Search results (tags) for: "thanksgiving"

Etsy Finds: The Gift of Free Shipping

2009-11-28T12:53:00-05:00

Get your holiday shopping done once and for all with today's Etsy Finds collection, handpicked with all the people on your list in mind. Now is the time to take advantage of these exciting free shipping offers, and enjoy the convenience of having cool Etsy stuff delivered to your front door without the cost! Find more gift ideas try searching the tag "EtsyFreeShipping," but keep in mind that theses deals may be limited to the Etsy Black Friday through Cyber Monday event only. See seller shop announcements for details.

Gifts for Her

I Love Lychee Solid Lotion

By EpicallyEpicSoap, $6.

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Tulip Leather Bracelet

By alittleluster, $30.

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Personalized Fairytale Charm

By sabineadesign, $135.

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News Letter Custom Initial Necklace

By PaisleyChainsaw, $21.

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Customizable Leather Briefcase

By jennyndesign, $226.

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Lazy Cat's Dream Painting

By molMolly, $85.

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Needle felted snowman

By plytextiles, $29.

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OOAK Felted Peacock Scarf

By TianaCHE, $89.

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Tourmaline and Lemon Earrings

By madebysam, $69.50.

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Little Dumpling Leather Clutch

By gogovivi, $78.

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Small Bird Vase

By catherinereece, $20.

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The Hugely Big Lumberjill Cowl

By missindie, $80.

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Llama Love Original Painting

By tastesorangey, $76.

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Vintage Lace Heart Necklace

By ThatOldBlueHouse2, $32.

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Screenprinted Journal

By cutiepiecompany, $8.

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Catalina Island Tile Design Bracelet

By ShrunkenCatHeads, $35.

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Gifts for Him

Open Range Vase and Votive Holder

By TheLeftBank, $25.

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Royal Manual Typewriter

From retrohome, $185.

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Cheeky Policeman Watercolor

By atelierdewolvelay, $150.

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Monster Truck Vinyl Wall Art Decal

By graphicspaces, $70.

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The RingMaster Dotted FUNStache

By CyanideStitches, $15.

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Skull Cufflinks in Sterling Silver

By SilverBeyondOrdinary, $179.

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Felted Pencil Cup

By cozycottagecreations, $24.

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Chocolate Espresso Vegan Soap

By KreatedbyKarina, $5.25.

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Drilled Sterling Band Ring

By tinahdee, $30.

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Any Inscription Silver Keychain

By happygolicky, $115.

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Wally the Wall Clock

From thevint, $54.

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Guitar Pick - Sterling Silver

By GemsByEm, $28.

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Holiday Post Cards

By SunshineandRavioli, $9.

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Choose A Scent Celtic Cross Soap

By BonnieBath, $6.

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Recycled Billboard Banner Bifold

By NottyPooch, $36.

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Blue Loop Neckwarmer for Men

By Ebruk, $29.

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Gifts for Children

Deer Head Toddler T-shirt

By FinleyandOliver, $21.

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Peasant Blouse With Sash

By TheMeasure, $49.

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Space and Rocket Ship Mobile

By paperbella, $60.50.

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Jacob's Ladder - Network News Toy

By isosc, $10.95.

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The Truffle Shuffle Limited Ed. Print

By MenageriePrints, $64.

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Italian Fashionista Baby Carrier

By BabyEtte, $59.98.

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Chubby Legs Baby Leggings

By MamasBabyLove, $19.99.

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Black and White Ribbed Beanie

By TheArtfulYarn, $14.

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Rolling Birch Sheep

By TactileBaby, $16.

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Sweet Dreams Spa Robes

By tanjadlyn, $30.

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26 Felt Stuffed Alphabet Letters

By ItzFitz, $39.99.

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Sir Frogimus Hoppington Crown

By themerrycrownsociety, $17.

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Tilly the Turtle-Hot Pink, Just For Girls

By Ozarknana, $15.

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Doll - Abigail Betsy

By wendigratz, $89.

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Felt Peacock Headband

By PrettyinPosies, $15.

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Lemon Lime Tutu

By RaeGun, $19.50.

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Teens

Maneki Neko The Luck Cat Print

By joojoo, $20.

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Felted Double Candy Ring

By PenFelt, $7.

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Embroidered Boombox Hand Towel

By CyanideStitches, $8.

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Cozy Cuff for MP3, iPods, Mobiles

By ohmay, $26.

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Tombstone 4gb Flash Drive

By WoodenGoat, $35.

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The Hipshack

By maytreeark, $49.

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Street Portrait No.1 - Print

By monstergallery, $3.80.

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Measured Up Bracelet

By PaisleyChainsaw, $9.

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Blue Garland Headband

By beanandthesprout, $25.

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Amalia Brooch

By elizandaxel, $12.

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Vampiress Bat Headband

By mylavaliere, $22.

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Kitten Awesome Pocket Journal

By nowvember, $15.

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Purple Plaid and Rikrak Pouch

By BirdTrouble, $16.

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Custom Tetris Inspired Tube Top

By ZidishaLuxe, $31.

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"Senses Be Brave" Mini Art Book

By miccicohan, $35.

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Feeling Grinchy Cowl

By DoReMiKnits, $65.

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Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

Gift Guides | Guest Curators | Trends | Gift Ideas

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Keep it Weird: Plymouth Rock

2009-11-27T12:30:00-05:00

If yesterday was a whirlwind of tofurkey and pie, sit back and relish the day-after food coma with some puritanical oddities. It's time to go against the grain in celebration of the pilgrims' journey for freedom. This week's Keep it Weird goes down real smooth with leftover gravy.

I give thanks for the Zombie Thanksgiving Turkey by IckyDogCreations, Vintage Pilgrim Candles from bythewayside, and Han Solo Being Harassed by the Puritan Squad by MattiasA. Check out the Related Items below for a curious cornucopia.

More Keep it Weird Posts | Thanksgiving Art | Vintage Turkey

Thank You, Etsy Community

2009-11-26T10:35:00-05:00

In the United States, we are gathering together with family and friends this Thursday to celebrate Thanksgiving, a day of gratitude for all we have. For fellow Etsians outside the U.S., it may be just another day hard at work; nevertheless, it is a good reason to take pause and thank each of you for being our partners in this wildly wonderful and inspiring venture we call Etsy.

As Etsy grows, the responsibilities we have to our community also grow. We take our responsibility very seriously. It is humbling to know that so many of you have come to depend on the service we provide. We are grateful for your support and will strive to continually earn your loyalty.

Over the course of 2009, I’ve had the great pleasure of meeting many Etsy sellers not only in the U.S., but also in Canada and Europe. Next year, I hope to meet in person with many more members of our global community. It is incredibly motivating to hear your stories and to understand what Etsy means to you. I am excited and inspired by the possibilities of what we can accomplish together.

Here’s to you, your many achievements, your vast creativity, and your immense talent.

Warm wishes and a heartfelt thank you.

Maria

The Collectors: My Favourite Dress's Vintage Pyrex Bowls

2009-11-25T15:16:00-05:00

I just love seeing what folks are collecting. I guess I feel it tells us just a little bit about what inspires them, what they love, and what they choose to surround themselves with in their homes. Today, I'm delighted to present the next in an ongoing series here on The Storque: The Collectors. First published on my own little blog, the rikrak studio, it's 11 and a half quick questions with a wonderful artist on what they're collecting (apart from their art supplies!). Hope you'll just love this vintage kitchenware collection with the charming myfavouritedress.

Yum!

As our thoughts turn to the upcoming holidaying seasons around the world, our kitchens emerge as our handmaking studios and workshops, where we each combine tradition and creativity to handcraft scrumptious feasts and delicious delights to share with friends and loved ones!

