Ah, la dolce vita! I’m personally in love with Italy and I was thrilled to accept alibli‘s pitch for this edition of our Shop Local series. She touches on another topic near and dear to Etsy’s heart: sustainability. The Slow Movement was first established in Italy and we all have a lot to learn from our European friends. Read on…
Benvenute e benvenuti! I’m so glad to host you all here! Don’t worry, in my garden there is room for everyone. My name is Alice, aka alibli here on Etsy, and I live in a small town near Milan (do you know the Duomo cathedral? Well, just walk North for some 20 km and you’ll find me!). The house where I live with my family is surrounded by a beautiful wood, and you can enjoy an incredible view of the Alps from my windows when the sky is blue.
I am a tree and flower girl, and you can see me in my natural habitat, my favorite place, with a few of my flourishing babies. It’s a pity that I can’t craft my earrings out here, but I have planned to open a kindergarten for the Pixies in this green corner… They need to know a bit of outdoor life before taking off to the world!
I am sort of an aesthetic-eco freak; everything I love feels good both for my senses and the world surrounding me. That’s why I have chosen such fellows to guide you through Italy. All of them create true beauty thanks to their incredible talent while trying to live a life as sustainable as possible. (Isn’t it the perfect match?)
So take your time to sunbathe with Chiara and run down the hills with Lucia; be daring on the roofs with Linda and play hide and seek with fairies and elves with Sara; let Emilia, Alessandra, Chelsea, Mirella and Eva show you the beauties of our cities…
I am sure it will be a journey you won’t forget.
celestefrittata: “This picture was taken in a small old mariner’s neighborhood called Boccadasse in Genova, northern Italy, the city where I was born and raised. I think Genova is just the perfect place. I’m lucky enough to live with hills and mountains just outside and just half an hour away from the sea.”
Dindolina: “I’ve been living and working in the heart of the historical center of Rome since I was a student of architecture. This is the view from the roof of my house. You can see the baroque dome of the church of Sant’Agnese in Agone, built by the architect Francesco Borromini.”
(L-R) Alessandra of Ixela, Chelsea of ItalianPostcards, 
Mirella of mireloom and Emilia of eccoitaly: “Here we are, the Etsians of Torino, hanging out under the Mole
 Antonelliana, which is the symbol of Torino and houses the National Cinema 
Museum. We meet for coffee once a month
 and talk all things Etsy! Italians are so good about being green, and it’s
 easy to be inspired when you are surrounded by the Alps. mireloom uses 
handmade materials with natural dyes, ItalianPostcards‘s vintage treasures
 recycle the abundance of great Italian fashion, and Ixela and eccoitaly scour the markets to find beautiful reusable fabrics, materials and antique 
buttons. Emilia’s shop name really says it all, ecco Italy means ‘This is 
Italy!’”
Aula46: “This photo was taken inside of the Accademia of Art of Brera, where I study. 
46 depicts the classroom, where I crafted the series of sculpture jewelry I sell here on Etsy. 
Unfortunately, this place no longer exists except in my memory and in the the feeling that even now forces me to create these jewels.” 

Popcorntree: “…a magical wood surrounds my home. Shapes, colours, the smell and the sound of nature! Here I find my inspiration. I do feel like a princess in a fairy tale.”
Larimeloom: “Here I am right in my front yard, in the middle of the hills of the Langhe. The view all around where I live is wonderful, all wild woods, with a few houses here and there. I love the green philosophy… am I ‘green?’ Well, not 100% to be honest, but I do dabble in natural herbal dyeing and I LOVE to repurpose things, bringing them to new and better lives. I also ride my bike a lot, and my car runs on methane, which is about one of the greenest fuels available!”
REphilosophy: “Here is a moment of me and Taz in our secret garden in Milan. We enjoy the water and look for new ways to reuse as many materials as we can, to create items for our REphilosophy shop. 
What is wonderful about Milan is that art is almost everywhere, the city is vibrant and full of inspiration…. and I don’t need a car! If you want to know more about this city, read my Milan design guide.”
Shop Local in 2009 and meet your talented neighbors (shrink that carbon footprint too)! If you’re a seller who lives somewhere interesting, post in the comments below or pitch to us with a screenshot of your Poster Sketch!
144 comments
Sign in to add your ownposeypatch says:
Great article which I need to read in depth, we leave for Italy in about 3 weeks and I can't wait.... it's my favorite vacation spot!
3 years ago
KiraFerrer says:
Great article! I love to see the people behind these wonderful shops! Makes me long for a trip to Italy!
