As the Mediterranean Street Team, we would like to begin our story with the Mediterranean Sea. The word “Mediterranean” comes from the Latin mediterraneus, meaning “in the middle of the earth” (medius and terra). The Mediterranean is the sea surrounded by land and it encompasses many diverse cultures. The ebullient nature of the Mediterranean people is apparent 365 days a year and is revealed in our dances, fashions, and cuisine.
The blue sun-filled sky, blooming flowers, and colorful towns combine to influence our taste in design: modern and unique, yet a little bit urban with a vintage style. We appreciate handmade and antique items since we have large families with rich histories. Every generation passes antiques, recipes and crafts to the future generations. “You will see influences from my European heritage in both of my shops,” says Ceylan, a.k.a. packageinstyle, “simple designs but bold colors.” I also enjoy working with textured objects and vintage materials that remind me of the history of the Mediterranean region.
From the deep turquoise sea to the olive tree gardens in the mountains of the Mediterranean, the ancient history follows you everywhere. You can smell the beauty, love, and passion in the air.
Hilal, a.k.a. NewMoonStudio, finds many inspirations from her Mediterranean background. The designs and colors she uses are crisp, bright and clean, like the culture and lifestyle of the Mediterranean.
Gufobardo says, “I live in Sardinia, a big Italian island at the center of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s an island that has been influenced by Spaniards for 400 years. Here, Catalan is spoken as well. The city I live in is Cagliari, right above Africa. The white of the stones of noble palaces mixes with the intense azure of the sky in the embrace of the impetuous wind. I walk in these ancient alleys and always find great inspiration for the design of my jewels and for my notebooks!”
Ericosmicgirl, “an engineer who makes jewelry,” describes her home: “To the eyes of someone from the Greek islands, Athens, even after almost 16 years living and working here, it looks like a huge collage of images so diverse and inspiring that they can blow up your mind: shopping downtown facing the Parthenon, having a coffee at Plaka between ancient ruins on one side and the dizzy oriental bazaar of Monastiraki on the other, high-tech buildings, construction reminiscent of the 2004 Olympics, and lovely neoclassical houses among them. I live 20 minutes away from the centre. It’s still green and quite nice.”
“I am a daydreamer and I love fairy tales. Sometimes I feel like Little Red Riding Hood, but my story goes on in a sunny and lovely place instead of a forest,” says sabahnur, one of the Mediterranean Team’s cofounders.
Vildan, a.k.a. bayanhippo, feels very lucky to live in the Mediterranean region with its unique nature and delicious cuisine. She is inspired by the diversity of textures and colors surrounding her. “It is a pleasure to be part of our Team named after the beautiful sea that facilitates trade and culture exchange between diverse peoples,” she adds.
If you are in Istanbul and near the Bosphorus, seagulls will wake you up early in the morning. In fact, you may need to share your piece of bread with them while having breakfast. Hande, a.k.a. handebilten, made a seagull ring that looks like the bird is about to fly away.
Ayperi, a.k.a. Periay, says: “Whenever I see seagulls flying, I remember Bosphorus and Jonathan Seagull. One is a symbol of longing, and the other a symbol of freedom. My Jonathan, however, is the symbol of love: Mediterranean love, love of sea, and love of sun.”
Pinar, a.k.a. toosis, loves making large, yet delicate designs, inspired by the colors of the stones she uses and by nature.
For Didem, a.k.a. dreamyvintage, being Mediterranean is more like a state of mind — enjoying life, diversity and being yourself.
Mediterranean people live with the sea. They enjoy the company of fish and they dance with the waves. The sea is the source of their lives. The spirit of nature is often expressed through the arts. Events become history, history becomes legends, and legends become myths. Our art is a vehicle for those myths and tales. We as a Team, continue to tell our stories with our products. This is in our DNA!
Shop Local Posts | Etsy Teams | Shop Local in Your Area
121 comments
Sign in to add your ownKrystyna81 says:
my appologies to everyone in this article...I'm about to convo you to see if I can come and live with you for a while :)
2 years ago
craftscafe says:
Le Petit Prince! What a beautiful find! One of my favorite books of all times.. though not Greek :-) Hoping to visit this beautiful country one day...
2 years ago
YouAreYou says:
love!
2 years ago
girltuesdayjewelry says:
Ok, I definitely need to move to the Mediterranean.
2 years ago
candacejean says:
Stunning and so romantic. I love the sea as well! So many great finds from this region! Thank you for sharing.
2 years ago
laurelinsailor says:
Thanks for the article! I like to "meet" people and read about their way of life this way.