Indeed, cooking and baking are, for me, a wonderful part of the delight of holidaying time, and I thought you might just love a peek at this particular gorgeous collection of vintage kitchenware, which would surely inspire any home chef, and host(ess) as we look forward to the season of entertaining.

Psst: And just in case you’re like me and love the idea of baking, cooking, and entertaining, but it isn’t quite your forte (let’s be honest – I’m a wonderful disaster in the kitchen!) — fear not! Help is near! How about some delectables by the pros!

Who (are you) : Claire of myfavouritedress

What (are you collecting) : pyrex

When (did you start) : This collection here is about 6 years old.

How (many do you have?) : I have around 30-40 here in Vancouver, and a whole lot more in storage at my dad's in Australia.

Where (do you find them) : I find them all at the thrift stores (or op shops) and church sales.

Where (do you keep them) : I keep them in the kitchen. They get used every day.

What (‘s a crazy/interesting story behind one) : I have a friend who often picks me up little things at the thrift store, and one time we were sitting at the kitchen table talking when she casually reaches into her handbag and pulls out a huge butterprint bowl in perfect condition, and hands it to me — "Oh, I found this for you," and keeps on with what she was saying. Like no big deal. She's actually given me some beautiful pyrex and Fire King over the years. She is awesome.

What (piece would you like to add): Dots. I have absolutely no dots. And I love them.

Why (do you love them) : They're beautiful and functional, and they obviously last a long time.

Which (one is your favourite) and why : This tiny little blue bowl that is quite old, but I love the shade of blue and how it has worn away at the top.

What (else do you collect) : I have a pretty ridiculous collection of kitchenware and fabric, but I'd say what I really collect would be records.

Oh, how wonderful! I love how Claire USES her collection in a functional and wonderful way on a daily basis! How splendid! And I adore the ways in which she craftily combines her love of sustainable living in her home and in her own beautiful handcrafted works, too!

So let’s raise a toast: to the kitschy kitchen and all that is created in it! I think my perfect kitchen is like that ideal holiday recipe: You start with tried and true main ingredients, add a handpicked pinch of vintage, a dash of modern, and a teaspoon of eclectic to make something all your own!

Thanks so much, Claire. And be sure to visit her lovely shop and fabulous blog, Just Me and My Dad (What a brilliant idea this one is: dual photos by Claire and her dad! Love it!) and her deservedly popular and inspiring Flickr photostream!

Cheers! And happy celebrating, nicies!

What do you collect? I’d love to hear! Please post in the comments below!

The Collectors Series | Vintage Pyrex | More Collections Posts on Rikrak's Blog

How-Tuesday: Stuffing Recipe From The New Thanksgiving Table

2009-11-24T16:00:00-05:00

When it comes to the Thanksgiving feast, I reserve most of my plate for the stuffing. Savory, moist, and hearty, the irresistible mixture is my primary motivation for stumbling across the Turkey Trot's finish line.

Families tend to adhere to traditional Thanksgiving recipes for generations and generations, but I love the idea of incorporating regional flavors and techniques to truly reflect contemporary Americana. Diane Morgan's The New Thanksgiving Table introduces tapenades, ginger brines, and enchiladas to the standard fare. For this week's How-Tuesday, she shares her recipe for Linguiça Sausage Stuffing With Mushrooms and Caramelized Onions — my salivary glands have officially kicked into overdrive.

Purchase The New Thanksgiving Table from Amazon or an independent bookseller

Thanksgiving is the one day of the year when nine out of ten Americans sit down to a home-cooked meal, and that meal, according to one survey, almost always features turkey. Depending on where you live, however, that turkey is roasted, smoked, grilled, deep-fried, or turned into the elaborate Cajun specialty known as "turducken," in which a boned chicken is stuffed inside a boned duckling, which in turn is stuffed inside a boned turkey, along with stuffing, to boot! There are also regional preferences in seasonings: sage and garlic are perennial favorites in some parts of the country, while rosemary, paprika, and cloves seem to rule in the South.

The New Thanksgiving Table commemorates this quintessential American holiday with a spotlight on the regional specialties that make this vast land of ours so gastronomically amazing. While the classic Thanksgiving meal includes turkey, cranberries, pumpkins, and root vegetables, those same ingredients have been reinterpreted in myriad ways that reflect the diversity and breadth of twenty-first-century America.

Traditional cranberry compote, for example, may have Yankee roots, but it has metamorphosed into a cranberry salsa with onions and chiles in the Southwest. Or, the classic savory bread or rice dressings used to stuff turkey in the Northeast is often replaced with versions featuring crunchy, ebony-colored wild rice farther west in Minnesota, taking advantage of the native grain — actually a grass — of the region. In the Heartland, late-harvest corn is made into a pudding to accompany the holiday bird, whereas corn bread dressing and sweet potato spoon bread are served in the South. Along the Chesapeake Bay, a crab appetizer often starts the Thanksgiving feast, while along the Gulf Coast, pickled shrimp or oysters on the half shell whet the palate in anticipation of the holiday meal.

Here's wishing you a bountiful and peace-filled Thanksgiving — with a regional twist, of course!

Our culturally diverse nation may have strong Yankee roots that defined much of what we know as the traditional Thanksgiving meal, but recognizing and incorporating other wonderful ethnic foods into our harvest feast speaks to the spirit of the holiday. I couldn't resist using Portuguese linguiça sausage in this stuffing. The smoky, zesty sausage is a great match for roast or grill roasted turkey. Ask your local butcher or specialty-foods shop about availability, or order online from www.gasparssausage.com, a fourth-generation family-owned business.

Serves 12

5 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
10 cups unseasoned dried bread cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
3/4 pound linguiça sausages
1 pound cremini mushrooms, wiped or brushed clean, stems trimmed, and quartered
1 bag (14 ounces) frozen pearl onions, thawed and blotted dry with paper towels
1 tablespoon sugar
2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
2 large ribs celery, chopped
1/2 cup minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon minced fresh sage
1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
Freshly ground pepper
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
4 cups homemade chicken stock or canned low-sodium chicken broth

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat a deep, 9-by-13-inch baking pan with 1 tablespoon of the butter.

Place the bread cubes in a very large bowl. In 10-inch sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and swirl to coat the pan. Add the sausages and cook, turning as needed, until nicely browned on all sides. Transfer to a plate and let cool. Drain all but 3 tablespoons of fat from the pan. Add the mushrooms to the pan and sauté, stirring frequently, until lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Add to the bowl with the bread cubes.

Return the pan to medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of the butter. Add the onions to the pan and sauté, stirring frequently, for about 3 minutes until soft and lightly browned. Sprinkle the sugar over the onions and sauté, stirring constantly, for 3 to 5 minutes until the onions turn golden and the edges caramelize. Add to the bowl with the bread and mushrooms.

Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the pan. Swirl to coat the pan and add the carrots and celery. Sauté, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are soft and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the parsley, thyme, sage, salt, and a few grinds of pepper and sauté for 1 minute longer. Add the vegetable-herb mixture to the bowl and stir to combine.

Cut the sausages into 1/4-inch rounds and add to the stuffing. Add the eggs and stock and mix well. Scoop the stuffing into the prepared pan and bake, uncovered, for about 1 hour until the top is lightly browned and crusty.

If you have room in your oven, bake the stuffing while the turkey is roasting. Otherwise, bake it beforehand and reheat it once the turkey is out.

Do ahead: The bread cubes can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. The sausages can be browned up to 1 day in advance; let cool, place in a covered container, and refrigerate. The mushrooms, onions, and vegetables can be sautéed along with the herbs up to 1 day in advance. Let the mixture cool completely and refrigerate in a covered container. Remove the sausages and vegetables from the refrigerator 2 hours before assembling the stuffing.