3 years ago
FancifulForm says:
I had never seen DIFART's shop before. Such an amazing artist!
3 years ago
sorellina says:
Don't forget beautiful Florence! There are some local etsians here too, in the heart of Tuscany. It'd be great to organise an Etsy "incontro" with the other Italy based etsians!
3 years ago
yaelfran says:
oh!!! nice to meet you all girls!!!! I LOVE your shops!!!!!
3 years ago
eccoitaly says:
What can I say? Finally a Italian Shop local!! Thank you to alibli for the excellent work :-) Bravaaaaaaaa!!!!!
3 years ago
4TheSparrowsNest says:
It's so neat to see actual pictures of our artists here on Etsy. This series has always been fun. It would be neat if the profile section of our shops had more options for representing the artists...such as a place to put a real photo of ourselves (not just avatars) and perhaps a sort of a "get-to-know-you" section we could fill out...
3 years ago
bayousalvage says:
che gli artisti belli italiani!
3 years ago
FrucciDesign says:
finalmente un po' d'Italia anche su etsy...mancava proprio!!! complimenti ragazze!
3 years ago
lovelygifts says:
Nice article. Some of my best memories were in beautiful Italy
3 years ago
odiliafu says:
Nice to meet you all!!! I have never been to Italy. After reading this article and looking through all the beautiful work, Italy will be my next vacation spot!
3 years ago
dragonhouseofyuen says:
wonderful article and nice to meet the sellers again! I didn't know Italy was so ahead in this issue!
3 years ago
asmallbrightidea says:
oh to be in italy. some day.
3 years ago
FrucciDesign says:
by the way there is also a "Rome design guide" http://www.designspongeonline.com/2008/04/rome-design-guide.html
3 years ago
gretchenmist says:
i love reading these articles and 'meeting' the sellers. have been a fan of larimeloom for ages :)
3 years ago
BrambleAndVine says:
I just returned from Italy and miss it already. Thanks for highlighting some of the Italian Etsy Artists to make them easier to find!
3 years ago
niceprettystore says:
Accidenti!! I did not know there were so many italian Etsians (shame on me!). There's also Umbria here too. I'm from Perugia and this amazing medieval place is such an inspiration for my work. Dear neighbors contact me, please! B.
3 years ago
alibli says:
Hi everyone! I hope you like the article... we really enjoyed making it!
3 years ago
lros2002 says:
oh i love the necklaces
3 years ago
larimeloom says:
wow, I'd love to meet some italian etsyers, I know personally only "aula46" thanks for the feature!!!
3 years ago
dafnadagan says:
we love you
3 years ago
lucibu says:
FinallY! Alice, thanks for introdicing our beloved Italy with such talented artists!!!
3 years ago
bonzie says:
Bravo stunning feature! Bellissimo! Well done to all, really great read. Rome is my most favourite place on earth, its like a dreamscape. x bonzie
3 years ago
mythunderstood says:
great stuff.....my second home!
3 years ago
EpicBones says:
yay! italy, sustainability, and beautiful jewelry. love it!! i went to italy last year and had the honor of joining in on the olive picking with a wonderful family near florence. i fell out of a the tree and got a huge bruise on my butt...but it was totally worth it. xoxox
3 years ago
Ciaffi says:
Complimenti ragazze!!! Un grande bacione a ixela!!! W Italy!!! :-) :-)
3 years ago
uncharted says:
I love the orange window pendant
3 years ago
ScottieinaCanoe says:
Ahhh Italy. Ready for a trip myself--lots of eating and devouring the sights!
3 years ago
Waterrose says:
One of my favorite shops! Yeah!
3 years ago
twolefthands says:
Italy is gorgeous and packed with talent! I am happy to see my dear friend Ixela with her friends. Hi Ale! I was hoping to get a glimpse of Silvia66 too!
3 years ago
elisasherejewelry says:
Love this feature! Well, I just love anything Italian.
3 years ago
theaxx says:
Naturally, the italians are so stylish!! Thanks for putting this article together! thea xx www.forthevisionaries.tumblr.com
3 years ago
THIMBLEandACORN says:
lovely article, so nice to see sellers outside of their shop pictures!
3 years ago
popcorntree says:
Thank you for the great article! A kiss to all the italian etsians that are in the list, and one even bigger to the ones that are not in! Forza amici costruiamo una comunita' ancora piu' grande e ancora piu' unita!!! Thank you ETSY! Sara
3 years ago
Bunnys says:
Bellisimo, always good to see how artists are inspired by their surroundings. Nature is such a powerful force.
