The Storque

Etsy International: How to Internationalize Those Measurements

2009-07-03T15:09:00-04:00

The following post is translated from English to Spanish, French, German, and Italian. Please scroll down to find your language. Special thanks to FrucciDesign for writing the initial post!

Este artículo está traducido desde inglés a español, francés, alemán y italiano. Por favor, mueva la pantalla para abajo para encontrar su idioma.

Le billet qui suit a été traduit de l'Anglais vers l'Espagnol, le Français, l'Allemand et l'Italien. Faites défiler de haut en bas pour trouver votre langue.

Dieser Blogbeitrag ist vom Englischen ins Italienische, Französische, Deutsche, und Spanische übersetzt. Bitte scroll nach unten um die entsprechende Sprache zu finden.

Piu' in basso trovate la traduzione di questo post in spagnolo, francese, tedesco e italiano.

[Necklace by MaisyandAlice]

English (translation by FrucciDesign)

Size does matter! (And dimensions do too.)

I experienced some culture shock when I moved to the U.S. from Italy. The Americans use U.S. customary units as their system of measurement, not the metric system!

I actually knew that measurement was different in the U.S. from Europe (we do learn this in school), but it really hit me only when I went for the very first time to the grocery shop and I had no idea how to buy 1 kg of apples or 1 L of milk, and I don’t even want to talk about temperature!

It may sound silly, but dimensions really do matter in our Etsy shops.

When sellers are listing an item, it is very helpful for buyers to have both types of measuring information.

This is my favorite link, where you can find any kind of conversion starting with the most common — from inches to centimeters, to clothing sizes or jewelry sizes or even cooking measurements!

[Photograph by sara*..(= on flickr]

Espagnol (translation by Karmacrochet of the Etsy in Spanish Team)

¡El tamaño importa! (y las medidas también)

Cuando dejé Italia y me mudé a los Estados Unidos me llevé una gran sorpresa.

¿Qué sorpresa? Los americanos usan diferentes medidas que nosotros, ¡ellos no miden en metros!

Yo sabía que esto iba a ser diferente que en Europa ( nosotros aprendemos eso en la escuela), pero esto fue una cruda realidad la primera vez que fui al supermercado, no tuve las más pálida idea como comprar 1 kilo de manzanas o 1 litro de leche, ¡y no empecemos a hablar de la temperatura!

Esto te puede sonar gracioso pero la realidad es: las medidas son muy importantes en tu negocio en Etsy.

Cuando los vendedores listan un producto, es muy importante para los clientes mostrar las medidas en los dos sistemas de medidas.

Este es mi favorito sitio, donde podés encontrar como convertir de una unidad a la otra, empezando con las más comunes - pulgadas a centímetros, medidas para ropa, joyería y ¡también las medidas que necesitas cuando estás cocinando! http://es.metric-conversions.org

[Ponytail holders by jackandjane]

Francais (translation by Sarah Camut)

Oui, la taille compte! (et les dimensions aussi).

J'ai fait l'expérience d'un « choc culturel » quand j'ai déménagé de la France vers les Etats-Unis. A propos de quoi? Les Américains utilisent leur propres unités comme système de mesure, pas le système métrique!

En fait, je savais que c'était différent de l'Europe (on apprend ça à l'école). Mais cela m'a vraiment frappée quand je suis allée pour la toute première fois au supermarché et que je n'avais alors aucune idée comment acheter 1kg de pommes ou 1L de lait, et je ne parle même pas de la température!

Cela peut sembler fou, mais les dimensions ont vraiment leur importance dans nos boutiques Etsy.

Quand les vendeurs mettent un objet en ligne, cela aide beaucoup les acheteurs d'avoir à disposition l'information sur les deux système de mesure.

Voici mon lien préféré, où vous pouvez trouver toutes sortes de conversion, en commençant par la plus commune — des pouces (inches) aux centimètres — en passant par les tailles d'habits ou des bijoux, jusqu'aux mesures de cuisine!" http://1000conversions.com — et aussi http://www.convertworld.com/fr

[Scarf by malam]

Deutsch (translation by Stefanie Karp)

Größe ist wichtig! (und Maße auch.)

Ich hatte einen Kulturschock als ich aus Italien in die USA zog. Warum? Die Amerikaner benuzten ihre eigenen Maßeinheiten, nicht das metrische System!

