Ready to view my picks for this week from Etsy? Of course you are, we all love to see what’s cooking over at Etsy and it seems there is always someone new to discover. Enjoy!
Vicky Riley is a-d-o-r-a-b-l-e. Love this girl. Her color palette is soft and girly, her handmade pieces are sweet and endearing. Bags, coin purses, badges, I can’t stop looking at the things in her shop. So Anthropologie only not nearly as expensive! Delicate and detailed, loads of layering and texture, I’m hoping she’ll add more pillows at some point! Lovely work, Miss Riley! Psst: Don’t miss her blog.
I’m a little bag-obsessed this week so please bare with me. Another sweet store on etsy is run by Susan Lam and it’s called Lami Design based in San Francisco. I can’t stop but think about how many hours Susan must put into each bag and yet they are priced so well. She is also an illustrator who designs her own journals and such, perfect for tucking away in your new Lami Design bag. Her shop makes me want to pack a picnic lunch and run to the nearest park to take in the last bits of summer. 
Ana Laura Perez is the lady behind Bang Bags based in Buenos Aires and I first found her via the wonderful Creature Comforts. She sells mostly bags, which are nice, but I’m enjoying her illustrations in a big way. Click here to peek at the beautiful illustrations in her Flickr album.
I feel weird even blogging about Esther Coombs because I’ve seen her work on every single blog I can think of over the past few weeks and I have no clue who to credit for finding out about her etsy store at this point! So sorry for that. But I’ve known about Esther for awhile now but her work wasn’t available via Etsy until April. I’m so pleased you can now order it directly from her, she is such a great talent and though her pieces are not as affordable as some of you may like I’m sure you can appreciate what goes into creating these fine things and the fact that they’re one-of-a-kind means something… Right?
One thing you may not have guessed is that, though I love all of the cuteness and sweet colors I feature on decor8, I’m a huge fan of the Dada movement, and so proud to say that Kurt Schwitters is from Hannover. I really like this letterpress print, I went to New York a few years ago just to see the National Gallery of Art’s 2006 Dada Exhibition at the MoMA and loved it so this poster from Yee Haw takes me back… I think you’ll like a lot of the prints over at Yee Haw and there’s even a cute t-shirt thrown in to mix it up. The back of the shirt pictured reads, “If you don’t like my peaches don’t shake my tree”. Pretty cheeky there, Yee Haw.
I’m curious… What do you think are/will be the next big Etsy trends? I’m seeing lots of vintage china being used as a surface for illustrative work and then refired… I’m also seeing more and more covered paperclips, tacks, clothes pins and Amy Butler everything on Etsy from bags to shower curtains. Badges are still hot. Owls and silhouettes of course, along with every other bird know to mankind. Wall decals are everywhere. I’m also noticing products that promote the upcoming election and encourage voting.
What are you noticing as trends in the indie arts and crafts world?
(images above linked to sources)
August 5th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
I have probably looked at Ester Coombs’ work every time I’ve checked etsy over the past few weeks — she is amazing. I love the line work & gestures. Fabulous <3
Desiree Fawns last blog post: vegan tofu curry.
August 5th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
I am noticing that their are a lot of recycled, and reused items on etsy as well as emerging deigners with their own clothing line, I am also seeing the use of bead caps and girly girl jewelry…it seems that the eighties are back!
monas last blog post: One of my time wasters
August 5th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
I can’t predict what will appear in the indie crafts world but I am tired, tired, tired of the owl motif, the exhausted bird motif and too much naivety in illustration. I’ve been to some craft markets recently where everyone is using the same fabrics, making the same things. Is this what globalisation brings us? Homegeneity?
August 5th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
if you like those posters…check out Hatch Show (living in nashville i frequent their place since they’ve been printing these kinds of posters since 1879.) they’ve got a ton of classic vintage country and still print for musicians who play at the ryman and opry. we commissioned them to print up a poster for our 10 year anniversary . very cool. http://www.countrymusichalloffame.com/site/experience-hatch.aspx
August 5th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
I’ve been noticing more and more collaborative pieces, where two artists use their individual techniques to produce a product that showcases their combined talents- eg pendants that use another artist’s painted images or photographs as their basis (eg ‘heartworksbylori’ at etsy) , or there’s a person who makes wallets with another artist’s painting (’dayler’ at etsy).
Lots of muted/antiqued/blurred photos around, too. Love them.
August 6th, 2008 at 12:35 am
Not sure what trends are on ETSY, but from what it seems there is a lot of the same stuff out there. I too am tired of seeing the birds and the Amy Butler on everything. I think its ok, just not my favorite. I like owls and all types of animal silhouettes, just not birds or trees anymore. I usually like to combine artwork and mix things up a bit as well as use a lot of color in my work. Everything I use in my designs means something to me. My logo for instance has a butterfly on it, which i’ve had a tattoo of on my back for almost 10 years …(a butterfly)…so it was a meaningful symbol to me and made sense for my logo…. : )
Anyhow, the jist of it is….less birds and trees, less Amy Butler on everything (sorry), more variation on trends.
