Etsy's Handmade Blog
Keep it Weird, Etsy!
Story by mtraub, TeenAngster
Published on August 6, 2009 in Etc 		Photo by

PerfectChildren

When I first started shopping on Etsy back in 2006, it didn't take me long to discover a netherworld of craft that happily lived in the fringe, the niche, the avant-garde. From scatological gag gifts to gory pet toys, anthropomorphic sculptures to zombie babies, Etsians offer a cornucopia of the strange and bizarre. In this new series, Keep it Weird, we celebrate artists who are pioneers of creativity. With a robust sense of humor and a healthy dose of chutzpah, Etsians enthusiastically remind me to embrace my oddities with tenacity. As Oscar Wilde once said, "I live in fear of not being misunderstood."

Have you started your collection yet?

A good place to start might be with curioddities' Circus Peanut Suckling her Young, DirtyAssSoaps' Jaw Dropping Vegan Soap, or zanneavenue's Cow Femur Necklace. Check out the Related Items for more eccentric gems of the anatomical and bodily variety!

Geek Chic Gift Guide | Everything Else Category | Items Tagged "Anthropomorphic"

Tags avant-garde, bizarre, Etc, ETC, everything else, funny, gag, geekery, humor, Keep it Weird, mature, odd, shopping, strange, weird
All articles in Etc
Related Items
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171 comments     Login to add your own!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 5:01 p.m. pinpinn

definitely ODD! But very interesting ^_^ rock the weird

Aug. 6, 2009 at 5:05 p.m. onecreativegirl

wild! love that teddy bear/puppy head creature.

Aug. 6, 2009 at 5:06 p.m. TheInnerWorks

such a cool collection!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 5:07 p.m. retrothreadz

ahhahaha WIERDO'S

Aug. 6, 2009 at 5:10 p.m. worksandfinds

Oh, the poopy diaper. Ha!!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 5:11 p.m. ldh13

Love it.

Aug. 6, 2009 at 5:12 p.m. LisaFerinDesigns

My, my, my...groped by a skeleton is too funny!! Glad to see my friend MonsterOpMaat included too!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 5:13 p.m. VixVintage

I've always thought of myself as being on the fringe.

Aug. 6, 2009 at 5:13 p.m. YonderPrints

Yes! Thanks for writing this mtraub and TeenAngster! I am a fellow anthropomorphic weirdo! Love it!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 5:13 p.m. VPAYA4002

Awesome Items. My favorite.

Aug. 6, 2009 at 5:14 p.m. VixVintage

so I really love this article, thanks.

Aug. 6, 2009 at 5:15 p.m. Faeriedtreasures

LOL. Awesome.

Aug. 6, 2009 at 5:25 p.m. paramountvintage

i love the creativity!!!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 5:27 p.m. BetaAccessories

I love you Etsy.

Aug. 6, 2009 at 5:27 p.m. edithandlulu

I love the knit dissected animals in this shop:
CraftyHedgehog.etsy.com
and this odd image:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Aug. 6, 2009 at 5:27 p.m. blossomnbird

Curiouser and curiouser.

Aug. 6, 2009 at 5:28 p.m. ChinChinVintage

this is amazing! i love it!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 5:29 p.m. TheArtOfJoy

Wow! I had no idea...

Aug. 6, 2009 at 5:34 p.m. AryalAmesJewelry

oh my god - circus peanut suckling her young?! hysterical... who comes up with this stuff?! how does their mind work?! i love it!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 5:39 p.m. ThePaintedPonyEH

Definitely out there, and way too cool!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 5:40 p.m. RockPaperSilver

Ha! Very fun (and strange ;))

Aug. 6, 2009 at 5:42 p.m. louloudo

ha ha ha ha ha wicked. I'm off to suckle my young!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 5:50 p.m. UglyBaby

The fuzzy rainbow merkin is something to behold for sure. And the circus peanut suckling her young made me laugh out loud. Shower Art has nothin' on these odd folks.

Aug. 6, 2009 at 5:54 p.m. fairytalesunlimited

Saw RW2 at my local Arts Expo and he is RIDICULOUS!! Nice to see him featured!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 5:55 p.m. munieca

Wonderful!!!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 5:58 p.m. 1AEON

i think weird is who always does normal things..
not us!!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Aug. 6, 2009 at 6 p.m. nomadcraftsetc

I am so glad that you are going to show off the WEIRD of etsy! LOVE it!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 6:05 p.m. twolefthands

What a riot! What a bunch of creative minds!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 6:12 p.m. MinceCo

no arguements here...a little left of centre for these picks and you've done well!!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 6:12 p.m. LilyBaySoap

Awesome list! Earth Day Barbie has been a favorite of mine for quite some time now!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 6:24 p.m. kahlan1182

i want more of this action! regularly .. even.