Eigentlich wußte ich, daß es hier anders ist (das lernen wir ja in der Schule). Aber ich verstand es erst so richtig als ich das erste Mal einkaufen ging und keine Ahnung hatte wie ich ein Kilo Äpfel oder einen Liter Milch kaufen könnte; von Temperaturen will ich garnicht reden!

Es mag lächerlich klingen, aber Abmessungen sind wirklich wichtig in unseren Etsy-Läden.

Wenn Verkäufer Waren anbieten hilft es den Kunden, beide Maßeinheiten zu haben.

Dieser ist mein Lieblings-Link, wo man jede Art Umrechnung findet, von den üblichsten wie inches zu cm, bis hin zu Kleider- und Schmuckgrößen und sogar Einheiten fürs Kochen! http://www.umrechnung.org — und auch http://www.convertworld.com/de

[Photograph by WillowsWorld]

Italiano (translation by FrucciDesign)

Le misure contano! (cosi come le dimenzioni)

Quando mi sono trasferita a vivere in America uno dei primi “shock culturali” che ho avuto e’ stato al super mercato.

Di cosa parlo? Qui in USA non si usa il sistema di misura metrico.

Certo, in teoria lo sapevo che era diverso che in Europa l’avevo studiato a scuola, ma ho toccato con mano la differenza solo la prima volta che sono andata a fare la spesa ed ho cercato di comprare 1kg di mele, per non parlare di 1L di latte...e che dire dei gradi fahrenheit!

Lo so, puo’ suonare sciooco ma le dimensioni contano specialmente nel nostro negozio su Etsy.

Quando si mette in vendita un prodotto e’ molto utile per i nostri clienti avere entrambe le misure in metri e in pollici.

Questo e’ il mio link favorito dove potete trovare ogni sorta di conversion dalle piu’ comuni per convertire pollici in centimentri,ma anche taglie per vestiti o per gioielli fino a misure per la cucina...che possono essere sempre utili! http://www.green-acres.com/it/convert_unit.htm — e anche http://www.conversioni.it

Etsy International Posts | Multi-lingual Posts

Like this post? Comment below with your suggestions for the next one.

Celebrating July Fourth on the Homefront

2009-07-03T13:00:00-04:00

As a military spouse, Independence Day means a lot more to me now than when I was a child. I have personally watched my husband and friends leave to serve overseas, many never returning home. When the American flag is flying high, I can't help but remember the fallen soldiers and the many generations of lives sacrificed for that flag to still wave so freely. On the Fourth of July, the fireworks burst with bright colors, I hear the national anthem, and it never fails to bring me to tears.

The people I’ve met through the Homefront Team are strong, courageous, and supportive. We all seem to be opinionated and very talkative! But we get along great — accepting that we have different beliefs on many issues, yet recognizing that we have a very strong bond that has pulled us together: the U.S. military.

The Etsy Homefront Team is made up of over 100 shops, all owned by veterans, spouses, and significant others of members of the uniformed services. We are male and female, of all ages and different nationalities, and are located, quite literally, worldwide.

Our one common thread is that we are personally involved in supporting our countries on a day-in, day-out basis. Without prejudice, or regard for religion, race, nationality or political views, we keep the home fires burning and our families together, no matter how far apart we are.

On this Fourth of July weekend, let me introduce you to a few of our members — so you can get to know us better!

Photo by levansphotography

What do you love most about being a member of the Homefront Team?
TwoSeasideBabes: “I love that as military spouses, family members, and veterans, we live a life that is completely unlike most civilians. We deal with issues that most could never imagine. Add in deployments, weeks at sea, and long field problems — and we are usually taking care of issues by ourselves. Often, we are stationed away from family. I rely on the Homefront Team to get me through those days that are especially hard and difficult. We are there for one another about business matters and also family and military issues.”
DancingBearsTeaHouse: “Everyone is always supportive of each other in the downs and thrilled for each other in the ups. This is a strong group both personally and creatively.”
levansphotography: “It’s another branch of the family, who really does understand what I’m going though.”

For veterans, what did you love most about serving your country as a member of the U.S. military?
WanderingWhimsies: “There was so much that I loved about serving in the U.S. Navy! The traditions and history, the pride I felt being a part of the U.S. military, the people I met and the friends I made, the places I lived and countries I visited, even my job!”
TwoSeasideBabes: “As a combat veteran, I was privileged to see firsthand how people in other countries live. It's heartbreaking to have been to Kosovo and Afghanistan, seeing how young children grow up completely differently — living without the amenities and comforts we so often take for granted, and often expect to simply be given. Being a veteran made me truly appreciate the simple things in life that a lot of countries outside of the United States don't have.”

