By L.A. Lorek - Express-News
In the recession, the do-it-yourself movement has taken off.
For proof, look no further than Etsy.com, which helps handicraft entrepreneurs turn their projects into cash.
An alternative to mass-produced merchandise, the online marketplace for handmade goods promotes sustainability, self-reliance, creativity, arts and crafts, and fun, spokesman Adam Brown said.
But to the owners of El Sol Studios in San Antonio, Etsy.com generates sales in a global economy and provides networking with other like-minded artists.
El Sol Studios owners, Ruth Guajardo and husband Larry Aguilar, sell $15 clocks, $2 magnets, $18 charm bracelets, $10 earrings, $7 ornaments and bags of milagros, or pewter charms, from Mexico for $10. Overall, El Sol has made more than 300 sales to buyers as far away as France, England and Australia on Etsy.com.
“It’s such an artist community,’’ Guajardo said. “You can find anything on there.”
Two months ago, they helped launch the Alamo City Etsy Group, which meets every month to help others open shops on the site. Increasingly, people want an outlet to sell their handicrafts to make money in this economy and the interest in Etsy.com has skyrocketed, Guajardo said.
In its “buy local” section, Etsy.com lists more than 100 San Antonio sellers offering up all kinds of handmade items, including dresses, toys, jewelry and ceramics and pottery.
“It’s the ultimate consignment place,’’ said Brandy Garcia, owner of B.Link, who runs an Etsy.com store with jewelry and other items. She’s sold 16 pieces this year to buyers as far away as Poland. Etsy.com also helps give exposure to her new shop in the King William district.
“People want things handmade,’’ Garcia said. “They want to buy local."
for the complete story go to:
http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/local/Etsycom_offers_SA_artistsans_a_global_reach.html
for Alamo City Etsy go to:
http://www.alamocityetsy.blogspot.com
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment