Search results (tags) for: "ideas"

Top 10 Gifts You Can't Get at the Mall

2008-11-30T21:15:00Z

Friends — doesn't receiving a gift that millions of other people have leave a little something to be desired? The thought of giving that type of gift isn't very appealing either. To cure our shopping malaise, here's my list of the top 10 unique and rare items that you won't find anywhere else:

	1. Your Book Rebuilt by TYLERBENDER Send in your favorite retired book and get back an amazing decoy journal to stash in your library. It's a great way to recycle old books, and keep nosey-rosys out of your business! $50. Find more journals from recycled materials.
	2. Hudson Valley Yarn CSA by MVKnits I'm not even a knitter, but supporting an independent fiber farm (and adorable sheep like this) has got to be really good for the karma. Personally, I'd take the yarn and make a lifelike sculpture of this sheep's head. $140 per share in the CSA. (See the video Etsy did with MVKnits.) Find more handspun yarn.
	3. Bunny Rabbit Feltidermy by girlsavage Feltidermy is taking the Etsy world by storm as a less-expensive and more-fun way of preserving the likenesses of pets that have unfortunately 'eaten the big one.' This seller will work with you to preserve the memory of a loved one's recently deceased pet, but will be "announcing the cutoff date for Christmas custom creations soon." Act now (or forever hold your peace!). This large size bunny is $120.
	4. Blue Baseball by LemonBall These unique handstitched baseballs are so old school it hurts, and are made in the ol' US of A. Speaking from experience, they make great gifts for all the sports fans on your list (who are notoriously hard to shop for.) $24. Find more balls in the Toys Category.
	5. Brief jerky by mixedspecies In economically difficult times, gifts that can serve multiple functions are the best gifts. These briefs are not only unbelievably fashionable, but they're also a great source of emergency protein. One size fits/feeds most. $139. Find more men's underwear.
	6. Cut Your Own Loaf Soap by chasestreetsoapco For all the dirty birdies in our lives, this custom soap loaf* (where you choose your own scent, color, and exfoliant) is just what the doctor ordered. Literally. *Each loaf normally yields 15-17 3.5 oz bars. $45. Find more vegan soap for men.
	7. Recycled Wine Bottle Glasses by SurfsideCreations Besides being an amazing display of craftsmanship and ingenius recycling, these wine bottle glasses would be much easier to drink out of than the hundreds of broken bottles that litter my apartment. $70. Find more recycled glassware.
	8. Commission a Pet Portrait by candiceart For the people on your list who would rather have a portrait made of their pet than get a portrait of you. $75. Find more pet portraits.
	9. Custom Thumbprint Ring by chrisparry This seller will create a true-to-life portrait of your thumbprint onto the top of a silver ring, so that future generations will always remember how OOAK you are! $249. Note: Leaving this at a crime scene would be disastrous.
	10. Custom-made 3D Island by AdmiralSlade For the recluse in your life who would rather spend the holidays on his or her own island! This little model is meant for gamers, but I think it could work as an intriguing element for your home decor. $6. You might also like terrariums.

Good luck, friends. Get out there and "cut your own loaf."

More Holiday Shopping Posts | Gift Guides | Top 10 Lists

Gift Ideas: Shop Local UK with HidenSeek

2008-11-29T13:32:00Z

Eloise aka HidenSeek is a renowned Bear hugger, a relentless cake-topping dismantler, an involuntarily plant killer and an amateur fairytale weaver. We invited her to curate this Shop Local guide, UK edition. Meet some artists below and match them to their items at the bottom.

So here I am Etsy! You found me... :) Where one can usually find me and that's deep in the forests of the North of England looking for inspiration or just playing carefree with all the forest creatures. Here is a rare but precious peaceful moment of me and Mr. Bear in a quiet little spot where we sometimes sit on that bench enjoying the running water, the crunching of the leaves and pushing little bugs out of our noses.