Pictured above, TwoSeasideBabes. Below, right, sygnetcreations and her husband.

What do you love most about being a military spouse?
DancingBearsTeaHouse: “The best part about being a military spouse is that I know my husband is doing what he wants. The pay isn’t always great, sometimes the job is a pain, the hours are less than desirable, but my husband is proud of what he does.”
TheYarnChick: “I love moving around and traveling. We get to visit and live in places that never would have been an option otherwise.”
LilacAve: “One word: adventure!”

What are challenges you’ve faced as being a part of the military?
TheYarnChick: “The separations are the hardest part. Seeing Daddy leave again for who knows how long, and trying to explain to the kids why. And not wanting to promise he’ll be back, because what if my promise is broken?”
WanderingWhimsies: “Separation from my husband and family was a big challenge, but so was adjusting to daily life when my husband would return from sea duty. Or when we were stationed together, but worked opposite schedules — never seeing each other.”
FrayBabyBibsandMore: “I think any military spouse will tell you two main things — leaving friends behind and the constant moving. But those two things military spouses accept as part of our crazy military life! At every duty station, friends are made and friends are left behind, but those friendships are always cherished! We don’t say goodbye — we say ‘until we meet again!’”
monsterbugblankets: “The sacrifices are hard — leaving family, leaving your country, leaving friends, your husband being gone for birthdays, anniversaries, months on end. Some husbands miss the births of their children or the deaths of family members. I had to learn to let go of all expectations — time and time again.”

How does being a part of the military work with selling on Etsy? Are there extra challenges, or is it easier?
TheYarnChick: “The nice part about selling on Etsy is that my job can move with us whenever and wherever we go. That can also be a challenge— having to register the business in each different state and learning the new state laws — it’s a bit repetitive. When we live overseas, it is harder to get supplies, and takes longer for packages to arrive to the customer.”
BubbleGumGarden: “It's nice because Etsy allows us portability. When you move, your shop comes with you. Return customers are able to find you, even though you just relocated from New York to Arizona.”

Pictured above, TerisTreasure's husband in Iraq.

Further Resources:
Homefront Team Blog

Looking for more interviews with Etsy Teams? Check them out here!
Americana Folk Gift Guide | More July Fourth Posts | Items Tagged "Homefront Team"

Happy Fourth of July to all!

Etsy Finds: July Fourth Weekend Deals

2009-07-03T11:30:00-04:00

Enjoy this holiday weekend by steering clear of those crowded shopping malls filled with long lines. Fear not, you can find some great July Fourth sales right here on Etsy! For this edition of Etsy Finds, I'm highlighting a variety of shops offering special promotions this weekend only. These deals will make your time off that much sweeter. Shop our extended Weekend Deals Guide and for the first time ever, our special July Fourth Free Shipping Guide. This weekend, relax on the beach and let the merchandise come to you, free of charge!

Discount Codes

Each of the shops below is offering special discounts on your entire order this weekend. Simply enter the code "Weekend Deals" in the Message to Seller field during checkout to take advantage of the sale. Your discount will be refunded through PayPal. Check the individual discount beneath each item below.

Tweed Shoulder Bag

15% off store wide.

By MSHandbags, $75.

View Item | View Shop

The key to the stone necklace

20% off store wide.

By noblegnome, $21.

View Item | View Shop

Locket Ring

25% off store wide.

By goodgirlsstudio, $24.

View Item | View Shop

navigation compass necklace

20% off store wide.

By ohhellofriend, $13.25.

View Item | View Shop

FLoRaL LaRiaT

10% off store wide.

By Ayca, $25.

View Item | View Shop

SALE Kat - flower clutch

20% off store wide.

By jiorji, $30.

View Item | View Shop

Natural Edge Walnut bowl

20% off store wide.

By massmans, $55.

View Item | View Shop

Denture Soap - Set Of Two

20% off store wide.

By aBreathofFrenchair, $6.

View Item | View Shop

Japanese Star Moss - Asphalt Large

20% off store excluding sale items.

By Xenotees, $22.

View Item | View Shop

Pleated Purselet II Garden Rose

10% off store wide.

By aggieray, $39.75.

View Item | View Shop

Ice Cube earrings

10% off store wide.

By betsy3, $18.

View Item | View Shop

Stars and Stripes Soap

20% off everything red, white or blue.

