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Etsy - Your Complete Guide to Buying & Selling Handcrafted Gifts

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic (by 65 people)   Your rating: 1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic

Ranked #1516 in Shopping, #17079 overall

Rated G. (Control what you see)

Come in and join the Etsy fun!

 

The aim of this interactive lens is to show you what Etsy is all about. From what you can buy there to how to use Etsy and if you are a Seller I have explored top tips for listing and selling. I really want this site to be a haven for wannabe Etsy users and Etsy shops... So lets explore the world of Etsy together.

So I am going to start with a little bit about me... I started my first Etsy store in May 2007 and have found Etsy to be a really great forum to not only buy and sell, but to meet other like minded people too. There is always such a variety of gift ideas and new crafts to explore... I really do recommend a visit www.etsy.com

So what do I sell on Etsy... I have started by creating some items that inspire me either from a craft base or a texture, so products will vary over the next few months. I hope in time that I will explore 4 main catagories of product; jewellery, accessories, rag dolls and my own textile artwork.

The link to my store is www.sarastexturecrafts.etsy.com

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If you wish to join Squidoo, here is my referal address Saras_Texture_Crafts

 

Some of My Current Etsy, DaWanda and eBay Stock 

The direct link to my Etsy store is in the introduction above.

The links to all of my stores, my website and my blog are below this section.

3-d flower earrings - eve cover by Sara's Texture Crafts

3-d flower earrings...

contessa cover by Sara's Texture Crafts

contessa cover

flower bud earrings2 by Sara's Texture Crafts

flower bud earrings2

maiko ring closeup by Sara's Texture Crafts

maiko ring closeup

LAV HEARTS - OCC SEQUINS COVER by Sara's Texture Crafts

LAV HEARTS - OCC SEQ...

blossom cover by Sara's Texture Crafts

blossom cover

obi zen clutch by Sara's Texture Crafts

obi zen clutch

star felt ball earrings5 by Sara's Texture Crafts

star felt ball earri...

scallop bag - eve lace cover by Sara's Texture Crafts

scallop bag - eve la...

queen of hearts cover by Sara's Texture Crafts

queen of hearts cove...

countess cover by Sara's Texture Crafts

countess cover

maiko earrings cover by Sara's Texture Crafts

maiko earrings cover

LAV HEARTS - DAY COVER by Sara's Texture Crafts

LAV HEARTS - DAY COV...

harajuku girls cover by Sara's Texture Crafts

harajuku girls cover

butterfly topriary necklaces - occ cover by Sara's Texture Crafts

butterfly topriary n...

LAV HEARTS - EVE BROOCH by Sara's Texture Crafts

LAV HEARTS - EVE BRO...

sequin ring - occ by Sara's Texture Crafts

sequin ring - occ

felt scene brooch1 by Sara's Texture Crafts

felt scene brooch1

geisha cover by Sara's Texture Crafts

geisha cover

Obi zen closeup1 by Sara's Texture Crafts

Obi zen closeup1

jewel bud hairband 2 by Sara's Texture Crafts

jewel bud hairband 2

scallop pouch - eve balls cover by Sara's Texture Crafts

scallop pouch - eve...

thread texture earrings3 by Sara's Texture Crafts

thread texture earri...

pretty corsage cover by Sara's Texture Crafts

pretty corsage cover

LAV HEARTS - EVE BALL COVER by Sara's Texture Crafts

LAV HEARTS - EVE BAL...

felt scene brooch by Sara's Texture Crafts

felt scene brooch

felt twist earrings set by Sara's Texture Crafts

felt twist earrings...

temples gate cover by Sara's Texture Crafts

temples gate cover

lotus flower cover by Sara's Texture Crafts

lotus flower cover

of the earth cover by Sara's Texture Crafts

of the earth cover

LAV HEARTS - EVE FLOWER COVER by Sara's Texture Crafts

LAV HEARTS - EVE FLO...

felt scene earrings3 by Sara's Texture Crafts

felt scene earrings3

harelquinn earrings by Sara's Texture Crafts

harelquinn earrings

disc brooch - day cover by Sara's Texture Crafts

disc brooch - day co...

queenie cover by Sara's Texture Crafts

queenie cover

felt ball earrings - occ bud cover by Sara's Texture Crafts

felt ball earrings -...

3-d flower neckalce - eve cover by Sara's Texture Crafts

3-d flower neckalce...

bud hairband by Sara's Texture Crafts

bud hairband

flower bud ring by Sara's Texture Crafts

flower bud ring

ball ring - eve by Sara's Texture Crafts

ball ring - eve

obi disks closeup1 by Sara's Texture Crafts

obi disks closeup1

decadence closeup by Sara's Texture Crafts

decadence closeup

bloom cover by Sara's Texture Crafts

bloom cover

antique princess full by Sara's Texture Crafts

antique princess ful...

ancient bridge closeup by Sara's Texture Crafts

ancient bridge close...

