If you’ve been reading for a while, or know me in person, you know how intense my desire to surround myself with handcrafted items is. I’ve done a few general review posts, showing some of my favorite Etsy shops and items. Recently I’ve been taking this determination to the next level by trying to purchase from local, California based, indie sellers as often as possible.
Several months ago I took the handmade hygiene plunge and ordered a vegan deodorant from Hiromi at Soap.Etsy.com. It arrived in a little bag full of her bar soap samples. She was quick to email me, letting me know everything I needed to know. Because I (at the time) lived about 60 miles south of the Soap HQ my mega-hippy-super-commie-vegan-deodorant arrived within a couple of days. What happened next? I converted.
It’s been a slow process due to the woes and restraints of a student budget, but I’ve been putting more and more of my hard earned cash into the pockets of people that truly deserve it. I bought I great piece of art (above) from Caitlin Kuhwald, who lives/works/creates in Berkeley. More handmade soap, from Savor (a San Franciscan!) which I absolutely adore (below) in a sweet, yet tart, Rhubarb and Raspberry scent.
What do you think will happen next? I’ve been eyeballing shampoos and conditioners from Gudonyatoo, coasters from Greenchairpress and the skirts made by Idea2Lifestyle. I’m wondering when I’ll have a falling down, abusing my wallet gleefully, and what I’ll get in the mail the following week. 
5 responses so far ↓
Kath // July 17, 2009 at 6:38 pm |
If you are going to have one of those sort of incidents where you fall and accidentally swipe your credit card on the way down – etsy is the place to do it. I quietly took the Handmade Pledge last holiday season – didn’t preach it to anyone else – just figured I’d start with my own actions – and plan to do so again this year. But I should probably follow your lead and give a little blog time and promo to some of my favorite sellers!
knittymuggins // July 18, 2009 at 1:33 pm |
I love that you’re sharing your indie faves because I’ve been trying harder too to purchase handmade things from folks who I know need the support. I’m not always able to do it, but I seriously try when I can. That rhubarb raspberry soap sounds amazing – I may have to give it a try
Rhubarb is one of my favorite things ever! Oh and how do you like the deodorant? I am always searching for deodorant (not antiperspirant!) for winter so I can be a little easier on my clothes when I don’t need as much sweat protection 
Suzy // August 1, 2009 at 6:44 pm |
That soap looks divine! And the picture is beautiful. I also try to buy and support local and I love that you are too!
Neil // August 6, 2009 at 1:13 pm |
I still think you’re adorable even though you blocked me on twitter, Just stopped by to say hi and peace.
heath3r // August 7, 2009 at 5:53 pm |
I am on my way to steal your soap… your print… and your yarns
I might also grab your tush