Make It Yourself: DIY Tutorials by Etsy Artists

Handpicked on Etsy
Panic Mode is now in full gear. Christmas is five days away. The streets are clogged with bewildered, wandering drivers and stores are mobbed with cranky shoppers. If, like me, you're feeling a bit like Scrooge right now, take a breath and check out Etsy's search pages for tutorials for gifts you can make yourself or give as gifts to your crafty friends and family. Under almost every category you will find instructions for all manner of homemade stuff -- recipes for soaps or delectible edibles, jewelry, accessories and wearables for all ages, collectibles, toys and treasures. Showcased today are but a few tutorials you can download and print with ease. Click on the pictures to see more from today's featured sellers. Prices range from $3.00 to $13.99.

From top left to bottom right, today's Etsy artisans include: heidiandfinn, RomeoandMae, LeahSutton, jennylovesbenny, thegemreaper, chullozoo, monkeysbug, spoonfulofchocolate

Origami Inspirations on Etsy

Handpicked on Etsy
We're all crazy busy right now with the holidays, so I took just a quick moment to share some remarkable paper creations that caught my eye on Etsy's search pages. Origami (folded paper) and kirigami (cut paper) are traditional Japanese arts, and these techniques inspired today's featured artists. Click on the pictures to go directly to these artists shops. Prices range from $3.95 to $24.00.
From left to right, today's featured Etsy artisans include: kissadesign, Bricabraca, Rigamarole, popupcardmaking, theStarcraft, alyoisiusspyker

Gift of Time: 2010 Calendars on Etsy

Handpicked on Etsy
Precious time. We Etsy artists know its elusive nature. It cannot be captured for our own use, or to wrap up in a ribboned box for gifting. It is a thing too easy to waste or throw away. Who doesn't resent a thief of time: Traffic jams, sitting in a waiting room, standing in a slow moving line. The abstract promise of a future deed, or a little trip to the countryside on the first spring Saturday would be a lovely gift idea for those who love our company and can never get enough of it. For those who crave time for themselves, planning ahead helps us manage it, and an inspiring tool such as one of these uniquely lovely calendars created by Etsy artists may be just the thing. Click on the pictures to go directly to these Etsy listings. Prices range from $9.99 to $49.00.
From left to right, today's featured artists include: littlebrownpen, jerseymaids, JavaJaneDesigns, labokoff, MyHandBoundBooks, immortalongings

Druzy Jewelry: Dazzling Discoveries on Etsy

Handpicked on Etsy

Druzy is a clear quartz encrustation that develops on the surface of fissures within a host stone, taking on the stone's color and imparting a fascinating shimmering frosted effect. The familiar geode is an example of the gorgeous crystalline druzy phenomenon found on miniature cave-like formations encased in stone. Today I searched on Etsy for druzy, and found these beautiful examples of jewelry created by talented Etsy designers. These pieces represent some of the best values on Etsy, given the inspired designs and captivating allure of the featured material, making these awesome considerations for upcoming holiday gifts. Prices range from $37.00 to $80.00

From top left to bottom right, today's Etsy artists include: CreativeCurves, nomadshop, BeijoFlor, MidwestAlchemy, Juliez7Jewelz, shimmerjewels, TheSilverLakeStudio, BeijoFlor

Tudor Style on Etsy

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The royal House of Tudor reigned the British realm from 1485 to 1603, starting with the Henry VII and ending with the death of Elizabeth I. Tudor dynasty intrigue, romance, betrayal and treachery reads like a work of dramatic fiction and has ever since inspired historians, novelists, playrights, and film makers to revisit the era. Influences from Tudor architecture and court style have survived through modern times, seen everywhere from residential facades to chunky furniture to costume jewelry. Recent films and the series, The Tudors, has sparked a trendy revival, and Etsy designers offer some evocative creations in all price ranges -- perfect to add a romantic touch to holiday attire or give as gifts. Click on the pictures to go directly to these Etsy listings. Prices range from $13.75 to $62.00.
From left to right, today's featured Etsy artisans include: duchessa, KiraFerrer, MiladyJewels, etherealcreations, treasurecast, justbedesigns

Gift Season: Window Shopping on Etsy

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Holiday gift shopping moves into high gear this year on November 27th. Shoppers will flock to malls and retail centers seeking the perfect gift for all on their list. Maneuvering through crowds hunting for unique items or bargains may have charm for some, but if you're like me, it can be a frustrating process that can lead to panic as the holiday draws near. Browsing through Etsy listings today makes it clear there is no easier or better marketplace to find fabulous gifts in all price ranges. Whether you seek extravagant edibles, keepsakes or wearables for those on your list, you will find truly special delights to put under the tree this season on Etsy's search pages. In my virtual window-shopping stroll this morning, these were just few creations that piqued my interest for people on my list. Click on the pictures to look more closely at these Etsy listings. Prices range from $12.00 to $68.00.
From top left to bottom right, today's featured artisans include: saraschalliol, mudpuppy, sugarcookiecouture, lottahelleberg, lemonbird, persimmonjewelry, ModernEraDesign, flyingpignc, jdotdesigns, GlazedOver, Beadz2Pleaz, MarciG

Table Details: Etsy Accents for the Holiday Entertaining

Handpicked on Etsy

Details set the tone and define your style. Today I focused on table or buffet accents from Etsy artists that add rustic charm to flavor to your autumn holiday table. Arrange your flowers, rest your spoons or teabags, hold your votives or tealights, protect and beautify your table top, store your butter and serve your food with creations by talented Etsy artisans that provide function and visual delight. There's still time to get your handmade treasures delivered before Thanksgiving without driving to the mall, so click on the pictures to go directly to these Etsy listings! Prices range from $12.00 to $358.00.

From top left to bottom right, today's Etsy artisans include: jeanne12, snugasabugrugcompany, lynswan, ApplewarePottery, downtoearthceramics, SlightlyTwistedWood, Misspottery, sparkafarian