LAV HEARTS - OCC BROOCH COVER by Sara's Texture Crafts

LAV HEARTS - OCC BRO...

garland cover by Sara's Texture Crafts

garland cover

antique lace earrings cover by Sara's Texture Crafts

antique lace earring...

felt scene earrings1 by Sara's Texture Crafts

felt scene earrings1

zen cover by Sara's Texture Crafts

zen cover

Here's where to find Sara's Texture Crafts 

This is where to find me on the web... Just click and you are off on your own crafty journey!
Sara's Texture Crafts - Esty Store
I sell hand crafted gifts, from jewellery and accessories to rag dolls and textile artwork.
Sara's Texture Craft Website
This site is dedicated to those who are inspired by creating texture through textiles. On this site you can explore the products I stock in my eBay and Etsy shops find new ideas in my gallery and find out what is coming next for Sara's Texture Crafts.
Sara's Texture Crafts - eBay Store
I sell craft kits and equipment for beginners and those more advanced.
Sara's Texture Crafts - DaWanda Store
I sell handmade and crafted gifts inspired by textiles and texture.
My blog - Crafts of Texture
The aim of this blog is to discuss and explore crafts for texture; from my business and it's products to my creative projects and artworks. There is also room for other craft discussion and I would very much like this blog to hold some point of inspirational reference to the reader, by providing tips and guides.
Sara's Texture Crafts - MySpace page
Come find me on myspace and join my friends for crafty fun.

So What is Etsy.com? 

Etsy is a US based site, specialising in unique (not mass produced) handcrafted product. It is very easy to use, as it is very visual in it's set-up. This allows the customer to go on their own personal journey of buying pleasure. This is quite unique for an on-line retail site, as often sites prefer to guide their user. The site also offers secure on-line shopping and payments. Most sellers take a variation of payments, from cash and cheque to Paypal.

Etsy's trade mark is 'Your place to buy and sell all things handmade' and sellers truely embrase this. You find can almost anything you ever imagined from unique, hand crafted jewellery using semi-precious stones to hand printed clothing. Or if you are looking for something completely different there are hand painted ceramics and quirky hand-sewn dolls. This site is perfect for buying gifts for friends and family, or even that little 'pay-day' purchase!

There are several ways to find your gift ideas on Etsy...

1 - By catagory.
2 - By Seller.
3 - Keywords. Type in a single word, for example jewelry (American site, american spelling) and Etsy will show you everything with that word in the title or description.
4 - Colour. Etsy will show you products avaliable by colour, which is great if you are looking to accessorize a special outfit, or add to a newly decorated room.
5 - Treasury. This is where Etsy Sellers provide their favourite Etsy items for your pleasure.
6 - Geolocator. You can pick which country and town you wish to buy from on the map, which is a nice way to look at items for sale.
7 - Time Machine. There are 2 ways to see recent lisings and if you are addicted to Etsy then this is an easy way to see what you missed from when you were last logged in!
8 - Featured Seller interviews and showcases.

Official Etsy bits 

Etsy :: Your place to buy and sell all things handmade
Home page
Etsy :: FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions and general help.
Etsy :: Forums :: Help
Official Help Forum.
Etsy :: Dos and Don'ts
Dos and don'ts on Etsy
Etsy :: Terms of Use
Terms of use for Etsy
Main Page - EtsyWiki
The purpose of this site is for the members of Etsy to share their knowledge.
Team Etsy
One of Etsy's many support systems
Etsy Garden
Official Etsy Blog
Etsy :: Forums
Official Etsy Forum

Paypal? What is Paypal? 

I have always found Paypal easy to use as both a seller and a customer of on-line stores. As a payment system it's popularity is growing day by day and is widely used on both larger forums, such as Boots, eBay, Etsy and DaWanda to smaller business websites. I would recommend Paypal as a quick and reliable banking system.

Paypal describe their service as (direct quote)

Founded in 1998, PayPal enables any business or consumer with an email address to securely, conveniently and cost-effectively send and receive payments online. Our network builds on the existing financial infrastructure of bank accounts and credit cards to create a global, real-time payment solution.

PayPal has quickly become the leading payment network for online auction websites, including eBay. With over 100 million account members worldwide PayPal is also being increasingly used at other e-commerce sites. Users can send payments for free via their PCs or web-enabled mobile phones.

The link to Paypal is www.Paypal.com

Top 10 reasons for using Etsy! 

Here are some great reasons to use Etsy from current users.

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Add and vote for your top 10 reasons to use Etsy.

