Etsy goodness

I may be a bit behind the times in saying this, but nevertheless, it must be said that I have fallen in love with Etsy. I've known about it for a while... I have a few friends with Etsy sites, which I must warn you I am about to shamelessly promote, but I never explored it far beyond that. But one lazy Sunday, I found myself buried deep in all that this wonderful and useful site has to offer.

For those of you who may not be familiar, Etsy is a website for anyone and everyone who may have some sort of hand-made craft or vintage item that they want to sell and for those of us who want to buy them. And let me tell you, there are some amazingly talented people to be found there! I am a full supporter of the way Etsy allows so many talented people to start and grow their own little (and sometimes big) businesses. You could literally find almost anything you could ever want. Believe me when I say this, I have looked for some pretty odd things and have never been disappointed.

So I've decided to make a list of my favorite Etsy sites.... and without further ado! Here they are. (hint: click on the name to see the site)

K. Minor Photography - I decided to start with Kristen Minor's Etsy site because she is such a dear friend of mine, and I believe so whole-heartedly in her. This past year, she did all of our engagement, bridal and wedding photos, and to say she is talented hardly does her justice. Now... disclaimer.... she doesn't have anything up on her Etsy site right now because she just got through spending a few months roaming North America in a sidecar. (www.bugsonmyface.com) I am not making that up. But when she gets it up and running again, you can expect to be able to buy prints of her photos, greetings cards, etc. So keep checking back, because I promise they are worth it.

Nena Von - I am a big fan of throw pillows, and I haven't found anyone who does a better job than Nena Von. I love the patterns and simple colors she uses, and the only reason that I haven't bought any yet, is because I can't decide which I like best. True story.

The Bees Knees Designs - Not only would I buy almost everything on this site, The Bees Knees designs also wins my award for the best Etsy site name. It's just cute. But aside from that, anyone who knows me, knows that I am of the "less is more" school of thought. I like things simple. These wall hangings are cute, simple, one-of-a-kind and best of all! They're extremely inexpensive. I heart them... a lot.

The Art of Domesticity - My friend Ashley Carter started this site and her hand-made bags and wall hangings just ooze chicness and femininity, and once again, extremely affordable. I've got my eye on her for a few Christmas gifts. Mark my words... Anthropologie will be knocking on her door one day soon.

Erin Ruth Giftwrap - I love to wrap gifts. Let me say that again. I... love... wrapping gifts. I spend way too much time, money and effort on it, but I just can't get enough. I have given serious consideration to taking a part-time job as a gift wrapper at a department store. I heard once that Aaron Spelling's wife had a room in her gigantic home that was just for gift wrapping, and all of my dreams for life came full circle. I truly love it. And the only thing I love more than gift-wrapping, are the people who make a wonderfully wrapped gift possible. Erin Ruth is one of those people.

Hue by Jenny Houston - When it comes to hand-made jewelry on Etsy, it was truly hard for me to narrow it down to one. But since it always comes back to simplicity with me, it had to be this one. She has the most simple and elegant pieces and right now she's got some killer deals going on too. She has a fantastic $5 Deals section, and she's also running a promo right now where you get a free pair of bronze leaf earrings with any order of $10 or more. 10 measly bucks! What more could you want, I mean really.

Sparrow's Nest - I couldn't end this blog without including this site. These are more vintage and refurbished items, but they are must-haves. So sophisticated and unique. They are definitely more of a wallet-stretcher, but this is one of the Etsy sites that you need to always check back with, because they are constantly posting new items.

I hope this gives all of you some insight as to why I think Etsy is so fantastic. I would definitely encourage anyone to spend some time digging around, because there are some true gems to be found.