Search results (title) for: "natural kids"

All Wrapped Up! Holiday Gift Trends from Scoutie Girl Gifts

2009-11-18T16:01:00-05:00

Earlier this fall, I launched a brand new site to make handmade gift giving a little bit easier. Scoutie Girl Gifts not only allows you to find beautiful handmade gifts for everyone on your list, it allows you to create your own "gift galleries" to make gift suggestions for visitors!

What has been most interesting for me is watching the new gift trends emerge before my very eyes. Even though content comes in from all over the world, I'm seeing some very distinctive trends for this holiday season.

Animals have been hot in the indie craft world for quite some time. Instead of the usual woodland suspects, this year's holiday zoological trend has all sorts of animals roaming around! ViviDot featured a gallery of beautiful beasts in her gift gallery, Let's Go to the Zoo.

I love this romper featuring a hippo by planetpudge. $22.

More animals were featured by shellieartist in her gift gallery, Not Your Average Pet.

There's also a great baby koala necklace by shizendesigns. $23.

How about this badger cameo illustration by blackoutwell? On a side note — illustration seems to be a hot gift idea too! $18.

Soft, feminine shades of aqua, pink, violet and grey have also been very popular. Lesley from smidgebox put together a beautiful gallery inspired by aqua skies + snowflakes.

I adore these textile bead earrings from frillsandfray. They're made from a recycled t-shirt in soft green and yellow. I actually have a similar pair — love! $19.

If you miss green grass, blue skies, and beds of blooming flowers, you're in luck: bringing the outdoors in is hot this holiday season! Kimberly from createlovelaugh created a popular gift gallery called Into the Forest. It's focused on moss greens: terrariums, pots of moss, faux moss, and accessories inspired by moss.

This green rose ring by mlwdesigns reminds me of a little succulent plant. It's a great way to wear spring on your finger all year long! At only $9, it makes a great gift for a friend or coworker.

Another curator thinking about all things natural is Diana from dsbrennan. Her gift gallery, For the Naturalist, features more mossy greens and browns.

These wrist warmers would be a perfect gift for someone who doesn't let cold weather stop them from enjoying a hike! By fishermansdaughter, $24.

Another hot trend for this year's gift giving is art and illustration. Art may not be the first thought when choosing a gift, but it's perfect for newlyweds, teenagers looking to spruce up their space, or anyone who doesn't need another "thing" lying around! Art always makes a statement and can be a very personal and emotion-filled gift.

Brittni from papernstich put together this gift gallery of affordable art for everyone, including traditional art pieces, illustration, photography, and even a little sculpture fit for hanging on your wall.

I especially love this photograph by simplyhue. $18.

If you've got kids on your shopping list, handmade is the way to go! Etsy sellers take special care to exclude harmful ingredients and include only the finest of what Mother Nature has to offer.

Sara from busterandboo put together a gift gallery of natural kids' options. From wool to wood to play clay, this list is quite inspiring.

I love the aromatic play clay by MamaKs. Kids get to play, moms get to relax with the pleasant aromas of chamomile, lemongrass, and sweet orange. This clay is even gluten-free! $4.50.

I don't know how some people do it. I never have any luck at yard sales, thrift shops or estate sales. I am a downright terrible vintage shopper. However, that doesn't mean that I don't love the look of vintage! I am always pleased as punch to find great handmade, vintage-inspired goodies — and they make perfect gifts for the thrift-store challenged like me (hint, hint)!

Amy from amybsjewelry put together a tea time gallery including several vintage-inspired goodies.

I adore this custom tea party dress from sohomode. This beauty is available in several fabrics, including wool. It would be perfect for a special fête, modernized with leggings and ballet flats as shown.

Lindsey from ripegoods put together a list of gifts inspired by farm fresh living.

I especially love these hand-printed tea towels by NestaHome — a perfect gift for the holiday hostess! $19.

Buying handmade for holiday gifts has never been easier. Use a tool like the Etsy Gift Guides, your favorite blog, or Scoutie Girl Gifts to find a great jumping-off point! And don't just stick to the sellers and items you see featured. Be inspired by the trends, materials, and techniques that catch your fancy!

If you have an idea for a Scoutie Girl Gifts gallery, go to the submissions page to find out how to get yours published!

Scoutie Girl Gifts | Etsy's Gift Guides | Holiday Gift Ideas Posts

Etsy Finds: The A-Team

2009-11-13T11:34:00-05:00

Etsy Teams are groups of organized Etsy members who network, share skills, and promote their shops and Etsy together. A Team forms around a shared location, crafting medium, or other interest. Etsy's 450+ Teams make us not just a marketplace of individuals, but an interconnected and diverse artistic community. Shop owners within each of the Teams below have come together to host special events and occasions this holiday season. Learn more about each Team and their special promotions in the Finds below.

Natural Kids Etsy Team

Independent and emerging artists from around the world have joined forces at the natural kids store this holiday season to connect with socially and environmentally-conscious consumers seeking natural toys and gear for children. These artisans want to make it easy to find great natural, handmade, fair trade and sustainable goods for kids.

Meadows miniature farmstyle bag

By downinthemeadow, $22.

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Wooden Toy Tool Box

By WoodToyShop, $60.

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Knit Pumpkin Cotton Hat

By bostonbeanies, $20.

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Custom Pocketbaby

By germandolls, $9.50.

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Etsy Metal Team

Etsy's Metal Team will be offering a 10% holiday discount in their shops this weekend. To find out more about Etsy Metal and their special holiday promotions, check out their Team profile and find a list of participating shops available on their Team blog.

Oxidized Raintree Curly Hoops

By lenastudio, $225.

