Giving Back—What I Bought on Etsy in 2010

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This post comes directly from www.Daveconrey.com, originally posted on 1.31.11.

Giving Back—What I Bought on Etsy in 2010

One thing I’ve realized about Etsy is the amount of support other artists and artisans on the site give to other shops. I’ve come to the conclusion that the type of people that sell on Etsy are generally the type that buy on Etsy. They support other handmade items because they also know the amount of work that goes into what gets made.
Of course there is a lot of really cool stuff on Etsy (and some crap too) and EVERYONE should be buying good there, but I believe it’s essential to the handmade spirit to bring things full circle and spend a little cash to support your brethren. Although I don’t buy a ton of stuff on Etsy, I did make a few purchases last year and I want to share them with you. Maybe you’ll find something cool as well.

Spring Garden Necklace by Lucid Jewelry

This was a gift for my wife. Honestly, I was a bit worried it might be too flowery for her, but she really loves the necklace. Each one of Amy Lucid’s pieces is one of a kind, so she doesn’t have an identical one up in her shop, but I’m sure she’d be willing to take custom orders.

Mod Trees and Bird Light Switch Cover by AbelMabel

Another one-of-a-kind item, I bought this cover to go in my newborn son’s room. The colors and scheme matched so perfectly it was a “must have” item. Switch plates aren’t AbelMabel’s bread and butter, but she has quite a few to choose from along with some great baby bibs, reusable bags and other FUNctional items.

To Be Brave 8×10 Print by Mae Chevrette

To be 100% honest, I bought this print because I was new to selling prints on Etsy and I wanted to see how some of the successful artists on Etsy were shipping their product. That being said, I love Mae’s work and would definitely buy from again. This one sits in my office, giving me inspiration and color in a drab, beige, cubicle city.

Eco-Friendly Snack/Sandwich Bags by Carried Away Bags

Tired of wasting money and wasting resources on plastic sandwich bags, I decided to pony up for a sandwich bag by Carried Away. I liked this bag so much, I bought two more just like it. Actually, the first one was stolen and I felt the need to replace it, but more than happy to support Carrie again. Being the most “masculine” print in Carrie’s collection, it was the obvious choice. The design is great, works well and she sells them at a very reasonable price. Oh, and she gives a discount to return customers, so buy from her more than once.

Alba Necklace by Westover Designs

This last one is most special if only for the reason that it supports what I’m getting at in this post. I bought this necklace for my wife for Christmas and she wears it all the time. I found Kelly through my twitter interactions and have maintained contact with her ever since. Just last week, Kelly came to me with a consignment request. She likes my art but wanted something done specifically for her son’s bedroom that related to a trip they took recently. Of course I took the job, but I was more eager to help her because I admire the idea of one artist supporting another and back again. Knowing how much I dig her work, I’ll probably buy more stuff from her than she will from me, but that’s ok. I’m happy to be in her corner and glad she’s in mine.

Do like me and make the pledge to buy handmade stuff more often. Check out BuyHandmade.org.

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