Kathreen is the editor of whipup.net, a website that is all about making. It is a web portal which features cool links to tutorials, makers, books, exhibitions and events, with occasional essay contributions from readers. Whipup's manifesto says it best. Here is an excerpt:

"Whip up is for experimentation, innovation, self expression and the sharing of information and ideas.

Whipup is about taking time out of your hectic schedule to make. To make something by hand. And by making something by hand instead of buying it, you achieve personal satisfaction, then by teaching yourself and others new skills you will enjoy life more fully."

This holiday season, we're continuing our Shop Local series. Buying handmade, locally produced or vintage gifts is a way to give back to your creative neighbors and shrink your carbon footprint.  Without further ado, here's Kathreen to kick off this 2008 edition!

I love the idea of Shopping Local - and while I love discovering new talented people from all over the world for whipup.net and have bought
things on Etsy from maker as far afield as Mexico, Canada and Switzerland, I am really keen on finding out what is available in my
own backyard. Yep, that's right — I am from Australia and there are tons of talented makers over here. So using the Etsy Shop Local tool I have found some amazing goodies.

Mizu is an Australian / Japanese printmaker who makes the most gorgeous woodblock prints, giclee prints and original drawings.


Original Tree of Life Woodblock Print, $15. Find more woodblock prints on Etsy.

Mingus is a designer from Melbourne, who makes these very cool bags from organic cloth. She even screenprints the fabric herself.


Origami Plane Organic Purse, $15. Find more screenprinted purses on Etsy.

Gitte is two sisters, Brigitte and Janine, from Melbourne, who crochet gorgeous colourful jewellery.


Dotti Crochet Polka Dot Pendant, $36. Find more crochet jewelry on Etsy.

Simone Walsh is a jewellery maker from Sydney, she makes exquisite pieces using techniques such as etching and casting in silver and gold.


Text Cuff Links, $58. Find more cufflinks.

Pamela Tang, another Australian designer, makes beautiful housewares as well as clothing. I particular love the simplicity of design with beautiful little details.

Girl's Linen Dress, $59. Find more linen items for children.

Australian designer, Lulu Carter, makes children's toys, beautifully hand sewn. I love this sausage dog with its adorable little quilted jacket.


Sausage Puppy, $74. Find dog-themed toys.

Onono is a Melbourne based business making soaps. These cold-pressed soaps are completely handmade using only natural ingredients.

Red Rice - Handmade Soaps, $6. Find more soaps.

Adelaide crafter Fede makes kid's toys, like these unique babies first hammer - fun and colourful.


First Hammer (Baby Rattle), $20. Find more baby rattles.

Pedrospout is a Brisbane based shop who makes cute-as-pie baby booties from ecospun felt, 100% recycled plastic bottles. As well as being eco friendly, they are beautifully made.


Leafy Baby Booties, $22. Find more eco baby booties on Etsy.

Further Resources:
whipup.net (my website)
purl bee - great resource
threadbanger - how-to videos
design*sponge - decor8 - poppytalk - great ideas
knitty - knitting patterns
craftzine - magazine for crafty folk
bloesem - handmade finds
Georgie Love - Aussie handmade goodies shopping blog
indie art and design site - for Australian designers
mix tape zine - making inspiration blog

Please let Etsy's blog know about your favorite local Etsy artists. Pitch your town, state, country or region and let us know which sellers will fill their holiday-shopper-neighbors with glee (we're talking catalog-quality photos, 100% feedback, and top-notch items at a variety of price points); include a screenshot of your Poster Sketched picks and a link to a pretty photo of yourself in your neighborhood. Tell us why you love where you live and why these sellers are distinctive. We can't wait to hear from you!

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

Join us in the Virtual Labs at 7pm EST on Thursday, November 13, 2008 for a virtual trunk show. We'll be going around the world — this Thursday we're picking highlights from North America. Please comment below if you'd like to host a Virtual Lab representing your local area!