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Silver Swan Brooch Necklace

By LunasaDesigns, $110.

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Atom Ring - silver

By blindspotjewellery, $100.

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CUSTOM Banner Ring

By laurelhill, $84.

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Etsy's Cleveland Handmade Team

ECHT is hosting the Cleveland Handmade Market on November 22 in an effort to spread the word about the talent in Northeast Ohio and Etsy. Learn more about these Team members and this special handmade market on their Team page.

Eco Friendly Fingerless Gloves

By LazyTcrochet, $22.

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Copper Pressed Leaf Earrings

By LaPetiteFleur, $30.

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Message Pillow- PLAID

By daydreamdesigns77, $10.

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Louet drop spindle kit

By Knitgrrl, $37.

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Etsy Greetings Team

EGT is hosting a special holiday paper goods event this weekend from November 13 through November 15 in which artists from the Etsy Greetings Team will be featuring holiday and winter themed greeting cards on the Etsy Greetings blog.

Colorful Letterpress HELLO Card

By HuldraPress, $4.

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Scandinavian Reindeer - Set of 6

By papermenagerie, $12.

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HOLIDAY SEXY (Set of 8)

By vspacestudio, $14.

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Modern Retriever Dogs (Set of 6)

By turnarounddesign, $12.

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Etsy Lab Rats Team

Join the Lab Rats Team for a holiday trunk show in Etsy's Virtual Labs on Monday, November 23, where Team members will show off some of their handcrafted goods for sale. There will be special offers and discounts available for all shoppers attending the holiday trunk show.

Copper/Silver/Gold Pleated Sling

By BabyEtte, $59.98.

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Sock monkey Scaripet

By funkisockmunki, $32.

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Mustard Chandelier Jacket

By elizabethnormand, $37.

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Olivine Oval Studs

By spookychandelier, $21.50.

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Full-Time Etsy Crafters Team

FTEC Team members will be participating in a special holiday pop-up store highlighting local and independent designers in Alameda, CA. Learn more about the event and Team on the Full-Time Etsy Crafters Blog and find the details of the Modern Mouse gift boutique here.

Sunset Park - Original Map Painting

By rachelaustin, $160.

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8x10 Custom Cut Paper Silhouette

By papercutsbyjoe, $40.

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Celtic Knot Shawl Pin

By nicholasandfelice, $18.

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Shadow Mineral Makeup Collection

By pinkquartzminerals, $35.

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Soap Artisan Friends of Etsy

This weekend Etsy's SAFE Team is featuring a holiday gift guide and Team sale; find all of the promotional details on their Team page and the SAFE Team blog.

Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

By inalather, $16.50.

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3 Handmade Cold Process Soaps

By innerearthsoaps, $18.

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Rosemary Lime olive oil soap

By urbaneden, $5.

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Apple Spice Olive Oil Soap

By AuntNancysSoap, $5.50.

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Etsy's Team Treasury

This weekend November 13 through November 15, shop with TEAMT and save 10% to 20% on fabulous holiday gifts. Simply search for TEAMT and start saving.

Briefcase in Russet Brown

By jennyndesign, $226.

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Pumpkin Puree-Hand Knit Scarf

By schemata, $50.

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Felt Food Yule Log or Buche De Noel

By BeckyM, $20.

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Birdy Rattle

By Mamachee, $25.

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Etsy Project Embrace Team

EPE aims to raise money for cancer research, raise awareness, and give support to those touched by this disease. In an effort to gain awareness, a percentage of profits from all items tagged "teamepe" will go to the American Cancer Society. Learn more about EPE and their mission on their Team page.

Beadwoven Necklace

By BeadworksbyKerri, $45.

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brussel sprouts soup bowls

From 5gardenias, $52.

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Vintage 1980s Blazer

From sisterstreasure, $78.

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Ribbon of Hope Copper Necklace

By Luster, $42.

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Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

Gift Guides | Guest Curators | Trends | Gift Ideas

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A Dude's Perspective: Squashtoys Gets Creative with Fatherhood

2009-05-28T16:39:00-05:00

What lives in Central Ohio, buzzes, and makes children around the world happy? Jim from happysquashtoys! (The buzzing is coming from his wood shop.) We invited this Central Ohio local to tell us about natural toy-making and being a creative dad.

I am married to my wonderful wife Jenise and have three children. I started making wooden toys a few years ago when we decided we wanted a safe alternative to plastic toys. My first toy was a duck pull toy and I just slowly expanded from there. I quickly discovered a wonderful creative outlet and we decided to start Happy Squash Toys. I do all the woodwork and detail painting, and my wife does the sewing and paints as well.

I really love being a dad to my two boys (Aidan is 11, Wayne is 9) and my little girl (Maryam is 2). My oldest is very creative and often give me ideas for toys. He actually gave me the idea for the pull toy on the front of our website.

My middle son loves to play games, and I often test out my new ideas with him. That's him playing tic tac toe.

My little girl is by far my biggest inspiration, since most of my toys are for children her age. I love to watch her and see how she plays with the toys I create. I often get new ideas from just watching her play and seeing what interests her. This is her with the giraffe

I am in desperate need of a new wallet, and I will hopefully receive one of the great handcrafted ones on Etsy for Father's Day.

Are you a dad or have suggestions for Father's Day gifts? Tell us about it in this forum thread.

Read Dude's Perspective Posts | Visit the Father's Day Gift Guides

Etsy Finds Decor: Industrial Fusion with Dustin Yellin

2009-05-24T09:15:00-05:00

This weekend's Get the Look: Decor is inspired by The Red Hook Labs, a Brooklyn based collaborative artist space run by Dustin Yellin and Charlotte Kidd. The 15,000 square foot former industrial warehouse houses studios for sculpture, photography, painting, a video editing facility, a gallery and an artists' residency space.

