Independent, Individual & Sustainable: Why I Love Shopping On Etsy #DiscoverEtsy
PAID PARTNERSHIP/ I’ve been shopping on Etsy for many years and it never disappoints. Whether I’m shopping for myself or searching for a special gift, I can always guarantee that I will find the perfect item. It’s full of independent sellers, artisan designers and creative ideas that you won’t necessarily find on the traditional High Street and it’s always exciting to see what’s new. It’s book marked on my desktop and at least once a week I can be found checking out the suggested pages, tailored to my previous searches so it’s easy to get lost down the rabbit hole and come out the other side with a full shopping basket.
Now, more than ever, it’s so important to support small business. Many of the sellers produce handmade products, one of a kind and made with love. This means that you’re not only making a purchase that is individual but you’re also enabling the seller to continue growing their brand. Sustainability is also key when we are thinking of what to add to basket. Many of the shops focus on upcycled, vintage and preloved items that perpetuate the recycling process and also provide juxtaposition in a home styling environment. It’s cool to mix it up and there’s plenty to choose from.
One of the great things about Etsy as a site is that there is a real community feel to the platform. The stores vary in size, but in general, these are independent sellers that you wouldn’t necessarily find elsewhere and rarely on the High Street. Often, the items are unique to the site which makes them extra special. My own style is eclectic – my decorating ethos is only to include items in my space that I really love and I enjoy nothing more than scouring the stores to find something beautiful to add to my home. It’s also the first port of call when looking for a personalised gift or a special present for friends and family.
But why shop with Etsy? First of all, there’s so many fabulous shops in which to search for the perfect item without even leaving your chair. And it’s super easy to navigate. There’s a clearly laid out menu at the top of the page, divided into categories that will help narrow down your choices. For example, if you are looking for something vintage, you can click the title and it will take you to a new page which divides vintage into jewellery, home, clothes or art and collectibles. Easy. Alternatively, if you know exactly what you are looking for, you can use the search box to look for both specified items or shop names.
Etsy also regularly showcases products and shops on the home page as inspiration which is really useful, particularly if you are searching for a gift. I also find the Favourites section super helpful. You can favourite both items and shops, then pop to your account tab to see the items you’ve picked out on one page, particularly helpful for Christmas lists or if you are looking to compare items.
My home is full of lovely buys from Etsy sellers, items that are individual and make my home stand out from the crowd. I’ve listed my favourites below and the reasons behind why I love them.
I discovered Sarah’s shop after a recommendation on Instagram. An illustrator, she produces the most beautiful drawings from photographs (she specialises in dogs with their owners). I commissioned a drawing of my sister in law, Natasha, for her 40th birthday and a gorgeous drawing of the wedding of my brother and sister in law, Sam and Laila, which you can still see on the website.
This lovely shop is owned by graphic designer Danielle who works with local crafters and manufacturers to curate a selection of beautiful products ranging from cushions, to wallpapers to notebooks. I use my GOALS notebook daily – it’s a dotted grid so perfect for both list writing and room planning.
Loopsie Loop was founded by Marian and Cat who produce cushions and seat pads made from merino wool. They were recommended to me by another sister in law (I have a few!) and one of their comfy seat pads is on my office chair. All of their lovely products are handmade and come in a plethora of striking colours.
I first heard of Bold & Noble when they sent me a selection of prints that they had produced in order to raise funds for the refugee crisis. Based in Hitchin, they design prints and, brilliantly, tea towels featuring famous faces which are quite frankly good enough to frame. Really bright, fun products cleverly curated.
Jane, the owner, used to design handbags for brands such as Ben De Lisi and Henry Holland until she decided to start up her own business. Recommended to me by an Instagram friend, she takes sumptuous vintage fabrics and updates the look with contemporary lettering to produce gorgeous clutch bags and purses. She’s soon to add to her range with gloves.
Zoe the owner is a whirlwind of creativity and her shop, MuckNBrass, is home to products ranging from upcycled furniture, prints and home accessories through to own designed fabrics, cushions and wallpapers. I met Zoe when she came on a social media workshop I was running and she’s been a friend ever since! I love her creativity and her no holds barred attitude to design.
I featured Emily on my Gift Guide blog a year ago as I was completely obsessed with her multi coloured Jesmonite coasters and place mats. Inspired by the 80’s, her range has expanded into side tables and lights, all of which are designed and made by Emily herself in her studio.
When I was looking for a light shade for my bedroom dressing room, Hannah the owner came up with the answer. Handmade in Margate, these glorious fringed shades are really special and come in a variety of beautiful colours. The shop has since expanded into home accessories and prints.
Steve’s graphic design studio is based in Manchester and I first found his shop when I was decorating my guest bedroom (his Booze, Bed & Breakfast print is always commented upon). Over the years, he’s expanded into limited edition prints, often focusing on music legends and popular song lyrics which are perfect gifts for music lovers.
I ADORE Margo. Not only is she a lovely person but she’s super talented - I first purchased one of her fabulous prints a few years ago and every time I post it on to my Instagram feed, it never fails to receive compliments. Margo has recently branched out into hand painted plates which I was delighted about as I have been building a plate wall in my kitchen. This weekend I visited my sisters house and discovered that she had not only purchased Margo’s prints and plates for herself, but had also bought one for my mum for her birthday! Sharing the love.
I was looking for salt and pepper pinch pots and after searching on ‘hand thrown ceramics’ this gorgeous pair appeared. I love the rough edges and natural tones and textures of the little bowls and they are perfect for my kitchen. This fabulous independent is full of beautiful pieces, each as individual as the other.
I’ve loved discovering these fabulous sellers, updating my home and choosing the perfect gift. By buying independently, you truly feel as though you are supporting a small business who has put their heart and soul into curating the perfect offering. That’s not only good for our economy, but also a sustainable and community focused way to purchase. I’m looking forward to adding more beautiful things to my home from Etsy in the future!