Etsy is like eBay for artists: a highly interactive, visually appealing online market. Artisans, "vintage" collectors, designers, stay-at-home moms — all kinds of buyers (and sellers) frequent the site. Etsy's a great place to buy one-of-a-kind items and gifts for those "hard-to-shop-fors."
Shoppers can place requests on the "Alchemy" list, or search for items by color, materials used, location and recently listed. Etsy was developed in New York, and the team that runs it keeps it up to date and highlights various vendors, making sellers accessible as soon as you get to the homepage. It has a DIY heart and a entrepreneurial spirit.
Check out a few pieces from my favorite local artists after the break:
