The Art of the Matter Salutes Etsy

Hello Friends,

If we've hung out for an hour of more, you probably know about my love of Etsy. Actually, it's not love; it's an obsession. Most people have a checklist of things they do every day when they turn on their computers. E-mail, news and Facebook are all usually among the websites visited by most. My list goes as follows: e-mail, blogs and more blogs, Facebook, Pinterest and, for the coup de grace, Etsy. What does one person need to do on Etsy for hours and hours you might ask. To be honest, I'm not sure.

All I do know is that Etsy has revolutionized online shopping. And it makes me look like an uber-considerate gift giver. I mean, who doesn't love a handmade, personalized coffee mug or a print of a cupcake that looks like Andy Warhol?

So cute, right?

Back off, he's mine!

Ever since I got into Etsy about 2 years ago, I haven't been able to stop. That makes it sound like an illegal habit, doesn't it? Well, much like most enjoyable things in life (chocolate, wine, shopping), it's addictive. But tell me, where else will you find a ring made out of a spoon from 1860 or letterpress stationery covered in avocados? When was the last time you could walk into a store and tell someone exactly what you want and have them make it for you? Walmart may be full of good deals, but those savings come at the cost; you can't buy anything handmade and one-of-a-kind from a chain retailer.

If you have enough time and patience, Etsy will change the way to buy anything. Are you saving money? Depends on what you buy. A poster of the cast of Twilight may be cheaper than a gorgeous hand-screened print. However, what you are doing is supporting small businesses. Think of it as sponsoring artists and helping bolster the economy instead of balking at some of the prices. There's something for every budget, whether you want to spend $15 of $1500. And, with the recession making itself at home like an uninvited stranger crashing on the couch, now it's more important that ever to support local businesses. So, when you can find things this great, why not?




Etsy logo via. Personalized mugs can be purchased here. More cupcake art can be found here