I say rare because it was one of those times that everything went truly as planned, but you have to believe me, not all times between us are as “human girl and bear very wild” co-operative!! My slightly unnerved look can prove it...Actually a few moments later... Ohh... small children may be reading... so.... everything went great :D

I think the argument started at the point where we were talking about this Shop Local gift guide... different approaches you see. Mr. Bear was thinking again with the big cavity between his head and feet (meaning his stomach rather than anything else). UK has some fine hard working bees don't get me wrong, but featuring all the honey products on Etsy just wouldn't do.

And since between the two of us only I can type, I get to pick my most dreamy gifts for a special fairytale Christmas this year!! Sorry Mr. Bear....."democratic" meritocracy wins! So enjoy some wonderful, talented artists from around the UK and their amazing handmade goodies that would make the perfect Christmas gifts.

Wish you the happiest and loveliest festive season, full of magic, fairytales and adventures!
Bear hugs,
Hidden Eloise

LeahSutton

"This is the view from my top floor apartment window. I climb out of onto the roof where I’m standing to resolve my knitter’s creative block or get a sun break in the summer. In the distance are the tree tops of Richmond Park, the largest most spectacular deer filled park in London."

Tobyboo "Office blocks, shopping centres, more office blocks, more shopping centres. For those of you who have been to Croydon, South London, you'll know it's not the most inspiring of places but for those of you with a creative head you'll know that inspiration comes from everywhere! My small oasis isn't that pretty but it's enough to clear my head, a thin park that runs along side of the railway line and is right in the centre of town. The real Tobyboo is my baby boy, who is my inspiration - having him gave me a whole new area of work to think about. My varied background consists of a degree in jewellery, working in television, making handbags and making Toby."

allthosethrees "This picture is of me on the iconic London Underground (taken by my boyfriend's youngest daughter, Charlotte). I've always had a soft spot for the 'tube' — even more so since I no longer have to use it to commute every day!"

dollyknits

"This is me in a place called The Pantiles in Royal Tunbridge Wells, where I live. I'm standing just outside my favourite pub called The Ragged Trousers. I started a knitting group called Knitty Gritty and this is where we come to knit every Tuesday night. This is where Dolly Knits began over a pint of beer!"

lostintheforest

"The picture is taken outside my family home in Aberdeenshire: it's where I escape to when I need the space and time for contemplation and reflection. The whole area is magical to me: ruined castles, pictish stone circles, beautiful scenery and nature are everywhere."

abibansaldesigns

"Here is a photo taken locally in the fields of Devon where my studio is situated. I use this landscape for my photo shoots and inspiration."

belleandboo

"Here I am on a very British beach in Hastings!"

heidiburton

"King's College was founded in 1441 by Henry VI and is one of the oldest of 31 colleges that are part of the University of Cambridge, UK. Thousands of tourists visit King's every year, mostly for its impressive architecture. I enjoy taking my journals around town and sketching whatever catches my eye in this beautiful historical city."

hoolala

"The picture was taken outside my tiny shop called For England and St. George which is situated in The Fishmarket in Northampton (United Kingdom) by a local photographer called Phil Sharp - he has photographed the great and the good including Patti Smith and Juliet Lewis amongst others. The Fishmarket has been converted into a huge contemporary artspace/gallery. It opens 3 days a week on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. This is one of my most favourite places in Northampton as it is really my playground and most of my friends also run shops there - it is crammed full of local talent. This magical place enables me to take a break from my busy studio and connect with my fabulous customers. I also organize a craft fair there once a month for 50 designer/makers with my friend Bill which is incredibly popular attracting over 900+ people through the doors. Cool Britannia!"

strawberriesandcream

"This picture was taken in Winchester in front of the famous Winchester Cathedral. This beautiful Gothic Cathedral is 900 years old and I love spending my time around the Cathedral particularly in the Spring time when the first blooms are on the trees in the grounds. It is very peaceful and romantic around the Cathedral and I find it very inspiring. I also enjoy walking along the small cobbled streets behind the Cathedral that are lined by medieval houses, including the house where Jane Austen spent the last part of her life."