Yellin creates intricate volumetric tomographic paintings through the gradual buildup of form, which is accomplished through layered paintings between blocks of resin. Dustin's personal work space includes countless found objects picked up during his many world travels (as well as on the street).

The space is filled with a mixture of animal artifacts and industrial machinery, as well as paintings, drawings and sculptures from friends, including work by Gavin Anderson and Gibby Haynes. Yellin even has a full size Airstream trailer parked inside his studio.

Visit The Selby for more photos of The Red Hook Labs and Dustin's studio. Check out the Etsy Finds below for some creative decorating ideas on how you can add an artistic touch of natural history to your own home or studio. As an added bonus, be sure to check out Dustin's studio tour from Etsy's video series, There's No Place Like Here.

Click on the image below to watch the video.

MEL-O-BIT American CHEESE Box...Upcycled

The Red Hook Labs are housed inside of an old printing warehouse, and it still reflects much of its industrial past. However, the space has been opened up to let in rays of natural light and filled with plants to soften its cold brick exterior. Using this salvaged box as a planter is a great way to add a bit of the past to your home garden. From fruitsaladvintage, $20.

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Left-turn Leg Table Lamp

Fusing found objects can result in exciting combinations that express the character of a past life. By GriffinLamps, $85.

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Flat-Fold Rocking Chair

There is nothing more inspiring than collecting your thoughts in a beautifully handcrafted chair. By designvessel, $400.

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Vintage Steampunk Microslide Case for SCIENCE

If you make a habit of collecting lots of found objects, this trunk is a great place to store your treasures. From adVintagous, $32.

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The Golden Wishbone

It's interesting to see the relationship between Dustin's surroundings and his artwork. Decorating your space with compelling objects and art can be an inspiring force in your life. By noraaoyagi, $30.

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Junior Crocheted Skull

Dustin has a great collection of animal bones, skulls, snake skin and artifacts. This crocheted skull would fit in nicely with his collection. By DeweyDecimalCrafts, $30.

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Skeleton Krew no.0010

I love this portrait from the series entitled “Skeleton Krew Collection,” which emphasizes the layers of the human face. By redheart13, $17.50.

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Mini Green Gooseneck Desk Lamp

Whether you're drafting up ideas for your next big DIY project or sketching an artistic masterpiece, this desk lamp casts the perfect light to illuminate your sketch pad. From 26olivestreet, $18.

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Pair of Outdoor themed Thermos

If you're going to eat and sleep in an Airstream, then why not go all out and drink your morning beverage from an amazing vintage camping thermos? From ravennagirlsvintage, $28.

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Camp trailer birdhouse

If your space won't allow for a full sized Airstream trailer, then you may want to think about settling for this handcrafted birdhouse trailer instead. By ralfg08, $27.

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Check out other Get the Look - Home Decor Editions.

Cozy at Home Gift Guide | Housewares Category | Vintage Housewares

There's No Place Like Here Videos

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Etsy Finds: Eco Toys for Tots, Naturally

2009-03-24T10:20:00-05:00

Teach your children an important lesson about preserving the world around them with toys made from safe, natural materials. They will spark their imagination and help save our environment. Look for toys made from wool, natural woods, organic cotton, recycled sweaters and natural paints and finishes; toys made in the Waldorf tradition are a perfect example. Natural materials are safer for children who put toys in their mouths. Go the natural toy route and you also help decrease the amount of non-biodegradable plastic toys that end up in landfills every year. The items below are just a few examples of the many talented toy makers here on Etsy who have taken on an eco-friendly mission to look out for the well being of our planet, as well as your child's future.

Wooden Rainbow Stacker

By Imaginationkids, $13.

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Kitty no.112 gold herringbone with lavender and pink dots

By penguinandfish, $45.

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Kitty Egg Molded Crayons- Set of 6 Custom Colors

By kittybblove, $15.

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Bucket of Apples. Wooden

By naturalkidsandtoys, $8.95.

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Yellow Cedar Toy Wooden Tug Boat

By FriendlyFairies, $28.

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Rolling Sheep the Natural Collection Oak

By TactileBaby, $12.

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Waldorf Wool Felt Crown - green leaves and vines

By littleredcaboose, $34.

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Carries Kitchenette with Pull out shelf

By imaginethatwoodshop, $145.

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Handmade wool felt Backgammon (roll it up and take it everywhere)

By isiki, $35.

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natural Tree Blocks

By ZooLooNaturals, $25.

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If you have any questions about what age a toy is intended for, feel free to contact the seller. They can tell you more about how they make their toys too.

Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

Baby Gift Guide | Handmade Kids Series

Environmentally Friendly Gift Guide | Children's Gift Guide

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CPSIA: Updates and Calls to Action

2009-01-05T18:15:00-05:00

UPDATE: This morning we spoke with the Deputy Director at the CPSC and he expressed the CPSC's desire to communicate with the crafter community, whether in a Virtual Lab, podcast, or blog post. However, there's work that needs to be done before that can happen. He will be keeping us in the loop, specifically regarding an open call for comments coming soon. In the meantime, if you have questions, send them to newleg@cpsc.gov. Please stay tuned — we will share any info as it comes in.

[the following was originally posted December 31, 2008]

Many members of the Etsy community have been involved in spreading the word about the impact the CPSIA might have on handmade and vintage toy and children's apparel businesses. Here at Etsy, we wrote an Open Letter about the CPSIA and invited Patricia Bittner, the Small Business Ombudsman at the Office of International Programs and Intergovernmental Affairs, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, to talk with our community in the Virtual Labs. Patricia passed on our requests to the proper people, but as of yet, not one has accepted our offer of a webchat. However, Patricia noted that the office has been getting many, many communications from small businesspeople on the topic.