2 years ago
nanouke says:
Loooved this article, so many familiar faces :)
2 years ago
CarryTheWord says:
Such a beautiful area!
2 years ago
UltimateOrganicSoap says:
Oh I'm so jealous! When we've still got snow here, I'm always wondering what I'm doing on 'this side' of Europe. :) A lovely place filled with lovely people, the Mediterranean.
2 years ago
feralgirl says:
...furthering my obsession with sailing the Mediterranean one day.... beautiful shops!! ((I have envy of your access to H2O!!! aaacckkk...get this girl some ocean!)) amazing:)
2 years ago
StarRedesigns says:
I love Mediterranean food!
2 years ago
Artulia says:
planning a trip to the Mediterranean!
2 years ago
LoveTheBaby says:
Really lovely. Thanks.
2 years ago
dreamyvintage says:
Wonderful article! Thank you so much :)
2 years ago
OneClayBead says:
Sigh....this so makes me want to go there, but I may have to do the next best thing and visit these shops!
2 years ago
Ebruk says:
Great article.Congrat my friends.
2 years ago
VeraVague says:
love love love the med! thanks for the article!
2 years ago
ConservationClothing says:
Very much want to visit the Mediteranean countries, partiacularly Southern Italy and Croatia (that I belive is on that Sea - Croatia is ancient Roman Italy). Thanks for doing this piece.
2 years ago
gufobardo says:
I am here, thanks, I am Gufobardo,. and I live in Sardinia! and I wea one of my brooches...ad I am so happy, oh thanks!
2 years ago
Iovelycrochet says:
Great article.Really lovely..thank you so much:)
2 years ago
cookieletta says:
Wonderful items !! Congrats girl :-))
2 years ago
wensaccessories says:
nice place
2 years ago
viltalakim says:
Super artists and it is a favourite area to go and have a great vacation!!! I wish to go there once....
2 years ago
Iovelycrochet says:
Great article..thank you so much:)
2 years ago
packageinstyle says:
Great article! Thank you Meltem for taking the initative!
2 years ago
ceshme says:
Mediterranean is proud of you all talented women around the world!!! Congratulations!
2 years ago
Floweredsky says:
Thank you very much for this lovely article... It is absolutely beautiful.
2 years ago
toosis says:
It is so nice to see some of our team members and find more about their lives.
2 years ago
1dream says:
Amazing, I love it..Thank you so much my dear friends:)))We are all believe each other and we got it...Lots of love:)))
2 years ago
BHBKidstyle says:
Congratulations for the feature Mediterranean Artists!!!
2 years ago
ingermaaike says:
Applause for these amazing artists!
2 years ago
birribe says:
So great to meet you all!
2 years ago
selecta6 says:
Very lovely article...so nice.
2 years ago
SewnNatural says:
wow! such beautiful photos... and so many favorites. i loved this piece - so refreshing...
2 years ago
michaelangela says:
Love the turquoise necklace.. and tote..and well everything else1 Great article!
2 years ago
NewMoonStudio says:
Great article, wonderful work, beautiful people. So happy to be part of this amazing team! Thank you to all!
2 years ago
DPKministat says:
I'd like to be "Mediterranean!" Wonderful peek at the globe. Thanks.
2 years ago
portobellobelle says:
Very proud of my fellow etsy friends who are lucky to be waking up to the sounds of seagulls in Istanbul, the city I was born and raised, and love deeply. Now on the other side of the ocean, I miss the sounds and the smells and the food and friendships and the breeze from the sea.. Thanks for the article since it brought a piece of everything I was longing for :)
2 years ago
sarahknightdesign says:
Amazing work. Amazing place. You ladies are so fortunate to be so creative and live in such a beautiful place:) Keep it up!
2 years ago
ayawedding says:
great share:) I am proud to be a part of this wonderful energy of "Mediterranean!" full of inspriation and great creative friends thank you
2 years ago
Kosmika says:
Great artists and great article :) it's nice to see this sunny side of the world ;)
2 years ago
VerreDesign says:
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful... Sea, love, blue skies, olive oil... Meditarrenean women even look sexy first thing in the morning. I want to move there!
2 years ago
missusD says:
Wow...I would really love to be in the Mediterranean one of these days... And what beautiful creations coming from the beautiful ladies too! Great article, love seeing the faces behind the shops!
2 years ago
ArtisticIntentions says:
Great article - really beautiful photos. What a dreamy place to live!!! Beautiful items too!!
2 years ago
JanuaryJaniesJewelry says:
Thanks for the article, extra nice.
2 years ago
boutiqueseragun says:
Beatiful ladies,Great artists,Wonderful article
2 years ago
Lazyfish says:
I feel so lucky to live in this special zone of the earth!
