your online portfolio. I’ve just posted mine, and there’s something about seeing one’s creations “up in lights” (online) that is a real confidence booster.

Next is FestivalNet.com. I like this site because it includes not only arts and crafts shows but also music festivals and even a few food festivals and other types of fairs. Visiting fairs is a great way to get inspired, or just enjoy some tunes and freshly made ice cream.

Happy crafting and I’ll see you at the fairs!

Until next time,

Conna