The Handmade Pledge: Ethics & a Buyer's Viewpoint

Handpicked on Etsy by Plumberry

Indie versus mass produced: The issue has been much debated on the Etsy forums, and I'm among the many who would love to see the Etsy administration re-affirm its core value by either banning mass-market goods that are unaltered by the artisan, or by creating a separate category for factory-made, just as they've done for vintage. What inspired me today was a convo from a buyer who's been a fan of my shops, and who got so frustrated when she was shopping on Etsy the other day that she stopped searching and created a treasury to show her support of true indie design, showcasing the items featured here today. Then, she went to the forums and posted about what it means to a buyer to be able to trust in Etsy's "handmade pledge." Here's that thread: Buyer Beef

Debates aside, I was very flattered to be included in Plumberry's treasury, among these other talented Etsy sellers. Click on the pictures to go directly to these Etsy listings. Prices range from $10.00 to $500.00

From top left to bottom right, today's featured artists include: jingjingdesign, Ellita, TwoSecrets, pompompurses, triciahoke, arianemariane, fuzzystuff, babinka1981, ModernEraDesign, daintythings, blackberrypatch, KatsaraYarns

Quest for Success on Etsy

Handpicked on Etsy
Newcomers to Etsy are showcased today, artists whose talent has yet to be fully recognized and rewarded. Despite obvious skill and quality workmanship, these sellers have made very few or, in some cases, zero sales. When seaching through Pounce for extraordinary work, it can be challenging not to give up after the 5th or 6th page of search results, but a little extra patience today led me to these diverse finds. This blog was born last year of my desire to raise the bar on Etsy, so I hope this mention will bring these largely undiscovered sellers some encouragement and, better yet, a few more visitors and buzz to their Etsy stores. Click on the pictures to go directly to these Etsy listing. Prices $40.50 to $245.00.
From left to right, today's featured artisans include: mintonsparks, mikandnora, LillyLan, vbdesigns, TwoSecrets, fix8ion

Valentine's Day Part 2: Unisex Gifts to Share with Dudes from Etsy

Handpicked on Etsy

Affordable pleasures that work for either gender are today's theme. Valentine's Day is about friendship, romance, shared love and admiration. What could be more fun than to share a cool handcrafted treasure with your honey? All of today's showcased pieces are surprisingly affordable, so you needn't break the bank to indulge in something unique for your special valentine. Using their chosen materials in clever ways to optimize both budget and artistry, these designers achieve a modern, organic aesthetic in these pieces. Click on the pictures to go directly to these Etsy listings. Prices range from $9.99 to $45.00.

From top left to bottom right, today's featured artisans include: makethisyourown, BlackDaisyDesigns, paintedmetal, TheBishopNine, mofei, sewluytionsbyamo, TheBishopNine, thebeadedlily