Felted Earth Ball by Cozycottagecreations. As someone who absolutely despises shopping, and will avoid department stores, malls and shops with their m

I shall (try to) resist getting up on my podium at this point, and espousing all the reasons why Etsy is such a Bloody Brilliant Thing. I imagine most people reading this have some, (probably lots actually), experience of Etsy and know what it's all about, (check out The Handmade's Tale if you want to learn more). 


Instead, I will do a show-and-tell of some gorgeous things I have discovered on Etsy of late, that I think embody the spirit of the season. That's another thing I find appealing - the creative souls who produce the art and goods for sale on Etsy, make things that are not only unique and one-of-a-kind, but also, like many artisans from earlier epochs, reflect upon and are inspired by the shifts within nature, the seasons, stories, and cultural mythologies. The creations that come to me, the buyer and appreciator, are so personalised. I find the Buddhist concept of everything coming to us through 'the kindness of others' makes sense within this system. There is a sense of value and beauty, of time taken, of care and pride.


 The 'consumer' (can anyone suggest a better word?) can buy an item that is unmitigated and unfiltered by mass marketing machines and corporations, which in this neo-liberal era, seem to blandify, (it's a word. I said so and I'm a 'Book Doctor', so there), and homogenise 'products'. And they are often produced by slave-labour in sweatshop conditions anyway. 


Sorry, got up on that podium after all...


Anyway, 'ere goes. Stuff wot I loike on Etsy, (and would buy some if I had any spending money)...please indulge me a moment, for I do love perrty things.






Japanese Blossom (Nani Iro fabric) by Norajane




Felted daisy, by cosycottagecreations.






Vintage rose earrings, by smilingsoul2




Spring asparagus letterhead card from Three Red Hens. It's asparagus. It's green. It's Spring.  




Zuni Bear Prayer Beads from CrystalCloister. Seeing as I really, really need to meditate...




My Secret Garden - crocheted purse, by Marianne S. The name is enough in itself. And the detail. J'adore.




In Love with Poppies Casserole Dish, by Alinahayes. A magic poppy pot.




Flamenco Necklace, by Lazygiraffe. For my future life as a Flamenco (and Tango) queen. I'm going to be an old Broad in Buenos Ares in years to come, thankyou very much.




Type B, organic cotton, by Lookforfiddleheads. Of sartorialness.




cereal or icecream bowls, by JD Wolfe. Actually, I would pile them high with strawberries, and scoff heartily. My porridge would be most content to be ensconced within them too.




Charmed Trinkets Wicked Stepmother Necklace, by Whimsicalwitch. (Inspired by Cinderella). For I am moste wycked.




Journey to Middle Earth Tea by Alchemille's Garden. A fine brew for a Hobbitty woman.




Sweet Orange Blossom whipped cream soap, by Spa Therapy. With neroli, and jasmine, and citrus. It's vegan too. I want to roll around in it like a shameless little piggy.




Another bag. I am an outrageous bag-lady. This one looks very roomy. Reckon I could fit the Bloke in there. Bring him out now and again in order for him to open rogue jam-jars. Reversible Hobo bag, (Poppies in Green, Zig-zag in Peach), by Retrofied.




Sassy, shorty custom bloomers/pantaloons, by honeybeehill. Because a girl needs Spring bloomers.




Boudoir Topper, by Boudoir Queen. For the same reason as above. But not to wear to the races with all the falling-down girls, who attend said races in very small clothes, proceed to drink too much falling-down water, contract hypothermia, and then...um, fall down outside Flinders St station. This is more of an everyday kind of hat methinks. It would encourage such capers as lying upon a chaise longue, (avec martini), rather than falling over activities. Blousy, yet dignified and shrewd. Think Fingersmith.










*I do quite like shopping for food at markets, and book-shopping of, er, any kind whatsoever.