By swanmountainsoaps, $5.

View Item | View Shop

Draught Beer Soap

15% off store wide.

By DECAcandle, $5.

View Item | View Shop

Tea Book with Ribbon Closure

15% off store wide.

By EliteElishi, $9.

View Item | View Shop

100 custom calling cards

25% off store wide.

By happygirlgreetings, $20.

View Item | View Shop

Art Book Locket Necklace

15% off store wide.

By sagittariusgallery, $35.

View Item | View Shop

Buy One, Get One

Each of the shops below is offering a "buy one, get one" promotion this weekend when you enter the code "Weekend Deals" in the Message to Seller field during checkout. Check the individual promotion beneath each item below.

Recycled Skateboard Bangle

Buy one get one of the same or lesser

value at 50% off.

By 2ReVert, $22.

View Item | View Shop

Woodgrain Stationery Set

Buy one get one free on all purchases.

By AshleyPahl, $8.

View Item | View Shop

Softly Earrings

Free earrings from special section with

each purchase; specify pair during

checkout.

By catiesblue, $22.

View Item | View Shop

Vintage Case with Brass Map Tools

Buy 2 items, get $10 off total order.

By blogbloglog, $25.

View Item | View Shop

Moonbabies Earrings

Free earrings with each purchase.

By maiziedesigns, $24.

View Item | View Shop

ocean dream flower

Free flower pin with each purchase.

By TwistedCrystals, $28.

View Item | View Shop

Amy Butler and Joel Dewberry

Free 1/4 yard of fabric added to every

full yard purchased. Excludes fat

quarters and half yard sets.

By fabricplace, $10.

View Item | View Shop

BIG Ocean Rain Handmade Soap

Buy one body butter, get one of the

same size free.

By ConcordSoap, $5.50.

View Item | View Shop

Free Shipping

Each of the shops below is offering free shipping this weekend when you enter the code "Weekend Deals" in the Message to Seller field during checkout. If you love free shipping as much as I do, shop our extended Free Shipping Guide special for this holiday weekend!

Ingrid Fingerless Gloves

By HandMeDowns, $29.50.

View Item | View Shop

Lotus Honey Cabochon Earrings

By Paradox, $20.

View Item | View Shop

Steampunk Filigree Ring

By StJoshua, $39.

View Item | View Shop

Crayon Roll - Blue Daisy

By BellflowerTextiles, $10.

View Item | View Shop

Free Ship-Beach House Dishcloths

By rebeccajay, $12.

View Item | View Shop

Peach Moonstone cascade earrings

By madebysam, $77.50.

View Item | View Shop

ANY 4-Letter Word Sign Language

By MoonlightAura, $24.

View Item | View Shop

pine forest scarf

By KnotOriginal, $42.

View Item | View Shop

Cookies Crocheted Play Food

Free shipping on children's play food.

By trendycraftcreations, $5.

View Item | View Shop

Internet sterling silver pendant

By arosha, $24.

View Item | View Shop

Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

Free Shipping Gift Guide | Fourth of July Weekend Deals Guide
Guest Curators | More Summer Posts

Need a daily fix of Etsy Finds? Sign up for the Etsy Finds e-mail! Conveniently delivered to your inbox!

West Coast Etsians, Let's Get Together

2009-07-02T18:00:00-04:00

It's already July, and we're heading out West! Come visit Etsy at Renegade Craft Fair in Los Angeles (July 11th-12th) or San Francisco (July 18th-19th). We'll have a booth at both events and will be giving away lots of Etsy goodies, promos and maybe even holding a raffle or two. If you haven't been to a Renegade Craft Fair before, they are tons of fun, and many of your favorite Etsy artists will be vending.

But we can't go all the way to California and not visit a few more cities on the West Coast while we're there! If you're in or near Seattle, Vancouver, or Portland, we're heading to your town and would love to get together. Come to an Etsy meet up! We'll be answering questions about the site, talking about the future and listening to all your ideas (and eating snacks and having fun while we do it).

Etsy West Coast Tour - Please click here to RSVP for the cities below

July 11 — Los Angeles meet up with Sara and Anda (after we all finish a long day of Renegade Craft Fair vending!), location to be announced

July 13 — Seattle meet up with Maria, Matt and Anda, 6pm at Greenwood Collective

July 14 — Vancouver meet up with Maria, Matt and Anda, 7pm at the Cambrian Hall

July 16 — Portland meet up with Matt and Anda, 7pm at the Doug Fir Lounge

See you out West this July! Post in the comments if we'll see you there!