The Washington Post reported on the issue in Lyndsey Layton and Annys Shin's article, Toymakers Assail Costs of New Law: How Consumer Protections Will Be Implemented Is Onerous, Manufacturers Say. "While toy giants such as Hasbro and Mattel began changing their materials even before the law was passed, some owners of medium and small businesses say they do not have the time -- or the money -- to comply with the tough new provisions."

The Richmond Times reported small businesses' concerns about a lack of clarity regarding the enforcement of the law. The article, New Law May Hurt Crafters At Home, conveyed the crafting community's desire for exemptions. The newspaper noted that, according to Julie Vallese, spokeswoman for the Consumer Product Safety Commission, "There are exceptions to the testing rule for crafters making only one unique copy of each item." Vallese also told reporter Sean Mussenden that "Small toymakers have inundated the commission with questions and complaints about the new standards."

Cecilia, of the handmadetoyalliance.org and craftsburykids.com, is helping crafters and artisans get their voices heard. She is very active on the Alliance's Facebook Group (join the group here). We wanted to share some updates and deadlines via Cecilia:

Midnight, this Wednesday, December 31, 2008 is the deadline for the first round of voting on the Change.org site. If you haven't voted, please do, and pass the word on. Let's remain in the number one spot! Here's the link.

This coming Monday, January 5, is the deadline for comments to the CPSC. The CPSC has asked for comments regarding natural materials exemptions! This is our chance to speak directly to the CPSC and push them to include these important additions in the CPSIA/provide your personal feedback on anything that hasn't been touched on. The CPSC statement lists the component testing deadline as January 30th: http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/ComponentPartsComments.pdf
The natural materials exemptions feedback/vote was due on the 5th.

The blogosphere has been spreading calls for amending the CPSIA. Here are just a few posts:

BlogHer - The CPSIA puts handmade toys and kids clothes in danger of extinction. Like, soon.

Crafting in a Green World - Geppetto in Peril

The Twitter feed of Kathleen Fasanella at Fashion Incubator has all the latest news - http://twitter.com/kfasanella

BuyHandmade.org and the Handmade Consortium will be updating a new blog section on the CPSIA topic. Click here for a whole lot more links.

Many Etsians have been sharing information via this thread in the forums.

Read our Open Letter about the CPSIA.

We wish everyone a safe, healthy, and productive New Year. Keep up the momentum!

Handmade Children's Items & Unintended Consequences: Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act

2008-12-10T20:09:00-05:00

The following is an open letter regarding the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). This Act, which will go into effect on February 10th, 2009, puts forth much more stringent safety measures for products intended for children under the age of 12.

Under the very important auspices of child safety, the Act may have grave unintended consequences: fewer choices for families who are looking for handcrafted alternatives. Many Etsy artists and craftspeople have expressed fears that they won't be able stay in business due to the burdensome cost of testing and certification pursuant to the proposed legislation.

As a venue for handcrafted and vintage items from small entrepreneurs, Etsy has invited the Ombudsman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to join us in a webchat in our Virtual Lab. Etsy would very much appreciate the opportunity to provide a forum for discussing the concerns of artisans who make toys and children's products as well as their customers who support handmade products.

We urge members of the Etsy community and anyone concerned with both child safety and conscientious consumption to contact their governmental representatives; ask them to consider how the Act will impact independent craftspeople.

The office of the CPSC ombudsman: 888-531-9070.
Visit the Handmade Toy Alliance for information about writing your representatives.

Over 200,000 artists, crafters and vintage collectors sell their items on Etsy.com. Many of these artisans make toys and other items for children. Made with love, care, the human touch and—often—all-natural materials, these items bring the consumer marketplace back to a personal level where customers can chat with toy makers and even create custom items for specific needs. Etsy members are part of a larger movement that seeks to creatively provide people across the globe with alternatives to mass-produced goods.

Many Etsy sellers are work-at-home-moms and dads. Among them are crafters with the skill and heart to preserve traditions of toy-making or to innovate their own methods of making children's items with a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) hands-on philosophy. You can meet an Etsy toy maker and seller by watching this five minute video portrait (all of our videos are published under open Creative Commons, so please feel free to repost). Amber Dusick, aka woodmouse.etsy.com and Los Angeles-based toy-maker/work-at-home-mama, is an artist who would be impacted by this proposed legislation if it is enacted. Amber uses sustainably harvested woods, non-toxic paints and beeswax along with her wood-burning tool to create simple, natural wooden toys. Her imagery is reminiscent of a child's crayon drawing come to life in wood.

Amber, like other Etsy toy makers and sellers, is fearful that as a sole proprietor she will not be able to afford the stricter regulations of the Act; the cost of testing and certification is likely beyond her means. She told Etsy, “I'd be more than happy to have each of my toys tested, if it wasn't so cost prohibitive. It is the COST involved in testing that will shut us down, it isn't that anyone refuses to have their work tested."

The Small Business Administration defines "small business" as under 500 employees. Most of our Etsy members are either sole proprietors or maybe a family or studio of friends working together. Many craftspeople on Etsy have told us that they could be put out of business if forced to comply with the proposed legislation. This is the painful irony bound up in the CPSIA.

Etsy wanted to reach out with this open letter to see what can be done to ensure that small businesses and micro enterprises are being taken into account with this legislation. Our members would like to better understand how the CPSIA took into account these smaller businesses operating with fewer resources for testing and compliance. We believe Etsy artisans are pro-testing and pro-safety; the problem is the prohibitive certification costs relative to their small businesses' incomes. Our community is concerned that this legislature disregards small businesses in its attempts to regulate large corporate entities.

