favorites :: etsy edition.

In an effort to continually focus on and share about things I love and am inspired by, I wanted to do an Etsy feature.  I've had some great experiences with Etsy and others that were mediocre at best.  Some of the best experiences were those in which I purchased paper goods.  In my opinion, it can be difficult to want to purchase cards or other paper goods from Etsy stores.  I can often cringe at a $5 card that still necessitates a $2 shipping fee (plus the wait time for it to arrive in my hands prior to the recipient).  With Target's line of cute, affordable "eco" cards that can be picked up instantaneously, it can be hard to make the decision to go with an Etsy seller for paper goods.

So wait, why do you choose Etsy sellers?

I've had the opportunity to connect with a few sellers, via blogs or twitter (or sometimes both), and I'm consistently intrigued, amazed, and in awe of the work these shop owners put forth.  A good portion of them have given up their "day jobs" to pursue their passion, their dream.  And they work their asses off to accomplish this.  This makes it an easy decision.  When I find a beautifully designed print, a funny card, or a hand-drawn piece of art, I don't second guess my purchase.

Here are three Etsy sellers that I'm adoring right now...

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Heidi from Row House 14 is just the best.  She is not only a lady after my own heart (with her affinity for good beer, travel, and similar ideals about life), but she is a former teacher turned dream-follower.  Last year, she quit her teaching job to commit to her shop full-time.  At least based on her twitter and instagram feeds, I can attest that she does work her ass off.  Aside from her personal awesomeness, I adore her card ideas.  I used the first card above last year for Valentine's Day.  I'm obsessed and wish I could use it again.  It was actually hard to pick just four items from her shop that I love.  Heidi has cards for practically any occasion, and she just launched her pencil and notebook collections.

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Emily from Em Dash Paper Co. lives in North Carolina, so of course I love supporting a local artist.  She makes the most beautiful calligraphy work.  I originally fell in love with her when I purchased this card (which is no longer in her store) for D for our anniversary last year.  Emily's prints are stunning, and I'm sad that she sold out of most of them before I could snag one.  She is self-taught and an incredibly hard worker (as evidenced here!).  I honestly can't wait to see what she creates this year!

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Julie from Julie Ann Art is a woman on the move!  She makes probably the most hilarious cards I've yet to see, plus I love anything that adds a little profanity.  I gave the number 3 card to a friend recently who loved it.  Julie is constantly cranking out new products (I especially love the stickers) and companies like Urban Outfitters are even selling her goods.  With all the demand, she is still a one woman shop!  Julie published this post almost a year ago that really struck a cord with me.  She truly gave me more insight into what buying handmade really means and how hard many of these sellers work.

If you're in the market for Valentine's cards, anniversary cards, or just a little extra something for yourself for sticking to your resolutions through January, check out these lovely ladies!

Who are your favorite Etsy sellers?  Especially those you have connected with outside of Etsy...