poppytalk and etsy

well hello!

last post i mentioned lots of other sales going on in vancouver over the next month or two… so i thought i’d also mention a couple of interesting places to find things on line.  yes, shopping (or finding inspiration) without leaving your home.

here’s two biggies:

etsy – most of you have probably heard of or shopped from or heck, even have an account on etsy.  it’s a really REALLY good resource and communtiy for people who make things.  Etsy also has a completely fascinating blog (check out todays featured seller! a graphic designer who makes the most beautiful lollipops).  There are incredible tutorials, how-tos, ideas and advice on everything from making sandwiches to general life success (this is a great post).  you can even shop by colour, curated lists (a recent favourite – this one is items available from sellers who will be at *got craft* in vancouver in december), editor’s picks, or you can have a look at what’s nearby geographically.   it’s amazing.  i’d encourage all of you to get on there and snoop around (tip: make sure your credit card is not within reach).

poppytalk is a local art & design blog that has grown by leaps and bounds in the past few years.  jan, who curates and writes the site is a great supporter of emily carr students and alumni, and she comes every year to the Student Art Sale and posts on her favourite items.  poppytalk has now got a marketplace of hand-picked delights for sale. it’s called poppytalk handmade and rotates stock fairly often – usually on a particular theme (it’s described as *a monthly online street market* – love!)

so… why am i telling you about places where you can buy handmade stuff?

three reasons:

1 – etsy and poppytalk are great for price comparisons. these are tested markets: you can check them out, see if there are things that are comparable to what you want to sell at the art sale and find out how they are priced.

2 – inspiration.  who knows how you might be inspired by checking out these online communities!

3 – sell your stuff there.  during the art sale, we often get a lot of requests to connect with artists.  if you have an online presence (setting up an etsy account is a lot easier than setting up your own website),  you can add that information on your bio or card and add it in with your work at the art sale.  then people can find you and keep up with your work.