See More Posts about Etsy Meet Ups

Etsy Addicts: Top Hearters, Revealed!

2009-07-02T17:30:00-04:00

As an Etsy addict (yes, I admit it!), I make a point to "heart" any item that catches my fancy, be it for me, as a gift for a friend, to feature here on Etsy's blog, or just because it's an amazing example of craftsmanship that could only be found on Etsy. Today I'm unmasking other Etsy Addicts to reveal some of the top hearters on the site. These Etsy Community members (both buyers and sellers) have collected astounding numbers of Favorites, and they keep them public for your benefit. Here are the interviews we did with these fine folk.

MacraMe's Favorites: 2284 Pages (and Counting)
MacraMe was featured in yaelfran's Shop Local Argentina not long ago.

Why do you heart things on Etsy?
We heart for several reasons: because we love the item, to keep lists of items for our Treasury addiction, as a way of promotion, and we like to encourage new sellers.

Do you actively share your Etsy Favorites with anyone?
Our Favorites are open for everyone to see and we have an Etsy Mini of our Favorites on our blog.

Do you look at or follow other people's Favorites? Would you care to share any of their names?
After almost three years of being on Etsy we don’t follow other people's Favorites, but at the beginning we used the Connections tool as a way to search and browse.

Do you buy a lot of your Favorites? If not, what's the purpose behind bookmarking them?
We have bought on very special occasions. Unfortunately Argentina has an unfavorable exchange rate for making purchases — so we have all those hearts in the hope of someday being able to buy. We bookmarked them also for the reasons we mention before, and, if we hearted them, why un-heart?

You've been on Etsy for some time. What's your favorite thing about the site?
Etsy is full of beautiful things, but our favorite is Treasury. We don’t speak English very well so this tool lets us participate without the necessity of language. We have learned a lot making them, and it helps us to improve our store. Now, with more experience, we have a lot of fun making Treasuries, but the best thing is that it aided us in making friends with wonderful people whom we may never meet in person but whose affection we can still feel.

Another thing we love is the blog, The Storque, not only for the news, but for the old posts as well. We see them as records of the Etsy story. Also we must mention the opportunity of belonging to a Team. We are members of the Etsy in Spanish Team, where we can communicate in Spanish and meet every Friday with our Spanish-speaking comrades in the Chat Rooms. As we said, there are a lot of beautiful things on Etsy!

What are your hopes for Etsy's future?
We hope Etsy has continuity over time and that the economic crisis will be overcome quickly, in order for artists and crafters to be able to continue to develop in a positive way. We understand that Etsy has to evolve. Every day there are more people, more news, advances in technology and trade, but we hope Etsy doesn't lose the home spirit, the flavor of what was done by hand which made Etsy a very special place.

yaelfran's Favorites: 1452 Pages (and Counting)

Why do you heart things on Etsy?
I don't know exactly why, but I LOVE to heart items that catch my attention, and I LOVE to see who hearted me or my own items.

Do you actively share your Etsy Favorites with anyone?
Sometimes, if there is a special item I want to show to my husband or friends. For example, it was my friend's birthday, and I hearted four or five items to share with my other friends. We had decided to buy her a ring from Etsy, so I told my friends to look at my recent Favorites and from there we could choose one to buy.

Do you look at or follow other people's Favorites? Would you care to share any of their names?
ALWAYS. I think it's one of the things I enjoy most at Etsy: looking at my Favorites' Favorites. Of course I'd give you their names! elsita, irisschwarz, knots, iomiss, timssally, polarity, sushipot, prettylittlethieves, kjoo... and so many more.

Do you buy a lot of your Favorites? If not, what's the purpose behind bookmarking them?
No, I like to heart items here because of great photos, wonderful design, excellent composition, but not necessarily to buy them. I just love the idea of sellers knowing their creations are loved!

You've been on Etsy for almost three years. What's your favorite thing about the site?
Since I started, I've been saying the same thing about Etsy: I ADORE how user-friendly Etsy is. I really love the design, it is a pleasure to be a seller here, I enormously enjoy working on Etsy!

What are your hopes for Etsy's future?
I hope Etsy will be better and better every day, improving communication between the community and Admins and keeping honesty and common sense as their most important values.

Earmark's Favorites: 1418 Pages (and Counting)

Why do you heart things on Etsy?
Because I love the items, want to feature an item, want to use an item in a Treasury, must buy it or if I am comparing items that I want/need in the future. Basically, I heart items so I do not lose track of the item/shop.