Aug. 6, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. LittleWhiteDresser

crazy! i love it :)

Aug. 6, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. 4TheSparrowsNest

This is FABULOUS!! The "weird" was a big draw for me too; I adore seeing all of the strange creativity here on Etsy. Bring it on!!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. batteriesnotincluded

Embracing the weird again, huh Etsy??

Aug. 6, 2009 at 6:32 p.m. luxevintage

Great article! I love all the creativity and strangeness! Where can i find the teddy bear head monster at the top?

Aug. 6, 2009 at 6:37 p.m. MicroCirqueRinka

the weirder, the better!!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 6:37 p.m. SugarLust

I love PerfectChilden! He is the best!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 6:42 p.m. codesign

The curioddities' Circus Peanut Suckling her Young is weird, but also kinda cute at the same time.

Aug. 6, 2009 at 6:59 p.m. katiearms

YES!!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 6:59 p.m. ohhellofriend

lol.

Aug. 6, 2009 at 7:01 p.m. workingforpeanuts

Wierd and Humorous!!! Thanks for highlighting another side of Etsy creativity and Uniqueness!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 7:12 p.m. mythunderstood

Great!!!!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 7:14 p.m. artwithallie

Weird, odd, peculiar, freakish!!
I just love littlebitwired's name!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 7:16 p.m. MetalheartDesign

fantastical!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 7:18 p.m. silentcheesecake

Love it!! ^_^

Aug. 6, 2009 at 7:21 p.m. christinececelia

Wow! Very weird!
:)

Aug. 6, 2009 at 7:22 p.m. EJPcreations

SOOOO COOL!!!!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 7:35 p.m. luxandlove

Fabulous! If you like the slightly antique style voodoo, http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
Lux xx

Aug. 6, 2009 at 7:37 p.m. VintageCru

Omg, I'm officially weirded out.

Aug. 6, 2009 at 7:37 p.m. BeadsInTheBelfry

LOL. I love it!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 7:38 p.m. worksofwhimsy

Cool Barbie! And the "groped by a skeleton" necklace made me laugh out loud.
Wacky, creative and wonderful.

Aug. 6, 2009 at 7:40 p.m. ChloesRuffleButt

AWESOME!!!!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 7:46 p.m. CositasSeriasVintage

love that fuzzy rainbow!
GREAT ARTICLE!!!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 7:50 p.m. Fairyfolk

Suppose it's coming up to the time of year for 'all things ODD'. Cool picks!

Blessings and magic.

Aug. 6, 2009 at 8:03 p.m. JAdamsDesigns

Awesome! The weirder the better! LOVE the Zombie Painting! (And the rest of the work by http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=... !!!!!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 8:14 p.m. kimberlee881

Try explaining that to the kids!!!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 8:27 p.m. clevergirl

Awesome!
I have eyeballs!
http://www.etsy.com/search_results_sh...

Aug. 6, 2009 at 8:33 p.m. girltuesdayjewelry

WILD! Amazing and fearless creativity!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 8:41 p.m. squarejane

Love this aspect of Etsy... and the oddities everywhere i look.

I have a girlfriend painting for zombie painting dude:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

She is the hostess with the mostest... just don't kiss the cook!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 8:52 p.m. smallgrapes

Oh my goodness...glad there is weirdness everywhere!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 8:54 p.m. CatherinetteRings

Awesome ! I love weird Etsy stuff .

Aug. 6, 2009 at 8:56 p.m. sealmaiden

weird is good

Aug. 6, 2009 at 9 p.m. ThePinkPirate

My stuff fits right in here with the weird factor!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 9:01 p.m. bhangtiez

Wow, thanx 4 sharing...great weirdness!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 9:02 p.m. SurrenderDorothy

Whoah..... Fabulous weirdness!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 9:02 p.m. Morado

So much talent around here!! Love the picks
http://twitter.com/MoradoShop

Aug. 6, 2009 at 9:04 p.m. hollypaints

There needs to be more oddity on etsy I say!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 9:06 p.m. Lunatiger

Oh these are awesome! Love the weirdness! ^_^

Aug. 6, 2009 at 9:09 p.m. burntmill

great picks
love the teeth soaps!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 9:16 p.m. ThePinkPirate

My boxes are definitely weird, but I get a great response in person. I hope to send one to Tim Burton, he will totally get the humor!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 9:20 p.m. beachhouseblues

Quite strange, but entertaining!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 9:28 p.m. lisajune

This is fantastic. Brings to mind my favorite Etsy originals: knit placentas!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Aug. 6, 2009 at 9:28 p.m. laralewis

that groped by a skeleton necklace is the BEST! this is great stuff....definitely keep it weird, etsy!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 9:35 p.m. PoppysVintageGarden

HA! I love this! Too awesome!!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 9:37 p.m. loopyboopy

Oh this will be one of my favorite series for sure!
I love this stuff and quite proudly call myself a weirdo!!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 9:50 p.m. everyeskimo

weird is why i love etsy.

