Knits from Binky-Bird

Knits from Binky-Bird

I was preparing to put together some of the newest creations at Etsy for you, highlighting some of the ones I find particularly inspiring that relate to steampunk and Victorian inspired pieces, when something hit me. You know, here in the States we’re teetering on the edge of financial ruin. I know we’re feeling it here, where we’re now down to one income–granted of our own choice, but still, it’s not easy.

The holidays are right around the corner. And most of us go like lemmings toward the mega-malls, Walmarts, Targets, etc., to purchase convenient gifts that commercials tell us to get. The holidays have become very packaged, very usual, and extremely commercial (yes, yes, I know you’ve heard this a thousand times). But what I’m asking is that you consider something different this year. Think about the thousands of artists out there who are going to be feeling this money crunch, and who are going to be needing the help certainly on a much larger level than someone like Target. Many Etsy artisans are moms, dads, grandmothers, artists, college students, people trying to brighten the world a little with their work and, hopefully in the process, make their lives a little more comfortable.

It’s about taking care of our own. If you love art, if you appreciate it in any way, you ought to support it. And sure, most of us can’t spend 2.2 million on pricessless art, but you can afford something from an Etsy artist that will, I promise, be both unique and worthwhile.

And it’s not to mention thrifty! Because the artists at Etsy aren’t going through galleries, you’ll be amazed at the prices. You can get incredibly high quality prints at bargain prices.

Over the last year or so I’ve sent a lot of clicks to Etsy–and I want to send more! To get you started, here’s a few artists that I’ve met through the great Internet that might tickle your fancy.

Noadi – Whether it’s her signature pseudopod, or her whimsical gargoyles, Sheryl Wesleigh’s art definitely speaks for its own. She can do amazing things with polymer clay! Personally I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t love a cuddlefish necklace, but that’s just me.

Pink Water Fairy – For those of you who want steampunk jewelery with a feminine touch, this Reading, UK artist is a great bet. These little clockwork designs often imitate the shape and form of flowers with gear and wire–really, really gorgeous stuff. She does traditional work, as well as steampunk and custom.

Binky-Bird Handmade Frivolties – Jennie is a commenter here (as well as Pink!) and I adore her hand-knit creations. I’m a knitter myself, and I really admire her work. The wrist warmers are particularly lovely. And what’s even better is that she’s donating 10% of her sales in November and December to Feeding America. And considering that some of her listings start for as little as $5.00 well, what have you to lose?

Brigid Ashwood – I can’t express just how much I adore Brigid’s work. Words fail. Her portraits, fairies, clockwork bees. You can also purchase prints of her work through her website. I’m particularly enamored of her most recent work, La Fee Verte, the absinthe fairy.

There are thousands of artists out there, and Etsy’s a great place to start. Consider shifting gears (bad pun, I know) this year and going for something unusual for the holidays, and support these incredible artists!

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