Do you actively share your Etsy Favorites with anyone?
I put up the Etsy Mini of my Favorites on my blog.

Do you look at or follow other people's Favorites? Would you care to share any of their names?
I guess I do not follow anyone in particular. I look through MANY people's Favorites and I probably follow ThePeachTree's faves the most.

Do you buy a lot of your Favorites? If not, what's the purpose behind bookmarking them?
I do buy items from my Favorites, but I also use my Favorites as more of a wish list. I would love to be able to organize my faves into sections (wish lists, bags, edibles).

You've been on Etsy for almost three years. What's your favorite thing about the site?
Pretty much everything. I think Etsy has opened so many doors and been great at showcasing unique art and handmade goods from around the world. I love that. I have met so many awesome people and companies via Etsy. Without Etsy, it would have taken much longer to get to where we are today, and for that I am forever grateful!

What are your hopes for Etsy's future?
I would love to see some additional third party applications that improve and enhance the Etsy experience. Otherwise I just hope that more people shop on here and purchase stationery from Earmark...ha ha!

Dajellybaby's Favorites: 1823 Pages (and Counting)

Why do you heart things on Etsy?
I usually heart things on Etsy that catch my eye. I do this for several reasons. The first one is because I am planning to purchase that particular item. I often check Etsy quickly throughout the day, and if I spot something that I like, I may not be able to purchase it then and there. Hearting the item ensures that I have easy access to it later, and it means I don't have to remember or record the item or seller details — which is great because I have a terrible memory!

Another reason is because I really like the item and/or the seller's store, and I want to come back to it at a later date. I enjoy browsing the listings of items that I like, and I particularly love browsing the stores of favorite sellers who intrigue me. With a lot of the items that I really like, I enjoy revisiting the listing and having a good look at the item again, the different listing photos, etc. This also sometimes helps me to make up my mind as to whether I want to purchase the item. I find a lot of the pictures and descriptions fantastic and very alluring — it's hard not to fall in love. I often fall in love with the way a seller has marketed their product.

I also heart items or sellers' stores for future reference, for example, ideas for upcoming birthday gifts.

Do you actively share your Etsy Favorites with anyone?
Not really. I have shared the details of the Etsy site itself with others. I have also shared the details of particular Etsy sellers from whom I have purchased items. This usually occurs after people notice an Etsy purchased item and ask where I got it.

Do you look at or follow other people's Favorites? Would you care to share any of their names?
I don't really follow other people's favorites. I have actually only checked out five other people's favorites, and they are five Etsy sellers that I have purchased from in the past. I love these particular sellers, and I really admire their sense of style, their personality, their designs, etc. I thought I might be able to find some really fascinating and intriguing items from their favorites, as they are quite fascinating and intriguing people. They include Monique, a.k.a. ouma; Jessi Taylor, a.k.a. jessitaylor; Christine, a.k.a. BloomStudios; Allison, a.k.a. MmeFortuna and Katie, a.k.a. ktjean.

Do you buy a lot of your Favorites? If not, what's the purpose behind bookmarking them?
I do buy a lot of my favorites, although I think that I bookmark a lot more than I buy. I really wish that it was the other way around! The reason that I think I have so many favorites comes down to wishful thinking. I really love the designs, concepts and ideas of a lot of the items on Etsy, and I have found in the past that if I don't heart an item, I have trouble remembering any details to find it again. I find it's very convenient having a "Favorites section" of my profile.

What's your favorite thing about Etsy?
I love two things actually about the Etsy site. The first is the gorgeous sense of community and the friends that I have made since I joined. The second is the easy access I have to so many amazing and talented artists who handmake and/or collect, recycle and celebrate vintage and homemade goods. If it wasn't for Etsy, I wouldn't have access to these really talented folk. I would still be purchasing mass-produced, store-bought items!

What are your hopes for Etsy's future?
I'd really love to see Etsy continue to grow and blossom, welcoming even more fabulous sellers and items, and for sellers themselves to see a continued rise in new customers and buyers. In spite of any growth, I would really like to see the community side of Etsy continue — where customer service, the sense of trust, friendship and kinship are still paramount. I would really hate to see Etsy become like eBay, where both sellers and buyers can often be exploited. I think Etsy is wonderful and the Etsy site, its team and its sellers deserve every success.

