Etsy.com is a social commerce website that sells handmade or vintage items. It was started by a small company in 2005 and
has grown to over 60 employees bringing in over $13 mL a month in sales. It has ruffled the sales of eBay and other online companys. Some have called it a “crafty cross between eBay and Amazon.”It is a DIYs haven.
Now, don’t think cheezy, disposable, one-mans-trash-is-another-mans-treasure. Although there’s certainly some of that, Etsy is also the online presence for many worldwide designers and artists. The variety of handmade goods is incredible. I got a really cool wallet off Etsy that is animal-free, made of tape by Tape Bubba. Thousands of online boutiques, artisans, and creative goods are hosted at Etsy.com.
Parsimonious Fashion
Of particular interest is the Parsimony Store. The store name communicates the designer’s interest “cheapy-chic”, to sell things that are both cute and parsimonious, inexpensive. This store sells fashionable, hand-made dresses, sized-to-fit all at reasonable prices. I’ve seen designer boutiques carry many dresses of inferior quality and fashion for inordinately higher prices.
Now, I’m a little biased because my wife is the designer of these amazing dresses, but check them out for yourself. She’s got a 100% positive rating, ships all over the world, and a five-star/heart Etsy rating! In addition to dresses, she makes lots of creative jewelry and crafts.
More than a Craft
But Etsy is more than a store; it’s a community. NY Times reports on the rise of “Handmade 2.0” noting that “the path that has led to Etsy begins with a motto — do it yourself — that implies distaste for consumer culture.” If it’s distaste is consumer culture (not commerce), then what does it have a taste for?
Etsy is a crafting community, a collective of artistans that are both local and global. Etsy Meet-ups happen all over the world to bring people together around craft and art-making. This anti-consumerism, pro-community impulse is amazing to witness. Every month women from all over Austin pile into my home to participate in craft nights, enjoy good food and wine, and begin, continue, and deepen relationships. Though I don’t linger long (too much estrogen), it’s compelling, creative, and communal. In fact, if you live in Austin, you can meet up at the Etsy Craft Party Meet Up on June 18! See more info at: www.sosewsomething.com.
