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

Cardigan Style: No fuss wraps on Etsy

Handpicked on Etsy

When I dash out the door, I want a jacket or vest that looks good without any fuss -- something I can throw on, quickly button or just let it hang. I kept that criterion in mind this morning in my Etsy search for autumn wraps to layer over daily clothes and kick up the look enough to run errands, meet friends for lunch or run out to dinner. Today's showcase features a variety of handmade styles that are trendy yet classic and collectible, comfy and so easy to wear. Click on the pictures to go directly to these Etsy listings. Prices range from $48.00 to $200.00.

From top left to bottom right, today's featured artisans include: fashionknitewear, ovejanegra, Jjanak, ModernEraDesign, mireilles, LunaPortenia, LoveandKnit, SHOPGMARIE

Puce: Color Scheming on Etsy

Handpicked on Etsy
Puce is a shade of red, denoting reddish-brown and purplish-brown, named after the French word for 'flea.' The earthy colors of iron-ore and rusted metal come to mind when I think of puce. It is a color that seems to go with nearly everything as a wearable accessory or within any decor, and is often associated with the fall season. Today I decided to seek out beautiful creations by talented Etsy artists in color palettes that incorporate rich shades of earthy reds. Click on the pictures to go directly to these listings. Prices range from $7.00 to $350.00.
From top left to bottom right, today's featured Etsy artisans include: KatHannah, Greenman13, theredfairy, klcrafts, Lvoffstudio, Gypsymoondesigns, mountainmist, northernstars, delacyonline, red2white

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

Flax Fashion: Natural Linen on Etsy

Handpicked on Etsy

8 Etsy artisans put linen to creative and elegant use in these fashionable creations. Made from the flax plant, linen is among the most ancient of textiles. For clothing it is exceptionally cool and fresh in the hottest summer weather. Light weight linen billows and floats, and weightier linen drapes and sculpts to flatter the body. It always crumples and always looks elegant. Prices range from $14.95 to $180.00. Click on the pictures to go directly to the individual listings.

These Etsy artisans include: magdalinen, iragrant, LinenMe, artsiegirl, stephanieteague, sanchia845, ObiMama, JurgitaMi