Thank you, HidenSeek. Now back to your hidey hole! Say hello to Mr. Bear!

Shoppers, get your holiday gifts this season with Shop Local and meet your talented neighbors (shrink that carbon footprint too)! Find sellers belonging to local Etsy Teams: Ireland, United Kingdom, Scotland, Wales.

Shop Local Posts | Gift Ideas | Shop Local in Your Area

Please let Etsy's blog know about your favorite local Etsy artists. Pitch your town, state, country or region.

Holiday Shopping Lists: Let's Hear It For the Boys

2008-11-25T15:48:00Z

Looking for the perfect gift for a guy this season? Etsy's got the goods when it comes to gifts for dads, sons, husbands, boyfriends, brothers and friends. Finding the gift that's just right for him might seem like a challenge, but we're up for it! Why not get him a handmade wallet, manly soap, belts and other accessories, a comfy hoodie, fly fishing doodads or something geeky of the electronic nature? Here's but one collection of ideas for the man on your list.

Gifts for Him | Gifts for Dad | More Holiday Shopping Posts | Gift Ideas

A Dude's Perspective | Gifts for Him Showcase

My Top 10 Customized Moleskines Notebooks

2008-11-21T16:00:00Z

Take a moment and breathe across the paper. Inhale thought, idea, memory. Exhale words, brush strokes, emotion, and color. Reflect your life and the world around you onto the page.

The more saturated we become with technology, the more we seem to crave analog time. You know, a n a l o g t I m e. That little bit of quality scribble-scrawl time that acts as a kind of portable break from our fast paced lives. There is something comforting in knowing that you can reach into your pocket, your bag, or your purse and pull out a spot of safe haven for yourself. We sketch moments, we make lists, we jot down creative brilliance, lay down color with brush or pencil, all the while knowing that we can tuck it back into its little black hole until we release it to the world.

Moleskine notebooks are at the forefront of journaling enthusiasm, their quality and variety being preferred in most cases. And this grassroots enthusiasm has taken root amongst creative types — the community on Etsy being one, flickr another (with a lot of overlap). Here's my Top 10 List — a great stocking stuffer for the writerly or creative person in your life.

1) I'm Friggin' Melting - Holey Moley - Moleskine by heidiburton

Heidi Burton depicts a whimsical Christmas using the cover as a prop. The look on the snowman’s face in the window-cut cover alone is reason enough to open it and see what’s going on.

2) “Skeleton Tree” Moleskine Cahier EXTRA Large Plain Journal by shoofly

I have seen a lot of embellished cahier covers, even done a few of my own, but this white on black rendering is both unique and lovely. Shoofly also has some incredibly beautiful Gocco printed Moleskine cahier covers, like her Sunflowers as well.
Find more gocco moleskines.

3) Moleskine Ruled Journal with Original Illustration by gneural

If you like individually hand-rendered cahier covers, gneural has some high definition, high contrast pieces that really catch the eye.
Find more moleskines with original drawings.

4) Knit Moleskine Cover/Sleeve by artontherun

Winter is coming up, so why not keep your pocket Moleskine cozy and warm in its own sweater?
Find more moleskine cozies.

5) Moleskine cover with pen pocket PDF pattern by AuburnStudios

Perfect for those of us who enjoy using the cahier but may not want to mar the covers.
Find more moleskines with pockets for pens.

6) Ultra Ray Large Moleskine by modofly

John W. Golden’s work adorns this wonderfully retro ray gun Moleskine by Modofly, perfect for any futuristic genre fan, male or female. johnwgolden also has a shop of his own fancifully designed creations on Etsy.
Find more laser etched items on Etsy.

7) Down the Rabbit Hole by TheCuriousNomad

I haven’t met a person yet who doesn’t love Alice in Wonderland, and this journal cover is a fantastically fun interpretation.
Find more painted moleskines on Etsy.