2 years ago
Dalim says:
I love the article and to see the faces of the team members! Thank you meltemsem and neonmorgan!
2 years ago
Simag says:
Congratulations My Mediterranean Artists!!! Beautiful photos and a great article! I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!{hugs}
2 years ago
vadjutka says:
Hello girls from the Mediterranean! I send my love to Istanbul :-)
2 years ago
TheJoyofColor says:
Congratulation, As I live on the medeteranian coste (Tel Aviv) i share a lot with your group, the sun the see the light and flora. Enjoyed this article and seen the faces of some friends , good luck
2 years ago
filofashion says:
Great article !! Thank you Meltem :)) Congrats my dear friends :))
2 years ago
gufobardo says:
Meltem thanks and I am happy to be a member of this team!
2 years ago
LeelaBijou says:
Wonderful article!! :)
2 years ago
laraandmedolls says:
WOHOOO!! WAY TO GO! :)
2 years ago
jansue says:
Wonderful items, Great article! :)
2 years ago
sabahnur says:
hoooraaayy! i am in love with all the beauty i have.. i love Etsy so much,which helped me to find these beautiful friends. i am not just selling something here, i share a life here..
2 years ago
indiemiddle says:
great article and beautiful photos! i love istanbul and the bosphorus!
2 years ago
meltemsem says:
I'm so happy to being part of this lovely team! I love you my teammates:) Big hugs to all team friends! Dear morgan and Etsy, thank you so very much for taking us here:)
2 years ago
Sigmosaics says:
what a gorgeous article from these fabulous sellers! these girls are GREAT!!! xox
2 years ago
ColoursandTextures says:
Well done girls!
2 years ago
staroftheeast says:
We are very lucky to live at this area, nice climate and wonderful nature! Great to see you girls here :)
2 years ago
iragrant says:
Wow girls! Nice to see all your faces here:)
2 years ago
PixelWildChild says:
I have enjoyed seeing these crafty girls in photo! What a lovely and creative team! just a wonderful, wonderful, post!!!
2 years ago
jewelsbyjaney says:
The thing I love most about Etsy is seeing all the teams of strong, artistic, creative women getting together to create beautiful things despite great distances between them. Seeing the pictures of each of the members of the Mediterranean Street Team absolutely made my day, and I wish each and every one of them (and the writers of this excellent article) health, happiness, and success. Thanks for a great read!
2 years ago
PixelWildChild says:
What a nice and creative team!!! It has been nice seeing your pretty faces :O)
2 years ago
BlackStar says:
Thank you for giving us a glimpse into your lives. What beautiful places to live!
2 years ago
afra says:
super....!!!!! kızlar bravooo...!!
2 years ago
afra says:
super...!!! kızlar bravooo...!!!
2 years ago
maggiemaevintage says:
beautiful article; beautiful finds!
2 years ago
gr8jewellery says:
Great article! Very happy to be Mediterranean too .... bang in the centre of it in fact (Malta) :)
2 years ago
handebilten says:
I'm so happy to meet with my msteam friends.. I'm so happy to being part of this lovely team! great article.. thank you very much..
2 years ago
nowonder says:
Such great views in all photos! great items!
2 years ago
ericosmicgirl says:
wonderful article! I am so happy to be a part of this team! Thank you so much for including me! My warmest greetings from Athens to all my team mates and etsy friends!
2 years ago
TateSkyeDesigns says:
Congrats Gufobardo! Beautiful work everyone!
2 years ago
AvianInspirations says:
Lovely article, beautiful places, and wonderful shops. I love the joie de vivre of Mediterranean people.
2 years ago
polkadotsandblooms says:
Absolutely love the article. It is fantastic to see and hear from artists from different parts of the world.
2 years ago
Relydesign says:
Great article!!!!
2 years ago
olgabest28 says:
very inspiring, love every once work. keep it up.
2 years ago
Floreal says:
Wow.. I Love everything... gorgeous photos... www.twitter.com/florealdesigns www.facebook.com/florealdesigns
2 years ago
twoangelsinparis says:
wonderful look at a great etsy team! Thank you for sharing!
2 years ago
dellachiara says:
Wonderful! I adore the Mediterranean and wish I could live there... anywhere there! It's just a region of the world I love so much! Congratulations everyone, on your gorgeous work, your talent, and on being included as part of this great article. In particular, Gufobardo, my friend... delighted to see you!!! Your work is amazing... I'm in love with the ring I bought!
2 years ago
vivilian says:
what a lovely article!
2 years ago
reflectionsbyds says:
I love this article.Congrats arkadaslar!
