9 Indie Makers You Won’t Believe Are on Etsy

What do you think of when you think of Etsy? Knitting supplies, novelty items, crafty gifts? Think again. These days, Etsy is the home to some world-class designers and other indie makers producing high-quality pieces … and raking in the dough while they do it.

1. Best for lighting: Triple7Recycled

Need a new lighting fixture? Check out the work of this Florida-based husband-and-wife duo. All of Triple7Recycled’s sleek, modern pieces are handmade using reclaimed materials when possible. With multiple features on Apartment Therapy and almost 10,000 admirers on Etsy, we’d say that this duo has officially made it.

2. Best for print design: DOZI

DOZI owner and designer Wendy Chung is a former engineer who felt herself pulled into the world of pattern, design and color. We know that feeling. These days, Chung produces her handmade calendars, notebooks, pouches and home accessories in San Francisco. In addition to being one of the best Etsy designers out there (in our humble opinion), Chung also stocks her wares at retailers across the country including Amelia in Oxford, Miss.

3. Best for jewelry: notTuesday

If you like your accessories bold, give superstar jewelry designer notTuesday a try. One look at her handmade geometric necklaces will tell you why notTuesday is considered one of the best Etsy designers out there.

4. Best for typography: Hairbrained Schemes

Whether you’re after cards, prints or posters, Hairbrained Schemes has graphic art goods unlike any you’ve seen before. With over 20,000 admirers and 700-plus typographic pieces with quirky, fun sayings for sale, this Etsy graphic designer has a place in our hearts, and our wallets.

5. Best for gifts: Fairgoods

This Etsy designer is one of the best in our books and on the way to getting big. Why? Fairgoods has a love for typography and a knack for creating that just-right, irreverent gift. Fairgoods had us at Jerk Balloons.

6. Best for ceramics: Paper & Clay

Our pick for best Etsy designer in the world of ceramics goes to Paper & Clay for its sleek, Scandinavian-inspired work. Paper & Clay was a 2014 finalist in the Martha Stewart American Made Awards. And if it’s good enough for Martha, well …

7. Best for handmade homeware: Peg and Awl

From wooden tub caddies to trays to canvas bags, Etsy designer Peg and Awl has everything you need to turn your space into a dream home. After all, over 40,000 Etsy admirers can’t be wrong.

8. Best for quirk: depeapa

One of the best parts about shopping on Etsy is the abundance of fun, quirky items that you won’t find anywhere else. So when you find a high-quality maker like Spain’s depeapa who isn’t shy about adding some personality to her well-crafted pieces, you know you’ve hit the Etsy jackpot. We’re after the Geometry tote and Medusas print.

9. Best for giving back: rosetung

Jennifer Raish makes and sells badass hand-knit scarves, but she caught our attention for another reason, too: Raish donates a portion of her sales to the Africa Vulnerable Children Project. Learn more about her work in this recent Etsy interview.