Thanks to Diane Morgan and the good folks at Chronicle Books for sharing this recipe with us. For more mouth-watering Thanksgiving recipes, check out The New Thanksgiving Table.

More How-Tuesday Posts | Plants and Edibles Category | The Home Chef Gift Guide

Keep it Weird: Everything but the Kitchen Sink

2009-11-20T10:43:00-05:00

Have you been stocking your pantry in preparation for the imminent whirlwind of whisks and basters? The season of mass-entertaining is almost upon us, and as any hardened hostess knows, the potential for some oven-baked surrealism is immense. When your mother-in-law arrives with her own apron in tow, you can turn to this week's Keep it Weird as your reliable coping mechanism.

Improvise on the family recipe with Cardboard Celery and Salt Shaker by artonthemenu, Teapot With Red Polka Dots by natalyasots, and Screamer Gene Toothpick Holder from objetpetita. Check out the Related Items below for a bubbling Crock-Pot of strange.

More Keep it Weird Posts | Items Tagged "Weird Kitchen" | Sculpture Subcategory

Loveartworks Wins the Vote for Best Thanksgiving Hosting Item

2009-11-09T10:56:00-05:00

We asked our readers to nominate items that would inspire us to host family and friends for the holidays. You voted and now we have a winner. Congratulations to loveartworks, whose Change bowl reminds us of the beautiful changing foliage, as well as getting my tummy a'grumbling in anticipation of feasting. loveartworks says,

"I painted this bowl while literally watching the leaves start to turn on the maple tree outside my window and contemplating change in nature, in our world and in myself and relishing the beautiful colors of autumn while I'm doing so...."

Congratulations to you, loveartworks! This item, along with some of the top picks, will be featured in the Members' Choice Gift Guide.

Get Involved in the Next Round

For next week's round, we'll be taking your suggestions for the best holiday decor on Etsy — garlands, wreaths, candles, ornaments, and other decorations for the home. We're getting into that wintery, Christmas and Hanukkah season. Paste a link to your favorite in the comments below. (If you're a seller nominating one of your own items, please just nominate one — even if you have more than one shop!)

Voting Posts | Voter FAQ

Vote! Which Thanksgiving Item Would Get You in the Kitchen?

2009-11-03T12:30:00-05:00

We asked our readers to nominate their favorite items for hosting family meals for the holidays. Now it's your turn to vote!

Next Monday we'll announce the winner, which, along with some of the other top picks, will be featured in the Members' Choice Gift Guide and here on the Etsy blog. Show your favorite sellers some love and get out the vote!

Voting Posts | Voter FAQ

Vote! What is Your Favorite Autumn Decor?

2009-10-20T16:04:00-05:00

We want to know which item gets you in the mood for food — I mean, for the fall holidays. A plush pumpkin on the stoop or a fall wreath on the door, a quaint quilted table runner or a cornucopia of acorns, find all this and more in this week's community vote.

Every week we ask our readers to nominate items for this series in the comments of the Monday blog post. Next Monday we'll also announce the winner of this poll, which, along with some of the top picks, will be featured in the Members' Choice Gift Guide and here on the Etsy blog. Show your favorite sellers some love and get out the vote!

Voting Posts | Voter FAQ | Woodland and Feathers Guide

A Cornucopia of Well-Wishes to our Canadian Friends

2009-10-11T21:00:00-05:00

The second Monday in October is the traditional date of Thanksgiving Day in Canada. The holiday has roots in the European tradition of harvest festivals, and a common motif is a "cornucopia" or horn filled with seasonal fruits and vegetables, the horn of plenty.

Unlike its sister to the South, Canada's Thanksgiving Day has nothing to do with Pilgrims or Plymouth Rock though it does celebrate a "new found land." An English Navigator named Martin Frobisher who was seeking a northern passage to Asia fell short of his destination but ended up settling in what is now Newfoundland. In 1578 he held a formal gathering to give thanks for his surviving his long journey and officially kicked off Thanksgiving in Canada as we know it today.

We at Etsy wish all of you in Canada, and around the world, a season of abundance!

Shop Local Canada | Find Fall Harvest Items

Check out our Canadian Teams:

Alberta
  Atlantic Provinces
  BritishColumbia
  Manitoba
  Ontario
  Quebec
  TransCanada

Etsy Finds: Harvest Moon

2009-09-28T11:46:00-05:00

Harvest is the time when we gather with family and friends to enjoy farm stand bounty, rummage the patch for the perfect pumpkin (I like the weird ones), and get cozy around glowing candlelit dinner tables as the days grow shorter. Today's Etsy Finds will help you get the warm and rustic look of the season for artful entertaining, autumn decor and scrumptious homemade foods to turn your harvest party into a ball.

Vintage Oval Chalkboard Tray

From AuntRodysGoose, $23.95.

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Grapes Cupcake Wrappers

By CupcakeFlair, $13.

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Oak Leaf Cutting Board

By prettydreamer, $18.

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18 Origami Lanterns

By melker, $70.

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Fall Foliage Sparkle Box

By littlebirdieboutique, $2.50.

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Rustic Wood Candle Holders

By ArtWallah, $19.95.

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Copper Plant/Cheese Markers

By MakeThyme, $30.

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Cutting Board Can Be Built For You

By tauntongreen, $125.

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Fabric Pumpkin Decoration

By hitchcockcreative, $7.50.

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Dinner Napkins

By freesparrow, $35.

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Autumn Maple Leaf Luminary

By paperplanet, $14.

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Autumn Spice Vanilla Caramel

By haveitconfections, $17.

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Carved Slate Elk Coaster

By BlythHouseCreations, $24.

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Oak Sapling Series Textile Basket

By thekeepershouse, $22.

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Pears and Blooms Wreath

By twoinspireyou, $45.

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Oak Leaf and Willow Wood Spoon

By Lacewood, $20.

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Sweet Dreams Votive Holders

By AmyEsther, $16.

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Ring Ring 2

By aubeebop, $20.

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8 Fall Spice Cupcakes

By friendlycreationss, $15.

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Egg Gourds - Grow a Gourd Garden

By SevenAcreWoods, $2.

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Gourmet Halloween Marshmallows

By miaMallows, $5.

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Fingerless Cable Knit Gloves

By homelab, $35.

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Hen and Eggs in Hay Tea Cozy

By donut, $18.

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Small Golden Leaf Earrings

By roundabout, $16.

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Vintage Ball Blue Pint Canning Jars

From oldohiofarmfinds, $12.50.

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Welsh Border Fan Harvest Design

By ReidsWeeds, $21.

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Amber Glaze Raku Bowl

By khphillips, $25.

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California Merlot Jelly

By dasweetzpot, $6.50.

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4 Eco Friendly Felt Leaf Coasters

By LittleFluffStuff, $7.99.

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Gourd Art Pendant Lamp

By studiotempera, $120.

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Pumpkin Ginger Sandwich Cookies

By whimsyandspice, $8.25.

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Autumn Spice Hair Accessory

By sweeteverythings, $16.

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Red Tray Autumn Centerpiece

By baconsquarefarm, $40.

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Cottage Pumpkin Sign

By familyattic, $37.95.

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Wooden Pumpkin Decoration

By StyrenDesigns, $12.95.

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Tiny Fuzzy Felted Wool Bowl

By thefuzzymonkey, $14.

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Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

Gift Guides | More Harvest Posts | Trends | Guest Curators | More Fall Posts

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Team Tip: Give Thanks!

