Best of Etsy (according to moi)

Etsy Textiles

2007-03-10T13:04:00.000-08:00

There's no shortage of incredible fiber artists on Etsy. These are some of my favorite pillows currently available, I just cant decide which one would fit my abode best? This wonderfully collaged pillow by Inaluxe is top on my list. All of these choices together would make a wonderfully eclectic mix! This piece from ChristinaArista would fit right in. PamelaTang offers this modern Asian inspired design in a gorgeous silky cushion (and a very affordable price) in her Etsy shop. You wouldn't be able to get anything like this at Room & Board near the price.

Modern Enamel

2007-03-09T05:48:00.000-08:00

I've been appreciating the incredible enamel work that has been showing up on Etsy lately, I've compiled my very favorite artisans for you all here. I am loving tinarice's latest additions to her shop. So modern and beautiful.I can't get over this orange enamel on copper ring by Marstinia.Fosterweld is a master of enamel, this year he's added a wonderful variety of pieces to his Etsy shop.

Amphibian Etsy

2007-03-02T13:52:00.000-08:00

Fate (karma?) has been telling me something involving frogs...lately I have been seeing a ton of frog related work on Etsy. Among my very favorites, "Inquisitive Sanchez" by barefootphotos clutches at my heart strings.
a3nima (Brandon) is just 18 years old! What a future he has ahead of him with gorgeous shots like this one!

I've been wanting to create a series of cactus (cacti?) terrariums for my studio and found these incredible frogs by dendrobay that would look great among them...hmmm, now to decide which one?! I also love his avatar.

Modern Organic Metals

2007-02-28T18:13:00.000-08:00

I am loving all the beautiful sculptural jewelry pieces showing up on Etsy lately that are inspired by nature. Among my favorites are this Grass Blade Pin and Francie Flower Ring by MFJDesigns:Experimetal recently sold this beautiful tulip ring but has many other gorgeous designs in her shop.I am a shell collector of sorts so I was immediately drawn to this stunning addition by Nonpareil.I had been watching this piece by BrightonMoon for a while because I loved the simple elegance she captured in her Poppy Field Necklace which also recently has been sold.No list would be complete without Nanopod, who is one of my all time favorite designers (Sculptors really) on Etsy, such an incredible collection of wildly unique pieces!

Only on Etsy!

2007-02-22T18:29:00.000-08:00

I feel honored to be a part of Etsy, especially when we have modern artists among us like JenMaestre. She recently made her fantastic pencil urchin's available only on Etsy. (I know what I am going to be asking for on my birthday!) I thought they were fantastic even before I saw the undersides...and WOW are they amazing. Don't miss the detail shots! I really believe you'll find her work among the MOMA's collection one day.

Neo Dada Etsy

2007-02-20T11:53:00.000-08:00

I've had this piece in my back pocket and thought this would be the perfect time to add it to the blog since Tina and I were just talking about Neo-Dadaism yesterday. Originally created for Etsy's upcycling contest by fieltro, this 8 foot hanging curtain was made out of credit cards! So subversive!

Concrete Sculpture

2007-02-19T16:25:00.000-08:00

I had a mini panic attack when I went to look at one of my favorite pieces by ScenicArtisans and it was no longer there! (I convo'd Sean to see if it is sold or still available)...the piece with red on it below is still available in his shop. Definitely pay him a visit, lots of great modern sculptural pieces in his shop at reasonable prices.

Form + Function

2007-02-18T05:59:00.000-08:00

*Sigh* Every time I see this 5 piece Tapas Set by Suuskeramiek I can imagine myself on the sun-drenched beaches of Ibiza...perhaps I am even wearing a speedo like the locals and have brown skin leathered from my years in the sun. Thanks for the dream Suus!I've been watching this tea for 2 set by Camplus for a long time, it is such amazing work and incredible craftsmanship. This piece sold out recently but take a look at Michael's other work that is still available!One of my latest finds, these fantastic plates by KristinPavelka remind me so much of the work by Ayumi Horie ...but different of course. Don't miss the other pieces available in her shop!

