Hello Etsians from Europe and around the world!
It has been a crazy holiday season so we apologize for the delay in getting up our re-cap of the super trip Liz, a.k.a. muka, and I took last month. We hosted meet-ups in Berlin, Paris and London as part of our goal of building greater awareness for the handmade movement and Etsy community in Europe. We had a great turnout in Paris. Thanks to photographers YannPendaries (the very talented fiance of Malam — congrats to you both!) and Fatih and Feyza of ikabags and hobbytime, we have some great photos to share. We wish we had photos from our other meet-ups in Berlin and London — they were also wonderful.
RoseLaBiche, Malam, AnastasiaBijoux, TortillaGirl
The lovely ladies of JiaStyle (left) with our “woman on the ground” in Paris, Stephanie (right) who has been working with us learn about the local market.
A group shot of Etsians listening intently to Matt tell a hilarious story about the early days of Etsy.
In the coming year, I will devote myself full time to developing Etsy’s European business, spotlighting the creative talents within our existing European community as well as recruiting new artists, vintage sellers and shoppers. Today, our global community represents members from over 150 countries and accounts for 30% of the business. We see a lot of potential to make this number grow, and in the year ahead, having a local presence will ensure the unique needs of our international friends are heard, as we build Etsy’s marketplace capabilities.
You can expect to hear a bunch more about this in 2010, and as always we’d love to hear from you with your ideas and suggestions.
Liz and I and the rest of the Etsy Admin wish you all a happy, healthy and handmade holiday season!
135 comments
Sign in to add your ownSumikoshop says:
is nice to know European artists .... I live in Europe too ... Great article !!
2 years ago
martice says:
Cool! Nice to hear some results of the meeting :) next time come to Amsterdam :) You will like it and it's very easy to access from Berlin :P
2 years ago
vadjutka says:
Thanks for the post! And yes: spotlight on us :-))) http://europeanst.blogspot.com/ You are very welcome in Budapest as well! Judit from Hungary
2 years ago
Emmamaha says:
Sounds like fun. Thank you for listing some of them:) must check them out!
2 years ago
SewnNatural says:
love the photos! thanks for sharing!
2 years ago
zwzzy says:
I heart Malam & Yann!
2 years ago
tortillagirl says:
It was really awesome to meet you, Matt. I also enjoyed seeing Liz again and meeting up with other France based sellers; I look forward to getting together with everyone again. I can't wait for the office in Berlin to open up because we're definitely gonna visit! Thanks to Yann for taking the photos, he's ace. It was a great time (as you can see from my laugh and closed eyes in the top photo, hee hee) Happy holidays, Etsy friends. Thanks for creating such a nice community and for another great year! xo!
2 years ago
KOALACaddie says:
It's very exciting to be part of a global sales experience both as a seller and a buyer. Zarina2009's Knitted Poncho with hood and booties is marvelous! Thanks to you all.
2 years ago
nowonder says:
It is so good that you working twared raizing awareness for Etsy community (and handmade items) in Europ. It has taken so well in the US and I think Australia. Next Asia! Good Luck!
2 years ago
mjboutique says:
This seems really weird. Instead of working on the constant requests of Etsians, like coupon codes, instead Etsy is just going to try to expand and be more global? I think it would make more sense if they were at least working on the current problems before they went charging ahead with getting bigger. Hey, if they were making progress on any of the problems in a regular way, then I wouldn't be concerned about expansion. But expanding something that needs major overhaul, instead of doing renovations seems just plain silly.
2 years ago
MGMart says:
I hope next time when you come to Europe, the meeting will be closer to Hungary and I can meet you too. I wish everyone a Happy Holidays and a successful 2010!! Greetings from Hungary! xo Marianna
2 years ago
SilverSmack says:
Great to see artists around the globe!
2 years ago
poppyswickedgarden says:
Awwwe I wish I would have been there! Would have been nice to meet Marie and Yann and all the rest of the talented European Etsyians:)
2 years ago
Periay says:
Nice to see you in Europe Matt.. Next time we are waiting to Istanbul,Turkey.. Pls welcome.. Kind Regards from Turkey Ayperi from Istanbul
2 years ago
jamieribisi says:
I'd love to see Etsy focus more on gaining customers rather than getting more sellers. If we have more customers brought to the site then the other sellers will come.
2 years ago
supplier says:
This is great to see my friends here I feel proud of being a member of this great great team lots of love
2 years ago
martice says:
@jamieribisi I think that the sellers are the best customers and marketeers for etsy! I so disagree with you on this point!