2008-12-01T14:59:00-05:00

Here at Etsy, we know working as a Team is no simple task, and we think it's important to acknowledge your peers' hard work. Letting people you collaborate with know they're appreciated goes a long way. On that note, this week we wanted to take a moment to give a big thanks to the many, many Etsy Team leaders and Etsy Team members who make the Teams program as great as it is.

Thank you to the ever patient, generous, hard-working Etsy Team leaders. We know running a successful Etsy Team can be an unwieldy, occasionally confusing and sometimes thankless task, but we think Team leaders are amazing. They organize, promote, and inspire the Etsy Teams and the creative projects that Teams accomplish, in addition to running their shops (and balancing the rest of their busy lives!). Thank you, thank you, Etsy Teams Superstars, for your dedication, enthusiasm and perseverance!

A giant thank you, also, to all members of the Etsy Teams. With almost twenty thousand (and counting!) Etsy buyers and sellers taking the time to promote Etsy and your shops, you're an important, giant part of getting the word out about Etsy as a marketplace. We love to see you network, meet up locally, make connections virtually all around the world and come together as a strong facet of the Etsy community.

As the holiday shopping season has everyone super busy this time of year, take a moment to let your Teammates and Team leaders know how much you appreciate all their hard work. To show your thanks and support for the Etsy Teams, search "team" to find hundreds of thousands of items made by Etsy Team members.

For more Team Tips, please check the Teams Resource page. Also, we discuss the Team Tips, news and ideas in the Etsy Teams email list! Keep up the great work, Etsy Teams!

Chickenpants: The Quest

2008-11-27T20:02:00-05:00

Yes, chickens (not turkeys) rejoice today!

Claire Chambers aka absolutelysmall loves plush. Her soft creations are original designs made to make people smile. Clarie started making Chickenpants plush toys because, as she says, "You can't hug a painting!"

Claire started making stop motion videos with her chickenpants creations. From Claire:

"I've wanted to make stop motion animation literally since I was a kid. (Saw it on Muppet Babies, and it stole my heart.) I always figured you'd need special cameras and who knows what to make it happen, though. Then I got a Photojojo email that changed that. I found all I needed was a digital camera and iMovie...and I happened to already have both. Most of the videos are very clearly shot in our kitchen and living room, with plenty of fingers in the way and visible strings...just the way I like them! (Raised on MST3K, anyone?) People should revisit their crazy projects that might seem impossible. Who knows what advancements have been made in that area? The world needs to see more crazy, genuine projects."

She's running a special in her shop, by the way. Today through Sunday, you can get free shipping in the US and Canada, discounted everywhere else. Get your piece of chicken!

Chicken Pants Posts | More Videos at blip.Chickenpants.tv | Shop for Plush Toys

What Are You Thankful For in 2008?

2008-11-27T11:39:00-05:00

We are thankful for the over 30,000 people who have pledged to Buy Handmade. We all owe a huge debt of gratitude to our community — to all those members who tell their friends and family about the importance of supporting indie artists and spreading the Etsy love. We're thankful there's an alternative to shopping at big box stores.

In the past 14 months of this blog's existence, close to 600 people have authored posts — we salute you! We want to give a shout-out to all the folks who post comments here and give us editors feedback — especially dogties!

We want to thank all the talented artists and crafters and the style mavens with great taste (you know who you are and you know we're watching your favorites). Thank you for being so amazing and providing us with an endless supply of beauty, creativity, and playfulness — we'll never run out of stories to share.

Please comment below and let us know what you're thankful for this year!

Featured Buyer: Laure Joliet of Apartment Therapy

2008-11-26T14:20:00-05:00

This week's esteemed Featured Buyer is Laure Joliet (aka cesttropchouette), editor at Apartment Therapy and daily contributor at Dwell. She scours L.A. and the internet daily to find new talent, young designers and one of a kind pieces. Dedicated to helping people make cozy, beautiful homes, she highlights her favorite new designers, gives small space solutions and dishes out tricks to make a modern house a home.

Thanksgiving, and really the whole holiday season, is a great time to pay attention to details. The season is about giving and expressing gratitude, and I know from my own experience that it's the little things that make a big difference. Maybe it's the way the light looks in the kitchen first thing in the morning, or the way breakfast is so invitingly arranged just so. In compiling a group of items for Thanksgiving, I tried to find things that were subtly, beautifully simple.

I love hosting parties, and I'm always looking for the little detail that people take home with them. So in that spirit, I've picked out some gems that I would love to have on my table or in my home this holiday season:

Drop Series Bowls by ninainvorm

I like to put out lots of things for people to munch on before it's dinner time, and these gorgeous droplet bowls are the perfect way to beautifully display the goods.

Desk Notebook in Net by SusyJack

No doubt you have a lot to keep track of while you're planning your dinner. Stay organized; keep all the details in an adorable notebook.

The Market Bag in Olive and Sage by moop

While you're doing your shopping, bring along a chic tote.

Fork, Knife and Spoon by smallsquaredesign

If you're a guest this season, don't forget a gift for your host. These simple tags are sweet, and perfect to attach to a bottle of wine.

Cosmic Cutting Board and Trivet by wookwoodworking

These cutting boards are too pretty to chop things on top of! Instead, display cheese and crackers, or set a clear glass vase atop one of these beauties.

Wool Felt Table Runner by FilzFelt

Protect your table, but still keep it sleek and modern with this table runner.

Wine Ring Cocktail Napkins by avrilloreti

I love these cocktail napkins. They're beautifully simple and take away any fear that someone might spill.

Hand Crafted Ceramic Salt Spice or Condiment Pinch Bowl by mudpuppy

Salt, pepper, and condiments can be displayed in these delicate little bowls from one of my favorite sellers.

Medium Mini Sprout Vase by whitneysmith

This delicate vase looks a bit like one of my favorite fall fruits: the pomegranate. But since it's white, it would look sleek and modern on an all-white table.

Sprout Open Bangles by gemmafactrix

Don't forget to dress yourself well. I'm not a big jewelry girl, but I do love some subtle gold bangles to sparkle on my wrist as I bring in dishes. This set of 3 bangles is perfectly delicate.

You Are Beautiful Dish by mudpuppy

This dessert dish will finish the evening on a lovely note.

Printable Thanksgiving Place Cards and Gift Tags by littlebrownpen

Not only are these simple tags printable at home (you don't have to wait for them to ship!), they're a great reminder to send your guests home with a little something for the next morning — some jam, a little pie, a little something.

Want more? Check out the compilation I put together last year for great hostess gifts, or my blog, at home at home.

Thanks to Laure for her wonderful picks! Don't forget to stop by Apartment Therapy for more home-making inspiration!

Featured Buyer Series | Thanksgiving Posts | Get the Look: Home Decor Edition

Etsy Finds: Top Ten Turkeys

2008-11-26T08:30:00-05:00

Dear Loyal Etsy Finds Readers,

If you live in the U.S., we wish you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving holiday! And even if you won't be celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow, please enjoy these fine turkeys.

And no matter who you are — drunk on turkey, tofurkey or, if you're an international person, just drunk on Etsy shopping — please take a moment (actually a mere 3 minutes) to take our Shopper Survey. We would be forever grateful!

Love, Etsy

1. Turkey (Koyona) Kachina Crib or Cradle Doll Cottonwood Root

By ColoradoKachinaMan, $25.

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2. Turkey Dinner Lampwork Glass Focal Bead by StudioMarcy

By StudioMarcy, $21.

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3. Four Pack Turkeys (Glycerin)

By daisycakessoap, $6.

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4. Turkey Salt and Pepper Shaker Set

By guymichaeldavis, $65.

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5. Chubby Bird Buddies Deux Set of 4 Mini Hand Drawn Note Cards

By sugarbiscuits, $8.

