Etsy finds: Local favourites

Unless you’ve banned yourself from online shopping, you’ll know that Etsy is THE online marketplace where the creatives of the world showcase their talents and flog their wares. We’re kicking off our new Etsy feature with a round-up of our favourite local shops. Of the thousands of Aussie Etsy stores, these are the ones that have caught our attention — and made a bit of a dent in our bank accounts.

Melbourne-based Tali is one of the most talented illustrators on Etsy — and, yes, we know that’s a huge call. Her shop is brimming with gorgeous quirky cards, calendars and pictures, all printed on high-quality art paper. Can’t decide what to get? Start with this out-of-the-box love card that’s sure to put a smile on your partner’s face.

SheKnows: What makes your shop unique?

Tali: My shop is full of illustrated goodies of cute and quirky characters, which are inspired by stories. Right from the beginning, I knew I wanted to create high quality products. I spent a lot of time sourcing the finest paper stocks and researching the best archival printing methods. I print and package everything in-house, and even cut, score and fold my greeting cards by hand. You can’t get more personal than that!

SK: What inspires you?

Tali: I’ve been doodling in the margins of my books for as long as I can remember. This obsession with drawing led to illustration, design and animation. I’m inspired by old Russian animation, nerdy podcasts, music, the internet and human beings.

If you’re looking to add a little Harajuku flavour to your next party, you can’t look past Catang. Owned by the very arty Catherine, this store stocks all types of pretty things, including handmade pouches, party supplies and cases. While there’s a huge range of items on offer, the kitschy Japanese influence and attention to detail stays the same. Our pick? This pack of vintage floral straws.

SheKnows: Why did you start an Etsy store?

Catherine: I was originally looking for some fancy straws for my wedding but couldn’t find the colours or styles I wanted in Australia. I realised there was a need for a store that had pretty party goodies in the one place, so I decided to try Etsy.

SK: What makes your shop unique?

Catherine: I offer the most amazing coloured straws to suit all party occasions. I choose patterns and colours that haven’t been featured before, so that ensures you will be the first to use and love them. I’ve added printed party bags to the store recently, providing even more choice when it comes to party time!

Let’s face it: A lot of stores on Etsy flog things that we don’t really need but desperately want. Melissa Tan’s shop is not one of those. She sells genuinely useful things, like travel document wallets, purses, passport holders and iPhone cases, but that’s not even her main selling point. All of her products — like this fabulous iPad case — are handmade using vintage and recycled materials. Can anyone say one-of-a-kind?

SheKnows: What makes your shop unique?

Melissa: I’m proud to say that all the products are my own designs and handmade in Australia. I try to use mainly vintage and recycled fabrics in all of my designs, meaning that most of my pieces are one of a kind. By reusing materials, each design has a story embedded in it.

SK: What inspires you?

Melissa: I am inspired by the idea of being more innovative with my materials. I believe innovation can be the solution to over-consumption. I love the challenge of taking something that might seem useless or wasteful and then turning it into something beautiful. Fabric off-cuts can be turned into fashionable, useful products with the right design.

This shop takes our obsession with stationery to a whole new level. Think of it as a virtual version of Officeworks, only one that is much cooler and can be explored with a side of tea. As the store name suggests, the uber-talented Sasha creates and sells tons of labels, tags and stickers. Whether you’re looking for stickers for the office or a customised label to sew on to your kid’s uniform, this store has it all.

SheKnows: What makes your shop unique?

Sasha: As far as I know, we are the only Etsy shop in Australia printing quality fabric labels on 100 per cent cotton. We aim to provide total branding packages for small and micro-businesses: stickers, swing tags, sew-in labels and more. We understand how important it is to have a recognisable brand and love achieving this for customers, even if they are on a small budget!

SK: What are the most popular items in your store?

Sasha: The most popular ones are our printed fabric sew-in labels, by far. We have done some custom orders for weddings, and I love to print labels to be sewn into bridesmaid gifts (such as clutches and scarves). I have also done some great wedding cards lately and am thinking of introducing a regular line for the shop.

Juliet could not have come up with a better name for her Etsy store. Everything this Melburnian sells is, in a word, “pirdy”. This store is filled with a range of treasures, including modern and vintage-inspired homewares, graphic jewellery and decorative objects. Case in point: this hand-cut resin vase. It’s creative, it’s bold and it’s bound to spark a conversation.

SheKnows: What sets your shop apart?

Juliet: My Etsy store is a world of colour and fun. As a designer, creating products for my own home or for someone else’s is always a pleasure. I make my own pigments and moulds, so my customers know they are getting unique, one-off items.

SK: What inspires you to create?

Juliet: It’s always colour, shapes and a touch of nostalgia. At the moment, my new geometric necklaces are really popular. They are fresh and fun and I have them in over 50 colours.

Why go to chain stores when you can buy customised clothes for your children? Jacquie from Lil Birdie spends her days coming up with quirky, detailed designs and turning them into beautiful clothes and accessories. Everything is handmade with the utmost care. If you’ve got a little man to shop for, style him up with this elephant-themed tank. He’ll be the coolest kid at playgroup.

SheKnows: What inspires you?

Jacquie: Colours! Sometimes it’s peach and sometimes yellow, navy or red. Once I have the colours in mind, I get “itchy fingers” and need to pick up a pencil and scissors! I feel great when I am creating. The whole process of designing, creating and ultimately selling is a source of inspiration in itself.

SK: What are your favourite items in the store?

Jacquie: Lucky The Rainbow Elephant is my all-time favourite design and a bestseller. I also love to create personalised designs with a child’s name on it. I really feel a connection with the product when I know who is going to receive it.

More Etsy finds

Etsy finds: Stylish gifts for Mum
Etsy finds: Edible delights
Etsy finds: Personalised stationery

Photo Credits: Milk and Cookies, Catang, Melissa Tan, Tags and Labels, Pirdy,  Lil Birdie