2 years ago
pulpsushi says:
Congratulations on your move Matt! Looking forward to seeing Etsy's presence grow in Europe. :)
2 years ago
ayawedding says:
Wow:) that is great to see great team friends:) We are waiting to Turkey, Ä°stanbul:) A lot of Turkish etsian would be happy to see you:) I wish a stunning,lucky,happy new year to all etsy family:)
2 years ago
mykonos says:
lovely work!!
2 years ago
alatsupplies says:
it's great to hear you are thinking of Etsyans from different regions but I'm partly with mjboutique there are problems needing to be fixed before any further expantion
2 years ago
candythomasgourdart says:
Sounds like tons of fun!Thanks for sharing.
2 years ago
handebilten says:
wow.. great.. yeah.. lets meet in turkey this time.. love all..
2 years ago
kirevi8 says:
Wow,so nice! I wish to be there too:)) Please welcome Istanbul Turkey,next time! Best Semra
2 years ago
cookieletta says:
woww Amazing!! Happy new year to all etsy :-)) we are waiting to Turkey :-))
2 years ago
econica says:
Happy Holidays, Europe!
2 years ago
PamelaAngus says:
wow! bravo to Etsy in Europe (it's the cultural centre of the world heehee) !!!! .... now, where can I list in euros????? ;P
2 years ago
amoronia says:
Hey beauties!!! Europe rocks!!! Merry Christmas from Greece, Happy Holidays to all!!!
2 years ago
Ayca says:
So nice to see all the european artist here... They are all full of positive energie and makes me smile and feel it... Proud the see Feyza of ikabags especcially...Congrats and keep your success with all my heart ! XOX Really hope to see all in Istanbul...
2 years ago
bijouxdellostregatto says:
Wow!!! It's wonderful to see Europeans here!! I'm from Europe too!! Happy holidays to everyone!
2 years ago
SimplyInvitingCards says:
Malam and Yann are awesome. :) Happy Holidays to all of our Etsy friends around the globe!
2 years ago
malam says:
It was great to meet everyone ! btw top left is Lucy from Roselabiche.etsy.com merry christmas everyone!!!!
2 years ago
rebeccasanchez says:
Such great talent in Europe. Love the baby poncho!
2 years ago
twoknit says:
Happy Holidays to all !!!!
2 years ago
ElenaMary says:
Love that etsy is expanding internationally..a great big creative global hug to all!! BTW I have a brand new etsy team called Making Change and am searching for activist international artists who create with a political/environmental vibe...I will be promoting Making Change team shops a great deal in 2010..join us! http://team.etsy.com/viewteam.php?id=730
2 years ago
Ebruk says:
Happy Holidays all of you.We are waiting all of you in Istanbul !!!
2 years ago
IchaPhotography says:
Really nice to see you all in this photo! :) I wish I could be there (Paris)! Feyza, I'm so happy to see you there! Merry christmas for everyone!!! Best wishes from Ankara, Ayca
2 years ago
filofashion says:
Super !!!That is great to see super team friends :) Happy new year to all Etsy .. Love all.. Ferda from Turkiye
2 years ago
ingermaaike says:
Yayyy for the global market place. But a good rebuild would not be amiss...there are a few things that make running a shop rather irksome and would be priority issues to be fixed.:-D
2 years ago
silverdotjewelry says:
This is very exciting. Looking forward to hearing more. Thanks for sharing. I'm in love with the Paris Metro necklace. Happy Holidays!!
2 years ago
toosis says:
Great European Artists. Lots of Love Toosis
2 years ago
aysetugrul says:
lets meet in Istanbul / Turkey which is Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture
2 years ago
breadandroses says:
So many of my favorite artisans are in Europe! Happy to see them featured here and thanks for this recap. Merry Christmas!
2 years ago
masaoms says:
Wow, you look so great!! I love Malam and TortillaGirl stuff!! Will be the next travel to Barcelona??? It will be really nice, Barcelona it's a wonderful city! ;-)
2 years ago
BizzieLizzie says:
OH, fantastic story! I want to visit Europe - so bad! Planning on it - soon! Look out Paris - here we come! Love placing faces with the names here on Etsy!!
2 years ago
cazhoffy says:
Its nice not to feel forgotten!!! What a great feature!!
2 years ago
loddelina says:
Thamk you for this article - great news, we are looking forward to your ideas! Happy holidays!
2 years ago
depuis says:
I miss Europe! Merry, merry Christmas to you all! Best wishes, Mina
2 years ago
polkadotmagpie says:
This all sounds fabulous! I have a huge Italian customer base out of Milan. They would love to be included too. Yay for "the other side of the Pond!"