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6. wild turkeys at the cranberry bog a digital print by Sarah Knight 8X10

By sarahkdesigns, $15.

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7. Terri the Turkey Polymer Clay Ponytail Holder

By PolymerPosies, $2.75.

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8. Go Veg Wild Turkey button

By conservationchic, $1.95.

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9. Blue Turkey Bird Felt Throw Pillow

By Allenbrite, $28.

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10. Crochet Pattern - Sexy Turkey Hat

By angelacatirina, $7.50. Read an interview with this seller!

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Looking for more Turkeys? Try these links:

Handmade Turkeys | Vintage Turkeys | Holiday Category | Gift Ideas

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Etsy Finds: Too Hot to Handle

2008-11-25T08:47:00-05:00

In a few days I'll be traveling home to Virginia to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with my family, eating classic holiday dishes until I pass out from a tryptophan overdose and require a size larger jeans the next day. Yay! Just thinking about the extreme amount of pie and mashed potatoes and succotash and cornbread stuffing I'll be consuming is making me swoon. Are you cooking for a crowd this season? Protect your tables from hot dishes with a handmade trivet from Etsy; I found them in a ton of different materials and styles...

Light Lavender Rag Hot Pad

Upcycled rag rugs add a shabby chic touch to any table. SallyRags is one of our current favorites. $5.

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mod parenthesis mini table runner

We love this bright felted table runner by kthurm, $45.

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Cow Collapsible Wood Basket-Trivet makes an Amazing, Functional Gift

Innovative trivet/basket combo (it collapses and lays flat) by MnMTreasures, $22.50.

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Chalkboard Trivet

When not in use holding hot sundries, this chalkboard trivet can be used for messages and holiday to-do lists. By feetup, $6.

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Big Blue Bird Plate

Adorable ceramic bluebird plate by mordentipottery, $18.

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REINDEER SLATE COASTER Deer Rustic Log Cabin Christmas

I love these slate coasters! They would make an excellent hostess gift to boot. By BlythHouseCreations, $24.

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PRAIRIE CIRCLE

This gorgeous, abstract mosaic work by Mosaicate would be a beautiful centerpiece, even on an empty table. $45.

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Basket Pot Holders

Two charming quilted potholders by patchworkflamingo for (a rather unbelievably inexpensive) $15.

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Fused Glass Fishscale Serving Tray - 7 Inches

So lovely and modern and colorful! Fused glass trivet by dpholkdesigns, $45.

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If you're a crafty person, you can try your hand at making your own autumn-themed trivet: see our how-to video with cakehouse.

Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

Holiday Parties and Decorating | House Warming | Housewares Category | Gift Ideas

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Holiday Shopping Lists: Holiday Party Hosting

2008-11-22T10:06:00-05:00

Deck the halls and the tabletop this joyous season with a handmade touch that is sure to add a special spark to your holiday celebration. Can you just see it now...

While your guests are mingling and toasting their glasses, you'll be busy in the kitchen preparing your favorite family recipes, which will be presented for feasting in beautiful handcrafted serving bowls, trays and dishes. Your table top is covered with festive place settings, and a centerpiece that will have your guests feeling the joy of the season.

I sure hope I'm invited to your holiday party this season!

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

How-Tuesdays: Holiday Table Decor with Kristen Couse aka cakehouse

2008-11-18T14:14:00-05:00

YouTube | blip.tv | MP4 | Subscribe in iTunes

Kristen Couse aka cakehouse joins us this week to show us how to make a patchwork trivet for your table. You can spice up your home decor, whether you're hosting Thanksgiving or a potluck with friends!

Things you will need to make your patchwork trivet:

A piece of fleece, felt, or old wool blanket (for the inside)
A piece of large fabric (for the back)
Some small square or rectangular fabric scraps (for the patchwork)
Pins
Sewing needles
Fabric shears
Scissors
Sewing Machine
2 Pieces of paper or tracing paper

How to make your holiday patchwork trivet:

Draw your pattern onto a sheet of paper or download this pattern and print it out.
Trace a slightly smaller leaf from the pattern on a separate piece of paper.
Pin the larger pattern onto the backing fabric and the smaller one to the felt/wool interior.
Cut out the patterns from the fabric.
Unpin the paper patterns from the fabric and set them aside.
Sew the interior onto the backing fabric along the edge, allowing about a quarter inch.
Lay out your fabric scraps in the arrangement that you want to have on your trivet and re-use the bigger paper pattern to determine the overall size.
Overlap the fabric and stitch them together into rows.
Iron the rows.
Stitch the rows together.
Iron the whole thing.
Pin the bigger pattern on and cut the pattern out of the patchwork.
Sew the patchwork onto the backing fabric with the outside facing in and leave a space at the bottom.
Flip the fabric inside out through the opening at the bottom and use a paintbrush or a letter opener to push the corners out.
Stitch up the bottom using a blind stitch.
If you want you can add a stem by stitching it onto the outside, or embroider veins into the leaf as a finishing touch.

Watch more how-to videos and check out these how-to projects too!

Holiday Table Decor

2008-11-07T12:26:00-05:00

With the holidays quickly approaching, a warm and inviting table is something (the one thing?) that everyone in the family can agree on. Who doesn't love sitting down to a home-cooked meal, candles aglow and holiday finery displayed with pride? This year, utilize handmade items to reflect your delicious menu (cranberry sauce, anyone?) and make your table decor the best it can be.

Holiday Parties and Decorating Gift Guide | Home Decor Posts | For the Table

Featured Buyer: VeganYumYum Shares Her (Delicious!) Kitchen Know-How

2008-11-05T13:39:00-05:00

Lolo is the creator of VeganYumYum.com, and she's been a member of Etsy since 2005. She loves all things handmade, so Etsy is a very dangerous website for her to visit. Despite great peril on her part, she's collected some of her favorite things to share with you. On her blog she only focuses on handmade food, so she's excited to break out and feature some original, hand-crafted goods that will not only fill your life with a little bit more sunshine, but also support artists who make a living using their hands.

Sometimes I spend so much time thinking about the food I'm going to put on the table for the holidays, I forget about decoration. (You know, the non-edible stuff.) I usually end up running around my house grabbing things I can pass off for holiday flair, which always ends up being the votives I made for my wedding two and a half years ago. I dust them off as best as I can, hoping no one will notice, but since the people I have over are usually people who went to my wedding, I often hear, "Oh, I remember those candles!" With that in mind, here are some pretty handmade things we can use to, uh, update our tables.

There are other things I've included in here that I love, but don't necessarily have to do with the holidays, or your table. I hope you like them anyway! I certainly do.

Botanicraft finds natural things (leaves, flowers, branches, seeds) and makes the most gorgeous pottery out of them. These tube vases would be a perfect fall or winter or [insert favorite season] table decoration. Check out her entire inventory, there's even a pretty brown vase in there for only $6!

I'm a sucker for cutting boards: they're just so gosh darn useful. You can cut on them, use them as a hot plate, and if you find a pretty one, they look great on the table for serving as well. I feature cutting boards in about 99% of the photos on my website for these very reasons (also because I'm lazy). TheWoodenKnot has a range of gorgeous cutting boards made from the most beautifully colored woods you can imagine. No one will think you are lazy because they will be distracted by your beautiful cutting board.

If you're like me and love unique, multi-purpose, (pretty!) cooking tools, check out Khphillips' queso pot. This is the ultimate low-tech appliance for one-pot cooking. Ingredients go in, shove it in the oven, serve from it, then stick the custom lid on and put the leftovers in the fridge. (Of course I'd use it for everything but queso.) I want to eat every single one of my fall and winter meals out of this pot. Check out the rest of his pottery, too!

