I had no idea I needed a dog tie. I don't even own a dog... but now maybe I will buy one. Now that I know dog ties exist.
Welcome to my new latest addiction -- Etsy.com
Etsy (pronounced like "Betsy") is the world's largest collection of artisans selling their wares of all things handmade. Products run the gamut from clothing and jewelry to some really inspiring works, like this puking E.T. painting on wood by artist LegendaryTigerHero.
Many retail products today feel homogenized, mass-produced, but Etsy provides a breath of fresh air with ALL original items for sale, and usually for affordable prices. It also gives a great outlet for artisans wanting global exposure.
In the last 12 months, my wife has bought itmes from sellers in Spain, Italy and Australia. So, now she is shopping globally, which scares the crap out of me.
Shoot 'em dead with your brilliant ideas and this revolver handgun tie by Toybreaker in your next pitch.
Not only is the concept behind Etsy great, the site offers some really intuitive ways to search and browse products. Sure, the more traditional forms of navigation are there, but say you bought some curtains that are a really weird color of mauve (quite possible?), and you need some artwork to match? You can browse items through a color picker and it will pull items of a similar shade. You can also shop locally (support local artists!), or even shop products through the Treasury section, which are items handpicked by Etsians.
Since community and art are critical to each other for survival, Etsy has mastered the elusive practice of cultivating an active online community. There is much dialogue, sharing of ideas and site improvements made because of constant artisan feedback.
This community also has a fierce dedication to making sure only handmade items appear on the site. Borrowed or reproduced imagery of any kind is usually frowned upon. Interestingly enough, Etsians' devotion to all things handmade is also matched by their devotion to a digital tool to help them sell it. This is probably a testament to its ease of use and low cost-of-entry for participants.
Now back to the important stuff. Look at this print "Storage Beard" by Little Robot.
What's the point? Besides the fact there's a bunch of weird stuff I want to buy? It's yet another example how technology can level the playing field and give independent artisans a strong voice and a place to sell their work. So before you buy something mass-produced, think about buying something handmade instead.
And I'm definitely buying this comb by Makool. And then I'm growing a mustache.
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