I recently re-found Etsy and fell in love again. I don’t know how I could forget about this amazing website for all things handmade. Etsy is a place where people can sell their handmade goods and where others can buy them. They have everything from costumes for your dog to hand-knit covers for your apples (yes, they do exist).

Buyers and sellers from this website come from all around the world to share their personal pieces for those who are looking for things that are a bit more original than regular commercial goods.

I first came across Etsy while doing some online shopping for jewelry. I’m not talking about diamonds-and-gold type jewelry but cute, trendy and most importantly, affordable jewelry. I particularly like birdzNbeez designs. Her jewelry features vintage watch movements, aged brass, antique silver plate, and many other unique materials. I especially love her lockets; they are timeless pieces but with an added vintage flare (and sometimes a bit of color).

Once Upon A Time Heart Locket by birdzNbeez

Apple Orchard Locket by birdzNbeez

I don’t quite understand how this fits into the category of “handmade” but Etsy is also a great place for people to sell and buy vintage clothing. I recently bought something from leasvintage because her vintage clothing is adorable yet still affordable.

So Blue dress from Lea's Vintage

If you’re intimidated about purchasing vintage clothing because, let’s be honest, sometimes it can be a bit out of control, there are tons of other things to look and choose from in the clothing section. These include sweaters, t-shirts, sweatshirts, swimsuits, costumes, pieces made with eco-friendly materials, and so much more. I got carried away looking at the “knitted” section (I think the weather had something to do with it). There are so many beautiful scarves, hats, and gloves to choose from for this fall and winter.

"He Loved Her" by John Clark

The clothing section, and let’s face it, the entire website can be a little overwhelming because of the amount of things. On the left side of the page, Etsy provides a column of categories that allows you to narrow down your selection. The top of the page has tabs that guides you through the website. By clicking on “Buy” I was able to click on “Shop Local” and look at at some of the things people are selling around Ann Arbor. johnclark caught my eye with his sharpie drawings on printed book paper.

Etsy definitely has something for everyone because it is a space for anyone to sell something they hand made. I love that it gives off a more personal feel. On websites like Ebay or Amazon, people are there to make money. I know this isn’t realistic at all, but I see Etsy as this little haven for people that sell their pieces as a way to share their talent, express themselves, and display their passion for their art. Take a look at the website and you’ll see how addicting Etsy can be.