3 years ago
Mimiandlola says:
Ciao a tutti! I'm a proud italo-canadese! I truly enjoyed this article and the beautiful items that were featured by these italian etisans! Job well done!
3 years ago
voleurdebijoux says:
Great article and wonderful pics of all the artists! :)
3 years ago
minta77 says:
grazie etsy italia! e tutto bellissimo
3 years ago
foreverandaday says:
Inspiring and truly Beautiful! : )
3 years ago
StrungAlong says:
Fantastic!
3 years ago
MyJunkyTrunk says:
Awesome article and really great pics!
3 years ago
TheNebulousKingdom says:
wonderful!
3 years ago
pogoshop says:
I imagine Italy as a place of great food, great beauty, great art and a general joy for life. I hope someday to go there and see if I am right. Thanks for the wonderful feature!
3 years ago
sandali says:
Great article -- awesome to touch base with some of the Italian Etsiers -- we should have a global gathering so all the nations can combine their creative sparks -- happy days ;)
3 years ago
PipocaHandmade says:
Wonderful and inspiring article. It's always great to see the faces and landscapes behind these creative shops!
3 years ago
bellasparty says:
Love the article and the wonderful work!
3 years ago
Krystyna81 says:
all gorgeous work!!! Can't wait to click and see the rest of their shops. Hubby and I are traveling to Italy in the fall and this article gets me so excited!!!
3 years ago
SewnNatural says:
everything is beautiful, very reflective of how inspiring the country and the nature is... thank you for a beautiful piece!
3 years ago
zwzzy says:
YAY for Italians! ;D
3 years ago
movetheneedle says:
great article. I'm traveling to Italy this summer and I'll actually be in Milan for a few days. :)
3 years ago
treasurehuntvintage says:
Must...........Go................to..............ITALY!!! Bravo!
3 years ago
ixela says:
Woww... thanks a lot Alibli for your great post... thanks girls under the Mole... thanks Etsy... thanks to you all!... Italy rocks!!!
3 years ago
LittleCritters00 says:
this is so awesome. i need to travel
3 years ago
sweetsmilesbaby says:
Love, love, love Italy!! So fun to meet those who live and create there.
3 years ago
desertnana says:
what a wonderful article from my number 1-must travel too countries! You have an open invitation to come visit the ranch here in the wild west of Joshua Tree California-home of the Joshua Tree National PArk! ~hugs desertnana
3 years ago
dindolina says:
Thanks to alibli for the excellent work! Nice to see how many beautiful girls are behind our creative works! Go to visit all italian shops! Benvenuti nei nostri negozi italiani!
3 years ago
celestefrittata says:
Great article and a great "in bocca al lupo" to all of the italian sellers who are featured here with me... and to all of the others who are not!
3 years ago
chichiboulie says:
Another wonderful feature with so many wonderful shops. No wonder - Italy is gorgeous and so inspirational!
3 years ago
iragrant says:
Lovely article and country!
3 years ago
nightcloud says:
once more, even if it has been said already: lovely to connect faces now with beautiful Italian handmade work, especially nice to see the will of Italian/ guest Italian etsy creators to connect between each other and meet! Lets keep spreading the good word about the fabulous place we live in and we create in, with a green and recycling mind... and thank you, popcorntree, for the even bigger kiss! auguri e spiriti buoni per tutti!
3 years ago
Kreativlink says:
Ahhh... Bella Italia! So nice to see the sellers :)
3 years ago
Ravenhill says:
Wonderful finds from a beautiful land!
3 years ago
Mireloom says:
Wonderful article! I'm proud to appear together all this talented etsyan friends! Thanks to Alibli!!!!!
3 years ago
eccoitaly says:
...and thanks to Mireloom, she knows why ;-)
3 years ago
ExoticFlavour says:
Absolutely brilliant! Wonderful artists at the wonderful place to create their wonderful piece! ^-^ Thanks for sharing with us!
3 years ago
creationsbyeve says:
Great post!So lovely to read about our Etsian fellows from Italy!!
3 years ago
ingermaaike says:
Most amazing artists, all of them!
3 years ago
kraplap says:
thanks for this trip to Italy !
3 years ago
betsy3 says:
benvenuti in Italia!
3 years ago
galit says:
Wonderful article!!!! I love Italy!!!!
3 years ago
fauves says:
great article, great object and great people! from Italy ciao a tutti
3 years ago
BabbidgePatch says:
Wonderful ~ beautiful country and lovely shops!
