Etsy. When you think of hand made that one word often comes to mind whether you're buying, selling, browsing or simply looking for inspiration. What makes Etsy work is it's organic way of building a community of buyers and sellers.

Just look at the home page.  There are eight different ways to organize and shop their vast "inventory".  If you know about what you're looking for, categories gets you right there.  Still, for inspirational but uncertain shopping, you can use the Time Machines to find newest items listed,  the Treasury to find items catagorized by Etsy shoppers (mittens anyone?), and shopping by Color (addictively fun even if not trying to matchsomething!!)?  Could you imagine even Neiman-Marcus displaying their wares this way?? 



The Storque is the website newsletter which includes updates in procedures, regular columns by EtsyLabs, How-Tos that work to make each Etsian more successful, and activitivsm with an crafty theme.  This Handmade Life articles personalize the craftspeople who populate this wonderful website.

There is so much to learn at Etsy.  The interviews with features artists give us insights:



Liz Stottlemyer, aka Hobbledehoy , a yarn dyer/spinner, on The valuable Lessons Learned on Etsy:

Price your products fairly. It took me a while to understand what "fairly" means (I still am a little uncertain), but the Etsy community has been an invaluable resource for feedback. Also, to learn time management. Some days, you just have to shake off the procrastination and get busy in craft. Spend less time worrying about sales and statistics, and more time learning new techniques and experimenting with your personal style. I promise, it will pay off in the long run.

Tricia Wilde (Wildewear), a clothing maker, on her Inspirations:

I create clothes that have interesting combinations of color and texture.  I love to mix things up in unusual ways; combining old and new.  I love to play with making things balance by using opposite extremes.   For example, I love to use vintage fabrics and recycled clothes with modern design elements and create a completely different look.

And Mr. PassionForFashion's article how passionate crafting can replace your gym membership? A great argument for all of us to make next time we feel the need for an emergency bead-shop or yarn store run! (note: no, online shopping does not count here!)

So what are the Etsy bloggers talking about?

I can understand why Wendelynn had to purchase these wonderful "I'd rather be smooching my..." pins! Wouldn't every crafty/nerdy pair need these?

I've said it before: I love when craftspeople share their process!!  Kirsten Skiles Whole Story of Metal Bamboo is a perfect example why!!

Manda of Tree Fall Design. shared her process for ordering fabrics online, who she prefers to buy from.

I tend to judge whether or not I'm likely to want a print that I haven't seen up close by whether it's by a designer that I generally favour.I know that sounds obvious, but it's really the way I judge things. I know for instance, that Alexander Henry's prints are in colour tones that I really like. The vibrant colours aren't too acidic and most of the novelty prints aren't too cartoonish. There is nothing worse than ordering some new fabric, waiting the week it takes for it to arrive (if you're outside the US) and then discovering that the colours just aren't right.

Sandy of Purple Wren just likes the shop "and the idea of supporting artists and craftspeople."

And for those Etsy crafters who participate in the forums at the site? Be aware that
Etsians Say the Darnedest Things. reports from the community forums with a wicked sense of humor.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some personal holiday shopping to do...  you know where!

Debra Roby blogs her art at A Stitch in Time and her life at Deb's Daily Distractions .