2 years ago
ikabags says:
It was a great pleassure to share those experience with Liz,Matt and all etsian who was there. I am proud of being part this big family. Merry Christmas and healty 2010 to everyone Feyza
2 years ago
sabahnur says:
OoOo Europe.. and tortilla there. awesome! let's meet in 2010 in Turkey in Istanbul!
2 years ago
woolicious says:
I wish I was there too !! MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR from GREECE ♥
2 years ago
WingsDove says:
I love this global community that connects creative people around the world. So nice to meet you!!
2 years ago
polkadotsandblooms says:
I attended the London event and it was really good to meet other Etsians, as well as Matt and Liz. Really looking forward for things to come and getting more involved locally.
2 years ago
vintagemaison says:
Happy Christmas to all from Limoges, France. Sorry I missed the Paris meet but maybe next time. Keep expanding Etsy - Europe needs you!
2 years ago
innovationdesign says:
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAY TO ALL ETSIANS....
2 years ago
innovationdesign says:
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAY TO ALL ETSIANS....
2 years ago
gilstrapdesigns says:
Hello my fellow European Etsians it's so encouraging knowing that we are from all over the world. Happy Holidays All!
2 years ago
maggiemaevintage says:
Merry Christmas to everyone around the world
2 years ago
Iammie says:
Looks so fun. BTW, MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!
2 years ago
AudreyGardenLady says:
So many lovelies!!! So Little time! Merry Christmas!!! AudreyGardenLady
2 years ago
desertsoapstone says:
I live in Arizona, but I heard about Etsy from my friend in Holland. Her shop is MissTiddels. Its nice to see this European post. It would be nice to bring all markets together.
2 years ago
AnnaLela says:
merry christms to all.....
2 years ago
LavenderField says:
Merry Christmas!
2 years ago
brynnalex says:
Oh, I have found some very wonderful European shops!
2 years ago
ChicChixnChampagne says:
Malheureusement, I couldn't get into Paris that evening. I had planned on it for weeks. I hope the European Office will develop a Euro instead of Dollar plan also, to make it easier for Euro buyers/sellers. Whenever I buy in dollars, my bank takes a percentage and I'm tired of that! Happy Holidays all. Alysen.
2 years ago
BabbidgePatch says:
Merry Christmas!
2 years ago
Bijunea says:
Nice to see a little bit of Europe here on Etsy. =P Have a great Christmas everyone. Greetings from Portugal. =) ***
2 years ago
CardsAndCraft says:
It was great to meet Matt and Liz and follow Etsians for the first time in London. Really looking forward to hearing more about and hopefully taking part in the developments in 2010. Happy Christmas
2 years ago
SNoU says:
Happy holidays to everyone, and love to hear that Etsy takes care of all the wonderful european talents!
2 years ago
empapers says:
I am absolutely out of my mind about this! I'm a 'European' (a native Californian who has lived in Munich for the last 10 years) and can't believe that Etsy is going to be in Germany! totally fantastic news!
2 years ago
steinschmuckdesign says:
oh, I wished I could have been there!!! Happy Holidays to everyone and I am already looking forward to 2010 and Etsy in Europe!!! I have no doubt, it will grow!!!
2 years ago
babook says:
I wish everyone have beauty grow in the new year of 2010 ! and the perfect and wonderful looking forward to European ; )
2 years ago
kukkilintu says:
Such great news for us europeans!
2 years ago
atelierpompadour says:
Nice to see a little bit of European!! me too i'm european (Italy)!! thank you!! happy holidays!!
2 years ago
sabineadesign says:
Great to hear, that Etsy is expanding to europe. Happy Holidays and a happy new year to everyone!
2 years ago
LaPerLaA says:
Great initiative! Hope you will get soon to Rome in Italy. Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo! Happy Holiday and a Great New Year!
2 years ago
OhFaro says:
That looks like a blast. It's great to *see* TortillaGirl, (I've seen her fun posts in the forums) and all the other lovely ladies too! What a great European expansion project!
2 years ago
jbeaudet says:
So cool! Thanks for sharing!
2 years ago
dafnadagan says:
love Europe :)
2 years ago
gr8jewellery says:
It's great to see a push to strengthen Etsy's European market! Greetings from the tiny Island of Malta in the middle of the Mediterranean :D
2 years ago
fleurfatale says:
Yay for Europe, welcome in Brussels too!
2 years ago
riorita says:
Many beautiful items by European Etsians and ....other parts of the world as well, such as Israel.