Aug. 6, 2009 at 9:55 p.m. littlebitwired

WOW, when I got a bunch of hearts and sold the Earth Day Barbie I was wondering what was up. I had never been featured before... and for being weird yet! You know people always mix up my name I get called a little bit weird more often than wired.
Thanks!!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 10:02 p.m. klacustomcreations

curious as to what you searched to discover these items?

Aug. 6, 2009 at 10:05 p.m. RecycleRestyle

Bloody fantastic.

Aug. 6, 2009 at 10:07 p.m. MySugarSkull

I love this! Circus Peanut is Wicked Cool!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 10:25 p.m. designlab443

fun and kooky, love it!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 10:26 p.m. mattsart

Very cool article! Keep up the weird work!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 10:34 p.m. littlemoandfriends

unreal and so refreshingly interesting!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 10:50 p.m. overthetopoverstock

That Clock Farthingale corset dress is the most amazing thing I've seen today.

Aug. 6, 2009 at 11:09 p.m. FlanneryCrane

Merkin? I learned something new today...

Aug. 6, 2009 at 11:13 p.m. millcreekcottages

LOL the groping skelton.!!!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 11:38 p.m. DestinysCreations

LOL! I love the denture soap.

Aug. 6, 2009 at 11:39 p.m. thehotcookie

Will you please do a "Keep it weird" part 2? This one was awesome!

Aug. 6, 2009 at 11:39 p.m. TreeHuggerStudio

weird=wonderful.....sometimes

Aug. 6, 2009 at 11:55 p.m. vivikas

I must say I really like the weird stuff I see around here!

Aug. 7, 2009 at 12:07 a.m. 10eisha

I'm back at art school all over again!

Aug. 7, 2009 at 12:08 a.m. tinycharm

so awesome

Aug. 7, 2009 at 12:44 a.m. rainbowwrangler

love it!

Aug. 7, 2009 at 1:01 a.m. EarthGirlKnits

The two-headed animal thing reminds me of a doll we had made by my grandma. If you flip the skirt of her dress up, instead of legs, there was another head and arms. It was two dolls in one!

Aug. 7, 2009 at 1:31 a.m. PrimaryRedux

This couldn't have come at a better time-thank you for puttin the spark back on baby! Glad to hear that this is a series. And thanks for pushing a little beyond cute weird. Oh and speaking of Cow Femur Necklace's (zanneavenue)-now where else can you say that-check out my old vintage machine part-known as a milking claw.
Rock on-keep it comin'! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Aug. 7, 2009 at 1:49 a.m. OriginalMischief

♥ the merkin!!

Aug. 7, 2009 at 2:05 a.m. lunarcus

The weirder, the better!

And yes, please push well past cute into more hardcore oddity....

Aug. 7, 2009 at 2:08 a.m. AnAngelAtMyTable

Earth Day Barbie rocks!!

Aug. 7, 2009 at 2:37 a.m. CutieDynamite

Love it!!

Aug. 7, 2009 at 2:47 a.m. whitemetal

very weird and funny selections!

Aug. 7, 2009 at 2:48 a.m. evihan

I have not seen such things before...

Aug. 7, 2009 at 3:05 a.m. Colourshoppevintage

AHAHAHAAHAh that merkin is the funniest thing I've ever read I love it! These finds are so great!!

Aug. 7, 2009 at 3:19 a.m. Iammie

Oooh so wierd!

Aug. 7, 2009 at 4:45 a.m. ovgilliesdesigns

Just like going to Tate Modern - contemporary art in miniature!

Aug. 7, 2009 at 5:11 a.m. tortillagirl

Embrace the weird! Art courses have taught me that while "the weird" may not my own personal style (yep, had to explore my creativity by making lots of "the weird" myself), it's good to be open-minded enough to enjoy looking at it. If you don't get it, don't slam it. Just shaddup and be fascinated by it :-)

Aug. 7, 2009 at 6:09 a.m. AliBaliJewellery

LOL loving the groped by a skelaton necklace!!

