Huge Scale: Enormity on Etsy

Handpicked on Etsy
Scale is about the size of things in relation to other things. In design, we primarily strive for balance, combining large, medium and small elements in pleasing proportions. But some rules are meant to be broken, right? Sometimes there is a place for bold, outsized proportions that draw attention, make a big statement and introduce a dose of panache and humor. Today I looked for Etsy artists who aren't afraid of big scale and pulled it off beautifully with these eight creations. Click on the pictures to see these listings and more from these artisans. Prices range from $24.00 to $499.99. From top left to bottom right, today's featured Etsy artists include: QuilJewelry, TianaCHE, calexandra, WinchesterPottery, pipertree, chicallure, drobart, couvert
~~HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY, AND ALL THE BEST IN 2010!~~

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

Hats: Thinking Ahead on Etsy

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Hat weather has already arrived in some parts and in others is quickly approaching. Thinking ahead for the winter season, remember that you lose lots of your body heat through your head, so cover it up in style and comfort with hand made toppers from talented Etsy fiber artists! These are but a few that jumped out at me today as I browsed on Etsy, appealing to me for their style and comfort. Share your own favorite with us in a comment, or post a link to a hat you've got your eye on! Click on the pictures to go directly to these Etsy listings. Prices range from $9.99 to $65.00.

From top left to bottom right, today's featured artisans include: AlpacaMeadows, kinKNITcenergy, KnitByOlga, pixiebell, ekneverfeltbetter, FiddleKnits, LunamuseFibers, softspoken

Assymetry: Balanced Imbalance on Etsy

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Asymmetry is a left-right imbalance of elements, line, shape, form, pattern, hue or volume that is found throughout nature. Depending on the object, to the human eye it can seem to be a violation of a perceived rule, or a captivating disparity that is organic, free of constraint and dynamic. In art, asymmetry can be as minimal as a wavy line or as bold as a sculpture that defies gravity. Throughout my own career in the design industry, I've been fascinated by clients who exhibit mild to extreme discomfort with asymmetry, while others are delighted by it. Different personality characteristics aside, I believe balance is the key to its visual appeal for most people, and today's selections are among a few wonderfully irregular creations by Etsy artists that represent balanced imbalance. Click on the pictures to go directly to these Etsy listings. Prices range from $18.00 to $295.00.
From top left to bottom right, today's artisans include: PelleikoDesigns, MGMart, EightSeasons, charmedmsure, AtelierSetsu, madmeringue, museglass, ModernEraDesign

Tartan: Plaid is In on Etsy

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Segueing from stripes into plaid, today's theme is about bands of color running at 90 degrees to each other, crossing over and under to create repeating, rhytmic blocks. Plaid pattern originated in cloth, historically associated with the regions and clans of the Scottish highlands where 'plaid' is known as 'tartan.' If you love plaid, you're in luck because the store racks will be loaded with authentic and mock tartan this season. As the "must have" of the moment, this autumn we won't be taking the lining of our Burberry coats or classic tartan skirts, scarves and blankets for granted! Today's featured artists are not new to plaid, and they apply the pattern in ways that are both classic and unconventional to create pieces that will look timely right now and remain classic in the future. Click on the pictures to go directly to these Etsy listings. Prices range from $14.00 to $150.00.

Today's featured Etsy artisans include: LuckyZelda, yystudio, tangibledreams, CharmedCeramics, moaningminnie, orsinimedici1951, LuliBags, KnotOriginal, vhefner, UnderReconstruction, JDWolfePottery, hellome, malaniehazen, dicopebisuteria

Inspired Fashion on Etsy: Pack A Punch

Handpicked on Etsy

Go out into the world looking only like You. Stand out, stand up for yourself, and stand for the handmade ethic. Twelve Etsy designers create unique fashion pieces that let you tell the world who you really are instead of which mall you live near. Lift your mood, pull it together, sass up your tee and jeans, fix a bad hair day, transform blah to fabulous, pack a punch by taking less in your luggage without compromising your style. Prices range from $44.00 to $440.00. Click the pictures to go directly to these Etsy listings.

From top left to bottom right, these artists include: modestmaven, RetroReproHandmade, Vikki0908, ledthread, yummybiscuitbiscuit, bewakeful, redpanda, movieboyproductions, rubyzaar, strawberrycouture, stacyleigh, greybirdtextiles