Break Even Analysis For Etsy Sellers

2007-02-14T13:51:00.000-08:00

This is a little off my usual track and something I would rather avoid as an artisan but if we want to be successful must take a look at so I did a bit of searching for an easy way to calculate my break even point. Here is what you need to know to figure it out and how to do it, I am going to use my round cast resin frame as an example which I sell for $16/ea:

The Formula:
Break-Even Point Q = Fixed Cost / (Unit Price - Variable Unit Cost)

The Elements:
1. Selling Price Per Unit = $16
2. Total Fixed Costs (all of the fixed costs to produce your first item) =
$48 (full bottle of resin) + $6 (glass for frame) = $54
3. Variable Unit Cost (amount that it will cost to produce a 2nd item) = $6 (I just need glass now that I still have resin)

The Results:
So if I put my results in the formula 54/(16-6)=5.4...which if I round up would mean I need to sell 6 round cast resin frames before I break even. (please note, to be more exact I could add in the cost of creating the silicone mold (expensive), cardboard and hanging supplies but I just wanted to get an idea).

Yes, this kind of depresses me but we all know it's not entirely all about the sales. We get a lot out of the art/learning process however, if we are going to be serious about our art, it is worth taking a hard look at your pieces in this way to be fair to yourself as a seller and your clients. If you don't want to do the math by hand you can use this Break-Even Analysis Calculator online. Good luck and I wish you all great success and sales! ...So am I going to keep selling the frames? I haven't decided yet, but sometimes when you are in to a certain point I feel like you should go all the way...plus, they look really nice and modern. :)

Modern Plastics

2007-02-08T10:38:00.000-08:00

This may seem strange, but I am fascinated with plastics (as you can tell by my resin picture frames in my shop), ever since their development our society has had an insatiable appetite for it...why should jewelry be any different?! I love everything about this white "dendrite brooch" by nervoussystem and can see this as THE modern trend in fashion accessories.

Fiber Artists Take Note!

2007-02-06T12:22:00.000-08:00

I stumbled across these little bird pin cushions by loosestring today while checking out Etsy's Showcase and had to post it to the BOE blog for my cousin...so she can get one for her mom, who sews but hasn't in a while. Maybe receiving a token of love like one of these will inspire her?!

Polaroid Prints

2007-02-04T14:52:00.000-08:00

There is just something about Polaroid shots that capture that certain moment and spirit. Maditi is an expert at making the best come out of a shot with these stunning (and oh-so-affordable) prints. They make me long for spring and summer! I love the set up of this first Polaroid against the actual coffee and creamer I would be happy having a print of that!

Pencil Pusher

2007-02-03T07:59:00.000-08:00

Aren't these amazing? I don't know how she does it but sculptor jenmaestre creates some beautiful modern pieces out of gorgeously colored pencils. I am going to have to start saving my pennies for one of these beauties!

My Modern Valentine

2007-02-02T06:46:00.000-08:00

I've loved all of the designs by paperedtogether but when I saw this special valentine I just had to get it. There are so many talented card artisans on Etsy, I am slowly building a truckload of them! ...but my friends and family are loving them, I guarantee you WILL get positive comments when you send out these wonderful cards.

Aquatic Inspired Vases

2007-02-01T18:11:00.000-08:00

It's rare to run into a new design idea that you haven't seen translated into one form or another but I think I've found one! Ldub's (Lindsay W) aquatic inspired vases blow me away with the symbiotic mix of modern, abstract, yet organic lines...so beautiful! I'll bet they just glow with a candle in them too...hm...a set of tea lights perhaps?

Fresh Glass

2007-01-30T17:24:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking how beautiful these stained glass pieces would look in my windows (or any one's really)! I am particularly mesmerized by the work by GreenLanternGlass, it's no mistake if these gorgeous scales remind you of ancient Japanese motifs. I used to live in a craftsman home that really needed this Victorian Teal stained glass window by StainedGlassHeirloom, although the design is so gorgeous it would look fantastic in any collector's decor!

