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

Buffet Worthy Bowls on Etsy

Handpicked on Etsy

Holiday entertaining and potluck collaborations require serving bowls, and these are few found on Etsy this morning that appeal to me not just for autumn festivities but for all seasons. Made of earthy substance, hand formed and artistically glazed clay bowls possess the organic, rustic quality that I associate with Thanksgiving. Today's selections reflect some of Etsy's wonderful artisanal talent, each bowl stating its case for ebullience, whimsy or elegance. All are display worthy as well as food-safe and functional. Click on the pictures to go directly to these Etsy listings. Prices range from $14.00 to $145.00.

From top left to bottom right, today's featured artists include: clearmountaincraft, KimberlyPottery, askpottery, utilemud, GlazedOver, brookhousepottery, madhatterceramics, georgiesmom

Casseroles: Festive Handcrafted Cookware on Etsy

Handpicked on Etsy

Holiday season in America goes into full gear with Thanksgiving, our day for celebrating nature's bounty with family and close friends. My favorite style for the table and buffet is what I call "rustic-elegance," and I love an eclectic mix of serving pieces bringing in elements of warmth, comfort, autumnal motifs, harvest, and earthiness. Keeping these themes in mind, today I searched Etsy for handcrafted cookware that goes from oven to table, with the criterion that the pot comes with a lid. To my mind, these examples of hand-thrown pottery fit the Thanksgiving mood, and function perfectly to keep those comfort foods warm through the leisurely feast. Click on the pictures to go directly to these Etsy listings. Prices range from $38.00 to $120.00.

From top left to bottom right, today's featured artists include: johnnypotter, Hodakapottery, kaharrison2, OneClayBead, dkpottery, winkinglizardpottery, baumanstoneware, winkinglizardpottery

Red Ochre: Color Scheming on Etsy

Handpicked on Etsy
Ochre is a term for brown pigments derived from clays containing mineral oxides. Primitive mankind first used these earthy colors that modern day artists know as Yellow Ochre and Red Ochre. They range from yellow and golden browns, through the spectrum of rich honey browns and deep red-browns. Today I searched for the rich-honey version for this showcase of wonderful creations by Etsy artists.
I regard ochre as a most versatile and useful color for both wearable and home accessories: It adds sophistication and brings every color scheme back to earth. It is an especially timely color for the autumnal season, reminding us of nature's richness as we retreat indoors. Click on the pictures to go directly to these Etsy listings. Prices range from $6.50 to $175.00
From top left to bottom right, today's featured artisans include: makye77, cyrusthepotter, Sigmosaics,AwakenJournaling, ParadisePotpourri, maiziedesigns, livingferal, picapicadesign, vividcolors, geobubstudios

Blogosphere: Networking Etsy Artisans

Handpicked on Etsy by Etsy Artists and Bloggers
Artists inspired by other artists is today's theme. All of today's featured artists were singled out by their fellow Etsians who either went to the effort to blog them, post them in handmade showcases, or hearted them in favorites. 'Wintergarden' assembled a gorgeous collage for byhand.me, and 'Lindstar' saluted EtsyLounge by creating an inspired showcase for her own blog, Brooklyne's Chaos -- visit these links for a visual feast! By actively participating in the handmade blogosphere to promote each other's work, each of us contributes to the growth and success of independent artists around the globe, and not only do we support each other but we create synergy for ourselves though these activities. Because it was worth these artists' time to recognize my own work and support each other, I'm inspired today to give them some extra recognition here at EtsyLounge. Please click on the pictures to go directly to these listings. Prices range from$4.00 to $300.00
Featured today, from top left to bottom right: CindyCaraway, caluneometals, *KatsaraYarns, tekaandzoe, LBArtworks, zutaten, lindstar, wintergarden (*A special thanks to wintergarden for including KatsaraYarns in her byhand.me collage.)

Leather: Uncommon Creations on Etsy

Handpicked on Etsy

Uncommon leather creations by Etsy artisans is today's subject. Chosen for good design and skillful execution, these standout accessories illustrate excellence of workmanship and materials that render these creations worthy of recognition as some of Etsy's best. As usual, I've included some artists who have remained obscure, either new and undiscovered or simply lost in the crowded search pages. Prices from $15.00 to $205.00 Click on the pictures to go directly to these Etsy listings.

From top left to bottom right, today's Etsy artisans include: laurenshari13, spirocreations, leatherbymike, Unearthed, MythicalDesigns, tagodesign, HotPinkandSequins, kraistina, jonquiljuice