The U.S. House and Senate passed the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (the CPSIA), and on August 14, 2008, President Bush signed the Act into law. Further information on the Act is available at the CPSC website at http://www.cpsc.gov/ and helpful FAQs are located http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/faq/faq.pdf.

Please leave your comments in this forum thread. Thank you!

Handmade Portraits: Woodmouse

2008-12-05T13:18:00-05:00

YouTube | MP4 | blip.tv | Subscribe in iTunes

(music by Lineland, Jukeboxer)

Toymaker Amber Dusick aka woodmouse has her wood shop in her garage in downtown Los Angeles. After the birth of her son, this one time farm girl from Wisconsin became nostalgic for the toys from her past: simple, natural toys that would inspire creativity and imaginative play, made from materials that wouldn't stick around in a landfill for thousands of years.

After years of silversmithing, throwing pottery and drawing with pen and ink, Amber finally found her medium in wood. Using sustainably harvested woods, non toxic paints and beeswax along with her wood burning tool, Amber was able to transfer the look and feel of her previous pen and ink drawings to wooden toys.

See more posts about the CPSIA issue!

Woodmouse, founder of the Natural Kids Team, is an ardent advocate of sustainable toys. The materials used are all natural and her toys are 100% compostable. Her imagery is reminiscent of of a child's crayon drawing come to life in wood.

Amber, like other Etsy toy makers and sellers of children's items, is fearful that as a sole proprietor she will not be able to afford the stricter regulations of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA); the cost of testing and certification is likely beyond her means. She told Etsy, “I'd be more than happy to have each of my toys tested, if it wasn't so cost prohibitive. It is the COST involved in testing that will shut us down, it isn't that anyone refuses to have their work tested." The CPSC recently proposed a 1 year delay of required testing and certification, in part because of artisans were able to get their voices heard. But this means we need to use the coming year to write to our Congresspeople. Click here to see the latest on the CPSIA & find out what you can do to prevent artisans from being put out of business.

Handmade Video Portraits | More on the Natural Kids Team

Handmade Kids Series | Baby Gift Guide | Children's Gift Guide

Featured Team: Natural Kids Team

2008-11-19T15:34:00-05:00

This week's Featured Team, NaturalKids, makes sweet, wholesome products for your little ones! We love the way these toys inspire creativity while staying true to their natural materials. You'll find these items are crafted with a lot of love, and it seems this affection pours into their Team as well! The NaturalKids Team has a great website and blog to promote their work and also holds weekly promotions in the Forums. We love how they've created their own co-operative advertising program within the Team and have ads running on parenting websites! To learn more about this Team (including how to join) check out their Team Profile. To see all the products made lovingly by NaturalKids Team members, simply search "naturalkids team".

BeneathTheRowanTree | lalaspequenos | pupa

Young Reindeer

pupa loves the camaraderie within the Natural Kids Team. "Being part of Natty Kids is always inspiring! Crafting can get lonely, so it's nice to know there is a very fun, supportive group of fellow crafters out there."

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The Maple Wood Triangle Teether

"We love making handcrafted wooden teethers in our little backyard in Ohio! We love the Natural Kids Team because they are so wonderful and talented and it is a perfect place to interact and connect with other artists. I am thrilled to be a part of this magical team," says member littlealouette.

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Latte

woolies is the leader of this incredible Team. She explains how they work together: "We have a promotion thread going at all times. We make Treasuries that feature each other's work. But more than that, we support each other, and many members have become close friends. We mentor each other; if there are situations that we are unsure of, we know that we can come to the team for help. This also applies to non-business related stuff!"

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Three Little Birds, Shapes and Colours

BeneathTheRowanTree says that, "Being part of the Natural Kids Team speaks to me as a parent and as an artist. I love working with natural materials and feeling their life and energy, being connected to the source. Even more than this I love to place natural items in my daughter's hands, and the hands of other children, and watch their faces light up and their imaginations take flight with the possibilities of what they are holding, warm and soft and gentle, in their hands."

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Becky, a sweet 16-inch Waldorf doll

I had to include this doll by FaerieRebecca who named her after a Teammate! "Becky aka TheSingingBird (who came out to visit me at a craft show recently) oooo-ed and ahhhh-ed over the doll, so I had to name the doll after her when I listed her here on Etsy!" Rebecca is also a Team Leader of the Natural Kids Team and is inspired daily by "...the most generous, cooperative spirit in this Team!"

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Gnome Woods Playscape

WhimsicalMom "Being a Mommy is the most wonderful experience I have ever had and playtime is the best! My mission is to create whimsies that will spark not only a child's imagination but parents' as well. We all need to play:) I really enjoy making toys that come to life in a child's hands and imagination..not with batteries."

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Newborn Noonie

lalaspequenos creates these cozy Noonies to keep your babe warm and gnome-y. "The use of natural products is an integral part of my designs. The Natural Kids Team embraces that philosophy and provides me with support and encouragement to keep doing what I love!"

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Wooden Gnome Rainbow Memory Game

mamakopp not only makes lovable toys for children, but a lot of them have an educational element. She explains, "Learning is so much more fun with gnomes!" She loves making items for children. "I just love being part of heirloom toymaking; it's the best job besides being a mother." You can see the love for natural materials in her work!

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Butterfly Design Cotton Acorn Hat

butterflydesign says, "I love being a part of the Natural Kids Team because they celebrate the joys of childhood and the earth all in one Team. And we only have one of each, shouldn't they be celebrated?"