I'm a huge fan of salt pigs. (Yes, that's really what they're called.) I have a good idea of how much salt I'm using (when cooking or at the table) when I can feel it in between my finger tips. Using a salt shaker just doesn't do it for me. If you have a salt pig, your salt is always within reach, but protected from dust and...well, let's be honest: cat hair. Check out Risingsky's shop for different colors, and other fun items like garlic keepers and olive boats.

It's always good to have candles on hand. Worthysoycandle's shop is full of them, and she even let's you pick out your own custom fragrances, colors, as containers. And they're all vegan-friendly soy! You can't really beat that for $6.

These aren't for your table, but I just have to mention them: reusable bulk food bags. Is that a great idea or what? I bought these earlier this year and they're FANTASTIC. They're light, strong, and washable. They don't weigh any more than the normal plastic bags, and they're slightly transparent so you can see what's in them. Take a look at Kootsac's shop to get the colors and sizes that work for you. I liked them so much I went back and bought more.

I just had to feature these pretty coasters by Knight27, because the photos were taken right in my neighborhood! They're totally lovely, and since they're just trees, you can pretend they're from your neighborhood, too. (And you'll be all matchy-matchy if you get the vases above, too. Just saying.)

I'm always on the lookout for interesting dishes. (I have a little bit of an obsession.) These mini bowls are totally beautiful, modern, and fun, and also made by a local Bostonian. There's even a nice, affordable appetizer plate in JillRosenwald's store for $24. If I was going to invest in some gorgeous, handmade pottery, I'd start my search here.

I love recycled and unique things that are also useful, everyday items. Hammeronsteel's shop has some very charming church keys made from scrap metal. One of the bottle openers in his shop used to be part of an old cider press...How awesome is that? Much cooler than the one I have from Target. Sigh.

There is so much handmade vegan soap on etsy! If you search for vegan soap, you get 310 pages, and there is definitely something in there you will like. Personally, I love the idea of this kitchen soap from spottedcowsoaps that's designed to get rid of everything from garden dirt to onion and garlic smells. Fresh brewed coffee? Yes, please. You can make garlic soup and smell like a latte afterwords. WIN.

Oh man, the area in my kitchen devoted to spices is out of control. There are jars everywhere, falling over, rolling around, and the cinnamon is always hiding behind the mustard seeds, and I can't find either of them. If this sounds like your kitchen, go look at Purposedesign's store and get yourself organized. Spices included!

And finally, never forget to say thanks. I love letterpress, and Littlepretty's shop is full of original, beautiful, letterpress cards such as this one. Full disclosure: LP is a buddy of mine, but I really do love her cards. I bought the monster cards and the owl cards earlier this year. A couple months ago my husband and I got carried away playing Rockband way too loud, and way too late. Our poor new neighbors had to ask us to quiet down so they could get some sleep. The next day I gave them one of LP's owl cards with an apology, and they invited us over to a vegan dinner that same week. Her cards are so pretty, they'll make up for any social blunder! They might even get you a free vegan dinner!

And now, a recipe! VeganYumYum's Jellied Cranberry Sauce!

Further Resources
More Holiday Recipes from VYY:

Homemade Vegetable Broth
Miniature Napoleons With Eggplant Creme
Candied Lime Sweet Potatoes
Easy Tarte aux Pommes
Asparagus and White Bean Pesto Tart
Petits Fours
Artichokes With Sundried Tomato and Marjoram Stuffing
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies With Cream Cheese Filling
How to Buy and Prep Brussels Sprouts

Check out VeganYumYum for more of Lolo's delicious recipes and great food photography (and tips!).

Looking to do more shopping? Want more Thanksgiving content? Look no further!

Holiday Parties and Decorating Gift Guide | Thanksgiving | Home Decor | Featured Buyer series

Modish: Coming Together at the Table | Cooking | Veganism

Etsy Finds: Nutty Dinner Party Picks

2008-11-05T09:00:00-05:00

Throwing a dinner party and want to make it a bit nutty? Impress your guests with my favorite dinner party accessories! Make sure to serve acorn squash and a nice nutty desert like pecan pie!

Bronze Oak Leaf and Acorn doorbell

Set the tone by having your dinner guess announce their arrival in style! By modelmaker2, $33.

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Single Scoop Sugar Cone (Add Your Own Message) Paper Wreath

I know this is a wreath, typically hung on a door, but I think it would look great at the bottom of a beautiful glass vase on your table for Thanksgiving! By haru, $85.

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14 Handmade Needle FELTED ACORNS - Fall Colors

Scatter these around the table for extra fiber-y goodness. truLuxe, $25.

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Decorative Sculptural Ball - INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING

How about a very modern element as a centerpiece? Sure to be a conversation piece! By makalewakan, $26.

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block print squirrel apron

Attend to your guests in this gorgeous block printed apron! By artgoodies, $38.

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Folding Wood Basket Made Of Walnut Wood

Offer up some fresh baked bread in this beautifully crafted wood basket. By Boxnmor, $24.95.

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salt and pepper cellars

Get out the kosher salt and fresh ground pepper! By raedunn, $38.

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desert plate

A little subversive message to keep your guests smiling. By gleenashop, $35.

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Anderson the Squirrel with Acorn Tan Plaid Cotton Wool Felt Applique Embroidery Decorative Pillow

After dinner, have a cup of coffee with your guests and this sweet little squirrel! By Cuore, $38.

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Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

Entertaining and Decor Gift Guide | Holiday Decor Showcase | Thanksgiving Items

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How-To: Making a Needlefelted Turkey

2008-11-04T16:28:00-05:00

I was recently shopping local and bumped into two great Etsy shops for heartfelt and natural kids toys, winsomehollow & littleloveblue. Turns out these Etsy sellers are sisters! I invited them down to the Etsy Labs to do a live how-to in the Virtual Labs and luckily, they were thrilled to share with the rest of Etsy. Here's a gorgeous photo tutorial they put together for those who can't make it November 6th, Thursday at 7pm EST. (Note: After the how-to we'll be showing our favorite kid's toys on Etsy. So come on by and get some holiday shopping done! For a good starting point, check out our Top 10 Waldorf Toys.)

Materials:

Core wool (Wool batting)
Felting needle (very sharp!)
Foam (for a felting surface)
Roving in various colors (brown for the turkey, with various colors for the feathers and a yellow beak)
Needlefelting supplies on Etsy!

Here are the basic steps for the turkey:

Pull off a large handful of wool stuffing, spreading the wool into a long piece. Roll the wool tightly into a ball shape. This will be the basic size of the turkey's body. You can add or remove wool to change the size.

Using the foam felting surface, place your wool ball on the foam and begin poking the ball (and poking and poking!) all around and through to the center with the felting needle. Do this until the wool is relatively firm and equally dense around.
Tip: Try to poke the needle at a straight angle, so as not to bend or break the needle!

Pull of some small pieces of brown roving (your base color for your turkey) and spread thin layers around the ball, again using your felting needle to poke and attach the color to the ball.
Tip: After applying the color, gently roll the ball around in your hands to smooth the wool surface.

Continue to poke what will be the bottom of your turkey's body, until the bottom is a flat surface. This will make the turkey stand upright.

To make the head, roll and felt another smaller wool ball (this is for the turkey's head). This time leaving a section at the end unrolled for the turkey's neck. Roll and poke this unrolled section until firm and shaped like a neck. Cover the head in brown roving as well.The turkey's head can either be sewn with brown thread onto the front of the larger ball (more firmly attached), or needle felted onto the front of the larger ball.