8) Screenprinted Pocket size Sketchbook with Barnacle Designs by fiskandfern

Of fiskandfern’s oceanic images, this screenprinted barnacle on a black pocket cahier really stands out.
Find more screenprint moleskines.

9) Sketchbook with Liberty Vintage Wallpaper Cover by drawflowers

drawflowers has a few of these wallpaper covered Moleskines, some even the perfect colors for a wedding planner’s notes.
Find more floral-motif moleskines.

10) Quilted Monogram Moleskine Cahier Notebook by jcasa

Jcasa’s custom quilted initials give Moleskine cahiers a textile makeover.
Find more moleskines with fabric elements.

Whether you like blank or grid pages for sketching, watercolor paper for painting, or ruled for writing, Moleskines come in three main sizes: the near index card-sized Pocket, the half sheet 5.5” x 8.5” Large, and the Extra Large. One of my personal favorites is the grid; it’s great for sketching as well as writing with guides for side margins. You can also take your writing further by picking up one of the Moleskine Storyboard journals.

Moleskine users have a culture of their own and are prolific in displaying glimpses into their wonder-filed worlds. Have a look around through some of the following sites and you are guaranteed to find unique, flavorful inspiration.

Moleskine Hacks on 43 Folders | Moleskine on Flickr Hivemind | Journal Related Posts

Etsy Moleskine Items | More Top 10 Lists

Gift Ideas: Shop Local Argentina with Yaelfran

2008-11-20T12:00:00Z

Yaelfran, an Etsy seller based in Buenos Aires, knows how to find the most amazing collections of handmade goods. We invited her to share her Shop Local picks from her fellow Argentinians. Consider shopping local this holiday season — you can cut down on shipping time, support independent craftspeople, all while reducing your carbon footprint!

Ok, Argentina is really special to me. Here I found my place in the world...I love so much Argentina's landscapes, and the infinity of possibilities about them. You can find here waterfalls, mountains, rivers, glaciers, the sea... a huge range for everyone’s taste!

Argentina has also wonderful treasures, like the “dulce de leche” (have you ever tasted it? It is something similar to caramel... gorgeous!!), the “tango” (our music), the “yerba maté” (it is a special herb that you must brew with hot water and drink with friends/family, sharing it) and of course, “Maradona”, the best football player!!

I think the most important thing is that here, in my country, people love so much to spend time with friends. Personally (we are 10 very very close friends), every week we join at someone’s house and drink mate, eat something, and talk about everything...

Laslopezlas.etsy.com

"We are three sisters, Victoria, Soledad and Virginia, who have always loved knitting. We have worked together for many years in Argentina, South America. We learned the craft through our mother and our grandmother. Thanks to them we inherited the passion for handmade. We work with local wool following the ancient techniques of loom, knit, crochet and embroidering, and mix them together to create new original models. We produce a line of clothing and contemporary accessories, designed by all of three."

cynthiadelgiudice.etsy.com

"This is where I live, the middle of the Argentine Pampas. I'm wearing one of my necklace designs."

macraMe.etsy.com

"In the photo I am wearing some of the owl necklaces, on my street, in Olivos, my neighborhood."

indiaylaluna.etsy.com

"I'm working at my bench in my home in Buenos Aires. I love where I live because it's a place where I can admire the landscape, the trees, I can listen the birds in the mornings, and see the sunset in the afternoons. I live surrounded by nature and friends. My country is an awesome place to visit, you'll find so many differences between north and south....I love Argentina!!!!"

Are you a Spanish speaker on Etsy? Join the Etsy in Spanish Team!

This holiday season, we're continuing our Shop Local series on Etsy's blog. Buying handmade, locally produced or vintage gifts is a way to give back to your creative neighbors and shrink your carbon footprint.

Let us know about your favorite local Etsy artists. Pitch your town, state, country or region; include a screenshot of your Poster Sketched picks and a link to a pretty photo of yourself in your neighborhood. We can't wait to hear from you!