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Mushroom House Set with Flowers, Walkway and Pixie

LittleElfsToyshop uses natural materials to create little worlds for children to immerse themselves in. She says, "In a world where everything is made of plastic, buzzing with beeps and rings, perhaps returning to a simpler way of life is just what is needed. With my toys, I try and bring back simple, imaginative play using natural materials to excite a child’s imagination. In so doing, these toys are better for the environment and for your children, as well."

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rainbowLotusNaturals | birchleafdesigns | BellaWinter

Want to see a full interview with this Team? Sign up for the Teams Mailing List here.

Featured Teams | More Natural Kids Posts | Handmade Kids Series | Children's Gift Guide

My Top 10 Waldorf Toys

2008-11-03T15:15:00-05:00

Natural Kids Team Teammates FaerieRebecca and waldorfmama collaborated with Etsy admin Vanessa to find some of the best healthy toys for creative play.

1. 12 Month Subscription-Play Dough of the Month Club by DoSiDough

Find more play dough on Etsy.

2. Gnome Home Needle Felted Play Mat by chimera

Find more woodland-themed toys.

3. Collecting Strawberries Needle Felted Tapestry by crazymommaproduction

Find more toys with strawberries.

4. Caterpillar in a Leaf by zuzuspetal

Find more caterpillar toys.

5. Hootie Gang (Wooden Owl Toys) by mamakopp

Find more wooden toys.

6. Harvest Queen by WonderwulAnnette

Find more needle felted toys.
Learn how to make a needle felted turkey on Thursday, November 6th, live in the Virtual Labs. Sellers winsomehollow & littleloveblue will be hosting the event, which is free and open to anyone to attend (you just need to be logged into Etsy to use the Virtual Labs). Join us in the Treehouse room at 7pm (Eastern time). Please help us spread the word by blogging about it!

7. Sandro, Waldorf-inspired Toddler Doll by blossombabies

Find more Waldorf baby dolls.

8. Sunflower with Bird, Needle Felted Set by TheSingingBird

Find more toys with birds.

9. Purple Bird Bag Stitching Kit by lovealittle

See these blog posts with ideas for children's kits.

10. Beautiful Purple Dragonfly Fairy Doll by Unwaveringfaith

Find more fairy toys.

Search words for finding Waldorf items on Etsy:
Waldorf, Steiner, naturalkids team

Find more Gift Ideas:
Children's Gift Guide

And, since lots of people seem to ask...
Just what *is* Waldorf?
Waldorf education was developed in Germany by a philosopher named Rudolf Steiner. He envisioned a holistic education that met the child and worked to support and nurture the child. He and Maria Montessori were contemporaries, both working in the aftermath of WWI and dealing with so many damaged German and Italian children. Steiner based the early years of his educational philosophy on the realms of fantasy and play, putting off formal learning until the age of seven, where Montessori focused on teaching children to be self-reliant and learning practical skills. The hallmarks of Waldorf toys are natural materials, minimalistic features, and open-ended playthings that inspire the imagination.

See this adorable Waldorf article by the Natural Kids Team. So many cute customer appreciation pictures of kids with their favorite toys, it's guaranteed to make you squeal!

Sellers, the Holiday: Kids & Toys Showcase goes on sale on Thursday, November 6th, 2008!

Handmade Kids: Natural Kids Team Nurtures Naturally

2008-08-02T14:59:00-05:00

Woolcomesalive, a member of the Natural Kids Team, shares some of the smiles her team members have gotten — literally — from happy customers. Through Etsy's Appreciation Photo tool, buyers can give back to sellers and show their new items in action. And what is cuter than really cute kids?

Whether it’s your niece, neighbor, or your very own bundle of joy, you want the best for the next generation. What do you look for then, in a children’s product? When I buy a gift for a child, my #2 intention is to evoke a big bright smile. I love to see a little one’s eyes light up (or drool begin to flow) as they grasp, cuddle, and explore the new toy, doll, piece of clothing, or whatever the gift may be. Here, some members of the Natural Kids Team share this bliss through Appreciation Photos they have received, along with the product images.

There is something so contagious about a kid’s joy, fun, and comfort that I can’t help but encourage it.

[Appreciation Photo above by decembergirl. Baby Sheep Toy by woodmouse.]

In fact, I strive for the exceptional kid gift—one that becomes a favorite and is enjoyed again and again. First time wowers are wonderful, but it is pure magic when something finds its way into a child’s precious circle of friends. Remember your blankie, dollie, or big stuffed dog named Snowy who protected you while you slept and had a permanent hug indentation around his belly?

[Appreciation Photo above by purplepetunia. Waldorf Inspired Dolls by auntboosbabies.]

With that said, my #1 intention for kid gift-giving is making a purchase that is safe and healthy, both for the child and for the world he or she is growing up in. Who doesn’t want the children they love to be happy and safe? To inherit a world that supports their boundless potential? The Natural Kids Etsy Street Team has these intentions close at heart when we handmake our natural children’s items. Those are the gifts that keep on giving.

[Appreciation photograph by toyfoto, Waldorf Doll by auntboosbabies.]

NaturalKids Banner designed by OrangeInk.

When this group of artisans says “natural,” we mean materials that come from the earth and can go back to the earth (with a whole lot of lovin’ in between). We make heirloom quality kids’ items that can be enjoyed not only by the younger siblings, but by their children too. However, we still make sure that when the life of the product is over it will not be sitting in a landfill unchanged for hundreds of years. Not only would that be a poor legacy to leave for future generations, but it would be a dismal fate for a once-loved toy, shirt, doll, etc. So, we choose wood over plastic, and cotton, wool or silk over polyester and acrylics when we lovingly create by hand. There are no toxic chemicals off-gassing in our one-woman or man, at-home “factories.” Plus, our unique items don't come twist-tied in a box with lots of plastic packaging to throw away. They are instantly huggable, healthy, and wholesome.

