Riding the burgeoning DIY movement (see Ready Made, Make, and even this article by Freakanomics authors Stephen J. Dubner and Steven D. Levitt) that is transforming commerce as more and more folks are balking at the overwhelming homogeneity of consumer goods in the global economy, Etsy seeks to connect consumers with craftspeople and entrepreneurs for whom the acts of creating and selling are about more than a simple capitalist exchange. Organized into categories ranging from accessories to "geekery" and woodworking (with a total of 30 product categories listed), the site offers a dizzying array of objects, products, apparel and miscellany. With over 40,000 makers and 200,000 plus registered users, Etsy seems to have struck a nerve with its low prices (there's no bidding on the site) and diverse offerings. To help support the movement behind the site's success, they've even created Etsy Labs, a space in Brooklyn that not only houses the site's offices, but provides resources including a silk-screen press, letterpress and metalworking tools for makers in the area. For those far from the company's NYC base, there's always the Workshop section on the Etsy blog where "Etsians" share tips and advice on how to make and create the objects they sell through the site.
Here are some shots of some site highlights:
Inklude Screenprinted Throw Pillow made from a "reclaimed bed sheet" - $14.95
Superlu Societe Trucker Cap - $49.00
Experimental's Big Beachstone Caster Necklace - $48.00
