I ♥ etsy.
There are many reasons why this is so, but the bottom line is that I far prefer to buy something hand made by an actual person (and not a machine or a sweatshop or a factory). Not only can I correspond directly with the maker, the hand made items are so much lovelier and unique than most things that can be found at, say, Wal Mart.
I have started turning to etsy as a first stop for gift purchases, and (ahem) for fancies for myself.
Above, on a shelf in my workspace, are a few of my favorite etsy finds:
1. Blythe is always in need of clothing and etsy has many wonderful Blythe clothiers. This cute knitted sweater and hat Gracie is wearing came from teacupfaery. This little ensemble is so well made and the hat fits perfectly over that big ol' head. All the girls in my home are clamoring for a set of their own.
2. At Gracie's feet sit Salt and Pixie, two of the felted creatures made by Stacey Hsu through her shops, Original Sock Dogs and Original Sock Cats. Not only does she make these charming felted cats and dogs, she makes cats and dogs out of SOCKS! A sock dog is definitely on my wish list! A portion of the proceeds of each sale benefits the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City. I love that! (And these little felted fellas make the perfect-sized animal friend for Blythe dolls - wink).
3. I love this print from annejulie. It is titled "This Glorious Sadness That Brings Me To My Knees" (from the Sarah McLachlan song, Angel). I gasped when I saw this while browsing on etsy as it really captured some of what I've been feeling lately. It is such a beautiful illustration, printed on nice cardstock. I found a frame to match and placed it on my shelf until I find a permanent place to hang it.
4. I love the collages from Scrapatorium! This is pure collage at its best ("storytelling with scissors" as the shop header says). This artist card first captured my attention through the Scrapatorium blog and I couldn't get to etsy fast enough to purchase it. The artist card arrived with its own acrylic frame and stand - how fabulous is that? (Very!)
5. Finally, the sculpture - ah the sculpture - made by my friend Ronda Kivett. This was another one of those pieces that just struck me in a personal way. I love the organic shape of it, the colors, the circles, the vertical stripes, the expression on the face, and the little bird in the center. Ronda creates all kinds of things from artist cards to paintings, from dolls and sculptures to beaded items and jewelry! She also publishes a zine and offers kits. All of which can be found through her etsy shop Kivett Studio.
Not to sound too "preachy" about it, but I love love love buying handmade ... it's a way of shopping that makes everyone feel good and that everyone can feel good about.
Go. Shop. etsy!
Now that Handmade Parade is over, it's back to reality. Prepping for the show gave me something to focus on besides Mr. P.'s upcoming departure (sixteen days from now) and our year apart. 
