"Sew" Cute!

This pincushion from Squirrel Momma is so cute that I don't think I could bring myself to stick a pin in it! I found this shop through the "Shop Local" feature. Have you looked around your hometown yet?

Pretty as a Picture

I first stumbled upon the print called "i carry your heart" and instantly thought it looked like my little girl! After a few minutes of browsing Calobee Doodles I found a doodle that looked like my little man too! These prints are so precious and charming that they just make you smile.

Under the Sea

It's so difficult to find cute things for boys! There are the usual planes, trains, and automobiles, but now and then I am looking for something different. I love this submarine shirt from brittainroad! There is a great selection of designs in this shop, and custom sizes available!

It's Time

I don't think I've ever enjoyed browsing a shop as much as IMOTIME. I could not believe the things that this man makes into clocks! I've just shown a small sample. I couldn't pick just one. He's definitely got an eye for unique designs!

A Wallet in My Pocket

I love the very rare occasions when I can run up to the store without a huge diaper bag weighing down one shoulder. This small wallet by BeadedSocks, is perfect for those outings. It will hold credit cards, cash, and business cards. It can also fit in your pocket. Obviously this is made by another stay-at-home mom who understands the joy of traveling light!

Ohhh...Daddy!

These little cuties are cupcakes in a jar...a brilliant patent pending idea from Fat Daddy Bake Shop! This fully licensed bakery is a hit on Etsy and located in Chicago. The thought of sitting on my couch and having cupcakes delivered to my door is so exciting! Wouldn't these make fantastic wedding or shower favors too? If you are willing to share...

This One Goes Out To The One I Love...

This fun button from buttonempire says it all for me. I am lucky enough to have married a computer geek who helps me with my website and all other things techie. They also sell a button that says, "I'd rather by smooching my crafty wife."

Clearly Beautiful

Look at the beautiful detail in this resin bracelet found in the shop sisicata! All jewelry in this shop created by Polish designer Sylwia Calus. Her jewelry is sold in galleries and shops around Europe, and lucky for us, it is available on Etsy!

Curfew by Candlelight

Do you even know what this is? I didn't at first, but I thought it looked cool. This is a reproduction Colonial courting candle by rjablacksmith! That doesn't help you any does it? Apparently it was used way back in the day to track time. When the candle burnt down to the rim, it was time for the boyfriend to leave. I always thought the dads just brought out the shotgun for that!

What's Up Your Sleeve?

I couldn't think of a title more appropriate than the name of this shop! Whatsupyoursleeve is a new Etsy member selling fabric coffee cup sleeves. I am not currently a coffee drinker, but after being up all night with a baby with the flu, I might be converted soon. Regardless, I can think of a ton of coffee lovers to give this to as a gift!

In Stitches

This hedgehog finger puppet is just waiting to put on a show for your kids or you! The precious little guy is handstitched and available in the cherylasmith shop, along with some of its friends. They are so cute you will want a handful! (Get it...handful.)

Let's Party!

Looking at this adorable party hat by Etsy seller notesink, I feel really bad about sticking that plain party store hat on my son's head a few weeks ago. This hat would have ended up in the memory box for years to come. It is even lined on the inside! Well, there's always next year...

Mama Needs a Brand New Bag!

I love everything about the design of this shoulder bag from Etsymom Ardra. The fabric is beautiful and the gray wool accent at the top makes this the perfect bag to transition from winter to spring. The shape of the bag actually reminds me of a guitar! I would surely be a rock star toting this around!

On the Road Again...

Road trips with little kids are not for the faint of heart. Make things a little bit easier on yourself by filling up this portable toy box before hitting the road. Its smart design makes it easy to attach to the seat with a seatbelt, and easy to tote around when you finally reach your destination. Visit the shop MadBags to designs your custom toy box from a selection of fabulous fabrics.

Cookin' Up Something Cute

This apron is so cute that it may even inspire me to cook! The pattern is available at Montessori By Hand. I would look like one hot mama cooking Macaroni and Cheese in this! Now if only I could sew...

Buckle Up

This amazing belt buckle is made from old license plates! Vroom vroom! I love it when artists reuse materials in creative ways. Get yours at RANDITAN.

Such a "Softie"!

This adorable plush little man is entitled, "Teddy, My Boyfriend." Who wouldn't love a man who brings you flowers and love notes? I bet he likes to cuddle too! If you would like him to be your boyfriend, you can find him living in JooSweetie's shop.

Local Finds

Etsy has a fabulous "Shop Local" option where you can see some of the latest listings from artists and crafters in your own neighborhood! I decided to explore Grand Rapids, Michigan and stumbled upon Sarah Lynn Designs. Her necklaces are unique, stunning, and reversible! It takes her 3-7 hours to create just one neckace and then 3 days per side to cure. That's a lot of work, but it is definitely worth every minute when you see the final result.

Would you like me to search your neigborhood? Post a comment and I will start window shopping!

Up, Up, and Away!

I decided to support the handcrafted movement this past year by giving handmade Christmas gifts. Now, I am realistic enough to know where my crafting skills are not up to par, and when to call in some help. For my nieces, I made my festive tulle princess crowns. For my nephews, I enlisted the help of the Etsy crafter Holly at Superflykidz. She made fantastic superhero capes that sent my nephews flying around the Christmas party with big smiles. Best of all, she was delightful to work with and went above and beyond when the "Bermuda Triangle" at the post office threatened to put a damper on the Christmas surprise. My son just started walkings, but as soon as he is big enough to fly, I will be returning for a few more!

It's a Big World Out There

There are 112,000 artist/crafters on Etsy, all selling amazing handcrafted items. That makes my head hurt a little bit. That means 224,000 hands crafting away for your enjoyment! (I'm a former engineer...notice the exceptional math skills.) In a world of mass produced, lead paint products, made way too many miles away, I am thankful for all of those hands. I am amazed every day by the creativity that goes into each item and wish that each one could get its own turn in the spotlight. Etsy is a big and overwhelming place at times. In an effort to make it a little more manageable and cozy, I hope to show you some of my hand picked favorite finds. (I always wanted to be a personal shopper!) So sit back on your couch in your comfy pants, and enjoy the Itsy Bitsy Etsy.