As Etsy's quintessential shoppers, EtsyPatrons Team members are a natural choice for this week's Featured Buyers. They are constantly roaming the virtual shops of Etsy, and this week they share their wonderful finds, selected from some of Etsy's newest artists.

Hi, I'm Beverly of beachyrustica, Team Leader of EtsyPatrons. Our team began, as many do, with a Forum thread and an idea. One of our soon-to-be members started a discussion encouraging the Etsy community to "Make Someone's Day" by purchasing from a new Etsian and telling everyone what they'd found. Many "days were made," and several of us took up the cause and formed a team: except instead of aligning for the purpose of selling, we united as a team of buyers. During our work as EtsyPatrons, those of us who are also Etsy shop owners take off our seller hats and join with our buyer-only teammates to purchase from and promote the shops of others. I think it is safe to say that we are the only non-self promotional team on Etsy.
 
Our current projects include the continuation of Have You Made Someone's Day, our weekly effort to promote new shops within the Etsy Forums; members also select their favorite new items and give them greater exposure by curating and promoting an Etsy Treasury; starting and hosting a Buyer's thread within the Forums; blogging at EtsyPatrons.blogspot.com, as well as writing about our favorite shops for the blogs of others; maintaining an EtsyPatrons EtsyMini of our favorites that shows up across the web, and many other projects. Members are encouraged to initiate their own projects to make buying on Etsy a team effort!
 
The pieces below were submitted by individual members and then voted on by the team. We wanted to highlight some of Etsy's newest artists, while showing off the excellent quality and creativity of handmade work that buyers come to Etsy to find, as well as some of the great vintage pieces available on the site.

 
Maru of Wiremeup found this gorgeous art quilt, created by ModernQuilts. "Both the commanding colors used and the detailed hand stitchery of the words, 'whole, wholly, holy' and 'whole cloth, of the cloth and man of the cloth,' swirling about this exceptional art quilt made of a single piece of fabric, is wholly beyond the words stitched onto the quilt itself."

Zebras in the Room by audreyart was selected by EP's Treasury Director, Glenna of VintageEmbellishment. She says, "I love this print. The little redheaded girl reminds me of my granddaughter, who at 5 years old is learning all about the 'love of reading' and the joy it brings."

 
This Cosmos Rectangular Zip Pouch by misscakedesign was the selection of Maisy, aka maisyh. "Not only does it combine two of my favorite colors — lavender and lime — but this is a pouch that will not get lost at the bottom of your tote! I particularly love the way misscake has machine appliquéd her own design into the material to give the combination yet more individuality. This pouch has wide appeal: practical, stylish, feminine, and edgy."

 
"The fullness and beauty of each woman in this powerfully brilliant painting is in the fact that they are faceless. Though they are faceless, they express a vibrant image, each with their own personality," commented Maru of Wiremeup, who discovered this work by Krystyna81 entitled It's Not About You.

 
These charming, handpainted wooden chairs by pamdesign were chosen by Jen of Jemjoop. "I really love these handpainted chairs! There is something to be said for functional art you can actually use around your home. They put a beautiful spin on recycling!"

 
Even the title of this piece is appealing. The Peek-A-Boo Fairy Art Card ACEO was created by ArtSlings1946 and discovered by Linda of Peppercorns2. She says, "I love the beautiful artistry and imagination of this mini art treasure."

Nest was the choice of Jen, aka Jemjoop. "Larkjewelrydesigns handcrafted this wonderful silver nest necklace in tourmaline, ruby, and garnet. I like it for its originality and skillful design. A really unique piece for your jewelry box."

 
"I love anything orange and pink, which is probably why this fabulous tangerine orange and lavender fabric bowl by sewdivine caught my eye! For me, the appeal is in the luxurious clashing colors, the genius construction, and the fact that everyone needs a good bowl to throw their keys and cell phone into when they get home," says maisyh.

 
Our star shopper discovered Butterflies, an 8x10 photograph by katieelizabethphoto. Maru of Wiremeup summed up her selection of this piece as such: "What caught my imagination were the butterflies fluttering about from this young woman's stomach, as if she was embarking on a passage of womanhood or perhaps the anticipation of a honeymoon. So excited of what is to come: butterflies of oh so perfect days full of excitement."

I ran across this fun archival print, Retro Shopper with Companion by sandyklotter, and chose it as the lead in to this article because it evokes the exact feeling that makes us Etsypatrons: sharing the fun of shopping on Etsy!
 
We hope you've enjoyed browsing our favorite new artists and vintage pieces. If you'd like to become an EtsyPatron, we'd love to hear from you! There are no purchasing requirements (or pressure), but we do ask members to participate on a regular basis. Check out our Etsy Team profile and join at our Yahoo group.

Further Resources
Etsypatrons.etsy.com
EtsyPatrons.blogspot.com
Etsy Patron's Teams Page

For more shopping ideas, our Featured Buyers series is quite impressive! Do some digging, my friend!