DIY Pretenders: Enter Etsy

DIY Pretenders: Enter Etsy

March 22nd, 2010 @ 2:48 pm by Mrs. Taco
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Etsy.com has saved my life. And my sanity.

Shopping in actual (i.e. not online) stores for something specific (like, say, a birdcage veil or a fascinator) kind of gives me a headache. It involves a lot of traveling around, a lot of touching, head-tilting, then ultimately deciding it’s not exactly what you’re looking for. It also requires patience, which isn’t something I’ve got in spades.

DIY Pretenders: Enter Etsy : wedding san francisco veil Fascina fascinator

DIY Pretenders: Enter Etsy : wedding san francisco veil Veil 28 veil

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So instead of schlepping around from boutique to boutique trying to find the perfect thing, I’ve been finding some really awesome stuff on Etsy. It’s especially perfecto for the little things: hair accessories, jewelry, veils, and little touches for manageable DIY projects.

“Manageable” DIY projects is key for me throughout this process, too.

I love me some handmade, especially when it cuts out the middleman. I’ve seen some very cool DIY weddings, including that of bridesmaid A, that came together beautifully. It’s a little more than I’m willing to do, personally, though. I figure that since I spend so much time worrying about things in general, it would be nice to leave the details to someone else.

I’ll stamp the envelopes with my Etsy-direct handmade stamp, and I’ll make my own signs and gift table decor where I can. I can buy some supplies at the local craft store and whip up some barrettes for the bridesmaids. I’ll even attach a new alligator clip to my own fascinator. But making 140 invitations by hand or designing, creating and then storing and transporting 20 large centerpieces might give me a brain aneurysm. Those out there who are looking for the in-between might find some solace this way.

Do you love the handmade look but don’t have patience for a lot of DIY? Where do you go (besides Etsy) to find handmade items for your wedding?

Tags: san-francisco, veil |

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9 Responses to “DIY Pretenders: Enter Etsy”

Bee

Miss Lace (message) 702 posts, Busy bee

I’ve been making things where I can to save money. I made my own sash for $3 instead of the $50 + they are charging on Etsy. Although I am buying other stuff on Etsy!

3/22/10 @ 2:55 pm (reply)

Member

tea (message) 7,288 posts, Bee Keeper

i make what i can if i know i can do it for less money and make it look as fabulous as the original inspiration. if i can’t do either, then i have no problem buying it

3/22/10 @ 3:13 pm (reply)

Bee

Miss Giraffe (message) 4,216 posts, Honey bee

I like to hand make things myself, but we’ll see if I still eel that way when it gets close to the wedding. hahaha

3/22/10 @ 3:31 pm (reply)

Member

missvintage (message) 571 posts, Busy bee

I am pretty much buying everything on Esty or Ebay
Etsy: STDs, invites, table signs, escort cards, chair signs, hair flower, jewelry
Ebay: dress (yes!), shoes, napkins,

I am DIY disabled.

3/22/10 @ 3:40 pm (reply)

Member

crayfish (message) 4,844 posts, Honey bee

Anything that can be designed on a computer I have done myself (invites, cake topper, STDs, menus, programs). Besides simple Manzanita centerpieces, though, I trust other to make my wedding day amazing :). I’ve gotten my bolero, headpiece, flower girl sash, and ring bearer tie all from ETSY. Loooove that site!

3/22/10 @ 4:48 pm (reply)

Member

MerryMary (message) 109 posts, Blushing bee

I went to a local farmers/artisan market to find handmade details that I have no personal desire to DIY. I’m all for learning new skills, but not when I’m already under a crazy amount of stress. My DIY was all related to things I already knew how to do, like simple sewing and beading. The farmers market worked really well for me, because I was able to see things first hand, and talk to vendors face to face about products, custom orders, etc. This past Saturday I met a woman who makes the most lovely cards, using scrapbooking and quilling techniques. It’s beautiful work that I know our bridal party and wedding elves will appreciate, and I love the fact that I’m supporting a local artist.

Another option in a similar vein are artisan boutiques. Places where many artists gather to sell their goods, and you can usually score a business card or contact information as well.

3/22/10 @ 5:22 pm (reply)

Member

eimersc (message) 235 posts, Helper bee

I am hoping for the BEST with my DIYs…but have not quite started yet. Yikes.

3/22/10 @ 9:58 pm (reply)

Bee

Miss Argyle (message) 2,516 posts, Sugar bee

Haha - me and DIY do not really mix. I LOVE Etsy for this. And Miss Star’s headbands.

3/23/10 @ 12:06 am (reply)

Member

OctPumpkin (message) 593 posts, Busy bee

I think you have to really pick your DIY battles. Ultimately, I put it to the fun test. Am I going to have fun doing this? Am I going to save money? If the answers to both are NO, than I am the first to whip out the plastic!

3/24/10 @ 3:19 pm (reply)