[Felted Earth Ball by cozycottagecreations.]

Since most Natural Kids artists are parents ourselves, we witness daily the delightful way that children respond to natural materials. The items smell good, wear well, and simply feel more alive. This effortlessly fosters a healthy connection between the children and the living world.

Nushkie, one of our frequent blog authors, speaks on behalf of our toymakers:

“Our toys are 'open-ended,' meaning they are not so detailed as to make the toy one thing and one thing only; a child can bring the toy to life with his or her imagination. Further, because there are no buttons to press and no lights and music, the toy doesn't play for the child. The child must actively engage with the toy, thereby engaging her or his senses and developing his or her verbal skills and leadership qualities.”

Unwaveringfaith, homeschooling mother of six, who, like many of us, grew up on television and Happy Meals toys, adds:

“I think adults have just as much fun buying and playing with the toys as the children do...maybe more so...because we didn't have these wonderful things as children, and we are re-living our childhood, growing back part of our imagination that has been lost. We are retaining the warmth and comfort that these toys give us and hoping so much that by having these toys, in some way, it will make our children happier and more peaceful children than they would've been otherwise.”

In our high-tech fast-paced world, the value of toys that stimulate creativity and preserve innocence is immeasurable.

[Photo by BeneathTheRowanTree, featuring her Felted Raccoon Babe.]

This is what Natural Kids is about. We are an international community of independent artists that pour our hearts into our natural creations because we love our precious children and our beautiful world.

We rest easier at night knowing our babies and children, and your babies and children, have clothes and toys that contain living properties and can enhance the health, happiness, and development of these little miracles.

[Appreciation Photo by BellaWinter, Plush Manatee by freedomRainbow.]

In commitment to making natural children’s products more available for families, this summer we are sponsoring Make Baby Stuff's Natural Baby Nursery & Playroom Contest. Just look at some of the beautiful prizes from the Natural Kids team! If you love natural materials for your family, clean up your nursery or playspace, snap a photo and come on over and enter.

You just might win a prize lot like the one pictured. Three prize lots and two honorable mention prizes will be awarded. Contest ends August 15th, 2008. To find Natural Kids treasures available on Etsy anytime, search “naturalkids team."

Further Resources:
Natural Kids Blog
Make Baby Stuff
TreeHugger
Mothering.com
Living Crafts Magazine
Enviromom
Why Waldorf Works

Handmade Kids Series | Baby Gift Guide | Children Gift Guide

Virtual Team Digest: Interest Based Teams Worldwide!

2008-07-18T11:50:00-05:00

Here's what's new from a small sampling of some of the 300+ Virtual Etsy Teams, groups of members that join up with other members based on their interests or type of craft, to promote Etsy. Last week we caught up with some of our active location-based Teams — you can check that out here!

EtsyMoms have been busy raising money and promoting cancer awareness for their Team Leader, Jodi of HappyHouseQuilts. You can find updates on all the wonderful work they're doing here on their EtsyMoms for a Mom blog. It's so heartwarming to see a Team pool together for a beloved member. Etsy Teams Admin wish Jodi a speedy and successful recovery!
Make-baby-stuff.com and the Natural Kids Team have paired up for a Natural Nursery Decor contest! Go check out how this ambitious Team has found a great site to partner with to bring more people to their Etsy shops! Their collaborative contest runs until August 15, 2008. (Don't forget to check out Etsy's Handmade Kids Challenge, too!)
The Trashion Team is challenging themselves with a Palchemy project. Pam of NatureMadeScents organized a swap of materials, between members of the team. Each participant received an exciting package full of things that could be called "Trash." They are using their skills to remake those items into something new and fantastic! Each item is then listed in the team members' Etsy shop. They will be listing Palchemy creations all through July! Search Etsy for "Trashion Palchemy" to see the amazing creativity of Trashion!
The diverse team of artists known as Etsy Mosaic Artists, or EMA, strives to create unique works that keep the ancient art of mosaics contemporary, new and modern. With a variety of materials and endless possibilities, each member brings their own interpretation to the art form. The group celebrated their one year anniversary in April, and has grown in the past few months to 80 members. The styles of work within the group are incredibly varied and range from cottage chic to retro to whimsical, and everything inbetween. An amazing example of this diversity are the entries to their last group challenge, to mosaic a birdhouse. You can see the entries and many more amazing pieces by EMA in their Flickr pool. For more information, check their Team site or Team blog.
The EarthPath Artisans Street Team (EAST) is having a Gypsy Design Challenge! Team members have taken their interpretation of what the word "Gypsy" conjures up for them, and created new pieces in a variety of media. The purpose of this challenge is not to win prizes or compete with each other. It's a way to build team camaraderie and inspire members to explore new themes and stretch creative muscles. For the winner, it just means a little extra attention from an adoring public! Winners will be posted on the EAST blog. Check out the EAST Challenge page on Flickr to see the entries.

Thanks, Virtual Teams, for continuing to span the globe and dazzle us with your creativity! Check team.etsy.com or more information on Etsy Teams and to learn how to Join a Team!

Etsy Teams Digest: Virtual Teams!

2008-06-20T15:26:00-05:00

This week's Teams Digest focuses on what we like to call "Virtual Teams." These Teams are members united by craft or interest, spread out all over the world, as opposed to Locally-based Teams. To find an Etsy Team you might like to join, check the big list of Etsy Teams.