You can find folks in your area by using Etsy's Shop Local site feature. Find out more about how Shop Local works. Make sure to update your geo info in your public profile!

Etsy Finds: A Manly Quest

2008-11-20T09:34:00Z

Men's gifts can be so satisfying when you find the right one. Ever get that feeling? The "oh man, I nailed it!" feeling? Etsy's blog sometimes goes on this brutal but rewarding hunt in our Dude's Perspective series. Here are some of the favorite finds this holiday shopping season and some tips we gleaned while observing (and well, asking) the menfolk around these parts.

The Messenger - in gunmetal gray

Every guy I talked to has one essential accessory that stands above the rest: the classic bag. Search for more men's bags on Etsy. By moop, $130.

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Think Twice leather billfold wallet

Ok, men have two essential accessories above all others, second one being the classic wallet. There are so many men's wallets on Etsy, but this one serves as a timely reminder of the tough times, while simultaneously offering itself up as a great buy. By treeswithknees, $28.

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Titanium and Black Walnut Inlay Ring

Who's going to be making a commitment this holiday season, hmmmm? At home with the family, feeling like things are getting serious? Show your man you are in touch with his manly styles with this men's band. By robandlean, $135.

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Santa Soap

Just a little Santa soap for that classic "piney" scent. Find more men's Bath & Beauty items. By SeattleSundries, $4.75.

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Catsooth (houndstooth) pattern silkscreened necktie

Don't call it a cop-out; call it a handmade twist on the default men's gift. This houndstooth tie is so bold and beautiful. More neckties on Etsy! By toybreaker, $30.

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Ammo Can Shelf

Furniture on Etsy is really taking off. These shelves remind me of something my cool older brother would have in his room. By twentyfiveover, $250.

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BANG BANG, suitcase

Talk about functional art! This suitcase can work as decor at the top of a bookshelf or posed on a stack of vintage books. Take the suitcase out on vacation and make a statement with your luggage. By finalapproach, $45.

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weRobot Tee for Men and Kids

All the guys I know are into robots and aliens. T-shirts are no-brainer gifts for guys. Clever t-shirts are transcendent! By chopshopstore, $24.

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Custom Television Cozy/Cover

Geekery items like laptop cases and iPod cozies cozy up on all those mass-produced electronics we all love so much. Think outside of the big box! By sallyenglanddesign, $50.

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Ply Bak side dining office reception chair eames era mid century modern

Sit your man's hindquarters down in this classy chair and he'll be mighty pleased. You can even remove the back to convert it to a stool! By lunarloungedesign, $199.

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Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

Gifts for Him | Gifts for Dad | Storque Featured Buyers | Gift Ideas

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

Holiday Shopping Lists: Seasonal Decor

2008-11-18T17:05:00Z

Tis the season to add a bit of festive decor to your home. Whether you're hosting or need a gift for a friend, these items are sure to ring in the holiday spirit! Check out stockings, wreaths, garlands, even handmade tree skirts in the Holidays Category on Etsy.

Holiday Parties and Decorating Gift Guide | More Decor Posts | More Holiday Shopping Posts

Holiday Shopping Lists: Faux Food

2008-11-17T15:00:00Z

You know what the holidays mean? Eating, eating, eating and a whole lot of gorging!!!...er — at least that's what it means to some of us. This year, you can supplement all the tastiness with faux food. These make really cute gifts (especially for the wee ones, search the Children Category for food). You can also use fake food to decorate the house for the holidays (search the Holiday Category for food). Candycanes, gingerbread men, sugar plums dancing in your head...Think unique, handmade centerpieces, cornicopia style!

Who's gonna have a faux food fight?

Holiday Shopping | Holiday Parties and Decorating Gift Guide | Items tagged "Fake Food"

Sellers' Picks for Gift Ideas

Etsy Finds: Gifts for Co-Workers

2008-11-17T08:36:00Z

I look forward to finding the perfect gifts for my family and friends all year round, but sometimes I trip up in the co-worker and "friendly acquaintance" department. That is, until I found Etsy. There are so many great and affordable options on Etsy that would make great gifts for all your friends at the office and those few on your list that might have slipped your mind until the last minute. Save the day with one of the gifts below!