To create feathers, pull off small, thin strips of various colors of wool roving, and smooth into long fluffy pieces. Again using your felting needle, attach one end of these pieces of roving, in alternating colors, in a semicircle around the back of the larger ball, so that the pieces stand tall like turkey feathers.

Roll a tiny piece of dark roving between your fingers for the turkey's eye, poking this piece onto the face of the turkey with your needle. Repeat on the other side. Remove another small section of roving for the turkey's beak, felting one end of the piece onto the turkey's face.
Tip: Wet your fingers to smooth and shape the roving into the pointed shape of a beak.

The basic wool ball can be made into any number of sweet little animals. Add a round head, long ears and a small fluffy tail to make a bunny. for a a hedgehog, elongate the head into a more pointed shape, (adding a cute little nose on the end and two ears on top!), and cover the body with a coarse fluffy brown roving.

Don't forget: to see this how-to live, join us November 6th at 7pm EST in the Virtual Labs!

Top 10 Autumn Prims | Top 10 Waldorf Toys | More How-to projects

My Top 10 Decor: Giving Thanks for Primitives

2008-11-04T14:17:00-05:00

Here are our picks for the Top 10 Primitives with Autumnal flavor!

Vintage Spoon "Turkey Time" Ornaments by ohmybuttons.
Find more holiday ornaments.
Primitive Pumpkins by MariePattersonStudio.
Find more primitive pumpkins.
Felt Acorn Candle Mat by KeepsakeKorner.
Find some candles to go with it.
Thanksgiving Pilgrim Dolls by DollyDepot.
Find more primitive dolls.
Needle felted Acorns by truLuxe.
Find more items with acorns.
Scoop Sconces by Sawdusty.
Find more colonial primitives.
Primitive Crow Pie by hotprims.
Find more primitive pie!
Family Home sign by familyattic.
Find more primitive signs.
Make your own Jake the Turkey with this pattern by thegoodewife!
Find more holiday patterns made by Etsy sellers.
Crochet Centerpiece by RSSDesignsInFiber.
Find more crocheted holiday items.

Primitives Gift Guide | Entertaining and Decor Gift Guide
Items tagged "Primitives" | Holidays Category

Find more Primitives posts on the Etsy Blog.

Got an idea for a Top 10 List? Send us your picks through our pitch form!

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!

2008-10-13T13:00:00-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all our Canadian friends! We wish you a yummy holiday filled with bright colors, warmth, the laughter of family and friends, and of course, the opportunity to give thanks for the bounty we all enjoy. Here at Etsy, we are grateful to all the Canadian Etsians who support independent artists and crafters and collect their handmade items. And a huge Thanksgiving hug goes out to Etsy sellers based in Canada — thank you for sharing your art and crafts with the world!

Shop Local from Canadian Sellers

Sexy Turkey: AngelaCatirina Speaks

2007-11-22T07:06:00-05:00

Many of have seen and been enchanted by the Sexy Turkey hat while browsing Etsy. We figured Thanksgiving was the perfect time to get the story behind these knit and crochet wonders. We'd like to introduce Angela Catirina and her mom Bonnie aka Bonet.

Introduce yourself!
Hello, my name is Angela Catirina. I am in partnership with my mother Bonnie "Bonet" in one of our businesses, Catirina Bonet Designs. We share a loft in very urban, downtown Los Angeles that also serves as our factory and office. We are both full charge book-keepers and also run www.BonnieTheBookkeeper.com as well as "Catirina Bonet Originals," our wholesale gift line which we also market through Etsy as www.Boodlebub.Etsy.com. We're busy girls — to say the least. In our spare time we both paint, sew, sculpt, and a varitey of other creative things.

We began our business formally when I was just out of high school (1990) as clay sculptors, marketing our work through art galleries and museums and museum stores throughout the United States. Catirina Bonet Designs has had several incarnations over the years as we have worked to develop our place in market. Our current incarnation, as designers of hand knitting and now crochet patterns too began about 2-1/2 years ago with our web site.

How would you characterize the buyers you work with? What kind of person buys a "sexy turkey hat" or a Christmas tree hat?
To be honest, I never thought anyone would buy the Sexy Turkey Hat. It's been one of our two top sellers. In fact, it might be our top seller. I really just designed it becuase I was inspired by that bag of leftover yarn that arrived in the mail. I thought it would be something for people to look at while they bought the "Basic Knit Cap." I knew I would wear it but little did I know that anyone else would. Our buyers astound me the most. They range in age from 20 to about 70 and we've sold the Sexy Turkey Hat to as many 60 somethings as we have 20 somethings. They also live all over the world. Before joining Etsy most of our customers came from Europe and the UK. Etsy has broadened our US customer base considerably although our Etsy orders are also world wide. I'm not surprised to get knitting orders from other parts of the world but I'm always amused when the Thanksgiving items sell in Belgium, Germany, Brazil...The Christmas Tree hat and Garland Boa are the same. Our buyers run the age gamut with that one as well.

Do you wear any of your items out on the town? If so, what's the reaction? (Also, what's up with all the wigs?)
Oh ABSOLUTELY!! I've been chased down the street by total strangers offering me outrageous sums of money for things like: "Angela's Coat of Many Colors." I wore it with the "Oh la la Dress" to dinner and a play one night in Beverly Hills and I almost couldn't get out of the restaurant and into the theatre for the mob that surrounded my outfit. One woman nearly embarrassed her poor husband to tears walking circles around our table. Clearly she was a fan though. It's very flattering.

I tell this story in my listing for the coat about walking through a chic San Francisico department store and the store's fashion buyer following me onto the street wanting to know who designed my outfit. I said, "Caitirna Bonet" and he replied, "oh yes! Catirina Bonet! I have loads of their stuff coming in next season." Ha ha. I had to laugh — but to myself of course.

You seem to have a pretty fun sense of humor. What are you inspired by?
I love color — we both do. We love the unpredictability and creativity of live theatre. We've spent much of the past 20 years or so travelling specifically to scope out art galleries and museums. We read constantly and when we're too busy working to read we rent a variety of things from Netflix - everything from documentaries to feature films. I enjoy the quirkiness of life. I think sometimes we take it all too seriously.

With the Turkey items specifically, I think I was inspired by my childhood phobias. Born into a family of meat eaters, I declared myself vegetarian at the age of 5. Thanksgiving was always traumatic for me. I would beg my mother: "Do I H-A-A-V-E to sit at that table with the dead turkey on it?" Every year I got the same answer - "yes". The one thing I always looked forward to on Thanksgiving was watching the parade. For years I called it Macy's Day — I didn't know the difference.

Do you make the patterns that you produce yourself? How did they come about?
Bonnie and I both design the patterns in the collection now, although it's fair to say that the bulk of the designs we currently have are mine. I had a bit of a head start. We had taken a break from Catirina Bonet Designs after moving to Los Angeles eight years ago to reassess where we were really headed with the business. At that time we had developed a very large wholesale business of gift items that we were selling in nearly all 50 states. It had outgrown our capabilities and our move to Los Angeles brought about unexpected challenges for continuing.

I had taken a job across town and was commuting on the metro about 2 hours a day. I found reading on the bus sickening so to pass the time I started knitting. Juggling a pattern, yarn, needles, and everything else I had with me was too dramatic. My yarn would go sailing toward the driver at every stop and my pattern pages would fly every direction. I eventually started just knitting without patterns because it was less to juggle. In a year of commuting I had the original 20 or so designs.

I had also never used a computer before 2003. So I spent a couple of years glued to online classes learning to build web sites from scratch, design page layouts for patterns, create pdf files, etc.... We do absolutely every bit of the business ourselves so the past few years have been an incredible learning experience for us.