3 years ago
gemheaven says:
Great article and Italy is my favourite country in the the world (that I have visited so far) I felt so at home there :)
3 years ago
creativeyarn says:
Thanks Alice for including my handwarmers as well! Very nice article and very sweet person!;) I'm so happy to see all these wonderful italian creations!! Ciao a tutti!
3 years ago
PaperPepper says:
So many gorgeous Italian ladies!! thanks for sharing alibli! great article
3 years ago
italianpostcards says:
Best Shop Local Ever!!!! Whoo hooo!
3 years ago
PenelopeAndAnastasia says:
Hi Girlies! I'll be visiting your lovely country in May! I can't wait to see in person all of the beauty you describe as your backyards!
3 years ago
AREjewellery says:
Great to meet some Italian sellers! I live in Ferrara for a year and loved travelling around while I was there - Forza Emilia Romagna!
3 years ago
principessaemicranie says:
wohooo! cannot really explain how i felt reading this article...a weird but lovely mix of goose skin, pride and a sweet melancholy :) for once i'm happy to be italian! grazie alice, thanks vanessa for including my vintage jacquard blazer! totally flattered!
3 years ago
FluteTeacher says:
So fun to read! I feel as if I've traveled this morning!
3 years ago
BlackStar says:
Alibli, I love your work. Thanks for introducing us to these Etsians and to your beautiful country!
3 years ago
waisze says:
Italy is on top of my priority list to visit! Lovely read, thanks!
3 years ago
yalipaz says:
I love Italy!!! I have been there twice in my life and my dream is to go there again with my husband. Great and wonderful artists! I love love Dilkabear!
3 years ago
Sumikoshop says:
Congratulazioni ragazze !!W l'Italia !!
3 years ago
ManoCelebrates says:
I am glad Milan has come to etsy!
3 years ago
claudiavarosio says:
Boccadasse! Sono anch'io di Genova ma vivo a Londra da anni; mi manca il mare...
3 years ago
claudiavarosio says:
: ) Translation: I'm from Genoa too but have been living in London for years, and I miss the sea.
3 years ago
bijouxdellostregatto says:
Congratulazioni a tutte!!!!!!!! E......."in bocca al lupo Italia"!!!!!!!
3 years ago
TreeHuggerStudio says:
Italy looks so inspiring,hope I can go there someday!!!!
3 years ago
rephilosophy says:
Alice, Thank you for this great article! It's nice to connect faces and shops.
3 years ago
ourfrontyard says:
Absolutely Beautiful Places. Thanks for sharing! :-)
3 years ago
Ozknits says:
I love these features! Such beautiful architecture and wonderful sellers. Please keep these features coming :)
3 years ago
Pirillinca says:
Yeeeeeee! We could make a Little Italy Community here on Etsy! I'm from Firenze (Florence, in english), but we are a loooooot here!
3 years ago
JoyandWhimsy says:
Ciao Italia!!!!
3 years ago
Baboush says:
wonderful!! I am so happy see all these beautiful and talented italian girls!!! In bocca al lupo a tutte voi!!!
3 years ago
hanginmoon says:
Nice shot. Have a good spring weekend everyone!
3 years ago
difart says:
Wonderful grazie!!!!!!!
3 years ago
beachhouseblues says:
Great Article!
3 years ago
summerground says:
I missed italy although i've only ben there once.
3 years ago
meraldesigns says:
ahhhh, italy..... i had the best time in rome, florence and sienna 3 years ago, lovely article, and the artists' work is just as beautiful as their country.
3 years ago
marysgranddaughter says:
Beautiful article! Thanks!
3 years ago
redyellowandblueink says:
Wonderful work. I wish when I hit the shop local button it landed on Italy! Today i found my etsy shop featured in an Italian Blog-From what I could figure it seemed to be about eco friendly crafting. So it ties right in with this article. Viva Italia!
3 years ago
blythelove says:
Simply awesome!
3 years ago
KiimoFactory says:
Ciao tutti! Such a great article! I am so excited to know about Italian Etsians. :) I live in Florence but am going to move to Viterbo a little city close to Rome soon. Hope to meet them sometime!
3 years ago
Signs says:
I need that potions book..lol
3 years ago
mondobugi says:
Congratulations to everybody!!! I'm a crafter from Ravenna... Made in Italy with love 4ever!!!!!! Ciao a tt! Bugi
3 years ago
CutieDynamite says:
Fantastic! I love Italy and cannot wait to go back!
3 years ago
20BucksorLess says:
Genova looks like the perfect place. Rich with culture and history, and right on the water. Etsy is such a great place to be.