Jen Ramos
‘100% Recycled DESIGNER Cards & More’
http://www.madebygirl.com
madebygirl.blogspot.com
August 6th, 2008 at 12:40 am
I’m enjoying the darker side of etsy myself which includes the humorous and only-slightly-dark-stuff like in my own shop as well as the truly weird and creepy things done with taxidermy. Things I’d never buy, not sure I “approve” of, but am not sorry I’ve seen. Even things I can’t understand help expand my creative mind, which applies to Victorian jewelry made from vermin bones as well as sickenily cute kawaii-style items.
August 6th, 2008 at 1:07 am
I would have to agree with Jennifer. I am a bit tired of Amy Butler on everything, I like her fabrics, but they are sadly over saturating the market. Plus etsy artists, seem to be just copying each other right now… and that makes me so sad! So many talented artists! I bet the fall designs are going to be fun fresh- lets all keep our fingers crossed.
Recently, I went to the wholesale Merchandise Mart in Chicago and was shocked at all the birds, they were on everything. Birds on branches, birds on trees. Old motif. But it’s going to come and go the way of the poor dragonfly. Dated.
The next trends? Mondrian, primary colors or it could be way less graphic, western, calicos, holly hobby, wagon wheels, prairie skirts….
debs last blog post: How much fun can you have in 640 square feet?
August 6th, 2008 at 3:21 am
Those Vicky Riley coin purses — WANT!
August 6th, 2008 at 9:13 am
I agree with many of the previous comments….really tired of birds! Deer motifs are getting almost as overused as the birds….and all the “Keep Calm” posters are starting to have the opposite effect. Do that many people really need a reminder to stay calm?
Things I see more of of that I find interesting….combining techniques such as adding embroidery to collage work such as Shannon Rankin’s work http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=15595 Also, the example Holly featured today of adding illustration to ceramics. The use of felt such as Brid Bird’s brooches http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5347472
Mid-century modern everything….Atomic design, clean lines, woodgrain and faux bois–StudioLyon uses woodgrain in interesting ways with her art http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=51653 O! Rachew did a great remake of a stock bookcase using woodgrain contact paper http://www.flickr.com/photos/denbow/2654997057/ RedRubyRose has a great clutch purse with woodgrain design http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_10&listing_id=13877447
Vintage continues its popularity along with the mid-century theme. Seeing lots more photographs made to look old such as eyeful’s prints http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6035361 Globes have surged in popularity and price! Vintage maps are also used frequently.
I’m also seeing lots of horse motifs in jewlry, art and soft goods. O! Rachew even named her new Etsy store Pony Party and used a horse motif in her logo in a clever way http://www.flickr.com/photos/denbow/2654997057/ Fine artist, Ashley Collins. http://www.ashleycollins.com creates beautiful mixed media pieces with horses as the main image. One of her pieces was seen in the recent issue of Traditional Home hanging over the fireplace of a featured home. Stevester on Etsy has a nice tote with a horse motif http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5071609
Along with the eco-friendly trend, people are recycling/upcycling pieces in interesting ways. Stellajames makes coasters from recycled magazines http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_1&listing_id=11502037 Jessprkle makes paper beads from old magazines http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_1&listing_id=11502037 Beetnik505 makes vessels from old catalogs http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_6&listing_id=10516123
Whew! This is a long post, but I’m always looking for the next trend. Thanks, Holly, for letting us share.
Shelly DeVouss last blog post: Original Abstract Collage
August 6th, 2008 at 9:34 am
This doesn’t really have to do with trends, just a question brought up by one of these items. Can you use a song name or lyrics in letterpress or other art without referencing where it came from? For example, the “You Are My Sunshine” item above. It is just something I wonder about.
As for trends, I think being ecologically aware is becoming more and more of a trend - and hopefully one that will STAY for the long term!
August 6th, 2008 at 9:38 am
Gorgeous! I love the patterns and the crafty look!
August 6th, 2008 at 9:39 am
Wow, interesting comments! This is quite timely as I’ve recently been feeling that I’m seeing the same fabrics (even similar patterns), illustrations, antique-y photographs, and such. What I once saw as creative and unique, has become mainstream and overdone…that’s too bad. As someone who regularly sells on Etsy (and who has owls and birds:), this is great insight.
As for trends, I think that birds are here to stay and I’m seeing a lot of everyday objects like furniture, utensils, bicycles, etc. used in design.
noelles last blog post: ACEO - mt. washington - California Series
August 6th, 2008 at 10:17 am
Like deb said, I’m definitely noticing a shift from ornate, cutesy bird on tree branches to a more 60s mod feel— primary colors, bolder and more abstract graphics. I think it’s a welcome change and as Etsy grows, I think we’ll see a definite split between innovators and those who are following earlier trends.
