10 Best Dallas-based Etsy Shops

Pepino Chick

Most of us would much rather buy something than make it, especially if it's hand-made by a much more creative and talented person. Fortunately, the rise of Etsy and the DIY trend has made it much easier to find unique goods crafted by individual artists and not sweatshop workers. No longer are crafty types and artists relegated to flea markets and gallery showings.

Even though Etsy is a global market place for artisans, that doesn't mean that it isn't possible to shop local when you're looking for handmade prints or vegan, gluten-free soaps. Add these ten Etsy sellers to your radar, and prepare to max out your credit card on their varied and excellently crafted wares. At least you'll be stimulating the local economy.

Pepino Chick
When she's not making music with the Polyphonic Spree, or stealing the show on stages across Dallas, Natalie Young is crafting up one-of-a-kind fiber art for her Etsy shop Pepino Chick. Young's minimalist dreamcatchers, "low-impact" wall hangings and jewelry are visually arresting and made with "magic, goodness, natural love." Whether or not Young's art will actually bring you good juju, your walls, or outfit, will certainly look better. If you're looking for a special gift or really unique piece of art, you can also commision Young to hand-draw a 3-D portrait of you in a super-cool flower crown.

Hurd & Honey
With a little reclaimed wood and infinite creativity, the minds behind Hurd & Honey create stunning, one-of-a-kind furniture and decor. Each piece is unique to its buyer, and painstakingly made to order after purchase. All things considered, their prices are also insanely reasonable. A snooty New York boutique would charge the price of most people's first home for a hand-made chevron end table made from reclaimed wood. At Hurd & Honey, this beauty is only $170.

Dowdy Studio

Dowdy Studio
The world really doesn't need any more cheeky t-shirts, but if you're going to wear them, you may as well make sure they're the best. Illustrators (and husband and wife duo) Pamela and Dylan Dowdy design the kind of t-shirts that will eventually end up being ripped off by Urban Outfitters, without all the corporate overlord ickiness. The Dowdys are also the founders of Etsy Dallas, where they organize events that showcase the work of local crafters and artists.

Mama Said
Kitschy old art is given a snarky, smart-assed new life at Mama Said Studios. The artists take old paintings, likely scored at vintage shops, and hand-paint snarky quotes like "bitch, return my tupperware" and "stop tweeting boring shit" over the art. Original paintings are available, but the studio also creates inexpensive prints of their work if you're decorating on a budget. Find a cheap-ass old frame and you've got something that would sell for much more in one of those dumb "home design" boutiques.