Looking for more ways to share your Favorites? Read our recent Tech Updates about Facebook Connect and Favorites developments.

Check out the Related Items below for a sampling of dajellybaby's, macraMe's,
yaelfran's, and Earmark's Favorites!

There's No Place Like Here: Forestbound & The Snail and The Cyclops

2009-07-02T16:50:00-04:00

Friend Etsy on Youtube or Blip.tv | Subscribe to Etsy's iTunes Podcast | MP4

(music by Luc, animation by JuliaPott)

Three years ago, Alice Saunders, a.k.a. Forestbound, and Francesca Zmetra, a.k.a. Thirteen Eighty-Five, (who's also responsible for the delightful blog, The Snail and The Cyclops) became roommates in an old house in Jamaica Plain, MA. They didn't know each other at the time but because of their similar styles, they bonded instantly and became close as friends and creative colleagues. Alice's aesthetic tends toward old military Americana with a collection of canvas bags, found bones, birch bark, vintage lace and postcards. Francesca's taste is more feminine, influenced by wartime beauty parlors and apothecaries. These friends share a studio space and each have their own bedroom along with four other roommates in this old Victorian in an artsy neighborhood of Boston. Both Alice and Francesca keep up with modern technology though their Internet businesses, blog, and Flickr sites, but their work and decor are nostalgic for things past: ephemera, vintage wares and trinkets with character.

Watch other Etsy videos | Decorating Posts | Get the Look Series

Search Etsy for "1940's" | Browse Etsy's Vintage Category

Come Craft With the Etsy Labs: Knitted Postcards

2009-07-02T15:50:00-04:00

Why click your knitting needles all alone? Come whip up some knitted postcards with us (all levels welcome) — whether you're in Brooklyn or anywhere in the world. Join us for our weekly Craft Night in our online multi-user chat room, the Virtual Labs, or in person at the Etsy Labs in Brooklyn. Craft Night occurs every Monday from 4-8 p.m. ET at 325 Gold Street, 3rd floor in Brooklyn, New York and in the Virtual Labs. Drop by our space in Brooklyn anytime between 4-8 p.m. to craft with us. Craft Night is a time to make things, sharpen your craft skills, meet new friends, and hang out.

Not in Brooklyn? Join us online for a live broadcast and demo from Craft Night in the Virtual Labs starting at 5 p.m. ET. Click here to see what time 5 p.m. ET is in your hometown.

This week, on Monday, July 6th, we will be making knitted postcards! Don't know how to knit? That's ok, Nguyen from KnitKnit and Annalise Frank will show you how. The knitted postcard is a great beginner project because it knits up quickly for instant gratification. It's a wonderful way to use up test swatches and send something fun to your friends and family.

We'll supply the yarn, matboard, and pull out our knitting needles. We'll have a couple of basic patterns using bulky yarn and size US 10 needles. If you have a particular yarn you'd like to use, and your own needles, feel free to bring them along!

Photo of Annalise and KnitKnit at a previous Craft Night by Ikyoto a.k.a. ikyotochan

If you are attending Craft Night virtually this week and would like to make knitted postcards along with us, you'll need to gather a few supplies:

Two types of bulky yarn
Hole punch
Scissors
Size 10 knitting needles
Tapestry needle
4" x 6" postcard material (such as mat board)
Knitted Postcard instructions

Upcoming Craft Nights & Events at Etsy Labs

7/12: Church of Craft meeting at the Etsy Labs (2-6 p.m.)

7/13: Bag-making workshop with Bags for the People

7/20: Felted Coasters with Leslie Henkel of Spacecraft's Craft on Draught

7/27: Open Craft Night

If you'd like to lead a Craft Night, send your ideas to labs@etsy.com with "Craft Night idea" as the subject line. Have you participated in Craft Night? Share your photos with the Etsy Labs Show and Tell Flickr group! If you'd like to learn more about the Etsy Labs, check out our FAQs. Want to receive email updates? Join our Etsy Labs mailing list.

Will we see you Monday, ready to knit? Let us know in the comments.

News From the Craft + Style Blogosphere: July 2, 2009

2009-07-02T14:00:00-04:00

"It's not where you take things from — it's where you take them to." - Jean-Luc Godard

This week's edition of News From the Craft + Style Blogosphere has sculpture as fashion, sleek terrariums, swoon-worthy resort wear, punk looks from the U.S.S.R., and a laser-cut "rug" that will surely catch your woodgrain loving eye!

Read on!