2 years ago
mentalembellisher says:
Hopefully, we'll have a French Street Team together some time in 2010 :-)
2 years ago
littleyellowyarrow says:
Congratulations and Welcome European Etsians! It's a small world after all. Happy Holidays!~
2 years ago
lindabutterfly says:
I saw the NY Times had an article about Etsy, recently. I;'m going to badger The Times here to see if they would do the same. Etsy isn't exactly "expanding" into Europe; we've been here all along. It's mainly that few people realise we exist because a great deal on Etsy is American biased. 99% of my sales are from Americans; good job I ship internationally, eh?
2 years ago
CreativeButterflyXOX says:
I'm from England, but I live in America now (NY state.) It's great to see so many talented people around the world here on Etsy :)
2 years ago
patspottery says:
Nice to hear from you again Matt:>) And thanks for the "goodies box", the chocolates were GREAT!!
2 years ago
ydolem says:
Ohhh, did anyone else melt when they saw that SUPER cute baby in that gorgeous poncho knitted by Zarina2009??? HOORAY!! Congrats European Etsians!!!!
2 years ago
MiniCyn says:
Wow... I completely miss that!!! Looks like I must spend more time than I already do on Etsy to find this out. Wish I was there to meet all the lovely ladies who have helped me get started in Paris:) Thanks to Tortillagrl, Malam, and not to forget Berenice from Lunaticart.
2 years ago
pogoshop says:
Oh yes, ydolem! That's the most amazingly cute baby photo ever. Check out the other adorable one in her shop too. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37365299
2 years ago
Bluebrooch says:
Etsy ever coming to Africa???
2 years ago
LaTouchables says:
Looks like great fun--I'll be there in Berlin! Wouldn't miss that!
2 years ago
ErikaPrice says:
Exciting news for all us European Etsians! Look forward to seeing you back again soon!
2 years ago
BabongoHome says:
Will try to be there next time. Thanks Etsy. Greetings from The Netherlands and Happy Holidays to everyone.
2 years ago
willkaystudios says:
Hello Europeans! Glad so many of you are joining! Etsy people buy from Etsy people...more the merrier!! Happy 2010!!!
2 years ago
alfalfalovesme says:
Fancy!
2 years ago
silkstory says:
I wish to meet more european etsians too! it is pleasure to me to get to know more!!!! Thanks for u beying so organized!!! with love!! From lithuania
2 years ago
purlsofcolour says:
Sounds like a great trip! Hope you also had a chance to browse the fantastic flea and craft markets in Paris and Berlin! And on your next trip, don't forget Ireland :)
2 years ago
ricerafferty says:
It's exciting to see how etsy is growing! Cheers!
2 years ago
lostdreammachine says:
I sure hope that Etsy is going to be as great in Europe as it is in the U.S.A. !
2 years ago
BlueTerracotta says:
It's great to see some of the EST members! So glad etsy is expanding to Europe; this is indeed very exciting for us.
2 years ago
2007musarra says:
Can't wait, some I have a feeling the vintage seelers will have some pretty cool items! Happy Year to All!!!
2 years ago
CarolineUnderwood says:
If the Etsy team (or any other travelling Etsians) fancy visiting Southeast London next time they come to the UK, do get in touch - I'd be happy to show you round the studios! In the mean time, feel free to check out our blog: http://creeksideartists.wordpress.com/ Or if you fancy making your own way round the studios and galleries of Deptford, you can download a guide at: http://www.deptfordartmap.co.uk/ Best wishes! Caz
2 years ago
BalmBox says:
Beautiful items.
2 years ago
FairyDecos says:
I love the idea of traveling around Europe :) Wish You all the best! FairyDecos
2 years ago
eroa says:
I wish I was there too! Happy Holidays everyone. Great things for all in 2010. Eva
2 years ago
VintageEye says:
i second and third the turkish etsians hoping for a visit to istanbul! i adore the gorgeous fiber arts of so many talented artisans from turkey and would love to see them featured!
2 years ago
Archibalgfddfg says:
www.Stylemalls.com We can supply cheap women shoes, brand shoe, safety shoe, clothes, sports products, craftwork and electronic products. (1) Material:100% authentic leather (2) High quality sports shoes with reasonable prices (3) Small trial orders accepted (4) With original box, (5) Size: US 8-13, Euro 41-47 (6) Inner packing:1cardoard box We have various styles sport shoes on the company website. If you ask for details, please visit our website or contact us directly OUR WEBSITE: http://www.Stylemalls.com Sell:Ed/POLO tshirt$13,jean$30,handbag$35,jordan shoes$32,coach lv handbag$35,coogi/burberry jean$30 Free shipping! #%&^#$ styhjsr dtyjhdr dtyjdrt
2 years ago
recycledcollection says:
How wonderful to make the global economy about people and art and connections. What a great way to add beauty to the world. Thank you.
