One of the things I really want to focus on with this blog is supporting indie companies. Like Jen of The Leftover Queen said yesterday in the comments section, it’s important to support those who need it. (and Jen’s cooking blog rocks, by the way, so do check it out!)
Today I wanted to talk a little about about the wonderful world of Etsy, an online marketplace where you can buy and sell items that are handmade, as well as vintage goods and crafting supplies.
The internet has allowed small indie companies a much broader reach — some indie companies have their own storefront, but many choose to sell via Etsy. What draws many to Etsy is not just the buying and selling of products, but also the sense of community the site fosters. Browsing through the site and the forums is very inspirational.
And shopping there is fun too — I have bought lovely soaps (Hawley Road Soapworks and Balsam), sugar scrubs (Cozy Moments and Mad City Sue), paper products (pacokeko and scrapbookingmama) and art (time2cre8). I have had nothing but wonderful positive interactions with all these sellers, and I encourage you to check them out, as well as other Etsy sellers.
A couple of notes on logistics. To order you need to set up an Etsy account, but it’s free. And of course, as with any online marketplace, be sure to check a seller’s feedback before purchasing. Do stop by Karley’s The Chic and Green Blog which features a daily feature called Etsy Love. Karley is both a seller and a buyer on Etsy and profiles different sellers every day.
Finally, Etsy’s bricks and mortar home is actually in Brooklyn. I love Brooklyn!
Enjoy!
General Disclosures & Disclaimers
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Thanks, CGL
Etsy is a wonderful community of such talented crafters, artists, bakers, etc. You can find nearly anything and everything there and know that you’ll get a unique shopping experience.
It’s so much more personal than ordering online from a major chain where’s you’re just a number.
I mentioned Etsy so many times in my blog that I realized there are so many great sellers there that I could feature something special each day. Today’s featured shop, for example, is making it hard to resist an order!