Etsy is one of my favorite websites. It’s such an amazing way to browse all kinds of handmade, unique creations. My favorite part of Etsy though, is that the shops are owned by individuals. I love reading the bios that the shop owners make for themselves, learning about them and their craft, as it can help make the buying process feel like you’re buying from a friend. In the past I have messaged shop owners expressing my love of their work, or interest in learning their craft.  I have even traded for goods and made some wonderful friends even along the way.

I browse for items as varied as jewelry to plants to clothing to art, but my favorite is children’s goods. I really enjoy the little details I often see in children’s rooms whether it’s embroidered hoop art on the walls, handmade stuffed friends sitting on the shelves, or sweet vintage clothing hung in the closets. I feel like the details make the room more personal as each piece will have significance to the child or parent who chose it.

So here are a few of my favorite Etsy shops — some I own items from, others I hope to one day.

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Sea Urchin Studio–  I stumbled onto Sea Urchin Studio one day when I was hunting for some prints to do an art project I saw on Pinterest.  I was drawn into Sara’s (the owner) sweet and playful illustrations. I thought the pictures would be perfect for my project but I hated the idea of cutting up such lovely pieces and messaged her asking if I could buy a small file version of her work to print out myself on regular paper to cut, or if she could print the pieces I liked on cheaper paper so I wouldn’t feel so bad about destroying such lovely paper. Sara told me she often had pieces that would get damaged or didn’t print as nicely as she would like for resale, and offered to send them to me free of charge!  This is why I love Etsy — there is such kindness and community as you’re working with real individuals. Sara sent me a whole stack of her gorgeous work as promised. I haven’t had time to start the art project I had planned to as Juliet arrived, but hope to do so eventually as I can’t let Sara’s kindness and work go to waste.  I also purchased two of her alphabet prints, a D and a J, to be framed for Drake and Juliet.  The paper is nice and thick and the art work as lovely as it looks on screen.

Catshy Crafts – I love hoop art. I wish I could embroider (it’s on my to learn list) and when I found Cathy’s shop, I messaged her asking for some tips and resources to learn for a beginner. She was beyond kind answering all my questions and after some talks, we decided to do a trade.  She made me two beautiful hoops for Juliet’s room — one of her name and one with her initial on a hot air balloon design.  I can’t wait to hang them in Juliet’s nursery.

Sarah Trumbauer Creatives–  Sarah’s papercut illustrations are unbelievable.  As someone who can barely cut a straight line on paper, her skill astounds me.  Sometimes when I see stuff on Etsy I think maybe I’ll try making that or wonder how hard that could be. With Sarah’s work I know the answer: it would take me a decade at least and I’d probably die of a million paper cuts. Sarah is also the nicest person to chat with. I bought prints of both of these works of hers to add to Drake and Juliet’s rooms as I loved the messages as well as the images, and thought they would be inspiring as well as lovely for my children to see.

Chet and Dot –  Chet and Dot was one of the first shops I found when I discovered Etsy.  I loved her characters — from her softies to  embroidery designs — they all have such a darling quality to them. They seem so simple in look and truly are what I think of when I hear the word homemade. I especially like her plushes that she makes from scraps and pieces of old clothing; it really makes me think of someone’s mother or grandmother crafting toys for their children or grandchildren. I really want to buy one (or two) for Juliet.

The Gray Attic-  I adore looking at birth announcements and think they add such a nice touch I think to a baby’s nursery.  When looking for announcements before Juliet was born I came across these ornate styled birth story prints from The Gray Attic and thought they would make such a beautiful art piece and keepsake to hang in a nursery.  I really want to make one for Juliet and wish I had found this before Drake was born.

Mielasiela – Like a lot of moms, I like wood toys over plastic. Wood toys are quieter, more organic and natural, and they can spark more imaginative and creative play.  Drake liked wooden toys more when he was younger as he didn’t know better, but nowadays with the amount of plastic toys with their multiple capabilities it’s harder to find wood toys to hold his interest. That’s how I found Mielasiela. Her wood characters and sets seemed to be exactly what I was looking for, as Drake loves animals and making up stories with them.  Also I think they would look really cute sitting on his and Juliet’s bookshelves as decorations even when they aren’t being played with.

What are some of your favorite Etsy stores for children?