The concept of the bazaar dates back to the fourth century, when permanent marketplaces began to coalesce around the axis of important trade routes. Fragrant cacophonies of commerce, these sprawling collections of shops wound their way through the narrow streets and alleys of the city. They were places of romance, art, intrigue, politics and—above all—trade!
Bazaars still exist in their original form in Istanbul, New Delhi, Cairo and Tehran, but they are largely consigned to the Old World. There's no real equivalent in Minnesota, and certainly not in Maple Grove; unless you go online.
Etsy describes itself as "the world's most vibrant handmade marketplace", and it's not too far off the mark. Specializing in hand-made and vintage art, supplies, clothing, and goods, it's the perfect place to find something beautiful and unique this Christmas. Unlike eBay and Amazon, you can even haggle a little, place custom orders and barter. And, just like a traditional bazaar, it's a genuinely close-knit community. Etsy artists from different shops often come to know each other, and goods swaps between merchants are common.
Local Etsy artists are made stronger by the existence of Handmade MN, a collective of Minnesota-based artists and crafters who support one another and share ideas.
Jodee Hansen Fiedler has been a big part of HandmadeMN. Fiedler started Pallettepassion four years ago, specializing in hand painted silk scarves and accessories, and the site has helped her foster connections across the globe. "What I like most about Etsy is that it is brimming with creative energy and continues to be a thriving artisan community," she says.
"I wanted a place where I could monitor my shop at my leisure—I needed a flexible schedule since I also stay home with my three children. It was nice to make some money on the side and continue to do something I love to do. At first it was more of a hobby but as my kids start getting into school now, I am hoping to be able to dedicate more time to creating and expanding my art and Etsy shop. Through Etsy, I have met so many wonderful customers and fellow craftspeople throughout the world. It's amazing to me that my creations have been sent to places like England, Tasmania, Australia, Turkey, Greece ... and that I have some fellow artist friends in those places too!"
She credits HandmadeMN for some of her success. "Membership is more than 400 now and is composed of people in Minnesota who sell on Etsy—and others in Maple Grove/Osseo, too. We have an online team forum, organize team shows in fall and spring and provide creative support to each other. It's an invaluable resource."
One member of the group, Lise Spence-Parsons, trades as Lottie's Trinkets, where she designs and sells unique handmade jewelry. Spence-Parsons came from the United Kingdom with her husband, and now resides in Maple Grove. “I first found Etsy in 2006, and that is when I originally signed up … and did pretty well on here [Etsy], especially after joining up with a small band of like-minded people,” she remembers. “We managed to market ourselves to a reasonable level of sales. Of course, we all know what happened in 2008,” she remarks, referring to the economic downturn that hit the handmade marketplace hard, “but art sales have been very good since 2009, though online sales remain low.” Spence-Parsons revamped her shop at the beginning of the year. It is not immensely profitable, but it is self-sufficient and she sees it as a way to express her artistic roots and a means to get out and meet people.
Etsy might very well be recovering from the recent economic collapse. Etsy merchants sold 75 percent more in dollar sales this July than at the same time last year, and 12.3 percent higher than June's sales of $61.9 million according to ecommercebytes.com. July saw 785,029 new members, 2.3 million new items listed and 1.36 billion page views on the site. Nevertheless, many online artists struggle to turn their businesses into full-time endeavors.
Tennille Guidry has found just the right balance between family and her online shop, CuteandCuddlyKids, which specializes in colorful handmade tutus and hair accessories. "My husband works out of the home as a buyer, and we use the sales from my small business to supplement our income in order for me to continue being home with our children," Guidry says. "I gave up a significant salary to stay at home once our second child was born, and at the time we did not realize what a blessing and a necessity Etsy would become! My daughter Claire is almost 5 and usually my model when we're out and about, and my son Cody is 2. Cody has motor delays and some sensory/OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) issues…and at thirteen months was diagnosed with a peanut allergy. Etsy and other venues have afforded me the luxury of being at home to provide Cody consistency in working through his struggles, weekly physical therapy, food monitoring and everything else!"
While Guidry found a bit of “breathing room” through her shop, Jodi Cox of FunkFolk likes the flexibility Etsy offers. "I'm a graphic designer and artist, and I'm always looking for new ways to sell my creations, and Etsy is the best online venue I’ve found since it caters to art and handmade items so much better than eBay,” she explains. “I am relatively new to it, and planning on a slow build alongside my other activities. Hopefully the small amounts of income will build with it.”
Why not just exhibit at craft shows? "I think the difference between craft shows and Etsy, apart from the huge number and variety of items available, is the reason people like online shopping, and huge sites such as Amazon,” says Cox. “Not only can I find almost anything I am specifically looking for, there are mind bending amounts of cool stuff to excite me that I never even imagined. I love the geographic reach Etsy gives me, and the ability it gives particular people who might be interested in my items through searching and key words access to me. As an artist I love to have my work understood and appreciated and Etsy helps me reach those who can connect with what I create."
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4 Maple Grove artists who offer their creations at the online handmade marketplace called Etsy (etsy.com):
Jodi Cox, FunkFolk
Lise Spence-Parsons, Lottie's Trinkets
Tennile Guidry, CuteandCuddlyKids
Jodee Hansen Fiedler, Pallettepassion