What's your relationship with your mother? You guys seem pretty tight.
We are very tight. We are best friends. Few people understand it and yet our relationship is so natural to us we can't really explain it. We have always lived and worked together. I think alot of our success in both family and business partnership has to do with the fact that we are both equal and separate partners. We both have our own things in our home and in our business that we are responsible for. Our worlds parallel but they don't collide and I think that helps us maintain such a great harmony.

We're also incredibly competetive with each other. I think this has everything to do with our success in business. We're always checking to see if our designs are outselling each other. It's ridiculous - everything with us is 50/50. We do exhaust outselves with the race though. It's been going on since I was born and it applies to everything we do. We try to outread each other, outsell each other, out design each other. Many years ago we waited tables together for a while. It was the same then. I think we must have exhuasted our customers racing each other to fill empty glasses and clean dirty tables. I remember the restaurant manager standing back and shaking his head watching us work saying, "I've never seen anything like this......never."

We almost never argue at all and when we do it's about the truly absurd and ridiculous - her snoring like a freight train and my phobias about putting cooking oil in food. We've had some comical, knock down drag outs over those two things. It's not that we always agree either — we just respect each others ideas, philosophies, territory, etc... It works!

Anything else?
I would love to say how greatful I have been to the Etsy community. We give a lot of props to the artists and sellers but I would like to really give kudos to the people who shop Etsy. We get the most amazing convos from people who really help guide us in our journey here. I would also love to say how much we appreciate the people that run Etsy and make it such a friendly, workable environment. We're so proud to be a part of such a talented community.

What are you thankful for this year?

2007-11-22T06:14:00-05:00

This Thanksgiving, we at Etsy are thankful for the warm spot that handmade craftiness puts in our hearts. Sales are up, the holidays are coming at us and the pie is plentiful. It's a good place to be!

Here are some of the things Etsy admin are thankful for this year:

"I am thankful for the Etsy Teams, who in many ways are the heart and soul of Etsy - spreading the Etsy love person to person, around the globe. I'm also thankful for my rad hubby, my brilliant best friend, my odd cat, and for my job which requires that I flip out over beautiful works of art all day long." - wonderamy

"This Thanksgiving, I'm thankful for the visual smorgasbord of pretty stuff I get to look at all day and a job that actually makes me happy. Also, custard pie, my awesome family, my many pals, windy fall days, apple cider and squiggly puppies." - TeenAngster

"I am thankful for kitties and bicycles and feasts! And my friends and creativity and ponies and fun!" - Chillioniare

"I'm thankful for my dysfunctional family. (Especially my mother, who won't let me leave home without a new pair of underpants.) Thankfulness goes out to my little sister, who decided not to be vegetarian this year and my boyfriend, who makes crazy hoodies and lets me drool on his shoulder when I'm tired. I'm also thankful to be working at a place that gives me free hummus and the opportunity to rub elbows with thousands of creative people across the world."- saguirl

"I'm thankful that more and more people are getting hip to the fact there are better ways to live your life: supporting indie artists, recycling and conserving, expressing your uniqueness. I'm also thankful for my new niece!" - Vanessa

"I'm thankful for everyone working hard for Etsy (admin and the community). Cheesy, yes. But it's given me the opportunity to live in Brooklyn (which I'm in love with), and (ready for more cheese) meet a lot of new really amazing people. I'm thankful life is never predictable and you never know where you're going to find yourself a year from last." - daniellexo

What are you thankful for this year? Leave it in the comments!

Etsy Finds: Thanksgiving Special

2007-11-22T03:51:00-05:00

"Happy Thanksgiving!" squeals this dear little cranberry sauce, straight outa da can.

Black Market Baby

2007-11-21T06:19:00-05:00

Traditionally, the day after Thanksgiving is considered to be the busiest shopping day of the year. Across the United States, throngs of people line up outside chain retailers to be amongst the first to own whichever mass-produced piece of hooey was best marketed over the last couple of weeks. Television news programs bring us "nail-biting" coverage of crowded parking lots, quarreling consumers and screaming children.

Ah yes, friends, Black Friday is upon us again, and if you’re like me, you would rather stick a hot needle in your eye than be one of those depressing doofi bursting through the doors of a Walmart like the bulls of Pamplona.

Truly, they call it Black Friday for the same reason they called it The Black Plague.

Don’t get me wrong, I am all for unfettered capitalism: I would just prefer to exercise it in a way that does not require me to fight angry mothers over a Tickle Me Elmo doll. That’s why this year I am commemorating Black Friday from the comfort of my home and spending pantloads of cash on Etsy.

Skip the crowds. Lose the hassle. Find the Unique. Buy Handmade, and enjoy my 2007 Black Friday Plague Special:

Trends: Coming Together at the Table with Modish

2007-11-20T06:38:00-05:00

This week's esteemed trendspotter is none other than Jena Coray, the blogger behind renowned indie shopping blog modish and owner of the online boutique modishoppe. Jena recently took the leap into self-employment and is pretty excited to be able to do what she loves full time. This week, she's giving us tips on making a warm and personal statement when you come together with friends and family at the table.

Fall is in full swing, and with the changing of the leaves comes time for roasted hazelnuts, pumpkin bread and more pies than you can shake a stick at. In fact, the only thing better than the scrumptious foods that this season brings are the family and friends to share it with; but before you break out the Tofurky, it's time you dress your table to impress and create an inviting, warm space to share with your guests.

The good news is, gone are the days of stodgy formality when it comes to table settings. Now, you can not only incorporate your personal style into the mix, but also the beautiful colors of the fall season like scarlet red, mustard yellow and deep orange. From table runners to place mats to centerpieces, it's the pretty little touches that can make your food look even yummier and make your guests feel all the more special.

First off, if you have a kinda-icky-but-it-works dining room or kitchen table, you may want to cover it with a table cloth to keep the paint peels from flying off into the food: this pretty yellow wheat table linen by margotbianca and this vintage folk art tablecloth from mycraftycorner are both excellent picks for fall.

If, on the other hand, you have a table that you don't want to hide, you may opt for a table runner and/or place mats, just to add some color and keep your table protected from hot platters and plates. This ride in the rain table runner from supastarr is supa cool, and this Moroccan style table runner by happyexpat is gorgeous and in lovely fall colors.

If place mats are more your style, these fountain grass ones by 12gypsies are modern and perfect for anytime of year, and these lovely napkins by MichelleBrusegaard can complement them with a pretty pop of red.

Speaking of platters of plates, you can (of course!) find those on Etsy, too! You can serve up the main course on this pretty, hand-painted platter by DishfulsofDoodles, and any meal would look all the more scrumdiddlyumptious served on one of these porcelain plates by Keith Phillips.

The best part about prettying up your table though is creating a centerpiece to set the mood and reflect your style. For a simple and classic look, you can fill a pretty vase by kimwestad with flowers in shades of marigold and burnt orange. Or, for something more modern and rustic, stick some willows or thin branches from your own back yard into one of these knitware vases by Alyssa Ettinger.

For some seasonal goodness, fresh fruit, like pomegranates or pears (even felted ones, like these by myfinn) would look so pretty in one of these bowls by Trama.

Or for something more fun, you can let these porcelain good luck birdies by sproutstudio or these hole-y squirrels by melabo run rampant.

Whether your style is bold and bright or simple and classic, let the fall season inspire you and don't be intimidated by the "properness" of dressing your table — it can be as funky and fun as you'd like it to be, and your guests will surely appreciate that you've gone through the effort to make them feel at home.

Further resources:
Modish
CHOW story on centerpieces
Thanksgiving decorating, table setting and centerpiece ideas from Martha Stewart

Have any Thanksgiving or hostessing tips to share? Leave it in the comments!