Modern Circles

2007-01-28T11:06:00.000-08:00

The following Etsians have been on my mind lately. I've been noticing a lot of simple, modern, and beautiful circle designs in jewelry that take me back to the wonderful design memories from the 70s. Be sure to take a peek at these seller's other pieces, there are lots of beautiful ones I am unable to cover here! I think orno has something really special with her gorgeous black walnut three ring necklace and antique brass chain.Jenniferquinton created this beautiful silver fiveCircles necklace that I cannot believe is still available!Not to be outdone, the elegant ten pearl necklace by brightonmoon is stunning. I've been watching this one for some time now!Tinarice, throws her hat in the ring (pun intended) with her beautiful robin egg blue enamel donut pendant.

ReLaunch

2007-01-24T13:36:00.000-08:00

I feel so bad, I have fallen so behind in keeping the blog up-to-date...and there are SO MANY Etsians I want to remember. I am going to try and be better, I promise. I just asked benben if he would be able to make a series of cards for me out of his fantastic prints and he IS! I can hardly wait. On the face of them they seem so fun and whimsical but when you think about it, they are kind of profound mini-statements.

Style on the go

2007-01-10T17:28:00.000-08:00

Oh man, are these not the hippest laptop bags you've ever seen?! I don't even take my laptop anywhere anymore and I feel like I MUST get the "Ossuary Rose" bag. I admit, I had to look up ossuary on dictionary.com which made me love it even more...note, it isn't in blogger's spell checker either! Flickaalice has superb taste in fabrics, it's worth browsing through her store just for the beauty of it all!IpastrOcchi (a.k.a. Silvia) just sent me a link to her gallery on deviantart so I could see more of her work. I can't get over how fantastic her little ninjas are! They are all great but my favorite is the Soft_Cowboy_Ninja seen below. He looks like he just got done kickin' some butt down at the saloon and got a shiner in the process!

Reclaimed Treasures

2007-01-06T05:21:00.000-08:00

I've been noticing an amazing emergence of artists on Etsy reclaiming vintage buttons to create new and wonderful works of wearable art. While I don't wear jewelry, I have started collecting interesting pieces and framing them (without glass) in my modern white frames (I'll add pictures of my collection here someday). I can see myself donating a huge collection to a museum of modern art someday for the whole world to appreciate the detail we've been losing in modern society! If you run across other interesting pieces (on or off of Etsy) you think I should add to my collection, please email me!

I was up late last night searching on Etsy and found a treasury list that had just been started that included this beautiful piece (one of many!) by Brandi (a.k.a. Enthral) and had to snap it up for my collection right away!You had me at "wear. smile. repeat." ...I am a HUGE fan of lorimarsha (we are not worthy ***insert bows***) Her rich collection of warm, natural colors and interesting shapes makes her work stand out. She has a bunch of wonderful things in her shop, it's well worth the look-see even if you don't wear or collect jewelry. Great idea on the components lorimarsha!

Bellus Libri

2006-12-29T07:31:00.000-08:00

These gorgeous and texturally rich journals by NinaJudinBooks will make the perfect gift for your book loving friends and budding writers alike...when I think about it, who wouldn't appreciate such elegant craftsmanship?

Blizzard Inspired Projects?

2006-12-28T06:04:00.000-08:00

If you're bracing for ANOTHER big snowstorm like we are here in Denver, I found some fantastic assemblage art sculpture on Etsy that should cheer you up and will add a splash of color to your home. I can see Artsy sitting at a kitchen table with cabin fever during a blizzard like ours absently stacking porcelain and an idea is born! (not that this is what really happened! just my imagination again). Here is your work translated into internet:

//(*_*)\\ or //(* . *)\\

I can't resist a great robot (or an army of them) when I see one, and theBlockheads has some great choices available in his shop along with yes...a pirate!...but my favorite is the little, "Soy Boy the Lil Block of Tofu" blockhead!

