It cannot be denied that the landscape of shopping and retail has changed a great deal over the past ten, five, and even several years. And while there is something that is innately pleasurable and comforting about being in a brick and mortar store (where one can ask a shop assistant questions and touch, hold, and try out the wares), there is also something to be said for online shopping – because who doesn’t love the comfort and convenience of shopping in their PJs? While there are countless online boutiques out there, Etsy is one of our favorites. Filled with up and coming designers, obscure artisans and gifted textile artists, the online community/marketplace has become our go-to for unique products and creative inspiration. As makers ourselves, we are often overwhelmed by the sheer inventiveness of some of these artist’s creations. Etsy is a treasure trove for artistic inspiration; whether you are a shop owner or designer yourself (rife with beautifully composed product shots, Etsy is often a great place to look for online merchandising inspiration). There are a million and one reasons to love Etsy and its many creators, makers, movers and shakers. These five boutiques are just a few of those reasons.
Calling all handbag lovers! Designer Christy Foh has made a name for herself on Etsy selling her beautiful handmade purses, crafted out of quality materials like leather and durable canvas. Her signature utilitarian style is practical and would truly appeal to both ladies and gents. Every single bag is made by hand in Christy's home studio and is designed to fit the lifestyle of every individual who buys her bags. There is something for everyone in this Etsy boutique, whether you want a rucksack for hiking or a sleek handbag for everyday.
Twitter - @christystudio
Facebook - Christy studio
Pinterest - christyfoh
2. EDM Designs
Love jewelry? Intrigued by the Steam Punk trend in fashion, jewelry and home decor? Then you have pretty much met your match when it comes to New York based Etsy shop EDM Designs. Inspired by the craftsmanship and ornate aesthetic of centuries past (from as far back as the mid 1800s to the 1940s), this online boutique features re-purposed jewelry and accessories made out of luxurious materials such as sterling silver, brass, leather, and precious stones. Vintage pieces are sourced and remade into beautifully intricate items that pay homage to the artisans of long ago and their dedication to long-lasting quality and unadulterated beauty.
Like many of us out there, CompanyTwentySix's founder, Michelle, first fell in love with creating beautiful objects seven years ago when she began quilting. She discovered Etsy after Googling "handmade quilts" and opened her shop SFOQuilter shortly after. Her affinity for design earned her a troupe of fans and she was able to quit her day job as a Technology Marketing Executive in 2012. She has since expanded her line to include pillow covers and customized, monogrammed gifts, all of which are completely adorable and make us want to drop what we are doing and quilt.
Twitter - @cotwentysix
Facebook - FestiveHomeDecor
Instagram - @companytwentysix
Pinterest - fhdpillows
Website - CompanyTwentySix
4. Rayela Art
Designer and textile artist, Rachel Biel, is bringing new meaning to the term "fibre art". Having developed her love for textile art decades ago, she began working with ethnic crafts, both within the realm of retail and as a technical assistant to other artists and importers, in 1988. She began creating and selling her own pieces on eBay and then began selling on Etsy during its second year. In 2010, she launched the organization TAFA: The Textiles and Fibre Arts List, which offers like-minded artists the opportunity to showcase and sell their works, as well as teach others. Environmental consciousness, fair trade, and sustainability are all key components of her creative process today. Realizing the positive social impact the textile industry can have on economic development, Rachel makes a point of supporting fair wages and using recycled materials and sustainable production methods. What can you expect to find in her Etsy shop? Vintage ethnic textiles and handmade accessories, pillows and other supplies, all which showcase Rachel's flare for design and whimsical fibre arts. Whether you are looking for some fibre art inspiration or truly unique handmade pieces, Rayela Art is a shop you will definitely want to visit.
Facebook - Rayela Art
Website - Rayela Art
5. Pixiebell
"There is something magical that occurs when you can take a raw material like yarn and turn it into something tangible ..something unique and warm and comforting, something that envelopes you and fosters a sense of security. "
Professional knitter and author are two titles that multi-talented creator Diane Serviss dons proudly. Her first book filled with knitting patterns, "Knitted Beanies & Slouchy Hats: 31 Original Designs to Suit Your Style & Attitude", launched on October 1st, 2014. She has not shown any signs of slowing down since then, and aside from managing her very successful Etsy shop where she sells stunning hand-knitted goods, she also has another book that is due to be released in the Fall of 2018. Today she manages her line with her husband Christopher who helps her to hand-knit many of the brand's signature hats. Now if that's not a tight-knit relationship, we don't know what is. Look to this boutique for knitting patterns, cozy scarves, gloves, blankets, slippers, and of course hats, hats, hats.
Twitter - @elfinwear
Facebook - Diane Serviss
Instagram - @pixiebell_elfinwear
Pinterest - elfinwepinterest.com/elfinwearar