3 years ago
luckytroll says:
Absolutely beautiful! What a magical place!
3 years ago
vivilian says:
love your creation! ．．．．．．â•â•®â•â•®ï¼Žï¼Žï¼Žï¼Žï¼Žï¼Ž ．．．．．â•â—†â”´â”´â—†â•®ï¼Žï¼Žï¼Žï¼Žï¼Ž ．．．．．│︵　　︵│．．．．． ★★★★★╰○ï¼ï¼â—‹â•¯â˜…★★★★
3 years ago
AnneMarie1025 says:
I LOVE THE NECKLACES TOO. I hand craft all of my gemstone necklaces I sell on Etsy in a serene setting by the lake. When the sun is out and the lake is gleaming, I feel that the kiss of the sun is in every necklace I make... HAPPY SHOPPING AND GOD BLESS TO YOU AND YOURS THIS EASTER!
3 years ago
knittingmette says:
happy to see other Italian etsians here! ciao knittingmette/aDaneInItaly
3 years ago
amarshall says:
Don't forget Sicilia! I'm lucky to be living here in Sicily for 3 years! We love traveling all over Italy and Europe!!
3 years ago
chiarashandpainted says:
I love seeing what the Etsians from all over the world are up to. I love Italy! This article was especially fun to read and explore
3 years ago
MonjioCreations says:
Yes, great to see fellow Italian Etsians! I have been living in Italy for almost three years, and I always continue to explore the countries beauty and history!
3 years ago
plumprettysugar says:
Ah, Italy! So lovely.
3 years ago
littlemissdrama says:
This is a lovely idea. Grazie! Also: Prayers to those in and around Abruzzi, as well as anyone touched by the devastating earthquake. My relatives are safe in Calabria, but others are not so lucky.
3 years ago
missyarpington says:
Marvelous article! I am so happy to find this article, featuring the sweet and very talented Mirella of Mireloom, along with other Etsy members from Italy whose shops I will now dash off to investigate! Keep articles like this one coming! Such a pleasure to read!
3 years ago
twoknit says:
Great article!!!!!!!! I love Italy!!!!!!!!
3 years ago
Trizy62 says:
Happy to take part of the Italian etsians creative artists!
3 years ago
marcomagro says:
WOW! Brave ragazze!!!! I live and work in tuscany! I would like really much to meet all of you!!! ciao
3 years ago
santosleather says:
Amazing ! such talent ! Bravo !
3 years ago
BellaBubblesShop says:
Hehe celestefrittata was photographed in the neighbourhood where I grown up =) My sweet Genova. Shop local people!
3 years ago
BellaBubblesShop says:
Btw bravissime,siete tutte fantastiche!!! <3
3 years ago
cloud9designstudio says:
lovely story. i WILL make it to italy one day....:)
3 years ago
Frammenti says:
Congrats for your article and your lovely jewelry! I live in Basilicata! Ciao :)
3 years ago
JazzGreen says:
great... i love Italy....
3 years ago
PassionArte says:
Me too I'm Italian! I live in beautiful Sardinia!
3 years ago
MySelvagedLife says:
I'd give anything to be able to create and live in beautiful Italia!
3 years ago
poshpie says:
Lovely article! I'm italian too!
3 years ago
vantidesigns says:
Love the Italian style and people :) wonderful article, great pics!
3 years ago
ireneagh says:
Belloooo!!!! :))
3 years ago
filofashion says:
Great!!! I Love Italy!!!!
3 years ago
rockzeecouture says:
This is a wonderful article. My family originated from Italy. My Grandmother and Grandfather moved to America before my Father was born. I would really love to visit some day!
2 years ago
antigoni says:
I love Italy ...and everything related to your country!!! Bravo!!!...you are very talented
2 years ago
Vocisconnesse says:
Ciao, Complimenti! Nice article and shops! I'm from Italy (Milan)... Illustration, artworks, handmade jewels... www.Vocisconnesse.etsy.com www.diramazioni.it
2 years ago
paolafrusteri says:
ciao very nice idea...) very cute shop Bey and see you
2 years ago
angelasermoneta says:
Complimenti Alibli, hai un bellissimo negozio!! Great idea!! I love Italy!! I live in Israel but I came from Rome.
2 years ago
Kosmika says:
Che bei negozi, non avevo ancora visto questo articolo, complimenti, you're amazing! :)
2 years ago
madebyjanet says:
Forza Italia, anche qiu ci sono le ragazze molto brave :o)))
2 years ago