That said, as a stationer who does Gocco cards with lots of animal themes, I’m not sure what side of that divide I will be on! I definitely feel my aesthetic developing.
August 6th, 2008 at 10:22 am
I’m hoping to see some more new and exciting artists’ books, I think there is a lack of them on etsy, maybe it’s just hard to find them because of a lack of a specific section. Lots of handmade journals, notebooks and decorated Moleskines but not many artists’ books.
I agree with the birds/owls issue… although I loved it when I first discovered etsy, it’s starting to get a bit tired.
eleanors last blog post: I found some beautiful animations.
August 6th, 2008 at 10:23 am
I am going to read the comments carefully, because I would love to know what is next, and I am SO GLAD to see some realization out here in Cyberville that the motifs are getting stale.
Deb, I will be interested to see if Western takes off. I think that theme is kinda done here in DC where they are going back home to Texas…
Denise Smiths last blog post: Macy’s and The Jetsons
August 6th, 2008 at 10:38 am
I have to agree with Deb and Jennifer on being tired of the Butler saturation… Anyhow, across the great pond, I have been seeing a lot of old parchment/manuscripts being used as checkbook covers, lampshades and whatnot…pretty cool stuff. Also, I’ve been noticing a huge resurge towards antique book “things” like hand presses and even more so, people using antique marbled paper. One of my clients found a dozen 150 year old gorgeous & never used marble book covers and she had them framed and huge them en masse…stunning!!! Yep, I’m now looking to do the same in my home…guilty.
Alex - J.Covington*Designs last blog post: Suzanne Kasler & Hickory Chair
August 6th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Wow! a friend told me my art was featured here, much thanks for it!
I do visit this blog quite daily and i was so glad when i came in and saw this post.
Much thanks and love
Ana
August 6th, 2008 at 10:58 am
Etsy seems to be full of merchandise featuring licensed imagery. Or items that “should be licensed” but probably isn’t. It even gets featured on the site as “quit your day job, make star war figures”.
I noticed at the July Gift Show in Atlanta, words and typography are a big trend at the moment. Even previous artwork is reworked by adding words, such as - live, love, happiness, peace, laugh, eat.
Andy Mathiss last blog post: Aesculapian Magazine UGA
August 6th, 2008 at 11:32 am
Thanks Kristen for the link to the Hatch site. Love it! I don’t think I will ever tire of show posters and that type of printing. Yea for Hatch for preserving an American art form.
August 6th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Trends…yes, they are becoming very obvious around Etsy. I’m an etsy seller, and I definetly understand wanting to create what’s popular to keep up with what buyers may be looking for. On the other hand, once you’ve seen the same things a million times, it gets old, stale even. I create several different styles of art, from painterly to graphic, and I use varied techniques ranging from collage to watercolor to embroidery, etc. This keeps me from getting bored with the creative process and hopefully gives my collectors something fresh to look at. For myself, I’ve found the best rule of thumb is to avoid falling into every trend, and just create things that I would want in my own home. Hopefully they will appeal to someone else too.
lindsays last blog post: Let’s hear it for the D…
August 6th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
As an etsy artist myself I try to stay away from trends but I know some of what I create might be considered trendy. My philosophy is creating items that I love and inspire me. I recently moved my work into the digital age so working with painting and coloring using digital programs has given me the ability to try different techinques and has kept me from staying in on type of art so to speak. I think the trends that seem to be happening that will stick around for awhile is the eco, recycle, idea. I think we are all trying to become a bit more into creating items that somehow have an ecological impact. If it is the recycled paper we use for our prints or card making. Or reusing items to make new exciting things.
I am excited to see so much activity in the indie/ handmade community I think there are alot of great artist out there who are creating amazing items.
Teris last blog post: My Love List. (Why I am loving Etsy)
August 6th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
faux bois, fo sho
August 6th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
I’m really not sure about trends right now, but I think that the comments mentioning eco-friendly, up-cycled products, silhouettes and typography are right. Personally, I’m into composite creatures and wildlife in general.
I would suggest to Angie, above, that quoting bits of lyrics (like “You are my sunshine”) would be a ‘derivative work’, hence not a copyright infringement.
I spent all of about 30 hours in Hanover, visiting a friend last year, and she was sure to take me to the museum (as she too is proud of local Kurt Schwitters)!
Any thoughts on colours?
Cheers.
minouettes last blog post: Giraffe pillow- Cornelia
August 6th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
For me, I’ve noticed that I have become obsessed with skeleton keys, doilies and anything naval/aquatic. Not sure if all of those are trends or just things that I’m digging.
carolyns last blog post: What I’m working on…
August 9th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Hi, i see more and more jewelry made out of fabric. I really like a lot of the designs. You should check out the talented enhabiten on etsy to see what can be done.
Danas last blog post: Wonderfull artist discovered