The one where our creative director admits to an itsy etsy internet addiction

I have been an avid fan of www.etsy.com for about a year now and I can't see my obsession ending anytime soon as the site is constantly changing. It is made up of all different shops with different artists selling a variety of items - anything from hand-printed tea towels to magnificent pieces of art. It can be a bit daunting when you first enter the site as there is so much to choose from so here is a roundup of my top 5 favourites:

1. ashleyg.etsy.com - my absolute favourite! Ashleyg produces beautiful artwork and prints. Her style is very original and slightly off-beat. I know it is risky buying art online but I have bought several of her prints and they are even more amazing in reality than they look on screen.

2. skinnylaminx.etsy.com - the most wonderful hand-printed tea towels and aprons (pictured). Her style is very graphic and I love her use of colour. The products are designed and produced by Heather Moore who I have been reading about on a lot of design blogs lately so definitely one to watch in the future!

3. hollyhawk.etsy.com - fantastic leather accessories. I am a huge fan of Holly's work. I love the attention to detail in her products. She combines textures, pattern and colours beautifully. You also receive a little thank you gift from her if you spend £25 or more!

4. tawnilla.etsy.com - a great selection of all things vintage. This shop is my favourite of all the vintage stores I have come across on www.etsy.com. The selection of products is of a very high standard and not the same as you see everywhere else. If you are into the ever increasing owl trend then you must have a look as they are here in abundance!

5. misterrob.etsy.com - beautiful screenprints. If you are after some seriously fabulous artwork then take a look at UK artist Robert Ryan. I have been admiring his work for sometime now and am saving my pennies so that I can make a purchase! I love the way his work is so graphic yet incredibly delicate at the same time.

The other great thing about buying through www.etsy.com is the wonderful service you receive. Every time I have bought something I have received a special hand written thank-you card from the artist! So even though I am buying online it always feels very personal and nice to support incredibly talented people.

So take a look. I guarantee once you start you wont be able to stop!

Shannon Morton
Creative Director

For more blog entries from the Livingetc team, visit livingetc.com/blogs