Vegan Etsy is only four months old, but they're already a very successful as a team. The Vegan Etsy blog was picked as one of the 21 best veg blogs out of hundreds that they went through; it is being featured in that issue's veg bloggy awards. The Vegan Team on Etsy is growing steadily!

Etsy Hookers is a team of sellers who are passionate about crochet! They encourage creativity and uniqueness in their techniques and styles. The team gives crocheters the opportunity to share their love of crochet and to network and promote each other while having some fun, too. They are currently hosting a Rainbow themed Creative Challenge for members. All entries will be posted on the Team blog as they're received. The voting poll will open on July 9th and all Etsians are invited to vote for their favorite.

The MiniMakers Dollhouse Street Team will host a Christmas in July Trunk Show: Mini Gifts to Give and Get in the Treehouse on July 16, 6 p.m. (Eastern Time). Please stop by, meet the artists and check out the dollhouse scale miniatures being offered. For more information, see the Team blog or Flickr group.

The PlushTeam just wrapped up celebrating their First Anniversary with a Hide-and-Seek Challenge, where buyers searched for their mascot, PT Stitchy, among members' shops.

(The Plush Team's mascot, PT Stitchy, made by NervousOnion, on Flickr)

Beginning June 1, the Natural Kids Team has been creating summer-themed items in their shops. The Natural Kids Team is a group of Etsy sellers dedicated to making products for children from natural fibers. For more information about this global Team, check out their Team Blog.

The Etsy Knitters Team was proud to host the First virtual Knitting in Public event for World Wide Knit in Public Day (WWKiP). Since 2005, the event has been hosted each year on June 14. Typically, a park or a local yarn store is chosen as a meeting place where knitters can come and knit together, in cities across the world . Since Etsy Knitters is a global group, each member was encouraged to knit in a public place of choice and document his/her public display with a picture. Non-members were welcome to join us as well. WWKiP pictures were uploaded to a Flickr group created specifically for the occasion.

Scientists love art too! The Mad Scientists of Etsy team is fairly new, turning three months old this June. This team promotes and supports Etsy artisans who are scientists. There’s a lot of science going on at Etsy, with the team nearing 100 members! There are fun monthly challenges resulting in some very cool science art — this month’s theme revolves around the great inventor, scientist, and artist Leonardo Da Vinci. Team treasuries, great items, and other cool science photos can be found on the team Flickr group. For information about joining check out our team profile for details, and feel free to contact bijoutery with any questions.

Independence Day is coming up soon! Celebrate by casting your vote this July…no, not for president! For your favorite patriotic entry in the Etsy Homefront Team's Fourth of July Challenge, "Red, White, and Blue... the vote is up to YOU!” The Etsy Homefront Team is made up of over 100 shops, all owned by spouses and loved ones of our uniformed services. These artists and crafters are male and female, of all ages and several different nationalities, and are located worldwide! The "Red, White, and Blue... the vote is up to YOU” Homefront Team challenge will run from July 1st through 11:59 p.m. EST on July 7th. Homefront Team members have chosen items from their shops that are patriotic and/or crafted in the colors of red, white and blue (search “homefrontchallenge” to get a sneak peak). Each entrant will also share a little about what it’s like to have a loved one serving in the armed forces. For more information, check the Team blog. Everyone who votes in the challenge will get 10% off at the participating shops, and voters will have the chance to be featured in a Treasury in July. The winner of the Challenge will win a mini Etsy and a feature on the Etsyhomefront blog through the end of July.

The Etsy Greetings team is currently engulfed in sizzling summer events! For Mission Soldier Support, members of the team donate a minimum of five blank all occasion greeting cards which will be sent to military personnel overseas. Cards will also be available to purchase in participating shops for others to purchase in support of US Troops. The ETSYGreetings and Jewelry on Etsy (JET) teams are pairing up once again in a cross-promotional effort. Team members will be paired (one from EtsyGreetings and one from JET). Each buddy will promote their buddy by posting a thread in a forum, including one of their buddy’s items in a treasury, including the buddy’s business card in their Etsy sale shipment, or any other way that their buddy can be promoted.

Thanks, Etsy Teams! This is all really wonderful, and we wish we could hit up each and every event! Check out previous Etsy Teams content and Teams Digests, too! Etsy Teams are always up to something good! Since there's so much going on in their action-packed world, we're proud to bring you Teams Digest of all the great events and promotions the Teams are doing.

Team Tips: Green Your Team!

2008-04-14T13:28:00-05:00

With Earth Day just around the corner, there's lots of buzz about eco-friendly ideas and items. There are several Etsy Teams based on eco-friendly principles, but every Etsy Team should consider how to do its part in making less of an impact on the planet.

For location-based Etsy Teams, encouraging your community to shop local reduces some of the embodied energy in your handmade wares by reducing the distance products are shipped. Letting neighbors in your town or city know about the existence of artists and makers in the area gives them an alternative to shopping at big box stores, which have pretty nasty environmental footprints, and a chance to support the local economy.

Global Teams are likely doing a great job communicating and marketing themselves in a paper-free way: by connecting with other Team members and buyers virtually, your Team isn't creating more waste for landfills. How else can your Global Team step up its greenness a notch? Perhaps deciding as a Team to use as many recycled shipping items as possible (like the Eco-EtsyTeam encourages) or featuring sellers on your Team with creative approaches to recycling and upcycling in their shops.

Some Earth-friendly Etsy Teams you should check out include:

Being environmentally conscious isn't just a fad — it's an important thing for everyone to consider all year long. Etsy Teams are such a powerful force of creative people, and we're sure there are infinite ways that Teams can set a positive example for all handmakers.

Is your Team acting in an environmentally responsible way? Let us know in a comment!

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!