a thing of beauty

I give you Etsy, the quirky American-based online community dedicated to handmade and vintage goods of all varieties. It is part of a larger commercial movement in the United States away from a corporate-driven and monopolist shopping mall culture. The world will never be saved by buying things, but if it could, it would probably be found at Esty. To read an interesting article from The New York Times about the handmade phenomenon, click here.

A few lovely sellers

-Mystique Products: Specializing in all natural and organic body products. These Skeleton Soaps are weird and wonderful. -acajou: The homepage of this crafter says, "Featuring prints and handsome things that are beautifully constructed." What she really sells are cools bags like this Kite Shoulder tote. -kim westad: These ceramics thrown by Westad in Brooklyn are on the pricier side of Etsy, but they are unique modern pieces. I covet this sale-priced "Sweet Pea" pot in yellow. -workingclassheroes: With the tagline "You lose what you don't hold," this Austrian duo craft German gray felt covers to make your Macbook and Moleskine even cooler than they already are. I admit, I have already bought one of these. A Quiet Lark: The profusion of art for sale on Etsy can make it hard to separate the good from the bad, but this print would make a unique and affordable housewarming gift. -a