Madison has been encouraging people to shop local for this Holiday Season. So am I, but I'm not going to tell you to go to a local shop downtown. This is about the amazing crafters and artists working from their homes and studios around us: The little hidden secrets of Madison!

If you’ve never heard of Etsy.com, it is a wonderful place to find really unique handmade and vintage items. I think supporting students, stay-at-home moms (like myself), or those just trying to make some extra income from their craft is much more rewarding than going to a store and buying mass-produced gifts--because you know you’re supporting a person.

So this is your local Etsy guide. I’ve been looking up shops from right here in Madison, and have compiled a list for everyone to use this holiday season.

First up is this adorable shop, Madison Craft, with retro style artwork made into magnets, pocket mirrors, or art prints. And very affordable! Prices range from $13 - $4 (not including bulk items).









Next up, Jenny Blasen Pottery. I myself am a sucker for beautiful pottery, and this shop is just my taste. Unique shapes, earthy tones and etchings, and also very affordable for the quality of this work. This gorgeous bowl here is only $16.









For jewelry, I found SD Jewelry. This jewelry has a simple, feminine look. A touch of vintage with her use of pearls, but made more modern with her intricate wire work. Pricing from $10 - $90.










If you’re looking for natural bath & beauty (might as well pimp myself out here) - there's Wash The Day Away. I use all natural, mostly organic, and always pure essential oils--no synthetic fragrance oil. With exotic oils and butters, organic herbs, Hawaiian sea salts, and wonderful scents that are true to nature! I’m an educated aromatherapist and massage therapist, so there’s a lot of knowledge behind everything I make. Speaking for myself, if I get a local order, I will deliver your order to your house for a small fee (cheaper than shipping). So go ahead and ask these other local Etsians if they would do the same, or if you can pick it up! No point in shipping to someone who lives in your town.



This shop is awesome! I will for sure have to visit it myself. Go to Icebear for really great Art Prints.

This artwork is made with silk screen printing by an artist very passionate about their work. Cute for your kids' room, character for your home!











Look to Bare Tree for great apparel. They sell hipster shirts for women and men, everything from belts, bags, hats, scarves, wristbands and wallets.

I was actually familiar with this shop already, but I did not know they were on Etsy.com until just now!

This seller also believes in giving back to the community so he has recently started a program called 'Hoodies for Homeless' where a portion of the apparel sales have gone to buying hooded sweatshirts that have been donated to homeless shelters. Another great reason to check out this shop!

To look for more local shops on Etsy, visit www.etsy.com and on the front page you’ll find a section on the left-hand side, middle of the page, where you can click to shop local. To buy on Etsy you must create an account, which is free and easy! If you feel I left out a shop or would like to point out other local online merchants please feel free to leave a comment.