Prints and Patterns Obsession

2006-12-25T08:12:00.000-08:00

Wow! Candyargyle has a must have on her shoulder with this gorgeous "vivid zipper tote." Come all ye hip chicks, snap it up while you can!
You know you've seen some great art when you can't get it out of your mind! These modern block prints by magprint have been sneaking back into my consciousness all weekend long.I stumbled upon these wonderfully embroidered shirts on Etsy brought to us by inchwormsfinebaby the other day, I can just imagine my nephew looking oh so hip in these! What a cute pup!
P.S. Check out this fun forum dialog searching to define our wonderful Etsy community: http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5013442

Modern Stuffed Toys

2006-12-24T07:48:00.000-08:00

How cool is this modern stuffed toy by jamtartbaby? "Jane's" unimpressed attitude may stem from the fact she sports a beautiful contrast of colors and fabrics and knows it!When I saw these new dolls by one of my favorite sellers yaelfran, I knew they had to be added to the BOE list cause I am certain they are going to be a huge hit if they aren't already. It looks like there are more designs than i've listed here so check it out!I think i'm going Japanese...yes, I really think so! I've been noticing how much of Japanese culture and design has been infusing ours and thankfully so! This ninja-meets-grateful dead collision has been captured in a RainbowNinja by IpastrOcchi...just one of MANY fun designs available.

Type as Art

2006-12-23T17:24:00.000-08:00

I've always loved the simple beauty of black and white so you can imagine how excited I was when I saw these incredible monogrammed milk glass jars by CoriKindred. Hmmm, now I just need to figure out where I MUST put them...and who would have guessed an "M" just for me?! What a great niche! Etsian trixiedelicous has an awesome selection of vintage china with beautifully hand painted typography on them...I can see a whole set on my wall (the simple black & white designs are my favorite)...now I just need to come up with a theme or words I may want to collect!
P.S. I'm kind of a typography nerd, I love reading about fonts used at the end of novels (bring it back publishers!)...here is a fun site dedicated to type as art.

Bits & Baubles for the Holidays

2006-12-23T07:02:00.000-08:00

Check out the incredible hand-work done by 1ofmykind. Lots of fantastic & ornate hand fashioned pieces to be had...and get this, "NO GLUE...or solder is used as my stones are uniquely and firmly hand set using torque and tension..." Wonderful!
I just purchased this gorgeous bauble to add to one of my shrine boxes that needed that extra special something. maggiesmarketplace store owner Jeanette is also very friendly (like all of the other Etsonians I have met). I just love her work and think she is so talented! Don't her pieces kind of have that NY edge? Designs like hers are a lifetime of button and bauble collecting. I imagine various bowls strewn throughout her abode."This December Moon Necklace" by honeybee is a beautiful mix as rich as her description, "...an antique flower button is the centerpiece in this charming collection of treasures. A deep orange carnelian, a coin pearl, a copper oak leaf, and a brass swallow complete the necklace." The gift box is a classy finishing touch! On a side note, if you've ever worked with precious metal clay you know how expensive it is (even in small quantities!) making this necklace a great deal.

Welcome!

2006-12-23T06:38:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my inaugural posting! If you've discovered Etsy, you are probably as obsessed with it as I am. If not, you've come to the right place...cause you will be! I promise. I am constantly amazed, awed and inspired by the vast array of talented artists and craftspeople offering their wares on Etsy.com. My addiction has gotten so bad I find myself judging mass produced items and finding them inferior in quality and ingenuity to those of my fellow artisans...and the mass produced items usually cost more! Let me just add this before we get started, once you become involved in Etsy whether as a shopper or as an artist this is more than just a shopping site, it is a community of the kind and talented. If you have a favorite Etsonian you think I should know about, email me!