Aug. 7, 2009 at 6:11 a.m. zeropumpkin

omg..i love this article :P

Aug. 7, 2009 at 7:24 a.m. tinyspace

its very odd but love it!

Aug. 7, 2009 at 8:37 a.m. thestapeliacompany

I'm SO glad to see strange/dark work featured in the blog! There are so many talented people out there creating zombies and surrealism and other strange and wonderful things that go somewhat unnoticed most of the time. Great work!

Aug. 7, 2009 at 8:42 a.m. superhelga

More!! Mooore! I love to see the other darker, quirkier side of Etsy. This is so inspiring!

Aug. 7, 2009 at 8:43 a.m. loloki

Strange and unique but oh so lovable :P

Aug. 7, 2009 at 8:58 a.m. Mwilson

Ohh, here is where I fit in!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Mindy

Aug. 7, 2009 at 9:09 a.m. spacejam

weird, but really cool!!

Aug. 7, 2009 at 9:12 a.m. kathiroussel

it's all good-- the weird and the ultra normal-- all just degrees of difference and one big world!! as long as people are expressing themselves we know we will find what we need!

thanks for sharing and reminding everyone that etsy is as broad minded as it is creative.

Aug. 7, 2009 at 9:15 a.m. baconsquarefarm

This is why I love Etsy, peeps thinkin outside the box~!

Aug. 7, 2009 at 9:26 a.m. Sudstress

awesome. just awesome.

Aug. 7, 2009 at 9:29 a.m. HibouCards

yes yes yes Keep it weird! It is part of what makes Etsy so special. Not being pressured by anyone to conform to any standards we can let our creativity run wild and that is so precious. I always marvel at the talented people we have on Etsy. I think it is a great platform for artists and crafters who may be too "weird" to show their items in other places... after all there IS a life beyond galleries and their somewhat mainstream taste.
I'm really glad to be a part of this and get to discover new things everyday :)
Thanks
Hibou

Aug. 7, 2009 at 9:34 a.m. PlushroomSoup

I'm soooo excited about this new feature! Hooray for weird!

Aug. 7, 2009 at 9:35 a.m. TigerVintage

Love it all!

Aug. 7, 2009 at 9:35 a.m. SmallEarthVintage

YAY for WEIRD! Love it.

Aug. 7, 2009 at 9:46 a.m. curiousmess

Yes!! Celebrate the odd!!! Too bad I don't have any of my hatchlings in my shop right now. They're a bit on the odd side. But you can see them here if you want:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/starlama...

Aug. 7, 2009 at 10:04 a.m. krize

weird and very interesting!

Aug. 7, 2009 at 10:16 a.m. WhiteFlagDesigns

Ahahah this is the best Storque article ever!

Aug. 7, 2009 at 10:23 a.m. bellevuevintage

some of those things reminds me of Pan's Labyrinth.

Aug. 7, 2009 at 10:23 a.m. bellevuevintage

some of those things remind me of Pan's Labyrinth. excuse my bad grammar.

Aug. 7, 2009 at 10:37 a.m. weirdwolf

Etsy is keeping it weird! Thank goodness.

Aug. 7, 2009 at 10:43 a.m. kristimcmurry

Incredible! I hope this is a series...cause I want to see more!

Aug. 7, 2009 at 10:54 a.m. louiedog2100

I love the weird!!!

Aug. 7, 2009 at 11:08 a.m. PassePurlieu

I love it, love it, love it! I just never realized there was a market for this! (as the wheels in my brain spin outta control....) I LOVE ETSY!

Aug. 7, 2009 at 11:32 a.m. monocotoleydon

Great topic for a series! One of my favorite things about Etsy is all of the amazing things you can find here, since artists' creations aren't constrained by anything but the bounds of their imagination.

Aug. 7, 2009 at 11:41 a.m. clothmoth

sublimely prim and grim!

Aug. 7, 2009 at 11:42 a.m. EarthGrrrlCrafts

awesome!

Aug. 7, 2009 at 12:14 p.m. chewiemonster

great article! And some awesome items up there as well!

Aug. 7, 2009 at 12:30 p.m. chainlinked

glad to know I'm not alone! Kat >^..^<

Aug. 7, 2009 at 12:34 p.m. dadadreams

Keep Etsy Weird!!

Aug. 7, 2009 at 12:34 p.m. LittleCritters00

I am so happy about this Section. Finding werid this is the whole reason why I starting creating my own doll. THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Aug. 7, 2009 at 12:47 p.m. distinque

Definitely weird...ly Great!