Poppy flower bowl

Spice up a co-worker's desk with this whimsical poppy shaped bowl. By PrinceDesignUK, $27.

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glitter dart. brown

Snag these glittery darts for the co-worker you gossip with the most; they'll laugh themselves silly! By somethingshidinghere, $6.

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The Bee Cup

Play jokes on all your friends at the office with this "bee cup"; they'll be sure to take a second look. By baileydoesntbark, $52.

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Turquoise Treasure Bowl

Got a desk buddy with too many odds and ends about? Give them this felted treasure bowl to help them get organized with style. By shanineal, $16.

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Large Mazerine Blue Vase/ Concentric Series

Bring a little life to any office mate with a handmade vase, with a flower for that special touch. By juditavill, $38.

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5 bulldog clips with magnets

Help your co-workers keep everything in one place with these clever typewriter clips! By bubbo, $22.

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A little bird told me... A small handbound journal. Choose your color.

Give a mini journal to your best friend at the office; she'll be thinking of you every time she jots down notes in her meetings! By littleputbooks, $22.

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Mini Moss Terrariums set of 3

Bring a little of the outside in with one of these mystical looking terrariums. By madebymavis, $36.

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Chocolate Butterscotch Bars

Score major points with the chocolate butterscotch bars — heck, lay them out on your desk and watch the crowd swarm! By whimsyandspice, $9.

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Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

Gift Guides | Storque Featured Buyers | Trends | Gift Ideas

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

Holiday Shopping Lists: Warm Winter Accessories

2008-11-16T22:50:00Z

It's getting to be that chilly time of year again. Now is the time to start gathering gifts to keep your family and friends warm from head to toe this season! Peruse the gallery below for some classic — and cozy — holiday gift ideas: mittens, scarves, hats, leg warmers, slippers, and the latest in cowls. For more, search accessories in the Crochet Category or try clothing in the Knitting Category.

Holiday Shopping Posts | Seasonal Fashion Gift Guide | Accessories Category

Any readers in the Southern Hemisphere? Give a shout out in the comments below. We want to know what's hot where you are!

Holiday Shopping Lists: Soap and Candles

2008-11-15T09:18:00Z

When you're looking for a gift for someone you may not know too well — co-workers, your child's teacher, neighbors across the way, that new sister-in-law — but still wish to make a good impression, a fragrant handmade candle or soap may be just the present you're looking for. Handmade candles and soaps are something that everyone can enjoy. For candles, try beeswax or soy, scented or unscented. Soaps come in so many shapes and scents: find some for men, children, or vegans. This holiday season, give the gift of a warm, welcoming home and fragrant, clean hands!

Co-workers Gift Guide | Etsy Green & Clean Guild | More Holiday Gift Ideas

Bath and Beauty Category | Candles Category

Holiday Shopping Lists: Calendars

2008-11-14T15:20:00Z

Time flies in this digital era. Give the gift of a handmade calendar: your friend, office-mate, or loved one will be reminded to thank you every day!

Etsy's Paper Goods Category has many types of calendars: search for letterpress, desk calendars, wall calendars, planners, or even to make your own with calendar tags (also great for scrapbooking) to tuck into a wallet. We also found some unique advent calendars in Etsy's Holiday Category.

Gift Ideas | Holiday Shopping | Calendars on Etsy | Coworkers Gift Guide

Etsy Finds: Shop Local with the North American Trunk Show

2008-11-13T09:00:00Z

Today at 7pm EST the Etsy Teams are going to make craft and internet history! Talented Etsy Teams located in North America are getting together to show their wares to a live, online audience in Etsy's Virtual Labs. Here you'll be able to meet the maker, learn about the process and even see them live in their studios via webcams! This is going to be the handmade shopping event of the season, and it's not to be missed! I've picked some items from Teams involved in the show, which include the Baltimore Etsy Team, the Cleveland Team, Lincoln Handmade, the {NewNew} Team , EtsyRain and the TransCanada Team. To see more of their work make sure you come by the Virtual Labs!