2 years ago
bijouxdellostregatto says:
Beautiful article! I love the shops of these ladies!!!
2 years ago
SlimHands says:
Beautiful works thanks!
2 years ago
shopKCQ says:
would love to visit the Mediterranean someday; looks like i'll be sticking with buying goods of Etsy until then though!
2 years ago
Periay says:
I am so excited..Thank you for all my friends we got this works. Thank you very much ETSY..Thank you admin and thank you Meltem and Ceylan and Pınar.. Best regards and lots love from Turkey and Mediterranean's..
2 years ago
diannek says:
OOOOOOOh I live by the beach but I now going there !!!!!
2 years ago
HandmadeHandsome says:
I love the Mediterranean. As a child we used to go there every summer and I still love it. Thanks for this article.
2 years ago
zuzusworld says:
Great article!
2 years ago
evihan says:
well done
2 years ago
supplier says:
Thank you so much my dear friends and neon for this great article. I am so happy to be a part of this great team and this article with my hula hoop necklace from my http://www.aysetugrul.etsy.com shop
2 years ago
lilycobweb says:
Fabulous article!
2 years ago
bayanhippo says:
Great article and beautiful friends!! Thanks so much for everything! :o)
2 years ago
laralewis says:
what a great article! i have a bag from bayanhippo and it was one of my favorite purchases here on etsy! :)
2 years ago
justmejewelry says:
i love the ribbon! ;)
2 years ago
bysweetmom says:
great article...
2 years ago
ShebboDesign says:
Super, happy to see news from my supperr country ! tebrikler..
2 years ago
prairiechicxx says:
Thank you Etsy for sharing these beautiful faces, talented people and their stories... you have created a golden thread that connects all artists around the world!
2 years ago
VirtuoSew says:
What a beautiful place to be and how inspiring! Thanks for sharing. Bayanhippo I love your bags :)
2 years ago
steinschmuckdesign says:
So nice to see you all here, wish you all many more success and lots of fun with your amazing creations, thanks so much for sharing!!!
2 years ago
Mireloom says:
Nice to see all these mediterranean women and their wonderful art!
2 years ago
bidesign says:
great article. very nice. :))
2 years ago
dorijenn says:
The Mediterranean is close to my heart! Wishing you all success on Etsy and off!
2 years ago
punkybunny300 says:
Fabulous article. It makes me miss living so close to the Mediterranean (I just moved away after two years living 5 minutes from that beautiful sea!). Good luck to you all!
2 years ago
WillowandSage says:
Great article - I lived in Spain for eight years (from 1984-1992) brought my two children up there. My son's first words were in spanish! Wonderful people so friendly and family orientated, very relaxed and laid back. It is the colours of the mediterranean that inspire my jewellery, the sea, sun, flowers and landscape. Wonderful memories! thankyou for reminding me
2 years ago
WillowandSage says:
I lived in Spain for 8 years in the 80's, brought up two children there. Amazing people, welcoming, kind and compassionate. It was the vivid colours of the sea, sky, flowers and landscape that appear in my jewellery collection and your article reminded me of those fantastic years, hasta luego la gente de espanol!
2 years ago
friedasophie says:
Love the turquoise necklace
2 years ago
GwenDelicious says:
fantastic article!
2 years ago
Panterina says:
An ode to the Mediterranean sea! As a fellow inhabitant of the Med, coming from Malta, which is right in the middle, you have made me proud!
2 years ago
aysetugrul says:
I am so happy to be a part of this amazing article together with my all wonderful friends Thank you so much again Meltem
2 years ago
meoneil says:
Sigh! I was there for 3 weeks in September. The picks were perfect.
2 years ago
mazuli83 says:
I love the Long Turquoise Necklace and Earring Set. Soo beautiful!
2 years ago
jewelrybymichal says:
Very nice article
2 years ago
felicitycrew says:
I can't wait to get to the Mediterranean Sea again in 2 weeks. Great article!
2 years ago
JeansVintageCloset says:
scenery with sea coast is very alluring, being able to enjoy such spectacular natural beauty is fantastic, looking forward to a time when a vacation may be in my plans as well, thank you for sharing such a rich coast line
2 years ago
VALLEYGIRLBEADS says:
Beautiful, people, places and things... oh my.
2 years ago
studiotempera says:
Love the photos and article..!!! I am a Mediterranean girl too :) Enjoy
2 years ago
lofficina says:
beautiful article! Thanks for writing!
1 year ago
suzannedesigns says:
Jealous if your beautiful surroundings. Would love to visit one day. Love the Bayan Hippos purses. So well made! Suzanne
1 year ago