Aug. 7, 2009 at 12:57 p.m. beezmiller

Weird is wonderful!!!

Aug. 7, 2009 at 1:42 p.m. pulpsushi

I think I am gonna like this new series. The Groped by Skeleton necklace is great!

Aug. 7, 2009 at 4:07 p.m. Handamade

Sure it is weird.

Aug. 7, 2009 at 6:09 p.m. MeghanT

These were all so cool to look at! They'd all make perfect gifts for Halloween - if you're so inclined. I love that stuffed animal at the top. I'd get a kick out of having that in my house!

Aug. 7, 2009 at 6:53 p.m. xenya

Love the Groped by Skeleton necklace!!

The stranger the better!

Aug. 7, 2009 at 7:59 p.m. patspottery

No thank you!

Aug. 7, 2009 at 10:20 p.m. raegirl

I find the Seed picture unsettling--don't know why....just sort of creeps me out, but, I'm still inexplicably drawn to it

Aug. 8, 2009 at 1:32 p.m. Tina669

Love it.

Aug. 8, 2009 at 4:12 p.m. mooshoopork

"i myself am a bit strange and unusual..."
yay weirdness! :)

Aug. 8, 2009 at 4:23 p.m. whizzybo

From reading other comments I see that I must be the only one grossed out by some of these things -- and not in a good way! I just about lost my breakfast when I did my morning check of Etsy, which is usually a day-brightner. Is there a way to have a category called "Weird" so these things can be organized for those weho like them? And when did "menstrual pads" become an art/craft? To each his own.

Aug. 8, 2009 at 4:31 p.m. KatyScudieri

I love this new series!!! :) This is one of my favorite things about Etsy is all the weird stuff you find. mixedspecies is another seller with some odd stuff, like their brief jerky. ;)

Aug. 8, 2009 at 9:29 p.m. lauraprentice

AH HAHA BEST ETSY BLOG EVER!!!!!!!!

Aug. 9, 2009 at 12:15 a.m. MintyFreshFusions

Wonderful!

One of my absolute favorites-

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=...

Aug. 9, 2009 at 9:48 a.m. pepperberry

I love the push to get back to some of the weirder items!

Aug. 9, 2009 at 3:52 p.m. justlikeyouimagined

Freaky, but i LOVE IT!!!

Aug. 9, 2009 at 8:57 p.m. jodieflowers

I love all the weird items on Etsy! They are my favorites!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 7 a.m. Bunnys

Love the wonderful and different picks!!!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 11:50 a.m. tree2

love it, hee hee MERKIN

Aug. 10, 2009 at 12:07 p.m. undertheroot

yep, and this is where we all meet globally.

Aug. 10, 2009 at 12:44 p.m. istiferet

this is the stuff I love on Etsy!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 1:28 p.m. TuscanBlooms

I love funky cool creations on etsy!!!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 9:55 p.m. nouveaumotley

These finds are just EXQUISITE!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 10:07 p.m. MyMimsies

THIS collection is my favorite! I guess it's that old Greenwich Village of the 60's popping to the surface again. I LOVE it!

More.....Please?

Aug. 11, 2009 at 7:10 a.m. summerground

hahah....I like

Aug. 11, 2009 at 3:02 p.m. soule

oh wow!!!!!! I LOVE them!!!

Aug. 11, 2009 at 3:35 p.m. lavenderrabbit

Love the wilder creative side of Etsy!

Aug. 11, 2009 at 7:46 p.m. rachellucie

the etsy underworld....it's like medieval London!

Aug. 12, 2009 at 11:55 a.m. momoruth

I'm a cutesy artist myself... but there is definately a market out there! I love artists who are able to think outside the box! My daughter is one of them! We need more out there!

Aug. 13, 2009 at 9:32 a.m. ODDandWHIMSY

Thank God for weirdos! Where would the world be without them?

Aug. 29, 2009 at 2:59 a.m. VonRatten

Odd is the way to go! Keep them questioning!

Aug. 29, 2009 at 9:55 a.m. cochitifundraiser

yippe! the girl behind this fundraiser loves weird! thanks for the inspiration.

Oct. 1, 2009 at 4:23 p.m. bloomingvintage

These items made me laugh. Stay weird, Etsy!

Oct. 2, 2009 at 12:25 p.m. crunchymama0607

Funky!

Nov. 21, 2009 at 4:56 p.m. OhBoyCatToy

thanks for adding my Poopy Diaper cat toy!!!!!!

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