Would You Love Me Ring

This adjustable ring is a great little gift for someone you love! More Baltimore gifts can be found in the Library at 7pm EST. By blockpartypress, $18.

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eco deal.. 4 stockings for the price of 3...you CHOOSE the style and colours CUSTOM rikrak ecospun felt stocking

Put the handmade stocking stuffers you pick up at the Trunk Shows in these handmade stockings! By rikrak, $54.

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Googly-Eyed Polar Bear - Red

I hope this guy and his friends from the Seattle Team will be by the Lounge in the Virtual Labs on Thursday at 9pm EST! By hasenpfeffer, $54.25.

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Handwoven Felted Wool Rug

Find more lovely Canadian crafts at the TransCanada show starting at 10pm EST. By fiveforty, $75.

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M - Red Racer back Silkscreened Dress

Love this dress and photo showing the streets of Brooklyn! See more New York and New Jersey work at the 7pm show in the Treehouse! By kimmchi, $40.

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Scarlet Flower Ring

Would fit nicely into a rikrak stocking, no? By Shutterkate (a NewNew Team member!), $12.

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break (earrings)

Love the mod silver and bead work in these earrings! See more Cleveland made goods at 7pm EST in the Lounge. By smashing, $38.

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Chocolate Covered Cherry .. Amigurumi Wool Stuffie Toy

Too cute for your youngsters! Lincoln, Nebraska will represent at 8pm EST in the Teams room! By chimeracrochet, $14.

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Black Cherry Dress Tunic - Velvety Fine Wale Corduroy - Short Puff or 3/4 Bell Sleeve - Ready to Ship 18m 2T - Custom 3 4 5 6

Follow up a crocheted chocolate cherry by chimeracrochet with a sweet cherry dress! Don't miss the Cleveland sellers in the Lounge at 7pm EST. By breadandroses, $34.

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Looking for more International Finds? Try these Etsy links:

Shop Local | Geolocator | List of Etsy Street Teams | Storque Shop Local Posts

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

Team Tip: Merchandising!

2008-11-10T13:36:00Z

There are many benefits of joining an Etsy Team, including cross promotion among Team members. With the holidays quickly approaching, joint merchandising and promotional efforts are a really great way members can help each other and boost overall sales — and help shoppers find those perfect holiday gifts.

For example, take Leandogpottery's Labyrinth Soap Dish. She might include a link in the product description to fellow Team member savor's Tart - Olive Oil Soap, and mention what a lovely pair the two items would make for a gift!

Savor would do the same, including a link to Leandogpottery's soap dish in her item listing. Now, with a little teamwork from sellers, shoppers can easily find a great gift set within a modest gift budget.

Savor's Tart - Olive Oil Soap, $4.50 & Leandogpottery's Labyrinth Soap Dish, $13.00

Below are some other ideas for bundling, coupling, grouping, branding and merchandising items from your Team:

You can also pair items from your shop with other items in your shop - suggest coordinating items in listings.
Or you can include a link to a search for your Team's tag in your item listings to help shoppers find items they might like from shops of other Team members.
Use the Etsy mini to highlight great items from your Team on your blogs, social networking sites and other places on the web.
If you're primarily a buyer on Etsy, you can show support for your favorite Teams by including links to their Team tags in your Etsy profile.
To mix things up a bit, try occasionally Twittering or blogging about a Teammate's shop from your account - it's more fun and you'll get more attention that just talking about your own work all the time.
Many Teams find it useful to include a Team image as the last item image in an item listing - the image might have your Team's logo and a Team search tag, so shoppers can recognize items by a particular Team more easily.
Organize a ring of links to your Teammates shops in your announcement.
Follow the steps in this previous Team tip to promote your Team everywhere.

