Charleston has always been known for its handmade crafts and creative spirit. Most people head to Market Street or one of the regular Lowcountry Artist Markets when they want to pick up local, handcrafted gifts, but there’s another way you can pick out some nifty items without having to leave your couch. Just turn to Etsy.
Looking for jewelry? Check out LowCountry Studios for funky necklaces and handmade copper earrings and pendants, as well as some vintage bags and jewelry. Artist Dolly Paul says that nature influences most of her art “[It can be] a dolphin playing in the Atlantic, a pelican floating on a wave, a starfish found at the Folly Beach Washout, or any other moment of nature that finds me.” Her fluid and naturalistic metal works reflect this love of nature.
If you’re in need of some sophisticated jewelry for a special occasion, look for Nicholas Lane Jewelry, owned by artist Currie Boyd. Boyd makes simple, elegant jewelry that showcases turquoise, pearls, and many other beautiful materials.
If you’re in need of some cool artwork, click over to Stacey Bradley’s Etsy shop, Perla Anne. Bradley stays she’s “passionate about printmaking” and her work shows it. Her simplistic, handcrafted black-and-white prints are quirky and clever and would bring life to any wall. She enjoys selling on Etsy because it allows her to offer lots of variety, as well as custom prints, but you can also find her at the Charleston Farmer’s Market on Saturdays.
If you’re on the hunt for some interesting local photography, check out photographer Daniella Fishburn. Fishburn’s photos can be found at the Fried Fish Photography page on Etsy. Fishburn offers color and black and white photography that showcases beauty in unlikely places, like an alleyway or street corner. She also sells locally at the Art Mecca of Charleston, but strongly supports buying locally online. “I love the idea of buying products from the person who made them and I always try to support small businesses,” she says.
Soon-to-be bride? Alena Fede’s shop just might be the perfect place for you. Her unique, completely hand-sewn and hand-decorated gowns will make jaws drop as you walk down the aisle. Dresses from her current line mingle Southern elegance with edgy, contemporary details. What makes Fede’s dresses even more impressive is that they are genuinely one-of-a-kind, from the fabric that Fede selects down to each hand-sewn stitch. She also offers dresses for less formal occasions.
If you’re shopping for a wedding dress, you probably need wedding decorations too. Try out the Charleston Charms shop, owned by Stephanie Berry. Charleston Charms offers cute personalized napkins, oyster knives, Mason jar candle holders, lights, and more. Berry is a CofC graduate and loves selling through Etsy. “It’s really offered me the freedom to create what I love, and to have a one-on-one relationship with my customers,” she says.
So the next time you’re shopping for yourself or someone else, make sure to check out local artists on Etsy before heading out into the heat. Find all of these artists and more by typing “Charleston” into the homepage’s search bar. Love Best of Charleston? Help the Charleston City Paper keep Best of Charleston going every year with a donation. Or sign up to become a member of the Charleston City Paper club.