Retro Living - Hip And Handmade

In search of unique one-off pieces for your home? You know, those little things that become talking points and items you definitely know none of your mates have? It’s time to stop hunting around those retro clothing stores, vintage boutiques and car boot sales at the weekend and stay right where you are…..in front of your computer. The internet has officially become ‘the’ place to shop for original bespoke handmade items. For those of you who think I’m going to start talking about eBay, you obviously haven’t discovered Etsy (www.etsy.com) yet.

The US based website was set up by four designer friends just over a year ago and now represents 40,000 designer-makers worldwide who have 250,000 customers. It’s certainly a more stylish, user-friendly version of eBay and has an alternative, village-fete vibe to its proceedings. You can even commission one-offs via the Alchemy page. Just post specifications of what you’re after and wait for designers to respond to your brief. Better still, it’s been monumental in opening up access to a whole host of new worldwide design talent and has given lesser known designers the chance and facilities to sell their work and get it noticed.

Etsy isn’t the only website participating in this new phenomena though…check out these other great sites www.notonthehighstreet.com and www.misofunky.com.

Here are some of our favourite finds so far….