I adoreEtsy. It is a veritable treasure trove of gorgeous and eclectic finds, all waiting to be discovered. For those unfamiliar with it, Etsy is an international online marketplace for 'crafters, artists and collectors to sell their handmade creations, vintage goods and crafting supplies', according to its FAQ page.
I have bought a wide variety of items there, from washi tape to screen-printed teatowels and Japanese embroidery books to customised wall prints. All have been reasonably priced (especially recently when the ($AUD has been at parity or better with the $USD), fabulously packaged and beautifully made.
Here are 5 of my favorite Etsy shops. Click on the links to go directly to the items on Etsy.
1. The Wheatfield
Katie Daisy is a supremely talented illustrator from Oregon in the US. Her Etsy profile says "I'm inspired by vegetables, herbs, animals, weather, astronomy, trees, and so much more. When I'm not making art, you can find me canoeing down a river, hiking through the woods, or camping on top of a mountain".
Jess Purser in Woking, UK is the delightful talent behind these gorgeous prints. She's a self-taught artist who is "inspired by stories – peoples’ stories and thoughts, what made them, where they came from".
Paris, 1956 - Dita Dances, Club St Germain, St Germain
Neither does this one - it's one of my favorite treasures.
3. Kerri Shipp
Talented Kerri is a fellow Planetarian (round of applause, everyone!). She describes herself as "an artist and designer who loves to create unique artwork for every home. I work in watercolour and acrylic and recently had my prints featured in none other than Martha Stewart Living magazine - a dream come true!".
4. Little Happy Things
This Japanese graphic designer lives in New York in the US. She stocks "a collection of Japanese washi masking tapes, cute stationery, arts and crafts, all kinds of my new finds of little things that make me happy from my hometown".
Doily lace pattern foam stamp set
These divine doily stamps make my heart sing. I relish using them. They are so intricate and delicate and a cinch to both use and clean.
Washi masking tapes turquoise polka dots and stripes
These beauties belong in my treasured washi tape stash.
Hand-screened Chiyogami/Yuzen paper
Some of this paper is also on my wishlist. Isn't it pretty? I'd like to make some kusudama with it.5. Julia Dineen
Julia is a well-respected, and award-winning graphic, designer from my hometown of Hobart, Australia. She has a delightful sense of humor and fabulous eye for color and design. Here's the one she customised for me which includes some of our favorite Hobart haunts (I've obscured our address which is the pixies' highlight of the list!).
To do list
I find this one both cheery and whimsical.
PS For my fellow BYW2.0 classmates, you can find more of the class's homework posts on the BYW2.0 Facebook page.