2 years ago
TheIDconnection says:
Lot's of great information. Keep it up! Check out my vintage finds, lanyards and more! TheIDConnection
2 years ago
lunaticart says:
Thanks for the meeting; it was a lot of fun! Happy 2010 and happy moving!
2 years ago
cinnamonhaven says:
Europe rocks
2 years ago
hobbytime says:
Thanks for everything !Such great news for us europeans! Cheers
2 years ago
hobbytime says:
Thanks for everthing !Such great news for us europeans!
2 years ago
hobbytime says:
Thanks for everthing !Such great news for us europeans!
2 years ago
Schaufenster says:
I'm really excited that Etsy is going to be concentrating on us sellers in Europe. Thanks!
2 years ago
chichiboulie says:
Great news about the Etsy Europe plans! Can wait to hear more...thank you so much from all of us here!
2 years ago
LadyLuLus says:
Love the items picked! =]
2 years ago
nauli says:
I was looking forward for this report for a long time! Still sad, that I couldn't join the meeting in Berlin. Just too close to Christmas... Excited about what's coming next...
2 years ago
MRSBAUBLES says:
Next time I want to come with you!!!!!
2 years ago
VintageMarquise says:
how wonderful. I wish I will be able to join you next time !!
2 years ago
BacaCaraJewelry says:
Great that etsy will be concentrating more on Europe! There are so many wonderful sellers here! Happy New Year to all!
2 years ago
gullistCraft says:
Wonderful! Feyza, I am very happy to see you here:) Good luck be with you every time!
2 years ago
nickinicole says:
Wishing everyone a great 2010!
2 years ago
MyWisteriaCottage says:
I would love to meet the talanted ladies from Eastern Europe. All the jewelery and crochet pieces from there make me want to meet them. Maybe next time. I love the international flavor of Etsy. I love that it could allow artists everywhere a chance to be seen and heard.I wish Africa and South America could join us more.
2 years ago
WendyJNZ says:
I would like to give a big THANKS! to the team for including me in your recent UK, Canada, Australia, and NZ feature on boxing day! Sitting here in NZ, I am now addicted to Google analytics and seeing all the countries where people are checking out my work. GO TEAM!!!... GO WORLD!! Have a wonderful 2010.
2 years ago
Suesun says:
I'm European too - I'm from Italy - and I'd love SO much meeting all the Italian Etsian and share our stories...It'd be great! Maybe one day or another it'll be possible! Thank you Etsy! :)
2 years ago
FascinatingHobbies says:
Heloo every Etsy members, I am wishing you that 2010 will be much better than 09 for your business, private life and overall health. Very sorry not beeing in Paris for the Etsy's adm 2° meeting, I was there for the 1° one with Maria and Liz and had a very good memory as well happy to meet Etsy members from all over the world. Good luck to all of you, the Best for 2010, warm regards from Paris, France
2 years ago
viltalakim says:
We have a super team at etsy, the Europeanstreetteam!!! I am so glad I found them, good to read you are getting a focus on europe, I think there are so many etsysellers not even thinking of international buyers as a lot of them don´t even mention shipping everywhere. Happy new year!!
2 years ago
kariusdeparius says:
oh my, I just got to know, and I missed it !!! Like FascinatingHobbies, I went to your first one, and therefore would not miss the following... ...fare forward voyagers... LOVE from around Paris.
2 years ago
frenchaccentbymagali says:
Going over to Europe and making yourself known is great. I have been lobying your business to everyone who wish to make a living creating whenever in Paris and here in Maryland! Have you thought of posting commercials adds in European magazines like Marie-claire idees? or adds in and outside Paris and major cities? Eventually "le bouches a oreille", "from mouth to ear",will help Etsy go around the world and back. You are what everyone would love to do and be a part of!! I actualy met Roselabiche on Etsy while she was still in the US, she was my first cheeleader! En revoir!
2 years ago
SailmakersDaughter says:
Next Stop Dublin? We have a great Etsy Ireland team and I know we'd all love to meet you guys and touch base with Etsy central.
2 years ago
AnastasiaBijoux says:
oh great! thanx for pix:) waiting for the next meeting already!!!!
2 years ago
kalicat says:
nice news, amazing to see how it has grown so fast and widely 150 countries, that's just global :)
2 years ago