Etsy: Christine Kangas

Not long into my discovery of Etsy, I happened upon an extraordinary jewelry artist… Christine Kangas. Christine’s jewelry epitomizes, in my opinion, what Etsy is—or at least should be—all about. Unique, handcrafted, clever, stunning and affordable masterpieces.

When I shop Etsy, I want to discover pieces I would never have imagined—pieces I haven’t ever laid eyes on before. Christine Kangas delivers on this expectation—wrapping beads with beautiful fabric {!}, combining natural elements like stone and wood, and arranging her beads and findings in such a fascinating, yet simple way. Christine continues to blow my mind every time I pop in to see her latest creations.

When’s the last time your mind was blown by a unique and extraordinary Etsy artist?

Extraordinary Etsy

Okay, so you all know I am a newcomer to public blogging. I love to write, I love to interact with people, and I love to design and create. So many of the blogs I have visited have included links to delightful “handmade” Etsy shops. Etsy artists are incredibly inspiring. Today I discovered over a hundred Etsy shops based right here in our little Nation’s Capital of Ottawa—wonderful!

Some of my Etsy favourites so far:
Kangas... Wonderful, unique bead jewelry, some using fabric beads! Well, I never...
MonkeyPowered... Ottawa based illustrator. So very kewl.
MissVee... Simple bead earrings. Love the photography.
JoJo’s Room... I love the nostalgic note cards using vintage children’s book illustrations.

I have spent every available minute today exploring Etsy shops, discovering AMAZING talented artists, and—wait for it—opening my own shop. Yes, Leslee’s giveaway prize cards inspired me to finally take the plunge and set-up shop to sell my designs. I will also offer a collection of beadwork—my other creative release.

Introducing JOE designs—the shop, named for how I have signed my greeting cards since I was about ten.

Adorable, I know.

What are your favourite Etsy shops?