etsy in santa barbara

one of toni's creations, green frog made of recycled wool and cashmere sweaters

i happen to be a HUGE etsy consumer. i have purchased everything from husband's birthday tees, to organic cotton carseat strap covers, to fabric covered journals and jewelery on etsy. in fact all of my xmas gifts this year were from etsy (including all wooden toys for the 9 month old!). many of the stores are handmade items and are so unique. it feels good to support sellers who are using their creativity as a means of livelihood, or artists who just want to share their goods with the world. i secretly would love to have something i was good at making and style-it in a way that was attractive to shoppers! lately i've noticed santa barbara etsy sellers coming together and selling their goods locally. a few weeks ago at peanuts and then my co-worker, rina told me about tomorrow's gathering "space invaders 2," here's info on one of the seller's blog mary and the machine (tomorrow 4159 State Street, 11-7pm). what was so cool to discover is that g-ma t's good friend toni, is a seller!  

e's grandma t gave her the CUTEST softy several months ago, made by her dear friend toni. when grandma t  told me, one, that it was made by toni and two her process in making it - i was floored by the creativity and beautiful product. toni owns an online-boutique on etsy called sb retro. she finds gorgeous vintage cashmere and wool sweaters at thrift stores and recycles them via reconstruction (on her grandmother's 1940's singer) to make the cutest softies EVER. e has a purple kitty that is to die for and it's so cuddly. just have to spread the word about talented artists out there doing what they love!!

e xmas morning after opening her new rocking horse purchased on etsy