Showcase your work

Etsy is a great forum for showcasing your work.8 points

Cool ways to shop

Etsy is full of cool Flash ways to browse that are more...6 points

Support Artists!

Vote with your dollar to support independent craft more...6 points

It's like an on-line craft fair!

5 points

Friends!

A great way to meet like minded people5 points

Worldwide!

I can buy and sell worldwide4 points

Safe shopping

Etsy has great on-line security.4 points

Personal connections to the artists!

Get to know the story behind your item and a bit a more...3 points

Many Talented Artisans & Crafters

Aside from the differences of the arts and crafts more...3 points

A great place to find original pieces that only you will have!

I love this site - currently have about 5 items in more...2 points

Top Tips for Etsy Customers 

Here are some top tips for Etsy Customers, provided by current Etsy users.

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Please add and vote for your top 10 Etsy tips. I want to provide useful tips for new and existing Etsy Customers.

Tags

Always tags to your item when you are selling. The more...5 points

Add a seller or item to your Favourites

For easy links back the next time you log on.5 points

Visit Often

Items are uploaded all day long, so an individual more...4 points

Search with a keyword

Using one word in the search bar will target lots more...3 points

View a Seller's other products

Some sellers reduce postage if you buy more than o more...3 points

Have a question? Visit the forum.

Etsy have an easy to use forum where you can meet more...3 points

Feedback

Always be fair in feedback comments, as this ratin more...3 points

View the Seller's profile

Your chance to get to know the seller before you b more...2 points

Ask Questions

Etsy sellers are very helpful and are always happy more...2 points

Visit an Etsy Blog

Find out more about Etsy and what's happening and more...1 point

Currency Conversion??

There are pleanty of online currency calculators t more...1 point

Combine Purchase

Often combining purchases means a reduced postage more...1 point

Newsletters and Mailing Lists

If you like waht you see join a newsletter or mail more...0 points

Websites

Check out a shop's website if they have one. This more...0 points

Finishing times

Always check how long an item is listed for, just more...0 points

1 more link: See all

What do you buy on Etsy? 

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Top Tips for Etsy Sellers 

Here are some top tips for Etsy Sellers, provided by current Etsy Sellers.

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Please add and vote for your top 10 Etsy tips. I want to provide useful tips for new and existing Etsy Sellers.

post a new item or two everyday

Spread them out throughout the day don't post them more...8 points

Alternative advertising sites

advertise on bluejay.com, craigslist, or other sit more...7 points

Photos

Pictures are the only way buyers can see your piec more...5 points

Get some free advertising!

Click on the Target Craft ads at the bottom of the more...4 points

Detailed Item Descriptions

Be as clear and concise about what you are selling more...4 points

Terms of Sale and Refund Policies

If you have them, state them clearly. This gives t more...4 points

Keep some business cards on you at all times!

It doesn't matter where you are, if you have them more...3 points

Free website

Try Fuseiveweb - see my other lenses. They offer e more...3 points

post in the etsy forum constantly

...keep your name in there!2 points

Email friends and family

send an email out to friends and family about your more...2 points

Ask other etsy members for advice

2 points

Join Forums

A great way to get noticed and build contacts.2 points

Wear or use what you sell

Free promotion and generates interest, especially more...2 points

Etsy Labs - check it out!

Get advice and ideas, meet fellow artists, join th more...1 point

Photos of item worn / in use

1 point

Give Sizes

And not just in your local units! Use both English more...1 point

Write a blog!

This is an easy alternative to a full website and more...1 point

show one of your products in your avatar picture

CherryBlossomsDesigns is of her baby with one of h more...0 points

make a myspace page advertising your etsy site.

0 points

buy some cheap business cards

(vistaprint.com is great for that!)0 points

Some of my recent blog posts 

Please pop across to Crafts of Texture to take a closer look...

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RSS feed for Etsy Profiles Blog 

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Etsy Stores 

Here are some great stores on Etsy... for more please visit my Etsy Profiles blog above. Remember to bookmark this page before you go!
absolutelysmall.etsy.com
I create paintings, original plush, and more...
adornyou.etsy.com
Jewelry and supplies
antelucandaisy.etsy.com
fun, unique, and something a little different. Jewelry and Accessories for the modern girl.
aromafields.etsy.com
Scented soy candles: jar candles, wickless candles, tarts, novelty
bizzymomz.etsy.com
Handcrafted primitives! Make-do's, Woodcrafts, Fabric Crafts, & More!
cripplecreek.etsy.com
Reclaimed and Recycled jewellery and accessories.
dogwoodlane.etsy.com
Super Organized Wallets, Cute Zippered Pouches, Handbags, and Fabric Brooches
dragonwhimsy.etsy.com
Here you can find tiny house dragons available for adoption. House dragons are seldom more than two inches tall, easy to take care of, and far less intimidating than their giant village-burning cousins. They come in many different colors and have their own different personalities.
dreamwoven.etsy.com
An array of textural delights. Art for your Head hats, Attitude Hats, Inca Hats, wearable art for your body!
dulcebella.etsy.com
Jewellery, charms and accessories.
liskidder.etsy.com
Handmade kiln-fused jewelry and cabochons.
makingthings.etsy.com
Jewelry, patches, bags and clothing from recycled materials.
mrsdragon.etsy.com
Dimensional flower cards and original drawings of dragonlings.
mvegan5.etsy.com
Cards and Jewelry by Michele
MyGemstoneBox.etsy.com
MyGemStoneBox:Simple yet elegant jewlery as wearable art!
ornametal.etsy.com
One of a kind, unique jewellery.
plenox.etsy.com
I sell hand knit fashion accessories, including scarves, scarflettes, headbands, and barrettes.
purseonalitybags.etsy.com
Unique, handmade bags.
SarasTextureCrafts.etsy.com
Unique jewellery, accessories, rag dolls and textile art inspired by texture.
sherrytruitt.etsy.com
Anything but conventional jewelry
simonewalsh.etsy.com
Unique handmade jewelry by Simone Walsh
sssmommy.etsy.com
Eclectic and colourful paintings and jewellery
thepaperelephant.etsy.com
Greeting cards, monogrammed note cards, & paper/wedding favors
TheSapphireMoon.etsy.com
beaded cell phone/mp3 player charms, flower head wreaths, and hemp jewelry
wbeckertstudio.etsy.com
http://wbeckertstudio.etsy.com
Fine art, photography and graphics.
woodmosaics.etsy.com
Old Fashioned Thick Wood Inlay of different woods

A List of Blogs Related to Etsy & Etsy Sellers 

Here are some great blog sites dedicated to Etsy and Etsy Sellers... Please press a link to take a look and remeber to bookmark this page before you go!
Absolutely Small
The story of an Artist and easily side-tracked person.
Accezozorize
I'll be posting handmade accessories here, rings, bracelets, earrings, etc made by me. Also I plan to feature other crafters that I find over the inte...
Ambrosia Delights Handmade Jewelry & Gifts
A highly imaginative place where you can find yummy recipes, Etsy crafters and artists, and more.
Artsy Feature
Promoting Etsy Sellers, shops and street teams.
Blockpartypress
I would like to use this blog to explore where artists get their inspiration. I know I can find inspiration in the smallest things, and I would love t...
Crafts of Texture
Sara's Texture Crafts explores crafts and texture, giving tips and guides to fellow crafters. Features also include other artisits, exhibitions and general art chat.
Etsy Find
I started this blog so that I could feature many of my favorite handmade, vintage, and supply finds from Etsy.
Etsy Glass Artists Blog
A handmade glass artists collective and Etsy.com street team.
Etsy Profiles
I love reading Etsy Profiles... it's my way of getting closer to the creators/designers/DIYers. Here at 'Etsy Profiles' I want to show you some of those profiles and work them into an unofficial shopping guide. Enjoy, Sara x
Etsy Sellers Who Blog V2
Home of the Etsy Sellers Who Blog web ring.
Impybat~Groovy Vinyl: An Eclectic Mix Of Jewelry And Art
My aim is to showcase both my and other crafter's work, spread the word about Impybat and Groovy Vinyl on Etsy, and network with other indie designers...
Mrs Dragonswares Blog
Updated (nearly) daily with cards, cats, and random bits and bytes of life. Every Sunday, the spotlight is on another Etsy seller I adore.
Mwendas
Mwendas
Evolving and finding new things everyday in Asia..............
Purseonality Bags
Welcome to Purseonality Bags Blog - Glad you came to visit! I create One of A Kind (OOAK) purses and totes. I have a store on Etsy.com.
Simone Walsh
handmade jewelry, indie design, art, craft and more

On-line Craft Forums 

Great craft question and answer chat rooms

Here are some on-line forums, which are great for crafty chat and building contacts.
Indiepublic
Indiepublic is an independent art and design community. If you are an artist, designer, retailer, blogger, or just someone who gets giddy when they buy indie, we have saved a seat for you!
The Switchboards :: Index
Lots of Etsy users on here and I am told a great advertising tool.
We Love Etsy
A network of people who love Etsy.com

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Great Stuff on eBay from Sara's Texture Crafts 

Just click and go straight to the ebay item in my store!

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Great Stuff on CafePress by Sara's Texture Crafts 

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Amazon Craft Books 

A great add to your library.

Looking for something new to add to your craft book library? Here are some of my favourites, why not add yours? Let's create a top 25.

Click on an item to buy it from Amazon