Teams are a wonderful way to work with your fellow sellers to accomplish more marketing than you could by yourself. By getting creative and doing some smart merchandising, you and your Team can work together to drive more traffic and increase sales for each other.

Team Tips are a weekly series of tips and ideas from the Etsy Teams. You can find more Resources at team.etsy.com. Etsy Teams are growing quickly, and we love that so many sellers want to join in to promote their shops, Teams and Etsy. For more information on Etsy Teams, check out the Teams pages and this page of Frequently Asked Questions. Don't forget to read our interview with this week's Featured Etsy Team. Keep up the great work, Etsy Teams!

Etsy Finds: Personalized Just For You

2008-11-10T09:10:00Z

Etsy is the perfect place to find gifts that leave a lasting impression. In fact, many sellers specialize in custom and personalized gifts. Let your family and friends know you planned ahead this year by customizing your purchases (without breaking the bank!). Check out some of our selections below as well as our special Personalized Gift Guide for a good start.

Personalized Custom Silhouette Print

Freeze a moment in time with a custom silhouette (and name!) print. By lepapierdesigns, $20.

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akira - fused glass dog pendant

Turn an image of man's best friend into a keepsake. By thirtydash9, $18.

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Handpainted customized portrait cup - made to order

For a truly unique gift, get a customized portrait made for the coffee or tea lover. By houseofharriet, $55.

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Personalized Scroll notecards- Set of 6 notes w/envelopes

Customize a set of special note cards for the writer in your life. By sweetgrassprints, $10.

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Vinyl Monogram Decor

Hop on one of this year's latest trends with a custom wall decal. By Paperazzi, $8.

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3 ONESIE WOODEN GIFT BOX SET ... at the zoo

Have a new baby in the family? Surprise the new Mommy and Daddy with a set of customized baby onesies. By handmadejig, $32.

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Modern Circles - Personalized Paperweight

Need a gift for your boss or a coworker? Let them know you care with a monogrammed paperweight. By paperandink, $85.

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custom silver guitar pick

Stay on the fingertips of any guitar player with these completely customizable stamped silver guitar picks. By SilverSparrowDesigns, $46.

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coffee sachets (set of 2) - customized and HAND-embroidered

For a gift that really packs a punch, get one of these personalized coffee sachets and slip it in with the customized mug above! By pillowhead, $5.95.

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Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

Gift Guides | Storque Featured Buyers | Trends | Gift Ideas

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Gift Ideas: Personalized Gifts

2008-11-07T10:00:00Z

To make the act of giving even more magical this holiday, think about personalizing your gift for that special someone. Your personal touch will add a special feeling which your recipient is sure to cherish and appreciate for years to come.

There are so many different personalized gifts to choose from on Etsy. Some thoughtful ideas include custom portraits and silhouettes, engraved jewelry or guitar picks, monogrammed pillows and wall decals, or hand-painted signs with a special message. Whichever option you choose, you'll feel good when giving a gift that comes straight from the heart.

There's one thing to keep in mind when purchasing a personalized gift: orders can take a few weeks to be completed. So what are you waiting for? Check out the examples below for that perfect custom present.

Look for more Personalized Gifts | Personalized Gift Guide | More Gift Ideas

Gift Ideas: The Handmade Journal

2008-11-05T15:30:00Z

The feeling of writing in a new journal is hard to describe. There's a sense of expectation and possibility as you think about what to write upon the fresh, unfettered pages. Journals and diaries are precious possessions because they're such a comfort — a convenient place to dump all of your thoughts and worries, daily engagements, doodles while you're on the phone, phone numbers, sketches, random ideas, dreams at 4 o'clock in the morning, to-do lists, inspiring quotes...

With the coming holiday season in mind, consider a beautiful handmade journal as a gift, such as the examples below. All your thoughts can be collected in one place! Get to writing!

Look for more Journals | Book Worms and Writers Gift Guide | More Gift Ideas