Etsy.com is a year old site selling wares of the homemade kind. It's eBay for the crafty with hundreds of virtual flea markets at your fingers. Each "store" is operated by individuals - giving each knitter, welder, tailor, and jewelry maker a place to sell her wares. Just browse and they'll mail you each adorable item you buy. Searching is half the fun and gives you crafty ones plenty of good ideas and designs to try. Not to mention, Etsy offers source sellers for beads, baubles and fabric in bulk - for when you start your own online outpost. I am loving Maru Lopez's jewelry made from vintage toys and decorated shipping tags. She sells under maudesigns out of Puerto Rico. Best of all, the prices cannot be beat. Everytime I wander into an Urban Outiffters I wonder why I would over pay for a funky plastic headband or bracelet. Most designs you'll uncover won't even set you back a jackson.

Also of note: Coin purses made from kimonos at Run Amok, octopus t-shirts from a Texas high school teacher, and vegan pancake mixes!

Labels: DIY, shopping