Modish is coming up as next week’s Trendspotter, so we thought it would be useful to introduce her blog. She highlights many Etsy shops and focuses on handmade and indie items.

What motivated you to start your blog?
At the time I had a little online jewelry shop of my own and was looking for ways to promote it.  I stumbled upon (and eventually became obsessed with!) design blogs like design*sponge, decor8 and OhJoy!, but I couldn’t find a comparable blog that was dedicated specifically to indie designers and handmade goods.  So, I decided it might be fun to start one myself!  I wanted to target online shoppers and design-minded folk who may not be familiar with the wealth of indie goodness out there and show them that handmade goods can be just as hip, fun, and affordable (and far more unique and inspiring!) as the mass produced ones that are shucked at all the coveted big box and chain stores.

What do you like to post about?
All handmade goods, baby!  I like to focus on the things that are made by their maker, the things that aren’t "produced" but created, the things that come from finding hours between school/work/life to be with yourself and be creative.

Any tips to others hoping to start a blog?
Just do it!  Sign up, start up, write your first post and tell people about it.  If you have other people reading it, it will motivate you to keep going.  Make time for it!  Try to post at least a few times a week if not everyday.  Focus on a theme of some sort, whether it’s your own life, your creative process, things you find that you think are pretty, and make it your own.  Don’t copy anyone else.  Find a niche that hasn’t been explored yet and run with it!

What’s the one place you’d like to visit and why?
Japan!  For the zakka and the kitschy cuteness!  The fast pace, the fashion, the art!  The bikes and the Buddhism!  My boyfriend and I are both dying to visit someday.