These Missoni designs fairly scream summer to me. It's a cross between Mociun prints, Little Edie scarves and classic resort wear. I'd wear it! [Via Dress of the Day]

Paula Hayes designs these contemporary terrariums (and aquariums). There's something so spare and modern about the inclusion of plants, crystals and water. [Thanks to Weirdwolf for this one!]

I'm a huge fan of fashion from the late 1970s or early 1980s, so these photos of Soviet punk style totally took my breath away. [Via Viva Vena Cava]

Look closely at this rug. What is the material? Is it wood or textile? In fact, German design student Elisa Stroyzk created this sculptural piece from wood-veneer offcuts, which are laser-cut and bonded to a textile backing to create a three dimensional visual. [Via design*sponge]

These dramatic pieces were created by sculptural designer Zoe Bradley. Her work bridges the gap between fashion and three dimensional art forms. According to her website, "Bradley employs traditional tailoring techniques, but offers a twist of using the more conventional materials of fashion fabrics to her signature material luxury papers." You won't soon forget her work. [Via What's Wrong With the Zoo]

Wanna give me some more artsy, style or design blogs to peruse? Leave them in the comments! And check out past installments of News From the Craft + Style Blogosphere!

Trends: Charmed, I'm Sure

2009-07-02T13:30:00-04:00

I have a jewelry fetish and nervous hands. Thus I've found that my all time favorite bracelets have something in common: they are fun to play with — moving parts, nice jingle-jangle, little fascinating pieces. It's jewelry that keeps you from nail biting or smoking, to boot. Happily, this also coincides with the current trend (or resurgence of the 1950s trend by way of Queen Victoria) in charm bracelets.

Lucky Magazine's blog recently gave a nice nod to makepienotwar, who often uses charms in her designs.

I also have a bit of a nostalgic streak; relics and souvenirs pay homage to memories, help me remember the places I've been, or oftentimes, places I'd like to visit. Check out this beautiful vintage piece from MorningGlorious ($38). How about a jaunt to the Acropolis and island hopping in the Aegean this summer?

This charm bracelet by chrisn123 is a wearable ode to Hitchcock's The Birds. Such a perfect gift for any film buff.

In true DIY style, you can buy a simple silver bracelet and add your own odds and ends. Build up your charm bracelet over time. Here's a bracelet from PoshMommaStore ($14) and a very cute vintage bull charm ($8.25) from guiltypleasures to get you started!

More Trends Posts | Browse Handmade Charm Bracelets and Vintage Charm Bracelets

Summer Travel Gift Guide

Travel Showcase: On Sale Thursday July 2, 2009 12 p.m. ET

2009-07-02T12:17:00-04:00

Dreaming about road trips, travel to distant lands, or a "stay-cation" camping trip to the backyard? You can find ideas for gear and clothing you might want for your adventure — whether traveling far or near or simply escaping at home — to make it more memorable in the Travel Showcase.

We ask that sellers choose travel-related items such as:

Travel accessories: Bags, passport holders, wallets, etc.

Vacation fashion: Clothing and accessories ideal for a getaway in all climates. (Safari hat, sunglasses, etc.)

Travel-related items: Maps, vintage road signs, compasses, travel games, travel-sized toiletries, stationary, postcards, journals.

Travel-inspired items: Think airplanes, road trips, landmarks, trains, beaches, vintage suitcases, etc.

The Travel Showcase goes on sale Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 12 p.m. ET.
Go to the Showcase Gateway to purchase a spot.
This Showcase will run from Monday, July 6, 2009 12 a.m. ET until Sunday, July 12, 2009, 11:59 p.m. ET.
For $15 USD, Etsy sellers can purchase a 24-hour spot, which will be linked from a prominent banner on Etsy's homepage.
Sellers determine which item will be featured in your Showcase slot. Sellers must use the tool in Your Etsy > Promote > Showcase. Learn more about this process here.

Future Showcases

If you are planning for other Showcases that may be more appropriate for your items, here is the next home page Showcase:

Weddings - The Perfect Gift Showcase: On sale Thursday, July 9, 2009; the Showcase will be live July 13, 2009 through July 19, 2009.
- Think gifts for the home: housewares, furniture and items that will become heirlooms in the years to come.

What is this Showcase thing? For a general introduction to Showcase, read Matt's Storque article 13.5 Questions about the Showcase, and for deeper thoughts on figuring out if Showcase is right for you, see Beth's Showcase Deconstructed article.