We love Etsy for allowing us to discover artisans
situated in far-flung places - photographers in Paris who we'd otherwise have
only stumbled upon in the Quartier Latin, furniture
designers in Brooklyn we could only have hoped to be hip to, or rare yarns in
exquisite jewel tones little known beyond the world of fiber artists. While we
were busy being distracted by our grand tour, Cambridge-based interior designer
Julieann Covino, owner Jace Interiors and author of the CreateGirl blog, was compiling quite the source list of local
handcrafters who hawk their wares on Etsy. With Covino's expert eye and
emphasis on affordable design, we couldn't help but pay attention. Here are her
favorites, plus a couple more we turned up. All make perfect presents. So even
if you can't brave the cold for a trek to the crafts fair, you can still
support local artisans with just a few quick clicks.
Bumble Belly Designs
etsy.com/shop/bumblebellydesigns
Artist: Amy Keller
Favorite materials: stamps, ribbons, buttons, and paper
dolls
Fun fact: Keller named her company after her little girl's
rounded tummy.
Known for: vintage-inspired pillows and encaustic artwork
incorporating altered ephemera
We love: the Old Mac "Quack" cotton denim pillow with
paisley backing ($40)
Carta, Inc.
etsy.com/shop/angelaliguori
Artist: Angela Liguori
Favorite materials: paper and fabric
Fun fact: Liguori apprenticed in the book arts in a studio
in Bologna, Italy.
Known for: hand-bound books, letterpress cards, and Italian
bookbinding materials
We love: Italian cotton ribbons ($36) in gorgeous colors -
they're perfect for wrapping presents
Chris Piascik
etsy.com/shop/chrispiascik
Artist: Chris Piascik
Favorite materials: Sharpies, wood, T-shirts, and Converse
shoes
Fun fact: Piascik made his own album covers as a kid.
Known for: cheeky typographical prints and sketchbooks
We love: "The Internet Does Not Love You" five-color Gocco
print ($20)
Chroma Lab
etsy.com/shop/chromalab
Artists: Alicia Cornwell and Tony Bevilacqua
Favorite materials: paint, wood, and color
Fun fact: They share their studio with two kitties and a
pup.
Known for: vibrantly painted repurposed furniture and
accessories
We love: the Faux Bois "Pretend" Clock ($45) made from birch
plywood and low-VOC paint
DeShawn Marie
etsy.com/shop/DeShawnMarie
Artist: DeShawn Marie
Favorite materials: coconut milk, almond oil, and shea
butter
Fun fact: Her soaps have been featured in Broadway plays.
Known for: handmade soaps wrapped in dusty gold European
gift packaging
We love: the Creamy Cucumber 100% vegan handmade soap made
with coconut milk, cucumber, and mint leaves ($4.95)
Two Yellow Shoes
etsy.com/shop/TwoYellowShoes
Artist: Laura Larson
Favorite materials: paper, felt, colored pencils, tile, and
thread
Fun fact: Larson works as a landscape designer by day.
Known for: custom stationary and felt flowers
We love: the "Blooming" canvas and felt pillows ($55 for a
pair)
